Calendar of the Letters of Rev. Eugene Conwell, C.C., Collon

transcript

County Louth Archaeological and History Society

Calendar of the Letters of Rev. Eugene Conwell, C.C., CollonAuthor(s): LukeSource: Journal of the County Louth Archaeological Society, Vol. 9, No. 4 (1940), pp. 290-337Published by: County Louth Archaeological and History SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27728517 .

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Calentar of t?je Heiter* of fteb. Ctigene Contoell, 11, Coll?n.

(Written from Maynooth, iy98-1802 ; Coll?n, 1802-4).

By Brother Luke, De La Salle Monastery, Muine Beag.

THE CONWELLS OF BALLYMILLIGAN AND BALLYRIFF.

About a year ago I had the good fortune to discover a large collection of original

manuscript letters written mostly between the years 1798 and 1835 by members of

the family of Conwell?all natives of the townlands of Ballymilligan and Ballyriff,

parish of Ardtrea, Moneymore, Co. Deny, quite close to the shore of Lough Neagh at its north-western corner.

As no less than 51 of the letters of one writer, viz., Rev. Eugene Conwell, were

written from Coll?n, Co. Louth, between 1802 and 1805 it will be agreed that this

Journal is appropriately chosen as medium for an account of the writer and his

family and for a Calendar of his letters. We have, however, included in the Calendar a

synopsis of 58 other letters by the same writer. Of these, as the reader will observe, 1 was written from Ballymilligan, 4 from Dublin and 53 from Maynooth College? all between 1798 and 1802.

From internal evidence contained in the letters and from evidence collected last

August with the kind assistance of Rev. James Donnelly, P.P., Moneymore, on

occasion of a visit to Ballymilligan and Ballyriff, and particularly to Eglish, the

family burial ground of the Conwells (mid-way between Moneymore and Ballyronan) it is now possible to place the writers in their proper historical setting. We shall try

therefore, to weave a Sn?it SeanCusA or "

Thread of History "

through the letters

?to use the expressive words of our early Gaelic historians.

The writers represented by the greatest number of letters in the Conwell Corres

pondence are Rev. Eugene Conwell (1774-1805) and his two brothers, Edward Conwell

(1779-1806) and William Conwell (1783-1836). They were sons of John Conwell

(1748-1814) who was son of Owen Conwell (1709-1771). Of Owen Conwell very little is recorded. There is, however, a letter written in

1848, by his grandson, Anthony Conwell (son of John) in which it is stated that Owen

Conwell had two brothers, Edward and Anthony (invariably referred to as the "

Old Priest "

in the correspondence), two sisters, Fanny and Bridget, and two other

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, I798-1804 2?I

sisters whose names the writer (Anthony Conwell) did not know. One of the two

sisters whose names are not recorded, married ?

Devlin of Ballymaguigan. None

of the other three sisters married. Anthony Conwell states he got this information

from the ' Old Priest/ Anthony was fourteen years of age when the

' Old Priest

died in 1809. The inscription on the tombstone of Owen Conwell in Eglish grave

yard simply records that he "

died April 24th, 1771, aged 62 years."

Of Owen Conwell's brother, Anthony, we know a great deal. The inscription on his tombstone in Eglish is as follows :?

" Rev. Arthur Anthony Conwell, Parish Priest of Ardtrea from 1756 to

1809. Died ijth July, 1809, aged 98 years. Before he was ordained a priest he fought on 16th April, 1746, under Prince Charles at the Battle of Culloden, when he received on his face and breast the sabre wounds, the scars of which

he carried to his grave."

There is grave doubt as to the accuracy of the statement that Rev. Anthony Conwell fought at the Battle of Culloden. He was at first a member of the Franciscan

Order and made his studies at Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone. The Editor of this Journal informs me that there is in the Royal Irish Academy a volume of Irish Sermons (in

manuscript) which belonged to Friar Felym O'Neill, Master of Novices in the

Franciscan Monastery at Donaghmore during Rev. Anthony Conwell's novitiate there.

The book was evidently used for public reading in the monastery. Now, on the

margin of page 40 this note is written : "

Read here by Anthony McConwell, Jan.

9th, 1741 "

and on page 91, "

This is the middle of the book, read by Dr. Anthony McConwell, July 7th, 1744." Also there is extant a Spy's Report on the Clergy of

Tyrone in 1744 in which Anthony McConwell is reported as living in Donaghmore,

It may be, however, that the spy's information was not correct, i.e., that Anthony

Conwell had not at this time (1744) been ordained, and that he left Donaghmore.

joined Prince Charlie's forces, fought at Culloden and returned to Ireland. He was

present at the Synod of Drogheda in 1777 and signed his name to the Proceedings as "

Anthony Conwell, O.S.F., pastor de Ardtrea." Born in 1711 when the diabolical

machine of the Penal Code was working at its most furious pace Rev. Anthony Conwell lived to see his grand nephew a priest in Ireland's National Seminary at

Maynooth.

To return to Owen Conwell?we cannot state the maiden name of his wife. To

many, perhaps, it will not seem a matter of much importance. It was not so with

the late learned parish priest of Moneymore, Canon McEleavy, who sought eagerly for this information intensely interested as he was in the history of the Conwell family. Rev. Henry Conwell, son of Owen, was appointed Bishop of Philadelphia in 1820

and died in 1842. When the late James Dominick Hackett librarian of the

American Irish Historical Society was preparing his work "

Bishops of the United

States of Irish Birth or Descent "

he applied to Canon McEleavy for the maiden name

of Bishop Conwell's mother. From enquiries made amongst the descendants of D

2?2 COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

Owen Conwell in his parish Canon McEleavy was led to believe that the name was

Keenan. It seems probable that it was Bishop Conwell's mother who was interred

27th December, 1799 (Letters 20 and 21).

According to a tradition accepted as trustworthy by Canon McEleavy, Owen

Conwell and his brother, Rev. Anthony Conwell, came to the parish of Ardtrea

(or Moneymore) about the year 1752. Anthony was then 41 years of age and Owen

43 years. The native place of the two brothers, and the homeland of their ancestors

for generations was Drumackawall (Druim Mhac Chongbhail, MacConwell's Ridge) in the parish of Creggan, Co. Armagh. At this time Owen Conwell had two sons, each aged 4 years, Henry, future bishop of Philadelphia, and John, w7ho later held a

small farm in Ballymilligan and wras father of Rev. Eugene Conwell. Two other

children were born to Owen Conwell after his arrival in Ardtrea namely, Pat 1761

1827) and Mary who married-McKeon of Ballymulderg. The writer of the article on Bishop Conwell in the Catholic Encyclopedia states

that the future bishop was born in 1745. According to the tradition just referred to

he was born in 1748. Of course tradition is not, as a rule, to be relied on for exact

details ; but it is noteworthy that 1748 is the year given on a monument erected in

i860 by Eugene Alfred Conwell, in Eglish graveyard, to the memory of his granduncle,

Bishop Conwell.

Rev. Henry Conwell was appointed Parish Priest of Dungannon in 1792 or 1793 and from 1794 to 1820 was, moreover, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Armagh. In this latter capacity he gave able assistance to Most Rev. Richard O'Reilly during the period of the emergence of the Archdiocese from the operation of the Penal Laws.

The events of Dr. Conwell's later career are thus admirably summed up by his

biographer in the Catholic Encyclopedia : "

After the death of Bishop Egan, in 1814, the Bishoprick of Philadelphia was offered successively to the Rev. Ambrose Mar?chal

and to the Very Rev. Louis de Barth, but both these clergymen, deterred by the

contumacious attitude of the Trustees of St. Mary's Church, returned the Bulls,

whereupon the Holy See appointed (26th November, 1819), Henry Conwell, parish

priest of Dungannon and Vicar General of Armagh, Ireland, who imprudently

accepted a task too heavy for his seventy-four years. He had made his studies in

the Irish College, Paris, where his family had founded a burse. He was universally beloved by his people and the clergy and an ineffectual attempt was made to retain

him in Ireland. He was consecrated in London by Bishop Poynter, 24th August, 1820

and arrived in Philadelphia 2nd December, bringing with him a young priest named

Keenan subsequently for many years pastor at Lancaster. The seeds of future

trouble (with the Trustees) had been sown during the vacancy. . . . Bishop Conwell

conducted the controversy with dignity, but in the course of it, through desire of

peace, committed two errors of judgment. The first was the recalling to the diocese

and appointing as Vicar General of Wm. Vincent Harold, a Dominican, whom his

predecessor had dismissed. Contrary to the bishop's expectation the return of Harold

complicated the situation. It was a more serious mistake that on 9th October, 1826,

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, J.798-I904 293

he capitulated to the Trustees, yielding to them the right of determining salaries and

vetoeing his appointments. Highly displeased at this surrender of episcopal rights, the Holy See appointed an Administrator and summoned the bishop to Rome.

His explanations were pronounced unsatisfactory and he was forbidden to return to

his See. He did return to Philadelphia and received permission to perform episcopal functions without interfering in matters of administration. In 1830 Francis Patrick

Kenrick arrived as co-adjutor. Bishop Conwell spent his remaining years in seclusion

and prayer." He died at Philadelphia, 22nd April, 1842, aged 94 (or 97) years and, his remains were interred in the cemetery of St. Joseph's Church. His remains

together with those of Dr. Michael Egan, first bishop of the See, were solemnly translated to a vault in the (then) new Cathedral 16th March, 1869.

John Conwell, son of Owen, was twice married. The only child by the first

marriage, was John, to whom Letter 1 is addressed.

There were eleven children by the second marriage :

1. Elizabeth, born 1772, married Charles McShane in 1799, went to Philadelphia with her uncle Bishop Conwell in 1820, died at Philadelphia, 4th April, 1841.

2. Michael, born 1773, died during a return voyage from China, 1808.

3. Eugene?a Calendar of whose letters we publish. The letters tell the story of the last seven years of his life (1798-1805). He was born at Ballymilligan in 1774 and died at Coll?n in 1805. His remains were interred in the family burial ground,

Eglish, in the parish of Ardtrea or Moneymore. The inscription on his tombstone

is as follows :?

" This monument is erected to the memory of Revd. Eugene Conwell, whose

mortal remains lie here deposited. He died on Friday, 21st June, 1805, in

the 31st year of his age. Esteemed and loved by all who knew him. And may the Lord have mercy on him."

4. Susan, born 1776.

5. Rose, born 1777. Married William Lawson in 1805. Died 1809. 6. Mary, born 1777. Married Bernard Cavanagh of Bally riff in 1803. Her

great grandson, John Kevin, now lives in Ballyriff. (See note in Commentary on

change of form of family name).

7. Edward, born 1779. Surgeon. Educated for Church, before establishment

of Maynooth College, but failed to secure place in Irish College, Salamanca. Died

in Island of Dominica, West Indies, 1806.

8. Bridget, born 1780, died 1815.

9. Hugh, born 1782, inherited father's farm, 1814, died 1856. (See Note

Letter 41). 10. William, born 1783. Took out Diploma of Assistant Apothecary in

December, 1802. Served under Dr. Dickson, Dungannon, December, 1802 to May,

1803. Similar work in London, May, 1803-April, 1805. In latter month sailed on

voyage to India and China and returned September, 1806. In September, 1807

294 COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

sailed again for India in service of East India Co. having obtained Diploma M.D.

Spent most of the rest of his life in India. About 150 of his letters are preserved in

the Collection. Seven are dated from Dungannon in 1803. About 100 were written

between 1803 and 1816.

William paid for the education in Tullabeg College (1831-37) of three of the sons

of his brother Hugh : Eugene, Edward and Henry. Eugene proceeded to Clongowes in 1837, but remained there only a few months. In 1838 he secured position as

teacher at Gilford, Co. Down. In 1850 he was appointed Inspector of National

Schools and served at Bailieborough (1850-53), Clonmel (1854-57), Trim (1858-74), Cork (1874-76) and Carlow (1877). He died at Carlow 23rd October, 1877. He was

author of several works dealing with the archaeology and history of Ireland, among them "Discovery of the Tomb of Ollamh Fodhla" (1873)x and

" A Ramble Round

Trim" (1878). In i860 Eugene Conwell had a noble monument erected in Eglish graveyard to

the memory of those members of his family who died abroad.

The Inscription to the memory of William, son of John, is as follows : "

William E. E. Conwell, Esq., M.D., of Paris, LL.B. and M.R.I.A.

Superintending Surgeon H.E.I.C.S. Author of several medical works and

Pathological Discoveries : Died at Bangalore, Madras Presidency, 18 May,

1836, aged 53 years."

(Note.?The letters "

E.E." in William's name above stand for "

Eugene Edward." After the deaths of his brothers Eugene and Edward, William adopted their names and during his parents' lifetime strove moreover to make up to his

them in devotion the loss they sustained by the early deaths of Eugene and Edward.) 11. Anthony, born about 1795. Went to London early in 1816 to study for

Medical Profession at the expense of his brother, William. There is a letter from

Anthony to his brother Hugh, dated London, 14th February, 1816 in which he states ?' I am attending anatomical lectures at the London Hospital."

In the month of June, same year, he married (in London) Isabella Ekin (or Aiken) a native of Moneymore, threw up the study of Medicine and emigrated to Patterson, New Jersey. In November, 1822, he writes from Patterson to his brother Hugh. He was then weaving sail at 5 /- per day.

In 1829 Anthony and his family were brought home from America at the

invitation and expense of his brother William. The family went to live at Hugh Conwell's in Ballymilligan and Anthony (again at William's expense) entered on the

study of Law. In this also he failed. We next find him from 1842 to 1848 living near Dungannon at a place called the

" Hermitage

" which probably belonged to his

wife's people.

1 This was the first report to any scientific society of the famous cemetery and cairns of

Loughcrew. He also reported to the Royal Irish Academy, the dolmen at Rathkenny, which was referred to in this Journal for 1939.

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, 1798-1804 295

In 1S48 Anthony with his wife and two sons crossed the Atlantic once more,

having been invited by some relatives of his wife who were then settled at Patterson

where Anthony had lived from 1816 to 1829. The last account we have of Anthony is in 1856 when he was engaged in the liquor trade in New York.

Rev. WM. CONWELL, P.P., DROMINTEE.

The memory of this priest is still revered in Co. Armagh and Co. Derry. Son to

Pat Conwell and Ellen Sherry of Ballymilligan, he was born in 1844. His grandfather, Pat Conwell (senior) was son to Edward Conwell (1714-1803) who was a brother of the

" Old Priest." A student in St. Patrick's, Armagh, from 1862 to 1866, he

entered Maynooth in the latter year, and was ordained in 1873. He served as curate

in the following parishes : Ballymore and Mullabrack (1873-18S1) ; Arboe (1882

1890) ; Upper Creggan (1S90-1892) ; and was P.P. of Dromintee from 1892 to 1895. As he was on his way to take part in Tenebrae in Dundalk on Holy Thursday evening (14th April), 1895, his horse took fright at a passing train ; and Father Conwell was

thrown against the wall of Carrickaneena Bridge (near Faughart) and killed instant

aneously. The following two letters, written by him while he was a student in

Armagh Seminary, were found in the Collection :

Extracts from Letters of Wm. John Conwell to Eugene Alfred Conwell

(son of Hugh). "

St. Patrick's College,

Armagh,

September 28th, 1862. It would be a great comfort to me now that I am at a distance from my father

and friends to have a correspondence with you, who could give me good advice in all

things pertaining to my advancement. I was one year at Classics before I came here.

The half of that I studied with Michael Kelly, Philip's son, but he resigned and went to Wexford, to be a Tutor in a gentleman's family. So there being no good classical teacher convenient and as all who intend to enter Maynooth College must study two

years here, my father was so kind as to send me to St. Patrick's although indeed it is

weighty on a common farmer. The night before I left home, I went to see your sister Mrs. Murphy," etc.

