The life of Thomas Reynolds, Esq. : formerly of Kilkea Castle, in the county of Kildare (vol. 2)

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. Nicholas Sheehy supported by funds raised in Thurles chapel

   Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1768

   The informant swore that a letter regarding establishment of a popish college in Dublin was read at the chapel of Thurles, tying that site to correspondence among the Catholic hierarchy implicated in the Whiteboy conspiracy.

   Read the passage

   In another information Matthias O’Brien swore that Doctor Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel, assured him that the cause of the Whiteboys was the cause of God and their holy religion, undertaken to restore Prince Charles to the throne of his ancestors, and their ancient faith to its primitive purity. That informant knew that the late Nicho¬ las Sheeliy was chiefly supported by the said Butler, and that large contributions were frequently made for him ; in¬ formant and the rest of the popish clergy having been taxed for that purpose by the said Butler, which the Iteverend Mr. Magher, a convert to the Protestant religion, can certify from his own knowledge. That informant saw and read a letter at the chapel of Thurles, said to have been written and signed by Count Taaffe, and addressed to Doctor Fitzsimons, titular archbishop of Dublin, and transmitted to the said James Butler, importing that a popish college should soon be erected in Dublin. That the said James Butler

   APPENDIX.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Thurles in Tipperary, this is the town where a letter was read at the chapel in 1768, tying it to the Whiteboy conspiracy. An informant named Matthias O'Brien swore that Doctor Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel, told him the Whiteboys' cause was "the cause of God and their holy religion," undertaken to restore Prince Charles to the throne of his ancestors. O'Brien also swore that Nicholas Sheehy was chiefly supported by Butler, with large contributions frequently made for him, the popish clergy having been taxed for that purpose by Butler. The letter O'Brien saw and read at the chapel of Thurles was said to have been written and signed by Count Taaffe, addressed to Doctor Fitzsimons, titular archbishop of Dublin, and transmitted to the said James Butler, importing that a popish college should soon be erected in Dublin.

2. Bond advises Reynolds to accept Colonel command on Bridge Street steps

   Bridge Street · street · Dublin · 1797

   Reynolds met Bond on the steps of his own house in Bridge Street and told him of Lord Edward's request; Bond advised him to accept the command, and Reynolds agreed.

   Read the passage

   Lord Edward spoke to him, and asked for an interview ; that at that interview, which took place at the house of the witness in Park Street, Lord Edward requested him to become a Colonel in the United Irish army, for the county of Kildare ; that he gave a very reluctant assent to become so ; that some days after he met Mr. Bond on the steps of his own house in Bridge Street, and told him that Lord Edward had applied to him to become a Colonel, and that he did not like it, although he wished very well to the United cause ; that Mr. Bond said that every man who wished well to the cause ought now to put himself forward, and advised him to accept the command of Colonel ; that he replied that since he, Mr. Bond, advised it, he certainly would. The remainder of his evidence was similar in substance to what he gave on the former trials, but he gave the fol¬ lowing more detailed account of three interviews with Lord Edward Fitzgerald ; the first on the 1 1th of March, to dissuade him from attending the proposed meeting of the following day ; and afterwards on two occasions, subsequent to the arrests, when he was sent for by Lord Edward Fitzgerald.

   “ On Sunday the lltli of March, about four o’clock in the afternoon, I called at Leinster House upon Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and saw him. I had in my hand a paper which contained directions from Counsellor Saurin to the lawyers’ corps, desiring them, in case of riot, to repair to Smithfield. There were two papers, one withinside the other; those who were going out of town, and whose arms would not be safe, were to leave

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 11

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Bridge Street, in 1797, a quiet conversation settled a man's fate. Thomas Reynolds had already met Lord Edward Fitzgerald at a house in Park Street, where Lord Edward asked him to become a Colonel in the United Irish army for the county of Kildare. Reynolds gave a very reluctant assent. Some days after that, he met Mr. Bond on the steps of his own house here on this street, and told him what Lord Edward had proposed. He said he did not like it, although he wished very well to the United cause. Bond answered that every man who wished well to the cause ought now to put himself forward, and advised him to accept the command of Colonel. Reynolds replied that since Bond advised it, he certainly would. What followed in his evidence concerned other matters. He gave a detailed account of three interviews with Lord Edward Fitzgerald. The first was on Sunday the 11th of March, about four o'clock in the afternoon, when he called at Leinster House upon Lord Edward Fitzgerald. He carried a paper with directions from Counsellor Saurin to the lawyers' corps, desiring them, in case of riot, to repair to Smithfield. There were two papers, one within the other. Those who were going out of town, and whose arms would not be safe, were to leave

3. Handbill Incites Cork Militia to Mutiny

   Cork · city · Cork · 1798

   A handbill was distributed in Cork in March 1798, urging militia men to refuse orders to shoot their comrades and promising them the protection of the people if they resisted their officers.

   Read the passage

   The following hand-bill was distributed in Cork, in March 1798, exciting the soldiers to mutiny : — •

   " To Militia men.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 533

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, this is where a handbill went around in March 1798, addressed "To Militia men," urging them to refuse orders to shoot their comrades and promising the protection of the people if they resisted their officers.

4. Reynolds Brought to Dublin in Custody

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

   A footnote states that after Reynolds was brought to Dublin as a prisoner on 7 May, he learned that Major Witherington had accused him of poisoning his mother-in-law, believing Reynolds to be dead at the time.

   Read the passage

   * After Mr. Reynolds was brought to Dublin in custody on the 7th of May, he heard that Major Witherington had said so. When Major Witherington made the observation, he had what he thought good leason to believe that Mr. Reynolds was dead. See vol. i. p. 2 42.

   1798.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 74

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Dublin now. In 1798, Reynolds was brought here as a prisoner on 7 May. He then learned that Major Witherington had accused him of poisoning his mother-in-law, believing Reynolds was already dead at the time.

5. Whiteboy nocturnal meetings around Callan

   Callan · town · Kilkenny · 1768

   The informant testified to witnessing nocturnal meetings of Whiteboy insurgents clad in white uniforms in and about Callan within recent weeks, evidencing continuing rebellious activity.

   Read the passage

   the sole end and purpose, to informant’s certain knowledge, in order to raise therein a spirit of sedition and dissatisfaction to his Majesty’s person and government, which might be of use to support a foreign invasion, certainly intended against this kingdom at a convenient time, in favour of Prince Charles, otherwise the Pretender to these realms ; and that the causes commonly alleged for these risings by the said Whiteboys were but mere pretences, and calculated entirely to conceal the above secret designs. Informant deposetli, that these disorders were fomented originally by foreign agents, in conjunction with some popish bishops, particularly Doctor James Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel (in whose house, or chapel, there were papers of a treasonable nature concealed), and others of his clergy, assisted by several principal gentlemen of the same per¬ suasion. That informant was early apprised from his station, then as coadjutor to the aforesaid Doctor Butler, of their dangerous schemes against his Majesty’s crown and the established government of this kingdom, which they did at that time, and do still, as he verily believes, mean to over¬ turn, and which they would have long since more openly attempted to execute but for the timely notice thereof he often, from time to time, gave to the Reverend John Hewetson, of Suirville, a justice of peace for said county, and whose life he more than once saved in his chair of confession, by dissuading liis determined and combined assassins from their bloody purposes against him. That informant is fully convinced upon different grounds (but which, as being con¬ fided upon the solemnities of confession from some of the insurgents, and secrecy, he thinks he cannot, consistent with his obligation as 'a priest, divulge), that the above spirit of sedition would have broke out long since to an open and armed rebellion were it not for the zealous and indefatigable labours of the said John Hewetson and William Bagenal, esquire, who, by the spirit and activity they exerted in detecting, apprehending, and bringing to justice some of the chief leaders of these insurrections, checked and suspended for a time their bad designs. And he deposeth in the most solemn manner that this same rebellious spirit still subsists among those deluded people, as it evidently appears from their frequent nocturnal meetings, held, by informant’s cer¬ tain knowledge, within these eight or nine weeks past in and about Callan, and other parts of this county, where informant saw some of the said insurgents clad in their

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

6. Dungannon Convention as symbol of northern unity

   near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1792–1793

   The address calls for the sense of Ulster to be declared again from Dungannon, invoking the earlier Volunteer Convention held there as a symbol of national unity, peace and freedom to be renewed.

   Read the passage

   The 15th of February approaches, a day ever memo¬ rable in the annals of this country as the birth-day of new Ireland. Let parochial meetings be held as soon as possible. Let each parish return delegates. Let the sense of Ulster be again declared from Dungannon on a day

   554

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 499

7. Priest's sworn information on Whiteboy conspiracy sworn in Kilkenny

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1768

   Matthias O'Brien, a Catholic priest of Kilkenny, swore before the Mayor of Kilkenny that the Whiteboy risings were fomented by foreign agents and popish bishops in favour of the Pretender, alleging a wider conspiracy behind the agrarian unrest.

   Read the passage

   city of Kilkenny, in said county, popish priest, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists, deposeth, — That the late tumultuous risings of the Whiteboys, which prevailed in the southern parts of this kingdom, were set on foot for

   APPENDIX.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

8. Reynolds resigns command at Naas market-day meeting

   Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

   After his interviews with Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Thomas Reynolds attended a meeting of his captains on market-day at Naas, read them Lord Edward's letter, and resigned his position, never again attending a United Irishmen meeting.

   Read the passage

   Immediately after the arrests at Bond’s my father had two interviews with Lord Edward Fitzgerald. As I intend to enter fully into that subject in my next chapter, I will merely remind the reader that those interviews were not sought hy my father, and that they principally related to measures for the personal safety of Lord Edward Fitzgerald. My father then retired into the country, and attended a meeting of the county committee to deliver Lord Edward’s letter and to re¬ sign his appointments. He attended a meeting of his captains on the following market-day at Naas, read them Lord Edward’s letter, and never afterwards at¬ tended a meeting of United Irishmen, or held any communication with any of them upon the business of the confederacy.

   He now employed himself actively in promoting the peace of the country : he addressed the assembled pea¬ santry at different chapels on several occasions, and he used the influence which his family and connexions in the county gave him, to procure the surrender of arms and the peaceable submission of the people, so success¬ fully as to attract the attention of the authorities. It was a singular feature of those unhappy times that the exertion of any influence in the prevention of crime was

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 157

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Naas, a Kildare town with its own piece of 1798 history. After the arrests at Bond's, Thomas Reynolds had two interviews with Lord Edward Fitzgerald, both about measures for Lord Edward's personal safety, and neither sought by Reynolds. He then retired into the country and attended a meeting of the county committee to deliver Lord Edward's letter and to resign his appointments. On the following market-day at Naas, he met his captains, read them Lord Edward's letter, and resigned his position. He never afterwards attended a meeting of United Irishmen, or held any communication with any of them on the business of the confederacy. He then turned to promoting the peace of the country. He addressed assembled peasants at different chapels on several occasions, and used the influence his family and connections in the county gave him to procure the surrender of arms and the peaceable submission of the people, successfully enough to attract the attention of the authorities.

9. Surrender of the two towns of Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

   Under the treaty, the Irish town of Limerick was to be delivered immediately to General Ginckle, while the English town, the island, and Thomond-Bridge remained temporarily in Irish hands pending transportation of troops.

   Read the passage

   XXIII. In consideration of the present capitulation, the two towns of Limerick shall be delivered and put into the hands of the General, or any other person he shall appoint, at the time and day hereafter specified, viz., the Irish town, excepting the magazines and hospital, on the day of the signing of these present articles; and as for the English town, it shall remain, together with the island, and the free passage of Thom ond- Bridge, in the hands of those of the Irish army that are now in the garrison, or that shall here¬ after come from the counties of Cork, Clare, Kerry, Sligo, and other places above mentioned, until there shall be con¬ venience found for their transportation.

   XXIV. And to prevent all disorders that may happen between the garrison that the General shall place in the Irish town, which shall be delivered to him, and the Irish troopers that shall remain in the English town and the island, which they may do, until the troops embarked on the first fifty ships shall be gone for France, and no longer ; they shall intrench themselves on both sides, to hinder the communication of the said garrisons : and it shall be pro¬ hibited on both sides, to offer anything that is offensive ; and the parties offending shall be punished on cither side.

   Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Limerick now. In 1691, the two towns of this place were surrendered under a written capitulation. Under the terms, the Irish town was to be delivered to General Ginckle on the very day the articles were signed, excepting the magazines and the hospital. The English town, the island, and the free passage of Thomond-Bridge were to remain in the hands of the Irish army then in the garrison, or any who should come after from the counties of Cork, Clare, Kerry, Sligo, and other places named, until there should be convenience found for their transportation. To prevent disorders between the garrison Ginckle should place in the Irish town and the Irish troopers remaining in the English town and the island, they were to entrench themselves on both sides and hinder all communication between the garrisons. Nothing offensive was to be offered on either side, and any party offending was to be punished. The Irish troopers could remain in the English town and the island only until the troops embarked on the first fifty ships were gone for France, and no longer.

10. Armagh Violence and Subsequent Peace

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1797–1798

    The handbill references recent bloodshed in Armagh, noting that the hills and valleys once stained with blood are now said to be covered by peace and unity among Irishmen. This is presented as an example of the effects of United Irish principles.

    Read the passage

    “ No moment was ever so awful to Ireland as the present one. Liberty or slavery is now before us. That the deci¬ sion is in your hand, I am well assured. Glorious prospect ! The people of Ireland are united. Show the pitiful tyrants who calumniate you — show the world that you are a band of brothers, actuated by a sense of honour, virtue, and patriotism. Show an example of the effects of your principles in Armagh. The hills and valleys which were lately stained with blood, are now covered by the real spirit of the Gospel, and peace, and love, and charity, and union reign in the hearts of Irish¬ men ! Look at this, ye traducers, ye dividers, ye devourers ol Ireland. Yes, thank heaven, we are united, and that our enemies know right well. Let not the honest indignation of your virtuous souls provoke you to a word or an action un¬ worthy of your country or your cause, when you hear your¬ selves termed f a nest of execrable and infamous traitors.’ \ ou must learn to smile at the impotent attacks of malig¬ nant despair.

    “ Look at the map, says a ministerial character, and you will find that Ireland must belong to England or France.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 528

11. Freedom of the City of Dublin granted to Reynolds

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    In defending Reynolds in Parliament, Lord Castlereagh noted that the corporation of the city of Dublin did not consider him unworthy and granted him the freedom of their body, along with the Guild of Merchants voting him honorary membership. This is cited as evidence of public vindication of Reynolds's character in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    treason, and by bis discovery made the atonement. It was inconsistent with the honour of Government to allow such a man to wander through the country, at a moment too, when these frequent denunciations could not contri¬ bute to his personal safety. ( Alluding to my fathers recent appointment as Consul in Denmark.) He (Lord Castlereagh) was not Secretary of State when Mr. Rey¬ nolds came forward ; it was to Mr. Pelham (Lord Chi¬ chester) that the disclosures were made. Three juries had believed his testimony, and the Irish House of Com¬ mons, where there were men active enough to expose it if possible, considered it unhnpeached. That in the estimation of the honourable Baronet, such a man ap¬ peared in a degraded light was, without imputing improper motives, not unnatural, from the habits of per¬ sonal association that honourable Baronet had witli persons to whom Mr. Reynolds could have no recom¬ mendation ; the prejudice was not however general. Lord Chichester had thought so well of his character as to appoint him to the respectable situation of Postmas¬ ter-General at Lisbon. The corporation of the city of Dublin did not think him unworthy, and gave him the freedom of their body. The Guild of Merchants, a body of men far above ministerial influence or corruption, who voted him the honour of their guild, did not concur in these feelings of reprobation. His testimony was not alone unimpeached, but was supported by the confes¬ sions of the traitors themselves. Arthur O’Connor, and 251 other traitors confessed their guilt, and upheld the truth of his statement. Certainly, Mr. Reynolds de-

    1817.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 375

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Dublin, this is the city whose corporation once stood behind Thomas Reynolds. Lord Castlereagh told Parliament that the corporation of Dublin did not consider Reynolds unworthy and granted him the freedom of their body. The Guild of Merchants, described as far above ministerial influence or corruption, voted him honorary membership of their guild. Castlereagh was defending Reynolds's character against those who saw him as degraded. He pointed out that three juries had believed Reynolds's testimony and the Irish House of Commons considered it unimpeached. Lord Chichester had thought well enough of him to appoint him Postmaster-General at Lisbon. His testimony was supported by the confessions of the traitors themselves. Arthur O'Connor and 251 other traitors confessed their guilt and upheld the truth of his statement. Reynolds had come forward with disclosures to Mr. Pelham, before Castlereagh was Secretary of State. The Dublin honours were cited as evidence that prejudice against him was not general.

12. Funds used for defence of prisoners tried at Naas assizes

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    Money given by Lady Edward Fitzgerald for the county of Kildare and barony of Offaly was principally used in the defence of prisoners tried at the ensuing assizes at Naas.

    Read the passage

    over to me as the treasurer appointed in his place. After this he went down stairs ; Lord Edward dis¬ guised himself as well as he could, and went away with a young gentleman, and I never saw him afterwards. Lady Edward Fitzgerald sent for me next day, which was Friday, and handed me thirteen pounds for the barony of Offalley, and thirty-two or thirty-three pounds for the county, which she said Lord Edward desired her to give me. It was afterwards principally laid out in defence of the prisoners tried at the ensuing assizes at Naas. I brought down Lord Edward’s letter, and read it to a meeting of the County Committee held at Bell’s on the Curragh of Kildare, and on the Tuesday after, at Athy, I read it to a meeting of my own captains, and at the desire of one of them, I burned it. The letter recommended that they should not think anything of what had happened at Bond’s — it was nothing — a trifle : it desired them to fill up the vacan¬ cies occasioned by the arrests at Bond’s as soon as pos¬ sible ; and that they might rely upon his being in his place upon the day when they should be called upon to rise. There was a good deal more in it which I do not recollect.’ ’

    [Mr. Reynolds has been censured for seeing Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and attending these two meetings ol United Irishmen, after he had resolved on abandoning their cause, and had given such information to Govern¬ ment as caused the arrests at Bond’s on the 12th March. His interview with Lord Edward on the lltli March was for the purpose of prevailing upon that nobleman

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Naas, the Kildare town where the assizes sat in 1798. After Lord Edward Fitzgerald went into hiding, his wife Lady Edward Fitzgerald handed over money to Thomas Reynolds — 13 pounds for the barony of Offaly and 32 or 33 pounds for the county of Kildare — which she said Lord Edward had directed her to give. That money was principally laid out in the defence of prisoners tried at the ensuing assizes here in Naas. Reynolds had read Lord Edward's letter to a meeting of the County Committee held at Bell's on the Curragh of Kildare, and on the following Tuesday at Athy he read it to a meeting of his own captains, and at the desire of one of them he burned it. The letter told them not to think anything of what had happened at Bond's, calling it nothing, a trifle. It urged them to fill the vacancies caused by the arrests at Bond's as soon as possible, and said they might rely upon Lord Edward being in his place on the day they were called upon to rise. There was more in the letter that Reynolds did not recollect.

13. Northern Whig Club meeting in Belfast, 1790

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1790

    At a meeting of the Northern Whig Club held at Belfast on 16 April 1790, chaired by Gawin Hamilton, resolutions were passed warning against ministerial corruption undermining parliamentary independence and calling on the people of Ireland to defend their rights.

    Read the passage

    At a meeting of the Northern Whig Club, held at Belfast on the 16th of April, 1790, Gawin Hamilton, esquire, in the chair, the following resolutions and address were agreed to : —

    Resolved unanimously — That when an unmasked and shameless system of ministerial corruption manifests an intention to sap the spirit, virtue, and independence of Par¬ liament, it is time for the people to look to themselves.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 500

14. Reynolds travels to Castle Jordan with Cope

    Castlejordan · townland · Meath · 1798

    On 25 February 1798, Reynolds travelled to Castle Jordan with Mr Cope, his mind occupied with the conspiracy recently disclosed to him; on their return Cope gave him the opportunity to withdraw from the conspiracy and inform government.

    Read the passage

    On the 25th, as Mr. Moore states, my father went to • Castle Jordan with Mr. Cope, his mind still occupied with the tremendous conspiracy so lately disclosed to him, and the apparent fruitlessness of any efforts which he could make to prevent or delay it. On their return Mr. Cope gave him an opportunity of withdrawing from

    1798. LIFE OF THOMAS REYNOLDS. 203

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 187

15. Clare-castle garrison included in capitulation

    near Clarecastle · population centre · Clare · 1691

    The garrison of Clare-castle and other posts in Clare, Cork and Kerry were granted the benefit of the Limerick capitulation, permitted to march out with arms and colours flying.

    Read the passage

    XI. That the garrisons of Clare-castle, Ross, and all other foot that are in garrisons in the counties of Clare, Cork, and Kerry, shall have the advantage of this present capitula¬ tion ; and such part of those garrisons as design to go beyond seas shall march out with their arms, baggage, drums beating, ball in mouth, match lighted at both ends, and colours Hying, with all the provisions, and half the ammunition tiiat is in the said garrisons, and join the horse that march to be transported ; or if then there is not ship¬ ping enough for the body of foot that is to be next trans¬ ported after the horse, General Ginckle will order that they be furnished with carriages for that purpose, and what pro¬ visions they shall want in their march, they paying for the said provisions, or else that they may take it out of their own magazines.

    XII. That all the troops of horse and dragoons that are in the counties of Cork, Kerry, and Clare shall also have the benefit of this capitulation ; and that such as will pass into France shall have quarters given them in the counties of Clare and Kerry, apart from the troops that are com¬ manded by General Ginckle, until they can be shipped ; and within their quarters they shall pay for every thing, except forage and pasture for their horses, which shall be furnished gratis.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

16. Coigley letter names Lord Edward as 'Citizen Fitzgerald'

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

    James Coigley wrote to Lord Edward Fitzgerald in Dublin, addressing him as a fellow revolutionary 'Citizen', arranging to discuss conspiratorial business. The letter was later found at Leinster House and read at Maidstone.

    Read the passage

    “ You will please to remain at home to-morrow, as I intend to call upon you precisely at seven o’clock in the evening, to talk over that business of the letter, and other affairs of that business likewise.

    “ James Coigley.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1798. James Coigley wrote to Lord Edward Fitzgerald here, addressing him as a fellow revolutionary, Citizen Fitzgerald, and asking him to remain at home so they could meet at seven in the evening to talk over their business. The letter was later found at Leinster House and read at Maidstone.

17. Colonel Witherington dies of cholera in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1831–1832

    After squandering his fortune following an unequal marriage, Colonel Witherington left Paris for Dublin in 1831. He died there in the spring of 1832 during the cholera morbus outbreak then raging in the city.

    Read the passage

    About this time Colonel Witherington’s mistress died, and he became a very frequent guest at Colonel Bunburv’s table. He there met a Miss Childe, a natural daughter of Colonel Bunbury, whose personal attractions soon caused him to forget the disparity of years, and, though he was then sixty-seven years of age, and Miss Childe only twenty-two, he offered her his hand and was accepted : this was in 1825. Mrs. Witherington was very extravagant, and, as is too often the case when men make such very unequal matches, Colonel Witherington lived just long enough to see all his property dissipated. In the autumn of 1831 he left Paris and went to Dublin, where, in the spring of 1832 he died of the cholera morbus, which was then raging.

    456

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 407

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are on the last road of Colonel Witherington. After his mistress died, he became a frequent guest at Colonel Bunbury's table, where he met Miss Childe, Bunbury's natural daughter, then just twenty-two. Witherington was sixty-seven, but the disparity of years did not stop him offering marriage in 1825, and he was accepted. She was very extravagant, and he lived just long enough to see all his property dissipated. In the autumn of 1831 he left Paris for this city, where in the spring of 1832 he died of the cholera morbus then raging.

18. Arrest of Thomas Reynolds at his own house

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

    Mr. Swan, a magistrate, and Serjeant John Galloguely were called to prove the arrest of the prisoner Reynolds at his own house on the 12th of March 1798. This testimony formed part of the prosecution's case in the Bond trial.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Swan, the magistrate, and John Galloguely, a serjeant who accompanied Mr. Swan, were then called to prove the arrest of the prisoner at his own house on the 12th March; and several witnesses were called to prove the hand-writing of Hugh Wilson, Roger O’Con¬ nor, and Lord Edward Fitzgerald, to letters and papers found on the prisoner, and then William Cope, Esq., was called and examined as follows : —

    Are you acquainted with Mr. Reynolds? — Yes.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are near where Thomas Reynolds was arrested at his own house on the 12th of March 1798. Mr. Swan, a magistrate, and Serjeant John Galloguely were called to prove the arrest. At the trial, several witnesses also proved the handwriting of Hugh Wilson, Roger O'Connor, and Lord Edward Fitzgerald on letters and papers found on Reynolds.

19. Mrs. Cahill consults the King Street nunnery over her annuity

    King Street · street · Dublin

    After recovering, Mrs. Cahill went to the King-street nunnery to consult with Mrs. Molloy and Miss Fitzgerald about settling her money on an annuity, and a deed was drawn out before she changed her mind.

    Read the passage

    and afterwards took lier down to the country,, leaving a girl to take care of her. After she recovered she wished to settle her affairs ; slie went to King-street nunnery, and consulted with Mrs. Molloy and Miss Fitzgerald ; she agreed to sink the money upon an annuity of 14/. for life, and a deed was drawn out by Mr. Hetherington ; but she changed her mind, and there was no more about it. She gave me the bond, as she had often done before, to calculate the interest ; there had been a double bond and warrant which lay in my desk, which lay open, as a precedent for the clerks ; and in return¬ ing the bond, she got this double bond and warrant instead of her own, which is still among my papers, I believe. I regularly paid her the interest ; and when she required payment of the principal, I settled with Mrs. Molloy, according to her desire, by giving part in money, and bills for the remainder, payable at two months. One is paid, another became due the first of this month. Mrs. Reynolds went with the money to pay it, and Mrs. Molloy would not see Mrs. Reynolds ; a note was left with the priest for Mrs. Molloy, but no answer was given.

