From the Right Hon. Francis Blackburne, Ex-Chief Justice of Her Majesty's Court of Queen's Bench, and also Ex-Chancellor of Ireland.
1st February, 1851.
From the testimonials of the very eminent members of the Munster Circuit in favor of Mr. Mullins and from my knowledge of his character, I have no hesitation in saying that he is eminently qualified to fill the office of Professor of Law, for which, as he informs me, he means to be a candidate.
F. BLACKBURNE, Chief Justice,
[The above testimonial was received from the Right Hon. Francis Blackburne, then Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench, and afterwards Lord Chancellor of Ireland, when Mr. Mullins intended to offer himself a candidate for the Professorship of Law then vacant.]
From Master Murphy.
24th January, 1850, Chancery Office, Four Courts.
MY DEAR MULLINS-I am happy to be called upon to state my opinion of your professional and private character.
This I am fully enabled to do, from a long and perfect acquaintance with both having been for many years a fellow-laborer with you on circuit, during which time, as well as since my appointment to my present office, our friendship has always been intimate and uninterrupted. With these means of knowledge, and uninfluenced by any partial impressions which they might naturally create, I can safely undertake the responsibility (for such I do consider it) of strongly recommending your claims to a professional appointment.
Your practice at the bar has, as far as my observation and information can reach, been marked by zeal, diligence, and ability; and, moreover, by gentleman-like bearing, and a high sense of honor and self-respect-I have said information, because I have several times, in your absence, heard the Judges on circuit, and the leading members of our bar, who practised in the Criminal Court, speak in the very highest terms of the manner in which you have conducted the cases entrusted to you; and I know that there were very few persons of whom my lamented and admirable friend, Sir Michael O'Loghlen, entertained a higher opinion, or for whom he felt a more sincere regard.
I am old-fashioned enough to think that literary and classical acquirements may, even in our practical day, have some influence in the selection of persons to fill public appointments when combined with adequate professional knowledge; and if so, your high college reputation, of which you can have no difficulty in procuring testimonials, ought to be of use to you. I will conclude by saying, most sincerely, that upon every ground, public, professional, and personal, you have my earnest wishes for your success in obtaining a suitable appointment, and that you are at liberty to make use of this letter in any way in which you or your friends may deem beneficial.
Your's truly,
JEREMIAH JOHN MURPHY, M.C.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Montifort Longfield, Esq., LL.D. and Q.C., one of the Commissioners for the Sale of Incumbered Estates in Ireland.
Fitzwilliam-square, February 25th, 1850.
MY DEAR SIR-I feel much pleasure in observing that your success in your profession, and the high opinion entertained of you by our legal brethren correspond with the expectations which your distinguished career in the University led your friends to entertain.
From your general attainments, I feel no doubt that you will honorably fill any legal post to which you may be appointed either at home or in one of the Colonies.
I am, dear Sir, your's faithfully,
M. LONGFIELD.
To R. Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Sergeant O'Brien.
22nd January, 1850, 92, Stephen's-green.
MY DEAR MULLINS-I understand that you are about applying for some legal appointment, and I feel great pleasure in stating my opinion of your qualifications for promotion.
Our acquaintance has been one of many years, and the various intercourses I have had with you enable me to add my testimony to that of others as to your legal knowledge and ability, your uniform diligence in your profession, and the correct and honorable manner in which you have acted in the discharge of your business. I am sure your promotion would be a source of gratification to many of your professional friends, and that upon trial you would justify the opinion we have formed of you.
Believe me, your's sincerely,
JAMES O'BRIEN.
From George Bennett, Esq., QC, the Leader of the Munster Circuit.
Merrion-square, 10th January, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS-In reply to your wish expressed that I should state my opinion of you as a barrister and gentleman, I have great pleasure in stating that having known you on my circuit for above twelve years,
I can certify to your gentlemanly conduct, your professional diligence and ability, and your correct and efficient discharge of your business, and should feel happy to recommend you for any situation in your profession to which you may look. Indeed I have already given a specimen of my high opinion of you when I recommended you to be employed as one of my assistants in the Crown prosecutions on the Munster Circuit, which I did about four years ago, as well as I recollect. You are quite at liberty to refer any person whatever to me to give you my recommendation, which I will feel a pleasure in doing.
