SOLD Hammer price €190
Expenses of a Kilkenny Election, 1825 – 26Manuscript: A small notebook containing 8pp of expenses for the election for the city and County of Kilkenny from 1 July 1825 to 15 November 1826, with some later notes. Includes a copy letter: “Sir, Mr. Butler Clarke wishes that you should be engaged to act for him at the next election for the county of Kilkenny and I therefore send you enclosed a retaining fee for that purpose.” The expenses are on the whole mundane, apart from the first entry, for an entertainment for the freeholders which included illuminations, candles, cannon, gunpowder, turf for a bonfire, fireworks, and “1/2 a barrel of ale for Police.”* The Hon. Charles Butler-Clarke of Castlecomer, a younger son of the 17th Earl of Ormond and of Lady Susan Wandesford, had represented either Kilkenny city or county since 1802. He was moderately in favour of catholic emancipation but opposed to the radicalism of Daniel O’Connell’s Catholic Association. In the hard-fought campaign of 1826 his supporters were subjected to much abuse by the Association, but he easily topped the poll. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €300
Lease of Lands in Glasnevin, with Map, 1820Manuscript: An Indenture on vellum (2 skins) dated 3 May 1826 between (1) the Incorporated Society in Dublin for Promoting English Protestant Schools in Ireland and (2) James O’Neill of Great Britain St., Dublin, paper stainer.Lease of the lands of Clonmell in the parish of Glasnevin containing 55.2.0 A.R.P. 31 years at a rent of ?277.10.0.MS map on first skin, drawn by W. Marshall, 1820, blind stamp of the Society. Signed by Charles (Brodrick Archbishop of] Cashel, Vice-President.This Society was established by act of parliament in 1733 “to rescue the souls of thousands of poor [Catholic] children from the dangers of Popish superstition and idolatry, and their bodies from the miseries of idleness and beggary.” Some forty “charter schools” were set up. However, despite the doubtless benevolent intentions of the bounders, these schools were viewed with suspicion by Catholics and neglected by Protestants, the unfortunate pupils being kept in atrocious conditions; the system eventually petered out in the mid-19th Century. V. Good. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €70
Seventeenth-Century Bond, 1673Manuscript: Document dated 29 September 1673 in which Ralph Pennefather of Datchworth in Hertfortshire undertakes to pay ?932 to Edmund Knight of Marden in the parish of Tewinge in the same county. The purpose of the bond is to guarantee that he will observe the terms of an agreement between them of same date.On vellum, in Latin and English, 12.5cms x 23cms. Signatures of Ralph Pennefather and three witnesses. As a m/ss, w.a.f.* Bonds such as this were normal in transactions between even quite small farmers at this period. It presumably formed part of a series of documents regarding the leasing, sale or mortgage of a tract of land, and guaranteed that the grantor would get his money. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €640
The Family Letters of Two Irish Internee Brothers, 1921Manuscripts: An interesting Archive approx. 50 items, mainly letters written in 1921 by members of the Delany family of “Failte,” 6 Ardbugh Terrace, Dalkey, Co. Dublin.In 1921 the eldest of the Delany family, Willie (aged 23) was working in the Hibernian Bank, Navan. His sister Lizzie (22) lived at home with her widowed father. In May 1921 their brother Paddy (21) was arrested and interned for republican activities, first in Arbour Hill Prison and then in Rath Camp at the Curragh; he was released in December and apparently played no further part in the independence struggle. The youngest in the family, Fintan (aged seventeen and still at school), was arrested in May 1921 and detained in Arbour Hill.The letters between the siblings provide a fascinating example of the life of republican internees (there is talk of attempted escapes from the Curragh) and the effect of their arrest on their family. Lizzie was especially concerned that her brothers would want for nothing she could bring them – Paddy even has to ask her to stop brining him treats as it damages his self-image of martyrodom. As m/ss., w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €750
Archbishop Whately of Dublin on the Great FamineManuscript: A good three page letter, dated 19 October [18]45 from Dr. Richard Whately Archbishop of Dublin to an unidentified correspondent, with a later typed summary.Whately, an enlightened and liberal bishop, was deeply concerned for the relief of poverty in Ireland. In this letter he laments the destitution of the rural poor – ‘it is not one in 500 that has either sieve, rasp, or tub!’ The potato blight had already hit Ireland the previous month, and although the worst was yet to come Whately was in no doubt as to the severity of the tragedy: ‘I apprehend a dire mortality,’ he writes. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)* An important letter, bearing on the attitude of a key figure in the Church Ireland a t the start of the most terrible years in our history.
