Memoirs of the different rebellions in Ireland, from the arrival of the English : also, a particular detail of that which broke out the XXIIId of May, MDCCXCVIII : with the history of the conspiracy which preceded it (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. Defeat of Camolin Yeoman Cavalry at the Harrow

   The Harrow · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

   Father Murphy's rebel force engaged and defeated a party of Camolin yeoman cavalry at a place called the Harrow, killing Lieutenant Bookey who commanded it and Mr. John Donovan, a private.

   Read the passage

   Many particulars of the deftrudive career of that Tacerdotal hero, during that night and next day, have been verified by the affidavit of Samuel AVhealey, a farmer of that parifh. J Having burnt every proteftant houfe in the parifh of Kilcormuck, and murdered fuch of their inmates as he could feize, he proceeded to a place called the Harrow, where he engaged and defeated a party of the Camolin yeoman cavalry, having killed Heutenant Bookey, who commanded it, and Mr. John Donovan, one of the privates ; after which he burned the houfe of Rockfpring, j| belonging to the forinero

   When lieutenant Bookey fet out with his troop, he left a gaiard in his houfe, confifling of five Roman catholick fervants, and two proteflants, Jacob Ward and Samuel Hawkins, Between twelve and one o'clock in the moining, about five hundred rebels, headed by father Murphy«, furrounded the houfe of Rockfpring, on which the five papifts defer ted, and the two pr\$teftants were l^ft alone,, with four guns, to defend the houfe. The rebels called to them to. deliver up their arms^, which the two proteflants faid they would do, and immediately difcharged four guns at them ; and they continued to load and fire at them with all pofTible celerity* The rebels, incenfed at their fpirited conduct, threw flories at the windows, fired into them with their mufkets, and at lafl: broke open the front door with a fledge. As fdme of the affailants had fallen by the fire of the befieged, others, dreading the fame fate, were heard to cry out, " Let us retrea^, before more of us are killed."

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 218

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through the Harrow now, you're passing ground where Father Murphy's rebel force fought in 1798. After burning Protestant houses in the parish of Kilcormuck, they came here and defeated a party of Camolin yeoman cavalry, killing Lieutenant Bookey, who commanded it, and Mr. John Donovan, one of the privates. After that, they burned Bookey's house, Rockspring. He had left it guarded by five Roman Catholic servants and two Protestants, Jacob Ward and Samuel Hawkins. Between 12 and 1 in the morning, about 500 rebels surrounded the house. The five Catholic servants deserted, leaving the two Protestants alone with four guns. The rebels called on them to surrender their arms. The two said they would, then immediately fired four guns at the rebels and kept loading and firing as fast as they could. The rebels threw stones at the windows, fired their muskets, and finally broke open the front door with a sledge. Some assailants had fallen, and others were heard crying, "Let us retreat before more of us are killed."

2. Esmond Kyan saves Milward and King on Wexford bridge

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   On the twentieth of June, Milward and King were about to be massacred on Wexford bridge when rebel chieftain Esmond Kyan, wounded at the battle of Arklow and passing through en route to get medical help, saved their lives by warning of coming vengeance.

   Read the passage

   Thefe two gentlemen w^ere on the point of being mafTacred the twentieth of June, on the bridge of Wexford, v\^hen Mr. Efmond Kyan, a rebel chieftain, faved their lives, by telling the rebel bloodhounds, that the king's troops muft finally fucceed, and that they would take ample vengeance of them for putting fo many proteftants to death in cold blood, and without any provocation whatever.

   Efmond Kyan, w^ho had been w^ounded at the battle of. Arklow, was coming to Wexford to get medical affiftance, and happened to be crolling the bridge when the maffacre was going forward.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 290

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up is Wexford town. On the 20th of June 1798, two men named Milward and King were on the point of being massacred on the bridge here. A rebel chieftain named Esmond Kyan saved their lives. He had been wounded at the battle of Arklow and was coming to Wexford for medical help, and happened to be crossing the bridge during the massacre. He warned the rebels that the king's troops must finally succeed, and that they would take ample vengeance for putting so many Protestants to death in cold blood and without any provocation.

3. Execution of twenty-four protestants including portreeve Hatton

   Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

   On the morning of Tuesday 29 May, rebels put to death twenty-four persons of the established church by shooting and piking, including Mr. Henry Hatton, portreeve of Enniscorthy, described as an innocent unoffending gentleman.

   Read the passage

   On the morning of Tuefday the twenty-ninth of May, vthey put to death twenty-four perfons of the eftablifhed church, by (hooting fome, and piking cithers in front of the rebel line, of whom one was Mr. Henry Hatton, portrieve of the town of Ennif^ corthy, an innocent unoffending gentleman-f They burned the glebe-houfe of Ennifcorthy to afhes ; but converted the aut-offices into ftores for holding provifions and arms for the c^ipp^

   A committee of twelve, confifting of fome rebel officers and three priefts ; viz. fathers Roche, Kearns and Clinch, and at times father John Murphy, con^ tinued conftantly to fit, and to fuperintend and regulate the concerns of the camp, and the newly-efta^ blifhed republick. When the bufmefs of the day was over, they dined together at a table regularly furnifhed with ' the beil viands which the country could afford, and with delicious wines taken from the cellars of the neighbouring gentlemen.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 228

4. General Keugh appointed rebel governor of Wexford

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1796–1798

   On entering Wexford, the rebels by acclamation appointed General Keugh, a former British army officer, as governor of the town and bore him on their shoulders to the courthouse; he had earlier lost his commission of the peace in 1796 for disaffection.

   Read the passage

   On entering the town, they, by acclamation, appointed general Keugh governor, or commandant of it, and bore him on their fhoulders to the courthoufe. This extraordinary man, who had been a private in his majefly's fervice, rofe to the rank of captain-lieutenant in the 65th regiment, in which he ferved in America. He was about five feet nine inches high, and rather robufi:. His countenance was comely, his features were large, and indicative of an affive intelligent mind. Joined to a very happy and perfuafive manner of exprefling himfelf, he had an engaging addrefs, and great affability of manner. He married a widow, with whofe jointure and his own private fortune, he lived very comfortably in "Wexford. Proud and ambitious, he thought that his own abilities, which he appreciated too highly, .were not fufficiently revtarded ; and envying thofe who were his fuperiors in rank and fortune, he hoped to rife in that chaotic fcene which a revolution would effeft. In clubs and coffee-houfes he conftantly cenfured the form of our conftitution, and faid it might be meliorated ; but under the mafk of a reformift, he concealed the dark defigns of a rebel. His difaftedlion became at laft fo confpicuous, that the lord chancellor deprived him of the commiflion of the peace in the year 1796.

   The rebels chofe certain perfons to dillrlbute provifions, and for that purpofe to give tickets to the inhabitants to entitle them to a rateable proportion of them, according to the number of inhabitants iu each houfe. The habitations of all the proteftants who made their efcape were plundered, many of them were demolifhed, and but few of thofe who remained m the town were fpared. All the proteftant men were immediately committed to prifon, except a few leaciers who were really attached to their caufe, or

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 282

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Wexford, this is the town the rebels seized in 1798, and where they chose their governor. On entering, they by acclamation appointed General Keugh commandant, and bore him on their shoulders to the courthouse. He was an extraordinary figure — a former private in the King's service who rose to captain-lieutenant in the 65th regiment and served in America. He was about five feet nine inches high, robust, with a comely countenance and large features, and he had a persuasive, engaging address. He had married a widow and lived comfortably in Wexford on her jointure and his own fortune. Proud and ambitious, he felt his abilities were not sufficiently rewarded, and in clubs and coffee-houses he constantly censured the constitution, saying it might be meliorated. Under the mask of a reformist, the book says, he concealed the dark designs of a rebel. His disaffection became so conspicuous that the lord chancellor deprived him of his commission of the peace in 1796. Once the rebels held the town, they set people to distribute provisions by ticket, allotting each household a rateable share. The homes of Protestants who fled were plundered, many demolished, and the Protestant men who remained were committed to prison.

5. Murder of Rev. Francis Turner at Ballingale

   Ballingale · townland · Wexford · 1798

   On Whitsunday morning, about three hundred assailants led by Denis Carthy and James Maher attacked the house of Rev. Francis Turner at Ballingale, killing him and five protestant parishioners and burning the house.

   Read the passage

   The murder of the reverend Francis Turner of Ballingale,* about three miles from Ferns, and rector of Edermine, was attended with circumftances of peculiar atrocity. On the morning of Whitfunday, a party of about three hundred aflallms, headed by Denis Carthy and James Maher, fet out from the houfe of William Carthy of Ballycarney,t uncle of the former, and declared their intention of putting him to death in the prefence of Mrs. Carthy, who endeavoured to dilTuade them from it, affirming that Mr-, Turner was univerfally efteeraed and refpected. The houfe was defended for fome time by him, and eight of his proteftant parifliioners, who had fought an afylum in it. Mr. Turner, foon after the attack was made, received a fnot in his jaw, which entirely difabled him from attending to the defence of his houfe. As it was double, and the alTailants feemeJ to direct all their fury againfL its front, the befieged, after the death of Mr. Turner, paid no attention to the rear, into which the rebels entered, having been admitted, it is faid, by the treachery of the butler.

   AfiOT

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 223

6. Murder of Rev. Neilson and Others at Dunshaughlin

   Dunshaughlin · town · Meath · 1798

   Rebels led by farmer Gillahan entered Dunshaughlin searching for arms, then rushed the house of Rev. Mr. Neilson, killing him, his brother-in-law Mr. Pendleton, and a gardener, all Protestants, before plundering the house.

   Read the passage

   A large party of rebels, headed by one Gillhahan, a popiih farmer, entered the town of Dunfliaughiin,!' in the county of Meath, and fearched for arms in a frnall barrack in which they had been depofited ; but having been informed that they were removed to the oppofite hpufe, in which the reverend Mr. Neilfon lived, they, after firing a volley at the windows, ruihed into it, killed Mr. Neilfon, his brother-inlaw Mr. Pendleton, and a gardener, all of the proteftant religion. They then plundered the houfe of arms, and of every valuable article of furniture which they could carry off. They did not injure the perfon or property of any popifh inhabitant of that town ; but did not fpare one of thofe of the preteftant religion.

   A party

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Dunshaughlin in Meath. In 1798 a large party of rebels led by a farmer named Gillahan entered this town searching for arms. They were told the arms had been moved to the house where Reverend Neilson lived. After firing a volley at the windows they rushed in and killed Neilson, his brother-in-law Mr. Pendleton, and a gardener, all Protestants. They plundered the house of arms and every valuable thing they could carry off. They did not harm any Catholic inhabitant of the town, but did not spare a single Protestant.

7. Patrick Conners, wife and daughter taken from Enniscorthy to Vinegar Hill for execution

   near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

   Patrick Conners, a convert to protestantism who had been ruined by his priest's interdict against dealing with him, was taken with his wife and daughter to Vinegar Hill camp on 30 May 1798, where he and two others were shot by James D'Arcy in front of the assembled rebel troops.

   Read the passage

   On the thirtieth of May, 1798, he, his wife and daughter, were taken to the camp of Vinegar-hill, where the rebel troops were drawn up at parade in the form of a half moon. Conners, John Plunket and James Rigley, two more proteftants, were led out in front of them to be executed. James D'Arcy, a corn fador, in good circumftances, who volunteered in this bloody buftnefs, ftept forward from the line, whh a horfe piftol, and fhot them one after another, charging the piftol with great deliberation, and faying between each murder, I will now do your bufmefs." His daughter, Mary Conners, was offered ten guineas if (he would not profecute ; but fhe declared, th^it (lie wpuld not fell the blood of hei fathen

   The

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 237

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead, Vinegar Hill rises above Wexford, the rebel camp site in 1798. On the 30th of May that year, Patrick Conners, a convert to Protestantism ruined by his priest's interdict, was brought here with his wife and daughter. He and two other Protestants, John Plunket and James Rigley, were led out before rebel troops drawn up in a half moon. James D'Arcy, a corn factor who volunteered for the task, shot them one after another with a horse pistol, charging it with great deliberation and saying between each murder, "I will now do your business." His daughter Mary was offered ten guineas not to prosecute, but she declared she would not sell her father's blood.

