History of the Rebellion in Ireland, in the year 1798, &c., containing an impartial account of the proceedings of the Irish revolutionists, from the year 1782 till the suppression of the rebellion. With an appendix to illustrate some facts. 2d ed. with considerable additions; and a pref. containing a reply to the observations of Sir Richard Musgrave, upon this work

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.

1. Edward Hay shields prisoners from mob at Wexford

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   The author recounts Edward Hay standing with his back to the door of the house where prisoners were confined in Wexford, blocking a tumultuous crowd seeking their destruction until it dispersed.

   Read the passage

   IN compliance with your request, and having received a summons to attend your trial, I shall relate the circumstances I recollect of your conduct during the rebellion, which I send you immediately, as you mention you want to have your instructions made cut for your lawyers, previous to the assizes. I was taken prisoner along with Lord Kingsborough and captain O'llea, on the second day of June, 1798, we were confined together in a house in Wexford, with a strong guard over us ; from the great fury of the people against Lord Kingsborough^ we expected every moment to be put to death; Mr. Edward Hay visited us frequently, and we clearly perceived his disposition to afford us every consolation in his power, as he took every opportunity he could of softening our captivity, and has frequently conducted my family to see ine, at a time it was extremely dangerous to seem or "appear friendly to us. Whenever we experienced any kind of distress, we always sent for Mr. Ha}7, who readily came to us, and never left us, without being convinced that he would do }iis utmost to be of service to us. I have every reason to believe, that he saved our lives, on several occasions, when the m,ob were for bringing us out, and putting us to death. One day, in particular, I perfectly recollect his standing with his back to the door of the house in.

   APPENDIX, NO, VIII. 439

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Wexford now. In June 1798, during the rebellion, prisoners were held in a house in this town. Lord Kingsborough and Captain O'Hea were taken prisoner on the second day of June, confined together with a strong guard over them. The fury of the people against Lord Kingsborough was so great that the prisoners expected every moment to be put to death. Edward Hay visited them frequently. He did everything he could to soften their captivity, and brought the narrator's family to visit at a time when it was extremely dangerous to appear friendly to them. Whenever they experienced distress, they sent for Hay, who came readily and never left without convincing them he would do his utmost to be of service. The narrator had every reason to believe Hay saved their lives on several occasions when the mob wanted to bring them out and put them to death. One day he recalls perfectly: Hay standing with his back to the door of the house, blocking the tumultuous crowd that sought their destruction, until it dispersed.

2. Execution of Kelly of Killann, leader of the Ross column

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   Kelly of Killann, a rebel leader who conducted the column that entered the town of Ross, was executed at Wexford following the suppression of the rebellion, despite his courage and humanity being noted by the author.

   Read the passage

   Among the Romanist leaders of rebellion, executed at the time of its suppression, at Wexford, was Kelly, of Kill-ann, already mentioned as conductor of that column which entered the town of Ross. This young man was worthy of a far better cause and better associates — his courage and humanity being equal and conspicuous. But the display of humanity by a rebel, was in general, in the trials by court-martial, by no means regarded as a circumstance in favour of the accused : strange as it may seem in times of cool reflection, it was very frequently urged as a proof of guilt. Whoever could be proved to have saved a loyalist from assassination, his house from burning, or his property from plunder — was considered as having influence among the rebels, consequently a rebel commander.* This has been by some supposed to

   * A mention of the notoriety of this practice drew unreflectingly the following extraordinary exclamation from a Roman catholic gentleman who had been one of the rebels: f I thank my God that no person can prove me. guilty of saving " the life or property of any one !"

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 113

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Wexford, you pass the town where Kelly of Killann was executed in 1798. He was the young man who led the rebel column that entered the town of Ross. The author of the record says he was worthy of a better cause, his courage and humanity equal and conspicuous. But in the court-martial trials that followed the rebellion, humanity counted against the accused. If someone was proved to have saved a loyalist from assassination, or a house from burning, or property from plunder, that was taken as proof he had influence among the rebels and was therefore a rebel commander. Saving a life became evidence of guilt.

3. Massacre on Wexford Bridge, 20 June 1798

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   Prisoners held in a house in the Bullring witnessed the massacre on the bridge in Wexford town on 20 June 1798. The account describes the critical situation of the prisoners and the intervention of Mr. Hay with Lord Kingsborough.

   Read the passage

   wear any mark of distinction or uniform, which I had daily an opportunity of witnessing, had it been so, as the house in which we were confined was situated in the Bullring, and commanded a full view of the most frequented streets in Wexford, through which all the armed men in the town passed and repassed twice a day. On the 20th day of June, 1798, the day of the massacre on the bridge, considering our situation more critical than ever, we wished to see Mr. Hay ; Lord Kingsborough sent for him, and he immediately attended, but was denied admittance to us, but we spoke to him out of the window, and he declared to us, that as long as he was alive, we might depend on every exertion of his. We had at last the consolation of Mr. Hay being admitted up-stairs to us at eight o'clock in the evening. We found him beyond expression affected at the cruelties that had been committed; that he had in vain done every thing in his power to prevent them, and anxious to undertake any thing for safety of the prisoners. After a variety of consultation, Lord Kingsborough and Mr. Hay agreed to go out to meet the army, that was approaching Wexford, in order to save the town from destruction. The Wexford men that had gone out that day, returned from the battle of Fook's Mill, when Mr. Hay was still with us ; he then proposed to go and consult the principal inhabitants, who he had not the

   442 APPENDIX, NO. VIII.

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 204

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Wexford town, you are on ground that saw one of the darkest episodes of 1798. On the 20th of June that year, prisoners were held in a house in the Bullring, with a full view of the most frequented streets, where armed men passed and repassed twice a day. That day was the massacre on the bridge. The prisoners, feeling their situation more critical than ever, asked to see Mr. Hay. Lord Kingsborough sent for him, and he came at once, though he was denied admittance and could only speak to them through the window. He told them that as long as he was alive, they might depend on every exertion of his. By eight o'clock that evening he was finally allowed upstairs to them. He was, in the narrator's words, beyond expression affected at the cruelties that had been committed, and said he had in vain done everything in his power to prevent them. Lord Kingsborough and Mr. Hay then agreed to go out and meet the army approaching Wexford, to try to save the town from destruction. That same day, Wexford men who had gone out returned from the battle of Fook's Mill, and Mr. Hay proposed going to consult the principal inhabitants whom he had not yet reached.

4. Teeling and Matthew Tone Tried and Executed in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

   Bartholomew Teeling and Matthew Tone, Irish-born officers in French service who had used their influence to protect loyalists during the rebellion, were tried at Dublin barrack and executed within days of each other in September 1798.

   Read the passage

   and Matthew Tone, whose generous humanity made evident in their trials, and steady fortitude under sentence and execution, command our pity, and for their personal qualities our esteem. They were tried in Dublin barrack, and executed — the former on the 24th of September, the latter a few days after.

   The famous Theobald Wolfe Tone, captured in a French vessel, in an expedition to the coast of Ireland still more abortive than that of Humbert, survived not long his brother Matthew. The little army of Humbert had been intended only to be a vanguard of a much more formidable force, which was in a short time to follow. Providentially for the safety of the British empire, the French administrators were as tardy in seconding the operations of Humbert, as they had been in seconding those of the southern rebels of Ireland. The want of money is assigned as the cause of delay in the equipment of the second fleet, and in the interim, before its appearance on the Irish coast, a brig from France arrived at the little isle of Rutland, near the north-west coast of Donegal, on the 16th of September, and landed its crew ; among whom was James Napper Tandy, formerly mentioned in this work, now bearing the title of general of brigade in the French service. Informed of the surrender of Humbert's troops, and unable to excite an insurrection by their manifestoes in that quarter^

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 165

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, in 1798, was where Bartholomew Teeling and Matthew Tone met their end. Both were Irish-born officers serving in the French army, and both were brought before a court at Dublin barrack to stand trial. The record tells us their generous humanity was evident in those proceedings, and that they showed steady fortitude under sentence and execution. Teeling was executed on the 24th of September. Matthew Tone followed a few days after. Matthew Tone was the brother of Theobald Wolfe Tone, the famous Irish revolutionary who had himself been captured in a French vessel during an expedition to the coast of Ireland. That expedition was even more abortive than the one led by Humbert, whose small army had been meant only as a vanguard for a much larger French force. The French administrators were slow in sending that second fleet, and money was said to be the cause of the delay. In the interim, a brig from France reached the little isle of Rutland, off the north-west coast of Donegal, on the 16th of September. Among those landed was James Napper Tandy, now holding the title of general of brigade in the French service. He learned of Humbert's surrender and could not raise an insurrection in that quarter.

5. Three French officers alone protect Killala for 23 days

   Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

   After French troops departed elsewhere, only three officers—Charost, Boudet, and Ponson—remained to protect Killala and its Protestant inhabitants for twenty-three days until the town was retaken by the king's army.

   Read the passage

   While a body of French forces remained in Killala, their commanders were enabled to afford effectual protection to the protestants. But when these troops were summoned elsewhere, and no Frenchman was left, except three officers, Charost, Boudet, and Ponson, the prospect was truly horrible. Yet Providence was kind beyond expectation, " Whatever could be effected by " vigilance, resolution, and conduct, for the " safety of a place committed to them, was to a " surprising degree effected for the district of " Killala by these three French officers, with- " out the support of a single soldier of their own " country; and that for the long space of twenty- " three days, from the first of September to the " day of the battle," or recovery of Killala by the King's army. As the Romanists, notwithstanding the orders of the French officers for that purpose, would not consent that protestants should

   * Narrative, &c, page 97.

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 154

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up near Killala in Mayo. In 1798, French forces had been stationed here, giving protection to the town's Protestants. But when those troops were called away elsewhere, only three French officers remained — Charost, Boudet, and Ponson. The situation looked desperate, yet these three held the town for 23 days, from the 1st of September until the day the king's army recovered Killala. The source says that "whatever could be effected by vigilance, resolution, and conduct, for the safety of a place committed to them, was to a surprising degree effected" by these officers, without a single soldier of their own country to support them.

6. Abandoned Gorey: wounded prisoners left in the street

   Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

   With Gorey abandoned by loyalists, six unarmed men taken prisoner that morning were shot and left for dead in the street, one of whom, though unable to speak, threatened a passing protestant with his fist.

   Read the passage

   gentry, expressed their feelings on the occasion by a hideous and mournful yell; and that six men who had been that morning, though unarmed, J taken prisoners, shot through the body and left for dead in the street, were writhing with pain — one of whom in particular, was lying against a wall, and, though unable to speak, threatened with his fist a protestant who had run back in to the town for something which he had forgotten. The yeomen returned in a few hours to Gorey, but immediately retreated again to Arklow; and one of them, in riding through the former, met with a dangerous accident; — a quantity of gunpowder had been spilled on the pavement by the militia in their hasty retreat, which, by a spark struck by one of the horses shoes, blew up, and singed both horse and man in a frightful manner, without, however, any fatal effects. As the rebels had bent their march toward the southern parts, Gorey remained unmolested, though destitute of defence. Filled as it was with a variety of goods, great part of which had been carried thither for safety from the neigh* bouring parts, it presented a tempting object of depredation ; but the pilfering of the lower class of the towns people was prevented by the better sort of Romanist inhabitants, who formed theniiselves into guards to protect the houses of their protestant neighbours ; and when a multitude of had assembled at some distance to

   IRISH REBELLION,

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Gorey, in Wexford. In 1798, Gorey had been abandoned by its loyalist gentry, who fled as the rebellion swept through. That morning, six men were taken prisoner though they were unarmed. They were shot through the body and left for dead in the street, writhing with pain. One of them was lying against a wall. He could not speak, but when a protestant ran back into the town for something he had forgotten, the wounded man threatened him with his fist. The yeomen came back to Gorey a few hours later but immediately retreated again to Arklow. One of them met with a dangerous accident riding through the town. A quantity of gunpowder had been spilled on the pavement by the militia in their hasty retreat. A spark struck by one of the horse's shoes set it off, blowing up and singing both horse and man in a frightful manner, though without any fatal effects. The rebels had bent their march toward the southern parts, so Gorey remained unmolested, though destitute of defence. It was filled with a variety of goods, much of it carried there for safety from the neighbouring parts, and it presented a tempting object. But the better sort of Romanist inhabitants formed themselves into guards to protect the houses of their protestant neighbours, preventing the pilfering of the lower class of townspeople.

