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. 2)
Author: Richard Musgrave (1745 or 1746–1818)

Scapular cult spread from Ballina by mendicant friars

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

Mendicant friars near Ballina persuaded Roman Catholics that scapulars, blessed cloth badges, ensured eternal happiness and protection from fire and injury, selling them for profit. The cloth was actually asbestos, giving a false impression of miraculous fire-resistance after the priest's blessing.

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give the reader a more minute defcription of If, In the neighbourhood of Ballina, * there were fome mendicant friars, who were' led, by ' the poverty of their fituation, to convert the credulity of the popifli multitude to their benefit, by inducing them to believe, that an admiflion into this fraternity would enfure them eternal happinefs ; and this foundation, being once laid, it was not dil?icult afterwards to perluade them to pay a fmall fum of money for its attainment.
At their initiation they received a fquare piece of brown cloth, with the letters I H S infcribed on it, meaning Jefus hominum Salvator,t which was hung round the neck with a ftring, and lying on the fhoulder next to the fkin, was, from its fituation, called a fcapular. The price of it on initiation was, to the poorer clafs, one fhilling ; to thofe who could afford it, higher in proportion to their ability. This diftinguifliing badge of the order, having received the priefl's benediction, was fuppofed to contain the virtue of preferving the difciple, not only from outward dangers and injuries, but alfo from the attacks of the ghoftly enemy. They afcribed to thefe fcapulars the power of protecting a houfe, in v/hich 1 one of them happened to be, from bejng confumed by fire, or of extinguifhing one on fire, if thrown j into the flames ; while the facred extinguifher would remain perfectly fafe from the power of the fire, like the three Hebrews in the Babylonian furnace. |

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, near Ballina, in 1798, mendicant friars preyed on the credulity of the Catholic poor. Their own poverty led them to persuade people that admission into their fraternity would ensure eternal happiness. Once that belief was established, it was not difficult to persuade them to pay a small sum of money for it. At initiation each person received a square piece of brown cloth, with the letters IHS inscribed on it, meaning Jesus hominum Salvator, Jesus Saviour of men. It was hung round the neck with a string and lay on the shoulder next to the skin, and from its situation was called a scapular. The price was one shilling for the poorer class, and higher for those who could afford it, in proportion to their ability. After the priest's benediction, this badge was supposed to contain the virtue of preserving the disciple not only from outward dangers and injuries but from the attacks of the ghostly enemy. They ascribed to these scapulars the power of protecting a house in which one happened to be from being consumed by fire, or of extinguishing a fire if thrown into the flames. The sacred extinguisher would remain perfectly safe from the power of the fire, like the three Hebrews in the Babylonian furnace. The cloth was asbestos, which gave a false impression of miraculous fire-resistance after the priest's blessing. The friars sold them for profit.

Shooting of Mr. Sparrow and panic at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

As the rebel army approached Wexford, a shot fired at Mr. Sparrow of Enniscorthy, a loyal yeoman, caused panic among the rebels who fled in confusion believing the army had returned; Richards later saw Sparrow's dead body lying in the street and rebels destroying a watchmaker's house branded as an orangeman's.

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The banditti who marched towards Wexford, could net be lefs than fifteen thoufand men. Mr. Fitzgerald fent for Mr. Richards, and for a drummer of the Sdeath militia, that had been cut off that morning. They fet off with their conductor, and when they had arrived within a quarter of a mile of Wexford, they perceived the rebels flying into the country, in every dire£^ion, and the road flrewed with their coats, wigs, hats, pikes, mulkets, and other weapons ; and men, women, and children, in the greatefl confternation. On enquiry, he found that their difmay^, and their flight j were occafioned by the report of a gurr, which had been fired at Mr. Sparrow, of Ennifcorthy, a yeoman of diftinguifhed loyalty, by a perfon in the van of their army j from which the rear, having been panickftruck, fled in the utmofl: confufion conceiving that our army had returned and were firing on them.* Mr. Richards^ on entering the town, faw the dead body of Mr. Sparrow lying in the ftreet, and the rebels engaged in deftroying the houfe of a watch-maker, whom they branded with the ap* pellation of « orangeman." A gentleman who had procured the pardon of one of the unfortunate wretches who attended this camp, afliired him, that at one time he was almoft famifhed ; that at another, he was overcome with repletion. That at times, the hunger of the rebel foldiers was fo great, that they ufed to cut off large pieces of flefti from the body of a bullock, before it was killed, then throw it on a fire, with the hair and fkin on, and confume it be.* fore it was half roafted.
A lijl of perfons executed in the town of Wexford^ for the crimes of rebellion, murder y '^c. from the retaking of the town by the royal army, June the twenty-frjly 1 798, to the

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 176

As the companion tells it

As you come through Wexford, this is the town where, in 1798, a vast rebel army marched in and then broke apart in fear over a single gunshot. The banditti who marched towards Wexford could not be less than 15,000 men. Mr. Fitzgerald sent for Mr. Richards and for a drummer of the militia who had been cut off that morning. They set off with their conductor, and when they had arrived within a quarter of a mile of Wexford, they perceived the rebels flying into the country in every direction. The road was strewn with their coats, wigs, hats, pikes, muskets, and other weapons. Men, women, and children were in the greatest consternation. On enquiry, Richards found that their dismay and their flight were occasioned by the report of a gun, which had been fired at Mr. Sparrow of Enniscorthy, a yeoman of distinguished loyalty, by a person in the van of their army. From this the rear, having been panic struck, fled in the utmost confusion, conceiving that the army had returned and were firing on them. Richards, on entering the town, saw the dead body of Mr. Sparrow lying in the street. He also saw the rebels engaged in destroying the house of a watchmaker, whom they branded with the appellation of orangeman. A gentleman who had procured the pardon of one of the unfortunate wretches who attended this camp was told that at one time the man was almost famished, and at another overcome with repletion. The hunger of the rebel soldiers was so great at times that they used to cut off large pieces of flesh from the body of a bullock before it was killed, then throw it on a fire with the hair and skin on, and consume it before it was half roasted.

Murder of Henry Hinch near Gorey, testified at 1800 court martial

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798–1800

Henry Hinch, a Protestant, was taken from his house near Gorey to a rebel camp where he begged for his life; his neighbour Mary Redmond insisted he be killed, and he was shot, with Mary Redmond striking his body with a stone and calling him an orange rogue.

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The following fact w^as proved on a court-martial at Wexford, the r9th of May, iSoo: Henry Hinch, a proteflant^ was taken from his own houfe, near Gorey, by a band of alTaffins, and conveyed to the rebel camp, where Mary Forde faw him on his knees, begging his life ; when Mary Redmond, his neighbour, whom he had regarded as a friend, infifted that he (hould be killed 5 on which he was fnot, and when he fell fhe ft ruck his body with a ftone, and called him an orange rogue. Then a rebel of the name of Philips fired another fhot at him. This poor man, who had lived by his induftry, left a wife and nine children.
As that column ftiii continued to infefl the country contiguous to Gorey, * general Needham, on" the -morning of the thirtieth of June, fent Hunter Gowan, captain of the Tinahely" cavalry, with a part of his corps, to reconnoitre near Moneyfeed. f From a hill near that ,town, about three o'clock in the morning, he perceived the rebels in a hollow under him in very great force, having received large reinforcements fince their flight from Vinegar-hill. He fent intelh'-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

As you come through Gorey, this town has a story from the court martial held at Wexford on the 9th of May, 1800. Henry Hinch, a Protestant, was taken from his own house near Gorey by a band of assassins and brought to the rebel camp. Mary Forde saw him there on his knees, begging for his life. Mary Redmond, his neighbour, a woman he had regarded as a friend, insisted that he should be killed. He was shot, and when he fell, she struck his body with a stone and called him an orange rogue. Then a rebel named Philips fired another shot at him. This poor man had lived by his industry. He left a wife and nine children. That column still continued to infest the country contiguous to Gorey, and on the morning of the 30th of June, General Needham sent Hunter Gowan, captain of the Tinahely cavalry, with part of his corps, to reconnoitre near Moneyfeed. From a hill near that town, about three o'clock in the morning, he saw the rebels in a hollow below him in very great force, having received large reinforcements since their flight from Vinegar Hill.

Mutiny plot in Sir Richard Butler's cavalry corps

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

Nine papists in Sir Richard Butler's corps of cavalry, including its permanent serjeant, conspired to murder the Protestant members by firing on them in action; seven were convicted and hanged, two fled but were later pardoned.

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In fir Richard Butler's corps of cavalry, nine paplfts, of whom his permanent ferjeant was done, confpired to murder its proteftant members. The ferjeant was to have pofted in th^ rear the confpirators, who were to have fired on the proteftants in action. Seven of them wer€ convicted and hanged, the other two fled ; but coming in under the proclamation, obtained their pardon.
Mr. Burton, member for the county, hcd a corps of infantry, in w^hich he difcovered twenty popifh traitors, whom he expelled, and feventeen of them were afterwards Jianged or tranfported. The arms of his corps being depofited in the guard-houfe, and guarded by fix poprfli members, when the infurre6lion was expected, they poured water into the muzzles, and wet the pans, of their firelocks.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 135

Ambush at Saintfield

near Saintfield · town · Down · 1798

Rebels lay in ambush in a hollow road near Saintfield and opened heavy fire on the rear of Colonel Stapleton's column, killing the Reverend Mr Mortimer, his nephew, and several yeomen before being repulsed with heavy losses.

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As a roport prevailed on the ninth of June, that there was a rifing at Newtownards * in the county of Down, colonel Stapleton marched with a detachment of the York fencibles, and fome yeomen cavalry and infantry, and two pieces of cannon, towards Saintfield, and was informed between Comber and that town, that there was no appearance whatever of a rifmg. The main body of the rebels lay in ambufh, in a hollow way, through which he was to pafs, within a quarter of a mile of Saintfield. The hedges on each fide were very high and numerous^ and the rebels, who were concealed behind them and in fome plantations, having fuffered the principal part of colonel Stapleton' s party to pafs unmolefted, opened a very heavy fire on their rear, confifting of the yeomen cavalry, whom they threw into confufion, as they were expofed to the enemy in a narrow road, where they could not deploy, or make any movement for their defence. The reverend Mr. Mortimer,^ vicar of Fortaferry, his nephew, and _feven or eight yeomen, who had juft joined them, were inftantly killed. Thofe who attempted to crofs into the fields to form, were butchered with pikes. At laft, colonel Stapleton, with the mofl cool intrepidity, difmounted, went into the fields, and formed the grenadiers there. Captain Chetv/ynd.^ lieutenant Unit and enfign Sparks, in attempting to follow him, were killed. Colonel Stapleton, having attacked the infurgents with the grenadiers and the cannon which he brought to bear upon them, repulfed and killed three hundred and fifty of them.
The rebels having retreated towards Neu townard^ attacked, next day, a fmall party, confifling mofiily of invaUds and old men, who were polled in the

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 66

Assassination oath sworn at Clonmel alehouse

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1762

At Thomas Browne's alehouse in Clonmel, Robert Keating, James Butler and Patrick Gilbert took an oath to murder the earl of Carrick, Sir Thomas Maude, John Bagwell and Rev. John Hewetson.

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Aglifh, in the county of Kilkenny, who being duly fworn on the Holy Evangelifts, depofeth, That fome time in the month of I^Iarch, 1762, he was enUfted in the fociety of whiteboys, at Newcafble, in the county of Tipperary, by Mr. Robert Keating, of Knocka, in faid county, gentleman, and fworn by him at the fame time, to take the following oath : " To be true and faithful to the king of France, and to the true king, prince Charles, and to obey all the orders of his officers, and not to difclofe his fecrets to any one, except to a Frenchman, or one of his own party." That he told informant that the objetl they had in view was, to collett an army together in this kingdom, fufhcient to raife a rebellion againft an invaOon which they expected from France, with prince Charles, their rightful fovereign, at their head \ and, for whom, they were to conquer England, Ireland, and Scotland. And that he told informant they had powerful friends in England and Scotland, who would caufe and foment rifings in faid kingdoms, for faid end. That a ftrong French army would make a defcent in thefe kingdoms, at the fame time that they would invade Ireland. That therefore the whiteboys muft keep well and faithfully together, againft faid event. That informant made many expeditions by night on the lands of Drumlemon, Ardfinnan, and Fethard, in the county of Tipperary, under the command of faid Robert Keating, and others, who were mounted, armed, and drefled in white uniforms; together with the late Nicholas Sheehy,* Edmond Sheehy, James Buxton, nnd James Farrell. That faid Robert Keating, and James Butler, drew out their troop, and difciplined them at faid places. That fomf time after, informant was prefent at a meeting held at the houfe of Thomas Browne, of Clonmell, alefeller, together with faid Robert Keating, James Butler, and one Patrick Gilbert, farmer, who all took an oath to put to death, the firft time an opportunity offered, the earl of Carrick, fir Thomas Maude, baronet, John Bagwell, efcjuire, and the reverend John
Hewetfon,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 123

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Clonmel in Tipperary. In March 1762, a man from County Kilkenny was sworn into the Whiteboys at Newcastle in Tipperary by Robert Keating of Knocka. The oath was to be true and faithful to the king of France and to Prince Charles, to obey all the orders of his officers, and not to disclose his secrets to any one, except to a Frenchman, or one of his own party. Keating told him they aimed to collect an army to raise a rebellion against an invasion they expected from France, with Prince Charles at their head, and to conquer England, Ireland, and Scotland. He said they had powerful friends in England and Scotland who would foment risings, and that a French army would descend on these kingdoms at the same time as they invaded Ireland. The informant made night expeditions on the lands of Drumlemon, Ardfinnan, and Fethard in Tipperary, under Robert Keating and others, mounted, armed, and dressed in white uniforms, together with Nicholas Sheehy, Edmond Sheehy, James Buxton, and James Farrell. Keating and James Butler drew out their troop and disciplined them at those places. Then, at Thomas Browne's alehouse in Clonmel, the informant was present at a meeting with Robert Keating, James Butler, and Patrick Gilbert, a farmer. They all took an oath to put to death, the first time an opportunity offered, the earl of Carrick, Sir Thomas Maude, John Bagwell, and the reverend John Hewetson.

Attack on Enniscorthy town during Vinegar Hill battle

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

A column under major-generals Johnson and Eustace, drawn from Ross, began the attack upon the town of Enniscorthy, situated on the right bank of the Slaney close under Vinegar Hill.

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The relative importance of this very ftrong pofitioH with our operations againft Wexford, made it neceflary to combine our attacks fo as to infure fuccefs. A column, tmder major-generaJs Johnfon and Euftace was <lrawn from Rofs, and began the attack upon the town of Ennifcorthy> lituate upon the right bank of the Slaney, clofe under Vinegar-hill upon the right, and rather in the rear of it.
" Lieutenant general Dundas commanded the centre column, fupported by a column upon the right under major generals fir James DufFand Loitus a fourth column upan the left was commanded by the honourable major-generai Needham. To the determined fpirit with which thele columns were condu6ted, and the great gallantry of the troops, we are indebted for the fliort refiftance of the rebels, who maintained their ground obftinately for the time above mentioned *, but on perceiving the danger of being fur-, rounded, they fled with great precipitation. Their lofs is not yet afcertained, but it muft be very confiderable. The iofs on our part is not great, the particulars of which I

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 176

Attempted murder of Rev. Mr. Jones near Maynooth

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1799

The curate of Moyglare parish was ambushed by armed rebels between Kilcock and Maynooth in January 1799, shot in the head and hip, and left for dead after a violent struggle; he survived and later identified his attackers, Adams and Fox, who were convicted and hanged.

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AS the reverend Mr. Jones, curate of the parilh of Moyglare, in the county of Kildare, was riding between Kilcock and Maynooth, on the eighteenth of January, 1799, he was informed by a gentleman that fome armed rebels were riding about the parifli in queft of him, for the purpofe of murdering him ; on which he proceeded towards Maynooth as fafl; as poflfible \ but his horfe having loft a fhpe, he ftopped at a fmith's forge, where it was foon replaced. When he was about to mount, he faw fome horfemen galloping towards him, on which he put fpurs to his horfe and fled with the greateft precipitation \ but his horfe growing
reftif;

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Maynooth, this is where the reverend Mr. Jones, curate of Moyglare parish, was fleeing for his life on the 18th of January, 1799. He had been warned that armed rebels were riding in search of him to murder him. He raced towards Maynooth but his horse lost a shoe, and he had to stop at a smith's forge. The moment he was about to mount again he saw horsemen galloping towards him, put spurs to his horse, and fled. They caught him. He was shot in the head and the hip and left for dead after a violent struggle. He survived, and identified his attackers as Adams and Fox. Both were convicted and hanged.

Bandon Protestants disarm garrison and are besieged, 1688

Bandon · town · Cork · 1688–1695

In 1688, the Protestant inhabitants of Bandon, suffering under a popish garrison, disarmed and expelled their oppressors, but were then attacked by 12,000 Irish troops under the Earl of Clancarty and forced to pay a pecuniary contribution to save the town from pillage and burning.

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preflbrs ; but they were foon after attacked b}^ 12,000 Irifli, commanded by the earl of Clancarty, and his brother, major-general M*Carthyj^and v.^ere reduced to the necelhty of paying a pecuniary contribution, M iiich was fecured by the bonds of fome of the principal inhabitants, to fave the town from pillage and conflagration. Having been fucd for the principal and intereft; due on their bonds in the year 1^95, rhey petitioned parliament to be exonerated from the p^^yinent thereof ; and the houfe of commons having addrefl'ed the viceroy for that purpofe, his excellency ordered the amount of the faid bonds to be paid out of the treafury. The houfe of commons, in their addrefs to the viceroy, pray, " to have the town reftored to its former ftate, that It might be a refuge and protecHcn to the Englilh againll the cruelty of the Irifh." How like the ftate of Ireland has been for fome years pafh to that period !
Ever fmce, Bandon, which is a populous and manufacturing town, has continued to be inhabited exclufively by proteftants *, for the prefent inhabitants have been fo fenfible of the fufFerings of their anceftors, from the perfecution which they experienced, that they would not pennit j^cman catholicks to refide in the town.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Battle of Arklow and Michael Murphy's prayers

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

Ormsby was compelled to march with the rebel army to the battle of Arklow, led by priest Michael Murphy who stopped often to pray with the rebels, who knelt and kissed the ground; Ormsby was wounded in the thigh in the battle.

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guilliing ftate) to go to the rebel camp at Gorcy, where he found fev^ral protcftant priloners, among whom was the reverend Mr. Owen a protcftant clergyman. That on deponent's arrival there, he was afked by a rebel of the name of Maurice Doyle, whether he this deponent was a Roman catholick, to which he anfwered that he was bred a protcftant. That faid Doyle afked him what he thought of the Virgin Mary ; to which deponent anfwered, that he thought file was next in glory to Chrift. That foon after deponent was committed to prifon in the market-houfe of Gorcy, where, including deponent, there were thirty-nine prifoners all proteftants ; that about the hour of four o'clock the fame day, the faid protcftant prifoners were led out by a party of rebels to Gorey-hill, to be put to death, arrd which would have taken place asdepone:it verily believes, but that an order was received from general Bagenal Harvey, deiirin^ that no perfon fhould kill his prifoner under pain of death. That notwithftancling faid order, a rebel fired a piftol at one of the proteftant prifoners, and wounded him in the fhoulder. That the rebels, on hearing the faid humane order, feemed much difappointed, and expreiTed an earneft defire of putting the prifoners to death. That deponent was difcharged the fame day by the orders of one Richard Monaghan a rebel captain, and was compelled to join the rebels as a foU dier. That next day deponent was compelled to march with the rebel army to the battle of Arklow. That Michael Murphy a prieft, who had the chief command, flopped very often in their way thither, and faid prayers for the rebels, who always kneeled down and often kilTed the ground. That faid Monaghan defired the rebels not to kill the foldiers, as they were their friends, and would join them. That deponent received a ball in the thigh at . the battle of Arklow, and lay in a languifhing ftate one night within two miles of Arklow, and that deponent recovered from his wound, and is now perfectly well, though he received no medical affiftance. Deponent faith, that great numbers of wounded rebel foldiers were carried the fame night on cars or on horfeback to Gorey aforefaid. Deponent faith, that while he lay fick of his wound, a man of the name of John Brennan his labourer, often prelTed him to fend for a prieft and to change his religion, as no perfon could be faved out of the Roman catholick church ; and it was not known that; a proteftant ever was faved. Deponent faith, that his father, Charles Ormfby, was murdered o;i Whitfu^ Saturday,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Arklow in Wicklow, you are moving through the ground where the Battle of Arklow was fought in 1798. A Protestant man named Ormsby had been taken prisoner by rebels at Gorey, held with 38 other Protestant prisoners, and nearly put to death before an order from General Bagenal Harvey spared them. He was then forced to join the rebel army as a soldier and march to Arklow. The rebels were led by a priest, Michael Murphy, who had chief command. On the march, Murphy stopped very often to say prayers. The rebels would kneel down and often kiss the ground. One rebel captain, Richard Monaghan, told the rebels not to kill the soldiers, saying they were their friends and would join them. Ormsby took a ball in the thigh at the battle and lay wounded for a night within two miles of Arklow. He recovered without any medical assistance. Great numbers of wounded rebel soldiers were carried that same night on cars or horseback to Gorey. While Ormsby lay sick, a man named John Brennan pressed him to send for a priest and change his religion, saying no person could be saved outside the Roman Catholic church. His father, Charles Ormsby, had been murdered on Whitsun Saturday.

Captain Shortall knocks down French officer with his fist at Castlebar

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

While operating his gun, Captain Shortall was confronted by a French officer who fired a pistol and missed, then attempted to draw his sword; Shortall knocked him down with his fist before retreating.

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It was fliil hoped that they would have rallied m rear of the guns, when they perceived the execution made by the canifter fliot ; but they ran off ; and captain Shortall had only time to fire three rounds, when the enemy rufhed in on his right, and would certainly have put him and all his men 'o death, but that it is fuppofed their ammuniuoi was expended. While captain Shortall was at ihe britchin of his gun, he was clofed by a French ofiicer, who having nrcd a piftoi at him, and milled him, was on the pcint of drawing his fword, but the captain knocked him down with his fill:, and then retreated.
In juftice to the earls of Ormond and Longford, I think It proper to obferve, that they did their utmoft to rally their regiments.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Castlebar in Mayo, you are on ground where, in 1798, Captain Shortall was working his gun, firing canister shot until the enemy rushed in on his right. A French officer closed on him, fired a pistol and missed, and was on the point of drawing his sword. Shortall knocked him down with his fist and retreated. The earls of Ormond and Longford did their utmost to rally their regiments.

Carved inscription on Wexford Bridge portcullis rails commemorating massacres

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798–1799

After the massacres at Wexford Bridge on 20 June 1798, inscriptions celebrating the killing of Orangemen were carved on the rails of the portcullis at the site, still legible in June 1799.

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Soon after the maffacres at Wexford, on the twentieth of June, the following fentences were carved on the rails of the portcullis of the bridge, the place where they were perpetrated ; and they were legible in the month of June, 1 799 : " Sacred to the chriflian dodrine of fending orangemen to the meadows of eafe, June 1798 : The holy hereticks that were flain/*
Vol. II, . E The

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 31

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where massacres took place on Wexford Bridge on 20 June 1798. Soon after, inscriptions were carved on the rails of the portcullis at the bridge, the place where the killings were done. The words were still legible in June 1799. They read: "Sacred to the Christian doctrine of sending orangemen to the meadows of ease, June 1798. The holy heretics that were slain."

Death of Father Cowley in a subterranean cavern

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

Having fled to the mountains, Cowley hid for months in a subterranean cavern under a corn field concealed with a stone, supplied by rope, until he was found dead, apparently suffocated by coals used to correct the cavern's dampness.

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Though this wretch efcaped the gallows, he fuffered a m;ore fevere and painful death. Having wandered about the mountains for fome months, fufiering all the miferies of hunger, thirft, watching, and fear, his friends formed a fubterraneous cavern for him, under a corn field, of which the aperture was covered with a large Hone, fo as to elude the obfervation of his purfuers, who often paiTed clofe to it. Fhs provifions were let down to him by a rope. At laft, he was found dead in his den, and his death was imputed to fuftbcation from coals, which his friends i'upplied him with, to correft the humidity of his
I cavern.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1798, Father Cowley met a grim end. He had escaped the gallows but wandered the mountains for months, suffering hunger, thirst, and fear. His friends dug a subterranean cavern for him beneath a corn field, its entrance covered with a large stone so that pursuers passing close by would not spot it. They lowered provisions to him by rope and supplied him with coals to correct the dampness of his cavern. He was found dead in his den, his death put down to suffocation from those coals.

Deputy portreeve Henry Hatton shot on Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1799

Michael Foley swore vehemently on Vinegar Hill that he would have the life of Henry Hatton, deputy portreeve of Enniscorthy, and despite attempts to dissuade him, pushed Hatton out of the windmill and shot him.

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Michael Foley was tried for the murder of Mr. Henry Hatton, deputy portrieve of Ennifcorthy, April nineteenth, 1799. Henry Whitney declared, that the prifonev fwor^ vehemently on Vinegar-hill, that he would have the life of Henry Hatton ; that feme perfon having tried to difluade him from it, he fwore vehemently that he wpuld quit the hill with one hundred men,* if he was prevented from kiU , ling him ; on that he puftied Mr. Hatton out of the windmill and fhot him. Several perfons were led out of the wind? roiW and murdered the fame day.
James Beaghan, who was tried and convicted of tl^ horrid crime of murder, made the confelRon the day but one before his execution, which I have inferted in page 335 of the Appendix, No, XIX.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

Up ahead, the road passes near Vinegar Hill. In April 1799, Michael Foley was tried for the murder of Henry Hatton, the deputy portreeve of Enniscorthy. A witness testified that on this hill Foley swore vehemently he would have Hatton's life. Someone tried to dissuade him, and Foley threatened he would quit the hill with one hundred men if he was prevented. He pushed Hatton out of the windmill and shot him. Several other people were led out of the windmill and murdered the same day.

