Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
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Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.
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Floggings at the Windmill-yard, Dundalk
Dundalk · town · Louth · 1798
Under Captain Seaver's yeomanry, floggings and torture at the triangle took place daily at the Windmill-yard in Dundalk, until a yeoman named Kerr refused to inflict lashes on an offender.
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" Michael Sherley from Castletown, received 500 lashes, and often related that the rats ate the plaster off his back while he lay in the cell. The people of Castletown would have suffered severely, but for the bravery and intrepidity of the Rev. James Eastwood, to whom was deputed the power to pardon aU those who gave up their pikes to him. A man named O'Hare from Ballinahatina, known by the sobriquet of ' Captain,' was taken off his bed by a party of Welsh Horse, or Ancient Britons, and conveyed to Dundalk ; they would not give him time to dress, but put him upon horseback naked, until his servant ran after him with his clothes, and overtook him as he was entering the town. When Mr. Eastwood heard that the Captain was in gaol, he immediately came into Dundalk, and ordered the gaoler to turn out Daniel O'Hare, that he would answer for him. Such was the state of Dundalk, while under the guardianship of the Welsh Horse, Lord Roden's fox-hunters, and Captain Seaver's yeomanry, that the lash and triangle were in daily use. These revolting scenes were generally enacted in the WindmUl-yard, where Captain Seaver held his quarters. Some of the yeomen at last became disgusted with the cruelty with which the law dealt with men for the most trifling offences. On one occasion when some unfortunate offender was tied up in the triangle, some of the yeomen were told off to inflict the lashes ; they refused, and one of ihem named Kerr, a Protestant, said he would rather throw down his arms, than butcher any man, and he kept his word. This inhuman and barbarous treatment of an unoffending and industrious people received a very unexpected check — a messenger of peace came with the oUve brancL Colonel Campbell, uncle to the late Sir CoUn Campbell (afterwards Lord Clyde), entered the town with his High-
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 127
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Houlton arrested as a fake rebel general at Belfast
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1798
Houlton, sent by the Irish Privy Council disguised as a rebel general to entrap United Irishmen, arrived in Belfast before word of his true mission reached General Ross, and was arrested by local authorities, paraded through the town in his uniform, and sent back to Dublin under guard.
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The repeated mention of Houlton's name in the history of the Sham Squire* leads to the query whether the miscreant named Houlton, described by Plowden, as having personated a rebel general in 1798, was connected with the colleague of Francis Higgins. Mr Houlton, after an interview with the Irish Privy Council, Iford Bedesdale presiding, was equipped with a superb rebel uniform, including a cocked hat and feathers, which was paid for by Government, and sent on a mission to Belfast, to tempt, to proselytise, to dupe, and to betray. An orderly dragoon repaired with instructions to General Sir Charles Ross, who commanded in Belfast, that Houlton was a confidential servant of the Government, and on no account to be molested. Houlton, however, having set off on his mission in a post-chaise and four, arrived at Belfast long before the advice of his advent, and the result was that, when in the act of spouting treason with startling volubility at a tavern, Houlton was arrested by the local authorities, paraded in his uniform round the town, and sent back under a strong guard to DubliiL t
A fine field for the profitable pursuit of betrayal was spoiled by this contrariety. The north of Ireland, at one time ripe for revolt, never rose. Some interesting papers, formerly in the possession of General Nugent, who had the chief command in the North, are now in our hands, and reveal the formidable length to which the organisation reached in Ulster.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 90
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Magistrate's stolen-watch scheme at the Dublin police office
Dublin · city · Dublin
A Dublin magistrate kept drawers of property taken from thieves and highwaymen, showing the correct drawer only if a prosecutor could positively identify his stolen item, otherwise showing the wrong one, thereby keeping valuable items such as Mr Gonne's watch for himself. He was eventually dismissed for attempting to embezzle fifty pounds.
Read the passage
" Gonne obtained his watch," adds Mr Porter, " and was with great difficulty prevented from bringing the transaction under the notice of the Government. The system by which the worthy justice managed occasionally tk, possess himself of a valuable watch, or some other costly article, consisted in having two or three drawers wherein to keep the property found with highwaymen or thieves. If the prosecutor identified the delinquent, he was then shown the right drawer ; but if he could not swear to the depredator's person, the wrong drawer was opened. The magistrate to whom tliis narrative refers was dismissed in a short time for attempting to embezzle fifty pounds."*
Before the establishment of the petty sessions system in Ireland, magistrates in the safe seclusion of their closets were often betrayed into grossly disreputable acts. A parliamentary inquiry, in 1823, into the conduct of Sheriff Thorpe, exposed, in passing, much magisterial delinquency.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 26
As the companion tells it
Coming up through Dublin, where a city magistrate once ran a quiet scheme from the police office. He kept 2 or 3 drawers of property recovered from thieves and highwaymen. If a prosecutor could identify the thief, he was shown the right drawer. If not, the wrong one opened, and the magistrate kept the valuable items for himself. Gonne's watch was one such piece, though Gonne did get it back and was with great difficulty prevented from bringing the transaction to the Government's attention. The magistrate was dismissed for attempting to embezzle 50 pounds. A parliamentary inquiry in 1823 into Sheriff Thorpe exposed much magisterial delinquency in passing, a reminder that before the petty sessions system, magistrates working in private were often betrayed into disreputable acts.
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Military search of Moore's house in Thomas Street
Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1798
The morning after Lord Edward's narrow escape, a detachment of military passed down Thomas Street and halted before Moore's door, causing alarm and forcing Lord Edward to hide on the warehouse roof.
Read the passage
Nicholas Murphy received his noble guest with a cead mille faille /f but next morning both wert thrown into a state of alarm by observing a detachment of military pass down the street, and halt before Moore's door.f The source from whence the espionage proceeded has hitherto remained a dark and painful mystery. Murphy hurried Lord Edward to the roof of the warehouse, and with some difficulty persuaded him to lie in the vaUey.
To retiu:n to Mr Francis Magan. On the day following his interview with Miss Moore, he proceeded to her residence in Thomas Street, and with a somewhat careworn expression, which then seemed the result of anxiety for Lord Edward's safety, though it
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 37
As the companion tells it
Along here on Thomas Street, on the morning after Lord Edward's narrow escape, Nicholas Murphy had taken him in with a warm welcome. But next morning, both were thrown into alarm when a detachment of military passed down the street and halted before Moore's door. The source of the espionage has remained a dark mystery. Murphy hurried Lord Edward to the roof of the warehouse, and with some difficulty persuaded him to lie in the valley.
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Death of Rev. William Jackson in the dock
Dublin · city · Dublin · 1795
Convicted of high treason on the sole evidence of the informer Cockaigne, Rev. William Jackson collapsed and died in the courtroom dock before judgment could be pronounced; an inquest the next day found he had taken poison.
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Having done so, he declared that he was dying. In a fe-vi minutes, Jackson was dead !
Lord Clonmel— " Let an inquest, and a respectable on«^ be held on the body. You should carefully inquire by what means he died."
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 95
As the companion tells it
Dublin, 1795. Rev. William Jackson, convicted of high treason on the evidence of the informer Cockaigne, collapsed in the courtroom dock and died before judgment could be pronounced. He declared he was dying, and in a few minutes he was dead. An inquest the next day found he had taken poison.
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Fitzgerald interrogates congregation at Castleiney chapel
Castleleiny · townland · Tipperary · 1798
Accompanied by his flying column, Sir Thomas Fitzgerald entered the chapel of Castleiney during Mass, scrutinised the congregation for rebellious spirits, then made frightened parishioners kneel before him in the chapel-yard to be interrogated about United Irishmen.
