Name: 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)
Author: Richard Musgrave (1745 or 1746–1818)

Massacre of loyalists at Castlebridge

Castlebridge · town · Wexford · 1798

Mr. Charles Cooper, son-in-law of George Horneck, was seized with three other loyal fugitives at Castlebridge and massacred by rebels, who tied the bodies together with rope for fear some had survived.

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

Mass burning of protestant houses between Baltinglass and Blessington roads

Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

All protestant houses on both sides of the road from Baltinglass to Hacketstown, Hacketstown to Rathdrum, and Rathdrum to Blessington were burnt, while no Roman catholick property was harmed in that extensive tract; on 25 July sixty protestant houses were burned between Rathvilly and Hacketstown.

Read the passage

All the proteftant houfes at each fide of the road from Baltinglafs to Hacketftown, from Hacketftov/a to Rathdrum, and from Rathdrum to Bleflington, were burnt ; but the property of a Roman catholick did not receive the fmxalleft injury in that extenfive trad:. On Wednefday the twenty-fifth of July, they burned all the proteftant houfes, fixty in number, between Rathvilly and Kacketftov/n. This defolating fpirit was very much encouraged by the refufal of the general officers to aflift the civil magiftrates with troops to prevent it.
Mr. Hume, member for the county, made fuch

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 208

McFillin's testimony at Garvagh provincial meeting

Garvagh · townland · Derry · 1796

Charles McFillin, a Catholic, testified before Sir George Hill that he attended as a delegate at a provincial meeting at Garvagh in County Derry in November 1796, being the only Catholic delegate present amid jealousy between the two orders.

Read the passage

Charles Mc. Fillin, a papift, declared upon oath, before fir George Hill, baronet, that he attended as a delegate at a provincial meeting at Garvagh, in* the county of Derry, in November, 1796 ; and that he was chofen a delegate, at four or live provincial meetings ; and the reafon he afiigns for it is, to infpire the Roman cathoHcks with confidence, as the fyftem was to unite all religious perfuafions, to overturn the confliturion. Mc. Fillin was the only ^papifi: at thefe provincial meetings, and there was^ confiderable jealoufy between the two orders, f
In ahncfl every inflance v%'here the prefbyterians confiderably exceeded the papifts in point of number, the latter were apparently loyal, or at leafl did not enter into the union ^ and they frequently, w^hen thus circumflanced, w^ere the only perfons who gave information againfl the confpirators, but more from motives of fear, hatred, or envy, than a pure and genuine fpirit of loyalty. Mc. Fillin's evidence is to be accounted for on no other principle.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 123

Nefarious leaders sent aboard a tender at Sligo to serve king's troops

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1795

Lord Carhampton, with concurrence of local gentlemen, sent the most nefarious of imprisoned banditti leaders aboard a tender stationed at Sligo to serve in the king's troops, restoring peace to the disturbed counties.

Read the passage

In each county he alTembled the mod: refpectable gentlemen and landholders in it, and having, in concert wdth them, examined the charges againit the leaders of this banditti, who w^ere in prifon, but defied juflice, he, with the concurrence of thefe gentlemen, fent the mofl nefarious of them, on board a tender, itationed at Sligo, to ferve in the king's troops, and not in the navy, as has been falfely aiferted.
By this bold meafy^, founded in obvious principles of political neceffity, he completely reftored peace in the diflurbed counties.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this is a town with a fragment of 1795 history. Lord Carhampton gathered respectable gentlemen and landholders in each county, and together they examined charges against leaders of a banditti then in prison but defying justice. With the concurrence of those gentlemen, he sent the most nefarious of them aboard a tender stationed at Sligo to serve in the king's troops, not the navy, as has been falsely asserted. By this bold measure, founded in political necessity, he completely restored peace in the disturbed counties.

Proclamation halts insurrection planned in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1792

Government issued a proclamation on 8 December 1792 against the assembling of the national guards and volunteer corps in Dublin, which struck such terror that the planned assembly to celebrate French victories did not take place, only Rowan, Tandy and Carey appearing on parade.

Read the passage

Government, having received undoubted information that a general infurredion was meditated, ilfued a proclamation on the eighth of December againft their affembling, which ftruck fuch terror into them, that the national guards did not affemble; and the only perfons who appeared on parade were A. H. Rowan, J. N. Tandy, and Carey the printer. For this meafure of precaution, which faved the city
from

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 84

As the companion tells it

Dublin, December 1792. The government issued a proclamation on the 8th against the assembling of the national guards and volunteer corps, which struck such terror that the planned assembly to celebrate French victories never took place. The only persons who appeared on parade were Rowan, Tandy, and Carey the printer.

Rebel Captured Near Scarawalsh Bridge

Scarawalsh · townland · Wexford · 1798

A rebel taken in arms near Scarawalsh-bridge in June was questioned about why the bishop's palace was not destroyed, and answered that Father John Murphy of Boulavogue meant to keep it for himself.

Read the passage

A rebel, taken in arms, near Scarawalfh-bridge,^ in the month of June, was alked. Why they did not deftroy the bifhop's palace, when they plundered it ? and he anfwered, that father John Murphy, of Boulavogue, meant to keep it for himfelL
Notwithftanding the affurances of father Michael Murphy, and father Michael Lacy, and their flock^, on the nineteenth of May, to Mr. White, of Peppard's-caftle, of their fidelity to government, and their total ignorance of confpiracy the infurrection was as general, and as deftructive, m the parifh of Kilmuckridge,t near which it lies, on Whitiunday the twenty-feventh of May, as in the parifh of KiU cormuck. Mr. White's houfe was plundered on that day by his own tenants and neighbours, who had 2; fhort timie before furrendered their pikes, and taken oaths of allegiance, as a proof of their fmcerity* Two of the former, for whom he had a flrong prediledion, " were the firfl who began to pillage. Oneof them, of the name of Brien, was fo great a favourite with him,^ that though he difcovered fometime before, that he was concerned in the confpiracy^ he rebuked him privately, and would not proceed againft him with that rigour^ which the law required ; and yet, he frequently pierced the portrait of Mr. W^hite with a pike, and' lamented that he had not the original. He entered the apartment of Mrs. White, his fiiter, an aged lady, and told her^

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 220

Rebel household terror against loyalist women in Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

A group of respectable Protestant ladies living together in a Wexford house received frequent domiciliary visits from armed pikemen who threatened them with pistols and accused them of being 'orangewomen' who must die for their Protestant ancestry.

Read the passage

You are orangewomen, and bigots to your religion." They would then afk them, " Were we ever known to wrong or offend any perfon? Have we not given to the poor as m^uch as Vve could afford ? And in the diflribution of alms have v»'e ever made any difference between the m.embers of your church and our own ?" " That is all true ; but you are orangewomen. You have the drop * in you. For generations in your family, you cannot name, on either fide, a fingle catholick. One branch of your family came to Ireland with Cromv/eli ; the other with king William, and therefore you mufl die."
The 1 3th regiment, commanded by lieutenantcolonel Bradfhaw, was quartered for above a year at Wexford, where he and his lady were very much

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 299

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this town holds a grim story from 1798. Protestant ladies living here were visited by armed pikemen who threatened them with pistols and accused them of being orangewomen. The ladies protested that they had given to the poor of all faiths, but the pikemen answered that for generations their family had not a single Catholic on either side, one branch arriving with Cromwell, the other with King William, and so they must die.

Rebels Burn Lamberton, Seat of Reverend Bayly

Lamberton · townland · Wicklow · 1798

During the battle of Arklow, the enemy advancing to attack set fire to Lamberton, the beautiful seat of the reverend Mr. Bayly, rector of the parish of Arklow, which was entirely consumed.

Read the passage

The rebels firft appeared on the tops of hedges^ in a great circular line, extending from the Gorey or fea-fide road to the fand-banks near the fea, and was very deep. They put their hats on their pikes, and gave mofl dreadful yells. The enemy now moved forward to the attack, and in their progrefs fet fire to Lamberton, the beautiful feat of the reverend Mr. Bayly, redor of the parifh of Arklow N, which was entirely confumed. The party on the Coolgreny road/ was wannly received on their lirft appearance by colonel O'Hara, with his gun and party at the barrier D ; and they fuifered very feverely from the two guns on the right of the Durham's. One of the enemy's fix-pounders was now dragged off the road by the lane N, and advantageouHy polled on the fummit of an hill O, commanding the pofition of the king's troops, but which was fo extenfive that they could not v/ith their fmall numbers occupy the whole of it. The other gun which the rebels brought with them was drawn by the Yellow-lane P, and pofted not injudicioully on an eminence at
On the trial of William Byrne, a rebel leader, it was proved, that they muftered t)iirty-one thoufand men before they left Gorey. In their march they plundered the houfes of all proteftants of every thing valuable, and put in flricl requifition all the fpirits and proviiions that could be j'uppiicd. Under the

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 278

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Lamberton, in Wicklow, you are near the site of a house that was burned during the battle of Arklow in 1798. The rebels first appeared on the tops of hedges in a great circular line, extending from the Gorey road to the sand-banks near the sea. They put their hats on their pikes and gave dreadful yells. The enemy moved forward to the attack, and in their progress set fire to Lamberton, the beautiful seat of the reverend Mr. Bayly, rector of the parish of Arklow, which was entirely consumed. The party on the Coolgreny road was warmly received by Colonel O'Hara with his gun and party at the barrier, and they suffered severely from the two guns on the right of the Durham's. One of the enemy's six-pounders was dragged off the road by the lane and posted on the summit of a hill commanding the position of the king's troops, but the position was so extensive they could not occupy the whole of it with their small numbers. The other gun was drawn by the Yellow-lane and posted on an eminence. On the trial of William Byrne, a rebel leader, it was proved that they mustered thirty-one thousand men before they left Gorey. In their march they plundered the houses of all Protestants of everything valuable, and put in strict requisition all the spirits and provisions that could be supplied.