7. Bishop's diplomatic mission to Castlebar averts massacre at Killala

   Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

   Fearing rebels would imprison Protestants as hostages after news of Humbert's defeat at Ballinamuck, the bishop of Killala sent two ambassadors—rebel chief Roger M'Guire and loyalist Dean Thompson—to General Trench at Castlebar to secure assurances about prisoner treatment.

   Read the passage

   He proposed that two embassadors, the one a rebel chieftain, named Roger M'Guire, the other a loyalist, Dean Thompson, should go to the commander of the King's forces at Castlebar, with a flag of truce ; and a letter from himself, setting forth to the commander the situation of the protestants at Killala, and expressing their hope that nothing would be done to the prisoners at Castlebar which might provoke reprisals on the protestants at Killala. These ambassadors returned from their perilous journey in the evening of the 21st. " Dean Thompson, though closely " watched by his fellow messenger, as long as " the latter was able to keep himself awake, had " found means to have a private conference "with general Trench." Doubtless the result of this conversation was a very polite letter from the general to the bishop, " assuring " him that his prisoners were, and should be, " treated with all possible tenderness and hu- " inanity. The letter was publicly read to the

   * Narrative, &c. p. lljf»

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 159

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Killala in Mayo, you're on the ground where, in 1798, the town's bishop faced a deadly crisis. After Humbert's defeat at Ballinamuck, he feared rebels would imprison local Protestants as hostages. He sent two ambassadors to General Trench at Castlebar under a flag of truce — Roger M'Guire, a rebel chief, and Dean Thompson, a loyalist — carrying a letter about the Protestants' situation and his hope that nothing would be done to prisoners at Castlebar that might provoke reprisals on Protestants at Killala. They returned on the evening of the 21st. Though closely watched by M'Guire, Dean Thompson managed a private conference with General Trench. The outcome was a letter from Trench assuring the bishop that his prisoners "were, and should be, treated with all possible tenderness and humanity." The letter was publicly read.

8. Captain Boyd's daring ride into abandoned Wexford

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   Captain Boyd, whose family were imprisoned in Wexford, rode into the town with only eight yeomen ahead of the main army and found it abandoned by rebel forces, some of whom had crossed the Slaney or fled into the barony of Forth.

   Read the passage

   Not therefore without reason were horrible apprehensions entertained, concerning the danger of their friends in Wexford, by the loyalists in general Moore's camp ; and captain Boyd, whose amiable consort, niece to the earl of Courtown, together with all the rest of his family, was in prison, entreated the general to march without delay into the town to prevent the apprehended massacre, or to permit him to take a party of soldiers with him for the purpose. As the general, probably from a fear of the excesses which might be committed by the soldiery, who perhaps might not be easily restrained from licentious acts, in the execution of such a measure, assented not to his request, the captain at length ventured at five o'clock in the afternoon, with only eight yeomen of his troop, to gallop into Wexford, and happily found it abandoned by the rebel forces, part of whom had passed over the bridge to the eastern side of the river Slaney, and the rest in an opposite direction into the barony of Forth.* Thus to retreat, without further injury to the loyalists in their

   * That some of the rebels were still in town (some say, relying on their imagined capitulation) and that shots were fired at captain Boyd's party, but without effect, (for what end I cannot clearly understand) is asserted by indubitable authority. It is probable that a few desperadoes had remained for some bad purpose, the execution of which was prevented by the appearance of this brave- little band. The probability of this may be supported by what I have related of Roche's rencounter.

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 96

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Wexford, you are on ground where one of the bold exploits of the 1798 rebellion took place. Captain Boyd's wife, niece to the earl of Courtown, and the rest of his family were held prisoner in the town, and the loyalists in General Moore's camp feared a massacre there. Boyd begged the general to march in without delay, but Moore would not assent, probably fearing what unrestrained soldiers might do. So at five o'clock one afternoon, Boyd galloped into Wexford with just eight yeomen of his troop. He found the rebel forces had abandoned it. Part of them had crossed the bridge to the eastern side of the river Slaney, and the rest had fled into the barony of Forth. Some rebels were still in the town, and shots were fired at Boyd's little party, though without effect. The few who remained may have been desperadoes bent on some bad purpose, their plans undone by the sudden appearance of this brave little band. Boyd's family, and the loyalists trapped in the town, were spared further injury by his ride.

9. Clergyman mortally wounded near bridge ambush en route to Ballina

   Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

   A French detachment advancing toward Ballina ambushed loyalist reconnoitering parties at a bridge where French soldiers lay concealed, wounding two carabineers and mortally wounding the Rev. George Fortescue, rector of Ballina, who had volunteered for the action.

   Read the passage

   south of Killala, a detachment, which, retreating from some picquet guards, or reconnoitering parties, of loyalists, detached from the garrison of the former on the following day, led them to a bridge, under which lay concealed a Serjeant's guard of French soldiers. By a volley from these, a clergyman, who had volunteered on the occasion, and two carabineers, were wounded, the first mortally. This clergyman was the Rev. George Fortescue, nephew to lord Clermont, and rector of Ballina. The French advancing to this town, took possession of it in the night of the 24th ; the garrison, under colonel Sir Thomas Chapman, and major Keir of the carobineers, retreating to Foxford, ten miles , to the south, leaving one prisoner, a yeoman, in the hands of the enemy.

   The marquis Cornwallis had completely planned, and after unavoidable delays from the situation in which he had found affairs, was on the point of putting into execution such an arrangement of his majesty's forces in Ireland as to enable him to assemble, with great expedition, a respectable body of troops in any part of the kingdom where expediency should require. Though this disposition could not as yet be effected, a force, which was very reasonably thought to be more than sufficient for the purpose, was in a few days collected in the quarter attacked by the invaders. Major-general Hutchin-

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 136

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ballina, in 1798, a French detachment drew loyalist reconnoitering parties toward a bridge. The loyalists had been detached from the garrison as picquet guards. The French led them on, and under the bridge lay concealed a sergeant's guard of French soldiers. They fired a volley. Two carabineers were wounded, and a clergyman who had volunteered on the occasion was mortally wounded. That clergyman was the Reverend George Fortescue, nephew to Lord Clermont and rector of Ballina. The French then pressed on and took possession of Ballina in the night of the 24th. The garrison, under Colonel Sir Thomas Chapman and Major Keir of the carabineers, retreated to Foxford, ten miles to the south, leaving one prisoner, a yeoman, in the hands of the enemy. The Marquis Cornwallis had completely planned an arrangement of the king's forces in Ireland, one that would let him assemble a respectable body of troops with great expedition in any part of the kingdom where needed. Though this was not yet fully effected, a force thought more than sufficient for the purpose was gathered in a few days in the quarter the invaders had attacked.

10. Death of Dennis M'Daniel from fear of flogging

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    A labouring man named Dennis M'Daniel confessed to the author near Gorey that he had taken the United Irishman's oath and paid for a pike, but so feared arrest and lashing that he could neither eat nor sleep, and died suddenly in a grove near the author's house.

    Read the passage

    permission to remain in a state of quietness. As an instance, of this terror, I shall relate the following fact. On the morning of the 23d of May, a labouring man, named Dennis M 'Daniel, came to my house, with looks of the utmost consternation and dismay, and confessed to me that he had taken the United Irishman's oath, and had paid for a pike with which he had not yet been furnished, nineteen-pence-halfpenny, to one Kilty, a smith, who had administered the oath to him and many others. While I sent my eldest son, who was a lieutenant of yeomanry, to arrest Kilty, I exhorted M 'Daniel to surrender himself to a magistrate and make his confession; but this he positively refused, saying that he should in that case be lashed to make him produce a pike which he had not, and to confess what he knew not. I then advised him, as the only alternative, to remain quietly at home, promising that if he should be arrested on the information of others, I would represent his case to the magistrates. He took my advice, but the fear of arrest and lashing, had so taken possession of his thoughts, that he could neither eat nor sleep, and on the morning of the 2.5th, he fell on his face and expired in a little grove near my house. Whatever might have been the state of affairs with different management, the standard of rebellion, after an apparently passive submission,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Gorey, this is where a labouring man named Dennis M'Daniel met his end in 1798. On the morning of May 23, he came to the author's house in dismay and confessed that he had taken the United Irishman's oath and paid 19 pence halfpenny to a smith named Kilty for a pike he had not yet received. The author sent his eldest son, a lieutenant of yeomanry, to arrest Kilty, and urged M'Daniel to surrender to a magistrate. M'Daniel refused, saying he would be lashed to produce a pike he did not have and to confess what he knew not. The author told him to stay quietly at home and promised to speak for him if he were arrested on the word of others. M'Daniel took the advice, but the fear of arrest and lashing so possessed his thoughts that he could neither eat nor sleep. On the morning of May 25, he fell on his face and died in a little grove near the author's house.

11. Defence of Clonard against three thousand rebels

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

    At Clonard, twenty-seven men under lieutenant Tyrrel held a fortified house against a rebel force of perhaps three thousand, delaying them until reinforcements arrived from Kinnegad and Mullingar, forcing abandonment of the attack.

    Read the passage

    ill associated confederates marched to Clouardj a yillage twenty-five miles westward of Dublin,4 on the river Boyne, with design to attack Athlone, and raise an insurrection in the western parts of the kingdom. Though they amounted perhaps in number to three thousand, they found so obstinate a resistance at Clonard from twentyseven men, under lieutenant TyrreL a yeoman officer, in a ibnifkd .house, that they were delayed till the arrival of succours from Kinnegad and Mull in gar, and obliged to abandon the attempt.* From the time of this repulse, the llth of July, the Wexfordians, finally separating from their less hardy associates, pursued unaided their plan of desperate adventure. Reduced to about fifteen hundred in number, and hunted in every quarter by various bodies of the king's troops, which were stationed every where around, they made a flying march from place to place, in the counties of Kildare, Meatb, Louth, and Dublin, under the .conduct ef Fitzgerald, skirmishing with such parties of the royal army as overtook or intercepted them.

    * Fortified houses, with garrisons of about twenty well appointed men, appeared to be impregnable against the rebels, when destitute of cannon. From a reliance on this, two houses in tjie county of Kildare, near Dunlaven, were retained in defiance of the insurgents, during all the rebellion : that of Mr. Saunders of Saunders* grove, and that of Mr* Bookey of Grangebeg, now belonging to Mr. Critchley.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonard, this is where, in July 1798, a rebel force of perhaps three thousand met unexpected resistance. Twenty-seven men under Lieutenant Tyrrel, a yeoman officer, held a fortified house here and held it so stubbornly that the rebels were delayed until reinforcements arrived from Kinnegad and Mullingar, forcing them to abandon the attempt. The date was the 11th of July. After this repulse, the Wexford rebels, finally separating from their allies, were reduced to about fifteen hundred and hunted through Kildare, Meath, Louth, and Dublin under the conduct of Fitzgerald, skirmishing with royal troops wherever they were overtaken.

12. Engagement near Bunbrusna village

    near Bunbrosna · population centre · Westmeath · 1798

    A large body of rebels marched from Wilson's Hospital to meet Lord Longford's troops near the village of Bunbrusna, where after an attempt to seize the field piece failed under grape-shot, the insurgents fled, with some taking shelter in a farm-house that was subsequently burned.

    Read the passage

    been armed with firelocks, marched from the hospital to meet these troc-ps near the village of Bunbrusna, After an abortive attempt of some of their party to seize the field piece by an impetuous onset, in which, by a discharge of grape-shot, many of them suffered, the insurgents maintained not the combat long, In their flight a party took shelter in a farm-house and offices which " were in consequence burned ; and probably many wretches perished in the flames. The troops, as daylight failed, lay on their arms all night, with intention to attack the hospital in the morning; but they found it then evacuated by the insurgents, whose loss of men is reported by very doubtful authority to have been near two hundred in killed and wounded; while that of the royal troops was only two men of the artillery, shot by one rebel from behind a hedge.

