Memoirs of Joseph Holt, general of the Irish rebels, in 1798 (vol. 1)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Alleged slaughter of Royal troops at Ballyellis

   Ballyellis · townland · Cork · 1798

   The preface disputes Holt's claim that three hundred and seventy Royal troops were slaughtered by his rebel band at Ballyellis in under twenty minutes, though it acknowledges the ambush was well managed and Sir Watkin Wynne's corps suffered serious losses.

   Read the passage

   All that has been hitherto advanced, places Holt's character in its most favourable light, and it now becomes the editor's duty to acknowledge that his Hero, estimating him by his own statements, was an exceedingly vain man, and the consequence is, that he often inflates facts into nearly that extreme state of expansion, that the slightest attack from the lance of an assailant is formidable as to the buoyancy of Holt's veracity. It is impossible, for instance, to believe that three hundred and seventy of the Royal troops were slaughtered by Holt's rebel band at Ballyellis, in less than twenty minutes, although there can be no doubt that this surprise was well managed on the part of the rebels, and that Sir Watkin Wynne's corps sustained a serious loss. Neither

   VOL. I. a

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 3

2. Desertion from the Dunlavin cavalry with horse Lillicks

   Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1798

   A soldier from the Dunlavin cavalry deserted to join Holt's forces, bringing with him a fine entire horse named Lillicks; his brother later sought his release from O'Bryan's custody in Dublin Castle.

   Read the passage

   I replied, *' I do not see how that can be, but he may come." O'Bryan ushered him in, and after a few words passed, I recollected him. His brother was in the Dunlaven cavalry, and deserted to me, bringing with him a very fine entire horse he called LiUicks. I had no desire to have company with me, so I desired O'Bryan to remove him, which he did, keeping him confined five days without letting any one know that he had such a man in custody. At length the man, by my advice, agreed to give O'Bryan five guineas, which sum was demanded for his liberation. He wrote to the innkeeper where his ' horses and cars were, and where he had lodged the money for which he had sold a load of barley; the innkeeper sent him the sum required, which Jemmy pocketed, and set him at liberty. I had advised the man as soon as he was liberated, to go to a magistrate and lodge an information against O'Bryan ; but it was of no use. Jemmy had it all his own way until he murdered Mr. Hoey.

   316

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 113

3. Four rebel men cut up at a shebeen-house in Ballymanus

   Ballymanus · townland · Wicklow · 1798

   Holt learned that four of his men had been dreadfully cut up in a shebeen-house at Ballymanus where whiskey was sold, prompting him to fire the march signal to prevent further drunken losses.

   Read the passage

   One of the pickets now informed me that four of my men had been dreadfully cut up in the shebeen-house at Bally manus, where whiskey was sold; I instantly fired my signal, and commenced my march, lest others should get too much of this detestable beverage when taken to excess. I lost more men, and suffered more disasters from the eff'ects of whiskey, than from the sword or musket of my enemies.

   holt's battle of aughrim.

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 84

4. Holt entertained at Knox Grogan's house

   Johnstown · townland · Wexford · 1798

   Holt was invited to and sumptuously entertained at the house of Knox Grogan, Esq., where a footnote records that Captain Knox Grogan was later killed by rebels at the battle of Arklow.

   Read the passage

   * Captain Knox Grogan, or Grogan Knox, and his brother Captain John Grogan, were both officers of yeomanry and active loyalists. The former was killed by the rebels in a charge at the battle of Arklow, 9th June, 1798. They were the younger brothers of Mr. Cornelius Grogan of Johnstown, a Protestant gentleman of large fortune, who had represented the town of Enniscorthy in Parliament, and was tried and hanged as a rebel at Wexford, with Mr. Bagenal Harvey, on the 28th June, 1798.

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 36

5. Holt's escape route through Dublin city streets

   near Haroldscross · population centre · Dublin · 1798

   Holt described his careful passage on foot through Dublin, moving via Bow Bridge, Old Kilmainham, James Street, Thomas Street, Francis Street, Cross Poddle, New Street to Harold's Cross, avoiding detection by soldiers and police searching for him.

   Read the passage

   We arrived safely at Park-end Street, where the Kennedys and I went into a house to drink a parting glass of punch, after which we separated, they wishing me good luck and safe through Dublin. I directed my way over old Bow Bridge, by Old Kilmainham, through James Street, Thomas Street, and Francis Street, and turned at the Cross Poddle, by New Street, to

   holt's escape through DUBLIN. 131

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 62

6. Mrs. Tyrrell captured by rebels at Clonard

   Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

   Mrs. Tyrrell fell into the power of the rebels at Clonard and offered her carriage to General Perry, but was later mistreated and forced to return on foot before being liberated by Captain Byrne.

   Read the passage

   The anecdotes which are recorded of Kearns excite but little sympathy for his fate. Sir Richard Musgrave relates that Mrs. Tyrrell having fallen into the power of the rebels at Clonard, offered her carriage and horses to General Perry. *' When they had proceeded about a mile. General Perry requested to join her in the carriage. Soon after a low fellow stopped it and got into it, saying, ' that he had a right to it, as it was he that first obtained it,' and notwithstanding the rank of General Perry he could not prevent his intrusion

   h2

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 50

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Clonard now. In 1798, Mrs. Tyrrell fell into the hands of the rebels here and offered her carriage and horses to General Perry. After about a mile, Perry joined her inside, but a low fellow stopped the carriage, got in, and said he had a right to it, as it was he that first obtained it. Perry could not prevent the intrusion. She was later forced to return on foot before being liberated by Captain Byrne.

7. Prisoners Captured at Ashford Bridge

   Ashford · town · Wicklow · 1798

   Two prisoners, Marks and Chapman, were brought to Holt's camp having been captured at Ashford Bridge, accused of previously attempting to seize Holt after his house was burned.

   Read the passage

   . In the evening of this day I was reinforced with 140 men, who brought with them two prisoners, named Marks and Chapman, from Ashford Bridge. 1 had not time to try them, but I told the party they were two men who attempted to take me after my house was burned. When my men heard this they piked them immediately. This transaction took place on the mountain over the Seven Churches. It put the commanders of the army in a great rage when they found themselves out-maneeuvred, and

   * The prowess of the Shelmaller marksmen in the rebel ranks, has been already noticed in the note at p. 90. The appearance of the Shelmaliers with their guns gave extraordinary confidence to the insurgents, and when they had even a single cannon to support the Shelmalier long shots, {see page 181) the combination made the rebels confident of success. The fragment of a popular song of this period, whch I picked up last summer (1836) in a tour through the county of Wexford, asserts that

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 80

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Ashford in Wicklow. In 1798, this town saw a grim episode in the rebellion. Two men named Marks and Chapman were captured at the bridge and brought to Joseph Holt's camp. Holt, the rebel general, told his men these were the same men who had tried to seize him after his house was burned. His men piked them immediately. The killings took place on the mountain over the Seven Churches, and left the commanders furious at being outmanoeuvred.

8. Rebel belief in divine favour through dry summer weather

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   The unusually dry summer of 1798 was interpreted by rebels as a sign of divine favour for their cause, believing God was on their side and that rain would not fall until they had conquered.

   Read the passage

   * The summer of 1798 was remarkable from no rain having fallen for several weeks, a circumstance of rare occurrence in Ireland. " Such was the blindness of their [the rebels] minds, as to imagine that the extraordinary fine weather ■which continued so long, was sent by the Almighty to favour their cause. They would say, * God is on our side, the heretics have had dominion long enough, but our time is now come.' It was also their opinion that no rain would fall until they had finally conquered." — Taylor s History of the Rebellion in Wexford.

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 48

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Wexford, you are in a town marked by the rebellion of 1798. That summer no rain fell for several weeks, a rare thing in Ireland. The rebels took the dry weather as a sign from God. They would say, in the words of one historian, "God is on our side, the heretics have had dominion long enough, but our time is now come." They believed no rain would fall until they had finally conquered.

9. Rebel chiefs meet at Carrickbyrne Camp, Harvey elected commander

   Carrickbyrne · electoral division · Wexford · 1798

   At a meeting of rebel chiefs held at Carrickbyrne Camp on 1st June 1798, Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey was unanimously elected Commander-in-Chief of the United Army of Wexford, and Edward Roche was elected a general officer.

   Read the passage

   At a meeting of the rebel chiefs, held at Carrickbyrne Camp, on the 1st June, 1798, after unanimously electing Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey to be the Commander-in-Chief of the United Army of Wexford, "It was likewise agreed that Edward Roche, should from and after the first day of June instant, be elected, and is hereby elected a general officer of the United Army of the county of Wexford." Harvey appears to have been deposed from his military command on the 8th of June.

   After taking the command at Vinegar Hill, Roche issued the following proclamation, v/hich was printed, and circulated through the country: —

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 30

10. Rescued woman's brothers killed and wounded in rebellion battles

    Longwood · town · Meath · 1798

    On the Three Lough Mountain Holt met a young woman he had rescued from the military at Longwood; one of her brothers had been killed at Clonard and another wounded at Castle Carberry during the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    The people were anxious for me to remain with them, but I was anxious to visit the sick and wounded in Glenmalure, and passed over the three Lough Mountain, on the top of which I met a young woman gathering froughans, a small black fruit which grows in elevated places, and who gave me some. I had saved her life in Longwood, by rescuing her from the military, when I received two slight wounds. One of her brothers was killed at Clonard, and another was wounded at Castle Carberry. I was glad to see her, and her company relieved the tiresome tediousness of this lone and elevated waste. The mountains here are the highest in this county and nearly uninhabited, without roads or any means of approach for horses or carriages ;

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 64

11. Serjeant Jones and Family Treated with Mercy at Bolan's House, Aughrim

    Aughrim · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt brought the captured Serjeant Jones, his wife and children into Michael Bolan's house in Aughrim, where he had them given ale, bread, butter and cheese, showing them kindness instead of the usual violence.

    Read the passage

    We then proceeded to the town, and halted at Michael Bolan's, where I ordered a gallon of ale to be given to the soldiers, and brought Serjeant Jones, his wife and children, into the house, and had bread, butter, and cheese, given to them, with ale and punch, and made them comfortable. The poor woman could not keep her eyes off me ; she was incredulous, and could only believe that I showed so much mercy merely to be the more cruel at last.

    I told Serjeant Jones I should search his baggage, and if I found flints, powder, ball-cartridge, or fire-arms, in it, I should be very angry. He assured me there was nothing of the kind, or he would have honestly told me, and if I found any I might shoot him immediately. I then asked him if his regiment was to meet eight of my men, in the same situation, did he think they would have put them to death? Both the Serjeant and his wife said they would certainly have done so. Then said I — '* I will set a good example, and give my compliments to General Jones,* and tell him, I hope it will not be

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 90

12. Skirmish at Ballymore Eustace and hill of Ballynahound

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1798

    A party of Holt's men under Doyle were plundering cattle near Ballymore-Eustace; dragoons and Latouche's corps retook the cattle and came upon eighty mounted rebels at the hill of Ballynahound burying their dead, who then fled across the bog into the mountains.

    Read the passage

    " Information having been received by Lieutenant General Dundas, that a party of Holt's robbers, headed by a fellow called Doyle,* were plundering and carrying off the cattle from the lands in the neighbourhood of Ballyraore-Eustace, a detachment of the Prince of Wales' Light Dragoons, and Captain Latouche's corps were ordered under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Orde, to scour that part of the country ; the detachment retook the cattle, and came up with about eighty of the rebels mounted, at the hill of Ballynahound, where they were preparing to bury some of their men who had been killed in the morning; on the appearance of the

    * See page 256, and the index.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, this is where a party of Holt's rebels under a man called Doyle were plundering cattle in 1798. Lieutenant General Dundas got word of it and sent the Prince of Wales Light Dragoons and Captain Latouche's corps under Lieutenant-Colonel Orde to scour the country. They retook the cattle and came upon about 80 mounted rebels at the hill of Ballynahound, where they were burying men killed that morning. The rebels fled across the bog into the mountains.

13. Holt sends note to brother at Bohernabreena Chapel House

    Bohernabreena · townland · Dublin · 1798

    At Piperstown, Holt sent a note via a young girl to his brother at the Holts' house in Bohernabreena, asking for bread, cheese, and whiskey; his brother recognized the handwriting and confirmed Joseph was alive.

    Read the passage

    I now proceeded to the small village of Piperstown, where I found a piper who was playing Erin go Bragli* and a little girl, whom I asked if she knew the Holts of Bohernabreena, in the Chapel House ; she answered me that she did, and I sent a note by her to my brother, to request him to send me a loaf of bread, some cheese, and a pint of whiskey. On receiving the note, he said to his wife, "Joseph is not dead, here is his handwriting." He sent me what I wanted, and a note desiring me to meet him in a field near Carysfield. To which place I repaired, and met him in company with Richard Johnson, a farmer who lived near Tipper. We sat together for some time and talked of my adventures. Johnson proposed to go to Mr. Beresford to

    * To this melody I believe the Poet Campbell wrote his beautiful song of the Exile of Erin, — at least Campbell's words are popularly sung to the air*

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 63

14. Holt's raid on Bradley's house and Cuddy Hornidge's stores

    Ballyman · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Holt led a cavalry raid crossing the commons of Broadlays to Ballyman, then to Mr. Bradley's house where they took a military uniform, sword, and thirteen cows, and to Cuddy Hornidge's for bacon, oatmeal, and oxen.

    Read the passage

    We crossed the commons of Broadlays to Ballyman, where we got some refreshment. From thence we went to the house of Mr. Bradley, who was from home; had he been there he would not have been injured. Mrs. Bradley gave the men plenty of drink. We took away a suit of her husband's military uniform, with his sword, and thirteen fat cows, which I ordered to be driven to our camp. We received information that there were at Cuddy Hornidge's,*two flitches of bacon and four sacks of oatmeal, which I instantly sent for ; and likewise nine oxen, which we added to our drove,

    * Query ? Horneck, which appears to be a Wexford name. Two sons of George Horneck, of Girrane, were killed by the rebels on 30th May, 1798 ; one between Enniscorthy and Wexford, the other at Enniscorthy ; and his brother, Philip, was murdered on Vinegar Hill. — Musgrave's App. xix. 9. According to Taylor, Philip Horneck was shot in front of ScuUabogue house, during the time its barn was in flames.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around Ballyman, in 1798, Holt led his cavalry raid across the commons of Broadlays to this spot. They stopped at Mr. Bradley's house, where Mrs. Bradley gave the men plenty of drink. Holt took her husband's military uniform, his sword, and thirteen fat cows, ordered to be driven to camp. They then learned of supplies at Cuddy Hornidge's nearby: two flitches of bacon, four sacks of oatmeal, and nine oxen, which they added to their drove.

15. Holt takes refuge in the Devil's Glen

    near Devil's Glen · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    On 10 May 1798 Holt entered the Devil's Glen where a few persecuted fugitives had gathered and spent the night in a cave, sharing accounts of their misfortunes.

    Read the passage

    One Nailor, whom I had made by a device pay a sum of money that he owed to Edward Brady of Ballynacor, vowed revenge against me, and the country being under martial law, this miscreant swore against me that I was a united Irishman, which was quite sufficient to doom me to death, and my property to destruction without further investigation. 10 May. On the 10th of May, 1798, I entered the Devil's Glen,* where were collected a few un-

    * '* The Devil's Glen," says the writer of Angling Excursions in Ireland (1824), " is a scene of uncommon wildness and beauty, and which amply repaid the curiosity that led us to it. The Glen is about an English mile in length, and narrow; an excellent road has been perfected along the side of the stream by the proprietor of that side of the Glen, Mr. Tottenham of Ballycorry. The mountains on both sides rise

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 16

16. Oliver Hoyle of Oakwood, later robbed and murdered

    Oakwood · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt stayed at Oliver Hoyle's house at Oakwood, describing him as an honest, neutral 'no-party man' who was later robbed and murdered by a banditti after Holt had surrendered and was imprisoned in Dublin Castle.

    Read the passage

    I marched early next morning, but fired no signal, leaving the rest to follow or not, as they thought proper, being determined to let them know I resented their conduct. I went to Oakwood, and stopped at Oliver Hoyle's house, my usual quarters. He was a *' no-party man," one who bore a quiet, inoffensive character, and took no part in the matter one way or the other^ Hoyle was an honest worthy person, and deserved well of all, but he was ill requited for his kindness and good feelings ; he was robbed and murdered by a banditti, after I had surren-

    248 HOLT DETERMINES TO LEAVE IRELAND.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 99

17. Retreat via Old Miners' Path

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt's rebel forces escaped encirclement using an old path formerly used by miners descending from their work, reaching safety near the top of the mountain on the north side of the Glen.

