Name: A history of the rise, progress, and supression of the rebellion in the county of Wexford, in the year 1798 : to which is annexed the author's account of his ca
Author: George Taylor, of Ballywalter, Ireland

The Black Flag massacre on Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

Thomas Dixon raised the Black Flag marked 'Murder Without Sin' and led Protestant prisoners from the gaol and prison-ship to Wexford Bridge, where they were piked to death and thrown into the river across multiple rounds of killing on 20-21 June 1798.

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should be alive against sun-set ; he then rode into the street, repeating the same with horrid imprecations, adding that not a soul should be left to tell the tale. Good God ! bow shall I proceed ? Neither tongue nor pen can describe the dismal aspect of that melancholy day — a day in which the sun did not so much as glimmer through the frowning heavens. The town bell rang, and the drums beat to arms, to assemble the rebels for the purpose of joining those at the Three Rocks, in order to march against General Moore's brigade. In the evening Dixon assembled the murdering band, and immediately hoisted that harbinger of destruction, the Black Flag, which had on one side a bloody cross, and on the other the initials M.W.S., that is, "Murder Without Sin," signifying that it was no sin to murder a Protestant. Having paraded for some time to give more solemnity to the scene, the poor Protestants who were confined in the gaol and prison-ship, were led forth to the slaughter. They were conducted to the bridge under a strong guard of merciless furies, piked to death, with every circumstance of barbarous cruelty, and then flung into the river to leave room for more ! While this work of blood was going on, a rebel captain, being shocked at the cries of the victims, and possessing some feelings of humanity, ran to the Popish bishop, who was then drinking wine with the utmost composure after his dinner, and knowing that he could at once stop the massacre, entreated of him, "for the mercy of Jesus," to come and save the prisoners. The bishop coolly replied that " it was no affair of his," and requested the captain " would sit down and take a glass of wine," adding that " the people should be gratified " ! The captain, however, indignantly refused the invitation, and, filled with abhorrence and distress of mind, walked silently away. All this time the sanguinary pike-men continued
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As the companion tells it

Along here on Wexford Bridge, one of the darkest scenes of 1798 took place. Thomas Dixon raised what the source calls that harbinger of destruction, the Black Flag. One side bore a bloody cross, the other the initials M.W.S., meaning Murder Without Sin, signifying that it was no sin to murder a Protestant. This was the 20th and 21st of June. Dixon had ridden into the street earlier, repeating with horrid imprecations that not a soul should be left to tell the tale, and that not one should be alive against sunset. The town bell rang and drums beat to arms, assembling rebels to join those at the Three Rocks against General Moore's brigade. In the evening Dixon assembled the murdering band and hoisted the Black Flag. After parading for some time to give solemnity to the scene, the Protestants confined in the gaol and prison-ship were led forth. They were conducted to this bridge under a strong guard, piked to death with every circumstance of barbarous cruelty, and flung into the river to leave room for more. A rebel captain, shocked at the cries of the victims, ran to the Popish bishop, who was drinking wine with composure after his dinner. The captain begged him, for the mercy of Jesus, to come and save the prisoners. The bishop coolly replied it was no affair of his, asked the captain to sit and take a glass of wine, and added that the people should be gratified. The captain refused and walked away in distress. All this time the pike-men continued.

The Battle of New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

A ferocious battle raged through the town of New Ross from early morning to evening on 5 June 1798, with cannon fire, cavalry charges, and street fighting causing massive casualties. Lord Mountjoy was killed, the town was set ablaze, and thousands of rebels reportedly died.

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honour to command a six-pounder field-piece. The rebels pouring in like a flood, artillery was called for, and human blood began to flow down the street. Though hundreds were blown to pieces by our grapeshot, yet thousands behind them, being intoxicated from drinking during the night, and void of fear, rushed upon us. The cavalry were now ordered to make a charge through them, when a terrible carnage ensued: they were cut down like grass; but the pike-men being called to the front, and our swords being too short to reach them, obliged the horse to retreat, which put us in some confusion. We kept up the action till about half-past eight ; and it was maintained with such obstinacy on both sides, that it was doubtful who would keep the field. They then began to burn and destroy the town — it was on fire in many places in about fifteen minutes. By this time the insurgents advanced as far as the main-guard, where there was a most bloody conflict ; but with the assistance of two ship-guns placed in the street, we killed a great number of them, and beat them back for some time. The Dublin County regiment, headed by their colonel, Lord Mountjoy*, now made another attack on the rebels, and the action being revived in all quarters of the town with double fury, many heroes fell, and among them the brave Mountjoy : this so exasperated his regiment, that they fought like furies, and now indeed was the scene truly bloody. Our forces for the third time being overpowered by the weight of
* This nobleman, when Luke Gardiner, Esq., was the first person who introduced a bill into the Irish House of Commons ior a repeal of the Popery Code, and unfortunately felt the bitter effects and inefficiency of his own system of conciliation. — DAIGENAN'S PAMPHLET.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Massacre of prisoners on Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

Prisoners taken from the gaol and market-house were marched to Wexford Bridge, piked to death, and their bodies thrown into the river; one man, still alive, jumped into the water and was shot.

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guards told them they should get him. I, not thinking they meant the priest, and recollecting that there was an English clergyman in gaol, a Mr. Wilson, and wishing to receive the Sacrament, told them I would wish to get a minister also. Hereon several of them shouted out, "Oh ! boys, here is Taylor the preacher from Ballycanow, wants a minister." " Pike him, pike him at any rate," was instantly the cry. They would hardly let me go to the bridge they so thirsted for my blood. When we arrived there, we kneeled down to commend our souls to God. The murderers immediately piked six in the most horrid manner, and threw them over the bridge. One man in his torture jumped into the river, where they shot him. While these were torturing, I thought I should surely be one of the next, as there was only one between me and death, when the Lord appeared on our behalf, by sending Mr. Corrin, Parish Priest of Wexford, to rescue us. When he came to the place of execution, he exclaimed, " Oh ! what is it you are doing ? Desist from shedding innocent blood, there has been too much of that already : you have lost your cause, and for God's sake shed no more." Mr. Corrin then took off his hat, and entreated them to desist, but in vain. I thought he would not be able to prevail. When he saw their determination, he requested them to kneel down, and pray for the souls of the poor prisoners, before they would kill any more of them ; they obeyed, and when he got them in the attitude of devotion, "Now," said he, " pray that the Lord Jesus may give you to feel that mercy for them, which you expect from Him, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment." They at length consented to spare us a while longer. He then led us away, and as he was coming by me, I stood up and kissed his hand, saying, " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." On our return we met that
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As the companion tells it

Along here on Wexford Bridge, in 1798, prisoners taken from the gaol and market-house were marched out and piked to death. The prisoners knelt down to commend their souls to God before the killing began. The murderers piked six men in what the survivor called "the most horrid manner" and threw them over the bridge. One man, still alive in his torment, jumped into the river, where they shot him. The account comes from a preacher named Taylor from Ballycanow, who was among those marched to the bridge that day. He had asked for a minister and the crowd turned on him, crying "Pike him, pike him at any rate." He expected to die, with only one person standing between him and death, when the Parish Priest of Wexford, Mr. Corrin, arrived and pleaded with the killers to stop. Corrin said, "Desist from shedding innocent blood, there has been too much of that already." He could not at first prevail, so he asked them to kneel and pray for the souls of the prisoners. When they knelt, he urged them to pray that the Lord Jesus would give them the mercy they hoped to receive at their own hour of death. They consented to spare the rest. Taylor kissed Corrin's hand and said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Priest Murphy killed at Battle of Arklow, body burned by Lord Mount Norris

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

Priest Murphy of Ballycanow, who claimed he could catch bullets, was killed by cannister shot while leading rebels at Arklow. Lord Mount Norris ordered his head struck off and his body thrown into a burning house, declaring 'Let his body go where his soul is!'

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Lord Mount Norris and some of his troop, in viewing the scene of action, found the body of the perfidious priest Murphy, who so much deceived him and the country ; being exasperated, his lordship ordered his head to be struck off, and his body to be thrown into a house that was burning, exclaiming, " Let his body go where his soul is !" This unhappy man declared to his deluded flock that he could catch the bullets and ward them off at his pleasure.*
The rebels in their retreat to Gorey were so mad with sergeant Shepherd, that it was with the greatest difficulty Esmond Kyan could save him from falling a sacrifice to their fury.t They arrived in Gorey late in

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Arklow, this is where the 1798 rebellion saw one of its grimmer episodes. A priest named Murphy of Ballycanow had told his followers he could catch bullets and ward them off at pleasure. He led rebels here in battle and was killed by cannon fire. After the fighting, Lord Mount Norris came upon the body and, angered at what he called the priest's deception, ordered his head struck off and his body thrown into a burning house, exclaiming, "Let his body go where his soul is."

Priest Corrin halts the killing on Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

Priest Corrin ran to the bridge and, after pleading failed, had the remaining prisoners kneel and pray before persuading the rebels to spare them, ending that day's massacre around eight in the evening after six more victims had already been killed.

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"What news ?" He replied, " Bad news, indeed; the King's forces are encamped round Vinegar-hill." He then rode towards the convent, and perceiving the women (who were anxious to be more fully informed of this matter) following him, he drew out a pistol and swore that if they came any farther he would blow their brains out. Shortly after priest Corrin was seen running towards the bridge. There were six of the poor Protestants killed out of the last party that were taken down before he arrived, namely, Philip Bacon, Samuel Gordon, William Stedman, Thomas Rigly, James Dowzar, and Thomas Shaw : and it was with great difficulty he prevailed upon them to spare the rest ; for after using all the arguments he possibly could without effect, he at length took off his hat, and desired them to kneel down and pray for the souls of the poor prisoners before they put them to death ; they did so, and having thus got them in the attitude of devotion, he said, " Now pray to God, to have mercy on your souls, and teach you to show that kindness towards them, which you expect from HIM, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment." This had the desired effect ; he then led them off the bridge without opposition, and they were sent back to confinement. The massacre of that day ceased about eight o'clock in the evening. Out of forty-eight prisoners who had been confined in the market-house, only the following persons escaped : —
Matthew Kelly, Peter Judd, William Kennedy, William Shepherd, James Hamilton, William Harris, Benjamin Warren, John Makay, Matthew Fenlon, Francis McCoy, William Kelly, Sandwith Martin, John Combes, Robert Styles, John Kendrick, Eobert Makay, Joseph Bavistor, George Taylor.* James Patchel, ^

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Along here on this street in 1798, Wexford Bridge was the scene of a massacre that a priest brought to an end. News had come that the King's forces were encamped round Vinegar Hill. A man rode towards the convent, and when women followed him to hear more, he drew a pistol and swore he would blow their brains out if they came any farther. Shortly after, priest Corrin was seen running towards the bridge. Six of the poor Protestants had already been killed from the last party taken down before he arrived. Their names were Philip Bacon, Samuel Gordon, William Stedman, Thomas Rigly, James Dowzar, and Thomas Shaw. It was with great difficulty that Corrin prevailed upon the rebels to spare the rest. He used every argument he could, without effect. At length he took off his hat and asked them to kneel down and pray for the souls of the poor prisoners before they put them to death. They did so. Having got them in the attitude of devotion, he said, "Now pray to God, to have mercy on your souls, and teach you to show that kindness towards them, which you expect from HIM, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment." This had the desired effect. He led them off the bridge without opposition, and they were sent back to confinement. The massacre of that day ceased about eight o'clock in the evening. Out of 48 prisoners who had been confined in the market-house, only a named few escaped.

Four hundred Protestants massacred, bodies left unburied at Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

An estimated four hundred Protestants were killed at Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill, their bodies left unburied for days while swine preyed upon them. The bodies were eventually dragged to the river, covered in sand, or thrown into the water to float with the tide.

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It is said that not less than four hundred Protestants were massacred in Enniscorthy, and on Vinegar-hill, the bodies of whom lay unburied during several days ; and such was the cruelty of the rebels that they would not suffer their female friends to perform the last act of humanity, nor even look at them on pain of death ; and to increase the horror of this scene, the swine were suffered to prey upon many of them, and several, through the uncommon heat of the weather, were reduced to such a state of putrefaction that they at length became offensive to the murderers, who drew them to the water-side, where they covered many with the sand, and threw others into the river, in which, for a long time after, they floated with the tide.
From this fatal hill these sanguinary wretches frequently went off in plundering parties, taking with them horses and cars, to convey back the property of their Protestant neighbours. Amongst others they visited the house of Edward Hawkins, of Balleycoursey, a man well known to be of the most kind and obliging disposition towards the lower order of the people. They first called for something to eat and drink, and after they had satisfied themselves with such as the house afforded, they tore him out of the arms of his beloved wife, who was upwards of sixty years old, and had lost her sight about a year before; and notwithstanding all her tears and entreaties, they instantly murdered him at his own hall-door ! Then loading their cars with everything valuable in the house, they set it on fire, and left the poor old woman to grope her way out through fire and smoke ! Not satisfied with this, tfhey murdered four of her sons in the most barbarous manner —

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

Sacking and Massacre at Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Rebels stormed Enniscorthy, setting fire to the suburbs and eventually the whole town, driving out the defending militia and yeomanry with heavy losses. Amid the chaos, elderly rector Rev. Samuel Haydon of Ferns was murdered and thrown to be devoured by swine, and near-centenarian Richard Whealy was also killed.

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Now parents parted their children, and children their parents ; husbands their wives, and wives their husbands, never to meet more. For many of the yeomen and loyalists who were wounded would probably have recovered, but that they were murdered by the merciless pikemen. Many more, whom the tender ties of nature caused to cling to their wives and children, hoped for mercy from some of their neighbours ; but alas ! there was no such thing. No mercy for any man who bore the name of Protestant, from the age of fifteen and upwards. And some even under that age were put to death. The Rev. Samuel Haydon, rector of Ferns, a very old man, was murdered, and thrown out to be devoured by swine. Richard Whealy, a lock-smith, near one hundred years old, also fell a victim to their cruelty. The massacre became general as soon as they got possession of the town. Some were immolated in the act of giving them freely of their own liquor ; as an instance, Edward Slye was shot by his neighbour, William Lee, while handing him a quart of beer. Many were torn out of the arms of their wives, and murdered before them in the most barbarous manner ; nor were those women even permitted to bury their slaughtered husbands. Smoke and flames, blood and slaughter, shouting and blasphemy, now triumphed in the desolation of this unfortunate town.
Terrible was the alarm in Wexford when the unhappy fugitives arrived with the dismal tidings. An immediate attack on the town being looked for, every exertion was made for its defence. Barriers of wood and stone were erected in all the leading passes ; regular cavalry picquets patroled the roads for two or three miles, and all the loyalists volunteered to defend it. They were stationed at the different barriers, with the Wexford infantry,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Charles Davis piked and buried alive but survives at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Charles Davis, a glazier, refused to renounce his Protestant faith and was piked repeatedly until he appeared dead, then buried under sods of earth; friends who had recovered his body for burial discovered he was still alive and he eventually recovered.

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The following circumstances, which happened on Vinegar-hill and Enniscorthy, are too remarkable to escape notice. Charles Davis, a glazier, was seized by the rebels, and promised his liberty if he would renounce his religion as a Protestant, confess to the priest, and receive his baptism ; with all of which he refused to comply. In consequence of this he was piked in several parts of the body till he became in appearance dead, and then thrown into a field, and covered with sods of earth. Some of his friends who had previously submitted to the ceremony of
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As the companion tells it

You are near Vinegar Hill in Wexford. In 1798, the rebels seized a glazier named Charles Davis here and offered him his freedom if he would renounce his Protestant faith, confess to a priest, and accept baptism. He refused, and they piked him in several parts of the body until he appeared dead, then covered him with sods of earth. Friends who came to recover his body for burial found he was still alive, and he eventually recovered.

Attack on Major Valotton in Wexford town

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

During a Defender uprising in Wexford, Major Valotton was attacked while trying to negotiate with the mob, struck in the head with a scythe on a pole and stabbed with a pike so deeply it entered his abdomen. He died of his wounds, leading soldiers to fire on the rebels, killing nearly eighty.

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advance to the town, and reduce it to ashes- This threat was taken little notice of, nor did the inhabitants appear in the least alarmed, not imagining they would be so bold as to make an attack on the town, which at that time was garrisoned by a detachment of the 56th regiment of infantry, commanded by Major Valotton, an officer of great merit and amiable character, who had been first aide-de-camp to General Elliot at the siege of Gibraltar. But about two o'clock on the same day an express arrived, informing the magistrates that the Defenders had advanced within a quarter of a mile of the town, and that they had retained as their prisoner and hostage, Lieutenant Buckby, who was quartered in Taghmon and ha4 been in Wexford that day alone, on military business. The alarm was now spread, and it was judged expedient to order out the military, at the sight of which it was imagined they would disperse. Accordingly about fifty soldiers, with three magistrates, headed by the brave Valotton, marched to meet the Defenders, who were now at the upper end of the town, on the great road leading to Taghmon, in number about 2,000, armed with guns, pikes, scythes, &c. The humane disposition of Major Valotton would not allow the military to act without his first expostulating with the mob ; but while he was in the act of haranguing them, and advising them to disperse quietly and let the officer go to his command, one of the rebels presented a musquet at him, which the major parried off with his sword, and for that time saved his life. As the piece went off, the major attempted to seize the villain ; but while he was engaged with him, another rebel, with a scythe fastened on a pole, made a blow at the brave Valotton's head, which laid it open and brought him to the ground ; and at that instant he was stabbed with a pike in the
In County Wexford. 13

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where Major Valotton met his end in 1798. The town was garrisoned by a detachment of the 56th regiment of infantry, commanded by Valotton, an officer who had been first aide-de-camp to General Elliot at the siege of Gibraltar. The inhabitants were not alarmed when threats came that the Defenders would burn the town. But about two o'clock, an express arrived telling the magistrates the Defenders were within a quarter of a mile, and that they held Lieutenant Buckby as their prisoner. Buckby was quartered in Taghmon and had been in Wexford that day alone on military business. About fifty soldiers and three magistrates, headed by Valotton, marched out to meet them. The Defenders were at the upper end of the town, on the great road leading to Taghmon, about 2,000 strong, armed with guns, pikes, and scythes. Valotton's humane nature would not let the military act before he spoke with the mob. He stood before them advising them to disperse quietly and let the officer go to his command. One rebel aimed a musket at him. Valotton parried it with his sword and the shot went wide. He moved to seize that man, but another rebel swung a scythe fixed on a pole into his head, laying it open and dropping him to the ground. At that same instant he was stabbed with a pike in the abdomen. He died of his wounds, and the soldiers opened fire on the rebels, killing nearly eighty.

Father Corrin halts the killing at Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

As prisoners knelt awaiting execution on Wexford Bridge, Father Corrin, Parish Priest of Wexford, intervened, pleading with the rebels to desist from shedding innocent blood and persuading them to spare the remaining captives for a time.

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guards told them they should get him. I, not thinking they meant the priest, and recollecting that there was an English clergyman in gaol, a Mr. Wilson, and wishing to receive the Sacrament, told them I would wish to get a minister also. Hereon several of them shouted out, "Oh ! boys, here is Taylor the preacher from Ballycanow, wants a minister." " Pike him, pike him at any rate," was instantly the cry. They would hardly let me go to the bridge they so thirsted for my blood. When we arrived there, we kneeled down to commend our souls to God. The murderers immediately piked six in the most horrid manner, and threw them over the bridge. One man in his torture jumped into the river, where they shot him. While these were torturing, I thought I should surely be one of the next, as there was only one between me and death, when the Lord appeared on our behalf, by sending Mr. Corrin, Parish Priest of Wexford, to rescue us. When he came to the place of execution, he exclaimed, " Oh ! what is it you are doing ? Desist from shedding innocent blood, there has been too much of that already : you have lost your cause, and for God's sake shed no more." Mr. Corrin then took off his hat, and entreated them to desist, but in vain. I thought he would not be able to prevail. When he saw their determination, he requested them to kneel down, and pray for the souls of the poor prisoners, before they would kill any more of them ; they obeyed, and when he got them in the attitude of devotion, "Now," said he, " pray that the Lord Jesus may give you to feel that mercy for them, which you expect from Him, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment." They at length consented to spare us a while longer. He then led us away, and as he was coming by me, I stood up and kissed his hand, saying, " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." On our return we met that
164 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Along here on Wexford Bridge, in 1798, rebels were piking prisoners and throwing them over into the river below. Six were killed in what the survivor called "the most horrid manner," and one man in his agony jumped into the water, where they shot him. The survivor was a Protestant preacher named Taylor from Ballycanow, who had been dragged to the bridge amid shouts of "pike him, pike him at any rate." He knelt expecting to be next, with only one person between him and death, when Father Corrin, the Parish Priest of Wexford, arrived. Corrin cried out, "Desist from shedding innocent blood, there has been too much of that already: you have lost your cause, and for God's sake shed no more." He took off his hat and entreated them, but they seemed unmoved. So he asked the rebels to kneel and pray for the souls of the prisoners before killing any more. They obeyed, and once they were kneeling he said, "Pray that the Lord Jesus may give you to feel that mercy for them, which you expect from Him, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment." At length they consented to spare the remaining captives. Corrin led them away, and Taylor stood and kissed his hand, saying, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

General Johnson's forces defeat rebels at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

On 21 June 1798 the royal columns encircled Vinegar-hill and after intense artillery bombardment stormed the rebel stronghold, killing an estimated five hundred rebels. Priest Thomas Clinch was among the slain.

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answered the end. Perceiving the effects of the shells they fled from their stronghold, and took another position on the lower hill, on the east side. The King's troops now mounted the summit, tore down the rebel standard, which was on the top of the old windmill, and displayed the royal banners, to which the rebels again bid defiance, and planting themselves behind the ditches, which served them for entrenchments and breast-works, they kept up a very heavy fire on the light brigade, commanded by Colonel Campbell ; but nothing could retard the progress of these brave troops, who rushed on them like furies, charging them in their entrenchments, and with the assistance of the left column which flanked them, they soon put them to the rout. Their own cannon were now turned on them, which threw them into the greatest confusion ; the cavalry then pursued, and mowed them down like grass. Among the slain was priest Thomas Clinch, a notorious and resolute rebel, and their whole loss was estimated at about five hundred. Throughout the whole of this arduous undertaking, the troops, who were filled with the true spirit of loyalty, displayed astonishing courage and perseverance. But alas ! just after the battle, while the soldiers were yet filled with rage, a few poor loyalists who had encountered the greatest difficulties to escape the merciless hands of the rebels, and who were transported at the approach of the army, unthinkingly ran to them for protection, but being in coloured clothes, were shot by their deliverers before they had time to make known their distress ; in this the soldiers were blameless, not being able for the moment to discriminate between the rebel and the loyalist.*
* RETURN OF THE KILLED, WOUNDED, AND MISSING OF the KING'S TROOPS,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you come near Vinegar Hill, this is where the royal forces defeated the rebels on 21 June 1798. The columns encircled the hill, and the artillery bombardment did its work. The rebels fled their stronghold and took a new position on the lower hill, on the east side. The King's troops mounted the summit and tore down the rebel standard, which stood on top of the old windmill. They raised the royal banners, but the rebels bid defiance again, planting themselves behind ditches that served as entrenchments and breastworks. They kept up a heavy fire on the light brigade under Colonel Campbell. Nothing could stop these troops, who rushed on them like furies, charging them in their entrenchments. With the left column flanking them, they soon put the rebels to rout. The rebels' own cannon were turned against them, throwing them into the greatest confusion. The cavalry pursued and mowed them down. Among the slain was priest Thomas Clinch, described as a resolute rebel. The whole rebel loss was estimated at about 500. Just after the battle, while the soldiers were still filled with rage, a few poor loyalists who had endured great hardship to escape the rebels ran to the troops for protection. But they wore coloured clothes, and the soldiers shot them before they could make themselves known. The soldiers were blameless, unable for the moment to tell rebel from loyalist.

Massacre camp and Tree of Liberty at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Rebels encamped on Vinegar Hill after taking Enniscorthy, planting a Tree of Liberty, and began a continuous slaughter of Protestants lasting twenty-five days, sending to Wexford for more victims when locals ran scarce.

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After taking possession of Enniscorthy, as stated in a preceding page, the rebels encamped on Vinegar-hill, where they planted the Tree of Liberty with shouts of " Vive la Bepublique," and " Erin go Bragh." Here the work of blood immediately began, and continued every day, more or less, for twenty-five days ; a dreadful specimen of what might be expected from such a government. One day they were so diabolical as to murder all the Protestants they had ; and not satisfied with this, they sent to Wexford for more, and every day parties ranged the country, dragging forth all they could find, to satiate their thirst for blood. The scarcer they grew the longer the poor victims were kept in torment. On the 1st of June, a Protestant, who afterwards escaped by the interposition of a rebel captain, being in an old windmill
In County Wexford. 89

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you come near Vinegar Hill in County Wexford, you are passing the ground where rebels encamped in 1798 after taking Enniscorthy. They planted a Tree of Liberty there, shouting "Vive la Republique" and "Erin go Bragh." The killing began immediately and continued every day, more or less, for twenty-five days. One day they murdered all the Protestants they had, and not satisfied with that, they sent to Wexford for more. Daily parties ranged the countryside, dragging forth everyone they could find. The scarcer the victims grew, the longer the poor souls were kept in torment. On the 1st of June a Protestant in an old windmill escaped only by the interposition of a rebel captain.

Richard Sterne's ordeal near Enniscorthy and Mr. Ogle's seat

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Richard Sterne, an elderly Protestant of Enniscorthy, was overtaken by rebels led by priest John Murphy near Mr. Ogle's seat, refused to renounce his faith, was struck and stabbed repeatedly with pikes and left for dead, then crawled to the Slaney and was rescued at Ogle's house before later being imprisoned at Vinegar Hill.

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That he, in his flight from Enniscorthy, was overtaken by a great body of rebels, on their way to Wexford, near the seat of Mr. Ogle ; that they were headed by priest John Murphy, on horseback, who carried before him a large crucifix ; that he was accosted by one of their officers as an Orangeman, and asked if he would turn Eoman Catholic ; that he replied he would not ; for having lived all his life a Protestant, he could not think of turning in his old days ; that upon his declaring this, he was threatened with instant death, but that life being sweet, he on reflection asked, if he should turn would his life be spared ; that he was answered in the negative, but that in mercy he should be shot, and if he did not turn, that he should be tortured to death with pikes ; that he then inquired why they would kill him though he should turn ; they answered lest he should afterwards turn heretic again ; that he then begged hard that application might be made to the priest in his behalf ; and that when the priest was asked what should be done with him, he replied, what they liked ; that he then told them if he must die, he preferred being piked for being a Protestant, to being shot after denying his faith, but that he requested they would bring him before Father Murphy, which they did ; that because he did not instantly fall on his knees and bow to the crucifix, he was struck on the head with a spade-handle shod with iron, and left for dead ; that when he recovered he saw none of the rebels, and judges that he lay on the road senseless for some hours ; that he found he had been
In County Wexford. 121

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

Siege and Burning of Bookey's House at Rockspring

Rockspring · townland · Wexford · 1798

Rebels, having killed Lieutenant Bookey, marched to his house at Rockspring where two Protestant defenders held off nearly 400 attackers before the house was set alight. Priest Murphy threatened to behead men who refused to search the stairs, and the two defenders narrowly escaped the flames.

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been left in care of two Protestants, Jacob Ward and Samuel Hawkins, and five Papists, the domestics of the late Lieutenant Bookey. About one o'clock in the morning, the rebels approached, near 400 in number. Three of the Papists stole away, two joined the enemy, and left only the two Protestants, with four guns, to defend the house. When the rebels advanced, they called out for the arms of the house. The two Protestants told them they should have them, and immediately discharged the four guns, loading and firing as quickly as possible. The assailants now grew outrageous, surrounded the house, fired in at the windows, shouting and throwing stones, and afterwards burst open the door with a sledge ; but some were heard to say, " Come away before more of us are killed." When they entered the house, they lighted candles, and assembled in the hall. The two men above stairs ceased firing, and placed themselves on the stairs to prevent their coming up. Priest Murphy ordered the men who held the candles to go upstairs, and see who were in the house. They refused. He instantly drew his sword, and commanded them to go up, declaring in case of refusal, "he would cut their heads off." At this they ran up quickly; when, on coming to the top, they were instantly shot, and tumbled down on their companions. The rebels now became desperate; went into the kitchen and set the house on fire ; then surrounded it, being determined not to let Ward or his companion escape. Others set fire to some of the out-offices. But the two gallant Protestants continued their fire till they heard the floor under them crack, and presently give way to the devouring flames, Ward and his companion just escaping to the upper story. When the under-floor fell, the smoke and flames ascended with such violence, that
In County Wexford. 27

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1798, rebels marched to Lieutenant Bookey's house after killing him, and laid siege to it with nearly 400 men. The house had been left in the care of two Protestants, Jacob Ward and Samuel Hawkins, along with five of Bookey's domestic servants. When the rebels approached around one in the morning, three of the servants slipped away and two joined the enemy, leaving only Ward and Hawkins with four guns to defend the place. The rebels demanded the arms. The two men said they would have them, and fired all four guns, loading and firing as fast as they could. The attackers surrounded the house, shooting through the windows, shouting, throwing stones, and breaking down the door with a sledge. Some were heard to say, "Come away before more of us are killed." Once inside, the rebels lit candles and gathered in the hall. Ward and Hawkins stopped firing and positioned themselves on the stairs to block anyone coming up. Priest Murphy ordered the men holding candles to go upstairs and see who was in the house. They refused. He drew his sword and declared he would "cut their heads off" if they did not obey. They ran up, were shot at the top, and tumbled back down onto their companions. The rebels then went to the kitchen and set the house on fire, surrounding it so neither Ward nor Hawkins could escape. They also set fire to the out-offices. The two men kept firing until the floor beneath them cracked and gave way, just managing to retreat to the upper story as the lower floor collapsed and the flames roared upward.

Death of Defender leader John Moore, fighting on broken legs

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

John Moore, a farmer and Defender leader near New Ross, had both legs broken by military fire but continued fighting on the stumps until he was shot dead, alone, having been abandoned by his companions.

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The Defenders were headed that day by a man of a very resolute and undaunted disposition, named John Moore, a farmer, who resided within a few miles of New Boss. This man, on the first fire from the military, had both his legs broken ; yet so very zealous was he in the cause, that he fought on the stumps, till he was left alone and shot. There was also a priest killed, in whose pocket were found the articles of the Popish faith. As the Corporation of Wexford erected a monument to the memory of Major Valotton, so the friends of Moore, the rebel leader, raised a tomb to him in the grave yard of Carnagh, near New Boss, bearing the following inscription :—
Underneath this stone doth lie

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 3

Mass Burial of Rebel Dead After the Battle of New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

After the battle, the town lay in ruins and it was impossible to walk without climbing over the slain. Due to the intense heat, the bodies decomposed rapidly, and nearly one thousand were thrown into a single gravel-pit.

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It was so late when the action was over, that the dead could not be buried. The next morning the town presented a hideous scene : it lay in ruins, and it was impossible to walk without climbing over the slain. The weather was so excessively warm, and the unfortunate wretches were in such a perspiration when they were killed, that when they were dragged to interment, the stench was intolerable. Their countenances were writhed in a thousand horrible forms; and as many of them died drunk and infuriated, they had a frightful appearance. Nearly one thousand of those wretched men were thrown into one gravel-pit. On
Fourth Flank Battalion. North Mayo. — 2 rank and file wounded ; 1 sergeant, 7 rank and file

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft

Murder of Rev. Francis Turner at Ballingale

Ballingale · townland · Wexford · 1798

Rebels surrounded the house of Rev. Francis Turner just after he had baptised a child, and after a fierce defence by sheltering Protestants, shot him in the face at the window. He was left mangled and his body was later consumed by fire, along with nine murdered Protestant neighbours including two baptismal sponsors.

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On the same day about five hundred rebels assembled between Newtownbarry and Ferns, and attacked the house of Mr. Dawson, of Charles-fort, within two miles of the latter place. After plundering the house, wounding Mr. Dawson, and murdering a Protestant named Willis, they proceeded to the house of the Rev. Francis Turner, of Ballingale, rector of Edeermine, a gentleman of excellent character. He had but just baptised a child, when the rebels surrounded the house with their usual yells, and immediately set the out-offices on fire. Mr. Turner, looking out at the window, inquired what they wanted, on which they desired him to surrender his arms. He refused to comply, and desired them to depart from his house. Persisting in their demand, he again replied that he would never surrender his arms but with his life, on which they fired through all the windows. Six or seven Protestants, who had fled to Mr. Turner's house for safety, now determined to defend themselves to the last, and for a considerable time they made a most gallant resistance by incessantly firing out upon the rebels, who, now exasperated to the most extravagant fury, roared like beasts of prey. At length, Matthew Bulger, James Meagher, Denis Carty, and another noted villain, with the greatest deliberation, waited till Mr. Turner came to the window to discharge his piece : the four levelled together, and blew off the side of his face. The other persons within, seeing him fall, ceased firing, and, in the excess of their grief, neglected to defend themselves further. At this time Michael Keough, Mr. Turner's own proctor, a man that had always received from the family the most distinguished marks of real
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Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Ninety-seven Protestants massacred on Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

The book records that had the army arrived a day sooner they would have saved ninety-seven Protestants who were cruelly butchered on the bridge, naming several victims including Philip Bacon and Samuel Gordon.

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General Moore's brigade arrived at the Windmill-hill, above Wexford, about five o'clock in the evening, and sent a detachment of two companies of the Queen's Royals to take possession of the garrison. Captain Boyd, of the Wexford cavalry, and a few of his troop, were the first that appeared. They came (amidst innumerable blessings) galloping up to the gaol door to see the prisoners. Many a tear was shed on this happy occasion by the overjoyed inhabitants. But Captain Boyd cautioned the prisoners not to come out till the arrival of the army, lest on their coming into town they might be taken for rebels (not having military clothes) and put to death. Shortly after the Queen's Royals arrived. Description fails in attempting to set forth the emotions which arose in the breasts of the poor Protestants who had been doomed to destruction. The entrance of the army was peculiarly striking ; for instead of rushing in with all the violence of enraged men, as might be expected, they marched along in such solemnity and silent grandeur, that not a whisper was to be heard through all the ranks. Many wept with joy to see their deliverers, who soon opened the prison -doors, " and set the prisoners free." Thus was the town of Wexford recovered from Popery's persecuting reign, on the 21st of June, 1798, after being in possession of the rebels twenty-three days. Had the army arrived a day sooner, they would have saved ninety-seven Protestants, who were cruelly butchered on the bridge. Indeed, the shocking acts of barbarity practised during this period would make as many pictures of inhumanity as are to be found in the history of the martys,
Lieutenant-General Lake now issued a proclamation for the apprehension of all the rebel leaders ; assuring the deluded multitude, that such as would come forward and deliver up their arms, should find mercy and protection.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Along here on this bridge, ninety-seven Protestants were killed in 1798. The rebels had held Wexford for twenty-three days when the army arrived on the 21st of June to take the town back. General Moore's brigade reached Windmill-hill above Wexford about five in the evening, and Captain Boyd of the Wexford cavalry came galloping up to the gaol door to see the prisoners, who wept with joy at the sight. Boyd cautioned them not to come out until the army proper arrived, in case they were mistaken for rebels and put to death. The Queen's Royals came shortly after, marching in with what the author calls "solemnity and silent grandeur," and opened the prison doors and set the prisoners free. But had the army arrived just one day sooner, those ninety-seven Protestants would have been saved. Philip Bacon and Samuel Gordon were among those butchered on this bridge.

Death of Jackson, a clergyman conspirator, at the bar in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1795

Jackson, a Protestant clergyman convicted in Dublin in 1795 for correspondence with French revolutionaries, dropped dead at the bar while receiving sentence, suspected to be from poison.

Read the passage

Soon after the commencement of the war with France, a correspondence was opened between the United Irishmen and the French revolutionary Government. Jackson, a Protestant clergyman, who had been convicted in Dublin, in 1795, of the part which he took in this business, dropped dead at the bar (supposed to be the effect of poison) while receiving sentence ; and Mr. Rowan escaped about the same time from prison. The sudden recall of Lord Fitzwilliam destroyed the last hope of the Roman Catholics, and from this moment the exertions of the United Irishmen proceeded with accelerated energy. An accredited agent was sent to the French capital, and arrangements were made for the subsequent attempt at invasion, by General Hoche, which was frustrated rather by the interposition of Providence, than by the wisdom or vigour of the Irish Government.
The peasantry were at this time supposed to be generally loyal, as the plans of the United Irishmen were not yet fully matured for co-operating with their allies. But in the following year a new ambassador was sent to Paris, to arrange the plan of a second attempt at invasion. In the meantime the arming and organization of the United Irishmen proceeded with increased vigour, and the well affected were everywhere plundered of their arms. The Government, though as yet unacquainted with the nature or extent of the conspiracy, adopted vigorous measures of counteraction ; but in the spring of 1798, the whole plan being discovered by one of the conspirators, several of the leading agitators were seized, with their papers, on the 12th of March ; and early in May, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, after a desperate resistance, was apprehended, but he soon after died of his wounds.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are near the courts where a Protestant clergyman named Jackson met a sudden end in 1795. He had been convicted for his part in a correspondence between the United Irishmen and the French revolutionary government. He dropped dead at the bar while receiving his sentence, supposed to be the effect of poison. About the same time, a Mr. Rowan escaped from prison. The wider story matters here. The United Irishmen had opened contact with France after the war began, and when Lord Fitzwilliam was suddenly recalled, the last hope of the Roman Catholics was destroyed. From that moment their efforts quickened. An agent was sent to Paris, and arrangements were made for a later invasion attempt by General Hoche, frustrated more by the interposition of Providence than by any wisdom or vigour of the Irish government. The peasantry were thought loyal at this stage, the plans not yet matured. But the next year a new ambassador went to Paris for a second attempt, while arming and organisation went on with increased vigour and the well-affected were plundered of their arms. The government, still unaware of the full extent of the conspiracy, pressed its countermeasures. In the spring of 1798 the plan was discovered by one of the conspirators. Several leading agitators were seized with their papers on the 12th of March. Early in May, Lord Edward Fitzgerald was apprehended after a desperate resistance, and soon after died of his wounds.

Execution of Esmond Kyan after surrendering at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Esmond Kyan, rebel captain of artillery who had lost an arm and wore a cork replacement, tried to surrender at Wexford but was captured by a picquet guard, found guilty, and hanged.

Read the passage

Esmond Kyan, rebel captain of artillery, was the youngest son of the late Howard Kyan, of Mount Howard, in the county of Wexford, Esq., and his mother was aunt to the present Sir Thomas Esmond, Bart. He was about fifty years of age, five feet and a half high, and rather a handsome man. He had lost his left arm some years before by an accident, and a cork one was substituted in its stead. He was liberal, generous, brave and merciful; and having received a severe wound in his left arm, above where the cork one was joined, and being tired of a rebellious life, he went to Wexford shortly after the army took possession of the town, in order to surrender himself , but being met by the picquet guard, he was also found guilty and hanged.
Edward Eoche, the rebel general, had been a middling farmer and maltster near Wexford ; and until this time, never appeared in any conspicuous character, except that he was permanent sergeant of the Shelmalier yeomen cavalry, commanded by Captain Le Hunte ; he was about five feet seven inches high, rather corpulent, about forty years old, and had no more the appearance of a general than any other man, except that he were two large gold epaulets, and a silk sash and belt, in which he was tried, and sentenced to transportation. He was accordingly sent to Newgate, in Dublin, with other convicts ; but before the vessel was ready to convey them to their destination, he, with some others, died suddenly ; and it was thought they had taken poison.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Coming into Wexford now. This town was where Esmond Kyan came to surrender in 1798, and where he was hanged for it. Kyan was a rebel captain of artillery, the youngest son of Howard Kyan of Mount Howard in this county. His mother was aunt to Sir Thomas Esmond. He was about fifty, five feet and a half high, and rather a handsome man. He had lost his left arm some years before in an accident, and a cork one was put in its place. The record calls him liberal, generous, brave and merciful. He received a severe wound in his left arm, above where the cork one was joined. Tired of a rebellious life, he went to Wexford shortly after the army took possession of the town, in order to surrender himself. But a picquet guard met him. He was found guilty and hanged. Another rebel figure passed through here too. Edward Eoche, the rebel general, had been a middling farmer and maltster near Wexford. He had been permanent sergeant of the Shelmalier yeomen cavalry under Captain Le Hunte. He was about forty, five feet seven inches high, rather corpulent, and had no more the appearance of a general than any other man, except that he wore two large gold epaulets and a silk sash and belt. He was tried in that dress and sentenced to transportation. He was sent to Newgate in Dublin with other convicts, but before the vessel was ready he and some others died suddenly, and it was thought they had taken poison.

Execution of General priest Roche at Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

General priest Roche was arrested, tried by court-martial, and executed at Wexford Bridge; he was so heavy that the rope broke when he was hanged, and his body was thrown into the river.

Read the passage

A few days after the army entered that town, the famous General priest Roche was arrested, tried by court-martial, and executed at the bridge, from whence his body was thrown into the river. He was a man of great stature, and so very heavy, that on his being suspended the rope broke. John Hay, a rebel officer, was also found guilty and executed.
B. B. Harvey, who for some time acted as commanderin-chief of the rebel army, was grandson to the late Rev. William Harvey, of Bargy-castle, and rector of the union of Malrankin. His father, the late Francis Harvey, Esq., was an attorney, and through diligence and frugality had enlarged his estate by several purchases, all of which on his decease devolved to this his eldest son, who, before the rebellion, was a gentleman greatly beloved by every description of people. After the rebels were discomfited at Vinegar-hill, Mr. Harvey and Mr. John Colclough fled to one of the Saltee islands, about four miles from the shore,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

In 1798, along here, General priest Roche was arrested, tried by court-martial, and executed at Wexford Bridge. He was a man of great stature, so very heavy that on being suspended the rope broke. His body was thrown into the river from the bridge. John Hay, a rebel officer, was also found guilty and executed. B. B. Harvey, who for some time acted as commander-in-chief of the rebel army, was grandson to the late Reverend William Harvey, of Bargy-castle, and rector of the union of Malrankin. His father, the late Francis Harvey, was an attorney, and through diligence and frugality had enlarged his estate by several purchases, all of which on his decease devolved to this his eldest son, who, before the rebellion, was a gentleman greatly beloved by every description of people. After the rebels were discomfited at Vinegar-hill, Mr. Harvey and Mr. John Colclough fled to one of the Saltee islands, about four miles from the shore.

Execution of Murphy at the Wexford Bull-Ring by Fellow Prisoners

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

A Roman Catholic man named Murphy, who had testified against a treasonous priest, was executed by fellow Protestant prisoners at the bull-ring in Wexford on the orders of the rebel committee, then stabbed again by Thomas Dixon who displayed the bloodied sword to the crowd.

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No sooner had the rebel senate sat, than they were determined on the destruction of such as did not favour their cause. One Murphy, a Roman Catholic, who had been gardener to Mr. Edwards, of Ballyhire, was at this time taken prisoner, and brought to Wexford. He had formerly been a witness against one Dixon, a priest, a notorious traitor, who was sentenced to transportation for administering the United oath to several persons. For this crime the unfortunate Murphy was sentenced to be shot, on Sunday, the third of June ; and such was the detestation of him entertained by the rebels, that in order to increase the ignominy of his death, they had him executed by Protestants who were also prisoners in the gaol. Middleton Bobson, a gauger, Robert Pigott, a surveyor of excise, and Richard Julian, a gauger, were the persons appointed to execute the sentence. After celebrating mass, and receiving their directions, Thomas Dixon, a near relation to the priest, was appointed to conduct this awful business. He was the most barbarous man to defenceless persons that ever existed, but a greater coward in battle could not be. He had the prisoner brought to the bull-ring, and Mr. Robson being ordered to fire, the unfortunate man fell dead ; when Dixon ran and thrust his sword in the back of his neck, then drawing it forth, held it up to the view of the mob, desiring them to "Behold the blood of a traitor!" At this time John Edwards, a Protestant, and land -steward to the above Mr. Edwards, was brought into the crowd to be murdered, but Dixon, to show his hatred to Murphy, " declared upon his honor, no other man should suffer that day." Robson, Pigott, and Julian were compelled to drag the lifeless body to the quay, and throw it into the river. Robson and Edwards were massacred
In County Wexford. 73

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford town, you are on ground where a grim execution took place in 1798. A Roman Catholic man named Murphy, who had been gardener to Mr. Edwards of Ballyhire, was brought here as a prisoner. He had once testified against a priest named Dixon, who had been sentenced to transportation for administering the United oath to several persons. For that act, the rebel committee condemned Murphy to be shot on Sunday the 3rd of June. To deepen the shame of his death, the rebels ordered that he be executed by Protestant prisoners held in the gaol. Middleton Bobson, a gauger, Robert Pigott, a surveyor of excise, and Richard Julian, also a gauger, were the men appointed to carry it out. Thomas Dixon, a near relation of the priest, was chosen to conduct the business. The source calls him the most barbarous man to defenceless persons that ever existed, but a greater coward in battle could not be found. Murphy was brought to the bull-ring. Robson was ordered to fire, and the man fell dead. Dixon then ran and thrust his sword into the back of the neck, drew it forth, and held it up to the crowd, calling on them to behold the blood of a traitor. A Protestant named John Edwards, land-steward to Mr. Edwards, was brought forward to be murdered next, but Dixon declared upon his honour no other man should suffer that day. Robson, Pigott, and Julian were compelled to drag the lifeless body to the quay and throw it into the river.

Murder of Rev. Robert Burrowes at Kyle

Kyle · townland · Wexford · 1798

Rebels attacked the house of Rev. Robert Burrowes near Oulard on Whit Sunday, plundering it of arms, murdering him and five parishioners sheltering there, wounding his son, and burning the house.

Read the passage

those two brave men were almost scorched with the heat, and stifled with the columns of smoke. In this situation they were not able to fire; but their spirits were unsubdued; for Ward called to Hawkins to come to him, that they might die together, rather than yield to such murderers. It was now near day, when a servant of Mr. Bookey's, who had been sick, but found means to crawl out when the house was first set on fire, told the rebels that it was better for them to withdraw before the day appeared, as the many shots must have alarmed the Yeomanry, who would be guided by the house on fire, and perhaps surprise them. Supposing that Ward and Hawkins were consumed, they thought the counsel good, and immediately marched off to Captain Cornock's, about half a mile distant, in search of arms. When they were gone, the servant called to the men, thus wonderfully preserved, to go through a window on the top of a stable, adjoining the dwelling-house, which was not on fire. They did so, and by the good providence of God escaped with their lives. The rebels now proceeded towards Oulard, shouting and whistling to gather the surrounding country; while they robbed and burned all the Protestant houses in their way. In the morning (Whit Sunday, 27th May), they attacked the house of the Rev. Robert Burrowes, of Kyle, near Oulard, plundered it of arms, murdered him and five of his parishioners who had taken shelter in it, wounded his son, and consumed the dwelling-house. They were now ordered to assemble at Ballynamonabeg, between Oulard and Wexford, where the country presented a dismal appearance, the different corps of yeomanry burning the rebels' houses on one side, while the rebels were consuming the dwellings of the Protestants on the other.
28 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Near-execution of prisoners at the Gorey rebel camp

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Prisoners including the narrator were stripped, led to the rebel camp near Gorey and made to kneel before executioners with pikes and muskets; a proclamation arrived just in time halting the killing, though several were stabbed or shot afterward in fury.

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Just as we were ranged on our knees, and our executioners in their appointed places, with pikes and musquets to put us all to death, a man came into the camp with the above proclamation, which was immediately read and proved the means, under God, of saving our lives. Nevertheless, we were near being sacrificed by these bloodthirsty men ; being so enraged with disappointment they would hardly let us return to our prison alive. Some they stabbed, at others they fired; one man received five wounds from a pike, and had three ribs broken ; another was shot through the shoulder ; and I being arrayed with a soldier's coat was struck several times, and received a stab in the back, and after being thus abused we were
154 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Coming through Gorey now, and in 1798 this was where a rebel camp held prisoners lined up to die. The prisoners were stripped and made to kneel before men armed with pikes and muskets, ready to kill them all. A man came into the camp with a proclamation, which was read aloud and, as the narrator puts it,

Prisoner tortured slowly in old windmill on Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

In an old windmill on Vinegar Hill used to hold condemned prisoners, a witness saw a man with his eyes picked out, tongue cut out, and body swollen and covered in ulcers, kept alive under what a guard called 'slow punishment.'

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(where all the condemned were put), saw a man sitting on the ground, with only a piece of blanket covering him — his eyes were picked out of their sockets, his tongue cut out, his head and body swelled to an enormous degree, and covered with ulcers. Not thinking he was alive, till the poor sufferer gave a heart-piercing groan, the prisoner was startled, and exclaimed, " Good God ! what miserable object is that !'' He was answered by one of the guards that he was under slow punishment. This was verified on oath.
It has been remarked that none of the rebels were so blood-thirsty as those who were most regular attendants at the Popish ordinances ; the drunken and careless sort were observed to have the greatest share of good nature. It is a certain truth that those savages never had so many Masses, nor ever prayed so much, as during their month of usurpation, especially on their battle days. Then all the old men, women, and children betook themselves to the Ave Marias, &c., and when parties of two or three hundred would go round the country burning the houses of Protestants, they generally fell on their knees as soon as they set them on fire.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you come near Vinegar Hill in Wexford, you are passing a place where, in 1798, an old windmill stood that was used to hold all the condemned prisoners. A witness who saw what went on inside described a man sitting on the ground with nothing but a piece of blanket covering him. His eyes had been picked out of their sockets. His tongue had been cut out. His head and body were swelled to an enormous degree and covered with ulcers. The witness did not think the man was alive until the poor sufferer gave a heart-piercing groan. He was startled, and he said, "Good God, what miserable object is that." One of the guards answered him that the man was under slow punishment. This account was verified on oath. So on this hill in 1798, a man was kept alive in that state, not allowed to die, held in the old windmill where the condemned were put.

Edward Stacy shot and left for dead at Mangan

Mangan · townland · Wexford · 1798

On 16 June 1798 rebels burned Edward Stacy's house at Mangan, questioned him on his religious beliefs, and shot him in the back after he refused to renounce Protestantism; he survived after his wife nursed him for six weeks.

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' I do ' ; then they asked, ' What makes you believe so ?' that he replied, * Because it is left upon record, " Henceforth shall all generations call me blessed " ; that they then damned him, and said, ' How do you know what is left upon record ?' adding, ' Don't you know that though you are now alive, your soul is broiling in hell, and all of your sort ?' that he replied, he did not believe that ; that they then inquired if he went to mass since the rebellion ; that he answered in the negative, as thinking it more prudent to keep away, lest they should say he went through fear, and that he was determined never to embrace their doctrine ; ' Then,' said they, 'you must die' ; to which he answered, ' I fear not what man can do unto me ' ; that they then ordered him to kneel down, declaring he should live no longer ; that he obeyed, and was scarce on his knees when Edward Sinnot, who was then one of his neighbours, went behind and discharged his piece at him ; that the ball entered about the small of his back, and came out at the lower part of his belly ; believing they had killed him, they went on their way to the camp ; that though so badly wounded, he had presence of mind to lie still, concluding that if they returned, and perceived any signs of life, they would put him to death at once ; that he continued lying for about half an hour, bleeding all the while, when his wife, hearing he was killed, ran in the greatest anguish of mind to seek for his body ; that she found him on his face, and supposing him to be dead, threw herself upon him, and immediately exclaimed, * Oh ! my dear Ned, are you alive?' that he answered softly, ' Yes ' : she, overjoyed, asked if he was much hurt, ' A little,' said he ; that she and another woman then raised him up, and helped him over two fields ; but being weak with the loss of blood his limbs failed, and he could go no further (though he thought he could have walked home if he had got up immediately after he
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Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

French landing at Killala and Humbert's proclamation

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

A French expeditionary force under General Humbert landed at Killala, County Mayo on 22 August 1798, took the town, and distributed handbills proclaiming themselves liberators of the Irish people from British tyranny.

Read the passage

Such was the activity of our soldiers, that in all probability the country would have been restored to perfect tranquillity, had not the hopes of the disaffected been again revived by the landing of a few French troops at Killala, in the county of Mayo, on the 22nd of August, 1798. On their taking possession of the town, General Humbert distributed the following handbills to the populace, declaring himself and his army to be the friends of the Irish people, and their deliverers from oppression.
" HEALTH AND FRATERNITY TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND !

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Killala in Mayo. On the 22nd of August 1798, a small French force under General Humbert landed here and took the town. He handed out handbills to the people, calling himself and his army the friends of Ireland and deliverers from oppression. The proclamation opened with the words, "Health and fraternity to the people of Ireland."

The Red Tape Plague Rumour

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

A rumour spread that a priest dreamed of a plague that would boil children's brains, and that red tape blessed with holy water would protect Catholic children under fifteen. Protestants grew alarmed, suspecting it was a covert means of marking children for coming violence.

Read the passage

time a vast deal of red tape was bought from the different country shopkeepers, but the quantity generally called for was not more than half-a yard ; this was to be worn by the Roman Catholic children, both male and female, round their necks. Had it been black, and confined only to females, it would not have been noticed, as black tape or ribbon was frequently worn by the young girls, but so many persons purchasing this article, caused some to enquire for what use was all this red tape ? The reply to the question was, that a priest (more holy than the rest) dreamed that there was to be a great plague among all children under fifteen years old, belonging to their church ! The plague was, that their brains were to boil out at the back of their heads. He also dreamed that there was a charm to prevent this bloody plague, which was to get some red tape, and bring it to the priest to sprinkle holy water on it, and bless it, and the children were to wear it round their necks till the month of May ; when they might take it off, as the disease would then have passed over.
This having transpired, priest Murphy was spoken to about it by a friend of mine, who was in habits of intimacy with him. Being asked if he had dreamed such a thing he declared he had not ; yet acknowledged that he had seen the children wear it, but that he knew not the reason, and said he would speak publicly against it from the altar on the following Sabbath, which he certainly did. My friend replied he believed he might with propriety do so, as in his opinion the plague was in a measure allayed, the secret -committee which sat in Bridge-street Dublin being lately taken up by order of Government ; and he hoped, that with God's help, it would be a great means of doing it entirely away. It appeared further to him somewhat like a mark to know

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Wexford town, and back in 1798 a strange fear moved through these streets. People were buying red tape from the shopkeepers, never more than half a yard at a time, to be worn round the necks of Roman Catholic children. Had it been black ribbon on young girls, no one would have thought twice, but so much red tape being bought made people ask why. The answer went that a priest, holier than the rest, had dreamed of a great plague coming on all Catholic children under fifteen. Their brains would boil out the back of their heads. The charm against it was red tape, sprinkled with holy water and blessed by the priest, to be worn till May when the danger would pass. Protestants grew uneasy, for it looked like a covert way of marking children for the violence that everyone feared was coming. A friend of the author's spoke to a priest named Murphy about it. Murphy said he had not dreamed any such thing, though he had seen the children wearing the tape and did not know why. He promised to speak against it from the altar the following Sabbath, and he did. The friend thought the alarm was already fading, a secret committee in Bridge Street Dublin having lately been taken up by order of Government. But the unease lingered, for the tape still looked, to many, like a mark.

Murder of Lieutenant Bookey

Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

Insurgents ambushed Lieutenant Bookey of the Camolin cavalry and his small troop; Bookey was struck by a stone, dismounted, and butchered, and another soldier was shot. The survivors retreated to Ferns, leaving eight insurgents dead.

Read the passage

On the same night, John Murphy, priest of Bolavogue, was the first that marched out to proclaim that " the hour of liberty had arrived." He assembled his deluded flock, whom before he had often harangued in seditious discourses from the altar, and led them on to wreak their vengeance on all who opposed their disloyal proceedings against the King and Constitution. While they were assembling, Lieutenant Bookey, of the Camolin cavalry, a man of great bravery and conduct, rode that way, with only seventeen or eighteen of his troop. Hearing the horses advance, the insurgents repaired inside of the road ditch, and lay in ambush : the lieutenant rode up, and called upon them to surrender their arms ; on which they fired on the cavalry ; it was instantly returned ; a smart fire was now kept up, with a continual shower of stones, one of which struck Lieutenant Bookey, and dismounted him, and in a short time he was miserably butchered : another of his men was shot ; and the remainder, finding it impossible to get through the hedge, and their officer slain, retreated to Ferns, leaving, as they afterwards heard, eight of the insurgents dead on the spot.
The rebels now rejoiced in having put the cavalry to flight, and being spirited on by their holy commander, they rushed forward to Bockspring, the residence of Lieutenant Bookey, whom they had murdered a few minutes before, with terrific howlings, to gather the country people as they passed along. The house had

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Torture with brass wire lashes and stone-jaw stretching on Vinegar Hill

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Protestants kept scarce were tormented longer before death, scourged with lashes made of brass wire twisted in whip-cord; George Stacy received 250 lashes. Victims' jaws were forced open with a stone stamped in with a shoe heel, inflicted on Henry Hatton, Deputy Portreve of Enniscorthy.

Read the passage

As I before observed, when the Protestants grew scarce, they kept them the longer in torment before they dispatched them, by scourging them with lashes made of brass wire, and twisted in whip-cord — George Stacy, who received two hundred and fifty lashes, and a Mr. Whitney, with several others, can bear witness to the truth of this. But they did not stop here ; piking them, but not mortally, was frequently done, for the purpose of keeping them in misery. Sometimes have they chosen a stone, with one end small and the other large, and putting the small end into the mouth of the expiring victim, they would stamp on it with the heel of the shoe till his jaws were extended
92 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

Battle and burning of Castlecomer

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

Rebels attacked Castlecomer on 24 June 1798; after fierce fighting the town was set ablaze, and though the rebels were eventually repelled by reinforcements under Sir Charles Asgill, over four hundred rebels lay dead by the day's end.

Read the passage

perfidious inhabitants set the town on fire, and the few military who disobeyed orders, with about thirty loyalists of the town, were all that now remained to engage the enemy. Major- General Sir Charles Asgill, however, arrived at this juncture, with a reinforcement of nine hundred men, and the rebels, perceiving such an army, sheltered themselves in the woods, and fired on the military ; but eighteen rounds of grape-shot soon dislodged them, when they were attacked on all sides ; and about four in the afternoon they retreated, leaving upwards of four hundred dead, while the loss on the side of the royal troops was very inconsiderable. For the safety of Kilkenny the troops were obliged to return there that night, and six hundred loyalists fled with them. They left the greater part of their property behind, which a party of the rebels, who returned, carried off.
After the defeat of Castlecomer, the rebels kept hovering about the mountains, not wishing to remain long in one station, till they collected their forces, which were very much scattered after the action. They again formed their camp on the Ridge, where they remained till the evening of the 25th of June, when they left that situation and advanced towards Kellymount and Gore's-bridge.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

Siege, burning of the turret, and slaughter at Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

A tiny yeomanry garrison under Lieutenant Tyrrell defended the house at Clonard against a rebel force of thousands; the defenders in an old turret were besieged, the turret set on fire, and two yeomen burned to death while twenty-seven rebels lay dead on the ground floor.

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by which they ascended : the rebels endeavoured to climb up on each other, so as to reach the higher story, but they were killed as fast as they appeared ; others ran pikes into the ceiling, and fired through it, but without effect ; and the conflict was so obstinate and bloody, that twentyseven of the rebels lay dead on the ground floor. At length they brought a quantity of straw, and set the turret on fire, on which two of the yeomen, endeavouring to force their way through the smoke and flames, were instantly put to death ; the other four escaped by leaping from a window twenty feet high, into a hay-yard, from whence, under cover of a wall which divided it from the garden, they fortunately reached the house.
Having succeeded so well by the effect of conflagration, the enemy now set fire to the toll-house, and some other cabins on the left, near the bridge, for the purpose of embarrassing and confusing the garrison ; and during this operation, they were seen throwing their dead into the flames for the purpose of evading discovery. The unequal conflict had now lasted nearly six hours ; when, about five in the evening, the approach of succour was descried from the house, and the hopes of the brave garrison were so elevated, that they fought with renovated vigour.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

Clonard in Meath was the site of a desperate siege in 1798. A small yeomanry garrison under Lieutenant Tyrrell defended a house here against a rebel force of thousands. The fighting centred on an old turret, where rebels tried to climb on each other's shoulders to reach the upper story but were killed as fast as they appeared. Twenty-seven rebels lay dead on the ground floor. The rebels then brought straw and set the turret on fire. Two yeomen, trying to force their way through the smoke and flames, were put to death. Four others escaped by leaping from a window twenty feet high into a hay-yard, and from there reached the house. The rebels next set fire to the toll-house and cabins near the bridge, and were seen throwing their dead into the flames to evade discovery. The unequal conflict lasted nearly six hours, until about five in the evening, when succour was seen approaching. The garrison fought on with renovated vigour.

Fall of Wexford and Murder of John Boyd

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

After rebels took Wexford town, they began plundering and drinking, and John Boyd, brother to Captain Boyd, was left to bleed to death slowly on the bridge near the gaol overnight, with a rebel later boasting he had 'in compassion' finished him off with a hatchet.

Read the passage

They had not the charity to kill him at once, but let him linger all night, on the bridge near the gaol, bathed in his blood, writhing with pain, and unable to crawl under the shelter of a house ; and notwithstanding above twenty thousand rebels were in the town, not one had the smallest commiseration for his distress ; but afterwards one of them boasted, " that in compassion, he knocked his brains out with a hatchet!" Thus was Wexford taken possession of by the rebels, on Wednesday the 30th of May.
On the 31st, intending to wave the banners of rebellion far and near, the commanders led their men up to the Three Bocks, and there formed them into three separate bodies, one under B. B. Harvey (who was with the prisoners delivered from confinement when the town was taken) and priest Philip Roche, of Poulpearsey, destined to march against Ross; another under the command of Captain Doyle and Captain Redmond, from the Queen's County, nephew to priest Edward Redmond, of Ferns, who, with priest Kearns, also went with this body to Vinegar-hill to attack Newtownbarry ; and the third body was under the command of Anthony 'Perry, priest Murphy, of Ballycanow, and priest Murphy, of Bolavogue, destined to march against Gorey.*

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, you're in a town that fell to rebels on Wednesday the 30th of May, 1798. After the town was taken, rebels plundered and drank, and above 20,000 of them filled the streets. John Boyd, brother to Captain Boyd, was left on the bridge near the gaol, bathed in his blood, writhing with pain, unable to crawl under the shelter of a house. They had not the charity to kill him at once. He lingered all night, and not one among that vast crowd showed the smallest commiseration. Afterwards, one of them boasted that "in compassion, he knocked his brains out with a hatchet." On the 31st, the commanders led their men up to the Three Rocks and formed them into three separate bodies. One under Bagenal Harvey and priest Philip Roche of Poulpearsey was destined to march against Ross. Another under Captain Doyle and Captain Redmond from the Queen's County, nephew to priest Edward Redmond of Ferns, with priest Kearns, went to Vinegar Hill to attack Newtownbarry. The third, under Anthony Perry, priest Murphy of Ballycanow, and priest Murphy of Bolavogue, was destined to march against Gorey.

Massacre of Gurley and Matthews at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

On 20 June, prisoners Jonas Gurley and Kinnieth Matthews, who had earlier been forced to act as executioners, were themselves massacred — Gurley tortured with pikes on the bridge and Matthews killed in the gaol-yard.

Read the passage

Another man of the name of Murphy, a Papist, who had given information against some United Irishmen, was brought into town on Friday, the 15th of June, and put into the condemned cell, where priest Broe visited him. Mr. Pigott, on his coming into gaol, being apprehensive he should be obliged to shoot him, sent for William Kearney, who superintended the prison, told him his fears, and requested he would acquaint the committee that he would not be executioner for any description of men — desiring to be tried for any charge they had against him, as he would rather suffer death than live on such terms. Whereupon Jonas Gurley, a hatter, Kinnieth Matthews, toll-gatherer on the bridge, and Charles Jackson, carver and gilder, three Protestant prisoners, were ordered to execute him. On Monday, the 18th of June, he was led out to execution, and in the presence of multitudes of unfeeling rebels, suffered on the other side of the bridge. The prisoners were remanded back to prison, and on the 20th of June Gurley and Matthews were massacred ; the former on the bridge, being tortured with pikes, and the latter in the gaol-yard. Jackson fortunately escaped.
LIBEBTY was written in large .letters on most of the doors in Wexford, and many of the windows were adorned with green branches. Every evening crowds flocked round the prison door, demanding entrance that they might murder the Protestants, who, they said, eat up all the provisions in town. William Kearney, however, behaved tolerably well to the prisoners ; Patrick Furlong, also, who was superintendent at the markethouse, where forty-eight prisoners were confined, though he often reproached them for their heretical principles,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Wexford, a town that saw some of the darkest scenes of the 1798 rebellion. On Friday the 15th of June, a Catholic man named Murphy, who had given information against United Irishmen, was brought into town and locked in the condemned cell. Mr. Pigott, fearing he would be forced to shoot Murphy, refused to act as executioner, saying he would rather suffer death himself. So three Protestant prisoners were ordered to do it instead: Jonas Gurley, a hatter, Kinnieth Matthews, the toll-gatherer on the bridge, and Charles Jackson, a carver and gilder. On Monday the 18th of June, Murphy was led out and executed before crowds on the far side of the bridge. Then on the 20th of June, Gurley and Matthews were themselves massacred. Gurley was tortured with pikes on the bridge, and Matthews was killed in the gaol-yard. Jackson alone escaped. The word LIBERTY was written in large letters on most of the doors in Wexford, and green branches adorned many windows. Each evening crowds gathered at the prison door, demanding to be let in so they could murder the Protestants, saying they ate up all the provisions in town.

Prisoners selected for slaughter from the Wexford market-house

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

From the Wexford market-house, rebels repeatedly entered and dragged out groups of prisoners for execution—first fourteen, then ten, then eighteen—while the remaining captives prayed, believing death imminent.

Read the passage

On Wednesday evening, June the 20th, we saw a great crowd of rebels coming up to the market-house ; we all thought that danger was then near indeed, and every one made use of the last shift, namely prayer ; even the very men that were afraid to let me pray with them, now felt the necessity of praying for themselves, and, no doubt, were grieved enough that they had not prayed more all their lives. Fearing that I should be taken for a military man (as in that case death was certain), I took the soldier's coat they gave me at Gorey, hid it under the straw, and putting on a surtout which a friend lent me while in gaol, I knelt down to pray to God for assistance, being resolved not to look behind me, nor stir for all their calling, till they should come and signify that it was me they meant, and then to go without hesitating. While thus engaged with the Lord, they came in and took away for the slaughter fourteen of my fellow-prisoners. After they went out, we enquired of the guards what they were going to do with them ? They told us, " to try them," others said, " to take them to the camp." They soon came back, and took ten more ; while they were butchering these, a woman came in crying, and told us that they had
162 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, you are on the ground where the market-house stood in 1798. On Wednesday evening, June the 20th, a crowd of rebels came up to that building, where prisoners were being held. The captives knelt and prayed, believing death was near. One man who had been given a soldier's coat at Gorey hid it under the straw and put on a borrowed coat instead, fearing that if he was taken for a military man his death would be certain. He resolved not to look behind him or stir until they came and signified it was him they meant. While he was praying, they came in and took away 14 of his fellow prisoners for the slaughter. The guards said they were going to try them, or take them to the camp. The rebels soon came back and took 10 more. While those were being butchered, a woman came in crying and told the remaining captives what was happening. Later, 18 more were dragged out. Those left behind could only keep praying, waiting for their turn.

Trial and execution of Cornelius Grogan of Johnstown

Johnstown · townland · Wexford · 1798

Cornelius Grogan, arrested at his seat of Johnstown, was tried and convicted for acting as commissary to the rebel army and suffered execution as a traitor.

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landed property, and he was supposed to be the greatest monied man in the county. He was of a retired disposition, and, before this unfortunate period, had never been known to take any active part in politics, but passed the chief part of his time in trying mechanical experiments. He had sat in Parliament as member for the town of Enniscorthy ; and on the dissolution of Parliament in 1790, he offered himself as member for the county of Wexford, but lost it by a small majority. He had three younger brothers, two of whom were captains of yeomanry corps, and of approved loyalty ; one of them, Captain Thomas Knox Grogan, was killed by the rebels in a charge at the battle of Arklow, and the othe^, Captain John Grogan, of the Healthfield cavalry, was wounded in the neck. After the army arrived in Wexford, Mr. C. Grogan was arrested at his seat of Johnstown, and on his trial he endeavoured to prove that he was forced to act as commissary to the rebel army ; but being convicted, he also suffered as a traitor.
Matthew Keughe, the rebel governor of Wexford, had formerly been a drummer in his Majesty's 33rd regiment of foot, and by his extraordinary merit was advanced from that station to the rank of captain in the same regiment. Having married in Wexford, he retired on half-pay, which he actually received at the breaking out of the rebellion. He was about fifty years of age, rather above the middle height, and might be called a well-looking man ; his head was bald in front, and he wore his hair, which was remarkably white, tied behind. Some years back he was appointed a magistrate of the county of Wexford, but his commission was afterwards taken from him for some political reasons. On the alarm being given that the rebels were rising in the county he volunteered in one of the yeomanry corps, and on Whitsunday was employed in establishing fortifications to

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

Whiteboy atrocities against tithe proctors

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1774–1775

Whiteboys assembled at night in disguise, seized horses, and rode out to destroy pastures, burn property, and brutally attack tithe proctors, sometimes burying them alive to prevent tithe collection.

Read the passage

barns, and stacks of corn, drag out the proctors, cut off their noses and ears, horse-whip them to death, and sometimes bury them alive ; and all this to prevent their gathering the tithes.
Amongst the spirited magistrates, whose exertions tended to restore tranquillity and good order at this alarming crisis, none stood more conspicuous than Isaac Cornock, and the late Vesey Colclough, Esqrs. These gentlemen, by manly firmness, tempered with moderation and humanity, were at once the terror of the desperate and incorrigible, and the reclaimers of those whom error and evil connections had led into excess ; their efforts succeeded equally to their own honour, and the pacification of this extensive and respectable county.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this was the scene of terrible violence in 1774 and 1775. Night riders in disguise seized horses, burned barns and corn stacks, and hunted down the men who collected tithes for the clergy. They dragged the proctors out and cut off their noses and ears, horse-whipped them to death, and sometimes buried them alive. Two magistrates brought it to an end. Isaac Cornock and Vesey Colclough faced the crisis with firmness and humanity, terrifying the desperate while reclaiming those led astray by bad company. Their efforts pacified the county.

Execution of James Beaghan on Vinegar Hill and his confession

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1799

James Beaghan was executed on Vinegar Hill on 24 August 1799 for his part in rebel murders. His confession, taken before the High Sheriff and a magistrate, described how Protestants were systematically targeted and killed as 'Orangemen' during the rebellion.

Read the passage

" I, JAMES BEAGHAN, acknowledge and confess that I am guilty of the crime for which I am to suffer ; but that I did not commit it from ill-will to the people that were murdered, but from the orders of Luke Byrne,* I could not disobey him — no person dare refuse to obey the orders of the commanders. I am sure that any person in command could save the lives of the poor ; every man that was a Protestant was called an Orangeman, and every one was to be killed, from the poorest man in the country. Before the rebellion, I never heard there was any hatred between Eoman Catholics and Protestants, they always lived peaceably together. I always found the Protestants better masters, and more indulgent landlords than my own religion : during the rebellion I never saw anyone interfere to prevent murder but one, Byrne, who saved a man. I think all that
* A commander of the rebels.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

As you come up on Vinegar Hill here in Wexford, this was where James Beaghan was executed on 24 August 1799 for his part in rebel murders. His confession, taken before the High Sheriff and a magistrate, said he was guilty but acted on the orders of Luke Byrne, declaring "no person dare refuse to obey the commanders." He described how every Protestant was called an Orangeman and was to be killed, "from the poorest man in the country." He said that before the rebellion, Roman Catholics and Protestants had always lived peaceably together, and that he had found Protestants to be better masters and more indulgent landlords than those of his own religion. He noted that only one man, Byrne, ever interfered to prevent a murder during the rebellion.

General Johnson's Fearless Conduct Under Fire at New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

During the battle, General Johnson remained in the hottest fire, had three horses shot under him, and encouraged his soldiers, declaring no rebel ball would kill him.

Read the passage

During the action, General Johnson was still in the hottest part of the fire — he had three horses shot under him. If he saw any of the men too forward, he would ride up and say, " Brother soldiers, stay till we all go together." He would encourage those that were behind. Being once in a hot fire, one of the soldiers called to him to remove out of that, or he would be slain ; he waved his hand and replied, " That ball was never made by a rebel, that is to kill General Johnson."
Mr. Michael McCormick, an inhabitant of New Boss, fought gallantly on this memorable day, having on his head a brazen helmet. He was formerly a quarter-master in the 5th Dragoons ; his valour could not be exceeded — he rallied the men over and over

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Ritual proclamation before executions at Shelmalier and Shelburne camp

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

A crier proclaimed prayers before and after each murder in the rebel camp, invoking the extirpation of heretics and celebrating each killing, followed by a priest blessing water and sprinkling the assembled rebels.

Read the passage

to prayers : three paters and three aves to be offered to God and The Blessed Virgin Mary, for our glorious cause ; for the further dispersion and extirpation of all heretics, for our glorious Church militant on earth, and triumphant in heaven. Kneel down and kiss the ground, our captain has slain a man."
A large tub of water was then brought, which one of the priests immediately blessed. Ordering the rebels to kneel

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Up ahead you have Vinegar Hill, where the rebel camp stood in 1798. A crier proclaimed prayers before and after each killing, calling for three Paters and three Aves for the dispersion and extirpation of all heretics, then announcing, "our captain has slain a man." A priest blessed a tub of water and ordered the rebels to kneel.

Thomas Hall lashed to death with brass-wire cat-o'-nine-tails

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Thomas Hall, painter and glazier and brother-in-law of Charles Davis, was lashed to death using a cat-o'-nine-tails made of brass wire during the persecution of Protestants.

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baptism, begged his body for interment, which was granted ; but upon raising him from under the sods, some signs of life happily appeared ; he was privately conveyed home, and after necessary assistance had been administered, he providentally recovered, and is now a living witness of the horrid cruelty above-mentioned. His brother-in-law, Thomas Hall, painter and glazier, was lashed to death with a cat-o'-nine tails, made of brass- wire.
I rejoice, however, to state, that there were some bright exceptions to the general character for cruelty which marked the conduct of the Romanists at this dreadful period. Mr. Shaw, a half -pay officer, a man of six feet high, concealed himself on a loft over a necessary, only four feet square, and not four feet high, for the space of twenty-three days, and was there three days before any of his friends knew what become of him ; nor did any person know it but a boy and girl (both Romanists), who told his wife where he was concealed ; and she, under pretence of going there occasionally, conveyed him some sustenance through the loft, where they started a board for that purpose.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

Bloody Friday massacre near Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

On 22 June 1798, Perry and his rebels surprised yeomanry and loyalists returning to Arklow near Gorey, slaughtering many by the roadside in an event afterwards known as Bloody Friday.

Read the passage

He also issued general orders that no person should be put to death, unless he had been tried and condemned by a court-martial ; and he forbade that any inhabitant, or other person, should be molested, strictly charging the soldiers not to take away an article from any individual without having first paid for it. The defeat of Vinegarhill, and the evacuation of Wexford, so dispirited the rebels, that numbers of them flocked to the different commanders of garrisons, and on being sworn to allegiance, were favoured with protections ; but very few arms were brought in. Perry and his men fled towards Kilmuckridge, and on the next day, Friday the 22nd of June, they passed through Gorey, where they surprised some of the neighbouring yeomanry and loyalists, who that day had come fiom Arklow for the purpose of seeing the situation of the country. The yeomen and such of the loyalists as had arms, gallantly withstood them, till perceiving the rebels endeavouring to surround them, they retreated to Arklow, and were pursued by the rebels. The following, with six others, were slaughtered by the way. That day has since been known by the name of "Bloody Friday."
Bates, William, Gray, William,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Gorey, a town the road passes through in County Wexford. It was here, on Friday the 22nd of June 1798, that one of the sharpest episodes of the rebellion took place. After the defeat at Vinegar Hill and the evacuation of Wexford, the rebels were scattered and dispirited. Many gave up their arms and swore allegiance in return for protections. But Perry and his men did not surrender. They fled towards Kilmuckridge, and the next day they passed through Gorey. There they surprised some of the neighbouring yeomanry and loyalists, who had come from Arklow that day to see the situation of the country. The yeomen and such of the loyalists as had arms gallantly withstood them, until they perceived the rebels endeavouring to surround them. They retreated to Arklow, pursued by the rebels. The following, with six others, were slaughtered by the way: William Bates, William Gray. That day has since been known by the name of Bloody Friday.

Death of Lord Edward Fitzgerald from wounds after capture

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Lord Edward Fitzgerald was apprehended after a desperate resistance in early May 1798 and died soon afterward of the wounds he received during his capture.

Read the passage

The peasantry were at this time supposed to be generally loyal, as the plans of the United Irishmen were not yet fully matured for co-operating with their allies. But in the following year a new ambassador was sent to Paris, to arrange the plan of a second attempt at invasion. In the meantime the arming and organization of the United Irishmen proceeded with increased vigour, and the well affected were everywhere plundered of their arms. The Government, though as yet unacquainted with the nature or extent of the conspiracy, adopted vigorous measures of counteraction ; but in the spring of 1798, the whole plan being discovered by one of the conspirators, several of the leading agitators were seized, with their papers, on the 12th of March ; and early in May, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, after a desperate resistance, was apprehended, but he soon after died of his wounds.
16 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are in the city where Lord Edward Fitzgerald met his end in 1798. The United Irishmen had been arming and organizing, their plans discovered when one of the conspirators turned. Several leading agitators were seized with their papers on the 12th of March, and early in May Fitzgerald was apprehended after what the record calls a desperate resistance. He died soon after of the wounds he received during his capture.

Execution of Matthew Keughe, rebel governor of Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Matthew Keughe, former British army captain who became rebel governor of Wexford, was captured when the town was recaptured, convicted, and executed.

Read the passage

repulse the insurgents. On the following day he was appointed to command a party of loyalists who were to guard one of the entrances to the town. Yet on the rebels taking possession of Wexford he joined them, and was chosen governor ; in which situation he continued till it was recaptured by the royal troops, when he was taken prisoner, convicted on the clearest evidence, and executed.
Esmond Kyan, rebel captain of artillery, was the youngest son of the late Howard Kyan, of Mount Howard, in the county of Wexford, Esq., and his mother was aunt to the present Sir Thomas Esmond, Bart. He was about fifty years of age, five feet and a half high, and rather a handsome man. He had lost his left arm some years before by an accident, and a cork one was substituted in its stead. He was liberal, generous, brave and merciful; and having received a severe wound in his left arm, above where the cork one was joined, and being tired of a rebellious life, he went to Wexford shortly after the army took possession of the town, in order to surrender himself , but being met by the picquet guard, he was also found guilty and hanged.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where Matthew Keughe met his end in 1798. He had started the rebellion on the loyalist side, appointed to command a party guarding one of the entrances to the town. Yet when the rebels took possession of Wexford, he joined them and was chosen governor. He held that position until the royal troops recaptured the town. He was taken prisoner, convicted on what the record calls the clearest evidence, and executed. Another man died here too. Esmond Kyan was a rebel captain of artillery, about 50 years old, the youngest son of Howard Kyan of Mount Howard in County Wexford. He had lost his left arm years before in an accident and wore a cork replacement. He was described as liberal, generous, brave, and merciful. After receiving a severe wound in his left arm above where the cork one was joined, and tired of a rebellious life, he came to Wexford to surrender himself once the army had taken possession. But he was met by the picquet guard, found guilty, and hanged.

Lord Kingsborough's Capture at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Lord Kingsborough, sailing by fishing-boat towards Wexford unaware it had fallen to the rebels, was captured by a rebel cruiser and, despite his rank, confined in a common dram-shop in the town where he was daily insulted by the mob.

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meantime, came to Arklow, and being equally ignorant that the rebels had possession of Wexford, took a fishingboat and sailed for that port ; but he was unfortunately met by the cruiser that pursued Mr. Woodroofe, and taken prisoner : and after he was landed in Wexford, so little did the rebels respect his rank, that they confined him in a common dram-shop, where he was daily exposed to repeated insults from the rabble.
On Sunday, the 10th of June, the following proclamation was read from the altar, and a most lively exhortation delivered by Father Roche, chaplain to Bishop Caulfield ; in which he told the pike-men that they would all be murdered if they did not succeed, desiring them at the same time to make no more proselytes, as they could not be sincere.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Wexford town. In 1798, Lord Kingsborough sailed by fishing-boat toward Wexford, not knowing the rebels had taken it. A rebel cruiser met him on the water and seized him, and once he was brought ashore, his rank counted for nothing. They shut him in a common dram-shop, where the mob insulted him day after day.

Massacre of Protestant prisoners at Gore's-bridge

Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1798

After rebels crossed the river Barrow and forced the retreat of royal forces at Gore's-bridge, twenty-four Wexford militia were captured, and eight of them, being Protestants, were murdered over the following two days.

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twenty- four of the Wexford militia were taken prisoners ; and eight of them, being Protestants, were murdered on that and the following day. The intention of the rebels was now to form a junction with the colliers, and after taking Castlecomer, to proceed to Kilkenny on Monday the 25th.
From Gore's-bridge the rebels proceeded through Kellymount (plundering as they went along) to a hill five miles from Castlecomer, in the range of mountains called the Ridge, where they encamped that night, determining to attack Castlecomer on the following morning. The Protestants of the country, being terrified at the appearance of the rebels, and knowing that if they stayed at home their lives would be in danger, hastened to Castlecomer. About one o'clock a troop of the 4th Dragoon Guards, a company of the Royal Downshire militia, and a few yeomen, arrived from Ballinakill ; these, with a troop of the Royal Irish Dragoons, two companies of the Waterford militia, and one troop of the yeoman cavalry, about two hundred and fifty in all, made up the entire of the military force.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

Prisoner shot in the street at Gorey market-house

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

While confined in the Gorey market-house, the narrator witnessed a fellow prisoner, brought in the same evening, shot dead in the street the next morning by the guards.

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bounds which we should not pass. The same evening they brought in another prisoner, whom the merciless wretches shot next morning in the street ; I saw him fall, and was shocked at the sight, not knowing how soon it would be my own case. Next day we had liberty to walk the room, our arms being untied.
The rebel camp was about half a mile from the town, on an eminence which commanded the entire country, and their numbers were increasing every day. My Papist neighbours hearing I was in confinement, came to see me ; wished me a speedy deliverance, and told me how to procure it ; namely, to be baptized by a priest, and embrace the Holy Roman Catholic Faith (as they called it), and join them in arms to fight for the cause of liberty. Many told me I would be shot if I did not turn Papist, and made use of great persuasion to prevail upon me. I told them I was obliged to them, and doubted not that it was good nature which induced them to speak as they did, but I was baptized before, and had no reason to condemn the Church of England ; yet, if they could convince me of its errors, I would freely renounce it, and until then they could not expect me to turn from it. To others I said it required a little consideration ; that such a thing should not be done precipitately. I now found the very great necessity of applying to my most powerful friend — the Friend of sinners, for strength sufficient to stand in the evil day ; and I began to think of the martyrs of old ; I prayed for their faith, their love, and their zeal ; I sought the Lord for all their fortitude, and all their strength, under the cross and in the flames, that I might be enabled to seal the testimony of my Redeemer with my blood ; and 1 bless His holy name I had a divine resignation to His heavenly will, and for the most part of the time enjoyed peace and an assurance of His favour. While a prisoner here, they

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Coming through Gorey now, a Wexford town with a story from 1798. That year, a man was held prisoner in the market-house here. The same evening he was confined, the guards brought in another prisoner. Next morning they shot that man dead in the street. The first man saw him fall, and did not know how soon the same would happen to him. The day after, the prisoners were allowed to walk the room, their arms untied. A rebel camp sat about half a mile from the town, on high ground that commanded the whole country, and its numbers grew every day. The narrator's Catholic neighbours heard he was confined and came to see him. They wished him a speedy deliverance and told him how to get it. He should be baptized by a priest, embrace the Holy Roman Catholic Faith, and join them in arms to fight for the cause of liberty. Many told him he would be shot if he did not turn. He thanked them, said he doubted not it was good nature that made them speak so, but he was baptized before and had no reason to condemn the Church of England. If they could convince him of its errors, he would freely renounce it. To others he said it required consideration, that such a thing should not be done precipitately. He prayed then for the faith and strength of the martyrs of old, that he might be enabled to seal the testimony of his Redeemer with his blood. He said he had divine resignation to God's will and for the most part enjoyed peace and assurance of His favour.

Prisoners in Gorey market-house assembly room ordered massacred

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Twenty-one Protestant prisoners held in the assembly-room over the market-house in Gorey were ordered to camp to be massacred following a scouting report, but were saved by the timely arrival of Bagnal Harvey's proclamation.

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On the 8th of June, the rebels sent a picquet to Coolgreny, where they saw a party of the army reconnoitering; and they returned immediately to Gorey, with information that a large body of the king's troops were on their march towards the town. In consequence of this, the prisoners (twenty-one in number) were ordered up to the camp to be massacred; but providentially for them, Bagnal Harvey's proclamation from Carrigburn arrived, which for that time frustrated their bloody designs. Advices having been received in the evening that Arklow was very weak with regard to military, it was deemed the most prudent plan to attack it on the following day.
Early on the next morning, June the 9th, the camp was crowded from every part of the country, and masses

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Gorey now. Back on the 8th of June 1798, rebels stationed here got word that a large body of the king's troops was marching toward the town. In panic they ordered 21 Protestant prisoners held in the assembly room over the market-house sent up to the camp to be massacred. What saved them was the timely arrival of Bagnal Harvey's proclamation from Carrigburn, which put a stop to the killing for the time being.

Rebel Summons and Murder of the Flag-Bearer Furlong at New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

Bagnal Harvey sent a written summons demanding the surrender of New Ross to Major-General Johnson. The messenger, Furlong, who carried the flag of truce, was shot dead and his pockets rifled before the summons was found and forwarded.

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When Furlong advanced to the guard with his flag of truce, he was shot, his pockets rifled, and the summons found and forwarded. The rebels spent the night firing cannon and musquetry, and now and then huzzaing, to keep up their courage and animate each other. The small garrison of Boss was, on the other hand, much harassed and dispirited. The situation of the Dublin County militia was peculiarly distressing, as they were nearly worn down by hard marching, enfeebled with hunger and thirst, and, without time or means to refresh themselves, they had to march to oppose a cruel enemy.
Soon after Furlong was killed, the royal advanced .guard crept, under cover of the ditches, to take a

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

Wexford Town Converted to Rebel Capital with a Senate-House

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

After the rebels captured Wexford, they established a National Committee and Council, converting the house of merchant John Cullimore into a Senate-house and appointing Matthew Keugh as Governor, while arresting Protestants and imprisoning them in the gaol.

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No sooner was Wexford in the hands of the rebels, than they began to reform the State. A grand National Committee was instantly formed, with a Council of Five Hundred and Council of Elders, and the dwelling of Mr. John Cullimore, a respectable merchant, was converted into a Senate-house. Matthew Keughe was appointed Governor, and all the Protestants around the country, who had not escaped when the army retreated, were arrested and thrown into the gaol. The priests and friars were busily employed in baptizing the Protestant women, and such of the men as were admitted into the rebel ranks. They then granted
In County Wexford. 71

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Wexford town. In 1798, once the rebels held Wexford, they set about reshaping the state. They formed a National Committee, with a Council of Five Hundred and a Council of Elders. The house of John Cullimore, a merchant, was turned into a Senate-house. Matthew Keugh was appointed Governor. Protestants across the country who had not fled with the retreating army were arrested and locked in the gaol. Priests and friars were kept busy baptising Protestant women, and any men brought into the rebel ranks.

Attack and burning of Hacket's-town

Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

On 25 June 1798 several thousand rebels attacked the small garrison at Hacket's-town, killing Captain Hardy, burning the town, and were eventually repulsed after a bloody engagement lasting most of the day.

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The town was assailed about six in the morning by multitudes, who got round it in such a manner as made it impossible with so small a force to defend every approach. Lieutenant Gardiner, perceiving that their intention was to surround him, drew his men into the barracks, and in this retreat Captain Hardy fell, by which a most valuable life was lost to his country and his friends. The rebels now pursued with loud huzzas, and set the town on fire ; and the rere of the barracks becoming the principal scene of attack, it was well defended by the Rev. Mr. McGhee, and a few good men, who were posted in a house advantageously situated on an eminence, and completely flanking the
180 History of the Rebellion

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 11

Execution of a Second Murphy on Wexford Bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

Another man named Murphy, a Papist informer, was condemned and executed on Wexford Bridge on 18 June 1798, carried out by three Protestant prisoners who had been compelled to act as executioners.

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Another man of the name of Murphy, a Papist, who had given information against some United Irishmen, was brought into town on Friday, the 15th of June, and put into the condemned cell, where priest Broe visited him. Mr. Pigott, on his coming into gaol, being apprehensive he should be obliged to shoot him, sent for William Kearney, who superintended the prison, told him his fears, and requested he would acquaint the committee that he would not be executioner for any description of men — desiring to be tried for any charge they had against him, as he would rather suffer death than live on such terms. Whereupon Jonas Gurley, a hatter, Kinnieth Matthews, toll-gatherer on the bridge, and Charles Jackson, carver and gilder, three Protestant prisoners, were ordered to execute him. On Monday, the 18th of June, he was led out to execution, and in the presence of multitudes of unfeeling rebels, suffered on the other side of the bridge. The prisoners were remanded back to prison, and on the 20th of June Gurley and Matthews were massacred ; the former on the bridge, being tortured with pikes, and the latter in the gaol-yard. Jackson fortunately escaped.
LIBEBTY was written in large .letters on most of the doors in Wexford, and many of the windows were adorned with green branches. Every evening crowds flocked round the prison door, demanding entrance that they might murder the Protestants, who, they said, eat up all the provisions in town. William Kearney, however, behaved tolerably well to the prisoners ; Patrick Furlong, also, who was superintendent at the markethouse, where forty-eight prisoners were confined, though he often reproached them for their heretical principles,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Along here on Wexford Bridge, on the 18th of June 1798, a man named Murphy was led out to execution. He was a Papist who had given information against some United Irishmen. He was brought into town on Friday the 15th of June and put into the condemned cell, where priest Broe visited him. Mr. Pigott, on his coming into gaol, was apprehensive he should be obliged to shoot him, and sent for William Kearney, who superintended the prison. He told Kearney his fears and requested he would acquaint the committee that he would not be executioner for any description of men. He desired to be tried for any charge they had against him, saying he would rather suffer death than live on such terms. Whereupon Jonas Gurley, a hatter, Kinnieth Matthews, toll-gatherer on the bridge, and Charles Jackson, carver and gilder, three Protestant prisoners, were ordered to execute him. On Monday the 18th of June, he was led out to execution, and in the presence of multitudes of unfeeling rebels, suffered on the other side of the bridge. The prisoners were remanded back to prison, and on the 20th of June Gurley and Matthews were massacred. Gurley was killed on the bridge, tortured with pikes, and Matthews in the gaol-yard. Jackson fortunately escaped.

Loyalists mistakenly shot fleeing to troops at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

After the battle, poor loyalists who ran toward the King's troops for protection were shot by their own deliverers because they wore coloured clothes and could not be distinguished from rebels.

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answered the end. Perceiving the effects of the shells they fled from their stronghold, and took another position on the lower hill, on the east side. The King's troops now mounted the summit, tore down the rebel standard, which was on the top of the old windmill, and displayed the royal banners, to which the rebels again bid defiance, and planting themselves behind the ditches, which served them for entrenchments and breast-works, they kept up a very heavy fire on the light brigade, commanded by Colonel Campbell ; but nothing could retard the progress of these brave troops, who rushed on them like furies, charging them in their entrenchments, and with the assistance of the left column which flanked them, they soon put them to the rout. Their own cannon were now turned on them, which threw them into the greatest confusion ; the cavalry then pursued, and mowed them down like grass. Among the slain was priest Thomas Clinch, a notorious and resolute rebel, and their whole loss was estimated at about five hundred. Throughout the whole of this arduous undertaking, the troops, who were filled with the true spirit of loyalty, displayed astonishing courage and perseverance. But alas ! just after the battle, while the soldiers were yet filled with rage, a few poor loyalists who had encountered the greatest difficulties to escape the merciless hands of the rebels, and who were transported at the approach of the army, unthinkingly ran to them for protection, but being in coloured clothes, were shot by their deliverers before they had time to make known their distress ; in this the soldiers were blameless, not being able for the moment to discriminate between the rebel and the loyalist.*
* RETURN OF THE KILLED, WOUNDED, AND MISSING OF the KING'S TROOPS,

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Vinegar Hill, where one of the bloodiest episodes of 1798 unfolded. After a bombardment of shells, the rebels abandoned their stronghold and took a position on the lower hill to the east. The King's troops stormed the summit, tore down the rebel standard from the old windmill, and raised the royal banners. The rebels dug in behind ditches and kept up heavy fire on Colonel Campbell's light brigade, but the troops charged their entrenchments, a flanking column hit them from the left, and the rebels' own cannon were turned against them. The cavalry pursued and cut them down. Among the dead was a priest, Thomas Clinch, and the rebel losses were put at about 500. The cruelest part came just after the fighting. A few poor loyalists, who had struggled to escape the rebels, ran toward the soldiers for protection. But they wore coloured clothes, and the soldiers, still filled with rage, shot them before they could make themselves known. The writer calls the soldiers blameless, saying they could not in the moment tell a rebel from a loyalist.

Priest Murphy's Camp on Vinegar Hill and Ninegar Hill Mass

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Father John Murphy assembled and marshalled his rebel forces on Ninegar-hill overlooking Enniscorthy, celebrating mass and displaying the rebel standard before forming a camp there, appointing himself and others as commanders.

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Messrs. Fitzgerald and Colclough were taken out of the gaol, and dispatched to Enniscorthy, to dissuade the rebels from their proceedings, and to preserve the lives of the Protestants. Nothing could exceed the joy of the insurgents on their arrival, and Fitzgerald was styled by them Lord Edward Fitzgerald. Colclough, finding his persuasions ineffectual, retired with the intention of re-entering his prison ; but Fitzgerald accepted a command in the rebel army. Father John Murphy now marshalled his men, and led them up to Ninegar-hill, which rises in the form of a cone, and commands the town. Here displaying the rebel standard, he celebrated mass, exhorting his audience to a steady loyalty, as the glorious epoch had arrived, to retrieve their ancient rights and freedom, and shake off the intolerable yoke of heresy and heretical government, under which they had groaned so long. The same evening he formed their camp on this hill, and appointed himself, Fitzgerald, and Edward Koche of Garrylough, the principal commanders.
On Tuesday night, 29th May, they marched to the Three Rocks, within three miles of Wexford, on the Taghmon Road, Murphy carrying a large crucifix before him on the saddle. During this day various preparations had been made to oppose them, and a detachment of two hundred of the Donegal militia having arrived from New Geneva, under the command of Colonel Maxwell, for the present revived the drooping spirits of the poor loyalists. They strengthened the barriers, and planted their cannon in the most eligible manner. They also

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Coming up on Vinegar Hill, Father John Murphy's camp stood here in 1798. Two men named Fitzgerald and Colclough had been sent from the gaol to talk the rebels out of what they were doing and save Protestant lives. The rebels were overjoyed to see them and called Fitzgerald by the name Lord Edward Fitzgerald. Colclough gave up and went back toward his prison, but Fitzgerald took a command in the rebel army. Father John Murphy then marshalled his men and led them up Ninegar Hill, which rises in the form of a cone and commands the town of Enniscorthy. He displayed the rebel standard and celebrated mass, urging his audience to steady loyalty, saying the glorious epoch had arrived to retrieve their ancient rights and freedom and shake off the intolerable yoke of heresy and heretical government. That same evening he formed their camp on this hill and appointed himself, Fitzgerald, and Edward Koche of Garrylough as the principal commanders. On Tuesday night, 29 May, they marched to the Three Rocks, within three miles of Wexford on the Taghmon Road, with Murphy carrying a large crucifix before him on the saddle.

Rebel Attack and Burning of Borris

Borris · town · Carlow · 1798

A large body of rebels marched from Lacken-hill camp to attack Borris in County Carlow, setting the town on fire and attacking Walter Kavanagh's house, but were repulsed with losses by the defending troops before General Asgill's relief force could arrive.

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another borne up to her assistance. On the 10th of June, the main body oi the rebels left this post, and encamped that evening on Lacken-hill, within two miles of Ross, leaving a strong guard at Slievequilter. On the morning of the 12th, a large body of the rebels from Lacken-hill camp, marched to attack Borris, a small town in the county of Carlow. The military stationed there were only a detachment of the Donegal regiment of militia, and the Borris yeomen, commanded by Walter Kavanagh, Esq., whose elegant seat, adjoining the town, served as a barrack for those troops. On the rebels approaching Borris, an express was sent to Kilkenny for relief ; but before Major- General Sir Charles Asgill and four hundred troops could arrive, they set the town on fire, and attacked Mr. Kavanagh's house, but were repulsed with some loss by the brave men who were stationed there. Nothing could surpass the determined gallantry of these heroes. The rebels effected their escape back to Lacken-hill, and here we shall for the present leave them, while we take a view of their affairs at Wexford, Vinegar-hill, and Gorey.
No sooner was Wexford in the hands of the rebels, than they began to reform the State. A grand National Committee was instantly formed, with a Council of Five Hundred and Council of Elders, and the dwelling of Mr. John Cullimore, a respectable merchant, was converted into a Senate-house. Matthew Keughe was appointed Governor, and all the Protestants around the country, who had not escaped when the army retreated, were arrested and thrown into the gaol. The priests and friars were busily employed in baptizing the Protestant women, and such of the men as were admitted into the rebel ranks. They then granted

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 7

Shooting of Dick Monk near Newtownbarry

Newtownbarry · townland · Wexford · 1798

Richard Monaghan, alias Dick Monk, a rebel captain, was wounded in an engagement and while on his way to surrender to Colonel Maxwell at Newtownbarry, he was met by yeomanry and shot.

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Richard Monaghan, alias Dick Monk, a rebel captain, was born of obscure parents, having formerly been a shoeblack in Wexford ; but being a fellow of great wit and humour, he was taken notice of, and afterwards obtained a livelihood by buying corn for the merchants. He had also been a recruiting sergeant part of his life ; and on the rebellion breaking out he was appointed a captain in the rebel army, and was considered during that period as a very generous, well-minded man. After the rebels were driven out of the county, he received a wound in an engagement, and was going to Newtownbarry to surrender himself to Colonel Maxwell, of the Cavan militia, when he was met by a party of yeomanry and shot.
Thomas Dixon, rebel captain, was the son of a publican in Castle-bridge, near Wexford. In his youth he was bound as an apprentice to a tanner in New Boss ; but not liking that business, he went to sea, and in some time was appointed master of one of his brother's vessels, who was an opulent merchant in Castle-bridge. During the rebellion, as our preceding pages have shown, he was noted for cruelty and cowardice, and had been the means of shedding torrents of Protestant blood. His wife, if possible, was more sanguinary than himself ; but wherever they secreted themselves, they never could be found, though a large reward was offered for their apprehension.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

Two Protestants murdered in Gorey church aisle

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

While occupying Gorey, rebels showed hatred toward the Protestant church, tearing up Bibles and prayer books, and put two Protestants to death within the aisle of the church itself, treating it with contempt.

Read the passage

the evening, bearing with them several hundreds of the wounded. Priest Murphy, of Boolavogue, met them retreating, and told them that he knew they would be defeated, yet they would not take his advice. After this they were more moderate to their prisoners. On the Wednesday following, however, Captain Redmond, nephew to priest Redmond of Ferns, had them tried ; those condemned were sent to Wexford gaol, but all who were acquitted were compelled to go to their camp. While the rebels remained in Gorey they showed great aversion to the church, by breaking the windows and otherwise injuring it. They had an intolerable hatred to Protestant Prayerbooks ; all they could get they tore to pieces ; they even carried the leaves of the church Bible on their pikes, shouting, " Behold the French colours ;" and to complete their impiety and their contempt of the established religion, they put two Protestants to death in the aisle of the church. In other parts they made saddles of the Bibles, and rode about on them ! In short, they continued exercising every kind of wickedness till the 19th of June, when the main body marched for Vinegar-hill.
A party of the rebels, joined by some of the Kildare, Wicklow and Carlow insurgents, now formed an encampment on Limerick-hill, near Gorey, and on the 17th of June they proceeded to a place called Mount Pleasant, near the village of Tinnehely, resolving next morning to commence an attack on Hacketstown, six miles distant, which at that time was only protected by about four hundred yeomen, and thirty of the Antrim militia. The King's troops, from their different stations, were now in motion, by order of the Commander-in-Ohief (Lieutenant- General Lake), in order to surround and entirely cut off the rebel forces, which it was imagined would concentrate in one place. For this purpose a large brigade, under Lieutenan

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Gorey, in Wexford. In 1798 the rebels occupied this town, and what they did here marked the place deeply. They came retreating through the evening, carrying hundreds of their wounded. Priest Murphy of Boolavogue met them and told them he had known they would be defeated, but they had not taken his advice. After that they were more moderate to their prisoners. On the Wednesday following, Captain Redmond, nephew to priest Redmond of Ferns, had the prisoners tried. Those condemned were sent to Wexford gaol, but all who were acquitted were compelled to go to the rebel camp. While the rebels remained in Gorey they showed great aversion to the church. They broke the windows and injured it in other ways. They had an intolerable hatred of Protestant Prayer-books. All they could get they tore to pieces. They even carried the leaves of the church Bible on their pikes, shouting, and here are the words from the source, "Behold the French colours." To complete their impiety and their contempt of the established religion, they put two Protestants to death in the aisle of the church itself. In other parts they made saddles of the Bibles and rode about on them. They continued exercising every kind of wickedness until the 19th of June, when the main body marched for Vinegar-hill. A party of the rebels, joined by some of the Kildare, Wicklow and Carlow insurgents, formed an encampment on Limerick-hill near Gorey. On the 17th of June they proceeded to a place called Mount Pleasant, near the village of Tinnehely, resolving next morning to attack Hacketstown, six miles distant, which was protected by about 400 yeomen and 30 of the Antrim militia. The King's troops were now in motion by order of the Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant-General Lake, to surround and cut off the rebel forces.

Wexford recaptured and prisoners freed from gaol

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

General Moore's brigade and Captain Boyd's cavalry entered Wexford on 21 June 1798, freeing the imprisoned loyalists who had been doomed to destruction after twenty-three days of rebel occupation.

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General Moore's brigade arrived at the Windmill-hill, above Wexford, about five o'clock in the evening, and sent a detachment of two companies of the Queen's Royals to take possession of the garrison. Captain Boyd, of the Wexford cavalry, and a few of his troop, were the first that appeared. They came (amidst innumerable blessings) galloping up to the gaol door to see the prisoners. Many a tear was shed on this happy occasion by the overjoyed inhabitants. But Captain Boyd cautioned the prisoners not to come out till the arrival of the army, lest on their coming into town they might be taken for rebels (not having military clothes) and put to death. Shortly after the Queen's Royals arrived. Description fails in attempting to set forth the emotions which arose in the breasts of the poor Protestants who had been doomed to destruction. The entrance of the army was peculiarly striking ; for instead of rushing in with all the violence of enraged men, as might be expected, they marched along in such solemnity and silent grandeur, that not a whisper was to be heard through all the ranks. Many wept with joy to see their deliverers, who soon opened the prison -doors, " and set the prisoners free." Thus was the town of Wexford recovered from Popery's persecuting reign, on the 21st of June, 1798, after being in possession of the rebels twenty-three days. Had the army arrived a day sooner, they would have saved ninety-seven Protestants, who were cruelly butchered on the bridge. Indeed, the shocking acts of barbarity practised during this period would make as many pictures of inhumanity as are to be found in the history of the martys,
Lieutenant-General Lake now issued a proclamation for the apprehension of all the rebel leaders ; assuring the deluded multitude, that such as would come forward and deliver up their arms, should find mercy and protection.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town recaptured from rebel hands on the 21st of June, 1798, after twenty-three days of occupation. General Moore's brigade arrived at the Windmill-hill above Wexford about five o'clock in the evening, and sent a detachment of two companies of the Queen's Royals to take possession of the garrison. Captain Boyd of the Wexford cavalry and a few of his troop were the first that appeared. They came galloping up to the gaol door to see the prisoners, amidst innumerable blessings. Many a tear was shed by the overjoyed inhabitants. But Captain Boyd cautioned the prisoners not to come out till the arrival of the army, lest on their coming into town they might be taken for rebels, not having military clothes, and put to death. Shortly after, the Queen's Royals arrived. The Protestants who had been doomed to destruction felt emotions too strong to set forth. The entrance of the army was peculiarly striking. Instead of rushing in with all the violence of enraged men, as might be expected, they marched along in such solemnity and silent grandeur that not a whisper was to be heard through all the ranks. Many wept with joy to see their deliverers, who soon opened the prison doors, and set the prisoners free. Had the army arrived a day sooner, they would have saved ninety-seven Protestants who were cruelly butchered on the bridge. Lieutenant-General Lake then issued a proclamation for the apprehension of all rebel leaders, assuring those who would come forward and deliver up their arms that they should find mercy and protection.

Yeoman shot without time to pray at Gorey camp

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

A yeoman of the Castletown cavalry, newly captured, was given only ten minutes to prepare before being shot in the street at Gorey camp on the orders of rebel commander Mr. Perry.

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brought in a yeoman of the Castletown cavalry, whom they had just taken, and without allowing him more than ten minutes to call on the Lord, shot him in the street, Mr. Perry, the rebel commander at Gorey camp, would give him no longer time to prepare for eternity ! " The mercies of the wicked are cruel."
A few days after my being taken to Gorey they stripped me of a suit of black and gave me a soldier's old jacket, waistcoat, and small-clothes ; they also took from me my hat, neckcloth, and shoes ; and having thus plundered me they left me to meditate on what was likely to follow ; all the prisoners were served the same way. Having thus stripped us they led us forth to the camp to be shot. Providentially, two days prior to this, Mr. Harvey, the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces in the county of Wexford, issued a proclamation from Carrigburne camp, one of the articles of which was, " It is also resolved, that any person or persons who shall take upon him or them, to kill or murder any person or persons, burn any house, or commit any plunder, without special written orders from the commander-in-chief, shall suffer death."

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Gorey now, a Wexford town. In 1798 this was the site of a rebel camp, and what happened here was merciless. They brought in a yeoman of the Castletown cavalry, newly captured, and gave him no more than ten minutes to call on the Lord before they shot him in the street. Mr. Perry, the rebel commander at Gorey camp, would give him no longer time to prepare for eternity. The source calls it cruel: the mercies of the wicked are cruel. A few days later the rebels stripped a prisoner of a suit of black and gave him a soldier's old jacket, waistcoat, and small-clothes. They took his hat, neckcloth, and shoes. All the prisoners were served the same way. Having stripped them, they led them forth to the camp to be shot. But two days before that, Mr. Harvey, commander-in-chief of the rebel forces in county Wexford, had issued a proclamation from Carrigburne camp. One article of it was that any person who shall take upon him to kill or murder any person, or commit any plunder, without special written orders from the commander-in-chief, shall suffer death.

Pitch-soaked caps placed on prisoners before Arklow attack

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Rebels frustrated at not massacring their Protestant prisoners melted pitch and besmeared caps of linen and brown paper, placing them on nearly all the prisoners' heads before marching to attack Arklow.

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were celebrated by the priests. After this ceremony, some of the rebels, irritated at not being permitted to massacre the Protestants, melted a great quantity of pitch, and besmearing the inside of caps made of coarse linen and brown paper, put them on the heads of nearly all the prisoners. About twelve o'clock they marched for Arklow, thirty- four thousand strong ! with three pieces of cannon, under the command of Anthony Perry, Esmond Kyan being captain of the artillery. When they arrived within two miles of Arklow, they were ordered to halt by John Hay, one of their captains, and having placed their guns-men in front, and the pike-men to charge in the rear, they were ordered to proceed ; but they evinced the most disorderly disposition imaginable; for their officers, John Hay, Esmond Kyan, Dick Monk, Thomas Dixon, William and Garret Byrne, were obliged to drive them before them, and in this manner they proceeded towards Arklow.
Had the rebels made their appearance two days before, in all probability they would have carried the town ; but fortunately reinforcements had since arrived from Dublin, which greatly strengthened it, and quieted the fears of the inhabitants. The garrison now consisted of detachments of the 5th and 9th Dragoons, the Ancient British Fencible Cavalry, a small detachment of the Royal Irish Artillery, Durham Fencible Infantry, most part of the Dumbartons, the Cavan militia, with detachments of the Armagh, Antrim, North Cork, and Londonderry ; also the North and South Arklow, Camolin, Gorey, Coolgreny, and Castletown yeoman-cavalry, with a number of loyalists in coloured clothes, making in the whole about fifteen hundred men. Major-general Needham was commander-in-chief of the garrison.

Internet Archive historyofrisepro00tayluoft, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Gorey, a town caught up in the rebellion of 1798. That year, rebels in this county were frustrated at being denied the chance to massacre their Protestant prisoners. They melted a great quantity of pitch, besmeared the inside of caps made of coarse linen and brown paper, and put them on the heads of nearly all the prisoners. About twelve o'clock they marched for Arklow, thirty-four thousand strong, with three pieces of cannon. Anthony Perry commanded, and Esmond Kyan was captain of the artillery. When they arrived within two miles of Arklow, John Hay, one of their captains, ordered them to halt. They placed their gunsmen in front and the pikemen to charge in the rear, and were ordered to proceed. But they showed the most disorderly disposition imaginable. Their officers, John Hay, Esmond Kyan, Dick Monk, Thomas Dixon, William and Garret Byrne, were obliged to drive them forward. Had the rebels appeared two days earlier, they would probably have carried the town. But reinforcements had arrived from Dublin. The garrison now consisted of detachments of the 5th and 9th Dragoons, the Ancient British Fencible Cavalry, the Royal Irish Artillery, Durham Fencible Infantry, most of the Dumbartons, the Cavan militia, and detachments from Armagh, Antrim, North Cork, and Londonderry. The Gorey yeoman-cavalry were there too, along with loyalists in coloured clothes, making about 1,500 men in all. Major-general Needham commanded the garrison.

A history of the rise, progress, and supression of the rebellion in the county of Wexford, in the year 1798 : to which is annexed the author's account of his ca

The stories, best first

The Black Flag massacre on Wexford Bridge

The Battle of New Ross

Massacre of prisoners on Wexford Bridge

Priest Murphy killed at Battle of Arklow, body burned by Lord Mount Norris

Priest Corrin halts the killing on Wexford Bridge

Four hundred Protestants massacred, bodies left unburied at Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill

Sacking and Massacre at Enniscorthy

Charles Davis piked and buried alive but survives at Vinegar Hill

Attack on Major Valotton in Wexford town

Father Corrin halts the killing at Wexford Bridge

General Johnson's forces defeat rebels at Vinegar Hill

Massacre camp and Tree of Liberty at Vinegar Hill

Richard Sterne's ordeal near Enniscorthy and Mr. Ogle's seat

Siege and Burning of Bookey's House at Rockspring

Death of Defender leader John Moore, fighting on broken legs

Mass Burial of Rebel Dead After the Battle of New Ross

Murder of Rev. Francis Turner at Ballingale

Ninety-seven Protestants massacred on Wexford Bridge

Death of Jackson, a clergyman conspirator, at the bar in Dublin

Execution of Esmond Kyan after surrendering at Wexford

Execution of General priest Roche at Wexford Bridge

Execution of Murphy at the Wexford Bull-Ring by Fellow Prisoners

Murder of Rev. Robert Burrowes at Kyle

Near-execution of prisoners at the Gorey rebel camp

Prisoner tortured slowly in old windmill on Vinegar Hill

Edward Stacy shot and left for dead at Mangan

French landing at Killala and Humbert's proclamation

The Red Tape Plague Rumour

Murder of Lieutenant Bookey

Torture with brass wire lashes and stone-jaw stretching on Vinegar Hill

Battle and burning of Castlecomer

Siege, burning of the turret, and slaughter at Clonard

Fall of Wexford and Murder of John Boyd

Massacre of Gurley and Matthews at Wexford

Prisoners selected for slaughter from the Wexford market-house

Trial and execution of Cornelius Grogan of Johnstown

Whiteboy atrocities against tithe proctors

Execution of James Beaghan on Vinegar Hill and his confession

General Johnson's Fearless Conduct Under Fire at New Ross

Ritual proclamation before executions at Shelmalier and Shelburne camp

Thomas Hall lashed to death with brass-wire cat-o'-nine-tails

Bloody Friday massacre near Gorey

Death of Lord Edward Fitzgerald from wounds after capture

Execution of Matthew Keughe, rebel governor of Wexford

Lord Kingsborough's Capture at Wexford

Massacre of Protestant prisoners at Gore's-bridge

Prisoner shot in the street at Gorey market-house

Prisoners in Gorey market-house assembly room ordered massacred

Rebel Summons and Murder of the Flag-Bearer Furlong at New Ross

Wexford Town Converted to Rebel Capital with a Senate-House

Attack and burning of Hacket's-town

Execution of a Second Murphy on Wexford Bridge

Loyalists mistakenly shot fleeing to troops at Vinegar Hill

Priest Murphy's Camp on Vinegar Hill and Ninegar Hill Mass

Rebel Attack and Burning of Borris

Shooting of Dick Monk near Newtownbarry

Two Protestants murdered in Gorey church aisle

Wexford recaptured and prisoners freed from gaol

Yeoman shot without time to pray at Gorey camp

Pitch-soaked caps placed on prisoners before Arklow attack