Richard Dowden Papers Descriptive List

MS. letter from Susan D. Osborne, to 'Dear Uncle', Richard Dowden. Regards quarrel between Isaac Johnson and Uncle William.

Ref.

U140/L/097

Date:

?1820s, 1835 - 1840s

Level : series Title:

Letters from Walter R. Osborne

Extent: 27 items Scope and Content: Series of letters from Walter R. Osbourne to brother in law Richard Dowden (Osborne married Dowden's sister, Susan, on 28 Dec 1826

1. 13 Jun 1835 MS. letter to Dowden, Royal Hotel, Dublin. Refers to Susan's health and intended holiday, etc. (2pp)

2. 16 Mar 1837 Asking him to collect small debts for him while in Limerick. He has been ill with possible typhus and had leeches applied to the back of each ear. Refers to several [business] failures in Cork including Drew, Johnson, Barnes Iron Foundry and O'Keeffes. (4pp)

3. 28 May 1837 To Dowden, Radley's Hotel, Dublin regarding Unitarian and family news. Also criticises Cork Corporation and mentions Meagher's and Hayes' speeches in court. (4pp)

4. 26 May 1838 He is obliged for copy of the Evening Post with article on education in Holland and pleasing news from West Indies. Beale has a letter from the London secretary announcing victory in the Commons. The [Cork] Constitution did not cover the debate due to its 'hatred to any progression of the human family in liberty'. He is sorry to find Lord John Russell joining this party against the measures even after the majority in the Common. Remarks on various family members. (4pp)

5. 8 Jun 1838 He will be travelling to London for 3 weeks by 'long sea', on Dr. Murphy's advice. There is a meeting of the Unitarian Society in London, which he would attend to represent Cork. (1p)

6. 26 May 1839 Tells of a gunpowder explosion which injured Margaret's son John and of her husband's desire to go to New South Wales in Australia. Says he goes regularly to meet McIntosh, Dyer, Deane, at Sunday School, etc. (4pp) 7. 28 May 1839 To Dowden in Dublin. Refers to meeting to address the Queen, 'called off', chief speakers Jefferies of Blarney, Fagan, Walsh, etc. Comments on absurdity of duel between James Morgan and Joe Hayes, and 'If they had both shot ... [one another]...how little the public would have lost!'. Suggests that Dowden whisper into the ministers ears to come out boldly with some good measures, some that will startle the Tories...', etc. (2pp) 8. 2 Jun [1835-9] To Dowden, Dublin. expressing concern for Susan's health. Dr. Murphy has ordered her 'to the country'. She exhibits 'wonderful elasticity and energy of mind'. They moved to Passage for a month, etc. (3pp)

9. 3 Jun 1839 To Dowden, Dublin. Asks him to pay a small account for him, etc (2pp)

U140 Richard Dowden Papers Descriptive List

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