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. John Elgee saved by grateful peasants in Wexford town

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   John Elgee, rector of Wexford, was with difficulty saved from death by the gratitude of some of the lowest peasants, in return for his humane treatment of prisoners held in the gaol of that town.

   Read the passage

   have added a short appendix in proof of this point, and as an illustration of the atrocious practices of that calamitous period. — Of ten protestant clergymen who fell into the hands of the insurgents in the county of Wexford, five were put to death without mercy or hesitation — Robert Burro wes, Francis Turner, Samuel Heydon,* John Pentland, and Thomas Trocke — all men of regular conduct, and quite inoffensive. Joshua Nunn, rector of Enniscorthy, was preserved under the protection of Father Sutton of Enniscorthy. Roger Owen, rector of Camolin, escaped by feigning to be deranged in his understanding. This clergyman has given, since the rebellion, full proof of a genuine spirit of Christian charity, of which I had before believed him possessed. Though treated with such cruelty by the rebels, that he could hardly be expected to survive his hardships, he has endeavoured since, as far as in his power, to mitigate the rage of the lower classes of protestants, who have been too apt to regard all Romanists in the same light. John Elgee, rector of Wexford, was with difficulty saved from death by the gratitude of some of the lowest peasants, for his humanity to prisoners in the goal of that town. Henry Wilson, incumbent of Mulranken, was with

   * 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

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Wexford town, you are travelling through a place marked by the rebellion of 1798. Ten Protestant clergymen in county Wexford fell into the hands of the insurgents that year, and five were put to death without mercy. Among those who survived was John Elgee, rector of Wexford. He was saved from death, though only with difficulty, by the gratitude of some of the lowest peasants, in return for his humane treatment of prisoners held in the gaol of this town. Others survived by different means. Joshua Nunn, rector of Enniscorthy, was preserved under the protection of Father Sutton. Roger Owen, rector of Camolin, escaped by feigning derangement. The rebellion spared some and destroyed others, and in Elgee's case it was the kindness he had shown to prisoners that brought him through alive.

2. Joshua Nunn saved by Father Sutton in Enniscorthy

   Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Joshua Nunn, rector of Enniscorthy, was preserved from death during the rebellion under the protection of Father Sutton of Enniscorthy.

   Read the passage

   have added a short appendix in proof of this point, and as an illustration of the atrocious practices of that calamitous period. — Of ten protestant clergymen who fell into the hands of the insurgents in the county of Wexford, five were put to death without mercy or hesitation — Robert Burro wes, Francis Turner, Samuel Heydon,* John Pentland, and Thomas Trocke — all men of regular conduct, and quite inoffensive. Joshua Nunn, rector of Enniscorthy, was preserved under the protection of Father Sutton of Enniscorthy. Roger Owen, rector of Camolin, escaped by feigning to be deranged in his understanding. This clergyman has given, since the rebellion, full proof of a genuine spirit of Christian charity, of which I had before believed him possessed. Though treated with such cruelty by the rebels, that he could hardly be expected to survive his hardships, he has endeavoured since, as far as in his power, to mitigate the rage of the lower classes of protestants, who have been too apt to regard all Romanists in the same light. John Elgee, rector of Wexford, was with difficulty saved from death by the gratitude of some of the lowest peasants, for his humanity to prisoners in the goal of that town. Henry Wilson, incumbent of Mulranken, was with

   * 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

3. Killing of Mr. Pentland and Others at Vinegar Hill Windmill

   near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

   James Hunt testified that he witnessed Mr. Pentland brought out of the windmill on Vinegar Hill and put to death by a man called Conners, acting on the order of Morgan Byrne who stood outside the mill door on Whitsunday during the rebellion.

   Read the passage

   A. I was. I was a prisoner to the rebels, who .kept me just outside the mill door. Q. What did you see done there ? A. I saw a man, called Mr. Pentland, brought out, and put to death by one Conners. Q. By whose order was he brought out ? A. By order of Morgan Byrne, who was butside the mill door.

   Cc

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 180

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass Vinegar Hill, you are near the windmill where, on Whitsunday in 1798, James Hunt was held prisoner by the rebels just outside the mill door. He saw a man called Mr. Pentland brought out and put to death by one Conners, on the order of Morgan Byrne, who stood beside the mill door.

4. Napper Tandy Tried at Lifford Assizes

   Lifford · townland · Donegal · 1801

   James Napper Tandy, arrested at Hamburgh and returned to Ireland, was tried at Lifford at the Spring assizes of 1801, pleaded guilty, and received the king's pardon on condition of emigration to France.

   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

5. O'Donnel of Erris patrols Killala to prevent pillage

   Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

   O'Donnel, a rebel leader from the country of Erris, patrolled the streets of Killala on horseback for several nights to prevent looting, earning gratitude even from loyalists for his efforts against plunder.

   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

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up on Killala in Mayo. In 1798, this town saw O'Donnel, a young man from Erris, take a leading part among the rebels. He knew nothing of arms and was not likely to learn the profession quickly, his petulance making him unfit for discipline. Yet the common people followed him more readily than 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. Other rebel officers cut poor figures. Bellew, their earliest officer, was a drunken brute to whom nobody paid obedience, even before he was turned out of office by the commandant. O'Dowd, a man of some estate in the county and almost the only gentleman who took arms with the rebels, paid the forfeit of his life at Ballinamuck. Richard Bourke of Ballina had some military knowledge, was a good drill sergeant, firm in combat, and popular, and might have done the harm he wished if the habitual stupefaction of drink had not been an overmatch for his malice. But O'Donnel earned the gratitude even of the loyalists at Killala. They acknowledged obligation to him for the industry with which they saw him exert himself to prevent pillage, patroling the streets on horseback for several nights together, and withholding both by threats and persuasion.

6. Rebel assault on Hacketstown repulsed

   Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

   United rebel forces under Perry and Garret Byrne attacked Hacketstown at five in the morning on 25 June; after nine hours of failed attempts to storm the barrack and a fortified house, the rebels retreated with heavy losses.

   Read the passage

   number, into the barrack. The houses were tired by the rebels, except one in which a few determined loyalists, with Mr. Magee, a clergyman, had taken post. After vainly repeated attempts, during nine hours, to force the barrack, and the garrisoned house by which it was flanked, the rebels retired, but retreated not wholly from the scene of action till seven o'clock in the evening. The loss of the loyalists, "who after the repulse of the rebels retired all to Tullow, eight miles distant, was ten slain, and twenty wounded. That of the rebels, exposed so long to a galling fire, may, perhaps, have been near two hundred, among whom was Michael Reynolds, who had led the rebels to Naas in the first morning of the rebellion. Among the slain of the loyalists was captain Hardy, of the Hacketstown yeoman infantry. We must admit that the garrison could not possibly have maintained its post if the assailants had been furnished with cannon ; but these engines had never been used by the rebels of the county of Wicklow, and the Wexfordians- in their flight had left . all theirs behind. We cannot without pleasure observe, that in the midst of so atrocious a warfare, many instances occurred of respectful treatment of the fair sex, one of which had place in this attack. The wife and two adult daughters of lieutenant Chamney, and the wife of captain Hardy, vho had early in the action-

   IKISH REBELLION. £0?

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

7. Romanist townspeople protect Gorey from plunder

   Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

   Although Gorey was full of goods vulnerable to plunder, the better sort of Romanist inhabitants formed guards to protect their protestant neighbours' houses, and a mob intent on plundering the town dispersed on false rumor of an approaching cavalry regiment.

   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

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 70

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming up on Gorey, a town in Wexford. In 1798 it was full of goods that people had carried in from the surrounding countryside for safekeeping, and it had no garrison to defend it. When a mob gathered at some distance meaning to plunder the place, the better sort of Romanist inhabitants formed themselves into guards to protect the houses of their Protestant neighbours. The mob dispersed on a false rumour of an approaching cavalry regiment, and Gorey was spared. Not everything nearby passed so quietly. Yeomen had returned to the town for a time before retreating to Arklow, and one of them rode over gunpowder spilled on the pavement by the militia in their hasty retreat. A spark from a horse's shoe blew it up and singed both horse and man in a frightful manner, though without fatal effects. Six men taken prisoner that morning, unarmed, had been shot through the body and left for dead in the street. One of them, lying against a wall unable to speak, threatened with his fist a Protestant who had run back into the town for something he had forgotten.

8. Skirmish at Charlotte-grove near Gorey

   Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

   Retreating rebels under Perry, seeking vengeance for the Gorey killings, were met near Charlotte-grove by a small government force under 20-year-old Lieutenant Gordon, who killed seven rebels before retreating through Gorey toward Arklow.

   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 are coming through Gorey, where one of the darker episodes of 1798 played out. A small cavalry party, only seventeen men, arrived in the town to find no officers or soldiers stationed there. They scoured the countryside anyway and killed about fifty men they found in their houses or straggling homeward from the rebel army. On the 22nd, around 500 rebels under Perry, retreating from Wexford and heading for the Wicklow mountains, heard of this slaughter and the weakness of those who committed it. They ran at full speed for the town, determined on vengeance. A twenty-year-old lieutenant named Gordon marched his fourteen infantry and the cavalry out to meet them and took position near a place called Charlotte-grove. They fired volleys and killed seven rebels, but saw they would be surrounded and destroyed if they held it. Each horseman took a footman up behind him and they fled through the town toward Arklow.

9. Wexford surrender proposal rejected by General Moore

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   Inhabitants of Wexford sent proposals via captives to surrender the town in exchange for guarantees of life and property, but General Moore did not respond and marched his army to Wexford instead of Taghmon.

   Read the passage

   Taghmon, when captain M'Manus, of the Antrim, and lieutenant Hay, of the North-Cork militia, who had been prisoners with the rebels, arrived with proposals from the inhabitants of Wexford to surrender the town, and to return to their allegiance, provided that their lives and properties should be guaranteed by the commanding* officer. To these proposals, which were forwarded to his superior commander, no answer was returned by general Moore; but, instead of proceeding to Taghmon, he immediately directed his march to Wexford, and stationed his army within a mile of that town.

   The loyalists of Wexford, like those of Enniscorthy, had, since the place had fallen into the hands of the insurgents, been in a $tatp of woe and incessant fear. Of a vast number of • protestants assembled in this place, inhabitants of the town, and refugees and prisoners from several parts of the country, two hundred and sixty were confined in the goal, and other places of imprisonment; the rest were prisoners in their houses, under perpetual apprehensions, of being shot, piked, or starved to death. Among the latter, was the Rev. John Elgee, rector of Wexford, whose life was saved by the gratitude, of some of the lowest of the people, for the Christian charity which he had on all occasions manifested to unfortunate wretches committed to the public prison, The liev. William East«,

   Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 91

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Wexford, the town the road is bringing you toward. In 1798, the inhabitants here sent proposals to surrender the town and return to their allegiance, asking only that their lives and properties be guaranteed. Two captured officers, Captain M'Manus of the Antrim and Lieutenant Hay of the North-Cork militia, carried these proposals to the commanding officer. No answer came back from General Moore. Instead of proceeding to Taghmon, he marched straight for Wexford and stationed his army within a mile of the town. The loyalists of Wexford had been living in constant fear since the place fell to the insurgents. Of the great number of Protestants assembled there, inhabitants and refugees and prisoners from several parts of the country, 260 were confined in the gaol and other places of imprisonment. The rest were held prisoner in their own houses, under perpetual apprehension of being shot, piked, or starved to death. Among them was the Reverend John Elgee, rector of Wexford, whose life was spared through the gratitude of some of the poorest people, for the Christian charity he had always shown to unfortunate wretches committed to the public prison.

10. Yeomen rout rebels at Kilthomas Hill

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

    A body of yeomen from Carnew marched against the rebels on Kilthomas hill; the insurgents panicked and fled after a few musket discharges, with about 150 killed in pursuit. The yeomen burned chapels and around a hundred cabins in retaliation.

    Read the passage

    Against the latter body of insurgents, consisting of two or three thousand men in arms, marched a body of yeomen, on the same morning, between two and three hundred in number, in*- fan try and cavalry, from the neighbouring town of Carnew, in the county of Wicklow. The infantry of this little army, or corps of Shillela , yeomen, flanked at a considerable distance on the left by the cavalry, advanced intrepidly up the hill against the rebels, who were posted on the summit. The latter, if they had been seiv sible of their advantage, and known how to inir prove it, might, as has appeared by subsequent events, have surrounded and destroyed this little body of brave men ; but they were struck with a panic, and fled, after a few discharges of musketry from the yeomen, at too great a distance to make any considerable execution. About a hundred and fifty of the rebels were killed in the pursuit, and the yeomen, exasperated by the death of lieutenant Bookey, and other violent acts, burned two Romish chapels, and about a

    IRISH REBELLION. 10$

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 57

11. Andrew Farrel's Command of Rebels at Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    John Austin testified he was brought as a prisoner into Enniscorthy by a rebel captain, and delivered to Andrew Farrel, who commanded rebel forces on parade there and ordered captured loyalists at the rebel guard-house to be put to death.

    Read the passage

    " well," said the prisoner, u I will take care of <c him." He then ordered four or five along with him, and took me to the rebel guardhouse, where there were fifteen or sixteen loyalists confined. — One of them, a Mr. Robinson, begged of the prisoner to save them. The prisoner answered, with an oath, that he would have them all put to death before the next night.

    Cross -examined by the prisoner. t

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 179

12. Battle at the Hill of Tara

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath · 1798

    A large body of rebels assembled on the Hill of Tara, county Meath, was routed with the slaughter of three hundred and fifty men found dead on the field, along with their leader in uniform, while the victorious loyalist force lost nine killed and sixteen wounded.

    Read the passage

    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

    H

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 54

13. Battle of Bunclody (Newtownbarry)

    Bunclody · town · Wexford · 1798

    A large rebel force led by Father Kearns attacked Bunclody, initially causing the garrison under Colonel Lestrange to retreat, but the troops returned and routed the plundering rebels, killing near two hundred with only two loyalist losses.

    Read the passage

    In the mean time the insurgents having possession of all the southern parts of the county of Wexford, except Ross and Duncannon, on the western border, began to turn their attention toward the north; and on the morning of the 1st of June, the beautiful little town of Bunclody, otherwise termed Newtownbarry, situate ten miles north-westward of Enniscorthy, was attacked by a great body of rebels, detached from their post of Vinegar-hill, an eminence at the foot of which the town of Enniscorthy is built The garrison, including yeomen and volunteers, consisted of about five hundred men, of whom about three hundred were militia, under Colonel Lestrange. of the King's county regiment The

    K

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 71

14. Burning of Sherwood family farm near Carnew

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1797–1798

    The stacks of corn and offices of a gentlewoman named Sherwood, near Carnew in Wicklow, were set on fire at night by unknown persons and wholly consumed, along with twenty cows and other cattle. The dwelling-house was saved only because its slate roof prevented the fire spreading.

    Read the passage

    and to the several regiments concerning their arms and appointments. — To extend the organization, to augment the military stores, and to add in every way to the strength of the conspiracy, continued to be the immediate object of its partisans till the arrival of their allies ; and the system of terror, by nocturnal plundering of arms, individual assassination, and other kinds of outrage, which had been adopted in the north, was put in practice in the south. To give a catalogue of all the particular acts of atrocity which have come within my knowledge, committed on obnoxious persons, would trespass on the reader's patience, and add very little to his information. I shall mention one, as an, instance, which happened not many miles from my place of abode. The stacks of corn and the offices of a gentlewoman named Sherwood, near Carneur, in the county of Wicklow, whose family were in the nabit of speaking in very intemperate language against the Rornanists, were set on fire at once in the night by persons unknown, and wholly consumed, with twenty cows, beside horses and other cattle, the bellowings of which, amid the flames, were truly horrible. - The dwelling-house, with its inhabitants \vould have probably shared the same fate, if ths fire could have communicated to it 911 the outside, from which it was protected by the slatej roof,

    #0 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 41

15. Death of Lieutenant Bookey near Camolin

    Camolin · town · Wexford · 1798

    Thomas Bookey, a young lieutenant of the Camolin cavalry, was killed while trying to disperse insurgents near his home, about seven miles from Gorey, and his house was subsequently burned.

    Read the passage

    was at last hoisted between Gorey and Wexford, on the night of the 26th of May, by John Murphy, Romish priest of BouUvogue, commonly known by the denomination , of Father John, as jn the south of Ireland the title of father is commonly prefixed to the name of each priest. This man, who was coadjutor, or assistant curate, of the parish priest, was a man of shallow intellect, a fanatic in religion, and, from the latter circumstance, too well qualified to inflame the superstitious minds of the ignorant multitude. In an attempt to disperse a body of the insurgents, at the head of a part of his troop, Thomas Bookey, a brave young man, first lieutenant of the Camolin cavalry, was killed, as he incautipusly advanced before his men to harangue the rebels; and his house, about seven miles from Gorey, was burned. From this commencement of hostility, the commotion spread rapidly on all sides ; and the collection of rebel parties was greatly promoted by the reports disseminated of numbers of people shot in the roads, at work in the fields, and even in their houses, unarmed and unoffending, by straggling parties of yeomen. Influenced by these reports, which certainly were not without too much foundation, great, numbers took refuge with their friends in arms, insomuch that, on the following morning of Whit-Sunday, the 27th of May, two large bodies >vere collected, one on the hill of Oulart, nearly

    103 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 57

16. Defeat of rebels at Monasterevin

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1798

    A small garrison of eighty-five yeomen at Monasterevin repulsed an attacking rebel force of about a thousand, though part of the town was burned; sixty-eight rebel dead were buried by the victors, with nine loyalists killed.

    Read the passage

    the loyalists. The garrison of the former, eori* sisting of eighty -five yeomen ^ not three week3 embodied, of whom forty-three were cavalry, was fassailed by a body of men, perhaps a thousand in number, a little after four o'clock ; but such was the spirit and steadiness of this little army, assisted by some volunteers, that the as^ sailants were on every side completely repulsed, though they could not be prevented from setting iire to part of the town. The infantry, under lieutenant George Bagot, had advanced against the main body of the enemy on the bank of th« grand canal, where the town is situate ; while the cavalry, under Captain Hay stead, skirmished with another party in the street. On the return of part of the infantry from the pursuit, a furious attack was made in conjunction with the cavalry, and the rebels were driven from the town with slaughter. Sixty-eight of their dead were said to be collected and buried by the victors ; some are supposed to have been carried away by the vanquished, many of whom were doubtless wounded. Of the loyalists, nine were slain, of whom two were of the volunteer class. The incaution and vain confidence of the insurgents was no where more strongly exemplified than in their attack of Hacketstown, in the county of Carlo, forty-four miles from Dublin. The garrison, which was composed of a detachment of the Antrim militia, under

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Monasterevin in Kildare, you are on the ground where a sharp fight of the 1798 rebellion took place. A garrison of 85 yeomen, not three weeks embodied, held this town against perhaps a thousand rebels who came against them a little after four o'clock. Forty-three of the defenders were cavalry. The infantry under Lieutenant George Bagot advanced against the main body of the enemy on the bank of the Grand Canal, where the town is situate, while the cavalry under Captain Haystead skirmished with another party in the street. The rebels were repulsed on every side, though they could not be prevented from setting fire to part of the town. When part of the infantry returned from the pursuit, a furious attack was made in conjunction with the cavalry, and the rebels were driven from the town with slaughter. Sixty-eight of their dead were collected and buried by the victors. Some are supposed to have been carried away by the vanquished, many of whom were doubtless wounded. Of the loyalists, nine were slain, two of them volunteers.

17. Father Philip Roche's humane conduct despite rough reputation

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Father Philip Roche, though rough and often intoxicated, was defended by the author as showing active humanity and courage during the rebellion, protecting protestants in his camp.

    Read the passage

    In page 431, he calls Father Philip Roche an inhuman savage. So far as his having a rough and boisterous exterior, and his being often in a tate of intoxication, the term may in some degree be applicable ; but for a charge of cruelty against him, I can find no foundation. On the contrary, I have heard, from indubitable authority, many instances of his active humanity. I knew Father Roche for some years before the rebellion, and he was certainly not a favourite with me, as I disliked his rough familiar manner, and his too frequent indulgence of ebriety ; but his behaviour in the rebellion has convinced me, that he possessed a humane and generous heart, with an uncommon share of personal courage. My information comes from numbers of protcstants, who were protected in his camp.

    I have already elsewhere noticed Sir Richard's estimate of the population of Ireland. He supposes the number of men capable of bearing arms in the*county of Wexford to be sixty-nine * thousand ; from which we must infer the number of persons of all ages and both sexes in this county tg be three hundred and forty-five thousand; since

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Wexford now. In the rebellion of 1798, this town and the country around it saw a great deal of fighting, and one of the figures who stands out is Father Philip Roche. Sir Richard Musgrave called him an inhuman savage. The author of this account knew Father Roche for some years before the rebellion and says he was certainly not a favourite of his. He disliked Roche's rough, familiar manner and his too frequent indulgence in drink. Roche had a rough and boisterous exterior, and was often in a state of intoxication. But the author says he can find no foundation for any charge of cruelty against him. On the contrary, he heard from indubitable authority many instances of Roche's active humanity. Roche's behaviour during the rebellion convinced the author that he possessed a humane and generous heart, with an uncommon share of personal courage. The author's information came from numbers of Protestants who were protected in Roche's camp.

18. Fighting and fires at Enniscorthy bridge

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A disorderly fight was maintained in the town of Enniscorthy, which was set on fire in many parts by disaffected inhabitants; the bridge became the key station of defence against the rebels attempting to ford the river.

    Read the passage

    ing loud and horrible shouts, according to thcif1 universal custom on such occasions, made an irregular but furious onset. As the North-Cork militia, whose commander, with a conduct not easily comprehensible by unmiiitary men, had not without the utmost difficulty, and most ear* nest entreaties, been persuaded to lead his men from the bridge* and to form a left wing to the defending army, retreated to their former station, the brave yeomen, who composed the right wing, finding themselves totally unsupported, und unable to withstand alone the multitude of assailants, retreated after a few discharges of musketry to the market-house, where they made a stand, A disorderly fight was maintained in the town, which, to render it untenable, was fired in many parts by the disaffected part of the inhabitants, some of whom also aimed shots from the windows at the garrison. The assailants in a short time extending themselves around, and making dispositions to ford the river in several places, were galled from the bridge, which was now become the station of defence, by the fire of the militia, who doubtless-, if their force had been properly directed from the beginning of the attack, in conjunction with

    Irish inhabitants of the county of Waterford, by Raymond Ie Gross, who landed near Waterford in the year 1171, with eighty men, the advanced guard of Earl Strongbow's army* Leland's Hist, of Ireland, B. i. chap. 2.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 58

19. Fleeing soldiers cut down by Lord Roden's cavalry

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    During the rout at Castlebar, a few Frenchmen pursued the fleeing loyalist troops along the road out of the town, until Lord Roden's cavalry wheeled around and cut the pursuers down.

    Read the passage

    expected no other fortune than to be obliged to surrender themselves prisoners of war, till observing the irregular fire of our musketeers, many of whom fired without orders, they conceived some hope, and advanced under cover of the smoke ; but that they must have probably laid dnwn their arms, if general Lake had not commanded a retreat, which was the real cause of the rout; and that if general Hutchinson had been chief commander on this occasion, the career of the invaders would have ended at Castlebar. Some individuals fired back on their pursuers in their flight through the street, but so unguarded was the rear, that a few Frenchmen, actuated by some strange frolic, some say seven, some seventeen, pursued to a considerable distance along the road, till lord Roden's cavalry wheeled and cut them down.

    A panic seemed still to operate on our troops, who made so quick a retreat as to reach the town of Tuam, thirty miles from the scene of action, on the night of the same day, and to renew their march, after a short refreshment, retiring still farther towards Athlone, where an officer of carabineers, with sixty of his men, arrived at one o'clock on Tuesday the 29th, having performed a march of sixty-three miles (the distance of Athlone from Castlebar) in twenty-seven hours. The artillery, lost by our army in this unexpected defeat, consisted of fourteen pieces,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 138

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Castlebar now, the town where, in 1798, one of the strangest routs of the rebellion played out. General Lake ordered a retreat, and the loyalist army broke. A few Frenchmen, some accounts say seven, some seventeen, chased the fleeing troops along the road out of town in what the record calls a strange frolic. The rear was so unguarded that these pursuers got far beyond the street. Then Lord Roden's cavalry wheeled around and cut them down. The panic carried the loyalist troops thirty miles to Tuam that same night, and still farther toward Athlone. An officer of carabineers with 60 of his men reached Athlone at one o'clock on Tuesday the 29th, having covered 63 miles in 27 hours. The army lost 14 pieces of artillery in the defeat. The writer notes that if General Hutchinson had been chief commander, the career of the invaders would have ended at Castlebar.

20. French Fleet Anchors at Killala Bay Then Flees

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    A smaller French fleet carrying two thousand troops anchored in the bay of Killala on 27 October 1798 but fled to France on sighting British warships, without landing troops, despite orders to take the bishop prisoner or burn the town if opposed.

    Read the passage

    A smaller fleet, destined toco-operate with the above, consisting of the three frigates which had before come with Humbert, carrying a landforce of two thousand men, anchored in the bay of Killala on the 27th of October, but on the appearance of some British ships of war, made sail with precipitation for France, without landing the troops, and escaped after a long chace. The commanders of these forces had orders to send the bishop of Killala and his family prisoners to France, and, if they should meet with opposition in landing, to lay the town in ashes. The cause of this unmerited severity was an unfounded opinion entertained by the French administrators, that the bishop had betrayed the town to the King's troops, together with a deposit of two hundred and eighty barrels of gunpowder, partly buried under a hot-bed in his garden, partly in a vault in the haggard under a corn-stand. The powder could not be concealed from the King's officers, even if the bi$hop had thought it his duty to attempt it ; but its removal was anxiously wished, since the town with all its contents had three times been in danger of annihilation by the approach of fire to this terrible mass, the shock of whose explosion must have had the most ruinous effect,

    IRISH REBELLION". 339

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 166

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Killala, this was the bay where a French fleet of three frigates carrying two thousand troops dropped anchor on the 27th of October 1798. The ships were the same three frigates that had earlier come with Humbert, meant to co-operate with another force. But on the appearance of British ships of war, they made sail for France without landing a single soldier, escaping after a long chase. The French commanders had orders to send the bishop of Killala and his family as prisoners to France, and if they met opposition in landing, to lay the town in ashes. This severity came from an unfounded belief among the French administrators that the bishop had betrayed the town to the King's troops, along with a deposit of 280 barrels of gunpowder, partly buried under a hot-bed in his garden, partly in a vault beneath a corn-stand. The powder could not have been concealed from the King's officers in any case, but its removal was anxiously wished for, since the town had three times been in danger of annihilation by fire approaching this mass, the shock of whose explosion must have had the most ruinous effect.

21. French forces capture Ballina, garrison retreats to Foxford

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

    The French advanced to Ballina and took possession of the town in the night, while the garrison under colonel Sir Thomas Chapman and major Keir retreated ten miles south to Foxford, leaving one yeoman prisoner in French hands.

    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, the French took possession on the night of the 24th, in 1798. Before that, south of Killala, a detachment retreating from loyalist picquet guards led them to a bridge, where a sergeant's guard of French soldiers lay concealed. A volley from these wounded three men. One was the Reverend George Fortescue, nephew to Lord Clermont and rector of Ballina, who had volunteered on the occasion. He was wounded mortally. Two carabineers were wounded as well. The French then advanced to Ballina and took the town in the night. The garrison, under Colonel Sir Thomas Chapman and Major Keir of the carabineers, retreated ten miles south to Foxford, leaving one prisoner behind, a yeoman, in the hands of the enemy. The Marquis Cornwallis had planned an arrangement of the king's forces in Ireland to assemble a respectable body of troops wherever needed. Though this could not yet be fully effected, a force thought more than sufficient was collected in the quarter attacked by the invaders.

22. French landing at Killala interrupts bishop's clergy visitation

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    The bishop of Killala had planned a clergy visitation for 23 August 1798, but unfavourable winds caused the French troops to land in Killala Bay on 22 August instead, bringing unexpected company to the bishop's household.

    Read the passage

    The visitation of his clergy had been appointed by the bishop to be held on the 23d of August ; but the unfavourable winds which caused the debarkation of the French troops in the bay of Killala, 'on the 22d, furnished him with company of a very different kind. In his misfortune, however, he had the great consolation of finding that, except his rebel countrymen, the enemies into whose hands he had fallen were polite and generous. " Humbert desired him to be under " no apprehension — himself and all his people " should be treated with respectful attention, and " nothing should be taken by the French troops " but what was absolutely necessary for their

    x

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Killala, a town in Mayo with a sharp date in its history. The bishop here had his clergy visitation set for 23 August 1798, but the winds brought the French instead. Humbert's troops landed in Killala Bay on 22 August, and the bishop found himself hosting company of a very different kind. His one consolation was that the French, unlike his rebel countrymen, proved polite and generous. Humbert told him to be under no apprehension, that he and all his people should be treated with respectful attention, and nothing should be taken by the French troops but what was absolutely necessary.

23. General Skerrett's defence of Arklow praised

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    At the assault of Arklow, general Skerrett organised the best defence of any post in the whole rebellion, including arming loyalists who had earlier been disarmed and dispersed during the retreat from Gorey.

    Read the passage

    so important a part, the best defence of a post in the whole rebellion was displayed. Here, among other good arrangements, the remnant of those loyalists who had been most injudiciously disarmed and dispersed in the first retreat from Gorey, were furnished with arms, and so posted as to gall the enemy with great effect. On men of this kind, who in the Latin phrase were fighting pro aris et fotis, much more dependance might be placed, in the defence of towns, than on the hired soldiers. In the defence of Ross, where the truly brave general Johnson commanded, a contrary conduct was observed. The loyal volunteers who might have been so posted as to avoid the danger of such a misconception, M'ere disarmed, lest, not being clothed in military uniform they should be mistakeriibr rebels by the soldiery. If the commanders of his majesty's forces, acting against the rebels, committed any small errors in their proper province, ample compensation was commonly made by the pen, in the dispatches to government published in their name, and other pieces of writing of a like nature. The numbers killed, if otherwise thair on paper, might have alarmingly thinned the? population of a county. I have taken much pains to make enquiry from various persons who had been on the scenes of action, and could never find ground to think otherwise, than that the numbers of men slain among the rebels, in

    IRISH REBELLION. 2,6$

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now, you pass through Arklow in Wicklow. In 1798, this town saw what the record calls the best defence of a post in the whole rebellion. General Skerrett was in command, and among his good arrangements was this: he took the remnant of loyalists who had been most injudiciously disarmed and dispersed in the first retreat from Gorey, furnished them with arms, and posted them so as to gall the enemy with great effect. These were men fighting, in the Latin phrase, pro aris et focis, for their altars and their hearths, and the author says much more dependence might be placed on such men in the defence of towns than on hired soldiers. He contrasts this with the defence of Ross, where the brave General Johnson commanded. There, loyal volunteers were disarmed, lest, not being clothed in military uniform, they should be mistaken for rebels by the soldiery. The author notes that where commanders committed small errors in their proper province, ample compensation was commonly made by the pen, in dispatches to government and other pieces of writing. The numbers killed, if other than on paper, might have alarmingly thinned the population of a county. He took pains to enquire from persons on the scenes and never found ground to think otherwise than that the numbers slain among the rebels fell short of what was reported.

24. James Devitt chosen civil magistrate of Killala

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    The town of Killala was placed under protection of 150 men led by James Devitt, a Roman Catholic tradesman unanimously chosen by the people for his sense and moderation, helping establish order in the town.

    Read the passage

    have arms for the protection of their houses against pillagers, another expedient was adopted. " The French, it was said, had divided the " town and neighbourhood of Castlebar into " districts, appointing over each a municipal " officer M'ith a guard at his command, properly " armed for the public defence; and the scheme " had there the desired success. A proclamation " was therefore issued for establishing a similar " form through the canton over which Charost presided. The country was thrown into " departments : A magistrate, to be elected by " his neighbours, was to take charge of each " with the help of a guard of sixteen or twenty " men: arms and ammunition were to be distri- 4t buted to these, under an express stipulation, " that neither officers nor men should be marched " out of their respective departments, nor em- " ployed against their sovereign, nor in any ** service except that of keeping the peace. " The town of Killala was committed to the " protection of one hundred and fifty men, in " three bodies, all to be observant of the orders " of Mr. James Devitt, the civil magistrate " unanimously chosen by the people, because he " was a substantial tradesman, a Roman catholic, <c and a man of sense and moderation. He had <c under him two assistants of his own reli'gion. " The benefits of this regulation were feltimme- " diately in the establishment of tolerable order

    31& HlSfORY 01 tHE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Killala in Mayo, and back in 1798 it saw a remarkable piece of local self-rule. After the French had set up municipal officers with armed guards in Castlebar, a similar scheme was proclaimed across the canton under General Charost. Each district was to elect its own magistrate, supported by a guard of sixteen or twenty armed men, with the express condition that they would not be marched out of their area, used against their sovereign, or employed in anything but keeping the peace. Killala itself was committed to the protection of 150 men in three bodies, all under the orders of James Devitt, a substantial tradesman and Roman Catholic, unanimously chosen by the people because he was, in the source's words, a man of sense and moderation. He had two assistants of his own religion under him. The benefits were felt immediately in the establishment of tolerable order in the town.