Red tape worn by Catholic children in Wingfield and Gorey before rebellion

Wingfield · townland · Wexford · 1798

Some weeks before the rebellion, popish children at Wingfield and around Gorey and Arklow, and elsewhere in County Wexford, wore red tape believed to protect them from a coming plague and to distinguish them from Protestant children ahead of a planned massacre.

Read the passage

I forgot to mention that fome weeks before the rebellion broke out, popifli children at Wingfield,. and in the vicinity of Gorey and Arklow, and in many other places in the county of Wexford, wore red tape ; and that fome proteilant children who did fo, wifhing to imitate them, were feverely reprijfnanded by popifh fchoolmafter?. George Taylor, m his narrative, mentions it ; and tells us, what I have heard from many refpeclable perfons, that the pretext for ufmg it was, that all the Roman catholick children, under the age of fifteen, were to be vifited by a dreadful plague; and that this piece of tape, which was endued with fupernatural powers, by the benediction of a prieft, would fecure thofe, w^ho w-ore it, from infection ; but it was believed, that the intent of it was to difcriminate popifh from proteflant children, v/hen the general
maiTacre

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 281

Resolution at Ross camp to kill all protestants

Ross · townland · Clare · 1798

Immediately after their defeat by king's troops near Ross, rebels at the camp resolved to put all protestants to death, prompting fears that the prison-ship in Wexford harbour would be sunk that night.

Read the passage

It was refolved at the rebel camp near Rofs, immediately after the victory obtained by the king's troops, to put all the proteftants to death. Mr. Meadows was at that time in the prifon-fhip in the harbour of Wexford. A rebel, who had a warm regard for him, having made his efcape from the camp, repaired to Wexford, and told Mr. Meadows^s brother, vvho vvas not in confinement, that the prifonfliip would- probably be funk that night ; and he urged him to prevail on Mr. Corrin, the prieft, who, he faid, had m.ore influence than anv other individual m the town, to have his brother releafed.
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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 296

Reverend Pentland and Trocke executed on Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

The Reverend Mr Pentland and Mr Trocke, clergymen of the established church, were put to death on Vinegar Hill on Tuesday 29 May 1798 along with about thirty other protestants.

Read the passage

The reverend Mr. Pentland and Mr. Trocke, clergymen of the eftabliiiied church, were put to death on Vinegar-hill, on Tuefday the twenty-ninth of May, with about thirty proteffants more,
Luke Byrne, an opulent farmer and brewer of Ennifcorthy, though advanced in years, was remarkably cruel and fanguinary ; and his two fons, Morgan and IVlcgue, were little lefs fo. His broxher frequently adted the part of executioner on Vinegarhill.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 237

As the companion tells it

As you pass Vinegar Hill, you are near the site of a mass killing on Tuesday 29 May 1798. The Reverend Mr Pentland and Mr Trocke, both clergymen of the established church, were put to death here along with about 30 other Protestants. A farmer and brewer of Enniscorthy named Luke Byrne was said to be remarkably cruel, and his brother frequently acted as executioner on this hill.

Right Boys threaten Limerick, Cork and Ennis with famine

Ennis · town · Clare · 1786–1787

The Right Boy insurgents had the audacity to threaten the cities of Limerick and Cork, and the town of Ennis, capital of Clare, with famine, taking measures to prevent farmers and fishermen from supplying them.

Read the passage

At lafl, the proteftant clergy in the county of Cork were fo much intimidated by the menaces and infults which they received from them, that many were obliged to fly to the city of Cork for protection. Thefe traitors foon proceeded from one a6t of violence to another, and eftablifhed fuch a fyftem of terror, that landlords were afraid to diftrain for rent, or to fue by civil procefs for money due by note* They took arms from proteftants, and levied money to buy ammunition* They broke open gaols, fet fire to hay and corn, and even to houfes, efpecialiy to thofe occupied by the army. At lalt they had the audacity to threaten the cities of Limerick and Cork, and the town of Ennis, the capital of Clare, with famine ; and took meafures to prevent farmers and fifhermen from conveying fupplies of provifions to them. They proceeded by fuch a regular fyftem, that they eftablifhed kind of poft-office, for com.- munication, by which they conveyed their notices with celerity for the purpofe of forming their meetings, which were frequent and numerous.
This fpirit of riot and infurredlion occafioned the pafling of a law in the year 1787, drawn by the pre-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 35

Robbery at Woodpark near Black Bull

Woodpark · townland · Meath · 1798

Rebels entered and plundered Woodpark, the seat of Mrs. Sheil near the Black Bull, taking valuable articles and robbing a guest, Miss Bradshaw, of a large sum of money, with a leader declaring his orders were to kill all Protestants.

Read the passage

On the Ome morning, they entered and plundered Woodparkj .the feat of Mrs. Sheii, near the Blackbull, of various \^aluable articles ; and robbed mifs Bradlhaw, her gueft,i of a large fum of mone5% One of their leaders declared^ that his orders were to put all proteftants to death. '
Twenty of the Fermanagh regiment were quartered at WeftfieldftowR, near Balbriggen, under the command of enfign Cleland. As he was returning to his quarters on the evening of the twenty-third of May, he was fired at from behind a bridge, by a ruffian with a blunderbufs ; but though feverely wounded in different parts of his head and body, he was able to ride to Swords, | where his wounds^ which appeared to be mortal, were dreffed.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1798, rebels entered and plundered Woodpark, the seat of Mrs. Sheil near the Black Bull, taking various valuable articles. They robbed her guest, Miss Bradshaw, of a large sum of money. One of their leaders declared that his orders were to put all Protestants to death.

Sir George Hill surprises rebels near Derry

near Derry · city · Derry · 1797

In January 1797, Sir George Hill led a party of military that surprised a body of rebels at night near Derry after they had plundered houses for arms, killing some and capturing others, including a young man named Bordman who became an informer but later recanted.

Read the passage

In January, 1797, fir George Hill, with a party of the military, furprifed a body of rebels in the night, after they had plundered many houfes of arras near Derry, killed fome of them, and took others prifoners. Of the latter, a young man of the name of Bordman became approver. At the alTizes, fir George introduced him into a room, where the crown lawyers were, that he might relate to them the fubftance of his evidence. Seeing his examinations in the hands of fir George Hill, he rufhed forward,
» fnatched

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 129

Skirmish at Watling-street End

Watling Street · street · Dublin · 1798

On the night of 18 May 1798, major Sirr, captain Ryan and Mr. Emerson, seeking Lord Edward Fitzgerald, met a party of his advance guard on the quay at the end of Watling-street and exchanged shots, capturing one man who gave a false name.

Read the passage

On the eighteenth of May, major Sirr, having received pofitive information that he would pafs through Watling'ftreet that night; that he would be preceded by a chofen band of traitors, as an advanced guard ; and that he would be accompanied by another, repaired thither, attended by captain Ryan, Mr. Emerfon of the attorney's corps, and a few foldiers in coloured clothes. They met the party which preceded hira, and had a fkirmifli with them on the quay at the end of V\ratling-flreet, in which fome fhots were exchanged ; and they took prifoner one of them, who called himfslf at one time Jamefon, at another time Brand.
The arrefl of lord Edward Fitzgerald, which was efFeded next day, the nineteenth of May, in the foU lowing manner,, tended very much to defeat the malignant defigns of the confpirators, as he was ths chief projector of the intended infurredion, and they entertained the higheft opinion of his courage and military abilities :

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 139

As the companion tells it

Along here on the night of 18 May 1798, Major Sirr acted on intelligence that Lord Edward Fitzgerald would pass through Watling Street, preceded by a chosen advance guard and accompanied by another party. Sirr came here attended by Captain Ryan, Mr. Emerson of the attorney's corps, and a few soldiers in coloured clothes. They met the advance party and had a skirmish with them on the quay at the end of the street, where some shots were exchanged. They took prisoner one man who called himself at one time Jameson, at another time Brand. The arrest of Lord Edward Fitzgerald followed the next day, 19 May, and the source says it tended very much to defeat the designs of the conspirators, as he was the chief projector of the intended insurrection and they held the highest opinion of his courage and military abilities.

Volunteers disarm mob near Lismodel

Lisnadill · townland · Armagh · 1788

In 1788 a large armed meeting of Defenders and Peep-of-Day Boys assembled within two miles of Lismodel, County Armagh; eighteen volunteers intervened, threatened to fire on anyone resisting the magistrate, and confiscated arms from both sides.

Read the passage

1 hefe volunteer corps were very ufeful in prevent-* Ing tumultuous meetings, riots, and dillurbancesw In confequence of a challenge given by the defenders and peep-of-day boys, there was a numerous meeting of both within two miles of Lifmadil, in the county of Armagh, in the year 1788; and the confequenCes might have been very fatal, had not eighteen of the firft volunteer Armagh company repaired there, and declared that they would fire on the firfl perfon who would reful the lawful commands of the magiftrate* and they took fome arms from both parties.
In

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 40

Attack on Rev. John Hill's house in Tyrone

Tyrone · townland · Galway · 1797

Loyalists in Tyrone lodged their arms in the house of Rev. John Hill, guarded by four Queen's county militia. In June 1797, while Hill was absent at Derry, five hundred rebels attacked the house, overpowered the guard, and carried off arms and ammunition, which Hill later compelled the rebels to restore.

Read the passage

One night in the month of June, 1797, when he happened to be abfent at Derry, five hundred rebels attacked his houfe, overpowered the guard, and carried off a large quantity of arms and ammunition^ a confiderable portion of which had belonged to the military and yeomen ; but Mr. Hill, at his return, partly by menaces, and partly by fevere and vigorous meafures aoainft ' the rebellious inhabitants of the diftrid, compelled them to reftore the whole o^ what they had plundered. <
In the barony of Enniiliowen, in the county of Donegal, (noted for defenders in the year 1793) ^^^^ rebels cut down, and carried off, forty full grown afli trees for pike handles, and loon after difarmed half a yeomanry corps and many fmall parties of foldiers, as they went to their out-quarters in the country ; but the burning of three houfes in that rebellious diftricl flruek fuch terror into its inhabitants, that they returned all the arms they had taken, and furrendered many pikes.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 130

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Tyrone, in June 1797, five hundred rebels attacked the house of Rev. John Hill while he was away at Derry. Loyalists had lodged their arms there, guarded by four men of the Queen's County militia. The rebels overpowered the guard and carried off a large quantity of arms and ammunition, much of it belonging to the military and yeomen. On his return, Hill used menaces and severe measures against the rebellious inhabitants and compelled them to restore everything they had plundered.

Castletown corps papists dismissed before rebellion

Castletown · townland · Wexford · 1797–1798

In the Castletown corps, commanded by captain Grogan Knox, there were about fifty papists and ten protestants; the gentlemen of the county insisted on dismissing the suspected disaffected Catholic members, many of whom were later hanged or shot for involvement in the rebellion.

Read the passage

In the Caftletown corps, commanded by captain Grogan KnoXg there were about fifty papifts, and ten proteflants. The captain intended to propofe the abov^e tell oath to be taken, but was diffaaded by his two Heutenants, Hr Thomas Efmond and Laurence Doyle, both papifts ; but as the difaffedion of ths popifh members was very ftrongly fufped:ed, the gentlemen of the county infifted on having them dif^ miffed J which was very fortunate, as niany of them were afterwards hanged, or Ibot, for having been concerned in the rebellion,
There was very great difaffecllon in the popifli yeomen of Bray. In fliort, there appeared a fpirit of difaffedtion among the popifh yeomen of every corps in the county of Wicklow. Captain Hume's corps confifted of proteftants, and they were of courfe IcyaL

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 200

William Hughes shelters officers' wives in defiance of rebel governor Keugh

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

William Hughes, a loyalist Protestant of Wexford, sheltered the wives of officers of the North Cork regiment in his house and refused Governor Keugh's repeated demands that he join the rebel corps, even under threat.

Read the passage

Mr. William Hughes, a refpedable inhabitant of Wexford, of the proteftant religion, and a rigid loyalift, generoufly entertained in his houfe fome of the wives of the officers of the North Cork regiment, after their huft)ands had retreated. Governor Keugh frequently prefted him to join his party, but he peremptorily refufed. One day he faid to him,
" Though

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 301

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this town in 1798 was where William Hughes, a Protestant loyalist, sheltered the wives of North Cork regiment officers after their husbands had retreated. Governor Keugh repeatedly pressed him to join the rebel party, but he peremptorily refused.

Ambush attempt on Sir Fenton Aylmer at Kilcock

Kilcock · town · Kildare · 1798

Rebels stationed at Timahoe treacherously attacked Sir Fenton Aylmer at Kilcock, declaring they wanted him, his lieutenant Michael Aylmer, and their 'Orange crew', but he escaped after sounding a retreat.

Read the passage

Not with (landing his exertions to ferve the;n, they »treacherouily made an attack on him at Kilcock, with their whole force ftationed at Timahoe, which is feven miles diHant, on the Monday following ; faying, " That all they wanted was the bloody fir Fenton Aylmer, and Michael Aylmer his lieutenant, and their bloody Orange crew."
One of his videts having informed him of their approach, he advanced with his corps, with an intention of charging them ; but perceiving their great fiiperiority of numbers, he founded a retreat, after having narrowly efcaped being furrounded by them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Kilcock in Kildare. In 1798, rebels stationed at Timahoe attacked Sir Fenton Aylmer here. They declared that all they wanted was him, his lieutenant Michael Aylmer, and what they called their "bloody Orange crew." A videt warned him of their approach, so he advanced with his corps intending to charge them. But seeing their great superiority in numbers, he sounded a retreat and narrowly escaped being surrounded.

Ambush of Ensign Cleland near Balbriggan

Balbriggan · town · Dublin · 1798

Ensign Cleland of the Fermanagh regiment, quartered at Westfieldstown near Balbriggan, was shot and severely wounded by a rebel with a blunderbuss while returning to quarters, but managed to ride to Swords for treatment.

Read the passage

Twenty of the Fermanagh regiment were quartered at WeftfieldftowR, near Balbriggen, under the command of enfign Cleland. As he was returning to his quarters on the evening of the twenty-third of May, he was fired at from behind a bridge, by a ruffian with a blunderbufs ; but though feverely wounded in different parts of his head and body, he was able to ride to Swords, | where his wounds^ which appeared to be mortal, were dreffed.
On the fame evening, his detachment at Weftfieldftown, was furprifed by about two thoufand rebels, who difarmed and carried them off as prifonerSj, after having wounded fome of them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 154

Ambush of Mr. Atkinson at Crowhill

Crowhill · townland · Kilkenny · 1795

Mr. Atkinson, who had signed the peace articles on the Protestant side, was way-laid and fired at by Defenders as he returned to his house at Crowhill on the same day the articles were signed.

Read the passage

Mr. Atkinfon was one of the gentlemen who figned the articles on the part of the proteftants ; yet the defenders way-laid and fired at him, as he was returning to his houfe, at Crowbill, on the fame day.
The defenders, in violation of thefe articles, aftembled aext day, in arms, and attack-^ \ the proteftants,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 49

Ancient walls, gates and religious houses of Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1170–1408

Large vestiges of the town walls of Wexford remain visible, along with remnants of four early religious houses including the priory of St. Peter and St. Paul of Selskar, the priory of St. John and St. Bridget founded by William Marshall, a Grey Friars convent from the reign of Henry III, and the leper hospital of St. Mary Magdalen erected in 1408.

Read the passage

Large veftige^ of the town-walls are ftill vifible, and the four gates which led to it remained, until lately, alnioH perfedl. The town is irregularly built, and the ftreets are narrow. There is a large and elegant new church in it. Four religious houfes were erected there at a very early period. Firft, a priory of regular canons, fuppofed to have been founded by the Danes, and is called the priory of St. Peter, and St. Paul of Seliker. ^ Its prior fat in parliament, as a baron. The church ftill remains, with a large fteeple-in the centre.
Second, the priory of St. John and St. Bridget, f for knights hofpita4ers, founded in the twelfth century, by William Marffiall, earl of Pembroke. There r-emains yet part of the old church, without the v/alls^ which has been fmce <:onverted into a P.oman catholick chapel.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 243

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, large stretches of the old town walls are still visible, and four gates stood here until recently. The streets are narrow and the town irregularly built. Four religious houses were erected here at an early period. The priory of St. Peter and St. Paul of Selskar, a house of regular canons thought to have been founded by the Danes, had a prior who sat in parliament as a baron; its church still stands with a large steeple in the centre. The priory of St. John and St. Bridget, for Knights Hospitallers, was founded in the 12th century by William Marshall, earl of Pembroke. Part of its old church remains, since converted into a Roman Catholic chapel. A Grey Friars convent dates from the reign of Henry III, and the leper hospital of St. Mary Magdalen was erected in 1408.

Belfast Celebration of the French Revolution Anniversary

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1792

The anniversary of the French Revolution was celebrated at Belfast on 14 July 1792 with great pomp, opening a wide theatre for disaffected persons of every rank to fraternize and spread revolutionary principles. Volunteer corps from throughout Ulster were invited to attend.

Read the passage

The celebration of the anniverfary of the French revohition, which took place at Belfaft on the fourr teenth of July, 1792, opened a wide and extenfivc theatre for traitors and difalFected perfons of every rank, character, and religious perfuafion, to fraternize and fpread the infeQion of their noxious principles.
Some months before, it was announced in the publick prints, and all the volunteers of the province of Ulfler were invited to afTift there. Mr. Tone, thinking that this would afford him a good opportunity of attaching to his fyflem a great number of the Northern prefbyterians, well trained to arms, fent to a repubHcan friend at Belfaft the refolutions and declarations of the united Irifhmen, and defired him to propound them to the volunteers, when they were intoxicated with the admiration of French liberty.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 75

Belfast tailor pilloried for attempting to seduce the military

near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1792

Attempts were made at Belfast as early as 1792 to seduce the military to disaffection; Joseph Cuthbert, a master tailor there, was condemned to stand in the pillory for that offence.

Read the passage

Many attempts were made at Belfaft, fo early as the year 1792, to feduce the military. Jofeph Cuthbert, a mafter tailor there, was condemned to Hand in the pillory for that offence.
In the month of April, 1793, dIfa{feQ:ed people of that town would not fuffer the loyal inhabitants to illuminate their houfes, for the fuccefs of our allies on the continent. Some of the diffenting minifters of that town offered up prayers for the fuccels of the French republicans againft the powers who oppofed them. It generally happens that the moral and political principles of men, in a great meafure, emanate

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 86

Burrowes Family Take Refuge at Oulart Inn

Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

After the burning of their glebe-house, Mrs Burrowes, her children and niece took refuge at a wretched inn at Oulart, carrying her wounded son on a door, remaining there until they were escorted to Castleannesley as prisoners.

Read the passage

In the evening, ihe, her children, and niece, repaired to a wretched inn at Oulart, about half a mile ofl", with her fon, who was carried on a door. Thefe unfortunate fuflerers remained there till Tuefday the
twenty-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 219

Captain King's tenant refuses United Irishmen oath at Rathdrum

Rathdrum · town · Wicklow · 1797–1798

A loyal Catholic tenant of captain King of Rathdrum informed his landlord he had been pressed and threatened to take the United Irishmen's oath. His inquiry to priests about absolution for killing a heretic so shocked him that he and his family became Protestants.

Read the passage

A loyal papift, who was tenant to captain King of Rathdrum, informed his landlord, that he had been preffed by a neighbour to take the united Iriflimen's oath, and threatened, if he refufed, or delayed to comply, with tJie total deftruction of him and his
family j

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

As the companion tells it

Coming through Rathdrum in Wicklow. In 1797 or 1798, a loyal Catholic tenant of Captain King here told his landlord a neighbour had pressed him to take the United Irishmen's oath and threatened the total destruction of him and his family if he refused or delayed. That was the pressure ordinary people lived under in these towns before the rebellion broke out.

Captain Medlicot confronted at Eccles Street assembly

Eccles Street · street · Dublin · 1798

Captain Medlicot of the Rotunda corps saw a large body of people assembled in Eccles Street and told them to disperse, whereupon one of them snapped a pistol at him.

Read the passage

Captain Medlicot of the Rotunda corps of yeomanry feeing a large body of people affembled in Eccles-ftreet, defired them to difperfe., on which one of them fnapped a piftol ^t him.
A party of the Merchants corps of cavalry, who were ordered to patrol at Clontarf, hearing the drums beat to arms in Dublin, returned rapidly to it, thinking that the infurreclion had begun. They fortunately went by the Strand-road ; for had they gone by the upper one, near fir William Newcomen's, they would have been cyt .qff by a numerous party of rebels, who were on each fide of the road»

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 145

As the companion tells it

Along here in 1798, Captain Medlicot of the Rotunda corps of yeomanry saw a large body of people assembled in Eccles Street and ordered them to disperse. One of them snapped a pistol at him in reply. Word of the drums beating to arms in Dublin reached a party of the Merchants corps of cavalry who had been ordered to patrol at Clontarf. They hurried back to the city, thinking the insurrection had begun. They came by the Strand-road, which was lucky for them, as rebels were waiting on each side of the upper road near Sir William Newcomen's and would have cut them off.

Capture of Captain McManus's detachment near Ballycanew

Ballycanew · town · Wexford · 1798

General Loftus, near the village of Ballycanew when he heard firing, pushed forward to Tubberneering but arrived too late; Captain McManus's supporting detachment was surrounded and taken prisoner after many were killed.

Read the passage

General Loftus, who was near the village of Ballycanew, * when he heard the firing, pulhed forward with his detachment to Tubberneering ; but on his arrival there, had the mortification of feeing colonel Walpole and many of his foldiers lying dead and, naked.
Sir Watkin- Williams Wynne, having feen captaia Mc. Manus, with , a company of the Antrim, advancing to fupport colonel Walpole, fent captain Wynne, with a troop of his regiment, to cover them j but the furprifc was fo fudden, that his efforts proved ineffedual.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 254

Colonel Lehunte renounces religion at Wexford chapel

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

On the second of June, Colonel Lehunte and many others went to the Wexford chapel, renounced their religion, were christened, and marched in procession through the streets.

Read the passage

Second of June, the mob were conftantly talking in the ftreet of punilhing proteftants. Colonel Lehunte, and many others, went to the chapel, and renounced their religion ^ were chriflened ; and then marched in proceffion through the ftreets.
" Third of June,^ they made three proteflanJs fhoot a man in the Bullring. We received conflant domiciliary vifits from the rebels, who we thought would murder us ere they departed. The rebels paraded twice a-day oppofite our door, having fifes, fiddles^ and drums.. It was a kind of regular tumult ; every one was giving his opinion. My little boy liftening one day faid, Mamma, are they all kings

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 288

As the companion tells it

Coming through Wexford, the town where some of the strangest scenes of 1798 played out. On the second of June that year, Colonel Lehunte and many others went to the Wexford chapel, renounced their religion, and were christened. Then they marched in procession through the streets. The next day, rebels made three Protestants shoot a man in the Bullring. People received constant visits from rebels who paraded twice a day with fifes, fiddles and drums. One witness described it as "a kind of regular tumult," where everyone was giving his opinion.

Court-martial at Limerick offers reward for informer

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1798

A general court-martial sitting at Limerick offered one hundred and twenty-five guineas for discovering and apprehending Murtagh McCanwell, sent from the North to seduce soldiers in the South.

Read the passage

One Murtagh Mc. Canwell, fent from the North to the South for that purpofe, vras known to be fo expert, and had done fo miuch niifchief in that way, that a general court-martial, fitting at Limerick, offered one hundred and twenty-live guineas for difcovering and apprehending him. The defenders were fo formidable at this time, in the counties of Meath, Weflimeath. Kildare and Longford, that many of the proteftants were obliged to fiy to the metropolis for protection.
It was difcovered, that there was to have been an infurreclion of the defenders on the night of the twentv-fourth of Mav, in the counties of Meath, Cavan, Longford and Monaghan, for the purpofe of murdering the army, the yeomanry, and all the loyal fubjecls in them. It appeared that one of their emiffaries circulated four or five hundred letters, to apprize them of the precife time of riling.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, it is worth knowing that in 1798 a general court-martial sat here and offered 125 guineas for the discovery and apprehension of one Murtagh McCanwell. He had been sent from the North to the South to seduce soldiers, and was known to be expert at it and to have done much mischief in that way. The court wanted him badly enough to put a price on his head.

D'Arcy convicted and hanged for Conners murder, trial at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

James D'Arcy, who had shot Conners, Plunket and Rigley at Vinegar Hill, was tried at Wexford on 16 November 1798, convicted, and hanged for the murders.

Read the passage

Thefe fadls were proved at Wexford, on the trial of D'Arcy, the fixteenth of November, 1798, when he was convicted and hanged.
D'Arcy bore a very good charader previous to this atrocious ad.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 237

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is where James D'Arcy was tried on 16 November 1798 for shooting Conners, Plunket and Rigley at Vinegar Hill. He was convicted and hanged for the murders. The record notes he had borne a very good character previous to this atrocious act.

Defenders plot to shoot lord lieutenant in the Park and seize magazine

Phoenix Park · electoral division · Dublin · 1795

In April 1795 defenders entered into a resolution to shoot the lord lieutenant as he passed through the park, to seize the magazine there, and to kill all the nobility in Dublin.

Read the passage

In the month of April, 1795, they entered into a refolution to (hoot the lord lieutenant as he paffed through the park 5 to feize the magazine there ; and to kill all the nobility in Dublin.*
I give the reader in Appendix, No. XIL a lift of fome of the outrages committed in the year 1795.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 97

As the companion tells it

As you pass by Phoenix Park, that is the ground where, in April 1795, the Defenders entered into a resolution to shoot the lord lieutenant as he passed through the park. They planned to seize the magazine there and to kill all the nobility in Dublin.

Destruction of rebel escape vessels near Fethard

Fethard · town · Wexford · 1798

General Johnson sent a revenue cutter and gun-boats under captain Hill to destroy small craft assembled near Fethard for rebel leaders' escape, burning or disabling thirteen vessels under heavy rebel fire.

Read the passage

The rebel leaders, for the purpofe of making their efcape, had affembled a number of fmall craft on that part of the coaft near Feathard ; of which general Johnfon being aware, fent a revenue cutter, and fome gun-boats, under the command of captain Hill, for the purpofe of deftroying every veflel that might be found in that harbour ; which was done as effedually as the nature of the fervice would admit ; for thirteen veflels were either burned or rendered ufelefs. The rebels maintained a very heavy hre upon the gun-boats, during the performance of this fervice, and there appeared a very large force ready to reflft any further attempts, which, however, were not intended. They were faid to be under the command of father Edward Murphy.
Very few, if any proteftants, were murdered in the parifhes of Old or New Rofs j captain Totten^

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 265

Dublin's canals used as defensive fortification

near Broadstone · street · Dublin · 1798

The Royal Canal on the north side (from the Liffey to the Broadstone) and the Grand Canal on the south side (from the river to the Royal Hospital) served as natural fortifications, with bridges occupied by troops to block rebel movement.

