Name: Memoirs of the different rebellions in Ireland, from the arrival of the English : also, a particular detail of that which broke out the XXIIId of May, MDCCXCVIII : with the history of the conspiracy which preceded it (vol. 2)
Author: Richard Musgrave (1745 or 1746–1818)

Harvey's letter on distress and Tottenham's refusal at Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

B. B. Harvey wrote to Francis Glasscott at the Slievekelta camp describing his distress at events, noting that Mr. Tottenham's refusal to speak to a rebel envoy sent into New Ross, who was shot by soldiers, enraged the people and made reconciliation impossible.

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I RECEIVED your letter, but what to do for you, I tnov/ not. . I from my heart wifli to prote£t all property : I can fcarce prote6l myfelf ; and indeed my fituation is much to be pitied, and diftrelhng to myfelf. I took my p prefent fituation in hopes of doing good, and preventing mifchief ; my truft is in Providence ; I a£ted always an honeft difinterefted part, and had my advice been taken by thofe in power, the prefent mifchief would never have arifen. If I can retire to a private ftation again I will immediately. Mr. Tottenham's refufing to fpeak to the gentleman I fent into Rofs,, who was madly {hot by the foldiers, was very unfortunate; it has fet the people mad with rage, and there is no reftraining them ; the perfon I fent in, had private inftru6tions to propofe a rieconciliation, but God knows where this bufinefs will end •, but end j;iow it will, the good men of both parties will be inevitably ruined.
I am, with refpei^, Yours,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 168

Imprisonment of Protestants in Gorey market-house

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Ormsby was again taken to the rebel camp at Gorey where he was imprisoned with 38 other Protestant prisoners, including Rev. Mr. Owen, in the market-house.

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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Gorey in County Wexford, this was the site of a rebel camp during the rising of 1798. A Protestant man named Ormsby was brought here to the camp, where he found several Protestant prisoners already held, including the Reverend Mr. Owen, a Protestant clergyman. A rebel named Maurice Doyle asked Ormsby whether he was a Roman Catholic, and when Ormsby said he was bred a Protestant, Doyle asked what he thought of the Virgin Mary. Ormsby answered that she was next in glory to Christ. He was then committed to prison in the market-house of Gorey, where there were 39 prisoners in total, all Protestants. Around four o'clock that same day, the prisoners were led out by a party of rebels to Gorey-hill to be put to death. Ormsby believed it would have happened, but an order arrived from General Bagenal Harvey directing that no person should kill his prisoner under pain of death. Despite that order, a rebel fired a pistol at one of the prisoners and wounded him in the shoulder. The rebels seemed much disappointed at the humane order and expressed an earnest desire to put the prisoners to death. Ormsby was discharged that same day by orders of a rebel captain named Richard Monaghan, and was compelled to join the rebels as a soldier. The next day he was forced to march with the rebel army to the battle of Arklow, where he received a ball in the thigh. He recovered from the wound without any medical assistance.

Informant's flight to the garrison of Tullow

Tullow · town · Carlow · 1798

The informant Jervis Pue, pursued by rebels, was obliged to flee barefoot nearly five miles to the garrison of Tullow, avoiding roads and crossing hedges and ditches to save his life.

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fiderable fum of money, as informant heard, and verily bc- Keves. Informant faith, that the proteftant inhabitants of the places and townlands aforeliiid fled from their refpe^live houfes many weeks ago, and that they dare not refide in them, left they fliould be alTafiinated by the faid rebeh^. Informant faith, that the faid rebels have frequently purfued him, and have gone to difi'erent plac^es in queft of him ; that about three weeks fince, he, this informant, was obliged to fly precipitately, and bare-footed, to the garrifon of TuUow, at the diflance of near five miles from his houfe, to fave his life from the rebels ; and that in doing fo, he was obliged to avoid the read, and crois over the hedges and ditches. Informant faith, that his houfe ha5 been burned, and all his fubfi:ance has been deftroyed, and that he was at iail obliged to fly to the city of Dublin for proteaion. ^^^^.^
Stuorn before me the 2gth dax of Augiifl, ^79^i

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 135

Insurgents defeated near Granard

Granard · townland · Longford · 1798

A body of about six thousand insurgents collected near Granard on 5 September and were engaged, beaten, and dispersed by yeomen corps under captain Cottingham, with around one hundred fifty killed.

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A numerous body of infurgents, fuppofed to be not lefs than fix thoufand, having colleded near Granard, on the fifth of September, feveral yeomen corps, under the command of captain Cottingham, •engaged, beat, and difperfed them, after having killed about one hundred and fifty.
Many Roman catholicks of confideration urged on and headed the infurgents in the county of Longford, and a well-digefted plan of co-operation had been concerted with the Monaghan chiefs ; but the latter were not to move unlefs the operations of their Longford brethren proved fuccefsful. At the head of thefe were the two Denniftons, the O'Haras, O'Connells, Farrell, and one O'Reilly, who appeared in arms on the fifth of September, 1798, and led on the attack on Granard ; but the iffiie of that affair difconcerted the plan of the Monaghan chiefs, and prevented the Cavan leaders from attacking the dLTerent garrifons in their county, which they had

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 107

Lord O'Neil passes unrecognised through Lisburn en route to Antrim

near Lisburn · town · Antrim · 1798

Lord O'Neil slept at Hillsborough on the night of 6 June and passed through Lisburn at ten o'clock the next morning without being recognised, reaching Antrim at half past twelve, unaware of the danger.

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Lord O'Neil flept at Hiliiborough the night of the fixth of June, on his way from Dublin to Antrim, and paifed through Li-burn at ten o'clock in the morning of the feventh, without being knovv^n, and got to Antrim at half pall twelve. He did not perceive any movement in the country, though his iervants, who vv^ere about ten minutes after him, were robbed of their arms by the rebels. Had lord O'Neil been known in Lifburn, he w^ould have been prevented from proceeding, as general Nugent had fent orders to have the intended rifmg communicated to all the magillrates in that neighbourhood, and to prevent them from going to Antrim.
The plan of the rebels was, to advance with four columns, one from the diflrid betw^een Antrim and BelfafI:, and to enter the town by the Belfail road ; * the fecond from Ballynure, Ballyclare and Doagh, to enter by the Carrickfergus road, and join the Belfail column at the end of the Scotch quarter ; a third from Connor, Kells, and Ballymena, and to enter it by Paty's-lane ; a fourth from Shane's-cafle, Randalitown, and Dunoilty, to enter by Bow-lane. The three firfl columns were to make their attack at half pall two o'clock ; and at the fame moment, the fourth, under the command of colonel Samuel Orr, brother to the famous William Orr, v^^as to make its

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 61

Major Alcock wounded and left behind at Castlebar

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

During the battle, the detachment supporting the guns retired, abandoning the wounded Major Alcock of the Kilkenny militia on the field.

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vance in detached parties, and without preferving any regular line, and at the fame time extending their wings with an evident defign of outflanking us. In this fituation they did not refift him fufhciently with their mufketry ; and in a very fliort time after, the detachment, which was pofted for the fole purpofe of fupporting the guns, retired, leaving behind them the gallant major Alcock, of the Kilkenny, who was wounded.
It was fliil hoped that they would have rallied m rear of the guns, when they perceived the execution made by the canifter fliot ; but they ran off ; and captain Shortall had only time to fire three rounds, when the enemy rufhed in on his right, and would certainly have put him and all his men 'o death, but that it is fuppofed their ammuniuoi was expended. While captain Shortall was at ihe britchin of his gun, he was clofed by a French ofiicer, who having nrcd a piftoi at him, and milled him, was on the pcint of drawing his fword, but the captain knocked him down with his fill:, and then retreated.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Castlebar in Mayo. In 1798, a battle was fought here in which advancing forces came in detached parties, without any regular line, extending their wings to outflank the defenders. The detachment posted to support the guns retired, leaving behind the wounded Major Alcock of the Kilkenny militia on the field. It was hoped they would rally behind the guns when they saw the execution made by the canister shot, but they ran off. Captain Shortall had only time to fire three rounds when the enemy rushed in on his right. They would certainly have put him and all his men to death, but it is supposed their ammunition was expended. While Shortall was at the breech of his gun, a French officer closed on him, fired a pistol, and missed. The officer was on the point of drawing his sword, but Shortall knocked him down, and then retreated.

Murder of Mr. Henley's servant near Maynooth

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1798

In autumn 1798, Mr. Henley of Summer-hill was stopped near Maynooth by a party of rebels but released when his postilion swore he was a Roman Catholic; his servant, following on a jaunting-car, was murdered after saying something that displeased the attackers.

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Mr. Henley, of Summer-hill, in the county of Meath, in pafling near Maynooth in the autumn of 179B, in his chaife, a party of ruffians having flopped him, dragged him out of it, and would have murdered him, but tliat his pofliihon fwore he was a Roman catholick, on which they let him pafs ; but one of his fcrvants, who followed him on a jaunting-car having faid fomething that difpleafed them, they murdered him.
In the month of Oclober, 179S, captain Walfli. of the Kilkenny regiment, quartered at ICilcock, going to dine at Maynooth, about tiiree miles off, was attended by two dragoons to efcort him at his return at the turnpike, which is about half way, eight ruffians rufjred from behind a wall, and fired four ihots at the dragoons, which fortunately only hit their belts and their faddlcs. They fired two fhots at captain Walfh, quite cioie to him., and one of the balls paffed ]3y his ear. The dragoons having drawn their carbines, the affaiTms fled with great precipitation, but the enclcfures prevented the dragoons from purfuing them however, they fhot one of them. They were deferters from fir Fenton Aylmer's corps of yeomanry. Their ven^ geance was 'dire£i:ed againfl the earl of Ormond, on account of' his well-known loyalty ; for one of thern cried out at firft, that they had got the bloody Ormond.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Passing through Maynooth, you're on a road that saw a killing in the autumn of 1798. Mr. Henley of Summer-hill, in County Meath, was travelling in his chaise near the town when a party of ruffians stopped him and dragged him out. They would have murdered him, but his postilion swore he was a Roman Catholic, and on that they let him pass. One of his servants, following behind on a jaunting-car, said something that displeased them. They murdered him. A month later, in October 1798, Captain Walsh of the Kilkenny regiment, quartered at Kilcock, was going to dine at Maynooth, about three miles from where he was stationed. Two dragoons escorted him for his return at the turnpike, about halfway. Eight ruffians rushed from behind a wall and fired four shots at the dragoons, which only hit their belts and their saddles. They fired two shots at Captain Walsh, quite close to him, and one of the balls passed by his ear. The dragoons drew their carbines and the assailants fled. The enclosures prevented the dragoons from pursuing, but they shot one. They were deserters from Sir Fenton Aylmer's corps of yeomanry. Their vengeance was directed against the Earl of Ormond, on account of his well-known loyalty. One of them cried out at first that they had got "the bloody Ormond."

Nine protestant prisoners murdered at Kellymount

Kellymount · townland · Kilkenny · 1798

After capturing soldiers, the rebels proceeded to Kellymount, where they put nine protestant prisoners to death with savage cruelty.

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But he foon perceived from the greatnefs of their numbers, and the fmart fire the rebels kept up, that they had no other refource but to re-treat. Befides, the rebels had brought a fwivel to bear on the bridge, and had alfo planted fome large pieces of cannon in a commanding fituation. When they had retreated to Low Grange, they were furrounded by the rebels, who alTured them, they fhould receive no injury if they laid down their arms. At that moment, lieutenant Dixoa v/as fo fortunate as to make his efcape, having mounted behind a quarter-mafter of dragoons, who was retreating j and at the fame time he heard the rebels exclaim, " Have we got the officer The rebels then proceeded to Kellymount, where they put nine of their protefhant prifoners to death, with circumfliances of favage cruelty.
It appeared by the joint information of the foldiers who efcaped, fworn before lieutenant-colonel Ram, that the following circumllances attended the murder of the foldiers : That Walter Devereux, who faid he was commander in chief in the abfence of the genera], (meaning father John Murphy,) ordered the proteliiant prifoners to be feled:ed from the reft ; and they were pointed out by one of their own foldiers, of the name of Bruton, of the Romifh per- 1 aafion : The^ were furrounded a circle of about

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 45

Parish priest of Foxford refuses to deny massacre rumour

Foxford · town · Mayo · 1798

A magistrate warned the parish priest of Foxford in July 1798 about the danger of rumours that Orangemen intended to massacre Catholics, urging him to deny them from the altar, but the priest refused for fear of offending his parishioners.

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An active intelligent magiftrate informed me, that he expatiated on the dangerous tendency of fuch reports to the parifli prieft of Foxford, j: fome time in the month of July, 1798, and recommended to him to undeceive his flock, by aflfuring them, from the altar, that they were falfe and groundlefs ; but he objected to it, alleging as an excufe, that it would offend fome of his mofl: refpedable parifliioners.
The leaders of rebellion had recourfe to another very curious invention, to incenfe the minds of the Roman catholicks againft the proteftants, and inflame them with a fpirit of revenge ; and though the abfurdity was more likely to excite ridicule than fcrious attention, it had the wiflied for efl^ed on the feniibarbarous rabble.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 75

Plan to burn Alexander Alcock's house as a diversion

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1798

Conspirators planned to set fire to Mr. Alexander Alcock's house, about a quarter mile from Waterford city, as a diversionary tactic to draw away the city's fire engines and prominent citizens while the city itself was burned.

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The confpiracy was difcovered in the following manner : A perfon who happened to be in a publick houfe at Johnftown, a fuburb of the city, overheard, through a thin partition, a number of the confpirators conferring in -the next room on the plot which was to he carried into execution, on the eruption of the rebellion. They were, in the firft place, to fet fire to Mr. Alexander Alcook's houfe, which is about a quarter of a mile from the city ; and as he was a member of the corporation, and had numerous and refpe£lable connections in it, they knew that the moft confiderable perfons in Waterford, their retainers and dependants, would fly to his affiftance, and that the fire engines would be carried there. During their abfence, occafioned by this wicked device, they were to fet fire to the city in different places at the fame time ; and fuch was their malignity, that, for the fake of concealment, and the better to carry their treafonable defigns into execution, they meant to have fet fire to their own houfea* in the firft inftancc.
The

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

Plunder and destruction of protestant houses in Tireragh

Kilmacshalgan · parish · Sligo · 1798

Aided by Mayo rebels, popish inhabitants plundered and demolished protestant houses across Tireragh, including those of Mr Nesbitt of Scurmore, Mr Fenton of Esky, Mr Brown of Fortland, and Mr Grove, parish minister of Kilmacshalgan, tearing up floors and destroying furniture including a piano.

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The popifh inhabitants, aided by the iVJayo rebels, plundered all their houfes, and even demohfhed fome of them. The principal fufterers were Mr. Nen:'ii.t of Scurmore, Mr. Fenton of Eiky, Mr. Brown of Fortland, Mr. Grove, parifh niiniiler of Kilmeckihalgan, meffieurs Charles and Robert Jones, the meliieurs Woods, and in ihort every other gentleman, and even the lower clafs of proteftants, all of whom were obliged to fly to fave their lives. Nothing could equal the deltru^live rage of the popilh rabble, for they tore up the floors of Mr. Fenion's houfe, pulled dotvn the ceilings of Mr. Grove's, and danced oil his daughter's piano forte ; in fliort, they deitroyed in every houfe fuch furniture as they could not carry off.
Some proteflants on the fea-coafl went to fea in boats, to avoid the vengeance of the rebels ; and on coming on fliore for food, fome of them were taken prifoners and conveyed to Baihna. Some fled to the mountains, and hid in caves, others in corn fields, and were almofl: fliarved.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 100

Plunder of Killala by king's troops after victory

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798–1799

After capturing Killala, king's troops killed rebels found hiding in houses and gardens, and also plundered property that had been saved from Irish rebels by the bishop and French officers. Lord Cornwallis later sent commissioners to assess damages and compensation was paid by March.

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found concealed in the houfes. In the gardens, or in the ditches of the adjiicent fields. It was to be lamented that our foldiei's plundered what had been faved from the Irifli favages by tlie a^ive exertion of the bifhop and the French officers. In the hric onfet it was impollible to reftrain them, when they were elate with yiftory, and their vengeance^ xvas roufed by oppofuion. Some thvx after, lord i..ornwallis fent two commij&tiers to enquire ^^^^ damages committed by the king^ t^'o^^?^ at Kiliala, and in March following, the demands pf the ^uUerers were difcharged by an order on the bank*-
Having related the events v/hich took plac€ xJ^ counties of Mayo and Sligo, I fliall give the reaaV^r the characters of fome of the principal actors iii them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Killala in Mayo, this town saw a grim aftermath in 1798. After the king's troops captured it, they found rebels hiding in houses, gardens, and ditches and killed them. The soldiers then plundered property that the bishop and French officers had earlier saved from Irish rebels, and in the first rush of victory no one could restrain them. Lord Cornwallis later sent two commissioners to assess the damages, and by the following March the sufferers were paid by an order on the bank.

Priest builds college and chapel at Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1793–1797

While a Protestant clergyman could not raise funds for a church for 300 parishioners after twelve years, the priest of Carlow built a college and chapel costing 3000-4000 pounds, reflecting a striking contrast in wealth and building activity.

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At a time that a proteftant clergyman in that county could not obtain a fum of money to build a church for three hundred proteflants, whom he had attended for twelve years in a footy cabin, the priefl of Carlow built a college and chapel, which mufl have coft from 3000I. to 4000I.
In the beginning of the year 1797, the infolent looks and haughty demeanour of the peafants, who would not formerly approach a gentleman but with the greateft humiHty, challenged his attention with a broad flare, often followed by a fardonic grin.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 135

Protestant William Hanton dragged out and killed at Templeshannon

Templeshannon · street · Wexford · 1798

When rebel prisoners arrived at Mr. Swiney's house in Templeshannon, a suburb of Enniscorthy, a Protestant named William Hanton was dragged out by a party of rebels and put to death.

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ON the trial of Thomas Clooney, a rebel leader, held at Wexford, the eighth of July, 1799, it appeared, on the evidence of Richard Ganford, and others, that a gang of rebels, who were fent in queft cf protefkants, feized oix Whitfun Monday, 1798, at Mountglafs, near Ciooney^s houfe, the faid Ganford, John Gill, Ifaac Rigley, his fon, and fome other proteftants ; that after burning their houfes, they kep't them prifoners that night, and conveyed them next morning to a place called the Leap, where Clooney, and a Mr. Devereux, another rebel leader, were, at the head of a numerous body of them ; that thefe two captains ordered the loyalifts into a gravel pit, and defired them to prepare to be executed 5 that foon after, an order was given to march to Vinegar-hill, which was inftantly obeyed ^ that when they arrived at Mr. Swiney's houfe, in Templefhannon, a fuburb of Ennifcorthy, William Hanton, a proteftant, was dragged out by a party of rebels, and put to death ; that the remainder of the prifoners were committed to the old walls of the windmill j that John Gill applied three or four times to Clooney, to fave his life •, that at laft he ordered the rebel guard to let Gill out to him, which they complied with 5 that GiU ftood near Clooney> who was on
horfe*

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

Rebel column under Byrne brothers spreads destruction from Wexford into Wicklow

Hacketstown · parish · Wicklow · 1798

After defeat at Vinegar Hill, a rebel column retreated north into Wicklow, joined by forces under Garret and William Byrne of Ballymanus, burning Protestant houses and murdering occupants, with Hacketstown as their first target.

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The rebel column, which, after the defeat at Vinegar-hill, had retreated to the north of the county of Wexford, and the county of Wicklow, were joined by a large body belonging to the latter, headed by Garret Byrne, of Ballymanus, and his brother William, and continued to fpread defolation there, burning the houfes of proteftants, and murdering fuch of their occupiers as fell into their hands. The firft achievement which they endeavoured to perform in this new fcene of adion, was an attempt to deftroy Jriacketftcwn. *
As numbers of the people of the country were f^en, on the twenty-fourth of June, alTernbling on all the adjacent hills, no doubt for the purpofe of joining the column which I have already mentioned, the garrifon, conhfting but of forty of the Antrim militia, commanded by lieutenant Gardner, and fifty of the Hacketftown infantry, commanded by captain Hardy, fent intelligence of it to the officers commanding yeomen corps in the neighbourhood.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 32

Rebels attack Antrim town

near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1798

A rebel force delayed their assault on Antrim after seeing a distant fire, uncertain of its cause, allowing government reinforcements time to arrive. The attack finally began just before three o'clock but the town held, and the rebels fled leaving behind thousands of weapons.

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The attack upon Antrim was made a quarter before three o'clock. The reinforcements arrived at four. If the rebels had not halted on feeing the fire, they would have been in Antrim before colonel Lumley arrived : and of courfe would have taken the town.
Nearly one half of thofe who joined the rebel force which attacked Antrim were compelled to do fo by terror. In their flight they left behind them about three thoufand pikes and mufkets ; and as they could not mount the two fix-pounders at Templepatrick, they fell into the hands of our army on the ninth of June.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 64

Rebels plunder Lord Harberton's house at Carbury

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1798

After their defeat at Clonard, rebels retreated to Carbury where they seized Lord Harberton's house, plundering it of various articles and drinking the liquors from his cellars overnight.

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The rebels, after their defeat, retreated to Gar bery^ where they got poffeffion of lord Harberton's houfe, which they plundered of various articles, and palTed the night in drinking what liquors they found in his lordfhip's cellars.
On the tvv'elfth of July, they parched into the county of Meath, by Johnftown and the Nineteenmile houfe r: They were purfued by colonel Gough, who, with but fixty infantry and twenty cavalry, ^attacked and routed them with confid^rable Haughter. They were next purfued by general Myers, with detachments of the Dublin yeomanry and Buckinghamfliire militia, and though he was not fo fortunate as to overtake them, he drove them towards Slane, where general Meyrick encountered and killed many of them. They were afterwards attacked by different detachments of the military, who in the courfe of a few days ciit off great numbers of them, and finally difperfed them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 43

Red tape punishment inflicted by schoolmaster at Tullow

Tullow · town · Carlow · 1798

A popish schoolmaster at Tullow severely punished a Protestant boy for wearing red tape, a practice used to distinguish Catholic children from Protestants in the area bordering Wexford.

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A popifli fchoolmafter at Tullow infli6ted a fevere punilhment on a proteflant boy, for having worn it. A magiilrate received information that John Hannigan, parilh priefl of the parifhes of Coolkenno and Clonmore, ordered pieces of red tape to be put on the necks of popifli children, to diftinguifli them from proteflants ; and that he knew that a maffacre of the proteflants was to take place.
Some officers who, when on duty, traverfed many parts of the county of Wexford, alTured me, that they fav/, in various places, the fign of the crofs on the doors of fome dwelling-houfes ; and on others, the following words : " Protediion for this houfe.'* They were infcribed on the houfe of Mr. Devereux, of Carrigmannon, and even on the gates leading to it ; which, it is believed, was done becaufe he was a Roman catholick.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 37

State prisoners sent to Fort George in Scotland

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

Because leaders of the conspiracy were discovered secretly fomenting rebellion while imprisoned, a list of prominent United Irishmen including Samuel Neilson, Thomas Russell, Arthur O'Connor, Thomas Addis Emmet, and William James M'Nevin were sent to Fort George in Scotland.

Read the passage

As it was difcovered that the leaders in this band of traitors abufed the lenity of government, by endeavouring fecretly to foment rebellion while in prifon^ the foUov/ing perfons were fent to Fort George in Scotland, where the feverity of their confmement has been mitigated by the greateft indulgence on the part of government ;
Samuel Neilfon, John Chambers,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 117

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, the city holds the story of the United Irish leaders sent to Fort George. In 1798, leaders like Samuel Neilson, John Chambers, Thomas Russell, Arthur O'Connor, Thomas Addis Emmet, and William James M'Nevin were secretly fomenting rebellion while imprisoned here. For this, government sent them to Fort George in Scotland, where their confinement was later mitigated by government indulgence.

Thady Griffy tried and acquitted at Ennis assizes

Ennis · town · Clare · 1798

Thady Griffy, a serge weaver and Carmelite associate accused of disseminating United Irishmen doctrines, was tried at the spring assizes of 1798 at Ennis but acquitted and chaired by rebellious supporters.

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that they wore green ribands, having embroidered on them in gold the harp without the crown, and the words, Erin go bragh, meaning " Ireland for ever." Among others he charged one Thady Griffy, a ferge weaver, with being very active iii diffeminatir.g the principles and doctrines of the United Iriihmen. He was a canting hypocrite, who was engaged, and deeply verfed in the mylteries of the Carmelites, and. afi-ecled an extraordinary fanclity and aufterity of manners, which he aimmed as a cloak to conceal the moft flagitious and turbulent principles. He was tried at the fpring afEzes of 1798 at Eni^is ; but by die feduc^on of fome witnefles, the intimidation of others, and the puzzling of thoie who meant to declare the truth, by the gentlemen of the bar, he was acquitted, and immediately chaired by his rebellious friends, who in immenfe numbers celebrated their triumph over juflice by vociferous acclamations, and with all the wantonneis of favage joy.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

The massacre near Carnew and the repulse of Father Murphy's rebels

Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

Father Michael Murphy led a large band of rebels toward Carnew after devastating the surrounding country, but the garrison marched out and repulsed them in two actions; several captured rebels were later shot at Carnew by order of the Antrim militia.

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The following event, which father Kavenagh has fo grofsly mifreprefented, occurred near Carnew : Father Michael Murphy, on the morning of Whitfunday, after having, at the head of a numerous gang of a^raflins, defolated a large tra6l of country, feemed to approach that town, when thegarrifon marched out, and repulfed them, in two a6lions, which I have defcribed in page 428 of vol. ^ and having in the courfe of the day taken fix rebel prifoners, in arms, five of them, and another noted rebel, were fhot on Monday niorning at Carnev/, by the order of the officer commanding the Antrim nnilitia. After the ftrifteft enquiry, I can take upon me to alTert, that not a fingle man was put to death at Carnew, or Gorey, or within many miles of them, until Whitfunday, when the popifti rebels began, wantonly and without provocation, to commit carnage and plunder ; except in the parifh of Kilcormuck, where father John Murphy began the cruiade againft hereticks on the Saturday evening preceding.
80 much for the veracity of father Francis Kavenagh. Can we be furprifed that thefe reverend gentlemen fiiould • fabricate falfehood, when they have, on many occafions, perfuaded their deluded feftaries, in their laft moments, to aggravate the crimes of treafon and murder, by denying their guiiti

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 186

Threats of slaughter and closing of Wexford bridge market

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Two armed rebels entered Elizabeth Crane's house and told her they were slaughtering people on the bridge in Wexford and would continue until there would be neither buying nor selling in the town by the next day.

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depofeth and faith, That on the twentieth day of June laft, ilie was in her own houfe, in great anxiety, apprehending, from circumftances which had happened that mornr ing, the life of her fon-in-law, Middieton Robfon, a loyalift, then a prifoner in the gaol of Wexford, to be in immediate and ijnminent danger; that in the afternoon of faid twentieth day, between the hours of two and four of the (clock, as faid deponent belie veth, flae faw the reverenc} dodlor Cauifield, accompanied by the reverend Mr. I^oche^ a prieft of faid town, p^ifs by her houfe towards a lane which communi-cates from the back ftreet of faid town to Gibfon's-lane, which gave her great pleafure, as (lie fuppafed they were gping to intercede for the prifoners. Tliat near the entrance of faid lane they were met by a ,i;iumber of men, armed with pikes and other weapons, comir^, as fhc believeth, from the gaol, who, as they came up to dcclor Cauifield, kneeled down, for the purpofe, as deponent believeth, of receiving doctor Caulfield's blefhng, which he gave, fpreading his hands over their heads, as the had feen Kim do to others whom he blefled, and that the men afterwards palTed on, as {he fuppofeth, to the bridge ; and chat very fhortly afterwards, two men, armed with pikes, entered her houfe, who told her, « they were flaughtering on the bridge ; that they would never draw bridle, till they -would put them all on a level, and that by that time to-morrow, there would be neitlier buying or feilit^g in Wexford:" and |hat ioimadi«itely before, ox durijig t}ie time, do6l,or
Cauifield

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 175

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where, on the 20th of June 1798, Elizabeth Crane sat in her house in great anxiety. Her son-in-law Middleton Robson, a loyalist, was a prisoner in the gaol here, and she feared his life was in imminent danger. That afternoon, between two and four o'clock, she saw two clergymen pass by her house: Doctor Caulfield and Reverend Mr. Roche, a priest of the town, heading toward a lane that connected the back street to Gibson's-lane. She supposed they were going to intercede for the prisoners. At the entrance to the lane, armed men with pikes met them, coming as she believed from the gaol. The men kneeled before Doctor Caulfield to receive his blessing, which he gave, and then passed on toward the bridge. Very shortly after, two armed men entered her house and told her, "they were slaughtering on the bridge; that they would never draw bridle, till they would put them all on a level, and that by that time tomorrow, there would be neither buying nor selling in Wexford."

Tomb of Rev. Mr Valentine desecrated at Enniscrone church

near Inishcrone · town · Sligo · 1765–1798

Rebels rifled the tombs at Enniscrone church with great indecency, insulting the remains of the Rev. Mr Valentine who had served as vicar for fifty-three years, died in 1765 aged ninety, and had left substantial charitable bequests including a charity school.

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Amongfl: the churches moft damaged were thofe of Lackan, Eafky, Killmadtige, and Ennifcrone, in the pariih of Killglafs, and county of Sligo. Of the latter they tore up the floors, demolifhed the pews- and the communion table, rifled the tombs with great indecency, and infulted the remains of the reverend Mr. Valentine, who had been vicar of and refident in that pariih, fifty-three years, and who died in the year 1765, in his ninetieth year, noted and univerfally revered for his humane and charitable difpofition. He left 600I. for the fupport of the widows of the clergy of the diocefe, an4 400I. for maintaining a charity fchool in the parifli, and for apprenticing the children who were inftru^ted in it. Doctor William Cecil, bifhop of Killala, had a monument ereded to him, on which his virtues and good
qualities

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Inishcrone in Sligo. In 1798, rebels damaged several churches in this county, and Enniscrone was among the worst hit. They tore up the floors, demolished the pews and communion table, and rifled the tombs with what the record calls "great indecency." They singled out the remains of the Reverend Mr Valentine, who had been vicar here for 53 years. He died in 1765, aged 90, and was remembered as humane and universally revered. He left 600 pounds for the widows of the clergy of the diocese, and 400 pounds to maintain a charity school in the parish and apprentice the children taught in it.

Transfer of prisoners to Wexford gaol amid green emblems

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

On 14 June selected prisoners including Taylor were marched under guard to Wexford gaol; on arrival they saw houses hung with green emblems and a jubilant mob shouting in the streets.

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Owens, a protefl^nt cisrgyman, one of the faid prifoners, was treated in that manner. Informant faith, that the faid prifoners having as aforefaid pitched caps on their heads, were compelled to put out theij- heads and fhoulders out pi tlie rnarket houfe of Gorey afoiefaid •, and that while the faid prifoners were fo expo fed > the rebel troops nvarched by, and infultingly exprefled their joy by re-^ peatedly fhouting aloud. Informant fijith, that on Wed^ jiefday the thirteenth day of June,. they inftituted a kind of trial of the prifoners confined in the jqarket-houfe pf Gcrey aforofaid, on which tliey felecled fuch as they thought were ileady to the protellant caufe, among whom this informant was cne> and that they fent them to the gaol of Wexford, under a guard, after having pinioned them with cords, and tied them one to the other, two and two. Informant faith, that they compelied the remainder of the prifoners to join the rebel troops as foldiers. Informant faith, That on the arrival of the prifoners at Wexford, on the fouTt<??^nth day of June, they faw the houfes hung with green emblems, and the mob in the ftreets expreffed their joy by fllouting aloud. Infpnnant faith, that he and his fellow prifoners were com;: mitted to gaol at Wexford, about eleven o'clock on the morning of the fourteenth of June ; and tliat informant was told, and verily believes, that there \yere about two hundred prifoners in faid gaol, all of whom as informant heard and believes were of the proteflant religion. Informant faith, that during his confinement in faid gaol, they frequently committed other prifoners, among whom was colonel Lehunte j and that this informant heard a rebel commander of the name of Dixon tell the faid colonel Lehunte, who was confined to a condemned cell, that he ihould have but ten minutes to live. Informant faith, that during his confinement at Wexford, his food was very fcanty and very bad; and that he had no other bed but damaged ftraw which was full of vermin. Informant faith, that on Wednefday the twentieth day of June, this informant with feventeen other prifoners wasi taken out of the gaol, a.nd conducted to the bvidge of Wexford, in order to be put to death with pikes, as many of this informant's fellow prifoiiers met witii the fame fate a few minutes before ; and that informant as he pafTed along the bridge walked through the blood of the faid victims. Informant faith, that while the rel>el guards were condu£ling the faid prifoners to the bridge, and while the faid prifoners were praying on their knee faicj bridge*,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

Coming through Wexford, you are on ground marked by the rebellion of 1798. At Gorey, prisoners had been held in the market house, with pitched caps on their heads, and made to put out their heads and shoulders while rebel troops marched by and shouted. On 13 June the rebels held a kind of trial and selected those they judged steady to the Protestant cause. They pinioned them with cords, tied them two and two, and sent them under guard to the gaol. The rest were compelled to join the rebel troops as soldiers. When the prisoners arrived on 14 June, the houses were hung with green emblems and the mob in the streets shouted aloud. They were committed to gaol about 11 o'clock that morning. About 200 prisoners were held there, all believed to be of the Protestant religion. During confinement, others were brought in, including Colonel Lehunte. A rebel commander named Dixon told the colonel, confined to a condemned cell, that he should have but ten minutes to live. Food was scanty and bad, the only bed damaged straw full of vermin. On 20 June the informant and 17 others were taken from the gaol to the bridge to be put to death with pikes. Fellow prisoners had met the same fate minutes before. As he passed along the bridge he walked through their blood.

Treasonable papers concealed at archbishop Butler's house in Cashel

Cashel · townland · Tipperary

Doctor James Butler, titular archbishop of Cashel, was accused of fomenting the whiteboy disorders in conjunction with foreign agents, with papers of a treasonable nature concealed in his house or chapel.

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^ city of Kilkenny, in faid county, popifh priefi:, who being duly fworn on the Holy Evangelllls, depofeth. That the late tumultuous rifmgs of the whiteboys, which prevailed in the fouthern parts of this kingdom, were fet on foot for the fole end and purpofe, to informant's certain knowledge, in order to raiie therein a fpirit of fedition and diflatisfadion to his majefly's perfon and government, which might be of ufe to fupport a foreign invafion, certainly intended againfb this kingdom at a convenient time, in favour of prince Charles, otherwife the Pretender to thefe realms : and that the caufes commonly alleged for thefe rifmgs by the faid v/hiteboys, were but mere pretences, and calculated entirely to conceal the above fecret defigns. Informant depofeth, that thefe diforders were fomented originally by foreign agents, in conjun£lion with, fome popifh bifhops, particularly doftor James Butler, titular archbiiliop of Cafhel, (in whofe Houfe, or chapel, there were papers of a treafonable nature concealed,) and others of his clergy, afiifted by feveral principal gentlemen of the fame perfuafion. That informant was early apprized from his (lation, then as coadjutor to the aforefaid do6lor Butler, of their dangerous fchemes againft his majefty's crown, and the eftablilhed government of this kingdom, which they did at that time, and do ftill, as he verily be- VoL. II. . 0^ Keves,
2IO 4PPENDIX, No.L h

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 122

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cashel, Doctor James Butler, the titular archbishop of Cashel, was accused of fomenting the Whiteboy disorders that broke out in the southern parts of the kingdom. A sworn informant, who had served as coadjutor to Butler, testified that these risings were set on foot not for the causes the Whiteboys commonly alleged, but to raise a spirit of sedition and disaffection to his majesty's person and government, in support of a foreign invasion intended in favour of prince Charles, the Pretender. The informant deposed that the disorders were fomented originally by foreign agents in conjunction with some popish bishops, particularly Butler, in whose house or chapel there were papers of a treasonable nature concealed, and others of his clergy, assisted by several principal gentlemen of the same persuasion. The informant said he was early apprized, from his station as coadjutor, of their dangerous schemes against the crown and the established government.

Vinegar Hill as site of mass killings

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Vinegar Hill served as a rebel encampment and site where numerous protestant prisoners were murdered, including husbands taken from surrounding parishes and killed by pike or other means.

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1759 Ann Stephens, of Ballinree, hufband taken prifoner 1 1 th June, flripped almoft naked, marched, after five days imprifonment, to Vinegar-hill, without hat or fnoes, and fliot there, carried firfl to Gorey, her fi^fher ^Ifo killed, three children left, of Tomb.
X761 Mary

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

Up ahead near Vinegar Hill in Wexford. In 1798 this was a rebel encampment where prisoners were brought and killed. Ann Stephens of Ballinree saw her husband taken prisoner on the 11th of June, stripped almost naked, marched after five days imprisonment without hat or shoes to Vinegar Hill, and shot there. Her brother was killed too, leaving three children.

Walsh brothers arrested and examined at Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

Among eight rebel leaders arrested, two men named Walsh were sent to General Taylor at Sligo for examination but were discharged after local gentlemen vouched for their loyalty, despite sworn testimony that they were leaders relied upon by rebels in the barony of Tyrawley.

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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Sligo now. In 1798, this town was where two men named Walsh were brought for examination by General Taylor, arrested as rebel leaders. The story began with a man called Reynolds, a pedlar who often came to Boyle. He was arrested and questioned about the conspiracy. At first he denied everything, looking perfectly innocent. But after a few lashes of a cat-o'-nine-tails on the order of the officer commanding at Boyle, he told the whole plot and named everyone involved. His information went to Mr. Neligan, who was astonished at the number and respectability of the people Reynolds named. But what Reynolds said turned out to be true, for the persons he charged became the most dangerous and desperate in the rebellion. The country was in a critical state. There was almost no military to speak of, only a small detachment of carabineers, a troop of yeoman cavalry, and a company of yeoman infantry. And according to Reynolds, more than half of that infantry company were United Irishmen who had enlisted only to get arms, planning to join the French when they landed. So it was thought prudent to conceal what they knew and arrest only a few of the leaders. Eight were taken up. Among them were the two Walsh brothers, sent to General Taylor here at Sligo. But they were discharged, through the intercession of gentlemen and magistrates of the neighbourhood, who assured Taylor of their upright characters and their loyalty.

William Bolton's family flee Island house for Gorey, ambushed en route

Island · townland · Wexford · 1798

Warned by yeoman captain Hawtrey White that rebel numbers were too great to resist, William Bolton fled his house at Island with his family toward Gorey, but was surrounded and robbed of arms about a mile from home, with some of the party forced to retreat to nearby farmhouses.

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arrived at the houfe of Ifland aforefaid, and informed t!i^ faid Vv^iUiam Bolton that the rebels had affembled in fo large a body, that his corps^ joined to the yeomen of Gorey and Gamolin, were net fufficiently ftrong to face them ; and the faid Hawtry White recommended to the faid William Bolton, to make his efcape to the town of Gorey, in faid county, as fspft as pofTible. Thefe informants jointly fay, that the faid William Bolton and his family fet out foon after for Gorey aforefaid, confifting of himfelf, Mrs. Bolton and ten children, he and his eldeft fon on horfeback, the remainder of his family in his chaife and on cars. Thefe informants jointly fay, that they attended the faid William Bolton and his family in their retreat ; and that when they had advanced about one mile from Iiland aforefaid, the faid William Bolton, who preceded the party, was furrounded by a large party of rebels, who robbed him of his arms. That the faid William Boltcn and his eldeft fon on horfeback, and the chaife containing Mrs. Bolton, and fome of the children, were fuffered to proceed, but that three cars, containing fome more of her children, and fome maid-fervants, were obliged to retreat to fome farm-houfes in tlie neighbourhood ; and that one^oi the faid children, a fon, of about the age of twelve years, alarmed at the fcuffle v/hich took place, jumped olF of the car, and made his efcape in a circuitous manner, over hedge and ditch, to Gorey aforefaid. Informants fay, that the faid rebels difmounted and difarmed the fteward of the faid William Boltcn, and that fome of them cried out, " Cut at him i" And thefe informants fay, they are convinced in their minds that they would have murdered the faid fteward, whofe name is Richard Bolton, but that fome of them, who happened to have a regard for him, faved his life by their interference. Thefe informants fay, they were fo much alarmed at the blood-thirfty difpofition of the faid rebels, that they retreated precipitately, and that thefe informants v/ere clcfely purfued by the faid rebels a confiderableway ; but thefe inicrmunts efcaped, and arrived at their own houfe, at Bally adams aforefaid, where he, the faid George, was difarm.ed of his gun by fome rebels. That on their arrival at their houfe, they found two boys, who were in their fervice, plundering it of different articles. That this informant, George Williams, afked one of the faid fervants (both of wjiom were of the popifli religion) what he, the faid George, fhould do to favc his life ? and that the faid

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 146

Ann Stephens's husband marched to Vinegar Hill and shot

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Ann Stephens's husband was taken prisoner on 11 June, stripped and marched without hat or shoes to Vinegar Hill after five days imprisonment, then shot there, having been first carried to Gorey.

