The following articles are transcribed by Teena from the Banner of Ulster, Dublin Evening Mail, Dublin Mercantile Advertiser, Freeman's Journal, Northern Whig, Tyrone Constitution. (unless otherwise noted)
31 Aug.1846 parliament A petition to government from the magistrates, clergy and landholders of the Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh on the subject of apprehended distress from deficiency of the potato and oat crops, is in course of signature and among suggestions towards the alleviation of the wants of the lower order, directs her Majesty’s advisers to an existing evil, likely materially to aggravate that distress - the immense number of dogs throughout Ireland on food on which the poor subsist - and prays for the introduction of a tax on dogs thus supported. At a time like the present, every possible saving of food should be effected and this suggestion, therefore, would, if acted on, be of advantage. The Earl of RODEN brought before their lordships, the state of the potato crop failure and the deficiency in the oat crop also. His Lordship referred to the coast Fisheries and suggested that facilities be set on foot for their encouragement, and the transfer of supplies to the interior of the country His lordship also expressed a hope that in the present deep distress those having property in Ireland would come to it and reside, and encourage and assist their dependents. (Enniskillen Chronicle and Erne Packet) 5 Sept. 1846 County of Antrim, Belfast What we have anticipated has taken place and, though far from being alarmists, we cannot but confer that the fearful extent to which decomposition has even already spread among what has been for years the poor man's food, the sole subsistence of millions of our countrymen, is calculated to excite the deepest anxiety. No part of Ireland appears to have escaped the present terrific infliction. Every where, from the alluvial plains that border the lower Shannon, to the mountain potato grounds of Mayo and Donegal, our letters tell us, that the disease is making rapid progress. We had ourselves lately an opportunity of observing the state of the fields in most of our northern counties and also along the road from Newry to Limerick and on every part of our journey, we could not, indeed, discover a single exception: the potato crops had assumed either the blackish hue of death, or presented the spotted appearance on the leaves and stem, which marks the first inroads of the disease. Repeated examinations and inquiries convinced us that this blight could not have been produced, as Mr. SMITH of Deanston, wished to persuade the members of the Royal Agricultural Society at the late council dinner at Limerick, "by a night's frost" but, that the extensive destruction of the plant, which used to afford the poor cottier so much grateful food, was occasioned by the same cause which last year acted upon it, in so many parts of the world, and which, in our opinion, renders the produce of the diseased plant most objectionable for human sustenance. What will be the result of this destruction of the staple food of Ireland (and we fear, if the disease progresses, as it has for some weeks past, an almost total destruction of the crop must be apprehended), is a question of the gravest importance, and demands the immediate and careful consideration of the Government, that the evil which has come upon us may be mitigated by prudent arrangements. Last year the destruction of the potato crop was comparatively limited; many parts of the country remained quite free from disease and large prices were realised by farmers in several districts, but this season we have been unable to learn that a single field has escaped. It was imagined by many persons that some guide to the explanation of the nature of the disease would be found in the comparative immunity from attack of the crops planted in certain descriptions of soil, but this year no kind of soil or situation seems to afford protection - the red and the black bog, the sandy shore and the heavy clay, the exposed mountain side and the sheltered valley, are all alike at the present hour, covered with decomposing crops. We are acquainted with situations along the sandy coast of the county of Down, where, last year, a large sum of money was made by the sale of sound potatoes, as the crop exhibited no marks of the disease, but where, at present, the fields are covered with blackened tops. Nor is the case different in elevated mountain districts; for we were lately informed by a gentleman, who is one of the best practical farmers in his part of the country, that on the Wicklow mountains, at an elevation of one thousand feet above the level of the sea, where last year his crop was perfectly free from taint, the fields are now extensively affected. There is, in fact, no part of Ireland free and in every situation, and on every geological formation, the rot proceeds unchecked. The rapidity with which the disease extends its ravages is one of its most remarkable features. We know many cases where the fresh and luxuriant tops, which seemed to promise a most profitable crop, were, on a single night, bent down with disease, blackened, and apparently deprived of vitality. 