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)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Trial of James Beaghan for Heyden's murder

   Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798–1799

   James Beaghan, one of the suspected murderers of Mr Heyden, was tried and convicted at the instance of father Sutton nearly a year after the crime, though Mrs Heyden denied he was among the killers.

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   AT a (liort dlflance from Lett's houfe in Ennifcorthy, Mr. and Mrs. Heyden met father Sutton, and implored his protection ; but he faid, that he could not do any thing for them : and foon after Mr. Heyden, while his wife leant on his arm, was murdered by the barbarous popifh rabble iri the prefence of, and quite clofe to, the reverend John Sutton, who made no other oppofition to them, than by faying, ** Fie ! Fie!"* James Beaghan, one of the fuppofed murderers of Mr. Heyden, was taken up and tried, at the inftance of Mr. Sutton, who profecuted him to convitlion ; but not for eleven or twelve months after its perpetration. It is very extraordinary that this reverend gentlemen fliould conceal, fo long, the i]^uilt of the afladin ; and that a fenfe of his duty towards God and his country, did not prompt him fooner to bring the delinquent to condign punifhment.

   From the following fact we may fairly infer, that he was actuated rather by a fenfe of fear than juftice :

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 191

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Enniscorthy, a killing happened in 1798. Mr and Mrs Heyden met father Sutton and asked for his protection, but he said he could do nothing for them. Soon after, Mr Heyden was murdered while his wife leant on his arm. The reverend John Sutton was present and quite close, and made no opposition except to say, "Fie! Fie!" James Beaghan, one of the supposed murderers, was taken up and tried at the instance of Mr Sutton, who prosecuted him to conviction. But this did not happen for eleven or twelve months after the killing. The author finds it extraordinary that this reverend gentleman should conceal the guilt so long, and that a sense of duty towards God and his country did not prompt him sooner to bring the delinquent to punishment. The account goes on to suggest that Sutton was actuated rather by a sense of fear than justice. It is worth noting that Mrs Heyden denied Beaghan was among the killers.

2. Whiteboy rescue party assembles at Clogheen

   Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1764

   Nicholas Sheehy and a group including Michael Mahony, Edmund Prendergast, James 'buck' Farrell, Edmund Burke and others gathered at Clogheen to plan the rescue of whiteboy prisoners being taken to Kilkenny gaol, devising a scheme involving a false coffin.

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   at the fame time giving her the fame account that her brother had done before, declared he muft alfo go to refcue the aforefaid prifoners. That (he then went to Clogheen, where fhe met Nicholas Sheehy aforefaid, Michael Mahony, Edmund Prendergaft, buck Farrell aforefaid, Edmund Burke, of Tubrid, EdmiUnd Meehan, Thomas Beer, as fiie afterwards heard him called, with feveral others, whom fhe cannot at prefent recollecl;, preparing for {aid intended refcue. That they all fet out in three different companies, to avoid fufpicion, your informant riding behind Michael Mahony ; that on the way flie heard Nicholas Sheehy propofe a fcheme of making a falfe coffin, with ftraw, covered with a fheet, to deceive and feize the guard that condu£led the prifoners, in order to deliver them. That they all arrived at the village of Newmarket, in the county of Kilkenny, where having refreflied themfelves in the houfe of George Reed, a publican, they prepared the aforefaid cofTin. That when this was finifhed, the aforefaid Nicholas Sheehy leaving them his bleihng, departed from them, on his return home, as he then laid, to celebrate mafs at his own chapel the next day, to avoid fufpicion. That on the light horfe appearing before them, (he faw James Farrell, otherwife buck Farrell, Vv'ith one piftol in his hand, and the other in his pocket, together with Edmund Prendergaft, Michael Mahony, and feveral others, rufh out to meet them. That (he heard the ferjeant of the guard, George Johnfton by name, challenged firft by one Walih, and then by James Farrell aforefaid, to furrender up the prifoners, or that he Ihould lofe his life. That on his refufal, fhe faw them immediately attack him. That buck Farrell firft knocked him down and that a perfon, unknown to her, then drew his faid Johnfton's fword, and thruft it into his body. She depofeth further, that fhe faw one Dogherty, as fhe heard him then called, aiding and affifting in faid murder, as alio Thomas Magrath, of Clogheen.*

   her

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 125

   As the companion tells it

   Clogheen, in Tipperary, was a gathering point in 1764. A woman whose brother had already told her of the plan arrived to find Nicholas Sheehy, Michael Mahony, Edmund Prendergast, James Farrell called Buck Farrell, Edmund Burke of Tubrid, Edmund Meehan, Thomas Beer, and several others she could not afterwards recall, all preparing for the rescue of prisoners being taken to Kilkenny gaol. They set out in three separate companies to avoid suspicion, and she rode behind Michael Mahony. On the way, she heard Nicholas Sheehy propose a scheme. They would make a false coffin, filled with straw and covered with a sheet, to deceive and seize the guard conducting the prisoners. They arrived at the village of Newmarket in county Kilkenny, and refreshed themselves at the house of George Reed, a publican. There they prepared the coffin. When it was finished, Nicholas Sheehy gave them his blessing and departed, saying he was returning home to celebrate mass at his own chapel the next day, to avoid suspicion. When the light horse appeared, she saw Buck Farrell with one pistol in his hand and another in his pocket, together with Edmund Prendergast, Michael Mahony, and several others, rush out to meet them. She heard the sergeant of the guard, George Johnston by name, challenged first by one Walsh, and then by Buck Farrell, to surrender the prisoners or lose his life. On his refusal, they attacked him immediately. Buck Farrell knocked him down first, and a person unknown to her drew Johnston's sword and thrust it into his body. She also saw one Dogherty aiding in the murder, and Thomas Magrath.

3. Attack on Enniscorthy by Father John Murphy

   Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Enniscorthy, garrisoned by loyalist forces, was attacked by rebels under Father John Murphy. The garrison and loyalists retreated, and barbarous excesses and murders were committed in the town.

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   Ennifcorthy, number of the garrifon there, i. 429 — nefcriptiou of, 430 — Attacked by general father John Murphy, i. 432 — Retreat of the garrifon and the loyalifts, i. 438— -Barbarous excelTes and murders committed there, i. 439, 4 4o--The rebel!? form a camp near Vinegar-hill, 441.

   Erjkine, counfellor, the copfpiracy encouraged by part of hi 3

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 195

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1798, Enniscorthy was attacked by Father John Murphy and his rebels. The garrison and the loyalists retreated. After that, barbarous excesses and murders were committed in the town. The rebels then formed a camp near Vinegar Hill.

4. Attack on minister's house at Oulart

   Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

   The rebel forces marched to Oulart and attacked a minister's house seeking arms, then laid siege and killed him and his men. They burned his house and the houses of Orangemen in the area.

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   26. From thence came to Oulart, a country \'illage adjoining, when the republick attacked a minifter's houfe for arms, and was denied of, laid fiege immediately to it, and killed him and all his forces •, the fame day burned his fcoufe and all the Orangemen's houfes in that and all the ;;djoining pari the 5 in that part of the country.

   The fame day a part of the army, to the amount of one hundred and four of infantry and two troops of cavalry, attacked the republick on Oulart-hili, when the military were repulfed with the lofs of one hundred and twelve men, and the republick four killed ; and then went to a hill called Corrigrua, where the republick encamped that night, and from thence went to a towm called Camolin, which was taken without reliilance, and the fame day took another towm and fate of a bifliop. * At three in the afternoon, the fame dav, they laid fiege to Ennifcorthy, v. hen they were oppoled bv an army of feven hundred men, then thev were forced to fet both ends of the town on fire, and then took the town in the fpace of one hour, and then encamped on

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 143

   As the companion tells it

   Oulart, in Wexford, saw violence in 1798. The rebel forces, called the republic, came to the village and attacked a minister's house for arms. When they were denied, they laid siege to it immediately and killed him and all his forces. That same day they burned his house and all the Orangemen's houses in that and all the adjoining parts of the country. The same day, a part of the army, to the amount of one hundred and four infantry and two troops of cavalry, attacked the republic on Oulart Hill. The military were repulsed with the loss of one hundred and twelve men, and the republic four killed. They then went to a hill called Corrigrua, where they encamped that night. From there they went to a town called Camolin, which was taken without resistance, and the same day took another town and seat of a bishop. At three in the afternoon, the same day, they laid siege to Enniscorthy, when they were opposed by an army of seven hundred men. They were forced to set both ends of the town on fire, and then took the town in the space of one hour.

5. Attack on Mr Bagenal's house

   Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown) · town · Carlow · 1797

   Rebels proceeded to the house of Mr Bagenal, a former county representative, but were held off by three Protestant yeomen firing from behind an earth bank until an accidental shot killed one of the rebels named Paine.

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   A gentleman paffmg thro' Leighlinbridge, faid, he made, it a rule to give the people a drink j and having ordered a barrel of ale for them, the confpirators in great numbers, 'who feemed prepared for the bufmefs, mounted one of their drummers on the barrel, and proceeded in regular array, and ^vith fome arms, to the houfe o,f a man at Money beg, who had fworn examinations againft fome of them, and murdered him in his bed ; they then proceeded to the houfe of Mr. Bagenal, a gentleman vidio had formerly reprefented the county, but having kept behind a bank of earth, it protedled ' them from the fhot of three of his proteftant yeomen, who kept up a conftant fire on them, until an accidental fhot, from a blunderbufs of one of their own party, killed one of the united men, of the inaufpicious name of Paine.

   Six of his popifh yeomen were pofled outiide his houfe, . behind a wall, (for he kept the protefbants within it,) commanded by his lieutenant, who afterwards recommended to Mr. Bagenai, not to depend on a papift, though he, and his two fons, were of that perfuafion, as he could not prevail . on the three others to fire on the aflailants ; and he declared, that he never would ferve with any of them.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 135

   As the companion tells it

   The town of Muine Bheag, or Bagenalstown, in Carlow, was the scene of an attack in 1797. A gentleman passing through Leighlinbridge ordered a barrel of ale for the people. Conspirators in great numbers, who seemed prepared for the business, mounted one of their drummers on the barrel and proceeded in regular array with some arms. They first went to a house at Moneybeg, where a man had sworn examinations against some of them, and murdered him in his bed. They then proceeded to the house of Mr. Bagenal, a gentleman who had formerly represented the county. Three of his Protestant yeomen kept up a constant fire from behind a bank of earth, which protected them. An accidental shot from a blunderbuss of one of the rebels' own party killed one of the united men, of the inauspicious name of Paine. Six of his yeomen of the Catholic persuasion were posted outside the house behind a wall, for he kept the Protestants within. They were commanded by his lieutenant, who could not prevail on three of them to fire on the assailants. The lieutenant afterwards recommended to Mr. Bagenal not to depend on a papist, though he and his two sons were of that persuasion. He declared he never would serve with any of them.

6. Battle of Castlecomer begins under cover of dense fog

   Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

   On Sunday morning, a large rebel force of eight to ten thousand advanced on Castlecomer under thick fog, forming a crescent formation, catching the reconnoitring troops by surprise before the fog cleared.

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   About four o'clock, the rebels arrived at a place called Gurteen, near three miles from Caftlecomer, where they heard niafs. It being St. John's day, they had prayers again about two miles off, where they halted. They had proceeded under cover of the fog, fo that the troops, who were fent to reconnoitre, v/ere fired on before they could fee them. At length the fog began to difperfe a little, which opened to the ailionilhed troops a view of not lefs than from eight to ten thoufand rebels, thofe armed with mufKets in the front, the pikemen in the rear. I'he main body had halted -on the road, and two vtings were extending themfelves on each fide, the whole forming a crefcent. In order to underftand the perilous fituation of our troops, it is necelTary to obferve, that for nearly two miles of the road to the town of Cafllecomer, there is a long range of wall on each fide ; and about half a mile of it is planted. While the fog was fo thick, the troops could not perceive that the wings of the rebel army had confiderably fpread themfelves, and were advancing in a fmart trot to furround the town, while the main body remained ftationed in the road ; fo that captain Green, judging from their numbers that all refiftance was friiitlefs, ordered a retreat ; and the rebels, Vv^ho had got before them and lined the walls, kept up a fmart hre on them. The retreat was very diforderly ; and many of the infantry were overturned by the cavalry, and left expofed to the rebels fire.

   An inftance of uncommon audacity occurred within a few perches of the town : A rebel captain, with a green fafh, rufhed out from a by-road on horfeback, and accolHng the honourable captain James Butler, brother to the earl of Ormond, at the head

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 49

   As the companion tells it

   Castlecomer in Kilkenny was the scene of a rebel advance on a Sunday morning in 1798. About four o'clock, a large rebel force arrived at a place called Gurteen, near three miles from the town, where they heard mass. It being St. John's day, they had prayers again about two miles off, and halted there. They had proceeded under cover of the fog, so that the troops sent to reconnoitre were fired on before they could see them. At length the fog began to disperse, which opened to the astonished troops a view of not less than from 8 to 10 thousand rebels, those armed with muskets in the front, the pikemen in the rear. The main body had halted on the road, and two wings were extending themselves on each side, the whole forming a crescent. For nearly two miles of the road to the town of Castlecomer, there is a long range of wall on each side, and about half a mile of it is planted. While the fog was thick, the troops could not perceive that the wings of the rebel army had spread themselves and were advancing in a smart trot to surround the town, while the main body remained stationed in the road. Captain Green, judging from their numbers that all resistance was fruitless, ordered a retreat. The rebels, who had got before them and lined the walls, kept up a smart fire. The retreat was disorderly. Many of the infantry were overturned by the cavalry and left exposed to the rebels' fire. An instance of uncommon audacity occurred within a few perches of the town. A rebel captain, with a green sash, rushed out from a by-road on horseback and accosted the Honourable Captain James Butler, brother to the Earl of Ormond, at the head

7. Burning of examinant's house and concealment at Dranay

   Dranagh · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Rebels headed by John Murphy and Edward Roche burned Samuel Whealey's house at Dranay while he hid nearby in a ditch. He later hid for a month in a concealed hole in the bawn of his burned house, fed secretly at night by his family.

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   a hole In the bawn of faid houfe, and having laid fome oak planks thereon, and having covered the fame vi^ith ftraw, and afterwards with the afhes of his houfe fo burned, examinant lay concealed in faid hole for about the fpace of one month j and that examinant during that time was fupplied by his wife and daughters with food, but in the night only, left he fliould be difcovered ; examinant faith, that during his concealment, the rebels came often and examined the ruins of faid houfe, and the fields and ditches in its vicinity, for examinant, declaring at the fame time, that they would put him to death j and that the faid rebels often faid during their fearch, at one time that he was a bloody orangeman, though examinant faith he never faw an orangeman, nor knew what they meant by that appellation, except that examinant has been univerfally informed that they meant a proteftant by the word orangeman. That one day that the faid rebels went to the ruins of faid houfe, in queft of faid examinant, they the faid rebels knocked down the fon of examinant, of the age of nine years, with the but-end of a fire-lock, becaufe the fiiid fon refufed to point out where his father lay concealed, and that faid rebels put examinant's fon on his knees three diiFerent times, and fworc they would fhoot him, unlefs he would do fo, but that his faid fon declared his ignorance thereof, Examinant faith, that during his concealment at Dranay aforefaid, a great number df proteftants were fliot contiguous to examinant's houfe by faid rebels, as they were flying acrofs the country from various quarters from the mercilefs rage of faid rebels ; and that Michael Shea, Anthony Thackberry, Samuel Judd., Benjamin Judd, Clem.ent GofF, James Shaw and Henry Lancafter, were of the number of proteftants fo fliot or killed with pikes. That when the king's troops were vi6lorious at Vinegar-hill, examinant's daughters called to his reUef three of the Ancient Britons, who conveyed examinant to Oulart aforefaid, on horfeback, as examinant was unable to walk, having had a bad fever from his confinement, and that he was afterwards conveyed by his two fons to Gorey, in faid county, where Mr. Peppard gave examinant a fmall houfe, as examinant's houfe at Dranay aforefaid, and all his fubftance, were deftroyed.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 144

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here in 1798, rebels headed by John Murphy and Edward Roche burned the house of Samuel Whealey at Dranay. He hid in a ditch at first. Then he lay concealed in a hole in the bawn of his burned house, having laid oak planks over it and covered them with straw and the ashes of his ruined home. He stayed there about a month. His wife and daughters brought him food, but only at night, so he would not be discovered. The rebels came often to the ruins and searched the fields and ditches, saying they would kill him. They called him a "bloody orangeman," though he said he never saw an orangeman and did not know what they meant, except that he was told the word meant a Protestant. One day the rebels came to the ruins searching for him. They knocked down his son, nine years old, with the butt of a firelock, because the boy refused to point out where his father lay hidden. They put the child on his knees three times and swore they would shoot him if he did not, but the boy declared he did not know. During his concealment, a great number of Protestants were shot near his house as they fled the rebels. Michael Shea, Anthony Thackberry, Samuel Judd, Benjamin Judd, Clement Goff, James Shaw, and Henry Lancaster were among those shot or killed with pikes. When the king's troops were victorious at Vinegar Hill, his daughters called three of the Ancient Britons to his relief. They conveyed him to Oulart on horseback, as he could not walk, sick with fever from his confinement. His two sons took him to Gorey, where Mr. Peppard gave him a small house. His house at Dranay and all he had were destroyed.