8. Rainsford-street Guard Reinforces Major Sirr

   Rainsford Street · street · Dublin · 1798

   During the attempted rescue of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, major Sirr received timely assistance from the Rainsford-street guard and the picquet guard of the Castle, preventing the rebels from freeing their leader.

   Read the passage

   At that moment captain Ryan entered, arid miffed fire at lord Edward with a pocket piftol ; on which he made a lunge at him with a fword cane, which bent on his ribs ; but affefted him fo much, that he threw himfelf on the bed, and captain Ryan having throv/n himfelf on him, a violent fcuffle enfued, during which lord Edward drew a dagger, and plunged it into his fide. They then fell on the ground, where captain Ryan received many defperate wounds ; one of w^hich in the lower part of his belly was fo large, that his bowels fell out on the floor. Major Sirr, having entered the room, faw captain Swan bleeding very much, and lord Edward advancing towards the door, while captain Ryan on the floor, and in the woeful ftate which I defcribed, was holding him by one leg, and captain Swan by the other, he therefore fired at lord Edward with a piftol, and wounded him in the flioulder, on which he cried out for mercy, and furrendered himfelf. His lordftiip was then conveyed to the Caftle, but was on the point of being refcued before he . left , Thomas-ftreet ; for Edward Ratigan, a major of the rebels, affembled a great , number of them, and gave them a confiderable quantity of carbines and pikes, out of St. Catherine's watchhoufe, of v/hich he was a-diredor, and called on themx to refcue lord Edward ; and which they would have effefted, but that major Sirr received the affiftance of the Rainsford-ftreet guard, and the picquet guard of the Caftle, confifting moftly of cavalry, for which he had feafonably lent a meffenger.

   Samuel Neilfon confefled afterwards, that he was in another quarter with five hundred pikemen, and that he would have attem^pted a refcue, had not the guards arrived iu due time,

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 139

   As the companion tells it

   Along here in 1798, the Rainsford Street guard played a part in one of the most dramatic moments of the rebellion. Lord Edward Fitzgerald had been cornered in a house on Thomas Street. Captain Ryan fired at him with a pocket pistol, and Lord Edward lunged at him with a sword cane that bent on his ribs. In the violent scuffle that followed, Lord Edward drew a dagger and plunged it into Ryan's side. Captain Ryan was desperately wounded, his bowels falling out on the floor, yet he held Lord Edward by one leg. Major Sirr entered, fired his pistol, and wounded Lord Edward in the shoulder. Lord Edward cried out for mercy and surrendered. As he was being conveyed to the Castle, he was nearly rescued. Edward Ratigan, a major of the rebels, assembled a great number of men and gave them carbines and pikes from St. Catherine's watchhouse, calling on them to free Lord Edward. They would have succeeded, but Major Sirr received timely assistance from the guard on this street and the picquet guard of the Castle, consisting mostly of cavalry. Samuel Neilson later confessed he had 500 pikemen in another quarter and would have attempted a rescue had the guards not arrived in time.

9. Sergeant Hamilton Defends Main Guard at Mary-street Junction

   New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Sergeant Hamilton of the Donegal regiment with sixteen men and two badly mounted ship-guns defended the main guard at the cross of Mary-street, Quay-street, North and South-street, causing prodigious slaughter among five hundred attacking rebels and refusing to abandon his post.

   Read the passage

   recoinmendecl to him to remove it to the Rofsbergen fide of the water ; but he replied, " That he never would quit the fpot whilfh he had life.'* He made lanes through the body of five or fix hundred with difcharges of grape-fhot, and completely repulfed them. This was the laft great effort which they made to overpower him.

   Parties of from iwenty to thirty made different attacks on him, but they were always knocked down by the Dowfeley family. William Dowfeley, his brother Samuel, both very old, two of his fons, and three other men, took pofl in the houfe of the former, which is in Mary-ftreet, oppofite to a lane called Bakehoufe-Iane, and near, the main-guard, at the lower end of Mary-flreet. As the favages were perfedly fecure in that lane from the guns of ferjeant Hamilton, they made many attempts to colle£t there in great numbers, for the purpofe of furprifing and ftorming his pofl ; but Dowfeley's party plyed them fo well with conftant volfies, and were fo near them, that every fhot took place, and they killed no lefs than fixty in one fpot. They had an old foldier with them, who charged for them with great celerity, and put in each cartridge one large and four fmall" balls. The lane was filled up with the dead,

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 261

10. Siege of Mr. Darragh's house at Eagle Hill

    Eagle Hill · street · Dublin · 1798

    While Mr. Darragh lay ill, his house at Eagle Hill was attacked by a large body of rebels from their camp at Knockaulin-hill, three miles off; defended by his brother-in-law Mr. Dalton and a small party with barricaded windows, they routed the attackers, killing and wounding many.

    Read the passage

    On the twenty-fourth of May, while IMr. Darragh of Eagle-hill was lying on the bed of pain and ficknefs, his houfe at Eagie-hill was attacked by a nu- ' merous body of rebels, who came from their camp at Knockallin-hill, about three niiles off. It was defended by Mr. Dalton, his brother-in-law, Mr. Bolton his furgeon, two other gentlemen, two foldiers, and two fervants ; the whole under the direclion of Mr. Dalton, who fought with great bravery, the refl of his domefticks having joined the rebels. They had jufl time to place the barricadoes to- the windov%-s, whicn Mr. Darragh had been obliged to make ufe of to defend his houle for twelve months before, and to diflribute the ammunition* As the rebels approached the houfe, they fent forth a terrifick yell,, like favages, and f^vore they would carry off, on their pikes,, all the heads the inmates. They had but two guns,, three piilols, and two fwords, befides the foldiers muikets, for their defence. A furious affault was made immediately on the houfe, and many vollies were fired into the windows of the ground floor, and middle ftory ; and fome balls found their way through the port-holes mto the drawing-room, where Mr. Darragh lay, accompanied by Mrs. Darragh, her mother, fifter, the maid fervant, two men fervants, and two foldiers. They were fo fortunate as to rout the whole party, after killing and wounding a great number of them. The rebels carried off all the killed, except one ruffiariy who fell when he was endeavouring to break open, V ith his pike, a window near the hafl. He had in his pocket captam Swayne's protediion, in confequence of having taken the oath of allegiance, and fun endered a pike, a few days before ; and the following pravCT :

    My God, I offer unto thee my fleep, fuhraitting it with a pure intention to thy holy will ; and

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Eagle Hill in Dublin stood Mr. Darragh's house, attacked on the 24th of May, 1798, while he lay ill in bed. A large body of rebels came from their camp at Knockaulin Hill, about three miles off, sending up what the source calls a "terrifick yell" and swearing they would carry off every head on their pikes. His brother-in-law, Mr. Dalton, took command of the defence, helped by Mr. Bolton, Darragh's surgeon, two other gentlemen, two soldiers, and two servants. The rest of Darragh's servants had joined the rebels. They had just enough time to barricade the windows, barricades Darragh had been forced to use to defend the house twelve months before, and hand out the ammunition. They had two guns, three pistols, two swords, and the soldiers' muskets. The rebels fired volley after volley into the windows of the ground floor and middle story, and some balls reached the drawing room where Darragh lay with Mrs. Darragh, her mother, her sister, a maid servant, two men servants, and two soldiers. Despite the odds, Dalton and his small party routed the attackers, killing and wounding a great number. The rebels carried off all their dead except one man who fell while trying to break open a window with his pike. In his pocket was Captain Swayne's protection, he had taken the oath of allegiance and surrendered a pike just days before.

11. William Neal and sons seized at Ballybrennan, tortured on Vinegar Hill

    Ballybrennan · townland · Wexford · 1798

    William Neal and his sons Henry and Bryan were seized at their house at Ballybrennan by rebels searching for protestants, and taken to Vinegar Hill camp. Bryan was tortured with an adz and pikes and shot; William survived a botched execution after Father Roche intervened.

    Read the passage

    On the thirtieth day of May, William Neal, Henry and Bryan, his fons, were feized at their houfe at Ballybrennan, by a band of affaflins, who were fent from the camp in fearch of proteftants, and were conveyed to Vinegar-hill camp. Michael Maddock: and Jofeph Murphy were leaders of the party. The former called them orangemen, meaning proteftants,. and wanted to kill them as fuch, but was over-ruled by fome others of the band. Bryan Neal offered them his horfe and cow to liberate them ; but Maddock faid, " That the cattle of all orangemen belonged to them already."

    When they arrived on Vinegar-hill, Murphy faid he would not bring them any more orangemen, un*^ lefs they put them to death diredly : On which a conference was held, when the father and the two Ions were immediately condemned. They firft led out to execution Bryan, who begged they would fhoot him, inftead of torturing him with pikes. . One of the rebels faid he fhould not die fo eafy a death, and inftantly ftruck him on the head with a carpenter's adz, which made him ftagger a few yards ; but he was foon brought back, when one of them flabbed him in the fide v/ith a fpear, another in the neck, and a third fhoved them afide a*nd fhot him. William, the father, who was then brought forth, folicited to be fhot ; and having complied with his requeft, they put him on his knees. * The executioner milled fire at him three times ; on which

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 235

12. Dowseley Family Defends House on Mary-street Against Rebels

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    William Dowseley, his brother Samuel, both very old, two sons, and three other men held the Dowseley house in Mary-street opposite Bakehouse-lane near the main guard, killing no less than sixty rebels attempting to gather in the lane.

    Read the passage

    Parties of from iwenty to thirty made different attacks on him, but they were always knocked down by the Dowfeley family. William Dowfeley, his brother Samuel, both very old, two of his fons, and three other men, took pofl in the houfe of the former, which is in Mary-ftreet, oppofite to a lane called Bakehoufe-Iane, and near, the main-guard, at the lower end of Mary-flreet. As the favages were perfedly fecure in that lane from the guns of ferjeant Hamilton, they made many attempts to colle£t there in great numbers, for the purpofe of furprifing and ftorming his pofl ; but Dowfeley's party plyed them fo well with conftant volfies, and were fo near them, that every fhot took place, and they killed no lefs than fixty in one fpot. They had an old foldier with them, who charged for them with great celerity, and put in each cartridge one large and four fmall" balls. The lane was filled up with the dead,

    A party of rebels got into a very good flated houfe at the upper end of Mary-flreet, which the foldiers having fet fire to, the favages were roafled alive j and when their bodies were brought forth, prefented a mofl hideous and difgufling fpectacle.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 261

13. Attack on Dawson's House at Charlesfort

    near Charles Fort · monument · Cork · 1798

    Despite Kilrush's inhabitants surrendering pikes and swearing allegiance, Mr Dawson of Charles-fort feared their sincerity; his house was later surrounded by a thousand rebels who set it afire, and he was shot in the breast while family escaped through a window.