Read the passage

1759 Ann Stephens, of Ballinree, hufband taken prifoner 1 1 th June, flripped almoft naked, marched, after five days imprifonment, to Vinegar-hill, without hat or fnoes, and fliot there, carried firfl to Gorey, her fi^fher ^Ifo killed, three children left, of Tomb.
X761 Mary

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Gorey, in 1798 this was where Ann Stephens's husband was brought after being taken prisoner on 11 June. He was stripped almost naked, held five days, then marched to Vinegar Hill without hat or shoes and shot. Her brother was killed as well, leaving three children.

Priest M'Donnell spreads Orangeman massacre rumour at Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

A priest named M'Donnell rode into Killala on 21 September and announced that Orangemen were massacring Catholics in the adjacent country, intended to incite the rebels' sanguinary designs against Protestants there.

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Alarming accounts were received that the rebels. In fpite of the French,* would enter and plunder the town ; and, had they done fo, there is not a doubt but that they would have mafl'acred every protefhant. To encourage them in their fanguinary defigns, which they had conftantly manifefled, a prieft, of the name of IM'Donnell, rode into the town on the twenty-firft of September, and announced that the Orangemen w^re maffacring the Roman catholicks in all the adjacent country. On the morning of that day a report of cannon and fmall arms was heard towards Ballina, and fome time after intelligence was received that the king's troops were within four miles of the town.
True, the French officer, and Flenry O'Keon, arrived from Ballina, where the former had been commandant, and where he had a narrow efcape of being taken prifoner by one of our officers. He abufed, in the grolTefl manner, his alHes, the Irifli, for having fled at Croffinalina, v.ithout llriking a ftroke.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 109

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Killala in Mayo, this town was the scene of a dark episode in 1798. On 21 September, a priest named M'Donnell rode into the town and announced that Orangemen were massacring Roman Catholics in all the adjacent country. The report was intended to encourage the rebels in their sanguinary designs against Protestants, who feared that rebels would enter and plunder the town and massacre every Protestant among them. That same morning, the sound of cannon and small arms was heard towards Ballina, and word came that the king's troops were within 4 miles of the town.

Lord Oxmantown's yeomanry charge rebel stragglers at Edgeworthstown

Edgeworthstown · town · Longford · 1798

A detachment of Lord Oxmantown's yeomanry made a rapid charge through the street of Edgeworthstown as rebels retired, shooting a few stragglers with only one yeoman wounded.

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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.''
A man mounted on a white horfe rode about the country contiguous to Longford on the fourth of . September, and propagated a report that the orangemen were murdering the Roman catholicks, and burning their houfes from Edgeworthftown to Carrickboy. To counteract this malignant defign, lord Oxmantown, who, with his corps, was on permajient duty at Longford, rode about the country, and •

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg

As the companion tells it

As you come through Edgeworthstown in Longford, you are passing through the street where, in 1798, Lord Oxmantown's yeomanry made a rapid charge against rebel stragglers. Late in the evening, the greater body of rebels had retired from the town, and a detachment of the yeomanry, happening to be near and hearing of the outrages the rebels had committed, rode hard through the street and shot a few of the stragglers. Their only loss was one yeoman wounded in the face by a pike. A man concealed in a shrubbery nearby heard it all as a din of firing, shouting, and the crashing of windows and furniture, and did not learn the particulars until the following morning. Later that September, a man on a white horse rode the country around Longford spreading a report that the Orangemen were murdering Roman Catholics and burning houses from Edgeworthstown to Carrickboy. Lord Oxmantain, with his corps on permanent duty at Longford, rode out to counteract the story.

Wheelers tortured at Glenmalure

near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1798

John Wheeler and his son Samuel were taken from their looms at Mr. Allen's woollen manufactory in Greenane, which was destroyed, and carried to Glenmalure where they were mangled with pikes, the father receiving sixty pike wounds.

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John A\Tieeler, and Samuel Vvlieeler his Ton, were taken from their looms at Mr. Ailen'^> woollen martufactorv, which ti^ey deitroyed, in the pai^i of Greendne, and were carrieil to Glenmalure, where they were mangled with pikes in a moft ihockin;z maaner ; the fatlier rec^'ived fixty pike wounds.
Michael TwMTiley, cf Coojafarev, and Georire Heppenftal of RoiRallraw, were taken off ieverkl miles and piked to death.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 139

Assault on Mrs. Fulham near Navan

Navan · town · Meath

Defenders forcibly entered the house of Mrs. Fulham near Navan, and because she mildly reasoned with them about the impropriety of their conduct, they shot the roof off her skull.

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They forcibly entered the houfe of Mrs. Fulham, near Navan and, becaufe fiie mildly reafoned with them on the impropriety of their conduct, they (hot off the roof of her fkulL
2 The

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Navan, this is where Mrs. Fulham's house once stood nearby. Defenders forced their way inside, and when she mildly reasoned with them about the wrong of what they were doing, they shot off the roof of her skull.

Bandon founded as Protestant colony by Earl of Cork

Bandon · town · Cork

The town of Bandon, County Cork, was founded as a Protestant colony by the first Earl of Cork, and has continued to be inhabited exclusively by Protestants, who would not permit Roman Catholics to reside there.

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That feedling of proteftantifm and loyalty was planted by the firfl earl of Coi'k, the founder of the iliuftriou^ houfe of Boyle in Ireland, fo diflinguiOied for their loyalty^ their virtues, and their talents, as to be highly panegyrized by lord Orford, in his lives of royal and noble authors.
In the year 1688, the agents of Janicis the Second dif-r armed all the proteftants of Ireland, except in fome northern counties, where their numbers and their high fplrit WQuld have rendered that mcafure difficult and dangerous,.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Bandon petitions parliament over bonds, 1695

Bandon · town · Cork · 1695

Having been sued for principal and interest due on bonds given during the 1688 siege, the inhabitants of Bandon petitioned parliament in 1695 to be exonerated, and the viceroy ordered the sum paid from the treasury so the town might again protect the English against the Irish.

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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Bishop of Dromore raises yeoman corps

near Dromore · town · Down · 1798

Doctor Percy, bishop of Dromore, remained in his palace during the rebellion in Down and Antrim, and contributed liberally to forming a yeoman corps of one hundred men at Dromore that kept the neighbourhood in check.

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I cannot pafs over in filence the laudable fortitude of dodor Percy, bifliop of Dromore, who alfo remained in his palace, while the rebellion exifted in the counties of Down and Antrim. His lordfliip alfo contributed liberally to the formation of a yeoman corps of one hundred men at Dromore, who completely kept in awe fome ill-difpofed perfons in the neighbourhood, who had been infeded by the Ballynahinch rebels.
On Tuefday the fourth of September, a man on horfeback went about the county of Weflmeath, proclaiming that the orangemen were murdering the Roman catholicks, and burning their houfes. In confequcnce of it, numbers of people, armed with pikes and other weapons, alTembled in lord Sunderlin's park at Baronftown. His lordfliip approached them with about twelve of his corps, and aflved them. Why they aflembled in fo hoftile a manner ? They anfwered, that they were afraid of the orangemen, who were armed, and were determined to murder all the Roman catholicks. * His lordfliip aflfured them, that their fears were groundlefs, as no fuch perfons ever were in the country ; and he promifed them protedion, if they could point them out ; but they perfiflied in feigning fears and prejudices.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 107

Conspiracy among Cork Legion yeomen

Cork · city · Cork · 1797–1798

Musgrave describes disaffection among the Roman Catholic yeomen of the Cork legion, naming Sweeny, Donovan and Drinane as leaders in a conspiracy within the corps. Donovan and Drinane were arrested while members of the corps, with Donovan's trial lasting fifteen days before he was sentenced to transportation, later pardoned on condition of good behaviour.

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there was great difaffedion among the popifli ycomefi, particularly the Cork legion. Sweeny and Donovan, two leaders in the confpiracy, and Dnnane, continued members of it till they were arrelled.'* I am ready to admit, that there were many loyal and honourable men in that corps ; but it "happened in that, as in every other corps in the kingdom, where the majority were Roman catholicks, that there was confiderable difafFe£tion among them. I am free to acknowledge, that I made the following trifling miftake as to Sweeny, which I have corredled in this edition. He wa^ arrefted a few days after he had been expelled from the corps; but he was fo fangulnary a traitor, and had been guilty of fo many, and fuch notorious acts of delinquency, that his expulfion (hould have taken place much fooner.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 194

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Cork, this city was the setting for a conspiracy within the Cork legion in 1797 and 1798. Musgrave records great disaffection among the Roman Catholic yeomen of that corps. Sweeny, Donovan, and Drinane led the conspiracy. Donovan and Drinane remained members until they were arrested. Sweeny had been expelled from the corps first, then arrested a few days later. Musgrave calls him "so sanguinary a traitor" and says he had been guilty of many notorious acts of delinquency. Donovan's trial lasted 15 days before he was sentenced to transportation, and was later pardoned on condition of good behaviour. Musgrave acknowledges there were many loyal and honourable men in the corps, but says that where the majority were Roman Catholics, there was considerable disaffection.

Dunseverick cavalry cut their way through rebels near Kells

Kells · townland · Antrim · 1798

James Stewart Moore, captain of the Dunseverick cavalry, and Lieutenant Gamble, with fifteen men, arrived in Antrim from Ballymena after cutting their way through about two hundred rebels near Kells.

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At twelve o'clock, James Stewart Moore, efquire, captain of the Dunfcoverick cavalry, and Mr. Gamble, lieutenant of the fame, with fifteen men, came into Antrim from Ballymena, after having cut their way through about two hundred rebels near Kells ; Both thefe gentlemen were magiftrates.'
Lord O'Neil flept at Hiliiborough the night of the fixth of June, on his way from Dublin to Antrim, and paifed through Li-burn at ten o'clock in the morning of the feventh, without being knovv^n, and got to Antrim at half pall twelve. He did not perceive any movement in the country, though his iervants, who vv^ere about ten minutes after him, were robbed of their arms by the rebels. Had lord O'Neil been known in Lifburn, he w^ould have been prevented from proceeding, as general Nugent had fent orders to have the intended rifmg communicated to all the magillrates in that neighbourhood, and to prevent them from going to Antrim.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 61

Elizabeth Edwards forcibly baptized in Wexford chapel

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798–1799

Elizabeth Edwards of John-street, Wexford, deposed that neighbours told her all protestants would be killed on 10 June 1798, so she went to the chapel and was baptized by Father Broe, who later demanded and received payment of one shilling for the baptism.

