[Mary O'Brien, Irish poet and playwright; Arthur Murphy, C18th Irish author] Autograph Letter Signed Mary O'Brien to Michael Bourke WITH two ALSs from husband Patrick, one third person joint (trying to launch her literary career).

LETTER A. Autograph Letter Signed Mary O'Brien to Michael Bourke (in another letter a connection of Bourke with the possible influence/support of [Arthur] Murphy, author and playwright), one page, 4to, no date, one small hole not affecting text, bifolium, aged but legible, as follows: I can with truth affirm, though not the first, to condole the late losses you sustained, I am equally concerned, at the event, any Loss, or misfortune, to a Gentleman of your Benevolent mind, is not confined to himself - for many are, thereby affected, and Involved, in the consequences: I need not remind a Gentleman of your religious principles, that fortitude, is the best eradicate [sic] for the accidents and vicissitudes, every Mortal is liable to meet with, in this life, this doctrine, I am convinced is imprinted on your Mind, and supported by a Manly sense of the Instability of human hapiness [sic]: Mr O'Brien joins me in requesting the Honor of your company on Wednesday Evening next to tea & coffee [...]. Addressed to Michael Bourke Esq, Garra[r]d Street, Soho. LETTER B. Autograph Letter Signed P O'Brien [Husband Patrick O'Brien], 27 May 1785, one page, 4to, aged but good condition, also to Michael Bourke [Burke] as follows: Your being so kind, as promise, your interest with Your Friends in the disposal of Mrs O'Brien's Poem [Presumably The Pious Incendiaries], She has taken the Liberty to order 50 to be left at your House being the Number you was [sic] pleased first to mention to me: nor doubting from the friendships you have already shewn but you will do what you conveniently Can - She joins in best Compliment & thanks. He adds a note in less of a copperplate: Mr. Hooper [See Note A below] Mrs O'Brien's Book Sell[er] receives what ever the Books may Sell - for the Price for those she charges 3:s 6d Each. LETTER C. Third Person but in Patrick O'Brien's handwriting, one page, 4to, bifolium, aged but good condition, 3 Nov. 1785, as follows: Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien's Compliments, [?] Wait on Mr. Bourke hoping he is will[ing?], As Mr. Bourke was so kind, as promise to procure the friendship, of Mr [Arthur] Murphy in support of the Play [unidentified] committed to his protection, Mrs O'Brien requests the favor of Mr Burke [sic] to inform him what she may depend upon in that respect - The Season is now far Advanced and Mrs. O'Brien wishes to know the fate of that first Attempt of hers in the Dramatic Line - Mr. O'Brien called Several times at Will's [Coffee House] on purpose to pay his Compl[emen]ts to Mr. Burke after his return to Town but was not fortunate enough to meet him [?]. Notes: A. Very little is known about the personal life of Mary O'Brien except that she was the wife of Patrick O'Brien Esq. as she wrote both under her name and as Mrs Patrick O'Brien. She was in favour of Irish economic independence and an independent Irish parliament as well as being a supporter of Charles James Fox and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She believed that George III should be replaced by a Regent while he was unwell. O'Brien hoped that this would also remove William Pitt from his position. Her work was considered satyrical and political. She wrote poetry and plays. B. The pious incendiaries: or, fanaticism display'd. A poem. By a lady; London : Printed for the author, and sold by S. Hooper, No. 212, High Holborn, facing Bloomsbury Square; Stockdale, Piccadilly, Messrs. Edgertons, Charing Cross; and Richardson, under the Royal Exchange, MDCCLXXXV. [1785].