Ireland Under Coercion: The Diary of an American (2 of 2)
 (2nd ed.) (1888)

by William Henry Hurlbert

"Ireland Under Coercion: The Diary of an American" by William Henry Hurlbert is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work recounts the observations and reflections of an American visiting Ireland during a tumultuous period marked by tenant evictions, landlord-tenant conflicts, and the broader social and political implications of coercive measures taken by British authorities. The narrative, structured as a diary, offers a firsthand account of the struggles faced by Irish tenants in their fight for rights and fair treatment. The opening of the diary introduces readers to the tense atmosphere surrounding the impending eviction of a tenant on the Glenbehy estate, revealing the intricate dynamics between tenants, landlords, and the authorities. Hurlbert describes his journey through various locations in Ireland, highlighting events such as conversations with local priests like Father Little, who advocates for his parishioners, and participants in the ongoing conflicts. As he witnesses the eviction proceedings, Hurlbert paints a vivid picture of the emotional and social repercussions, exposing the broader context of Ireland's tenant rights movement and the complexities of its deeply rooted issues.