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. James McQuillan spreads massacre rumour near Rathdrum

   Ballymurtagh · townland · Wicklow · 1797

   A man assuming the name James Collins, later identified as James McQuillan from Louth and a former defender, rode through the county on 10 October claiming the Rathdrum troop (mostly orangemen) was about to massacre Catholics; he was traced to the Ballymurtagh mines and jailed after confessing the plot was concocted by Ballymurtagh men.

   Read the passage

   This perfon having been well defcribed, captain King traced him to the mines of Bailymurtagh, w^here he was employed by the melfieurs Camacs ; and he difcovered alfo, that his name was James Mc. Quillan, a native of the county of Louth, where he had been a6live among the defenders.

   On being committed to gaol, he acknowledged.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 201

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, at the mines of Ballymurtagh, Captain King traced a man who had been riding through the county in 1797 claiming the Rathdrum troop was about to massacre Catholics. He was employed here by the Camacs. His real name was James McQuillan, a native of Louth, where he had been active among the Defenders. On being committed to gaol, he acknowledged the plot.

2. Lawler discloses massacre plot to Cowen of Grafton-street

   Grafton Street · street · Dublin · 1795

   On 23 August, Lawler disclosed the whole of the defenders' plot to Mr Cowen of Grafton-street, revealing that a general insurrection and massacre of protestants had been planned but postponed until after harvest.

   Read the passage

   At laft. Hart having informed Lawler, who was a proteftant, that all perfons of that religion were to be maffacred, he, on the twenty-third of Auguft, difclofed the whole of the plot to Mr. Cov/en of Grafton-flreet, who employed him.

   The fubftance of what he related to Mr. Cowen, was this ; That Hart informed him on Sunday the twenty-third of Auguft, that there was to have been, a general infurrection and a maffacre of all the proteftants, on Saturday the twenty-fecond ; but it was poftponed till the harveft was over, left a famine inight enfue, fhould it take place before. Mr. Gowea took him to Mr. Hamilton, the lord lieutenant's fecretary ^ and while they were at the caftle, the mutiny, which I already defcribed, occurred on Effex-bridge. Another meeting took, place next day, when Lawler informed them, that there was to be a numerous affembly of the defenders at the Coombe, in the Liberty, on that night ; that they were to furprife the Coombe guard ; to take their clothes and their arms ; to repair to the caftle, where, having the guife of foldiers, they would be admitted ; and then to diftribute among their friends all the arms in the' arfenal. * As the two regiments in garrifon at this time were difaffe^led, it is pro-, bable that they would not have been oppofed. Mr. Hamilton fent for alderman James, and defired him to repair to the Coombe with a body of cavalry^ which he accordingly did, attended by Mr. Cowen and Lawler j and they found there a mob of three

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 96

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Grafton Street in 1795, a Protestant man named Lawler came to his employer, Mr Cowen, and told him something that stopped the city in its tracks. Lawler had been warned by a man called Hart that all Protestants were to be massacred. A general insurrection had been planned for Saturday the 22nd of August, but it was postponed until after the harvest, to avoid famine breaking out. Cowen took Lawler straight to Mr Hamilton, the lord lieutenant's secretary, at the castle. The next day, Lawler told them more: the Defenders were to gather that night in the Coombe, in the Liberty, surprise the Coombe guard, take their clothes and their arms, then march to the castle disguised as soldiers. Once inside, they planned to hand out every weapon in the arsenal to their friends. With both garrison regiments disaffected, there might have been no one to stop them. Hamilton sent for Alderman James, who rode to the Coombe with cavalry, bringing Cowen and Lawler along. They found a mob of three hundred waiting.

3. Lord Kingsborough's journey and capture route via Courtown and Ballymasker

   Courtown · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Lord Kingsborough travelled from Dublin to Arklow by land, then took a boat to Wexford, stopping at Courtown for refreshment before being intercepted by armed rebels near Ballymasker close to the harbour's mouth.

   Read the passage

   As the taking and captivity of lord Kingfborough, now the earl ^f Kingfton, by the rebels, is an important and interefling incident, I will give a circumflantiai relation of it. The head quarters of the North Cork regiment, which he commanded, was at Wexford, and on the breaking-out of the rebellion, he refolved to join them.. From Dublin to Arklow, f he travelled by land, but as the roads were infefted by a rebelHous banditti, he took a boat there, manned by failors of approved fidelity, who had been recommended by the reverend Mr. Bayly of Lamberton. Having flopped at Courtown, on the coali:, to get fome refrefhment, it is believed that fome difaflecled perfons there conveyed intelligence of his lordfliip's intention to the rebels at Wexford. At Ballymafker, about three or four miles from the harbour^s mouth, they perceived a number of .armed

   men

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 296

4. Lovely Kitty sloop anchors off Rosslare fort

   Rosslare · town · Wexford · 1798

   The sloop Lovely Kitty, carrying protestant fugitives including ladies of rank, sailed as far as the fort of Rosslare where the rebel sailors cast anchor under pretext of taking in ballast, before being boarded by armed boats.

   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

5. Loyalists make final stand at Enniscorthy market-house

   Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

   As flames engulfed the streets and rebels forced their way in through the Duffrey-gate and Irish-street, the loyalists retreated fighting to the market-house, an open square, where they made a determined stand and eventually drove the rebels out of the town.

   Read the passage

   They then attempted to crofs the river higher up, out of the reach of the fire of the North Cork. On this, captain Snowe detached lieutenant Prior^ with a ferjeant and fixteen men of his corps, to oppofe them, which they did moft effectually ; for having taken poft behind a hedge, they continued to kill great numbers of them, till their ammunition was expended. Soon after captain Cornock came to captain Snowe at the bridge, bleeding copioufly from a pike wound he had received in the neck, having the crown of his hat cleft from a blow of a pike, and demanded a reinforcement, as the rebels^ under cover of the fmoke^ had forced into the tov/n in confiderable numbers ^ at the Duifrey-gate and Irilh-ftreet. At the fame time the difaffected inhabitants fired on the yeomen from the windows. One column of them attacked captain Pounden's, the other captain Cornock's corps, which had fuffered materially. The ftreets were entirely involved in fmoke, fo that the yeomen could not perceive the rebels till they were charged by their pikes. The flames from the houfes at each fide of the ftreet were fo great, as to unite over their heads, and to form an arch. Their hair was finged ; the bear-fkin in their caps was burnt. The loyal ids, bravely difputing every inch of ground, retreated to the market-houfe,* an open fpace, like

   F f 2 a fquare.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 225

6. Major Sirr stops a man with pike-heads on Cork Hill

   Cork Hill · street · Dublin · 1798

   Major Sirr stopped a man on Cork Hill about ten o'clock at night carrying six pike-heads which he was going to have mounted.

   Read the passage

   Major Sirr flopped a man on Cork-hiil, about ten o'clock at night, with fix pike-heads, which he was going to get mounted. Sir John Macartney, in proceeding to Smithheld, the alarm.-poft of the Attornies corps, which he commanded, and of the Lawyers and Barrack corps, having obtained intelligence that numbers of fufpicious perfons were alTembled in Greek-ftreet, near Pill-lane, went thither with fix or feven of his corps, and pcrcei\ing a man paiTmg by, he feized him by the breall, and hearing fomething rattle under his coat, about a dozen pike-heads of excellent workmanfhip, tied up in a piece of cloth, fell to the ground ; and captain Furlong of the fame corps, who was of his party, caught as many more falling on his other fide. He faid his name was Murphy, and that he had received thefe pike-heads from one Ryan a ftone-cutter. Keeping Murphy a prifoner, they proceeded to Greek-ftreet, where they heard that fome rebels were alTembled ; but they being alarmed, went through a back palTage to Churchftreet, and croffing the tops of fome houfes, they

   werq

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 145

   As the companion tells it

   On this street in 1798, Major Sirr stopped a man on Cork Hill about ten o'clock at night. The man was carrying six pike-heads, which he was going to get mounted. That same night Sir John Macartney was proceeding to Smithfield, the alarm-post of the Attornies corps, which he commanded, and of the Lawyers and Barrack corps. He had intelligence that numbers of suspicious persons were assembled in Greek-street, near Pill-lane, and went there with six or seven of his corps. Perceiving a man passing by, he seized him by the breast, and hearing something rattle under his coat, about a dozen pike-heads of excellent workmanship, tied up in a piece of cloth, fell to the ground. Captain Furlong of the same corps, who was of his party, caught as many more falling on his other side. The man said his name was Murphy, and that he had received these pike-heads from one Ryan, a stone-cutter. Keeping Murphy a prisoner, they proceeded to Greek-street, where they heard that some rebels were assembled. But the rebels had been alarmed, and went through a back passage to Church-street, and crossing the tops of some houses, they escaped.

7. Murder of Philip Prosser at Tibradden

   Tibradden · townland · Dublin · 1798

   A large party of rebels shot Philip Prosser, a Protestant former silk-throwster residing at Tibradden near Rathfarnham, because he refused to hand over his fowling-piece.

   Read the passage

   On the fame evening, a large party of rebels fhot at Tibbradden, about two miles beyond Rathfarnham, Mr. Philip ProlTor, a proteflant, formerly an eminent filk-throwfter in Dublin, and who then refided there, becaufe he refufed to deliver up his fowlingpiece.

   AH the farmers and peafants in that large tra£l of country, between Dublin and the Wicklow^ "mountains, were in a ftate of infurreclion, waiting the fignal which they expeded, to enter the metropolis, and aflift their fellow traitors there ; and in the mean time, they continued to commit various aO:s of outrage. .In every other part of the adjacent country the rebels were equally terrlfick and deflruffive.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 153

8. Philanthropic Society passes death sentence on Sheriff Giffard

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1754

   The Philanthropick society, a radical Dublin club affiliated with defenderism, passed a sentence of death on Captain Giffard, then high sheriff of the city, in 1754; the appointed assassin repented and warned Giffard.

   Read the passage

   of the capital, who circulated twenty thoufand copies of Tom Paine's Rights of Man, at id. each, but many of them gratis^ to enlighten the people : The friends of the conftitution, liberty, and peace :* The Catholick committee : The Catholick fociety : The united Iriflimen, who were very numerous : The defenders, who multiplied to a very extraordinary degree, were much influenced by the united Irifhmen, and with whom they began to affiliate in the year 1792: Many reading clubs: The Shamrock, Telegraphick, and Philanthropick focieties, which were ramifications of defenderifm, confifled of the lowell claiTes of the people, and furniflied the united Irifhmen with affaffins. The Philanthropick pafled fentence of death on captain Giffard in the year 1754, when high fherifF of the city ; but the afTafTm appointed to execute it, being touched with remorfe, informed him of it, and put him on his gu^rd.

   On Monday the twenty-feventh of February, 1 7Q2, an event happened which filled all loyal fubjefts with alarming apprehenfions, and with ominous conjectures, left the malignant defigns of the traitors, who "were numerous at that time in the m.etropolis, m.ight terminate in its deftruftion. About the hour of four o'clock on that day, when the houfe of commons were in a committee, a member, conceiving that he perceived the fmejl of fire, fent fo^ue of the fervants to the dome of the edi^c^, and. they immediately announced that it was on fire. The m.embers, having inftantly retired to the oppoiite fide of the ftreet, faw the flames burfling fro^i it in fev^eral places, and- in oppoiite directions, and the whole was inftantly in a blaze. The utmofi exertion, with all the buckets and engines of the city,, were ufed to extinguifh it^ but in vain.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 80

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through the city where the Philanthropick Society once passed a death sentence on a man called Captain Giffard. The Philanthropick was one of several radical clubs in the city. Alongside the Shamrock and the Telegraphick societies, it was a ramification of defenderism, made up of the lowest classes of the people, and it furnished the United Irishmen with assassins. The Philanthropick Society passed sentence of death on Captain Giffard in 1754, when he was high sheriff of the city. They chose a man to carry out the killing. But that assassin, appointed to execute it, was touched with remorse. He went to Giffard, informed him of the sentence, and put him on his guard. Dublin at this time was full of such clubs and factions. There were reading clubs, the Catholick committee, the Catholick society, the United Irishmen, who were very numerous, and the Defenders, who multiplied to an extraordinary degree and were much influenced by the United Irishmen. The Defenders began to affiliate with the United Irishmen in 1792. There were also those who circulated 20,000 copies of Tom Paine's Rights of Man, many of them given gratis to enlighten the people. The Philanthropick Society stood among these groups, and its sentence on Giffard shows how far such clubs would go.

9. Philip Horneck murdered and burned at Carrickbyrne rebel camp

   Carrickbyrne · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

   Philip Horneck was captured by rebels at Alderfown, the house of Mr. John Glascott, and taken to the rebel camp at Carrickbyrne where he was murdered, quartered and burned, taunted about the Whiteboys of 1775.

   Read the passage

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

   4fi4 MEMOIRS OF THE DIFFERENT*

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 241

10. Pikemen demand loyalty to a 'Roman king' from a Roscommon clergyman

    Roscommon · town · Roscommon

    A body of pikemen rushed into the house of a protestant clergyman in the county of Roscommon at night, demanding he swear loyalty, rejecting king George and insisting they must have a king of their own, meaning a popish sovereign.

    Read the passage

    A refpeclable proteftant clergyman of the county of Rofcomrnon informed me, that a body of pikemen Tufhed into his houfe in the night, and offered to iwear him to be ioyal ; and on alluring them that he would be loyal to the king, they afked him. What king ? and on his faying king George, they cried out. No-, no, a Roman king, m^eaning a popifh fovereign ; and they added, that they mull: have a king of their oxvh.

    Mr. Bridgeham, an active and intelligent magiftrate in the county of Sligo, who had the courage to do his duty in defiance of the menaces of thefe mifcreants, informed me, that the pried of a certain parifli advifed him net to perfevere in his exertions, but to rem.ain a pafiive fpeclator of thefe outrages, for that otherwife he would b# murdered. He alfo difcovered, that the priefts, at their refpeclive chapels, collected money on Sundays and hohdays, for the purpofe, as they faid, of defraying the expence of obtaining a right to fit in parliament for perfons of * tkeir order ; but he afterwards difcovered that it was to purchafe arms and ammunition.*

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 99

11. Plot to assassinate the earl of Fingal in Meath

    Meath · county · Meath · 1798

    The earl of Fingal became so obnoxious to the disaffected in county Meath for his loyalty at the Battle of Tara that his assassination was planned as a signal for a general massacre of loyalists in the county.

    Read the passage

    The earl of Fingal, who commanded the yeomanry in this a£lion, fhewed great fpirit and courage in it ; for which, and his noted loyalty and zeal in the fervice of his king and country, during the progrefs of the confpiracy and rebellion, he became fo obnoxious; to the difaffected in the county of Meath, that it was refolved to cut him off ; and his affaflination was to have been a fignal for a general malTacre of all the loyalifts in that county.

    I think it right alfo to fay, that captain Molloy, who commanded the yeomen infantry, under lord Fingal, difplayed the mod fteady and deliberate valour ; and that the officers and privates under him fought with the coolnefs of veterans.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, you are moving through the county where the earl of Fingal commanded the yeomanry at the Battle of Tara in 1798. He showed great spirit and courage there, and for his noted loyalty and zeal in the service of his king and country during the conspiracy and rebellion, he became so obnoxious to the disaffected in the county that it was resolved to cut him off. His assassination was to have been a signal for a general massacre of all the loyalists in Meath. Captain Molloy, who commanded the yeomen infantry under Lord Fingal, displayed the most steady and deliberate valour, and his officers and privates fought with the coolness of veterans.

12. Plot to seize Derry and murder officials

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1797–1798

    A dangerous plot was discovered for taking the town of Derry, in which privates and non-commissioned officers of the Tipperary regiment were engaged. A chosen band planned to murder the Earl of Cavan, Colonel Bagwell, and Sir George Hill, and seize the magazine on a market day when ten thousand country people would enter under pretext of business.

    Read the passage

    A plot of a very extenfive and dangerous nature for taking that town was difcovered, and that fome of the privates and non-commiffioned officers of that regiment were deeply engaged in it. Three or four publicans were to have intoxicated fuch of the foldiers ?is were not fworn, A chofen band were to have murdered the earl of Cavan, colonel Bagwell, and fir George Hill, and to have feized the magazine.

    The confpiracy v/as to have been carried into execution on a market day, 'when ten thoufand of the country people were to have entered the town under the pretext of bufmefs. Different perfon^^f, both foldiers and peafants, concurred exaftiy in their relation of this plot.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 130

13. Rebel attack on Maynooth and murder of sentries

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1798

    In the early hours of 10 June 1798, two rebels lured a sentry of the Carton cavalry before firing on him near Maynooth, provoking a chase by some 500 rebels under William Aylmer. A young man named Nugent was captured and shot the next day, and eleven yeomen were taken prisoner.

    Read the passage

    About one o'clock in the morning of the tenth of June, 1798, two men approached the town and addreffed one of the corps, v/ho was at an outpofl ; and pretending to be travellers, and that they had loft their way, begged admittance into the town, to get a lodging, but on being refufed, they drew back a fev/ paces, and both fired at the fentinel at the fame time ; on which, he galloped with the utmoil fpeed to the guard-room, and alarmed his fellow-foldiers ; and was purfued by about five hundred rebels, headed by William Aylmer their commander.

    Such was the difaffe^lion of the corps, that, though they were alarmed in due time, only feven mounted ' their horfes to face the rebels ; and of thofe f^ven, but four fired at him ; and they were under the necefTity of retreating, lefl they fhould be overpowered by the great fuperiority of numbers.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 187

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Maynooth, this is where a rebel attack unfolded in the early hours of 10 June 1798. Two men came up to the town pretending to be travellers who had lost their way, and asked a sentry of the Carton cavalry to let them in for a lodging. When he refused, they stepped back a few paces and both fired at him at the same time. The sentry galloped at full speed to the guard-room and raised the alarm, but around 500 rebels under William Aylmer were already pursuing him. So great was the disaffection in the corps that only seven men mounted their horses to face the rebels, and of those seven only four fired. They had no choice but to retreat, lest they be overpowered by the great superiority of numbers.

14. Rebel camp established on Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    Early the morning after taking Enniscorthy, the rebels formed a camp on Vinegar Hill, built entrenchments and batteries, and stationed a large garrison in the town. The camp swelled to at least ten thousand men drawn from the surrounding countryside.

    Read the passage

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

    They then proceeded to deftroy the church of Ennifcorthy, and having pulled down the organ, the pews, the communion-table, and reading-deflc, they burned them to afhes before the church-door, where they tore the bibles and the prayer-books ; and then proceeded to demolifh the rem.ainder of the infide part, leaving nothing but the roof and the bare walls. They took down the bell, and mounted

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 228

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill stands near Enniscorthy in County Wexford, and in 1798 it became the heart of the rebellion. Early the morning after taking Enniscorthy, the rebels formed a camp on this hill, dug entrenchments around it, and placed batteries in them. They stationed a large garrison in the town, relieved each day by an officer's guard from the camp. Great numbers from the surrounding countryside flocked there until the camp held at least 10,000 men. They posted strong picket guards, sentinels, and vedettes in all the avenues leading to the town and for some miles around. They then turned to destroying the church of Enniscorthy. They pulled down the organ, the pews, the communion table, and the reading desk, and burned them to ashes before the church door. They tore the bibles and prayer-books, demolished the inside of the church, leaving nothing but the roof and the bare walls, and took down the bell.

15. Rebel camp on Carrickbyrne-hill overseeing the massacre

    Carrickbyrne · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

    The rebel army encamped on Carrickbyrne-hill, half a mile from Scullabogue, and captain King, the proprietor of Scullabogue, was warned to flee his house before the camp was established there.

    Read the passage

    On the eve of the thirtieth of May, captain King, the proprietor of Scullabogue, was advifed to abandon his houfe, and to carry olf what valuable effects he could, as a camp was to be formed the day after on Carrickbyrne-hill, which is within half a mile of Scullabogue.

    Next day he made his efcape, and the rebels took pofTeflion of his houfe. It appears, on the evidence of different perfons, that one hundred and eighty, four proteftants were burned in the barn of Sculkbogue, and that thirty-feven were (hot in the front of it.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 269

16. Rebel colonels assemble at Church-lane rendezvous

    Church Lane · street · Dublin · 1798

    Neilson assembled fifteen rebel colonels at a house in Church-lane, a noted rendezvous for rebels, and assigned each their post using a map of Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Southwell Mc. Clune, a rebel colonel, who had furrendered himfelf to government, and obtained his pardon, declared upon oath, that Neilfon had aiTembled at a houfe in Church-lane, a noted rendezvous for rebels, fifteen colonels ; and having produced a map of Dublin, affigned to each the pod which he and his regiment were to occupy that night, t

    A numerous party of his followers were about Clontarf, and in the demefne of fir Wiiiiam Newcomea ; another party in the fields contiguous to Eccles-ftreet,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 144

17. Rebel court-martial in Beale's barn at foot of Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    Richard Sterne was imprisoned in Mr. Beale's barn at the foot of Vinegar Hill, where he witnessed fellow prisoners tried and condemned by a rebel court-martial presided over by Lawrence Power for being orangemen or protestants, and saw Murtagh Keane shoot two condemned men.

    Read the passage

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

    I fnall alfo refer the reader to Appendix, No. XIX. 4, for the barbarous treatment whidi Edward Stacey, a proteftant farmer, of Tomgar, received from four ruffians, who were fent from the camp in queft of proteftants. I faw the wound which he received, foon after it was healed.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass near Vinegar Hill in Wexford, that rise was the backdrop to a grim episode in 1798. Richard Sterne was held prisoner in Mr. Beale's barn at the foot of the hill, where he watched fellow prisoners tried by a rebel court-martial. Lawrence Power presided over the court, condemning men for being orangemen or protestants. Sterne later testified that he saw many led to execution under those judgments, and that he saw Murtagh Keane shoot Thomas Simpson and Jeremiah Smyth soon after Power pronounced sentence. Power himself was later taken in Dublin, tried, convicted, and hanged.

18. Rebels Burn Houses Along Neville-street and Mary-street, New Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Rebels entering through the Three-bullet gate and priory gate burnt thatched houses and many slated ones in Neville-street, Michael-street, Mill-lane, Mary-street, Church-lane and Chapel-lane, totaling about 286 houses burnt in New Ross.

    Read the passage

    I fhall now relate fome of the incidents which occurred in the courfe of this very extraordinary adion, which lafted from five in the morning till three in the afternoon. The main body of the rebels entered, the town by the Three-bullet gate, and many alfo by the priory or fouth-gate, where one of the field-pieces, that the rebels had taken fome days before near the mountain of Forth, was retaken by the king's troops ; but this took place after they were driven out of the town. They burnt all the thatched houfes, and many of the flated ones in Neville^ftreet, which run in a dired line from the Three-builet gate ; every thatched and fome flated houfes in Michaelflreet and MilUlane, which are. at right angles with Neville-ftreet ; all the houfes in the upper part of Mary-ilreet, v/hich crofTes the end of Nevilieitreet ; all the houfes in Church-lane aiid the Chapellane, both which communicated wkh Marv-ftrcet. On the whole, the number of houfes fuppofed to be burnt amounted to two hundred and eighty-fix.

    There was very great deftrudion of the favages in Chapel-lane, where they lay in heaps. They had jx^ffeilion of it, and of the upper part of Mary-ltreet, for a confiderable time.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 261

19. Rebels plunder and murder Protestants in Kilcullen after Dundas withdraws

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1798

    After General Dundas marched to Naas, rebels plundered Protestant houses in Kilcullen and its vicinity, murdering quarter-master King, aged seventy, two dragoons guarding Dr. Cramer's house, and mutilating a ninety-year-old woman, Mrs. Burchell.

    Read the passage

    Soon after the general marched from Kilcullen, the rebels plundered all the houfes of the proteftants in it and its vicinity, and murdered fuch of the inhabitants as could not make their efcape. They killed quarter-m after King of the 9th dragoons, a man feventy years old, who remained behind in the town ; and two dragoons of the fame regiment, who guarded the* reverend dodor Cramer's houfe, were treacheroufly murdered by fome wretches who were drinking with them. They piked out one eye of a Mrs. Burchell, aged ninety ; they alfo affaflinated fome wounded foldiers v/ho had been left in the town, and a Mr. John Cheney at Donard. All the ' preteftants near Kilcullen, who were fo fortunate as

    Vol. I. Y to

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Kilcullen in County Kildare. In 1798, after General Dundas marched his forces out to Naas, rebels plundered the Protestant houses here and killed those who could not escape. They murdered quarter-master King of the 9th Dragoons, a seventy-year-old man who had stayed behind. Two dragoons guarding Dr. Cramer's house were killed by people who had been drinking with them. They put out one eye of Mrs. Burchell, aged ninety, and killed wounded soldiers left in the town.

20. Second Rebel Conspiracy Plotted at Malone's House in Ross

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    After the defeat at Ross, rebels formed a second conspiracy to attack and burn the town, assembling at the house of a publican named Malone to seduce soldiers of the Dublin militia, aided by armed traitors from the woods of Killoughrin, but the plot was exposed by captain La Touche in disguise.

    Read the passage

    Notwithftanding the complete overthrow of the rebels at Rofs, and the flaughter of them which took place on the fifth of June, they, encouraged by the thinnefs of the garrifon, which confided of but one hundred and fifty of the Dublin militia, formed a fecond confpiracy for attacking and burning the town, and murdering all its loyal inhabitants, and then marching to Waterford, for the purpofe of taking it. The leaders of the confpiracy ufed to aflemble at the houfe of one Malone, a publican, where they made different attempts to feduce the foldiers of the Dublin mihtia. One of them, who was very loyal, pretended to accede to and promote their defigns, and informed them that many of his comrades would co-operate with them ; but he communicated the whole of what had paifed between them to captain La Touche, who, the better to develope their fchemes, aifumed the habit of a common foldier, and v/as Introduced by the loyal one to the band of traitors at Malone's, as one of the fraternity, and pretended to be warmly attached to it.

    In the courfe of converfation he difcovered, thai they were quite fure of the co-operation of many of his foldiers, who were to deliver up the ammunition to them ; and that the mafs of the people from all the adjacent country, aided by a numerous band of well-armed traitors who frequented the woods of Killoughrin, were to, attack the town on the Friday following. They then attempted to adminifler an oath to him, on which he had them arrcftcd and committed.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 263

21. Shooting of Mr D'Arcy Near Ballynahown

    Ballynahown · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Mr D'Arcy, a member of Captain White's yeomanry corps and owner of the Ballynahown estate, was shot near his house by a rebel named Whelan, aide-de-camp to Father John Murphy, before he could get his mother to safety in Gorey.

    Read the passage

    He accompanied Mr. D'Arcy, a member of his corps, within a mile of Ballynahown,| his country feat, and advifed him to fend his mother, a venerable old lady, into that town, to efcape the favage fury of the rebels ; but before he could effect it, he was ihot near his houfe, by a rebel of the name of Whelan, who was attached to father John Murphy, as his aidde-camp.f This young gentleman was poflefTed oi a large eftate, and had very honourable connexions, as his mother is aunt to the marquis of Ely, ami

    fiftcr

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 220

22. Skirmish near Clondalkin and Bodies Displayed on Barrack Street

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin · 1798

    Lieutenant-colonel Finlay patrolled near Clondalkin with soldiers and met rebels heading to join those from Rathfarnham; after a skirmish he killed three, whose bodies were hung the next morning on Barrack-street as a warning to disaffected inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    On the night of the twenty-third of May, lieutenant-colonel Finlay patroled with a party of foldiers near Clondalkin, four miles from Dublin, where he met a body of rebels, proceeding to join thofe from Rathfarnham. After a flight fkirmifli, he kilkd three of them, whofe bodies were fulpended next moi'ning in Barrack-flreet, as an example to the difaffeQed inhabitants of that quarter of the city.

    So fure were the rebel inhabitants of the country adjacent to Dublin, that their fellow traitors would overpower the government and get polTeffion of it, that a number of them remained under arms until eleven o'clock in the morning near Artane, within tw6 miles of the city, expe(5ling a fummons to cooperate with them ; and they threatened the lives of fome loyal fubjefts in the neighbourhood of that village.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Clondalkin now, about four miles from Dublin. On the night of 23 May 1798, Lieutenant-Colonel Finlay patrolled here with a party of soldiers and met a body of rebels making their way to join those from Rathfarnham. After a short skirmish he killed three of them. Their bodies were hung the next morning in Barrack Street, as an example to the disaffected inhabitants of that quarter of the city. The rebels near Dublin were confident their side would overpower the government. Some remained under arms until 11 o'clock in the morning near Artane, within two miles of the city, waiting for a summons to cooperate, and they threatened the lives of loyal subjects in that neighbourhood.

