Documents and Correspondence Concerning and from James Foran, Irish Priest and Chaplain in the...

Documents and Correspondence Concerning and from James Foran, Irish Priest and Chaplainin the Falkland Islands 1876-86Author(s): Edward WalshSource: Collectanea Hibernica, No. 46/47 (2004/2005), pp. 241-274Published by: Franciscan Province of IrelandStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30004737 .

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Documents and Correspondence concerning and from James Foran,

Irish priest and chaplain in the Falkland Islands 1876-86

Edward Walsh Introduction

James Foran1 was bom at Whitfield, near Tramore, County Waterford, on 5 December 1823. His early education was at a Latin School close to home and subsequently at St John's College, Waterford. From St John's he went to study theology at Maynooth where he was ordained priest in 1857. He immediately went to England to join his priest brother Robert in the diocese of Hexham [and Newcastle] working with Irish emigrants in the impoverished city parish of St Andrew's, Pilgrim Street. In due course Robert would return to his native diocese of Waterford.

Three years after arriving in Newcastle, James Foran moved to a new mission at Walker and during the course of the next fifteen years would build a large church, a presbytery and several schools. When constmction at Walker came to completion it seems that somehow or other Foran became aware of the precarious existence of Catholics on the Falkland Islands. He appealed to his bishop to be allowed to go and work there. Bishop Chadwick2 agreed and Cardinal Manning3 was involved in making all the various arrangements with the rele- vant Roman authorities to allow Foran to work in the South Atlantic islands. Foran noted in his journal T left Walker at 12.30 on Friday, the 17 of September, 1875, on my journey to the Falkland Islands.'4

1 See Santiago M. Ussher, Los Capellanes Irlandeses en la Colectividad Hibemo- Argentina, Durante el Siglo XIX (Buenos Aires, 1954), pp 139-41.

2 Bishop James Chadwick (1813-82) bom Drogheda, educated at Ushaw College; missionary priest in the north of England; professor at Ushaw; bishop of Hexham and Newcastle 1866; published devotional tracts.

3 Cardinal Henry Edward Manning (1808-92); archbishop of Westminster, 1865; Cardinal, 1875.

4 See The Northern Catholic Calendar, 1901, pp 120-25, and Robin Gard, 'Fr James Foran (1823-1900) Tyneside Missioner To The Falklands' in Northern Catholic History, xvi. Autumn 1982, 25-32.

241



242 Collectanea Hibemica

James Foran sailed from Southampton on the S.S. Guadiana,5 visiting Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro en route before docking at Montevideo on 22 October, where he met Laurence Kirwan6 whom he described as 'an old man and a fine fellow' .7 Kirwan had spent four months on the Falklands at the request of Anthony Fahy, O.P.,8 twenty four years before. Foran sailed on the Black Hawk9 and would see the islands for the first time on 3 December. From now on his life would be one of extensive and exhaustive evangelisation in a tough and arduous climate. The journal tellingly notes T have often won- dered how coolly and quietly I took my departure, fully aware of the "breakers ahead" , which at that distance seemed to have no terror for me. I am full of sadness now that I have arrived at my destination... The desires of past years are now accomplished. How often have I wished that I should be favoured with a sight of this country!'10 He was well received by the Governor, Colonel D'Arcy11 and lived at Government House until able to obtain his own residence. Foran soon organised his own ministry - preaching, started catechism classes as well as a Sunday School in Port Stanley - travelling in the camp12 by horse and around the islands by schooner to reach his far flung flock. He also attended the many ships which arrived in

5 A schooner, built 1858 in Portugal, registered tonnage 181, owners: A. Ashmall, Liverpool; Liverpool home port. See LR, 1875.

6 Li 6 Laurence Kirwan, an Irishman ordained in Montevideo, after ministering there came to Buenos Aires in 1857 to serve the Irish community and in the same year visited the Falkland Islands at the behest of Anthony Fahy, O.R, and stayed there for some months. On his return he was chaplain in various country districts. Died 12 October 1879. Op. cit, i, 161-3. Dimissory letters were issued on Kirwan's favour on 12 May 1854 for major orders including priesthood; see Inventory of A. D. Fahy Articles, Sinsinawa Dominican Archives, Sinsinawa, Winconsin, USA, Cloran/Fahy Papers DS8000, Box No.22, F2, p. 93K.

7 Oi 7 Op. cit., no. 4.

8 Anthony Fahy, O.P. (1805-71), legendary chaplain to the Irish in Argentina. See

James M. Ussher, Father Fahy - A Biography of Anthony Dominic Fahy, O.R, Irish Missionary in Argentina (1805-1871) (Buenos Aires, 1951). 9 A h 9 A schooner built 1872 in Gosport, registered tonnage 110, owners: the Falkland Islands Company, London home port. See LR, 1875.

10 Oi i 10 Op. cit, iv.

11 Colonel George Abbas Kooli D'Arcy (1818-85); the name Abbas Kooli was given him as a compliment to the Shah of Persia in whose country his father had served seven years on loan from King George IV to organise and train an Artillery Corps for the Shah. Leaving Sandhurst 1837 was Adjutant 94th Regiment in Ireland for three years; commanded 3rd West Indian Regiment for seven years. Served in Southern Maharatta and Sawant-Warre East Indies 1845-6 campaign. Governor and Commander in Chief Gambia 1859-1867. Governor Falkland Islands 1870-76. See R. N. Spafford, 'Colonel George Abbas Kooli D'Arcy Governor Of The Falkland Islands 1870-1876' in Falkland Islands Journal, 1993, 53-56, and COL, 1876, p. 313.

12 Camp, countryside. Camp is essentially an Anglo-Argentine word derived from

the Spanish 'campo' . 'One's camp' is one's land or estancia; 'to cut camp' is to take the shortest route through the countryside.



Documents and Correspondence: James Foran 243

Stanley with sick and injured passengers and crew members. Writing to the Propagation of the Faith in October 1879 Foran advised that it was his 4 ... great desire to succeed in placing this mission in the hands of some missionary society which could send two priests and a lay-brother to reside here...'13

D'Arcy (whose wife was a Catholic) was quite a remarkable man who gave most generously towards the constmction of the Stella Maris church in Stanley in 1873.l4 Foran took up residence in Stanley, the tiny capital of the islands and by August 1876 the island Rent Roll shows that he was living in the east wing of Court House, paying an annual rent of f:6.13.4.15 But by comparison with the Anglican Colonial Chaplain and the Presbyterian Minister who received f 300 and f 10016 respectively per annum, he was the poor relation being in receipt of f 50 per annum which was doled out at the monthly rate of f4.3.4.17 During the time of his eleven years on the islands all of the four governors who ruled there were able, experienced administrators and colourful individuals in their own right. The population would gradually increase from 1,050 in 1875 to 1,800 in 1886.18 A census was carried out in 1881 and al the specific request of the Italian government a similar exercise was undertaken to identify Italians living there.19 There are occasional glimpses of Foran in the governor's dispatches to London. Writing to Carnarvon20 on 15 Febmary 1878 T. F. Callaghan21 would describe the islands as 'one of the most backward of Her Majesty's colonies.'22 Outside of Stanley (which had a population of 600) in 1879 there were no roads, and there were a few French, Germans, Portuguese and natives of the Plate. Problems facing the predomi- nantly mral population concerned scab in sheep, sheep farming in general, the cmel killing of wild cattle by Chilean gauchos, land leases, the granting of licences to kill seals and penguins, and there

13 Op. cit, iv. 14 NA: C078/64, 1874, 9235/74. 15 NA: C078/67, 1877, 13714/77. 16 NA: C078/72, 1822, 16411, Colonial Estimates 1883, p. 8. 17 NA: C078/72, 1882, 14271/82. 18 Details extracted from the COL, published annually by Harrison Sc Co. in

London. I9NA:C078Z71, 1881, 13699. 20 Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon (1831-90); Sec. of State

Colonies 1866-7 and 1874-8; Lord Lt. Ireland 1885-6. See Burke's Peerage (106th ed., London 1999), p. 881. 21 T. F. Callaghan educated Trinity College, Dublin; Barrington Lecturer on Political

Economy of the Dublin Statistical Society; was counsel to the Attorney General for Ireland. Called to the Irish Bar 1854. Governor of Labuan and Consul General for Borneo 1861-7. Administrator of the government of Gambia 1871. Governor Falkland Islands 1876-9. See COL, 1878, p. 330. 22 NA: C078/67, 1878, 4001/78, Dispatch No. 13, p. 19.




were complaints regarding the monopoly of two stores in Stanley. In the latter years of his residence matters arose concerning the possible transfer of prisoners from the local gaol to Malta, safety certifi- cation of ships, possible exploitation of peat bogs and the lamentable state of sewage in the town. But the single continuous and con- tentious issue during all those eleven years was the mail service to/from Montevideo as well as between the islands and England. The government entered into a contract with the German 'Kosmos' steamship company to undertake mail communication with England twelve times a year with steamers calling at Stanley on their voyage out to Callao six times a year and six times on the return journey.23 In his letters Foran often comments about waiting for the mail. The contract was the subject of much wrangling between both parties as evidenced by the governor's extensive communiques and dispatches to London about the matter.

