No E.U. Grant Aid Here
Poor Law Valuations
were a contentious issue with the hard
pressed tenant farmer of the 19th century. The
following document, dated March 20th 1871,
written by Edward Spring, makes an interesting
plea for a more realistic and perhaps more
humane valuation on behalf of one Michael
Sullivan. No address is given but he is quite
obviousley Spring's tenant. Spring writes from
"Inchigeela Glebe" East of the village, to
"- Scanlon Esq".
The style and language
are awkward but typical of the period.
A
transcript of the text follows:
"Inchigeela Glebe. March 20 / 71
Dear
Sir-
Bearer Michael Sullivan is tenant of
mine here. He is dissatisfied
with his Poor
Law Valuation and wishes that you, if you can,
should rectify matters for him. He tells me his
present valuation is a mere private arrangement
he was party to about eight years before I
came here. I of course, was not party to
it, but I think him valued high, as other places
go.
The last time I had the pleasure of
seeing you here, your visit I belive had
reference to merely revising between
myself and another to whom I had let a short
time before. Should you come out this time , I
shall be glad to see you, and if you can let me
know in time beforehand, I will not be out of
the way. Since you were here, I have made other
lettings, which need your attention.
Very
faithfully yours,
Edward Spring
----
Scanlan Esq"