8. Captain Cills's Resistance at Killala Castle Gate

   Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

   As the French entered the castle courtyard and took prisoners, Captain Cills put up spirited resistance, wounding the leading officer twice before shutting the gate.

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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

   Killala, in Mayo, saw fighting in 1798. As the French under General Humbert entered the castle courtyard, they took prisoners, among them Captain Cills and a party of the Prince of Wales's fencibles. Cills put up a spirited resistance. He wounded the officer who led the French on, in two places, and then shut the gate. The prisoners included Mr. Edwin Stock and many others, who appeared at the gate following Humbert. Once inside the yard, the French called for the bishop. When his lordship appeared, the general 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 that would be immediately established in Connaught.

9. Captain Russel shot after capture at Tubbercurry

   Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1798

   Captain Russel of the prince of Wales's fencibles, though entitled to French protection as a prisoner, was shot in the back by a rebel at Tubbercurry and died a few days later in his seventieth year.

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   Captain Ruflfel, of the prince of Wales's fencibles, was taken prifoner at Tubbercurry. and though as fuch he was entitled to the protedion of the French, a ruthlefs affaffin among the rebels Ihot him in the back, and dying a few days after, in his feventieth year, he terminated a life which had been devoted to the fervice of his king and country for above fifty years.

   Befides the rebels who marched from Cafllebar with the French, a confiderable boiiy of them was fent from Ballina acrofs the mountains, to meet them at Tubbercurry, with eighcy proteftant prifoners, whom they intended to get rid of, by putting them in the front rank, having infultingly told them fo ; but their diftrefs for food was fo great, that they fent ' them back under a rebel guard.

   Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 97

   As the companion tells it

   Near the town of Tobercurry, in 1798, Captain Russel of the Prince of Wales's Fencibles was taken prisoner. As a prisoner he was entitled to the protection of the French, who were allied with the rebels. But a rebel shot him in the back. He died a few days after, in his seventieth year, ending a life that had been devoted to the service of his king and country for above fifty years. A considerable body of rebels had been sent from Ballina across the mountains to meet the French at Tubbercurry, with eighty Protestant prisoners. The rebels told the prisoners they meant to put them in the front rank, intending to be rid of them. But the rebels' distress for food was so great that they sent the prisoners back under a rebel guard.

10. Coffey flogged and hanged at Tullamore barrack

    Tullamore · town · Offaly · 1797–1798

    A captain named Coffey was flogged repeatedly at Tullamore, confessed under duress, was later found still conspiring, and was hanged and buried in the barrack stable.

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    Coffey, a captain, was taken up, and threatened to be whipped, but after a folemn invocation to the Almighty, declared his innocence. He Hill remained obdurate, after receiving feventy-iive lafhes. Next morning, when he was on the point of receiving feventy-five more, he fent for general Dunn, and confefled that he had been fworn, bur denied that he had ever aded with the rebels, on which the general difmilTed him ; and yet within a fortnight after, he was engaged in a committee of United Irifhmen, and deeply concerned in a confpiracy to attack the king*s troops at Philipftown and Tullamore, and had fworn his fon, a yeoman, to join in it. Having been conviiSled of thefe crimes^ he was hanged, and buried in the ftable of the barrack.

    On the trial of Andrew Ryan, a fhopkeeper, it appeared in evidence, and which he acknowledged himfelf, that he had been a member of the fociety fmce the year 1792, and that the obje6l of it was to fubvert the exifting govern^ ment. He muft have meant the defenders, as the United Irilhmen had not attempted to organize the King's county at that time.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    In Tullamore, in 1797, a captain named Coffey was taken up and threatened to be whipped. After a solemn invocation to the Almighty, he declared his innocence. He still remained obdurate after receiving 75 lashes. Next morning, when he was on the point of receiving 75 more, he sent for General Dunn, and confessed that he had been sworn, but denied that he had ever acted with the rebels, on which the general dismissed him. And yet within a fortnight after, Coffey was engaged in a committee of United Irishmen, and deeply concerned in a conspiracy to attack the king's troops at Philipstown and Tullamore. He had sworn his son, a yeoman, to join in it. Having been convicted of these crimes, he was hanged, and buried in the stable of the barrack. On the trial of Andrew Ryan, a shopkeeper, it appeared in evidence, which he acknowledged himself, that he had been a member of the society since the year 1792, and that the object of it was to subvert the existing government.

11. Corporal Orange executed for his name at Kellymount circle

    Kellymount · townland · Kilkenny · 1798

    Walter Devereux, acting as commander, ordered Corporal Orange dragged from a circle of about eight thousand rebels and shot, mocking his surname before killing six more soldiers and two dragoons.

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    eight thoufand rebels, when Devereux ordered corporal Orange to be dragged out of the circle and ihot, having faid, infultingly to him, " Orange by name, and Orange by nature."

    They proceeded in the fame manner to put to death fix of the Wexford regiment, and two dragoons : That they remained prifoners with them till the twenty-fixth of June, when the rebels were routed with great flaughter at Kilcomney, near Gore's-bridge, where the Wexford foldiers made their efcape : That while they remained prifoners with the rebels, they had no other food but raw meat and water.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kellymount, about eight thousand rebels stood in a circle. Walter Devereux, acting as commander, ordered Corporal Orange dragged from it and shot. He said to him, mocking, "Orange by name, and Orange by nature." They then put to death six of the Wexford regiment and two dragoons. These prisoners stayed with the rebels until the 26th of June, when the rebels were routed with great slaughter at Kilcomney, near Gore's-bridge, and the Wexford soldiers made their escape. While held, they had nothing to eat but raw meat and water.

12. Croagh Patrick prophesied as place of refuge

    near Croagh Patrick · mountain or mountain range · Mayo · 1798

    A prophecy circulated among refugee Catholic families that the mountain of Croagh Patrick near Westport would be the safest refuge during the coming calamities, drawing pilgrims and those seeking protection.

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    In one of thefe it was afferted," that the upper part of the county of Mayo, particularly the mountain- of Croagh Patrick, near Weftport, ^ would be the fafefl place of refuge, whenever thefe calamities would commence ; which induced numbers of people to repair there, fome for protedion, others to perform pilgrimage, and to do other pious offices, as it has always been confidered as a holy place.

    Thefe prophecies f have a very great effed on the minds of the lower clafs of people, who are perfuaded that the events predicted muft neceffarily come to pafs ; and they were ready to catch at every rumour which feemed to ccrrefpond with the ideas which they had infpired. They breathed nothing but death, bloodfhed and devaftation, painted the rivers as ruaning crimfon with blood, and a peftilence raging through the country, occalioned by the effluvia of putrid carcafes, which remained unburied ; with every other horror which a dreadful civil war produces.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    Croagh Patrick is the mountain near Westport. In 1798, a prophecy circulated that the upper part of Mayo, particularly this mountain, would be the safest place of refuge whenever the coming calamities commenced. Numbers of people repaired there, some for protection, others to perform pilgrimage and pious offices, as it had always been considered a holy place. These prophecies had a very great effect on the minds of the lower class of people, who were persuaded that the events predicted must necessarily come to pass. They were ready to catch at every rumour which seemed to correspond with the ideas the prophecies had inspired. They breathed nothing but death, bloodshed and devastation. They painted the rivers as running crimson with blood, and a pestilence raging through the country, occasioned by the effluvia of putrid carcasses which remained unburied, with every other horror a dreadful civil war produces.

13. Executioner Murtagh Keane said to have killed 300 on Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    A footnote records that Murtagh Keane, described as the common executioner, is said to have put three hundred persons to death on Vinegar Hill during the rebellion.

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    The fon of Luke Byrne, a man of wealth and education. \ The common executioner, who it is faid j'ut three hundred perfon? to -rtcath on Vinegar-hill.

    A P P E N D I X, No. XIX. 15. 385

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill saw fierce action in 1798. A footnote names Murtagh Keane as the common executioner, said to have put 300 persons to death on the hill. He was the son of Luke Byrne, a man of wealth and education.

14. Eyewitness hides in plantation as rebels march through Edgeworthstown

    Edgeworthstown · town · Longford · 1798

    A gentleman of Edgeworthstown gave a firsthand account of hiding in a plantation on his lawn while a huge body of pikemen marched past, during which a neighbouring Protestant was struck and wounded by a pike near him.

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    my fervant, that the rebels In a very numerous body were niarchmg to Edgeworthftown, by the Granard and not the Dublin road, which would bring them within one hundred yards of my door. Before their arrival, I concealed myfelf in a little plantation on my lawn, where divine providence proteded me till morning. I faw almofl: a forefl: of pikes nearly opposite my houfe. Some rebels on horfeback pailed within ' about thirty yards of me, and about three times that diftance, a proteflant, my next neighbour, who had juJl: fought an afylum in a fhady part of my Jawn, received a ftroke of a pike in the head, which, though partially broken by the branches, cut him feverely, and almofl covered him with blood. I v*'as

    all ear" in my place of conceahnent, and fhunned with the diicord and confufion of martial mulick, firing, fhouting, crafhing of windows, and furniture, and fuch clamorous exultation as might be fuppofed to iffue from a numerous mob in fo new a fituation, eager to pra^life republican virtues. It was late in the evening, and jufh as the greater body of the re- \ bels had retired, a detachment of lord Oxmantown's yeomanry, being accidentally near the town, and hearing of the outrages committed by the rebels, made a rapid charge through the flreet, and Ihot a few of the flragglers without any lofs on their part, except one yeoman wounded in the face with a pike. Of the particulars of this tranfadion I was ignorant till next morning ; for only once in the night I ventured to walk by my houfe, and, perceiving the windov/s broken, I again returned to conceal myfelf in the flrrubbery till morning.''

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg

    As the companion tells it

    In 1798, the road passes through Edgeworthstown, where a gentleman of the town left a firsthand account of hiding in a plantation on his own lawn while a huge body of pikemen marched past. His servant had told him the rebels were coming by the Granard road, not the Dublin road, which would bring them within 100 yards of his door. Before they arrived, he concealed himself in a little plantation on his lawn, where he stayed hidden till morning. He saw what he called almost a forest of pikes nearly opposite his house. Some rebels on horseback passed within about 30 yards of him. About three times that distance, his next neighbour, a Protestant, who had just sought refuge in a shady part of the lawn, received a stroke of a pike in the head. The blow was partially broken by the branches, but it cut him severely and almost covered him with blood. From his hiding place, he heard firing, shouting, crashing of windows and furniture, and what he described as clamorous exultation from a numerous mob eager, in his words, to practise republican virtues. It was late in the evening. As the greater body of rebels retired, a detachment of Lord Oxmantown's yeomanry, accidentally near the town and hearing of the outrages, made a rapid charge through the street and shot a few stragglers, losing only one yeoman wounded in the face with a pike. He knew nothing of this until the next morning. Once in the night he ventured to walk by his house, saw the windows broken, and returned to the shrubbery till morning.

15. Father Edward Murphy orders protestants to rebel camp at Carrig

    Carrig · townland · Wexford · 1798

    At Carrig, father Edward Murphy told the captured protestants they must go to the rebel camp where victims were daily massacred, but the sentence was suspended a day due to their pleading.

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    AS doctor Caulfield, in his reply, has denied what I have faid of father Edward Murphy in vol. i. p 522, and is become his apologift, I think right to obferve, that the very refpe£lable protellants who were eye-w^itnefles of the fa£ts which I have related of that reverend gentleman, have afTured me, that they are willing to verify them by affidavit, fliould 3t be thought neceflary ; and in addition to them, a gentleman has informed me of the following circumftances : He attempted to fly to Duncannon fort from a part of the country mzY Foulkes's mill, at a time that gangs of popifh aflaffms were fearching it for proteitanrs ; but finding the fearpafs over the Brmnow guarded by a large body of pikemen, he repaired to the houfe of a proteftant friend at Barrietiiown, where he was protected ; but, after a few days, a party of thefe ruiBans furrounded the houfe, and infilled that he and his friend Oiould appear before father Edward Murphy. On the firft appearance of the pikemen, they declared that they were in queft of the out-liers, meaning the few proteflants who, fcartered over the country, had not been able to effeS: their efcape. On appearing before Murphy, at Carrig, he told them that they mud repair to the camp, where they would probably have been immolated, with the numerous victims who were dally maflacred there ; but they fufpended the execution of his fevere orders, for one day, by their piteous fupplications ; and, very fortunately for them, the arlival of the king's troops next day at Foulkes^s mill, having occafioned a general alarm, all the pikemen in the adjacent

    country

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here at Carrig, in 1798, Father Edward Murphy told captured Protestants they must go to the rebel camp, where victims were daily massacred. A gentleman had been trying to reach Duncannon fort from near Foulkes's mill, at a time when armed gangs were searching the country for Protestants. He found the pass over the Barrow guarded by a large body of pikemen, so he went to the house of a Protestant friend at Barriestown, where he was protected. After a few days a party surrounded the house and insisted that he and his friend should appear before Father Edward Murphy. The pikemen declared they were in quest of the out-liers, meaning the few Protestants scattered over the country who had not been able to effect their escape. On appearing before Murphy at Carrig, he told them they must repair to the camp, where they would probably have been immolated with the numerous victims who were daily massacred there. But by their piteous supplications they suspended the execution of his severe orders for one day. Very fortunately for them, the arrival of the king's troops the next day at Foulkes's mill caused a general alarm among all the pikemen in the adjacent country.

16. Father Sweeny's Service to the French and Execution at Castlebar

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    Father Sweeny of Westport joined the French at Killala, tried unsuccessfully to sway a loyal priest's parishioners near Ballina, and was later tried by court-martial and hanged at Castlebar on strong evidence.

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    Sweeny was apprehended and tried by a courtmartial at Caftlebar, where he was convided on the mofl unqueflionable evidence ; and the teRimony of the before-m.entioned loyal pried tended much to bring him to the fliameful and well-merited death which he there fuffered, having been hanged for his crimes.

    From the very great contempt which the French fliewed for the bigotry of the common Irilh papifts, and the ftrong oppofition which they gave to their defire of maffacring and plundering proteflants, it is aftonifliing that they flocked to them in fuch numbers. The oflicers were filled with amazement on hearing the Irifh recruits fay, when they ofl'ered their fer\'ice, that they came to take arms for France and the blelfed Virgin !

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Castlebar, 1798. Father Sweeny of Westport had joined the French at Killala and tried to sway a loyal priest's parishioners near Ballina, without success. He was apprehended and tried by court-martial, convicted on unquestionable evidence. The testimony of that loyal priest tended much to bring him to the death he suffered there, hanged for his crimes. The French showed great contempt for the bigotry of the common Irish papists and opposed their desire of massacring and plundering Protestants. It is astonishing the Irish flocked to them in such numbers. The officers were filled with amazement on hearing the Irish recruits say, when they offered their service, that they came to take arms for France and the blessed Virgin.

