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CSO/RP/1825/1191

Copy letter from William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, to Sir James Galbraith, crown solicitor for the North West Circuit, 42 North Great George’s Street, Dublin, enclosing a memorial from James Donovan and his wife Bridget Donovan [also known as Biddy Connor], crown witnesses, 131 Dorset Street, Dublin, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, seeking settlement of their claim for assisting in the prosecution of 6 criminals. Draws attention to their vital role in legal proceedings in the years 1815 and 1816 against ‘Certain Rebels and disturbers of the public peace’ and claims as their reward the sum of £300 plus a number of other monetary sums. Observes that James Donovan had a long career as a soldier but was disabled and forced to retire on a small pension allowance, 27 June; 6 July 1825. Also letter from Galbraith to Gregory, expressing his strong disinclination to offer further financial assistance to Bridget Donovan, who has previously received the help of government. Considers her application ‘very Artfully Prepared’ and observes for her past labours she was paid in full consideration of her claims. Admits her contribution in the conviction of those accused of the murder of James Kilreavy, an informer of County Longford, but resists any further release of payments on grounds her husband, an ‘idle soldier’, is inclined towards ‘Drunkenness & neglect of his wife’. As a final indulgence, however, he suggests she might be given a ‘small Donation’ and offered an opportunity to work as a servant in a penitentiary or similar public institution, 7 July 1825. Also memorandum on case [prepared by the CSO] reflecting on the demands of the claimants. Observe the couple ‘would be happy to be sent to British America [Canada]’ as a final settlement of their claim. On account of their recent appalling behaviour in the yard of Dublin Castle, however, he observes, they were despatched for confinement by the police, 11 July 1825.

27 Jun 1825-11 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1192

Petition of Thomas May, clerk, Court of Common Pleas, [Dublin], to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting appointment to the situation of general clerk in the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland, which has a salary of £500 per year. Remarks the vacancy is occasioned by the death of his late stepfather, William Thomas, and he asks to be permitted to serve as his successor in order to provide for Thomas’s family, whom, he claims, will ‘literally be left without a Bed to lie on’ in the absence of any financial support. Stresses his 16 years experience in the post of clerk working alongside Thomas, and conveys his strong opposition to a proposal by George Hill, prothonotary, to have his son appointed to the position. Complains should Hill get his way it will be a gross misuse of power and will cause a totally unsuitable person to be put into office. He requests a full investigation of the matter.

[1825]

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1193

Letter from Edward Tarlton, late sub constable of police [County Clare], Loughrea, County Galway, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, requesting appointment to a post in the police establishment in any county in Ireland except Clare. Refers to a period of earlier service in the police and his loss of position being deemed the ‘cause of a female losing her life’ while at Ennistymond [Ennistimon] in County Clare, for which he expresses deep regret. Indicates a desire to be placed in one of the police districts under command of Major George Warburton, superintendent general of police for counties Galway, Clare and Roscommon. Also reply from Goulburn to Tarlton, indicating he cannot offer any assistance in respect of obtaining the position applied for.

25 Sep 1825-29 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1194

Petition of Garrett Lynch, vintner and grocer, Killarney, County Kerry, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, seeking an order to force the magistrates of the petty sessions of Killarney [George Cashel and James Francis Bland] to investigate in court a charge of unlawful behaviour against Reverend Arthur Hyde, Church of Ireland vicar of Killarney and Kilcummin. Expresses frustration over his unsuccessful attempts to have a case brought against Hyde at the local petty sessions, and at the magistrates' apparent partiality towards the clergyman. Appends overleaf a copy of the affidavit of Lynch in which he alleges Hyde entered his business premises on 6 August and made use of abusive language and issued threats of physical harm against him, sworn before the magistrates, 30 August 1825. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, indicating that in the circumstances Hyde should be bound to keep the peace. He suggests, however, that a report on the matter should be submitted by Cashel to government, 7 September 1825. Also letter from Lynch to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, indicating no answer has been forthcoming to his complaint against the magistrates for failing to subject Hyde to the full rigours of the law. With draft reply from the CSO on back stating the Lord Lieutenant has no power to interfere in the matter but if the issue deserves further legal consideration, an application may be made to the Court of King’s Bench in Dublin, 2 October 1825.

