Seamus Fitzgerald Descriptive List (Ref. PR6)

PR6/

family members are really for her. He has been moved to the top of the building where it is bitterly cold and states as the prison diet is insufficient he has to rely on parcels and visitors. The Superiorness of the local convent gives him a sandwich daily but he longs for bacon or ham. Remarks two fellow prisoners died, but he himself is in the best of health. He cannot understand why he has not been released. "There is blundering somewhere or else

the police must be revenging themselves on those whom they have a grudge against". Exhorts his mother to be strong and that God will welcome Patrick into his everlasting Kingdom. (copy letter) 4pp

ii

Letter to his Aunt and Uncle

13

5 June 1916 Letter from Seamus to his Aunt and Uncle thanking them for their welcome letter and describing Wakefield as "a rather dirty sleepy little manufacturing town, corresponding to practically what Carlow is in Ireland". He also describes the prison layout; for large halls each containing four wards with 40 to 60 cells (he is in C Hall, No. 1 ward, Cell No. 27 (1/27. Main meals consist of black coffee "very objectionable stuff", horseflesh with one potato, two tablespoons of beans and some soup, breakfast and supper dry bread but he comments "still mind you it is better then what we got in Cork". Adds they were kept in Solitary Confinement for 23 1/4 hours each day for two weeks. Closes with remembrances to friends and a request for Miss Carroll to write. 4pp

III

Letters from Frongoch Internees

i From Leo Ring

14

[1916] Letter from Leo Ring in Frongoch to Seamus Fitzgerald in Cobh, thanking him for the welcome letter and

parcel. He and his "companions in misery" are well adding "we are just pulling the devil by the tail here I can assure you we had some exciting times on and off". He heard of the welcome Seamus and Michael Leahy (see) got

© Cork City and County Archives 2010 All Rights Reserved

- 7 -

Powered by