Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
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- counties: Wexford, Mayo, Wicklow and more
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The stories, best first
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Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.
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Colonel Maxwell takes post on Windmill Hill above Wexford
Windmill Hill · street · Cork · 1798
Colonel Maxwell of the Donegal militia, having left guards at Wexford's passes, took position with his men on Windmill Hill above the town at daybreak, awaiting General Fawcet's approach for a combined attack on the rebels.
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Early in the morning of the 29tb> colonej. Maxwell, of the Donegal militia, with two hundred men of his regiment and a six-pounder, accompanied by colonel Colville, captain Young, and lieutenant Sodon of the thirteenth regiment, who volunteered on the occasion, arrived in \V ex ford from Duncannon-fort, dispatched by general Fawcet, who had been apprized of the insurrection on the 27th, by captain Knox, an officer sent to escort serjeant Stanley, a judge of assize, on his way to Minister. This rein* forcement not being sufficient, a gentleman, named Joshua Sutton, carried a letter from the mayor of Wexford to the general, requesting an additional force; and returned with an exhilirating answer, that the general himself would commence his march for Wexford the same evening, from Duncannon, with the thirteenth regiment, four companies of the Meath militia, and a party of artillery with two howitzers. On the receipt of this intelligence, colonel Maxwell, leaving the five passes into the town guarded by the yeomen and North- Cork militia, took post with his men on the Windmillhill above the town, at day break on the following morning, the 30th,* with resolution to
* At this time, the great and beautiful wooden bridge of Wexford was, for purposes as yet unknown, set on fire by some rebels. Some imagine the end proposed to be, the prevention of succours from the opposite side of the river,
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 62
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Earl of Courtown's yeomanry effort at Gorey
Gorey · town · Wexford · 1796–1798
The Earl of Courtown had embodied a troop of yeoman cavalry and infantry near Gorey in 1796 at his own expense, and was noted for humane treatment of the local people, which helped keep the area less rebellious than elsewhere in Wexford.
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The Earl of Courtown, who had resolved to defend Gorey, if possible, and who, for want of an adequate force, was obliged to abandon it, had embodied a troop of yeoman cavalry in October, of the year 1796, and had added to it a body of infantry and a considerable number of supplementary men. In other parts of the country, where troops of this kind had been embodied, subscriptions had been raised, and a stock-purse formed, for the defraying of a variety of extraordinary expences; but not a farthing was contributed by the gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Gorey to assist the earl, on whom was thrown the whole expence, and who exerted himself with an uncommon assiduity and activity. As he had performed much in the providing of a force to obviate or suppress rebellion, so his treatment of the common people, by his affable manners, had been always such as was best adapted to produce content in the lower classes, and prevent a proneness to insurrection. I consider myself as bound in strictness of justice to society, tlms far to represent the conduct of this nobleman. Doubtless, the people in the neighbourhood of Gorey were the last and least violent of all in the county of Wexford, in rising against the esta^ hlished authority ; and certainly the behaviour of the Stopford family in that neighbourhood, toward their inferiors, had always been remarkably Conciliating and humane. »
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 67
As the companion tells it
As you come through Gorey, you are passing through a town that stayed quieter than most of Wexford during the rebellion years. In October 1796 the Earl of Courtown embodied a troop of yeoman cavalry here, adding infantry and supplementary men, all at his own expense. Not a farthing came from the local gentlemen to help him. When rebellion came in 1798 he tried to defend Gorey but had to abandon it for want of an adequate force. His treatment of the common people, by affable manners, was said to be best adapted to produce content in the lower classes and prevent a proneness to insurrection. The people near Gorey were the last and least violent in all of Wexford to rise against authority, and the Stopford family in that neighbourhood had always been remarkably conciliating and humane toward their inferiors.
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Evacuation of Arklow Garrison
Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798
The garrison fled Arklow on the morning of 5 June before day to Wicklow, leaving the town open to potential rebel occupation, a critical strategic error according to the author.
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United Irish, in order that by the suppression of it, all schemes of Rebellion might be eradicated. In my opinion, to prevent, not raise insurrections, must have been the object of government; the latter being too dangerous a stratagem for any wise politician to design. If the rebels, immediately after the rout of Walpole's army, had advanced to Arklow, they could have taken possession of it without the least resistance ; for the garrison fled from it on the morning of the 5th of June, before day, to Wicklow. The insurgents then, of the county of Wicklow, who had with the utmost difficulty been kept in check by major Hardy, the commander in that part, and who had been repulsed in five different actions^ neither easily describable, nor of use to be described, must have become far more audacious, and have co-operated with the Wexfordian rebels. The garrison of Wicklow must, like that of Arklow, have abandoned its post, on the approach of the united multitudes, and fallen back on Bray, only ten miles from the capital. The rebels might have proceeded with perpetually encreasing numbers, and seized Bray in like manner; and what in all probability would have been the effect of this motion, when somany thousands in Dublin and the adjacent counties were waiting for such an opportunity to take arms, I am unwilling to state. I am jilso unable to explain the motive for a piece of
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 82
As the companion tells it
You're passing through Arklow now, in County Wicklow. Back in 1798, this town became the scene of a critical mistake. On the morning of 5 June, before daybreak, the garrison here fled to Wicklow, leaving Arklow completely open. If the rebels had moved in right after routing Walpole's army, they could have taken the town without any resistance at all. The author of the account calls this a dangerous blunder. The Wicklow insurgents, who had been held in check by Major Hardy and repulsed in five separate actions, would have grown far bolder and joined forces with the Wexford rebels. From there, the garrison at Wicklow would likely have abandoned its post too, falling back to Bray, just ten miles from Dublin. With thousands in Dublin and the surrounding counties waiting for exactly such an opportunity to rise, the author says he is unwilling to state what might have followed.
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General Skerrett maintains discipline at Gorey post
Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798
General Skerrett, colonel of the Durham fencible infantry, succeeded the Marquis of Huntley in command of the Gorey post and maintained such strict discipline that military depredation ceased entirely.
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least the full value. General Skerrett, colonel of the Durham fensihle infantry, who succeeded the generous marquis in the command of that post, observed so strict a discipline, that nothing more was heard of military depredation.
But, though by the conduct naturally expected in general officers, the royal troops assumed their proper place, in becoming the protectors, instead of pillagers, of the people, the country was miserably afflicted all the ensuing winter by gangs of nocturnal marauders, , as is generally the case after the commotions of civil warfare. These appear to have consisted solely at first of the lo-wer classes of loyalists, some of whom might think, or pretend to think, that they were making reprisals from those who liad plundered them or their friends in the rebellion. But a system of unlawful violence, if not speedily coerced, will be carried to excesses which admit no excuse or palliation. Should we suppose that none except persons guilty of rebellion and pillage were the subjects of plunder to these marauders, yet the loyalist landlords and creditors of these ruined people must also be sufferers. But by whatever pretences they might endeavour to impose even on their own consciences, lucre was their object, without regard to the guilt or innocence of the persons who were the subjects of their depredation.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 120
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Gorey in County Wexford, this was a military post during the rebellion of 1798. General Skerrett, colonel of the Durham fencible infantry, took over command here from the Marquis of Huntley. He kept such strict discipline that military depredation by the royal troops ceased entirely. The soldiers became protectors of the people rather than their pillagers. But the relief did not last. All through the following winter the country was afflicted by gangs of nocturnal marauders. They seem at first to have been drawn from the lower classes of loyalists, some claiming they were making reprisals against those who had plundered them during the rebellion. Yet a system of unlawful violence, if not speedily checked, will be carried to excesses that admit no excuse. In truth, lucre was their object, without regard to the guilt or innocence of those they plundered. Even loyalist landlords and creditors of the ruined suffered alongside everyone else.
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Griffith's pursuit of rebels from Claine towards Prosperous
Clane · town · Kildare · 1798
Richard Griffith, having repulsed the rebel assailants at Claine with his yeoman cavalry and Armagh militia, pursued the fleeing rebels almost to Prosperous, causing terror among the insurgents holding the town.
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similar circumstances ! Here, as in all other places, where the insurgents had success, in the early part of the rebellion, while their hopes were high, a tumultuous and frantic exultation took place, with congratulations of Naas and Dublin being in the possession of their associates; the conveyance of such false intelligence, to inspirit thejr followers, being a part of the policy almost constantly practised by the leaders of the revolt. Loud shouts were heard, especially from a multitude of Women, who always followed the men on such occasions, of down with the Orangemen! and, which marked the object of insurrection at its very commencement in the minds of the common people, down with the heretics! They accordingly murdered with deliberate ceremony, and mangled their bodies in a horrid manner, two gentlemen of the names of Stamer and Brewer, and an old man who had been serjeant in- the king's army. That a slaughter of the remaining protestant inhabitants would have been perpetrated^ is highly probable, if it had not been prevented by the approach of a body of troops, through fear of whom the rebels fled. Richard Griffith, Esq. with part of his troop of yeomen cavalry, and forty of the Armagh militia, who had repulsed the assailants at Claine, pursued them almost to Prosperous, three miles distant, which caused much terror to the rebels in possession of that town.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 50
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Latouche's gift of the Clonnegall benefice to Rev. John Browne
Clonegall · town · Carlow
The Right Honourable David Latouche conferred the benefice of Clonnegall, worth six hundred pounds a year in the diocese of Ferns, on the Reverend John Browne as compensation for long curate service, despite having no prior acquaintance with him.
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* An admirable and most laudable instance of lay patronage, •was exhibited some years ago, by the Right Honourable David Latouche, who conferred the benefice of Clonnegall, worth six hundred pounds a year, in 4he diocese of Ferns, merely as a compensation for his long service as curate, on the Reverend John Browne, with whom he had not had the least previous acquaintance or connexion. Mr. Latouche had actually paid a high purchace for the presentation.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 37
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Massacre and conspiracy in the city of Cork
Cork · city · Cork · 1798
Musgrave claims the conspiracy was more terrific in Cork than Dublin due to the smaller proportion of protestants and weaker government vigilance, with disaffection noted among popish yeomen in the Cork legion; Townsend disputes this account of arms searches and organization.
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there, positively contradicts, from his own knowledge, the following statement of Sir Richard, contained in No. xi. of liis appendix, " The con- '* spiracy was infinitely more terrific in the city of Cork than in Dublin, becduse the protestants of the established church, whose destruction was meditated, were much fewer in proportion to the Roman catholics, and^//e conspirators were better firmed and organized, as the vigilance and exertions of the executive power were not so active and vigorous as in the metropolis, the seat of government. There was great disaffection among the popish yeomen, particularly in the Cork legion. Sweeny and Donovan, two leaders in the conspiracy, and Drinnane, continued members of it until they were arrested. Some of them owned to persons who became approvers, that they entered into it merely to obtain arms, and a knowledge of military discipline." Mr. Townsend, among other assertions, affirms in reply, that, " One of the most sudden and diligent searches for arms, which perhaps ever took place, was made at Cork; and such was the prudent rigour with which it had been directed, that even the supernumerary weapons of the yeomanry of the citywere all seized, and deposited in proper places ; and notwithstanding the suddenness, extent, and zeal of the search, not above four hundred stand of arms (if the term will apply) could be
404 APPENDIX, NO. V.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 189
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Cork, this is the city where, in 1798, Sir Richard Musgrave claimed the conspiracy was far more terrifying than in Dublin. He argued that Protestants were fewer in proportion to Roman Catholics, that the conspirators were better armed and organized, and that government vigilance was weaker here than in the capital. He named great disaffection among the popish yeomen, particularly in the Cork legion. He identified Sweeny and Donovan as two leaders in the conspiracy, along with Drinnane, who remained members until they were arrested. He noted that some of them admitted to persons who became approvers that they had entered into the conspiracy merely to obtain arms and a knowledge of military discipline. Townsend flatly contradicted this account. He affirmed that one of the most sudden and diligent searches for arms that perhaps ever took place was made at Cork. He said the prudent rigour was such that even the supernumerary weapons of the city's yeomanry were seized and deposited in proper places. And he claimed that despite the suddenness, extent, and zeal of the search, not above 400 stand of arms, if the term will apply, could be found.
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News of Castlebar victory brought to the bishop's family
Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798
On the evening of the French success at Castlebar, two officers came up to the bishop's family quarters in Killala to share the news, only to find it received with dissatisfaction.
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" lar of private property was found to have been fc carried away, when the owners, after the first " fright was over, came to look for their effects, " which was not for a day or two after the land- " ing. Immediately upon entering the dining- " room, a French officer had called for the " bishop's butler, and gathering up the spoons " and glasses, had desired him to take them to " his pantry. Beside the entire use of other " apartments, during the stay of the French in " Killala,* the attick story, containing a library " and three bed-chambers, continued sacred to " the bishop and his family. And so scrupulous " was the delicacy of the French not to disturb " the female part of the house, that not one of " them was ever seen to go higher than the " middle floor, except on the evening of their " success at Castlebar, when two officers begged "leave just to carry to the family the news of " the battle, and seemed a little mortified that " the intelligence was received with an air of ." dissatisfaction."
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
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 152
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Castlebar, this is where the French had their success in 1798, news of which was carried that same evening to the bishop's family in Killala. The French had been staying in the bishop's house but were scrupulous about not disturbing the family, never going above the middle floor and leaving the attic rooms sacred to the bishop and his household. On the evening of the Castlebar battle, two officers broke that rule and begged leave to carry the news upstairs. They seemed a little mortified that the intelligence, as the record says, "was received with an air of dissatisfaction."
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Richard Bourke of Ballina leads rebel forces
Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798
Richard Bourke of Ballina had military knowledge and was described as a good drill sergeant, firm in combat and popular among the rebels, though his effectiveness was undermined by habitual drunkenness.
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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
Somewhere around here in 1798, Richard Bourke of Ballina was one of the rebel leaders in the rising. He had military knowledge and was known as a good drill sergeant, firm in combat and popular among the insurgents. He might have done serious harm, as the source puts it, if habitual drunkenness had not been, in the words of the book, "an overmatch for his malice."
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Skirmish at Wicklow Gap between Croghan and Conna
near Wicklow Gap · pass · Wicklow · 1798
Rebels advancing were met at Wicklow-gap, a pass between the mountains of Croghan and Conna, by Sir James Duff's army and retreated after artillery fire, marching toward Gorey.
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through the mountains of Wicklow to the county of Kiltlare, and another returned to that of Wexford. — The latter making their appearance at a place called the White Heaps, from some heaps of white stones at the foot of Croghan mountain, the armies of general Needham and Sir James Duffmovedj on the night of the 4th of July, (the former from Gorey, the latter from . -Carnew,) to attack them. The rebels having advanced in the mean time, were met at Wicklowgap, a pass between the mountains of Croghan and Conna, in the morning of the 5th, by Sir James Duff's army, from whom they retreated after a few discharges of his artillery, directing their march toward Gorey. They must now have been surrounded and slaughtered, if general Needham, who had visited the desertedground of White Heaps, had not been too late in his movements, for Sir James Duff pursued them closely, and brought them to action at a place called Ballygullin, four miles from Gorey. Here, making a stand on some elevated grounds, they repulsed the advanced guard of cavalry, and might have taken the artillery which accompanied them, if they had not been apprehensive of an ambuscade ; but by the fire of the infantry on their arrival, and that of the curricle guns, they were discomfited, and fled with their usual celerity, and with little loss, making their escape in .various directions, and appointed to assemble
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 105
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Skirmish near Drumshanbo and Ballinamore
Ballinamore · town · Leitrim · 1798
Colonel Crawford's pursuing troops engaged the rear-guard of the French army in an action between Drumshanbo and Ballinamore, in which the British forces were repulsed with some loss.
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This opposition, though attended with defeat to the opposers, is supposed to have caused the French general to relinquish his design on Sligo. He directed his march by Drummahair toward Manorhamilton in the county of Leitrim, leaving on the road, for the sake of expedition, three six pounders dismounted, and throwing five pieces more of artillery over the bridge at Drummahair into the water. In approaching Manorhamilton he suddenly wheeled to the right, taking his way by Drumkerin, perhaps with design of attempting, if possible, to reach Granard in the county of Longford, where an alarming insurrection had taken place. Crawford's troops hung so close on the rear-guard of the French as to come to action with it on the 7th, betweeil Drum sham bo and Bally namore, in which action they were repulsed with some loss, and admonished to observe more caution in the pursuit.
* The French are said to have mistaken the colonel's army for the vanguard of a much greater, and to have been thereby prevented from attempting to surround it.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 140
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Terror of floggings in Gorey district
Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798
In the neighbourhood of Gorey, the terror caused by floggings of suspected persons was so great that people would have gladly renounced any notion of rebellion if assured they could remain undisturbed, illustrating the harsh pre-rebellion repression in county Wexford.
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their supplementary associates, without the direct authority of their superiors, or command of the magistrates, is a question which I am not ahle positively to answer.* In the neighbourhood of Gorey, if I am not mistaken, the terror of the whippings was in particular, so great, that the people would have been extremely glad to renounce forever all notions of opposition to government, if they could have been assured of 4
* Perhaps the true state of the case is this :r-The people were so determined on insurrection, that it could not otherwise have been prevented than by a proper disposition of a large military force. The sending of such a force was prevented by the representations of Earl M ountnorris, and therefore the insurrection took place. In my opinion, the force which was sent, ill commanded, and, with some exceptions, ill officered, promoted the work of rebellion by previous irritation and posterior timidity.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 56
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Gorey in County Wexford, this is a place marked by fear in 1798. The terror of the whippings here was so great that people would have gladly renounced forever all notions of opposition to government, if they could have been assured of being left undisturbed. The floggings of suspected persons were part of the harsh repression before the rebellion broke out. One account suggests the people were so determined on insurrection that only a large military force could have prevented it, and the sending of such a force was prevented by the representations of Earl Mountnorris. The force that did come was ill commanded and, with some exceptions, ill officered, promoting rebellion through what the source calls "previous irritation and posterior timidity."
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The Engagement at Ballygullen
Ballygullen · townland · Wexford · 1798
Gordon notes that an actual military engagement, distinct from the disputed 'battle of White-Heaps,' occurred at Ballygullen, with his account drawn from several officers present, including Colonel Bainbridge who confirmed its accuracy but found it too short.
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gating truth being told concering Father Roche.* The baronet has no idea of such folly as barren veracity concerning a dead rebel. He thinks that something of a different nature in favour of living heroes is more prudent. The hero of Vinegar-Hill is alive to thank him at the very least. I believe the best apology that can be made for him is, that he was used as a tool by general Lake. If so, it was a high compliment from one general to another. Of this I shall say more in another publication. Of the battle of White- Heaps, where there was no battle, or rather of Ballygullen, where there was a something of the kind, my account was received from several officers engaged in the affair, not indeed frorh General Needham. My account of this, as well as of other actions with which colonel Bainbridge had been acquainted, I shewed in manuscript to him, and he said it was accurate, but too short, f The fact of the lateness of a certain
•* Sir Richard has given in his pamphlet an instance of Roche's humanity in the protection sent to the Rev. Samuel Francis. Oh, fie ! to be betrayed into such acknowledgement in favour of a monster ! Roche, however, is now acknowledged, by some in this country vrho before denied it, to have been humane. It will be acknowledged by all, when the system of terror shall have ceased to exist.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 12
As the companion tells it
Close to Ballygullen, somewhere around here, a real fight took place in 1798. It's often confused with what's called the battle of White-Heaps, but as Gordon puts it, there was no battle at White-Heaps, whereas at Ballygullen there was, in his words, "a something of the kind." He wrote his account from what several officers who were engaged in the affair told him, though not from General Needham. He showed the manuscript to Colonel Bainbridge, who had been acquainted with the action, and Bainbridge said it was accurate but too short.
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Trial witness denied entry at Carlow barrack during Sir Edward Crosbie's trial
Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798
George Lucas, shepherd to Sir Edward William Crosbie of Viewmount, swore that he attended the barrack gate in Carlow to give evidence at Crosbie's trial but was refused entry by an armed sentinel, preventing crucial testimony from being heard.
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if the said Sir Edward William Crosbie had left his house at View-mount, on the morning of the day of the attack of Carlo w by the rebels, and had gone, or attempted to go, into the town of Carlow, for the purpose of giving any information, or at all, the family and property of the said Sir Edward William would have been destroyed by the rebels, who were in full force about the said town of Carlow. This deponent saith, that he accordingly attended on the 2d and 4th days of June, at the barrack gate in the town of Carlow, to give evidence upon the said trial ; and saith, that on the 4th day of June this deponent was called upon to go into the court, and to give evidence for the said Sir Edward William, by Robert Kirwan, gaoler of Carlow,. *vho was the person (as this deponent heard and believes) instructed, by the said Sir Edward William, to call for his witnesses ; and this deponent thereupon went forward, and attempted to go into the barrack-yard, for the purpose of giving his evidence before the said court, upon the trial of the said Sir Edward William Crosbie, which was then going on. And this deponent saith, that upon his attempting to go forward, for that purpose, the sentinel, then on guard, presented his bayonet against this deponent, and refused him entrance, and said deponent should not go in, although he was informed, upon this deponent being so called, that he attended as a
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 197
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Whiteboy Outrages in Tipperary and Kilkenny
Tipperary · town · Tipperary
Nocturnal outrages were committed over many years in the south of Ireland by the Whiteboys, particularly in the counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny.
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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
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General Loftus retreats to Carnew then Tullow
Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798
Convinced he could not safely attack the rebel position or pass into Gorey, General Loftus retreated to Carnew and then, judging it unsafe despite having 1200 effective men, retreated further to Tullow in County Carlow.
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a commanding eminence, at the foot of which the town is built. Convinced that he could neither attack them in their post with any prospect of success, nor pass by them into the town without great hazard, he retreated to Carnew, and in his retreat was saluted with a fire of the artillery of the rebels from the top of the hill, whither they had, by the strength of men, drawn the cannon taken from Walpole's men, beside some pieces brought from Wexforcl. Thinking Carnew an unsafe post, though the gentlemen of that neighbourhood thought, and still think, quite otherwise, as he was there at the head of twelve hundred effective men, lie abandoned that part of the country to the rebels, and retreated nine miles farther, to the town of Tullow, in thq county of Carlow.
While one formidable body of the Wexfordian insurgents was advancing its position toward the north, another still more formidable was preparing to attempt the same toward the southwest The conquest of New Ross, in that quarter, situate on the river formed by the united streams of the Nord and Barrow, would have laid open a communication with the disaffected in the counties of Waterford and Kilkenny, many thousands of whom were supposed ready to rise in arms at the appearance of their successful confederates. The seizure of that important post, when it might have been effected
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 77
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Cornwallis advances to Hollymount before French abandon Castlebar
near Hollymount · town · Mayo · 1798
Marquis Cornwallis proceeded on the road to Castlebar and arrived at Hollymount on 4 September, intending to attack the French army posted at Castlebar fourteen miles distant, but learned that evening that the enemy had already abandoned the post and marched toward Foxford.
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liad not been at the head of the Irish administration, with full power to act according to his own judgment, the consequences of this petty invasion might have speedily become very ruinous to this kingdom. His excellency saw that the utmost caution was expedient, as well as vigour in the movements of his forces. The motions of the main army immediately under his own command, were calculated to cover the country, to intimidate the abettors of rebellion, and to afford an opportunity of rallying to any smaller bodies of troops which might be defeated; while these bodies were ordered to harass the enemy as much as possible without running risks, or engaging in battle without almost a certainty of success. The marquis proceeded on the 30th of August in the road to Castlebar, and arrived on the 4th of September at Hollymount, whence he intended to advance to the attack of the French army posted at Castlebar, fourteen miles distant, till in the evening of the same day he received intelligence that the enemy had abandoned that post in the morning, and had marched in the direction of Foxford.
-After their victory at Castlebar, the French received great additional accessions of Irish peasantry to their standard, chiefly, as before, from the western and mountainous parts of the county of Mayo. To furnish these multitudes with fire-arms, the stores brought from France were
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 139
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Floggings recorded at Gorey and Little Limerick
Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798
The author notes specific individuals flogged in the town of Gorey—Anthony Bolger, Michael Davis, and one Howlet—and states at least one flagellation occurred at the town of Little Limerick near Gorey, countering claims that few were flogged in county Wexford.
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Some magistrates of the county of Wexford affirm that not more than one man was flogged in all the county before the insurrection. I wish these gentlemen would publish their affirmation or negation in print. They must admit that several were flogged in the town of Gorey alone. Of these I knew three : Anthony Bolger, Michael Davis, and one Howlet ; and they mi^st admit that a,t least one flagellation, if not more, was ex-- acted in the town of little Limerick, near Gorey. I have not at present sufficient ground to suspect that any of these were flogged without proper cause ; but half-hangings enough were committed by others without any consultation of magistrates. The floggings, however, in the county of. Wexford, were almost nothing comparatively with other counties ; and the terror of people of this county arose chiefly from floggings inflicted elsewhere ; and the yicipiency of floggings among themselves, |iouse-burnings, &c.
100 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 56
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Gorey, in 1798 this town saw floggings that some magistrates of county Wexford later denied. They claimed not more than one man was flogged in all the county before the insurrection. But the record names three men flogged here alone: Anthony Bolger, Michael Davis, and one Howlet. At least one flogging also took place at Little Limerick, near this town. The author had no reason to suspect these were without cause, though half-hangings were committed elsewhere without consultation of magistrates. Floggings in Wexford were almost nothing compared to other counties, and the terror among its people came chiefly from floggings inflicted elsewhere.
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Hawtry White's efforts to restore peace with the Ballaghkeen cavalry
Ballaghkeen · village · Wexford · 1798–1799
Hawtry White, Esq., captain of the Ballaghkeen cavalry, had acquired early intelligence of the intended rebellion in Wexford and was extremely active in attempting to prevent and suppress it without unnecessary violence, later leading the most successful efforts to restore peace to the country.
Read the passage
* The most successful exertions for the peace of the country were made by Hawtry White, Esq. captain of the Ballaghkeen cavalry. This gentleman had acquired the earliest intelligence of an intended rebellion in the county of Wexford, and was extremely active in attempts to prevent and suppress it, without any act of unnecessary violence or cruelty.
244 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 120
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Recovery of Newport and Westport from rebels
Westport · town · Mayo · 1798
The towns of Newport and Westport, which had fallen into rebel hands, were recovered around this time by fencibles and yeomen under the Hon. Dennis Browne and Captain Urquart.
Read the passage
Most of the towns which had fallen into the hands of the rebels were about this time recovered, as Newport and Westport, by the fensibles and yeomen, under the Hon. Dennis Browne, brother to the earl of Altamont, and captain Urquart ; but Ballina and Killala remained some time longer in their possession. On his march from Castlebar, on the 4th of September, Humbert had left no part of his army at Killala or Ballina, except three officers at the former., and one at the latter, to command the rebels who formed the garrisons
500 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 145
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Westport, you're in one of the towns that had fallen into rebel hands in 1798 before being recovered by fencibles and yeomen under the Hon. Dennis Browne, brother to the Earl of Altamont, and Captain Urquart. Newport was taken back too. But Ballina and Killala stayed in rebel possession some time longer. When Humbert marched from Castlebar on the 4th of September, he left only three officers at Killala and one at Ballina to command the rebel garrisons.
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Romanist assembly convened at Dublin chapel amid unrest
Dublin · city · Dublin · 1795
After the Earl Fitzwilliam's recall disappointed Catholic hopes for emancipation, seditious speeches and resolutions were published by the permanent committee, and an assembly of Romanists was convened at a chapel in Dublin, coinciding with disturbances increasing across the country.
Read the passage
in consequence of this disappointment were considerably augmented : speeches and resolutions of a seditious nature were published by the authority of the committee, by whose invitation an assembly of Romanists was convened at a chapel in Dublin, and disturbances increased in several parts of the country.
The United society in this ferment was not idle. After un remitted exertions to engage in the promotion of their design men of activity and literary talents throughout the kingdom, and also to tincture the minds of their countrymen with republican ideas, by the dissemination of Payne's Rights of Man ^ and other democratic publications, this knot of reforming politicians assumed in the same year, 1795, with little disguise, a revolutionary cast. The original declaration offered for signature to each man on his admission into the society was this : " I, * * in " the presence of God, do pledge myself to my " country, that I will use all my abilities and in-- " fluence in the attainment of an impartial and " adequate representation of the Irish nation in " parliament ; and, as a means of absolute and " immediate necessity in the establishment of " this chief good of Ireland, I will endeavour " as much as lies in my ability to forward a " brotherhood of affection, an identity of in- " terests, a communion of rights, and a union of " power, among Irishmen of all religious
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Dublin, this is where Catholic hopes for emancipation were dashed in 1795 by the recall of Earl Fitzwilliam. In response, the permanent committee published seditious speeches and resolutions, and an assembly of Romanists was convened at a chapel in the city, while disturbances increased across several parts of the country. The United society was active in this ferment, working to recruit men of activity and literary talents throughout the kingdom, and spreading Paine's Rights of Man and other democratic publications to tincture minds with republican ideas. That same year they assumed what the source calls "a revolutionary cast." New members signed a pledge to use all their abilities toward "an impartial and adequate representation of the Irish nation in parliament," and to forward "a brotherhood of affection, an identity of interests, a communion of rights, and a union of power, among Irishmen of all religious" persuasions.
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Rebel chief Philip Roche informed of army's plan at Ballymore
Ballymore · townland · Wexford · 1798
Priest and rebel chief Philip Roche, staying at Richard Donovan's house at Ballymore near Corrigrua hill, received a letter from a sympathizer in Gorey revealing the government army's planned movements.
Read the passage
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, Chapter 75
As the companion tells it
Somewhere around here, on the 4th of June, the rebel army was still camped on Corrigrua hill, while fifteen hundred government troops with five pieces of artillery arrived in Gorey under Major General Loftus. The plan was to march in two divisions by two roads and attack the rebels with combined forces. But a letter from a sympathizer in Gorey reached a priest and rebel chief named Philip Roche, who was in bed at Richard Donovan's house here in Ballymore, at the foot of that hill. The letter, arriving about dawn, revealed the army's intended movements, and the rebel chiefs began preparing to quit Corrigrua and march on Gorey themselves.
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Officer's Assessment of the Irregular Attack on Killala
Killala · town · Mayo · 1798
An intelligent officer engaged in the attack of Killala told the author that the British troops would have been repulsed if the rebels had been supported by even fifty French soldiers, so irregular was the assault.
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
You are coming through Killala, where one of the strangest episodes of 1798 played out. After the battle here, an intelligent officer who had been engaged in the attack told the author that the British troops would have been repulsed if the rebels had been supported by even 50 French soldiers, so irregular was the onset. The assault was so disorderly that a handful of trained men on the other side might have turned it. Once the country was reduced to quiet, the Marquis Cornwallis sent two commissioners to Killala and its vicinity to ascertain the damages done by the king's own troops, and in March of the following year all authenticated claims on that account were discharged in full by an order on the national bank. Cornwallis knew well, as the author puts it, that predatory troops are noxious to those they are designed to protect, and that indulgence of plunder makes them unfit to cope with a well-disciplined enemy. After the battle, a loyalist was among those who saw the aftermath firsthand.
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Pursuit by King's County militia from Ferns
Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798
A body of King's County militia posted in Ferns, alerted by the Rev. Peter Browne, dean of Ferns, pursued fleeing rebels and killed some whom they overtook.
Read the passage
on Corrigrua-hill. They had been pursued in the morning by the Highlanders of the marquis of Huntley's regiment, who had marched against them from Arklow by Croghan mountain, and who were prevented by a fog from finding them ; and they were annoyed in their flight by a body of the King's County militia, posted in Ferns, who, on advice brought them by the Rev. Peter Browne, dean of Ferns, entered instantly on the pursuit, and killed some whom they overtook. Finding themselves hunted from place to place, by different bodies of the king's troops, and unable to maintain any post, they dispersed from Corrigrua, and no opposition was afterwards made to the royal army in the county of WexforcJ.
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
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 106
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Rebel attack threatened Viewmount and Crosbie family
Viewmount · street · Longford · 1798
George Lucas testified that had Sir Edward William Crosbie left his house at Viewmount to warn the garrison at Carlow during the rebel attack, his family and property would have been destroyed by the rebels who were in full force about the town.
Read the passage
if the said Sir Edward William Crosbie had left his house at View-mount, on the morning of the day of the attack of Carlo w by the rebels, and had gone, or attempted to go, into the town of Carlow, for the purpose of giving any information, or at all, the family and property of the said Sir Edward William would have been destroyed by the rebels, who were in full force about the said town of Carlow. This deponent saith, that he accordingly attended on the 2d and 4th days of June, at the barrack gate in the town of Carlow, to give evidence upon the said trial ; and saith, that on the 4th day of June this deponent was called upon to go into the court, and to give evidence for the said Sir Edward William, by Robert Kirwan, gaoler of Carlow,. *vho was the person (as this deponent heard and believes) instructed, by the said Sir Edward William, to call for his witnesses ; and this deponent thereupon went forward, and attempted to go into the barrack-yard, for the purpose of giving his evidence before the said court, upon the trial of the said Sir Edward William Crosbie, which was then going on. And this deponent saith, that upon his attempting to go forward, for that purpose, the sentinel, then on guard, presented his bayonet against this deponent, and refused him entrance, and said deponent should not go in, although he was informed, upon this deponent being so called, that he attended as a
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 197
As the companion tells it
Along here at Viewmount, Sir Edward William Crosbie stayed in his house on the morning the rebels attacked Carlow in 1798. A witness named George Lucas later testified that had Crosbie left to warn the garrison in Carlow, his family and property would have been destroyed by the rebels, who were in full force about the town. Lucas came to the barrack gate in Carlow on the 2nd and 4th of June to give evidence at Crosbie's trial. He was called forward by Robert Kirwan, the gaoler of Carlow, who had been instructed by Crosbie to summon his witnesses. But when Lucas tried to enter the barrack yard, the sentinel on guard presented his bayonet and refused to let him in.
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Battle of Fook's Mill
near Foulkesmill · population centre · Wexford · 1798
The Wexford rebel men who had gone out that day returned from the battle of Fook's Mill while Mr. Hay was still consulting with the prisoners, indicating a military engagement near that site during the retreat toward Wexford.
Read the passage
wear any mark of distinction or uniform, which I had daily an opportunity of witnessing, had it been so, as the house in which we were confined was situated in the Bullring, and commanded a full view of the most frequented streets in Wexford, through which all the armed men in the town passed and repassed twice a day. On the 20th day of June, 1798, the day of the massacre on the bridge, considering our situation more critical than ever, we wished to see Mr. Hay ; Lord Kingsborough sent for him, and he immediately attended, but was denied admittance to us, but we spoke to him out of the window, and he declared to us, that as long as he was alive, we might depend on every exertion of his. We had at last the consolation of Mr. Hay being admitted up-stairs to us at eight o'clock in the evening. We found him beyond expression affected at the cruelties that had been committed; that he had in vain done every thing in his power to prevent them, and anxious to undertake any thing for safety of the prisoners. After a variety of consultation, Lord Kingsborough and Mr. Hay agreed to go out to meet the army, that was approaching Wexford, in order to save the town from destruction. The Wexford men that had gone out that day, returned from the battle of Fook's Mill, when Mr. Hay was still with us ; he then proposed to go and consult the principal inhabitants, who he had not the
442 APPENDIX, NO. VIII.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 204
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Partial commotion near the mountains of county Down
near Mourne Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Down · 1797
Despite the general suppression of the intended northern insurrection through severe government measures, a partial, unsupported, and short-lived commotion occurred near the mountains in the county of Down.
Read the passage
The members of the Irish government, forced by the magnitude of the threatened evils, into a temporary violation of the political constitution, for its ultimate safety, authorized such modes of compulsion as must have wounded their own feelings. The houses and effects of those who produced not the arms, which by informations they were known or supposed to have in concealment, were consumed with fire by the troops, or otherwise destroyed ; and many persons, to force a discovery, were put to some species of torture, particularly that of the picket. The term of surrender and pardon was by proclamation prolonged from the twenty-fourth of June, to the twenty -fourth of July ; and such. were the effects of the measures pursued, that, excepting a partial, unsupported, and short-lived commotion, near the mountains in the county of Down, the intended insurrection was prevented 2 great quantities of arms were collected from the inalecontents, and order so restored throughout Ulster, that the administration of justice was
38 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 32
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Rebel crossing of the Boyne near Duleek
Duleek · town · Meath · 1798
Disappointed of support in County Meath, the rebel force made a rapid and circuitous march to the river Boyne, crossing it near Duleek into County Louth.
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
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Rebels occupy Ballycanew village
Ballycanew · town · Wexford · 1798
A large body of over a thousand rebels detached from Corrigrua took possession of the village of Ballycanew, four miles south of Gorey, before advancing toward Ballymanaan-hill.
Read the passage
Cprrigrua, seven miles towards the southwest from that town. A body of above a thousand, some say four thousand, detached from this post, took possession of the little village of Ballycannoo, four miles from Gorey, to the south, on the evening of the 1st of June, and were advancing to fix their station on the hill of Bally- ' manaann, midway between the above - named village and town, when they were met near the village by the garrison of Gorey, who had marched to stop their progress. Having returned home the preceding day with my family from Arklow, I happened to be at that time on the road near Gorey, when a man on the top of a house cried out tome that all the country to the south was in a blaze ; for straggling parties of the rebels attending the motions of the main body had as usual set fire to many houses. I had hardly got a view of the conflagration, when I heard a discharge of musketry, which continued some time without intermission. Since I have learned the particulars of this engagement, I consider it, though small and unnoticed, as one of the most brilliant of the croppy war.
The little army, which had marched from Gorey on this occasion, consisted of twenty of the Antrim militia, under lieutenant Elliot, who directed the movements of the whole; twenty of the North-Cork; about fifty yeoman infantry, including supplementary men ; and three troops
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 73
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Repulsed rebel assault on Larne
near Larne · town · Antrim · 1798
A small body of rebels assaulted the town of Larne but was repulsed by the garrison in the barrack, a detachment of the Tay fencibles under a subaltern officer.
Read the passage
town, which obliged the insurgents to abandon it, together with a six-pounder which they had brought with them, and two curricle guns which they had taken from the king's army. They were pursued toward Shane's-castle and Randalstown, with slaughter, and perhaps may have lost in all near two hundred. In this engagement colonel Lumley, of the 22d regiment of dragoons, and lieutenant Murphy, were wounded; cornet Dunn was killed ; and Lord O'Neil Av^as mortally wounded.* A small body also assaulted the town of Larne, but received a repulse from the garrison in the barrack, consisting of a detachment of the Tay fencibles, under a subaltern officer. Feeble attempts were also made at Ballymena and Ballycastle. — The main body afterward retired to Donnegar-hill, where, disgusted with their want of success and other circumstances, the greater part broke or surrendered their arms, and almost all of them dispersed, to which they were exhorted by a magis*- trate, named M'Cleverty, \vTho had been taken, prisoner by them.
On the day succeeding that of the rising in the county of Antrim, a partial insurrection corn-
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 98
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Surprise attack near Dunboyne on Reay Fencibles
Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1798
Rebels surprised a small party of the Reay fencibles regiment near Dunboyne, eight miles from Dublin, seizing baggage from two escorted companies of king's troops.
Read the passage
ham, Tallagh, Lucan, Lusk, Dunboyne, Barretstown, Collon, and Baltinglass. In all these petty actions, except those near Dimboyne and Barretstown, and in all the attacks of towns, except that of Prosperous, the insurgents were defeated, though Kilcullen was abon cloned to them after their defeat. In these and other conflicts in the course of the rebellion, the number of the killed and wounded of the rebels is extremely uncertain, and almost always vastly exaggerated in the public prints. The action near Dunboyne, eight miles from Dublin, in the county of Meath, was the surprise of a small party of the regiment of Reay fencibles by a body of rebels, who seized the baggage of two companies of the king's troops escorted by the above party ; and that near Barretstown was also a surprise of a small body of the Suffolk fencibles, who lost all their baggage in their march to Kildare. The engagement in the neighbourhood of Baltinglass, twenty-nine miles from Dublin, southward, was one of the most considerable of the skirmishes! which happened at this time. A body of at least four or five hundred insurgents were on the 24th, at one o'clock, attacked in the town of Stratforcl-upon-Slaney, near Baltinglass, on one side by a small body of troops composed of thirty of the Antrim militia, under lieutenant Macauley, and twenty of the ninth dragoons, under comet Love ; and on the other by a party of
86 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 49
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Dunboyne, about eight miles from Dublin in County Meath, this was the scene of one of the surprise attacks of the 1798 rebellion. A body of rebels caught a small party of the Reay fencibles regiment off guard here. The rebels seized the baggage of two companies of the king's troops that the fencible party had been escorting. The book records this among a string of petty actions across places like Tallagh, Lucan, Lusk, Collon, and Baltinglass. In nearly all these skirmishes and town attacks, except those near Dunboyne and Barretstown, the insurgents were defeated. Kilcullen was abandoned to them after their defeat, and at Prosperous they were not defeated. The action near Barretstown was a similar surprise. A small body of Suffolk fencibles lost all their baggage on their march to Kildare. The largest of these nearby skirmishes took place near Baltinglass, twenty-nine miles south of Dublin. On the 24th, at one o'clock, a body of at least four or five hundred insurgents in Stratford-upon-Slaney were attacked on one side by thirty of the Antrim militia under Lieutenant Macaulay and twenty of the ninth dragoons under Cornet Love, and on the other by another party. The public prints of the time vastly exaggerated the numbers of rebels killed and wounded across all these conflicts.
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Burning of Wexford's wooden bridge
Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798
At this critical juncture, the great and beautiful wooden bridge of Wexford was set on fire by rebels for reasons unknown, possibly to prevent reinforcements crossing the river.
Read the passage
* At this time, the great and beautiful wooden bridge of Wexford was, for purposes as yet unknown, set on fire by some rebels. Some imagine the end proposed to be, the prevention of succours from the opposite side of the river,
120 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 62
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Wexford, the town was the scene of a dramatic act in 1798. The great and beautiful wooden bridge of Wexford was set on fire by rebels, for reasons unknown. Some thought the aim was to stop reinforcements crossing from the opposite side of the river.
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Disputed Testimony on Wexford Campaign
Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798
Sir Richard Musgrave claimed that the magistrates, clergy, and officers who campaigned in County Wexford in 1798 unanimously condemned Gordon's history as containing gross misstatements that palliated rebel atrocities, a claim Gordon disputes.
Read the passage
saints must not be merely palliated ; they must be totally concealed; but those committed by the rebels must, if possible, be exaggerated. I can tell his baronetship, however, (and I have at least as good an opportunity as he can have of knowing) that not all the magistrates and clergy of the county of Wexford, nor all the officers who campaigned there, think as he says.
Those whom I have always considered in a superior light, as to intellect and candour, certainly approve of my history. Some avow their appro-* bation. Others to avoid argumentation with the ignorant, with the really or affectedly violent, pretend to such worthy geniuses that they have not read it. And I can assure the mighty man that, if he knew what some of the violent railors against my book expressed concerning his understanding before the publication of his quarto, and afterwards concerning his mgde of compilation, he would be extremely unwilling to admit their opinion as a criterion of merit. Many , pretend to disapprove of my book far more thau they really do, as to rail against it is the popular cant, in some particular places among the grossly ignorant, who pretend to judge of it without having seen it.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 12
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Wexford town, you are in the country where one of the sharpest disputes over the 1798 rebellion was fought not with pikes but with pens. Sir Richard Musgrave claimed that every magistrate, clergyman, and officer who campaigned in County Wexford that year unanimously condemned Gordon's history, accusing it of gross misstatements that palliated rebel atrocities. Gordon fired back that this was false, and that not all the magistrates and clergy, nor all the officers who campaigned there, agreed with Musgrave. He said those he considered superior in intellect and candour approved of his work, some openly, while others pretended not to have read it to avoid arguing with the ignorant or the violently disposed. Gordon added that railing against his book was simply the popular stance among the grossly ignorant who judged it without having seen it, and that if Musgrave knew what some of those same critics had said about his own understanding, he would be extremely unwilling to accept their opinion as any criterion of merit.