SOLD Hammer price €950
Important Letter from the future Duke of WellingtonManuscript: Letter dated at Dublin Castle, 28 May 1807, from Sir Arthur Wellesley to an unidentified correspondent addressed as “my deal Lord.” 7pp, 24cms x 18.5cms, faded and damp damaged.In March 1807 a new government was formed under the Duke of Portland and Wellesley was appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland, ie., the cabinet minister with responsibility for Irish Affairs. A month later, a general election was called, which was in full swing at the time this letter was written (voting ended on 9 June). Wellesley comments on the progress of the election in several counties. At this time, political parties were expected to reward their supports with lucrative posts in the administration, and Wellesley makes several recommendations, while commenting acidly on the delay in getting the Treasury to send money. The patronage system was universal, but even Wellesley was shocked to report that “Lord Sligo” has pressed upon us the most indecent simoniacal arrangement in respect of the Deanery of Limerick that I ever heard of.” An important letter. As a m/ss, w.a.f.A telling insight into the way Ireland was governed two centuries ago. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €320
Letter from the Duke of Ormond, 1711When Lord Lieutenant of IrelandManuscript: An important letter signed ‘Ormonde,’ and wirtten from Kilkenny [Castle] on 5 September 1711 (the year is confirmed by the endorsement). He states…’am glad to find by it that the powder ship is arrived.’ ….’I cannot very well guess at their pretence for rising.’ With a photocopy of same. As a m/ss, w.a.f.James, 2nd Duke of Ormonde, was in his second term as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Though personally popular, he had neither the forcefulness nor the ability needed for the post, and his period in office was full of troubles – as this brief and rather enigmatic letter suggests. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €240
With “Wanted” Notice for the Duke of OrmondPeriodical: “Harding’s Dublin Impartial News Letter,” No. 113, Jan. 20, 1718 – 19, containing a proclamation by the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland commanding all officers of the Crown to search for James Duke of Ormond and authorising the payment of ?10,000 for his capture. A single sheet, printed front and back, approx. 30cms x 18.5cms (12″ x 7 1/4″).James 2nd Duke of Ormond, one of the most powerful noblemen in these islands, unwisely backed the Stuart succession after the death of Queen Anne in 1714. Impeached by Parliament, he fled to France and spent the last thirty years of his life in exile. His huge estates were all confiscated.This broadsheet – a very rare survival – indicates the lengths to which the government were prepared to go to secure his capture. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €320
The Earl of Roden on the Grand Tour, 1781Manuscript: A quarto notebook headed: “This small Treatise was written by that much beloved and amiable Nobleman Robert 2nd Earl of Roden while on his traavells in Italy, started, “Urin, April 12, 1781” Pp 1 -66, 359 – 369, rest blank or torn out.Consists mainly of “A small sketch of the lives of most famous Italian, Flemish and French painters,” comprising brief biographies of 42 artists from Raphael to Lebrun. The book concludes with “some account of the Origin and causes of Earthquakes, Volcanos & c.” and a brief “gasconade” in French denouncing the pretensions of Frederick the Great.Viscount Roden (he succeeded to the earldom in 1797) was then aged twenty-five. He is remembered in Irish history less for his observations on the great artists than for the savage conduct of his troop of dragoons (the “foxhunters”) during the rebellion of 1798, including the massacre at the Curragh of Kildare of more than 350 rebels who had surrendered. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €200
An Unpublished Anglo-Irish NovelManuscript: Drafts of chapters in a novel about Anglo-Irish relations, and relationships between classes, nations and religions. It is set in Dublin mainly, apparently in the late 19th or early 20th Century. Unfortunately there is no indication of authorship. There is preponderance of rather tendentious letters and dialogues between the different characters, which is perhaps why it remains unpublished. However, it does provide useful insights into the problems attending such relationships in days when social barriers were sharply defined. Approx. 250pp fcap, mostly m/ss, in sections, and loose. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €200
Sailing the East and South Coasts of IrelandLog book: A printed log with manuscript details for the cutter yacht “Varuna” (named after the Hindu god of the oceans). It records details of a number of voyages, mainly on the east and south coasts of Ireland and Devon, from 12 June 1900 to 28 August 1902. It includes sail plan. folio, approx. 49pp with details added in pencil. In cloth backed log book with ptd. label of Francis M. Moore, 102 High St., Belfast; also an 18th Century vellum bound ledger, Annals of the History of England from 55 BC to 1760″ written in a neat hand, folio. As m/ss, w.a.f. (2)
Welsh Music: Williams (M. Jane) of Aberpergwm. Ancient National Airs of Gwent and Morganwy; Being a Collection of Original Welsh Melodies. Tall folio Llandovery 1844. First Edn., 84pp. with Subscribers List at end, a.e.g., orig. gilt decor. cloth. V. good. Rare. (1)* Lissadel copy, inscribed by G. Gore Booth on title.
