-To O’Mahony from M. Cavanagh-July 31-August 2, 1862

31 July, 2 August 1862, 6 Centre St, New York. Did not write sooner as had nothing to report. Went to see Roman in Mercer street, but he was still in Boston ; 'the man in the store told me he had got but 40 dollars.' Thinks this money is for Father Lavelle, 'as I saw by Mooney's paper that a collection was in progress in San Francisco for that purpose and Ryan was taking a prominent part in it.' Wrote to Ryan asking what the money was for, telling him 'we got but 40 dollars.' Registered letter arrived from Manning ; 'I got $9 in it besides some from Chicago, Lafayette, and from Capt. Walsh, 63rd N.Y.V.' Has over $80 in hand, 'so you see I had no occasion to apply the Patt.'

No cause for uneasiness 'on our part' as far as conscription is concerned. "They cannot call on you for two good reasons. You are too old, and no citizen, so you are exempt. As for the flood overwhelming me I'll risk it. If it comes too near or that I get surrounded by it I'll swim ashore. I have passed through more desperate crisises than the one in prospect. If circumstances force me from my post here they shan't force me into any other if I can help it, and I think I can.'

Sullivan still here; his luggage packed for the last four days 'for a visit up the river' but has slept late each morning ; "last night he came down to Mick Hannan's with the intention of sleeping there to be in time this morning, but he got up in the middle of the night, walked out, and came back an hour ago. He's crazy, devil a less. He is tired of his life but afraid to die, and he won't either fight or marry, and be hanged to him. His mind is troubling him and he's wasting away. He was betrothed to that girl (bad luck to her taste), she offered to come out to him last Christmas but he wrote to her to stop at home, without giving any reasons for the advice ; but she took it and he never had a letter or paper from her since.'

Had not any trouble about the flag, 'though some of our men were not pleased to have it there. However, I took it all on myself and whoever growls may to himself.' O'Mahony is expected in Boston on his return. Advises him to go, 'and then a week or so after you come back [you'll] be off for a few days.' O'Rourke sorry to have missed the picnic. Hopes it went off pleasantly. 'I send a paper with this.'