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. Capture and execution of William Hore near Duncannon

   Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1798

   William Hore of Harperstown attempted to escape on foot to Duncannon fort but was seized by pikemen, brought before father Edward Murphy of Bannow who refused to free him, and was taken to Wexford where he was executed on the bridge.

   Read the passage

   which they complied. But that reverend gentleman, though his will was a law, would ,not liberate him. He was therefore taken to Wexford, and fuffered on the bridge in that fcene of carnage fo difgraceful to human nature. Wiiliam-Allen Cox, efquire, captain of the Taghmon * yeomen cavalry, lived at CoolcHff, t in the fame parilh, and on a navigable tiver called the Bannov/, but which is extremely narrov/ till it reaches Clonmines. He endeavoured . to mdce- his efcape in a fmall boat, in hopes of geting to fea; but he v/as fo befet by pikemen, that lie was under the neceffity of landing in the midft of a horde of thofe favages ; however, he derived great confolation from the fight of father Edward Murphy, whofe protedion he implored ; but he briefly replied, " That his flay there would be but fhort '/^ and he left him in the hands of thofe mercilefs wretches. He then took to his boat, and was foon after feized by the pikemen at the Scar-pafs of Barrietflown, \ and conveyed to Wexford, where he fuffered on the bridge.

   The parifh of Bannow, of which Edward Murphy v/as prieft, is fo populous and extenfive, as to require two chapels ; one called the chapel of Carrig, about two miles fi'om Bannow, where he generally officiates ; the other, at Ballymitty, is not far from Taghmon. This reverend father was the perfon who preached the fermon at Vinegar-hill, which Richard Grandy was prefent at, and made affidavit of before George Ogle, efquire, and three magiftrates more. §

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 266

2. Cavalry charges repulse rebels in fields near Ross

   New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Captain Irwine led a detachment of the 5th dragoons to charge rebels near Three-bullet gate; rebels fled over high ditches and fired on the cavalry from behind them, with losses on both sides including cornet Dodwell.

   Read the passage

   In the firft onfet which they made at the Threebullet * ^ate, they were repulfed ; on which general Johnfon ordered captain irwme to advance and charge them with a detachment of the 5th dragoons. In a field where they feemed doubtful whether to advance or make good their retreat. Seeing the cavalry advance briflily oji them, they fled precipitately, leaped over fome very high ditches, and fired from behind them on the dragoons , who had approached very clofe to them, and attempted to leap over them, but in vain. The very fame circumftances happened in two other fields where they charged. They lofl: in the courfe of thefe charges cornet Dodwell, one ferjeant, one corporal, twenty-four privates, and twenty-fix borfes. I'he gallant general Johnfpfi was in each field where thefe charges were made.

   When captain Irwine was approaching the ThreqbuUet gate from the lafl field, a twelve-pounder pofted there was fired, and killed his horfe, which fell on his leg, and prevented him from moving, at the fame time that our troops in that quarter had retired within the gate, and v/ere retreating towards the bridge ; and the rebels had advanced withiii a few yards of him, and v/ould have killed him, but that they were engaged in taking polTeflion of the gun. In that critical moment an artillery horfe happened to pafs by, and fo near him, that he laid hold

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 258

3. Colonel Longfield relieves Rathangan and routs rebels

   Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

   Colonel Longfield's Cork militia, dragoons, and field-pieces approached Rathangan; rebels panicked, sought holy water in Mrs. Pym's yard, and after Longfield disregarded a threat against his prisoner and fired round shot, the rebels fled, with fifty to sixty killed including leader Molloy who was hanged.

   Read the passage

   Colonel I.ongfield obtained ample vengeance for the death of the loyalifts, having killed in the attack and the purfuit between fifty and fixty rebels, and hung fome of their leaders, who fell into his hands ; among whom was Molloy, Mr. Spenfer's renegada lieutenant.

   They were on the point of hanging one Keogh, a glazier, who had been a<9:ive among the rebels at Mr. Spenfer's houfe. Having pleaded that he was compelled by force to join them, they fpared his life ; but obliged him to execute thofe whom they fenfenced to death.-

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 170

4. Cornelius Grogan of Johnstown coerced into rebel oath and role as commissary

   Johnstown · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Cornelius Grogan of Johnstown, near Wexford, was visited by rebels and pressured to take the United Irishmen's oath, later serving as commissary to the republic and taking inventory of provisions at Clonard, hoping to preserve his large estate.

   Read the passage

   On Sunday =lhe third of June, Mr. Cornelius <jrogan, of Johnftown, f within three miles of Wexford, vifited them, and afked them, what part they would take in the prefent civil war ? They anfwered that they would continue neuter. He told them that they would not be fufFcred to remain inadive, and alfured them that they would be taken to the camp if they perfifted in doing fo, and , put to death if they attempted to make their efcape* He faid, that the united Irifhmen had waited on him that morning, and compelled him to take their oath : That at firft he was averfe to it ; but haying confulted one O* Connor a fchoolmafler on the propriety of taking it, he removed his doubts, by alTuring him that the moft loyal of his majefty's fubjeds might fafely fwear it : That he was determined to go through with the bufmefs, as it was the only means of praferving his property ; for, that the people had rifen in great force in different parts of the kingdom, and had oeeii victorious in different engagements » Being in veiled with the office of commiffary to the republick, he took an inventory of all the provifions at Clonard, from Mr. Kellet's fteward ^ and aftqrwards went out and examined whether it was corred* He evinced his authority by giving a protcdion to a woman whom Mr. Kellet was fending to Wexford for bread. Thh unfortunate gentleman was feized of an eftate of- 8000 1. a-year, in the county of Wexford, and lived Johnftown, in a rude but plentifid hofpitality ; attended by a few parafites, who iBattered his- prejudices, and paid the moft obfequious deference to his opinions. From their daily exceffes at the table,

   Mr.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 284

5. Cornelius Grogan seized by rebels near Wexford

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   Grogan retreated with the king's troops from Wexford about two miles before turning off to his own house, where he was circumvented by rebels who compelled or seduced him to join their cause, ultimately leading to his downfall.

   Read the passage

   It is muc^ to be feared that this unfortunate gentleman fell a facrifice to his credulity, his avarice, and want of firmnefs. He retreated with the king's troops from Wexford, about two miles, and then turned off to his own houfe, where he was circum^ vented by the rebels, who either compelled or feduced him to join them. Some are of opinion, that lie repaired to his houfe, in hopes of preferving it from being plundered j others, that he imagined he could not prefervx his property but by embarking in the rebel caufe, which he was convinced would prevail, from the falfe and exaggerated accounts which he had received of their fucceffes and their numbers ; However, it is moil certain, that this unfortunate gentleman h^d i;ot been privy to the confpiracy previous to the irruption of the rebellion, and that he fell a vi£lim to his fears and the miftaken hope of preferving his eftate.

   On Monday the fourth day of June, mefiieurs Bland, Crump and Kellet, were conveyed to the gaol of Vv^exford, by a ferjeant and twelve rebels, and were committed to a long narrow paffage, v.hich was fo filthy and offenfive (^8 numbers of

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 284

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Wexford, this is the town Cornelius Grogan fled from in 1798, retreating with the king's troops for about 2 miles before turning off toward his own house. There the rebels circumvented him, either compelling or seducing him to join their cause. Some believed he went home hoping to preserve it from plunder; others thought he imagined he could not save his property except by embarking in the rebel cause, convinced it would prevail from false and exaggerated accounts he had received of their successes and their numbers. The author notes it is most certain this unfortunate gentleman had not been privy to the conspiracy before the rebellion broke out, and that he fell a victim to his fears and the mistaken hope of preserving his estate.

6. Death of Lord Mountjoy at Three-Bullet Gate

   New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Lord Mountjoy, colonel of the Dublin regiment, fell in the first onset at the Three-bullet gate and was universally lamented for his public and private virtues, being an elegant scholar and benevolent man.

   Read the passage

   making the. beft of his way to Carrickbyrne. * The enemy left dead two thoufand fix hundred, befides numbers whom they carried oft on cars. The loft of the king's troops was one colonel, one enfign^ four ferjeants, three drummers, eighty-one rank and file, and fifty-four horfes killed ; one captain, one drummer, fifty-four rank and file, and five horfes wounded ; one captain, three lieutenants, one enfign, two ferjeants, two corporals, feventy-two rank and file, and four horfes miffing. Lord Mountjoy, colonel of the Dublin regiment, who fell in the firft onfet, at the Three-bullet gate, was univerfally lamented, as his publick and private virtues made him an objed of general efleem. He was poffeifed of high mental endowments, being an elegant fcholar and a good pubhck fpeaker. He had the gentleft manners, and the mildeft affeQions, warm and fmcere in friendfliip, and fo benevolent and hmnane^ that he never harboured revenge.

   Great part of the rebels after the action encamped on Slievekilta, f a fteep and high mountain, about four miles from Rofs, where they remained, regularly anfwering our morning-gun ; and thence they went 10 Lacken-hill, | where they continued till they were diflodged by general Johnfon, when he marched to Vinegar-hill.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 259

7. Defence of Rev. John Whitty's house near Athy

   Ballickmoyler · townland · Laois · 1798

   Rebels headed by Redmond and Brennan burned Protestant houses at Ballickmoyler and attacked the house of Rev. John Whitty near Athy, which was defended by Whitty and eleven Protestants who killed twenty-one rebels before running out of ammunition.