    Read the passage

    trayed, and the line of retreat cut off. I also i798. thought, that had my own men known of it, they would have taken French leave of me ; but now they all thought their safety depended on obedience, and they were steady. The line of retreat I had in view, was an old path, by which the miners formerly descended from their work. The army had now advanced so far towards Imail, that they could not intercept our retreat, so we wheeled about and got safely to nearly the top of the mountain, on the north side of the Glen, where we found a few of the light brigade, who were so much fatigued by forced marches, as to be incapable of much exertion. I ordered the Shelmaliers to give them a volley, and let them know what sort of subjects they had to deal with, on which they gave way, very much to my satisfaction and surprise. I was determined to fight to the last, knowing well if we were taken alive, we should put the government to no small expense at some rope-walk in Dublin.

    When the enemy, advancing from Balliboy, saw this transaction, they began to run, both men and officers, but could not stop my Shelmaliers. I must do the troops justice on this

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 79

18. Serjeant Jones Intercedes for William Holt at Guard-house

    Aughrim · town · Wicklow · 1798

    After hearing that Joseph Holt's brother William had been taken prisoner and lodged in the guard-house, Serjeant Jones went to him, revealed his gratitude for being spared, and pledged to help save his life before General Jones.

    Read the passage

    Had I glutted my revenge, and imbrued my hands in the innocent blood of Serjeant Jones and his eight comrades, my brother would have fallen a victim to his affection in visiting me, which, by the law of the period, was punishable with death. When that grateful and worthy man, Serjeant Jones, heard that a prisoner of the name of Holt had been lodged in the guardhouse, he instantly went to see him, and finding that he was my brother, the kind-hearted and brave fellow, with tears of joy in his eyes, shook him by the hand, saying, ** Fear not, Mr. Holt, your brother saved the lives of myself, my wife, my children, and my eight comrades yesterday, and treated us with every civility ; I will do my best to save your life to-day, and prove my gratitude to that humane, and much-scandalized and misrepresented man." He then left my brother, and went to General Jones-^ [Quaere,

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 91

19. Captain Gore's pike wound at the battle of Newtown Mount Kennedy

    Newtown Mount Kennedy · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Captain Robert Gore of Seaview, known for his humanity during the rebellion, received a desperate pike wound at the battle of Newtown Mount Kennedy and later visited Holt.

    Read the passage

    Next morning Captain Robert Gore, of Seaview, one of the most amiable and worthy of men, whose humanity during the dreadful summer of the rebellion was very conspicuous; paid me a visit, and sat with me for some hours. He had received a desperate pike wound at the battle of Newtown Mount Kennedy. He told me he wished much to have seen me on the night of that battle, as he was determined to

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Newtown Mount Kennedy in Wicklow. In 1798 a battle was fought in this town, and Captain Robert Gore of Seaview took a desperate pike wound here. He was known for his humanity during the rebellion. Afterwards he visited the rebel general Joseph Holt, and told him he had wished much to have seen him on the night of that battle.

20. Capture and committal of the robber Rogers

    Ballyrahin · townland · Wexford · 1794

    Holt captured the criminal Rogers on his own initiative without a warrant, and after crossing the county bounds took him to Major Chamney of Ballyrahin. A magistrate at nearby locations helped secure Rogers's committal to Wicklow gaol, following an overnight stop at Tinnahely.

    Read the passage

    horse, Rogers was mounted, and his legs se- 1794. cured by being tied together. The magistrates sent an escort with him to the bounds of the county of Wexford, where I released the unfortunate man's legs from the cords, which gave great pain to his sprained ankle. I took my prisoner to Major Chamney, of Ballyrahin, who congratulated me on my success, and asked me whose warrant I had ? and was surprised to hear that I had no warrant, but had undertaken this business from a romantic pique, just to show what could be done by a determined man, Mr. Chamney ordered me some refreshment, and having sent to Henry Moreton, Esq. a neighbouring magistrate, he, on my affidavit as to the identity of Rogers, for whose apprehension a large reward was offered in the Dublin Gazette, made out his committal to Wicklow gaol, and sent for two constables named Francis Rice and William Kendrick to assist me, and I was made special for the occasion. We then proceeded to Tinnahely, where we stopped all night. Having handcuffed one of the constables to the prisoner, I secured him safely, and the next day lodged Rogers in Wicklow gaol. I obtained from Rogers the names of

    10 CAPTURE OF ROBBERS, &C.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 9

21. Eight prisoners examined and released, join Lord Powerscourt's corps

    Roundwood · town · Wicklow · 1798

    A foraging party brought eight prisoners including the Edge brothers, accused of being Orangemen with no evidence; Holt released them, and that night they reported to Lord Powerscourt and joined his corps.

    Read the passage

    1798. They were brought before me for examination. Thomson wavS first examined ; he was woodkeeper to Frances Synge, Esq. I found nothing against him but negligence of duty ; he had been attested as a united Irishman, but had not attended his duty. Barry was proved to have taken the oath o{ secrecy^ and was liberated. The two Edges were accused of being Orangemen, but it was mere accusation, no evidence was produced against them, so I ordered them to be kept till the evening, when I let them go, and that night they told Lord Powerscourt what had happened, and instantly joined his corps.*

    * The following affidavit of Joseph and John Thomson, relative to this occurrence, has been preserved by Musgrave, Appendix, xvi, 4 : —

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up is Roundwood in Wicklow. In 1798, Joseph Holt examined prisoners brought before him here. Thomson, wood keeper to Frances Synge, was found negligent in duty but nothing more. Barry had taken the oath of secrecy and was liberated. The two Edge brothers were accused of being Orangemen, but no evidence was produced against them, so Holt let them go that evening. That night they told Lord Powerscourt what had happened, and instantly joined his corps.

22. Extortion of a Farrington relative from Talbotstown by O'Bryan

    Talbotstown · electoral division · Wicklow · 1798

    O'Bryan detained a man connected to the Farringtons of Talbotstown, whose brother had deserted from the Dunlavin cavalry to join Holt bringing a horse called Lillicks; O'Bryan extorted five guineas for his release, funded via an innkeeper who held proceeds from a sale of barley.

    Read the passage

    The following day, O'Bryan asked me if I knew any of the Farringtons from the neighbourhood of Talbots town, and I answered I did recollect people of the name in the county of Wicklow, *' but I have certainly seen the man

    CONDUCT OF JAMES o'bRYAN. 315

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 113

23. Holt Apprehends Coiner Martin Synnot in Newstreet, Dublin

    New Street · street · Dublin · 1794

    Joseph Holt describes apprehending Martin Synnot, a celebrated coiner who had long evaded justice, in Newstreet, Dublin, along with John Morgan and Thomas Keenan.

    Read the passage

    I can refer to Captain Thomas Archer of Mount 1794. John. I had such an element in punishing criminals as induced me to go to Dublin, where I apprehended Martin Synnot, a celebrated coiner in Newstreet, who had long evaded and defied justice; also, John Morgan and Thomas Keenan : — in fine, my name became a terror to evil doers.

    I still continued Alnager, and being attentive to my business, I was selected by Francis Synge, Esq. (a gentleman of fame in those parts, for taking care of roads, bridges, pipes, gullets, &c.) as his deputy overseer of eighty-four perches of

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 10

24. Holt Captures a Military Party near Ballymanus

    Ballymanus · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt and his cavalry crossed Ballymanus towards Redena bridge and captured Serjeant Jones's small military escort, including his wife and children. Holt spared them, showing mercy rather than executing the prisoners.

    Read the passage

    I remained in the camp till the Sunday following, as I expected a visit from my brother, William Holt, a builder by trade, and ordered out twenty-four of my best cavalry to go to meet him. We set out very early, and crossed over Ballymanus, towards Redena bridge, where we perceived eight soldiers and a serjeant, with some baggage, proceeding towards Aughrim. I said, " Boys! here is some game for us."

    We bore down upon them, and on getting

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 90

25. Holt hides under alias 'Long' at Dundrum

    Dundrum · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Holt sheltered at a friend's house in Dundrum, using the false name Long and communicating by a secret signal; he stayed there watching the Dublin road until a suspected informer prompted another dream-warning and escape.

    Read the passage

    The next morning my friend brought me breakfast early, and afterwards books to amuse me. We agreed that I should go by the name of Long. I sat near the window, from which I had a commanding view of the Dublin road, and at night I went down to the parlour, and drank punch with Mr. Wright, and a gentleman who lodged with him. 1 lived thus for some days, when this gentlemen went to Dublin one morning, and did not return the same evening.

    holt's thirty dream. 275

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 105

26. Proclamation of the People of the County of Wexford issued from Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

    A proclamation naming Hunter Gowan and other magistrates as guilty of cruelty and oppression was issued at Wexford, calling on countrymen to apprehend them and bring them to the tribunal of the people.

    Read the passage

    " Now we, the people, associated and united for the purpose of procuring our just rights, and being determined to protect the persons and properties of those of all religious persuasions who have not oppressed us, and are willing, with heart and hand, to join our glorious cause, as well as to show our marked disapprobation and horror of the crime^s of the above delinquents, do call on our countrymen at large to use every exertion in their power to apprehend the bodies of the aforesaid James Boyd, Hawtrey White, Hunter Gowan, and Archibald Hamilton Jacob, and to secure and convey them to the gaol of Wexford, to be brought before the tribunal of the people. Done at Wexford, this ninth day of June, 1798.

    God save the People."

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, you are in the town where, on the ninth of June 1798, the united people issued a proclamation. They named James Boyd, Hawtrey White, Hunter Gowan, and Archibald Hamilton Jacob as delinquents guilty of crimes, and called on their countrymen to apprehend them and bring them to the gaol of Wexford, to face what they called the tribunal of the people. The proclamation declared the people associated for their just rights, pledged to protect the persons and properties of all religious persuasions who had not oppressed them, and ended with the words, God save the People.

27. Rebel army halts and refreshes at Prosperous

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    Holt's rebel force, numbering 13,780 at the outset, lost 2500 men by desertion by the time they arrived at Prosperous, where they halted and refreshed before continuing their march.

    Read the passage

    1798. number on the roll was 13,780 men. By the time we arrived at Prosperous,* we had lost by desertion 2500. We halted at this place, and refreshed. While here, our picquets brought us word that a party of military were approaching us. I went to reconoitre them, and finding they were only a few cavalry, I ordered 200 men to attack them, but they moved off at the rate of a fox-hunt.

    We had here to march by a road through a bog, across which a gulf was cut to render it impassable without a bridge, and we had no time to construct one. I had, therefore, recourse to an expedient which offered itself to my mind at the moment. We had taken a great quantity of cattle from a man named Wolfe, and others, and I ordered them to be driven with great precipitancy into this gulf, and this mass tumbling in filled up the gulf so as to enable some to scramble over, and the army following them, we crossed in safety and without delay. We halted at a village called Robertstown,| where, having

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 51

28. Rebel raid near Celbridge, plundering of Ardrey and Bank's-town

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1798

    About forty of Holt's men penetrated into the neighbourhood of Cell-bridge and committed depredations on property, plundering Mr. Cruise of Ardrey and Mr. Peppard of Bank's-town of cash, provisions, furniture and cattle.

    Read the passage

    '• On Wednesday night last [19th], a battalion, composed of about forty of Holt's miscreants, as it is conjectured, penetrated into the neighbourhood of Cell-bridge, and committed the most wanton depredations on the property of several industrious and peaceable inhabitants of that vicinity. Amongst those who suffered, Mr. Cruise of Ardrey, and Mr. Peppard of Bank's-town, have been plundered, not only of what cash and provisions they had in their houses, but also of furniture and cattle." — Dublin Journal. — Courier Newspaper, 2Qth Septernhbr, 1798.

    " This day, Gcnf^rnf Lake is exported county of W - , — -.i..:, ^j ^ ojoiciu oi aecisive and persevering measures, to accomplish the reduction of Holt, and the disgraceful banditti who have hitherto kept alive the rebellion in the county of Wicklow." — Dublin Journal.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 119

29. Rebels attacked by Colonel Gough at Summerhill

    Summerhill · street · Meath · 1798

    The rebel remnant marched by Johnstown to Summerhill near Culmullin, county Meath, where they were attacked by Colonel Gough with troops from Edenderry and forced to flee with the loss of their plunder.

    Read the passage

    " On the night of their repulse they plundered the village of Carberry in the county of Kildare, and marched the following morning by Johnstown, to a place called Summerhill, near CulmuUin, in the county of Meath. Here, after having eluded the pursuit of some parties of the soldiery, particularly that of Colonel Gordon of the Inverness Fencibles, who had marched to seek them from Trim, they were attacked by Colonel Gough, with a body of troops from Edenderry, and obliged to fly with precipitation and the loss of their plunder. Totally disappointed in their hopes of assistance to their cause in the county of Meath, which had been so agitated by defenderism and rebellion, they by a circuitous and rapid march made their way to the river Boyne, which they crossed near Duleek into the county of Louth. Finding themselves overtaken on the 14th, by the cavalry of Major General Wemyss, and Brigadier General Meyrick, who were pushing them ■with two divisions of the army, they made a desperate stand

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 56

30. Rebels burn the old mansion at Wingfield

    Wingfield · street · Wicklow · 1798

    On their march, the rebels turned off to Wingfield and burned the old mansion there before proceeding to Moneyseed where government troops first sighted them.

    Read the passage

    "The rebels advanced to Tinnahely, and having turned off to Wingfield, burned the old mansion there, and then proceeded to Moneyseed, where our troops first got sight of them. From thence they pursued for two miles to a place called Ballyellis, where the rebels being closely pressed, placed their baggage and their cars in the road, and posted a number of pikemen in their front. As soon as our cavalry came in sight of them, at the turn of a road, they charged them with great impetuosity; but when they were within a short distance of them, the pikemen leaped over the hedges at each side, on which the horses in front were entangled in the cars ; and those in their rear pressing on them, a shocking scene of confusion ensued, both men and horses were involved and tumbled over each other. The rebels fired on them from behind the hedges and a park wall which was near, and while they were in this state of embarrassment, killed numbers of them with their muskets, and piked such of them as happened to be unhorsed.

    " Colonel Puleston, whose horse they shot or piked, was with difficulty saved by his men. Captain GifFard, of the Ancient Britons, and Mr. Parsons, Adjutant of the Ballaghkeene cavalry, who had served with reputation abroad, and about sixty privates of the military and yeomen were killed.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Wingfield in 1798, rebels turned off from their march to Tinnahely and burned the old mansion that stood on this street. They then pressed on to Moneyseed, where government troops first caught sight of them. The troops pursued for two miles to Ballyellis, where the rebels, closely pressed, set their baggage and cars across the road and posted pikemen in front. When the cavalry charged round a turn in the road, the pikemen leapt over the hedges on each side. The horses in front became entangled in the cars, and those behind pressed forward, and a shocking scene of confusion ensued as men and horses tumbled over each other. The rebels fired from behind the hedges and a nearby park wall, killing numbers with their muskets and piking those who were unhorsed. Colonel Puleston had his horse shot or piked and was saved with difficulty by his men. Captain Giffard of the Ancient Britons and Mr. Parsons, Adjutant of the Ballaghkeene cavalry, who had served with reputation abroad, were killed. About 60 privates of the military and yeomen also fell.

31. Hunter Gowan quarters his yeoman cavalry at Aughrim

    Aughrim · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt learns by express that Hunter Gowan had taken up quarters with his yeoman cavalry at Aughrim and boasted he would starve Holt's men into surrender.

    Read the passage

    1798. taken up his quarters with his yeoman cavalry at Aughrim, and that he vauntingly declared, " he would make a sixpenny loaf sufficient for the breakfast of Holt and his men by the Satur-

    men, he was zealous in exertions to inspire the people about Gorey, with dutiful submission to the magistracy, and a respectful love of the yeomanry.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt

32. Musgrave's account of the burning at Hollywood

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1798

    A footnote from Musgrave describes how the Marquis of Waterford offered to rebuild the burned houses of the poor at his mansion at Hollywood if they returned to allegiance, but his own house was burned by rebels on 13 September instead.

    Read the passage

    * *' After the rebellion had existed some time, and had spread universal desolation in that country [Wicklow], the Marquis of Waterford repaired to his beautiful mansion at Hollywood, and, with his usual humanity and benevolence, announced that he would rebuild all the houses of the lower class of people, which had been burned or destroyed, provided they would return to their allegiance, and accept the amnesty humanely offered to them by government ; but, instead of being touched with gratitude by this generous offer, they burned his house on the 13th of September." — Musgrave, App. xvi. 4.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 96

33. Armed Musters and Alarm at Newtown Mount Kennedy, 1797

    Newtown Mount Kennedy · town · Wicklow · 1797

    In the spring and summer of 1797 large numbers of armed people, headed by their captains, paraded at Newtown Mount Kennedy, claiming they assembled in defence against Orangemen who they believed were conspiring to massacre them; the district had a terrific appearance.

    Read the passage

    The general meetings of the people, in their respective districts I have already mentioned. It had a most terrific appearance in the country round Newtown- Mount- Kennedy. The people in considerable numbers, headed by their captains, and variously armed, paraded there. On being interrogated by the gentlemen of the county, who remonstrated to them on the dangerous consequences of their conduct, they said in excuse, that they assembled in defence of their persons and property, against the Orangemen, who, they said, conspired against them, and were to rise and cut off every person of their persuasion, without exception.

    " I have already mentioned that such reports were framed for no other purpose, but to kindle an inextinguishable hatred in the Roman Catholics against the Protestants; and the effects of it appeared afterwards in the massacres which - took place in the counties of Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, Mayo and Sligo.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Newtown Mount Kennedy in Wicklow, this place had what Joseph Holt called "a most terrific appearance" in 1797. Large numbers of armed people, headed by their captains, paraded here. When the gentlemen of the county remonstrated with them about the danger of their conduct, they said they were defending their persons and property against the Orangemen, who they believed conspired to rise and cut off every person of their persuasion without exception. Holt wrote that such reports were framed to kindle inextinguishable hatred between Roman Catholics and Protestants, and the effects appeared afterwards in massacres across Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Meath, Dublin, Kildare, Mayo and Sligo.

34. Burning of houses between Rathvilly and Hacketstown

    Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

    Musgrave records that on 25 July rebels burned sixty Protestant houses between Rathvilly and Hacketstown, a desolating spirit encouraged by generals' refusal to assist magistrates with troops.

    Read the passage

    * Sir Richard Musg-rave states that, on Wednesday the 25th July, the rebels " burned all the Protestant houses, [quere, houses of the Protestants?] sixty in number, between Rathvilly and Hacketstown. This desolating spirit," adds Sir Richard, " was very much encouraged by the refusal of the general officers to assist the civil magistrates with troops to prevent it. Mr. Hume, member for the county, made

    such an application to General ; but he openly and

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 16

35. Holt shelters with a United Irishman near a lawn hedge

    Navan · town · Meath · 1798

    Holt and Katty Kearns hid overnight behind a hedge adjoining a gentleman's lawn, disturbed by cattle, before being sheltered and fed by a sympathetic tenant whose landlord was the United Irishman John O'Neill.

    Read the passage

    The reader may imagine how welcome was this providential supply. I had not tasted any thing for more than thirty hours. The man told me his landlord, John O'Neill, was a united Irishman, although he was in a corps of cavalry, and that he would come and see me. After our repast we lay down and slept soundly till about twelve o'clock, when Mr. O'Neill came to us.

    He entered into conversation with me, and asked how it was that I should be in the wretched situation he found me. As well as I can recollect the following conversation passed between us : —

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, this is where Joseph Holt and Katty Kearns hid overnight in 1798 behind a hedge by a gentleman's lawn. Holt had eaten nothing for more than thirty hours when a tenant took them in and fed them. The tenant said his landlord, John O'Neill, was a United Irishman, though he served in a corps of cavalry. O'Neill came to them about twelve o'clock and asked how Holt came to be in what he called "the wretched situation he found me."

36. Holt sleeps at the grouse house, Luggelaw Mountain

    near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow · 1798

    Fleeing the Devil's Glen, Holt reached the grouse house at Luggelaw Mountain and slept there exhausted before waking to see the Glen in flames.

    Read the passage

    I got as far as the grouse house at Luggelaw Mountain, where, fatigued and weary, I threw myself on the grass and slept soundly for some

    40 MEETS WITH A PARTY OF REBELS.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 18

37. Holt takes shelter in the Devil's Glen

    near Devil's Glen · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt used the Devil's Glen as a hiding place during his time as a rebel fugitive before eventually leaving it to rejoin the fighting.

    Read the passage

    Holt's early life, 2. Patrick Rogers, the robber, 3. Chase after Rogers, 5. Capture of Rogers, 6. Committal of Rogers, 7. Capture of Robbers, &c. 10. Employments, 11. Hints for road makers, 12. Reflections on the Rebellion, 13. Presentment for road making, 14. Apology for Holt's conduct, 15. Cruelties under Martial Law, 20. Indications of the Rebellion, 21. Employments, 25. Suspected of being a rebel, 26. Holt flies for safety, 27. Burning of Holt's house, 29. The Devil's Glen, 32. Excursion to Ballinalea, 36. Conduct towards two spies, 37. Holt's first appearance as a rebel, 38. Leaves the Devil's Glen, 39. Meets with a party of rebels, 40. Colonel Mac Mahon, 41. Holt becomes a rebel leader, 42. Proceedings of the rebels, 43. Treatment of eight prisoners, 44. First

    XXVlll CONTENTS.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 5

38. Rebel attack on the guard-house at Clonard bridge

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

    Holt led a corps of about 3000 men to attack a garrisoned guard-house at the foot of the bridge at Clonard, crossing a millrace before meeting fierce resistance.

    Read the passage

    Here we divided. I headed a corps of about 3000 men, and determined to attack a guardhouset at the foot of the bridge, which had a garrison. There was a small house opposite, and a millrace which I had to cross. We pro-

    * On the borders of the county of Meath, twenty-five Irish miles west of Dublin.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonard, this is where Joseph Holt came in 1798. He led a corps of about 3000 men to attack a garrisoned guard-house at the foot of the bridge. There was a millrace he had to cross, and a small house opposite. The record breaks off before the fight is told.

39. Rebels bury dead at hill of Ballynahound

    Ballynahown · townland · Clare · 1798

    About eighty mounted rebels were found at the hill of Ballynahound preparing to bury comrades killed that morning, before fleeing at the approach of the detachment.

    Read the passage

    " Information having been received by Lieutenant General Dundas, that a party of Holt's robbers, headed by a fellow called Doyle,* were plundering and carrying off the cattle from the lands in the neighbourhood of Ballyraore-Eustace, a detachment of the Prince of Wales' Light Dragoons, and Captain Latouche's corps were ordered under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Orde, to scour that part of the country ; the detachment retook the cattle, and came up with about eighty of the rebels mounted, at the hill of Ballynahound, where they were preparing to bury some of their men who had been killed in the morning; on the appearance of the

    * See page 256, and the index.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballynahown, on the hill of Ballynahound, about 80 mounted rebels were preparing to bury some of their own men, killed earlier that day in 1798. Lieutenant General Dundas had sent a detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Orde to scour the area after reports that Holt's men were plundering and driving off cattle. When the soldiers appeared, the rebels fled.

40. Roche issues proclamation from Vinegar Hill Camp

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    After taking command at Vinegar Hill, General Edward Roche issued a printed proclamation urging unity and humane treatment of prisoners, signed as General of the United Army of the County of Wexford.

    Read the passage

    " General of the United Army of the County of Wexford, fighting in the cause of liberty. '* Vinegar Hill Camp."

    The day previous to the battle of Vinegar Hill, General Roche appears to have exerted himself at Wexford to bring tip the rebel forces to this point, and as far as was in his power to have restrained the murderoushandsof his brotherin-law Thomas Dixon. [See note, p. 72.]

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Vinegar Hill. In 1798 General Edward Roche made his camp here and issued a printed proclamation, signed as "General of the United Army of the County of Wexford, fighting in the cause of liberty." The day before the battle of Vinegar Hill, he worked to bring the rebel forces to this point and tried to restrain his brother-in-law Thomas Dixon.

41. Battle of the Hills of Glenmalure

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt describes leading his men on a march and names the engagement fought that day the battle of the Hills of Glenmalure, with his headquarters at Oliver Hoyle's house afterward.

    Read the passage

    I was up early, and each man, on my firing i798. the signal, falling in, we were soon on the march. I changed the countersign, and marched at the head of my men, asking them questions respecting the day before. They expressed their gratitude and delight at the way I had got them safe out of that difficulty, and declared themselves determined to obey my orders on all occasions. I call this affair the battle of the Hills of Glenmalure.

    My head-quarters were at OliverHoyle's house. I walked about the whole day examining the country, to lay my plans for future proceedings, in case the army should be polite enough to pay me another visit. In the evening I received an express to inform me, that Hunter Gowan* had

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 81

42. Boy plunders slain soldier's purse at Ballyellis

    Ballyellis · townland · Wexford · 1798

    During the battle, a boy from one of the dykes drove his pike into a soldier who fell dead, then took a purse containing thirty-five guineas from the dead man's pocket as plunder.

    Read the passage

    his pike into the side of a soldier, and could i798. not extract it again ; the soldier fell dead. The boy took from his pocket a purse with thirtyfive guineas in it, some of the plunder he had

    so that the road was strewed with men and horses, plunging and tumbling about.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 39

43. Cattle and livestock driven off from Blessington park

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

    During the attack, Holt's men drove away large numbers of livestock from a park near Blessington, including sheep, cattle and horses, among them a mare belonging to a local parson.

    Read the passage

    He did not admire this ceremony, and jumped up as well as any of us. While we were advancing towards the steeple, I sent about a third of my force by a circuitous route to the other side of the town, and as soon as this was accomplished, we commenced our attack in a more regular manner, whenever they made their appearance ; while the rest of the men were driving the cattle out of the park. They drove away one hundred and fifty sheep, thirty-two cows and bullocks, and ten horses, and among them a very beautiful three-quarter-bred mare, belonging to parson Benson. I expected this would have induced the soldiers to quit the steeple, and give us battle, but they took no notice of it, and we set off on our return with the booty. Several old women on our march, came out of the cabins and asked me for a sheep. I told them to catch one as we had done ; one woman immediately seized two strongwethers, and was dragged into a ditch, and upset several times, to the great amusement of my

    BURNING OF LORD WATERFORd's LODGE. 229

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Blessington, this is where Joseph Holt's rebels struck in 1798. His men attacked the town, sending a third of his force around to the far side while the rest drove livestock out of the park nearby. They took 150 sheep, 32 cows and bullocks, and 10 horses, including what Holt called a very beautiful three-quarter-bred mare belonging to parson Benson. He thought the soldiers in the steeple would come down and fight over the lost animals, but they took no notice, so the rebels marched off with everything. Along the road, old women came out of the cabins and asked Holt for a sheep. He told them to catch one themselves. One woman grabbed two strong wethers and was dragged into a ditch and upset several times, which Holt found a great amusement.

44. Deserters swell Holt's ranks at Glenmalure

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt's numbers increased greatly with deserters returning from the Boyne, including twenty-eight from the Antrim militia who joined from Arklow, plus soldiers from thirteen different regiments in total.

    Read the passage

    1798. self from surprise, and obstructed the sudden approach of an enemy. My numbers increased greatly, every day or night thirty or forty returned from the Boyne. Twenty-eight deserters from the Antrim militia joined me from Arklow, with soldiers from various other regiments; some from the Longford; in short, I had under me deserters from thirteen different regiments, most, if not all, of whom came well prepared, some brought with them sixty rounds of ball cartridge.*

    I now felt myself grown somewhat formid-

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, this is where Holt's rebel army grew fast in 1798. Every day or night, thirty or forty men returned from the Boyne. Twenty-eight deserters from the Antrim militia joined him from Arklow, along with soldiers from various other regiments, some from the Longford. In all he had deserters from thirteen different regiments, most well prepared, some bringing sixty rounds of ball cartridge.

45. Warm reception from Simon Kearney at Ballydaniel

    Ballydaniel · townland · Cork · 1798

    Holt was warmly received and supplied with necessities by Simon Kearney at Ballydaniel, who urged him to stay, but Holt continued on toward Whelp Rock where he was greeted with acclamations of joy.

    Read the passage

    I now proceeded to Ballydaniel, to the house of Simon Kearney, who received me with warm greetings, and supplied me with every necessary. He intreated me to remain with him, but I declined, bade him farewell, and proceeded by Ballylow to Whelp Rock, where I was hailed with acclamations of joy.

    The people were anxious for me to remain with them, but I was anxious to visit the sick and wounded in Glenmalure, and passed over the three Lough Mountain, on the top of which I met a young woman gathering froughans, a small black fruit which grows in elevated places, and who gave me some. I had saved her life in Longwood, by rescuing her from the military, when I received two slight wounds. One of her brothers was killed at Clonard, and another was wounded at Castle Carberry. I was glad to see her, and her company relieved the tiresome tediousness of this lone and elevated waste. The mountains here are the highest in this county and nearly uninhabited, without roads or any means of approach for horses or carriages ;

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 64

46. Battle of Ballyellis

    Ballyellis · townland · Cork · 1798

    A major engagement between Holt's rebel forces and Royal troops took place at Ballyellis, described as a significant rebel victory in the contents summary.

    Read the passage

    Skirmish. Trial of Pikes, 45. Dispersion of the rebels, 47. Holt organizes the rebels, 48. The " Moving Magazine," 49. Description of Susy Toole, 51. The Whelp-rock station, 53. Garrett Byrne. Edward Fitzgerald, 54. Captain John O'Neill, 55. Anthony Perry, 57. Esmond Kyan, 59. Skirmishes, 60. Council of War, 61. Conduct to Pilsworth, a prisoner, 62. Visit to the house of Mr. Hynes, 64. Proceedings of the rebels, 65. Edward Roche, 66. Junction with the rebel army, 67. Release of Pilsworth, 68. Rebels take up a position, 69. Indecision of Edward Roche, 70. Madge Dixon, 71. Indecision of Edward Roche, 72. Holt attacks the Royal troops, 73. Conduct of Edward Roche, 74. Holt challenges Edward Roche, 75. Holt takes the command, 76. Arrangements for battle, 77. Battle of Ballyellis, 78. Disorganized state of the rebels, 88. Holt displays his flag, 89. Holt becomes a rebel leader, 90. Procedings of rebels under Holt, 91. Supplies obtained at Ballyellis, 92. Holt reconnoitres the country, 93. Rebels driven from Carrigrua-hill, 94. Holt's preparations for the rebel army, 95. Consultation as to the movements of the rebels, 98. Rebels advance on Clonard, 102. Attack on Clonard, 103. Rebels repulsed at Clonard, 109. Retreat from Clonard, 110. Holt is wounded, 111. Escape of Holt, 112. Holt's reflections on his conduct while a rebel, 116. Escape of Holt, 1 18. Mr. John O'Neill, 119. KattyKearns, 121. Holt's escape, 123. Conduct of James Kennedy of Navan, 124. Holt's escape, 125. Reception of Holt after crossing the Boyne Water, 126. Rebel fugitives, 128. Escape of Holt, 129. Holt's escape through Dublin, 130. Escape of Holt, 134. Proceedings of Holt, 135. Holt's meeting with his wife, 136, The Widow Kirwan, 137.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 5

47. Colonel Mac Mahon's proposed raid near Rathfarnham

    Rathfarnham · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Rebel leader Colonel Mac Mahon proposed attacking a house near Rathfarnham reputed to hold much money, a scheme Holt refused as mere robbery.

    Read the passage

    A curious looking little fellow was the commander or chief of this party. Him they dignified with the title of Colonel Mac Mahon, and they seemed to adore him ; he appeared as a little king among them. Mac Mahon shortly after proposed to attack a house near Rathfarnham, where he said there was a great

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 18

48. Engagement with Powerscourt cavalry in Wicklow

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1798

    An engagement took place between a party of the Powerscourt cavalry (yeomen) and a large body of rebels, in which the former suffered considerable loss.

