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239 ROGER CASEMENT [1894-1916]Two interesting ALS to ‘Dear Madam’ (a Mrs. Letts), dated 1 July and 2 July 1913, each 4 pp (single folded sheet), written from a Buckingham address, the two
letters covering essentially the same ground. Presumably he had some reason for thinking the first letter had gone astray.
Anita Letts was a member of Cumann na mBan and the United Irishwomen, and apparently wrote to Casement about his plans for a fund to assist schoolchildren
in impoverished West of Ireland schools. Apparently she also had similar plans, including appointment of a midwife. The first letter says, ‘It is indeed cheering
news to learn that the ‘United Irishwomen’ are also taking a hand to help the schools. I do not think there is fear of our overlapping. Some friends of mine will
be all going to Carraroe, Garumna, Lettermullen &c. on 29th July & will visit all the schools too - & take the first steps towards carrying out my intentions towards
Carraroe School.’ He mentions that Dr. Douglas Hyde is one of these friends, and suggests that Mrs. Letts should write to him. ‘I am glad your midwife will be an
Irish speaker’, he continues. ‘Far more regard should be paid to the Irish language.’ With a good signature.
The second letter, evidently written in haste, mentions a fund sponsored by the ‘Independent’, and suggests that the Society might thus secure a portion of this
fund.
Casement did in fact set up a fund to provide hot dinners for schoolchildren at Carraroe, something which is still remembered there today, in spite of the later
controversy surrounding his name. Casement went to Germany to seek to recruit Irish prisoners of war to fight against England, and returned to Ireland on the
eve of the Rising in a German submarine. He was arrested, tried for high treason in London and hanged, after extracts from his supposed diaries were circulated
to blacken his name. (2)
€ 1,500 - 2,000