Dublin Diocesan Archives: Murray Papers (3)

Dublin Diocesan Archives: Murray Papers (3)Author(s): Mary PurcellSource: Archivium Hibernicum, Vol. 38 (1983), pp. 43-127Published by: Catholic Historical Society of IrelandStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25487448 .

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DUBLIN DIOCESAN ARCHIVES: MURRAY PAPERS (3)

MARY PURCELL

FILE 31/7: 1839 (ctd)

Education

69 Copy of circular letter from the Education Office. With the com ments of a superintendent of schools on how backward he finds some teachers in the teaching of science, euclid, geometry etc; and his plans for improving the teaching of these subjects; he suggests that no one should be taken for training who has not already some

acquaintance with these subjects. 7 Jan. 1839.

70 Printed circular from the Office of Education with the regulations and directions for those making application for grants towards the

building of school-houses. 1839.

71 Notice to Murray from the Education Office of a meeting to be held on 9 May at one o'clock to transact usual business. 7 May 1839.

Drs Meagher and Ennis (eight letters from Paris and Rome; they are on a

mission re the National Education System.)

72 Dr Meagher to Fr Hamilton (from Paris). He writes a confidential

letter without Dr Ennis's knowledge. In Paris they met by chance Mr

O'Malley on his way back from making a tour of Holland and

Prussia to study Education Systems in those two countries; O'Malley is on his way to Ireland to make a case for what he has witnessed, so

Meagher forewarns Hamilton of this; also Ennis has been so im

pressed by O'Malley that Meagher is anxious and begs Hamilton to

send on a letter warning against any system not favoured by Rome, but to do so in a way that Ennis will not suspect that Meagher has

written this letter. 29 Oct. 1839.

73 Same to same. (From Paris which they are now leaving). Ennis has

come' around to Meagher's way of thinking. News came from Rome, via the Irish College, Paris, that the textbooks for National Schools have been condemned, but at the same time Dr Cullen is being sent

to Ireland to investigate the whole business of the National Education

System. Dr MacHale will be very pleased. He describes their meetings with the Inter-nuncio and introductions they have received to two

cardinals. Lord Grenville gave them letters of introduction to the

French and Bavarian ambassadors and others in Rome. They expect to arrive in Rome in five days time, O'Malley leaves for Dublin

tomorrow. He asks for the catechisms to be sent on. 'Whelan's letter

I return for corrections; it would ruin us'. 4 Nov. 1839.

43



74 Same to same. (From Rome) They arrived 15 November. They saw

Cullen who seems to think that no decision will be made re the

National Education System for a long time. Propaganda referred the matter to His Holiness who has set up a special Congregation to con

sider it and that will take a long time. There was none of the violent

opposition to the System in Rome as they in Ireland had been given to understand, nor has Cullen - from what they gathered through their conversation with him - taken the part he is supposed to have taken in the matter; they have observed their instructions not to in

form fiim or anyone about their mission, Dr Nicholson has not called on them yet. They want Conry's report sent on. 16 Nov. 1839.

75 Same to same. Cullen returned their call. Ennis was out and in his conversation with the writer (Meagher) Cullen surprised him by saying that the Pope had heard from Paris that two Dublin priests

were on their way to Rome and had already arrived ? the Inter nuncio had informed him. The introductions by Lord Grenville also

paved the way for them. Meagher asked Cullen what objections are being raised to the National Education System and he told him; they were trivial objections. Cullen has evidently not studied the

question, nor has he taken any active part but reports brought to him by priests etc visiting Rome have alarmed him; their reports being exaggerated. Cullen .thought that the text-books were what was mainly objected to and as to MacHale's expose of errors, he

thought only two theological points (quoted) caused any uneasiness. Cullen gave him further valuable information, which he com municates in the letter. Dr Crolly, unintentionally, did their cause an

injury by a line of reasoning he put forward 'acceptable in Ireland but incomprehensible here. And MacHale enjoys no odour of sanctity in Rome.' They are to dine with Mgr Acton to meet Cardinal

Franzoni. 19 Nov. 1839.

76 Same to same. They called on Cardinal Franzoni but missed him; another cardinal received them amiably. 'Poor Dr O'Finan' visited us and it seems that it was through his misfortunes that Cullen got blamed for opposing the National System of Education. Dr Nicholson has not yet called. 20 Nov. 1839.

77 Same to same. Mr Colgan (Whitefriar St) has at last arrived and

brought the documents they asked for. He is sorry they are not more

plentiful; if others exerted themselves as Dublin did the case would be stronger; he asks Dr Hamilton to send on all the returns that come in and not to forget Dr Butler's Catechism and the fonry Report. They have reports only from 7 dioceses, so 17 are yet to come. They met Cardinal (Franzoni?) and are soon to s^e the Pope. He gives further information on their doings and those they meet. The Jesuit, Glover, drew up the Animadversions which are in print as are Murray's answers. 28 Nov. 1839.

44



78 Ennis to Hamilton. Meagher's last letter should have arrived by now, also his to Dean Meyler. They are doing little in public but much in

private. They have to explain things from the start to convince the cardinals who are quite ignorant on the question. Dr Colgan and l'Abbe de la Croix (the latter a friend of Ennis in their St Sulpice days) assured them of this. Theology will dictate the cardinals' decision. He mentions the cost of posting and lodgings. Cullen sends them the Dublin Evening Post when it comes. They hear that Cullen is most powerful with the Pope. He gives messages for various people. 29 Nov. 1839.

79 Meagher to Hamilton. As he is busy on the business that brought him to Rome he has no time to send Christmas greetings, so he names all those to whom he wishes to be remembered to Hamilton who is to pass on the seasonal greetings. In his last letter (not here) he gave news of their meeting with the Pope. He has little to report since but they heard from Mr Ebrington of the English College that the nuncio in Brussels, who is in high favour at Rome, is severely condemnatory of MacHale's attitude. He advsies Meyler to write to

the nuncio, stating their case and asking him to intercede on their

behalf. The people in the English College, especially Dr Wiseman, are

very kind to them; they owe this to Lord Shrewsbury (Lady Shrewsbury was a Catholic). Wiseman told them that the Scripture lessons (from the school texts) sent to Rome and underlined 'in

1,000 places' were sent to MacHale. A copy was given to Wiseman

who declined to take any part in judging them, the other to the

Jesuit, Glover. He expects that they in Dublin have heard that

MacHale or an emissary will come to Rome in 10 days time to state

their case. There is reason to think that the cardinals are tired of the

whole business. Some of the Irish bishops who promised to send on

particulars from their dioceses have not done so;he asks that they be

told to hurry up. They send Christmas wishes to Murray and priest friends and ask 'Who on earth is Patritius?' - a writer evidently, in

the Evening Post. 24 Dec. 1839.

Dr Murray

80 Draft of a letter from Murray to Thomas Drummond, Esq. Murray has been commissioned by Rome to find six priests for the East

Indies, three for Bengal and three for Tibet, as the Catholics in the

many military stations there have no priests who speak English.

Though Murray can supply the priests, he cannot defray their travel

expenses except by applying lo the French Society of the Propagation of the Faith; as it would be humiliating to have to apply to a foreign

society for finance lo benefit British soldiers and their families. He

wonders if the British Government can help in the matter. 10 Sept.

1831).

45



To Rome

81 Copy of a letter from Murray to Pope Gregory XVI re the System of National Education introduced in Ireland. Transcript of two letters.

(a). Murray tells the Pope that certain Irish bishops, headed by one in particular, are persuading Propaganda that the National Schools are a danger to the faith, though eighteen Irish bishops who have observed the working of the system in their dioceses think the schools an advantage to religion; in fact, they could not be dispensed

with without endangering the religion of the poor. Before any de cision be taken in Rome, Murray asks the Pope to send a delegation to see how the system operates; alternatively he asks that a decision

be deferred until some bishops favourable to the scheme can be sent to Rome to explain the matter in full. (A passage from the original

has apparently been omitted in the transcript). 8 July 1839.

82 (On same paper -

transcript (b) following above). A letter from

Murray to Mgr Cadolini. Cullen informed Murray that Cadolini wishes to inform Propaganda that the National Schools are a danger or likely to be a danger to religion and that the school texts are to be condemned. Murray finds this difficult to understand since Irish

bishops, seeing the system's effects, consider it to be a safeguard of

religion. Murray is asking the Pope to send a legate to see the system in operation or at least to defer a decision on this matter until some Irish bishops can go to Rome to explain. 8 July 1839.

83 On the back of a notice requesting Murray to attend a meeting of Jervis Street hospital Committee, there is a rough draft in Murray's hand of a paragraph at top of page 35 in pamphlet on the National Board and System of Education (cf. 85 below.)

84 Transcript of a letter from Murray to Franzoni. He received the cardinal's letter saying that Propaganda agrees that an Irish priest be sent to Rome to explain why so many bishops support the

National Educational System; erroneous reports on this have evi

dently reached Propaganda. A priest will be sent soon. He specifies two matters which should be carefully considered. He refers to his own booklet written to counteract the blasphemous articles ap pearing in the press. He writes at length on other difficulties which

would result from the abandonment of the National Education

System. 30 Sept. 1839.

85 A printed pamphlet containing a collection of letters on the National Education System covering 1838 and 1839. These are all from Murray to Franzoni, Prefect of Propaganda. The pamphlet is a duplicate ofthatinFile31/6No. 105. 11 June 1838 to 19 Aug. 1839.

46



Propaganda

86 Propaganda to Murray. As Murray knows, complaints re the National Education System have reached Rome; though Murray's letter of 2 December 1838 has reassured Propaganda, the receipt of the school text-books causes concern. Many things in these texts cannot be

reconciled with the education of Catholic youth. The enclosed animadversiones in libros will indicate these. Murray is asked to write soon giving his opinion on these matters. 5 Jan. 1839.

87 Same to same. Propaganda received Murray's letters of 4 and 12 December 1838. Re that of 4th: according to Murray's wish ?100

sterling has been paid in his name to Fr Paul Cullen in restitution

for ?100 spent by Cullen on sending a priest to Madras. Re that of 12th: Murray will now have received Propaganda's letter of 25

December 1838 granting the necessary faculties to be exercised in the diocese of Killala and renewing the other faculties requested by Murray. 12 Jan. 1839.

88 A copy of a letter - petition from Murray to the Pope on behalf of

Catherine Cunningham and others of the Poor Clare Monastery who

wish to join the Monastery of Mount Carmel. At end of letter state

ment that faculties are granted to Murray to provide for whatever

arrangement he thinks best. 13 Jan. 1839.

89 A covering letter to preceding from Secretary of Propaganda to

Murray, 19 Jan. 1839.

90 Franzoni to Dr Crolly, Armagh. Propaganda has been informed more

than once that the Archbishop of Tuam and other Irish bishops take a prominent part in public meetings and speak imprudently of

political matters; this incites the people and leads them away from

the moderation of the Gospel. These reports may be exaggerated; if there is any truth in them Crolly is asked to act if necessary to

bring these prelates to a better frame of mind; he is also requested to

let Franzoni know soon what his (Crolly V) views are on the matter.

12 Mar. 1839.

91 A letter from Franzoni to Murray. Propaganda's delay in replying to

Murray's letter re the promotion of Fr Feeney to be Administrator

Apostolic of Killala and a bishop in partibus was due to anxiety lest

their decision might be taken to have policital implications. Murray is asked to reassure them on this point. The cardinal had intended

to write about the appointment of Fr John Barrett to Crossmolina

but has since heard of his death. They await Murray's reply. 12

Mar. 1839.

92 (On two separate pages) Rough draft of a long letter from Murray to Franzoni on the affairs of Killala diocese; he names Thomas

Feeney, Martin Loftus and Patrick Durkan as possible administrators

47



for Killala diocese. On the question of restoring O'Finan, or -

should O'Finan remain in Rome - the necessity of providing suit

ably for him Murray writes at length. Some parts of letter-draft are

illegible. 3 Apr. 1839.

93 Franzoni to Murray. He encloses a letter conferring the Deanery of

Dublin Chapter on Walter Meyler; also a rescript authorising other

promotions in the Chapter; these are in answer to Murray's letters

dated 15 and 19 January 1839. He also encloses a copy of a petition

sent to Propaganda by John MacCormick asserting the invalidity of

his profession in the order of Carmel (Calced) in 1821. Murray is

requested to investigate this matter and report to the cardinal on

same. 19 Mar. 1839.

94 Same to same. Asking Murray to use all possible influence with

government circles in London on behalf of Dr Hynes, Visitator

Apostolic of Corfu, who, under pressure from the schismatics, left

that island unknown to the cardinal and returned to papal territory at Ancona. He is now there but has been instructed to proceed to

London and plead his cause there. 23 Apr. 1839.

95 An extract from a letter sent to Propaganda by the Vicar-Apostolic of the Cape of Good Hope. He informs Propaganda of the pro visions of his will, should he die in office; he states the value of the

furnishings and property of his mission; these, in English law, be

long to him, and he leaves them in trust to the Archbishop of

Dublin for the priests of the Cape mission and his successors as

Vicars-Apostolic. He asks to be dispensed from the provision of

Canon Law whereby a bishop belonging to a Religious Order must

leave his property half to his Order and half to the poor. 27 Apr. 1839.

96 Propaganda to Murray. Murray's letter dated 3 April has been

received; it gave unexpected information re Killala Diocese. Their

letter of 18 November 1838 must have made it clear to Murray thai

Propaganda's intention was to establish a lasting Apostolic Adminis

trator in that diocese and to provide a pension for O'Finan who has

been suspended from his episcopal functions. Murray's letters of

8 December 1838 and 1 January 1839 led them to think that

Murray approved of this arrangement; but his of 3 April (cf.92 above) seems to indicate a change of mind. In the letter sent to

Murray recently by Fr Paul Cullen he will see how exaggerated were the remarks written re the publication of Murray's letter dated 18

November 1839; he will also sec thai Propaganda took every care that that letter should remain secret. 2 May 1839.

97 Propaganda to Murray enclosing a loiter (in English) from the Prioress and sub-Prioress of St Catherine's, Mount Street (later

48



Sion Hill) to the Holy See. They claim that the mother-convent, Cabra, is withholding from them some moneys due to them. Their

appeal is forwarded to Murray asking him to settle the matter. 7 May 1839.

98 (Enclosed with preceding. Theletter,in English, from the Dominican

nuns, Mount Street, to the Holy See; witnessed by Dr Meyler. Apr. 12 1939.

99 A letter from Franzoni to Murray. Two Carmelite nuns from

Blanchardstown, sisters, M. Frances and M. Baptist Crow wrote in

forming Propaganda that their monastery is in a rented house; they have an annual income and an inheritance and are willing to use this to build a new monastery for the preservation of their community.

They seek approval. Before replying the cardinal wants Murray's views. 23 July 1839.

100 Same to same. Propaganda has been informed that at least six priests are needed for the East Indies, 3 for Bengali, 3 for Hindustani

mission in Tibet. The military garrisons in these areas have many Irish Catholics and many of the English-speaking natives are

Catholics; all these are in dire need of priests; Catholic youths there

attend non-Catholic schools to the detriment of their faith; Murray is asked to try and find suitable priests to go to these missions.

31 Aug. 1839.

101 Same to same. A long letter concerning the National Schools

Education System and the textbooks. Propaganda gave more time

and attention to this matter than to any coming from Ireland. The

book 'Readings on the Truth of the Christian Religion' causes much

concern. They note that Murray wishes to send someone to Rome to

explain matters more fully. They do not think a bishop should be

sent as this might give rise to certain expectations; some prudent, skilled priest in Murray's confidence might be sent. MacHale of

Tuam has made a similar request; he wishes to send someone who

will present the views of those opposed to the System. 7 Sept. 1839.

102 Same to same. He received Murray's of 21 August, stating that the

Carmelite nuns' proposal was inopportune and would be difficult

to achieve (cf. 99 above). Murray's opinion is wise and he is to tell

the nuns in the name of Propaganda, that they are not to proceed with the project. 24 Sept. 1839.

103 Same to same. Re Murray's of 21 August: Propaganda thinks his

proposal that the Cabra Dominican nuns should pay their Sisters of

St Catherine's, Mount Street ?800 (in one payment) is one that

should be accepted. 17 Sept. 1839.

49



104 Same to same. He encloses a copy of an extract from a letter of Dr

Raymund Griffiths, Vicar-Apostolic Cape of Good Hope; Murray will see how Griffiths has decided to place all his goods in trust

for the Cape mission; also enclosed is the Pope's Rescript em

powering Griffiths to freely dispose of all his goods. 30 Sept. 1839.

105 Same to same. He gathers that Murray was displeased at not having been informed of Dr Feeney's appointment Apostolic Administrator

of Killala. An explanation of this seeming discourtesy. 23 Nov. 1839.

106 Same to same. A rescript from Propaganda granting a privileged altar to the Carmelite nuns of the Immaculate Conception convent, Blanchardstown. 8 Dec. 1839.

107 A printed instruction from the Holy See with regulations for the

use of Agnus Deis.

FILE 31/8: 1840

Ordinary

1 Death certificate for John Dillon issued by the Registrar of Births

and Deaths for the County of Middlesex. 17 Jan. 1840.

2 A memorial of Thomas Lynch, O.P. requesting the archbishops and

bishops of Ireland to take action at their forthcoming synod to

effect the reformation of the religious orders in Ireland on which

subject he already has circularised their lordships. 29 Jan. 1840.

3 Lord Clifford to Murray. He sends ?10 for O'Finan's sister and

requests Murray to forward same to her. She is to inform Murray whether she wishes to remain where she is or to go elsewhere; if she

wishes to change she should inform Murray where she wishes to re

side and also to state whether enclosed sum is sufficient for her

present needs or not. Some months ago O'Finan wrote to Clifford

informing him that Franzoni had written to him stating that His

Holiness was assigning ?150 p.a. from the See of Killala to him

(O'Finan). He asked Clifford's advice and said that the idea of

accepting the money was repugnant to him. Clifford agreed with this and advised him to petition the pope to revoke the order of 1838

requiring him not to quit the papal territories. O'Finan has prefer red to send no reply either to Propaganda or to the pope. O'Finan

received a letter telling of the proceedings at Dr Feeney's conse

cration and of how Miss O'Finan was treated. His sister's situation

greatly distresses O'Finan and Clifford advised him not to return to

Ireland, as that would mean going against the pope and forfeiting the

pension. He also assured him that his sister's immediate wants were

being provided for. O'Finan is not to know of the source (Clifford) from which the ?10 came. He adds a P.S. stating that an Irishman

50



from Sligo with his five sisters is in Rome. He knows the O'Finan and MacHale families and says that the MacHales were responsible for sacking Colonel Jackson's house in 1798 and that MacHale admits he was one of the party who took part. 2 Feb. 1840. (From Rome)

Joseph Hay, London (friend of Clifford) enclosing the ?10 men tioned in the preceding. Feb, 1840.

Eneas McDonnell, London to Murray. He forwards the report of Sir Robert Peel's speech in the House of Commons as he knows the

bishops' annual meeting is soon to take place. He has marked the

passages referring to education and Catholic relief. He respectfully urges the prelates to issue their views as they did in 1830 and 1834. He complains that the prelates disregarded his submissions in 1838 and complains bitterly of how his long years of support for their claims have been returned with ingratitude and injustice. He writes

(a long letter) in the third person. 26 Feb. 1840.

Miss O'Finan to Murray thanking him for ?40. 27 Mar. 1840.

Ebrington? to Murray. The writer had a letter from the Ministry of War re the Hibernian School (Military) in Phoenix Park. He wishes to show this to Murray and to discuss same. 4 Mar. 1840.

Dr Lindsay, Protestant Bishop of Kildare, living in Glasnevin House, to Revd Mr Armstrong. Since the 1839 storm he had no opportunity to view his demesne, but he has been informed that the yew trees

which used to furnish palm *were so denuded that it would injure them to cut branches from them this year'. He regrets to inform Mr

Armstrong that he must find some other source of supply this year. 6 Apr. 1840.

Miss Frances Daly to Murray, thanking him and enclosing a receipt for ?95, dividends due to her. She mentions other financial affairs

and money she expects from Malachy Daly, Paris. She wishes all to

go to charity. 9 Apr. 1840.

Fr Whelan (Provincial of Discalced Carmelites), Clarendon Street, to

Murray. He encloses a copy of a letter he has sent to the Cardinal

Prefect of Propaganda (Franzoni). He answered exactly as Murray

advised, the signature is his name in religion, which is the only one

his superiors in Rome would recognize. 9 Apr. 1840.

W. Brennan, Newcastle, Castlewellan, to Murray. His brother M.

O'Meara Brennan is going to seek his fortune in some Catholic

country abroad; he asks Murray to write a few commendatory lines

for him. (On the back is a brief draft of same, in Latin, in Murray's

hand.) 15 Apr. 1840.

51



12 Fr Whelan to Franzoni. This is the enclosure referred to in 10 above, the reply sent to the Catdinal on Murray's advice. Whelan was being sent as Coadjutor to Verapoli (Madras-Bombay). 3 Apr. 1840.

13 Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant to Murray. He has given the letters, with Murray*s own letter, to the Lord Lieutenant he will attend to them immediately. 11 May 1840.

14 M. Rothman, Registrar, University of London to the Principal of

Carlow College. In the scheme of examinations for 1841 forwarded

there was a mistake; he now encloses the correct classical subject for

the B.A. Examination 1841, that for Matriculation has not yet been

selected. 6 June 1840.

15 D. Cahill, Prospect House, to Murray, A sermon he gave on the

doctrine of the Real Presence was reported in the Luminary; there were omissions and errors, some of the latter at variance with

Catholic doctrine; it was possibly the reporter's fault; he wonders

should he write in and correct the report or leave it. He asks Murray's advice. 10 July 1840.

16 Fr Murphy, O.F.M. Cap., thanking Murray for ?5 received for

attending to Kings Inn St Schools for the past six months. 11 July 1840.

17 Note from the North American Colonial Association of Ireland

(unaddressed) drawing attention to their recent advertisement. Attached is a receipt for ?10 for same. 8 Aug. 1840.

18 P.Woods to Dr Hamilton. Writing from London (Difficult to under stand as he refers to events known to himself and Hamilton but not to others); refers to having got his conge and also from St Ashent/

Acheul (A French Jesuit seminary?) His case was mismanaged from -the start. He has no vocation to be a Jesuit because of his age and

temperament and is afraid of himself to remain out of Ireland; he would accept any place now, 'even with Stennett. .. Even the cocoa

and potatoes in the morning would be welcome'. He says it is ill advised to leave him alone on the continent, never was anyone dismissed so unceremoniously; he needs comfort not reproofs just now. He asks that Murray take him back, but put him under 'real but not perceptible control'. In a postscript he describes a letter he wrote to Westland Row. 30 Aug. 1840, ,

19 Mr John Seagrave, Newbarn, Ashbourne, to Murray. He is chairman of a Committee of subscribers to Killossory National School. He en closes copies of resolutions passed which state that Fr Walsh, P.P.

Rollestown, issued threats from the altar against those whose children attended the new school; further complaints against Walsh are con tained in the copies of resolutions (enclosed) which he sends. 18

Sept. 1840.

52



20 On same paper. A copy of Murray's reply to Seagrave. He received his letter but cannot reply until he has heard from Fr Walsh to whom he has written. 21 Sept. 1840 (From Rahan Lodge).

21 On same paper. Copy of a letter from Murray to John Walsh, P.P., Rollestown, asking for an explanation of the complaints mentioned in 19 above, especially his threat to deprive people of the sacraments. 21 Sept. 1840.

22 Dr Henry Ellis, Stephen's Green to a Mr McCarthy. He advises him to take no more medicines but some moderate riding exercise in the

country would help him. 22 Sept. 1840.

23 Fr Walsh, P.P. Rollestown, to Murray. A reply to 20 above. He states his objection to Killossory National School (1) Its name; it's

really a shebeen and a scandalous one (2) Mr Smyth, the school

master, is an immoral character; he does not go to his duties and

(3) rears his children in scandalous fashion. (4) the charge that he, Fr Walsh made such threats from the altar is false. He continues in the same strain. 29 Sept. 1840.

24 Sr Teresa Clare Cuffe, Blanchardstown to Murray. She encloses three

doctors' certificates testifying to her ill health and recommending a

certain diet. She complains that the Superioress, Sr Lyons, will not

allow her even 'the petty thing of a drink of whey'. She begs Murray to visit the convent. 27 Sept. 1840 (Three certs enclosed.)

25 Fr John McCarthy, George's Hill Convent, to Murray; he encloses

a cert from Surgeon Ellis; if he could have a change to a small

country parish where Sunday duties would not involve travel or long

fasting he thinks he would perfectly recover. 28 Sept. 1840.

26 Fr J. - - - (Gaunt?) a parish priest, to Murray, replying to a query by

Murray re a curate, Fr Harman. The writer finds Harman's conduct

all right but he lacks the knowledge a priest should have and is not

very zealous; he is, or imagines himself to be, in bad health and

this may account for his lack of zeal. The writer would gladly accept another curate in exchange though he knows everyone will have

some fault. 3 Oct. 1840.