    Read the passage

    enormities, which he enumerated, and that they were refolved to carry every thing before them ; thatNthey V/ere determined to compel Mr. Dawfon to join them, and co-operate with them ; and that they would mur- . <ier him, and his family, if he refufed to comply, Mr. Dawfon boldly declared, that he would fubmit to die, fobner than violate hi^j allegiance to his king, lie immediately fent a perfon to collet: his prorcftant guards, but, alas ! no more than one of them, his ^ gamekeeper, could be found arid 9. few minutes after he arrived, a thoufand rebels furrounded his houfe, and fet fire to it and his out-offices, which were foon in flames. Mrs. Dawfon, her daughter, and mifs Reade, in the greateft conflernation, made their efcape out of Z window. Mr. Dawfon fled into his hall, as it was the mofl defenfible part of his houfe. Soon after the Iront door fell in, and he received a muflvct-ball in his brcafl. He could have fhot the man who fired at him ; but perceiving his family in the hands of the 1 ebels, he feared th^i.t they would inflantly have fallen

    prey to their favage revenge.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Charles Fort, in 1798, rebels warned Mr Dawson they were determined to compel him to join them, and that they would murder him and his family if he refused. He declared he would submit to die sooner than violate his allegiance to his king. He sent a person to collect his Protestant guards, but only one of them, his gamekeeper, could be found. A few minutes after he arrived, a thousand rebels surrounded his house and set fire to it and his out-offices, which were soon in flames. Mrs Dawson, her daughter, and Miss Reade made their escape out of a window. Mr Dawson fled into his hall, as it was the most defensible part of his house. Soon after, the front door fell in, and he received a musket-ball in his breast. He could have shot the man who fired at him, but perceiving his family in the hands of the rebels, he feared they would instantly have fallen prey to their savage revenge.

14. Bagenal Harvey of Bargy, rebel leader

    Bargy · townland · Wexford

    Bagenal Harvey, a respectable Protestant landowner educated at Trinity College Dublin and called to the Irish bar, lived at Bargy in the barony of Forth. He became a leading rebel chieftain closely associated with General Keugh, his political opinions gradually shifting him from a moderate reformist to an anarchist and rebel.

    Read the passage

    He was of a very refpe£lable proteftant family in. the county of Wexford, and inherited an eflate of ^bove 2000I. a year from his father, which he had increafed confiderably by his oeconomy. He received the rudiments of his education in Trinity College,. Dublin, and was afterwards called to the Irifh bar, which he attended during his father's life. His figure was fmall, and his countenance, though ugly and rather mean, was expreffive. He v/as univerfally allowed to be a man. of humanity,, and of the ftri^left honour and integrity. His hrft coufm was married togeneral Keugh, another rebel chieftain, v/hofe friendfkip he warmly cultivated, and to whofe houfe he re- - forted whenever he went to Wexford, His political opinions, like thofe of his friend, were founded oa principles of metaphyfical abftraclion, which often end in the deftrudion of thofe who cheriili them, in the fubverfion of all focial order, the degradation of greatnefs, and the plunder of weahh. He naturally had a difccnteiri and gloominefs of mind, which made him proae^i;o find fault with the forms of our excellent conftitution, which he wiflied to reform* Conftantly affociating with men who openly profefied fmiilar principles, but who, different from him,, were aduated by the mahgnant hope of rifmg to wealth and confideration from obfcurity and poverty., during a feafon of general confufion ; from a moderate reformift, he gradually became an inveterate anarchill and a rebel. He lived at Bargy, in the barony of Forth.t

    In

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 247

15. Battle of Tara: rebels routed with heavy losses

    Tara · parish · Meath · 1798

    The king's troops, including yeomanry under lord Fingal, routed the rebels at Tara after fierce onsets, with the rebels losing about four hundred killed and wounded; the Reay Fencibles alone lost twenty-six men.

    Read the passage

    They at length routed the rebels,* who fled m afl diredions, after having loft about four hundred in killed and wounded. In their flight, they threw away their arms and ammunition, and every thing that could encumber them. We took three hundred horfes, all their provifions, arms, ammunition and baggage, and eight of the Rea fencibles whom they had taken prifoners two days before-, and whom they employed to drill them.

    It was much to be lamented, that the brave Rea fencibles loft twenty-fix men in killed and wounded j and the Upper Kelis infantry had one killed, and five wounded.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 196

16. Delegates Dragged Through Belfast in Triumph

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1792

    Catholic delegates travelling to present a petition to the king arrived at the Donegal Arms in Belfast, where a crowd unhitched their coach horses and dragged the carriage through the town and over the long bridge toward Donaghadee, cheering for union and equal laws.

    Read the passage

    arms in this town, on their way (by Portpatrick) to London. Immediately on their arrival being known, a number of refpeclable inhabitants waited on, and breakfafted with them. They remained here about two hours ; and, on their departure, the populace, who had alTembled in the interim., took the horfes from their coach, and having faftened ropes to it, dragged them throughout the town, quite over the long bridge on the road to Donaghadee ; and then permitted the horfes to be put to, amidft the loudeft huzzas of " fuccefs attend you," " union," " equal laws," and " down with the afcendancy." The de« legates politely returned thanks for this flrong m^ark of affedtion ; declared their determination to maintain that union which formed the ftrength of Ireland ; and proceeded on their way, accompanied with three cheers." :■

    His majefty was pleafed, in confequence qx the addrefs of the Roman catholicks, to recommend to parliament in his fpeech in January, 1793, ^^^^ into ferious confideration the fituation of the Roman cathoHcks ; and, in compliance with his majefty 's benevolent intentions, they repealed the whole of the reftridive laws, except thofe which excluded them from fitting in parhamxent, and from about thirty great offices of ftate, which are immediately concerned in the confidential departments of the executive government.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

17. Doctor Bagot spared for his surgical skill

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

    An aged and infirm doctor at Rathangan, Doctor Bagot, was nearly killed by rebels who forced him to wear a green wreath, but his wife saved him by pointing out his usefulness in treating their wounded.

    Read the passage

    * Croppies, lie down/ However, they led him out to execution, anci compelled him to wear a green ■wreath in his hat ; but his wife faved him, by faying, he would be ufeful in dreffing their wounds. There is not a doubt but that he would have fliared the fate of the other proteftant inhabitants of Rathangan, if they had not hoped to avail themfelves of his (kill as a furgeon ; for, through the courfe of the rebellion, they were careful of the lives of fuch perfons as were verfed in the medical art,

    Thefe favages continued all night to exprefs the joy which they felt at their fuccefs, by fhouts and yells, uttered with barbarous dilfonance, and to boaft of their achievements in the prefence of thofe perfons whofe relations they had malTacred,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 169

18. Dwyer the rebel leader terrorises Baltinglass district

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1798–1800

    Dwyer, a notorious rebel leader more cruel than Hacket or Holt, was responsible for many atrocious murders near Baltinglass; he obtained a protection from general Moore in 1798 while remaining in his camp corrupting soldiers, and for over two years defied the king's troops in the district.

    Read the passage

    Dwyer, the noted rebel leader, more cruel than Hacket or Holt, and who has been the occafion of many atrocious murders near Baltinglafs, obtained a protedion from general Moore, in the year 1798, *ind remained fome" time in his camp, corrupting his foldiers ; and yet for more than two years he bids defiance to the king's troops, and kedps the inhabitants of a large trad of the county of Wicklow in terror and difmay.

    Four deferters from the Antrim militia, and another rebel, were taken at their harbour, at Aughavanagh, with their arms, and carried to the general's camp ; but having pretended that they v^^ere on their w^ay to furrender, he gave them " proteclions, and difcharged them. They were afterwards (ex.cept one who was ftiot,) the moll: defperate robbing p^rty in the country.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Baltinglass in Wicklow, you're in a district where Dwyer, a rebel leader said to be more cruel than Hacket or Holt, kept the inhabitants in terror and dismay for more than two years from 1798. He had obtained a protection from General Moore that same year, yet stayed in the camp corrupting soldiers while defying the king's troops. He was blamed for many atrocious murders near this town. Later, four deserters from the Antrim militia and another rebel were taken at Aughavanagh with their arms and brought to the general's camp. They claimed they were on their way to surrender, so he gave them protections and discharged them. All but one, who was shot, became, in the words of the source, "the most desperate robbing party in the country."

19. Father Corrin intercedes for Wexford prisoners

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Father Corrin, the Roman Catholic priest of Wexford, came in his cowl bearing a crucifix and pleaded with the rebels to spare condemned prisoners in the gaol yard; he succeeded in saving the fifteen Wexford men but not the ten from Enniscorthy, who were taken to Vinegar Hill and executed.

    Read the passage

    who had beer^'a proteflant, but had become a catho= lick, and who was now imprifoned on a charge of being an orangeman, requefted to have the prieit v/ith him before he died. This was immediately ;;ranted ; and a meffenger was fent to father Corrin, the Roman cathoUck prieft of Wexford. Me prefently came ; and to give effect to his admonition find intcrceffion, had drelfed himfelf in his cowl, and bore a crucifix in his hand : He held up the crucilix, and all prefent fell on their knees : He exhorted tliem in the mod: earnefL i)ianner : He conjured them^ as they hoped for mercy, to fliev/ it : He made gycj-y pofiible exertion to fave all the prifoners ; but it was in vain : He faid he could witnefs that the Wexford people had never fired upon them, or done them any injury ; and that he could not fay n:afs to them, if they perfiiled in their cruel refolutions. At lad: he influenced them fo far, as to prevail upon them to return into the gaol the fifteen Wexford men ; but for thofe fi'om Ennifcorthy, he could obtain no remiffion for them." They were conveyed to Vinegarhill, and executed there. It was confidered as a great crime in the proted:ants to have defended -their town againdr father John Murphy and his affaHins.

    ii will redecl: eternal fhame and didionour on the popidi pried:s of the county of Wexford, of v/hom numbers were ccnd:antly in the tov/n, befides thofe who refided there, for having fuffered fuch atrocities to be committed by their fanguinary flock, over whom they had unbounded influence, and by whom they were not only revered as men, but adored as Gods. The favage pikemen never met them in the ftreets, without bowing low to them with their hats off, and continued fo while they_were in their fight ; and they never met doclor Caulfield, the popifh bifliop, without falling on their knees, and receiving his benedidtion.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 294

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Wexford, this is where Father Corrin made his stand in 1798. A man who had been a Protestant but had become a Catholic was imprisoned on a charge of being an Orangeman, and asked to have a priest with him before he died. A messenger was sent to Father Corrin, the Roman Catholic priest of Wexford. He came dressed in his cowl, bearing a crucifix in his hand. He held up the crucifix, and all present fell on their knees. He exhorted them in the most earnest manner. He conjured them, as they hoped for mercy, to show it. He made every possible exertion to save all the prisoners, but it was in vain. He said he could witness that the Wexford people had never fired upon them or done them any injury, and that he could not say mass to them if they persisted in their cruel resolutions. At last he influenced them so far as to prevail upon them to return the fifteen Wexford men into the gaol. But for the ten from Enniscorthy, he could obtain no remission. They were conveyed to Vinegar Hill and executed there. The book records that the pikemen never met the priests in the streets without bowing low with their hats off, and never met Doctor Caulfield, the bishop, without falling on their knees and receiving his benediction.

20. Father Michael Murphy of Ballycanew leads attack at Arklow barricade

    Ballycanew · town · Wexford · 1798

    The attack on the barricade at Arklow was led by Father Michael Murphy, priest of Ballycanew, who exhorted the rebels using every argument to work on their bigotry, with many chiefs killed near the guns.

    Read the passage

    "While this warm conflid was maintained at the lower end of the town, the attack was fupported with ftill more obftinacy againft the barricade at D ; by which the rebels were in hopes of making their way to the rear of our little army. This column was led on by father Michael Murphy, the prieft, of Ballycanew, who endeavoured to animate them by every argument and exhortation that could work on their bigotry. Many of their chiefs, who led them on to fucceflive attacks," wete killed within a, few yards of our guns.

    Murphy, who had hitherto efcaped, headed the column at the charter-fchool, which was ftill very great ; but as they fliewed a reluctance to advance, he took out of his pocket fome muflcet-balls, which^

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 279

21. General Johnson Rallies Fleeing Troops at New Ross Bridge

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    The main body of king's troops fled over the bridge to the Kilkenny side of the river after being overpowered by rebels entering at Three-bullet gate. General Johnson followed them, rallied the fugitives by appealing to their loyalty to their countryman, and led them back to their posts.

    Read the passage

    them in that fituation, followed our troops to the Kilkenny fide of the river, rallied and brought them back to their refpedive polls, by which the rebels within the town ,were completely fubdued. He often exclaimed to the fugitives whom he rallied, " Will you defert your general ?" without any elFed ; but when he added, " and your countryman?" they gave three cheers,, ^nd followed him. Having fucceeded in rallying the fugitives, . he rode before them to a part of our troops, who, much to their honour, had kept their poll hear the Thre^e-bullet gate, an4 informed them that a reinforcement of frefh troops had arrived from Waterford, which delufion produced a very good ^e6t in animating them ; however, he reinforced them with fome of thofe whom he had rallied, as there was a rebel column oppofite to them, which feemed by its advancing towards them, determined to make one defperate effort. At this moment the fortune of the day hung in a balance ; but it was foon turned by the fleady fire .of our troops, who repulfed the rebels with great jflaughter.

    Then, by turning the rear of the rebels who had entered the town at the Three-bullet gate end of it, jiot one of them efcaped ; and by manning the ditches outfide, he prevented them from receiving a reinforcement.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 259

22. Lehunte dragged to Wexford gaol and threatened with fifteen minutes to live

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Mr Lehunte was violently dragged from his lodging to Wexford gaol and placed in a condemned cell, with Dixon telling him he had but fifteen minutes to live; Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and Keugh intervened to save him.

    Read the passage

    him with violence into the ftreet, and dragged him to the gaol, where they committed him to a condemned cell ; on which Dixon informed him, that he fliould have but fifteen minutes to live. * In his progrefs to the gaol they buffeted him very much, tore his hair, and gave him two flight wounds. They would inftantly have put him to death, but that Bagenal Harvey, Cornehus Grogan and Keugh, informed the populace who furrounded him, that the obfervations of Dixon were falfe and groundlefs ; but their authority, being proteftants, did not continue long.

    The artillery men, whom the rebels took when a detachment of the Meath regiment was defeated, on the thirtieth of May, were imprifoned in feparate cells in the gaol of Wexfbrd, v. here they were almoft ftarved from the bad quality and the fcantinefs of their food.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 301

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where in 1798 Mr Lehunte was dragged from his lodging into the street and hauled to the gaol. They beat him, tore his hair, gave him 2 slight wounds, and shut him in a condemned cell. Dixon told him he had but 15 minutes to live. The crowd would have killed him, but Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and Keugh told the people surrounding him that Dixon's words were false and groundless, and their authority as Protestants did not continue long. The gaol held others too. Artillery men captured when a detachment of the Meath regiment was defeated on the 30th of May were imprisoned in separate cells here, almost starved by the bad quality and scantiness of their food.

23. Loyal father shot and son murdered near Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    A loyalist father refused to surrender his arms to rebels and was stripped naked and shot in their camp near Vinegar Hill. His son, though badly wounded, escaped and walked seven miles home but was later intercepted and murdered by rebels, his body thrown into a gravel-pit.

    Read the passage

    would furrender his arms, they would fave the life of his fon, who would be permitted to ferve in their army. But the father refufed to comply 5 having given as a reafon, that he had taken an oath of allegiance, and fwore not to furrender them to any perfon but to the government. At the fame time he implored them to be merciful to his fon. Next day the rebels ftripped him naked and ihot him in their camp. As he betrayed fome fymptoms of life after he fell, they knocked him in the head with the butend of a fire-lock ; and yet this unfortunate young man recovered about midnight, and, though quite naked and covered with blood, and ghaflly wounds, he crept to the foot of Vinegar-hill, v/aded over the river Slaney ; and, though much exhaufted, he walked to his father's houfe, which was feven miles olf ; on approaching it he was buoyed up with the fond hope of finding an afylum there from the rebel blood-hounds ; but, alas ! how fevere was his dif» appointment on finding it deferted by his family, who had fled for protedion to Rofs, whither he endeavoured to follow them ; but was intercepted by a party of rebels, who murdered him and threw his body into a gravel-pit.

    Mr. Charles Cooper, fon-in-law of George Horneck, who, as a yeomen, had afiifled in the defence of Ennifcorthy, was feized with three other loyal fugitives, at Caltk-bridge, and maifacred. As many vi&ms, whom- the rebels apparently put to deaths had afterwards recovered and made their efcape, they tied together with a rope the bodies of thefe four men. Philip Horneck, the brother of George, fell into the hands of the rebels at Alderlfown, the houfe of Mr. John Glafcott, whence they conveyed him to their camp at Carrickbyrne, where they murdered him, and then quartered and burned his body. In his lait moments they infultingly aflved him, whether he remembered the white boys on the ninth 01 June, 1775? That banditti infefted that year, not only the county

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 241

    As the companion tells it

    As you come near Vinegar Hill, this was rebel ground in 1798. The rebels had a camp here, and they held a loyalist father and his son in it. They told the father that if he would surrender his arms, they would save the life of his son, who would be permitted to serve in their army. The father refused. He said he had taken an oath of allegiance and swore not to surrender his arms to any person but the government. At the same time, he begged them to be merciful to his son. Next day, the rebels stripped the young man naked and shot him in their camp. When he showed signs of life after he fell, they struck him in the head with the butt end of a firearm. Yet this unfortunate young man recovered around midnight. Though quite naked, covered in blood and ghastly wounds, he crept to the foot of Vinegar Hill, waded over the river Slaney, and though much exhausted, walked seven miles to his father's house. He had the fond hope of finding asylum there, in the words of the source, "safe from the rebel blood-hounds." But he found the house deserted. His family had fled for protection to Ross, and he tried to follow them. He was intercepted by a party of rebels, who murdered him and threw his body into a gravel-pit.

24. Luke Byrne murders William Carroll in the street of Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Luke Byrne, an opulent farmer and brewer, struck down his longtime friend William Carroll, a protestant tanner, with a sword in the street of Enniscorthy and ordered pikemen to finish him, leaving a widow and eight children.

    Read the passage

    WiHiam Carroll, a- tanner, of the proteftant perfuafion, who had always lived, on terms of the warmeft friendfhip with Luke Byrne, accofted him in the ftreet of Ennifcorthy, when he was at the head of a party of rebels ; but Byrne drew his fword, proftrated him with a blow of it, and ordered the pikemen, whom he commanded, to difpatch him j and they inftantly perforated his body with pikes. This honeft and induflrious man left a widow and eight children.

    It is furprifing how wanton the rebels were in committing cruel des. On Thurfday the thirty-firlt of May, John Doyle faw a wounded man lying in the ftreets at Ennifcorthy, and approaching him, faid, in a ftrain of irony, mingled with cruelty, " What a pity it is you are not more alive and then ftabbed him feveral times with a pike, and turned over his body. Doyle was convicted of that crime before ?l court-martial, on the twentieth of July, 1799.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 237

25. Massacre of dragoons and militia by treachery at Prosperous

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    Rebels set fire to houses where soldiers were quartered, and assisted by owners who secretly hid their arms, murdered seven dragoons and four of the Tyrone militia, badly wounding three dragoons and two militia men.

    Read the passage

    , In the mean time, the rebels fet fire to feveral houfes in which tlie foldiers were quartered ; and, aflifted by the owners, who treacheroufly fccreted their arms, murdered feven dragoons and four of the Tyrone miUtia, and defperately wounded three of the former, and two of the latter.

    At length, captain Beevor fallied out with twelve dragoons, and routed them in every dire6lion. Lieutenant Mc. Farland, of the Tyrone militia, a mod excellent officer, was (hot through the body and died.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 166

26. Mrs Gill leaps overboard from the Lovely Kitty

    Rosslare · town · Wexford · 1798

    Believing rebels were about to murder her husband aboard the sloop off Rosslare, Mrs Gill threw herself overboard and floated some distance before being pursued and saved.

    Read the passage

    From the fufferings of the paffengers on board a large floop called the Lovely Kitty, (and many of ihem were ladies of rank and fortune,*) one may form fome idea of what the proteftant fugitives endured from the lavage fpirit of the rebel failors» Having embarked at three o'clock, on the morning of the thirtieth of May, they failed as far as the fort of Rofslare,t where the failors .caft anchor, under the pretext of taking in ballaft. In the evening they were furrounded by a number of boats, the crew$ of which, being well armed, boarded them, and were fo brutal and ferocious, as to fill them with ferious apprehenfions for their lives. Mrs. Gill, one of the paflengers, imagining that they were on the point of murdering her hulband, threw herfelf overboard and floated to fome diftance from the velTel ^ but was purfued and faved. Having been carried on deck, flie appeared hfeleis for fome time, and on being recovered, {he exclaimed, " Ah ! why did you bring me back to fcenes of mifery f '* Mr. Stringer, who had efcaped from Ennifcorthy, having been afked by a ruffian how he came to burn his town, replied, " It was done by the rebels on which the failors exclaimed, " Oyer with him !" and inftantly threw him overboard. After fwimming fome time, part of the crew, more humane than the reft, followed

    * Mrs. Ogle and her fitter were among them, t P^ate III. I.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 285

27. Murder of Richard Whaley and Edward Sly in Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    As rebels entered Enniscorthy, they murdered Richard Whaley, an elderly locksmith nearly a hundred years old, and Edward Sly, a protestant, who was shot by his neighbour William Lee while offering him beer.

    Read the passage

    They murdered Richard Whaley, a lockfmith, near one hundred years old, as foon as they entered the town ; and Edward Sly, a proteflant, was ihot by his neighbour William Lee, when he was kindly reaching him a quart of beer. • Numbers were drag,- ged from their houies, and barbaroully malTacred in the prefence of their wives and children. ■ The town, the morning after the rebels got pof; fefTion of it, prefented a dreadful fcene of carnage and conflagration ; many bodies were lying dead in the ftreets, and others groaning in the agonies of death ^ fome parts of the town were entirely confumed, and in others the flames continued tp rage •with inexiinguifhable fury ; no lefs than four hundred and feventy-eight dwelling-houfes and cabins were burned in the town and its fuburbs, befides a great number of (lores, malt-houfes, and out-ofiices<.

    Early next morning, the rebels formed a camp on Vinegar-hill, made entrenchments round it, and placed fome batteries in them. They then Rationed a large garrifon in the tovni, which was relieved every day by an officer's guard from the camp. Such great numbers of the lower clafs of people from the adjacent country flocked to their camp, . that it foon confifted of at leaft ten thoufand men. They pofted ftrong picquet guards, centinels, and videts, in all the avenues leading to the town, and for fome miles round it.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 228

28. Murphy convicted and hanged at Forkhill for Barclay attack

    near Forkill · parish · Armagh

    A man named Murphy, implicated by an approver named Devitt and identified by Barclay's family with his stolen watch, was convicted at Armagh and hanged at Forkhill, meeting a priest en route who calmed him before his execution.

    Read the passage

    One Devitt, who was privy to it, turned approver, and charged a man of the name of Murphy, with being concerned in it. The watch of Alexander Barclay was found in his houfe ; and all the family having identified him, he was convicted at Armagh, and hanged at ForkhilL In his w^ay thither, he fhewed flrong figns of defpondency, fobbing, fighing, and bewailing his fate. ' But when near Forkhill, he met a piiefl, who whifpered a fhort time in his ear ; after which his countenance brightened up, he advanced to the place of execution with firmnefs, and was launched into eternity with fmgular refignation. The barbarous treatment of this colony by the Romanifls, and their favage cruelty towards the Barclays, convinced the prefb) terians that the extirpation of proteflants of every denomination was the main defign of the defenders.