    Read the passage

    Wicklow, by which it appears that an engagement took place on the day before, between a party of the Powerscourt cavalry (yeomen), and a largebody of rebels, wherein theformer suffered very considerable loss." — Courier Newspaper, 25thSeptember.

    '• On Wednesday night last [19th], a battalion, composed of about forty of Holt's miscreants, as it is conjectured, penetrated into the neighbourhood of Cell-bridge, and committed the most wanton depredations on the property of several industrious and peaceable inhabitants of that vicinity. Amongst those who suffered, Mr. Cruise of Ardrey, and Mr. Peppard of Bank's-town, have been plundered, not only of what cash and provisions they had in their houses, but also of furniture and cattle." — Dublin Journal. — Courier Newspaper, 2Qth Septernhbr, 1798.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 119

49. Government forces converge near Clone

    Clone · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Holt retired to camp on the hill above Clone after the Coolgreny skirmish, with Colonel Skerret's corps at Killaduff, General Craig at Aughrim Hill, and a third body at Tinnakilly, all within two miles of him.

    Read the passage

    I knew there would now be a sharp look out for me, so I removed and pitched my camp on the hill above Clone. Colonel Skerret's corps was placed at KilladufF, within a mile and a half of me, and General Craig, the same evening pitched his tent on the side of Aughrim Hill, and a third body, whose Commander's name I did not learn, occupied the side of the hill of Tinnakilly, all within two miles of me. I saw what they

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 67

50. Holt drinks from a spring well on the mountain during escape

    near Glenasmole · population centre · Dublin · 1798

    After his escape, Holt crossed the head of Glenasmoel, drinking water from a spring well on the mountainside like a beast, before continuing along the mountain overlooking the glen.

    Read the passage

    1798. in my pocket, and drank water from the spring well, on the side of the mountain, like a beast, by stooping down and drawing it into my mouth. I then proceeded across the head of Glenasmoel, keeping on the side of the mountain with a view of the glen.

    I stopped at the house of a man named Morne of Monanee, and told him of my escape. He asked me if I recollected being at a house on the mountain the day I fell asleep on the rock ; which I did. He said there were three men there, one of whom gave information to Lord Powerscourt, in an hour after I had left the place, who ordered out the cavalry, and searched every house in the country for me. He then said, he wondered I did not write to Lord Powerscourt, and ask him to intercede for me, and told me his lordship had expressed himself kindly towards me on parade, and said it would be a pity that I should die a shameful death ; that my conduct deserved a better fate ; and he added, " I think Lord Powerscourt would feel himself honoured if you surrendered to him."

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 106

51. Rebels cross the Boyne near Duleek into Louth

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1798

    Having failed to gain support in county Meath, the rebel remnant made a rapid march and crossed the river Boyne near Duleek into county Louth.

    Read the passage

    " On the night of their repulse they plundered the village of Carberry in the county of Kildare, and marched the following morning by Johnstown, to a place called Summerhill, near CulmuUin, in the county of Meath. Here, after having eluded the pursuit of some parties of the soldiery, particularly that of Colonel Gordon of the Inverness Fencibles, who had marched to seek them from Trim, they were attacked by Colonel Gough, with a body of troops from Edenderry, and obliged to fly with precipitation and the loss of their plunder. Totally disappointed in their hopes of assistance to their cause in the county of Meath, which had been so agitated by defenderism and rebellion, they by a circuitous and rapid march made their way to the river Boyne, which they crossed near Duleek into the county of Louth. Finding themselves overtaken on the 14th, by the cavalry of Major General Wemyss, and Brigadier General Meyrick, who were pushing them ■with two divisions of the army, they made a desperate stand

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 56

52. Soldiers burn Holt's house at Mullinaveigue

    Roundwood · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt's home was condemned and troops sent to it; he fled across the Vartrey river fearing murder, and later saw his house in flames from White Rock.

    Read the passage

    I crossed Vartrey river* and proceeded to

    * The Vartrey is a mountain stream close to the Hamlet of Roundwood. Its " course lies for about three miles from

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Roundwood, this is where Joseph Holt's house at Mullinaveigue stood in 1798. His home was condemned and troops were sent to it. He fled across the Vartrey river, fearing murder, and from White Rock he saw his house in flames.

53. Vartrey river and the cascade near Roundwood

    near Devil's Glen · valley · Wicklow

    The Vartrey river flows from Roundwood over a rocky bed and is precipitated about one hundred feet into the Devil's Glen, forming a picturesque cascade; its name derives from the Irish word for rain.

    Read the passage

    Roundwood over a rocky and gravelly bed, through open and easy banks, until its waters are precipitated about one hundred feet with great force and fury into the Devil's Glen, forming a picturesque and irregular cascade." — Angling Excursions of Gregory Greendrake in Ireland, 1824.

    There is a river of the same name in the County of Kerry, which falls into Valentia Harbour, and both are so called from the Irish word y^eA\\.'tT]\), rain, because their waters are considerably augmented in wet weather. See note at page 33.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 15

54. Whaley's Abbey built on site of ancient abbey founded by St Kevin's brother

    Avoca · town · Wicklow

    A footnote describes Whaley's Abbey, Buck Whaley's seat in the Vale of Avoca, as having been erected upon the site of an ancient abbey built by a brother of St. Kevin, possibly St. Dagan, originally called the Abbey of Ballykine.

    Read the passage

    To redeem this from the character of a very desultory note, it behoves me to state, that Mr. Wright, in his Wicklow Guide Book, says, that " the house (Whaley Abbey) was erected upon the site of an ancient Abbey, built by a brother of St. Kevin. Archdale," adds Mr. Wright, " thinks this was St. Dagan, and that it was originally called the Abbey of Ballykine."

    M 2

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Avoca in Wicklow, this was the seat known as Whaley's Abbey. Mr. Wright's Wicklow Guide Book says the house was erected upon the site of an ancient abbey built by a brother of St. Kevin. Archdale thought this brother was St. Dagan, and that the original foundation was called the Abbey of Ballykine.

55. Rebel attack and repulse at Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

    Holt's rebels advanced on and attacked Clonard but were repulsed by Royal forces, forcing a retreat during which Holt was wounded.

    Read the passage

    Skirmish. Trial of Pikes, 45. Dispersion of the rebels, 47. Holt organizes the rebels, 48. The " Moving Magazine," 49. Description of Susy Toole, 51. The Whelp-rock station, 53. Garrett Byrne. Edward Fitzgerald, 54. Captain John O'Neill, 55. Anthony Perry, 57. Esmond Kyan, 59. Skirmishes, 60. Council of War, 61. Conduct to Pilsworth, a prisoner, 62. Visit to the house of Mr. Hynes, 64. Proceedings of the rebels, 65. Edward Roche, 66. Junction with the rebel army, 67. Release of Pilsworth, 68. Rebels take up a position, 69. Indecision of Edward Roche, 70. Madge Dixon, 71. Indecision of Edward Roche, 72. Holt attacks the Royal troops, 73. Conduct of Edward Roche, 74. Holt challenges Edward Roche, 75. Holt takes the command, 76. Arrangements for battle, 77. Battle of Ballyellis, 78. Disorganized state of the rebels, 88. Holt displays his flag, 89. Holt becomes a rebel leader, 90. Procedings of rebels under Holt, 91. Supplies obtained at Ballyellis, 92. Holt reconnoitres the country, 93. Rebels driven from Carrigrua-hill, 94. Holt's preparations for the rebel army, 95. Consultation as to the movements of the rebels, 98. Rebels advance on Clonard, 102. Attack on Clonard, 103. Rebels repulsed at Clonard, 109. Retreat from Clonard, 110. Holt is wounded, 111. Escape of Holt, 112. Holt's reflections on his conduct while a rebel, 116. Escape of Holt, 1 18. Mr. John O'Neill, 119. KattyKearns, 121. Holt's escape, 123. Conduct of James Kennedy of Navan, 124. Holt's escape, 125. Reception of Holt after crossing the Boyne Water, 126. Rebel fugitives, 128. Escape of Holt, 129. Holt's escape through Dublin, 130. Escape of Holt, 134. Proceedings of Holt, 135. Holt's meeting with his wife, 136, The Widow Kirwan, 137.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming up on Clonard, in Meath. In 1798, Joseph Holt led his rebels to advance on this town and attack the Royal troops stationed here. The rebels were repulsed and forced into retreat. During that retreat Holt himself was wounded, but he managed to escape. The memoirs of Holt, who was a general of the Irish rebels, record the attack, the repulse, the retreat, his wounding, and his escape in a sequence across these pages. After Clonard he went on crossing the Boyne Water and moving through Dublin, eventually meeting his wife again. The book also lists many other figures and skirmishes from the rising, including Edward Roche, Anthony Perry, Garrett Byrne, and a battle at Ballyellis, but Clonard is where Holt's advance was stopped and he was hit.