   Read the passage

   The (Tae^n^s county rebels were to have met, and ioined thofe of the countv of Carlow, at Grais^uebridge ; but having heard that there were two pieces of cannon polled there, they changed their route and, headed by one Redmond, and one Brennan, who had been a veoman. they burned fome protcftant Koufes in the villaQ;e of Ballvckmoiler, and attacked the houfe of the reverend John Whitty, a proteflant clergyman, near Arie?, about five miles from Carlow ; but it was bravely defended, by himfelf and eleven proteftants, who kept up a conftant fire, killed twentv-one rebels, and baffled all their attempts t<> llorm or burn it. The conflid continued from three till fix o'clock in the n^orning ; when Rlr, WhJtty's ammunition being Rearly expended, he fent two of his party to a neighbour to borrow more ; but they were furrounded and overpowered after a gallant defence. The corpfe of one of them, whom they killed, was mangled in a barbarous manner. They left the other, whofe name was Impey, fuppofing him to be dead ; but he aftervrards recovered : He fought for a draught of v.ater from fome perfons who were prefent, but they would not relieve him, till he aiked for a prieft, and then they fupplied him with it. This party vras nrft informed, by emiiTaries from

   Carlow,

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 174

8. Defenders meeting plots murder of chancellor near Stephen's Green

   Stoneybatter · street · Dublin · 1795–1796

   At a meeting of defenders held at Stoneybatter, members discussed attacking the chancellor as he returned from the house of lords, and hanging him on a tree in Stephen's Green. This testimony was given by Lawler during related trials.

   Read the passage

   or four thoufand ruffians, who gave them three cheers on their arrival, but hilled them at their departure. Lawler, who mixed with his brother defenders, recommended to alderman James not to fuffer a (hot to be .fired, becaufe, Ihould a conflict enfue, it was to be feared that the Coombe guard v/ould jom them ^ however, on being threatened by alderman James to :be hred on, they difperfed. Lawler fwwe, on the trials of Brady, Kennedy, and Hart, that, at a meeting of the defenders held at Stoneybatter, they fpoke of attacking the chancellor in the courfe of the vvinter, as he returned from th^ houfe .of lords, and of han^-incr him on a tree in §tephen's-green.

   Every collateral circumilance in this bufmefs corroborated the teflimony of Lawler. He fwore, that V^'^eldon always carried the oath in his fob j and vAitn he was arreflied it was found there. The fame thing occurred on the apprehenfion of Kennedy. ,

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 97

   As the companion tells it

   Along this street in 1795 or 1796, a meeting of the Defenders was held where they spoke of attacking the chancellor as he returned from the House of Lords, and hanging him on a tree in Stephen's Green. The testimony came from a man named Lawler, who had mixed with his brother Defenders. He swore to this on the trials of Brady, Kennedy, and Hart, and every collateral circumstance corroborated what he said. Lawler also testified that a man named Weldon always carried the oath in his pocket, and when he was arrested it was found there. The same thing occurred on the apprehension of Kennedy.

9. Edward St Leger encounters mutilated victim at old mill on Vinegar Hill

   near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

   Edward St Leger, a protestant briefly imprisoned at the old mill on Vinegar Hill on 1 June 1798, was released and on leaving saw a horribly mutilated man with his eyes gouged out and apparently his tongue cut out, being held under 'slow death' punishment.

   Read the passage

   Edvv^ard St. Leger, a proteftant, w^s taken prifoner and conduced to the old mill on Vinegar-hill, by a party of rebels, on the firfl day of June, 1798, but was releafed foon after at the interceflion of one Fenlon. , As he was leaving the prifon, he faw a nrjLii fitting on the ground, with no other clothes than a piece of a ragged blanket thrown over him. He preiented a moil ghaftly appearance, as his eyes were out, his head and body were much fwollen, an4 his cheeks were covered with ulcers. On St. Leger'ti exclaiming, What a miferable objed !"* he attempted to fpeak, but uttered forne inarticulate founds, which he cou-ld not underfland ; for which reafon, he believed, that his tongue had beeil cut out. An armed rebel who was near, and feemed to he guarding him, told St. Leger, that he was under punifliment, and I'poke fomething of How death ; meaning, as he verily believed, that the unfortunate wretch was condemned to fulfer flow death.

   Unwilling to difguft the reader, I will give him a circumftantial account- of but a few of the various

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 237

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass near Vinegar Hill, you are travelling by the ground where an old mill once stood, the site of a grim scene from 1 June 1798. Edward St Leger, a Protestant, was brought here as a prisoner by rebels but was released soon after through the intercession of a man named Fenlon. As he was leaving the mill, he saw a man sitting on the ground with nothing but a ragged blanket over him. His eyes were gouged out, his head and body were much swollen, and his cheeks were covered with ulcers. St Leger exclaimed at the sight, and the man tried to speak but could only make inarticulate sounds, leading St Leger to believe his tongue had been cut out. An armed rebel guarding him told St Leger that the man was under punishment and spoke of "slow death," meaning, as St Leger believed, that the wretch was condemned to suffer slow death.

10. Father Harold's Instigation of Rebellion at Rathcoole

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1798

    Lieutenant Clinch, before his execution, blamed his parish priest Father Harold for inciting the inhabitants of Rathcoole and surrounding country to become traitors, claiming rebel organization took place at Harold's house despite his public sermons of loyalty.

    Read the passage

    He acknowlcdg^^d the juftice of his fentence, and died loading with curfes father Harold, his parifji priefl ; at whofe inftigation, he faid, the inhabitantis of Rathcool, and all the adjacent country, had fwerved from their allegiance, and became rniitor^:. He declared alio, that the organization of lebellion had taken place at his houie, which was conftantly the rendezvous of the rebel leaders ; yet, that very priefl frequently exhorted his flock to loyalty from the altar, for three months before the rebellion broke out ; and on Sunday preceding that event, he preach^ ed two fermons eminently loyal, at the chapels of Saggard* and NewcalUe, in the prefence of captain Ormihy and lieutenant Chnftopher Clinchj of the Rathcool cavalry.

    It was proved aifo, that Harold encouraged his rebellious feclaries to furrender fome bad pikes^ and to keep their good ones, in order to deceive the magiftracy.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Rathcoole now. In 1798, this town and the country around it were drawn into rebellion, and the story comes to us from the words of a man about to die. Lieutenant Clinch, before his execution, laid the blame on his parish priest, Father Harold. He said the inhabitants of Rathcoole had swerved from their allegiance at Harold's instigation, and that the priest's house had been the rendezvous of the rebel leaders. Yet Harold had preached loyalty from the altar for three months before the rising, and on the Sunday before it broke out, he preached two eminently loyal sermons at Saggard and Newcastle, in the presence of Captain Ormsby and Lieutenant Christopher Clinch himself. It was also proved that Harold encouraged his followers to surrender bad pikes to the authorities and keep the good ones.

11. Father Roche's inflammatory sermon at Wexford chapel

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    After mass, father Roche, chaplain to Bishop Caulfield, preached from the altar in the Wexford chapel, warning protestants they would all be murdered if insincere, and urging pikemen to continue their fight while counselling mercy.

    Read the passage

    . Now, I tell you, my good people, don't deceive yourfelves ; if you are not hncere in what you profefs, I tell you you will ail be murdered. I tell you to a certainty you will dl be murdered!'' This was repeated feveral times, wdth long paufes, and great emphafis. Then addreffmg himieif to the pikemen, he pointed out- to them the grievances they and their ancefiors had groaned under, for a hundred years pad, by the oppreiiion and cruelty of the proteftants ; and after having wTought them up to the higheft pitch of rehgious phrenzy, he faid, " Nctwithilanding the ,variety of ill treatment you have received from the proteftants, and are ftill fuffering, avoid the fpiliing of blood. I recommend to you, to be merciful to thefe poor people, as you hope yourfelves for mercy : for God's fake, be merciful to them. Y9U are contending for your holy religion and your rights. The glorious fuccefs which you have obtained (hews, that you are under the protedion of the Almighty, in whofe caufe you are fighting. Continue your fpirited exertions then. You have put your, hands to the- plough, and you mult not look back. Be affured that you will all be murdered unlefs you fucceed and get the upper hand/-' This pxiefl was very adive at the battle of Foulkes's mill,

    iu

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 298

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where Father Roche preached from the altar of the chapel in 1798, after mass. He told the congregation not to deceive themselves, warning that if they were not sincere in what they professed, they would all be murdered, repeating this several times with great emphasis. Then he turned to the pikemen and reminded them of the grievances they and their ancestors had endured for a hundred years under Protestant oppression. Having worked them up to a high pitch of religious fervour, he urged them to avoid spilling blood and to be merciful, saying, "for God's sake, be merciful to them." He told them they were contending for their holy religion and their rights, and that their success showed they were under the protection of the Almighty. He told them to continue their efforts, that they had put their hands to the plough and must not look back, and again warned they would all be murdered unless they succeeded. Father Roche was later active at the battle of Foulkes's Mill.

12. First rebel attack on Borris repulsed, 25 May 1798

    Borris · town · Carlow · 1798

    On the night of 25 May 1798, about five thousand rebels attacked the house of Borris but were repulsed by Kavanagh's yeomanry corps after breaking into the lower windows and rescuing blacksmiths held prisoner there; some fifty rebels were believed killed or wounded.

    Read the passage

    The houfe of Borris was attacked on the night of the twenty-fifth of May, by a party of about five thoufand rebels, who were received with very great fpirit by the Borris corps, who repulfed them ; but not until they had broke upon the lower windows of the houle, which were but flightly barred, and refcued the blackfmiths who were confined in it. It was believed that not lefs than fifty rebels were killed and wounded on that occafion.

    The exertions of the yeomanry corps of the neighbourhood, for three or four days, completely cleared the country of the mod active rebels, and their leaders, who joined their aiTociates in the county of Wexford, where they carried every thing before them.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 242

13. French fleet arrives in Bantry Bay for invasion

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796

    In December 1796, a French fleet with fifteen thousand troops arrived in Bantry Bay intending to invade Ireland, but was dispersed by a storm, losing about one-fourth of its ships, which defeated the invasion attempt.

