*[ Note added 2012. * *Abbreviated extract from the Benjamin D' Israeli Inquest Papers on loan to Michael Purcell. * *A copy of this Statement can be supplied on payment to cover cost of postage.]* *Information of William Rourke of Knockbrack in the County of Carlow, Yeoman, taken this 13th Day of January 1805 at Garryhill, Carlow at the dwelling house of Patrick Nowlan then and there lying dead before James Byrne, Esquire, Coroner of Carlow touching the death of Patrick Nowlan.* *William Rourke Saith that he frequently slept with Michael Rourke and Patrick Nowlan late of Garryhill, Farmer, deceased, who were taking care of and Managing a farm on the lands of Ullard, Carlow, that some of their relations had been in possession of about two months ago.* *And Saith that been in bed with the said Patrick Nowlan and Michael Rourke on the night of Friday the 11th day of January 1805 they were awoke by the smoke that was in the house and having got out of bed he put on some his clothes.* *He and Michael Rourke went to the rack, where there were two guns charged and took them down.* *Patrick Nowlan went to the door and opened it, then William heard a shot and Patrick Nowlan returned and said he was killed on which Patrick Nowlan who was naked desired Michael Rourke to put a coat on him which he did.* *Then William Rourke and Michael Rourke went to the door and looked out and saw the head of a man or woman stooped behind a small wall and then William heard a shot fired as if from the place where Patrick Nowlan told him the first shot came from that wounded Patrick Nowlan in the stomach or breast.* *The house been at this time very violently on fire at both ends, they stayed in the house as long as they could, but at length they were obliged to go out, the fire having become very great and most of the roof having fallen in.* *Then William and Michael Rourke and Patrick Nowlan went to the house of Murtha Bryan of Ullard where they remained until day and then Patrick Nowlan was put to bed, very weak from the wounds he received in his breast, side and arm by the shot that was fired at him, he bled a great deal and was throwing blood out of his mouth,he remained there until the next day when he died about 12 or 1 of the Clock.* *The night before the house was set on fire a person by the name of John Murray desired William Rourke to be careful of himself as he might know it was not safe to be sleeping there.* *The said John Murray had been employed as a workman by the farmer tenants of Ullard.* *William Rourke believes the house was maliciously and intentionally set on fire by the farmer Tenants of the Ullard lands or by some person motivated by them.* * And further Saith that two other men were obliged to quit the house, which was entirely burned* *Sworn before me this 13th day of January 1805 [ signed ] James Byrne, Coroner.* *[ signed ] William, his, X, mark, Rourke having first been read to him by James Byrne.*