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Insurgent commotions near the Kilkenny collieries, 1793
Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1793
A ferment among the lower classes seemed to announce an approaching insurrection, and in 1793 local commotions, easily suppressed, took place around the collieries in the county of Kilkenny.
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
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Surprise at Barretstown on Suffolk Fencibles
Barretstown · townland · Kildare · 1798
A small body of Suffolk fencibles was surprised near Barretstown, losing all their baggage on the march to Kildare.
Read the passage
ham, Tallagh, Lucan, Lusk, Dunboyne, Barretstown, Collon, and Baltinglass. In all these petty actions, except those near Dimboyne and Barretstown, and in all the attacks of towns, except that of Prosperous, the insurgents were defeated, though Kilcullen was abon cloned to them after their defeat. In these and other conflicts in the course of the rebellion, the number of the killed and wounded of the rebels is extremely uncertain, and almost always vastly exaggerated in the public prints. The action near Dunboyne, eight miles from Dublin, in the county of Meath, was the surprise of a small party of the regiment of Reay fencibles by a body of rebels, who seized the baggage of two companies of the king's troops escorted by the above party ; and that near Barretstown was also a surprise of a small body of the Suffolk fencibles, who lost all their baggage in their march to Kildare. The engagement in the neighbourhood of Baltinglass, twenty-nine miles from Dublin, southward, was one of the most considerable of the skirmishes! which happened at this time. A body of at least four or five hundred insurgents were on the 24th, at one o'clock, attacked in the town of Stratforcl-upon-Slaney, near Baltinglass, on one side by a small body of troops composed of thirty of the Antrim militia, under lieutenant Macauley, and twenty of the ninth dragoons, under comet Love ; and on the other by a party of
86 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 49
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Cornwallis marches via Philipstown and Kilbeggan by the Grand Canal
Kilbeggan · town · Westmeath · 1798
Marquis Cornwallis, responding to the invasion, arrived at Philipstown on 26 August and proceeded next day to Kilbeggan, making rapid progress along the Grand Canal in response to the crisis at Castlebar.
Read the passage
The marquis Cornwallis, who from the first intelligence of the invasion, had, notwithstanding the smallness of the invading army, been so sensible of the danger which might thence arise, as to have determined to march in person against the enemy, arrived at Philipstown on the 26th of August; whence he proceeded next day to Kilbeggan, having by the way of the grand
288 HISTORY OF THE
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 139
As the companion tells it
Coming up along the road through Kilbeggan. In August 1798, the Marquis Cornwallis marched through this town by way of the Grand Canal. He had come from Philipstown the day before, determined to march in person against the enemy despite the small size of the invading army.
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Mail coach destroyed between Lucan and Leixlip
Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1798
The western-road mail coach was destroyed between Lucan and Leixlip, eight miles from Dublin, as the rebellion began.
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which was to serve as a signal of insurrection to the rest of the kingdom. The plot had been announced late in the evening of the 21st, by a, letter from the secretary of the lord lieutenant to Thomas Fleming, the lord mayor of Dublin, and on the 2£d by a message from the lord lieutenant to both houses, of parliament; and to prevent its execution, the troops of the line, militia, and yeomanry, were disposed under arms in what were supposed to be the most advantageous positions. By a variety of precautions the capital was restrained in tranquillity ; but in the neighbouring counties, notwithstanding the disorganisation of the confederacy by the various operations of government, the appointment was observed by considerable numbers; the mailcoaches on the northern, western, and southern roads were destroyed ; the first at Santry, three miles from Dublin ; the second between Lucan and Leixlip, eight miles from the same ; and the third near Naas, fifteen miles from the capital; insurgents assembled in many places ; and in that night and the following day several skirmishes were fought, and the towns of Naas, Claine, Prosperous, Ballymore-Eustace, and Kilcullen were attacked ; as were also, in the next succeeding night and day, those of Carlo w, Hacketstown, and Monasterevan.
Among the skirmishes of the recent insurrection were those which took place near Rathfani-
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 48
As the companion tells it
Coming up through Leixlip now. Back in 1798, when the rebellion was about to break out, the government in Dublin got word of a planned rising on the evening of the 21st, and the lord lieutenant sent messages to parliament the next day. Troops of the line, militia, and yeomanry were all put under arms across the city to stop it. The capital stayed quiet, but in the neighbouring counties considerable numbers kept to the appointment. Mail coaches on three roads out of Dublin were destroyed that night. The one on the western road was attacked between Lucan and Leixlip, eight miles from the city. The others were hit at Santry on the northern road and near Naas on the southern road. Insurgents assembled in many places that night and the following day, and several skirmishes were fought. The towns of Naas, Claine, Prosperous, Ballymore-Eustace, and Kilcullen were attacked, and in the next night and day Carlow, Hacketstown, and Monasterevan were attacked too.
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Mail coach destroyed near Naas
Naas · town · Kildare · 1798
The southern-road mail coach was destroyed near Naas, fifteen miles from Dublin, at the outbreak of the 1798 rising.
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which was to serve as a signal of insurrection to the rest of the kingdom. The plot had been announced late in the evening of the 21st, by a, letter from the secretary of the lord lieutenant to Thomas Fleming, the lord mayor of Dublin, and on the 2£d by a message from the lord lieutenant to both houses, of parliament; and to prevent its execution, the troops of the line, militia, and yeomanry, were disposed under arms in what were supposed to be the most advantageous positions. By a variety of precautions the capital was restrained in tranquillity ; but in the neighbouring counties, notwithstanding the disorganisation of the confederacy by the various operations of government, the appointment was observed by considerable numbers; the mailcoaches on the northern, western, and southern roads were destroyed ; the first at Santry, three miles from Dublin ; the second between Lucan and Leixlip, eight miles from the same ; and the third near Naas, fifteen miles from the capital; insurgents assembled in many places ; and in that night and the following day several skirmishes were fought, and the towns of Naas, Claine, Prosperous, Ballymore-Eustace, and Kilcullen were attacked ; as were also, in the next succeeding night and day, those of Carlo w, Hacketstown, and Monasterevan.
Among the skirmishes of the recent insurrection were those which took place near Rathfani-
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 48
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Naas, about fifteen miles from Dublin, this is where the southern-road mail coach was destroyed at the outbreak of the 1798 rising. The insurrection had been signalled late on the 21st, by a letter from the secretary of the lord lieutenant to the lord mayor of Dublin, and on the 23rd by a message from the lord lieutenant to both houses of parliament. Troops of the line, militia, and yeomanry were placed under arms to prevent its execution. The capital itself was kept quiet, but in the neighbouring counties considerable numbers observed the appointment. The mail coaches on the northern, western, and southern roads were all destroyed. The northern coach was wrecked at Santry, three miles from Dublin, the western between Lucan and Leixlip, eight miles out, and the southern near Naas. That same night and the following day, the towns of Naas, Claine, Prosperous, Ballymore-Eustace, and Kilcullen were attacked, and several skirmishes were fought across the neighbouring counties.
