The collection consists of two letters: to the editor of the Times, undated, asking them to give notice of James Redpath's lecture to benefit sufferers of the Irish famine, probably circa 1880; to Mr. Sweet, 24 Oct., undated but possibly 1885, regretting he is unable to meet about two gentlemen he proposed for a club, mentioning other members and lamenting how busy Saturdays are for them all.
In Rare Books and Manuscripts, University Libraries, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (#XXXX-1003R/VF Lit)
Biographical or Historical Sketch
John Boyle O'Reilly was born in County Meath, Ireland, and apprenticed with a newspaper at the age of eleven. He joined the English army to persuade Irish soldiers to join the Fenian movement, and was so successful he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted, and he was exiled to Australia, but escaped to America and after numerous adventures settled in Boston. He lectured, wrote poetry, and joined the Boston Pilot, which he later co-owned, turning it into America's leading Irish newspaper. O'Reilly remained a prominent Fenian, and an idealist who also supported African American rights. He published four volumes of verse, two novels, and a non-fiction book promoting sport. He received honorary degrees from Notre Dame, Dartmouth, and Georgetown.
Binding notes
Housed in ShareBox 083 boxShare083 GST/P/1/4 c.1 (Archival/Manuscript Material) bound in ShareBox 083
