Stom i^ feiBrorg of (pxofcBBox ^amuef (gtiffer in (^[temorg of %nb^c ^amuef (Bltf!'er Q0recfttnnbge (preeenfc^ 6p ^amuef (ttXiffer QSrecftinnb^e feong fo f^c feiBrarg of gprtnceton S^eofogicaf ^eminarg ^|l,?/7 THE REPORT FROM THl SECRET COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, WITH AN APPENDIX. ..:OYv"iYv>,.; , lp)rinteti ft^ Hutfiorit^. DUBLIN: PUNTED BY JAMES KING AND A. B. KING, (HIS MAJESTY'S stationer) printers to the HONOURABLE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS— NO. 72, DAME-STREET' 1798, [ 3 3 REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE OF SECRECY. Mr. Speaker, THE Committee of Secrecy appointed to take into confideration the papers prefented to the Houfe on the 17th day of July laft by the Right Hon. Lord Caftlereagh, have direded me to report as follows : YOUR Committee, in reporting upon the papers re- Appendix ferred to them, find it neceflary to recall the atten- No. I. tlon of the houfe to a report of a fecret committee of No. II. the Lords in the year 1793, as alfo to the reports of fe-and III. cret committees of both houfes of the late parliament, prefented in the courfe of the year 1797. Your committee find that the allegations flated in thofe reports are fully confirmed by further evidence and by fub- fequent events 5 and the hdis they contain, conneded with A 2 the i; 4 ] the information arifing out of the prcfent enquiry, will enable the houfe to trace, in all its parts, the confpiracy carried on by the party ftiling themfclves United Irilhmen, from its firfl appearance under the pretext of reform till it conneded itfelf with the foreign enemy, and broke out into a wide and extended rebellion. Before your committee proceed to trace the extcnfion and progrefs of the fyftem of treafon fmce the period of the lad report, (the orginization of which at that time appeared to have been in a great degree confined to the northern counties, but fhortly after extended itfelf throughout other parts of the kingdom,) they are defirous of adverting to the prominent fads eftabliflied by former enquiries, and to the meafures adopted by the govern- ment to meet the dangers which then, and at the period immediately fubfequent to the lall report, exifted in the province of UUter, The fociety under the name of United Irilhmen, it appears, was eftabliflied in the year 1791 ; its founders held forth what they termed Catholic Emancipation and Parliamentary Reform, as the ollenfible objefts of their Appendix union : but it clearly appeared from the letter of Theobald No. II, Wolfe Tone, accompanying their original conftitution, as tranfmitted to Belfalf for adoption, that from its com- mencement the real purpofe of thofe who were at the head of the inftitution, was to feparate Ireland froni Great Btitain, and to fubvert the eftablifhed conftitution of this kingdom : in corroboration of which your com- mittee have annexed to this report feveral of their early publications, particularly a profpedus of the fociety which No. IV. appeared in the beginning of the year 1791 ; as alfo and V. the plan of reform which they recommended to the peo-, pie. For the firft three years their attention was entirely di-. reded to the engaging in their fociety perfons of activity and talents in every quarter of the kingdom ; and in pre- pairing [ s J pairing the public mind for the future purpofes by the circulation of the moll feditious publications, particularly the works of Thomas Paine. At this time however the leaders were rather cautious of alarming minds not fufficiently ripe for the adoption of their principles by the too open difclofure of the real objetls they had in view. In 1795 the teil of the fociety underwent a flriking revi-^ ^ .j fion ; the words in the amended teft ftand " a full re- no. * prefentation of all the people," omitting the words "in XXIV. the Commons houfe of Parliament ;" the reafon for which has been admitted by three members of the executive examined before your committee to be the better to- re- No. concile reformers and republicans in a common exer- XXXI. ^on to overthrow the (late. In the fummer of 1796 great numbers of perfons. No. VL prirclpatly In the province of Ulfter, had enrolled them- felves in this fociety. About the fame period, as will be more fully explained hereafter, a dired communica- tion had been opened by the heads of the party with the enemy, and French afliflance was folicited and pro- mifed to be fpeedily fent to aid the difaifeded in this kingdom. With a view of being prepared as much as pofTible to ib. co-operate with the enemy then expected, and in order to counteradl the effect of the armed afTociations of yeo- manry eftabliihed in October 1796, directions were iifued by the leaders to the focieties to form themfclves into military bodies, and to be provided with arms and am- munition, Thefe directions were fpeedily obeyed ; the focieties alTumed a military form ; and it appears by the original papers feized at Belfafl in the month of April 1797, that their numbers at that period in the province of No. II. Uliter alone were ftated to amount to nearly 100,000' men. That they were very largely fupplied with fire- arms and pikes j that they had fome cannon and ammu- nition. [ 6 ] nition, and were diligently employed in the ftudy ot military ta(^ics ; in fhort, that nothing was negleded by the party which could enable them to take the field on the arrival of the enemy, or whenever they might receive orders to that effect from their fuperior officers, whoni they were bound by oath to obey. To deter the well-afFecled from joining the yeomanry corps, and to render the adminiltration of juftice al- together ineffedlual, the mod active fyftem of terror was put in operation ; perfons enrolled in the yeomanry, ma- giftrates, witneiTes, jurors, in a word every clafs and de- fcription of people who ventured to fupport the laws, became objefts of the mofl cruel perfecution in their perfons, property, and even in the line of their bufinefs ; and multitudes were compelled to take their illegal oaths, and profefs an adherence to the party, as a means of fe- curity. In the latter end of 1796, and beginning of 1797, the loyal inhabitants of Ulfler fuffered mofl feverely from the depredations of the United Iriilimen ; throughout the province they were ftript of their arms ; the mofl horrid murders were perpetrated by large bodies of men in open day, and it became nearly impoffible to bring the of- fenders to juflice from the inevitable deflrudion that awaited the witnclTes or jurors who dared to perform their duty. Your committee will now fliortly trace the meafures reforted to for fupprefling thcfe difturbances, and for extending protection to the well aliccled. In the fummer of 1796, the outrages committed by a banditti, calling themfelves Defenders, in the counties of Rofcommon, Lcitrim, Longford, Meath, \¥eflmeath and Kildare, together with a religious feud prevailing in the county oF Armagh, induced the legiflature to pafs a tem- porarv acl of parliament, generally called the Infurredlion Aa. t 7 ] AS:, by which the Lord Lieutenant and Council were ena» bled, upon the requifition of feven magiftrates of any county aflembled at a felfions of the peace, to proclaim the whole or any part thereof to be in a ftate of diftur- bance ; within which limits this law, giving increafed power to the magiflracy, was to have operation. Many diftridls in Ulfler in which outrages prevailed, occafioned by the adive and perfecuting fpirit of the United Irifhmen, were in the courfe of the winter 1796, and fpring of 1797, put under the provifions of the a6t above mentioned ; and your committee have to obferve, that although where the law was put in force with activi- ty by the magiftrates, very beneficial confequcnces were found to refult from it j yet the treafon was then too deeply rooted to yield to this remedy. The parliament being alTembled in 0£lober 1796, the dangerous progrefs of the treafon, and the aftive prepa- rations of the enemy for the invafion of this kingdom, were announced in the fpeech from the throne. Bills37G. 3, were immediately brought in and paflfed without delay, C. 37. for fufpending the habeas corpus ad, as alfo for the eftablifliment of the yeomanry ; — meafurcs to which your committee feel themfelves juftified in attributing the fal- vation of the country, and which being taken imme- diately fubfequent to the formal alliance, concluded be- tween the Executive of the Union and the French Direc- tory, at once prove the vigilance of government, as alfo their well-founded confidence in thus entrufling the de- fence of the kingdom and its conftitution, to the loyalty of its inhabitants. Your committee have to obferve with great fatisfadion, that the eflimate for the yeomanry as firft laid before Par- liament was for a number not exceeding 20,000 men — that in the courfe of fix months above 37,000 were array- ed ; and that the zeal of the country had fo rifen with its diiiicuhies, that during the late rebeili-on, the yeomanry force [ 8 ] , force exceeded 50,000 men, and might have been en. creafed to a much greater extent. It is unneceflary to re- cal to the recollection and gratitude of parliament and of the country, the fervices they have performed during the unhappy flruggle in which we have been engaged ; fhar- ing all the hardfhips and dangers, and performing all the duties, in common with the King's regular and militia forces. Appendix The next meafure to which your committee beg leave No. VIL J.Q point the attention of the houfe is, the proclamation of the Lord Lieutenant and Council, bearing date the 6th of November 1796, ilTued in confequence of the difaffected having adopted a practice of marching in military arrav, and alTembling in large bodies, in feme inflances to the number of feveral thoufands, under pretence of faving corn, and digging potatoes ; but in faft to terrify the peaceable and well-difpofed, and to compel them to enter into their treafonable aflbciations. The fame fyftem has fmce frequently been had recourfc to by the United Irifhmen in other parts of the kingdom under various pretences, fuch as funerals, foot-ball meet- ings, &€. v/ith a view of difplaying their ftrength, giving the people the habit of aflembling from great dillances upon an or-ler being iifued. and making them more accuf- tomed to (hew themfelves openly in fupport of the caufc. The next meafure to which the government was driven by the traitorous excefles of the United Irifhmen, and to which yr:»ur committee beg leave to advert, is the procla- No.VIII. ^^^^j*^'^ of Lieut. General Lake, then commanding in and IX. Ul^er, iflued on the 13th of March, in confequence of a letter addreffed to him by the Lord Lieutenant's fecretary, Mr. Pelham. The diforders which called for this interpofition of military authority are fufficiently fet forth in the body of the letter j and your committee have only to obferve, that in [ 9 ] in carrying Lieut. General Lake's proclamation into effed no ads of feverity whatever were ufed by the military towards persons concealing or refufmg to give up th^nr arms ; but that on the contrary, the fearch for the arms of the ailaffeaed was conduded with all poiljble mildnefs ; and that when perfons voluntarily brought in their arms, certificates were granted bv the mar'flrates, and aiTurances given to the people that th-ir arms would be returned as foon as the country was reilored to tranquillity. — It^ mufl: however be obferved, that in June folinwing, when a general infurreftion was decided on by the party, and upon the point of breaking out in the province of Uldcr, more vigorous means of compelling the furrender of aims were had recourfe to, under the authority of the proc'a- Appendix mationofthe 17th of May ;— a meifure abfolutely indiS-No.X. penfable to the public fecurity, and under the circum- ftances of the cafe, ftricliy defenfive. Of the quantity of arms which appeared by their own reports to be in the hands of the difaiteaed, compara- tively few were obtained by the fearch then made in Uliler by General Lake's orders ; and it is alfo to be ob- ferved, that previoufly to, and during the circuit which took place in the month of April 1797, ads of violence of every defcription became more frequent, and were at the fame time fo fyilemntically direfted, with a view to ftop the courfe of criminal juiiice againft the United Irillimen, that du^ crown pr.Mecutions in the difturbed counties proved iS-on their failure an eucouragement, ra- ther than a rellraini, upon the ireafonable projects of the party. The report of the fecret committee was followed by ^^^No. X.^ proclamation of the 17th of May 1797? vvhich after re- citing many afts of outrage and rebellion that had been commitred, and offering pardon, with certain exceptions, to all perfons guilty of the faid offences who fliould furren- der within the period of a month and give fecurity for their future good behaviour, declared that the civil power had g proved [ -o ] proved ineffectual, and that it became neceffdry to employ the military force for the immediate fupprclfion of fuch rebellious attempts. Appendix It appears to your committee, that notwithftanding this No, XIV. meafure of mercy and warning to the difaflecled, in the latter end of the fame month, as will be more fully ex- plained hereafter, a generi>.l infurreclion in Ulfter was decided on, and the plan of attack for each county ar- ranged. The intention tranfpired, and was defeated by the active exertions of the army ; notwlthflanding which a partial rifmg did take place near the mountains in the county cf Down, where the infurgents, finding themfelves unfupported, foon difperfed. The effect of the meafures then adopted was immediately felt ; the arms of the dif- afle«Sted, by neceffary ads of coercion, were collected throughout the province in great numbers : — the loyal were encouraged to declare themfelves — fuch as had been No.XIIT mifled, came in, in crowds, to take the benefit of the pro- clamation of pardon, which was extended for another month ; outrage ceafed, and public confidence was fo far reflored throughout Ulfter in the courfe of the months of July and Auguif, that the laws were adminiftered with ef- ieCt in the different counties during the autumn circuit, and the manufacturing induftry of the country was reftored to its ufual vigour during the remainder ot that year. Your committee think it peculiarly incumbent on them to flate, that during and fubfequent to the alfizes of the faid cir- cuit, the civil authority was found throughout Ulfterj fully adequate to the prefervation of the public peace, and that all military interference was generally difcontinucd from that period. It appears to your committee, that the inferior focieties of United Irifhmen, in general, difcontinucd their meet- ings ; that the people applied themfelves to their ordi- nary occupations j and though fome of the higher com- mittees [ " ] mittees were kept alive by the adive leaders in the tr'ere, in the courfe of a few m.onths, but too evident proofs in the introduction of the fime difturbances and enormities into Munfter with which the northern proviiice had been fo feverely vifited. In May 1797, although numbers had been fv/ovn both in Munfter and Leinfter, the ftrength of the organization, exclufively of Ulfter, lay chiefly in the metropolis and in a few neighbouring counties, namely, Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Weftmeath, and the King's County. It [ '2 ] It is obfervable, that the counties in which Defenderifm had prevailed eafily became converts to the new dodrines ; and in the fum.ner ot 1797 the ufuul concomitants of the treafon, namely, the plundering houfes of arms, the fabrication of pikes, and the murder of thofe who did not join their party, began to appear in the midland counties. In order to engage the peafantry in the fouthern coun- ties, particularly in the counties of Waterford and (lork, the more eagerly in their caufe, the United Irifhmen found it expvidient in urging their general principles, to dwell with peculiar energy on the fuppofed opprciliv.^nefs of tythes, (which had been the pretext for the old White- boy iniiructions.) Anu it is obfervable, that in addition to the ads of violence ufually reforfed to by the party, for the furtherance of their purpcfes, the ancient prac- tice of burning the corn and houghing the cattls of thofe againft whom their refentment was directed was revived, and very generally pradifed in thoTc: counties. With a view to excite the refentment of the catholics, and to turn rh^it refentment to the puipofes of the party, fabricated i'.: i falfe teitj were reprcfented as having been taken to exLerijiinare catholics, and vere induftrioufly diffeminated by the emillarijs of the treafon throughout the provinces of Leinfter, Mi nfler, and Connaught. App. Reports were frequently circulated amongft the ignorant No. of the catholic pcrluafun, that large bodicis of men v/ere XXVI. coming to pur th. in to death. This fabrication, however extravagant and abfurd, was one among the many wicked means, by which the deluded peafantry vv'cre engaged the more rapidly in the treafon. In addition to the above arts pradifed to excite the people, and to turn local prejudices to the furtherance of their purpofc, the party did not fail to avail themfelves, N„^ to the fullefl: extent, of the mod wicked and licentious XXVII, abufe of thePrcfs. In the fummcr of 1797, an infamous paper, [ '3 ] paper, called the Union Star, was privately printed and circulated, inculcating the principles of iniiirreftion and aflaflination in dired terms, and containing a defcription of thofe perfons by name, (part)cula,rly magiflrates and fuch as had ferved on juries) who were to be held out to the party as objefts of affailination, on account of their adive loyalty, or a confcicnlious difcharge of their duty. Towards the end of the fame year, a newfpaper called -'^PP* the Prefs was eftablifhed, latterly pubiilhed in the name xxvil of Mr. A. O'Connor as proprietor thereof, who has ad- mitted before your committee, that he was for more than a year a member of the Executive Directory of the Irifli Union, and who as it appears to your committee from various channels of information was a moft active and confidential leader of their treafon in its principal depart- ments both at home and abroad, which conveyed pe- riodical exhortations to all manner of outrage and infu- bordination. Every fpecies of mifreprefentation and fo- phiflry was made ufe of to villify the government, to ex- tend the union, to fliake the connexion with Great Britain, to induce the people to look to French afliftance, to ex- aggerate the force and numbers of the difaftefted, and fyftematically to degrade the adminifiration of juftice in all its departments. This paper, conducted on principles ftill more licentious than the Northern Star (which had contributed fo largely to the extenfion of treafan in the North) v/as diltributed throughout all parts of the king- dom, and from the activity of its partizans, had imme- diately a more extenfive circulation than any paper long ellabiilhed. The m.eafures thus adopted by the party completely fucceecied in detaching the rainds of the lower da-fies from their ufual habits and purfuits, infomueh, that in the courfe of the autumn and winter of 1 79/^ ' the pea- faii'rv in the midland and fouthern counties were fworn and ripe for infurrettion. Pikes were, fabricated in fuch numbers. App. [ '4 -J numbers, that in the fingle county of Kildare, in confe- Ibid. No. quence of the meafures adopted by government, twelve XXXIX. thoufand have been furrendered ; and your committee have every reafon to believe that a flill greater proportion was retained, and that the preparation of arms in other counties by the difaffefted was nearly as extenfive as the organi- zation itfelf, will appear, as well from the numbers feized in diiferent parts of the kingdom, amounting in the vv'hole to above 129,000 of different defcriptions, as from the fa^t, that wherever the infurredlon broke out, the mafs of the people were univerfally armed either with muilicts or pikes. While they were thus maturing their defign, and fecret- ly acquiring the flrength and confiftency of a revolutiona- ry army, they omitted no artifice by which they could hope either to weaken or embarrafs the government of the country. So early as the year 1792 the feduclion of the foldiery made a part of the fyftem. They imagined that the feafon was now arrived for its accomplifhment, and no means which wicked fubtilty could fugged were left unemployed. Printed papers were induftrioufly circulat- ed amongfl the privates and non-commiffioned officers, urging them to infubordination and revolt, and holding out the mod tempting offers of preferment to fuch as Jhould defert their colours. The atrocious crimes to which they were incited will befl appear by reference to the proceedings of the general courts martial hereunto an- nexed, before whom the culprits were tried, prior to the breaking out of the rebellion, and to the trial of Henry and John Sheares before a fpecial commiffion lately held. No. XXX. No. XXIX. XXX. No. XX. No. XIV. Their attempts to frudrate the adminidration of judice have already been mentioned. It will be proper to date fome farther particulars. From feveral authentic reports of their own proceedings, it appears that confiderable fums of money were fubfcribed for the purpofe of defend- ing fuch of their affociates as fhould be brought to trial. That they had itinerant committees who went circuit as regularly [ -5 ] regularly as the judges. That a bar of lav/yers were re- tained to undertake the caufe of all perfons in the grofs committed for ftate offences. Entries of money appear in their proceedings as paid to procure, as v/ell as to buy off, witneffes. In many cafes to gaolers for being guilty of breaches of truft, and even to under fheriffs for re- turning partial pannels ; hand-bills to intimidate jurors were circulated, and every fpecies of indecent manage- ment pradlifed in the courts, to exclude from the jury box perfons unconnected with their party. In the hope of dimhiifliing the recourfes of the State in- No. flruclions were given to the people to abftain from the con- XXV. fumption of excifeable articles, which are productive to the j.^^^ Revenue, and every endeavour made to depreciate the va- XXVIII lae of Government Securities in the eftimation of the pub- lic, to flop the raifmg of the fupplies of the year by the fale of the quit rents, and to prevent the circulation of Bank paper. Before your Committee proceed to ftate the traitorous correfpondence carried on by the leading members of the confpiracy with the enemy, they think it neceffary to ad- ^o. vert to a new organization of the Society which took ^^^^• place in Auguft 1797? the reafons for which change will beft appear by an inipedion of the printed paper at that time circulated as an inflruftion to the body, and your Committee beg leave to refer to the examination upon oath No. before the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Lords of XXXT. Doftor M'Nevin, who flates himfclf to have been a mem- ber of their Executive Directory for rhe detailed applica- tion of this new fyftem to military purpofes. The evidence of the fame perfon, together vrith that of two other members of the executive, namely Mr. Emmet and Mr. Arthur O'Connor, delivered up-on oath before the faid fecret committee of the Lords, and who as well as the luid. faid Dr. M'Nevin have been examined before your Com- jnittee, has completely developed the connexion of the party [ '6 ] party with the French Directory. From their teftimony it appears, that fo early as the year 1796, the party de- fpairing of carrying their plans into execution, through the medium of a democratic reform, avowedly directed their efforts to revolution, and having received an intima- tion from one of their fociety, and v, horn your Ciommit- tee have very good reafon to knovi' to be Mr. Theobald Wolfe Tone already mentioned, (a fugitive from this country on account of his treafonable conduct) then at Paris, that the flate of the country had been veprefentcd to the government of France in fuch a light as to induce them to refolve on fending a force to Ireland for the pur- pofe of enabling it to feparate itfelf from Great Britain, an extraordinary meeting of the Executive of the Union was convened to take the propofal into confideration. App. This meeting was held in the Summer of 1796, and No- the refult of their deliberations was to accept of the af- fiftance thus helJ out to them by the French Directory. Ibid. In confequence of this determination an agent was dif- patched to the Directory to acquaint them with it. He was inflructed to ftate the difpofitions of the people, and the arrangements of the union for their reception, and received iVefli affurances from the French Government that the armament fhould be fent as fpeedily as it could be prepared. The ac,ent above alluded to appears to your Committee, from various channels of informa- tion, to have been the late Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who accompanied by the faid Mr. Arthur O'Connor, proceeded by Hamburgh to Switzerland, and had an interview near the French frontier with General Iloche, who afterwards had the command of the expedition againfl: Ireland, on which occafion every thing w^as fet- tled between the parties with a view to the defcent. — The reafon the pcrfons employed on this milhon did not pafs into France was, leit the Irifh government fhould gain intelligence of the fadl, and caufe them to be ap- prehended on their return. About [ '7 ] About Ociober 1796, an accredijied melTenger from the Appendix French Republic arrived, who fa^id he came to be in- No- formed of the ftate of the country, and to communicate ■^^-^^' to the leaders of the United Irilbmen the intention of the French to invade Ireland fpeedily with fifteen thoufand incn and a great quantity of arms and ammunition,^ which attempt fo announced was accordingly made in the month of December following, when the French fleet v/ith a lui^Q bodv of troops on board arrived in Bantry- bay. Your Committee do not think it neceffary to advert to the early and frequent communications of a treafonable nature that took place between the difaffefted v/ho had fled from this country to France, and the leaders of the party here, it is fufficient to fet forth the leading attempts of the Union to prevail upon the French Direftory to fend a force to their afliitance. It is necefl'ary however to ob- ferve, that although previous to the fummer 1796 no formal and authorifed communication appears to have taken place between the Irifii Executive and the French government, yet the trial of Dr. Jackfon, convided of high treafon in the year 1795, proves, that even then the No. enemy had agents in this kingdom who were addreifed to -^^I^- the mofl adive members of the Irilb Union for informa- tion and afliflance, and the treafonable ftatem.ent refpedl- ing the interior fituation of Ireland then drawn up, to be tranfmitted to France, appeared on the trial to have been the joint produdlion of Theobald Vv^olf e Tone, heretofore mentioned, as the framer of the original confl:it»nion of United Iriflimen, aiTifted by Archibald Hamilton Rowan, Efq. who frequently appeared in their publications as the chairman of the Society, to which treafon, Lewins, whom your Committee from various channels of informa- tion are enabled to fl:ate to be now their refident agent at Paris, appears to have been privy. From [ .8 ] From the period of the failure of this expedition, the difaffecled either actually did cxpe£l, or with a view of keeping up the fpirits of their party, pretended to expect the immediate return of the enemy, and aflurances to this effeft were induftrioufly circulated in all their focieties. Appendix j-jQ^rgye J. ]n the fpring of 1797, the Executive of the y^'^^^ Union thinking the French dilatory in their preparations, did then difpalch Mr. Lewins above mentioned as a con- fidential perfoii to prsfs for afTi (lance. This agent left •London in INTarch, and proceeded to Hamburgh, but did ■ is until the end of May or beginning of June, .ime he has continued to be the accredited uie Irifn Union to the French Direclory. ■ to your Committee, that in the funimcr of . , xccutive of the Union apprehcnfi^-e left a pre- .v; i;;;.T r./.L.rredion in the North, before the promifed iuoc u..