25. National Guards muster planned and suppressed in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1792

    Money was raised to arm and embody men in Dublin as 'national guards' with green uniforms and harp buttons without a crown. A general muster planned for 9 December was suppressed by proclamation from the lord lieutenant and council on 8 December.

    Read the passage

    To attain their object by a military force was attempted so early as the year 179®, when money was raised by subscription to arm and embody a number of men in the metropolis, under the title of national guards, with an uniform distinguished with green, which was adopted as the national colour, and buttons inscribed with a harp, the armorial ensign of Ireland, divested of the crown, to denote, as was supposed, the intended abolition of monarchy. The ninth of December was ap-* pointed as a day of general muster of these guards, probably with the design to display their force, to inspire confidence into their friends, to dispirit their adversaries, or perhaps, as was feared by some, tho' it appears not probable, to seize even, then the city, and commence a civil war. Whatever was their immediate object, government wisely determined to suppress in their commencement all armed associations not authorised by the supreme power of the state. On the eighth of December, the day immediately preceding that of the intended muster, a proclamation was issued by the lord lieutenant and council, peremptorily interdicting all seditious assemblies, and comrnanding the magistrates to suppress them by mi-, litary force, if admonition should be found not sufficiently efficacious. Intimidated by the menacing language of this proclamation, and the subsequent martial array ot the garrison stationed in the capital, the national guards deferred their

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where, in 1792, money was raised by subscription to arm and embody a number of men under the title of national guards. They wore a uniform distinguished with green, adopted as the national colour, and buttons inscribed with a harp, the armorial ensign of Ireland, divested of the crown, to denote, as was supposed, the intended abolition of monarchy. The ninth of December was appointed as a day of general muster, probably to display their force, inspire confidence in their friends, and dispirit their adversaries, or, as some feared, to seize the city and commence a civil war. On the eighth of December, the day before the intended muster, a proclamation was issued by the lord lieutenant and council, peremptorily interdicting all seditious assemblies and commanding the magistrates to suppress them by military force if admonition was not sufficient. Intimidated by this proclamation and the martial array of the garrison, the national guards deferred their plans.

26. O'Donnel killed in the retaking of Killala

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    O'Donnel, the rebel leader from Erris who had worked to prevent pillage and protect loyalists, was killed in battle by the king's troops during the recapture of Killala.

    Read the passage

    " those whom he found bent upon mischief."* This testimony whatever were his failings, is extremely honourable to the memory of O'Don- 11 el, who had come from the country of Erris, and was killed in battle by the king's troops in the retaking of Killala.

    The exertions of the three Frenchmen and O'Donnel for the protection of loyalists were continually required more every day, especially after the news arrived of the capture of Humbert's army at Ballinamuck. " The intelligence <e did not seem by any means to produce on the " minds of the rebels the eifect that might na- " turally have been expected, their gradual dis- " persion and return to their own homes. On <£ the contrary, the resort to the camp in the " bishop's meadows grew greater every day, the " talk of vengeance on the protestants was louder " and more frequent, the rebels were drilled re- " gularly, ammunition was demanded, and every " preparation made for an obstinate defence <£ against the arms of their sovereign. Careless " of the future or trusting to the delay which " must be occasioned by the distance of the " king's army, they thought of nothing but " living merrily as long as they might, upon the " property that lay at their mercy, and they did " use their power of doing mischief most ter*

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Killala now, the town the road passes through in Mayo. In 1798 this place was taken and retaken, and one of the names that belongs to that fighting is O'Donnel. He had come from Erris, and he stands out in the record for one thing. He worked to protect loyalists. The book says he and three Frenchmen had to exert themselves continually for the protection of loyalists, and that whatever his failings, the testimony is extremely honourable to his memory. He is described as acting against those whom he found bent upon mischief. O'Donnel was killed in battle by the king's troops in the retaking of Killala. The trouble around him was growing. After the news came of the capture of Humbert's army at Ballinamuck, the rebels did not disperse and go home as might have been expected. Instead the camp in the bishop's meadows grew larger every day. The talk of vengeance on the Protestants grew louder. The rebels were drilled regularly, ammunition was demanded, and preparations were made for an obstinate defence against the arms of their sovereign. They were careless of the future, living merrily on the property that lay at their mercy, and using their power of doing mischief. O'Donnel stood against that course, and he died in the fighting here.

27. Oliver Bond dies in prison of apoplexy

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798–1799

    Oliver Bond, a state prisoner under sentence of death who had negotiated a treaty with government, died suddenly of an apoplexy in prison before he could be liberated or further confined.

    Read the passage

    Whatever were the original tegns of the contract, and by whatever subsequent events the contractors were influenced or affected, the principal prisoners (fifteen in number) were not liberated, and a power was reserved by ministers to detain them in custody, at least during the continuance of the war with France. Doubtless for this the members of administration had substantial reasons, of which they might think the publication improper. In all probability Oliver Bond would have been one of the number thus reserved for long confinement, if he had not been liberated by death-*-an apoplexy putting an end to his life suddenly in prison.

    In a pamphlet styled a Letter from Arthur O'Connor to lord Castlereagh, dated from prison, January the 4th, 1799, that minister is directly charged with a violation of the contract, and a misrepresentation to parliament of the transactions between him and the prisoners of state. Other charges are made, one of which is that the information given by these prisoners to govern^ ment, was garbled to serve the purposes of the ministry, and particularly, that of a hundred pages, delivered by O'Connor himself, only one has been published in the reports of the secret committees. Since to this pamphlet, in which his lordship is peremptorily challenged to disr prove any of the charges therein made, no reply has appeared, we have only the honour and inte*

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where Oliver Bond died in prison. He was one of fifteen state prisoners who had negotiated a treaty with the government, but ministers reserved the power to keep them in custody during the war with France, and Bond would likely have faced long confinement. Instead, an apoplexy put an end to his life suddenly in prison before he could be liberated. Arthur O'Connor, another of the prisoners, wrote from prison on the 4th of January, 1799, in a letter to Lord Castlereagh, charging the minister with violating the contract and misrepresenting to parliament the transactions between him and the prisoners of state. He also claimed that information given by the prisoners was garbled to serve the ministry's purposes, and that of 100 pages delivered by O'Connor himself, only one was published in the reports of the secret committees. No reply to these charges ever appeared.

28. Protestant prisoners held in fear in Wexford gaol

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Large numbers of Protestants, including townspeople and refugees, were imprisoned in Wexford under fear of massacre; Rev. John Elgee was saved by the gratitude of the poor for his past charity, while Rev. William Eastwood escaped to Wales.

    Read the passage

    The loyalists of Wexford, like those of Enniscorthy, had, since the place had fallen into the hands of the insurgents, been in a $tatp of woe and incessant fear. Of a vast number of • protestants assembled in this place, inhabitants of the town, and refugees and prisoners from several parts of the country, two hundred and sixty were confined in the goal, and other places of imprisonment; the rest were prisoners in their houses, under perpetual apprehensions, of being shot, piked, or starved to death. Among the latter, was the Rev. John Elgee, rector of Wexford, whose life was saved by the gratitude, of some of the lowest of the people, for the Christian charity which he had on all occasions manifested to unfortunate wretches committed to the public prison, The liev. William East«,

    IRISH REBELLION". 177

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, you are moving through a town that in 1798 fell into the hands of the insurgents. The Protestants here, both townspeople and refugees from the surrounding country, lived in what the source calls a state of woe and incessant fear. 260 were confined in the gaol and other places of imprisonment, while the rest were kept prisoners in their own houses, under perpetual apprehensions of being shot, piked, or starved to death. The Reverend John Elgee, rector of Wexford, was among those held in his home. His life was spared by the gratitude of some of the poorest people, who remembered the Christian charity he had always shown to unfortunate wretches committed to the public prison. The Reverend William Eastwood, another clergyman held here, escaped to Wales.

29. Rebel stand and dispersal at Ask Hill

    Ask · townland · Wexford · 1798

    The remaining rebels from Gorey took position on the hill of Ask above a mile from Gorey. A small yeoman cavalry patrol approached, causing half the rebels to flee while the rest charged in their shirts with pikes before the cavalry retreated to Arklow.

    Read the passage

    Were then remaining in it, and these without a leader. How very differently different men may be excited to act by their natural feelings, when under no external controul, on the sudden appearance of danger, was forcibly shewn on this occasion. About half of the rebel warriors fled with precipitation at the approach of the cavalry ; while the rest of them, stripping to their shirts, that they might be more expedite for the business, ran full speed to charge the cavalry with their pikes: but the latter avoided the attack, and retreated to Arklow with expedition. Immediately after this, the country about Gorey was completely evacuated by the rebels, to the no small joy of many loyalist families, who, by the sudden and unexpected victory over Walpole, had been prevented from escaping, and on whom the enemy had been living at free quarter.

    The army, at last, under major-general Needham, moved from Arklow to Gorey, on the 19th of June, and thence toward Enniscorthy on the 20th, according to a concerted plan, conducted by lieutenant-general Lake, that the great station of the rebels at Vinegar-hill should be surrounded by his majesty's forces, and attacked in all points at once. For this purpose, different armies moved at the same time from different quarters — one under lieutenant-general Dunclas; another under major-generals Sir James Duff and Loftus; that already mentioned from Arklow; and a fourth

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ask, in 1798, the rebels who remained after the fighting around Gorey took position on this hill. They had no leader left among them. When a small yeoman cavalry patrol appeared, the men responded in two very different ways. About half of them fled at once in panic. The rest stripped down to their shirts, so they could move faster, and ran full speed at the cavalry with their pikes. The cavalry did not stay to fight. They pulled back and retreated to Arklow as fast as they could. After this, the rebels completely evacuated the country around Gorey. Many loyalist families who had been unable to escape after the sudden rebel victory over Walpole were greatly relieved, as the rebels had been living at free quarter on them. The army under major-general Needham moved from Arklow to Gorey on the 19th of June, and then on toward Enniscorthy on the 20th, part of a plan by lieutenant-general Lake to surround the great rebel station at Vinegar-hill and attack it from all points at once. Different armies moved at the same time from different quarters for this purpose.

30. Roger M'Guire's Trial and Transportation to Botany Bay

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    Roger M'Guire, ambassador to Castlebar during the rebellion, caused delay in trial proceedings due to testimony he had spoken in favour of leniency to protestants; he was ultimately transported to Botany Bay rather than executed.

    Read the passage

    *< testants. On the other hand, general Trench " and his officers could not readily forget the " insolent behaviour of this young fellow at ** Castlebar, under which assumed carriage he " strove to conceal his apprehension of danger, " when he was so grievously, and indeed so in- ^ considerately threatened by Mr. Dennis Browne " and others, on his entering the town." Inconsiderate indeed must have been this threatening, adapted plainly, though doubtless not intended, to cause the massacre of the protestants of Killala, including the bishop and his family. This man, however, whose embassy had contributed to save the lives of so many protestants, was not put to death. He was, after a long imprisonment, " transmitted to Castlebar, where at last he re- €< received sentence to be transported to Botany- " bay."*

    Numbers of other chiefs and inferior insurgents were tried and executed here and elsewhere.— Among these, particular notice and particular compassion are due to two men, who, Irishmen by birth, had been in the military service of France before the invasion, had come into Ireland in the French fleet, and had, as well as the best of the French officers, used the most active exertions to save the lives and properties pf loyalists. These were Bartholomew Tceling

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Castlebar, you're in the town where Roger M'Guire was brought to trial after the 1798 rebellion. He had served as an ambassador to the town and spoke in favour of leniency toward Protestants, which may have saved lives but did not sit well with those who held power. Mr. Dennis Browne and others threatened him grievously on his entering the town, and General Trench and his officers could not forget what they called his insolent behaviour, under which the young man strove to conceal his apprehension of danger. Despite all this, he was not put to death. After a long imprisonment he was transmitted to Castlebar, where at last he received sentence to be transported to Botany Bay. Numbers of other chiefs and inferior insurgents were tried and executed here and elsewhere, among them two Irish-born men who had served in the French military and had worked to save the lives and properties of loyalists, Bartholomew Teeling among them.