Read the passage

It very fortunately happened, that the tw^o canals formed a complete fortification on the North and South Jides of the city, being fifty feet broad, and twelve deep. The Royal canal, extended from the river Liffey to the Broad-ftone on the North, and the Grand canal completely environed the South, from the river on the Eaft fide, to the Royal hofpital. The bridges on it, which the troops occupied, were
at

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 142

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Broadstone, the Royal Canal ran from the river Liffey to here and formed a natural defence for Dublin in 1798. It was 50 feet broad and 12 feet deep, and together with the Grand Canal on the south side, which ran from the river to the Royal Hospital, it, as the source says, "formed a complete fortification" around the city. Troops occupied the bridges to block any rebel movement.

Execution of Rebel Leader Gaffney at Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

Gaffney, the leader of the assassins who massacred soldiers and Captain Dillon, was taken and hanged the next day at Ross. He was a miller in good circumstances.

Read the passage

One GafFney, the leader of thefe aflaffins, was taken and hanged next day at Rofs. He was a miller, and in very good circumftances.
It has been difcovered that the Kilkenny rebels were to have co-operated with thofe who attacked Rofs, but that they miftook the day, which was very fortunate ; for they would have cut off a great part

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 260

Father Kearns hanged at Edenderry

Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

Father Kearns, the priest and rebel leader who commanded the attack on Borris with a howitzer, was afterwards hanged at Edenderry.

Read the passage

At that time the fmall garrifon was weakened by the abfence of every officer but one, as they were, engaged with feveral of their men in different duties in the adjacent country. The rapid movements of the enemy allowed no time for calling them in ^ for in lefs than two hours after the notice of their approach, they filled the town of Borris, and fet fire to all the houfes in it belonging to Mr. Kavenagk and his yeomen ; they, however, met with a gallant refiftance at the manfion-houfe of Borris, though its garrifon was reduced to tv/enty of the Donegal, and feventeen of the yeomanry, including their ferjeants, who commanded them. The rebels had a howitzer, which they brought to bear upon the houfe, but were unable to batter it. They were commanded by father Kearns, a prieft, and a noted rebel leader, who was afterwards hanged at Edenderry. Seven rebels were found dead on the fpot j but it has' been fmce learned, that they carried off many of their killed and wounded on cars>. and that
RjEBELLIONS IN IRELAND. 469

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 242

Father Martin's overnight stay at priest's house in Roundwood

Roundwood · town · Wicklow · 1798

Father Martin confessed he had slept the preceding night at the house of a priest in Roundwood while searching for rebel leaders Byrne and Holt in the mountains between Rathdrum and Hacketstown.

Read the passage

" That his name was Martin : That he had been a friar of Drogheda, and that he recently officiated at Dunboyne : That he was early an united Irilhman, and very adive in the caufe : That he preached up the maflacre of the protellants at Dunboyne, which afterwards took place there ; That he was in habits of intimacy with father Ledwich, parilh prieft of Rathfarnham, whofe nephew (Ledwich) and Wade, he excited to rebellion^ in confequence of which they were both hanged on the Queen's-bridge : That he was now come down to promote the caufe, and was in fearch of Byrne and Holt, who were at the head of a large body of rebels in the mountains, between RathdiOim and Hacketllown : That he had flept the preceding night at the houfe of a prieft at Roundwood.*'
He alfo ftated, That there was a club of traitors at that time fitting in Dubhn, and another in Drogheda," moft of whom have been fmce taken up, and punifhed. He faid, " That a large fam of money had been levied on the Roman catholicks in general, both clergy and laity, every perfon paying according to his v/ealth, fome an hundred pbunds, others' one fhilling : That he, though a poor prieft, was rated at a guinea : That the money fo levied, ws to be applied to purchafe arms and ammunition, and tp reward their friends both in and out of par«^ liament."-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 209

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Roundwood in Wicklow, you are in a town with a brief link to the rebellion of 1798. A friar named Martin, originally from Drogheda and lately officiating at Dunboyne, was an early United Irishman and active in the cause. He came down here to promote the rebellion and was searching for Byrne and Holt, who led a large body of rebels in the mountains between Rathdrum and Hacketstown. He slept the night before at the house of a priest in Roundwood. Martin had been in habits of intimacy with Father Ledwich, parish priest of Rathfarnham, and had stirred Ledwich's nephew and a man named Wade to rebellion, after which both were hanged on the Queen's Bridge in Dublin. He also spoke of clubs of traitors sitting in Dublin and Drogheda, most of whom were since taken up and punished. A large sum of money had been levied on Roman Catholics, clergy and laity alike, each paying according to wealth, some a hundred pounds, others a shilling. Martin, though a poor priest, was rated at a guinea, the money to buy arms and reward friends in and out of Parliament.

Father Murphy's sermon at Carrig invoking divine sanction for rebellion

Carrig · townland · Wexford · 1798

A protestant witness testified that father Edward Murphy preached at Carrig chapel, declaring that God befriended the rebels in their struggle for liberty just as He had aided Moses in dividing the Red Sea.

Read the passage

A proteftant of the firft authority declares, that fhe heard him preach, at Carrig, a fermon, in which he faid, " That God Almighty befriended them in all their operations, for the attainment of liberty ; and that the whole of the bufmefs was as vifibly his work, as that of dividing the red fea by Mofes.** lie allured fome female proteftants, || in his neighbourhood,
♦ Plate III. 6. t Ibid. 7. % Plate III. 8.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

Ferns oaths administered until eve of rebellion

Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

In the parish of Ferns, oaths were administered to inhabitants by Isaac Cornock and Reverend Mr. Turner of Ballingale, both magistrates, until the evening before the rebellion broke out; some later confessed under threat that their oath's purport was to join the French and kill loyal subjects.

Read the passage

In the pafiih of Ferns, oaths were admiiiiPcered to the inhabitants of it, by Ifaac Cornock, efquire, and the reverend Mr. Turner f of Ballingale, both magiflrates, until the evening before the rebellion broke out.
Some of them denied, that they had ever feen a. pike, or taken the united Irifhmen's oath ; but on being refufed protedtions, and threatened with the feverity - of the law, they acknowledged both ; and faid, that they had procured thofe weapons to protect themfelve? againfl crangemen, who they heard would foon rife and exterminate the Roman cathohcks. A few of them owned, that the purport of their oath v/as, to join the French, and to kill all loyal fubjedls, and fuch perfons as would not join them ; and on being urged to declare whom they meant by loyal perfons, they faid protectants,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 214

George Piper's assassination on Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

George Piper was murdered on Vinegar Hill; the text references his family's sufferings and the reprehensible conduct of Father Redmond of Ferns parish, who refused him protection and was allegedly instrumental in sending him there.

Read the passage

I fliall refer the reader to Appendix, No, XIX. 10. for the fufferings of George Piper, and his family, and his alfafTmation on Vinegar-hill, and the abominable conduct of father Redmond, of the parilh of Ferns, who not only refufed him a proteQion, whea in the hands of the aifafTms, or to refcue him from them, which he might eafily have done; but, ac« cording to his wife's affidavit, he was inftrumental in fending him there.
It often happened that one proteflant was compelled to kill another : Thus George Walker, parifh clerk of Ballycanew church, was compelled to fhoot John Cobourne, a butcher, of the proteftant religion,* and of the fame parifli, on Vinegar^hill. | It is furprifmg how adive and unremitting the popiOi priefl:^ are, in reprefenting the proteflant religion as aa abominable herefy, which, they fay, never fails to bring the divine anger on its profelTors.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 241

As the companion tells it

As you come near Vinegar Hill, you are passing a place where lives were lost in 1798. George Piper was murdered on this hill. His family suffered greatly, and Father Redmond of Ferns parish not only refused him protection when he was in the hands of his killers, but according to his wife's affidavit, was instrumental in sending him there. Another killing took place on this hill too, when George Walker, parish clerk of Ballycanew church, was compelled to shoot John Cobourne, a Protestant butcher of the same parish.

Gray Thomas murdered near Newcastle by John Hay on Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

A protestant boy known as Gray Thomas, who lived near John Hay's house at Newcastle, was murdered by Hay on Vinegar Hill, proved at the trial of rebel general Edward Roche at Wexford in December 1798.

Read the passage

A barbarous murder committed by the former^ ■with all the coolnefs of deliberation, proves how hv fanaticifm can extinguifli all religious and moral principle. A proteftant boy, knov/n by the name of ^&ray 'I'homas, who lived at Newcafile, near the houfe of Mr. John Hay, was murdered by him on Vinegar-hill.*
Mr, Hay was thoroughly convinced that every true proteftant was fmcerely attached to the conflitution in church and ftate, and vyould oppofe the views of the united Irilhmen, v/ho were dehrous of feparating Ireland from England ; of forming in it a republick under the aufpices of France ; and of totally extinguifhing the proteftant religion, which they regarded as a peftilent herefy.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 238

As the companion tells it

Up ahead you come near Vinegar Hill. In 1798, a Protestant boy known as Gray Thomas, who lived at Newcastle near the house of John Hay, was murdered by Hay on this hill. The killing was proved at the trial of rebel general Edward Roche at Wexford in December of that year. Hay believed every true Protestant would oppose the United Irishmen, who sought to separate Ireland from England, form a republic under France, and extinguish the Protestant religion, which they regarded as a pestilent heresy.