27 Sr Mary Clare (Lyons) to Murray. She thanks Murray for a per

mission granted and informs him of how things are in the convent,

some of the nuns object to her coming there. Oct. 6th, 1840.

28 Petition (Latin) from the Provincial of the Irish Dominicans and the

Secretary Definitor announcing to Murray that at their July Chapter elections they chose him to be their Conservator privilcgiorum' and

now ask him to act in that capacity, 6 Oct. 1840.

29 Another letter from John Walsh, P.P., Rollestown, to Murray (cf.

19, 20, 21 and 22 above). He complains further re the schoolmaster

5^



and the texts being used in the schools and will allow no one to

infringe on his pastoral duties. He will give up his school and let it

merge into the national system only when a suitable teacher is

appointed there. 8 Oct. 1840.

30 Henry O'Shea, O.F.M., Merchants Quay to Murray. He was elected

Superior, though against his will. At present some of the community

give very bad example by speech and conduct and he feels obliged to

ask Murray to send a letter warning that a continuance of this con

duct will be punished with suspension. 11 Oct. 1840.

31 M.G. (Fr Myles Gaffney, in Westland Row until 1836 when he

became a Jesuit) to Dean Hamilton, requesting him to obtain

faculties for him to absolve from a sin of formal heresy, (letter in

French). 11 Nov. 1840.

32 Fr P. McSwiney, P.P. to Murray. He has withdrawn his school from

the Board of education (on conscientious grounds) but he signed a

bond for ?13 sue months ago; he will redeem this if given time and

he asks Murray as a Commissioner, to obtain the time extension for

him. 24 Nov. 1840.

33 Edward McDonnell, 9 Merchants Quay to Dean Hamilton; informing Hamilton that his brother Charles McDonnell has died and enclosing a Mass offering to have Mass offered for the soul of the deceased. 24 Nov. 1840.

34 Four legal documents (earlier documents referred to in these, in

connection with case, are not in the file.) (1) Copy of notice from

H. McCormick, James O'Grady's solicitor, to William Ford, Fr

Michael Doyle's solicitor; (2) Ford to McCormick re same (sheriffs officers in O'Grady's house for debt he owes Fr Doyle) (3) McCormick to Ford; serving notice (4) McCormick to Ford. 25

Nov., 1 Dec, 7 Dec. (cf. 34 below ? on same subject).

35 Charles O'Neill, Blessington Street to Murray. He encloses the copies of the legal documents in the Fr Doyle?James O'Grady case and

reminds Murray of his (O'Neill's) former letter explaining the cir cumstances. He thinks every effort should be made to avert lawj

but, as Fr Doyle seems insistent on going to court, he begs Murray! to do what he can to induce the parties to make a settlement. 1

12 Dec. 1840.

36 List of Connaught schools to which grants were cancelled during 1840, with the amounts being granted (a) for building; (b) for

furnishing. An explanatory note is added at the end. Dec. 1840.

37 Annual accounts of St Mary's, Stanhope Street and Magdalen Asylum, Donnybrook, for the year 1840. 1840.

38 Copy of an incomplete account (in Italian) (14 pp. long) of the

dealings of the Prussian Government with the Rhineland Catholics. .. 1840 (uncertain).



39 Parochial returns prepared for Murray on his visitation of 1840. Parishes included are: Blackditches, Athy, Castledermot, Kilculien, Narraghmore, Blessington, Dunlavin, Ballymore-Eustace, Saggard^ Barndarrig and Kilbride, Wicklow, Rathdrum, Arklow, Newbridge^ Irishtown, Sandyford and Goldenball, Kingstown, and Rathmines' 1840.

From Dr Murray

40 Murray to Fr Smyth, SS. Michael & John's. He is surprized and

concerned to learn that Smyth refuses to discharge one of his duties

as a priest, i.e. to take his turn at Evening Devotions; he hopes no

other priest in the house will follow Smyth's example and that he

will repair for the bad effects his insubordination to the P.P. may have caused. 16 Mar. 1840.

Irish Bishops

41 Dr McGettigan, Raphoe (from Letterkenny) to Murray. Previous to

his departure for Rome last year all his priests but one told him that

they were perfectly satisfied with the National System of Education; that it was working satisfactorily and to reject it would be injurious to religion; he mentioned this to a monsignor in Rome in the

presence of Lord Clifford and was on the point of forwarding the

required document when, on his return to Ireland, he received a

notice that the matter had already been decided by Propaganda, so

he thought it unnecessary to forward it. He is sending it at once

as Murray requested. 7 Jan. 1840.

42 Dr Kernan, Clogher, to Dr McGettigan (Raphoe) who is at a Dublin

hotel. He authorises McGettigan to affix his name to the document

being forwarded to Rome in favour of the National Education

System. 10 Feb. 1840.

43 Dr Crotty, Cloyne and Ross to Murray. He authorizes Murray to

sign his name to any document being forwarded to Rome approving

of the National System of Education; he will also pay his share of

the expenses of the deputies to Rome; and, if it is not too late, he

will send to Rome a declaration of his own opinion on how the sys

tem is working in his diocese. 15 Feb. 1 840.

44 Dr Kennedy (Killaloe) to Murray. Writing from Sixmiiebridgc he

authorizes Murray to add his name to the document favourable to

the National Education System which the bishops arc sending to

Rome. 15th Feb. 1840.

45 Dr Crolly, Armagh to Murray. He regrets thai MacHale's letter to his

clergy and published in the Dublin Evening Post made a very unfair

use of Murray's recent charitable efforts lo reconcile MacHale and

the other nine prelates to the National Education System. He omit

55



ted to mention Dr Cullen's letter to the bishops at their meeting

informing them that the pope thought the System, with some slight

modifications, could be accepted. He recalls what happened at the

bishops' meeting and the promise given by all the prelates to publish

nothing on the matter. He would reply to this letter of MacHale

but will not do so lest he might increase the scandal already given

(by the bishops' disagreement) on the National Education System.

9 Mar. 3840.

46 Dr Kinsella (Ossory) to Murray. From Kilkenny. The moment he

read MacHale's letter (cf. 45 above) he foresaw that Murray would

have to explain to the Lord Lieutenant the real feelings of the

majority of the bishops. He writes further on same, and will send

another ?10 at Easter towards the deputies' expenses. 13 Mar. 1840.

47 Dr Murphy, Cork, to Murray. He foresaw that Dr Crolly's kind and

conciliatory views would be frustrated, and that the Lord

Lieutenant's assent to the proposed changes would not be forth

coming. It all plays into the hands of the leader of the minority

(MacHale). Murray's response was prompt and accurate. 14 Mar.

1840.

48 Dr Ryan, Limerick, to Murray. He thanks Murray for the prompt, true and satisfactory explanation of the bishops' meeting and

deplores MacHale's imprudence in publishing what he did. Dr

Slattery had remarked to Dr Ryan that MacHale would act as he

did, but Dr Ryan could not believe it until he read MacHale's letter.

He would consider it a disaster for Murray to withdraw from the

Commission; and Dr Blake, another Commissioner, also deserves the

thanks and gratitude of the people of Ireland for how he has con

ducted himself in that office, 16 Mar. 1840.

English Bishops

49 Dr Wiseman at St Mary's, Birmingham, to Murray. He has heard,

unofficially, that Rome has decided in favour of Murray on the Education question. He is writing re Father O'Malley, who has written asking Dr Wiseman to make his peace with Rome and to

employ him in Birmingham district. He asks Murray does he think that he should accept him, but with the stipulation that there was to be no more pamphleteering or writing to the newspapers. Wiseman would be sorry to see Fr O'Malley driven to desperation by having every door closed against him. 28 Nov. 1840.

Foreign Bishops

50 Fr Henry Hughes, Gibraltar, to Murray. He encloses a copy of a letter he sent to the Governor of Gibraltar the previous Sunday,

with a complaint of the conduct of the Junta. He hopes Propaganda

56



will try to have a new Junta established, otherwise things will re main as they have been for years past. (No enclosure). 16 Mar. 1840.

France

51 M. Choiselas Gallien, Propagation of the Faith, Paris and Lyons, to Murray. The Society has allotted to Murray, from its 1839

reserves, 12,000 francs to defray the expenses often missionaries for

Agra and Calcutta; as it was decided to let Murray choose the

missionaries the money is being forwarded to him through their Treasurer of the Dublin Council for the Propagation of the Faith. He

asks Murray to let him know when he receives the money and how he means to divide it between the Vicars Apostolic of Agra and

Calcutta; he also asks Murray to tell Mr Simpson (Irish Treasurer) to let him know by 20 February what Irish dioceses join in the

Society's work and the sums they have contributed. 12 Jan. 1840.

Letters from Fr Ennis to Dr Hamilton (Fr Ennis is one of the deputies to

Rome)

52 They are ashamed at all the trouble Murray is going to to provide them with funds, but they are practising strict economy. They

moved from the hotel to rooms in the Piazza d'Espagna, not very

suitable; he is 'housed in an enclosure which if in Booterstown

would suffocate a P.P.' The translating and printing expenses,

necessary procedure, with all the documents coming from Ireland, run expenses high and, if they are to stay until May as seems likely their costs, including travel home, will come to ?400. Dr Cullen

gives them the Evening Post and they saw MacHale's letter, the very

thing they hoped would not appear in Rome. Indiscreet letters from

Irish prelates to friends in Rome are harmful to their (Ennis's and

Murray's) embassy. He has pointed out some matter to Dr Wiseman

tc counter MacHale's stand, Wiseman will be seeing the pope shortly. He gives news of Clifford, who is, 'thank Heaven', in Munich and

who is bringing up the Killala affair in Parliament next session.

O'Finan is threatening to arraign the Court of Rome before all

Europe for its treatment of him. Two English Franciscans of the

nine in that country are in Rome in litigation over a superior. In

Rome the secular clergy have no power, all is in the hands of the

Franciscans and Jesuits. 3 Jan. 1840.

53 Same to Murray. Murray will know from their letters to Hamilton

and others how things are progressing. They are delayed by the non

arrival of MacHale's deputy; in the meantime they draw up explana

tory reports and interview various cardinals, many of whom have

now changed their former adverse opinions on the National

Education System. He tells of their meetings with the pope7. His

57



Holiness will study the matter and see how different from the Prussian and Dutch systems the Irish system is. Wiseman has been very helpful to them. He lists the various cardinals etc. visited and how they reacted. The Irish bishops should present a further strong letter favouring the system. He suggests what might be usefully stressed. 25 Jan. 1840.

54 (Enclosed in 53) A page and a half (not Murray's or Ennis's hand

writing) on the usual reaction of the Irish people to a system of education not exclusively founded on Catholic principles, their

apprehensions, and how these fears might be dissipated in the

present instance. 1840.

55 Ennis, in Rome, to Murray. They were delighted to receive Murray's packet, with the statement of the English bishops at their Synod, on education; this will counter MacHale's statement which is to be

presented by Dr Cullen tomorrow. The Lord Lieutenant's reply will also help to dispel the idea the cardinals have that the Catholics of Ireland are all powerful, an idea reinforced by the Bishop of

Ardagh's letters to them; the Holy See may decide to leave each bishop free to accept or refuse the system as he thinks fit, O'Malley's condemnation will calm Mgr Cadalini (?) and prove that Dublin does not shelter or abet error, but Ennis and Meagher pointed out to the

monsignor the prompt and rigid severity in the Crotty schism (Birr) which had not improved matters there. The weather is very cold. The pope presented Dr Hughes (New York) with a costly chalice. Mrs Sherlock is very kind to them; Lord Meath enquires often re Murray's health and the progress of their case. Cardinal

Wiseman and Lord Shrewsbury help them a lot. The Princess Doria has had a daughter. Dr Cullen showed them the documents (MacHale's ?) the moment they arrived. Cullen has been very at tentive to them. 5 Feb. 1840.

56 Same to same. He gives further news of the progress of their case. Mgr C (Cullen ?) seems to dread the results of MacHale's rash ness, and is disinclined to support his extraordinary assertions. Cullen spoke highly of Murray to Dr Kyle of Scotland and also to the pope. They daily expect the arrival of Fr Loftus (MacHale's deputy?) with his tardy defence; this took months to prepare; they will not be allowed access to it. Cullen is leaving and goes through Brussels to confer about the goods of the Irish College (0. F.M.) in Louvain; he wilt be hampered by the serious illness of the nuncio there, following an operation. The funds of the Irish College (Rome) arc in a bad way and Cullen's brothers in Liverpool sent ?200 last month to keep the place going and ?300 last year. Cullen has also given all his own salary as professor for same cause; the vineyard made no profit until this year; tenants do not pay and students are

58



in debt for fees; some priests on the mission owe Cullen ?400 between them for pensions and travel expenses. These facts and the love of study now prevalent in the College speak volumes for Cullen

who is unpretentious. Dr Baines is expected here; his Pastoral

displeased the pope who has summoned him to Rome. If he comes he may be kept in Rome. Wiseman's consecration is fixed for Whit

Monday; he says that Mr Spencer's perseverance Is doubtful; since his foolish conference with the Oxford professors. Spencer's mind is much unsettled. Rome is most interested in the Temperance crusade in Ireland and the Capuchins are very proud of Fr Mathew 'and the total conversion of England which has quite turned all

heads here.' 30 May 1840.

57 Same to same. Their pilgrimage is coming to a close, but they badly need a 'viaticum', their funds are exhausted and they will need 'the ordinary comforts of a mule and a guide across the moun

tains. An anxious appeal for money. 8 July 1840.

58 Same to same. He thanks Murray for money sent, they are waiting for a decision; it is now more than six weeks since their papers and those of their antagonist (MacHale?) were submitted. The consultor said that the decision would be announced early in August, but that

will depend on the printers of the documents. He reports opinions

expressed to him by some of the cardinals. He refers to Mr Cahill's

Sermons; a printed disavowal would be useful. Dean Hamilton will

be interested to know that there is a Cahill at Rome occasionally,

just now in the person of Lacordaire O.P. who has horrified the

pious Carlists and devout French so much that he has been ordered

to preach no more. The pope is in CasteIgondolfo but conducts

business there and the cardinals etc complain bitterly of the journeys

they have to make. Dr Baines is still in Rome; he takes a harsh tone

towards Propaganda which is not helping his case. Dr Wiseman is

leaving next week; Ennis hoped to travel with him but thinks he had

better wait until September in case he is needed. The weather is

unbearably hot. Cardinal Dandini has died. 25 July 1840.

Dr Meagher to Dean Hamilton (these fill in what is omitted in Dr Ennis *s).

59 Meagher's letter to Hamilton. (Rome.) He is almost recovered from

three weeks illness. They were dismayed to hear of O'Malley's intention to publish his fantastic review of education in Holland and

Prussia. He refers to extracts from this coming publication which

will cause scandal on both sides of the Atlantic: the author is ig norant and reckless. It is appalling that he is attached to Dublin's

Pro-Cathedral. People do not know the conditions under which

Murray received him and think that Murray shares his opinions and

it is causing sinister repercussions in Rome, which in turn cause

59



Propaganda to suspect the National Education System backed by

Murray. Some condemnation of O'Malley's action should appear

in the public press. He writes at length about a misunderstanding

Dr Cullen has regarding one of the Scripture lessons in the school

texts. They are sure things will be decided within four months, Ennis has written about their expenses. 11 Jan. 1840.

60 Same to same. He describes a disappointment they have had and

writes at length on the difficulties they are faced with. He refers

to the suggestion in the letter of Dr Ennis written today (cf. 53

above) and fully supports it: and adds further recommendations of

his own. The final page of this letter seems to be missing. 25 Jan. 1840.

61 Same to same. They were hoping to obtain from Propaganda a

resolution that the matter of the National System of Education, due for consideration at the next meeting of the Irish bishops, be left to these prelates for decision, but 'with the letter of that silly but not half-so-mischievous coxcomb Camillus.' He is hoping against

hope, though Ennis does not agree, that MacHale 'would strike colours' and that his adherent bishops may see light and persuade him to withdraw his opposition to the Education System. He makes some suggestions for the prelates' meeting, commends Murray's able defence and his remark, 'I would defy any theologian in Europe to point out a single a-Catholic proposition in these books'. But

Murray writes too concisely while MacHale's elaborations lead men

astray. He adds a report of their interview with Mgr Maii and, be cause of what they learned there, further advice to the prelates at home. (Letter unfinished?) 25 Jan. 1840.

62 Same to same. He reports further disappointments and blames this on a Dublin priest (Fr O'Malley) whose pamphlets have been trans lated into Italian and forwarded to Propaganda. (On the excellence of the Prussian and Dutch educational systems). They visited Propa ganda (he and Ennis) again today to try and neutralize the mischief caused 'by this wretch's cursed scribblings'. They were shamed and humiliated by the reception they got and the indignation and threats hurled at them by the Secretary (of Propaganda). In vain they tried to explain that O'Malley was a stranger thrust upon Dublin by Propaganda itself; he writes at length and heatedly upon same and the insistence of Propaganda that O'Malley be sent away. If he is not, their mission will fail, a document with his condemnation and

suspension should be sent to Rome at once. He himself is not well

again, he is sorry to hear that Murray is ill again, 'and at such a time!'. He gives messages for various people, including Dr Slattery

who is to be told that he will not be home, or well enough to con duct the retreat. He sends love to his family. 4 Feb. 1840.



63 Same to same. He received Hamilton's two letters and he and Ennis are appalled that so many bishops back MacHale and the possibility of a compromise at the bishops' meeting. 'What an encouragement

(MacHale's actions) to future prelates to agitate!'. He writes at

length upon their difficulties which show no sign of decreasing. 27 Feb. 1840.

64 Same to same. Further re their mission. They watch with anxiety for the postman, 'Cullen arrived before him with a few lines from The Great Western announcing that modification of the National Education System had been unanimously agreed at the bishops' meeting and this was going to the Lord Lieutenant.' Cullen was told

by MacHale to convey the news to the pope. Meagher is pleased to hear that 0'Mailey is gone, though he compassionates him. 'What a curse are talents devoid of common sense!'. Despite Hamilton's

warnings, they let Cullen know that matters were far from being settled; the government has yet to accept the propositions put for

ward. A friend, the abbate, has told them that the priest (deputy) from Tuam 'knows not a word of Italian' and that this will mean

further delays, so Meagher and Ennis have now been asked to

re-write all their expositions in Latin or French. 'John Tuam will be

the greatest gainer' of the Irish settlement of the question. They

prepared a document giving the history of 0'Mailey and were

pleased to find that Cullen had drafted another document that

greatly strengthened theirs and removed the suspicions held of

Dublin since O'Malley's publications. 29 Feb. 1840.

65 Same to same. They are disappointed at not receiving any letters or

necessary documents; these should never have been entrusted to

Crowther whose tardiness and zigzag journey will make him late, as Rome is now deliberating on the matter?. things are speeded up

now, unlike what went before. They are in desperate need of money, have spent all sent them and the money they brought personally

(all they had in the world) and translators and printers are owed

money. Things look bad now; the worst that can happen will be a

condemnation of the books but permission to use the System; the best an admonition; they will probably divide the victory

?

placate the bishops on both sides. He describes MacHale's methods

of winning support in Rome where it is thought that he is the

champion of the Irish Church 'and Tuam its Passau and Cologne'. No matter what they do they cannot counter the objection against the text books. O'Malley's writings reinforced the belief that loose

and very dangerous doctrines were being published in Ireland by

priests. 21 Mar. 1840.

66 Same to same. Ennis had an interview with Franzoni, 'that good but

not very clever personage'. The cardinal deeply sympathized with

61



Murray and remarked that Propaganda always had complete con

fidence in him; His Eminence deplored MacHale's habit of dis

cussing religious affairs in the public prints and feared that MacHale

was losing his mind. They fear a ..decision will be greatly delayed;

it might come up for discussion by Propaganda inMay, of Loftus

has his case prepared and submitted; as he seems to be in no hurry. Ennis and Meagher think that he has sent on their documents to

Tuam for close analysis and directions how to proceed. But too

long a delay may induce Propaganda to wait no longer as, thanks to

Murray's letter warning of the dangers delay may cause, they may come to a decision. Ennis seems anxious to leave Rome 1 May.

Murray asks what is he himself to do if that happens; he discusses

the matter and the pros and cons of remaining longer in Rome. If

staying he will need his income from the church; he dreads summer

though his health is now good. He asks for a large box of Butler's

Family Antibilious Pills and a prescription from Dr O'Reilly, 'ask

him to write in legible hand' for Gregory's Powders. 9 Apr. 1840.

67 Same to same. They received his letter, also Murray's with money which he acknowledges. There is nothing new, except that Loftus is expected to have his case ready by second week of May. He

(Murray) stresses how particular Rome is about formulae and

practices; any approximation to a-Catholic forms and practice is

suspect since the permission introduced by the apostate bishops (Prussia and Cologne?). He is sorry that his of 29 March offended

Hamilton but is grateful for his forgiveness. 23 Apr. 1840.

68 Same to same. He deplores the fresh calumnies against Murray and makes some suggestions re countering these. There should be an

appeal to Propaganda asking for an inquiry into the shocking ac cusations and, if necessary, an appeal to all the cardinals and to the

pope to have the matter investigated. This should be energetic in tone, yet with the respect always required in Rome on such matters. Ennis thinks Murray should write a letter of protest at once, but

Murray disagrees; he thinks Murray should not be told of this slander but Meyler should see Crolly and Dr Denvir and get them to

protest and perhaps the 17 bishops supporting Murray on the Education System. Even some of the prelates who side with MacHale

might be induced to sign such a protest, which should make clear that Murray does not know that it is being sent. While Loftus is shown all their documents in the forthcoming case, they are not allowed to see any of his. 2 May 1840.

69 Same to same. The 'English tide having ebbed from Rome', they have found cheaper and healthier apartments on the Pincio. They were pleased that Fr Woods has been removed but wonder what his delinquencies were. The nuncio in Brussels has interested himself in

62



the National Education System after being approached by Palmerston and this is a great help as he has written Rome stressing the utility of the system and deploring MacHale's attitude and actions. Loftus has not his case ready yet but he let out that a remark Ennis made ten years ago to Barlow is being used against us. There is a note from Ennis on the reverse re (a) Woods; (b) payment of ?5. 7 May 1840.

70 Same to same. After great difficulty and a supplica from Ennis, they succeeded in getting a copy of Loftus's documents stating his case, at least part of the documents 'which took Loftus three months to concoct.' But it was so full of blots and erasures that another copy had to be asked for, they will have that next week and will send a

report on it. A decision will hardly be given now before July or

August but the moment it is they will leave for home. He writes at some length on the Pro-Cathedral parish. He replies to a query of Hamilton's re paintings, statuary etc and states that what he sees In Rome are more suited to private houses than to churches. Hogan the

sculptor leaves for Ireland in a fortnight - he would be the best

person to advise on the statues for the portico. Wiseman will be

consecrated tomorrow, in the English College. Dr Baines is ex

pected to remain in Rome in company 'with poor O'Finan', for the remainder of his days. Ennis does not like the inscription the dean

suggests for the portico; for Ireland macula non est in te would be more suitable. The weather is not so bad but they hear that the heat

of next month and after will be terrible, especially August. He gives a message for a poor shoemaker in Purdon Street whose friend in

Sydney died about two years ago. 6 June 1840.

71 Same to same. They received the document by Loftus and returned

it within four days as requested and sent back 25 closely-written

pages to Propaganda replying to it. Loftus is now quite depressed,

they hear; he came to Rome sure of success, but is now 'in the

lowest degree of melancholy'. The end of the business cannot now

be long delayed. He outlines the judgment expected, but there will be a further few weeks delay for the printing of all documents, circulation of these to the cardinals, and the final meeting and

decision. He quotes Cardinal Giustiani, who will open the debate and

who has been friendly towards them. 'Little Acton, an army in

himself has proved a strong advocate for them. Other friendly churchmen also helped. The only fear they have is that the consultor, no one knows who he is and Propaganda conceals his Identity; it

may be Glover the Jesuit; but he seems to have toned down his

former views. But 'that perfect little Jesuit, Esmond, lately asserted

that MacHale's letters have caused more harm in Ireland than any

thing in the past century'. If all ends well Ennis and Meagher leave

Rome next day, but if not they ask what they are to do. 9 July 1840.

63



72 Same to same. He had a letter from M.M. Ball, Rathfarnham, Loreto

Foundress. She offered him the post of chaplain, as she heard that

his health was not good. He never met or corresponded with her

before; he replied that his health was good and on his return to

Ireland, expected to return to his former post (Pro-Cathedral) un

less Murray decided otherwise. He cannot imagine how she thought of writing to him on the death of their last chaplain unless she has

been in touch with Murray, He writes at length on the matter to

Hamilton discussing the pros and cons. Their chief cause for alarm

in Rome now is the pope's ill health; it is rumoured that His Holiness

is nearing the end of his life. Already there is speculation about his

successor. He tells what is being said of the various possibles among the cardinals. 11 July 1840.

