Letter from John Sweetman to Herbert Pim, 14 October 1916 Letters 1916-1923 John Sweetnam

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 Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities Vienna, AT 2026

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The letter is from John Sweetman (1844-1936) to Herbert Moore Pim (1883-1950). Sweetman was a member of Sinn Féin and patron to Arthur Griffith. In 1915 he spoke out against conscription and was arrested in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising. Pim was a political activist and writer. He had joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914, published a pamphlet series entitled 'Tracts of our times', including writing by Patrick Pearse, and in early 1916 founded the literary and political monthly, 'The Irishman'. Sweetman refers to Sinn Fein politics in the aftermath of the Easter Rising, inquiring as to whether the 'Sinn Fein Bank' could get any help from the Irish National Aid fund and remarking that Sinn Fein could bring in a number of financial systems, including a bond, in the future, although the idea makes people laugh now. He also refers to the latest issue of 'The Irishman', founded by Pim. He asks whether James Stephens (1800?-1950), who had published a famous account of the Rising, and Stephen McKenna may take an interest in becoming members of Sinn Fein.

National Library of Ireland Sweetman Family Papers, Collection List No. 156; Ms. 47,589 /12 https://letters1916.ie/item/5604 English John Sweetnam 1916-10-14 Drumbaragh, Kells, County Meath, Ireland Herbert Pim Male 1936 Politics

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 Drumbaragh,Kells,Co.Meath. October 14th 1916 My dear Mr.Pim Thanks for yours of the 12th & thecorrespondence which I return. When I sawAlderman Thomas Kelly I thought he was not inclinedto do anything, but he said he was to have be at a meeting that evening which would considerthe question. I made no suggestion about the Sinn FéinBank, but I wonder whether they could getany help from the Irish National Aid fund.I did not like to say anything about the matteras I always refused to have anything tosay to the loan bank. I was pleased with this week's The Irishmanand when in Dublin bought several copies todistribute. By the way I wonder whetherJames Stephens would take an interest inSinn Féin. From reading his graphic accountof the Insurrection in Dublin published by MaunselI think he is inclined that way. Then there isStephen McKenna. I think you agree with mea new Sinn Féin League should not attempt too much at first. Too extended aprogram would frighten off people. I think there is no doubt that people the public are ready if any leaders show a sensibleplan, but it should not be too elaborate.Consular Representatives, Arbitration Courts,a National Stock Exchange, & a NationalBank may be possible in the future, butjust at present they only make people laugh. I think your work endeavour should be to get peopletogether as was done by The Nation in theForties. I think the program you gave in yourissue of Oct. 9th would be enough to startwith. I shall not be in Dublin forsome weeks. Yours trulyJohn Sweetman John Sweetnam Letter from John Sweetman to Herbert Pim, 14 October 1916 Herbert Pim Letter from Herbert Pim to Nancy O'Rahilly, 26 May, 1916.Postcard from Herbert Pim to John Sweetman, 1 October 1916Letter from Herbert Pim, 9 October 1916Letter from Herbert Pim To John Sweetman, 16 September 1916Letter from John Sweetman to Herbert Pim, 21 September 1916Letter from John Sweetman to Herbert Pim, 14 October 1916Letter from Herbert Pim to John Sweetman, 21 October 1916 Drumbaragh, Kells, County Meath, Ireland Letter from Honoria Sweetman to her mother, Agnes Sweetnam, 20 May 1916Letter from Mary McEvoy to Agnes Sweetman, 14 May 1916Letter from Mary McEvoy to Agnes Sweetman, 16 May 1916Letter from Mary McEvoy to Agnes Sweetman, 17 May 1916Letter from John Sweetman to Herbert Pim, 14 October 1916