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)

Plunder at Bangor

near Bangor · town · Down · 1798

Rebels entered Bangor, compelled many townspeople to join them, and plundered Mr Ward's house of arms; the Reverend James Clewlow unsuccessfully urged them to disarm.

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In confequence of this, a large body having affembled, they, on Sunday, entered the town of Bangor, w'here they compelled great numbers to join them, and plundered Mr. Ward's houfe of arms. The reverend James Clewlow, with laudable fortitude, and ill the mod patlietick manner, reprefented to them the fatal confequences of their condud, and advifed them to lay down their arms ; but could not iucceed. They then repaired to a hill near Newtow^nards, where, having difagreed, the Bangor people quitted them, returned and reftored Mr. Ward's arms to Mr. Clewlow, in hopes of his getting for them a protection from general Nugent ; to obtain which, he repaired to Belfail ; but before he could return, tw^o prefbyterian clergymen, mellieurs Townfend and Hull, abufed them as cowards and traitors to their caufe, compelled them to re-aifume their arms, and marched them to a hill called Scrabo, near Newtown, and thence ro Saintheld, where they took polTefTion of the houles of melTieurs Price and Clevrlcw, which they plundejed. They fent a party from Saimfield to the houfe of one Mc. Kee, a farmer in the neighbourhood, and havincj fet fire to ir, he and his whole family periflied in the flames. He was obnoxious to them, becaufe he had profecuted fome United Irifnmen. He, at firfl, with very great bravery, beat cfF a party of about twenty, but was
over-

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 67

Preparations for and fighting of the Battle of New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

On the 4th and 5th of June the rebels made preparations for the battle of Ross, and on the day it was fought all the popish farmers and peasants for miles round the town were compelled by their priests to attend the rebel army.

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The 4.th and 5 th of June, he remaitied unmolefted, as the rebels were making preparations on the firft, for the battle ofRofs; and the fecond, on which it was fought, all the popifh farmers and peafants, for many miles round that town, were compelled by their rcfpedlive priefts to attend the irebel army.
On the loth of June, they carried his fon, a boy of fourteen years, to the camp at Carrickbyrne, on an accufation of having been heard to fing ** Croppies, lie down!" previous to the eruption of the rebellion ; but a rebel captain, more humane than the reft, promifed that he (hould be reflored next ^ay ; and he fulfilled his promife.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 192

Priest Grady of Rathreagh dragged from altar for loyalty

Rathreagh · townland · Kilkenny · 1798

Mr Grady, priest of Rathreagh, refused to join the rebellion and was treated with great severity, dragged from the altar by his own rebellious flock for refusing to accompany them to Killala, and he boldly denounced vengeance on them if they persisted.

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were two, however, of this clafs, who could not b« induced, either through fear or promifes, to partake with their flocks in the rebellion, but Itrongly exhorted thsrn to continue in their allegiance, and to attend to their induftry, forewarning them of the confequences of their difloyalty. One of thefe was Mr. Conway, prieft of Ardagh ; the other, Mr, Grady, prieft of Rathrea ; of whom the latter was treated with great fever ity, and dragged from the altar by his rebellious flock, becaufe he refufed to partake in their wickednefs, and accompany them to Killala, He had even the boldnefs to denounce vengeance on their guilty heads, fliould they perfevere in their treafonable fchemes.
The perfecution levelled againll the proteftant clergymen, was not confined to the imprifonment of their perfons, joined to the infults and menaces offered to them, and the deftrudion of their houfes and property, but was extended even to the demolition of their churches, which they gutted of all the timber and carpenter's work, and moft wantonly and mfultingly abufed and tore the books which they found in them.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 77

Priests clothe rebel recruits in Killala courtyard

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

Priests were commonly seen bringing half-naked recruits into the courtyard of Killala, taking clothes from stores kept there and arraying the men for actual military service with the rebels.

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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Coming through Killala in Mayo. In 1798, priests were seen bringing half-naked recruits into the town's courtyard, taking clothes from stores kept there and arraying the men for actual service with the rebels.

Protestants taken from Fethard to be massacred at Scullabogue

Fethard · town · Wexford · 1798

An account describes protestants being taken from Fethard to be massacred at Scullabogue during the rebellion.

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Feathardy an account of the proteflants taken from it to be maffacrcd at ScuUabogue, ii. 404,
¥e7ilo7i^ William, his trial for murder on Vinegar-hill, ii. 383.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 195

Rawson's conciliatory address to the people of Athy

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798

Captain Thomas James Rawson, commander of the Athy yeomanry, published an exhortation dated at Glasealy, January 1798, urging the local population to avoid illegal associations, denying the existence of Orange societies aimed at exterminating Catholics, and appealing for unity between Protestants and Catholics.

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any mifguided perfons furrender their arms, and Jicknowledge their errors, they fhall find protection and forgivenefs. — Some perfons have bafely and malicioufly endeavoured to . agitate the publick mind by reports, that certain focietits called Orangemen have been formed for the extirpation of Roman cathoiicks : I declare folemnly, that I do not know, nor do I believe, that any fuch fociety exifts, or ever has been formed in the country. I am convinced in my mind, that fuch infamous reports were propagated for no other purpofe but to difunite the proteftants and Roman cathoiicks ; and to kindle the moft implacable hatred in the latter againfl the former, to anfwer the purpofes of rebellion. It is hoped then, that the members of both thefe orders will go hand in hand in love, in harmony, and refpeCl for the . laws ; and in their joint adoration of the Almighty, and in - jiraying that he will unite all defcriptions of chriflians in mutual afFed:ion, and in defence of their king and country. Such union would be worthy of Irifhmen, and fuch is the conftant and fervent prayer of
THOMAS JAMES RAWSpN, Glaflealy, 27th January, 1798.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Athy, a town on this road through Kildare. In January 1798, Captain Thomas James Rawson, commander of the Athy yeomanry, issued an address from Glasealy dated the 27th of that month. He called on any misguided persons to surrender their arms and acknowledge their errors, promising they would find protection and forgiveness. He then spoke against reports that societies called Orangemen had been formed for the extirpation of Roman Catholics. He declared solemnly that he did not know, nor did he believe, that any such society existed or ever had been formed in the country. He said he was convinced these reports were spread for no purpose but to disunite Protestants and Roman Catholics, and to kindle hatred in the latter against the former, to answer the purposes of rebellion. He hoped members of both orders would go hand in hand in love, in harmony, and respect for the laws, and in their joint adoration of the Almighty. He called such union worthy of Irishmen.

Rebel column plunders and burns Castlecomer and Lady Ormond's mansion

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

Father John Murphy's column marched through the barony of Forth by a circuitous route into county Kilkenny, plundering and burning the town of Castlecomer and the superb mansion of Lady Ormond, and massacring protestants they encountered.

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The other column, headed by priefl Roche, John Hay and Murphy, proceeded from Carrick-bridge to the mountain of Forth, where they remained for about three hours, holding a council of war, in which, as Roche and John Hay differed in opinion, they left them, and were taken in a dd.y or two after, and hanged at Wexford. Father John Murphy, and another pried of the fame name, then led the column by a circuitous route through the barony of Forth, by Maglas,* the moor of Mulrankin, and the Scar pafs of Barretftown, t over the Scallogh-gapjJ into the county of Kilkenny, fpreading defolation in their progrefs, having plundered and burnt the town of Caflle-
comer^^

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 7

Rebel leaders at governor Keugh's house negotiate for amnesty in Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

After receiving news of the victory at Foulkes's Mill, rebel leaders who had taken part in the massacre assembled at governor Keugh's house in Wexford and concerted measures of conciliation, later requesting lord Kingsborough act as mediator.

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The news of the victory at Fouikes's-mill having been received at Wexford th^ fame evening it was gained, a number of rebel leaders, who had been prefent at the mafUicre, affembled at governor Keugh's boufe, and concerted meafares of conciliation, in hopes^ of procuring an amnefty. Next morning they waited cn lord Kinc foorough,. requeRing that- he would be their m.ediator, and write to the different general ofiicers to fpare the inhabitants of Wexford and their property, on laying down their arms, and returning to their allegiance ; which he agreed to do, on their inveiting him with the military command of the town, r.nd reinilating the civil magifirates.
During this negociation, the bloody Thomas Dixon^ and m.any other rebel officers and privates, fiocked to his lodgings, and implored his protections in confideratioii of their humane condudt in having faved the lives of many proteftants.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

Wexford is the town where, in 1798, rebel leaders who had been at the massacre gathered at governor Keugh's house after news of the victory at Foulkes's Mill arrived. They concerted measures of conciliation, hoping to procure an amnesty. The next morning they waited on Lord Kingsborough, asking him to act as mediator and write to the general officers to spare the inhabitants and their property, on laying down their arms and returning to their allegiance. He agreed, on their investing him with the military command of the town and reinstating the civil magistrates. During this negotiation, the bloody Thomas Dixon and many other rebel officers and privates flocked to his lodgings, imploring his protection on account of their humane conduct in having saved the lives of many Protestants.

Rebel muster before march from Gorey to attack Arklow

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798–1799

At the trial of William Byrne of Ballymanus at Wicklow, it was proved that he, Perry and Redmond, as rebel leaders, mustered the rebel army before marching from Gorey to attack Arklow, numbering thirty-one thousand.

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leaders, made a regular rnufter of the rebel army before they marched from Gorey to attack Arklow, and that they amounted to thirty-one thoufand. The mhabitants of the county of
Wexford* - - . . . 69,087 The army that attacked Arklow, 3 1,000 There were three large rebel

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

The road brings you through Arklow now. At the trial of William Byrne of Ballymanus at Wicklow, it was proved that he, Perry and Redmond, as rebel leaders, mustered an army of 31,000 before marching from Gorey to attack this town.

Rebel resistance and cannon barrage before the fall of Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Before the attack on Enniscorthy, a large body of rebels advanced on General Johnson's army near Daphne, fired on his lines with sharpshooters, and later at the town rebels emulously seized cannon balls and were killed when shells they gathered exploded among them.

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The main body which marched from th^ town to attack him, occupied an eminence, on which three or four fhots from twelve-pounders were fired ; and when the balls lodged on the hill, numbers of the rebels emuloufly vied with each other to lay hold of them. After that fome fhells having been thrown on it, and a great body of them having furrounded them for the fame purpofe, they exploded and blew them to atoms.
Next morning, after having driven the rebels from the high ground into the town, which could not be effected without much danger and difficuky, as the rebels difputed every inch of ground, firing from behind the hedges, each of which afforded a ftrong poft ; lie kept that polition for about an hour, during which

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 8

Rebels desecrate Castlebar church during occupation

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

Soon after the French gained the town, rebels attacked and defiled the church, making obscene figures on the pews and destroying others, and profaned the Bible by calling it the devil's book.