St. Patrick's College,

Armagh,

18th January, 1863. " I have just returned from my Christmas Vacation during which I have been to

see your sister. The male side of her family was increased by the birth of a son on the 10th inst., to whom was given the name William James. When I left home she and the husband and family were all well."

JANE MARTIN. As we Irish

" dearly love a lord

" we may refer to the only member of the

family who became connected with the Peerage. Anthony Conwell, M.D., son to

Pat Conwell of Ballyriff (1761-1827) married Jane Martin of Armagh. This lady was

the eldest of five sisters, one of whom became Marchioness of Headfort. Their

father was John Martin who married Catherine O'Neill?who in turn was daughter to Felix O'Neill and Frances Quin, both of Armagh City. Anthony Conwell died in

1830, and was interred in the "

Old Priest's "

grave at Eglish. His widow lived for

several years at Warrenpoint, and eventually married Major Robert Carr of the

38th Regiment of Foot. She died in 1866, and was interred in the Headfort vault

at KeJls.

INTRODUCTION.

The author of these letters, Fr. Eugene Conwell, writing to his father from Coll?n, 17th October, 1803, says :

" Such little matters as you consider of no importance are still more or less

interesting to me who am at a distance from you here in Coll?n." I feel sure that the "

little matters

" referred to will now be of even greater interest to the readers of this Journal who are

separated from Fr. Conwell's time by 140 years. The original letters are all very long and contain much matter of purely domestic concern.

In the Calendar, however, will be found every personal name and every place name mentioned in the originals. An earnest endeavour has been made to include also all references which serve

to throw light on the social condition of the people : e.g., education, dress, modes of travelling, etc.

The first letter is written from Father Conwell's home at Ballymilligan, parish of Moneymore, near Magherafelt, Co. Derry. It is addressed to John Conwell, Father Conwell's half-brother, who was at that time engaged in the leather trade at Belfast. John Conwell's relatives had good reason to be

" very uneasy this considerable time past," because the six weeks preceding the date

of the letter had been a time of terrible happenings in Belfast and in places not far distant from

the home of the Conwells, e.g., the battles of Antrim and Ballinahinch and the burning of Randals town as an

" official reprisal

" by Colonel Clavering. Belfast, where John Conwell lived, was in

particular considered a danger spot. General Lake, to whom had been given the task of disarming the North had gone so far as to write to Pelham (Chief Secretary) only a year before this time : "

Belfast ought to be proclaimed and punished as it is plain that every act of sedition originates in this town

" (Lecky, History of Ireland, vol. 4, p. 50).

\ doz. silver spoons for the tea-table "

mentioned here for the first time were destined

to give a great deal of trouble to Fr. Conwell. It is probable that he wished to purchase them in

order to make a present of them to his parents previous to his leaving Ireland to continue his

studies at St. Patrick's College, Lisbon. Five and a half years elapsed before he got the "

silver

tea-spoons," and when at last, just before Christmas, 1803, he sent them in a box from Coll?n to

his parents, the carman, Gilmor, was so mean and dishonest as to break open the box and pilfer its contents (Letters 79, 81, 82).

From letters 2, 3, 4 and 5 we learn that about 13th August, 1798, Fr. Conwell (then 24 years of age) travelled by horse and car from Ballymilligan to Dublin, accompanied by his father,

John Conwell (aged 50), his uncle Rev, Henry Conwell (also aged 50) and his brother, Edward Conwell (aged 19). His father, uncle and brother made but a short stay in Dublin, but soon after

their departure in the car drawn by "

the little mare "

young Father Conwell was joined in Dublin

by his maternal uncle, Charles McFallin. Evidently at this time Fr. Conwell and his relatives were undecided as to whether he should proceed to St. Patrick's College, Lisbon, or to St. Patrick's

College, Maynooth. After Fr. Conwell had spent three anxious weeks in Dublin the matter was

decided by the Primate, Most Rev. Dr. O'Reilly, who, meeting Fr. Conwell on 3rd September,

appointed him to a vacant place in Maynooth College and gave him a letter of recommendation

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, J.798-1804 297

to Rev. Dr. Power, Vice-President of the College. Rev. Dr. Flood, it may be noted, was then President of Maynooth College but was on a visit to his parish (Edgeworthstown). Fr. Conwell

presented the Primate's letter to Rev. Dr. Power on 4th September and was allowed to reside in the College as from 5th September.

The reference to the French invasion in Letter 3 is, of course, to the landing of General Humbert's forces at Kilalla on 22nd August. This letter was written exactly a week after the

inglorious defeat of General Lake's army in the "

Race of Castlebar." On 4th September, while Fr. Conwell was on his way from Dublin to Maynooth, General Humbert's men were marching on Sligo.

Letter 4 was written two days after the defeat of General Humbert at Ballinamuck. It is

significant that Fr. Conwell attributes the defeat to General Lake with whose name he had, doubtless, been long familiar. Although General Lake took part with the forces under his command, the victory of the English on this occasion is to be attributed to General Lord Cornwallis Com mander-in-Chief.

In Letter 4 Fr. Conwell requests that his young friend, John McDonnell, should apply for another place then vacant in the college, but in Letter 31, written two years later, we can trace a little jealousy on the part of Fr. Conwell when Fr. John McDonnell was awarded a Premium and

appointed to succeed Rev. Michael Montague as Dean and Procurator. One cannot but admire the tact and humility of Rev. John McDonnell in this matter as evidenced by Letter 41 which shows that by

" great attention and civility

" he dispelled all jealousy thus re-establishing the

former warm friendship between himself and Fr. Conwell.

The reference in Letter 4 to the high cost of postage is the first of many. Indeed the question of postage was a matter of grave concern to the scattered members of the Conwell family. A

post-paid letter from Maynooth to Magherafelt cost Fr. Conwell iod. and a letter from Maynooth to Dungannon cost gd. Later Fr. Conwell's letters from Coll?n to his home near Magherafelt (a shorter distance) cost only $d. each. The postage on each letter written by Fr. Conwell's

brothers Edward and William from London (1800-1807) cost : to Dungannon, is. id. ; to

Ballymilligan, is. 2d. ; and a single letter from Edward Conwell from Barbadoes to Ballymilligan (1804-1806) cost 35-. cid.

It is not surprising then, considering the high cost of postage relative to the value of money at the time, that the Conwell Brothers were glad when an opportunity offered of having a letter "

franked "?that is signed and dated by a Peer of the Realm or a Member of Parliament, as letters so

" franked

" were delivered free of postal charges. It would appear that the services

of the Duke of Leinster, whose residence at Carton adjoined Maynooth College, were much sought after by the students for this purpose. Fr. Conwell, however, was rather unlucky in this respect. Out of a total of 53 letters written by him from Maynooth only 6 were franked by the Duke. It is not that the good Duke?eldest brother of the gallant Lord Edward?was unwilling to oblige, but that he was very often away from home when Fr. Conwell was in need of a

" frank." This

explains the ominous sentence at the end of Letter 21, "The Duke is abroad." See also Letter 45 in which Fr. Conwell writes that the Duke's absence caused him to delay a whole month before

writing. William, too, found it difficult to get "

franks "

even in London. He writes to his brother, Fr. Conwell from London (September, 1803) :

" It is with a very sorry heart I tell you that I

cannot get any more franks unless one sometimes merely by accident," and a year later William writes again : "I am afraid you will think me troublesome, writing so often without a frank, but I assure you till the session of Parliament commences it is impossible for me to get one.

When Fr. Conwell came to live at Coll?n, Co. Louth, in July, 1802, his relatives fondly hoped that he would now often get

" franks

" from Hon. John Foster, last Speaker of the Irish

House of Commons, who lived at Coll?n. Edward writes from London (September, 1802). "

You can now frank ad libitum

" As a matter of fact, however, only three out of 51 letters written by

Fr. Conwell from Coll?n were "

franked "?all three of course by Mr. Foster. The Speaker, like the Duke, was often absent when urgently needed by Fr. Conwell. By the way, Mr. Foster is never referred to as

" Speaker in the Conwell correspondence, but always either Speaker,

Chancellor, or Lord Chancellor. As readers will be aware Mr, Foster had first been Chancellor, and later Speaker, of the Irish House of Commons.

Mr. Foster often helped Fr. Conwell unwittingly in another way. During the years 1802-1805 Fr. Conwell (from Coll?n) and his brother William (from London) often sent articles (free, of

course) in the luggage of Mr. Foster in his frequent journeys to and from the English Parliament. This was done by the connivance, and probably at the suggestion, of Denis Smyth, Mr. Foster's servant. The articles sent by Fr. Conwell were generally linen shirts, made in his own home in

Ballymilligan from flax grown on his father's little farm. There are frequent references in the

correspondence to two looms which were in use in the Conwell home. Linen, too, was much cheaper

in Ireland than in England at that time. Disaster befell one consignment of shirts sent by Fr. Conwell to William. From Letters 100 and 101 we learn that Fr. Conwell having received some shirts from home for William, sent them to him

" carefully packed up in one of the Chancellor's

trunks." Letter 103 records the sad news that one of the Chancellor's trunks was lost on its.

way to London. It happened to be the trunk which contained the shirts intended for William, who, in a letter dated 28th February, 1805, bemoans his loss.

" Yes," he writes,

" they are lost

beyond a doubt, and I, poor William, am miserably situated for want of them. For God's sake, my dear Eugene, send me six other shirts. Otherwise I must go to a shop and pay three prices for them."

To return to Letter 2. Rosemarry Lane Chapel, where Fr. Conwell celebrated Mass, is now the well-known Church of Adam and Eve. Townsend Street Chapel no longer exists. On its site stands Townsend Street National School.

A few words as to the subsequent history of the old Dublin inns and coach offices mentioned in the Letters may not be out of place. The

" Old White Cross

" Inn was then No. 72 Pill Lane.

It has disappeared, and on its site stands a new block of flats built by the Corporation. Even the name Pill Lane is not now used. It is represented by Chancery Street. It is clear that it was in the

" Old White Cross

" Fr. Conwell lodged during his stay in Dublin in August and September,

1798 (Letter 5). The "

Black Man's Head "

is also gone (Letter 48). Jt was situated close to the site of the present Bank of Ireland and Royal Bank in College Green. It would appear from

Letter 49 that Fr. Conwell's messenger should have called, not to the "

Black Man's Head "

but to the

" Brazen Head

" which is still known by its old name and is situated at No. 31 Lower

Bridge Street. "

Fitzpatrick's "?mentioned in Letter 21 and in several other letters, was at No. 2 Upper Ormond Quay. Its site is now occupied by the Bank of Ireland.

Every reader will be interested in the references?all too brief?which Fr. Conwell makes to the distinguished Professors who were on the Staff of Maynooth College in his time. Of the thirteen members of the Original Staff of the College (Centenary History of Maynooth College,

Healy, p. 160), two had resigned before Fr. Conwell's entry to the College in September, 1798 and one?Dr. Thomas Hussey?was Bishop of Waterford. All of the remaining ten were still there and (with one exception) filling the Chairs originally assigned to them.

Rev. Dr. Flood, President, is mentioned in a great many of the letters and Rev. Dr. Francis Power, Vice-President in Letters 5 and 50. Rev. Andrew Darre, so aptly, if briefly, eulogised by Fr. Conwell in Letters 6 and 7 was Professor of Logics, Metaphysics and Ethics. The

" Professor

of Mathematics "

mentioned in Letter 39 was Rev. Peter J. Delort. The real reason for his

departure is given by Dr. Healy in the "

Centenary History of Maynooth College," p. 199. It is regrettable that Fr. Conwell does not tell us more about Rev. Charles Lovelock (Letter 44)

of whom Dr. Healy writes that "

we know hardly anything." At this time he was Professor of the First Class of Greek and Latin. Evidently Fathers Mackell and Lovelock were old friends. Fr. Mackell, who was at this time Assistant Curate to Rev. Anthony Conwell, P.P., Ardtrea, may perhaps?like Fr. Lovelock?have been educated in Paris. Rev. Dr. Louis Delahogue (Letter 20) had been appointed to the Chair of Moral Theology only a short time before this.

" He was the

first Professor of Moral Theology appointed in the College "

(Centenary History of Maynooth College,p. 193). Rev. Edward Ferris was the first Dean of Maynooth College (Letter 20).

I shall now refer briefly to other points touched on in some of the Letters taking them in order beginning with No. 8.

Letter 8. Defeat of French Fleet. This was the defeat of the Expedition to Lough Swilly, 12th October, 1798.

Letter 9. Mr. Connolly. This was Thomas Connolly of Celbridge House whom Dr. Healy refers to as

" honest Tom Connolly, of Celbridge, earnest advocate of Catholic

Emancipation." Letter 10. The reader will observe that No. 10 is largely a repetition of No. 7, the writer thinking

that No. 7 had been lost.

Letter 14. Name, McShane changed to Johnson. Mary Conwell, another sister of Fr. Conwell's, on the occasion of her marriage to Bernard Cavanagh of Ballyriff, in 1803, induced her husband to adopt the family name Kevin. This shortened form of the original is that still used by her direct descendants in Ballyriff but it is pronounced Keevin.

Letter 17. Debates in Parliament. See Lecky, History of Ireland, Vol. 5, p. 277. Letter 19. Daly?teacher in Maghcrafelt. See also Letter 24. Other teachers mentioned in

the Letters are Devlin (Ballymilligan) and Moorhcad, teacher of dancing (Dungannon), Names of a few teachers occur in the Letters of Edward and William Conwell : "

William is at school with Bernard Flanagen "

(Edward to Eugene, February, 1880).

d. d. Bridget Fanny Anthony Conwell (b. 1711, d. 1809, P.P. Ardtrea, 1756-1809) "The Old Priest"

Pat (of Ballyriff, 1761-1827) Henry (1748-1842), P.P. Dungannon (1793-1820)

Nancy (America 1820) Anthony (1793-1830) Owen (1798-1846) James (1804-1843) Nelly Anthony (b. 1795 ?) IVIi (m. Donnelly) M.D. (m. Jane Martin) (m. Cannon)

Rose Ann (b. 1814) Anthony (1829-1833) Emma (1825-1833) I I I I ! I

Ellen John Charles Rose Anthony (b. 1826) William

-^- - d. 1879 Emigrated to Boston, 1845

Pat (b. 1836) Anthony (b. 1838) James (b. 1840) Catherine (b. 1841) Michael Henry (b. 1845) Rose Jane (b. 1843)

William Marg (b. 1863)

THE CONWELLS OF BALLYMILLIGAN ANI

CONWELLS OF DRUMACKAWALL, Parish of

-1809) Owen Conwell (b. 1709, d. 1771)

nnon (1793-1820) Bp. Philadelphia (1820-1842) John (1748-1814) m

my (b. 1795 ?) Michaeli 1773-1808) I II I

Elizabeth (1772-1841) John (b. ?) Hugh (1782-1856) William, M.D.

(m. MacShane) 'the Tanner' (m. Marg. Wright of Ballyronan)

(1783-1836) Bridget (1780-1

). 1826) William Mary Anne (b. 1830) m. McElhone

William (b. 1834) (living Pennsylvania

John (living N. Jersey

(w.Grubb)

Maria Louisa

(m. Wood)

se Jane (b. 1843) Nancy James Mary Rosaline Anne Margaret Mary (m. James Murphy, (m. Lieut. Col.

d. 1863) White, d. 1876)

Lucy (b. 180

(m. Doran, liv

Philadelphia, i?

