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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Arigna iron-mines speculation by the O'Reilly brothers

   Arigna · electoral division · Leitrim

   The O'Reilly brothers, cousins of the author's father, undertook to work the ancient and almost lost iron-mines at Arigna in County Leitrim and established a wire-drawing manufactory called New Holland near Dublin on the Liffey. The venture initially prospered but the mines drained money faster than they could supply it, contributing to the brothers' eventual ruin after a smuggling scheme was discovered.

   Read the passage

   Thomas, the second son of Thomas .Reynolds and Margaret Lacy, was my father’s grandfather. He married an English lady, and died at a very advanced age, leaving three daughters and one son, named Andrew. By the marriage of the three daughters, who were my father’s aunts, he became connected with the Moores of Mount Brown, Sir William Jerningham, of Cossory Flail in Norfolk, the O’Connors of Ballynagar, in the county of Roscommon, the O’Reillies of Dublin, and other families of distinction. The last-named con¬ nexion, however, cost the family dear. The three brothers, Thomas, Patrick, and Andrew O’Reilly, who were my father’s first cousins, led away by a passion for speculation, and having about 100,000/. at their com¬ mand, undertook to work the ancient and almost lost iron-mines at Arigna, in the county of Leitrim, and to establish an immense wire-drawing manufactory on the Liffy, near Dublin, which they called New Holland, and from which they undertook to supply wire for the entire consumption of the kingdom ; and the Irish Parliament, hoping to encourage home manufacturers, prohibited all importation of wire from foreign parts. The brothers went on admirably for two years, making a rapid fortune, and satisfying every one, as well with the quantity, as with the quality and price of the article they supplied ; but the Arigna mines absorbed much

   1771.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 55

2. Attack on Clonard repulsed

   Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

   Combined rebel forces from Wexford and Kildare attempted to seize the town of Clonard as part of a plan to cross the Boyne and attack Athlone, but the garrison, reinforced from Kinnegad and Mullingar, repulsed them after an hour's fighting.

   Read the passage

   to cross the Boyne, attack Atlilone, and raise an insur¬ rection in the western parts of the kingdom. The illassociated confederates, each party about two thousand strong, set out on this hazardous adventure ; but their intention became known, the little garrison of Clonard was strengthened by troops from Kinnegad and Mul¬ lingar, and, after an hour’s very poor fighting, they were obliged to relinquish the attempt. This repulse took place on the 11th of July. The confederates im¬ mediately separated ; Aylmer returned to his bogs and mountains, where he held out until after the confessions of Arthur O’Connor and his associates ; he then availed himself of the terms of pardon offered, dis¬ persed his followers, and surrendered, to quit the kingdom.

   The Wexford men, under the conduct of Fitzgerald, now reduced to 1500, hunted by various bodies of the king’s troops, made marches, or rather flights, from place to place in the counties of Kildare, Meath, Louth, and Dublin, skirmishing with such bodies of troops as overtook or met them. On the 12th they plundered the village of Carbery, in the county of Kil¬ dare. On the 14th they made a desperate stand be¬ tween the river Boyne and the town of Ardee, where they fought with advantage a large body of cavalry under General Wemys and Brigadier-General Meyrick until the arrival of a body of infantry and artil¬ lery, when they broke and fled with some loss into a bog, whence many of them dispersed. But Fitzgerald still had about 800 men, with whom he repassed the

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 308

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonard, this is where a rebel attempt was thrown back in 1798. Two columns of confederates, each about 2,000 strong, one from Wexford and one from Kildare, set out on a hazardous venture to cross the Boyne, attack Athlone, and raise an insurrection in the western parts of the kingdom. But their intention became known. The little garrison of Clonard was strengthened by troops from Kinnegad and Mullingar, and after an hour's very poor fighting the confederates were obliged to relinquish the attempt. This repulse took place on the 11th of July. The confederates immediately separated. Aylmer returned to his bogs and mountains, where he held out until after the confessions of Arthur O'Connor and his associates. He then availed himself of the terms of pardon offered, dispersed his followers, and surrendered, to quit the kingdom. The Wexford men, under the conduct of Fitzgerald, now reduced to 1,500, were hunted by various bodies of the king's troops. They made marches, or rather flights, from place to place in the counties of Kildare, Meath, Louth, and Dublin, skirmishing with such bodies of troops as overtook or met them. On the 12th they plundered the village of Carbery, in the county of Kildare. On the 14th they made a desperate stand between the river Boyne and the town of Ardee, where they fought with advantage a large body of cavalry under General Wemys and Brigadier-General Meyrick until the arrival of infantry and artillery, when they broke and fled with some loss into a bog, whence many of them dispersed. But Fitzgerald still had about 800 men, with whom he repassed the river.

3. Children turned away at Kilmead due to alarm

   Kilmead · town · Kildare · 1798

   When Reynolds's children were brought to Kilmead, the house of their great-grandfather Fitzgerald, he was too afraid of the disturbed state of the country to receive them, and they were instead brought to Athy gaol.

   Read the passage

   Such was the alarm in the country, that when my brother and sister were brought to Kilmead, my great-grandfather was afraid to receive them. The servants therefore brought them to my father at Athy gaol, who instantly ordered them to be taken up to Dublin to my mother.

   When these arrangements were concluded, my father set off for Athy, riding beside the officer, and closely followed by the troopers with swords drawn. About half way between Kilkea and Athy was a large field on the left side of the road, which was used as a place of exercise for the yeomanry cavalry of the dis¬ trict. In that field, about ten yards from the road, was Major Edward Witherington on horseback, evi¬ dently wraiting to see my father pass by in custody. Some of the soldiers who formed the escort cried “ Shame ! shame ! ” But he had no shame : he re-

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 229

4. King's messenger secures Reynolds's transfer from Athy to Dublin

   Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

   After Mr. Cope informed the Castle secretary of Reynolds's role assisting government, an order was sent to Colonel Campbell at Athy to deliver Reynolds to a king's messenger for escort to Dublin as a state prisoner.

   Read the passage

   By this orderly, who conveyed Colonel Campbell’s despatch to town, my father sent a note to Mr. Cope, who instantly repaired to the castle of Dublin, and informed the secretary, for the first timet that it was my father who had enabled him to assist government. The consequence was an order to Colonel Campbell to deliver him up to a king’s messenger, who was sent to Athy for that purpose, and to provide a strong escort to convey him as a state prisoner to Dublin.

   In order to show how well grounded were the hopes of the United Irishmen that he would perish by order of the military tribunal, into whose hands they now thrust him, and the imminent peril he was in, from the cruel and unfeeling animosity of those soldier-judges towards all whom they considered as the popular party, I shall here recount one or two of the proceedings of this same military corps, then forming the garrison and court-martial of the Athy district.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 232

   As the companion tells it

   You are near Athy in Kildare. In 1798 this town became a turning point for Thomas Reynolds. His father sent a note to Mr Cope, who went to Dublin Castle and told the secretary that it was Reynolds who had enabled him to assist government. The result was an order to Colonel Campbell, stationed here at Athy, to deliver Reynolds to a king's messenger sent for that purpose, with a strong escort to convey him as a state prisoner to Dublin. The United Irishmen hoped Reynolds would perish by order of the military tribunal into whose hands they now thrust him. The garrison at Athy served as that court-martial, and the soldier-judges held what the source calls cruel and unfeeling animosity towards all they considered the popular party. Reynolds was in imminent peril from them.

5. Murder of Mr Johnstone at Narraghmore

   Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

   Mr Johnstone was murdered at Narraghmore, an atrocity committed by the loyalist side that the author considers even less justifiable than rebel violence, as it was countenanced by persons of rank under the guise of loyalty.

