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Thomas Reilly, 13 Earl Street, Dublin, to John M. Kelly, 70 Meath Street, Dublin, Easter Sunday 1846 (postmarked 13 April)
Luaigh an doiciméad seo Amharcóir IIIF
Bailiúchán Thomas Reilly Letters
Title Thomas Reilly, 13 Earl Street, Dublin, to John M. Kelly, 70 Meath Street, Dublin, Easter Sunday 1846 (postmarked 13 April)
Description This somewhat of an autobiographical career, in which Reilly gave an account of the origins and progress of his literary career. According to the letter, he began writing poetry when he was 13, and published his first pieces in a short-lived patriotic journal called the "Volunteer" when he was 14. For the 10 or 11 weeks that the journal existed "I wrote my rondeaus without inter-mission Some were sung by the dissonant Street ballad mongers Others were lodged on ladies' Shelves more were 'kites' performing their evolutions in the higher regions all were little or no good". Reilly continued his literary career in otner newspapers and journals. "But now the genius of Ireland began to manifest itself [,] the 'Nation' came into existence I spurred my muse [.] She went on like a willing horse at his Master's counsel I wrote to this Tyrtaen School & after being declined nearly twenty times I was declared a favorite & my poetry inserted". Reilly also wrote many poems and essays for the 'Argus', and he eventually had a falling-out with the editor of the 'Nation' over remuneration for his pieces, and sent all his work to the 'Argus.' There was another side to Reilly, for he admitted that "I disgraced my Muse once by writing immoral songs & singing them in licentious company and public houses besides, I was a comedian and made two sets off in petty theatres I took an Irish character in them both.... I assumed the character of Larry Delany in the farce of his fortunes (it was written I was told by the author of the popular song - Fill a cup whose name is Quinton) ... the players wanted me to go to Cork with them after repeated solicitations I consented but was thirty miles from Dublin the day they left it when I returned & found all gone I cried for my for-lorn hope — I went to work at my trade it was the last resource I am now on the last year of my apprenticeship well contented in my situation....". Reilly summed up the attitude of himself and of others of the Young Ireland poets and writers "....riches never made the heart of man truer or more perfect than Mother Nature & in my opinion a literary pauper deserves more respect than a wealthy blockhead'. Such an attitude would meet with a harsh fate in America.
Date 12/04/1846
Date Issued 27/03/2023
Cineál Acmhainne Text
Archival Record Id p155/42/5
Publisher University of Galway
Extent 9pp
Topic Thomas Reilly Letters
Geographic Dublin (city),Dublin (county),Ireland
Temporal Nineteenth century,Eighteen forties
Genre Transcript,Reproduction
Note Title, description and transcript text by Dr. Bruce D. Boling (collaborator of Professor Kerby Miller).
Creator / Author Name Thomas Reilly