January 11, 1897.
My Dear Sir:—It would give me great pleasure to unite with yourself and other gentlemen who are interested in recording the relation and influence of Americans of Irish birth or lineage to the history of our country, were it possible for me to be away from the Capitol on the 20th inst. I am in entire sympathy with the movement and hope to render assistance along the lines indicated in your letter. My father was born in Londonderry and came to this country when a youth. I believe I am entitled to membership in the proposed organization.
Very truly yours,
Daniel H. Hastings.
From the Rev. Dr. Shahan.
Washington, D. C., Jan. 18, 1897.
Dear Captain Tobin:—I regret to say that it will be practically impossible to go to Boston. I cannot very well leave all the work I have on hand, and I must go back again the following week, for Monday, the 25th, to Hartford. But I am entirely in favor of the good work, and I hope that from the beginning it will be a success. I regret again very much that so many duties all crowd in on the end of January, and make it impossible to be with so many men of one mind and one race next Wednesday. If members are proposed, please put me down as one.
Yours sincerely,
Thomas J. Shahan.
Judge Smith, of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, wrote: