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CSO/RP/SC/1825/441

Letter from Reverend Annesley Strean, magistrate and Church of Ireland clergyman, Glebe House, Athlone, County Westmeath, to Alexander Mangin, clerk, Civil Department, Dublin Castle, reporting on the abduction of a woman by three soldiers in the town of Athlone and seeking assistance with the legal pursuit of the perpetrators. He points out the woman at the centre of the scandal has not the means to take a suit of law against those who carried out the crime, and requests the opinion of the law advisors of the crown on the matter. Should those responsible be permitted to escape punishment, he observes, there will be ‘no safety for any female in this place’. He asks that communication on the matter be directed to the crown lawyers of County Roscommon, and to Eneas Magrath, attorney, ‘who is preparing a Brief’.

12 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/442

Letter from Sir John Stewart, [magistrate], Fort Stewart [Fortstewart], County Donegal, to William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, reporting on an occurrence of public disorder in the town of Buncrana ‘between some of the Revenue Police of the Barony of Ennishowen and some peasants’. In the event, he remarks, ‘very serious consequences’ were averted by the judicious intervention of Dr Evans. Responsibility for this disruption of the peace, he asserts, lies with the commander of the police [Lieutenant Laird] for allowing his men to march without the company of an officer, while a number were in a state of intoxication.

13 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/443

Letter from William Stewart, [magistrate], Horn Head, near Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, recalling his remonstrance with members of the constabulary and revenue police of the town of Dunfanaghy to discontinue their promotion of the orange order. States on the 11th of July he encountered Sergeant Allen of the constabulary police with ‘a bunch of Orange Lilies in each hand’ and warned him of the imprudence of his behaviour. Later, he remarks information reached him of orange lilies being on display in the window of the constabulary barracks, and on proceeding there he found Allen most reluctant to cooperate; likewise, he found some of the officers of the revenue inclined to question his authority over the removal of orange emblems, 16 July 1825. Also letter from Alexander Robert Stewart, Ards, Dunfanaghy, to the Chief Secretary’s Office, Dublin Castle, reflecting on the threat to public order represented by the display of orange lilies in the police barracks, 16 July 1825. Encloses statements on the matter from Reverend David Irwin and James O’Donnell, both of Dunfanaghy, emphasising the danger of a backlash from the Roman Catholic party of that neighbourhood on account of the flowers, 14 July 1825. Also draft reply from the CSO addressed to Alexander Robert Stewart requesting an investigation of the conduct of the police at Dunfanaghy.

14 Jul 1825-16 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/444

Letter from James Stewart, magistrate of County Donegal, Derry [Londonderry], County Londonderry, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, offering reflections on objections to police constables by certain local gentlemen. He remarks upon the ‘Inconsistency’ of these gentlemen who object to some constables on grounds of age, officers whom in his own opinion, are amongst the ‘steadiest’ and ‘best men of the establishment’. Offer his opinion as to the calibre of men who should serve in the police constabulary and warns of the influence of ‘trifling cabals’ in the matter.

20 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/445

Letter from Sir Hugh Stewart, [magistrate], Green Hill, [Greenhill], County Donegal, to William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, stressing the industry of local magistrates and ‘respectable members of the society’ in preventing a public procession of the orange order in the district on the 12th of July. He concedes, however that a display of a ‘partial’ nature took place, but this passed off without incident.

23 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/446

Letter from Robert Henry Southwell, magistrate, Castle Hamilton, Killashandra, County Cavan, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, seeking the advise of government on what steps may be taken by local magistrates to suppress public processions as is consistent with the terms of the Unlawful Societies [Ireland] Act. The gatherings to which he calls attention, he states, are those primarily attended by very large numbers of the Roman Catholics denomination; in attire, he observes, they are frequently seen carrying ‘white wands’ and have hats decorated with ‘white papers’ or linen bands [Ribbonmen]. For the benefit of himself and his fellows, he wishes to have a clarification of how the statutes of the land should be applied to curtail the activities of such associations. Under law, he further enquires, do the magistrates have power to prevent orangemen or freemasons from ‘walking in procession’ to funeral or church services, or on such occasions as the 5th of November [the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot].

