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CSO/RP/SC/1825/1

Letter from Lieutenant Robert H Archer, chief constable of police, barony of Decies without Drum, County Waterford, Clashmore, Youghal, County Cork, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, forwarding details of evidence received on four persons ‘concerned in the Riot and assault on the Police House at Clashmore’ on 6 November 1825 [not present]. He adds the magistrates who met to investigate the attack did not interview the two police constables who were present at the time, although their information is ‘corroborated by 5 disinterested witnesses’.

30 Nov 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/2

Letter from Lieutenant General Mervyn Archdall, magistrate, Castle Archdale, Lisnarick, County Fermanagh, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, stressing his resolute opposition to a call for the appointment of additional sub constables of police in the county. Indicates he received the request from the clerk of the peace for County Fermanagh [A Nixon], but regards it as ‘quite uncalled for and oppressive on a very poor Country’.

3 Jan 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/3

Unsigned letter [possibly from a local magistrate], Limerick, County Limerick, to the Chief Secretary’s Office, Dublin Castle, reporting that a police constable named Joseph Bell is presently held in the gaol of Limerick following the death of a man called Fleming in the town of Hospital, County Limerick. Observes the charge against Bell is for ‘inflicting a Bayonet wound’ on the deceased and confides the ‘case is a very bad one’. Nonetheless, he expresses his support for the constable whose past conduct has been without fault and hopes that some ‘person of weight or influence’ might be found to come to his rescue in the ensuing trial.

[1825]

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/4

Letter from an anonymous writer signed [JOP], [postmark Celbridge, County Kildare], to Colonel [?Marlow], Blakestown, Leixlip, County Kildare, warning of an impending attack on the forces of the crown and a general uprising against local Protestants. He anticipates the revolt will commence on the 19th of January or on the night of the 22nd of January 1825 and will involve a force of insurgents numbering about 700. Remarks on the central role of the Catholic priesthood in organising the attack and the influence of ‘old prophetcy [sic]’ with the rebels.

Jan 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/5

Letter from an anonymous writer marked ‘Private Information’, Cloheen [Clogheen], County Tipperary, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, calling attention to the danger of insurrection in the locality and requesting military intervention. Observes ‘every preparation is I am sorry to say making for very bad work’ and asks that a detachment of troops be sent at once to Clonmel ‘for no pleace [sic] can be worse than that town’. Advises an immediate response is required since ‘the first attack is to be made on the Church’.

1 Jan 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/6

Letter from an anonymous writer styled ‘A Solicitor’, Cork, County Cork, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, expressing his displeasure at the appointment of Noble Johnson as under sheriff in County Cork. Explains the nomination made by John Smith Barry of Macroom Castle, high sheriff of County Cork, has brought about ‘universal astonishment’ since it is perceived contrary to the provisions of the statutes of Parliament.

28 Jan 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/7

Letter from an anonymous writer styled ‘A friend to Justice’, Littleton, County Tipperary, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, raising concern over the appearance of Major Michael Lidwill as magistrate at the petty sessions of Thurles, County Tipperary. He makes reference to a report in the ‘Morning Register’ newspaper of the trial of a soldier accused of sedition and notes the [Catholic] association’s failure to mention that Lidwill, a bankrupt, was one of the officiating magistrates. Observes that Lidwill having been declared bankrupt ought not to have been acting in that capacity, 29 January 1825. Encloses a newspaper cutting with title ‘Sale of Debts’ in the matter of Lidwill, advertising an auction in the Royal Exchange, Dublin, on 24th of January 1825. Also note from Mr McKay, Four Courts, Dublin, to Alexander Mangin, clerk, Civil Department, Dublin Castle, indicating that Lidwill was suspended from magisterial service on 7 December 1822 but was later reinstated, 15 February 1825.

29 Dec 1824-15 Feb 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/8

File of material relating to the case of Thomas Payne [or Paine], a vagrant held in the gaol of County Wicklow. Includes letter from Alderman Frederick Darley and John Graves, chief magistrates, head office of police, Dublin, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, reporting on the circumstances and case of Payne. Indicates the individual in question was a past resident of Castledermot in County Kildare and was also previously confined in the prison of County Kilkenny. They reflect that no outstanding charges are recorded against his name by the police of the city of Dublin, 7 December 1824. Also includes letter from William Acton, Westaston, near Rathdrum, County Wicklow, to Goulburn, stating he awaits directions from the Lord Lieutenant with respect to Payne’s [alias Doolan] future. Remarks that since the confinement of Payne he has found no evidence to create ‘a more favourable opinion of him’, 31 January 1825.

29 Nov 1824-31 Jan 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/9

Letter from Reverend [Samuel] Adams, magistrate of counties Cavan and Monaghan, Kingscourt, County Cavan, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, reporting on the shooting of a man by a police constable [Arthur Spotten] following an affray at the fair of Kingscourt. Indicates the 4 constables on duty at the fair came under attack from persons throwing ‘stones and missiles’ and in process lost custody of a prisoner. He observes, however, the man was shot after the trouble had subsided. Remarks the constable charged with firing the shot will face trial at the next assizes of Cavan. He acknowledges the intervention of the parish priest and some local gentlemen in containing the situation and preventing further outrage or loss of life.

24 May 1825

1825

CSO/RP/SC/1825/10

Letter from William Allen, magistrate, Liscongill, County Cork, to the Chief Secretary’s Office, Dublin Castle, proposing to give evidence on the state of Ireland [likely before the select committee of the House of Commons]. Confirms he is well acquainted with the nature of recent disturbances in the surrounding district and is well placed to advise on appropriate counter measures. Explains he has extensive knowledge of grand jury cess and can make recommendations that will tend to save public funds and aid the arrest of perjury in the civil bill courts. Claims to possess a comprehensive knowledge of the counties Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

23 Apr 1825

1825