Cork 4th February 1840

Rvd dear Friend

Your success in the cause of Total Abstinence is truly gratifying and I trust will continue to increase.

As the Rvd Mr McLeod has replied to your letter I have only to express my anxious wish, that you should gratify the poor by giving them their cards & medals. Use your discretion, my only object is the public good & no sacrifice can be too great that tends to that great end.

I am expecting to hear that my dear friend D. McCarthy [Fr Daniel McCarthy, Carlow parish, curate] has taken the Pledge. In anticipation of that event I have reserved a silver medal for him. Remember me most kindly to him & believe me Rvd dear sir

Yours sincerely

Theobd Mathew

Letter from Fr Theobald Mathew, Cork, to Fr James Walshe, Carlow parish, curate, regarding the progress of Total Abstinence in Carlow.