William

(b. 1863)

1 111 1 1 Margaret Cecilia Eugene Edward Henry (d. 1897) John (d. 1912) Anna (d. 1872)

v-- v--'

(Emigrated to Australia, 1864, living Melbourne, 1872)

Catherine m. McNicholl Alice

living at Magherafelt, 1941 (livi owns Ballymilligan House M

IGAN AND BALLYRIFF, CO. DERRY.

, Parish of Creggan, Co. Armagh.

in (1748-1814) m. Margaret McFallin (d. 1826)

Bridget (1780-1815) Edward (1779-1806) EUGENE (1774-1805) Susan (1776-1797) Rose (1777-1809) Mary (1777-1847) [m. Bernard Kevin)

Louisa

(1807-1823)

(m. Col Hewetson)

Edward

(1814-1857) Henry (1804-1826) Charles, M.D.

(d. 1875)

Lucy (b. 1805) (m. Doran, living

Philadelphia, 1874)

John (b. 1811) (d. Capetown, 1835)

Eugene Alfred, LL.D., M.R.I.A.

(Inspector of Schools, d. 1877)

Edward

(living New York, 1872)

Henry m. Maria C<

(d.ii (d. Ballarat, 187,

McNicholl Alice m. O'Hagan erafelt, 1941 (living 194T, at

ligan House Moneymore

Charlotte m. Tray nor

(living 1941, at

Moneymore

Margaret (b. i860, d. 1862)

Maria Louisa Eugene Aloysius Cecilia Marga (b. 1862) (b. 1864, came to (b. 1868)

Ireland, 1875)

Ellen m. F. IV

(living Ballyri

Edward Conwell (b. 1714, d. 1803)

Mary (m. McKeon, Ballymulderg) Hugh (1766-1839) James (1753-1825) Patrick (1758-1838)

y (1777-1847) Bernard Kevin)

Murtha James Bridget Mary Patrick

(1794-1877)

75) Bernard John Felix

d. 1887 (1815-1826)

V Rev. Wm. Conwell, P.P. Dromintee

(born 1844, killed 1896)

lenry m. Maria Con way (d.1869)

(d. Ballarat, 1874)

ius Cecilia Margaret Edward e to (b. 1868) -

Charles

Emigrated to Sydney (1862)

John Phil Henry (1836-1919)

William

Emigrated to

Australia, America

James Bernard

(d. 1886)

Elizabeth

(d. aged 16)

Ellen m. F. McKee John Mary Annie Elizabeth

(living Ballyriff, 1941) (living Ballyriff (t.ving Ballyriff (living Ballyriff (d. 1911) 1941) 1941) 1941)

" I wish you would send William to school to Mr. Field in Coagh if he still teaches,

as he is said to be an excellent clerk" (Edward to his father, February, 1801). " How is my old tutor, Paddy Maxwel] ?

" (William to his father, 1806). "

We have the Master, Neal McGuckian, in the house with us, and we are coming on

pretty well "

(John Conwell, son of Hugh, to his sister Mary in India, February, 1825). Letters 20 and 21. By collating these two letters we may glean some interesting particulars

relating to Fr. Conwell's return journey from his home to Maynooth College after

Christmas, 1799. He left Armagh on Friday, 27th December, and arrived in Dundalk the same evening. Having stayed overnight in Dundalk he

" mounted the Basket

(Stage Coach) for Dublin at 5 a.m. on Saturday, 28th, broke his journey at Drogheda where he called on the Primate, Most Rev. Dr. O'Reilly (who had just finished

breakfast) and arrived in Dublin between 5 and 6 in the evening. Letter 22.

" My father should be very attentive to the Old Man, as he will inevitably drop off

soon." The "

Old Man "

was Fr. Eugene Conwell's Granduncle, Rev. Anthony Conwell, who was at this time 89 years of age. Providence, however, decreed that the young priest should be called to his reward first. The

" Old Man

" survived him

by four years.

Letter 23. Antoine. One of the authors on Moral Theology prescribed for use in the College from the beginning, but Dr. Healy quoting Dr. Delahogue, says that

" scarcely

a copy could be had in the College at any price "

(Centenary History of Maynooth College, p. 194).

Letter 35. To Mrs. McDowell of Magherafelt. This lady was sister of James Laird and John Laird, both of whom had great influence with the East India Company. James who was then living in London had retired from the Service of the Company four years previously and was an intimate friend of Rev. Henry Conwell and a benefactor to Edward and William Conwell during their student days in London. John Laird was at this time a Surgeon in the service of the Company and Governor of an island.

Letter 38. "

My grandfather." This must have been Fr. Conwell's maternal grandfather? McFallin. His paternal grandfather?Owen Conwell?died in 1771.

Letter 39. "

Mr. Montague." Although Fr. Conwell refers to Rev. Dr. Montague's appointment as a probable coming event the appointment had already been made. Rev. Dr.

Montague was appointed Lecturer in Logics by the Board of Trustees in

February, 1801.

Letter 41. The old home of the Conwells in Ballymilligan remained in possession of Hugh Conwell, Fr. Eugene Conwell's brother, till 13th February, 1853. Hugh Conwell was the

" ne'er do well

" of the family. He went to America in January, 1843 and

there for seven years carried on a protracted lawsuit (in conjunction with other

relatives) in an endeavour to establish, as next-of-kin, a claim to the property of his late uncle, Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Conwell. The most valuable part of the property

was a plot of ground which the late bishop had bought for use as a graveyard attached to one of the churches in Philadelphia. The verdict was given against the claims of the next-of-kin on 10th November, 1849, and we find Hugh Conwell back in Bally

milligan early in January, 1852. A year later ejectment proceedings were taken

against him by the landlord on account of arrears of rent, but his devoted daughter, Margaret, wife of James Murphy, came nobly to the rescue of her aged parents. She

induced her husband to sell his own farm and buy her father's, thus saving her dear

parents from eviction. Hugh Conwell died 18th August, 1856. The house and farm are now owned by his granddaughter, Mrs. McNichol, of Magherafelt.

Letter 44. "

Mr. Mackell." Fr. Conwell's estimate of Fr. Mackell as "a great good and charitable man

" is, it seems, in accordance with a tradition which still lives.

Letter 46. Fr. Conwell spent summer vacations of 1799 and 1801 at his home. Students who remained in College during vacation 1801 had to pay 5 guineas for the privilege (Vide Letter 40).

Letter 47. Henry Patterson was at this time Agent for Lord Castlereagh, landlord of John Conwell's farm. It is to be noted that Fr. Conwell advises his father not to press for

repayment of money loaned to Patterson, hoping for the latter's influence with the landlord at the renewal of the Lease. Patterson also owed money to Rev. Anthony

Conwell?the "

Old Priest "

as we see from Letter 73, but in this case (it is pleasing to record) the landlord saw that justice was done.

Letter 51. The Dupins, referred to here, were probably some works by Louis Ellies Dupin, famous French theologian and writer (165 7-1719).

Letters 52, 53 and 54. The visit to Paris at this time of Dr. Flood, President of Maynooth College, co-incided with the solemn proclamation in Paris and Rome of the Concordat concluded by Pius the Seventh with Napoleon. The religious ceremonies in con nection with the proclamation took place in the Church of Notre Dame, Paris, on Easter Sunday, 13th April, 1802.

" Napoleon attended in state, surrounded by his

old companions in arms, the officials, and the diplomatic corps "

(MacCaffrey, History of the Church, Vol. I, p. 54). Letters from Edward Conwell to his brother, Fr.

Eugene, contain accounts of several interviews he had with Dr. Flood in London where the President stayed for a few days on his way to Paris.

Letter 55a. In this we have Fr. Conwell's only reference to the Irish language. Perhaps he had

already heard a rumour of the Trustees' intention to appoint Rev. Paul O'Brien

during the following month as Professor of the Irish Language. It may be presumed that Fr. Conwell had a

" spoken

" knowledge of Irish and that he merely desired to

learn how to read and write the language. Six weeks after the date of this letter Fr. Conwell found himself stationed in a parish where, as in the neighbouring parishes of Louth and Dunleer, Irish was the language used by a great part of the people.

Letter 58. Here we have an interesting account of Fr. Conwell's return journey to Coll?n from

Ballymilligan where he had been on a visit to his parents. The Mr. O'Neill mentioned is Rev. Felix O Neill, C.C., Dungannon. Mr. Healy is Rev. John Healy, P.P.

(Dunleer, 1797-1823) (Louth 1823-1831). His eloquent sermons in the Irish Language are being published in An tUltach by the Editor of this Journal.

Letter 64. The Kerrs had charge of the Post Office in Magherafelt.

Letter 65. Lord Castlereagh was at this time President of the Board of Control for East India Affairs. Edward Conwell?and later on his brother William?had set their hopes on being accepted as Surgeons in the service of the East India Company. Lord

Castlereagh was, moreover, landlord of their father's little farm in Ballymilligan. Naturally then, the two brothers assiduously sought His Lordship's benevolent influence. Edward failed. William succeeded, but repaid Castlereagh amply for his

kindness.

Sir George Hill?a magistrate in Derry, remembered in Irish history as the person

responsible for arrest of Wolfe Tone. See letter of his quoted by Lecky (History of Ireland, Vol. 4, p. 97).

Letter 66. Mr. Thomas Connolly of Celbridge?referred to in earlier letters?had a large estate in Fr. Conwell's native county.

" When I was up at the College "?probably at

funeral of Dr. Flood, 28th January, 1803.

Letter 70. There is a long and interesting letter from William to his brother, Fr. Conwell (14th June, 1803), recounting his adventures on land and on sea during his trip to London. The Ticket for the sea passage from Dublin to Holyhead cost five shillings and the

voyage took eight hours. "

Inside Passage by Stage Holyhead to London cost Six

Guineas ; Outside Passage, three pounds ten shillings." William paid for an

Outside Passage, but by a ruse succeeded in securing an Inside Seat ! The journey from Holyhead to London took from the 26th May to the 31st.

Letter 72. In this letter and in Nos. 86, 91, 92 but especially in No. 106 we have evidence of the

cruel dilemma in which the poor Irish tenant farmer often found himself under the

iniquitous system of land tenure in force then and for many years afterwards?a

dilemma caused by his natural desire on the one hand to improve his holding and to

get as much produce as possible from the land, and his fear on the other hand that the

landlord might pay a surprise visit "

to view the land "

and increase the rent on

account of the improvements.

Letter 73. Francistown is in the townland of Ballymulderg Beg. It cannot have remained long in the hands of the Conwells (probably only till the death of the

" Old Priest

" in 1809).

as it is known that for three generations during the 19th century it belonged to a

family named Foster.

Letter 75. There is a letter from William Conwell, dated London, 13th September, 1803, giving an

account of the visit of the two men from Coll?n, but their names are not given in the

correspondence. Window Tax. This tax, first introduced in England in 1695, "to meet the expense of

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, I798-1804 301

re-coinage, is considered by historians and statesmen to have been both unwise and

unjust, since it made the poor pay for air and light. The revenues which were

expected from the Window Tax had formerly been secured by the Hearth Tax, introduced in England in 1660 and abolished in that country in 1699. (The Hearth

Tax was not abolished in Ireland till 1793). Lord Macaulay in his History of England interpreting the views of the

" statesmen

" who introduced the Window Tax says :

" The number of hearths in a house could not be ascertained without domiliciary

visits. The windows a Collector might count without passing the threshold."

Letter 78. Rose Conwell, Fr. Conwell's sister, married William Lawson in 1805. She died in

1809, aged 32 years. For note on Nealy McGuckian see Letter 19 above.

Letter 85. "

Edward went to the West Indies by the particular desire of the Duke of York.'' This was an exaggeration written to soothe the feelings of a fond father. Peace between England and France had been re-established by the Treaty of Amiens

(March, 1802) but the war had been renewed before Edward joined the Militia.

Edward, not realizing in time the impossibility of resigning in war time, tried at the last moment to escape on the score of ill-health. A letter written by William Conwell from London (March, 1804) informs Fr. Conwell in confidence that their brother

Edward had had to go to the West Indies at the "

peremptory command "

of the Duke of York. In this Letter 85, however, Fr. Conwell writes

" particular desire

instead of "

peremptory command." (Edward died at Dominica in the West Indies 16th December, 1806).

Letters 95 and 96. In these two letters Fr. Conwell signs his name "

Joseph Eugene Conwell," and in Letter 96 he addresses his brother Hugh as

" Thomas Hugh Conwell."

Letter 98. The Inventory contains the following, inter alia :

Young's Dictionary (us. 6d.) An elegant edition of the

" Imitation of Christ

" (new),

Turner's Geography.

Letter 107. The Mr. Short mentioned here was Arthur Short of No. 11 Ratcliffe Highway, London. He was a brother-in-law of John Campbell, Draper, Dungannon. He proved himself a benefactor to both Edward and William Conwell. In April, 1822, William Conwell

married Jane Short, daughter of Arthur Short, in London. (William was home on leave from 1822 to 1824). William died at Bangalore, India, 18th May, 1836 and his

widow died 4th December, 1845. Arthur Short died in March, 1850, aged 93 years and his brother William John Short died 24th November, 1867. Capn. Hill of Bellaghy had succeeded Henry Patterson as Agent.

THE LETTERS. i. Ballymilligan, 24th July, 1798, to his half-brother, John Conwell (" Jacky the Tanner ") in Belfast. Written from home (Ballymilligan). "

Am busy preparing to go abroad. Glad you are not implicated in the present troubles in this country. Had intended to visit you lately, and to purchase in

Belfast some clothes and articles of furniture. Take advantage of any oppor

tunity that offers to pick up valuable furniture cheap from Pawnbrokers or

others. Will advance you the money. Need in particular \ dozen silver

tea-spoons, for tea-table."

2. Dublin, 26th Aug., 1798, to his Uncle, Rev. Henry Conwell, P.P., V.G.,

Dungannon. "

Surprised did not receive letter you wrote?probably fault of Post Office. Have

not met Primate, tho' he has been in the City. Wished to find out from Primate

if he would provide place for me in Maynooth.

Gloomy outlook in Ireland?regret not having sailed in Lisbon vessel which

set o? on Friday. Murphy still here?the other lad sailed. Will be at much ex

peuce?three Guineas at least?if I have to remain here till study commences at

Maynooth in October. Desire your advice how to act. Should wish return to

country with my uncle, Charles McFallin, Castlerow Ho., Colerain, who promises

keep me without expence.

Have attended to my Office regularly since you left me. Am studying ceremonies of Holy Mass. Celebrated Mass last Saturday in Rosemarry Lane

Chapel?said none since. Was at great meeting of Clergy in Townsend Chapel? Doctors Troy and Flood present?former permitted me say Mass in City. Called

at Mr. Whittington's, but have not seen him, or received the money. Could

not get Breads of proper quality to send to you by Carman, but will later.

Let me know how you got home, and how the little mare's leg endured the

journey down."

3. Dublin, 3rd Sept., 1798. To his Father, John Conwell, Ballymilligan. " Have been here (Dublin) since Uncle and Edward left. Was much alarmed at

report of French invasion?sorry did not go to Lisbon, but will hope for the best. No friend here but Mr. Hagan. Have seen my uncle Charles every day since he came here. He intended to take me back with him, but have to-day received from the Primate a letter of recommendation to the Vice-President of

Maynooth. Intend going there to-morrow and remaining to await opening. Send Charles Campbell around to get in the remainder of the

" Lists

" (Parish

Collection ?) Am at great expence here, but did not get more than 2nd part of Loop and Dungannon

" Lists." Hope you have not neglected advice about

education of the rest of the family. If the girls behave well I shall bring them

presents at Easter Vacation. Uncle wrote, mentioned your safe arrival, but

said nothing as to how the little mare's swelled leg endured the journey down. Direct letters to Royal College, Maynooth, above Dublin."

