An Impartial Narrative of the Most Important Engagements Which Took Place Between His Majesty's Forces and the Rebels, During the Irish Rebellion, 1798.

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. Massacre of Prisoners on Wexford Bridge

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   On 20 June 1798, with the extermination of all Protestant prisoners and inhabitants openly declared as the rebels' aim, about 95 prisoners were dragged from the gaol and tortured to death with pikes on the bridge of Wexford before news of a military reinforcement halted further killing.

   Read the passage

   The atrocities committed by those ferocious tygers while they held this town, were I believe unprecedented. After taking possession of the town, without opposition, they immediately shot several Protestant Inhabitants, tore open most of our houses, destroyed and carried off our effects, (their rage was most particularly directed again at poor Mr. Daniels and mine) put every Protestant inhabitant whom they spared from immediate death (some few excepted that they received amongst them) to prison; but they would not stop here, we were obliged to slaughter each other. The Sunday after they had taken the town, June the third, Pigott, Robson, a Mr. Edwards and I, were dragged from our cells, and forced by the Rebels to put to death a man for being an approver against a Priest of the name of Dixon, who had attempted to swear him to be an United Irishman; after being made the instrument of his destruction, we were forced for to drag his body from the place of execution and throw it into the river. After deliberating for some time whether they should dispatch us at that moment or not, they carried us back to goal. Others of the prisoners were obliged to perform the like Office to another approver. After every species of insult and tyranny to us in prison, the fatal day at length arrived (Wednesday the 20th of June,) when the total extermination of the prisoners (namely 500) and all the Protestant inhabitants of the town, man, woman and child, was openly avowed to be their fixed purpose! About 95 of the prisoners were taken out and tortured to death by pikes on the bridge of Wexford; they returned for more victims, and I was dragged out of the cell, when above fifty wretches (whose ill-will I had incurred by exerting myself in the line of my duty,) cried out to have me destroyed. Providentially an express arrived at that moment, that the army had defeated a considerable party of the Rebels at Long Graige, between this and Ross, and requiring an immediate reinforcement; this made them beat to arms, and induced them at that time to stop the work of blood. The following day they were totally defeated at their great camp (as they termed it) at Vinegar-Hill, and routed in all directions, and on the same day the remaining prisoners were liberated by the army. The horrid cruelties they committed in this town fell short (if possible) of what they did in other parts of the County; at Scullabogue, between Taghmon and Ross, they put 150 Protestants into a barn and burnt them to death, amongst whom were two beautiful and accomplished young ladies of the neighbourhood; poor G--d, the Surveyor of Taghmon, attempted to escape from the flames at this place and was shot by them--at Enniscorthy they scarcely left a Loyal man alive that they could find, and the town was almost consumed by fire--There were about ten of their leaders hanged here, upon the arrival of the army, amongst whom were B. B. Harvey, Cor. Grogan of Johnstown, Captain Keugh, J. H. Colclough of Ballyteigue, and Kelly of Killarn, who were afterwards beheaded, and their heads placed over the Court-house. In consequence of a proclamation from General Lake, inviting the Rebels to desert their leaders, and promising pardon, numbers came in with pikes, &c.----

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 12

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Wexford town, you are on the ground where one of the darkest episodes of the 1798 rebellion unfolded. After the rebels took Wexford without opposition, they shot several Protestant inhabitants, looted houses, and imprisoned those they spared. On the 3rd of June they dragged prisoners from their cells and forced them to put to death a man who had given evidence against a priest named Dixon, then made them drag his body to the river. By Wednesday the 20th of June the rebels openly declared their fixed purpose: the total extermination of all 500 prisoners and every Protestant inhabitant of the town, man, woman and child. About 95 prisoners were taken from the gaol and tortured to death with pikes on the bridge of Wexford. The killers returned for more victims, and the narrator of the source was dragged from his cell, with over fifty people crying out for his destruction. At that moment an express arrived reporting that the army had defeated a rebel party at Long Graige, between Wexford and Ross, and calling for an immediate reinforcement. The rebels beat to arms and stopped the killing. The following day they were defeated at Vinegar Hill, and the remaining prisoners were liberated. About ten of their leaders were afterwards hanged here, including B. B. Harvey, Colonel Grogan of Johnstown, Captain Keugh, J. H. Colclough of Ballyteigue, and Kelly of Killarn. They were beheaded and their heads placed over the Court-house.

2. Beheading of Rebel Leaders and Display of Heads at Wexford Courthouse

   Wexford · town · Wexford · 1798

   After the army retook Wexford, around ten rebel leaders including Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan, Captain Keugh, John Colclough and Kelly of Killarn were hanged, and several were afterwards beheaded with their heads placed over the Court-house.

   Read the passage

   The atrocities committed by those ferocious tygers while they held this town, were I believe unprecedented. After taking possession of the town, without opposition, they immediately shot several Protestant Inhabitants, tore open most of our houses, destroyed and carried off our effects, (their rage was most particularly directed again at poor Mr. Daniels and mine) put every Protestant inhabitant whom they spared from immediate death (some few excepted that they received amongst them) to prison; but they would not stop here, we were obliged to slaughter each other. The Sunday after they had taken the town, June the third, Pigott, Robson, a Mr. Edwards and I, were dragged from our cells, and forced by the Rebels to put to death a man for being an approver against a Priest of the name of Dixon, who had attempted to swear him to be an United Irishman; after being made the instrument of his destruction, we were forced for to drag his body from the place of execution and throw it into the river. After deliberating for some time whether they should dispatch us at that moment or not, they carried us back to goal. Others of the prisoners were obliged to perform the like Office to another approver. After every species of insult and tyranny to us in prison, the fatal day at length arrived (Wednesday the 20th of June,) when the total extermination of the prisoners (namely 500) and all the Protestant inhabitants of the town, man, woman and child, was openly avowed to be their fixed purpose! About 95 of the prisoners were taken out and tortured to death by pikes on the bridge of Wexford; they returned for more victims, and I was dragged out of the cell, when above fifty wretches (whose ill-will I had incurred by exerting myself in the line of my duty,) cried out to have me destroyed. Providentially an express arrived at that moment, that the army had defeated a considerable party of the Rebels at Long Graige, between this and Ross, and requiring an immediate reinforcement; this made them beat to arms, and induced them at that time to stop the work of blood. The following day they were totally defeated at their great camp (as they termed it) at Vinegar-Hill, and routed in all directions, and on the same day the remaining prisoners were liberated by the army. The horrid cruelties they committed in this town fell short (if possible) of what they did in other parts of the County; at Scullabogue, between Taghmon and Ross, they put 150 Protestants into a barn and burnt them to death, amongst whom were two beautiful and accomplished young ladies of the neighbourhood; poor G--d, the Surveyor of Taghmon, attempted to escape from the flames at this place and was shot by them--at Enniscorthy they scarcely left a Loyal man alive that they could find, and the town was almost consumed by fire--There were about ten of their leaders hanged here, upon the arrival of the army, amongst whom were B. B. Harvey, Cor. Grogan of Johnstown, Captain Keugh, J. H. Colclough of Ballyteigue, and Kelly of Killarn, who were afterwards beheaded, and their heads placed over the Court-house. In consequence of a proclamation from General Lake, inviting the Rebels to desert their leaders, and promising pardon, numbers came in with pikes, &c.----

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 12

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Wexford now. In 1798 this town saw the last act of the rebellion's Wexford chapter. The rebels had taken Wexford without opposition, and once inside they shot several Protestant inhabitants, tore open houses, destroyed and carried off people's effects, and put every Protestant they spared from immediate death into prison. On Sunday the 3rd of June they dragged Pigott, Robson, a Mr. Edwards and the narrator from their cells and forced them to put to death a man for being an approver against a priest named Dixon, who had attempted to swear him to be a United Irishman. They then forced them to drag the body from the place of execution and throw it into the river. Other prisoners were forced to perform the same office to another approver. By Wednesday the 20th of June, the rebels openly avowed the total extermination of 500 prisoners and all the Protestant inhabitants of the town, man, woman and child. About 95 prisoners were taken out and tortured to death by pikes on the bridge of Wexford. The rebels returned for more victims, but an express arrived that the army had defeated a considerable party at Long Graige, between Wexford and Ross. This made them beat to arms and stopped the work of blood. The following day they were totally defeated at Vinegar Hill and routed in all directions, and the remaining prisoners were liberated by the army. On the arrival of the army, about ten rebel leaders were hanged here, among them Bagenal Harvey, Cornelius Grogan of Johnstown, Captain Keugh, John H. Colclough of Ballyteigue, and Kelly of Killarn. They were afterwards beheaded, and their heads placed over the Court-house.