Devereux captured at Cove of Cork attempting to flee to America

Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1798

Walter Devereux, chief perpetrator of the Scullabogue massacre, remained free until November 1798 when he was recognised while boarding a ship at the Cove of Cork and was subsequently hanged.

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Walter Devereux had been principally concerned in the maflacre at Scullabogue, and yet he remained unnoticed till the month of November, 1798, when being on the point of embarking on board a Ihip at the Cove of Cork, to fail for America, he was fortunately recognifed by fome of the Wexford foldiers, who had been his prifoners, was apprehended, and afterwards hanged. When ar relied, he had the protections of five general officers.
The rebels, in their progrefs to Cafllecomer, * maflacred two more of the Wexford foldiers.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 46

Doctor Harding arrests Sweeny in Cork gaol, thwarting insurrection

Cork · city · Cork · 1798

John Sweeny, a woollen draper, distributed handbills inciting a rising to rescue two soldiers condemned to be shot for disaffection, but Doctor Harding, then high sheriff, arrested Sweeny in the gaol while conferring with Roger O'Connor, defeating the plot and saving Cork from massacre.

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diftributcd printed liand bills, not only among the foldiers, but among the difaffe£lcd of the city, and the adjacent county, inciting them to rife in mafs, to overpower the garrifon, and to refcuq the prifoners *> but doftor Harding, at that time high fhcriff, arrefted Sweeny in the gaol, while conferring with R. O'Connor, on the morning of the day that the execution of the foldiers took place ; by which the infurre<£lion was defeated. The great vigilance, and active exertions of that loyal gentleman, preferved the city of Cork from conflagration and a general maflacre, for which many plots were formed to murder him.
A man cf the name of Cafey, w^as hired to aflaffniatc him, and was on the point of firing a piftol at him, w-hea fortunately a pig ran between his legs, and threw him down, by which the life of that valuable member of focicty was preferved. A committee of aiTafTmation was conftantiy fitting in Cork, by which fir Henry Mannix, captain Weflropp, Mr. Shaw the collector, do6lor Harding, alderman Shaw, meflieurs Alexander and johnfon, higfi conflables, and other loyal gentlemen, were condemned ; and purfuant to their fentence, fir Henry Mannix was fired at, and wounded, near Cork, by one Callaghan, the aflafhn hired to murder him ; and who immediately repaired to John Sweeny, and claimed the reward which the committee had offered for killing him ; but Sweeny refufed to pay it to him, as he was not a£lually killed ; but being a woollen draper, he gave him two fuits of clothes, as a recompenfe for the zeal which he difplayed in the caufe of the union.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Cork, you are moving through a city that in 1798 stood on the edge of a planned insurrection. A woollen draper named John Sweeny distributed printed handbills among the soldiers and the disaffected of the city and the adjacent county, inciting them to rise in mass, to overpower the garrison, and to rescue prisoners condemned to be shot for disaffection. On the morning of the day the soldiers were to be executed, Doctor Harding, then high sheriff, arrested Sweeny in the gaol while he was conferring with Roger O'Connor, and the insurrection was defeated. Harding's vigilance preserved Cork from what the record calls conflagration and a general massacre. Many plots were formed to murder him. A man named Casey was hired to assassinate him and was on the point of firing a pistol when a pig ran between his legs and threw him down, saving his life. A committee of assassination sat constantly in Cork, condemning Sir Henry Mannix, Captain Westropp, Mr. Shaw the collector, Doctor Harding, Alderman Shaw, and others. Sir Henry Mannix was fired at and wounded near Cork by one Callaghan, who then went to Sweeny to claim the reward. Sweeny refused to pay, since Mannix was not actually killed, but as a woollen draper he gave Callaghan two suits of clothes for his zeal in the cause of the union.

Execution of Doctor Barrett at Ballina

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

Doctor Barrett walked from the public house to the fatal tree at Ballina, reading a litany attended by two priests, and met his fate without emotion, protesting his innocence of the crimes for which he was condemned.

Read the passage

He walked from the publick houfe to the fatal tree, and read, as he proceeded, a litany, attended by two prieits, and met his fate with becoming propriety^ and without emotion, having, in a few fhort fentcnces, called God to witnefs, whether he had been guilty of ,the crimes for which he was condemned. He li'ad many good quahties, and was a \cTy ufeful member of fociety ; but his having efpoufed a caufe, which was calculated to deftroy the lives and properties of his lupporters and benefactors, leaves a ftain of ingratitude behind it which no time can efface.
Patrick Barrett, Junior, a colonel in the rebelarmy, was fon to doctor Barrett of Bailina, before mentioned, and received a tolerable fchool education from his father, who intended to breed him to the profeiTion of an apothecary. Previous to the rebellion, he enrolled himfelf in the Tyrawly cavalry, where he was always amongfl: the foremoll to volunteer in any duty which required fpirit or adivity, and never failed to acquit himfelf like a good foldier and a loyal fubject.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 114

As the companion tells it

Close to Ballina, in 1798, Doctor Barrett was led out to execution. He walked from the public house to the tree where he would die, reading a litany as he went, with two priests beside him. He met his fate without emotion, and in a few short sentences called God to witness that he was not guilty of the crimes for which he had been condemned. The record says he had many good qualities and was a useful member of society, but it judges him harshly for espousing a cause that threatened the lives and properties of those who had supported him. His son, Patrick Barrett, was a colonel in the rebel army. His father had given him a tolerable education and intended to breed him to the profession of an apothecary. Before the rebellion, the younger Barrett had enrolled in the Tyrawly cavalry, where he was always amongst the foremost to volunteer and acquitted himself like a good soldier.

Father John Murphy of Boulavogue leads rebel attack on Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

The town of Enniscorthy was attacked by a large body of rebels commanded by the reverend father John Murphy of Boulavogue, forcing the king's troops and yeomanry to evacuate after defending it for some hours.

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who being duly iworn on the Holy Evangelifts, maketh oaih, and faith, That, on Whitfun-monday laft, when xhe king's troops and the yeomanry were obliged to evacuate the town of Ennifcorthy aforefaid, which they had defended for fome hours againft the rebels, captain Richards of the Ennifcorthy cavalry, recommended to this informant, and to many other proteltant inhabitants of faid town, to accompany them in their retreat, which they v/erc about to snake, to Wexford from Ennifcorthy aforefaid, to efcape the furious rage of the popilh rebels, who in great numbers had attacked faid town, commanded by the reverend father
APPENDIX, No, XIX. 2,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 149

French surrender at Ballynamuck

Ballynamuck · townland · Cork · 1798

General Lake caught up with the French army half a mile before Ballynamuck, where their commander Sarrasin surrendered. Fighting continued as a French volley wounded General Cradock before the main surrender was completed.

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He came up v/ith them about half a mile before they reached Ballynamuck, * when monfieur Sarrafm, who commanded them, furrendered.
General Taylor having reported to general Lake that the French army had yielded, general Cradock and admiral Packenham rode forward to the main body of them, who were halted c n the road at Ballynamuck, when a French olHcer informed them that they would be fired on^ anlefs they withdrew ; but

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 106

General Bagenal Harvey's order sparing prisoners at Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Prisoners at Gorey, including Taylor, were about to be executed for being Protestant when an order arrived from General Bagenal Harvey forbidding further killing of prisoners under pain of death, saving their lives.

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aforefaid, they were led out to the rebel camp to be fliot, for no other reafon, as informant verily believes, than becaufe they were proteflants. Informant faith, that one of the faid prifoners was marked out to be faved, becaufe he was a papift, and gave a proof of his being fuch, by croffing himfclf, and by faying popilh prayers, which the rebels required him do. Informant faith, that before he and his fellow prifoners could be executed, an order was received from general Bagenal Harvey, that the rebels fliould not in future, under the pain of being fliot, put any of their prifoners to death, which order, as informant verily beheves, faved the lives of him and his fellow prifoners. This informant faith, that during his confinement at Gorey aforefaid, fome of his Roman catholick neighbours vifited him, and wiflied him a fpeedy liberation ; and at the fame time, informed him, that the only mode of procuring it was, to be baptized by the prieft, to embrace the holy Roman cathoiick faith, and to take up arms, and to fight for the caufe of Jiberty. And informant faith, that his faid neighbours informed him that they feared he would not elcape, unlefs he complied with their advice; and at the fame time tliey exprelTed much concern at feeing him in the acl of reading proteftant prayer books. Informant faith, he anfwered them by faying, he profefled the proteftant faith from convidtion, and therefore would not renounce it. Informant faith, that during his confinement at Gorey aforefaid, and previous to the arrival of general Bagenal Harvey's humane order for faving the lives of the prifoners, the rebels took out two . yeomen who were their prifoners, and fliot them, one of them of the name of Rogan, was of the Arklow corps, the other whofe name was James Wheatley, was of the Caftletown corps *, and that a rebel horfeman fired a piftol at one of tlie prifoners, and that the ball lodged in the flioulder of the faid prifoner ; and that another prifoner, previous to the arrival of the faid humane order, received fome wounds of a pike is the fide, by v/hich three of his ribs were broken. Informant faith, that when they were leading the prifoners out of the camp, a rebel gave informant two or three ftrokes of a pike in the back, informant faith, that the faid rebel camp near the town of Gorey, w^as attended by one Michael Murphy a prieft. Informant faith, that on the morning ot the ninth of June laft, the rebels at Gorey aforefaid, cut off the hair of all the prifoners (this informant excepted) and put pitched caps on their heads ; and that the reverend Mr- Owens^

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

As you come through Gorey, this is where a rebel camp held Protestant prisoners in 1798. They were led out to be shot for no reason other than their religion. One prisoner was marked to be saved because he proved he was Catholic by crossing himself and saying Catholic prayers. Before the rest could be executed, an order arrived from General Bagenal Harvey. He forbade the rebels from putting any more prisoners to death, under pain of being shot themselves. That order saved the lives of the informant and his fellow prisoners. But it came too late for two yeomen already taken out and shot. One was Rogan of the Arklow corps, the other James Wheatley of the Castletown corps. A rebel horseman had fired a pistol into a prisoner's shoulder. Another prisoner was piked in the side so that three ribs broke. The informant himself took two or three pike strokes in the back. During confinement, Catholic neighbours visited him and told him the only way to be freed was to be baptised by a priest, embrace the Roman Catholic faith, and take up arms for liberty. He answered that he held the Protestant faith from conviction and would not renounce it. A priest called Michael Murphy attended the camp near the town. On the morning of the 9th of June, the rebels cut off the hair of all the prisoners but the informant, and put pitched caps on their heads.

General Humbert Confronts the Bishop of Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

After entering the castle, General Humbert declared to Bishop Stock that he had come to give the Irish liberty and free them from English rule, then requisitioned his horses, cows and sheep.

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Mr, Edwin Stock, and many other prifoners, appeared at the gate, following general Humbert. The enemy entered the co\irt yard of the caftle, and made prifoners captain Cills and a party of the prince of Wales's fencibles, but not without a very fpirited refinance on the part of the captain, who wounded, in two places, the officer v/ho led them on, and then fhut the gate. After having entered the yard, they called for the bifhop ; and on his lordfnip's appearing, the general declared, that he came to give them hberty, and to free them from the Englilh yoke.
They put in requifition all his lordfhip's horfes, and fome of his cow^s and fheep, faying, at the fame time, that he fhould be paid for them by the Irifh diredory, which would be immediately eftabhftied in Connaught.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Killala in Mayo, this is where General Humbert arrived in 1798. His men entered the castle yard and took Captain Cills and a party of the Prince of Wales's fencibles prisoner, though the captain resisted and wounded the officer who led them on. The general called for Bishop Stock, and on his appearance declared he came to give them liberty, and to free them from the English yoke. They requisitioned all the bishop's horses and some of his cows and sheep, saying he would be paid by the Irish directory, which would be immediately established in Connaught.

John Gill murdered at the windmill, Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Prisoners including John Gill were held in the old walls of the windmill at Vinegar Hill; despite Gill's appeals to Clooney to save him, a rebel cut his throat with a scythe near the mill door.

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horfc-back, for near tv/o minutes, about three fteps from the mill door, when Clooney turned his horfe away, as if to depart. He was then forced back into the mill, and foon after fome perfon cried out, " Drag the orange rogue out !" on which Gill was forced out of the mill, and a rebel cut his throat v/ith a fcythe. Edward Hampton, one of the prifoners, while on his knees, preparing for deaths was fo near Gill, that his blood fpouted on him.
14.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

As you pass Vinegar Hill, where the old windmill stood in 1798, prisoners were held in its walls during the rebellion. John Gill was one of them. He was brought out on horseback, near the mill door, with a man called Clooney. When Clooney turned his horse away, Gill was forced back inside. Then someone shouted, "Drag the orange rogue out!" A rebel cut Gill's throat with a scythe. Another prisoner, Edward Hampton, was kneeling nearby, and Gill's blood spouted onto him.