23. Soldier from Blaris camp drowned near Holywood

    near Holywood · town · Down · 1796

    A soldier from Blaris camp was likewise drowned in a river near Holywood by the same committee of assassination that killed the friar Philips.

    Read the passage

    It is worthy of notice, that one of the committef j concerned in the murder, was impanelled on the inquell jury which fat on the body when difcovered, and the verdict was, of courfe, luicide. A foldier from Blaris camp was Hkewife drowned in a river near Holywood, by the fame committee ; and a man was fliot on Peter 's-hill, Belfaft, at the early hour of feven o'clock in the evening* Many other perfons v/ere murdered in the fame manner, on a bare fufpicion of being informers.

    It feems to have been a maxim with the united confpirators of Down and Antrim, adopted from the illuminati of Germany^ and the philofophifts of France, that the end juftified the means ; and that no motives, human or divine, Ihould check them in the accompliihnient of their main defign. Hence the mofl unblufiiing calumnies were propagated againft thofe v^^ho oppofed them ; and committees of affaffi nation v/ere conflantly fitting to condemn fuch perfons as were fufpeded of doing fo, or of giving information againft them.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 107

24. Terrified women flee to Beresford's riding school on Eccles Street alarm

    Eccles Street · street · Dublin · 1798

    The large body of armed rebels assembled in Eccles Street and its environs so terrified inhabitants that well-dressed women fled to Mr John Claudius Beresford's riding-school seeking protection.

    Read the passage

    The large body of rebels, armed with pikes and muikets, which had aiTembled in Eccles-ftreet and its environs, were fo terrifick to the inhabitants of that quarter, that a number of weil-drelfed women iied in the greateft confternation about ten o'clock to Mr. John Claudius Beresford^s riding-fchool, and claimed the proteclion of his corps. ^

    Major Sirr flopped a man on Cork-hiil, about ten o'clock at night, with fix pike-heads, which he was going to get mounted. Sir John Macartney, in proceeding to Smithheld, the alarm.-poft of the Attornies corps, which he commanded, and of the Lawyers and Barrack corps, having obtained intelligence that numbers of fufpicious perfons were alTembled in Greek-ftreet, near Pill-lane, went thither with fix or feven of his corps, and pcrcei\ing a man paiTmg by, he feized him by the breall, and hearing fomething rattle under his coat, about a dozen pike-heads of excellent workmanfhip, tied up in a piece of cloth, fell to the ground ; and captain Furlong of the fame corps, who was of his party, caught as many more falling on his other fide. He faid his name was Murphy, and that he had received thefe pike-heads from one Ryan a ftone-cutter. Keeping Murphy a prifoner, they proceeded to Greek-ftreet, where they heard that fome rebels were alTembled ; but they being alarmed, went through a back palTage to Churchftreet, and croffing the tops of fome houfes, they

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Eccles Street, in 1798, a large body of rebels armed with pikes and muskets assembled, and the sight so terrified the inhabitants of this quarter that a number of well-dressed women fled in the greatest consternation, about ten o'clock, to Mr John Claudius Beresford's riding-school, and claimed the protection of his corps. That same night, about ten o'clock, Major Sirr stopped a man on Cork Hill carrying six pike-heads, which he was going to get mounted. Sir John Macartney, proceeding to Smithfield, the alarm-post of the Attorneys corps which he commanded, and of the Lawyers and Barrack corps, had intelligence that suspicious persons were assembled in Greek Street, near Pill Lane. He went there with six or seven of his corps, and seizing a man by the breast, heard something rattle under his coat. About a dozen pike-heads of excellent workmanship, tied up in cloth, fell to the ground. Captain Furlong of the same corps caught as many more falling on the other side. The man said his name was Murphy, and that he had received these pike-heads from one Ryan, a stone-cutter. They kept Murphy prisoner and proceeded to Greek Street, where they heard rebels were assembled, but those rebels had been alarmed and went through a back passage to Church Street, crossing the tops of some houses.

25. The 'Back-lane Parliament' Convenes in Tailors-hall, Dublin

    Back Lane · street · Dublin · 1792

    A convention of Roman Catholic delegates elected under Edward Byrne's circular assembled in Tailors-hall on Back-lane in Dublin beginning 3 December 1792, derisively nicknamed the Back-lane parliament, and drafted an address of grievances to the king.

    Read the passage

    The writs were obeyed, the eiedions were made with the utmoft celerity, the conventioh affembled, and began its feflion on the third of December, 1792, and was ridiculoufly called the Back-lane parliament ; becaufe it fat in Tailors-hall in that ftreet.

    At a pofl alfembly, confiding of the lord mayor, fherilfs, commons, and citizens of the city of Dublin, held the eleventh day of September, 1792, they condemned the objed of Edward Byrne's circular letter ; and refolved, in fpirited refolutions, to maintain the conltitution in church and (late. See them in Appendix, No. IIL

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Back Lane, Tailors-hall is where Roman Catholic delegates gathered on 3 December 1792, after elections held under Edward Byrne's circular. People mockingly called it the Back-lane Parliament. The delegates drafted an address of grievances to the king. Dublin's lord mayor, sheriffs, commons and citizens had already condemned the object of Byrne's circular in spirited resolutions on 11 September 1792, declaring they would maintain the constitution in church and state.

26. Tone Silenced Mid-Speech in Rathfriland

    near Rathfriland · town · Down · 1792

    Wolfe Tone mounted the rostrum at Rathfriland and harangued the populace, urging unity between presbyterians and Catholics and denouncing government. A magistrate present silenced him by reminding him of the stocks in town, forcing Tone and his associates to leave.

    Read the passage

    At Rathfriland, in the county of Down, Tone mounted the roftrum, and haranguing the populace, recommended peace and unanimity to them, on the grounds of chrillian charity and brotherly love. He threw out many invedives againft government, whom he reprefented as defirous of dividing the people, for the purpofe of governing them corruptly and defpoticaiiy ; and he advifed that all orders ihould unite to oppofe their bafe and fmifiier defigns. A magiftrate, who happened to be prefent, fdenced the orator, by reminding him that there were flocks in town ; on which he and his affociates precipitately left it, and proceeded on their million.

    Soon after, Mr. John Keogh, accompanied by one O'Hanlon, a grocer of Newry, and his fon, both papifts, made a fecond attempt to reconcile thefe two orders, at Rathfriland ; but the diffenters ihewed fo jfrong an averfion to it, that the milTionaries were

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 71

27. Two rebels captured in arms near Glenmalure

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    Very early in the rebellion, two men named Doyle and Lancaster were found in arms near Glenmalure. Doyle, a papist, was condemned to die but pardoned through the intercession of captain King and Isaac Eccles for having saved Lancaster's life.

    Read the passage

    Very early in the rebellion, two men of the names of Doyle and Lancafter, were found in arms near Glenmalur. The former, a papilt, was condemned to die ; but it appearing that he was more than once inftrumental in faving the life of Lancafler, who was a loyal man, and had been compelled to join the rebels, he was pardoned the intercefiion of captain King and Ifaac Eccles, efquire, two magiftrates. When the mitigation in his fentence was communicated to him, he related feveral circumftances concerning the rebellion ; among others, that he , , believed the priefts promoted the rebellion to the utmoft of their power, and that twenty-eight of them were in the rebel army at the camp of VinegarhilL

    In

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 200

28. Whipping sentence at Carrick-on-Suir defied by mob

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1786–1787

    The high sheriff of County Waterford could not find anyone willing to execute a whipping sentence at Carrick-on-Suir against a Right Boy convict, and had to perform the punishment himself before an enraged mob.

    Read the passage

    This fpirit of infurredion fpread over moft parts of Munfter. The confpirators bound each other by oath to refift the laws of the land, and to obey none but thofe of captain Right ; and fo ftridly did they adhere to them, that the high ftierifF of the county of Waterford * could not procure a perfon to execute the fentence of the law on one of thefe rhifcreants who was condemned to be whipped at Carfick-on- Suir, though he offered a large fum of money for that purpofe. He was therefore under the neceffity of performing that duty hinifelf, ii^ the face of an enraged mob.

    * T^e writer of thefe pages was high fhenfF at that time.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 35

29. Yeomanry Guard and Ambush Plot at Rathfarnham

    Rathfarnham · townland · Dublin · 1798

    The Earl of Ely's yeomen cavalry were stationed at Rathfarnham; on the night of 23 May 1798, on Lord Camden's warning of a planned rebel attack, the whole troop mounted guard, and a traitor attempted to lure the patrol into an ambush, but the plan failed when the full troop turned out unexpectedly.

    Read the passage

    The earl of Ely commanded a corps of yeomen cavalry at Rathfarnham, a village about three miles diflant from Dublin, of which a ferjeant and twelve men mounted guard every night, and patroled through the adjacent country.

    Lord Camden, having received information that the rebels meant to attack and cut off that fmall party on the night of the twenty-third -of May, 179S, recommended to the commanding officer that the whole troop fliould mount guard, which, eventually, was very fortunate ; for foon after they were aifemibled, a man, about nine o'clock, went to lieutenant Latouche, who commanded on that night, and offered to condu^l him to a place where two hundred ' rebels were affembled ; but on arriving there, there was no appearance of them. It proved afterwards,- that the defign of this traitor was to have led the patrole, conhfting of a ferjeant and twelve men, into en ambufh, by which they would have been cut olF ; but a numerous body of rebels, who meditated their deflruQion, intimidated by the unexpected arrival of the whole troop, concealed thenifelves in the adjacent hedges.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 141

30. Assault on Keugh in the Wexford committee room

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    On the evening of 14 June, a party of rebels rushed into the committee or council-room in Wexford and nearly killed Keugh on the charge of being an orangeman; fellow Roman Catholic members rescued him.

    Read the passage

    " On the evening of the fourteenth of June, a party of the rebels ruflied into the committee or council-room, and nearly killed Keugh. The charge againfl him was his being an orangeman. The reib of the members who were Roman catholicks, refcued him ; but he, and all the protellant leaders had embraced that religion, and v»^ent regularly to mafs, at the head of the rebels : but they never could forget their having been proteftants, and they treated them accordingly. She heard fome of the rebels fay, all their policy and chriHianity fhall not fave them ; and it was at lad avowed, that no proteiiant fhould live, much lefs command them.'* *

    On Sunday the tenth of June, while the rebels were on parade, at the cudom-houfe quay, governor - Keugh informed them, rhat do£lor Caulheld the popiOi biOiop had ordered a fermon to be preached that morning from the altar, fuited to the times, and that they mult repair to the chapel to hear it. They

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 298

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, this town holds a scene from June 1798. On the evening of the 14th of June, a party of rebels rushed into the committee or council-room here and nearly killed a man named Keugh. The charge against him was his being an orangeman. The rest of the members who were Roman Catholics rescued him. Keugh and the other Protestant leaders had embraced that religion and went regularly to mass, at the head of the rebels, but the rebels never forgot they had been Protestants and treated them accordingly. Some rebels were heard to say that no policy or Christianity should save them, and it was avowed that no Protestant should live, much less command them. Before this, on Sunday the 10th of June, while the rebels were on parade at the custom-house quay, Keugh had informed them that Doctor Caulfield, the Popish bishop, had ordered a sermon to be preached from the altar suited to the times.

31. Defence of Monasterevin against thirteen hundred rebels

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1798

    The Monasterevin yeomen cavalry and infantry, without militia or regular troop assistance, defended their town against thirteen hundred well-armed rebels, killing sixty rebels in the streets though losing five named yeomen and nine horses.

    Read the passage

    I think it is a tribute due to the memory of thefe brave men, that their names fliould be recorded ia the page of hiftory. It redounds much to the honour ■ of the Monaftereven yeomanry, that they defended their town againfl thirteen hundred rebels, well appointed with arms, without the affillance of the militia or regular troops.

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

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Monasterevin, in Kildare. In 1798 the local yeomanry, cavalry and infantry, held this town against 1,300 well-armed rebels, with no militia or regular troops to help them. They killed 60 rebels in the streets but lost 5 of their own yeomen and 9 horses. A priest named Prendergast was hanged here too, convicted, as the author puts it, on "the clearest evidence of being deeply concerned in the rebellion."

32. Escape of protestants via Ballyhack to Ravensworth transport

    Ballyhack · town · Wexford · 1798

    Rev. William Glascott of St. James/Ballyhack parish warned parishioners of the rebel encampment on the mountain of Forth, leading some to Duncannon fort and others across the river at Ballyhack, where captain Forbes of the Ravensworth transport sheltered them.

    Read the passage

    The reverend William Glafcott, reftor of the parifh of St. James or Baliyhack, * which lies on the Rofs river, above Duncannon fort, and oppofire to Palfage, having received the earlieft intelligence of the rebel encampment formed on the mountain of Forth, and the defeat of the Meath militia there, critically alarmed his parifhioners, fome of whom fought an afylum in the fort of Duncannon ; t and others crofled the river at Ballyhack, and were treated with very great humanity by captain Forbes of the Ravenfworth tranfport, who received as many of them as he could accommodate in his veifel, and provided them with necelfaries. Two only fell into the hands of the rebels, who polled piquets on all the roads leading to Rofs, Ballyhack and Duncannon, to intercept fuch proteftants as might attempt to efcape.

    William Hore, of Harperftown, | efquire, nephew of the earl of Courtown, had appointed a day for the priefl and the congregation of the pariili of Doncormuck, § to affemxble and take oaths of allegiance 5 but the rebellion broke out the day preceding it. He endeavoured to make his efcape to Duncannon fort, on foot, by the mod fecret and by-ways ; but he was feized by a body of pikemen, who were polled to prevent orangemen from retreating to that garrifon. Mr. Hore requefted to be carried before father Edward Murphy, parifh prieft of Bannow ; j| with

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 266

33. Esmond arrested at Naas gaol for command at Prosperous

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    After learning from yeoman Philip Mite that Esmond had commanded the rebel attack on Prosperous, Captain Griffith held his composure until arriving at Naas, where he committed Esmond to gaol within minutes of halting his troop.

    Read the passage

    ricated to him the conduci of Efmond, v/ho, he faid, had ccmraanded at the attack of Profperous-; and that he (Mite) had accompar.ied him to the entrance of that town, and then made his efcape. He had fcarce received this intelligence, when Efmond appeared and joined the troop, with his hair dreiled, his boots and breeches quite clean, and fully accoutred. The captain had fortunately fufHcient command over himfelf, to reprefs his indignation on feeing him, and to hold his peace till he arrived at Naas, v,here, having dra^^n up his troop in front of the gaol, he committed Efmond in five minutes after they heilted.

    When ^lite was awakened, and was compelled to join the rebels, who were proceeding to Profperous, he objected againil attending them : on which Efmond> who headed the party, defired him to banifh his fears, ?-s, he faid, the mafs of the people of Ireland would rife that night.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Naas, in County Kildare, is the town the road passes through now, and its gaol figures in a grim episode from 1798. A yeoman named Philip Mite told Captain Griffith that Esmond had commanded the rebel attack on Prosperous. Mite said he had accompanied Esmond to the entrance of that town before making his escape. Shortly after, Esmond himself appeared and joined the troop, his hair dressed, his boots and breeches quite clean, fully accoutred. Griffith had sufficient command over himself to repress his indignation and hold his peace until he arrived at Naas. There, having drawn up his troop in front of the gaol, he committed Esmond within five minutes of halting. When Mite had been awakened and compelled to join the rebels proceeding to Prosperous, he objected, and Esmond, who headed the party, told him to banish his fears, saying the mass of the people of Ireland would rise that night.

34. Foiled Plot Against Lord Clare and Mr. Lees at Blackrock

    Blackrock · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Four hundred conspirators planned to attack the houses of the earl of Clare and Mr. Lees at Blackrock with the aid of seduced King's county militia soldiers stationed there, but the plot was defeated when two grenadiers gave information.

    Read the passage

    Four hundred confpiraters were to have attacked the houfes of the earl of Clare and ]\Ir. Lees at the Blackrock. The confpirators had feduced fome of the foldiers q{ the King's county militia, quartered at Blackrock for its defence ; and they were to have co-operated with them ; but two of the grenadiers of that regiment having given information, of the plot, completely defeated their nefarious defign. The noted loyalty of this noble lord and Mr. Lees marked them as objects of rebel vengeance ; but their fmgular humanity and charity fliould have awakened fuch a degree of gratitude in the breads oi thefe fanatical ruffians towards their beiiefadors, as fliould have made them relents

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1798, four hundred conspirators planned to attack the houses of the earl of Clare and Mr. Lees at Blackrock. They had seduced some soldiers of the King's County militia, who were quartered here for its defence, and expected them to co-operate in the assault. But two grenadiers of that regiment gave information and completely defeated the design. The loyalty of this noble lord and Mr. Lees had marked them as objects of rebel vengeance. Yet their singular humanity and charity, as the source puts it, should have awakened gratitude toward their benefactors rather than violence.

35. Infant of Colonel Bradshaw sheltered from rebel threats near Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    The infant child of Lieutenant-Colonel Bradshaw of the 13th regiment was left at nurse with a family living within a mile of Wexford; the rebels threatened to burn the house unless the child was killed, but the nurse's husband refused despite the danger.

    Read the passage

    efteemed and refpefted. They marched to Waterford a fhort time before the rebellion broke out, and left their firil-born child at nurfe with the wife of one Wreck, who lived within a mile of Wexf"ord, The rebels often threatened to burn his houfe, unlefs he would put the young heretick to death ; but he, with becoming fortitude, mingled with humanity, refifted their menaces ; and he was confirmed in this generous refolution by the refpectable females whom 1 have now mentioned, and who often vifited the child.

    The rebels frequently attempted to force the gaol, and to murder the prifoners ; but the guards, I prefume, influenced by their ofHcers, fuccefsfully oppofed them.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 300

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, in 1798 the first-born infant of Lieutenant-Colonel Bradshaw of the 13th regiment was left at nurse with a family living within a mile of this town. The rebels threatened to burn the house unless the nurse's husband would put what they called the young heretic to death, but he refused. He resisted their menaces with what the record calls "becoming fortitude, mingled with humanity," and respectable women who often visited the child confirmed him in that resolution.

36. John Coffey forced to feign Catholicism near Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    John Coffey, an old sickly Protestant man, was captured near Vinegar Hill and taken to the rebel camp, where he was forced to prove he was Catholic by crossing himself and reciting popish prayers to save his life.

    Read the passage

    John CofFey, an old fickly man, was taken In a chaife near Vinegar »hill, and led as a prifoner to the rebel camp. On being afked, v/hether he was a Roman catholick ? he anfwered in the affirmative 5 but he was alfa required to prove . himfelf fuch by croiiing himfelf and faying fome popifh prayers^ which very fortunately for him he could do, though a proteftant : for they would have put him to death if he had failed.

    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

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 241

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming near Vinegar Hill, where in 1798 John Coffey, an old sickly Protestant man, was captured in his chaise and brought as a prisoner to the rebel camp. They asked if he was a Roman Catholic, and he said yes, but then they demanded proof. He had to cross himself and say popish prayers, and by some good fortune he could do it, though he was a Protestant. They would have killed him if he had failed. Not far from here, just before the rebellion broke out, Father Roche, a priest who became a rebel general, called on the Reverend Mr. Richards at Grange and assured him the people were loyal and peaceable. Two or three days later, Father Roche returned with two men and offered Richards a bargain. He would spare Richards and his property, provided Richards handed over the Horneck family and the Protestant tenants of Captain Blacker. If Richards refused, five thousand men with two pieces of cannon would attack his house. Sixteen Protestant families had fled there for shelter. Richards rejected the proposal.

