Beschreibung:

ALICE MILLIGAN & THE MacMANUS FAMILY An interesting autograph signed letter from Alice Milligan to one of the MacManus brothers, probably Padraic, from Belfast, undated (probably circa 1899), 4 pp (folded sheet) with an inserted slip, mentions going to Letterkenny to make 'weapons, robes and scenery for Fr. O'Growney's play', starting branches [of the Gaelic League] all around Donegal, 'a letter from Dr. Ryan suggesting the possibility of continuing the Shan [Van Vocht] & running it in London', and thanks him for his kindness and generosity, 'but I know it is just the outcome of your sincere sympathy with the cause.' With two further letters, undated but probably 1930s, to Nial MacManus, son of Padraic, 2 pp and 5 pp, the first agreeing to look over his father's poems, the second passing on details of a meeting in Omagh when his father and Roger Casement were both present. 'The gathering took place in the Christian Brothers school grounds & for speechifying Darrell Figgis took the lead. John MacNeill was also there, and two tall men stood together, Roger Casement and another. My friend asked who he was, and was told, �That is a brother of Seumas Mac Manus the writer. He is home from Argentina� -- Casement had recently returned from the Amazon, & naturally the two South Americans would be drawn together - your father, so practical, determined & so generous in backing up every effort for Ireland's freedom, must have cheered Roger immensely, for in most of the others he would have met with an excess of caution. Darrell Figgis was sent to the Continent for the arms, but I feel quite sure that Padraic Mac M with Roger was the driving force, in getting this instantly & successfully done ..' Also with a copy of Douglas Hyde's publication of a version of the story of Deirdre and the sons of Usnech, inscribed by Hyde to 'Eil�s n� Mhaoileag�in' [i.e. Milligan], [18]98. Alice Milligan (1865-1953) was born into a prosperous Unionist family in Omagh, but quickly became a 'rebel' and a Republican. She was organising secretary of the 1798 centenary celebrations in Ulster, and an organiser for the Gaelic League. With her friend Anna Johnston ('Ethna Carbery') she edited a pioneering separatist periodical, 'The Shan Van Vocht' (l896-99) - see items elsewhere in this sale. She wrote several plays for the Irish Literary Theatre, forerunner of the Abbey. Letters from her are uncommon. (3) ALICE MILLIGAN & THE MacMANUS FAMILY An interesting autograph signed letter from Alice Milligan to one of the MacManus brothers, probably Padraic, from Belfast, undated (probably circa 1899), 4 pp (folded sheet) with an inserted slip, mentions going to Letterkenny to make 'weapons, robes and scenery for Fr. O'Growney's play', starting branches [of the Gaelic League] all around Donegal, 'a letter from Dr. Ryan suggesting the possibility of continuing the Shan [Van Vocht] & running it in London', and thanks him for his kindness and generosity, 'but I know it is just the outcome of your sincere sympathy with the cause.' With two further letters, undated but probably 1930s, to Nial MacManus, son of Padraic, 2 pp and 5 pp, the first agreeing to look over his father's poems, the second passing on details of a meeting in Omagh when his father and Roger Casement were both present. 'The gathering took place in the Christian Brothers school grounds & for speechifying Darrell Figgis took the lead. John MacNeill was also there, and two tall men stood together, Roger Casement and another. My friend asked who he was, and was told, �That is a brother of Seumas Mac Manus the writer. He is home from Argentina� -- Casement had recently returned from the Amazon, & naturally the two South Americans would be drawn together - your father, so practical, determined & so generous in backing up every effort for Ireland's freedom, must have cheered Roger immensely, for in most of the others he would have met with an excess of caution. Darrell Figgis was sent to the Continent for the ar