Laurence Furlong hanged for murder at Wexford Spring Assizes 1801

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1801

A footnote records that Laurence Furlong was convicted of the murder of Gray Thomas at the Spring assizes of Wexford in 1801 and hanged, with trial testimony describing John Hay's incitement and the shooting.

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* Laurence Furlong was convit$led of this crime at the Spring affizes of Wexford, i8oi, and hanged. It was proved on faid trial, that John Hay (the prifoners having been led out of Beal's barn for execution), faid, that they would not have luck or grace while a proteftant was iefc alive ; on which Gray Thomas approached him with his hat off, and exprelled a hope that he would protedt him, as he had been his friend and neighbour • and that thereon he faid, By G — d, I will protect you, and inftantly cleft his IkuU, That then he alked, was there no perfon to finifh the fellow ? on which L. Furlong knelt down, and fhot him through the heart with a njfi^ ^uet ; for which the popifti multitude applauded hioi with acclamations.
354 APPENDIX, No. XIX. S.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 153

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where Laurence Furlong was tried and hanged at the Spring Assizes in 1801, for the murder of Gray Thomas. The trial heard that prisoners had been led out of Beal's barn for execution when John Hay declared they would have no luck while a Protestant was left alive. Thomas approached Hay with his hat off, asking protection as a former friend and neighbour. Hay said "By God, I will protect you" and split his skull, then asked was there no person to finish the fellow. Furlong knelt down and shot Thomas through the heart, and the crowd applauded him.

Massacre of prisoners on Wexford bridge

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

A calendar of protestant prisoners held in Wexford gaol during the rebel occupation lists 260 names, many marked as killed on the bridge on 20 June 1798. The list was used in the 'bloody committee' that sat in the gaol judging prisoners.

Read the passage

Copy of the calendar * of the protefiant prifoners in Wexford^ ufed in the bloody committee, ivhich fat ifi the gaoly the tuuentieth of June, the original of ivhich is lodged i?i Trinity College library, Dublin.
Mark No. Killed. I

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 176

As the companion tells it

Coming through Wexford town, where in 1798 a calendar of 260 Protestant prisoners held in the gaol was used by the "bloody committee" that sat there judging prisoners. Many of those names were marked as killed on the bridge on 20 June 1798. The original list is lodged in Trinity College library, Dublin.

Massacre on Wexford Bridge Blessed by Bishop Caulfield

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

The popish bishop Caulfield reportedly refused to stop the massacres occurring on Wexford bridge and blessed the pikemen as they proceeded there.

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Cauljleldy popifli bifhcp, faid he was defired by the rebels not to fave proteftants in Wexford, i. 559 — Reliifed to ftop tl,.? malfacres on the bridge, ii- 1% — Blefied the pikemen as they proceeded to the bridge, ii. 30 — His letter to father Bryan Murphy about abfolution, ii. 31. Celibacy of the clergy, when firft eftabliOied in Ireland, i, a, Qslth facriliced l*um<in vi<^lims like the Iriili? i. 46^*
INDEX.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 195

As the companion tells it

Coming through Wexford here. In 1798, this town saw massacres on its bridge during the rebellion. The Catholic bishop Caulfield refused to stop the killings there. He blessed the pikemen as they proceeded to the bridge. He had been told by the rebels not to save Protestants in Wexford, and he later wrote to Father Bryan Murphy about absolution.

Mass and superstitious rites at Carrig chapel

Carrig · townland · Wexford · 1798

Father Murphy said mass three times daily to pikemen at the chapel of Carrig, catechising captive protestants; witnesses saw rebels crawl on all-fours to the altar and venerate a relic niche.

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Some of the proteftants related to me the following circumftances, which they faw from the gallery of the chapel, during the performance of their religious ceremonies : Some wretches, both men and women, ftripped their knees quite bare, at the chapel door, walked all-fours to the altar; moved in that manner from one fide of it to the other, kifled the ground, crofled themfelves, and made fome genuflexions before a niche in the wall, which had relicks in it, or was fuppofed to be endued with fome myfterious fupernaturai power.
Father Kane, called the bleffed prieft of Bannow, appeared often in the chapel, with a large budget of fcapulars, which he diftributed among the pikemen, in great abundance ; and he was attended by a boy, who, with a whilk, Iprinkled thofe heroes of the crufade with holy water, and often purified the hcreticks in the gallery with it. Some of the pikemen, who had received this holy emblem returned, and faid, Reverend Sir, this fcapular has not had any holy water;" on which the boy, by his orders, fprinkled it moft copioufly.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg

Murder of Bishop Nicholas Walsh at his own house

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1585

Nicholas Walsh, Bishop of Ossory, was translating the New Testament into Irish but did not live to finish it, having been murdered in his own house by one Dullard, against whom he had issued a process for adultery.

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John Kearney, treafurer of St. Patrick's, pubUfhed a catechifm in Iri{h, the firil book printed in that character. Nicholas Walih, when promoted to the bifhoprick of Of- Cory, began the tranflation of the New Teflament, but did not Hve to finifh it, having been barbaroufly murdered in his own houfe by .cne Dullard, againft whom the bifhop had iilued a procefs for adultery. The aforefaid Mr. Kearney, and Kehemias Donnellan, afterwards archbifhop of Tuam, undertook the fame work ; but archbifhop Daniel, in his dedication of it to king James, tells us, that their untimely death threw the entire burthen on him, and he faithfully ;^ifcharged it, having publlihed it iia the year 1602. The fame pious and learned prelate tranlkted the book of cominon prayer into Irilh, and printed it in the year 1608, by which means many of the natives were converted.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Murder of Isaac Langrell near Gorey by rebel band

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Protestant Isaac Langrell was piked near Gorey, and when signs of life remained a ruffian struck him with a hay knife nearly severing his head, while William Byrne, commanding the party, declared the heretic would rise no more.

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Ifaac Langrell, a proteflant, was piked near Gorey ; af er which, as fome figns of hfe appeared in him, a ruffian, with a hay knife on the end of a ftick, gave him a ftroke acrofs the neck, which almod fev^ered his head from his body ; on v/hich William Byrne, who was preient with a drawn fword, and feemed to command the party, ordered them to march off, faying, For the heretick will rife no more."
The following fact w^as proved on a court-martial at Wexford, the r9th of May, iSoo: Henry Hinch, a proteflant^ was taken from his own houfe, near Gorey, by a band of alTaffins, and conveyed to the rebel camp, where Mary Forde faw him on his knees, begging his life ; when Mary Redmond, his neighbour, whom he had regarded as a friend, infifted that he (hould be killed 5 on which he was fnot, and when he fell fhe ft ruck his body with a ftone, and called him an orange rogue. Then a rebel of the name of Philips fired another fhot at him. This poor man, who had lived by his induftry, left a wife and nine children.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Gorey in Wexford, a town with a dark episode from 1798. Isaac Langrell, a Protestant, was piked near here by a rebel band. When signs of life still appeared in him, a ruffian took a hay knife fixed on the end of a stick and struck him across the neck, nearly severing his head from his body. William Byrne, who stood by with a drawn sword and seemed to command the party, ordered them to march off, saying, "For the heretic will rise no more." A court-martial at Wexford later heard another case from near Gorey. Henry Hinch, a Protestant, was taken from his own house by a band of men and brought to the rebel camp, where Mary Forde saw him on his knees begging for his life. Mary Redmond, his neighbour, whom he had regarded as a friend, insisted he be killed. He was shot, and when he fell she struck his body with a stone and called him an orange rogue. A rebel named Philips fired another shot at him. He left a wife and nine children.

Murder of Mr Bennett near Leighlinbridge

Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1797

Mr Bennett, who lived near Leighlinbridge, declared his hatred of United Irishmen and offered a reward for one's head; he was murdered that same night and his house robbed of 500 pounds in cash.

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Such was the ftate of the county of Carlow in the month of November, 1797, when fome informations, fworn pri- Tately before a magiftrate, gave unqueftionable proofs that a confpiracy was forming •, and the following event removed every doubt on that head : Mr. Bennett, who lived near Leighlinbridge, was rafii enough to declare his deteftation of an United Irifliman, and that he would give 500I. for the head of one ; for which on the fame night he was murdered, in the dead hour of the night, and hie houfe was robbed of 500I. in -cafh.
This money, and their fucccfs in gratifying their vengeance againil fo refpeftable an enemy, inipired them fo much with the hope of accomplifhing their main defign, that they began to aflcmbie in great numbers, and to organize with great ceicrity.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 135

Murder of Mr Hore of Harper's-town on the bridge

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

Mr Hore of Harper's-town, nephew to the Earl of Courtown, was brought from the prison-ship to Wexford Bridge and massacred by rebels after they learned of his connection to Mr Boyd, a loyalist MP, his body then thrown into the river.

Read the passage

Mr. Hore, of Harper's-town, nephew to the earl of Courtown, a moil amiable inolFenfive gentleman, and Mr. Kellett, were next brought from the prifon-' Ihip. The former was aiked, whether he had any perfon who could fpeak in his favour ? He faid, he had not, but requefhed time to find a perfon who could do fo. He was then aiked, whether he was not connected with Mr. Boyd, member for the town ? He anfwered, by laying, that Mr. Boyd was married to his fifler. To which the rebels repHed, that is enough ; and having immediately maifacred him with their pikes, they threw his body into the river. ||
Mr. Edwards, taken out of the prifon-fhip, was faved, becaufe he was married to a popiih wife. It was aiked by one rebel, whether he had ever prevented his wife from going to mafs ? Another, who was friendly to him, anfwered in the negative, and faid, he had often attended his wife to the chapel, and had gone for her when mafs was over ; on which he was difcharged.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

Along here on Wexford Bridge is where Mr Hore of Harper's-town was killed in 1798. He was the nephew of the Earl of Courtown. Rebels brought him from the prison-ship and asked if anyone could speak in his favour. He said he had not, but asked for time to find someone. They asked whether he was connected with Mr Boyd, the member for the town. He told them Mr Boyd was married to his sister. The rebels replied, "that is enough," and massacred him with their pikes, throwing his body into the river. A Mr Edwards, also taken from the prison-ship, was spared because he was married to a Catholic wife. One rebel asked whether he had ever prevented his wife from going to mass. Another, who was friendly to him, said no, that he had often attended his wife to the chapel and gone for her when mass was over, and so he was discharged.

Priest at Killala directs rebels during mass alarm

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

A priest from near Ballina constantly visited the French and rebel generals at Killala, giving them directions; when an alarm sounded during mass that king's troops approached, he ordered all armed men to march to the French standard.

Read the passage

There are two priefts in the neighbourhood of Bkllina, who have not been taken up or put on their trial. One of thefe conftantly vifited the French and rebel generals at Killala, and gave direclions and orders to them 5 and when an alarm was given one day, while he was celebrating mafs, that the king's troops were approaching, he ordered every mam who had arms, and was able to march, to repair without delay to the French ftandard to oppofe them. The other lived in a parifh the mofl: notorious for difaffedion in the county of Sligo, and a letter from him was difcovered, v/ritten to a rebel commander at Kjllala, communicating the ftate of the country, and . T^^ntioning the neceffity of fending a quantity of fpirituous liquors to keep up the courage of his people, and to make them ready for fervice.
There were at leaft a dozen Romifh priefts who went to pay their refpedls to the French, and lived in habits of intimacy with them at Killala, and other places, eating, drinking, and making merry with them, on the fpoils of the unfortunate proteftants who had either fled or had been imprifoned ; whilft none of the Romilh perfuafion, though reputed loyal, were known to fly the country, through apprehenfion of danger, or to join the king's troops, or the armed loyalifts. .

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Killala in Mayo. In 1798, after the French landed, a priest from near Ballina constantly visited the French and rebel generals here, giving them directions and orders. One day while he was celebrating mass, an alarm was given that the king's troops were approaching. He ordered every man who had arms and was able to march to repair without delay to the French standard to oppose them. A second priest, from a parish in County Sligo noted for disaffection, was found to have written a letter to a rebel commander at Killala. The letter communicated the state of the country and mentioned the necessity of sending a quantity of spirituous liquors to keep up the courage of his people and make them ready for service. The book records that at least a dozen priests went to pay their respects to the French and lived in habits of intimacy with them at Killala and other places, eating, drinking, and making merry with them on the spoils of Protestants who had either fled or been imprisoned. It notes that none of the Catholic persuasion, though reputed loyal, were known to fly the country through apprehension of danger, or to join the king's troops or the armed loyalists.

Priest Michael Gannon serves as chaplain to French forces at Castlebar

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

Michael Gannon, a Catholic priest who had been chaplain to the Duke of Crillon in France, constantly attended General Humbert at Castlebar and addressed rebels from Humbert's lodgings, offering prayers and healing with holy oil rather than military command.