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Soon after the. French had gained the town, the popifh favages attacked and defiled the church, making obfccne figures on fome of the pews, and deftixying others. They were fo prophaae, as to pollute
* Ireland for ever I

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 95

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Castlebar in Mayo. In 1798, soon after the French took the town, rebels attacked and defiled the church, making obscene figures on some of the pews and destroying others, and profaned the Bible by calling it the devil's book.

Rebels flee Wexford as royal army approaches

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

The rebels in Wexford, fearing the advancing king's troops and mistaking arriving yeomen for the vanguard of the army, fled the town in panic. Father general Perry carried off Murphy and Whelan, leaving his wounded aides with Lord Kingsborough.

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The fudden flight of the rebels is principally to be imputed to their fear of the king's troops, who were advancing ; and the fudden arrival of a few brave yeomen, which I fnall defcribe, and whom they took for the advanced guard of our army, occafioned their precipitate retreat.
It is certain that Dr. Caulfield ufed every means in his power, and fucceeded, in preventing the rebels from murdering lord Kingfborough ; partly by his fpiritual authority, and partly by teUing them that he was a valuable hoftage; and that by preferving his life, and conciliating him, he vi^ould probably obtain favourable terms for them and their friends, and prevent the foldiers from dcfolating the town and the country.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Coming through Wexford now. In 1798, the rebels who held this town fled in panic when a few yeomen arrived and they mistook them for the advanced guard of the king's army, which was advancing on the town. That fear drove their precipitate retreat. Before they left, Dr. Caulfield used every means in his power to stop the rebels from murdering Lord Kingsborough, partly by spiritual authority and partly by telling them he was a valuable hostage whose life preserved might obtain favourable terms and prevent the soldiers from devastating the town and country.

Rebels hear mass at Gurteen before Castlecomer attack

Gurteen · street · Galway · 1798

About four o'clock in the morning on St. John's day, the rebel army arrived at a place called Gurteen, near Castlecomer, where they heard mass before continuing their advance under cover of fog.

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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

Along here at Gurteen, about 4 o'clock on a St. John's day morning in 1798, the rebel army arrived and heard mass. They had moved under cover of fog, and had prayers again about 2 miles further on, where they halted. The fog was so thick that government troops sent to reconnoitre were fired on before they could see the rebels. When the fog began to disperse, it opened to the astonished troops a view of not less than 8,000 to 10,000 rebels, those armed with muskets in the front, the pikemen in the rear. The main body had halted on the road, and two wings were extending themselves on each side, "the whole forming a crescent." For nearly 2 miles of the road to the town of Castlecomer, there was a long range of wall on each side, and about half a mile of it was planted. While the fog was thick, the troops could not see that the wings of the rebel army had spread themselves considerably and were advancing at a smart trot to surround the town, while the main body stayed on the road. Captain Green, judging from their numbers that all resistance was fruitless, ordered a retreat. The rebels who had got ahead of them and lined the walls kept up a smart fire. The retreat was disorderly. Many of the infantry were overturned by the cavalry and left exposed to the rebels' fire. Within a few perches of the town, a rebel captain with a green flag rushed out from a by-road on horseback and accosted the Honourable Captain James Butler, brother to the Earl of Ormond, at the head.

Rebels retreat from Vinegar Hill through Scullagh Gap to Castlecomer

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

A large body of rebels who escaped from Vinegar Hill, led by Father John Murphy of Boulavogue, retreated into County Kilkenny via the Scullagh Gap and proceeded to Castlecomer, destroying protestant property and murdering inhabitants.

Read the passage

A numerous body of rebels who efcaped from Vinegar-hill retreated into the county of Kilkenny, under the command of father John Murphy, of Boulavogue, by the Scullagh gap, * and thence they proceeded to Caillecomer, deflroying the houfes and property of proteftants, and murdering fucU of their inhabitants as fell into their hands.
Lieutenant Dixon, of the Wexford" regiment, was ftationed at Gore's-bridge, |j a neat village on the river Barrow, and county of Kilkenny, with twentyfive of his own regiment, and a fmall party of the 4th dragoon guards,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 45

Rebel watch stations at Tralee and Tarbert

Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1793

Persons were stationed at Tralee and Tarbert and the intervening space, ready to convey news of the attack on Dingle so the whole county could rise in concert.

Read the passage

A fortnight before St. John's day, the twenty-fourth of June, they proclaimed at their chapels, and by notices pofted in all pubUck places, that they would meet in great numbers on that day at Dingle, and carry all their plans into execution. In confequence of their declaration, IVlr. Mullins get feventy foldiers from Limerick, who marched into Dingle the day preceding the intended meet^ ing ; and he gave publick notice that he would oppofs them : However, not deterred by the army, they entered the town in immenfe numbers, armed with guns, piilols, fwords, pikes, and fcythes mounted on poles. Mr. Mullins, defirous to prevent the effufion of blood, remained in the barrack with the troops till three o'clock, though the infurgents were two hours in pofTellion of the town; but when they began to commit adls of violence on the inhabitants, and their houfes, he marched out, when the mob fired on them, and pelted them with ftones ; on which, having ordered the troops to fire, they killed fourteen of the infurgents, and wounded many of them ; after which they dif- ■perfed and fled, and did not flop until they arrived at fome clifts over the fea, which were ten miles off*, and they would not return till they had made peace with the magiflrates. Moft of them gave information one againfl another ; and they fwore that their intention was to have killed all the proteftant gentlemen, and to have confifcated their eftates. It was proved afterwards, that this plot was general in the county of Kerry, and that it extended even to the county of Limerick, for there were perfons ftationed at Tralee, and Tarbert, and in the intervening fpace, ready to convey the event of their attack on Dingle •, that all the inhabitants of that immenfe tra6l of country might have rifen at the fame joioment, and have aO:ed in concert with them. The exemplary punifhment of thefe infurgents has kept the county of Kerry peaceful ever fince ; for though it was organized in 1797, no outrages were committed but in one place. That falutary ad: of feverity probably faved many hundred iives afterv/ards.
APPENDIX, No. IX. 243

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 133

As the companion tells it

Close to Tralee, in 1793, there were rebel watch stations ready to spread word across Kerry. The story begins at Dingle, where rebels proclaimed at their chapels and posted notices in public places that they would meet in great numbers on St. John's day, the twenty-fourth of June, and carry all their plans into execution. Mr. Mullins got seventy soldiers from Limerick, who marched into Dingle the day before the intended meeting, and he gave public notice that he would oppose them. The rebels entered the town anyway, armed with guns, pistols, swords, pikes, and scythes mounted on poles. Mullins stayed in the barracks with the troops until three o'clock, though the insurgents held the town for two hours. When they began committing acts of violence on the inhabitants and their houses, he marched out. The mob fired on the troops and pelted them with stones. He ordered the troops to fire, and they killed fourteen of the insurgents and wounded many more. The rebels dispersed and fled, not stopping until they reached cliffs over the sea ten miles off, and would not return until they had made peace with the magistrates. Most gave information against one another, and swore that their intention had been to kill all the Protestant gentlemen and confiscate their estates. It was proved afterwards that this plot was general in the county of Kerry, and extended even to the county of Limerick. Persons were stationed at Tralee and Tarbert and in the intervening space, ready to convey the event of their attack on Dingle, so that all the inhabitants of that immense tract of country might have risen at the same moment and acted in concert with them.

Robbery and insult to Mrs Heyden at Enniscorthy after murder of her husband

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Lewis Bulger, butler to Rev. Mr Heyden, robbed his master's house at Ferns and, after the murder of Mr Heyden, insulted Mrs Heyden at Enniscorthy, for which he was later transported.

Read the passage

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

Siege of Londonderry and resettlement of Inishowen by Scots highlanders

near Inishowen · townland · Donegal · 1689

After the famous siege of Londonderry was raised, many Irish natives left their homes in the barony of Inishowen, county Donegal, to follow the Irish army south, and Scottish highland families settled in their places.

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After the famous iiege of Londonderry was raifed, many of the Irilli natives having left their habitations in the barony of Inniftiowen, and county of Donegal, and followed the Irifh army to the fquthern parts of Ireland, feveral families emigrated from the highlands of Scotland, and fettled in their places. Thefe highlanders being proteftants, but not underftanding Englifli, petitioned the then lord bifhop of Derry, to fend them a minifter to perform divine fervice in their own language, which was readily granted ; and he fent them two miniflers to preach in Irifh, one of them a beneficed clergyman, the other having a competent allowance from the bifhop, and they foon had four or five hundred perfons in their congregation, who did not underftand Englifh.
Great numbers of the Irifli rebels, confcious of the crimes they had committed, having deferted their habitations in the county of Antrim, on the landing of the Englifh army ' in 1689 at Carrickfergus, many families from the Hebrides or weilern iilands of Scot] and, who underftood no other langutige but the Irifh, or Erfe, which is the fame, fettled there, and took pofTeflion of them. At firft they went to church, but not underftanding Englifh, they became converts to popery, for no other reafon, than that they underflood the exhortations delivered in Irifh by the popifli priefts, from the ialtar. On being aflced their reafon for doing fo, they faid, " It was better to be of their religion than none at all." To prevent this evil, a petition was prefentcd to the bifhop of Down, to requefl: he would fend minilrers amongft them who could preach to them in the Irifii laaguage ; and he fent fome preachers to them^ who not orily

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Skirmish at Creevy Rocks

Creevagh · townland · Clare · 1798

A detachment of 500 rebels under Johnson, sent to intercept General Nugent's advancing force, was dispersed near Creevy Rocks on the Ballynahinch side of Saintfield and failed to return to their camp.

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On the morning of the twelfth of June, general Nugent marched againfl them from Belfaft, with the Monaghan regiment of militia, part of the 2 2d dragoons, and fome yeomen infantry and cavalry ; and was joined by lieutenant-colonel Stewart, near Ballynahinch, with his party from Downpatrick, making in all about one thoufand five hundred men. Information having been received at the rebel camp, that general Nugent was on his marc}> to attack them, a party of five hundred was detached by Munroe, under the command of one Johnfon, to annoy the general, and retard his progrefs. They advanced near four miles to Creevy-rocks, at 'the Ballynahinch fide of Saintfield, but were difperfed by the flanking parties of the army, and did not return to their friends at Ballynahinch.
A numerous body of the rebels were polled on the Windmill-hill, about a quarter of a mile from the town, but were foon driven from their pofition by the difcharge of the artillery, and joined the camp at lord Moira's houfe. On that occafion, one M^Cuilogh, a rebel colonel, was taken prifoner, and immediately hanged. General Nugent and his party then occupied the Windmill-hill, where he halted

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 68

Stacey's son and nephew shot at Vinegar Hill rebel camp

near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

Edward Stacey deposed that his nephew Benjamin Stacey and his son George Stacey were both shot at the rebel camp on Vinegar Hill for being protestants.