73 Same to same. Loftus was summoned to an audience at Castel

Gandolfo; as he does not speak Italian Dr Kirby of the Irish College went with him. The audience lasted ten minutes and the pope said

that Murray was a holy and a learned prelate and that the majority of the parish priests favoured the Education System (Kirby told

Ennis and Meagher about this afterwards.) Loftus said that, even so, a great many priests dissented. The pope asked him had he a paper to reply to Ennis's documents, left in previously. Loftus had not and

this terminated the audience. A further long delay is being caused by an official's illness and a delay in printing documents. (There are five

more closely-written pages, very faded and illegible, all on the same

subject and the further delay.) During this time Ennis plans to visit

Vienna and south Germany. 6 Sept. 1840.

74 Same to same. Great news. All has ended in success. Cullen, who in the beginning was misled on the National Education System, has

proved himself a man of great magnanimity and intrepidity. He sent a letter to Palma giving unqualified approval to the System. His

(Meagher's) last letter was long and melancholy (73 above) but the

very next day good news came. Ennis has written by the same post informing Murray of the result, but, as Rome will not make the

matter public for three months, it must be kept a profound secret; if this is not done all the fruits of the endeavour will be neutralized.

There is no need for him to remain longer in Rome so he will leave for home in a week or so and expects the journey, via Milan, Switzerland and Belgium, to take about fourteen days. Ennis will -return to Rome from Germany in November for the completion of their business. 8 Sept. 1840.

75 Meagher to Dr Nicholson. By the time Nicholson receives this the writer will be on his return journey to Ireland. Though bound to

secrecy he has to tell Nicholson the good news, he was so helpful to them, but he binds him to the same secrecy. Loftus has written to MacHale for permission to go home. 12 Sept. 1840.

64



{Included with the Dr Meagher letters; one from Dr Cullen)

76 Dr Cullen, then at Prospect, Ballitore, to Hamilton. He has had a letter from Dr Kirby stating that the pope's health is much im

proved; Kirby saw him at Castel Gandolfo on 14 July. Cullen sends the dean a Roman newspaper which contradicts the report that the

apollo of Belvedere has been sold to the Emperor of Russia. He sends good wishes to Murray and adds a footnote saying that Isabella, Cecilia and Anna M. Sherlock wish to enter a convent in Rome, but their mother wishes that they would enter a convent in Ireland. 30

July 1840.

Education

11 Education Office to Murray enclosing, in compliance with his

request, a statement regarding the conference between the Com

missioners and the deputation from the Synod of Ulster bishops. Enclosed with the letter is (a) the statement; (b) a printed form,

sample of what has to be filled in before salary or grants for school are paid. 11 Feb. 1840.

78 Set of written questions and answers on regulations for schools

under the Education Board. A note at the end states, 'The above

answers, though not official, are perfectly correct.' Signed by

McGauley. 10 Feb. 1840.

79 Printed blue form with suggestions for the consideration of the

Commissioners of National Education. These come under 26

headings and in the margin are written comments on each. 1840.

From Holy See

80 Franzoni, to Murray. Propaganda learns that O'Malley is again pub

lishing writing in the Dublin Evening Post and attacking Church

discipline and authority. Propaganda knows that Murray is aware of

this and that he has already done his utmost to restrain O'Malley and

remedy the scandal he gives the Catholics. So far, Murray has not

pubicly reprimanded him or imposed any canonical sanction on him.

Propaganda thinks the time has now come for that,Murray is to tell

O'Malley at once that he will be publicly censured; it will be re

called how flagrantly O'Malley behaved in Philadelphia ten years

ago, he then promised to amend but has not kept his promise. 8 Feb.1840.

81 Transcript of petition by Murray to Ho'j, Sec. The P.P, of Glcnda

lough, Fr Johnston, due to age and infirmity, wants to retire and

asks for a pension. Murray wishes to appoint Fr E. Clarke, acting as

administrator of Glendalough, as P.P., with the proviso that he is to

pay Johnston an annual pension of ?50 for life. (Added is the pope's

reply granting Murray's pel it ion), 24 May 1840.

65



82 Propaganda to Murray. Dr Fleming, vicar apostolic of Newfoundland, sent Propaganda the signed will of the late Fr Ewer, with reasons

why the ?500 assigned therein to the Irish College, Rome, should be

applied to the needs of his mission. Propaganda wishes to hear both

sides re this and appoints Murray arbitrator. Fleming has been told

to appoint a procurator to present his side of the case to Murray for judgment. 16 June 1840.

83 Same to same. In response to repeated appeals from the Bishop of

Bethsaida, vicar apostolic of Tibet, Propaganda has sought priests from Ireland. Hopes were raised but ended in disappointment, as

will be seen from enclosed letter from the vicar apostolic. Even the

latest efforts of Cullen have failed; Murray is asked to try to find even one or two priests; all necessary expenses will be met by

Propaganda. 14 Nov. 1840.

84 (Enclosed in preceding) Copy of a letter from the vicar apostolic of

Tibet to Propaganda. News of the possibility of obtaining priests

provoked the hostility of Protestants in Agra. This brought an offer from Colonel Filosi of 100,000 rupees and a fine house and garden to build a convent for English nuns for the education of girls and to

build a public school for boys to be run by ecclesiastics. The colonel is very rich and commands the army of King Maratta of Scindia,he is most charitable and on his last visit offered up to 300,000 rupees for this purpose; the vicar apostolic is going to Galiior to conclude the business. He asks Propaganda to contact Propaganda Fide in

Lyons and looks forward to building a magnificent church 'opposite the famous Taj Mahal' on the banks of the Jumna river. 'What a

glory that will be for religion'.9 Aug. 1840.

85 Franzoni to Murray. The Holy See received a petition (copy en

closed) from the Procurator-General of the Carmelites asking that

they might be allowed to have a second novitiate in their Irish house at Knocktopher, so that a certain youth intending to join the Order

might do his novitiate there instead of in Dublin. The Dublin novitiate is at present being restored, hence this request. The cardinal asks Murray for his opinion on all matters mentioned in the enclosed and hopes he will reply soon; Propaganda will not answer the procurator's letter until they hear from Murray. 24 Dec. 1840.

(Enclosed in preceding) Copy, in Italian, of a letter from the Procurator-General of the Calced Carmelites to the pope. He joins his petition to that of the Irish Provincial of the Order (request as in preceding). The procurator, Fr Joseph Raimundo Lobina, ex

plains that their house at Knocktopher has only two priests, but both are exemplary; the youth they wish to admit there to do his novitiate is of outstanding quality but cannot pay the expense of

going to Italy to do his novitiate. The procurator has been told that

66



a monastery with only two priests cannot serve as a novitiate, and

their only novitiate, in Dublin, is at present being rebuilt. He learns that other Orders, because of the scarcity of subjects, receive novices in houses with only two priests; for these reasons he thinks It would

be unjust to dismiss the youth seeking admission at Knocktopher and he asks permission to admit him there. 1840.

Dr Murray to Rome

87 Draft of a letter from Murray to Franzoni. Murray is happy to

report that the order concerning O'Malley had been already carried out before the cardinal's letter arrived, (cf. 80 above). O'Malley was never either a parish priest or a curate in Dublin diocese. His faculties to say Mass were withdrawn on account of his writings which

Propaganda rightly condemned. He (O'Malley) has at present no

priestly faculties in Dublin; if Propaganda has further orders re

O'Malley, Murray will see that they are immediately carried out.

31 Feb. 1840.

88 Copy of extract from a letter of Dr Coen, bishop of Clonfert, to

Propaganda. He has been informed that opponents of the System of National Education in Ireland have circulated reports in Rome that he supports their opinions. Propaganda should know from his

previous letters that he opposes the principles on which the system is based, also the rules and methods of procedure of the Commis sioners. But he has schools in his diocese; one may tolerate while not approving; the System is tolerated because it is less objectionable than the schools of the Bible Societies which Ireland suffered for ten

years and which proselytised, especially in rural areas; these finally had to be abandoned by the government, so great was the outcry

against them. He and other Catholics hoped the System would be

better but they are disappointed; the bishops' wishes and decisions are over-ridden by non-Catholic Commissioners. There are also

objections to the school texts, appointment of teachers etc; he per

mitted schools because at the moment there is no prospect of

government money being allowed for ail-Catholic schools. Besides,

in his diocese there are very few non-Catholics, so no dangers arise

of perversion. He will do whatever Holy Sec decides re the matter.

3 Jan.1840.

89 (Dated 1829 but marked Ho go with 1840') - Grant of faculties to

Dr Francis Nicholson, Discalccd CarnHilc by Murray, obtained from

the Holy Sec. 30 Nov. 1829.

90 (Attached to preceding and dated 1839) Copy of an authorization,

signed by Murray and Dr Hamilton for the promotion lo first

tonsure and minor Orders of Anthony Richard Blake of Clonfert

diocese, who is. now studying for Dublin Diocese in Saiiil-Sulpiee,

Paris. 4 Mar. 1839.

67



91 Permission granted by Murray and signed by him and Dean Hamilton to Thomas Power, to leave Dublin diocese. He is an ordained priest and has served in the diocese for five years. 29 Oct. 1839. (attached to the two preceding)

92 (Attached to the three preceding) Draft of 91 above, evidently being sent to Franzoni. 3 Jan. 1840.

93 Murray to Franzoni (draft). He is dismayed and saddened to learn

that a report is circulating in Rome that his reasons for approving of the National System of Education were to seek favours for him

self and his relatives from the government. Never in his life has he

done so; in fact his relatives consider him hard and unfeeling in

their regard. He shrinks from mentioning many instances he could

cite to prove how unjustified and calumnious this report is. The true

reasons he and so many Irish bishops had for supporting the National

System of Education for the Irish poor were to save these from

dangers to their faith; they also accepted the System as the best

being offered for the time being, and in hopes 6f an improvement in the system at some future date. The good of religion was their only aim and motive. 6 May 1840.

FILE 31/9: Dr Murray 1841 and 1842

Ordinary

1 Martin Whelan, Maryborough, to Murray. The writer recalls his

previous correspondence with Murray; he is a nephew and legatee of

the late Canon Costigan; he did not receive the full amount though he signed a receipt for the whole. He is wretchedly poor and all the

legatees were paid the full amounts of their bequests except himself. He asks Murray to help in securing the balance for him. 6 Jan. 1841.

2 Michael Montague, president of Maynooth, to Murray. Of Murray's

subjects in third year theology, only Mr Green, mature and well in

formed, is qualified for the mission. In good health and fond of

improvement, Green would regard the interruption of his studies as a

misfortune. D. is delicate and too young; M. 'of abilities below

mediocrity; McD. more able but never gave satisfaction. Dr Crolly is in Maynooth at present but suffers from toothache. 12 Jan. 1841.

3 M. Balzac, Saint-Sutpice, Paris, to Dr Hamilton. Concerning a

student named Kavanagh sent by Hamilton in summer 1840;certain

papers regarding his entitlement to a bourse are missing because of

the sack of the archbishop's offices in 1831. Mgr McSweeney of the

Irish College has stated that all is in order but they understand that

Hamilton has some documents which should be forwarded; also

those in connection with the student Croomp. An account of the

68



moneys owing by Kavanagh is given and Hamilton is asked to see that all is regularized. 29 Jan. 1841.

4 Joseph Hamilton, Annadale Cottage, Dublin, to Murray. A letter arrived from Sir Moses Montefiore to someone in Paris, praising the kindness of the Pope to the Jews in Damascus and Rhodes who were falsely accused of killing Fr Thomas O.F.M. Cap. (Hamilton is himself an Irish Capuchin.) The second half of the letter is illegible but printed enclosures show that a Mahometan merchant and Turkish muleteer were responsible for the murder and that numbers of men women and children, all Jews, were blamed and cruelly tortured. The Pope was among those who expressed sympathy for the Jews; this has been greatly appreciated by Jews everywhere, (printed enclosures covering various dates in 1840.) 30 Jan. 1841.

5 W. Moore, Secretary of the R.S.P.C.A. society, to the Roman

Catholic primate, archbishops and bishops of Ireland. Request for their co-operation in preventing cruelty to animals seeing that the

bishops have great influence with their flocks. 30 Jan. 1841.

6 (Printed) Suggestions by Eneas MacDonnell, (from London) on

suitable reforms in Ireland. This was in the form of a letter to the

Times. The suggested reforms come under the headings: Education; Abuses at 'Stations'; Improvement of church buildings; provision of Catholic graveyards; Date of letter 22 Jan. 1841 and of the

printed statement: 15 Feb. 1841.

7 The superioress, North William Street, Convent M.V. Murphy to

Murray. Hamilton told them that Murray wishes them to attend the

Infant School. This interferes with the enclosure rules; she suggests an alternative. 22 Feb. 1841.

8 Receipts and list of expenses for Kings Inn Street and Nth William

Street schools, year ending 28 Feb. 1841.

9 Fr Stafford, Charlemont Mall, to Dr Hamilton. He will accept Henry

Young as third curate on terms which he states in detail. 8 Mar.

1841.

10 Viscount Morpeth, London (Chief Secretary) to Murray. He says that Lord John Russell has promised to look into the unhappy business involving the bishop at Gibraltar. Russell also received

communications re same from other quarters, but he is at a loss to

know how he can deal with the matter because it would mean inter

fering with the courts of the country. 20 May 1841.

11 Alex McCarthy to John Corballis, Baggot Street. As he was delayed at court he was unable to see him before leaving the hall or returning

Dr Hughes' address. He read the same, an able and eloquent re

monstrance or, rather, a severe reproof; he does not think any im

69



partial tribunal would regard it as libellous. He adds further com

ments on the letter. 23 Apr. 1841.

12 Mr Philipps, Whitehall, London, to Murray. He is directed by Lord

Normanby to inform Murray that the petition signed by Murray on

behalf of the Catholic clergy of Dublin touching grievances com

plained of by Dr Hughes and his priests in Gibraltar, has been laid

before the queen. She has referred same to the Secretary of State

for the Colonial Department; all further applications on this sub

ject should be addressed to him. 26 Apr. 1841.

13 Anne Brenner, a widow living at 23 South Frederick Street, to

Murray. She is still ill and very badly off as her two sons are un

employed; she is going to circulate a petition to friends and ac

quaintances for help and asks Murray to add his signature to same.

4 May 1841.

14 Lord John Russell, Downing Street, London, to Murray. He refers to the petition sent to Lord Normanby (cf. 12 above). He was un

able to advise the queen to make any order on the matter as it is not

competent for her to act except on the judgment of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which is the Court of Appeal authorized by law to hear and determine it. 13 May 1841.

15 Ebrington, Phoenix Park to Murray. When he received Murray's letter yesterday he immediately started enquiries into what can be done to carry out the provisions of the new Charter of the Hibernian

School; he will do all he can to see that the provisions for the education of Roman Catholic soldiers are complied with. 14 May 1841.

16 Vesey Daly, solicitor, to Murray concerning legal documents being left in Murray's hands where they are to remain as the deed was not

registered. A Mr Donnell and a Mrs Redington are mentioned. 31

May 1841.

17 (A note attached to 17 says the answer is in Murray's letters 1841 -

cf. 44 below this file). Mr Muggeridge, Assistant Poor Law Comis sioner to Naas workhouse; Revd Mr Delaney, a curate in the parish, has applied for the post;he also attends the Fever Hospital adjoining the workhouse; the writer asks if Murray approves of appointing

Mr Delaney. 28 June 1841.

18 William Walsh, Attorney, to Murray concerning the charitable funds

bequeathed by the late Wm Burke of Tuam. it was necessary to

obtain the opinion of Mr Blake, Q.C. on certain points for the

guidance of the trustees. He encloses a copy of counsel's opinion to

the queries put to him. Mr Walsh will give any further information

Murray requires and Mr John Corballis is also willing to confer with

Murray re same. The two legal documents (a) the queries (b) answers

of Mr Blake, Q.C. to same are enclosed. 30 June 1841. 70



19 Lord Thurlow(?) Alleston, to Murray, sending ?100 for charity in

memory of his aunt the Dowager Lady Bourke. 2 July 1841.

20 Margaret Byrne, Lr Gardiner Street, to Murray. She is a sister of M.M. Raymund Byrne, O.P.

- Sub-Prioress Mount St convent, later

Sion Hill. She thanks Murray for his note with enclosure, her sister's letter and copy of his own letter to the Cabra community and thanks him for going to Cabra to try to arrange matters; she refers to letters from the Abbe Furron regarding her sister's health and how much improved in health her sister is since the change. She Is

grateful for Murray's intervention in the matter and returns the letters he sent for her perusal; her mother unites with her in thanking

him. 10 July 1841.

21 Colonel G. d'Aguilar, Deputy-Adjutant General, Army Offices, Phoenix Park, to Murray. The Lt-General, Sir Ed. Blakeney, received word from Lord Hill concurring with the arrangements made be tween Murray and the writer re the issuing of devotional books to

Roman Catholic soldiers. As soon as Blakeney receives instructions as to the funds to be placed at Murray's disposal for that purpose, further details will be forwarded. 23 July 1841.

22 Morpeth to Murray. He returns the bishop's letter, he spoke about

the matter to Lord Russell, but at present Russell does not see that

he can take any step in the proceedings. Morpeth hopes that the

recently appointed Attorney-General will give judicious advice. 22

Aug. 1841.

23 Fr Andrew Colgan, Athy (who is being changed to Rathdrum) to

Murray. He saw Dr Hamilton who agreed with Murray that Colgan was being treated unjustly re the October collection in Athy. He

called on Murray but found he had left for the country, but he

spoke to Mr Fitzpatrick who is willing to agree to any proposals

Murray and Hamilton may think proper to make. He asks Murray to write a strong letter to Fr Lawlor, P.P., Athy, to induce him to

give Colgan that to which he is justly entitled. Otherwise he must

leave Athy in debt as it has been impossible for him to meet his

obligations recently owing to repeated privations to which he has

been latterly subjected. Aug 31st 1841.

24 Morpeth to Murray. He regrets that he cannot accept the invitation

to act as collector at the sermon for the Magdalen Asylum. As he is

soon leaving Ireland he encloses a bank draft for whatever charities

Murray wishes, but hopes that the Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of

Charity will be included. He thanks Murray for all his kindness to

him while in Ireland and expresses the hope that nothing will induce

Murray lo resign as commissioner from the Board of Education. 25

Sept. 1841.

71



25 A testimonial from Daniel O'Connell certifying that 'honest Tom

Arkins' made (O'Connell's) mayor's robe and presented it to him,

also that he gave O'Connell his aldermanship of the Four Courts

which he was certain of obtaining; O'Connell also thanks Arkins

for his long-continued and most useful services in the public cause.

1 Nov. 1841. (A note in a different hand at top runs: Your Lordship

may remember my father, old Tom Arkins of Ormond Quay.)

26 Fr Henry Young, Finglas, to Murray. Because Lent will fall early in

1842 two charity sermons will fall on same Sunday, he asks for

directios re changing one. He also gives particulars re the coming

year's directory which he is compiling and he reports on the work in

progress on Finglas church; he is sleeping in a loft over the sacristy; enclosed are two proofs of a notice to be inserted in the directory; he has no other way of getting it publicity as he does not read news

papers. 3 Nov. 1841.

27 Patrick Boylan, Grafton Street and Fortfield, Rathmines, to Murray. Statement of some accounts and how ?13 sent by Murray was spent.

Boylan was guardian of the widows home, Clarendon Street) He

apologizes for delay in writing, owing to an illness. 10 Nov. 1841.

28 Lord Eliot, Chief Secretary, to Murray. He gave Murray's letter to the Lord Lieutenant who will be glad to receive the bishops' de

putation at one o'clock tomorrow, Friday. 11 Nov. 1841.

29 Note re a legacy for one Whelan which was not to be paid to him until after Mary Casy's death; further re same and provisions in Mr

Costigan's will with reference to moneys left to certain charities.

Undated, 1841. (cf. 1 above).

30 Expenditure for the penitents (Magdalen Asylum) for 1841. En closed in this is a rough draft, in Murray's hand, of a reply to a letter or article by some unnamed person attacking either some pronounce

ment by Murray or some point of church doctrine. 1841.

31 Statement of account: residue of personal estate of the testator, William Burke, deceased. Sent by Wm Walsh, solicitor, Abbey Street and covering several years up to and including 1841. A covering letter from Walsh is enclosed; writing to Murray he says that there

was a mistake in his former communication (cf. 18 above) which enclosed list rectifies. 2 July 1841.

Irish Bishops

32 Dr Browne (Kilmore) to Dean Meyler, Westland Row. He writes about a sergeant's wife with three children who is in distress. Browne saw a notice in the Evening Post stating that the military school in the Park was now under a more liberal charter; he wonders if one of this woman's children might be taken there, with safety to his

72



religion. He asks Meyler to make enquiries and advise him in the matter. He also refers to a Mr Sheridan recommended to him by Carlow College, but, though Sheridan is very well qualified for the ecclesiastical state, Browne explains why he cannot ordain him. 31

Mar. 1841.

33 MacHale to James Blake, Q.C. He explains what he and the other trustees decided to do regarding the Corilea Charity, the portion of same allotted to Tuam diocese, keeping to the wishes of the testator.

1 May 1841.

Non-Irish Bishops

34 Doctor Griffiths, vicar apostolic for London district, to Murray. He

received Murray's letter mentioning the anxiety of relatives of a nun on a journey. He describes a meeting of London clergy which passed a resolution condemning the imprisonment of Dr Hughes by the

Gibraltar Junta; after some discussion it was decided that the

wording of a similar resolution forwarded by Murray and Dublin

clergy was better. He asks for an exact copy of the petition for

warded from Dublin to the queen re this matter. 14 May 1841.

35 Mgr Rossat, vicar-general of Gap, France, to Murray (In Latin). Franzoni recently wrote to him, as he is procurator of the Tibet mission. The vicar apostolic there is looking for nuns for Tibet the writer fears that this request has been duplicated in a request to

Murray from Propaganda; he writes at length to make sure this is

not so, specifies number of nuns wanted, provision for them, teaching

duties etc. how their spiritual needs will be catered for. (i.e. if Irish

nuns are being sent; if not he'll seek some in France). 19 May 1841.

36 Printed papers with a full account of the proceedings re the appeal of Dr Henry Hughes, vicar-apostolic of Gibraltar to the Privy Council

against the elders, A. Porrall and others, of the Roman Catholic

church of Gibraltar. (An appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar) Dates of documents cited range from 1772 to

1841.

37 Dr Griffiths, vicar-apostolic, London, to Murray. Mr Wynne called

on Griffiths and asked that Griffiths explain to Murray his (Wynne's) mission on behalf of his bishop. Griffiths got Wynne to write the

details which he now forwards to Murray (not enclosed) in con

fidence. In a conversation Griffiths had with Colonel O'Reilly he

has reason to believe there may be some confusion, so he told

O'Reilly that the best way to avoid misunderstanding would be for

Wynne to correspond directly with Murray. 16 June 1841.

73



Lord Clifford

38 Lord Clifford to Murray. He explains delay in replying to Murray's last letter and encloses ?20 for O'Finan's sister, if still alive. After

describing his non-stop journeying of past days he mentions a

payment of ?4,000 for his cousin (Sr of Charity?) which would have been forwarded to Mrs Aikenhead sooner but all payments were held up while settlements for his son's coming of age were

being finalized. He gives instructions for payment of the money to Mrs Aikenhead. Mention is made of educational matters, also a letter from His Holiness re same. Re the error Murray pointed out to him re calling Dr Crolly archbishop of Hierophilos and not arch

bishop of Armagh, he has not done anything about correcting this, but if Crolly wishes he will amend the slip. 1 May 1841.

Dr Murray 1841

39 Murray to Viscount Morpeth, Chief Secretary, (draft?) Account of the persecution of Dr Hughes in Gibraltar by the 'elders' there.

These have obtained a decision in their favour in the Gibraltar court and have thrown Hughes into prison. He is among common felons but from jail has directed his clergy to refrain from intervention until his appeal to Her Majesty's Privy Council be heard; he has instructed them not to accept any remuneration, but the junta are

now threatening the priests. Such things might happen under in fidels but Murray is s;;rc Her Majesty's government will never allow them to continue. 16 Mar. 1841.

40 Copy of letter from Murray to the Marquis of Normanby forwarding a petition from the Dublin clergy which he is asked to submit to the

queen. 20 Apr. 1841. (Also a rough draft of same.)

41 Copy of letter from Murray to Lord John Russell. He mentions his letter to Morpeth and its contents (39 above) Morpeth informed him that he passed on Murray's letter to Russell but that he felt there

would be difficulty in dealing with the sentence of a recognized Court of Law. Murray and his clergy have now sent a petition to Her

Majesty in Council; the queen has referred the petition lo the colonial office and Murray understands that the matter now rests in Russell's hands. He trusts that their petition will soon be answered and Hughes restored to his flock. 28 Apr. 1 841.

42 Draft of letter from Murray (at Rahan Lodge) to N. McDonald, Esq. He asks McDonald to return enclosed (not here) to Morpeth and to thank him for his kindness; he remarks, on the testimony of an eye

witness, which he himself received from Gibraltar, the bad conditions of Hughes' imprisonment (here, also the fact that Hughes' Hock arc not allowed access to him. He queries Mr V. Smyth's assertions on

74



the lenity with which Hughes is being treated. Murray comments in

strong terms on the unjust treatment of Hughes. 12 June 1841.