4. Dublin, 10th Sept., 1798. To his Father, from Dublin. "

Arrived Maynooth eight days past. Change of diet made me ill?have come to Dublin to consult my friend, Dr. Hagan. Presented Primate's letter to Vice

President, Dr. Power, who permitted me to remain in College till opening on 17th. Inform John Mc. Donnell there is another vacancy and induce him to apply for it. Should like to have him as companion here. Send me by him my old

black coat, and waist coat, pair of coarse twilled sheets, a couple of night caps, and a pair of shoes stronger and larger than the last pair Dunphy made for me.

We have an account here to-day of the defeat of the French and Insurgents

by General Lake. I received Betty's letter. It cost me double postage on account of the mode

it was folded up in. I wish you would pay the postage of your letters to me, as

money is not too plenty."

5. Same date and place. To his uncle, Rev. Henry Conwell, P.P., V.G.,

Dungannon. " Primate returned from a visit to his Brother's (near Kilcock) received me kindly, but detained me a few days hoping to introduce me to Dr. Flood who, however

prolonged his stay in Co. Longford, where his parish is. Primate then gave me

letter of introduction to Dr. Power, Vice-President, Maynooth, who in spite of

rules allowed me remain in College to await opening on 17th. Taken ill at

Maynooth, came to Dublin yesterday to consult Dr. Hagan, and will return

to-morrow.

Sent you box of Breads by carman and have engaged Ink-fountain with the

glass-blower. Could not find the Lucan among my old books. Advise John Mc. Donnell apply instantly to his Grace, now in Dublin, for vacancy here

belonging to Diocese of Armagh/'

6. Maynooth College, 4th Oct., 1798. From Maynooth to his Uncle. "

Desired Mr. Hagan execute little commission respecting the Lucan and Ink

Fountain.

Am anxiously awaiting arrival of John Mc. Donnell.

Besides articles mentioned already, send me by Mc. Donnell, otherwise direct

to Mr. Hagan my Breviary left at my Father's, and two pair of woollen stockings, dark greyish colour.

We had High Mass on Monday, 24th September. Examination of the Divines on 25th. Was examined in Greek and Latin?

acquitted myself well.

In accordance with new regulation, I, being in Orders, was obliged to make

deposit of Six Guineas. Bed will cost me as much more, and I must also furnish

my room and buy Cloak and Cap. Had our first Lecture on nature of Logics given on Monday by Darre?an

agreeable, sweet little man.

My room is in a house about 40 Perches from the College. There are about

30 of us in the house, which is very cold, being only finished this summer/'

6. Maynooth College, 4th Oct., 1798. "

Rules of House very severe. We rise at six ; then Prayer, Meditation and

Mass commence the business of the day. We are obliged provide candles for our rooms. Nothing from the House

but diet and Lodging.

Mr. Montague is very kind to me tho' not in same house. Remember me to

Mr. Mc. Cosker."

7. Maynooth College, 15th Oct., 1798. To his Grand Uncle, Rev. Anthony Conwell, P.P., Ardtrea.

" Wrote you ist Oct. and as post comes here only twice a week I sent it by the

College Porter to Dublin. Only this moment he tells me he lost it.

I enjoy good health at present, thanks be to God, but was sickly here at first.

Our rooms are extremely cold, there being only one fire in the house I live in.

Regulations very severe. We rise at six, then Prayer, Meditation and Mass ;

then study till breakfast ; then half an hour of recreation ; study again till

2 o'clock ; then the English Professor gives class till 3 o'clock ; dinner at

3 o'clock, after which we have recreation for an hour. Then the business of the

evening begins. At 9 o'clock we have prayers. Everyone then is to repair to bed.

We have bread and milk for breakfast and supper. We have flesh meat to

dinner every day, unless on fish days. The Professors are all celebrated in

their different departments.

8. Maynooth College, 28th Oct., 1798. To his uncle. "

Thanks for letter and three Guineas notes.

Surprised you gave no account of the young Priests. Professor suggests

they come and live at lodgings till Christmas, in order to attend Logic Class.

Am at disadvantage by being so distant from the College and by coldness of

this house, but workmen very busy finishing off rooms in new Flouse connected

with College?expect they will be ready for our reception early in Spring.

Murphy sailed for Lisbon safely, but is now in hospital in Lisbon from fever

contracted on journey. Does not expect to be received in the College." We have received news of the defeat of the French Fleet. Duke of Leinster

often visits us here. He is the most agreeable and affable gentleman I ever saw.

Every Wednesday we visit his Demesne which is most spacious and beautiful, and of endless variety. Here are ruins of an old castle, former residence of the

Fitzgeralds. It was once a very extensive building ; now partly covered with

ivy. Am surprised it was built in such low ground. Remember me to Mr. Mc. Cosker, the Mallons, and Madame Mc. Ivor and

family.

9. Maynooth College, ist Nov., 1798. To his brother Edward, at Ballymilligan. "

Pleased to hear you have finished harvest business. Do not trouble further

about "

Lists." but I approve of Mr. Mackell's insisting on getting satisfactory account from Gilmour.

I approve of your going to Hagan and bringing William with you."

Am sorry poor Hughy was not afforded this winter at school but perhaps it

will answer as well in summer next.

Greatly surprized Mc. Donnell made a shew of my letter to everyone you mention, thereby exposing my style of writing to the Primate, and disgusting the

' Old Priest

' with me, whom I esteem my most particular friend. I wonder

greatly the ' Old Priest

' has not received the two letters I wrote him. Shall

write him now again?an apology.

Am rejoiced to hear Uncle Padden has increased his family by a son.

Remember me to Uncle Toal's people, to Felimy Quinn, the Lawsons, and

Roger O'NenTs family.

Happy to hear my Father purchased a watch.

On Wednesday last visited Celbridge House, residence of Mr. and Mrs.

Connolly. It is the most magnificent house I was ever in. It exceeds the

Duke's easily.

I wonder you are so superstitious in your remarks about the Blossoms.

I am rejoiced to hear my Uncle Padden has increased his family, especially

by a son. I am highly pleased with the name and hope to hear my aunt is

perfectly recovered."

10. Maynooth College, ist Nov., 1798. To his Grand Uncle (in great part, a

repetition of No. 7). "

I sustained a Thesis a few days ago on abstract ideas in general, and I assure you I considered it the most glorious day of my life. Indeed the Professor approved of my mode of answering the objections, which added to my opinion of myself

something."

11. Maynooth College, 29th Nov., 1798. To his uncle. "

His Grace, the Primate was here last week, celebrated Mass each day for the

Community, and left on Friday for Johnstown.

Murphy, who went to Lisbon the day I came here, returned here a few days ago, and is received on the Establishment. Kelly was received in class on

Monday last.

Mc. Donnells not yet arrived.

12. Maynooth College, 7th Dec, 1798. To his uncle. "

Mc. Donnells arrived Monday last, but unfortunately, Charles being subject to an infectious disease, is not yet admitted to College.

13. Maynooth College, 17th Jan., 1799. To his brother, Edward, at Ballymilligan. " Obtained permission, as a privilege, to visit Dublin during Christmas Vacation.

Went there Friday last, returned Monday. Had long interview with Mr. Hagan at the

' Old White Cross.' He proposes to graduate before Easter and then

return to the North. He regrets my Sister Betty's refusal of his proposal. It cost me nearly half a Guinea to go and come from Dublin. I called to see

James Campbell?he is well. Proney Mc. Veagh called to see me here.

Remember me to Charles Campbell.

14. Maynooth College, 22nd Jan., 1799. To his uncle. "

I received a letter from Edward a few days ago, mentioning Betty's marriage to Mc. Shane (but I suppose she must have him named Johnson now, as she

intimated to me once, if they would be married). God grant them a blessing. Edward tells me he intends going to Dungannon, and that my friend Mr.

Geraghty is leaving Dungannon.

Respects and love to Charles and Betty.

15. Maynooth College, 15th Feb., 1799. To his brother, Edward, at Irish Street,

Dungannon. "

Very sorry to hear of death of my Uncle Neddy. God be merciful to him.

I preached in the Chapel of this town on Sunday last."

There? has been a sitting of the Board in the latter end of last month. The

augmentation which we expected to take place immediately will not till May, and

probably not till Vacation.

The Mc. Donnells and other externs are electrified at the account."

16. Maynooth College, 16th Feb., 1799. To his uncle. "

Mr. Corr, whom you mentioned, called here a few days ago, very well dressed,

and had a fine grey mare with him, that he proposed for sale on easy terms.

He returned to Dublin to-day, telling us he would sell the mare in Dublin and

take shipping for England immediately. We are told His Grace the Primate left Johnstown lately very sick.

The Six Guineas Entrance Fee was done away with at the last meeting of the

Board, and we have some expectation of its being remitted to such as paid it.

I beg the ' Old Man' may not hear this.

17. Maynooth College, 5th May, 1799. To his brother, Edward, at Ballymilligan. "

Expected you would have come to Dublin, and to see me here at Easter.

Suggest you come here and study till Vacation in July. Could introduce you to Connolly.

Suppose you have heard of great debates in Parliament about continuing annual supply to this College?temporary supply granted.

Students in Orders will not be admitted after next meeting of Board?on

8th of this month.

Sir Edward Bellew and Lord Fingall (Trustees) have been here inspecting new rooms.

John Mc. Donnell received on the Establishment on Sunday last.

Londonderry Militia lying in this town. Am acquainted with some of them,

e.g., Moses Vincent and John Conwell.

Three Guineas of my Entrance Fee returned. Obliged buy silver spoon, knife and fork?all will cost about one Guinea.

18. Maynooth College, 8th May, 1799. To his uncle. "

Greatly surprised Edward did not call see me here on occasion of his recent

visit to Dublin.

Charley McDonnell and Kelly are externs as yet.

Expect new refectory will be ready for our reception in course of a month.

19. Maynooth College, 6th June, 1799. To his father. "

Happy to hear William is at school, but think you ought to send Hughy to

learn English for some time to Daly.

20. Maynooth College, 7th Jan., 1800. To his uncle (after visit home). "

On my return journey I called on His Grace the Primate and was very kindly received by him. He enquired for you and other Clergymen in that place. I told him you had gone to see the remains of my grandmother interred on the

day I left home.

Reached Maynooth Sunday, 29th Dec.

Respecting piece of Linen Dr. Flood commissioned me to buy, am desirous

you should advance 2 Guineas to my father, and tell him to buy a web of good

quality and have it conveyed to Fitzpatrick, No. 2 Upper Ormond Quay,

together with Lamy's Introduction to the Scripture. Have joined Class of Moral Divinity under De La Hogue and am in fine

room with John Mc. Donnell.

Appearance of College greatly improved. Additional buildings dashed over,

Chapel, Refectory and Kitchen completely finished.

Discipline much severer than heretofore?many new regulations adopted by Mr. Ferris.

Was obliged buy silver spoon at one Guinea, also a Prier.

21. Maynooth College, 8th Jan., 1800. To his brother, Edward, at Dungannon. "

I arrived in Dundalk at an early hour on the evening I parted you. Next

morning at 5 o'clock I mounted the Basket with a degree of celerity that surprised all the bystanders. We arrived in Dublin between 5 and 6 in the evening. On

Sunday I reached this place some sickish from (I imagine) the cold and the jolting of the Coach, but, thank God, I have got perfectly well again. I am settled in a room with a fire, and have exchanged my open bed for a curtained one.

I hope you will not forget the directions I gave you about William, lest he

should become a second edition of Hughy. F

Let Fealy O Neill know I enquired for Peter. He returned to the Royal

Infirmary a few days ago and expects his discharge from the Regiment soon.

The Duke is abroad."

22. Maynooth College, 30th Jan., 1800. To his brother, Edward, at Dungannon. " Received yours of 15th, but did not receive the box till Sunday. Surprised you did not label box?that was the reason it was detained in Dublin till Sunday.

Shall send you in the box which is to bring the linen for Dr. Flood, my Father's

great coat (if he has not bought another one), the thin shoes and my overalls. As to the overalls I cannot wear them here, being uncommon in this place. Box will be left at Fitzpatrick's Ormond Quay, by the College Carter. Allow some carman from Dungannon to call for it. I allow you to pay him only a

shilling, as I got my trunk and another box belonging to Montague carried for

half a crown, any of which were heavier than the box will be. I advise you to learn to dance and get some knowledge of music if you have

any opportunity.

My father should be very attentive to the Old Man, as he will inevitably drop off soon.

I wish you'd enquire of McKeon about the ordinations?or if McTiloan

(? McFillan ?) is to be accepted. He is a proud fellow. As for Muldoon and some

others, my uncle is pretty well acquainted with their characters. I hope you will not neglect when you go down to the Lower Country to

endeavour to get a Bond from the Georges for the money lent to MatthewT."

23. Maynooth College, 9th March, 1800. To his brother, Edward, at Dungannon. " Lose no time in purchasing linen of good quality and forwarding it to me for Dr. Flood.

Try to evade the extravagant price which Moorhead (your Dance Master) charges his scholars.

Advise you not leave Dickson till May or June and use time between that

period and August to prepare for England. I mentioned in my other letter how you should manage with Harry Woods. I hope the account you read of Michael is true. I am happy to hear he is

found out. Tell Uncle we are reading the treatise, ' De jure et justifia

will afterwards begin the treatise, ' De contractibus

Tell uncle to send me the 4 vols, of Antoine treating of those subjects. Try for linen about Coagh and Castledawson and bring George Smyth with you.

Moses Vincent left this on Sat."

24. Maynooth College, 24th March, 1800. To Edward, at Dungannon. " Sent box to Fitzpatricks, Dublin, last Saturday. It contains pair of boots

(which please do not abuse with spurs), a shirt ruffled at hands and breast, a

full suit for Hughy, and my father's old coat.

Have ruffle taken off slieve of shirt, as they are not fashionable at present. Get the boots mended by Human or some other person who can do it well

when they have occasion.

I wish my father would send Hughy one half year to Daly or some other good teacher of English.

When you go down at Easter encourage Hughy and William to be attentive

to their books and above all to be mindful of their duty to God, and to be

obedient and dutiful to their father and mother."

25. Maynooth College, 30th March, 1800. To Edward, at Dungannon. "

I received yours of the 18th inst., franked by Captain Johnston. Am rejoiced to hear my uncle is repairing the house but am afraid he has great

difficulty in attending the parish. You may quit Dickson in June and by no means forget to call on me here.

I believe you can remain here for some time, tho' I believe very few will be

permitted to remain here during Vacation on account of the dearth and extra

ordinary prices of provisions. Dr. Flood has told me expressly that I may remain.

26. Maynooth College, 14th April, 1800. To his uncle. "

I have often reflected on the drudgery and slavery you must necessarily undergo in attending the various and different calls without the assistance of anyone. I think you might call Friar Mc. Donagh or some other disengaged person to

assist you untill Fealy is ordained, which, I hope, will be soon now. I hope there will be a good number of candidates tho' it is currently reported here there

will be only a few ' Hedge

' Priests. I never heard the expression before and I

believe it came from the Primate, as it was Dr. Flood brought the report to the

house from Dublin.

John and Charles Mc. Donnell in bad health.

I celebrated Mass yesterday for the Parish Priest of this parish, and on my return called at Mr. William Geraghty's, brother to Mr. Geraghty of Dungannon.

He has an elegant country seat about a mile from this place.

27. Maynooth College, 29th April, 1800. To his father. "

Have received letter from Edward since he left Ballymilligan. I expect a letter

by Vincent and two pair of dark-coloured thread stockings. Remember me to my Old Uncle and to Rev. Mr. Mackell."

28. Maynooth College, 14th May, 1800. To Edward, at Dungannon. "

Am surprised you did not get waist-coat of same quality as coat. They would

be much more fashionable. Bring Hughy here when you call to see me before

going to England.