8 Sept. 1846 Armagh Agricultural Report for August In the early part of August, a considerable fall of rain took place, but happily its ravages were partial and confined mostly to low grounds in the vicinity of mountainous districts. During most of the last 3 weeks of August, a vast breadth of wheat, barley, and oats, was cut down and now housed, or safe in the haggard; while in districts where the hay harvest was usually late, the fortnight of August gave farmers a fine opportunity of saving it; and the crop has been both more abundant, and better quality, than in former seasons. From about the 10th to the 24th, the potato blight became more extensively observable than in the previous month of July. All soils, dry and wet, levels and slopes, seemed to be equally affected. Potatoes planted in the "lazy bed," or the old Irish ridge-way, were equally rotted and fetid in smell, as those in drills, or in soils of the most improved mode of culture. Mostly every potato field the eye could light on the haulms, or stalks, had the appearance of having been blighted by frost and in most instances, the petals of the blossoms of the late planted potatoes were observed to wither and shed, in the course of a few hours, at times, by day and by night, while the leaves of whole fields, which appeared in the morning and in the evening verdant, luxuriant and healthy, were found in a few hours, to have turned black and withered and the tubers, when taken up, either hard and sticky and the farinaceous matter completely destroyed, or in other instances, spongy, damp, and when boiled and cut, resembling soft soap. During the past month more land has been laid down for the cultivation of turnips and cabbages, as food for both man and beast, than has ever been appropriated to such purposes, in these countries before. One intelligent farmer assures us that when he found his early potatoes gone in August, which he hoped, would have made what is called "champ" for his servants and labourers, mixed with beans and peas, he substituted turnips, of which he had an extensive and flourishing crop, mashed with salt and pepper, and served up with a little melted butter and oatmeal cake, which he found they relished much better than the potato, and we question was it not a more nourishing, palatable, and whole some food. We have been informed, from sources on which we can rely, that throughout this and the surrounding Counties, during the past month, farmers have been most active in sowing and planting substitutes, where they have found the potato have failed. August is called the mellow and golden month. In it everything of agricultural produce, in the grain and fruit way, wears a rich, ripe and yellow hue; and seldom have we observed better prospects of a golden harvest than in the past month, with the exception of the potato failure, and a partial failure of the bean crop, in some districts. 5 Nov. 1846 Destitution in Monaghan The Northern Standard says it will take upwards a quarter of a million sterling to relieve the destitute in Monaghan before the nest harvest time. At Aughnacloy, in that county, parties of fellows are scouring the country in that neighbourhood, visiting the houses of gentlemen and farmers, demanding money and food. Similar parties are parading through various parts of the country levying contributions. Threatening notices were last week posted at and in the neighbourhood of Fort Johnston, threatening death to Mr JOHNSTON if he would receive any rent, or any tenant who would dare to pay any. Mr. JOHNSTON has made a reduction in his rents of fifteen per cent. (Wiltshire Independent (England) 9 Nov. 1846 County of Monaghan The Northern Standard says - Will it be believed that upwards of 5,000 persons in the barony of Monaghan alone have sought employment upon public works and such is the state of destitution,notwithstanding the severity of the scrutiny, that the above number appears upon the relief lists passed and admitted, as totally destitute and fit objects for charitable relief. This is terrible and startling fact. How are those 5,000 to be provided for until next August. There is yet fully 1,000 more to be admitted, making 6,000 human brings, with families dependent upon their labour for support, for in very few instances have two members of one family been admitted. Six thousand pounds have been already assessed, but how long will that pay 6,000 labourers at an average from 1s. to 1s. 4d. day, deducting the expense of implements, overseers, and other incidental expenditures, certainly not for nearly a month when the whole body gets to work. If they were at work now, it would not last a fortnight. It is therefore necessary that preparations be once made for presentment sessions for allocating money to draining labour, that no more of the wealth of the country be expended upon roads. If the gentry wait until this £6,000 is spent and the people thrown in a body out of work, peace cannot be preserved without extreme measures and to meet the immediate pressure more money must be granted for wasteful labour. County of Cavan At the Ballieborough relief committee on Monday, John YOUNG Esq. M.P., presiding, the following resolution was adopted; That as the danger of disturbance is imminent, for the people are starving and as great delay has occurred in setting the people to work, more than a month having elapsed since the extraordinary presentment sessions were held and no sufficient relief having yet been afforded; and as much of the delay appears to be attributable to the meagre and insufficient staff employed by government and to the want of a sufficient number of competent persons to make sections and line off the works proposed to be executed, the committee consider the appointment of several additional engineers, or competent assistant engineers, absolutely necessary in this barony, in order that greater facilities and adequate employment may be afforded. The committee select the following, from a number of similar occurrences, to show the extent of destitution and distress existing at present. On this morning, when the small number to whom tickets have