   Read the passage

   the reckless views of the monsters who urged the people to such sanguinary acts : at the same time, it is an undeniable fact that numerous acts of equal atrocity, and still less justifiable, were, during the same period, and for some time previous to the breaking out of the rebel¬ lion, committed by the opposite party. I say, still less justifiable, because they were urged, and frequently countenanced, by the actual presence of persons of rank and distinction, who indulged their brutality under the assumed mask of loyalty. Such was the murder of Mr. Johnstone at Narraghmore, as I have already related ; the burning of the rebel hospital in Enniscorthy, with all the rebel sick and wounded it contained, to the number of above thirty persons ; the massacre of above fifty unresisting individuals by a party of the military under the command of Lieutenant Gordon of the yeoman-cavalry, which provoked the massacre of Bloody Friday ; the slaughter of upwards of two hun¬ dred men, after they had surrendered on terms of capitu¬ lation to General Dundas, on the Curragh of Kildare ; the numerous murders committed in cold blood, in retaliation for those committed by the outlaws under Holt and Hacket ; the flogging suspected persons, and throwing salt into their wounds to extort confession ; and other acts of a similar nature. It can never be supposed that any of these, or similar acts, were author¬ ized or countenanced by any part of the executive government ; they were solely to be attributed to the violence of party rage during a period of civil war. They were not, however, the less to be deplored. Hap-

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 318

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1798, Mr Johnstone was murdered. The author of this account places his killing among the acts committed not by the rebels but by the opposite party, the loyalist side, and he calls these acts still less justifiable than rebel violence. His reason is that they were urged and frequently countenanced by the actual presence of persons of rank and distinction, who indulged their brutality, as he puts it, under the assumed mask of loyalty. The murder of Mr Johnstone at Narraghmore sits in a list of similar loyalist atrocities the author sets out. He names the burning of the rebel hospital in Enniscorthy, with above thirty rebel sick and wounded inside. He names the massacre of above fifty unresisting individuals by a party of the military under Lieutenant Gordon of the yeoman-cavalry, which provoked the massacre of Bloody Friday. He names the slaughter of upwards of 200 men after they had surrendered on terms of capitulation to General Dundas on the Curragh of Kildare. He names murders committed in cold blood in retaliation for those committed by the outlaws under Holt and Hacket. He names the flogging of suspected persons and throwing salt into their wounds to extort confession. The author says none of these acts were authorized or countenanced by any part of the executive government. He attributes them solely to the violence of party rage during a period of civil war. But they were not, he writes, the less to be deplored.

6. Rebel pursuit to Randalstown

   near Randalstown · town · Antrim · 1798

   After being repulsed from Antrim town by artillery under Colonel Durham, the rebels were pursued with great slaughter as far as Randalstown.

   Read the passage

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

   Another rising began on the 8th of June in the county of Down. A body of rebels made their ap-

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 312

7. Rebel retreat to Mount-pleasant near Tinahely

   Tinahely · town · Wicklow · 1798

   After defeat at Arklow, the main rebel body under Garret Byrne of Ballymanus moved to Mount-pleasant near Tinahely, County Wicklow, which they burned on 17 June along with Protestant houses in the neighbourhood.

   Read the passage

   This victory decided the fate of the rebellion, and the rebels were thenceforth obliged to adopt a defensive plan. They retreated first to Gorey, and, on the fol¬ lowing day, the main body, under the command of Gar¬ ret Byrne, of Ballymanus, moved to Mount-pleasant, near Tinnehely, in the county of W icklow, which town

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8. Rebels Pursued Through Wicklow Gap

   near Wicklow Gap · pass · Wicklow · 1798

   One group of rebels assembled at White Heaps at the foot of Crogan Mountain and, pursued by General Needham and Sir James Duff, advanced to Wicklow Gap between Crogan and Conna, where they were encountered on 5th July and retreated toward Gorey.

   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

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9. Reynolds confides in Oliver Bond on Bridge Street about Lord Edward's request

   Bridge Street · street · Dublin · 1797

   Shortly after Lord Edward's visit, Reynolds met Oliver Bond standing on the steps of his own house in Bridge-street and mentioned his reluctance to accept the colonelcy; Bond urged him to accept.

   Read the passage

   Shortly after this visit, while my father was in a ery undecided state of mind, as to Lord Edward’s equest, he met Mr. Oliver Bond standing on the teps of his own house in Bridge-street, to whom he lentioned the circumstance, and his reluctance to omply with the proposal. Mr. Bond earnestly reuested him to accept the appointment, and used every rgument to induce him to do so, till at last my father, nding that he had no pretence for refusing, which is friends would consider valid, and that he would nly disoblige them by so doing, gave a very unwilling ssent. He heard no more of the matter, nor had he

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   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 178

   As the companion tells it

   On this street in 1797, Thomas Reynolds met Oliver Bond standing on the steps of Bond's own house. Reynolds was still undecided about Lord Edward's request that he take the colonelcy, and he told Bond of his reluctance to accept. Bond earnestly urged him to take the appointment and used every argument to persuade him. Reynolds found he had no excuse his friends would consider valid, and that he would only disoblige them by refusing, so he gave a very unwilling assent. He heard no more of the matter.

10. Reynolds rides to Dublin in Athy Leinster Cavalry uniform

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

    After Erskine's departure, Reynolds set off for Dublin on 3 May 1798 wearing the uniform of the Athy Leinster Cavalry, commanded by the Duke of Leinster, as a means of safe passage amid rebel threats.

    Read the passage

    After the departure of Erskine on the 29th of April, my father made out the best account he could on the moment, and on the 3rd May he set off for Dublin, with the intention of seeking redress. He was a member of a yeomanry corps commanded by the Duke of Leinster, and under his Grace, by my grand-uncle Thomas Fitz¬ gerald, called the Athy Leinster Cavalry. He rode in his uniform, as did most persons at that period, that dress being a sort of passport with the military, while it enabled a man to go armed against the attacks of the united banditti. He overtook Mr. Wheeler Barrington on the road, who was also going to Dublin. That gen¬ tleman was brother to that Sir Jonah Barrington whose name has been rendered sufficiently notorious by the

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 223

    As the companion tells it

    Through Athy here, a town that sits on the road toward Dublin. In May 1798, Thomas Reynolds rode out from these parts for the city, wearing the uniform of the Athy Leinster Cavalry, a yeomanry corps commanded by the Duke of Leinster and under Reynolds's grand-uncle Thomas FitzGerald. He wore that dress as a sort of passport with the military, and because it let a man go armed against what the source calls the attacks of the united banditti. On the road he overtook Mr. Wheeler Barrington, who was also bound for Dublin. His brother was Sir Jonah Barrington, whose name the record calls sufficiently notorious.

11. Reynolds secures lease of Kilkea Castle and lands from the Duke of Leinster

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1797

    On the death of the occupant Mr. Dixon in early 1797, Thomas Reynolds's father went to Rathangan, residence of the Duke of Leinster's agent Mr. Spencer, to claim the promised lease of Kilkea Castle and its 1500 Irish acres in the barony of Kilkea and Moone.

    Read the passage

    Having a promise of the lease of Kilkea from the Duke of Leinster, on the death of Mr. Dixon, the occupant, my father had been preparing gradually for retiring from business from the day of his being left alone in the concern. Mr. Dixon died in the beginning of the year 1797. My father directly repaired to Ratliangan, the residence of Mr. Spencer, the duke’s agent, when he put in his claim.

    The barony of Kilkea and Moone consisted of 1500 Irish acres, of the first land in the country, exclusive of the gardens, orchards, and land occupied by the castle and its appurtenances. That part called Moone was held on lease by a family of the name of Yates, and contained about 850 acres, including the old deer-park, adjoining to which was the ancient habitation of the Earl’s huntsman, the kennel, and other sporting establishments. These buildings formed the residence of Mr. Yates’ family. 250 acres, or thereabouts, were let, with suitable farm¬ houses, to a Mr. Kinsela, and to one Macdermod ; the remaining 350 acres were attached to the castle, and let with it.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 99

12. Reynolds's wife turned away at the King Street nunnery

    King Street · street · Dublin · 1798

    When Thomas Reynolds's wife went to the nunnery in King Street to pay an overdue bill on 1 July 1798, Mrs Molloy refused to see her or release the bill. The whole community shut themselves in, and she was forced to hand a note to the passing priest instead.

    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

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13. Sectarian Fears at Captains' Meeting in Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1796

    At a meeting of captains held on 31 July at Downpatrick, strong fears were expressed that the Dissenters and Catholics involved in the United Irish movement would become two separate bodies, reflecting tensions between the groups.

    Read the passage

    robberies, their burnings, and their murders, proved that the people of Ireland, or rather of Ulster, had indeed imbibed “ the spirit of the French mob.” Mr. Thomas Moore, who has so often laboured to throw a veil of romantic interest over the United Irish Society, is compelled to acknowledge this fact, which he thus endeavours to slur over : — {e Wherever the bulk of the population were Catholics, the Defenders formed the chief part of the United force, or rather in such places the system of the union degenerated into Defenderism, assuming that character which a people, lawless from having been so long outlawed, might have been ex¬ pected to give it. Hence those outrages and crimes which, perpetrated under the name of United Irishmen, brought disgrace upon the cause, and alarmed more especially its Presbyterian supporters, who, not without reason, shrunk from the hazard of committing the interests of the cause of civil and religious liberty to such hands. Under this impression it was that the leading United Irishmen of the counties of Down and Antrim were anxious to inculcate the notion that the Presbyterians could dispense with Catholic aid ; and so much had the repugnance of the two sects to act in concert manifested itself, that at a meeting of captains on the 31st of July at Downpatrick strong fears were expressed that the Dissenters and Catholics would become two separate bodies.”*

    The government at last found it necessary to use

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 164

14. Skirmish at Coolbawn Before Castlecomer

    Coolbaun · townland · Kilkenny · 1798

    At Coolbawn the rebels, now reduced to about eight thousand men, were met by a body of two hundred and fifty men whom they defeated with considerable loss before entering Castlecomer.

    Read the passage

    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.

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 303

15. Ulster Volunteers meet at Armagh, call for Dungannon convention

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1781

    Officers and delegates of the first Regiment of Volunteers of Ulster, commanded by the Earl of Charlemont, met at Armagh in December 1781 and invited corps of the province to send delegates to Dungannon.

    Read the passage

    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

    1781.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 29

16. Dungannon general Volunteer meeting

    near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1783

    Delegates of 272 Volunteer companies met at Dungannon, passed resolutions on parliamentary reform, and elected representatives to a national convention.

    Read the passage

    On the 1st of July, 1783, an assembly of the dele¬ gates of forty-five Volunteer companies of Ulster met at Lisburne, in the county of Antrim, to deliberate on measures for that object ; and a committee was ap¬ pointed to correspond with other societies. This com¬ mittee convened a general meeting of all the delegates of the province to assemble at Dungannon, on the 8th of the following September. The delegates of 272 companies met together on the day appointed, and, after passing several resolutions touching parlia¬ mentary reform, elected five persons as representative of each county in a national convention, to be held in Dublin on the 10th of November. Their principal ground of complaint was, that more than two-thirds of the members of Parliament were nominated by indi¬ vidual peers, or gentlemen of property, and that, as such an assembly did not at all represent the nation, so by their acts they clearly showed that they deemed the national interests as, at best, but of secondary im¬ portance.

    On the 10th of November the delegates of the four provinces, with the Earl of Charlemont as their presi¬ dent, met in the Rotunda in Dublin, where they ap¬ pointed a committee to frame a plan of parliamentary reform.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 34

17. Destruction of part of Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A great part of the town of Enniscorthy was destroyed during the fighting and occupation of the 1798 rebellion.

    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.

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18. Burning of Killedmond

    Killedmond · townland · Carlow · 1798

    On their march toward Kilkenny, the rebels burnt the little town of Killedmond in County Carlow.

    Read the passage

    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

19. Corn export sparks riots in Cork and Limerick

    Cork · city · Cork

    An attempt to export corn from the south during a food shortage led to fears of famine and provoked serious riots in Cork and Limerick.

    Read the passage

    throughout that province ; and, when it was attempted to export corn from the south for its supply, the dread of a similar visitation led to serious riots, especially in Cork and Limerick.

    In 1738 a bill was passed, inflicting additional penalties on Papists keeping any kinds of arms, and ordering a regular annual search to be made for such arms in every city or town throughout the kingdom. Notwithstanding these continued vexatious proceedings, it is a remarkable fact that, when Charles Edward Stuart, .the son of the Pretender, again attempted to regain possession of the crown of his ancestors, although thousands embraced his cause in Scotland and in Eng¬ land, the profoundest tranquillity reigned in Ireland, and not a single man joined his standard. Hardly, however, was the rebellion quelled, when a bill was passed, enacting, that from and after the 1st of May, 1746, every Irish freeholder, before he could give his vote at an election, might be called upon to swear, not only that he was not a Papist, but that he was not married to a Papist ; unless he were a convert, in which case he was to swear that he had been educated in the Popish religion, that he had conformed to the Church of Ireland, as by law established, and that he had not, since his conformity, married a Popish wife.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is one of the cities where serious riots broke out when corn was being exported from the south. The fear was famine, and the attempt to move corn out of the region provoked violent unrest here and in Limerick. The source describes the dread of a similar visitation, meaning the memory of hardship already felt elsewhere in the province drove people to riot rather than let the food leave.

20. Death of Mrs Witherington in Ashe-street house

    Ashe Street · street · Cork · 1798

    Reynolds testified that Mrs Witherington died in a house in Ashe-street which she rented from him, having received about £300 weeks before her death. The circumstances of her death (from tartar emetic) were disputed during cross-examination.

    Read the passage

    But where did Mrs. Witherington die ? — In Ashestreet, in a house she rented from me.

    She had received about 300/. about three weeks before her death ? — She had.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 431

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Ashe Street is where Mrs Witherington died, in a house she rented from Thomas Reynolds. He testified she had received about 300 pounds roughly three weeks before her death.

21. Kildare County Committee Meets on the Curragh

    Curragh · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Kennaa informed Reynolds that he had been unanimously chosen colonel and treasurer at the baronial meeting, and that the county committee, of which Reynolds was now a member, would meet on 18 February at a house on the Curragh.

    Read the passage

    he says that Kennaa accordingly called upon him in the month of January, at Kilkea, and asked him if he would stand his election for colonel for that barony; that he told Kennaa that, having promised Lord Ed¬ ward Fitzgerald that he would do so, he was ready to fulfil his promise ; that Kennaa then told him that Lord Edward had so informed him ; but Kennaa added that, if he was to be their colonel, he must also hold a civil office in the baronial committee, and be thereby deputed to the county committee ; and Kennaa asked him which of the two offices of secretary or treasurer he would prefer ; he says that he chose to be treasurer, as being the least responsible and the least troublesome of the two, and that then Kennaa said that he (Kennaa) would go forward with the witness from the baronial to the county committee as secretary to the baronial. He next states that Kennaa called upon him again in February, and informed him that he had been unani¬ mously chosen colonel and treasurer at the baronial meeting, and that the county committee, of which he was now a member, would meet on Sunday morning, the 18th of that month of February, at a house on the Curragh.

    He says that he attended that meeting, and he men¬ tions the names of several persons whom he met there ; and he says that, after taking the United Irishman’s test, the committee proceeded to elect the officers of the committee for the ensuing three months, which officers together with one other member, were, ex officio, dele¬ gates to the provincial committee, which, it appears,

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 346

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in February 1798, the Kildare county committee of the United Irishmen met at a house on the Curragh. Thomas Reynolds had been unanimously chosen colonel and treasurer at the baronial meeting, after Kennaa called on him at Kilkea in January and told him he must hold a civil office alongside the military one. Reynolds chose treasurer, as he said it was "the least responsible and the least troublesome of the two." He attended the meeting on Sunday morning, the 18th of February, took the United Irishman's test, and the committee elected its officers for the next three months. Those officers, with one other member, became delegates to the provincial committee.

22. Pike-heads found in Thomas Fitzgerald's garden at Kilmead

    Kilmead · town · Kildare · 1798

    Thomas Fitzgerald of Kilmead, an elderly and loyal gentleman over 80 years old, was implicated and endangered after pike-heads were found hidden in his garden without his knowledge.

    Read the passage

    When at his lodgings, he sent for several of his friends, from whom he heard that the United Irishmen were resolved, at all hazards, to attempt his destruction ; that it was by their orders that the five men had de¬ posed against him ; that these matters, and his arrest, had been publicly talked of several days before the arrest had really taken place ; and that, in order the more to prejudice the public mind against him, the most infamous calumnies were circulated against his reputation, as well moral as political ; that his uncle, Thomas Fitzgerald of Geraldine, was also arrested, and in Dublin ; and that his grandfather, Thomas Fitzge¬ rald of Kilmead, a quiet, loyal gentleman, upwards of 80 years old, was implicated, and in great danger, on account of some pike-heads which were found in his

    252

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 238

23. Rebels encamp at Slievekeelter and Lacken Hill

    Lacken · townland · Wexford · 1798

    After their defeat at Ross, the rebels retreated to Slievekeelter overlooking the meeting of the Nore and Barrow, then advanced to Lacken Hill near Ross where they formed an encampment.

    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

24. Return to Dublin as family silk business declines

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1788

    Reynolds returned to Ireland in spring 1788, shortly before his father's death, to find the family's Dublin silk mercer business in serious decline due to the rise of cottons, with looms in full work reduced dramatically.

    Read the passage

    About the year 1784 the introduction of cottons occasioned so great a falling off in the consumption of silks, that five or six great mercers failed at once, and my grandfather lost in that year alone 83,000/., and during the four subsequent years he lost 69,000/. more. Had the consumption continued as it had previously been, the profits during these last four years would have lightened these losses considerably ; but, such was the falling off, that, of four hundred looms which were in full work in 1783, seventy only were employed in 1788. Moreover, those in 1783 were employed on brocades, velvets, and tissues, many worth three and four guineas a yard ; whereas those of 1788 were making poplins, and slight goods, of three or four shillings a yard. My grandfather also sustained great losses by loans of money which he made to the O’Reillies, and to his cousin Edward Reynolds ; so that he calculated that his losses, during the last four or five years of his life, fell little, if at all, short of 200,000/. sterling. At the time of his death, which took place

    62

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Dublin, the city where the Reynolds family silk business once thrived. Thomas Reynolds returned here in the spring of 1788, shortly before his father's death, and found the trade in serious decline. Cottons had taken over. In 1783, four hundred looms had been in full work, turning out brocades, velvets and tissues worth three or four guineas a yard. By 1788, only seventy looms remained, making poplins and slight goods at three or four shillings a yard. His grandfather had lost 83,000 pounds in one year alone, and 69,000 more over the next four. Loans to the O'Reillies and to his cousin Edward Reynolds added to the damage. He reckoned his losses in the last four or five years of his life fell little short of 200,000 pounds sterling.

25. Reynolds and Cope discuss the crisis at Castle Jordan

    Castlejordan · townland · Meath · 1798

    Thomas Reynolds and Mr. Cope dined and slept at Castle Jordan, the seat of Sir Duke Giffard in County Meath, on business relating to the Corbettstown estate. There the conversation turned to the disturbed state of the country, prompting Reynolds's later decision to act through Cope.

    Read the passage

    My father passed several days in a state of great anxiety and uncertainty as to the line of conduct he ought to pursue, and about the 25th of February he went with Mr. Cope to Castle Jordan, the seat of Sir Duke Giffard, in the county of Meath, on business re¬ lative to the estate of Corbettstown, which was then in Sir Duke’s possession, and on which Mr. Cope and he had large claims, as I have already stated. They dined and slept at Castle Jordan. Mr. Cope was a merchant of known loyalty and honour, with whom my father’s family had had for more than 30 years intimate ac¬ quaintance and very extensive commercial transactions, from some of which arose their mutual claims on the estate. The late Marquis of Lansdowne, then Lord Wycombe, who afterwards married Sir Duke Giftard’s widow, and one or two other gentlemen, dined at the castle, when the conversation turned on the very dis-

    204

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 196

26. Reynolds Attends Kildare County Committee of United Irishmen

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1798

    Reynolds attended a meeting of the county committee of Kildare on 18 February 1798, where he was delegated to the provincial committee and the true designs of the United Irishmen leaders were fully revealed to him.

    Read the passage

    cipating in projects usually considered treasonable, and that such projects were not fully developed until the United Irishmen penetrated to the higher grades of the Society — the county and provincial committees. Mr. Reynolds appears not to have proceeded beyond the baronial committee, previous to his retirement into the country in the summer of 1797 ; and he does not appear to have attended any meeting of United Irish¬ men afterwards, until the 18th February, 1798, when he attended the meeting of the county committee of Kildare, and was delegated to the provincial, on which occasion the designs of the leaders were fully laid open to him. He appears never to have attended any meet¬ ing after that, except to resign his appointments, after the arrests at Bond’s. These are among the circum¬ stances which should be borne in mind in considering how far he was excusable in taking the United Irish¬ man’s test, and the oath of allegiance, and in giving information against those with whom he had engaged to act in promoting certain objects. With this view the observations of the learned judge who summed up the evidence upon these two oaths are well deserving of attentive consideration. The justification of his con¬ duct in appearing against the prisoners on their trials will be found in the circumstances which ultimately placed him in the hands of government, of which he has himself given an explanation, but of which we shall be able better to form an opinion when we have seen the remainder of the evidence in this case and that produced in the other two cases.]

    400

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 376

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you're near where Thomas Reynolds attended the county committee of the United Irishmen on 18 February 1798. Before that day he had never risen beyond the baronial committee, and had retired into the country the summer before, in 1797. At this meeting he was delegated to the provincial committee, and on that occasion the designs of the leaders were fully laid open to him. He never attended another meeting afterwards, except to resign his appointments after the arrests at Bond's. The record asks how far he was excusable in taking the United Irishman's test and the oath of allegiance, and in giving information against those with whom he had engaged to act. The justification for his conduct in appearing against the prisoners on their trials is to be found in the circumstances that ultimately placed him in the hands of government, of which he gave his own explanation. The learned judge who summed up the evidence on those two oaths is said to deserve attentive consideration. The full picture depends on the remainder of the evidence in this case and in the other two cases.

27. Surrender of Ballina

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

    On 22 September 1798, Ballina surrendered to government forces after a few discharges of cannon, with the rebels commanded by a French officer named True fleeing to Killala.

    Read the passage

    When the Rebellion had thus been put down in the county of Longford, the attention of the government was directed to those places in the county of Mayo which still remained in the power of the insurgents. Castlebar had been occupied by the king’s troops since its evacuation by the French, and on the 12th of September it was attacked by a very numerous body of rebels. The garrison consisted of fifty-seven Fraser fencibles, thirty-four volunteers, and a troop of yeoman cavalry, under the command of Captain Urquart, who defended the place with this little force so valiantly, that he beat oft* the assailants and saved the town from plunder. The towns of Newport and Westport were soon retaken, and on the 22nd of September Ballina surrendered after a few discharges ol cannon. The rebels, commanded by Mr. True, a French officer.

    348

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 328

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballina, on 22 September 1798, the town surrendered to government forces after a few discharges of cannon. The rebels were commanded by Mr. True, a French officer. Government attention had turned to Mayo after the rebellion was put down in Longford. Castlebar had been held by the king's troops since the French left, and on 12 September a large body of rebels attacked it. A small garrison under Captain Urquart, just fifty-seven Fraser fencibles, thirty-four volunteers, and a troop of yeoman cavalry, defended it and beat off the assailants, saving the town from plunder. Newport and Westport were soon retaken, and then Ballina fell.

28. Ulster Union Organization Completed at Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1795

    Delegates from seventy-two societies met at Belfast, marking the completion of the organization of the United Irish system in the province of Ulster. This meeting led to the formation of a Provincial Committee and later an executive body.

    Read the passage

    The United Irishmen were now spreading with great rapidity in the counties of Down and Antrim. Men of all ranks, parties, and religions, joined the society, and numerous missions were undertaken to different parts of the north. But the most important accession to their numbers arose from the great success attending their overtures to the Defenders, who were very numerous in the province of Ulster. During the first three months of the year these men flocked in large bodies into the Union, which thus extended through the Catholic districts with such astonishing rapidity, that the organization of the province of Ulster was completed on the 10th of May, when the delegates from seventy-two societies met at Belfast. Shortly afterwards a Provincial Committee was organized, but, as by the constitution it was only to meet once a-month, it determined to form a body of directors for the whole

    * Secret Report, Appendix No. 31. f Pieces of Irish History, p. 91. } Ibid. p. 118.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 152

29. Ulster Volunteer delegates meet at Lisburn

    near Lisburn · town · Antrim · 1783

    Forty-five Volunteer companies of Ulster sent delegates to Lisburn to deliberate on parliamentary reform, appointing a committee to correspond with other societies.

    Read the passage

    On the 1st of July, 1783, an assembly of the dele¬ gates of forty-five Volunteer companies of Ulster met at Lisburne, in the county of Antrim, to deliberate on measures for that object ; and a committee was ap¬ pointed to correspond with other societies. This com¬ mittee convened a general meeting of all the delegates of the province to assemble at Dungannon, on the 8th of the following September. The delegates of 272 companies met together on the day appointed, and, after passing several resolutions touching parlia¬ mentary reform, elected five persons as representative of each county in a national convention, to be held in Dublin on the 10th of November. Their principal ground of complaint was, that more than two-thirds of the members of Parliament were nominated by indi¬ vidual peers, or gentlemen of property, and that, as such an assembly did not at all represent the nation, so by their acts they clearly showed that they deemed the national interests as, at best, but of secondary im¬ portance.

    On the 10th of November the delegates of the four provinces, with the Earl of Charlemont as their presi¬ dent, met in the Rotunda in Dublin, where they ap¬ pointed a committee to frame a plan of parliamentary reform.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 34

30. Stand between the Boyne and Ardee

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1798

    On 14 July the rebels made a desperate stand between the river Boyne and the town of Ardee, fighting cavalry under Generals Wemys and Meyrick with advantage until infantry and artillery arrived, forcing them to flee into a bog.

    Read the passage

    The Wexford men, under the conduct of Fitzgerald, now reduced to 1500, hunted by various bodies of the king’s troops, made marches, or rather flights, from place to place in the counties of Kildare, Meath, Louth, and Dublin, skirmishing with such bodies of troops as overtook or met them. On the 12th they plundered the village of Carbery, in the county of Kil¬ dare. On the 14th they made a desperate stand be¬ tween the river Boyne and the town of Ardee, where they fought with advantage a large body of cavalry under General Wemys and Brigadier-General Meyrick until the arrival of a body of infantry and artil¬ lery, when they broke and fled with some loss into a bog, whence many of them dispersed. But Fitzgerald still had about 800 men, with whom he repassed the

    328

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 308

31. Catholic delegates feasted at Belfast en route to England

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1792–1793

    The Catholic Convention delegates travelled in great parade through the north of Ireland and were publicly received and feasted at Belfast before crossing to Scotland en route to London.

    Read the passage

    The delegates were publicly received and feasted at Belfast, passed over to Scotland, and in the same ostentatious manner paraded up to London, where they were presented to and very graciously received by the king on the 2nd of January, 1793, f notwithstanding the violence of their proceedings and the affront they had just put upon the lord lieutenant and all the exe¬ cutive government of Ireland ; and during that same year those concessions were made which placed the Irish Roman Catholics on the footing on which they stood previous to the year 1829, while those of England were still left to suffer under the heavy restrictions and disabilities inflicted by the penal code.

    Whatever causes might have induced ministers to make those concessions at such very remarkable epochs, it is very certain that the people were taught to believe that these, as well as those of Dungannon, were ex¬ torted from the fears of the government by the active energy of the conventions : the more so, because at that period a law was made to prevent all future conventions

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 43

32. Fox-hunting and balls at Ballinure, Kildare

    Ballinure · townland · Kildare · 1789–1791

    Reynolds had a standing invitation to Mr. Carrol's house at Ballinure in Kildare for the first week of fox-hunting, where forty or fifty guests stayed and balls were held on alternate evenings for gentlemen from twenty miles around.

    Read the passage

    Clonlost, in the same county ; his uncle Keon, at Keonbrook, in the county of Leitrim ; Nugent Rey¬ nolds, at Letterfian, in the same county ; O’Brian Bel¬ lingham, at Castle Bellingham, in the county of Louth ; his uncle Strange, in the same county ; Sir Patrick Bellew, in the same county, &c. &c. He had also a regular invitation to the Duke of Leinster’s, at Cartown, for the week of the spring meeting on the Curragh ; and another at Mr. Carrol’s, at Ballinure, in the county of Kildare, for the first week of fox-hunt¬ ing: that gentleman had a fine pack of fox-hounds, which ran three days during the first week. Mr. Carrol’s house at that time was full of company. Pie gave balls on the three alternate evenings ; forty or fifty per¬ sons slept in the house ; and every person of the rank of a gentleman, within twenty miles round, was invited to the balls. When my father was in Dublin he was every evening engaged with his old companions, so that he was fit for anything but business. It must be con¬ fessed that such a life was most improper for a young man, and especially for one who, like my father, possessed only a small income, and should have been placed at once at the desk.

    Thus matters went on until the spring of 1791, when my father’s youngest remaining sister, Rose, was at¬ tacked by a complaint in her chest, accompanied by a little, short cough, and other symptoms of that fatal disorder, consumption, so very frequent in Ireland.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 74

33. Loss of the Corbetstown estate in County Meath

    Corbetstown · townland · Kilkenny · 1798–1823

    Reynolds's forced absence from Ireland caused him to lose the beneficial lease of the Corbetstown estate in County Meath, held under Sir Duke Giffard, an 800-acre property he had mortgaged and was ultimately compelled to abandon for a fraction of its value in 1823.

    Read the passage

    he was to pay most extravagantly for a bare subsist¬ ence, where the poorest house cost him four times as much as the reserved rent of Kilkea Castle and its 350 acres of land. This forced absence injured and lost for him several outstanding properties ; such, for instance, as the Corbetstown estate, held under Sir Duke Giffard, which was a beneficial lease for three lives, and forty-one years after the death of the last life, of 800 acres of land in the county of Meath, called Corbets¬ town, at 160/. a year rent, worth 910/. a year, leaving a clear income of 750/. This my father first mortgaged to trustees for the use of his marriage settlement for 3000/. He then mortgaged his equity of redemption to Cope and Jaffray for 7000/., who, being on the spot, recovered their money ; but my father, being absent, was baffled in his attempts to obtain possession of the estate until the three lives had fallen in and many years of the surplus time had expired ; and he was at last compelled to abandon the lease to the heirs of Sir Duke Giffard, who were in possession, for 1750/., in the year 1823, at which period the claim of the trus¬ tees of his marriage settlement, for interest and prin¬ cipal on the mortgage, exceeded 8000/. I could name other properties lost in a similar manner ; but this in¬ stance suffices to show the fact of his continual losses.

    After some delay Mr. Cooke acquainted my father that it was not thought advisable to send his claims before the Committee, but that another measure was under consideration, in which they would be more effectually attended to. What that measure was lie

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 249

34. Riots in Limerick over corn exports

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Fear of famine caused by attempted corn exports led to serious riots in Limerick as well as Cork.

    Read the passage

    throughout that province ; and, when it was attempted to export corn from the south for its supply, the dread of a similar visitation led to serious riots, especially in Cork and Limerick.

    In 1738 a bill was passed, inflicting additional penalties on Papists keeping any kinds of arms, and ordering a regular annual search to be made for such arms in every city or town throughout the kingdom. Notwithstanding these continued vexatious proceedings, it is a remarkable fact that, when Charles Edward Stuart, .the son of the Pretender, again attempted to regain possession of the crown of his ancestors, although thousands embraced his cause in Scotland and in Eng¬ land, the profoundest tranquillity reigned in Ireland, and not a single man joined his standard. Hardly, however, was the rebellion quelled, when a bill was passed, enacting, that from and after the 1st of May, 1746, every Irish freeholder, before he could give his vote at an election, might be called upon to swear, not only that he was not a Papist, but that he was not married to a Papist ; unless he were a convert, in which case he was to swear that he had been educated in the Popish religion, that he had conformed to the Church of Ireland, as by law established, and that he had not, since his conformity, married a Popish wife.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city was once the scene of serious riots over corn. The trouble came when it was attempted to export corn from the south, and the dread of a similar famine visitation led people to rise up. Cork saw the same unrest. That is all the record gives us about what happened here, but it tells you the fear was real and the response was fierce.

35. Archdekin sisters' universal shop in Kilkenny city

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    Two old maiden ladies named Archdekin kept a large general shop in the city of Kilkenny, selling every kind of clothing and household goods, and had taken in two orphan nieces to inherit the business.

    Read the passage

    There lived in the city of Kilkenny two old maiden ladies, named Archdekin, who kept a kind of inland slop-shop — that is to say, they sold every possible article for the dress, toilet, &c., of men and women ; — millinery, mercery, haberdashery, woollen-drapery,

    I

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 86

36. Dispersal of rebels at the Hill of Ask

    Ask · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Rebels remaining near Gorey took post on the hill of Ask about a mile from Gorey on the Arklow road, gradually dispersing through desertion until Gorey was freed.

    Read the passage

    During these transactions, such of the rebels as had remained in Gorey and the neighbourhood were gra¬ dually dispersing. Part of them fell back upon Wex¬ ford, and took with them the prisoners who had been confined in the market-house of Gorey. The remainder took post on the hill of Ask, about a mile from Gorey, on the Arklow road, where they were gradually thinned by desertions, till they all dispersed, thus once more freeing Gorey and the neighbourhood.

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

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 286

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ask, rebels in 1798 made a stand on this hill after withdrawing from Gorey. They were about a mile from Gorey on the Arklow road. Some of the rebels had already fallen back toward Wexford, taking with them prisoners who had been held in the Gorey market-house. The rest held this position but were gradually thinned by desertion until they all dispersed, freeing Gorey once more.

37. 1715 Rebellion and Irish Parliament's Loyalty

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1715

    Following the Jacobite rebellion raised by the Chevalier de St. George's partisans in Scotland and northern England, the Irish Parliament convened in 1715 and passed a bill of attainder against the Chevalier, offering a large reward for his capture, demonstrating Irish loyalty to George I.

    Read the passage

    The death of Queen Anne, which took place in 1714, produced no amelioration in the affairs of the Roman Catholics. George I. had hardly ascended the throne, when he was called upon to defend his crown against the pretensions of the Chevalier de St. George, the son of James II. A dangerous rebellion was raised by the Chevalier’s partisans in Scotland and the north¬ western parts of England ; but, instead of meeting with any sympathy among the Irish, where his friends were openly recruiting, the Pretender found that the general loyalty of the people held out no hopes of success in that quarter. Indeed, the Irish Parliament, convened in 1715, not only acknowledged his Majesty’s title, but passed a bill of attainder against the Chevalier, and offered a reward of 50,000/. for his seizure. The rebellion was soon entirely suppressed, and many of the leaders expiated their offence upon the scaffold.

    Three years afterwards, when the Duke of Ormond

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is the city you're passing through. In 1715, this was where the Irish Parliament showed where it stood. George the First had just taken the throne after Queen Anne's death in 1714, and the Chevalier de St. George, son of James the Second, raised a rebellion through his partisans in Scotland and the northwestern parts of England. The Chevalier's friends were openly recruiting in Ireland, but they found no sympathy here. The Irish Parliament convened in Dublin that year, acknowledged the King's title, and passed a bill of attainder against the Chevalier, offering 50,000 pounds for his seizure. The rebellion was soon suppressed, and many of the leaders were executed. For the Roman Catholics, the change of monarch brought no improvement.

38. Anti-Union tithe agitation spreads to Waterford and Cork

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1797

    United Irish emissaries successfully agitated the tithe question in Waterford and Cork, reviving the old Whiteboy practices of burning corn and houghing cattle of obnoxious persons.

    Read the passage

    In Waterford and Cork the tithe -question was successfully agitated ; and it is not a little remarkable, that, as this had been the pretext for the Whiteboy asso-

    1797. r LIFE OF THOMAS REYNOLDS. 173

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 166

39. Colonel Campbell Commands Garrison at Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

    Colonel Campbell, who commanded the garrison at Athy, recognized the impropriety of sending an officer related by marriage to Thomas Reynolds to enforce quartering at Kilkea, and exchanged him the following day.

    Read the passage

    About twelve months after Mrs. Witherington’s death, on the 20th of April, 1798, the measure of freequartering the troops was put in force against my father at Kilkea Castle. At this time Major Wither¬ ington’s promissory note for 200/. was on the eve of becoming due in the hands of one Mr. Burnett, a butcher in Dublin, to whom my father had passed it. It also happened that the cavalry sent to Kilkea were the identical troop of the 9th dragoons in which Mr. Henry Witherington was cornet ; but Colonel Camp¬ bell, who commanded in Athy, felt the impropriety of sending an officer on such a service to his brotherin-law’s house, and exchanged him on the following day.

    Major Witherington fancying my father would be willing to purchase his influence, in order to he relieved from the military, rode to Kilkea, where my father was held in durance by Captain Erskine ; and coming into his room, after some common-place condolence, said that, in consequence of his rank, he was much consulted by Colonel Campbell, and had seen all the

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Athy, where Colonel Campbell commanded the garrison in 1798. On the 20th of April that year, troops were sent to enforce free quartering at Kilkea Castle against the father of Thomas Reynolds. The cavalry dispatched happened to be from the 9th dragoons, the very troop in which Henry Witherington served as cornet. Colonel Campbell saw the impropriety of sending an officer to quarter at his own brother-in-law's house, and exchanged him the following day. Witherington then rode to Kilkea, where Captain Erskine held Reynolds's father, and after some common-place condolence suggested that his rank gave him influence with Colonel Campbell.

40. Cornwallis marches from Carrick-on-Shannon to St Johnstown

    Carrick-on-Shannon · town · Leitrim · 1798

    Lord Cornwallis marched from Carrick-on-Shannon to St Johnstown to intercept General Humbert's forces before they could reach Granard, closing the encirclement that led to the surrender at Ballinamuck.

    Read the passage

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

    As soon as it was known that the French had landed at Killala, the disaffected party in the counties of Longford and Westmeath bestirred themselves actively to raise an insurrectionary movement, with the view of making a diversion in their favour, and of facilitating their progress towards the capital. In the county of Longford especially many persons of fortune

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 326

41. Cotton mill lease from Colonel Talbot at Malahide

    Malahide · town · Dublin

    The author's grandfather accepted an offer from Colonel Talbot at Malahide, on the sea-coast about seven miles from Dublin, of a lease of a cotton-mill on the Colonel's estate, purchasing machinery and adding looms for weaving.

    Read the passage

    Some time previous to this, my grandfather had an offer from Colonel Talbot, at Malahyde on the seacoast, about seven miles from Dublin, of a lease of a cotton-mill on the Colonel’s estate ; he now accepted the lease, and purchased all the machinery ; and, as the mills had only been adapted for spinning cotton, he added 20 or 30 looms, with all their tackle, for the

    1794.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 87

42. Five United Irishmen arrested and lodged in Athy gaol

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

    Fairlay, Brannox, Pender, and two brothers named Germain, all men who had chosen Reynolds as their colonel, were arrested by Colonel Campbell and lodged in Athy gaol on charges connected with United Irish activity.

    Read the passage

    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

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 227

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Athy in Kildare, five United Irishmen were lodged in the gaol in 1798. Fairlay, Brannox, Pender, and two brothers named Germain, men who had chosen Reynolds as their colonel, were arrested by Colonel Campbell on charges connected with United Irish activity, after their attempts to assassinate him had all failed.

43. General Lake assembles troops at Castlebar

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    Lieutenant-General Lake proceeded to Castlebar, arriving on 26 August 1798, where he found Major-General Hutchinson already assembled with about 4000 troops to oppose the French.

    Read the passage

    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

    342

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 322

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Castlebar, this is where the British army gathered to face the French in 1798. The Marquis of Cornwallis learned of the French landing on the 24th of August and sent Lieutenant-General Lake to take command of the troops assembling in Connaught. Lake reached Castlebar on the 26th of August and found Major-General Hutchinson already there, having arrived the day before. Together they had about 4000 men, a mix of yeomen, militia, and regulars, with a good park of artillery. General Humbert had left Ballina the same day with only 800 men and two curricle guns. He avoided the usual road through Foxford, where Brigadier General Taylor waited to oppose him, and instead took the mountain road by Barnageehy, where only a captain's guard stood in his way. By seven in the morning on the 27th, Humbert was within two miles of Castlebar, where the royal troops were drawn up in what seemed an advantageous position. They were fresh, well armed, and far greater in number. Everything pointed to an easy victory for the Crown forces.

44. Lord Edward Fitzgerald meets Reynolds in Aungier-street

    Aungier Street · street · Dublin · 1798

    Reynolds again saw Lord Edward Fitzgerald on the following Wednesday evening in Aungier-street, receiving money accounts and a letter for the county Kildare committee urging them not to be discouraged by the Bond's arrests.

    Read the passage

    He then says that he again saw Lord Edward on the following Wednesday evening, in Aungier-street, having been sent for by his lordship, and that he re¬ ceived from Lord Edward some accounts of money, and a letter to the county of Kildare committee, in which Lord Edward recommended the committee not to be cast down by the arrests at Bond’s, but to till up the

    vol. i. 2 b

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 348

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, in 1798, Lord Edward Fitzgerald sent for Reynolds on a Wednesday evening in Aungier Street. He gave Reynolds some accounts of money and a letter for the county Kildare committee. In it Lord Edward urged them not to be cast down by the arrests at Bond's, but to carry on.

45. Political conversation at Castle Jordan

    Castlejordan · townland · Meath · 1797–1798

    Cope described visiting Castle Jordan with Reynolds where a company including Sir Duke Giffard, Lord Wycombe and others discussed the troubles, the need for reform and emancipation, and dissatisfaction of the people. This conversation on the return journey led Reynolds to eventually give information to Cope.

