Reference code: GB-0298-UC/P23
Title: Jacobite Papers
Dates of creation: 1714-1769
Extent: 3 files
Held by: Ushaw College
Origination: Walter Thomas Tyrrell
Language: English, French and Italian
Walter Thomas Tyrrell, canon of St Paul's Cathedral, Liège (1726-1761)
Papers and fragmentary correspondence chiefly concerning the life of Walter Thomas Tyrrell and his support for the Jacobite cause in the eighteenth century. Of particular importance are the letters from Tyrrell's nephew, Lieutenant John Dempsy,
who fought on the Jacobite side in the 1745 Rebellion. Although Dempsy was predominantly stationed in France awaiting orders for embarkation to Scotland during the '45, his letters provide a unique perspective on continental support for Jacobitism.
The letters also contain news from the battlefield itself, as Dempsy appears to have been well informed of the major events. The correspondence also sheds light on the personal and courtly lives of James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender,
“James III”) and Charles Edward Stuart (the Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie) during their exile in the aftermath of the '45, as Tyrrell maintained close connections with both men throughout this period.
Papers collected by Walter Thomas Tyrrell but presented to Ushaw College at a later date.
Collection brought together by Rev. Michael Sharratt as part of the
“Old Series” of documents in Ushaw College Library.
Previous reference number - OS 2 B
Open for consultation.
Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from ushaw.library@durham.ac.uk and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright
owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material
The original chronological arrangement and numbering by Edwin Bonney in 1905, with subsequent amendments by Rev. Michael Sharratt, has been retained.
Card catalogue with calendar of items.
A significant proportion of the Tyrrell letters are draft copies made by the author of letters sent. The location of Tyrrell's original letters are unknown and have probably not survived.
PapersUC/P23/1 29 August 1714
Declaration by James Francis Edward Stuart, addressed to “all Kings, Princes, and Pontates and to our Loving Subjects”, protesting at his usurpation from the English throne.
2f
A printed copy of this declaration is available in
Culloden papers: comprising an extensive and interesting correspondence from the year 1625 to 1748; including numerous letters from the unfortunate Lord Lovat, and other distinguished persons of the time; with occasional state
papers of much historical importance. The whole published from the originals in the possession of Duncan George Forbes ... To which is prefixed, an introduction, containing memoirs of ... Duncan Forbes ... . (London, 1815)
UC/P23/2 1721
Language: Latin and French
[Title page?] of a Latin epigram rejoicing in the expected birth of Charles Edward Stuart. Subsequently used as a folder for seven letters written by Tyrrell, of which only two (written in draft form) appear to have survived. These letters,
written in French, concern the birth of the child.
2f
UC/P23/3 19 October 1722
Language: Italian
Letter from Tyrrell to Padre Proni, [of Galloro] relating to mutual friends.
2f
UC/P23/4 [?1720s]
Language: French
Letter (draft) from [?] to Monsieur [?], passing on M. Dillon's enclosure to Maria Clementina Sobieska.
Letter previously attributed to Tyrrell but the contents and grammar suggest a female writer. It is likely that this is a copy made by Tyrrell.
1f.
UC/P23/5 [?1720s]
Language: French
Letter (draft) from [?] to Monsieur [?], on the recovery of a ring belonging to James Stuart. A note written on the letter at a later date confirms that Abbé Fitzgerald, Tyrrell's nephew, returned it to James in 1763.
Letter previously attributed to Tyrrell but the contents and grammar suggest a female writer. It is likely that this is a copy made by Tyrrell.
1f.
UC/P23/6 [?1720s]
Language: French
Letter (draft) from [?] to Monsieur [?] relating to the humiliation he has suffered at court.
Letter previously attributed to Tyrrell but the contents and grammar suggest a female writer. It is likely that this is a copy made by Tyrrell.
1f.
UC/P23/7-8 [?1720s]
Language: French
Letter (draft) to Monsieur [?] relating to his decision to follow Monsieur Dillon's advice and avoid those who seek to make capital out of others' misfortunes, the current health of James Stuart and his wife, Maria Clementina Sobieska, and taking
offence at his brother's decision to show a private letter about Maria to a friend.
Letter previously attributed to Tyrrell but the contents and grammar suggest a female writer. It is likely that this is a copy made by Tyrrell.