    Read the passage

    In the month of December, 1 796, a French fleet with fifteen thoufand troops for the invafion of Ireland arrived in Bantry-bay ; but having been^difperfed by a ftorm, and having loft about one-fourtli of their fliips, their intention was -defeated. It is generally believed, that this plan was firft fuggeded to the French government by Mr. Tone, then refiding in France, but at the inftance of the Irifh directory, who accepted the propofal of the French directory. This negotiation, which took place between the month of June, 1795, and the month of January, 1796, was tranfaded by Edward John Lewins, the accredited agent and refident ambaifador of the Irifh rebellious^ union to the French republick, and who was fent to Paris as fuch in the fummer of 1 795. f

    The plan of the invafion which the French attempted at Bantry was fettled at an inverview w^hich took place in Switzerland, in the fummer o^ 1796, betw^een lord Edward Fitzgerald, Mr. Arthur O'Connor, and general Hoche.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 109

14. Glenarm Defenders refuse Protestant command on Belair-hill

    near Glenarm · village · Antrim · 1798

    During the rebellion, the Roman Catholic inhabitants of Glenarm, organized under the Defender system, were advancing to join United Irishmen on Belair-hill led by a presbyterian minister named Acheson, but disbanded rather than submit to Protestant command.

    Read the passage

    The inhabitants of Glenarm, in the county of Antrim, who were papifts, were organized according to, the defenderifm fyftem. During the rebeUion, they were advancing in a body to join a party of united Iriflimen on Belair-hill, who were headed by one Achefon, a preibyterian minifler ; but when the Glenarm rebels difcovered this, they difbanded and faid, they never would fubmit to be commanded by a proteftant. * The fame circumflance occurred in the rebel camp at Carrickbyrne,* Vinegar-hiil, and Gorey, in the county of Wexford, w^here the priefts and the other popifh leaders denounced proteftants, and defired that they fhould not be admitted into their ranks ; but we cannot have a ftronger proof of the infmcerity of the Romanifts, and their determination to extirpate every order but their own, than the wanton and cold-blooded murders committed by them in the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Carlo w and Wexford ; and the earneft intention which they fhewed to do fo in Mayo and Sligo, and which they would have effeded, but for the humane interference of the French.

    By the following refolution, feized by Mr. Fox in a committee of united Irifhmen at Belfaft, and dated the eleventh of April, 1797, it appears, that they did not confider the defenders as united with them : " Refolved, thai the provincial (meaning committee) , form a plan for the fupport of poor famihes, that they get us the number of defenders in the Idngdom,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 123

15. Gunner Dungannon saves comrades by claiming to be Catholic

    near Forth Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wexford · 1798

    After the ambush near Forth Mountain, rebels prepared to kill captured artillerymen until a gunner named Dungannon, who was Catholic, claimed they were all Roman Catholics, saving their lives even though six were actually Protestant.

    Read the passage

    The militia, pankk-flruck by the numbers of the enemy, and the darknefs of the night, betook themfelves to flight ; in confequence of which, eightyj>ine of the privates, and three officers, including captain Adams, who commanded, were cut to pieces ; and of the artillery, four gunners were killed, a corporal and eleven men were taken prifoners, and the howitzers and ammunition fell into the hands of the rebels. As foon as they had taken the artillery men, they were proceeding to put them to death ; but a rebel having aiked them of what religion they were, a gunner of the name of Dungannon, anfwered, that they were Roman catholicks, v/hich faved their lives ; though in fad:, fix of them were protellants. Dungannon being a papiflj knew the object of the quefl:ion.||

    Lieutenant Birch, of the Royal Irifli artillery, who commanded a detachment of that corps, gave an account of that difaftrous affair, in the following letter to major Stewart of his own regiment :

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 243

16. Historical and geographical description of Wexford town

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1170–1649

    Wexford is described as a sea-port, borough and market town, seat of the county assizes, originally fortified by the Danes and enlarged by English settlers who took it from the Easterlings after a four-day siege on 4 May 1170; it was besieged and taken by storm by Cromwell in 1649 after being betrayed by captain James Stafford.

    Read the passage

    Wexford t is a fea-port, borough, market, and corporate town, and rather populous for its fize. It is the chief in the county of the fam.e name, and the third largeft in the province of Leinfler. It is governed by a mayor^ recorder, and bailiffs. It is the (hire and affizes town, and gives the title of, earl, as does Waterfbrd alfo, to. the noble family, of Talbot, who are earls of Shrewfbury in England. It ]:eturned. two members to parliament. It is feated on ' a bay in the Irifli channel, at the mouth of the river' Slaney. The harbour, though capacious, is Iha^low. It is formed by two necks of land, with an entrance half a mile broad, and was formerly defended -by^ two fox^iSy one at the extremity of each iflhmus, called fort Marget, and fort Rofslare ; but as its enfri^nce is pbftruded by fand banks, lliips difiwing more than ten feet, water feldom enter it. Ships of greater magnitude Toad and unload three miles from the town,, near the fouth fide of the haven, where there is fufficient depth of water, but no Iheiter from . the. Jouth winds, Wexford wa,s originally fortified B>^4he Dane^/'iiU^l ii^^pvov^ and enlarged by the firft, I^ngllil^r, Icttlcrs in the twelfth century, who tooli^. it from the Eailerlings, after a liege of four days, on " the fourth o^ May, T 170. It v/as beheged by Cromwell, the firil of October, 16493 and. having been betrayed by captain Jame§ StafFord, coirimandant of the caftle^ it v/as taken by

    ftorm^

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Wexford, a sea-port, borough and market town, seated on a bay in the Irish channel at the mouth of the river Slaney. It is the chief town in the county of the same name and the third largest in the province of Leinster. It is governed by a mayor, recorder, and bailiffs, and it returned two members to parliament. It is the shire and assizes town, and it gives the title of earl, as does Waterford, to the noble family of Talbot, who are earls of Shrewsbury in England. The harbour is capacious but shallow, formed by two necks of land with an entrance half a mile broad. It was formerly defended by two forts, one at the extremity of each isthmus, called fort Marget and fort Rosslare. But the entrance is obstructed by sand banks, and ships drawing more than 10 feet of water seldom enter. Ships of greater magnitude load and unload three miles from the town, near the south side of the haven, where there is sufficient depth of water but no shelter from the south winds. Wexford was originally fortified by the Danes. It was enlarged by the first English settlers in the twelfth century, who took it from the Easterlings after a siege of four days on 4 May 1170. It was besieged by Cromwell on 1 October 1649, and having been betrayed by captain James Stafford, commandant of the castle, it was taken by storm.

17. House Burned at Fairymount and Attack on Pikemen

    Fairymount · townland · Roscommon · 1794

    A numerous body of pikemen set fire to Mr Mills's house at Fairymount after plundering it; the Reverend Mr Carey, a magistrate, arrived with dragoons and, finding the house in flames, attacked a large body of the insurgents and killed about thirty of them.

    Read the passage

    While they v/ere fitting in the town-hall, alliamed of their folly and puflllanimity, Mr. Mills of Fairy« mount, about fix miles olf, arrived with an account that a numerous body of pikemen had fet fire to his houfe, after having plundered it.

    The' reverend Mr. Carey, a magiflrate, having gone there with' a pafty of dragoons, and found che houfe in flames, attacked a large body of the inf argents, who were armed with pikes, and killed about thirty of them*.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 91

18. James Beaghan executed on Vinegar Hill for murders instigated by priests

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1799

    James Beaghan was executed on Vinegar Hill on 24 June 1799 for various murders which he claimed he was instigated by popish priests to commit, confessing that every protestant was to be killed as an orangeman.

    Read the passage

    James Beaghan, executed on Vinegar-hill the twenty-fourth of June, 1799, for various murders, v/hich, he faid, he was inftigated by popifh priefts to commit, confelfed, that " every man that was a pro-

    teftant

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass Vinegar Hill, you are near the spot where James Beaghan was executed on the 24th of June, 1799, for various murders. He said he was instigated by popish priests to commit them, and confessed that "every man that was a protestant" was to be killed as an orangeman.

19. Marquis of Drogheda headquartered at Clogheen against White Boys

    Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1762

    In 1762 the marquis of Drogheda was sent to command a large district in Munster disturbed by White Boys and made Clogheen, County Tipperary, his headquarters. On the night of his arrival, armed White Boys headed by Father Nicholas Sheehy assembled close to the town, intending to attack it.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1762^ the marquis of Drogheda was fent to command a large diftrid in the province of Munfler, and made Clogheen in the county of Tipperary his head-quarters, at that time much dil^ turbed by the white boys, who ufed to alTemble in bodies of from five hundred to two thoufand.

    On the night of the day on which he arrived ai Clogheen, a number of white boys, well armed and headed by father Nicholas Sheehy, aflembled clofe to that town, and were on the point of attacking ir, which induced his lordfhip to double the guard. From this, the inhabitants of it, ha\ring a fufpicion that h€ was going to march out againft the infurgents, father Doyle, parifh priefl of Ardfinnan, (alluded to in the information of David Landregin, Appendix, No. I. 2.) after having expoflulated with them on the danger of alfaulting the tov/n, went to lord Drogheda, pale and trembling with fear, aflured his lordlliip that his garrifon was in no danger, and befought him not to march out againft the infurgents. I received this information from the marquis himfelf, and it correfponds exactly with the depofition of Landreein.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 26

20. Mass intimidation and swearing in the lordship of Caledon

    near Caledon · town · Tyrone

    In the lordship of Caledon, containing ten thousand people, almost the entire population except six or eight persons were sworn into the United Irish conspiracy through threatening letters and assassinations, until Orange societies restored loyalty.

    Read the passage

    letters, and bv the aiTafTmations committed there^ that in the lordfhip of Caledon, containing ten thoufand people, the whole of them, except about fix o^ eight perfons, were fworn ; but the loyal fubjects having entered into the Orange focieties, and having gained courage and confidence by their united ftrength, renounced with indignation thefe traitorous combinations, invigorated the arm of the civil magiftrate, and completely checked the progrefs of treafon. The honourable general Knox,* a gentleman whofe fagacity is not inferior to his courage and military fkill, which he has difplayed in Europe, Afia, and America, ccmnianded at Dungannon, in the fummcr of 1798; and he aflured government, that the inflitution of Orange lodges was of infinite life, and that he would refl the fafety of the North on the fidelity of the oi^ngenien who w^ere enrolled in the yeomanry corps.