Read the passage

towards them ; and that one of the faid rebels then fired a mufket at informant, charged with a ball, which ball entered at informant's rump, and pafled through his private parts. 'Informant faith, he fell to the ground as if dead ; that his wife, having heard the fhot, came up to him, and had informant carried to his own houfe, where he continued confined to his bed for fix weeks, and at length recovered, though informant had not the affiftance of a doftor or a furgeon. Informant faith, that the rebels deprived him of his arms on the twenty-eighth day of May preceding. Informant faith, that his nephew, Benjamin Stacey, was fhot ia the rebel camp on Vinegar-hill for being a prcteftant j and that George Stacey, the fon of informant, was killed at Vinegar-hill aforefaid, for the fame reafon. Informant faith, that of the four rebels Vv^ho took informant prifoner as aforefaid on the fixteenth day of June, Edward Sinnot was the only perlbn he knew ; that informant was the near neighbour of faid Sinnot, and had been in a ftate of friends ihip with him ; and yet the faid Edward Sinnot was the perfon who fhot informant as before mentioned. Informant faith, he verily believes that twenty-thiee proteftants were malTacred on account of their relig ion, and for no other reafon, within one mile and a half of the houfe of informant ; and that the following perfons were among thofe who were fo maffacred : John Clifrord of Caftle Anneiley, cfquire, John Lord, his fervant, James Johnfon, Robert Johnfon, Robert Afton, William Abraham, John Colburne, William- Johnfon, James Shaw,. Charles Ormfby, Eyre Ormfby, John Johnfon, Elizabeth Stacey, fifter-in-law o£ mform.ant, George Greenlee, Margaret Greenlee his fifter^ Henry Roufom, Robert Aire^ Edward Earle, Jofeph Afton.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 150

As the companion tells it

As you come near Vinegar Hill in Wexford, this is where Edward Stacey gave his account of 1798. He deposed that his nephew Benjamin Stacey was shot at the rebel camp on Vinegar Hill for being a Protestant, and that his son George Stacey was killed there for the same reason. Edward Stacey himself was seized by four rebels on the sixteenth of June. The only one he knew among them was Edward Sinnot, his near neighbour, a man he had been on friendly terms with. It was Sinnot who fired a musket at him, charged with a ball, which entered at his rump and passed through his private parts. He fell to the ground as if dead. His wife heard the shot, came up to him, and had him carried to his own house. He was confined to his bed for six weeks and at length recovered, without the assistance of a doctor or a surgeon. The rebels had already taken his arms on the twenty-eighth of May. He said he verily believed that twenty-three Protestants were massacred on account of their religion, and for no other reason, within a mile and a half of his house. Among those killed were John Clifford of Castle Ansley, esquire, and John Lord his servant, James Johnson, Robert Johnson, Robert Aston, William Abraham, John Colburne, William Johnson, James Shaw, Charles Ormsby, Eyre Ormsby, John Johnson, Elizabeth Stacey his sister-in-law, George Greenlee, Margaret Greenlee his sister, Henry Rousom, Robert Aire, Edward Earle, and Joseph Aston.

Tandy lands at Rutland

Rutland Island or Inishmacadurn · townland · Donegal · 1798

James Napper Tandy landed at Rutland in September 1798, was later taken prisoner at Hamburgh, tried and convicted at Lifford, but pardoned.

Read the passage

Tandy f James Napper, fecretary to the united Iriftimen in Dub'.in, 9th of November, 1791, i. 117 — Indidled at Dundalk affizcs for fedition, and flies, i. 145 — Lands at Rutland in September, 1 798, ii. 463 — Taken prifoner at Hamburgh, tried and convidcd at Li'ffoid, but pardoned, ii. 467.
*Tara, battle of, i. 363.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg

Traitorous conspiracies discovered in Cork, Waterford, and Tipperary

near Muskerry · street · Cork · 1799–1800

In 1799 and 1800, alarming traitorous combinations and conspiracies were discovered in the counties of Cork, Waterford and Tipperary, and in the barony of Muskerry, including a plot in Cork by a committee of assassination for murdering all Protestant gentlemen in the neighbourhood.

Read the passage

The people of the county of Clare, fuppofed in the year 1798 to be perfedlly free from difaffe£lion, broke out into open rebellion in the year 1799 *, and that barbarous practice, peculiar to the natives of Ireland, of houghing cattle^, was carried to a dreadful and alarming excefs in it, and In the county of Galway. In the years 1799 and 1800, traitorous combinations and confpiracies, very alarming from their extent and malignity, were difcovered in the counties of Cork, Waterford and Tipp€rary, and in the barony of Mufkerry ; in the former, a plot formed by a committee of aflaflination, has been recently detected, for murdering aU the proteftant gentlemen in the neighbourhood.
In fhort, a fpirit of difaffe6lion, as ftrong as ever, in the provinces of Leinfler and Munfter, has manifefted itfelf in various defpcrate outrages, and the loyal fubjefis in theni^ who were a£tive againft the rebels, have as much reafon as ever to dread its fatal efFefts, and to fear for their perfonal fafety. Traitorous combinations hav| been recently difcovered in the metropolis ; and perfons who owed their lives to nothing but the royal mercy, have been dete(i?,ed in the 2.0: of fitting in committees, forming new plans of infurre£l:ion ; treafonable ballads are frequently fung in the publick ftreets, and the mafs of the people in it, with indecent boldnefs, give unequivocal proofs of their difloyalty, openly exulting in the fuccefs of our enemies, lamenting the good fortune of our fleets and armies, and expreffing their hopes, that the enemies of mankind will land in their unfortunate country, and aflift them in their plans of robbery and afTafiination ; but the loyal fubje6ts have this one confolation, that treafon is at prefent confined to but one clafs of the people.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Muskerry, in 1799 and 1800, traitorous combinations and conspiracies were discovered, very alarming from their extent and malignity, across the counties of Cork, Waterford and Tipperary, and in this barony of Muskerry. In Cork, a plot formed by a committee of assassination was detected, for murdering all the Protestant gentlemen in the neighbourhood. The people of the county of Clare, supposed in 1798 to be perfectly free from disaffection, broke out into open rebellion in 1799, and the barbarous practice of houghing cattle was carried to a dreadful and alarming excess there and in the county of Galway. A spirit of disaffection, as strong as ever, in the provinces of Leinster and Munster, manifested itself in various desperate outrages, and the loyal subjects in them who were active against the rebels had as much reason as ever to dread its fatal effects and to fear for their personal safety. Traitorous combinations were discovered in the metropolis as well. Persons who owed their lives to nothing but the royal mercy were detected sitting in committees, forming new plans of insurrection. Treasonable ballads were sung in the public streets, and the mass of the people, with indecent boldness, gave unequivocal proofs of their disloyalty, openly exulting in the success of our enemies, lamenting the good fortune of our fleets and armies, and expressing their hopes that the enemies of mankind would land in their unfortunate country and assist them in their plans of robbery and assassination. The loyal subjects had one consolation: that treason was at present confined to but one class of the people.

Trial and condemnation of Doctor Barrett at Castlebar

Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

Doctor Barrett was tried and condemned at Castlebar by court martial for consulting with French officers, directing guards, and signing passes in his son's name, then sent to Ballina for execution.

Read the passage

Before his trial an offer was made to him, that he and his whole family would be permitted to remove themfelves to America ; but fo confident was he that no adt of treafon or rebellion could be fubftantiated againft him, that he rejeded the propofal ; alleging, that if the gentlemen of the country could procure proof fufficient to condemn him, they would not make him fo lenient an offer. He was tried and condemned at Caftlebar, by the fentence of a court martial, and fent to Ballina for execution. His Reparation from an innocent virtuous wife, and feven chiMren, whom he was about to leave unproteded, and without the moft remote profped of fupport,
O— P2 wa^

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 113

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Castlebar, this is where Doctor Barrett was tried and condemned by court martial in 1798. He had been charged with consulting French officers, directing guards, and signing passes in his son's name. Before the trial, he was offered a chance to take his whole family to America, but he refused, so confident he was that nothing could be proved against him. He was wrong. The court sentenced him here, and he was sent to Ballina for execution, leaving behind an innocent wife and seven children with no prospect of support.

United Irish Conspiracy Uncovered in Cork City

Cork · city · Cork · 1797–1799

Sir James Stewart, commanding at Cork, initially refused government orders to send troops to Wexford due to fears of insurrection in Cork itself. Informers came forward in 1798, revealing extensive United Irish societies in Cork numbering sixty-nine, plotting assassinations and organizing rebellion.

Read the passage

On the 5 th day of April, 1798, came forward voluntarily, and made many important difcoveries of traitorous focieties then in exiftence in this city and county, tending to the entire fubverfion of his prefent ma jelly's government, religion, and laws ; and of focieties convened, for the fanguinary purpofe of affalfinating every loyal and welldifpofed perfon in the country^ without any exception, particularly that by which mcfiieurs St. George and Uniacke M'ere moil cruelly murdered ; and of thofe who made an attempt on the life of' fir Henry Mannix, a magiftrate of this county, who, by his aclive exertions to crufli the rebellious, incurred their hatred •, and of a plot to murder Robert Harding, efquire, then high flieriffof the city, whofe very a<^ive conduct marked him as an obje6l of their fanguinary vengeance. They alfo difcovcred, and profecuted to conviction, the traitors who procured to be printed, and circulated, hand-bills for the diabolical purpofe of feducing the Dublin county and North Mayo regiments of militia (then quartered in this city) from their duty and allegiance and alfo gave informations of fixty-nine focieties of United Iridmien in Cork, with the names and places of abode of the officers who belonged to each, many of whom were very forward and active in having pikes made, and ill colleding money to forward the rebellion.
APPENDIX, No. XI.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Cork, this is the city where, in 1798, a far-reaching United Irish conspiracy was uncovered. Sir James Stewart, commanding the garrison here, had refused government orders to send troops to Wexford, fearing insurrection in Cork itself. His fears proved well grounded. On the 5th of April 1798, informers came forward voluntarily and revealed sixty-nine societies of United Irishmen in Cork, with the names and places of abode of the officers belonging to each. The societies were convened for what the source calls "the sanguinary purpose of assassinating every loyal and well disposed person in the country." Messrs St. George and Uniacke had been cruelly murdered, and an attempt was made on the life of Sir Henry Mannix, a magistrate of the county. A plot to murder Robert Harding, then high sheriff of the city, was also uncovered. The informers discovered and prosecuted traitors who printed and circulated hand-bills to seduce the Dublin county and North Mayo regiments of militia, then quartered in Cork, from their duty and allegiance. Many of the society officers were active in having pikes made and collecting money to forward the rebellion.

United Irishman Dogherty killed at Delgany

near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 1798

A United Irishman named Dogherty was killed by Woollaghan at Delgany, County Wicklow, in the autumn of 1798; a rebel song was found on his mother, who denied possessing it despite being seen throwing it from her pocket.

Read the passage

This was found on the mother of Doghcrty, an United Iriftiman who was killed by Woollaghan at Delgany, in the county of Wicklow in autumn 1798. She was feen to throw it out of her pocket, yet (he fwore (he never faw it.*
Vol. II. A a No. XVIII.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 141

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Delgany in County Wicklow. In the autumn of 1798, a United Irishman named Dogherty was killed by a man called Woollaghan. When his mother was searched, a rebel song was found on her. She had been seen throwing it from her pocket, yet she swore she never saw it.

Waterford county disarming and conspiracy against gentry

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1797

In the county of Waterford, the inhabitants of large districts were sworn as United Irishmen and Protestants were disarmed over a few nights, with the main object being to join the French, extirpate Protestants, and confiscate landed property.

Read the passage

EST the county of Waterford, the inhabitants of large diftriCls were fworn, and the proteftants in them were difarmed, in the courfe of a few nights. The main objedl of the rebels, who were exclufively papifl:s, was to join the- French on their landing, to extirpate proteftants, and even fuch perfons of their own order as fliould oppofe them, to plunder wealth, and confifcate landed property ; but it could not be difcovered, that they were headed by any perfons of education and fortune. The Roman catholick gentlemen, much to their honour, remained loyal ^ but from the paucity of their numbers, they mud have yielded to the wiflies of the multitude to preferve their lives and fortunes, if the conft;itution had been fubverted. It is mofl: certain that a general infurrecStion would have taken place in the county of Waterford, in the w^inter of 1797, but that a large body of troops was introduced into it, and divided into cantonments ; and that many diftri61:s were proclaimed on the fourth of December, 1797. However, fuch was the infatuation of the people, that they would have rifen before thefe events took place, but for the following difBculty which occurred : The farmers were the leaders, and the peafants, who v/ere to be the immediate and efficient inftruments in the bufmefs, objected at firft to co-operate with them, becaufe they had no profpe6t cf being rewarded for the imminent danger which they fliould incur ; while the others were to enjoy in fee fimple the farms which they rented. However, it is believed, that thcfe difficulties were overcome \ for plans v/ere formed for
murdering:

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

Whipping Prevents Massacre at Castle Otway

near Castle Otway · castle · Tipperary · 1798

In the parish of Castle Otway, County Tipperary, Cooke Otway raised a yeoman corps but had to disband popish members who had taken the United Irishman's oath. The case of Castle Otway is cited as proof that whipping suspected rebels to extract information prevented massacre and loss of property.

Read the passage

To diAirm the difaiFe£led was impofiible, becaufe their arms were concealed and to difcover all the traitoro v/as equally fo, becaufe they were bound by oaths of fccrecy, and the ilrongeft fandUons of their rcHgior!, not to impeach their fellow traitors. But fuppofe tlie fulleit inform adon could liave been obtained of the guilt of every individual, it would have been impracticable to arreft and commit the multitude. Some men of difcernment and fortitude perceived, that fome new expedient mui\ be adopted to prevent the fubverfion of government and the dertru<£iion cf fociety ; and whipping was reforted to. I would beg leave to afic thofe gentlemen in England, who have inveighed fo bitterly ag?.inft this practice, what they would have done in fuch an alarming fitu^tion, when dellrutStion muft have been the certain refult cf deliberation ? The mallacre of many thoufands of the m.oft valuable merr^bers of fociety, and the lofs of half a miiiidn of property, were prevented in the county of Tipperary by it. The cafe of the parifh of Caftle Otway* in that county, will fhew the necellity and the efficacy of this meafure.
Cooke Otway, efquire, of Caftle Otway, a gentlemannoted for his loyalty, was the moft a61:ive perfon in th© county of Tipperary, next to colonel Fitzgerald, in putting down rebellion, for which he was afterwards perfecuted. He raifed a yeoman corps, but was obliged to diflrand the popilli members, as they had taken the United Irifhrnian's oath. The prefervation of the metropolis from carnage, plunder, and conflagration, may in a great meafure be imputed to it, as traitors, on being whipped, revealed the moft important fecrets, and; confefi'ed. where great quantities of arms were concealed. ' ' v :

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Whitney imprisoned in Wexford barrack coal-house

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

After his ordeal at Enniscorthy, Whitney was marched to Wexford town, goaded with pikes along the way, and confined overnight standing in mire in the coal-house of the barrack, fastened by cords to another prisoner.

Read the passage

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

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Wexford town, this is where Whitney ended up after Enniscorthy. He had been stripped of his coat, waistcoat, and shirt, and tied to a tree in the main street of Enniscorthy, which the rebels called the tree of liberty. He was ordered one hundred and fifty lashes with a scourge of whipcord and wire. Before he reached that number, the cords binding his hands loosened from his struggling, and he fell on his knees, begging them to stop. He swore he might never see the face of God if he knew anything of an Orangeman. The rebels cried out that he was safe in saying that, since no heretic could ever see the face of God. They kept him in the streets with a gun at his breast, then blindfolded him with his own shirt tied about his head and dragged him back to prison, threatening to pike him to death by morning if he did not make discoveries of Orangemen. The next day, after dressing for the wounds on his ribs and loins, he was marched with other prisoners to Wexford, guarded by rebels who goaded him with their pikes to make him move faster than his weakened state allowed. They stopped him three times on the way, swearing they would shoot him. In Wexford he was confined in the coal-house of the barrack, standing in mire for a whole night, fastened by cords to another prisoner, with no food but a few cold potatoes. He was later moved to another room in the barrack and remained there until liberated by his majesty's forces when they took Enniscorthy.

Wounded survivor carried to Oulart village

Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

After the attack at Kyle, the wounded son of Rev. Burrowes was found in the lawn and conveyed on a door to the village of Oulart where his mother and siblings had taken refuge.

Read the passage

father,- upon condition of furrendering his arms, deponent and his father ifTued from faid houfe, and this deponent and his father gave up their fire-arms, whereupon a (hot was immediately fired at this deponent, and deponent's father was attacked and murdered by feveral men, and this deponent himfelf was feverely wounded by a ftab of a pike through the body, and left by the fide of his father apparently dead : and that feven of the nine men, who were armed by this deponent's father in defence of the houfe, were murdered, and that the houfe and furniture, plate, clothing, leafes, fecurities for money and property of every kind contained in faid houfi, were deftroyed, and that the entire ftock upon the grounds belonging to this deponent's father, except four cows and two calves, were taken away by faid rebels ; that this deponent, about three o'clock in the afternoon of faid day, after the faid mob had departed, was found languifliing in the lawn before faid houfe, and conveyed upon a door to the village of Oulart, where deponent's mother and brothers and fillers had been received ; and that on Tuefday, the twenty-ninth of faid month, this deponent, his mother and brothers and fifters were efcorted by a party of faid rebels to Caftle-Annefley, about five miles diftant, and kept in cuftody of a party of faid rebels, until Wexford was re-taken ; and general Needham having difcovered where they were, fent a party of the Durham fencibles, w*ho efcorted this deponent and the reft of the family of this deponent's father to Wexford, where deponent's mother, his brothers and filters are now living. And deponent faith, that deponent's mother and her family have been deprived of the means of fubfiflence, by the lofles fuftained by faid rebels, and are now reduced to a fi;ate of great indigence.
T. C. BURROWES.*

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 146

Disaffection among yeomen at Dunkerrin

Dunkerrin · street · Cork · 1797–1798

Of eighteen papist yeomen in the Dunkerrin cavalry, seventeen were found to be sworn United Irishmen, and five were convicted of robbing houses of arms.

Read the passage

By a court martial, held by orders of general Dunn, two men were convifted of fwearing a perfon to be in readinefs to attack Tullamore, and murder the proteftants. There was much difaffeftion among the popifti yeomen in the King's county. Of eighteen papifts in the Dunkerrin cavalry, feventeen were fworn as United Irifhmen, and five of them were convicted of being concerned in robbing houfes of arms. Some or moft of the papifts in the Shinrone, Rofcrea, Caftleotway and Nenagh corps, were fworn to be true to the united caufe, tliough they had taken the oaths of allegiance.
An oath was framed by general Dunn, with a paragraph, importing, that they would furrender any arms in their poffemon, and difcover fuch perfons as had any in their cuftody. But this produced no cWcO: whatever, and no difcovcries were made, or arms yielded up, until fome of %t,Q noterious rebek, on being flogged, gave full information ;

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

Nineteen insurgents killed at Boyle

Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1793

A large body of insurgents committed various outrages at Boyle, County Roscommon, then attacked a party of the king's troops, who killed nineteen of them.

Read the passage

In the month of May 1793, a large body of them, after committing various outrages at Boyle, in the county of Rofcommon, attacked a party of the king's troops, who killed nineteen of them.
In the months of May and June, 1793, the county of Kerry was a good deal agitated *, the pretext of the dilafr felled was a determination to oppofe the raifing the militia ; but it was foon difcovered to arife froni a deeper and more malignant fource, as the infurgents openly declared^ that nothing would fatisfy them but a divifion of property, and an abolition of tythes and taxes.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 133

1792 riot: plunder at Ballinadee

Ballinadee · townland · Cork · 1792

On 21 December 1792, rioters plundered the house and stores of Mr. Tresilian at Ballinadee during the wider disturbance that began in Bandon over the scarcity of provisions.

Read the passage

The following incident proves, that that fpirit of par-- tiality blended with fanaticifm, v/hich appeared on the breaking-out of the rebellion, is conftantly afloat in the minds of the lower clafs of the Roman catholicks. In t\v: month of December, 1792, a mob having aflembled in the town of Bandon, and complahiing of the fcarcity of provifions, proceeded tp deflroy the mills and corn-llores ol fome millers and corn-fa£iors in the neighbourhood, whom rhey regarded as monopolifts and foreftallers. In their progrefs, having been joined by great numbers of RomaTi catholicks, they materially injured the mills, and difperied or carried oif the corn and flour of the following perfons : Mr. Staweli, of Kilbritton, and Mr. Biggs, of Bandon. On the fceond day, viz. the 20th of December, tliey plundered Mr. Pratt's houfe at Shannon-vale, near Clonakilty. On the 2 1 ft of December, they plundered the houfe and {lores of Mr. Trefilian at Ballinadee, They then refolved to plunder the town of Bandon, and to take the wives ami children of its principal inliabitants as hollages ; but the foUov/ing incident very fortunately prevented the execution of tlieir rafli deiign ; A propofal having been made to
plunder

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

Barrett's escape from Sligo disguised as a sailor

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

After hiding for three months despite a proclamation and reward for his capture, Barrett escaped to Sligo where he boarded a vessel disguised as a sailor and sailed for America.

Read the passage

After remaining in a date of dreadful fufpenfe for three months, he effeQed his efcape to Sligo, where, in the difguife of a failor, he entered :on board a velTel and failed for America.
There w^re many good traits in this, young man's character, which would entitle him to a better fate. He v/as brave and generous, humane and grateful. | and his perfon and manners befpoke fomething much beyond his education and expectations in life ; and it is only to be regretted that his loyalty was not fufficiently (trong to enable him to refifl the influence which was exerted to feduce him to join tlie enemies of his country.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 116

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Sligo now. In 1798, a man named Barrett reached this town after hiding for three months, despite a proclamation and reward for his capture. Here in Sligo, dressed as a sailor, he boarded a vessel and sailed for America. The record says he was brave and generous, humane and grateful, and that his person and manners bespoke something much beyond his education and expectations in life.

Battle of Arklow and disputed retreat proposal

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

Major-general Needham denied that any proposal to retreat was made by him during the battle of Arklow to colonel Skerrett or any other officer, contradicting Gordon's history.

Read the passage

A letter, now in my poflefllon, from major-general Needham, dated March ift, 1802, dates, " that he had never read Gordon's book till I fent it to him a day or two before;" and be ^^uthorizes me to contradi£l his ftatement of the battle of Arklowj by averting, " That no propofal to retreat was made by him, during that battle, to colonel Skerrett, or any other ofEcer whatever under his command," as is falfely infinuated by Mr. Gordon in his hiftory, page 131 ; which can be teftificd by all the fE a IF- officers, and officers commanding corps who have tellified it.
The reafon that lieutenant-general Lake ordered general Needham to repair to Soliborough, from Oulart, contrary to the general orders given to the different columns deftined to attack Vinegar-hill, was this : General Lake was very near that mountain, on which there was an immenfe body of rebels ; and apprehending an attack, in whicli the rebels by the great fuperiority of their numbers, aided by the darknefs of the night, in a very inclofed country, might have baffled difcipline, he, defirous of ilrengthening his main body, fuddenly changed his orders to major-general Needham, which made it impoffible for the latter to be at his pofl of attack in due time. This contradids the miftatement of Mr. Gordon in page 193. I give this from the very firji authority on that command.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 192

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Arklow in Wicklow, you are in a town where a battle was fought in 1798. Major-general Needham led the government forces here, and afterwards a dispute arose over what happened during the fighting. A historian named Gordon wrote that Needham made a proposal to retreat during the battle, but Needham himself denied this. In a letter dated March 1st 1802, he stated that no proposal to retreat was made by him to colonel Skerrett or any other officer under his command, as Gordon had insinuated at page 131 of his history. Needham said this could be testified by all the field officers and officers commanding corps who were present. The author of these memoirs had sent Gordon's book to Needham, who had never read it before. There is a second matter involving Needham's movements around the same campaign. General Lake ordered Needham to repair to Sculloge from Oulart, changing the orders for the attack on Vinegar-hill, because Lake was near that mountain with an immense body of rebels and feared a night attack in enclosed country where numbers might baffle discipline. This made it impossible for Needham to reach his post of attack in time, contradicting Gordon at page 193.

Battle of the Diamond

near The Diamond · crossroads · Armagh · 1795

A battle called the Battle of the Diamond took place between the Defenders and the Protestants.

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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

Cashel residents refute rumours of Orange attacks

Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1798

Following false reports spread by disaffected persons that Orangemen planned to attack Roman Catholics, causing many to flee their homes at night, the inhabitants of Cashel published an advertisement denying the rumours and offering a reward for discovering the fabricators.

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We, the inhabitants of the city of Caftiel, having met this day, for the purpofe of enquiring into the origin of thefe reports, have, after the moft minute inveftigation, found that they are totally deftitute of foundation ; and we do hereby offer a reward of one hundred guineas, to the perfon or perfons who Ihall difcover and profccute to conviction, the author or authors of fuch fabrication, and do alfo promife every degree of protection, to people of all perfuafiono v/ithout diftin£tion. Caftiel, September 14th, 1 798-1.
Signed at the requeft of the meeting, ALEXANDER DON, co/o^iel, commanding in CaJheL JIICHARD PENNEFATHER, captain, Cafid cavalry.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1798, false reports spread that Orangemen planned to attack Roman Catholics, and many people fled their homes at night in fear. The inhabitants of Cashel met to investigate and found the rumours totally without foundation. On September 14th they published an advertisement offering a reward of 100 guineas to anyone who could discover and prosecute the authors of the fabrication. They also promised protection to people of all persuasions without distinction. It was signed by Alexander Don, colonel commanding in Cashel, and Richard Pennefather, captain of the Cashel cavalry.

Castledargan robbed of arms

near Castledargan · street · Sligo · 1793

During the 1793 rising, Defenders robbed captain Ormsby's seat of Castledargan of arms and ammunition.

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They robbed of arms and ammunition captain Ormfby's feat of Caftle-dangan, Mr. Johnfon's, of Adderfaid, and his fons, and captain Carter's, of Drumleafe. Mercury, the feat of Mr. Cooper, member for the county of Sligo, they plundered of fifty mulkets, and various other articles, broke all his windows, and drank or fpilled all the liquors in his cellars. Moft of the gentlemen in that county were obliged to fly from their houfes.
In the month of June, a body of infurgents burned the houfe of Mr. Wilfon, of Caftlecomer, and aflaflinated . Mrs.Wilfon, as fhe endeavoured to efcape from the flames.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 133

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Castledargan, during the 1793 rising, the Defenders robbed Captain Ormsby's seat here of arms and ammunition. They did the same to Mr. Johnson's of Addersaid and his sons, and Captain Carter's of Drumlease. They plundered Mercury, the seat of Mr. Cooper, member for the county of Sligo, of fifty muskets and various other articles, broke all his windows, and drank or spilled all the liquors in his cellars. Most of the gentlemen in that county were obliged to fly from their houses. In June, a body of insurgents burned the house of Mr. Wilson of Castlecomer, and assassinated Mrs. Wilson as she endeavoured to escape from the flames.

Colonel Orr retreats rebel column to Randalstown on hearing cannon

near Randalstown · town · Antrim · 1798

Colonel Orr, frightened on hearing the cannon fire, marched his rebel column of fifteen hundred men back to Randalstown before a second attack on Antrim could be organised.

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cartney, lieutenant of the Royal Irifli Artillery, who volunteered on the occafion, made a fally from the garden, with twenty of the Antrim corps, and drew up, in the midft of the rebel fire, the guns and the ammunition cart ; and having planted them on the garden wall, they diflodged the rebels by a few difcharges of round fhot ; however, they affembled again in feveral places round the town, to renew the attack ; but colonel Orr, frightened on hearing the cannon, marched his column, which was one thouland five hundred flrong, back to Randalftown.
Before the rebels had arranged matters for a fecond attack, the reinforcement from Blaris and Belfaft arrived, on which they fled in all diredions. But a great many of them were killed by the dragoons and the light companies of the Armagh and Monaghan militia, who v/ere detached acrofs the fields to cut off flragglers. Colonel Durham on arriving over the town, was informed that the rebels were in poflefTion of it ; and therefore opened his guns on it with round (hot, and was on the point of doing much mifchief before he found his miftake^ The rebels left about one hundred and fifty dead in the town, and nearly two hundred were killed in the purfuit, in which lieutenant Murphy of the dragoons was feverely wounded with a pike.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 63

Demolition of churches at Lackan, Easky, Kilglass and Enniscrone

near Inishcrone · town · Sligo · 1798

Rebels most severely damaged the Protestant churches of Lackan, Easky, Kilmacshalgan and Enniscrone in the parish of Kilglass, County Sligo, tearing up floors, demolishing pews and communion tables, and desecrating tombs including insulting the remains of the Rev. Mr Valentine.

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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

As you pass through Inishcrone, this is one of the places where rebels did severe damage in 1798. They tore up the floors of the Protestant church here, demolished the pews and communion table, and rifled the tombs with great indecency. They insulted the remains of the Reverend Mr. Valentine, who had served as vicar of this parish for 53 years and died in 1765 in his 90th year. He was noted for his humane and charitable disposition, and left 600 pounds for the widows of clergy in the diocese and 400 pounds for a charity school and apprenticing children. The churches of Lackan, Easky and Kilmacshalgan in the parish of Kilglass were also among the most damaged.

Dr Caulfield's account of the outbreak of rebellion in Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1797–1798

Dr Caulfield, Catholic bishop of Wexford, claimed he had no idea of the rebellion until proclamations of 1798, and that he was writing to pastors of his diocese exhorting peace and loyalty when the sudden outbreak of rebellion stopped circulation of his letters. Musgrave disputes this given magistrates had proclaimed part of the county as early as November 1797.

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A few obfervations will be fufEcicnt to (hew the reader, on what flight grounds their pretenfions to veracity and loyalty are founded. In page three, the do£lor fays, " i hereby, in the awful prefence of God, folemnly declare, that the firft idea i had of that rebellion was, from the proceedings, the publications, and proclamations of government, and of parliament, not four years before, but that very year { 1 798), and that even then, I did not imagine, it would extend to the county of Wexford/' He alfo tells us, in the fame page, *' that he was on his return from Dublin to Wexford, the day before the rebellion broke out ; that he fet about w^riting to the Caiholick pajiors of his dioceje, to exhort the people to peace, good order, and allegiance to his Majefty and government; but the fudden burlt of the rebellion put a flop to the eircuiation of his letters." Any perfon acquainted with the origin^ the progrefs, and the effeiis of the rebellion in that county, cannot but fmile at fuch aifertions ; particularly when be confiders, that the popifh multitude are obliged, under the terrors of eternal damnation, to difclofe the fecrets of tht'ir hearts to their prieRs, in their confcflion-boxes. Xhe magjftrates were To much alarmed at the dangerous fymptoms of rebellion in the autumn of 1797, that a confiderable part of it was proclaimed on the 20th of November j and IVlr Hawtrey White, an a6live, intelligent magiftrate, foretold, about that time, to government, among other particulars, which I hiive Rated in vol. i page 396, " that aa attack on the metropolis was meditated ; that the pupifh priefts were deeply coticerned in the intended rebellion j and that whenever it would break-out, religion would have th^^ chiiif influence in it "
in page 10, the doctor tells us, that he did not fee or hear of a black flag that day (meaning the day of the mafTacre) for that he kept moftly in his own boufe, and particularly that ciay^ except when he was fent for by fome proteftant

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 182

As the companion tells it

Coming up on Wexford town. In 1798, this was where the rebellion erupted, and how much was known beforehand is contested. Dr Caulfield, the Catholic bishop of Wexford, declared, "in the awful presence of God," that his first idea of the rebellion came from government proclamations and publications that very year, 1798, and that even then he did not imagine it would extend to the county of Wexford. He said he was returning from Dublin to Wexford the day before the rebellion broke out, and was writing to the Catholic pastors of his diocese, exhorting the people to peace, good order, and allegiance to his Majesty and government. But the sudden burst of the rebellion, he said, put a stop to the circulation of his letters. Musgrave disputes him. Magistrates were so alarmed at dangerous symptoms of rebellion in the autumn of 1797 that a considerable part of the county was proclaimed on the 20th of November. Mr Hawtrey White, an active and intelligent magistrate, foretold to government around that time that an attack on the metropolis was meditated, that the popish priests were deeply concerned in the intended rebellion, and that whenever it would break out, religion would have the chief influence in it. Musgrave notes the popish multitude were obliged, under the terrors of eternal damnation, to disclose the secrets of their hearts to their priests in confession. The doctor also says he did not see or hear of a black flag that day, the day of the massacre, because he kept mostly in his own house, except when sent for by some Protestant.

Father Meara and father O'Brien of Doone sentenced to transportation

Doon · townland · Tipperary · 1798

Father Meara, parish priest of Nenagh, had sworn many priests in his neighbourhood, and father O'Brien of the parish of Doone was also deeply involved in the conspiracy; both were sentenced to be transported.

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I (hall defer difcuffing at prefent the policy and the good effedls of whipping and free quarter, but the reader may form fome judgment of it from the following inflance : Mr. Otway, of Caftle Otway, near Nenagh, Jiad undoubted proof that the people in his populous parilh were fworn, organized, and well fupplied with arms ; and that they were foon to rife and maflacre all the loyal fubje(fl:s. He then, took up a fellow, well known to have been fworn, and threatened to whip him, unlefs he difclofed his fecrets of the confpiracy^; but he called God to witnefs his innocence, and offered to make an affidavit of it ; but Mr. Otway ordered him to receive twenty-five lafhes in the prefence of fir James DuiF ; but he perfifted in profeffing his ignorance of the plot. Having been tied up next day, when his fkin was tender from the preceding whipping, he acknow-. ledged his guilt, that the parifli was organized, and the people were well armed with pikes. Soon after he was taken down, which convinced the confpirators that he had made a full acknowledgment of what he knew. They then inftantly became emulous in making confelTions, and in furrendering arms ; and, in the fpace of a few hours, feventeen hundred pikes were furrendered ; and father Kennedy, the parifli priefl, voluntarily acknowledged, that he had been fworn by father Meara, a prieft who had fworn many others, though he had been previoufly examined by Mr. -Otway, and fwore that he was perfe£l;ly ignorant of the confpiracy. — It appears alfo, that father Meara, parifh priefl of Nenagh, had fworn many priefts in his neighbourhood ; and that father O'Brien, of the parifh of Doone, and he, were deeply concerned in the confpiracy , and they were both fentenced to be tranfported. .
No. XII.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

Fleeing rebels pass through the Scullogue Gap into Wexford

Scullogue Gap · pass · Carlow · 1798

The remainder of the rebels, after their defeat at Kilcomney-hill, fled into the county of Wexford through the Scullagh-gap, having lost their cannon, baggage, horses, stores and provisions.

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All their cannon, baggage, horfes, (lores and provifions, fell into our hands, and fome unfortunate fcldicrs and proteflants, who happened to be their prifoners, were retaken. The remainder of the rebels fled into the county of Wexford, through the ScuUagh-gap.
Father John Murphy, a prieif!:, who acted as aidde-camp to the great facerdotal hero, John Murphy, of Boulavogue, and who had accompanied him from Vinegar-hill, fell in this adion. He had a dove and a crucifix on his buttons ; and , letters direcled to him were found in his pocket, recommending to him proper places for encamping.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 57

Forced conversions of protestant prisoners at Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

Whitney deposed that a priest named Whitty christened many protestants, and that he along with thirty-seven other prisoners at Enniscorthy were forced to cross themselves to preserve their lives.

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maketh oath, That he heard the rebels fay while their prifoner, that if any one of them killed three protellants he was fure of falvation ; and if any one of them were killed they went dire£l:iy to hea/en, as they were fighting the battle of Chrift ; that on the contrary, that any heretick like him went to hell immediately ; that they faid it was prophefied many years ago, that there would b^but one religion, and that it would be theirs (meaning the popilh religion,) and any that would not (pomply hjfair meansy fhould by the point of the fword ; he alfo depofes, that the rebels (converfing about the murders that had been committed) laid that was the way to put down he^efy, from which he firmly believes, that it was their intention to murder all proteitants j and he further believes, that no proteftant can at prefent refide with fafety in the country % that his farm is between four and five miles from Ennifcorthy, and that he has not been there fince the twentieth of September laft, through fear of being murdered ; he alfo depofes, that while he was at Mr. BoxwelFs in the barony of Forth, whither he fled for fecurity, he heard and truly believes, ' that one Whitty a popifh prieft in that country chriftened nlany protellants ; and that he, with thirty-feven other prifoners in Ennifcorthy, were obliged in prefervation of their lives to crofs themfelves (or to blefs themfelves) as the papifts term that ceremony.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 155

General Lake occupies Governor Keugh's house in Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

General Lake entered Wexford on 22 June and established his staff in the house of Keugh, the rebel governor of the town, only hours after Keugh himself had held his headquarters there.

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General Johnfon remained on the fouth fide of the Slaney, and not far from general Moore, General Lake entered Wexford on the morning of the twentyfecond of June, and eftabhfhed his ftafF in Keugh's houfe, where he, as governor of the town, and a rebel general, had held his ftafF a few hours before.
As many falfe and fcandalous reports were propagated by the difaffeded, that feveral wanton and barbarous outrages were committed by the king's troops on their entering Wexford, that many peribns were immediately and without any criminal procefs put to death, I think it proper to obferve, that fuch infamous calumnies were perfectly groundlefs ; that peace and gopd order were preferved there ; and that none but thofe who took a very adive part in the rebellion were punifhed. I give the reader, in Appendix, No. XXL 4. a Uft of the dehnquents who fuffered there during the fpace of two years after, and general Lake's humane proclamation.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 25

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Wexford, you are on ground where the rebellion of 1798 reached a turning point. On the morning of 22 June, General Lake entered the town and established his staff in the house of Keugh, the rebel governor of Wexford, who had held his own headquarters there only hours before. The author of the contemporary record insists that reports of wanton outrages by the king's troops on entering the town were groundless, and that peace and good order were preserved. He says none but those who took a very active part in the rebellion were punished, and points to a list of delinquents who suffered there over the following two years, along with what he calls General Lake's humane proclamation.

Imprisonment above the market-house at Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

Taylor was captured near Ballywalter and confined for a week in a room over the market-house of Gorey, where he was robbed of his clothes and given ragged soldier's apparel.

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county of Wexford, gentleman, who being duly fworn pn the Holy Evangelifts, maketh oath, and faith. That he this informant was very much alarrned on the morning of the twenty-feventh of May, 1798, having been informed that the rebels in great force \vcre approaching his place pf refi-. dence, and that they had burned the houfes of many protellams, and had murdered their inhabitants; among whom were, as he v»^as informed, lieutenant Bookey of the CamoHn cavalry, the reverend Mr. Burroughs, and Mr. Howlaii Darcy ; on which informant faith, that he repaired for prote(5tion to the town of Corey, about four miles diftant. Informant faith, that he, his m.other, and fifter repaired with the army to Arklow, as the town of Corey vras expofed to, the rebels when the army marched from it on the twentyeighth of May. Informant faith, that he returned towards Ballywalter aforefaid, on the fifth of June; but that he, this informant, before he arrived there, ''was taken prifoner by the rebels on the fixth day of June, when he was within three miles of Ballywalter aforefaid. Informant faith, that he was led by the rebels the fame day to the town of Corey, and was confined with many other prifoners in a room over the market-houfe of faid town during a week. Informant faith, that foon after he was committed a prifoner as aforefaid, tke. rebels robbed him of half a guinea, and deprived him of his hat, his neckcloth, his coat, waiffccoat, breeches, and fhoes, and gave him in their (lead the old ragged apparel of a foldier. This informant faitli, that while he and the otlier prifoners \vere in cuftody of the rebels at Corey
aforefaid.i

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Gorey in County Wexford, this is a town with a story from 1798. In late May of that year, rebels in great force were approaching the homes of Protestants in the surrounding countryside. They had burned houses and murdered inhabitants, among them Lieutenant Bookey of the Camolin cavalry, the Reverend Mr. Burroughs, and Mr. Howlan Darcy. A gentleman named Taylor, living near Ballywalter, heard the news on the morning of the twenty-seventh of May and went for protection to Gorey. From there he, his mother, and his sister went with the army to Arklow, because Gorey was left exposed when the army marched from it on the twenty-eighth of May. Taylor returned towards Ballywalter on the fifth of June, but on the sixth, within three miles of Ballywalter, rebels took him prisoner. They led him that same day back to Gorey and confined him, with many other prisoners, in a room over the market-house. He was held there for a week. Soon after he was locked up, the rebels robbed him of half a guinea. They took his hat, his neckcloth, his coat, waistcoat, breeches, and shoes, and gave him in their place the old ragged apparel of a soldier. He and the other prisoners remained in the custody of the rebels at Gorey.

John Murphy's cry at William Goff's house, Boulavogue

near Boleyvogue · population centre · Wexford · 1798

Near father John Murphy's house at Boulavogue, Murphy and his men went to the house of William Goff and Murphy was heard crying out to pull a man out, followed by an affirmative reply.

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of Wexford, farmer, who, being duly fworn on the Holy Evangelifts, maketh oath and faith, That he, this examinant, \ reeeived information from fome of his friends and neighbours of the protcftant religion, on the firft day of May laft, that there would be an infurreclion of the United Irifh - men on that night, at the hour of one o'clock, and that a iignal would be given to them for that purpofe, by th^ lighting of a fire on the top of mount Leinftert in faid county, which was to be anfwered by fires lighted on the higheit hills in all the adjacent counties, as a fignal for a general infurre6lion ; that in confequence thereof he and his proteflant neighbours were on their guard for m.any nights after, but that examinant could not perceive any fuch fire until Saturday evening the twenty-fixth day of May lafl, when about fun-fet examinant faw a fire kindled on ar^ adjoining hill, called Corrigrua, f in faid county, and that examinant faw a few minutes after another fire, on a rifmg ground, contiguous to the houfe of father John Murphy, of Boulavogue, in faid county, and about a quarter of a mile from the houfe of examinant ; and that foon after tlie laid John Murphy, and fome other men, repaired to the houfe of one William GofF, a near neighbour of examinantj and that the faid John Murphy cried out aloud, Pull him
out 1

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 144

Killing of William Thornton near Taghmon

Taghmon · town · Wexford · 1798

William Thornton, a coachmaker from Wexford, was taken near Taghmon while trying to escape to Waterford; his eyes were first piked out, and he was barbarously murdered the next day.