    So speedy a suppression of the rebels in the neighbourhood of Granard, who no more, after these defeats by so small a force, assembled in arms, might, with the surrendry of the French army two days after at Ballynamuck, be supposed sufficient to intimidate the rest of the rebels in the western parts into a relinquishment of all thoughts of a continuation of resistance. Yet in those territories of the county of Mayo, where they had first risen to assist the invaders, they still persevered in a state of insurrection. Intelligence, indeed, of Humbert's surrendry arrived

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the village of Bunbrosna. In 1798, a large body of rebels armed with firelocks marched from Wilson's Hospital to meet Lord Longford's troops near this village. Some of the rebels made an impetuous attempt to seize the field piece, but a discharge of grape-shot cut many of them down, and the fight did not last long. In their flight, a party took shelter in a farm-house and its outbuildings, which were then burned, and probably many perished in the flames. The royal troops lost only two men of the artillery, shot by one rebel from behind a hedge. The rebels' losses were reported at near 200 killed and wounded, though the source calls that a doubtful figure. The troops meant to attack Wilson's Hospital at daylight, but found it already evacuated.

13. Father Corish's conditional baptism offer in Mulrankin

    Mulrankin · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Father Corish of Mulrankin, asked by a protestant lady to baptize herself and her family for protection, explained that the ceremony was only useful to shield them from the fanaticism of the mob and promised to warn her if necessary.

    Read the passage

    notion (admissible only by an irrational mind) of the exclusive appropriation of the divine favour to their own mode of worship, others appear to have been possessed of superior ideas. Some of the latter, as well as the former, were employed ' in the baptising of protestants ; but their motive was compassion, to save the lives of the objects from the rage of a fanatic mob, not their souls from eternal vengeance. Instances might be adduced, if necessary. I shall mention only that of Father Corish, of Mulranken, who, being requested by a protestant lady to baptize herself and family, replied, that except for protection from the fanaticism of the ignorant multitude, the ceremory was useless ; that he would be on the watch for her safety, and give her timely notice if he should find the performance of that rite necessary.

    That among the insurgents, the men who were the most scrupulously observant of the ceremonial of religion, were the most addicted to cruelty and murder, has been observed by those who had the best opportunity of observing. For this alliance of cruelty with superstition,' since both are congenial with littleness of soul, we may perhaps be more able to account, than for the grounds of another observation, of the justness of which I have no sort of doubt : — those who had been heroes of the cudgel, *or Shilela, the bullies of the country at fairs, and other public assemblies

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 128

14. Father Redmond hanged despite popular disbelief of Lord Mountnorris's role

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    Father Redmond, coadjutor to Father Cavenagh and closely associated with the Earl of Mountnorris, was executed at Wexford after seeking a protection from the earl at Gorey. Common Catholic people could not believe the earl had any part in his death, believing instead he tried to save the priest.

    Read the passage

    or satisfactory, I here add a few more circumstances. Father Cavenagh, to whom Redmond was coadjutor, had lived many years in habits of the greatest apparent intimacy with the earl, mostly residing at his lordship's house* a n sometimes entertaining him and lady Mountnorris and family at his own. Redmond, being one of the company on these occasions, thought himself extremely honoured, and in some degree idolized the earl, who was regarded by the catholics as their most zealous friend. Transported with zeal for his noble patron, when he heard that a mob had gone to his lordship's house in quest of liquors, he ran to prevail on them to spare all except the small beer. Father Cavenagh told me that on the suppression of the rebels, the earl called at his. house in a friendly manner, requesting that Redmond should go to him to Oorey for a protection. What protection he received has been already related. No act could be more popular among protestants, at that time, than the hanging of a priest ; yet many protest- ' ants would have come to bear witness in his favour, if they had been allowed time, and an assurance of personal safety. The popularity, however, of his lordship with the common people of the catholics is so indeliably impressed, that they cannot believe to this day, that he had any concern in this business; but endeavoured with all his power to save the priest, 1 knew

    228 ftlSTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Gorey, this is where Father Redmond came seeking a protection from the Earl of Mountnorris in 1798. Redmond was coadjutor to Father Cavenagh, who had lived for years on terms of great intimacy with the earl, mostly residing at his lordship's house and sometimes entertaining him and his family in return. Redmond idolized the earl, who was regarded by Catholics as their most zealous friend. When a mob went to the earl's house looking for drink, Redmond ran to persuade them to spare everything except the small beer. After the suppression of the rebels, the earl called at Cavenagh's house in a friendly manner and requested that Redmond come to him at Gorey for a protection. What protection he received has been already related. He was hanged at Wexford. No act could have been more popular among Protestants at that time than the hanging of a priest, yet many Protestants would have borne witness in his favour if given time and safety. The earl's popularity with the common Catholic people is so firmly impressed that they cannot believe he had any concern in it, but hold that he endeavoured with all his power to save the priest.

15. Founding of the Society of United Irishmen in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1791

    Originating from republican principles cherished in Belfast, the Society of United Irishmen was instituted in Dublin in November 1791, aiming to unite Irishmen of all sects for reform of the legislature and catholic emancipation.

    Read the passage

    Originating from Belfast, where principles of a republican tendency had long been cherished, was instituted in Dublin, in the month of November, 1791, the society of United Irishmen, with the immediate view of combining into one political phalanx as many as possible of their countrymen, without any distinction of sect, for the effectuating of a change in the government of Ireland ; or, as themselves have declared, " for the purpose of " forwarding a brotherhood of affection, a com- !< numion of rights, and an union of power among Ci Irishmen of every religious persuasion, and

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are in the city where the Society of United Irishmen was instituted in November 1791. The movement originated in Belfast, where republican principles had long been cherished, and its aim was to unite Irishmen of all sects into one political body for reform of the government and Catholic emancipation. The society declared its purpose was forwarding "a brotherhood of affection, a communion of rights, and an union of power among Irishmen of every religious persuasion."

16. Henry Whitney's Account of Pentland's Death at Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    Henry Whitney testified he was taken prisoner about four miles from Enniscorthy and brought to the mill on Vinegar Hill, where he witnessed Andrew Farrel drag Rev. Mr. Pentland out by the breast or hair to be piked to death, along with about twenty-five others that day.

    Read the passage

    A. I was taken prisoner about four miles from Enniscorthy, and brought into the mill on Vinegar-hill. In a few hours after I saw Andrew Parrel, the prisoner, drag Mr. Pentland, either by the breast or by the hair, out of the door, where he was directly piked to death.

    Q. Were there any others taken out?

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Vinegar Hill, outside Enniscorthy. In 1798 a man named Henry Whitney was taken prisoner and brought to the mill on this hill. Within hours he watched Andrew Farrel drag a clergyman, Reverend Pentland, out by the breast or hair, and Pentland was piked to death at the door.

17. Naval Battle off the Donegal Coast Captures the Hoche

    Donegal · town · Donegal · 1798

    A French armament of one ship of the line and eight frigates bound for Donegal was intercepted by a British squadron under Sir John Borlase Warren on 11 October 1798; a desperate battle led to the capture of the Hoche and several frigates.

    Read the passage

    they re-embarked, and abandoned the shores of Ireland. Tandy was afterwards arrested at Hamburgh by some British agents. In this action the dignity of a neutral state was contemptuously violated, and the influence of the emperor of Russia was solicited and obtained to intimidate the Hamburghers into an acquiescence in this violation, which exposed them at the same time to the resentment of the French government. So mighty a fuss about such an object, such a mountain in labour, confirmed many in an opinion of a puerile weakness in the British ministers. Tandy was tried at Lifford, at the Spring assizes for 1801 ; and pleading guilty, received his Majesty's pardon on condition of emigration ; in consequence of which he has emigrated to France. At length, at the end of September, sailed the principal armament from Brest, consisting of one ship of the line and eight frigates, having on board, as was reported, four or five thousand soldiers, and destined for the coast of Donegal. Descried in their approach to that coast, on the llth of October, by a British squadron, under Sir John Borlase Warren, and overtaken the next morning, a desperate battle commenced, which continued from half an hour after seven in the forenoon till eleven, when the ship of the line, named the Hoche, was captured, and the frigates made sail to In a running fight of about five hours, z

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    Donegal town lies near the coast where a French fleet met disaster in 1798. At the end of September, the principal armament sailed from Brest, one ship of the line and eight frigates carrying, as was reported, 4000 or 5000 soldiers, destined for the coast of Donegal. A British squadron under Sir John Borlase Warren sighted the fleet on 11 October and overtook it the next morning. A desperate battle raged from half past seven until eleven, when the ship of the line, the Hoche, was captured and the frigates made sail. Before this, Tandy had been arrested at Hamburg by British agents, an action that violated the dignity of a neutral state and prompted appeals to the emperor of Russia to intimidate the Hamburgers into acquiescence. Tandy was tried at Lifford at the spring assizes for 1801, pleaded guilty, and received the king's pardon on condition of emigration to France.

18. Officer refuses pleas of women and children near Newtownbarry as cabins burn

    Newtownbarry · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A protestant clergyman passing near Newtownbarry on 25 May saw women and children begging on their knees to an officer of the North Cork for permission to save belongings from their burning cabins, a request brutally refused; three days later at the battle of Enniscorthy the same officer could not be found while the clergyman fought bravely.

    Read the passage

    Instances of useless outrages were innumerable, yet some for: elucidation ought to be given. A protestant clergyman passing through a place near Newtown harry, on the twenty-fifth of May, saw a multitude of women .and children, supplicating on their knees an officer of the North- Cork, for permission to save some of their effects out of their cabins which were set on fire. This was brutally refused, and the clergyman who wished to intercede, found a hasty retreat necessary for the safety of his person from the officer and his men. In the battle of Enniscorthy, three days after, this gallant officer could uq

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 123

19. Origins of the Peep-of-Day Boys and Defenders feud in Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1785–1789

    A mortal feud between the lowest classes of Presbyterians (Peep-of-Day Boys) and Romanists (Defenders) began in County Armagh around 1785, originating from a private quarrel. The Defenders were regularly organized by 1789, leading to sectarian violence.

    Read the passage

    religious hatred of the Romanists, who constitute the great mass of the people, where these emissaries were sent, against their protestant fellow-subjects. To rouse this numerous hotly by terror and resent mew t into a preparation for hostility, which the chiefs of the Union might hope to turn to their own purposes, dreadful accounts were invented and industriously propagated concerning the designs of the Orange association, the members of which were asserted to have en* Jtered into engagements to exterminate the Romanists, to wade knee-deep, or even, if occasion should require, to ride saddle-deep in their blood; and, to impress the belief of this horrible false-- hood, fabricated resolutions of Orangemen were printed and dispersed. Reports were from time to time circulated of intended nocturnal massacres of the Romanists by large troops of protcstants; and such was the immediate effect, that the terrified inhabitants of the districts where these reports were Spread, fled from their houses at the approach of jiight, and Jay concealed iu the fields till morning. Societies of Orangemen took their first rise in the county of Armagh, where a mortal feud, originating, as it is said, from a private quarrel, had subsisted since the year 17&>5, between the lowest class of the presbyterians and Romanists. The former, denominated peep-of-*day boys, from their appearing assembled in bands frequently about the duwp; having gained the superiority j

    36 HISTORY OF THB

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 34

20. Prisoners abused at Gorey market-house

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    Rebels who remained in Gorey held prisoners in the market-house, feeding them only once a day, cropping and pitch-capping them, and exposing them to abuse from crowds; some were shot or piked to death.

    Read the passage

    During these transactions, the rebels who had remained in Gorey and its neighbourhood were gradually dispersing. A part of them retired to Wexforcl, bringing with them the prisoners who ' had been confined in the market-house of Gorey. These had been severely treated; they had been supplied with food only once in the twenty-four hours; cropped, pitch-capped, and exposed from the windows to the insults of the shouting multitudes on their march to attack Arklow. Some had been shot or piked to death. The mass of remaining rebels took their station on the hill of Ask, above a mile from Gorey, on the way to Arklow. After the battle at the last-named town, the royal army remained some days close within its quarters there, sending out patroles with great caution, at first to a very small distance, and afterwards gradually farther. At last a troop of yeoman cavalry ventured so far on the road toward Gorey as to approach near the rebel station on Ask hill. This post had been so thinned by perpetual desertions, that not more than about a hundred men fit for action^

    IRISH HEBELLION. \65

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Gorey in Wexford, this was the scene of a grim episode in 1798. Rebels who remained in the town held prisoners in the market-house, feeding them only once in twenty-four hours. The prisoners were cropped and pitch-capped, and exposed from the windows to the insults of shouting crowds on their march to attack Arklow. Some had been shot or piked to death. A party of rebels eventually took the surviving prisoners with them when they retired toward Wexford. The remaining rebels took their station on the hill of Ask, above a mile from Gorey on the way to Arklow, but that post was so thinned by desertions that no more than about 100 men fit for action remained.

21. Protestants worship under French protection in Killala's bishop's palace

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    While French officers remained in Killala, Protestants were permitted to hold divine service each Sunday in the bishop's palace, called the castle, while the cathedral remained shut and threatened by Catholic rebels who wanted to seize it.

    Read the passage

    tvaited till he could see the bishop"* to interpret for him. The protestants of Killala enjoyed, under the protection of the French officers, the privilege of attending divine service every Sunday in the bishop's palace, commonly called the castle. The cathedral remained shut, and the Romanists often threatened to seize it for their own use; hut they were always restrained by the presence of these officers.

    While a body of French forces remained in Killala, their commanders were enabled to afford effectual protection to the protestants. But when these troops were summoned elsewhere, and no Frenchman was left, except three officers, Charost, Boudet, and Ponson, the prospect was truly horrible. Yet Providence was kind beyond expectation, " Whatever could be effected by " vigilance, resolution, and conduct, for the " safety of a place committed to them, was to a " surprising degree effected for the district of " Killala by these three French officers, with- " out the support of a single soldier of their own " country; and that for the long space of twenty- " three days, from the first of September to the " day of the battle," or recovery of Killala by the King's army. As the Romanists, notwithstanding the orders of the French officers for that purpose, would not consent that protestants should

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    Just ahead through Killala, the bishop's palace, known as the castle, is where Protestants held Sunday services under French protection in 1798. With French officers stationed in the town, they could worship safely there each Sunday. The cathedral stayed shut, and local Catholics repeatedly threatened to seize it for their own use, but the officers always restrained them. When most French troops were called elsewhere, only three officers remained: Charost, Boudet, and Ponson. The situation looked dire for the Protestants, yet these three held the district for 23 days, from 1 September until the battle that restored Killala to the King's army. The source says that whatever could be done by vigilance, resolution, and conduct was effected for the district of Killala by these three officers without support of a single soldier of their own country. Catholics still refused to let Protestants worship, despite French orders to that effect.

22. Rebel army musters courage on march to battle of Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Rebels showed fear before the battle at Ross, halting often to pray until Father Roche lost patience and rebuked them for delaying instead of fighting. Roche planned to surprise the town while Moore's forces were engaged, but the plan failed due to indiscipline.

    Read the passage

    their own want of subordination to their chiefs, the pikemen of the rebels were prevented from coming into action ; while no more, I am credibly informed, than five hundred and sixty of their gun-men were engaged. Yet the combat was long doubtful. In the short space of three weeks, an undisciplined and unorganized mob had arrived at some degree of military skill, and acquired much resolution in battle ; — a lesson to governments to lose no time in taking the most efficacious means in their power to extinguish rebellion in its first blaze ! I am assured, howr ever, by respectable witnesses, that great numbers in this rebel army manifested much fear and reluctance in their march to the field of battle, frequently halting to kneel, and pray, and receive the benedictions of the clergy, till Father Roche at length lost all patience, and asked them with a hearty curse did they think that they had nothing to do but pray ? And was it not time to think of fighting P The plan of Roche, who seems to have been intended by nature for a military man, is supposed to have been to surprise the town of Ross, with one part of his army, while the other was engaged with general Moore ; which plan was frustrated by the irregularity of his men.

    Joined by two regiments under lord Dalhousie, the army took post on the field of battle ; and on the morning of the 21st was proceeding to

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 91

23. Repulsed rebel attack on Naas garrison

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    Near a thousand insurgents under Michael Reynolds attacked the military post at Naas but were repulsed after a preconcerted defence; about thirty rebels were found dead in the streets and up to a hundred more killed in pursuit, while two king's officers and some privates died.

    Read the passage

    The attack of Naas, the most considerable of the military stations assailed by the insurgents, at the very commencement of the rebellion, was an hour and a half later than that of Prosperous. In this town, fifteen miles south-westward of Dublin, were posted a part of the Armagh militia, detachments of the fourth regiment of dragoon guards and of the ancient Britons, under the command of lord viscount Gosford, colonel of the Armagh regiment. The surprise of this post was prevented by the vigilance of the garrison. The approach of near a thousand insurgents, under the conduct of a chief named Michael Reynolds, being announced by a dragoon, the troops had time to form according to a preconcerted plan. Repulsed in their first onset at the county gaol, which stands in this town, the rebels possessed themselves of all the avenues, and made a genei-al assault in almost every direction. Unable to make an impression on the troops, they fled on all sides after about forty minutes of irregular firing, and were pursued with slaughter by the cavalry. Of the king's forces, two officers and some privates were slain; of the rebels about thirty were found dead in the streets, and a greater number, perhaps near a hundred, may have been slaughtered in the roads and fields in the pursuit. In the course of the day the inhabitants of Naas beheld such scenes, as were afterwards exhibited elsewhere on a larger scale, and

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are in a town that was the most considerable military station attacked by the insurgents at the very start of the rebellion in 1798. Near a thousand rebels under a chief named Michael Reynolds descended on the garrison here, but a dragoon gave warning and the troops had time to form according to a preconcerted plan. The rebels were repulsed in their first onset at the county gaol, then seized all the avenues and pressed the attack from almost every direction. After about forty minutes of irregular firing they could make no impression and fled, pursued with slaughter by the cavalry. Two of the king's officers and some privates were slain. About thirty rebels were found dead in the streets, and perhaps near a hundred more were killed in the roads and fields during the pursuit. The garrison itself was considerable. A part of the Armagh militia, detachments of the fourth regiment of dragoon guards and of the ancient Britons, were posted here under the command of Lord Viscount Gosford, colonel of the Armagh regiment. The attack came an hour and a half later than the assault on Prosperous. The inhabitants of Naas beheld that day scenes afterwards exhibited elsewhere on a larger scale.

24. Siege of Chamney's fortified house near Coolattin

    Coolattin · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    After rebels routed government infantry, sixty soldiers took refuge in captain Chamney's house at the foot of the hill, withstanding rebel attacks for fourteen hours. Attackers who tried to burn the door under feather-bed cover were killed, and rebel losses were said to reach 130 men.

    Read the passage

    lull, when the rebels, who had wished to avoid a, battle, rushing down on them, put them to flight, killing ten of the infantry; but the cavalry all escaped. Two officers fell in the beginning of this action — captain Chamney of the Coolattin, and captain Nickson of the Coolkenna company, both greatly lamented. The slaughter would have been far greater, if sixty of the infantry, under captain Morton and lieutenant Chamney, had not taken refuge in captain Chamney 's house at the foot of the hill, where they sustained, during fourteen hours, the attacks of the rebels, who attempted repeatedly in vain to fire the house. Some, particularly a very large man from Gorey, called John Redmond, nicknamed Shaan Plunder, advanced to the hall door, with the design of burning it, and thus opening a passage into the house, under a covering of feather-beds; but were killed in the attempt, the bullets penetrating even this thick tegument. As a discharge of musketry was maintained from the windows on the assailants/ whose associates injudiciously set fire to the neighbouring house of Henry Morton, Esq. the illumination of which furnished an opportunity to the garrison of aiming at their enemies in the night, the loss of the rebels, must have been considerable — amounting, according to some accounts, to a hundred and thirty men. After this, one body of the rebels marched

    £12 HISTORY OF THE:

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 105

25. Women protected during Hacketstown attack

    Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

    During the Hacketstown attack, the wife and daughters of lieutenant Chamney and the wife of captain Hardy fell into rebel hands but were, through the influence of Perry and M'Mahon, conveyed to safety and protected from insult.

    Read the passage

    fallen into the hands of the assailants, were, by the influence of Perry, and another chief, named M'Mahon, conveyed to a place of safety, and protected from all insult. The wives of the rebel commanders, Perry and Byrne, were at the same time in the hands of the loyalists, and, as must naturally be supposed, were treated with courtesy. Mrs. Perry had before experienced the like honourable behaviour, under the protection of the loyalists in Gorey.

    A brief account of Anthony Perry, one of the rebel generals above-mentioned, may serve to shew what difficulty a man may find, who endeavours to extricate himself from the effects of a conspiracy against government, when he has once engaged in it This gentleman, a man of amiable manners, and a well informed understanding, was yet weak enough to be seduced into the conspiracy ; and having acted so as to cause much suspicion, was arrested and confined in Gorey a little before the insurrection. lie repented heartily of his misconduct, and gave information useful to government; but such was the state of things, that he was treated in prison with the utmost harshness and indignity. Among othetf acts of severity, a serjeant of the North-Cork militia, nicknamed, from his habitual behaviour Tom the Demi, cut away all his hair quite close to the head, and then burned all the roots of it with a candle. Being liberated

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 104

26. Gorey cavalry kill fifty rebels found in their homes

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    A small band of seventeen Gorey cavalry, arriving without expected reinforcements, scoured the countryside and killed about fifty men found in their houses or straggling home from the rebel army.

    Read the passage

    tient to revisit their homes, that they followed the cavalry contrary to orders. This body of cavalry, amounting only to seventeen in number^ found on their arrival in Gorey, to their astonish* ment, not an officer or soldier. They, however, had the courage or temerity to scour the country in search of rebels, with the assistance of some others who had joined them, and killed about fifty men whom they found in their houses, or straggling homeward from the rebel army. On the 22d, a body of about five hundred rebels, under the conduct of Perry, retreating from Wexford, and directing their march to the Wicklow mountains, received information of this slaughter, and the weakness of the party committing it, They instantly ran full speed to the town, determined on vengeance. On intelligence of their approach, lieutenant Gordon, a youth of only twenty years of age, who had the command, marched his men (consisting of fourteen infantry, beside the cavalry out of the town to meet the enemy, and took post in an advantageous position near a place called Charlottegrove, where they fired some vollies on the rebels, seven of whom they killed ; but finding that they must be immediately surrounded and destroyed if they should attempt to maintain their post, they retreated, and each horseman taking a footman behind him, fled through the town toward •Arklow, As by this motion the refugees, who

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Gorey now. In 1798, seventeen cavalry rode into this town expecting reinforcements and found not a single officer or soldier waiting. They went out anyway, scouring the countryside with a few others who joined them, and killed about fifty men they found in their houses or straggling homeward from the rebel army. The rebels had been impatient to revisit their homes, and had followed the cavalry contrary to orders. On the 22nd, about 500 rebels under Perry, retreating from Wexford toward the Wicklow mountains, heard of the slaughter and how few had done it. They ran full speed to the town, set on vengeance. Lieutenant Gordon, only 20 years old, marched his fourteen infantry and the cavalry out to meet them and took post near a place called Charlotte-grove. They fired volleys and killed seven rebels, but saw they would be surrounded and destroyed if they held their ground. Each horseman took a footman behind him, and they fled through the town toward Arklow.

27. Lieutenant Young's fatal delay and cruelty at Clonegal

    Clonegall · town · Carlow · 1798

    Lieutenant Young of the Donegal militia, ordered to march his troops from Clonegal to relieve Bunclody, instead spent two hours hanging four prisoners despite strong objections, causing the relief to arrive too late; he also mistreated townspeople by evicting a loyal gentleman from his bed.

    Read the passage

    On advice received by the garrison of Bunclody of the attack intended by the rebels, an express had been sent to Clonnegall, two miles and a half distant, ordering the troops posted there to march immediately to Bunclody. The commander of these troops, lieutenant Young of the Donegal militia, instead of marching immediately, spent two hours in the hanging of four prisoners, in spite of the most earnest remonstrances of (he gentlemen of the town, and an officer of the North- Cork, who considered these men as not deserving death, some at least of whom had actually declined to join the rebels when it was fully in their power. By this delay, and an unaccountably circuitous march, three miles longer than the direct road, the troops arrived not at Bunclody till after the action was entirely over, yet the North-Cork officer pursued with such alacrity, that with the assistance of some yeoman cavalry, he took two car-loads of ammunition from the rebels. Mr. Young, on his arrival in Clonnegall, had commanded the inhabitants to furnish every individual of his soldiers with a feather-bed, and had, without the

    132 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 72

28. Abortive French invasion attempt at Bantry Bay

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796

    The French directory sent an armament of fifteen thousand men to invade Ireland, which was attempted near the end of December 1796 in an expedition to Bantry Bay, but the attempt failed.