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Failing in this, when Mass was over, he betook himself to a rustic seat under the shadow of a large tree in the chapelyard, and ordered as many of the affrighted people as he pleased to kneel to him, as if he were in the tribunal of penance. He then interrogated them as to whether they were United Irishmen, or whether there were any in the neighbourhood, and the replies he met with in such an unholy tribunal may be easily conjectured.
" N.B. — ^The foregoingl heard from my brother, who heard it from the Kev. Wm. F. Mullally, late P.P. of Anacarty, who died in 1864. He heard it from his uncle, the Eev. James MullaUy, P.P. of Loughmore and Castleincy in 1798, and with whom the Eev. Wm. ministered as curate for several years.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 129
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Francis Magan's residence at Usher's Island as informer's base
Usher's Island · street · Dublin · 1796–1843
Francis Magan resided at 20 Usher's Island from 1796 until his death in 1843, using the location near the United Irishmen's meeting place at 13 Usher's Island to gather intelligence used against Lord Edward Fitzgerald.
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The Post further instances an act of great friendship which Mr Magan performed with a view to serve Mr Higgins. And there is good reason t« believe that the Sham Squire was not unmindful of those services. In the Directory for 1794 we find Mr Tom Magan styled " woollen-draper and mercei to his Majesfy" — a very remarkable instance of stat« favour towards any Eoman Catholic trader at that period of sectarian prejudice and ascendency. George III., however, gave Mr Magan no custom, and he died poor in 1797. With his son, who was called to the bar in Michaelmas Term 1796, Mr Higgins continued to maintain a friendly intercourse. From the year 1796 Francis Magan resided with his sister until his death in 1843, at 20 Usher's Island. From th« " Castlereagh ■ Papers " (i. 459) we learn that Mr Secretary Cooke received positive information of these movements of Lord Edward in the vicinity of Usher' i Island which preceded the final intelligence that led to his arrest some days afterwards in Thomas Street. Mr Cooke's letter assures the viceroy that all the information respecting Lord Edward had come from Francis Higgins, who got some gentleman, for whose name the under-secretary considerately give» a dash, " to set" the unfortunate young nobleman.
Mr Higgins at once claimed his blood-money, and on the 20th June 1798, we find that one thousand pounds were paid to him. How much of this «um was given by the Sham Squire to his friend " the setter," or what pre^dous agreement there may have been between them, wiU probably never be known. We are rather disposed to suspect that Higgins tricked his tongue-tied colleague by pocketing the lion's share himself. Magan, by right, ought to have
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 40
As the companion tells it
Along here on Usher's Island, Francis Magan lived at number 20 from 1796 until his death in 1843. He resided with his sister and had been called to the bar in Michaelmas Term 1796. His father, Tom Magan, had been styled woollen-draper and mercer to his Majesty in the Directory for 1794, a remarkable instance of state favour towards a Roman Catholic trader in that period of sectarian prejudice. George the Third gave Tom Magan no custom, and he died poor in 1797. Francis Magan maintained friendly intercourse with Mr Higgins, the man known as the Sham Squire. From the Castlereagh Papers we learn that Mr Secretary Cooke received positive information of Lord Edward Fitzgerald's movements in the vicinity of Usher's Island, intelligence that preceded the final report leading to Lord Edward's arrest some days afterwards in Thomas Street. Mr Cooke's letter assured the viceroy that all the information respecting Lord Edward had come from Francis Higgins, who got some gentleman, whose name the under-secretary replaced with a dash, to set the unfortunate young nobleman. Higgins claimed his blood-money, and on the 20th of June 1798, one thousand pounds were paid to him. How much of this sum was given by the Sham Squire to his friend the setter, or what previous agreement existed between them, will probably never be known. There is reason to suspect Higgins tricked his tongue-tied colleague by pocketing the lion's share himself.
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'Lame justice' Drury retreats to the Coombe during rioting
The Coombe · street · Dublin
During rioting, magistrate Mr Drury, called the 'lame justice,' retired for safety to the garret of his house in the Coombe, from where he watched the rioters through a large telescope rather than intervening directly.
Read the passage
tarily discharged the duties of watchmen. But the occupation assorted badly with the fiery spirits on whom it devolved, and the streets were soon again abandoned to their so-called legitimate guardians. In the day-time the streets were always wholly unprotected. The first appointment even of a permanent night-watch was in 1723, when an act was passed under which the different parishes were required to appoint ' honest men and good Protestants' to be night watches. The utter ineflSiciency of the system must have been felt ; and various improvements were from time to time attempted in it, every four or five years producing a new police act — with how little success every one can judge who remembers the tattered somnambulists who represented the ' good Protestant watchmen' a few years ago. Several attempts had also been made to establish an efficient civic magistracy, but with such small benefit that, until a comparatively recent period, a large portion of the magisterial duties within the city were performed by county magistrates, who had no legal authority whatever to act in them. An office was kept in the neighbourhood of Thomas Street by two gentlemen in the commission for the county, who made a yearly income by the fees ; and the order to fire on the mob who murdered Lord KUwarden, so late as t?03, was given by Mr Bell, a magistrate of the county tund not the city of Dublin. Another well-known member of the bench was Mr Drury, who halted in his gait, and was called the 'lame justice.'" On the occasion mentioned by Mr Walsh, Drury retired for safety to the garret of his house in the Coombe, from whence, as Ourran remarked, " he played with considerable effect on the rioters with a large double-barrellecf telescope."
It is to be regretted, however, that irregularity and imbecility are not the worst charges to be brought against the justices of "Oublin, even so late as fifty
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 26
As the companion tells it
Along here on the Coombe, Mr Drury had his house. He was a well-known member of the bench, though he halted in his gait, and people called him the lame justice. In Dublin at that time, a large portion of the magisterial duties within the city were performed by county magistrates, who had no legal authority whatever to act in them. An office was kept in the neighbourhood of Thomas Street by two gentlemen in the commission for the county, who made a yearly income by the fees. The streets themselves were poorly protected. During the day they were wholly unprotected, and even the night-watch, first appointed in 1723 under an act requiring parishes to choose honest men and good Protestants, was utterly inefficient. On the occasion mentioned by Mr Walsh, when rioting broke out, Drury did not go down to face the crowd. He retired for safety to the garret of his house in the Coombe, and from there he watched. As Curran remarked, he played with considerable effect on the rioters with a large double-barrelled telescope. The same text notes that the order to fire on the mob who murdered Lord Kilwarden was given by Mr Bell, a magistrate of the county and not the city of Dublin. Curran's remark captures the mood of the bench in those years: irregular, imbecilic, and reluctant to meet disorder face to face.
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Lord Edward hidden at Magan's house via Island Street stable
Island Street · street · Dublin · 1798
Francis Magan offered his house at 20 Usher's Island as a refuge for Lord Edward Fitzgerald, arranging secret access through a stable door in Island Street to avoid suspicion.
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for Mr Francis Magan and his sister, who resided at 20 Usher's Island. He was a Eoman Catholic barrister, and had been a member of the Society of United Irishmen, though from prudential motives he had shortly before relinquished his formal connexion with them, but it was understood that his sympathies were stiU with the society. Miss Moore obtained an interview with Mr Magan, and unbosomed her anxiety to him. Mr Magan, at no time an impassionable or impulsive person, seemed moved : he offered his house as a refuge for Lord Edward. The proposal was accepted with gratitude, and it was thereupon arranged that Lord Edward, accompanied by Mrs and Miss Moore, Gallaher, and Palmer, should proceed that evening from Moore's in Thomas Street, to Magan's on Usher's Island. It was further astutely suggested by Mr Magan, that as so large a party knocking at his hall door might attract suspicion, he would leave ajar his stable door in Island Street, which lay immediately at the rear, and thus open access through the garden to his house. Lord Edward, while under Moore's roof, passed as the French tutor of Miss Moore, who had been educated at Tours, and they never spoke unless in French. On the pretext of being about to take a stroll through Galway's Wa,lk adjacent, then a popular lounge. Miss Moore, leaning on Lord Edward's arm, walked down Thomas Street at about half-past eight o'clock on the evening of May 17. They were preceded by Mrs Moore, Palmer, and Gallaher, the latter a confidential clerk in Moore's employ, a man of Herculean frame, and one of Lord Edward's most devoted disciples. Of the intended expedition to Usher's Island the Government early that day received information. Thomas Moore, in his diary of August 26, 1830, gives the following particulars communicated on that day by Major Sirr : — " Two ways by which be (Lord Edward) might have come, either Dirty Lane or Watling
112 THE SHAM SQDIRE
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 36
As the companion tells it
Along this street lies the back way into a house on Usher's Island where Lord Edward Fitzgerald was hidden in 1798. The house belonged to Francis Magan, a Roman Catholic barrister who lived there with his sister. Magan had been a member of the Society of United Irishmen, though he had lately given up his formal connexion with them. His sympathies, it was understood, remained with the society. Miss Moore obtained an interview with Magan and told him of her anxiety. Magan, never an impulsive man, was moved. He offered his house as a refuge for Lord Edward. The proposal was accepted, and it was arranged that Lord Edward, accompanied by Mrs Moore, Miss Moore, Gallaher, and Palmer, should proceed that evening from Moore's in Thomas Street to Magan's on Usher's Island. Magan astutely suggested that so large a party knocking at his hall door might attract suspicion. Instead, he would leave ajar his stable door in Island Street, which lay immediately at the rear, opening access through the garden to his house. While under Moore's roof, Lord Edward had passed as the French tutor of Miss Moore, who had been educated at Tours. They never spoke unless in French. On the evening of May 17, at about half past eight, Miss Moore, leaning on Lord Edward's arm, walked down Thomas Street, on the pretext of taking a stroll through Galway's Walk. They were preceded by Mrs Moore, Palmer, and Gallaher, a confidential clerk in Moore's employ, a man of Herculean frame and one of Lord Edward's most devoted disciples. The Government had received information of the intended expedition early that day.
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Lord Kilwarden's murderers fired upon by order of a county magistrate
Dublin · city · Dublin · 1803
The order to fire on the mob who murdered Lord Kilwarden in 1803 was given by Mr Bell, a magistrate of the county, not the city, of Dublin, illustrating the confused and unauthorized magisterial arrangements of the time.
Read the passage
tarily discharged the duties of watchmen. But the occupation assorted badly with the fiery spirits on whom it devolved, and the streets were soon again abandoned to their so-called legitimate guardians. In the day-time the streets were always wholly unprotected. The first appointment even of a permanent night-watch was in 1723, when an act was passed under which the different parishes were required to appoint ' honest men and good Protestants' to be night watches. The utter ineflSiciency of the system must have been felt ; and various improvements were from time to time attempted in it, every four or five years producing a new police act — with how little success every one can judge who remembers the tattered somnambulists who represented the ' good Protestant watchmen' a few years ago. Several attempts had also been made to establish an efficient civic magistracy, but with such small benefit that, until a comparatively recent period, a large portion of the magisterial duties within the city were performed by county magistrates, who had no legal authority whatever to act in them. An office was kept in the neighbourhood of Thomas Street by two gentlemen in the commission for the county, who made a yearly income by the fees ; and the order to fire on the mob who murdered Lord KUwarden, so late as t?03, was given by Mr Bell, a magistrate of the county tund not the city of Dublin. Another well-known member of the bench was Mr Drury, who halted in his gait, and was called the 'lame justice.'" On the occasion mentioned by Mr Walsh, Drury retired for safety to the garret of his house in the Coombe, from whence, as Ourran remarked, " he played with considerable effect on the rioters with a large double-barrellecf telescope."
It is to be regretted, however, that irregularity and imbecility are not the worst charges to be brought against the justices of "Oublin, even so late as fifty
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 26
As the companion tells it
Coming through Dublin, you pass the ground where, in 1803, the order to fire on the mob who murdered Lord Kilwarden was given by a man who had no legal authority to give it. His name was Mr Bell, and he was a magistrate of the county of Dublin, not the city. County magistrates had no legal authority whatever to act within the city, but for a long period they did anyway. Two gentlemen in the commission for the county kept an office near Thomas Street and made a yearly income from the fees. The magisterial arrangements were confused and unauthorized. The city's policing was no better. An act was passed in 1723 requiring the different parishes to appoint, in the words of the source, "honest men and good Protestants" to be night watches. The system was inefficient, and new police acts were attempted every four or five years with little success. The watchmen were described as tattered somnambulists. In the daytime the streets were wholly unprotected. Another well-known member of the bench was Mr Drury, who halted in his gait and was called the "lame justice." On one occasion mentioned by Mr Walsh, Drury retired for safety to the garret of his house in the Coombe, from where, as Curran remarked, "he played with considerable effect on the rioters with a large double-barrelled telescope."
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Turner Killed in Duel on the Isle of Man
Dundalk · town · Louth · 1798
Fugitive rebel Turner, having fled after the Union Lodge raid, was later shot through the head and killed in a duel following a quarrel with a gentleman named Boyce, ending his life in exile.
Read the passage
to deliver the message, and did so. But the -warning was there already. The Kev. James Eastwood, of Castletown, — uncle to the late James Eastwood, for the attempted murder of whom the two men were hung in Dundalk in 1852 — hearing from headquarters of the intended expedition, sent a man named Haughey, in aU haste, with a note to put into Mr. Byrne's own hand. When Haughey arrived at the Lodge, there were ten of the gentlemen outside — Byrne, Markey, Teeling and Turner, the other six were strangers. When Byrne read the note, he turned round, and said : — ' Gentlemen, it's all up — there are informers among us — the red-coats will be here in five minutes ! ' ' We'll fight to the last,' replied Teeling and Turner in one voice. So sudden was the invasion of the soldiery that Teeling and Turner had only time to conceal themselves at the bottom of the garden. The others escaped in different directions. As soon as the soldiers entered the Lodge, the officer in command exclaimed — ' Ah, here's the nest, but the birds have flown 1' The extensive premises of Mr. Byrne were then set fire to, both in Salttown and Castletown, and totally destroyed. It is said that these premises were largely insured, and they having been burnt by direction of Jonathan Seaver, who held a captaincy in the Louth Yeomanry, that gentleman's estates were put under a mortgage. Of the many individuals who were thus unceremoniously routed, few of them ever met again. Byrne, who had a friend in the Austrian service, named Colonel Begg, also obtained a commission in it, and fought at the battle of Marengo, where he got a gun-shot wound in the hip, which lamed him for Ufe. Turner went to the Isle of Man, and having quarrelled there with a gentleman named Boyce, uncle in marriage to the late Mr. Eastwood, of Castletown, agreed that the dispute should be settled by an appeal to arms. The two beUigerents, with their friends, repaired to the spot of honour, and as Turner was preparing for the struggle, his adversary shot him through the head ; and thus terminated the career of a man, whose only regret was, that his life was not lost in the service of his country. Poor Teeling's fate is too well-known. He was hanged, his rankest offence seemingly being that he would not lament the death of an enemy to Ireland. On
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 125
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Caricature of the Sham Squire under a gallows at Marlborough Street
Marlborough Street · street · Dublin · 1789
James Wright of Marlborough Street was arrested in 1789 for publishing a caricature of Justice Higgins depicted standing under a gallows, titled 'Belphegor, or the Devil turned Esquire', with a gibbet bearing satirical mock headlines including 'A Defence of Informers'.
Read the passage
Meanwhile it became every day more apparent that the Sham Squire was a dangerous man to touch. On July 23, we learn that Mr James Wright, of Mar/a Abbey, was arrested for publishing a caricature like-
* Dublin in these days possessed a Huguenot church and burial ground. A curious manuscript memoir, in the autograph of one of the Huguenot ministers, may be seen in a closet attached to Marsh's Library, Dublin. Among the influential French who emigrated to Ireland on the revoostion of the Edict of Nautes may be mentioned lie Poer Tranche, (ancestor of Lord Claucarty,) the La Touches, Saurins, VignoUes, La Bartes, Du Bedats, Moutmorencys. Pawina, De Blaquires, &c.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 24
As the companion tells it
Along here on Marlborough Street, James Wright was arrested on July 23, 1789, for publishing a caricature of Justice Higgins standing under a gallows. The print was titled 'Belphegor, or the Devil turned Esquire', and the gibbet carried mock headlines including 'A Defence of Informers'. Higgins was known as the Sham Squire, and the book calls him a dangerous man to touch.
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Lord Edward Fitzgerald's arrest planned near Usher's Island
Usher's Island · street · Dublin · 1798
Government forces believed Lord Edward Fitzgerald would travel from Thomas Street to Usher's Island, prompting Major Sirr to organise a search. The plan was based on informer intelligence and led to a violent confrontation.
Read the passage
The proclamation offering a reward of one thousand pounds for such information as should lead to his apprehension had now appeared. On Ascension Thursday, May 17, 1790, Major Sirr, " received information," writes Moore, " that a party of persons, supposed to be Lord Edward Fitzgerald's bodyguard, would be on their way from Thomas Street to Usher's Island that night." The precise object or destination of this party, Moore adds, has not been ascertained, but that it was supposed Lord Edward was going to
110 THE SHAM SQUIRE AND
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 36
As the companion tells it
Along here, on May 17, 1798, Major Sirr received information that a party believed to be Lord Edward Fitzgerald's bodyguard would be making their way from Thomas Street to Usher's Island that night. The exact object or destination of this party was never ascertained, but it was supposed Lord Edward himself was going with them. A reward of one thousand pounds had already been offered for information leading to his apprehension.
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Sir Thomas Fitzgerald's persecution of Rev. Roger Hayes
near Lisheen · townland · Tipperary · 1798
As high sheriff, Thomas Judkin Fitzgerald made three hostile visits to Rev. Roger Hayes's thatched house, threatening to burn it and tie him to the triangle as a rebel, suspecting him due to his education in France.
Read the passage
" The Rev. Roger Hayes lived in very intimate relations of friendship with most of the Protestant gentry of his neighbourhood. There was only one among them from whom he experienced any harsh^or unkind treatment, namely, the notorious Thomas Fitzgerald, afterwards Baronet, who, though living in the same parish, and therefore having the best opportunity of knowing his loyalty, signalised his year of office as high sheriff, by subjecting Mr. Hayes to a series of petty persecutions. Mr. Hayes had the misfortune of being ediicated in France, and of speaking the language of that country with fluency. This was in the mind of Sir Thomas, prima facie, evidence of a disloyal and rebellious spirit; so that in the wantonness of power, he made a hostile visit at three different times to the house of the affrighted priest He had him ordered out before him on each of these occa. sions, and there, surrounded by his armed myrmidons, threatened to burn his house, a thatched one, and to tie him up to the triangles as a rebel and abettor of rebels, as a con-
366 APPENDIX.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 129
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Daly kills a billiard-marker
Dublin · city · Dublin
Magee accused Daly of having killed a billiard-marker with a dash of a billiard ball, and vowed to have him hanged for the murder, sending Higgins's portrait to Daly's wife as 'the most infernal villain yet unhanged, except the murderer of the honest marker.'
Read the passage
The inequitable practice of the court allowing the plaintiff three terms before requiring him to try his action, afforded Higgins and Daly the power of keeping their opponent in prison for nineteen months in default of bail. Magee, meanwhile, behaved with much eccentricity. Having sent his compliments to Lord Olonmel, with an assurance that his health was much improved since " he had got his heels out of Newgate," the chief-justice ordered an inquiry to be immediately instituted as to the means by which he had effected his escape ; but it was found that he merely alluded to the custom he had adopted of sitting with his feet cased in scarlet slippers protruded through the window of his cell. He also contrived to injure Lord Clonmel severely by bribing persons to turn a large body of scalding water upon the judge while in a public bath.* The chief-justice was a bad subject for a trick of this sort. " My size is so much increased," he writes in his private diary, " that I have broken two carriage springs." f Magee accused Daly of having killed a billiard-marker, avowed his intention of having him hanged for the murder ; and, from what he styled his " Fiat Dimgeon," sent the patentee's wife a picture of Higgins, begging she would oblige him by affixing in her cabinet " the portrait of the most infernal viUain yet unhanged, except the murderer of the honest marker." f
Owing largely to the unflagging denunciations of Magee, the Police Board, in September 1789, attempted some vigorous reform, and at last nocturnal gambling-houses were menaced with extinction. Magee, even in the gloom of his dungeon, exulted over the threatened downfall. The " Gambler's Soliloquy" went on to say: —
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 29
As the companion tells it
Coming through Dublin, you are in the city where Magee accused Daly of having killed a billiard-marker, and swore he would have him hanged for it. From what he styled his dungeon, Magee sent Daly's wife a picture of Higgins, begging her to place in her cabinet, in his words, the portrait of the most infernal villain yet unhanged, except the murderer of the honest marker. This was the same Magee who had sent his compliments to Lord Clonmel, assuring the chief justice that his health had much improved since he had got his heels out of Newgate. The chief justice ordered an immediate inquiry into how he had escaped, but it was found that Magee merely alluded to his custom of sitting with his feet cased in scarlet slippers protruded through the window of his cell. Magee also contrived to injure Lord Clonmel severely by bribing persons to turn a large body of scalding water upon the judge while he was in a public bath. The chief justice, a bad subject for such a trick, noted in his private diary that his size had so much increased that he had broken two carriage springs. Higgins and Daly had used the court's practice of allowing a plaintiff three terms before trial to keep their opponent in prison for 19 months in default of bail. Magee's unflagging denunciations led the Police Board, in September 1789, to attempt reform, and nocturnal gambling-houses were at last menaced with extinction. Magee, even in the gloom of his dungeon, exulted over their threatened downfall.
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Deaths in Thomas Street during Emmet's rising
Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1803
During the collapse of Emmet's 1803 insurrection, a trooper carrying despatches was killed in Thomas Street, and Lord Kilwarden also met his death there, forcing Emmet and his staff to retreat toward the mountains.
Read the passage
taking the whole of the privy council as they sat in the Council Chamber,* and accordingly despatched Henry Howley for sis double coaches to carry six men in each coach, making in all thirty-six, with blunderbusses and short pikes that sprung out at full length with brass ferules on them, to keep them straight at full extent ; but when Howley was coming with the first coach, and got as far as the lower end cf Bridgefoot Street, a circumstance occurred that deranged the whole project. A soldier and a countryman had a dispute and began to fight. Howley stopped to see how the fight would end ; meantime Cornet Brown came up and took part with the soldier j at seeing this, Heniy Howley opened the coach and advanced to this interfering ofScer, and a struggled ensued, and Howley pulled out his pistol and shot Comet Brown on the spot, and suddenly perceiving a sergeant and a party of soldiers coming over Queen's Bridge, which caused him to withdraw and leave the coachman and coach there and then ; it was then getting late, and no time to procure the coaches. As the business of the coaches was left to Howley, none else was sent, and all things seemed disappointment. A trooper, with despatches, was killed in Thomas Street, and also Lord Kilwarden. There appeared no better way to Mr Emmet and his staff than to retreat to the country and make their escape. They had a little skirmish with the military at the upper end of Thomas Street and Francis Street, and a little on the Coombe. There were a few lives lost at their departure ; and they went out of town as far as the mountain foot. At Ballinascomey they separated. Mr Robert Emmet returned into town, and his staff repaired to the county Ejldare. When O'Dougan returned from his post, where he and his party kept the pass, and cut off
* Mr David ritzgerald, father of the Right Hon. J. D. Fitzgerald, mentions in a narrative supplied to Dr Madden, that he walked through the Castle Yard, at half-past seven o'clock on the evening of Emmet's emeu.it, j^" There were no preparations; the place was perfectly quiet and silent; the gates were wide open ! " Charles Phillips, in "Curran and his Contemporaries," says, that on the night of Emmet's outbreak, there was not a single ball in the Boyal Arsenal would fit the artillery. This apathetic neglect contrasts curiously with the activity displayed in fortifying the Castle in 1848, and more recently during the Fenian coKspiraoy. — W. J. P.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 94
As the companion tells it
Along this street in 1803, during Emmet's rising, a trooper carrying despatches was killed, and Lord Kilwarden also met his death. The rising had already begun to unravel. Henry Howley had been sent to fetch six coaches for a plan to seize the privy council, but he stopped to watch a fight between a soldier and a countryman near Bridgefoot Street. When Cornet Brown took the soldier's side, Howley shot him and fled as a sergeant and soldiers approached from Queen's Bridge. The coaches never came, and the plan fell apart. Emmet and his staff skirmished with the military at the upper end of Thomas Street and Francis Street and on the Coombe, losing a few lives as they withdrew. They went as far as the mountain foot and separated at Ballinascomey. Emmet returned into town, and his staff made for County Kildare.
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Higgins oversees gibbeting of criminals as under-sheriff of Dublin
Dublin · city · Dublin · 1784–1787
During the Rutland viceroyalty, Francis Higgins received the lucrative office of under-sheriff for the county of Dublin. In this role he executed writs from the superior courts and superintended the gibbeting of criminals, besides presiding over lesser causes.
Read the passage
He who writes the history of the Eutland viceroyalty should consult the files of the Sham Squire's journal. Higgins was its organ and eulogist; but, setting aside political considerations, the Duke possessed tendencies which specially recommended him to the cordial appreciation of Higgins. The services of Shamado did not pass unrewarded. During the Rutland viceroyaJty, he received the office of undersheriff for the county of Dublin,* one, in those days, of considerable emolument. Mr Higgins had a busy time of it. Presiding in court with all the assumption of a judge,he notonly tried aU the forty-shilling causes, but much larger questions, under the writ of Scire Facias. He executed the writs which had been issued by the superior courts, superintended the gibbeting of criminals, and throughout the popular tumults, which locally raged at this time, he no doubt frequently figured at the head of his posse comitatns, or sheriff's guard. * Wilson's Dublin Directory for 1787, p. 112.
30 THE SHAM SQUIRE AND
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 12
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Dublin, this was the city where Francis Higgins, known as the Sham Squire, held sway during the Rutland viceroyalty. Between 1784 and 1787 he received the office of under-sheriff for the county, a position of considerable emolument in those days. He presided in court with the assumption of a judge, trying forty-shilling causes and larger questions under the writ of Scire Facias. He executed writs issued by the superior courts and superintended the gibbeting of criminals. Through the popular tumults that locally raged at this time, he frequently figured at the head of his posse comitatus, the sheriff's guard.
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Nocturnal gambling den at Crane Lane, Essex Street
Crane Lane · street · Dublin · 1774–1789
A notorious gambling den operated for fifteen years at the corner of Crane Lane in Essex Street, under the eye of the magistracy, luring apprentices, artisans and shopkeepers into ruin. Alderman Carleton made four seizures but new gambling operations resumed the very next night.
Read the passage
Ten years previous to the pubKcation of the foregoing, the vigilant moralist, Magee, laboured to arouse the magistracy to a sense of their duty. " For fifteen years," we are told, " there has existed, under the eye of the magistracy, in the very centre of the metropolis, at the comer of Crane Lane, in Essex Street, a notorious school of nocturnal study in the doctrine of chances ; a school which affords to men of the town an ample source of ways and means in the pluckings of those unfledged green-horns who can be inveigled into the trap; which furnishes to the deluded apprentice a ready mart for the acquisition of experience, and the disposal of any loose cash that can be purloined from his master's tiU; which affords to the working artisan a weekly asylum for the reception of that stipend which honest industry should allot to the purchase of food for a wife and children ; and which affords to the spendthrift shopkeeper a ready transfer office to make over the property of his creditors to the plunder of knaves and sharpers."*
Two months after we find addressed to the autho-
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 26
As the companion tells it
Along here on Crane Lane, at the corner of Essex Street, a gambling den ran for fifteen years. The moralist Magee described it as sitting under the eye of the magistracy, in the very centre of the metropolis. He laboured to arouse the magistracy to their duty. He called it "a notorious school of nocturnal study in the doctrine of chances," a place that gave men of the town ample means to pluck unfledged green-horns inveigled into the trap. It drew in the deluded apprentice, who found a ready mart for experience and for disposing of loose cash purloined from his master's till. It took in the working artisan, whose weekly stipend, meant for food for a wife and children, found a different home. And it served the spendthrift shopkeeper, as Magee put it, "a ready transfer office to make over the property of his creditors to the plunder of knaves and sharpers." Alderman Carleton made four seizures, but each time new gambling resumed the very next night.
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Peasantry kneel in fear at Clogheen during Fitzgerald's scourging expeditions
Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1798
Sir John Moore, arriving with the army at Clogheen, found the streets lined with peasantry on their knees and bareheaded, learning this was because Judkin Fitzgerald was passing through on one of his scourging expeditions.
Read the passage
Many well authenticated facts might be added in proof of the accuracy of the reminiscences furnished by our correspondent, the Eev. Mr. O'CarroU. We remember to have read a letter in the "Memoirs of Sir John Moore," in which that humane man describes his arrival with the army at Clougheen, and finding, to his surprise, the streets lined with peasantry, aU on their knees, and bareheaded. Sir John on making inquiry as to the cause, was informed that Mr. Judkin Fitzgerald was going through the people on one of his scourging expeditions.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 129
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Piking of Langrel in Gorey churchyard
Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798
During the 1798 rebellion, a man named Langrel was put to death by piking in Gorey churchyard, an event Croppy Biddy admitted attending with interest, though she falsely swore Byrne commanded the party responsible.
