Katherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII, failed to have a child by him.  After his death she soon married Admiral Thomas Seymour and they had a daughter Mary on August 30 1548, but Katherine died in childbirth.  Less than a year later Thomas Seymour  was executed.  Someone named CAWARDEN from Northumberland took the child back with him, raised her and married her off to a squire. Then she was forgotten, although both Mary and Elizabeth paid her an allowance till 1603 when records ceased.

The last two sentences are taken from a letter received in 2004 from Peg Mowat of Canada, a descendant of the Cardens of Brighton. I have not been able to find the source of Peg's information, nor any trace a Northumberland Cawarden.

At this time Thomas Cawarden of Bletchingly, knighted in 1545, was "Master of the King's Tents" and responsible for all festivals at court.  He often used the name Carden, and was probably related to the Cawardens of Staffordshire.  Perhaps it was he who arranged for someone to look after the child.

A cannon on the roof at Barnane?

In my book “Carden of Barnane” I have suggested that A. M. Sullivan invented the story about Woodcock Carden mounting a cannon on the roof of his mansion to deter tenants who were about to plough his lawn.

Kitty Barry ( Mrs K Barry, a vice-chairman of the Tipperary Historical Society) has kindly pointed out that the story is also mentioned in Paddy at Home by Edmond de Mandat-Grancey, 1887, a book translated from the French, full of stories and reminiscences about a visit to Ireland a year or two before.  Kitty has kindly loaned me the book.

Grancey met Sullivan and tells the story in almost identical words to Sullivan’s (including the statement, known to be false, about Woodcock’s assailants being summarily hanged) except that he says (page 106) “Mr. Carden, assisted by his men-servants, immediately carried an old cannon, worked on a pivot, that he possessed, to an upper room . . .”  It seems likely that his story is based on Sullivan’s, and adds little to justify it.

However Sullivan was a highly respected journalist, editor of The Nation for many years, and later an M.P.  It does not seem to be in character that he would invent such a story.  His statement that Woodcock later operated Barnane as a hotel was also thought to have been invented, but convincing proof of this extraordinary fact has been found.

-

The Carden school at Barnane

Kitty Barry’s home was near J. J. Hassett’s between Barnane and Killoskehane, and she purchased many of the books in Hassett’s well-known library after his death.  She says that John Rutter Carden was very interested in education. John Fanning as a child by-passed Drom school to go attend Carden’s school (where Kitty’s late aunt Mary was a teacher) because of its excellence, and became a newspaper correspondent.

The following is an almost verbatim extract from an email from Kitty:

The Hassett and Hoare houses are on the way to Killoskehane castle and not far from Caseys or Beamishes.  My mother is almost 98 and is the oldest native of Drom parish and is blessed with a good memory.

As to the schools in Barnane - in the early 1830s the state started paying teachers’ wages and regularised the educational system. I have researched some schools but not Barnane. My brother did a bit I think and I will get what he has when he next visits.  The info would now be in the PRO in Bishop Street, Dublin. A few years ago I remember him saying that there was agro between the parish priest and the Cardens re management. There was an older school up near Hennessays.  If you are interested I will get all the data for you when I get the chance.

The folklore commission collected tales and stories from all the schools in 1938 and if a search was done on Drom, Barnane, Killea and Templemore school returns one might get Carden tales. There can be some gems in the folklore collection.

My next door neighbour who is has been dead for a number of years used to tell me fascinating stories all of which proved to be true. One which I believe is true was as follows.  A Drombane man (unfortunately I forget his name) was a "turnkey" in Clonmel jail and Woodcock promised him a farm when he got out. Mr x did not really believe him. Lo and behold some months after he was free who arrived at his Drombane home only Woodcock on horseback with the news that he had the farm ready for him. I have asked mother who in Barnane came from Drombane  but she is not sure. I will ask my brother. However woodcock was a man of his word.

FRENCH ORIGINS?

Though it is clear that most Carden branches have their origin in an ancient family which existed in Cheshire long before the Norman invasion, the East Kent branches appear from DNA evidence to have a separate origin.  The late Joan Carden of Spain speculated that they descended from a Cardon mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Domesday Book.

In about 1086 William the Conqueror instructed that the ownership of all land in England be established and recorded in what came to be known as the Domesday Book.  This mentions William Cardon several times as follows, in the Essex volume (Phillimore, London and Chichester, 1983, ISBN 0 85033 484 5):-

Page 10.    Hundred of Uttlesford.  From this manor William Cardon, a man of 
G(eoffrey) de Mandeville’s, wrongfully received 24 acres of woodland when Swein was Sheriff, as the Hundred testifies.

Page 20.    Hundred of Uttlesford.  To this manor was attached 1 Freeman with 3 virgates before 1066, whom William Cardon holds for G(eoffrey) de Mandeville’s Holding.  He paid 2p per year.

Page 90.    (WILLIAM CARDON’S ANNEXATION).  In the Hundred of Uttlesford.  William Cardon appropriated 1 Freeman with 8 acres.  He belongs to (Great) Chishill, of Geoffrey de Mandeville’s Holding.  Value 2s.

Thus it appears that at the time of the survey, 1086, William Cardon was working for Geoffrey de Mandeville, one of the many followers of William given confiscated land.

Joan suggested that he probably was brought from Normandy by de Mandeville, so the French origin for the name, claimed by various books, may have some foundation.  But he equally well might have been on the land before the conquest.

French origin of the name

Carden means thistle in French.  It is possible that Geoffrey de Mandeville distinguished himself from other knights when fully disguised in armour, by wearing a thistle on his helmet.  This sort of thing was very common, the most famous example being the Plantagenets.  Geoffrey, Count of Anjou (1113–1151), father of Henry II, often wore in his hat a sprig of broom, planta genista.  De Mandeville’s retainers may have been known by the name Cardon accordingly.

Companions of the Conqueror.

It is believed that in 1066 William the Conqueror set sail for England from Dives-sur-Mer near Caen in Normandy.  In the church there is a plaque, occupying an area of over 200 square feet, listing the supposed companions of the conqueror.  It was erected in 1862.  The list was drawn up by the French Society of Archaeology, with the approval of the Bishop of Bayeux and others.  The are about 500 names including Geoffroi de Mandeville and Guillaume Cardon.

Most such lists are rather suspect but the inclusion of de Mandeville and Carden in this list is significant.

Modern Cardins in France

A few Cardens in England and USA spell their name Cardin, which is believed to be a variant of the original Carden name.  The question is often raised as to whether there is any connection with the famous Pierre Cardin brand name, but no information exists about that.

In 2004 Christian Cardin of Gravelines, France, submitted a sample for DNA analysis.  The result did not show anything in common with Cardens belonging to either the Cheshire or East Kent branches of the family.  It would have been remarkable and truly exciting if it had done so, and the failure to match our English haplotypes proves little.

Christian Cardin wrote:

In 1949 Mae Carden closed her school in New York and with close associates, Dorothea Freyfogle and May Crissey, organized Mae Carden, Inc. The new arrangement enabled Mae Carden to give full attention to the use of the CARDEN METHOD® in other schools.

To assure the continuation of her work, she established The Carden Educational Foundation, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation, in 1962. After Mae Carden passed away in 1977, the Foundation absorbed all of the activities and purposes of Mae Carden, Inc., and dissolved that organization. All rights, title, and interest in the CARDEN METHOD®, including Carden and the Carden Curriculum, are vested in the Foundation.

On April 11 2006 I posted the following note to the CARDEN-L mailing list.

Names of ex-slaves

Those who have read my report on our Carden DNA project will have seen that
one of those whose DNA matches the Cheshire (England) haplotype exactly was
James Eugene Carden, who wrote  "I am African American and have never met
another 'Black' Carden except for my immediate family until about 2 years
ago when I visited Halifax County (Scottsburg) Virginia. I think this is
where my Great Grandfather, James H. Carden was born."