    [For an account of Mrs. Molloy’s extraordinary con¬ duct with respect to this note, of her refusal to see Mrs. Reynolds when she came to pay it, that she might, with a safe conscience, swear that it was not paid when due, see her cross-examination in Byrne’s case. Conduct like hers, is called in Ireland “ whipping the devil in the dark.” A re-perusal of her evidence in that case will sufficiently account for her getting out of the way

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 22

20. Solicitor William Furlong writes from Aungier-street, Dublin, in defence of Reynolds

    Aungier Street · street · Dublin · 1817

    William Furlong, a Dublin solicitor of great eminence who had been legal adviser to Reynolds's grandfather, grandmother, and father, wrote from his Aungier-street office to defend Reynolds's character after newspaper attacks. He recalled that their friendship, suspended in 1798 over political differences, was renewed once Reynolds's disclosures to Government had, in Furlong's view, saved Ireland from massacre.

    Read the passage

    “ About 1798 our acquaintance was suspended, in con¬ sequence of the opposite line of political conduct which you had for some time adopted ; but, when you made the communications to Government that saved Ireland from becoming a general scene of massacre and blood, our intimacy was renewed, and from that period I have considered you to be a zealous, loyal, and faithful sub-

    1817,

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 371

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Aungier Street, the solicitor William Furlong had his office. In 1817 he wrote from it to defend Reynolds after newspaper attacks. Furlong had advised Reynolds's grandfather, grandmother, and father. Their friendship was suspended in 1798 over political differences, then renewed when Reynolds made disclosures to Government that, in Furlong's words, saved Ireland from becoming a general scene of massacre and blood.

21. The 1782 Duncannon armed demonstration cited as precedent

    Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1782

    Reynolds recalled that the armed interference of the people at Duncannon in 1782 had not taught the Irish to regard such means of obtaining constitutional reform as criminal, even though the law might call them treasonable.

    Read the passage

    sical power, the results of a similar armed interference of the people at Duncannon in 1782 had not taught the Irish to consider such means of obtaining constitutional reform as criminal, although the law might call them treasonable. Reflections like these passed through his mind much more rapidly than I can write them. To gain time for consideration he resolved to excuse him¬ self from attending the meeting of the morrow, and to proceed to Dublin on the following day. Fortunately for him, Mr. Cummins could not conveniently go to Dublin to attend the proposed meeting ; both therefore excused themselves on the plea of the distance, and the

    lateness of the hour at which the County Committee

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

22. Transportation of Irish troops from Cork to France

    Cork · city · Cork · 1691

    Commissary to be sent to Cork to inspect transport ships preparing to carry Jacobite troops overseas under the Limerick capitulation terms.

    Read the passage

    VIII. That a commissary shall be immediately sent to Cork to visit the transport ships, and what condition they are in for sailing ; and that as soon as they are ready the troops to be transported shall march, with all convenient speed, the nearest way in order to embark there ; and if there shall be any more men to be transported than can be carried off in the said fifty ships, the rest shall quit the English town of Limerick, and march to such quarters as shall be appointed for them, convenient for their transporta¬ tion, where they shall remain till the other twenty ships be ready, which are to be in a month, and may embark on any French ship that may come in the mean time.

    APPENDIX.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Cork, the city where transport ships were being readied in 1691 to carry Jacobite troops to France. Under the Limerick capitulation terms, a commissary was to be sent here to inspect the ships and report what condition they were in for sailing. Once the vessels were ready, the troops were to march by the nearest route and embark. There were fifty ships allotted for the first departure, and if more men remained than those could carry, the rest were to quit the English town of Limerick and march to appointed quarters, waiting until twenty more ships were ready within a month. In the meantime, any of those waiting troops could embark on any French ship that arrived.

23. Athy gaol crowded with prisoners under Martial Law

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

    With the country in disturbance and Martial Law proclaimed, the gaol at Athy was crowded with prisoners including Pender, Farley, Brannocks, and two brothers named Germaine.

    Read the passage

    The country was by this time in such a state of dis¬ turbance, that Martial Law had been proclaimed, and many arrests had taken place. The gaol at Atliy was crowded with prisoners, and, among others, were five

    * Vol. i. p. 222.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athy, this town felt the weight of 1798. With the country in disturbance, Martial Law had been proclaimed and many arrests had taken place. The gaol here was crowded with prisoners, among them Pender, Farley, Brannocks, and two brothers named Germaine.

24. Barrington Family Lodging in Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1770–1800

    Mrs. Barrington, mother of Sir Jonah Barrington, lived with three daughters in lodgings in the town of Athy, where other of her children also occasionally resided. She was connected to many prominent families and maintained a wide acquaintance in the neighbourhood, including Thomas Fitzgerald of Geraldine.

    Read the passage

    In the latter half of the last century Mrs. Barrington, his mother, a very respectable widow-lady of small income, lived with three of her daughters in a lodging in the town of Athy, where also some of her other children, who were very numerous, occasionallyresided ; and, being connected with, or allied to, many consider¬ able families, she maintained a very general acquaint¬ ance throughout the neighbourhood. My grand-uncle Thomas Fitzgerald, of Geraldine, who was one of the nearest neighbours, was also one of the most intimate ; and, as my father passed much time at Geraldine, he contracted an intimacy with the younger branches of Mrs. Barrington’s family. Mr. Jonah Barrington was one of the many sons of this lady ; but, pursuing his studies for the profession of law, he was less at Athy than some of his brothers. Having obtained the hand of the eldest daughter of a Mr. Grogan, a silk-mercer of Dublin, the wealth of his father-in-law enabled him to get into parliament, and afterwards to acquire, partly by purchase, and partly by his parliamentary interest, the employment of judge of the Irish Court ol Admiralty, and the honour of knighthood. Sir Jonah Barrington’s parliamentary and legal pursuits gradually rendered his visits to Athy less frequent, so that my father’s acquaintance with him was but slight when the troubles broke out; and in the year 1800 my father came with

    352

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 314

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athy, in the latter half of the 1700s a widow named Mrs. Barrington lived here in lodgings with three of her daughters. She was a respectable woman of small income, but connected to many considerable families, and she kept up a wide acquaintance throughout the neighbourhood. Thomas Fitzgerald of Geraldine, one of the nearest neighbours, was among her closest intimates. She had numerous children, and several of her sons stayed here from time to time. One of them was Jonah Barrington, who studied law and was less often in Athy than his brothers. He married the eldest daughter of a Mr. Grogan, a silk-mercer of Dublin, and his father-in-law's wealth helped him into parliament. From there he acquired, partly by purchase and partly by parliamentary interest, the position of judge of the Irish Court of Admiralty, and the honour of knighthood. Sir Jonah Barrington's parliamentary and legal pursuits gradually made his visits to Athy less frequent, so that by the time troubles broke out, acquaintance with him in the town was slight.

25. Reynolds rides to Athy amid dispute with Cope

    Athy · town · Kildare

    While visiting his uncle Fitzgerald in Kildare, Reynolds rode over to Athy on a Sunday and there received a letter from Valentine O'Connor urging him to settle his debt dispute with Mr. Cope, prompting him to ride straight to Dublin.

    Read the passage

    collateral security. Some time after this, I went to Mr. Cope and gave him 1000/. in cash in order that he might give up my bond ; not 1000/. out of the debt, hut I gave him 1000/. that he should run the risk upon the reversionary lease, and discharge me from the bond. He accepted of it, and I gave the money: it was a contingent lease. I continued dealing some time, and at quitting business a balance of one thou¬ sand and some odd pounds remained due to Mr. Cope. I wished to lay a statement of my affairs at that time before some of my friends, and I applied to Mr. Cope for some vouchers. He gave them to me, and in some time after, came to me for a settlement of this 1000/., and I mentioned that Mr. Cope, having re¬ ceived all the benefit of my father’s and my mother’s dealings, as well as mine, had no right to have my per¬ son bound for a debt which I had no share in accumu¬ lating, and I said that he should return that 1000/., and that I had been wrong in binding my person for the debts of others. Mr. Cope refused to do this, and after some conversation he went away, and said he would come back in a week. He did ; I remained of the same opinion. In a day or two I left town on a visit to my uncle Fitzgerald in Kildare, and on the Sunday following I rode over to Athy where I received a letter irom Valentine O’Connor, in which he stated that Mr. Cope had been with him, and that I had done wrong in refusing a settlement with Mr. Cope, and that I would do right to settle immediately. I rode off to Dublin without going back to my uncle’s. I arrived at Mr.

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athy, this is where Thomas Reynolds rode one Sunday while visiting his uncle Fitzgerald in Kildare. He had been in a dispute with Mr. Cope over money. Reynolds had given Cope 1000 pounds in cash so Cope would release him from a bond, contingent on a reversionary lease, but when a balance of about 1000 pounds remained due after he quit business, Reynolds argued Cope should return the money, since Cope had already benefited from the dealings of Reynolds's father, mother, and himself. Cope refused. Here at Athy, Reynolds received a letter from Valentine O'Connor saying Cope had been with him and that Reynolds should settle immediately. He rode straight to Dublin without going back to his uncle's.

26. Royal warrant ordering the burning of Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    The Union Star quotes a royal warrant purportedly commanding the burning of the town of Belfast, presented as evidence of the cruelty of English rule over Ireland.

    Read the passage

    * George, by the grace of God. We command you to burn the town of Belfast, & c., such is our royal pleasure.’

    “ Burning a town by the grace of God, and by a man call¬ ing himself the father of his people , might be strong reasons for saying, ‘ from such grace, and such parents, O Lord, deliver us.’ ”

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 508

27. County Kildare Baronial Delegates meeting

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1798

    As treasurer of the barony of Kilkea and Moone and delegate, Reynolds attended the County of Kildare Meeting of Baronial Delegates on 18 February, where delegates including Daly from Kilcullen and Cummins from Kildare were appointed to the Provincial Assembly.

    Read the passage

    and to make use of the assistance of the French to for¬ ward these views, in case of an invasion. That shortly after he was sworn he attended a meeting of that society at the Brazen Head in Bridge-street, at which the prisoner, and Hugh Wilson, at that time a clerk in Finlay’s hank, and others were present. That at another meeting of delegates from this society, held in February or March, 1797, shortly after the French had departed from Bantry Bay, the prisoner stated a plan for taking possession of the strong places in the city of Dublin. That in November last Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who was also an United Irishman, urged him to become Colonel of a regiment of United Irish¬ men, in the county of Kildare, called the Kilkea Regi¬ ment, from the name of a barony in that county ; and that the prisoner advised him to accede to the proposal, saying, it would be of advantage to the cause. He has sworn that, having been elected Colonel of this regi¬ ment, and also treasurer of the barony of Kilkea and Moone, he was of course delegate of that barony, and entitled to attend the county meeting. That on the 18th February he accordingly attended the County of Kildare Meeting of Baronial Delegates, where he, Daly from Kilcullen, and Cummins from Kildare, who was afterwards taken up at the prisoner’s house, were appointed delegates to the Provincial Assembly, which, it is observable, he swears were to meet the next day at the house of the prisoner, as they were informed by Michael Reynolds, of or near Naas, who, as he states, had acted as secretary to the county meeting for some

    92

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up on the town of Kildare now. In February 1798, this was where the county's baronial delegates gathered, and Thomas Reynolds was among them. Reynolds had been sworn into the United Irishmen. He attended meetings of the society, including one at the Brazen Head in Bridge-street, where the prisoner and Hugh Wilson, a clerk in Finlay's bank, were present. At another meeting in February or March 1797, shortly after the French had departed from Bantry Bay, a plan was stated for taking possession of the strong places in the city of Dublin. In November, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, also a United Irishman, urged Reynolds to become Colonel of a regiment of United Irishmen in the county of Kildare, called the Kilkea Regiment, from the name of a barony in that county. Reynolds advised him to accede to the proposal, saying it would be of advantage to the cause. Having been elected Colonel and also treasurer of the barony of Kilkea and Moone, he was delegate of that barony and entitled to attend the county meeting. On the 18th of February he attended the County of Kildare Meeting of Baronial Delegates, where he, Daly from Kilcullen, and Cummins from Kildare were appointed delegates to the Provincial Assembly. They were to meet the next day at the prisoner's house, as they were informed by Michael Reynolds of or near Naas, who had acted as secretary to the county meeting.

28. Meeting Room Arranged at Bond's Wareroom, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

    Reynolds testified that he and M'Can were in Mr. Bond's wareroom on Saturday 10 March, where M'Can asked Bond for a room for the provincial meeting to be held the following Monday, and Bond agreed.

    Read the passage

    (The above paragraphs contain the only allusion to the evidence against the prisoner in this supposed speech ; and the last sentence is a mis-statement of the evidence, Mr. Reynolds having stated that M‘Can and he, being in Mr. Bond’s wareroom on Saturday the 10th of March, M‘Can asked Bond for a room for the provincial meeting to be held on the Monday, and Bond replied that he might have the room he had before : not one word more is anywhere said on the nature of the intended defence or of the witnesses to be called for the prisoner. The remainder of the compo¬ sition which follows contains little but a most violent and abusive rhapsody against Mr. Reynolds. That

    * Compare this, Mr. Curran’s deliberate written defence of the United Irishman’s test, with his observations and description of it in Peter Finerty’s case, given in Yol. i. p. 394.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Dublin, where a meeting room was arranged at Mr. Bond's wareroom in 1798. Thomas Reynolds testified that he and M'Can were in the wareroom on Saturday the 10th of March. M'Can asked Bond for a room for the provincial meeting to be held on the Monday. Bond replied that he might have "the room he had before." The record says not one word more about the matter.