    As their zeal to colled arms ftill increafed, and as a large quantity of them was imported into Newry for their ufe, which occafioned a general alarm, the grand jury and high flieriiTof the county of Armagh

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 46

29. Priest's interference collapses prosecution at Naas assizes

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    A rebel named Cullen was to be tried at Naas assizes for shooting a yeoman and for involvement in the attack on Prosperous and the murder of captain Swayne. A priest whispered to the imprisoned prosecutor Kennedy just before trial, causing him to contradict his sworn testimony, and Cullen escaped justice.

    Read the passage

    The following anecdote will fhow the reader how much the influence of the Romifh priefts tends to defeat diftributive juftice : A rebel, of the name of Cullen, was to be tried at the fummer affizes of Naas, on the following charges : For having fired three fhots at a yeoman, as he was travelling along the high road, and wounding him in two places ; and, for being concerned in the attack upon Profperous, and in the murder of captain Swayne. One Kennedy, the profecutor, was kept in gaol, to fecure his appearance, and to prevent him from being aifaflinated. When the trial was coming on, Mr. Kemmis, the crown-folicitor. Went to the gaol for Kennedy, - the profecutor ; but on approaching it, he perceived a prieft whifpering in his ear, through one of the grates ; and who, on perceiving Mr. Kemmis,. fled precipitately. On entering the gaol, he told Kennedy that he mufl: repair to the court with him, as the trial would come on immediately ; but to his great aflonifliment, he difcovered, that the fuggeftions of his ghoflily advifer, but for a few minutes, had induced him to contradid the mod material fa6ls which he had fworn in his information ; for he pretended to be ignorant of them. The ruffian Cullen efcaped from jufliice by this infamous procedure.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 188

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this town saw a notorious collapse of justice at the summer assizes of 1798. A rebel named Cullen was to be tried here for firing three shots at a yeoman travelling on the high road and wounding him in two places, and for being concerned in the attack on Prosperous and the murder of Captain Swayne. The prosecutor, Kennedy, was kept in gaol to secure his appearance and prevent him from being assassinated, but when the crown solicitor Kemmis went to fetch him, he found a priest whispering in Kennedy's ear through one of the grates, and the priest fled precipitously. By the time Kennedy reached court, those few minutes of priestly suggestion had induced him to contradict the most material facts he had sworn in his information, pretending to be ignorant of them. The rebel Cullen escaped justice by this procedure.

30. Torture and murder of John Stillman on road to Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    John Stillman, an eighty-year-old former soldier, and George Saunders, seventy, were shot on the road from Ringwood to Enniscorthy; Stillman survived being shot multiple times and having his eye put out with a pike before finally being killed, and rebels afterward called him their plaything.

    Read the passage

    John Stillman, eighty years old, who had ferved as a fol-dier the greater part of his Hfe, and George Saunders, feventy years old, flept all Monday night in Ringwood ; and having come out of it about twelve o'clock, next morning, they were fhot on the road leading to Ennifcorthyi Saunders died inftantly. Stillman continued ahve till next day, and was able to fit up. A rebel out-poll, of about twenty men, amufed themfelves with ridiculing, infulting, and torturing him. They often alked him in irony, (as he was a protellant) Whether he would have a prieft ? They had but one ball among them, and they fired it five orTix times through his body, while proftrate on the ground ; and yet he was alive next day. He had but one eye, which they put out with a pike. At length they put him to death. Afterwards the rebels were knov/n to call him their plaything, in converfation at Ennifcorthy ; and to uociare, he was fo tough an old fellow, that they had great difficulty in putting him to death.

    I fhail refer the reader to Appendix, .No. XIX. r. for the fuiferings of Benjamin Warren, a proteftant yeoman, and the fcene of carnage which he beheld on Vinegar-hill. I faw his wounds in Auguft, 1798. His body had been perforated with pikes in many places. if

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

31. Ulster Volunteer delegates assemble at Dungannon

    near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1782

    On 15 February 1782, delegates from one hundred and forty-three volunteer corps of the province of Ulster assembled at Dungannon and passed resolutions aimed at reforming the constitution, later adopted by volunteer corps and grand juries throughout the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    It was a common pradice to obtain adulatory addreffes from the volunteers, of which great numbers conftantly appeared in the publick prints ; and he who could procure the greatefl number of them, was fure to fucceed in his ambitious defigns. It was to be lamented, that they foon began to deviate from the end of their inftitution, and to form provincial meetings, for the purpofe of new-modelling the Itate ; of which a notable inftance occurred on the fifteenth of February, 1782; when delegates from one hundred and forty-three corps of the province of Ulfler aflembled at Dungannon, and entez-ed into refolutions of that tendency, which were foon adopted by all the volunteer corps and grand juries of the om.

    It is far from my intention to cenfure that ailembly, who were actuated by the generous defign of improving the conflitution, and of diffufing the bleilings of civil liber^y as extenfively as poilibie; but every moderate and rational perfon muft allow, that it was incompatible with the principles of found policy, that an armed body fhould take upon them to diftate to the government, it is to be lamented that fuch affemblies and their difcufTions taught the mafs of the people to fpeculate upon politicks, and as they cannot diflinguifh fophiftry from truth, prepared their minds for the reception of thofe deleterious dodrines which produced the rebellion.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 37

32. Widow's house burned and she is thrown into flames in Longford

    Longford · town · Longford

    A party of banditti in the county of Longford plundered a widow's house of goods and rent money, then set fire to it and threw her into the flames; her son rescued her at the risk of his own life.

    Read the passage

    A party of this banditti, in the county of Longford, after having plundered the houfe of a widow of various articles, and of her rent, v/hich fhe had ready to pay her landlord, fet fire to it, and threw her into the flames ; where fhe would have perrifhed, but that her fon, touched by filial piety, refeued her, and fought for her life at the rifaue of his own.

    They were prevailed on to profecute ; but at the affizes they were fo infulted and threatened, that, from motives of fear, they prevaricated in their' evidence, and pretended not to know the prifoners, though they were their neighbours.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Longford, this is where a widow's house once stood. A party of banditti plundered her home, taking her goods and the rent she had ready to pay her landlord. They set fire to the house and threw her into the flames. Her son, touched by filial piety, rescued her and fought for her life at the risk of his own. They were prevailed on to prosecute, but at the assizes they were so insulted and threatened that from fear they prevaricated in their evidence and pretended not to know the prisoners, though they were their neighbours.

33. Yeomen and Protestants flee Gorey to Arklow and Wicklow

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    Sir W. W. Wynne discovered that supposed rebel forces near Gorey were actually protestant inhabitants fleeing with their families. Over one thousand fled to Arklow and then Wicklow, camping on the strand for nearly a month, relying on charitable contributions.

    Read the passage

    Above one thoufand and feventy of them fled on the fourth of June to Arklow, and next day to Wicklow, carrying their wives and children on above three hundred cars, with which they formed booths or tents on the ftrand near that town, where they remained near a month, without any means of fubfillence but what they received from charitable contributions.

    Sir Watkin, having got the rear of his command clear of the town, ufed every effort to induce the troops to halt and form ; but the panick was fo great, that all his efforts were fruitlefs, and they rulhed on precipitately and in diforder, even to Arklow. In thefe circumftances a council of war was held, and it was determined (probably judicioufly, but certainly much contrary to the feelings and iaclinations of the yeomanry) to retreat to W^cklov/, as their houfes and families were expofed to deflruction by this meafure, which however was effected in the courfe of the following night* The town of

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 255

    As the companion tells it

    Gorey lies along the road ahead. In 1798, what appeared to be rebel forces near this town turned out to be Protestant inhabitants fleeing with their families. On the fourth of June, above one thousand and seventy of them fled to Arklow, and the next day to Wicklow, carrying their wives and children on above three hundred cars. They formed booths or tents on the strand near Wicklow, where they remained near a month, with no means of subsistence but what they received from charitable contributions. Sir Watkin Wynne tried to halt his troops and form them after clearing the town, but the panic was so great that his efforts were fruitless, and they rushed on in disorder even to Arklow. A council of war was held, and it was determined to retreat to Wicklow, much contrary to the feelings of the yeomanry, whose houses and families were left exposed to destruction.

34. 1729 Papal Bull Plot Involving Cork and Limerick Bishops

    Cork · city · Cork · 1729

    In 1729, popish bishops assembled at the house of Teigue Mc. Carthy, titular bishop of Cork, where Conner Keefe, bishop of Limerick, presented a letter revealing a papal indulgence scheme to raise money to restore James III and kill King George II and the royal family.

    Read the passage

    It appears that a number of popifh prelates and other ecclefialliicks, being alTembled at the houfe of Teigue Mc. Carthy, alias Rabagh, titular bifliop of Cork, Conner Keefe^ bifliop of Limerick, prefented a letter to the faid Mc. Carthy^ from doctor Butler^ titular archbifhop of Caftel, informing him, that his Holinefs the pope, had at lafl comf)lied with the requefl of the Irifli archbifliops and bilhops, in granting them an indulgence for the above purpofe.

    The purport of the bull was this : " That every communicant duly ccnfeffing, and receiving the facrament on the patron days of every refpedtive parifli, and every Sunday, from the firfl day of May to September, having repeated the Lord's prayer five times, and once the apoftles creed, and upon paying two pence each time, was to have a plenary indulgence for his fms ; and all approved confeiTors had full power to abfolve in all cafes, with intent that God would fpeedily place James IIL on the throne of England. Every parifh priefl was to pay 5L towards this fund, and was to account upon oath for the colledion of it ; and the pretender had aa agent in each province to collect it.'*

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a story from 1729. A number of Catholic bishops and clergy assembled at the house of Teigue McCarthy, titular bishop of Cork, where Conner Keefe, bishop of Limerick, presented a letter from Doctor Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel. The letter revealed that the Pope had granted an indulgence at the request of the Irish archbishops and bishops. The bull stated that every communicant who duly confessed and received the sacrament on patron days and every Sunday from May to September, having repeated the Lord's Prayer five times and the Apostles' Creed once, and paying two pence each time, would receive a plenary indulgence for sins. All approved confessors had full power to absolve in all cases, with intent that God would speedily place James III on the throne of England. Every parish priest was to pay five pounds towards this fund and account upon oath for its collection, and the Pretender had an agent in each province to gather the money.

35. Battle of Ovidstown near Kilcock

    Ovidstown · townland · Kildare · 1798

    On 18 June 1798, Lieutenant-Colonel Irwine marched from Trim with troops and yeomanry cavalry against a large body of rebels assembling near Kilcock. The rebels, about three thousand strong under William Aylmer, drew up at the bottom of Ovidstown hill near Hortland House but were routed after a sharp fight, with some two hundred slain.

    Read the passage

    rifon of Trim, having received intelligence that z numerous body of rebels were alfembliag near Kilccck on the eighteenth of June, marched on that night, with part of his garrifon, confifting of the fourth dragoons, a troop of the duke of York's fencible cavalry, four companies of foot, and two battalion guns, and the following yeomanry corps : The Trim cavaln', one troop ; the Navan and Murgallion cavalry, one troop ; the Demifore, one troop* Soon after he pafled through Kiicock, his advanced guard was fired upon by a large body of the rebels ; of whom the main body, fuppofed to coniiil of three thouland, was drawn up in a line at the bottom of 0\iotftown hill, near Hortland houfe. As it was fome time before the colonel could form, owing to the unevennefs of •the ground, and the number of inclofures on it, the rebels kept up a fmart fire, and made a defperate effort to feize the cannon ; but the well-direiied fire of the infantry, made them abandon that enterprife. Soon after the troops formed, they routed the rebels, who precipitately fled to the neighbouring bog, where they ejected their efcape, after two hundred of them had been ilain. The king's troops fuftained the following lofs : Fourth dragoon guards, one ferjeant killed ; captain fir Richard Steele, one ferjeant, two rank and file wounded ; Murgallion cavalry, one rank and file wounded ; Trim cavalry, one rank and file wounded ; Duke of York's Highlanders, enfign John Sutler, one ferjeant, and five rank and file killed ; lieutenant-colonel Irwine, one ferjeant, and feven rank and file wounded ; the firft (lightly.