I had supposed that James' family took their surname from that of their
former owner at the time they obtained their freedom.  But discussing our
DNA project recently with Jane Reid (who is descended from a sister of the
Eleanor Arbuthnot whose attempted abduction by John Rutter Carden in
Tipperary in 1856 is a well-known story), Jane drew my attention to "The
Black Family in Slavery and Freedom, 1750-1925" by Herbert G Gutman, Oxford
1976.  It has an absolutely fascinating chapter about the surnames used by
ex-slaves, from which it appears that they very seldom used the name of
their most recent owner, and the name they used often showed a great
interest in their own family background right back to their earliest known
ancestor who arrived from Africa, and the name chosen was often that of the
original owner or even of the man who transported them from Africa.

Of course it is possible, even probable, that in the case of James' family a
white Carden took a black wife and married her formally, and they gave their
surname to their children in the normal way.

I am sending this note to the list as well as to James, as I think it may be
of general interest.  I hope James does not mind, and will respond with
further information.

It might be a good idea, incidentally, were he to agree to upgrade his DNA
analysis from 12 markers to 25 or more in order to obtain more definite
proof that he is a member of the ancient Carden family of Cheshire, and
perhaps link him to a particular branch.

I think, also, that James and the rest of us would like to hear of any
Carden slave-owners.  Perhaps quite a number of those who fought for the
south in the Civil War came from slave-owning Carden families, and listers
will be able to tell us about them.

Reply from James E Carden

James replied almost immediately as follows,to me but not to the mailing list, and I am reproducing his reply with his permission.

Arthur,

I will certainly follow-up on your suggestion to have the 25 marker DNA analysis accomplished.  Following is my conclusion of my family history.

As I stated earlier, My Grand Father was James H Carden, who apparently was born in Halifax County (Scottsburg) Virginia.  When I started my research, I found his name in the Virginia (Halifax) census of 1900.  (Roanoke; ED 56 sheet 3).  It appeared his mother's name was "Bady", which created a problem with further research.

After more records became available on the Internet, I discovered that there was a Bettie (Bady?) listed in the Halifax County 1870 census.  In that census, she and her sister Frances were listed as "Black" and were living in the household of Bryant Carden (Black).  

In the 1880 census, she and Frances were enumerated as "White" and were living in the household of John Carden (White).  It also listed John's brother as Peter Carden, a Physician.

Earlier I had found a Planter, John B. Carden, who was listed in the 1860 Slave Census as owning 20 slaves (9 male and 11 female).  The plantation was located on land along Key Fork and Boston Road in Wilmoth tract, as identified in deed book 66, page 507, Halifax Co. Virginia (1873). 

When I visited Halifax County in 1999, I found about 50 black Carden families in the same area.  I was told these were the descendents of two Carden lines that they referred to as the "Black and White" Cardens.

I currently live in Birmingham Alabama and in the 1950's, there were about five Carden families listed in the phone directory.  This was my family and about four other in Shelby County Alabama.  Now there is one half of a page, mostly in Shelby County Alabama in addition to me and my son.

This is what I have so far.  Any further information that other Cardens may provide will be greatly appreciated.  I would surely like to verify my family origins.

Thanks in advance,

James E Carden
CardenJE@aol.com

James also sent the following, including the photograph of his grandfather

Grandfather James H Carden, born Apr 1885 in Halifax County Virginia.  Listed in 1900 Virginia Census with mother Bettie (Bady?) Carden. 

Bettie Carden was born in approximately 1860 in Halifax County.  Apparently was born a slave on the plantation of John B Carden, located at Key fork and Boston Road in the Wilmoth tract, Halifax County Virginia.

(This document, being too long for a single post, appears below in three parts)

Transcribed 2006 by Arthur E Carden, using OCR,

from the original at the British Library, for the benefit of those interested in the story of the attempted abduction of Miss Eleanor Arbuthnot.

Page numbers in the original are indicated thus: [25]

[1]

A LETTER

TO THE PUBLIC

BY

JOHN CARDEN, ESQ.,

OF BARNANE

DUBLIN:

HODGES, SMITH, AND CO., 104 GRAFTON-STREET.

1858

[2-4 blank]

[5]

TO THE PUBLIC.

A FORTNIGHT has now elapsed, and you have had before you the effusions of the Mail, and Freeman, and the sarcastic, but not ill-natured remarks of the Times newspaper, with regard to the investigations in which I was concerned, which took place at the Kingstown Police-office.

I have been stigmatized with extreme bitterness in provincial journals, and my name offensively placarded where the sales of ^-newspapers are advertised.  Great, therefore, as is my respect for that powerful organ which so worthily holds the highest place as the leader and exponent of' public opinion, I cannot, in this instance, adopt their suggestion, and I feel myself compelled to redeem the pledge which I gave to bring the circumstances of this case before the public; the more so, because upon that occasion I was not allowed in my own defence, and in regard to the charge against me, to make a connected and comprehensible statement, the few disjointed observations which I did contrive to utter having been enunciated at the top of my voice, so as to overcome the interruptions by which I was assailed.

Far is it from my intention to cast reflections upon one for whose sake I have endured such cruel sufferings, [6] and with regard to whom the magistrate who had witnessed the outward evidence of a bursting heart with which she signed her informations, observed that "it would have been better for her to have been born the humblest peasant girl in the land, than to have been placed in such a position."  And if, in the following recital, I state facts which, in connexion with these informations, are perfectly unaccountable, the Public must draw their own inference, guided by the light which the memories of many a tale of cruel wrong and dire oppression, in later as in earlier times, may serve to furnish them.  In support of my own statement, I claim the credit to be derived from the character for truth and honour, which I have always endeavoured to maintain.  My friends have been accustomed to rely upon it, and I hardly think my enemies will venture to gainsay it.  The informations drawn up for MISS ARBUTHNOT are as follows:-

POLICE DISTRICT OF DUBLIN METROPOLIS, AND COUNTY OF DUBLIN TO WIT

The Information of ELEANOR LOUISA ARBUTHNOT, now residing at No. 5, Leinster-street, in the City of Dublin, and who lately resided at Rathronan, in the County of Tipperary, spinster, a credible witness, taken before me, one of the Divisional Magistrates of the Dublin Police, presiding at Kingstown Police Court, County of Dublin, within Said Police District.

And the said witness being duly sworn upon oath, deposes and says – That about the month of July, 1852, I first became acquainted with Mr. John Carden, of Barnane, in the County of Tipperary.  I was at the time on a visit with Mr. John Bagwell, at Eastgrove in the County of Cork.  Shortly afterwards I [7] accompanied my brother-in-law, the Honourable George Gough, and his wife, on a visit to Barnane.  On that occasion I found Mr. Carden's attention to me, without provocation, encouragement, or justification therefor, so marked and annoying, that I left Barnane before the intended period of their visit had expired, and induced my said brother-in-law and sister to accompany me, being actuated solely by my wish to put an end to Mr. Carden’s attention to me.

Subsequently, my brother-in-law, the said Honourable George Gough, after a severe fit of illness, went down, on Mr. Carden's invitation, to Barnane, whilst I remained at Rathronan with my sister, Mrs. Gough.

Some time previous to this, as I subsequently learned, the said Mr. John Carden had made overtures to my sister, the said Honourable Mrs. Gough, respecting me, on which occasion the said Mrs. Gough informed him that, from her knowledge of my sentiments with regard to him, it was useless for him to think further on the subject, and declined to advance or favour his suit; and I say that such was a true and fair account of my feelings. Notwithstanding this, the said Mr. Carden addressed a letter to me, at Rathronan, containing a, proposal to me to elope with him.

Feeling indignant at such an insulting proposition, for which my conduct towards Mr. Carden had not given the least ground or excuse, I immediately communicated the said letter to my brother-in-law, then at Barnane, as before mentioned, informing him, at the same time, that in the event of his inviting Mr. Carden to visit him at Rathronan, I would leave the house while he was to be there, being determined never to be under the same roof with him.

I know, both from my said brother-in-law and from a letter subsequently written by the said John Carden, which I now produce, that the above determination, and my letter containing it, were fully communicated to Mr. Carden, and I refer to my letter marked “P."

