Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 7 March 1916 Letters 1916-1923 Desmond FitzGerald

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This is a letter from politician and intellectual Desmond FitzGerald (1888-1947) to his wife Mabel FitzGerald (née Washington McConnell) (1884-1958). Desmond FitzGerald had served in the GPO during the Easter Rising, being placed in charge of the garrison's food supply. He initially escaped arrest after the Rising but was soon rounded up and imprisoned in Mountjoy, Dartmoor, Maidstone, Lewes and Portland. The letter refers to a visit by his family, his sons' birthdays, news about family friends and colleagues and his time in the prison.

 University College Dublin Archives Desmond FitzGerald Papers, P80/1543/1 https://letters1916.ie/item/5588 English Desmond FitzGerald 1916-03-07 H. M. Prison, Mountjoy, Dublin Mabel FitzGerald Male 1947 Easter Rising Ireland 1916 Easter Rising Ireland 1916 Industry and Public Administration

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 C. 7/3/1916 P80/1543 Form 21/AD In Replying to this Letter, please address the Envelope as follows:- Number 1817 Name: Desmond Fitzgerald H.M. Prison, Mountjoy IV Stáge 2988/1902 The following regulations as to communications, by visit or letter, between prisoners and their friends, are notified for the information of their correspondents. The permission to write and receive letters is given to prisoners of the pur- pose of enabling them to keep up a connection with their respectable friends and not that they may be kept informed of public events. All letters are read by the Prison Authorities. They must be legibly written and not crossed. Any which are of an objectionable tendency, either to or from prisoners, or containing slang, or improper expressions, will be suppressed. Prisoners are permitted to receive and to write a letter at intervals, which depend on the rules of the stage they attain by industry and good conduct; but matters of special importance to a prisoner may be communicated at any time by letter (prepaid) to the Governor who will inform the prisoner thereof, if expedient. In case of misconduct, the privilege of receiving and writing a letter may be forfeited for a time. Money, books, Postage Stamps, Food, Tobacco, Clothes &c should not be sent to prisoners, for their use in prison, as nothing is allowed to be received at the Prison for that purpose. Persons attempting to clandestinely communicate with, or to introduce any article to or for prisoners, are liable to fine or imprisonment, and any prisoner concerned in such practices is liable to be severely punished. Prisoners; friends are sometimes applied to by unauthorised persons, to send money, &c, to them privately, under pretence that they can supply it for the benefit of the prisoners, and under such fraudulent pretence, such persons endeavour to obtain money for themselves. Any letter containing such an application, received by the friends of a prisoner, should be at once forwarded by them to the Governor. Prisoners are allow to receive visits from their friends, according to rules, at intervals which depend on their stage. When visits are due to prisoners, notification will be sent to the friends whom they desire to visit them. (6209) Wt.2774—7.10,000.7 / 15.A.T.&Co.,Ltd.(Sch. 139.) CM My dear Mabel: - Those visits of yours are so exciting that I am amazed - and hardly know what I say or what you say either. But it is a great comfort to see you and the wee son. More especially this last visit which seems to bring my going out so near. I should like you to get this for Denis birthday. But I hardly think that possible. Still I know you will wish him many returns from Daddy, and, if the finances are not too utterly straitened — buy him a present for me. The other wee son will also have a birthday before I am with you, but it will only be a few days then till I come. As you could see for yourself, I am in excellent form. I know you don't care for the beard, but I will get rid of that before I leave here. I don't care to - keep having it clipped, as each time I should have to deleted textsee the scissors sterilised - and the once at the end will do for all. I am glad that you have a pretty good time. That is the chief thing. It is a pity that the money was so much less this month. But of course that was to be expected. No doubt also, we ought to get back more income tax rebate. We can only do our best, any way. I hope the kindergarten scheme will materialise. It would coordinate the Dublin Gaeltacht I suppose that as Eimar is back with his father, Seán