Thomas Ogilvy to Mary Davitt, 7th October 1907. IE TCD MS 9376/1030

IE TCD MS 9376/1030: Letter from Thomas Ogilvy (brother of John Ogilvy Esq.), 195 Albert Street, Dundee, Scotland to Mary Davitt dated 7th October 1907 in response to Mary's call for letters written by her late husband Michael: "I have, according to post card from Brusselles, gone over old letters to get those from your late revered husband, Mr Michael Davitt. Unfortunately, his political letters, excepting one, have not been preserved. I sent it to you, but I'm afraid it will not be of any use. Please send it back in enclosed envelope, after you have read it. My brother received a considerable number of letters from your late gifted husband on Ireland, and on political affairs. They exhibited a profound knowledge, and comprehensive grasp of the social, political, and agrarian questions that have agitated Ireland for centuries. I heard him deliver an address in Dundee (about 1902) on the last land bill introduced and carried by Mr Balfour's government. That brilliant speech I will never forget. Tt was not only a powerful and clear exposition of a complex problem, but it was instinct with the deepest sympathy for the peasantry and for the poor tenantry of Ireland. He inspired great enthusiasm in the large audience. His earnesteness, his honesty, and his sincerity were transparent, and made a lasting impression upon all who heard him. One did not know whether to admire his modesty or his manliness most when he responded to a [?logistic?] and an enthusiastic vote of thanks for his eloquent oration. He possessed the intellect of a statesman of premier rank, and a heart tender as that of a woman [?] ever working not only for his own race and people, who he loved so well, but for oppressed humanity, irrespective of creed, or crime, or country. Add to this, the white lily of [?], a spotless and an irreproachable life, and one can understand the profound sorrow that was expressed in every part of the world where the English language is spoken at the announcement of his somewhat premature death. I was sincerely gratified when I learned that you were to publish and to be further identified with the record of his noble life..."