FILE 32/4 MURRAY 1848 ORDINAR Y 1 Note stating: For letters 1846 to 1848 re dispute over the boundaries of Balbriggan and Skerries parishes see "Diocesan" Murray. 1848. 2 Enclosed in preceding: Letter, ten pages long, to Murray from Fr Boyle, P.P., Skerries. Because of pressure of work over the Christmas season he could not, until now, avail of Murray's kind offer to submit his appeal against the decision of the Council on the report of the referees on the dispute between himself and Fr Smyth, Balbriggan, re their parish boundaries. (1) He objects to Fr Smyth's examination and cross-examination of witnesses; writer was absent through illness and instead of the referees conducting the enquiry, Fr Smyth took over completely and sent in reports favourable to his own case. (2) The referees did not submit a conjoint report. (3) He now submits his own case based on parochial documents dating from 1770. (4) Proof from the negotiations that went on between the landlord J. H. Hamilton and the builders of the Drogheda Rail Road and other matters concerning parish lands. (5) He encloses seven letters (copies) from parishioners proving his case (statements re their holdings being regarded as in Skerries parish). (6) All the oldest parishioners and former curates whom he 61 - names agree with writer. In a footnote he is surprised that a certain person was allowed to give evidence in favour of Fr Smyth. The writer would be sorry to consort with this person and wonders at Fr Smyth having done so. 7 Jan. 1848. 3 Enclosed with the two preceding. Same to same. He expected to be called to a meeting of the Council in regard to the disputed parish boundaries. Not having received any notice he now submits his case to Murray with a map showing the house and holdings claimed by Fr Smyth, Balbriggan as in his parish. He has 40 witnesses prepared to be sworn on the facts of the case. He thinks Fr Smyth's conduct "turpis lucri gratia" and rather devious. Dec. 1846/1848. (He encloses copies of parishioners' statements.) 4 T. Reddington, Dublin Castle, to Murray. Fr Lyons, Chaplain to the Richmond Convict Depot, has died and the Lord Lieutenant requests Murray to name a priest to take his place. 17 Jan. 1848. 5 Same to same. The Lord Lieutenant approves of the appointment of Fr Jeremiah Clarke as chaplain to Richmond Convict Depot, as recommended by Murray in place of Fr Lyons. 21 Jan. 1848. G Fr Patrick Kelly, Killaloe Diocese (staying in Dublin at time of writing) to Murray. He called three times but did not see Murray. He asks permission to celebrate Mass while in Dublin; his Bishop, Dr Kennedy, can be referred to for character. He sends the usual document for Murray's signature. 25 Jan. 1848. 7 Sr M. Joseph Teresa in Darlington Carmel, to Murray, She heard that Mr Galway has died and asks Murray to use his influence in having her nephew, Francis Grace, appointed to the agency, for which he has the necessary qualifications and talent. All the Scully family and other first cousins would be pained to have a stranger appointed before him. The painting Ecce Homo, which Murray sent her, is treasured by the Community. 29 Jan. 1848. 8 Bill from Caracas on Colonial Bank London to pay Murray £78.5.11. 3 Feb. 1848. 9 John English, Kingston Square, Bath, to Murray. Following Murray's letter received he has directed Messrs Coutts, to transfer £700 stock into Murray's name. He will forward the usual form of Legacy Receipt for Murray's signature when the transfer is completed. 1 Mar. 1848. 62 10 Letter from the Oratorians of St Philip Neri (writing through Secretary, Richard Stanton) to Murray, sending a copy of their Brief Institution, also the Pope's letter stating that the Society has now been founded in Birmingham from which foundation it is hoped that it will spread, as it has already done in European countries. 7 Mar. 1848. 11 G/H. O'Brenan Clarke, Inspector of National Schools, to Murray. He protests at his summary dismissal from his post of Superintendent of N. Schools, which he held for nine years. He was dismissed by the Education Board solely because of one sentence in a letter of remonstrance written by him, given no trial nor no chance to defend himself and was given no compensation for what he regards as unjust treatment. He asks Murray, one of the Commissioners of National Education, to obtain compensation for him. He encloses a copy of the letter referred to, with the sentence which caused his dismissal, also the dismissal notice from the Board, the letter dated 27 September 1847. 9 Mar. 1848. 