1 Alma Cottages, Cranford
Hounslow July 4th 1871

Dear 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 w(?)ould 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.