2f
UC/P23/9 30 September 1725
Language: French
Certificate of James Stuart that Walter Thomas Tyrrell, an Irish Catholic gentleman studying at Propaganda, is of noble descent.
2f
UC/P23/10 10 October 1725
Language: French
Declaration, signed by the Lieutenant Colonel, Major and Captains of Dillon's Irish Regiment, that Tyrrell is of noble descent.
2f
UC/P23/11 5 October 1726
Language: Italian
Letter from the Congregation of Propaganda, on behalf of Cardinal Gualterio, to Georges-Louis de Berghes, bishop of Liège, seeking the bishop's assistance in securing the canonry of St Paul's, Liège, for Tyrrell because it would be too dangerous
for Tyrrell to return home.
2f
UC/P23/12 1727
Language: Italian
Letter from the archdeacon of Tasso to Tyrrell agreeing with the latter's request that he can take possession of his benefice.
2f
UC/P23/13 15 May 1728
Language: French
Letter from [Mr?] Creagh of Bolognia to Tyrrell confirming that the cardinal of Datary has told the queen that Tyrrell's benefice is no longer available.
1f.
UC/P23/14 25 May 1728
Language: Italian
Letter from the archdeacon of Tasso to Tyrrell confirming his receipt of Tyrrell's letter and requesting him to forward money.
2f
UC/P23/15 17 January 1729
Language: French
Letter from [Mr?] Creagh of Bolognia to Tyrrell about James Stuart's gratitude for his letter and the death of his cousin, Abbé Creagh of Strasbourg.
2f
UC/P23/16 7 October 1729
Language: French
Letter from Tyrrell to his cousin, Count Tyrrell, relating to the position of the elector of Cologne and Mary of Modena's recommendation.
2f
UC/P23/17 7 November 1730
Press cutting from the
Country Journal concerning French officers recruiting in Ireland.
1f.
UC/P23/18 1733
Document entitled
“A list of the Catholics and Protestant Families in Ireland, as it was taken in the years 1732 & 1733, on a Report of the Chevalier's son intending to land in that Kingdom”.
1f.
UC/P23/19 18 August 1737
Draft letter (incomplete) from Tyrrell to James Stuart urging an immediate invasion of Britain, detailing growing discontent with Hanoverian rule and its excesses, the support of Scotland towards a possible restoration of its parliament, and the
possibility of raising a Spanish and French army to carry out the invasion.
2f
UC/P23/20 10 June 1739
Letter from James Edgar, James Stuart's secretary, to Tyrrell on the accusations made against Tyrrell and the king's loyalty towards him in spite of these unfavourable reports.
2f
UC/P23/21 1 August 1739
Language: Italian
Letter from Cardinal Ruspoli to Tyrrell concerning the pope's opinion on a memorial sent to him by Tyrrell and urging him to appoint an agent to represent him in the Dataria.
2f
UC/P23/22 20 January 1742
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell commenting on the favourable health of James Stuart and his family.
2f
UC/P23/23 18 August 1742
Language: French
Letter from Louis Wood to Tyrrell on the lack of vacant benefices and the cardinal of Dataria's decision to resign his own benefice to M. Moreau.
2f
UC/P23/24 17 January 1743
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell on his inability to assist him with the vacant benefice at Liège.
2f
UC/P23/25 28 January 1744
Language: French
Letter from Prince de Grimberghen to Tyrrell thanking him for his assistance and promising to repay him in the future.
2f
UC/P23/26 13 February 1744
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell on the latter's memorial to replace his disputed benefice with a simpler one at Liège and James Stuart's decision to send his memorial to the Dataria.
2f
UC/P23/27a [?1740s]
Language: French
Letter (draft) from Tyrrell to [the bishop of Liège] requesting the bishop's assistance in recommending him to the pope for the Ardagh position which will allow him to assist Charles Edward Stuart's operations.
1f. r.
UC/P23/27b [?1740s]
Language: French
Letter from Tyrrell to [?] on the vacancies in Kilmore and Ardagh and his interest in the Ardagh position.
1f. v.