    Read the passage

    leading members of the union and those of the French government, by the medium of some Irish fugitives at Paris, a formal intimation in 3796, as I have already mentioned, was given by one of those fugitives, supposed to be Theobald Wolfe Tone, that, on a representation of the state affairs, the French directory had come •to a resolution to send a force into Ireland, for the purpose of co-operating with that of the conspirators. Acquiescing in this proposal, after an extraordinary meeting for its consideration, the chiefs of the conspiracy sent with this advice a messenger, said to be Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who, accompanied by Arthur O'Con^ nor, went by Hamburgh to Switzerland, where near the French frontier, he met Hoche, the French general, and is thought to have there concerted with him the plan of operation. In the October of the same year an accredited messenger arrived in Ireland from France, announcing the design of invasion with an army of fifteen thousand men, which was attempted near the end of the following December, in the abortive expedition to the bay of Ban try. To solicit the assistance of another armament from France, which had been expected after the failure of the first, a confidential agent, named Lewins, was deputed, who, leaving London in March, 1797, and passing through Hamburgh, Arrived about the end of May, in Paris; where

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 39

29. Ambush of royal troops near Saintfield

    near Saintfield · town · Down · 1798

    Under general Henry Munro, rebels placed themselves in ambush near Saintfield on 9 June, nearly defeating a body of troops under colonel Stapleton before the infantry rallied and dispersed them.

    Read the passage

    menced in that of Down — a body of insurgents making their appearance near Saintfield, under the command of an inhabitant of Newtownards, a Dr. Jackson. In their progress through the country they set fire to the house of a man named Mackee, who had been an informer of treasonable meetings : eleven persons perished in the flames — and circumstances of cruelty were shewn, not inferior to those of the burning at Scullabogue. Electing^ for their general, Henry Munro, a shop-keeper of Lisburn, they placed themselves, on the 9th, in ambuscade, in the neighbourhood of Saintfield, awaiting the approach of a body of troops under colonel Stapleton, consisting of York fensibles and yeomau cavalry. The ambuscade so far succeeded, that the royal troops were for some time in danger of total defeat — losing about sixty of their number, among whom were captain Chetwynd, lieutenant Unitt, and ensign Sparks, and also the Rev. Mr. Mortimer, vicar of Portaferry, who had volunteered. — The infantry, however, on whom the cavalry had been driven back in confusion, rallying with a cool intrepidity not common in those times, dislodged and dispersed the rebels, and after a stay of two hours on the field of battle, retreated to Belfast.

    Little discouraged by this defeat, in which their loss was very small, the rebels reassembled, and took post at Bally nahinch, on the Wind*

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 98

30. Attack on Castlebar repelled by small garrison

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    Castlebar, reoccupied by king's troops after French evacuation, was attacked by around two thousand rebels on 12 September 1798, but the small garrison under Captain Urquart of the Frasers routed the assailants.

    Read the passage

    not in these parts for some days after; and before its arrival, Castlebar, which on its evacuation by the Trench, had been occupied by the king's troops, was attacked in the morning of the 12th of September, by a body of rebels, reported to be two thousand in number. The garrison, consisting of fifty-seven Fraser fensibles, thirty-four volunteers '(including boys), and one troop of yeoman cavalry, was so judiciously posted by captain Urquart of the Frasers, as to completely rout the assailants, whose object was at least to plunder the town, perhaps also, as has been asserted, to murder all the protestant inhabitants, and even the loyal Romanists. The honour of the town's preservation is ascribed to cnptaiu Urquart, who resolved on its defence, contrary, as is said, to the opinion of a gentleman there, who advised its evacuation and the dereliction of all to the plunderers.

    Most of the towns which had fallen into the hands of the rebels were about this time recovered, as Newport and Westport, by the fensibles and yeomen, under the Hon. Dennis Browne, brother to the earl of Altamont, and captain Urquart ; but Ballina and Killala remained some time longer in their possession. On his march from Castlebar, on the 4th of September, Humbert had left no part of his army at Killala or Ballina, except three officers at the former., and one at the latter, to command the rebels who formed the garrisons

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Castlebar in Mayo. Back in September 1798, this town had just been reoccupied by the king's troops after the French pulled out, and on the morning of the 12th, around two thousand rebels attacked it. The garrison was tiny, fifty-seven Fraser fensibles, thirty-four volunteers including boys, and one troop of yeoman cavalry, but Captain Urquart of the Frasers posted them so well that they completely routed the attackers. The rebels' aim was at least to plunder the town, and it has been asserted they meant to murder all the protestant inhabitants and even the loyal Romanists. Credit for saving Castlebar goes to Urquart, who resolved to defend it against the advice of a gentleman there who wanted to abandon the town to the plunderers. Around the same time, most of the towns that had fallen to the rebels were recovered, Newport and Westport among them, taken by the fensibles and yeomen under the Hon. Dennis Browne and Captain Urquart. Ballina and Killala stayed longer in rebel hands.

31. Battle near Goff's Bridge and Horetown

    Horetown · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Brigadier-general Moore's force marching toward Enniscorthy via Taghmon was attacked near Goff's bridge, not far from Horetown, by five or six thousand rebels from Wexford; the engagement lasted until nearly eight and the rebels were repulsed with heavy loss.

    Read the passage

    The town of Wexford was relieved on the same day with Enniscorthy. Brigadier-general Moore, according to the plan formed by general Lake, having made a movement toward that quarter from the side of Ross, on the 19th, with a body of twelve hundred troops, furnished with artillery; and having directed his march to Taghmon, in his intended way to Enniscorthy, on the 20th, was, on his way thither, between one and two o'clock in the afternoon, attacked by a large force of the enemy from Wexford, perhaps five or six thousand, near a place called GofFs bridge, not far from Horetown. — After an action, which continued till near eight, the rebels were repulsed with considerable slaughter, not without some loss on the other side, though the only two officers mortally wounded were major Daniel, and lieutenant Green. This engagement, fought in loose array, or in scattered parties, over a wide extent of ground, was, if I have not misconceived it, on a comparison p_f several accounts from spectators of the scene, the best fought1 battle of the croppy war, with respect to manoeuvres of the field on both sides. By the positions and evolutions of the soldiery, and

    * I am inforrtied by a surgeon, that the burning was accidental • the bed-clothes being set on fire by the wadding of the soldiers' guns, who were shooting the patients in their beds.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 90

32. Battle of Enniscorthy follows Newtownbarry cruelty

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Three days after the Newtownbarry incident, the officer responsible could nowhere be found during the battle of Enniscorthy, while the clergyman who had witnessed his cruelty performed as both officer and soldier in the fighting.

    Read the passage

    Instances of useless outrages were innumerable, yet some for: elucidation ought to be given. A protestant clergyman passing through a place near Newtown harry, on the twenty-fifth of May, saw a multitude of women .and children, supplicating on their knees an officer of the North- Cork, for permission to save some of their effects out of their cabins which were set on fire. This was brutally refused, and the clergyman who wished to intercede, found a hasty retreat necessary for the safety of his person from the officer and his men. In the battle of Enniscorthy, three days after, this gallant officer could uq

    IRISH REBELLION-. 253

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

33. Body of Mr. Heydon left in street of Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    The body of Samuel Heydon, a protestant clergyman greatly beloved for his humane conduct and killed by insurgents, was left in the street of Enniscorthy until it was in great part devoured.

    Read the passage

    * The body of Mr. Heydon, who had been greatly beloved for his humane and amiable conduct, was left in the. street o£ Enniscorthy till it was in great part devoured by

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 126

34. Burning and battle of Castlecomer

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    Rebels entered Castlecomer, which was set on fire with each side blaming the other; General Asgil arrived and fired artillery on the streets, ultimately allowing loyalist protestants to retreat to Kilkenny while rebels plundered the town.

    Read the passage

    The general was likewise on the following day too late in his arrival at Castlecomer for the protection of that town, whither the protestants were flying to take refuge from the country exposed to the depredations of the enemy. Early in the morning of the 24th, the rebel troops, diminished by desertion to about eight thousand, descended from the heights, and advancing toward Castlecomer, defeated a body of about two hundred and fifty men, at a place called Coolbawn, a mile and a half from that town, which they entered with the slaughter of about fifty loyalists. The town was set on fire — and of this conflagration each party accuses the other. The general arriving at length with his

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 101

35. Burning of surrendered loyalist arms at Arklow barracks

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Loyalists entering Arklow were required to surrender their arms with a promise of return, but instead the weapons were piled and burned in the barrack yard; a clerk named Taylor was shot for resisting disarmament.

    Read the passage

    them; but, instead of this, they were afterwards formed into a pile in the yard of the barrack and burned. A man named Taylor, clerk of Camolin church, who made some scruple to surrender his arms was shot by the guard. After our admission, our situation was not so comfortable as we might have expected, for no refreshment could be procured by money for men or horses, and the hearts of the inhabitants in general seemed quite hardened against us. But, for my own part, I found very humane treatment. After remaining some time in the street, my family were courteously invited by a lady, to whom we were totally unknown, a Mrs. Hunte, into her house, where we were kindly refreshed with food and drink; and a gentleman, Mr. Joseph Alford, to whom we were equally unknown, coming accidentally where we were, insisted on our going to his house, three miles from Arklow, where we found a number of refugees, all of whom were treated with the most humane attention.

    Gorey, meantime, was in a singular predicament— abandoned by the loyalists, while the rest of the inhabitants in fear and dubious anxiety remained closely shut within their houses, insomuch that all was in silence and solitude, except that an unprincipled female, frantic with joy at the flight of her imagined enemies, capered in an extraordinary manner in the street; and that a pack of hounds belonging to one of the fugitive

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Arklow now. In 1798, loyalists entering this town were required to surrender their arms, on a promise that the weapons would be returned. But instead of giving them back, the guards formed the arms into a pile in the yard of the barracks and burned them. A man named Taylor, clerk of Camolin church, who had some scruple about surrendering his arms, was shot by the guard. After being admitted into the town, conditions were not comfortable. No refreshment could be procured by money for men or horses, and the hearts of the inhabitants in general seemed quite hardened against those who had come in. But for the narrator's own part, he found very humane treatment. After remaining some time in the street, his family were courteously invited by a lady to whom they were totally unknown, a Mrs. Hunte, into her house, where they were refreshed with food and drink. Then a gentleman, Mr. Joseph Alford, to whom they were equally unknown, coming accidentally where they were, insisted on their going to his house, three miles from Arklow, where they found a number of refugees, all treated with the most humane attention.

36. Catholic Girls Removed from Wexford Charity School After Attending Protestant Sermon

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1800–1803

    A charitable school in Wexford educated protestant and catholic girls together in reading, writing, and industry, paying them for their work. After many catholic girls attended a charitable sermon preached by Dean Butson, they were reprimanded by their priest and subsequently withdrawn by their parents, who were threatened with excommunication.

    Read the passage

    I know that some catholics of superior intellect take the liberty to emancipate themselves from this thraldom ; but the instances of its inforcement on the lower classes are numerous.' One lately occured at Wexford. A charitable school has there been established, where a large number of young girls, protestants and catholics promiscuously, were taught to read and write, and were employed in various works of industry, for the productions of which they were paid the full value, beside gratuities. A charitable sermon was preached by Dean Butson for the assistance of the institution, and a collection made of fiftyone pounds. Most of the catholic girls went with their associates to hear the sermon, for which they were severely reprimanded by their priest, and have since been all removed by their parents, who were threatened with excommunication. The priest has published a defence of his conduct, which I shall give in another publication, as he there avows the doctrine here mentioned. As the conduct of this gentleman in the rebellion was highly meritorious, I am very far from intending any personal reflexion against him. I know also that some priests in the county of Wexford, not all of them indeed), have, in conversation among themselves, insisted

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Wexford, the town the road passes through. In the years after 1800, something happened here that shows how deep the divisions ran. A charitable school had been established in the town, where a large number of young girls, Protestants and Catholics together, were taught to read and write, and were employed in various works of industry. They were paid the full value of what they produced, beside gratuities. Dean Butson preached a charitable sermon for the assistance of the institution, and a collection was made of 51 pounds. Most of the Catholic girls went with their associates to hear the sermon. For this they were severely reprimanded by their priest, and have since been all removed by their parents, who were threatened with excommunication. The priest published a defence of his conduct, in which the author says he avows the doctrine mentioned. The author notes that this priest's conduct in the rebellion was highly meritorious, and that he is very far from intending any personal reflection against him.

37. Comic Breakfast Incident at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    At the house of Mr. Miles O'Neile in Arklow where General Needham was quartered, Durham regiment officers were mistakenly given the general's prepared breakfast, leading to a furious confrontation when he arrived.

