-To O’Mahony from Patrick Downing-April 20, 1864

20 April 1864, Camp near Stephensburgh, Va., Headquarters 42nd N.Y. In. Assumes O'Mahony will be in New York by the time this letter arrives. Came here on i6th, took over command of regiment next day, pleased with cooperation of officers ; 'in fact, all goes well.' Abbott, of the 20th Massachusett, of whom 'I often spoke to you,' was ordered to parade his regiment before General Meade today; 'the general, on dismissing them, requested the young commander to be brought before him to receive his compliments. This young fellow is quite a boy in appearance. He is rightfully esteemed the best officer in the U.S. army;' is Downing's dearest friend. 'O'Shea has shown the best possible disposition—we get along famously.'

Left a note with Cavanagh for O'Mahony; had intended sending it to him in Chicago. 'I have to reapprove all contained therein'; O'Mahony should retain as much executive and administrative authority as possible; 'if anything goes wrong, it is you only, and those concerned, who will have to bear the burthen thereof; and therefore anyone claiming any right to act, other than you direct, does so unjustly'. Affairs abroad are not in the hands of thinking men, 'at least the subordinates are not.' O'Mahony should make changes in New York and 'be more careful who you bring near your person.' 'I notice you seem not to examine into character closely—this trusting disposition will create a thousand vexations for you.' Even when O'Mahony knows his men they are allowed too much liberty. Points out, in illustration, the conduct of 'O'Leary, Collins, O'Brien and that vile set—O'Connell, Driscoll, Shea, etc, etc, etc,' which should prevent a reoccurrence of the same kind. 'Rest assured, if you hug that McDermott to you he will some time do exactly like the rest. I recommend that he has nothing whatsoever to do with the business and as little as possible with yourself personally." Above all, Cavanagh is not to be removed or forced to remove himself; any attempt to belittle him on account of his manner or ability should be repelled ; 'sustain him as you ought—as a friend and patriot.'

Discussed with O'Rourke, 'a few days before I left,' the propriety of resigning from the central council; O'Mahony knows him well enough to be aware 'that I have only at heart the welfare of our cause' ; places himself entirely in O'Mahony's hands to make use of his services as he deems proper ; 'my ambition shall never be in any way vexed by your conduct of our affairs, but on the contrary I will count it among the noble and great of my affairs on this earth to submit without a murmur to be put even far below what I dream my merit—in a word, it would be a self-sacrifice which I would always recall with true pride.'

Hopes to come safely out of the next 'affair.' 'If I fall, say to Dan McCartie, or rather to Denis first that I hope . . .³ a [? kindness, kinship] over my son .. .³ that. . ,⁸ a man of the same opinions and sentiments his father entertained. As to my wife, her family will care for her as tenderly as mortal could desire. But from this do not believe that I have any great fears. No, I probably feel prouder and more buoyant than for a long time. I will write to you as often as opportunity will peimit. Will you often do likewise. God bless you, the cause, and my friends. Ever yours affectionately.'