The feelings evoked,
and the almost unasked alms bestowed with a noble Christian generosity,
during that awful time, can be only fully known to Almighty God; the
Great Rewarder. The Merciful Rewarder has recorded them, and that is
enough, at least for the givers. However, there were some amongst them
who should not be passed over in silence. Baring, Brothers & Co.;
Rothschild & Co.; Smith, Payne & Smith; Overend, Gurney & Co.; Truman,
Hanbury & Co.; The Duke of Devonshire; Jones, Lloyd & Co.; an English
friend (in two donations); and an Irish landlord (for Skibbereen)
subscribed L1000 each.
Irish landlords did not contribute very munificently to the Famine-fund;
but here is L1000 from one, and for a special locality. Who was the
retiring but generous donor? The following extract of a letter will
answer the question; and throw light upon another remarkable offering
sent every month to Skibbereen for more than a year.
"The first case of death clearly established as arising from
starvation," writes Mr. M'Carthy Downing, "occurred at South Reen, five
miles from the town of Skibbereen. The case having been reported to me,
as a member of the Relief Committee, I procured the attendance of Dr.
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