37. Manor mill burned and miller nearly murdered at Forkhill

    near Forkill · parish · Armagh · 1791

    Local opponents of the Forkhill colony burned the manor mill and attempted to murder the miller, who escaped naked across a river at night.

    Read the passage

    The treatment of Alexander Barclay, one of the fchool-mafters, in February, 179I5 will {hew the reader the ferocious difpofition of thefe favages ; and he muft fhudder with horror at hearing, that they openly exulted in the perpetration of thefe enormities, many of which they committed by torch light. They burned the manor mill, and would have murdered the miller, but that he made his efcape, naked, acrofs a river, in the night.

    A Report

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 43

38. Murder victims found at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1798

    At Kildare, Sir James Duff's troops found the murdered bodies of Crawford, his innocent granddaughter, and young Giffard, who they interred with military honours.

    Read the passage

    No praife can equal the merit of fir James Duff, and his gallant little army ; for in forty-eight hours they marched feventy miles without halting. At Kildare, they found the murdered bodies of honed Crawford, of his innocent granddaughter, and of the gallant young Giffard, who preferred death to difhonour, and whom they interred with military honours.

    It is to be lamented that the difaffedion of the popifh yeomanry of the county of Kildare w^as highly difgraceful.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 173

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you're on ground where Sir James Duff's troops arrived in 1798 after marching 70 miles in 48 hours without halting. Here they found the murdered bodies of Crawford, his innocent granddaughter, and young Giffard, who "preferred death to dishonour." They buried all three with military honours.

39. Orange lodges pledge 20,000 men via Holt Waring near Banbridge

    near Waringstown · village · Down · 1797

    In May 1797, delegates from Orange lodges across Ulster met Holt Waring of Waring's-town near Banbridge, authorizing him to inform General Nugent at Lisburn that 20,000 men would assemble within four days if invasion or insurrection occurred.

    Read the passage

    In the month of M'ay, 1797, a numerous body of delegates from the feveral Orange lodges in the province of Ulffer, waited on Holt Waring, efquire, of Waring's-town, near Banbridge, and authorized him in their name to addrefs general Nugent, then commanding 2t Lifourn, and to inform him., that, fhould an infurre£lion or an invafion take place, they would affemble to the number of twenty thoufanei at four days notice, and march under his command to

    any

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 52

40. Panic and chaotic evacuation of loyalist inhabitants from Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    As troops evacuated Wexford, loyal inhabitants fell into confusion, some embarking on vessels days before, others fleeing precipitously; some waded up to their middles to reach boats, with boatmen extorting exorbitant fares for short trips.

    Read the passage

    The evacuation of the town, which for prudential reafons was not announced till the troops began their march, threw its loyal inhabitants into the utmofl confternation. Thole who forefaw that the event muft have taken place, embarked a day or two before, in fuch velTels as they could procure ; but thofe who had no intimation of it till the retreat began, got on board, precipitately, any velTels, even without decks, which happened to be near the fliore. Some proteflants, of adtive and approved loyalty, dreading the immediate vengeance of the rebels, waded up to their middle, to fmall boats, in which they were to be carried to fhips or Hoops ; and the boatmen, in many inftances, exacted three or four guineas for conveying them but one or two hundred yards. Thofe whom infirmity or the want of money precluded from the hope of efcaping by fea, abandoned themfelves to defpair, dreading the fate of the Ennifcorthy loyalifis.

    Part of the^ garrifon marched out of the barrier rather irregularly, and with precipitation, about an hour before the main body, confining of the follow* ing troops : The Scarawalfh infantry^ commanded by captain Cornock ^ and lome loyahlts in coloured clothes. Part of the North Cork who were at the barrier, perceiving them, exclaimed " What ! the yeomanry and loyaHfts who fought with us at Ennifcorthy are retreating, and fome of the yeomen of this tojvn have united with the rebels : We won't flay here to be facrificed on which they fuddenly joined them. Captain Snowe, of the North Cork,

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    Wexford town is the place, and the road passes right through it. In 1798, the evacuation of Wexford was kept secret until the troops began their march, and the news threw the loyal inhabitants into utter consternation. Those who had foreseen it embarked a day or two before in whatever vessels they could find. Those caught unprepared fled precipitately, boarding even open boats without decks near the shore. Some Protestants, dreading the immediate vengeance of the rebels, waded up to their middles to reach small boats carrying them to ships or sloops. The boatmen, in many instances, exacted three or four guineas for conveying people only one or two hundred yards. Those whom infirmity or the want of money precluded from escaping by sea abandoned themselves to despair, dreading the fate of the Enniscorthy loyalists. Part of the garrison marched out of the barrier irregularly about an hour before the main body, and some yeomen of North Cork, seeing them retreat, declared they would not stay to be sacrificed and joined them.

41. Planned defender assembly and castle seizure at the Coombe

    The Coombe · street · Dublin · 1795

    Lawler informed authorities that a numerous assembly of defenders was to gather at the Coombe in the Liberty to surprise the guard, take their arms and clothes, and infiltrate Dublin Castle in disguise as soldiers.

    Read the passage

    The fubftance of what he related to Mr. Cowen, was this ; That Hart informed him on Sunday the twenty-third of Auguft, that there was to have been, a general infurrection and a maffacre of all the proteftants, on Saturday the twenty-fecond ; but it was poftponed till the harveft was over, left a famine inight enfue, fhould it take place before. Mr. Gowea took him to Mr. Hamilton, the lord lieutenant's fecretary ^ and while they were at the caftle, the mutiny, which I already defcribed, occurred on Effex-bridge. Another meeting took, place next day, when Lawler informed them, that there was to be a numerous affembly of the defenders at the Coombe, in the Liberty, on that night ; that they were to furprife the Coombe guard ; to take their clothes and their arms ; to repair to the caftle, where, having the guife of foldiers, they would be admitted ; and then to diftribute among their friends all the arms in the' arfenal. * As the two regiments in garrifon at this time were difaffe^led, it is pro-, bable that they would not have been oppofed. Mr. Hamilton fent for alderman James, and defired him to repair to the Coombe with a body of cavalry^ which he accordingly did, attended by Mr. Cowen and Lawler j and they found there a mob of three

    or

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at the Coombe in the Liberty, a plan was uncovered in August that would have struck at the heart of British power in Ireland. A man named Lawler told the authorities that the Defenders were to gather here in great numbers that night, surprise the Coombe guard, and take their clothes and their arms. Dressed as soldiers, they meant to walk straight into Dublin Castle, where they would be admitted, and then distribute all the arms in the arsenal among their friends. The two regiments then in garrison were disaffected, so it is probable they would not have been opposed. Lawler had been brought to Mr. Hamilton, the lord lieutenant's secretary, by a Mr. Cowen, after a man named Hart had told Lawler on Sunday the 23rd of August of a general insurrection planned for the Saturday before, postponed only until the harvest was over lest a famine ensue. Mr. Hamilton sent for Alderman James, who came here with a body of cavalry, attended by Cowen and Lawler, and they found a mob of three.

42. Plunder of Bishop Cleaver's Palace at Ferns

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

    The palace of Doctor Cleaver, Bishop of Ferns, noted for his charity to the poor, was plundered by his own former beneficiaries on Whitsunday morning, led by an orphan he had raised, who toasted 'Damnation to all bishops'.

    Read the passage

    And yet, horrid to relate 1 thofe very labourers plundered his houfe of every valuable article in it, on the morning of Whitfunday, and openly avowed

    their

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 220

43. Prisoners confined in hold of prison-sloop at Wexford quay

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Gentlemen prisoners were marched through a crowd of pikemen to the quay and embarked on a prison-sloop, where they were confined sixteen days in the hold on stone ballast with meagre food.

    Read the passage

    On Wednefday the feventh of June, they were committed to a prifon-fhip,* with many other refpedable gentlemen. They were furrounded by a multitude of pikemen as they marched to the quay, where they emb^irked. They were confined fixteen days in the hold of a fmall floop, covered with an iron grate, and had no other bed but a light covering of dirty flraw over the ballad, which confifted of ftones. Six rebel guards were placed over them. Their breakfaft conlifted of a fmall barley loaf, which was almoft blacky and half a pint of milk : Their

    dmnei

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 285

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where in June 1798 gentlemen prisoners were marched to the quay surrounded by a multitude of pikemen and put aboard a prison-sloop. They spent sixteen days confined in the hold, covered by an iron grate, with no bed but dirty straw spread over stone ballast. Six rebel guards watched them. Their breakfast was a small barley loaf, almost black, and half a pint of milk.

44. Rebel attack on Carnew repulsed at Ballyraheen

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Country people from around Carnew, under Father Michael Murphy, gathered in numbers and attacked the town on 27 May. The garrison of Antrim militia and yeomanry marched out and engaged them at Ballinrush, killing nine and dispersing the rest, who fled to Ferns.

