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

Rebel Occupation and Atrocities at Rathangan

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

Rebels entered Rathangan on the morning of 26 May 1798 after Captain Langton's garrison withdrew, and the town, having been abandoned to its own defense, fell into rebel hands with numerous atrocities following.

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On the evening of the 24th large bodies of the rebels approached the town of Rathangan ; but Captain Langton, who wras quartered there with a company of the South Cork militia, kept them in check during the night, after several skirmishes. Next day, in pursu¬ ance of his orders, he marched with his troop from Rathangan to join General Dundas, who had been compelled to evacuate Kilkullen, after losing Captains Erskine and Cooke, and several of his men. The inhabitants of Rathangan, thus abandoned to their resources, remained under arms all night between the 25th and 26th, expecting every moment to be attacked. But the rebels did not make their appearance till the morning of the 26th, when they entered the town in such numbers as to render all attempts to oppose them hopeless. Among the numerous atrocities which they committed during the short time they remained in pos¬ session of the place, the following deserves to be more particularly noticed. Mr. Spenser was a magistrate, and
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Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 265

Reynolds arrested at Castledermot post-office

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1798

While at the post-office in Castledermot, a small town within a mile of Kilkea, Reynolds was arrested by a party of the ninth dragoons and carried to Athy on informations sworn by his own former captains.

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Dublin for the purpose of going out of the kingdom before any other meeting could take place, or I he murdered. At Naas I met Mr. Taylor of Athy; he asked me where I was going, I said to Dublin. He told me it was his intention as soon as he got home either to have come or to have written to me to let me know the great danger I was in, for that my having betrayed the meeting at Bond’s was the public talk of Dublin, and that if I went there I should be murdered, and the house I went to would be pulled down, if they could not get at me without doing so ; and that even an aunt of mine, Anne Fitzgerald, of King-street nun¬ nery, had repeated this with great bitterness. This ter¬ rified me so that I went back to Naas, afraid to travel by night ; and the next day I went back to my own house. On the morning following, while I was at the post-office at Castle Dermot (a small town within a mile of Kilkea), I was arrested by a party of the ninth dragoons, and carried to Athy, upon informations sworn against me by some of my own captains. This circum¬ stance ultimately determined me to avow myself. I was sent up to Dublin on the following day. I heard that the United Irishmen had circulated a number of false and malicious reports respecting my character, and I determined to come forward here and relate, as I have done, my whole conduct really and fairly as it was, and to lay it before my country. Antecedent to this, I had made conditions that I should not be compelled to pro¬ secute ; I cannot say that my name was not known to government, but I should rather think not ; Mr. Cope
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Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 354

Reynolds burns Lord Edward's letter before captains at Athy fair

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

On 20 March, a fair-day, Reynolds met six or seven of his captains at the town of Athy, showed them Lord Edward's letter, then burnt it in their presence and announced his resignation from all United Irish employment.

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On the 19th of March Kennaa called again on my father at Kilkea, to request him to show Lord Edward’s letter to his captains, and, as he considered that to be a favourable occasion to resign his command, he imme¬ diately acceded to Kennaa’s request. On the 20th of March, being a fair-day, he met six or seven of them at the town of Athy, at the fair. He there showed them the letter, and then burnt it in their presence, in order thereby to do away with every pretence for call¬ ing on him in future. He then acquainted them with the determination of the county committee to change its officers, and of his consequent resignation of all em¬ ployment. He was not however allowed to resign his office of colonel altogether, but a Mr. Caulfield was named joint colonel with him. From that moment he
1798;

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, you are on the ground where, on 20 March 1798, a fair-day, Thomas Reynolds met six or seven of his United Irish captains. He showed them Lord Edward's letter, then burnt it in their presence, to do away with every pretence for calling on him in future. He told them the county committee meant to change its officers, and that he was resigning all employment. He was not allowed to give up the rank of colonel altogether; a Mr. Caulfield was named joint colonel with him.

Reynolds forced to take an oath at Naas to avoid assassination

Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

Cross-examined about an oath allegedly taken at Naas after he had already begun informing, Reynolds explained he was staying at an inn there among United Irishmen, including a county delegate and a Mr Flood, and gave assurances under threat of assassination told to him by a Mr Taylor.

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Try and recollect. — No, sir ; I was at Naas a day or two before I was arrested, and Mr. Taylor told me I was to be assassinated. I was in the midst of United Irishmen — there was a county delegate in the house with me — there was a Mr. Flood there, and I assured him that I had not — but I did not take an oath. If I did not do as I did, I would have been murdered before I got home.
If I intended to produce Mr. Flood would you take off the edge of his testimony by saying he was a dele¬ gate? * — I do not desire to take off the edge of any man’s testimony. I state the fact.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 419

As the companion tells it

You're passing through Naas now. Back in 1798, Thomas Reynolds found himself in an inn here, surrounded by United Irishmen, with a county delegate and a Mr Flood in the house. A man named Taylor told Reynolds he was to be assassinated, and under that threat he gave assurances to Flood, though he insisted he never took an oath. As he put it himself, "If I did not do as I did, I would have been murdered before I got home." This was a day or two before he was arrested.

Reynolds Interrogated by the Irish Privy Council in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Thomas Reynolds was brought before the privy council with the Earl of Camden, Lord Clare, and Lord Castlereagh present, where he questioned his status and was addressed by the Archbishop of Dublin before being interrupted by Lord Clare.

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My father was desired to be seated, and then asked his name. The tone and manner of addressing him, and several reports which had been made to him pre¬ viously, had caused him to be rather in doubt regard¬ ing the sentiments of the ministers towards him ; he therefore replied, <c My name is Thomas Reynolds ; I wish to know on what ground I appear here : am I to consider myself as the free, voluntary, protected friend of government, or am I supposed to be led here in con¬ sequence of charges or suspicions as a culprit ? ” Doctor Agar, Archbishop of Dublin, instantly began to answer him, by saying, “ Mr. Reynolds, that must depend
upon your - ” Here his grace was stopped by Lord

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 255

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is where Thomas Reynolds was brought before the privy council in 1798, with the Earl of Camden, Lord Clare, and Lord Castlereagh present. He was asked to be seated and told to give his name. Reynolds replied, "My name is Thomas Reynolds; I wish to know on what ground I appear here: am I to consider myself as the free, voluntary, protected friend of government, or am I supposed to be led here in consequence of charges or suspicions as a culprit?" Doctor Agar, Archbishop of Dublin, began to answer him, saying "Mr. Reynolds, that must depend upon your—" but his grace was stopped by Lord Clare.

Storming and Retaking of Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

General Trench's forces retook Killala from the rebels, cutting many down in the streets while trying to prevent them taking shelter among townspeople. The town bore marks of a place taken by storm, with houses perforated by musket fire and inhabitants terrified for two days.

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“ In spite of the exertions of the general and his officers the town exhibited almost all the marks of a place taken by storm. Some houses were perforated like a riddle ; most of them had their doors and windows destroyed, the trembling inhabitants scarcely escaping with life by lying prostrate on the floor — nor was it till the close of next day that their ears were relieved from the horrid sound of muskets discharged every minute at flying and powerless rebels. The plague of war so often visits the world that we are apt to listen to any description of it with the indifference of satiety : it is the actual inspection only that shows the monster in its proper and full deformity.”*
The retaking of Killala put an end to the Rebellion in that quarter.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 331

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Killala, in Mayo. In 1798, General Trench's forces retook this town from the rebels. The town showed nearly every mark of a place taken by storm. Some houses were perforated like a riddle, with doors and windows destroyed. The trembling inhabitants scarcely escaped with life by lying flat on the floor. Muskets went off every minute at flying and powerless rebels, and it was not until the close of the next day that people's ears were relieved from that horrid sound. The writer says the plague of war visits the world so often we listen to descriptions of it with the indifference of satiety, but only actual inspection shows the monster in its full deformity. The retaking of Killala put an end to the rebellion in that quarter.

United Irishmen plot to try and kill Reynolds at Naas

Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

At Dr. Esmund's house near Naas, one of the Sheares brothers informed county delegates that Reynolds had caused the arrests of 12 March, leading them to resolve he should be summoned to Bell's and killed unless he proved his innocence.

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Edward’s solicitation, and merely to occupy his Lordship’s post until his return ; hut, as he no longer held any situation among them, his presence could no longer be of use on Lord Edward’s account ; and he added that he had retired to his former private station, which he would not again quit on any account. They went away sulky and discontented, and, from what my father afterwards learned, had not his cousin, Thomas Dunn, been with him, there is no doubt they would then have attempted his life. But the matter was the same evening explained to him by a Mr. Kinselah, who called on him for that purpose, and told him that one of the brothers Sheares, who, on the arrests of the 12th of March, had assumed the direction of the con¬ spiracy in Dublin, had arrived at Dr. Esmund’s house, near Naas, and, having called a private meeting of some of the county delegates, had informed them officially, in the name of the directory, that my father was the man who had caused the arrests of the 12th of March, upon which they resolved that he should be summoned to attend them the next day at Bell’s, and there be put to death, unless he proved beyond all doubt that he was innocent of the charge. The fear of offending his family and connexions prevented them from assas¬ sinating him at once on the first communication. Kin¬ selah was himself one of the county committee, and was present at this meeting. He was a farmer of some importance, and rented all his land under my father’s relatives. Matthew Kennaa called on my father next morning, and urged him to ride over to the meeting
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Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 212

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Naas now, in County Kildare. Back in 1798, this town was the setting for a plot against a man named Thomas Reynolds. After the arrests of the 12th of March, one of the brothers Sheares, who had taken over the direction of the conspiracy in Dublin, came to Dr. Esmund's house near Naas. He called a private meeting of some of the county delegates and told them officially that Reynolds was the man who had caused those arrests. On that, they resolved that Reynolds should be summoned to attend them the next day at Bell's, and there be put to death, unless he proved beyond all doubt that he was innocent of the charge. The only thing that stopped them from assassinating him on the spot was the fear of offending his family and connections. A Mr. Kinselah, a farmer who was himself one of the county committee and had been present at the meeting, called on Reynolds that same evening to explain what had happened. The next morning, Matthew Kennaa came to Reynolds and urged him to ride over to the meeting.

Belfast United Irishmen Spread Radical Doctrine

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1792

Samuel Neilson of Belfast led vigorous efforts to spread United Irish principles throughout the north of Ireland, funding a newspaper called the Northern Star to promote union among Irishmen and support French revolutionary ideas.

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province of Ulster, and had taken deep root in that of Leinster. Samuel Neilson of Belfast was particularly active. In a letter which he writes to Mr. Tone, on the 21st of November, he says, — f<rYou can form no conception of the rapid progress of the union here ; and I do assure you we are further forward than even I expected we should have been in a twelvemonth. The universal question throughout the country is, * When do we begin ? Do we refuse hearth-money or tithes first V ”* Indeed the people of Belfast were not idle ; they spared neither pains nor expense to spread their new doctrine through the whole north of Ireland ; and they had the satisfaction to see their proselytes very rapidly extending in all directions. The more effectually to spread their principles, “ twelve of the most active and intelligent among them subscribed 250/. each to set on foot a paper, whose object should be to give a fair statement of all that passed in France, whither every one turned his eyes ; to inculcate the necessity of union amongst Irishmen of all religious persuasions, to support the emancipation of the Catholics, and finally, as the necessary, though not avowed , consequence of all this, to erect Ireland into a republic independent of England.” This paper was called the “ Northern Star,” and was edited by Samuel Neilson. It was entirely devoted to the principles and views of the United Irish¬ men, f While the Belfast leaders were thus exerting themselves, their Dublin associates were not less active.
* Life of Tone, vol. i. p. 221.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 138

French capture of Ballina and death of Rev. George Fortescue

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

French troops repulsed Major Kerr's forces and took possession of Ballina on 24 August 1798; the Rev. George Fortescue, rector of Ballina, was mortally wounded fighting as a volunteer with royal troops.

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distant. On this occasion the Rev. George Fortescue, the rector of Ballina, nephew to Lord Clermont, who had joined the royal troops as a volunteer, was mortally wounded.
The Marquis of Cornwallis, having received intelli¬ gence on the 24th of August of the landing of the French, ordered Lieutenant-General Lake to proceed to Galway to take the command of the troops assembling in Connaught. That general proceeded with such troops as he could assemble to Castlebar, which he reached on the 26th, and there he found Major-General Hutchinson, who had arrived the preceding day. The troops thus assembled at Castlebar consisted of about 4000 men, yeomen, militia, and regulars, and a good park of artillery. General Humbert, with 800 men, and two curricle-guns, left Ballina on the 26th ; but, instead of taking the usual road through Foxford, where Brigadier General Taylor had been stationed with a body of troops to oppose him, he took the mountainous road by Barnageehy, where there w^as only a captain’s - guard to encounter, and at seven o’clock in the morn¬ ing of the 27tli he arrived within two miles of Castlebar, where he found the royal troops drawn out in an advantageous position between him and the town. Everything seemed to promise an easy victory to the royal troops. They were in numbers between 3000 and 4000, w7ell supplied with artillery and ammunition — fresh and unfatigued, and most advantageously posted — wdiile the enemy consisted of 800 men, with two curricle- guns, worn out by a laborious and fatiguing

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in August 1798, French troops repulsed Major Kerr's forces and took possession of Ballina on the 24th of that month. The Reverend George Fortescue, rector of Ballina and nephew to Lord Clermont, had joined the royal troops as a volunteer. He was mortally wounded in the fighting. The French landing had prompted the Marquis of Cornwallis to order Lieutenant-General Lake to proceed to Galway and take command of troops assembling in Connaught. General Humbert, with 800 men and two curricle-guns, left Ballina on the 26th, but instead of taking the usual road through Foxford, where Brigadier General Taylor had been stationed with a body of troops to oppose him, he took the mountainous road by Barnageehy, where there was only a captain's guard to encounter. By seven o'clock in the morning of the 27th he arrived within two miles of Castlebar, where the royal troops, between 3000 and 4000 strong, well supplied with artillery and fresh, were drawn out in an advantageous position. Everything seemed to promise an easy victory to the royal troops against 800 worn-out men.

French fleet under Hoche retreats disappointed from Bantry Bay

near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796–1797

After the Christmas of 1796, the French invasion fleet under General Hoche retired disappointed from Bantry Bay, an event which shortly preceded Peter Sullivan's approach to Reynolds about the United Irishmen.

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1796, when the French under General Hoche had retired disappointed from Bantry Bay. A few days after that event, Peter Sullivan took an occasion to speak privately to my father. He told him that the leading Presbyterians and the then Catholic Committee had agreed to unite their efforts to obtain universal religious toleration, requiring that the Catholics should add to their other objects Reform in Parliament ; that, all conventions being prohibited by government, they had formed themselves into a secret society, called United Irishmen, which already reckoned above 200,000 members ; that my father’s connexions with Lord Fingall’s party had alone prevented him from being long since made acquainted with this fact, but that the interest of the Dublin Catholics, whom he still re-
1797.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 106

French Reinforcement Squadron Anchors at Killala Bay

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

A second French squadron of three frigates carrying two thousand men intended as reinforcements for General Hardy anchored in the bay of Killala, but fled back to France upon sighting English cruisers.

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three frigates, having on board two thousand men, who were intended as a reinforcement for General Hardy, anchored in the hay of Killala, but, on the appearance of some English cruisers, they set sail with all haste, and returned in safety to France.
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

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 335

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Killala in Mayo, you are near the bay where a second French squadron arrived in 1798. Three frigates carrying 2,000 men anchored here, meant as reinforcements for General Hardy. But when English cruisers appeared, the frigates set sail with all haste and returned in safety to France. The wider campaign that year did not end so well for the French or the United Irishmen. Theobald Wolf Tone was taken among the prisoners on board the Hoche. He landed at Letterkenny and was invited to breakfast with the Earl of Cavan, where he was recognised, possibly pointed out by an old fellow-student. He was handed over to the police and sent to Dublin to be tried for high treason. Preparations were made for a court-martial. His son wrote that an erroneous notion held that Tone believed his French commission would protect him, but that this was not correct. Tone himself wrote in his journal for March 1796, "I was willing to encounter danger as a soldier, but had a violent objection to being hanged as a traitor."

General Loftus retreats through Gorey Hill to Carnew and Tullow

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

After the defeat at Tubberneering, General Loftus found rebels posted on Gorey Hill and, unable to attack or pass, retreated first to Carnew and then to Tullow in County Carlow, abandoning the region to the rebels.

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and, after a very severe contest, during which they kept up a tremendous and destructive fire from the fields on both sides of the road, the royalists were completely defeated, and fled in disorder to Gorey, leaving their guns in the hands of the rebels, and a great number of their men dead on the field of battle, among whom was Colonel Walpole, who received a bullet through his head in the beginning of the action. The fugitives were pursued as far as Gorey, where they were severely galled by the disaffected party firing on them from the houses, as they passed through. The unfortunate loyalists, who a few hours before were so full of se¬ curity, now fled with the routed army to Arklow, leaving all their property at the mercy of the victors. Meantime, General Loftus, who was advancing with the main body by Bally cannoo, hearing the noise of firing, sent the grenadier company of the Antrim regi¬ ment of militia, consisting of seventy men, across the fields, to assist Colonel Walpole ; but these were inter¬ cepted and cut to pieces, almost to a man, by the rebels, and the general, unable to bring his guns across the fields, was obliged to continue his march, and make a long circuit before he arrived at Tubberneering. He immediately followed the rebels, whom he found posted on Gorey Hill, at the foot of which the town is built. As he could neither attack them with any hope of success, nor pass by them into the town, he retreated first to Carnew, and then to Tullow, in the county of Carlow, abandoning all that part of the country to the rebels.
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Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 280

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Gorey, a town in County Wexford. In 1798 this was the road the fighting reached. After a severe contest at Tubberneering, the royalists were completely defeated. They fled in disorder to Gorey, leaving their guns in the hands of the rebels and a great number of their men dead on the field, among them Colonel Walpole, who received a bullet through his head at the beginning of the action. The fugitives were pursued as far as Gorey, where they were severely galled by the disaffected firing on them from the houses as they passed through. The unfortunate loyalists, who a few hours before were so full of security, now fled with the routed army to Arklow, leaving all their property at the mercy of the victors. Meantime General Loftus, advancing with the main body by Ballycannoo, heard the noise of firing and sent the grenadier company of the Antrim regiment of militia, seventy men, across the fields to assist Colonel Walpole. These were intercepted and cut to pieces, almost to a man, by the rebels. The general, unable to bring his guns across the fields, was obliged to continue his march and make a long circuit before he arrived at Tubberneering. He immediately followed the rebels, whom he found posted on Gorey Hill, at the foot of which the town is built. As he could neither attack them with any hope of success nor pass by them into the town, he retreated first to Carnew, and then to Tullow in County Carlow, abandoning all that part of the country to the rebels.

Hearts of Oak rising begins in County Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1763

A Protestant agrarian rising called the Hearts of Oak began in County Armagh in 1763, protesting compulsory unpaid road labour, before spreading to Tyrone, Derry, and Fermanagh.

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In 1763 a rising took place in the province of Ulster, which was chiefly Protestant. The insurgents assembled only in the day, and called themselves ff Hearts of Oak,” from their wearing oaken boughs in their hats. They marched in large bodies, and forced all whom they met to swear “ to be true to the king and the Hearts of Oak.” They did not plun¬ der, and did very little personal violence. The rising began first in the county of Armagh, and soon ex¬ tended to Tyrone, Derry, and Fermanagh. Their professed object was to get rid of the burden imposed upon them of making and repairing the roads, towards which each housekeeper vras obliged to furnish the labour of a man, and in some cases of a horse also, six days in the year. But they soon extended their plans, and proceeded to administer oaths to the clergy not to demand more than a certain proportion of tithe, when their further progress was stopped by the arrival of several regiments of the king’s troops to reduce them to order. This was effected in a few weeks, with the loss of only three or four lives ; and in the followingsession of parliament all cause of complaint was re¬ moved by the repeal of the act under which the labour was enforced.
From 1771 to 1773 the counties of Antrim, Tyrone, Londonderry, and Donegal were the scene of

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 23

Houghing of soldiers in Dublin leads to compensation act

Dublin · city · Dublin

As Volunteer discipline declined, riots increased in Dublin and a savage custom of houghing straggling soldiers grew so common that an act was passed compelling the city to provide for disabled soldiers for life.

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As long as the volunteer system continued in force the laws were obeyed and executed faithfully, but with the decline of that association riots became frequent, and discontents on political and commercial affairs were fomented on all sides. In many parts of the country the journeymen mechanics and manufacturers pro¬ ceeded to the barbarous outrage of tarring and feather¬ ing such persons as were particularly obnoxious to them. The mob and the garrison of Dublin were frequently in collision, and a savage, though by no means a novel, custom of houghing soldiers who were found straggling about, increased so much, that an act was passed, compelling the city of Dublin to pro¬ vide for every soldier so disabled, during the remainder of his life.
The next subject to which public attention was directed was Catholic Emancipation.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Dublin, the city you are passing through, saw ugly times when the Volunteer system fell into decline. Riots grew frequent, and the mob and the garrison were constantly in collision. A savage custom took hold of houghing soldiers found straggling about the streets, disabling them so badly that Parliament passed an act compelling the city of Dublin to provide for every soldier so disabled for the remainder of his life. The source calls it a savage, though by no means novel, custom, and the burden fell on the city itself to maintain the men it had failed to protect.

Letter from Athy gaol reassures wife in Dublin

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

Reynolds wrote from Athy gaol on the 6th of May to reassure his wife of his safety after false rumours of his execution had spread and reached her sick-room in Dublin.

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On his arrival at Athy my father was conducted to Colonel Campbell’s head-quarters, to be tried by the court-martial then sitting, and, if found guilty, of which there could be little doubt, on the evidences of the five men I have mentioned, to be executed imme¬ diately. Thus in a few hours was he to perish as a rebel and a traitor to his king and country, through the machinations of those very men with whom he was accused of associating, and who at the same hour were loading his name with calumnies to justify their own treachery. This was the event announced four days previously to Mr. Taylor by the religious recluses of King-street Convent in Dublin, as having already happened. Did they prophesy it ? or did they know of the intention of their friends to betray him ? It was very extraordinary that this same anticipated report should have spread so generally that it actually reached my mother’s ears in her sick-room in Dublin, and she remained tormented with anxiety for two days, until at length she received a letter from my father assuring her of his safety. He wrote that letter on the 6th from Athy gaol, purposely to prevent her being alarmed. She received it early on the morning of the 7th. One of the sons of Sir Samuel Broadstreet soon after called to see her, and she showed VOL. i.
R

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 230

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Athy, in Kildare. In 1798, this is where Thomas Reynolds' father was brought to face a court-martial under Colonel Campbell, accused of being a rebel and a traitor to his king and country. The evidence against him came from five men, the very men he was accused of associating with, who were at the same time loading his name with calumnies to justify their own treachery. If found guilty, which seemed little in doubt, he was to be executed immediately. But four days before he even arrived, word had already gone out that he was dead. The religious recluses of King Street Convent in Dublin had told Mr Taylor that the execution had already happened. Whether they prophesied it or knew of the intention of their friends to betray him is a question the account leaves open. The rumour spread so generally that it reached his wife's ears in her sick-room in Dublin. She remained tormented with anxiety for two days, until at length she received a letter from him assuring her of his safety. He wrote that letter on the 6th from Athy gaol, purposely to prevent her being alarmed. She received it early on the morning of the 7th. Soon after, one of the sons of Sir Samuel Broadstreet called to see her, and she showed him the letter.

Lord Edward visits Reynolds at Park Street to request he take his post

Park Street · street · Dublin · 1797

Following their meeting, Lord Edward Fitzgerald called on Reynolds at his house in Park-street to ask him to act in his stead as Colonel of the United Irish Society for the barony where Reynolds was establishing his residence.

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ness. My father replied that he would he happy to see his lordship at his house in Park-street ; and accordingly, next day. Lord Edward called, and said the object of his visit was to request him to act in his (Lord Ed¬ ward’s) stead, in the United Irish Society, in the county in which Mr. Reynolds was establishing his residence, as his own inconsiderate activity had drawn on him the suspicions of government, and he wished to withdraw himself for a time.
During the interval between my father’s ceasing to frequent the society and Lord Edward’s application to him, the directory had completed the military organiza¬ tion of the county of Kildare, and Lord Edward had accepted the appointment of Colonel for the barony of Kilkea and Moone ; and this was the office which he requested my father to hold for him.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 177

Malahide muslin mill employed hundreds including child workers

Malahide · town · Dublin

The cotton and muslin manufacturing works at Malahide, given as a marriage gift to Warren, employed several hundred persons, one-third of whom were children aged eight to sixteen, principally females.

Read the passage

weaving of corduroys, thicksets, calicoes, and such matters ; for which plenty of hands were to be had among the unemployed silk- weavers, and he gave the whole as a marriage gift to TV arren. The premises con¬ sisted not only of an extensive building and appurte¬ nances used in the manufacture, but also of a very ex¬ cellent detached dwelling-house, offices, garden, and three acres of grass-land. A person named James Gay nor was hired from England to superintend the works, which, in a short time, produced the finest mus¬ lins, and employed several hundred persons, one-third of whom were children from eight to fifteen or sixteen years of age, principally females. A house in Park Street, which adjoined my grandfather’s dwelling, and from which there was a free communication with War¬ ren’s dwelling in Ashe Street, was given rent-free, to serve as a warehouse to receive the goods manufactured at Malahyde until Warren could dispose of them. Meantime, 'Warren continued to occupy his old place in my grandfather’s service, his salary being increased to 200/. a-year : his duty was merely to attend to the book-keeping and bill department, in which he had an assistant under him, named Peter Sullivan, so that he had abundant leisure to attend to his cotton affairs, without neglecting his duty to my grandfather. Thus matters went on until my grandfather’s death in 1788. Warren had at that time one child, a daughter, whose name, I think, was Mary.
The vast amount of the failures which had occurred among the Irish silk-mercers, during the last years of

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 88

McCormick Flees Dublin After Threats at United Irish Dinner

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Richard McCormick, former Catholic secretary to the Convention, told Reynolds in Dublin that after recommending less violent measures at the provincial meeting he was fearfully attacked and abused at a subsequent dinner, forcing him to flee for his life and resolve to leave Ireland.

Read the passage

On the 20th of February my father went to Dublin with my mother, who was then near her confinement, and could not be left in such a scene. A few hours after his arrival in Dublin he met Mr. Richard M‘Cormick, the same who had acted as Catholic secretary to the Convention, who told him that at the provincial meeting on the 19th he had ventured to recommend less violent measures, but that he was quickly silenced, and that on the same day, on going to the dinner, at which all the members and many others of the Association attended, he was so fearfully attacked and abused that he fled for his life. He assured my father it was therefore his determination to realise his property and to quit Ireland, where he was well aware there would now be no safety for him : a reso¬ lution which, happily for himself he immediately put in execution. My father and he had been old ac¬ quaintances ; he knew of my father’s having been re¬ turned as a member of the Provincial Committee, and hoped that through my father’s influence he might be protected from personal violence, at least while he prepared for his departure. My father afterwards, during that day and the next, saw some of the leaders, to whom he urged all he could against their projects with safety to himself. He had got a kind of proclama¬ tion which was then in circulation among the United
198

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1798. On the 20th of February, Thomas Reynolds arrived in this city with his wife, who was near her confinement and could not be left at home. Within hours of arriving he met Richard McCormick, the former Catholic secretary to the Convention. McCormick told him that at the provincial meeting on the 19th he had recommended less violent measures, but was quickly silenced. That same day, at a dinner attended by the members and many others of the Association, he was so fearfully attacked and abused that he fled for his life. He told Reynolds it was his determination to realise his property and quit Ireland, where he was well aware there would now be no safety for him. He knew Reynolds had been returned as a member of the Provincial Committee, and hoped through Reynolds's influence he might be protected from personal violence at least while he prepared for his departure. Reynolds saw some of the leaders that day and the next, urging all he could against their projects, and had got a kind of proclamation then in circulation among the United Irishmen.

Richard Jackson's charitable bequest at Forkhill

near Forkill · parish · Armagh · 1787

Richard Jackson of Forkhill, county Armagh, died in 1787 and bequeathed a large estate for colonizing his land with Protestants and establishing schools for children of every religious denomination.

Read the passage

Richard Jackson, of Forkhill, in the county of Armagh, died on the 11th of January, 1787, and be¬ queathed an estate of 4000/. a-year for colonizing his property, consisting of 3000 acres, with Protestants, and for establishing on it four schools for the gratuitous instruction of children of every religious denomination. Two years afterwards the Rev. Edward Hudson, rector
* In April, 1793, Mr. Tone thus writes : “The Defenders, at this time, are very different from those who originally assumed that appellation. The first Defenders, properly so called, were associations of Catholics, for the purpose of protecting themselves from the violent depredations of a party known by the name of the Peep-o'-day Boys ; into which asso¬ ciations they were forced by the difficulty, or as they stated it, the impos¬ sibility, of obtaining justice against the aggressors : they originated several years back, and were confined to the counties of Armagh and Down. The present insurgents, with very different principles, have adopted the same name.” (See vol. i. page 478.)

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 46

Rumours of betrayal spread in Dublin and threat at King-street nunnery

King Street · street · Dublin · 1798

At Naas, Reynolds was warned by Mr. Taylor of Athy that his role in betraying the Bond's meeting was public talk in Dublin, and that even his aunt Anne Fitzgerald at the King-street nunnery had repeated the accusation with bitterness, causing Reynolds to fear for his life.

Read the passage

Dublin for the purpose of going out of the kingdom before any other meeting could take place, or I he murdered. At Naas I met Mr. Taylor of Athy; he asked me where I was going, I said to Dublin. He told me it was his intention as soon as he got home either to have come or to have written to me to let me know the great danger I was in, for that my having betrayed the meeting at Bond’s was the public talk of Dublin, and that if I went there I should be murdered, and the house I went to would be pulled down, if they could not get at me without doing so ; and that even an aunt of mine, Anne Fitzgerald, of King-street nun¬ nery, had repeated this with great bitterness. This ter¬ rified me so that I went back to Naas, afraid to travel by night ; and the next day I went back to my own house. On the morning following, while I was at the post-office at Castle Dermot (a small town within a mile of Kilkea), I was arrested by a party of the ninth dragoons, and carried to Athy, upon informations sworn against me by some of my own captains. This circum¬ stance ultimately determined me to avow myself. I was sent up to Dublin on the following day. I heard that the United Irishmen had circulated a number of false and malicious reports respecting my character, and I determined to come forward here and relate, as I have done, my whole conduct really and fairly as it was, and to lay it before my country. Antecedent to this, I had made conditions that I should not be compelled to pro¬ secute ; I cannot say that my name was not known to government, but I should rather think not ; Mr. Cope
376

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 354

Soldiers pillage plunder into the garrison-town of Athy

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

During free-quarters abuses, dragoons were seen returning from marauding parties loaded with plundered household goods including a piano-forte tied on a troop-horse, ridden into the garrison-town of Athy.

Read the passage

The dragoons have been seen returning from these marauding parties, loaded in the most extraordinary manner : a piano-forte ! a pig, a bundle of house-linen, bedding, a bureau, jars of wine or spirits, flitches of bacon, geese, turkeys, fowls, carpets, wearing-apparel, kitchen-furniture, pier-glasses, pictures, &c. &c. A gentleman, on whose veracity I have the fullest re¬ liance, assured me he had seen at different times every description of article here mentioned carried on troophorses by the soldiers. The piano-forte was a square one : it was tied on the horse behind the trooper, and he rode into the garrison-town of Athy with it. In an¬ other instance he saw a live sow tied behind a trooper,
218

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 208

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, this was a garrison-town in 1798, and during the free-quarters abuses dragoons were seen returning from marauding parties loaded with plundered household goods. A reliable gentleman witnessed every sort of article carried on troop horses by soldiers: pigs, house-linen, bedding, a bureau, jars of wine or spirits, bacon, geese, turkeys, fowls, carpets, wearing-apparel, kitchen-furniture, pier-glasses, and pictures. One square piano-forte was tied on a horse behind a trooper, and he rode into Athy with it. In another instance a live sow was tied behind a trooper.

Tone Dines with United Irish Club at Donegal Arms

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1792

Wolfe Tone recorded dining with the club at the Donegal Arms in Belfast, where flags of America, Poland, France, and Ireland were displayed but pointedly no English flag.

Read the passage

denial by the evidence of those leaders themselves. It is undeniable that, in 1792, Tone, Neilson, Keogh, Hamilton Rowan, Oliver Bond, and James Napper Tandy, were among the most active leaders. Tone tells us that he dined with the club at the Donegal Arms in Belfast on the 16th July, 1792, and that at the dinner “the flags of America, Poland, France, and Ireland, were displayed; but/’ says he, “no England’ *
On the 9th of September he dined at Castle Brown with Rowan, and after dinner they drank “ The spirit of the French mob to the people of Ireland.”f

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 139

Armed Body Occupies and Disarms the Town of Cahir

Caher · town · Tipperary · 1798

A body of 800 or 900 men, mostly mounted, entered the town of Cahir in county Tipperary during daytime and held possession of it while conducting a regular search of all houses to collect arms and ammunition.

Read the passage

Further off, in the county of Tipperary, a body of 800 or 900 men, mostly mounted, entered the town of Cahir in the daytime, and held possession of it until they had collected all the arms and ammunition that could be found after a regular search throughout all the houses.
That these and fifty other similar atrocities were the result of a settled, premeditated plan of the directory

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 189

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Caher in Tipperary, in 1798 a body of 800 or 900 men, mostly mounted, entered this town in daylight and held it until they had searched every house for arms and ammunition. The source calls this and fifty other similar acts the result of a settled, premeditated plan of the directory.

Battle of Hacketstown

Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

Perry united with Garret Byrne of Ballymanus near Hacketstown, a place garrisoned by only 30 cavalry and 120 infantry militia under Captain Gardiner, and the rebel leaders determined to attack the garrison there.

Read the passage

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
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 301

Dr Reynolds Flees to America After Jackson's Arrest

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1794

Following the arrest of Rev William Jackson on charges of high treason in Dublin, Dr Reynolds immediately fled to America where he remained until his death, while Hamilton Rowan escaped from Newgate to France.

Read the passage

overtures were made from the French to the United Irishmen. The Rev. William Jackson, who had long been a resident in France, was sent on a mission to arrange a plan for invading the country, and to obtain the most accurate information of the state of England and Ireland. In London he imprudently opened him¬ self to Mr. Cockayne, an attorney, who immediately gave information of his mission to the British govern¬ ment. In the beginning of April he set out for Dublin in company with Cockayne, where he was introduced to Mr. Hamilton Rowan, then in Newgate, and by him to Mr. Tone and Dr. Reynolds. On giving them an account of the motives of his journey he prevailed on Tone to draw up a statement of what he conceived to be the wants and situation of Ireland, which he de¬ scribed as being altogether favourable to a French invasion.* Meantime government was minutely in¬ formed of every particular by Mr. Cockayne, and, suf¬ ficient evidence having been procured, Jackson was arrested on a charge of high treason on the 28th of April. Dr. Reynolds immediately fled to America, where he remained till his death. Mr. Hamilton Rowan contrived to escape from Newgate, and, not¬ withstanding 1500/. was offered for his apprehension, reached France in safety. Mr. Tone was deeply com¬ promised; but, OAvingto the interference of the Honour¬ able Marcus Beresford, Mr. George Knox, and Mr. Wolfe, afterwards Lord Kil warden, the government
* For a copy of this statement, as given by Mr. Tone, see Appendix No. 8.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 150

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Dublin, you are moving through the city where a French conspiracy came to grief in 1794. The Reverend William Jackson, long resident in France, was sent on a mission to arrange a plan for invading the country and to gather accurate information on the state of England and Ireland. In London he imprudently opened himself to an attorney named Cockayne, who gave everything to the British government. In early April Jackson set out for Dublin with Cockayne, where he met Hamilton Rowan in Newgate, and through Rowan met Theobald Wolfe Tone and Dr Reynolds. He persuaded Tone to draw up a statement of Ireland's wants and situation, described as favourable to a French invasion. The government, minutely informed by Cockayne, arrested Jackson on a charge of high treason on the 28th of April. Dr Reynolds immediately fled to America and remained there until his death. Hamilton Rowan contrived to escape from Newgate and reached France safely, though 1500 pounds was offered for his apprehension. Tone was deeply compromised, but the interference of Marcus Beresford, George Knox, and Wolfe, afterwards Lord Kilwarden, kept the government from pressing further.

Dublin Volunteers escort address from Parliament House to Castle

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1779

The Commons' address demanding free trade was carried to the Viceroy by the Speaker amid an immense crowd, between two lines of Dublin Volunteers commanded by the Duke of Leinster, stretching from the Parliament House to the Castle.

Read the passage

Accordingly, on the 12th of October, 1779, on the motion of Mr. Hussey Burgh, the Commons introduced the following phrase in their address to the King : — “We beg leave humbly to represent to your Majesty, that it is not by temporary expedients, but by a free trade alone, that this nation is now to be saved from im¬ pending ruin.” This address was carried to the Viceroy, by the Speaker, amidst the acclamations of an im¬ mense multitude, between two lines of the Dublin Volunteers, commanded by the Duke of Leinster, which extended from the Parliament House to the Castle. Lord North, the British minister, took the hint, and introduced in the English Parliament, with¬ out opposition, a bill for the removal of most of the restrictions on trade, and another allowing the free ex¬ portation of many articles hitherto prohibited, especially of woollens.
It was too evident that this tardy measure of relief was granted, not from any desire of doing justice to an oppressed nation, but from the fear of offending the Volunteers, who had become too formidable to be trifled with.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 28

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1779 was the stage for a remarkable scene. On the 12th of October, the Commons, on the motion of Mr. Hussey Burgh, sent an address to the King declaring that it was not by temporary expedients but by a free trade alone that this nation was to be saved from impending ruin. The Speaker carried that address to the Viceroy amidst the acclamations of an immense multitude, passing between two lines of the Dublin Volunteers, commanded by the Duke of Leinster, stretching from the Parliament House to the Castle. Lord North, the British minister, took the hint and introduced in the English Parliament, without opposition, a bill for the removal of most of the restrictions on trade, and another allowing the free exportation of many articles hitherto prohibited, especially woollens. It was too evident that this tardy measure of relief was granted not from any desire of doing justice to an oppressed nation, but from the fear of offending the Volunteers, who had become too formidable to be trifled with.

Family moves furniture by canal to Kilkea Castle before the rebellion

Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1797–1798

Having wound up his Dublin affairs by December 1797, Reynolds's father moved his furniture via the canal from Dublin to Athy, completed the furnishing of Kilkea Castle, and moved his family in for Christmas, only for the castle to be desolated by the coming rebellion.

Read the passage

My father had wound up all his affairs in Dublin previously to the month of December, 1797 ; and, the repairs of Kilkea being completed, he removed all his furniture by the canal which goes from Dublin to A thy, and, having completely furnished the castle and stocked the lands, at an expense of several thousand pounds, he removed his family into it in December, and had seve¬ ral Dublin friends to pass Christmas there with him. My mother expected to be confined in April, for which event she was to return to Dublin, and until her de¬ parture they had a constant succession of entertain¬ ments, welcoming their arrival as residents in the country.
My father’s property, on entering into possession of Kilkea Castle, was, in addition to the estate as above described, 4000/, in houses in Park-street, Ashe-street, and Corman Hall ; his property at Rathfarnham ; and 6000/., partly in cash at his banker’s, and partly in debts, which were all good, besides the mortgage for 3000/. on Sir Duke Giffard’s property, and his lifeinterest in Fort Stewart estate in Jamaica, left him by Mr. J. Meade. His style of living was such as became a gentleman of what, in those days, was an ample for-

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 102

Final Stand and Dispersal at Ballygullen

Ballygullen · townland · Wexford · 1798

Sir James Duff overtook the retreating rebels at Ballygullen, four miles from Gorey, where they made a stand and repulsed the advanced cavalry guard before being dispersed when infantry arrived.

Read the passage

Next day they directed their march towards Coolkenna, but were pursued so closely by a body of about a hundred and fifty yeomen and a company of the True Blues of Tinnehely, that they changed their course, and stationed themselves on Ballyraheen-hill, between Carnew and Tinnehely. Here the yeomen began an attack, but the rebels, instead of waiting for them to ascend the hill, rushed down on them with such impetuosity, that they put them to flight, with the loss of ten men killed and several wounded. Captain Morton and Lieu¬ tenant Chamney took refuge, with sixty men, in Cap¬ tain Chamney’s house, at the foot of the hill, where they sustained a siege of fourteen hours, till at length the rebels, finding all their efforts to set fire to the house fruitless, retired towards morning, leaving about a hundred and fifty of their companions dead about the house. They then separated into two bodies, one of which assembled at White Heaps, at the foot of Crogan Mountain, where they were pursued by General Need¬ ham and Sir James Huff. They then advanced to Wicklow Gap, a pass between the mountains of Crogan and Conna, where they were encountered, on the morn¬ ing of the 5th of July, by Sir James Huff, before whom they retreated towards Gorey. Sir James Huff still pursued them closely, and again overtook them at Ballygullin, four miles from Gorey. There they made a stand, and repulsed the advanced guard of cavalry; but the infantry soon coming up, they again dispersed
326

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 306

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1798, retreating rebels made their final stand close to Ballygullen. They had been pursued by Sir James Huff since he encountered them at Wicklow Gap on the morning of 5 July. When he overtook them here, four miles from Gorey, they stood their ground and repulsed his advanced guard of cavalry. But the infantry soon came up, and the rebels dispersed. This was the tail end of a hard flight. Earlier, the same body of rebels had stormed down Ballyraheen-hill and put a hundred and fifty yeomen to flight, killing ten. They besieged Captain Chamney's house for fourteen hours before retiring, leaving about 150 of their own dead around the house. After that they split, and one group was chased through White Heaps at the foot of Crogan Mountain until Sir James Huff caught them here at Ballygullen. Whatever order they still had broke apart once the infantry arrived.

French occupy Castlebar and distribute muskets

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

After their victory the French troops occupied Castlebar unmolested until 4 September, during which time Irish peasantry flocked to join them and 5000 muskets were distributed among the recruits.

Read the passage

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

You are coming through Castlebar in Mayo. In 1798, this town saw one of the most disgraceful flights in Irish military history. The royal artillery was directed by Captain Shortall and at first did considerable execution among the French, checking their progress. But the French 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 in all directions through the town. They took the road to Tuam, thirty miles from Castlebar, and reached it that night. Not thinking themselves safe even there, they stopped only to refresh themselves, then continued their flight to Athlone, thirty-three miles further. The vanguard reached Athlone at one o'clock on Tuesday the 29th. They had fled sixty-three miles in twenty-seven hours. The royal army lost fifty-three killed, thirty-four wounded, and 279 prisoners or missing, along with ten pieces of artillery and four curricle-guns. The French loss was not known. The French troops entered Castlebar and remained unmolested until the 4th of September. While there, the Irish peasantry flocked in great numbers to join them, and 5000 muskets were distributed among the recruits. But their total want of discipline rendered them almost useless as auxiliaries. General Humbert had expected not only to find powerful support among the Irish, but also to find more.

Lord Kilwarden tries Defenders at Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1797

Defenders remained active as late as 1797, when Lord Kilwarden was sent to Armagh to try them, resulting in several being hanged along with some Peep-o'-day Boys.

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

Marquis of Drogheda's headquarters at Clogheen against Whiteboys

Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1762

To suppress the Whiteboy disturbances in Leinster and Munster, the Marquis of Drogheda took command of troops and made Clogheen, County Tipperary, his headquarters, checking their activities.

Read the passage

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

Panic evacuation of Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

At Gorey, garrisoned by only thirty men under Lieutenant Swayne, panic led to an order to evacuate the town and retire to Arklow, causing a chaotic flight of civilians before the town was found not actually under attack.

Read the passage

The rapid success of the insurgents in the southern parts of the county of Wexford created universal alarm among the loyal inhabitants of the neighbouring towns. At Gorey, especially, which was garrisoned by Lieu¬ tenant Swayne, with only thirty men of the North Cork militia, and a few yeomen, the terror and agitation was so great, that an order was given to evacuate the town, and retire to Arklow. As soon as this order was known, a melancholy scene of confusion took place. Crowds of people were running in all directions for their horses, harnessing their cars, and placing their families in them with terror and haste, in order to get away before the imagined arrival of a resistless and ferocious enemy. The road was soon tilled with vehicles
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 277

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Gorey, in County Wexford. Back in 1798, when the insurgents were sweeping through the southern parts of the county, alarm spread among the loyal inhabitants of every neighbouring town. Gorey was garrisoned by Lieutenant Swayne with only thirty men of the North Cork militia and a few yeomen. The terror was so great that an order went out to evacuate the town and retire to Arklow. What followed was a melancholy scene of confusion. Crowds of people ran in all directions for their horses, harnessing their cars, placing their families in them with terror and haste, trying to get away before what they imagined would be the arrival of a resistless and ferocious enemy. The road filled with vehicles. In the end, no attack came.

Rebel repulse and burning of Borris

Borris · town · Carlow · 1798

On 12 June a rebel detachment was sent to Borris, County Carlow, to procure arms and ammunition but was repulsed with ten killed and many wounded, though they burned much of the town before retreating.

Read the passage

posted themselves on Slyeevekeelter, a hill which rises over the river of Ross, formed by the united streams of the Nore and Barrow ; and three days afterwards they advanced to the hill of Lacken, within a mile of Ross, where they formed something like a regular encamp¬ ment. On the 12th of June they sent a detachment to the little town of Borris, in the county of Carlow, to procure arms and ammunition; but the detachment was repulsed, with the loss of ten men killed and many wounded. Before they retreated, however, they contrived to burn the greater part of the town. This was the only expedition undertaken by the rebels under Father Philip Roach ; their time from that to the 20th was spent in idleness, inactivity, feasting, and rioting : many of them, tired of being away from home, aban¬ doned their leaders and returned to their occupations.
Meantime that body of insurgents who had defeated Colonel Walpole and advanced to Gorey had for¬ tunately been as inactive as their friends at Lacken. Instead of marching immediately upon Arklow, which had been abandoned by the garrison on the morning of the 5th, they waited till the 9th. By that time the mnic had subsided, the garrison had returned to their duty, and had been reinforced by the Cavan regiment of militia, and at one o’clock in the morning of the 9th, by a regiment of the Durham fencibles, under Colonel Skerrett. At length the rebels, who had been for the preceding four or five days occupied in burning the town of Carnew, in trying and executing Orangemen, in plundering houses, and other acts of a similar nature,

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 284

Rebels dislodged from Rathangan

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

Two days after the defeat at Tara, rebels who had held Rathangan were dislodged by Lieutenant-Colonel Longfield of the royal Cork militia, with the loss of sixty men.

Read the passage

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

Reynolds inveigled into the United Irishmen via Dillon and Bond's Dublin houses

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1797

Peter Sullivan brought Reynolds's father to the residence of Richard Dillon, a Catholic leader, who in turn brought him to the house of Oliver Bond, a Presbyterian leader, where he was persuaded to join the United Irishmen.

Read the passage

presented, made it necessary lie should know what was going on, and for that reason he (Sullivan) had been ordered to open the matter to him, and to refer him to Mr. Richard Dillon as a Catholic, and to Mr. Oliver Bond as a Presbyterian leader, for fuller information on the subject. My father accordingly accompanied him to the residence of Richard Dillon, who brought him to the house of Oliver Bond ; and, through the representations of these men, he was, unfortunately for himself and his own family, but fortunately for his country, inveigled to become a United Irishman.
My father finally removed his family from Dublin to Kilkea Castle in December, 1797, as I before stated, and up to the day of his departure, or rather up to the 1st of January, 1798, Sullivan continued to be his con¬ fidential man of business, and regularly received his full salary, although he had lately married, and was forming a settlement for himself in another business.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you're in the city where Thomas Reynolds's father was drawn into the United Irishmen in 1797. Peter Sullivan, his man of business, opened the matter to him and referred him to Richard Dillon as a Catholic leader and Oliver Bond as a Presbyterian leader. His father went with Sullivan to Dillon's residence, and Dillon brought him to Bond's house. There, through the representations of these men, he was, as his son put it, "inveigled to become a United Irishman." His son called it unfortunate for himself and his family, but fortunate for his country. The family finally left for Kilkea Castle in December 1797, and Sullivan continued as his confidential man of business up to the 1st of January, 1798.

Reynolds retires to Kilkea amid suspicion of informing

Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1798

After the arrests at Bond's, Reynolds retired to Kilkea, keeping his role secret even from his wife, while rumours spread that he had betrayed the meeting; a man named Kennaa warned him of the rumour.

Read the passage

From the part you were apparently taking, did any thing happen to you ? — There did, two circumstances. I retired to Kilkea ; I had never told any human being what had passed between Mr. Cope and me, not even Mrs. Reynolds ; I appeared in my usual intercourse in the country ; I attended, as I have already stated, one meeting of the county committee and one with my captains. * Shortly after I went down Kennaa came and told me he heard I was the man who had be¬ trayed the meeting at Bond’s ; that he heard it as a rumour, but would inform me more if he heard any¬ thing ; and on the 16th April the delegate of Narragh and Rheban, whose name I do not know, but whose person I did, came from the county meeting to me, to let me know that I must attend on the Monday follow-
* At these meetings he resigned his appointments and withdrew from the society. He was compelled to attend these meetings that his absence might not betray the course he had adopted. His communications with government had entirely ceased upon the arrest at Bond’s.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 352

Reynolds Sworn as United Irishman at Oliver Bond's House

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1797

Thomas Reynolds stated he had been sworn in as a United Irishman at the house of Oliver Bond in early 1797, attending several meetings of the society's first two grades that year before retiring to Kilkea.

Read the passage

Mr. Reynolds stated that he had been sworn in an United Irishman, at the house of Oliver Bond, in the early part of the year 1797 ; that he had attended several meetings of the society in its two first grades, in the early part of that year; that the objects of the society were “to overturn the constitution and present government of Ireland ; to establish a republican go¬ vernment instead of it ; and to favour any landing of the French which might forward these views.” # He
* It must not be understood that Mr. Reynolds was informed that these were the real objects of the United Irishmen previous to becoming a member of the society ; that conspirators should fully open themselves to a candidate, previous to his admission, would be alike contrary to common sense and common experience. Their ostensible objects were Catholic emancipation and reform in parliament. In the words of the learned judge who tried this case, Mr. Reynolds “learned their projects by attending all the different meetings, there hearing the end and object of their institution repeatedly mentioned by the body collectively.”

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 344

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is where Thomas Reynolds was sworn in as a United Irishman at the house of Oliver Bond, in early 1797. He attended several meetings of the society in its two first grades that year, before retiring to Kilkea. The stated objects of the society were, in Reynolds's words, to overturn the constitution and present government of Ireland, to establish a republican government instead of it, and to favour any landing of the French which might forward these views. But Reynolds was not told these aims before he joined. Conspirators do not fully open themselves to a candidate before admission. Their ostensible objects were Catholic emancipation and reform in parliament. As the learned judge who tried the case put it, Reynolds learned their projects by attending all the different meetings, there hearing the end and object of their institution repeatedly mentioned by the body collectively.

Right Boys insurrection begins in Kerry and spreads through Munster

Kerry · county · Kerry · 1785–1786

An insurrection originating in the county of Kerry around 1785-86 quickly spread through Cork and other parts of Munster, with peasants administering oaths of obedience to the imaginary 'Captain Right' and enforcing fixed tithe rates.

Read the passage

About the year 1785 or 1786 an insurrection, ori¬ ginating in the county of Kerry, quickly spread through that of Cork and other parts of Munster ; and, though the lower orders of the peasantry were the only class who ostensibly took any part in it, yet their systematic proceedings too clearly showed that they were put for¬ ward and encouraged by persons of a higher walk in life. They assembled in large bodies of several hun¬ dreds, and marched through the country, unarmed, administering oaths of obedience to Captain Right, whence they were called Right Boys. The orders of this imaginary chief were, that they should not pay more than a fixed price for the tithes per acre ; that they should permit no proctors, nor suffer the minister to draw his tithe. Meantime they offered no opposition to magistrates seizing any of their body who were ac¬ cused of crime : thus showing a respect for the law hardly to be expected from such men. At first they
40

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 44

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Kerry, you are in the county where the Right Boys insurrection began around 1785 or 1786. It started here and quickly spread through Cork and other parts of Munster. The lower orders of the peasantry were the only class who openly took part, but their systematic proceedings suggested they were encouraged by persons of higher standing. They assembled in large bodies of several hundreds and marched through the country unarmed, administering oaths of obedience to an imaginary Captain Right, which is how they got their name. The orders of this fictional chief were that they should not pay more than a fixed price for tithes per acre, and that they should permit no proctors or suffer the minister to draw his tithe. They offered no opposition to magistrates seizing any of their body accused of crime, showing a respect for the law hardly expected from such men.

Belfast and Wexford raise Volunteer companies

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1778–1780

When British government could offer no military assistance against feared invasion, the inhabitants of Belfast and Wexford set the example of raising companies of Volunteers armed and clothed at their own expense.

Read the passage

In order to carry on the war in America, most of the military had been withdrawn from Ireland, and the Americans, aware of that circumstance, sent out priva¬ teers, who were constantly hovering about the coasts, and frequently capturing merchant-vessels within sight of the land. At the same time, well-grounded appre¬ hensions were entertained that France and Spain were projecting an invasion. The few forces left in the kingdom were quite inadequate to her defence ; and, when application was made by the inhabitants of Bel¬ fast to the British government for assistance, they were told that none could be afforded, but that they must arm and defend themselves. Abandoned thus to their own resources, Belfast and Wexford set the example
22

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 26

Final defeat of Fitzgerald's rebels near Swords

Swords · town · Dublin · 1798

Fitzgerald's remaining 800 men, retreating toward the Wicklow mountains, were overtaken near Swords and made a final stand against the Dumfries cavalry and infantry, being defeated with much slaughter and totally dispersed.

Read the passage

Boyne, intending to regain the Wicklow mountains ; but, overtaken near Swords, in the county of Dublin, they made a final stand against the Dumfries cavalry and a body of infantry, were defeated with much slaughter, and totally dispersed. Fitzgerald surren¬ dered on terms to General Dundas, and was confined in Dublin Castle till the beginning of 1799, when Lord Cornwallis permitted him to retire to England, where he remained till the 25th of March following, when he was again arrested at Bristol, and afterwards allowed to retire to Hamburgh.* Some hundreds of his men reached the Wicklow mountains, where, joined by other desperate outlaws, they desolated the country, under the conduct of two men of low degree named Holt and Hacket. Descending suddenly from one or other of the fastnesses in this wild and extensive range of mountains, they committed the most horrible ex¬ cesses, retiring again before the troops could arrive to prevent them or to intercept their retreat. They almost invariably exercised their atrocities on the persons and properties of Protestants, frequently passing over the lands and through the flocks of Roman Catholics, which they left unhurt, to reach a more distant Pro¬ testant proprietor. This preference roused certain feel¬ ings among the neighbouring yeomen, who, unable to seize and punish the aggressors, determined to revenge themselves on those who were thus favoured ; and where any Protestants were murdered by the banditti they re-
* Hay’s History of the Insurrection in Wexford.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 309

Garrison Takes Refuge in Malt-House at Carnew

Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

The fleeing cavalry alerted the Carnew garrison, which had barely time to retire into a malt-house that had survived the town's previous burning, using it as barracks when the rebels attacked ineffectually.

Read the passage

opposed by a body of the King’s troops, who killed a great number of them, and those who escaped passed through the woods near Ferns, and gained the Wicklow mountains. There they fell in wfith Garret Byrne, who had been repulsed from Hacketstown, and, placing themselves under his command, they returned towards Wexford, intending to surprise the garrison of Carnew by the way. General Needham, who com¬ manded the forces stationed at Gorey, hearing of their approach, sent two hundred cavalry, under the com¬ mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Pulestone, and a propor¬ tionate body of infantry, to disperse them. They came up with the rebels near Carnew ; and the cavalry, pushing forward with most imprudent zeal, so as to be quite unsupported by the infantry, began a vigorous attack ; but the rebels, quitting the high-road, placed themselves behind the wall or hedges on either side, and poured such a destructive fire on their adversaries, that they killed, in a very short time, fifty-five of them, without losing a single man. The cavalry, unable to retreat, or to do any injury to the rebels, had no resource but to push forward for Carnew, where they gave the alarm to the garrison, which had barely time to retire into a malt-house that had escaped the previous con¬ flagration of the town, and which now served as their
1798.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 305

Nuns of King Street nunnery testify against Thomas Reynolds

King Street · street · Dublin · 1798

Mrs Molloy and Miss Fitzgerald, aunts of Thomas Reynolds who resided in the King Street nunnery in Dublin, were persuaded by party spirit during the Rebellion to testify against him, portraying his dealings with Mrs Cahill as fraudulent. They refused to admit his wife when she came to pay an outstanding bill.

Read the passage

was applied to, and party spirit being at its height, whoever could contribute even the shadow of a charge, readily came forward : among others, Mrs. Molloy and Miss Fitzgerald, his aunts, who resided in King Street nunnery, were prevailed upon to appear against him, and represent these transactions with Mrs. Cahill as an attempt at fraud. They represented my father as having endeavoured first to cheat Mrs. Cahill, by giv¬ ing her a false bond, and then almost to starve her, by withholding her money. The last bill fell due, as I have stated, on the 1st July, 1798. On that day my mother went, by my father’s directions, to Mrs. Cahill to pay it. When my mother offered the money to Mrs. Cahill, she told her that the bill was in Mrs. Molloy’s hands, but she produced and delivered up to her all my father’s other securities, unasked, because she said Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Molloy, and an attorney, had been with her, to get them from her, but she said she knew whose they were, and would not trust them out of her hands, as she saw they wanted them for some bad purpose. Upon this my mother went to the nunnery, and asked to see Mrs. Molloy, who refused to admit her, or to send out the bill that she might pay it. My mother then wrote a note, stating why she came, and desiring to pay the bill due that day, adding her address that it might be sent for, as they would not receive it there. She sought in vain for some per¬ son to take charge of this note ; the whole community kept themselves carefully shut in. At length, the priest, the spiritual director of the establishment, passed, VOL. i. * i
114

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 113

Oliver Bond's trial used to avenge old Dublin grievance

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Mr. Valentine O'Connor, offended by the rejection of his marriage proposal for his niece, never forgave the insult and six years later sought to avenge it on the occasion of Oliver Bond's trial in Dublin.

Read the passage

Mr. Valentine O’Connor’s sister, Mrs. Sherlock, a worthy sensible woman, showed my father much kind¬ ness afterwards on his marriage ; but Mr. Valentine O’Connor never forgave the offence he had received ; and six years afterwards he endeavoured to avenge it on the occasion of Oliver Bond’s trial.
My father continued to lead an agreeable and idle

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 81

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is where Oliver Bond came to trial in 1798. A man named Valentine O'Connor, still stung by the rejection of a marriage proposal for his niece six years earlier, used the trial as his chance to settle the old score.

Reynolds appointed United Irish Colonel for barony of Kilkea and Moone

Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1797

Lord Edward Fitzgerald had accepted the appointment of Colonel for the barony of Kilkea and Moone in County Kildare, and asked Reynolds to hold this office for him amid the completed military organization of the county.

Read the passage

During the interval between my father’s ceasing to frequent the society and Lord Edward’s application to him, the directory had completed the military organiza¬ tion of the county of Kildare, and Lord Edward had accepted the appointment of Colonel for the barony of Kilkea and Moone ; and this was the office which he requested my father to hold for him.
The animosities arising out of opposite political interests were nowhere more rancorously kept alive than in the county of Kildare, where the Duke of Leinster’s influence, formerly unbounded, had recently been so successfully opposed, as to deprive him of the nomination of one of the county members. My father’s family connexions being related to and descended from the same stock as the Duke of Leinster, supported with all their means the interest of him whom they considered as their chief. They held his enemies as theirs, they rejoiced in his prosperity, they resented any injury done to him, as if it had been done to them¬ selves, and any wish or desire of his to them carried a commanding influence ; so that when his brother,

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 177

Reynolds resigns offices before captains at Athy

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

On a market-day, Reynolds met his captains at Athy, read them Lord Edward's letter, burned it, and resigned his offices of colonel and treasurer of the baronial committee, ending his connection with the United Irishmen.

Read the passage

He then stated that he returned into the country in a few days ; that he attended a meeting of the county committee, at which he read Lord Edward’s letter, and then resigned his own appointment of treasurer ; and that, on the following market-day, he met some of his captains at Athy, and, after reading Lord Edward’s letter to them, he put it into the fire, and then resigned his offices of colonel and treasurer of the baronial com¬ mittee, which committee he had never attended at all ; and thus ended his connexion with the United Irish¬ men.
Mr. Reynolds was then asked, Who was the first person to whom he disclosed what he knew of the United Irishmen’s business, and what was the nature of his connexion with that person ?

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 349

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Athy, a town in Kildare with a part in the 1798 story. On a market-day that year, Thomas Reynolds met some of his captains here and read them a letter from Lord Edward. Then he put the letter into the fire, and resigned his offices of colonel and treasurer of the baronial committee, a committee he had never attended at all. That was the end of his connection with the United Irishmen.

River Greece diverted to flood meadows and empty mill pond at Kilkea

Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1798

Soldiers broke the sluices of the river Greece running through the Kilkea estate, flooding about seventy acres of meadow and emptying the mill pond supposedly to search for hidden weapons, causing distress to the neighbourhood.

Read the passage

my father added three or four. The whole collection was destroyed. They broke down the sluices of the river Greece, which ran through the estate, and so let the water inundate about seventy acres of meadow land, ruining it for that season, and by thus letting off the water they emptied the great pond which supplied the manor mill, to the great distress of all the neigh¬ bourhood. The pretence for this act was to lower the bed of the river, and empty the mill-pond, that they might see if pikes or other weapons were concealed there. The wives and servants of the officers, as well as the soldiers’ wives and followers, kept up a constant petty pillage, carrying off linen, blankets, quilts, books, china, and everything that was portable beyond the precincts of my father’s bed-room, where, as yet all was preserved by his living entirely in it.
It has been my father’s lot since then, to witness the ravages of war in the Peninsula, where Spaniards, French, Portuguese, and English, with their German auxiliaries, men trained to rapine, alternately plundered and devastated the country, but in all that disorder, of which he was an eye-witness during six years, he has frequently assured me that he never saw such coolblooded, wanton, useless destruction, as was committed by Captain Erskine and his companions at Kilkea, and over the surrounding country. It was Croppy pro¬ perty, and that was quite sufficient in their eyes to make destruction a virtue. My father’s steward, William Byrne, was flogged and tortured to make him discover the supposed depot of arms. Lieutenant Love

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 220

Thomas Reynolds sworn as a United Irishman at Oliver Bond's house

Bridge Street · street · Dublin · 1797

Reynolds joined the United Irishmen in early 1797 and was sworn in by Oliver Bond at his house on Bridge-street, Dublin, initially unaware of the full extent of the society's designs.

Read the passage

Thus early pushed forward in politics, and impressed with a deep interest in the religious emancipation of his countrymen, it is not surprising that on the disper¬ sion of the body which had prosecuted their claims with success, he felt little hesitation in becoming a member of an association which professed complete Catholic emancipation to be its first object, and, without much difficulty, in January or February 1797, he yielded to the solicitation of some friends, as already stated, and consented to join the United Irishmen. He was sworn in by Oliver Bond, at his house in Bridge-street.* When he joined the association, he knew no more of its designs than it had pleased the leaders to publish, and was implied in the oath he took. It is true that he soon discovered that more was meant than had been expressed in that oath ; but he heard so little, and that little so vaguely, that he regarded all the plans and projects hinted at as wild and ridiculous schemes.
* Mr. Plowden tells us that “ so little was that bond of union consi¬ dered treasonable in 1797, that at the Armagh assizes, when the spirit and tendency of it were brought before the court on the trial of Hanlon and Nogher, who were charged with having tendered an unlawful oath or engagement to become one of an unlawful, wicked, and seditious society, called United Irishmen, the prisoners were acquitted. The counsel not only defended, but commended the institution ; the judge

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 175

As the companion tells it

Along here on Bridge Street in Dublin, Thomas Reynolds was sworn in as a United Irishman by Oliver Bond at Bond's house, in January or February 1797. Reynolds had been pushed forward in politics and felt deeply about Catholic emancipation, so when friends urged him to join an association that professed complete Catholic emancipation as its first object, he yielded without much difficulty. When he joined, he knew no more of its designs than the leaders had published and what was implied in the oath. He soon discovered that more was meant than had been expressed, but he heard so little, and that little so vaguely, that he regarded the plans and projects hinted at as wild and ridiculous schemes. The oath itself was so little considered treasonable in 1797 that at the Armagh assizes, when its spirit and tendency were brought before the court, the prisoners charged with tendering it were acquitted. The counsel not only defended but commended the institution.

Towns destroyed by fire during the rebellion

Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

Several towns including Carnew, Tinnehely, Hacketstown, Donard, Blessington, and Killedmond were entirely destroyed by fire during the 1798 rebellion, alongside widespread devastation of cabins and gentlemen's seats.

Read the passage

It would be impossible to form any correct idea of the desolation caused in the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, and the neighbourhood, by the ravages of the rebellion. Besides a multitude of cabins, farm¬ houses, and gentlemen’s seats in the open country, the towns of Carnew, Tinnehely, Hacketstown, Donard, Blessington, and Killedmond were entirely destroyed by fire. At Ross above three hundred houses, mostly those of the poor, were consumed, and a great part of Enniscorthy was destroyed. Whenever a town was taken possession of by the rebels, whatever houses escaped the flames were gutted so effectually that no¬ thing remained but the walls and the roof ; everything else was wantonly destroyed, and the furniture was uni¬ versally either burned or carried off. This devastation and plundering was not always the work of the rebels.
336

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 316

Belfast Volunteers review 5400 men with artillery

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1780–1781

The Belfast Volunteer association grew so large that 5,400 men, with a train of 13 pieces of artillery, were publicly reviewed there, while still declaring loyalty to the British Government.

Read the passage

The determined attitude of the Volunteers, and the rapidly-increasing energy of their demands, now began to give serious uneasiness to the British Government, who used every effort to weaken the associations. These had increased to such an extent, that at Belfast alone 5400 men, with a train of 13 pieces of artillery, were publicly reviewed from time to time ; and, though these men gave repeated testimonies of their loyalty and at¬ tachment to the British Government, they declared themselves determined to obtain a free trade, secured by a free legislature.
On the 28th of December, 1781, the officers and de¬ legates of the first Regiment of Volunteers of Ulster, commanded by the Earl of Charlemont, met at Armagh, and, having passed a resolution, setting forth their opi¬ nion of the degraded and inefficient condition of the Irish Parliament, invited all the corps of that Province to send delegates to Dungannon, to consider the means of obtaining redress. Their invitation was complied with, and the representatives of 143 Volunteer corps

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 29

County meeting at Bells, the Curragh, to try Reynolds

Curragh · townland · Kildare · 1798

Reynolds was summoned to attend a county meeting at Bells, on the Curragh, to stand trial before the United Irishmen on the accusation that he had betrayed the meeting at Bond's house.

Read the passage

ing at the county meeting, which was to be held at Bells, on the Curragh, there to stand my trial on an accusation brought from Dublin by Michael Reynolds* from the provincial committee, relative to my having betrayed the meeting at Bond’s ; that he was sure, as every other member in the county was, that I would acquit myself, and it was for that reason they called upon me. I had before that intended to quit the country, but Mrs. Reynolds’ illness prevented me (Mrs. Reynolds was confined of her second son on the 15 th of April), and I remained arranging my affairs, and in¬ tended to have gone to Dublin instead of going to the Curragh ; but on the Saturday previous to the meeting Captain Erskine and Lieutenant Neale, of the Louth militia, with a number of men, came to live at free quarters at my house, and put me under arrest ; they stayed about eight or ten days, and destroyed an immen¬ sity of my property, drank my wine, ate my provision, and broke my furniture. t After they left me, and I had put the house in what order I could, I was coming to
* Upon Mr. Reynolds’ resignation this person was chosen delegate to the provincial committee.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 353

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Curragh, in 1798, Thomas Reynolds was summoned to a county meeting at Bells, here on the Curragh, to stand trial before the United Irishmen. The accusation came from Michael Reynolds of the provincial committee in Dublin, that he had betrayed the meeting at Bond's house. He had intended to leave the country, but his wife was confined of their second son on the 15th of April, and he stayed to arrange his affairs. He meant to go to Dublin rather than face the Curragh meeting. But on the Saturday before it, Captain Erskine and Lieutenant Neale of the Louth militia arrived at his house with a number of men, put him under arrest, and lived at free quarters there for about eight or ten days. They drank his wine, ate his provisions, broke his furniture, and destroyed a great deal of his property. After they left and he had put the house in what order he could, he was on his way here.

Death of Hacket near Arklow

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

The outlaw leader Hacket was killed near Arklow by a Mr. Atkins while attacking his house in defence of his property.

Read the passage

At Castletown, four miles from Gorey, four Protest¬ ants were murdered in the night by Hacket’s men ; next day seven Roman Catholics were butchered by the yeomen in revenge. At Aughrim, in the county of Wicklow, fifteen Protestants were murdered by the banditti ; the yeomen massacred twenty-seven Roman Catholics in the same place in revenge ! Horrible as this appears, these are plain, naked truths. Many similar facts are now before me, but these are sufficient to evince the shocking condition of the country. Ha¬ rassed by the pursuit of the military, particularly of a Scotch regiment of Highlanders, who were as active mountaineers as the outlaws themselves, and the dreary wastes affording no shelter in the wet and cold season, their numbers daily decreased. At length Hacket was killed by a Mr. Atkins, near Arklow, in defence of his house, which that robber attacked ; and Holt surren¬ dered himself to Lord Powerscourt, and was trans¬ ported.
When Holt was brought to Dublin he was at first lodged in a little chamber on the ground-floor of the buildings in the castle-yard. My father could not re¬ sist the desire to see this very remarkable outlaw ; he accordingly went with Lord Castlereagh and several

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 310

As the companion tells it

As you come through Arklow, in County Wicklow, this is where the outlaw leader Hacket met his end in 1798. He had been leading a band of men through the countryside, and the country was in a shocking state. Protestants were murdered by Hacket's men at Castletown, four miles from Gorey, and Roman Catholics were killed in revenge by the yeomen. At Aughrim, fifteen Protestants were murdered by the banditti, and twenty-seven Roman Catholics were massacred in return. A Scotch regiment of Highlanders pursued the outlaws through the dreary wastes, and with no shelter in the cold and wet season, their numbers fell daily. In the end, Hacket was killed by a Mr. Atkins near Arklow, in defence of his house, which that robber had attacked. His companion Holt surrendered himself to Lord Powerscourt and was transported.

Destruction of houses at New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

During the rebellion, above three hundred houses at Ross, mostly belonging to the poor, were consumed by fire.

Read the passage

It would be impossible to form any correct idea of the desolation caused in the counties of Wexford, Wicklow, and the neighbourhood, by the ravages of the rebellion. Besides a multitude of cabins, farm¬ houses, and gentlemen’s seats in the open country, the towns of Carnew, Tinnehely, Hacketstown, Donard, Blessington, and Killedmond were entirely destroyed by fire. At Ross above three hundred houses, mostly those of the poor, were consumed, and a great part of Enniscorthy was destroyed. Whenever a town was taken possession of by the rebels, whatever houses escaped the flames were gutted so effectually that no¬ thing remained but the walls and the roof ; everything else was wantonly destroyed, and the furniture was uni¬ versally either burned or carried off. This devastation and plundering was not always the work of the rebels.
336

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 316

Distress letter from Betty Cahill during the 1798 arrest

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Following Thomas Reynolds's arrest, the elderly Betty Cahill wrote a desperate letter describing her poverty and mistreatment by the executors Prendergast and Ware, and her having to pawn her ring for money. The letter, later proved in court, illustrates the hardship suffered by dependents during the political upheaval.

Read the passage

again to experience. Had it been you I’d gone to I’d be sure of very different treatment ; and I’m persuaded that, when Mr. Reanolds gets his liberty, he’ll call them to account. I’m extremely anxious to know how you and the children are, and whether you saved your fur¬ niture. You may judge of my distress when I was obliged to take the ring off my finger and dispose of it for a very great trifle. I have been keeping my bed ever since I seen Mr. TVare , so great was the shock I got at his telling me he would not give me a farthing ; and I must suffer more than you can imagine unless you have the goodness to send me something either to-day or to-morrow. I conclude, my dear Madam, with sincere regards for you and family, E. C.
“ Dr. Mam, — Be kind enough to seal whatever you send me.”

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

In Dublin, the city you are passing through, a desperate letter was written in 1798 after Thomas Reynolds's arrest. The elderly Betty Cahill described her ruin at the hands of the executors Prendergast and Ware. She had been forced to pawn the ring off her finger, as she put it, for a very great trifle. She kept to her bed ever since seeing Mr. Ware, who told her he would not give her a farthing. She begged for something to be sent that day or the next, and asked after Mrs. Reynolds and the children, and whether the furniture had been saved. The letter was later proved in court, a small record of the hardship that fell on dependents caught in the upheaval.

Flogging of a steward by 9th dragoons officer

Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1798

An officer of the 9th dragoons flogged Reynolds's steward while Cornet Love held him down, illustrating the brutal conduct of military courts-martial in the district.

Read the passage

composed of very honourable men, yet assuredly they knew nothing of law, and having very rarely the assist¬ ance of a judge-advocate, too frequently decided accord¬ ing to the excitement of the moment. The speed with which their decrees were executed unfortunately pre¬ vented revision. Stationed throughout the country to prevent disorder, they were in perpetual war with the inhabitants, and thus, their passions in a continual state of excitement, they could not be very impartial judges. An officer of the 9th dragoons flogged my father’s steward, while Cornet Love held him on his back, as I have already related. A noble lord, who also enjoyed high military rank, not only superintended the flogging of the Croppies, catechising them while under the lash, but is said to have flung salt on the wounds of the sufferers to increase their torture. Could such men be considered as fit to be on a court-martial to decide on the lives of those very men, whom they thus hunted and tormented ? Yet of these, and of such as these men were those courts-martial composed in 1798 ; and before these individual officers, who had thus plun¬ dered his property, and barbarously ill used his steward, my father was now to be dragged and tried for his life, at the instigation of the United Irishmen !
Their attempts to assassinate him having all failed, the United Irishmen resolved to adopt another course. Five of the men who had chosen him for their colonel, viz., — Fairlay, Brannox, Pender, and two brothers named Germain, — were arrested and lodged in Athy gaol by Colonel Campbell on some charge connected

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 227

Foreshadowing of Kilkea Castle's desolation in the rebellion

Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1798

The narrative notes that the troubles preceding the 1798 rebellion, and the rebellion itself, later caused the desolation of Kilkea Castle after the family had newly settled there.

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grace’s head bailiff, with all the customary form ; hut the completing of the lease was deferred until the exact amount of the repairs was ascertained. The troubles which preceded the rebellion then came on, and finally the rebellion itself, which occasioned the desolation of this fine castle, as I shall relate in another place.
My father had wound up all his affairs in Dublin previously to the month of December, 1797 ; and, the repairs of Kilkea being completed, he removed all his furniture by the canal which goes from Dublin to A thy, and, having completely furnished the castle and stocked the lands, at an expense of several thousand pounds, he removed his family into it in December, and had seve¬ ral Dublin friends to pass Christmas there with him. My mother expected to be confined in April, for which event she was to return to Dublin, and until her de¬ parture they had a constant succession of entertain¬ ments, welcoming their arrival as residents in the country.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 102

Hearts of Steel prisoners acquitted at Carrickfergus trial

Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1771–1773

Hearts of Steel insurgents captured after the Belfast gaol incident were sent for trial to Carrickfergus, where they were acquitted, prompting new legislation on venue for trials.

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a violent and sanguinary insurrection. The agent of the Marquis of Donegal proposed to grant leases, or renewals of leases, on an estate belonging to his lordship in the county of Antrim, to such persons only as would pay large fines. Many of the old tenants, un¬ able to pay the fines, were turned out of their farms, and reduced to great distress. Rendered desperate by their situation, they formed an association called the “Hearts of Steel,” and, being soon reinforced by discon¬ tented or distressed peasants from the neighbouring counties, they proceeded to maim or destroy the cattle of those who had taken their former tenements, and to commit other outrages of a very serious nature. Such was their boldness and resolution, that, one of their party being confined in the gaol at Belfast, on a charge of felony, they marched into the town, accom¬ panied by some thousands of the peasantry, who joined them on that occasion only, and actually received the prisoner from the military guard, who dared not offer any opposition. At length the military interfered, when several were made prisoners, and sent for trial to Carrickfergus, where they were acquitted. In con¬ sequence of these acquittals an act of parliament was passed in 1772, ordering the insurgents to be tried in counties different from those in which the offence had been committed. Many were then sent to Dublin ; but there the new law was considered so unconstitu¬ tional that the prisoners were again all acquitted. In December, 1773, the act was repealed, and, as the in¬ surrection had become more formidable from long
c 2

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 24

Provincial Committee to meet at Oliver Bond's house

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Michael Reynolds of Naas informed newly-chosen officers that the provincial committee of the United Irishmen would meet at Oliver Bond's house in Dublin on important business. This meeting became a key site of state action against the United Irishmen.

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was the highest body known to the society, except the directory, of whom the witness declared that he had heard, hut that he did not at that time know who they were. He says that a Mr. Cummins of Kildare was chosen secretary, and a Mr. Daly of Kilcullen delegate, and that he himself was chosen treasurer, in the place of Lord Edward Fitzgerald ; and he adds, that one Michael Reynolds of Naas, who had been secretary during the preceding three months, then informed the newly-chosen officers that the provincial committee would meet on the next day, the 19th, in Dublin, at Oliver Bond’s house, and that important business was to be then transacted.
Mr. Reynolds then states that he did not attend the meeting of the provincial committee held at Bond’s house on the 19th of February ; and that he afterwards learned that another meeting of the provincial com¬ mittee would be held at the same place and hour on the 12th of March.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 347

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are travelling through a city where the United Irishmen's provincial committee held a fateful meeting in 1798. Michael Reynolds of Naas told the newly chosen officers that the committee would meet on the 19th of February at Oliver Bond's house, with important business to transact. Reynolds himself was treasurer, chosen in place of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, while Mr. Cummins of Kildare became secretary and Mr. Daly of Kilcullen delegate. Reynolds did not attend that February meeting, and afterwards learned a second one was set for the 12th of March at the same house. These meetings at Bond's became a key target for the authorities in their moves against the United Irishmen.

Rebel Victory at Newbridge, Kilkenny

Droichead Nua (Newbridge) · town · Kildare · 1798

On 23rd June the rebels arrived at Newbridge in County Kilkenny, where they easily defeated a small body of the 4th dragoon guards and a company of Wexford militia before marching on to the Ridge of Leinster.

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The main body of the rebels who fled from Wex¬ ford, amounting, according to the best computations, to fifteen thousand men, directed its march, under the command of Father John Murphy, to Scollogh Gap, an opening, as the name indicates, in the hills called Mount Leinster, which separate Wexford from Carlow. Their intention was to penetrate into the county of Kil¬ kenny, in order to raise a rebellion among the colliers of Castlecomer. On their way they burnt the little town of Killedmond, in the county of Carlow, and, con¬ tinuing their march, arrived on the 23rd of June at Newbridge, in the county of Kilkenny. There they were opposed by a small body of the 4th dragoon guards and a company of the Wexford militia, whom they defeated easily ; and, by a rapid march, on the same evening reached the Ridge of Leinster, five miles from Castlecomer, where they passed the night.
During this march vast numbers of the rebels quitted their comrades, and returned to their homes ; so that, on the morning of the 24th, when they descended from the height to advance on Castlecomer, they were re¬ duced to about eight thousand men. At Coolbawn they wTere met by a body of two hundred and fifty men, whom they defeated, with considerable loss, and then entered Castlecomer without further opposition. The town was filled with Protestants, who had taken refuge there from the depredations of the rebels, who pillaged and destroyed the country through which they passed.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 303

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Droichead Nua, Newbridge. In 1798, this was the scene of a rebel victory during the Wexford rebellion. The main body of rebels who had fled Wexford, amounting to about 15,000 men, marched under the command of Father John Murphy toward Scollogh Gap, an opening in the hills called Mount Leinster, which separate Wexford from Carlow. Their intention was to penetrate into the county of Kilkenny to raise a rebellion among the colliers of Castlecomer. On their way they burned the little town of Killedmond in the county of Carlow, and continuing their march, arrived on the 23rd of June at Newbridge in the county of Kilkenny. There they were opposed by a small body of the 4th dragoon guards and a company of the Wexford militia, whom they defeated easily. By a rapid march on the same evening they reached the Ridge of Leinster, five miles from Castlecomer, where they passed the night. During this march vast numbers of the rebels quit their comrades and returned to their homes, so that on the morning of the 24th, when they descended from the height to advance on Castlecomer, they were reduced to about 8,000 men. At Coolbawn they were met by a body of 250 men, whom they defeated with considerable loss, and then entered Castlecomer without further opposition.

Rumours of Reynolds's arrest circulate at Dublin nunnery in King Street

King Street · street · Dublin · 1798

While in Dublin, Mr Taylor visited the Romish nunnery in King Street where the recluses, including two of Reynolds's own aunts, gossiped that Reynolds had already been arrested at Athy and would be executed.

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Mr. Wheeler Barrington and my father rode forward together, until having passed through the town of Naas about a quarter of a mile, they met a Mr. Taylor, an attorney, who resided in Athy, and who was also a member of the Leinster Cavalry. He was returning from Dublin, where he had been with a dispatch ; he expressed surprise and pleasure at seeing my father, but he told him he must not go forward, as the road a little further on was beset with ruffians, waiting his coming, who made no secret of their intention to destroy him; and he assured my father it was the same in Dublin, where his supposed connexion with Govern¬ ment formed the common conversation among the United Irishmen and their friends, who circulated a thousand infamous reports respecting him. While in Dublin Mr. Taylor had visited the Romish nunnery in King Street : even there the recluses of that community talked of nothing else : they exultingly affirmed that he had already been arrested by the garrison of Athy, and would be executed before Mr. Taylor got back to that town. Among the most violent of these charitable ladies were two of my father’s aunts, Mrs. Molloy and Miss Fitzgerald, whom I have already noticed, and of whom I shall have more to say presently. This intelligence caused my father to return to Naas, where Mr. Taylor
* For particulars see the Courier newspaper of the 7th and 24th of May, 1830.

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 224

United Irishmen meeting at Oliver Bond's house, 12 March 1798

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Baron Smith in his summing up referred to the meeting of the United Irishmen at Bond's house on the 12th of March, a key event in the treason trial evidence concerning the organisation's objectives to overthrow government and favour a French landing.

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(After some observations upon the meeting at Bond’s, on the 12th of March, the learned baron proceeded).
“ As to the frauds and other acts of profligacy with which the witness Reynolds has been charged, some of them he admitted, others he denied ; and I must say that, if he even had committed those which he denied, it would not follow of necessity that he was undeserv¬ ing of credit on his oath ; though, certainly, if those charges which he denied had been proved against him, such circumstance ought to have weight with you in estimating the degree of credit which you would give to his evidence. Gentlemen, great stress has been laid upon the witness having first taken the oath of allegi¬ ance and then that of the United Irishmen, and having finally come forward here and given that testimony which you have heard. It was stated to be gross per¬ jury ; it was assimilated to the case of a man who had been sworn to give evidence in a court of justice, and been afterwards convicted of perjury; and it was said, and said truly, that such a man could never afterwards be received to give evidence ; so the law undoubtedly is. But the present case is obviously distinguishable from the case put : Reynolds had taken the oath of allegiance it is true, nor can his violation of it by taking the United oath be justified in any respect ; but, as to the second, that of a United Irishman, it is very different indeed from an oath taken in a court of justice. A man takes an oath there, calm and uninfluenced, apprized of its consequences, nor can he break it without a violation of the laws of God and man. In giving evidence, he does

Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 408

As the companion tells it

Dublin is the city you are passing through, and in March 1798 it was the setting for a meeting of the United Irishmen at Oliver Bond's house, a gathering that became central evidence in a treason trial. Baron Smith, in his summing up to the jury, made observations upon that meeting at Bond's on the 12th of March. The witness in the case was Thomas Reynolds, and great stress had been laid upon the fact that Reynolds had first taken the oath of allegiance and then the oath of the United Irishmen, and had finally come forward to give testimony. It was stated to be gross perjury. It was said, and said truly, that a man who had been sworn to give evidence in a court of justice and afterwards convicted of perjury could never afterwards be received to give evidence. So the law undoubtedly is. But Baron Smith said the present case was obviously distinguishable. Reynolds had taken the oath of allegiance, and his violation of it by taking the United oath could not be justified in any respect. But the oath of a United Irishman was, in the baron's words, very different indeed from an oath taken in a court of justice. A man takes an oath there, calm and uninfluenced, apprized of its consequences, nor can he break it without a violation of the laws of God and man. The baron also addressed frauds and acts of profligacy with which Reynolds had been charged. Some of them Reynolds admitted, others he denied. Smith said that if he had even committed those he denied, it would not follow of necessity that he was undeserving of credit on his oath, though such circumstance ought to have weight in estimating the degree of credit given to his evidence. The meeting at Bond's house and Reynolds's testimony about it were part of the case concerning the United Irishmen's objectives to overthrow government and favour a French landing.

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

The stories, best first

Rebel Occupation and Atrocities at Rathangan

Reynolds arrested at Castledermot post-office

Reynolds burns Lord Edward's letter before captains at Athy fair

Reynolds forced to take an oath at Naas to avoid assassination

Reynolds Interrogated by the Irish Privy Council in Dublin

Storming and Retaking of Killala

United Irishmen plot to try and kill Reynolds at Naas

Belfast United Irishmen Spread Radical Doctrine

French capture of Ballina and death of Rev. George Fortescue

French fleet under Hoche retreats disappointed from Bantry Bay

French Reinforcement Squadron Anchors at Killala Bay

General Loftus retreats through Gorey Hill to Carnew and Tullow

Hearts of Oak rising begins in County Armagh

Houghing of soldiers in Dublin leads to compensation act

Letter from Athy gaol reassures wife in Dublin

Lord Edward visits Reynolds at Park Street to request he take his post

Malahide muslin mill employed hundreds including child workers

McCormick Flees Dublin After Threats at United Irish Dinner

Richard Jackson's charitable bequest at Forkhill

Rumours of betrayal spread in Dublin and threat at King-street nunnery

Soldiers pillage plunder into the garrison-town of Athy

Tone Dines with United Irish Club at Donegal Arms

Armed Body Occupies and Disarms the Town of Cahir

Battle of Hacketstown

Dr Reynolds Flees to America After Jackson's Arrest

Dublin Volunteers escort address from Parliament House to Castle

Family moves furniture by canal to Kilkea Castle before the rebellion

Final Stand and Dispersal at Ballygullen

French occupy Castlebar and distribute muskets

Lord Kilwarden tries Defenders at Armagh

Marquis of Drogheda's headquarters at Clogheen against Whiteboys

Panic evacuation of Gorey

Rebel repulse and burning of Borris

Rebels dislodged from Rathangan

Reynolds inveigled into the United Irishmen via Dillon and Bond's Dublin houses

Reynolds retires to Kilkea amid suspicion of informing

Reynolds Sworn as United Irishman at Oliver Bond's House

Right Boys insurrection begins in Kerry and spreads through Munster

Belfast and Wexford raise Volunteer companies

Final defeat of Fitzgerald's rebels near Swords

Garrison Takes Refuge in Malt-House at Carnew

Nuns of King Street nunnery testify against Thomas Reynolds

Oliver Bond's trial used to avenge old Dublin grievance

Reynolds appointed United Irish Colonel for barony of Kilkea and Moone

Reynolds resigns offices before captains at Athy

River Greece diverted to flood meadows and empty mill pond at Kilkea

Thomas Reynolds sworn as a United Irishman at Oliver Bond's house

Towns destroyed by fire during the rebellion

Belfast Volunteers review 5400 men with artillery

County meeting at Bells, the Curragh, to try Reynolds

Death of Hacket near Arklow

Destruction of houses at New Ross

Distress letter from Betty Cahill during the 1798 arrest

Flogging of a steward by 9th dragoons officer

Foreshadowing of Kilkea Castle's desolation in the rebellion

Hearts of Steel prisoners acquitted at Carrickfergus trial

Provincial Committee to meet at Oliver Bond's house

Rebel Victory at Newbridge, Kilkenny

Rumours of Reynolds's arrest circulate at Dublin nunnery in King Street

United Irishmen meeting at Oliver Bond's house, 12 March 1798