31. Roger Owen of Camolin escapes by feigning madness

    Camolin · town · Wexford · 1798

    Roger Owen, rector of Camolin, escaped death during the rebellion by pretending to be deranged in his understanding, and later showed Christian charity toward Romanists.

    Read the passage

    have added a short appendix in proof of this point, and as an illustration of the atrocious practices of that calamitous period. — Of ten protestant clergymen who fell into the hands of the insurgents in the county of Wexford, five were put to death without mercy or hesitation — Robert Burro wes, Francis Turner, Samuel Heydon,* John Pentland, and Thomas Trocke — all men of regular conduct, and quite inoffensive. Joshua Nunn, rector of Enniscorthy, was preserved under the protection of Father Sutton of Enniscorthy. Roger Owen, rector of Camolin, escaped by feigning to be deranged in his understanding. This clergyman has given, since the rebellion, full proof of a genuine spirit of Christian charity, of which I had before believed him possessed. Though treated with such cruelty by the rebels, that he could hardly be expected to survive his hardships, he has endeavoured since, as far as in his power, to mitigate the rage of the lower classes of protestants, who have been too apt to regard all Romanists in the same light. John Elgee, rector of Wexford, was with difficulty saved from death by the gratitude of some of the lowest peasants, for his humanity to prisoners in the goal of that town. Henry Wilson, incumbent of Mulranken, was with

    * 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

32. Rout of Kilcumney and disappearance of Father Murphy

    Kilcumney · townland · Carlow · 1798

    In the rout of Kilcumney, Father John Murphy disappeared from his followers, who generally continued to imagine him still alive, before he was later captured elsewhere.

    Read the passage

    Redmond, of Clougli. The former, already noticed, had been leader since the first moment of the insurrection in his county, and had alone been considered as such by some thousands of rebels, over whom other chieftains held a nominal authority. He was nominal as well as real chief commander of that great column which made an incursion through the county of Carlow into that of Kilkenny, and caused such devastation in that quarter. In the rout of Kilcomny he disappeared from his followers, who generally imagine him to be still alive. He was, however, apprehended in his flight, and conducted to Tullow, in the county of Carlow; where, being recognized, he was executed by martial law.

    Of the rebellious conduct of Redmond, coadjutor to Father Francis Kavenagti, in the parish of Ciough, of which I was twenty-three years curate, I can find no other proof than the sentence of the court-martial which consigned him. to death. He was accused by the earl of Mountnorris, of having appeared as chief among a party of rebels who committed some depredations at his lordship's house ; while he alleged that his object in appearing on the occasion was to endeavour to prevent the plundering of the house, in which he had partly succeeded. Coming into Gorey on a message from the earl, seemingly unapprehensive of danger, and unconscious of guilt, he was treated as if manifestly

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 112

33. Yeomen fire on hiding family after the Ballycanew battle

    Ballycanew · town · Wexford · 1798

    After the battle, two yeomen came upon a hiding group and one fired into a clump of bushes, wounding a child, before a poor woman and eight nearly naked children emerged, one severely wounded.

    Read the passage

    being a gentleman, and less ferocious, instead of firing, commanded the concealed persons to appear, when a poor woman and eight children, almost naked, one of whom was severely wounded, came trembling from the brake, where they had secreted themselves for safety.

    Disappointed, by the defeat at Bally cannoo, of taking post on Bally manaan-hill on the 1st. of June, and of advancing thence to Goreyon the 2nd, the rebel army on Corrigrua-hill remained in that station till the 4th. Meantime the long and anxiously expected army under majorgeneral Loftus arrived in Gorey. The sight of fifteen hundred fine troops, with five pieces of artillery, filled every loyal breast with confidence, insomuch that not a doubt was entertained of the immediate and total dispersion of the rebels. The plan was to march the army in two divisions, by two different roads, to the post of Corrigrua, and to attack the enemy with combined forces, in which attack they expected the co-operation of some other tronps. But while this arrangement >vas made, on the 4th of June, by the army, the rebels were preparing to quit Corrigrua, and to niarch to Gorey ; for, by a letter from Gorey to a priest named Philip Roche, then in bed in the house of Richard Donovan, Esq. of Ballymore, at the foot of the above-mentioned hill, information was received by the rebel chiefs, about o'clock iu the morning, of the intended

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

34. Antrim grenadiers intercepted near Ballycanew

    Ballycanew · town · Wexford · 1798

    General Loftus detached seventy grenadiers of the Antrim militia across fields near Ballycanew to assist Walpole, but they were intercepted by pursuing rebels and almost all killed or captured.

    Read the passage

    While Walpole's division was engaged with the enemy, general Loft us, marching by a different road, that of Ballycannoo, and hearing the noise of battle, detached seventy men, the grenadier company of the Antrim regiment of militia, across the fields to its assistance. This body was intercepted by the rebels, who were in pursuit of the routed army, and almost ail killed or taken; and as near forty men of Walpole's division were lost, the detriment on the whole amount was considerable. Meanwhile, the genera], ignorant of the colonel's fate, and unable to bring his artillery across the fiekls, continued his march along the highway, and coming round by a long circuit to the field of battle, wa.s at last made acquainted with the event. He then followed the march of the rebels toward Gorey, and coming within view of theni, found them postec] on Gorey-hiil,

    140 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 77

35. Attack on Commandant Charost at Killala Castle

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    After surrendering his sabre, French commandant Charost was attacked by a Highlander soldier who fired at him, the ball passing under his arm and lodging in a door jamb at Killala castle.

    Read the passage

    How far the following fact may be regarded as marking a defect of discipline, I leave to the reader's judgment. The narrator of Killala, after the mention of the return of Arthur Stock, a son of the bishop, to his father's dwelling with general Trench's army, says: " Charost expressed tc as much joy at seeing Arthur safe, as if he had " himself been one of the family. Yet the poor " commandant had no reason to be pleased with " the treatment he had received immediately after " the action. He had returned to the castle for " his sabre, and advanced with it to the gate in " order to deliver it up to some English officer, " when it was seized and forced from his hand 4 by a common soldier of Frazer's. He came " in, got another sword, which he surrendered " to an officer, and turned to re-enter the hall. " At this moment, a second Highlander burst " through the gate, in spite of the sentinel' " placed there by the general, and fired at the " commandant with an aim that was neaj prov-

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Killala, in Mayo. In 1798 this town saw the French land, and the castle here was their base. After the fighting was done, the French commandant Charost had returned to the castle for his sabre, and advanced with it to the gate to deliver it up to an English officer. A common soldier of Fraser's seized it and forced it from his hand. Charost went in, got another sword, and surrendered that one to an officer. He turned to re-enter the hall. At that moment a second Highlander burst through the gate, in spite of the sentinel placed there by the general, and fired at the commandant. The ball passed under his arm and lodged in the door jamb. Before all this, Arthur Stock, a son of the bishop, had returned to his father's dwelling with General Trench's army. Charost expressed as much joy at seeing Arthur safe as if he had himself been one of the family. The narrator of Killala leaves it to the reader's judgment whether the attack marks a defect of discipline.

36. Burning of Romish chapels around Gorey

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798–1799

    In the disorder following the suppression of the rebellion, nocturnal marauders burned Roman Catholic chapels throughout the district, with hardly one escaping destruction within several miles of Gorey.

    Read the passage

    degrees restrained, but not completely suppressed.* One species of mischief was, the burning of Romish chapels in the night, of which hardly one escaped in the extent of several miles around Gorey. This, though it evinced a puerile spirit of religious antipathy, little honourable to any description of people, was of a nature far less cruel. I have heard Roman catholic gentlemen say, that the burning of one poor cabin must cause more actual misery than that of hundreds of chapels.

    To form a probable estimate of the detriment sustained by the country, in consequence of the united conspiracy, would be doubtless a matter of considerable difficulty. Some idea of it may be conceived from the claims of compensation for their losses made on government by suffering loyalists, according to an act of parliament, which marks very strongly the amiable nature, of the political constitution which the British islands enjoy. Soon after the commencement of the insurrection, and the flight of many loyalists to the metropolis, and other places, for safety, the sum of a hundred thousand pounds was voted by the house of commons, for the

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, you are coming into Gorey, in Wexford. In the disorder after the suppression of the rebellion, nocturnal marauders burned Roman Catholic chapels throughout this district. Hardly one escaped destruction within several miles of Gorey. The burning was the work of what the author calls a puerile spirit of religious antipathy, little honourable to any description of people. Yet he notes it was far less cruel than it might have been. He heard Roman Catholic gentlemen say that the burning of one poor cabin must cause more actual misery than that of hundreds of chapels. The wider cost of the rebellion was considerable. Suffering loyalists made claims of compensation for their losses under an act of parliament. Soon after the insurrection began and many loyalists fled to the metropolis and other places for safety, the house of commons voted the sum of 100,000 pounds for their relief.

37. Captain Grogan's defence of Enniscorthy and march to Wexford

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Captain John Knox Grogan brought his cavalry to Enniscorthy ahead of an anticipated attack, worked to disperse rebels burning protestant houses, then escorted a sergeant safely to Waterford and led reinforcements to Wexford, being wounded in the retreat.

    Read the passage

    cavalry in September, 1796 ; that he went to Enniscorthy with twelve of his men, when he was informed that it was to be attacked the 26th of May, and continued there, with captain Solomon Richards and his corps, during that night and Sunday morning, doing all in his power to disperse the rebels, who were then burning the protestants' houses about that neighbourhood ; that when serjeant Stanley had yet to force his way to Cork, to hold a commission on the rebels there, captain Grogan, with fourteen of his men, conducted him safe to Waterford the 27th of May ; that on the 28th he applied to general Fawcet for a good force to bring to Wexford. The general gave him an order for two hundred of the Donegal militia and a six-pounder. He left New Geneva at four o'clock that evening, and arrived at Wexford with them at seven o'clock on Tuesday the 2.9th. In the retreat of the army from Wexford the next day, he was wounded in the neck, as he marched with his corps in the advanced guard. I should also add that I lived many years in the neighbourhood of Thomas Grogan Knox, who was killed in the battle of Arklow, and knew him to be a man of great benevolence and generosity.

    The following is a true copy of a Letter written by Beau champ Bagenal Harvey to the rebels at the station of Three-rocks, at the request

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 185

38. Captain Hawtrey White's cavalry retreat from Gorey

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    Two troops of cavalry under Captain Hawtrey White marched from Gorey to attack the insurgents but retreated after a long march, killing some unarmed stragglers and old men before returning to Gorey unaware of the disaster at Oulart.

