Memoirs of Joseph Holt, general of the Irish rebels, in 1798 (vol. 2)

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. Michael Dwyer's Escape at St. Kevin's Bed, Glendalough

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1798–1799

   Pursued by Highlanders for several days, the Wicklow rebel Michael Dwyer took shelter in St. Kevin's Bed at Glendalough. Nearly surprised while asleep, he leapt from the cave into the lake and swam to the opposite shore to safety, as the soldiers could not carry their muskets along the difficult pathway.

   Read the passage

   Wicklow desperado ; being closely pursued, for several days, by a body of Highlanders, he took shelter in St. Kevin's bed, and having fallen asleep, the Highlanders had nearly come upon him by surprise; however, he had just sufficient time to leap from the cave into the lake, and ultimately reached the opposite shore in safety, accoutred as he was. The Highlanders found it impossible to carry their muskets with them along the difficult path-way, so that Dwyer was permitted to make towards the opposite land, without molestation."

   With reference to this occurrence, the following dialogue is said to have taken place, when the late Lord Norbury visited Glendalough. Upon that facetious Judge inquiring for St. Kevin's bed, it was pointed out by his Lordship's guide, as " that hole in the rock."

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 111

2. Investigation of Captain Dobson's Cruelty at Cove of Cork

   Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

   On 23 January 1799 the prison ship Lively arrived at the Cove of Cork carrying starving, vermin-covered prisoners. Officers boarded and exposed Captain Dobson's use of false weights to starve prisoners, leading to his dismissal from the ship amid the prisoners' jeers.

   Read the passage

   statement in that letter?" Serjeant Wiggan 1799. had before this stated the horrid treatment we ■^^"' had received at this wretch's hands ; the appearance of the prisoners and the ship, and the exhibition of the false weights, were quite conclusive. One of the officers said to him, " You are certainly a greater criminal than any under your charge, and your crimes deserve summary judgment; you ought to be hanged forthwith at the yard-arm. Every charge in this letter has been brought home to you and proved. Leave the ship, sir, immediately." The villain went over the side amidst the hooting and execrations of all on board.

   The officer then asked me a few questions, and said he should be glad to have a little conversation with me at another opportunity. He would take care that Dobson sliould be punished if possible, but at all events he never should be employed again under his Majesty's government. Thus we got redress, and would be ungrateful if we did not

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 9

3. Sir Henry Browne Hayes's abduction of Miss Pike and flight through Cork

   Cork · city · Cork · 1801

   Sir Henry Browne Hayes, former sheriff of Cork city, was tried for abducting a Quaker heiress, Miss Pike, sentenced to death (commuted to transportation), and evaded capture by walking into a hairdresser's shop in Cork before surrendering.

   Read the passage

   * Sir Henry Browne Hayes, who had served the office of sheriff of the city of Cork, was tried in 1801 for the abduction of Miss Pike, a Quaker lady of large fortune, and was. sentenced to death, which sentence was commuted to transportation for life. Upon a considerable reward being offered for his apprehension, Sir Henry walked into the shop of a hair-dresser in Cork, named Coghlan, observing, after some conversation, that as it was his intention to surrender himself, Coghlan might as well have the benefit of the reward by giving him up. The following is one of the many epigrams current at this time upon the subject : —

   " The fate of Sir Harry is sure a hard case ; Unable in Cork to exhibit his face, Pursued by the brethren, proclaimed in the papers, Though his mighty misdeeds were mere boyish capers ;

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Cork, this is the city where one of the strangest surrenders took place. In 1801, Sir Henry Browne Hayes, who had served as sheriff here, was tried for abducting Miss Pike, a Quaker lady of large fortune, and sentenced to death, commuted to transportation for life. When a considerable reward was offered for his apprehension, Sir Henry walked into the shop of a hairdresser named Coghlan. After some conversation he observed that since it was his intention to surrender himself, Coghlan might as well have the benefit of the reward by giving him up. The affair was widely lampooned in epigrams at the time.

4. Holt's oath-bound refusal to inform, Cove of Cork

   Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

   General Meyers and Major Ross offer Holt release and command of a cavalry corps if he betrays fellow United Irishmen while the ships lie in Cork Harbour. Holt refuses, citing his oath as a United Irishman, and delivers a defiant speech about honesty and rebellion.

   Read the passage

   Holt. — "■ No, sir, that 1 can never do. I would rather kill twenty men by my sword or pistol, than one by testimony on the book ; that is a character I always detested. Besides,

   holt's interview with general MEYERS. 37

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 13

5. Michael Dwyer's Surrender to Captain Hume

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1799

   On 14 December 1799, Dwyer, worn out and nearly hunted down by his pursuers, is stated to have surrendered himself to Captain Hume, having stipulated that his life be spared and that his wife and children accompany him into exile.

   Read the passage

   " On the I4th of December, 1809, Dwyer, ' worn out, and nearly hunted down by the activity of his pursuers,' is stated to have surrendered himself to Captain Hume, having previously stipulated that his life should be spared, and his wife and children should be the companions of his days in exile."

   294 CHANGE OF SYSTEM.

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 112

6. Prisoners die of thirst on transport voyage to Passage near Waterford

   Passage East · townland · Waterford · 1799

   During the harsh voyage aboard Dobson's ship, prisoners suffered severe thirst with only a pint of water per day, and one man died crying for water. The vessel eventually anchored at Passage, near Waterford.

   Read the passage

   We continued our voyage in very cold and inclement weather, and suffered very much from thirst, our allowance being but one pint of water in twenty-four hours. I often saw struggles between the unfortunate wretches on board, for the possession of small pieces of ice, which adhered to the sails and other parts of the ship, to quench the burning of their parched mouths, so much were they distressed by thirst, and one man I actually saw expire, crying out, with his very last breath, *' water, water ! " We arrived at Passage, near Waterford, where Dobson cast anchor.

   Our delay here gave me an opportunity of writing to my wife, and also to my guardian angel, Mrs. Latouche. My letter, as nearly as I can now recollect, ran as follows, —

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 6

7. Michael Dwyer, Wicklow rebel leader, arrives as prisoner

   Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1798–1806

   The ship Tellicherry arrived in Port Jackson carrying Irish prisoners including Michael Dwyer, known as Captain Dwyer of County Wicklow, a rebel leader associated with the 1798 rebellion who evaded capture near Baltinglass for years.

   Read the passage

   * Dwyer, " the Wicklow desperado," has been before mentioned in a note, vol. i. p. 157. " Dwyer the noted rebel, leader, more cruel than Hacket, or Holt, and who had been the occasion of many atrocious murders near Baltinglass, obtained," according to Sir Richard Musgrave, " a protection from General Moore, in 1798, and remained for some time in his camp, corrupting his soldiers, and yet for more than two years he bids defiance to the king's troops, and keeps the inhabitants of a large tract of the County of Wicklow, in terror and dismay." ^

   '* After the rebellion of 1798," says Mr. Wright, in his guide to the County of Wicklow, " a few of the outlaws remained concealed in the fastnesses of the Wicklow mountains, and with these the government thought proper to capitulate, rather than continue so difficult a pursuit, with so little success, as it had hitherto been attended with. The most celebrated oflendef was Dwyer, better known as the

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 110

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Baltinglass now. After the rebellion of 1798, a few outlaws stayed hidden in the Wicklow mountains, and Michael Dwyer was the most celebrated of them. The government chose to capitulate with these men rather than keep up so difficult a pursuit. Dwyer evaded capture near this town for years before finally being transported on the Tellicherry to Port Jackson.

8. Crowds visit 'General' Holt aboard ship at Ballyhack

   Ballyhack · town · Wexford · 1799

   Holt's ship anchored at Ballyhack, and news of the famous rebel General Holt's presence drew many respectable local inhabitants aboard to see him, including an officer of the 89th regiment who had previously encountered Holt's men.

   Read the passage

   I now return to Ballyhack, where we were at anchor. The noise of our arrival had spread far and wide. The title of ''General" Holt being universally acknowledged, induced many of the most respectable inhabitants of the neighbourhood to come on board to see *' the General." My dress was that of a superior officer of the army. One day, about two o'clock, as I was taking my scanty and coarse repast, I perceived several persons on deck endeavouring to ^Qt a peep at me, on which I requested my company to stand so as to intercept their view, when the following conversation took place between Dobson and myself.

   Dobson. — '* Holt, come up on deck." I took no notice of this address; which he repeated in a commanding tone, adding, *' Come, you Sir, when you are called."

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 8

9. Holt's declaration of hostility to England if attacked at sea

   Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

   During the voyage, Holt admits he would have turned the ship's guns against the crew and sought liberty for the prisoners rather than fight for England, revealing deep rebel sentiment among the transported United Irishmen.

   Read the passage

   tured. All who are enemies to England are our 1799. friends ; we are in the state of bondmen to England ; with the Spaniards we should be free. Had England given us freedom, we should have been grateful, and delighted to fight for her ; but she placed us in bondage, aye, and in chains — how could you think we would fight to keep ourselves in irons ? No, sir, I tell you, had we come to action, I would have turned the gun against the poop, and tried all I could to obtain liberty for myself and the other prisoners. All nations of the world are our friends, save England only."

   He looked at me with astonishment, and at length said, "Are you serious. Holt .''"

   Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 16

10. Holt writes to Mrs. Latouche from Passage recalling his mountain home

    Passage East · townland · Waterford · 1799

    While anchored at Passage, Holt writes to Mrs. Latouche describing the misery of the transport ship and asking for help reuniting him with his wife and children, referencing his former life in the Wicklow mountains after his surrender to Lord Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    "Dear and Excellent Lady, " As you were the instrument in the hands of the Almighty, of my surrender to Lord Powerscourt, and my giving up my mountainous life of liberty, to the government, I hope your charity will be extended farther, by restoring to my bosom, the dear, faithful, and affectionate partner of my life. I had much better have perished in the mountains, than live deprived of her society; most ardently do I pray your ladyship to consider my unhappy lot. My wife and children are now the only tie which makes life desirable, or even tolerable. My property is all gone, I am in a miserable vessel, full almost to suffocation of unhappy beings, without resources even for personal cleanliness, and if left in that state, I cannot long exist. Several poor wretches in this floating dungeon of disgusting filth, have already fallen victims to the hardships they suffered, and have perished of cold, hunger, and above all, of thirst. We have been out but a few days. The cruel and unfeeling monster, in the shape of a man who commands this vessel, seems to feel that he has a cargo of swine, rather

    1799. Jan*

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 6

11. Birth of Joseph Harrison Holt aboard the Minerva at Cove of Cork

    Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

    While the transport ship Minerva remained anchored in the Cove of Cork, Mrs Holt gave birth to a son on 17 July 1799, who was baptized two days later by Parson Fulton.

    Read the passage

    The state-room was got ready, according to 17 July, my desire, and on the 17th of July, at six o'clock in the morning, Mrs. Holt was delivered of a 19. son. On the 19th, he was baptized by the name of Joseph Harrison Holt, by Parson Fulton ; Mr. Harrison, William Henry Alcock, and Mrs. Hobbs, who attended Mrs. Holt, being sponsors.

    There were on board, besides the thirty-six women I have mentioned, one hundred and thirty-two male prisoners, a lieutenant, four Serjeants, and twenty-seven private soldiers, three mates, four quarter-masters, and twenty sailors. 24 Aug. On the 24th of August, 1799, we weighed anchor, and sailed from the Cove of Cork, with 4 Sept. a fair wind. On the 4th of September, we were in sight of Madeira, and fired a gun for a pilot, but none came off to us. We bore awav from

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 13

12. Holt boards prison ship at the Pigeon House

    Pigeon House · site · Dublin · 1799

    Joseph Holt bids farewell to Ireland and boards a boat at the Pigeon House, which carries him to the transport vessel commanded by Christopher Dobson. He is greeted by eighty United Irishmen prisoners already confined below deck.

    Read the passage

    1799. their neighbours ; and, that though I may not ^ ■^''°' live to see the day, yet, that under the blessing of God, the day should come, when Ireland would be happy and prosperous. " Take my advice, soldiers," said I, " in whatever station of life you may be placed, do your duty, obey all the lawful commands of your superiors, and do not meddle with what you do not understand : you wiU then be respected, and every thing will prosper about you. It is from meddling fellows, who will not leave well alone, that all this misery has arisen, and on their heads are the innocent blood of thousands. Rebel as I am considered, I here drain my glass to the last words I shall probably ever speak in Ireland, God Save the King." Not one word more was spoken, but they continued to look at me with astonishment, and they left me at the Pigeon House, where I entered a boat which brought me to a vessel, commanded by one Christopher Dobson. This fellow, as I came alongside, shouted to the prisoners who were confined on board, *' You are now well enough, your General is come on board." There were eighty men below deck, who gave me a welcome by a loud cheer. The captain said, '* Take him

    CHRISTOPHER DOliSON. «

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 5

13. Informers Robert Wilson and John Hewit aboard the Minerva

    Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

    Two informers among the Irish prisoners, Robert Wilson and John Hewit from the north of Ireland, caused suspicion and trouble on the transport ship by fabricating stories, including a false report of a mutiny plot to sink the vessel.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Harrison and I were always the best friends, and whenever he wanted to obtain correct information, he always applied to me. We had two disturbers of the harmony of the ship ; I mean two stags or informers, one named Robert Wilson, the other John Hewit, from the north of Ireland. The former outwitted Dr. Price, and got himself on the sick list for three months, and so far did he get to windward, that he was allowed a bottle of wine every day, which he sold at night for a shilling. To continue himself in favour, he was continually writing to the captain frivolous letters. At last he wrote to give information, that there was a conspiracy among the prisoners to scuttle and sink the ship,

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 16

14. Lord Norbury's Facetious Dialogue at Glendalough on Dwyer's Legend

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The late Lord Norbury, visiting Glendalough, was shown St. Kevin's Bed and engaged in a jesting exchange with his guide about the saint and about the rebel Dwyer's famous escape from the cave into the lake while soldiers fired upon him.

    Read the passage

    " Indeed, then, your lordship, before Captain Rock's time, the rebel Dwyer used to shelter himself in the bed — Captain

    u 2

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 111

15. Curious visitors from Cork question Holt about the rebellion

    Cork · city · Cork · 1799

    Visitors from Cork came daily to the Minerva to question Holt about the recent insurrection, and his critical opinions of the yeomen provoked hostile reactions, including a confrontation with one visitor who insulted him.

    Read the passage

    Visitors came to the ship every day, asking me questions relative to the late insurrection; my answers w^ere seldom agreeable to them. Captains Cox, Salkeld, and Mr. Harrison, would usually join when these curious inquirers made their appearance. Generally they were much annoyed at my small opinion of the yeomen; they could not bear to hear the truth. Men not under military law, can never be good soldiers in time of danger. The rebels fight well, knowing their own safety depends on their exertions. One day in particular, a very large party came from Cork, one of whom spoke so very impertinently to me, that I told him he must exchange a shot with me, for although I was under misfortune, I was not to be insulted with impunity, which brought the gentleman to his senses, and he made an apology. This amused my friends, the officers of the ship, and I was ever after treated with kindness and respect.

    One morning, walking the quarter-deck with Mr. Harrison, I observed a boat approaching

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the city whose people came daily in 1799 to the ship Minerva, where Joseph Holt was held after the rebellion. They came aboard asking questions about the late insurrection, but Holt's answers seldom pleased them. He spoke his mind about the yeomen, saying men not under military law can never be good soldiers in time of danger, and that the rebels fight well, knowing their own safety depends on their exertions. One day a large party came from Cork, and one man spoke so impertinently that Holt told him he must exchange a shot with him, saying he was under misfortune but not to be insulted with impunity. The man apologised, and the officers of the ship, who had been watching, were amused. After that Holt says he was ever after treated with kindness and respect.

16. Cork prisoners flogged at Toongabbe linked to Sir Henry Browne Hayes

    Cork · city · Cork · 1800

    Three men flogged after Fitzgerald and Galvin were said to be from the county of Cork and to have lived near Sir Henry Browne Hayes's residence. This ties the transported rebels' origins to Cork.

    Read the passage

    1800. hid ? " Galvin answered, that he did not know, and that, if he did, he would not tell. "You may hang me," said he, "if you like; but you shall have no music out of my mouth to make others dance upon nothing." He was put into the cart and sent to the hospital. Three other men then received each one hundred lashes, and they sung out lustily, from first to last. The name of one of these men was Michael Fitzgerald, a shoemaker by trade. They were all from the county of Cork, and lived near Sir Henry Browne Hayes's.*

    * Sir Henry Browne Hayes, who had served the office of sheriff of the city of Cork, was tried in 1801 for the abduction of Miss Pike, a Quaker lady of large fortune, and was. sentenced to death, which sentence was commuted to transportation for life. Upon a considerable reward being offered for his apprehension, Sir Henry walked into the shop of a hair-dresser in Cork, named Coghlan, observing, after some conversation, that as it was his intention to surrender himself, Coghlan might as well have the benefit of the reward by giving him up. The following is one of the many epigrams current at this time upon the subject : —

