“A father’s and mother’s anxiety for their dear one’s safety”: a journey home in time of war

The Murphy Family Papers (UCDA P141) were deposited in UCDA in 1996. They concern several members of the Murphy family: Cornelius (‘Conn’, b.1869), his wife Annie Byrne, and their children, Annie Mary Constance (‘Connie’), Kathleen, Feargus and Conn.

Conn married Annie Byrne in 1895, and they settled in Rathgar. He was staunchly anti-Treaty and was imprisoned by the Free State in March 1923. Their four children all became involved in the struggle for Irish independence.

This post is concerned with the correspondence of Conn’s and Annie’s eldest daughter, Connie. A very interesting series of letters, P141/175–210 covers the period of time Connie spent teaching and studying at a convent in St Pölten, Austria. Connie arrives in September 1913 and World War I breaks out in July 1914.

Her letters to her family up to June 1914 provide a rich account of her life in Austria. From August 1914, they develop into an anxious exchange of letters between Dublin, St Pölten and Rome, working out how to get Connie back to Ireland. They serve as a salutary example of how quickly our circumstances can change and how much we rely on established processes and networks to protect us.

UCDA P141/201 Papers of the Murphy Family

8 August 1914

Postcard from Connie to her parents instructing them to only write cards at this time [outbreak of World War I] as letters are not allowed to cross the frontiers. She also asks them to write in English, not Irish. She comments that the following week wounded soldiers will come to the convent and that she will help in taking care of them, wondering what will be ‘the end of all those proceedings?’

UCDA P141/202 Papers of the Murphy Family

12 August 1914

Undelivered and returned letter from Conn Murphy to the Reverend Mother Superior at St Pölten expressing his anxiety concerning the outbreak of hostilities in Europe and Connie’s welfare. He wonders whether the fact Connie is a British subject would cause inconvenience or would result in her having to leave if Austria were to declare war on England and requests that the Mother Superior do anything in her power to take any steps necessary for the better protection of their daughter. He adds that if Connie remains at the convent he will be fully satisfied but if she is forced to leave, he would be indebted to the Mother Superior if she could ensure Connie’s safe conduct. He assures her that he will defray any expense this might incur and also asks that small sums of money be advanced to Connie as she needs it as sending pocket money is not an option during this time.

UCDA P141/203 Papers of the Murphy Family

3 September 1914

From [Monsignor Michael O’Riordan, Rector, Irish College in Rome], 6 Via San Stefano, Rotundo, Rome, to Conn, noting that he has posted Conn’s letters to the convent [in St Pölten]. He informs Conn that he has also written to Connie to advise her to come to Rome from where it will be easier for her to return to Ireland, and that he will let her have what money she needs to achieve this.

UCDA P141/204 Papers of the Murphy Family

26 September 1914

From [Monsignor Michael Curran, Secretary to William Walsh, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin], Archbishop’s House, Dublin, to Conn noting that it must have been a great relief to get the letter [from Connie], adding ‘Plainly without a passport it would be impossible to get to Italy’. Curran informs Conn that arrangements have been made for the return of a number of women and children from Germany and “It surely must be possible for [Government] to do the same for Austria. Meanwhile Rome is probably the best means of communication. I shall not forget your daughter at mass.”

UCDA P141/205 Papers of the Murphy Family

28 September 1914

From Reverend John Hagan [Vice-Rector], Irish College, Rome, to Conn Murphy conveying a message from Connie who had written him to say that she would like to return home if it is possible to do so without danger but declares that she is quite safe where she is for the time being. Hagan writes that he will do all in his power to facilitate her journey and reassures Conn:

Hagan goes on to say that he is in communication with the Austrian Ambassador to the Holy See to see whether the ambassador can arrange for Connie to travel to Italy, the only difficulty remaining then would be finding somebody with whom she may travel. Hagan asks that Conn send him Connie’s baptismal certificate as she has requested it and reiterates that Rome is the best place for Connie as it is safe, she can easily pass to Ireland, or find ‘something to do’ while in Rome as the nuns of St Pölten have a house there.

UCDA P141/206 Papers of the Murphy Family

2 October 1914

Postcard from Connie to Hagan, Irish College, Rome, to be forwarded to her parents. Connie writes that she is safe and as happy as she can be under the circumstances. School has commenced and she is now in the fourth class. She adds that she is learning as much as she can as she may have to go home the minute she gets an opportunity.

UCDA P141/207 Papers of the Murphy Family

8 October 1914

From Hagan, Irish College Rome, to Conn reporting that he wrote to Connie advising her on the initial steps involved in returning to Ireland, and his recommendation that she communicate with the United States consulate in Vienna. Hagan has had a communication from the United States embassy informing him that the Mother Superior “ will not let her (Miss Murphy) start on what she considers a dangerous journey without her father’s express and written directions”. Hagan hopes that the Austrian Embassy in Rome may be able to help:

UCDA P141/208 Papers of the Murphy Family

26 October 1914

From Hagan, Irish College, Rome, to Conn. He remonstrates with Conn, writing:

He informs Conn that Connie leaves on 28th October for London, outlining her journey:

Hagan comments that this is a much better arrangement than a long sea voyage from the continent as it is far quicker and less expensive. He adds that he made enquiries as to the possibility of securing something for Connie in Rome similar to her work and study in St Pölten:

UCDA P141/209 Papers of the Murphy Family

26 December 1914

From Hagan to Conn reassuring him that there is no hurry regarding the settlement of the costs incurred in sending Connie home from Austria the previous October. He sends her his best wishes: