Name: The life of Thomas Reynolds, Esq. : formerly of Kilkea Castle, in the county of Kildare (vol. 1)
Author: Thomas Reynolds (–1848)

Massacre of loyalist prisoners on Wexford Bridge

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Under Thomas Dixon's command, prisoners were led from the Wexford gaol to the bridge in groups and piked to death, then thrown into the river; ninety-seven were killed before Father Corrin persuaded the mob to stop upon news of approaching king's troops.

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insurgents, the condition of the Protestants and loyal inhabitants had been one of horrible fear and suspense. Upwards of two hundred and sixty were confined in the different gaols, and many more were prisoners in their own houses, exposed to daily insults, and under perpetual apprehensions of being murdered. At length on the 20th of J une, the murder of the prisoners was resolved on, and commenced under the command of a monster named Thomas Dixon, who was by profession a seafaring man, captain and part owner of a trading vessel, and a leader among the rebels ; aided and urged on by his still more inhuman wife. The prisoners were led from the gaol to the bridge, in parties of ten or fifteen at a time. There each victim was placed on his knees with two pikemen in front, and two others behind ; and after being loaded with abuse, a signal was given by Dixon, or his wife, when the four ruffians plunged their pikes into his body, and, raising him from the ground held him suspended, writhing with pain, for some time, and then flung him over the battlements of the bridge into the river. Ninety-seven persons perished in that manner, between the hours of two and seven in the afternoon. At length these monsters, fatigued and satiated with blood, were with difficulty prevailed upon by Father Curran, or Corrin, a priest of Wexford, to stop the slaughter. This man, after having long and vainly supplicated the assassins to desist, announced the evening prayer, and called upon all present to join him in it, and when he had thus made them all kneel down, he dictated a
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 296

As the companion tells it

As you come through Wexford, you pass the ground where one of the darkest events of 1798 took place. On the 20th of June that year, upwards of 260 prisoners were held in the town's gaols, with many more confined in their own houses. Thomas Dixon, a sea captain and rebel leader, commanded the killing, aided by his wife. Prisoners were led from the gaol to the bridge in groups of ten or fifteen. Each was placed on his knees with two pikemen in front and two behind. At a signal from Dixon or his wife, the four plunged their pikes into the victim, raised him from the ground, held him suspended, and then flung him over the battlements into the river. Ninety-seven persons died in this manner between the hours of two and seven in the afternoon. Father Corrin, a priest of Wexford, finally prevailed upon the killers to stop, after long and vain supplication. He announced the evening prayer and called upon all present to join him, and when he had made them kneel down, the slaughter ended.

Curran's Habeas Corpus Bid and Tone's Suicide in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Curran argued Tone's court-martial sentence was illegal while civil courts sat, and moved for habeas corpus on the morning fixed for execution. Military authorities refused to comply, and it was discovered Tone had cut his own throat in Dublin barracks during the night, dying on 19 November.

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When thex sheriff again returned it was to say that Mr. Tone had, in the course of the preceding night, cut his own throat, and could not be removed. It seems that Mr. Tone, on hearing of the result of his appli¬ cation to the court, wrote three letters, one to the French Directory and two to his wife ; and then with a pen-knife inflicted the fatal wound. He lingered till the 19th of the month, when he expired.
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 337

As the companion tells it

Coming through Dublin, where in 1798 Curran moved for habeas corpus on the morning fixed for Tone's execution, arguing the court-martial was illegal while civil courts sat. Military authorities refused to comply. The sheriff returned with word that Tone had cut his own throat during the night in Dublin barracks. He had written three letters — one to the French Directory, two to his wife — then used a pen-knife. He lingered until the 19th of November, when he died.

Battle of Arklow and death of Father Michael Murphy

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

27,000 rebels attacked Arklow, defended by about 1,600 troops under Major-General Needham; the four-hour battle ended when rebel leader Father Michael Murphy, believed invulnerable by his followers, was killed by a cannon-ball, causing the rebels to flee with about a thousand dead.

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advanced on the morning of the 9th to attack Arklow. Their numbers amounted to twenty-seven thousand men, of whom five thousand were armed with guns, the remainder with pikes, and three pieces of artillery. The town was defended by the troops above mentioned, amounting to about sixteen hundred men, commanded by Major-General Needham. The attack began at four o’clock in the evening, and was vigorously kept up for four hours. The town was attacked on all sides ; but the principal efforts of the rebels were directed against the Durham fencibles, who received the assailants with so close and effective a fire, that they were repulsed on every fresh attack with great slaughter. At length, about eight o’clock, Father Michael Murphy, one of the leaders, in whom the people had unbounded con¬ fidence, believing him to be invulnerable — to confirm them in which belief he frequently showed them musket-balls which he said he caught in his hands as they flew from the enemy’s guns — was killed by a cannon-ball. This event completed the discomfiture of the rebels, who fled in the greatest disorder, leaving about a thousand men dead, and a great number wounded.
This victory decided the fate of the rebellion, and the rebels were thenceforth obliged to adopt a defensive plan. They retreated first to Gorey, and, on the fol¬ lowing day, the main body, under the command of Gar¬ ret Byrne, of Ballymanus, moved to Mount-pleasant, near Tinnehely, in the county of W icklow, which town

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 285

As the companion tells it

As you come through Arklow, this is where one of the decisive battles of 1798 was fought. On the 9th of June, twenty-seven thousand rebels advanced on the town, five thousand with guns, the rest with pikes, and three pieces of artillery. Arklow was defended by about sixteen hundred troops under Major-General Needham. The attack began at four o'clock in the evening and went on for four hours, the rebels pressing on every side. The Durham fencibles met them with close fire and repulsed every fresh assault with great slaughter. The turning point came around eight o'clock, when Father Michael Murphy, one of the rebel leaders, was killed by a cannon-ball. His followers had unbounded confidence in him and believed him invulnerable. He had encouraged that belief by showing them musket-balls he said he caught in his hands as they flew from the enemy's guns. His death broke the rebels' resolve. They fled in disorder, leaving about a thousand dead and a great number wounded. This victory decided the fate of the rebellion, after which the rebels were forced onto the defensive, retreating first to Gorey and then to Mount-pleasant near Tinnehely in Wicklow.

Brutal mutilation of Alexander Barclay and his wife near Forkhill

near Forkill · parish · Armagh · 1791

A gang led by Terence Byrne attacked schoolmaster Alexander Barclay's house in the parish of Forkhill near Dundalk in January 1791, stabbing him, cutting off his tongue and fingers, and inflicting the same mutilations on his wife.

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of Forkhill, was appointed agent to conduct the charity. The Roman Catholics in the neighbourhood declared they would not allow the establishment to be formed. Accordingly they twice attempted Mr. Hudson’s life : the colonists were treated with the greatest brutality ; their houses were demolished and their property de¬ stroyed. The manor mill was burned, and the miller would have been murdered, had he not escaped naked, by crossing a river in the night. On the 29th of Ja¬ nuary, 1791, at seven o’clock in the evening, a number of monsters, in human shape, assembled at the house of Alexander Barclay, one of the schoolmasters, who resided in the parish of Forkhill, near Dundalk : they rapped at the door, and he inquired who was there ? when one of the party, named Terence Byrne, his near neighbour, whose voice he well knew, and whom he had before, at different times admitted, answered him. He then opened the door, and a number of men rushed in, threw him on his face, and three of them stood on him and stabbed him repeatedly. They then put a cord round his neck, which they tightened so as to force out his tongue, part of which, as far as they could reach, they cut off. They then cut off the four fingers and the thumb of his right hand, and left him on the floor, and proceeded to use his wife in the same manner. To add to their barbarity, they cut out her tongue, and cut off her four fingers and thumb, with a blunt weapon, which operation took them above ten minutes, one or two of them holding up her arm while they committed this inhuman action : they then battered and beat her in a
1792.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 47

Court-Martial and Sentencing of Wolfe Tone in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Tone was tried by court-martial in Dublin, pleading guilty to all charges and giving an eloquent speech in his defence while denying involvement in private assassination. He requested a soldier's death but was sentenced to be hanged on 12 November.

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should throw me into the hands of the enemy, who I knew would otherwise show me no mercy.” * Cer¬ tainly, if we may judge from his own confession, he appeared at that time to think that a French commis¬ sion would be a kind of safeguard, at least that it would entitle him to a soldier’s death ; though, in his journal of December 25th, 1796, he seems not quite so sure of this result, for he says, “ Perhaps I may he reserved for a trial, for the sake of striking terror into others, in which case I shall be hanged as a traitor.” f On Saturday, the 10th of November, the court as¬ sembled. It was composed of General Loftus, Colonels Vandeleur, Daly, and Wolfe, Major Armstrong, and Captain Curran. Mr. Paterson was judge-advocate. Mr. Tone appeared in the uniform of a chef de bri¬ gade. He pleaded guilty to all the charges brought against him, and endeavoured to justify his political conduct in a very eloquent and affecting speech. He denied having any part in the system of private assas¬ sination into which the United Irish Society had de¬ generated ; and he ended by requesting to die the death of a soldier in consideration of the uniform he wore. He then handed in his commission from the French Directory, signed by the minister of war, granting him the rank of chef de brigade, and a letter of ser¬ vice giving him the additional rank of adjutant-ge¬ neral. The Marquis of Cornwallis did not think fit to accede to his request, and he was sentenced to be
* Life of Theobald Wolfe Tone, vol. ii. p. 71. t Ibid. p. 264.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 336

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are near the place where Wolfe Tone faced a court-martial in November 1798. Two years earlier, in his journal on December 25th, 1796, Tone had written that he might be reserved for a trial to strike terror into others, and that in that case he would be hanged as a traitor. He had hoped a French commission might protect him, or at least earn him a soldier's death. The court assembled on Saturday, November 10th. General Loftus presided, with Colonels Vandeleur, Daly, and Wolfe, Major Armstrong, and Captain Curran. Mr. Paterson served as judge-advocate. Tone appeared wearing the uniform of a chef de brigade. He pleaded guilty to all charges and tried to justify his political conduct in an eloquent and affecting speech. He denied having any part in the system of private assassination into which the United Irish Society had degenerated. He asked to die the death of a soldier, in consideration of the uniform he wore, and handed in his commission from the French Directory, signed by the minister of war, granting him the rank of chef de brigade, along with a letter of service giving him the additional rank of adjutant-general. The Marquis of Cornwallis did not accede to his request, and he was sentenced to be hanged on November 12th.

Doctor Esmond's Treachery and Massacre at Prosperous

Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

Dr John Esmond, a yeomanry lieutenant, betrayed his friend Lieutenant Swaine by obtaining the garrison password and leading a rebel surprise attack that burned Swaine and his men in their quarters at Prosperous, then murdered two more men with a cross-cut saw-like cruelty.

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glass, Dunlavin, Kildare, Rathangan, Kilcock, and Ovietstown. In all these engagements the rebels were defeated with considerable loss, except those of Dunboyne and Barretstown. The attack on Prosperous was marked by an act of the most infamous treachery. Doctor John Esmond was a Roman Catholic physician and accoucheur, a man of good fortune and of high family connexion, and a lieutenant in Mr. Griffiths’ troop of yeoman cavalry, then stationed at Clane. Not far from his residence was the small town of Prosperous, where a considerable cotton manufactory was esta¬ blished. It was occupied by twenty-eight of the Cork militia, and nine of a regiment of Welsh cavalry, called the Ancient Britons, the whole commanded by Lieu¬ tenant Swaine. Esmond was on an intimate footing with Lieutenant Swaine, who frequently dined at his house, from which circumstance, combined with his rank in society, his situation of lieutenant of yeo¬ manry, and his profession, which obliged him to be out at all hours of the night, he found no difficulty in ob¬ taining the password from Swaine, who dined with him on the 23rd of May. Thus provided, at one o’clock in the morning of the 24th, at the head of a large body of rebels, he surprised his friend, and burned him and all his men in their quarters. He then seized two gentlemen, residents of the town, a Mr. Stamer and a Mr. Brewer, and an old man who had been a serjeant in the line ; these he murdered with deliberate cruelty, and mangled their bodies in a horrid manner. His further proceedings were stopped
280

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 263

Battle of Ballinamuck - surrender of the French

near Ballinamuck · population centre · Longford · 1798

General Humbert crossed the Shannon and arrived at Ballinamuck on 8 September 1798, where surrounded by superior forces he surrendered after half an hour's defence; the Irish rebels were denied quarter and about five hundred were shot that day.

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loss, between Drumshambo and Ballynamore. Ge¬ neral Humbert now passed the Shannon at Balintra, closely pursued by General Lake and Colonel Craw¬ ford, and, passing by Cloone, arrived at Ballinamuck on the 8th of September. Lord Cornwallis had marched from Carrick-on-Shannon to Saint Johnstown to meet and intercept General Humbert, if he attempted to reach Granard, so that he was now closely surrounded on every side by a force twenty times superior to his own. In this desperate situation he drew up his men, and, after a defence of about half an hour, the main body of General Lake’s troops came up, and the French laid down their arms. Their numbers were found to be seven hundred and forty-eight privates, and ninetysix officers ! Since their first landing at Killala, they had lost two hundred and eighty-eight men in different engagements. The Irish rebels were excluded from quarter, and fled in all directions : about five hundred were shot on that day. Matthew Tone, the brother of Theobald Wolfe Tone, and Bartholomew Teelingr, of Lisburn, who had accompanied the expedition from France, were taken, sent in irons to Dublin, tried, and executed. Thus ended this extraordinary expedition.
As soon as it was known that the French had landed at Killala, the disaffected party in the counties of Longford and Westmeath bestirred themselves actively to raise an insurrectionary movement, with the view of making a diversion in their favour, and of facilitating their progress towards the capital. In the county of Longford especially many persons of fortune

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 326

Lord Edward Fitzgerald Arrested in Thomas Street

Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1798

Lord Edward Fitzgerald, a leader of the United Irishmen, was arrested on 19 May at the house of Nicholas Murphy, a feather-merchant, on Thomas Street, Dublin.

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them was Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who had been in concealment since the arrests at Oliver Bond’s house two months previously. That nobleman had been an officer in the army, where he had been highly esteemed for his military conduct, his honour, humanity, and courage. He had served in the 19th regiment, and afterwards in the 54th, of which he was major in No¬ vember, 1791, when Lieutenant-Colonel Bruce of that regiment died. Lord Edward expected to have suc¬ ceeded to the commission ; but it was given to Colonel Strutt. Lord Edward, disappointed in his expecta¬ tions, went to Paris, where he unfortunately made him¬ self rather conspicuous as an advocate for the principles of the French revolution ; the consequence was, that his name was struck off the list of the army ; but he was afterwards allowed to sell his commission. From that time he became a violent opposer of the British government, and, when at last he joined the United Irishmen, his rank, his enthusiastic courage, and his active spirit, naturally pointed him out as a leader of the party. On the 11th of May a proclamation was issued, offering 1000/. reward for his apprehension, and on the 19th he was arrested inThomas-street, at the house of Nicholas Murphy, a feather-merchant. The parti¬ culars of his arrest will be found in a subsequent chap¬ ter, when I shall have to make a few observations on Mr. Moore’s History of his Life.
Several other arrests were made on the 19tli and 21st of May : among others, Henry and John Sheares were taken. These two unfortunate brothers, who after-

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 258

As the companion tells it

Along here on Thomas Street, on the 19th of May 1798, Lord Edward Fitzgerald was arrested at the house of Nicholas Murphy, a feather-merchant. He had been in hiding since the arrests at Oliver Bond's house two months before. Fitzgerald had been a respected army officer, serving in the 19th regiment and then the 54th, where he was major in November 1791 when Lieutenant-Colonel Bruce died. He expected to succeed to the commission, but it was given to Colonel Strutt. Disappointed, he went to Paris and made himself conspicuous as an advocate for the principles of the French revolution. His name was struck off the army list, though he was allowed to sell his commission. From that time he became a violent opposer of the British government, and when he joined the United Irishmen his rank, his enthusiastic courage, and his active spirit naturally pointed him out as a leader. On the 11th of May a proclamation was issued offering 1000 pounds reward for his apprehension, and eight days later he was taken here. Several other arrests followed on the 19th and 21st of May, among them Henry and John Sheares.

Massacre and Burning of Castlecomer

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

Entering Castlecomer, which was filled with Protestant refugees, the rebels massacred between fifty and sixty loyalists and then set fire to the town, subjecting it to the horrors of a town taken by storm.

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On entering tlie town they massacred between fifty and sixty of the loyalists, but, finding that mode of exter¬ mination too slow, they set fire to the place, which then underwent all the horrors of a town taken by storm. The loyalists, however, made a desperate de¬ fence, in which they were soon seconded by the arrival of Major-General Sir Charles Asgill, with a force of twelve hundred men. Their joint exertions succeeded in driving the rebels out of the town at four o’clock in the afternoon ; but the general, finding no shelter for his troops, retired to Kilkenny, followed by all the loyalists. After their departure the rebels returned, plundered the now deserted town, and once more re¬ gained the heights they had occupied on the preceding night.
On the morning of the 25th Father Murphy found that his numbers were reduced by desertion to between four and five thousand men, and that his hopes of raising an insurrection were vain ; he therefore resolved to return to Wexford. Accordingly he marched that day to Kilcomny, near Newbridge, where he took post on a rising ground, and on the following morning he was attacked on three sides by General Asgill, aided by Major Mathews with five hundred men of the Downshire militia. After an hour’s brisk firing the rebels gave way, and fled towards Scollogh Gap, leaving ten pieces of artillery, seven hundred horses, and all their plunder, to the victorious loyalists. The celebrated Father John Murphy was taken prisoner after this engagement, and brought to Tullow, the

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 304

Murder of Magistrate Spenser at Rathangan

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

Mr Spenser, an elderly magistrate and agent to the Duke of Leinster who had built much of the town of Rathangan, was seized at his own door, decapitated with a cross-cut saw, and his head kicked about the lawn by rebels despite his lifelong kindness to the district.

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agent to the Duke of Leinster, a man of large landed property, deservedly esteemed and respected by the whole county. Such was his confidence in the recti¬ tude of his own conduct, and in the love and attach¬ ment of his neighbours, that he did not consider it ne¬ cessary to retire to any place of security, or to intermit his usual occupations, or the care of the vast properties intrusted to his management ; and, notwithstanding the outrageous scenes going on around him, he re¬ mained peaceably at Rathangan, with his wife and two daughters, one of whom was married to the Ho¬ nourable and Reverend Mr. Pomeroy, son of Lord Harburton. Mr. Pomeroy also remained with his father-in-law. No precautions were taken for defence, all was open at the house as in times of perfect tran¬ quillity, and, until the day of actual rebellion, the peace¬ able appearance of Rathangan and its neighbourhood seemed to justify Mr. Spenser’s conduct. But, when at length that fatal day arrived, all feelings of grati¬ tude and humanity were at once obliterated in the minds of men so long prepared for every outrage. A band of infuriated ruffians entered the lawn in front of the house. The family were at breakfast. Mr. Spenser rose from table, went to the hall-door, and kindly asked them what he could do for them ; supposing, or pre¬ tending to suppose, that they were come to require his services as a magistrate. They instantly seized him, saying that they were now come to do for him, threw him down upon the steps of the door, and sawed off his head with a cross-cut saw ! They then went into the
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 266

Mutilation attack on Protestant schoolmaster near Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1792–1793

A Protestant schoolmaster who taught over thirty Catholic children gratis was attacked along with a woman and her thirteen-year-old brother; their tongues were cut out and calves of their legs cut off. The attackers declared this was the beginning of what Protestants should suffer, and the perpetrators paraded publicly with torches afterward.

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dreadful manner. Her brother, a boy of thirteen years of age, had come from Armagh that morning to see her. They cut out his tongue, and cut off the calf of his leg, and left them all three in that situation. No reason could be assigned for that most inhuman transaction : the man was a Protestant, a peaceable decent man ; he taught above thirty of their children gratis, being allowed a salary by the trustees for forty more. He asked them whether he had ever offended them ? they said not ; but that was the beginning of what he, and those like him (meaning Protestants), should suffer. This busi¬ ness was a matter of public exultation in the parish ; and so far were the perpetrators from wishing to con¬ ceal it, that they proceeded on the road with torches, publicly, and in defiance of everybody. This account is taken from the report made by the trustees of the charity to the Bishop of Dromore, which says in con¬ clusion “ the man and the boy can speak a little, the woman cannot, and fortunately they are all likely to die ; as, if they live, they are incapable of earning their subsistence.”
In the years 1792 and 1793 numerous bands of Defenders attacked, pillaged, and murdered Protestants of every denomination, and extended their destructive fury to the counties of Dublin, Roscommon, Westmeath, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Derry, Limerick, Wexford, and Kerry. In the county of Lowtli alone they plundered a hundred and eighty houses ! In some places landlords were obliged to relinquish their rents, and the clergy their tithes, and many families abandoned their houses, and fled to Dublin for protection. At

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 48

Torture of prisoners at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Rebels at Vinegar Hill prolonged victims' suffering through whipping with brass and wire, non-fatal piking, and forcing stones into prisoners' mouths and stamping until jaws were torn, including Enniscorthy deputy portrieve Henry Hatton.

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A detail of the horrors committed by the rebels on Vinegar Hill would fill a volume. Sometimes they prolonged the sufferings of their victims by scourging them with lashes of brass and wire twisted in whip¬ cord. One George Stacey received two hundred and fifty lashes in this way. Sometimes they would pike them, but not mortally, in order to keep them longer in misery. Mr. Henry Hatton, deputy portrieve of Enniscorthy, and several other persons, were laid down on their backs, and stones, having one end small and the other large, were placed in their mouths, which their barbarous murderers stamped on with the heels of their shoes, until their jaws were extended to the utmost, and sometimes torn asunder. The bodies of their victims were sometimes left unburied for several days, and swine suffered to devour them, until the offensive smell caused them to be thrown into the river. Mr. Taylor, in his History of the Rebellion of Wex¬ ford, gives the following narrative of the sufferings and escape of one of the prisoners. The account is given in the words of the narrator.
“ When I came to the prison-door I was seized by

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 291

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Vinegar Hill in Wexford. In 1798, rebels committed horrors on this hill that would fill a volume. They prolonged the suffering of their victims. They scourged them with lashes of brass and wire twisted in whip cord. George Stacey received 250 lashes in this way. They would pike prisoners, but not mortally, to keep them longer in misery. Henry Hatton, deputy portrieve of Enniscorthy, and several others were laid down on their backs. Stones, with one end small and the other large, were placed in their mouths. Their murderers stamped on the stones with the heels of their shoes until their jaws were stretched to the utmost, and sometimes torn apart. Bodies were left unburied for several days. Swine were allowed to devour them, until the smell caused them to be thrown into the river. Mr. Taylor, in his History of the Rebellion of Wexford, gives an account of the sufferings and escape of one prisoner, told in the narrator's own words.

Battle of Castlebar - French victory and 'Castlebar Races'

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

Despite being outnumbered, French forces under Humbert routed the royal troops at Castlebar on 27 August 1798; the panicked royal army fled in disgraceful retreat all the way to Athlone, sixty-three miles in twenty-seven hours.

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march of nearly twenty-four hours. The royal artillery was admirably directed by Captain Shortall, and at first did considerable execution among the French, checking their progress for some time ; but the French, finding that they could not long resist if they presented oo much front to the well-directed fire of the British, filed away in small parties to the right and left, and advanced with such impetuous courage, that in a few minutes the royal troops gave way, and, seized with panic, broke in all directions, and fled in the utmost confusion through the town, taking the road to Tuam, thirty miles from Castlebar, which they reached that night; and, not thinking themselves safe even there, they merely stopped to refresh themselves, when they again continued their disgraceful flight to Athlone, thirty- three miles further, which place was reached by the vanguard at one o’clock on Tuesday the 29th. Such was their terror, that they actually fled sixty- three miles in twenty-seven hours ! The loss of the royal army was fifty- three killed, thirty-four wounded, and 279 prisoners, or missing. They lost also ten pieces of artillery, and four curricle-guns. The loss of the French was not known. The French troops entered Castlebar, where they remained unmolested till the 4th of September. While there the Irish peasantry flocked in great numbers to join them, and 5000 mus¬ kets were distributed among them. But their total want of discipline rendered them almost useless as auxiliaries. -General Humbert expected not only to find powerful support among the Irish, but also to
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 323

As the companion tells it

As you come through Castlebar, the road crosses ground where one of 1798's most remarkable actions unfolded. On 27 August 1798, French forces under General Humbert routed the royal troops here despite being outnumbered. The royal artillery, directed by Captain Shortall, initially did considerable execution among the French, but Humbert's men filed away in small parties to the right and left and advanced with such impetuous courage that the royal troops gave way, seized with panic, and fled through the town in utmost confusion. They took the road to Tuam, 30 miles from Castlebar, reaching it that night. Not thinking themselves safe even there, they continued their disgraceful flight to Athlone, 33 miles further, the vanguard arriving at 1 o'clock on Tuesday the 29th. They had fled 63 miles in 27 hours. The royal army lost 53 killed, 34 wounded, and 279 prisoners or missing, along with 10 pieces of artillery and 4 curricle-guns. The French loss was not known. Humbert's troops remained unmolested in Castlebar until 4 September. The Irish peasantry flocked to join them in great numbers, and 5000 muskets were distributed among them, but their total want of discipline rendered them almost useless as auxiliaries.

Battle of New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

After ten hours of hard fighting on 5 June 1798, the rebels retired from New Ross having lost between two and three thousand dead, while the garrison lost about three hundred men including Lord Mountjoy; it was the most sanguinary battle of the rebellion.

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course of which many houses were burnt, the rebels retired, leaving between two and three thousand dead on the field of battle, and all their artillery. The garrison lost about three hundred men, among whom was Lord Mountjoy, colonel of the county of Dublin militia. This was the most sanguinary battle fought during the rebellion.
Enraged at their defeat and loss, the rebels removed Harvey from the command, and elected Father Philip Roach, a Catholic priest, as his successor (the same who had commanded at Tubberneering), and at the same time, on the 6th of June, they despatched a guard from Enniscorthy, which had been in the pos¬ session of Father John Murphy since the 29th of May, to Wexford, with orders to select ten Orangemen, that is to say, Protestants, and to sacrifice them to the manes of Richard Furlong and those who fell at Ross. These orders were too fatally obeyed ; and ten respect¬ able Protestants, who had quitted Enniscorthy when that town was taken, were led back thither, and massacred in the market-place.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 282

John Gill's ordeal and escape at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

John Gill described being condemned and stabbed multiple times outside the windmill at Vinegar Hill by executioner Andrew Martin, surviving by feigning death and later being hidden and rescued by his wife.

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‘ Gill.* f That is a bad name,’ said he ; ‘ prepare for death ; you have not an hour to live.’ I again begged my life, and said that I and my brother would play the fife and beat the drum for them ; but he desired me to put such thoughts out of my head, as I should certainly die. When I was brought in I saw Mr. Pentland lying near the door ; he was just dying. A party of rebels, armed with pikes and guns, formed a line in front of the mill-door ; behind them were some on horse¬ back. On being brought out there was one Andrew Martin, with a drawn sword, standing inside the line as executioner. I immediately addressed the rebels, and asked if they would put a man to death without a trial ? Martin cried out, c Damn your soul, do you come here to preach ? ’ and made a stab at me, which hit me on the wrist : some of rebels then bade him stop and ask how I chose to die ? I replied, as a Christian. One of them, on horseback said, e May be he is a Christian,’ and asked me, ‘ Are you a Christian ? ’ I told him I be¬ lieved in the Saviour of the world, through whom I hoped to be saved. Martin then said, ‘ Oh, damn your soul, you are a Christian in your own way ; ’ and directly stabbed me in the side. I fell on my face, and was then stabbed in the back, and beaten on the head with some heavy instrument. I still kept my senses. My brother was next brought out, and asked the same cpiestion, how he chose to die ? He boldly answered, he would die a Protestant ; on which they all shouted and rushed forward and piked him to death. Mr. Hornick was next brought out, and asked how he would
308

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 289

As the companion tells it

As you pass Vinegar Hill in Wexford, this is the ground where John Gill was condemned and repeatedly stabbed outside the windmill in 1798. Brought before the rebels at the mill door, he was told his name was a bad one and he had not an hour to live. He begged for his life, offering to play the fife and beat the drum, but was refused. Andrew Martin stood as executioner with a drawn sword. When Gill asked if they would put a man to death without a trial, Martin stabbed him on the wrist. Asked how he chose to die, Gill said as a Christian. Martin stabbed him in the side, and Gill fell. He was then stabbed in the back and beaten on the head with a heavy instrument, but kept his senses. He survived by feigning death, and his wife later hid and rescued him. When Gill was brought in, he saw Mr. Pentland lying near the door, just dying. A party of rebels armed with pikes and guns formed a line in front of the mill door, with some on horseback behind them. A man on horseback asked Gill if he was a Christian. Gill said he believed in the Saviour of the world, through whom he hoped to be saved. Martin said to him, "Damn your soul, you are a Christian in your own way," and stabbed him in the side. After Gill fell, his brother was brought out. Asked how he chose to die, his brother boldly answered that he would die a Protestant. The rebels all shouted and rushed forward and piked him to death.

Murder of apothecary Johnstone at Narraghmore

Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

When dragoons and infantry arrived at the village of Narraghmore to seize Colonel Keatinge's house, they seized Mr. Johnstone at his shop door and bayoneted him to death while officers looked away, an event Reynolds's uncles witnessed and later recounted with tears.

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Curiosity led Mr. Johnstone to his shop door to see these troops pass through the village ; he was directly siezed, dragged out into the road, abused, and beaten. He demanded to be heard, — he asked his crime, — he begged for mercy, — he entreated the officers to save him from the fury of their men. The officers turned from him and went aside, leaving him to be disposed of by the soldiers, who now formed a ring around him, stabbing him with their bayonets as he ran from side to side imploring compassion, until at length the un¬ happy man fell exhausted and covered with wounds, and was then despatched by those ruffianly murderers. My two uncles, Edward and Henry Witherington, were of this party, which they both described as I have related it, and Henry has frequently related the scene with tears in his eyes. They then proceeded to the mansion-house. Colonel Keatinge was absent with his regiment ; his sister was at the house of her uncle, Dean Keatinge, about a quarter of a mile from her brother’s mansion, the lower part of which was entirely shut up, as was that of every house in the county. No soul was in it except a Mr. Carrol, a friend of the family, who had dined the previous day at Dean Keatinge’s, and went to pass the night in the mansion, with the intention of returning to his home the next day. The troops fired on the house as they advanced in front. Mr. Carrol ran out through a back door to escape, but they saw and shot him dead. They then destroyed the mansion, and everything it con¬ tained. The widow of Dean Keatinge visited my
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 236

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1798, an apothecary named Mr. Johnstone was murdered by soldiers passing through the village of Narraghmore. Dragoons and infantry had arrived to seize Colonel Keatinge's house. Curiosity led Johnstone to his shop door to watch the troops pass. He was seized, dragged into the road, beaten, and abused. He demanded to be heard, asked his crime, begged for mercy, and entreated the officers to save him from the fury of their men. The officers turned from him and went aside, leaving him to the soldiers, who formed a ring around him, stabbing him with their bayonets as he ran from side to side imploring compassion, until he fell exhausted and covered with wounds, and was then despatched. The event was described afterward by two brothers, Edward and Henry Witherington, who were with that party. Henry frequently told the scene with tears in his eyes. The troops then proceeded to Colonel Keatinge's mansion. The Colonel was absent with his regiment. Only a Mr. Carrol, a friend of the family, was inside, having stayed the night. The troops fired on the house as they advanced. Carrol ran out a back door to escape, but they saw him and shot him dead. They then destroyed the mansion and everything it contained.

Torture of Protestant Michael Shenstone at Rathangan

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

Michael Shenstone, a Protestant, was dragged into the street at Rathangan and stabbed eighteen times with pikes and shot in the head, then left overnight in a cart among seventeen dead Protestants before his wife discovered he was still alive.

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Another instance of their barbarous fanaticism was shown in their treatment of Michael Shenstone, a quiet inoffensive man, whose only crime was his being a Protestant. They dragged him from his house into the street, where they attacked him with such deadly malignity, that in a moment he received eighteen stabs of pikes. As he still showed some signs of life, a woman named Farrel, who was infamously active in this and similar sanguinary deeds, tauntingly re¬ proached the murderers with not knowing how to kill Orangemen ; on which a ruffian stepped forward and fired his pistol close to Shenstone’s head : the ball entered near the ear, and came out under the eye, having fractured the cheek-bone in a most shocking manner. Some hours afterwards he was put into a cart with the bodies of seventeen other Protestants, who
284

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 266

Massacre of the Mackee family near Saintfield

near Saintfield · town · Down · 1798

Rebels led by Dr. Jackson of Newtownards attacked the house of farmer Mr. Mackee near Saintfield, setting it on fire and burning him, his wife, children and servants—eleven persons in all—driving back with pikes those who tried to escape the flames.

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pearance near Saintfield, led on by Dr. Jackson of Newtownards. One of their first exploits was directed against Mr. Mackee, a very respectable farmer, who was obnoxious to them. They surrounded his house, set it on fire, and burnt him, his wife, his children, and his servants, amounting to 11 persons, driving back into the flames with their pikes, such as endeavoured to quit the house and escape. They then elected Henry Munro, a shopkeeper of Lisburn, as their general ; and on the 9th they attacked a body of York fencibles and yeomanry cavalry, under Colonel Stapleton. After a well-fought battle, in which Colonel Stapleton lost 60 men, the rebels were defeated, and dispersed in all directions. Next day they re-assembled at Ballynahinch, on the Windmill Hill, and on Lord Moira’s property. On the 12th, General Nugent and Colonel Stewart, with 1500 hundred men, went in pursuit of them, and soon gained possession of Windmill Hill, as well as of the town of Ballynahinch, which the troops wantonly set on fire. On the morning of the 13th the action began : the rebels were about 5000 in number, and fought with great fury and determination for several hours ; but at length, their courage alone was not sufficient to with¬ stand the discipline of the regular troops, and they gave way in all directions. The main body retired to the mountains of Slyeeve Croob, from whence in a few days they separated, and returned to their homes.
Another very slight insurrection took place in the county of Cork, where, on the 19th of June, an attack was made on a detachment of the Westmeath regiment

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 313

Attacks on Protestant colonists and burning of the manor mill at Forkhill

near Forkill · parish · Armagh · 1789–1791

Roman Catholics in the neighbourhood of Forkhill opposed the colonization scheme, twice attempted the agent Mr. Hudson's life, demolished colonists' houses, and burned the manor mill, the miller escaping naked across a river.

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of Forkhill, was appointed agent to conduct the charity. The Roman Catholics in the neighbourhood declared they would not allow the establishment to be formed. Accordingly they twice attempted Mr. Hudson’s life : the colonists were treated with the greatest brutality ; their houses were demolished and their property de¬ stroyed. The manor mill was burned, and the miller would have been murdered, had he not escaped naked, by crossing a river in the night. On the 29th of Ja¬ nuary, 1791, at seven o’clock in the evening, a number of monsters, in human shape, assembled at the house of Alexander Barclay, one of the schoolmasters, who resided in the parish of Forkhill, near Dundalk : they rapped at the door, and he inquired who was there ? when one of the party, named Terence Byrne, his near neighbour, whose voice he well knew, and whom he had before, at different times admitted, answered him. He then opened the door, and a number of men rushed in, threw him on his face, and three of them stood on him and stabbed him repeatedly. They then put a cord round his neck, which they tightened so as to force out his tongue, part of which, as far as they could reach, they cut off. They then cut off the four fingers and the thumb of his right hand, and left him on the floor, and proceeded to use his wife in the same manner. To add to their barbarity, they cut out her tongue, and cut off her four fingers and thumb, with a blunt weapon, which operation took them above ten minutes, one or two of them holding up her arm while they committed this inhuman action : they then battered and beat her in a
1792.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 47

Battle of Ballynahinch and burning of the town

near Ballynahinch · town · Down · 1798

Rebels reassembled at Windmill Hill near Ballynahinch on Lord Moira's property; General Nugent's troops seized the hill and town, wantonly setting Ballynahinch on fire, before a major battle on 13 June in which around 5000 rebels fought fiercely but were ultimately routed.

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pearance near Saintfield, led on by Dr. Jackson of Newtownards. One of their first exploits was directed against Mr. Mackee, a very respectable farmer, who was obnoxious to them. They surrounded his house, set it on fire, and burnt him, his wife, his children, and his servants, amounting to 11 persons, driving back into the flames with their pikes, such as endeavoured to quit the house and escape. They then elected Henry Munro, a shopkeeper of Lisburn, as their general ; and on the 9th they attacked a body of York fencibles and yeomanry cavalry, under Colonel Stapleton. After a well-fought battle, in which Colonel Stapleton lost 60 men, the rebels were defeated, and dispersed in all directions. Next day they re-assembled at Ballynahinch, on the Windmill Hill, and on Lord Moira’s property. On the 12th, General Nugent and Colonel Stewart, with 1500 hundred men, went in pursuit of them, and soon gained possession of Windmill Hill, as well as of the town of Ballynahinch, which the troops wantonly set on fire. On the morning of the 13th the action began : the rebels were about 5000 in number, and fought with great fury and determination for several hours ; but at length, their courage alone was not sufficient to with¬ stand the discipline of the regular troops, and they gave way in all directions. The main body retired to the mountains of Slyeeve Croob, from whence in a few days they separated, and returned to their homes.
Another very slight insurrection took place in the county of Cork, where, on the 19th of June, an attack was made on a detachment of the Westmeath regiment

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 313

Bloody Friday Massacre at Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Fleeing royalists overtaken by rebels near Gorey were killed or left for dead in retaliation for the earlier massacre by Gordon's men; thirty-seven were killed and about as many wounded. This slaughter of 22nd June 1798 became known as Bloody Friday.

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infantry, who had returned into the town. Some volleys were fired, which killed seven of Perry’s men ; but find¬ ing they must soon be surrounded, and of course de¬ stroyed, the infantry were taken up behind the cavalry, and fled through the town for Arklow. During this skirmish, the other royalists who had returned once more, abandoned their homes, and fled also towards Arklow, but were soon overtaken by the rebels. Young Gordon endeavoured to rally his men to defend these poor people, but in vain ; they gallopped away at full speed, and the refugees were left to the mercy of the rebels, who killed, or left for dead, every soul of them. Thirty - seven were killed, and about as many desperately wounded ; some of whom, however, afterwards recovered. No woman or child was hurt, although their number exceeded that of the men, as Perry said this was solely a measure of retaliation, and he had found that the yeomen had not hurt any woman on the 20th. The rebels then returned into the town, took a hasty meal, and pursued their route. Such was the slaughter of the 22nd of June, denominated Bloody Friday.
On the 24th, Perry fell in with Garret Byrne, of Ballymanus, in the county of Wicklow, a Roman Ca¬ tholic gentleman, who was a noted rebel leader, and one of those who commanded on Vinegar-hill. Driven from that post by the army, on the 21st of June, he was retreating with his followers when he met with Perry near Hacketstown, a place garrisoned by only 30 cavalry and 120 infantry militia, under the com¬ mand of Captain Gardiner. These leaders, uniting

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 301

As the companion tells it

As you come through Gorey in Wexford, this is where the slaughter of the 22nd of June 1798 took place, the day they called Bloody Friday. Infantry who had returned into the town fired volleys that killed seven of Perry's men. Finding they would soon be surrounded and destroyed, the infantry were taken up behind the cavalry and fled through the town for Arklow. During this skirmish, other royalists who had returned once more abandoned their homes and fled also towards Arklow, but were soon overtaken by the rebels. Young Gordon endeavoured to rally his men to defend these poor people, but in vain. They galloped away at full speed, and the refugees were left to the mercy of the rebels, who killed or left for dead every soul of them. Thirty-seven were killed, and about as many desperately wounded, some of whom afterwards recovered. No woman or child was hurt, though their number exceeded that of the men, as Perry said this was solely a measure of retaliation, and he had found that the yeomen had not hurt any woman on the 20th. The rebels then returned into the town, took a hasty meal, and pursued their route. On the 24th, Perry fell in with Garret Byrne of Ballymanus, a Roman Catholic gentleman, who was a noted rebel leader and one of those who commanded on Vinegar Hill. Driven from that post by the army on the 21st of June, he was retreating with his followers when he met with Perry near Hacketstown, a place garrisoned by only 30 cavalry and 120 infantry militia under the command of Captain Gardiner.

Esmond Captured and Hanged at Naas

Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

After his atrocities at Prosperous, Dr Esmond was recognized by Captain Griffiths, marched into Naas, handed to the gaoler, sent to Dublin for trial, and hanged on the New Bridge with his uniform coat turned inside out.

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by the approach of a body of troops, on which he fled from the place and his followers dispersed. The troops who thus alarmed him were the yeoman cavalry of Mr. Griffiths, who, in conjunction wdth forty of the Armagh militia, had repulsed an attack of the rebels at Clane, and pursued them almost to Prosperous. Esmond, flattering himself that the atrocities he had committed in the night were unknown, took his place in his troop next morning ; but Captain Griffiths had already been apprized of the share he had taken in that horrible affair, and, without seeming to notice him, he marched his whole troop into the town of Naas, from whence the rebels had been repulsed that morn¬ ing. When opposite to the gaol, he halted, and ordered Lieutenant Esmond to advance. Flight and resistance were now equally in vain ; he was handed over to the gaoler, sent to Dublin, and there, after a deliberate and protracted trial, he was condemned, and hanged on the New Bridge, with his uniform coat turned inside out upon him.
The town of Naas was attacked at three o’clock in the morning of the 24th by Michael Reynolds, at the head of a body of about a thousand rebels. The town was garrisoned by detachments of the 4th dragoonguards, the Ancient Britons, and the Armagh militia, under the command of Viscount Gosford, their colonel. The rebels directed their first attack on the gaol, but, being repulsed with loss, they possessed themselves of the principal avenues of the town, and fought despe¬ rately, but very irregularly, for nearly an hour, when

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 264

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, this is where one of the darker episodes of 1798 played out. The town itself had been attacked at three in the morning on the 24th by Michael Reynolds at the head of about 1,000 rebels. They struck first at the gaol but were repulsed, then seized the principal avenues and fought desperately for nearly an hour before being driven off by the garrison under Viscount Gosford. After his atrocities at Prosperous, Dr Esmond believed his night crimes were unknown and took his place in his troop the next morning. But Captain Griffiths, who had pursued rebels almost to Prosperous, had already learned of Esmond's part in the affair. Without seeming to notice him, Griffiths marched the whole troop into Naas. When they were opposite the gaol, he halted and ordered Lieutenant Esmond to advance. Flight and resistance were now equally in vain. Esmond was handed over to the gaoler and sent to Dublin, where after a deliberate and protracted trial he was condemned and hanged on the New Bridge, with his uniform coat turned inside out upon him.

Father Nicholas Sheehy hanged at Clonmel

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1762

Father Nicholas Sheehy, a leader of the Whiteboys accused of inciting murder and outrage, was captured and hanged at Clonmel; afterwards he was revered by his followers almost as a saint.

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before them many miles ; or buried them naked up to their chins in holes lined with furze or thorns.* They plundered and often burned houses ; they houghed and maimed cattle ; they seized arms and horses, and levied money on the alarmed inhabitants. At length, in 1762, they had become so formidable in the pro¬ vinces of Leinster and Munster, that the Marquis of Drogheda was sent to take command of the troops in those provinces. He made Clogheen, in the county of Tipperary, his head- quarters, and by his activity checked their proceedings in a great measure. The famous, or rather the infamous, Father Nicholas Sheehy, was taken by his lordship, and hanged at Clonmel soon afterwards. He had been a leader of the Whiteboys, and was always forward in inciting them to murder and outrage. After his death he was revered almost as a saint by his misguided fol¬ lowers.
In the same year Sir Richard Aston, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, was sent down with a special commission to try the insurgents, many of whom were executed, though Sir Richard, in the course of his circuit, was so lenient, that some writers accuse him of having thereby encouraged them to persevere in their enormities. Many acts of parlia¬ ment were passed with a view of putting them down, notwithstanding which we hear of them continually till the year 1784, for on the 17th of November in that year they were denounced in many Roman Ca-

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Clonmel, the town where, in 1762, Father Nicholas Sheehy was hanged. By that year the Whiteboys had become so formidable across Leinster and Munster that the Marquis of Drogheda was sent to command the troops in those provinces. He set up his headquarters at Clogheen in Tipperary, and through his activity checked their proceedings in great measure. The Whiteboys had done a great deal before that. They buried people naked up to the chin in holes lined with furze or thorns. They plundered and often burned houses. They houghed and maimed cattle. They seized arms and horses, and they levied money on the alarmed inhabitants. Father Nicholas Sheehy was taken by the Marquis and hanged soon afterwards. He had been a leader of the Whiteboys, and was always forward in inciting them to murder and outrage. After his death he was revered almost as a saint by his misguided followers. In the same year Sir Richard Aston, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, was sent down with a special commission to try the insurgents, and many of them were executed. Yet Sir Richard was so lenient on his circuit that some writers accused him of having encouraged them to persevere. Acts of parliament were passed to put them down, but they continued until 1784.

Henry Whitney's account of piking at Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Henry Whitney testified that he witnessed Andrew Farrell drag Mr. Pentland out of the windmill door to be piked to death, along with twenty-five others put to death there, though Whitney himself was spared.

Read the passage

cortliy, and brought into the mill on Vinegar-hill ; in a few hours after I saw Andrew Farrell, the prisoner, drag Mr. Pentland, either by the breast or by the hair, out of the door, where he was directly piked to death : there were twenty-five put to death in that manner while I was there : several of these were put to death after William Furlong was sent out. When Farrell desired us all to go down on our knees, as we had not an hour to live, Mr. Pentland and Mr. Troke got up and begged they might be spared ; Mr. Pentland said they were clergymen, and that he was a stranger, and had been but a short time in the country, and was a north-countryman. He then offered his watch, which was taken by a man of the name of Foley ; the prisoner then seized him and put him out of door, where he was murdered, as was every person put out except Mr. Hornick’s son. The prisoner attempted to drag me out, but I was held back by some of my fellow-prison¬ ers ; and one Doran, a rebel of my acquaintance, told Farrell I was an honest quiet man, on which Farrell examined me about arms, and then let me out, and I was saved/’
John Gill, sworn .

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 288

As the companion tells it

As you pass near Vinegar Hill in Wexford, this was the scene of mass killings in 1798. Henry Whitney, brought into the windmill here as a prisoner, testified that he saw Andrew Farrell drag Mr. Pentland out of the mill door to be piked to death. Pentland begged to be spared, saying he was a clergyman, a stranger, a north-countryman, and offered his watch to a man called Foley. It did not save him. Twenty-five people were put to death in that manner while Whitney was there. Farrell told the prisoners to go down on their knees, as they had not an hour to live. Whitney himself was nearly dragged out too, but fellow prisoners held him back, and a rebel named Doran told Farrell he was an honest quiet man. Farrell examined him about arms, then let him out, and he was saved. Every person put out was murdered, except Mr. Hornick's son.

Sir Edward Crosbie court-martialled and hanged at Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

Despite remaining neutral, Sir Edward Crosbie was arrested by order of Colonel Mahon of the 9th dragoons at Carlow and tried by a court-martial without a judge-advocate; witnesses in his favour were barred from the court, and he was hanged with scandalous precipitation.

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the crier, and although praying to be let in. It has also been affirmed on oath that certain persons named in the affidavit, who were in arrest as United Irishmen, were flogged, to make them give evidence against him, and were promised their lives and liberty on that sole con¬ dition. He was condemned to be hanged. Immediately after the trial Lady Crosbie, with these affidavits in her hand, presented herself to Colonel Mahon, as com¬ manding officer, solemnly protesting against the sentence, and demanding a delay of execution. “ Good God ! Madam,” said he, “ are you quite certain of what you say ?” “ I am, Sir,” said she ; “ here are the
affidavits of the persons named.” Notwithstanding this formal and solemn notice to Colonel Mahon, the sentence was executed with scandalous precipitation, and attended by atrocious circumstances, shocking to decency, and not at all warranted by that sentence.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 234

Vinegar Hill as rebel stronghold and killing ground

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

The Wexford insurgents held Vinegar Hill as their main station from 28 May, making excursions to kill or capture Protestants, murdering over 500 people in three weeks, often with extreme cruelty rather than holding them as hostages.

Read the passage

The Wexfordian insurgents had made Vinegar-hill their great station. They had held possession of that place since the 28th of May ; and now that they were driven to act on the defensive, they were gradually con¬ centrating all their forces at that spot. During the three weeks that they thus occupied that place, they constantly made excursions, and killed or carried off every Protestant they could find : but instead of pre¬ serving their prisoners as hostages, they shot or piked them as they were brought in, and frequently treated them with horrid barbarity before they were put to death. Upwards of five hundred persons were thus murdered, in the short space of three weeks. The facts proved on the trial of one Andrew Farrell, who appears
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 286

As the companion tells it

Vinegar Hill stands above Enniscorthy, and in 1798 the Wexford insurgents made it their great station. They held it from the 28th of May, concentrating their forces there once they were driven to act on the defensive. Over three weeks they made constant excursions from the hill, killing or carrying off every Protestant they could find. They did not keep prisoners as hostages. They shot or piked them as they were brought in, and frequently treated them with horrid barbarity before they were put to death. Upwards of 500 people were murdered in that short space of three weeks. The facts were proved on the trial of one Andrew Farrell.

Wolfe Tone Recognised at Letterkenny Breakfast

Letterkenny · town · Donegal · 1798

After being captured aboard the Hoche, Theobald Wolfe Tone landed with the other officers at Letterkenny and was invited to breakfast with the Earl of Cavan, where he was recognised and subsequently handed to police to be sent to Dublin for trial.

Read the passage

Theobald Wolf Tone was taken among the other prisoners on hoard the Hoche : at first he passed un¬ noticed among the officers, and, when they landed at Letterkenny, he was invited with them to a breakfast with the Earl of Cavan. At that breakfast he was recognised, whether by being pointed out by an old fellow-student, as Mr. W. Tone states, or otherwise, is now immaterial. He was handed over to the police, and sent off to Dublin to he tried for high treason. As soon as Mr. Tone arrived in Dublin preparations were made for trying him by a court-martial. Mr. W. Tone, in the account he gives of the trial of his father, says that an erroneous notion prevailed that his father considered his French commission as a protec¬ tion, that this however was not correct, for his father “ knew perfectly well that the course he had deliberately taken subjected him to the utmost severity of the British laws.”* But in Mr. Tone’s journal for March, 1796, he himself says, “ I was willing to encounter danger as a soldier, hut had a violent objection to being hanged as a traitor ; consequently, I desired a com¬ mission in the French army: as to the rank, that was indifferent to me, my only object being a certainty of being treated as a soldier in case the fortune of war
* Life of Theobald Wolfe Tone, vol. ii. p. 526.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 335

As the companion tells it

As you come through Letterkenny, this is where Theobald Wolfe Tone came ashore in 1798, a prisoner among the officers taken aboard the Hoche. He had passed unnoticed among them at first. When they landed at Letterkenny, he was invited with the other officers to breakfast with the Earl of Cavan. It was at that breakfast that he was recognised. Whether an old fellow-student pointed him out, as Mr. W. Tone states, or it happened some other way, the book says is now immaterial. He was handed over to the police and sent off to Dublin to be tried for high treason. Once Tone arrived in Dublin, preparations were made for trying him by court-martial. His son, Mr. W. Tone, gives an account of the trial and says an erroneous notion prevailed that his father considered his French commission as a protection. That was not correct. His father, in his own journal for March 1796, says, "I was willing to encounter danger as a soldier, but had a violent objection to being hanged as a traitor; consequently, I desired a commission in the French army: as to the rank, that was indifferent to me, my only object being a certainty of being treated as a soldier in case the fortune of war"

Attack and Burning of Hacketstown

Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

Rebels attacked Hacketstown at five o'clock on 25th June, driving off the cavalry while the infantry held out in the barracks until evening. The rebels burned the remainder of the town to ashes, leaving over two hundred dead rebels including Michael Reynolds of Naas.

Read the passage

their forces, determined to attack the place, and ad¬ vanced against it at five o’clock in the morning of the 25th : Captain Gardiner led out his men to oppose them, but was obliged to retreat ; the cavalry were driven totally from the field, and appeared no more ; the infantry retreated into their barracks, where they were joined by all the royalists in the town, and there defended themselves until seven o’clock in the evening, when the rebels retreated, having first burned all the remainder of the town to ashes, with the exception of one house which joined the barracks, and which was therefore protected. The garrison lost Captain Hardy and ten men killed, and twenty-one wounded. The rebels, being more exposed to the fire from the bar¬ racks, left upwards of two hundred dead on the spot, amongst whom was Michael Reynolds, of Naas, who had accompanied Garret Byrne from Vinegar-hill.
On this occasion, the wife of Captain Hardy and two young ladies, daughters of Lieutenant Chamney, fell into the hands of the rebels. These ladies were pro¬ tected and conveyed to a place of safety by Perry, whose own wife, as well as the wife of Garret Byrne, fell into the hands of the royalists, and were treated with similar courtesy.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 302

Attack on Carlow repulsed with great slaughter

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

Led by the turncoat yeoman Heydon, the assembled rebels attacked the town of Carlow but were repulsed with great slaughter; Heydon then abandoned them, rejoined his own corps, and helped slaughter his former followers before being hanged himself.

Read the passage

assembled, to the number of about 1500 men, on his lawn at two o’clock in the morning of the 25th of May, and demanded that he should head them : but neither threats nor entreaties had any effect on him ; he abso¬ lutely refused to accompany, to counsel, to aid, or abet them in any manner. Finding that they could not succeed, they chose one Hey don as their leader, and proceeded directly to attack the town of Carlow, not two miles distant, from whence they were repulsed with great slaughter. This Heydon was a yeoman of Sir Charles Burton’s troop, which formed part of the garrison of Carlow. On finding that those whom he had conducted into the town were totally defeated, he abandoned them, threw himself into the ranks of his corps, and joined in the slaughter of his recent followers. He did not, however, escape the fate he merited. He was seized, tried, and hanged immediately after the repulse. Sir Edward Crosbie remained quietly at home, not taking the slightest part one way or the other. This neutrality was his crime ; he was quickly arrested by order of Colonel Mahon of the 9th dragoons, who then commanded in Carlow, and brought before a court-martial formed of Captain Martin, three lieu¬ tenants, and one cornet, all of the 9th dragoons, and seven lieutenants and ensigns of the militia then in the place. They had no judge-advocate, nor any persons to guide their proceedings. It was afterwards affirmed on oath that one George Lucas, Mary Hutchinson, and several other Protestant loyalists, presented themselves as witnesses in his favour, but were prevented, by mili¬ tary force, from entering the court, although called for by
246 life OF THOMAS REYNOLDS. A.D.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 234

Burning of rebel hospital at Enniscorthy by Crown troops

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

After the fall of Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy was occupied by king's troops who committed excesses, including burning a house used by the rebels as a hospital with sick and wounded burnt alive inside.

Read the passage

they abandoned all their artillery, amounting in all to thirteen pieces, of which three were six pounders, and a great quantity of rich plunder. This victory of course relieved Enniscorthy, which was immediately occupied by the king’s troops. Many excesses were committed by the soldiers, particularly by the Hessian troops. Among others was the burning the house used by the rebels as an hospital, where a considerable number of sick and wounded were burnt alive. These atrocities reflect eternal disgrace on the perpetrators of them, and are even more unpardonable when committed by regular troops, than by a set of lawless banditti.
The town of Wexford was retaken on the same day as Enniscorthy. Brigadier-General Moore had been despatched thither by General Lake, and on the 20th, while on his march, he was attacked by upwards of six thousand rebels at GofF’s-bridge, near Horetown. The action was well fought by both parties, and lasted from two in the afternoon till eight, when the rebels were repulsed with great slaughter. General Moore re¬ mained that night on the held of battle, and just as he was about to march forward next morning, Captain M‘Namus, of the Antrim, and Lieutenant Hay, of the North Cork militia, who had been prisoners at Wexford, arrived with proposals from the insurgents to surrender the town, provided their lives and properties should be spared. General Moore forwarded these proposals to General Lake, but meantime he moved forward, and stationed his army within a mile of Wexford.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 295

Capture of Enniscorthy by Father John Murphy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Father John Murphy's force, swollen to twenty thousand men, took Carnolin and Ferns before storming Enniscorthy, driving the garrison into the market-place after three hours' fighting and eighty deaths, forcing the survivors to flee to Wexford.

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corthy : on his way his force was perpetually aug¬ mented by new comers, so that in a short time he found himself at the head of twenty thousand men. He first took possession of Carnolin, a small town six miles from Gorey. He then advanced on Terns, where he halted a few hours, and, finding that all the loyalists had left that town, he continued his march, and at ten o’clock in the morning arrived at Enniscorthy. The town was garrisoned by about three hundred militia and yeomen and a few volunteers. Father John immediately attacked the place, and drove the garrison into the market-place. The rebels were much assisted by their friends in the town, who set fire to several houses, in order to create confusion, and even fired from the houses on the king’s troops. After three hours’ hard firing, and a loss of eighty men killed, the garrison abandoned the town and fled in disorder to Wexford.
Many of the loyal inhabitants of Enniscorthy, dread¬ ing the violence of the victorious party, fled with their families to Wexford. The terror of these unfortunate fugitives was indescribable : men, women, and chil¬ dren, of all ranks and ages, were flying for their lives in a confused multitude, leaving all their property in the power of the lawless insurgents. Many were overtaken before they could quit the town, and were inhumanly murdered, or thrown into prison, where a still more horrid fate awaited them. The distance from Enniscorthy to Wexford is fourteen miles, and when the miserable fugitives reached that place, worn

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 273

Massacre at Rev. Robert Burrowes's house, Kyle

Kyle · townland · Wexford · 1798–1800

Rebels attacked the house of Rev. Robert Burrowes of Kyle, murdering him and seven parishioners sheltering there, wounding his son (who later died in 1800), and burning the house.

Read the passage

At the same time the conduct of the rebels was marked by murder and outrage at every step. One of their first achievements was the attack of Lieutenant Bookey’s house at Rockspring at one o’clock in the morning of the 27th. The only persons in the house when it was attacked were two Protestants, who de¬ fended it with the greatest bravery for several hours : at last the rebels set it on fire, and, as day was break¬ ing they retired, leaving several of their friends dead in and about the house. After they had gone the two men escaped unhurt, but nearly suffocated by the smoke. They next attacked the house of the Rev. Robert Burrowes, of Kyle, murdered him and seven of his parishioners who had taken shelter there, des¬ perately wounded his son, and burnt his house to the ground. His son languished till the summer of 1800, when he died. Another body of insurgents attacked the house of Mr. Dawson, of Charlesfort, which they plundered, after murdering a man of the name of Willis, and wounding Mr. Dawson. They then pro¬ ceeded to the house of the Rev. Francis Turner of Ballingale, rector of Edeermine, which they burned after an obstinate resistance on the part of the inmates. Mr. Turner and nine of his friends were murdered with savage brutality by the rebels after they had
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 271

Testimony of William Furlong on Vinegar Hill windmill killings

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

William Furlong testified that he was held prisoner in the windmill on Vinegar Hill under 'Captain' Andrew Farrell, who ordered Rev. Mr. Pentland and others out to be murdered, before Furlong was spared after offering information about arms in Enniscorthy.

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“ I was taken prisoner by the rebels on Whitsun- Tuesday, and put into the windmill on Vinegar-hill, where I saw the Rev. Mr. Pentland, the Rev. Mr. Troke, three men of the name of Gill, and about thirty more loyalists, in custody of the rebels. The prisoner, Andrew Farrell, was there — the rebels called him ‘ Captain Farrell/ to which name he answered : he had a drawn sword in his hand. I heard him bid the royalists fall on their knees and prepare for death, as they should be killed directly ; the prisoner ordered out several of the royalists, who were instantly murdered. In particular I saw him take Mr. Pentland by the breast, and by force put him out the mill-door, where he was instantly put to death. Mr. Pentland resisted as much as he could : there were fourteen or fifteen murdered at that time ; I saw their bodies lying dead when I got out. The prisoner came up to me and told me I must know where there were arms in Enniscorthy, and that if I would tell him he would save me. I said I would. I was then taken to Enniscorthy, where I was saved by a man who had been maltster to my uncle.’ *
Henry' Whitney, sworn.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 287

As the companion tells it

Up ahead, the road passes near Vinegar Hill, outside Enniscorthy in Wexford, where one of the darkest episodes of 1798 took place. William Furlong testified that he was taken prisoner by the rebels on Whitsun-Tuesday and held in the windmill on the hill. He found the Rev. Mr. Pentland, the Rev. Mr. Troke, three men named Gill, and about thirty more loyalists in rebel custody. A man called Andrew Farrell, known to the rebels as Captain Farrell, stood with a drawn sword. Furlong heard him order the royalists to fall on their knees and prepare for death. Farrell ordered several out, and they were instantly murdered. Furlong saw Farrell take Mr. Pentland by the breast and force him out the mill-door, where he was killed, though Pentland resisted as much as he could. Fourteen or fifteen were murdered at that time, and Furlong saw their bodies lying dead when he got out. Farrell then came to Furlong and told him he must know where there were arms in Enniscorthy, and that if he told, he would be saved. Furlong said he would, and he was taken to Enniscorthy, where a man who had been maltster to his uncle saved him.

Assault and capture of Vinegar Hill by Crown forces

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

General Lake coordinated multiple army divisions to surround and attack Vinegar Hill on 21 June; after ninety minutes of fighting the rebels abandoned the position, fleeing towards Wexford and leaving behind thirteen pieces of artillery.

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The different troops who were thus appointed to attack the stronghold of the insurgents amounted to fifteen thousand men, and a very formidable train of artillery. These being all at their posts, with the ex¬ ception of General Needham, the attack began at seven o’clock in the morning of the 21st; and, after an hour and a half’s severe fighting, during which the rebels sustained a very heavy fire of artillery, they abandoned the place, and fled by the passage which General Need¬ ham was to have occupied, directing their course towards Wexford. The loss on the side of the king’s troops was fifty-one privates killed, and a hundred and thirtyfour wounded ; Lieutenant Sandys killed, and Lord Blaney, Colonel King, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cole, wounded. The slaughter of the rebels was immense :
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 294

As the companion tells it

Up ahead near Vinegar Hill in Wexford, Crown forces launched a major assault on 21 June 1798. General Lake had 15,000 men and a formidable train of artillery surrounding the rebel position. The attack began at 7 o'clock in the morning, and after an hour and a half of severe fighting the rebels abandoned the hill and fled through the passage General Needham was supposed to have occupied, heading towards Wexford. Crown losses were 51 privates killed and 134 wounded, with Lieutenant Sandys killed and Lord Blaney, Colonel King, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cole wounded. The slaughter of the rebels was described as immense.

Attack on the town of Antrim and death of Lord O'Neill

near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1798

On 7 June a large body of insurgents attacked the town of Antrim, nearly overpowering the garrison until General Nugent's reinforcements and artillery drove them out; Lord O'Neill, who had ridden in for a magistrates' meeting, was pulled from his wounded horse and fatally wounded with pikes.

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cient means of preserving the public peace. At two o’clock in the afternoon of that day a numerous body of insurgents attacked the town of Antrim, and, soon overpowering the garrison, had very nearly gained pos¬ session of it, when Major-General Nugent sent a body of troops to its succour. The rebels, who were already in the town, defended themselves bravely, and repulsed the vanguard of the royalists, who lost in killed and wounded twenty-three men at the first attack. Colonel Durham, who commanded the troops, then brought up his artillery, and soon obliged the rebels to abandon the town, together with three pieces of cannon. They were pursued with great slaughter as far as Randalstown. Colonel Lumley, of the 22nd dragoons, and some other officers, were wounded. On this occasion Lord O’Neill met his death. He had ridden into the town to attend the meeting of the magistrates, not knowing that the rebels had attacked it, when, his horse having been wounded, he was unable to keep up with the retreating troops. He was attacked by several rebels, one of whom he shot, when he was dragged off his horse, and so des¬ perately wounded with pikes that he died in a few days. Next day a small body attacked the town of Larne, but were repulsed by the garrison. Attempts were also made at Ballymena and Ballycastle, but met with no success. Disappointed and dispirited, the main body retired to Donnegar Hill, where they surrendered their arms and dispersed.
Another rising began on the 8th of June in the county of Down. A body of rebels made their ap-

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 312

Attack on Wexford prison repulsed by Major Vallaton

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1792–1793

A body of about two thousand attackers assaulted the town of Wexford intending to break open the prison and free prisoners, but were repulsed with great slaughter by Major Vallaton leading a detachment of the 68th regiment. Major Vallaton was killed by a scythe-blade fixed to a pole.

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Dundalk, at one assizes, twenty-two Defenders were sentenced to die, and twenty-five to be transported. A body of about two thousand attacked the town of Wex¬ ford, with the avowed design of breaking open the prison, to liberate the prisoners ; but they were repulsed, with great slaughter, by Major Vallaton, at the head of a detachment of the 68th regiment. The Major was unfortunately killed by a wound from a scytheblade fixed to a pole.
Theobald Wolfe Tone tells us that “ the Defenders were completely organised on a military plan, divided according to their respective districts, and officered by men chosen by themselves. The principle of their union was implicit obedience to the orders of those whom they had selected for their generals, and whose object was the emancipation of their country, the sub¬ version of English usurpation, and the bettering the condition of the wretched peasantry of Ireland. The oath of their union asserted that they would be faithful to the united nations of France and Ireland/’

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this town saw a violent episode when about 2,000 attackers descended with the aim of breaking open the prison and liberating the prisoners. Major Vallaton led a detachment of the 68th regiment and repulsed them with great slaughter, though he was killed by a scythe blade fixed to a pole. The attackers were Defenders, whom Theobald Wolfe Tone described as “completely organised on a military plan, divided according to their respective districts, and officered by men chosen by themselves.” He said their object was “the emancipation of their country, the subversion of English usurpation, and the bettering the condition of the wretched peasantry of Ireland.”

Battle at Kilcullen Bridge churchyard and death of Captain Erskine

Kilcullen Bridge · bridge · Kildare · 1798

On the first morning of the insurrection, 24 May 1798, some 300 rebels took post in the old churchyard at Kilcullen Bridge. General Dundas's cavalry charged the churchyard, were repulsed with losses, and the wounded Captain Erskine was later killed by an old woman stripping the dead.

Read the passage

his duties. The fate of this gentleman was remark¬ able. On the first morning of the insurrection, (the 24th of May,) the rebels to the number of three hundred, took post in the burial-ground of the old church at Kilcullen bridge. General Dundas with his cavalry came upon them at seven o’clock in the morn¬ ing, and without waiting for his infantry, ordered a charge over the little ’wall into the churchyard. Captains Erskine and Cooks gallantly led their troops to the assault, but were soon repulsed, leaving Captain Cooks and twenty men dead, and Captain Erskine and ten men badly wounded in the churchyard. General Dundas then fell back on his infantry. Erskine’ s horse had stumbled over a tomb-stone, by which the rider was thrown and was stunned, and his leg broken by the fall. As he came to his senses he was recog¬ nised by an old beggar-woman who was stripping the dead. She loaded him with abuse and reproaches, and taking an old clasped knife from her pocket, she destroyed him by repeated stabs, and with her compa¬ nions treated his remains with barbarous indignity.
The remainder of Captain Erskine’s forces soon arrived at Kilkea, completely surrounding the castle ; and, having placed two dragoons to guard my father, Captain Erskine with the other officers, and eight or ten men, proceeded to the vaults which were of great extent, as was frequently the case in these ancient feudal castles, containing not only wine cellars of all kinds, but stabling for forty horses, many of which were constructed in the great ancient kitchen and

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 216

As the companion tells it

Right here at Kilcullen Bridge, on the first morning of the insurrection, the 24th of May 1798, about 300 rebels took post in the burial-ground of the old church. General Dundas brought his cavalry upon them at seven o'clock and, without waiting for his infantry, ordered a charge over the little wall into the churchyard. Captains Erskine and Cooks gallantly led the assault but were soon repulsed. Captain Cooks and 20 men were left dead, and Captain Erskine and 10 men badly wounded. Erskine's horse had stumbled over a tombstone. He was thrown, stunned, and his leg broken by the fall. As he came to his senses, an old beggar-woman who was stripping the dead recognised him. She loaded him with abuse and, taking an old clasped knife from her pocket, killed him with repeated stabs, and with her companions treated his remains with barbarous indignity.

Battle of Tara Hill

near Tara · hill or hills · Meath · 1798

On 26 May 1798, over three thousand rebels assembled on the hill of Tara and were attacked by Reay Fencibles with artillery and yeoman cavalry and infantry. The rebels were routed, leaving four hundred dead on the field.

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On the 26th of May the rebels in the county of Meath, after committing numerous outrages, assembled in a body of upwards of three thousand men on the hill of Tarah, about eighteen miles from Dublin, where they were attacked by three companies of the Reay Fencibles, with a field-piece, commanded by Captains Preston and Maclean ; aided by Lord Fingall’s troop of yeoman cavalry, and Captain Molloy’s company of yeoman infantry. The rebels kept their ground for about half an hour, when they gave way and were completely routed, leaving four hundred men dead on the field. This victory was of incalculable importance, for, had the rebels gained the day, or had they been left a few days longer undisturbed, it is more than probable that the insurrection would have spread through Munster, and a great part of Ulster, and it is impossible to conjecture what might have been the result. Two days after this defeat, the rebels, who had kept possession of Rathangan, were dis-
286

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 268

French Armament Arrives in Bantry Bay

near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796

A French invasion force arrived in Bantry Bay in December 1796, but the United Irishmen were unprepared for their reception due to contradictory advices about the timing of the invasion, and the force hovered off the coast without landing.

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with 15,000 men, and a great quantity of arms and ammunition ; but he neither mentioned the precise time nor the place.* Shortly after his departure a letter arrived from a quarter in which great confidence was placed, stating that the invasion would take place positively in the spring following. In consequence of these contradictory advices, when the armament arrived in Bantry Bay in the following December, the United Irishmen were altogether unprepared for their reception, so that, if the small force which hovered so long off the coast had landed, they would in all probability have met with little or no success, f
In the course of the year 1796 the society of United Irishmen assumed altogether a very different character, especially in the province of Ulster. They became a regular banditti, a society of assassins and robbers. As we have already seen, their leaders had for two or three years used all their endeavours to effect a union between their party and the Defenders. This was now very ge¬ nerally effected ; but the result was not exactly what those leaders had intended. The United Irishmen gained a vast accession of strength ; but, as the Defenders now formed the great majority, instead of becoming United Irishmen, they induced the mass of the United Irishmen to become Defenders in principle, in practice, in short, in everything except in name. Their conduct gave a severe check to their cause. Their depredations, their

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 163

James Deegan hanged in female disguise at Athy

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

James Deegan, a tailor, disguised himself in his wife's clothes to leave Athy but was detected at the turnpike-gate, tried by the permanent court-martial within the hour, and hanged in his female attire by nine o'clock the same morning.

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perhaps from fear, or conscious of having cause to fear, and not being able to procure a pass, dressed himself in his wife’s clothes, and at six o'clock in the morning set off in a returning market-cart. The guard at the turn¬ pike-gate saw through his disguise, arrested and con¬ ducted him to the prevot-chamber of the permanent courtmartial. He was led before the court at eight o’clock, found guilty of disguising himself, and before nine he was hanged in his female attire : no crime was at¬ tempted to be proved but the fact of his disguise.
Sir Edward Crosbie, a gentleman of rank and fortune, had, from the mildness of his disposition, and his kind consideration for the labouring classes around him, greatly conciliated their affections. He had also as a magistrate disapproved of, and frequently opposed, the more harsh and coercive measures of his brother magistrates. He had given way to that tide of theoretic politics, which very many speculative men had not sufficient judgment to correct, or duplicity to conceal, although they might utterly abhor the consequences of any attempt to reduce such theories into practice by force of arms ; their effect on Sir Edward was to render him an anti-ministerialist. These circumstances made him be looked upon by government with an eye of suspicion, and considered by the military as a rebel, while the lower classes looked to him as a friend and protector. When the Rebellion broke out, the people around him arose like their neighbours ; but, having no leader, they thought they could not do better than apply to their friend and benefactor. They therefore

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 233

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Athy, in Kildare. In 1798, a tailor named James Deegan lived here. He could not get a pass to leave the town, and perhaps from fear, or conscious of having cause to fear, he dressed himself in his wife's clothes. At six o'clock in the morning he set off in a returning market-cart. The guard at the turnpike-gate saw through his disguise, arrested him, and conducted him to the prevot-chamber of the permanent court-martial. He was led before the court at eight o'clock and found guilty of disguising himself. Before nine he was hanged in his female attire. No crime was attempted to be proved but the fact of his disguise. The passage goes on to Sir Edward Crosbie, a gentleman of rank and fortune. He had conciliated the affections of the labouring classes around him through mildness and kind consideration. As a magistrate he had disapproved of and often opposed the harsher measures of his brother magistrates. He had given way to that tide of theoretic politics which many speculative men had not judgment to correct or duplicity to conceal, though they might abhor the consequences of reducing such theories to practice by force of arms. The effect on Sir Edward was to render him an anti-ministerialist. Government looked on him with suspicion, and the military considered him a rebel, while the lower classes looked to him as a friend and protector. When the Rebellion broke out, the people around him rose like their neighbours, but having no leader, they thought they could not do better than apply to their friend and benefactor.

Massacre of Protestants at Enniscorthy market-place

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Following the defeat at New Ross, rebels despatched a guard from Enniscorthy to Wexford with orders to select ten Protestants and sacrifice them; these Protestants were led back to Enniscorthy and massacred in the market-place.

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Enraged at their defeat and loss, the rebels removed Harvey from the command, and elected Father Philip Roach, a Catholic priest, as his successor (the same who had commanded at Tubberneering), and at the same time, on the 6th of June, they despatched a guard from Enniscorthy, which had been in the pos¬ session of Father John Murphy since the 29th of May, to Wexford, with orders to select ten Orangemen, that is to say, Protestants, and to sacrifice them to the manes of Richard Furlong and those who fell at Ross. These orders were too fatally obeyed ; and ten respect¬ able Protestants, who had quitted Enniscorthy when that town was taken, were led back thither, and massacred in the market-place.
Another party of runaways conducted by Father Murphy, parish-priest of Taghmon, reached Scullabogue, at the foot of the Carrickburn mountain, and, feigning an order from Harvey, whom they supposed to be still in command, committed the most inhuman atrocities. They seized every loyal person they could find in their excursions, without distinction of rank, sex, or age ; all who were not instantly murdered were dragged away, under pretence of being held as

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 282

Naval Battle off Lough Swilly

near Lough Swilly · estuary · Donegal · 1798

Commodore Bompart's French squadron, carrying General Hardy's land forces, reached the end of Lough Swilly after twenty days' sailing. Sir John Borlase Warren intercepted them and after a desperate fight captured the Hoche and six frigates.

Read the passage

The news of Humbert’s first successes soon reached France, and immediate preparations were made for sending the second detachment from Brest. On the 20th of September the expedition set sail from the Baie de Camaret. It consisted of the Hoche 74, the Loire, Resolve, Bellone, Coquille, Embuscade, Immortalite, Romaine, and Semillante, frigates, and the Biche schooner, under the command of Commodore Bom part. The land-forces consisted of three thousand men, under General Hardy. Bompart took a large sweep to the westward, to avoid the British fleet, and, then turning to the north-east, he reached the end of Loch Swilly on the 10th of October, after twenty days’ sailing. On the following morning, before he could enter the bay, he was signalled by Sir John Borlase Warren, and, after a desperate fight, the Hoche and six of the frigates were taken : the Romaine and the Semillante, with the Biche schooner, escaped to France.
On the 27th of the same month another squadron of

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 334

Rebel victory at Oulart Hill

Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

Lieutenant-Colonel Foote marched with 110 men of the North Cork militia from Wexford to attack rebels at Oulart under Father John Murphy; nearly the entire detachment was killed in a vigorous rebel charge.

Read the passage

At Oulart, where Father John Murphy commanded in person, the result was very different. Lieutenant- Colonel Foote, with a detachment of a hundred and ten men, of the North Cork militia, marched from Wexford to attack the rebels, but they were received with so vigorous a charge that every man was killed, except the lieutenant-colonel, a sergeant, and three privates. Father John Murphy, flushed with this first success, marched from Oulart towards Ennis-
VOL. i.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 272

Rev William Jackson's Treason Mission and Death in Dublin Dock

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1794–1795

Rev William Jackson traveled to Dublin in 1794 to arrange a French invasion plan, met Hamilton Rowan in Newgate and then Tone and Dr Reynolds; he was arrested for high treason, tried a year later, and took poison, dying in the dock before sentence could be passed.

Read the passage

agreed to forego all prosecution against him, provided he would quit Ireland as soon as he could wind up his affairs. Jackson remained a year in prison, when he was tried and found guilty of high treason, but, having taken poison, he died in the dock before sentence was passed upon him.* Mr. Emmet tells us that “ the ar¬ rest of Jackson and the publication of his designs con¬ veyed no unwelcome information to the body of the Irish people, as from thence they derived the first au¬ thentic intelligence that their situation was an object of attention to France, and that they might at some future period receive assistance from that quarter.
Towards the close of the year 1794 the test of the United Irish Societies underwent a change, not likely at the first view to excite attention or alarm in those required to take it, but the intention of which has since been made very apparent. Instead of the members binding themselves to use their abilities and influence in the attainment of an impartial and adequate repre¬ sentation of the Irish nation in Parliament, they were henceforward sworn to persevere in their endeavours to obtain an equal, full, and adequate representation of all the people of Ireland, omitting the words “ in Parlia¬ ment.” This change was effected, as we learn from Dr. M'Nevin, in order to reconcile reformers and republicans, and because they had given up all idea

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are tracing ground where Reverend William Jackson's treason mission ended in 1794. He came to Dublin that year to arrange a French invasion of Ireland, meeting Hamilton Rowan in Newgate prison before consulting Tone and Dr Reynolds. Jackson was arrested for high treason and held in prison for a year. When he was finally tried and found guilty, he had taken poison, and he died in the dock before sentence could be passed upon him. Mr. Emmet later observed that "the arrest of Jackson and the publication of his designs conveyed no unwelcome information to the body of the Irish people," because from it they first learned that France regarded their situation as worthy of attention, and that assistance might come from that quarter at some future period.

Torture of Anthony Perry by Yeomen at Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Anthony Perry, held in confinement near Gorey, was tortured by a serjeant nicknamed 'Tom the Devil,' who cut away his hair and burned the roots with a candle. After the magistrates abandoned Gorey, Perry was liberated but soon persecuted again by yeomen who destroyed his effects.

Read the passage

short time before the insurrection began. There alarmed, or repenting, he gave useful information, in the hope of enlargement ; but such was the state of things that he was still held in confinement, and treated with harsh¬ ness and indignity, unbecoming to the actors as men, and highly impolitic to be suffered by the magistrates : but in fact little was then thought improper or un¬ worthy, which tended to gratify the angry feelings of either party. Among other acts of cruelty practised upon Mr. Perry, a serjeant of the North Cork militia, who, from his habitual conduct was nicknamed Tom the Devil, cut away all his hair, and burned all the roots with a candle. At length when the insurgents possessed themselves of Carrigrua hill, six miles from Gorey, preparatory to an attack on that town, the magistrates, as we before said, abandoned it on the 28th of May, and liberated Perry, who returned to his own house, four miles from Gorey, in the hope of being permitted to remain in quiet, unconnected with future plots or rebellions ; but he was soon followed by a body of yeomen (a class of men who were invariably the most cruel and inveterate towards persons of the opposite party), who destroyed his effects, and obliged him to fly for his life. Finding persecution thus follow him, and believing he had no alternative, he disguised himself as a beggar, crossed the country in safety, and threw himself into the arms of the rebels, who received him with acclamation, and directly placed him in command. Now openly a leader, he devoted himself entirely to the party, entered into all their views, and adopted all their feelings. He fought under Har-
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 299

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Gorey, in Wexford. In 1798 this town was the scene of a cruel episode in the life of Anthony Perry. Perry was held in confinement near Gorey shortly before the insurrection began. He gave useful information, hoping to be released, but the state of things was such that he remained confined and was treated with harshness and indignity. A serjeant of the North Cork militia, nicknamed Tom the Devil from his habitual conduct, cut away all Perry's hair and burned all the roots with a candle. When the insurgents possessed themselves of Carrigrua hill, six miles from Gorey, preparatory to an attack on the town, the magistrates abandoned Gorey on the 28th of May and liberated Perry. He returned to his own house, four miles from Gorey, hoping to be permitted to remain in quiet. But a body of yeomen soon followed him. The yeomen were invariably the most cruel and inveterate towards persons of the opposite party. They destroyed his effects and obliged him to fly for his life. Finding persecution follow him and believing he had no alternative, Perry disguised himself as a beggar, crossed the country in safety, and threw himself into the arms of the rebels. They received him with acclamation and placed him directly in command. Now openly a leader, he devoted himself entirely to the party, entered into all their views, and adopted all their feelings.

Treaty of Limerick and the Siege of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

The city of Limerick surrendered to the forces of William and Mary under the terms of the Treaty of Limerick, granting Roman Catholics certain religious privileges. A French fleet arrived in the Shannon just days after the capitulation was signed, arms and provisions in abundance.

Read the passage

When the city of Limerick opened her gates to admit the forces of William and Marv, and consented to abandon the cause of the monarch who had already abandoned them, it was on the solemn faith of a treaty granting them certain rights and privileges. It is use¬ less to say that the garrison would have been ultimately compelled to surrender, when we know that, a very few days after the capitulation was finally adjusted and signed, a formidable French fleet arrived in the Shannon, with forces, arms, and provisions in abundance. By this treaty, known by the name of the Treaty of Lime¬ rick, it was agreed, among other matters, that the Roman Catholics should enjoy such privileges in the exercise of their religion as they had enjoyed in the reign of King Charles II. ; and their majesties engaged to
1691. LIFE OF THOMAS REYNOLDS. 3

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that surrendered in 1691 to the forces of William and Mary, abandoning the cause of a monarch who had already abandoned them. It was done on the solemn faith of a treaty, the Treaty of Limerick, granting certain rights and privileges. Among its terms, Roman Catholics were to enjoy the same religious privileges they had held in the reign of King Charles the Second. A few days after the capitulation was signed, a formidable French fleet arrived in the Shannon with forces, arms, and provisions in abundance, too late to change what had been settled.

French landing and capture of Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

General Humbert's French expedition landed in Killala Bay, county Mayo, on 22 August 1798. The small garrison of fifty yeomen and fencibles was quickly repulsed and the French took possession of the town.

Read the passage

In pursuance of the plan proposed. General Humbert sailed from Rochelle on the 4th of August with 1030 men and seventy officers, in three frigates, two of fortyfour guns each, and one of thirty-eight; and after a tedious passage arrived in the bay of Killala, in the county of Mayo, on the 2*2nd of the same month. The garrison of Killala was composed of fifty men, yeomen and fencibles of the Prince of Wales’s regiment. This little body attempted to oppose the entrance of the F rench, but was soon repulsed, and put to flight, leaving two men dead, and twenty-one prisoners, among whom were Captain Kirkwood of the yeomen, and Lieutenant Sills of the fencibles. The French then entered and took possession of Killala without further hinderance. On the following day General Humbert sent a detach¬ ment to Ballina,' a small town seven miles south of Killala. On their way they were met by Major Kerr with a party of carabineers and yeomen infantry, whom they repulsed, and on the evening of the 24th they took possession of Ballina. The little garrison, under Colonel Sir Thomas Chapman, retreated to Foxford, ten miles
* Memoirs of Theobald Wolfe Tone, vol. ii„ p. 518.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 321

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Killala, this is where General Humbert's French expedition came ashore in August 1798. He had sailed from Rochelle with 1030 men and 70 officers in three frigates, and after a tedious passage arrived in Killala Bay on the 22nd of the month. The garrison here was just 50 men, yeomen and fencibles of the Prince of Wales's regiment. They tried to oppose the French but were soon repulsed, leaving two men dead and 21 prisoners, including Captain Kirkwood of the yeomen and Lieutenant Sills of the fencibles. The French then took possession of Killala without further hindrance. The next day Humbert sent a detachment to Ballina, seven miles south, where they repulsed a party under Major Kerr and took the town on the evening of the 24th.

Destruction of Keatinge mansion and killing of Mr. Carrol

Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

Troops fired on Colonel Keatinge's mansion at Narraghmore as they advanced; the sole occupant, Mr. Carrol, was shot dead as he fled through a back door, and the troops then destroyed the mansion and its contents.

Read the passage

Curiosity led Mr. Johnstone to his shop door to see these troops pass through the village ; he was directly siezed, dragged out into the road, abused, and beaten. He demanded to be heard, — he asked his crime, — he begged for mercy, — he entreated the officers to save him from the fury of their men. The officers turned from him and went aside, leaving him to be disposed of by the soldiers, who now formed a ring around him, stabbing him with their bayonets as he ran from side to side imploring compassion, until at length the un¬ happy man fell exhausted and covered with wounds, and was then despatched by those ruffianly murderers. My two uncles, Edward and Henry Witherington, were of this party, which they both described as I have related it, and Henry has frequently related the scene with tears in his eyes. They then proceeded to the mansion-house. Colonel Keatinge was absent with his regiment ; his sister was at the house of her uncle, Dean Keatinge, about a quarter of a mile from her brother’s mansion, the lower part of which was entirely shut up, as was that of every house in the county. No soul was in it except a Mr. Carrol, a friend of the family, who had dined the previous day at Dean Keatinge’s, and went to pass the night in the mansion, with the intention of returning to his home the next day. The troops fired on the house as they advanced in front. Mr. Carrol ran out through a back door to escape, but they saw and shot him dead. They then destroyed the mansion, and everything it con¬ tained. The widow of Dean Keatinge visited my
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 236

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Narraghmore, in 1798, troops advancing through the village seized a man named Mr. Johnstone at his shop door, dragged him into the road, and beat him. He demanded to be heard, asked his crime, begged for mercy, and entreated the officers to save him from the fury of their men. The officers turned from him and went aside, leaving him to the soldiers, who formed a ring around him, stabbing him with their bayonets as he ran from side to side imploring compassion, until he fell exhausted and covered with wounds, and was then killed. The troops then proceeded to Colonel Keatinge's mansion. The Colonel was absent with his regiment. His sister was at the house of her uncle, Dean Keatinge, about a quarter of a mile from the mansion. The lower part of the house was entirely shut up, as was every house in the county. No soul was in it except a Mr. Carrol, a friend of the family, who had dined the previous day at Dean Keatinge's and went to pass the night in the mansion. The troops fired on the house as they advanced in front. Mr. Carrol ran out through a back door to escape, but they saw him and shot him dead. They then destroyed the mansion and everything it contained.

Execution of Matthew Tone and Bartholomew Teeling

near Ballinamuck · population centre · Longford · 1798

Matthew Tone, brother of Theobald Wolfe Tone, and Bartholomew Teeling of Lisburn, who had accompanied the French expedition, were captured at Ballinamuck, sent in irons to Dublin, tried and executed.

Read the passage

loss, between Drumshambo and Ballynamore. Ge¬ neral Humbert now passed the Shannon at Balintra, closely pursued by General Lake and Colonel Craw¬ ford, and, passing by Cloone, arrived at Ballinamuck on the 8th of September. Lord Cornwallis had marched from Carrick-on-Shannon to Saint Johnstown to meet and intercept General Humbert, if he attempted to reach Granard, so that he was now closely surrounded on every side by a force twenty times superior to his own. In this desperate situation he drew up his men, and, after a defence of about half an hour, the main body of General Lake’s troops came up, and the French laid down their arms. Their numbers were found to be seven hundred and forty-eight privates, and ninetysix officers ! Since their first landing at Killala, they had lost two hundred and eighty-eight men in different engagements. The Irish rebels were excluded from quarter, and fled in all directions : about five hundred were shot on that day. Matthew Tone, the brother of Theobald Wolfe Tone, and Bartholomew Teelingr, of Lisburn, who had accompanied the expedition from France, were taken, sent in irons to Dublin, tried, and executed. Thus ended this extraordinary expedition.
As soon as it was known that the French had landed at Killala, the disaffected party in the counties of Longford and Westmeath bestirred themselves actively to raise an insurrectionary movement, with the view of making a diversion in their favour, and of facilitating their progress towards the capital. In the county of Longford especially many persons of fortune

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 326

Lieutenant Gordon's Massacre Near Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

A small yeomanry force under seventeen-year-old Lieutenant Gordon was sent to occupy Gorey on 20th June but instead scoured the countryside, killing about fifty men said to be rebels but who were actually in their homes or straggling back.

Read the passage

vey at Ross on the 5th of June, was at the attack of Arklow on the 9tli, and when on the 21st Wexford was delivered up, he led his followers, to the number of five hundred active, determined men, towards the Wicklow mountains. The town of Gorey having been evacuated by the rebels a day or two before their surrender at Wexford, a party was despatched on the 20th of June, from Arklow to take possession, consist¬ ing of seventeen men of the Gorey yeomanry cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant Gordon, a youth scarcely seventeen years of age ; he was told he would meet a larger force in Gorey, and a superior officer, under whose orders he was instructed to place himself. A few of the yeoman infantry, and other royalists who had fled from the town on the advance of the rebels, hearing of the force which was now to occupy it, hastened back to their homes at Gorey. Lieutenant Gordon did not find the force in the town which he had reason to expect, and instead of remaining quietly in the place for its arrival, he set out with his little band to scour the country in search of rebels, and killed about fifty men, said to have been rebels, but then in their homes, or straggling homeward from the rebel armies. On the 22nd, Perry being on his march from Wexford, as I have just related, received information of this slaughter ; he directly turned from his road, and with his men made for Gorey, determined on revenge. Lieutenant Gordon, apprized of his approach, marched out to meet him as far as a spot called Charlotte Grove, with his seventeen cavalry, and fourteen of the yeomanry
320

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 300

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Gorey, you are on ground where one of 1798's ugly episodes unfolded. The rebels had evacuated the town a day or two before Wexford was delivered up on 21st June. On 20th June, a party was sent from Arklow to take possession, consisting of seventeen men of the Gorey yeomanry cavalry, under Lieutenant Gordon, a youth scarcely seventeen years of age. He was told he would meet a larger force in Gorey and a superior officer, under whose orders he was to place himself. Some yeoman infantry and other royalists who had fled on the rebels' advance hastened back to their homes at Gorey, hearing of the force now to occupy it. Gordon did not find the force he expected, and instead of remaining quietly in the place, he set out with his little band to scour the country in search of rebels. He killed about fifty men, said to have been rebels, but who were in their homes, or straggling homeward from the rebel armies. On 22nd June, Perry, marching from Wexford with 500 active, determined men toward the Wicklow mountains, received information of this slaughter. He turned from his road and made for Gorey, determined on revenge. Gordon, apprised of his approach, marched out to meet him as far as a spot called Charlotte Grove, with his seventeen cavalry and fourteen of the yeomanry infantry.

Massacre at Rev. Francis Turner's house, Ballingale

Ballingale · townland · Wexford · 1798

Rebels burned the house of Rev. Francis Turner of Ballingale, rector of Edeermine, after an obstinate resistance, murdering Turner and nine of his friends with savage brutality.

Read the passage

At the same time the conduct of the rebels was marked by murder and outrage at every step. One of their first achievements was the attack of Lieutenant Bookey’s house at Rockspring at one o’clock in the morning of the 27th. The only persons in the house when it was attacked were two Protestants, who de¬ fended it with the greatest bravery for several hours : at last the rebels set it on fire, and, as day was break¬ ing they retired, leaving several of their friends dead in and about the house. After they had gone the two men escaped unhurt, but nearly suffocated by the smoke. They next attacked the house of the Rev. Robert Burrowes, of Kyle, murdered him and seven of his parishioners who had taken shelter there, des¬ perately wounded his son, and burnt his house to the ground. His son languished till the summer of 1800, when he died. Another body of insurgents attacked the house of Mr. Dawson, of Charlesfort, which they plundered, after murdering a man of the name of Willis, and wounding Mr. Dawson. They then pro¬ ceeded to the house of the Rev. Francis Turner of Ballingale, rector of Edeermine, which they burned after an obstinate resistance on the part of the inmates. Mr. Turner and nine of his friends were murdered with savage brutality by the rebels after they had
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 271

Neilson's Armed Confrontation with Reynolds in Bond's Bridge-Street Warehouse

Bridge Street · street · Dublin · 1798

Neilson lured Reynolds into Oliver Bond's warehouse in Bridge-street, Dublin, under pretence of a meeting with Mrs. Bond, then accused him of betraying the delegates with an armed man present holding pistols. Reynolds seized Neilson and forced him and the accomplice through a crane-gate into the mews before departing unharmed.

Read the passage

A short time after the arrests at Bond’s, Neilson met my father in the street, and, taking his arm, said he had a matter to talk over with him, and began as if to consult about what could be done for those in arrest. They were then near Bond’s house, and Neilson said Mrs. Bond was anxious to see my father on the subject, and, as he himself was sought after by the police, he could not stop longer in the street. Under this pretence he brought my father into the house, and after a few minutes’ conversation requested him to accompany him into a back room to see Mrs. Bond. My father did so without hesitation, and Neilson led the way through the warehouses on the middle floor. The dwelling-house was in Bridge-street ; the warehouses went back for at least two hundred yards, and opened by large crane gates into a mews behind. When they had reached the furthest wareroom, instead of Mrs. Bond, they were met by a stout ill-looking man whom my father had never seen before. Neilson walked up to the man, who stood near the crane gate, which was shut, and, after wispering to him, the man went out of the wareroom, and shut the door after him. Neilson then spoke of the general plans of the United Irishmen for a few minutes, w7hen the other man returned, with a brace of pistols in his hand, and resumed his former position. Some vague suspicions now flashed across my father’s mind, and Neilson abruptly said, “ Rey-
202

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 194

As the companion tells it

On this street in Dublin, in 1798, Oliver Bond's dwelling-house stood with warehouses stretching back from it for at least two hundred yards, opening through large crane gates into a mews behind. Neilson met Reynolds in the street, took his arm, and said he had a matter to talk over, beginning as if to consult about what could be done for those under arrest. They were near Bond's house. Neilson said Mrs. Bond was anxious to see Reynolds on the subject, and since he himself was sought after by the police, he could not stop longer in the street. Under this pretence he brought Reynolds into the house, and after a few minutes' conversation asked him to come into a back room to see Mrs. Bond. Reynolds went without hesitation. Neilson led the way through the warehouses on the middle floor. When they reached the furthest wareroom, instead of Mrs. Bond, they were met by a stout ill-looking man Reynolds had never seen. Neilson walked up to the man, who stood near the closed crane gate, whispered to him, and the man went out and shut the door. Neilson spoke of the United Irishmen's general plans for a few minutes, then the man returned with a brace of pistols in his hand and resumed his former position. Vague suspicions flashed across Reynolds's mind. Neilson abruptly accused him of betraying the delegates. Reynolds seized Neilson, forced him and the armed man back through the crane gate into the mews, and departed unharmed.

Assassination Attempt on Magistrate Mr. Darah in Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1798

Mr. Darah, a magistrate and gentleman of fortune in county Kildare, was attacked and shot on his own lawn by a lone assassin who fired into him twice, believing him to be wearing armour. Though crippled, Darah survived several years.

Read the passage

In the county of Kildare, Mr. Darah, a respectable active magistrate, a gentleman of fortune, was at¬ tacked on his own lawn, amidst his servants and work¬ men, by a single assassin. No man attempted to pre¬ vent the act, or to seize the murderer, who presented a letter and shot Mr. Darah while he read it. As he did not fall instantly, the ruffian struck him down, and, supposing he wore some defensive armour under his clothes, drew forth a second pistol, which he thrust up under Mr. Darah’s vest, and fired into his body, and then walked off unmolested. Though miserably crip¬ pled, Mr. Darah survived some years.
Captain Beaver’s house was attacked at noon-day, and plundered of arms, ammunition, money, and wear¬ ing-apparel.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Kildare now. Back in 1798, a magistrate named Mr. Darah, a gentleman of fortune, was attacked right on his own lawn, surrounded by his servants and workmen, by a single assassin. The man handed Darah a letter and shot him as he read it. When Darah did not fall, the assassin struck him down, and thinking he wore some defensive armour beneath his clothes, thrust a second pistol under his vest and fired again, then walked off unmolested. No one tried to stop him. Darah survived several years, though he was left miserably crippled.

Battle for the retaking of Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

Major-General French arrived before Killala, the last rebel stronghold, with twelve hundred men; a battle ensued in which the rebels positioned themselves under stone walls near the town but were ultimately overwhelmed, with about four hundred killed.

Read the passage

“ The number of the rebels engaged could not be ascertained. Many ran away before the engagement, while a very considerable number flocked into the town in the very heat of it, passing under the castle windows in view of the French officers on horseback, running upon death with as little appearance of reflec¬ tion or concern as if they were hastening to a show. About four hundred of these misguided men fell in the battle and immediately after it. They met with death on every side in attempting to escape, for, when they were driven from their post outside the town by a flanking fire of the soldiery, they fled in all directions^ and were furiously pursued by the Roxburgh cavalry, who slaughtered many in the streets ; and they were either intercepted at the other end of the town by the Kerry militia, or, directing their flight to the shore, they wTere swept away by scores, a cannon being placed on the opposite side of the bay, which did great execu¬ tion.
“ The pursuit of the cavalry into the town was not agreeable to military practice, according to which, it is usual to commit the assault of a town to the infantry.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Killala, the last rebel stronghold in Mayo. In 1798, Major-General French arrived before the town with twelve hundred men, and the rebels positioned themselves under stone walls near it. The number of rebels engaged could not be ascertained. Many ran away before the engagement, while a considerable number flocked into the town in the very heat of it, passing under the castle windows in view of the French officers on horseback, running upon death, as the source says, "with as little appearance of reflection or concern as if they were hastening to a show." About four hundred of these men fell in the battle and immediately after it. When they were driven from their post outside the town by a flanking fire of the soldiery, they fled in all directions and were furiously pursued by the Roxburgh cavalry, who slaughtered many in the streets. They were either intercepted at the other end of the town by the Kerry militia, or, directing their flight to the shore, they were swept away by scores, a cannon placed on the opposite side of the bay doing great execution. The cavalry pursuit into the town was not agreeable to military practice, which usually commits the assault of a town to the infantry.

Battle of Newtownbarry

Newtownbarry · townland · Wexford · 1798

On 1 June 1798, Father Kern led 6000 rebels with artillery to attack Newtownbarry, garrisoned by Colonel Lestrange with about 500 men; the rebels were repulsed with 300 dead, a key victory protecting County Carlow.

Read the passage

On the 1st of June the great body of the rebels who were stationed on Vinegar Hill, at the foot of which stands the town of Enniscorthy, sent Father Kern, at the head of 6000 men, with a six-pounder, a howitzer, and several swivels, to attack Newtownbarry. That beautiful little town, situated ten miles north-west of Enniscorthy, was occupied by Colonel Lestrange, with about 500 men, militia, yeomen, and volunteers. The rebels began the attack with confidence and courage ; but they were repulsed after some hard fighting, and fled in disorder, leaving 300 of their body dead in and about the town. The loyalists only lost two men killed. This was owing, in a great measure, to the well-directed fire of two pieces of artillery. This victory was very important, as Newtownbarry was, as it were, the key of the county of Carlow, where a rising would, in all probability, have taken place if the rebels had suc¬ ceeded.
Another large body of the insurgents had advanced, under the command of Father Philip Roach, to the hill of Corrigrua, about seven miles south-west of Gorey. On the evening of the 1st of June a body of three

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 278

Execution of Sir Edward Crosbie by martial law

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

During the suppression of the rebellion, around two hundred persons were hanged or shot by martial law. Sir Edward Crosbie perished at this time, later acknowledged as innocent of the crime for which he suffered.

Read the passage

days about two hundred persons were hanged or shot by martial law. Among others, Sir Edward Crosbie perished at this time. He was certainly innocent of the crime for which he suffered, as is to-day acknow¬ ledged on all hands, whatever may have been his politics. Another who deservedly suffered was Heydon, a yeoman of Sir Charles Burton’s troop. He was the leader of the rebels, but on their discomfiture he abandoned them, and, having resumed his place as a yeoman, actually joined in the pursuit and slaughter of the assailants.
On the 26th of May the rebels in the county of Meath, after committing numerous outrages, assembled in a body of upwards of three thousand men on the hill of Tarah, about eighteen miles from Dublin, where they were attacked by three companies of the Reay Fencibles, with a field-piece, commanded by Captains Preston and Maclean ; aided by Lord Fingall’s troop of yeoman cavalry, and Captain Molloy’s company of yeoman infantry. The rebels kept their ground for about half an hour, when they gave way and were completely routed, leaving four hundred men dead on the field. This victory was of incalculable importance, for, had the rebels gained the day, or had they been left a few days longer undisturbed, it is more than probable that the insurrection would have spread through Munster, and a great part of Ulster, and it is impossible to conjecture what might have been the result. Two days after this defeat, the rebels, who had kept possession of Rathangan, were dis-

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 268

Napper Tandy Lands at Rutland Island

Rutland Island or Inishmacadurn · townland · Donegal · 1798

James Napper Tandy and a body of United Irishmen sailed from Brest aboard the Anacreon and landed at Rutland in County Donegal after twelve days at sea. They distributed a proclamation calling on United Irishmen to take up arms with French assistance.

Read the passage

had fled to France, headed by James Napper Tandy, and after twelve days’ sail arrived at Rutland, in the county of Donegal. They landed immediately, and distributed the following proclamation.
“ Liberty or Death.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 332

Perry Protects Captured Loyalist Women at Hacketstown

Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

During the Hacketstown engagement, Captain Hardy's wife and Lieutenant Chamney's two daughters fell into rebel hands but were protected and conveyed to safety by Perry, while his own wife and Garret Byrne's wife, captured by royalists, received similar courtesy.

Read the passage

On this occasion, the wife of Captain Hardy and two young ladies, daughters of Lieutenant Chamney, fell into the hands of the rebels. These ladies were pro¬ tected and conveyed to a place of safety by Perry, whose own wife, as well as the wife of Garret Byrne, fell into the hands of the royalists, and were treated with similar courtesy.
Failing in one or two other expeditions, and finding his cause totally lost in Wexford, Wicklow, and Kil¬ dare, Perry selected a small body of his most resolute followers, and attempted to penetrate into the northern parts of the kingdom, but, being intercepted and made prisoner in the King’s County, he was tried, con-

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 302

Rebels gather at Sir Edward Crosbie's lawn demanding leadership

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

About 1500 rebels assembled on Sir Edward Crosbie's lawn at two in the morning demanding he lead them; he refused, so they chose one Heydon instead and marched to attack the town of Carlow.

Read the passage

assembled, to the number of about 1500 men, on his lawn at two o’clock in the morning of the 25th of May, and demanded that he should head them : but neither threats nor entreaties had any effect on him ; he abso¬ lutely refused to accompany, to counsel, to aid, or abet them in any manner. Finding that they could not succeed, they chose one Hey don as their leader, and proceeded directly to attack the town of Carlow, not two miles distant, from whence they were repulsed with great slaughter. This Heydon was a yeoman of Sir Charles Burton’s troop, which formed part of the garrison of Carlow. On finding that those whom he had conducted into the town were totally defeated, he abandoned them, threw himself into the ranks of his corps, and joined in the slaughter of his recent followers. He did not, however, escape the fate he merited. He was seized, tried, and hanged immediately after the repulse. Sir Edward Crosbie remained quietly at home, not taking the slightest part one way or the other. This neutrality was his crime ; he was quickly arrested by order of Colonel Mahon of the 9th dragoons, who then commanded in Carlow, and brought before a court-martial formed of Captain Martin, three lieu¬ tenants, and one cornet, all of the 9th dragoons, and seven lieutenants and ensigns of the militia then in the place. They had no judge-advocate, nor any persons to guide their proceedings. It was afterwards affirmed on oath that one George Lucas, Mary Hutchinson, and several other Protestant loyalists, presented themselves as witnesses in his favour, but were prevented, by mili¬ tary force, from entering the court, although called for by
246 life OF THOMAS REYNOLDS. A.D.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0

The Battle of the Diamond

near The Diamond · crossroads · Armagh · 1795

The Battle of the Diamond was fought on 21 September 1795 between the Peep-o'-day Boys and the Defenders, in which the Defenders were defeated with considerable loss in killed and wounded.

Read the passage

till at last they became so alarming that the lord lieutenant and council issued a proclamation on the 13th of February, 1793, offering a reward of £100 to any person who would prosecute them ; but all the efforts of the executive government failed ; and we hear of Defenders as late as 1797, when Lord Kilwarden was sent to Armagh to try them, and several were hanged, as well as some Peep-o’-day Boys. The battle of the Diamond, which has latterly occupied public notice, was fought on the 21st of September, 1795, between the Peep-o’-day Boys and the Defenders ; in that action the Defenders were defeated with consider¬ able loss in killed and wounded. It has been said, in
f

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 50

The life of Thomas Reynolds, Esq. : formerly of Kilkea Castle, in the county of Kildare (vol. 1)

The stories, best first

Massacre of loyalist prisoners on Wexford Bridge

Curran's Habeas Corpus Bid and Tone's Suicide in Dublin

Battle of Arklow and death of Father Michael Murphy

Brutal mutilation of Alexander Barclay and his wife near Forkhill

Court-Martial and Sentencing of Wolfe Tone in Dublin

Doctor Esmond's Treachery and Massacre at Prosperous

Battle of Ballinamuck - surrender of the French

Lord Edward Fitzgerald Arrested in Thomas Street

Massacre and Burning of Castlecomer

Murder of Magistrate Spenser at Rathangan

Mutilation attack on Protestant schoolmaster near Armagh

Torture of prisoners at Vinegar Hill

Battle of Castlebar - French victory and 'Castlebar Races'

Battle of New Ross

John Gill's ordeal and escape at Vinegar Hill

Murder of apothecary Johnstone at Narraghmore

Torture of Protestant Michael Shenstone at Rathangan

Massacre of the Mackee family near Saintfield

Attacks on Protestant colonists and burning of the manor mill at Forkhill

Battle of Ballynahinch and burning of the town

Bloody Friday Massacre at Gorey

Esmond Captured and Hanged at Naas

Father Nicholas Sheehy hanged at Clonmel

Henry Whitney's account of piking at Vinegar Hill

Sir Edward Crosbie court-martialled and hanged at Carlow

Vinegar Hill as rebel stronghold and killing ground

Wolfe Tone Recognised at Letterkenny Breakfast

Attack and Burning of Hacketstown

Attack on Carlow repulsed with great slaughter

Burning of rebel hospital at Enniscorthy by Crown troops

Capture of Enniscorthy by Father John Murphy

Massacre at Rev. Robert Burrowes's house, Kyle

Testimony of William Furlong on Vinegar Hill windmill killings

Assault and capture of Vinegar Hill by Crown forces

Attack on the town of Antrim and death of Lord O'Neill

Attack on Wexford prison repulsed by Major Vallaton

Battle at Kilcullen Bridge churchyard and death of Captain Erskine

Battle of Tara Hill

French Armament Arrives in Bantry Bay

James Deegan hanged in female disguise at Athy

Massacre of Protestants at Enniscorthy market-place

Naval Battle off Lough Swilly

Rebel victory at Oulart Hill

Rev William Jackson's Treason Mission and Death in Dublin Dock

Torture of Anthony Perry by Yeomen at Gorey

Treaty of Limerick and the Siege of Limerick

French landing and capture of Killala

Destruction of Keatinge mansion and killing of Mr. Carrol

Execution of Matthew Tone and Bartholomew Teeling

Lieutenant Gordon's Massacre Near Gorey

Massacre at Rev. Francis Turner's house, Ballingale

Neilson's Armed Confrontation with Reynolds in Bond's Bridge-Street Warehouse

Assassination Attempt on Magistrate Mr. Darah in Kildare

Battle for the retaking of Killala

Battle of Newtownbarry

Execution of Sir Edward Crosbie by martial law

Napper Tandy Lands at Rutland Island

Perry Protects Captured Loyalist Women at Hacketstown

Rebels gather at Sir Edward Crosbie's lawn demanding leadership

The Battle of the Diamond