43 Same to same, (draft of a letter) On his return to Dublin last night he received McDonald's letter and was pleased to note the despatch of the Gibraltar government. Evidently, Hughes' friends, incensed at the treatment of their pastor, let their feelings be known. He com

ments on a letter (of Hughes) which may have given the wrong im

pression; it was the letter of a pastor to recalcitrant members of his own flock who persisted in disobeying him. These (in particular their leader) do not deserve the name of Catholic; the leader sends his children to Protestant schools and only retains the name of

Catholic as far as it suits him to interfere unduly in church matters.

Murray is very grateful to Morpeth and McDonald for their help in

this affair. 28 June 1841.

44 Copy of a letter from Murray to Mr Muggeridge, Poor Law commis

sioner, in reply to his (cf. 17 above). With regard to the proposed

appointment of Fr Delaney CC. as chaplain of Naas workhouse,

Murray fully approves of the appointment which gives him great

pleasure. 29 June 1841.

45 Printed notice from Murray and the clergy of the Pro-Cathedral. The

organ has been completed; built in Dublin, it cost ?700, of which

?500 has already been privately subscribed. The remaining ?200

will, it is hoped, be contributions from the public. Aug. 1841.

From Holy See

46 Instructions (Italian) from Propaganda to the Irish bishops on mixed

schools; (1839-1841). 16 Jan. 1841. (cf. 48 below).

47 Copy of Latin paragraphs in preceding, beginning page 330 Ouintam

negotii gravitatem down to esse concludendum sit, ten lines from

end of page 332. Copy of a letter received from Rome by the four

Archbishops in Ireland on the subject of National Education. 16 Jan.

1841.

48 Enclosed in preceding. Copy of same letter to the four archbishops

with an authorized translation. The pope is giving no judgment in

the matter but leaves the question of acceptance or non-acceptance

of the System to individual bishops. Admonitions are added, (1) re

the school texts; (2) re the training of Catholic teachers in the model

school; (3) segregation of children in mixed schools for religious

instruction; (4) onus on the clergy to be vigilant in safeguarding the

faith of the children; and the desirability of having school-buildings

vested exclusively in the bishops or parish priests. Bishops and

clergy should refrain from newspaper controversy on this matter.

16 Jan. 1841.

75



49 Propaganda to Murray. His Holiness received Murray's letter asking

permission for the christian brothers who educated poor boys free

of cost to build other schools in which suitable youths can be taught on a fee-paying basis. This is left to Murray's discretion; the ruling of

Pope Pius VII in an apostolic letter of 8 Sept. 1820 approving the

rules and constitutions of the brothers may be disregarded. 7 Feb.

1841.

50 Franzoni to Murray. A covering letter with the preceding. 25 Feb.

1841.

51 Copy of a letter from Gregory XVI to Crolly, archbishop of Armagh. He thanks him for his of 16 February written on behalf of all the

archbishops and bishops of Ireland and explaining the National

System of Education and sympathizing with him on the perse cution of the church in some countries. Praises their constant loyalty and devotion to the Holy See. 2 Mar. 1841.

52 Franzoni to Murray enclosing the preceding and expressing agree ment with its contents. 4 Mar. 1841.

53 (Documents attached to one another and dealing with certain

queries submitted from confessors in Ireland to the sacred peniten

tiary.)

(a) written and printed copy of a query as to the authenticity of a

reply given to Cardinal de Rohan Chabot in 1831 informing him that the moral theology of Alphonsus Liguori can be safely followed in the confessional. The sacred penitentiary declares

in reply given to the cardinal authentic. 27 Mar. 1841.

(b) Written and printed copy from sacred penitentiary authen

ticating twelve replies given between 1828 and 1834 concerning the laws of fasting and abstinence. These were quoted in Del

digiuno e della Quaresima by Giuseppi Righetti. 27 Mar. 1841.

(also included with (b) are four written pages, a transcript in

Italian presumably copies from the Righetti work.)

54 Note (in Mgr Curran's hand) stating: For copy of letter of Propaganda Fide dated 23 Mai. 1841 to the Roman Consul at Gibraltar cf. ex

tract to Propaganda for the vicar-apostolic of Gibraltar 10 Feb. 1817.

(this will be found in File 30/3 No. 81).

55 Franzoni to Murray thanking him for a donation of ?50 towards the

restoration of the Basilica of St Paul. 8 Apr. 1841.

56 Secretaries to the special commission for the restoration of St Paul's

Basilica to Murray thanking him for a donation of ?50 for same and

bringing his total donations to ?232. 20 Apr. 1841.

57 Propaganda to Murray. As Dr Carew, vicar-apostolic of Madras

changed to W. Bengal, Dr John Fennelly, Maynooth, has been ap

76



pointed to the vacancy. Murray is asked to report on his suitability for this post. 20 Apr. 1841.

58 Holy See to Murray in regard to a matrimonial dispensation re

quested by Edward McSweeney, a Dublin confessor, for one Phelan, a non-Catholic and Loughran, a Catholic, who are related in the second degree of consanguinity. Dispensation is granted but various conditions are laid down. 2 June 1841 (petition).

59 Propaganda to Murray. Fr Polding, vicar-apostolic of New Holland, recently wrote the Holy See asking them to recommend four Irish christian brothers to be sent to his vicariate; Murray is asked to further the request. 26 June 1841.

60 A copy of a memorial to the Holy See by Thurles christian brothers.

They ask for certain modifications in their constitutions, because

they feel from their experience that such changes would benefit their well-being, peace and concord and also help their educational

work. Their archbishop (Cashel), his clergy and some Irish bishops are of the same opinion; they list the modifications requested and

make them for the brothers in Cashel diocese only. Dr Slattery, archbishop of Cashel adds a note saying that he and his clergy are of

the same opinion and send this memorial through Cullen, Irish

College, Rome. 22 June 1841.

61 Franzoni to Muray, enclosing the preceding for his consideration.

Before replying to Slattery, Propaganda would like Murray's opinion. 31 July 1841.

62 Same to same. Enclosing the following printed copy of the rules

and constitutions of the Sisters of Mercy. 31 July 184.1.

63 Copy of the rules and constitutions of the Irish Sisters of Mercy

(26 printed pages.) (in Italian) Date: (of Decree approving of same

by Franzoni) 5 July 1841.

64 Murray petitions the Holy See for permission to celebrate privately the Mass of the Immaculate Conception; also to add the invocation,

O Mary, conceived without sin to the Litany of Loreto. Both peti tions granted. 21 Nov. 1841.

1842

Ordinary

65 Francis Morgan/Musscn (?) 24, Arrai. Quay lo Revd W. Rooney

CC. Westland Row. He had an interview with alderman Rooney who

is willing to advance ?500 by reducing the rent by ?50. The writer

thinks this very reasonable and asks Rooney lo consult Dean Meyler

and the other clergy of St Andrews before he (writer) calls on

Rooney tomorrow. 3 Jan. 1842.

77



66 Anonymous letter to Murray complaining that Fr Woods has been

changed from the Pro-Cathedral and asking that he be restored to

the parish; complaining of Dr Hamilton, Fr Doyle etc. 14 Feb.

1842.

67 Printed circular of the North American Association, containing letters of protests re actions of the directors between January and March 1842. 7 Mar. 1842.

68 Printed circular by Lord Clifford, sent with a note from himself to

Murray. He had a circular printed, an address to the Catholics of

Ireland, asking them to further the pope in his efforts to abolish the

slave trade. Of 1,000 copies printed only four were sold, though the

copies cost only one shilling each. The profits of their sale were to

go to the Irish Sisters of Charity. He cannot understand why this has

happened but infers that some move was made to prevent the sale of

the document. He mentions the letter of MacHale published in the

Freeman and accusing Clifford of being 'an enemy of Ireland with

an enmity that cannot be disguised under the guise of friendship'. He is also accused in Rome of having spread the rumour that the

Holy See acted wrongly in its decision re Killala and he has sent a

true statement to the pope on this matter; he quotes from a letter

he wrote to Cardinal Weld in February 1842 on same matter. 19 Mar. 1842.

69 Frances M. Sausse, 5 Hume Street, to Murray. She sends him a

copy of something she means to publish, in the hope that he and his friends may become subscribers; for, until she is sure of enough subscribers, she will not publish, printing costs are so heavy;it is an

appeal on behalf of a benevolent cause. 5 Apr. 1842.

70 Brother Riordan, C.B.S., Mount Sion, Waterford to Murray. He is

pained and alarmed by a letter he has received from Franzoni, Prefect of Propaganda. The Holy See learns that the brothers closed the Pay schools against Murray's will, and orders them to be re

opened. He writes a long letter showing that some mistake must have been made as they thought Murray had ordered them to close the

Pay schools. He encloses Franzoni's letter. They are upset to find

that Rome has such a poor opinion of them. 8 Apr. 1842.

71 Receipt from Miss Daly acknowledging ?95 dividends received from

Murray. Apr. 1842.

71a Printed circular sent to Revd T.R. England (Thomas R. England is bishop John England's brother), Passage, Cork, from Fathers Sing and Daniel, Catholic church, Derhy, in connection with various

works, devotional and doctrinal, they intend to have printed in

cheap editions for poorer Catholics and enclosing their corres

pondence with printers re same. 16 Apr. 1 842 and 3 May 1842.

78



72 Brother Riordan, Mount Sion, Waterford, to Murray. Concerning their school in Hanover Street; explaining some difficulties and asking

Murray's advice re same also re appointment of superiors etc. 3 May 1842.

73 E. Mc.(?) Hazelwood, Todcaster, to Murray, asking for a priest for Catholics in Wellington, New Zealand. The bishop there has no

English-speaking priest; the climate is good and it might suit a semi invalid. The writer's son is going out there in a month's time and the priest could travel with him. The writer and Lord Petre will pay passage and maintain the priest in New Zealand for two years. He asks Murray to reply soon and also to write to the bishop (Pompalier?) in New Zealand about the matter, he apologizes for the 'abrupt application' 21 May 1842.

74 Printed legal documents; further re the appeal to the Privy Council

by Hughes, Gibraltar (whom the junta there have imprisoned) with a letter from Dr Griffiths, London vicar-apostolic and one, with

translation, from Franzoni, (1840) giving instructions on how Hughes is to treat with the junta. From 18 May 1842 to 2 June 1842.

75 M. Rathbone to Murray. Writing from Cowes he acknowledges receipt of ?5 from Murray for the Society of St David. Wales is in such an appalling state that some of the most destitute missions

must be closed; thousands of poor Irish in some parts of Wales never see a priest. 22 June 1842.

76 Fr Hennessy, CC, Ennis, to Murray, thanking him for a donation

of ?5 sent for the relief of the poor of the town. 24 June 1842.

77 Fr D. O'Connor, Rome, to Murray; copies of congratulatory addres

ses presented to Lord Charles Acton by (a) the Scots College, (also the English and Irish Colleges) Rome and (b) the O.F.M., O.S.A.,

O.P., O.S.B. and 0. Carm. communities in Rome, on the occasion

of his elevation to the cardinalate; with the reply of His Eminence

in each case. 16 Feb. 1842.

78 R. More O'Ferrall, Bray, to Murray. A long letter about his con

versations with Lord Stanley on the persecution of the Catholic

church in Corfu, suggestions he made re same, the replies of Stanley and a suggestion as to what Rome might do re the Greeks at Ancona

(who are not permitted to use the Greek rite there). If Rome granted this the Corfu authorities might be more amenable. 3 July 1842.

79 E.J. Nolan, solicitor, 3 Inns Quay, to Murray. MacHale has written

requesting that ?2,000 of the money left by Mr Burke's will be paid him now; he wishes to proceed with the building of the Presentation

Convent, as stipulated in the Burke will, because there is dire desti

tution in Tuam and building would provide employment. The

money is there but the signatures of Murray and Mr Stafford are

79



needed before any can be paid out. Murray is asked to send his

assent in writing. The funds are ample and the money going to

Dublin archdiocese will not suffer by the payment to Tuam. 4 July 1842.

80 Frances Daly to Murray. She has been ill and unable to write but now makes arrangements for some of her property (Murray has her

will), also for her burial and for a niece, Eliza Madden, who is un

fortunate. Hamilton knows about Madden and where to contact her. 7 July 1842.

81 Printed circular letter; appeal by Revd Patrick Moore, Croydon, Surrey to the archbishops, bishops, clergy and laity of Great Britain to come to his assistance. He has been persecuted and attacked, even

while saying Mass; he has been thrown into prison for a paltry debt contracted by another in his name. He gives details of all that has

happened and asks for donations. 24 July 1842.

82 Portion of a letter from someone in naval service to the daughter of

Captain Waters, (commander of a naval vessel that went to Russia) now deceased; praising the captain. The letter is written from

Spenser Lodge, Wandsworth, Surrey. 26 July 1842.

83 Anthony Williams (formerly a clerk in the Pro-Cathedral, which post he resigned because of an illness) to Murray. Writing c/o Cheltenham

post office he asks Murray for help as he is utterly destitute. 26

July 1842.

84 H.M.R. London to Murray enclosing ?20 for the poor. 26 July 1842.

85 Fr L. Libermann to Revd John Hand, Dublin, (in French). From la Neuville near Amiens. He mentions an island (Mauritius) where

his society is working, but the government will not allow French

priests to stay, so he needs English-speaking ones. If two Irish priests were inclined to work for the negroes he would take them for a short time to aggregate them into his society (C.S.Sp.) and to form them in its spirit before sending them to the mission. The natives are in danger as Methodists have flourishing school on the island. He asks Hand if he can find him two good priests with some knowledge of French; in his society they will not find the jealousies usual between French and English persons. The Protestants make great progress in Mauritius; the rich colonists there care only for profit and make no move to improve the lot of the blacks. If things continue as they are, in twenty years time, there will be no Catholic negroes in Mauritius. If Hand sends him two subjects he will receive them free of charge for some months, preferably August to February or March; further re same. 30 July 1842.

86 Anthony Williams (cf. 83 above) jo Murray. He received ?5 sent him by Hamilton from Murray. But what he wants is security to the end

80



of his days. He wants ?1 per week and other moneys which he says are due to him. If he does not get this he will go to the London Times and tell all he knows of the Dublin priests. He lists several 'scandals' in a blackmailing letter; no one knows of this letter save himself and Murray. If his demands are acceded to he will become 'as harmless as an innocent lamb'; otherwise -! 4 Aug. 1842.

87 Documents forwarded to Murray by the American Colonial Association of Ireland, in connection with shares in same. These in

clude receipt, report for 1842, request for extra payment, and share application form. Aug. and Sept. 1842.

88 Fr John Grant, P.P., Wicklow, to Fr Roche, P.P., Bray. He bought no

horse; it cost him ?3.10 going to fairs etc; he now will wait to get one at home but it is a poor chance. They were in Dunlavin one

night, Rathdrum the next; his horse suffers from the collar and is now unable to work. Roche, if he goes to Castledermot (horse fair) should buy a couple at least, now that he is adept at horse-trading.

He hopes to visit Roche next week. He wishes he would pay postage of letters when he writes. 8 Sept. 1852.

89 Sister Mary England, Cork, to Murray. They have to sell some

property which is in the names of Murray, Jane Waters and herself. She has been advised in this by the bishop and her solicitor. Note from Dr Murphy approving of the measure, is inscribed on the letter.

8 Sept. 1842.

90 Letter mentioning the provisions of a will of E.L. Murphy, made on

8 February 1842, with list of charities she wishes Murray to allocate

sum of ?55 to. Attached to this is a letter from E.L.Murphy at the

Ursuline Convent, Bernay, France, to Murray asking him to remind

Mr Curtis to forward her money due to her early in October to be

paid through Madame Callaghan's bank (widow of Luke Callaghan). The writer leaves for Paris 6 October. There are no English-speaking

priests in Bernay which is inconvenient. (A note at foot of letter; V.

Balcher acknowledges receipt of ?4 for Miss Murphy.). 23 Sept. 1842.

91 Anthony Williams to Murray (cf. 83 and 86 above). He apologizes for the tone of his last fetter which was written in anger and despera tion. He is now destitute again and asks for a few pounds. 19 Oct.

1842 (Written from 12 Sand ford Street, Cheltenham).

92 -

Aubcrl, to Murray. From St Mary*.. College, Youghal. He thanks

Murray for all his goodness and tells of their reception by Dr

Murphy, bishop of Cork. Due lo Murray's letter of recommendation

they were well received by Murphy who promised lo speak of them

at the next meeting of the Irish bishops. He hopes thai Murray will

also mention them and their work to Ihe bishops. Since Murray has

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always been so devoted to Our Lady he will surely help to found in

Ireland the society dedicated to her Immaculate Conception. 4 Nov.

1842.

93 B. Kirby, Richmond Female Penitentiary, Grangegorman Lane, to

Murray. The writer has been interviewed by Meyler; He/she has been

compelled to appeal to the Irish people under circumstances later

to be explained to Murray. The resultant funds will be handed to

him to enlarge the Victoria, Donnybrook and Stanhope Street or

other asylums. 10 Nov. 1842.

94 Copy of legal document signed by Myles I. Kelly; a statement re a

small freehold property in Ranelagh of which the legal trustees are

Murray, Edmund Rice and Michael Dunphy. Stating the present

position; rent owed by one tenant etc. 11 Nov. 1842.

95 Mrs Hamilton(?) Annadale Cottage, Dublin, to Murray. Asking him

and the bishops to assist her to publish a book she has been working on for years. Since her husband's death she is in poor circumstances

and sickness, law proceedings, etc have left her penniless. Dr Blake, who knew her when she was a 'Protestant in search of truth' will

recollect her. 12 Nov. 1842.

96 Dr Paul Cullen, Irish College, Rome, to Murray. He thanks Murray and the bishops for ?110 sent him through Dr Kirby. He arrived in

Rome the previous week and found everything in order in the

college; the pope is in excellent health and made special enquiries re Murray to whom His Holiness wishes to be remembered. Franzoni is well but Maii has been very ill all summer and is still absent from

Rome. The pope does not wish to release Mr Russell from the

obligation of going to Ceylon. Russell has probably heard from

Propaganda on the matter by now. Drs Carew and Fennelly seem

most anxious that he should go to Ceylon and it would be desirable to have him there in close connection with these prelates. Dr Barron,

Waterford, has been appointed vicar-apostolic of Liberia and was consecrated by Franzoni in the Irish College chapel on 1 November; he has enlisted twelve Capuchins in Rome to accompany him and is

gone to France and Ireland looking for other missionaries. He will leave for Liberia after Christmas. It is a difficult and dangerous

mission. No one could undertake it better than Barron. The weather is bad in Rome; hailstorms and floods, and the summer, so good in

Ireland, was bad in Italy. He had no news from Malta yet but heard that a coadjutor has been appointed to the archbishop. Dr Hughes

will have told Murray of the violence against the clergy in Gibraltar. 1 Dec. 1842.

/ Miss Mary Edwards, Kirkby, Lonsdale, Westmoreland, to Murray. She enquires about a Mr O'Connor and wishes to know if he is

82



truthful and of a respectable family. She regrets that Mr S.(?) wrote to Murray re O'Connor. She wishes to become a Catholic and hopes

Murray will confirm her. 8 Dec. 1842.

98 Mr Delany, 71 Grafton Street, Dublin to Revd J. Taylor, Carlow

College. He encloses the remaining half-notes of the ?95 sent and is

happy that Taylor is pleased with his account. 19 Dec. 1842.

99 (Enclosed in this is a packet -

copies of legal documents re same

1838-1842) Patrick Morgan, 20 Regent Street, London, to Murray. He is father to the grandchildren of the late Mr Lenehan, Builder, Queen Street, who built the Pro-Cathedral and Townsend Street

Chapel. Though the sum owing on the Pro-Cathedral was paid, there

is ?1,200 still owing for work done on Townsend Street. That last

premises is let to a grocer who is willing to take over the debt, plus interest, and pay the sum to the minors. The writer asks Murray to

use his influence with the Westland Row clergy and have them agree to a composition of the debt in this manner; the money is needed

for the education and maintenance of the children. 21 Dec. 1842.

LOO Fr L. Forde, CC, Westland Row after 1858, to Murray (Maynooth? ? the archbishop died 1852) Re the debt referred to in 99 above;

legally Westland Row may be liable, but not in justice. He laments

Dean Meyler's mania for spending; expresses concern at the con

tinued expenditure and dreads what the parish debt will be at the

Dean's death. Undated but after 1858.

101 Printed tabulated form showing the improved profit of the Mons

Pietatis in Ireland, county by county. A fund for charitable uses, details of which were supplied to parliament as per this document.

1842.

102 Copy of receipts and reimbursements of Dr Burke's rents from

May 1839 to January 1842. No signature.

103 Bundle of parish returns for 1842; reports given to Murray on his

visitation for confirmation. Parishes include Rush, Swords,

Blanchardstown, Maynooth, Rollestown, Baldoyle, Booterstown and

Skerries.

Pastoral

104 Pastoral letter from Murray, announcing a special jubilee of inter

cession for the persecuted church in Spain.. With drections for

gaining the jubilee and a list of public prayers to be said for Spain. 30 Apr. 1842.

105 Circular letter from Murray to parish priests and religious superiors in Dublin; he extends the time for gaining the jubilee indulgence to

June 22. 18 May 1842.

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Irish Bishops

106 Dr G. Browne, Galway, to Murray. He thanks Murray for for

warding ?5 given by a lady for the relief of the poor in Galway.

They are in a bad state, with no employment whatsoever. He asks

Murray to thank the donor. 24 June 1842.

English Bishops

107 Cardinal Wiseman to Murray. He has been asked to recommend

to Murray a Mr Wiseman, a namesake whose brother is a christian

brother in Cork. Mr Wiseman seeks a post as inspector or visitor of

national schools. Cardinal Wiseman has looked into his qualifications

and character which are good;the man seeks this post to enable him

to provide for and educate his children. 5th Sunday after Easter

1842.

108 Dr G. Brown, vicar-apostolic, Liverpool District, to Murray. Writing from Lancaster, he thanks Murray for information sent re the

novitiate terms of the Sisters of Mercy. He also notifies him that

Revd Dr Butler, now left Liverpool for Ireland, is under suspension. Brown has explained the reason for Butler's censure to Franzoni. His

speech, which appeared in the papers, was bad enough, as it was

both false and acrimonious, but Brown had other reasons for sus

pending him. 12 Oct. 1842.

109 Dr T. Griffith, vicar-apostolic London District to Murray. Franzoni

has written Griffith; Propaganda is appointing a prefect apostolic to travel with the Irish and English emigrants to Bolivia; he asked

Griffith to name suitable priests but Griffith has lost priests through death and sickness and asks Murray to recommend someone. Mone

tary provision will be made by the Republic of Bolivia. Griffith is

very pleased with Fr Whitty whom Murray allowed to come to his

district. 16 Dec. 1842.

Foreign Bishops

110 William Walsh (later bishop of Halifax) no address, to Murray. Murray's kind letter has relieved his anxiety; during this interval of

suspense he will pray for guidance as to what he ought to do. 18

Mar. 1842.

111 Same to same. From Paris. He decided that it was better not to

proceed directly to Paris, so he went first to Arras where the cardinal

bishop received him most kindly (on production by writer of

Murray's letter) and gave him letters of introduction for Paris and Rome. He describes his stay in Arras; is now going to a meeting of the Propagation of the Faith in Paris, his case will be considered at the meeting; he has seen letters from Halifax where the news of his

84



appointment seems to have been well received, but his appoint ment has been so singular and all he hears of the deplorable state of

religion in Halifax is such that he expects all will not be plain sailing. He sends good wishes to his friends, Dean Meyler, Dr Yore and Dr Hamilton. 2 June 1842.

112 Same to same. At last he has received letters from Halifax. But none

from Dr Frazer (bishop of Halifax) which means Frazer has deter mined to take no notice of Walsh's friendly and respectful letter. This augurs badly for Walsh's reception by Frazer, though the for mer is going there under obedience, not by personal wish. Frazer got his friends in Antigonish to draw up a hostile manifesto which they sent to Walsh warning him that obstacles and difficulties await him on arrival in the vicariate. All the clergy but two or three signed the

memorial and many lay people, and they are sending a petition to

the pope. Walsh also received a letter from a priest - he says 9 of the

22 priests did not sign the document opposing him and he has no

way of knowing if the signatures (which he lists) are genuine or not ? who did not sign, and who says Walsh's coming will be only just in time to save Catholicity in these islands; he adds that the priests in Halifax are very ignorant; one cannot read, another has never been

to college and was a candidate for episcopal rank. There are districts

150 miles in circumference with one priest for 5,000 or more people and 9 or 10 chapels; these and other deplorable accounts he has re

ceived he thinks she should forward to Rome. The priests allege that

Frazer got no word from Rome of Walsh's appointment. He asks

Murray to advise him in this difficult situation in which he finds

himself. Paris, 20 June 1842.