- ;Vom France could arrive, might difappoint their ' profpeQs, thought it neceffary to fend a fecond agent to Paris, to urge, with increafed earneftnefs, that the pro- mifed afliftance fliould be immediately fent. Accordingly a moft confidential member of their body, whom your Committee have grounds to ftate to have been Doctor M'Ncvin, who had hitherto a£ted as Secretary to the Exe- cutive, was difpatched on this million — He left Dublin in the end of June, and prefented himfelf with the neceifa- ry letters of credence to the French miniller at Ham- burgh. — Meeting with fome difficulty in obtaining a palf- port to proceed to Paris, he delivered to the minilter of the Republic a memoir to be forwarded to the Diredory, the fubftance of which appears in Dodi^or M'Nevin's exa- mination as taken on oath before the Secret Committee of the Lords. It is unneceflary to make any obfervation upon this moft curious ftatement — it is in itfelf a com- plete pi£ture of the defperate purpofes of the party, and the Houfe will obferve, that the ftatement of their own refources is ftudioufly exaggerated in proportion to the anxiety felt by them that the fuccours might be fent be- ' ' fore I '9 ] fore the vigorous meafures adopted by government in the North fhould difconcert their projects. This agent was authorized to give France aflurances of Appendix being repaid the full expenfes of any future armament fhe No. might fend to Ireland, as well as of the laft which' had ^XXL- mifcarried, the fame to be raifed by the confifcation of the lands of the church, of the property of all thofe who Ihould oppofe the meafures of the party. He was alfo particularly charged to negotiate, if pofFible, a loan on the above fecurity to the amount of half a million, or at leaft three hundred thoufand pounds, for the immediate purpofes of the Union, and diredions were given to him, that in cafe France could not be prevailed on to advance fo large a fum, he ihould addrefs himfelf to the court of Spain for that purpofe. it appears to your Committee, that the Executive of ibid; the Union, though defirous of obtaining afliftance in men, arms and money, yet were averfe to a greater force being fent than might enable them to fubvert the government, and retain the power of the country in their own hands ; but that the French (hewed a decided dilinclination at all times to fend any force to Ireland except fuch as from its magnitude might not only give them the hopes of con- quering the knigdom, but of retaining it afterwards as a French conqueft, and of fubjedling it to all the plunder and oppreflions which other countries, fubdued or deceiv~ cd by that nation, have experienced. A remarkable il- luftration of which fentiment in the Diredory of France occurs in the fubftance of a letter faid to be received No, from Lewins, the Irifh agent at Paris, and fhewn by Lord XXXIL Edward Fitzgerald to John Cormick, a Colonel in the rebel army, who fled from juftice on the breaking out of the rebellion, and whofe voluntary confeflion, upon his apprehcnfion in Guernfey, before Sir Hugh Dalrymple, is given in the Appendix. This letter, although writtea apparently on money bufmefs, which i* the cloak gene- C 3 rally [ 20 ] rally made ufe of by the party to conceal their real views,, is perfectly intelligible when connected with and explain- ed by the memoir prefented by Doctor M'Nevin, the Irifh agent to the French Directory. The letter ftates, that the truftees, that is, the Directory, would not ad- vance the live thoufand pounds, that is, the fmaller number of troops afked for in M'Nevin's memoir; faying they v/ould make no payment fliort of the entire fum, that is the larger force, which they always declared their intention of fending, and that this payment could not be made in lefs than four months from that time. Appendix The demands of the party by their firft agent, went to ^o* a force not exceeding ten thoufand nor lefs than five ■^■^ • thoufand men, with forty thoufand Hand of arms, and a proportionate fupply of artillery, ammunition, engineers, experienced officers, &c. lb. A flill larger fupply of arms was follcited by the fecond meffenger, on account, as he ftated it, of the growing number of their adherents, and of the difarming of the North, in which province above ten thoufand ftand of arms and as many pikes had been furrendered to the King's troops. lb. It appears that an attempt was made about the fame time, to procure the affiftance of fuch Irifh officers then in foreign fervice as might be prevailed upon, by receiv- ing high rank, to engage in the fervice of the Union, and that a negotiation was actually let on foot for this pur- pofe, but it has been ftated, that from the over-caution of the agent who was employed in conducing this tranfac- tion, nothing in confequence of it was effefted. ib. A fecond memoir was prefented by this confidential agent upon his arrival at Paris, in which they urged fuch arguments, as he conceived mofl likely to induce the Di- redory not to poftpone the invafion. He endeavoured to demonllratc t 21 1 demonjftrate, that fo favourable a difpofition as then e::^* illed in the Irlfli mind, was in no future contingency to be expelled ; and he artfully reprefented, that the delufions held out by reform might ceafe from delay, and thus ren- der more difficult to France, and the true republicans of this country, their endeavours to feparatc the two king- doms, and to eftablifn a RepubHc in Ireland. Previous to this mifiion from Ireland, a confidential Appendix perfon was fent over by the French Directory to colled -^^^yf information refpecling the ftate of Ireland. — Failing to ob- tain the necelfarv palfports in London to pafs into Ire- land, he wrote over to requeft that one of the party might meet him in London. A perfon was accordingly lent over, whom your committee know, from various chan- nels of information, to have been the late Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and who, it is to be prefumed, did not fail to furnifh the French agent with every neceffary intelli- gence. The Dire£lory gave the Irifn agents fent to Paris the flrongeft aflurances of fupport, and did accordingly, dur- ing the fumnier, make preparations of a very extenfive nature, both at the Texel and at Breft for the invafion of Ireland ; and in the autumn, intelligence was received by the Executive of the Union, that the troops were atlu- ally embarked in the Texel and only waited for a wind. In confequence of this communication, great exertions were made by the party, and in the beginning of Odo- ber, when the Dutch fleet was on the point of failing, the approach of the enemy (as will appear by reference to No. XIVo the provincial reports from tllfter of that date) was an- nounced to the focieties as at hand. The troops had been aftually on board, commanded by General Daendells, but were fuddenly difembarked. The Dutch [ 2^- } Dutch fleet, contrary to the opinion of their own Adnif- ral, as is believed generally, was, at the inllance of the French government, obliged to put to fea, which led to the ever memorable victory of the nth Odober Appendix It appears to your committee, that early in the prefent No. XVI. year farther advices were received by the Irifh Executive ' from France, dating, that fuccours might be expeded to be fent to Ireland in April, but notwithftanding the tempta- tion held out by the rebellion, which commenced on the 23d of May following, the French government have not yet thought it prudent to fulfil their promife. The committee trufl: they have laid fufficient grounds before the houfe, to fatisfy them of the long entertained and fixed purpofe of the United Irifhmen to introduce the enemy into this kingdom, and through their afiiftance to feize upon the government and property of the country ; and that in their negotiations with the French Directory, they have had no other referve but what their own trea- fonable ambition pointed out. The particulars of the ftatement reding for the moft part upon the admiflion of the parties themfelves, there can be no pofTible room to doubt the truth of what has been fubmitted. Your committee think it material to obferve, that not- withftanding the wildnefs of the hope that they could ever fucceed in overturning the government without powerful aid from abroad, yet on more than one occafion, the eagernefs of the more violent partizans fo far prevailed over their reafon, as to induce them to meditate an infur- redion. To this they were excited by the apprehenfion that the zeal of their followers would fubfide if they were not called into adion, as well as by a dread that a re- fort to ftronger meafures on the part of government, might at length deprive them of the means of exertion. It had been their invariable policy to announce an effort as [ ^3 ] as at hand, merely to keep up the fplrlts of the people when no attempt of the kind was really In contemplation, however in the fpring of 1797, apian was ferioufly dif- Appendix cuffed amongfl the leaders then affembled in Dublin, for No. commencing a general rifmg without waiting for foreign XXXI. afliftance, but as this fcheme did not meet with the ap- probation of the Dublin part of the committee, it was laid afide ; and it appears that at this period, a coolnefs took place between the Ulfter and the Lelnfter delegates, in confequence of which the progrefs of the confpiracy feems to have been for a time much impeded. The northerns then in Dublin difgufted with the cow-No.XIV. ardicc (as they termed it) of the Lelnfter delegates, pro- pofed to act without their approbation, to feize upon the caftle, ordnance ftores, magazine, &c. and to truft to the mob of Dublin for afliftance; but from fome additional military precautions at that time adopted in the garrifon, this plan was abandoned. Shortly after the proclamation of the 17th of May 1797 above ftated, notwithftanding the ftrong opinion entertain- ed by the Leinfter Executive, of the impolicy of fuch an attempt, the more fo, as affurances had been recently received of the preparations going forward both at Breft and in the Texel for the invafion of Ireland ; yet an active effort was made to produce a general infurredlon through- out Ulfter, the orders for which were given out the latter end of May, In conformity to a plan previoufly prepared. A flight movement did take place as before ftated ; how- ever the main defign of the party was fruftrated by the aftlve military meafures then taken by Lieutenant Gene- ral Lake, and many of their principal leaders were obliged to fly, feveral of whom paffed into France, hav- ing received letters to Reinhart, French minifter at Ham- burgh, from perfons then refident in this country ; in confequence of which Introdudion, the neceffary paff- ports were granted, to enable them to proceed to Paris, where I 24 ] where they arrived early in Augufl:, and had frequent communicaiions wiih the French Dir^dory en Irilh affairs. Your committee do not find that the difaiTedcd enter- tained at any other periods than thole alluded to, until the middle of March 1798, any fcrious intention of hazarding an effort independent of foreign affilbnce. In- deed the opinion of the molt cautious of their body was always adverfe to a premature exertion. Their policy was to rifque nothing fo long, as the parry was gaining (trength. Their principle to extend their organization, to add to their ilock of aims, and to wait fpr events ; and it appears Irom a variety of evidence laid before your committee, that the rebellion would not have broken out fo focn as it did, had it not been for the well timed mcafures adopted by go- vernment, fubfcquent to the proclamation of the Lord Appendix Lieutenant and council, bearing date the 30th of March ^°- 1798, as it is notorious that in many counties the effect XXXVII Qf thofe meafures was fuch in diffolving the union, and in obliging the people to furrender their arms, that it became evident to the generality of their leaders they had no other alternative but to rife at once, or to abandon their pur- pofe. It appears to your committee, that with the double view of being prepared either to co-operate with the enemy in cafe of a defcent, or of directing an infurreclion upon fyftem, fhould they find it neceffary to have recourfe to fuch a meafure before affiftance might arrive from France, No. a military com.mittee was appointed by the Executive in XXXI. (]^£ month of February laft. About this time detailed military infl:ru6tions were iffued to the Adjutant-generals No. of the Union, by which they were required to inform ■^}^- J"^ themfelves and report on the (late of the rebel regiments ■ within their diftrifts, of the number of mills, the roads, rivers, bridges and fords, the military pofitions, the ca- pacity of the towns and villages to receive troops, to com- municate [ 25 1 irtunicrite to the Executive every movement of the enemy, (meaning the King's troops) to announce the firft appear- ance of^heir allies, (meaning the French) and imme- diately to collect their force, with feveral other military regulations. Inflrudions were alfo given to the feveral rebel regi- Appendix ments as to the arms and' appointments with which they No. were to be furnillied, fo as to be enabled to take the field XXIII. on the fnorteit notice. At a meetino- held the 26th of February, thanks are vot- „^o cd to the feveral Colonels for their etleclual exertions inXXVlI. embodying and arming their refpedive regiments— the people are requefted to bear the (liackles of tyranny a little longer, till the whole kingdom fliall be in fuch a Hate of organization as will, bv'their joint co-operation, effeft widiout lofs that defn-able objeQ" which they (tated as hour- ly drav/ing to a crifis. WhilR thefe extenfive m'iiiary arrangements were mak- ing by the Executive to act againft the (late as foon as a favourable opportunitv fliould prefent itfelf, the fame fy- (lem of outrage which had been fo fuccefsfully made ufe of by the party the year before in Ulfter, to eaablifli their own authority in oppofition to that of the laws, and to compel the people to look to the Union for protedion ra- ther than to the State, was very generally prevalent throughout the fouthern and midland counties. The enormities committed on the well-alTecT:ed, were marked with the mod difgufting cruelty. It is unneceffary for your Committee to, detail individual^ Inftances of outrage which are frefii in the recolle£lion of the Houfe : it will be fufiicient to flate, that in the months of February and March many parts of the provinces of Leinfter and Munfler were, adually in the polfeffion of a \ murderous banditti. — If they did not appear in arms by day, it only rendered their rebellion more difficult to#e met and D cruflied [ a6 ] crufhed by the King's troops and yeomanry — not a night pafled without numerous murders ; feveral dillricls in the provinces of Leinfter and Munfter had been proclaimed under the powers given to the Lord Lieutenant and Coun- cil by the act for preventing infurrections ; but thefe mea- fures proved inefieclual — very many of the loyal inhabi- tants of the counties of Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kil- kenny, Carlow, King's County, Queen's County, Kildare, and Wicklow, were, in the courfe of one month, ftript of their arms, and in many places obliged to fly for iTiclter into the garrifon towns ; and as one inflance among many of the daring lengths to which the confpirators at this time had proceeded, your Committee think it neccffary to Hate, that in open day, 800 infurgents, principally mount- ed, invelted the town of Cahir in the county of Tippera- ry ; held polTeiTion of it until they had made a regular fearch through every houfe, and carried off in triumph all the arms and ammunition they could find. App. Under thefe ciicumflanccs the Lord Lieutenant and rvvir ^^^'^^"icil ilfued the proclamation before fpoken of, bearing date the 30th of March, ftating, that the traitorous con- fpiracy long exifting within this kingdom had broken out into acls of open rebellion ; and giving notice that the mofl direct and pofitive orders were iffued to the officers com- manding his Majefty's forces to employ them with the ut- moft vigour and decifion for the immediate fuppreflion thereof ; and alfo for the recovery of fuch arms as had been traitoroufly taken from the King's peaceable and loyal fubjects. It was alfo enjoined that they fliould difarm the rebels and all perfons difaffectcd to his Majefly's govern- ment by the moft fummary and effeftual meafures. This proclamation was tranfmitted by his Excellency's commands to Sir Ralph Abercrombic, then Commander in Chief, who was direded to proceed into the dilturbcd counties, being iuvcfted by the Lord Lieutenant with full powers. Your xxxvir. [ 27 ] Your Committee annex to this report a notice to the in- App. habitants of the diflurbed counties, as iflued by the faid j. J^y,,. Commander in Chief; and think it incumbent on them to obferve, that on this and indeed on every occafion in which the government or the officers acling under its or- ders have been driven to the necelTity of adopting extra- ordinary meafures for the fafety of the ftate, full notice and time have uniformly been given before they were act- ed upon, and the people have been exhorted to prevent the neceffity of rigorous meafures by a cefl'ation from out-* rage and a furrender of their arms. It appears to your Committee that the ftcps then taken, as mentioned in the proclam^ition, had an almolt immedi- ate effect in repreffiug the audacity of the rebels and in refloring tranquillity. The loyal inhabitants were en?.bled in many places to return in fafety to their houfes, — mur- ders became lefs frequent ; in many counties, particularly in Kildare and Tipperary, the people, fenhble of the mad- nefs and wickednefs of their conduct, began openly to acknowledge their crimes, fujrender their arms, and point out their leaders and feducers ; a fubmiffion which invari- ably obtained for them pardon and protection. In April and the beginning of May, the deluuon of the people was fo faft and fo widely yielding to the meafures of government, which Vv'hile they treated with feverity the obflinately guilty, in all cafes held forth mercy to the No. repentant, that the leaders of the treafon both in Dublin XXXIV. and in the provinces began to perceive that their caufe was lofmg ground, and that they had no alternative left but to hazard an Infurreftlon or to rehnquilli their hopes. The arreft of the Leiniter provincial committee on the i 2th No, XVI. of March, and of feveral other leading members of the XIX. Union on the fame day, tended fo much to difclofe the guilt of the party, and to weaken their organization, that the confpirators felt themfelves fllU more compelled to a defperate effort : a plan was accordingly digefted by the No. XIV. jniilltary committee for a general rlfing, the outline of which D 3 was [ ^8 ] App. "^'as to furprifc Dublin, the camp at LaughlinfLown, and ^''• the artillery {tation at Chapelizod on the lame night, iu XVIII. -^vhich attack the counties of Dublin, "Wicklow and Kil- dare, were to co-operate : the iniurredion being commenc- ed in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, (the fignal for No. announcing which was to be the detention of the mail- XXXI. coaches) it was expected that the North and South would alfo rile. No. XX. The Houfc will find the plan of infurreclion detailed and fully proved in the evidence adduced on the trial of XXXI H^^^y ^^^^"^ Jo^'^ Sheares, lately convicted of high treafon ; XXXiii the bloody intentions of the party may bed be colle*5led from a manifello in the hand-writing of the faid John Sheares, (one of the new Executive elected after the ar- refts made on the 12th of March laft, as your Committee have reafon to believe) which was to have been iflued in. the event of fuccefs. Were any additional proofs necefla- ry to eftablifli the authenticity of the plan as above ftatcd. No. XIV ^'^ "^'^y ^^ found in the proceedings of the provincial com- 'mitt^eof Ulster, which met at Armagh on the 12th of May, where the fame plan was announced as decided on, and the nece.Tary orders given for fecuring, as f;\r as pof- fiblc, the co-operation of the North. The government, perfectly informed of the intentions of the confpirators, caufcd feveral of the leaders to be apprehended on the 19th and 21 ft of May, and the ap- proaching infurrection was announced to the Lord Mayor late in the evening of the 2 ill:, in a letter from the Lord Lieutenant's Secretary ; and on the following day a mef- fage, to the fame effed:, was fent by his Excellency lo both Houfes of Parliament. Notvvithftanding the military pre- cautions adopted to counteract: the intended rifing, it took place in the neighbourhood of Dublin on the night ap- appointed, namely, the 23d of May ; and every polfiblc effort was made by the difaffeded witb.in the town to co- operate with thofe without. In conformity to the plan iaid down, the mail-coaches \yere dcflroved on the nortl- [ 29 ] tvn and fouthern roads, and evei-y exertion made by the party in the provinces to bring the people into aftion. Your Committee do not think it neceffary to record the Appendl* events of the bloody and dellruc^ive rebeUion that enfued, N«^- which are ftill but too frefh in the memory or the Houfe ; they need only ftate, that as foon as the rebels had adu- allv taken the field in force, and con.menced their opera- tions by feveral daring attacks upon the towns garrifoned by the King's troops ; the Lord Lieutenant and Council publilhcd a proclamation, bearing date the 24th of May, No announcing, that be had authorized the fummary pumfii- XXXIX. ment by niartial law of all rebels found in arms, or of perfons in anv-wife aiding or affifting in the rebellion ; to which feafonable interpofition of the powers of the Hate, the prefervation of the conftitution againft this darmg at- tempt to fubvert it, is not lefs to be attributed, than to the diftinguilhed fidelity and bravery of the King's troops, both regulars, militia, and yeomanry. On confideration of the whole of the evidence, your Committee are of opinion. That the rebellion originated in a fyllem, framed not with a view of obtaining either Catholic Emancipation, or any Reform compatible with the exigence of the con- ftitution, but for the purpofe of fubverting the govern- ment, feparating Ireland from Great Britam, and form- ing a democratic republic, founded on the deftrudion ot all church eflablifliment, the abolition of ranks, and the confifcation of property. That the means retorted to for the attainment of thefc defigns, was a fecret fyftematized combination, fitted to attrad the multitude, bv being adapted to vulgar preju- dices and vicious paffions, and arti^lly linked and conned- ed too-ether, with a view of forming the mafs of the lower ranks' into a revolutionary force, ading in concert, and moving [ 3° J moving as one body, at the impulfe, and under the direc- tion of their leaders. That for the further accomplifliment of their objeft, the leaders of the confpiracy entered into a negotiation and finally concluded an alliance with the French Directory, by which it was flipulated, that an adequate force fhould be fcnt for the invafion of this country, as fubfidiary to th - preparations that were making for a general infurre»:lion. That in purfuance of this defign, meafures were -adopted by the chiefs of the confpiracy, for giving to their focieties a military form ; and that for arming their adherents they had recourfc partly to the fabrication of pikes, and part- ly to the plundering of the loyal inhabitants of their arms. That from the vigorous and fummary expedients refort- cd to by government, and the confequcnt exertions of the military, the leaders found themfelves reduced to the al- ternative bf immediate infurre6tion, or of being deprived of the means on which they relied for effecting their pur- pofe ; and that to this'caufe is exclufively to be attributed that premature and defperatc eftbrt, the raflmefs of which has fo evidently facilitated its fupprefllon. That the vigilance of the execjutivc government, in de- tecling and arrelling many of the principal confpirators in the very act of concerting their plans of infurreclion, the convicfions which have enfued, and the (till more complete developement of the treafon, by the confefhon of fome of its moil aen - - - XXVII. Extrafts from the Union Star and Prefs, and Extracts from a Colledion of Songs, intitled the Irifh Harp new ftrung XXVIII. Printed Papers againfl taking Bank Notes and purchafmg Quit Rents E 9 35 Page 161 166 177 180 189 209 221 ^33 243 252 ^53 279 36 ANNEXED PAPERS. No. XXIX. Extrads from Proceedings of Court Mar- Page tials on Soldiers 281 XXX. Handbills diftributed among the Soldiers 301 XXXI. Examinations of Doftor M'Nevin, Arthur O'Connor, Efq; Samuel Neilfon and Thomas Addis Emmett before the Lords, 7th Auguft 1798 - - - 3c6 XXXIL Extracts from Declaration of John Cormick 322 XXXIII. John Sheares's Letter to Samuel Neilfon, 23d May - . _ - 323 XXXIV. Letter from John M*Manus to Gallagher 324 XXXV. Mr. Grandy*s Information 326 XXXVI. Proclamation, 30th March 1798 33' XXXVII. General Abercrombie*s Notice, 3d April 1798 33^ XXXVIII. Proclamation of Martial Law, 24th May 1798 333 XXXIX. Returns of Arms by the Generals 334 [ 37 ] APPENDIX. No. I. Report from the Secret Committee of the Huufe of Lords in 1 793. My Lords, THE Committee appointed to inquire into the Caufes of the diforders and difturbances which prevail in feveral Parts of this kingdom, to endeavour to difcover the promoters of them, to prevent their extenfion and to report the refult of their en- quiries to the lioufe, have examined into the matters to them re- ferred as far as the time would permit, but apprehending that delay may be attended with danger in the prefent circumftances of the times, they think it their duty to lay before the Houfe immediately fuch information as they conceive to be material for the prefent, which is as follows : The People at this time called Defenders are very different from thofe who originally aiTumed tliat appellation, and are all, as far as the committee could difcover, of the Roman C^atholic per- fuafion ; in g-meral poor ignorant labouring men, fworn to fecre- cy, and impreffed with an opinion that they are afilfting the Catho- lic caufe ; in other refpeds they do not appear to h^ave any didinfi: particular object in view, but they talk, of being relieved from hearth-money, tithes, county ceffes, and of lowering their rents. They firft appeared in the county of Louth in confiderable bodies in April laft, feveral of them were armed ; they aflembled mollly in the night, and forced into the houfes of Protellants, and took from them their arms. '1 he diforders foon fpread through the counties of Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and other parts adjacent; at firft they took nothing but arms, but afterwards they pluiiJered the houfes of every thing they could find. Tiitir meafures appear to have been concerted and conducted with the utmoft fecrecy and a degree of regularity and fyftem not ufual in people in fuch mean condition, and as if direQed by men of a fuperior rank. Sums of moner 3* No. I. money to a confiderable amount have been levied and ftill conti- nue to be levied upon the Roman Catholics in all parts of the kingdom by fubfcriptions and collections at their chapels and elfe- where, fome of which levies have been made and ftill continue to be made under the authority of a printed circular letter which has been fent into all parts of the kingdom, a copy of which letter we think it our duty to infert herein. " Sir, " By an order of the fub-committee, dated the 1 5th of January, *' I had the honour to forward you a plan for a general fubfcrip- *' tion, which had for its objeft the raifing a fund for defraying " the heavy and growing expenfes incurred by the General Com- '* mittee in conducting the affairs of the Catholics of Ireland. *' As feveral midakes have occurred in the tranfmillion of thefe " letters, owing to my ignorance of the addrefs of many of the " Delegates, I am directed to inform you that fuch a plan is now *' in forwardncfs throughout the kingdom. A meafure fo (Irongly *' enforced by necelTity, and fo confonant to ja(tice, cannot fail to " attract your very ferious attention ; the committee having the " moft perfetft reliance on your zeal are therefore confident that *' you wilt ufe your bell exertions to carry this neceflary bufinefs " into "full effcci:. " Dublin, February 5th 1793. Signed by the Secretary of the fub-committee. " P. S, It is hoped that you will acluio\\ledge the receipt of " this letter, dating at the fame time \vhatever progrefs has been " made in your diilrict.'* Several feditious and inflammatory papers publifhed in Dublin and difperfed through the country fecm to have countenanced and encouraged the Defenders in their Proceedings, and it appears that letters were written by a member of the committee of the Roman Catholics at Dublin, previous to the laft fummer aflizes, to a per- lon refident at Dundalk, in one of which the faid perfon in the name of the faid Roman Catholic Committee, direded enquiries to be made touching the offences of which the Defenders then in confinement Were accufed, which enquiries will be bell ex- plained by infevting the faid letter in the words following : Dublin, NoT I. 39 Dublin, 9th Augufl, 1792. « Dear S!r, " I received this day your favour of the 8th inftant, enclonng- « the different papers refpeding the Bufmefs I wrote you. It is «« with much regret that I am obliged to reply, that from the « want of information on the fubjecl-matter of the indictments, " no precife opinion can be formed whether the alleged offence is *« or is not bailable ; the committee are confequently in the dark " as to the meafures that fliould be adopted, nor can your exertions «"' accelerate (as it feems) that period until the aflizes,^ when you « will be able to obtain office copies of the examinations. _ Mr. Nugent's brother left town this day truly difconfolate, in not being able to effea fomething towards the liberation of liis Kinfman j he however did his befl in the afiair. " I am, dear Sir, " your obedient fervant, " John Sweetman." " P. S. If any new occurrence fhould happen, be good enough '" to inform me of it.'* And it does appear that the faid perfon to whom the faid letter was addreffed at Dundalk, did employ at a confiderable expenfe, an agent and counfel to aft for feveral perfons who were accufed of being Defenders, and were indided for offences committed by them in the county of Louth, one of which offenders appears to be particularly named in the above letter. But the committee think it their duty to ilate, th:it nothing appeared before them which could lead them to believe that the body of the Roman Catholics in this Kingdom were concerned in promoting or coun- tenancing fuch diflurbances, or that they were privy ^ to this application of any part of the money which had been levle.i upon them, however fufpicious the conduct of ill-difpofed individuals of their perfuafion refident in Dublin may have been. If all the magiflrates in the difturbed counties had followed the fpiriteJ example of the few, who, much to their honour, exerted them- felves with vigour and courage to fupport the laws, the committee are perfuaded that thefe diflurbances might have been fuppreffed ; but inftead of doing fo, much the greater part of them remained inaftive. The committee are of opinion that the belt means ol reflorin^ 40 No. I. reflorlng permanent tranquillity in the diflurbed counties, would be to procure a ftifficient number of active, refolute and fteady magiftrates therein, who would exert themfelves to maintain the public peace, and to cut off irom thefe deluded people all hope or expectation of fupport or defence arifing from a common fund to be levied upon perfons of their communion. An unufual ferment has for fome months pad difturbed feveral parts of the North, particularly the town of Belfaft and the county of Antrim ; it is kept up and encouraged by feditious papers and pamphlets of the moft dangerous tendency, printed at very cheap and inconfiderable rates in Dublin and Belfaft, which iil'ue almoft daily from certain focieties of men or clubs in both thofe places, calling themfelves committees under various defcrip- tions, and carrying on a conftant correfpondence wich each other. Thefe publications are circulated amongft the people with the utmoft induftry, and appear to be calculated to defame the govern- ment and parliament, and to render the people diffatisfied with their condition and with the laws. The conduct of the French is Ihamefuliy extolled, and recommended to the public view as an example for imitation ; hopes and expectations have been held up of their aftiftance by a defcent upon this kingdom, and prayers have been offered up at Belfaft from the pulpit for the fuccefs of their arms in the prefence of military affociations which have been newly levied and arrayed in that town. A body of men affociated themfelves in Dublin under the title of the Firft National Battalion, their uniform is copied from the French, green turned up with white, white waiftcoat and ftriped trowfers, gilt buttons impreffed with a harp and letters, importing " Firft National Battalion," no crown, but a device over the harp of a cap of liberty upon a pike ; two pattern coats were left at two fhops in Dublin. Several bodies of men have been collected in different parts of the North, armed and difciplined under officers chofen by themfelves, and compofed moftly of the loweft claffes of the people. 1 hefe bodies are daily encreafmg in numbers and force ; they have exerted their beft endeavours to procure military men of experience to a£t as their officers ; fome of them having exprefsly ftated that there were men enough to be had, but that officers were what they wanted. Stands of arms and gunpowder to a very large amount, much above the common confumption, have been fent within thefe few njonihs to Belfaft and Newry, and orders given for ISO. 41 for a much greater quantity, which it appears could be wanted only for mihtary operations. At Belfaft, bodies ot men in arms are drilled and exercifed for feveral hours almo't every ni^^ht by candle-light, and attempts have been made to feduce the f^diery, which, much to the honour of the King's forces, have proved ineffedual. The declared objed of thefe military bodies is to procure a reform of parhament, but the obvious intention of moft of them appears to be to overawe the parliament and the govern- ment, and to didate to both. The committee forbear mentioning the names of feveral perfons, left it fhould in any manner a*ied: any criminal profecution, or involve the perfonal fatety of any man who has come forward to give them information. The relult of their inquiries is, that in their opinion it is incompatible with the public fafety and tranquillity of this kingdom to permit bodies of men in arms to affemble when they pleafe, wirhout any legal authority : And that the exiftence of a felf created reprefentarive body of any defcription of the King's fubjedls, taking upon itfelf the government of them, and levying taxes or fubfcriptions, to be applied at the difcretion of fuch reprefentative body, or of perfons deputed by them, is alfo incompatible with the public fafety and tranquillity. 42 No. ir. Report from the Secret Conimiitee of the Iloufc of Commons in I'jg'J' Mr. Speaker, The Committee of Secrecy appointed to take into confidti ation the papers prel'ented to the Houfe on the twenty-ninth day of April lad by the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pelham, have direded me to report as follows ; YOXTR Committee having taken into their conflderation the papers referred to them, have thought it confiftent with their duty 10 carry their enquiries back to the period of the commencement of the focieties fliling themfelvcs United Irifhmen. It appears that foon after the French Revolution certain indivi- duals, enccuniLcd by the example of France, aimed at the over- throw of the exilU)ig laws and conftitution of this kingdom, and the eftabiiftmient of a Republic unconnected with Great Britain . that they have been encouraged to proceed to this attempt by an expectation of aid from France, and the co-operation of certain dif- aficfted and fcditious focieties in Great Britain entertaining fnnilar views. it appears to yoiT Committee that their hopes of fuccefs in this at^parently improbable defign are derived from their expc£tations of being able to iiifufe into the minds of the lower orders of the peo- ple an idea that ihey are in a ifate of cpprefiion and mifery : that the King, the Houlls of i>ords and C'ommons, with the magiflracy, clergy and gentry of the country, are the caufe of their opprell.on : that the Society of United Irifhmen are their fole protedors and de- fenders ; and that the connexion between Great Britain and Ireland is inconfiflent with the happinefs and independence of this kingdom. It appears to your Committee that to efFcd their purpofes they have organized ^vith great addrefs and fuppcrted with equal a^'iivity a fyftem plaufible in its name, and which by a combinati. n of cer- ♦ ain fpecious propofitions -vvith principles dellruttive ot the laws and conititution No. II. 43 eonftltution of this kingdom, leads in a manner the moft; Infidious to anarchy, confifcation of property, and ihe extermination of its proprietors. It appears to your Committee that in the original formation of this fociety, its authors, to avoid alarming the feelings of thofe who were no prepared at once to go to the full extent of their dangerous and trai oro. s defigns, held lorth Catholic Emancipation and Parlia- mentary Reform as die oitenfible objects of their union : but their real purpoies were to feparate Great Britain from Ireland and to fubvert the preent conftitution, as will appear more fully from the following explanation given by Mr. Theobald Wolfe 1 one, one of the original Iramers of the initirution, in a letter addrefled to his No. friends at Belfaft, and containing the refolutions and declarations ^• upon which the iiillitulion was formed : " The foregoing contain my true and fmcere opinion of the ftate " of this country, fo far as in the prefent juncture it may be ad- *' vifeable to publifli it. They certainly fall fliort of the truth, but *' truth irfelf mull fometlmes condefcend to temporize ; my unal- " terable opinion is, that the bane of Irifli profperiry is in the in- ** fluence of England ; 1 believe that influence will ever be ex- *' tended while the connexion between the two countries continues j ." neverthelefs, as I know that opinion is for the prefent too hardy, •' though a very litrle time may eflablifh it univeifally, I have not *' made it a part of the refolutions ; 1 have only propofed to fet up " a reformed parliament as a barrier againil that mifchief which *' every honeft man that will open his eyes mud fee in every in- " fiance overbears the intereil of Ireland : 1 have not faid one " word that looks iike a with for feparation, though I giye it to you *' and your friends as my moft decided opinion that fuch an Event *' would be a regeneration to this country. " I have, you will fee, alluded to the refolutions of the Whig ** Club, and 1 have differed with them in degree only, that is, I ** think and I am fure they do not go far enough ; they are not fin- *' cere friends to the popular caufe ; they dread the people as " much as the Caftle does ; it may be objeded that an implied dif- '^' ference of fentiment between them and the people will weaken ^' both : I think otherwife ; if they do not join you in iupporting ^^ a reform in parliament they do not defcrve fupport ihemfelves ; *^ apply the touchflone, if they (land the trial, well ; if they fail, " they are fjalfe and hollow, and the looner they are deteded the better F 2 44- No. II. " better ; what fignifies peddling with their fuperficial meafures ? " They are good fo far as they go, but for the people to fpend " their iirength in purfuit of fuch would be juft as wife as for a *' mm who hns a mortiticatiun in his bowels to be very folicitous " about a i)laiitcr for his lore finger. To be candid, I dare fay that " my l.ord Charlemont, and I am pretty fure that Mr. Gra'-tan, " would hcfitate very much at the refolutions which I fend ; but I *' only beg you will difmifs your refpecl for great names ; read *' over the refolutions and what i have now faid, and then deter- " mine impartially between us. I have alluded to the Catholics, •■• but fo remotely as I hope not to alarm the mod cautious Pro- *■' tellant ; it is wicked nonfenfe to talk of a reform in Ireland " in which they fhall not have their due fhare. " I have in the third rell)lution conceded very far indeed to what " I confider as vulgar and ignorant prejudices: look at P>ance and " America ; the Pope burnt in eiligy at Paris ; the Engllih catholics " at thi,> very hour feceding from his church. A'thoufand argu- '' ments crowd on me, but it is unneceilary here to dwell on them. " I hope you will find this refolution fulllcienily guarded and cool. " I have been purpofcly vague and indefinite, and I mufl: fay men " who would feek a reform, and admit that indifpeniable flcp, have ■•^ diflerent notions both of expediency and jullice from uny that I *■' can conceive. " 1 think the bePc opportuinty ft.r publifliing them will be on the *' i4lh oi July; 1 learn there is to be a commemrration of the " French revolution, that morninp- (lar of liberty to Ireland, 'i he " volunteers, if they approved of the plan, may then adopt it, and " I have fd worded it as to leave them an opportunity. I have left " a5 you fee a blank for the name." It appears that a foci'-ty, calling thcnifelvcs a fociety of TJnited Irlflimcn i]i Dublin, did on the gtli d.^y of November 1791 take as tlieir declaration that of a fimilar fociety in Belfaft, which nearly correJponds with the plan of Mr. 'lone, wiih the addition of a tell to be taken by the members. . It appears that this fociety did a<5lually meet and correfpond with certain feditioiis f.)cietiec. in Great Britain, and in furtherance of their defi^nr. of feparating the kingdoms and alienating the minds •-^f his Mtjedy's iuhjecls of Ireland, did rc^refent in dillerent publi- ..aor.^-, the connexion a? opprfflh-, c and tyrannical. Ycur No. IL 45 Your committee then direded their enquiries to the means by which the papers referred to them in confequence of the Lord Lieu- tenant's meflage had been procured ; and in order the better to afcertain the credit to be given to their conrents they examined the perfons by whom they had been taken, from w hence it appears that upon information being given of certain focieties or committees being appointed to affemble at the houfe of John Alexander in the town of Belfail at the hour of eight o'clock on Friday the 14th of April laft, Colonel Barber, with a detachment of the army, went to the faid houfe, where two focieties were then actually fitting. Mr. Fox, ftore-keeper of the ordnance, under the direction of Colonel Barber, entered one of the rooms in which one of the com- mittees or focieties was fitting, with their papers before them, round a table, and their Secretary in the chair ; and it appears in the minure book that the fociety had ad- journed from the 9th to the 14th of April, the day on which they were arrefted, to fit at the faid houfe. Lieutenant Ellifon of the artillery entered another room in the fame houfe where another committtee was fitting ; the papers be- longing to that committee or fociety were in the hat of a perfon who fat at the head of the table, and appears from the papers to have been the Secretary of that fociety. At the fame time Mr. Atkinfon, high conftable of Belfaft, found concealed in another room of the fame houfe, papers purporting to belong to another committee or fociety, viz. the eightieth fociety. Thefe papers confifl of, 1 . The printed declaration and conftitution of the United Iriflis. men. 2. Minutes of the proceedings of two of the focieties. 3. Reports from Provincial and County Committees. 4. A report from the Military Committee. 5. Forms of the oath of an officer and of a foldier. 6. Names of fome of the fociety, with the arms that they poflfefs. 7. Size roll of the fociety. 8. A lift 46 No. II. 8. A lill of the families that hjve received relief. 9. Refolutions of the United Societies of .^oiiaghadec and its vicinity. ic. Other loofe notes and papers of th-ir proceedings. It appears to your committee that the dec^arnton is the fame as that adopted by the IJnit-d in hmen in iy ^i, and the conltiiation formed upon the principles rcco.iunen led in an adJre'.s of the fo- cie:y of Uni ed Irilhmen in i^ublin to the Irith n.'.tion, Wi'liam l^rc-nnan in the chair, and ArchibaLl h'amikon Rowan fecrcta^y, in which iti> (tated, "Tru:h as little lo vour friends as to youT ene- *' mies iu a aiarter where you cm ; ct oniy by y. urfelves \ the will *' oi the n.Kion mull be dcclired before any reform oiii^hr 'o ta :e " p'ace ; it is not therefore any cUfs ho vever numerous, a;iy '')- *' ciety however refpeclab'e, a ly fubaltern aifemb'/, that have eit.ier *'. ri^ht or competency to exprels that au .lorit .ave will ; nothing " le s th;m the people can fpe ik for the people ; this co.npetency *' refides not in a few Ir^icholders fhiveri ig in the corner of a county *• hail, but only in the whole couimunity reprefented in each county *' (as at prefeut ia Anirim; by Pa oc'iial Delegation, and then from •• eich couiity by 'baronial i)cL:.^ati ni to Provincial Conventions, *' t!ie un'on of wlii.h mull form the awful will of the people of '* iidoiid." The conilituiion Is as follows : CONSTITUTION, ifl:. Ibis fociety is conflituted for the purpofe of forwarding a Lrothcrh od of aflcclicm, a communion of rights and an union of powir among Irihmen of every religious perfuafion, and thereby to obt in a complete reform in the legiflature, founded on the principles pi civil, political and religious libn-ty. 2. I he members of this fociety (hall eiiher be ordinary or ho- norary, and (hall w )t be limited to any de!c ipricm of men, but to extend to all ocrloiis who may be deemed eligible. 3d. Every candidate for admiflion into this fociety fhall be pro- pofcd by one member and feconded by another, both of whom (hall vouch for hi^ charai^ter and principles, and whofename iliali be en- tered No. 11. 47 tered on the books of the focie'^y ; the candidate to be balloted for on the lociety** lubiequent mtxting, and if dne of the beans be black he fliall liand rejtftcd. 4th As a und is n^cefl'ary, the better to carry into effed the purpofe of this affociation, each member on his admiffion fhall pay to the f ciety the fum of and per month while he Oiall continue a member. ^th. The officers of this focietv (liall be a Secretary, and Treafurer, who fnall be uppoinied by ballot every three months, viz. on every firil meeting in November, Icbruarv. Mav and Auguft. 6th. T.iis fociety in m inner afotefaid Ihall appoint two members, who wita the ferretary fliall a£t For the fociety in a Baronial ('om- mittee, which members fliall receive on each night of their at e.idance on faid committee. 7th. This locitty fhall in mi-nner aforefaid appoint members, who with the treaiurer fliall form a committee of Fi- nance, kc. 8th. At the requefl of either commlitees, orany members figning a requlfition, the f< cretary or if he (hall be abfent the treafurer fliall call an extra meeting of the fociety. 9th. This fociety (hall meet in ordinary every fecond evening at o'clock, the prefident to be chofen by a majority of the members prefent of whom (hall be a quorum. loth. Every refpeft and deference fliall be paid to the chairman. On his rifing trom his feat and taking off his hat there fhall be filence, and the member feated. lie fliall be judge of order and propriety ; fhall grant leave of abfence at pleafure ; fhall not enter into debate. If any member behave improperly he is empowered to direcl: an apology, or if refrciftory fine him in any fum not exceeding and on refulal to do as directed he fhall therefore be expelled the fociety for 11th. No member fliall fp( ak more than twice to one queftion, whhout leave from the chairn;an. 12th. Every perfon tiered a member of this fociety, whether ordinary or honorary, fliall previous to his admiflion take the fol- lowing Te/i in a feparat'e apurimem in rhe prefence of the perfons who propOicd and fecondc;d him, and one member appointed by the 43 No. II. the chairman; or in cafe of abfence of one of the two perfons, the chairman (hall appoint another member to a£t for the abfentee, after which the new member fliall be brought into the body of the fociety, and there take the teft in the ufual form. T K S T. In the awful prefence of God, I, A. B. do voluntarily declare, that I will perfevcre in endea- vouring to form a brotherhood of afTedion among Irishmen of every religious perfuafion, and that I will alfo perfevcre in my en- deavours to obtain an equal, full and adequate reprefentation of all the people of Ireland. 1 do further declare that neither hopes, fears, rewards, or pu- nifliments, (hall ever induce me, diredly or indirectly, to inform on or give evidence againft any member or members of this or fimilar focieties, for any a6t or expreflion of theirs, done or made collectively or individually, in or out of this fociety, in purfuance of the fpirit of thib obligation. 13th. A member of any other acknowledged fociety, being introduced to this fociety by a member, fiiall, upon producing a ceitificate, figned by the fecretary, and fealed with the feal of the fociety to which he may belong, and taking the foregoing tell, be admitted to attend the fittings of this fociety. 14th. No member fhall have a certificate but by applying to the committee, who fliall not grant it unlefs the member is leaving his place of refidence, which certificate fhall be lodged with the fe- cretary on his return. 15th. "When this fociety fliall amount to the number of thirty- fix members, it fliall be equally divided by lot* ; that is, the names cf all the members fliall be put into a hat or box, the fecretary or treafurer fliall draw out eighteen individually, which eighteen fliall be confidered the fenior fociety, and the remaining eighteen the junior, who fliall apply to the Baronial Committee, through * Societies in country places to divide as may bcjlfuit their local fitu- ^lion. the No. 11. 49 the Delegates of the fenior foclety for a number, and that this divifion Ihall take place only in the months of Oftober, January, April and July. — The fund (hall alfo be equally divided. 1 6th. That no fociety fliall be recognized by any committee, unlefs approving of, and taking the teft, and amounting in number to feven members. Order of Bufmefs at Meetings. I ft. New members read declaration and teft, during which fub- fcriptlons to be colleded. 2d. New members take the teft, all members ftanding and un- covered. 3d. Minutes of preceding meeting read. 4th. Reports of committees received. 5th. Communications called for. 6th. Candidates balloted for. 7th. Candidates propofed. Sth. Motions made and determined. 9th. Place and time of next meeting appointed. CONSTITUTION of COMMITTEES, As adopted the i oth of May. Baronial Committees. I ft. When any barony or other diftrict fhall contain three or more focieties, three perfons from each fhall be elefted by ballot, conformable to the fixth article, to form a Baronial Committee (for three months :) their names to be returned to the Secretary of the fenior fociety, who (hall requeft a deputation from the neareft Baronial Committee to conftitute a committee for the faid barony or other diftrift. O 2d. When 50 No. II. 2d. When any barony or diilrid fliall contain eight focieties, they may form another committee, to be called the fecond com- mittee of faid barony or diflricl, provided each contains three or more focieties. ' 3d. Baronial Committees fhall receive Delegate? from focieties of a contiguous barony, provided faid barony do not contain three focieties. 4th. That the Baronial Committee fliall correfpond with focieties or individuals who have fubfcribed the declaration and taken the ted of the prefent afl'oclated focieties. 5th. That all queflions fliall be determined by a majority of the members prefent. 6th. That the Baronial Committee being regularly fummoned, the one third of its members fliall be deemed a quorum, and ca- pable of proceeding to buHnefs. 7th. '1 hat any bufinefs originating in any individual foclety, fliall at the Iiifhince of fuch focicty's Delegates be by the Baio- iiial Committee laid before the other focieties. County Committees. I ft. Wlien any county fliall contain three or more Baronial Committees, two perfons fliall be eleded by ballot from each Ba- ronial Committee to form a County Committee (for three months.) 2d. County Committees fliall receive Delegates from Baronial Committees of adjacent counties, if laid counties do not contain three Baronial Committees. Provincial Committees. ift. When two or more counties fliall have County Committees, three perfons fliall be i^leded by ballot from each to form a Pro- vincial Committee (for three months.) 2d. Delegates from County Committees In other provinces will be received, if fuch provinces do not contain two County Com- mit tec r. National No. II. 51 National Committee. That when two Provincial Committees are formed they fhall eleft five perfons from each by ballot, to form a National Com- mittee. N. B. Society's firft meetings in November, February, May and Auguft, to be on or before the 5th; Baronial Committees on or before the 8th; County Committees on or before the 15th, and Provincial Committees on or before the 25th of the above months. Baronial, County and Provincial Committees fhall meet at lead once in every month, and report to their conftituents. Names of committee-men fliould not be known by any perfon but thofe who elect them. Tefl for Secretaries of Societies or Committees. " In the awful prefence of God, " I, A. B. do voluntarily declare, that as long, as I fhall hold the '' office of fecretary to this I will to the utmoft " of my abilities faithfully difcharge the duties thereof. " That all papers or documents received by me as Secretary I " will in fafety keep ; I will not give any of them or any copy or " copies of them to any perfon or perfon, members or others, but " by a vote of this and that I v/ill at the " expiration of my Secretaryfhip deliver up to this " all fuch papers as may be then in my pofleffion." CERTIFICATE. " Society of United Iriflimen of " I hereby certify that A. B. has been duly elected, and having " taken the tefl provided in the conflitutlon, has been admitted a '' member of this Spciety." Your committee think it necefiary to point out a manifeft and ftriking diflindion in the tefl annexed to the original declaration of the United Irifhmen and that annexed to this conflitution, and which corroborates the opinion your committee have already given, G 2 that 52 No. II. that reform of parliament was only a colourable objed to work on the minds of the people, but that their real objed was the overthrow of the conftitution. The original left holds forth a reprefentation of the Irifli nation in parliament, and a reform of that parliament. The prefent ted, which your committee find to be the one imiverfally adopted in the Societies of which they have received information, and under which all the United Iriflimen are at prefent fworn, purpofely omits the words, Parliament and Reform, thereby clearly fliewing^ that an original inftitution independent of par- liament is the objecl, which is Hill farther proved by the reports and communications between the Committees and Societies, in which they mention an Executive Committee, under the authority of which they fcem to a6l. It appears to your committee that the confliution fo recommended is in a great meafure carried into effect, and that fuch committees do exilt. 1 hat Secretaries have been elected in thefe Societies ; that com- mittee-men have been appointed ; that monthly contributions have been levied ; that a Treafurer has been appointed ; that perfons have been named to purchafc pikes ; that it was refolved to furnifh pikes at the expenfe of the fociety for thole who could not afford to purchafe them ; that perfons have been interrogated for their coTiduct ; that reports have been received and approved of; that a military committee has been appointed ; that returns of arms, ammunition and men are made to the Military Committee ; and that olTjcer^ have been appointed, will appear from the following entries in the minute-book of the fociety, leized by Mr. Fox. Entries in the Minute Book, No. 2, feized and identified by Mr. Fox, Page 6, 7, and 8. Refolved, that the Secretary fhall be known by the name of 54th Secretary cf United Irilhmen of Belfaft. J;imts Burnfide eleded Secretary, Pat. Uandiam and John Atkinfon commiitee men. Refolved, that we will pay into the Baronial Committee 2s. 8:d. per month. Edward No. II. 53 Edward Kelly and Terence M'Cann along with the Treafurer appointed to attend a committee of finance. James Burnfide eleded Treafurer. Oa. 31ft 1796. At a Meeting held in John Alexander's, Ricnard M'Gee, Chair. Refolved, that three men be appointed to purchafe pikes and poles for this fociety — lames Burnfide, Pat. M*Stravock and Richard M'Gee were appointed. Refolved, that any man that fairly tells any of thefe three appointed that he is not able to purchafe a pike, that he fhall be furnilhed with one out of the fund of this fociety. Refolved, that we meet at Crozier's in Unlon-flreet at eight o'clock on Sunday 6th November in the morning. Crozier's, 6th Nov. 1796. Edward Kelly, Chairman. James Burnfide elected Secretary. Edward Kelly and Terence M'Cann were appointed committee men to attend the ninth divifion. Refolved, that John Barret be interrogated who was the perfon gave him the word and fign. Refolved, that if John Barret does not tell who it was that gave him the word and fign, and take the oath that is necelfary, he fhall be excluded this fociety. Refolved, that each member Ihall fpend two-pence each night of meeting. Page 10. January ifi 1797. Richard M'Gee, Chairman. Refolved, that all money or fubfcripiion received for this fociety fliall go to the ufe of buying pikes. Page 54 No. 11. :-age II. Nlckles's, 2 2d January 1797. Refolved, that we approve of the Reports that we have received from the committee. Refolved, that E. Kelly and R. M'Gee does attend the Civil Committee for this enfuing three months. February 5th 1797. Edward Clements, Chairman. Refolved, that we approve of the report we have now heard read. Page 12. Refolved, that we will not receive any other perfon from the Military Committee but fuch as we have appointed. Refolved, that Wm. Stewart get a copy of this Refolution to lay before the committee. Sunday, 19th Feb. 1797. John Milton, Chairman. Refolved, that we will ballot for two new members to attend the Military Committee in the place of Wm. Stewart and Richd. M'Gec.. Refolved, th:U John Miller and Thomas Hanlon does attend the Llllitary Coinmitce till further order of this Society. Page 13. Refolved, that James M'Donald gets a copy of the arms, am- munition and men belonging to this fociety to lay before the M, Committee. Young's Tavern. E. Kelly, Chairman. Refolved, that the reports which we have now received from • c coMiniiitLC is apd. of by this fociety. Pajre No. II. 55 Page 14. Refolved by this fociety that each member who does not attend after legal warning fhall be expelled this fociety. Refolved by this fociety, that the military officers fhall get a lift of the men's names belonging to this fociety to lay before the Military Committee. Page 15. Morrifon's, 2d April. John Milton, Chairman. Refolved, that the officers fhall get a lift of the men's names under their command. Alexander's, 9th April. Page 16. Refolved, that John Milton gets a caution from E. Kelly that he is clear of the charge laid againlt him. Refolved, that we meet on Friday next in John Alexander's at 8 o'clock. It has appeared in evidence that the communication between the different focieties and committees is carried by means of the Secre- taries and Delegates who take notes of what paffes in order to re- port to and from the higher and lower Societies, and by this means the reprefentations and opinions of the inferior Societies are com- municated to their fuperiors, and the orders and inftruclions from the higher focieties and committees are conveyed to the inferior ones. It appears in evidence that the reports are not entered on the minutes, but ufually deftroyed after being read by the Secretary. Your committee think it neceffary for the information of the houfe to ftate at length the following papers, which will in a great meafure develope the fyftem upon which thefe focieties proceed, and appear to be reports made by Secretaries. Paper-ivrit'mg feized and ideniified by Mr. Atkinfon* Ko. 7. Refolutions of the United Societies of Donaghadee and its Vicinity. ift. Refolved, that it has ahvays been the invariable opinion of all found philofophers, ftatefmen and divines, that all power is radically in the people. 2d. Refolved, 56 No. ir. 2d. Refolved, that when tyrants, ufurpers and oppreflbrs, grafp- ing at domination, or even fuch as are legally delegated by the people, degenerate into tyrants, or aft contrary to the trufl com- mitted to them, in that cafe the people ought to claim their right, and the power return to its original channel. 