as yet been given. went to work, a large multitude assembled to prevent them and would have driven them from the ground, but for the Rev. Mr. FOY'S interference and it is quite certain that the peace of this hitherto quiet county cannot be preserved if all the people are not employed forthwith. County of Donegal Relief Committees The Ballyshannan Herald says - Throughout almost the entire county of Donegal relief committees have been formed for the purpose of purchasing provisions and selling them out at first cost to those whose means will not allow them to purchase at the prices of the merchants and traders. A sum of about £2,000 has been raised for the parishes Killaghtee and Kellybegs, part of which has been given the way of loans, and part in the way of donations. The clergymen of the different denominations, the resident gentry and merchants, are co-operating seriously in this good work. On Monday last a meeting took place Killybegs, which was attended by Sir J. STEWART, lieutenant of the county; Captain NESBITT Woodhill, Ardara; the Rev. Joseph WALSH, the Rev. William LODGE and the Rev. Edward LABATT. These excellent gentlemen are particularly active on behalf of the poor, having made arrangements for bringing a cargo of meal to Killybegs, which is expected to arrive immediately. In Mountcharles the Rev. A. MONTGOMERY, Leonard CORNWALL Esq. and the clergymen and merchants are likewise using great exertions to meet the present crisis. (The Evening Chronicle) 24th Nov. 1846 Abatement of Rents Captain HAMILTON of Killileagh Cosile, has in consequence of the failure of the potato crop, made the following liberal reductions to his tenantry without solicitation; Tenants paying £40 and upwards annually, 10 per cent; £30 not exceeding £40, 15 percent; £20, not exceeding £30, 20 per cent; £15, not exceeding £20, 25 per cent; £10, not exceeding £15, 30 per cent. Some holders paying less than £10, will have their individual cases taken into consideration. Townparks let at 50s., 10 percent.; under 50s., 5 per cent. In order to encourage drainage on the estate, Captain HAMILTON will pay for all drains opened before the 1st May next. Captain HAMILTON who has lately retired from the army and come to reside on his estate has, by this and other acts of liberality and kindness, evinced every disposition as a landlord to follow the footsteps of his predecessors, and thereby encourage a most respectable and industrious tenantry. The lady of the late Chief Baron WOULFE and her sister, Miss HAMILL, have given instructions to their agent, William STARKEY Esq., of this town, to make the following abatement's for the current year to their tenants in the barony of Lecale, in this county (Down) 20 per cent on rents under and up to £10 a year; 10 per cent on rents from £10 to £30 inclusive; 5 per cent on rents from £30 to £50 inclusive. Those tenants who do not pay their Nov. 1846 rents on, or before, the 25th March 1847, will not be allowed the abatement. The Earl of Ranfurley has directed his benevolent agent, Robert WRAY Esq , to make the following reductions to the tenants on the Dungannon estate, of their rents payable to May 1846; Labourers cottages and gardens, where the rent does not exceed £1., the full year’s rent; rent not exceeding £20, 20 per cent; rents not exceeding £30, 10 per cent; No abatement will be made in the case of tenants holding in perpetuity, or holding town parks or tenements, or to holders of leases dated in the year 1795, or any year preceding. Though there will be a reduction on the full year’s rent, no part of it will be made on the half year, due May last. This instance of liberality on the part of his lordship cannot be said to be an unusual display, called forth the exigencies of the present season of distress, as it is, but, in accordance with his general character. Not only this year, but in many previous years, he has given constant employment to no less than 250 labourers and we understand that his respected agent has bestowed, during the last year, a sum of £600, in premiums, to deserving tenants, for improvements, besides annually bestowing food and clothing to the poor. We understand that James SCOTT of Bloomhill Esq., in the neighbourhood of Dungannon has made the following reduction to the tenants his estate; On all large farms, 25 per cent.; on all middle sized farms, 50 per cent.; and all cottiers, with house and garden not exceeding one acre, free of rent for this year. Mr. SCOTT is also extremely careful in providing employment for every tenant on his estate whose circumstances require it, or who is willing to accept it. 16 Dec. 1846 Increase of crime in Tyrone - We are sorry to remark that the fears which we formerly expressed of evil-disposed persons taking advantage of these times of comparative distress as a pretext for deeds of robbery and outrage, would appear to be justified even in our own county. On Tuesday last, four persons were lodged in the jail of this town, on a charge of having feloniously entered some houses in the neighbourhood of Fintona, from which they stole bread, whiskey, and tobacco. On the same day nine men and women were transmitted from Dungannon bridewell to our jail, charged with having stolen oats, turnips, yarn, and several other articles. It is feared that our calendar at next assizes will be unusually heavy. 