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Rebel Encampment at Lacken Hill
Lacken · townland · Wexford · 1798
Roche's troops occupied the hill of Lacken within two miles of Ross, forming a more regular encampment with tents erected for officers' lodging.
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Quitting the post of Slyeeve-Keelter in three days after their Arrival, the troops of Philip Roche occupied the hill of Lacken, within two miles of Ross, where they formed a less irregular encampment than usual, many tents being erected
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 81
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Battle of Arklow account corroborated by officers
Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798
The author's manuscript account of the battle of Arklow was read by Holmes and Colonel Bainbridge, who declared it agreeable to their own and General Skerrett's sentiments, evidencing the battle's significance and disputed narrative among officers.
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Holmes, as well as colonel Bainbridge, read in manuscript my account of the battle of Arklow, and declared that it was perfectly agreeable to their own and general Skerrett/s sentiments. Why were not the names of captains Dante, Wilkinson, and others, subscribed to this letter, who had been in the battle of Arklow? These appear to have some property, and not to have thought their situation so desperate as to be obliged to take such a step. Perhaps also they had a principle superior to such foul dealing independently of property. Captain Dante, who, having a personal quarrel with my family, might have been gratified with such a signature, declined the honour. That of Holmes was the last signature obtained, a man of no very shallow speculation, who certainly would not make a barter for nothing.
This transaction, strange as it may appear to the reader, created not the least surprise in me, because a transaction of a far darker hue had before occurred in a combination of these same officers against me, against whom, I really believe, they were far from having any personal enmity, at a time when the command of the regiment, by colonel Cambridge's violent sickness, devolved on major Williams. Of this nefarious combination, procured by the interest of a general officer, all powerful, it seems, with them, and counteracted by the generosity of another
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 208
As the companion tells it
Coming up is Arklow in Wicklow. In 1798 a battle was fought here, and the story of it was contested among the officers who were there. One officer wrote a manuscript account that Holmes and Colonel Bainbridge read, and they declared it "perfectly agreeable to their own and general Skerrett's sentiments." But other officers who had fought at Arklow, including captains Dante and Wilkinson, did not sign. Captain Dante, who had a personal quarrel with the author's family, "declined the honour." The author saw this as part of a darker combination of officers against him, procured through the interest of a powerful general officer. He believed they held no personal enmity toward him. This had occurred when command of the regiment fell to Major Williams, after Colonel Cambridge fell violently ill, and was counteracted by the generosity of another.
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Mountnebo near Gorey, home of John Hunter Gowan
Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798
John Hunter Gowan of Mountnebo, near Gorey, is named as a potential witness regarding officers' repeated retelling of General Needham's proposed retreat and Colonel Skerrett's refusal during the rebellion.
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These very officers, particularly Holmes and Beever, so frequently told the story of general Necdanrs proposal of a retreat, and colonel Skerrett's answer, that I and many others were disgusted with the repetition. Of this the most ample proofs can be produced, since numerous indeed were the witness. Among those, who, most contrary to their inclination, would be bound by a sense of propriety to give this evidence is Mr. John Hunter Gowan of Mountnebo, near Gorey. His family are in the same predicament, and Miss Martha Gowan of Enniscorthy, his niece, has often heard the story from all these officers, and from colonel Bainbridge. Among those in the vicinity of Naas, who could give evidence in my favour, is Mr. James Critchly, the present high sheriff of the county of Wicklow, a man of a very respectable fortune and character, who repeatedly heard the story from Owen Fawcet. I know not what title to give Mr. Fawcet now, as I have not heard what office has been procured him for his signature by General Needham, and the Musgravian, or truth oppossing junto. Holmes told me that the general, being determined to retreat, and wishing to lay the blame thereof on colonel Skerret, sent his aid-du-camp to him for advice concerning the choice of a place to which they should retreat. He afterwards informed me that general Skerrett (he had then become general)
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 206
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Gorey, you are near Mountnebo, the home of John Hunter Gowan. During the rebellion in 1798, officers such as Holmes and Beever told the story so often of General Needham proposing a retreat and Colonel Skerrett refusing, that many who heard it were disgusted with the repetition. Gowan was named as a man who, contrary to his own inclination, would be bound by a sense of propriety to give evidence of this, and his niece Martha Gowan of Enniscorthy had often heard the same story from all those officers and from Colonel Bainbridge.
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Naas gentleman as witness to Needham controversy
Naas · town · Kildare · 1798
Mr. James Critchly, high sheriff of Wicklow near Naas, is cited as someone who repeatedly heard the story of General Needham's proposed retreat from Owen Fawcet, tying the controversy to the Naas area.
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These very officers, particularly Holmes and Beever, so frequently told the story of general Necdanrs proposal of a retreat, and colonel Skerrett's answer, that I and many others were disgusted with the repetition. Of this the most ample proofs can be produced, since numerous indeed were the witness. Among those, who, most contrary to their inclination, would be bound by a sense of propriety to give this evidence is Mr. John Hunter Gowan of Mountnebo, near Gorey. His family are in the same predicament, and Miss Martha Gowan of Enniscorthy, his niece, has often heard the story from all these officers, and from colonel Bainbridge. Among those in the vicinity of Naas, who could give evidence in my favour, is Mr. James Critchly, the present high sheriff of the county of Wicklow, a man of a very respectable fortune and character, who repeatedly heard the story from Owen Fawcet. I know not what title to give Mr. Fawcet now, as I have not heard what office has been procured him for his signature by General Needham, and the Musgravian, or truth oppossing junto. Holmes told me that the general, being determined to retreat, and wishing to lay the blame thereof on colonel Skerret, sent his aid-du-camp to him for advice concerning the choice of a place to which they should retreat. He afterwards informed me that general Skerrett (he had then become general)
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 206
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Naas, you are in a town tied to one of the lingering controversies of 1798. After the rebellion, a dispute arose over whether General Needham had proposed a retreat, and whether he tried to lay the blame on Colonel Skerrett. Officers named Holmes and Beever told the story so often that many grew disgusted with the repetition. In the vicinity of Naas, the writer named Mr. James Critchly as a witness. Critchly was the high sheriff of County Wicklow, a man of respectable fortune and character, who repeatedly heard the story of Needham's proposed retreat from Owen Fawcet. The writer did not know what office had since been procured for Fawcet by General Needham and what he called the truth-opposing junto. Holmes said the general, determined to retreat, sent his aide-de-camp to Skerrett for advice on where they should fall back.
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Population of wild Erris district noted as well-peopled
Erris · barony · Mayo
A footnote cites the narrator of transactions at Killala describing the wild district of Erris, a frightful tract of bog and mountain, as nonetheless tolerably well peopled, contrary to its haggard appearance.
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5 The ingenious and learned narrater of transactions at Killala, hereafter to be quoted, says in one place, (p. 12.) that the wild district of Erris, a frightful tract of bog and mountain, is tolerably well peopled. And in another, (p. 106) " the popu- " lation in the mountainous parts of the county of Mayo much " exceeds what the country, from its haggard appearance, would «f be thought capable of sustaining." This is the case in all tlw wild tracts throughout Ireland.
Internet Archive historyofrebelli00gorduoft, Chapter 131
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.