Item 44 - Victor Vifquain, Brussels, to Octave Fariola, Paris, 5 June 1867

3pp

Letter from Victor Vifquain, Belgian-born American Civil War colonel now living in Nebraska but writing from Brussels to Octave Fariola, a Belgian soldier serving as chief of staff of the Fenian (Irish Republican) forces during the 1867 Fenian Rising. Vifquain describes his own financial difficulties, sympathises with Octave’s lack of money, and reflects bitterly on refusals of assistance from people he had previously helped, expressing disappointment in friendship and gratitude. He discusses plans to receive funds and travel, comments on mutual acquaintances and political associates, offers personal observations on success, loyalty, and family life, and closes with practical advice, encouragement, and instructions for future correspondence. 'I shall receive 5000 dollars this month, and will embark myself on or about the 25th. It is well understood that I will not pass through London. If I have told it to thee, thou hast been wrong. When thou hadst the money in thy pocket at Paris, thou ought to have said "The end commands the means". If too I accompany thee, these gentlemen K. (Kelly) and C. (Clauset) are intriguants of the highest school. Condor, Mackey was a friend of K. and however what a pig! But he is a hero, and however vanquished he has done I believe more good to the cause than if he had been victorious. There are men at least who can steal thee of thy friends, friends...'