| 8 Southboro Terrace, Carlton Grove
Peckham.
Friday night

My dear Engels

Will you all forgive my absence from  Die Londoner Konferenz der Internationalen Arbeiterassoziation fand vom 17. bis 23. September 1871 statt.
Schließen the Conference, which has grieved me just as much as it has, doubtless, surprised you. I have, however, been confined to my home since Tuesday through very severe illness—severe you may justly judge it to have been when it kept me from my place at the Conference. In my duty, however, to the International I will make up for this loss of time in the future. I was never more resolved I am at this moment to devote all my energy, ability and influence to the spread of the International amongst the Irish at home & abroad.

|The attacks which have been recently made upon me by the bigoted scribes of the Irish Press cannot injure my reputation and will only serve the cause I am anxious to forward. I have just learned that the Nation and several other similar organs—you know about the pseudo-Republican “Irishman[”]—have savagely attacked me and the International also. The Nation says Ireland does not want The International and of course neither The Irishman nor Nation want me because I am not a bigot in religion and a “Home Rule Monarchist” in politics. But of one thing you and my other colleagues may rest assured that no man nor paper in Ireland can deny the sacrifices which I have made the services | which I have rendered nor can either accuse me of any act which would bring the blush of shame to my face. They have sadly under-rated my power and in spite of all their fiendish denunciations I will establish The International not only amongst the Irish here but in Ireland. I am full of perseverance and I have too many friends to be beaten

This day I received a letter from Bradford, announcing(?) the adhesion of the Irishmen of that important town. In three weeks I hope to have out “The People” and then!! “Magna est veritas et praevalebit”.—Write by return of | post and say when and where you next meet as I am something better and may be able to attend. With kind regards to Dr Marx etc

I am
Always yours truly
JP McDonnell

F. Engels Esqre