    Read the passage

    ing them with their pikes, killed almost in aft instant all of the detachment, except the lieutenant colonel, a serjeant and three privates. If we may believe the accounts of some of the insurgents engaged in this butchery, no more than about three hundred of their number ventured to make this furious attack, of whom only six were armed with firelocks, the rest carrying pikes, with which they made so sudden and close an assault that only three of them were killed, and six wounded, by the disordered soldiery. The body of cavalry, who terrified the rebels into this feat of courage against the militia, consisted of two troops under captain Haw trey White. These had marched from Gorey very early that morning, with design to attack the insurgents ; but after a march of twelve or thirteen miles, the number and position of the enemy were imagined to be such as to render a retreat necessary; and after the killing of some few unarmed stragglers, and some old men who had remained in their houses, they returned to Gorey quite ignorant of the intended march of troops from Wexford, on the opposite side, and unapprehensive of the unhappy fate which awaited that detachment.

    While the country exhibited a scene of distress and consternation — houses in flames, and families flying on all sides for asylum: the loyalists to the towns, others to the hills, the body of rebels,

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Gorey, in Wexford. In 1798, this was the starting point for a cavalry action that ended in retreat. Two troops of cavalry under Captain Hawtrey White marched from Gorey very early one morning, with design to attack the insurgents. After a march of twelve or thirteen miles, the number and position of the enemy were imagined to be such as to render a retreat necessary. Before turning back, they killed some few unarmed stragglers, and some old men who had remained in their houses. Then they returned to Gorey, quite ignorant of the intended march of troops from Wexford on the opposite side, and unapprehensive of the unhappy fate which awaited that detachment. That detachment had been destroyed at Oulart. About 300 rebels, most armed with pikes, only 6 with firelocks, made a sudden and close assault. They killed almost in an instant all of the detachment, except the lieutenant colonel, a serjeant, and three privates. Three rebels were killed and six wounded by the disordered soldiery.

39. Castlebar divided into defended districts by the French

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    The French organized the town and neighbourhood of Castlebar into districts, each under an armed municipal officer with a guard, successfully maintaining public order under occupation.

    Read the passage

    have arms for the protection of their houses against pillagers, another expedient was adopted. " The French, it was said, had divided the " town and neighbourhood of Castlebar into " districts, appointing over each a municipal " officer M'ith a guard at his command, properly " armed for the public defence; and the scheme " had there the desired success. A proclamation " was therefore issued for establishing a similar " form through the canton over which Charost presided. The country was thrown into " departments : A magistrate, to be elected by " his neighbours, was to take charge of each " with the help of a guard of sixteen or twenty " men: arms and ammunition were to be distri- 4t buted to these, under an express stipulation, " that neither officers nor men should be marched " out of their respective departments, nor em- " ployed against their sovereign, nor in any ** service except that of keeping the peace. " The town of Killala was committed to the " protection of one hundred and fifty men, in " three bodies, all to be observant of the orders " of Mr. James Devitt, the civil magistrate " unanimously chosen by the people, because he " was a substantial tradesman, a Roman catholic, <c and a man of sense and moderation. He had <c under him two assistants of his own reli'gion. " The benefits of this regulation were feltimme- " diately in the establishment of tolerable order

    31& HlSfORY 01 tHE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Castlebar, you are in a town the French once held in 1798. They divided the town and its neighbourhood into districts, each placed under a municipal officer with an armed guard at his command for the public defence. The scheme, it was said, had the desired success there, maintaining order under occupation. A proclamation followed, extending a similar system across the wider canton under a man named Charost. The country was thrown into departments, each to be overseen by a magistrate elected by his neighbours, with a guard of 16 or 20 men. Arms and ammunition were distributed on one strict condition: that neither officers nor men should be marched out of their own departments, nor employed against their sovereign, nor used for any purpose except keeping the peace. The town of Killala was given over to 150 men in three bodies, answering to James Devitt, a Roman Catholic tradesman chosen by the people for his sense and moderation, with two assistants of his own religion. The benefits were felt immediately in the establishment of tolerable order.

40. Fugitives from Gorey denied entry at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Refugees fleeing Gorey arrived exhausted at Arklow but were initially denied admittance by the garrison commander, with poorer fugitives forced to shelter under hedges while others were admitted on condition of quickly leaving.

    Read the passage

    As the order to retreat was very sudden, on account of the imagined rapid approach of a resistless and ferocious enemy, a melancholy scene of trepidation, confusion, and flight was the consequence; the affrighted crowd of people running in all directions for their horses, harnessing their cars and placing their families on them with precipitation, and escaping speedily as possible from the town. The road was soon filled to a great extent with a train of cars loaded with women and children, accompanied by a multitude on foot, many of whom were women with infants on their backs. The weather being hot and dry, the cloud of dust raised by the fugitive multitude, of whom I with my family was a part, rendered respiration difficult. The reception which we found at Arklow was not well suited to our calamitous condition, Almost fainting with hunger, thirst, fatigue, and want of sleep, we were denied admittance into the town, by orders of the commanding officer of the garrison, captain Rowan of the Antrim regiment; and great part of the poorer fugitives retiring, took refuge that day and night under the neighbouring hedges; but the better sort after a little delay, were admitted, on condition of quitting the town in half an hour. The loyalists, on permission to enter Arklow, were obliged to deliver their arms at the gate of -the barrack to the guard, who promised to restore

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Arklow now, a Wicklow town that in 1798 became the refuge for people fleeing Gorey. The retreat from Gorey was sudden, on account of the imagined rapid approach of a resistless and ferocious enemy, and the road filled with cars loaded with women and children and a multitude on foot, many women with infants on their backs. The weather was hot and dry, and the dust raised by the fugitive multitude rendered respiration difficult. Almost fainting with hunger, thirst, fatigue and want of sleep, they were denied admittance into the town by order of Captain Rowan of the Antrim regiment, commanding officer of the garrison. The poorer fugitives took refuge that day and night under the neighbouring hedges. The better sort, after a little delay, were admitted on condition of quitting the town in half an hour. Loyalists who were allowed to enter had to deliver their arms at the gate of the barrack to the guard, who promised to restore them.

41. Hacket killed near Arklow defending capt. Atkins's house

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    The rebel chief Hacket was killed near Arklow by captain Atkins, a brave young man and former yeoman officer, while defending his own house from attack.

    Read the passage

    banditti or their confederates, a greater nufnber of Romanists were put to death in the same neighbourhood hy the yeomen. Thus at Castletown four miles from Gorey, where four protestants were massacred in the night by Racket, seven Romanists were slain in revenge; and at Aughrim in the county of Wicklow, ten miles from the same town, twenty-seven of the latter were killed in consequence of murders committed on the former. Harassed incessantly by the pursuits of yeomen and soldiery, while the dreary mountains in the winter season afforded no shelter, the numbers of the banditti daily diminished : Placket was killed by capt. Atkins near Arklow, a brave young man, who had been a yeoman officer, in defence of his house; — Holt surrendered for transportation to the earl of Powerscourt; and these bands of robbers at length totally disappeared.

    The burnings and plunderings, committed by these desperadoes, augmented in some degree the desolation caused in the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, and the neighbouring parts, by the ravages of rebellion. Such was the desolation that, together with a multitude of cabins, farm-houses, and gentlemen's seats in the open country, the towns of Carnew, Tinnehely, Hacketstown, Donard, Blesington, and Killedmond, were destroyed by fire; beside partial destructions in other towns, as Ross, where above three

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow in Wicklow, this town touches a fragment of the 1798 rebellion. After the rising was suppressed, rebel bands harried the countryside, their numbers shrinking through winter pursuit by yeomen and soldiers. Near here, the rebel chief Hacket was killed by Captain Atkins, a brave young man and former yeoman officer, in defence of his own house. Hacket's band had earlier massacred four Protestants at Castletown, four miles from Gorey, and seven Romanists were slain in revenge. At Aughrim in Wicklow, twenty-seven Romanists were killed in consequence of murders committed on Protestants. Across Wicklow and Wexford, the towns of Carnew, Tinnehely, Hacketstown, Donard, Blesington, and Killedmond were destroyed by fire, and cabins, farmhouses, and gentlemen's seats across the open country were burned. Holt surrendered for transportation to the Earl of Powerscourt, and these bands at length disappeared.

42. Hearts of Steel Rising Against the Earl of Donegal's Estate

    near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1773

    Ten years after the Hearts of Oak disturbance, a more violent insurrection by the mostly Protestant Hearts of Steel broke out in Antrim and Derry, provoked by rent exactions and lease fines imposed on the Earl of Donegal's estate.

    Read the passage

    1 should think, appear from the disturbances which have had place at several times among the peasants of Ireland ; as the open, yet almost bloodless insurrection of men stiling themselves Hearts of Oak, in the year 1763, in the counties of Armagh, Tyrone, and Derry — men of all sects of religion indiscriminately ; the more bloody insurrection of the Hearts of Steel, ten years afterwards, in the counties of Antrim and Derry, mostly protestants, irritated to violence by exactions of rents and fines of leases on the estate of the earl of Donegal ; and the nocturnal outrages committed many years in the south by the JVhiteboys, particularly in the counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny. Neither is emigration to America, from an island which could easily maintain double the number of its present inhabitants by a due cultivation and improvement of its lands, a very favourable symptom. What revenue might Ireland contribute for the support of the British power under proper encouragements of industry, when under many discouragements her annual revenue to the crown has risen from less than ten thousand pounds, in the fourteenth century,* to near six millions, or six hundred fold, at the close of the eighteenth?

    One of the happiest consequences reasonably expected to arise, in course of time, from the

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 169

43. Malt-house fortress defends Carnew garrison

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Survivors of the cavalry disaster alerted the Carnew garrison in time to retreat into a malt-house spared from earlier burning, which served as their fortress against the rebel attack.

    Read the passage

    the guns of the enemy, that without killing one of their antagonists, they suffered the loss of fifty-five men slain, of whom twenty-eight were Ancient Britons. The rest effected their escape to Carnew, and alarmed the garrison, who would otherwise have been surprised and cut to pieces, as they had taken no precautions of outpost or pat roles. A malt-house, which had been spared from destruction when the rebels had burned the town, was the fortress, into which the garrison had barely time to retire when the rebels appeared, who, after an ineffectual attack, in which they sustained some loss, pursued their march to Kilcavan-hill.

    Proceeding thence with somewhat diminished number, with intention to plunder and burn the houses of the loyalists at Coolkenna and its neighbourhood, they were followed in their inarch on the 2nd of July, by a body of about a hundred and fifty yeomen, consisting ciiefly of the Shilelah troops and the True Blues of Tinnehely, who pressed them so closely that they thought proper to change their course, and to take post on Ballyrahn or Ballyraheen-hill, between Tinnehely and Carnew. Here the most prudent of the yeoman officers were of opinion that their troops ought to stop, and to content themselves with watching, at a safe distance, the movements of the enemy. Contrary opinions prevailing, an 'attack was made up the

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 104

44. M'Cormick's Heroic Rally at New Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    An inhabitant of New Ross named M'Cormick, a former soldier, fought conspicuously with a brazen helmet to rally the discomfited soldiery after they fled across the river to the Kilkenny side, helping recover the town.