    Read the passage

    On that morning, the garrifon, confifting of a company of the Antrim militia, commanded by captain Rowan, two corps of yeomen infantry, and one of cavalr)% making in the whole about two hundred inen, having received intelligence that they were ap* proaching the town, marched out, met, and engaged ihem, at a place called Ballinrufli, killed nine^ and took two prifoners, and difperfed the remainder, who fied to Ferns, | polfeifed at that time by the rebels. The garrifon had the mortification to behold all the Iroyalifts houfes in flames, as far as they could fee*

    While the infantry were refling themfelves, a de* tachment of captain Wainwright's troop, who had been on an out-poft, were driven in about four o'clock in the afternoon, by the main body of the rebels from Ferns, who were advancing to renew the engagement.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 224

45. Rebel committee-room proceedings in Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A rebel committee, headed by father Kearns with officers including Morgan Byrne and Patrick Sutton, sat in a committee-room in Enniscorthy at a long table with books and papers, deciding the fate of protestant prisoners including one man's life being spared only if he joined the rebels.

    Read the passage

    ^' We were there but a few hours, when a rebel guard arrived, and carried us back to Ennifcorthyy where Mr. M. was put into a guard-houfe, containing about a dozen unfortunate proteflants^ who were ihot or piked next day in the camp. I was then denred to apply to , one of their officers, named Morgan Byrne, whom I found fitting in their committee-room, at a long table, with many books and papers before him. Father Kearns was at the head of the table, round which all the members of the committee fat. On reprefenting my fituation, and that of I^.lr. M. I\Ir. Patrick Sutton, who was a general among them, faid, He would do his utmoft to ferve Mr. M. and me j" and i\Ir. Morgan Byrne * iaid, " lie would fpare his hie, provided he would join and fight with them ; but on no other condition,

    " Unheard-of barbarities were committed at Ennifcorthy, Vineoar-hill, and in all the adjacent country, before the rebels wer&fubdued and driven from them.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 233

46. Rebel leader Dickey hanged at Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1798

    Dickey, a rebel leader and dissenter, was hanged at Belfast, declaring on the point of death that Presbyterian eyes had been opened too late to the danger posed by Catholic massacres in Leinster.

    Read the passage

    When Dickey, a rebel leader, and a dilTenter, was on the point of being hanged at Belfaft, he declared, that the eyes of the prefbyterians had been opened too late ; and that they were convinced by the maffacres perpetrated by the Romanifls in the province of Leinfter, that they mull have had to contend

    with

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 124

47. Rebel leader Michael Reynolds escapes at Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    A captured rebel revealed the attacking party was over one thousand strong and commanded by Michael Reynolds, dressed in yeoman uniform on horseback. Reynolds escaped but his horse was captured by the troops.

    Read the passage

    They dropped in their flight a great quantity of pikes, and other arms, of which a great number were found in pits near the town, where they alfo feized three men with green cockades, whom they inftantly hanged in the pubhck ftreets. Another prifoner, whom they fpared in confequence of very ufeful information which he gave, told them, that the rebel party was above one thoufand ftrong, and that they were commanded by Michael Reynolds, who was well mounted, and dreffed in yeoman uniform. He made his efcape, but his horfe fell into the hands of our troops.

    One of the rebels concerned in the attack, who obtained the royal mercy by furrendering himfelf under the proclamation, informed me, that one of the gunners, w^ho directed the cannon at the gaol^ having been feduced by the rebels, elevated it fo much as not to injure the alTailants.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 159

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Naas now, a town in Kildare with a stark story from 1798. After the rebels fled here, troops found pikes and other arms hidden in pits near the town, and three men wearing green cockades were hanged in the public streets. A prisoner they spared gave useful information: the rebel party was over 1,000 strong, commanded by Michael Reynolds, well mounted and dressed in yeoman uniform. Reynolds himself escaped, though his horse fell into the hands of the troops. A rebel who later surrendered under the proclamation told of a gunner at the gaol who, having been seduced by the rebels, elevated his cannon so high it did no injury to the attackers.

48. Rebel retreat to Coolgreny after Arklow defeat

    Coolgreany · town · Wexford · 1798

    About eight o'clock, nearly dark, the defeated rebels began an irregular and disorderly retreat towards Coolgreny, carrying off nine cart-loads of dead and wounded. Their losses were said to be one thousand killed.

    Read the passage

    About eight o^clock, when it was almofl: dark, they began to retreat towards Coolgreny, in an irregular and diforderly manner. They carried olF nine cart-loads of dead and wounded. If the cavalry had but one hour's day-light, they would have purfued them, and have cut off great numbers in their retreat* The lofs of the rebels was faid to be one thoufand killed, and great numbers wounded.

    The rebel cannon were worked by fome of our artillery-men, who were taken near Vv'^exford on the thirtieth of May, and as they levelled them too high, their fire was in a great meafure ineffe£lual ; for during the whole engagement, but two fhots had any effed. One of them paffed through the ammunition-box of one of our guns, the other broke the carriage and killed three of the gunners.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 280

49. Rinuccini's Speech to the Confederates at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1646–1648

    The papal nuncio Rinuccini, having excommunicated the confederates for making peace with the Duke of Ormond, addressed the confederates at Kilkenny urging fidelity first to God and religion, meaning obedience to the pope and clergy over the crown.

    Read the passage

    But finding them determined not to comply with his very unreafonable wifties, and that they were Tefolved to accept of the indulgent and conciliating •©IFers of the duke, he, in a fpeech to the confederates at Kilkenny, recommended fidelity, firfl to God and their religion,^ and next to the king,, by which they meant the pope and their own clergy ; and they were always taught, that their attachment, to them ihould fuper fede and predominate over their allegiance to a proteftant ilate.

    He

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 24

50. Roscommon Gentry Attempt to Placate Defenders

    Roscommon · town · Roscommon · 1794–1795

    In May 1794-95 defenders were terrific in Roscommon, with the mass of the people armed with pikes and constantly plundering protestant houses of arms. Nobility and gentry assembled at Roscommon and resolved to lower rents and raise labourers' wages to allay the outrage, but on adjourning found themselves surrounded by armed pikemen and narrowly escaped into the town.

    Read the passage

    When they were approaching the town, on the day to which they adjourned, they faw numbers of people armed with pikes in all the adjacent fields, who purfued fome of their philanthropick benefa£lors fo clofely, that they narrowly efcaped into Rofcommon.

    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.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 91

51. Ambush near Clane and escape to Sallins

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1798

    Sir Fenton Aylmer was way-laid near Clane by rebels lining the hedges, losing three of his four-man advance guard including Archibald Noble, before making his retreat to Sallins.

    Read the passage

    About a month after, as fir Fenton Aylmer was coming to Kilcock with fourteen dragoons, he was , way-laid near Clane, and had a narrow efcape, as the hedges were thickly lined with rebels. Very fortunately for him, he had an advanced guard, confifting of four men, of whom they killed three, which alarmed them, and enabled them to make their retreat to Sallins. One of the advanced guard was Archibald Noble, a proteftant, and late of the Fermanagh militia, noted for his courage and loyalty ; and fuch was their hatred towards him, that they fired the inftant they faw him, by which the remainder of the party were faved.

    William Aylmer, a rebel general, declared afterwards, that he fliould have cut off the whole of them by the ambufh which he had laid, but that he could not reftrain the impetuofity of his men.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 179

52. Arklow Yeomanry Corps Joins Needham's Column

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    The Arklow corps of yeomanry, all loyal Protestants whose houses and property had been destroyed by rebels, joined general Needham's column and took revenge by burning houses of those who had joined rebels at Gorey, until stopped by the general.

    Read the passage

    under colonel Walpole; though mod of them were in a deplorable ftate, having thrown away their packs, containing all their neceflaries, to lighten them in th^ir march ; and the flioes they had were completely worn out. On the march the column was jonied by the Arklow corps of yeomanry, all loyal protellants. As their houfes and property had been dcitroyed by the rebels, they formed themfelves Into fmall parties, before they joined general Needham ; and fet Mrs to many houfes, of which the male inhabitants were known to have joined the rebels at Gorey ; but thefc acls of revenge were completely put an end to by the general, and all the draggling yeom,en were called in. When the column approached within three miles of Arklow, * a ftrong party of dragoons was fent forward to reconnoitre. They pufhed on to the town, and on their appearance, fome few fellows who had committed ads of violence and rebel iion^ after the retreat of the king's troops to Wicklow, made their efcape to Gorey.

    The town was taken pofTefTion of by the dragoons without any oppofition ; nnd about four o'clock, on the fixth of June, the main column marched in. It is impofTible to defcribe the joy which their arrival dilfufed through the tovvn, as moft of the proteflant inhabitants had deferted their houfes, and fled to the beach, to avoid the deilru6^:ion which feemed to impend over them and their fjimiiies, and made their efcape in boats ; but on feeing the column enter the town, they returned. The feventh and eighth, the troops remain unmolefted ; though they were in conftant expectation of being attacked, Patroles were kept conflantly in motion, and every precaution was adopted that prudence could fuggeil. Some fences were levelled, to clear the only pofition which it appeared advifable to occupy in cafe of an attack. The difpofition of the forces for that event was refolved on ) and ground was marked out for encamping the

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow in Wicklow, this is the town general Needham's column reached in June 1798, and where the Arklow corps of yeomanry joined him on the march. They were all loyal Protestants whose houses and property had been destroyed by the rebels. Before they joined the general, they formed themselves into small parties and set fire to many houses at Gorey, where the male inhabitants were known to have joined the rebels. These acts of revenge were put an end to by the general, and all the straggling yeomen were called in. When the column came within three miles of Arklow, a strong party of dragoons was sent forward to reconnoitre. They pushed on to the town, and on their appearance a few fellows who had committed acts of violence after the retreat of the king's troops to Wicklow made their escape to Gorey. The dragoons took possession of the town without opposition, and about four o'clock on the sixth of June the main column marched in. Most of the Protestant inhabitants had fled their houses to the beach and escaped in boats, but on seeing the column enter they returned. The troops remained unmolested on the seventh and eighth, though in constant expectation of attack. Patrols were kept in motion, fences were levelled, and ground was marked out for encamping.