3. Rebel General Murphy's Claim of Invulnerability at Castlecomer

   Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

   Captured gentlemen were brought before the excommunicated priest-turned-rebel-general Murphy at Castlecomer, who displayed bullets he claimed had rebounded harmlessly from his invulnerable body, a claim believed by his followers.

   Read the passage

   In a former letter you have an account of the fate of Castle-Comber, &c.--I have only to notice in this, that some Gentlemen who fell into the hands of the Rebels while in possession of that town were brought into the presence of the Rebel general Murphy, who is said to have been a Priest in the Co. Wexford, and was excommunicated for his bad conduct many years ago.--He was dressed in black, affected the appearance of a stupid enthusiast, and shewed some bullets which he said had been fired at him, but had rebounded from his invulnerable body--incredible as it may seem, this wretched invention was generally believed by the more wretched dupes under his command--You have here a real statement of the facts, of which I know you have sufficient curiosity to desire to be informed.

   On Monday morning[A] our reconnoitring parties observed the Rebel Army posted on the bog, between John's-well mountains and the Ridge, about eight miles distant from this City--they seemed to be at rest, and remained quiet except when relieving their Centinels, till four o'Clock, when they were observed to move to the right along the Ridge towards Kelly-mount and New-bridge.

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 6

4. Thousands of Dead at the Battle of New Ross

   New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

   The battle at Ross raged for nearly twelve hours, leaving an estimated 3000 rebels dead in and around the town, with many more dying later of their wounds.

   Read the passage

   The Soldiers who retreated (except some who fled to Waterford) soon rallied again, and entering the town in a furious manner, obliged the enemy to run. The Battle lasted for near twelve hours--3000 Rebels it is said lay dead in and near the town; many also must have died of their wounds: 'tis thought that between fifty and sixty of the Military fell: 'twas too many, but we could hardly expect such a victory on more reasonable terms. B. B. Harvey was commander in chief of the Rebels; but for his bad generalship on that day was deposed, and the command was afterwards given to Roach.

   'Twas on this dreadful day that the Barn at Scollabogue, in which one hundred and seventy Protestants, Men, Women, and Children were confined, was burned: the Rebels in their retreat from Ross set it on fire, lest the Prisoners would escape. About twenty of these sufferers I was personally acquainted with, some of them were my intimate friends. This burning was not the act of one person as some report, Priest Shallow of the parish of Newbawn was present, and twenty five not included in the above number were shot in the most deliberate manner, their cloaths being worth preserving. I pass within two miles of the melancholy spot every month, and often converse with those who know every particular relative to it, both Loyalists and Rebels.----

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 4

5. Yeomen Burned Alive in the Turret at Clonard

   Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

   During the Battle of Clonard, rebels set fire to an old turret defended by yeomen, killing two who tried to escape through the flames and smoke.

   Read the passage

   The enemy being thus defeated in their first onset in both points of attack, became exasperated to an extravagant pitch of fury, and determined upon the most savage revenge. A large party contrived to penetrate into the garden, by the rere, and some of them immediately rushed into the Turret. The Yeomen stationed there were upon an upper floor--they had the precaution to drag up the ladder by which they ascended;--the Rebels endeavoured to climb upon each other, so as to reach the upper story, but they were killed as fast as they appeared; others then ran their pikes through the cieling, and fired shots but without effect--the conflict was obstinate--twenty seven of the Rebels lay dead on the ground floor, when at length, a quantity of straw was brought and set on fire. The building was soon in flames; two of the yeomen, Mr. Michael Cusack and Mr. George Tyrrell, endeavouring to force their way through the smoke were immediately put to death; the rest of the party viz. Mr. Allen, young Mr. T. Tyrrell, and two others escaped by leaping from a window twenty foot high into an hay-yard, from whence under cover of a wall which divided it from the garden they escaped into the house.

   Having succeeded so well by the effect of conflagration, the enemy set fire to the Toll house and some other cabbins on the left near the Bridge, for the purpose of embarassing and confusing the garrison; during this operation, they were seen throwing their dead into the flames, for the purpose, it was thought of evading discovery.

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is the town of Clonard, in Meath. In 1798, during the Battle of Clonard, rebels fought yeomen in an old turret here, and the outcome was brutal. The rebels had been repelled in their first attacks and became furious. A party broke into a garden at the rear, and some rushed into the turret. The yeomen inside had pulled up the ladder to the upper floor. The rebels tried climbing on each other to reach them, but were killed as fast as they appeared. Others drove pikes through the ceiling and fired shots, but to no effect. Twenty-seven rebels lay dead on the ground floor. Then straw was brought and set on fire. The building was soon in flames. Two yeomen, Michael Cusack and George Tyrrell, tried to force their way through the smoke and were put to death. The rest, Mr. Allen, young Mr. T. Tyrrell, and two others, leapt from a window twenty feet high into a hay-yard and escaped along a wall into the house. After that, the rebels set fire to the toll house and some cabins near the bridge. During that operation, they were seen throwing their dead into the flames, it was thought to evade discovery.

6. Rebel Dead Piled in the Burning Turret at Clonard

   Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

   Twenty-seven rebels were killed inside the turret at Clonard before the defenders set the straw-filled ground floor on fire, destroying the building with the dead inside.

   Read the passage

   The enemy being thus defeated in their first onset in both points of attack, became exasperated to an extravagant pitch of fury, and determined upon the most savage revenge. A large party contrived to penetrate into the garden, by the rere, and some of them immediately rushed into the Turret. The Yeomen stationed there were upon an upper floor--they had the precaution to drag up the ladder by which they ascended;--the Rebels endeavoured to climb upon each other, so as to reach the upper story, but they were killed as fast as they appeared; others then ran their pikes through the cieling, and fired shots but without effect--the conflict was obstinate--twenty seven of the Rebels lay dead on the ground floor, when at length, a quantity of straw was brought and set on fire. The building was soon in flames; two of the yeomen, Mr. Michael Cusack and Mr. George Tyrrell, endeavouring to force their way through the smoke were immediately put to death; the rest of the party viz. Mr. Allen, young Mr. T. Tyrrell, and two others escaped by leaping from a window twenty foot high into an hay-yard, from whence under cover of a wall which divided it from the garden they escaped into the house.

   Having succeeded so well by the effect of conflagration, the enemy set fire to the Toll house and some other cabbins on the left near the Bridge, for the purpose of embarassing and confusing the garrison; during this operation, they were seen throwing their dead into the flames, for the purpose, it was thought of evading discovery.

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonard in Meath, this is where the 1798 rebellion turned savage. After rebels were defeated in their first attack on the garrison, a party got into the garden at the rear, and some rushed into the turret. The yeomen inside were on an upper floor and had pulled up the ladder behind them. The rebels tried to climb on each other's shoulders to reach the upper story, but were killed as fast as they appeared. Others ran their pikes through the ceiling and fired shots, but without effect. The fight was stubborn. 27 rebels lay dead on the ground floor. Then straw was brought in and set alight. The building went up in flames. Two yeomen, Michael Cusack and George Tyrrell, tried to force their way through the smoke and were put to death immediately. The rest of the party, Allen, young Tyrrell, and two others, escaped by leaping from a window 20 feet high into a hay-yard, and from there, under cover of a wall that divided it from the garden, they got into the house. The rebels then set fire to the toll house and some cabins near the bridge, to confuse the garrison. During this, they were seen throwing their dead into the flames, it was thought to evade discovery.

7. Sacrilege and Murder Inside Gorey Church

   Gorey · town · Wexford · 1798

   While the army was away, rebels plundered and largely destroyed the town of Gorey, breaking into the church, tearing down the pulpit and pews, and killing two Protestants inside, staining the church with their blood. They also burned two elegant seats belonging to the Ram family.

   Read the passage

   The 13th Inst. we received orders to move forward from Arklow, and in the evening arrived at Gorey--but oh! what a strange reverse! The town in the absence of the Army was plundered, and almost totally destroyed by the Rebels; even the Church did not escape their sacrilegious fury!--they demolished the windows, dragged down the pulpit, and tore to pieces many of the pews; but what is still more shocking to relate, at which your soul must recoil, stained it with the blood of two _Protestants_, whom they immolated inside--they burned the two elegant seats belonging to the Ram family here.

   The Rebels upon being apprised of our approach, broke up their Camp, and precipitately retreated to Vinegar-Hill--We next morning pursued and killed several of them on the way. In the evening we pitched our Tents in a small village called Houlett, within seven miles of Wexford, with an intention of remaining there for the night; but perceiving their pickets on an adjacent hill that commanded our Camp, at ten o'clock we struck our Tents, marched by a circuitous route, and in the morning at dawn of day we found ourselves on the off-side of their daring position.

