Through the autumn of 1848, as the condition of the populace deteriorated and the daily count of deaths in the fever hospitals and the workhouse increased, I deliberated about the wisdom of enlisting the help of a local land agent in the task of drawing up maps showing the ownership of properties on which the ejection of tenants and squatters had taken place.

I sent regular reports of the number and location of evictions to the Commissioners but they were increasingly demanding evidence.

I am...