Writing on 13 November 1877 Callaghan noted that Foran (along with 26 others including the Colonial Chaplain) signed a petition from the inhabitants of Stanley regarding a proposal of the Falkland Islands Company 'who now hold the contract for the conveyance of mails between Stanley and Montevideo have intimated to Your Excellency a desire to withdraw the privilege which reserved ten tons of the carrying accommodation on the mail schooner for cargo belonging to the general public.'24 Interestingly the minutes of the Island Executive Council meeting on 31 October of the same year specifically noted that Foran had signed the above mentioned petition. There is one final comment when Governor Kerr25 writing to London on 13 September 1881 concerning marriage licences observed that 'the Roman Catholic minister is absent on vacation leave'26 and that was the very year when Foran started to spend time in Argentina.

Solitude and harsh climatic conditions took their toll and so from 1881 onwards Foran would divide his time between his mission to the Catholics on the Falklands and the Irish community in Argentina. He received faculties in both Montevideo and Buenos Aires. 'Canon Dillon27 invited me to his house and took me out to Mercedes on 23 See COL, 1822, p. 78. 24 NA: C078/67, 1877, 109/78. 25 Thomas Kerr, Major 11th Regiment of Militia 1854; Barbados 1856 in Colonial

Secretary's department; Colonial Office since 1868; author of Kerr on the Cultivation of Sugar. Government administrator Grenada August 1878-April 1879. Governor Falkland Islands 1880-85 and 1887-9. See COL, 1885, p. 360. 26 NA: C078/71, 1881, 21162, item No.8, Despatch No. 76. 27 Dean Patrick Dillon (1841-89) from County Mayo, studied at All Hallows

College, Dublin, at Anthony Fahy's expense. Ordained 25 October 1863 he left shortly afterwards for Buenos Aires. Visited Falkland Islands in 1865 to attend to Irish Catholics living there. Professor of theology from 1866 and Dean of the




Saturday 31 of August. Fr Burke, O.P.,28 was exceedingly kind. He promised to visit Stanley in summer when we can talk on future under- takings. Fr Kirwan was very kind. The Irish farmers are rich in the Plate. The weather was very beautiful.'29 During the next five years he would reside at San Nicolas de los Arroyos and travel back and forth between the islands and Argentina via Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

While living at San Nicolas the faithful were always advised of their priest's whereabouts and proposed area visits by notices in the widely read Southern Cross.30 In early December 1884 the paper noted that 'Father Foran left yesterday on his annual visit to the scene of his missionary labours in the Falkland Islands. He does not expect to return before the end of March.'31 And then in June the fol- lowing year it noted that Father Foran was 'back to take charge of his mission in San Nicolas and Pavon. In Father Flannery's32 absence Father Foran will pay an occasional visit to San Pedro and attend to the spiritual wants of the people in that district.'33 Later in that same month 'Father Foran wishes to give notice that he will visit the fol- lowing places at the dates mentioned therein. On 14 June he will be in Carmen del Sauce, on the 21 in Ramallo, on the 28 at Father Flannery's Chapel, San Pedro. Father Foran will ask for Peter's pence for His Holiness as he goes around.'34 'On Saturday 3 October he (Father Foran) will be in the town of San Pedro and he will remain in or near the church up to the hour of eleven a.m. on that day; at Father Flannery's Chapel on Sunday 4 October; on Tuesday morning, the 6 October, at Stegman's Chapel. After this date he will return as

Metropolitan Chapter from 1869. Accompanied Dr Escalada, archbishop of Buenos Aires, to Rome for first Vatican Council. Subsequently a State Deputy and Senator; in 1881 travelled to Europe as a special agent for national and provincial govern- ments to promote emigration from Ireland. A typhoid fever attack in 1884 left him with continual bad health and he returned to Ireland to recuperate and died in Dublin. Op. cit., i, pp 113-23.

28 Fray Miguel Burke, O.P. (18467-82), an Irishman who came to Argentina at the behest of Anthony Fahy, O.R, and joined the Argentine Dominican Province. Wfien prior of Santo Domingo, Buenos Aires, he often replaced Dean Dillon during the latter's absences from the capital. Op. cit., i, pp 92-4.

29 Op. cit., iv.

30 The Southern Cross founded by Dean Patrick Dillon; 16 January 1875 to the present day; first as a weekly, then twice weekly and now monthly. See Oliver Marshall, The English Language Press in Latin America (Institute of Latin American Studies, University of London, 1996), pp 12-14.

31 SC, 5 December 1884 32 Edmund Flannery (1840-1923) a County Corkman, was the last of the students

whose studies at All Hallows College were financed by Anthony Fahy, O.R Ordained priest 29 September 1868 for the diocese of Buenos Aires, over the course of 53 years he cared for the Irish in the parishes of San Pedro, Arrecifes, Pergamino, San Nicolas and Ramallo in the north of the province of Buenos Aires. Op. cit., i, 138-9.

33 SC,5 June 1885. 34 SC, 12 June 1885.




soon as possible to San Nicolas. Before the above dates he will probably visit Buenos Aires as to make some arrangements preparatory to his departure for the Falkland Islands.'35 A final note for that year advised that 'The Reverend Father Foran of San Nicolas has arrived in town, and will sail on the Theben36 on Sunday for the Falkland Islands.'37

Eight days later Foran was back in his other parish and wrote in his mission diary 'Stanley, Falkland Islands, October 24th Church of St Mary Star of the Sea. Revd James Foran. I arrived this day the 24th of October from the River Plate Settlements to take charge of my old mission again for a few months.'38 On Palm Sunday - and two days before finally leaving the islands - he notes 'Catechism at 3 o'c. Benediction at 7. Mass tomorrow at 9 o'c. This is the last opportunity for those who have not been at their Easter duties. I am sorry that owing to the severity of the weather - and the lateness of the season we can have no palms.'39

James Foran took final leave of the Falklands on 20 April 1886. He was worried about the non-arrival of the Salesian priests who were to replace him - his successor, Irish priest Fr Patrick Diamond would arrive two years later in April 1888. Foran stayed some six months at San Nicolas and Pavon before sailing from Buenos Aires on 18 October to Naples and then to Rome to advise Propaganda about his labours. On the way back to Newcastle he gave a lecture about the Irish community in Argentina to students of the Irish College, Paris. One student, John Morgan Sheedy40 of Clogheen, County Tipperary, was so impressed that after priestly ordination he would go to work in Argentina and while living in Rosario be a life- long chaplain to the mral and urban Irish in the Province of Santa Fe. 1887 finds James Foran back in the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle installed as parish priest of Blackhill, County Durham. His continued preoccupation for the spiritual welfare of the islanders led him to write directly to Don Bosco on 14 November 1887. He was not alone in this respect as others would write to Don Bosco and to Rome drawing attention to the islanders' plight and their need for a resident priest. Fr Foran died on 29 January 1901 at Blackhill and left in his will effects to the value of f759.0.7.41 35 SC, 18 September 1885. 36 A screw brig, built 1879 in Hamburg, registered tonnage 1,216, owners: Deutsche

Dampfschiff-Fahrt, Gesellschaft Kosmos, Hamburg; Hamburg home port. See LR, 1884. 37 SC, 16 October 1885. 38 SMCA, James Foran Mission Diary 1885-6; unpublished 17-page-handwritten

diary. 39 Op. cit., xxxviii, p. 12. 40 Monsignor John Morgan Sheedy (1857-1949). Op. cit, i, 210-15. 41 See Calendar of the Grants of Probate, 1900, ui, E-F-G, p. 134.




James Foran's obituary notice appeared in The Northern Catholic Calendar*2 of 1901. The obit was reprinted in the 1981 autumn issue of the Northern Catholic History.43 It was hoped that the reprint which appeared around the time of the Falklands War would produce some response as to the whereabouts of Foran's quoted letters and journal, for the obituarist evidently had the journal and letters to hand when writing and it would be helpful to know who he was. There are no letters from Fr Foran during his service in the Falkland Islands in the Hexham Diocesan Archives,44 and all efforts to trace the location of journal and letters have so far not met with success. Anton Agreiter has outlined the seven stages of the Catholic Church in the Falklands - the French period (1764-7); the Spanish period (1767-1810); the years of confusion (1810-33); the British possession (1833); the Irish chaplains (1856-87); the Salesian Fathers (1888-1952); and the Mill Hill missionaries (1952- ). These letters which give a vivid insight and account of life as it was and which were originally published over a hundred years ago in The Southern Cross, to date have not been used by other writers on this topic.45 Foran's mission and chaplaincy was a unique one, as he was the only Irish priest who over a six year period commuted between Stanley and San Nicolas.

I am especially grateful to Theresa Lang, Stanley, Falkland Islands, for her help in sourcing and tracing Foran letters; Jane Cameron, Falkland Islands Government Archivist; David Tatham, editor of the Dictionary of Falklands Biography Project, Luis Delaney, Commercial Administrator The Southern Cross, Buenos Aires; Robin Gard, Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Archivist; Beverley Berry, Librarian Royal College of General Practitioners, London; Hugh Penning, O.P, Patrick Sherlock, S.D.B. and Sister Celestia for assistance with matters of detail.

42 Op. cit., iv.

43 Northern Catholic History is the journal of the North East History Society, diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. 44

My informant is Robin Gard, Archivist, diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. 45 See Francisco Avella Chaffer, 'Los Capellanes Seculares de las Islas Malvinas

1790-1886' in Archivium, Revista de la Junta de Historia Eclesiastica Argentina, Tomo III, Cuad.l, Junio 1945, Buenos Aires, 79-95; Humberto Baratta, S.D.B., 'Presencia Salesiana En Las Islas Malvinas' , Coleccion Archivo Historico Salesiano No.l, Buenos Aires 19—?; Anon, 'Capellanes de las Malvinas' in Esquiu, Buenos Aires, 15 December 1968, No. 451; Daniel Spraggon, 'A Short History Of The Catholic Church' in Falkland Islands Journal, x (1976), 34-8; Anton Agreiter, 'The Catholic Church on the Falkland Islands' in Falkland Islands Journal, vi, 1, 1992, pp 17-25; Sister Bridie Farrell, The Catholic Church In The Falkland Islands (Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, 1999).




Sources and abbreviations used : COL Colonial Office List published yearly by Harrison Sl Co.

London. LR Lloyds Register Of British And Foreign Shipping. MBDB Memorie Biografiche di Don Giovanni Bosco, a cura di

Lemoyne-Amadei-Ceria (19 vols, Torino, 1898-1939). NA National Archives (formerly Public Record Office), Kew,

Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. NL Navy List published yearly by HMSO, London. PRPD Principal Registry, Probate Department, Family Division

of the High Court, First Avenue House, 42-29 High Holbom, London WC1V 6NP.

SC The Southern Cross, Riobamba 451 - 40 C, 1025, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

SMCA Saint Mary's Church Archive, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.

WDA Westminster Diocesan Archives, 16a Abingdon Road, Kensington, London W8 6AF.

Documents

1 Colonel G. D'Arcy, Governor, to Lord Carnarvon at London,

Port Stanley, 2 May 1876 NA : C078/66, 1876, 660/781646

Government House, Stanley, Falkland Islands, 2 May 1876

My Lord, In a despatch No. 31 of the 3 October 1874 your Lordship directed

me to commence the salary of the Roman Catholic minister after the arrival of the Colonial Chaplain, which directions have been strictly followed; meanwhile on the 3 November 1875, under letters from the Pope, on the recommendation of Cardinal Manning, the Reverend Father Foran arrived to take spiritual care of the Roman Catholics of these Islands, a nominal list of whom I have the honour to enclose.

His congregation axe poor people for the most part the widows and daughters of Pensioners, who have done their utmost to support their minister by subscribing one hundred pounds a year for his support,

46 Inked impression on letter notes 'received CO. 30 June 1876.'




but in this expensive colony this amount is but a poor maintenance. May I venture to request, as the Colonial Chaplain has not yet arrived your Lordship will be pleased to order any successor to issue the allowance from the 1 January 1876 at the rate already granted viz fifty pounds a year f 50. I have the honour to be My Lord Your Lordships most obedient Humble Servant G.D'Arcy Colonel and Governor.

2 Lord Carnarvon to Governor Callaghan at Port Stanley, London,

Downing Street, 12 July 1876 NA : C078/66, 1876, 20/7816

Governor Callaghan, Falkland Islands, 12 July 1876 2020 Minute Draft Tresry Mr de Robeck47 July 10

Sir, In reply to Governor D'Arcy despatch No. 20 of the 2 May I have

the honour to convey to you my approval of the [ payment ?] to the Roman Catholic Priest of f 50 per annum from the 1 of January last as an allowance from Falkland Funds under the arrangement described in my despatch No.31 of the 30 October 1874. lamC.

3 W. Rae to the Secretary of the Treasury, London, Downing Street,

12 July 1876 NA:C078766, 1876,20/7816

Mr de Robeck July 10

Sir With reference to my letter of 27 November last, and to previous

correspondence respecting ecclesiastical arrangements in the

47 Gowran William Bamaby de Robeck, Colonial Office civil servant. Assistant junior clerk 1860-67; junior clerk 1867. Private Sec. to Parliamentary Under Sec. 1864-6. See J. C. Sainty, Office-Holders In Modem Britain, Colonial Office Officials, University of London Institute of Historical Research, vi (1976), p. 39.




Falkland Islands I am directed to request that you will inform the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury that His Lordship authorises the Governor to pay the Roman Catholic Priest of the islands (from the 1 of January last)48 the sum of f 50 per annum granted under the arrangement of which their Lordships were informed in October 1874. That payment to commence from the 1 of January last, lam W.Rae

4 D'Arcy to Carnarvon, Port Stanley, 15 May 1876A9

NA:C078Z66, 1876,7821/76

Colonel D'Arcy's resume of the Acts of his Administration to Earl Clarendon.50

On visiting Darwin I was sorry to observe so many families located without either Chaplain or schoolmaster; I brought this matter before the notice of the Home Government and the deficiency has been supplied by the Falkland Islands Company. Meanwhile I was deeply concerned to find that 250 Roman Catholics had been living in these islands for the last thirty years with only the septennial visit of a priest from Buenos Ayres; the results of such scanty spiritual superintendance51 showed itself in the irregular lives of this portion of the community. I feel bound therefore to give them assistance, finding that they were but too anxious to help themselves, and I may be pardoned if I point with some satisfaction, to the fact, that while on my arrival I found but one minister of religion, on my departure I leave of the Christian denominations - three !

5 Census of Roman Catholics in the Falkland Islands, April 187652

NA : C078/66, 1876, 7816/76

Stanley Stanley Stanley Mrs Darcy53 Mrs Dolan Mrs Biggs Alice Coulson John Bing William ---

Margaret Hunter William Dolan George ---

48 Text within brackets crossed out. 49 Inked impression on letter notes 'Reed CO. 30 June 1876.' 50 This is an eight page report of which only item No. 10 is pertinent. 51 Sic. 52 This four page document is in James Foran's handwriting and was attached to

Governor D'Arcy's 15 May 1876 resume of the Acts of his Administration. 53 Mrs Caroline D'Arcy was the wife of Governor D'Arcy.




John Peck Mrs Peck John Peck Jnr. William Peck William Johnson Mrs Johnson

George Fredric John Thomas William Roger Edward ---

Joseph Alazia William ---

George ---

Ada ---

Mrs Roberts Eliza Rudd Louisa Rudd Laura Roberts Livinia ---

Mary Ann ---

Charles ---

Edgar ---

H.Williams

Augusta William Charles

George Mr G. Gerard Thomas Magennes Manuel Pereira Denis Buckley Mrs Yates Robert Yates Mr Dagenhardt Mrs Dagenhardt Charles Williams Mrs Williams Thomas Carey Michael ---

David ---

John Williams Louis Williams Francis ---

Mrs M.A.Williams Eveline Sarah Lilian Mary Mrs Nixon Annie Eliza Mrs Robson

Timothy Nolan Lionel Vincent --- John Thos Austin

George Charles Carey Mrs Carey Ann Elizabeth Teresa Edward Roche Teresa Edward Roche Charles Scott Mrs Nielson Sarah Matilde Ann Elizabeth Francis Joseph Juan Selveira Manuel Dutret Manuel Rodriguez Casimiro Pinazo Francisco Brunell Mrs Brunell Carmilo lo Sancto Ricardo

Josepha Aunchilla Ascencio

Segunda Casimira

Domingo Joseph Lelleman

Auguste Fleuret John Casey Joseph Brown

Joseph Murray

Edward ---

Allan —

Mary Ann Caherine --- Madeline Arthur Alfred Mrs Detleff

Christopher ---

John --- William --- Thomas Michael

Mary Ann ---

Hansen Patrick

Henry Emile Boyer Charles Lewis Desire Jules La Riblaire Mrs Lewis

Margaret Honoria Pimm

Mary Elizabeth ---

Margaret Ann --- Maud Martha ---

John Butler Cath A. Butler Edwin ---

Mrs Martin Romana --- William ---

Louisa ---

Mary Ann ---

Thomas ---

Sophia




Joseph —

Mary Julia

Margaret Power

Johnsnis54 Harbour Mrs George Smith

Mary George Mimmie ——

Thomas San Carlos

Domingo Peralta Mrs Peralta Clara Peralta Mrs Peralta Pedro Clara Nicholaus Elias

Smileys Creek

Joseph Llimosa Maselina Pedro Maria Gonsalez Romana Savinas John Pedro Barella Mrs Barella Thomas Joseph Rose

Andreas Petaluga Edwd. Arthur Duguerque Darwin Mrs Cristopher Smith Peter John William

West Falkland Port Howard William D. Studs (?) Mrs Petalugg Fox Bay

Michl Christoper Dolan L.A. Baillon Francis Armstrong Transita Gomez John King John Rudd Estansia55 Louis Des Preaux Maria James Elizabeth Louisa Carolina Matilda Salvador

Augustine Roba Frutoso Miranda 2nd Corrall Michael Dolan James McDermott Ennis

Joseph Sullivan Charles Connolly John Echandy

Mrs Baillon Edwd. Baillon

Speedwell Alex Baillon Fox Bay Potter

Douglas Spring Point Austin Stickney Clement William Bernard Laurence Chartres Charles Scott

Joseph Freitas Albumarles56 John Tanner Peter Reilly Port Stephens Franc Moore Andrew Ryan Mrs Ryan Emma Jane

Mary Ann Isbella William Walsh

Stanley 134

Camp East Falkland 47 West Falkland .24

205

54 Sic. Should read Johnson's Harbour. 55 Sic. Should read Estancia. 56 Sic. Should read Albemarle.




I have left out a few names about whom I have some doubt. I have reason to think there are more Catholics in the camp and West Falkland than I have put down in this list.

