Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 26 May 1916 Letters 1916-1923 Seamus Fitzgerald

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 Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities Vienna, AT 2026

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A letter from Seamus Fitzgerald (1896-1972) to his mother, Alice. Seamus writes that his new privileges allow him to write more often. Prisoners are allowed to walk and talk in pairs for nearly an hour 'a blessing after such isolation'. He requests a pencil and a stamped addressed envelope (to write home), as well as 'about 1/2 lb butter every week, a large cake, home made preferable, twice a week, a piece of cooked bacon or pork, some hard sweets like bullseyes etc., and such like'. He cautions no tins are allowed and requests the food as soon as possible. He would also like some volumes of Cassell's Educator to be sent on so he can use the time profitably, as well as his prayerbook and rosary beads. He closes the letter with a warning not to put letters in parcels and sends love to all at home.Séamus Fitzgerald was an Irish business man and politician. Apprenticing at a dock yard, Fitzgerald joined the Irish Volunteers and Sinn Féin after Easter week and was subsequently arrested and interned in Frongoch camp. He would enter politics upon his release.

 Cork City and County Archives PR/6/8, PR/6/8 https://letters1916.ie/item/699 English Seamus Fitzgerald 1916-05-26 Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire, England Alice Fitzgerald 3 East Hill, Queenstown, Co. Cork, Ireland Male Easter Rising Ireland 1916

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 Address Reply C1036 James Fitzgerald Irish prisoner (Wakefield) C/O Chief Postal Censors London P.S. Don't forget the number C1036 in the address: Jim Frid. 26th May 1916 Dear Mother, Certain privileges just granted to us explains this, my second letter this week. We were allowed talk and walk in pairs at exercise today for nearly an hour; a blessing after such isolation. We are allowed write home as after as we wish, provided we have stamped addressed envelopes, so I just want you to send me some note-papers, envelopes & about 12 stamps & a puce pencil. I'm sure you will know what to send me, for instance about 1/2 lb butter every week; a large cake, home-made preferably, twice a week; a piece of cooked bacon or pork; some hard sweets like bullseyes; and such like; but tinned stuff of any sort are not allowed. If you send these as soon as possible, Mother, it would please me greatly, for as you can imagine, we don't get too much here. I would also like you to send one or two volumes of Cassell's Educator, so that I can make some use of my time here, also my prayer book and rosary beads. I hope you sent the Bible, for I have got nothing yet from home. As for the clothes and boots, I have already got a new suit and pair of boots from the authorities, who served them out to all those in need of them, but if you have sent them, it doesn't matter as these ones are not as good a fit, as my own, of course. If the censor doesn't say otherwise here, you need not send the parcels thro' London; only the letters need be sent thro' London, and don't out letters in the parcels. Tell Bob & Lil to write, and Patrick, as it is a joy to get a letter. Mind you address them properly. Again, hoping you won't forget the to send the parcels immediately, I will say goodbye,with love to all at home, Lil, me,Bob & rest, hoping and trusting God will soon bring home, safe, to you, your Affectionate son Jim xxx xxx P.S. Hope Tom & Michael & Eddie Pray for me. Jim. Mrs J. Fitzgerald 3 East Hill Queenstown EIreland OPENED BY CENSOR GRESHAM HOTEL DUBLIN imprinted on the envelope Saint Aust. Guide Alice Fitzgerald Letter from Alice Fitzgerald to her son Seamus Fitzgerald, 19 June 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 26 May 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 10 June 1916 Seamus Fitzgerald Letter from M. Cotter to Seamus Fitzgerald, 13 June 1916Letter from Alice Fitzgerald to her son Seamus Fitzgerald, 19 June 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 26 May 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 10 June 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his aunt and uncle, 5 June 1916 3 East Hill, Queenstown, Co. Cork, Ireland Letter from Alice Fitzgerald to her son Seamus Fitzgerald, 19 June 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 26 May 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 10 June 1916 Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire, England Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 26 May 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his mother Alice Fitzgerald, 10 June 1916Letter from Seamus Fitzgerald to his aunt and uncle, 5 June 1916