    Read the passage

    A few hours after their arrival, one of those ludicrous incidents occurred, which, amid the calamities of war, serve to exhilarate the spirits of military men. Two of the officers of this regiment, passing by the house of Mr. Miles O'Neile^ in Arklow, where general Needham was quartered, and where a great breakfast was prepared for the general and his guests, were mistaken by a servant for two of these guests, and informed that breakfast was ready for them and their associates. This intelligence being communicated, the D urham officers came instantly in a body and devoured the whole breakfast. One of them, captain Wallingtun, remaining behind the rest, assembled about him the drivers of the carriages in which the regiment had travelled from Dublin, to pay them severally their dues. The general, at length arriving with his company of hungry guests, was at first astonished when he saw his lodgings occupied with a crowd of wrangling cOachmen ; but soon being informed of the fate of his breakfast, he burst into a rage, and drove out the intruders with such fury, that they, with their paymaster, tumbled one over another in the street, in their haste to escape.

    More serious objects in some hours more engaged the attention of the troops. The rebels,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, there is a story from 1798 that lightened the mood amid the fighting. General Needham was quartered at the house of Mr. Miles O'Neile, where a great breakfast was prepared for him and his guests. Two officers of the Durham regiment, passing by, were mistaken by a servant for the general's expected guests and told breakfast was ready. Word went round, and the Durham officers came in a body and devoured the whole meal. One of them, Captain Wallingtun, stayed behind, paying the drivers of the carriages that had brought the regiment from Dublin. When General Needham arrived with his hungry company, he found his lodgings packed with wrangling coachmen. Once he learned what had become of his breakfast, he flew into a rage and drove the intruders out with such fury that they and their paymaster tumbled over one another in the street trying to escape.

38. Edward Hay comforts prisoners in Wexford gaol during the rebellion

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Thomas Taylor, a prisoner in Wexford gaol during the rebellion, testified that Edward Hay regularly visited and comforted prisoners, expressed horror at the cruelties on Vinegar Hill, and intervened to prevent prisoners being sent to Enniscorthy to be killed.

    Read the passage

    reports that were circulated. Deponent has heard Mr. Hay express his horror and detestation of the barbarous proceedings of the rebels, and that he would lose his life, or put a stop to the cruelties that were committing on Vinegarhill, had he been there. Deponent remembers to have heard of an order for several prisoners to be sent to Enniscorthy, which order might have been complied with, had not Mr. Hay gained intelligence that they were to be put to death, and at the earnest request of the prisoners from the neighbourhood of Enniscorthy, Mr. Hay declared that he would make such representations to the principal inhabitants of Wexford, as to have them detained in goal, as their only place of safety ; on which occasion he has heard the prisoners express their utmost gratitude to Mr, Hay, whom they consulted on all occasions of distress, and from whom they received every possible comfort. Various reports were propagated which tended to rouze and irritate the passions of the people to revenge, that the army had committed the greatest excesses, which alarmed the prisoners very much, who consulted Mr. Hay about a proposal they had drawn up, to be forwarded to government, intimating their great danger, and hoping that the prisoners taken by the army might meet with the like good treatment that they did, otherwise reprisals might be made, and their destruction inevitable.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Wexford now, a town that saw its gaol become a refuge of sorts during the rebellion of 1798. A prisoner named Thomas Taylor testified afterward that Edward Hay regularly visited the gaol and comforted the prisoners there. Hay made no secret of his horror at what the rebels were doing. Taylor heard him say he would have lost his life to put a stop to the cruelties on Vinegar Hill, had he been there. At one point an order came for several prisoners to be sent to Enniscorthy. Hay got word they were to be put to death there, and at the prisoners' earnest request he told them he would make representations to the principal inhabitants of Wexford to have them kept in the gaol instead, as their only place of safety. The prisoners expressed their utmost gratitude to Hay, consulting him on all occasions of distress and receiving from him every possible comfort. When alarming reports spread that the army had committed great excesses, the prisoners drew up a proposal to forward to government, intimating their danger and hoping prisoners taken by the army might meet the same good treatment they had, otherwise reprisals might follow and their destruction be inevitable.

39. Ensign Harman shot by Father Murphy's order near Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Ensign Hannan, sent by Lord Kingsborough with peace proposals to General Lake, was intercepted and shot by order of Father Murphy, who declared he would have no peace; Kingsborough responded coldly to the news.

    Read the passage

    * Ensign Hannan of the North-Cork, being sent by his lordship with proposals to general Lake, was intercepted and shot, by order of the fanatic Father Murphy, who said that * Jie would have no peace.' Whep his lordship heard of,

    188 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Wexford now, where in 1798 Ensign Hannan of the North-Cork was sent by Lord Kingsborough with peace proposals to General Lake. He was intercepted and shot by order of Father Murphy, who declared he would have no peace. When Kingsborough heard the news, his response was cold.

40. Formation of the Orange associations in Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1795

    In the latter part of 1795, Protestants of County Armagh formed associations under the denomination of Orangemen for self-preservation against the Defenders. After losses on both sides, the Orangemen gained superiority and expelled many of the opposing party, who fled to Connaught.

    Read the passage

    the latter associated under the title of defenders, and seem to have been regularly organized in the year 1789. Among the outrages perpetrated by these Romanists was the assassination of a family of the name of Barclay, at a place called Forkhill, in the above-mentioned county, in the year 179U The master of the family who had been appointed to preside over a newly endowed protestant school, his wife, and his brother-in-law, the two latter of whom died of their wounds, were maimed in a horrid manner; the first by the amputation of his fingers and part of his tongue : the second, a beautiful young woman, by the amputation of lier breasts, her tongue, and the calves of her legs; and the third by a similar mutilation. For self-preservation against this religious confede^ racy, which had spread itself widely through the neighbouring counties, the protcstants of the county of Armagh began at length, in the latter part of the year 1795, to form associations under the denomination of Orangemen, a denomination derived from King William the Third, Prince of Orange, who had rescued the protestants of Ireland by his arms, and given them that ascendency 'which they have since maintained, After the loss of many lives on both sides in the contest, the Orangemen obtained a decided superiority, and, as must be expected, the lower sort abused their victory, expelling from their houses and lands great numbers of the opposite party,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 34

41. General Fawcet halts at Taghmon; detachment destroyed at Three Rocks

    Taghmon · town · Wexford · 1798

    General Fawcet, marching to Wexford, halted at Taghmon and sent forward a detachment under Captain Adams which was ambushed and nearly annihilated by the rebel army near Three Rocks, with the howitzers captured.

    Read the passage

    The general had marched according to his promise, on the evening of the 29th ; but unfortunately halting at Taghmon, seven miles from Wexford, he had sent forward a detachment of eighty-eight men, -including eighteen of the artillery, with the howitzers, under the 'command of captain Adams, of the Meath militia. This detachment was intercepted early in the morning of the 30th, under three rocks, by the rebel army, the howitzers taken, and almost the whole party slain. The general is said to have been in bed when he received the news of this disaster, and falling back precipitately with his army to Duncannon, to have sent his family to England — detaining the packetboat two hours for that purpose.

    Informed of the destruction of captain Adam's detachment by lieutenant Fairclough, of the Meath militia, and lieutenant Birch of the artillery, who had escaped the slaughter, and were brought to Windmill-hill by the patrole guardsy colonel Maxwell advanced immediately with what forces he could collect towards the enemy, - with design to retake the howitzers, and to cooperate with general Fawcet, of whose retreat he had no suspicion. When he arrived within can* " non-shot of the rebels, he found that the howitzers had been drawn to tbe top of the ridge^

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 62

42. Insurgent sloop scuttled and prisoners confined in harbour, Wexford

    near Wexford Harbour · estuary · Wexford · 1798–1799

    A sloop fitted out by insurgents was condemned as unfit, sunk in the harbour, then used to hold prisoners including the letter's author for five weeks in appalling wet, rat-infested conditions before his eventual acquittal at the Wexford assizes.

    Read the passage

    attempt to expose his error again, and gave up the point ; so that I imagine this public document will be equally convincing to you, as I send it to you along with all the proceedings of the catholic committee relating to this event, for your perusal, as I should wish your avowal to proceed from the most perfect information on the subject. Although I profess the Romaa catholic religion, I should not be of that communion one single hour were their tenets as they are represented, through that baneful prejudice so prevalent in Ireland, that proves such an effectual draw back to the otherwise infalliable prosperity of the country, and I cannot sufficiently lament to see so industriously circulated^ as it only serves to keep alive those prejudices that all liberal men see through and reprobate as a pest to society. A sloop had been fitted out by the insurgents, but twice condemned as totally unfit for that service, was hauled on one side in the harbour, where she sunk within a foot of her deck, and remained in that situation for a month, when she was pumped out, and I was on the same day, without trial or inquiry, sent on board along with those that had been tried, and] sentenced to transportation. The wet straw was left in the hold and a little dry straw shook over it, which our walking on soon made as bad as the rest, so that it was not possible to sit or lie down without

    Ff

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 200

43. Lord Cornwallis's arrival in Dublin marks change in policy

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

    On 20 June 1798, Lord Cornwallis made a modest entrance into Dublin as the new Lord Lieutenant, replacing Lord Camden. His arrival led to a proclamation offering protection to rebels who surrendered arms and took the oath of allegiance.

    Read the passage

    On the 20th of June, lord Cornwallis made his important and very modest entrance into the capital ; and soon after lord Camden made his pompous exit from the kingdom with triumphal parade. — In a few days a proclamation was issued, and on the 3d of July inserted in the Dublin Gazette, authorizing his majesty's generals to give protection to such insurgents as, being simply guilty of rebellion, should surrender their arms, abjure all unlawful engagements, and take the oath of allegiance to the king. How necessary was at that time such a step, could be a question of no difficulty to those who, viewing dispassionately the state of affairs, considered what numbers had been seduced into the conspiracy by artifice, and forced into rebellion by unfortunate circumstances. To give the full sanction of law to this necessary measure, a message was delivered from his excellency to the

    252 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, on 20 June 1798, saw Lord Cornwallis make a modest entrance as the new Lord Lieutenant, while Lord Camden departed with what the source calls 'triumphal parade.' Within days a proclamation was issued, published in the Dublin Gazette on 3 July, authorizing the king's generals to grant protection to insurgents who surrendered their arms, abjured unlawful engagements, and took the oath of allegiance. The measure was aimed at those the source says had been 'seduced into the conspiracy by artifice, and forced into rebellion by unfortunate circumstances.'

44. Lord Kingsborough and prisoners confined in Wexford under threat of death

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    The author, taken prisoner with Lord Kingsborough and captain O'Hea on 2 June 1798, was confined in a house in Wexford under guard, fearing death from the fury of the crowd against Kingsborough, while Edward Hay repeatedly intervened to protect them.

    Read the passage

    IN compliance with your request, and having received a summons to attend your trial, I shall relate the circumstances I recollect of your conduct during the rebellion, which I send you immediately, as you mention you want to have your instructions made cut for your lawyers, previous to the assizes. I was taken prisoner along with Lord Kingsborough and captain O'llea, on the second day of June, 1798, we were confined together in a house in Wexford, with a strong guard over us ; from the great fury of the people against Lord Kingsborough^ we expected every moment to be put to death; Mr. Edward Hay visited us frequently, and we clearly perceived his disposition to afford us every consolation in his power, as he took every opportunity he could of softening our captivity, and has frequently conducted my family to see ine, at a time it was extremely dangerous to seem or "appear friendly to us. Whenever we experienced any kind of distress, we always sent for Mr. Ha}7, who readily came to us, and never left us, without being convinced that he would do }iis utmost to be of service to us. I have every reason to believe, that he saved our lives, on several occasions, when the m,ob were for bringing us out, and putting us to death. One day, in particular, I perfectly recollect his standing with his back to the door of the house in.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, this town holds a story from 2 June 1798, when the author of this account was taken prisoner along with Lord Kingsborough and Captain O'Hea. They were confined together in a house in Wexford with a strong guard over them. The fury of the people against Lord Kingsborough was so great that they expected every moment to be put to death. Mr. Edward Hay visited them frequently, and they could see his disposition to afford them every consolation in his power. He softened their captivity and brought the author's family to see him at a time when it was extremely dangerous to appear friendly to them. Whenever they experienced distress, they sent for Hay, who readily came and never left without convincing them he would do his utmost to help. The author had every reason to believe Hay saved their lives on several occasions when the mob wanted to bring them out and put them to death. He recalls one day in particular when Hay stood with his back to the door of the house.