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is the county where three men were flogged in 1800, tied to the story of Sir Henry Browne Hayes. One of them was Michael Fitzgerald, a shoemaker by trade. All three were from this county and lived near Sir Henry Browne Hayes's residence. Each received one hundred lashes. They sung out lustily, from first to last. Before them, a man named Galvin had been questioned. He answered that he did not know, and that if he did, he would not tell. "You may hang me," said he, "if you like; but you shall have no music out of my mouth to make others dance upon nothing." He was put into the cart and sent to the hospital. Sir Henry Browne Hayes had served as sheriff of the city of Cork. He was tried in 1801 for the abduction of Miss Pike, a Quaker lady of large fortune, and sentenced to death, which was commuted to transportation for life. When a reward was offered for his apprehension, he walked into the shop of a hair-dresser named Coghlan. He said that as it was his intention to surrender himself, Coghlan might as well have the benefit of the reward by giving him up.

17. Marong the Frenchman convicted of forging Bank of Ireland notes

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1799

    Among the transported convicts aboard the Minerva were John Austin, an engraver, and Marong, a Frenchman convicted of forging notes on the Bank of Ireland, both employed by Captain Cox to embellish jewellery sold in Rio.

    Read the passage

    There were two transports on board from Dublin, — John Austin, and Marong, a Frenchman convicted of forging notes on the bank of Ireland. Marong was a jeweller, and Austin an engraver. Captain Cox employed these men to ornament the articles of jewellery he brought out, particularly his watches, which were generally of the class called " London runners," the works of which are not of the best, but they look well, and that is what the Brazilians consider more than their acting well ; and he got a ready demand for these articles, although they were any thing but time-keepers.

    Captain Cox was particularly kind to me, and all those 1 wished to favour. He would frequently say to Captain Salkeld, this is a fine day, let up the prisoners to wash and shave, and get a little fresh air. Captain Salkeld would answer, *' My quarter-masters are all busy, I cannot spare them." ** Give me the keys," Cox would say, *' and I will find a quarter master of my own ; it will be good and humane

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city two transport convicts sailed from in 1799 aboard a ship called the Minerva. One was John Austin, an engraver. The other was Marong, a Frenchman convicted of forging notes on the Bank of Ireland, and a jeweller by trade. Captain Cox employed both men to ornament the articles of jewellery he brought out, particularly his watches. These were generally of the class called "London runners" — the works not of the best, but they look well, and that is what the Brazilians consider more than their acting well. He got a ready demand for these articles, although they were anything but timekeepers. Captain Cox was also kind to his prisoners. He would say to Captain Salkeld, this is a fine day, let up the prisoners to wash and shave, and get a little fresh air. Salkeld would answer he could not spare his quarter-masters. Cox would say, give me the keys, and I will find a quarter-master of my own.

18. Departure of the Minerva convict transport from Cove of Cork

    Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

    On 24 August 1799 the transport ship carrying Holt and other rebel prisoners weighed anchor and sailed from the Cove of Cork bound for New South Wales via Rio de Janeiro.

    Read the passage

    There were on board, besides the thirty-six women I have mentioned, one hundred and thirty-two male prisoners, a lieutenant, four Serjeants, and twenty-seven private soldiers, three mates, four quarter-masters, and twenty sailors. 24 Aug. On the 24th of August, 1799, we weighed anchor, and sailed from the Cove of Cork, with 4 Sept. a fair wind. On the 4th of September, we were in sight of Madeira, and fired a gun for a pilot, but none came off to us. We bore awav from

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 13

19. Holt Takes a House at Kevin Street Corner of Redmond's Hill

    Redmond's Hill · street · Dublin · 1814

    On 6 June 1814 Holt took a house at the corner of Kevin-street and Redmond's Hill in Dublin from Margaret Byers, intending to open a public house to gauge public feeling about him.

    Read the passage

    1814. on the 6th June, 1814, to live in a house which I took from Margaret Byers, and bad luck to both — house and woman.

    I consulted with my wife, and told her that the only way to get to the knowledge of what the people of Ireland had in their minds, was for me to set up a tavern, and there every one might have free access to me, to ask me whatever questions they pleased, and that this would also be the means of preventing people from troubling me unnecessarily ; but I. found my plan turn out the reverse of what I intended, as it only brought me into trouble : for, if I did not sit down and drink with my customers, most of whom came on purpose to see me, I gave offence to them, and if I did drink with them, they were sure to offend me. I mean the lower order of the people. When they came into my house, they were, perhaps, three parts drunk ; and the first thing they would insist upon, was to shake hands with me, and then to ask if I remembered so and so, or such a thing, in the year 1798. If I did not answer them, then one swore that I did not like to tell; and another abused me, and said, who cares for a transported vagabond like him ? and so it went on.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, on the sixth of June 1814, Joseph Holt took a house at the corner of Kevin Street and Redmond's Hill from Margaret Byers, though he later cursed both the house and the woman. Holt had been general of the Irish rebels in 1798 and had been transported. His plan was to open a tavern so that the people of Ireland could come freely, ask him whatever they pleased, and he could learn what was in their minds. He consulted his wife about it. The plan turned out the reverse of what he intended. Customers came on purpose to see him, many already three parts drunk. They insisted on shaking his hand and asking if he remembered this or that from 1798. If he would not sit and drink with them, he gave offence. If he did drink with them, they offended him. If he did not answer their questions, one swore he did not like to tell, and another abused him, saying who cares for a transported vagabond like him.

20. Holt recalls his peaceable life at Roundwood, Wicklow

    Roundwood · town · Wicklow

    While reflecting on his newfound domestic happiness at Brush Farm in New South Wales, Holt compares it to the quiet, prosperous life he once enjoyed at Roundwood in Ireland before his troubles began. This is a brief but specific biographical association with the place.

    Read the passage

    On the 5th of September, 1800, I went to isoo. Brush Farm to measure out the ground to be ^^p*- ^• broken for corn, and had, as usual, settled with and paid up the men. I had been so completely occupied with my agricultural employments, as to be absolutely absorbed by them ; every other subject was banished from my thoughts, and I enjoyed a repose and quiet of mind which I had not felt since I was living in peaceable and quiet, but prosperous obscurity, at Roundwood. Every thing seemed to prosper which I put my hand to ; my excellent wife was recovering her good looks, and had thrown off the woe-worn countenance of care and anxiety which had so long oppressed her ; and my boys were lively and healthy children, and promised me much satisfaction and happiness. In short, after all my troubles, I at last found at Brush Farm a home, and a happy one. What charms are to be found in that word, "home!" We repose there in supposed safety ; on my return, I was sure to be welcomed by the smiles of my excellent partner, who was always anxiously watching at the expected hour, and I was always met by her with affectionate warmth. What does that man deserve who disturbs the quiet and

    H 2

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Roundwood in Wicklow. Joseph Holt remembered this town as the place where he once lived in what he called "peaceable and quiet, but prosperous obscurity." On the 5th of September, 1800, working at Brush Farm in New South Wales, he wrote that the repose and quiet of mind he felt then was something he had not known since those days at Roundwood. Everything he put his hand to seemed to prosper, and his wife and boys were well, and after all his troubles he had at last found a happy home. The life he had lost here in Ireland was the measure of the peace he found again on the other side of the world.

21. Newtown Mount Kennedy compared to native warfare mutilations

    Newtown Mount Kennedy · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Holt compares the fearsome mutilations he witnessed in native Australian warfare to proceedings he had seen carried out by the Ancient Britons at Newtown Mount Kennedy, suggesting he associated that place with similarly brutal violence.

    Read the passage

    1802. I could compare the mutilations of the human frame in this savage warfare to nothing that I had ever seen, except the proceedings of the Ancient Britons at Newtown Mount Kennedy,

    " We had been told for some days of their (the natives) making great preparations for a fight, and gladly heard that they had chosen a clear spot near the town for the purpose. The contending parties consisted of most of our Sydney acquaintance, and some natives from the South shore of Botany Bay, We repaired to the spot an hour before sunset, and found them seated opposite to each other on a level piece of ground between two hills. As a prelude to the business, v^^e observed our friends, after having waited some time, stand

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Newtown Mount Kennedy in Wicklow. In 1802, Joseph Holt wrote that he could compare the mutilations of the human frame he saw in native warfare in Australia to nothing he had ever seen, except what he called the proceedings of the Ancient Britons at Newtown Mount Kennedy. He gives no detail of what those proceedings were, only that the place stood in his mind as the one thing that matched the brutality he witnessed abroad.

22. Description of the Great Harbour at Cove of Cork

    Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1799

    Holt describes the Cove of Cork as one of the finest harbours in the world, landlocked and defensible, with the town of Cove to the north and the passage to Cork city via Haulbowling and Spike Island to the west.

    Read the passage

    The magnificent harbour called the Cove of Cork, is perhaps the finest in the world ; landlocked on all sides, the navies of Europe might

    26 THE COVE OP CORK. WM. COX, ESQ.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 11

23. Holt Takes Land at Dunleary (Kingstown)

    near Dún Laoghaire · town · Dublin · 1815–1826

    After giving up the public house trade, Holt took land at Dunleary, near Dublin, later renamed Kingstown, and built houses there from which he drew rental income.

    Read the passage

    life, a few of which he has imperfectly ^^^s. noted, are not remarkable. By his speculation, in entering into business as a publican, he lost considerably, and he was soon disgusted at the trade. He then took some land at Dunleary, now called Kingstown, near Dublin, upon which he built a few houses, and on the rent arising from these houses he

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    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 160

24. Ancient Britons' Plunder Through Wicklow and Wexford

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow

    Holt recalls the plunder of the Ancient Britons as they went through Wicklow and Wexford, comparing it to the disorder he witnessed on the wrecked ship.

    Read the passage

    It reminded me of the plunder of the Ancient Britons, when they went through Wicklow and Wexford, or the scene I was witness to at the

    332 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SHIPWRECKED.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 128

25. Rostellan Castle noted near Cove of Cork

    Rostellan · townland · Cork · 1799

    Holt notes Rostellan Castle to the east of the harbour, describing it as a noble seat, along with the nearby town of Cloyne.

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    1799. ride in safety during the heaviest storms from any point of the compass ; there is but one entrance, nearly due south. The land on all sides is high and bold ; on the north is the town of Cove; to the west is the passage up to Cork, by Haulbowling and Spike Island ; there is from three and half to seven fathoms of water at the lowest tides. To the east is Rostellan Castle, a noble seat, as it was described to me, and the town of Cloyne. The harbour abounds in fish, and altogether it is a magnificent port.

    A William Cox, Esq., paymaster of a military corps in New South Wales, was on board the Minerva; he was going out in the ship as a passenger, and came up and spoke to me ; he inquired respecting my affairs, and seemed much interested about me. I shewed him Mrs. Latouche's letter, and related to him her ladyship's bountiful and benevolent generosity. He expressed his satisfaction that my wife and family were going with me. He then asked me down to his cabin, and introduced me to Mrs. Cox, an amiable and excellent woman. They had their four sons on board, namely, Charles, George, Henry, and Edward. This worthy

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 11

26. Mrs Fulton's origin at Silver Mines near Waterford

    Silvermines · town · Tipperary · 1799

    Holt records that Rev. Henry Fulton's wife, daughter of Rev. Mr. Walker, came from a place called Silver Mines, near Waterford, and joined her husband aboard the Minerva as a fellow transported family.

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    We had on board the Rev. Henry Fulton, with his wife and family ; Mrs. Fulton was the daughter of the Rev. Mr. Walker, and came from a place called Silver Mines, near Water-

    holt's fellow transports. 29

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 12

27. Holt Lodges at Kevin Street and Sandymount for Health

    near Sandymount · townland · Dublin · 1814

    After his return, Holt lodges at Kevin-street with Mosey Moyes for nine days, then, on his doctor's advice, moves to Sandy Mount to lodge at Joshua Holt's house for fifty-four days before returning to Kevin-street.

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    I returned to Kevin-street, and went to lodge with Mosey Moyes, where I remained nine 14, days. My health was so bad, that Doctor Percival wished me to go into the country ; so I went to Sandy Mount, and lodged at Joshua Holt's for fifty-four days, and then returned to Kevin-street, at the corner of Redmond's Hill,

    426 HOLT DETERMINES TO OPEN A PUBLIC-HOUSE.

    Internet Archive memoirsofjosephh02holt, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Joseph Holt lodged at Joshua Holt's house for 54 days. His health was so bad that Doctor Percival wished him to go into the country. He had come from Kevin Street, where he lodged with Mosey Moyes for nine days, and after his stay here he returned there, to the corner of Redmond's Hill.