Read the passage
" But Croppy Biddy was thef jon on whom the prosecutors rested their hopes. The gig^ng and loud laugh, the levity and whole demeanour of that libidinous wretch, was themost disgustingdisplay that, perhaps, any witness was ever before allowed to indulge in, where the Uf e of a high and honourable gentleman was concerned. Her first plunge on the green cloth this day was perjury, and all her assertions, that were of any moment, to the end of the trial, were of the same dreadful description. In her evidence she swore that it was on Friday that Mr. Byrne joined the insurgent camp on Gorey Hill. This was false ; it was on Saturday. She swore that Mr. Byrne had the command of the party that put one Langrel to death in Gorey church-yard. Tlus was also false. She added that she went with interest to see Langrel piked ; this was correct, but it was a home proof of the hardened depravity of the witness. Mr. Byrne had gone, some time before the death of Langrel, on a visit to a Mr. Webster's, some distance from Gorey, and was not in any way connected with the death of that man. My informant, who was a rebel captain in Ballymanus division, says — ' I was accidentally by ; I did not know one of the men that were sent to execute bita ; but none of them
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 115
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Gorey, this is a town with a grim piece of 1798 in its churchyard. A man called Langrel was put to death there by piking during the rebellion. The story comes down chiefly through the trial of Mr. Byrne, a gentleman whose life hung on the word of a witness the prosecutors relied on most: a woman called Croppy Biddy. Her demeanour in court was described as disgusting, her laugh loud, her levity shameful for a case involving the life of a high and honourable gentleman. She swore that Byrne commanded the party that killed Langrel in Gorey churchyard. That was false. She swore Byrne joined the insurgent camp on Gorey Hill on Friday. That was false too; it was Saturday. She did admit she went with interest to see Langrel piked, and that much was true, but it served as proof of her hardened depravity rather than of Byrne's guilt. Byrne had gone, some time before Langrel's death, on a visit to a Mr. Webster's, some distance from Gorey, and had no part in the killing. A rebel captain from the Ballymanus division said he was accidentally by, and did not know one of the men sent to execute him.
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Robbery victim found dragged off Bride Street
Bride Street · street · Dublin
A gentleman was robbed by footpads, knocked unconscious, and dragged along the pavement, waking to find himself nearly naked and severely contused in an alley at the end of a lane off Bride Street.
Read the passage
" So late as 1812," says the author of " Ireland Sixty Tears Ago," " there were only twenty-six small oil lamps to light the immense square of Stephen's Green, which were therefore one hundred and seventy feet from one another. The footpads congregated in a dark entry, on the shady side of the street, if the moon shone ; if not, the dim and dismal light of the lamps was little obstruction. A cord was provided with a loop at the end of it. The loop was kid on the pavement, and the thieves watched the approach of a passenger. If he put his foot in the loop it was immediately chucked. The man fell prostrate, and was dragged rapidly up the entry to some cellar or waste yard, where he was robbed and sometimes murdered. The stun received by the fall usually prevented the victim from ever recognising the robbers. We knew a gentleman who had been thus robbed, and when he recovered found himself in an alley at the end of a lane off Bride Street, nearly naked, and severely contused and lacerated by being dragged over the rough pavement."*
When men fared thus, it may readily be supposed that ladies could not venture out alone. " It is deemed a reproach," says an author, writing in 1775, " for a gentlewoman to be seen walking in the streets. I was advised by my bankers to lodge in Oapel Street, near Essex Bridge, being in less danger of being
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 27
As the companion tells it
Along Bride Street in Dublin, footpads worked the dark stretches in the years around 1812, when oil lamps were few and far between. A cord with a loop at the end would be laid on the pavement, and when a passenger put his foot in it, the thieves would yank it, sending the man sprawling, then drag him up an entry to a cellar or waste yard to rob him, and sometimes murder him. A gentleman who was thus robbed woke to find himself in an alley at the end of a lane off this street, nearly naked, severely contused and lacerated from being dragged over the rough pavement. The fall usually stunned the victim so badly he could never recognise his attackers. Ladies could not venture out alone at all, and as far back as 1775 it was deemed a reproach for a gentlewoman to be seen walking in the streets.
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Secret burial of M'Donald brothers at Hollywood churchyard
Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1798
The murdered bodies of the young M'Donald men were concealed, then carried by their aged parents in sacks before daybreak on the following Sunday for hasty burial in the old churchyard of Hollywood.
Read the passage
carried them in sacks for a hasty burial in the old churchyard of Hollywood.
III.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 105
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The infant heir Annesley cast adrift near Dunmain
Dunmain · townland · Wexford · 1715–1743
James Annesley, infant son of Lord and Lady Altham, was placed in the care of a woman named Juggy Landy who lived in a wretched hut near Dunmain after his parents separated. His mother later died of disease and poverty.
Read the passage
A son was boi'n to Lord and Lady Altham of Dunmaine, in the county of Wexford ; but they lived unhappily together, and the lady, having been turned adrift on the world, at last died a victim to disease dnd poverty. James Annesley, her infant son, was intrusted by Lord Altham to the charge of a woman named Juggy Landy, who lived in a wretched hut near Dunmuino. Lord Altham, after a few years, removed with his son to Dublin, where he formed a connexion with a Miss Kennedy, whom he tried to introduce tc society m his wife. This woman, who
2 THE SHAM SQUIKE
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 4
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Walter Cox's father tortured in prison under Lord Carhampton
Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798
Cox's father, a bricklayer, was dragged to prison by order of Lord Carhampton and suffered indignities and torture, an experience that never left the mind of his son Walter Cox and inspired him to write in retaliation.
Read the passage
"Scattered through the pages of Cox's (Watty) ./mi. ifaganine-iiom 1807 to 1814, now extremely scarce, may be found a great amount of uncollected information that may be advantageously read with the light of the Wellington Correspondence, Though Cox was finally bJugkt up to silence, he did good service for his creed and country. In those years, and that principally on the veto question, the career of this man was extraordinary, and notwithstandiug his weak points, he is entitled to a distinct biography. Tlie 'Shrewd Man' and the ' Gunsmilii,'. alluded to under Secretary Trail's letter, was no other than Walter Cox. Cox's father was a bricklayer, who was dragged to prison by order of Lord Carhampton, and suffered some indignities and even torture, which never left the mind of his son, and finally made him resolve on turning author, to retaliate for the severities he witnessed in 1798. Cox himself was originally a gunsmith ; he supplied military data to Lord Edward Fitzgerald^ enjoyed his confidence as well as others in the Directory, and afterwards became his lord-
* Mr Pollock was no strauger to Cox. See Irwh Magazine for 1811, pp. 353, 431.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 86
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Dublin, this city holds a story from 1798. Walter Cox's father was a bricklayer here. He was dragged to prison by order of Lord Carhampton, and suffered indignities and even torture. The experience never left the mind of his son. Walter Cox resolved on turning author, to retaliate for the severities he witnessed. He was originally a gunsmith. He supplied military data to Lord Edward Fitzgerald and enjoyed his confidence, as well as that of others in the Directory. Scattered through the pages of Cox's writings, from 1807 to 1814, now extremely scarce, may be found a great amount of uncollected information. Though Cox was finally brought up to silence, he did good service for his creed and country. His career was extraordinary, and notwithstanding his weak points, he is entitled to a distinct biography.
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Gambling hell of Crane Lane condemned by parishioners
Crane Lane · street · Dublin · 1789
Freeholders of St Andrew's parish published a card demanding suppression of the notorious gambling house in Crane Lane, calling it 'that hell of Dublin', alleging Higgins secretly profited from it.
