From John Tyndall, Snr   Oct. 5th. 1840.

Mr John Tyndall | Ordnance Survey Office | Youghal

Leighlin.Bridge | Oct. 5th. 1840.

My dear John

It was with the most heartfelt pleasure I received your letter,1 before I read its contents I knew that you were in good health from the very form of the letters on the superscription.2 You mention that you asked Mr Wynne for a testimonial3 as to your character and capabilites and was refused. Dont be the least dismayed in consequence of that, for you need not fear but that your own good conduct and abilities will be able to carry you triumphant over all the difficulties that may be placed in your way, and your own good sense will tell you that to expect to pass through this life without disappointment is more than falls to the lot of man to meet with. You have returned to the office, but if I had my will I would much rather have you in the field, because it would be a deal better for your health. I am sorry to hear the Corporal Davey is leaving the division4 for I always thought him a good man, and let him know that he has my best wishes for his welfare. You speak of great alterations in the office very shortly. It is but of little consequence to you what alterations they may think proper to make as you have an home to come to and what is much better an hearty welcome, for your mother and I would feel the greatest pleasure in seeing you step in this moment with the mud of Cork on your shoes to dirty her painted room. I was speaking to Mr Conwill yesterday, he told me that as soon as an examination which is to take place in Carlow was over he would write to you and let you know every particular connected with it. You requested to know how John and Miss McGee’s affairs5 stand at present. Why worse they cannot be. John is still a prisoner in Dublin, and Celia is at present collecting subscriptions at a pound each to raffle for the piano, formerly the property of Mrs McGee. We are on the eve of a great contest in this county for the Office of Poor Law Guardians.6 Mr Steuart, Mr James Thomas, Mr Wm. Fishbourne Jun.,7 on the protestant side; and on the Roman Catholic, Edward Lyons of Finiscourt, Patt Foley of Old Leighlin, John Cummins of Coolnakisha8 – these six out of which three will be returned – one for the Barony of Idrone West or the Ballynockan side of the bridge.9 The same strife will take place through the whole county and the Priests are using every art to have their pets returned. May they be disappointed is my sincere wish. Only think of Curly Foley’s son putting up for Guardian, whose father held five or six acres of land from your grandfather, but miracles will never cease.

Mr and Mrs Steuart are glad to hear that you are well, and wonders much that Mr Reid never wrote to them to let them know how he was going on. Dean Bernard often enquires for you. I will now conclude with letting you know that your friends here are in good health and joins me your mother and Emma in sending their love to you

I am your affectionate Father | John Tyndall.

Write to me as soon as possible. You wont be able to read this letter it is written so bad, no matter, you must do your best

RI MS JT/1/10/3190

LT Transcript Only

your letter: see letter 0011.

the superscription: writing on the outside, especially the appearance of the address.

you asked Mr Wynne for a testimonial: see letter 0011.

Corporal Davey … the division: Davey had served in the 5th Division, C District, but was due to leave the Irish Survey for England on 8 October 1841, although he did not depart until 10 October (NAI OS/1/17).

John and Miss McGee’s affairs: John M‘Gee had been imprisoned for debt; see letter 0004, n. 11.

great contest … Office of Poor Law Guardians: Parliament had passed the Irish Poor Relief act in 1838, which created elected Boards of Guardians that were empowered to create workhouses that were funded from rates levied locally. For the contest in Idrone West, see CS, 3 October 1840, p. [3] and 17 October, p. [3]. The first three contestants listed stood as Conservatives, the other three as Liberals. Steuart, Cummins and Lyons were elected with, respectively, 665, 564 and 560 votes.

James Thomas, Mr Wm. Fishbourne Jun: Both James Thomas (d. 1850), of the Friary, Leighlin Bridge, and William Fishbourne Jun. (1799–1875) of Fonthill (which is 4 miles north of Leighlin Bridge on the west side of the River Barrow), were wealthy gentry.

Edward Lyons … Coolnakisha: Edward Lyons possessed an extensive farm at Finniscourt, about 3 miles south of Leighlin Bridge; Patt Foley of Old Leighlin was possibly a member of the Foley family that later included Patrick Foley (1850–1926), who became Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin; John Cummins (c.1787–1867) owned a substantial farm at Coolnakisha and also land in the townland of Ballybar which was used for horse racing.

Barony of Idrone West or the Ballynockan side of the bridge: to the west of the River Barrow.

Please cite as “Tyndall0013,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on 28 March 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/tyndall/letters/Tyndall0013