UC/P23/28 1744
Language: French
Letter from the count of Montijo, Spanish ambassador to France, to Tyrrell on his desire to assist Tyrrell in secret, his conversation with Cardinal Doria, and the chance that John Dempsy's request might not be granted.
1f.
UC/P23/29a 1 October 1744
Letter (draft) from Tyrrell to James Stuart on meeting the count of Montijo and Montijo's recommendation of Tyrrell for the vacant Ferns see in Ireland.
1f. r.
UC/P23/29b October 1744
Letter (draft) from Tyrrell to James Edgar on his petition to be recommended to James Stuart for the vacant see at Leinster.
1f. v.
UC/P23/30 7 April 1744
Letter from John Dempsy (Tyrrell's nephew) to Tyrrell concerning news of the taking of Menin and the possibility of occupying Ypres during the War of the Austrian Succession.
2f
UC/P23/31 26 June 1744
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the taking of Ypres and planned sieges during a campaign [probably in the War of the Austrian Succession].
2f
UC/P23/32 May 1745
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on his involvement with the Irish Brigade in the Battle of Fontenoy during the War of the Austrian Succession.
2f
UC/P23/33 [?September 1745]
Letter (damaged) from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including the plundering of the Highlanders after every victory, the siege of Fort William, the advance of Charles Edward Stuart's army towards Peterhead, Montrose and
Aberdeen, and Charles Stuart's decision to send prisoners to Dunkirk.
1f.
UC/P23/34a 30 November 1745
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including the embarkation of the royal forces at Dunkirk and their safe arrival in Scotland, the awaiting forces stationed in French ports, and his desire to join Charles Stuart in
Scotland.
1f.
UC/P23/34b 8 December 1745
Language: French
Letter from [?] to [Tyrrell?] concerning the chasing of two French ships, the Louis XIV and the Saint Bernard, by English ships to Peterhead, and news of other ships at Montrose and
Aberdeen, and details of an engagement at Montrose.
This letter has been copied onto the same sheet as the previous letter by Tyrrell.
1f.
UC/P23/35 6 December 1745
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including news of the safe arrival of the Royal Scotch in Scotland [regiment commanded by John Drummond, 4th Duke of Perth] and army promotions.
1f.
UC/P23/36 19 December 1745
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including his orders to march to Bergues, near Dunkirk, and rendezvous with the brigade.
2f
UC/P23/37 11 January 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including prevention of the embarkation of his forces at Boulogne by the English fleet and skirmishes near the town, and a rumour that a fleet from Brest will assist Dempsy's
forces.
1f.
UC/P23/38 29 January 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including prevention of the embarkation of his forces at Boulogne and Calais by the English fleet, and the dispersal of troops.
2f
UC/P23/39a 6 February 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including receiving unexpected orders to march from St Omer for embarkation.
1f. r.
UC/P23/39b 5 February 1746
Language: French
Letter from Captain Tyrrell Peatach to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including awaiting embarkation to Scotland with other Irish regiments.
1f. v./1f.
UC/P23/40 21 February 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including awaiting news on his departure and confirmation of the Prince's victory at Stirling.
UC/P23/41 9 March 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including troop movements and rumours of Charles Stuart's flight.
1f.
UC/P23/42 11 March 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including the delay in sailing from Ostend, and news of a Spanish treasure-ship running aground at Peterhead.
1f.
UC/P23/43 27 March 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including the delay in sailing from Ostend, difficulties of ships landing in Scotland, the effects on the morale of the troops, and skirmishes with English fleets.
2f
UC/P23/44 4 March 1746
Letter from Dempsy to Tyrrell on the progress of the 'Forty Five, including the false reports in a Dutch newspaper accusing Charles Stuart of allowing his troops to stand under Hanoverian cannonade without giving them the command to advance at
Stirling, the expectation of Spanish reinforcements, and the difficulties faced by ships owing to high winds.
2f
UC/P23/45 26 April 1746
Letter from Edgar to Tyrrell concerning James Stuart's success in obtaining a dispensation for Tyrrell and the possibility of Tyrrell returning home following the eventual success of Charles Stuart.
2f
UC/P23/46 28-29 April 1746
Language: French
Copy, probably of a diary extract, of news from Dunkirk and Charles Stuart's campaign in Scotland.
1f.
