Phénix

Thomas Henry Burke Irish civil servant killed in the Phoenix Park Murders. Autograph Signature 'T H Burke' on part of an 'Authority to discharge'.

Best.-Nr. 19731 — Dublin. Chief Secretary Office D.C. 'Discharged 20 March 1875'. Piece of paper approximately 15 x 21 cm torn from the second and concluding leaf of a bifolium. Aged and worn with repair to a closed tear. Burke's signature is at the foot preceded by writing in another hand thus: 'Hugh Mc. Mahon respectively. I am Sir Your Obedient Servant J H Burke'. On the reverse in ink: 'Chief Secretary Office D.C Authority to discharge John & Hugh McMahon also Edward Patrick & Bernard Mc.Swine on entering into Bail self £2. with two Sureties £5 each.' Beneath this at foot: 'Recd. & Ansd. Discharged'. Also on the reverse in pencil: 'McMahon Thos Doherty Road Court Castleford McSwine Johnston Mc.Creery Grocer Road Kellygordon Discharged 20 March 1875'. Note: Phoenix Park: "Thomas Burke was the Invincibles' intended target because he had been working for the British establishment as head of the Civil Service for many years and was associated with the British coercion policy during the Land War 1879–82. Irish nationalists referred to Burke as the "Castle rat"." [ Dublin. ] Chief Secretary Office D.C. 'Discharged 20 March | 1875'. unknown