113 Letter (in Spanish) from Mascarde(?) (signature undescipherable),

probably a Capuchin father to a superior of the order in Rome.

After making enquiries and giving information about letters in transit, he writes a very long letter on the state of affairs in Gibraltar, es

pecially on the conduct of the junta and the hopes he and the Irish

priests have that things will improve with the arrival of the new

governor and election of a new junta. He resumes the letter two days later with an account of the row over burial 4of a Gentile' and the

sacking of the bishop's residence by a mob led by the junta; an Irish

priest acting for the bishop was thrown downstairs and into the

streets, the servants were beaten. The police looked on. When the

Irish priest, Fr T. Dcvereux, went lo the papal consul he could not

gel an interview. He, Fr Felix and a Jesuit Iricd to get into the

church (locked) through (he sacristy but were beaten badly; the

Irish priest had to be bled and is very ill; he is a delicate man. The

writer asks that all this be made known lo Propaganda. 27 and 29

Oct. 1842.

85



114 A letter, in Spanish, from Manuel ., director of church affairs

in Spain, Madrid, to Murray. On 14 November he received a letter

from Franzoni, prefect of Propaganda, recommending that the

Propagation of the Faith, active in Lyons, Dublin and other places, be set up in Spain. The Spanish bishops had sent Mgr Ramon

Montero archbishop of Coria, to Lyons to study the work of that

society and the writer asks Murray if some Irish and Spanish priests could meet to discuss the matter and see how the society might be

established in Spain. 17 Nov. 1842.

115 Mgr William Clancy, vicar-apostolic of British Guiana to Murray. He has learned that Mary Frances, the lay sister who went with the

nuns to Georgetown and who is a relative of one of Murray's do

mestic staff, has been ordered by his (Clancy's) vicar-general to leave

the convent. Mary Frances is now with Mrs Barry, a Catholic lady living near the convent, as a servant. He gives news of the nuns and

their schools and thanks Murray for agreeing to ordain two of his

subjects. 10 Dec. 1842.

France

116 Eliza Fallon, Paris, to Murray. She sends ?10 for the relief of the

present distress in Ireland. 18 June 1842.

117 A. Garibaldi, Paris to Murray (Garibaldi is the internuncio apostolic). Although M. l'abbe Aubert has already recommended the bishops of

Marseilles and Viviers to Murray he wishes to add his own recommen ation also. They are leaving fur Ireland in hopes of finding support there for the society set up by the bishop of Marseilles, which has

proved so fruitful and beneficial everywhere it was established. 1

Aug. 1842.

118 Eliza Fallon (cf. 116 above) to Murray. She encloses a further ?10 for the relief of those in distress in Ireland; she was horrified to read of the violence in Ireland, particularly the murder of Mr Scully. 20 Dec. 1842.

From Lord Clifford

119 Clifford, London, to Murray. He has received an envelope, empty

except for a cutting from The Telegraph, referring to the Killala

diocese controversy. Though unsigned it is evidently by the Hon.

Frederick Cavendish; he sends the slip to Murray; rightly or wrongly he has replied to it (in the paper). He encloses a copy of a letter he is

sending to the vicars apostolic of England, also his coming letters to

Lord Stanley and a translation he is sending to Rome of letters that

appeared in Dublin papers. He adds a copy of an extract from a

86



letter of the Earl of Shrewsbury, reporting a serious allegation brought against Dean Lyons' (Killala) character and with Dr Crolly's refutation of same. 22 Jan. 1842.

120 Same to same. Dr Meyler will probably inform Murray that Clifford has sent a notice to the papers that the second instalment of his letters to Lord Alvanley will not be published until the 10 March.

He writes at length re same which is the last effort he can make, to remove the veil thrown over the pope's eyes by MacHale re the

National Education System in Ireland. He corrects errors he found in

proofs of his letters to Alvanley; these errors were in the proof he sent to Murray. A deceased brother of Clifford's left a watch for

archbishop Kelly; Clifford did not discover this watch or letter until

recently and wants to know what to do re the matter as archbishop Kelly is now dead; he is willing to buy the watch and will send it to

Dublin for valuation, if Murray thinks well. He certainly will not

send it to Kelly's successor (MacHale). 24 Jan. 1840.

121 Same to same. Meyler will by now have delivered Clifford's brother's

watch to Murray. Clifford was disappointed to find Murray absent

from Dublin when he called 20 April; he sends this letter by Mrs

Cull, mistress of the girls' school he has at Conningham; he still

hopes to bring the Sacred Heart nuns from Paris there next year and

give them the house formerly occupied by the O.S.B. nuns now gone to Staffordshire. Two of the Sacred Heart nuns will be in Dublin soon and will call on Murray. His reason for sending Mrs Cull to

Dublin is to let her see some of the schools he himself saw there. He

sends Murray, by her, a gift of a silver medal he has had specially

made, also a lithograph of portion of a letter by the late bishop

Waldron, the original of which Dean Lyons (Killala) took to Rome; he hopes that this will make the truth clear. He puts forward his own

plan for maintaining and 'making amends' to O'Finan; he hopes that the Irish bishops will uphold this. He refers to his letters to

Avanley, copies of which he will send to Drs Kinsella and Ryan as well as Murray, when he hears from the two latter bishops. He

discusses the steps he is taking to clear his late father-uvlaw's

character (Cardinal Acton?) from the unjust imputations cast upon his memory by MacHale in letters to the press. Whatever may be

thought of the pamphlet he has written, no one can accuse him of

being an enemy of Ireland or her Hierarchy. He queries the wisdom

of O'ConneU's move in parliament re Catholic interests in India; this

imposes on himself the necessity ot retiring from the Madura

question. He refers to the Cabul massacre as 'the natural result of

dispiriting Irish troops by refusing them the means of spiritual

assistance.' 29 Apr. 1842.

87



122 Same to same. He was as surprised as Murray to read in the Telegraph that O'Finan was returning to Ireland. Lyons, in his letters to

Clifford from Rome never mentioned the like; but he did inform

Clifford that Propaganda denied ever having written to Dr Feeney about Lyons and the Jordan will case.Fr MacHale is expected in

Rome. He encloses ?10 (see 112 above) which more than covers

the value of the watch. (A note in Murray's hand states that he paid this to J. Kelly on 17 June), undated but before 17 June 1842.

123 Same to same. He encloses a copy of a letter he has written to Revd Mr O'Donnell of Killala diocese, with a copy of O'DonnelTs letter to

him; he gives his opinion as to reports circulated re O'Finan's return to Ireland and comments on Fr MacHale's and Dr Higgins' efforts in

Rome. He himself will now 'keep silent until next March.' 22 June

1842.

124 (Enclosed in the preceding) Copy of a letter sent by Clifford to a

Fr O'Connell, Killala diocese, in reply to one of his. (copies of both

letters are forwarded by Clifford to Murray.) He received O'Donnell's letter informing him that he was the author of the letters which

appeared in the Telegraph, signed Tuamensis, with his request to

Clifford to keep this information 'a sealed secret'. Clifford informs O'Donnell that he is greatly in error if he imagines that this is a

secret; Dr MacHale knows well that O'Donnell wrote them and has sent such information to Rome. He comments on a letter in the

Telegraph, which has not yet reached him, hoping that it contains

nothing disrespectful to the pope's representative and instances the case of Revd Thaddeus O'Meally and his writings in the press. With

regard to O'Donnell's request to Clifford on behalf of an Irish lady to protect her schools from the unsanctified violence of Dr MacHale'

such interference would be most irregular on his part. The report that Clifford *made an abject apology to the Irish bishops' for the

part he took in trying to reinstate O'Finan and alleging that this was

due to being misinformed by Lyons, such a report is absolutely without foundation. 21 June 1842.

Letters from Dr Murray

125 Jottings and figures regarding investments. Jan. 1842.

126 A draft of a long letter to the lord mayor of Dublin (then Daniel

O'Connell). A long letter in reply to an 'important letter' from

O'Connell re a measure contemplated by parliament re marriages of

Catholics. Murray would regard the passing of such an act as a new

penal law and he and the bishops would oppose it determinedly; the

Catholic people would resent it very much; it would lead to irri

tation, confusion and worse. A paragraph on discrimination against Catholics. 15 Mar. 1842.

88



127 Lists of stocks, shares etcc and figures. In Murray's hand. Apr. 1842.

128 Murray to Lord Eliot (copy). A query re a Bill introduced in parlia ment by Eliot regarding the abolition of the death penalty in Ireland, in certain cases. Murray sees a certain ambiguity in one clause of this

Bill which might subject the Catholic clergy to heavy penalties or

harrassment; (the concluding portion of the letter is missing.) Eliot was then chief secretary. 25 May 1842.

129 Lists of stocks and shares, in Murray's hand, also figures. July 1842.

130 Ditto: Bank stock for 1842 July.

131 Ditto: Stocks, etc for October 1842, with figures.

132 Murray to Lord (unnamed). Copy. He thanks him for his letter of

16 December; he explains his intention re a subject mentioned in a

previous letter; he himself is convinced that the legal decision on the matter in question was erroneous and he writes to ask that the executive do all in its power to remedy the evils which 'the unsatis

factory state of the law is but too well calculated to inflict'. 21 Dec. 1842.

133 Printed notice requesting Murray to attend a meeting of the

governors and guardians of Jervis Street hospital, to elect a managing committee for the coming year. Date 30 December 1842. (Date in

body of letter is incorrectly given as 1849 instead of 1842).

134 (On back of preceding) Draft of a letter (French) from Murray to

someone who has been sending money for the relief of the poor in

Ireland, evidently to a bishop whose people have sent large subscrip tions. He thanks him very much; the money sent is not yet ex

hausted; for the future if sending anything further he asks that it be

sent through other hands than his (Murray's). He had the happiness of sending ?10,000 sterling in all for distribution among the people of the distant regions of the country who were perishing of hunger. That took a lot of time, but he enjoyed it. However, because of

pressure of work he is now unable to enter into further corres

pondence in the matter. He begs his correspondent to send the funds

to some other person and also to send them by other means, as it is

difficult to have the bills, as sent, changed in this country. 1842.

From Holy See

135 Franzoni to Murray. Propaganda recently received a petition from

Irish christian brothe

From Holy See

135 Franzoni to Murray. Propaganda recently received a petition from

Irish christian brothers living in Dublin asking that their society in

89



Dublin might be removed from the authority of the superior general

and be completely subject to the archbishop of Dublin. The cardinal

asks why this petition was made and he would like Murray's opinion on same; he adds that Propaganda had not long since received letters

giving the highest testimony with regard to the brothers and their

superior. 15 Jan. 1842.

136 Same to same. Fr Bonaventure, O.F.M., of Dublin, whom Propaganda

recently sent to Palestine as a missionary found the climate un

suitable. It is necessary to choose another from his order to assume

the function of English language penitentiary in Jerusalem, in ac

cordance with a recent decree. This is very urgent as English Protes tant sects are traversing Palestine and Syria, trying to proselytise the

christians, many of whom are Catholics. A 'pseudo-bishop -

an

Anglican', has been appointed in Jerusalem. Propaganda is doing its utmost to see that Catholicism does not suffer in those parts, but a

suitable Franciscan (to which order the care of the holy places is

entrusted) one familiar with Protestant tenets, is needed there at once. Murray is asked to nominate one. 25 Jan. 1842.

137 Same to same. A renewal of Murray's faculties for a further six

years. 17 Feb. 1842.

138 Printed copy of an encyclical of Gregory XVI, asking prayers for

religion in Spain, which is endangered and granting an indulgence to those who join in the prayers. 22 Feb. 1842.

139 A printed copy of faculties for confessors on the occasion of the

indulgence named in the preceding. 22 Feb. 1842.

140 Printed letter from Franzoni to Murray enclosing the two pre

ceding (131 and 132). 26 Feb. 1842.

141 Transcript of a petition by Murray to the Holy See. Father James

Campbell, P.P., St James's, has resigned his parish through age and

infirmity. Murray has appointed Fr George Canavan, P.P., Darnas

town as administrator in St James's and also wishes to appoint him P.P. of that parish, with the obligation of paying Fr Campbell ?75

per annum for life. He also wishes to appoint Fr Patrick Montagu P.P., of Damastown. On same paper a notice stating that Murray's

requests are granted. 6 Mar. 1 843.

2 Covering letter for the preceding. 1 2 Mar. 1842.

r3 Transcript (authenticated by Murray) of a letter sent by Franzoni to Brother Riordan, superior-general of the christian brothers. As

Riordan knows, His Holiness granted a rescript on 7 February 1841

permitting (he brothers to institute in addition to their free schools for the poor other schools in which a modest fee might be charged for people of better means. The pope empowered Murray to grant

90



such permission whenever it seemed opportune and, in this respect only, derogated from the letter Ad Pastoralis of Pius VII (5 September 1820) approving of the brothers and their rule. After the

rescript various pay-schools were opened in Dublin diocese which

promised well both for the education of the pupils and the good of the brothers themselves. His Holiness and Propaganda are most sur

prized to hear that Riordan has recently given orders that these schools be closed down, thus going contrary to Murray's wishes. Franzoni had been instructed by the pope to write to Riordan saying that these schools are to be reopened immediately and Murray's

wishes are to be respected. 21 Mar. 1842.

144 Franzoni to Murray. A covering letter for the preceding which is to be forwarded to Riordan. It is in response to Murray's letter of 12

February 1841 reporting the closure of the schools, and Murray will see from the pope's letter His Holiness' decision on the matter. 21 Mar. 1842.

145 Same to same. Nearly three years ago the cardinal wrote to Murray

asking him to further the cause of Dr Hynes (Corfu) in London. The

matter did not develop as the cardinal had hoped and now Hynes' return to Corfu will be difficult if not impossible. But the matter

cannot be left in abeyance. Propaganda wish to send another bishop, a British subject, as coadjutor to the archbishop of Corfu; unless

this is done he fears the imminent disappearance of the church in - Corfu. Propaganda lately approached the British government

through the mediation of the Austrian government and also asked

Austria to restrain the Greek government from interfering (section of act promising 4la religione Catholica Romana verra specialmente

protetta' is quoted). The matter is of grave urgency and Murray is

asked to contact R. More O'Ferrall, M.P., who may still be in Ireland - if he cannot meet him he is to write to him in England

- and ask

him to take the matter up again with the highest authorities in

London, yet to be prudent, so as not to by-pass the Austrian govern

ment's mediation. If this is not done at once the church in Corfu

may perish. Murray is urged to act quickly and by every means he

can think of so that such a catastrophe may be averted. 23 Mar.

1842.

146 Franzoni to Murray. Since the vicar-apostolic in Bombay asked for

a coadjutor, Propaganda asked the superior general of the Carmelites

for a suitable priest. He mentioned two: the Irish provincial of the

Carmelites and Dr Nicholson now living in Rome. The cardinal asks

Murray lo give his opinion on both the fore-mentioned priests and to

say if there is anyone else suitable from the Carmelites. 22 Mar.

1842.

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147 (Printed) Special faculties for extension of the jubilee indulgence to remote and missionary territories. (2 copies). 22 Feb. 1842.

148 Franzoni to Murray. Grant of a petition for dispensation in a

marriage case (applied for by Fr Henry Young); faculties granted for

same. 17 Apr. 1842.

149 Same to same. A covering letter for the preceding; also a reply from

the Congregation of Rites to queries forwarded by Murray on 16

March. 23 Apr. 1842.

150 Same to same. Commending Bartholomew Woodlock who is now

returning to Dublin on the completion of his studies in Rome. 21

Apr. 1842.

151 Printed certificate from the Franciscan general stating that Murray, his relatives and friends share in the spiritual benefits of the Franciscan Order. 6 May 1842.

152 Franzoni to Murray. Propaganda is pleased that Fr Henry O'Shea,

O.F.M., superior of the Dublin community is willing to assume the

office of penitentiary in Jerusalem; he encloses a letter of appoint ment from the minister general, O.F.M. 12 May 1842.

153 Letter from the OFM minister general referred to in preceding,

appointing Fr Henry O'Shea, penitentiary in the English language at Jerusalem. 4 Apr. 1842.

154 Giovanni Baptista Palma, Rome, to Murray; as Dr Cullen is leaving for Ireland the writer sends this note with good wishes to Murray. 17 May 1842.

155 Franzoni to Murray, asking him to use his good offices, on behalf of the vicar-apostolic in Bombay, with the British government; priests in Goa falsely delated the vicar-apostolic to the London government in order to obtain the expulsion of missionaries sent there by the

Holy See. The appointment of the provincial of the Irish Carmelites O.D.C. as

coadjutor to the vicar-apostolic of Bombay with right of

succession was confirmed by the Holy See and His Holiness: brief for his consecration and letters of appointment will be sent soon.

4 June 1842.

156 Same to same. Propaganda learns that unless an appeal against the

sentence passed on Dr Hughes, vicar-apostolic Gibraltar is renewed

to (he Privy Council before mid-June his sentence will stand, and he will again he subjeel to the difficulties he laboured under before.

Murray is asked to do what he can in the matter; also to recommend

a suitable priest to assist and live with Hughes in Gibraltar. 4 June 1842.

157 Same to same. He forwards the papal briefs and letters of appoint ment for (he Irish provincial of the Carmelites (ODC) who has been

92



appointed coadjutor to the vicar apostolic of Bombay; Murray is asked to give these to him and to confer episcopal consecration on him. Recent reports reaching Propaganda have deplored the lack of

chaplains for Irish soldiers serving in China, India and parts of

Persia; Murray is asked to do his best to spare some priests for these

regions, especially for Hong Kong. Propaganda is doing its utmost to ensure that the British government will place no obstacle against the

sending of these chaplains. 10 June 1842.

158 Same to same. Covering letter for two queries sent by Murray to the Congregation of Rites and that congregation's replies to same.

The cardinal sends this to Murray 'so that you can inform me of the true state of affairs.' 21 June 1842.

159 Same to same. Distressing news has come from Ceylon; the vicar

apostolic has died and difficulties arise there because of the lack of

English-speaking priests. Since there are 125,000 Catholics and 319 churches in this mission the eighteen Goanese priests trained by the

Oratorians of St Philip Neri are quite unable to provide for so many,

particularly in the absence of an interpreter, and they do nothing for the Irish soldiers there. Murray is asked to do all he can to provide

priests for Ceylon. 23 July 1842.

166 Same to same. Some American bishops asked Propaganda to obtain

indulgences from the pope for those who join the temperance

society. Propaganda wishes to have Murray's opinion, also that of

the other Irish bishops. The temperance society seems to require its

members to promise to abstain totally from intoxicating drink and

in such a form that to break the promise would be to incur sin.

Murray is asked to inform Propaganda regarding the society's status

and objectives. 22 Sept. 1842.

161 Enclosed in preceding is the draft of a long reply from Murray to

Franzoni's letter (153) (1) the temperance society founded by Father Mathew, who is called the apostle of temperance, does

require total abstinence from alcoholic drink for life, unless ordered

by a doctor. Members on admission are given a medal; they are con

sidered as relieved from the pledge if they return the medal. Protes

tants and others join. The promise is made on bended knees, often

by immense crowds and in the presence of a priest who blesses them

and usually makes the Sign of the Cross on their foreheads. Though Fr Mathew and others explain that the promise is not a vow, most

people believe that it cannot be broken without fault. Re the

cardinal's enquiry re indulgences: the society has done much to re

form customs and benefit religion but not all can keep so difficult a

promise; all religions join but if it were to be given indulgences it

would then be considered Roman Catholic, which its leaders do not

wish; also non-Catholics would then consider it political and a dan

93



ger to the state especially now when people are politically agitated

(Repeal); it would be inadvisable for the pope to openly patronize

the society which would be the case were to grant indulgences asked;

perhaps they could be granted for America, not for Ireland at

present. But Murray leaves the decision to Propaganda and the Holy

Father. 14 Oct. 1842.

162 Printed list of faculties granted to Dr Charles Russell vicar apostolic

elect of Ceylon. The date is added in handwriting. 25 Sept. 1842.

163 Similar to foregoing but in manuscript. 25 Sept. 1842.

164 Franzoni to Murray. A covering note for the two foregoing and

asking Murray to help Russell's mission in every way he can. 1 Oct.

1842.

165 Same to same. He encloses (not here) a letter written from Gibraltar

on 27 October to the apostolic commissary of the Capuchins in

Rome (cf. 113 above [Foreign Bishops folder] for this letter).

Murray will see from this letter what has been done against the

church in Gibraltar following the refusal to grant ecclesiastical burial

to one who died in contempt of religion. Murray is asked to use his

influence to have the situation in Gibraltar improved. This letter

is accompanied by a short note in English referring to a letter from

Propaganda on 6 August 1842. 17 Nov. 1842.

166 Same to same. The plea of Dr Russell to be excused from assuming office as vicar apostolic of Ceylon, (forwarded by Murray) was given to His Holiness who, however, insists that Russell take up the

charge and asks that Russell be consecrated and set off with his com

panions for Ceylon as soon as possible. 19 Nov. 1842.

167 Same to same. He forwards a petition (not enclosed) which was sent

by the Irish christian brothers asking that certain dispositions be

prescribed concerning their administration which their superior general opposes. Murray is asked to give his opinion on this and to return the brothers' letter with his reply. 29 Nov. 1842.

otters from Rev. Charles Januarius Acton (Roman Agent)

8 Acton to Murray, Announcing that the pope is elevating him to the cardinalate at the next consistory; while the appointment fills

him with confusion he hopes it may enable him to be of more ser vice to religion in England, Ireland and the British dominions every where. Murray is asked to advise how writer may best serve the interests of the church in Ireland. A Maynooth priest now in Rome

(Dr Dineen ?) wishes to attach himself to the cardinal's household and act as his secretary. Before accepting him Acton asks Murray's advice; he wishes to know if this priest is qualified and suitable for such a situation. 13 Jan. 1842.

94



169 Same to same. He renews his intention, mentioned in preceding letter, of doing his utmost to serve the church in Ireland. 24 Jan. 1842.

170 Same to same. He thanks Murray for forwarding the pastoral an

nouncing the extension of the jubilee for the deliverance of Spanish Catholics from the persecution they are undergoing. 16 May 1842.

171 Same to same. Dr Carew, vicar apostolic of Calcutta, has written to him (Acton) asking him to try to obtain some priests for the many Catholic soldiers in the British army now engaged in the war against China. He describes their need of priests and hopes that Murray can find two or three Irish priests who will volunteer for this work.

Writer has also sent a similar plea to Dr Wiseman, but he understands

that, at the most, Wiseman could spare only one priest from the

English mission. Writer told Wiseman to contact Murray re same and Franzoni is also writing with the same request. Murray is asked to use his influence to secure protection, support and salary for the

priests he hopes may be available. Acton renews his thanks for the

pastorals sent. 3 June 1842.

FILE 32/1 DR MURRAY 1843 and 1844

Ordinary

1 Mr Southwell, Mount Dillon (Eadestown-Blessington parish) to

Murray. On behalf of himself, his wife and Mr Rigby. Re the state

ment Murray and Dean Meyler asked him to obtain from the school

teacher at Rathmore, he must decline to do so as it appears to them

that Revd Mr Black is the proper person to do this, as he is in that

area. Miss Long, the teacher had to resign her post as she was passed

by at the communion rail by Fr Archer who abused her predecessor, Miss White, from the altar and she too had to resign. Southwell says that this affair of the schoolmistress is but a secondary consideration;

everyone in the parish complains of Archer's conduct, due to his

unfortunate failing. He lists the main complaints and there are fears

that the children will now be sent to Protestant schools. Archer does

not seem to care what happens to the parishioners, etc. etc. 1 Feb.

1843.

2 Fr O'Reilly, Wellington, New Zealand to Murray (this letter did not

arrive in Dublin until September 1843). The passage was long and

dangerous, with the ship striking a rock off the Cape of Good Hope. He arrived to find no church, no presbytery; he has few Catholics

and has to say Mass in a room in a public house. As he is penniless he

asks that Murray have a collection made for his mission or ask the

Propagation of the Faith to help. The money may be sent through

Bishop Pompalier. He will try to learn the Maori language as there

95



are numbers of them with no knowledge of Christianity. 7 Feb. 1843.

3 M.S. Weyne (?), Mount St Chapel, to Murray. (Very illegible). A long account of his/her misfortunes and a defence against some stories

Murray was told about him. 'I may have been imprudent but not

guilty.' 15 (?) Feb. 1843.

4 J. McAuley (?), Dept of Education, to Murray. A letter of thanks for

Murray's 'undeserved and unexpected kindness'. He hopes his own

future conduct will prove his gratitude. 12 Feb. 1843.

5 Fr Bernard Fitzpatrick, Booterstown (later abbot of Mount Melleray) to Murray, telling him that he wishes to resign as curate, as he feels

drawn to the religious life. 21 Feb. 1843.

6 Francis Grene, Castle ConneU, to Murray. He has been told that

Murray and Mrs Ball (Loreto) have been appointed trustees for the

management of the property in Limerick belonging to his cousin, Miss Eleanor Arthur, also property in Co. Tipperary. He is a tenant

for some of Miss Arthur's land and seeks an abatement of his rent; because of the recent depressed state of agriculture he is obliged to

seek this reduction; he has also written to Mrs Ball asking same. He

encloses a letter from Mrs Catherine Arthur in support of his plea but asks for it to be returned when read by Murray and Mrs Ball.