Mr. Carden still persisted in his course of annoyance towards me, and again pressed my brother-in-law to allow him to renew his intimacy with his family, and to obtain my consent to his visiting at Rathronan whilst I was there.  I, in the hopes of at [8] once and for ever: putting an end to the idea he professed to entertain, that my real feelings had not been expressed in the many refusals he had received, myself wrote to him the most laconic and decided refusal in my power, which he must have received; as it was found amongst his papers after his arrest hereinafter mentioned.

No further communication took place with me subsequently to this on the part of Mr. Carden, but on one occasion, during my said brother-in-law's absence from Rathronan, Mr. Carden, though forbidden to visit at Rathronan, forced his way into the dining-room whilst I was there, and he continued pursuing me in places of public resort in so marked and offensive a manner, that on more than one occasion I was obliged either to leave them or, decline going there; and ultimately the 2nd of July 1854, as I was returning from Rathronan Church – I remarked Mr. Carden loitering about as I was going into Church – and when I was returning, the carriage in which I was, in company with my sisters, Mrs. Gough and Miss Laura Arbuthnot, and a Miss Lyndon, was attacked close to Rathronan by an armed party, at the head of which was Mr. Carden, who resorted to extreme violence in attempting to carry me off.

For this offence Mr. Carden was tried at the summer assizes of Clonmel next ensuing, and sentenced to be imprisoned for two years.

Pending his imprisonment, an offer was made to him by the Government, as I have been informed and believe, to restore him to his liberty, on the sole condition that he should enter into a recognizance to be of the peace, and not further to molest me, but he refused so to bind himself, and preferred remaining in gaol.

After the expiration of this imprisonment, the said John Carden recommenced the same system of annoyance towards me, incessantly following my movements wherever I went, insomuch that I could not visit even the private residences of my friends without his locating himself immediately in the neighbourhood and obtruding himself on me when walking or riding.  He did not, however, on these occasions venture to address me, or write to me or my friends until lately, when I was on a visit at Elderslie, [9]  in the County of Surrey; but whilst I was there in the  month of [empty space] last, as I was riding one day in company with my brother, William Arbuthnot, Mr. Carden suddenly rode up from behind, and commenced addressing me in an excited manner by name; my brother thereupon interfered, and compelled Mr. Carden to retire.

On the same evening Mr. Carden wrote a most insulting letter on the subject of this meeting to my said brother William.

About the same time Mr. Carden addressed a letter to Mrs. Arbuthnot, my sister-in-law, residing at Cowarth, near Staines, with the object of procuring an interview to press his pursuit of me.  The letter was returned to Mr. Carden, who, however, forwarded it again, with an additional one to which I also refer, marked with the letter "C."

I further say, that it was my intention to reside shortly with my brother-in-law, the aforesaid Honourable George Gough; at Loughcooter, in the County of Galway, which is in a lonely and retired part of the county; and I have been credibly informed that the said John Carden, within a short time, said, that I was returning to the neighbourhood of Clonmel, where I would be so surrounded by friends, and he had no chance, but that when I would be at Loughcooter he would have good opportunities for carrying out his views. I have recently been informed that a woman, employed by him, has been arrested, and from his previous conduct towards me, and his objects with regard to me, after he was well aware, notwithstanding his pretence to the contrary, that I will never consent to see or have any intercourse whatever with him, I swear that I am apprehensive that he will, should occasion offer, again commit serious violence to me, and that I am in danger from him; and I positively swear that I entertain the greatest aversion to the said John Carden, and have never given any encouragement to justify his addresses to me, either directly or indirectly.

Sworn before me this 11th day of October, 1858.

                                                                                          FRANK THORP PORTER.

ELEANOR LOUISA ARBUTHNOT.

The following are the circumstances which, in [10] connexion with the above, I think it my duty to disclose:–

About the month  of July, 1852, I met Miss Arbuthnot and her sister, at Eastgrove.  Talked of giving a fete at Barnane.  Miss Arbuthnot hoped I would ask them, saying "that I could put her and her sister anywhere."  Sought Mr. Gough's acquaintance in consequence of my admiration of Miss Arbuthnot.  They all paid me a visit at Barnane, remaining from the 9th to the 18th September; the party then broke up.  Had conceived a great personal regard for Miss Arbuthnot, who seemed to me to reciprocate the feeling.  During the whole of this visit, and especially on the eve of the clay preceding their departure, my intercourse with Miss Arbuthnot was marked by the greatest possible kindness of feeling, and mutual good will; and I cannot; recollect on any one single occasion during my acquaintance with her, the slightest disagreement occurring between us.  Soon afterwards went from Barnane to Clonmel, and called by appointment at Rathronan, where Miss Arbuthnot resided, and received from Miss Arbuthnot's own hands tickets for a concert, where I was to have met her, but was late, at which she next day, when we rode out together, testified some surprise.  Met her on a car driving, when she asked me if I had heard she had been to call at a neighbour's house where I was staying.  Found there was some under-current against me, and spoke to Mrs. Gough about my regard for her sister, and was told by her "to put it out of [11] my head, and that they did not wish her to marry for two years."  It was not until subsequently to this interview that Mrs. Gough told me their reason for not accepting my pressing invitation to prolong their visit at Barnane beyond ten days, was on account of my attentions to her sister.  The reason which Mr. Gough gave me at the time for not doing so, was, that he was obliged to return home to receive some of his own relations.  Mr. Gough subsequently came to my house, after scarlatina, for change of air; and to perform quarantine, and was nursed by my servants.  I had a conversation with Miss Arbuthnot whilst out riding, concerning this proposed visit, and especially, alluded to the pleasure it would afford me to have any one belonging to her at Barnane.  My invitation to Mr. Gough was delivered through the ladies of his family, as I did not even see him after his illness until we met at Barnane, and was given solely on Miss Arbuthnot's account.  I wrote the proposal to elope alluded to, being irritated at the opposition I met 'with, and it was answered as described, but Miss Arbuthnot mentioned, as I have been informed, that it was represented to her that " I had written the proposal to laugh at her," and that she had “told George she did not think that could be the case."  The laconic refusal alluded to in the informations, was in reply to a letter of mine addressed to Mr. Gough, requesting to be re-admitted to the house; it consisted of the word "No" with the initials E. L: A., in the middle of a sheet of note paper.  I did not attach importance to it, conceiving that she had acted under influence.

On one occasion, hearing from a young lad, brought up at Barnane, whom Miss Arbuthnot and her sister had, taken into their service in the stables, on my recommendation, that she had enquired about me, I ventured to call at Rathronan.  Found her sister in front of the house, who took me in with her; Miss Arbuthnot got up and shook hands with me.  Mr. Gough came in, looked at her upbraidingly, and said to me, "I meet you everywhere."  I said I was staying at Lord Lismore's, and came to cull; I11iss Arbuthnot re-echoed my words, and said, "Yes, George, he was staying at Lord Lismore's, and came to call."  I stayed to lunch, and Mrs. Gough did nothing but talk at us; told a story of a young lady who she said eloped in an emigrant vessel and was lost.  After lunch had much conversation with Miss Arbuthnot, who was turning over the leaves of a book which I was examining.  A lady of high rank, belonging to the neighbourhood, was present on the occasion of this visit.  After this, Mr. Gough, Lord Gough, and Sir Patrick Grant, came to my house at Barnane, and dined and slept there.  My visit to Rathronan above described, on the occasion when it is stated that I forced my way, into the dining-room in Mr. Gough's absence, occurred on the 29th of April, 1853.  Lord Gough and his son and son-in-law visited me on the 18th May.  This appears to me altogether an unaccountable circumstance in connexion with the whole tenor of the informations.  I also dined with Lord Gough at St. Helen's, September lst, 1853, and met Miss [13] Arbuthnot, who, however, was guarded all the evening, so that I could hardly approach her.  However, at lat she walked up of her own accord, and shook hands with me before she retired for the evening.  After this occasion, finding that my approaches to Miss Arbuthnot were invariably interrupted, and at last altogether interdicted, by a letter from Mr. Gough, dated St. Helen's, October 24, 1853, in which he made use of this extraordinary expression: "We have been bitterly blamed for allowing you to prosecute your suit;" that a very earnest appeal to him to be allowed to associate with Miss Arbuthnot on terms of friendship – offering at the same time to give up her fortune to her own family, if she should ever marry me – was slighted, and finally, that on the 5th of March, 1854, I was, on calling at Rathronan House, denied admittance to see Miss Arbuthnot, who was in the drawing-room at the time (as her own servant informed me), by Mr. Gough in person – a denial at which I have since heard that she has expressed great disapprobation.  I formed a most elaborate plan for carrying her off' by force.  That plan involved difficult and expensive arrangements as to a vessel, and with regard to relays of horses on the road to the coast, and suspicion once excited, no illegal attempt of the sort could possibly be renewed with the slightest chance of success.