    I think it right to mention, tha't the Orange affociation fhould not be confounded, as it has often invidioufly been, wdth the m.utual and difgraceful outrages which prevailed in the county of Armagh many years preceding, between the lowed clafs of prefbyterians, under the denomination of peep-of-day boys, and the Roman catholicks, as defenders ; for it was not inftituted till the defenders mxanifefled their hoflile defigns againil proteftants of every defcription, in moil parts of the kingdom.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 52

21. Mr Stringer thrown overboard for the burning of Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Mr Stringer, who had escaped from Enniscorthy, was asked by a ruffian how he came to burn his town; on replying it was the rebels, sailors threw him overboard, though he was later rescued, left insane.

    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

22. Murder of four prisoners at Lacken

    Lacken · townland · Wexford · 1798

    James Lett, Richard Leech, William Mooney, and John Hawkins were being taken from Wexford toward Vinegar Hill for execution, but their rebel guard killed them at Lacken and buried them, half-alive, in a shallow grave to prevent their rescue by neighbours.

    Read the passage

    James Lett, chandler, Richard Leech, mafler ihoe-. maker, William Mooney, who kept the Kox-inn at Enniicorthy, and John Hawkins, were taken from Wexford, by a rebel guard, who was to convey them to the grand llaughter-houfe, Vinegar-hilh Finding that they were to die near their own homes, they prevailed on a rebel, who was attached to them, to go before them with fpeed, and to prevail on their neighbours to come forward, and to ufe their friendly interceflion for preserving their ' lives. The rebel gu^ard, dreading that they might poffibiy elcape through the humane interference of their friends, difpatched them at a place called Lacken, threw them into one grave, and covered them lightly wit h fods. They were all, except Hawkins, half alive, when buried, and groaned and (truggled a great deal while the rebels were interring them.

    On the morning of the twentieth of June, four protellants, of the names of Cavenagh, Wilhs, Furlong, and Frifcott, were conveyed horn the gaol of Wexford to Vinegar-hill, and fhot there.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 293

23. Murder of revenue officer Henderson at Prosperous

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    Rebels entered the house of Mr. Henderson, a revenue officer and a Protestant, and shot him in his bed during the attack on Prosperous.

    Read the passage

    They entered the houfe of Mr. Henderfon, a revenue officer and a proteflant, and fhot him in his bed.

    Next morning they took a rebel prifon^r, who gave the following information, as to their number and their mode of attack : The foldiers were quartered in eight different houfes, each of which was to be attacked at the fame moment, by the fignal of a gun fired in the church-yard. The number of the alfailants was eight hundred. They lofl three captains,^ and near one hundred men. Captain Beevor's fervant was (hot in his bed. He, lieutenant Patrickfon, cornet Maxwell, and all the privates of the dragoons and the militia, difplayed fmgular fpirit and intrepidity againfl fo great a fuperiority of numbers. *

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 166

24. Murder of Reverend Mr Butler Near Ardbrackan

    Ardbrackan or Wrightown · townland · Meath · 1793

    In October 1793 the Reverend Mr Butler, chaplain to the Bishop of Meath, was murdered near his lordship's house at Ardbrackan, having apparently been previously tried and sentenced to die by a committee of assassination.

    Read the passage

    In the month of October, 1793, the reverend and amiable Mr, Butler, chaplain to the bifliop of Meath, was murdered near his lordfliip's houfe at Ardbrackan. It appeared afterv/ards, that he had been previoufiy tried and fentenced to die by a committee of affafTmation,

    During the whole of the year 1794, the defenders became terrihck, committing nocturnal robbery and alfafTmation, in the counties of Cork, Dublin, Meath, Leitrim, Longford, Armagh, Louth, Cavan, and part of Down, in confequence of which, the proteftant inhabitants of moft of them aiTembled,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 88

25. Murder of Samuel Goodison near Enniscorthy by Luke Byrne

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Samuel Goodison, a respected protestant farmer, sought protection at Enniscorthy but was shot instantly by his neighbour and supposed friend Luke Byrne, who later boasted of the killing over breakfast.

    Read the passage

    m§ fure of getting a proteftion from them. If he could arrive with fafety at Enniicorthy. He left his family at a mill, within a quarter of a mile of the town ; and having advanced a fhort way, he was overwhelmed with joy at meeting his neighbour and particular friend^ Luke Byrne ; but that fanguinary ruffian fhot him inftantly, inftead of affording him that protedion which he foiicited; A refpedable gentlewoman of Ennifcorthy heard him boaft afterwards, that he never ate fo iweef a breakfail, as he did that morning, for that he had killed Samuel Goodifon and Wilham CarrolL

    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.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

26. Plot to betray Dolphin's Barn guard post uncovered

    near Dolphin's Barn · street · Dublin · 1798

    On 29 May, the Sepulchre's corps was ordered to guard Dolphin's Barn on the south-west outlet of Dublin. A private named Raymond revealed to fellow soldier Jennings a plot to massacre the protestant officers and deliver the post to rebel assailants, then seize the Park battery.

    Read the passage

    rebels, the difafFeded members of the corps were t(P m^ifacre the officers and the proteflant^ of it, and to deliver up the bridge to the j^ffaiiants : They were then to proceed to the battery in tne Park ; to inform the guard that they had been defeated ; to alk admittance ; and on being let in, to murder the guard ; to take polfeflion of the battery and ammunition ^ and to turn it to their own ufe.'*

    Jennings had been fworn an united Iriihman, and v^'as attached to their caufe from pure republicanprinciples ; but being a proteftant, and having dif-- 1 covered from the malTacres which had taken place, in the counties of Ehiblin, Meath and Kildare, that the extirpation of his own order was intended, he informed lieutenant Maturin of the plot ; and he having communicated it to government,. Raymond was taken up, tried, convicted and hanged on the GId Bridge, the firfl of June.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 190

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dolphin's Barn, on the 29th of May 1798, the Sepulchre's corps was posted to guard the south-west outlet of Dublin. A private named Raymond told a fellow soldier, Jennings, of a plan to massacre the Protestant officers, hand the post to rebel attackers, then march to the battery in the Park, claim they had been defeated, and on being let in, murder the guard and seize the guns and ammunition. Jennings had been sworn a United Irishman and held republican principles, but being a Protestant, and learning of massacres in Dublin, Meath, and Kildare that targeted his own order, he went to Lieutenant Maturin with the plot. Maturin carried it to government. Raymond was arrested, tried, convicted, and hanged on the Old Bridge on the 1st of June.

27. Plot to murder Rev. Mr. Hamilton in Fanad

    near Fanad · locality · Donegal · 1797–1798

    In the Fanad district of Donegal, 2,000 rebels assembled and plotted to murder Rev. Mr. Hamilton, who learned of it under oath from a party member. He and a Mr. Smyth disguised themselves as beggars to pass the rebel picquet guard and reach Derry for reinforcements.

    Read the passage

    In a diftrlcl called Fanet, in the county of Donegal, two thoufand of them aiTembled, and laid a plan to murder the reverend Mr. Hamilton, of which he received information upon oath from one of the party- He could not get a meiTenger to convey a letter to Derry for a reinforcement of troops, and he had but a few foldiers in his houfe. He, and a Mr. Smyth who commands a revenue cutter, difguifcd themfelves in rags, as beggars, pafTed the picquet guard of the rebels, which they kept conflantly, with the utmoft regularity, arrived fafe at Derry, and obtained an additional guard of one hundred men, which faved himfelf and his houfe for that time ; but he was murdered in a fortnight after, within eight miles of Derry, by forty farmers who have hnce gone to America,

    In fuch counties where the perfons poffcHed of pro^ party were proteflants of the church of Ireland, and of courfe were loyal, and the lov/er clafs of people were papifts, the confpiracy v/as not fo terrilick ; becaufe the latter, who were engaged in it, wanted leaders of improved intelle£h.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 130

28. Rebel attack on Clane garrison surprised at dawn

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1798

    Rebels stole into Clane at dawn on 24 May 1798, catching the garrison of Armagh militia and Clane yeomen cavalry unprepared. Soldiers billeted in the town fought their way singly through pikemen, with two killed and five wounded before repulsing the rebels.

    Read the passage

    Captain Jephfon, on looking out of his^ window, . faw the ftreets crowded with rebels, armed with different wxapons : The foldiers, who were at billets in the town, endeavoured to come forth ; but as each houfe was befet by a body of pikemen, they were obliged fmgly to fight their way through them ; and in attempting to do fo, two of them were killed on the fpot, and five were badly wounded* However, the remainder, notwithflanding the furprife, affembled, and gallantly repulfed the rebels. In the fecond attempt which they made, fix rebels, drelTed in the clothes and m.ounted on the horfes of the Ancient Britons, entered the town, with the, view of impofmg themfelves as yeomen, an artifice which in fome meafure fucceeded ; for captain Jephfon approached them, laid his hand on the neck of one qf the horfes, and aiked the rider, w^hence he cam.e ; on which he damned him, drew his fabre, and m.ade a cut at him ; for which he was inftantly Ihot by one of the foldiers, and the remainder were wounded in their retreat.

    About three o'clock captain Griffith received an exprefs at Millicent, his feat, by a yeoman, that a large body of rebels had attacked the guard of Clane : The captain arrived there in fifteen minutes, and found that, by the fteady condud of part of his troop, who were armed with carbines, which they uied with good effeft, the infurgents had received fuch a check, as to afford time to about forty of the Armagh to turn out. The yeomen and militia had not fired more than three rounds, when th : rebels difperfed ; and the captain, on his arrival, found the troops purfuing them, and burning the'houfes on the common, in which they had taken refuge. They killed a good many of thern, and took fix prifoners of the popifh perfu^fion, four of whom were captain Griffith's tenants. One of them Vv'.is condemnea and hanged at the drum-head i."* Clane ; the other five were hanged the fame day at Naas,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 163

29. Rebels killed and burned at the barricade point R

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    At Arklow, rebels made desperate but unsuccessful attempts to pass a defended point, suffering heavy losses. Survivors were seen throwing their killed and wounded into the flames, where bodies were consumed or buried under falling ruins.

    Read the passage

    The rebels, notwithftanding their moft defperate efforts, were unable to withftand the heavy and welldirefted fire kept up by the party pofted at K ; and never fucceeded in pafling the point R, at which multitudes of them Were killed, but who were inftantly replaced by others ; and they were plainly obferved throwing their killed, and, it is beheved, many of their wounded, into the flames, where they were confumed or buried under the ruins of falling houfes* The attack was fupported with the utmoft obftinacy on this point for two hours and a half, when the enemy began to defift from an attempt which had proved fatal to fo many, and to retire along the ftreet of the fifliery C,, and by the fea-fide road S.

    This being obferx-ed, the cavalry on the bridge, under colonel fir W. W. Wynne, was ordered to charge, and that officer led them on with his ufual gallantry againft the enemy, many of whom were cut down on the fands TT, and the reft made their efcape up the Yellow-lane P, and into the enclofures, where the cavalry could not follow them.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 279

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Arklow now, a town that saw some of the darkest fighting of 1798. The rebels threw themselves again and again at a defended point in the town, trying to force their way through, but they could not pass. Multitudes were killed there, and those who fell were instantly replaced by others pressing forward. What stays with you from the account is what survivors were seen doing next: throwing their killed, and it is believed many of their wounded, into the flames, where they were consumed or buried under the ruins of falling houses. The attack held on that point for two and a half hours before the rebels began to fall back, retiring along the street of the fishery and by the seaside road. Colonel Sir W. W. Wynne then led the cavalry from the bridge in a charge, and many were cut down on the sands. The rest escaped up Yellow-lane and into the enclosures, where the cavalry could not follow.

30. Rebels plunder and demolish Carnew in revenge

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

    The rebels plundered and demolished the town of Carnew, harbouring insatiable revenge against its inhabitants for the victory obtained over them on the twenty-seventh of May.

    Read the passage

    Had the rebel army taken advantage of their victory, and proceeded to Arklow and WickloAv, thofe towns muft have fallen into their hands, and they would probably have marched to, and attacked the metropolis ; but, incited by the hope of plundering Gorey and its vicinity, they continued for five days to commit every- excefs and enormity that the love of rapine and favage cruelty could inipire. The proteftant church, which was the firft object of their fanatical rage, they completely dilmantled. They pillaged and deflroyed the houfes of all the proteftants, and murdered many of their inmates, who could not make their efcape. They alfo plundered and demolifhed the town of Carnew ; ha\^g harboured infatiable revenge againfl its inhabitants, for the vi£lory which they had obtauied over them on the twenty-feventh of May,. *

    A drummer of the name of Hunter, of the Antrim regiment, of the age of twelve years, fell into the hands of the rebels, in the unfortunate affair in which colonel Walpole iofl his fife. He carried his drum with him, and when he was conduced to the town of Gorey, with fome other prifoners, they defired him to Ijeat it, having intended to make him ferve

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 255

31. Refugees flee to Ringwood (St John's Wood)

    Ringwood · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Numbers of protestant men and women fled to the wood of St. John's, known as Ringwood, where they spent the night in terror listening to shots and the cries of the dying. The next day rebels sent an armed party to scour the wood and kill those found there.

    Read the passage

    When they entered t^^e town, fome ladies of diftinguifhed beauty, vnld with horror and afiright, waded over the river Slaney at the riflv of their lives, with cne child on their back, and another in their arms. Numbers of both fexes fled to the wood of S:. John's, t better known by the name of Ringwood, where they paffed the whole night, petrified with horror, at hearing fliots conftandy fired, the Ihouts of the rebels, and the groans of the dying- Thev kept a gloomy fiience, not venturing to fpeak to each other, lell they fhculd be diicovered.

    The rebels having heard next day, that a number of proteftants were in the wood, fent a party, well armed, to Icour it ; and they killed fuch of them as were net fortunate enough to make their efcape, Thev condnued for fome days after, to beat it as clofely as a pack of fox-hounds would.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 228

32. Shane O'Neill's Castle on Lough Neagh

    near Lough Neagh · lake or lakes · Antrim · 1567

    Shane O'Neill raised a rebellion in Ulster in 1567 out of hatred for the English, and built a castle on Lough Neagh which he named Feogenall, meaning 'the hatred of the English'. His forces were later routed by Sir Henry Sidney.

    Read the passage

    ift. In 1567, Shane O'Neil railed a notable one in Uliler, merely in hatred to the Englifh ; and he erected a caftle on Loughneagh, which he named Feogenall, which figniiies, in Irifh, the hatred of the Englifh» His forces were routed and difperfed by fir ^Henry Sidney*

    2d. In 1569, the Fitz-Geralds of Munfter raifed one, in which the Byrnes, Tooles and Cavenaghs; joined ; but they were fubdued by fir William Drury, a.nd were all attainted the twenty-feventh and twentyeighth of Elizabeth.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 23

33. Sick soldiers hanged and ladies taken prisoner at Ballytore

    Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1798

    Rebels attacked and killed several sick soldiers of the Suffolk fencibles, hanging some out of windows, and took two officers' wives prisoner, lodging them at the house of Abraham Shackleton in Ballytore.

    Read the passage

    They attacked and put to death feveral fick foldiers the Suffolk fencibles, hanging fome of them, who were in fevers, out of their windows : they took prifoners two ladies, the wives of the Suffolk officers, and lodged them in the houfe of Abraham Shackleton, * of Ballytore, under a guard of rebels. They then proceeded to murder Jefferies and Alhe ; but Mr. Cullen faved and concealed them, till they made their efcape to Athy,

    By this time the rebel force had encreafed to the number of three thoufand, and learning from their fcouts, that lieutenant Eadie had miffed the road to Calverflown, they purfued him. Major Montrefor •having proceeded with his detachment to Glaffealy^ a party of rebels from Fonflown, under the command of captain Paddy Dowling and Terry Toole, who were on their way to burn the manfion-houfe there, fled at his approach. The major then proceeded to the village Narraghmore, but too late to do any effential fervice there ; as no human being was to be feen, but the \vretched victims of favage fury, and every proteftant houfe in it was deftroyed, or confumed by fire, f The major then marched to the phice of his deftination, Red-gap hill, while captain Rudd with thirty men, flanked him through the woods of Narraghmore ; and having been joined by lieutenant Eadie, they followed the route which major Montrefor had taken.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Ballitore, a town in Kildare. In 1798, rebels attacked sick soldiers of the Suffolk fencibles here and put several of them to death. Some of the soldiers were in fevers, and the rebels hanged them out of their windows. They took prisoner two ladies, the wives of Suffolk officers, and lodged them in the house of Abraham Shackleton of Ballytore, under a guard of rebels. The rebels then proceeded to murder Jefferies and Alhe, but Mr. Cullen saved and concealed them until they made their escape to Athy. By this time the rebel force had increased to 3,000. Learning from their scouts that Lieutenant Eadie had missed the road to Calverstown, they pursued him. Major Montresor had proceeded with his detachment to Glassealy. A party of rebels from Fonstown, under the command of Captain Paddy Dowling and Terry Toole, who were on their way to burn the mansion-house there, fled at his approach. The major then proceeded to the village of Narraghmore, but too late to do any essential service there. No human being was to be seen but the wretched victims of savage fury, and every Protestant house in it was destroyed or consumed by fire. The major then marched to Red-gap hill, while Captain Rudd with 30 men flanked him through the woods of Narraghmore, and having been joined by Lieutenant Eadie, they followed the route Major Montresor had taken.

34. Twenty-four protestants marched from Tintern to their deaths at Scullabogue

    Tintern · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Twenty-four protestants, many old and feeble, were taken from the village of Tintern, about eight miles from Scullabogue, and driven in one group to the barn where they perished.

    Read the passage

    No lefs than twenty-four proteftants were taken from the village of Tintern, about eight miles dillant, many of them old and feeble, and were led in one drove to the barn, where they perifhed. *

    Thomas Shee and Patrick Prendergafl were burnt in the barn, both Romanifts, becaufe they w^ould not confent to the maiTacre of their proteftanr mailers.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 270

35. Reverend Birch preaches philanthropic sermon at Saintfield

    near Saintfield · town · Down · 1795

    On 25 June 1795, presbyterian minister Reverend Mr. Birch preached a sermon to a numerous body of dissenters at Saintfield recommending union of all religions, denouncing kings as butchers and scourges of the human race.

    Read the passage

    On the twenty-lifth of June, 1795, the. reverend Mr. Birch, a preibyterian minifler, preached a fermon to a numerous body of dilTenters at Saintfield, in which he recommended the uniting perfons of every religious perfuafion in one family, or brotherhood, in the bonds of philanthropy. lie denominated kings butchers and fcourges of the human race, \Vho revel on the fpoils of thoufands, v/hom they have made fatheriefs, widows, and orphans, until the judgment of the Almighty fhail come down on thofe monllers, and caufe them who ufe the fword to perifn by the iword.

    In the month of January, 1795, fome foldiers of the Wexford regiment were pciloned at Cavan, while on guard at the gaol.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 99

36. Arklow spared destruction due to hostages taken

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Arklow survived largely undamaged during a 36-hour gap between the retreating army's evacuation and the arrival of General Needham. The security of the town was attributed to officers taking disaffected inhabitants as hostages whose lives would answer for any harm.

    Read the passage

    Arkfow fufFered much lefs than might have been ex-'* peded during an interval of thirty-fix hours, between ' the evacuation of it by the retreating army, and the arrival of major-general Needham there, on* Wednefday the fixth of June. The main body of the rebels had not approached it; and but a few petty depredations were committed by fome home infurgent?^, who, after having plundered fome houfes, went off to their aflbciates at Gorey. • The fecurity of Arklow is to be imputed to the wife precaution of the officers- commanding the army xvhich retreated to Wicklow ; who carried with them, as hoflages, a great number of its principal difaffeded inhabitants, and whofe lives would have anfwered for Tiuy wanton a£l of mifchief or barbarity committed by the others^.