56. Holt's rebel raid on Blessington

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt led an attack on the town of Blessington, ordering his men to hold fire until permission was given. During the assault a man was shot dead by Barney Holligan after firing on him, and a soldier in the steeple wounded one of Holt's men.

    Read the passage

    1^98. and as I could not bring him to life, I attended to the business I had come about, and issued orders that a shot should not be fired until I

    " When we had almost beat our foes

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Blessington in Wicklow. In 1798, Joseph Holt led a rebel raid on this town, ordering his men to hold their fire until he gave permission. During the fight, Barney Holligan shot a man dead after the man fired on him, and a soldier in the steeple wounded one of Holt's men.

57. Burning of Lord Waterford's Lodge

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

    During the campaign near Blessington, Lord Waterford's hunting lodge was burned by Holt's rebels.

    Read the passage

    The Cronebane Corps, 215. Holt's challenge to Captain King, 216. Holt attacked and retreats, 217, Holt rallies his men, 218. Holt's reflections on events, 219. Holt's mode of recruiting, 222. Murder of Jonathan Eves, 223. Henry Downes, 224. Holt's attack on Blessington, 225. Burning of Lord Waterford's Lodge, 229. Division of the spoil at Hollywood, 231. General Moore's letter to Holt, 232. Holt's address to the rebels, 234. Effect of Holt's address, 235. Holt's view of his position, 236. Desertion from King's County Militia, 238. Holt's Council of War, 239. Holt crosses the Glenmalure River, 240. Passage of the Glenmalure River, 241. Holt's line of march, 242. Disaffection towards Holt, 243. Holt's conduct towards his followers, 247. Holt determines to leave Ireland, 248. Mrs. Holt robbed, 249. Movements of Holt, 250. Jonathan Holt killed, 251. Death of Captain Hume, 252. Information given by the Byrnes, 254. Division of Holt's force, 255. "The Sporting party," 257. Holt surprised, 258. Escape of Holt, 259. Holt wishes to negociate for terms, 265. Holt returns to Glenbride, 266. Holt's dream, 267. Holt surprised and attacked, 268. Reward of Quin, the informer, 269. Holt buries his dead. Movements, 270. Holt's address to his followers, 271. Holt parts from his men, 272, Holt's second dream, 273. Holt retires to Dundrum, 274. Holt's third dream, 275. Escape of Holt, 276. Holt's letter to Mrs. Latouche, 277. Negociation for Holt's surrender, 278. Holt's farewell to his associates, 279. Holt's parting with his associates, 280. Holt surrenders to Lord Powerscourt, 281. Holt's reception by Lord Powerscourt, 282. Holt's vindication of his conduct, 284. Holt's conversation with Lord Powerscourt, 286. Holt's interview with Buckly, 292-

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Blessington in Wicklow. In 1798, the rebel general Joseph Holt attacked this town. As part of that campaign, his men burned Lord Waterford's hunting lodge. The memoirs of Holt list the burning alongside his attack on Blessington and the division of spoil afterward at Hollywood. That is nearly all the record holds on the lodge itself.

58. Holt's retreat to Dundrum

    Dundrum · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Following further setbacks, Holt retired to Dundrum, where he experienced another dream before eventually escaping.

    Read the passage

    The Cronebane Corps, 215. Holt's challenge to Captain King, 216. Holt attacked and retreats, 217, Holt rallies his men, 218. Holt's reflections on events, 219. Holt's mode of recruiting, 222. Murder of Jonathan Eves, 223. Henry Downes, 224. Holt's attack on Blessington, 225. Burning of Lord Waterford's Lodge, 229. Division of the spoil at Hollywood, 231. General Moore's letter to Holt, 232. Holt's address to the rebels, 234. Effect of Holt's address, 235. Holt's view of his position, 236. Desertion from King's County Militia, 238. Holt's Council of War, 239. Holt crosses the Glenmalure River, 240. Passage of the Glenmalure River, 241. Holt's line of march, 242. Disaffection towards Holt, 243. Holt's conduct towards his followers, 247. Holt determines to leave Ireland, 248. Mrs. Holt robbed, 249. Movements of Holt, 250. Jonathan Holt killed, 251. Death of Captain Hume, 252. Information given by the Byrnes, 254. Division of Holt's force, 255. "The Sporting party," 257. Holt surprised, 258. Escape of Holt, 259. Holt wishes to negociate for terms, 265. Holt returns to Glenbride, 266. Holt's dream, 267. Holt surprised and attacked, 268. Reward of Quin, the informer, 269. Holt buries his dead. Movements, 270. Holt's address to his followers, 271. Holt parts from his men, 272, Holt's second dream, 273. Holt retires to Dundrum, 274. Holt's third dream, 275. Escape of Holt, 276. Holt's letter to Mrs. Latouche, 277. Negociation for Holt's surrender, 278. Holt's farewell to his associates, 279. Holt's parting with his associates, 280. Holt surrenders to Lord Powerscourt, 281. Holt's reception by Lord Powerscourt, 282. Holt's vindication of his conduct, 284. Holt's conversation with Lord Powerscourt, 286. Holt's interview with Buckly, 292-

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 7

59. Holt's return to Glenbride

    Glenbride · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    After being surprised and attacked, Holt returned to Glenbride, where he later buried his dead and experienced a troubling dream.

    Read the passage

    The Cronebane Corps, 215. Holt's challenge to Captain King, 216. Holt attacked and retreats, 217, Holt rallies his men, 218. Holt's reflections on events, 219. Holt's mode of recruiting, 222. Murder of Jonathan Eves, 223. Henry Downes, 224. Holt's attack on Blessington, 225. Burning of Lord Waterford's Lodge, 229. Division of the spoil at Hollywood, 231. General Moore's letter to Holt, 232. Holt's address to the rebels, 234. Effect of Holt's address, 235. Holt's view of his position, 236. Desertion from King's County Militia, 238. Holt's Council of War, 239. Holt crosses the Glenmalure River, 240. Passage of the Glenmalure River, 241. Holt's line of march, 242. Disaffection towards Holt, 243. Holt's conduct towards his followers, 247. Holt determines to leave Ireland, 248. Mrs. Holt robbed, 249. Movements of Holt, 250. Jonathan Holt killed, 251. Death of Captain Hume, 252. Information given by the Byrnes, 254. Division of Holt's force, 255. "The Sporting party," 257. Holt surprised, 258. Escape of Holt, 259. Holt wishes to negociate for terms, 265. Holt returns to Glenbride, 266. Holt's dream, 267. Holt surprised and attacked, 268. Reward of Quin, the informer, 269. Holt buries his dead. Movements, 270. Holt's address to his followers, 271. Holt parts from his men, 272, Holt's second dream, 273. Holt retires to Dundrum, 274. Holt's third dream, 275. Escape of Holt, 276. Holt's letter to Mrs. Latouche, 277. Negociation for Holt's surrender, 278. Holt's farewell to his associates, 279. Holt's parting with his associates, 280. Holt surrenders to Lord Powerscourt, 281. Holt's reception by Lord Powerscourt, 282. Holt's vindication of his conduct, 284. Holt's conversation with Lord Powerscourt, 286. Holt's interview with Buckly, 292-

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 7

60. Attack on Blessington and Firing from the Church Steeple

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt's forces attacked the town of Blessington, where heavy firing came from the steeple of the town's church, intensifying the conflict and interrupting Holt's attention to the aftermath of Eves's murder.

    Read the passage

    The firing in the town, from the steeple of i798. the church of Blessington, now became so hot, that I had not time to consider about poor Eves,

    joining the Irish Army, and fighting for the Liberty of his Native Country !

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh01holt, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Blessington in 1798, firing from the church steeple here became so hot that Holt had no time to think about poor Eves. Holt wrote that Eves had joined the Irish Army and was fighting for the liberty of his native country.