I regret having been tempted by any provocation or excitement to adopt a course which has resulted in an exposure altogether so painful to one for whom in my inmost heart I entertain the tenderest affection [14] and the most entire respect; but with regard to the aspersions thrown out against me in connexion with that affair, not only are they unfounded, but all was done that the most anxious care and thoughtfulness could suggest to soften the rigours of an ungentle proceeding, and to place the lady as quickly as possible under proper and efficient protection.

I do not defend the act; but when base and atrocious aspersions are cruelly raked up, offensive alike in the very mention of them, to every person concerned, I will affirm. this, and I am justified in doing so, that irritated as they doubtless are, at all that has occurred, not one member of the young lady's family in England yields to them the slightest credence, or attributes to me a base or sordid motive for the commission of the rash act, of which I paid the penalty. The penalty was two years' imprisonment; and for the full period of that time I remained an inmate of the jail of Clonmel, whilst, from the windows of my lonely apartment, I looked out upon the hills over which, in happier days, I had so often ridden in company with her into whose ears I had breathed vows of attachment, which, on my part, I have maintained inviolate.  I now come to the pertinent fact stated in Miss Arbuthnot's information – viz., that I had refused the offer of the Government to enter into recognizances of the peace," and preferred remaining in jail."  To that statement there is an explanation which now, for the 'first time, I offer to the public.

The recognizances to the peace were not of the usual character, viz., that I should be of the [15] peace to Miss Arbuthnot and all her Majesty's subjects; but the Government offer made to me, seven months after my incarceration, contained these additional words, "and further, not to annoy or, molest in any manner whatsoever, by word, deed; or gesture, the said Eleanor Arbuthnot;" assuming the case that Miss Arbuthnot acts under compulsion or coercion, these words were in themselves calculated to discourage future hope of intercourse with her. Such terms, however, I was induced to consent to accept, but having given in my adhesion in the usual form, and received by the hands of the Crown Solicitor the bond which I have since understood was prepared in conjunction with Mr. Gough's attorney, I found that the original terms were thus amplified: "that the said John Carden should not annoy or molest the said E. L. Arbuthnot, directly or indirectly, by word, deed, or gesture, or written communication, or in any otherwise whatsoever, or personally intrude himself upon her presence, or hold communication with any member of her family in relation to her the said Eleanor Arbuthnot."  This bond was to endure for ten years, and placed me under an obligation of £20,000, and my two sureties of £5,000 each.  I have been informed that the late Judge Moore expressed the greatest astonishment at these terms, a copy of which, in my hand-writing, he took away with him from Clonmel, when he attended the assizes there during the period of my imprisonment.

Rather than submit to this outrage against the [16] constitution exhibited in my person, – sooner than consent to the eternal separation from the being whom I adored, which it was the object of my enemies to effect, I passed the remaining period of my sentence, viz., seventeen months, a voluntary prisoner in the gaol of Clonmel; having, however, in vain submitted, from time to time, various propositions to the Government, one of which, from myself, was to serve as a common soldier in the Crimea, during the, term of the Russian war.  It were vain for me to attempt to describe the painful character of the rumours which were circulated in consequence, of my refusal to submit to the terms offered by the Government.  A report was industriously spread, which I am informed gained credence with the Government of the day, that I was actually insane.          One of my most intimate friends, a noble lord now holding high office in the present government, visited me one day, and informed me that it was said to be the intention to press such an accusation against me at the termination of my imprisonment, unless I would then accept the conditions above alluded to; and my attention was kept continually on the rack to avoid any expressions arising from irritation at the injustice done me, which might be recorded to give a colour to the insinuations industriously circulated.

Now, let the reader dwell for a moment on this startling fact, and consider the character of the persecution which I have been compelled to endure.

(continued in next post)

This most unhappy period of my existence was, in some degree, lightened by the exertions made in [17] several quarters to procure my release, and the testimony thus borne in my favour I now produce to vindicate, so far as it goes, my character, thus a second time prejudiced by the course which my relentless enemies have chosen to pursue.  The following is the petition presented in my favour from the. County Tipperary: –

To the Right Hon. George Granville Earl of Carlisle, Lord

Lieutenant General and General Governor of Ireland.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,

WE, the undersigned magistrates, and other inhabitants of the County of Tipperary, beg to approach your Excellency on behalf of John Carden, now a prisoner in Clonmel gaol.

We beg to assure your Excellency that we have not failed to reprobate in the highest degree the criminal attempt of which Mr. Carden is now suffering the penalty; and that we have observed with satisfaction that, in his case, it has been made apparent that there is not one law for the rich and another for the poor; and that no one can outrage with impunity those laws upon which the safety of the community depends, or violate that good order which has now, for so long a period, happily distinguished this county.  But, whilst we cannot sufficiently condemn a criminal act of such lawless audacity, we must nevertheless impress upon your Excellency, that in this county, where his character is known, and the circumstances of his case have obtained more or less notoriety, Mr. Carden stands acquitted in public opinion of those grave imputations, which, if credited, would deprive him of all claim upon our sympathy; and we feel it further our duty to declare, that during the long period that we have known Mr. Carden as a magistrate and a resident in this county, his conduct has been invariably such as to have entitled him, in the highest degree, to our respect and esteem. On his conduct, as a magistrate, in times of social difficulty and disturbance, it is unnecessary for us to enlarge, as it has, doubtless, [18] not escaped the notice of the present government, having been long a matter of notoriety; but we allude with more pleasure to the fact that by his exertions during periods of calamity and suffering; as well as by his general conduct and bearing, Mr. Carden has conciliated to himself, in a remarkable degree, the kind feeling and regard of all classes in this county, and of none more so than of those who depend for their comfort and support on that constant and liberal employment which for many years, and up to the present period, without any interruption, has been afforded to them on his property at Barnane.

Neither the gentry, nor the labouring classes, and other inhabitants of this county can be unmindful of all that we have adduced, and we beg to assure your Excellency, that there is a general desire, that justice having been satisfied and the law vindicated, the case should receive the favourable consideration of the government.

Concurrently with the above was forwarded one from the ancient City of Lincoln. I cannot lay my hand upon it, but here is the Mayor's letter to myself accompanying it:–

"SIR, – You will receive with this a memorial to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to be presented with one also in your favour, which it is understood is about to emanate from your county.

"As the memorial is so explicit, it would be superfluous for me to add anything on the subject further than to assure you that amongst those who have signed it, will be found most of the gentry, clergy, magistrates, professional men, merchants, and the most respectable tradesmen of the city, and that no attempt has been made to make the memorial imposing from mere numbers.

                                                                                                                                          “J. BROGAN.

"To John Carden."

The Earl of Donoughmore likewise sent me the following testimonial: –

[19]

"Having been requested by Mr. John Carden, of Barnane, to state what I know of him, as a magistrate and resident landed proprietor, I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the, important services which he has rendered in support of the law, and in opposition to the violence and conspiracy of the late agrarian system.  When Mr. Carden first came to reside on his property, in the County of Tipperary, it was at the risk of life that the ordinary rights of landed property was asserted.  With a courageous perseverance, which is rarely to be met with, Mr. Carden set himself to the task of asserting his rights on his own estate, and of protecting his weaker neighbours, whose lives, as well as his own, were several times attempted.  It was by following his example that this nefarious system has at length been completely crushed.