Read the passage
" The Freemen and Freeholders of the Parish of Saint Andrew's take the liberty to demand from Alderman Warren, their representative in Parliament, and president at the Police Board, why some measures are not taken by him immediately and effectually to suppress that nursery of vice — that receptacle for vagrants — that heU of Dublin — the gambling-house in Crane Lane. The alderman has been so repeatedly applied to on the subject that it is high time that Freeholders, who know and respect themselves, should no longer be trifled with. Keports are now current, and circulated with a confidence that renders inattention somewhat more than censurable. A magistrate and a city representative ought to be above suspicion. The Freeholders are aware that infamous house is not in their district, yet they know how their representative ought to act whether as a uiim or a magistrate. His future conduct shall alone detcrmiuc their votes and influence." t
Weeks rolled over, and stUl nothing was done. At length a correspondent, who signed himself " An Attorney," threw out the following astute inuendo: — " Alderman Nat and Level Low are in gratitude bound not to disturb the gambling-house in Crane Lane, as the Sham is very indulgent to them by not calling in two judgments which he has on their lands." J
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 19
As the companion tells it
Along here on Crane Lane stood a gambling house that the freeholders of Saint Andrew's parish called a nursery of vice and that hell of Dublin. In 1789 they published a card demanding their representative, Alderman Warren, suppress it immediately. They warned that reports were circulating and that a magistrate and city representative ought to be above suspicion. The house was not in their district, but they said they knew how their representative ought to act, and that his future conduct would determine their votes. Weeks passed and nothing was done. A correspondent signing himself An Attorney then suggested why. He wrote that Alderman Nat and Level Low were in gratitude bound not to disturb the gambling-house, as the Sham is very indulgent to them by not calling in two judgments he has on their lands. The summary names this Sham as Higgins, said to profit secretly from the house.
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Higgins born in a Dublin cellar
Dublin · city · Dublin
Francis Higgins, the sole surviving child of Patrick and Mary Higgins who had migrated from Downpatrick, was born in a cellar in Dublin and grew up in poverty as errand-boy, shoe-black, and porter-house waiter.
Read the passage
Our adventurer was the only survivor of a large family of brothers and sisters, the children of Patrick and Mary Higgins,t wlio are said to have migrated from Downpatrick. J He himself was born in a cellat in Dublin, and while yet of tender years became successively "errand-boy, shoe-black, and waiter in a porter house."
The number of times wliich Higgins used his broom, or shouldered pewter pots, it would be uninteresting to enumerate, and improfitable to record. Passing over a few years occupied in this way, Mr Higgins is re-introduced to the reader, discharging his duties as a " hackney writing clerk" in the ofiice of Daniel Bourne, attorney-at-law, Patrick's Close, Dublin. § He was born a Roman Catholic, but he had now read his recantation, as appears from the Official Register of Conversions, preserved in the Eecord Tower, Dublin Castle. ||- Nevertheless, he failed to rise in the social scale. Having become a perfect
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 4
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Dublin, this city holds the beginnings of Francis Higgins. He was the only surviving child of Patrick and Mary Higgins, who had come from Downpatrick, and he was born in a cellar here in Dublin. His early years were spent in poverty, working as he went: first an errand-boy, then a shoe-black, then a waiter in a porter house. After some years of that life he turned up as a hackney writing clerk in the office of Daniel Bourne, an attorney at Patrick's Close. He had been born a Roman Catholic, but he formally recanted, recorded in the Official Register of Conversions kept in the Record Tower at Dublin Castle. Even so, he failed to rise in the social scale.
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United Irishmen meetings at MacLaughlin's house, Usher's Island
Usher's Island · street · Dublin · 1798
The United Irishmen habitually met at Con MacLaughlin's house at 13 Usher's Island, a location close to Francis Magan's residence, giving him special opportunity to spy on their activities.
Read the passage
Mr Magan possessed peculiar facilities, local and otherwise, for " setting " the movements of Lord Edward Fitzgerald anif the United Irishmen who habitually met in Con MacLaughKn's house, at 13 Usher's Island. Lady Edward, as we learn from Moore's Memoirs, was at Moira House, close to Mr Magan's residence, while his lordship lay concealed in Thomas Street adjacent.
Francis Magan, who became a member of the Irish Bar in 1796, found himself briefless, and without " connexion " or patrimony. A drowning man, 'tis said, will catch at a straw, and we have seen how he turned to mercenary account the peculiar knowledge which he acquired. Yet he would seeEQ to have made a false conscience, for with the wages of dishonour, he paid his just debts. The following letter, addressed to us by the Bev. John Fetherston
Internet Archive cu31924028122152
As the companion tells it
Along here on Usher's Island, Con MacLaughlin's house at number 13 was where the United Irishmen habitually met in 1798. Francis Magan, who joined the Irish Bar in 1796 but found himself briefless and without connection or patrimony, lived close by and used that position to spy on their movements. Lady Edward was at Moira House, near Magan's residence, while Lord Edward Fitzgerald lay concealed in Thomas Street adjacent. Magan turned what he learned to mercenary account, though he appears to have made a false conscience for himself, paying his just debts with what the source calls the wages of dishonour.
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Higgins's grave slab seen turned over at Kilbarrack churchyard
Kilbarrack · parish · Dublin
Sylvester Redmond recalls having seen the slab over the grave of the informer Francis Higgins in Kilbarrack Churchyard, noting that on his last visit it had been partly turned on its side.
Read the passage
" I have frequently seen the slab (a black stone, either marble or heavy dark limestone) over the grave of Higgins, in Kilbarrack Churchyard, but little did I think who lay beneath it. The last time I saw it, (some years ago,) it was partly on its side, apparently turned over. What a gigantic scoundrel he was, and to have done such a multiplicity of novel viUanies in a life, comparatively short, surpasses comprehension. One would thmk that, to conceive and mature such an amount of hell-born crimes, would have taken a couple of centuries ; but when we find a human being capable of acting them, and dying at fifty-five, our astonishment becomes altogether lost. Poor Magee ! ought he not have a statue some place about Col- Uge Green ? Fearfully as I felt my gorge rise ftt t^e treble-
266 APPENDIX.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 89
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Informer Conlan's Betrayals Stopped at Belfast
near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1798
Dr Conlan, an informer and former Secretary to the United Irishmen, travelled to Belfast where he caused considerable damage among suspects until he was stopped by prominent local figures who declared his oath and word worthless.
Read the passage
the loan of a horse, saying that Dromgoole would, noi refuse him anything, at the same time intimating that they were both aKke concerned in the interests of their common country. But all was of no use, Mrs. Dromgoole was determined he should receive no footing there. Having come repeatedly to that gentleman's residence, she, with great shrewdness and penetration, conceived an unaccountable prejudice against him, and earnestly besought her husband to have nothing to do with that man. Subsequently to this caution, Conlah called on the Doctor for a letter of introduction to the North. This was when the informer was going to Belfast, where he made a sad havoc, until stopped by the Hon. John Jocelyn, grandfather of the present Lord Mayo, and NeiU Coleman of Dundalk, who declared his oath was bad and his word was worse.
" But Dr. Dromgoole, having been already warned, refused Jt, saying : — ' If you bring with you an honest heart, it will be the best recommendation you could possess.' These words, which were uttered with that force of expression peculiar to the Doctor, convinced Conlan that he was not likely to succeed in that quarter ; he then pursued other victims.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 126
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Brennan's armed assault at Magee's house in College Green
near College Green · street · Dublin · 1789
Brennan, having earlier smashed up Magee's shop with a bludgeon, later returned armed with a sword to Magee's house in College Green intent on violence, though he failed to find his target.
Read the passage
man namevl M'Namara, who attempted to seize him ; but Brennan knocked him down by three blows of the bludgeon, and then kicked him unmercifully."*
Brennan was committed to Newgate by Alderman Carleton ; but next day was set at liberty on the bail of two of Daly's officials, f This rather intemperate gentleman, however, had not been an hour at large when he proceeded to Magee's house in College Green, armed with a sword, but happily failed to find the object of his search.{
Internet Archive cu31924028122152
As the companion tells it
Somewhere about College Green, a man named Brennan came looking for Magee at his house, armed with a sword. He had already smashed up Magee's shop with a bludgeon, knocking down a man named M'Namara with three blows and kicking him. After that, he was committed to Newgate by Alderman Carleton, but was set free the next day on the bail of two of Daly's officials. Within an hour of his release, he came here with the sword, but happily failed to find the object of his search.