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Evangelifts, depofeth and faith. That ffie was told by her neighbours, who were Roman catholicks, that all the proteftants would be put to death on Sunday thd tenth of June laft ; in confequence of which this deponent went to the chapel on Thurfday the feventh (as deponent believes,) and was baptized by father Broe. Deponent further faith, that fome time in the laft week the faid father Broe came to deponent arid demanded payment for having chriftened her ;
APPENDIX, No. XX. i8, 19. 421

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

In this town of Wexford, back in 1798, Elizabeth Edwards of John Street got a warning from her Roman Catholic neighbours that all Protestants would be put to death on Sunday the 10th of June. Terrified, she went to the chapel on Thursday the 7th and was baptized by Father Broe. He later came to her and demanded payment for having christened her, and she gave him one shilling.

Failed rebel assault on Carnew and burning of Sir John Jervis White's house

Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

Rebels intended to surprise Carnew and kill the fifty yeomen garrisoning it, but the garrison was warned and defended the town from a malt-house; the rebels retreated to Ballyellis, burning a fine new house belonging to Sir John Jervis White on the way.

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The defign of the rebels was to furprife the towa of Carnew, which was about a mile diftant, to hav^ killed fifty yeomen, who garrifoned it, and to have :burnt the few houfes which they had not deftroyed before ; but the garrifon Jhaving been apprifed cf their defign by fome of the cavalry in their retreat, took poft in a malt-houfe, and defended the town fo well, that the rebels, unable to pafs through it, retired to Ballyellis, * and in their retreat burnt a fine new houfe of fir John Jervis White.
They then took poft on Kilcavan-hill, jj near Moneyfeed, and to the north weft of Gorey, where the Wexford rebels feparated from thofe of the county of Wicklow, who were commanded by Garret Byrne of Ballymanus ; for, foon after the battle of Vinegarhill, they had united and co-operated. This feparation was occafioned by a difpute between their leaders. They repaired from Kilcavan, where they remained but an hour, to Ballyraheene-hill, which lies between Carnew and Tinahely.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 34

Farrell disguised as a woman robs during the Battle of Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

At the trial it was alleged that Andrew Farrell, disguised in woman's clothes on the day of the battle of Enniscorthy, was robbing rather than fighting the king's army.

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David Ogden, a witnefs, fvvore, he was taken prifoner I by him at Mr. Wheeler's houfe, whither he had taken refuge. He took him and Mr. Wheeler to condu6l them, as he faid, to Vinegar-hill ; but they were releafed by one McLean, who threatened to go to the hill, and difcover there, that Farrell, on the day of the battle of Ennifcorthy, tUfguifed in woman's clothes, w:is robbing, inftead of fighting, the king's army.
16.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 156

Father Broe baptises prisoners aboard the Wexford prison-ship

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Father Broe visited the prison-ship in Wexford harbour and recommended that Protestant prisoners be christened as Catholics to save them from a feared second massacre; about fifteen consented and received certificates.

Read the passage

" I hereby certify that A. of B. in the parifh of C. has done his duty and proved himfelf a Romtan ca^ tholick, and has made a voluntary oath that he never was an orangeman, nor took the orange oath. Dated Wexford, June twenty-firft, 1798.
F. JOHN BROE."

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 24

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is where Father John Broe, in June 1798, went aboard the prison-ship in the harbour. About fifteen Protestant prisoners consented to be christened as Catholics, each receiving a certificate like this one, dated Wexford, June 21, 1798.

Father Cowley's threats against protestant prisoners at Ballina

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

At colonel King's house in Ballina, father Cowley the popish priest called protestant prisoners orange hereticks, threatened they would be burned with tar barrels or killed by pikes or balls, and struck Robert Atkinson of Ballybeg as a heretic.

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this day, and made oath on the Holy Evangelifts, that he was taken prifoner on Thurfday or Friday, the feventh or eighth of September laft, near Eaiky aforefald, by a num* ber of armed rebels who conveyed him to the houfe of the right honourable colonel King, at Ballina in faid county ; that during his confinement, father Cowley, a popifh prieft, came into the room where ^this deponent y^rz^y y^ith m^y other proteftants who were confined jthere, about tfce hour of twelve o'clock at night ; and that he afked if the parcei of orange hereticks were there, and faid, « Lie down, orange," and, Rife up, croppy," prwords to that efFe^j and that the faid priest, damping on the ground in a violentangry manner, faid, " You parcel of hereticks, have more religion than a parcel of pigs; I do not know whether you will be put to death before ten o'clock t-o-morrow, byteing burned with barrels of tar, or by pikes, or by balls adding « that the latter would not ge^ room on your bo* dies and that deponent faw the faid prieft ftrike Robert Atkinfon of Ballybeg in faid parifh, as a heretick ; and that the faid prieft faid, if he had Robert Atkinfon of palky in his poftefEpn, he wpvld fl^in him alive.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ballina, in 1798, Protestant prisoners were held at Colonel King's house. A deponent swore on the Holy Evangelists that he had been taken prisoner on the seventh or eighth of September near Erris, by armed rebels who conveyed him there. During his confinement, Father Cowley, a popish priest, came into the room where this deponent and several other Protestants were confined, about twelve o'clock at night. He asked if the parcel of orange heretics were there, and said, "Lie down, orange," and "Rise up, croppy," or words to that effect. The priest, stamping on the ground in a violent angry manner, said, "You parcel of heretics, have more religion than a parcel of pigs; I do not know whether you will be put to death before ten o'clock tomorrow, by being burned with barrels of tar, or by pikes, or by balls," adding that the latter would not get room on your bodies. The deponent saw the priest strike Robert Atkinson of Ballybeg as a heretic. The priest said if he had Robert Atkinson in his possession, he would skin him alive.

Father Redmond leads parishioners to the Battle of Newtownbarry

Newtownbarry · townland · Wexford · 1798

The parish priest of Ferns, Father Edward Redmond, marched at the head of his rebellious parishioners to the Battle of Newtownbarry, where they were defeated.

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The reverend Edward Redmond, parlfh prieft of Ferns, tells us, that, on an invedigation of his conduct during the rebellion by a court-martial, he was honourably acquitted of every charge exhibited againlt him j but the reader will perceive, that though the fentence of the court-martial faved him from the vengeance of the law, it operated no more towards his exculpation m the eyes of God and man, than the pope's abfolutton would, as he was acquitted for want of profecution. It is moft certain, that he marched, at the head of his rebeliious parifhiontrs, to the battle of Newtown-barry, where they were well peppered. In his progrefs thither, he (lopped at Clobemon, the feat of the Derinzy family, where he got fomc refrefliment, and left a woman, whom he called his niece ; but who was luppofed to be his concubine. It is a common practice with Iriih priefts to keep in their houfes a female companion, who pafles for their niece; and, in the fame manner, the pope's baftards have been commonly denominated, and have pafled for their nephews. For the truth of what I affert, 1 (hull appeal to fuch of the Derinzy family as were at Clobemon, particularly to Mrs. Turner, and her three grand children, who were prifoners there at that time. It is remarkable, that this facerdotal hero was attended on his march by Lewis Bulger (as his aid-de-camp) butler of the reverend Mr. Hey den, who robbed his mailer's houfe at Ferns, and* after the murder of that gentleman, infulted Mrs. Hcyden^ at Ennifcorthy J* for which he has been tranfported. Redmond at his return, after his defeat, carried his concubine behind him on horieback.
The rebels, on their march from Ferns to Newtown-barry, burnt feme proteitant houfeg ; and their pious icader, having found a poor labourt:r at his work, on the lands of Bailycarney, compeUed him with a horiewhip to join the crufade, and he was unfortunately killed.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 187

Forced baptism attempt at Blackwater

near Blackwater · population centre · Wexford · 1798

Rebels forced the wounded Ormsby to the house of David Cullen, a parish priest at Blackwater, to be baptized a Catholic, but Cullen refused until seeing his future conduct.

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me, and made oath on the Holy Evangelifts, That about the hour of eight o'clock on the morning of Whitfunday, 1798, a party of united Irifhmen, all of the popifh religion, as deponent verily believes, went to the houfe of this deponent, and called on him to attend them ; that deponent faid in ^ anfwer that he would remain at home and not take any part with either fide. That thereon one of the faid body of united Irifhmen gave deponent a fevere wound of a pike in the head ; that foon after two of the party defired deponent to go on his knees and beg his life, which he accordingly did. That while deponent was on his knees, one of the party gave him fo violent a blow of a firelock on the head, as to break it in pieces, by which deponent was left fenfelefs on the ground. That deponent lay in a languifhing ftate till Thurfday the thirty-firft day of May, when a numerous body of united Irifhmen armed with pikes and guns went to deponent's houfe, and compelled deponent to go to the houfe of David Cullen at Blackwater, a parifh prieft, to be baptized*, but the faid Cullen declared he would have nothing to do with deponent until he faw how he conducted himfelf in future. That next morning deponent, well knowing that he could not make his pfcape, repaired to the rebel camp at Oulart-hill where he was to be tried, though he had little or no hope that his life would be faved. That on deponent's arrival there a popifh yeoman in military uniform who had become a rebel, cried out that deponent fhould be tried. That deponent appealed to the faid rebels, whether he did not always bear a good charafter, to which they all alTented, except one man of the name of Kierwan, who bore an enmity to deponent, becaufe faid Kierwan had ftolcn turf from him ; that however deponent was difcharged and returned direcSlly to his own houfe. That when deponent returned to his houfe at Oulart aforefaid, he found that his houfe had been burnt and plundered, and that a woman who was filler to John Brennan, a labourer who lived on deponent's land, had turned out his wife and family, and informed them in a threatening manner, that they would be put to death if they remained there •, that about a week after deponent was compelled {though in a lan-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 159

General Edward Fitzgerald halts large rebel column retreating from Vinegar Hill

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Captain O'Hea met a large, well-armed rebel column retreating from Vinegar Hill, commanded by General Edward Fitzgerald, who halted the column and demanded O'Hea's dispatches before allowing him to pass.

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captains, one of the name of Clooney, as guides and protectors. The column which he met was very numerous, and many of the men who formed it were well armed with muflvets, piftols, and blunderbuffes, and the remainder with pikes. General Edward Fitzgerald, who commanded, and rode at the head of the column, on feeing captain O'Hea in his regimentals, halted it and after a cool falute, demanded his difpatches, which he read and returned, with an appearance of diffatisfadior . Many of the rebels cheered him, and feemed much pleafed with the idea of peace ; but a few curfed the idea, and faid, they would fiill fight. At the rear of the column he met Edward Roche, the lay-general, who faluted him, and fufFered him to pafs, when Clooney had explained the purport of his embaflfy.
General Lake gave the following anfwer to Keugh's letter :

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

Up ahead you pass near Vinegar Hill. In 1798, Captain O'Hea met a large rebel column retreating from here, many of the men well armed with muskets, pistols, and blunderbusses, and the rest with pikes. General Edward Fitzgerald commanded and rode at the head of the column. Seeing O'Hea in his regimentals, he halted the column and, after a cool salute, demanded his dispatches, which he read and returned with an appearance of dissatisfaction. Many of the rebels cheered and seemed pleased with the idea of peace, but a few cursed it and said they would still fight. At the rear of the column O'Hea met Edward Roche, the lay-general, who saluted him and suffered him to pass once a guide named Clooney had explained the purport of his embassy.