17. Feathard protestants saved by mock conversion to mass

    Fethard · town · Wexford · 1798

    Some of the protestant inhabitants of Feathard saved their lives by going to mass and assuming the semblance of sincere conversion, advised to do so by the humane Father Doyle as a means of preserving their lives.

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    ON Sriturday, the twenty-fixth of May, a bnnd of-afTaffjus, roaming the country in quell of proteltants, and headed by Michael Devereux and Jofhua Golfer, entered the town of Fcathard, about eleven miles from Scullabogue, and feized William Jordan and James Tweedy, both proicftants, and conveye4 them to the barn where they were burned ; the former was fervant to the reverend INIr. Kennedy, re6lor of Feathard, who had fled and narrov/ly efcaped to Duncaiinon fort. Golfer often regretted that he had not that orange rogue, Mr. Kennedy, to put him to death ; he exclaimed very much againll protellants, and laid they deferved to be punifhed. Some of the proteftant inhabitants of Feathard faved their lives by going to niafs, snd by afluming the femblance of fincere converfion. The reverend father Doyle, who adled with humanity towards them, advifed them to do fo, as the means of preferving their lives. William Hurdis, a witnefs on Golfer's trial, fwore, that Patrick Murphy, one of the gang of afiaflins, made him fwear to be true to the catholick war. Thefe facls were proved on the trial of Jofliua Golfer, before 8 court-martial, held at Waterford, the third of December, 1798, by order of general Johnfon. Golfer had been malfter to Mr. Glarke, a brewer of Feathard, refided there conftantly, and had lived on terms of intimacy with the protellants.

    James Murphy, a witnefs on the trial of Golfer, and fen.'ant of the reverend Mr. Kennedy, fwore. That the prifoner allied him whether he would kill his mailer, and declared that he would kill him if he would not. He faid alfo, that all orangemen fliould be killed.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    On Saturday the 26th of May, 1798, a band of men roaming the country in search of Protestants entered the town of Fethard, about 11 miles from Scullabogue. They were headed by Michael Devereux and Joshua Golfer. They seized William Jordan and James Tweedy, both Protestants, and took them to the barn where they were burned. William Jordan was servant to the Reverend Mr. Kennedy, rector of Fethard, who had fled and narrowly escaped to Duncannon fort. Golfer often regretted he did not have that, in his words, "orange rogue" Mr. Kennedy to put to death. He exclaimed against Protestants and said they deserved to be punished. Some of the Protestant inhabitants of Fethard saved their lives by going to mass and assuming the semblance of sincere conversion. Father Doyle, who acted with humanity towards them, advised them to do so as the means of preserving their lives. These facts were proved on the trial of Joshua Golfer, before a court-martial held at Waterford on the 3rd of December, 1798, by order of General Johnson. William Hurdis swore that Patrick Murphy, one of the gang, made him swear to be true to the Catholic war. James Murphy, a servant of the Reverend Mr. Kennedy, swore that Golfer asked him whether he would kill his master, and declared he would kill him if he would not. Golfer said all Orangemen should be killed. He had been master to Mr. Clarke, a brewer of Fethard, and had lived there on terms of intimacy with the Protestants.

18. French soldiers billeted with Castlebar resident during occupation

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    A Castlebar resident's account describes five French soldiers of diverse international backgrounds who lodged in his house during the French occupation, demanding food and drink but ultimately protecting the household from rebel plunderers.

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    A refpeclable inhabitant of Calllebar gives the following account of five French foldiers who refided in his houfe, and of fome other particulars : " When they entered my houfe, I implored them to fpare the lives of me and my wife : They raifed us fror^ our knees, and faid, " Vive I'hey demanded bread, beef, wine and beer, and by fupplying them with thole articles, as far as my purfe went, I obtained their good will. The rebels who accompanied them at firft plundered us of A^arious articles ; but one day when they revifited us, I alarmed my foreign inmates, who expelled and chaflifed them feverely. One of them, by name Philip Sheens, was from Holland ; I gave him my watch, but he kindly returned it. Another, Bartholomew Baillie, from Paris, was mild, learned, and rather filent ; he had been a prieft, but on the overthrew of his order, became a ibldier : He denied a future exiftence. One Ballifceau. a Spaniard, was as intrepid as Hannibal : Since the age of fifteen, he had followed the profeffion of a foldier : He had been a prifoner in Pruflia, in Paris, and in London : He had been confined in a dungeon at Conftantinople : * He crolfed the Alps with Bonaparte, and fought under him in Italy : |Iis "body, head and face were covered with wounds :

    He

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Castlebar in Mayo saw French soldiers quartered in townspeople's houses during the occupation of 1798. One respectable inhabitant left an account of five foreign soldiers who lodged in his home. When they entered, he implored them to spare his life and his wife's. They raised the couple from their knees and demanded bread, beef, wine, and beer. By supplying these as far as his purse allowed, he gained their good will. Rebels accompanying the French had plundered the house of various articles. But when they returned one day, the inhabitant alerted his foreign guests, who expelled the rebels and chastised them severely. One soldier, Philip Sheens, was from Holland. The inhabitant gave him his watch, but Sheens kindly returned it. Another, Bartholomew Baillie, came from Paris. He was mild, learned, and rather silent. He had been a priest, but on the overthrow of his order, became a soldier. He denied a future existence. A Spaniard named Ballisceau was as intrepid as Hannibal. Since the age of 15, he had followed the profession of a soldier. He had been a prisoner in Prussia, in Paris, and in London. He had been confined in a dungeon at Constantinople. He crossed the Alps with Bonaparte and fought under him in Italy. His body, head, and face were covered with wounds.

19. Garret Murphy's account of rebel movements between Ross, Carrick, Clonmel and Waterford

    New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

    At Garret Murphy's court martial, evidence showed he had been with Mr. Colclough in Kilkenny before going to Carrick and Clonmel to prepare people for rising, and that he was later concealed in a ditch near Ross where he fired at two gentlemen riding toward Waterford, wounding one believed to be young Mr. Tottenham.

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    On the trial of Garret Murphy, by court martial, held at Waterford, the twenty-fifth of July, 1798, captain Lowrie, of the thirteenth regiment, prefident, it was proved, that Mr. Thomas Anthony, architect, who had employed the prifoner, pretended that he had been an United Irifhman, for the purpofe of learning his fecrets, and that Murphy informed him a few days after the battle of Rofs, that he had been, previous to that event, with Mr. Colclough, in the county of Kilkenny, and that T^r. C. having left him, went to Carrick and Clonmell, to prepare the people there for rifmg : That he told Mr. Colclough of the infurre6lion intended in Waterford, and that he mufi go there to fave a particular friend : That he was fure the king's troops would be compleatly defeated, as there were fo many United Iriflimen encamped in the county of Wexford. He told Jiim that there were arm.s in the outlets of the city of Waterford : That he had been concealed in a ditch in the county of Kilkenny, near Rofs, and miffed fire twice at two gentlemen, who rode by in their way to Waterford ; and that one of them, when tliey proceeded a little farther, was* (hot in the arm : He believed one to he young Mr. Tottenham; that Waterford was the object of the United Iriflimen, when they had defeated the king's troops at Rofs; but that city had nothing to fear, unlefs they fucceeded there. Mr. Anthony gave a mofl excellent chara£ler of him, but fanaticifm had made him a rebel.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Garret Murphy's movements during the rebellion of 1798 left a trail that ended at a court martial in Waterford on the 25th of July of that year, with Captain Lowrie of the 13th regiment presiding. The evidence came from Mr. Thomas Anthony, an architect, who had employed Murphy and pretended to be a United Irishman to learn his secrets. Murphy told him, a few days after the battle of Ross, that before that event he had been with Mr. Colclough in the county of Kilkenny. Colclough left him and went to Carrick and Clonmel to prepare the people there for rising. Murphy told Colclough of the insurrection intended in Waterford, and that he must go there to save a particular friend. He was sure the king's troops would be completely defeated, as there were so many United Irishmen encamped in the county of Wexford. He told him there were arms in the outlets of the city of Waterford. He had been concealed in a ditch in the county of Kilkenny, near Ross, and missed fire twice at two gentlemen riding by on their way to Waterford. One of them, when they proceeded a little farther, was shot in the arm. He believed one to be young Mr. Tottenham. Waterford was the object of the United Irishmen when they had defeated the king's troops at Ross, but that city had nothing to fear unless they succeeded there. Mr. Anthony gave an excellent character of him, but fanaticism had made him a rebel.

20. General Loftus's surprise flank assault on Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    General Loftus, detached to occupy a walled park on the side of Vinegar-hill, surprised the rebels by rapidly breaking through stone walls and hauling guns up the steep hill, then firing grapeshot into rebel lines with devastating effect.

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    When they had arrived at the beginning of the accent of Vinegar-hill, general Loftus was detached by general Duff to occupy a green hill in a park enclofed with ftone walls, which was on the fide, and compofed a part of Vinegar-hill. | General Loftilis furprifed the rebels by the' celerity of this oovem.ent, becaufe the hill was fleep y and the ground which he occupied there was divided by ftone walls ; but by breaking open gaps, he had two guns carried over at firft, and foon after four more, by having untackled them from the horfes. From this pofition he was able to fire into the lower line of the enemy, rather on his left, with fuch eifeQ:, that eighty-five of them were afterwards found in their trenches killed with grape-lliot. General Loftus made his m^ovement by a narrov>' road on the left, diverging from the main one, and then rapidly afcended the hilL At the fame time, generals Lake, Dundas and Wilford, with colonel Campbell's light infantry, were advancing up the hill II on the fouth-eaft fjde, and were firmly oppofed by the rebels, who maintained a very brifk

    fire

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill in Wexford was the ground of a surprise assault in 1798. As the forces reached the beginning of the ascent, General Loftus was detached by General Duff to occupy a green hill in a park enclosed with stone walls, which formed part of the side of Vinegar Hill. Loftus surprised the rebels by the speed of his movement. The hill was steep and the ground was divided by stone walls, but by breaking open gaps he had two guns carried over first, and soon after four more, having untackled them from the horses. From this position he was able to fire into the lower line of the enemy, rather on his left, with such effect that 85 of them were afterwards found in their trenches killed with grape-shot. Loftus made his movement by a narrow road on the left, diverging from the main one, then rapidly ascended the hill. At the same time, Generals Lake, Dundas and Wilford, with Colonel Campbell's light infantry, were advancing up the hill on the southeast side, firmly opposed by the rebels, who maintained a very brisk fire.

21. Girls rescued from custody bound for Killan prison

    Killan · townland · Cavan · 1798

    Michael M'Grath testified he saw five Protestant girls in custody of Christopher Drohan and others, being taken to Killan prison, and rescued them at risk of his life.

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    that he afked Drohan, where he was conducing them? that he anfwered to Killan prifoii ; and that at the rifk of his Ufe, he refcued them from faid perfons.

    Rachael Murphy, Anne and Hannah James fwore on the trial of thefe men, that Drohan, while they were his prifoners, informed them, that their intention was (meaning himfelf and his party) to ravifh them, viz. the faid five girls, that night, and to burn them next morning ; and that, previous to this, their fathers had been murdered.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1798, Michael M'Grath saw five Protestant girls in the custody of Christopher Drohan and his party, being taken to Killan prison. He asked Drohan where he was conducting them, and Drohan told him. At the risk of his life, he rescued them from those men. On the trial, Rachael Murphy, Anne and Hannah James swore that Drohan told them his party intended to ravish the five girls that night and burn them next morning. Their fathers had been murdered.

22. Lewis Bulger's conversation with Mrs Heydon on the rebellion's aims

    Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Lewis Bulger, former butler to the Heydons and active plunderer of their house at Ferns, visited Mrs Heydon in Enniscorthy after her husband's death and spoke of the end of law, forced conversion, and claimed Fr. John Murphy caught red-hot bullets in his hand as proof of divine favour for the rebellion.

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    A FEW days after the death of Mr. Heydon, and while • Mrs. Heydon was in the utmoft diftrefs in Ennifcorthy, Lewis Bulger vifited her, told her he would fave her jaunting-car, and convey her in it to her own houfe ; fhe faid file had no houfe, as it belonged to the bifliop, until lie appointed another iricumbent. " The bifhop !" faid Bulger with much contempt ; ** the bifhop has no houfe now ! it may be mine, or that man's," pointing to a pikeman who fat in the room •, " but the bifhop has nothing to do v/ith it *, there will be no laws now, for in about three months, every thing will be fettled in a much better way than they were." He told her, that fhe might live happily again in her own houfe, provided fhe would become a Roman catholick, and be furrounded by none but by perfons of that religion. She anfwered, that ihe had charity for perfons of every religion, but that fhe would Hve and die in the faith in which fhe was brought up. Bulger then faid, you. are liable to be fhot if you appear in the flreet ; there will be but one religion on the face of the earth ; this is all the handy work of God; and as a proof of the divine interpofition in favour of the rebellion, he faid, " Father John Murphy catches red-hot bullets in his hand."* If a priefl were to blefs a piece of meat, the mofl hungry dog would not touch it ; this is a comm^on opinion among the lower dafs of papifts : A priefl can bring a lighted candle out of a tub of water : He faid to her, fure you won't remain there ; fhe anfwered, that llie had no houfe to go to, but that fhe hoped foon to meet his mafler in heaven t On which he obferved, " I will promife you, that you will never meet hijn there r"

    "What

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ferns, in 1798, Lewis Bulger, who had been butler to the Heydons and had helped plunder their house, visited Mrs Heydon in Enniscorthy a few days after her husband's death. She was in great distress. He offered to save her jaunting-car and convey her to her own house. She said she had no house, as it belonged to the bishop until he appointed another incumbent. "The bishop!" said Bulger with contempt. "The bishop has no house now. It may be mine, or that man's," pointing to a pikeman who sat in the room. "The bishop has nothing to do with it. There will be no laws now, for in about three months, everything will be settled in a much better way than they were." He told her she might live happily again in her own house, provided she became a Roman Catholic and surrounded herself with none but persons of that religion. She answered that she had charity for persons of every religion, but would live and die in the faith in which she was brought up. Bulger said she was liable to be shot if she appeared in the street. There would be but one religion on the face of the earth. This was all the handiwork of God. As proof of divine intervention in favour of the rebellion, he said, "Father John Murphy catches red-hot bullets in his hand." He added that if a priest blessed a piece of meat, the hungriest dog would not touch it, and that a priest could bring a lighted candle out of a tub of water. He asked her surely she would not remain there. She said she had no house to go to, but hoped soon to meet his master in heaven. He replied, "I will promise you, that you will never meet him there."

23. Lieutenant Hunt's body left exposed on the road near Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    After being dragged to the rebel camp at Vinegar Hill and shot near a prison there, Lieutenant Hunt's body was left exposed on the public highway for many days, the rebels refusing to allow burial or the body to be given to his widow.

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    That from thence he was dragged to the rebel camp at Vinegar-hill *, from thence to a prifon near faid hill, where he was fhot ; that after his body lay expoied on the publick high road for many days, not being fulFered by faid rebels to be buried or.given up to petitioner.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill saw a grim episode in 1798. Lieutenant Hunt was dragged to the rebel camp here, then to a prison near the hill, where he was shot. His body lay exposed on the public road for many days. The rebels would not allow it to be buried or given up to his widow.

24. Marquis of Waterford's offer at Hollywood and its house burned in retaliation

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1798

    The Marquis of Waterford went to his mansion at Hollywood and offered to rebuild burned houses of the lower classes if they returned to allegiance, but instead his house was burned on 13 September.

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    After the rebellion had exifted feme time, and had fjTread univerfal defolation in that country, the marquis of Waterford repaired to his beautiful manfion at Hollywood^ and, with his ufual humairlty and berrevolence, announced that he would rebuild all the houfes of the lov»'er clafs of people which had been burned or deftroyed, provided they -.rould return to their allcgiaiKe, ?f!?d accept the amnefty hum.anely offered to them bv government ; but, inllead of being touched with gratitude by his generous offer, they burned his houfe on the thirteenth of September.

    John Mulligan, of Paddock, in faid county, depofed, tlie twenty-firft of May, 1798, before lord Powerfcourt, lord Monck, and John Edwards, efquire, that on the night Vv*hen the report was fpread that the orangemen were out to murder the Rcm.an cntholicks, he was met and informed by George Coleman of the Long-hill, that the orangemen were to maffacre all the Roman catholicks •, and that he fhould not get intelligence of it, unlefs he was fworn an United IriOiman •, and that he was accordinglv fworn by the faid Coleman, to whom he gave foon after 6d. to buy iron to make a pike head. The faid Coleman, and others, '■ cut fome afh trees on lord IMonck's land to make pike handles ; and faid, that they expected the French would land and gain the battle ; and then that they would have their land cheap. ^

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    After the rebellion had spread desolation through this country, the Marquis of Waterford came to his mansion at Hollywood. With what the record calls his usual humanity and benevolence, he announced that he would rebuild all the houses of the lower class of people that had been burned or destroyed, provided they would return to their allegiance and accept the amnesty offered to them by government. Instead of being touched with gratitude by his generous offer, they burned his house on 13 September. In May of 1798, John Mulligan of Paddock deposed before Lord Powerscourt, Lord Monck, and John Edwards. He said that on the night a report spread that the Orangemen were out to murder the Roman Catholics, George Coleman of the Long-hill met him and told him the Orangemen were to massacre all the Roman Catholics. Coleman said he would get no intelligence of it unless he was sworn a United Irishman. He was sworn accordingly by Coleman, and gave him 6 pence to buy iron to make a pike head. Coleman and others cut ash trees on Lord Monck's land to make pike handles, and said they expected the French would land and gain the battle, and then they would have their land cheap.

25. Massacres presided over by father Roche on Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    Father Philip Roche was present and presided at many massacres on Vinegar Hill during the rebel occupation, according to the author's account disputed by Gordon.

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    The reverend Mr. Gordon, his fucceffor, knowing the fct of favages he had to deal with, has, with more regard to policy than accuracy, written a hiftory of the rebellion, for the obvious purpofeof conciliating the priefts and the popilh multitude, to fecure the punClual payment of his tythes ; and for that purpofe, he abufes the magiftrates, the military, and the yeomen-, and he imputes many of the atrocities committed during the rebellion to local provocation, though, in other parts of his work, he admits that the rebellion arofe from fanaticifm, and that the popilh multitude had no other idea of a revolution, than the exclufive eftablilhment of their own religion. He imputes to me, among others, the following error: 1 call father Philip Roche, the commander in chief, an inhuman favage, becaufe he not only inculcated the extirpation of hereticks, but was prefent, -and prcfided, at many mallacres on Vinegar-hill; and yet Mr. Gordon becomes his panegyrift, and fays, for a charge of cruelty againft him, I can iind no foundation. On the contrary, I have heard many inftances of his a£tive humanity." Good God ! that a proteftaut clergyman (hould become the encomiaft of a monfter who was the inftrument of fo much human mifery, and who was hanged on the bridge of Wexford, for various crimes 1*

    * See vol. i. pages 451, 464 — vol. a. page 410.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill was a rebel stronghold in 1798, and a place where Father Philip Roche presided over many massacres, according to one account of the rebellion. The author of these memoirs calls Roche the commander in chief and an inhuman savage, saying he not only preached the extirpation of heretics but was present and presided at many massacres on this hill. He disputes the account of the reverend Gordon, who wrote his own history of the rebellion. The author says Gordon wrote with more regard to policy than accuracy, to conciliate the priests and the Catholic populace, and to secure the punctual payment of his tithes. For that purpose, Gordon abused the magistrates, the military, and the yeomen, and imputed many atrocities to local provocation, though elsewhere he admitted the rebellion arose from fanaticism. Gordon became Roche's defender, saying for a charge of cruelty against him, "I can find no foundation. On the contrary, I have heard many instances of his active humanity." The author calls it monstrous that a Protestant clergyman should praise such a man, who was hanged on the bridge of Wexford for various crimes.

26. Mr Otway's use of whipping to extract confession at Castle Otway

    near Castle Otway · castle · Tipperary · 1798

    Mr Otway of Castle Otway, near Nenagh, whipped a suspected United Irishman twice to force a confession; the man eventually admitted the parish was organized and armed, leading to the surrender of seventeen hundred pikes and confessions from local priests including father Kennedy and father Meara of Nenagh.

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    I (hall defer difcuffing at prefent the policy and the good effedls of whipping and free quarter, but the reader may form fome judgment of it from the following inflance : Mr. Otway, of Caftle Otway, near Nenagh, Jiad undoubted proof that the people in his populous parilh were fworn, organized, and well fupplied with arms ; and that they were foon to rife and maflacre all the loyal fubje(fl:s. He then, took up a fellow, well known to have been fworn, and threatened to whip him, unlefs he difclofed his fecrets of the confpiracy^; but he called God to witnefs his innocence, and offered to make an affidavit of it ; but Mr. Otway ordered him to receive twenty-five lafhes in the prefence of fir James DuiF ; but he perfifted in profeffing his ignorance of the plot. Having been tied up next day, when his fkin was tender from the preceding whipping, he acknow-. ledged his guilt, that the parifli was organized, and the people were well armed with pikes. Soon after he was taken down, which convinced the confpirators that he had made a full acknowledgment of what he knew. They then inftantly became emulous in making confelTions, and in furrendering arms ; and, in the fpace of a few hours, feventeen hundred pikes were furrendered ; and father Kennedy, the parifli priefl, voluntarily acknowledged, that he had been fworn by father Meara, a prieft who had fworn many others, though he had been previoufly examined by Mr. -Otway, and fwore that he was perfe£l;ly ignorant of the confpiracy. — It appears alfo, that father Meara, parifh priefl of Nenagh, had fworn many priefts in his neighbourhood ; and that father O'Brien, of the parifh of Doone, and he, were deeply concerned in the confpiracy , and they were both fentenced to be tranfported. .

    No. XII.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Castle Otway, near Nenagh in Tipperary, Mr. Otway of Castle Otway had undoubted proof that the people in his populous parish were sworn, organized, and well supplied with arms, and that they were soon to rise and massacre all the loyal subjects. He took up a fellow well known to have been sworn and threatened to whip him unless he disclosed his secrets of the conspiracy. The man called God to witness his innocence and offered to make an affidavit of it. But Mr. Otway ordered him to receive twenty-five lashes in the presence of Sir James Duff, and he persisted in professing his ignorance of the plot. The next day, tied up again, when his skin was tender from the preceding whipping, he acknowledged his guilt, that the parish was organized, and the people were well armed with pikes. Once he was taken down, the conspirators saw he had made a full acknowledgment of what he knew. They then became emulous in making confessions and surrendering arms. In the space of a few hours, seventeen hundred pikes were surrendered. Father Kennedy, the parish priest, voluntarily acknowledged that he had been sworn by Father Meara, a priest who had sworn many others, though he had been previously examined by Mr. Otway and swore he was perfectly ignorant of the conspiracy. It appears also that Father Meara, parish priest of Nenagh, had sworn many priests in his neighbourhood, and that Father O'Brien, of the parish of Doone, and he were deeply concerned in the conspiracy, and they were both sentenced to be transported.

27. Mrs Wilson killed as house burned at Castlecomer

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1793

    A body of insurgents burned the house of Mr Wilson at Castlecomer and assassinated Mrs Wilson as she attempted to escape the flames.

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    In the month of June, a body of infurgents burned the houfe of Mr. Wilfon, of Caftlecomer, and aflaflinated . Mrs.Wilfon, as fhe endeavoured to efcape from the flames.

    This year we find them in a ftate of mfurredion in the , four quarters of the kingdom. Swearing the defenders

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    Castlecomer is the town the road passes through. In June of 1793, insurgents burned the house of Mr. Wilson, here at Castlecomer. As Mrs. Wilson tried to escape the flames, they killed her. The record calls it assassination, her death coming as she fled the fire they had set.

28. Murder of Gray Thomas proved at Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    On the trial of general Edward Roche, witnesses testified that Hay had proposed at Vinegar Hill the murder of all Protestants, and that the cold-blooded murder of Gray Thomas was committed at the same place.

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    On the trial of general Edward P.oche, Thomas Hatchell proved that he heard Mr. Hay at Vinegarhill propofe the murder of all the proteftants, and that Roche oppofed it. The cold-blooded murder, committed by him of Gray Thomas, at the fame place, was alfo proved on Roche's trial. J Thomas Smithfon confirme<l the evidence of Thomas Hatchell.

    The arrefl: of B. B. Harvey and John Colclough was attended with fome curious circumftances, which I fhall relate. On the flight of the rebels from Wexford the twenty-firfl day of June, they retreated to the largefl of the Saltee il]ands,| which Mr. Colclough rented from Mr. Grogan. Dodor Waddy, a phyfician, who ferved in the yeomanry, having got intelligence of their retreat, applied to general Lake for a proper party, .and an armed velTel, to go in queft of them, which he readily obtained.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill in Wexford saw dark events in 1798. On the trial of General Edward Roche, a witness named Thomas Hatchell testified that he heard a man called Hay propose at Vinegar Hill the murder of all Protestants. Roche opposed that proposal. But the cold-blooded murder of Gray Thomas was committed by Roche at the same place, and that was also proved on his trial. Another witness, Thomas Smithson, confirmed Hatchell's evidence.

29. Murder of James Hyland and his wife near Trim

    Trim · town · Meath

    In late December, a party of Defenders murdered James Hyland and his wife near Trim on suspicion that they had informed against Defenders, shooting the man through the forehead and his wife through the back as she tried to escape.

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    The latter end of December, a moft horrid murder was committed near Trim, by a party of defenders, on James Hyland and his wife, merely becaufe they fufpe(Sled that they had given information againft fome of their body. They fhot the man through the forehead, and his wife through the back, as fhe ende»avoured to make her efcape.

    Soon after notices were pofted on all the neighbouring chapels, announcing that all thofe who gave information againft, or fearched for defenders, fliould be facriHccd in the fame m.anner as Hyland and his wife.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

    As the companion tells it

    Not far from Trim, in the latter end of December, a party of Defenders murdered James Hyland and his wife. They suspected the couple had given information against some of their body. They shot the man through the forehead. They shot his wife through the back as she tried to escape. Soon after, notices were posted on all the neighbouring chapels. They announced that all those who gave information against, or searched for Defenders, should be sacrificed in the same manner as Hyland and his wife.

30. Murder of St. George and Uniacke in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1798

    A traitorous society in Cork was responsible for the cruel murder of Messrs. St. George and Uniacke, as revealed by informers who came forward in April 1798. The same network also attempted to murder magistrate Sir Henry Mannix and High Sheriff Robert Harding.

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    On the 5 th day of April, 1798, came forward voluntarily, and made many important difcoveries of traitorous focieties then in exiftence in this city and county, tending to the entire fubverfion of his prefent ma jelly's government, religion, and laws ; and of focieties convened, for the fanguinary purpofe of affalfinating every loyal and welldifpofed perfon in the country^ without any exception, particularly that by which mcfiieurs St. George and Uniacke M'ere moil cruelly murdered ; and of thofe who made an attempt on the life of' fir Henry Mannix, a magiftrate of this county, who, by his aclive exertions to crufli the rebellious, incurred their hatred •, and of a plot to murder Robert Harding, efquire, then high flieriffof the city, whofe very a<^ive conduct marked him as an obje6l of their fanguinary vengeance. They alfo difcovcred, and profecuted to conviction, the traitors who procured to be printed, and circulated, hand-bills for the diabolical purpofe of feducing the Dublin county and North Mayo regiments of militia (then quartered in this city) from their duty and allegiance and alfo gave informations of fixty-nine focieties of United Iridmien in Cork, with the names and places of abode of the officers who belonged to each, many of whom were very forward and active in having pikes made, and ill colleding money to forward the rebellion.

    APPENDIX, No. XI.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Cork in 1798 was a city hiding a network of secret societies. On the 5th of April that year, informers came forward voluntarily and made many important discoveries of traitorous societies then in existence in the city and county. These were groups convened, in the words of the record, for the sanguinary purpose of assassinating every loyal and well-disposed person in the country without any exception. The informers revealed the society by which Messrs. St. George and Uniacke were most cruelly murdered. They also told of those who made an attempt on the life of Sir Henry Mannix, a magistrate of the county, who by his active exertions to crush the rebellious had incurred their hatred. And they exposed a plot to murder Robert Harding, then High Sheriff of the city, whose very active conduct had marked him as an object of their vengeance. The informers also discovered and prosecuted to conviction the traitors who had procured hand-bills to be printed and circulated, for the diabolical purpose of seducing the Dublin county and North Mayo regiments of militia, then quartered in the city, from their duty and allegiance. And they gave information of sixty-nine societies of United Irishmen in Cork, with the names and places of abode of the officers who belonged to each. Many of those officers were very forward in having pikes made and in collecting money to forward the rebellion.

31. O'Keon's rostrum speech in the street of Ballina

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

    O'Keon assembled a vast concourse of the credulous populace in the street of Ballina and told them a fabricated story of a vision of the Virgin Mary urging the French expedition to relieve Ireland, which the multitude received with vociferous acclamation.

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    O'^Keon, well knowing the fuperftitious credulity and the fanaticifm of the popiih multitude, affembled a vafl concourfe of them in the flreet of Ballina, and having mounted the roflrum, he related the fot lowing ftory to them in his native tongue, which ;he fpoke better than French or Enghfh ; " That he dreamt one night in France, that the virgin Ma^-y vifited him, and informed him that her votaries in Ireland were fulfering the mofl grievous perfecutioft^

    ana

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ballina, in 1798, a man named O'Keon gathered a great crowd in the street. He mounted a rostrum and spoke to them in his native tongue, which he spoke better than French or English. He told them he had dreamt in France that the Virgin Mary visited him and told him her votaries in Ireland were suffering grievous persecution. The multitude received it with vociferous acclamation.

32. Pitched caps forced on prisoners at Gorey market-house

    Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

    On 9 June, rebels at Gorey cut off prisoners' hair and put pitched caps on their heads, forcing them to expose themselves from the market-house windows while rebel troops marched by shouting in celebration.

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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

    Gorey is a town the road passes through. In 1798, Protestant prisoners were held here by rebels. On the morning of 9 June, the rebels cut off the hair of all the prisoners, save one, and put pitched caps on their heads. They forced the prisoners to expose themselves from the market-house windows while rebel troops marched by shouting in celebration. The prisoners had been led out to the rebel camp to be shot, for no reason the informant could see except that they were Protestants. One was marked to be saved because he was a Catholic, proving it by crossing himself and saying Catholic prayers as the rebels required. Before the executions could happen, an order arrived from General Bagenal Harvey that rebels should not put prisoners to death, under pain of being shot. That order saved his life and the lives of his fellow prisoners. During confinement, Catholic neighbors visited and wished him a speedy liberation. They told him the only way to get it was to be baptized, embrace the Catholic faith, and take up arms for the cause of liberty. They feared he would not escape unless he complied, and expressed concern at seeing him reading Protestant prayer books. He answered that he professed the Protestant faith from conviction and would not renounce it. Before Harvey's order arrived, the rebels had taken out two yeomen and shot them. One was Rogan of the Arklow corps, the other James Wheatley of the Castletown corps. A rebel horseman fired a pistol at one prisoner, lodging a ball in his shoulder. Another took pike wounds in the side that broke three ribs. A rebel struck the informant with a pike in the back. The camp near Gorey was attended by a priest named Michael Murphy.