James Foran.

6 Cardinal Franchi51 to Cardinal Manning at Westminster,

Rome, 28 March 1877 WDA : Vol.1, Roman Letters, 1865-1877, No.32258

Eminentissimo e Reverendissimo Signore Mio Ossequentissimo, Ho letto con gran piacere quanto il P.Johnson Segretario di Vostra

Eminenza riferisce nella sua degli 8 del corrente mese di Marso rel- ativamente al Rdo Giacomo Foran missionario nelle isole di Falkland, il quale tuttoche solo sostiene con gran coraggio e sempre con frutto la cura spirituale di quei cattolici in mezso a difficolta e prove non lievi.

Tutto cio che riguarda le astinense, digiuni e osservansa delle feste sera rimesso alia S.Congregazione del S.Offizio a fine de avere le istruzioni e facolta in proposito. Riguardo poi al precetto pasquale per I'adempimento del quale sembra sia necessario cola un tempo molto esteso; come anche per I'uso del Calendario dTnghilterra per lo stesso PForan se ne fara relasione al S.Padre per ottenergli le rel- ative facolta.

Intanto considerando che il PForan si trova a tale distansa da qualunque altro Sacerdote che gli riesce quasi impossibile di vedeme pure uno nello spazio di un anno, e che percio difficilmente potrebbe soddisfare ai suoi spirituali bisogni, pregherei Vostra Eminenza a procurargli uno o due Missionarii, che sotto la direzione di lui lo aju- tassero nel s. ministero. A questo scopo credo che non difficilmente si potrebbe avere un qualche soggetto dai Collegio di Mill Hill fondato costi per le Missioni.

Prego finalmente Vostra Eminenza di recapitare al prelodato PForan I'acclusa lettera: dopo di che le bacio umilissimamente le mani.

Roma dalla Propaganda 28 Marzo 1877. 57 Cardinal Alessandro Franchi (1819-78), Prefect, Congregation of the Propagation

of the Faith 1874; appointed Cardinal Sec. of State by Leo XIII, March 1878. 58 An annotation on this letter in the handwriting of Canon Daniel Gilbert, V.G.,

states 'With this was enclosed a letter, in the same sense, to the Rev. J. Foran. Afterwards came a Rescript (of April 1st) extending the Paschal time, for 5 years (i.e. to 1882 inclusively), from the beginning of Lent till the Octave of Pentecost. The said Rescript, with Cardinal Franchi's letter, I forwarded May 8, 1877. No other Rescript or instructions had come.' I am indebted to Fr Stewart Foster, Brentwood Diocesan Archivist, for drawing my attention to this letter and to Fr Ian Dickie, Westminster Diocesan Archivist, for advising me with reference to the author of the annotation.




Di Vostra Eminenza Umilissimo Devotissimo Servitore vero

Alessandro Cardinale Franchi Prefetto Giovanni Battista Agnozzi Segretario

Eminentissimo Signore Cardinal59 Enrico Edoardo Manning Arcivescovo di Westminster

7 James Foran, to Mrs Caroline D'Arcy60 at Penzance,

Port Stanley, 15 April 1881 SMCA copy; Original in Stanley Museum

Dear Mrs D'Arcy, As I am now preparing to leave the Falkland Islands I think it is

only right that I should tell you so. I have remained in this place longer than I intended. I am sorry however that I go away without having done any lasting good. I have attempted several schemes to put the mission on a footing - and all failed - owing chiefly to want of co-operation on the part of Catholics necessary to ensure success. I have not been able to make practical Catholics of the adults - nor have I succeeded with the young - for three years I used to announce monthly confessions hours - and not one ever attended. I have still a Rosary Society - but only four or five are monthly communicants. I have great difficulty in bringing children to preparation for first com- munion - and after that I see no more of them at the Sacraments. All this is readily traced to education. I have often told the parents that they can never make their children Catholics as long as they attend the Government School. They all agreed with me and said they would be glad if they had a Catholic School. I provided a master whose efficiency was beyand all dou(bt?) [blank space] a two rooms - got in a stock; [blank space] books and requisites - got splen(did?) school desks - and other furniture - No one said a single word of approval - but all doggedly refuse to take the children from the Government School - there were only four exceptions by - Pimm, Charly Carey - Mrs Robson - Sl Mr C. H. Williams. The two Williams's are gone to England - and Robsons to the camp - so there remained only four small children for school. I closed the school and at the same time gave up the mission. The project cost me about f 80. 59 Written at the bottom left-hand comer of page 1 of this three page letter. 60 Mrs Caroline D'Arcy wife of former Governor Colonel D'Arcy. They are com-

memorated in the Falkland Islands by two prominent hills on West Falkland named in their honour - Mount D'Arcy and Mount Caroline.




I intend to leave thus on the 12 May - of course I may have to remain longer - I am wanted on the West Falklands - but don't know whether shall go or not [blank]. I would be gla(d?) [blank] it is useless to exp (lain?) [blank] leave. I was alw(ays?) [blank] up writing. I think [blank] three to you since I [blank] (received ?) your last - I hope the Colnl is quite well that (? Word crossed out) is now a fine scholar - and a good girl - and that you also are well. I have always enjoyed good health here - and am very sorry to leave the Islands destitute of a priest. If the Catholics have any spirit there would be a nice missions established before this - What a difference between the Catholics of Stanley and those of Walker !! We are expecting the mail every moment - It is now late at night.

Yours, James Foran.

8 James Foran to Michael Dinneen6] at Buenos Aires,

Port Stanley, 12 December 1884 SC, 2 January 1885

Stanley, Falkland Islands,

Dear Mr Dinneen, I accomplished the journey to Stanley in a much shorter time than

I anticipated. The Kamoyses left Montevideo on the 6th at four p.m. We had 32 passengers for Stanley, nine of whom were in the salon and old friends of mine. On the morning of the 4th day we had a S.W. wind which became stronger and stronger as the day advanced and we entered Stanley harbour in a strong gale at 4.45 p.m., on the 10th inst; making the voyage in four days and 45 minutes. The captain boasts that he has made the quickest voyage on record from Hamburg to Stanley. I think I may claim the honour of making the quickest from San Nicolas, having made the 1,400 miles in six days, 21 hours and 45 minutes.

The weather is bitterly cold; no sunshine, and a biting south wind. I fear vegetables will be scarce this season, nothing can grow. The Islands were covered with thick layers of ice and snow for seven weeks - terrible storms of south winds and blinding snows. Cattle, horses and sheep in the Stanley camp died of sheer starvation. The severe cold began in the end of June and does not seem to have gone

61 Michael Dineen, bom Cork, 1839. Studied in Dublin and at university in Paris. Shortly after graduating was offered and accepted a teaching post in Chile. Came to Argentina in 1880 and continued teaching. Editor of the Southern Cross 1882-96. A man of great culture who spoke fluent French, Italian and Irish. See SC, Numero Del Centenario, 1975, p. 13.



256 Collectanea Hibernica

away yet, though we are in mid-summer. A week of weather such as we have now would kill all the sheep, cattle and horses in the Plate settlements, but fortunately, you never have such weather in the Plate.

As far as I have learned there have been only three deaths of Catholics during my absence. One on the West Falklands, one in Stanley, and one drowned outside the harbour. The latter is a sad case. Two young men went out to Port Williams to cut grass, which is used in Stanley for cattle and horses when no other fodder can be found. They cut some and were on their return, but it was seen from the hill above Stanley that the cutter remained a long time in one spot, and under sail, quite close to the cliffs. A boat was sent out, and it was found that the cutter was aground. No tidings of the two young men have been heard of since, though the accident happened on the 9th of August. The name of the Catholic was Denis Lehan ~ he was the oldest of a large family, their principal support, and a young man of great promise. Though he and his parents, etc., were only in Stanley since last June he was sincerely regretted by all. His friends in Buenos Aires and Santa Fe will be sorry to hear of his sad death. In the hurry with which I passed through Buenos Aires I left some things undone and forgot others. I should have asked you to acknowledge the receipt of S592 m/n62 for the erection of an altar to St Patrick in the church at San Nicolas, viz.:

From Pavon and Rosario S337 From Ramallo and San Nicolas 214 From my own donation 41

A few hundreds m/c are yet to come from Ramallo. I expect the altar will be finished and the statue will have arrived before I return. I can't say whether my stay here will be nine weeks or three months. I am now awaiting for an opportunity of going to the West Falklands. I am in very good health and spirits, and hope to get back to the Plate safe, and find all my old friends in good health.

I am Yours truly

James Foran.

62 The monetary unit in Argentina is the peso. Before 1861 the peso moneda nacional (S m/n) issued by the government of the Republic and the peso moneda corriente (m/c) issued by the Province of Buenos Aires both circulated. Despite frequent oscillations it was considered that S 1.00 m/n had practically the same value as S 25.00 m/c and that S 5.00 m/n was worth 11.00 gold sterling.




9 Same to same, Port Stanley, 16 Jan 1885

SC, 30 January 1885

Stanley, Falkland Islands, 16 January 1885

Dear Sir, I have been in Stanley the whole time since my arrival on 10th

December. The steamboat by which I hoped to go to the West Falklands has been away from Stanley for some months and it has been discovered that she is in the Straits of Magellan assisting a Chileno man-of-war which went on some rocks. We are hourly expecting the homeward bound mail and news also of our steamboat. If she does not come I will start for the camp on horseback and look out for a chance to go on to West Falkland. In my last letter I reported the weather bad, now I have to say it got worse since - the wind, the hail, and the cold increased - the clouds became bleaker, the rain heavier and more frequent; in fact, there has been only one day come up to what we call a Falkland summer.

My attention has this time been drawn to a matter of importance to our Catholic community of Stanley.

In 1857 Catholics purchased a site for building a chapel upon when I arrived in 1875 I was told it had just been sold. I was very sorry for this because our chapel is built on a very bad site. Lately it was proposed to erect a Protestant church, and our old plot was the only eligible one. The supposed purchaser (who certainly paid for it) could show no title, and it transpired that he never received a transfer, and I have a receipt to show that the original deed of conveyance was handed over to the custody of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires: that was in 1881.1 hope I may be able to find it when I return. The

plot is now a very valuable one, and I would be glad to secure it to the Catholics. I have, at all events, stopped all danger of losing it for some time.

Stanley is never a place for news, so I have none to send. Believe me, dear Sir Faithfully yours

James Foran.




10 Same to same, San Nicolas de los Arroyos, 3 June 1885,

SC, 12 June 1885 San Nicolas de los Arroyos

3 June 1885

Dear Sirs, I have been requested by the Right Reverend Monsignor Dillon to

give publicity through the columns of The Southern Cross to one or two facts relating to the Falkland Islands.

When I took charge of the mission, ten years ago, I hoped to make its real state know to Rome, and thereby secure a permanent supply of priests for the Catholics of those islands. I received pow- ers direct from Rome. My bishop was requested by the Sacred Congregation of the Propaganda to place no obstacle in the way of my departure. When I had been five years on the islands, making very slight progress, I requested I be allowed to remove for a portion of each year to this archdiocese. After some delay the favour was granted and I was requested to send a report of the state of the mission. In doing so I urged in the strongest terms I could command the importance of uniting the Falklands and the Southern portions of this continent in a vicariate. I stated that another priest and myself at Punta Arenas in the Straits of Magellan were the only Catholic priests out of the Rio Negro. Two years later I learned that steps were being taken to place those regions under the care of the Salesian Fathers, who had already charge of Patagones. I am glad now to know that a bishop is appointed, and that he will soon visit the Falklands and place the islands under the care of his priests. I have had an interview with his Lordship, and it is arranged that I go down in October for the settlement of a few matters that require my presence.

When I was leaving England I was reminded by the late bishop of Hexham that his diocese was open to me at any time I returned. It seems the present bishop of Hexham63 has heard of the final arrangement made for the Falklands, for on my late return I found a letter of his awaiting me, in which he invites me to turn my steps towards the shores of Albion, and place myself under his jurisdiction. It is hard, in fact, to refuse this call. Considering my age, I count that four or five years more would be as much as I could labour in this country. Then I shall be thrown on the shelf without any provision for old age. In England it is very different; old and infirm priests are amply provided for, and I have now a few months to consider what it is best to

63 Dr John William Bewick, bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, 1882-6.




do. At all events, the work for which I came to the Southern regions is done.

By inserting this letter you will oblige. Yours truly

James Foran Irish Chaplain.

11 Same to same, San Nicolas de los Arroyos, 23 July 1885

SC, 31 July 1885

San Nicolas de los Arroyos 23 July 1885

Dear Sir, Will you please inform your numerous friends in the camps of San

Pedro, Arrecifes and Pergamino that I intend to visit their partidos, especially the under mentioned places, viz. therefore the town of San Pedro on the morning of 6th August; Father Flannery's Chapel on Sunday and Monday, 9th and 10th; Stegman's Chapel on the 15th and 16th.

I leave the intervening days open for any applications or calls that I may be required for, and hope to return to San Nicolas on or about the 20th.

I write this in Rosario, having just come in from a week's work in Pavon, Carmen del Sauce and the Arroyo Seco. The mornings have been very cold, sharp frost every night. The camps are bare, sheep in bad condition and I believe that there have been heavy losses in the camps between Arroyo Seco and Rosario.

Mrs Geary, a very respectable resident of Rosario, died on the 15th inst. After a very long and painful illness, which she bore with the greatest fortitude and resignation. She had received the sacraments some time before her death. Mr Geary holds a very responsi- ble position under the Central Railway Company in Rosario - has also a respectable boarding-house not far from the railway station. He has a large family to provide for.

I am, Dear Sir, Very truly yours

J. Foran.




12 Same to same, Port Stanley, 18 December 1885

SC, 15 January 1886

Stanley, Islas Malvinas,64 18 December 1885

Dear Sir, The mail from England arrived at ten o'clock last night. As usual,

the mail brings some news which troubles or disappoints most or all. This time we receive the sorrowful news of the death of Colonel D'Arcy who had been Governor of the Islands from 1870 to 1876. He was a great favourite with all classes, had the good of the colonist at heart, and was ever ready to spend his own private fortune to relieve the poor and all who were in need.

A few ships from England chartered by the farmers are a month behind time, to the great disappointment of those who chartered them. The steamship Selembria,65 which was expected about this time to receive the first cargo of 20,000 sheep, is only leaving England at this date. As she should be here for another cargo in June or July, she will find it difficult to come up to time. On this, her first trip, she is to carry out materials for erecting slaughtering sheds in three or four harbours, so that she can't go in immediately to take in frozen sheep. Farmers are rather afraid there may be disappoint- ments this year in the promised supply, as there have been two very severe winters with little or no mild weather between, consequently, they have been many heavy losses and a bad lambing. The only mild weather for two years was in the past week. Today cold has returned. Her Majesty's gun-boat Ready66 has been in Stanley harbour during the past month or more. The Captain (Echlin)67 is to be married on the 24th inst. to Miss Lilly Kerr, the amiable and accomplished daughter of Governor Kerr. 64 For the first time Foran uses the Spanish nomenclature Tslas Malvinas' rather

than Falkland Islands. 65 A screw schooner, built 1882 in Sunderland, registered tonnage 1,980; owners:

S.S. Selembria Co. Ltd., Liverpool; Liverpool home port. See LR, 1884. 66 Four gun double-screw barque composite gun-vessel, built 1872 in Chatham,

commissioned at Sheerness 17 June 1884, displacement 610 tons, and the navy's guard ship on the South American Station. Tank vessel 1894 and sold 1920 Bermuda, See LR, 1885; The British Imperial Calendar and Civil Services List (London, 1887), p. 256; J. J. Colledge, Ships Of The Royal Navy (Greenhill Books, London, 2003), p. 269.

67 Captain Echlin wrote to Governor Kerr on 29 December 1884 regarding the erec-

tion of a new church in Stanley. He was very conscious that ship's crew church parade at two Sunday services had seriously disrupted local inhabitants attendance. NA: C078/75, 1885, 21922. Frederick Echlin was promoted to the rank of Commander 4 February 1879. See NL, 1885, p. 77.




The first engineer68 of the same ship is to be married to Miss Grace Purchase, niece to the Honorable George M. Deane; date not fixed; but will, of course, take place before the departure of the Ready.

The land about which I had some trouble is now in care of trustees for the Catholics of the Islands. I intend in a few days to being the removal of the Chapel from its present site to this plot. I had no trouble at all with Mr Deane, who had possession of this land. He handed it over with great generosity, made no objection whatever.

I have returned from my visitation of the West Falklands and adja- cent islands. I intend to remain in Stanley until after the arrival of the next mail from Sandy Point, viz., 10 January. I then go to the camp, for a few weeks. I don't intend to leave for the River Plate until the 1 March. As soon as I arrive I shall make ready to go to Europe. I am in good health.

I am, dear Sirs, Yours faithfully

James Foran

PS - I have just this moment learned that two boats laden with crew and passengers of a wrecked ship called Monarch of the Sea,69 bound from British Columbia, have come into Stanley. She foundered on Wednesday 16th near Sea Lion Island, about twenty leagues south west of Stanley.

J.F.