    Read the passage

    Mr. IVrCormick, who had served in the army, acted with skill and activity on this occasion, flying from post to post, conspicuous, like the Grecian ajax, with a brazen helmet and lofty stature. Brought back to the charge by uncommon efforts, after they had fled across the river to the Kilkenny side, the troops of the gallant Johnson recovered their post, and drove the rebels from the town — the outskirts of which were:

    144* HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 79

45. Stand between the Boyne and Ardee

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1798

    Overtaken by cavalry under major-general Wemys and brigadier-general Meyrick on the 14th, the rebels made a desperate stand between the Boyne and the town of Ardee before breaking and fleeing into a bog upon the arrival of infantry and artillery.

    Read the passage

    On the night of their repulse they plundered the village of Carbery, in the county of Kildare, and marched the following morning by Johnstown to a place called Summerhill, near Culmullin, in the county of Meath. Here, after having eluded the pursuit of some parties of soldiery, particularly that of colonel Gordon, of the Inverness fensibles, who had marched to seek them from Trim, they were attacked by colonel Gough, with a body of troops from Edenderry, and obliged to fly with precipitation and the loss of their plunder. Totally disappointed in their hopes of assistance to their cause in the county of Meath, which had been so agitated by defenderism and rebellion, they by a circuitous and rapid march made their way to the river Boyne, which they crossed near Duleek into the county of Louth. Finding themselves overtaken on the 14th, by the cavalry of majorgeneral Wemys and brigadier-general Meyrick, who were pursuing them with two divisions of the army, they made a desperate stand between the Boyne and the town of Ardee. On the arrival of the infantry and artillery to the assistance of the cavalry, who had been endeavouring to keep the rebels at bay, they broke, and fled, with some loss, into a bog. Some of these adventurers directed their flight hence to Ardee, and dispersed ; but the main body, repassing the Boyne, marched with great celerity

    216 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 107

46. United Irishmen occupy Cahir and search for arms

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1798

    A body of about eight hundred men, mostly on horseback, openly entered the town of Cahir in Tipperary in daylight and held possession of it while conducting a thorough house-to-house search for arms and ammunition.

    Read the passage

    liad recourse, though very debilitating to the conspiracy, were far from sufficient to destroy its force, or prevent its final success. Partial proclamations, or the putting of districts under the severity of the new laws enacted to prevent insurrection, had only a partial effect; the audacity of the united in Leinster and Minister yielding so little on the whole amount, that many acts of hostility were committed against the peaceable inhabitants by men assembled in large numbers;. an instance of which has been thought worthy of notice in the report of the secret committee of the commons house of parliament; that a body of men amounting to about eight hundred, mostly on horseback, had entered the town of Cahir, in the county of Tipperary, openly in the day, and held possession of it until they collected all the arms and ammunition which they could find after a regular search through all the houses. At length recourse was had to a general proclamation and military execution. In the former, dated March the thirtieth, 1798, was a declaration, that a traitorous conspiracy, existing within the Kingdom, for the destruction of the established government, had been considerably extended, and had manifested itself in acts of open violence and rebellion ; and that in consequence thereof, the most direct and positive orders had been issued to the officers commanding his Majesty's forces toen.ploy thorn

    64 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Caher, a town in Tipperary that the road passes through. In 1798, during the United Irish rising, a body of about 800 men, mostly on horseback, entered this town openly in daylight and held possession of it. They went through every house in a regular search and collected all the arms and ammunition they could find. The episode was serious enough to be noted in the report of the secret committee of the Commons House of Parliament. It was part of a wider pattern that spring. The government had tried partial proclamations and putting districts under new insurrection laws, but these had only limited effect. Acts of hostility by men assembled in large numbers continued against peaceable inhabitants. Within weeks, on March 30, 1798, a general proclamation followed, declaring that a traitorous conspiracy had manifested itself in acts of open violence and rebellion, and ordering officers commanding the King's forces to act.

47. Skirmish at Ballycanew: Gorey garrison routs rebels

    Ballycanew · town · Wexford · 1798

    A small garrison force from Gorey met and routed a much larger rebel force near Ballycanew, killing possibly close to a hundred rebels with only three loyalists wounded, then returned to Gorey with over a hundred captured horses.

    Read the passage

    of yeoman cavalry, the last of whom, I mean all the cavalry, were useless in battle. As the rebels had not procured accurate intelligence, and as troops from Dublin had been some days expected, the cloud of dust, excited by the little army of Gorey, caused them to imagine that a formidable force was coming against them. Under this persuasion, they disposed not themselves to the best advantage, for they might easily have surrounded and destroyed the little band opposed to them. They attempted it however in a disorderly manner; but so regular and steady a fire was maintained by the militia, particularly the Antrim, that the half-disciplined supplementals of the yeomen, encouraged thereby, behaved with equal steadiness ; and such was the effect, that the rebels were totally routed, and fled in the utmost confusion in all directions. The yeoman cavalry, notwithstanding repeated orders from lieutenant Elliot, delayed too long, through mistake of one of their officers, to pursue the runaways, otherwise a great slaughter might have been made. The victorious band advancing fired some houses in Ballycannoo, and spread such a terror that no attempt was made against them from the post of Corrigrua; so that they returned safely to Gorey, with above a hundred captive horses and other spoil.

    In this engagement, and all others in the begin of the rebellion, the rebels elevated their

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 74

48. Abercrombie's manifesto at Kildare demanding surrender of arms

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1798

    Sir Ralph Abercrombie, chief commander of the forces, issued a manifesto from his headquarters at Kildare on 3 April 1798 requiring inhabitants of the county to surrender their arms within ten days, threatening free quarter of troops for non-compliance.

    Read the passage

    To Sir Ptalph Abercrombie, then chief com mancler of the forces, orders were issued from the lord lieutenant to proceed with his army into the disturbed counties, vested with full powers to act according to his discretion for the attainment of the proposed object. A manifesto, dated from his head quarters at Kildare, the third of April, was addressed to the inhabitants of the county by the general, requiring them to surrender their arms in the space of ten days from the date of the notice, threatening, in case of non-compliance, to distribute large bodies of troops among them to live at free quarter — promising rewards to such as would give information of concealed arms or ammunition — and denouncing his resolution of recurring to other severities if ' the county should still continue in a disturbed state. *

    On the advance of the military into each county, the same notice was given to its inhabitants, and at the expiration of the term prescribed, the troops were quartered on the houses of the disaffected or suspected, in numbers proportioned to the supposed guilt and ability of the

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Kildare now. In April 1798, Sir Ralph Abercrombie, chief commander of the forces, set up his headquarters here and issued a manifesto to the inhabitants of the county. He required them to surrender their arms within ten days of the notice. If they did not comply, he threatened to distribute large bodies of troops among them to live at free quarter. He promised rewards to anyone who gave information about concealed arms or ammunition, and declared he would resort to other severities if the county should still continue in a disturbed state. The same notice was given in each county the military advanced into. When the prescribed term expired, troops were quartered on the houses of the disaffected or suspected, in numbers proportioned to their supposed guilt and ability.

49. Attack on Borris Repulsed

    Borris · town · Carlow · 1798

    A rebel detachment sent from Lacken to obtain arms and ammunition at Borris, County Carlow, was repulsed by garrison fire from Mr. Cavenagh's fortified house, losing ten killed while the town itself was largely burned.

    Read the passage

    for the lodgment of their officers. A detachment, sent hence for arms aiid ammunition to the town of Borris, in the county of Carlo, twelve miles distant, on the 12th, was, by a fire of the garrison from the house of Mr. Cavenagh, used on the occasion as a fortress, Repulsed with the loss of ten killed and many wounded, while only one soldier fell on the side of the loyalists ; but this handsome little town was in great part burned. With exception of this fruitless attempt, the bands on Lacken lay inactive, regaling themselves on the slaughtered cattle and liquors, which were procured in plenty from the country in their possession, and so negligent of their safety, that, in any night after the two first, they might have been surprised and put to the rout by a small detachment from the garrison of Ross.

    Inactivity, at least procrastination, among the rebels was not confined to the army of Philip Roche ; for to the terrible repulse at Ross, received by their forces on the south-western border, was added an error of conduct on the northern, which, providentially for the British empire in general, and the protestants of Ireland in particular, caused the ruin of their scheme. Many persons are of opinion that government had, by burnings, imprisonments, free quarters of soldiers, floggings, and other severe measures, intended to force a partial insurrection of the

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 82

50. Attack on Joseph Sparrow's House by Rebel Party

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Mary Hall testified she witnessed Andrew Farrel breaking into and robbing Mr. Joseph Sparrow's house during the rebellion, taking everything including sheets from under two cripples, and later saw Farrel command a party that fired into the house.

    Read the passage

    A. I cannot Say. I have seen him with a drawn sword a* the head of a party. They obeyed him. I remember he ordered them to fire into Mr. Joseph's Sparrow's house, and they did so,

    Q. Did you know Mr. Philip Annesly ?

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 182

51. Attack on Portaferry repulsed

    near Portaferry · town · Down · 1798

    A strong party of rebels attacked Portaferry on the 11th but were repulsed by yeomanry posted in the market-house under captain Mathews and by fire from a revenue cruiser, with about forty rebels lost.

    Read the passage

    side. The insurgents, confused and distracted, retreated up the hill, and making a stand at its top, at a kind of fortification, defended the post for some time with great courage, but at length gave way and dispersed in all directions. Their loss appears, from the best account which I have received of this battle, to have amounted to about a hundred and fifty ; that of the royal army to about forty in killed and wounded, of whom two were officers of the Monaghan regiment, lieutenant Ellis wounded, and captain Evatt shot dead through the body. The main body of the insurgents retired to the mountains of Slyeeve- Croob, where they soon surrendered or separated, returning to their several homes; and thus, with the execution of their leaders, as elsewhere, and the discouraging news of the massacres of protestants in the south, terminated this very short and partial, but active and vigorous insurrection — in the course of which some slighter actions had taken place, particularly the attack of Portaferry by a strong party of men, on the llth, who were repulsed by the yeomanry posted in the market-house, under captain Mathews, and the fire of a revenue cruiser commanded by captain Hopkins, with the loss of about forty men. On the subsiding of this local rebellion in the north-eastern quarter of Ireland, another local rebellion, much inferior in vigour, and very easily suppressed, commenced in the opposite

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 100

52. Attack on the town of Wexford by insurgents seeking to free prisoners, 1793

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1793

    A body of about two thousand insurgents attacked the town of Wexford, with the ostensible aim of liberating prisoners confined in the town's gaol.