    Read the passage

    It was a serious conversation ? — It was. They talked very freely of the troubles, and their increase ; that the people were not satisfied, and could not be satisfied.

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 433

46. Rebel retreat to the mountains of Slieve Croob

    near Slieve Croob · mountain or mountain range · Down · 1798

    After their defeat at Ballynahinch, the main body of rebels retired to the mountains of Slieve Croob, from where they dispersed within a few days and returned home.

    Read the passage

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

    Another very slight insurrection took place in the county of Cork, where, on the 19th of June, an attack was made on a detachment of the Westmeath regiment

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 313

47. Repulsed attack on Larne

    near Larne · town · Antrim · 1798

    The day after the Antrim attack, a small rebel body attacked the town of Larne but was repulsed by the garrison.

    Read the passage

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

    Another rising began on the 8th of June in the county of Down. A body of rebels made their ap-

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 312

48. Reynolds sleeps at Naas en route to Kilkea

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    On 17 March 1798, Reynolds left Dublin on his way to Kilkea and slept at Naas, eighteen miles from town; his arrival there was quickly known and word spread that he carried a letter from Lord Edward Fitzgerald.

    Read the passage

    On the 17th of March my father left Dublin on his way to Kilkea, and slept at Naas, eighteen miles from town. His arrival was quickly known, being looked for in consequence of a letter written by post from Lord Edward Fitzgerald to Kennaa, stating that my father

    I

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 204

49. Reynolds witnesses Paris in revolutionary turmoil and stolen pin used against him at 1798 trials

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

    The lost diamond pin affair was later revived as a charge against Reynolds by Warren and Sullivan during the 1798 trials, intended to damage his credibility, but he openly admitted the truth of the matter.

    Read the passage

    The diamond pin was never mentioned more, nor ever thought of, until Warren and a man in my grandmother’s employ, named Sullivan, made it the ground of a charge against my father on the trials in 1798. in order, if possible, to injure his credit. War¬ ren at the same time accused my father of having stolen silks from his mother’s warehouse. The fact was, his mother and Mrs. Warren had continually gowns cut from any silk they fancied for their own use, of which no account was taken. My father had twice or three times a gown in like manner cut off for this young woman ; it was done openly in the ware-room, but Warren and the clerks had particular charge not to tell his mother. Delicacy, duty, and respect made him naturally anxious to conceal such a connexion from her. The charge was made in the hope that my father would deny or attempt to gloss it over ; hut he foiled the base attempt by openly avowing the fact. This young woman, soon after my father quitted Dublin to travel with Sir Robert Gerard, went to England, where she became a great favourite of the late Duke of Red-

    1789.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1798, the city around you, was the setting for one of the bitter episodes in Thomas Reynolds's story. A diamond pin that had been lost and forgotten was revived as a charge against Reynolds by Warren and by Sullivan, a man in his grandmother's employ, during the trials of that year. Warren also accused Reynolds of stealing silks from his mother's warehouse. The truth was less dramatic: gowns were regularly cut from silk in the ware-room for family use, with no account kept, and Reynolds had on two or three occasions had a gown cut for a young woman there, done openly. Warren and the clerks had been told not to tell his mother. The charge was brought in the hope that Reynolds would deny it or try to gloss it over. He foiled the attempt by openly admitting the fact. The young woman left for England after Reynolds quit Dublin to travel with Sir Robert Gerard.

50. Skirmish at Tubbercurry

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1798

    French forces reached Tubbercurry early on 5 September 1798, where they were briefly opposed by Captain O'Hara with a few yeomen before he was repulsed.

    Read the passage

    The French reached Tubbercurry early in the morn¬ ing of the 5th, where they were opposed by Captain O’Hara with a few yeomen. After a short skirmish Captain O’Hara was repulsed, and the enemy pro¬ ceeded to Coloony, where they were attacked by Co¬ lonel Verreker, with three hundred infantry, thirty light dragoons, and two curricle- guns. After an action of about an hour Colonel Verreker was obliged to retreat, leaving his guns in the hands of the French. General Humbert, conceiving this body to be the van¬ guard of a much larger army, instead of proceeding to Sligo, now directed his march by Drummahair towards Manorhamilton, in the county of Leitrim, leaving three six-pounders dismounted on the road, and having thrown five pieces of cannon over the bridge at Drum¬ mahair. At Manorhamilton he turned towards Drumkerin, apparently with the design of reaching Granard, in the county of Longford. Colonel Crawford still kept hanging on his rear, and on the 7th had an en¬ gagement, in which he was repulsed with considerable

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 325

51. Standing invitation to Carton for the Curragh spring meeting

    Carton House · site · Kildare · 1789–1791

    Reynolds held a regular invitation to the Duke of Leinster's seat at Carton for the week of the spring race meeting on the Curragh.

    Read the passage

    Clonlost, in the same county ; his uncle Keon, at Keonbrook, in the county of Leitrim ; Nugent Rey¬ nolds, at Letterfian, in the same county ; O’Brian Bel¬ lingham, at Castle Bellingham, in the county of Louth ; his uncle Strange, in the same county ; Sir Patrick Bellew, in the same county, &c. &c. He had also a regular invitation to the Duke of Leinster’s, at Cartown, for the week of the spring meeting on the Curragh ; and another at Mr. Carrol’s, at Ballinure, in the county of Kildare, for the first week of fox-hunt¬ ing: that gentleman had a fine pack of fox-hounds, which ran three days during the first week. Mr. Carrol’s house at that time was full of company. Pie gave balls on the three alternate evenings ; forty or fifty per¬ sons slept in the house ; and every person of the rank of a gentleman, within twenty miles round, was invited to the balls. When my father was in Dublin he was every evening engaged with his old companions, so that he was fit for anything but business. It must be con¬ fessed that such a life was most improper for a young man, and especially for one who, like my father, possessed only a small income, and should have been placed at once at the desk.

    Thus matters went on until the spring of 1791, when my father’s youngest remaining sister, Rose, was at¬ tacked by a complaint in her chest, accompanied by a little, short cough, and other symptoms of that fatal disorder, consumption, so very frequent in Ireland.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 74

52. Sullivan sent to M'Can's office to have pikes sharpened

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1797

    Peter Sullivan testified that he was sent by Thomas Reynolds to M'Can's office, located at Mr. Jackson's, to ask if M'Can could have pikes sharpened, but M'Can refused or denied having anything to do with it. This exchange became central evidence regarding United Irishmen arming activity in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Come, what was it ? — He sent me to M‘Can to know if lie could get a pike sharpened; and M‘ Can did not acknowledge to have anything to do with it.

    By virtue of your oath, did not M‘Can then ask you for it ? — -No.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 400

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a city where, in 1797, Peter Sullivan testified he had been sent by Thomas Reynolds to M'Can's office, at Mr. Jackson's, to ask if a pike could be sharpened. M'Can would not acknowledge having anything to do with it, nor did he ask for the pike.

53. The fate of Mr. Spencer of Rathangan

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

    The author references the sad fate of Mr. Spencer of Rathangan as an example of a man crushed by contending factions during the period of civil commotion, drawing a parallel to Sir Edward Crosbie's fate.

    Read the passage

    crushed by the contending factions. The fate of Sir Edward Crosbie, which I have just related, and that of Mr. Spencer of Rathangan, which I shall presently recount, are sad instances of the truth of this remark. Every man must adopt one party or the other. At the moment my father was hurrying from the kingdom the United Irishmen forced him to take a decided part against them ; but, even in so doing, it will presently be seen that he never for a moment lost sight of their safety, and that, while he cleared his own reputation and saved his country, he saved them also.

    The following morning his friends were with him again, when he received a message from Mr. Cooke, desiring to see him. He found with him the Earl of Clare, who from his early days had been the intimate friend of the parents and family of my mother, and to whom my father was of course wrell known, also Lord Castlereagh, who then acted as secretary of state in aid of Mr. Pelham (Earl of Chichester), who was in a delicate state of health, and who then held that appointment. A long conversation took place, in the course of which it was explained to my father that it was by no means the wish of government to punish those in confinement capitally, but that it was now very evident that peace and order could not be restored while they remained in the kingdom within reach of their associates ; their intrigues, though in prison, being nearly as extensive and as destructive as when they were at large. Their friends, and they had several, even in the parliaments as well of England as

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 245

54. Ulster Provincial Committee Meets at Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1795

    The United Irish organization in Ulster was described as very numerous and complete, with its provincial committee meeting at Belfast and maintaining its own separate channel of communication with the Directory's agent in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    In Ulster, it was very numerous and very complete ; its provincial met at Belfast, and had its own separate channel of communication with the agent of the Direc¬ tory at Dublin.

    The province of Leinster was also very numerous and complete ; its provincial met in Dublin, where the agent of the Directory attended its meetings, and acted as its secretary and president, and through him all communications were made.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 143

55. Chancery dispute over Groves property resolved via William Street houses

    William Street · street · Waterford · 1825

    A long-running chancery suit over the Groves family property, including houses in William Street, was eventually settled in 1825 in Paris, with claimants obtaining the William Street houses while Colonel Witherington retained the money he had received.

    Read the passage

    of all her assets, under the circumstances which will be detailed presently. The securities of the Groves’ pro¬ perty were among those assets, no interest had been received or demanded on them since those young ladies died, a period of five or six years, so that the property then amounted to about 12,00 01. Edward Witherington pretended to consider the whole as his mother’s pro¬ perty, and called it in as speedily as he could. The suit among the claimants continued. Colonel Witherington quitted the country, and set the heirs at defiance. At length, in 1825, being settled at Paris, he made some composition with the claimants, by which* they obtained possession of the houses in William-street ; and Colonel Witherington was permitted to keep what he had received on account of the money securities.

    Colonel Witherington’s differences with my father began from the first days of my father’s marriage with Miss Harriett Witherington. The cause was as follows :

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 118

56. Description of the barony of Kilkea and Moone

    Moone · townland · Kildare · 1797

    The barony of Kilkea and Moone comprised 1500 Irish acres of prime land; the Moone portion of about 850 acres, including the old deer-park and the Earl's huntsman's residence and kennel, was held by the Yates family, while other portions were let to Kinsela and Macdermod.

    Read the passage

    The barony of Kilkea and Moone consisted of 1500 Irish acres, of the first land in the country, exclusive of the gardens, orchards, and land occupied by the castle and its appurtenances. That part called Moone was held on lease by a family of the name of Yates, and contained about 850 acres, including the old deer-park, adjoining to which was the ancient habitation of the Earl’s huntsman, the kennel, and other sporting establishments. These buildings formed the residence of Mr. Yates’ family. 250 acres, or thereabouts, were let, with suitable farm¬ houses, to a Mr. Kinsela, and to one Macdermod ; the remaining 350 acres were attached to the castle, and let with it.

    1797.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1797 lay the barony of Kilkea and Moone, about 1500 Irish acres of prime land, not counting the castle grounds and gardens. The Moone part, roughly 850 acres, was held on lease by the Yates family and included the old deer-park, with the Earl's huntsman's house and kennel nearby. The rest was let to a Mr. Kinsela and one Macdermod, about 250 acres with farmhouses, while the remaining 350 acres went with the castle itself.

57. Engagement between Drumshanbo and Ballinamore

    Drumshanbo · town · Leitrim · 1798

    On 7 September 1798, Colonel Crawford engaged the French rearguard between Drumshanbo and Ballinamore and was repulsed with considerable loss.

    Read the passage

    The French reached Tubbercurry early in the morn¬ ing of the 5th, where they were opposed by Captain O’Hara with a few yeomen. After a short skirmish Captain O’Hara was repulsed, and the enemy pro¬ ceeded to Coloony, where they were attacked by Co¬ lonel Verreker, with three hundred infantry, thirty light dragoons, and two curricle- guns. After an action of about an hour Colonel Verreker was obliged to retreat, leaving his guns in the hands of the French. General Humbert, conceiving this body to be the van¬ guard of a much larger army, instead of proceeding to Sligo, now directed his march by Drummahair towards Manorhamilton, in the county of Leitrim, leaving three six-pounders dismounted on the road, and having thrown five pieces of cannon over the bridge at Drum¬ mahair. At Manorhamilton he turned towards Drumkerin, apparently with the design of reaching Granard, in the county of Longford. Colonel Crawford still kept hanging on his rear, and on the 7th had an en¬ gagement, in which he was repulsed with considerable

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0

58. Family consultation on Rose's illness in King-street, Dublin

    King Street · street · Dublin · 1791

    A family meeting was held in King-street, Dublin, where physicians Purcell and Andrew Daly confirmed that Rose Reynolds was suffering from consumption and advised she be sent to the south of France.

    Read the passage

    added that he thought it doubtful whether a better climate would save her ; he solemnly declared he was convinced she would not live nine months in Ireland. My grandmother went off immediately to her aunts, Mrs. Strange and Mrs. Molloy, who thought, as she did, that Mr. Fitzgerald was a dreamer. They how¬ ever agreed to have a meeting next evening in Kingstreet. Mr. Fitzgerald was present, and repeated his opinion if possible more decidedly ; the consequence was a determination to cousult Drs. Purcell and An¬ drew Daly, the two most eminent physicians then in Dublin. Mrs. Molloy was ailing, and had them called in as if for herself, for fear of alarming Rose ; but they were fully instructed that their advice was intended really for my aunt. My grandmother and her daughter were sitting with Mrs. Molloy, when Mr. Fitzgerald and the two physicians entered. After some general advice to Mrs. Molloy, Dr. Purcell began to chat with my grandmother and my aunt on indifferent matters. They remained a full hour, and then retired to speak in private with my grandmother, when they more than confirmed all Mr. Fitzgerald had said. They told her Rose appeared to be decidedly attacked, and that she should be sent to the south of France as speedily as possible, and that until her departure she should ride out to the foot of the mountains and drink goats" whey every morning before breakfast, to keep up her strength as long as possible ; for they said a few weeks would make a very decided alteration in her strength, appe¬ tite, and spirits.

    72

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 76

59. Groves family merchant house and property in William Street, Dublin

    William Street · street · Waterford

    Mr Blennerhasset Groves was a merchant residing in William Street, Dublin, who left substantial personal property and houses in that street, valued at £5000, which became the subject of a long dispute involving the Witherington and Reynolds families.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Fanning had another daughter married to a Mr. Blennerhasset Groves. Upon that gentleman’s death, Mr. Fanning took Mrs. Groves also, and her daughters, to reside with him. Mr. Blennerhasset Groves was a merchant, residing in William Street, Dublin. At his death, he left about 10,000/. in per¬ sonal property, and some houses in William Street, then valued at 5000/., let on lease to a Mr. Humphrey Minchin, who succeeded him in his business. Mr. Groves, by his will, named his father-in-law, Mr. Fan¬ ning, as his sole executor, and sole trustee and guar¬ dian to his two daughters. Mr. Fanning collected the whole of Mr. Groves’ personal property, and invested it in securities in his own name.

    During the last years of Mr. Fanning’s life he was very much confined to his room, attended solely by his daughter, Mrs. Witherington : she devoted her whole time to her father. His age, and his complaints, operating on a temper naturally peevish, and impa¬ tient, rendered his society unpleasant to strangers — but not so to his child. She smoothed his pillow — she soothed his declining years, and with unwearying love and attention sacrificed every feeling of self to promote his ease. She relinquished all intercourse with her connexions and friends, to devote all her care and at¬ tention to her father. So good a daughter could not fail to be an affectionate mother. She was passion¬ ately fond of her children, and especially of Edward, her eldest child, who was also a great favourite with his grandfather, by whom he was treated with extraordi-

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 116

60. Repairs, rents and turf-cutting rights at Kilkea Castle

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1797

    Reynolds's father agreed to pay a fine and cover the cost of new roofing, flooring and ceiling for Kilkea Castle carried out by the Duke's builder Mr. Shannon, and secured an unlimited right to cut turf at the great bog of Monavooliagh, about two miles from Kilkea.

    Read the passage

    Several ornamental repairs and decorations were made, which could not be charged to the duke, but fell of course to the occupier, amounting perhaps in the whole to 300/. The manor-mill, with two or three acres of mill-pond, adjoined this property, and was then held by one Green, a miller, on a lease of seven years. This was to be delivered up to my father at the end of the lease, at the rent Green paid, if he chose to accept it ; and he was to be allowed to fine down the remainder of the rent at 10 per cent., at any period during the first seven years at his own con¬ venience, which, including the mill-rent, might even¬ tually have cost 1000/. more. He had an unlimited right of cutting turf in the great bog of Monavooliagh, which lay at the distance of about two miles from Kilkea.

    On paying the fine to the duke, who gave my father a receipt, explaining the agreement, he was put into possession of the castle and lands by his

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn01reyn_0, Chapter 101