Descriptive List - University College Cork Library

459 July 1805
Letter with covering letter to Mary Anne Ryan from her sister in law Mary
Nash discussing the future of the Ryan children, and updating her on the latest
gossip and activities of friends and acquaintances. Advises that Margaret be
sent to Winchester with her cousin, and that Mr. Robert’s offer with regard to
Phil should be accepted if freedom to “pursue his religion and retain his
morality can be guaranteed.” Regarding George and John she advises, “do not
suffer them to know the sweets of idleness”, and remarks how Otters two sons
have only Sunday free from schooling. She is staying at Lord Llandaffs house
and has been prevented from returning to the Otters as their cook has scarlet
fever. Refers also to the many cases of ‘flu. Her daughter Eliza has a suitor
about which nothing can be mentioned, “as it is in that state of never again
being mentioned untill an arrangement to entice him to ask her takes place”.
Recounts the gossip from Cheltenham and London “I hear Sir H Dillon is in
Town & about to file a bill against all the living and the dead of his
acquaintance….I hear Lord Barrymore is about to furnish the poor Duke de
Castris with all the Duchesses bills of expense during her residence with him
& her look out for a husband.” Refers to her hope to bring her grandson John
Barry to Great Marlow, where as a Roman Catholic, “ Altho he should never
become an officer he will certainly be a gentleman.” Inquires if George Ryan
ever recovered the £700 or £800 left by their brother Denis with Count
O’Kelly. The letters concerning this were passed onto her by a Mr.
FitzGerald. The covering letter announces she is very busy sourcing furniture
for the Otters. Their house is declared free of infection and they are anxious
for her to return “it makes me very conceited that after 7 years residence he
still wishes so much to have us with him”. Reports some more London gossip.
460 29 July [1805]
Letter to Mary Anne Ryan, Rutland Row, Limerick, from her sister in law
Eliza Mathew, discussing the recent illnesses of Eliza Mathew and Bess Otter,
and recommending that Mary Anne send her daughter to school in
Winchester. Refers to Fanny Mansfield’s schooling and other family news,
including Richard Harrold’s taking the Ryan’s house in Limerick.
461 19 Aug 1807
Letter to Mary Ryan, Duke St, Manchester Square, London from Mary Nash,
Cheltenham, welcoming her to England. Discusses mainly family news. She is
concerned some of her letters went astray and so details the activities of her
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