Sir, - May I ask if any of your readers has come across documentation in regard to the following 1798 episode? My great-great-grandfather, Henry Silk, of Seskin Lower, Leighlinbridge was, according to well-attested tradition, flogged from Carlow to Leighlinbridge for refusing to inform; afterwards salt was put in his wounds. Paul Cullen, uncle of the Cardinal, was, as is well known, among those executed in Leighlinbridge. The Cardinal's mother was Mary, daughter of Patrick Maher. In one account Patrick was brother, in another son, of James Maher of Donore. The wife of James was Margaret Silk, and they were the parents of Mother Columba Maher, founder of Cabra Deaf and Dumb Institute. Margaret, there is reason to believe, sister Henry's sister. I should be grateful for any information bearing on this matter. - Yours, etc., Rev John J. Silke,
Portnablagh, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal.