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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 38

"Ballaghameehan, Garrison, Co. Leitrim, 22nd January, 1880

"Ballaghameehan, Garrison, Co. Leitrim,

"My Lord,

This parish is partly in the Union of Ballyshannon and partly in the Union of Manorhamilton, and comprises the following divisions:—Ballaghameehan, Glenariff, and Rossinver. In these divisions, notwithstanding local exertions, there is a vast amount of destitution, bordering on starvation, consequent on the total failure of the potato crop, which is the only means of support the poor people have here.

"I do candidly believe there are not less than 100 families in the parish in deep distress. Some have a little as yet left; some have nothing.

"On visiting the sick a few days since I entered the cabin of a poor old man, who, I believe, is bordering on eighty years old. I was grieved to see him in the miserable plight he was in—hanging over a few sods of turf, without shoe or stocking to ward off the cold from a damp floor. His hollowed cheeks, penetrating looks, and emaciated visage evidently tell a sad tale. I reached another house on the same page 47 day; the inmates of this comprised four individuals—the father, an old man, unable to leave his bed unless carried; the son, the only support of the old father, and two sickly sisters, one of whom is now far advanced in dropsy, and, I believe, is dying. Having asked the son why it was that one of the girls did not look for employment, even if she were only to get her support, and his answer was, 'No one wants her.'

"I am sorry to say there are many such cases of distress as those given in this parish.

"I am, my Lord, your Lordship's obedient servant,

"John McManus, P.P."