Hurley Family Emigrant Letters (Ref. U170)

U170/

Rosary’. Says they are at perfect liberty to dispose of ‘that money’ as they see fit, and only regrets that there was not more to be disposed of. Hopes his sister has completely recovered from her illness. Wishing for rain, ‘none yet in 1900’. Also note to ‘Reverend Sir’ for prayers for the repose of Mrs Mary Hurley of Tawnies who died on 18 December 1899. 2pp 31 May 1900 Letter from Denis Hurley, Carson City, Nevada to his brother John, Tawnies, Clonakilty. Regrets to hear of the many deaths amongst old friends and relatives. Asks him to ‘maintain no little bickering with Tim or Kate’. Michael his brother is employed ‘but I am afraid not very profitably’. He had expected to be displaced from his home due to a new roadway, and thought of returning to Ireland and ending his days in a ‘little cottage home’. A priest, Father Clyne, may visit his family while home on a six month trip. 2pp 1 November 1900 Letter from Denis Hurley, Carson City, Nevada to his brother John, Tawnies, Clonakilty. He has not had any letters from other members of the family. Michael is ‘well but not as prosperous as he was 5 years ago’. Denis has undertaken some new investments, and has worked steadily, taking no lay-off this Summer. Describes his running water facilities ‘We have bath-tub wash bowl sink for dish washing patent closet for private purposes – instead of the shelter of the ditches as we had to [at] home’. Would have liked to be at the ceremonies for the blessing of the new Bell at the church in Clonakilty. Mentions an election ‘I am afraid it will go with the party in power, as yours went’. 2pp 12 March 1901 Letter from Denis Hurley, Carson City, Nevada to his brother John. His wife has been ‘considerably sick for some time’ with ‘Grippe’ (influenza) and other matters. He holds some mining shares and bank shares and deposits. Notes the Munster and Leinster Bank pays shareholders 10 or 12 per cent. Michael does not write as often and is sensitive about his private affairs. Mentions the death of ‘our poor old Queen’, who ‘…took her departure to that kingdom where monarchs are no better than peasants.’ Says the state law making body in Carson ‘is about closing. All members get time enough to speak here, and will not be packed out for protesting…’. 2pp