Letter of Allan Cameron
Ireland Genealogy Projects Archives
Donegal Index
Donegal Miscellaneous Index
Copyright
Contributed by Mary Heaphy
_________________________________________

County Donegal, Ireland

From papers in the National Library, Dublin.

LETTER OF ALLAN CAMERON

Letter of Allan CAMERON, Deputy Divisional Commissioner of
the R.I.C. to Landlord's agent John J. BENISON re implements
required for evictions at Townavilly, Raphoe, Co. Donegal,
March 1889.

BENISON who resided at Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, was agent
for the estates of the Commissioners of Education,
(generally known as the Endowed Schools Commissioners) at
Townavilly. The tenants had combined in a rent strike under
the plan of Campaign and the Commissioners eventually
decided to evict. At that time when large numbers were being
evicted in an area the divisional commissioner or his deputy
took charge of security arrangements and directed both
police and military. Divisional headquarters were at Armagh
and Cameron stayed at a hotel while he was on service in
Donegal. To ensure a minimum  of resistance by tenants the
policy of the Chief Secretary, Balfour, was to have all
possible aids, most notable being the battering ram made
available to the evicting party and Cameron is anxious to
avail of the facility. The letter is written by a clerk and
signed by Cameron.


Letter

Gweedore Hotel.
Co. Donegal.
March 1889.

Dear Sir,

I have fixed on Tuesday the 12th inst as date on which to
carry out evictions on the property of the Commissioners of
Education at Townavilly and have so informed Sub. Sheriff.

I have informed him that I consider it necessary to have on
the spot for the purpose of forcing a speedy entrance should
determined opposition be given as apprehended the following
implements viz;-A battering ram, a saw, shields, and two
ladders, and I have further informed him that unless these
implements are provided together with a proper staff to work
them, it will become necessary for me to consider whether I
can continue to afford protection after a reasonable period
has elapsed for effecting an entrance.

Yours Faithfully,

                                                Allan CAMERON.

John J DENISON Esq.

Slieve RUSSELL,

Ballyconnell.