    William Aylmer, a romanift, who had been a lieutenant in the Kildare militia, was the leader of the rebels in this action.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 189

36. Bulger Hanged and Body Displayed on Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1801

    Patrick Bulger, one of the assassins involved in the Tincurry atrocities, was convicted at the Wexford spring assizes of 1801 and hanged, with his body ordered hung in chains on Vinegar Hill.

    Read the passage

    * Thefe atrocities were proved at the fpring afTizes of Wexford in 1 801, on the trial of Patrick Bulger, one of the aiTafiins that perpetrated them ; and, having been convided of them, he was , condemned to be hanged, and his body was ordered to be hung in chains on Vinegar- hill.

    4o6

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill is coming up along the road here. After the Wexford spring assizes of 1801, Patrick Bulger was convicted and hanged for his part in the Tincurry atrocities. His body was ordered hung in chains on this hill, left on display as a warning.

37. Execution of a protestant prisoner by rebel firing squad

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Rebels formed a semicircle by the water and executed a protestant prisoner by musket fire after a mock trial-like ceremony. Charles Jackson was forced to fire the fatal shot under threat of death from armed guards.

    Read the passage

    knelt down and prayed for about five minutes ; whicli ceremony was adopted as in the former infiance. The rebels were ordered to form a femicircle, with an opening towards the water. Charles Jackfon alked per million to tie his cravat about the poor man's eyes ; but they defired him not to be nice about fuch matters, as it would be his own' caie in a few minutes. When the mufl^ets were called for, it was fuggefted, that if they gave three at once to the executioners, they might turn about and fire at them : It was therefore refolved, that they iliould fire one at a time. Matthewfon, the firft perfon appointed to fhoot, miffed fire three times. They gave him another muiket, with which he ihot Murphy in the arm. Jackfon was next called upon ; and as they fufpe6led that he would turn and fire on them, two men advanced at each fide of him, with cocked pifi;ois, and two more Vvith cavalry fv/ords were placed behind him, v/ho threatened him with initant death if he miffed the mark. He fired, and the poor man infiantly fell dead ; after which Gurley was obliged to fire at the body, while proftrate on the ground. It was then propofed that Jackfon, - fhould wafh his hands in his blood, but it was overruled, as fome of the rebels faid he had done his bufinefs well. A ring was then formed round the body, and a fong in honour of the Irifh repubiick was'fung to the tune of, " God fave the king.''

    This dreadful bufinefs took up about three hours, after which the executioners v/ere marched back to prifon. Thefe circumftances relating to it are to be found in Charles Jackfoa*s narrative, and they were confirmed by the evidence given on the trial of Matthew Greene of Wexford, who was tried, condemned, and executed there, for having aded as a ^ rebel officer at this atrocious fcene.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Wexford now, a town where in 1798 rebels carried out a grim execution by the water. A prisoner knelt down and prayed for about five minutes. The rebels were ordered to form a semicircle, with an opening towards the water. Charles Jackson asked permission to tie his cravat about the man's eyes, but they told him not to be nice about such matters, as it would be his own case in a few minutes. When the muskets were called for, someone suggested that if they gave three at once to the executioners, they might turn about and fire at them. It was resolved that they should fire one at a time. Matthewson, the first person appointed to shoot, missed fire three times. They gave him another musket, with which he shot Murphy in the arm. Jackson was next called upon. Two men advanced at each side of him with cocked pistols, and two more with cavalry swords were placed behind him, who threatened him with instant death if he missed the mark. He fired, and the poor man instantly fell dead. Gurley was then obliged to fire at the body while prostrate on the ground. It was proposed that Jackson should wash his hands in his blood, but it was overruled, as some of the rebels said he had done his business well. A ring was formed round the body, and a song in honour of the Irish republic was sung to the tune of "God save the king." This took about three hours, after which the executioners were marched back to prison. These circumstances are found in Charles Jackson's narrative, and were confirmed by evidence given at the trial of Matthew Greene of Wexford, who was tried, condemned, and executed there for acting as a rebel officer at this scene.

38. Father Redmond leads Ferns parishioners into the Newtownbarry attack

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Father Redmond, parish priest of Ferns, led his parishioners into the attack on Newtownbarry where many were killed. He was later tried but acquitted because witnesses were too afraid to prosecute.

    Read the passage

    Father Redmond, parilh-prieft of Ferns, led his parifliioners to that action, in which numbers of them were killed. He was tried for it, but acquitted, becaufe people were afraid to profecute ; of which colonel St. Leger, prefident of the court martial, affured me ; and fome perfons, who faw him at their head, informed me of it,

    An immenfe body of rebels marched from the camp on the mountain of Forth, near Wexford, on the thirtieth of May, to afiift thofe who were in the vicinity of Gorey* in attacking it. They encamped the firft night at Oulart,t with an intent the next day to take poll in two divifions, one on Ballymore| mountain, the other on Ballymenane-hill ; § and, after having formed a junction, to have attacked that town. Captain White, of the Ballaghkeene cavalry, who commanded the garrifon of Gorey, having heard of their approach, matched out on the morning of the nrfl day of June, with twenty-five of the Antrim, twenty-five of the North Cork, twenty difmounted

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 250

39. First Society of United Irishmen Founded at Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1791

    The first society of United Irishmen sat at Belfast in October 1791, with Richard Simms as secretary. It was allegedly instigated by Wolfe Tone as agent of the Catholic committee, seeking Presbyterian cooperation for revolutionary aims.

    Read the passage

    They embraced the propofal with alacrity, and the firft fociety of united Iriihmen iiat at Bejfaft in the month of Odober, 1791 ; when Richard Simms was fecretarv* .

    But before L proceed further, it will b^ neceffary to iliew the defigns of Tone and Jones, from their own publications. The former publifhed a pamphlet, entitled, " The Northern Whig," in the year 1791, foon after he enlifled in the fervice of the CathoHck committee. The whole pf this publication, which he ^entitled, in the fecond edition, " An argument on behalf of the catholicks of Ireland," is entirely taken up in recommending a total repeal of the penal laws againfl them.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 66

40. Lord Kingsborough's captivity in Wexford town

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Captured lord Kingsborough was held at general Keugh's house, then moved to the Cape of Good Hope inn, then to the prison-ship for eight hours, and finally to a private house with a guard, while generals Keugh and Harvey received the rebels on the quay at Wexford.

    Read the passage

    men on an eminence, from whence one of thcni having fired a mufquet, the bdfll palled over their heads. When they arrived at the entrance of the bay, they were met by a vellel failing flift before the wind, the palfengers in which they took for women; but when they clofed each other, hlty rebels \arioufly arny.ed, Parted up and threatened to fhoot the:ii if they did not (urrender. They at the fame time hoiiled a green flag, with a harp, but without a crov/n. They wore white bands round their hats, v/ith Unity and Liberty infcribed on them. They made prilbners lord Kingfoorough, captain O'flea, Heutenant Bourke, of his own regiment, and the boat's crew. Generals Keugh and Harvey were ready to receive theni on the quay where they kuided. For two davs his lordfhiD was lodf^ed at the houfe of general Keugh ; he was then removed to an ni - ferior kind of inn, called the Cape of Good Hope., thence to the pfilbn-fhip, where he remained but eight hours, having been afterwards lodged in a private houfe, where a guard was placed over him. Keugh afived him, how be thought government v/ould treat him and his party, if they had them in their power ? Lord Kingfbcrough replied, " That they v/ould hang every one of them." On which Keugh obferved, 'v We know that we fight with halters round our necks." The day of his iordlhip's arrival, Bagenal Harvey fet out for the camp at Carrickbyrne, where the rebel army that attacked Rofs was ftationed. Keugh told lord Kingiborough, " That he would permit him to write to lord Cafllerectgh, the lord lieutenant's fecretary ;" but faid, "He expeQed he would inform him how well he and his fellow-prifoners were treated j" and he added, " That he expeeled his friends, meliieurs Sheares, Bond, Emmetr, Jackfon, M'Cann, &c. would receive fnniiar treatment." He informed lord Kingiborough, thai: the members of the Irifli union had no confidence in the oppofition party in the Irifn parliament, becaufe they confidered them as infmccre j and that they . had

    propounded

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 297

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Wexford town. In 1798, this was where Lord Kingsborough was held captive by the rebels. Rebels on a vessel in the bay took Lord Kingsborough, Captain O'Flea, Lieutenant Bourke of his own regiment, and the boat's crew as prisoners. They had hoisted a green flag with a harp but no crown, and wore white bands round their hats with Unity and Liberty inscribed on them. Generals Keugh and Harvey were waiting on the quay to receive them when they landed. For two days Lord Kingsborough was lodged at the house of General Keugh. He was then removed to an inferior kind of inn called the Cape of Good Hope. From there he was taken to the prison-ship, where he remained only eight hours, before being lodged in a private house with a guard placed over him. Keugh asked him how he thought government would treat him and his party if they had them in their power. Lord Kingsborough replied that they would hang every one of them. Keugh observed, "We know that we fight with halters round our necks." The day of Lord Kingsborough's arrival, Bagenal Harvey set out for the camp at Carrickbyrne, where the rebel army that attacked Ross was stationed. Keugh told Lord Kingsborough he would permit him to write to Lord Castlereagh, the lord lieutenant's secretary, but expected he would inform him how well he and his fellow prisoners were treated. He added that he expected his friends, messieurs Sheares, Bond, Emmet, Jackson, M'Cann, and others, would receive similar treatment. He told Lord Kingsborough that the members of the Irish Union had no confidence in the opposition party in the Irish Parliament, because they considered them as insincere.

41. Lord Mayor's planned assassination at the mayoralty-house

    Mayoralty House · site · Louth · 1798

    Lord Mayor Alderman Thomas Fleming was to have been murdered by his own servant and a body of ruffians admitted into the mayoralty-house at night, but the servant's treachery was discovered and he was arrested.

    Read the passage

    The lord mayor, alderman Thomas Fleming, was to have been murdered by his own fervant, and a body of ruffians whom he was to have admitted into the mayoralty-houfe in the dead hour of the night ;

    I and

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Mayoralty House in Louth, a plot against Lord Mayor Alderman Thomas Fleming was uncovered in 1798. His own servant was to have murdered him and admitted a body of ruffians into the house in the dead hour of the night. The servant's treachery was discovered and he was arrested.

42. Massive Orange procession at Lurgan reviewed by Generals Lake and Nugent

    near Lurgan · town · Armagh · 1798

    On 12 July 1798, a procession of fifteen to twenty thousand orangemen at Lurgan lasted over three and a half hours with eighty-nine stands of colours, viewed by Generals Lake and Nugent, conducted entirely peacefully.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1798, the 12th of July, 1691, was celebrated by a general proceflion of orangemen at Lurgan, which, from their numbers^ confining of betv/een fifteen and tw^enty thoufand, continued for m®re than three hours and a half.

    Generals Lake and Nugent attended there to view them, and exprefled their aftonifl^ment at their numbers. This proceflion, in which there were eightynine ftands of colours, w^th many elegant devices, was carried on in a mod peaceful manner, wdthout the fmallefl irregularity. On the fame day general I^ake reviewed a numerous body of orangemen near Belfaft.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 53

43. Maynooth college established in 1795 for education of Romish priests

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1795

    A college was erected at Maynooth in the county of Kildare for the education of Romish priests in 1795, amply endowed by government following a representation by doctor Troy about students deprived of education due to disturbances in France.

