Letter from Michael Collins to Mollie Woods, 24 June 1916 Letters 1916-1923 Michael Collins

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Letter from Michael Collins (1890 - 1922) to Mary (Mollie) Woods, written from Stafford Prison. Collins writes of an impending transfer to 'the old camp', most likely Frongoch, and notes that, although the conditions are supposedly more unpleasant there, he shall be happy to be reunited with friends in the camp. Collins also warns of a rumour that prisoners will only be permitted to send one letter a week and so he may not be able to write to Woods for a time. Michael Collins (1890-1922) served as aide-de-camp to Joseph Plunkett in the GPO during the Rising and was imprisoned in Frongach. He went on to become Minister for Finance in the First Dáil, IRA Director of Information and President of the Provisional Government.Mary (Mollie) Woods, wife to Andrew Woods, was an active member of Cumann na mBan after joining in 1916. Although Mollie did not participate in the Easter Rising the family were well connected within the Republican movement and actively participated in the War of Independence.

 National Museum of Ireland HE, EW.1351 https://letters1916.ie/item/524 English Michael Collins 1916-06-24 Stafford Prison, Stafford, Staffordshire, England Mollie Woods Male Easter Rising Ireland 1916

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 They tell me that the cream has improved my complexion. Much obliged for sending it. Remember me to Murnaine etc. Irish Prisoner u8F Stafford June 24th 16 Dear Mollie Very many thanks indeed for that parcel. The fruit especially was beautiful. Indeed I don't know in the world what I shall ever be able to do for all my friends who are being so kind. I think we shall be off to the old camp sometime during this coming week. By all accounts it will hardly be a change for the better but at any rate we shall have some beautiful scenery. by all a also a dismantled brewery or distillery. This latter will recall happy memories at any rate. I was very pleased to hear some account of Dan Murphy. He never answered a letter which I wrote him about November last so we have got out of touch. They can all be having a good laugh at us now but I don't think they are somehow. Even if the Camp is a more unpleasant place than this it is something to look forward to meeting many of my old friends again. We've been doing greatly here for the last few days. Someone brought in a melodion & a flute so we so we have music go leor. It will be better still when we get to the camp. I'm afraid though that we shall be only allowed to write one letter each week so it will take me some time to reach all my friends. Of course we may receive all the letters that are sent us. We had Mr Ginnell here not long since. He said a few words to us and we gave him a great ovation. Well goodbye - if you don't hear from me you'll know it's because we are on the one letter a week. I hope Statia & Bessie are having a fine time in the old country. I fear it will be some time before any of us see it again. With many thanks & best wishes Yours Sincerely M Collins Michael Collins Letter from Michael Collins to Mollie Woods, 24 June 1916Letter from Michael Collins to James Ryan, 23 August 1916Letter from Michael Collins to James Ryan, 2 September 1916Letter from Michael Collins to Nancy O'Brien, 27 July 1916Letter from Michael Collins to Michael Murphy, 1916Letter from Patrick Carey to Michael Collins, 29 November 1915 Stafford Prison, Stafford, Staffordshire, England Letter from Michael Collins to Mollie Woods, 24 June 1916