13 Same to same, Port Stanley, 2 March 1886

SC, 12 March 1886

Stanley, Falkland Islands. 2 March 1886

Dear Sir, I had fixed this mail as the one by which I would leave the

Falklands, but 'man proposes, God disposes' -1 can't go at present. I commenced the building of a new chapel on the 31 December, the carpenter had nailed on the last board on the 27 of February. Painters are now employed in the decoration of the interior. The present building is an immense improvement on the old one. I hope to be able to show you a photograph of it when I go to Buenos Aires. 68 Lieut. Charles F. Hulford, Chief Engineer, HMS Ready, and Grace Orissa

Purchase of Stanley, were married on 6 January 1886. See NL, 1885, p. 232, and other detail provided by Jane Cameron. 69 Ship built 1877 in Nova Scotia, registered tonnage 1,187, owners: McLelan Sc

Blackie, Londonderry Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia home port. See LR, 1884.




I had strong hopes my successors would arrive by this mail; I even bespoke lodgings for them; hastened down to the waters edge when the mail was announced, but could not find a boat to take me on board. I was all anxiety until I received news that there was one for me. The mail has brought neither letters, newspapers, nor news! There is a Belgian dignitary on board, and they hoist the Belgian flag. The governor and family leave for England by this mail; the February mail brought out his successor, his name is Arthur Cecil Stuart Barkly.70

The steamship Selembria,11 3,000 tons burthen, arrived from England on the 24th of January to take in her first cargo of frozen mutton. Her stay here this time will be pretty long as large sheds for killing and cooling have to be erected at Darwin, Port Stephens, Port Howard, and Weddell, before they proceed to take in cargo. They brought an immense quantity of cargo, and have a little army of men on board, such as carpenters to erect sheds, butchers and stevedores. The ship is likely to be taking cargo now at Weddell Island, from which she will proceed to Port Howard, and from the latter place to Darwin, where she is to complete her cargo of 30,000 sheep. Her contract is to take away 60,000 sheep per year, but people doubt whether she will make a second voyage this year. If she does it will be so far into the winter that the sheep will be in bad condition, and it would be inconvenient to bring them long distances to the above stations when the country may be covered with snow.

During the month of February two barques and two schooners arrived, chartered to take two or three cargoes each of live sheep to the farms in the Straits of Magellan. We are therefore more likely than usual - what with sheep shearing, sheep freezing, sheep export- ing, change and exchange of governors, building of chapels and pro- jecting of cathedrals, visits by men-of-war etc., we think ourselves an important people.

I must not forget the important topic - the weather. The first four months were the finest and fairest on record. We have had very little

70 (1843-90) Educated Harrow; entered carabineers June 1862, lieutenant 1864, retired 1865. Private secretary Governor of Mauritius 1870-May 1877 when appointed magistrate in Basutoland. Chief civil commissioner Seychelles November 1881 and Lieutenant Governor Falkland Islands 1886. The last Governor of Heligoland appointed November 1888 - in August 1890 the island was ceded to Germany in exchange for large areas of German territory in Africa. See COL, 1887, p. 361 and DNB. Supplement i, 1901 pp 124-6. 71 On 29 May Governor Barkly advised Earl Granville that this particular voyage of

the Selembria was not without incident as three crew members were discharged before Justices of the Peace in various parts of the colony instead of being discharged before the Shipping Master at Stanley. The Board of Trade in London was not amused and issued a rebuke in a 14 August communication when it noted that 4the Master of the Selembria has been warned that his action was not regular.' NA: C078/76,1886,122019 andC078Z76, 1886, 14629.




rain; you must ride through the camp with your eyes shut and not get swamped. I have ridden a good deal and have not yet got a tumble nor a dipping. I enjoyed good health all along. But now winter appears to be approaching. During the past few days we had rain, sleet, snow, and hail alternatively; the squalls were severe, the wind high and cold and the clouds frightfully black. These three days have left their mark on the mountain tops, which have already donned their winter garments of snow; but it won't last long.

I am sorry I can't keep my engagement with the kind cura of San Nicolas. I had no fear but that I could be with him on Saint Patrick's Day. No one coming to the Falklands ought to make appointments without a six months margin. It is probable I cannot leave before the 18 of April, when the outward bound mail arrives. The only alterna- tive is a sailing to the Straits or a man-of-war.

You will oblige me very much by making known to my friends of San Nicolas and Rosario my movements.

I remain Dear Sir, Yours very truly

James Foran

14 Same to same, Port Stanley, 15 April 1886

SC,1 May 1886

Stanley, Falkland Islands. 15 April 1886

Dear Sir, We are now expecting the mail daily. The wind is brisk and fair for

ships coming south. I have now all things ready to leave the islands. I have been officiating in the new chapel since the 28th February. I am very well pleased with the change from the old narrow dingy spot, where our little chapel stood, to its present site on a spacious knoll fronting the main road and commanding a full view of the harbour and its entrance. We have passed through the driest and calmest summer on record. The month of April ushered in cold weather. A few days ago the Falklands were completely enveloped in snow, and we had four or five days of hard frost and intensely cold weather. It was not of long continuance, for at present all snow is gone. We have had rain, high winds, and dark cloudy days.

There is not much news. Lord Dudley72 and suite have been here 72 Possibly William Humble Dudley, first Earl of Dudley (1849-1938). 14th Hussars

and Captain, Herts Yeomanry Cavalry, married October 1876 Hon. Eugene Violet Adele, daughter of first Viscount Esher. See Burke's Peerage (106th ed., London, 1999), p. 881.



264 Collectanea Hibernica

in his yacht. His Lordship remained a few days in Stanley and went through the islands hunting and shooting. It is said that the whole party distinguished themselves by the number of geese, pigeons, ducks, hares, rabbits, wild cattle, etc. which they shot. The yacht73 returned to Stanley on the 12 March, and a few days later steamed out the narrows en via Valparaiso. A small cutter arrived here recently having sailed the whole way from London; she was soon bought up. The steamer Ruby74 from Montevideo, came in on the 6th.

I have been expecting the Salesian Fathers by every ship since January. They left Buenos Aires on the 17 November for the Falkland Islands via Punta Arenas. Several ships have come here since for sheep, but none have any information about them.

The steamship Selembria which came into Stanley on the 24 of January, has not yet left the islands. She has been to Port Stephens, Weddell, and Port Howard, discharging building material, erecting sheds for killing and cooling, and also killing and freezing sheep. About the present date she is due at Darwin Harbour, where she completes her cargo of 30,000 sheep; when done she steams away to England to return in spring to take in another cargo.

The conflict with the freezing company is likely to be the making of them, as they had no market for mutton before; the only matter of disposing of them being to send them to one or other of the three graseria stations,75 where they might have to wait until the sheep got out of condition, so that many did not think that that market paid them for their trouble.

Though I intend to leave by this mail for Punta Arenas, it does not follow that I shall be soon in the River Plate. I look upon myself now as a free man; I am done with these southern regions; and as Mr O'Grady76 of San Nicolas, is now ordained, I may consider my work there also finished. So, having got a good offer of a trip to Valparaiso, and being anxious to pass through the famous Smyth's Channel, I am inclined to accept the offer. In this case I shall not

73 Lord Dudley's yacht was probably the SS Marchisa (or Marchesa), 178 tons, registered at Ayr, crew of 27, Captain A. Houston, arrived Falkland Islands from Montevideo 12 February 1886, sailed for Valparaiso 20 March. I am indebted to Jane Cameron for the details. 74 Screw steamer built 1873 at West Hartlepool, registered tonnage 812, owners:

Dundee Gem Line, 59 Dock Street, Dundee; Dundee home port. See LR, 1886. 75 A tallow-chandler's works. 76 Patrick Joseph O'Grady (1859-1943) bom County Sligo. Aged 13 went to study

in Potiers, France, and subsequently joined the Salesian Order in Turin. Arrived in Argentina in 1884 and was ordained priest 24 February 1886. Went to the Falklands towards the end of 1889 where he laboured for a number of years. Subsequently returned to Italy and then to Malta where he founded a house in Sliema. Subsequently worked in Australia and died at San Francisco, USA. See Humberto Baratta, Presencia Salesiana En Las Islas Malvinas (Buenos Aires, 19— ?), p. 10.




arrive in the Plate until early in June. I can advise you of my inten- tion before I send this to the post.

20th. The mail came in last night: the Varda. It is doubtful if we are in time for mail for Montevideo in Sandy Point.

I go to Valparaiso. Weather terrible since the 14th. I am, dear Sir, Yours very truly

James Foran.

15 Same to same, Port Stanley, 4 June 1886

SC, 18 June 1886

Falkland Islands, 4 June 1886

Dear Sir, I have enjoyed my tour through the Straits of Magellan and all

those wonderful channels from the Straits to the Gulf of Penas. I visited Lota, Coronel, Concepcion, Valparaiso and Santiago, and spent a week in Punta Arenas and returned to Stanley in the Luxor11 on the 1st inst. I had fine weather on sea and land except those last few days in Stanley.

The Selembria left for London a few hours after our arrival, carrying away 30,500 frozen sheep, a quantity of wool and tallow and some passengers. The mutton turned out of good quality, the average weight at some estancias being 61 lbs, and at other 70 lbs. Large sheep were not accepted.

The Great Britain,1* once the largest ship afloat, is in Stanley for repairs, also a ship named Sydney d'Acres.19

Rain commenced to fall soon after our arrival, it came down heav- ily day and night till the morning of the 3rd. Great consternation was

77 Screw steamer, built 1873 at West Hartlepool, registered tonnage 1,001, owners: Deutsche Dampfschiff-Fahrt, Gesellschaft, Kosmos, Hamburg; Hamburg home port. SeeLR, 1886. 78 The first Atlantic liner built of iron 1840 in Bristol. It was the world's largest ship

at the time of its launching with a tonnage of 3,270 and designed by the celebrated engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunei. The original owners were A. Gibbs Sons Sc Co., 15 Bishopsgate Street Within, London EC, and subsequently the Falkland Islands Company. In 1884 it was damaged when rounding Cape Horn and sold as a hulk at Port Stanley where it was scuttled in 1887. It was later raised, restored and put on display in Bristol after being towed by means of a pontoon 7,000 miles back to Avonmouth entering the Great Western Dock on 19 July 1970. See LR, 1875 and E. C. B. Corlett The Iron Ship, The Story of Brunei' s SS Great Britain, (London, 1990). 79 Ship built 1864 in Stockton, registered tonnage 1,309, owners: Edward Bates & Son, 3 New Quay, Liverpool; Liverpool home port. See LR, 1875.




caused in Stanley on the night of the 2nd by the slipping of the peat bank above the settlement. The settlement is built on a gentle slope in rose (sic) at considerable distances, each house having a quarter of an acre of land, which they cultivate. The slope faces north, having the harbour on the north, and this high ground to the south; the peat bank is about half a mile distant from the harbour.80

This bank has been hitherto very useful as a supply of fuel, and is now cut away more than one hundred yards south of the level bottom of hard, white clay. Under the peat, on this clay, must be lodged a quantity of water accumulated lately very much after a dry summer, and burst its way in during the late rains. There was a slip on the 30 November 1878, which fortunately did not take many houses, but this last one came down through the thick of the settlement, carrying everything before it. The first house to suffer was that of Mr Lehan, a new house up high. Mrs Lehan and six or seven children were in the house, when down come the peat, driving the house before it -

smashing fire-places, furniture, and door porches, some of which were carried into the harbour; the lights were put out, and they expected any moment to be swallowed up. After awhile the house, a wooden one, stopped, and there they remained until seven o'clock next morning, fully convinced all Stanley was swallowed up in an earthquake. The peat covered 140 yards wide, and carried before it garden-fences, gates and sheds of all descriptions. It entered by the doors and windows of the front. Among the buildings damaged are the church and schools - a long stone edifice about one hundred feet long having a high tower in the centre. The peat is now ten feet in depth along the south wall, the railing in front of which is broken down. The green on the south, which is the playground for the school children, is covered with a layer of peat, from five to ten feet deep. About twenty houses with their gardens are rendered useless for the winter. Two lives were lost; one was a boy of eight years old, named Radcliffe. He rushed out and was carried away; he was heard crying: 'oh, save me. Save me V An attempt was made, but to save him was impossible. Nothing could withstand the force of the peat down hill. The other was a man named Patrick Keating; he ran out and was immediately carried away. His body has not been found yet. He came to the Islands two years last December and was on his way back to the River Plate by this boat. He had paid for his ticket the previous day. He has many acquaintances in the Plate. The peat now covers an acre of a half a mile long, 140 yards broad, and four or five deep. The vacuum on the bank is a circular basin about two hundred

80 By despatch No.61 dated 3 June Lieut Governor Barkly reported the same incident to Colonial Office minister Earl Granville. NA : C078/76, 1886, 12024.




yards in diameter, and is sunk about eight feet below the original level. The slip of 1878 formed a similar basin, the outlet in each is about sixty yards wide. It is remarkable that both are so near that at one point they approach within two feet of each other. It is much to be feared that Stanley will suffer again. There is yet plenty of peat on the hill. It is unfortunate that this happened in mid-winter as the peat will not harden until November, and it is unmanageable whilst in a semi-liquid state. For some years to come Stanley folks will not have to go to the hill for fuel - it has come into their houses and is on all sides of them.

I go to Montevideo in the Luxor, which is to leave today at twelve o'clock, so that I and my letter travel in the same boat. I will remain a day or two in Montevideo.

I remain, dear Sir Yours faithfully

James Foran.

16 The departure of Father Foran

SC15 October 1886

Father Foran, one of the popular Irish Chaplains in the province of Buenos Aires leaves by the French steamer Beamu for Europe on Monday, intending to take his place once more in his old diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, where hundreds of friends are ready to wel- come him back. Eleven years ago he left his diocese in England, where he was loved and esteemed, and he went out on the foreign mission, where he expected to meet only obloquy, reproach, and hardships to which he had never been accustomed. He had heard of the spiritual wants of the people of the Falkland Islands, and he felt a call from Heaven to go and supply that want. When he reached the Falkland Islands he experienced the difference between the good Catholics whom he left at home and the untutored inhabitants of those wild regions. He could find nobody to speak to him, or even to supply him with the necessities of life. Many of the natives were Catholics, but they had entirely forgotten the tenets and practice of their religion, and regarded Father Foran as an intruder amongst them. He was not however daunted by these difficulties. By gentle- ness, patience, and the practice of the Gospel he soon gained the goodwill of the inhabitants, and gradually drew a congregation around him in whose hearts he again sowed the seeds of Christianity. 81 Screw steamer brig built 1881 in Barrow, registered tonnage 2,616, owners:

Societe Generale de Transports Maritimes a Vapeur, Marseilles; Marseilles home port. See LR, 1886.




In the year 1881 he obtained permission to spend a portion of the year in the province of Buenos Aires, and since then he has paid visit to his mission in Stanley, returning to this country about the month of April. During his stay amongst us he has been officiating in the district of Pavon and San Nicolas, where he has promoted every good work and inculcated every Christian virtue. The Salesian Fathers having undertaken the charge of the mission in the Falklands, Father Foran considers the duty for which he came to South America accomplished, and though still a young man he now returns to spend the remainder of his days in his former diocese, and he carries with him the blessings of the thousands who received ministrations at his hands. His loss will be sorely felt by the good people of Pavon and San Nicolas, for although Father Flannery will occasionally visit them, and like Father Foran would sacrifice everything for their sakes, it will be physically impossible for him to attend to all. In bid- ding Father Foran good-bye, we feel that we are parting from a true friend and a most exemplary Christian minister, and should he ever again feel disposed to leave England, we can assure him that there is no part of the globe where he will receive a warmer reception than amongst the Irish people of the River Plate, who will ever remember him with reverence, affection and gratitude.

17 James Bellord CF to Don Bosco*2 at Turin

Aldershot, 15 October 1887 MBDB, VoLXVIII, p.77383

110 Victoria Road, Aldershot, England

Most Reverend Sir, News has come to me of you and of the works of your

Congregation of Priests for the evangelisation of the 'infidels' in both Patagonia and the islands offshore.

However, recently I have received a letter from a Catholic lady in the Falkland Islands. She bemoans the fact that there is no priest to instruct the Catholics, adults or those of tender years, to administer the Sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, etc. or to celebrate Mass.

I have the audacity to write to you about this matter, most Reverend Sir, trusting in your kindness and zeal, and hoping that you will be able to 'attend to this' , or let me know very soon what should be done.

82 Don Bosco (1815-88) in full name San Giovanni Melchior Bosco. Ordained priest 1841 in Turin. In 1859 with 22 companions founded in Turin the Society of St Francis de Sales - Salesians. Canonized 1 April 1934. 83 English translation by Patrick Sherlock, S.D.B.




It may be that the Fathers of your Congregation do not know the English language, and that 'this makes it more difficult for you to carry out this mission' . If this is the case it may be better for some other priest from England to take on the mission.

As for me, I am a military chaplain and do not enjoy freedom, but I would very much like to devote myself to the foreign missions. However if I put an advert in the English Catholic newspapers it may be that the Holy Spirit will put it into someone's mind to devote him- self to this work and exile.

I commend this matter humbly to your zeal, most Reverend Sir, and I commend myself, humble servant, to your prayers.

Yours, James Bellord, Chaplain of the forces.

P.S. I would like to give a little something towards the Missions in Patagonia. I enclose one pound sterling (or 25.20 Italian Lire) as a small gift.

18 James Foran to Don Bosco at Turin,

Benfieldside, Blackhill, County Durham, 14 November 1887 MBDB, Vol. XVIII, p. 772"

Most Reverend Father, Humbly asking your indulgence I write to ask you when we

should expect the coming of the Salesian Fathers to the Falkland Islands. I am compelled to put these questions by the few Catholics in these Islands and also by others in England who have relatives there. Among the Catholics who ask for priests are those whose relatives have died without the sacraments and those whose children have not yet been baptized, and those who instruct adolescents in Christian doctrine. The latter speak of the great difficulty in gather- ing pupils for Catechism and of those who turn to Protestantism, compelled by parents who are not Catholics. All deplore being deprived of the sacraments. They remember my words in which I spoke of the imminent arrival of the Fathers. They remember the letter which I received from the Salesian Fathers in December 1885 in which they promise their arrival in January 1886. Now everyone is aware that two groups of Salesians have arrived in Punta Arenas, near these islands. A first group went back to Buenos Aires; the other went to Chile to explore new regions where they are seeking to set

up Salesian Missions. And the Catholics are asking me what they

84 English translation by Patrick Sherlock, S.D.B.




intend to do for us. I cannot give them any reply until I receive your decision.