    Read the passage

    As a college was erected at Maynooth, in the county of Kildare, for the education of Romifh priefts in the year 1795, and as it was amply endowed by. government, I ftiall make a few obfervations on it» In the year 1794, and in the adminiflration of lord Weftmorland, dodlor Troy made a reprefentation ta government, that, in confequence of the diflurbances in France, four hundred Irifh ftudents, who were candidates for the prieflhood, had been deprived of the means of education ; and that there would be a difficulty of obtaining priefts to perform the neceffary duties of religion, without the eftabhfliment of a feminary.

    Mr. Burke, whofe intemperate zeal for the advancement of popery I before mentioned, ufed his; utmoft exertions for the accompliffiment of that objeft, and when lord Fitzvvilliam was coming to Ire* land, he recommended to his lordfhip the reverend dodor HulTey, an Irifh prieft, who had been bred at Seville in Spain, as a perfon well quahfied to fuperintend that inftitutkp.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Maynooth, the Kildare town where a college was erected in 1795 for the education of Roman Catholic priests. It was amply endowed by government after Doctor Troy made a representation in 1794, during the administration of Lord Westmorland, that disturbances in France had deprived 400 Irish students, candidates for the priesthood, of the means of education. He warned there would be difficulty obtaining priests to perform the necessary duties of religion without the establishment of a seminary. Mr. Burke used his utmost exertions toward that object, and recommended to Lord Fitzwilliam the Reverend Doctor Hussey, an Irish priest bred at Seville in Spain, as a person well qualified to superintend it.

44. Meeting with Bagenal Harvey amid Wexford chaos

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    A distraught lady sought out Bagenal Harvey in Wexford, who gave her protection but admitted he had no real command over the rebels, calling them savages, and said the people must be moved to camp or the town destroyed.

    Read the passage

    She was then vvithout food or fleep from Sunday night the twenty-feventh, except that fhe got a little tea from Mrs. Dixon. She was diftracled, and felt more the enthufialm of defpair than infanity. She took her daughter by the hand, and went to Bagenai Harvey, who did not know her, being covered with coal-afhes, and convulfed with mifery. She reminded him of their acquaintance ; he gave her a protection, but faid he had no real command, 2.nd that the rebels were a fet of favages exceeding all defcription. She aiked him, when this was to end ? He anfwered, probably not for fome time, as government would not fend a force into the country till they had collected a proper one. He faid, he mufl get the people out of the town, and forma camp, for otherwife it would be deirroyed in a few hours. Shortly after, they confented to go to camp, and fhe-faw many thoufands of them going there. They were led by many prieds. Thev often ftopped, knelt down, killed the ground, crolfed themfeives ; and then fet up the moll hideous yells, and followed their priefls. All that time fhots were conltantly iired. Small parties of them entered and fearched the houfe. The firft of June paiTed in the fame manner.

    ^' J. R. a Rom.an catholick of great himianity, eame and told me v/ilh candour, how much the pro-

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 287

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Wexford, this is the town where, in 1798, a terrified woman walked through chaos to find Bagenal Harvey. She had been without food or sleep since Sunday the 27th, covered in coal ashes, half mad with despair, her daughter by the hand. Harvey did not even recognise her at first. When she reminded him of their acquaintance, he gave her a written protection but told her plainly he had no real command over the rebels. He called them savages beyond description. She asked him when it would end. He said probably not soon, as government would not send a force until they had gathered a proper one. He told her he had to get the people out of the town and form a camp, or the town would be destroyed in a few hours. After that, many thousands went to the camp, led by priests. They would stop, kneel, kiss the ground, cross themselves, and then set up hideous yells and follow their priests. Shots were constantly fired. Small parties entered and searched the house. The first of June passed the same way.

45. Murder of Alcock and elderly Borroughs at Narraghmore

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Thomas Alcock and Moses Borroughs, an eighty-year-old man, were inhumanly butchered at Narraghmore; six others were hanged in the adjoining wood and protestant houses in the town were burned by rebels.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Alcock, and Mofes Borroughs, an old man of eighty years, (whofe venerable locks fhould have protected him,) were next inhumanly butchered. The other fix were referved to be hanged in the adjoining wood of Narraghmore. The rebels then fet fire to every proteftant houfe in the town, in which the women were particularly adive. On their retiring, the mangled body of poor old Borroughs

    Z 2 wa?

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, in 1798, Thomas Alcock and Moses Borroughs, a man of eighty years, were inhumanly butchered. Six others were hanged in the adjoining wood. The rebels then set fire to every Protestant house in the town, and on their retiring, the mangled body of old Borroughs was found.

46. Murder of Mr. Buckley near Rathcoole

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1798

    Mr. Buckley, a respectable Protestant gentleman farmer, was murdered near Rathcoole on 13 March after being detained drinking in Doyle's house; his body was savagely mangled near the house of Felix Rourke because of his known loyalty.

    Read the passage

    was prevailed on, by Tome of the inhabitants of that town, to continue drinking in the houfe of one Doyle, till nine o'clock at night : After which he was murdered, and his body was mangled with favage barbarity, a little beyond that village, and near the houfe of Felix Rourke, in confequence of his noted loyalty.

    Captain Ormiby having difcOvered that a bayonet belonging to one of his corps was found flicking in Mr. Buckley's body, ordered them to parade, but did not find that any of them w^anted a bayonet.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, the road passes through Rathcoole, where on 13 March 1798 Mr. Buckley, a respectable Protestant gentleman farmer, was murdered. He had been kept drinking in Doyle's house until nine at night, then killed, his body savagely mangled near the house of Felix Rourke, in consequence of his noted loyalty. Captain Ormsby later found a bayonet from his corps sticking in Buckley's body, but when he ordered his men to parade, none was missing one.

47. Murder of Rev. Mr. Heydon in the streets of Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    The elderly Reverend Mr. Heydon, nearly eighty and venerable for his piety, was murdered in the streets of Enniscorthy; his body was left unburied for days and partly devoured by pigs.

    Read the passage

    In Appendix, No. XIX. 3. the reader will fee an account of the murder of the reverend Mr. Heydon, in the ftreets of Ennifcorthy, who was venerable for his piety and his years, being near eighty years old* I have been aifured that the rebels would not fuffer his body to be interred for fome days, and that a great part of it was devoured by pigs.

    Richard Sterne was a prifoner in Mr. Beale's barn, at the foot of Vinegar-hill, where he faw number?, of his fellow-prifoners tried and condemned by a rebel court-martial (at which one Lawrence Power was prefident) for being orangemen. or proteftants, which were fynonimous. Lawrence Power was afterwards taken in Dublin, tried, convicted, and hanged. Richard Sterne, being examined on his trial, depofed, that he faw many perfons led to execution under the judgment of that court ; and that he faw one Murtagh Keane Ihoot Thomas Simpfon and Jeremiah Smyth, focn after Lawrence Power had pronounced the fentence.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 234

48. Pike attack on elderly parish clerk Thomas Birch of Kildangan

    Kildangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Rebels marching to Monasterevin gave many wounds with a pike to Thomas Birch, parish clerk of Kildangan, above eighty years old, then drove him into his house and set it on fire, though he escaped out the back door.

    Read the passage

    In their march to Monaflereven, they killed fuch proteilants as they could lay their hands on, and plundered their houfes* They gave many wounds with a pike to Thomas Birch, parifli clerk of Kildangan, a man above eighty years old ; and then drove him into his houfe, which they fet fire to, with an intent to burn him ; but he elcaped out of the back door, and recovered afterwards.

    They murdered dean Keatinge's parifh clerk, a very old man ; and they too\ a proteflant boy of the name of Higginbotham to their camp at Knockallin, and fhot him there. Thev piked one Miley, a carpenter, near Dunlavin, and major Ponfonby's

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 167

49. Priest Prendergast hanged at Monasterevin for rebellion

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1798

    A priest named Prendergast was hanged at Monasterevin after being convicted on clear evidence of deep involvement in the rebellion; before the outbreak he had offered to save a Protestant couple only if they converted to Catholicism.

    Read the passage

    A prieit of the name of Prendergaft was hanged at Monaftereven, having been convifted on the clearefl evidence of being deeply concerned in the rebellion.

    A day or two before it broke out, he called on a proteftant gentleman in its vicinity, for whom he had a particular regard, and informed him, that he was very defirous of faving him and his wife ; but that he feared it would be impofilble to do fo, unlefs they would confent to be chriftened, to confefs ta him, and to embrace the Roman catholick religion ; that on fucb terms he would fave alfo his brother ; but that he could not fave his wife, as flie was au orangewoman. *

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    Monasterevin is the town you are coming into. In 1798 a priest named Prendergast was hanged here, convicted on what the record calls the clearest evidence of being deeply concerned in the rebellion. A day or two before it broke out, he called on a Protestant gentleman in the vicinity, for whom he had a particular regard, and said he was very desirous of saving him and his wife. He feared it would be impossible unless they consented to be christened, to confess to him, and to embrace the Roman Catholic religion. On such terms he would save also his brother, but he could not save his wife, as she was an Orangewoman.

50. Protestants forced to execute a man in the Bullring, Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    On the third of June, three protestant prisoners were made to shoot a man in the Bullring in Wexford, amid constant domiciliary visits and armed parades outside houses in the town.

    Read the passage

    " Third of June,^ they made three proteflanJs fhoot a man in the Bullring. We received conflant domiciliary vifits from the rebels, who we thought would murder us ere they departed. The rebels paraded twice a-day oppofite our door, having fifes, fiddles^ and drums.. It was a kind of regular tumult ; every one was giving his opinion. My little boy liftening one day faid, Mamma, are they all kings

    On Trinity Sunday, the third of June, a fermori was preached in the chapel, to a large congregation, Gonfifling of a numerous body of pikemen, and fome proteflants, who aiTumed the femblance of fmcere converts to fave their lives, and who went there to be chriflened for the fame purpofe. Father Roche, the preacher, and chaplain to the popifli bifliop dodor Caulfield, inveighed from the altar againfl: the errors of proteflants, whofe religion he reprefented as an abominable herefy. He then explained and

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 288

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where on the third of June 1798, three protestant prisoners were made to shoot a man in the Bullring. Rebels carried out constant domiciliary visits, and people feared they would be murdered before the rebels departed. Armed parties paraded twice a day outside doors, with fifes, fiddles, and drums. That same day, Trinity Sunday, a sermon was preached to a large congregation of pikemen and some protestants who had come to be christened to save their lives. Father Roche, chaplain to Doctor Caulfield, spoke from the altar against the errors of protestants.

51. Rathfriland assembly debates and postpones general rising

    near Rathfriland · town · Down · 1797

    About a thousand United Irishmen assembled in the mountainous part of County Down near Rathfriland in July 1797 to discuss a general rising. A vote saw over three hundred oppose immediate hostility, so the rebellion was postponed.

    Read the passage

    An attempt was made near Rathfriland in JuhvV 1797, to begin hoftilities, but it was overruled. About a thoufand united liriihmen affembled in that retired and mountainous part of the county of Down, to difcufs the expediency of a general rifmg ^. and the queftion was agitated a conliderable time. At length it was propofed to decide it by votes, and a divifion took place, when upwards of three hundred declared themfelves avsrfe to open hoftility at that time. Though the majority were for it, the fchifm was fo confiderable, that it was thought prudent to poftpone it to a more favourable opportunity,

    A Mr. John Magennis, who had married a filler of the famous Bartholomew Teeling, took the principal lead in urging an immediate refiflance. The decifion of that important queftion v/as haftened by an account, that a party of the Antient Britons were approaching to difperfe the alTembly ; and they actually purfued Magennis ten miles, but were not fortunate enough to apprehend him^

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 107

52. Rebel Assault at New Ross Repulsed by Cannon Fire

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    General Johnson planted guns at cross lanes leading from Church-lane and Neville-street and at the old market place to repulse the rebels who had entered the town in great numbers. The rebels suffered great slaughter but continued their assault with renewed ardour.