I remain, my dear Mullins, faithfully your's,
GEORGE BENNETT, Q.C., Father of the Munster Bar:
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Jonathan Henn, Esq., Q.C.
Upper Merrion-street, 15th January, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS-As I have gone the Munster Circuit ever since you joined it and have had ample opportunity of observing your conduct, I feel happy in bearing my testimony to your diligent attention, and to the ability with which you have uniformly discharged your professional duties. I assure you it will give me great pleasure to hear that you have been appointed to some really good situation. I mean such a one as may gratify your own honorable ambition, and as your merits in my opinion entitle you to expect.
Believe me, very sincerely your's.
J. HENN.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Henry Martley, Esq., Q.C.
15, Harcourt-street, 25th January, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS-You are fully entitled to call upon me for my opinion as to your professional character and qualifications, though it cannot be of any service to you in furthering the object which you have in view-of obtaining a professional appointment from the Government.
I have had the pleasure of meeting you in professional intercourse for many years, and it may be sufficient to say that my experience of your legal attainments and personal character fully accords with the high testimonials you have received from Mr. Bennett and Mr. Henn-men whose good opinion, whatever may be your fortunes in life, you may be justly proud of having acquired.
I have no doubt you will discharge the duties of any office to which you may be appointed with efficiency and advantage to the public, and I regret that I can contribute to your success only by my good opinion and good wishes.
Believe me, my dear Mullins, your's very faithfully,
HENRY MARTLEY.
To R. Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Gerald Fitzgibbon, Esq., Q.C.
January 25th, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS--I have had the pleasure of knowing you at the bar, both as a friend and a lawyer, almost since you were called to the profession, and have been concerned in cases with you. I should feel it much easier to express the opinion which I entertain of you to any other person than yourself. I can very truly say that I know very few of your standing at the bar, better qualified as to professional acquirements, and none superior in moral and gentlemanly deportment to you. It is due to you, and to those who have to select from our profession, persons of ability and integrity for public offices to express the result of my intercourse with you, and I do so with perfect confidence, that you will do credit to the judgment of those who may appoint you to any office requiring legal ability and moral integrity in the person filling it.
I am, my dear Mullins, very sincerely yours,
GERALD FITZGIBBON,
29, Upper Gloucester-street.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq.
From the Hon. John Plunket, Q.C.
30, Upper Fitzwilliam-street, January 19, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS-I am very glad to hear you are likely to get promotion, and with great pleasure add my testimonial to the many you have already got of your qualifications as a lawyer and a gentleman.
The very great distinction with which you passed through the University is the best evidence of your abilities, in addition to which, from twelve or thirteen years acquaintance at the bar, I can answer for your continued attention, good temper, and good sense. I have no doubt that you will perform the duties of whatever office you may get with credit to yourself, and in every respect to the satisfaction of those who may appoint you. With best wishes for your success believe me always,
Very truly your's,
JOHN PLUNKET.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq., Barrister-at-law.
From the Rev. Thomas Luby, D.D., Regius Professor of Greek, and Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
Trinity College, Dublin, December 17th, 1849.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. R. F. Mullins, Barrister-at-law, for many years during his course through College.
FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END HIS COLLEGE CAREER WAS MARKED BY DISTINCTIONS OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. He obtained first place at entrance, several First-Class Classical honors, FIRST OF THE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS, and A GOLD MEDAL AND ETHICAL MODERATORSHIP AT HIS DEGREE EXAMINATION. His character, religious and moral, always appeared to me quite unexceptionable, and his conduct most gentleman-like and exemplary.
I feel assured from my knowledge of him, that in whatever official position he may be placed, he will discharge its duties with ability and efficiency.
THOMAS LUBY, D.D., Senior Fellow, Trinity College, Dublin.
To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
From the Rev. George Sidney Smith, formerly Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
December 13th, 1849.
I had abundant opportunities of knowing the conduct and character of Mr. Robert Foster Mullins (now a member of the Irish bar), having been his College Tutor during his residence in the University of Dublin, a period of seven years.
