S.M. Hussey

THE REMINISCENCES

OF AN

IRISH LAND AGENT

BEING THOSE OF

S.M. HUSSEY

Compiled by

HOME GORDON

WITH TWO PORTRAITS

LONDON

DUCKWORTH AND COMPANY
3 HENRIETTA STREET, W.C.

1904
Edinburgh: T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to His Majesty

PREFACE

Probably the first criticism on this book will be that it is colloquial.

The reason for this lies in the fact that though Mr. Hussey has for twogenerations been one of the most noted raconteurs in Ireland, he hasnever been addicted to writing, and for that reason has always declinedto arrange his memoirs, though several times approached by publishersand strongly urged to do so by his friends, notably Mr. Froude and Mr.John Bright. If his reminiscences are to be at all characteristic theymust be conversational, and it is as a talker that he himself at lengthconsents to appear in print.

In this volume he endeavours to supply some view of his own country asit has impressed itself on 'the most abused man in Ireland,' as LordJames of Hereford characterised Mr. Hussey. How little practical effectseveral attacks on his life and scores of threatening letters have hadon him is shown by the fact that he survives at the age of eighty toexpress the wish that his recollections may open the eyes of many aswell as prove diverting.

Possessing a retentive memory, he has been further able to assist mewith seven large volumes of newspaper cuttings which he had collectedsince 1853, while the publishers kindly permit the use of two articleshe contributed to Murray's Magazine in May and July 1887. To me thepreparation of this book has been a delightful task, materially helpedby Mr. Hussey's family as well as by a few others on either side of theChannel.

HOME GORDON.

13 OVINGTON SQUARE, S.W.

CONTENTS

PREFACE

CHAP.
I. ANCESTRY
II. PARENTAGE AND EARLY YEARS
III. EDUCATION
IV. FARMING
V. LAND AGENT IN CORK
VI. FAMINE AND FEVER
VII. FENIANISM
VIII. MYSELF, SOME FACTS, AND MANY STORIES
IX. THE HARENC ESTATE
X. KERRY EL