Bring Hughy to Armagh and have James Crawford there before you to bring home the horse.

310 COUNTY LOUTH ARCHaEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

If you take proper precautions you may persuade the driver of the ' Basket

to take Hughy to Dublin from Armagh for a Crown. To prepare him for this

expedition he will require a pair of pantaloons which will serve as substitute

for breeches and boots.

I wrote to my father by Fealy Mc. Larnon of Maghadone.

Let me know if Mr. Johnston attends the Free School as usual."

29. Maynooth College, 20th May, 1800. To his father. " Wrote you by Fely Mc. Larnon of Maghadone.

Hope you will lose no time in purchasing the linen and expect you will be as

expeditious as possible in getting it conveyed to this place.

I wish from my heart you would write me a letter with your own hand, as I

am satisfied you can do it very well."

30. Maynooth College, July, 1800. To Edward, at Dungannon. "

Received your Frank of 21st June. Presented the linen to Dr. Flood last night. He was perfectly pleased with it, but refused to accept present of it, and insisted I should write and know the

price of it.

I allow you to prepare everything as well as possible for your journey to

England. I imagine 8 or 10 shirts will be sufficient. Get a few nice waist-coats

too, but I hope you will not get them made single-breasted. Tho' fashionable,

they appear very poorly. I allow you to get a pair or two of pantaloons. If you

get boots don't have them made too heavy. I don't like Hilman's make

too well.

I am happy to hear you have learned to dance a little, and desire you surely to insist on the right of attending as long as you remain in the country, for be

assured it is considered a great accomplishment, and often as useful in life as

even learning. In all probability Hugh will learn to dance here."

I think the Mallons should be friendly to you especially Tully and Arthur."

31. Maynooth College, 4th Aug., 1800. To Edward, at Dungannon. " Wrote you a few days ago by Mr. Mc. Cann. Mr. Montague left this place

a few days ago and is succeeded in Procur?torship by John Mc. Donnell.

Montague might have treated me better. He used all his influence to favour

McDonnell. The latter got a premium ; and has ?10, coal, room and candle

free, with Procuratorship. If Montague comes to Dungannon while you are

there treat him friendly, and I would be glad my uncle would do the same.

Endeavour to prevail on my father to consent to Hugh's coming with you to Maynooth."

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, 1798-1804 3II

32. Maynooth College, 6th Sept., 1800. To Edward, at Dungannon. "

I think you acted prudently in delaying 8 or 10 days for the company of little

Mc. Dowell who may be the means of introducing you to some genteel people in London, but I allow you surely to set off about the 15th as you may then

have an opportunity of going in company with Mr. Aylmer's sons, at whose place I celebrate Mass.

I charged Dr. Flood only 2s. 8d. per yard for linen. I lent the money to

Mc. Cann to enable him to pay his Entrance Money. I intend when you arrive

here you should go out with me to Mr. Aylmer's for a day or two. I hope you have not cut your hair short. Behave with the greatest humility and politeness towards all your neighbours and friends and part with them on the best of terms."

33. Maynooth College, 13th Sept., 1800. ' If you come in course of next week you may be in company with Mr. Aylmer's sons and several other young Catholic gentlemen who came to Ireland to spend their vacation."

34. Maynooth College, 2nd Oct., 1800. To his uncle. " Was in Dublin when you wrote to me to Maynooth and did not receive letter untill Sunday morning, when I also received letter from Mrs. Mc. Dowell

informing me of her arrival in Dublin and desiring Edward to come to Town

immediately. Edward unable to go owing to previous engagement at Maynooth. On Monday morning they set off for Dublin and sailed in the Queen's Packet on 30th for Pargate."

35. Maynooth College, 18th Oct., 1800. To Mrs. Mc. Dowell, Magherafelt. " Am happy to inform you of safe arrival of your son, John, and my brother, Edward, in England. They sailed from Dublin at 8 p.m. on the day they parted you (30th) and after a favourable passage of 24 hours, landed at Pargate, where

they were obliged to remain that night untill the Custom House Officers would examine their trunks next day, on the morning of which they set out for Chester,

only 12 miles distant from Pargate, where they, being young travellers, remained that night. On the following day they took the Chester Coach for London,

where they arrived safe on the 5th of October, being Sunday, and remained there untill Tuesday, when a Mr. Wigram took little John into his care, as your brother, (Mr. Laird), who resides in London, was then in Weymouth. My brother mentions that on parting John, rather than leave him without money, he thought proper to call on Mr. Wigram for two guineas and a half, one of which he gave John, together with some shillings to keep his pocket, bought him a

Bible at 8s. 6d., etc. He says it was the circumstance of your brother's absence, and (my brother) not having an immediate expectation of falling into business, caused him to call on Mr. Wigram for money."

36. Maynooth College, 5th Nov., 1800. To his uncle, Rev. Henry Conwell, P.P., V.G.

Dungannon. "

I am rejoiced to hear of Dr. Dillon's promotion to the Bishoprick of Kilmore."

37. Maynooth College, 30th Nov., 1800. To his father. "

On morning of Monday, 30th Oct., I conveyed Edward about three miles from

Maynooth on his road to Dublin.

In regard of the articles you mentioned, which he proposed to give me and

pressed that I should accept as he was on his journey to a strange Kingdom I

thought proper to accept only two pairs of stockings and the Bolster slips, leaving him all the shirts he brought with him, as I considered I might have an oppor

tunity of providing shirts probably sooner than he would. So far from accepting

any money from him, I was sorry it was not in my power to give him a Guinea on

parting him, for I considered what he had little enough for him on his journey to another Country.

Edward desired me in his last letter to request of you to allow Hughy and

William every opportunity of improving themselves in their education, that you can do, consistent with the interest of the family. I believe it was William wrote

me in your name. He has improved wonderfully. Tell him if he continues to

do so I will purchase him a new suit of Clothes at Vacation. Let him endeavour

to acquire an easy free method of writing. Hagan or School are the only men

capable of teaching Writing in that country. I live in the room with a little boy from Drogheda. His name is Mr. Archbold.

He is nearly related to Sir Edward Bellew, and is a very genteel lad.

Mc. Donnell continues in the capacity of Procurator for the house.

I am happy to hear the ' Old Man/ my uncle, has been in Dungannon. I was

afraid he would never venture so far abroad."

38. Maynooth College, 14th Jan., 1801. To his father. "

Received letter from Edward yesterday. He informs me he borrowed a Guinea

from little Campbell from Aughnacloy, who lives in the City of London, and is

in the same profession with Edward. Campbell wishes that the Guinea should

be advanced to his mother. I am assured you have not the least objection, but

I find Edward was delicate in mentioning it to you. You can readily take a ride

up there and remain at my uncle's place with Art and Nelly that night. Am desirous to know if there is any Industry carried on by the family at

present, and how Hughy and William are employed, and if little James remains

as yet in the family, and where my grandfather lives at present whether in our

family or at Mc. Cristall's."

Provisions are extravagantly dear here at present, and indeed I believe it is a

general complaint.

We find by letters from Portugal that several colleges in Spain are on the point of being dissolved, owing to the calamitous state of the Country which is

threatened with famine and pestilence. Besides we hear there are very few

students in St. Patrick's College in Lisbon.

You may inform Fealy that one of the young men who were ordained with

him is living here as an Extern and attends the Class of Logics."

39. Maynooth College, 7th March, 1801. To his uncle. "

Dr. Flood has been frequently speaking to me of the Giant's Causeway and of the

North in general, and in case you think it prudent I wish you would invite him

down at Vacation next."

The Private Examination commenced on Tuesday last. I was the 4th person called on, and had the fortune to acquit myself tolerably well.

'Tis said our Professor of Mathematics is going to France to settle some family business, and in that case Mr. Montague will become Professor of Logics."

39a. Maynooth College, March 20th, 1801. To his uncle. "

I am sorry that I put you to the trouble of cautioning me against imprudence in my letter-writing. I recollected you were under the same necessity before, relative to a letter I wrote you in Aughnacloy."

40. Maynooth College, 15th April, 1801. To his father. "

I received a letter from Mr. Mackell yesterday, which in one respect afforded me

pleasure?to hear that he and his relations are well?but in another grieved me

much?to hear that Bernard Devlin was determined for America, until he was

dissuaded by the advice of friends.

I was extremely affected on hearing of my Cousin Nelly's death. I pity her

small but fine young family. I believe they have abundance of the necessaries

of life, which is a great blessing in these times of general poverty and distress.

I request you may not neglect the garden, as I promise myself the pleasure of

walking there sometimes in our approaching Vacation. I paid double postage for my uncle's last letter tho' it contained only one note.

Remember me to the Mc. Elwain family, to Wm. Brooks, and in the most

affectionate manner to my Old Uncle, and in a word, to all the Ballyriff people."

41. Maynooth College, 19th April, 1801. To his uncle, Charles Mc. Fallin, Castlerow

House, Colerain. "

I take the liberty of troubling you with a little commission relative to the

purchase of some materials as I deem necessary to make some little repairs to

our house. Fearing I might offend my father (for you know he is careless about

such things ) I have not mentioned to him everything I thought necessary. I intend on my return home to remove the lofting of the large room, where I

lay in the fever, and to have it repaired and fitted out on the plan of the large room in the opposite end of the house.

As timber sells generally cheaper at Colerain than in any other place in the

North, you will greatly oblige me in purchasing ten or twelve planks which will

admit of two cuts each, and a piece of Pomeranian timber which will cut in ten

joists, four and a half inches deep, 10 feet 8 inches long, and 2? inches broad.

These will perfectly answer the intention, as I know the dimensions of the house.

You can have them conveyed up to your coach-house or stables, where they

may lie until they are sent for, and send me the Invoice of them.

Remember me to the Rev. Mr. Mc. Kenna and to both the Mr. Shannons."

42. Maynooth College, ist May, 1801. To his granduncle, Rev. Anthony Conwell, P.P.

Ardtrea. (" The Old Priest "). " I have been reading Divinity ever since I came lastly to college. We read

Religion in the Class of Speculation last year. We are reading the Treatise, ' Of the Church

' this year in the Class of Speculation, and have already read

several short treatises of Morality, and are now reading Matrimony."

43. Maynooth College, 10th May, 1801. To Rev. Felix O Neill, Dungannon. " I wish you would let me know if Wm. Small received Sub-deaconship.

Acquaint my uncle that I would have written to him instantly only (I was)

waiting the Duke's return to the country."

44. Maynooth College, 29th May, 1801. To his father. "

Mr. Lovelock received a letter from Mr. Mackell a few days ago, and desired me

to remember him to Mr. Mackell in the most friendly manner. He made many

enquiries of me concerning Mr. Mackell, to which I answered in the most

satisfactory manner, representing him as a great, good, and charitable man.

Mr. Lovelock told me he had only a faint recollection of Mr. Mackell."

45. Maynooth College, 31st May, 1801. To his uncle. "

I would have answered your favour of the 25th immediately only I was waiting the Duke's return to the Country, but he has left Cork where he was then, to

take his seat in the British Parlieament. Dr. Troy of Dublin held an Ordination here last week. We had 5 Priests,

4 Deacons, and 7 Sub-deacons ordained, besides a great number who received

the Tonsure and Minor Orders. Some time ago we had an auction of old books

belonging to a priest of this Diocese. They amounted to ?28 14s. and I am

certain you would not give 2 Guineas for the two boxes. I could heartily wish you would purchase some of the unsold effects of Rev.

Mr. Corr?they would sell here readily for 6 or 7 guineas."

46. Maynooth College, 14th June, 1801. To his uncle. "

The Rev. Francis Kelly left this in the end of last month."

47. Maynooth College, ist July, 1801. To his father. "

I took particular notice of the specimen of Hugh's writing in your last letter but one. I was perfectly pleased with it and with the sentiment it conveyed.

I hope he will continue to improve in every respect, and by that means he will

attract the attention of those who are, and will be, in a future day (God willing), able to serve him.

I think you should not mention anything of the money Patterson has got in

case he should behave friendly towards you at the end of the Lease.

I received a letter from Fealy (Rev. Felix O Neill) a few days ago. I hope

you will have me excused for not answering it, as I am busy preparing for the

Examination."

48. Maynooth College, 29th Nov., 1801. To his uncle. "

On the supposition from your last letter that the Trunk and Boxes (of books) were in Dublin these ten days I dispatched a Carman to Dublin on Tuesday last, who called at Sharpley's (?) the

' Black Man's Head

' according to your directions,

and they told him there were no such things left there for me, and notwithstand

ing the disappointment I must certainly pay him. I wish you had not hit on

Mr. Ryan's Carman.

I heard that the library which belonged to the late Dr. Lenon of Newry is

to be sent to this house in order to be sold by auction. If they should arrive

before yours they will have preference in the sale."

49. Maynooth College, 30th Dec, 1801. To his uncle. "

I received both your letters, also the Trunk and Boxes, from the ' Brazen Head.'

I had the auction these two days past and sold all the books, but have not as

yet calculated the amount. I expect to be able to send you 8 or 10 pounds. When I receive the money I will give it to Mr. Geraghty's brother who lives here

in this country and is very wealthy, and he will give me an order on his brother

Tom in Dungannon payable to you. I was overjoyed in reading the innuendo you gave towards the conclusion of

your last letter. I hope my Old Uncle will have the pleasure of seeing what you alluded to before death closes his eyes.

I am greatly obliged to Mr. A. Mill for sending me the Manuale and Ordinandos

and Breviary and my Cravat. Tell me in your next letter if Roche, the Carman, left a small box at your place for Hughy.

50. Maynooth College, 28th Feb., 1802. To his father. "

Two letters which I wrote you since I came last to college were intercepted. The first contained a minute account of everything regarding me from the Sunday I left home until I arrived here, and also an apology to Rosy for neglecting to

purchase the Grate and Fire-irons in Dublin, and an apology to William for not

purchasing the Clothes. Rest satisfied it was not in my power to fulfil either of

these promises, as the person who owed me 7 Guineas only gave me half a

Guinea. My second letter contained advices to Hugh and William.

I had frequent returns of the toothache, and was obliged to go to Dublin to get G

3l6 COUNTY LOUTH ARCHaEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

it drawn. I then purchased the Grate and Fire-irons which I sent to Cookstown

by Terrence Mc. Donnell, brother to John Mc. Donnell of this house. You may send Hugh for them as soon as you receive this. I request you will get Barney

Donnelly to fix in the Grate, and tell him I expect him to do it decently. Let William apply himself closely to the study of his Latin and attend greatly

to his writing. I wrote to Alick Mc. Elwaine lately. John Mc. Donnell got a letter calling

him home?I suppose to some Curacy. I understand he expects to be settled

in his native parish."

51. Maynooth College, 3rd March, 1802. To his uncle. "

Dr. Power has written to His Grace requesting liberty for Mr. Mc. Donnell to

remain until the 25th. At the auction (see No. 49) the Dupins, which I considered the most valuable

article only amounted to ?1 8s. ; the Chalice to ?2 10s. 6d. and the Chausible

to 1 os. I am sorry I did not keep the Dupins at the money."

52. Maynooth College, 10th April, 1802. To his uncle. "

At your request I have applied to the person who got the Dupins at the sale.

He seems somewhat reluctant to part with them, yet I think I will be able to

flatter them from him.

Poor Hughes is very awkward in every respect. I introduced him to

Dr. Power.

Dr. Flood is expected here for the General Examinations. Edward saw him

in London about 4 days ago.

We have a rumour here circulated by the Derry men that Mr. Langton of

Omagh is to fill the vacant See of Raphoe.

53. Maynooth College, 3rd May, 1802. To his father. "

I received your letters by Mr. Quinn.

Poor Quinn was obliged to stay 10 days in town owing to his having an

infectious disease.