26 Dec. 1846 Dreadful Constitution of the Country (Ireland) As the winter advances the state of the country and our prospects for the future become still more appalling. In many of the districts, numbers of the people are actually famishing. Popular outbreaks and plunders of provisions are becoming more frequent, and even in the northern provinces those evidences of social disorganization are now apparent. Altogether the condition of this country cannot contemplated without the most serious apprehension and north, south, east, and west, you behold the spread of destitution with scarce a ray of hope for present amelioration. Hereford Times (England) 26 Dec.1846 Food Riots in Belfast. At 9 o'clock this (Friday) morning, a mob consisting of about 200 persons, surrounded Mr. Bernard HUGHES's bakery, Donegall street, uttering the most violent language. A number of the ring leaders entered the shop and said "Give us bread or we shall take it by force." Mr. HUGHES refused. Upon this the men became very violent in their demands and doubtless would have fulfilled their threat, had not Mr. James STANFIELD contributed 5s. for the purchase of bread to quiet their violence. Another gentleman gave 2s. The amount contributed was expended in the purchase of bread, which was afterwards distributed amongst the mob. This repressed their violence in Donegall street, but instead of separating, they proceeded in a body to the Church street public bakery. The ringleaders, with their furious partisans, crowded the shop and demanded bread, otherwise they would take it by violence from the shelves. It was ultimately determined that bread to the amount of 20s. should be distributed among the mob, to quiet them. The county police arrived and took the leaders into custody and lodged them in the cells of the police office. They had previously destroyed a bread-cart at Pinkerton's Row and after clearing it of bread, not only smashed the cart, but beat the driver. The ringleaders were tried this morning at the police court, when James M'CULLOUGH and James MASON were each fined 20s. and costs, or to be imprisoned one fortnight. Henry MASON, the leader, was fined 40s. and costs, or to be imprisoned one month. The prisoners at the police court and the mob who created those riots, were not natives of Belfast, but persons brought here to labour on the public works. One of the persons most clamorous for food during the several assaults on the bakeries, when fined in 20s. and costs, paid £1. 2s. 8d. for his liberation in half an hour afterwards. above reported in the Sheffield Independent (England) 29 Dec. 1846 - Death by Starvation With feelings of the deepest sorrow we state, that within a few miles of this city, there has fallen a victim to starvation; such is the fact and we greatly fear it is, but the precursor of many, for no idea can be formed of the amount of destitution and misery in many parts of the county. Deceased was of the name of TOMLINSON, of the neighbourhood of Tartaraghan. It appeared on the inquest held by George HENRY Esq., coroner, that he and his wife and 3 children had existed for some months past on miserable food given them by the farmers of the place; that for days previous to his death, the whole family had nothing to eat except raw kale and turnips, without a particle of meal or other food and further, that he died begging a drink of water with meal on it. He was a man of only 45 years of age, strong and healthy previous to this winter. Oh, God! that in a Christian county - a county where there is as much provision stored, as would feed the greater portion of the North for months - €”there should be permitted such a stain upon humanity, as to allow a fellow creature to die of hunger - we shudder at the thought, but cannot forbear impeaching our rulers, who have given the food of the people into the hands of forestallers and left us at the mercy of men whose selfishness would make blacker the darkness of that region where a drop of water will be craved in vain. Armagh Guardian. Irish supplies Of the vessels which arrived on the river on Monday, and which were by no means numerous, in consequence of adverse winds and other maritime causes, 13 were from Ireland, laden almost entirely with provisions of various descriptions, the produce of that country. Their collective cargoes comprised 8,675 quarters of oats, 227 hampers and bales of hams, 31 packages of linens, 130 of middles, 1,216 hampers and bales of bacon, 2,742 packages of pork, 3,014 casks of butter, 40 packages of waste, 402 casks and hampers of beef, 150 casks of porter and of ale, 425 packages of lard, 70 of eggs, 41 of paper, 40 of general provisions, 26 packages of fowls, 32 boxes of preserved soup, 40 pigs, 10 oxen, 240 sheep, several packages of whiskey, biscuits, and a variety of other articles of lesser importance. This extensive influx of provisions from the sister island into the British metropolis in one day was not preceded by a dearth of arrivals from the same quarter, as they had been of the usual average character, and therefore, without any intention other than that of recording the extent of commercial traffic existing between the two portions of the United Kingdom for such productions of the Irish soil, we deem it proper to make allusion of the fact, as being of exceeding interest and importance. Of these arrivals, 7 were from Limerick, 1 from Sligo, 1 from Belfast, 1 from Dublin, 2 from Tralee, and one from Cork. (reported in the 'Times') Dublin Evening Packet Cheers~ Teena -- www.cotyrone.com http://lists.cotyrone.com/mailman/listinfo/ulsterancestry https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoTyroneIrelandGenealogy/ _______________________________________________ [email protected] UlsterAncestry Mailing List Searchable Archives: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ http://lists.cotyrone.com/mailman/listinfo/ulsterancestry Website: https://cotyrone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoTyroneIrelandGenealogy/
