Descriptive List - University College Cork Library

499 23 May 1803
Incomplete letter from George and Mary Anne Ryan to their sons Dan and
Phil, Oscott. The latter part is from Mary Anne urging them to exercise and
bathe regularly and to keep their feet warm. Instructs them also to write to Mr.
Roche if he gave them a present when leaving. George Ryan is concerned
with making arrangements for the boys to travel to Ireland “ I dare say that
you & Phil are anxiously expecting my ultimatum as to your [varance]
proceedings & you are both accordingly hereby authorised to come over”. He
hopes they will travel with the Mansfield’s and the Nolan’s. Adds he wishes
to discuss Dan’s entry to Trinity College Dublin, and gives precise
instructions for the packing of their belongings. Directs them to each have a
suit made “a coat of whatever colour is in fashion with waistcoat of your own
choice & pantaloons of doublemilled webb”. In a postscript he defends his use
of a capital F for Father and requests they look through the Spectator for
similar examples.
500 2 June 1803
Letter to Daniel Ryan, Oscott from his cousin Philip Roche, London,
discussing family news. Mentions Ryan’s father has not yet decided if Ryan
should return next year to England “whatever he decides I am persuaded you
will consent with pleasure”. If however he is to attend College in Dublin,
Roche cautions him to be wary of who he associates with as “there is a greater
mixture there than in any other university.”
501 11 June 1803
Letter from George Ryan, Rutland St., Limerick to his son Dan, Oscott,
enclosing a bill for 15 guineas for travelling expenses “& no other purpose”.
Gives instructions to the route they must take Chester to Parkgate, and hopes
they can get the vessel ‘The King’ at Parkgate, whose Steward is a Ryan from
Inch. He stresses Dan is responsible for his brother “all sitting outside or
driving are absolutely forbidden”. Gives instructions as to who they are to call
on in Dublin. Refers to their labours finding “One solitary little F in the entire
edition of the Spectator-one swallow makes no summer”. Closes requesting
they forward his thanks to their schoolmaster. An added note from their
mother advises lemon and brandy to ward off seasickness. Also note of
mileage from Walsall to Parkgate (84 miles).
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