From the Hon. Patrick J. Ryan, mayor of Elizabeth, N. J.: “Many thanks for your circular letter announcing that the American-Irish Historical Society is to have a reception and dinner in Boston on Thursday, January 24, next. I appreciate the notice I assure you, and regret to say that I will not be able to attend owing to a press of other matters here. I hope and trust the meeting will be a success in every way.” From the Hon. Franklin M. Danaher, Albany, N. Y.: “Dear Mr. Murray: I have your notice of the annual meeting and dinner of the American-Irish Historical Society in Boston on Thursday, January 24, 1907. I have always been able to attend the annual meetings of the Society because they happened in New York coincident with my presence there on official business. Whether I can be in Boston on January 24th is somewhat problematical, but I will do so if I can. Do you expect President-General McGowan?” From Mr. Edward J. McGuire, New York City: “My Dear Mr. Murray: It seems ungracious not to attend the Historical Society’s dinner at Boston on Thursday evening, you Yankees have been so generous and loyal in coming to New York, but for me it is absolutely impossible to be present. I am engaged in a number of most important and engrossing professional matters, and I have in addition but recently returned from a week’s absence in the South. I am sure you will make my excuses. I hope that you are entirely recovered from your illness and that everything prospers with you and the Society. With kindest regards, Very truly yours, Edward J. McGuire.” From the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Dennis J. O’Connell, M. A., S. T. D., rector of the Catholic University of America, Washington, D. C.: “Mr. T. H. Murray, Secretary-General, Sea View, Mass. My Dear Sir: I desire to thank you very cordially for the notice you sent me regarding the annual dinner, and to say at the same time with sincere regret that I am afraid I cannot assist, for the following day, January the 25th, is the feast of our Faculty of Theology at which I must be present. Wishing all a pleasant time, I remain, Very sincerely yours, D. J. O’Connell.” From the Hon. Edward A. Moseley, Washington, D. C.: “I regret very much that it is impossible for me to attend the annual meeting of the American-Irish Historical Society. I really wish that the Society would have its next meeting in Washington; I believe it would be a good plan from every point of view. I had fully intended to get to the coming meeting on the 24th, but I went to Boston over the holidays, and the result is that I have as bad a cold as I ever had in my life, and I am afraid to leave Washington. Do have the next annual meeting in Washington, and I will contribute in every way to make it a success, and will devote myself to the work. With all cordial regards, sincerely yours, E. A. Moseley.” =HISTORICAL NOTES AND PAPERS.= IRISH ABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES.[2]