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William Thornton, coachmaker in Wexford, in endeavouring to make his efcape to Waterford, taken near Taglimon, his eyes firft piked out, and barbaroufiy murdered the next day.
Protejlaiit inhabitants of the pari/h of Ferns y murdered in the rebellion.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 154

Massacre of thirty-six Protestants near Gorey

Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

After the battle of Vinegar Hill, thirty-six Protestants were massacred near Gorey by retreating rebels.

Read the passage

Majfacrcy of the Albigenfes and Waldenfes, under the council of Lateran, i. 16 — And of the French proteftants on St. Bartholomew's day, i. 17 — A general one intended by the Irifh rebels, the firft lift confifted of 30,000 perfons, i 187 — Of thirty-fix proteftants near Gorey, after the battle of Vinegar-hill, ii. 10. — Of meffieurs ClifFe, Annefley and Elliot, at the Roar, i. 512 — On the bridge of Wexford, ii 16 — At Scullabogue, 1,525— On Vinegar-hill, from i. 443 to 462.
IifJafthe'v.'Sy major of the Downfhire regiment, his purfuit of father John Mufphy and his banditti, ii. 87.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 195

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Gorey in Wexford. In 1798, after the battle of Vinegar Hill, thirty-six Protestants were massacred near here by retreating rebels. The book that records it gives only that bare fact, a single line in an index among other massacres of that rebellion. It is all the record leaves us.

Ormsby's house at Oulart burnt and family expelled

Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

On returning home to Oulart, Ormsby found his house burnt and plundered, and his wife and family turned out and threatened with death by a rebel sympathizer.

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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

Pastorini's prophetic history printed in Dublin encourages massacre

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1790–1798

A translation of a book by Pastorini defending massacres of protestants was printed in Dublin by James Mehain in 1790, falsely interpreting prophecy to suggest heretics would be extirpated, intended to encourage the Irish papists to join the coming conspiracy and massacre.

Read the passage

In the year 1790, the tranflation of a book entitled, " The general hiftory of the chriftian church, from her birth to her final triumphant ftate in heaven," was printed in Dublin by James Mehain, a popiffi bookfeller. It was written originally at Rome, by a fanguinary bigot of the name of Paftorini. This "writer defends and expreifes his approbation of the raaffacres of proteftants, which took place in France and Ireland ; and he endeavours to (hew, by falfe and tortuous expofitions of the prophefies, that it has been pofitively decreed by the Almighty, that hereticks of every kind and in every country in Europe would be extirpated the beginning of this century. This piece of blalphemy and folly, which is a large oftavo volume of 502 pages, was publifhed, it is believed, to encourage the mafs of the Jrilli papifts to join m the confpiracy which was framed fo early, and in the malfacre which v/as to fucceed it in the year 1798, as if it was to be conducted under the divine fanclion ; and yet, from the year 1791 to that period, the |)opiih clergy and laity frequently aifembled in different parts of the kingdom, particularly in Dublin, expreffed their zealous and unabated loyalty, and made publick and unequivocal renunciations of the fanguinary and intolerant principles which ever characterized their church.*
It is mofl certain, that the great mildnefs and beneficence of the proteftants of every rank towards

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where, in 1790, a translation of a book by Pastorini was printed by James Mehain. Pastorini, a writer described as a sanguinary bigot, had composed the work originally at Rome. It was titled The general history of the Christian Church, from her birth to her final triumphant state in heaven, and ran to 502 pages in a large octavo volume. The book defended and expressed approbation of the massacres of Protestants that took place in France and Ireland. Through false and tortuous interpretations of the prophecies, Pastorini endeavoured to show that it had been decreed by the Almighty that heretics of every kind and in every country in Europe would be extirpated. It was believed this work was published to encourage the mass of the Irish Catholics to join the conspiracy framed so early, and in the massacre which was to succeed it in the year 1798, as if it were to be conducted under divine sanction. Yet from 1791 to that period, the Irish clergy and laity frequently assembled in different parts of the kingdom, particularly in Dublin, expressed their zealous and unabated loyalty, and made public and unequivocal renunciations of the sanguinary and intolerant principles which ever characterized their church.

Planned murder at Tulla, home of Lavallin Nugent

Tulla · town · Clare · 1796

A murder and robbery were intended to be committed at the house of Lavallin Nugent, esquire, of Tulla in County Westmeath, according to the confession of a defender-turned-informer.

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The confelnon upon oath of Henry Ledwich who took refuge in the goal of Mullingar, before fome magiftrates thirtieth January, 1796. He is a private in the 12th dragoons, and voluntarily made a very ufeful difcovery of a murder and robbery intended to be committed in the houfe of Lavallin Nugent, efquire, of Tulla, in the county of Weftmeath. Deponent was two years a defender, and to get rid of tliem, enlifted about two months ago in the faid regiment. The firft oath he took was to be true to the king, and to his brethren, when occafion required ;--the fecond was to be true to his brethren, and to join, the French when they would land, and to deftroy the members of every religion but their own. Deponent was fworn a defender in the county of Cavan, but never a£ted as fuch till about a month ago, and was out but three times with them, in Weftmeath, whither he came from the county of Cavan to avoid them. Deponent was fpoken to by one Clarke a publican, who was a committee man and treafurer to the defenders, and lives at Parfon*s-town, and has feduced many perfons. Deponent's motive for giving information about the Nugent family was, that his family had ferved under them in the wars of Ireland. . That Clarke has the country under contribution, and iiTues his orders to pafs fuch perfons as pay their fubfcrlptionsu Deponent was at the robbery of
APPENDIX, No. XIII. 289

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

Plan to fire cannon on Waterford from a hill

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1798

Conspirators had seduced many of the Clare militia quartered at Waterford, and it appeared their artillery-men intended to fire battalion guns on the city from a hill overlooking it.

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The confpirators had feduced a great number of the Claje militia, quartered fome months at Waterford, who were to have a6ted with them on the general infurrection; and it appeared that their artillery-men were to have fired on the city, w\th their battalion guns, from a hill which hung over it.
It \s to be lamented that there was a ftrong fpirit of difafte £tion among the Roman catholick yeomen of Waterford, for which many of them were difmifled; and it M'as pro ved, that they had entered into the fervice for no other p urpofe but to acquire arms and a knowledge of military difcipline.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 136

Popish yeomen shot in and around Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

About thirty-six Catholic yeomen were shot in Carlow and its vicinity for disaffection, while no instance of disaffection was found among Protestant yeomen.

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About thirty-fix popifli yeomen were ihot in Carlow and its vicinity ; but there was not a fmgle inftance of difaffe£lion difcovered in a proteflant, that I could hear of.*
As the attack on Carlow, and the defeat of the rebels, took place on the firft explofion of the rebelHon, I included a defcription of it in the events which took place on that occafion. »

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 135

Prisoners confined at Henry King's house in Ballina

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

William Stinson swore he was taken prisoner at his own house near Kilmacshalgan and conveyed to Ballina, where he was confined in the house of the Right Hon. Henry King along with other protestant prisoners, and abused by a popish priest named Cowley.

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this day, and made oath on the Holy Evangelifts, That he was taken prifoner at his own houfe, on Saturday the eighth day of September laft, about the hour of four o'clock in the afternoon, by two men of the name of Rogan and Gillafpy, as deponent was informed, both armed with a gun and fword, and that they conveyed him to Ballina, in faid county, and confined him in the houfe of tiie right honourable Henry King ; that during his confinement, a popifh prieft of the name of Cowley, came into the room where this deponent was confined, and faid, " Orange, lie down/* and « Croppie^., vife up;'' faying alfo,
to

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in Ballina, William Stinson was confined in the house of the Right Honourable Henry King in 1798. Stinson swore on the Holy Evangelists that he was taken prisoner at his own house near Kilmacshalgan on Saturday the 8th of September, about four in the afternoon. Two armed men, named Rogan and Gillafpy, each carrying a gun and a sword, seized him and conveyed him to Ballina. During his confinement, a priest named Cowley came into the room where Stinson was held and said, "Orange, lie down" and "Croppie, rise up."

Protestant refugees flee mountains and colliery toward Castlecomer

Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

As rebels approached from the mountains between Castlecomer and Leighlinbridge, protestants fled with their families from the mountains and colliery, crowding the roads for hours in fear.

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In the courfe of Saturday the twenty-third, feveral loyalifts from the mountains, between Caftlecomer and Leighlin-bridge, brought intelligence, that the rebels were bending their courfe that way. They ftill remained in heedlefs fecurity. They had often been alarmed by falfe reports, that they would not now believe the approaching danger, though each fucceffive exprefs ftrengthened the former ; and though a poor man who was mofl dreadfully mangled and left for dead by the rebel advance-guard was brought into the town, to have his wounds dreffed. It is impoilible to defcribe the diftreffing fcene which on that evening prefented itfelf, all the proteftants with their families flying from the mountains and the colliery. For feveral hours the roads were crowded with thofe unfortunate fugitives, with infancy and decrepitude in their train, dreading, the fpirit of fanaticifm.
On Saturday night the garrifon was reinforced by ^ a troop of the 4th dragoons, a company of the Waterford militia from Doonane, a company of the Downfliire, twenty of the Cullinagh infantry, and forty of the Cullinagh cavalry, fo that the whole might confift of nearly three hundred, but being moftly cavalry, they were not at ail calculated for that country, where the ground is much broken up with colliery pits». 1 hat night, the rebels flept at 2, place about five miles from Caftlecomer, on a ridge of mountains, near Leighlin-bridge.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 49

Rebels from Ballina march to force massacre of prisoners at Killala

Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

Rebels stationed at Ballina, angry that their comrades at Killala had not killed their heretic prisoners, set out three hundred strong to compel them to do so, but were prevented by O'Keon.

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Thofe Rationed at Ballina being incenfed with their brethren at Killala for not putting their heretick prifoners to death, three hundred of them fet cut with a defign of compelling them to do fo ; but they were purfued by O'Keon, who prevented them, ihough not without difficulty.
Henry O'Keon more than once prevented the re» bels from murdering their proteflant prifoners.

