Letter from William Fenton, County Sligo, recommending an application from Eleanor Walsh of Ballymohenry for an assisted passage to New South Wales, Australia

Letter from William Fenton, [magistrate], Castletown, parish of Easky, Dromore West, County Sligo, to William H Gregory, Under Secretary of Ireland, Dublin Castle, advocating consideration of an application from Eleanor Walsh of Ballymohenry, County Sligo, for an assisted passage from the port of Cork to New South Wales, Australia. Confirms she is wife of James Walsh who was convicted in court on a charge of ‘burglary & taking arms at the house of John Morrison’. Encloses memorial from Eleanor Walsh to Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquis Wellesley, Lord Lieutenant, Dublin Castle, seeking extension of government aid in making the sea journey to the colony in Australia for herself and family. Admits her husband was convicted of Whiteboy membership at the assizes of 1822, and subsequently banished to New South Wales for life. Asserts he is now a well established journeyman tailor, and has the means to support his wife and 3 children, Mary, Bridget and Thomas, all of whom are under 10 years of age. Complains the family are at present ‘in great poverty and wretchedness’ and observes her husband has acquired testimonies of good character following his time in the colony. 2 items; 5pp