3d. Refolved, that at the prefent crifis the people being united fhould alfo arm, chofe their othcers, and take a firfl, fecond and third requifition of fuch as are able to go forth to war in defence of their rights as men. 4th. Refolved, that our brethern in arms be duly provided for with fuch things as their cafe and fituation requires, and that means be adopted that their families may not fuffer in their abfence. 5th. Refolved, that to anfwer fuch emergencies a contribution be impofed upon the people in general according to their refpeclive circumflances ; rents and tythes fliall alfo be confidered, the latter ort there j one there was, feven guineas voted to their fupport ; they promifed a reiurn (or tliis in another month j there was Jevcral petitions received from Kildare, and it is warml}' recommended to the different counties to bring fomethipg forward for their (upport ; laft Provincial Mceti;ig county No. IL 59 county Down Delegates reported, that William Brlftow of this town has a Provincial account of laft meeting previous to the Sub-com- mittee : Belfafl: therefore be cautious, for fome iecretar^ is certainly deceiving us ; the old word and iign of U. I. Men is aholirhed to further orders. Louth Delegates reported, that tv>'0 men from Seifaft, Denis Digrjey and Robert Rowny, behaved ver\^ ill, and was very near diforganizing faid county on account of making ufe of lymg reports and words and things of their making ; your Provincial Committee dont approve of the reports of the county refpedling new code of laws, being quite too premature, your Exece iiave that to do or to frame them ; Armagh have appointed five to fupport tiieir prifoners ; Monaghan Delegates have a confiderable fum of money, but being fo young in the bufinefs did not know how to bring it for- ward, but will on the next meeting ; the city of Dublin is doing well ; fent to Newry for five conftitutions, and going on regular and is colledling money ; will pay as foon as poffible for the forwarding the bufinefs in the upper part of the county of Meath and Kildarej Dr. C. q. take from Newry fifceen conftitutions to the county Kildare, and promifed to dillribute them there with much attention ; the delegates thought it proper to give in the fum.s of money fubfcribed by you to the Provincial Committee, being well aware of the numerous complaints made againll your county for neglecting bringing forward money fubfcribed monthly ; the Trcafurer of county Loutti in Dublin -, county of Antrim is far deficient refpe6ling the monthly fubfcription, for the county Down on an average pays not Icfs than ninety pounds per month to prifoners and provincial county. Report of the County of Antrim. Belfafl-. Men 2,639 526 Guns 399 Bayonets f ' 88 Piftols 567 Pikes 12,130 Bali Can. H 2 15,953 6o No. II. 15,95,3 Balls 566 Powder 6 Canons I Mortar County total 23,059 2,659 Guns 982 Bayonets 204 Piflols 2,348 Pikes 85 Swords 18,235 Ball Car^ 2,358 Balls 6285 Powder 8 Canons I Mortar Paper Jeized and identified by Mr. Ellifon. No. 2. 7th December. 2434 Men reprefented in Belfafl — 248 guns — 212 bay- onets — 19 piitols — 32 fwords — 120 pikes — 8027 rounds of ball cartridge — 82 rounds of powder — 16 fetts of belts and 2 forkcs. COUNTY No. IL 61 COUNTY REPORTS. 20184 Men, 1 1 79 guns, 255 bayonets, ^^ piftols, ^y fwords, 8743 ball-cartridge in the ieveral baronies repie- fented in tbe County Committee. £■ s. ^. Upper Belfaft - - paid 10 10 4 Lower ditto - - I 8 II Upper Mazareen - - 2 I 8 Lower ditto - - 14 15 9 Upper Antrim - - n 2 Lower ditto - - 5 I 4l Upper Toom - - - D 8 3 Lower ditto - .- 18 4 H Lower Dunlufe - - I 14 If Upper Gienarm - - I 10 6 Lower Toom paid as voluntary fubfcription 4 I — £'^5 18 7^ The above money was paid the county committee. PROVINCIiVL County of Antrim Downe Derry Donegal Tyrone Louth Armagh Monaghan Cavan Mcath Fermanagh No. II. PROVINCIAL REPORTS. 19256 12556 8000 3000 6500 I :]00 < z> Voluntary. I- s. d. i. s. d. 29 17 5i 19 17 6 ^7 2 5^ 16 16 loi 21 I 2500 paid nothing. 2500 ditto 8 CO ditto 1776 ditto 1500 ditto 2 4 8 12 10 596S8 \wc\\ 100 18 — I Your Provincial Committee rcjxjrtcd that your Executive Com- mittee did j]ot aft properly, in confcqucnce of which your [Provincial lli!j)ped of all their powers and diflblved them, and formed a new one; but to prevent the men that compolcd your Ex. C. to have any excule, your Provincial C. defied two thirds of the old members for three months, and if they do not act as your Provincial C. thinks riglit, they will turn them out and put new ones in their place — the other third are men of rcfpedtability and honour, and they come under your Provincial C. infpedion and are accountable to }-OL!r Piovi,i-ial C. tbr money and meafures; fome one handed in a report to p''. as follows : recommending to U. I — n to be very circumlpedt No. II. 65 circumfpeft in their condud, as the only wlfli of Government was to goad us into infurredtion, by ^^ hich means they would have it in their power to put us down, never to rife, at lead for a century, and likewife we have paid a great deal of money to the people in gaol and it will take a large fum of money to affift them all winter j we re- queft the Co^. to allow us to take our fuperior officers for our body from the South, of the beft men, but notwirhftanding the treatment your Provincial received from your Ex. C«, your Provincial C. a61:ed with great caution and prudence ; in confequence of people being difappointed fo often in coming from the farthefl parts of this king- dom to Belfaft for conftitutions they allow them to be printed in three parts of this Kingdom ; they recommend to all U. I — n not to buy any thing from defpots if the can poffibly help it — your Provincial C. earneftly recommends to all U. I — n to keep from intoxication — they promifed to give to the county the number of defenders in Ireland — a defender up the country promifed to give four thoufand guineas for the ufe of the U. I — n, and all he aiks is three or four of the U. I — n as fecurity for that fum. — Reported in the county C. that the Privy Council of Ireland fummoned the titlar bifliops and bribed them with 500 guineas, and defired them to fummon the priefts, and the priefts for to do all in their power to tind out if any of their hearers was U. I — n, or held any converfation with the like, and if there was any that was or did fo, to excommunicate them from the church. — Your county C. thinks that if there is any U. I — n on the jury that will commit any of the prifoncrs that is coa- fined for being U. I — n ought to lofe their exillence — the Orange men in the county of Tyrone are taking the arms from the de- fenders. A member of your county C. called a meeting of the fame to pedtion parliament for a reform of parliament, but all the members except a few were utterly againfl any fuch thing. BELFAST, BARONIAL REPORTS. ifl battalion of military came to a refolution to divide into dlvi- fions, each divifion to compofe three focietics, and out of them to appoint I captain 1 lieutenants, the reft to be ferjeants. Refolved., (i4 No. II. Refolved, that the fixth divifion gets four conflitution, three of them CO lend up the country. — Refolved, that the 8 divifion be granted one conftitution for the 80 fociety. — Refolved, that the 3d divifion be granted one do. for the prifoners in Carrick. — Rcfolvedj that the 20 fociety be granted one conftitution, and No. 11, for them fplit, as that number was never filled. — Refolved, that no fecre- tary of focieties or coQimittees give any reports they may receive to any perfon but in the fociety or committee, and if any perfon be prefenr not belonging to faid fociety or committee, that they will not give the report in prefence of the ftranger. Refolved, that we recommend to the military battalion to appoint men that can work field-pieces. The ifl divifion recommended to all focieties not to have any thing to fay to father and fon, name of Pro6ter, fav/yers. Paper-'-jirif'nigj feized and identified by Mr. Atkinjon. No. I. Prox intial Report. Prifoners. L- s. d. £. s. d. Antrim - 22039 5'^ 1 1 6\ 50 II 6i Down - 23769 IS — 9k IS — 9^ Deny - - lOOOO — — — /\rma(>li - 12273 44 10 — 22 15 — Donegal - 9648 -5 — — 15 I ik Monaghan - d'^IS 17 4 6 — -= Tyrone - 12169 2 2 10 2 II 5 I Low'th - 343-^ — — — CavaH Cavan Fermanagh No. ir. lOOO 2000 65 C s. d. I, s. d. 994ii 234 17 — 174 13 G\ For 8000 conftitutions - 13 13 — To the Executive - - — 10 5I 234 17 — Antriniy Armagh^ Down^ Lowth. Guns Bayonets Piftols Swords Pikes 634^ 1S3^ 465 202 3816 Ball Cartridge Balls Powder Cannon Blunderbufles 20774 31699 1123 8 18 I Mortar The reports fooner nor ufual on account of our friends being expecfled foon into Baniry ; government is ufmg all means in t.heir power to put us into infurredion, the Executive is taking proper meafures to appoint proper officers. Mitchel the cows has got him in Dublin. No perfon to inlult yeomen on account of fome of them turning out ; fet your face againft bank notes and excile bufinefs, as that is the beft means to harrafs the government ; the Executive re- quefts the full returns of men and arms and means of defence as in cafe if our friends not coming, but there is no danger for to no our own ftrengtii. Leiniler commit, on Sunday laft met, but we could have no return of provincial report that each county takes it ro account to make friends of Catholics and Orange men as it is doing a great dail of good in Armagh. Antrim 22480 — 44I. 2s. i^d. — Voluntary 203I. 16s. 3!^/. Guns Bayonets Piilols words Pikes B. Cartridge 2675 — 1267 — 302 — 245 — j^^Q — 199' 9 I Balls 66 No. II. Kails Powder Cannon Mortar S3^6^ — 900^ — 8 — I Rtfolvcd, that each county member briijgs entilligance how how wives iind children is to be fupported. Rcioivcd, that 35I. 5s. Q.^d. be got lor the enfuing month, try al of Iriendb i68i. 1 is. £. s. d. Forward to provincial committee - - - 3426 Provincial expenfes - - - - 5 19 2 TreaCurer's hands - - - - j. — i:k Three pcrfons in each divifional comm. to fettle any bufincfs betwixt united Irillimen, upper Tomb reported, Samujl Andcribn, James Murray, Gilbert Clark, John Han is formed a kcret comm. to deRroy united Irifli, and Harris opened the plot againft the whole. Relolved, that Dundafs Mil. n:iovemenc or other publication fl-iould be read by Mil. olhccrs. £• s. J, Voluntary lubfcription from ifl: divifion - - 15S 11 55 Guineas. Do. for mounting cannon _ _ « 26 2 di\irion for cannon - _ _ . j 9 divihon - - - - - i^ 10 do. Total Devlin C and Haughner 1 , ., ■} ^^.,. . [■ bad mien. Ariilciy I Miiuia J Rcioivcd, th^t v;du;ucry fjbfciiption to be paid next miccting. Pater- No. II. ^7 Paper-writing fdized and identified hy Mr. Fox. No. 5. A repvort from the military committee received as fjch ; von are to let the ofBcers know their men and the men their oriicers, and do not fail to engage them in a folemn manner tliat the)' may call tliem out oh one iiiinute's warning, and they may by that means cndeavour to lee them armed in the moft fpeedy manner; there is no time to be lufl, for the grand committee think that if one of the prifoners we let them be hanged we fhould forfeit our intention for evermore, for we know not the minute we'll be called on to give an account j for our friends is hourly expected. Paper-writing Jeized and identified by Mr. Fcx. No, 10. COUNTY REPORTS, nth April 1797. They received from the ariftocrats of Belfaft 374I. 4s. 6d. which was laid out as follows : Paid the committee appointed to attend the prifoners of this circuit _ _ _ - 1%^ i^ — . Paid into the hands of different people to attend the prifoners out of this circuit - - 90 9 6 374 4 6 1^6 10 2 Received from the focieties of this county as a volun- tary fubfcription _ _ - which was paid to the committee for th.e prifoners ufe ; the provincial reports that they have ufcd every means to defend the prifoners at the time of trial. Men. Guns. Bayonets. Piftols. Swords. Pikes. 22,716 2,948 1,536 . 417 397 4^883 B. Cartridges. Balls. lbs. Powder. Canon. Mortar. 24,911 70,943 1^-30 S I Beliair 68 No. II. BcJfafl: Tow*i I. 482 s. 17 6 12 s. 14 d. I Upper do. Lower do. 3« 2 2 6 6 lol 9 2 Upper Mafereene - Lower do. Upper Antrim 9 28 83 14 12 9 11^ 8 — — __ w4iy there the people t Lower do. Upper Toome 14 I 10 14 5^ ~~~ """" •~~" was no hought Lower do. Upper Dunluce 16 3 16 5 Ah 9 13 L it more it rathei Lower do. — — — I 16 S3 Upper Glenarm 18 12 1 — Lower do. 5 2 4l — Kilconway I 6 3 — Xcrry _ - - 4 — — 28 16 I 7 8^ 730 14 8^ Kcfolvcd, that the Provincial form a plan for the fupport of poor families, that they get us the number of Defenders in the kingdom who are not U. I. and if they will a6t in concert with U. I. Fulton and M'Cormick, who was reported fomc time ago to behave improperly, was tried and found irjnocent of that charge. John Kennedy from Crew brother-in-law to Hy. SinclaiV of N. ftrcet ill Bcifaft, is very bad, and came here for the purpofe of getting in- formation. William Pale, a deferter, Kinly Shilock, blackfmith of Duncathery, Robert M'Clelland from Ballymena, and John Love an attorney of do. is all very bad and ought to be guarded againft. Relolved, No. II. 69 Kefolved, that we again declare it highly improper to hold any communication with people out of fociety, without they are well known. Refolved, that a committee of 7 be appointed to lay out the mo- ney for the prifoners to the amount of 200I. — 66 conftitutions was granted at this meeting. That it be recommended to all focieties that is wealthy to enter into a vol. fub. for the purpofe of arming our poor fellow-citizens. Paper-writing feized and identified by Lt. Ellijon, No. I. nth April 1797. COUNTY REPORT. Men. Guns. Bayonets. Piftols Swords. Antrim. 22,716 2,248 ] ,748 417 3^3 Piftols. Pikes. 3^3 4)888. Subfcription. Town Belfaft 482 17 6 Upper do. — Lower 22 6 10 Upper Mazerine 9 14 I r Lower do. 26 12 10 Upper Antrim 83 12 — Lower Antrim 14 13 — Upper Toom I 14 — Z Lower 16 16 4 Upper Dinlufe 3 5 7 Lower do. I 16 — Upper Glenarm 18 12 3 Lower Glenarm 5 2 4 Kilconoury I 6 3 Keary Total 4 — 7 ^93 8 9\ A voluntary 70 No. II. A voluntary fubfcript ion got from araflonick - 374 4 C Paid to the North wefl: Sirkiet - - - 90 9 6 To do. the North Kft do. - - - - 28J 15 4 Recommended to the Provcnfal Ct. (o form a j^lan of provifion for poor mens familys during our exhorfliuigs in the field. Fulton and M'Cormick afirs is fettled. Jno. brothfr-in-low to Hy. Sinclair from Crew, Kinly Sherlick Dimanry is a bad man and is wery dan- geries to the caufe. John Love belly moner a bad man very dangers to the caufe. A rifulition we again declare it that it highly improper to hold any communication with perfons out of Ibciety, not nowing them to be regular members. Refolved that 7 members out of this ere. be chofen he will be appointed he fhall have full power to vot away any fums of money not exeding 200I. if in your hands, if in there hands for the fcport of the provcnfal prifiners. Lafl meeting 6G Ct. voted av/ay. Beroniei, Kefolvcd that it is recommended to the different focietys that is able to enter into a voluntary iubfcription for the ufe of arming thofe that is not able. III. That thsfe reports are gencvally circulated through the focieties is further proved by a paper taken by a magiftrate in a didant part of the county of Antrim ; and another paper taken in the county of IV. Down near Portaferry from a perfon who acknowledged himfelf to be a fecrctary, on or about the Sth of November. The time of their forminj]; thcmfelves into military bodies is afcertained by this paper ; and it is to be obferved that the yeomanry corps eflablifhcd by par- liament about the fame time, were refilled and oppofed in thofe parts of the kingdom where the U.'::ited Iriihmcn appeared to have been rnofl" adive. It appears from a variety of evidence that no means arc ne- gle<5ied for cllablilhing th.eir conlViiution and enforcing an obe- ilience to their laws ; that contributions are levied to defray the cxprnlc^s of the focicty ; that threats and intimidations arc em- pioyed againft wimelles and jury- men as a means to prevent their aObciates from being brought to juftice ; and that a comniitLte is appointed to defray tlie expenfes ot defending luch as are brought to trial or are in prifun ; that the idliflance of the French is ex- pelled and held ijiiJi as negotiated for; that at Belfafl: alone exift 80 focieties No. Bo focictics at leaft; and that emifiliries are employed to extend thefe focieticsi chat arms and ammunition are procured, pikes bougV.t, oiiicers appointed, military difcipHne recommended and enforced by oaths to be taken by officers and menj provifion for ko. v the famiilies of their fcciety during their exertions in the field; that fufpefted perfons are brought to account for tiicir actions, and it has been fi.ated in evidence that a 'tribunal is appointed for this purpofe who try the offenders in their abfence and determine their puniihment even to death. The committee forbear from ftating individual inflances of out- rage and afialTmation which have appeared to them in evidence, as they may becom.e the fubjeds of trial in the courts of juftice; and for the fame reafon your commictce refrain from ftating the par(;l evidence that has been laid before them relpeding che a:tempts to feduce the military; tlie committee think ic tiicir duty to Rate the faft of fuch attemots havino; been made, and at the fame time to rcprefent, that in their opinion thofe attempts are fo far from having been attended with the fucccfs that was expeded ■ by thofe v/ho pradifed them, that the committee feel themfelves fully war- ranted in expreffing the firmeft reliance on the zeal and loyalty of his Maiefty's troops. Your committee is inclined to believe that th.e numbers of the perfons flated in the returns of the feveral counties are confiderably overrated; tor it has been liated to them in evidence, that every artifice is ufed to keep up their fpirits by exaggerated reports of their (Irength and power. Upon the whole, dangerous and alarming as this confpiracy ap- pears to be, your committee is induced to believe the degrees of criminality in the individuals vv-ho compofe it are very different, as jt appears to have been a principle with the audiois of this inllirution to cloak their real delign under falfe colours. At the fame time your .committee think it neceffary to [fate as their decided opinion, upon a review of the whole evidence that has been laid before the committee, that a complete revolution and 'tonfifcation of property and the eftabhlhment of a Republick upon I French principles, are the real objefts of this confpiracy, and not 'an amelioration oi the prefent conflituiion. From the importance of tne matter contained in this report yoir committee have thought it 'their duty to lofe no time in laying ic ;■ before the houie, and are proceedi.ng in their enouiries. The 72 No. II. The following Papers are annexed to the foregoing Report, No. I. *' IN the prefent great «ra of reform, when unjuft governments *' are falling in every quarter of Europe, when religious pcrfecu- " tion is compelled to abjure her tyranny over confcience, when «' the rights of man are afcertaincd in theory, and that theory fub- *' (lantiated by pradice, when antiquity can no longer defend ab- «' furd and opprcffive forms againft the common fenfe and common ** intercfis of mankind, when all government is acknowledged to " originate from the people, and to be lb far only obligatory as it " protects their rights and promotes their welfare, we think it our *' duty as Irilhmen to come forward and ftate what we feel to be *' our heavy grievance, and what we know to be its effectual re- *' medy. " We have no National Government. " We are ruled by Engliflimcn and the fervants of Englilhmen, *' filled as to commerce and politics with the fhort-fighted and ig- ** norant prejudices of their country, and thefe men have the whole *' of the power and patronage of Ireland as means to feduce and to *' fubdue the honcRy and the fpirit of her reprefentatives in the le- *' giflature. Such an extrinfic j^ower, ading with uniform force in " a direction too freq'icridy oppofite to the true line of our obvi- " ous interells can be refilled with efFcifl folcly by mianimity^ deci- '' fion and fpirit in the people qualities which may be exerted moft le- " gaily conditutionally and cnicacioufly by that great meafure eden- " tiai to the profperity and freedom ot Ireland, J mere equal repytfent- *' at ion oj the people in parliament. " Wtr do not here mention as a grievance the rejetflion of a *' place bill, of a peniion bill, of a rcfponiibiliiy bill, the the fale of " [leeragcs in one Iv'-nfe, li e criirnprion publickly avowed in the " other, nor the notorious infamy of bor.ugh traflic between both: *' not No. li. r^ ** not that we do not feel their enormity, but that we confider them " but as lymptoms of that mortal difeafe which corrodes the vitals " ot our conrtitucion, and leaves to the people in their own govern- *' ment but a (hadow of the name. " Imprefled with thefe fentiments, we the underfigned have " agreed to form an aflbciation, to be called " and we do pledge ourfelves as citizens *' and as foldiers to our country and mutually to each other, that we <« will fteadily fupporc and endeavour by all due means to carry into " effcol the following refolutions : " [ft. Refolved, that the conftitucion of Ireland exiPis only in " theory, inafmuch as the people are deprived of clieir ijUural " weight in the fcale of government, becaulc they are not duiy re- ** prel'ented in parliament, and therefore that a more general exten- " fion of the efedive franchife is indifpenfably neced^iry. " 2d. Refolved, that the weight of Englifh influence in the *' government of this county is fo great as to require a cordial " union among the people, to maintain that balance which is eifen- " tial to the prefervation of our liberties and the extenfion of our *' commerce. " 3d. Refolved, that fatisfied as we are that the true greatnefs ** and happinefs of Ireland can arife folely from a complete internal " union of all her feople, we lament the miftaken policy which has *' fo long divided them, and that we fiiall heartily co-operate in all " meafures tending to the abolition of diftinftions between Irilli- " men, equally invidious and unjuft, and which have been uni- " formly the fource of vveaknefs and mifery and dilgrace to the " country. " Such are the refolutions which we propofe as fundamental pr:n- " ciples; we have gone to what we conceive to be the root of the " evil, we have ftated what we conceive to be the remedy. — With a " reformed parliament every thing is eafy, without it nothing can be " done, unlei's by means too violent for the good people of this *' country, if not provoked beyond human fufferance even to think " on. " And we do call on and moft earnefdy exhort our brethren " THE Volunteers of Ireland, who may in fa^ efiabliih as *' they have in theory reftored the independence of their native land : " We call upon our countrymen in gen>.'ral to follow our example, " and to form fimilar focietics in every quarter qi the kingdom for K " die 74 No. II. " the promotion of conflitutional knowledge and the difpenfation of " gemiine "kvhig principles; the people v^hen thus collected will feel •' fi,:ii own weight and fcturc that power which theory has already " admitted as their portion, and to which if they be not arouied b/ •' their prclcnt provocations to vindicate it, they deferve to forfeit *' their pretenfions for ever. " The foregoing contain my true and fmcerc opinion of the flate *' of this country Jo far aj in the prejent junSlure it may be advi/e- *' able to publijh it. They certainly fall fhort of the truth, but truth *' itfelf muft fometimcs condefcend to temporize : My unalterable " opinion is, tiiat the bane of Irifh profperity is in the influence of " England : I believe that influence will ever be extended while the <* connexion between the countries continues ; neverthelefs, as I *' know that opinion is, for the prejent., too hardy, though a very *< little time may eftablifh it univerfally, I have not made it a pare ** of the refolutions, I have only propoled to let up a reformed par- " liament as a barrier againfl: that mifchief which every honeft man <' that will open his eyes muft fee in every inftance overbears the «' intereft of Ireland: 1 have not faid one word that looks like a wifh " tor Jeparationy though I give it to you and your friends, as my *' moll decided opinion, that I'uch an event v/ould be a regeneration " to this country. *' I have, you will lee, alluded to the refolutions of the IFbig " Club, and I have diflered with them in degree only, that is, I think *' and I am lure they do not go far enough — they are not fincere friends *' to the popular Caufe — they dread the people as much as the Caflle *' does, it may be objeded that an implied difference of fcntiment •* bet'^een them and the people will weaken both — 1 think other- ♦< wile. If they do not join you in fupporting a reform in parlia- *' ment they do not deferve fupport tliemlclves : Apply the toucli- *« ftone; if they fland the trial, well; if they fail, they are fdfe and " hollow, and the looner they arc deteded the better. What figni- " ficb peddling with their fuperikial meafures ? They arc good /i " far as they go, but for the people to fpend their (Irength in purlliic *< of fuch would be juft as wife as for a man who has a mortification " in his bovvels to be very folicitous about a plailter for his fore finger. tc — 'I'o be candid, I dare fay that my Lord Charlemont, and I am " pretty No. II. -js prett)' fure that Mr. Grattan, would heficate very much at the reiblutions which I fend ; but I only beg you will difmifs your rcfpedl for great names; read over the refolutions and what I have now faid, and then determine impartially between us. I have alluded to the Catholics, but fo remotely as I hope not to alarm the moil cautious Proteftant: it is wicked nonfcnfe to talk of a reform in Ireland in which they (hall not have their due (hare. " I have in the third refolution conceded very far indeed to what I confider as vulgar and ignorant prejudices : Look at France and America ; the Pope burnt in effigy at Paris j the Englilh Catholics at this very hour feceding from his church : A thoufand arguments croud on me, but it is unneceffary here to dwell on them. I hope you will find this refolution fufficiendy guarded and cool. I have been purpofely vague and indefinite, and I muft fay men who would feek a reform and omit that indifpenfable ftep have different notions both of expediency and jufticc from any that I can con- ceive. " I think the bed opportunity for publirtiing them will be on the 14th July. I learn there is to be a commemoration of the French Revolution, that morning ftar of liberty to Ireland. The Volun- teers, if they approve of the plan, may then adopt it, and I have fo worded it as to leave them an opportunity ; I have left, as you fee, a blank for the name, which I am clearly of opinion fhould be The Society of United Irilhmen." K 2 No. II, l(y No. II. No. IL Declciratkn of a Society, calling themjehes a Sccicty of United Irifhmcn in Dublin, <)th November 179 1, being fimilar to that of a Society in Belfc.fl. " iN the prcfent great ^ra of reform, when iinjuf> governmenrs " are falling in every quarter of ¥Mrof>e, when religious perfecution *' is conipelled to abjure her tyranny over confcience, when the rights *' of men are r/certained in theory, and that the796. At a Baronial Meeting, 06tober zxd, the County and Provincial Returns, &:c. Lower Caftlereigh 3020 Upper Caftlereigh 1098 Kilnarty - - - 1299 DifFerin - - - 570 Ards - - . . 2475 Upper Iveigh - 11 65 Lower Iveigh - ^2,'^'] Lecale - - - 62 Down - 1 1 01 6 Cafli received 22I. 3s. 2d. paid of that - /;. 3 8 3 - 16 5 Voted for the relief of the Prifoncrs 14 15 9 19 — 5 Provincial No. II. 8i Antrim Derry Tyrone Provincial Returns as follows : - 15000 X'47 ^5 ^ - 3696 4355 34067 20 9 6 Down Sepi-. cafh II 2 6 In Trea^^^ hands 5 6 I Rem', in Province 97 14 8 The whole of which was voted to the Execut. Commit tee. Reports in the following Places : Donegal Armagh - Louth Monaghan Cork - - Meath Weftmeath I Kildare f Dublin J 2000 1000 1600 1000 1600 16000 Total 572^', Refolved on the following word and fign : the under button of the walftcoat to b^ taken out with the right hand, faying " See." Anfwer. Take out two under buttons with left hand, faying « What." L Report Sz No. II. Report of the Sclecl Committee, Refulutions, &c. Rcfolvcd, that one committee for this county be fufBcient; one Delegate to be fent from each divifion of baronies. Refolved, that it is recommended to the different focieties to enter into liberal fubfcripdons, for by the monthly fubfcriptions for the relief of our friends prifoners in this county gaol, as a fafe communi- cation is found thereto. Refolved, that it is recommended to the divifions of baronies, focietys, &c. to form themfelves into military bodies and choofe their own officers. Refolved, that at this very alarming period of profcripdon by tyranrs, we fhould more than ever perfevere in forwarding that brotherhood of affeflion we fo folemnly pledged ourfelves to, and to be punctual in paying finance, viz. one penny each member per month. Communications. — Four new focieties organized in Scotland ; eight more conftitutions left ; formed a baronial committee. County Kerry militia required one hundred conftitutions for their own uie; a few conftitutions in Downfhire and a good many united. Moved and feconded, that thirteen guineas of this county money received to-day be given to our county fecretary, to be paid to the relief of our friends prifoners, according to their different necefTities. Moved and feconded, for inftru6lions to provincial delegates to move at their firft committee that the Provincial Executive Committee do be empowered to carry on the trials of all our friends in the diffe- rent counties who are there profecuted. As loon as our friends arrived in Dublin there Mas a deputation came to Belfaft to know if they fhould be liberated, as they had it in their power. Report of a fmugglcr out; if n-\e arrive fafe there will be plenty of Adjourned until in at the houfe of at the hour of ten o'clock. No. V. No. II. §3 No. V. Pap^r-writing Jeized and identified hy Mr. FoXy No. 4. « I, A. B. do voluntarily fwear that I will not call upon this " fociety but when regularly called upon by my fuperior officers, <^ and that I will be true and honeft to the men under my com- *' mand." Paper-writing Jeized and identified by Mr. Fox, No. 6. « I, A. B. do voluntarily fwear that T will turn out when regularly « called on by my officers, and that I will obey them in all that is « lawful and not other wife." L 2 No. III. 84 No. III. No. III. Report from the Secret Committee of the Houje of Lords in 1797. My Lords, THE Lords Committees appointed to examine the mat- ters of the kaled-up papers received from the Houfe of Commons the 4th inftant, and to report the fame as they fhoiild appear to them to the Houfe, having carefully examined the papers referred to them, and compared the faid papers with the report made by the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Commons; and having received and inveftigated fuch further evidence as they thought in prudence they were called upon to examine, have come to an unanimous relblution immediately to report to your Lordlhips, that they are fully fatisfied and convinced, from the evidence laid before them, that a traitorous and alarming confpiracy has been formed, and that fundiy ads have been done in purfuance thereof by certain affiliated forieties and per- fons in different parts of this kingdom, calling themfeives United Irifhmen, tor the fubverfion of the eftablifhed laws and coiiftituiion, and the introduftion of a fyftem of anarchy, plunder and confufion, fimilar to that which has fatally prevailed in France. Your Committee think it necefTarv further to report to your Lordfhips, that it has appeared diftindly to them that fuch a fyft-em was the firft and fundamental objed: of thcfe focieties at their original infiitution in the Summer of the year 170T, and that the attainment of what are called Parliamentary Reform and Catholic Emancipation were and continue to be held out by them merely as a pretence for their alTociations, and with a view to feduce perfons who were not apprized of their traitorous defigns to unite with them. It has ap- peared to your Committee that thefe afibciaticns have gradually mul- tiplied, and are now extended in a very alarming degree; that their members are bound to each other by oaths of fccrecy, and appear to be firmly united in a general compact to lubvert the monarchy and to eilablirh a republican government in Ireland : To effedt this objeft it has appeared clearly to your Committee that mcafures have been adopted by them and are ilill continued for procuring arms and am- munition, to be diflributed amongll the accomplices in this confpi- racy, for ePfeduariny by open force their purpofes, and particularly that pikes in very conliderable numbc-r? have been procured by them; and it has appc.ired clearly that they look to force only, for that thty have unecTiivocally avowed their hollilitv to the Parliament and to all mem- bers of vhom it is compolcdj without dilfinclion or exception. It has No. III. 85 has further appeared to your Committee that the leaders and dlreflors of thek aifociations art now and have been for fome time pad anxioufly engaged in uniting v\i[h thtm a clafs of n;en who had formerly dif- turbed the peace of this country by a6ls of outrage, robbery and mur- der, under the appellation of Dcrfenders, and your Committee have reafon to apprehend that in a certain degree they have fucceeded. Your Committee having carefully examined the report made by the Secret Committee of the Houle of Commons, u'hich your Lord (liips have referred to them, find that it is fully fupported by the evidence which has been inveftigated by your Committee, and therefore they have forborne to enter into the detail contained in the faid report, which otherwife they fhould have thought it neceflary to lay before your Lordfliips, but they beg leave to refer your Lordfhips to the faid report, vv^hich will be found to contain fads of a rnoft intereiling and important nature, and deferving your Lordfhips mod ferious confide- ratlon. And in addition to the fads contained in the faid report your Committee think it necefiary to ftate to your Lordfhips, that it has appeared dirtinctly and unequivocally to them that a traitorous cor- refpondence and communication has bten carried on between the leaders and diredors of the focieties of United Irifhmen and the Executive Diredory of the French Republic j the period at which this correfpondence was proved to have tjkcn place has appeared to your Committee to have been between the month of June 1795 and the month of January 1796, and the means by M'hich it was carried on in that inftance have been fully proved before your 'Committee ; and it has alfo appeared to your Committee that in the event of fuccefs on the part of thefe confpirators it has been decided that all perfons who from their principles or fituation may be deemed inimical to the confpiracy fnall be maffacred; the firfc profcribed lift it has appeared to your Committee has been calculated by one of theiv leaders at thirty tlioufand perfons. Under circumftances fo novel and alarming your Com.mittee fub- mit to your Lordfhips the expediency of their beiiig en]po\vered to make further enquiries and to receive fuch com.munications as may be made to them by order of his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant or by the Comrriittee of Secrecy appointed by the Houie of Commons, whofe zeal and aflkluity in concert with your Lcwdfnips cannot fail, -we tiufl:, in deteding this fcene of iniquity, and thereby averting ttie calamities in which the further progrefs of fuch a confpiracy mull nccelTariiy involve this happy and profperous nation. No. 86 No. IV. No. IV. ^be followtng Paper was circulated in Dublin in the Month of June 1791, and contains the original Defign of that Affociatim which was injiituted in the month of December following^ under the Name of The Society OF United Irishmen. IDEM SENTIRE, DICERE, AGERE. IT is propofed that at this conjunflure a Society Hiall be inftitu- tcd in this City, having much of the fecrecy, and fomewhat of the ceremonial attached to Free-Mafonry — with fo much fecrecy as may communicate curiofity, uncertainty and expedation to the minds of fuirounding Men^ — with fo much imprefTive and affecfling cere- mony in all its internal oeconomy, as without impeding real bu- fmefs, may ftrike the foul through the fenfes, and addrefTing the whole Man, may animate his philofophy by the energy of his padions. Secrecy is expedient and neceffary ; it will make the bond of union more cohefive, and the fpirit of this union more ardent and more condenfed ; it will envelope this denfe flame with a cloud of gloomy ambiguity, that will not only facilitate its own agenc)^, but will at the fame tim.e confound and terrify its enemies by their ignorance of the defign, the extent, the diredion, or the confequences. It will throw a veil over thofc individuals whofe profefhonal prudence might make them wifli to lye concealed, until a manifeitation of ihcmfeives becam.e abfolutely neccifary. And laftly, fecrecy is ne- cellary, becaufe it is by no means certain that a country fo great a firanger to itfelf as Ireland, where the North and the South, and the Eaft and the Weft, meet to wonder at each other, is yet pre- pared for the adoption of one profcfl'ion of Political Faith, while there may he individuals from each of thcfe quarters ready to adopt fuch a profcfTion, and to propagate it with their bcft abilities, when necefTaiy — with their Blood. Our Provinces are perfectly ignorant of each other; — our Ifland is connc6lcd; wc ourfclvcs arc infulatcdi and tlie diilindlions of No. II. ^7 of rank, of property, and of religious perfuafion, have hitherto been not merely lines of difference, but brazen walls of feparation. We are feparate nations met and fettled together, not mingled, but convened-., an incoherent mafs of diffimllar materials, uncemented, unconfolidated, like the image which Nebuchadnezar faw with a head of fine gold, legs of iron, and feet of clay, parts that do not cleave to one another. In the midft of an ifland, where manhood has met and continues to meet with fuch fevere humiliation, where felfifli men, or claffes of men, have formed fuch malignant confpiracy againfl Public Good, let one benevolent, beneficent confpiracy arife, one Plot of Patriots pledged by folemn adjuration to each other in the fervice of the People — the People, in the largeft fenfe of that momentous word. Let the cement of this Conftitutional Compad: be a prin- ciple of fuch flrong attra6lion, as completely to overpower all acci- dental and temporary repulfions that take place between real Irifli- men, and thus to confolidate the fcattered and fhifting fand of Society into an adhefive and immoveable Caiflbn, funk beneath the dark and troubled waters. It is by wandering from the few plain and fim- ple principles of Political Faith that our Politics, like our Religion, has become Preaching, not Pra6lice, Words, not Works. A Society, fuch as this, will difclaim thofe party appellations which feem to pale the human heart into petty compartments, and parcel out into Se6ls and Sections, Common Senfe, Common Ho- nefty, and Common Weal. As little will it affc6l any fpeculative, unimpaffioned, quiefcent benevolence. It will not call itfelf a Whig Club, or a Revolution Society. It will not ground itfelf on a name indicative of a party, or an event well enough in the circumftances and in the feafon. It will not be an Ariftocracy affeding the lan- guage of Patriotifm, the rival of Defpotifm, for its own fake, not its irreconcileable enemy, for the fake of us all. It will not, by views merely retrofpeclive, ftop the march of man- kind, or force them back into the lanes and alleys of their anceftors. It will have an eye provident and proi]x6live, a reach and amplitude of conception commenfurate to the progrelFive diffufion of know- ledge, and at the fame time a promptitude in execution reo/jifite in a life like this, fo fhort and io fragile, in a nation like this, fo pafiive and fo procraftinating. Let its name be the Irish BROTiirRiiooD. Lee its general aim be to make the light oi phiiandirophy, a pale and jncfRclual 88 No. II. ineffectual light, converge, and by conveis^lng kindle into ardent, energic, enthufiaftic love for Ireland: that genuine unadulterated enthufiafm which deiccnds from a luminous head to a bwrning heaic, and impels the fpirit of man to exertions grcady good, or unequivo- cally great. For this Society is not to rcO fatisficd in drawing fpec lative plans of reform and improvement, but to be praflically bufied about the ?neans of accomplifhment. Were the hand of Locke to hold from Heaven a fchem^ of government moil perfectly adapted to the nature and capabilities of the Irish Nation, it would drop to the ground a mere founding fcroll, were there no other means of giving it effect than its intrinfic excellence. All true Iriflimen agree in what ought to be done, but how to get it done is the queftion. — This Society is likely to be a means the moil powerful for the promotion of a great end — what End ? The Rights of men in Ireland, the greatefl: happinefs of the greatell number in this ijland, the inherent and indefeafible claims of every free nation, to reft in this nation — the will and the pwer to be happy — to purlue the Common-Weal as an individual purfues his private welfare, and to ftand in infulated independence, an imperato- rial People. To gain a knowledge of the real ftate of this heter- ogeneous country, to form a fummary of the national will and plea- sure in points moft interefting to national happinefs, and when fuch a fummary is formed, to put this DoBrine as fpeedily as may be into Pra£Iice, will be the purpofe of this central fociety, or lodge, from which other lodges in the different towns will radiate. The greatest Happiness of the greatest Number — On the rock of this principle let this Society reft; by this let it judge and determine every political queftion, and v^hatever is neceffary for this end, let it not be accounted hazardous, but rather our intercft, our duty, our glory, and our common religion. The rights of Men are the rights of God, and to vindicate the one is to maintain the other. We muft be free in order to fcrve Him whofe fervice is per- fect freedom. Let every Member wear, day and night an Amulet round his neck, containing the great principle which unites the Brotherhood, in letters of gold, on a ribbon, flriped with all the original colours, and inclofed in a flieath of white filk, to reprefcnt the pure union of No. IV. €9 of the mingled rays, and the abolition of all fuperficial diftinaions, all colours and Ihades of difference, for the fake of one illuftrious end. Let this Amulet of union, faith and honour, depend from the neck, and be bound about the body next to the fkin and clofc to the heart. , , 1 i_ r ^ c This is cnthufiafm.— It is fo ; and who that has a fpark ot Hibernicifm in his nature, would not feel it kindle into a flame of generous enthufiafm ? Who, that has a drop of fympathy m his heart, when he looks around him, and fees how happmefs is heaped up in mounds, and how mifery is diffufed and divided among the million, does not exclaim, Alas ! for the fuffering, and Oh ! for the power to redrefs it ? And who is there that has enthufiafm fufficient to make an exclamation, would not combine with others as honeft as himfelf to make the will live in the acV, and to fwear, We will redress it— Who is there ? Who ? The firll bufinefsof the Brotherhood will be to form a tranfcnpt, or digeft, of the dodrine which they mean to fubfcribe, to up- hold, to propagate , and reduce to practice. It is time for Ireland to look her fortune in the face, not with turbulent oftentation, but with fixed refolution to Hve and die Freemen. Let then thofe queftions be agitated and anfwered fully and fairly which havebeen wilfully concealed from us by interefted perfons and parties, and which appear terrible only by being kept in the dark. Always armed with this principle, that it is the duty of the people to ef- tablifh their rights, this Society will carry it along with them m their courfe, as the Sybil did the branch of gold, to avert or to difperfe every vain fear and every unreal terror. What are the ?neans of procuring fuch a reform in the conftltu- tion as may fecure to the People their rights molt effectually and mo(i fpeedily ? , . ^ What is the plan of reform mod fuited to this country f Can the renovation in the conltitution, which we all deem ne- ceffary, be accompliflied by the ways of the conftuution ? " The " evil," fays Junius, " lies too deep to be cured by any remedy, « lefs than feme great convulfion which may bring back thereon- *' flitution to its original principles, or utterly deitroy it. ^ Is this opinion ftill truer when applied to tbis country ? or is ic falfe ? Who are the people ? _ " ]yi Can go No. IV. I Can the right of changing the conftitutlon reft any where but in the original conftitute power — the People? Can the will of the People be known but by full and fair con- vention, to be conftituted on the plan which will come recom- mended on the moft popular authority ? What are the rights of Roman Catholics, and what are the im- mediate duties of Proteftants refpeding thefe rights ? Are the Roman Catholics generally or partially capaces Libertaiis? and if not, What are the fpeedieft means of making them fo ? Is the independence of Ireland nominal or real, a barren right, or a faft regulative of national conducT: and influencing national character ? Has it had any other effeclthan raifing the value of ahoufe, and making it more felf-fufEcient, at the expence of the people ? Is there any middle ftate between the extremes of union with Britain and total feparatlon, in which the rights of the people can be fully eftabliflied and reft in fecurity ? What is the form of government that will fecure to us our rights with the leaft expence and the greateft benefit ? By the Brotherhood are thefe queftions, and fuch as thefe, to be determined. On this determination are they to form the chart of their conftitution, which with honour and good faith they are to fubfcribe, and which is to regulate their courfe, Let the Society at large meet four times in the year, and an acting Com- mittee once a month, to which ail members ftiall be invited. Let thefe meetings be convivial, but not the tranfitory patriotifm of deep poration ; CGnfidential^ the heart open and the door locked ; conyer/ational, not a debating fociety. Ihere is too much haran- guing in this country already : a very great redundance of found. Would that we fpoke a little more laconically, and acted a little more emphatically; and we fliall do fo, when our aim is at fome- thlng nobler and fairer than even the fublime and beautiful of Mr. Burke ; — the fublimity of Commonfenfe— the beauty of com- mon-weal. Our Society fliould at firft be very chafte and cautious in the fe- le6lion of Members, fhunning CL^ually the giddincfs of the boy, and that fullen indifference about the public good which comes on with decline of years, looking around for thofe who are com- petent, and with refpec^ to thenifclves content, yet zealous and perfevcring ; not venal, not voracious, not confined in their man- ners No. IV. 91 ners and their morality to the pale of a profeffion not idle philan- fhropTfts who fi^et round the globe with their avounte adage ; not tl ofe who are bound down by obedience to U.at wizard word £°« re to the fovereignty of two lounding fyllables ; but honeft, Suable Irijhmen, oi whatever rank, of whatever religion who know Liberty, wh^ love it, who wilh to have it, and who will have it Members ftiould be admitted only by an unanimous^ bal- k>t and perhaps once a year there ihould oe a genera re-eleclion. The t/lJbufinefe of this Society wiU be, ift, P""-"""' 'JJ order to propagate their principles and efrecluate their ends. All papers fo'^^this^urpofe to be lanclioned by the Committee, and publittied with no other delignation of charaaer than-O^E ok The B>:oTH..HOOD.-.dly, 'communication with the different Mwns to be affiduouOy kept up, and every f f""'" "'^='i '° "J" compliQi a Nanonal Can.cnuon of the P-pI^ ?f j;^^'^"? ■ J,^°,^i f, profit bv part errors, and by many unexpected circumlUnces whictt have happened fince the laft meeting—sdly, Communicauon with fimUar Societies abroad, as the Jacobin Club in Hans, the Revo- urion Society in England, the Committee tor Reform in Scotland. Le "he nati^ons go abreall. Let the interchange of fent.ment among mank°nd »ncerning the rights of man be as immediate a"poff.bTe! A correfpondence with diMnguilhed men in Britain or on the Continent will be neceffary to enlighten us and ought to be cheriOied Eulogies on fuch men as have deferyed well of the.r countrv S^-^'A, Ihould be from time to time delivered by one of he BroVh"erhood. 'their works Ihould live in a L'brary^o be fo - eA hv this Society, and dedicated to Liberty, and the lortraits ot T 1 L.n ft.m Id adorn it Let the (liades of the mighty dead ^ok doL and conlecrate our Meetings. The Athenians were ac cuftomed to faften their edicls to the itatuesof their ^"ceaou.- iet our Laws and Liberties have a fimilar attachment, taking he d alway'to remember what has been always too much forg^t- ten-that H> are to be anceEors ourielves ; ana as oui bodies moulder down after fepulture, merely 'o P^'-^-'^/Xlt life, let our fpirits preferve a principle of animation to poltenty, ^"^W^hT^^hfr tri^pS; foi-the eaabhlhrnentof ,Hs • n- • 5 T? r^r. Kin^Ar " Le erand art ell dans l apropos. wSradmi^ZtS-impe •:! ^- f-^^l^^^Z^' t. aa. The Whig Club is not a transfufion frem the People, we 92 No. IV. . J do not thoroughly underjland that Club, and they do not feel for us. When the Ariftocracy come forward the People fall backward; when the People come forward, the Ariftocracy, fearful of being left behind, infinuate themfelves into our ranks, and rife into timid leaders, or treacherous auxiliaries. They mean to make us their inftruments. Let us rather make them our inftruments. One of the two muft happen. The People muft ferve the purpofes of Party, or the Party muft emerge in the mightinefs of the People, and Hercules will then lean upon his club. On the 14th of July, the day which (hall ever commemorate the French Revolution, let this Society pour out their firft libation to European Liberty, eventually the Liberty of the World, and with their hands joined in each other, and their eyes raifed to Heaven, in his prefence who breathed into them an ever-living foul, let them fwear to maintain the rights and prerogatives of their nature as men, and the right and prerogative of Ireland as an independent People. — " Dieu et ;«o« Droit !** is the motto of kings. — " Dieu et la Liberte !'* exclaimed Voltaire, when he firft beheld Franklin his Fellow-Citizen of the World. — " Dieu et nos Droits !'* — Let Iriftimen cry aloud to each other. — The cry of Mercy — of Juftice— and of Victory. June 1791. No. V. 93 Exira^isfrom the Publications of United Irijhmen, Friday, ^oth December, 1791- Society of United Irijhmen of Dublin. The Honourable Simon Butler ^ in the Chair, Refohed unanimoufly, that the following Circular Letter, reported by our Committee of Correjpondence, be adopted and printed, THIS Letter is addreffed to you from the Correfponding Com- mittee of the Society of United Irifhmen in Dublin. We annex the declaration of political principles which we have fubfcribed, and the teft which we have taken, as a focial and fa- cred compact to bind us more clofely together. The object of this inftitution is to make an United Society of the Irifli Nation ; to make all Irijhmen — Citizens ;—'all Citizens-— Irijhynen ; nothing appearing to us more natural at all times, and at this crifis of Europe more feafonable, than that thofe who have common interefts, and common enemies, who fuffer common wrongs, and lay claim to common rights, fhould know each other and Ihould a6t together. In our opinion ignorance has been the demon of difcord, which has fo long deprived Irifhmen, not only of the bleffings of well regulated government, but even the com- mon benefits of civil fociety. Peace in this ifland has hitherto been a peace on the principles and with the confequences of civil war. For a century pad there has indeed been tranquillity, but to moll of our dear countrymen it has been the tranquillity of a dungeon ; and if the land has lately profpered, it has been owing to the good- nefs of Providence, and the llrong efforts of human nature refift- ing and overcoming the malignant influence of a miferable admi- niftration. To refifl this influence, which rules by difcord and embroils by fyflem, it is vain to act as individuals or as parties ; — It becomes ncceOary by an union of minds, and a knowledge of each other to will Alia act as a nation. To know each other is to know ourfelves —the v^eaknefs of one and the flrength of many. Union, there- fore is power — it is wifdorn — it mull prove liberty. Our delign, therefore, in forming this fociety, is to give an example, which, when well followed, mujl cgUcU the public will, and concentrate 94 No. V. concentrate the public power Into one /olid mafs^ the effeSl of which, once put in ?notion^ muft be rapid^ momentous and consequential. in thus ddbciating we have thought little about our anceftors — much of our pofterity Are we for ever to walk like hearts of prey, over fields which thefe anceftors llained with blood ? In looking back, we fee nothing on the one part but favage force fucceeded by favage policy ; on the other, an unfortunate nation " fcattered and peeled, meted out and trodden down !'* We fee a mutual in- tolerance, and a common carnage of the firft moral emotions of the heart, which lead us to efteem and place confidence in our fellow-creatures. We fee this, and are filent. But we gladly look forward to brighter profpects — to a People united in the fellow- fhip of freedom — to a Parliament the exprefs image of the people — to a profperity eftablifhed on civil, political and religious liberty — to a peace — not the gloomy and precarious ftillnefs of men brooding over their wrongs, but that fliable tranquillity which refts on the rights of human nature, and leans on the arms by which thefe rights are to be maintained. Our principal rule of conduct has been to attend to thofe things in which we agree, to exclude from our thoughts thofe in which we differ. We agree in knowing what are our rights, and in daring to affert them. If the rights of men be duties to God, we are in this refpecl of one religion. Our creed of civil faith is the fame. We agree ia thinking that there is not an individual among our millions, whofe happinefs can be eftabliftied on any foundation fo rational and fo folid, as on the happinefs of the whole commu- nity — We agree, therefore, in the neceflity of giving political va- lue and ftation to the great majority of the people ; and we think that whoever defires an amended conftitution, without including the great body of the people, muft on his own principles be con- victed of political perfecution, and political monopoly. If the prefcnt electors be thcmfelves a morbid part of our conftitution, where are we to recur for redrcfs but to whole community ? " A more unjuftand ablurd conftitution cannot be deviled, than that which condemns the natives of a country to perpetual fervitude, under the arbitrary dominion of ftrangers and Haves." We agree in thinking, that the firft and moft indifpenfable con- dition of the laws in a free ftate, is the aflent of thoie whofe obe- dience they require, and for whofe benefit only they aredefigned. Without, therefore, an impartial and adequate reprefentation of the No. V. 95 the community, we agree in declaring, We can have no conftltu- tion — no Country — no Ireland. Without this, our late revolu- tion we declare to be fallacious and ideal ; a thing much talked of, but neither felt nor feen I' he act of Iriih Sovereignly has been merely tolTed out of the Englifh Houfes into the cibine^ of the Minifter ; and nothing remains to the people, wlio of righr are every thing, but a fervile Majefty and a ragged independence. We call moft earneftly on every great and good Man, who at the late sera fpoke or acfed for his Country, to coniider leis of what was done than of what there remains to do. We call upon rheir fenatorial wifdom to confider the monftrous and immeafurable dif- tance which feparates, in this ifland, the ranks of focial life, makes labour ineffectual, taxation unproductive, and divides the nation into petty delpotifm and public mifery. We call upon their tutelar genius, to remember, that government is inftituted to remedy, not to render more grievous, the natural inequality of mankind, and that unlefs the rights of the whole community be afferted, anarchy (we cannot call it government) muft continue to prevail, when the ftrong tyrannize, the rich opprefs, and the mafs are brayed in a mortar. We call upon them, therefore, to build their arguments and their adlions on the broad platform of general good. Let not the rights of nature be enjoyed merely by connivance, and the rights of confcience merely by toleration. If you raife up a prone people, let it not be merely to their knees. Let the nation Hand. Then will it caft away the bad habit of fervitude, which has brought with it indolence, ignorance, and extinction of our faculties, an abandonment of our very nature. Then will every right obtained, every franchife exercifed, prove a feed of fobriety, induftry, and regard to character, and the manners of the people will be formed on the model of their free conflitution. This rapid expofition of our principles, our object, and our rule of condud, muft naturally fuggeft the wifh of multiplying fimi- lar Societies, and the propriety of addreffing fuch a delire to you. Is it neceflary for us to requeft, that you will hold out your hand, and open your heart to your countryman, townfman, neighbour ? — Can you form a hope for policical redemption, and by political penalties, or civil excommunications, withhold the rights of na- ture from your brother ? We befeech you to rally all the friends of liberty within your circle round a fociety of this kind as a cen- tre. 96 No. V. tre. Draw together your heft and hraveji thoughts, your heft and hraveji meti. 7'ou iviil experience, as ive have done, that thcfe points of union %vill quickly attract 7iu?nbers, while the ajfemblage of fuch facie- ties, acting in concert, moving as one body, with one impulfe and one dire6tion, icilly in no long time, become not parts of the nation, but the nation itfclf ; [peaking with its voice, exprefjing its will, resistless IN ITS POWER. We again entreat you to look around for men fit to form thofe liable fupports on which Ireland may reft the Lever of Liberty. If there be but ten, take thofe ten. If there be but two, take thofe two, and truft with confidence to the fincerity of your intention, the juftice of your caufe, and the fupport of your country. Two objeds intereft the nation — Apian of reprefentation — and the means of accomplifliing it. — Thefe focieties will be a moft powerful means. But a popular plan would itfelf be a means for its own accomplilhment. We have, therefore, to requeft, that you will favour us with your ideas refpecling the plan which ap- pears to you moft eligible and practicable, on the prefent more enlarged and liberal principles which actuate the people ; at the fame time giving your fentiments upon our National Coalition, on the means of promoting it, and on the political ftate and dif- pofition of the county or town where you refide. We know what refiftance will be made to your patriotic efforts by thofe who tri- umph in the difunion and degradation of their country. The greater the neccflity for reform, the greater will be the refiftance. We know that there is much fpirit that requires being brought into mafs, as well as much maffy body that muft be refined into fpirit. We have many enemies, and no enemy is contemptible. We do not delpifc the enemies of the L^nion, the Liberty and the Peace of Ireland, but we ;vre not of a nature, nor have we encou- raged the habit of fearing any Man, or any Body of Men, in an honeft and honourable caufe. In great undertakings like the pre- fent, we declare that we have found it always more difiicuk to attempt, than to accomplifli. 