Cordially yours, THOMAS B. LAWLER. BOSTON, MASS., January 15, 1909. MR. THOMAS Z. LEE, _Acting Secretary-General, The American Irish Historical Society_, 49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I. _My dear Mr. Lee_: Your esteemed favor of the 6th inst. reached me during a trip in the West and I appreciate very much indeed your remembrance of me by your kind invitation to be the guest of your Society at the annual banquet in Washington, D. C., on the evening of January 16, at the Hotel Raleigh, and also to attend with you a reception at the White House by President Roosevelt. Although it will be impossible for me to accept these courtesies, I beg to express my great appreciation of the same and to assure you that it will always be my pleasure to at any time entertain the Society at my home in Lexington whenever it is their pleasure to visit our good old town. Very sincerely yours, GEO. W. TAYLOR. ELIZABETH, N. J., January 15, 1909. _My dear Judge_: My absence this evening I exceedingly regret. I trust the dinner and meeting will be pleasant and interesting. What heart does not dilate with feelings to this night’s occasion, and what a host of interesting recollections spring up in the mind when we reflect upon the time when Irishmen came to the shores of this country in the spirit of holy zeal, leaving the land of their birth, braving the winds of Heaven and the angry wrath of the mighty Atlantic, landing in the wilderness and planting the seeds of a holy religion as well as laying the foundation of the mighty and greatest of all republics. I am with you in spirit this evening and I hope the effects of our good Society will establish its prestige in every city and town of this country of ours. Yours fraternally, JAMES L. O’NEILL. NORFOLK, VA., January 15, 1909. To the American Irish Historical Society, Hotel Raleigh, Washington, D. C. _Gentlemen_: Until today it was my intention and hope to be with you in Washington tomorrow. Conditions beyond control will prevent, consequently my greetings must be conveyed by mail. Fraternally yours, JAMES W. MCCARRICK, Vice-President for Virginia. Mr. T. Z. LEE, _Acting Secretary-General_, 49 Westminster Street, Providence, R. I.