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 97

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Killala in Mayo, this is where rebels from Ballina marched in 1798. Three hundred of them set out from Ballina, angry that their comrades here had not killed their Protestant prisoners, meaning to force them to do it. O'Keon pursued them and prevented the massacre, though not without difficulty.

Repulse of rebels at Larne

near Larne · town · Antrim · 1798

A large rebel force reportedly ten thousand strong, based at Ballymena, attacked Larne but was repulsed by the Tay Fencibles aided by yeomanry and loyal inhabitants.

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their arms, and promifing to return to their allegiance. ' The rebels pofled at Ballymena, faid to be ten thoufand flrong, attacked Larne on the mOrnmg of the feventh, but were repuifed by a detachment ot the Tay fcncibles, aided by the yeomanry, and the loyal inhabitants.
The death of lord O'Neil was univerfally and defervediy lamented, as he poiTelfed in a very eminent degree every good and amiable quahty. He was generous and humane, warm and fteady in friend- Ihip, and fo mild and beneficent, that he was ever ready to forgive injuries. He had fuch innate goodncfs and philanthropy, that he could fcarce be induced to think ill of others ; and he had fuch fine feelings, that he never heard a tale of woe without fympathifing with the fufferer, and wifting to ad^ minifter to his relief. It might be truly faid, that^

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 65

Retreat from the battle of Ross encountered near Foulke's Mills

near Foulkesmill · population centre · Wexford · 1798

Grandy and a fellow prisoner, tied and conveyed within a mile and a half of Ross, met Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan and William Devereux retreating from the battle of Ross, and were later taken to Foulke's mills where the deponent dressed the wounded for two days.

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That Bagenal Haryey ordered the faid Murphy to take the two prifoners to his lodging at CoUopfwell, where he had given a pafs to Loftus Frizzcl, but refufed to give one to examinant, for fear he would come and report what he had feen and heard at Duncannon Fort ; that deponent heard and believes it to be a fa6l that faid Cornelius Grogan * had the command of the Barony Forth rebel t^^oops at the battle of Rofs 5 that deponent was taken to Foulkes's mills that night, where he continued for two days under a guard, drefTmg the wounded •, that he was afterwards conveyed to Ballymitty, where he obtained a pafs from Edward Murphy of faid place, to pafs and repafs' through his diftri£l for the purpofe of curing the wounded. That he was fent to Taghmon, where the fitting rebel ma- ^iRrates, John Breen, James Harpur, Jofeph Cullomore, und Pvlatthew Commons, were of opinion, that he might with the prieft's pafs have gone back again and remain there ',-f that he ftrolled along the fea-fide, till at laft he effeGcd his efcape acrofs the ferry of Bannow to Feathard, on Friday the twenty-fecond inftant, and from thence to Puncannon Fort this morning j that he often heard it report-
ed,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 162

Rev. Mr. Keegan's offer of a house at Athy for chapel rejected by rebellious parishioners

Athy · town · Kildare · 1798–1800

Captain Rawson offered the Catholic parish priest Mr. Keegan the use of a house near Athy for a temporary chapel after the burnings, but the rebellious parishioners refused to attend, despite their priest's exemplary conduct, showing the influence of sectarian fanaticism over clerical authority.

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Captain Rawfon felt much for the diilrefs of the reverend Mr. Keegan, the parifli priclt, a man of moft exemplary conduc): and offered him the ufe of a large houfe- he had lately purchafed near the town, for a temporary chapel : He accepted the ofler ; and the houfe was prepared accordingly. His good intentions were fruftrated, as the rebellious had more influence than their worthy paftor, and not one man would attend him in the houfe of a lieretick. Such is the force of fanaticifm !
^be a^davit of Thomas Davis, of Frofperous,

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Athy now. Around 1798, after the burnings, Captain Rawson offered the Catholic parish priest, Reverend Mr. Keegan, the use of a large house he had lately purchased near the town as a temporary chapel. Keegan was a man of exemplary conduct and he accepted the offer, and the house was prepared accordingly. But not one man would attend him there, because it was, as they saw it, the house of a heretic. The rebellious parishioners had more influence than their worthy pastor.

Soldiers sworn to conspiracy in Ferns churchyard

Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1798

Patrick Mc. Mahon of the Clare militia testified that Murray and Gallagher, privates in the same regiment, asked him in the churchyard of Ferns to swear an oath of loyalty to their cause, meaning insurrection.

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Patrick Mc. Mahon, of the Clare militia, ftated in -his examinations, fworn ^before William Moore, efquire, the thirteenth of Auguft, 179B, that Murray and Gallagher, privates in the fame regiment, afked him, in the church yard of Ferns, to be fworn to be true to them and their caufe, meaning an infurrection ; but added at the fame time, that if he had any underftanding of his religion, there would be no occafion to fwear him.
By a court-martial, held at Waterford, the thirteenth of November, 179B, by order of general Johnfpn, the mutiny of the 4th light battalion was proved in the cleared manner : That it was to have taken place the night they marched froni Ferns ; and that they were to have murdered their officers, and ail the orangeijien and protedants of the regiment. Vol. II. F It

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 39

Suspicious meetings at tippling houses in Ballina

Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

During summer 1798, shopkeepers, mechanics and servants of the Catholic persuasion held frequent meetings at low tippling houses in Ballina and its vicinity, raising suspicions of treasonable intent, with northern agitators travelling in disguise as hawkers.

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In the courfe of the fummer of 1798, it was obferved, that the petty fliop-kee'pers, mechanicks and fervants, of the popifli perfuafion, ufed to hold fre* quent meetings at the low tippHng houfes in Baliina, and its vicinity, which induced well grounded fufpicions that they entertained defigns of a treafonabic tendency ; particularly as fuch aflbciations were conftantly attended byfome of the northerns, who were active and zealous in maldng profelytestotheirpernicious doctrines. They alfo kept up a confliant intercourfe with their friends in the North, bv means of emiffaries, who pafled and re-pafled in the guife of hawkers and pedlars. This intelligence having been privately communicated to the reverend Mr. Neligan, of Ballina, a very adive and intelligent magifl:rate, (whofe zealous exertions on this and other occafions became a fource of many future calamities to himfelf and his numerous family) he and a few friends, in whom he could confide, were conftantly on the watch, in order to detecl and counteract the treafonable plans of this party ; but they were conducted with fuch fecrefy, as to elude their vigilance, and prevent them from receiving any certain information of their real defigns ; however it had the good effect of filliiiig them with alarm and diflidence, and of preventing them from diffemlnating their dodrine in as wide a circle, and with as much rapidity as before.
Mr. Neligan, ever attentive to the duties of his pflSce and the peace of fociety, having learned that

Internet Archive memoirsofdiffere02musg, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ballina, in the summer of 1798, there were frequent meetings at the low tippling houses that drew the attention of the authorities. The people gathering were shopkeepers, mechanics and servants, all Catholic, and they were joined by men from the north who travelled in the guise of hawkers and pedlars, keeping up contact with their friends there. All this raised what the source calls well grounded suspicions of treasonable intent. The intelligence was privately passed to the Reverend Mr. Neligan, a magistrate in Ballina, who gathered a few trusted friends and kept constant watch to detect and counteract the plans. But the meetings were run with such secrecy that Neligan and his circle could never get certain information about the real designs. Their watching did have one effect: it filled the party with alarm and distrust, and slowed the spread of their doctrine. The source notes that Neligan's zealous exertions on this and other occasions became a source of many future calamities to himself and his numerous family.

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

Plunder at Bangor

Preparations for and fighting of the Battle of New Ross

Priest Grady of Rathreagh dragged from altar for loyalty

Priests clothe rebel recruits in Killala courtyard

Protestants taken from Fethard to be massacred at Scullabogue

Rawson's conciliatory address to the people of Athy

Rebel column plunders and burns Castlecomer and Lady Ormond's mansion

Rebel leaders at governor Keugh's house negotiate for amnesty in Wexford

Rebel muster before march from Gorey to attack Arklow

Rebel resistance and cannon barrage before the fall of Enniscorthy

Rebels desecrate Castlebar church during occupation

Rebels flee Wexford as royal army approaches

Rebels hear mass at Gurteen before Castlecomer attack

Rebels retreat from Vinegar Hill through Scullagh Gap to Castlecomer

Rebel watch stations at Tralee and Tarbert

Robbery and insult to Mrs Heyden at Enniscorthy after murder of her husband

Siege of Londonderry and resettlement of Inishowen by Scots highlanders

Skirmish at Creevy Rocks

Stacey's son and nephew shot at Vinegar Hill rebel camp

Tandy lands at Rutland

Traitorous conspiracies discovered in Cork, Waterford, and Tipperary

Trial and condemnation of Doctor Barrett at Castlebar

United Irish Conspiracy Uncovered in Cork City

United Irishman Dogherty killed at Delgany

Waterford county disarming and conspiracy against gentry

Whipping Prevents Massacre at Castle Otway

Whitney imprisoned in Wexford barrack coal-house

Wounded survivor carried to Oulart village

Disaffection among yeomen at Dunkerrin

Nineteen insurgents killed at Boyle

1792 riot: plunder at Ballinadee

Barrett's escape from Sligo disguised as a sailor

Battle of Arklow and disputed retreat proposal

Battle of the Diamond

Cashel residents refute rumours of Orange attacks

Castledargan robbed of arms

Colonel Orr retreats rebel column to Randalstown on hearing cannon

Demolition of churches at Lackan, Easky, Kilglass and Enniscrone

Dr Caulfield's account of the outbreak of rebellion in Wexford

Father Meara and father O'Brien of Doone sentenced to transportation

Fleeing rebels pass through the Scullogue Gap into Wexford

Forced conversions of protestant prisoners at Enniscorthy

General Lake occupies Governor Keugh's house in Wexford

Imprisonment above the market-house at Gorey

John Murphy's cry at William Goff's house, Boulavogue

Killing of William Thornton near Taghmon

Massacre of thirty-six Protestants near Gorey

Ormsby's house at Oulart burnt and family expelled

Pastorini's prophetic history printed in Dublin encourages massacre

Planned murder at Tulla, home of Lavallin Nugent

Plan to fire cannon on Waterford from a hill

Popish yeomen shot in and around Carlow

Prisoners confined at Henry King's house in Ballina

Protestant refugees flee mountains and colliery toward Castlecomer

Rebels from Ballina march to force massacre of prisoners at Killala

Repulse of rebels at Larne

Retreat from the battle of Ross encountered near Foulke's Mills

Rev. Mr. Keegan's offer of a house at Athy for chapel rejected by rebellious parishioners

Soldiers sworn to conspiracy in Ferns churchyard

Suspicious meetings at tippling houses in Ballina