D'Olier, Jeremiah (1745-1817) to William Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05817 Author/Creator: D'Olier, Jeremiah (1745-1817) Place Written: Dublin, Ireland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 February 1793 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 23.2 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
References William's letter to him of 18 September and 24 November 1792. Congratulates him on his safe passage. William seems to have been seeking a consular seat in Dublin, which D'Olier hopes he will get. Writes, "I am induced to conclude your Inclination & the Interest of the American Commerce will determine your return to the station you held here." Makes reference to the account William has to discharge with him. Reports that his friends the Lindsays are well. Updates him on events in Europe. Mentions the marching of Austrian and Prussian troops into France, their retreat, and their inability to protect the Low Countries. Reports on the "trial, condemnation & execution of Louis all in a space of time so short, & the various attendant Circumstances & Effects so rapid & astonishing that the present situation (politically) of Europe appears more the Effects of Magic than the natural operation of Human Power." As he writes, news of the French declaration of war against Holland and Great Britain is announced. Both Britain and Ireland have expected it, so it is not a surprise. Says "We may deplore War as an human Misery but the die is now Cast & fixes the Cry." Reports on the "general expression of sentim[ents] in favor of the Rom: Caths. Amongst discordant Interests & early prejudices unanimity is not to be expected: the first preclude the latter retards." Believes political and civil equality will soon be within reach. Says a Catholic memorial was recently received favorably by the King. Asks him to let Edward Milores of Philadelphia know he is in good health.
Jeremiah D'Olier, a descendent of French Huguenot, was High Sheriff of Dublin in 1788 and was a Wide Streets Commissioner. Like his father Isaac D'Olier, Jeremiah was a goldsmith by trade. D'Olier Street in Dublin is named for him.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.