I agree with you 'tis better to continue William at school some time longer. I am well pleased to see the great attempt Hughy makes to write a letter. I wish

to know how far you are forward with the labour, and if you have all the potatoes

set, and when you will have them shovelled.

You will oblige me exceedingly in permitting Hughy to come up to Maynooth

in order to accompany me home. If you consent to my request I will inclose a

Guinea note in my next letter to enable him to prepare himself for the journey.

I will also strike out a plan of travelling for him that will not cost him 5 Shillings

as there is a horse to be sent up here in the course of a month, and the owner

would be glad to find a safe hand to send the horse by. We will fix stages at

free quarters for him the first two nights and on the 3rd day he will arrive here

early in the evening, without passing through Dublin at all.

We received a letter from Dr. Flood a few days ago, who is now in Paris.

He mentions that the Catholick Religion is now perfectly re-established, and

that he assisted at High Mass with all the nobility of Paris on Easter Sunday."

54. Maynooth College, 7th May, 1802. To his uncle. ' '

Thomas Muldoon and 4 other extern students have been taken into the house on

vacant places about 10 days ago. I presented your second letter, together with

Mr. Quinn to Dr. Power, who, after some hesitation whether there was a tenth

vacant place from the Diocese at length received him. Mr. Mc. Can has

gone home sick. We have now 10 students in the house from our Diocese. I

had a proposal of a curacy a week ago from a Mr. Anderson of Dublin. I think

the situation would be a desirable one. I submit the matter to your consider

ation. If you think well of it he would apply to His Grace the Primate, who is now at the Black Rock, near Dublin. Mr. Quinn has arrived."

55. Maynooth College, 2nd June, 1802. To his uncle. "

I thought it would appear dishonourable, nay, ungrateful, totally to desert my own Diocese through interested motives. I have relinquished any notions I had

of accepting Mr. Anderson's proposal and resigned myself to the dispensation of Providence, always in expectation of something better, which perhaps is the

opportunity which offers at present with Mr. Quinn. You know the Doctor as well as any man, and the Parish too, from the

experience you had of it. You are also pretty well acquainted with me, and if

you think I would be an answerable person for the place I shall be directed by you. I have intermitting returns of the toothache. Dr. Pur cell and Dr. Burke who

attend here both told me it proceeded from Rheumatism and they earnestly recommend to me the use of the Salt Water early in summer.

It was Mr. Ferris who first spoke of me to Mr. Anderson.

Our quarterly examination in both classes took place a few days before your favour of 13th May, We are now busy preparing for the General Examination.

No late account from Dr. Flood. Poor Tom Muldoon is become "

extern "

again together with others, in consequence of the arrival of some ' Connors

are to fill the vacant places."

55a. Maynooth College, 4th June, 1802. To his uncle. "

I have greatly changed my mind regarding the Mission, and am now far more

inclined to remain in College in order to prepare myself better for the Mission by revising my Theology, studying something of the Irish Language, and endeavour

ing to acquire more useful knowledge.

3l8 COUNTY LOUTH ARCHaEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

I write on the presumption that you have not yet written to the Primate

relative to the matter. I expected to get this letter franked by the Duke but

he went to town yesterday."

55. Maynooth College, 2nd June, 1802. To his uncle. "

I coincided in opinion with you that a permanent situation in the Diocese of

Dublin would be more desirable than a temporary one, and I believe more

advantageous than anything I could promise myself in my own Diocese,

abstracting from the present Curacy and a few other ones. Still I thought it

would appear too dishonourable, nay ungrateful, totally to desert my own

Diocese through such sordid and interested motives. Moreover, I apprehended it might strike the Primate in the same point of view, and that of course any direct application to His Grace on that head would be unsuccessful, whereas

'tis his duty to provide for the exigiencies of his own Diocese in preference to

the gratification or interest of any individual. From these considerations,

together with your former letter on that occasion I have relinquished any notions

I had of accepting Mr. Anderson's proposal, and resigned myself in my present situation to the dispensation of Providence, always in expectation of something better?which, perhaps, is the opportunity which offers at present with Mr.

Quinn. You know the Doctor I presume, as well as any man, and the parish too, from the experience you had of it. You are also pretty well acquainted

with me, and in case you think I would be an answerable person for the place I shall be directed by you as on all (other ?) occasions, and will endeavour to

prepare myself in course of this month.

I have from time to time some intermitting returns of the Toothache, tho' all

my teeth are now perfectly sound. I frequently spoke to Dr. Purcell and Dr.

Burke who attend here. They both told me it proceeded from a species of

Rheumatism occasioned partly by our sedentary manner of life, and earnestly recommended to me the use of the Salt Water early in the summer, which, they affirmed would totally remove the complaint. Otherwise?they said?it might become a fixed Rheumatism. And, indeed, one of the principal motives that

induced me to think of the place in Dublin was the opportunity I could have of

going out frequently to the Black Rock during the summer.

I am much surprised you suspect me of exaggerating anything regarding that

matter. I never told you I was to have an ample provision from Mr. A. of

Dublin. I only stated I was to dine at his own table and have the same salary with the other Assisting Priests, which I never expected would be more than

sufficient to purchase Cloaths and other necessaries. These were Mr. A.'s own

words to Mr. Ferris who first spoke of me to him.

We have no news at present of any account. Our quarterly examination in

both Classes took place a few days before your favour of the 13th May. We are

now very busy in preparing for the General Examination. We had no late

account from Dr. Flood.

Poor Tom Muldoon is become extern again together with the others, in

consequence of the arrival of some "

Connors "

who are to fill the vacant places. In case matters so turn out that you should think it advisable to write for me

you will oblige me by inclosing a two guinea or three half guinea note in your next letter to enable me to prepare for the Mission.

The young man who auctioned the books for me got of them at the Sale to

the amount of 17s. He gave me 5 Shillings and I suppose he does not intend

to give me any more. I was obliged to pay for the Carriage and Porterage of

them from Dublin to this place 9s. gd. I would have been under the necessity of calling on you for some money ere this only I had frequently half a crown for

celebrating Mass on every Sunday and Holyday, which defrayed the little

contingent expences of College. I suppose my father has all the labour over, and in that case I wish you would

request of him to permit Hughy to take a trip up here. I think 'twould sharpen him, as they say, and also improve him.

I am your loving nephew, E. Conwell.

p.s.?I believe in case I should be required 'twould be more advisable to desire

the Primate to write for me.

56. Maynooth College, 9th July, 1802. To his uncle (last letter from Maynooth). "

Doctor Power has received a letter from His Grace the Primate, desiring him

to send me without delay as Assistant to the Rev. Arthur Martin of Coll?n.

I am sure I never once thought of joining the Mission in that part of the Diocese, but it may, perhaps, be for the better. I must solicit the Primate for liberty to go down to my father's for 8 days."

57. Coll?n, 29th July, 1802. To his father (first letter from Coll?n). "

I am with Mr. Martin of Coll?n as Assistant, this week past. I have been ill of a

heavy cold these six weeks past and can hardly get rid of it at all. In case I

find myself better I propose going down in the next or ensuing week."

58. Coll?n, 17th Sept., 1802. To his father (after visit to Ballymilligan). "

On the evening of the day I parted my Brother Hugh I arrived at Mr. O Neifl's

who received me in a most friendly manner. I mounted the Stage next morning at 5 o'clock and arrived in Dunleer at 12 o'clock where I readily got a horse from

Mr. Healy to carry me here to Coll?n. The Bishop of Newry happened to be

here when I arrived, remained here two days with us and has given me an

invitation to spend a few days with him in Newry when convenient.

I wrote to Alick Mc. Elwain about John Bell. Mr. Martin is expecting him

up every day.

I could wish that Mary was married to Harry Neill of Scullionstown. I

really think she would not repent doing so. Felimy Quinn would bring the

matter about in a moment.

I hope you have got the doors painted and the windows primed, puttied and

glazed before this.

I forgot to tell you that you could get thatch for the house from Joey Booth

for sale.

59. Coll?n, 2nd Dec, 1802. To his brother, William (at Dr. Dickson's, Irish St.,

Dungannon). " I got your hat elegantly dressed and will send it to you the first opportunity. I expect Hughy up here at Christmas. He may come on foot, or if he can

get a horse and furniture conveniently let him ride up."

60. Coll?n, 12th Dec, 1802. To his father. "

Believe me I was very much surprised to see William coming instead of Hughy, and when he told me he was on his way to Dublin to be examined I was greatly concerned and troubled especially as you and I both know full well that Edward

was entirely against the Doctoring. I suppose you have heard that William went from Dublin to Maynooth and

expressed a great wish on returning to Dungannon of entering the College next

year."

61. Coll?n. 20th Dec, 1802. To his father. "

Mr. Martin was from the beginning kind and friendly to me and always con

tinued so.

As to my salary I cannot tell you anything as His Grace, the Primate, regulates the salary of curates in this part of the Diocese. I understand their salary

principally depends on the Oats they collect in the Springtime. I cannot expect a great salary as I have the maintenance of myself and my horse from Mr. Martin.

I surely expect Hughy up at Christmas. As the days are short I would allow him to ride."

62. Coll?n, 22nd Jan., 1803. To his father. "

I have frequently requested of you to send my Brother Hugh to me at Christmas last. Your indifference in that respect has caused me some anxiety of mind, as

I am here, I may say, among strangers. I now request of you to send him up at Candlemas. We will have done with the Christmas Confessions at Candlemas,

which are held as regularly through this parish at the different Stations as they are at Easter in your parish. The attendance at them is very laborious as the curate is obliged to celebrate Mass at the Station every day while they continue.

I believe we will have moonlight at Candlemas, and if the weather should

appear fine perhaps he would take a notion of walking up, and if he should, let

him come to Paddy Mc. Quaide's on the first day from Dungannon. I had a letter from Edward this day. He says Paddy Mulkernon is gone to

the East Indies lately."

63. Coll?n, 4th Feb., 1803. To his father. "

I have received a letter from William. He tells me my uncle has gone to Dublin

to collect some money to finish the inside work of the Chapel in Dungannon, and

I am surprised he did not call with me on his way up, but it is probable he may on his return.

Charley Gilmor (carman) called here yesterday on his way to Dublin, and I

took care to have him well treated. I earnestly desire you may send Hughy in

order that he may be here in Coll?n on Sunday come eight days. When he

passes through Dunleer he may turn to the right hand, and anybody will direct

him to Coll?n Beg. I shall leave William's hat at Mr. J. Hoy's in Drogheda to-morrow that the

carman, on his return from Dublin, may bring it to him."

64. Coll?n, 15th Feb., 1803. To his brother, William, Irish St., Dungannon. "

You would do well to request Kerr's people (Post-office) not to give any letter

directed to you to any other person except yourself."

65. Coll?n, 20th March, 1803. To his brother Edward, at Pirner's (Apothecary),

Arlington St., London. "

I am greatly astonished you could think of applying to Lord Castlereagh with

any expectation of success without even a letter of introduction. Had you told

me your design in time I would have endeavoured to procure you a letter to

him from his friend, Mr. Thomas Connolly of Celbridge. Dr. Ivory informed Mr. Martin by letter lately that you would write to me

soon."

66. Coll?n, 6th April, 1803. To his father. "

I had a letter from William the other day. He tells me he got a suit of Cloaths

from Miss Campbell at first cost.

I wish to know if the Pattersons still continue in the Agency. I request you will get the Room doors painted by Maden as I sent money by

Hughy to my mother to purchase the ingredients. Tell James Maden to give the doors a brownish or dark red colour and let them be kept open till they dry.

I request that you will get the broken panes of glass repaired, and the windows

primed and painted white by Maden, but I would not allow you to make any

outward improvement of any kind till you renew and get a Lease of your land.

I think Charly Mc. Fallin could get a letter from Sir George Hill to Lord

Londonderry that would be very serviceable on the occasion.

I would have endeavoured to have seen Mr. Thos. Connolly when I was up at

the College only he was in England at the time."

67. Coll?n, 8th May, 1803. To his father. "

I was greatly surprised last night by the receipt of a letter from William inform

ing me that Edward encouraged him to go immediately to London in order to

fill the place he holds with Mr. Pirner. I think William is too young for travelling and has not a sufficient knowledge of his business for the City of London. I pray God to direct you how to manage regarding poor little William."

I have received your letter in which you tell me William intends to be with me

here in Coll?n on Sunday next. I will be exceedingly happy to see him and shall

give him with pleasure 5 Guineas if he requires them. But I think he should

apply to my Old Uncle who is always very good and considerate, and also to my Uncle Henry. I will endeavour to accompany him to Dublin, tho5 our Conference

will be on the 23rd of this month. I am rejoiced to hear you are all recovered of

the Influenza."

69. Coll?n, 16th May, 1803. To his uncle. "

I was expecting William here yesterday on his way to London, and even this day, till I received a letter from him wherein he tells me the

' Old Priest

' has entirely

dissuaded my father from sending him at this time. Edward wrote to you at

the ' Old White Cross,' but you left the city before it arrived."

I think proper to acquaint you that Uncle Henry received a letter from Edward

on the 2ist and that in consequence of this letter and my uncle's advice William

left Dungannon on the 22nd and unexpectedly arrived at Coll?n on the 23rd. I detained him here two days preparing him and giving him all necessary instructions for his journey to London. I gave him 5 Guineas in gold besides a

new pair of shoes and stockings, and a good outside coat and some other little

articles. I introduced him to the most decent people of this place and also to

my friends in Drogheda. He danced at a Ball the night before he left Drogheda, with great applause. He left Dublin in the King's Packet on Friday morning last and I suppose he is in London before this time."

71. Coll?n, 7th June, 1803. To his father. "

I had a letter from Edward on Sunday last informing me that William arrived

safe in London on the 31st of last month after a pleasant passage by sea of

8 hours from Dublin to Holyhead in England. I propose to pay you and my mother a visit before the end of next month and

I hope you will gratify me so far as to finish the little inside improvements we

began, before that time. I will probably send Hugh the saddle this month.

I sent two of my best shirts with William to Edward."

. Coll?n, 6th July, 1803. To his father. "

I received your loving letter on yesterday and it was the more agreeable to me,

being written by yourself. I have a saddle for Hughy this month past, and am looking out for an oppor

tunity of sending it to him.

Mr. Martin has taken a severe turn of the Gout about ten days ago, which I

apprehend may delay my visit to the latter end of this month.

I wish you would forward the linen you have at the Green, as my stock, being

only small, is reduced by sending two of my best shirts to Edward.

Please to inform me if the Landlords intend to view this summer the lands out

of lease in the Corporation."

. Coll?n, 7th July, 1803. To his father. "

I am greatly rejoiced to hear by Gilmor, the Carman, that the Pattersons are

disgracefully turned out of the Agency. He also told me that the ' Old Priest

got Francistown by the consent of the Landlords in part of the money Patterson

owed him. I think he acted prudently by taking it, and I wish he had Thomas

Beaty's for the remainder of what Harry owes him, for I am convinced in case

the French would invade the Kingdom, the land would remain, generally

speaking, in the possession of those who have it at present. I hope you will not be offended at the following caution : for God's sake if

any of you are unfortunately affected with the Itch endeavour to cure yourselves before I go down, for I have been so often tormented with that abominable

disorder that I can now scarcely bear looking at any person who has that filthy complaint. I will pay the expence of the medicine, and besides will make some

present to every one who is clear of it in the family. As the season is not now so hurried with business I earnestly request you will

provide a little lime and sand and stones for building the necessary House we

have been so long speaking of. I hope to see it completely finished during my next visit with you and I will defray all the expence of it with pleasure.

I wish Hughy to come up in order to be with me home, but if he is employed in necessary business I would not wish to take him. I am too fond of industry to be guilty of such an action."