General Lake's proclamation issued at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Lieutenant-general Lake, commander in chief of forces in Ireland, issued a proclamation at Wexford offering forgiveness to deluded rebels who would surrender arms and their leaders within three days, threatening total destruction otherwise.

Read the passage

Should the terms here offered not be attended to, it will become the general's indifpenfable duty totally to deftroy Vol. II. I i every
* On their delivering their leaders into the hands of the commandinj officers of his majefty's forces neareft. to their rcfpedivc fituations.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 176

As the companion tells it

As you come through Wexford, this is where Lieutenant-general Lake issued his proclamation in 1798. Commander in chief of forces in Ireland, he offered forgiveness to rebels who would surrender their arms and their leaders within three days. If they did not, he warned it would become his "indispensable duty totally to destroy" them.

General Meyrick engages rebels near Slane

Slane · townland · Meath · 1798

General Myers drove the retreating rebels towards Slane, where General Meyrick encountered and killed many of them before they were further attacked and dispersed by other military detachments.

Read the passage

On the tvv'elfth of July, they parched into the county of Meath, by Johnftown and the Nineteenmile houfe r: They were purfued by colonel Gough, who, with but fixty infantry and twenty cavalry, ^attacked and routed them with confid^rable Haughter. They were next purfued by general Myers, with detachments of the Dublin yeomanry and Buckinghamfliire militia, and though he was not fo fortunate as to overtake them, he drove them towards Slane, where general Meyrick encountered and killed many of them. They were afterwards attacked by different detachments of the military, who in the courfe of a few days ciit off great numbers of them, and finally difperfed them.
Perry and Kearns made their efcape into the King^s county, where attempting to crofs a bog near Clonballogue, they were apprehended by mellieurs Robinfon and Ridg^eway, of the £denderry yeomen, who conveyed th^m to that ^own^ where they were tried and executed by martial law» Perry was chearful and communicative, aclmowledged the part he had taken in the rebellion, and feemed to glory in it. Kearns was fullen and filent, except when he iipbraided Perry for his candour in frankly confefTmg his guilt.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, in 1798, General Meyrick encountered a body of rebels and killed many of them. They had entered County Meath on the twelfth of July, by Johnstown and the Nineteen-mile House. Colonel Gough pursued them first, with sixty infantry and twenty cavalry, and attacked and routed them with considerable slaughter. General Myers pursued them next, with detachments of the Dublin yeomanry and Buckinghamshire militia. He did not overtake them, but he drove them towards Slane, where General Meyrick met them and killed many. After that, different detachments of the military attacked them over the course of a few days, cut off great numbers, and finally dispersed them. Perry and Kearns made their escape into the King's County. Attempting to cross a bog near Clonballogue, they were apprehended by Robinson and Ridgeway of the Edenderry yeomen, who conveyed them to that town. There they were tried and executed by martial law. Perry was cheerful and communicative, acknowledged the part he had taken in the rebellion, and seemed to glory in it. Kearns was sullen and silent, except when he reproached Perry for his candour.

George Taylor's certificate for father Corrin after Wexford Bridge massacre

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

George Taylor, one of the prisoners who escaped the Wexford Bridge massacre on 20 June, gave father Corrin a certificate crediting him with saving his life and eleven others. Taylor signed the document at Ballywalter.

Read the passage

" I do hereby certify, that the reverend John .Corrin, by his humane exertion, has been the inftrument in the hands of God in faving my life, and eleven others cf my fellow-prifoners, the twentieth of June, being the day of the general maflacre on the bridge of V.^exford,.,
Baliywalter, GEORGE TAYLOR.''

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is where the bridge massacre took place on 20 June 1798. George Taylor, a prisoner who survived, later signed a certificate crediting Father John Corrin with saving his life and eleven fellow prisoners. Taylor wrote that Corrin's humane exertions made him "the instrument in the hands of God" in their rescue.

Glengarry fencibles retake Castlecomer from pillaging rebels

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

After days of pillaging by the rebels from Sunday to Thursday, Sir Charles Asgill sent a party of Glengarry fencibles and Faslaghdineen cavalry who surprised and killed about twenty-four rebels, taking prisoners who confessed local Catholic complicity.

Read the passage

now outcafo from their houfes, feeking an afylum among ftrangers, from the mercilefs hands of their pcpilh neighbours. That evening the rebels of the town burned every loyahd's houfe ; for, infuriate with the plunder of lady Ormond's cellar, they committed every excefs. From Sunday to Thurfday thofe favages rioted in the pillage of the town, when at length fir Charles Afgill, on the twenty-eighth of June, fent a party of the Glengarry fencibles and the FaiTaghdineen cavalry, who furprifed them in the midft of their exlreiles, killed about twenty-four, and took feveral prifoners, from whofe confeffion it appeared, that a party of Caftlecomer rebels, all Roman catholicks, had gone to meet the Wexford army on Friday the twenty-fecond, and indticed them to come on to attack it. Moft of thefe have fmce been hanged or tranfported.
It would be tedious to mention the feveral inftances of atrocity which occurred at that time in Caltlecomer and its vicinity : I (hall, however, fubjoin a few undoubted fads, which ar^ well known.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 52

Governor Keugh orders retreat to the mountain of Forth

Forth · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

As the rebels fled Wexford, Governor Keugh appeared in the street and called on the rebels to fly to the camp at the mountain of Forth to defend themselves, since there was nothing else for it.

Read the passage

Governor Keugh came into the ilreet, and cried aloud, " Gentlemen, fly to the camp at the mountain of Forth; you have nothing eife for it: -Go there and defend yourfelv.es.'' Some of them, as they were retreating (but particularly young M'Gauley, of Oulart, who was afterwards hanged) cried out, " Let us fet fire to the tov/n 1" but they had not time to do fo, for in a few minutes there was not a rebel in it.
A very refpedable lady inf"ormed me, that father Roche, the general, on horfeback, and with a drawn fword, harangued the rebels in the ftreet, and endeavoured to infpire them with courage, before her window. He told them, " that they were of the only true faith, which was the faith of Jefus Chrill, and that if they would fuppbrt him in the extirpation of hereticks, they would foon have but one religion but they were deaf to his exhortations, and . fome of them faid, " By my foul, father Roche, we have flood by you too long ; we are forry we ever came to you, for you have deceived and ruined us !" I have already quoted the journal of a refpedable Lady, who refided near the bridge. I fhall now give the reader her obfervations on the events which took place the day that the town was evacuated. She mentioned before, that the black flag had been carried about in proceflion, to announce that the malTa-. ere was to be renewed.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 23

Grohan proclaims massacre rumour in parish of Kilmacshalgan

Kilmacshalgan · parish · Sligo · 1798

As soon as the French landed, a chapel clerk named Grohan was seized while publicly proclaiming in the parish of Kilmacshalgan, County Sligo, that Orangemen were murdering Roman Catholics.

Read the passage

As foon as the French landed, one Grohan, who ferved as clerk to a popiili chapel, was feized in the aQ: of proclaiming in the pariih of Kilmeckfhalgan, in the county of Sligo, that the orangemen were murdering the Roman cathoUcks.
Moft of the parifh priefts in the counties of Mayo and SHgo, to difarm the fufpicion, and lull the vigilance of government and the magiftrates, coUeded their flocks, and with them fwore oaths of allegiance before magiftrates, whom they folicited to adi^iinifter them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 75

Henry O'Keon, rebel interpreter born near Killala

Kilcommon · townland · Mayo · 1788–1798

Henry O'Keon, son of a cow-herd of Lord Tyrawly, was born at Kilcommon within three miles of Killala. He studied in France, joined the French army, and returned as interpreter to the invading French forces at Killala.

Read the passage

Henry O'Keon was the ion of a cow-herd of lord Tyrawly, and was born at Kilcomin^ within three miles of Killala. Having acquired a fmattering of Latin at a hedge fchool, he repaired to Nantz m France, where he iludied divinity, and received holy orders in the year 1788. * On the abolition of his order in France, he enhded in the fervice as a pri^ vate foldier, and- was gradually advanced to the rank of a captain of grenadiers, f
The following commiffion, found among his pampers, proves that he came as an interpreter to the French, and that their expedition was. intended for the place w^here they landed :

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 86

James Murphy rescues three prisoners from Wexford market-house

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

Rebel James Murphy, recalling a request from John Tate at the Little Limerick camp, searched the prisons and found Isaac Stephens among a great number held in the market-house of Wexford, rescuing him and two other loyal yeomen amid a crowd of pikemen.

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John Tate, a proteflant, but carrying a gun among the rebels for the prefervation of his hfe, add relied himfelf to a common man, a rebel in their camp at Little Limerick, faying, " There is a brother-in-law of mine in prifon at Wexford, I fliall be obliged to you, when you go there, to take liim out and fet him at liberty." This man, whofe name is James Murphy, never thought of the requell made by Tate, until the day and inftant they were murdering the prifoners on the bridge ; vvheii recoilecting that the name of the man he wifned to liberate was Ifaac Stephens, he fearched the diiFerent prifons until he found him among a great number in the market-houfe of Wexford, and not only brought him with him and preferved him, but two more loyal yeomen who were in the fame prifon, and begged of him, for God's fake, to fave them. He brought out thefe three men in the midft of near one hundred pikemen who guarded the door and faved them. Their names were, Ifaac Stephens, cooper, at Caftle-bridge, Samuel Maud, farmer, and John Stedman, weaver.
The confeffion of James Beaghan, * one of the murilerers of the reverend Mr. Hey den in the ftreets of Ennifcorthy, clearly proves what part the popifn priefts took in the conlpiracy and rebellion , and that

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 17

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, this is the town where in 1798 a rebel named James Murphy pulled three prisoners from the market-house and walked them out alive past nearly a hundred pikemen. John Tate, a Protestant who carried a gun among the rebels to save his own life, had asked Murphy at their camp in Little Limerick to free his brother-in-law from the Wexford prison. Murphy forgot the request until the moment prisoners were being murdered on the bridge, when he recalled the name Isaac Stephens. He searched the different prisons until he found Stephens among a great number held in the market-house. Stephens was a cooper from Castle-bridge. Murphy not only brought him out but saved two more loyal yeomen who begged him, for God's sake, to rescue them as well. Samuel Maud, a farmer, and John Stedman, a weaver, were the other two. Murphy led all three through the crowd of pikemen guarding the door and brought them to safety.