is on his own now. He is a dear fellow. I suppose he is in Bray most week ends. Who were there the weekend Redmond's nephew (Redmond Howard) came? I am sure he is of the type? I think I rather felt his pulse in an article he wrote in are Boston Transcript when we were living in France. Now that E. is with his father, I suppose he is rather cut off from things. I hope the Bray C mt. will be a success. I don't think much of the 'material'. None of them seems to me to be moved by simple enthusiasm for the cause - unless that Miss G.C. whom I don't know. Let me know what sort she is. Of course you that when I come out of here I shall be very much at loose ends and bewildered. But no doubt I shall soon get used to the world again. You remember when we lived in France how exciting those dances were after our quiet life. I couldn't sleep after them. My life here has naturally been much quieter than it was in France. I shall probably have a splitting head before I am an hour out. If any of the prisoners here should come to you and ask for clothes or anything of course you won't give it. I work in the wood yard, and am daily in contact with the deleted text. They all know who I am, and I shouldn't like any of them to impose on you while I am still here. I have no intention of being bothered by them when I get out. Of course there are decent enough fellows here too. But I have noticed that some of the really old hands take a great interest in my clothes. Apropos of clothes, I think everything will just last me my time out here. The boots will manage it all right, this old suit - the tie that you took such exception to on Saturday, and the hat. I am interested to hear that my friend will be in Dublin on the 22nd It is a pity that we have no idea what time he will be in Dublin. If I were out I should try to meet him. He was a very dear friend to me. One of the most lovable fellows I ever knew. Perhaps someone will be able to see him. His tastes are almost identical with my own. I suppose he will be going to Rathmona- or at least to within sight of it. Of course if no one sees him it won't really matter. If anyone does see him they should give him a bundle of all the interesting papers It is a pity Eileen deleted text has no national pride — but still, what can you expect. Did you say that Dyar is married, or about to be? I always wonder what you are doing on the week ends, and who are with you. I watch the Letters must be legibly written weather to see if it allows any good walks. As we have been out to exercise every Sunday, I suppose you have managed to get out every Sunday also. Did you say on Saturday that P. G Ryan was going down this week end. I hope you didn't keep him up all night talking, as I suppose he is still pretty weak after his illness. I suppose B. H. Claire and Sean were down also. Has Eimars new arrangement put an end to his visits. I thought GR looked in particularly good form on Saturday. I am sorry that you were kept waiting outside for so long. But I suppose that that is part of the etiquette of prison. I have been on a C. diet since the first of this month. I had thought to break my long abstinence from meat on Sunday. 4 oz. of beef with ought bone, the dietary says - but apparently it means without lean — and I being a Jack Spratt in that respect, still abstain. I have grown very used to comparatively plain food one gets here. I hope to have things very nice the day I leave here, but after that I think I shall be prepared to put up with a simple diet, if that is required. I believe the hot water pipes just last my time out here, and are turned off the day after I leave. Den was rather good I thought on Sat. He looked well. His voice seemed to me very high pitched — I suppose because I hadn't heard it for so long. It is inevitable that he shd. have become such an English speaker. Miles G.R. has the advantage that his playmates are at least partially Irish speakers. Poor Den would have a long hunt in Bray to find anyone to play with in Irish. Is A. Somers still with Mrs. M. I suppose the gardens in Bray will be rather lovely when I get out. it is rather exciting not to know where I shall be living when I get out. I shall be rather disappointed not to have you with me on my visit to my mothers. I hope their moving is successfully over. I wish yours was also, poor darling. You might let me know the name of the restaurant wh. used to supply my food when I was awaiting trial. Also the name of a firm in Dublin — central part of Dublin — which sells the requisites for fretwork — woodcarving. Wood - designs - and knife. There seem to have been