UC/P23/47 30 August 1746
Language: French
Letter from [Mr?] Grant to Tyrrell relating to the scattering of the brigade along the east coast of Scotland and the return of Charles Stuart to France.
2f
UC/P23/48 19 November 1746
Language: Italian
Letter from Cardinal Petra, of the Congregation of Propaganda, to Tyrrell concerning Tyrrell's difficulties in getting home to take the oath at Propaganda.
2f
UC/P23/49 [?1740s]
Language: French
Incomplete mauscript by Tyrrell, entitled
“History of Events of 1745”.
30f
UC/P23/50 [?1740-1760s]
Language: English and Italian
Draft manuscript, entitled
“Curiosity of History” on revelations of George II's illegitimacy. Note added in Italian which includes the date 15 October 1759.
2f
UC/P23/51 12 September 1745
Language: French
Prince Charles Edward,
Harangue faite par Charles Edouard d'Ecosse a son armee ... (1745)
4p.
UC/P23/52 17 June 1748
Printed protestation at the terms of the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle and at all treaties since the usurpation.
1p.
UC/P23/53 15 December 1753
Language: Latin and English
Draft letters in Latin and English from Tyrrell to the cardinals and to the royal secretary with New Year greetings and reporting the poor state of his health.
2f
UC/P23/54 [?1750s]
Letter from “M. Smith” to Tyrrell stating that M. Johnson [Charles Edward Stuart] is requesting Tyrrell's company for supper.
2f
UC/P23/55 [?1750s]
Letter from “Clancarty” (Maccarty), possibly a pseudonym, to Tyrrell informing him of his intentions to call upon him.
2f
UC/P23/56 [?1750s]
Letter from “Clancarty” to Tyrrell on M. de Sionville's intentions to meet Mr Johnson (Charles Edward Stuart).
1f.
UC/P23/57 [?1750s]
Letter from Tyrrell to Madame [?] concerning James Stuart's decision to offer Charles's mistress a pension to go into a convent and requesting the correspondent to use her influence to this end.
2f
This is likely to be an English copy of a letter originally written in French.
UC/P23/58 1757
Language: French
Copy of an agreement (written in Tyrrell's hand) to lease a house on behalf of Charles Stuart.
1f.
UC/P23/59 1757
Language: French
Rent agreement showing payments made by Tyrrell on behalf of “Smith” and “Johnson” (Charles Edward Stuart).
1f.
UC/P23/60 [?1750s]
Language: French and Latin
Manuscript fragment concerning “janson” (Charles Edward Stuart) returning to Liège. A note on the back written in Latin states that a law at Liège prevents children who own property from alienating it while their
parents still have use of it.
1f. (fragment)
UC/P23/61 6 May 1757
List of Irish killed and wounded during a campaign [probably in the Seven Year's War]. Includes the name of Tyrrell's nephew, Lieutenant Dempsy.
1f.
UC/P23/62 10 May 1758
Letter from M. Sheldon to Tyrrell, passing on orders for “Jones”.
1f.
UC/P23/63 11 June [1758]
Letter from M. Sheldon to Tyrrell on the latest news from Lieutenant Clancarty and Mr Douglas, as well as the Seven Years' War.
2f
UC/P23/64 22 June 1758
Letter from Rothe to [Clancarty] on support for Tyrrell by Lord Liamore.
2f
UC/P23/65 22 August 1758
Letter (draft) from Tyrrell to Fr Magginis, guardian of the Irish Franciscans in Prague, on Charles Stuart's hopes of a speedily arranged marriage.
1f.
UC/P23/66 2 December 1760
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell concerning the latter's desire to secure a canonry for his nephew at Lille.
2f
UC/P23/67 16 December 1760
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell with seasons greetings.
1f.
UC/P23/68 6 January 1761
Letter from Lord Alford to Tyrrell concerning Tyrrell's difficulties in taking possession of his benefice and seeking James Stuart's assistance.
2f
UC/P23/69 17 February 1761
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell on James Stuart's inability to assist Tyrrell and his nephew in the difficulties they are experiencing with their benefices.