29. Reynolds's Intimacy with the Barringtons at Geraldine

    Geraldine · townland · Kildare · 1770–1800

    Thomas Fitzgerald, Thomas Reynolds's grand-uncle, lived at Geraldine and was one of the nearest neighbours and closest friends of the Barrington family in Athy. Reynolds spent much time at Geraldine and thus became acquainted with the younger Barringtons, including Jonah Barrington, later judge of the Irish Court of Admiralty.

    Read the passage

    In the latter half of the last century Mrs. Barrington, his mother, a very respectable widow-lady of small income, lived with three of her daughters in a lodging in the town of Athy, where also some of her other children, who were very numerous, occasionallyresided ; and, being connected with, or allied to, many consider¬ able families, she maintained a very general acquaint¬ ance throughout the neighbourhood. My grand-uncle Thomas Fitzgerald, of Geraldine, who was one of the nearest neighbours, was also one of the most intimate ; and, as my father passed much time at Geraldine, he contracted an intimacy with the younger branches of Mrs. Barrington’s family. Mr. Jonah Barrington was one of the many sons of this lady ; but, pursuing his studies for the profession of law, he was less at Athy than some of his brothers. Having obtained the hand of the eldest daughter of a Mr. Grogan, a silk-mercer of Dublin, the wealth of his father-in-law enabled him to get into parliament, and afterwards to acquire, partly by purchase, and partly by his parliamentary interest, the employment of judge of the Irish Court ol Admiralty, and the honour of knighthood. Sir Jonah Barrington’s parliamentary and legal pursuits gradually rendered his visits to Athy less frequent, so that my father’s acquaintance with him was but slight when the troubles broke out; and in the year 1800 my father came with

    352

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 314

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Geraldine, Thomas Fitzgerald lived here and was one of the nearest neighbours and closest friends of the Barrington family in Athy. In the latter half of the 1700s, Mrs. Barrington, a respectable widow of small income, raised a very numerous family in a lodging in Athy and kept a wide acquaintance through her connections. Reynolds's father spent much time at Geraldine and through that contracted an intimacy with the younger Barringtons, among them Jonah Barrington. Jonah married the eldest daughter of a Mr. Grogan, a silk-mercer of Dublin, whose wealth enabled him to get into parliament and afterwards to acquire the post of judge of the Irish Court of Admiralty and the honour of knighthood. His parliamentary and legal pursuits gradually made his visits to Athy less frequent, so Reynolds's acquaintance with him was slight by the time the troubles broke out. The account ends in the year 1800, when Reynolds's father came to Geraldine.

30. Catholic Convention Delegate's Son on London Grand Jury

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1792–1793

    Among the London grand jury summoned in 1817 was Mr. Patrick Byrne, son of a Mr. Byrne who had figured prominently in the Catholic Convention held in Dublin in 1792 and 1793. This connection was noted to counter claims that the jury was biased in favour of the Crown.

    Read the passage

    considering the fact that many of that very grand-jury were his own, well-known partisans : among the number was Mr. Henry Hare Townshend, and one Mr. Patrick Byrne, son of that Mr. Byrne who in 1792 and 1793 figured in the Catholic Convention in Dublin. But, in fact, not only my father did not seek to be placed on that particular jury, but, the circumstance of his being just then ordered to the Continent, in the consular department, rendered it particularly inconvenient to him ; and he had, therefore, used every means, and had even produced his commission in court, to obtain his exemption, but could not succeed. The vestry of the great parish of Saint Mary-le-bone consisted of about one hundred and fifty gentlemen, who had made an arrangement with the high sheriff of Middlesex to furnish the grand-juries for the county out of their own body every third year, provided none of them were called upon during the two intervening years, — an arrangement which was very burthensome to those

    Nathaniel Snell Life Dacre Charles Pole Thomas Reynolds John Webb Weston William Plenderleath Henry Usborne

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 356

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are in a city that hosted the Catholic Convention in 1792 and 1793. A Mr. Byrne figured prominently in that convention, and his name surfaced again in a very different context years later. In 1817, his son Patrick Byrne was among the London grand jury whose composition was being challenged as biased toward the Crown. The point of naming him was to show the jury included men connected to the Catholic cause, not just known partisans like Mr. Henry Hare Townshend. The same source tells another tale from that jury: Thomas Reynolds's father did not want to serve at all. He had just been ordered to the Continent for consular work and found jury duty inconvenient. He produced his commission in court and used every means to gain exemption, but could not succeed. The grand jury was drawn from the vestry of Saint Mary-le-bone, about 150 gentlemen who had an arrangement with the high sheriff of Middlesex to supply jurors from their own body every third year.

31. Duke of Leinster's agent Mr. Spenser resided at Rathangan

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1795

    The Duke of Leinster's agent, Mr. Spenser, who resided at Rathangan, communicated the terms of the Kilkea lease agreement to Reynolds's father.

    Read the passage

    The fact is, that as early as the year 1795 my father’s relations at Kilmead 'and Geraldine, being aware of his desire to retire from Dublin and to settle himself in the county of Kildare, and knowing that the castle and barony of Kilkea would shortly fall into the hands of the Duke of Leinster, were anxious to acquire that valuable property for one of the family, and conse¬ quently they proposed it to him. Having made such inquiries as he considered necessary, lie authorised his uncle Thomas Fitzgerald, of Geraldine, to negociate the matter on his behalf with the duke ; and Mr. Spenser, the agent of his grace, who resided at Rathangan, very soon afterwards communicated the terms agreed upon to my father. Amongst them were the conditions that he should pay 1000/. in cash to the duke, and that he should put the castle into complete repair, as it required entirely new roofs, new doors, new staircases, and in fine, nearly everything except rebuilding the main walls. It must be evident that the repairs ol the old castle, the arrangement and stocking of the lands, and the removing and fixing of furniture, and other such matters, could not be accomplished with-

    1798.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 196

32. Maystown, alias Mount Leinster, named in Treaty officer list

    near Mount Leinster · mountain or mountain range · Carlow · 1691

    The Treaty of Limerick articles name an officer, Chievers, associated with the place Maystown, otherwise called Mount Leinster, as one of the Irish officers absent beyond the seas covered by the treaty's terms.