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Michael Gannon, a popiih prieft, conftantly attended general Humbert and his ftaff, and was adivc and ufeful to the French. He had been domeftick chaplain to the duke of Crillon in France, who being killed on the abohtion of his order, Gannon continued in the fame capacity to his duchefs ; and he ufed often to boaft, when he drank freely, that he was curator, not only of her foul, but her body. On the extirpation of the prieflhood in France, Gannon narrowly efcaped by flight, and came to his native country, where he made a moft fantaftick appearance, having a large fierce cocked hat, a la militaire, and filk clothes made in a curious fafhion, all the property of the late duke. From the window of Humbert's lodgings, he addreffed a large body of rebels who were in the ftreet, in the following words :
That though he wifhed well to their caufe, he could not think of taking any military command, but that he' would both pray for their fuccefs, and maich in their ranks; and at the fame time pulling cut his oil {lock,* he told them, " that he would heal their wounds v^iih his holy oil.''

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 95

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Castlebar in Mayo, you're moving through a town that saw a strange figure during the rebellion of 1798. A Catholic priest named Michael Gannon, a native of Ireland, had spent years in France as domestic chaplain to the Duke of Crillon. When the duke was killed and the priesthood suppressed in France, Gannon fled home wearing the late duke's silk clothes and a large military cocked hat, cut in a curious fashion. Here at Castlebar he constantly attended General Humbert and his staff and was useful to the French. From the window of Humbert's lodgings he addressed a crowd of rebels in the street below. He told them he wished well to their cause but would take no military command. Instead he would pray for their success and march in their ranks. Then he pulled out his oil stock and told them he would heal their wounds with his holy oil. When he drank freely he boasted he had been curator not only of the duchess's soul but her body.

Rebels burn turret and toll-house at Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

Rebels set fire to straw beneath the turret at Clonard, forcing defenders to escape through smoke, and afterwards burned the toll-house and cabins near the bridge, throwing dead bodies into the flames to conceal their losses.

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Afterwards they fet fire to the toll-houfe, and fome cabbins near the bridg^e, and threw fome of the dead bodies into the flames, for the purpofe of confuming. them, lefl their numbers fliould be known.
The conflidl had now laited fix hours, and the rebels feemed determined to maintain it ; but very fortunately an. event happened, which at the fame time that it depreffed their courage, infpired the loyal garrifon with renovated valour. One of the guard, who had been excluded on the fudden fliutting of the gates in the morning, fled to Kinnegad, and informed the garrifon there of the perilous fituation of his friends at Clonard j on which, eleven of the Northumberland fencibles, under a ferjeant, and fourteen of the Kinnegad infantry, under lieutenant Houghton, marched for Clonard.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Clonard in Meath. In 1798, rebels attacked the garrison here and set fire to straw beneath the turret, forcing the defenders out through the smoke. The fighting lasted six hours. Afterward the rebels burned the toll-house and some cabins near the bridge, and threw dead bodies into the flames so their losses would not be known. One soldier who had been shut outside the gates that morning fled to Kinnegad and raised the alarm. Eleven Northumberland fencibles under a sergeant and fourteen Kinnegad infantry under Lieutenant Houghton marched for Clonard and reached the garrison.

Rev. Mr. Pentland dragged from the windmill and piked to death

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Andrew Farrell, armed with a sword and called captain by the rebels, dragged Rev. Mr. Pentland out of the windmill at Vinegar Hill by force despite his resistance, and he was piked to death along with about twenty-five other Protestants.

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WILLIAM FURLONG, a proteftant, declared upon oath, that he was taken prifoner by the rebels, on Whitfun Tuefday, 1798, and conduced to the windmill, where he faw the reverend Mr. Pentland, and the reverend Mr. Trocke, three men of the name of Gill, and about thirty ihore loyalifts. Andrew Farrell had a fword in his hand, and was called captain by the rebels. He defired the loyalifts to fall on their knees, arid prepare for death, as they fhould be killed dire£lly. He then feized Mr. Pentland by the breaft, and dragged him out of the mill by force, though he refifted as much as he could. He was inftantly
put

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Vinegar Hill. During the 1798 rebellion, rebels held a windmill here, with Protestant prisoners shut inside. Among them were the reverend Mr. Pentland, the reverend Mr. Trocke, three men named Gill, and about thirty other loyalists. A rebel called Andrew Farrell, armed with a sword and called captain, ordered them to fall on their knees and prepare for death. He seized Mr. Pentland by the breast and dragged him out of the mill by force, though Pentland resisted as much as he could. He was piked to death, along with about twenty-five other Protestants. The testimony comes from a Protestant, William Furlong, who had been taken prisoner on Whitsun Tuesday and brought to the windmill himself.

Wexford town: description, evacuation, and rebel occupation

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

The town of Wexford is described along with its population; the garrison evacuated it as untenable and retreated perilously to Duncannon fort, and rebels entered the town on 30 May.

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H^exford, town of, defcription and population, i. 470, 471 — Evacuation of by the garrium as not tenable, i- 481, 48* — Their retreat toDuncannon fort perilous and painful, i. 389, 400 —Entry of the rebels into it the 30th of May, i. 548 — Cruel and perfidious condueH of the rebel Tailors, i. 549, 550, 551 — The great fu fieri ngs of the loyal ills, who hired vefTels to go from Wexford, i. 551 to 557 — Father Corrin adminiflers oaths and grants protections, i.556 — Thomas Dixon, a fanguinary ruflian, his condud, i. 5.$ '/ — Doe^or CaulfieUrs obfervations to a .lady, about favlug proteftants, i. 559 — A fermon preached
. ihere on I'lijiity Sunday by the popilh bilhop's chaplain, ibid. — Colonel Lehunte and other proteltants obliged to become converts to popery, i, 560 — The rebels fcarch the houfes for orangemen, i. ibiel. — Ninety- fcren prifoners malTacred on the bridge, ,iL 17 — Prote^^lions granted by the priefts. i. 567 — Maitacre on the bridge defcribed, from ii. 17 to 31 — The bloody committee in the gaol defcribed, and the calendar of the prottflant prifoners, ii. 27, a8 — Twelve yeomen enter it the a i it June, and ftrike terror into the rebels, who fly precipitately, ii. 37 — The fiigiit of the rebels defcribed in a lady's journal, li. 38 — A fermon preached there the igth gf Tuae, by father kociic, the bifliop's chaplain, i. 576

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 196

As the companion tells it

This is Wexford, a town the road takes you through, and in 1798 it became a scene of rebellion. The garrison judged the town untenable and evacuated, making a perilous and painful retreat to Duncannon fort. On 30 May the rebels entered Wexford. What followed was grim. Rebel tailors behaved with cruel and perfidious conduct. The rebels searched houses for Orangemen. Father Corrin administered oaths and granted protections, and priests offered some safety. But Thomas Dixon, called a sanguinary man, brought terror. Colonel Lehunte and other Protestants were forced to convert to Catholicism. The bishop's chaplain preached on Trinity Sunday. Loyalists hired vessels to flee and suffered greatly. Doctor Caulfield spoke to a lady about saving Protestants. Ninety-seven prisoners were massacred on the bridge. A bloody committee operated in the gaol, keeping a calendar of Protestant prisoners. On 19 June Father Roche, the bishop's chaplain, preached again. Two days later, on 21 June, twelve yeomen entered the town and struck terror into the rebels, who fled precipitately. A lady's journal described that flight.

Assassination attempt on Sir Henry Mannix near Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1798

Pursuant to a sentence by a committee of assassination sitting constantly in Cork, Sir Henry Mannix was fired at and wounded near Cork by a hired assassin named Callaghan, who then sought a reward from John Sweeny.

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A man cf the name of Cafey, w^as hired to aflaffniatc him, and was on the point of firing a piftol at him, w-hea fortunately a pig ran between his legs, and threw him down, by which the life of that valuable member of focicty was preferved. A committee of aiTafTmation was conftantiy fitting in Cork, by which fir Henry Mannix, captain Weflropp, Mr. Shaw the collector, do6lor Harding, alderman Shaw, meflieurs Alexander and johnfon, higfi conflables, and other loyal gentlemen, were condemned ; and purfuant to their fentence, fir Henry Mannix was fired at, and wounded, near Cork, by one Callaghan, the aflafhn hired to murder him ; and who immediately repaired to John Sweeny, and claimed the reward which the committee had offered for killing him ; but Sweeny refufed to pay it to him, as he was not a£lually killed ; but being a woollen draper, he gave him two fuits of clothes, as a recompenfe for the zeal which he difplayed in the caufe of the union.
Four men, who became approvers at an early period of the confpiracy, continued to attend the committees, and conftantiy gave information to the magiftrates of every thing that paffed ; and their communications exactly correfponded with the evidence which M^as afterwards given on the trials of the confpirators by different profecutors.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, you're on ground where a committee of assassination sat constantly in 1798, condemning Sir Henry Mannix and other loyal gentlemen to death. Pursuant to their sentence, Mannix was fired at and wounded near this city by a hired killer named Callaghan, who then went to John Sweeny to claim the reward. Sweeny refused to pay since Mannix was not actually killed, but being a woollen draper he gave Callaghan two suits of clothes as compensation for his zeal in the cause of the union. The committee had also condemned Captain Westropp, Mr. Shaw the collector, Doctor Harding, Alderman Shaw, Messieurs Alexander and Johnson, and other loyal gentlemen. Four men who became approvers early in the conspiracy kept attending the committees and passing information to the magistrates, and their communications exactly matched the evidence later given at the trials.

Battle of Vinegar Hill: final assault and rebel rout

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Government columns under Lake, Dundas and Wilford advanced up the south-east side of Vinegar Hill against fierce rebel resistance, driving them from hedge to hedge until the rebels were routed off the hill; Lake had a horse shot under him during the action.

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fire on them, retreating at the fame time from one hedge to another, till they were driven over the hill On that occafion general Lake had a horfe [hot under him. The movements of the two columns were fo well timed, that they met at the fame moment on the top of the hill. *
At that time, and not before, general Lake p^rceived hew actively general Johnlon had been employed, and how ably he had fupported him on the fide of Ennifcorthy. From the numbers of the enemy, the height and the lleepnefs of the hill, and its being interieded in many parts with enclpfares, formed by high clay banks, with folTes behind them, the rebels were completely proteded from our lire. It is aftoiiifiiing that our troops did not furfer more, and that the rebel arm^y were fo quickly diflodged, and driven from fo ftrong a pofition. They had no lefs than thirteen pieces of ordnance, and their infantry muft have been well fupplied with ammunition, as they maintained a very heavy fire. I fhall refer the reader to general Lake's letter to lord Cafllereagh, for an account of the aclion. f

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 6

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Vinegar Hill, where the final assault of the 1798 rebellion played out. Government columns under Lake, Dundas, and Wilford advanced up the south-east side against fierce resistance, and the rebels fell back from hedge to hedge until they were driven over the hill. General Lake had a horse shot under him during the action. The two columns were so well timed that they met at the same moment on the summit. Only then did Lake perceive how actively General Johnson had been employed, and how ably he had supported him on the Enniscorthy side. The hill was steep and cut across with enclosures formed by high clay banks with ditches behind them, which completely protected the rebels from government fire. They had no less than 13 pieces of ordnance and maintained a very heavy fire. It is astonishing the troops did not suffer more, and that the rebels were so quickly dislodged from so strong a position.

Bishop Stock Threatened by Humbert at Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

When no horses or cars were procured for the French army, Humbert grew furious, presented a pistol at the bishop's eldest son, and sent the bishop off under guard toward the shore before recalling him.

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Next morning, Humbert finding that no cars or horfes had been procured, became furious, uttered a torrent of vulgar abufe, prefented a piflol at the bifhop's eldeft fon, and declared he would punifh his lordfhip's difobedience, by fending him to France ; and accordingly he fent him off towards the fhore, under a corporal's guard. When he had advanced about half a mile, the general fent an exprefs on horfeback to recall him, and at his return, he made him an apology, and pleaded necefTity for what he had done.
On the morning of the twenty-fourth of Auguft, a fmall detachment of the French marched from Killala to Ballina, but meeting with a more fpirited oppoiition than they expected, from a party of the carabineers and yeomen infantry, commanded by major Kerr, they returned the fame day*

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 80

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is the town of Killala in Mayo, where in August 1798 the French general Humbert lost his temper. Finding that no cars or horses had been procured for his army, he became furious, presented a pistol at the bishop's eldest son, and declared he would send the bishop to France for his disobedience. He sent the bishop off toward the shore under a corporal's guard, but after about half a mile recalled him with an express on horseback. On the bishop's return, Humbert made an apology and pleaded necessity for what he had done. On the morning of the 24th of August, a small French detachment marched from Killala to Ballina, but meeting spirited resistance from carabineers and yeomen infantry commanded by Major Kerr, they returned the same day.

Bradley family murdered fleeing across hills to Kilkenny

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

William Bradley, his pregnant daughter Catherine Nesbitt, and nephew David Leycock were pursued and barbarously murdered by Castlecomer rebels while crossing the hills toward Kilkenny; their bodies were not found until the following Christmas.