"Twenty years ago Mr. Carden's residence was the centre of a poor and lawless district; its neighbourhood is now peaceful and fruitful, and the inhabitants loyal, contented, and happy.  In common with all those who have witnessed Mr. Carden's perseverance and zealous exertions, and who appreciate the benefit which he has conferred upon the County of Tipperary, I deeply regret and deplore the unfortunate position in which he is now placed, but I indulge a hope that one crime, great and unjustifiable though it be, may not be suffered to obliterate the record of many years of meritorious exertion and unvarying honourable conduct, and that the Government may be induced, by these considerations, to shorten the term of imprisonment to which he has been sentenced.

                                                                               "DONOUGHMORE, D.L., J.P.,

                                                                                                          " County Tipperary.

"Paris, November 14th, 1854."

These various applications, with several others, were not attended with success.

On my release from prison, at the end of the term of two years, I left the jail privately, to avoid any demonstration in my favour which might be offensive to the [20] Gough family, and I went abroad, taking the overland route to India. On my return, in company with one of Miss Arbuthnot's connexions, and other gentlemen of rank and station, with whom I have since maintained friendly communication, I called upon the then Lord Lieutenant, Lord Carlisle.  He received me with his usual kindness, and I stated to him my deep regret for my past conduct, and my determination never again to violate the laws of my country; and in every variety of language, on every possible occasion, by word and letter, and to every person with whom I have communicated, I have given an assurance that never again would I be guilty of a second attempt to repeat the offence which caused so much pain to the lady to whom I profess myself deeply attached, or to be guilty of any violence towards her.

Nevertheless, on visiting Clonmel I found myself placed under the surveillance of the police, and malicious reports, industriously circulated in order to make the public believe that the repetition of some grave offence against the laws, and not a harmless interview with Miss Arbuthnot, which I had in vain requested the family to permit, was the purpose which I entertained.

At last I determined to force an interview with Lord Gough himself, and proceeding to Loughcooter for that purpose, I surprised him in his own demesne.  Lord Gough's reception of me was that of a soldier and a gentleman.  Every amende that words could convey I made for the insult offered, as he said, to his family, and I received his entire forgiveness.

I then informed him that I had obtained the [21] most positive information as to Miss Arbuthnot’s state of mind: that when she heard me abused by her friends, she would burst into tears, and. then retire to her room for the remainder of the evening, where she was left without notice or remark, with other details of a similar nature.

Lord Gough said "that the hearts of young girls were deceitful, but that, assuming my supposition to be true, which he did not by any means admit, the world would not allow Miss Arbuthnot to marry me."  That appears to me a remark of deep import in relation to the late proceedings; but my opinion is, that the world cares little about the affairs of two humble individuals, who ought to be allowed to settle them in private, and without being subjected to a species of interference which results in public scandal.  Finally, Lord Gough advised me to pursue an open, not a clandestine course, and, acting upon this suggestion; I went to Clonmel, and not finding Mr. Gough at home, I wrote to request a meeting with him.  Mr. Gough, after an interval, refused the interview; and I found, through Government officials, that it had been represented that I had requested a hostile meeting, and that my communication was of a threatening character.

The result of the steps above described was, that a guard of police was placed on the young lady; that she was attended by them in her private walks; and that, when she rode out in the lawn at Rathronan, a mounted policeman was observed to ride past occasionally, in addition to those placed as sentinels on [22] the demesne gate.  I must say, that, it is in this part of the United Kingdom alone where a standing army of police are ever ready to further the purposes of those who possess influence at the Castle of Dublin, that such a system of coercion and interference could be maintained.

About this time a girl in a humble class of life, named Cocklan, about 18 years of age, who had been employed in Mr. Gough's dairy until it was broken up, sought for me at the hotel at Clonmel, to ask for employment.  I did not see her, being at the time on a visit at Lord Donoughmore's house, in the neighbourhood.  This young girl was seized by the police, examined by a magistrate of the town, and searched twice; by a policeman, to know if she had any letters, &c., for me; her stockings were taken off, and the bosom of her dress examined.  The report of this circumstance reached me whilst I was at Barnane; I caused an inquiry to be instituted as to the truth of it by a professional gentleman.  The girl made a declaration before a magistrate, and is ready, at any time, to come forward to substantiate it.  I need hardly say, that this individual was not charged with any message to me of any sort or description.

I have endeavoured, through various respectable channels, to open communication with Miss Arbuthnot, but invariably without success.  A lady being applied to, and offered an open letter, which she was requested to place before Miss Arbuthnot, is said to have replied that "she dared not do so," and that "the applicant little knew what sort of house Mr. [23] Gough's was;" and a gentleman who had promised me his good offices, subsequently wrote to say that he had been informed that a very unenviable notoriety would be the fate of any one meddling in the' matter in Mr. Gough's house.

I am now about to explain the manner of my introduction to Mrs. Keating.  In my interview with Lord Gough, he had inquired if I bad been' in the habit of holding communication with Miss Arbuthnot's maid, Margaret Keating, for that she had been lately dismissed by the family on that suspicion.  I told him such was not the case; but believing that in this matter measures had been resorted to of a very extraordinary, character to separate Miss Arbuthnot and myself, and wishing to become acquainted with the nature of them, I commenced to institute a search for this Margaret Keating; she, however, has disappeared, and to this day most of her family are unaware of her present abode, or even of her existence.  In the course of my researches, I met with Mrs. Keating, step-mother to the said Margaret Keating; she was brought to my house, and being a person of kind feeling, she became interested in my case, in connection with the mysterious disappearance of her relative.  At this precise period – about March last – Miss Arbuthnot happened to go up to Dublin, and I sent Mrs. Keating to Lord Gough's house, at St. Helen's, to see her.  Mrs. Keating is the daughter of highly respectable parents, and is a person of good education, conduct, and appearance, and had often spoken with Miss Arbuthnot [24] when calling to visit her step-daughter Margaret, then in Miss Arbuthnot's service.  Her statement is to the following effect:-"She called to see Miss .Arbuthnot, and was shown up to her room; found her apparently in low spirits; began to talk to her about Margaret Keating, her step-daughter, and mentioned my name in connection with what I had heard from Lord Gough, when instantly Mrs. Gough entered, apparently from some place of concealment, and exclaimed; ‘What ! what !’ Miss Arbuthnot's manner completely changed; she referred Mrs. Keating to Mrs. Gough, with regard to her, missing relative, and the former then retired.  Calling the day following, was told that Mrs. Gough did not permit any one to see Miss Arbuthnot without her leave, and that they were apprehensive that Miss Arbuthnot would go into a decline.  Calling the third day, was told that Miss Arbuthnot was vexed at not seeing her, and the speaker said that between Mrs. Gough and Miss Arbuthnot she did not know what to do, but that she could see Miss Arbuthnot if she would wait.  Mrs. Keating was too much afraid of Mrs. Gough at that time, as she told me, to remain, but at my urgent request she went a fourth time, and was shown up by a servant to Miss Arbuthnot's room.  Mrs. Keating then asked Miss Arbuthnot, as she states, if they were alone, for fear Mrs. Gough should be listening, and Miss Arbuthnot went to the door and saw that it was closed.  Miss Arbuthnot and Mrs. Keating then sat down opposite each other at a table, and the latter, Mrs. Keating, [25] detailed the manner of her visit to Barnane, and everything that had been said by me, and that had taken place during that visit, to all of which Miss Arbuthnot listened with great apparent pleasure, saying all the time, with a smile, Ah ! that is all nonsense !  Mrs. Keating says that she attempted frequently to end her visit, but that Miss Arbuthnot would not permit her to do so.  Mrs. Keating further states that she told Miss Arbuthnot that she was in my service, making up furniture, and that after that she might be kept on to assist in housekeeping, and asked if Miss Arbuthnot had any objection.  Miss Arbuthnot said not, but " that she was very weak, and a bad person to give an opinion," and asked to be allowed to consult Mr. and Mrs. Gough, having promised Mrs. Keating at the commencement of the interview not to tell what passed.  She, Mrs. Keating, told Miss Arbuthnot, that if my following annoyed her, that I would rather go to the farthest end of the world, and Miss Arbuthnot still replied with a smile, Ah ! nonsense !  Finally, Mrs. Keating said that my life depended upon Miss Arbuthnot, and that I wanted an interview anyhow, or anywhere, in public or private, and Miss Arbuthnot then got up and walked in an agitated manner about the room, but finally said she could not do anything without consulting Mr. and Mrs. Gough.  Miss Arbuthnot told Mrs. Keating to write to her to say if she might tell Mr. and Mrs. Gough everything; and added, that she, Miss Arbuthnot, when at church at Fethard, the second day following, would call to see Mrs. Keating's [26] parents.” The above is Mrs. Keating's statement in full detail. The attention of the lawyer who examined her at Kingstown, was only directed to the contradiction which she gives to the lodge-woman's account of the conversation which took place between them. Mrs. Keating wrote a note next day to Miss Arbuthnot, and entrusted it to Mrs. Gough's maid, referring to the above, and Mrs. Keating received a note from Mrs. Gough in answer to it, desiring her not to approach Miss Arbuthnot. This letter is in existence, and it does seem an unaccountable circumstance that this correspondence should have taken place, whilst it is affirmed on the other hand, that Mrs. Keating's interview with Miss Arbuthnot lasted not ten minutes, and was terminated by her being turned out of the house with little ceremony. Mrs. Keating heard that Mrs. Gough’s account of the interview was, that Miss Arbuthnot had told Mrs. Keating that she hated me worse than the ground I stood upon; and Mrs. Keating also heard that Mrs. Gough had written to certain parties to induce Mrs. Keating to leave Barnane, where she has been since staying with my housekeeper.