He distinguished himself from the first by obtaining the highest honors. His place at entrance marked him as the most prominent Classical Scholar of his Class; this character he maintained by carrying off successive prizes until the Scholarship Examination, when he achieved the high distinction of the first Scholarship.
Subsequently he obtained a Moderatorship and Medal at his Degree Examination in Logical and Ethical Science.
I have pleasure in adding that the conduct of Mr. Mullins was marked by great diligence, regularity, sobriety of deportment, and moral principle during his honorable College career.
GEORGE SIDNEY SMITH, D.D., formerly Fellow and Tutor of Trinity College, Dublin.
To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
From the Rev. James H. Todd, D.D., Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. R. F. Mullins during his residence in the University, where he distinguished himself by obtaining many of the highest Undergraduate honors.
His character as a gentleman, and as a religious and conscientious man, won him the esteem and respect of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
JAMES H. TODD, D.D., Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin,
To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
From the Rev. S. Butcher, D.D., Regius Professor of Divinity, and Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
Trinity College, Dublin, December 24th, 1849.
I have had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. R. F. Mullins, Barrister-at-law, since the period when he first entered the University of Dublin.
His University career has been one of very eminent distinction. At the Entrance Examination he obtained the first place; at the subsequent Term Examinations he was equally successful, having obtained several Classical Honors of the First Class.
He was the first of the University Scholars in his year, and at his Degree Examination came out with an Ethical Moderatorship of the highest Class, and a Gold Medal.
His moral conduct I have always regarded as most exemplary, and in his deportment I have always found him most strictly correct and gentleman-like.
From all that I know of his attainments and character, I feel satisfied that the duties of any official station in which Mr. Mullins might be placed, would be discharged by him with credit to himself and advantage to others.
S. BUTCHER, D.D., Fellow and Tutor, Trinity College, Dublin.
To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
519
From the Right Hon. Francis Blackburne, Ex-Chief Justice of Her Majesty's Court of Queen's Bench, and also Ex-Chancellor of Ireland.
1st February, 1851.
From the testimonials of the very eminent members of the Munster Circuit in favor of Mr. Mullins and from my knowledge of his character, I have no hesitation in saying that he is eminently qualified ́o fill the office of Professor of Law, for which, as he informs me, he means to be a candidate.
F. BLACKBURNE, Chief Justice,
[The above testimonial was received from the Right Hon. Francis Blackburne, then Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench, and afterwards Lord Chancellor of Ireland, when Mr. Mullins intended to offer himself a candidate for the Professorship of Law then vacant.]
From Master Murphy.
24th January, 1850, Chancery Office, Four Courts. MY DEAR MULLINS-I am happy to be called upon to state my opinion of your professional and private character.
This I am fully enabled to do, from a long and perfect acquaintance with both having been for many years a fellow-laborer with you on cireuit, during which time, as well as since my appointment to my present office, our friendship has always been intimate and uninterrupted. With these means of knowledge, and uninfluenced by any partial impressions which they might naturally create, I can safely undertake the responsibility (for such I do consider it) of strongly recommending your claims to a professional appointment.
Your practice at the bar has, as far as my observation and information can reach, been marked by zeal, diligence, and ability; and, moreover, by gentleman-like bearing, and a high sense of honor and self-respect-I have said information, because I have several times, in your absence, heard the Judges on circuit, and the leading members of our bar, who practised in the Criminal Court, speak in the very highest terms of the manner in which you have conducted the cases entrusted to you; and I know that there were very few persons of whom my lamented and admirable friend, Sir Michael O'Loghlen, entertained a higher opiniou, or for whom he felt a more sincere regard,
I am old-fashioned enough to think that literary and classical acquirements may, even in our practical day, have some influence in the selecton of persons to fill public appointments when combined with adequate professional knowledge; and if so, your high college reputation, of which you can have no difficulty in procuring testimonials, oaght to be of use to you. I will conclude by saying, most sincerely, that upon every ground, public, professional, and personal, you have my earnest wishes for your success in obtaining a suitable appointment, and that you are at liberty to make use of this letter in any way in which you or your friends may deem beneficial
Your's truly,
JEREMIAH JOHN MURPHY, M.C.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Fsq, From Montifort Longfield, Esq., LL.D. and Q.C., one of the Commissioners for the Sale of Incumbered Estates in Ireland.
