1 All Letters to be addressed to the Agent Bank of Ireland Office, Listowel 25th May 1916. My dear Anna, It is time for me to write to you, but
it is not from want of thought that I
have deferred writing until now. I have
scarcely ceased thinking of you all
since I heard the terribly sad news
about poor Michael; and I have prayed
fervently for him and for you all every day
since. This was the only small way in
which I could assist you. Sometimes I
wonder how the rest of you managed
to survive these past few weeks at all.
But with the Cross God gives the
needful grace, I suppose. It would have only added to
your grief, if possible, could you have
seen how the country people round
here took poor Michael's death. Except I
had been on the spot I could not have
credited it. They seemed to have been
very proud that this was his native
district; and I know that he will
have a most impressive funeral when
he is brought down to the Abbey. R.I.P. I am very glad, indeed, that
Nell is released again. I hope she 2 is not feeling very done up after the
prison treatment. Or perhaps the
women are treated somewhat better.
Mother told me, too, that you have
heard Dick is well. D.G. If he were
in Dublin even it would be a relief
to you. A Miss Barrett from Ballylongford told
me she heard from you. She wept
when speaking of Michael, but, indeed, I
have seen many others do the same.
He has the prayers of all the country-
side round here. But I am sure he
is now happy with God. He was so v.
kind to others always that God will not
be outdone in generosity. Ml. McEllistrem of Ballylongford is dying
at present. I believe he is some relation
of the family? I hope I will see you when I am home
on holidays next month. With deepest and heartfelt sympathy to
you, Nell and Nannie and with much
love. I am, dear Anna,
Your affectionate cousin,
Bridie O'Rahilly