(continued in next post)

At a later period, so recently as the month of July last, a brother of Miss Arbuthnot's, with whom I had become intimate; called upon his sister at my request. Whilst they were alone together, as he stated to me, an old nurse opened the door; Miss Arbuthnot called this person to her, and said, we are talking of Mr. Carden; and they all three sat down together. Mr. Arbuthnot's impressions after this interview were [27], that his sister had no aversion towards me. I might here extend this statement with regard to evidence of the above character which has reached me, both direct and circumstantial; but I forbear, conceiving that I have said enough to prove that in my pursuit of this young lady I have not been under the influence of monomania, still less actuated by a base and unmanly design of persecution, but solely by a spirit of resistance against supposed wrong, and a fidelity of purpose, which if exercised fortunately on behalf of any matter of general interest, would have secured for me the sympathy of the public in place of that disapprobation which I believe to be founded upon misconception and misinformation, and which nothing but a consciousness of having truth and justice on my side would have enabled me to endure.

With regard to her brother William, alluded to in the information, I saw him at Madras; he then shook hands with me, but said he would not commit himself, and that he knew his sister would not be allowed to marry me; he subsequently, after an interview, as I have heard, with Sir Patrick Grant, Mr. Gough's brother-in-law wrote me a letter declining future communication.

On riding up at Elderslie to speak to Miss Arbuthnot, certainly in a gentle tone of voice, this gentleman proceeded to shake his whip at me violently; Miss Arbuthnot appeared to me to expostulate, but his violent demonstrations continued; and knowing that Miss Arbuthnot's strong family affection would be much hurt by the use of violence on my part [28] towards her brother, even in my own defence, I retired, and in the evening sent him the following note: –

SIR, – Although, for obvious reasons, I must wish, in your case, as far as possible to avoid that species of hostile collision which you seem inclined to provoke even in your sister's presence, I cannot allow you for a moment to suppose that such scandalous and unjustifiable interference will in the slightest degree alter my determination, or interfere with the general line of conduct which I am determined to pursue. As to yourself, I only hope that you will come to view the subject with a more patient temper, and in a more  Christian spirit."

This is almost the only occasion on which I can recollect having met Miss Arbuthnot walking or riding whilst she was visiting the private residences of her friends, and certainly nothing could be further from my intention than to cause her annoyance.

I wrote to Mrs. Arbuthnot of Coworth, and sent the letter to her house; but the bearer found they were away on a visit at Elderslie; I therefore wrote an additional one, and had it left at the house. Mrs. Arbuthnot of Coworth is Miss Arbuthnot's own sister, not her sister-in-law.

The woman alluded to is Mrs. Keating, who so lately, as she states, had the interview with Miss Arbuthnot at St. Helen's.

Having gone through the matter contained in the informations, it now remains for me to detail the circumstances immediately connected with the late investigation at Kingstown. Before, however, I go into this part of my subject, I must be allowed to [29] sketch the character of her who has been the unwitting cause of all my troubles. I do so now, because it bears upon the judgment which the public must form as to the real nature of the circumstances I am about to detail. It would be difficult for any person unacquainted with this young lady, and not gifted with considerable knowledge of human nature and imagination besides, to estimate her character fully. A Miranda in simplicity, purity of thought, innocence, and credulity, she does not comprehend that evil exists in the world. Never did the breath of life animate the bosom of one so gentle, kind-hearted, amiable, and confiding. Her only fault is, that she leans altogether on those with whom she is placed, and cannot bring herself to act in any way contrary to their opinion or wishes. In the ordinary intercourse of life she could not say anything which might hurt the feelings of those with whom she is brought in contact. Family affection is with her a passion; and well might a brother writing to her use these expressions: "From you of all my brothers and sisters I have never received an angry word or even a black look."

I will now proceed with my narrative. The brother to whom I have above alluded as having had an interview with his sister in London, on which occasion he was embraced with open arms by his relatives, came with his family to my house on a visit in the early part of the month of September last. On his arrival he wrote to his sister on subjects relating to himself and his own affairs. [30] That letter it is not in my power to give to the public; it was however, sent back, and on the envelope; of which the seal was broken, were the words, "returned unread," purporting to be in Miss Arbuthnot's handwriting, but not verified by signature or initials.

Mr. Arbuthnot then desired his wife's maid, an Englishwoman, with whom his sister was acquainted, to call at St. Helen's with the letter, and endeavour to see her. This person went there on the Sunday previous to Mrs. Keating's arrest, whilst the family were at church, with the intention of waiting their return; she found, however, that Miss Arbuthnot was ill in bed, under the charge of an old woman, said to be Mr. Gough's nurse. After various messages and much delay, word was sent down that "Miss Arbuthnot was most indignant at the messages, and would not receive any except by the post."

It. would be difficult for any one not acquainted with Miss Arbuthnot to comprehend the utter impossibility that any such answer could have emanated from her, but the message has been improved upon, for Mr. Gough has stated, in the presence of witnesses, that Miss Arbuthnot said she would send for the police, if the servant of her own brother did not go away. She then retired, being told by one of the servants of the house, as she went away; that the truth was, "Miss Arbuthnot was afraid to see any one.'' Now, I had been previously informed that Miss Arbuthnot was in a state of extreme dejection, and this report of her brother's servant as to her health [31] determined me on sending up Mrs. Keating immediately, with directions to make every possible inquiry as to Miss Arbuthnot's health, future movements, &c., and report to me.  Mrs. Keating made four visits to the neighbourhood of St. Helen's.  After the first visit she wrote to me to say that she had been told at the gate that police were placed on the watch at St. Helen's, but that she would go out to make inquiries every day. Upon three of those visits she did not leave her car, but the fourth time she went to the demesne gate, without, however, entering it, or leaving the high road.  She did not say one word, as she states, as to a bribe of £3 or £4, or with regard to a lonely walk, and she certainly had no instructions whatever from me, of such a nature; but it is stated that the lodge-woman, being threatened with dismissal, was afterwards retained on lodging her informations.  Mrs. Keating, after leaving the gate, where upon this occasion she had not time to make even an inquiry, was followed, arrested, and taken, as she states, to the police office at Booterstown, where Mr. Gough went to see her.  She was then bolted into a dark cell in the yard alone, until, owing to her shrieks and screams, caused by alarm and horror at her position, a candle was allowed her.  She was then nearly deprived of her clothes by the searcher, and, attempting to destroy letters found upon her, a constable was called in: and then might be seen the spectacle, in a civilized country, in the nineteenth century, of a` policeman struggling with a respectable female- in this state, whilst through an open door several people [32] looked on at the indecent and revolting scene, and attempting by force to tear from her teeth a private letter which, with extraordinary fidelity, she was attempting to destroy. After being searched, Mrs. Keating states that she was detained a considerable time in this cell, notwithstanding the cold of which she complained, until (as she was told) "Mr. Gough should leave the office,” where he was examining the letter.  This unfortunate young woman, formerly the familiar servant and intimate of gentlewomen, who had so lately passed, as she asserts, an hour with Miss Arbuthnot in her own chamber, was then kept sitting up all night in the office, under a guard of two policemen; no bed, no female companion offered her.  The next morning she was taken before the magistrate, who at first was inclined to bail her, but upon being applied to by Mr. Gough, through his attorney, refused to do so.

