I trust you will appreciate my position, and I assure you that ordinarily I would be only too glad to break any engagement I might have and avail myself of the pleasure of being present on such an occasion, but in reaching a decision I could not do otherwise than give way in favor of the engagement which was prior in point of time. I deeply appreciate your kind expressions, and the more than attractive manner in which you urge me to be present, all of which would be unnecessary in any matter in which you were concerned, because the mere expression of your wish that you desired my co-operation in any of the good works in which you are interested would always receive from me a prompt response. With kind regards personally, believe me to be, Sincerely yours, FRANCIS J. QUINLAN, M. D., MORGAN J. O’BRIEN. 33 West 38th Street, New York City. THOMAS Z. LEE, Esq., AUGUSTA, ME., January 14, 1909. _Secretary-General American Irish Historical Society_, Providence, R. I. _My dear Mr. Lee_: I have received your several communications in regard to the meeting and annual dinner on January 16 at Washington, and I planned to go, but things have so shaped themselves that I find it impossible to leave at this time. I certainly regret very much my inability to attend, but do wish you all possible success. Believe me, Yours respectfully, THOMAS J. LYNCH. Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE, NEW YORK, January 14, 1909. _Acting Secretary-General_, Providence, R. I. _My dear Judge_: I have to thank you for your letter of the 13th inst., but regret that I shall not be able to leave New York on Saturday to attend the meeting of our Society in Washington. Herewith I give you my check for $5 to cover the amount of my dues for the current year. Wishing you a very delightful trip and a good time at the convention, I remain, Yours very truly, WILLIS B. DOWD. SALEM, MASS., January 14, 1909. Hon. THOMAS Z. LEE, _Secretary-General of the American Irish Historical Society_, Providence, R. I. _My dear Sir_: The Mayor has been sick since Friday of last week, and although he is now out of bed the doctor positively forbids him to make a trip to Washington. He sent a message to me requesting me to notify you of this fact and to express to you his deep regret. I know he was looking forward with very pleasant anticipation to this trip and to his meeting with you again.