28 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/447

Letter from Reverend Annesley Strean, magistrate and Church of Ireland clergyman, Glebe House, Athlone, County Westmeath, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, reflecting on the need for an increase in the constabulary in the barony of Rathconrath. Such an initiative, in his view, would hinder the easy communication of those with criminal intent along the intersection of counties Longford and Westmeath. He comments on the distribution of police manpower across the different baronies, but stresses the need for officers to be deployed in places where the need for law enforcement is greatest. Encloses a copy of the resolutions of the magistrates of County Roscommon assembled at Ballymore petty sessions, requesting the establishment of a police station at Collinstown in County Westmeath; signed by William Devenish Meares and three other magistrates. [See also description CSO/RP/SC/1825/351]. [Contains list of names not given in this description]

5 Aug 1825-6 Aug 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/448

Letter from [Sir] Hugh Stewart, [magistrate of County Donegal], 16 Dominick Street, Dublin, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, sending a copy deputation [not present] for John Stewart, who, he confirms ‘is highly qualified in all respects’ to serve [as deputy] in the office of the Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer [in the Court of Exchequer, Dublin]. He asks that the Lord Lieutenant give his sanction to same. He also explains that himself and his brother who are due to succeed to the office of Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer [following the death of Richard Hely Hutchinson, 1st Earl of Donoughmore] and an appointment to be sworn into office has been agreed with Baron James McClelland, the Irish circuit judge. [See also description CSO/RP/1825/1139].

3 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/449

Letter from Henry Smyth, Mount Henry, Portarlington [Cooletoodera], Queen’s County [County Laois; Leix], to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, reflecting upon efforts to placate the deepening divisions between those of the Roman Catholic and orange parties in the town of Mountmellick. Encloses a copy of the resolutions of the magistrates assembled at Mountmellick calling upon the Protestant inhabitants of that place to abstain from engaging in orange processions, as such displays ‘are productive of great and perpetual irritation’ to those of the Catholic faith and also tend ‘to injure the trade and prosperity’ of the town. In point of law, they caution, such ‘processions are illegal’ and they emphasise their determination to prevent such gatherings taking place; signed by Smyth and 9 other magistrates. Also encloses copy of the resolutions of the ‘respectable inhabitants’, manufacturers and tradesmen of Mountmellick stating their willingness to comply with the recommendations of the magistrates. They stress their resolve ‘not to give employment hereafter to any person, or persons, who shall presume to act contrary to the Law’ by offering insult or abuse to those of the opposite denomination; signed by James Pim & sons [brewers], plus 27 other persons. Also draft reply from the CSO acknowledging letter and expressing a hope that the recommendations of the magistrates of Mountmellick will bring about ‘a restoration of harmony’ in that quarter. As to the presence of orange flags in that town, it is advised that force be not deployed to have them taken down. [See also descriptions CSO/RP/SC/1825/276 and CSO/RP/SC/1825/319]. [Contains list of names not given in this description]

3 Sep 1825-4 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/450

Letter from Henry Smyth, Mount Henry, Portarlington [Cooletoodera], Queen’s County [County Laois; Leix], to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, reflecting upon proposals to bring reconciliation to those of opposite religious views in the town of Mountmellick. He remarks the previous resolutions of the magistrates have not been complied with ‘altogether’ and that business and commerce is ‘still interrupted’. Also confirms the magistrates have ordered the circulation of a communication from government strongly advocating the removal of the offending flags. If the people continue to ‘prove obstinate’, he suggests, an augmentation in the police constabulary should be made or ‘a military detachment’ established there. Encloses a copy of the resolutions of the magistrates assembled at Mountmellick expressing their regret that ‘a spirit of dissension’ remains in the town. They advocate a cessation of behaviour that tends to promote religious hostility, the removal of orange flags in the town, and advises those of the Catholic persuasion against ‘exclusive dealings’ in business; signed by Smyth and 8 other magistrates. [See also description CSO/RP/SC/1825/449]. [Contains list of names not given in this description]

12 Sep 1825

1825