33. Priests feasting with French at Killala on plundered goods

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    At least a dozen Roman Catholic priests visited and lived in intimacy with the French forces at Killala and other places, eating and drinking on the spoils taken from Protestants who had fled or been imprisoned.

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    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. .

    It was not uncommon to fee fome of thefe fpiritual guides introducing into the court-yard of Killala fome of their half-naked raggamuflfins, taking cloaths out of the ftores, which were kept there for that purpofe, and arraying them for aftual fervice. There

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    Killala, in Mayo, saw an uneasy scene in 1798. At least a dozen Roman Catholic priests paid their respects to the French forces and lived in habits of intimacy with them there and at other places. They ate, drank, and made merry on the spoils of unfortunate Protestants who had either fled or been imprisoned. None of the Roman Catholic persuasion, though reputed loyal, were known to flee the country through apprehension of danger, or to join the king's troops or the armed loyalists. It was not uncommon to see some of these spiritual guides introducing into the courtyard of Killala some of their half-naked followers, taking clothes out of the stores kept there for that purpose, and arraying them for actual service.

34. Priest's Letter Describing Rebel Camp and Bishop's Conduct

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798–1799

    A Romish priest wrote to a Dublin attorney describing how he said mass at the rebel camp and saved twenty to thirty lives, while criticizing his bishop for giving the rebels his benediction in the chapel-yard before an attack and permitting priests to absolve murder.

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    YOU no donbt muft be furprifed to find yourfelf addrefled by one who has not the honour of your acquaintance ; however, if you will arm yourfelf with patience, to hear a long llory, I will endeavour to introduce myfelf to you. Sir, I am a Romiih prieft. Impgfed upon by the example of my bifhop, If'' .nafs at the rebel camp my behaviour during the time was fuch, that I am ndther forry for, nor afliamed of it. I faved from twenty to thirty lives, who will make affidavit of it in any court ; and rhis I look upon to be more meritorious, (at lead in the -fight of God,) than running away like many others, wha now make fuch a boaft of their loyalty. As a proof ot the publick good will towards me, my chapel has never been infulted, though fituated iu the moft publick place in the county. On the return of the king's government, my firft concern was to obtain his majefty's pardon, for that degree of rebellion of which I was guilty, which (long may he live !) I obtained without any difficulty, but guefs, fir, my aftonifhment at receiving a letter from my bifliop, filencing me from my clerical fvin£lio;i in this diocefe, when his own condiicl was what chiefly led me aftray, (if I except the degree of terror the rebels put me into after the government was upfet all round me,) for during the ferment, which preceded the explofion, he never inftru^led me how to acl. Inftead of excommunicating them for their horrid rebellion, he gave them his benedidlion in the chapel-yard, the day they took two days before they caHed on me to follow them. Injlead of excommu 711 eating the barbarous murderers at he gave all his priefls poiycr to give abfolution for murder , a ponxxer luhich he ever till then referved to himfelf Even tht lall 'battle in this county was fought by his direction, and the prieft who ferved as his aid-de-camp on the occafion, he kept in his houfe till laft fpring, when he was obliged to Griuggle him out of the county, otherwife he would have fallen a victim to outraged juftice ; and indeed it is pf but little avail to me, that the king fhould grant me-

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 179

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, in the years after 1798, was the address on a letter that found its way to a city attorney. The man who wrote it was a Roman Catholic priest, and he had a story he wanted someone in authority to hear. He told the attorney that he had said mass at the rebel camp, following the example of his own bishop. He was not ashamed of everything he did there. He said he saved from 20 to 30 lives, people who would swear to it in any court. He thought that counted for more than running away and later boasting of loyalty. His chapel had never been touched, even though it stood in the most public place in the county. When the king's government returned, he sought and received the royal pardon without trouble. Then came the blow. His bishop wrote to silence him from his clerical functions in the diocese. The priest's anger was that his bishop had been the one who led him astray in the first place. The bishop had given the rebels his benediction in the chapel-yard the day they set out, two days before they called on the priest to follow them. Instead of excommunicating the murderers, the bishop gave all his priests power to absolve murder, a power he had always reserved to himself before then. The priest wrote that even the last battle in the county was fought by the bishop's direction, and that the bishop kept the priest who served as his aide-de-camp in his house until the spring, when he had to smuggle him out of the county before the man fell to justice.

35. Prisoners piked on Wexford bridge

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    The document records prisoners who were piked to death on the bridge in Wexford on the twentieth of June, 1798, part of the massacre carried out by rebel forces.

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    Pxifoners piked on the .bridge, twentieth of June

    Marks in the calendar affixed to the names of prifonerso.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, the bridge here was the site of a grim episode in 1798. On the 20th of June that year, prisoners were piked to death on the bridge, part of the massacre carried out by rebel forces during the rising.

36. Rebel assembly at Milltown and Ennistymon disperses to Slievecallan

    near Slievecallan · mountain or mountain range · Clare · 1799

    On 12-13 January 1799 thousands of Carmelite-initiated rebels assembled at Milltown and Ennistymon, apparently to meet the king's troops, but fled to the inaccessible mountains of Slievecullane when General Meyrick approached.

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    A number of flrangers, who were all of the Carmelite order, went into the county of Clare in the year 1796, and fettled, in the barony of Tullagh, on the borders of the county of Galway. The moft part of them were weavers, and as they were very induftrious, and leemed to have a great purity of morals, conftantly recommending fobriety and good order to the multitude, the gentlemen of the country rejoiced at their arrival. Thus tliey continued to be protected, till the winter of the year 1798, when they bciran to hold lecret nightly meetings, to plunder the houfes of proteftants, particularly the yeomen, of arms, and to cut down great quantities of young afli trees to make pike handles, and to employ tlie blackimiths in making pikes. On the twelfth and thirteenth of January, 1799, thev and the profelytes whom they initiated into the Carmelite order, to the number of feveral thoufands, affembied in the day at ^lilltown and InnifLimmonj and moved forward apparently with an intention of meeting the king's troops ; but on their approach under general Meyrick, they fled to the momitains of Slievecullane, which are inaccefiibie ; thev pretended ta furrender their arras, but it was well known that they kept the beft, and die greater part of them. Soon after tlieir rifmg they houghed great quantities of cattle, for whicli compeniation was made to die fufterers by large funis of money levied by the orrand jury on the county ; they went with unparalleled alfurance next day, to the places where they had committed thefe acts of favage cruelty, to carry - ' '

    APPENDIX, No. XI.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Slievecallan is a mountain the road passes through or near. In January 1799, several thousand rebels fled here when the king's troops advanced. The story begins three years earlier. In 1796, a number of foreigners, all of the Carmelite order, went into County Clare and settled in the barony of Tullagh, on the borders of Galway. Most of them were weavers. They were industrious, and seemed to have great purity of morals, constantly recommending sobriety and good order, so the gentlemen of the country rejoiced at their arrival. They continued under this protection until the winter of 1798. Then they began to hold secret nightly meetings, to plunder the houses of Protestants, particularly the yeomen, of arms, and to cut down great quantities of young ash trees to make pike handles, and to employ the blacksmiths in making pikes. On the 12th and 13th of January, 1799, they and the proselytes they had initiated into the Carmelite order, to the number of several thousands, assembled in the day at Milltown and Ennistymon, and moved forward apparently with an intention of meeting the king's troops. But on their approach under General Meyrick, they fled to the mountains of Slievecallan, which are inaccessible. They pretended to surrender their arms, but it was well known that they kept the best and the greater part of them. Soon after their rising they houghed great quantities of cattle. Compensation was made to the sufferers by large sums of money levied by the grand jury on the county. They went with unparalleled assurance the next day to the places where they had committed these acts of savage cruelty.

37. Rebel camp at Lord Moira's house, Ballynahinch

    near Ballynahinch · town · Down · 1798

    The main rebel body camped on the lawn before Lord Moira's house near Ballynahinch, a strong defensive position on a wooded eminence, under the command of linen-draper Henry Munroe.

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    A numerous body of rebels kept poflefiion of Saintfield, till Monday the eleventh of June, when they marched to Ballynahinch, and joined the main body, who were ported in what they called a camp, on the lawn before lord Moira's houfe, which was a favourable pofition, on a commanding eminence, and fkirted with thick wood. The comijiander in chief v/as general Henry Munroe, a linen-draper, and an inhabitant of Lilburn, v/ho had been formerly adjutant to a volunteer company, and acquired fome reputation for military knowledge.

    On the morning of the twelfth of June, general Nugent marched againfl them from Belfaft, with the Monaghan regiment of militia, part of the 2 2d dragoons, and fome yeomen infantry and cavalry ; and was joined by lieutenant-colonel Stewart, near Ballynahinch, with his party from Downpatrick, making in all about one thoufand five hundred men. Information having been received at the rebel camp, that general Nugent was on his marc}> to attack them, a party of five hundred was detached by Munroe, under the command of one Johnfon, to annoy the general, and retard his progrefs. They advanced near four miles to Creevy-rocks, at 'the Ballynahinch fide of Saintfield, but were difperfed by the flanking parties of the army, and did not return to their friends at Ballynahinch.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    Ballynahinch in County Down is where the main rebel body made their camp in 1798. They called it a camp, on the lawn before Lord Moira's house, a favourable position on a commanding eminence skirted with thick wood. A numerous body of rebels had kept possession of Saintfield until Monday the 11th of June, when they marched to Ballynahinch and joined the main body there. The commander in chief was General Henry Munroe, a linen-draper and an inhabitant of Lisburn, who had been formerly adjutant to a volunteer company and acquired some reputation for military knowledge. On the morning of the 12th of June, General Nugent marched against them from Belfast, with the Monaghan regiment of militia, part of the 22nd dragoons, and some yeomen infantry and cavalry. He was joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart near Ballynahinch, with his party from Downpatrick, making in all about 1,500 men. Information having been received at the rebel camp that Nugent was on his march to attack them, a party of 500 was detached by Munroe, under the command of one Johnson, to annoy the general and retard his progress. They advanced near four miles to Creevy-rocks, at the Ballynahinch side of Saintfield, but were dispersed by the flanking parties of the army, and did not return to their friends at Ballynahinch.

38. Rebel camp formed and battle at Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    A rebel camp was formed at Vinegar Hill, described in detail, where massacres were committed and where the decisive battle took place under General Lake, with Father Clinch killed there by the Earl of Roden.

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    Vihegar- hilly a rebel camp' formed thtre, i. 441.— A defcription or it, i. 445 — MafTacrcs committed tliere, i. 448, 449 to 454 — Genera] Lake's plan for alt.lcking it, and his orders to the general ofiicLis for that pmpoie, ii. i— The movement- of oui: *iifferent armies to attack and lurround it under general Lal^e, ii. 5— The battle of, a. 6— Father Clinch killed there by the carl of Roden, ii. 7. — Why general Ntcdham did not occupy the part deitincd for him, ii. 8, 9— Maffacre of thirty-hx proteitants near Gorey, after tlie battle, ii. 10..

    Voiwitecrs, origin of, i. 54— Of Dublin, correipond with the revo- Imionifts in France in 1791,1. 129, 130 — Invited by the ca. tholicka of Dublin to pi'oniU\:e the caufe of the union, i. 134.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill was a rebel camp in 1798. A camp formed there, and what happened inside it is recorded in detail. Massacres were committed there. General Lake drew up a plan for attacking it, with orders given to the general officers for that purpose. The different armies moved to attack and surround it under General Lake. The battle of Vinegar Hill followed. Father Clinch was killed there by the Earl of Roden. General Needham did not occupy the part destined for him. After the battle, thirty-six Protestants were massacred near Gorey.

39. Rebel guard halts massacre at Wexford Bridge amid alarm from Vinegar Hill

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    Jackson's narrative describes General Roche riding up to warn that Vinegar-hill camp was beset, causing rebels to instantly quit the bridge and leave prisoners kneeling. The mob dispersed fearing the king's troops were at hand, and prisoners were later returned to gaol.

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    " General Roche rode up in great hafte, and bid them beat to arms ; faying, " that Vinegar-hill camp was befet, and that reinforcements were wanting that this operated like lightning on the rebels, who inftantly quitted the bridge, and left Jackfon and the other victims on their knees. That the mob, (con^ fifting of more women than men,) who had beeu fpedators, alfo inftji^ntly difperfed in every dire&'on, fuppofmg the king*s troops were at hand : That the prifoners, ftupified with horror, remained fome time on their knees, without making any effort to. efcape : That the rebel guard foon returned, took them back to gaol, telling them, that they fhould not efcape anv longer than the next day, when neither man, .W'Oman or child of the proteftants ihould be left -alive."

    Different perfons at that time in Wexford, and iome who Hved near the bridge, have unanimoufly concurred with Jackfon's relation of it.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    In 1798, in Wexford, a massacre was halted by alarm. General Roche rode up in great haste and called them to beat to arms, saying Vinegar Hill camp was beset and reinforcements were wanted. This operated like lightning on the rebels, who instantly quit the bridge and left Jackson and the other victims on their knees. The mob, consisting of more women than men, who had been spectators, also instantly dispersed in every direction, supposing the king's troops were at hand. The prisoners, stupified with horror, remained some time on their knees without making any effort to escape. The rebel guard soon returned and took them back to gaol, telling them they should not escape any longer than the next day, when neither man, woman or child of the Protestants should be left alive. Different persons at that time, and some who lived near the bridge, concurred with Jackson's account.

40. Rebel leader at Tintern directs captives to Scullabogue

    Tintern · townland · Wexford · 1798

    At the trial of John Houghran, a mason, evidence showed he appeared at Tintern as leader of a gang of rebels who carried protestants off to Scullabogue, and forced a witness to be christened by a priest.

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    AT the trial of John Houghran, a mafon, vl Vfe!xfcrd, on the twenty-fixth September, 1 799, it appeared on the evidenee of Pvlr. Bridges, that he appeared at Tintern to be the leader of a gang of rebels, who carried off the proteftants to Seullabogue, and that he took the witnefs to be chriftened by a prieft.

    Sarah Smyth, whofe hu (band was taken by him, fwore that twenty-four proteftants, young and old, were taken to the barn of Seullabogue and miurdered there ; and among them her hufband, her brother, fifter and niece.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Tintern, at the trial of John Houghran, a mason, Mr. Bridges gave evidence that Houghran appeared as leader of a gang of rebels, who carried off the Protestants to Scullabogue, and that he took the witness to be christened by a priest. Sarah Smyth, whose husband was taken by him, swore that 24 Protestants, young and old, were taken to the barn of Scullabogue and murdered there, and among them her husband, her brother, her sister, and her niece.

41. Rebel march to Vinegar Hill killing Protestants along the way

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    Sheppard describes the rebel march from Gorey through Limbrick, Tinahely, and Carnew to Vinegar Hill, during which rebels killed all the Protestants they could capture; he escaped during the battle at Vinegar Hill.

