Letter from Sir Bernard Hale [to William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire]

The author writes concerning Wood's halfpence and Swift's pamphlets. He writes that Irish tradesmen have formed an association which has agreed not to accept the halfpence coin and are banning their tenants from accepting the coin, as they first witnessed in the city of Dublin. He describes the burning of ships and houses and tearing in pieces the people who import, receive or conceal the coin. He explains that the hostility against the coin is a representation of their disapproval of English authority. He adds that the English do not feel safe in Ireland save for the presence of the army. He suggests the matter needs to be addressed before the opening of Parliament but that it will be difficult as there is no use in reasoning or arguing with the dissenters. Written from Dublin. Signed 'B. Hale'.

Hale, Sir Bernard 1677 - 1729 [ (1722) Chief Baron Irish Exchequer] DNB: xxiv.17