Fitzwilliam-square, February 25th, 1850.
MY DEAR SIR-I feel much pleasure in observing that your success in your profession, and the high opinion entertained of you by our legal brethren correspoud with the expectations which your distinguished career in the University led your friends to entertain.
From your general attainments, I feel no doubt that you will honorably fill any legal post to which you may be appointed either at home or in one of the Colonies,
I am, dear Sir, your's faithfully,
R. Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Sergeant O'Brien. M. R..
M. LONGFIELD.
22nd January, 1850, 92, Stephen's-green.
MY DEAR MULLINS-I understand that you are about applying for some legal appointment, and
I feel great pleasure in stating my opinion of your qualifications for promotion.
Our acquaintance has been one of many years, and the various intercourses I have had with you enable me to add my testimony to that of others as to your legal knowledge and ability, your uniform diligence in your profession, and the correct and honorable manner in which you have acted in the discharge of your business. I am sure your promotion would be a source of gratification to many of your professional friends, and that upon trial you would justify the opinion we have formed of you.
Believe me, your's sincerely,
JAMES O'BRIEN.
From George Bennett, Esq., QC, the Leader of the Munster Circuit.
Merrion-square, 10th January, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS-In reply to your wish expressed that I should state my opinion of you as a barrister and gentleman, I have great pleasure in stating that having known you on my circuit for above twelve years,
I can certify to your gentlemanly conduct, your professional diligence and ability, and your correct and efficient discharge of your business, and should feel happy to recommend you for any situation in your profession to which you may look. Indeed I have already given a specimen of my high opinion of you when I recommended you to be employed as one of my assistants in the Crown prosecu- tions on the Munster Circuit, which I did about four years ago, as well as I recollect. You are quite at liberty to refer any person whatever to me to give you my recommendation, which I will feel a pleasure in doing.
I remain, my dear Mullins, faithfully your's,
Robert Foster Mullins, Esq.
GEORGE BENNETT, Q.C., Father of the Munster Bar:
From Jonathan Henn, Esq., Q.C.
Upper Merrion-street, 15th January, 1850.
MY DEAR MULLINS-As I have gone the Munster Circuit ever since you joined it and have had ample opportunity of observing your coudnet, I feel happy in bearing my testimony to your diligent attention, and to the ability with which you have uniformly discharged your professional duties. assure you it will give me great pleasure to hear that you have been appointed to some really good situation. I mean such a one as may gratify your own honorable ambition, and as your merits in my opinion entitle you to expect.
Believe me, very sincerely your's.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq.
From Henry Martley, Esq., Q.C.
J. HENN.
15, Harcourt-street, 25th January, 1850. MY DEAR MULLINS-You are fully entitled to call upon me for my opinion as to your professional character and qualifications, though it cannot be of any service to you in furthering the object which you bave in view-of obtaining a professional appointment from the Government.
I have had the pleasure of meeting you in professional intercourse for many years, and it may
be sufficient to say that my experience of your legal attainments and personal character fully accords with the high testimonials you have received from Mr. Bennett and Mr. Henn-men whose good opinion, whatever may be your fortunes in life, you may be justly proud of having acquired.
I have no doubt you will discharge the duties of any office to which you may be appointed with ef ciency and advantage to the public, and I regret that I can contribute to your success only by my good opinion and good wishes.
Believe me, my dear Mullins, your's very faithfully,
HENRY MARTLEY.
R. Foster Mu"ins, Esq.
From Grald Fitzgibbon, Esq., Q.C.
January 25th, 1850,
MY DEAR MULLINS--I have had the pleasure of knowing you at the bar, both as a friend and a lawyer, almost since you were called to the profession, and have been concerned in cases with you. I should feel it much easier to express the opinion which I entertain of you to any other person than your- self. I can very truly say that I know very few of your standing at the bar, better qualified as to pro- fessional acquirements, and none superior in moral and gentlemanly deportment to you. It is due to you, and to those who have to select from our profession, persons of ability and integrity for public offices to express the result of my intercourse with you, and I do so with perfect confidence, that you will do credit to the judgment of those who may appoint you to any office requiring legal ability and moral integrity in the person filling it.