I ask whether the Salesian Fathers are going to come to the Falklands or not. In the first case when should we expect their arrival? In the second case it will be necessary to refer back to His Eminence the Cardinal Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith and ask him for another priest ready to accept the care of the Falkland Islands for a few years. It seems to me, and this is the opinion of others, that the Salesian Fathers in the Republic of Argentina care nothing for the Falklands; if so, it is better to give the care of this Mission to others.

It is plain that it is not a question of fewness of Missionaries, because you have Missionaries for other regions. Why not any for the Falklands?

Let us pray for each other. James Foran

[He replied that an Englishman was being ordained who was destined for this mission.]

19 Don Rua to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome.

Turin, 3 January 1888 MBDB, Vol. XVIII, p. 77485

Your Eminence, I reply to your letter dated 13 December (ref 5731) about the

Missions in the Falkland Islands. Last summer we received a letter from Patagonia with the news

that four of our missionaries had settled in Punta Arenas, in the Straits of Magellan to attend to the missions in Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands.

Our Salesians did not have a missionary who knew English and so they asked Fr James Foran if he would stay a little longer in the Falklands to look after his compatriots resident in the islands. He agreed.

But then as he had to leave, he recommended that his mission be entrusted to the Salesian, Don Giuseppe Fagnano as Prefect Apostolic, who replied that one of our Irish pupils would soon be ordained priest. This pupil was ordained last October and Mons. Giovanni Cagliere wrote to Don Fagnano that he was thinking of that Mission.

85 English translation by Patrick Sherlock, S.D.B.




I dare to recommend to your prayers our dear Don Bosco, who is ill. Although he can scarcely speak he never stops encouraging us to more perfect obedience to the Holy See and more assiduous care for the Missions of Patagonia.

And we, considering these words, together with your own recom- mendations, as a sacred duty, promise to consecrate to you all our efforts.

From your obedient servant Don Michael Rua.

20 Fr Foran's Will, 27March 1899

PRPD

This is the last Will and Testament of me, James Foran of Saint Mary's Presbytery Blackhill in the County of Durham, Clerk in Holy Orders. I appoint The Very Reverend James Rooney86 of Darlington and The Reverend Augustine Magill87 of the Brooms, Leadgate, Executors of this my will. I direct that the Cash Book kept by me as Manager of the Catholic Schools at Blackhill and Consett be bal- anced and that such part of the Government grant in aid and other moneys as may have been received by me on behalf of the said Schools and not expended shall be made good from the balance standing in my name to the credit of a separate account known as the 'Mission Account' in the North Eastern Bank Consett. And I direct that all debts due from me as Priest of St Mary's Blackhill shall be paid out of the moneys standing to the credit of the said 'Mission Account' and that the balance of the said account shall be applied firstly in payment of my funeral and testamentary expenses and debts and after these have been satisfied then for the purposes of the Catholic Poor Law Schools in Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle provided always that my estate shall not bear any part of the liability incurred by me and others in respect of a loan obtained on the secu-

86 Mgr. James Rooney (1849-1931) came from the parish of Kilmegan, Castlewellan, Diocese of Down and Connor. Aged eleven was sent to Ushaw College where he was ordained priest 1873. Appointed VG aged only 39, a post which he would exercise under three bishops; he established a number of homes for orphan children as well as being immersed in Catholic education. See The Northern Catholic Calendar, 1932, obit, pp 91-3. 87 Canon Augustine Magill (1856-1926) bom London, educated Rockwell College

and Ampleforth before going to Ushaw. Ordained 17 December 1881 in St Mary's Cathedral being the first priest that was ordained in Newcastle since the Reformation. Taught for a time at St Cuthbert's Grammar School. 1890 appointed to St Joseph's, Millfield, Sunderland and 1892 to Brooms, Leadgate. English by birth, Irish by blood and 'passionately devoted to the Irish cause.' See The Northern Catholic Calendar, 1927, obit, pp 86-90.




rity of the building used as a Primitive Methodist's Chapel at Blackhill. And I declare that the furniture and household goods in Saint Mary's Presbytery, Blackhill, which are contained in a valua- tion or schedule signed by William Paul, Auctioneer, or John McCartan, Solicitor, are the property of the Mission of Saint Mary's Blackhill and shall not be removed from the Presbytery. As to my own moneys and property and including the residue of the furniture and household effects in Saint Mary's Presbytery, a sum of four hundred pounds lent to my Executor the said Very Reverend James Rooney and the moneys standing to the credit of my private account in the North Eastern Bank at Consett. I give and bequeath the same as follows. I give to the priest for the time being in charge of the Mission of Saint Anthony of Padua, Walker on Tyne, to be used and devoted by him for the purposes of the Mission one set of white satin Vestments, one set of green Damask Vestments, one set of red Damask Vestments. An embroidered silk Banner of the Blessed Sacrament and a Lithograph - picture of Saint Anthony of Padua. I give to my nephew The Reverend Edward Foran88 now residing at Foulks Mill, Grantstown County, Wexford, the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds to be expended by him as he thinks fit on his Mother or her family. I give to the said Reverend Edward Foran my Telescope and Books. I give to my niece Mrs Margaret Flynn of Whitefield near Tramore, County Waterford,the sum of Ten pounds, my gold watch, my silver forks and spoons and my Guanaco89 Rug. I give to my niece Alice Flynn of Shanachine (?), Dunhill, County of Waterford the sum of Ten pounds. I give to my nephew Edward Gough of Ballykerougue, Stradbally, County Waterford, the sum of Ten pounds. I give to my niece Ellen Foley the sum of Ten pounds. I give to my nephew Richard Heam of Ballylaneen, Kilmacthomas, the sum of Ten pounds. I give to my niece Mrs Bridget Heam Power the sum of Twenty pounds. I give to my niece Mary, the Sister of the said Reverend Edward Foran, the sum of Twenty pounds. I give to my housekeeper, Mary Phillipson, the sum of Fifty pounds. I give to my housemaid, Elizabeth Atkinson, the sum of Twenty five pounds. I give to the Reverend William Rigby of Darlington, or other, the Treasurer of the Northern Brethren's Fund, the sum of Twenty

88 Edward Foran, O.S.A. (1866-1938), born near Dunbrody Abbey where his father farmed. Ordained priest 1891. Very talented musician, painter and historian. Contributed articles to I.E.R, Good Counsel Annual as well other magazines and newspapers. Served in various houses both in U.K. and Ireland. Prior in Hoxton, Hammersmith, New Ross and Cork. See T. C. Butler, O.S.A., Near Restful Waters, The Augustinians in County Wexford (Dublin, 1975), Ch. XVIII, Other Wexford-Bom Friars, pp 134-5. 89 An Andean mammal. Lama guanicoe, related to the llama with a coat of soft pale

brown hair used for wool. Spanish from Quechua huancu.




pounds. I give to the Very Reverend James Rooney, or other, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the sum of Thirty pounds to be devoted by him to the purposes of the Catholic Poor Law Schools in the said Diocese. I give to each of my Executors, provided they act in the administration of my estate, the sum of Twenty pounds. And I direct that the Legacies above mentioned be paid free of Legacy duty. I give and bequest the residue of my property and effects to my nieces, the said Margaret Flynn and Alice Flynn, in equal shares as servants in common. In witness whereof, I have set my hand to this Will, contained in this and the preceding sheet of paper, this twenty seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety nine. James Foran.

Signed by the said James Foran as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us both present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. John McCartan, Solicitor, Consett. Eleanor Heslop, Aynsley Terrace, Consett.

On the 31st day of March 1900, Probate of this Will was granted at Durham to The Very Reverend James Rooney, Clerk, and The Reverend Augustine Magill, Clerk, the Executors.

21 Fr Foran - Probate, 31 March 1900

PRPD

DEATH ON OR AFTER 1st JANUARY 1898. WILL

Be it known that The Reverend James Foran of Saint Mary's Presbytery, Blackhill in the County of Durham, Clerk, died on the 29th day of January 1900 at Saint Mary's Presbytery aforesaid within the District of the County of Durham.

AND BE IT FURTHER KNOWN that the date hereunder written, the last will and Testament of the said deceased was proved and registered in the District Probate Registry of Her Majesty's High Court of Justice at Durham, and that administration of all the estate which by law devolves to and vest in the personal representative of the said deceased was granted by the aforesaid Court to The Very Reverend James Rooney of Conniscliffe Road, Darlington, in the said County




and the Reverend Augustine Magill of the Brooms, Leadgate, in the said County Clerk - the Executors named in the said will. Date the 31st day of March 1900. Value of Estate f:759.0.7. Value of Personal Estate 1445.2.0. Extracted by J. McCartan. Solr., Durham. 5a.

James Foran File EW: 09/05/2004



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