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CSO/RP/1825/501

Petition of the burgesses, freemen and householders of the borough of Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, complaining of the deterioration of rights vested in their corporation charter and the decline of the powers exercised by the court's leet under it, and requesting an investigation. Alleges that corruption and abuse have taken hold in the borough and rights previously enjoyed by them have been assumed by an attorney, ‘a person of some notoriety’. Stresses the value of courts sittings but observes that petty sessions courts have now become established as a substitute. Adds that no formal election are held, and that juries are now commonly made up of the acquaintances of the individual presuming to be provost. In view of such circumstances, they conclude, the courts leet should be ‘either reformed or abolished’, signed by William Marshall [minister and magistrate] and 15 others. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating the Lord Lieutenant ‘has no power whatever in this case’.

23 Apr 1825-11 May 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/541

Letter from Sir Edward Stanley, local inspector of Newgate prison, Harcourt Street, Dublin, to William Gregory, Under Secretary, Dublin Castle, acknowledging Gregory’s letter respecting provision of clothing to convicts. States it was presented to the grand jury, who, have taken the benefit of legal counsel on the matter. Observes the magistrates do not consider themselves bound to offer material assistance to convicts but may have little choice due to plans ‘making for the more rapid removal of transports [sic] to the Hulk’. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, advising that fresh clothing should be given to each convict prisoner prior to departure for transportation. In accordance with the relevant act, reimbursement for this cost is to be provided to the local inspector by the collector of excise.

11 May 1825-13 May 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/618

Petition of the inhabitants of the parish of Kilmore, County Roscommon, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting an investigation of the conduct of Arthur Ahmuty, magistrate, [Kilmore House, County Roscommon], whom they claim issued unlawful warrants in April 1824 at the request of James Reynolds, publican, of Clogher. Complains that Reynolds failed to give proper notice of his intended proceedings to recover arrears of money allegedly for the supply of porter and for ‘spirits illicitly obtained’. Stresses their losses as a result of Reynolds’ legal action: ‘their goods sold, cattle impounded and such like aggressions’. Signed and marked by Charles Hogg, Andrew McGuire and James Dillon. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating in view of the period of time that has passed since the alleged act of injustice took place, the request is undeserving of consideration.

28 Jun 1825-30 Jun 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/643

Petition of John Alcock, late police constable, barony of Fassadinin, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, to the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland [John Toler, Lord Norbury] and the grand jury of County Kilkenny, seeking interference over his exclusion from payment of a pension under the act of the 55th of George III. Claims the grand jury granted him superannuation at the assizes of 1822 but due to ‘Some Mistake’ in that order he was deprived of his pension income. Remarks he is now 68 years old and in poor health, and notes his career in the police constabulary has spanned 24 years in total. Application attested by Somerset Richard Butler, 3rd Earl of Carrick, and recommended by the grand jury of County Kilkenny to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant. Also second petition from Alcock to the Lord Chief Justice and the grand jury of County Kilkenny, reiterating his call for issue of pension allowance, signed by Reverend Hans Caulfield and [?William] Butler Clarke, foreman of grand jury, plus 2 others. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating that the applicant is entitle to the sum of £13 6s 8d per annum.

17 Aug 1824-3 Mar 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/644

Petition of Francis Edwards, late police constable, County Kilkenny, to Richard Wellesley, 1st marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting extension of superannuation allowance in accordance with the provisions of the act of the 55th of George III, chapter 3, section 156. Admits having reached the age of 60 years and given active service for a period of 27 years, he is no longer to fulfil ordinary police duties. With recommendation in favour of Edwards beneath from the grand jury of County Kilkenny to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, signed by [?William] Butler Clarke, foreman of grand jury. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating that the applicant is entitle to the sum of £13 6s 8d per annum. [Contains list of names not given in this description.]

cJul 1824-3 Mar 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/645

Printed petition [with blank section filled out in longhand] of Edward Thornton, late baronial constable, County Westmeath, to Richard Wellesley, 1st marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting extension of superannuation allowance. States he was appointed to office at the summer assizes of 1795, is now 70 years of age, and has served for a period of 29 years. With certificate beneath from the grand jury of County Westmeath to Wellesley recommending payment of £8 per annum to Thornton, signed by Thomas Pakenham, 2nd earl Longford, foreman of grand jury, Mullingar, County Westmeath. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating that the applicant is entitle to two thirds of his regular salary. Also similar petitions from Robert Chapman, William Wilson and Thomas Haughton, all retired baronial constables of County Westmeath.