I am, my dear Mullins, very sincerely yours,
Robert Foster Mu"ins, Esq.
GERALD FITZGIBBON,
29, Upper Gloucester-street.
From the Hon. John Plunket, Q.C.
30, Upper Fitzwilliam-street, January 19, 1850. MY DEAR MULLINS-I am very glad to hear you are likely to get promotion, and with great pleasure add my testimonial to the many you have already got of your qualifications as a lawyer and a gentleman.
The very great distinction with which you passed through the University is the best evidence of your abilities, in addition to which, from twelve or thirteen years acquaintance at the bar, I can answer for your continued attention, good temper, and good scuse. I have no doubt that you will perform the duties of whatever office you may get with credit to yourself, and in every respect to the satisfaction of those who may appoint you. With best wishes for your success believe me always,
Very truly your's,
JOHN PLUNKET.
To Robert Foster Mullins, Esq., Barrister-at-law. From the Rev. Thomas Luby, D.D., Regius Professor of Greek, and Smaior Fellow of Trinity College, Driblin
Trinity College, Dublin, December 17th, 1849.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. R. F. Mullins, Barrister-at-law, for ruany years during his course through College.
FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END HIS COLLEGE CAREER WAS MARKED BY DISTINCTIONS OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. He obtained first place at entrance, several First-Class Classical honors, FIRST OF THE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS, and A GOLD MEDAL AND ETHICAL MODERATORSHIP AT HIS DEGREE EXAMINA- TION. His ebameter, religious and moral, always appeared to me quite uncxceptionable, and his conduct most gentleman-like and exemplary.
I feel assured from my knowledge of him, that in whatever official position he may be placed, he
TIIOMAS LUBY, D.D., Senior Fellow, Trinity College, Dublin. To R. F, Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
will discharge its duties with ability and efficiency.
From the Rev. George Sidney Smith, formerly Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
December 13th, 1849.
I had abundant opportunities of knowing the conduct and character of Mr. Robert Foster Mullins (now a member of the Irish bar), having been his College Tutor during his residence in the University of Dublin, a period of seven years.
He distinguished himself from the first by obtaining the highest honors. His place at entrance marked him as the most prominent Classical Scholar of his Class; this character he maintained by carrying off successive prizes until the Scholarship Examination, when he achieved the high distinction of the first Scholarship.
Subsequently he obtained a Moderatorship and Medal at his Degree Examination in Logical and Ethical Science.
I have pleasure in adding that the conduct of Mr. Mullins was marked by great diligence, regularity, sobriety of deportment, and moral principle daring his honorable College career.
GEORGE SIDNEY SMITH, D.D., formerly Fellow and Tutor of Trinity College, Dublin. To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
From the Rev. James H. Todd, D.D., Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. R. F. Mullins during his residence in the University, where he distinguished himself by obtaining many of the highest Undergraduate honors.
His character as a gentleman, and as a religious and conscientious man, won him the esteem and respect of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
JAMES H. TODD, D.D., Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street. From the Rev, S. Butcher, D.D., Regius Professor of Divinity, and Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin.
Trinity College, Dublin, December 24th, 1849.
I have had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. R. F. Mullins, Barrister-at-law, since the period when he first entered the University of Dublin.
His University career has been one of very eminent distinction. At the Entrance Examination he obtained the first place; at the subsequent Term Examinations he was equally successful, having obtained several Classical Honors of the First Class.
He was the first of the University Scholars in his year, and at his Degree Examination came out with an Ethical Moderatorship of the highest Class, and a Gold Medal.
His moral conduct I have always regarded as most exemplary, and in his deportment I have always found him most strictly correct and gentleman-like.
From all that I know of his attainments and character, I feel satisfied that the duties of any official station in which Mr. Mullius might be placed, would be discharged by him with credit to himself and advantage to others.
S. BUTCHER, D.D., Fellow and Tutor, Trinity College, Dublia.
To R. F. Mullins, Esq., 17, Great Charles-street.
519
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