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 11

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Gorey in Wexford, this is a town that was nearly wiped out in 1798. The army had moved on from Arklow, and in their absence the rebels plundered and almost totally destroyed the place. Even the church did not escape. They demolished the windows, dragged down the pulpit, and tore the pews to pieces. Inside that church they killed two Protestants and stained it with their blood. They burned the two elegant seats belonging to the Ram family. The army arrived in the evening on the 13th to find what had happened. When the rebels heard the army was approaching, they broke up their camp and retreated to Vinegar Hill. The army pursued them the next morning and killed several on the way. That evening they pitched tents in a village called Houlett, seven miles from Wexford. But they saw rebel pickets on a hill that commanded the camp. At ten o'clock they struck the tents, marched by a circuitous route, and at dawn found themselves on the far side of the rebel position.

8. Mrs Tyrrell Held Captive Amid Threats of Violence

   Clonard · town · Meath · 1798

   Mrs Tyrrell was seized by rebels near Clonard and held prisoner for hours, fearing she would be killed by quarrelling pikemen before eventually being released by a sympathetic officer.

   Read the passage

   On the morning of the 11th of July, about the hour that the guard dispersed, as we have before mentioned, Mrs. Tyrrell went in her carriage from Clonard to her own house at Kilreiny upon some domestic concerns--she soon heard the Rebels were approaching, and speedily drove back with the hope of reaching Clonard before them. In this however she was disappointed; the noise of musquetry convinced her of the impractibility of this attempt. The servant was ordered to turn about and drive to Kilreiny, from whence she intended to send an express to Edenderry--she had not however proceeded many yards, when the carriage was overtaken by two men on horseback, armed with drawn swords who with oaths and menaces ordered the servant to stop--They turned the carriage back towards Clonard until they overtook about 200 men armed with pikes, a few musquets and some swords. They searched the carriage for arms, but did not find any. Mrs. Tyrrell describes the men as a ragged, wretched looking banditti: three of them, armed with musquets mounted the boot of the carriage; three more got behind it--and in this manner attended by a great crowd, the carriage was drove two miles round to the high road leading from Dublin to Clonard: here they kept her a prisoner, notwithstanding her frequent entreaties to be enlarged; she at one time apprehended the pike-men would cut her to pieces, as they quarrelled among themselves, some disposed to treat her with civility--others the reverse--After some time she prevailed upon them to permit her to retire into a cabin, the inhabitants of which knew her, and two men armed with musquets were placed as centries. She there remained, until the Rebels were defeated at Clonard, when the whole body upon their retreat assembled at the cabin; one of the rebel officers came in and desired Mrs. Tyrrell to get into her carriage; she asked for what purpose. He replied, that she must go with them; she entreated him to permit her to remain where she was, and that her carriage and horses were at his service; he for some time denied her request: but falling on her knees to supplicate him, he told her she might stay:--He then withdrew, but immediately a great common fellow came in, seized her by the arm, dragged her to the door, and desired some men to lift her upon a horse, which had been provided for her, as some wounded men were to be put into the carriage. Mrs. Tyrrell's alarm now became excessive--she looked round for the person, who had consented to let her remain in the cabin, and getting her arms round him reminded him of his promise. He acknowledged his engagement, but confessed he had not power to perform it--that she must go with them, but would be accomodated with her own carriage. Three or four men then thrust her into the carriage, which moved on, attended by an immense body of people, and a great number of officers. When they had proceeded about a mile, the carriage was stopped and entered by Col. _Perry_, who said, he was fatigued. Mrs. Tyrrell endeavoured to prevail upon him to let her go--but in vain--she told him, she would use all her influence for his advantage, if ever she had an oportunity--He answered, that the Yeomen had taken a general officer, at Clonard, and that she must remain a Prisoner till his fate was known.--After some time, the carriage was stopped again, and a fellow came in, who told Col. _Perry_, _he_ had a right to it, as he had taken it, and tho' quite a common fellow, _Perry_ had not power to prevent him. Mrs. _Tyrrell_ then applied to this man for protection; he answered, that she could not obtain her liberty. She was now reduced to all the anguish of despair, when a gleam of hope suddenly darted across her mind, upon seeing a man riding beside the carriage whose countenance was perfectly familiar--This was one _Kearns_, a popish priest, who had been for some time a curate in the neighbourhood of Clonard, and had always been received in Mr. Tyrrell's house, with the respect due to his clerical function, and the hospitality of an Irish gentleman. Upon meeting a man, who had feasted for weeks together at her table, and a clergyman too! she thought herself secure and implored his protection:--He coldly answered--"O, yes, Madam"--But with all the base and black ingratitude of a sullen and unfeeling heart, insensible to _past_ kindness, he drew back his horse, and with the jesuitical prevarication, natural to such a character, determined not to interfere, while he neglected to console her with an implied offer of assistance.----Thus deserted, she again abandoned herself to despair, and began to prepare herself for that death, which she now looked upon as inevitable.----A man, who sat upon the boot of the carriage, was suddenly struck with the fervency of her devotion, and turning round, said, _He_ had as much authority as any other man there, and that the lady should do as she pleased. Elevated a little from her despondency by this expression, Mrs. Tyrrell gave him her gold watch, promising him any further reward he would demand, if he would procure her liberty.----At this time a person in the garb of an officer, and whose countance beamed with the rays of humanity, rode up to the carriage--she immedeiately addressed him in the most supplicating terms--imploring him to take pity upon a poor defenceless woman, who had not, and who could not injure him--He interrogated her as to who she was and how she came there.--She told him--He protested, that he did not before know of any such thing and requested to know, what she wished to do----She replied that she only required to be let on her feet, that she might proceed home. He immediately ordered the cavalcade to stop--handed her out of the carriage in the most kind and humane manner--conducted her thro' an immense crowd of armed men, and apologized for not accompanying her to Clonard, by saying, "she knew, he could not do it with safety."--Mrs. Tyrrell made him the acknowledgements of a grateful heart, and begged to be entrusted with his name, that if ever it should be in her power, she might return the kindness she had then experienced and repay the obligations she had received.--He said, he was afraid, she could not do him any service, and with apparent reluctance, told her, he was Captain _Byrne_!--He then returned to his party, and Mrs. Tyrrell having met some of the people in whose cabin she was a prisoner, they accompanied her to Clonard, where she was consoled for all her sufferings by finding her husband and children alive.

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2

9. Mutilation and Murder of Manufacturer Brewer at Prosperous

   Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

   Mr Brewer, a respected manufacturer of Prosperous who had employed many of the rebels, was massacred by them and his body was mangled with savage barbarity despite his prior kindness to his workers.

