1 NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE COMMISSION (IRELAND), PEMBROKE HOUSE, UPPER MOUNT STREET, DUBLIN. 27th May, 1916. My dearest May, I wonder what I’m going to write about today. My
mind seems to be an absolute blank so far as news are concerned
except perhaps the yarns and rumours of all kinds that are going
about Dublin at present. I suppose you have heard that we are going
to have another rebellion on Whit Monday. The rumour has been
around Dublin for the last fortnight and I believe priests have
been advising people to be very circumspect during the Whitsuntide
holidays and to keep near the “shelter” &c. You will observe it is
to break out just after our marriage and we shall probably be
right in the middle of it in the County Kerry so you had better
start saying your prayers for both of us and don’t be wasting your
breath over Sir Roger Casement’s conversion. What’s the good of
my keeping a wife if she is going to pray for all and sundry
and neglect her poor husband that wants all the prayers she can
say. I have been enquiring at Hopkin’s about bangles and the 2 brooch for Nano. The most of their stuff has gone in the week
but they will be able to let me see a selection of bangles on Monday.
As to the brooch, I was thinking of getting Nano something on the
Tara brooch style but I’m afraid they are not to be obtained hardly
in Dublin now. Hopkins were practically the only makers and all
their stocks of such brooches and also the dies for making them
have I hear been destroyed. I’ll see what I can do however but
perhaps she would prefer some other design. Let me know on that
point by Monday if possible. If she likes stones, let me know the
colour &c. As regards yourself do you prefer a chain bracelet
bangle or a solid bracelet? If the former is it a curb chain
or a fancy chain? I suggest the fancy chain as the curb chain is
a bit common I think. If you prefer a solid bracelet would you
like it with stones and if so what colour? Hope the dress is
getting on well and will turn out as big a success as the wearer. I
fancy I can see my dear dear girl looking a picture in it and I long
to kiss her sweet face. I hope that God will bless us both. I
hope you are praying for me because I need it so badly. I have
no other news at all so will say goodbye with warmest
and most devoted love Your ever loving James