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Letters to Richard, 2nd Earl from his estate agents in Castlebar, including Charles O'Malley for the years 1822-1828 and St Clair O'Malley (Charles' son) 1837-1839. Charles O'Malley's letters were numbered and part of a larger series at one stage. The letter dated 1840 to George Charles 3rd Earl from St Clair O'Malley concerns elections to the first Board of Guardians for Castlebar. These letters relate to the stae of the country, hardship in 1822, financial matters, the election of 1826, the sale of the Kilboyne estate, arrears, the Archbishop of Tuam's lease and a planned visit to Castlebar by Richard 2nd Earl, his second wife and daughter.

Letter (no. 41) from Charles O'Malley to RIchard 2nd Earl, care of Messrs Coutts, readdressed to Paris, stating that he had received 'Your Lordship's letter' from which he realizes that the Earl had not received many of his letters. Hr rewrites much of the previous letter and that he will not pay off Miss Lindsey's bond, as the Earl may change his mind when he hears about the Kilboyne purchase. His son St Clair O'Malley is active in getting the minor interests to register 'but we must find the stamps for many of them'. He will not be able to pay the interest in the middle of November and May, the interest payable to the Earl's daughters takes precedence. Col. Cuffe regrets that he is so committed to the Browne party.

Letter (no 42) from Charles O'Malley to Richard 2nd Earl, care of Messrs Coutts, readdressed to Paris, saying that he still had not heard from him regarding the Kilboyne estate. Provision needs to be made for the remainder of the purchase price. 'As to the election we are making your Lordship's interest as effective as possible' despite 'the exertions of the Brownes' who are afraid that James Browne will be the one unseated 'and are endeavouring to work the Protestant interest against Lord B'. He recommends that the Earl and [George Charles] Lord Bingham procure leave of absence for Major Charles FitzGerald 'I know his value from the election of 13 & 14'. He refers again to the registernig of voters aznd hopes Lord Bingham's power of attorney is valid. The Bishop's rent has long since been paid.

Letter (no 6) from Charles O'Malley to RIchard, 2nd Earl, care of Messrs Coutts, Strand, London, informing him that [George Charles] Lord Bingham gained great ground in the assizes and Sir Neal O'Donnel has come out in support of him 'he will come in without in fact any expense'. He is sending over his account, which dates back to July 1833, with Lord Bingham, who is shortly leaving for London. The arrears will appear heavy due to the hardship of 1822, when 'people were only kept alive by the bounty of English generosity and the assistance and forbearance of their landlords'. There are still a number of holdings lying waste since that time and a large proportion of arrears are insolvent.

Letter (no 15) from Charles O'Malley to Richard, 2nd Earl, answering queries in the Earl's letter to him. He writes that Mr. Livesay [solicitor] expects 'a good title will be made out by Nov to the Kilboyne estate' and that [George Charles] Lord Bingham made every effort to keep his election expenses as small as he could. Lord Bingham's determination to make a stiff contest with three candidates led to the withdrawl of Dominick Browne. The remains of the £1000 borrowed from Mr Boyd to pay the election expenses will not cover the Clerk of the Peace's fees for registering freeholders. He cannot lament the expense of the election when 'it has occasioned such a triumph for your son'. He writes that at the assizes Lord Bingham is being an excellent foreman [of the Grand Jury] and 'a decided enemy to the system of lobbying'.

Letter from Charles O'Malley to Richard, 2nd Earl, Albany, Piccadilly, London, readdressed to Paris, relating to financial matters and a case between Sir Neal O'Donel and Major O'Malley. He writes of a possible fall off in electoral support for [George Charles] Lord Bingham since 'the priesthood and Lord Sligo have made friends'. He recommends that Lord Bingham spends some time in Co. Mayo. He cannot believe that Sir Neal O'Donel, who had come to live at Newport, had declared publicly in favour of James and Dominick Browne at the next election 'after his property having been saved by your Lordship'. He writes of the great sensation in every county caused by the unexpected change in ministry.

Letter (no 19) from Charles O'Malley to Richard, 2nd Earl, in France, informing him about various financial transactions. These include interest paid on the debt to Mr Malley. He writes of the distressed state of the country, how the value of land has fallen by a half and that the harvest has been ruined by rain. The Archbishop of Tuam has written to several gentlemen sdking their advice about the prospective scarcity. The Inspector General of Barracks has reported that a Barrack Master is 'absolutely necessary for Castlebar'. He wrote to Lord Sligo [Howe Peter Browne, 2nd Marquess] reminding him of the Earl's wish that he son St Clair O'Malley be appointed to the post.

Letter (no 21) from Charles O'Malley to Richard 2nd Earl, care of Messrs Coutts, Strand, London, readdressed Paris. He discusses the remittance of sums of money to the Earl's account at Lord Newcomen's bank. Lack of money is due to the 'unfortunate years of farming' when the tenants were unable to pay their rents and fell into arrears. He thinks £10 would be a suitable subscription to make to 'the Lordies society'. Includes copy of a letter he received from [George Charles] Lod Bingham, Knightsbridge Barracks, regarding the post of Barrack Master for his son.

Letter (no 38) from Charles O'Malley to Richard 2nd Earl care of Messrs Coutts, readdressed to Paris. He describes the growing support for the canvass of [George Charles] Lord Bingham. The Catholic Archbishop of Tuam, Dr. Kelly, has given his support and if they can win over Mrs. Budworth Palmer he thinks Dominick Browne [later 1st Baron Oranmore and Browne] will 'resign the contest'. 'The minor intersts' are taloimg advantage of the contest by getting the landlords to pay their stamp duty when renewiong their leases. He lists the supporters for and against Lord Bingham and that one of his agents, Edward FitzGerald 'is most zealous in the cause'. Lord Sligo who supports Dominick Browne will have to pay all Browne's expenses. Robert Ruttledge wants Gallowshill taken off his hands or an abatement of rent in return for his support 'What a low minded fellow'. The Kilboyne estaste is to be sold on 3 November, both Lord Bingham and Lord Sligo are keen to purchase.

Letter (no 39) from Charles O'Malley to Richard, 2nd Earl, care of Messrs Coutts, readdressed to Paris and then Lyon, relating to financial matters and a sum of £5,000 due to Miss Lindsey. The main point of the letter is to inform him of the purchase of the Kilboyne estate by [George Charles] Lord Bingham for £30,000. He writes that it is 'the greatest acquisition possible to the Castlebar estate and is certainly the greatest possible blow to the Westport family', Lord Sligo having already registered the freeholders on it. It is not known that Lord Bingham is the purchaser as they are afraid the Lord Sligo might reopen the sale. He reckons that Lord Bingham will certainly win the seat 'if there is no dissolution of Parliament until the 40s. freeholders are qualified to vote'. Edward FitzGerald continues to be an active supporter especially 'amongst the Roman Catholics over whom he has great influence'.