The content of this collection barely relates to the Blakes of Ballyglunin but rather to the ffrench family of Rahasane. Four diverse items represent the Blakes in the form of a letter book, rent account book, printed lease and scribbling diary. The letter book of Pierce Joyce portrays the extensive trade of one of Galway's leading merchants in just one fortnight in February 1778. The rent account book of John Blake records the administration of part of the Ballyglunin estate, during the minority of his nephew Martin J. Blake. Only part of these two items has survived.
The papers generated by the ffrench family are more coherent and reflect the financial difficulties of some land owning families, even before the Great Famine. They include legal papers, accounts and letters. Letters from Brabazon Browne, attorney, comprise the main part of the collection and include letters to Robert J. ffrench, Mrs. Ffrench, James Smyth and others. The letters relate to Robert J. ffrench's legal and financial affairs and to the settlement of his debts over a period of thirteen years. They give an insight into the relationship between a landlord and his legal representative. B. Browne often writes that his standing in Dublin business circles was frequently discredited by Robert J. ffrench's treatment of him. B Browne was also legal advisor to Charles, 2nd Lord Clanmorris and may have become involved in Robert J. ffrench's affairs after Robert J. ffrench's marriage to Lord Clanmorris' sister. There are also some personal letters to Lady Clanmorris from her sons and nephews.
Conservation note: most of the papers in this collection are in a delicate state. Many of the items have been damaged by hydrolysis and should be handled with great care.