'I'he people of Ireland muft perform ail that they wifh, if they attempt all that they can. Signed by Order, i JAMES NAPPER TANDY, Se^. No. V. 97 Novejnber 2ii 1792. Addrefs from the Society of United Irifi?nen in Dublin, to the Delegates for promoting a Reform in Scotland. William Drennan, Chairman. Archibald Hamilton Rowan, Secretary. WE take the liberty of addreffing you in the fpirit of civil union, in the fellowfhip of a juft and a common caufe. We greatly rejoice that the fpirit of freedom moves over the face of Scotland ; that light feems to break from the chaos of her internal govern- ment ; and that a country fo refpedable for her attainments of fcience, in arts and in arms, for men of literary eminence, for the intelligence and morality of her people, now ads from a convic- tion of the union between virtue, letters and liberty, and now rifes to diftinction, not by a calm, contented, fecret wifh for a reform in Parliament, but by openly, adively and urgently willing it, with the unity and energy of an embodied nation. We rejoice that you do not confider yourfelves as merged and melted down into another country, but that in this great national queftion you are flill Scotland— the land where Buchanan wrote, and Fletcher fpoke, and Wallace foughc. Away from us and from our children thofe puerile antipathies Co unworthy of the manhood of nations, which infulate individuals as well as countries, and drive the citizen back to the favage. We efleem and we refped you. W^e pay merited honour to a nation in general well educated and well informed, becaufe we know that the ignorance of the people is the caule and efted of all civil and icligious defpotifm. We honour a nation regular in their lives and ftrid in their manners, becaufe we conceive private morality to be the only fecure foundation of public policy. We honour a nation eminent for men of genius, and we trufl: that they will now exert themfelves not fo much in perufing and penning the hiftories of other countries as in making tlieir own a fubjed for the hiftorian. May we venture to obferve to them that mankind have been too retrofpedive, canonized antiquity and undervalued themfelves, Man has repofed on ruins, and relied his head on fome fragments of the temple of liberty, or at mod amufed himfelf in pacing the meafurement of the edifice, and nicely limiting its proportions ; not refleding that this temple is truly Catholic, the ample earth its area, and the arch of heaven its dome. N Wc 98 No. V. Wc will lay open to you our hearts ; our caufe is your caufe. If there is to be a ftruggle between us, let it be which nation (hall be foremod in the race of mind ; let this be the noble animofity kindled between us, who fliall firfl: attain that free conftitution from which both are equidiftanr, who (hall firll be the faviour of the empire. In this SociuTY and its aiBliated focieties the Catholic and the Preibyterian are ar this inllant holding out their hands and opening their hearts to each other ; agreeing in principles, concurring in practice. We unite for immediate, ample and fubftantial juftice to the C'atholics, and when that is attained, a combined exertion for a reform in parliament is the condition of our compad and the feal of our communion. Uni'vcrfal emancipation with reprefentative legijlaiure is the polar principle which guides our fociety and fhall guide it through all the tumult of facUons and fluQuations of parties. It is not upon a coalition of oppofition with miniilry that we depend, but upon a coalition of Iriihmen with Irilhmen, and in that coalition alone we find an object worthy of reform, and at the fame time the ftrength and finew both, to attain and fecure it. It is not upon exteiual circumftanccs, upon the pledge of man or minifter, we depend, but upon the internal energy of thelrilh nation. We will not buy or borrow liberty from America or from France, but manufadure it ourfclves, and work it up with thofe materials which the hearts of 'rilhtnen furnifli them with at home. We do not ivorjhip the Bri- iijh, far Icfs the Irijh conjliiution^ as fcnt down from Heaven^ but we coafider it as human workmanjhip^ which man has made and man can mend, /in unalterable conjiitution^ whatever be its nature^ mujl be def- potifm. It is not the conftitution but the people which ought to be inviola- ble, and it is time to recognize and renovate the rights of the Englijlj, the Scotch, and the IriJJo, Nations. — Rights which can neither be bought nor fold, granted by charter, or forellalled by monopoly, but which nature dictates as the birth-right of all, and which it is the bufmefs of a conftitution to deline, to enforce, and to eftablifli. If go- vernment has a fincere regard for the iafety of the conftitution, let them coincide with the people in the fpeedy i eform of its abufes, and 7:oi by an cbjiinate adherence to them-, drive that pcople'into repubHcanif?n. We have told' you what our (ituation was, what it is, what it ought to be : our end, a national Icgiflature ; our means, an union of the whole people. Let this uiiion extend throughout the em- pire No. V. 99 pire. Let all unite for all, or each man fuffer for all. In each country let the people aHembJe in peaceful and conftiturional con- vention. Let delegates from each country digefl: a plan of reform, beft adopted to the fituation and circumflances of their refpeclive nations, and let the legiflatures be petitioned at once by the urgent and unanimous voice of England, Scotland and Ireland. You have our ideas. Anfwer us, and that quickly. This is not a time to procraftinate. Your illudrious Fletcher has faid, that the liberties of a people are not to be fecured, without paffing through great difficulties, and no toil or labours ought to be de- clined to preferve a nation from flavery. He fpoke well : and we add, that it is incumbent on every nation who adventures into a conflidt for freedom, to remember it is on the event (however ab- furdly) depends the eilimation of public opinion ; honour and im- mortahty, if fortunate ; if otherwife, infamy and oblivion. Let this check the rafhnefs that rufhes unadvifedly into the committal or national character, or if that he already made, let the fame con- fideration impel us all to advance with adlive not paffivc perfeve- rance, with manly confidence and calm determination, imiling with equal fcorn at the blufter of official arrogance, and the whifper of private malevolence, until we have planted the flag of Freedom on tlye fummit, and are at once victorious and fecure. December, 14, 1792. the Society of United Irijhmen, at Dublin, to the Volunteers of Ireland. William Drennan, Chairman. Archibald Hamilton Rowan, Secretary, Citizen Soldiers, YOU firft took up arms to protect your Country from foreign ene- mies, and from domeltic difturbance. For the fame purpofes, it now becomes neceflary that you (hould refume them. A proclamation hasbeeniffuedin England for embodying the mihtia, and a procla- mation has been iilaed by the Lord Lieutenant and Council in Ire- land, for repreffing ^Wfcditious alTociations. In confequence ot both thefe proclamations, it is reafonable to apprehend danger from abroad, and danger at home. From whence but from apprehended danger are thofe menacing preparations for war drawn through the i6o No. V. ftreets of this capital, or whence, if not to areaie that internal commotion which was noi founds to (hake that credit which was not cffefled, to blalt that Volunteer honour which was hitherto inviolate, are thofe terrible fuggeftions and rumours and whifpers, that meet us at every corner and agitate ar lead our old men, our women and children. Whatever be the motive, or from whatever quarter it arifes ; alarm has arifen, and you, Volunteers of Ire- land, are therefore fummoned To Arms at the inftance of Govern- ment as well as by the refponfibility attached to your character, and the permanent obligations of your inftitution. We will not at this day, condefcend to quote authorities for the right of having and of ufmg arms, but we will cry aloud, even amidit the (lorm railed by the witchcraft of a proclamation, That to your formation was owing the peace and protection of this Ifland, to your relaxation has been owing its relapfc into impotence and infignificance, to your renovation mull be owing its future freedom and its prefent tranquil- lity. You are therefore fummoned to Arms, in order to preferve your country in that guarded quiet, which may fecure it from ex- ternal hoftility, and to maintain that internal regimen throughout the land, which fuperfeding a notorious police or a fufpected mi* litia, may preferve the bleilings of peace by a vigilant preparation ior war. Citizen Soldiers, to arms! Take up the (hield of freedom, and the pledges of peace, — peace, the motive and end of your virtuous inftitution. — War, an occafional duty, ought never to be made an occupation. Lvery man (hould become a foldier in the defence of his rights; no man ought to continue a foldier for offending the rights of others. The facri6ce of life in the fervice of our country is a duty much too honourable to be entrulted to mercenaries, and at this time when your country has by public authority been de- clared in danger, we conjure you by your intereft, your duty and your glory, to (land to your arms, and in fpite of a police, in fpite of a fencible militia, in virtue of two proclamations, to main- tain good order in your vicinage, and tranquillity in Ireland. — It is only by the military array of men in whom they confide, whom they have been accullomed to revere as the guardians of domeltic peace, the protectors of their liberties and lives, that the prefent agitation of the people can be Hilled, that tumult and licentioufnefs can be rtpreffed, obedience fecurcd to existing law, and a calm con- fidence diliuled through the public mind in the fpeedy refurredion of a free conftitution — of Liberty and of Equality, — words which wc \ife for an opportunity of repelling calumny, and of faying, that, By No. V. loi By Liberty we never underftood unlimited freedom, nor by Equality the levelling of property, or the defiruclion of fubor- dination. — This is a calumny invented by that faction or that gang which mifreprefents the King to the People, and the People to the King, traduces one half of the nation to cajole the other, and by keeping up diftruft and divifion, wiOies to continue the proud ar- bitrators of the fortune and fate e of the eleBorate X. That there (hould be a regiftering officer, and a regiftry of refideiice in every fubJivifion of each electorate; and that in all que (lions concerning refidence, the regiftry (hould be confidered as C' nclufive evidence. XI. That all elections in the nation fhould commence and clofe on the fame day. XII. That the votes of all eledors (liould be given by voice and not by ballot. XUI. That no oath of any kind (hould be taken by any elector. XIV. That the full ageof twenty-five years (hould be a necefl'ary qualification to entitle any man to be a reprefentative. XV. That refidence, within the electorate Should not, but that lefidence within the kingdom (liould be a neceffary qualification for a reprelentative. XVI. That no property qualification Jhould be neccjfary to intitle any man to be a reprefcntati-ve. XVII. That any perfon having a penfion, or holding a place in the Executive or Judicial Departments, (hould be thereby difqua- lified from being a reprefentative. XVI II. That rcprejhitati'ues JJjould receive a reafonablc Jlipend for iheirfervices. XIX. That every reprefentative (liould, on taking his feat, fwear that neither he, nc;r any perfon to promote his intereft, with his privity, gave or was to give any bribe for the fuffrage of any voter. XX. That any reprefentative convided by a jury, of having afted contrary to the lubftance of the above oath, fhould be for ever difqualified from fitting or voting in parliament. XX L That parliaments Jhould be annual. XXII. That a reprefentative (hould be at liberty to refign his delegation upon giving fufficient notice to his conftituents. XXIII. That abicnce from duty for (liould vacate the feat of a reprefentative. No. V. 107 Thefocisty of United Irijhmen of Dublin^ to the People of Ireland. People of Ireland, We now fubmit to your conrideration,«a plan for your equal reprefentation in the Houfe of Commons. In framing it, we have dil'regarded the many over-charged accufations, which we hear daily made by the prejudiced and the corrupt, againft the people, their independence, integrity, and underftanding. We are, our- felves, but a portion of the People y and that appellation, we feel, confers more real honour and importance, than can, in thefe times y \)Q derived from places, penfions, or titles. As little have we confulted the fentimcnts of adminiftration or of oppofition. We have attentively obferved them both, and, whatever we may hope of fome members of the latter, ive firmly believe that both thofe parties are equally averfe from the meafure of adequate reform. If we had no other reafonfor that opinion., the plan laid before parlia- ment^ in the lafl fejfion., under the auf pices of oppofition^ might convince us of the melancholy truth. Thus circumftanced, then, diftrufting iill parties, we hold it the right and the duty of every man in the nation, to examine, deliberate, and decide for himfelf on that important meafure. As a portion of the People (for in no other capacity, we again repeat it, do we prefume to addrefs you) we fugged to you our ideas, by which w^e would provide to preferve the popular part of the legiflature uninfluenced by, and indepen- dent of the other two parts, and to effettuate that effential principle of juftice and of our conftitution, that every man has the right of voting, through the medium of his reprefentative, for the law by which he is bound : that facred principle, for which America fought, and by which Ireland was emancipated from Britilh Supremacy ! If our ideas are right, which we feel an honelt conviclion they are, adopt them, if wrong, difcuflion will detect their errors, and vje at leaf, fhall be always found ready to profit by, and conform ourfelvcs to the fentiments of the people. Our prefent ftate of reprefentation is charged with being unequal, unjufl, and by no means calculated to tx^rtis your deli- berate will on any fubjed o^ general importance. We have en- deavoured to point out the remedies of thofe evils, by a more equal diftribution of political power and liberty, by doing jufiice., and by anxioufly providing that your deliberate will Ihaii be, at all times io8 - No. V. times, accurately exprefied In your own branch of the legiflature. If thefe are not the principles of good government we have yet to iearn from the placemen and penfioners that flit about the Caflle in what the fcicnce of politics can confift. But we know they are, and \\e are bold ro fay, that the more a government carries thefe principles into effect the nearer it approaches to perfection. ' We believe it will be faid that our plan, however jufl, is im- practicable in the prefent (late of this country. If any part of that impracticability fl^ould be fuppofed to refult from the interefted refiftance of borough proprietors, although we never will confent to compromife the public right, yet we, for our parts, might not hefitate to purchafe the public peace by an adequate compen- fation. At all events it reils with you, countrymen, not with us, to remove the objection. If you do not wilh the accomplifli- luent of fuch a reform it will not take place : If you do, we cannot believe that Ireland is yet funk to that (tate of mifgovern- nient in which it may be truly faid, that although the great body of the people ferioully feel the juftice of a meafure, and are lerioufly determined on its attainment, it is neverthelefs imprac- ticable. To you, among our countrymen, for whofe welfare we have peculiarly laboured from the firlt moment of our inftitution, and the contemplation of whofe profperity will more than compenfate us for the fuflerings we may have endured, for the calumnies with which we are afperfed, and for thofe which the publication of this unpalateable plan will call down upon us : To you the poorer clajfes of the community we now addrefs ourfclves. We are told you are ignorant ; we wi(h you to enjoy liberty, without which no people was ever enlightened. We are told you are uneducated and im- moral ; we wilh you to be educated, and your morality improved, by the moft rapid of all inflru£tors — a good government. Do you find yourfehesfunk in poverty and ivreichednefs ? Are you over-loaded ivith burdens you are but little able to bear? Do you feel many grie- 'vances ijchich it "would be tedious and ynight be tmfafe to mention ? Be- iieve us they can all be redreffcd by fuch a reform as ivill give you your jufi proportion of influence in the legiflature, and by such a mea- sure ONLY. — To that, therefore, we wilh to rivet all your atten- tion. Let ihofc men who wrangle about preferving or acquiring power catch at popularity by their petty regulations to check the progrefs of thefe growing evils \ do you deliberate, in the retire- ment No. V. 109 ment of your hearts, upon their only adequate remedy. Defifl:, we entreat you, from thofe difturbances, which are a difgrace to your country and an injury to yourfelves, which impair your own ftrength and impede your own caufe. Examine peaceably and atten- tively, the plan of reform we now fubmit to you. Confider does it propqfe to do Yo^jjujiice? Does it propofe to give yo\j /ufficient protection ? for we have no fears but that the rich will have juftice done to them, and will be always fufficiently protedled. Hang this plan up in your cabbins ; think on it over and over again ; do not throw it by in defpair^ as being impojfible to be carried into effedf for nothing, we hope, IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT IS JUST, no No. V. Conjiiiiitwi of the Society of United IriJIwien of the City of Dublin, as firjl agreed upon. THE Society is conftituted for the purpofe of forwarding a brotherhood of affeclion, an identity of interefts, a communion of rights, and an union of power, among Iriflimen of all religious perfuafions, and thereby obtaining an impartial and adequate re- prefentation of the nation in parliament. 1 he members of this fociety are either ordinary or honorary. Such perfons only are eligible as honorary members, who have diflinguifhed themfelve;. by promoting the liberties of mankind, and are not inhabitants of Ireland. Every candidate for admiilion into the fociety, whether as an ordinary or honorary member, (hall be propofed by two ordinary members, who (hall fign a certificate of his being, from their knowledge of him, a fit perfon to be admitted — that he has feen the tell, and is willing to take it : This certificate, delivered to the fecretary, (hall be read from the chair at the enfuing meeting of the fociety ; and on the next fubfcquent night of meeting the fociety fliall proceed to the eledion. — The names and additions of the candidate, with the names of thofe by whom he has been propofed, (hall be inferted in the fummons for the night of cledtion. — The eledtion (hall be conducted by ballot, and if one (ifth of the number of beans be black, the candidate (lands rejeded. The eledion, with refpecl to an ordinary member, fliall be void, if he does not attend within four meetings af- terwards unlefs he can plead fome reafonable excufe for his ab- fence. Every perfon elecled a member of the fociety, whether hono- rary or ordinary, (hall, previous to his admiilion, take and fubfcribe the following tcft : " I, A. B. in the prefcnce of God, do pledge myfelf to my *' country, that 1 will ufe all my abilities and influence in the *' attainment of an impartial and adequate reprcientation of "• the Irifh nation in parliament ; and as a means of abfolute ** and immediate neccllity in the etlablifhment of this chief " good of Ireland, I will endeavour, as much as lies in my " ability. No. V. Ill ability, to forward a brotherhood of affeflion, an identity of " interefts, a communion of rights, and an union of power among Irifhmen of all religious perfualions ; without which ** every reform in parliament muil; be partial, not national, inade- quate to the wants, delufive to the wiflies, and Infufficient for " the freedom and happinefs of this country. A member of another fociety of United Irifhmen being intro- duced to the prefident by a member of this lociety, fh ill u]ion producing a certificate figned by the fecretary, and fealed with the leal of the fociety to which he belongs, and taking the before mentioned teft, be thereupon admitted to attend the fittings of this fociety.'* The officers of the fociety fliall con fill of a prefident, treafurer and fecretary, who fhall be feverally eleclcd every three months, viz. on every firft night of meeting in the months of November, February, May, and Auguft ; the election to be determined by each member prefent writing on a piece of paper the names of the object of his choice, and putting it into a box — The majority of votes ihall decide — If the votes are equal, the prefident fliall have a calling voice. No perfon Avail be capable of being re-elected to any oftice for the quarter next fucceeding the determination of his office. In cafe of an occafional vacancy in any office by death or otherwife, the fociety fliall on the next night of meeting, elect a perfon to the fame for the remainder of the quarter. The fociety fliall meet on every lecond Friday night — oftener if neceffiiry. The chair fliall be taken at eight o'clock from 29th September to the 25th of March, and at nine o'clock from the 25th of March to the 29th of September. Fifteen members fhall form a quorum. No new bufinefs fliall be introduced after ten o'clock. Every refpect and deference fliall be paid to the prefident— his chair fliall be railed three fteps above the feats of the members — the treafurer and fecretary fliall have feats under him, two Heps above the feats of the members. On his rifing from his chair and taking off his hat, there mull be filence, and the members be feated. He fliall bejudgeof order and propriety, be empowered to dired an apology, and to fine refractory members in any fum not above one crown. If the member refufe to pay the fine, or make the apology, he is thereupon expelled from the fociety. There H2 No. V. Ihere fliall be a committee of conftitution, of finance, of cor- refpondence, and of accommodation. The committee of confti- ZZ '^^' ,~"''f "f T' 'P""^"'' "'^t °f fin=i"ce of feven ^f re.^',n -^ '^T'P"?^'"^^ °f fi^^ ■"^'"bers. Each com- mit ee (hall, independent of occafional reports, make general re- r %r."-r'"'^V''r"'''^ ■?''"'"S- The treafirer ihall be under tt Hrel'n" ff ,l' '°'"™"'' "' '^"='"^^' ^"d the fecretary under the direction of the committee of correfpondence. The eleclion ftrmixrv^^er ''-'' "^-"-'^ --'"^' -^ •^-'^"^ for'Zufeof rt'r'''-'!'' "^"5="-y .'^•'^Pence.s, and eftablifli a fund tor the ufe of the fociety, each ordinary member (hall on his elec admiZn ?ee and''^""' '^ ''"''^ "''^o P™Pofed him. one gu nea adm ihon tee, and alfo one guinea annually, bv half vearlv Dav tinlefs he can fhew iome reafonable excufe for his default! ^ ' A^IrJ^' ,nH "^^K "^ "'" ''ewyin,„g ;■' at the bottom " I ^cuUe No mo on for 'f"'^""' " ^?''^'^ "/^"*''' /'•'>«^'-/ i)«W-. " Iha^ brr^ac^e h ,r,^r''""" "■'; "^ ^'''^'''"" '°' "'= conaitution motion fta» h. ''^V''"'""'^ """""S^' '"'^ "»'!<:<= °f '"^1' ings. It upon uch motion the fociety fliall Tee ground f.ir the propofed alteration or addition, the fame Ihall be ? fer?ed o he o T:eZ"t'he-''' ""' '""r^''™^ '° -P"" - tHe next igh is-fhVit^derjb/'^rerc^t;-'' "''°" '-' -^°" '^^ No. VI. 113 Extra^s from the Information of Charles Mc. Fillh?, rjven upon Oath before Sir George Fitzgerald, Hili, Bart, a Magi/tratefor the County of the City of Londonderry. " THAT about the month of June 1796 he was fworn to be- come a United Irifhman ; he had refifted for a confideiable time before to take the oath, but he perceived that fo many peribns in the county were fworn, and he was ftrongiy advifed t) it that he at laft complied. He attended a few meetings of a Society which had been formed by another perfon, and he then formed one o£ his own. That each Society (to be legal according to the Conili- tution of United Iriflimen} muft confift of at lead feven perfons ; that it required Delegates from at leaif three focieties to make a Baronial Committee, and that two Delegates from each Baronial Committee, formed a County Committee, and two or three De- legates trom each County Committee formed the Provincial Com- mittee ; there was an Executive Directory, which he was inform- ed confifted of twenty- five perfons, one of whom always attended the Provincial Meeting, in order to communicate intelligence and give orders to be carried by the members of the Provincial Meet- ing to their next County Meeting, and from the County Com" mittee to the Baronial, and from thefe to the lovvefl; focieties. Each Committee had a Treafurer and Secretary, and it was the bufinefs of the Treafurer of the loweft Society to collect fo much money per week from each member, which was paid by the different Delegates of the different Societies progreflively from one to the other until it reached the Provincial Committee, who then paid the money to the Executive Director, who always attended foe the Purpofe ; and once in three months the Dire.'lory gave an ac- count to the Provincial of the manner in which the former fums received had been difpofed of. Returns likewiCe of arms, ammu- nition and men were made from the loweft Society to the Dele- gates through the different Committees, the Baronial, the County and the Provincial, and from this laft to the Executive Directory^ who always attended the Provincial Committee. ' The perfon givmg this information was elected a Delegate to a County Committee which was held at Maghera on the 13th. October 1796, and a perfon whom he names attended to give the reports of the laft Provincial Meeting ; about twenty members were prefent at this meeting, one of whom acted as Treafurer, and P the 114 No. VI. the fum of 2 1 1. 12. 2d. was paid into his hands. He attended ano- ther County Meeting at Garvagh on the fecond Friday in Novem- ber, where the reports of the Provincial were in like Manner given ; it was a full meeting, and the names of nine perfons who were pre- fent are given. The Reporter from the Provincial told them that foreign aid was immediately expedfted, and that the United Irifli- men were to hold thcmfr-lvcs iu readinefs to rile ; this he menti- oned from the Proviacial, and gave them orders from the provinci- al Com.mittee to form thenfelves into Companies under Officers ; every han'^.red men to appoint one Captain, two Lieutenants and five Serjeants, to procure all the arms and ammunition they could. A perfon rtthe meeting defired to know what they fhould rife with ? and the Reporter anfwered, with pikes, guns, and with any other weapons they could in any way get ; they were likewife told that the United Bufinefs was going on well in England and Scotland. At this lafl: meeting he was eleded a Delegate to the Provin- cial meeting; a County Treafurer was chofen, and half of the money colleckd was fent to Derry lor the ufe of fuch United Men as were prifoners in that place. The reafon why he was eledled a Delegate he thinks was on account of his being a Roman Catho- lic, part of the fyftem of the United Irifhmen being to unite all religious perfuafions in the fame object, which was to overturn the Government and Conltitution of this country. To infpire con- fidence into the Roman CathoHcs he thinks was the Reafon for his being continued to four or five Provincial Meetings. The foreign aid which the United Iriflimen expefted he always underftood to be the French. At the next provincial Meeting which he attended on the 22d November the principal bufmefs done was receiving returns of men, and arms and money. Five coun- ties were reprefenteJ at this meeting, and the names of the Dele- gates from each are mentioned. He was then deputed to carry the reports from the Provincial to a County Committee of Derry held at Tobermore .; he attended other meetings in the fame capa- city at Stewartftown and at Dungivcn ; fubfcriptions were paid in at both times. At the latter place, for greater fecrecy, they tranf- a6ted the bufmefs of the meeting in a Cellar. It was rumoured that .he French had arrived, and a member rode inftantly to Belfail to know the truth ; on his return he exprefl'ed much furprize that the Executivt; Directory had no intelligence of the coming of the French. No. VII. 115 (Cop-j) By the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, A PROCLAMATION. CAMDEN, WHEREAS we have received information that divers ill-afleded perfons have entered into illegal and treafonable aflbciatians in feveral parts of the counties of Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Londonderry and Armagh to fubvert the eftablifhed government of this kingdom, and for effeding fuch their treafonabie purpofes have affaiTinated divers of his Majefty's faithful and loyal fubjecls who have endeavoured, and threatened to affaflinate all others who fhall endeavour to detect or fupprefs their treafon ; and in further profecution of their defignshave endeavoured to deter his Majefty's loyal fubjeds from enrolling themfelves under oflicers commif- fioned by his Majefty for the defence of this kingdom during the prefent war, by maiming and deftroying their cattle, and by aflaulting and v^antonly wounding one perfon becaufe he had enrolled himfelf, and by threatening aflaffination againft all perfons who (hould fo enrol themfelves, and in further profecution of fuch their purpofes have by felonious and other illegal means endea- voured fecretly to procure ammunition and other warlike ftores, and particularly that feveral evil-difpofed perfons lately broke into one of his Majefty*s ftores in the town of Bel fa II in the county of Antrim, and thereout took and carried away ten barrels of gun- powder. And whereas we have alfo received information that on Tuefday the firft of November inftant a confiderable number of armed men, aflbciated in the aforefaid treafonable confpiracies, entered the town of Stewartdown in the county of Tyrone, and cut and maimed feveral of the peaceable inhabitants of the faid town who had refufed to join in their alTociations, and who had agreed to enrol themfelves in corps under officers to be commiiiioned by his Majefty for the prefervation of the public peace, and for the protec- tion of the kingdom againft foreign invaiion. ' And v/hereas we have alfo received information, that in further profecution of the faid treafonable purpofes many large bodies of men have afi'embled and arrayed themfelves and marched in military order and with military mufick through feveral parts of the faid diftrias, No. VII. . icls, under the pretence of faving corn and digging potatoes lOugh they far exceeded the numbers neceffary to be employed Hi Aich fervices) to the very great terror of the loyal and faithful fubjeds of his Majefty. And whereas fuch treafonable outrages have can led well-ground- ed alarms in the minds of his Majeffy'i fiiithful fubjecfs, and are of the mod dangerous and pernicious tendency : Now we the Lord Lieutenant anJ Privy Council, being determin- ed to maim.iin the public peace and to afford protedion to all his Majefty's loyal fubjeOs, and immediately and efFeclu?illy to exercife all powers with which trie conflitutior. has inverted us for thefe pur- pofes, do forewarn ali perfons of the danger they may incur, and on their allegiance charge them to delill from fuch treafonable practices. And v/e do hereby flriclly charge and command all mayors, ihe- rifi's, juluces of the peace and other peace officers, and all officers civil and military in this Kingdom, and all other his Majefty's lov- ing fubjeds, as they tender their allegiance to his Majefty and their own fatery, to ufc their beft endeavours to prevent, and where that cannot be done to difcover and bring to juftice thofe concerned in the aforefaid pradices, and to prevent and difperfe all treafonable, feditious or unlawful affemblies, rhe neceffary orders having been already iffued to the feveral officers of his Majefliy's forces in this kin :dom to be aiding and affifting to the civil magiftrates in the execution of their duties for that purpofc. Given at the Council Chamber in Dublin the 6th Day of November 1796. W. Armagh, Clare, C. Bellamont, Glandore, Mount Norris, Ely, Dillon, Pery, Mountjoy, O'Neil, Mulkerry, Donoughmorc, Carleton, Yelverton, Roffmore, John Fofter, j. Parnell, J. Biaquiere, Her. Langriflie, D. La 'louche, H. Cavendifli, Arthur "Wolfe, jame.