Mrs. Keating states that she was then conveyed to Kilmainham gaol, and confined for many hours in a cell with two unhappy wanderers from the public streets, in a state of intoxication; and every day, during her detention, from Friday until Wednesday, left for a certain period in the company of a number of females, the most unhappy and the most degraded class in the community. I now ask, in what country of Europe, save Ireland, is it probable that such an occurrence as that I have described could have taken place?  A young woman, of respectable birth, education, morals, and appearance, arrested on the public road, without even the pretence of an overt act of [33] any kind, exposed as to her person, abused, confined, and degraded, as far as insult unmerited can degrade, and sufferer.  For what crime?  A charge of conspiracy – withdrawn the instant it had served the purpose of a further proceeding; a charge so absurd that it could not be maintained for an instant; a charge which, if well founded, ought, under the circumstances, to consign to ignominy the names of those on whom it rests.  The charge is dismissed, but the informations, remain.  Mrs. Keating, upon being seized, endeavoured to escape by giving another name than that by which she was known to the family, as one who had before obtained access to the young lady.  She also endeavoured to destroy or prevent the discovery of her letters of instruction? 'Was that unnatural?  The question is, were the letters evidence of any criminal or improper purpose?

To conclude the history of these proceedings.  On the third day after Mrs. Keating's arrest, Mr. Arbuthnot and myself went up to Dublin – he was on his way over to England on his own business; I was not going beyond Dublin.  On my arrival, I went to inquire for Mrs. Keating at her lodgings, and, to my astonishment, found that she had disappeared, and I could obtain no satisfactory information from the people of the house concerning her.  The next morning, on calling again, they told me that she had been arrested, and that they had been told not, to say anything about it; that a policeman, in plain clothes, unsuspected by them at the time, had called for her letters, and that she herself, having been [34] brought to the door of her lodgings in an inside car, accompanied by four policemen, in order to get some necessaries she required, had with difficulty, found means to tell her landlady to let any one who called know that she was in Kilmainham gaol.  These people added, that it gave them great pain to see a respectable young woman thus treated. So much for an Irish coup d'etat!!!  The rest shall be given in Mr. Arbuthnot's own words, writing to his wife: "Here is Carden come in again.  11 A. M., Sunday morning; conceive, if you can; my horror to learn that Mrs. Keating's absence is accounted for, by the astounding fact of her having been arrested; no doubt, by the Goughs, and she is now in gaol in Dublin.  She has, no doubt, been arrested while trespassing on Lord Gough's property at St. Helen's, but that is only surmise on my part.  I am now going off with Carden five miles into the country, to see his solicitor, Mr. Lawless; from thence I take the car on to Kingstown; to catch the two o'clock boat for Holyhead.  – Here -I am on board the old Llewellyn steamer once more.  Carden and I had not got more than two miles out of Dublin, when we found we were followed by another car, containing two police officers; they followed us to Mr. Lawless's residence and waited outside.  We saw Mr. Lawless, who was obliged to go out to Mass; I consequently left Carden at Mr. Lawless' residence, where he would be safe until Mr. Lawless' return.  I drove across the country to Kingstown, and was followed the whole way by the car with the police officers in it, but they [35] have taken no notice of me.  Carden is all right this time, having committed no breach of the peace whatever, I will stand by him through thick and thin, as he has not in any way committed himself." 

Thus the day's proceedings ended in Miss Arbuthnot's brother being hunted down to the water's edge by two policemen.  I now solemnly declare; that since the offence of which I paid so full a penalty, an imprisonment of two years in place of seven months, no idea has ever entered my mind of breaking the pledge which I have emphatically and solemnly given upon so many different occasions, never again to repeat my original offence, or be guilty of rash or improper conduct towards the young lady, in whose inveterate persecution I have been made by designing persons, an unhappy instrument.  I have, indeed, for good and sufficient reasons, desired to obtain an interview with her.  I have sought it from her friends. I have endeavoured to obtain it myself; and in some instances lately in England, I may have followed her steps too pertinaciously, knowing that before long she would be enclosed within the walls of the remote demesne of Loughcooter, where no opportunity would be allowed me of seeing her, far from that happy land where alone true liberty can be said to exist.

Such an interview as I have struggled to procure for myself, would at once have ended this social scandal.  If there were not something to fear, something to conceal, why should such a course be prevented by the jealous and unremitting surveillance of a whole family?  What repulsive force can be so strong as [36] that which a woman knows so well how to exercise towards those whose addresses are unwelcome to her, and what conclusions, on the other hand, can fail to be drawn from the patent fact, that any friend of mine is excluded from her society, and that her nearest relatives, after their intimacy with me has become known, are debarred from communication with her? Is it in a court of justice, through the medium of informations, coupled with the extraordinary facts which I have detailed, and founded upon a charge no sooner preferred than abandoned, that a solution is to be given to a question of such deep interest to those whom it immediately concerns?  That of which I complain is not the interference of Miss Arbuthnot's family per se.  That circumstance, cruel and unjustifiable as I deem it, would not have caused the martyrdom which has taken place by the exposure of private affairs and sacred feelings, consummated, as it now is, by the publication of this statement, which the late unprecedented proceedings have at length called forth.  That which I complain of is, Government interference in Ireland, in private affairs; at the instance of powerful and influential people.  Why should I be placed under the surveillance of the police?  Why should the very questionable step (to say the least of it) be resorted to of placing police on guard over the young lady herself to accompany her private steps?  Why should that be done in Ireland which cannot be attempted in England?  If I repeat an offence against Miss Arbuthnot, my liberty will be for ever forfeited, my name declared infamous; and my property estreated [37] to the public service.  Is this not better, so far as legal security can avail, than recognizances to any amount?

It is well known to every magistrate in Ireland that the system of agrarian outrage which once prevailed, and the difficulty of obtaining information with regard to offences of that nature, led to the employment of the police force in a manner and to an extent hardly consistent with the liberty of the subject in a country entitled to be termed free; but surely, with the complete cessation of a state of things now fast fading into the realms of history, such abuse of power, by the executive of the country, ought to be discontinued, and the police force of the country cease to be employed, as in this instance they have been, in a manner so indecent and so unconstitutional.

Miss Arbuthnot has for her protection the laws of the country, and the safeguards which advancing civilization is ever contributing to strengthen and enlarge; and in addition, she has my assurance, not only that I never again could be betrayed into a wilful offence against her myself, but that, if it were the concluding act of my life, I would follow up and revenge any injury done to her, even to the very last extremity.  It is painful, indeed, to have been obliged to bring such a statement as this before the public, although I have curtailed it of numerous amplifications; not to preserve my life, were that at stake, would I now produce it.  When I stood on the extreme verge of fate's most dangerous precipice, [38] I forbore to bring it forward.  When for two long years I was delivered over to the tormentors, cribbed, confined, exposed to unmerited slander, deserted by a11, save a few staunch friends, and deprived of the high place which in my own county I had long held in men's opinions; still I uttered no word in my own defence.  But now, when proceedings are taken against me for the sole purpose, as it appears to me, of bringing my name again before the public, in connexion with one to whom, through good and evil report, I shall ever remain attached, in order to stamp a more complete estrangement with the seal of a fresh and glaring scandal – when I am held up to public odium as the dishonoured falsifier of solemn pledges, subjected to suspicions which, on my honour as a gentleman, and my oath as a Christian, are entirely unfounded, surely 1 may be pardoned for thus coming forward, however painful and difficult the task, to disentangle my character from the web which these unhappy circumstances have woven round it.