Massacre of the Barclay Family by Defenders

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1789

Defenders encouraged by father Quigley in 1789 persecuted and massacred the Barclay family.

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i)dt:ndersy origin of, in the county of Armagh, i. 61-- Encou-^ raged by father Quiglcy in 1789, i. 67— Thtir perftcution of -the Barclay family, and the maftacre of them, i. 69, 70 — Appearand become terrihck in many other counties in the years 1792 and I 793, i. 74 — Battle of the Diamond between them and the proteftants, i. 80 — Formidable in many counties in 1793 by the commiflion of no(fturnal robbei-y and aflaflination, i. 150 — Are equally fo in 1794, i. 151," 152, 156— Grow more terrifick in 1795, on account of eflrl Fitzwilliam's recall from Ireland, i. 162, 165 — Spread fnch terror in fome northern counties in 1795, that the. earl of Carhampton was fent to quell them, i. 173.
Dickey^ a rebel leader, hanged at Belfaft, i. 234.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 195

Old woman threatened with a pike near Ballyadams

Ballyadams · townland · Kildare · 1798

Mary Thackaberry, an elderly and infirm woman, was attacked near Ballyadams by a twelve-year-old servant armed with a pike who threatened to kill her and burn her daughter's house unless she surrendered clothing.

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■with him, to fave his life, the lives of his family, and" hii •fubftance from being deftroyed, and that his reliance on him arofe folelv from his being of the popifh religion ; and that the laid iervant feverely rebuked him, the faid Burkett, for making free with this informant George, becaufe he was a loyal fubjeci: and a yeoman. That they arrived at Gorey in the evening, much harafled and fatigued, without any clothes but what tJiey had on their backs ; and that their houfe and out-o2ices have been burnt, and that all their lubftance has been deftroyed or carried o6F, except four cows and two yearlings, and a few metal pots. Thefe informants fay, that foon after their departure from their houfe at Ballyadams •aforefaid, Mary Thackaberry, the m.other of tliis informant Elizabeth, was attacked, near Ballyadams aforefaid, by- Michael Redmond, ferv-ant to thefe inform-ants, about the age of twelve years, who threatened to put her to death with a pike, which he then had in his hand ; and threatened, at the fame time, to burn her other daughter's houfe, unlcfs fhe would deliver to him fom.e wearing apparel of the faid George, which the faid Mary had in her cuftody ; and that the faid Mary, v.-ho is very old and infirm, was obliged, from motives of fear, to give the faid wearing apparel to the faid Michael Rcdnaond.
GEORGE ^^LLIAMS, ELIZ.\r>ETH WILLIAJVIS- S^worn before me, the i']th day of AugujU 1798,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 146

Orangemen seize fishing boats near Toome

Toome · townland · Antrim · 1798

Inhabitants of the Montiaghs district, mostly Roman Catholics, used fishing boats to ferry rebels across the lake toward Toome; Orangemen seized these boats and, on General Goldie's orders, destroyed them to prevent communication between Antrim and Derry rebels.

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The Orangemen in the neighbourhood took a favourable opportunity of feifing the boats, which they brought up the Lagan navigation ; and having communicated what they had done to general Golcie, commianding at Lifburn, and requeued his inllructions refpeciing the boats, he warndy applauded their fpirit and accivity in performing this important fervice, though unprovided with arms, and ordered them to be cieftroyed, to prevent any communication by the lake between the rebels in the counties of Antrim and Derry.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 65

Outrages in Inishowen barony

near Inishowen · townland · Donegal · 1793

Defenders committed dreadful outrages in the barony of Inishowen, County Donegal, including burning houses, destroying corn, houghing cattle, and extorting money; Protestant inhabitants offered a two hundred guinea reward to prosecute them.

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In the fame month they committed dreadful outrages in the barony of Innifliowen, in the county of Donegal ; fuch as burning houfes, deftroying corn, houghing cattle, extorting m.oney, and writing threatening letters. At laft the proteftant inhabitants aflem.bled, and offered a reward of two hundred guineas to any perlbn who would enable their committee to profecute them.
APPENDIX, No. IX.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 133

Phineas Hunt sworn into United Irishmen at Cappagh

Cappagh · townland · Tipperary · 1798

Phineas Hunt, son of a Protestant gentleman of Cappagh, was compelled by threats to take the United Irishmen's oath in February 1798, which he later discovered obligated him to murder all Protestants in the kingdom.

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Phineas Hunt, a young lad, the fon of Mr. Hunt, a proteftant gentleman of fortune, of Cappagh, in the county of Tipperary, was impelled, by a fyftem of terror, to be fworn, and to join the United Iriflimen, in the month of February, 1798, having been aflured, that the French would foon land and join them ; and that all thofe who were not of their party would be murdered : but in fwearing him they committed a grofs error, for the oath which they exhibited to him contained an obligation to murder all the proteftants* In the kingdom ; which he acknowledged afterwards, by information dated the ele\?enthof April, 1798, and fworn before
* In thofe counties where the rebellion did not explode, they were very retentivo of this I'ecret, (which was their primum mobile) in order to lull and inveigle prottrdanw ; but ftill it tranfpired. When the oath was prefented, young Hunt ftarted and faid, Am I to murder my father and mother, and all my family ? on which the rsbel officers fecmed rauch confufcd, an4 laid, it was not the right oath.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

Plot to murder gentlemen and Mr Waller of Castle Waller

Newport · town · Tipperary · 1798

Michael Hogan of Newport swore that Daniel Reddy offered him fifty guineas to murder Robert Lloyd and Francis Quinn, and revealed a plan for the united men to kill Mr Waller of Castle Waller and Mr Anderson of Foxhall within a few nights, along with a pike design.

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Michael Hogan, of Newport, fwore before William Anderfon, a magiftrate, dated the twelfth of March, 1798, that, on the firtt of faid month, he was invited by Daniel Reddy, into his houfe to drink, and in the courfe of converfation, he offered him fifty guineas if he would murder Robert Lloyd, and Francis Quinn, efquires *, and informed him, that, in the courfe of a few nights, the united men would put Mr. Waller, of Callle Waller, and Mr. Anderfon, of Foxhall, to death ; and he fliewed him the plan of a pike, according to which he was to get fifty m.ade by a blackfrnith.
Oliver Brown, of Boolaree, fwore an information before <.jeorge Bennet, efquire, dated the eighteenth of April, 1798^ that on the night of the firll of March, 1798, a lutmber of people," about four hundred, aflembled on the )iill of Tullagh, where they formed themfelves into ranks, under olRcers and ferjeaiits ; that James Keary, and Daniel Collifon acted as officers, and that the fiiid party, marched tliree abreafl: into the village of Templetooky.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

Memoirs of the different rebellions in Ireland, from the arrival of the English : also, a particular detail of that which broke out the XXIIId of May, MDCCXCVIII : with the history of the conspiracy which preceded it (vol. 2)

The stories, best first

Harvey's letter on distress and Tottenham's refusal at Ross

Imprisonment of Protestants in Gorey market-house

Informant's flight to the garrison of Tullow

Insurgents defeated near Granard

Lord O'Neil passes unrecognised through Lisburn en route to Antrim

Major Alcock wounded and left behind at Castlebar

Murder of Mr. Henley's servant near Maynooth

Nine protestant prisoners murdered at Kellymount

Parish priest of Foxford refuses to deny massacre rumour

Plan to burn Alexander Alcock's house as a diversion

Plunder and destruction of protestant houses in Tireragh

Plunder of Killala by king's troops after victory

Priest builds college and chapel at Carlow

Protestant William Hanton dragged out and killed at Templeshannon

Rebel column under Byrne brothers spreads destruction from Wexford into Wicklow

Rebels attack Antrim town

Rebels plunder Lord Harberton's house at Carbury

Red tape punishment inflicted by schoolmaster at Tullow

State prisoners sent to Fort George in Scotland

Thady Griffy tried and acquitted at Ennis assizes

The massacre near Carnew and the repulse of Father Murphy's rebels

Threats of slaughter and closing of Wexford bridge market

Tomb of Rev. Mr Valentine desecrated at Enniscrone church

Transfer of prisoners to Wexford gaol amid green emblems

Treasonable papers concealed at archbishop Butler's house in Cashel

Vinegar Hill as site of mass killings

Walsh brothers arrested and examined at Sligo

William Bolton's family flee Island house for Gorey, ambushed en route

Ann Stephens's husband marched to Vinegar Hill and shot

Priest M'Donnell spreads Orangeman massacre rumour at Killala

Lord Oxmantown's yeomanry charge rebel stragglers at Edgeworthstown

Wheelers tortured at Glenmalure

Assault on Mrs. Fulham near Navan

Bandon founded as Protestant colony by Earl of Cork

Bandon petitions parliament over bonds, 1695

Bishop of Dromore raises yeoman corps

Conspiracy among Cork Legion yeomen

Dunseverick cavalry cut their way through rebels near Kells

Elizabeth Edwards forcibly baptized in Wexford chapel

Failed rebel assault on Carnew and burning of Sir John Jervis White's house

Farrell disguised as a woman robs during the Battle of Enniscorthy

Father Broe baptises prisoners aboard the Wexford prison-ship

Father Cowley's threats against protestant prisoners at Ballina

Father Redmond leads parishioners to the Battle of Newtownbarry

Forced baptism attempt at Blackwater

General Edward Fitzgerald halts large rebel column retreating from Vinegar Hill

General Lake's proclamation issued at Wexford

General Meyrick engages rebels near Slane

George Taylor's certificate for father Corrin after Wexford Bridge massacre

Glengarry fencibles retake Castlecomer from pillaging rebels

Governor Keugh orders retreat to the mountain of Forth

Grohan proclaims massacre rumour in parish of Kilmacshalgan

Henry O'Keon, rebel interpreter born near Killala

James Murphy rescues three prisoners from Wexford market-house

Massacre of the Barclay Family by Defenders

Old woman threatened with a pike near Ballyadams

Orangemen seize fishing boats near Toome

Outrages in Inishowen barony

Phineas Hunt sworn into United Irishmen at Cappagh

Plot to murder gentlemen and Mr Waller of Castle Waller