2f
UC/P23/70 27 January-17 February 1761
Letter from Lord Alford to Tyrrell (UC/P23/70a), enclosing a copy of Choiseul's letter and advising him to resign his recently obtained benefices into the pope's hands. Enclosure:
3f
UC/P23/70b 27 January 1761
Letter from Choiseul, copied by Lord Alford, showing that France will only accept naturalised Irishmen as nominees for benefices.
UC/P23/71 21 April 1761
Letter from Clancarty to Tyrrell on the latter's poor health.
2f
UC/P23/72 12 May 1761
Letter from Lord Alford to Tyrrell on James Stuart's inability to help with the canonry of Lille and also expecting Tyrrell to continue to support his nephew.
2f
UC/P23/73 12 May 1761
Letter from James Edgar to Tyrrell on James Stuart's inability to help with the canonry of Lille and also expecting Tyrrell to continue to support his nephew.
2f
UC/P23/74 26 November - December 1761
Four letters (drafts) on a single sheet:
UC/P23/74a 26 November 1761
Letter from Tyrrell to [?] offering himself as an agent for Charles Stuart in Ireland.
1f. v.
UC/P23/74b 19 December 1761
Letter from Tyrrell to James Edgar giving New Year greetings to James Stuart.
1f. v.
UC/P23/74c December 1761
Letter from Tyrrell to Lord Alford reiterating that he is not seeking financial assistance for his nephew.
1f. r.
UC/P23/74d [December 1761]
Language: French
Letter from Tyrrell to the dean of Liège on Tyrrell's poor health.
1f. r./1f. v.
UC/P23/75 3 January 1764
Letter from [Lord] Alford to Tyrrell on the declining health of James Stuart.
2f
UC/P23/76 3 January 1765
Letter from Andrew Lumisden to Tyrrell on the declining health of James Stuart.
2f
UC/P23/77 16 January 1766
Letter from Andrew Lumisden on the death of James Stuart, Charles's late arrival, and the need for Rome to acknowledge his titles.
2f
UC/P23/78 25 March 1766
Letter from Andrew Lumisden to Tyrrell concerning Charles Stuart's behaviour towards Tyrrell and his agreement to take on Tyrrell's nephew, Fitzgerald, as his chaplain.
2f
UC/P23/79 2 December 1769
Letter from Tyrrell to Charles Stuart wishing him seasons greetings.
1f.
UC/P23/80 [?1760s]
Language: French
Letter from the archbishop of Toulouse to Charles Stuart, with his response attached, on the subject of the Christian attitude towards war.
2f (f.2 is a fragment)
UC/P23/81 [?1760s]
Language: French
Fragment of a manuscript on European military and naval matters.
1f.
UC/P23/82 [?1760s]
Language: French
Copy of a letter from the cardinal de Bavarie (bishop of Liège) to the cardinal duke of York [Henry Stuart] promising to seek information on Robinson.The endorsement notes that Robinson was the son of the head steward in the Pretender's service and confessor to the English nuns at Liège.
1f. + 1f. inserted
UC/P23/83 [?1760s]
Language: French
List sent by [?] to Tyrrell of James Stuart's household (those unknown to Tyrrell) and urging Tyrrell to destroy it once he has read it.
1f.
UC/P23/84 [?1760s]
Manuscript written by Tyrrell of an account of Charles Stuart following his return from Scotland and of his life with Clementine Walkinshaw, covering 1747-1756.
2f
UC/P23/85 [?1760s]
A further manuscript written by Tyrrell of Charles Stuart's travels, covering 1746-1756.
2f
UC/P23/86 1757
Notes on money lent to “Mr Johnson” (aka Charles Stuart) and rough notes on Charles Stuart's travels.
1f.
UC/P23/87 2 July 1757
Language: French
Inventory compiled by Tyrrell of furniture left by Madame Moyen in her house, Place de St Jean, Lille, for the use of “Smith” and “Johnson”, the tenants.
1f.
UC/P23/88 2 June 1758
Language: French
Receipt for the rent of “Johnson” and “Smith” up to St John's day [24 June].
1f.
UC/P23/89 1740
Lists of aliases and code names to be used in correspondence.
5f
UC/P23/90 18th century
Typescript copy of “De Juramento Fidelitatis” , (Stoneyhurst MSS. A. IV. ii. 13, no. 144). (On the lawfulness of abjuring the Pretender).
2pp.