In conclusion, I here renew no longer to individuals, but to the public, the assurance, that in regard to this young lady, I can never again be guilty of conspiracy or violence of any sort; and if my heavy recognizances are estreated, as some predict, it will not be by reason of any original aggression of my own.  From her whose weakness is the foil of virtues, which, under different circumstances, would place her name among those on which the poor and the lowly love to dwell, I crave forgiveness, should these lines ever meet her eyes, for having taken a course which [39] nothing but the extraordinary nature of the case could have induced me to adopt.  My feelings of regard and devotion to her remain unchanged, and will continue until that great day when hidden mysteries and far-spread delusions shall be revealed and corrected in the light, of Omniscience.

Your obedient Servant,

                       JOHN CARDEN.

Barnane, Templemore,

Nov. 1st, 1858.

THE END.

Printed by J.M. O’TOOLE, 13 Hawkins’-street, Dublin.

Note:  There may be a number of errors of transcription above, for which I hope my apologies may be accepted.  My OCR gear produced a version every line of which needed editing, often in several places.  Arthur Carden.

Disappointment! 

I checked with Ronnie as to why she referred to Charles as Charles Berkeley Carden (see her email quoted in my previous entry), and she has now replied: I cannot find where I got the Berkeley from but I will keep looking.

I fear that the middle name was entered in her records by mistake, and the enthusiasm in my previous entry was misplaced.

Sadly the immigration records in the Ellis Island database start at 1892, so they add nothing of value.  The UK version of Ancestry, Nick Spence tells me, gives access to a collection called “Arrivals in New York from Ireland 1846-51.”  Too early!

I have to conclude, unless I hear more from Ronnie, that the Charles Carden in the 1880 USA census is very unlikely to be our missing Charles of Barnane.

Ronnie points out incidentally that William Berkeley Carden’s tombstone at Barnane (see page 319 of the second printing of my book) states that he was the eldest son of Andrew and Annie Carden.  He died in 1873, three years before his father died, so the inscription must have been written by his father, still denying the existence of Charles!

Charles Carden was, it seems, disinherited by his father Andrew Carden, who took over at Barnane in 1866 on the death of his brother John Rutter Carden.  The only information about Charles until recently appears below, taken from his entry in my book Carden of Barnane.  However some fascinating new information has arrived, see later.

1848+            CHARLES CARDEN.  The only evidence for the existence of Charles is a letter dated 6 September 1947 from Isabel F Carden of the Fishmoyne branch in reply to a query from Eustace Carden (original held by AEC):

          A"Andrew was a very dear friend and cousin, writing regularly to me ...  Yes - I know all about his Eldest Brother "Charles" having been disinherited but his name was never mentioned and none of us knew what had become of him - or if he left any descendants."The phrasing of the letter clearly implies that Eustace as well as Isabel knew something of the existence of "Charles."

          The description "eldest brother" suggests Charles was born between 1847 when his parents were married and mid-1849.  If he was indeed the eldest son it will be interesting to see if a disinheriting deed or evidence that Charles had no offspring was produced to the judge in 1946, otherwise perhaps there was a miscarriage of justice!  It is also interesting to conjecture why Eustace, who was representing the interests of John King Carden of Argentina, did not mention Charles' existence to the solicitors, though he did mention him in a letter to John King Carden.

          Charles was probably not born in England like the next few children, since none of the birth registrations for England and Wales during the period concerned refer to him, even with a different name.  Perhaps he was born in Barbados where the marriage took place (see footnote at foot of previous column), or even perhaps in Dublin during his father's brief posting there.  Another possibility is that he was born at his mother's parents' home in county Cavan.  Unfortunately his father Andrew is listed on his own in the 1851 census at Lamborne: his wife and children (Mary, at least, had been born by then) must have been elsewhere on census night. 

          His baptism is not listed in the Templemore church records, nor in the Index to Regimental Registers 1761-1924, nor at St.Pancras, where his sister Mary was baptised.

          Just possibly Isabel's description means that he was the next brother (i.e., "eldest surviving brother" since William Berkeley died aged 21 long before Isabel was born) and therefore born in mid-1854 or mid-1856, there being just enough time between other children.  In that case the search should be widened.

          There is no mention of Charles in any of the deeds calendared in Appendix 4, and in particular an 1881 deed refers to William Berkeley Carden as the eldest son of Andrew.

 New information:

The following email was received from Ronnie Bates on January 2, 2006:

 Hi Arthur

I think I sent this to you once before and wondered if you were ever able to
connect him to the Cardens of Barnane or Templemore or was he one of the
other branches.

Census USA 1880 which places Charles Berkeley CARDEN was born about 1849 at
Barname, Tipperary, Ireland in the picture except for a Catherine Carden
aged 18 "sister" and Michael Carden, 20 a Nephew.

I found this is the 1880 census of USA
Charles CARDEN Household
    Male
    Birth Year <1850>
    Birthplace IRE
    Age 30
    Occupation Laborer
    Marital Status M <Married>
    Race W <White>
    Head of Household Charles CARDEN
    Relation Self
    Father's Birthplace IRE
    Mother's Birthplace IRE
    Census Place Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts
    Family History Library Film 1254567
    NA Film Number T9-0567
    Page Number 32B
Charles CARDEN Self M Male W 30 IRE Laborer IRE IRE
 Ellen CARDEN Wife M Female W 28 IRE Keeping House IRE IRE
 Thomas CARDEN Son S Male W 8 MA IRE IRE
 Annie CARDEN Dau S Female W 6 MA IRE IRE
 Michael CARDEN Son S Male W 2 MA IRE IRE
 Catherine CARDEN Sister S Female W 18 IRE IRE IRE
 Michael CARDEN Nephew S Male W 20 IRE Laborer IRE IRE
  Census Place Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts
  Family History Library Film 1254567
  NA Film Number T9-0567
  Page Number  32B

Interesting!!!!!
regards Ronnie
Ronnie Bates ronnie@southwest.com.au
Web Page http://www.southwest.com.au/~ronnie

(Ronnie's previous email did not mention the middle name Berkeley, so I thought the likelihood was slim that this was our disinherited Charlie, especially in view of the sister and nephew, so regret I put it aside)

What is particularly exciting about this new information is the middle name BERKELEY, which was his mother's maiden name.  Indeed she was known as Annie Berkeley, the daughter of the general commanding the British Forces in Barbados, where they were married.  Two of the other boys were given the name, William Berkeley Carden born 1852 and Lionel Berkeley Carden, born 1863.  This seems fairly conclusive proof that the disinherited Charlie and the man in the census are one and the same.

There are however a number of puzzles:

• The census gives Charles’ date of birth as 1850.  However his sister Mary Rutter Carden was born (in London) on 31 August 1850.  They could not have been twins, as their births would surely have been registered together, but only Mary’s has been found.  What is more, the census shows Charles to have been born in Ireland.
• The census shows a wife for Charles (aged 30, born in Ireland) and an eldest son aged 8, born in Ireland. This suggests that the marriage took place in Ireland in about 1870, when Charles was about 20.  Was this the cause of the disinheriting?  Perhaps his wife was a Catholic and he married without his father’s consent
• The census shows three children, all born in Ireland, the youngest aged 2 in 1880.  The family must therefore have emigrated in 1877-1880. The daughter’s name, Annie, is interesting – perhaps she was named after her grandmother.
• There are also a sister and a nephew, impossible to explain.

Research to be carried out:

• Make further attempts to find whether any of Annie’s children were baptised in County Cavan, where she may have been living with her parents in about 1850.
• Search the Ellis Island database for Carden immigrants in 1877-1880.
• Search Ancestry.com for Charles Berkeley Carden.
• Search subsequent USA census data for the family.
• Search any available records for Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Search both Protestant and Catholic parish registers in the Templemore area for the marriage in about 1870 and the baptisms of the three children.

Footnote.

Charlie’s brother Lionel Berkeley Carden, younger than he by 15 years, emigrated to USA prior to 1885, for no known reason.  Is it possible that the two of them emigrated together?  Perhaps the search of the Ellis Island database will reveal something.  Lionel’s descendants, incidentally, were traced in California in 1946 by the Irish courts, and inherited the Carden ‘fortune,’ which should perhaps have been inherited by Charles’s descendants.