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CSO/RP/1825/1561

Petition of Reverend Matthew Corbett, parish priest, Kilrush, County Clare, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, complaining of the conduct of Reverend James Martin, Church of Ireland rector of Kilmurry and magistrate of the barony of Clonderalaw, in connection with a fabricated prosecution taken against him and others. Explains that while in the village of Kilkee [on the night of 4th July] with his curate Reverend William Honan and Thomas Keenan, surgeon, their company ‘was suddenly invaded by a Drunken man of notorious riotous and disorderly character’ named John Kennedy. Claims they ejected Kennedy with a minimum of physical force, but he was later prevailed upon by Martin and Major O’Hara to swear he had been subjected to assault and personal injury. Alleges Martin took the information of Kennedy while the latter was in a state of intoxication and in unity with O’Hara, who supplied a financial incentive, urged him to continue the prosecution. Laments this contrived action saw ‘foul and scandalous Libels’ appear in the newspapers, but it transpired at the hearing before the grand jury at Kilrush on the 19th October, that Kennedy was not prepared to prosecute, insisting he had been forced to press charges. Asks for an investigation of the incident and for redress against the wrong done his character.

2 Nov 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1562

Petition of Luke Godfrey, former major, 61st regiment of foot, 32 Molesworth Street, Dublin, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting a situation of employment under government in Dublin with a salary of £50 or £60 per year. Claims to have served near 30 years in a military capacity, was ‘wounded in action’ and accompanied the Duke of Wellington [Arthur Wellesley] in ‘all the Glorious Campaigns’ fought in support of the crown. He states he is second son of the late Sir William Godfrey of Bushfield, County Kerry, and is a brother to Sir John Godfrey of Kilcolman Castle in County Kerry.

1 Oct 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1563

Letter from Dennis Sampson, clerk of the crown for County Clare, Crown Office, Ennis, County Clare, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, reporting on an application from Thomas Ryan of County Clare for redress over a false decree taken against him and subsequent loss of livestock. Observes that a search of records has taken place and there is no statement of information from Ryan for the dates referred to by him; however, a recognizance from one of the alleged conspirators [Patrick Molony] was returned at the spring assizes, but being unsubstantiated, no further action was taken. Advises that Ryan’s complaint could only be considered within the context of an ‘appeal to the Civil Bill Decree or a Civil action’. Returns memorial from Ryan, labourer, Carrigar [Carrowgar], parish of Ogonnelloe, barony of Tulla Lower, County Clare, to Goulburn, complaining he is victim of a false decree for an alleged debt brought at the quarter sessions of Ennis by Michael Slattery, farmer, of Ahanish [Aughinish]. Laments his only cow and calf were confiscated and sold, and he and family are now without proper nourishment. Alleges that Slattery was aided in this fabrication by his brother-in-law, Molony, a man ‘Guilty of wilful and Corrupt perjury’. Indicates an investigation of the matter was made before the magistrates but without offering any redress or remedy.

c3 Oct 1825-31 Oct 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1564

Petition of Peter Mahon, Gort, County Galway, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting appointment to a situation in the police establishment of County Meath. Stresses his fitness to act as one of 72 constables to be raised for duties in that county following a determination by the magistrates on 26th of October last. Indicates he is connected to a ‘once wealthy, but now reduced class of gentry’ and his family are torn apart by ‘an unlucky, protracted law suit’. Appeals to government to rescue him from ‘the protracted misery of the half-starvation which he daily endures’.

3 Nov 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1565

Petition of William Armstrong, police constable, King’s County [County Offaly], to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, seeking reimbursement of expenses associated with the apprehension of various offenders. Encloses a tabular list with column headings: ‘Names’, ‘Crimes’, ‘When Apprehended’ and ‘Expenditures’. Notes beneath that he was employed on this special duty by magistrates of different counties and the expenses accrued are chiefly for travelling costs.

[1825]

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1566

File of material relating to a request for removal of the quarter sessions from Newtownbutler to Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh. Includes memorial from the magistrates and inhabitants of County Fermanagh, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting removal of the quarter sessions from Newtownbutler to Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh. The observe the former place is located in the extreme south of the county and is in ‘in a very ruinous and dilapidated state’; neither does it provided adequate accommodation and is costly to keep in repair. In such circumstances, they stress, the town of Lisnaskea is the ‘most central and most convenient situation’ for holding court sessions; they advise a new court house should be constructed there for the use of that division. Signed by John Creighton, 2nd Baron Erne, and c264 other individuals, c15 November 1825. Also includes memorial from the inhabitants of Newtownbutler to Wellesley, stressing the many advantages of their town for conducting court business and urging a rejection of the application in favour of Lisnaskea. They claim they possess ‘a much larger and better town than Lisnaskea, having a market and monthly fair’; furthermore, they remark it ‘is the quarters for the chief constable and Baronial police, and also a party of Revenue police’ reside there. Unlike Lisnaskea, it affords suitable and ample accommodation for those attending sessions, having a new inn and 8 public houses. Overall, they remark, Newtownbutler is much better located town within the division and it boasts ‘a large and commodious Court House’ in which to carry on legal transactions. Signed by Charles D Madden, magistrate, and c283 other individuals, December 1825. Also copy letter from William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, stating he has spoken with Edward Scott, assistant barrister for County Fermanagh, on the relative merits of the two claimants for quarter sessions but the assistant barrister is undecided. Asks if it would be worth placing the matter before the [county] grand jury for determination. With response written on base by Goulburn observing that upon enquiry there is not ‘adequate reason’ for moving the sessions to Lisnaskea, 8 February 1826. [Contains list of names not given in this description.]

15 Nov 1825-14 Feb 1826

1826

CSO/RP/1825/1567

Petition of PJ McDonnell, Cong, County Mayo, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, seeking a measure of relief from government. Complains of ‘Labouring under Great Distress’ and being in need of food and sustenance. Refers to his ‘Exertions’ in support of government for a period of years [likely in a military capacity] and seeks compensation for same. [Contains list of names not given in this description.]

13 Nov 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1568

Letter from Susanna [Free], Edenderry, King’s County [County Offaly], to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, asking for a advance of £100 of her pension as a bolster against want and distress. Reveals she and her daughter-in-law are living at present in the accommodation of her son, a curate. His total income is £40 per annum and after rent is paid just £23 remains for other necessities. Stresses their need is great ‘with the severities of winter before us’. With draft reply overleaf from CSO stating that the requested indulgence cannot be complied with.

4 Oct 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1569

Petition of Jeremiah McCarthy, Newcastle, County Limerick, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting appointment to a situation in the police establishment of County Meath. Makes reference to earlier memorials to government, sent in 1822 and 1824, one of which was signed by 13 magistrates of County Limerick. Stresses his loyalty and fitness to serve being just 35 years old and ‘a good Clerk’ with past experience in the grocery and spirit trade. He detects some degree of partiality in the behaviour of Thomas Philip Vokes, police magistrate of County Limerick, to whom he made application for a post in the police; presumes his ‘motive’ for not offering him employment is linked to his own adherence to the Roman Catholic faith. Also comments on some persons [constables] who were tried for misconduct but readmitted later to the force and permitted to continue in Newcastle.

[1825]

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1570

Petition of Jeremiah O’Meara, sub constable of baronial police, Tarbert, County Kerry, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, repeating his request for promotion to a situation with greater salary. Recalls an earlier memorial in which he made reference to his own extensive service in support of the crown and also that of his father in the yeomanry of Kenmare. Affirms he enjoys the support of the leading magistrates of County Kerry. [See also description CSO/RP/1825/1531].

11 Nov 1825

1825