    Read the passage

    If the protestant conductors of the United Irish had, at the close of the year 1792, succeeded in their attempt to overawe the government by muster of the national guards, which appeared to be their immediate object, and thence by bolder steps to compass a revolution, the leaders of the Romanists, who were also members of the United Irish association, would have Lad opportunity to unfold and put in execution their particular scheme. Whatever this was, the lower classes of their communion appeared evidently to conceive no other idea of a revolution than the exclusive establishment of their own church. Their spirits were high in expectation of this change. They could not entirely conceal their sentiments. Treasonable songs, scurrilously abusive of the protestant religion, were publicly sung by drinkers in tipling houses and ballad-singers in the streets. A ferment prevailed which seemed to announce an approaching insurrection; and in 1793 some local commotions, easily suppressed, took place, particularly about the collieries in the county of Kilkenny, and in the southern part of the county of Wexford. A body of insurgents, about two thousand in number, attacked the town of Wexford with an ostensible design to liberate some prisoners confined in the gaol of that town; but

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Wexford, a town that sits on the road you are travelling. In 1793, this town was the target of an armed assault. The background is this. The United Irish association had both Protestant and Roman Catholic members. The Protestant conductors had tried at the close of 1792 to overawe the government by mustering the national guards, and from there to press toward a revolution. The Roman Catholic leaders, who were also members of the United Irish, had their own particular scheme in mind. Among the lower classes of that communion, the prevailing notion of a revolution was the exclusive establishment of their own church. Their spirits ran high. Treasonable songs, scurrilously abusive of the Protestant religion, were sung openly by drinkers in tippling houses and by ballad-singers in the streets. A ferment prevailed that seemed to announce an approaching insurrection. In 1793, some local commotions broke out, easily suppressed, particularly about the collieries in the county of Kilkenny and in the southern part of the county of Wexford. Then a body of insurgents, about two thousand in number, attacked the town of Wexford. Their ostensible design was to liberate some prisoners confined in the gaol of that town.

53. Books from Bishop of Ferns' library used as makeshift saddles

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Insurgents converted large volumes found in the libraries of the bishop of Ferns and Mr. Stephen Ram into makeshift saddles, placing the opened books on horses' backs with ropes as stirrups.

    Read the passage

    Chiefly by those who were boldest in fight was displayed some kind of ingenuity in their tumultuary warfare, in which they may be said to have had no regularity, subordination, or leaders. They converted books into saddles, when the latter could not be procured — placing the book, opened in the middle, on the horse's back, with ropes over it for stirrups. Large volumes, found in the libraries of the bishop of Ferns, and Mr. Stephen Ram, were considered by these revolutionists as fit for their purpose. Being very scantily stored with ammunition, they frequencly used small round stones, and hardened balls of clay, instead of leaden bullets; and, by the

    %66 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 129

54. Cornwallis Orders Compensation for Killala Damages

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798–1799

    Marquis Cornwallis sent two commissioners to Killala and its vicinity to assess damages caused by king's troops, and by March following all authenticated claims were paid in full from the national bank.

    Read the passage

    " greatest propriety, under the orders of those " two excellent officers, lieutenant colonel Ma- " cartney and major VVinstanley. Let it be re- *' membered also, to the honour of our excellent " chief governor, that as soon as the country " was reduced to quiet, marquis Cornwallis sent " two commissioners to Killala and its vicinity, " for the express purpose of ascertaining the " damages done by the king's troops, and that, 41 in March following, all authenticated claims " on that account were discharged in full by an " order on the national bank."* Doubtless the truly noble marquis would, if in his power, have prevented the occasion of those claims, well knowing that predatory troops, while they are noxious to those whom they are designed to protect, are, at the same time, from that meanness of spirit and want of substantial discipline, which indulgence of plunder always implies, unfit to cope with a well-disciplined enemy. f An intelligent officer, engaged in the attack of Killala, assured me that, in his opinion, our troops would have been repulsed, if the rebels had been supported by even fifty French soldiers ; so extremely irregular was the onset of our army. Alter the battle, a loyalist, in what

    , * Narrative, &c. p. )G3, 164.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is the town of Killala in Mayo. After the fighting of 1798, when the country had been reduced to quiet, the Marquis Cornwallis sent two commissioners here to assess the damages done by the king's own troops. By March of 1799 every authenticated claim had been paid in full, drawn on the national bank. Cornwallis would have prevented the occasion of those claims had he been able, knowing that troops who plunder those they are meant to protect become unfit to face a disciplined enemy. An officer who took part in the attack on Killala said afterward that the rebels would have repulsed the king's forces if even 50 French soldiers had been supporting them, so irregular was the army's onset.

55. Death of Thomas Grogan Knox at the Battle of Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Thomas Grogan Knox was slain while gallantly charging the rebels at the head of a yeoman corps he raised, at the Battle of Arklow.

    Read the passage

    " from the rebels with that expedition which " could give him any reasonable hopes of escape ; " that the rebels imagined the presumed coun- " tenance and support of a gentleman of his " rank and consequence would acquire credit to " their cause ; and when they had him in their " power, they conferred on him what title they " pleased, in which he was obliged to acquiesce, " for the preservation of his life among such a " savage banditti ; and that he never acted as " commissary-general of their army, or in any " military capacity among them : and indeed it " is very certain, that whatever title of general " or commander they might have given him, he t( was utterly incapable of undertaking or per- <c forming any active service, being much ad- " vanced in years, and a great martyr to the " gout. His two brothers, Thomas Grogan " Knox, and John Knox Grogan, at the " same time were eminent for their loyalty and " courage ; and in the rebellion one of them " (Thomas) was slain, gallantly charging the <; rebels at the battle of Arklow, at the head of " a brave corps of yeomen raised by him. The " other brother John Knox Grogan) was many " years a cavalry officer in the king's army, (the " 5th and 1 8th light dragoons) and is a gentleman " of great honour and integrity." To this may be added, concerning the last named gentleman, that as captain he raised the Healthfiekl yeoman

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Arklow now, in Wicklow. This town was the site of a battle in 1798, and one death in particular stands out in the record. A man named Thomas Grogan Knox was slain here, gallantly charging the rebels at the head of a brave corps of yeomen he had raised himself. He had two brothers. One of them, whose name is not given in this passage, fell into the hands of the rebels. They believed that the support of a gentleman of his rank would lend credit to their cause, and when they had him in their power they conferred on him whatever title they pleased. He was obliged to acquiesce to save his life among such a band. But the record insists he never acted as commissary-general or in any military capacity. He was advanced in years and a great martyr to the gout, utterly incapable of active service. Thomas, his brother, chose the opposite path. He raised a yeoman corps and led them into the fighting here at Arklow, where he was killed. The third brother, John Knox Grogan, served many years as a cavalry officer in the king's army, in the 5th and 18th light dragoons, and is described as a gentleman of great honour and integrity. As captain he raised the Healthfield yeoman.

56. Deaths of Captain Chamney and Captain Nickson

    Coolkenna · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    In the early stages of an engagement near Coolattin, two government officers, captain Chamney of the Coolattin company and captain Nickson of the Coolkenna company, were killed and greatly lamented.

    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

57. Dispute at Prosperous between Aylmer and Wexford rebels

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    Near Prosperous, Wexford rebels quarrelled with their Kildare allies under William Aylmer after he took a disputed gun from one of the former and gave it to his own man, nearly causing a battle between the two groups.

    Read the passage

    Jhe other body of Wexfordian rebels directed their course to the county of Kildare, to form a junction with a number of their allies in that county, who had retrained in arms from the beginning of the rebellion, and under the conduct of \yilliam Aylmer had eluded the king's troops, by rapid movements reciprocally from the Wicklow mountains to the bog of Allen. This junction was soon broken. The fierce Wexfordians quarrelled with their less enterprising associates ;, and an act of Ayimer, who took a disputed gun Yrom one of the former, and gave \t to one of his own men, almost caused a battle between the two parties. — From Prosperous the

    <2I4 HISTORY OF THE

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 106

58. French issue worthless drafts for supplies at Killala

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    Lacking money, the French commissary at Killala issued paper drafts promising future payment for goods taken from locals, which the bishop advised people to accept only as documentation for later claims, since they would never be honoured.

    Read the passage

    This army, however, so respectful of persons and private property, had come into the kingdom destitute of money for the advancement of their enterprise. Its leaders promised that "ready f * money was to come over in the ships expected " every day from France : in the mean time, " whatever was brought in voluntarily, or taken " by necessity, to answer the occasions of the

    IRISH REBELLION.

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft

    As the companion tells it

    Killala, here in Mayo, is where the French landed in 1798. Their army had no money, so the commissary issued paper drafts promising future payment for whatever goods were taken from local people. The bishop told people to accept these only as proof for later claims, since they would never be honoured. The French kept promising ready money was coming from France any day.

59. Garrison at Carlow forewarned and repels rebel assault

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

    The Carlow garrison was warned of an intended surprise attack via an intercepted letter and lieutenant Roe's intelligence about peasants assembling; a body of rebels attempted entry but was repulsed by heavy firing, with a large force gathering at Sir Edward Crosbie's house nearby.

    Read the passage

    Of the intended surprise of this town, forty miles south-westward from Dublin, .the garrison was apprised, both by an intercepted letter, and by the intelligence of lieutenant Roe, of the North^ Cork militia, who had observed the peasants assembling in the vicinity late in the evening of the 24th of May. The garrison, consisting of a body of the ninth dragoons, the light company of the North- Cork militia, under captain Heard, some of the Louth militia, nnder lieutenant Ogle, the yeoman infantry of Carlow under captains Burton and Eustace, Sir Charles Burton's yeoman cavalry, and about forty volunteers — the whole about four hundred and fifty in number, under the command of colonel Mahon, of the ninth dragoons, was judiciously distributed at various posts for the reception of the assailants. The plan of assault was ill contrived, or ill executed. Different parties were appointed to enter the town at different avenues; but only one,, that which arrived soonest, attempted an entrance, the rest being deterred by the incessant firing of the troops. This body, perhaps amounting to a thousand or fifteen hundred, assembling at the house of Sir Edward Crosbie, a mile and a half

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 52

60. General Lake rejects surrender terms for Wexford rebels

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    General Lake disdainfully rejected proposals of surrender forwarded from Wexford, insisting no terms could be granted to rebels in arms except peace for the multitude upon surrender of arms and leaders.

    Read the passage

    •this Advantage, some terms might have been obtained in their favour; though of the lives of hostages in general no account seems to have been made by the commanders of his majesty's troops. The offers of surrendry transmitted by captain M 'Man us, already mentioned, and forwarded by general Moore to his superior, were disdainfully rejected by general Lake who returned for answer that no terms could be granted to rebels in arms, but that the deluded multitude * might have peace and protection when their arms and leaders should have been delivered into his hands.

    This deluded multitude would certainly have committed a tremendous massacre on the 21stof June, the day of general Moore's march toward Wexford, if they had not been persuaded by their devoted leaders that conditions of surrendry would be obtained. For this purpose lord Kingsborough, who on the occasion entered into certain engagements in favour of the rebels, was liberated, made governor of the town, and charged with proposals to be s^nt to general Moore. How far his lordship endeavoured to fulfil those engagements,' which was probably quite beyond his power,* I am not authorized

    Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up toward Wexford now. In 1798, this town was caught up in the rebellion. Captain M'Manus transmitted offers of surrender from the rebels. General Moore forwarded them to his superior, General Lake, who disdainfully rejected them. Lake returned for answer that no terms could be granted to rebels in arms. He said the deluded multitude might have peace and protection when their arms and leaders were delivered into his hands. On the 21st of June, the day General Moore marched toward the town, that deluded multitude would certainly have committed a tremendous massacre, if they had not been persuaded by their devoted leaders that conditions of surrender would be obtained. For this purpose Lord Kingsborough was liberated. He was made governor of the town and charged with proposals to send to General Moore. He had entered into certain engagements in favour of the rebels, though how far he endeavoured to fulfil them, the author says he is not authorized to say.