a fair number of things on in Dublin recently. I am glad you enjoyed the Abbey and the Opera. I hope France won't have to shut down the factory — that would be a pity. I hope my mother and the dear ones are all well and in good form. Has anyone been down to Bucks yet, to give a first hand opinion of the twins. I hope Miss Trench will really make the picture of you. I wonder if Ernest will be in Dublin when I get out. I hope his reports are good. I don't suppose Claude Chevasse will hear any more about his appeal. I owe him my apology as I did not answer his last letter to me. I forget why. I had some good reason. I believe I had to get something from Blythe and B. was away, and before he came back came our extradition 'with loss of Eden and with all our woe. Tell me abut the anti taxation meeting. I asked you about books, but I really have plenty to read. What I wanted was something modern in my own line - with landscape, atmosphere and romantic realism. You know what I mean. Think of those two alone on the tower watching the stars, and the tragedy growing up between them. That is what gives me real pleasure. I am just about to read Cranford. I have recently read Kingleys on the ruled lines and not crossed Hypolita, a book by no less a person than Mrs Clephant, and the Lady with the Fan by R Hichens. Do you hear from Ms Hegearty in Ballingeary and from P.S. Is the camp still at Kimmage — and how many are there? I suppose I shall see Stoner when I am out — Remember me to him if you see him in the meantime. Do you ever see the Campbells? I think Mrs goes to Bray on Fridays only, and as you are never in Bray she is hardly likely to make another journey on Sunday — while the weather is bad at any rate. Today is Tuesday 7th I am out on Friday 3 weeks. Remember I don't get your letter till about eight days after it reaches here, so it would be as well to send it as soon as possible, otherwise it may only be forwarded to me after I am out, and on the whole I think it will give me more pleasure in here than outside. When I get it I am pretty sure not to have more than another fort- night to do. You will of course remember me to all of my friends. I hope Dollie is doing well. The citizen was a good chap. I suppose your people are in Nice now. I suppose you don't hear from Lizzie. I am glad Miss S. has been so sucessful recently. I am sure she was very thankful to Mrs O.R. of course she is living off for this couple of weeks. Remember me to the McDonaghs if you see them. I went to the Oireachtas the year before last, you last year — I wonder if we shall both go this year. You will of course send me all news of my people. I do hope there is no cause to worry about France. I hope there will be a continual round of diversions for the next three weeks, dear, so that you won't notice the time passing — as it draws near one counts the days so that each day seems a much lengthier affair than one thought it was. No one need worry about me. I quite enjoy my stirabout of a morning. Each day I look forward to the night when I can lie in bed in a sort of half sleep, and dream, and each week I look forward to the Sunday — Mass — exercise on the ring and a quiet read — and so the time goes by till I shall be with you once more. I now have your letter to expect, and I shall count myself as almost out. I am glad my mother enjoyed her birthday. They were due to move on March 3rd so when you were here I suppose they were busy getting settled in the new house. I hope Ciss and the children are well. I am sure that when my mother sees the twins her comments upon them and Mick will be such as to annoy Dollie. I am glad that William isn't moving. I am sure they would have found it a dreadful business. You didn't tell me if you saw Mrs B.S. + Fr Costelloe. I suppose I shall hear in your letter. This isn't much of a letter but I shall soon be with you now dear. Kiss my wee sons for me. God bless them. How are your neighbours in Bray. I often smile when I think of, say, my first encounter with Mrs Hall. If you are moving before I get out I am sure that McConatty will help you. I am sure too Joe K will want to help but perhaps he will be most helpful by keeping away. When you get this - say 'another three weeks,' And when I get yours I shall probably say 'less than 2 weeks!' In all I shall have been here nearly 24 weeks. A longish time. Goodbye, my dearest, it is nearly all over now. Have good time for the next three weeks and before you know where you are, you will be with me outside Mountjoy. I shall like to hear the programme of my first morning. Love Desmond FitzGerald