- Cuff, J. Beresford, T. Pelham, Robert Rofs, S. Hamilton, Lodge Morris. (A true Copy.) J. Patrickson. No. VIIL 117 Mr. Pelham^s Letter to General Lake, 3J March. Dublin Caftle, 3d March, 1797. SIR, I am commanded by my Lord Lieutenant to acquaint you, that from the information received by his Excellency with refpecl to various parts of the north of Ireland, additional meafures to thofe hitherto employed for preferving the public peace are become ne- ceffary. It appears that in the counties of Dovvn Antrim, ly- rone Derry and Donegal, fecret and treafonable aflociations ftill continue to an alarming degree, and that the perfons concerned in thefe affociations are attempting to defeat all the exertions ot the loyal and well-difpofed, by the means of terror ; that they threatened the lives of all who Ihall venture, from regard to their duty and oath of allegiance, to difcover their treafons ; that they affemble in great numbers by night, and by threats ^ncl force difarm the peaceable inhabitants ; that they have fired on his Ma- ieftv's iuftices of the peace when endeavouring to apprehend them in their nocturnal robberies ; that they threaten by papers, letters and notices, the perfons of thofe who (hall in any manner refift or oppofethem: that in their nightly excurfions for the purpofe of difarming his Majefty's loyal fubjecls, they difguife their perfons and countenances ; that they endeavour to collect great quantities of Arms in concealed hiding places; that they have cut down o-reat numbers of trees on the eftates of the gentry, for the pur- pofe of making pikes; that they have ftolen great quantities of lead for the purpofe of cafting bullets ; that they privately by night exercife themfelves in the practice of arms ; that they endeavour to intimidate perfons from joining the yeomanry corps el abhihed by law in order to refift a foreign enemy ; that they refu e to em- ploy in manufactures thofe who eniift in the faid corps ; that they not only threaten but ill treat the perfons of the yeomanry, and even attack their houfes by night, and proceed to the barbarous extremity of deliberate and fhocking murder, as was exemphtied in their recent attack and murder by night of Mr. Comyns ot Newtownards, ii8 No. VIII. Newtownards, and that they profefs a refolution to aflift the ene- mies of his Majefty, if they fhould be enabled to land in this king- dom. It further appears, that thefe difturbances and outrages exift, and even encreafe, as well in the diftricls which have been proclaimed, as in other parts of the country. In order therefore to reduce the perfons engaged in the aforefaid treafonable affocia- tions and guilty of the faid atrocious outrages to fubordination to the laws, and to give confidence to the well-difpofed among his Majefty's fubjects, and fecurity to their properties and their Hves, and to prevent any affiftance being given to the enemy by the difloyal und difaffecled, His Excellency has commanded me to communicate to you his pofitive orders, that you take the moft immediate and decifive meafures for difpofing of the military force under your command, aided by the yeomanry corps, for imme- diately difarming all perfons who fliall not bear his Majefty's com- xnifTion, or are acting under perfons fo commiflioned, or perfons holding commiflions under the authority of the yeomanry act, or perfons acting under ofilcers fo commiflioned, and after mak- ing fuch difpofitions, you are required to carry fuch difarming into eft eel. His Excellency gives you this full authority, in order to give your difcretion the greateft latitude, relying at the lame time on your prudence and difcernment in the cxcrcife of it, fo that the peaceable and well-aftefted may be protected againft: the evil de- figns of thofe who have threatened their lives and property with deftrudtion. His Excellency further authorizes you to employ force againft: any perfons aflembled in arms, not legally authorized fo to be, to dilperfe all tumultuous aflemblies of perfons, though they may not be in arms, without waiting for the fanction and afliftance of the civil authority, if in your opinion the peace of the realm or the fafety of his Majeliy's faithful fubjects may be endangered by waiting for fuch authority. His Excellency further authorizes you to conftder thofe parts of the country where tlie outrages before ftated have been com- mitted, or where they fliall arifc, as being in a ftate that requires all the meafures oi' exertion and precaution which a country de- pending upon mijitary force alone for its protection would re- quire ; No. VIII. 119 quire ; and you are therefore required to ftation your troops with a view to interrupt communication between thofe whom you may have reafon to fufped of evil defigns ; to eftablifli patroles on the high roads or other pafles, and to flop all perfons pafling and repairing after certain hours of the night ; and in order com- pletely to carry into effect any orders or regulations which, in the circumftances of the cafe may be confidered by you as necef- fary, you are authorized to iffue notices, Hating the regulations, and calling upon his Majefty's fubje(5ls to be aiding and aflifting therein. I have the honour to be, &c. &c. To Lieut. Gen. Lake. T. P. I20 No. IX. General Lake's Proclamation, i^th March, 1797. Belfaft, March 13th, 1797. WHERFAS the daring and horrid outrages in many parts of this province, evidently perpetrated with a view to fuperfede the laws and the adminillration of juftice, by an organized fyftem of murder and robbery, have increafed to fuch an alarming degree, as from their acrocity and extent to bid defiance to the civil power, and to endanger the lives and properties of his Majefty*s faithful fubjecls. And whereas the better to effect their traitorous purpofes, fe- veral perfons who have been enrolled under the authority of his Majefty's Commiflicns, and others, have been forcibly and trai- toroufly depriNcd of their arms, it is therefore become indifpen- fably neceffary for the fafety and protection of the well difpofed, to interpofe the King's troops under my command ; and I do hereby give notice that 1 have received authority and directions to act in fuch manner as the public fafety may require. I do therefore hereby enjoin and require all perlbns in this dif- tricl (peace officers and thofe ferving in a military capacity ex- ceptecij forthwith to bring in and furrender up all arms and am- munition which they may have in their pofleflion to the officer commanding the King's troops in their neighbourhood. I truft that an immediate compliance with this order may ren- der any act of mine to enforce it unneceflary. Let the people ferioufly reflect before it is too late, on the ruin into which they are rufliing ; let them reflect on their prefent profperity and the mileries in which they will inevitably be in- volved by perflfting in acT:s of pofitive rebellion ; let them inftantly by furrcndcring up their arms and by reftoring thole traitoroufly taken from the King's forces, reicue thcmfclves from the feverity of military authority — Let all the loyal and well intcntioned act to- gether No. IX. 12 1 gether with energy and fpirit in enforcing fubordination to the laws and reftoring tranquilhty in their refpedive neighbourhoods, and they may be affured of protection and fupport from me. And I do hereby invite all perfons who are enabled to give infor* mation touching arms and ammunition which may be concealed, immediately to communicate the fame to the feveral officers com- manding his Majefty's forces in their refpeftive diflrids ; and tor their encouragement and reward I do hereby promife and engage that ftrid and inviolable fecrecy Ihall be obferved with refped to all perfons who fnall make communication ; and that every perlon who fhall make it fliall receive as a reward the full value of ali fuch arms and ammunition as Ihall be feized in confequence there* of. G. Lake, Lieut. Gen. Commandino the Northern Diftrid. 122 No. X. By the Lcrd Lieutenant and Council of Ireland. A PROCLAlMATION. CAMDEN, WHEREAS there exifts within this kingdom a feditious and traitorous coiifpiracy, by a number of perlbns (liling themfelves United Iriihmen, for the fubverfion of the authority of his Majefty, and the Parliament, and the dtftruftion of the eflabhfhed confti- tution and government : and whereas for the execution of fuch their wicked defign, they have planned means of open violence, and formed fecret arrangements for raifing, arming, and paying a dilci- plined force, and, in furtherance of their purpofes, have frequently alFemblcd in great and unuHaal numbers, under the colourable pre- tence of planting or digging potatoes, attending funerals, and the . like, and have frequently afTembled in large armed bodies, and'; plundered of arms the houfes of many of his majefty's loyal fub- j je6ts in different parts of the kingdom, and cut down, and carried away great numbers of trees, wherewith to make handles for pikes, and other offenfive weapons, to arm their traitorous alfociates, and have audacioufly attempted to difarm the diftrid or yeomanry corps, enrolled undrr his maj.^lty's commiiTion for the defence of the realm, and even fired upon leveral bodies of his Majefty's forces, when attempting to quell their infurredVion ; and it is therefore now j become neccHary to ufe the utmoft powers witli which govern- ment is by law cntrulled for the fuppreffion of fuch traiton attempts. And ijohsrcas the exertions of the civil po'uoer have proi\ inefJi'^luGl for the fupprejjion of the ciforefaid traitorous and wicked , confpiracyy ivO. A*. 123 conjpiracyy and for the '^roteSiicn of the lives and properties of his Ma- jefiy 'j faithful fuhjcus. Now We the Lord Lieutenant, by and wIlIi the advice of the privy council, having determiaed, as far as in Us Hes, to fupprefs fuch daring attempts, and at the fame time, defirous to prevent the vvell-difpofed, or milled, from falling into the dangers to which ig- norance or incaution may expofe them, do by this our proclamation, forewarn all fuch to abilain from entering inro the laid traitorous fo- cieties of United Irijljmen^ or any of them, and from reforting to their meetings, or afting under their diredions or influence, or taking or adhering to- any of their declarations or engagements, and from luf- fering them to aiiemble in their houfes, or in any m.anner harbour- ing them. And Vv'e do ftridily charge and command on their alle- giance, all perfons having knowledge or information of the meet- ings of the laid focieties, or any of them, to give immediate infor- -mation thereof to fome of his Majeily's juflices of the peace, or to fome ofHcer of his Majefly's forces in the neighbourhood of the place where fuch meeting is intended. And We do forewarn all perfons from tumultuous or unlawful afTemblies, or from meeting in any unufual numbers, under the plaufible or colourable pretence aforefaid, or any other, whatfoever. And We caution his Majefty's loyal and loving fubjedls, when- ever fuch affemblies fliall happen, or that they receive noiiice from any magiftrates, or from the officers commianding any body of his Majefly's forces, to keep quietly within their dwellings, to the end that the v.^eil-difpofed may avoid the mifchiefs which the guilty may bring upon themfelves. And as it has become neceHr^ry, from the circumftances before mentioned, to employ the military forcei with which we are by lazv entrufiedi for the immediate fupprejfion cf fuch relellions and' traitorous attempts now making agai-nfi the peace and dignify cf the crown, and thefafety of the lives and properties of his Majefly's loyal juhjetls. IV'e have therefore ijfued the moft dirsSi and effe^ual orders to all officers commanding his Majeftfs troops,- by the exertions of jheir titmofi force, to fupprefs the fame, and to oppcfe with their full pozvet all fuch as foall re/if them in the execution cf their duty. And 124 No. X. And We do hereby JlriHly charge and command all our officer s^, civil and rdliiaryi and all other his Majejiys loving Jubje^Sy to uje their utmoft endeavours to dijcover all pikes, pike-headsy concealed guns and Jvjordsy cjfenfive weapons^ or ammunition of any kind whatjcever, And V/e do hereby charge and command all -perjons having in their cujtody pikes, pike-heads ^ or concealed guns, /words , offenfive weapons y or -ammuyiition of any kind whatever y to deliver up the fame to feme magiftrate or cffcer of his Mojeflys troops, as they J^all anfwer to the contrary at their peril. And We do hereby flriftl)^ charge and command all officers, civil and military, and ail other his JVJajefty's iaiihful fubjeds, to be aiding and afiifting in rupprefling ail traito- Tous, tumultuous and unlawful affemblies, and in bringing to pu- nifhmcnt all perlbns diiiurbing or attempting to difturb the public peace. And whereas v;e have reafon to hope that many of his Majefty's fubjecls who have joined the faid traitorous focieties, have done fo v/iihout being apprized of the extent of their crimes, and others trom mtim.dation, and that luch may be willing to return to their all^^gia c'j. Now We being dolorous to extend his Majefty's j^ar- don to a 1 fuch as are fenhble of their eirors, and willing to return tj their ailegia.ice, do hereoy promife his Majeily's gracious pardon to all fuch pjrfjns, fo feduced or intimidated, as have taken an en- gag: iiicnt to the faid ibcieties, or any of them, who Ihall, on or betqre the twenty-fourth day of June next, furrender themlHves to any of his Majefty's juilices of the peace, being of the quorum of the counties in which tliey Ihall reipectively refide, and take the oath of allegiance, and enter into fuihcient recognizance, with two lufticient fureties, if lureties lliall be required by the magiftrate before whom luch recognizance (hall be acknowledged, (which re- cognizance every luch magiftrate is hereby required to return to the next general tL'ffion of the peace, or aflizes, to be holden in and for the county in which fijch recognizance (hall be taken refpedively) to be of the peace and good behaviour for the ipace of fevcn years, lave and except all fucli as have been guilty of murder, conlpiracy of murder, burglary, burning of houfes, corn or hay, ftacks of flraw or turf, malicioufly digging up, or injuring, or deftroying any potatoes, flax or hemp, rape or Corn of any kind, planted or lewed, ur deftroying meadows or hay, maiming or lioughing of cattle, adminiftering No. X. i2| adminiftering or caufing to be adminlftered any unlawful oath qr engagement to any of his Majefty's forces of any defcription, of inciting or encouraging any perfon to commit any of tiie aforefai^ offences refpedively, and lave and except all perfons now in cuf- tody. Given at the Council-Chamber in Dublin, the 17th day of May, 1797. W. Armagh. Clare C. Char. Cafhel. W. Tuam. Waterfor^. Drogheda. Weftmeath. Shannon. Clanbr:.(ul. Altamont, Glandore. Portarlington. Farnham. Carhampton. Clon^ meh. Ely. Dillon. Gosford. H. Meath. Carleton, Yelverton. John Fofler. J. Beresford Denis Browne, T. Pelham. Hen. Cavendifli. J. Biaquiere. H. Langrifhe. Theo. Jones. Jof. Cooper. James Cuff. George Ogle. D. Latouche. J. Monk Mafon. Arthur Wolfe. James Fitzgerald. Robert Rofs. S. Hamilton. Lodge Morris. God fave the King, iz6 No. XI. fCofiyJ t)ublin CaHle, iSth May 1797. My Lord, THE Lord Lieutenant and Council having judged it expedient to call upon his Majefty's troops to exert their utmoft force to fup- pre'is a icclitious and traitorous conlpiracy of perfons ftiHng them- Idves Uniled IriQimen, I am commanded by his Excellency to tranfmit to your Lordlhip a copy of the proclamation iliued on this lubjc(5l, and to defire that your Lordfhip will iflue the neceffary orders to the troops under your command in coni'equence thereof j his Excellency has directed me to reprelent to your Lordfhip, that as the traitorous and treaibnable defigns of thefe confpirators ex- tend to the fubverfion of the Conftitution and Government, it will be neceffary to take meaiures of general precaution, fo that the troops may be prepared to ad whenever it may become neceffary to have recourfe to their exertions. In. thofe parts of the kingdom where thefe defigns have been manifefted by ads of open violence, it will be neceffary to give the officers of his Majefty's troops more precife directions for their condud. In fuch parts of the kingdom as have been difturbed by nodurnal depredations, where the lives of his Majefty's loyal fubjeds have been endangered by perfons col'i-jfted in arms attacking and firing upon their houfes, and where affcmblies of perfons have been coUeded for the purpofe of unlaw- fully cutting down trees or perpetrating other ads of outrage, mi- litary precaution fiiould be adopted for the fecurity of the lives and r:opcrty of his Majefty's loyal fubjeds and oppofing by the moft . jdual means fuch daring ads of violence. Diligent enquiry fliould be made refpeding any concealed arms .1 amn.iunition, and for pikes and pike handles, and upon informa- tion thereof, officers commanding parties Ihould be direded to And No. XL 127 Any perfons armed with pikes or other weapox-is in renib.Rce of his Majefty's troops are to be confidered as rebels and treated accordingly i all perfons' exercifing thernlelves in the ufe of anii under perfons not holding his Majefty's or the Lord Lieutenant's commifTion are to be difarmed and apprehended, and in c?Je of re- iiftance to be treated as rebels j and as it appears to be a part cf the fyftem of thefe confpirators to take the opportunity of funerals and other occafions to affenible conhdcrabje numbers of perfons, tlie officers of his Majefty's army ftiouid- be directed in purftiance of this proclamation to watch all fuch affemblies, and if trom their number or other circumftances the public peace lliould appear to be endan- gered, they will diiperfe them j and as various attempts ha^rcbeen made to feduce his Majefty's troops from their, duty and allegiance, you will.dired all perfons of fufpicious appearance who fli all come within the lines of any encampment, barrack or other ftations cf his Majefty's troops, to be detained. And his Excellency further defires that your LordOrlp will r^om' time to time communicate fuch inftructions to the officers of his Majefty's troops as you fliall deem beft adapted for carrying into elfed his Excellency's proclamation, and as local exigencies may demand. I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your Lordfliip's moft obedient. Humble fervant, THOMAS FELHAM, The Earl Carhampton, Commander in Chief, &c, &c. &c. iiS No. XII. (Co^/ Lord Carhampton's Orders. In obedience to the order of the Lord Lieutenant in Council, it is the Commander in Chief's commands that the mihtary do ad without waiting for direftions from the civil magiftrates in difperfing any tumultuous or unlawful affemblies of perfons threatning the peace of the realm, and the fafety of the lives and properties of his Majefty's loyal fubjeds, whcrefoever coUeded. No. XIII, 129 By the Lord Lieutenant and Ccuncil cf Ire'and, I A PP.OCLAMATION. CAMDEN, WHEREAS we did, by our proclamation bearing date the 17th day of May laft, by and with the advice of the Privy Council, pro mife his Miijelly's pardon to ail fuch offenders thereby defcribed, who, being ienfible of their errors, and wdUing to return to their allegiance, (hould, on or before the twenty- iourth day of June inftant, furrender themfelves to any of his Majefty's Jufdces of the peace, being of the quorum, of the counties in which tiiCy Ihtall refpedtively refide, and take the oath of allegiance, and enter into fufficient recognizance, with two fufficient fureties, if fure-- ties fhall be required by the magiftrate before whom fuch recogni- zance fhall be acknowledged, to be of the peace and good beha- viour for the fpace of feven years, (fave and except fuch perfoi.. as have been guilty of the offences in our faid proclamation fpecified.) And whereas many of his Majefly's fubjed:s"have fur- rendered themfelves, and entered into recognizances, and taken the oath of allegiance, purfuant to the faid proclamation, and there is reafon to believe that many others are defirous to- return to their duty, if the time for receiving furrenders, and extend in^ fuch promife of pardon were enlarged. Now We the Lord Lieutenant, being defiroas to extend liis Majefly's pardon to fuch as are v/ilhng to return to their duty, do, by this our proclamation, by and with the advice of his Majefty's Privy Council, enlarge the time limited by_ the faid proclamation, for accepting fuch furrenders, and taking fuch re- cognizances, to the twenty-fourth , day of July next enfuing the date hereof, and do promife bis Majefly's gracious pardon 'to' ail. fuch Perfons as fliall furrender themfelves to any of his Majefly's Juflices of the peace (being of the quorum) of the county where they fliall refpedively refide, and *onform in all refpecls to the R tern: 5 130 No. XIII. terms required by our faid proclamation, on or before the faid tv.' ")t\ --ourth day of July, in like manner as if they had fo fur- rendered and contoimcd on or before the faid twenty-fourth day of June, with like exceptions as contained in our faid proclamation. And whereas many of his Majefty's fubjeds did, at the feflion of oyer and terminer, holden on the 7th day of June ir.ftant, in and for the county of Antrim at Carrickfcrgus, and by adjourn- ment at the town of Bciiift, on the tenth day of June inflant, before Barry Lord Yelverron, chief baron of the court of Exche- quer, and Tankerville Chambcilainej efquire, one of the Juftices of the court of Kind's Bench, lurrender themfclvcs, and take an oath of allegiance to his Majcfty, before the faid Judges or one of them, or before certain juftices of the peace for the faid county, affigned by the faid judges to adminifter the fame, but omitted to eater into recognizance purfuant to our faid proclamation. Now We do, by and with the advice aforefaid, promife his Ma- jeflys pardon, purfuant to the terms of the faid proclamation, to all perions whcy took an oath of allegiance before the faid judges or eitl.er of them, or before any juftice of the peace by the laid judges appointed to adminifter luch oath, provided luch perfons fhall, on or before the twenty -fourth day of July next, enter into fuch recognizances, and procure fuch fureties as by the laid pro- clamation are direfted, to be entered into by perions furrendering themfclves puriuant to the faid proclamation. Given at the Council chan.ber in Dublin, the 2 2d day of June, 1797. Clare, C- Char. CaQiel, Droghcda, Weftmeath, Shannon, Claiibrafllll, Farnham, Dillon, Carleton, Callan, Yelvtrton, J. Beresford, T. Pell^.am, J. Blaquiere, Tlieo. Jones, b. Latouche, J. Monck Mafon, Arthur Wolfe, Robert 'Rofs, liaac Corry, S. Hamilton, Lodge Morres. No. XIV. No. XIV. 13I The Information contained in this Number of tks Appendix was n-^ cei-ved from Nicholas Maguan, of Saintfield, tn the County oj Down, who was himfelf a Member of the Provincial and County Committees^ and alfo a Colonel in the Military Sy/lem of United . Iriflimen. He zvas prefent at each of the Meetings of which an Account is here given ; and from Time to Time, immediately after each Meeting, co??imunicated zvhat paffed thereat to the Rev. Jokt Cleland, a Magijlrate of the faid County. The Perfon giving the Information has fince verified it upon Oath before the Committee of the Lords ; and Mr. Cleland has likeivife fworn that the Papers prefented to the Committee contain the exaci Information Jo .cm-* municated to him by Maguan. '32 No. XiV. ^ I I M ^ I I ^ u. c r^.oo 1 C o (M v^ , X -t ^ 1 «-> 1 o a 1 ^" >H CJ w o i c/^ o J-. O CO r^ C^ CO f^ Ti- cs VO o ^ On ts c u »-o o CO ro C •"^ CO Tt- o GN CO ^'" O C3N CO t- U S CO vo S^ o r->. i 3 c d ^ s o rt- O O O o o ^ ^ T ^ Ol o ^ ^^o 1 -s ^ -000 I 1 o (N o o ♦J o ON •^ 1 1 ^ id ^ O OO OC\ COQCO O O*^ O- ooo"^ w^ O O o - vo o '^ O r~» CN T;f- Lo ol On e § o 2 5 >> o 1% > c c rt bo No. XIV. 533 Leinjler C. Return. (Same Meeting.) City of Dublin • 2662 Militia 1437 County do. 722 Kildare 850. Meath 2432 The number in the bufinefs is immenfe. though unacquainted with the fyflem or organization. Refoltitioff of the Executive. Refolved that all county delegates be prepared at the iird pro- vincial meeting to bring forward a plan for iupporting the fami- lies of indigent perfons during their exertions in the field. Refolved that it is improper to hold correfpondence with per- fons out of fociety. REPORTS. Lower Caftlereagh Upper Caftlereagh Kenallarty Females 1 Kenallarty 3 1^0- Ards Newry 2 Do. 3 Do. DufFerin Upper Iveagh 2 Do. 3 Do. Lower Iveagli Lecall 2 Do. L s. d. 3000 4 1 1 5 1800 3 2 4 1000 3 3 50 1000 900 — - 15 — I5C0 3 8 3 lOCO 4 J 4 581 2 8 5 249 844 3 6 4 S'^^S 1000 2204 4c 00 900 I — 7 574 1 3 3 Females ^34 No. XIV. Females 50 ^• s. d. 10 — ' 3 1^0- - 300 I 2 — Mouine 2500 28577 29 19 2 Several divlfions were deftitute cf cafh, having exhauftcd them- felves in public lubfcriprions. .Rcfoluticns. Hefolved, that this committee does prepare an addrefs to the people reprobating rioting or plundering ; the lame to be printed and circulated through the country in hand bills. Refolved, that we hear with great concern the difaffedion which prevails in ibme quarters rcipecting their money-^we can alfure them that not one penny of their money has b<:en expended any other way than that it was intended for. We would recom- mend it to the people to delegate fuch perfons as they could place confidence in, and we will take care that fuch perfons ihall be from us as we peifeflly depend in. We have had a great deal of trouble at the laft affizes ; the expence was immenle — they have ended with honour to the people. From the ablence of the Treafurer of the Secret Committee who got an exprefs elfewhere, no other account can be brought forward than the follov/iiig : £■ '■ iels of the county of Down were to meet on Thurfday the 2 2d June. The Colonel faid the National Committee was fitting thefe 15 days pall, and will for fome days more. The only thing that retarded the rifmg at prefent was the county of Antrim no: being willing to rife, 10,000 only excepted; — but if they could get the county of Antrim to come properly forward there was no doubt but the bufmefs would be put into execution. The only account from France is that they will not be here before fix weeks from hence, if then. He had the honour to fay that the Colonels of the county of Down were unanimous for rifing. County of Down Meeting. Belfaft, Monday July loth 1797. Nine Perfons prefent. (their names appear in the original.) A Provincial Delegate for the County of Antrim faid there were 75,000 men at the Texel who were pofitivcly coming to Ireland ; that the Irilh Delegates were warmly received by the Direftory of France ; that Lowry and Teeling were of the number of Delegates. He could not fay cxadly the time when the men would land in Ireland, but he would not think it ftrange if they came in the courfe of a fortnight. He