24 Feb. 1843.

7 Printed notice: a Confraternity of Our Lady was established in the

Pro-Cathedral by Murray; gives it the rules and indulgences. 1 Mar. 1843.

8 Anthony Williams, c/o post office, Walsall, England, to Murray (cf. nos 83, 86, and 91 in File 31/9 for previous letters from same). Another begging letter; he thanks Murray for ?5 sent and explains his failure to obtain work promised in a 'saddlery warehouse'. He is now penniless again but proposes to become a hawker and peddle saddlery goods around the country. He needs money to pay for a

hawker's license and to get started in this; if Murray will help him he

will never again ask him for money, but will endeavour to repay all

Murray has given him. 14 Mar. 1843.

9 Michael O'Brien, North William Street, Dublin, to Murray. A com

plaint against a Fr Murphy of Irishtown who pledged himself as a

priest to pay ?300 to O'Brien as his (Murphy's) sister's dowry. He

has not paid it and the O'Brien's wish to educate their six children

properly; O'Brien brought the case before the vicars general and it is now going before Murray. Murphy is offering ?100 now, which is

most unfair considering all Mrs O'Brien did for him in a matter

Murray knows of. O'Brien is putting the matter in the hands of a

solicitor, but he wishes first to acquaint Murray who will receive the

vicars generals' report today. 20 Mar. I 843.

96



10 Document sent to Murray by John R. Corballis on 25 March 1843. His perusal and suggested amendments in a draft of a deed of trust made by Maria Parker in favour of three Carmelite nuns in St Joseph's, Ranelagh. 25 Mar. 1843.

11 Letter from someone (signature undecipherable) to Murray. He recommends the bearer, a Miss Maguire, about whom he recently spoke to Murray. She faithfully served a family of the writer's con

gregation and he hopes that Murray can do something for her. 29 Mar. 1843.

12a Doctor's prescription signed O'Ferrall stating that it would be

injudicious for His Grace (Murray?) to abstain for two days in suc

cession, or to eat less at breakfast considering the present state of his health. 10 Apr. 1843.

12b Patrick Meade, 8 Upper Ormonde Quay, to Murray. An employee who defrauded him last year has now been appointed clerk of Bridge Street chapel; he has been unable to obtain justice from this man, James Moran, and he now asks Murray to make an inquiry into the

matter. 20 June 1843.

13 E.B. MacLaughlin, St Isidore's, Rome, to Murray. He is back from

Gibraltar where he did what he could, according to Dean Hamilton's

instructions, to mend matters; but Fr Freyre, Gibraltar, kept writing to Rome and gave Propaganda an erroneous Idea of Dr Hughes' situation. Propaganda thinks that Hughes was imprudent and hasty and accuse the writer of inciting instead of checking him. A Spanish student in Rome adds fuel to the fire by intriguing against Hughes.

Propaganda formerly treated the writer favourably but now all

except Cardinal Franzoni treat him coldly. He asks Murray, who

knew him so long in Dublin, to refute this; also, he has been told

that a report is circulating in Dublin that he is the cause of Hughes's misfortunes. He would like this publicly denied. 3 June 1843.

14 Anthony Williams to Murray (cf. 8 above and letters in File 31/9 listed in same). Another begging letter. His work as a hawker has

reduced him to a skeleton and he is again penniless and in bad

health. Five shillings a week would suffice him. He asks for help. 22

June 1843.

15 Robert Ballantyne, Dorset Street, to Murray. He is still unpaid for

work on the portico, Pro-Cathedral, completed two years ago,

though the agreement was that he was to be paid within six months

of completion of work. He asks Murray to see that he is paid. 23

June 1843.

16 Anthony Williams to Murray (cf. 8 and 13 above). As he got no

reply to last letter (13 above) he writes again for some help; other

wise he will die of starvation. 3 July 1843.

97



17 Two printed copies of the secretary's report read at a meeting of the

pro-cathedral parishioners on 9 July 1843. An account of the

finances and sums still owing; parishioners are asked to subscribe to

clear the remainder of debt (?450). 9 July 1843.

18 Anthony Williams to Murray (cf. 8, 13 and 15 above). A similar

begging letter. 21 July 1843.

19 Fr Stephen Walsh, P.P., Corofin, Co. Clare, to Murray. He made

three unsuccessful applications to the National Board of Education.

Because of the success of a school in his parish and increased attend

ances, he applied for a grant to extend, but did not receive same.

The school originally cost the board nothing as it was given free; he

asks Murray to try to secure needed grant for extension. 28 July

1843.

20 Sr M. Jannine (Fannin?), Convent of St Teresa (Carmel) to Murray

asking him to appoint a convenient date and hour for a reception

and profession ceremony, 1 Aug. 1843.

21 Pere des Genettes, Our Lady of Victories, Paris (founder of Confra

ternity of Mary Immaculate, Refuge of Sinners) to a reverend

mother, sending her the act of aggregation to his archconfraternity (for her community). He asks her to translate it and display a copy in a place where all will see it. 7 Aug. 1843.

22 Letter (in French like preceding letter) from someone, signature

undecipherable, to Murray. He regrets having missed seeing Murray when he called; he was informed that Murray would be out of Dublin for 15 days, by which time he himself will be back in Paris. He is leaving two volumes of a set entitled VArt Encyclopedic du XIX Siecle, for Murray's two subscriptions, one for himself, one for

Maynocth College. It is a 15 vol. set and the price of the complete sets (30 vols) is ?12/2/-. Further re same. 17 Aug. 1843.

23 Printed copy of a petition from Rev. Thaddeus O'Malley, late rector of Malta University to the house of lords, protesting against his dis

missal from that office. 22 Aug. 1843.

24 Miller, cure of Y'Zou, Libourne (diocese of Bordeaux) to Dr

Hamilton, the Pro-Cathedral. He has two requests: (1) a nephew of his in Bordeaux Seminary wishes to go to Philadelphia and wishes a letter of introduction to Dr Kenrick or Dr Moriarty from Murray; (2) He would like to be placed (himself) in Dublin diocese; he is now

50, but fears for the future of the church in France. He asks Hamilton to do what he can to obtain these requests for him, 29 Aug. 1843.

25 Copy of a statement signed by 24 parish priests and curates in Fingal area; they agree as to propriety of convening the repeal meeting at Clontarf. A note with this, signed by T.M. Ray, one of the prosecu

98



ted transversers, states that this document is the original requisition for the Monster Repeal Meeting, Clontarf, 8 October 1843, which

was suppressed by the lord lieutenant by public proclamation,

Saturday, 7 October. Fr P.F. Tyrrell, Lusk, a signatory, was indicted

with O'Connell and his fellow transversers. (Undated). (Fr Tyrrell was sent forward for trial but died before it. 4 Dec. 1843. (Cf.

Donnelly Dublin Parishes, Part XVI, p. Ill, also Correspondence of Daniel O'Connell by W.J. Fitzpatrick. (2 vols, London 1888). II, pp.

310-311).

26 Fr Myles Gaffney, Maynooth College, to Murray. Priests from

various parts of the country have been writing to him about the

Sacred Heart devotion and the establishment of the Sacred Heart

Confraternity in their parishes. There is some difficulty re the

indulgences attached to the confraternity. Gaffney thinks that per mission has to be obtained from Rome for this, though bishops can

grant permission to establish the confraternity. Gaffney asks Murray to speak to the bishops about this at their next meeting. 14 Nov.

1843.

27 Anthony Williams (cf. 8, 13, 15 and 17 above) to Murray. He is now

in London and encloses a copy of a petition (shown to no one yet, save Murray), which he is sending to the queen through Lord Marsh.

Williams's brother-in-law works for the queen's saddler; the petition states that the petitioner (Williams) has invented a means of stopping runaway horses whether ridden or harnessed to a carriage; this will save Her Majesty's life and those of her many subjects if accidents

occur; he hopes to be rewarded. His clothes are in pawn and he can

not appear before respectable persons until he redeems them; he asks

Murray for ?5. 28 Nov. 1843.

28 Same to same. Though he promised never again to trouble Murray for money, he is now destitute again, an outcast, his landlady has

given him notice to quit unless he pays 15/- at once. He cannot yet

present his petition to the queen; he has other important discoveries

that may earn money. Unless Murray sends help at once he will starve to death. 16 Dec. 1843.

29 Paper with list of expenditure Female Orphanage, Harold's Cross for

1843. 1 Jan. 1843-1 Jan. 1844.

30 Collection of documents concerning the suppression of O'Connell's

Monster Repeal Meeting at Clontarf. The Government Proclamation; O'Connell's orders to dismantle platform, tents, etc. at Clontarf; his

warnings sent to all places within a thirty-mile radius of Dublin. The

messengers' reports of seeing no copies of the government proclama

tion in several of the places visited (to put up O'Connell's warning). Statements as to the hours of posting (a) the Clontarf Proclamation,

(b) O'Connell's warning, Oct. 1843.

99



31 Parish reports presented to Murray on his visits to parishes for

confirmation in 1843. Included are: Clontarf, Rathmines, Kingstown, Wicklow, Kilquade, Barnderrig, Arklow, Newtownmountkennedy, Rathdrum, Newbridge-Rathdrum, Athy, Castledermot, Dunlavin,

Ballymore-Eustace, Crookestown, Kilcullen, Blackditches, Blessing ton, Saggard-Rathcoole, Sandy ford.

Dr Murray: Pastorals

32 Printed copy of Murray's 1843 Lenten Pastoral Letter. 20 Feb. 1843.

Irish Bishops

33 Dr Kinsella, Ossory, to Murray. Kinsella is sending Fr Birch with a

letter to Mr Grant, Wicklow, on Tuesday. Kinsella thinks Birch a

very good priest despite his French manners. The archbishop of

Bourges was .sorry to lose him, but France did not agree with his

health. Kinsella has refused to attend Mr O'Connell's meeting and

banquet and wrote saying that he was determined to keep clear of

politics. This gave great offence to younger clergy in Ossory, Mr

O'Hanlon's friends. Dr Healy had not the courage to publish a letter he wrote, at Kinsella's suggestion, backing Murray, People urge Kinsella to go away for a few days, but he will not stir even though he must hear the shouts from the banquet. 4 June 1843.

34 Dr Crotty, Cloyne, to Murray. He heard that Murray would be for some days at Maynooth so he delayed sending the order for ?610

which Murray promised to send on to Dr Cullen, Rome; he asks

Murray to acknowledge receipt of same. 12 June 1843.

34a (Note on envelope in Murray's hand states that this was for the

Murray Crotty Burse, Irish College, Rome).

35 Dr Crolly, Armagh, to Murray. As he is beginning visitation of his

diocese, he cannot attend meeting of Maynooth trustees earlier than 19 September. He discusses Fr Renaghan's appointment as head of the Dunboyne House and suggests that he be given a two-month trial

period in that office. Some of the bishops will not like a 19 Septem ber meeting, seeing that there is another meeting in November. 29

July 1843.

36 Dr Kinsella, Ossory, to Murray. He asks Murray to adopt a Fr Purcell, once a professor in St Kieran's, since back in Ferns where he has suffered because he keeps clear of politics. Kinsella gives an outline of Purcell's priestly work, of how he was treated in Ferns, and wishes to recommend him highly. 11 Dec. 1843.

Foreign Bishops

37 Dr Hughes, Gibraltar, to Murray. He sends Murray a copy of the letter he sent to the governor. He writes at length about a Jesuit, Fr

100



Joachim Freyre, who has given him much trouble and has written to

Propaganda making allegations against Hughes. 23 Mar. 1843, from Gibraltar.

38 Fr Clancy, vicar apostolic of British Guiana and parish priest of

Georgetown City to Murray. On arrival in Georgetown he found that Revd J. Kelly, whom he authorized to collect the pew rents during his absence, had left no account of the payments nor any legal power by which Clancy could claim them. He asks Murray to ask

Kelly, through his brother in Dublin dioceses, to pay the amounts at once or Clancy must sue him in the courts which would be painful to Clancy as a bishop and disgraceful to Kelly himself. P.S. Mary Frances Gaynor has summoned the superiors for 150 dollars wages she says are due; the claim was dismissed until Clancy's return on

claim that she was a lay sister, not a servant. He asks Murray to

request Dr O'Connell to transmit moneys due from the Propagation of the Faith. 20 Sep. 1843. (Cf. File 31/9. No. 115).

39 The bishop of Gap. (bishop-elect, then vicar-general) to Murray. (Cf. File 31/9, no. 35). He has heard that the nuns sent to Agra (Tibet) last October are doing well there despite the very hot climate. The

government received them well and has promised to protect them;

already they have had two converts among their pupils. But they

badly need some books for religious instruction in English; he

encloses a list of those required. If Murray will get them and send to

address given, the writer will pay as before. He also heard from Fr

Hand, Dublin Missionary College, who is willing to educate two

priests for Tibet if Murray gives permission; further re same. 6 Oct.

1843.

40 Dr C.A. Reisach, bishop of Eichstadt, to Murray. One Thomas

Michael Gastel, a huckster/innkeeper in the town has written to

Dublin several times in the past for a certificate of his marriage to

Maria Anna Sweetmann in Liffey Street church, 16 June 1825, Fr

O'Connell officiating. He got no reply; now the magistrates will

revoke his licence to trade if he does not obtain this within four

weeks. As the man is in great distress, Reisach asks Murray to do all

he can to have certificate forwarded immediately. 25 Nov. 1843.

41 Charles Forbin-Janson, bishop of Nancy and Toul, to an unnamed

vicar-apostolic in a pagan mission. He writes from Paris. The work

(of the Holy Childhood) which he founded only last May has already

produced results, rescuing abandoned infants and baptizing them in

China and other pagan lands. He encloses documents on the associa

tion and summarizes its aims, allocations made, etc.; he-describes

how the French prelates, including two cardinals have given it appro

val, how the faithful support it, how (he religious and the schools

101



organize and publicize it. His correspondent is asked to list needs in

his vicariate, so that appropriate help can be sent. Although so

recently founded, alms come to the association in abundant measure,

with a promise of even more financial support. The happy suggestion

made by his correspondent (that subscribers might like to have a

rescued infant receive their baptismal name at its baptism), has made

the work even more popular, establishing a link between the bene

factor in France and the unknown and distant brother or sister. He

himself had wished to be a missionary priest, but circumstances

beyond his control made that impossible, so he devotes his final

years to this work. Perhaps, even yet, he may share 'the honour and

the dangers' of missionary life, if only for a few days. 8 Oct./Dec.

1843.

France

42 L.L. tAvitpUy, Paiis, lo Murray. When Murray sends, via Mr Curtis,

the 14 due from Mrs Ball, the writer would be obliged if he would tett Curtis to transmit it in the manner that will cause least delay as it is always most anxiously awaited. 2 Apr. 1843.

43 Same to same. A similar letter. Curtis is often indisposed and his clerks do not forward the money for weeks. The writer asks that Curtis be told this and asked to expedite the payment. 9 Apr. 1843.

44 L.B. Byrne, Paris, to Murray. She has been a governess with the same

family for many years. The daughter of family is now nineteen, and the son, fourteen, is going on to college, so she is unemployed. She is fluent in French, German and Italian and seeks a post, preferably in London. As she has to support her mother she cannot accept less than ?100 a year, but she would welcome a resident teaching post

with the Loreto nuns or some similar order known to Murray. She is also occupied in translating some French and German texts for girls' schools into English. Mr Brady, who could have given her a good reference, has died, but the family she has been with for so long will

supply testimonials that she hopes will be found acceptable. 5 Aug. 1843.

45 E.L. Murphy (cf. 42 and 43 above) to Murray. A lady now on her

way to Dublin will be returning to Paris about the middle of October. The writer asks Murray to have Mrs Ball's money sent to Mr Curtis on 10th; the lady mentioned will call for it on her return journey and bring it to the writer. 23 Sep. 1843.

Roman Agent

46 Dr Cullen, Rome, to Murray. He has nol written for some time as there has been nothing to report. A consistory will soon be held at

102



which four cardinals will be promoted; he names those who are

expected to be promoted. He mentions changes in the personnel of

Propaganda and describes the attainments of Mgr Brunelli, who is

expected to be appointed secretary of Propaganda. No good news

yet from Spain or Portugal; news from Spain most disquieting; but some good has resulted in that Spanish friars who went to Mesopo tamia are reconciling many schismatics there and the Capuchins, also

expelled from Spain, have converted 300,000 Indian natives in

Venezuela. Nine other Spanish missionaries have gone to China.

Things are in a bad way in Nova Scotia; it was well that Dr Walshe was sent there; nothing has yet happened about Ceylon; the pope will not force Mr Russell to go there if he is so disinclined; they will

probably be writing to Murray to send someone instead of Russell.

The Pope is in good health and is urging the completion of the work

on St Paul's Basilica to have it ready for the jubilee (1850), a loan of a million is being raised for that; the building will be a very noble one. Among the many strangers now in Rome is a daughter of the

Emperor of Russia, Princess Leuchtenberg. She was received by the

Pope to whom she gave a letter from her father. He reports on

Dublin students in the Irish College. No one as yet named for

Clogher diocese, but Dr Boylan is mentioned as the most likely nominee. 19 Jan. 1843.

47 Cardinal Acton (Roman agent) to Murray. The O.F.M. provincial in

Ireland, Fr Killian, gave him Murray's letter. The cardinal will do his utmost to help Fr Killian who has been well received by the Francis

can General to whom he confided his project. 19 May 1843.

48 Dr Cullen, Irish College, Rome, to Murray. As the Irish bishops are

to have a meeting soon he encloses the annual report on the college for their perusal. Things are very satisfactory; the students are good but more care should be taken when selecting students for Rome, as

to their attainments and abilities. He thanks Dr Crotty, Cloyne, who

has founded a bourse for students from his diocese; this improves the college's financial position. 17 Oct. 1843.

49 (Enclosed in the preceding). Report by Cullen on the Irish College, Rome, for preceding year. This is a separate report with special mention of Dublin students. All are excellent except one sent by Fr Doyle (Morrison/Harrison) who sings well and is very ingenious but is no student; Cullen thinks he will have to be sent home. David

Dunne from Lismore, sent by Dr Foran to be adopted by some

foreign mission, is so exceptionally good that Cullen recommends

him to Murray for Dublin diocese. The Bologna troubles are over but

some banditti still infest the roads. The Pope is well, now 79, but

suffers more anxiety because of the withdrawal of some of his

subjects. Cullen made mistakes in the list of appointments io



American dioceses in his last letter; he corrects these now. The

bishop of St Louis died in Rome aged 54. Cullen describes this

prelate's work; his loss is greatly deplored. They are on vacation at

Tivoli, but will be back in Rome soon. He forgot to mention Walter

Murphy, a Dublin student; not as good as the others but will prob

ably get through his course. 18 Oct. 1843.

50 Same to same. He thanks Murray for ?145 sent; he cannot sufficient

ly thank Murray for his continuing kindness. He is suffering from a severe headache and cannot write more except to say that the Pope is well and a few days ago told Cullen how very pleased he was with the declaration of the Irish bishops on the pensioning of the clergy. 9 Dec. 1843.

Marked 'More Important'

51 Fr Bernard Fitzpatrick, CC, Booterstown, to Murray (cf. 5 above). Ten years have passed since he first told Murray that he wished to

enter religion. (He became the abbot of Mount Melleray) His desire

is now as strong as ever, so he requests Murray's permission to leave

next Wednesday, as the least inconvenient date. He feels that his

family and others will oppose his intention, so far known only to

Murray and the trappist superior in England. He thinks he has

waited long enough for his desire to be tested. 15 Feb. 1843.

52 'A Parishioner' to Murray. Complaint about arrangements in Kings town parish and about the P.P., Fr Sheridan, who is not anxious

about the outlying portions of the parish or their chapels-of-ease, i.e. Dalkey and Little Bray, nor will he allow his curates who are

zealous men, if not very good preachers, to do their best for these areas. A very long letter; also complaints about the lack of religious instruction for the poorer people of the parish. 24 Mar. 1843.

53 Lord Clifford to Murray. He encloses a copy of an extract from a

letter he has just posted to O'Finan, Killala, in Rome. (Extract:

summary: Lord Beaumont had no authority to make the declaration

in the name of the Catholic peers of England, as reported in the

newspapers. This declaration, made in the house of lords, referred to

Bishop Higgins', Ardagh, speech in Ballina. This was reported in

'Dr MacHale's paper. The Freeman's Journal'. He continues at

length re MacHale, O'Connell and the Repeal movement.) He fore

sees nothing but trouble for Ireland and the church if the policies of

Cardinal Lambruschine continue and if the pope does not intervene

actively. 24 May 1843.

54 J. de Courcy-Laffan, Vichy, to Murray. He congratulates Murray on

his letter to his clergy which was reprinted in Galignani's

Messenger; he Ihinks il will prevent /he clergy from being drawn into

'the politic;'! vortex now prevailing in Ireland.'; repeal of the union

104



would be no remedy for Ireland's grievances. He hopes all the bishops will follow Murray's lead. He will call upon Murray when he is in Dublin at the end of the summer. He has toured the U.S. and the British, French and Spanish West Indies recently but contracted a liver complaint in S. Domingo after a bout of yellow fever which almost killed him; he is now taking the waters and baths at Vichy and finds them beneficial. 'Our mutual friend, Lord Langlesey' is following the cold water system now much lauded in the English press with benefit to his health. 2 June 1843.

55 Mario Torlonia, Rome, to Murray. Murray's letter, sent by Mrs Wolfe, was given to his brother by mistake and he did not receive it until now. He and his wife have invited Mrs Wolfe and her daughter to their home and they will drive them to the campagna; his brother

Alessandro is giving a ball and will invite them. All family are well. He writes a few lines in English at the end of his letter but says he has almost forgotten the language. (This nobleman, when a boy, was brought to London by Murray and left in the care of a tutor to learn English; he and Murray corresponded over the years.) 18 June 1843.

56 Fr Henry O'Shea, Merchants' Quay, to Murray. He thanks Murray for writing; he consents to accepting the office; though feeling unfit for it, the knowledge that Murray supports and protects him, gives him courage. He asks Murray to look over the little book he encloses, this will show the wretched condition of the Merchant's Quay house

and he declares a letter that appeared in the papers false; large sums, one of ?1,200 are now claimed; there is no proper account of ex

penditure and all the leases are in Fr Murphy's name;he is the legal

possessor and if he died things would be in a sad way; it is well that

the affairs of the order are now in Murray's hands. 14 July 1843.

57 C. W. Russell, Liverpool, to Murray. As someone is leaving for

Ireland he encloses a letter entrusted to him in Rome by Ab. Palma

for Murray; otherwise he would wait and deliver il in person. He

gives news from Rome which he left on 3 July. The pope was in ex

cellent health; he reports on a conversation he had with the Holy Father concerning events in Ireland (Repeal?); he also mentions the

appointment of a priest of St Philip Ncri's order in Ceylon; all the

priests there arc of that order. It seems certain now that Dr McNally will be appointed to Clogher, as perhaps Murray has already been

informed. Franzoni sent best wishes to Murray. So do Cullen and

Kirby whom the writer met the other evening, 3 Aug. 1843.

58 Fr James Maher, P.P., Carlow-Graiguc, evidently to Dr Cullen,

Rome, his cousin. (He is in Liverpool and gives news of the Cullen

and Verdon relatives there). He thinks thai (he Mercy nuns took on

too much in attempting lo round Ihroe houses at the same time, one

105



in Pittsburgh. He went to see the house they have bought in

Liverpool and thinks the price too much and the accommodation

wretched. 'If the inmates of the poorhouse had not better accom

modation, they might justly complain of being ill-treated.' He writes

at great length on the Repeal movement which he praises; he thinks

that the bishops and clergy not in favour of it are prudent in not

saying anything to oppose it. He cannot sufficiently praise the good Fr Mathew's temperance movement is doing and he gives details.

He also discusses economics, the lessened demand for cattle which

means a ruinous price for farmers, etc. 25 Aug. 1843.

59 Fr RJ?. Cooper, one of the Pro-Cathedral priests, to Murray. Dr

Hamilton told him that Murray was mortified to read in the news

papers that he and a fellow curate in the cathedral figures among 'the list of agitators at the dinner in Tara.' (after the monster

meeting). He and his companion were not at the dinner; they were

at the meeting and went there simply out of curiosity and stood on

the edge of the crowd. Later he approached the editor of the paper and asked that their names not be given;but due to some error, they

were named as being present at the dinner, though then far from

Tara. He apologizes and deeply regrets the mortification caused

Murray by his action, which he would, if he could, now recall; 28

Aug. 1843.

