Descriptive List - University College Cork Library

395 27 Feb 1787
Incomplete draft of a letter from George Ryan, Bruxelles to [ ] giving
instructions for the management of his affairs while he is abroad. Inquires
particularly about a proposed sale of lands in Liscreana, the money from
which he is desperate to pass on to his most pressing creditors, and so protect
the bulk of his estate. Mentions his health has improved despite a severe
winter, although a slight shortness of breath still remains. He does not go out
at night because of this and so his brother escorts Mrs. Ryan to social
functions.
396 26 April 1787
Draft letter from George Ryan, Bruxelles, to [ ] informing him Mr. Roche
has once again agreed to assume responsibility for Ryan’s Irish affairs and
thanking the recipient for his part in achieving that outcome. Discusses
Roche’s plan to raise a mortgage to pay off old creditors, and details
immediate bills due. Discusses also ongoing encumbrances and annual sums
to be set aside for his brother and sister.
397 1 July 1787
Draft letter from George Ryan, Spa to [ ] detailing his plans to leave for
the South of France, a plan dictated by three factors “I mean Mary’s situation,
my own health & our finances”. They hope to be in Montpellier by mid
August as Mary needs to be finished travelling by her sixth month of
pregnancy. To date he has been sharing expenses with the Mansfields but
insists because of his and Mary’s health there is a level of comfort below
which he will not drop, and estimates at present they need 60 guineas per
month. Count McCarthy has recommended some smalls towns where they
could live on £200 annually. Requests money to be settled in Paris for their
ongoing expenses, and advises a credit on a London bank as the best way of
doing things. Mentions their activities, adding Mary is enjoying the public
amusements “which are open here to all ladies gratis with the wholesome
advantage of their being generally over at 10 o clock”. Adds he hopes the
recipient will have his engagement to Margaret finalized soon “ think her
present choice far preferable to all the former pack of her admirers putt
together”.
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