   Read the passage

   The Examination of J. D. late of Prosperus, in the County of Kildare, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists, maketh Oath, and saith; That for many nights previous to the night of the 23d of May last, this Examinant and his family were very much alarmed lest they should be attacked by the Rebels commonly called United Irishmen; That Examinant thought he and his family were in some degree secure, by the arrival of detachments of the Ancient Britons and the North Cork Militia; That however Examinant still continued to be alarmed, as his house was a considerable distance from the Barracks; That Examinant saith that he was awakened about the hour of one o'clock in the forenoon, by the barking of a large dog he had, and some time after he was alarmed by the firing of some shots; Examinant saith that on looking out of his window, he perceived a great body of people armed with Pikes and Fire Arms, between whom and the Soldiers in the Barracks a constant firing was maintained; That as the balls passed by this Examinant's house, and one of them close to his head, he withdrew and let down the window; That soon after Examinant saw the Barracks on fire and heard the Soldiers exclaim, "The house is on fire; we shall be burnt up or suffocated, we can fight no longer"; That soon after Examinant saw the roof of said Barracks fall in; Examinant saith that the said Rebels (whose numbers had encreased so much as to fill the streets of Prosperous and to cover the adjacent fields) on the falling of the roof of said Barracks, gave many shouts which seemed to rend the skies, and made this Examinant and his family thrill with horror; That the said Rebels exclaimed "That the day was their own, and they would there plant the Tree of Liberty". Examinant saith that the said Rebels knocked at his door and desired to have it opened, expecting to find there a party of Soldiers who had been billited there a short time before, and Mr. Stamer, who had lodged therein when he went there to receive his rents, as part of the town of Prosperous belonged to the said Stamer; Examinant saith that the said Rebels approached his house in a large body, six of which preceded the rest mounted on some of the horses which they had taken that morning from the Ancient Britons at Prosperous; That Examinant as soon as he came out of his door was surrounded by a party of the said Rebels, who presented their Pikes at him, and who he expected from the ferocity of their looks would have instantly put him to death; that one of the said Rebels held a musket at Examinant's breast with his finger on the trigger; that another of the said Rebels who was a turf-cutter, held a drawn sword over Examinant's head, and Examinant verily believes they would have instantly put him to death, but a young man in the croud who seemed to have some influence interposed, beat down the musket which was presented at his breast and said he should not kill him; Examinant saith that he knew many of the said Rebels to whom he and his family had been very kind. That soon after the said Rebels went in quest of the said Stamer, who lodged at some distance from the said town; that having seized him the said Stamer, they led him through the street by Examinant's house, surrounded by a number of Pike-men, while a low fellow held a pistol at his head; Examinant saith that as he passed by the Examinant's house, he the said Stamer cast a melancholy farewel look at Examinant and his family, that soon after the said Rebels massacred the said Stamer; Examinant saith that soon after he went out with an intention of enquiring for his friend Mr. ---- an inhabitant of Prosperous, and that before Examinant had gone far he was again surrounded by the said Rebels, who he verily believes would have put him to death, but for the interference of the person who had saved him before; Examinant saith, he discovered soon after that Mr. Brewer, a respectable manufacturer of said town, who had employed many of the said Rebels, had been massacred by them, and that his body had been mangled with savage barbarity; Examinant saith that they also massacred a poor old man of the age of 70 years and upwards, who served as Serjeant in his Majesty's forces, they having considered him as an Orange-man; Examinant is convinced in his mind the only reason why the said Rebels murdered the said Serjeant was his being a protestant; Examinant saith that when the said Rebels had committed the said barbarities, they exclaimed with savage joy "where are the Heretics now? shew us the face of an Orange-man"; Examinant saith that many women, who acting with the said Rebels, used expressions of that nature, as often and as loud as the men, and that some old women who were amongst them seemed to brighten on the occasion, and to shew as much fervent joy as the youngest amongst them; That some of the said women kissed and congratulated their fathers, their husbands, or their brothers, on the victory they had gained, and exclaimed "Dublin and Naas have been taken and are in possession of our friends; down with the Heretics, and down with the Orange-men." Examinant saith that many of the wretches who had been actors in that bloody scene, had come into the town of Prosperous the preceding day, and in presence of Capt. Swayne, of the--Cork Militia, whom with a party of his Regiment that morning, viz. the 24th of May, they had massacred, and also in the presence of their Parish Priest of the name of Higgins, and declared their contrition for their past errors, and gave the strongest assurance of their loyalty, for the future--that many of the said Rebels surrendered their Pikes to the said Swayne, and as such surrender was considered as a test of their repentance, and as necessary to entitle them to written protections, numbers of them lamented that they could not obtain such protections, as they never saw nor had a Pike, and that many of them declared they would sell their Cow to purchase a Pike if they knew where it could be bought; Examinant saith that notwithstanding these declarations many of the said Rebels appeared in the ranks well armed with Pikes; Examinant saith he is convinced in his mind that the said Rebels would have plundered and burnt all the other loyal houses of Prosperous, and would have murdered the remaining Protestant inhabitants thereof, but that a party of the Ancient Britons and the Cork Militia, being a part of the detachment they had murdered that morning, unexpectedly approached the town, and that the said Rebels on their appearance, fled towards the bogs and morasses; Examinant saith he could not refrain from shedding tears at seeing such scenes of savage barbarity, and that a servant who continued faithful to him desired him not to shew any sign of concern, lest he might draw on him the anger and vengeance of the Rebels.

   Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 13

10. Six Hundred Rebels Slain in the Streets of Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

    When rebels advanced confidently into Carlow expecting easy victory, soldiers cut them down and cut off retreat; an estimated six hundred rebels died, with almost none found alive among the bodies.

    Read the passage

    It is supposed not less than six hundred fell that morning; and what is surprising, only two I believe were found among the bodies with any simptoms of life!

    Thus did God frustrate the designs of the wicked, and display his justice and mercy in a singular manner--His justice, in suffering the ungodly to fall into the pit which they had digged for their innocent, unoffending neighbours; and his mercy, in preserving those whom he employed as the Executioners of his vengeance on his Enemies. Not a Soldier or Yeoman was so much as slightly wounded! One Soldier indeed who had not left his billet, they hung with a sheet; but being soon extricated he recovered immediately.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 3

11. Protestants Butchered in Cold Blood at Castlecomer

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    After the battle at Castlecomer, twenty-six Protestants and about twenty soldiers were killed, with some of the Protestants reportedly butchered in cold blood in a manner too dreadful to relate.

    Read the passage

    The Military then took possession of the Bridge, where the battle continued hot for the space of fifteen minutes, when Captain G--n. ordered a retreat: the Cavalry and part of the Infantry instantly obeyed, but about twenty of the Waterford Militia absolutely refused, declaring "they would prefer death to dishonour." they were mostly Roman Catholics! I had not heard the order, but my horse taking head ran off; when I knew their intentions, I did not attempt to prevent him. We halted about a mile and half from the Town, when looking behind we beheld it all in a blaze, the Rebel Inhabitants and some who came the back way, set it on fire. The firing ceased for a few minutes, the cause I know not, but words cannot express what I felt that moment; I concluded that my unoffending friends had fallen victims to the human Savages: they were presented to my imagination in a thousand dreadful forms. God pardon my feelings in that moment! how hard it is to forgive such Enemies. I proceeded slowly till I met General Asgill, with about 1000 Men: with these I returned, sunk with sorrow, fearing the tragic sight which I expected to present itself on entering the Town would be too much to bear; but thanks be to God my fears were groundless,--the few Military which remained, and about thirty Protestants, who were determined to fight for their Wives and Children, or perish with them, kept possession, nor suffered a Rebel to cross the Bridge. Our Cannon in mistake played on the Town for some time, but providentially no lives were lost thereby. The Rebels on sight of the reinforcement took shelter in the woods, and from thence killed a few of the Military; but eighteen rounds of Grape shot dislodged them. 'Twas four in the afternoon before they retreated. It is said 400 of the Rebels fell. There were twenty six Protestants in coloured cloaths, and about twenty Soldiers killed, some of the former were butchered in cold blood, in a manner too dreadful to relate.

    For the safety of Kilkenny, the Troops were obliged to return there that night; the Loyalists who fled with them I think could not be less than 600; they left the most of their property behind them, which a party of the Rebels who returned carried off.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 5

12. Rebels Burned Alive in Houses at Carlow

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

    Rebels who fled into houses in Carlow for shelter during the battle were burned to death when soldiers set the houses on fire, with about eighty houses consumed.

    Read the passage

    About twelve o'Clock the Rebels came forward in great force, and too confident of a victory not yet gained, gave three cheers crying "the Town is our own!" but how dreadfully were they disappointed? for in that moment, the military rushing forward, cut them down in all quarters; and having posted themselves in an advantageous manner cut off almost all possibility of a retreat. Many of these deluded creatures fled into the houses for shelter, but there justice pursued them--for the Soldiers set them on fire immediately. About eighty houses were burned, but the numbers consumed therein could not be ascertained.

    It is supposed not less than six hundred fell that morning; and what is surprising, only two I believe were found among the bodies with any simptoms of life!

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 3

13. Death of Captain Chetwynd at the Battle of Saintfield

    near Saintfield · town · Down · 1798

    At Saintfield, Captain Chetwynd was struck by nine pike wounds while leading his men, but continued to hold his position until two musket wounds killed him.

    Read the passage

    I am much concerned to inform you of the loss of three brave Officers by those miscreants hands in this action--_Capt. Chetwynd_, _Lieut. Unite_, and _Ensign J. Sparks_: Lieut. Edenson was wounded. The whole return of his Majesty's Troops were--29 Killed, and 22 wounded. Not only the valour of the other Officers that fell in this engagement deserves to be publickly recorded, but that of the amiable, gallant and much beloved Capt. C. ought not to be passed without particular notice--This brave fellow at the head of his men received no less than nine pike wounds! notwithstanding which he continued his position, encouraging by his example his men to fight like loyal Soldiers; till alas, two wounds from muskets deprived this hero of his existence, and our country of his future services.

    Poor Sparks--whose race of glory was now ended, was but sixteen years old, and had just before he fell, received for his intrepid conduct the public approbation of his commanding Officer.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 8

14. Death of Father Murphy at the Battle of Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Among the rebels slain in the fierce fighting at Arklow was Father Murphy of County Wexford, one of the rebellion's noted priest-leaders.

    Read the passage

    One of the Antrim Militia, who fled from them after the Battle reports their Army to have been 20,000 strong. Among the slain was Father Murphy from the County of Wexford. They lost about 1000 killed and wounded, and numbers were hanged in the streets. Every Regiment vied with each other for victory; we took several stand of Colours from them, made of green, white and yellow stuff. We have prepared every thing in case of another attempt--If they do not come forward, we will go immediately and retake Gorey, and storm their Camp. They are greatly discouraged. Blessed be God, notwithstanding I was exposed to a heavy fire I never received one wound. On our side we had about 18 killed and 28 wounded. We are all in high spirits. Capt. Knox of the Yeomenry and two of his men were killed pursuing Rebels. Our men (in a former engagement) kept the town of Gorey when the rest of the army left them. They are worth gold. Pardon this scroll, as I am in haste. We have been under arms these four days and nights.

    Farewell,

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Arklow now, in County Wicklow. In 1798 this town saw fierce fighting during the rebellion. A soldier of the Antrim Militia reported the rebel army at 20,000 strong. Among the slain was Father Murphy from County Wexford, one of the noted priest-leaders of the rising. The rebels lost about 1,000 killed and wounded, and numbers were hanged in the streets. The king's forces took several stands of colours from them, made of green, white and yellow stuff. On the government side about 18 were killed and 28 wounded. Captain Knox of the Yeomanry and two of his men were killed while pursuing rebels. The same writer says his men had kept the town of Gorey in a former engagement when the rest of the army left them. He calls them worth gold. He had been under arms for four days and nights.

15. Execution of Perry and Kearns at Edenderry

    Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

    Colonel Perry and Father Kearns were captured near Clonbullogue while fleeing and were brought to Edenderry, where they were tried and executed under martial law.

    Read the passage

    Every man who surrvived thought only of providing for his own safety--Col. _Perry_ and Father _Kearns_ made their escape into the King's County, and were attempting to cross a bog near _Clonbollogue_, where they were apprehended by Mr. Ridgeway and Mr. Robinson of the Edenderry Yeomen, who brought them to that town, where they were tried and executed by martial law. _Perry_ was extremely communicative, and while in custody both before and after trial gratified the enquiries of every person who spoke to him, and made such a favourable impression, that many regretted his fate--He acknowledged, that 150 of the rebels were killed and 60 wounded at Clonard--which tho' accomplished by 27 men will not appear extraordinary, when it is known that these 27 men fired upwards of 1300 ball cartridge.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2

16. Massacre of Mr Stamer at Prosperous

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    During the rebel attack on Prosperous, Mr Stamer was seized from his lodging and led through the streets past the deponent's house surrounded by pikemen before being massacred by the rebels.

    Read the passage

    The Examination of J. D. late of Prosperus, in the County of Kildare, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists, maketh Oath, and saith; That for many nights previous to the night of the 23d of May last, this Examinant and his family were very much alarmed lest they should be attacked by the Rebels commonly called United Irishmen; That Examinant thought he and his family were in some degree secure, by the arrival of detachments of the Ancient Britons and the North Cork Militia; That however Examinant still continued to be alarmed, as his house was a considerable distance from the Barracks; That Examinant saith that he was awakened about the hour of one o'clock in the forenoon, by the barking of a large dog he had, and some time after he was alarmed by the firing of some shots; Examinant saith that on looking out of his window, he perceived a great body of people armed with Pikes and Fire Arms, between whom and the Soldiers in the Barracks a constant firing was maintained; That as the balls passed by this Examinant's house, and one of them close to his head, he withdrew and let down the window; That soon after Examinant saw the Barracks on fire and heard the Soldiers exclaim, "The house is on fire; we shall be burnt up or suffocated, we can fight no longer"; That soon after Examinant saw the roof of said Barracks fall in; Examinant saith that the said Rebels (whose numbers had encreased so much as to fill the streets of Prosperous and to cover the adjacent fields) on the falling of the roof of said Barracks, gave many shouts which seemed to rend the skies, and made this Examinant and his family thrill with horror; That the said Rebels exclaimed "That the day was their own, and they would there plant the Tree of Liberty". Examinant saith that the said Rebels knocked at his door and desired to have it opened, expecting to find there a party of Soldiers who had been billited there a short time before, and Mr. Stamer, who had lodged therein when he went there to receive his rents, as part of the town of Prosperous belonged to the said Stamer; Examinant saith that the said Rebels approached his house in a large body, six of which preceded the rest mounted on some of the horses which they had taken that morning from the Ancient Britons at Prosperous; That Examinant as soon as he came out of his door was surrounded by a party of the said Rebels, who presented their Pikes at him, and who he expected from the ferocity of their looks would have instantly put him to death; that one of the said Rebels held a musket at Examinant's breast with his finger on the trigger; that another of the said Rebels who was a turf-cutter, held a drawn sword over Examinant's head, and Examinant verily believes they would have instantly put him to death, but a young man in the croud who seemed to have some influence interposed, beat down the musket which was presented at his breast and said he should not kill him; Examinant saith that he knew many of the said Rebels to whom he and his family had been very kind. That soon after the said Rebels went in quest of the said Stamer, who lodged at some distance from the said town; that having seized him the said Stamer, they led him through the street by Examinant's house, surrounded by a number of Pike-men, while a low fellow held a pistol at his head; Examinant saith that as he passed by the Examinant's house, he the said Stamer cast a melancholy farewel look at Examinant and his family, that soon after the said Rebels massacred the said Stamer; Examinant saith that soon after he went out with an intention of enquiring for his friend Mr. ---- an inhabitant of Prosperous, and that before Examinant had gone far he was again surrounded by the said Rebels, who he verily believes would have put him to death, but for the interference of the person who had saved him before; Examinant saith, he discovered soon after that Mr. Brewer, a respectable manufacturer of said town, who had employed many of the said Rebels, had been massacred by them, and that his body had been mangled with savage barbarity; Examinant saith that they also massacred a poor old man of the age of 70 years and upwards, who served as Serjeant in his Majesty's forces, they having considered him as an Orange-man; Examinant is convinced in his mind the only reason why the said Rebels murdered the said Serjeant was his being a protestant; Examinant saith that when the said Rebels had committed the said barbarities, they exclaimed with savage joy "where are the Heretics now? shew us the face of an Orange-man"; Examinant saith that many women, who acting with the said Rebels, used expressions of that nature, as often and as loud as the men, and that some old women who were amongst them seemed to brighten on the occasion, and to shew as much fervent joy as the youngest amongst them; That some of the said women kissed and congratulated their fathers, their husbands, or their brothers, on the victory they had gained, and exclaimed "Dublin and Naas have been taken and are in possession of our friends; down with the Heretics, and down with the Orange-men." Examinant saith that many of the wretches who had been actors in that bloody scene, had come into the town of Prosperous the preceding day, and in presence of Capt. Swayne, of the--Cork Militia, whom with a party of his Regiment that morning, viz. the 24th of May, they had massacred, and also in the presence of their Parish Priest of the name of Higgins, and declared their contrition for their past errors, and gave the strongest assurance of their loyalty, for the future--that many of the said Rebels surrendered their Pikes to the said Swayne, and as such surrender was considered as a test of their repentance, and as necessary to entitle them to written protections, numbers of them lamented that they could not obtain such protections, as they never saw nor had a Pike, and that many of them declared they would sell their Cow to purchase a Pike if they knew where it could be bought; Examinant saith that notwithstanding these declarations many of the said Rebels appeared in the ranks well armed with Pikes; Examinant saith he is convinced in his mind that the said Rebels would have plundered and burnt all the other loyal houses of Prosperous, and would have murdered the remaining Protestant inhabitants thereof, but that a party of the Ancient Britons and the Cork Militia, being a part of the detachment they had murdered that morning, unexpectedly approached the town, and that the said Rebels on their appearance, fled towards the bogs and morasses; Examinant saith he could not refrain from shedding tears at seeing such scenes of savage barbarity, and that a servant who continued faithful to him desired him not to shew any sign of concern, lest he might draw on him the anger and vengeance of the Rebels.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 13

17. Courier Executed at Maryborough Over Intercepted Letter

    Portlaoise · municipal district · Laois · 1798

    A letter revealing rebel plans was mistakenly delivered to a loyal yeoman of the same name; the bearer of the letter was taken to Maryborough and executed.

    Read the passage

    On the 24th of May, the day preceding the attack, Haydon, a Yeoman, but an officer of the Rebels, repaired to the Country, and spent the day in mustering his Forces. A letter relative to the business, directed to Mr. J. D. of Arles, was by mistake put into the hands of a Loyal Yeoman of the same christian and sirname, and residing in the same place: The bearer was conveyed to Maryborough and executed, and the letter sent to Col. M-- who commanded in Carlow, by means of which the Military had timely notice of the intentions of the Rebels. There being no Barrack for Infantry in the Town, the men were billeted upon the Inhabitants; the genteeler sort paying for their lodging, they were in general quartered in the Cabins. The intention of the Rebels was to murder the Soldiers in their lodgings, surprise and take the Horse Barracks, and then make themselves masters of the Town, which in all probability they would have done, had not God brought their designs to light in the manner above mentioned; for on receipt of the above information the Infantry were ordered into the Barracks, and kept under arms till the Insurgents had entered the Town.

    About twelve o'Clock the Rebels came forward in great force, and too confident of a victory not yet gained, gave three cheers crying "the Town is our own!" but how dreadfully were they disappointed? for in that moment, the military rushing forward, cut them down in all quarters; and having posted themselves in an advantageous manner cut off almost all possibility of a retreat. Many of these deluded creatures fled into the houses for shelter, but there justice pursued them--for the Soldiers set them on fire immediately. About eighty houses were burned, but the numbers consumed therein could not be ascertained.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 3

18. Death of Sixteen-Year-Old Ensign Sparks at Saintfield

    near Saintfield · town · Down · 1798

    Ensign J. Sparks, only sixteen years old, was killed in the battle at Saintfield shortly after receiving public praise from his commanding officer for his conduct.

    Read the passage

    Poor Sparks--whose race of glory was now ended, was but sixteen years old, and had just before he fell, received for his intrepid conduct the public approbation of his commanding Officer.

    Too much praise cannot be given the Newtownards and Comber Yeomen Cavalry, who, conducted by Captains Houghton and Cleland, evidenced the greatest intrepidity during the whole of the action.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 8

19. Slaughter of Loyalists and Burning of Enniscorthy

    Enniscorthy · townland · Wexford · 1798

    At Enniscorthy the rebels scarcely left a loyal man alive whom they could find, and the town itself was almost entirely consumed by fire during the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    The atrocities committed by those ferocious tygers while they held this town, were I believe unprecedented. After taking possession of the town, without opposition, they immediately shot several Protestant Inhabitants, tore open most of our houses, destroyed and carried off our effects, (their rage was most particularly directed again at poor Mr. Daniels and mine) put every Protestant inhabitant whom they spared from immediate death (some few excepted that they received amongst them) to prison; but they would not stop here, we were obliged to slaughter each other. The Sunday after they had taken the town, June the third, Pigott, Robson, a Mr. Edwards and I, were dragged from our cells, and forced by the Rebels to put to death a man for being an approver against a Priest of the name of Dixon, who had attempted to swear him to be an United Irishman; after being made the instrument of his destruction, we were forced for to drag his body from the place of execution and throw it into the river. After deliberating for some time whether they should dispatch us at that moment or not, they carried us back to goal. Others of the prisoners were obliged to perform the like Office to another approver. After every species of insult and tyranny to us in prison, the fatal day at length arrived (Wednesday the 20th of June,) when the total extermination of the prisoners (namely 500) and all the Protestant inhabitants of the town, man, woman and child, was openly avowed to be their fixed purpose! About 95 of the prisoners were taken out and tortured to death by pikes on the bridge of Wexford; they returned for more victims, and I was dragged out of the cell, when above fifty wretches (whose ill-will I had incurred by exerting myself in the line of my duty,) cried out to have me destroyed. Providentially an express arrived at that moment, that the army had defeated a considerable party of the Rebels at Long Graige, between this and Ross, and requiring an immediate reinforcement; this made them beat to arms, and induced them at that time to stop the work of blood. The following day they were totally defeated at their great camp (as they termed it) at Vinegar-Hill, and routed in all directions, and on the same day the remaining prisoners were liberated by the army. The horrid cruelties they committed in this town fell short (if possible) of what they did in other parts of the County; at Scullabogue, between Taghmon and Ross, they put 150 Protestants into a barn and burnt them to death, amongst whom were two beautiful and accomplished young ladies of the neighbourhood; poor G--d, the Surveyor of Taghmon, attempted to escape from the flames at this place and was shot by them--at Enniscorthy they scarcely left a Loyal man alive that they could find, and the town was almost consumed by fire--There were about ten of their leaders hanged here, upon the arrival of the army, amongst whom were B. B. Harvey, Cor. Grogan of Johnstown, Captain Keugh, J. H. Colclough of Ballyteigue, and Kelly of Killarn, who were afterwards beheaded, and their heads placed over the Court-house. In consequence of a proclamation from General Lake, inviting the Rebels to desert their leaders, and promising pardon, numbers came in with pikes, &c.----

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 12

20. Hanging of Rebels with Green Cockades in Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

    After the attack on Naas was repulsed, three men wearing green cockades were captured among the pits of hidden arms and hanged in the public street. A captured rebel prisoner was spared after giving information about the rebel force.

    Read the passage

    This morning, about half past 2 o'Clock, a Dragoon, from an Out-post, came in and informed Major Wardle, of the Ancient British, that a very considerable armed body were approaching rapidly upon the Town. The whole garrison were instantly under Arms, and took up their position according to a plan previously formed in case of such an event happening. They made the attack upon our Troops, posted near the Gaol, with great violence, but were repulsed: They then made a general attack in almost every direction, as they had got possession of almost every avenue into the Town. They continued to engage the Troops for near three quarters of an hour, when they gave way, and fled on all sides. The Cavalry immediately took advantage of their confusion, charged in almost every direction, and killed a great number of them. A great quantity of Arms and Pikes were taken, and within this half hour many hundred more were brought in, found in pits near the town, together with three men with green cockades, all of whom were hanged in the public street. We took another prisoner whom we have spared, in consequence of his having given us information that will enable us to pursue these Rebels; and from this man we learn that they were above a Thousand strong: They were commanded as this man informs us, by Michael Reynolds, who was well mounted, and dressed in Yeoman Uniform, but unfortunately made his escape; his horse we have got.

    About thirty Rebels were killed in the streets; in the fields, we imagine, above an hundred; their bodies have not yet been brought together.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Naas, you're in a town with a stark story from 1798. At half past 2 in the morning, a dragoon rode in from an out-post and warned Major Wardle of the Ancient British that a considerable armed body was approaching rapidly. The whole garrison took up positions they had planned for just such an event. The rebels attacked near the Gaol with great violence but were repulsed. Then they pressed in from almost every avenue into the town. The fighting went on for near 3 quarters of an hour before the rebels broke and fled on all sides. The cavalry charged in every direction and killed a great number. Pits near the town held hidden arms and pikes, and among them 3 men wearing green cockades were captured and hanged in the public street. Another prisoner was spared after giving information about the rebel force. From him they learned the rebels were above 1,000 strong and were commanded by Michael Reynolds, who was well mounted and dressed in Yeoman uniform. He escaped, but they took his horse. About 30 rebels were killed in the streets and above 100 more in the fields.

21. Loyalists Murdered by Rebel Picquets Near the Ridge

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    The author encountered a scene near the Ridge outside Castlecomer where several loyalists had just been murdered by rebel outriders, and others were wounded, before he assisted a badly wounded survivor.

    Read the passage

    Finding it impossible to get to Ross according to my travelling plan, I was obliged to take up my quarters in the Colliery the week before. Here I remained in total ignorance of what was going forward in other parts of the Country, till the twenty third, the day above mentioned, when an Express arrived, informing us that the Rebels had crossed the Barrow, and were on their way here. In order to know the truth of the information I rode off accompanied by a friend towards the Ridge. After riding about three miles I got in view of their Camp, and by the assistance of a pocket Tellescope could discern their numbers to be about 8000. They had two stand of white Colours, and some Soldiers (I suppose those taken that morning) along with them. Here I met ten or twelve Loyalists with fire arms; two or three of their company were just murdered by the Rebel picquets, and some more wounded. Having procured a musket I advanced with four more till we came in sight of the dead bodies; but as the Rebel scouts were within musket shot we did not think it prudent to venture farther.

    Seeing a Man covered with blood a distance from me, I called to him; he crawled forward and fell at my feet,--he was a Loyalist, and had received a dreadful wound from a broad sword on the head, and a few slight wounds on other parts of the body. Imagining there was no probability of his recovery, I advised him to make the best use of the few remaining moments he had, but on examining his wounds, and having cause to believe they were not mortal, I bound them up in the best manner I could, and procuring a horse to carry him, my friend and I at the risk of our lives brought him four miles across the mountains to Castle-Comber, were he was dressed: He is now perfectly recovered; and the happiness which the remembrance of that transaction affords me, more than compensates for the danger and labour which attended it.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 5

22. Priests' Superstitious Claims During the Arklow Assault

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

    During the attack on Arklow, rebel priests reportedly told their followers they could catch the defenders' musket balls in their hands, throwing some back as if caught, and claimed they could defeat the garrison with mere dust from the earth.