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William Bradley, his daughter Catherine Nefbitt, and nephew, David Leycock, going from their houfe on Wednefday the twenty-feventh of June acrofs the hills, in 'order to reach Kilkenny, were purfued by a party of Caftiecomer rebels, robbed and barbaroully murdered : The woman was pregnant.
Their bodies were not difcovered until the Chriflmas after. Neither Bradley nor Leycock were Orangemen,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 54

Capture and execution of Perry and Kearns at Edenderry

Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

Perry and Kearns, attempting to escape into the King's County by crossing a bog near Clonbullogue, were apprehended by yeomen and conveyed to Edenderry, where they were tried and executed by martial law.

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Perry and Kearns made their efcape into the King^s county, where attempting to crofs a bog near Clonballogue, they were apprehended by mellieurs Robinfon and Ridg^eway, of the £denderry yeomen, who conveyed th^m to that ^own^ where they were tried and executed by martial law» Perry was chearful and communicative, aclmowledged the part he had taken in the rebellion, and feemed to glory in it. Kearns was fullen and filent, except when he iipbraided Perry for his candour in frankly confefTmg his guilt.
This reverend gentleman was at Paris in the year 1794, when in the adminiftration of Roberfpiere, the

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 43

Ensign Harman shot near Carrick-bridge while carrying peace message

Carrick · townland · Wexford · 1798

Ensign Harman, sent by lord Kingsborough to request general Moore encamp at Carrick-bridge (now called Carrick-ferry) before advancing on Wexford, was intercepted by father John Murphy's rebel column and shot through the head by Murphy's aide Whelan.

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Soon after he left the town, he was met by father John Murphy, and one Whelan, his aid-de-camp, who were leading a large rebel column from Vinegarhill. Murphy afked Harman, (who unfortunately was in full uniform,) whither he was going ? he anfwered, to propofe terms to general Moore on the part of the people of Wexford. Murphy faid, in a great rage, " I will hear of no terms Then addrefTmg his aid-de-camp, and pointing to Harman, he faid, " That fellow ought to die, for he has been condemned by a committee on which Whelan drew a piftol, and fliot Mr. Harman through the head.
As captain O'Hea met one of the rebel columns retreating from Vinegar-hill, I give the reader his defcription of it : He was accompanied by two rebel Vol. IL D captains,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 19

Father Murphy confronts lord Kingsborough at his Wexford lodgings

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Father Murphy, mounted and armed, entered Wexford and confronted lord Kingsborough at his lodgings, declaring he had had him tried and condemned that morning at the camp at Vinegar Hill and threatening execution that night.

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Soon after Mr. Richards waited on lord Kingfborough the rebel column entered the town, headed by father Murphy, who advanced to his lordfhip's lodgings, mounted on a fine horfe fully caparifoned, having a cafe of piflols and a broad fword. Lord Kingfoorough addreffed him from his window, and told him he would endeavour to obtain favourable terms for h im and his friends, provided they conducted themfelves properly; and faid, he hoped he was coming to give up his arms : On w^hich, the facerdotal hero, in a paroxyfm of rage, difmounted, and afcending to his lordfhip's apartment, afked him, with much rudenefs and petulance, who he was ? and on being informed, he faid, with great indignation, " I had you tried and condemned this morning at the camp at Vinegar-hill, and Til have you taken out and executed this night/'
.Do6lor Caulheld, the titular biflicp, who had juft arrived, began to expoftulate with him ; on which lord Kingfborough defired him to refped his bifhop; but Murphy flourifhed his hand over the bifhop's head, faying, " I was once your prieft ; . but I am now a general." However, when his anger cooled, he knelt down, kilTed his hand, and acknowledged his fuperiority.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 21

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where Father Murphy rode in at the head of a rebel column in 1798. He came to Lord Kingsborough's lodgings on a fine horse, with pistols and a broadsword, and Lord Kingsborough spoke to him from the window, offering to get favourable terms if the rebels behaved properly. Murphy dismounted in a rage, went up to the apartment, and told him, "I had you tried and condemned this morning at the camp at Vinegar Hill, and I'll have you taken out and executed this night." Doctor Caulfield, the titular bishop, arrived and tried to reason with him, and when Lord Kingsborough told Murphy to respect his bishop, Murphy flourished his hand over the bishop's head and said, "I was once your priest, but I am now a general." When his anger cooled, he knelt down, kissed the bishop's hand, and acknowledged his superiority.

Final rebel stand and defeat at Ballygullen near Mount Nebo

Ballygullen · townland · Wexford · 1798

After a twelve-mile pursuit, exhausted rebels made a final stand behind hedges and coppice wood at Ballygullen near Mount Nebo, where they were routed by artillery fire and cavalry, with about three hundred rebels killed.

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pofe formed behind hedges, and under cover of a coppice wood, at Ballygullen, near Mount Nebo, * and three miles from Gorey.
They waited our attack, which began by grape fliot, from four fix-pound curricle guns, but finding that our guns were proted:ed by cavalry only, and the few gunners who worked them, they made many defper^te efforts to take them, having maintained a very heavy fire of muiketry, and advanced a numerous body of pikemen ; but they were repulfed by the fingular bravery and fteadinefs of lieutenant Hemmings, who commanded the artillery, and captain Ledweil with a detachment of lord Roden's fencibles. At length the head of fir James Duff's column arriving, the rebels were foon routed, and a vigorous purfuit was made, in which the earl of Roden, f at the head of his regiment, adled with his ufual fpirit and gallantry. About three hundred of the rebels were thought to have fallen. On that day the yeomen cavalry, under captain White, cut off great numbers of the rebels.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, close to Ballygullen, the exhausted rebels made their final stand in 1798. After a 12-mile pursuit, they formed behind hedges and under cover of a coppice wood near Mount Nebo, 3 miles from Gorey. They waited for the attack. It began with grape shot from 4 six-pound curricle guns. But the rebels found the guns were protected only by cavalry and the few gunners who worked them. They made many desperate efforts to take them. They kept up a heavy fire of musketry and advanced a numerous body of pikemen. They were repulsed by the bravery and steadiness of Lieutenant Hemmings, who commanded the artillery, and Captain Ledwell with a detachment of Lord Roden's fencibles. When the head of Sir James Duff's column arrived, the rebels were soon routed. A vigorous pursuit followed. The Earl of Roden, at the head of his regiment, acted with his usual spirit. About 300 rebels were thought to have fallen. That day the yeomen cavalry under Captain White cut off great numbers of the rebels.

Francis's son taken to rebel camp at Carrickbyrne

Carrickbyrne · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

On 10 June the rector's fourteen-year-old son was carried to the rebel camp at Carrickbyrne on an accusation of singing 'Croppies, lie down!', but a humane rebel captain had him restored the next day.

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On the loth of June, they carried his fon, a boy of fourteen years, to the camp at Carrickbyrne, on an accufation of having been heard to fing ** Croppies, lie down!" previous to the eruption of the rebellion ; but a rebel captain, more humane than the reft, promifed that he (hould be reflored next ^ay ; and he fulfilled his promife.
His fervants, both male and female, left him, becaufe, as they faid, they would not be allowed to remain in a heretick houfe; and his daughters were obliged to colleft fuel from the adjacent hedges, and to draw water on their heads, from a fpring, at a confiderable diftance. Sonic of his neighbours fupplied him with oatmeal and potatoes, and fometimes with a little butter. They were confined to that food only, and often were fo fcantily furniftied with it, that they were reduced to one meal. Mr. Francis imputed the fafety of himfelf and his family to the following incident; He was often afked, Whether he had the protection of a prieft ? which they faid was necefiary for his fafety. At laft, one Bryan, a rebel captain, and a man of fome hu- ^manity, feeling pity for his fufferings, went to the rebel camp, and procured from general Roche, the prieft, over whom he had great influence, a protedtion for him, which I give the reader.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 192

French deceive generals on route to Castlebar via Barnageehy Pass

Barnageehy · pass · Kerry · 1798

General Humbert announced he would march by Foxford, deceiving British generals Hutchinson and Trench, but instead marched via the narrow Barnageehy pass by Loughconn. This pass through a mountain defile was so naturally strong that a single company could have checked the French advance.

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Major 'general Hutchinfon arrived at Gait'cb'\r on the twenty.fifth-, and made proper dilporjiioiis to receive the enemy. Two roiids led from BaUina to Cafllebar ; one to the eaft ^f Loughconn, by Foxford, t a village eleven miles from Cafllebar, and fituated on the river Moy, v/hich is broad and deep, ^ and is croffed by a bridge of many arches: As this is by far the beft road, general Hutchinfon detached the Kerry regiment, with their battalion guns, to defend t';;at pais ; and brigadier-general Taylor arrived there alfo, with a detachment of regular troops and yeomanry. As there is a very fcong pafs, called Barnageehy, on the other road, § to the well of Loughconn, and as it is far lefs pradicable, and therefore much lefs frequented than the road by Foxford, it was univerfally believed, and it was reafonable to fuppofe, that the French would make their approach by the latter ; anti it is mofi: certain that general Humbert, openly and feduloufly announced, fome hours before he marched, that he would proceed by Foxford, intelligence of which was conveyed to generals Hutchinfon and Trench and the better to deceive them, he marched part of the road towards Foxford^ and then turning fuddenly to the right, he proceeded by Loughconn, where a narrow pafs, called Barnageehy, Through a defik in a high range of mountains, is fo ftrong (^y nature, that one company with a battalion gun polled there would have checked the progrefs of the French. But for the reafons \a hich I have affigne<l, generals Hutchinfon and Trench could not have the moll remote fufpicion that the French would advance by that road.
At the hour of three o'clock in the morning, a yeoman, who had been vifiting his farm near Barna-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 92

John Colclough of Ballyteige executed, dies with composure

Ballyteige · townland · Wexford · 1798

John Colclough of Ballyteige, the only Catholic member of his family accused as a rebel, was executed and died with dignity, exhorting bystanders against the folly of rebellion.

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religion which he profeffed, would have a tendency to make him a bad fubje'dt of a proteftant ftate. With, a loud voice, and much compofure, he exhorted the bye-ftanders to avoid the abfurd prejudices and opinions which had brought him to an untimely and ignominious death ; and he expatiated on the extreme folly of endeavouring to overturn a regular and welleftabliflied government ; and he ended with thefe notable words, " From what I have feen thefe laft three weeks, I am not forry for dying/' Alluding, I fuppofe, to the malfacres.
Fanaticifm had made the lower clafs of people fo blind to their own intereft, and fo infenfible to danger, that fome of them were convicted in Wexford, Toon after the king's troops arrived there, of ufmg feditious language, and of endeavouring to feduce them ; though fo many of their fellow-traitors had recently fuifered capital punifhment.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 31

Liberation of Wexford prisoners by king's troops

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Taylor and fellow prisoners survived overnight in the gaol and were liberated the next day when the king's troops arrived and retook Wexford on 21 June 1798.

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the rebel guards defircd them to blefs themfcke?. Inforn»ant faith, that fix of the faid prifoners fo condu^^ed to fhe faid bridge were put to death with pikes, and that he verily believes the remainder would have {bared the far»ie fate, as there were but two perfons between this inforinaiit and the iall: perfon put to death ; and this informant x^xs defired to rife and to take off his coat, in order to prepare for execution ; but Mr. Corrin, parifh prieft of Wexford, arrived, and made the rebels defifi from any further ilau^j^hter* Informant faith, that he was foon after conducted to prifon, where he and his fellow prifoners remained until next day, when they were liberated by the king's troops, who anived at Wexford on the twenty-firl^: day of June. This informant faith, that the country for fome mile# round the rcfidence of this informant had been for a long time fo peaceable, and the machinations of the rebels were fo fecret, that neither he, nor any of the loyal fubjcd:s, his neigbbc'jr^, had any fufpiclon whatfoever, that a general infunxcliort was fo near, except tliat fome pikes and fome ammuniticft had been found in the pofleihon of the lower clafs of people fome time before. Informant furtlier faith, that when the faid James Wheatley was about to be fhot at Qovcy aforefyid, tlie rebel general Perry informed the faid "Wheatiey that h€ fliould have but five minutes to prepare himfeif for death j ©n which the reverend Mr. Owen, a proteftant clergyman, afked the faid Perry, whether there was no appeal ? ta which the faid Perry replied, that he would hear no in his favour. Informant faith, that the faid Vf'^heatley -was fliot in about ten minutes after j and this informant heard, and verily believes it to be true, that the faid Wheatley received three balls in the body, on which he afked for fome water, and told the perfons who fliot him that Ixe iiad fome ammunition in his pocket, a:nd requefted they would put him out of pain ; on which his thigh was broken by another (hot, and that he received the fifth ball in the head which killed him. Informant faith, he faw the body next day dif-* figured and covered with blood.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

Wexford town is coming up along the road. In 1798, prisoners held in the gaol here survived a night and were liberated the next day when the king's troops arrived and retook Wexford on 21 June. The day before, prisoners had been conducted to a bridge. Six were put to death with pikes. The informant in this account was told to rise and take off his coat, to prepare for execution. He was two persons from the last one killed, and he believed the remainder would have shared the same fate. Then Mr. Corrin, parish priest of Wexford, arrived and made the rebels desist from any further slaughter. He was soon after conducted to prison, where he and his fellow prisoners remained until next day, when they were liberated by the king's troops. The country for some miles round his residence had been for a long time so peaceable, and the machinations of the rebels so secret, that neither he nor any of the loyal subjects, his neighbours, had any suspicion that a general insurrection was so near, except that some pikes and some ammunition had been found in the possession of the lower class of people some time before. That same period, James Wheatley was about to be shot. The rebel general Perry told Wheatley he should have but five minutes to prepare himself for death. The reverend Mr. Owen, a Protestant clergyman, asked Perry whether there was no appeal. Perry replied he would hear none in his favour. Wheatley was shot in about ten minutes after. He received three balls in the body, asked for some water, and told the persons who shot him that he had some ammunition in his pocket, and requested they would put him out of pain. His thigh was broken by another shot, and he received the fifth ball in the head, which killed him. The informant saw the body next day, disfigured and covered with blood.