53. Assassins set out from William Carthy's house at Ballycarney

    Ballycarney · townland · Wexford · 1798

    A party of about three hundred assassins headed by Denis Carthy and James Maher set out from the house of William Carthy of Ballycarney, declaring their intent to kill Rev. Francis Turner.

    Read the passage

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

    AfiOT

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 223

54. Attack on Narraghmore village and courthouse defence

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

    James Murphy led a large rebel force collected from the countryside to attack Narraghmore; nine loyalists who retired into the court-house successfully resisted for two hours and beat them off.

    Read the passage

    Early In the day, James Murphy of the waterworks, as principal in command, with a number of rebel captains, colleded the whole country, men, women, and children ; in fhort, every one capable of bearing a pik^ ; and they, with their united force, proceeded to attack the village of Narraghmore. Nine loyahfts, who retired into the court-houfe, fuccefsfully refifted them for two hours, and at laft beat them off*

    John JefFeries, the permanent yeoman ferjeant of the Narraghmore corps, having a houfe with much property which he wifhed to defend, imprudently led his little party into it. The routed rebels were met by Daniel Walfh, a traitorous yeoman of that corps, who has been fmce defervedly hanged ; and he rallied, and brought them back to the attack* JefFeries's houfe being foon fet on fire, the loyalifts parleyed, and the rebels promifed that their lives fliould be fpared, provided they furrendered their arms ; but the inftant they came forth, the pikemeii fell to butcher them. No lefs than fix traitors were (tabbing together at Thomas Young ; but the clafhing of their pikes, and the confufion which arofe from their eagernefs to flied his blood, having fufpended his fate for a moment, Fitzpatrick, one of the traitors of the Narraghmore corps, cried out ta the pikemen to clear his way ; and he inftantly blew out the brains of his fellow foldier, with the muiket which he had received to ferve his king and country; he thfen feized a pike, and transfixed the body to the ground, crying out, " That's the way to kill a heretick

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1798, James Murphy of the waterworks gathered the whole countryside, men, women, and children, anyone who could carry a pike, and led them to attack the village of Narraghmore. Nine loyalists took refuge in the courthouse and held out for two hours before beating the rebels off. That wasn't the end of it. John Jeffries, the yeoman sergeant of the Narraghmore corps, led his small party into his own house to protect his property. Daniel Walsh, a yeoman who later was hanged, met the routed rebels and rallied them back. The rebels set Jeffries' house on fire. The loyalists parleyed, and the rebels promised to spare their lives if they gave up their arms. The moment they came out, the pikemen butchered them. Six traitors were stabbing Thomas Young at once, and in the confusion Fitzpatrick, another traitor of the Narraghmore corps, called out to the pikemen to clear his way. He shot Young in the head with the musket he had been given to serve king and country, then drove a pike through the body, saying the words, "That's the way to kill a heretick."

55. Burning of Mr Hugo's house at Drummin

    Drummin · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    Rebels proceeding to burn protestant houses began with that of Mr Hugo at Drummeen; the detachment arrived in time to save the dwelling-house but found the offices in flames, then routed the rebel party with slaughter.

    Read the passage

    Soon after they were informed, by exprefs, that the rebels were proceeding to burn all the houfes of the proteftants, and that they had begun with that of Mr. Hugo, * at Drummeen, about three miles off; the detachment arrived in time to fave the dwelling-houfe, but they found the offices in flames. They attacked and routed the rebel party, who committed that atrocity, with confiderable flaughter, and laid wafte the village of Clohogue, in which they took refuge.

    On the twenty-ninth of May, two dragoons, one a yeoman, the other an Ancient Britiffi fencible, were fent from Dublin, with an exprefs to lord Rofsmore, at^ewtown-mount-kennedv, who was to forward it to Wicklow. When they were within two miles of Newtown-mount-kennedy, fome rebels, who lined the hedges, fired on them, and killed the yeomea who carried the exprefs ; yet his comrade, though the traitors continued to fire at him, difmounted, and with great coolnefs took the exprefs out of his pocket, and delivered it, all covered with the blood of the deceafed, to lord Rofsmore.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 207

56. Burrowes Family Held Prisoner at Castleannesley

    Castleboro · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

    The Burrowes family were escorted by rebels to Castle-annesley, the seat of Mr Clifford, where they were kept as prisoners until Wexford town was retaken from the rebels.

    Read the passage

    twenty-ninth day of May, and during that time her fon did not receive any medical affiftance. They were efcorted by a party of rebels to Caftle-anncfley, the feat of Mr, Clifford, above five miles oft', where they were kept as .prifoners, till the town of Wexford was taken irom the rebels. * "

    While Llr.Bvirrowes's houfe was in flames., Thomas Foxton,.orie:of ,his proteftant parifliioners, who fought ^ an afylum in his houfe, ,concealed himfelf in an oven, to efcape the fanguinary rage of the rebels, and he remained there till their departure. By Ikulking in places of concealment, he contrived to evade their refearches, till after the king'^s troops got poffeflion of Wexford ; when he, half famifhed, and attended by his wife and three young children, was met between Inch and Gorey by a flying party of rebels^ who put him to death. His aff^li^ted wife carried his body, on her back, two miles to the church of Lichj, to be buried. An iiiftance of piety which deferves to be record^ ! 1

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 219

57. Captain Grogan Knox of Castletown yeoman cavalry killed at Arklow

    Castletown · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Captain Grogan Knox, who commanded the Castletown yeoman cavalry, and two privates fell in the action at Arklow, likely killed by friendly fire after advancing too far in pursuit of the retreating enemy.

    Read the passage

    Captain Grogan Knox, who commanded the Caftletown yeoman cavalry, and two privates in it, fell in this adion. It is fuppofed that they advanced too far in purfuit of the enemy, after they had beea driven out of the filhery, and that by doing fo, they got within the range of our (hot. This loyal gentleman was brother of Mr, Cornelius Grogan, who was hanged at Wexford.

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

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 282

58. Colonel Cope's rearguard action covering retreat to Gorey

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    Lieutenant-colonel Cope of the Armagh militia rallied the retreating troops and covered their withdrawal through Gorey, where rebels fired on them from windows, resulting in heavy losses to Cope's corps.

    Read the passage

    The column retreated in the utmoft diforder to Gorey, colonel Cope aifputing every inch of gromid, and covering their retreat. When they arrived there, moft of the v.indows were occupied by the rebels^ who kept up a heavy fire, and killed niany of them ; however, they effcded their paifage through the town.

    Colonel Cope found great difficulty in leading his men through it ; for whenever the rebels fired at them from the windows, they imprudently xuihed

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 254

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Gorey, a town the road passes through. In 1798, the column retreated here in disorder, and Colonel Cope of the Armagh militia covered every inch of their withdrawal. When they reached the town, rebels occupied the windows and kept up a heavy fire, killing many of his men. Cope found great difficulty leading them through, but they managed to force their passage.

59. Court-martial of Matthew Waddock at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    A court-martial was held at Arklow on 18 June 1798 by orders of general Needham for the trial of Matthew Waddock, found in arms and involved in the action of 9 June at Arklow; he named several priests as rebel commanders.

    Read the passage

    A court-martial was held at Arklow, the eighteenth of June, 1798, by orders of general Needham, for the trial of Matthew Waddock, a traitor, found in arms, and for being in the aftion of fhe ninth of June, at Arklow.

    The prifoner acknowledged the crime, and that while he attended the rebel arm^y, he confidered as chief commanders in it, Anthony Perry of Inch, father Francis Kavenagh, a prieft of Gorey, father Roche of the fame, Bernard Murray, ^^.pothecary, and Matthew D'Arcy, both of the fame.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, this is where a court-martial sat on the 18th of June 1798, on the orders of General Needham. The prisoner was Matthew Waddock, found in arms and involved in the action here on the 9th of June. He acknowledged the crime and named several men he considered the rebel commanders: Anthony Perry of Inch, Father Francis Kavenagh and Father Roche, priests of Gorey, Bernard Murray, an apothecary there, and Matthew D'Arcy.

60. Defenders' constitution discovered at Drumbanagher

    Drumbanagher · townland · Armagh · 1789

    In 1789 a magistrate found a Defender leader named Sharky at Drumbanagher carrying one of the organization's constitutions, dated 24 April of that year, revealing systematic organization and offensive designs including mandatory possession of musket and bayonet.

    Read the passage

    The following difcovery, made in the year 1789, clearly proved that the defenders were fyftematically organized, and that their uncommon eagernefs to procure arms and ammunition, arofe not from defenfive, but offenfive defigns. One of their plans or conflitutions was found in the year 1789, by a magiitrate of the county of Armagh, on one of their leaders of the name of Sharky, and dated the 24th of April of that year, at Drumbanagher.* It is very evident that their views muft have been hoftile, as one elTential required in a member of the order was, to be poiTeffed of a mu&et and a bayonet. Defenderifm prevailed alio in the county of Louth, and it could not be pleaded in excufe for introducing it there, that it was done for protedion againft the prefbyterians, as none of that perfuafion, and but few proteftants of the ellablilhed church, compared to the Roman cathohcks, exifted there. It muft have taken up fome time to bring this fyftem to maturity, and they were probably numerous in the county of Armagh, as Sharky's lodge is number 18. There muft have been an intercourfe, and a communication between the lodges of different counties ; for, in this plan, there appears a certificate, that Michael Moor was a brother defender, and he is recommended to the committee of Carrickarnan, number 1, in the county of Louth. Sobriety, fecrefy, the accumulation of arms, and the giving alfiftance to each other on all cccafions, feem to have been leading objefe with t- v^m. They were exclufively of the Roman catholick religion. They knew each other by fecret figns : 1 hey had a grand mafter in each county, who was

    elefted

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 42