    Read the passage

    Their Artillery was planted on an eminence which commanded us--Their armed men in Front, and pike to charge in the Rear. In this order of Battle they came forward. We waited the first onset; in a few minutes the firing commenced in all quarters, which lasted from four o'clock in the afternoon, till near nine at night. They endeavoured to break our square in every quarter, but like true Soldiers we cleaved together and repelled them; they stormed our little line twice, but were beat back with slaughter; they drove their dismounted horses to the mouths of the Cannon in order to shelter themselves, but the grape shot made them fall on every side; they even set the town on fire in order to annoy us with the smoak, but the wind at the order of _our God_ turned, drove it from us, and confounded them in their own device; they did every thing like inveterate enemies, and desperate madmen to accomplish their ends; and their Priests informed them that they could catch the Heretics balls in their hands, and threw some (as tho' they had caught them) to their rebellious mob to fire again at us, and declared they could beat us with the dust of the earth. Oh what superstition! This was confirmed by deserters from their Camp, who informed us likewise, that flushed with victory at Gorey, they thought that after they had taken Arklow, nothing could stop them till they arrived at Dublin; and indeed I believe, that this Battle for the present, has decided the fate of this Kingdom.

    One of the Antrim Militia, who fled from them after the Battle reports their Army to have been 20,000 strong. Among the slain was Father Murphy from the County of Wexford. They lost about 1000 killed and wounded, and numbers were hanged in the streets. Every Regiment vied with each other for victory; we took several stand of Colours from them, made of green, white and yellow stuff. We have prepared every thing in case of another attempt--If they do not come forward, we will go immediately and retake Gorey, and storm their Camp. They are greatly discouraged. Blessed be God, notwithstanding I was exposed to a heavy fire I never received one wound. On our side we had about 18 killed and 28 wounded. We are all in high spirits. Capt. Knox of the Yeomenry and two of his men were killed pursuing Rebels. Our men (in a former engagement) kept the town of Gorey when the rest of the army left them. They are worth gold. Pardon this scroll, as I am in haste. We have been under arms these four days and nights.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, this town was the site of a desperate battle in 1798. The rebel force planted their artillery on high ground commanding the garrison, with armed men in front and pikemen behind. They came forward in that order, and the firing lasted from four in the afternoon until near nine at night. The rebels tried to break the garrison's square from every quarter, but the soldiers held together and repelled them. They stormed the little line twice and were beaten back with slaughter. They drove dismounted horses to the mouths of the cannon to shelter themselves, but grape shot brought them down on every side. They even set the town on fire to blind the garrison with smoke, but the wind turned and drove it back over them. Their priests told them they could catch the defenders' musket balls in their hands. The priests threw some balls to the rebel mob as though they had caught them, to be fired again. They declared they could beat the garrison with the dust of the earth. Deserters from the rebel camp confirmed this. The rebels had been flushed with victory at Gorey, and believed that after taking Arklow, nothing could stop them until they reached Dublin. Among the slain was Father Murphy from County Wexford. The rebels lost about 1000 killed and wounded, and numbers were hanged in the streets. The garrison took several stands of colours from them, made of green, white and yellow stuff. On the garrison's side, about 18 were killed and 28 wounded. Captain Knox of the Yeomanry and two of his men were killed pursuing rebels.

23. Attacker Shot Dead After Wounding Lieutenant Gardiner at Hacketstown

    Hacketstown · town · Carlow · 1798

    During the rout of the rebels at Hacketstown, a man whose life Lieutenant Gardiner had just saved struck him with a stone, and was shot dead on the spot for it.

    Read the passage

    As to Lieutenant Gardiner, his conduct and steadiness throughout the whole affair is far beyond my praise; but I am sorry to inform you that a severe blow of a stone he received on his breast from a villain whose life he had just saved, prevents his writing to you himself. He is, however, thank God, walking about, and having been let blood, is much better; the villain was shot dead on the spot.

    Every one of the _Antrims_ was vying with each other who should do his duty best; and I have very great pleasure in telling you that not a man (Mr. Gardiner excepted, and one Soldier, who received a contusion in his arm) was in the least injured.--In short, the loyalty and zeal of the whole party was beyond any thing that has been seen on a similar occasion.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 9

24. Burning of the Charter School at Carbery

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1798

    A force of 800 rebels assembled at Carbery, burning the Protestant Charter School and several houses before moving on to attack Protestant homes elsewhere.

    Read the passage

    Pending this application in Dublin, viz. upon the 29th of May the Rebels assembled to the number of 800 in the village of Carbery, five miles from Clonard, where they burned the Protestant Charter School and several houses; they then proceeded through Johnstown, burning and destroying the house of every protestant near the road. Towards evening they halted at a place called Gurteen, where they destroyed the house of Mr. Francis Metcalf.--When intelligence of these transactions reached Clonard, Lieutenant Barlow marched out with a party of the guard, and being joined by Captain O Ferrall they went in pursuit of the Rebels, but did not over take them, until they had halted at Gurteen, where they had taken a very advantageous position upon each side of a narrow road, behind strong quickset hedges, so that Cavalry could not approach them with any prospect of success. Lieutenant Barlow halted his men, and then advancing some paces towards the enemy, took off his helmet, and challenged them to come forward. They however declined leaving their entrenchments, and night approaching, the Yeomenry with great reluctance returned to their Guard house.

    On the 30th of May Lieutenant Thomas Tyrrell arrived safe from Dublin, with his escort, carabines for the Troop, musquets for the Supplementaries and a quantity of ammunition. The next day he enrolled nineteen well affected protestants to act as Supplementaries and dismounted.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2

25. Murder of an Elderly Former Sergeant as a Suspected Orangeman

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    Rebels at Prosperous also massacred a poor old man over seventy years of age who had served as a sergeant in the King's forces, apparently killing him simply because they believed he was a Protestant Orangeman.

    Read the passage

    The Examination of J. D. late of Prosperus, in the County of Kildare, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists, maketh Oath, and saith; That for many nights previous to the night of the 23d of May last, this Examinant and his family were very much alarmed lest they should be attacked by the Rebels commonly called United Irishmen; That Examinant thought he and his family were in some degree secure, by the arrival of detachments of the Ancient Britons and the North Cork Militia; That however Examinant still continued to be alarmed, as his house was a considerable distance from the Barracks; That Examinant saith that he was awakened about the hour of one o'clock in the forenoon, by the barking of a large dog he had, and some time after he was alarmed by the firing of some shots; Examinant saith that on looking out of his window, he perceived a great body of people armed with Pikes and Fire Arms, between whom and the Soldiers in the Barracks a constant firing was maintained; That as the balls passed by this Examinant's house, and one of them close to his head, he withdrew and let down the window; That soon after Examinant saw the Barracks on fire and heard the Soldiers exclaim, "The house is on fire; we shall be burnt up or suffocated, we can fight no longer"; That soon after Examinant saw the roof of said Barracks fall in; Examinant saith that the said Rebels (whose numbers had encreased so much as to fill the streets of Prosperous and to cover the adjacent fields) on the falling of the roof of said Barracks, gave many shouts which seemed to rend the skies, and made this Examinant and his family thrill with horror; That the said Rebels exclaimed "That the day was their own, and they would there plant the Tree of Liberty". Examinant saith that the said Rebels knocked at his door and desired to have it opened, expecting to find there a party of Soldiers who had been billited there a short time before, and Mr. Stamer, who had lodged therein when he went there to receive his rents, as part of the town of Prosperous belonged to the said Stamer; Examinant saith that the said Rebels approached his house in a large body, six of which preceded the rest mounted on some of the horses which they had taken that morning from the Ancient Britons at Prosperous; That Examinant as soon as he came out of his door was surrounded by a party of the said Rebels, who presented their Pikes at him, and who he expected from the ferocity of their looks would have instantly put him to death; that one of the said Rebels held a musket at Examinant's breast with his finger on the trigger; that another of the said Rebels who was a turf-cutter, held a drawn sword over Examinant's head, and Examinant verily believes they would have instantly put him to death, but a young man in the croud who seemed to have some influence interposed, beat down the musket which was presented at his breast and said he should not kill him; Examinant saith that he knew many of the said Rebels to whom he and his family had been very kind. That soon after the said Rebels went in quest of the said Stamer, who lodged at some distance from the said town; that having seized him the said Stamer, they led him through the street by Examinant's house, surrounded by a number of Pike-men, while a low fellow held a pistol at his head; Examinant saith that as he passed by the Examinant's house, he the said Stamer cast a melancholy farewel look at Examinant and his family, that soon after the said Rebels massacred the said Stamer; Examinant saith that soon after he went out with an intention of enquiring for his friend Mr. ---- an inhabitant of Prosperous, and that before Examinant had gone far he was again surrounded by the said Rebels, who he verily believes would have put him to death, but for the interference of the person who had saved him before; Examinant saith, he discovered soon after that Mr. Brewer, a respectable manufacturer of said town, who had employed many of the said Rebels, had been massacred by them, and that his body had been mangled with savage barbarity; Examinant saith that they also massacred a poor old man of the age of 70 years and upwards, who served as Serjeant in his Majesty's forces, they having considered him as an Orange-man; Examinant is convinced in his mind the only reason why the said Rebels murdered the said Serjeant was his being a protestant; Examinant saith that when the said Rebels had committed the said barbarities, they exclaimed with savage joy "where are the Heretics now? shew us the face of an Orange-man"; Examinant saith that many women, who acting with the said Rebels, used expressions of that nature, as often and as loud as the men, and that some old women who were amongst them seemed to brighten on the occasion, and to shew as much fervent joy as the youngest amongst them; That some of the said women kissed and congratulated their fathers, their husbands, or their brothers, on the victory they had gained, and exclaimed "Dublin and Naas have been taken and are in possession of our friends; down with the Heretics, and down with the Orange-men." Examinant saith that many of the wretches who had been actors in that bloody scene, had come into the town of Prosperous the preceding day, and in presence of Capt. Swayne, of the--Cork Militia, whom with a party of his Regiment that morning, viz. the 24th of May, they had massacred, and also in the presence of their Parish Priest of the name of Higgins, and declared their contrition for their past errors, and gave the strongest assurance of their loyalty, for the future--that many of the said Rebels surrendered their Pikes to the said Swayne, and as such surrender was considered as a test of their repentance, and as necessary to entitle them to written protections, numbers of them lamented that they could not obtain such protections, as they never saw nor had a Pike, and that many of them declared they would sell their Cow to purchase a Pike if they knew where it could be bought; Examinant saith that notwithstanding these declarations many of the said Rebels appeared in the ranks well armed with Pikes; Examinant saith he is convinced in his mind that the said Rebels would have plundered and burnt all the other loyal houses of Prosperous, and would have murdered the remaining Protestant inhabitants thereof, but that a party of the Ancient Britons and the Cork Militia, being a part of the detachment they had murdered that morning, unexpectedly approached the town, and that the said Rebels on their appearance, fled towards the bogs and morasses; Examinant saith he could not refrain from shedding tears at seeing such scenes of savage barbarity, and that a servant who continued faithful to him desired him not to shew any sign of concern, lest he might draw on him the anger and vengeance of the Rebels.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 13

26. Prisoners Put to Death After the Fall of New-Bridge

    Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1798

    When rebels forced the retreat of Crown forces at New-Bridge (Gore's Bridge), about twenty infantry soldiers were captured and many of them were put to death that day and the next.

    Read the passage

    On the Morning of the twenty third of June, the Rebels who had been driven from Vinegar Hill appeared opposite New-Bridge or Gore's-Bridge, a neat Village on the River Barrow, Co. Kilkenny. The Forces quartered there, consisting of one Troop of the 4th Dragoon Guards and a Company of the Wexford Militia prepared to stop their progress, and in order thereto took possession of the Bridge; but perceiving the Rebels planting their Cannon on the opposite side, and fording the River in considerable numbers (the water being low,) they were obliged to retreat; all the Cavalry escaped, but about twenty of the Infantry were made Prisoners, many of whom were put to death on that and the following day. Their intention (as one who had been prisoner with them informed me) was to form a junction with the Colliers, and after taking Castle Comber, to proceed to Kilkenny on Monday morning.

    From New-Bridge they proceeded through Kelly-Mount (plundering as they went along) to a hill five miles from Castle-Comber, in the range of mountains called the Ridge, where they stopped for the night.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 5

27. Execution of Rebel Leaders Following the Carlow Battle

    Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1798

    Several rebel figures including Haydon, Kelly, Kane, Borro and two men named Murphy were executed a few days after the failed attack on Carlow.

    Read the passage

    Sir. E. C. Bart. Haydon, Kelly, Kane, Borro, two Murphys, one of them a Serjeant in the Yeomenry, and several others were executed a few days after. Haydon it is said, finding it going against his friends, slipt into his Father's house, dressed himself in his Regimentals, and came out and fought against those whom he had a few hours before led to the slaughter.

    Thus by the interference of HIM who declares a hair of our head cannot fall without his permission, was an innocent people saved from the murderous designs of a Sanguinary Foe.

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 3

28. Killing of Elderly Men and Hanging of Turncoat Soldiers at Vinegar Hill

    near Vinegar Hill · hill or hills · Wexford · 1798

    During the storming of Vinegar Hill, soldiers killed rebels as old as seventy years of age. Two rescued Antrim Militia soldiers were later hanged for having voted, while prisoners of the rebels, to condemn fellow captive officers to death.

    Read the passage

    P. S. At Vinegar-hill we killed men of 70 Years old--we rescued three Officers of the Antrim Militia, and twelve Privates of the same regiment: yesterday we hanged two of them for endeavouring to vote away the lives of two of the above Officers and Soldiers when prisoners.

    Yours truly,

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Vinegar Hill. During the storming in 1798, soldiers killed rebels as old as 70 years of age. Three officers and twelve privates of the Antrim Militia were rescued from rebel captivity, but two of those privates were hanged, for having voted, while prisoners, to condemn fellow captive officers and soldiers to death.

29. Rebel Leader Casey's Body Exposed at Edenderry

    Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

    After the defeat of rebels at Fox's Hill, their leader Casey, his brother, and another leader were killed. Their bodies were carried to Edenderry and publicly displayed for several days.

    Read the passage

    On the 29th of June, Lieutenant Tyrrell having received information that a large body of Rebels had stationed themselves upon a hill near his dwelling-house at Kilreiny, and had committed various robberies in the course of the preceding night, he went to Kinnegad to solicit a reinforcement and sent an express to Edendery for a force to co-operate with him. The Kinnegad Yeomen Cavalry, under Lieutenant Houghton, and a small party of the Northumberland Fencibles immediately marched with Lieutenant Tyrrell to Clonard, and from thence being joined by his own Corps, he proceeded to _Fox's hill_, where the Rebels were posted to the amount of 600.--The attack was began by the Clonard Supplementaries, who displayed great steadiness upon this occasion; the Kinnegad Corps and the Northumberlands supported the attack with great zeal, and the Edenderry force consisting of a detatchment of the Limerick, Lieutenant Colonel Gough, the Coolestown Cavalry, Captain Wakely and the Canal Legion, Lieutenant Williams, having fallen upon the Rebels from the opposite side, they were routed with considerable slaughter. Their commander, one _Casey_, his brother and another Leader were killed in this action, and their bodies brought to Edenderry, where they were exposed for several days.

    _JUNCTION OF THE WEXFORD AND KILDARE REBELS._

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2

30. Rebels Routed and Slain at Timahoe Bog Camp

    Timahoe · parish · Kildare · 1798

    General Champagne's forces surrounded and stormed a rebel camp on an island in the bog of Timahoe. Rebels fleeing the destroyed camp were pursued by cavalry and many were killed.

    Read the passage

    Government being apprized of these proceedings, dispatched General Champagne to Clonard, where he arrived upon the 6th of June; and after consulting with Lieutenant Tyrrell, was escorted by him to Edendery, where the General expected a detatchment of the Limerick Militia; but being disappointed in this respect, an express was sent to Philipstown to hasten the reinforcement, which arrived at Edendery upon the evening of the 7th; and on the next day, General Champagne, having arranged his plan of operations, marched from Edendery, with the following forces: A detatchment of the Limerick Militia, under Lieutenant Colonel Gough; the Coolestown Yeomen Cavalry, under Captain Wakely and Lieutenant Cartland; the Canal Legion, under Lieutenant Adam Williams; the Clonard Cavalry, Lieutenant T. Tyrrell; and the Ballina Cavalry, Captain O Ferrall. These several corps were distributed, so as that the Cavalry should surround the bog of Timahoe, while the Infantry attacked the Camp upon the Island: This judicious plan was completely executed,--the contest was obstinate for some time, owing to the small number of the Infantry, who led on the attack; but their firmness and discipline supplying the want of numbers, the Limerick, headed by the gallant Colonel Gough, and ably supported by Lieutenant Williams marched into the entrenchments, drove the Rebels from their camp, who were attacked in their flight by the Cavalry and many of them put to death. The Camp was entirely destroyed; and a great quantity of prisoners and considerable booty were carried off by the victors!

    Project Gutenberg #28529, Chapter 2