30 Aug 1825-2 Oct 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1195

Petition of Patrick Currin [or Curran], late constable of police, Tullycreevy, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting reinstatement to the police establishment or an investigation of his dismissal. Complains he was summarily removed from his post on account of having to resort to self defense against his colleague, Robert Patterson, who became aggressive on the journey back to base at Letterbreen. Explains he was ordered by Captain Joice [Joyce], chief constable, to go in search of Patterson who was earlier given permission to visit Enniskillen to pick up his army pension; he continues he found his colleague ‘intoxicated with Liquor’ and while assisting his return to base, Patterson attacked and stabbed him ‘under the left Eye’; claims he was forced to strike him for reasons of self protection. Also second petition from Currin to Wellesley, describing the circumstances surrounding Patterson’s attack upon him and requesting a fair trial before a bench of magistrates. Insists, despite a ‘slandering report’ made by some of lower orders, that he had no alcohol taken at the time of the incident in question.

5 Sep 1823-2 Dec 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1196

Petition of Andrew Carolan, Philip McConnon, Philip Rock, William Rock, Michael Rock, John Carolan, Owen Lecky and Charles Lynch, farmers, parish of Mullagh, Killinkere, Virginia, County Cavan, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting intervention to force Reverend McMara, Church of Ireland incumbent of Mullagh, to set the rates of tithe payable on their crops. They complain their oats are harvested some 10 days since, but to date they have been unable to get information of how much is due from Reverend Edward Mahaffy, collector of tithes, despite making various applications. Lament over the potential for deterioration of their crops in the fields and stress they must make a journey of 6 miles to the place where Mahaffy resides.

1 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1197

Letter from Maria North, 39 Golden Lane, Dublin, to William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, expressing appreciation on behalf of her mother for the gift of £2 sent by Mr Hodges. Indicates her mother is unable to write in person being now ‘confined to her bed’ due to illness.

25 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1198

Letter from John Hales, burgess, Trim, County Meath, to the Chief Secretary’s Office, Dublin Castle, asking for direction over the outstanding question of having a portrieve appointed to the corporation of Trim. Recites the terms of a decree of 1672 in relation to the rules for nomination to that office; he observes that two candidates, Edward Chambers and Joseph Higgins, whose names are mentioned in connection with the post, do not qualify on grounds that neither are residents of the town. Adds in postscript that a number of eligible local burgesses are available for selection, of which he is one. Also memorandum from the CSO indicating that by determination of the Lord Lieutenant and Council [16 July 1825], Edward Elliott Chambers has been nominates to act as portrieve of Trim for the coming year.

21 Sep 1825-29 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1199

Letter from Daniel Pineau, 131 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, [registrar of the High Court of Admiralty in Ireland], to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, advancing his application for a vacancy that has occurred by the death of an uncle of William Vesey Fitzgerald, MP for County Clare. He encloses a copy of a book on the subject of the Irish tithe question [not present] and offers to provide information should an amendment to the tithe bill become necessary.

26 Sep 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/1200

Letter from George Hatchell, 36 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin, to William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, declining an offer of a clerkship in the office of civil accounts. He expresses his appreciation but explains the post offered would not be sufficient to support his family, nor would it offer any opportunity of promotion. Observes he previously held a post worth £300 per annum in the tax department, and seeks a near equivalent position in terms of status and income, 18 February 1825. Also letter from Hatchell to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, indicating some surprise that his name is not included amongst those in consideration for a post in the new valuation commission. Underlines his competence and good qualities for holding such a post, but admits elevation to any lesser situation would be a source of ‘severe disappointment’ to him. Emphasises his confidence in the word of the Chief Secretary and hopes for appointment to a suitable position such as that of a county clerk of the crown in the Connaught circuit, 20 September 1825. [See also descriptions CSO/RP/1824/1420 and CSO/RP/1825/1119].

18 Feb 1825-20 Sep 1825

1825