12 Letter from a nun (signature not clear) Presentation Convent, Galway, to Murray. She thanks Murray for £5 sent. Dr Cahill's charity sermon for breakfasts for poor children realised £50, a sum very welcome these times and especially because of the tactics of proselytisers. They have 600 in their school and the workhouses of Connaught are all supplied with teachers from Rahoon N. School. She asks Murray to advise her what to do about a Protestant girl in the senior class who insists on remaining when the writer is giving religious instruction. 21 Mar. 1848. 13 T. Reddington, Dublin Castle, to Murray. The Hyderabad; a male convict ship, will sail in about six weeks and a chaplain is required: terms £100 p.a. during the voyage, a gratuity of £50 and a free passage home if desired. 7 Mar. 1848. 14 Fr Henry O'Shea (in lodgings in D'Olier St.) to Murray. He will go to the convent tomorrow, having notified the Prioress and Mr O'Rourke. Dean Hamilton asked him to take charge of celebrating two Masses and giving religious instruction in the room attached to the church of St Laurence. He declined, since the post was only temporary, but if Murray thinks he should accept, he will do so. 18 Apr 1848. 15 Mr Whitton (?), 13 Mountjoy Square South, to Murray. At a meeting of the Commissioners of Mountjoy Square Murray was unanimously elected a Commissioner. 1 May 1848. 63 16 Portion of a letter from Thos. Hempenstall to Murray. (The writer may be from New Ross or Wexford, according to names quoted — or Kilkenny). A query re Bills posted from Port Laoise, 24 May date, value £1,100. The writer urges Murray to get Dr Collier (?) to forward the post-dated bills. (Not quite clear because of missing portion). May 1848. 17 Notice from the North American Colonial Association of Ireland to Murray re payments due before 15 July 1848. 5 June 1848 (Written from London). 18 Letter from St Griffin, Charity Convent, Oranmore, to Murray, thanking him for £15 sent. 7June 1848. 19 Kate Duffy, Longford, to Murray. She gave Dr Higgins (Bishop of Ardagh) a receipt for £600 sent to Murray. When he receives it she hopes he will lodge that amount in the Bank of Ireland to her account. She will require the remaining £400 (from Mrs Ball?) within twelve months or two years. She complains about the manner in which Mrs Ball sent receipts, one "on common paper" another "given on one eightpenny stamp", (cf. File 32/2: 84, 85, 94, 95.) 10 June 1848. 20 Fr Martin Browne, P.P., Balla, to Murray. Re the building of the new convent of the Presentation nuns, Tuam. After discussing some matters leases, deeds etc - in connection with this, he says that because of the present distress in Tuam the money to be used building the convent should be used to relieve the needy. 30 June 1848. 21 Fr Grant, P.P., Wicklow, to Murray. Murray asked Fr Grant to report on activities of emissaries from Dublin who were in Wicklow trying to get the clergy to establish political clubs. As regards Fr Grant's views and opinions are well known on this matter. Even in O'Connell's time had not allowed the most respected persons to address the public on Sundays. None of the clergy in the deanery would meddle in politics, except two curates, who have some eccentric views on politics; both are excellent priests, however, and he does not think that they can exert any political influence. It is true that all the people look on Repeal of the Union as the only remedy for their present misery, but they will not resort to any illegal act to redress their grievances. He hopes "that God will inspire the rulers to do justice to this unfortunate country." 2 July 1848. 64 22 Letter to Murray from another parish priest, signature illegible, address (Grange?). Similar to preceding. No one has attempted to organise political clubs in his area and if such were attempted the priests would all speak out against it. 2 July 1 848. 23 Fr Roche, Bray, to Murray (on same subject as the two preceding). It is true that persons seeking to establish political clubs were active in Wicklow; he does not know what success they had. At the priests' conference yesterday all present said they would not be mixed up in political clubs but three would not stop their people from forming them. The question of a league between the two parties now active was not discussed. 5 July 1 848. 24 Fr Grant, P.P. Wicklow, to Murray. He regrets to have to tell Murray that he was deceived about the political clubs, (cf. 21 above). He has now discovered that persons were around Wicklow trying to organise these and to his surprise Fr Clarke, Roundwood, allowed them to address his people.