    The defeat of colonel Waipole left general Loftuswith but two hundred and fifty men, in a moft alarming fituation, and it required not only addrefs, but the mofl prompt and vigorous exertion to extricate himfelf ; for, it has been fmce difeovered, that the rebel army at Vinegar-hill had formed a jundion with that which was ported on Ballymore, making in the whole above twenty thoufand men, for the purpofe of taking Gorey ; and this plan was conneded with their main objecl of attacking the metropolis, which they endeavoured to accomplifti five days after.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 255

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Arklow, in County Wicklow. In 1798, this town came through the rebellion surprisingly intact. After the retreating army evacuated, there was a gap of 36 hours before Major-General Needham arrived on Wednesday the 6th of June, and in that time the main rebel body never approached. A few local insurgents plundered some houses, then went off to join their associates at Gorey. The reason Arklow was spared was a precaution taken by the officers commanding the army that retreated to Wicklow. They carried with them as hostages a great number of the town's principal disaffected inhabitants, and the lives of those hostages would have answered for any wanton act of mischief or barbarity committed by the rest. Meanwhile, Colonel Walpole's defeat left General Loftus with 250 men in an alarming situation. The rebel army at Vinegar Hill had joined with the force posted at Ballymore, making above 20,000 men, aimed at taking Gorey as part of a larger plan to attack the metropolis five days later.

37. Assassination attempt on captain Rawson in a shrubbery

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Captain Rawson published loyal addresses at chapels near Narraghmore, for which he was condemned by a committee of assassination; a hired ruffian lay in wait to murder him in a shrubbery near his house but failed because his armed son was present.

    Read the passage

    In the month of January, 1798, captain Rawfon,. to undeceive and conciliate the people, publifhed addrefles at all the chapels in his neighbourhood, of which fee a copy in Appendix, No. XV. and for this, his noted loyalty, and his aftive exertions as a magiftrate, he was condemned by a committee of alTaffination, which fat in his vicinity ; and the ruffiaa who made an attempt on the life of Mr. Darragh, having been employed' to murder him, lay in wait for him at different times, in a fhrubbery near his houfe, and would have affailinated him, but that he was fortunately attended by his fon, who was armed.

    On the memorable twenty-fourth of May, an exprefs arrived from Dunlavin to general Campbell^ and intelligence was brought to captain Rawfon, that the popifh multitude were in a ftate of infurredion on every fide, and the proteflant inhabitants of Narraghmore requefted to know what meafures they were to take for their protedion. The general fent an exprefs to Dunlavin, with dire£lions how to proceed ; and captain Rav^dbn fent another to Narraghmore, with orders to the loyalills to fall back on Glaffealy, with an affurance that a party would foon go to their afliftance ; but both the expreifes were murdered by the way ; and fuch of the unfortunate proteftants of Narraghmore as could not effe6l their efcape, remained in the village, without any afliftance.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, Captain Rawson's house stood, and in January 1798 he published loyal addresses at all the chapels in his neighbourhood, trying to conciliate the people. For his noted loyalty and his active exertions as a magistrate, a committee of assassination sitting in his vicinity condemned him. A ruffian who had already made an attempt on the life of a Mr. Darragh was employed to murder Rawson, and lay in wait at different times in a shrubbery near his house. He would have assassinated him, but Rawson was fortunately attended by his armed son. Then on the 24th of May, word came that the populace were in a state of insurrection on every side, and the Protestant inhabitants of Narraghmore asked what measures to take for their protection. Rawson sent orders to the loyalists to fall back on Glassealy, with a promise that a party would soon go to their assistance, but both messengers — his and General Campbell's to Dunlavin — were murdered on the way. The Protestants of Narraghmore who could not effect their escape were left in the village without any help.

38. Assassination plot committee meeting in Dublin cabaret

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1797

    James Dunn proposed the murder of the Earl of Carhampton to a committee of sixteen United Irishmen meeting at the house of Maurice Dunn, a relation who kept a cabaret in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Not vvithftan ding thefe obligations, James Dunn repaired to the houfe of Maurice Dunn, a relation iu Dublin, who kept a cabaret, on Sunday the feventh of May, and offered to a commit cee of fixteen united Irifhmen who were then fitting there, to do-out his friend and benefador, the earl of Carhampton. This w^as a common cant expreffion among the united Irifhmen, for murdering a perfon.

    When he made the propofal, one perfon faid it was great news ; another glorious news ; another, the beft news he had heard a long time.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    In Dublin, on Sunday the seventh of May 1797, James Dunn went to the house of Maurice Dunn, a relation who kept a cabaret in the city. There, before a committee of sixteen United Irishmen, he proposed to murder the Earl of Carhampton. To "do out" a person was a common cant expression among the United Irishmen for killing them. When James Dunn made the proposal, one man called it great news, another glorious news, and a third said it was the best news he had heard in a long time.

39. Attack on widow Piper at Tincurry signals rebellion to Enniscorthy

    Tincurry · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A party of rebels attacked the house of the widow Piper at Tincurry, four miles from Enniscorthy, wounding her desperately and murdering her nephew, communicating the first symptoms of open rebellion to the garrison there.

    Read the passage

    Thefe outrages, the firfh fymptoms of open rebellion, were communicated to the garrifon of Ennifcorthy, ^ in the following manner : A party of thefe . rebels attacked the houi'e of the widow Piper, at . Tincurry, four miles from that town, wounded her in a defperate manner, murdered her nephew, a

    young.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 216

40. Battle at the bog road turnpike near Narraghmore

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Captain Rudd's party was attacked and surrounded by three thousand rebels near the bog road turnpike; major Montresor's relief resulted in two hundred rebels dead and as many wounded.

    Read the passage

    thoufand rebels from Narraghinore, on whom they kept up a brilk fire, for near half an hour, which brought the major, and his party to their aiiiftance. The rebels having perceived his approach, placed a number of wool packs on cars, which happened accidentally to be palling by ; and fome of their rnarkfmen concealed behind them, fired and killed feveri of the Suffolk fencibles, and then retreated to their main body. E-U the major purlued, and obtained ample revenge ; for in a fliort time, two hundred rebels lay dead, and as many more were wounded. In thefe different conliids,, and in the fcenes of carnage, conflagration and plunder, which occurred in the courfe of that day, fixty papiits of the Narraghmore corps in their uniforms, fought with the rebels ; for which, eighteen of them were fhot, feveral were hanged, fome fled the country, and others came in under the proclamation, offering pardon to repentant rebels, and received protections.

    The main object of the rebels in that part of the county of Kildare, was, to join thofe of the Queen's county, and the county of Carlow ; and to have affifled them in taking poffeffion of the town of Carlow. Notwithilanding their different defeats, they colleded a party of one thoufaiid two hundred, and were proceeding to accompHfh their original plan } but, in pafliiig through Caftiedermot to Carlow, they were attacked by captain Mince, who commanded there a fmall party of the fixth regiment of foot. After the fecond difcharges they were routed, :and feveral of them were killed ; and fir Richard Eutler, who went with his troop of yeomen cavalry to the aiiiftance of captain Mince, purfued them and took many prifoners, of whom two were hanged; and the remainder, through the clemency of government, were fet at liberty.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, in 1798, Captain Rudd's party was attacked and surrounded by three thousand rebels at the bog road turnpike. Major Montresor brought his men to their aid. The rebels saw him coming and placed wool packs on carts that happened to be passing by. Marksmen concealed themselves behind the wool, fired, and killed several of the Suffolk fencibles, then retreated to their main body. The major pursued and obtained ample revenge. In a short time, two hundred rebels lay dead and as many more were wounded. That day, sixty papists of the Narraghmore corps fought with the rebels, wearing their uniforms. Eighteen of them were shot, several were hanged, some fled the country, and others came in under a proclamation offering pardon to repentant rebels and received protections. The rebels' main object in this part of Kildare was to join with those of Queen's county and county of Carlow and help them take the town of Carlow. Despite their defeats, they gathered twelve hundred men and set out to carry out their plan. But passing through Castledermot on the way to Carlow, they were attacked by Captain Mince, who commanded a small party of the sixth regiment of foot. After the second volley they were routed and several killed. Sir Richard Butler came with his troop of yeoman cavalry to assist Captain Mince, pursued them, and took many prisoners. Two were hanged, and the remainder were set at liberty through the clemency of government.

41. Belfast mail-coach destroyed near Santry

    Santry · townland · Dublin · 1798

    As a signal for a general rising, the Belfast mail-coach was destroyed and burnt near Santry, with the perpetrators urging local cottagers to rise, falsely claiming Dublin Castle and city were already in rebel hands.

    Read the passage

    The Belfall coach therefore was deilroyed and burnt near Santr)^, the Cork mail-coach at Naas, and that going towards Athlone at Lucan. The perfons who perform.ed that fervice at Santry, deiired the inhabitants of the neighbouring cottages to rife and join them ; having affured them that the caftle and city of Dublin were at that time in polTeflion of their friends. So fare were they that the confpirators muft fucceed !

    Near the Curragh of Kildare. the rebels murdered the guard, and the coachman of the mail-coach going to Limerick.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 146

42. Birthplace and education of Father Michael Murphy

    Kilnew · townland · Wexford

    Father Michael Murphy, a leading rebel figure, was born at Kilnew near Kilmuckridge of mean parents and educated at a hedge-school at Oulart before going abroad for ordination.

    Read the passage

    As father Michael Murphy, who afled with fuch profound diflimulation, made a confpicuous figure in the rebellion, I fliall fay a few words on his origin and progrefs through life. He was born at Kilnew, near Kilmuckridge, | of mean parents, and was bred at a hedge-fchool at Oulart, by one Prendergaft, an itinerant pedagogue ; and having received holy or^ ders, he went to Bourdeaux, recommended to the

    Vol. L E e Abbe

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 221

43. Bishop Caulfield protects a fugitive in Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Doctor Caulfield, the Roman-catholick bishop, visited and protected the diarist despite being warned in the street against sheltering protestants, and lamented that the rebellion was becoming a ruinous religious war.