Houses of entertainment for seducing soldiers in Dublin, Cork and Athlone

Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1798

Houses of entertainment were kept open in Dublin, Cork and Athlone at considerable expense to seduce soldiers into disaffection, with soldiers regaled and prostitutes employed to work on their affections.

Read the passage

It v^-as di.covered, that houfes of entertainment were kept open in Dublin, Cork and Athlone, at a confiderable expence, for the fedutiiion of the folaiers. They were regaled there gratis^ with the moft delicious fare ;' and even proilirutes were kept to work on their affections.
In the month of May, feveral committees were furprifed in the acl of forming treafonable plots in Dublin ; and it was difcovered that the blackfmiths there were bufily employed in rnaking pikes.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athlone, this was one of three towns where houses of entertainment were kept open in 1798 at considerable expense to seduce soldiers into disaffection. Soldiers were regaled there with the most delicious fare, and prostitutes were kept to work on their affections. Dublin and Cork had the same scheme running.

Hundreds of pikes surrendered at Camolin

Camolin · town · Wexford · 1798

A letter published in the Dublin Journal reported many hundred pikes given up at Camolin to Sir Frederick Flood and Henry Brownrigg, magistrates, with unfortunate people crowding in with confession and throwing themselves on the mercy of government.

Read the passage

§ Camolin, May a4th. ^ " I have the fatisfadlion of informing you, that the mtafures of govenrment have been attended with the happieft eficds. In this parilhj many hundred pikes have been given up within thefe few days to fir Frederick Flood and Henry Brownrij^if,. tlqiiire,, magiltrates ; and the unfortunate people are crowding in with the fulleffc confefiion, and throwing thtmfelves on the mercy of government. I have been myfeif an eye-witnefs to the fenfe of guilt and contrition in the deluded peafantrv, againft whom fuch baneful arts have been exerted." j '

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 213

Insurrection converges on Rathangan

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1798

On Thursday 24 May, inhabitants for miles around Rathangan rose in insurrection and approached the town in great bodies. Captain Langton, quartered there with South Cork militia, kept patrols out all night and repulsed rebel parties advancing on the town.

Read the passage

On Thurfday morning the twenty-fourth day of May, the inhabitants of the country for fome miles; round Rathangan were in a ftate of infurredion; and as they approached the town, towards evening, in great bodies, and with much vociferation, captain Langton, v/ho was quartered there with a company of the South Cork militia, fearing that he fhould be furprifed and cut off, kept patrples all that night ou the difTerent avenues leading to it^ which was very ibrtunate, as they had Ikifmilhes with, and repulfed different parties of the rebels who were advancing towards the town. Purfuant to orders which he had received from general Wilford, he would have marched that day to Sallins ; but he was perfuaded to remain there by Mr. Spenfer, who promifed to excufe hiia to the general, and who fent a Mr. Gatchell to KiU -cullen for that purpofe.
On his arrival there, he found that it had been :;vacuated by the king's troops, and was in poffef- ,ion of the rebels, who attacked and endeavoured to

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 168

Irish Brigade encampment between Roebuck and Dublin

Roebuck · townland · Dublin · 1783

In summer 1783, the Irish Brigade and Dublin independent volunteers, commanded by James Napper Tandy, Matthew Dowling, and Bacon the tailor, formed an encampment between Roebuck and Dublin under the pretext of studying tactics, while allegedly hatching revolutionary plans.

Read the passage

In the fummer of the year 1783, the Irifli brigade, and the Dublin independent volunteers, commanded by James Napper Tandy, Matthew Dowling, and Bacon the tailor, formed an encampment between Roebuck and Dublin, under the pretext of ftudying
tadicks,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the summer of 1783, the Irish Brigade and the Dublin independent volunteers set up an encampment between Roebuck and Dublin. They were commanded by James Napper Tandy, Matthew Dowling, and Bacon the tailor, under the pretext of studying tactics, while allegedly hatching revolutionary plans.

James Walsh tried and sentenced to transportation at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1801

Following his arrest at Tralee, James Walsh was tried at Limerick and sentenced to transportation for his role in organizing rebels. He had also succeeded in seducing some Catholic soldiers of the Limerick militia into his conspiracy.

Read the passage

A vagabond, of the name of James Walfli, was actively employed in the county of Kerry, in organizing the people ; for which he was arrefled at Tralee, on the 9th of September, i8©i, and was tried and fentenced to tranfportation at Limerick.
On being fearched, a fcapular, a charm, and fome other pieces of popifh trumpery were found on the perfon of this pious mifTionary. The hrfl, and initiatory oath, which he exhibited to thofe whom he enrolled in the ranks of rebellion, was to be true to the French and the Virgin Mary. The two fuc-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where James Walsh was tried and sentenced to transportation in 1801. He had been arrested at Tralee on the 9th of September that year for organizing rebels in Kerry. On him they found a scapular, a charm, and what the source calls "popish trumpery." The oath he gave to those he enrolled was to be true to the French and the Virgin Mary. He had also drawn some Catholic soldiers of the Limerick militia into his conspiracy.

Keugh arrested by king's troops at Wexford, 21 June

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Soon after being arrested by the king's troops on the twenty-first of June, Keugh told an officer he was convinced his life could not exceed forty-eight hours even had his party prevailed, and that capture by king's troops would mean death within twenty-four hours.

Read the passage

Soon after he was arrelled by the king^s troops, on the twenty-firH of Jane, he told an officer of my acquaintance, that he was convinced, the period of his life could not exceed forty-eight hours, even if his party had gained the afcendency ; and if the king's troops fucceeded and entered the town, hi^
^ fate would be determined in twenty-four.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 298

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is where Keugh was arrested by the king's troops on 21 June 1798. Soon after his capture he told an officer he was convinced his life could not exceed 48 hours even had his party prevailed, and that if the king's troops succeeded and entered the town, his fate would be determined in 24.

King's Troops Take Possession of Arklow Town

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

The town of Arklow was taken possession of by dragoons without opposition, and the main column marched in around four o'clock on the sixth of June, bringing great joy to Protestant inhabitants who had fled to the beach.

Read the passage

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
entire

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 277

As the companion tells it

Coming through Arklow in Wicklow. In June 1798, dragoons took possession of this town without any opposition, and around four o'clock on the sixth, the main column marched in. Most of the Protestant inhabitants had deserted their houses and fled to the beach, to avoid the destruction which seemed to impend over them and their families, and made their escape in boats. But on seeing the column enter the town, they returned. On the seventh and eighth, the troops remained unmolested, though they were in constant expectation of being attacked. Patrols were kept constantly in motion, and every precaution was adopted that prudence could suggest. Some fences were levelled, to clear the only position which it appeared advisable to occupy in case of an attack. The disposition of the forces for that event was resolved on, and ground was marked out for encamping the troops.

Lieutenant Eadie's ambush volley near Narraghmore

Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1798

Lieutenant Eadie of the Tyrone militia, delayed by breakfast at Narraghmore, placed his men behind a low wall and fired a volley on the rebels as they came within thirty yards, killing many and rescuing prisoners.

Read the passage

Lieutenant Eadie placed his men behind a low wail, and when the favages came within thirty yards,, gave them a volley, which killed many of them.
The favages fled, leaving all their prifoners, fave Jefi^eries and William Afhe, behind them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 182

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1798, Lieutenant Eadie of the Tyrone militia placed his men behind a low wall. When the rebels came within 30 yards he gave them a volley, which killed many of them. The rebels fled, leaving all their prisoners behind them, save Jeffaries and William Ashe.

Martial Law Proclaimed in Dublin by General Lake

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Lieutenant-general Lake, given full powers by the lord lieutenant, issued a notice declaring martial law to suppress the rebellion and punish rebels in the most summary manner. All Dublin inhabitants except officials and military were required to remain indoors from nine at night till five in the morning.

Read the passage

in the moft fummary manner, according to martial law, does hereby give notice to all his majefty's fubje^LS, that he is determined to exert the powers cntrufted to him in the moft vigorous manner, for the immediate fupproffion of the fame ; and that all perfons ading in the prefent rebellion, or in any wife aiding or affifting therein, will be treated by him as rebels, and punifhed accordingly.
And lieutenant-general Lake hereby requires all the inhabitants of the city of Dublin, (the great officers of ftate, members of the houfes of parliament.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 151

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a city that in 1798 felt the grip of martial law. Lieutenant-general Lake, given full powers by the lord lieutenant, issued a notice declaring he would suppress the rebellion and that anyone acting in it or aiding it would be treated as rebels and punished accordingly. He ordered all inhabitants of the city to remain indoors from nine at night till five in the morning, with only great officers of state and members of the houses of parliament exempt.

Massacre of Protestant men in Wexford town

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

The day the rebels entered Wexford, several men were massacred including Mr. John Boyd, Thomas Sparrow, a porter named Hadden, a shoemaker Henry Box, and a man named Cook.

Read the passage

The day they entered tke town, Mr. John Boyd, brother of Mr.' B. member for the town, Thomas Sparrow, and one Hadden, a porter, were maflacred ; Henry Box, a ihoemaker, and a man of the name of Cook, contiguous to it.
Thofe who could obtain written protedions from the popifh clergy, whofe influence was unbounded, or from the rebel leaders, were not molefted.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 283

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where in 1798 rebels entered and massacred several men. They killed John Boyd, Thomas Sparrow, a porter named Hadden, the shoemaker Henry Box, and a man named Cook. Some people were spared if they had written protections from the Catholic clergy or the rebel leaders.

