Richmond Prison, Dublin, June 30th, 1849. Thomas Francis Meagher was awaiting transportation to Van Diemen's Land later the same year and wanted to make a gesture to a friend and supporter.
His portrait had been painted earlier in the prison by the artist, Edward Hayes RHA, and lithographs of the portrait made subsequently by Brendan Lynch, of Dublin. Meagher's friend, Patrick Kirwan, brought a lithograph with him on a visit to the jail.
On it the rebel patriot wrote: "To Patrick Kirwan from Thomas Francis Meagher with the permission of this prison. Return his fortitude and warm friendship. Richmond Prison, June 30 1849."
The signed lithograph has lain in a house in Co Tipperary since that time, and its existence was only recently made known to Mr Maurice O'Keeffe, a Tralee antiques dealer. He purchased the lithograph for an undisclosed sum and believes he has come across an item of some historical interest.
Ms Niamh O'Sullivan, of the archives department at Kilmainham Gaol and a keen student of Meagher's life and times, agrees. But how could a prisoner guilty of sedition, and awaiting deportation to boot, receive friends and visitors in jail, pose for a portrait and sign lithographs with the knowledge and permission of the authorities?
Ms O'Sullivan explained that Meagher came from wealthy and influential stock and was accorded privileges not given to other prisoners.
All told, Meagher didn't have it that bad as he prepared for transportation to Van Diemen's Land and all that was to follow, including his subsequent escape to the United States and involvement in the Civil War there, journalism and politics.
There is growing interest on both sides of the Atlantic in the war and memorabilia connected with it. The roots industry has become huge in the US, and through the efforts of the St Brendan Society here Irish and American scholars are beginning to examine the dreadful conflict in a more meaningful way and in particular the role played by the thousands of Irish soldiers who lost their lives on both sides.
Meagher became a captain in K Company of the 69th New York on the Union side and was afterwards brigadier-general of the Irish Brigade. Right now, material associated with him is highly collectable, and already there is American interest in the signed lithograph. Mr O'Keeffe is reluctant to put a monetary value on the lithograph, but his hope is that it will stay in Irish hands.