    Read the passage

    " In the evening, do(5feor Caulfield, the Romancatholick bifhop, came, and was very kind to me, J. R. having told him who I was. The doftor faid^ he was cautioned in the ftreet, to beware how he protected proteflants. He gave m^ a proteftion, but^ like B. Harvey, faid, He had no influence : That the people could not be defcribed : That in reality, the devil was roaming at large among (I them : That their power never could hold : That they were making it a religious war, which would ruin them : That government was too flrong, and muft conquer : That this rebellion had been hatching four years.'* I think he might have given government notice of it. *

    Second of June, the mob were conftantly talking in the ftreet of punilhing proteftants. Colonel Lehunte, and many others, went to the chapel, and renounced their religion ^ were chriflened ; and then marched in proceffion through the ftreets.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 288

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford town, this was where Doctor Caulfield, the Roman Catholic bishop, called on a diarist in the evening of 1798 and gave him a protection, even though he had been cautioned in the street against sheltering protestants. The bishop said he had no influence, that the people could not be described, that the devil was roaming at large among them, and that they were making it a religious war which would ruin them. He said government was too strong and must conquer, and that this rebellion had been hatching four years. On the second of June the mob were constantly talking in the street of punishing protestants. Colonel Lehunte and many others went to the chapel, renounced their religion, were christened, and then marched in procession through the streets.

44. Capture and interrogation of father Martin near Meeting of the Waters

    Meeting of the Waters · population centre · Wicklow · 1798

    About three o'clock on the morning of 24 June, two yeomen patrolling near the meeting of the waters, between Arklow and Rathdrum, seized a well-dressed man on an exhausted horse who refused to identify himself and was conducted to Rathdrum for examination.

    Read the passage

    About three o'clock, on the morning of the twenty-fourth of June, two yeomen patroiing near the meeting of the waters, a place between Arklow and Rathdrum, faw a wellrdrelTed man, on a horfe covered with foam and fweat, from fevere riding ; they feized him, and demanded who he was, and whence he came. He anfwered, that he was a gentleman,' and had been riding about for pleafure, to fee the beauties of the country. Having conducted him to Rathdrum, he was examined by the commanding ofBcer there, but would not give an account of himfelf.

    A young gentleman of Drogheda, a recruiting officer, who was prefent, recognifed the prifoner, gave privately a brief hiftory of him to captain Giffard, and requefted that he would k^ep it a profound fecret.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 208

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Meeting of the Waters, between Arklow and Rathdrum, where on the morning of 24 June 1798 two yeomen on patrol spotted a well-dressed man on a horse covered in foam and sweat from hard riding. They seized him and demanded to know who he was. He said he was a gentleman, out riding for pleasure to see the beauties of the country. They took him to Rathdrum, where the commanding officer examined him, but he would not give any account of himself. A young gentleman from Drogheda, a recruiting officer who was present, recognised the prisoner. He privately gave a brief history of the man to Captain Giffard and asked that it be kept a profound secret.

45. Casey's crimes at Rathangan

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

    Casey, the rebel commander killed at Foxes-hill, had been principally concerned in atrocities committed at Rathangan, including the murder of Mr. Semple, whose boots were found on his body.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Lieutenant Tyrrell entertained the moft f^nguine expectations that fuch decifive advantages againft the rebels would have reflored peace and tranquillity ; but the arrival of four thoufand Wexford rebels in the county of Kiidare, commanded by general Perry, and one Kearns, a popifh prieft, blafted all his hopes, and fpread defolation in the country which he was appointed to defend. I fhall poftpone a description of their progrefs and operations, till I have men* tioned their defeat in the county of Wexford.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 177

46. Cavalry charge on the sands and Yellow-lane at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    As the rebels retreated from Arklow, cavalry under Colonel Sir W.W. Wynne charged them, cutting many down on the sands, while others escaped up the Yellow-lane into enclosures where cavalry could not follow.

    Read the passage

    This being obferx-ed, the cavalry on the bridge, under colonel fir W. W. Wynne, was ordered to charge, and that officer led them on with his ufual gallantry againft the enemy, many of whom were cut down on the fands TT, and the reft made their efcape up the Yellow-lane P, and into the enclofures, where the cavalry could not follow them.

    "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.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 279

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow in Wicklow, you are on the ground where the 1798 rebellion met a fierce check. When the rebels pressed the town, cavalry under Colonel Sir W.W. Wynne charged from the bridge, and many were cut down on the sands. The rest fled up the Yellow-lane and into the enclosures, where horsemen could not follow. At the lower end of the town, Father Michael Murphy of Ballycanew led a column against a barricade, trying to reach the rear of the army, and many rebel chiefs fell within a few yards of the guns.

47. Cavalry patrol narrowly avoids ambush near Clontarf

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1798

    A party of Merchants corps cavalry patrolling at Clontarf returned rapidly to Dublin on hearing drums beat to arms, fortunately taking the Strand Road rather than the upper road near Sir William Newcomen's, where they would have been cut off by rebels.

    Read the passage

    A party of the Merchants corps of cavalry, who were ordered to patrol at Clontarf, hearing the drums beat to arms in Dublin, returned rapidly to it, thinking that the infurreclion had begun. They fortunately went by the Strand-road ; for had they gone by the upper one, near fir William Newcomen's, they would have been cyt .qff by a numerous party of rebels, who were on each fide of the road»

    Neilfon, in his attack upon Newgate, was to have been feconded by a large body of rebels, headed by one SeagravC;, who was to have taken poffeffion of Mr. Halpin's diftillery, at the corner of Pettyc-oatiane, the windows of which flanked it, and they were to have kept up a conftant fire on the front of the prifon, while another party fcaled its walls in a different quarter.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 145

48. Confederate Catholic Assembly at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642–1649

    During the reign of Charles I, popish lords, prelates, clergy and deputies chosen from counties and towns assembled at Kilkenny, forming a supreme council of confederate Catholics and binding themselves by an oath resembling that of the United Irishmen, to obey the council's decrees and never accept peace without its consent.

    Read the passage

    In the diftra^ed reign of Charles 1. the popiftji lords, prelates, and clergy, and popifh deputies, chofen by feveral counties and towns in the different provinces, aflembled at Kilkenny, regulated all their proceedings with the forms and folemnity of parliament, and bound themfelves by oath, " that they would obey and ratify all the orders and decrees made, or to be made, by the fupreme council of the confederate catholicks of the kingdom , that they would not feek directly or indirectly any pardon or protection for any act to be done touching the general caufe ; and that they would not accept or fubmit unto any peace, made or to be made, with the faid confederate catholicks, without the confent thereof;" and by the preamble to faid oath it ap-r pears, that it muft have been adminiftered univerfally.

    " "Whereas it is requifite, that there fhould be an unanimous confent, and real union, between all the catholicks of this realm."]

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 24

49. Eight hundred rebels attack eight garrison houses in Prosperous

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    A captured rebel prisoner revealed that the soldiers were quartered in eight different houses at Prosperous, each to be attacked simultaneously on the signal of a gun fired in the churchyard, with eight hundred rebel assailants involved, losing three captains and near a hundred men.

    Read the passage

    Next morning they took a rebel prifon^r, who gave the following information, as to their number and their mode of attack : The foldiers were quartered in eight different houfes, each of which was to be attacked at the fame moment, by the fignal of a gun fired in the church-yard. The number of the alfailants was eight hundred. They lofl three captains,^ and near one hundred men. Captain Beevor's fervant was (hot in his bed. He, lieutenant Patrickfon, cornet Maxwell, and all the privates of the dragoons and the militia, difplayed fmgular fpirit and intrepidity againfl fo great a fuperiority of numbers. *

    INSURRECTION AT KILDARE. t

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 166

50. Elderly pensioner soldier murdered at Prosperous for his religion

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    The rebels murdered a man above seventy years old, a retired army sergeant living on pension at Prosperous, solely because he was a protestant.

    Read the passage

    The rebels murdered a man above feventy years eld, who had ferved the greateft parr of his life in the army as a ferjeant, and had retired on a penficn to Profperous, merely becaufe he was a proteftant.

    Of the city cf Cork detachment they killed one captain, two ferjeants, one drummer, twenty-three privates, and wounded eight, of wtiom two died afterwa^'ds : The remainder of the company happened very fortunately to be fent on a party a day or two before, a few miles oii.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

51. Fatal clash between Benburb volunteers and Armagh chapel congregation

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Benburb volunteers marching unarmed to church in Armagh were stoned by a Catholic congregation; on their return, now armed, a conflict ensued in which two of the congregation were killed and others wounded on both sides.

    Read the passage

    The Benbuib corps of volunteers, in the county of Tyrone, having proceeded, without arms, to hear divine fervice at the church of Armagh on a Sunday, headed by Mr. Young, one of their officers, paifed by a RomiHi chapel, the congregation of which abufed, and threw flones at them. The volunteers, having procured fome fire-arms at Armagh, the alfercation was renewed at their return, and ended in a confliCl:, in which two of the popilh congregation were killed, and fome perfons were wounded on both fides. It was conjedured that the former were prepared for the combat, as they had five mufkets.

    The volunteers were very much cenfured for having returned by the fame road, when they might have taken another.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 41

52. Father Michael Murphy's Letter Found at Gorey

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    Rebel general father Michael Murphy wrote a letter at Gorey to Thomas Houston of Dublin proving rebel intentions to march on the metropolis; the letter was found on Murphy's body after the battle of Arklow by general Skerrett.

    Read the passage

    The following letter was written by the rebel general, father Michael Murphy, at Gorey, on the fixth inflant, to Thomas Houfton, of Thomas-ftreet, Dublin, which fufficiently proves the determination of the rebel chieftains to march to and attack the metropolis. Soon after the battle of Arklow, general Skerrett met a foldier, who had fome plunder in his hands ; among other things, a watch, a crucifix, and the following letter which he had found on the body of father Murphy :

    " Friend Houfton ! Gorey, 6th June.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 275

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Gorey in 1798, this is where rebel general Father Michael Murphy wrote a letter to Thomas Houston of Thomas Street, Dublin, proving the rebels meant to march on and attack the metropolis. After the battle of Arklow, General Skerrett met a soldier carrying plunder, a watch, a crucifix, and that letter, found on Murphy's body.

