-To O’Mahony from J.W. O’Brien-November 5,1864

5 November 1864, Indianapolis. Thanks for letter of October 31. The 'rotten branches' are all sound again; hopes they will all work now; Doherty will keep 'nagging away' at them ; expects to have about twenty working Circles. His appointment to visit Madison 'was put back by the men there'; gave Indianapolis three or four days' notice that he would arrive there Friday 4 ; they put it back to Saturday; T am sorry.'

Stewart is all that could be desired ; Nash is a good man ; Redmond frets about the National League. Has met some other good men here. Cannot leave on Sunday 'as I will be expected to give them a special address at their meeting. Possibly it can do some good.' 'Your report as H.C.F.B.N.Yk' will be read at next meeting; 'Mr Redmond told Mr Stewart only very recently that such a document came to his hands.' Circle complains at not receiving letters, even from headquarters, 'and that they did not get a letter from you since May.' Told them it was possible the officers had received letters, 'and they replied that they did hear nothing of them at all events.'

Thinks meetings are monotonous ; some members of the Circle feel it would help a lot 'if they had a letter to read at every meeting'; they pointed out that the late Fr O'Flaherty always wrote to them every three weeks. Doherty has met with an accident 'but when he gets at the work I know he will make things flourish—that is the impression of Stewart too.' Some shortcomings here; average attendance of twenty at meetings ; position here 'a good deal like Louisville was.' Addressed 'a few ardent words' to the Louisville Circle ; members exceedingly enthusiastic ; the coming Convention is expected to improve this Circle.

Has received a letter from McSweeny, Centre, St Paul, who has established a Sisterhood that, he hopes, will be of great help in connexion with a forthcoming ball, 'after which he promises to remit regularly.' The St Paul Circle, if properly managed, would beat Indianapolis, but Egan, the Secretary, is gone 'and much of the plucky energy, I apprehend, with him'; McSweeny however is an efficient officer. Will write again to Winona, also to Lansing, Myford, and Elkader. John Tigh, New Albany, 'writes a good letter. I have given him names of Indiana officers and requested him, also James Prendergast, Sec., Jeffersonville to write letters of fraternity and stirring patriotism to each.'

Acknowledge this 'through Mr Doherty. I will get it.'

[Added Sunday, November 6]. Had a good meeting last night. Will attend today's meeting 'and implore the boys in a more direct and pointed manner to put the work ahead.' Sisterhood to be formed, 'the ladies here

are very patriotic.' Leaves here tomorrow ; thinks a lively little Circle can be started in Columbus; knows nothing so far about Shellyville.

P.S. 'There was somehow a dullness about this organization which is about to be done away with. Doherty will punch them up. Also the ladies are about organizing a Sisterhood, which will make the movement here more attractive and will initiate an emulation. It looks pretty well.'