. Coll?n, 24th August, 1803. To his father (after visit home). "

I would have written to you on my arrival here in Coll?n only the Speaker's servant was in Dublin with his master, and did not return till yesterday evening.

He saw William before he left London. He was then in perfect good health and

spirits and was talking of sending some little things over with Smyth the

servant?but as I learn from Smyth, the Speaker left town a few days sooner

than they expected, and of course both William and the servant were dis

appointed. I will enclose a letter for Edward under William's frank as it will save postage.

My Uncle Henry called here on Tuesday last on his return from Dublin and we

spent that day and part of the next agreeably together. I made him a present of my new saddle and made him leave his old one here with me. I conveyed him

on leaving this as far as Lurgan Green.

After parting Hughy I proceeded to Armagh and dined with Mr. O Hanlon, then thought it too far to ride to Dundalk that night, but on reflecting a little I

determined to go by Newry where I spent an agreeable evening with an acquaint ance of mine who teaches in the Academy or School of Newry. I spent the next

morning no less agreeably with my relations, the Fagans. I had a fine day on

Saturday for travelling. I called with Jacky in Dundalk and was home here in

the course of the evening. Tell me if the Landlords came over and how you

managed with them."

75. Coll?n, 26th August, 1803. To his father. "

I sent you this day by Gilmor, the Carman, a saddle and bridle for your own use.

I request you'll keep the irons of the saddle and bridle quite clear, which will be

easily done by a little oil, fine brick dust, and a piece of fir deal stick.

The day after I wrote you last two men from this parish were going to London

to get their Lease signed by their Landlord who lives there. I sent a Guinea

to William by them.

Let me know if the Collector of the Window Tax called with you as yet, and

have you settled with him as yet. Tell me also if Maden finished the doors off to your satisfaction. I wish to know if the mare is recovered of the cough she had when I left that place. I wrote to Jacky an apology for not going home by

Belfast.

Your saddle is as fashionable as my own, and your bridle is a real Pelham bridle as well as my own.

I wish to know if the shirts were sent to William by Sproul, and the number you sent, and if they were ruffled. I sent my mother a canister of real Lundyfoot snuff by Gilmor."

76. Coll?n, 18th September, 1803. To his father. "

I had a letter from Jacky dated nth of this month. He tells me he is thinking of leaving his present employment to qualify himself to become a clerk. His

design seems extraordinary to me especially at his time of life, for how many

good clerks do we not see who are bred regularly to business walking about half

of their time without employment. I would be glad to hear of his learning some

other branch of his own business, either the currying or staining of leather, which would not be difficult for him to learn with the knowledge he has of the

proper management of leather."

77. Coll?n, 26th September, 1803. To his half-brother, John (" Jacky the Tanner ") " I would have written to you sooner only I was waiting for the Speaker's return

to get a Frank this week past."

78. Coll?n, 17th October, 1803. To his father. "

Every part of your last letter afforded me great pleasure, and particularly to hear

Maden has completely done the little painting and that the mare has recovered

the cough, for generally such little matters as you consider of no importance are

still more or less interesting to me who am at a distance from you here in Coll?n.

Rosy should take care not to reject with disdain such proposals as Wm.

Lawson may make her, lest at length the business might end as George Hagan's did of old.

I hope you have purchased the outside coat for yourself and the Cloak for my mother as you both have occasion for them.

I hope you have scoured the Lough from the foot of the Brae to Springwell in

the fine season we had this month past.

Nealy Mc. Gukian called with me here shortly after my return. He was

greatly reduced in cash and apparel. I gave him 5s. gd. in cash and a good pair of stockings."

79. Coll?n, 19th December, 1803. To his father. "

I hope to have an opportunity of soon sending the shirts to William in Speaker Foster's luggage who proposes going to London in the course of a month.

As my mother has a Pillion already, and is not at all events fond of riding, I'm sending her a present of half a dozen elegant silver tea-spoons with the

three first letters (J. M. C.) of your and her name beautifully engraved on them.

Mr. Martin's brother-in-law purchased them for me by my orders. I expect you

will no longer be obliged to borrow old Blitter's tea-spoons when any decent

person calls on you. I send you also half a stone of good sugar and a pound of

excellent tea, and lest you might not have good light at Christmass I send you 2 pounds of excellent mould candles, and two pounds of smaller candles for common use. I believe Robin's people burn

' Splits

' in the parlour now at

tea?' the tea for the Mistress.' I send you also two yards of fine linen which

William left here in order that you may get another yard of the same quality to

make a shirt for me, and indeed you will oblige me by purchasing the making of a second shirt of the same kind, and send them both to me the first opportunity and I will pay you well for it. Betty told me she paid only 25. S\d. for the two

yards at Miss Campbell's. I also send a book of writing which belongs to Rev. John Mc. Donnell.

You may leave it either in my uncle's of Dungannon or in Cookstown for him.

I wish you would get little Jack Neal to dig the Garden and form the Plots

well, and I will be accountable for the expence. I inquired in the letter you say

you did not get if you bought any beef this year.

32? COUNTY LOUTH ARCHaEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

You need not make any apology for your bad writing for I can read and

understand it very well, and I am sure if you would practise you might easily write better than I do.

You know the letters J.M.C. engraved on the spoons are for ' John and

Margaret Conwell.'

I request you will get three chairs made to answer exactly the three you have

and let Maden join making them as soon as he possibly can.

I wish to know by your next letter how my Grandfather is at present."

80. Coll?n, 22nd December, 1803. To his brother, Hugh. "

I heard two or three unpleasant things about your conduct which caused me

great trouble and anxiety of mind. I attribute any misconduct you are guilty of more to the low ignorant fellows you keep company with than to your own

folly or want of knowledge. Bob Mc. Gogh of Upper Maghadone should be an

example to you of the effects of bad company. He had a good fortune and died

worse than a beggarman some years ago.

I recommend earnestly to you to spend for one year as much time in reading and writing as you now do in foolish amusement, and rest assured you will find

the advantage of it all your life after."

81. Coll?n, 23rd December, 1803. To his sister, Rose Ann, at Belleville House. "

I wrote both to my father and Hughy by Gilmor. He promised to deliver the

letters, together with half a dozen elegant tea-spoons and a pound of nice tea on

to-morrow night that you might have them on Christmas Day, and I hope he

will perform his promise. My father's letter will inform you of the contents of

the little box which I ordered to be left at Robert Mc Corry's of Moneymore. I was obliged to cut two inches off the mould candles before they would go in

the box.

I request you will give poor Mary Vance (Nance ?) a decent treat the first time

she comes to Robin's, and invite her to come frequently over while she stays at

Rab's (Rob's ?) as I believe there is very little to eat or drink there now.

Charly Neal may be sent to Moneymore for the box with the mare, and a

back sugan on her, and tell him to keep the lid uppermost lest he should break

the candles or injure anything in it. He will easily know the lid from the fresh

nails I drove in it.

Any time Gilmor calls with you never offer him anything except a meal's meat,

for I pay him well enough. You may, if you please, shew the Bill of the spoons to the Blossoms to vex them.

Edward is to go to the West Indies very soon, and I request you will not appear troubled at the news before my father or mother, as I hope 'tis for the better.

I wish you all a merry Christmass and a happy New Year and many returns of

them."

82. Coll?n, 29th January, 1804. To his father. "

I received your letter by Gilmor.

I am very well pleased to hear that Gilmor has appeared to you so sensible

of his improper conduct in breaking open the box. I was fully determined to

have him apprehended and lodged in Coll?n Guardhouse if he had not apologised for his conduct, and made recompense to you, but on your account I shall not

proceed to any severity with him. Still I can never have the same opinion I

had formerly of them (him ?). I desire that Hughy should come up to see me at Candlemass which is on

Thursday next. I would not wish he should ride at all. He now knows the

road, and I advise him to take short journeys and not to travel too late or

too early.

I sent the shirts to William last Thursday in Mr. Foster's luggage."

83. Coll?n, 17th February, 1804. To his uncle. "

Agreeably to your request I went to Drogheda yesterday. I applied to Hanlon for the books. The gentleman is still alive and civilly produced the books as soon as I spoke to him. One of the packets had been loosed but I have reason to

think from the very honest character of the house that none of them have been taken away. I repacked both bundles and would have forwarded them by the

Armagh Stage only I have been told 'twould be much safer to send them by some

trusty Carman, as the Coach, and consequently all the luggage, is changed always at this season at Dundalk.

I am not a little surprised to hear that Mary took the precedence of her sister, Rose."

84. Coll?n, 18th February, 1804. To his father. "

I wrote to you about three weeks ago and expressed a desire that Hughy should come to see me in case he was not occupied in necessary and useful business.

I particularly wished to hear all the family news by Hugh as some alterations took place in it lately by Mary's marriage. I hope you will all be attentive and civil to Mary, as she was always well deserving of it. I am resolved to do

something for her. I had a long letter for Sister Rosy, and a little present besides, which I intended to send by Gilmor on his return from Dublin, but he did not call on me."

85. Coll?n, ioth March, 1804. To his father. "

I am happy to hear Sister Mary is well reconciled with her marriage. She was

always a virtuous good girl and deserves to be treated as such by you all. I have the pleasure of telling you that Edward went to the West Indies with

the army by the particular wish of the Duke of York, and has the promise of His Royal Highness to be promoted on the first opportunity.

I am glad to know my relations in old Riff are all well. You may allow little

Anthony to continue in school in the same manner till I have the pleasure of

seeing Hughy here, and I will send you further orders about his education."

86. Coll?n, ioth March, 1804. To his brother, Hugh (enclosed with No. 85). " I am highly pleased to hear you have begun to work in the garden according to

the plan I gave. I would not wish you would take too much pains with it this

year, only reduce it into a decent form, and get little Jack Neal to assist you for

one week, and I will defray the expence. I am sorry to hear of Mrs. Johnson's death. I did not see Gilmor on his return

from Dublin."

87. Coll?n, 12th March, 1804. To his sister, Rose Ann. "

Let that affair "

(see No. 78) "

give you no trouble, turn out as it will.

I was sorry to hear of Mrs. Johnson's death from a young priest, Garland, who

left Dungannon a few days ago, I could also learn from him that Gordon has

taken a shop in town."

88. Coll?n, 25th March, 1804. To his brother, Hugh (who was about to visit him). "

I must observe to you I would wish you should leave the seed in the ground,

suppose you should be delayed a few days by doing so, as the season for sowing

everything should never be neglected on any account. I was perfectly pleased with your letter only the part wherein you said you would take a week at Easter

any way, as I suppose you intend to spend the week in following Cockfights and

such idle and unlucky diversion as has brought poor old Hughy Billy Mc Elroy and many more in that country to desolation. I would allow of rational and

proper amusement, but cannot conceive what pleasure any Man can find in

seeing two poor cocks tearing each other to pieces, nor would I allow anyone to

wager more than 2s. 8d. on the best cock in the world.

I think you would do well to walk in your shoes and wrap an old newspaper round the tops of your boots, and carry them in a strong dark handkerchief.

The Stage Coach leaves Armagh on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but

you had better not mind it coming up, as you should come by Dundalk. I think

you would do well not to call by Jacky coming up. He might probably come

with you, and we could not talk so freely of things in his presence."

89. Coll?n, 20th May, 1804. To his brother, Hugh. " I am rejoiced to hear you got home on the Thursday after you left me, and am

happy to hear you laid out the silver to advantage, and to my father's satis

faction.

Brother Jack came on a visit here the Friday of the week you left me. He

appeared well enough in his dress, but is very rough in his manners which I fear

will prevent him of success in this count. Moor's affair promises very well, and

you shall hear more of it hereafter.

I request that my father may not promise to pay any of Mc. Avoy's money. David Campbell was here with me a few days ago and I have procured a place

for him to serve in Drogheda."

90. Coll?n, 31st May, 1804. To his father. "

Your last letter afforded me much pleasure especially as it contained an account

of Edward's safe arrival in Barbadoes.

I have received some information of Brother Hugh which grieves me exceed

ingly and fills my heart with bitter stings of sorrow. I am told by good authority that he degraded himself so far as to fight some kind of a challenge at Bob

Rainey's on some Sunday lately with a person called Mc. Ca

I wish to know if Bernard Kevin has made any settlement with his sister, Sally. I request my mother will never fold up the tea-spoons after tea in presence of

any person, for they will begin to think she never had the like before."

\)i. Coll?n, 30th June, 1804. To his father. "

The account you gave me in your last letter regarding Hugh's conduct at Loop has relieved my mind of much anxiety respecting him. Still I fear you wrote to

me too tenderly about him. I particularly blamed him for associating with that

brute, Peter O Neill ; I do assure you I would rather keep company with Phelimy Moar who was running the hills than with such rascals as Peter O Neill.

If you write to me before I go down please to let me know if the Landlords

are to view you this year."

92. Coll?n, 27th September, 1804. To his father. "

It afforded me much pleasure to hear that you have got home your turf and hay in the fine weather.

I am happy to hear that the Landlords have not come over as yet, and I hope

they will not come over this year now, but if they should, I request you will make

every exertion to recover what you have been unjustly wronged of these twenty

years and more, and if you persevere, as your case is just, I am sure you will

succeed in the business, but I think your journey to Belfast this year is useless, for if they were not over before now they will not come this year, I imagine, and they would forget the matter before next year.

I had a letter from Jacky. He told me he will go down in a few days and that

he intends to bring a horse, and you may send the horse to Charly Campbell's

grazing while he stays, and at night send over a sheaf of grass to him."

93. Coll?n, 26th October, 1804. To his father. "

I would have written to you before now only the Lord Chancellor, who franks my letters did not come from .... ? till last night.

You need not make any apology for your mode of writing or inditing for I

understand them very well.

I hope you got decent and comfortable trimmings for the clothes I bought for

Antony, and that you got them made full and easy, as I gave directions.

I fear Old Devlin has too stiff and unfashionable a method of writing. Still

he is better with him than idling about Home. I wish you would get Old Devlin

to attend Hughy and the girls three nights in the week, or two, this winter, and

I will pay the expence. I suppose Jacky did not call with you on his return from Colerain, as I learn

from a late letter that he was in Belfast, and I suppose he came from that to

Dundalk.

I hope you bought a couple of dinners of pigs to supply yourselves occasionally with fresh meat and bacon which country people might always have in great

plenty. But lest you are not well provided for this winter's beef I send you inclosed three half guineas for this purpose, and you will add something to it

yourself, and lay it out in the most advantageous way you can think of for the

purpose already mentioned and if you get beef from .... for your money, all

the better, but surely take more than the debt comes to.

I would advise you to send the shirts to William the first opportunity that

offers.

Parliament is to be assembled .... day of next month. You may lose the

chance of sending them if they are not sent this time. If you find Gilmor does

not intend to come up soon I would allow you to send Hughy to Dungannon and

enquire through my uncle's influence for some honest carman who will safely leave the shirts at Widow Hoy's house.

As the ink is so pale you must read this letter over two or three times."

94. Coll?n, 20th November, 1804. To his father. "

I wrote a long letter to you inclosed in Mr. Foster's Frank and have been

expecting a letter in answer these three weeks past. I had a letter from William

lately. He got his hand a little burned exerting himself to save his Master's

house from fire, but tells me it is perfectly recovered at present. I have things ready to send by old Gilmor when he calls."

95. Coll?n, 28th November, 1804. To his sister, Rose Ann, at Belleville House. "

I am extremely happy to hear by your letter of this day that Sister Mary is

perfectly recovered after the birth of her son, Henry.

Hugh forgot to tell me if you invited Edward Mc. Cristal and his wife, as I

desired to be done on leaving home.

When old Devlin comes you will both (Rose and Bridget) endeavour to improve

yourselves, and lose as little time as possible, for time is very valuable and should

be converted to useful purposes."