Mountainous Tyrone parish: Catholic-Presbyterian mistrust anecdote

Tyrone · townland · Galway · 1794

In a mountainous parish of County Tyrone in 1794, a Catholic defender leader told a French-principled Presbyterian that Catholics had been ordered to consider Presbyterians as brethren. When asked to help drive cattle, the Catholic refused to trust himself alone with an armed Presbyterian, illustrating deep rooted antipathy.

Read the passage

A Romanift, who had been an adive leader of the defenders, being in eonverfation in the year 1794 with a prelbyterian^. who was much addicted to French republican principles, in a mountainous jparifh of the county of Tyrone, informed him, that xhe Rbmanifts had received orders from their comjaittee, to confider the prefbyterians in future as Sirethren, and that they were both to fraternize. On -v/hich the latter, who had a gun in his hand, afl^ed liim to affifl him in driving fome cattle from the 3nountains : To which the Romanifl replied, " What ! iruft myfelf alone with a prefbyterian with a gun 1" So rooted was the antipathy of the Romanifts tO' the dilTenters ! \
Samuel Neilfon ftated in his evidence before the Tecret committee of the houfe of lords, that the mililary organization began in Ulfter in the^ autumn of 1796, and that the objed of it w^as to carry meafures hy force ; and they muft have collected arms with great celerity, for it appears, that before the clofe of that year, the confpirators had, in Belfaft alone, five hundred and twenty-fix guns, three hundred and ninety-nine bayonets, eighty-eight piftols, five hundred and fixty-feven pikes, twelve thoufand one hundred and thirty ball-cartridges, fifteen thoufand: nine hundred and fifty-three balls, five hundred and fixty-fix pounds of powder, fix cannon and one mortar ; and in the county of Antrim, twenty-three - thoufand and fifty-nine men, two thoufand fix hundred and fifty-nine guns, nine hundred and eightytwo bayonets, two' hundred and four piffcols, two thoufand three hundred and forty-eight pikes, eightyfive fwords, eighteen thoufand two hundred and fifty-three b*vli-cartridges, two thoufand three hun--

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

Close to Tyrone, in a mountainous parish, a telling encounter took place in 1794. A Catholic man, who had been a leader of the Defenders, fell into conversation with a Presbyterian who held strong French republican principles. The Catholic told him that their committee had ordered them to regard Presbyterians as brethren, and that the two sides were to fraternise. The Presbyterian, who had a gun in his hand, asked him to help drive some cattle from the mountains. The Catholic refused, saying, "What! trust myself alone with a Presbyterian with a gun!" The anecdote was recorded to show how deep the antipathy between Catholics and Dissenters ran, even when orders from above called for unity. Samuel Neilson later gave evidence before the secret committee of the House of Lords that military organisation began in Ulster in the autumn of 1796, aimed at carrying measures by force, and that before the close of that year the conspirators in Belfast alone had 526 guns, 399 bayonets, 88 pistols, 567 pikes, 12,130 ball-cartridges, 15,953 balls, 566 pounds of powder, 6 cannon and 1 mortar. In County Antrim they had 23,059 men, 2,659 guns, 982 bayonets, 204 pistols, 2,348 pikes, 85 swords, 18,253 ball-cartridges and more.

Mutual armed watch between papists and Presbyterians at Rathfriland

near Rathfriland · town · Down · 1789

General Eustace found that at Rathfriland and its vicinity papists and Presbyterians harboured such mutual enmity that armed bodies of each kept constant watch and ward, each fearing murder by the other.

Read the passage

At Rathfriland, in the county of Down, and its vicinity, he found that the papifts and prefbyterians harboured fuch mutual enmity and fufpicion, that a body of each, under arms, conftantly kept watch and ward. On being afked their reafons for fo doing, each faid they were afraid of being murdered by the other.*
At Loughbrickland, their animofity was fo great, that the general recommended to a Mr. White, of the Popifh perfuafion, to quit it, as it would be unfafe for a proteftant or a Roman catholick gentleman to refide there ; and he followed his advice.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 43

Pike Forging Discovered in Thomas-street

Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1798

On 18 May 1798, justice Drury seized at noonday in Thomas-street a blacksmith, his journeyman and apprentice forging pikes; over three hundred finished pikes were found buried in the forge floor, and further pikes were traced to other houses in the street.

Read the passage

On the eighteenth of May, juftice Drury feized, at noonday in Thomas-ftreet, a blackfmith, his journeyman and apprentice, in the ad of forging pikes ; and he led them through the ftreets to the Caftle, the former having his head and fhoulders garnifhed with a number of thefe deftrudive weapons. On entering the forge, three pikes only could be found ; hut on threatening to inflid /ome bodily punifhment upon the journeyman, unlefs he difcovered where the remainder of the pikes were concealed, he acknowledged, that a number of thofe which they had fabricated, had been fent to different houfes in Thomasftreet, by which many confpirators, their pikes, and ammunition, were immediately difcovered in that quarter. The journeyman alfo confeflid, that many pikes, which they had recently made, were concealed in a hole in the wall, which communicated with the adjoining houfe, and buried in the floor of the forge, which, having dug up, he difcovered above three hundred pikes well fmiflied. Qn the following day, he detcded another blackfmith, at the Crofs-poddle, m the Liberty, in the aft of making pikes ; and, upon a diligent fearch, found a great number o{\ them buried under the floor of his forgeo
As lord Edward Fitzgerald had abfconded ever fmce the twelfth of March ; as government had the ftrongefl reafons for thinking that he was unremittingly attentive in forwarding the confpiracy in which he was fo deeply engaged ; and as he had always difplaycd great courage, and confiderable abilities as an" officer, they were under apprehenfions that he s was

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 139

As the companion tells it

On this street, on the 18th of May 1798, justice Drury seized a blacksmith, his journeyman, and his apprentice at noonday, in the act of forging pikes. Drury led them through the streets to the Castle, the blacksmith with a number of these weapons garnished on his head and shoulders. On entering the forge, only three pikes could be found. But Drury threatened bodily punishment on the journeyman unless he revealed where the rest were concealed. The journeyman confessed that many pikes they had fabricated had been sent to different houses in Thomas-street. By this, many conspirators, their pikes, and their ammunition were immediately discovered in that quarter. The journeyman also confessed that many recently made pikes were concealed in a hole in the wall, communicating with the adjoining house, and buried in the floor of the forge. When the floor was dug up, above 300 pikes, well finished, were discovered. On the following day, Drury detected another blacksmith at the Cross-poddle in the Liberty, in the act of making pikes. Upon diligent search, a great number of them were found buried under the floor of his forge.

Piper family fleeing massacre reports from Tincurry

Tincurry · townland · Wexford · 1798

A young woman named Piper galloped into Enniscorthy crying 'Murder!' warning that massacre had begun, referencing earlier cruelty by rebels toward her family at Tincurry.

Read the passage

On that evening a handfome young woma^^, of the name of Piper, came galloping at full fpeed into the town, with horror and fright in her countenance, and crying out, Murder ! Murder !" and faying, that the maiTacre had begun. I have already related the cruelty of the rebels towards her family at Tincurry.
About feven o'clock on Monday morning, the .twenty-eighth day of May, a man arrived there, and informed the garrifon, that they would be attacked beiore three o'clock in the afternoon ; and at that time the troops were much exhaufted in mind and body, from being conftantly on their arm^s, from fupplying patroles and videttes, and from fcouring > the country ; and foon after captain Snowe received a letter from lieutenant- colonel Fobte, with an account cF the defeat of the North Cork at Oulart, captain Ogle, of Belview, * now niember for the city oi Dublin, with his numerous corps of infantry, and captain John Grogan Knox, with a detachment of the Healthheld cavalry, which he commanded, bravely advanced to the relief of the garrifon oa Saturday night ; but having received intelligence that their own county was in a (late of infurrection, they were under the-ncdeiHty gf returning to it on Sunday morning. *

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 224

Planned Rebel Attack on Rathcoole Garrison

Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1798

Rebels planned to attack Rathcoole on the night of 23 May 1798, when garrisons across Kildare were surprised. Captain Ormsby's own yeoman corps, mostly Catholics, intended to murder him and loyal Protestants and join the rebels, but were deterred by loyal Armagh soldiers stationed there.

Read the passage

The rebels intended to attack Rathcool on the night of the twenty-third of May, when all the garrifons in the county of Kildare were fiirprifed ; and captain Ormfby's corps, who were all, with a few exceptions, papifts and traitors, intended to have murdered him, his brother, who was his heutenant, and one or two more proteflants, who were privates in it, and to have joined the rebels on the fird attack ; but they were fortunately deterred from perpetrating their nefarious defign by the following incidents :
Twenty of the Armagh regiment, brave, loyal, and well-difciplined, were ftationed with him, and twenty of the fame corps at Newcaftle, at the diftance of about one mile and a half. The Rathcool cavalry commanded by captain Kennedy, of whom many were proteftants, compofed alfo part of his little garrifon.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Rathcoole, this is the garrison town the rebels meant to strike on the night of 23 May 1798, when garrisons across Kildare were surprised. Captain Ormsby's own yeoman corps, mostly Catholics, planned to murder him, his brother who served as his lieutenant, and one or two Protestant privates, then join the rebels at the first attack. They were deterred by twenty soldiers of the Armagh regiment stationed there, described as brave, loyal, and well-disciplined, with twenty more of the same corps at Newcastle nearby. The Rathcoole cavalry under Captain Kennedy, many of them Protestants, also formed part of the garrison. Together these loyal forces stopped the plot before it could be carried out.

