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96 Arthurs Rd Wimbledon Park London S.W. 4.3.1916 Dear Muriel I don't really
know how to write &
express our deep sympathy in your
great sorrow, indeed yours is a heavy cross
to bear. Poor Tom! Always the most kind
& gentle of men. When you can will you
please write & give me some news
also ask Jack to write I have not his
address. Eva feels she is unable to write
as she would like she was so fond of Tom.
Again accept our heart felt sympathy: Love
to the children Your fond brother Jim
The letter is from James (Jim) MacDonagh to Muriel MacDonagh expressing condolences
on the death of her husband, Thomas MacDonagh. Jim MacDonagh (1881-1931) was a younger
brother of Thomas and became an accomplished musician with the British Symphony Orchestra.
In the letter he offers his condolences on Thomas's death and asks for news, mentioning
that 'Eva' was unable to write as she was 'so fond of Tom'. He also asks for the address
of his brother 'Jack' (John, 1880-1961). Muriel Gifford (1884-1917) married Thomas
MacDonagh in 1912 and they had one son. She tragically drowned on a family holiday
in 1917. Thomas MacDonagh (1878-1916) was a poet and teacher. A leading member of
the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Volunteers, he was one of the principle organisers
of the Easter Rising and one of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish
Republic. He was executed on 3 May 1916 in Kilmainham Gaol (the letter is dated 4.3.1916
but should probably read 4 May 1916).