96. Coll?n, 28th November, 1804. To his brother, Hugh (in this letter addressed as "

Thomas Hugh Conwell ").

LETTERS OF REV. E. CONWELL, COLL?N, I798-1804 33I

" I am pleased to hear you are attending old Devlin but while you are doing so do

not neglect your other business by any means, but apply the time to reading and writing which you spent formerly running about foolish and idle diversion

of every kind, for you know you cannot afford to spend much of your time now

in pursuit of learning nor can the place admit of your doing so.

I request you will be obedient and submissive to your father and mother, and

agreeable and loving to your sisters who are good and virtuous and highly

deserving of every attention from you.

If Jim Conwell's horse is sound in the limbs I wish you would bring him up to

me, if he takes 11 Guineas or even twelve for him.

I learn you have bought a Castor hat, and indeed a wool hat might have done

you very well, and the difference of their price would procure some useful things for you, but as you have bought it endeavour to keep it in decency, and never

lend it to anyone."

97. Coll?n, 28th November, 1804. To his father. "

I am in great haste after writing two long letters to Rosy and Hugh. I hope Mr.

Mackell will do everything in his power when his interest may be necessary for

you. I hope to hear this will be a great year of industry in the family."

98. Coll?n, 13th December, 1804. To his uncle. "

I have not seen Mr. Quinn since he came to Louth as the clergy of that district

attend the Conference of Dundalk and we have very little intercourse with them,

especially in this season of the year. I request that you will settle William's business with Doctor Dickson as soon

as possible. There is among the other articles belonging to William a Latin

Dictionary (Young's Edition) which cost me us. 4a. the year I went to May nooth."

99. Coll?n, 14th December, 1804. To his sister, Rose Ann. "

I am sorry to hear my dear Mother has been so ill with the pains and I wish she

had gone to the Salt Water last summer, as I think it would be a great means of

relieving her. ... If I was convenient to her she would want for nothing.

I sent William's shirts safely packed up about ten days ago, and they have

received an answer in Coll?n of the safe arrival of the family in London so I

presume William has his shirts before this time.

I am sorry to hear of Aunt Molly's sickness, but 'tis happy for her to think her

family are all able to do for themselves.

I request you will make yourselves as happy as possible, and live all agreeably

together, minding your little industry. I shall endeavour to contribute to your

happiness as much as possible here and hereafter." 1

ioo. Coll?n, 24th December, 1804. To his father, John, and his brother, Hugh. "

I allow you to send Hughy up with Jim's horse in case he is sound in the limbs

and every other part, as I am sure I can dispose of him to advantage. I wish

you would get him dressed with Hugh Murracy.I am glad Antony is at home.

Dear brother, I am sorry to hear you were so foolish as to get a gun contrary to your father's wishes. However, I hope you will return it on receipt of this."

101. Coll?n, 4th January, 1805. To his uncle. "

I have sent your letter to William to-night inclosed per favour of Mr. Foster who

sets off for London to-morrow.

You may acquaint my father that I have sent William's shirts to him carefully

packed up in one of the Chancellor's trunks, and I dare say he may have them

in the course of ten days. I saw His Grace a few days ago. He told me Mr. Mc. Kenna was taken off

very unexpectedly by some sudden fit of illness."

102. Coll?n, 24th January, 1805. To his father. "

I am much surprised you did not send up the horse if he is sound. I intended to

send my horse down to do your p.oughing with him. If the horse is sound I

care not whether he draws the car or not.

Jacky was here with me a few nights ago."

I have written to you repeatedly about Jim's horse and you never wrote me any kind of satisfactory letter on the matter as yet. My own horse is recovering his

lameness, but will not answer me, suppose he was well. Still he will sell for what

he cost me and is well worth it.

I am sorry to tell you we received an account in Coll?n that one of the Speaker's trunks was stolen on his way to London, and I wish poor William's shirts were

not in it.

I hope you are all doing well at present, and working agreeably and lovingly

together, as nothing can afford me more pleasure than to hear such account of

you all.

Present my love to my Old Uncle, and my best respects to Mr. Mackell, and

remember me to all the old neighbours of the place, not forgetting ' Anta na

Phiba '

and ' Kimki

' or the

' Prince of Rego.'

I have received a letter from Edward wherein he tells me he has been lately

promoted to the Surgency of a Flank Battalion and that he soon expects to see

us all with honour and credit to himself and us.

You have said so much of Jim's horse that I am careless about him. However,

the man I intended him for told me he did not care how mad or ill-disposed he

was but that he liked him the better for that if he was sound in all his parts. I believe I shall not mind sending the box by Mc. Keever as you tell me Hugh

will be up so soon.

I am happy to hear old Devlin is attending the children and I hope they are

all attentive."

105. Coll?n, 4th March, 1805. To his brother, Hugh. "

It would be more answerable for me if you could come up this week or next week

rather than at Easter. I think you might perform the j ourney back and forward

in 4 or 5, or at furthest in 6 days. In passing through Dungannon I think you would do well to inquire if there is any carman leaving Dungannon for Dublin, and even on the road you might inquire for carmen from Magherafelt, Moneymore or Dungannon ; I hope you and all the children are very attentive to old Devlin, for probably you will never have a further opportunity hereafter of being instructed in writing and reading."

106. Coll?n, 7th April, 1805. To his brother, Hugh. "

I was well pleased to learn you had no debate with the family in regard of coming

up when I wrote.

I hope you have been attentive to the labour this Spring, and tho' you expect the land will be viewed this Summer you should not neglect the labour too much

on that account, and still I would not wish it would appear to great advantage at that time.

I write to you at present chiefly to forbid you of going to Cockfights about

Easter. I allow you to save any money you can to have up with you to this

place in the month of May, and I will accompany you to the Races of Bellew's

Town where there will be a weeks running in the last week of May. I think Felimy Quinn might give you, or sell you, making of a Falling Table

of oak tree he cut at the Follies.

Charly Gilmor was here a few nights ago. I was civil to him, but did not

think proper from his former conduct to entrust him with anything to bring to

you, and especially as he had no car with him, but a single horse."

107. Coll?n, 10th May, 1805. To his sister, Rose Ann. (Father Eugene Conwell's

last letter). " I am very sorry to hear you complaining of ill health, but I hope a trip, with my

mother to the Salt Water this summer will relieve you, and besides will afford

you a pleasant opportunity of seeing a little more of your native Kingdom than

ever you did as yet. I am sorry you sent the shirts to William without acquainting me." (William

had sailed for India and China, 26th April, 1805). "

However, if the young man

gives the shirts to Denis Smyth he will bring them home safe.

I am happy to hear you had an account from Edward. I can assure you there

is no danger of Barbadoes falling into the hands of the French.

I wish Hugh should come up decently, but not extravagantly, dressed, and

lest he should press father to purchase Cloaths too costly for him I will now point out the quality and price of them as near as possibly I can, and I will allow

him Cloaths equal in quality and price to the suit I got when I was going to the

Ordination.

My coat cost 7 black Shillings per yard and contained three yards and a half. My waistcoat was made of the skirts of an old Black Coat, and my small

Cloaths cost 5 Shillings, and the articles were bought by me and my father in

Sam Brown's shop of Magherafelt. Now in case he should exceed what I have

mentioned a shilling or two per yard in the coat I would pardon it, but I send

this as direction to him.

I will send old Devlin the ointment for removing the corns of his old toes, and I am sure it will make him jump tho' stiff and lazy as he is."

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF JOHN ARCHBOLD,1 STUDENT AT MAYNOOTH COLLEGE, TO Rev. EUGENE, CONWELL, C.C., COLL?N.

1. 29th September, 1802. "

Lawless brought your letter to me from Drogheda. ... I wish to know what is

to be done with your Rack, table etc. Crowley has your Cloak which was given him by Quinn and I believe it is now worth little or nothing.

Mr. Delahogue came home the day before yesterday. Darre is not come as

yet. We will have no Retreat but begin Class next Monday. The paper which you gave me with the names of the books you wished I

should procure for you I cannot find, and I wish you would mention them in

your next letter to me. I was speaking to McKey about the Sermons you wanted, and he will get some for me, and whatever time I can spare to write

them out, I will with pleasure.

Rodeghan and McGauran are called home but are not gone as yet. Danl.

O Brien is gone away. Mangan is come back to study again and looks very well.

Those who were called in to stand a second Examination after being pardoned were called in a second time.

Montague is to do wonders with regard to our Diet but I see no alteration in

it except that we get roast meat on Thursday."

1 See supra, Letter 37.

2. ist October, 1802. "

I avail myself of the opportunity of Lawless going to Drogheda to let you know

that I was with Doctor Flood and he had no letter from your brother (Edward) as he did not see him on his return, but I released a letter the other day which

was franked and which I send you by Lawless along with the Lectures on

Matrimony, which I got since our Examination and corrected them from McKey's one. I am quite disappointed in the hopes I had of spending an agreeable

Vacation with you. The Primate has transferred the whole power of giving leave or not to Montague who is Procurator now. He has been so kind as to

grant me a fortnight. Perhaps I may go home in ten days. Poor Lawless goes home on bad news. He got an account yesterday of his father's death. Quinn with much difficulty obtained leave, but on such conditions as that he would

merit an acceptance (?) next year in Humanity. He and Hughes walked to

Drogheda yesterday.

Crowley is appointed Junior Lecturer in Logics which will be professed by Darre as Delort comes back (?).

P. O Brien is Professor of Irish and has a salary appointed to him but I can't

tell what it is. The Frenchmen have leave to go to France till Christmas next.

Doctor Power is to give a French Lecture every day to the Physicians and

Logicians in Mr. Usher's hour, and the two Lower Classes to attend Usher.

I was a little jealous at the manner you went away. You did not tell me

anything. Fitzsimmons took your bed. Old Mullowney obtained the Glass

and said you gave it to him. There are some persons here who will never

forgive you for not taking leave of them, particularly Denis O'Sullivan, Mr.

Curran and many others."

14th January, 1803.

This letter deals at great length with the story of the insubordination which

occurred in the college early in that month and which Dr. Healy in his history regards as

" a ground swell from the agitation of the times." The storm in the tea-cup

was almost literally so, for it originated in a dispute over a tea kettle belonging to

one of the Professors. But there was evidently a considerable pressure of steam

amongst the students before this, which the kettle episode released. The names of

students mentioned are Wm. McMullen, Pat. Byrne, "

Goose "

Hogan, Doyle, Roche, Dan. McMullan, Collins, Sheehan, O'Beirn, O'Brien, McCann, Quinn.

The letter continues :?

" I must conclude that he blackened O Beirne's and my character before

Montague, as indeed, we did not confine ourselves in speaking of Montague never fearing the least danger.

Next day or in two or three days Peddling Murphy, the Priest, retracted. He

is seldom seen out now. Davy Synnot refused to sign because indeed he is

Librarian, but was well hissed. Jos. Glynn has great effrontery. He was liked

heretofore, but will be detested hereafter. He made Dick Kenrick retract, Matt Kelly, etc.

Doctor Troy wrote to Ennis ordering him to come to the College to make his

subjects retract. Some of them were in Dublin and none retracted but Purcell

and Kenrick. Judge Byrne, Wall and Tracy refused like men of spirit. .

In the meantime the four appointed Gentlemen drew up a Statement of the

grievances : insult treatment in the refectory (which is nearly intolerable since

our Procurator came) which is redressed if you speak by "

You're very imper tinent. Hold your tongue. I'll expel? you

" and such language as this could

not be endured by slaves, much less by those who aspire to Priesthood, and

some of whom are Priests already ; non-admittance into the Library ; injustice in class ; kneeling in the refectory before servants?a punishment which Coen

is bringing in fashion ; being obliged to go out in the Car Gate, whilst each

Professor has a key for the Grand Gate?and some others which I don't recollect

and which are of no great importance. Thus, between Meetings, Committees, etc., the week passed from Monday

morning till Friday when Doctor Flood came home (who is now in a very poor state of health). The deputation went the next morning to him and then did he

speak very much about his authority as President etc. and requested of them to

return to class. In the evening Mr. Ferris came down to the Hall (no other

Man could venture to do it) to explain Doctor Flood's sentiments. He received

a great deal of respect, but at last said that if they would not return to order that

he would begin to separate them and left them thus. They told him that they

only wanted to have their grievances redressed, and that his authority and that

of the other Professors was suspended, as they had applied to a higher tribunal

for that redress which their Professors refused them.

They then agreed that the Deputation should go again to Doctor Flood and

enquire what were his sentiments as they might not have understood him. They

brought with them certain Articles which Doctor Flood should agree to with

the other Professors :

ist. That none of the Professors should act in class in consequence of this

business, 2nd that Doctor Flood should not seek to punish any individual

hereafter in consequence of it, or take any notice of those who were foremost

in it, 3rd that they should not endeavour to draw away any person from

their cause, etc. and some others which are not of impo rtance and which I

forget,

but finding something disagreeable in Doctor Flood to accede (for he told

them that he would before twelve o'clock on Sunday expel every Man, and that

whoever would refuse would be handed over to the Civil Power and lodged in

Naas Gaol.

These expressions exasperated them a little and they were resolved to

persevere, but growing cool they agreed to come to some settlement. So the

deputation went and everything was settled, that they should go to class, hold no more meetings untill the meeting of the Trustees, when they are to be allowed

to present and bring forward every charge they can alledge, and are to get that

redress which the Board shall decree.

Thus all matters are settled till the Meeting of the Trustees which will, as Dr.

Flood says, be on the 5th Feb.

I cannot omit mentioning here a Noble Action of Montague's. On Sunday

morning after High Mass he came to our room (O Beirne and I are in one room

this year where Charley formerly lived). At that time he had a blue cloak

belonging to O Beirne. He flung it on the bed saying in a mumbling manner, "

Mr. O Beirne, here is your cloak "

(and unintelligibly) "

I thank you " "

have a book of mine." "

No," says O Beirne, "

Maginn took it away. It was

his." "

Well, you have a pair of scissors of mine," "

Yes, I have," says

O Beirne, looking for them, but not making them out said, "

I'll send them to

your room." Thus M. went off without opening his lips to me after being ten

minutes in the room like an Alderman. O B. went to his room and returned the

scissors. The story was blasted about and raised the scorn, laugh and indig nation of all who heard it.

There now are the proceedings of one week?proceedings which will ever make

memorable the 3rd January, to the honour of some and dishonour of others, but

to the advantage, I hope, of all the students.

Matters continue thus to be decided by the Board.

On this occasion I believe you must allow that Montague acted very badly and very meanly. Quinn acted much worse, and what I am very sorry to say,

does so on every occasion. In class his conduct, as I am told, is scandalous.

Crowley, who since Studies, was Professor of Logic, declared that he could not

put up with his impudence. He was thrust into Logic by Mon. and a fit subject he is for it?a man who knows so little Latin. With regard to his conduct in

class I do not pretend to assert, but it is what I have heard from several on

enquiry.

As this subject is disagreeable it is time for me now to think of ending. There

have happened some things since your departure which I have not room at

present to mention on account of this long history. I send this by hand to

Drogheda. I also send the Imitation of Christ as you may want it. I expected to have a few more (letters ?) written this Christmas but one thing or other

intervening prevented me. In the Vacation the days were so cold that I could

not write. I have more to say if I had room but as I have not I must conclude

with every sentiment of affection.

Believe me,

Your attached friend,

John Archbold.

Rt. Rev. HENRY CONWELL, D.D.

Bishop of Philadelphia. Uncle of Rev. Eugene Conwell.

(Engraved from a painting by T. Neagle, 1826.)

Arms used by William Conwell, M.D., brother of Rev. Eugene Conwell.

Calendar of the Letters of Rev. Eugene Conwell, C.C., Collon

Documents