    Read the passage

    IV. The following officers, viz.. Colonel Simon Lutterel, Captain Rowland White, Maurice Eustace, of Yermanstown, Chievers, of Maystown, commonly called Mount Leinster, now belonging to the regiments in the aforesaid garrisons and quarters of the Irish army, who were beyond the seas, and sent thither upon affairs of their respective regiments, or the army in general, shall have the benefit and advantage of the second article, provided they return hither within the space of eight months from the date of these presents, and submit to their Majesties Government, and take the abovementioned oath.

    V. That all and singular the said persons comprised in the second and third articles, shall have a general pardon of all attainders, outlawries, treasons, misprisions of treason, premunires, felonies, trespasses, and other crimes and mis¬ demeanors whatsoever, by them, or any of them, committed since the beginning of the reign of King James II., and if any of them are attainted by Parliament, the Lords Justices,

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 470

33. Michael Reynolds of Naas, secretary to county meeting

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    Michael Reynolds, of or near Naas, had acted as secretary to the county meeting for some time and informed the delegates that the Provincial Assembly was to meet the next day at the prisoner's house.

    Read the passage

    and to make use of the assistance of the French to for¬ ward these views, in case of an invasion. That shortly after he was sworn he attended a meeting of that society at the Brazen Head in Bridge-street, at which the prisoner, and Hugh Wilson, at that time a clerk in Finlay’s hank, and others were present. That at another meeting of delegates from this society, held in February or March, 1797, shortly after the French had departed from Bantry Bay, the prisoner stated a plan for taking possession of the strong places in the city of Dublin. That in November last Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who was also an United Irishman, urged him to become Colonel of a regiment of United Irish¬ men, in the county of Kildare, called the Kilkea Regi¬ ment, from the name of a barony in that county ; and that the prisoner advised him to accede to the proposal, saying, it would be of advantage to the cause. He has sworn that, having been elected Colonel of this regi¬ ment, and also treasurer of the barony of Kilkea and Moone, he was of course delegate of that barony, and entitled to attend the county meeting. That on the 18th February he accordingly attended the County of Kildare Meeting of Baronial Delegates, where he, Daly from Kilcullen, and Cummins from Kildare, who was afterwards taken up at the prisoner’s house, were appointed delegates to the Provincial Assembly, which, it is observable, he swears were to meet the next day at the house of the prisoner, as they were informed by Michael Reynolds, of or near Naas, who, as he states, had acted as secretary to the county meeting for some

    92

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas in Kildare, you're in the town where Michael Reynolds lived in 1798. He had acted as secretary to the County of Kildare meeting of baronial delegates for some time. On the 18th of February that year, delegates gathered and appointed three men to attend the Provincial Assembly, among them Cummins from Kildare, who was later taken up at the prisoner's house. It was Reynolds who told the delegates the Assembly was to meet the next day at that same house. The wider story was one of the United Irishmen, sworn members planning to seize strong places in Dublin with French help if an invasion came. Lord Edward Fitzgerald had urged a man to become colonel of the Kilkea Regiment in Kildare, and he agreed, saying it would be of advantage to the cause. Reynolds himself appears only briefly in the record, as the secretary near Naas passing on where the next meeting would be held.

34. Money from Lady Edward Fitzgerald used for defence of prisoners at Naas assizes

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    Money given by Lady Edward Fitzgerald to Reynolds's father was laid out in the defence of prisoners tried at the assizes at Naas, as referenced in Howell's State Trials.

    Read the passage

    * This money was laid out in the defence of prisoners tried at the assizes at Naas. See Howell’s State Trials, vol. xxvii. p. 551.

    220

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Naas. In 1798, money given by Lady Edward Fitzgerald to Reynolds's father was used to defend prisoners tried at the assizes here. The case is recorded in Howell's State Trials.

35. Mrs. Cahill lodges at Reynolds's house on Park Street

    Park Street · street · Dublin · 1794–1798

    Elizabeth Cahill, an old woman who had lived much of her life in Reynolds's mother's family, came to live in Park Street some time after his marriage, where she was later found ill by Mrs. Reynolds.

    Read the passage

    This was in 1792? — I did not know where she lived for some time, but she came to live in Park-street * some short time after my marriage ; Mrs. Reynolds went to see her ; found her lying ill ; brought her home ;

    * In the house of the witness.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 21

36. Sligo garrison joined to Irish army under capitulation

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1691

    The garrison of Sligo, having joined the Irish army, was granted the benefit of the Limerick capitulation and ordered to be conveyed to Limerick.

    Read the passage

    XIII. Those of the garrison of Sligo that are joined to the Irish army shall have the benefit of this capitulation ; and orders shall be sent to them that are to convey them up, to bring them hither to Limerick the shortest way.

    XIV. The Irish may have liberty to transport nine hundred horse, including horses for the officers, which shall be transported gratis; and as for the troopers that stay behind they shall dispose of themselves as they shall think fit, giving up their horses and arms to such persons as the General shall appoint.

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1691, the garrison here that had joined the Irish army was granted the benefit of the Limerick capitulation. Orders were sent to convey them to Limerick by the shortest way. The terms also allowed the Irish to transport 900 horse, including horses for the officers, free of charge. Troopers who stayed behind were to give up their horses and arms to persons the General appointed.

37. Sugar-baking business at Mullinahack, Dublin

    Mullinahack · street · Dublin

    Mr. Randall Macdonnell of Dublin is described as having worked as a clerk to Edward Byrne, a sugar-baker based at Mullinahack, before later becoming a partner in the firm of Edward Byrne, Randall Macdonnell and Co. of Dublin. This establishes a specific business and family association with the Mullinahack area of Dublin.

    Read the passage

    The Mr. Macdonnell, who accompanied Mr. Jones, was son of Mr. Randall Macdonnell of Dublin, formerly clerk to Mr. Edward Byrne, sugar-baker of Mullinahack, but subsequently taken into partnership in the firm of Edward Byrne, Randall Macdonnell and Co. of Dublin. He was, at the time I speak of, a merchant in Lisbon. Mr. Venicomb, who commanded the Lap¬ wing packet, which only came to Lisbon that time by accident, not being attached to the station, had married Jones’s sister. Desirous of having his brother-in-law in his vessel, and not daring to receive him without my father’s permit, he called at the office in the course of the day and took out the permit, and paid for it in Jones’s name; and, on the following day, 21st January, 1813, he sailed with sixteen passengers, besides Mr. Jones.

    On the 20th, my father received the following note : —

    Internet Archive lifeofthomasreyn02reyn_0, Chapter 290

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Mullinahack in Dublin, Edward Byrne ran a sugar-baking business. Randall Macdonnell started out as his clerk, working at this address, before being taken into partnership. The firm became Edward Byrne, Randall Macdonnell and Co. of Dublin. Macdonnell's son later became a merchant in Lisbon, and in January 1813 he sailed from there aboard the Lapwing packet with sixteen passengers.