Rare Transatlantic Letters from Donegal Family Released Today

UPDATE: The National Library of Ireland has just made a significant historical acquisition public for the first time, unveiling the McMonagle Family Letter Collection (1860–1903). This unique archive offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Irish emigrants during the American Civil War and the families they left behind in Donegal.

As families in Ireland exchange heartfelt Christmas messages, this collection includes 25 letters addressed to Cornelius McMonagle, also known as Con or Condy, who emigrated to the United States in the late 1850s. The letters, penned by his brother, friends, and family members, reveal the emotional struggles and daily realities faced by those separated by an ocean.

The correspondence features voices from the front lines, including Neal McMonagle, who served in the 52nd Pennsylvania Regiment, and letters from soldiers like Michael Burke and Patrick Hughes, underscoring the personal impacts of war on families. One particularly harrowing letter from Neal, dated December 22, 1863, describes the brutal winter conditions on Morris Island, South Carolina, and his desperate pleas to return home:

“Do all you can to get me from hear [here],” he writes, recounting the grim sight of fallen soldiers and the horrors of combat during the holiday season.

Equally poignant is a letter from Cornelius’s mother, Anne McMonagle, who expresses deep concern over the lack of communication from her sons. Her heartfelt message reflects the anxiety of families separated by distance and war, asking if they have “forgotten” her:

“My dear Condy and Neal… it seems to us that you both are not living this long time or you have forgotten us all,” she writes from Boyoughter, Donegal.

According to Crónán Ó Doibhlin, Head of Special Collections at the National Library of Ireland, these letters serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of family connections during a time of upheaval. They offer insight into the challenges faced by Irish emigrants and the vital role of literacy in maintaining these connections, especially before the advent of mass telegraphy.

The letters, despite showing signs of wear over 150 years, have undergone conservation efforts to ensure their preservation for future generations. They are now safely stored and available to the public at the National Library of Ireland, showcasing the emotional weight and historical value of these personal documents.

For those interested in exploring this remarkable collection, it is now accessible online at the National Library of Ireland’s website: View the McMonagle Family Letters.

This release not only enriches our understanding of Irish history but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of letters to connect loved ones across vast distances. Share this urgent news and discover the stories of those who lived through one of history’s most turbulent times.