Descriptive List - University College Cork Library

589 26 April 1837
Copy letter from George Ryan to Richard L. Sheil MP, London, enquiring on
behalf of Lady [E] Matthews if John Power would lend her £60,000 on the
Assignment of W. Evan’s Mortgage. He attests to the worth of the security
proposed.
1p
590 11 Feb 1863
Letter to George Ryan from Michael Ryan, Blossburg, Pennsylvania,
describing his situation there and the effects of the Civil War in his locality.
Inquires if the £10 money order Ryan sent him was ever cashed as it did not
reach him. The money would have been welcome as “the paper currency of
the country is worth very little...I have not seen a dollar in silver in four
months”. The military are drafting more and more men and he escaped call up
only by dint of an injury. Describes the division by the military of the county
into townships to assist the draft “several who resisted was shot down like
dogs without either judge or jury”. Explains he does not wish to make too
many observations about the conflict as he has heard letters to Europe are
intercepted and read, but as requested describes the battle of [Nurfursborough]
and the courage of General Rosencrans, a Roman Catholic. Refers to his
brother James who has so far escaped injury for 2 years and 13 battles.
Reply’s also to Ryan’s queries about the cheapness of American pork and
describs the different types of husbandry and feeding practiced. Refers also to
the hardships experienced by workers in the cotton industry, and the dramatic
rise in the prices of goods, including tobacco “the ruination of the youth of
this country”. Mentions he read of the marriage of Ryan’s daughter in the
Boston Pilot “a good Catholic paper” which carries Irish news. Enquires after
Ryan’s family asking ”whether you are blessed with any boys or not”.
Mentions Mr.White’s leaving for China “I think it is the last place for
gentelman that I know must be well read to visit for it is a nation of cruelty &
barbarity”. Closes requesting news of home.
12pp
591 28 May [18--]
Letter from [ ], Florence, to George Ryan referring tot he sudden death
in that city of R. Sheil, and detailing events leading up to the death. Sheil had
been deeply upset at the news of [J] Power’s death, and had been anxious to
keep the news from his mother. He died from “apoplexy of the heart”. Adds
some news of other friends and family members and refers to some financial
matters.
152
4pp