Aug1824-1 Sep 1824

1824

CSO/RP/1825/647

Petition of John Fury, late police sub constable, barony of Rathconrath, Ballymore, County Westmeath, to Richard Wellesley, 1st marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting a pension or superannuation allowance. States he is now 65 years of age and has served in the constabulary for a period of 18 years. Claims he fell victim to a serious illness in 1815 [which appeared so severe that his wife called for the local Roman Catholic priest] after which his salary was discontinued. Also refers to the continued health repercussions of a gun shot wound to his foot received in the year 1798. Also certificate stating that Fury did his duty ‘Faithfully and Diligently’, signed by T Metcalf, [magistrate of Ballymore]. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating the applicant has ‘No recommendation from the Grand Jury'.

31 Jul 1824-6 Aug 1824

1824

CSO/RP/1825/691

Petition of the landholders of Flaskagh Beg, parish of Dunmore, County Galway, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, complaining of a decision by the assizes of County Galway to attach 49 acres of public cess land to the townland of Flaskagh Beg, and requesting an investigation. Alleges the recent imposition is the result of a dispute between the landholders of Flaskagh Beg and the landlord of Flaskagh More and calls for their case to be brought before the foreman of the grand jury at Galway. The truth will be fully established, they assert, if the property at issue is examined in light of the ‘ancient record’. Signed by James Mullarky and 11 other individuals. With note on back from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stating this matter must be taken before the judge of the assizes, since the Lord Lieutenant has no power to interfere.

4 Jul 1825-9 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/768

3 letters from Joseph Thomas Higgins, Trim, County Meath, to William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, expressing concern over the validity of a late election which saw Edward Elliot Chambers nominated as the Portrive of the corporation of Trim. Makes reference to a memorial to be presented from the burgesses of Trim to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, in opposition to the election and asking the Lord Lieutenant to withhold his approval. Also mentions having the opinion of Mr [Francis] Blackburne [KC and judge], on the matter at issue. With note on back of final letter from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stressing the law does not invest the Lord Lieutenant with powers to infringe on the jurisdiction of the corporation of Trim but is intended to ensure ‘no improper or disloyal person shall hold a corporate office’.

1 Jul 1825-9 Jul 1825

1825

CSO/RP/1825/832

Petition of the ‘respectable inhabitants’ of the town of Wexford, County Wexford, to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, requesting issue of a patent for a theatre in the town. Observes the town is experiencing ‘increasing prosperity’ and stands in need of ‘some place of public Amusement’. Asserts that subscriptions have been raised for the venture in hope of attracting the ‘best performers’ to Wexford. Signed by William Clifford and 11 others. Also letter from Robert Hughes, mayor of Wexford, to Henry Goulburn, Chief Secretary, Dublin Castle, expressing reservations over the application and plan to establish a theatre in the town. Observes the scheme in contemplation ‘may hereafter be prejudicial to the good order & peace of the town & its neighbourhood’ and indicates he has sent a communication to the Marquis of Ely [Sir Charles Loftus] on the matter. With annotation on back of final letter from John Sealy Townsend, King’s Counsel and legal advisor to the Chief Secretary’s Office, stressing the law [as to granting of patents] relates specifically to the city of Dublin but if a local magistrate suspects a meeting is been convened for improper purposes he may cite the riot act. [Contains list of names not given in this description.]

22 Jun 1825-26 Jul 1825

1825