45. Loyal Durham Fensibles' plundering march from Gorey to Vinegar Hill

    Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

    During the march from Gorey to Vinegar Hill, soldiers of the Loyal Durham Fensibles plundered Magauley's shop at Oulart, scrambling for brass money from the till, an anecdote related by lieutenant Gibbs about military misconduct during the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    These officers, while they remained in the Neighbourhood of Gorey, were in the habit of speaking contemptuously of general Needham, \vhom they seldom honoured with any other appellation than that of general Needless ; and told many stories of piano-fortes, jaunting cars, cows, horses, &c. but one which lieutenant Gibbs related, was so extraordinary that few believed it ; that in the plundering of Magauley's shop at Oulart, in the march from Gorey to Vinegar-hill, a scramble was made for the brass money in the till or drawer of the counter.

    I shall take leave at present of the Loyal Durham Fensibles with this observation, that in no other regiment could ever probably have been more strongly exemplified how much the behaviour of soldiers and subaltern officers depends on the principles and conduct of their commander. Its discipline was really excellent until the departure from it of general Skerrett, its colonel, to Newfoundland. After that, in a long sickness of colonel Bainbridge, and his long absence in England, the change was amazing. One out of many instances may suffice. Mr,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 208

46. Massacre of thirty-six protestants on Bloody Friday at Gorey

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    James Pippard, deputy sovereign of Gorey, affirmed in affidavit the massacre of thirty-six protestants on Bloody Friday, though the author notes many Catholics had also been killed that day in and about Gorey, some kin to the later perpetrators.

    Read the passage

    The facts asserted in the affidavits and narratives of respectable persons, such as Mrs. Heydon, (see page 95 — 97 of the appendix) are absolutely unquestionable: but other facts might also be related, which in some cases would give a somewhat different complexion to affairs. Thus the massacre of thirty-six protestants on Bloody Friday, affirmed in the affidavit of James Pippard, deputy sovereign of Gorey, (page 147) is unquestionable : but we are not informed in this affidavit, that a considerable number of Romanists had that day been put to death, in and about Gorey, some of whom were kinsmen of those who were most active afterwards in this massacre of the protestants. But, perhaps, the reader will say, these Romanists who had been slaughtered were rebels. Doubtless some of them were, and well deserved their fate; yet the feelings of rebels and their kinsmen may be similiar to those of loyalists, and they may in like manner endeavour to retaliate. That all, however, were guilty, may be doubtful, since a few, who were brought into the town for slaughter, were liberated at the intercession of some humane yeomen, who knew them to be innocent. One Toole, who was one of the most active in this massacre of the pro*

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 191

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Gorey, a town in Wexford with a grim chapter from 1798. On what came to be called Bloody Friday, thirty-six Protestants were massacred here. James Pippard, the deputy sovereign of Gorey, affirmed it in affidavit. But the record leaves out something else that day. A considerable number of Catholics had also been put to death in and about Gorey, some of them kinsmen of those who were most active afterwards in the massacre of the Protestants. The author of the source suggests that not all of those Catholics were guilty. A few who were brought into the town for slaughter were liberated at the intercession of humane yeomen who knew them to be innocent. One man named Toole was among the most active in the killing that followed.

47. Murder of Grey Thomas on Vinegar Hill by John Hay

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    John Hay murdered a man called Grey Thomas on Vinegar Hill, an act the author attributes to private grievance rather than purely religious hatred, though he considers it the clearest case of a Catholic gentleman committing murder from religious motives.

    Read the passage

    In page 370 he plainly insinuates, that all those among the rebels who were above the rank of the vulgar, some of whom he particularizes by name, were guilty of, or consenting «,to, the massacre of protestants. John Hay, however, who, to the infamy of his memory, murdered a man called Grey Thomas, on Vinegar-hill, was the only Romish gentleman whom I consider, from what I have heard, as guilty of murder, from motives of religious hatred ; yet I am informed, that even this murder arose from a private pique in Hay. Some, whose names I have already mentioned, were certainly men of active humanity ; and some were never near any scene of massacre at the time of its perpetration. Of this piece of fortune several have since good cause to be glad, since their successful interference to prevent murder might have been brought against them as a proof of their Tiaving a command among the rebels, and might have

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Vinegar Hill here in Wexford. In 1798, during the rebellion, a man called John Hay murdered someone named Grey Thomas on this hill. The author of one history of the rebellion calls Hay the only Romish gentleman he considers guilty of murder from religious hatred, though he also notes he was informed the killing arose from a private pique. So even this clearest case, in his view, may have had a personal motive behind it.

48. Napper Tandy Lands at Rutland Island, Donegal

    Rutland Island or Inishmacadurn · townland · Donegal · 1798

    A French brig arrived at the little isle of Rutland near the north-west coast of Donegal on 16 September 1798, landing James Napper Tandy, now a French general of brigade, who found the rebellion already crushed and re-embarked for France.

    Read the passage

    The famous Theobald Wolfe Tone, captured in a French vessel, in an expedition to the coast of Ireland still more abortive than that of Humbert, survived not long his brother Matthew. The little army of Humbert had been intended only to be a vanguard of a much more formidable force, which was in a short time to follow. Providentially for the safety of the British empire, the French administrators were as tardy in seconding the operations of Humbert, as they had been in seconding those of the southern rebels of Ireland. The want of money is assigned as the cause of delay in the equipment of the second fleet, and in the interim, before its appearance on the Irish coast, a brig from France arrived at the little isle of Rutland, near the north-west coast of Donegal, on the 16th of September, and landed its crew ; among whom was James Napper Tandy, formerly mentioned in this work, now bearing the title of general of brigade in the French service. Informed of the surrender of Humbert's troops, and unable to excite an insurrection by their manifestoes in that quarter^

    inrsH REBELLION. 337

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 165

49. National Congress convened in Dublin, 1783

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1783

    The volunteer movement swelled into a national assembly composed of delegates from the several counties, held in Dublin under the title of congress. Its petition was rejected by parliament in November of that year.

    Read the passage

    removed, many among the Irish extended their views to a wider sphere of political freedom. A provincial assembly, first convened at Dungannon, in Ulster, on the fifteenth of February, 1782, consisting of the representatives of a hundred and forty-three volunteer corps, with design, among other objects, to plan and petition for a parliamentary reform, or a more equal representation of the commons in parliament, swelled in 1783 into a national assembly, composed of delegates from the several counties, and held in Dublin under the invidious title of congress; invidious undoubtedly,, since under the conduct of an assembly so denominated, the British colonies of North America had recently, by a successful Avar against the power of Britain, established an independent republic in the western hemisphere.

    The failure of this measure in November, the same year, when the petition of congress was contemptuously rejected by parliament, was attributed to the weakness of national disunion, the triple partition of the people divided by the religious antipathies of protestants, protestant dissenters, and Roman catholics. If all these discordant sects could be persuaded virtually to abandon religious distinctions in a pursuit of political reform, and cordially to coalesce with steady determination in their demands, parliament was imagined to be incapable of withholding its consent. As the main strength of the nation, in respect to number, was.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1783 saw the volunteer movement grow into something larger. What had begun as a provincial assembly at Dungannon in Ulster the year before, with representatives of 143 volunteer corps petitioning for parliamentary reform, now swelled into a national assembly of delegates from the several counties, held here under the title of congress. That title was called invidious, because an assembly so named had recently led the British colonies of North America to establish an independent republic through a successful war against Britain. In November of that year, parliament contemptuously rejected the petition of congress. The failure was put down to national disunion, the people partitioned three ways by the religious antipathies of Protestants, Protestant dissenters, and Roman Catholics. Had those discordant sects abandoned religious distinctions and coalesced with steady determination in their demands, parliament was imagined incapable of withholding its consent.

50. Near-execution of Rev. Williamson at Kilclare

    Kilclare · townland · Offaly · 1798

    A protestant clergyman, Mr. Williamson of Kilclare, who had been spared by rebels through the intervention of a Roman Catholic priest, was nearly hanged by loyalist soldiers who mistook him for a rebel, and was saved only by his brother-in-law's intervention.

    Read the passage

    This eagerness of the soldiery for the slaughter of unresisting rebels, was often fatal to loyalr ists; for frequently some of the latter were prisoners with the former, and being found among them by the troops., were not always distinguished from them. A remarkable instance, in the march pf this army, was on the point of having place in the melancholy catalogue which might be authentically formed. A protestant clergyman of an amiable character, Mr. Williamson of Kilclare, who had fallen into the hands of the insurgents, and been saved from slaughter by the humanity of a Roman catholic priest, was, as having been spared by the rebels, deemed a rebel by the soldiery, who were proceeding instantly to hang him, when they were in a critical moment prevented by the interference of his brother-in-law, colonel Sankey.

    While, by the above-mentioned operations, the, communication was in great measure laid

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 55

51. O'Dowd of Mayo executed at Ballinamuck

    near Ballinamuck · population centre · Longford · 1798

    O'Dowd, one of the rebel leaders and a man of some estate in county Mayo, was almost the only gentleman who took arms with the rebels, and paid for it with his life after the defeat at Ballinamuck.

    Read the passage

    exception a most ignoble set of men. " Bellew, fi their earliest officer, was a drunken brute to " whom nobody paid obedience, even before he " was turned out of office by the commandant. " Little better, either for talent or sobriety, was " O'Dowd, a man of some estate in the county, <c and almost the only gentleman that took arms " with the rebels, for which he paid the forfeit "of his life at Ball in amuck. Mr. Richard " Bourke of Ballina had some military, know- " ledge, was a' good drill serjeant, firm in com- " bat, and popular; so that he might have done <£ the harm he wished, if the habitual stupefac- " tion of drink had not been an overmatch for " his malice, O'Donnel knew nothing of arms, " nor was he likely to learn the profession " quickly, his petulance making him unfit for " discipline. Yet the vulgar, who can discern " in others what they have not in themselves, " followed this young man more readily than <c any other who pretended to lead them, because " they saw he had more sense, more command of " himself, and more moderation in the exercise " of authority. Even the loyalists at Killala " acknowledged obligation to him for the in-. <c dustry with which they saw him exert him* " self to prevent pillage, patroling the streets oil <c horseback for several nights together, and " withholding both by threats and persuasion

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 157

52. Rebel attack on Antrim town

    near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1798

    Insurgents attacked Antrim on 7 June 1798 during a magistrates' meeting, nearly capturing the town before royal cavalry were repulsed with heavy losses. Colonel Durham brought artillery to bombard the town, forcing the rebels to abandon it along with captured guns.

    Read the passage

    One of these insurrections was in the county of Antrim, in the neighbourhood of the town of that name, on the 7th of June. A meeting of magistrates being appointed to be held on that day in Antrim, for the prevention of rebellion, the insurgents, with design of seizing the persons, of these, attacked the town at two o'clock in the afternoon, and soon overpowering the troops within; it, very nearly gained possession. Majorgeneral Nugent, who commanded in that district,, having received intelligence of the intended rising, and the immediate object of it, had ordered a body of troops to march to Antrim, who arrived too late to prevent the rebels from the execution of their design ia the attack of the town. They then attacked the insurgents in the town, but their van-guard, consisting of cavalry, being repulsed with the loss of twentythree men killed and wounded, of whom three were officers, colonel Durham, who commanded the troops, brought the artillery to batter the

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 97

53. Rebel attack on Enniscorthy begins at Duffry-gate

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    About seven thousand rebels arrived at Enniscorthy and attacked at one o'clock, using cattle driven before them to disorder the ranks of the yeoman infantry defending the Duffry-gate, a stratagem echoing tactics used at Tara Hill.