Murder of Gray Thomas by John Hay near Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

John Pickering witnessed John Hay strike Gray Thomas, a protestant of Newcastle, with a sword dividing his skull near Enniscorthy on 2 June 1798, after which Laurence Furlong shot him through the heart; Hay then urged rebels to kill any protestants among them.

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Evangelifts, depofeth and faith, That on or about the fecond of June lafl, a*out mid-day, a large body of rebels appeared near the town of Ennifcorthy, and in a field of Mr. Deal's immediately joining the road, that amongft others he faw a man, commonly called Gray Thomas, a proteftant, who lived at Newcaftle, near the houfe of Mr. John Hay, and that he faw the faid Mr. Hay make a defperate flroke cf a fword at the faid Gray Thomas, without any provocation that informant could hear, which flroke divided a confiderabie portion of his fkuU, and that immediately afterward? a fliot was fired by a perfon * unknown at the faid Gray Thomas, of which he immediately died *, but inforjnant is of opinion, that the firft wound he received from the fword of faid John Hay would have proved mortal ; and informant further faith, that, upon the murder being committed, the rebels fhouted and exclaimed that they had put one devil out of the world ; after which Mr. Hay adclrefTed the rebels, in words to the following effect : " Bovs, Vol. II. C c ' if
* Laurence Furlong was convit$led of this crime at the Spring affizes of Wexford, i8oi, and hanged. It was proved on faid trial, that John Hay (the prifoners having been led out of Beal's barn for execution), faid, that they would not have luck or grace while a proteftant was iefc alive ; on which Gray Thomas approached him with his hat off, and exprelled a hope that he would protedt him, as he had been his friend and neighbour • and that thereon he faid, By G — d, I will protect you, and inftantly cleft his IkuU, That then he alked, was there no perfon to finifh the fellow ? on which L. Furlong knelt down, and fhot him through the heart with a njfi^ ^uet ; for which the popifti multitude applauded hioi with acclamations.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 153

Murder of Mr Turner and his postillion's role

Wexford Bridge · street · Wexford · 1798

Magistrate Mr Turner was brought to Wexford Bridge and killed by his own postillion Thomas Cleary along with other pikemen, who then threw his body over the bridge into the water.

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loyalift. His own poflillion, Thomas Cleary, § in^ fifled on having the gratification of fhedding his blood ; but the intemperate eagernefs of the pikemen for carnage operated like mercy towards him, for a number of them joined him in perforating his* body with pikes, and threw it over the bridge.
Mr. Lehunte was next fent for to the prifon-fhip, but he fortunately happened to be in the gaol, where he eluded their fearch in the corner of a cell. Their miftake, and the delay occafioned by it,, very fortunately faved his life, as the exprefs arrived, and the alarm took place in the mean time.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

Along here on Wexford Bridge, in 1798, a magistrate named Mr Turner met his end. He had been brought to this bridge during the rebellion, and his own postillion, Thomas Cleary, insisted on having the gratification of shedding his blood. But the intemperate eagerness of the pikemen for carnage operated like mercy towards him, for a number of them joined in perforating his body with pikes, and threw it over the bridge into the water.

Named Protestant victims from Enniscorthy killed at Vinegar Hill

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Among those killed at the rebel camp were Henry Hatton, portrieve of Enniscorthy, and several other named Enniscorthy residents including tradesmen and yeomen, executed alongside many other unnamed victims.

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faved. Informant further faith, that among the prifoncrs fo killed on faid day were Henry Hatton, efquire, portrieve of Ennifcorthy, in faid county, and a yeoman in captain Kichards's corps of cavalry, Thomas Colbourne, of Ennifcorthy aforefaid, vi6lualler, George Stacey, of Ennifcorthy aforefaid, two men of the name of Gill, of a place called the Oiled-gate, between Ennifcorthy and Wexford, Benjamin Stacey, of Ennifcorthy aforefaid, farmer, Jacob Minchin, of Ennifcorthy aforefaid, cabinet-maker, Edward Brilket, of Ennifcorthy, aforefaid, merchant, George Sparrow, of faid town, farmer, Jofeph Maud, of faid town, farmer, and a yeoman in captain Cormick^s corps, William Tugman, of the parifh of Ennifcorthy, weaver, and feveral dthers whofe names informant cannot at this time recolle£t. Informant faith, he heard, and which he verily believes, that a man of the name of Murtagh Bryan, a common executioner, fliot tv/enty-four proteftants in one day on Vinegar-hiil, aforefaid *, that he obtained a glafs of whifkey for every perfon fo fhot. Informant faith, lie was informed, and verily believes, that one Luke Byrne, an opulent farmer, afiaflinated many proteftants, and among others, one Samuel Ooodifon, an opulent farmer, of Glendaw, in faid county.
Siucrn before fne^ this day his

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 149

Officers defend the bridge at Castlebar for half an hour

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

The Earl of Granard, Major Thompson, and Captains Chambers and Armstrong rallied stragglers and defended the bridge at Castlebar with a curricle gun for over half an hour against the main French force, covering the retreat of British troops.

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The earl of Granaid, major Thompfon, captains Cham.bers and Arniftrong rallied fome foldiers of the Longford, and fome ftragglers of other corps, and covered the retreat of our troops, by maintaining, as they retired, a v/ell-direcled fire from behind hedges and wails on the enemy as they advanced^ Theie officers then took pofl on the bridge with their fmall party and a curricie gun, well ferved and direded by corporal Gibfon of the Royal Irifh artillery, and with great gallantry and good judgment defended that pafs for above half an hour againfl: the main body of the enemy. At the fame time, lieutenant Blundel, with the other gun in the flreet, ufed the ^ utmoil exertion to oppofe them. t
The

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Castlebar, you are on ground where, in 1798, a handful of officers held the bridge against the main French force. The Earl of Granard, Major Thompson, Captains Chambers and Armstrong rallied soldiers of the Longford and stragglers from other corps, covering the retreat of British troops with fire from behind hedges and walls as they retired. Then they took post on the bridge with a curricle gun, served by Corporal Gibson of the Royal Irish Artillery, and with great gallantry defended that pass for above half an hour. At the same time, Lieutenant Blundell used another gun in the street to oppose them.

Piper brothers and William Kean shot at the windmill on Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

James Beaghan selected George and Thomas Piper and William Kean from prisoners held at the windmill on Vinegar Hill and had them taken out and shot, along with an unnamed stranger who cried 'Murder!' before being killed.

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lixvrs to be taken out to be fliot. Imn^ediately after James Bcaghan ftept out and aflced, which of them ? witnels did not hear Byrne's anfwcr ; but Beaghan rufhed into the mill, and fwore by Jefus Clirift he would neither pick them nor choofe them, but would take the firft that would come to his hand. He then laid his hand on one of the Pipers, 3ind turned him and his brother out. Witnefs heard the report of a gun, and immediately each man was carried Gut^ Kcau was led out in the fame manner. Beaghan theii led out a ftranger, who refilled, and cried out, " Murder I" on which Beaghan puflied him againfl the wall, gave' him two boxes, and faid, " Damn you, you heretick <4og !" and having dragged him out, he was killed within three yards of the door. Next morning, aboijt eight o'clock, witnefs was taken cut to be ihot, when he faw the two Pipers lying de34> with eighteen or nineteen bodies more, Witnefs was faved by a rebel -yvho tool^ compalfion on him.
Michael Foley was tried for the murder of Mr. Henry Hatton, deputy portrieve of Ennifcorthy, April nineteenth, 1799. Henry Whitney declared, that the prifonev fwor^ vehemently on Vinegar-hill, that he would have the life of Henry Hatton ; that feme perfon having tried to difluade him from it, he fwore vehemently that he wpuld quit the hill with one hundred men,* if he was prevented from kiU , ling him ; on that he puftied Mr. Hatton out of the windmill and fhot him. Several perfons were led out of the wind? roiW and murdered the fame day.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Vinegar Hill, and at its windmill in 1798 prisoners were held by the rebels. A man named James Beaghan came out and asked which of them should be taken out to be shot. He rushed into the mill and swore he would not pick or choose, but would take the first that came to his hand. He laid his hand on one of the Piper brothers, George or Thomas, and turned him and his brother out. William Kean was led out in the same manner. Then Beaghan brought out a stranger, who resisted and cried out, "Murder!" Beaghan pushed him against the wall, struck him twice, and called him "you heretick dog." He dragged the man out, and he was killed within three yards of the door. The next morning, about eight o'clock, a witness who had been held there was taken out to be shot himself, and he saw the two Pipers lying dead among eighteen or nineteen other bodies. That witness was saved by a rebel who took compassion on him. On the same day, several others were led out of the windmill and murdered. The killing went on there on Vinegar Hill, and the windmill was the place where those men were chosen and taken out to die.

Priests' chapels burnt near Gorey, mass said at ruined walls

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Chapels of Father Francis Kavanagh and other priests near Gorey, accused of cruelty towards Protestants, were burnt by Protestants who drove the priests to Wexford. Parishioners continued to gather at the ruined chapel walls at the appointed hour to observe mass in absentia.

Read the passage

In the neighbourhood of Gorey, the chapels of father Francis Kavenagh and fome other priefls, who had aded very treacheroufly and cruelly towards the proteflants, were burnt by the latter, who compelled them to fly to Wexford, where they continued to receive their parochial dues. During their refidence there, the priefl of each parifli announced, by letter^ to his parifhicners, that he would lay mals precifely at a certain hour ; and they went regularly at that hour to the walls of their refpedive chapels, where they prayed, and went through the ceremony of mafs, at the time appointed, with as much devotion as if the priefts were prefent, on a fuppofition that they were acling in unilcn with them.
The

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Gorey in Wexford, this was the scene of chapel burnings in 1798. Father Francis Kavanagh and other priests, accused of acting cruelly towards Protestants, had their chapels put to the torch. The Protestants drove the priests out to Wexford, where they continued to collect their parish dues. From exile each priest wrote to his parishioners naming the hour he would say mass, and the people gathered at the ruined walls of their chapels at that appointed time. There they prayed and went through the ceremony of mass, with as much devotion as if the priests were present, believing they were acting in unison with them.

Public whipping at the tree of liberty in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Whitney was stripped and tied to a tree in the main street of Enniscorthy, called by the rebels the tree of liberty, and ordered to receive one hundred and fifty lashes with a scourge of whipcord and wire.

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Carty of Ennifcorthy, to a place where the rebels had juft whipped one George Stacey a loyalift ; without any trial or reafon that deponent cpuld account for, he was ftripped. 'of his coat, waiftcoat, and fhirt, and tied up to a tree, planted in the main ftreet of Ennifcorthy., which the rebels -called the tree of liberty v/hen one of the rebels prefent .ordered him to get one hundred and fifty lafhes with a fcourge compofed {he was told) of v/hipcord and wire ; before he had received this number, the cords with whicli his hands were bound loofed by his ftruggling, when deponent fell on his knees to fupplicate the rebels not to punifh him any more, declaring that the face of God he might never fee if he knew any thing of an or'angeman ; that the rebels immediately cried out that he \v?.s very fafe m faying that, as he knew that no heretick could ever fee the face of God not content with this cruelty, they kept liim in the ftreets with a gun prefented at his breaft, declaring that they would deprive him of his eyiflence. After fuffering all this agony, they blindfolded him with his fhirt tied about his head, and dragged him in this coiuiition back to prifon, exclaiming in the mod fhocking manner, that if he did not relent before morning, and make fome difcoveries of Orangemen, that they woul,d pike him to death ; that he was ordered drefling for the wounds he had received on his ribs and loins the next day he was marched along with other prifoners to the town of Wexford, guarded by feveral rebels, who frc(juently goaded him with their pikes, to make him get on with that fpeed, which his languid and reduced condition would not permit him to do ; that the laid rebels flopped him three times on his way, fwearin^ •that they would fhoot him ; that he was confined in the coal-houfe of the barrack, of Wexford, and remained there Handing in mire for one whole night, faflened by cords to another prifoner, nor did he receive more food than a fewcold potatoes •, that deponent was removed from thence to another apartment not quite fo bad in the barrack, and continued there a prifoner until liberated by his majefty's forces, when they took pofTefTion of faid town of Ennifcorthy.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 154

Rebel retreat to Gorey and killing of loyalists after Vinegar Hill

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Sovereign of Gorey James Pippard deposed that after the battle at Vinegar Hill near Enniscorthy, some 300 rebels retreated and returned to Gorey, pursuing fleeing Protestants toward Arklow and killing thirty-six loyalists by shooting and piking them.