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    rebels marched from faid camp to attaclc the town of Arklow, one Murphy a pTiei]-., who was kiilgd at the battle -of Arklow that day, mounted ou a car, and preaclied a fcrmou pf exhortation to the faid rebels, iii which die laid iVlurphy aflured the faid rebels that they were lighting in the> cauJc pf God that the more of the hcathciis (meaning the king's army) they would kill, the fooner they would go to heaven ; and that if any of them died in battle, they would be fure of immediate falvation j that fiid Murpliy touk lome bullets out of his pockets, fiiewed them to the re^ els, and allured them, that they had hit him at the battle or" Gorey, in different parts of his body and limbs, and that they could not do him any injiny. That faid Murpliy faid tin'- ther in faid fermon, that he would take; the gravel off the road and throw it at the hereticks, and' that he could kill them with ic. Examinant faith, that another priefi of the name of Dixon declared to the rebel general Roche, thrAt they would take the town of Avkiow in half '?,n hour ^ that then they would be joined by twenty thoufand men ; and that they would proceed to Wicklow, and from thence id t)ublin. ' Examinant faith, that faid rebels wherever they marched, put to death fiich proteftants as fell into their hands ; faying often on fueh bccafions, that tlie kiiigdom was their own, and that there fliould be but one* religioii, Examinant faith, that faid rebels on their arrival at Gotc'y aforefaid, after the battle of Arklow, put many protellants to death, though they had ferved with the faid rebels in faid battle •, and that when they were on the point of executing' one Walker a blackfmith, fom.e of faid rebels pleaded in liis favour, having faid, that he had made many pikes, and fought well with them j but that father John Murphy faid,^ that if there was but one drop of proteftant blood in a family, they ought to put that family to death ; and tlr^t faid Walker was accordingly put to death. Examinant^ faith, he repaired with the faid rebels from Gorey, to z' place, to the bell of examinant's recplle^lion, called Liril-' brick, from thence to Tinnehely, and from thence to Carnew, and from thence to Vinegar-hill ; and that faid rebels in their march from Gorey to Vinegar-hill aforefaid, killed all the proteftants they could get into their cuftody"/ Informant faith, that he and his comrades made their efcape at the battle of Vinegar-hill aforefaid.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill was the destination of a rebel march in 1798 that came from Gorey through Limbrick, Tinahely, and Carnew. Along that march, rebels killed every Protestant they could capture. A priest named Father John Murphy rode on a car before the attack on Arklow and preached to the rebels. He told them they were fighting in the cause of God, that the more of the king's army they killed, the sooner they would go to heaven. He took bullets from his pockets, showed them to the rebels, and said the bullets had hit him at the battle of Gorey but could do him no injury. Another priest named Dixon told the rebel general Roche they would take Arklow in half an hour, then be joined by 20,000 men, and proceed to Wicklow and from there to Dublin. Wherever the rebels marched, they put to death such Protestants as fell into their hands, saying the kingdom was their own and there should be but one religion. At Gorey, after the battle of Arklow, they killed many Protestants who had served with them in that battle. One Walker, a blacksmith, was about to be executed. Some rebels pleaded for him, saying he had made many pikes and fought well. Father John Murphy said that if there was but one drop of Protestant blood in a family, they ought to put that family to death. Walker was put to death. The examinant travelled with the rebels from Gorey to Limbrick, to Tinahely, to Carnew, and to Vinegar Hill. The rebels on that march killed all the Protestants they could get into their custody. He and his comrades made their escape at the battle of Vinegar Hill.

42. Robert Whitney's ordeal at Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Robert Whitney, a yeoman cavalryman, fled his home during the rebel attack on Enniscorthy and was later captured on suspicion of being an orangeman. He was imprisoned, marched to Vinegar Hill where rebels sharpened pikes near him, then returned to Enniscorthy and publicly whipped at the tree of liberty.

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    ROBERT WHITNEY, of Moneytucker, in the county of Wexford, a member of captain Richards's yeomen cavalry, depofes, That he \yas at Ennifcorthy on the twentyeighth day of May laft, on which day the rebels made an attack on faid town; that when the troops evacuated faid place, he returned to his houfe to prore6t his wife and family, was purfued, and narrowly efcaped the fury of the rebels, by concealing himfelf in a covert of furze j that deponent and wife, feehng their fitdation unfafe and dangerous, quivted their houfe, and went for better protection to * Henry Alcock's of Wilton in faid county, efquire, where they remained for tliat night ; the next morning deponent, anxious about the fate of his houfe and property, returned and found that his houfe was nearly plundered, and learned that vengeance was denounced againit him ; that in confequerice thereof, he and his wife on the fame day removed from his own houfe to Lingflown, in the barony of Forth, ' to the refidence of Mr. Boxwell, diftant about twenty mile,>y and remained there for a few days j in the mean time the rebels plundered him of the entire of his houfehold furniture, provifion of all kinds, horfes, cows, fheep, pigs, calves, fowls, &c. burned his dwelling-houfe and out-offices, propagated evil reports of his conduct, as th^ means of working his deftru6lion j in confequence of which, a fearch was. made foy deponent by the rebels, under the command of ♦ Thomas Doyle of Moneytucker, who ftyled himfelf a captain. Deponent was found and brought a prlfoner by a guard of rebels from Lingftown to Ennifcorthy ; the chargeagainft deponent was, that he was an orangeman, as Iiis mittimus fet forth, figned by John Colclough of Ballyteigue. Deponent on his way experienced feveral fevere affaults and infults ; being brought to Ennifcorthy, deponent was put in clofe confinement for three days, was then taken under a ftrong guard to Vinegar-hill, where he expe6led e\'ery initant to be murdered that many of the rebels fharpened their pikes in his prefence, and, with a favage pleafure, exclaimed they did fo in compliment to him, that he might the fooner be put out of pairji 5 that he was confined in the tower of a windmill on faid hill, from, feven o'clock in the morning until about five in the afternoon without receiving any kind of nourifhment ; was then marched back to Ennifcorthy, and put into his prifon again, where he remained about an h«>ur, when be was defired to come out by Thomas

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1798, Robert Whitney of Moneytucker went through an ordeal at rebel hands. He was a member of Captain Richards's yeoman cavalry, and was at Enniscorthy on the 28th of May when the rebels attacked the town. When the troops evacuated, he returned to his house to protect his wife and family. He was pursued and narrowly escaped by concealing himself in a covert of furze. He and his wife left that night and went to Henry Alcock's of Wilton for protection. The next morning he came back and found his house nearly plundered, and learned that vengeance had been denounced against him. They removed to Lingstown, to Mr. Boxwell's residence, about twenty miles away, and stayed a few days. The rebels plundered his furniture, provisions, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, calves, and fowls. They burned his dwelling and out-offices and spread evil reports about him. A search was made by rebels under Thomas Doyle of Moneytucker, who styled himself a captain. Whitney was found and brought prisoner from Lingstown to Enniscorthy. The charge was that he was an orangeman, as his mittimus set forth, signed by John Colclough of Ballyteigue. On the way he suffered several severe assaults and insults. Brought to Enniscorthy, he was put in close confinement for three days, then taken under a strong guard to Vinegar Hill, where he expected every instant to be murdered. Many rebels sharpened their pikes in his presence and, with what he called "a savage pleasure," exclaimed they did so "in compliment to him, that he might the sooner be put out of pain." He was confined in the tower of a windmill on the hill from seven in the morning until about five in the afternoon, without any nourishment. He was marched back to Enniscorthy and put in prison again for about an hour, when he was told to come out by Thomas.

43. Sterne's family hides four days in Ringwood after fleeing Enniscorthy

    Ringwood · townland · Dublin · 1798

    When the king's troops evacuated Enniscorthy, Richard Sterne, an infirm old man carrying his grandchild, fled with his wife and consumptive son and hid for four days and nights in Ringwood, a wood half a mile from the town, surviving on potatoes and milk from a fisherman on the Slaney.

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    ^ohn Murphy, of Boulavogue, in faid county. Informant iaith, that he being an infirm old man, and having carried on his back a grandchild of the age of five years, he was unable to keep up with the faid troops in their march for Wexford ; and therefore that he, this informant, accompanied by his wife and a fon, who was far gone in a coniumption, concealed themfelves in a wood, called Ringwood, within half a mile of Ennifcorthy aforefaid, where this informant and his faid family remained four days and four nights, without receiviu|r any nourifhment whatever, except fome potatoes and about a pint jof milk froni a fifherman who lived on the hanks of the river SJaney ; that he, this informant, fooner than perifh with hunger, went out of the faid wood, on .or about the fifth day, in the morning, ^fter he had made his efcape from Ennifcorthy aforefaid, and that he, this informant, was taken prifoner on the high road near Ennifcorthy, aforefaid, by a numerous body of the faid rebels, who were headed by the faid father John Murphy, to whom the faid rebels conduced this informant ; and that they alked the faid father Murphy what the faid rebels fhould do with this informant, and that the faid Murphy defired the. faid rebels to difcharge informant, as they were on their march to Wexford. Informant faith, that neverthelefs the faid rebelst jkept this infQrrnant in their cuftody , that the faid rebels led ihis informant a fecond tirne before the faid father Murphy, who preceded the faid rebels on horfeback with a large crucifix in his arms, and that they afked the faid Murphy a fecond time, what they fliould do with this informant ? and lhat the faid Murphy replied, they, the rebels, might do as they chofe with tliis informant ; that the faid rebels i^^ebuked nnd abufed this informant for not having prcflrated himfeif before the faid crucifix, and frequently pricked him with their pikes for not having done fo ; that the faid rebels' frequently tpld him, this informant, that he was a heretick^ that he was damned, and would go to heli 5 that faid rebel i ilrongly urged informant to be chriflened, to receive the facrament from their prieft, and to go to mafs, and that bj^ doing fo, he would be fure of going to heaven, or to purgatory, cither one or the other. Informant faith, he aficed the faid rebels, whether he would f^we his life by conformlni^ to their religion ? and that the faid rebels replied, he would not, but that by fo conforming, he fliould die an eafy death .by being hanged, inftead of being tortured by pikes and ihat the faid rebels faid io informant that they would hang

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1798, a family hid in the wood called Ringwood. When the king's troops evacuated Enniscorthy, Richard Sterne, an infirm old man, had carried his grandchild on his back, a child of five years. He could not keep up with the troops on their march for Wexford. So he, his wife, and a son far gone in consumption concealed themselves in Ringwood, within half a mile of Enniscorthy. They remained there four days and four nights, without nourishment except some potatoes and about a pint of milk from a fisherman who lived on the banks of the river Slaney. On the fifth day, in the morning, rather than perish with hunger, Sterne went out of the wood. He was taken prisoner on the high road near Enniscorthy by a numerous body of rebels headed by Father John Murphy. The rebels brought him to Murphy and asked what they should do with him. Murphy told them to discharge the man, as they were on their march to Wexford. The rebels kept him anyway. They led him a second time before Murphy, who rode ahead on horseback with a large crucifix in his arms. They asked again what to do with him. Murphy replied they might do as they chose. The rebels rebuked and abused Sterne for not prostrating himself before the crucifix. They pricked him with their pikes. They told him he was a heretic, that he was damned and would go to hell. They urged him to be christened, to receive the sacrament from their priest, and to go to mass, saying that by doing so he would be sure of going to heaven or to purgatory. He asked whether he would save his life by conforming to their religion. They said he would not, but that by conforming he should die an easy death by being hanged instead of being tortured by pikes.

44. The 'blessed priest of Bannow' blesses rebels

    Bannow · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Father Keane, known as the blessed priest of Bannow, was venerated by rebels who believed he had supernatural powers; he distributed scapulars claiming they would protect wearers from bullets, and reportedly demanded the head of a local Quaker before giving his blessing.

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    teCi thein in advancing, the other in retreating. He jiifured the wearers of this facredfymbol, that aball from, a heretick gun could do them no more injury than a pea. He conflantly vifited the rebel camps , particu^ iarly that on the mountain of Forth ; and a poney on v/hich he rode, was led by two pike-men, who cried out, with a loud voice^ " Make way for the blefied pried of Bannow!" I have been alTured that he refufed his blcfnng to fome rebels, unlefs they brought him the head of Mr. GofF, of Horetown, a quaker, who was juftly and univerfally efteemed 5 and it is faid, that he would moft certainly have b^en afiaffi* nated, but for the vidory of general Moore^ which ftruck terror into the rebels.

    A party of them took poffefiion of Mr* Goff's houfe, under the command of one Monk, and they were attended by father Byrne, a prieft, who was purveyor to the party ; and he compelled the Mif^ Goffs, young and amiable women, to bake bread, and do every other menial office to fupply the rebels. A party of them one day af^ed his benedidlion, having knelt down for that purpofe ; but he refufed to give it, only to fuch as produced their pikes ftained with the blood of hereticks.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Bannow, in 1798, rebels venerated a priest they called the blessed priest of Bannow. Father Keane gave out scapulars to the rebels and promised that a ball from a heretic gun could do no more injury than a pea. He visited the rebel camps, particularly the one on the mountain of Forth, riding a pony led by two pikemen who called out with a loud voice, "Make way for the blessed priest of Bannow." He refused his blessing to some rebels unless they brought him the head of Mr. Goff of Horetown, a Quaker who was justly and universally esteemed. Goff would certainly have been assassinated but for the victory of General Moore, which struck terror into the rebels. A party under one Monk took possession of Goff's house, and they were attended by Father Byrne, a priest who was purveyor to the party. He compelled the Miss Goffs, young and amiable women, to bake bread and do every menial office to supply the rebels. A party one day knelt and asked his benediction, but he refused to give it except to such as produced their pikes stained with the blood of heretics.

45. Torture confession of Carey, stone-cutter, in Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1798

    Carey, a stone-cutter deeply concerned in the Waterford conspiracy, initially denied involvement but confessed after receiving about a dozen lashes of a cat-o'-nine-tails, revealing the names of his accomplices.

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    As the yeomen oiBcers, and fome of the principal gentlemen of the town, dined frequently at his houfe, and ufually jeft their fwords in an antichamber, he laid a plan of cutting them off while at dinner. Carey, a ftone-cutter, deeply concerned in the confpiracy, was taken up, and on being examined, infifted on his innocence; but on receiving about a dozen laflies of a cat-o'nine tails, he acknowledged that he was engaged in the plot, and confefled all the circumftances which had been difcovered and related by the perfon who overheard the confpirators at Johnftown ; and at the fame time, he difclofed the names of his principal accomplices, who were immediately arrefted.

    The confpirators had feduced a great number of the Claje militia, quartered fome months at Waterford, who were to have a6ted with them on the general infurrection; and it appeared that their artillery-men were to have fired on the city, w\th their battalion guns, from a hill which hung over it.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    In 1798, Waterford was the scene of a conspiracy. The plotters had a plan: yeomen officers and principal gentlemen of the town dined frequently at a certain house, and usually left their swords in an antechamber. The conspirators laid a plan to cut them off while at dinner. Carey, a stone-cutter, was deeply concerned in the conspiracy. He was taken up and examined, and insisted on his innocence. But after receiving about a dozen lashes of a cat-o'-nine-tails, he acknowledged that he was engaged in the plot. He confessed all the circumstances which had already been discovered and related by a person who overheard the conspirators at Johnstown. At the same time, he disclosed the names of his principal accomplices, who were immediately arrested. The conspirators had seduced a great number of the Clare militia, quartered some months at Waterford, who were to have acted with them on the general insurrection. Their artillery-men were to have fired on the city with their battalion guns, from a hill which hung over it.

46. Wexford massacre and the black flag on the quay

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    The Wexford massacre began after a black flag was raised on the quay, with slaughter continuing on the bridge into the evening while the town rang with the mob's acclamations.

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    In page 1 8, the doclor tells us, that he was abfolutely Ignorant of that maffacre being intended or perpetrated, until fome hours after it had ceafed. Here the do£):or is convicted of an untruth by the ftrongeft moral evidence. The town ot Wexford is fo narrow, that if a boxing- match, or a riot, happened in any part of the main flreet, every one of its inhabitants could not but hear the noife occafioned by it. The populace began to ftiout at eleven o'clock, foon after the black flag was erected on the quay. The flaughter at the goal began at two o^clock, and continued on the bridge till late in the evening. At the immolation of every vi6lim, the popifh multitude rent the air with acclamations. Could do6lor Caulfield and father Corrin alone remain deaf to their clamours Why did they not enquire the caufe of fo much noifc and uproar ?

    *' The foUwzifhg affidavit tvas puhl'Jbed in the Dublin Evening Pojl, the lOth of April, 1799.-

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Wexford saw a massacre in 1798. The town was so narrow that any disturbance on the main street could be heard by every inhabitant. The shouting began at eleven o'clock, soon after a black flag was raised on the quay. The slaughter started at the gaol at two o'clock and continued on the bridge until late in the evening. At the killing of every victim, the multitude rent the air with acclamations. Doctor Caulfield and Father Corrin were said to have remained deaf to the clamours, claiming ignorance of the massacre until hours after it had ceased. The noise and uproar would have been unavoidable for anyone in so small a town.