SOLD Hammer price €700
Georgian Dublin House Inventory and Valuation, 1764 Manuscript: Ledger bound with marbled paper, 38cms x 25cms; 28pp of writing. Headed: “An Inventory of the Household Furniture, Stock in Trade & c., of Mr. Dan. Nevin late of the Glebe in St. Thomas Street Dublin deceased. and also a Valuation made by order of his Exe[cut]ors the 20th day of Febr[uar]y 1764 p[er] Mr. Robert Callan Auctioneer.” Begins with a room by room valuation of the contents of the house, which appears to have been a pub: the list begins with the “Kitchens, Tap Rooms &c”, and wines are stored in “Dirty Lane Vault in Swan Ally Ware House.” There follows the account by Timothy Mahon, one of the executors, listing (again by room) who bought which items, and for how much. In addition to “sundries delivered to Widow Nevin,” the widow bought a number of items, such as “2 tin cheese toasters” for 1s. A Mr. Fitzgerald was the lucky purchaser of two pewter chamber pots for 4s2d. The most expensive items included an eight-day clock (?6) and a crimson Paragon four-poster bed and curtains (?7.15.0). A Mr. Rivers bought a mahogany tallboy, bed curtains and rod for ?8; two pictures of “The Rev. Dr. Murphy” sold for 6s10d. As a m/ss, w.a.f. Extremely Scarce. A fascinating example of a mid-18th Century Dublin executor’s sale. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €360
Loyal Address to Sir Arthur WellesleyManuscript: Address of ye native inhabitants of Seringapatam to Maj. Gen. the Hon. Arthur Wellesley, commanding the Troops in ye Mysore & c., on his return from ye field.Arthur Wellesley – the future Duke of Wellington – commanded the British forces in India, where his brother Lord Mornigton was Governor-General, from 1798 to 1805. During this time he fought two wars against uprisings by native rulers, the first being in Mysore, where the main event was the battle of Seringapatam (now Srirangapatna) in 1799. He was promoted to Major-General in 1802. In this address the “native inhabitants” thank him for his good care of them and congratulate him on his victories. A single page. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €300
Threatening Letter to Tipperary Landlord, c. 1835Co. Tipperary: A transcript of a lettre addressed to William P. Barker Esq., Kilcooly Abbey. Undated. 3pp, 19cms x 16cms, marked “Copy”.An unsigned letter pouring sectarian vitriol on William Ponsonby-Barker, who inherited Kilcooley Abbey, Co. Tipperary, in 1834 and had the temerity to stand for election in 1837 and 1841, being defeated on both occasions, to the delight of the writer, who threatens that if he should attempt to do so again ” in less than one hour there wont be on protestant alive in this County.” to ram the point home, a small sktch of a coffin is included, captions “Death for all hereticks”. As a manuscript, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €750
Co. Leix – Rare Book Catalogue: Jones (Samuel) Auctioneer. A Catalogue of the Very Rare and Valuable Library, of the late Jas. Bradish, Esq. of Laurel Hill, Queens Co. which will be sold by Auction… at his Rooms, Trinity Street, on Monday July 13th and following days [1829] 8vo D. (Scott, Printer) [1829], Sole Edition Priced Throughout in manuscript, 53pp with approx. 830 lots, orig. ptd. wrappers. Ex. Rare. (1)* From the entire, the most expensive item was a manuscript “Transcript of the Charter and Liberties of Dublin and Notices of Various very Interesting Antiquities,” for ?64-1-00
SOLD Hammer price €140
Co. Tyrone: Pamphlet: Anon. Historical Description of the Island of Devenish, in Lough Erne, near Enniskillen, 8vo n.p. [Enniskillen?] 1862. Engd. frontis., 23pp., orig. ptd. wrappers. V. Scarce. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €850
The Civil Establishment of IrelandManuscript: The Civil Establishment of Ireland as it Stool the First of November 1751, … with The Military Establishment of Ireland … the First of November 1750, 8vo Approx. 88 pages in a clear court hand, within red lined borders, a.e.g., in cont. full crimson mor., with tooled gilt borders. As a m/ss., w.a.f. (1)* Contains everything relating to Government in Ireland, costs, expenses, employments, payments, allowances, pensions and pensioners and all relating to military in Dublin and other parts of Ireland.
SOLD Hammer price €360
Early 19th Century Travel JournalManuscript: A manuscript Journal of excursions from England through central Europe (Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy…), describing roads, hotels, towns, countryside, monuments, works of art etc. At the back are calculations of exchange rates, expenses, etc., and a pencil sketch of a coat of arms dated 1590. There are accounts of seven annual journeys through the summers of 1824 to 1827 and 1834 to 1836, the fist being by far the most detailed. The writer has not been identified, approx. 330pp, in sm. 8vo volume in full crimson mor. As a m/ss, w.a.f. (1)
SOLD Hammer price €200
Rare Agricultural PamphletCo. Tipperary: On Gates and Gate-Hanging, 8vo n.d., n.p. [c. 1860] Printed for the Benefit of the Cloghjordan Deacon Poor’s Fund. sole Edn., 7pp plus 2 litho plts., orig. blue wrappers. Ex. Scarce. (1)