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 James G. Mehegan from Joseph T. Lawless, May 13, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

This letter discusses how the organization is looking to gain support of Americans, specifically through a religious viewpoint.
Letter to James K. McGuire from Joseph T. Lawless, January 27, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Letter replying to the telegram from James K. McGuire. Lawless answers comments regarding communication with Diarmuid Lynch and the Newport News.
Letter to McC. G. Finnigan from Joseph T. Lawless, May 31, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

This is a letter discussing speakers for a Friends of Irish Freedom meeting with the Patrick Henry Branch.
Letter to Murphy's Hotel from Joseph T. Lawless, Aug 13, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Murphy's Hotel

Richmond, Va

Please reserve room and bath for tonight only arriving (illegible)

J T Lawless
Letter to Robert E. Golden from Joseph T. Lawless, April 8, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Letter written by Lawless discussing the branch meetings in Norfolk, Portsmouth, and and Yorktown. Lawless also speaks of speakers and dates.
Letter to Robert E. Golden from Joseph T. Lawless, June 5, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

This letter discusses the idea of pushing for answers to the "Irish Question" in regard to the League of Nations. Joseph Lawless also mentions pressure and events concerning senators and Washington D.C.
Letter to W. Bourke Cockran from Joseph T. Lawless, Aug 19, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Hon. W Bourke Cockran,

Telegram received. The De Valera meeting is for Richmond not Norfolk. You would receive great reception and us greatly. Can you not make it.

J. T. Lawless
Letter to W. Bourke Cockran from Joseph T. Lawless, Aug 20, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

This letter refers to the Richmond visit of De Valera, while also referring to the fact that the writer cannot attend. Additionally, the letter also mentions a reference to a reaching out toward the southern United States.
Rough Draft of an article written by Joseph T. Lawless Dec 22, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

This is a rough draft of an article written by Joseph T. Lawless for the Virginia Pilot.
Subscription Receipt of The Irish World for Joseph T. Lawless, May 9, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Subscription receipt to The Irish World, paid for by Joseph T. Lawless.
Telegram from Joseph T. Lawless, July 4, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Discussion of the American Independence, as a comparison for the working Irish Independence.
Telegram to Daniel C. O'Flaherty from Joseph T, Lawless, Aug 17, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Hon Daniel C O'Flaherty

Richmond, Va.

Confirming phone message that President De Valera will speak Richmond Tuesday, twenty sixth. Trying to procure Bourke Cochran also

J T lawless
Telegram to Daniel T. O'Connell from Joseph T. Lawless, Sept 4, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Daniel T. O'Connell

Irish Bureau; Mumsen Building Washington D.C.

Telegram received will make statement to clerk foreign relations committee tomorrow

J T Lawless
Telegram to Daniel T. O'Connell from Joseph T. Lawless, Sept 5, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Daniel T. O'Connell

Irish Bureau Mumsen Building Washington D.C.

Will mail statement to record tomorrow to you. Stenographer unable tp complete it today

Joseph T.Lawless
Telegram to Diarmuid Lynch from Joseph T. Lawless

Joseph T. Lawless

Hon Diarmuid Lynch, National Secretary

280 Broadway New York

Returned tonight from Richmond and happy to report things moving better. Will go back tomorrow four o'clock. Stop Jefferson Hotel and believe legislature will adopt resolution of invitation Tuesday. Have appointment with Governor Monday night on my arrival. Call me there eleven o'clock if needed. Meantime inform me here also Richmond people it is evening dress will be worn by (illegible)

Joseph T. Lawless
Telegram to Mr. Lee Meriwether from Joseph T. Lawless, Aug 16, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Mr. Lee Meriwether

Washington D.C.

De Valera will not begin tour before early September

J. T. Lawless

from Waldorf Astoria New York
Telegram to Mr. Lee Meriwether from Joseph T. Lawless, Aug 17, 1919

Joseph T. Lawless

Mr. Lee Meriwether

Washington D.C.

Conference to-day (illegible) and announced de Valera's visit to Richmond august twenty-sixth. Better make Reed meeting later.

J.T. Lawless
Letter to FOIF from Diarmuid Lynch, Dec 27, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

This is the Friends of Irish Freedom end of year letter from the national secretary, Diarmuid Lynch.
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Dec. 2, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter speaks in regard to the cancellation of De Valera's tour in the south. The tour would be rescheduled.
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, May 14th, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

This letter discusses attempts to get a speaker to speak to people in the southern states.
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Aug 23, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

631 Law BLDG Norfolk VA

Secure prominent citizens and representatives American public bodies your district attend public hearing League Nations covenant and bearing on Irish Republic before senate foreign relations committee Washington ten am Saturday August thirtieth. Delegates assemble Raleigh hotel eight o'clock Saturday morning

Diarmuid Lynch
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Aug 26, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon J. T. Lawless

Jefferson Hotel Richmond VA

Presidential Party will not wear evening dress

Diarmuid Lynch
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Dec 1, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

Raleigh Ave Norfolk Va

President De Valera has cancelled southern trip for the present. Am informed Mr. Wheeler duly advised all committees in the south.

Diarmuid Lynch
Telegram to Joseph T. Lawless from Diarmuid Lynch, Jul 2, 1919

Diarmuid Lynch

Hon Joseph T. Lawless

Arrange all societies and public bodie your district cable premiere Clemenceau Paris immediately urging Peace Conference recognize Irish Republic and meantime institute impartial inquiry into atrocity charges against British government in Ireland. Urge your congressmen support mason resolution providing appropriation for diplomatic representative of Ireland. Friends of Irish Freedom oppose League of Nations covenant as a whole because it infringes on American sovereignty and perpetuates English domination over Ireland.

Diarmuid Lynch
Letter to Joseph T. Lawless from James K McGuire, Sept 30, 1919

James K. McGuire

This letter is a rough draft list of the tour dates and locations for Eamon De Valera in the south. This letter also asks Lawless for advice and communication regarding best decisions to make for connecting in the south.