    Read the passage

    under Father John, marched from Oulart, flushed "with victory, and perpetually augmented on its way by new accessions. They first took possession of Camolin, a small town six miles westward of Gorey, the loyal inhabitants of which had taken refuge in the latter; and thence advanced to Ferns two miles further, whence the loyalists had fled, six miles southward to En'niscorthy, whither they were followed by the rebels. The number of the latter, on their arrival at Enniscorthy, which they attacked at one o'clock in the afternoon, amounted to about seven thousand, of whom about eight hundred were armed with guns.* The town, situate on both sides of the river Slaney, was garrisoned by about tw6 hundred and ninety men, consisting of militia, yeoman infantry and cavalry, beside some volunteers. At the western side of the town, called the Duffry-gate, whither the yeoman infantry had marched to meet them, the rebels, driving before them a number of horses and other cattle to disorder the ranks of their oponents, a stratagem which had been practised by other bodies of insurgents at Tara-hill and elsewhere, f and rais-

    * A large quantity of lire arms had been sent at such a time to Camolin, and left in such a manner, as to answer the same purpose to the rebels as if they had been sent designedly for their use ; the intention doubtless was quite otherwise, as it was done by the management of Earl Mountnorris.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 57

54. Rebel rout at Hacketstown

    Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

    At Hacketstown, county Carlow, a garrison feigned retreat into the barrack, luring the rebels into confusion before a sudden charge by yeomen completely routed a force of over three thousand rebels with the loss of perhaps two hundred of their men.

    Read the passage

    lieutenant Gardiner, and a body of yeomen under captain Hardy, being apprized of the approach of the insurgents, inarched out to meet them ; but on sight of the enemy, whose number appeared to be above three thousand, the troops retreated, lest they should be surrounded, and took refuge in the barrack. This> as the event soon proved, answered the purpose of a feint. The rebels, from joy of their imagined victory, raised a vehement shout, and rushing forward in the utmost confusion, were on the sudden arrival of captain Hume, with thirty of his yeomen, charged with such address and spirit as to be completely routed, with the loss of perhaps two hundred of their men ; while not one of the loyalists was hurt, except a soldier who received a contusion on the arm ; and lieutenant Gardiner, who was violently bruised by the stroke of a stone on the breast

    While the rebellion was thus checked in its extension south-westward of the capital, exertions were made, and arrangements to suppress it, on the northern and western sides. In consequence of these arrangements, on the evening of the 26th, a large body of rebels assembled on the hill of Tarah, in the county of Meath, situate eighteen miles northward of Dublin, was completely routed, with the slaughter, we are told, of three hundred and fifty of their men, found dead on the field of battle, together with their

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

55. Rebels nearly surprise Granard before defenders arrive

    Granard · townland · Longford · 1798

    A body of two or three thousand rebels from Westmeath and Longford, led by deserter yeoman lieutenant Alexander Denniston, advanced on Granard on the morning of 5 September 1798, nearly surprising the town before Captain Cottingham's yeomen arrived to defend it.

    Read the passage

    metropolis. The united conspiracy had been embraced by multitudes i« the neighbouring counties, particularly in that of Longford, where men of property had espoused the cause. Their plan is said to have been to rise at the summons of their chiefs in the neighbourhood of Granard, to seize that post, and then with augmented hosts, to attack the town of Cavan, where considerable stores of arms and ammunition were deposited. They nearly surprised the former town ; a body said to consist of six thousand, but probably two or three thousand, inhabitants of the counties of Westmeath and Longford, very few of them armed with guns, advancing against it in the morning of the 5th of September, before any considerable force could be procured for its protection. Most critically, captain Cottingham of the Cavan and Ballyhaise yeoman infantry, arrived with eighty-five men for its defence, after an extremely expeditious march from Cavan, between seven and eight o'clock in the morning, when the rebels had come within sight of the town, under the conduct of Alexander Denniston, a yeoman lieutenant of the Mastrim cavalry, who had deserted his troop to join the insurgents.

    Cottingham 's force, composed wholly of yeomen, consisted of only a hundred and fifty-seven infantry and forty-nine cavalry. He chose a strong position between the assailants and the town, on the hill on which Cranard is built; but

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 142

56. Surrender of Wexford town to Lord Kingsborough

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    After the battle of Fook's Mill, Mr. Hay negotiated with the principal inhabitants of Wexford to surrender the town to Lord Kingsborough as military commander, with Dr. Jacob reassuming the office of Mayor. This averted destruction of the town by approaching government forces.

    Read the passage

    smallest doubt would agree to facilitate the plan ; it being then late at night, he promised to return early in the morning, to set off with lord Kingsborough ; who was so anxious to have the project carried into execution, that he was dressed in full regimentals, and completely ready to set off at three o'clock in the morning of the 21st of June, 1798, at which time he sent for Mr. Hay, who immediately attending, represented to lord Kingsborough the danger of his going out equipped as he was, and that it would prove their inevitable destruction if they went without the consent of the people, Lord Kingsborough then entreated Mr. Hay to hasten a meeting of the principal inhabitants, and to have the drum beat to arms, and the men would speedily repair to parade, where their consent might be obtained, for there was no. time to be lost, as the smallest delay might prove the destruction of the town and all its inhabitants. Mr. Hay instantly complied, and returned with an account of the Wexforcl men having agreed to the plan, with the greatest alacrity ; and it had been further proposed, that lord Kingsborough should not leave the town, which should be instantly surrendered to him, as military commander ; and that doctor Jacob should reassume the office of Mayor, all of which was immediately carried into effect, with some opposition on the part of captain Keugh, who wanted to retain the command, but

    APPENDIX, NO^VIIT. 443

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 204

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Wexford, the town carries a story from June 1798. Lord Kingsborough was anxious to carry out a plan and was dressed in full regimentals, ready to set off at three o'clock on the morning of the 21st of June. He sent for Mr. Hay, who came at once and told him it would be dangerous to go out equipped as he was, and that going without the consent of the people would prove their inevitable destruction. Lord Kingsborough entreated Mr. Hay to hasten a meeting of the principal inhabitants, to have the drum beat to arms, and the men would speedily repair to the parade, where their consent might be obtained. He said there was no time to be lost, as the smallest delay might prove the destruction of the town and all its inhabitants. Mr. Hay complied and returned with word that the Wexford men had agreed to the plan with the greatest alacrity. It was further proposed that Lord Kingsborough should not leave the town, which should be instantly surrendered to him as military commander, and that Doctor Jacob should reassume the office of Mayor. All of this was immediately carried into effect, with some opposition from Captain Keugh, who wanted to retain the command.

57. Surviving Wexford prisoners freed after rebel withdrawal

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Following the army's arrival, about one hundred and forty surviving prisoners who had been fed only cows' heads and potatoes were set free; roughly one hundred and one loyalists were believed to have been massacred during the rebel occupation of Wexford.

    Read the passage

    power, they had been induced by the management of sbme chiefs, particularly Mr. Keugh> who awaited the arrival of the king's troops, hoping doubtless that the services rendered on this occasion might procure him impunity. Detachments of the army soon following captain Boyd, the surviving prisoners, to the number of about one hundred and forty, who had been miserably fed with cows' heads and potatoes, were, to their inexpressible joy, set at liberty* What number had been massacred during the whole time of the rebels possession, I cannot state with accuracy, but I believe it to have amounted to one hundred and one*

    While the surviving loyalists in Wexford were rejoicing at their deliverance, a very tragic scene was acted in Gorey, On the departure of general Needham from the latter town to Vinegar-hill, on the 20th of June, he had sent an express to captain Holmes, of the Durham regiment, who commanded in Arklow^ ordering -him to dispatch immediately to Gorey that part of the Gorey cavalry who remained in Arklow, and informing him, that on their arrival at their place of destination, they should find an officer to command them, and a large force with which they were to unite. By the same express the Gorey infantry were ordered to remain in Arklow; but these, and the refugee inhabitants of Gorey, hearing of a large force to protect their town,4were so impa>

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Wexford, this town was held by rebels in 1798 until the king's troops arrived. A man named Mr. Keugh had awaited the army's coming, hoping the services he rendered on this occasion might procure him impunity. When detachments of the army followed Captain Boyd into the town, about 140 surviving prisoners were set free. They had been miserably fed on cows' heads and potatoes, and their liberty brought them inexpressible joy. The number massacred during the whole time of rebel possession cannot be stated with accuracy, but the author believes it amounted to 101. While the surviving loyalists in Wexford were rejoicing at their deliverance, a tragic scene was being acted in Gorey. On the 20th of June, General Needham departed Gorey for Vinegar Hill. He sent an express to Captain Holmes of the Durham regiment, who commanded in Arklow, ordering him to dispatch immediately to Gorey that part of the Gorey cavalry who remained in Arklow. He informed Holmes that on their arrival they should find an officer to command them and a large force with which to unite. By the same express, the Gorey infantry were ordered to remain in Arklow. But these soldiers and the refugee inhabitants of Gorey, hearing of a large force to protect their town, were so impatient that the record breaks off there.

58. Burning of Father Murphy's Body at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Gordon references the controversial burning of Father Murphy's body at Arklow, an event 'known to many,' and challenges Sir Richard Musgrave to produce sworn testimony from Cavan militia officers denying involvement of the Ancient British regiment.

    Read the passage

    h These officers are to swear, that no officer or soldier of the Ancient British regiment was within a mile of Father Murphy's body when it was burned at Arklow. Such an oath will merit the best commissions. Durham promotion will certainly be proverbial. I should be sorry (for the honour of the North of Ireland) that Cavan promotion shculd accompany it.

    XXX PREFACE.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Arklow now. In 1798, Father Murphy's body was burned here, an event the author calls known to many. He dared Sir Richard Musgrave to get sworn testimony from Cavan militia officers that no soldier of the Ancient British regiment was within a mile of the body when it was burned.

59. Captain Gormaghan forces the Francis family to chapel at Killegny

    Killegney · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A rebel calling himself captain Gormaghan invaded the house of Rev. Samuel Francis, rector of Killegny, threatened to cut off his son's arm for failing to make the sign of the cross properly, and forced the family to the Romish chapel, declaring only one religion could be professed.

    Read the passage

    Of the difference between the superior and inferior classes of Romanists, the following is an instance. A labouring peasant, who took the title of captain Gormaghan, went one Sunday morning into the house of the Rev. Samuel Francis, rector of Killegny, and after threatening to cut off the arm of a son of Mr. Francis, because he could not dextrously sign his forehead with a cross in the Romanist manner, drove out the whole family before him to the Romish chapel, declaring that no religion, except that alone which God permitted, must any longer be professed. The Fitzhenry family, who formed part of the congregation, were at this scene evidently affected with deep concern, which they endeavoured to conceal from the unfeeling crowd. They advised in whispers the distressed family to endeavour to hide their grief from the fanatic mob; and administered such comfort as the fear of offending the ignorant bigots permitted. That this captain Gormaghan has never been molested since the rebellion, is a strong proof of the moderation of the protestants of this parish; as also one Michael Wicken, and one Philip Dillon, who insisted on having these protestants put to death.

    406 APPENDIX, NO V.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 190

60. Humbert's threat against the bishop of Killala over transport

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    General Humbert, unable to procure boats and carts for transporting artillery and stores from the ships at Killala, threatened the bishop with being sent prisoner to France until the necessary vehicles' owners came forward.

    Read the passage

    " support; a promise which, as long els these (l troops continued in Killala, was most religiously " observed, excepting only a small sally of ill " humour or roughness on the part of the com- €C mander toward the bishop. !' The cause of this piece of roughness was, that boats for the transportation of the artillery and stores from the ships, and cars and horses for the forwarding of them by land, could not be procured by the general, by the offer of high prices or other means, till addressing the bishop as the principal personage, and telling him that he must procure these nesessaries for him, he pretended, on the failure of a commission which the bishop could not execute, to burst into a violent rage, and to send his lordship a prisoner to France. This produced the effect intended. The owners of the requisite vehicles immediately made their appearance to save the bishop, who received the apology of the general for the severity with which the situation of his affairs had constrained him to act.

    The candid writer thus describes the little army of invaders. " Intelligence, activity, temperance, " patience, to a surprising degree, appeared to " be combined in the soldiery that came over (( with Humbert, together with the. exactest *' obedience to discipline. Yet, if you except " the grenadiers, they had nothing to catch the " eye. Their stature for the most part was low,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Killala in Mayo, where in 1798 General Humbert landed with his small French force. He needed boats to move artillery and stores from the ships, and carts and horses to carry them by land, but could not get them even by offering high prices. So he turned on the bishop as the principal personage in the town and demanded he produce what was needed. When the bishop failed, Humbert flew into a violent rage and threatened to send his lordship a prisoner to France. That produced the effect he intended. The owners of the requisite vehicles immediately made their appearance to save the bishop, and Humbert apologized for the severity with which the situation of his affairs had constrained him to act. The soldiers who came over with Humbert were described as having intelligence, activity, temperance, and patience to a surprising degree, together with the exactest obedience to discipline, though their stature for the most part was low.