H. M. Prison, Mountjoy, Dublin Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 22 February 1916Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 21 March 1916Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 24 March 1916Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 7 March 1916Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 30 December 1915 Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 8 February 1916 Desmond FitzGerald Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 8 November 1915Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Arthur Patrick O'Brien, 26 June 1916Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 7 March 1916Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 30 December 1915 Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 8 February 1916 Mabel FitzGerald Letter from Margaret Pearse to Mabel FitzGerald, 16 July, 1916.Letter from Neans bean í Rathgaille (Nancy O'Rahilly) to Mabel FitzGerald, circa 26 May 1916.Letter from Nancy O'Rahilly to Mabel FitzGerald, May 1916.Letter from Caitlín Burgess to Mabel FitzGerald, 1 June 1916.Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 8 November 1915Postcard from Mabel Fitzgerald to Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, 28 February 1916Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 22 February 1916Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 21 March 1916Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 24 March 1916Letter to Mabel FitzGerald, 1916Letter from T.M. Healy to Mabel FitzGerald, 24 May 1916Letter from Mabel FitzGerald, 24 May 1916Letter from John Dillon to Mabel FitzGerald, 24 May 1916Letter from John Dillon to Mabel FitzGerald, 24 May 1916Letter from Anna O'Rahilly to Mabel FitzGerald, 25 May 1916Letter from John Brosnan to Mabel FitzGerald, 25 May 1916Letter from John Muldoon to Mabel FitzGerald, 26 May 1916Letter from T.J. Hanna to Mabel FitzGerald, 26 May 1916Letter from Laurence Ginnell to Mabel FitzGerald, 26 May 1916Letter from Julia Evans to Mabel FitzGerald, 13 May 1916Letter from Captain, Richmond Barracks to Mabel FitzGerald, 14 May 1916Letter from J.H.G. Stantin to Mabel FitzGerald, 20 May 1916Letter from R.F. Sergeant probably to Mabel FitzGerald, 21 May 1916Letter from Mabel FitzGerald to Brigadier General, Richmond Barracks, 22 May 1916Letter from Nancy Campbell to Mabel FitzGerald, 23 May 1916Letter from George Bernard Shaw to Mabel FitzGerald, 25 May 1916Letter from W. Goodman to Mabel FitzGerald, 12 April 1916.Telegram from Superintendent of Police, Kingstown to Mabel FitzGerald, 10 May 1916.Letter from Mabel FitzGerald, 10 May 1916Letter from Mabel FitzGerald to the Governor of Richmond Barracks, 11 May 1916Letter from Mabel FitzGerald to John Redmond, 27 May 1916.Letter from Annie F. to Mabel FitzGerald, 27 May 1916.Letter from Robert Lynch to Mabel FitzGerald, 28 May 1916.Letter from John Redmond to Mabel FitzGerald, 29 May 1916.Letter from Caitlín Ní Shéaghda to Mabel FitzGerald, 30 May 1916.Letter from the Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald, 31 May 1916Letter from Harry Stockman to Mabel FitzGerald, 31 May 1916.Letter from R.C. Barton to Mabel FitzGerald, 1 June 1916.Letter from R. C. Barton to Mabel FitzGerald, 21 May 1916.Letter from Mabel FitzGerald to the Governor, Mountjoy Prison, 2 June 1916.Letter from Máire Ní Catháin to Mabel FitzGerald, 3 June 1916.Letter from Austin Stack to Mabel FitzGerald, 4 June 1916.Letter from the Charles Arthur Munro, the Governor of Mountjoy Prison, to Mabel FitzGerald, 5 June 1916.Letter from Ernest Blythe to Mabel FitzGerald, 8 June 1916.Letter from M.B. McDonough to Mabel FitzGerald, 16 June 1916.Letter from Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald, 20 June 1916.Letter from Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald, 5 July 1916.Letter from Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald, 10 July 1916.Letter from Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald, 15 Jult 1916.Letter from Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald, 20 July 1916.Letter from Major E. Reade to Mabel FitzGerald 4 August, 1916.Letter from The Governor, Dartmoor Prison to Mabel FitzGerald, 18 August 1916.Letter from Charles Arthur Munro to Mabel FitzGerald, 24 November 1915Letter from Mabel FitzGerald [June 1916]Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 7 March 1916Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 30 December 1915 Letter from Desmond FitzGerald to Mabel FitzGerald, 8 February 1916Letter from Mabel FitzGerald to the Governor, Dartmoor Prison, 22 June 1916.