Plunder of Braffington's House at Ballymacarney

Ballymacarney · townland · Meath · 1798

Ruffians Thomas Connor and Thomas Atkinson entered and plundered the house of John Braffington at Ballymacarney, Meath, taking arms and four horses; at their later court-martial trial, witnesses testified the pair boasted of killing policemen at Dunboyne and fencibles at Clonee-bridge.

Read the passage

On the trial of thefe men, by court martial, held the twelfth of July, 1798, at the barrack of Dublin, meffieurs John and James Braflington proved upon oath, that Connor and Atkinfon declared, at their houfe, that they were ordered to kill all hereticks, * and to wade in their blood ; and they boalled that they had killed the Police-men at Dunboyne, and the Ray Fencibles at Clonee-bridji^e. f
On the Ome morning, they entered and plundered Woodparkj .the feat of Mrs. Sheii, near the Blackbull, of various \^aluable articles ; and robbed mifs Bradlhaw, her gueft,i of a large fum of mone5% One of their leaders declared^ that his orders were to put all proteftants to death. '

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 154

Priests preach religious fanaticism to embolden rebels

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Priests told ignorant rebel followers in their camps that it was God's will to root out heresy, showing muskets balls they claimed had struck them without effect, and assured them chaff or sand thrown at soldiers could disperse heretic troops.

Read the passage

an afcendancy, was manifeft, by his enabling them, who were unprovided with arms, and ignorant of the ufe of them, to overthrow the loldiers of an heretical government, who were well-armed and difciplined ; and they frequently .took mufl^et-balls out of their pockets, and afiured them that they had been hit by them in battle ; but that the baiis of hereticks could make no imprelfion on them, nor upon any true Roman cathoHck, who was, fortified by faith. At the fame time, they affared the niifguided multitude, that they could difcomut and difperfe the heretick troops, by throwing chalf or fand at them. * The gunners, whom the rebels took prifoners, were compelled to ferve in their army.
Major-general Fawcett marched from Duncannonfort t to Taghmon, | with eighty of the thirteenth regiment, and a party of the Meath, to fupport the detachment under captain Adams ; but, on hearhig of their defeat, he returned. As loon as lieutenantcolonel Maxwell was informed of that event, he marched out with two hundred of the Donegal regiment, and about one hundred and fifty yeomen cavalry, to fupport the thirteenth regiment, who were expeded that morning at Wexford. When he arrived at the foot of the Forth || mountain, near the place where the detachment of the Meath regiment was cut to pieces, he was attacked by a numerous body of rebels, who maintained a heavy fire on his party, from behind rocks, hedges and houfes, which lay at the foot of the mountain ; and' they difcharged fome ihots at them from the howitzers, which they had taken that morning. For the purpofe of embarralTmg our troops, they drove a number of horfes jilong the road amongft them, which, in fome meafure, produced the defired effect j and. the confufion v/as very much encreafed by the precipitate retreat of the cavalry, who, pent up in a narrow road, where

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg, Chapter 244

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, you are on ground where the 1798 rebellion saw priests in the rebel camps telling followers it was God's will to root out heresy. These were men, the record says, who were unprovided with arms and ignorant of their use, and the priests assured them they could overthrow well-armed and disciplined soldiers of a heretical government. The priests would take musket balls from their pockets and claim they had been hit by them in battle, but that the balls of heretics could make no impression on any true Roman Catholic fortified by faith. They also assured the misguided multitude that they could disperse the troops by throwing chaff or sand at them. Around the same time, Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell marched out with 200 of the Donegal regiment and about 150 yeomen cavalry toward Wexford to support the 13th regiment. At the foot of the Forth mountain, near where a detachment of the Meath regiment had been cut to pieces, a numerous body of rebels attacked from behind rocks, hedges, and houses, and fired howitzers they had taken that morning. They drove horses along the road among the troops to cause confusion, and the cavalry retreated in disorder down a narrow road. Major-general Fawcett had marched from Duncannon fort to Taghmon with 80 of the 13th regiment and a party of the Meath, but turned back when he heard of the defeat. Gunners taken prisoner by the rebels were compelled to serve in their army.

Proclamation Offering Reward for Defenders in Six Counties

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1793

The lord lieutenant and council issued a proclamation on 13 February 1793 offering a reward of 100l. for prosecution of Defenders across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, Dublin, and the county of the town of Drogheda, where they assembled with arms and burned houses.

Read the passage

Drogheda, where they aflembled in large bodies^ with arms and other offenfive weapons, adminiflered illegal oaths, fent threatening letters, plundered houles of arms and other things, . and burned both houfes and offices.
It has been faid, in their excufe, that they a6:ed in their own defence, in the counties of Armagh and Down, having been attacked by the prefbyterians ; but in the other counties, which I have mentioned, their aggreffion on the proteftants was wanton, fpontaneous, and ofFenfive, as there were but few, if any, prefoyterians in them, and they met with no provocation whatfoever. Some gentlemen in the North, of great fagacity and folid judgment, have afcribed the origin of the defenders to the following caufe :

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere01musg

As the companion tells it

As the road comes into Drogheda, think back to February 1793, when the lord lieutenant and council issued a proclamation offering a reward of 100 pounds for prosecuting Defenders across Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Cavan, Dublin, and the county of the town here. The Defenders had assembled in large bodies with arms, administered illegal oaths, sent threatening letters, plundered houses, and burned houses and offices. It was said they acted in their own defence in Armagh and Down, having been attacked by Presbyterians, but in these counties their aggression was wanton and unprovoked, as there were few if any Presbyterians among them.

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)

The stories, best first

Massacre of loyalists at Castlebridge

Mass burning of protestant houses between Baltinglass and Blessington roads

McFillin's testimony at Garvagh provincial meeting

Nefarious leaders sent aboard a tender at Sligo to serve king's troops

Proclamation halts insurrection planned in Dublin

Rebel Captured Near Scarawalsh Bridge

Rebel household terror against loyalist women in Wexford

Rebels Burn Lamberton, Seat of Reverend Bayly

Red tape worn by Catholic children in Wingfield and Gorey before rebellion

Resolution at Ross camp to kill all protestants

Reverend Pentland and Trocke executed on Vinegar Hill

Right Boys threaten Limerick, Cork and Ennis with famine

Robbery at Woodpark near Black Bull

Sir George Hill surprises rebels near Derry

Skirmish at Watling-street End

Volunteers disarm mob near Lismodel

Attack on Rev. John Hill's house in Tyrone

Castletown corps papists dismissed before rebellion

William Hughes shelters officers' wives in defiance of rebel governor Keugh

Ambush attempt on Sir Fenton Aylmer at Kilcock

Ambush of Ensign Cleland near Balbriggan

Ambush of Mr. Atkinson at Crowhill

Ancient walls, gates and religious houses of Wexford

Belfast Celebration of the French Revolution Anniversary

Belfast tailor pilloried for attempting to seduce the military

Burrowes Family Take Refuge at Oulart Inn

Captain King's tenant refuses United Irishmen oath at Rathdrum

Captain Medlicot confronted at Eccles Street assembly

Capture of Captain McManus's detachment near Ballycanew

Colonel Lehunte renounces religion at Wexford chapel

Court-martial at Limerick offers reward for informer

D'Arcy convicted and hanged for Conners murder, trial at Wexford

Defenders plot to shoot lord lieutenant in the Park and seize magazine

Destruction of rebel escape vessels near Fethard

Dublin's canals used as defensive fortification

Execution of Rebel Leader Gaffney at Ross

Father Kearns hanged at Edenderry

Father Martin's overnight stay at priest's house in Roundwood

Father Murphy's sermon at Carrig invoking divine sanction for rebellion

Ferns oaths administered until eve of rebellion

George Piper's assassination on Vinegar Hill

Gray Thomas murdered near Newcastle by John Hay on Vinegar Hill

Houses of entertainment for seducing soldiers in Dublin, Cork and Athlone

Hundreds of pikes surrendered at Camolin

Insurrection converges on Rathangan

Irish Brigade encampment between Roebuck and Dublin

James Walsh tried and sentenced to transportation at Limerick

Keugh arrested by king's troops at Wexford, 21 June

King's Troops Take Possession of Arklow Town

Lieutenant Eadie's ambush volley near Narraghmore

Martial Law Proclaimed in Dublin by General Lake

Massacre of Protestant men in Wexford town

Mountainous Tyrone parish: Catholic-Presbyterian mistrust anecdote

Mutual armed watch between papists and Presbyterians at Rathfriland

Pike Forging Discovered in Thomas-street

Piper family fleeing massacre reports from Tincurry

Planned Rebel Attack on Rathcoole Garrison

Plunder of Braffington's House at Ballymacarney

Priests preach religious fanaticism to embolden rebels

Proclamation Offering Reward for Defenders in Six Counties