Joseph T. Lawless Papers | Special Collections at Zach S. Henderson Library (Statesboro)

This collection consists of the papers of Joseph T. Lawless. Materials span 1918-1963 and include personal and professional correspondence, newspaper clippings, newsletter bulletins, and a photograph. Materials mostly pertain to Irish nationalism and Irish Americans affiliated with the Friends of Irish Freedom organization. Correspondence to and from Joseph T. Lawless span 1918-1924 and discuss the push for an Independent Irish Republic and support from within the United States.

Highlighted here is a selection of documents from 1919-1921 which shows Lawless' involvement with the Friends of Irish Freedom (FOIF) and his work advocating for the political independence of Ireland. More information about the Joseph T. Lawless papers can be found in the collection Finding Aid.

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Letter to Diarmuid Lynch from Joseph T. Lawless, Oct 25, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

Lawless explains the efforts for the "Virginia situation" and the coming meetings.
Letter to Frank P. Walsh from Joseph T. Lawless, Feb 3, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

Frank P. Walsh is requesting of bonds for "exhibition and propaganda purposes."
Letter to Frank P. Walsh from Joseph T. Lawless, March 1, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

This letter discusses issues in Southern FOIF branches. Lawless speaks of the branch meetings he has attended.
Letter to H.J. Boland from Joseph T. Lawless, March 19, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

This letter mentions the visit of President De Valera to Norfolk.
Letter to members from Joseph T. Lawless, April 5, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

Copy of the general letter of invitation to members of the city, state, and federal government, members of the bar, physicians, and prominent men.
Letter to S.U. Ghose from Joseph T. Lawless, Oct 8, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

Confirmation to have a requested inquiry addressed at next meeting.
Letter to Thos. V. Williamson from Joseph T. Lawless, April 6, 1920

Joseph T. Lawless

This is an invitation letter the meeting being held that will have Eamon De Valera as a speaker.
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from Willard Lue, Feb 5, 1920

Willard Lue

This is a thank you letter to Lawless regarding leaflets and propaganda.
Letter to Daniel C. O'Flaherty from Diarmuid Lynch, Oct 22, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter discusses the state of FOIF branches, meetings, and committee members.
Letter to FOIF branch leaders from Diarmuid Lynch, Aug 3, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter discuses the planning and execution of state conventions for Friends of Irish Freedom.
Letter to FOIF branch secretaries from Diarmuid Lynch, Aug 7, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter explains the change in national president for the Friends of Ireland Foundation. Rev. P.E. Magennis resigned and was replaced by Rev. Michael J. Gallagher.
Letter to FOIF from Diarmuid Lynch, Jan 24, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter is an instruction to Friends of Irish Freedom to reach out to senators and other leadership in opposition to anti-American decisions that may be pushed through the League of Nations.
Letter to FOIF from Diarmuid Lynch, Oct 22, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter reiterates the objectives of FOIF as a membership corporation.
Letter to FOIF members from Diarmuid Lynch, Oct 7, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This is a letter sent out with information that will be read at the next planned FOIF branch meeting.
Letter to FOIF National Council from Diarmuid Lynch, Oct 4, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter is summoning to a meeting for the National Council of the Friends of Irish Freedom.
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Oct 22, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This is a confidential letter between Lawless and Lynch regarding the situation between the FOIF and its members. This letter recognizes the issue of disloyalty and the beginnings of the split with Eamon De Valera.
Letter to Thomas A. Flood from Diarmuid Lynch, Oct 5, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter is an inquiry into the FOIF State Convention in Virginia.
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Apr 14, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

631 Law Bldg. Norfolk VA

Immediately wire your congressman support resolution introduced today house representatives Washington by congressman Tague of Massachusetts regarding citizens Irish Republic now being done to death in prisons by English government. Also wire secretary state Bainbridge Colby asking him protest to English government against continuance inhuman conditions Mountjoy prison

Diarmuid Lynch
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Aug 31, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

631 Law Bldg. Va.

FOIF organization through National Secretary requested action state department Washington last week regarding Lord Mayor Macswiney PERIOD Present situation MacSwiney and comrades demands that individual friends throughout country wire Secretary Colby act immediately
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Feb 14, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

National Council Friends of Irish Freedom urge branches your district combine hold series large public meetings every city town during American Liberty Week beginning Washington's birthday vehemently protesting against the ratification League of Nations. Secure cooperation labor and all organizations opposed. Each separate body should repeat resolutions demanding covenant submitted vote American People. Insist each member your branch write your senators prompt action essential save America. Forwarding copy council resolutions.

Diarmuid Lynch
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Jan 24, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

Law BDLG Norfolk, VA

Advise all branches and prominent citizens your city that anti American interest doing utmost push through League Nations covenant with reservations modified. Hold meetings pass resolutions of protest send telegrams letters to senators demanding covenant be submitted vote of the American people. Urge action important to save America.

Diarmuid Lynch
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Mar 20, 1920

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

531 Law BLDG Norfolk VA

Branches members should immediately thank congratulate by telegrams letters resolutions Washington DC senators Borah Hiram, Johnson Reed, Shields Moses Brandegee Fernald France Gronna Knox Lafollette McCormick Norris Sherman Penrose Fall Poindexter and Marcus Smith because of their splendid services in saving America and Preserving liberty by defeating League Nations covenant

Diarmuid Lynch
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from James Grattan Mythen, Sept 7, 1920

James Grattan Mythen

This is a letter from the National executive secretary of the Protestant Friends of Ireland. This letter confirms adding Lawless to the mailing list and a request to join the national advisory committee.
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from S.N., Feb 4, 1920.

S. N.

This letter explains the delay of sending the bonds to Norfolk.
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from Daniel T. O'Connell, Aug 23, 1920

Daniel T. O'Connell

This letter discusses the creation of pamphlets in reference to Irish and Irish settlements, some in Virginia.