60 i4wr/-Repeal poster, sent by one J. Byrne to Murray with a note

telling the archbishop that as soon as those who produced it posted it up it was torn down and they themselves threatened with death

if they dared to post it up again. 1843. (The poster is signed

Candidus Verax)

Dr Murray

61 Maria O'Reilly, 120 Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, to Murray. She bequeathed ?1,000 and ?700 to the secular clergymen's common

fund (clergymen of London District), but now wishes to change that in favour of her compatriots. She wishes to be informed how

this can be effected. She is now aged and in bad health; she is the

only surviving daughter of Matthew O'Reilly, Francis Court, Francis

Street, Dublin who died in 1785 and she has lived outside Ireland

since 1797. Her wish is that whatever she has should benefit her own

country and countrymen.4 Jan. 1843.

62 Rev. H. Huddon lo Murray. Writing from London (in French) he

says thai he sends a letter from Mgr Pic of Montreal; this he meant

to deliver in person hut he is on his way to Rome and will not visit

Ireland until he is returning from there. Pie enquires re the Christian

Brothers of Waterford; the writer visited them in Liverpool when

passing through. The superior there told him that the best way to

106



obtain brothers for Montreal would be through Murray, so he asks

him to write to Brother Riordan, Mount Sion, Waterford, asking for

two or three brothers to come to Canada next summer and state

what is required for their establishment there. When Murray has

Riordan's reply he would greatly oblige by forwarding same to the

bishop of Montreal. By Pie's letter Murray will see that before the

writer left Montreal he met Mr Hughes whom Murray sent, a very

promising young man; he will be a great help to the many Irish in

Montreal and its surroundings. 16 Jan. 1843.

63 Fr Whelan (an order priest from Dublin) to Murray. He is on his way to Bombay to which diocese he has been appointed coadjutor. He

fulfilled the commission entrusted to him by Murray re the Irish

Sisters of Charity. He encloses rescripts conferring the degree of

Doctor on Fr Laphen and the P.P. of SS. Michael and John's; he

requested this in return .for many kindnesses received from these

priests and trusts that Murray will not regard it as an interference

in diocesan affairs. He gives news from Rome: the consistory at

which new cardinals are to be named: new appointments in

Propaganda; difficulties in the mission in India, e.g. Goa, where the

clergy cling to privileges they obtained under an early concordat, the visit of English vicars-apostolic to Rome etc. etc. 16 Jan. 1843.

64 A copy of a letter from Murray to Dr Crolly, Armagh. He feels

highly embarrassed by a letter just received from Propaganda re the

election of candidate for Clogher diocese. He quotes the relevant

passage from the Propaganda letter (in Latin): Propaganda, queries the bishops' recommendation of Dr Boylan for the Clogher vacancy;

granted that he is of noted '/eal with 30 years' pastoral experience, age 60; his piety and skill as a theologian and preacher are conceded, but he does not seem to compare with the other candidate, recom

mended by almost all the Clogher clergy, Dr McNally. The latter is

55 and Propaganda learns that he is one of the foremost Maynooth

professors and has a reputation throughout Ireland for his learning; his piety is also well attested. Propaganda knows that McNally is

opposed to the National System of Education, but this would be no

reason for the bishops to oppose his candidature. Murray is asked to

think the matter over and let Propaganda know his opinion. Con

tinuing his letter to Crolly, Murray asks him to advise him how to

reply; Murray would not be surprized but that the old Bishop (of

Clogher) had prompted this letter from Propaganda. 17 Feb. 1843.

65 Fr Daly, Barnadcrrig, to Murray. He cannot see Murray on I6lh be

cause of the marriage of a parishioner at which he is to officiate; he

will call later, 17 Feb. 1843.

66 Murray to Dr Crolly, Armagh. Referring lo his of the previous day

(cf. 64 above). He suggests a possible way of answering Propaganda's

107



letter, if Crolly thinks the suggestion a good one; but if he does not think well of it he is to discard the suggestion. 18 Feb. 1843.

67 The Austrian minister, Baron de Neumann, Ch and oshouse, London, to Murray. Baron de Brady, in his will, bequeathed a large sum to the military academy in Vienna, stipulating that the Catholic

archbishop of Dublin be asked to nominate an Irish-born Catholic

boy of good character for education in that academy. If the arch

bishop could not avail of the bequest his right of nominating a boy would revert to the Emperor of Austria who would have the right to

choose the son of an Austrian officer of Irish descent or, failing that, the son of any Austrian officer. The place in the military academy

will be vacant on 1 October next and Murray's candidate, if he has

one, should arrive in Vienna end of August. The academy is under the direction of the Archduke John of Austria and the boy is not to be under thirteen or over fifteen years. After six years military and

ordinary education in the academy he will be commissioned as an

officer in the Austrian army. All his expenses, travel from Ireland,

clothing etc. will be provided for and he will receive 10 florins a

month pocket money. Murray's reply to this letter will be forwarded to the Austrian government. 4 Mar. 1843.

68 (Enclosed in the preceding) Draft of Murray's reply to the foregoing. When replying earlier to Baron de Neumann Murray expressed the

hope that he would soon be able to nominate a suitable candidate

for the vacant place in the engineers academy in Vienna to avail of

the de Brady bourse. He now has a very suitable youth, Mr J.R.H.; he describes this boy's qualifications. The boy will be sent to Vienna to arrive there at the end of August, as requested. Murray is grateful

for the ambassador's trouble in this matter and will await any further instructions re the matter. 25 Apr. 1843.

) Letters from Scotland

69 Fr Brenner, Paisley, Scotland, to Murray. Thanking him for ?5 re

ceived, and for a previous ?5, both sent for the relief of distress

among his people. He apologizes for not acknowledging the first

donation, but he was besieged by hundreds of starving people; he

fed 1,200 of them and bought shoes and stockings for 100 children.

He hears that he may be summoned to London to report to a select

committee of the House of Commons on the distress in Paisley. 19

Feb.1843.

70 Same to same. He acknowledges a further donation of ?4 odd. His

congregation prays for Murray. 25 Feb. 1843.

71 Same to same. Acknowledging a further donation of ?4.10. He

spoke to his people and asked prayers for Murray. 27 Feb. 1843.

38



71A Fr John Carolan, Paisley, to Murray. Fr Brenner left for London to

give evidence about the distress. Carolan acknowledges ?17 sent by Murray. He is very grateful. 4 Mar. 1843.

72 Same to same. Acknowledgment of a further sum of ?1.10. 13 Mar. 1843.

73 Comte de St Prieuz(?) London, to Murray (cf. 21 above) He was

assured by the French bishops that the Irish prelates would en

thusiastically support him in his promotion of his company's

Encyclopedic du XIX Steele. As he has not had any reply from

Murray he thinks he may have omitted his London address from his

last letter. He now supplies it and will be surprized if Murray does

not subscribe to the volumes. 27 Feb. 1843.

74 Fr Matthew Keogh, SS. Michael & John's, to Murray. As the feast of

St Martin, martyr, occurs in the Roman breviary on 12 November, but in the Irish calendar, was permanently transferred because it

coincided with the feast of St Livinius, he draws Murray's attention

to two extracts (in Latin) which indicate that the feast of St Martin, martyr, should be on 16 November and it was always held on that

date up to 1818 or 1819. He only wishes to point this out to Murray. 21 Apr. 1843.

75 Dr Miley. ProCathedral staff, to Murray. Concerning a newspaper re

port which Murray said was a bad one and which Miley agrees was

wretchedly bad; he tells how he told the editor that it was more

of a caricature than a report. He searched everywhere but cannot

find the 'ill-starred production' in which he (Miley) is supposed to

have regretted that the government put down the Young Ireland

revolt. He never made such a remark. He denounces the whigs as

anti-Catholic. A deputation is being sent to England to seek aid;he has been asked to go but he wishes to know if Murray approves of

his going with the deputation. 9 May 1843.

76 W. Dyott, secretary of the Irish Universal Suffrage Association, to

Murray. Because of the word Mediator occurring in Murray's letter

of 1 May the members of his association think the former letter they sent him was not sufficiently clear. They did not intend that Murray should mediate or meet O'Connell at ali; they simply wish to state

facts they think Murray and the hierarchy should be made aware of, before these facts are published. They will send the paper, or a de

putation, to His Grace - whichever he wishes. 6 June 1843.

77 Mr (Fr?) Mulholland, to Murray. Dr Murphy of Cork is to inter

cede with Dr Crolly for him (Mulholland). He thanks Murray for his

good offices in the case and apologizes for his past conduct. 9 June

1843.

109



78 Two newspaper cuttings re Bernard Kirby: (1) his letter to Lord

Beaumont who suggested that the Catholic clergy should be re

cruited only from 'the wealthy merchant, the fat grazier, the am

bitious though impoverished lord.' Kirby vehemently rebukes

Beaumont, 21 August 1843. (2) Mr/Fr Kirby at a public meeting in 1843 denounces the practice of leaving ships transporting convicts

to Van Diemen's Land without chaplains for the felons, all Catholics.

79 More O'Ferrall at St Leonard Von-Sea, to Murray. He will do his ut

most to effect the matter Murray referred to in his letter. He sug

gests how best to approach Lord Stanley re this. 2 July 1843.

80 Same to same. A copy of a letter addressed to Lord Stanley, H.M.

secretary of state for the colonies, enclosing to him a letter addressed to Murray by the cardinal-secretary of Propaganda re the Catholic church in Corfu. The writer (More O'Ferrall) recalls to Stanley a

former request made through him by Murray asking him to intervene

with the senate in Corfu to end the persecution of Catholics. He

regrets that Stanley's reply at that time did not hold out much hope of redress, mentioning as it did, the Greeks' intention of appro

priating the Latins' property and the unwillingness of Britain to

infringe the terms of their treaty with Greece. The writer sees the force of Stanley's argument and his assurance that such was the final

word on the matter. He now has a different request: he claims pro tection for a clergyman selected by the Holy See to act as coadjutor bishop of Corfu; this does not mean state dignity or money, but

merely protection and a letter to the governor stating that the

bishop is proceeding to Corfu with Stanley's knowledge and assent

and is entitled to his (the governor's) protection. 20 July 1843.

81 W./P. Kelly, (writing from London) to Murray (in French) He has sent ?100 c/o of a Jesuit priest to Murray to pay the passage of two

priests for Canada. He asks if Murray has received this and if he will send a line acknowledging same to the writer c/o Messrs Robert

Simple & Co. Liverpool. 30 July 1843.

82 More O'Ferrall at St LeonardVon-Sea, to Murray. He encloses a

copy of the letter he sent to Lord Stanley (cf. 80 above). More O'Ferrall also saw Lord Glenely who thought that the Corfu Catholics were being badly treated and was to see Stanley to try to

get him to change his mind. More O'Ferrall also saw Stanley before

leaving London and urged him to give the matter full consideration.

Stanley said that he has written to Corfu and^when he hears from there will reply. More O'Ferrall thinks that his reply this time may

be more favourable. He then refers to a meeting in Kingstown as

reported in the press and Fr Kirby's accusations against him (cf. 78 above); the same was reprinted in Sydney newspapers; this is

becoming very serious and is injuring his reputation; he knows that

Murray acted before about this but he must now ask him again or he 110



will be forced to take legal action for defamation of character. He thinks, from Kirby's letter in The Nation; 26 August, that Kirby is insane; if that is so, he asks Murray's advice on what to do. He cannot

imagine why Kirby chose to attack him; he never met him, never did him or any friend of his either a kindness or an injury. More O'Ferrall thinks that Murray has been calumniated by Lord Brougham who said that a Catholic prelate had told him that while the Catholic

clergy of Ireland could not accept a pension openly it could be

managed otherwise, others in the house repeated this and stated that the prelate in question was Murray. Murray should take steps to have this denied next session as there is a movement afoot to pay pen sions to Catholic clergy. 30 Aug. 1843.

83 Murray to a Fr Carey (copy) Murray has heard that the conference

presided over by Carey has been converted, under Carey's guidance into 'a kind of political club' even though some members have pro tested. He hopes that this is not the case; he also hopes that Carey

has not concurred with the circular addressed to the clergy as to their conduct next Sunday (the Repeal meeting) 3 Oct. 1843.

84 Anthony Williams, London, to Murray (cf. 27, 28 above and others referred to in them, and the preceding files). A further begging letter; this is definitely his last 'as a delightful horizon is opening

up'before him. 6 Oct. 1843.

85 Letter from a penitent making an appointment with Murray re a

confessional matter. 1843.

To Rome

86 Draft of letter from Murray to Fr Jose Maria, minister general of the

Franciscans (cf. 89 below). A reply to Jose Maria's letter of 7

January 1843 (89 below). Murray gives his account of the dif

ferences between the Franciscans of Merchants' Quay and asks that

the minister-general be more lenient with the guardian in the in

terests of peace. 28 Jan. 1843.

87 Copy of a letter from Murray to Franzoni. He received the cardinal's

letter of 4 February 1843 and he undertakes the task set him,

though it is very much against his inclination. The Clogher clergy, in

assembly to recommend a coadjutor for their bishop, almost un

animously voted for Dr McNally, a Maynooth professor who they

praised highly for his learning etc.; but the bishops of the province,

including the bishop of Clogher, voted for Dr Boylan as most suited

to remedy the ills of Clogher diocese. Murray thinks the bishops' views are more objective and that their opinion should be accepted rather than that of a clergy in great need of reform; he also thinks

that the Clogher priests greatly exaggerated McNally's reputation for learning, no colleague of McNally in Maynooth would agree with

111



them; he is pious and learned but definitely not the 'greatest theolo

gian in Maynooth and all Ireland'; he also lacks certain qualities desirable in a bishop and is a poor preacher. Boylan, though almost

unknown to Murray, is possessed of all the necessary qualifications, so Murray hears; and his exact observance of church discipline make

him suited for Clogher diocese. Murray thinks he must be preferred to McNally. 27 Feb. 1843.

From Rome

88 Franzoni to Murray. This is the letter referred to in 64 and 87 above, is a reply to it. It concerns the Clogher appointment. Propaganda is

surprized that the bishops of Armagh Province should have re

commended Boylan in preference to McNally, in view of the latter's

qualifications as theologian, etc. and Murray is asked to give his con

sidered opinion on the matter. 4 Feb. 1843.

89 Fr Jose Maria O.F.M. of Alexandria to Murray (referred to in 86

above) a long account of the dissensions in Merchants' Quay, of how

the guardian treated Fr John Murphy, despite an obedience sent by the writer; 'handed him over to the civil guard who threw him into

gaol from which a Dublin printer bailed him out on payment of

5,000 golden sovereigns.' The guardian, abetted by the provincial, still refuses to re-admit Murphy; Fr J. Maria wants the guardian sus

pended and excommunicated for his impudent refusal to obey his

superior and for the scandal given - 'even the Protestants were

amazed', and canon law was flouted. 7 Jan. 1843.

90 Same to same. He received Murray's (86 above). He repeats some

accounts that have reached him of the rows in Merchants' Quay. He

still holds that the guardian and the provincial are gravely at fault in not obeying his (the writer's) express orders, and for handing Fr John Murphy over to the city guards, they pleaded that they did

this simply to frighten Murphy and prevent his return to their com

munity (He had been living with the Carmelites). At Murray's re

quest the minister-general is withdrawing his sanctions but as

authority must be obeyed he requires the guardian to be punished and suspends him until he obeys these two orders: (a) that Murphy be received in the community as a brother (b) that he send a letter of apology and humble obedience to the minsiter-general. Murphy has been highly recommended by vicar apostolic, Dr Hughes (Gibraltar); and the Morning Register and Freeman's Journal have

highly praised his work for Merchants' Quay; his re-admission would restore peace there but if he proves an obstacle to peace the writer

must make other arrangements. 12 Feb. 1843.

91 Franzoni to Murray. A covering letter with faculties to dispense Brother Joseph Naghten from his vows in the christian brothers so

that he may return to aid his parents. 13 Feb. 1843. 112



92 Same to same. Dr O'Connor lately vicar apostolic of Madras but

retired and living in an Augustinian monastery asks that the 230

Roman scudi which Propaganda was to send him - the second half

of his pension for June and July - be sent to him now to provide

for his needs. Dr Fennelly (who succeeded O'Connor in Madras) was

to forward that sum to Propaganda, but they have not received it

yet; Murray is asked to pay O'Connor the equivalent of that sum in

sterling to save Bills of Exchange; meanwhile Propaganda will trans mit the amount in scudi to the account of the Irish College Rome, if this is agreeable to Murray. 18 Feb. 1843.

93 Same to same. Faculties for Fr James Monck, St Audeon's parish

priest, to erect the Stations of the Cross in his church. 5 Mar. 1843.

94 Same to same. Thanking Murray for paying the ?25 to Dr O'Connor;

they have paid the equivalent to the Irish College, Rome (cf. 92

above). Fr Angelus, a Dublin Capuchin, in secular life Thomas Power, has applied for missionary work. Murray is asked to give references of his qualifications. 31 Mar. 1843.

95 Fr Jose Maria, O.F.M. minister-general to Murray (cf. 86 and 90

above). He thanks Murray for his work in bringing about peace in Merchants' Quay. The guardian has made humble submission and is now reinstated in all his rights. 13 Apr. 1843.

96 Franzoni to Murray. Dr Carew, vicar-apostolic of Bengal has asked

for a coadjutor and recommended Walter Lee, a relative of Drs

Carpenter and Murray, as pious learned and of outstanding qualities, to Propaganda. Murray is asked to inform Propaganda if Lee, in

event of being chosen as coadjutor of Bengal, would be willing to

accept. 29 Apr. 1843.

97 Fr Jose Maria, minister-general, O.F.M., to Murray, (cf. 86, 90, 95 above). Now that his own authority has been recognized by the

reception of Fr John Murphy in Merchants' Quay, the writer is

placing Murphy once again in the hands of the OFM provincial so

that he can send Murphy to any house in the province he thinks fit.

11 May 1843.

98 Cyrill. Alameda y Brea, archbishop of Cuba, to Murray commending and introducing Fr Joseph Killiam, O.F.M., whom the archbishop came to know in Spain when he (the archbishop) was formerly

Minister-general of the Franciscans. 12 May 1843.

99 Giovanni Baptista Palma to Murray. Greetings and good wishes, sent by Fr Charles Russell who is returning to Dublin. 3 July 1843.

00 Franzoni to Murray. Propaganda has this day sent letters to Dr

McKernan of Clogher informing him of the appointment of Fr

Charles McNally as his coadjutor with right of succession. Murray's

113



letter of 27 February was received (cf. 87 above). The cardinal

assures Murray that his opinions were not disregarded. McNally was

appointed because (a) Murray testified to his piety and learning;

(b) the Clogher clergy asked for him; (c) two bishops of the northern

province who had at first favoured Boylan subsequently changed in

favour of McNally and (d) the bishop of Clogher requested him.

19 Aug. 1843.

101 Same to same. The vicar-apostolic of the Cape of Good Hope wants

missionaries for the Kaffirs who are very ignorant of the christian

religion. Murray is asked to recommend any priests who would be

suitable and willing to undertake this mission; they should be British

subjects. 27 Sept. 1843.

102 Fr Jose Maria, Minister-general OFM to Murray. He received Murray's dated 28 July and thanks him for his care re the choice of president for the OFM provincial chapter. Since, however, Fr O'Shea did not

put the chapter into effect but dissolved it without canonical

authority and since Murray did not suggest any course of action to

be taken, the writer has appointed a new president so that the chap ter may be re-assembled. 8 Oct. 1843.

103 Printed and manuscript. Plenary indulgence is granted to Irish Fran

ciscan nuns and those staying in their convents twice weekly and for

certain feasts. 25 Nov. 1843.

103A Printed and manuscript. Same to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart for

certain named feasts. 26 Nov. 1843.

1844

Ordinary

104 T. Mailey to Murray reporting on his visits to the Dublin Union with lists of patients he interviewed there; the Catholic chaplains visit the

infirm wards in the hospitals only once or twice a year and to the

dying; the patients, therefore, receive no religious instruction or con

solation. 7 Jan. 1844.

105 Alice Scully to Murray. Writing from Mount Carmel, Darlington, she states that she spent three years at Princethorpe but found the Benedictine rule, especially choir, beyond her ability. She visited

Darlington Carmel and has been two years there and is now accepted for profession. She describes her life there. 11 Jan. 1844.

106 E. Lucas, under-secretary, to Murray. The lord lieutenant asks if

Murray is willing to accept the appointment of a governorship of

Richmond Lunatic Asylum. 6 Feb. 1844.

107 Same to same. The lord lieutenant has signed an order of council

appointing Murray a governor and director of the Richmond Lunatic

114



Asylum; a copy of the order has been sent to the manager. (This letter is enclosed with the preceding and is a reply to one Murray

wrote on 7 February). 28 Feb. 1844.

108 Tredenhuth and Co. (?) London to Murray enclosing a bill for ?10 from Dr Carew, Calcutta. (A note at end of page in Murray's hand states that the draft was handed to Dr Olliffe at His Lordship's re

quest on 28 February.) 10 Feb. 1844.

109 Sir John Franks, St Bridget's, Dundrum, to Murray, enclosing ?50 for the collection to be made on 25th; he asks for his name not to be published. 23 Feb. 1844.

110 Copy, (torn and faded) of a letter in Latin to the Pope from Clemens

Manzini, Bishop of Cuneo (Italy). A petition that the Immaculate

Conception of Our Blessed Lady be defined as a dogma. 25 Feb. 1844.

111 More O'Ferrall, MP. London, to Murray. He wrote to Dr Nicholson, informing him that he had sent the papers to Murray and giving the reasons for this. He advised that Dr Griffiths apply to Lord Stanley himself; More O'Ferrall is on no terms with Stanley since his im

pudent letter so he might yield to Griffiths whereas he certainly would not to him. He writes at length on the question then at issue,

pensions for the clergy; advises the course he thinks Murray should

take. 27 Feb. 1844.

112 Another begging letter to Murray from Anthony Williams, in Golden

Square, London, (cf. 84 and others above) He encloses a letter he had from the Duke of Wellington; he has another wonderful in

vention that will astonish Europe if only he had the money to make a model of it; Murray is asked to help, as he is starving. 16 Mar.

1944;

113 Dean Lyons, Killala diocese, to Murray asking advice. He encloses

documents; a decree which he received from Propaganda in his

favour; a letter he addressed to Dr Feeney re same (to which he

received no answer); and the statutes and the resolutions referred to

in the letter. When he arrived in Dublin from Italy he heard that C.

and O'D. had been removed from the administration of his parish; he was glad and looked forward to peace in Erris, but when he re

turned home he found that Feeney had placed the two gentlemen in

an adjoining parish which enables them to keep in constant touch

with the factions, including O'lVs relations which they organized

before, thus frustrating Propaganda's decree; worse still, Feeney ap

pointed two curates in Hrris who are notorious pnrlizans of Coslclloe

and Flannelly,'authors of all the confusion and scandal that have for

years disgraced Killala diocese. These two are agitators and know

more of politics than christian doctrine; they further the schemes of

1 15



C. and O'D. and the dean is treated as an intruder in his own parish.

He brought all this to Feeney's notice, but in vain; he seems deter

mined to reduce Lyons to abject poverty because he appealed to

Rome against his decision. How his creditors have come down on

him; his only alternatives are to sell his furniture and books or to

accept a loan proffered by Lord Clifford; he cannot accept the latter

as he would have no prospect of paying it off, now that two-thirds

of his parish income will be lost to him; so he intends to auction his

effects on 1 May, unless Feeney does him justice before then.

Feeney's chief advisers are Frs Costelloe and Flannelly, the cause

of all the Killala diocese's troubles. 17 Mar. 1844.

114 E. Lucas, under-secretary, to Murray. The lord lieutenant wishes to

place at Murray's disposal the appointment of an R.C. chaplain to

Smithfield prison which is due to be opened for the reception of

convicts on or about 1 April. His Excellency further requests Murray to name a fit person for that office whom he will immediately

appoint. 22 Mar. 1844.

115 (Enclosed in preceding) Same to same, acknowledging Murray's

reply to the foregoing and informing him that the lord lieutenant has

appointed Revd John Keating as Roman Catholic chaplain to Smith

field prison, as requested by Murray. 27 Mar. 1844.

116 Lord Clifford to Dean Lyons, Erris (copy). He replies to three pre vious letters of the dean. Cardinal Acton (Rome) will hardly do any

thing as he is short of funds; (this in relation to Lyons' debts). Clifford's brother, an O.S.B. priest in Mauritius, died suddenly re

cently; he died of a broken heart caused by the differences between his sister, a nun, and her superiors. Clifford's son became very 01 and

was in danger of death until last Thursday; the skill of the medical men and the constant care of the sick man's sister helped his cure.

Because of all these events Clifford is overwhelmed by corres

pondence and can write only late at night. Re Lyons' earlier letter he advises on some points, no use quoting him (Clifford) in Rome where so many misjudge him; he has retired completely into private life. The concluding pages (illegible) treat of Lyons' financial diffi culties and Clifford's offer to help re same. 24 Mar. 1844 (This copy

was addressed to Murray.)

117 More O'Ferrall, M.P., to Murray. Writing from London he relates how he spoke to Lord Spenser in the presence of Lord Duncannon, re Lord Brougham's assertion that Spenser had told him Murray was

agreeable to receive pensions for the clergy if it could be done sec

retly. Spenser denied ever having mentioned Murray's name, said

that he had mentioned an unnamed minister saying this to an un named bishop; (he matter was said in joke. This should put an end to the calumny. 4 Apr. 1844.