47. Whiteboy recruit re-sworn by titular archbishop at Thurles

    Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1763

    Thomas Rawley, enlisted as a whiteboy by Edmond Quinn, was brought to the house of James Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel, in Thurles, where Butler personally re-administered the oath of fidelity to the French king and Prince Charles.

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    That fome fliort time after he met faid Quinn in Thurles, and was conducted by him to the houfe of James Butler, titular archbifhop of Cafliel, and into his company. That after being introduced to him, faid Butler, the fervant was fent out of the way, and then faid Butler took a book out of his pocket, and re-fwore your informant as before; viz. to be true and faithful to the king of France, and his right king Charles ; and to obey the orders of his commanding officers in all things. That he then gave your informant fome claret, and afterwards difmdfled him with his blefiing for that time. That your informant continued a twelvemonth after in the fervice of the vvhiteboys, 'till he was apprehended, and lodged in Clonmell gaol, and brought to his trial for high treafon and rebellion againft his majefty* for which, though guilty, he was publickly acquitted. That after his acquittal and enlargement, he went to fee the aforefaid James Butler, (by whom he was very kindly received, and alfo fupported whilfl in confinement.) That after refrefliment given to him by faid Butler, he was fent by him to the late Nicholas Sheehy, with a purfe of gold from him, faid Butler, with this meflage, " That he had only received this money from Dublin the day before, elfc he would have fent it to him fconer." * Your informant further depofeth, that the aforefaid Butler did then aflure him, that they foon fhould have Ireland in their own hands, and that they would certainly be fupported by an invafion from France, with prince Charles at their head ; and hereupon he difmifled him upon his errand, firft giving him an Englifh crown to bear his expences. That he went directly thence to Nicholas Sheehy, and found him at his filler's

    houfe

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Thurles in Tipperary was where a whiteboy recruit named Thomas Rawley was brought to see James Butler, the titular archbishop of Cashel. Rawley had been enlisted by a man called Edmond Quinn. Some time after that enlistment, Quinn met Rawley in Thurles and conducted him to Butler's house, and into his company. Once Rawley was introduced, Butler sent the servant out of the way. Then Butler took a book out of his pocket and re-swore Rawley. The oath was to be true and faithful to the king of France, and his right king Charles, and to obey the orders of his commanding officers in all things. Butler then gave Rawley some claret, and dismissed him with his blessing for that time. Rawley continued a twelvemonth after in the service of the whiteboys, until he was apprehended and lodged in Clonmell gaol. He was brought to trial for high treason and rebellion against his majesty, and though guilty, he was publicly acquitted. After his acquittal and enlargement, he went to see Butler again. Butler received him very kindly and had also supported him while he was in confinement. After refreshment, Butler sent Rawley to the late Nicholas Sheehy with a purse of gold from Butler, and with this message: that he had only received this money from Dublin the day before, else he would have sent it to him sooner. Butler also assured Rawley that they soon should have Ireland in their own hands, and that they would certainly be supported by an invasion from France, with prince Charles at their head. He dismissed Rawley upon his errand, first giving him an English crown to bear his expenses. Rawley went directly thence to Nicholas Sheehy, and found him at his sister's house.

48. Itinerant Carmelite preacher discovered near Burren holy well

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1798–1799

    An itinerant Carmelite high priest figure, wearing elaborate religious garb and selling scapulars, was discovered to have recently preached at a holy well near Burren where crowds gathered under religious pretences to promote rebellion.

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    The magiftrates difcovered at that time an itinerant Carmelite who feemed to be a high prieft of that order ; he had a long beard, and a cowl like the Capuchin friars, and a cloak which he hooked over his chin, and prevented, when he chofe, his beard from being feen ; he had a long brown fhirt which reached to the ground, and on the breaft of it, there was the image of a coffin in white ; he had one bag full of fcapulars which he fold to the befotted multitude, and another full of {hreds to make them •, he had many little religious books, containing the moft abominable fuperftitious doftrines, and which the priefts conftantly circulate among their flock. He faid, that he went from one holy well to another, where he preached to a numerous auditory, who never failed to attend him. He had recently come from a holy well near Burren, where a great concourfe of people aflembled, under religious pretences, but in reality to promote rebellion. It appeared by fome papers found on him, that he was a Northern man, and had fled from near Belfaft in confequence of having committed fome crime. He was difcovered by a gentleman who over-heard him preaching to a number of people in a weaver's hcufe, where he was inveighing againft proteftants, and the government of Ireland. The magiltrates urged the parifh

    priefl

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Burren, in 1798 or 1799, the magistrates discovered an itinerant Carmelite who seemed to be a high priest of that order. He had a long beard, a cowl like the Capuchin friars, and a cloak which he hooked over his chin to hide the beard when he chose. He wore a long brown shirt reaching to the ground, with the image of a coffin in white on the breast. He carried one bag full of scapulars, which he sold to the people, and another full of shreds to make them. He had many little religious books containing superstitious doctrines. He said he went from one holy well to another, preaching to a numerous audience who never failed to attend him. He had recently come from a holy well near here, where a great concourse of people assembled under religious pretences, but in reality to promote rebellion. Papers found on him showed he was a Northern man, who had fled from near Belfast having committed some crime. A gentleman overheard him preaching in a weaver's house, inveighing against Protestants and the government of Ireland.

49. Captain Butler's heroic ride through burning Castlecomer street

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    Amidst surrounding flames, Captain James Butler rode alone up and down the street of Castlecomer within yards of the rebels, attempting to rally his scattered force under heavy fire.

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    The perilous fituation of the loyal few in thofe houfes already mentioned, can be better imagined than defcribed ; the bridge crov/ded with rebels, yelling with rage, crying out for blood, and not a foidier to oppofe them ; the back-houfes all on fire. Here, ,amidfl: furrounding flames, and to the Very breafts of the rebels, might be feen the gallant captain Butler, fingle and unfuppcrted, riding down the fireet, within a few yards of the rebels, endeavouring to rally the fcattered force, calling them back in v/ords that would animate the dead. Amidd balls 'thick as hail, twice did he ride up and down the fl:reet, with an heroick intrepidity, as laudable as it was unavailing. And now* commenced a very fiiarp, but illdireded fire from the rebels on the bridge, which was as w^armly and more effedually anfvv^red from I he houfes ; for three hours and a half this fire

    Vol. II. G was

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Castlecomer in 1798. The bridge was crowded with rebels, yelling for blood, and the back-houses were all on fire. Not a soldier stood to oppose them. Amid the surrounding flames, Captain James Butler rode alone and unsupported down the street, within a few yards of the rebels, trying to rally his scattered force. He called them back in words the record says would animate the dead. Amid balls thick as hail, twice he rode up and down the street, with a heroick intrepidity, as laudable as it was unavailing. Then a sharp but ill-directed fire began from the rebels on the bridge, answered more effectually from the houses. For three hours and a half this fire continued.

50. Ambush plot against Captain Westropp's corps at Blarney

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1798

    An order was issued by the grand committee for assassinating Captain Westropp's loyal Protestant yeomanry corps as they marched to mount picquet guard at Blarney, four miles from Cork, with assassins planned to fire from hedges on both sides of a deep road, but the plot was discovered and defeated.

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    As captain Weflropp's corps, all proteftants, were confpicuous for their loyalty, an order for affaiTmating them was ilTued by the grand committee, to which all the reft were fubordinate ; and the bloody deed was to have been performed when tliey were proceeding to mount a piquet guard at Blarney, four miles from Cork, by a band of affaiTins,* who were fupplied with blunderbufles for that purpofe. When in a deep road, they were to have been fired ^ on from the hedges on each fide, which were high ; and at the fame time they were to have been aflailed in front and rear, by men appointed with mulkets ; but the plot was defeated by the feafonable difcovery of one of the approvers to whom I alluded.

    The members of the union in Cork were fo defperatc and fanguinary, that a propofal was made, and it was fome time difcufled in a coramittec, to murder the amiable doctor Moylan, titular bifliop of Cork, partly from motives of revenge, on account of his loyalty j but the principal reafdn afligned in the committee for it was, that it Vvould be imputed to the proteftants, and roufe the vengeance of the Roman catholicks againft them, as ftrong ftimulants were thought necefiary at that time. The proteftant yeomen of Cork are entitled .to the higheft praife for the unremitted ardour which tliey dilplayed, and the great fatigue which they endured, in fupport of the conftitution, againft thw confederated traitors, who confpired for its deftruclion.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1798, a plot was laid to assassinate Captain Westropp's corps of loyal Protestant yeomen. The grand committee issued the order, and the bloody deed was to be performed when the corps proceeded to mount picquet guard at Blarney, 4 miles from Cork. A band of assassins, supplied with blunderbusses, were to wait in a deep road. When the yeomen passed, they would be fired on from the high hedges on each side, and at the same time assailed in front and rear by men appointed with muskets. The plot was defeated by the timely discovery of one of the approvers. The members of the union in Cork were so desperate and sanguinary that a proposal was made in committee to murder the amiable Doctor Moylan, titular bishop of Cork, partly from revenge for his loyalty. The principal reason given was that the murder would be imputed to the Protestants, and rouse the vengeance of the Roman Catholics against them, as strong stimulants were thought necessary at that time. The Protestant yeomen of Cork are entitled to the highest praise for the unremitted ardour they displayed, and the great fatigue they endured, in support of the constitution against the confederated traitors who conspired for its destruction.

51. Banditti gather at Affane to destroy Pierce Power's seat

    Affane · townland · Waterford · 1797

    A numerous banditti assembled near Affane, the seat of Pierce Power, esquire, in December 1797, intending to destroy the house and murder him and his family, but dispersed due to rainy and tempestuous weather.

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    IN the county of Waterford, the inhabitants of large diftri^ls were fworn, and the proteflants in them were difarmed, in the courfe of a few nights. The main obje£l of the rebels, who were exclufively papifts, was to join the French on their landing, to extirpate proteflants, and even fuch perfons of their own order as fhould oppofe them, to plunder perfons of wealth, and confifcate landed property ; but it could not be difcovered, that they were headed by any perfons of education and fortune. The Roman cathoiick gentlemen, much to their honour, remained oyal ; but from the paucity of their numbers, they muft have yielded to the wifhes of the multitude to preferve their lives and fortunes, if the conftitution had been lubverted. It is moil certain that a general infurreclion would have taken place in the county of Waterford, in the winter of 1797, b it that a large body of troops v/as introduced into it, and divided into cantonments •, and that many diftri6ls were proclaimed on the fourth of December,' 1797. However, fuch was the infatuation of the people, that they would have rifen before thefe events took place, but for the following diiliculty which occurred : The farmers were the leaders, and the peafants, who were to be the immediate and efficient inllruments in tlie bufinefs, objected at firft to co-operate with them, becaufe they had no profpect of being rewarded for the imminent danger which they fhould incur ; v/hile the others were to enjoy in fee fimpie the farms which they rented. However, it is believed, that thefe difficulties we.re overcome j for plans were formed for murdering moil of the gentlemen refident in the country, and for deltroying their houfes *, and even nights were fiXcd on for that purpofc. A numerous banditti alTembled near Affane, the feat of Pierce Power, efqulre, in December, to deftroy

    2s6 A P P S N D I X, No. XI.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in December 1797, a numerous banditti assembled near Affane, the seat of Pierce Power, intending to destroy the house and murder him and his family. They dispersed only because the weather turned rainy and tempestuous. This was part of a wider pattern across County Waterford that winter. In the course of a few nights, the inhabitants of large districts were sworn, and the Protestants in them were disarmed. The rebels, exclusively Catholics, aimed to join the French on their landing, to extirpate Protestants and even such persons of their own order as should oppose them, to plunder persons of wealth, and confiscate landed property. No persons of education or fortune could be discovered heading them. The Roman Catholic gentlemen, much to their honour, remained loyal, but being few in number, they must have yielded to the multitude had the constitution been subverted. A general insurrection would have taken place in the county in the winter of 1797, but a large body of troops was introduced and divided into cantonments, and many districts were proclaimed on December 4, 1797. Such was the infatuation of the people that they would have risen before these events took place, but for a difficulty. The farmers were the leaders, and the peasants, who were to be the immediate instruments, objected at first to co-operate, because they had no prospect of being rewarded for the danger, while the farmers were to enjoy in fee simple the farms they rented. These difficulties were believed overcome, for plans were formed for murdering most of the gentlemen resident in the country and destroying their houses, and even nights were fixed for that purpose.

52. Battle for Killala as rebels defend the town

    Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

    About four thousand rebels took post behind a stone wall on a hill commanding the road to Killala. The Downshire regiment advanced under fire, eventually charging and driving the rebels into the town where they were charged by cavalry.

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    In its defence about four thoufand rebels took poll behind a ftone v.-all, on a hill which commanded the road leading to it j and on which the Downlhire regiment advanced. Though the rebels maintained a conftant fire on them from the time they nrfl cam« in fight, the Downil:iir<g paid no regard to them, till they arrived at a bridge, which was but a fliort diilance from them. They then began a very heavy fire on the rebels, who fled from their flrong pofi^ tion, and joined the main body, except about forty of them, who took pofl in a grove, nearly forty yards from the palace, where fome of them ranged themfelves behind trees, and others behind a itone wall. The Downfhire purfued them, and w^ere fok lowed by the Frafer fencibles and the Queen's county militia. After about twenty minutes refiltance the rebels gave way and ran into the town, where they were charged by the Roxborough fencible cavalry ; and though the rebels in the grove kept up a conflant hre on them, their only lofs was one man badly wounded, but he afterwards recovered. Mr. Arthur Stock, the bifhop's fon, a youth of fixteen, was in the charge, drelfed in a red jacket.

    After the king's troops got pofTeflion of the town, they killed great num.bers of the rebels, whom they

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Killala in Mayo was the scene of a battle in 1798, when rebels rose against the crown. About 4,000 rebels took post behind a stone wall on a hill that commanded the road into the town. The Downshire regiment advanced on them. The rebels kept up a constant fire from the moment the soldiers came in sight, but the Downshire paid no regard until they reached a bridge a short distance away. Then they opened a heavy fire. The rebels fled from their strong position and joined the main body, except for about 40 who took post in a grove near the palace, some behind trees and others behind a stone wall. The Downshire pursued them, followed by the Fraser fencibles and the Queen's county militia. After about 20 minutes of resistance, the rebels gave way and ran into the town, where they were charged by the Roxborough fencible cavalry. The rebels in the grove kept up a constant fire, but the cavalry's only loss was one man badly wounded, who afterwards recovered. Mr. Arthur Stock, the bishop's son, a youth of 16, was in the charge, dressed in a red jacket. After the king's troops took possession of the town, they killed great numbers of the rebels.

53. Battle near Arklow and general Moore's action precede Vinegar Hill defeat

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    The successful action of general Moore's forces, followed the next day by the rebel defeat on Vinegar Hill, struck terror into the disaffected and saved protestants who had been marked for total extermination.

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    country were ordered to join the rebel army, deftlned to engage ours, commanded by general Moore. The fucccfsful iffue of that action, and, next day, the defeat of the rebels on Vinegar-hill, ftruck terror into the difafFe£led, and favcd the proteftants at Carrig, and Barrietftown, from being aflaffinated ; for they afterwards received unqueftionable proofs, that their total excifion was refolved on, and would have taken place, but for thefe events. While this gentleman was at Barrietftown, he, and the few proteftants who remained there, were obliged to go to the chapel of Carrig, where father Murphy faid mafs three times every day to the pikemen. After the functions of the day were over, he colledted the proteftants round the altar, on their knees, and inftru6led them in his catechifm, by making them repeat a great deal of fuperftitious nonfenfe, which he read from his breviary.