53. Father Murphy's origins at Tincurry, Ferns

    Tincurry · townland · Wexford · 1785

    Father John Murphy's father was a petty farmer at Tincurry in the parish of Ferns, where he was educated at a hedge-school kept by a man named Gun before receiving holy orders at Seville, Spain in 1785.

    Read the passage

    intemperate, that he began his military career at fiit o'clock on Saturday evening the twenty-fixth of May y and confidering the time of its duration, and the limits to which it was confined,, we muft allow that it was as deftru6live as that of Attila, Gengis Kan^ or Tamerlane. His father was a petty farmer at Tincurry, in the parifh of Ferns, where he was educated at a hedge-fchool, kept by a man of the name of Gun. It appears by his teftimonium and diploma, * that he received holy orders at Seville in Spain^ in the year 1785 ; and, I prefume^ that he graduated there as a doftor of divinity, as he affumes that title In his journal, f which he dropped in his retreat from Vinegar-hill, and which was found by captain Hugh Moore of the 5th dragoons, aid-de-camp to general Needham,

    As one Webfter, a proteilant neighbour of doftor Murphy, was returning from Gortj^ he met him near Boulavogue, about four o'clock on Saturday the twenty-fixth of May, and was faluted by him with great cordiality ; and yet, in about three hours after, the do£lor was at the head of a numerous party of rebels, who burned the houfes of Webfter, J., and his brother, and many of his proteftant neighhours.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 216

54. Father Roche's deceit and threat against Grange garrison

    Grange · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Father Roche, later a rebel general, falsely reassured Rev. Mr. Richards of Grange that the people were peaceable, then threatened to attack his house with five thousand men and cannon unless the Horneck family and Protestant tenants were surrendered; Richards refused and fled with sixteen families to Ross.

    Read the passage

    Two or three days before the rebellion broke out^ father Roche, the priefl, who became afterwards a general, waited on the reverend Mr. Richards, of Grange, his neighbom', gave him fome arms wiiich he faid had been furrendered to him ; and at the fame time affured him that nothing was to be feared as the people were loyal and peaceable. When the infurredlion took place fixteen proteftant families fled to the houfe of Grange, f and kept garrifon there. Father Roche, in two or three days after his pacifick alfurances to Mr. Richards, went to his houfe with two men more, and promifed him, that neither his perfon or property fhould be injured, provided he delivered to him the Horneck family and the proteftant tenants of captain Blacker ; but if he refufed, that his houfe would be immediately attacked by five thoufand men, with two pieces of cannon ; but Mr. Richards rejeded this infamous propofal with

    laudable

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 241

55. Father Sutton administers rites to wounded Davis at Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Father Sutton of Enniscorthy, present at the rebel camp, administered the rites of his church to the badly wounded Charles Davis before he was taken home and recovered under medical care.

    Read the passage

    have a prleft, as he could not obtain falvation without one.'* Father Sutton, of Ennifcorthy, | who was in the camp, adminiftered the rites of his church to him, and told him he was forry to fee him in that Situation ; but as there was no profpe6l of his recovery, he was glad that he was to die under his hands. He was then delivered to his wife^ who conveyed him to his own houfe ; where, with the aid of medical alllflance, he recovered. Thefe facls have been verified by affidavit, and are univerfally known. Charles Davis, who is now living, fliewed jne his wounds,

    John Mooney, fervant to dodor Hill, and a prp« teftant, was taken prifoner, and conduced to the wind-mill prifon, on the top of Vinegar-hill, the thirty-firft day of May ; and found there fixteen proteftant prifoners, with fome of whom he had been long acquainted. They were defired to prepare for death ; and foon after a ruffian entered the prifon with a drawn haiiger, and began to torture the prifoners by way of amufement ; but the rebel centinel ftopped him, and faid, that as they were to die foon, it was cruel to torment them. In a few minutes one of the prifoners was dragged out of the mill door^ and fliot ; and foon after the remainder were executed in the fame manner. Among theni jthere was a well-drelfed refped:able looking man^ and his fon, a boy about thirteen years old. The father feemed to bear his approaching diffiolution with great fortitude, fuppofmg that they would not injure his fon, on account of his tender age ; but what agoni^zing pangs muft he have felt, when his child v/as butchejed in his prefence ! and he, when led out to execution, was obliged to ftep over his bleeding corpfe, which fell acrofs the door,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 236

56. Felix Rourke Deserts to Become Rebel Colonel

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1798

    Felix Rourke, permanent sergeant of the Rathcoole corps, deserted to the rebels days before the rebellion broke out and was appointed a rebel colonel, later contesting a captaincy for his brother against Lieutenant Clinch.

    Read the passage

    Felix Rourke, the permanent ferjeant, had been early appointed a colonel of the rebels, and had deierted to them fome days before the rebellion broke out. He and they took oaths of allegiance. His brother had been a competitor with Heutenant Clinch for a captaincy in the rebel corps of Rathcool ; but the influence of Felix was fuch, as to obtain fuccefs for his brother ; and the zeal of Clinch in the rebel caufe was fo great, that he continued to ferve in it as a ferjeant.

    Lieutenant John Clinch was the fon of a very w^ealthy man, had received fome education, was naturally humane and benevolent, but was perfuaded by the malignant influence of father Harold, his parifh prieft, to violate his oath of allegiance, and to become a traitor ; for which he was tried and executed in Dublin the fecond of June.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rathcoole, a town the road passes through, and back in 1798 it had a rebel story worth telling. Felix Rourke was the permanent sergeant of the Rathcoole corps, but he deserted to the rebels some days before the rebellion broke out and was appointed a rebel colonel. He and his followers took oaths of allegiance. His brother competed with Lieutenant Clinch for a captaincy in the rebel corps of Rathcoole, and Felix's influence was strong enough to win it for his brother. Clinch's zeal for the rebel cause was so great that he continued to serve as a sergeant under the man who had beaten him. Clinch was the son of a wealthy man, had some education, and was naturally humane, but his parish priest, Father Harold, persuaded him to violate his oath of allegiance. He was tried and executed in Dublin on the 2nd of June.

57. Furlong Shot Carrying Flag of Truce at Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A soldier at an outpost shot Furlong, a messenger sent by Bagenal Harvey with a flag of truce to general Johnson demanding surrender of the town, as rebels attacked Ross.

    Read the passage

    A foldier, at an out-poft, fiiot Furlong, a man of mean appearance, when in full gallop towards the town, and without any other emblem of his being a herald, or a meffenger of peace, than his having a white handkerchief in his hand ; and the letter, which was found in his pocket, contained nothing but a peremptory requifition to general Johnfon, to furrender the town to Bagenal Harvey, commander in chief ; with which that brave officer would not have complied.

    It has been faid, that Bagenal Harvey was depofed, becaufe he fhewed a want ot courage in this a£tion ; but this is fcarce credible ; for he difplayed very great firmnefs in various duels which he had fought in the courfe of his life.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 273

58. General Campbell shells the manor house at Narraghmore

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

    As troops passed the manor house of Narraghmore, disaffected persons fired on them from it; general Campbell ordered it attacked with cannon and it was set on fire, the shooters killed in the woods trying to escape.

    Read the passage

    As they palfed by the manfion-houfe of Narraghmore, fome difafteded perfons fired at the troops from it ; on which general Campbell ordered it to be attacked with cannon^ After fome difcharge of artillery it was fet on fire ; and the fellows who had fired at the troops were killed in the woods, as they rwere endeavouring to make their efcape.

    When the general entered Ballytore, he found it deferted by every male, except Mr. Francis Johnfon, a furgeon ; and as fome of the Tyrone regiment had repeatedly feen hirn commanding the rebels, the fight of him kindled fuch indignation in them, that one of them bayoneted him through the breaft, on which he fell. He rofe again, laid his hand on his wound, and ftrongly, and with many oaths afferted his innocence. Several of the foldiers cried out, that they had frequently feen him at the head of the rebels — an open was made — five of the Suffolk fen^ cibles prefenied their mulkets at him ; when he found that all fubterfuge was vain, he exclaimed, " Since I mull die, guilty as I am, the Lord have mercy ou me !" and he was inftantly fent into eternity.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Narraghmore, in 1798, troops were passing the manor house here when disaffected persons fired at them from inside it. General Campbell ordered it attacked with cannon. After several discharges of artillery the house was set on fire. The men who had fired on the troops were killed in the woods as they tried to escape.

59. Hanging of rebel leader James Curry

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

    James Curry, a rebel leader and supposed muster-master, incited fellow rebels in the streets of Rathangan to punish the men of Coolelan and Ballinure for not joining; he was hanged within two hours.

    Read the passage

    On Monday morning one James Curry, a leader of them, and fuppofed to be a muiler-mafter, cried out in the ftreets, What is become of the boys of Coolelan and Ballinure?* dan;m them, flick them to the heart, for not joining us.'* The favages fw^ore vehemently that they would do fo ; and faid, we are the boys that will do their bufinefs. That villaint was between fixty and feventv ; he \va3 hanged in tw^o hours after.

    They

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 170

60. Hanging of three rebels at Gorey

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    On Whitsunday a horse patrol from Gorey captured three rebels in arms in the surrounding countryside and hanged them in the town; they admitted before death that their priest had incited them into rebellion.

    Read the passage

    On Whitfunday a horfe patrol from Gorey took three rebels in arms in the adjacent country, and hanged them in the town. They owned in their laii: moments that they were incited by their pried to enter into the rebellion.

    Intelligence having been communicated to government, that the fame body of rebels, with a large reinforcement from Vinegar-hill, meditated another attack on Gorey, to oppofe them, general Loftus was ordered to proceed from Dublin to Rathdrum, in the county of Wicklow, the twenty-ninth of May, with two hundred of the Dunbarton fencible infantry, and fifty of the 5th dragoon guards, which detachment was commanded by heutenant-colonel Scott, who, on the following day, cleared the woods of Donane and the Devil's-glynn of the banditti which had attacked Newtown- mount-kennedy the preceding day.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Gorey, the Wexford town. On Whitsunday in 1798, a horse patrol from the town seized three rebels bearing arms in the countryside round about, and hanged them here in Gorey itself. In their last moments they owned that they were incited by their priest to enter into the rebellion.