116



118 (Enclosed in preceding) Same to same, March date). He encloses a letter from Lord Stanley with a copy of his own reply to same. It is evident from Stanley's letter that he now regrets the tone of his former letter. Murray may think More O'FerralFs answer very un civil but it is the only way to deal with Stanley. Stanley will now

grant what he would formerly have refused. The writer will soon for ward particulars of what he is doing to obtain redress for Corfu.

Murray should forward this to Rome with the other papers. 5 Mar. 1844.

119 (Enclosed with the two preceding). He encloses a letter, for Murray to forward to Rome along with Stanley's correspondence; if accurate facts were forthcoming re how the British government acts towards Catholics in all their dependencies, it would help and should be circulated through the Dublin Review; public exposure is the only

way of getting anything out of them and 'the Whigs are no better than the Tories' on this matter. Lord J. Russell's conduct re the affair of bishop Hughes, Gibraltar, does him little credit. Stanley is now more civil to Dr Griffith and the clergy since More O'FerralTs letter to him; he intends to give him more of the same when the discussion on the Protestant church comes up. He hopes Franzoni

will meet Lord Eliot who is remaining in Rome over Easter; he should show him all the Stanley corespondence and try to interest him in Corfu; the more that question is publicized among the should show him all the Stanley correspondence and try to interest him in Corfu; the more that question is publicized among the

English in Rome the better. 11 Mar. 1844.

120 Printed notice of an extraordinary meeting of the shareholders of

the North American Colonial Association of Ireland. 9 May 1844

(with covering note by the secretary James Dewar).

121 Fr Taylor, Carlow College, to Murray. He recommends that a

student (Doyle) adopted into Dublin archdiocese three years ago, be ordained deacon or sub-deacon; Taylor thinks a further year in

College would be of great benefit to this student, hence his request to postpone his ordination to the priesthood for a further year.

Doyle is an excellent student. 11 May 1844.

122 Legal Opinion of Henry G. Hughes, barrister, on the case of Dean

Meyler and the Westland Row clergy and the contractors suing them

for expenses incurred by Fr M. Kelly in commencing the building of

Townsend Street chapel, a project later abandoned..25 May 1844.

123 Browne and Haskaque, Liverpool, to Murray. Mr Patrick Browne who left for Buenos Aires April 1843, has authorized them to pay the passage of missionaries. The Willow Wood will sail in about six

weeks and Murray is asked to send particulars of those travelling so

117



that arrangements can be made for their comfort. Ample notice of

the sailing date will be given. 9 July 1844.

124 George Crook, London, to Murray. He owns the copyright of a

devotional book which a Dublin bookseller has reprinted; as the

profits of this book go to St Patrick's orphan society he has written

several times to the Dublin bookseller but received no reply. He now

intends taking the matter to law, which is expensive and deprives the orphan society of money, so he asks Murray to see what he can

do with the bookseller in Dublin (Grace, Capel Street). 10 Aug. 1844.

125 A Quinn, Walthamstow, London, to Murray. He makes over to

Murray the privilege of nominating his burses; a long comment on

same and wondering if the burses are really of utility to the diocese.

11 Aug. 1844.

126 Invitation to Murray from the secretaries of the committee arranging for the banquet to be given 'O'Connell and his fellow martyrs' on

19 September. Murray is invited to the function. 11 Sept. 1844.

127 E.L. Murphy, Paris, to Murray, asking him to tell Mr Curtis to

forward the money due to Mrs Ball next month as early as possible as there are several bills to be met. 20 Sept. 1844.

128 P. Woods, Celbridge, to Murray, calling his attention to the neg lected state of Straffan chapel which is deteriorating rapidly for

want of repairs; despite repeated requests Fr O'Rourke has done

nothing and the Christmas collection showed that the parish is not

so poor that it could not afford repairs; even Protestant clergymen have called the writer's attention to the state of the chapel. 10

Oct. 1844.

129 John Lentaigne, Tallaght House, to Murray. A complaint that Fr

Collins R.C. chaplain to the South Dublin Poorhouse did not answer a call from the matron to attend a dying pauper, saying that calls

had to be in by 12 o'clock; Fr O'Reilly, however, called at 3 a.m.

but the woman, Julia Langan, was then dead; he does not wish to

complain, merely to point out how necessary it is to have a resident

chaplain where so many aged and sick patients are kept and are

liable to die at short notice. 11 Oct. 1844.

130 Letter signed by about thirty prominent persons to the Sisters of

Mercy asking them to undertake the running of a hospital on the north side of the city, similar to St Vincent's on the south side. 5 Nov. 1844.

131 Lists of investments Nov. 1844. Not Murray's writing).

132 D. Treacy, solicitor, enclosing an extract from the will of Richard

Enms/Ferris bequeathing ?250 to the Franciscans, Merchants'

118



Quay. 17 Dec. 1844. (This was addressed to a Fr O'Shea, who writes a note on reverse of letter, passing on Treacy's extract to Murray. The extract is copies on same paper).

133 Fr Smith V.A. (?) Port of Spain to Murray, he thanks him for

offering to ordain two missionaries and asks to have them serve in Dublin parishes for some time before coming to vicariate. He thanks

Murray for other benefits and gives news of his mission. 16 Dec. 1844.

134 Printed circular (French) by the president of the Association of the

Holy Childhood, to the members and correspondents; it deals with the development and progress of the association. 23 Dec. 1844.

135 Jane Leary, Newbridge, to Murray. Her landlord will evict her if she cannot pay ?3 rent owing for her cabin. Two of her orphan children work in the mines but do not earn much; she asks Murray to help her. 26 Dec. 1844.

136 Regulations for checking and guiding all loan societies. 1844.

137 Printed (Latin). Copy of theses defended at the catholic university of Louvain. (faculty of theology) 1844 ? 1845.

138 Page from a paper printed in Brussels, with notices, also a report of a miraculous cure of Mile. Pauline Du Mortier. 1844. (bluish paper).

139 Printed annual report of the Dublin Mechanics' Institution from

1843, as presented at the annual general meeting of the members. 8

Jan. 1844,

140 Copy of a poem spoken by Young at the farewell dinner for Kemble

(the actor) Undated.

141 Paper re a loan of ?500 for WA years at 4 per cent. Loan made in

January 1844. No further details except tables from 1844 to 1861

computing repayments with interest. 1844 Jan. 1st.

142 Copy of The Nation Saturday 3 Feb. 1844, with account of the

state trial of the repealers. The defence.

Dr Murray: Pastorals

143 Lenten pastoral of Murray for 1844 (printed). 14 Feb. 1844.

Irish Bishops

144 Holy bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, to Fr James Maher, acceding to

his request to go lo Rome for a while in hopes of improving his

health.6 Feb. 1844

145 Letter wilh (1) a copy of a rescript from Holy Sec dated 21 August

1843, concerning a query from Dean Lyons, Killala, for a pension

for Fr Jordan. (This copy is aulhenlicatcd by Cardinal Acton)

(2) a (very long) copy of letter from Lyons to Dr Feeney regarding

same; he holds thai ho himself paid Jordan what was due, on

119



Murray's instructions; (3) copy of resolutions passed at a meeting of

parishioners in Kilmore-Erris October 1825 (4) copy of Statute

XXVIII re entitlement of clergy for officiating at marriages etc.

Date of Lyons' letter: 1 March 1844; i.e. posting of these to Murray.

146 Dr McLaughlin (Derry) to Murray. He has received five copies of a

Paris journal sent by a Mr Milliken, Dublin, who has received them

from someone in Paris and who demands postage on same. As

McLaughlin does not know Milliken but thinks he may be the

Milliken, bookseller, listed in Thorns almanac, he asks Murray to

make enquiries as he did not order or expect any parcel from Paris.

He has recovered from his recent illness. 16 Mar. 1844.

147 Dr Hynes, apostolic administrator of British Guiana, to Murray,

enclosing a copy of a letter from Propaganda to Bishop Clancy of

British Guiana, dated 20 Jan. 1844. He also returns the Demerara

papers with apologies for keeping them so long. 4 Apr. 1844.

148 Enclosed in preceding. Copy of a letter from Propaganda to Dr

Clancy, Bishop of Demerara (British Guiana).

149 Note from Dr Ryan, Limerick, to an unnamed lady, acknowledging

receipt of money bringing total for purpose intended to ?482.

31 May 1844.

150 Dr Haly, (Kildare and Leighlin,) to Murray, A long explanation of

his (Haly's) stand regarding a property willed to him and which he

intended to use for building a wing to Carlow College for foreign

mission students; a dispute arose re same. He mentions a Mr Bagot

evidently an executor or solicitor connected with the bequest and

with whom difficulties have arisen; he wishes to give a full account

of the whole affair to Murray, hence this letter. 26 June 1844.

151 Dr Kinsella (Ossory) to Murray. He has just received the marriage bill but has not had time only to glance through it as yet; he is,

however, satisfied with a passage which he quotes from the first

section, but thinks that the remainder of the 36-page document - a

mass of regulations, fines and penalties -

will prove very trouble

some; he comments on another point, also on the question of

Catholics who join the freemasons; he is beginning visitation, but

will be back in Kilkenny each weekend for next ten weeks. 30 June

1844.

152 Dr Denvir (Down and Connor) to Murray. Writing from a Dublin

address, he reports on his visit to Paris, Irish College and gives a

glowing description of its progress under Dr McSweeney; the latter

asked him to tell Murray that the archbishop of Paris wishes

McSweeney to adjust the twenty burses due for distribution in the

college, but McSweeney wants Murray to distribute these among the

prelates in Ireland. As McSweeney cannot arrange about his vacation

120



until he knows what decision is taken regarding the burses it would

help if Murray would see to the matter as soon as possible. 14 Aug. 1844.

153 Dr Haly (Kildare and Leighlin) to Murray, (cf. 150 above) Further re same and the charities bill; the opposition re the legacy willed to

him. Mr O'Connell's attitude towards the bill; Haly compares the

present wave of opposition to that against the National Education

System. 23 Sept. 1844.

154 Same to same. Yesterday he wrote from Graiguenamanagh; today he

is back in Carlow and it occurs to him that before coming before the

public it would be desirable that he and Murray should meet. He

suggests a time and venue. 24 Sept. 1844.

155 Draft of a letter from Dr Crolly, Armagh, to Lord Eliot (chief secretary for Ireland) concerning the law regarding charitable be

quests and the deferment of the appointing of commissioners re

same until after the November meeting of the R.C. bishops of Ireland. Crolly adds further comments re the law and the proposed commission. 13 Oct. 1844.

156 Copy of actual letter sent same to same. He discusses the legal prohibition on the making of bequests to any religious community, also the fact that bequests by zealous Protestants or Presbyterians for proselytising purposes is allowed; he cannot see any R.C. com

missioner agreeing to this. 14 Oct. 1844.

157 Dr Croily to Murray. He has joined his request to Dr Denvir to go on the commission to Murray's request re same; if Denvir does not

agree they must retain Dr Haly. He sees that Mr O'Connell has

denounced the act, 'but if wc be firm he may be disappointed.'4 Dec. 1844.

By Dr Murray

158 Paper, in Murray's hand, with particulars of investment by Mrs John

O'Brien, interest of which is to go to three charities named. On same

paper Murray notes receipts of said interest from 1844 to 1852, year of his death; For Aug. 1852 and Feb. 1853 receipt of interest is

recorded by Dean Hamilton. Date of execution ofbond: 1 Aug. 1844.

O'Connell

159 Copy of address to the gentlemen of the Repeal Club of Cork from

the committee of the Legal National Repeal Association, signed by Daniel O'Connell, chairman of (he committee. 9 May 1844.

121



Education

160 Handwritten copy of extracts from a pamphlet by I.C. Martin en

titled 'A defence of the Irish clergy and a view of their past and

present duty.'. Opposite the extracts a comment on them is given. Undated 1844. The pamphlet deal with the National System of

Education.

161 Attached to preceding. Notice from James Kelly, secretary to the

commissioners for national education, to Murray informing him of a meeting of the commission to be held on 11 July. 9 July 1844.

Charitable Bequests Actfl 844)

162 Portion of a letter from Lord Eliot to Murray, re the Charitable

Bequests Bill. Bequests of money may be made in articulo mortis; the 16th clause of the bill cannot be justly complained of by

Catholics as 'a new penal law'. 13 Aug. 1844.

163 Circular (printed) with a printed note to Murray from Drs MacHale, McGettigan and Cantwell, asking him to add his signature to theirs before publication of the circular, which they think will be the most effectual means of preventing the effects of the Bequests Act, which

they consider as full of dangers for religion. 26 Aug. 1844.

164 Fr T. O'Malley, to Dr Crolly on the Bequests Act. He thinks that the

objections to the Act are exaggerated and the real harm comes from the differences that have arisen between the laity and clergy and between members of the clergy themselves concerning this Act. 4 Nov. 1844.

165 Draft (Murray's hand) of his pastoral letter to the clergy and faithful of Dublin concerning the Bequests Act. He regretted having to differ from some of his episcopal brethren in his opinion on theAct which

was that, despite its defects, the measure was still of substantial value. He answered O'Connell's objections to the Act. He hoped that in time the temporary difference of opinion occasioned by the

Act would die away. 16 Nov. 1844.

166 D. R. Pigot, Mcrrion Square, to Murray. Having again given careful consideration to the request of Murray and Crolly that he should take a place as a commissioner on the Board of Charitable Bequests, he

thinks that, on account of the public office he holds, it would savour of impropriety on his part to accept a place as commissioner, even

though nominated by the two archbishops. 23 Nov. 1844.

167 Lord Heytcsbury, the lord lieutenant, to Murray telling him that he has written to Sir Patrick Bellew on Murray's suggestion, offering him the vacant place on the Board of Charitable Bequests; he returns Mr Pigot's letter (preceding) which Murray kindly let him peruse. 26 Nov. 1844.

122



168 Letter (copy?) from the Catholics of Munster to Drs Murray and

Crolly (posted in Tipperary) stating their opposition to the Charitable

Bequests Act and regretting that the bishops disagreed re same.

27 Nov. 1844.

169 Dr Kennedy (Killaloe) to Murray (from Sixmilebridge), When he

arrived home he found that such violent objections had been raised

against his having accepted a place on the Commission of Charitable

Bequests that he is obliged to resign that post and has written to

Dr Blake (Dromore) telling him so. Blake informed the lord

lieutenant who accepted Kennedy's resignation but said that he

should inform Murray. His opinions on the bill have not changed but

MacHale's 'four insinuations' at the Limerick banquet aroused the

most violent feelings in all the south-west, besides Dr Ryan had been

heard to say that he had been offered a place on the board but had

refused it. 7 Dec. 1844.

170 Lord Eliot, to Murray enclosing queries respecting certain clauses in

the Bequests Act which Murray wished submitted to the law officers of the crown, with.the latters' replies to these queries (queries and answers enclosed). 14 Dec. 1844.

171 Lord Fortescue (who was lord lieutenant in Ireland April 1839 to

September 1841) to Murray. From Castle Hill, Devon, He was de

lighted with Murray's pastoral letter (cf. 165 above) and he is glad that the government has seen fit to recognize Murray's titles of

honour. When he was lord lieutenant he was pained to be com

pelled to withhold these titles from Murray. 25 Dec. 1844.

172 P. Bellew to Murray. Sir Patrick wishes to know when the first

meeting of the commission takes place. He saw Dr Crolly yesterday who looked worried. Sir Patrick says that he is not 'as accustomed to

warfare as Your Grace.' At a big meeting in Drogheda the tradesmen

would not allow any attack on the primate. A friar in a sermon said

'my good people, this new law is all against us.'; asks if Murray has

received copies of the resolutions passed; they might be useful for

future reference. 'The people in the north are furious with Dan for

holding their Catholicity so light'. A Meath priest was beaten up by

ribbonmen; he was a great agitator and had to preach on law and

order next day. Crolly was glad to hear that the meeting will not be

held at the Castle. 27 Dec. 1844.

173 Printed copies of Bequests Bill and Act. (a) the Bill (11 March 1844):

(b) the Bill, as amended on report (1 August 1844); (c) the Bill, as

amended in committee (2 August 1844); (d) the Act, (9 August

1844) 174 Paper with the legal opinion of T.B.C. Smith (law officers to the

crown) replying to queries submitted by Murray to Lord Eliot

123



respecting certain clauses in the Bequests Bill. (cf. 170 above). Undated but 1844.

175 Copy of the proposed bye-rule read by Dr Blake to the master of the

rolls (re the Bequests Bill). Signed by Redmond Peter O'Carroll in

whose presence the same was delivered. 30 Dec. 1844.

176 Two copies (in Latin) of reply from Franzoni, to a letter sent to

Propaganda on 25 November 1844 by MacHale (MacHale had urged that the Holy See send a mandate to the Irish bishops over-ruling their decision at their November meeting, i.e. that each bishop be

left free to accept or decline a place on the Bequests Board). The

cardinal said that the interval between receipt of MacHale's letter

and the passing of the Act (1 January 1845) did not allow of a reply

being sent before then as MacHale asked. The Holy See was sur

prized that (according to newspapers) MacHale in a pastoral and

other writings, had written harshly of his brother bishops who were

only acting according to their conscience. Pope and Propaganda

appealed to MacHale to refrain from creating dissension among

bishops. 30 Dec. 1844.

France

177 Bishop of Algiers(?) to Murray. He is restoring the Basilica of Peace to house relics he has found in Hippo and all along the African

Mediterranean coast; he lists some of the forty saints whose relics he has found. The French bishops have donated a beautiful high altar with a bronze statue of St Augustine. The Basilica is being built

and he hopes to have beside it a monastery of Augustinian canons in

the gardens where St Augustine and his first disciples lived. He also means to build hospices, orphanages etc.He asks Murray to subscribe to this project. 5 Apr. 1844.

178 Attached to the preceding. Circular by the same to all the bishops of the world, soliciting subscriptions for the same purpose. 5 Apr. '1844.

Roman Agent

179 Cardinal Acton to Murray. Fr Patrick Madden of Meath diocese has asked to be affiliated to the archidiocese of Dublin. He has been

granted this permission and Acton recommends him to Murray as a

young priest who is likely to prove very satisfactory in the constant and regular discharge of his duties. 20 Jan. 1844.

180 Cullen to Murray. He is sorry to hear the report that Murray has 1845 received threats and hopes that there is no truth in this report.

The report about the concordat is without foundation. The pope himself assured Cullen of this; it was spread by an English agent

124



to give himself diplomatic status; Cullen will not let himself be so credulous as to be so taken in again. He regrets the dissension among the bishops and trusts that Our Lady and St Patrick may bring this to an end. 25 Jan. 1845.

181 Same to same. Reports on the first, second and third year students from Dublin diocese in the Irish College. He gives news from Rome; the pope's health is not so good; there is unrest in the papal states, also in Naples; the bad harvest of last year caused a famine and the poor are in great distress. The biographer of Innocent III, Hurta, has been received into the church; the pope is having Hurta's two sons educated in Propaganda. Revd Pierce Connolly, formerly a minister in America, is also in Rome and wearing clerical dress; his wife is now a nun with the Sacred Heart nuns; Lord Shrewsbury and Prince Borghese have undertaken to educate the three Connolly children. Cullen's health is not good and he may go home to Ireland for a

month soon to build up strength for winter and spring which always affect his health. 6 July 1844.

182 Copy of letter (sent to the Irish bishops by Cullen) which he sent to

Dr Foran, Waterford, re four students of Foran's diocese who

made complaints to Foran regarding the Irish College. 13 Sept. 1844.

183 Cullen to Murray. He gives news from Rome; the pope is in good health; also bad news from Guiana; Lord Stanley and Governor

Light will regard Hynes (vicar-apostolic) only as a paid servant of

the crown, which is bad for religion. Cullen discusses the Bequests Bill which he thinks is bad for the Irish church. 15 Oct. 1844 (sends the annual report on the college for the bishops' perusal).

184 Same to same. Further on Bequests Bill. He is amazed that some

prelates favour it; he writes at length on same and thinks that public dissension among the bishops on this will outweigh any advantages the Bill might bring. 24 Oct.

185 Same to same. On the Bequests Bill he hopes no Catholic prelate will agree to sit on the board. 28 Oct. 1844.

186 Cardinal Acton to Murray on diplomatic relations and the Bequests Bill. A long letter giving his own views and commending Murray's

acceptance of a place on the board. 31 Dec. 1844.

From Rome

187 Franzoni lo Murray. Murray's request is granted: permission to

accept Father Henry O'Shea OFM, who asked to minister in Dublin

diocese. 16 Jan. 1844.

188 Same to same. Propaganda is anxious to appoint a coadjutor with

right of succession, to the archbishop of Corfu, hut got no reply to

125



its approach to the British government in this matter. Murray is

requested to use his good offices to obtain a reply. 27 Jan. 1844.

189 Same to same. Murray will have noticed how, some months ago, the

Tablet commented on the obligation of observing the apostolic constitutions against secret societies; the publication of this com

ment caused considerable controversy. Murray is asked to send a

confidential letter giving his opinion on this whole question of the

observance of such constitutions, particularly that of Leo XIII,

Quo graviora. 20 May 1844.

190 Nicola M. Bedini, rector of the Roman seminary, to Murray. The

deacon, James Fitzpatrick, has been dismissed from the college and

will not be ordained to the priesthood. He could possibly be or

dained later. 23 May 1844.

191 Printed and manuscript. Faculties for Fr James Maher, Kildare and

Leighlin diocese. 2 June 1844.

192 Printed and manuscript. A grant of indulgences to the Ursuline

Sisters in Ireland. 16 June 1844.

193 Franzoni to Murray, A renewal of faculties to ordain clerics of his diocese ad titulum missionis. 21 July 1844.

194 Franzoni to Cullen, rector of the Irish College, Rome. (In Italian). It is reported that the students of the Irish College intend to hold a

demonstration on the occasion of Mr O'Connell's liberation from

jail. Cullen is to prevent this lest ecclesiastics be seen to be involved in politics. 11 Oct. 1844.

195 A letter (in Italian) from Giovanni Baptista Palma, in Paris, to

Murray. Murray's letter was in Paris when the writer arrived there.

Murray's directive re Fr Christopher Burke is now unnecessary since Burke has returned to Dublin. On account of the approaching bishops' meeting the writer reports, at length and unfavourably, on certain happenings in the Irish College, Paris. Contrary to general belief the nomination of the rector of the Irish College does not

depend on the approval of Louis Philippe, but is at the disposal of the Irish bishops. The king is only concerned with the nomination and recognition of the administrator of the college's temporalities. 21 Oct. 1844.

196 Haly, Kildare and Leighlin (who is in the Irish College, Rome), to

Murray (in English). There was delay in Haly's meeting with the

pope as he had to wear the appropriate clothes for that occasion and it took time to procure them. Last week, Cullen introduced him to the Holy Father; he was received very cordially. The only news

arriving in Rome from Ireland is what they read in the Dublin papers; these referred at length to the bishops' meeting and the Bequests

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Bill; he was glad to see that Drs Murray, Crolly and Kennedy were

appointed to the Charitable Bequests Board; their appointment should assure that Catholic interests will be protected. Kennedy's appointment also releases Haly from accepting post as commissioner, for which he feels totally unfitted. He will probably stay in Rome until Easter which will be early (in 1845). 5 Dec. 1844.

197 Franzoni to Murray. Dr Carew, vicar apostolic of Bengal, has written to say that the IBVM (Loreto) nuns now invoke a rule entirely different from that of the nuns sent out in 1842; he describes the

differences which mainly concern the procedures when nuns are sent from Dublin to India; the new arrangement leaves Carew liable for ?400 which he cannot meet as the Bengal convent is still heavily in

debt; the superioress wishes him to pay the Dublin convent the

expenses incurred for the upkeep of the novices there, ignoring the

fact that her convent, though it supported them for that time, also

benefited from their work. Carew wishes Murray to intervene in the

matter. Franzoni also asks Murray to see the Loreto superioress about the matter. 14 Dec. 1844.

198 P. McKeown, cure, Montacher, Cheroz, Yonne, France, to Murray.

He has a project in view which he hopes Murray will approve of and

patronize. On his visits to Ireland, though he admired the many new

and fine churches, the liturgical ornaments, vestments etc. were very

inferior, not in keeping with the churches and unsuited to the

liturgical functions. He wants to establish a house in Dublin for

the manufacture of vestments, etc. and has contacted a Lyons firm

that specializes in silk manufacture and vestment making; this

firm also produces liturgical books and altar plate. He seeks no

profit only perfection; he hopes to open the Dublin firm next July. He writes a long passage on the state of religion in France and the

efforts of the Sorbonne professors, etc. to spread their heretical

and atheistic ideas and to control education. Louis Philippe seeks

peace at any price. Fear of seeing the Jesuits back has given

complete victory to the university doctors. He has written poems on the Firbolgs, the Danes, etc. which he hopes to publish. He sends

greetings to Dr Crolly; the French are an ungrateful people;he hopes to get back to Ireland. 1844.

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