Read the passage

WHO being examined, depofeth and faith^ that on Wed-t nefday and Thurfday, the twentieth and twenty-lirfl days -of June .lafb, 179B, a great number of protellants, both men and women, returned from Ar^low to Corey, on their hearing that the rebels had left the town of Gorey, and, finding that his majefty's a.rmy was in purfuit of them, the rebels then made fotr Vinegar-hill ; that on Friday, the twentysecond day of J une, being the day after the engagement v/ith his majeily's army and the rebels at Vinegar -hill, near Ennifcorthy, the rebels, to the amount of three hundred ©r upwards, armed witli firelocks, and :pikes, retreated from the army, and came back to Gorey. On the proteftants retreating to Arklow> the rebels purfued them, and killed to the number of thirty-fix of the loyalifts, by (hooting and pking them in the moffc barbarous and cruel manner. 'Deponent was one of the number that retjeated from Gorey,
and

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 172

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Gorey, this is where the aftermath of Vinegar Hill played out. On Friday the 22nd of June, 1798, the day after the engagement at Vinegar Hill near Enniscorthy, some 300 rebels armed with firelocks and pikes retreated from the army and came back here to Gorey. The Protestants who had fled toward Arklow were pursued by the rebels, who killed 36 of the loyalists by shooting and piking them. The Sovereign of Gorey, James Pippard, was among those who had retreated from the town.

Rev. Mr Fortescue Mortally Wounded near Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

In an evening skirmish as Major Kerr advanced toward Killala with reinforcements, the Reverend Mr Fortescue, rector of Ballina and nephew of the Earl of Clermont, was shot in the groin and died in agony days later.

Read the passage

la the evening, major Kerr, having received confiderable reinforcements, advanced towards Killala, but was obliged to retire, after an unfucccfsful fldrmifh, in which two dragoons were wounded, one mortally ; and the reverend Mr. Fortefcue, red:or of Ballina, and nephew of the earl of Clermont, received a ball in his groin, of which he died in a few days, in excruciating pain.
In one point, the Irifli rebels were very much difappointed, for they imagined that the invaders were to commence their career with the flaughter of the proteflants, and the deftruclion of their property ; that the popifh religion was to be eilablilhed with the utmoll fplendor, on the fubverfion of the edabliflied church ; and that the eftates, which had been forfeited in former rebellions, were to be reilored to the old IriOi families. But their adonilhrnent was great on being informed by the French, that their objeft was to give them a new conftitution fnnilar to that of France ; that they would not fuffer any perfon to be perfecuted for religious opinions ; and as they considered both religions as ridiculous and abfurd, they laughed at thofe who contended about them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 81

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Killala in Mayo, this is where, in 1798, an evening skirmish left the Reverend Mr Fortescue mortally wounded. Major Kerr had received considerable reinforcements and advanced toward Killala, but was obliged to retire after an unsuccessful fight. Two dragoons were wounded, one mortally. The Reverend Mr Fortescue, rector of Ballina and nephew of the Earl of Clermont, received a ball in his groin. He died in a few days, in excruciating pain. The Irish rebels had imagined the invaders would commence their career with the slaughter of the Protestants and the destruction of their property, that the popish religion would be established on the subversion of the established church, and that estates forfeited in former rebellions would be restored to the old Irish families. Their astonishment was great when the French informed them their object was to give them a new constitution similar to that of France. They would not suffer any person to be persecuted for religious opinions. They considered both religions ridiculous and absurd, and laughed at those who contended about them.

Reynolds of Boyle interrogated and flogged, reveals plot

Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1798

A pedlar named Reynolds frequenting the town of Boyle was arrested on Rev. Neligan's orders on suspicion of involvement in rebel machinations. After being flogged by order of the commanding officer at Boyle, he revealed the full plot and named his associates.

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an idle young man of the name of Reynolds, wlio often frequented the town of Boyle, * as a pedlar, was deeply concerned in the machinations of thofo traitors, wrote to a friend there, to have him arreftcd, and interrogated on the fubjccl:. On his examination, he affumed an appearance of the molt perfed innocence, and denied every charge which was brought againfl hi'vi ; but a few iafnes of a cat-o'ninetails hiwing been infiifted on him by order of the officer commanding at Boyle, he difcovered t'lie whole plot, and thofe who were afTociaced with him. The information having been fent to Mr. Neligan, he was aftoniiiied at the number and refpe Stability of the perfons concerned in it ; however, the events which took place in the courfe of the rebellion verified his allegations ; for the perfons whom he charged were the mod dangerous and defperate in it. From the very critical flate of the country, it would have been very dangerous to attempt the arreit of fo many perfons of the before mentioned description ; for there was no military in the country, except a fmall detachment of the carabineers, a troop ©f yeomen cavalry, and a company of yeomen infantry ; and above one half of the latter, according to Reynolds's evidence, were united Iriflimen, having, regardlefs of their oath of allegiance, enlifted merely for the purpofe of procuring arms, and joining the French when they fhoald land ; an event which was fl'rongly and earnelUy expelled. It was then thought prudent to diiiemble, and conceal a knowledge of the bufmefs, and to arreft but a few of the leaders, which might c aft a damp on the fpirit of the party. Eight only then were taken up, and among thefe two of the name of Walfh, who were fent to general Taylor at Sligo f for examination ; but they were difcharged by the interceflion of fome gentlemen and magiflrates of the neighbourhood, who affured him of their upright charaiiers, their
loyal

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 76

Scapulars sold openly at Ballina after French landing

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

After the French landed, a shop was opened at Ballina where rebels armed with pikes were supplied with scapulars at fixed prices, intended to unite them and give them courage in battle.

Read the passage

This foon became the fignal by which thofe of the true faith were to know each other, and the rallying point for thofe devotees who carried on the crufade againfl the hereticks ; and a fhop was opened foon after the landing of the French, where all the fons of Erin, * with their pikes in their hands, wer€ fupplied with fcapulars at regulated prices.
Thefe were intended, not only to unite them more rtrongly againfl the common enemy, but to arm them with frefh courage, and protect them from danger in the hour of trial. Good God ! will that day ever arrive, when a pure, a fimple, a rational, and undefiled religion fhall be eftablifhed among the deluded natives of Ireland ; when the clouds of fuperflition and ignorance, which fo much obfcure the human mind, fliall be difpelled by religion and reafon, thofe bright luminaries which the Deity has benignly afforded

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in Ballina, after the French landed in 1798, a shop was opened where rebels carrying pikes could buy scapulars at set prices. These were meant to unite them against the common enemy and give them courage in the hour of trial, as the writer of the time put it. The scapulars became a signal by which those of the true faith could recognise one another.

Sligo prepares for defence amid panic

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

When news arrived that the army had been beaten and the French were advancing, panic struck Sligo; some fled by ship, but three hundred armed men, joined by methodists singing hymns led by preacher Albert Blest, marched round the town resolved to defend it, while colonel Sparrow's troops occupied the avenues all night.

Read the passage

About three o'clock fome difaffe^ted people enter^ ed Sligo, and announced, that our army had been beaten, and that the French were advancing ; on which many proteftant women, and fome men who could not bear arms, embarked in the fhips, fearing more the popifh inhabitants than the French ; but thofe who were capable of doing fo, to the number of three hundred, marched round the town in arms, and refolved to die in its defence. They were joined by a number of methodilts, finging hymns, who were headed by their preacher, Albert Bleft, a man Qf great piety, and noted for humanity and charity.
The king's troops, who remained behind under the command of colonel Sparrow, occupied the moft advantageous pofts in the avenues leading to the town. Thus they continued under arms all night.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo, in 1798 this town was seized by panic. About three o'clock, disaffected people arrived with news that the army had been beaten and the French were advancing. Protestant women and men who could not bear arms took to the ships, fearing the Catholic inhabitants more than the French. But 300 men marched round the town in arms, resolved to die in its defence. They were joined by Methodists singing hymns, led by their preacher Albert Blest, a man noted for piety, humanity, and charity. Colonel Sparrow's troops held the most advantageous posts on the avenues leading into the town, and they stayed under arms all night, waiting.

Thomas Dixon rides through Wexford urging massacre of heretics

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

During the rebel retreat, Thomas Dixon rode through the streets of Wexford on a stolen horse with a drawn sword, upbraiding the rebels for not killing all the heretics days earlier. His wife accompanied him armed, encouraging the rebels to continue fighting and kill remaining Protestants.

Read the passage

During this fcene of confufion which their flight occafioned, the bloody Thomas Dixon, mounted on a very fine horfe which he had taken from Mr. Cadwallader Edwards, rode through th^ flreets, witb a broad fword drawn, and upbraided the rebels for their timidity and their dilatorinefs ; and faid, " If you had followed my advice in putting all the hereticks to death three or four days ago, it would not have come to this pafs." Mrs. Dixon, v/ho accompanied him on horfeback, with a fword and a cafe of piflols, clapped the rebels on the back and encouraged them, by faying, " We mail conquer : I know we mufl conquer and flie exclaimed repeatedly.
My Saviour tells me we mud conquer !"

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, you are on ground where, during the 1798 retreat, Thomas Dixon rode the streets on a fine horse stolen from a man named Cadwallader Edwards, a broad sword drawn. He upbraided the rebels for their slowness, saying, "If you had followed my advice in putting all the heretics to death three or four days ago, it would not have come to this pass." His wife rode beside him with a sword and a case of pistols, clapping rebels on the back and crying that they would conquer, that her Saviour told her they must conquer.

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. 2)

The stories, best first

Scapular cult spread from Ballina by mendicant friars

Shooting of Mr. Sparrow and panic at Wexford

Murder of Henry Hinch near Gorey, testified at 1800 court martial

Mutiny plot in Sir Richard Butler's cavalry corps

Ambush at Saintfield

Assassination oath sworn at Clonmel alehouse

Attack on Enniscorthy town during Vinegar Hill battle

Attempted murder of Rev. Mr. Jones near Maynooth

Bandon Protestants disarm garrison and are besieged, 1688

Battle of Arklow and Michael Murphy's prayers

Captain Shortall knocks down French officer with his fist at Castlebar

Carved inscription on Wexford Bridge portcullis rails commemorating massacres

Death of Father Cowley in a subterranean cavern

Deputy portreeve Henry Hatton shot on Vinegar Hill

Devereux captured at Cove of Cork attempting to flee to America

Doctor Harding arrests Sweeny in Cork gaol, thwarting insurrection

Execution of Doctor Barrett at Ballina

Father John Murphy of Boulavogue leads rebel attack on Enniscorthy

French surrender at Ballynamuck

General Bagenal Harvey's order sparing prisoners at Gorey

General Humbert Confronts the Bishop of Killala

John Gill murdered at the windmill, Vinegar Hill

Laurence Furlong hanged for murder at Wexford Spring Assizes 1801

Massacre of prisoners on Wexford bridge

Massacre on Wexford Bridge Blessed by Bishop Caulfield

Mass and superstitious rites at Carrig chapel

Murder of Bishop Nicholas Walsh at his own house

Murder of Isaac Langrell near Gorey by rebel band

Murder of Mr Bennett near Leighlinbridge

Murder of Mr Hore of Harper's-town on the bridge

Priest at Killala directs rebels during mass alarm

Priest Michael Gannon serves as chaplain to French forces at Castlebar

Rebels burn turret and toll-house at Clonard

Rev. Mr. Pentland dragged from the windmill and piked to death

Wexford town: description, evacuation, and rebel occupation

Assassination attempt on Sir Henry Mannix near Cork

Battle of Vinegar Hill: final assault and rebel rout

Bishop Stock Threatened by Humbert at Killala

Bradley family murdered fleeing across hills to Kilkenny

Capture and execution of Perry and Kearns at Edenderry

Ensign Harman shot near Carrick-bridge while carrying peace message

Father Murphy confronts lord Kingsborough at his Wexford lodgings

Final rebel stand and defeat at Ballygullen near Mount Nebo

Francis's son taken to rebel camp at Carrickbyrne

French deceive generals on route to Castlebar via Barnageehy Pass

John Colclough of Ballyteige executed, dies with composure

Liberation of Wexford prisoners by king's troops

Murder of Gray Thomas by John Hay near Enniscorthy

Murder of Mr Turner and his postillion's role

Named Protestant victims from Enniscorthy killed at Vinegar Hill

Officers defend the bridge at Castlebar for half an hour

Piper brothers and William Kean shot at the windmill on Vinegar Hill

Priests' chapels burnt near Gorey, mass said at ruined walls

Public whipping at the tree of liberty in Enniscorthy

Rebel retreat to Gorey and killing of loyalists after Vinegar Hill

Rev. Mr Fortescue Mortally Wounded near Killala

Reynolds of Boyle interrogated and flogged, reveals plot

Scapulars sold openly at Ballina after French landing

Sligo prepares for defence amid panic

Thomas Dixon rides through Wexford urging massacre of heretics