    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.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg

    As the companion tells it

    Vinegar Hill, in Wexford, saw a rebel defeat in 1798. The day before, a rebel army had been ordered to engage Crown forces commanded by General Moore. Moore's action succeeded. The following day, the rebels were defeated on Vinegar Hill itself. These two events together struck terror into the disaffected and saved the Protestants at Carrig and Barriettown from assassination, for unquestionable proofs were afterwards received that their total extermination had been resolved on and would have taken place but for these events. While one gentleman was at Barriettown, he and the few Protestants remaining there were obliged to go to the chapel of Carrig, where Father Murphy said mass three times every day to the pikemen. After the day's functions were over, he collected the Protestants round the altar, on their knees, and instructed them in his catechism, making them repeat a great deal of superstitious nonsense which he read from his breviary. Some Protestants related what they saw from the gallery of the chapel. Wretches, both men and women, stripped their knees bare at the chapel door, walked on all fours to the altar, moved in that manner from one side of it to the other, kissed the ground, crossed themselves, and made genuflections before a niche in the wall, which had relics in it, or was supposed to be endued with some mysterious supernatural power.

54. Betrayal in Captain Jones's yeoman corps at Ballina

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

    About thirty Roman Catholic members of Captain Jones's yeoman corps at Ballina, though sworn to a special loyalty test in addition to the standard oath, defected to join the French when the opportunity arose, except three men.

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    had fworn, fhould be framed and adminiftered to them ; and captain Jones having complied, they all took it with the greatefl readinefs. This ferved as a maik to' their treachery for the prefent, but which they foon threw olf, when an opportunity was afford.^ ed them of joining the French, which they all did, except three, adding defertion, perfidy and perjury, to the crime of treafon.

    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.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, in 1798, about thirty Roman Catholic men served in Captain Jones's yeoman corps at Ballina. They had sworn a special loyalty test, beyond the standard oath, and Captain Jones had it framed and administered to them. They took it with the greatest readiness. This served as a mask for their treachery, but they soon threw it off when an opportunity to join the French arose. They all did, except three, in the source's words, "adding desertion, perfidy, and perjury to the crime of treason." Two priests in the neighbourhood were never taken up or put on their trial. One of them constantly visited the French and rebel generals at Killala, and gave directions and orders to them. When an alarm was given one day while he was celebrating mass, 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. The other priest lived in a parish in the county of Sligo, the most notorious for disaffection. A letter from him was discovered, written to a rebel commander at Killala, communicating the state of the country and mentioning the need to send spirituous liquors to keep up his people's courage and make them ready for service.

55. Bishop Caulfield blesses pikemen heading to the Wexford bridge massacre

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    According to an affidavit by Mrs. Crane, sister to judge Chamberlaine, the popish bishop Doctor Caulfield gave his benediction to the savage pikemen of Wexford as they proceeded to the massacre on the bridge.

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    Many perfons of undoubted veracity afmred me, that the popifh bifhop, doctor Caulheld, gave his benediction to the favage pikemen as they proceeded to the maffacre on the bridge ; yet I fhould not think of inferting it in this hiftory, if it were not authenticated on the oath of a refpectable gentlewoman who beheld it ; becaufe, however fanguine the doctor might have been in the caufe, I could not have fuppofed that he would have been fo void of difcretion, Mrs. Crane, fifter to judge Chamberlaine, made this affidavit, f

    I fliall not take upon me to fay, whether the doctor on this occafion acted in obedience to the councils of Lateran, Conftance, Toledo or Trent, all which are mandatory on perlbns of his permafion to extirpate hereticks ; or whether he acted according to his oath of inauguration^ which requires that he fhould, to the utmolt of his power, perlecute and impugn all hereticks, fchifmaticks, and rebels, againft his fovereign lord the pope ; but in writing a hiftory of the rebellion, I thought that I could not leave fo extraordinary a tranfacticn unrecorded.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Wexford carries a story from 1798. According to an affidavit sworn by Mrs. Crane, sister to judge Chamberlaine, the Catholic bishop Doctor Caulfield gave his benediction to the pikemen of Wexford as they proceeded to the massacre on the bridge. The author of the account says he would not have recorded it, had it not been authenticated on the oath of a respectable gentlewoman who beheld it. He writes that however fervent the doctor may have been in the cause, he could not have supposed him so void of discretion. The author says he will not venture whether the doctor acted in obedience to the councils of Lateran, Constance, Toledo, or Trent, all of which he says are mandatory on persons of his profession to extirpate heretics, or whether he acted according to his oath of inauguration. He thought he could not leave so extraordinary a transaction unrecorded.

56. Capture of artillerymen at the mountain of Forth

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

    Corporal Sheppard's detachment, marching from Duncannon Fort to Wexford, was captured by a large rebel force encamped on the mountain of Forth, along with two howitzers and nine privates. The rebels considered killing them but spared them on believing them Roman Catholic.

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    fworn on the Holy Evangelifts, maketh oath and faith. That he this examinant, when on his march with a detachment of militia of the Meath regiment from Duncannoii Fort, to the town of Wexford, was taken prifoner on the thirtieth day of May laft, at a place called the mountain of Forth within three miles bf Wexford aforefaid, together with two howitzers, and nine privates belonging to the^faid Royal Irifli artillery, by a numerous body of rebels, who were encamped on the faid mountain. Examinant faith, that as foon as the faid rebels had made him and his comrades prifoners, they were going to put them to death ; but that previous to their doing fo, one of the faid rebels alked them what religion they were of ; and that a private of the faid Royal Irifli artillery, whofe name is Patrick Dungannon, replied, that they were all Roman catholicks, though examinant faith, that he and five more of his faid comrades were proteftants. Examinant faith, he is convinced in his mind, that the faid rebels would have put the whole f>f faid party Tmftantly to death, but that they believed they were Roman catholicks. Examinant faith, that he and his faid comrades were conducted as prifoners to Wexford, on the faid thirtieth day of May, and put into prifon \ fcjit th»t he this examinant and his comrades were committed

    392 APPENDIX, No. XX. i.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Forth Mountain was the ground where a band of rebels made their camp in 1798, and where a marching party of soldiers lost their freedom. A corporal of the Meath regiment, sworn on the Holy Evangelists, gave his account. He said he had been marching with a detachment of militia from Duncannon Fort to the town of Wexford. On the thirtieth day of May, at the mountain of Forth, within 3 miles of Wexford, he was taken prisoner, together with two howitzers and nine privates belonging to the Royal Irish artillery. A numerous body of rebels, encamped on that mountain, seized them all. As soon as the rebels had made them prisoners, they were going to put them to death. But before they did so, one of the rebels asked them what religion they were of. A private of the Royal Irish artillery, whose name was Patrick Dundannon, replied that they were all Roman Catholics. The corporal said that he and five more of his comrades were Protestants. He was convinced in his mind that the rebels would have put the whole party instantly to death, but that they believed they were Roman Catholics. He and his comrades were conducted as prisoners to Wexford that same day, the thirtieth of May, and put into prison.

57. Carmelite settlers in barony of Tullagh turn to rebellion

    Tullagh · townland · Clare · 1796–1798

    Carmelite weavers who settled in the barony of Tullagh on the Galway border in 1796 were initially seen as industrious and moral, but by winter 1798 began secret nightly meetings, plundering arms and making pikes.

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    A number of flrangers, who were all of the Carmelite order, went into the county of Clare in the year 1796, and fettled, in the barony of Tullagh, on the borders of the county of Galway. The moft part of them were weavers, and as they were very induftrious, and leemed to have a great purity of morals, conftantly recommending fobriety and good order to the multitude, the gentlemen of the country rejoiced at their arrival. Thus tliey continued to be protected, till the winter of the year 1798, when they bciran to hold lecret nightly meetings, to plunder the houfes of proteftants, particularly the yeomen, of arms, and to cut down great quantities of young afli trees to make pike handles, and to employ tlie blackimiths in making pikes. On the twelfth and thirteenth of January, 1799, thev and the profelytes whom they initiated into the Carmelite order, to the number of feveral thoufands, affembied in the day at ^lilltown and InnifLimmonj and moved forward apparently with an intention of meeting the king's troops ; but on their approach under general Meyrick, they fled to the momitains of Slievecullane, which are inaccefiibie ; thev pretended ta furrender their arras, but it was well known that they kept the beft, and die greater part of them. Soon after tlieir rifmg they houghed great quantities of cattle, for whicli compeniation was made to die fufterers by large funis of money levied by the orrand jury on the county ; they went with unparalleled alfurance next day, to the places where they had committed thefe acts of favage cruelty, to carry - ' '

    APPENDIX, No. XI.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the barony of Tullagh on the Galway border, a group of strangers arrived in 1796. They were all of the Carmelite order, and most of them were weavers. They were industrious, and seemed to have a great purity of morals, constantly recommending sobriety and good order to the multitude. The gentlemen of the country rejoiced at their arrival, and they continued to be protected. That protection lasted until the winter of 1798, when they began to hold secret nightly meetings. They plundered the houses of Protestants, particularly the yeomen, of arms. They cut down great quantities of young ash trees to make pike handles, and employed the blacksmiths in making pikes. On the 12th and 13th of January 1799, they and the proselytes they had initiated into the Carmelite order, to the number of several thousands, assembled in the day at Kiltown and Innislummon, and moved forward apparently with an intention of meeting the king's troops. But on their approach under General Meyrick, they fled to the mountains of Slievecullane, which are inaccessible. They pretended to surrender their arms, but it was well known that they kept the best, and the greater part of them. Soon after their rising they houghed great quantities of cattle. Compensation was made to the sufferers by large sums of money levied by the grand jury on the county. They went with unparalleled assurance the next day to the places where they had committed these acts of savage cruelty.

58. Deegan mistaken identity leads to hanging at Maryborough

    near Maryborough · townland · Cork · 1798

    A messenger sent to fix the rising time mistakenly delivered a treasonous letter to a loyal man also named Deegan, who had him captured and conveyed to Stradbally; the rebel messenger was later hanged at Maryborough.

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    A mefTenger was fent from the dire£l:ory rn Dublin, with a letter to a man of the name of Deegan, a leader of the United Irifhmen, to fix the tiine for rifmg ; in a miftake, he went to a loyal perfon of the fame name, who entertained a,nd plied him with drink ; and in the mean time fent for a guard of foldiers, who conveyed him a prifoner - to Stradbally, and he was afterwards hanged at Maryborough. Many murders and atrocities were committed in this county, and moft of the proteftant houfes were plundered of arms, except fuch whofe inmates were able to defend them.

    ne co7ifpiracy in the county of Clare.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Maryborough, in 1798, a messenger was sent from the directory in Dublin with a letter to a man named Deegan, a leader of the United Irishmen, to fix the time for rising. He went by mistake to a loyal person of the same name. This loyal Deegan entertained him and plied him with drink, and in the meantime sent for a guard of soldiers, who conveyed him a prisoner to Stradbally. He was afterwards hanged at Maryborough. Many murders and atrocities were committed in this county, and most of the Protestant houses were plundered of arms, except those whose inmates were able to defend them.

59. Delivery of gold to Nicholas Sheehy at Shanbally

    Shanbally · townland · Tipperary

    After his acquittal, Thomas Rawley was sent by Archbishop Butler to deliver a letter and purse of gold to Nicholas Sheehy at his sister's house at Shanbally, where Sheehy poured out about seventy pieces of gold on the table.

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    That fome fliort time after he met faid Quinn in Thurles, and was conducted by him to the houfe of James Butler, titular archbifhop of Cafliel, and into his company. That after being introduced to him, faid Butler, the fervant was fent out of the way, and then faid Butler took a book out of his pocket, and re-fwore your informant as before; viz. to be true and faithful to the king of France, and his right king Charles ; and to obey the orders of his commanding officers in all things. That he then gave your informant fome claret, and afterwards difmdfled him with his blefiing for that time. That your informant continued a twelvemonth after in the fervice of the vvhiteboys, 'till he was apprehended, and lodged in Clonmell gaol, and brought to his trial for high treafon and rebellion againft his majefty* for which, though guilty, he was publickly acquitted. That after his acquittal and enlargement, he went to fee the aforefaid James Butler, (by whom he was very kindly received, and alfo fupported whilfl in confinement.) That after refrefliment given to him by faid Butler, he was fent by him to the late Nicholas Sheehy, with a purfe of gold from him, faid Butler, with this meflage, " That he had only received this money from Dublin the day before, elfc he would have fent it to him fconer." * Your informant further depofeth, that the aforefaid Butler did then aflure him, that they foon fhould have Ireland in their own hands, and that they would certainly be fupported by an invafion from France, with prince Charles at their head ; and hereupon he difmifled him upon his errand, firft giving him an Englifh crown to bear his expences. That he went directly thence to Nicholas Sheehy, and found him at his filler's

    houfe

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Shanbally, Nicholas Sheehy was staying at his sister's house when Thomas Rawley arrived carrying a purse of gold from James Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel. Rawley's path to this delivery began in Thurles, where he met a man named Quinn, who brought him to Butler's house. Butler sent his servant out, took a book from his pocket, and re-swore Rawley to be faithful to the king of France and his right king Charles, and to obey the orders of his commanding officers in all things. Butler gave him claret and dismissed him with his blessing. Rawley then served the whiteboys for a twelvemonth, until he was apprehended, lodged in Clonmell gaol, and tried for high treason and rebellion against his majesty. Though guilty, he was publicly acquitted. After his release he returned to Butler, who had supported him during confinement and received him kindly. Butler gave him refreshment, then sent him to Sheehy with a purse of gold. His message was that "he had only received this money from Dublin the day before, else he would have sent it sooner." Butler also assured Rawley they would soon have Ireland in their own hands and would certainly be supported by an invasion from France, with Prince Charles at their head. He gave Rawley an English crown for his expenses. Rawley went directly to Nicholas Sheehy and found him at his sister's house. Sheehy poured out about seventy pieces of gold on the table.

60. Denis Carthy and James Maher confess burning Turner's house at Ballingale

    Ballingale · townland · Wexford · 1798

    According to Cambra Carthy's testimony, Denis Carthy and James Maher left Ballycarney to destroy Rev. Francis Turner's house at Ballingale, returned to declare they had shot and burned Turner and killed five other men there, with blood from the killing shown on Maher's breeches.

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    duly fworn and examined, depofeth and faith. That on the morning of the twenty-feventh of May laft, Denis Carthy, of the city of Dublin, Mofes Redmond, of Ballycarney, farmer, with many other perfons unknown to informant, left the houfe of faid William Carthy, of Ballycarney, with' the profelfed intention of going to the houfe of the reverend Francis Turner, of Ballingale, in this county, to deftroy the fame ; that in about three, hours after, he, the feid Denis Carthy, returned to the faid houfe of William Carthy,, accompanied by James Maher, of Ballycarney, publican 5 and both the faid Denis Carthy and James Maher, did there and then declare, that they, with a number of other perfons unknown to informant, had broke open and afterwards burned the houfe of the faid Francis Turner, of Eallingale, and that they had ihot the faid Francis Turner, and afterwards burned him in his houfe ; and that the faid James Maher did declare to informant, that a quantity of blood, which appeared on his breeches, was the blood of the faid Francis Turner; and the faid Denis Carthy and James Maher did declare, they had alfo killed, at the houfe of faid Francis Turner, five other men, one of whom, fell by the hands of the faid Denis Carthy, as he the faid- Denis Carthy did declare.

    Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 148

    As the companion tells it

    On the morning of the 27th of May, 1798, somewhere close to Ballingale, men set out to destroy a house. Cambra Carthy gave testimony about what followed. Denis Carthy of Dublin, Moses Redmond of Ballycarney, a farmer, and others whose names were not known left the house of William Carthy in Ballycarney with the stated intention of going to the house of Reverend Francis Turner at Ballingale to destroy it. About three hours later, Denis Carthy returned to William Carthy's house, accompanied by James Maher of Ballycarney, a publican. Both men declared that they, with a number of others, had broken open and afterward burned the house of Francis Turner. They said they had shot Turner and then burned him in his house. James Maher told the informant that the quantity of blood appearing on his breeches was the blood of Francis Turner. Denis Carthy and James Maher also declared they had killed five other men at Turner's house, one of whom fell by the hands of Denis Carthy, as he himself stated.