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Kilmainham Goal 9th May 1916 My dear Lila I did not like to call you to this
gaol
to see me before I left this world, because I felt it would
grieve us both too much, so I am just dropping you a
line to ask you to forgive me anything I do love you and to
say goodbye to you & all my friends & to get you & them to
say a prayer for my soul. Perhaps I'd never get the chance
knowing when I was to die again and so I'll try & die
well. I received this morning, & hope to do so again before
I die. Pray for me, ask Fr. Devine & Fr. Healy & Fr. O'Brien
to say a Mass for me also any priests you know. May God
Help us all to die well — you to bear your sorrow. From Your loving Brother Conn I sent you a prayer book as tolken
Write to Nan Jack & Willie & all the others
The last written letter of Cornelius ('Con') Colbert (1888 - 1916). This letter was
sent to Colbert's sister Elizabeth, 'Lila' (1888 - 1974). After the Rising Elizabeth
served on the committee of the Irish Volunteers Dependents’ Fund. In this letter,
Colbert explains that he did not want his sister to visit him before his execution
as 'it would grieve us both too much'. Colbert asks his sister to pray for him and
hopes that he can 'die well'.Cornelius ('Con') Colbert (1888 - 1916) was a member
of the Irish Volunteers. On 24 April 1916 Colbert fought for the duration of the Rising
until his open surrender on 30 April. He was designated for severe treatment owing
to his pre-rising activities and for his connection with Pearse. He was shot by firing
squad in Kilmainham jail on 8 May and buried in the common grave in Arbour Hill jail.