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Cooke's letter directing watch points near Usher's Island
Usher's Island · street · Dublin · 1798
Secretary Cooke's original letter instructed Major Sirr to place watches in Watling Street, Island Street, and near Usher's Island to capture Lord Edward Fitzgerald, indicating precise foreknowledge of his movements.
Read the passage
" Lord Edward will be this evening in Watling Street. Place a watch in Watling Street, two houses up from Usher's Island;* another towards Queen's
• This precaution was obviously lest Lord Edward sljould enter by the hall door on Usher's Island. — W. J. F.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152
As the companion tells it
Along here in 1798, Secretary Cooke sent Major Sirr a letter with precise orders. Lord Edward Fitzgerald, he wrote, "will be this evening in Watling Street." Cooke told Sirr to place a watch in Watling Street, two houses up from Usher's Island, and another towards Queen's. The authorities knew exactly where to look for him.
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Miss Archer's death of a broken heart
Dublin · city · Dublin · 1767–1770
Poor Miss Archer did not long survive the humiliation and misfortune of her fraudulent marriage to Higgins; she died of a broken heart, and her grieving parents soon followed her to the grave.
Read the passage
Poor Miss Archer did not long survive her humiliation and misfortune. She died of a broken heart; and her parents had not long laid her
IG THE SHAM SliUlIlE AND
Internet Archive cu31924028122152
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Dublin, you are travelling the city where poor Miss Archer died of a broken heart after the humiliation of her fraudulent marriage to Higgins. Her parents did not long survive her.
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Search of Robert Emmet's residence near Milltown
Milltown · townland · Dublin · 1802
Owing to private information supplied to Government, Robert Emmet's residence near Milltown was searched by Major Swan in late 1802, prior to the abortive 1803 insurrection.
Read the passage
In the latter part of 1802, owing to private information, Emmet's residence near MiUtown was searched by Major Swan.t The abortive insurrection of which he was the leader did not take place until July 23 in the following year. A memorandum of Major Sirr's, preserved with his papers in Trinity OoUege, Dublin, mentions, in contradiction to a generally-received opinion, that early intimation of Kobert EmmetV scheme did reach the Goverrmient.
* Life and Times of the United Irishmen, vol. iii., p. 330. t Statement of llr Patten to Dr Kadden, Ibid., p. 339.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152
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Battle of Prosperous and Bernard Duggan's boast
Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798
Sir Richard Musgrave describes Bernard Duggan mounted on a white horse at the battle of Prosperous, boasting that he was as good a man as the military commander of that district, Captain Swayne.
Read the passage
Bernard Duggan, a native of Tyrone, took a leading part in the rebellions of 1798 and 1803. Sir Kichard Musgrave describes him as mounted on a white horse at the battle of Prosperous, and boasting that he was as good
DCGCiAH. 27f
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 91
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Execution of Mr. Byrne witnessed at Wicklow
Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1798
The informer travelled to Wicklow to watch the execution of Mr. Byrne, accompanied by soldiers and Orangemen, her conduct described as revolting.
Read the passage
" She was in Wicklow at the time of Mr. Byrne's execution, and went out to see it with a swarm of soldiers and the Orangemen of the town ; her conduct here was of the most revolting description. After this I am not aware that she was called on to swear any more. Mr. Byrne was in his silent tomb, and there was no more wanting to the squireen magistrates of that county. How she had been remimerated for her perjuries I cannot tell, but I find the following items in the Secret Service Money published by Dr. Madden.
" ' 18th March, Mr. Archer, High Sheriff of the County Wicklow, £100.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 116
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Secret payment to Magan connected to Philipstown assizes
Philipstown · townland · Kildare · 1803
A payment of £100 was made to Francis Magan by post to Philipstown in April 1803, coinciding with the assizes there, though no significant political trial took place, suggesting hidden espionage activity connected to the town.
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"April 2, 1803, Magan, by post to Philipstown, £100."+
The Philipstown assizes were held at this time. But so far from any important political trials being in progress there, from which Magan, in his legal capacity, might gather a secret, no business whatever was done, and as the newspaper report of the day records, the chairman received, in consequence, a pair of white gloves trimmed with gold lace. We must look elsewhere for Mr Magan's secret services at Philipstown in 1803.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 43
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Doctor Linn Executed by Court-Martial at Randalstown
near Randalstown · town · Antrim · 1798
Doctor W. Linn or Lynn was executed by court-martial in 1798 at Randalstown, one of many rebel executions during the suppression of the 1798 Rebellion in Antrim.
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Doctor W. Linn or Lynn, executed by court-martial, 1798, at Eandaktown.
* " Previously the priests latinized ns in Chaxters as De Dyk and De Die. Being on the border we were being constantly lolled off by the English, and held as feudal tenants for its defence, till 1607-8, when James 1st seized our lands to please the English, and gave us property (of some other plundered person) in Antrim, and Derry much against our will. At the battle of Flodden my ancestor took the standard of a Lord Constable, and is mentioned by the English poet who celebrates it as ' McDawkey with his servaunds Botdde,' &c., and the Saxon ' son' was sometimes affixed to our names making ss from son of S into DieMesoun from whom one Sept of the name So we are growing Saxon by degrees you see."
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 123
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Old Four Courts and its haunted associations near Christ Church
Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin
The old Four Courts, adjacent to Christ Church and entered via a lane called 'Hell', was the hall where Francis Higgins swaggered; the description situates the vanished courthouse and its ominous approach.
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The hall of the Four Courts, through which Francis Higgins was wont to stalk, is not the stately vestibule now known by that name in Dublin. The old Four Courts stood adjacent to Christ Church; its hall, crowned by an actangular cupola, was long
• Vuhlin Evening Post, No. 1798. t Hid., No. 1746.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 19
As the companion tells it
Right beside Christ Church stood the old Four Courts, not the stately building that bears the name today. Its hall was crowned by an octangular cupola, and it was here that Francis Higgins was wont to stalk through.
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Thomas Archer Hung in Chains at Ballymena
near Ballymena · town · Antrim · 1798
Thomas Archer was executed and hung in chains at Ballymena, part of a wider practice of hanging in chains in the North of Ireland during and after the Rebellion.
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Thomas Archer executed and hung in chains at BaEymena.
Doctor W. Linn or Lynn, executed by court-martial, 1798, at Eandaktown.
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 123
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Robbery and bloodshed near the Fleet Street guard-house
Fleet Street · street · Dublin · 1794
A robbery accompanied by bloodshed occurred within a few yards of the guard-house in Fleet Street, cited as further proof of the inefficiency of the Dublin police in 1794.
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Twenty years later found no improvement. The " Anthologia Hibernica " for December 1794, p. 476, furnishes new proofs of the inefficiency of the police. Kobbery and bloodshed " within a few yards of the guard-house in Fleet Street" is described.
It does not always follow that idleness is the mother of mischief, for we find that combination among the workmen of Dublin also attained a formidable pitch at this time. The Dublin Chronicle of January 28, 1792, records : —
Internet Archive cu31924028122152, Chapter 28
As the companion tells it
Along here in 1794, a robbery with bloodshed took place within a few yards of the guard-house on Fleet Street. The Anthologia Hibernica of December that year reported it as further proof of how ineffective the Dublin police were. Twenty years earlier the same complaints had been made, and nothing had improved.
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.