1 Alma Cottages, Cranford
Hounslow July 4th 1871Dear Dr Marx
As I have been down here
for the last ten days, I know not whether you have written to my address in
Peckham. This would not be the case, only I expected, when I came here, to
return to town in a day or two but circumstances prevented me doing so. In the
meantime I have closely watched the correspondence in The Daily News
re
International. I was
not a little surprised and vexed at the cowardly withdrawal of Messieurs.
Lucraft and Odger from the Council. However the Association, instead of
losing by their retirement, may benefit by it. I have know many such person
in our Irish movements but we put them
“outside
the pale” and never spared them. They are revolutionists in
peace—cowards and loyalists in times of trouble. As for persons like Mr Holyoake—with
whom I was slightly acquainted at one time—they are too feeble-minded to be of
the slightest use in progressive movements. They generally hold themselves in
high estimation and expect others too to look
upon them as infallible authorities. However the people are now growing too
sensible and intelligent to be humbugged.
Now as to the International
& the Irish. I think it quite possible to bring within the folds of the Association, the majority
of the working men in Ireland. This would be found a difficult task some few
years
ago
but Fenianism has, thank Goodness, destroyed clerical
power in Ireland. I am acquainted and have great influence with the working
classes and their representatives in Ireland. My influence is as great, if not
greater, with the intelligent Irish throughout England and I know that by some
trouble & energy the intelligent Irish masses in both countries, can be
enrolled under the banner of the International. This new
element I need hardly say would give great additional power to the International. In my friend
O’Donovan Rossa’s hands in the United
States, great things can be accomplished amongst my countrymen. On these matters
I must have a long conversation with you, as they are of great importance. In
the meantime please communicate with me at my Peckham
address, as I will be leaving for town to-morrow. My Peckham address is 8 Southboro
Terrace Carlton Road. Peckham S.E. Please convey to
Madame Marx and M Engels my warmest thanks for their kind reception
on Sunday fortnight and accept the same yourself from
Yours always faithfully
J. P. McDonnell
P.S.
I have been thinking
very much of the great ends which may be accomplish by the International. Taught
by sad experience and schooled by adversity I can fully understand its
principles which are quite in accordance with my own. Excuse this brief and
hastily written note.