    Read the passage

    General Johnfon, perceiving this, planted guns at the feveral crofs lanes, leading from Church-lane * and Neville-ftreet, and one at the old market place, t to which for fome time he attached himfelf. By thefe the rebels were repulfed with great flaughter. Such was their enthufiafm, that, though whole ranks of them were feen to fall, they were fucceeded by others, who feemed to court the fate of their companions, by rufhing on our troops with renovated ardour.

    One rebel, emboldened by fanaticifm and drunkennefs, advanced before his comrades, feized a gun, crammed his hat and wig into it, and cried out.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 259

53. Rebel occupation and plunder of Wexford town

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    After entering Wexford, rebels uttered dreadful yells through the streets and for three days continued to plunder, with every rebel gratifying personal revenge. They appointed a governing committee of seven with Bagenal Harvey as president and General Keugh as governor.

    Read the passage

    1 will now proceed to relate the principal occurrences which took place in the town of Wexford, from Wednefday the thirtieth day of May, when the rebels got poffefiion of it, till the twenty-nrft day o£ June, when they were expelled from it. Some time after it was evacuated by the king's troops, the rebels approached it, headed by Edward Roche, a farmer, who had been permanent ferjeant in colonel Lehunte's corps of yeomen cavalry, and having deferted from them on Whitfunday, became a rebel general. Whea they came to a place called the Spring, * within two^ hundred yards of the town, they knelt down, croITed themfelves, and prayed for fome time. A perfon ia -the van of their array, when advanced to the middle of the town, having by chance lired a ihot, the rear, who were outfide, fled with precipitation, from motives of fear, f As they palTed through the ftreets, they uttered the moll dreadful yells, and for three days, after their arrival, they continued to plunder, every rebel gratifying his revenge againft thofe towards whom he bore any enmity. They appointed a committee of feven, invefled with fupreme command, ia which Bagenal Harvey was appointed prefident, after

    N n 2 having

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 282

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Wexford, you are in the town the rebels seized on Wednesday the 30th of May, 1798. Edward Roche led them in, a farmer who had been a sergeant in Colonel Lehunte's yeoman cavalry and deserted on Whitsunday to become a rebel general. When they reached a place called the Spring, just outside the town, they knelt down, crossed themselves, and prayed. A chance shot fired by someone in the van once they reached the middle of the town frightened the rear into fleeing. As they passed through the streets, they uttered the most dreadful yells, and for three days after their arrival they continued to plunder, every rebel gratifying his revenge against those towards whom he bore any enmity. They appointed a committee of seven, vested with supreme command, in which Bagenal Harvey was president. They held the town until the 21st of June, when they were expelled.

54. Second rebel attack burns Borris town, led by Father Kearns

    Borris · town · Carlow · 1798

    A large rebel force poured down from the mountains and filled the town of Borris, setting fire to houses belonging to Mr. Kavanagh and his yeomen, though the manor-house held out under fierce resistance; the rebels were commanded by Father Kearns, later hanged at Edenderry.

    Read the passage

    At that time the fmall garrifon was weakened by the abfence of every officer but one, as they were, engaged with feveral of their men in different duties in the adjacent country. The rapid movements of the enemy allowed no time for calling them in ^ for in lefs than two hours after the notice of their approach, they filled the town of Borris, and fet fire to all the houfes in it belonging to Mr. Kavenagk and his yeomen ; they, however, met with a gallant refiftance at the manfion-houfe of Borris, though its garrifon was reduced to tv/enty of the Donegal, and feventeen of the yeomanry, including their ferjeants, who commanded them. The rebels had a howitzer, which they brought to bear upon the houfe, but were unable to batter it. They were commanded by father Kearns, a prieft, and a noted rebel leader, who was afterwards hanged at Edenderry. Seven rebels were found dead on the fpot j but it has' been fmce learned, that they carried off many of their killed and wounded on cars>. and that

    RjEBELLIONS IN IRELAND. 469

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 242

55. William Neil of Gammonsfield killed despite loyalist pass

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    William Neil, a Romanist tailor native of Gammonsfield, obtained general Fawcett's pass for protection while travelling there, but rebels considered the pass a sign of loyalism and burned him and his son Daniel in the Scullabogue barn.

    Read the passage

    William Neil, another Romanill:, who fufFered there, was by trade a tailor, and had worked for foaie« time in the garrifon of Duncannon. Having occafion to return to Gamolin, of which he was a native, he procured the pafs of generacl Fawcett for his proteclion, but it turned out to be the means of his dellruclion ; for having been intercepted by the rebels, who confidered the pafs as an emblem' of loyalty, they committed him to the barn, with his fon Daniel, who happened to accompany him, "and ihey both periihed in the flames, t

    ^ome perfons have contended that the perfecutions in the county of Wexford were not exclufively levelled again ft proteftants, becaufe a few Romanifts were put to death in the barn and at Wexford ; but the fanguinary fpirit againft them was fo uniform at Vinegar-hill, on the bridge of Wexford, and Scullabogue, and indeed ^ in every part of the county, as to remove any doubt on that head.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 270

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Gorey now. In 1798, this area saw a grim episode. William Neil, a Roman Catholic tailor and a native of Gammonsfield, had worked for some time in the garrison of Duncannon. When he had occasion to return home, he procured the pass of General Fawcett for his protection, but it turned out to be the means of his destruction. Rebels intercepted him and considered the pass an emblem of loyalty. They committed him to the barn at Scullabogue, with his son Daniel, who happened to accompany him, and they both perished in the flames. Some have argued the persecutions in Wexford were not exclusively against Protestants because a few Roman Catholics were put to death in the barn and at Wexford. But the sanguinary spirit against them was uniform at Vinegar Hill, on the bridge of Wexford, and at Scullabogue, and indeed in every part of the county.

56. Arrest of the Leinster Delegates at Oliver Bond's House

    Bridge Street · street · Dublin · 1798

    Justice Swan, with twelve sergeants in coloured clothes, arrested thirteen Leinster delegates meeting in council at Oliver Bond's house in Bridge-street on 12 March 1798. Papers seized there led to discovery of the planned insurrection.

    Read the passage

    In confeq^enee of this, juftice Swan, attended by twelve ferjeants in coloured clothes, arrefted the Leinfter delegates, thirteen in number, while fitting in council in the houfe of Oliver JBond in Bridgeftreet, on the twelfth of March, -1798; and feized at the fame time the papers in Appendix, No. IX. * which led to the difcovery of the plot, and the in*, tended infurre£l:ion ; and on the fame day, Thomas A. Emmett, a barrifter, William James Mc, Nevin, meffieurs Bond^ Sweetman, Henry Jackfon and Hugh Jackfoni And warrants were granted againft lord Edward Fitzgerald, Richard Mc. Cormick and coun« fellor Sampfon, who were all leaders in the confpi^ racy ; but the three lafl made their efcape.

    It is certain that the leaders of the confpracy did fiot intend to bring forward an infurreclion till the French came to their affiftance ; and they meant in the mean time to continue to encreafe their numbers, and to add to their ftoek of arms ; but in the fpring of 17985 the delufion of the people was fo rapidly and lb extenfively yielding to the wife meafures of government, who, while they treated with feverity the obftinately guilty, in every inftance held forth mercy to the repentant ; that the chief confpirators both in Dublin and in the provinces began ta per- ^ ceive that their caufe was lofing ground, and that they had no alternative but to hazard a general rifmg, qx to relinquifli their hopes^

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 137

    As the companion tells it

    On this street, on the 12th of March 1798, Justice Swan, with twelve sergeants in coloured clothes, arrested thirteen Leinster delegates while they sat in council in the house of Oliver Bond. Papers seized at the same time led to the discovery of the plot and the intended insurrection. That same day, Thomas A. Emmett, a barrister, William James McNevin, Bond Sweetman, Henry Jackson, and Hugh Jackson were all arrested. Warrants were also issued against Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Richard McCormick, and Counsellor Sampson, but those three escaped. The leaders of the conspiracy had not intended to bring forward an insurrection until the French came to their assistance. They meant in the meantime to continue increasing their numbers and adding to their stock of arms. But by the spring of 1798, the people were rapidly yielding to the measures of government, who treated with severity the obstinately guilty but held forth mercy to the repentant. The chief conspirators in Dublin and the provinces began to perceive that their cause was losing ground, and that they had no alternative but to hazard a general rising or relinquish their hopes.

57. Assassination of Mr Mickson, first murder in Wicklow rebellion

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1797

    The first person assassinated in the county Wicklow disturbances was an inoffensive old gentleman named Mickson, on 7 November 1797; when he opened his door to give rebels arms and offered them drink, he was shot through the body on command.

    Read the passage

    The firft perfon afiaffinated in it, was an inofTenfive old gentleman of the name of Mickfon, on the feventh of November, 1797,

    When the rebels went to his houfe for arms, he opened the door himfelf, informed them, thai thev fhould have what arms he had, and faid, they fhould alio have fomething to drink, if they v/ent in.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 202

58. Battle of Foxes-hill and death of rebel leader Casey

    Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

    Troops attacked six hundred rebels posted on Foxes-hill; the rebels were routed with considerable slaughter, and their commander Casey, his brother, and another leader were killed, their bodies exposed for days at Edenderry.

    Read the passage

    The following troops affembled on the thirtieth of June, and attacked the rebels, who, to the number of fix hundred, were polled on Foxes-hill : A detachment of the Limerick, the Cooleftown, the Canal Legion, and a fmall party of the Northumberland fencibles. The rebels were foon routed with confiderable llaughter ; and one Cafey, their commander, his brother, and another leader, were killed, and their bodies were expofed for fome days at Edenderry.

    Cafey had been principally concerned in the atrocities committed at Rathangan ; the uniform great coat of Mr. Spenfer, and the boots of Mr. Semple, a yeoman, murdered there, having been found upoii him.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 177

59. Battle of Newtownbarry, 1 June 1798

    Newtownbarry · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Colonel L'Estrange was sent to defend Newtownbarry against an expected rebel attack from Vinegar Hill. After initial rebel success in plundering the town, yeomen cavalry led a counter-charge that routed the rebels, killing about four hundred including two priests.

    Read the passage

    grape-lhot and muiketry, which routed them fo completely, that they fled in every diredion ; on which the cavalry charged, and killed great numbers of them ; having purfued them about three miles on the Ennifcorthy road. Another large body of them, who took a different diredion, re-affembled on a hill over the town, but were charged and routed by the cavalry, who cut down great numbers of them in the fields adjacent to it. On that occafion, the yeomen aded with fmgular valour. The number killed was about four hundred, and among them two priefls, •who were dreffed in their veftments. This defeat was peculiarly mortifying to the rebels, from the great numbers w^hich they had in the action ; for father Roche, the general, who commanded there, owned afterwards, when a prifoner at Wexford, that moil of the men encamped at Vinegar-hill were engaged in the attack on Npwtown-barry.

    Father Redmond, parilh-prieft of Ferns, led his parifliioners to that action, in which numbers of them were killed. He was tried for it, but acquitted, becaufe people were afraid to profecute ; of which colonel St. Leger, prefident of the court martial, affured me ; and fome perfons, who faw him at their head, informed me of it,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 250

60. Bodies of Slain Collected by Tottenham After Battle of Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Mr. Tottenham, the proprietor of Ross, employed six carts and many men for two entire days collecting the bodies of the slain, most thrown into the river and carried off with the tide, the remainder buried in a fosse outside the town wall.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Tottenham, the proprietor of Rofs, employed fix carts and a great many men for two entire days, in collecting the bodies of the flain. Mofl of thofe

    found

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 261