was pofitive that at the prefent time there were two frigates reconnoitring the coaft of Ireland. He re- commended it to the Delegates not to tell the lower orders of the people that the correfpondence was ftill carrying on with the province, left that by that means they fliould be detected as they had been before. He recommended each delegate to get and bring to the meeting the number of fighting men in their refpeclive dif- tricts, and to obtain it by application to the feveral Captains who could make known to them the effedive number in each of their companies. County Meeting. Downpatick, 22d July 1797. Five members prefent. (their names appear In the original.) ^ Ordered, that before the next meeting a perfon be fent through the upper pact of the county of Down to try and bring that part of the county forward. A report was made from the Provincial Meet- ing No. XIV. 139 Ing held on the 14th July 1797, that the Provincial Meeting was thinly attended, there being only four counties reprefented, viz. Antrim, Down, Donegal and Tyrone. The next Provincial Meet- ing to be held at Belfaft the 14th Auguft next. July 29th. Meeting of Captains of the Drumbo Battalion, at James Woods — five Captains prefent. They all agreed that their refpec- tive companies would adt if the French fhould land. July 31ft. Meeting of Captains of the Liffons battalion, at John Shaw's — fix Captains prefent. Same refolution of the preceding of the Drumbo battalion ; great fears were expreffed at this meeting of the catholics and diflenters becoming two feparate parties. Provincial Meeting. Randalftown, 14th Auguft 1797. Five perfons prefent. (their names appear in the original.) Reports delivered that the National Committee has diflblvcd the Executive in May, and that the Executive had had then a plan of infurreftion which they gave to the National, and that the province of Leinfler was to meet them in Dublin ; the Provincial Delegates of Leinfler came to Dublin the time appointed, but the Members of Ulfler inftead of meeting them at the time appointed, fat ia Belfaft feveral days calling the Land-jobbers of the province to fee whether it was neceffary or not, until the principal leading men were ail attacked, and the Leinfter Delegates gone home after v/a. •".g in Dublin four days. A few fpirited men in BeifLtit nov>' feeing the bufmefs fruftrated, fubfcribed five hundred guhieas to fend a perfon to France ; but not knowing what road to ferd him or how to get him introduced to the DireQ:ory, they applied to a Member of the old Executive and found the very perfon they had ele6led was fent ten days before by the Executive ; it was alfo found that the Exe- cutive had been a thoufand guineas out of their own pocket, from thefe circumftances the old Executive is elected into full power to act for the whole nation, and they think they can bring f ^ "vard the whole nation yet, to ay of the public T 2 meetings 148 No. XIV. meetings from fear, but are very anxious to get the reports and hear the news. No military returns could be made at the Provincial P^eeting, o\\i.;j he general movements of the troops, but the Members are inlLiuaed to make dihgent enquiry, and to try to get them.J United Britons, to the United lrij}:mcn, Fjili-OW-Men, Anxious to diffipate thofe prejudices, which a nuftaken and in- tcrefted policy has artfully ditlufed, to prevent an union of fenti- ment and mutuality of opinion from being held by the people of England and Ireland ; we in the name of the former, (with uhofe fentiments we are acquainted, and whofe confidence wc poffefs) declare that we will by every polTible means promote the li man- cipation OF BOTH COUNTRIES. To forward this great object we offer you our confidence, and in return demand yours. Though labouring under the yoke of the fame oppreffors, the Sifter Countries have been differently treated. Ireland has always been the obje6t of direft and open violence, England of fraud ; Ireland has been robbed, England has been cheated. One uniform plan, DIVISION, has been carried on in both. Sacrificed as Ire- land has been to the ambition of England, the idea of her being treated as a free Country was too grofs to be obtruded upon the meaneft underftanding ; but England, whofe avarice was flattered by the defpicable lure of exclufive trade, greedily fwallowed the bait. She was taught to believe that Riches llowed upon her, while Poverty was fecretly infinuating itfelf into her very vitals. Amidft mock contentions for liberty and real ones for plun- der. She vainly imagined hcrfelf free, and was thereby induced to pay the interefl of a Debt, of greater amount than the value of the whole Landed property of the Country, without reileding that Bankruptcy however late muft be the confequence of an over- flretched credit. — that bankruptcy has arrived. The Religious diflentions between Catholic and Protcjiant in Ire- land (whofe opinions admit of a real diflimStion) and the party fquabbles between Whig and Tor^ in England (whofe political ones admit No. XIV. 149 admit of none) were afTiduoiilly fomented ; the People were di- vided about the JJoadow till they loft the Jubjlancc. The plan of oppreffion was fyflematically aircCied throughout both countries to "the fame objecl, though in apparent oppolition. In Ireland Re- venue was only raifed to be lavifhed in unmerited penfions, with- out the infulr of pretended National advantage ; in England the veil of fraud was necefpAry to cheat the people of largs fums under the plaufible pretext of public neceility. The undifguifed oppref- fions of Ireland, by rendering fubfiilence precarious to the Poor, have made her a conftant hot bed for the futellites of Tyranny ; but in England occafional crops could only be raifed when the flame of war unulVtally forced the foil. This marked diftindlion in the treatment of the Countries, has produced as marked a difference in the charafters of the two Nations ; Ireland has acquired that of manly opennefs, England that of mean difguife. 1 England though abuied with forms has never been without fin- cere friends to fubflantial liberty. Among them a number of [ dark and deiigning characters have always intruded ; and their condud has furniihed fuch a tiiTue of apoftacy, that general apathy ; had nearly fucceeded general dlftruft. I Various political Societies have been inflituted for the purpofe of I Reform, but of thefe, few could boafl purity of Principles, or inte- grity of Leaders. Formerly, Richmond headed the votaries of Uni- ve'rfal Suffrage, Fox thofe of Reprefentation by Houfeholders, and Pitt thofe who udfhied to disfranchife the Corrupt Boroughs, to throw their proportion of Reprefentation into the Counties; but thefe have vanilhed. The Society of the Friends of the People, and that for Constitutional Information, have difcontinued their exertions. The London Corresponding, and other So- cieties in union with it, have arifen upon their ruins, and as univer- fal good is their bafis, we doubt not, but, fupported by Numbers and Principles, they will not be wanting in the hour of danger. The Irish, always an heroic People, had, during the American War, become an armed Nation. They took up Arms for Defence, and undertook the caufe of Reform for Security. England, likewife, engaged in the caufe of Reform, but her efforts were weak, as fhe had not endured fuflicient to convince her of the ne- ceiTity of union. The efforts of a number of eminent Perfons in |:)Oth Countries in the cayfe of Freedom, were infufficient, becaufe Prejudice I50 No. XIV. Prejudice yet prevailed, and Men were not awakened to their jufl: Rights and true Intere{l§. The Apolliacy of feveral Leaders in the PubHc caufe, added to the famous Coahtion, fmothercd for a long time, the flame of Li- berty ; 'till the French Revolution again fanned its dying em- bers into a glow, which, we hope and trull, v» ill never be extin- guifiied. The conduct of the two Countries, on this important event, dif- played a ftriking contraft. Ireland, who by licr arms, had extorted from the Englijh Govenimoit foin.e fragments of her Rights, feemed ready in the fame manner to demand the reft. England, alfo, formed Societies, whofe objccl was Emancipation, but who hoped it might be obtained by Rcafon ; Alas ! they over.rated its force. The difarming Bills in Ireland, the Treafon and Sedition Bills in England, and their confequences in both Countries, need hardly be mentioned. On the people they have brought Chains, on the Government irreconcileable Hatred, One good ellect has, however, refulted from mutual Sufferings, and mutual Commife-. ration ; the prejudice of Nations is done away, and the English burn with defire, to hail the Irish, as Free-men, and as Brethren^ ■ Our numbers are immenfe, our influence ftill more confiderable,- and our fentiments accord with yours. We are unthinned by the* Tyranny of the Law or of the fword ; 'tis true, we have had our Fears and our Jealoufies, Spies and Informers have l>een introduced amongft us, but all thefe have ferved only to point out more clearly the Men who are worthy of truft, and in thefe, whether Rich or Poor, we have the higheft confidence. Our Delegate is entrufted, to lay before you our whole pro-- ceedings ; we, therefore, decline entering into particulars in the prefent Addrefs. We have repofed confidence in you, and fliali expeft fuch a return as you may think our Integrity and Talents deferve. We doubt not but you will, with us, fee the propriety of eftablifhing unlimited confidence, or declining our interference as fruitlefs. Should you think our fituation, our influence, and our opportunities calculated to ferve the Common Caufe, rely upon < our Diligence, our Zeal, and our Fidelity. ^ With beftwifhes, for the amelioration of the condition of Man, and hopes that your Exertions and Virtues, aided by an UNITED PEOPLE, No. XIV. 151 PEOPLE, WILL SPEEDILY EMANCIPATE YOUR CoUNTRY, WQ rem:iin in the bonJs of Brotherhood and Union, Your's Fraternally ! Fridav, "January ^th^ 1798. (Seal) County Meeting. February 4th — Saintfiekl. Seventeen menibers prefent. [their names] Reports the fame as the Provincial. A treafurer was appointed for the money com- mittee, who received from the members prefent eighteen guineas. The money committee is to meet at Ballynahinch the 12th inft. Principal members not being prefent at this meeting, nothing par- ticular was done, except that Earl Moira's character was difcuifed at full length, to knov*' whether he was a man that could be depend- ed upon or not by the people — It was agreed that he was as great a tyrant as the Lord Lieutenant, and a deeper defigning one. A perfon v/ho had fled from the country wrote to the Committee for {heir advice whether he fiiould come home again. It was directed that the opinion of counfel fliould be taken upon his cafe. County Committee to be held again in Ballynahinch on Thurf- day the ifl March next. Provincial Meeting. February 27th. Armagh. Thirteen members prefent. [their names.] The Reporter faid we had a Delegate arrived from France, and that the French were ufmg every endeavour to have- the expedition for this country completed, and that our Delegate came ^home to caufe us to put ourfelves into a ftate of organization to join them, as the Diredory pofitively affured our Delegates that fhe expedition would fet out for this country in the latter end of April or beginning of May ; he faid that the Executive of this kingdom had anfwered a draft of five hundred pounds for ourv Delegates, 152 No. XIV. delegates, which they meant to raifc oft' the four provinces equally, and he wanted to know the befl: method of raifing our quota. It was agreed that it fliould be raifed in this province by volun- tary loans — he faid we had now fourteen delegates in France, and that there had been held in London a meeting of all the Delegates of England and Scotland, but that we could not get their refolutions until our next provincial, which is to be held in the Moy in Sam. Greaves's the 25th of March. He faid the lottery could not be drawn 'till after our next meeting, as there were fix hundred of the tickets unfold, and the Ulfter Delegates had taken them to Dublin to fell them there. The National J^xecu- tive was at this very time fitting in Dublin. He then prefented the following directions, of which he caufed every member to take a copy ; they w^re inftrudions how the different counties were to act : Inllruclions. The colonels in each county are to make out a lift of the names of perfons to act as Adjutant Generals, to be fealed up and re- turned through the medium of the Provincial, or any other au- thentic channel. The Duty of Adjutant General. They will make at leaft monthly returns to the Executive through the medium of the perfon named to them tor that pur- pofe on the following fubjefts, and ufe every diligence to difcover every thing within their county. lit. The number, flrength and arms of their regiments, and the qualifications of their officers ; who of them have been in the army and have feen adual fervice. 2d. What number of mills in their counties, and what ave- rage quantity of flour, corn, &c. they contain, fummer and winter. 3d. The breadth and condition of the roads, depth of the rivers, height of their banks, where they have bridges or fords, impaflable marfhes in fummer and winter, and roads run through bogs. 4th. Bed pofition to interrupt convoys going from the capital to the enemy's camps or depots, gr from one town to another ; alfo No. XIV. 153 alfothe fitrcfl place for the patriots to aflemble or rally j with a reafoned detail of the advantages or difadvantages. 5th. What number of towns and villages ; in how many where horfe and foot can be quartered in them ; whether the country has phmtations to fhelter the troops without tents, and where they can find flravv and forage. 6th. Who the beft patriots are, and beft fitted by intelligence' and honefty to be employed as commiflfaries. 7th. To communicate to the Executive every change of quar- ters, numbers of horfe and foot, fpecifying whether natives or foreigners, lituation, nature of depots with regard to fubfiftence, ammunition, arms and money, and their nature and ftrength. 8th. Thofe in the maritime counties are charged on the firft appearance of a friendly force upon the coafl, but efpecially oa the moft certain information being had of the debarkation of our allies, to communicate the fame in the moft fpeedy manner to the Executive. They muft then collcdl their force and march forward with as many of the yeomanry and militia as pofFible ; each man to be provided with at leaft three days fubfiftence, and to bring along all they can of cars, draft horfes, harnefs and horfes to mount cavalry, with three days forage-, taking care to feize no where the property of a patriot, where an enemy cau be found to raife contributions of. County Meeting. March ift. — Saintfield. Six'teen perfons prefent. (their names) Reports the fame as at the Provincial. A conference was held on the beft method of colleding Colonels, and it was agreed to fummon fuch as are in the country to meet in Belfaft on Sunday the nth : It was alfo ordered and reported to thofe quarters where the Colonels had emigrated to choofe new ones, and to call at (named) before the time of meeting, and he would tell them where it was. The county in general appears to be much elevated at the prefent reports, and very ambitious for officers. Subfcriptions paid in. : U Proceedings 154 No- XIV. Proceedings oF feveral private meetings. Money Committee met at B.lfall: i6th February. March 5th the County Committee was adjourned from Ballynahinch to Salntfield as the fair beino^ held in the latter place it was thought lefs dangerous. It is to meet again in Comber on the 5th of April. There was a hard contell for the elecflion of Provincial Delegate between four perfons i after three ballots t.vo were eleded. Meeting of Colonels. County of Down. March 9th in the houfe of R. Kean, Belfaft, eight Colonels prefent. (their names.) They agreed to appoint three perfons to be Adjutant Generals (their names) and that an application ihould be made to them accordingly to meet at Sainttield on the 23d inftant. Seven perfons accordingly met reprefenting fo many regi- ments ; others were admitted, as it is termed, to the li.onouis of the fitting ; fome alarm was felt by fome of the members, and an Adjutant General was rejedlcd ; a deputation was fent to invite another to fucceed him, but this propofal was not dire(ftly ac- - ccpted of, this perfon had been bailed in the fum of fix hundred pounds, he hefitated therefore Icll this (hould be forfeited — fciid he would coi^fult iiis bait's-man, but at all events dehred them to return his name. The Colonels agreed that they fhould divide into twt) meetings as it would be lefs fufpicious ; accordingly the Colonels of one divifion are to meet in Rathfryland on the 28th, and thofe of the other in Newtown Ards on the 3 ill infant. Provincial Committee. 25th March. Moy. Eight perfons prefent. (their names.) A C^iiaker, once a prl- foner in Charlemont, introduced a delegate from the Leinller Executive, who paflcd under a feigned name. From fome alarm the meeting adjourned to Blackwater-town, there they were dif-j turbcd by the appearance of a party of light horfe, and adjourned to Mc. Call's in Armagh, where they did the bufinefs of the day. Some No. XIV. 155 Some matters concerKing the lottery were difpofed of, and it was faid that the drawing would take place the firfi: week in April. It was then referred to the Leinfter Delegase to give the reports, he accordingly faid he was happy to tell them the Leinfter Pro- vincial Committee was perfectly recovered from the (iiock ; they were only four days from the time they were taken till they had the whole province in a complete ftate of organization ; the Government had alfo taken tliree of the Executive, b'lt there were three appointed in their place that very evening after they were taken. He faid the Leinfter Executive had delt^gated him to wait on us to anfwtr fome quell ions which he read from a pa- per — they were to the foilov.ing effe(5t : the number of the United Triftimcn who would aCt if called upon : the number of arms; the number of military and militia, and how many good and bad, v/ith a recommendation for the people to put themfelves im- mediately into as good ftate of organization as poffible, for that they had a delegate arrived wjth pofitive aiTurance that the French would commence embarkation on the ill of April, and tliat they would be all on board by the middle of the month, and ready to fail the firfi: opportunity after. The paper alfo con- tained the ftrength of United Irillimen in Leinfler, both civil and military ; it feemed to be exaggerated, but as it was not al- lowed to take a copy it cannot be accurately fet forth : every re- giment of military and militia was numbered, how many good and how many bad; the grofs number in Dublin amounted to about eight thoufand, three thoufand eight hundred of which it was rtated vvould acfl: againll Government ; fome return was made of the numbers fuppofed to be difalTeded in fome of the regiments of militia. The anfwers to his queltions were but weakly an- fwered ; he faid that the National Committee v/as to beheld in Dublin on 'I uefday, and it was the intention of the Executive that it fhiould be compofed of one man from each Executive, and one man from each Province ; their Executive was to meet the fame evening, and he propofed to introduce whoever went from hence to them. The meeting then proceeded to elcdt a Delegate; the firft chofen was a Colonel, but heexcufed himfetf on account of his otiier duties; the perfon appointed fe"t out th'at night or the next morning for Dublin along with the Leinfter Delegate, and was told who the Delegate was thatOiouid meet him in Dublin from the Uiiler Executive. Provincial Committee is to meet in Bellaft, Sunday the ift April. U 2 Meeting 156 No. XIV. Meeting of Colonels. March 28th. Rathfryland. Six Colonels attended, (their names.) Reports were given. The Colonels were afktd individually whether they were abletodifarm the military within the boui.cis of their own regiments; they all agreed that they were. They werealfo afked the number of arms; they do not appear to be confiderable. Civil Committee. 29th March. Ballynahinch. Eleven Members prefent. (their names.) It was refolved that the l^ime committee who acted in defence of the prifoners laft affizes fhould again be requtlted to adt in the fame capacity tlie cnfuing aflizes, and that every exertion fliould be made to fupply them with money, and that they are to meet in Downpatrick on Thurfday the ^jth of April. Civil Commit- tee to meet on Friday the 5th. Meeting of Colonels. March 31ft. Newtownards. It was refolved not to tranfadl any bufinefs in this place ; a magiftrate remarkable for his adlivity refided there,' and it was not thought fafe to hold meetings in his neighbourhood. They adjourned to Grey-abbey, and a perfon remained behind to fend on there fuch perfons as fhould come to the meeting. Provincial Committee. ifl April. BclfafL *Eight members prefent. (their names.) The following coun- ties were reprcfcntcd — Derry, Antrim, Tyrone, Armagh, Down. Reported the names of the perfons whom the Executive has chofen from the names fent to them to adl as Adjutant Generals No. XIV. 157 in Chief. They were appointed for Antrim, Down, Armagh and Tyrone. The other counties had not yet fent in their lifts. The lilt for Derry a member promifed fhould be returned the next week ; the fame member was appointed to go through Donegal, Ccivan and Fermanagh, and to put them into a ftate of organiza- tion — another member was ordered on the fame duty in Mo- naghan. About two o'clock the Delegate who had been fent to Dublin arrived in Belfaft ; he informed the meeting that he had been very kindly received by the Leinfter Committee — that the Leinfter Executive had received a letter from Bartholomew Tcel- ing, who is one of our Delegates in France, Hating that the French troops would moft certainly be on board by the middle ol ihis month. He laid the troops from Breft and that neigh- bourhood were determined to try to evade the Britifh fleet, and to land in Ireland. Of courfe the Britifh fleet would follow them round, and while thus drawn oflf, all the other troops embarked at other ports would make a defcent on England. Whatever might refult from this attempt, it was the fixed determination of tthe National Committee, in cafe the French fhould be fruftra- :ted, that we fhould of ourfelves make a rifing. He faid that the citizens of Dublin, with the afliftance of the army, could feize the capital at any moment. " He informed them that the leaders in Leinfter were particu- I larly adive in organizing the Military Committees, as were alfo I fome of our Ulfter friends who are at prefent there. He alfo I named Mr. Samuel Neilfon in particular; he faid he was riding ! almoll day and night organizing the people, and no perfon al- .moft knew where he dined or where he flept ; he named alfo of Belfaft as being very adive — on the whole he faid there were fourteen Northerns now in Dublin, he fuppofed the moft a(ftive men in the kingdom, a(5ling for us ; he faid we might expt (SI one of the Leinfter Delegates at our next meeting, which muft be very foon, as he was ordered on leaving Dublin to caufe a meeting to be held in lefs than twenty days. — No communication at the National Committee from the United Britons. ' To meet at Campbell's, Armagh, Tuefday the 17th inft. County 158 No.XIV. County Meetings. April 6th. Downpatrick. Twelve Members prefent. (their names.) Reports the fame as at the Provincial ; no material bufintfs tranfacled. Another County Meeting April the 20th, at Bclfaft, fixteen members prefent. Three men were appointed to meet the up- per luilf of the county, to chufe a man to Icgillate for the county. Great reHedions thrown out againft the Money Committee for fome of them not attending to give an account of the bufmefs of the lall aHizcs. County to meet on the T4th May, atN. T. Ards. Provincial Meetings. 17th April. Armagh. Adjourned, as a Delegate expeifled from Dublin had not ar- rived* ; met at Belfaft 19th April. A full meeting at Armagh — reprefented Monaghan, Armagh, Louth., Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Down, none from Antrim. At the meeting at Belfafl a letter was read by the Reporter, written by the Delegate in Dublin, which mentioned that a letter had been received from one of the Delegates at Paris, dated the 24ih March lail, (bating that there was an embargo on all thef rench ports, and that the expedition would be very foon ready, and that a meireng'er would be fcnt to Ireland at leail eight days be- fore it failed. That the Delegate in Dublin had waited three days longer expecting his arrival. In cafe of the anival of this mefienger an extra meeting is to be called. ThtReportcr mentioned a letter having been received from a perfon in Liverpool wlio is a Delegate there, ftating that the French would not land for two months. It was alRrted that this could not be true. The Executive Con^mittee of Leinller, he told them, had all been taken up or ban-lhed except three, and thefc three refufed to acft : In confequence, he faid, twelve new ones, he believed, were chofen by this time. He faid in honour to the province of Ulfler, they were the only men who dared to a6i in the worll of times. Had it not been No. XIV. 159 been for three perfon^ from Ulfter (named) the people in Lei nfter had been completely diforganized ; therefore now in his opinion, we could never act without t!.ie allirtance of the French. It was refolved that one man from each county lliould be elecled and add- ed to the Executive, and their names returned at next morning. The lottery is not yet drawn, owing to two hundred tickets being lodged in Oliver Bond's hands at the time he was made prifoner, and two hundred of them fent to London, of which there is yet no return of money or tickets. Provincial Meeting. May 10th. Armagh. Eleven members prefent. (their names.) Reports given, that the meffenger mentioned in the laft reports was expedled to have arrived before now, but is hourly expe(51ed -, in confequence of his not having come, the reporter had no information from France to give at this meeting ; he faid the Executive Committee of Dublin was changed three times in ten days, in order to get warm patriots and men of abilities who would lay a plan for the the people to adl upon. They had now laid a plan to take Dublin, Chapelizod, and the Camp, and to feize on the Execu- tive Government : he would not however fay that it would be put into execution, but he was fure that nothing but the cowar- dice of the people would flop it at the moment of adlion, which he doubted would be the cafe. The Executive requeft that the refpedive county members would make a return of the military, diftinguilhing the number of friends and of enemies in the re- fpedive counties. He was defired to take the names and direc- tions of the feveral members, in order to be able to call an extra meeting as foon as the meffenger arrived from France, or in cafe the faid planfhould be put into execution ; it was the wifhofthe Executive that the members fhould not abfent themfelves from their places of abode, but be in the way to receive a fummons of an extra meeting ; he faid that the Executive requeued that the names ihould be returned of the men chofcn out of the refpe(5live counties that fhould be added to the Executive to compofe the National Affembly or Parliament. There were feven chofen, [their names] to wit : a filverfmith for Armagh, a prefbyterian clergyman for Tyrone, a probationer prefbyterian clergyman for Donegal, a farmer for Louth, an adjutant general for Derry, a cloth merchant for Antrim, and a farmer for Monaghan; to meet the 29th May inflant at Armagh, Meeting i6o No. XIV. Meeting of Colonels. Upper half of the county of Down, help in Harrifon's of Dro- more May I2th j thirteen colonels prcfent. No particular bu- finefs tran faded. Provincial Meeting. May 29th Armagh. Nine members prefent. (their names) heard from the lafl pro- vincial reports that a plan of infurrecftion was in contemplation by the National Executive •, two members were deputed from tlie UJf^cr Executive to form faid plan, in conjunvftiun with certain deputies from the other Provincial Executive i the plan was for Dublin to rife and to feize on the Government, and mail-coaches were to be burned for a fignal for the whole kingdom to adl. Thefc Delegates returned and reported the fame to the Ulfter Executive i the reporter complained that the Ulfter Executive had taken no meafures to put the people in readinefs to act; every application had been made to the Executive to call the adjutant-generals to- gether, but without effcd ; they were required alfo to fummon the provincial Delegates together to put the refpedtive counties in a flate ready to aC^, and tbat they did not obey ; he thought they completely betrayed the people both of Leinfter and Ulfter, and he thought it the duty of the prefent committee to denounce and vote them out of office, and to take fome fpeedy and vigorous meafures to fecond the efforts of the people in the upper counties ; they were accordingly voted out of ofticc. The reporter then took a lift of all the military throught the province, and their places of quarters as nearly as he could afccrtain ; he then afked the ditferent Delegates if they thought they could difarm the military in their refpe(5live counties-, Derry, Donegal and Louth faid they could ; Down, Antrim, Armagh, and the upper half of the county Tyrone thought they could not; he then afked them individually if they thought the people they reprefented would a(ft, and they all faid they would, except Down. Its Delegates obfervcd that he could not cxad^ly anfwer whether it would or not, but he would try and afccr- tain it by taking the fenfe of the adjutant-generals and colonels; it was then refolved that the adjutant-generals of Down and Antrim fhould meet next day, and in cafe that the two counties would ad:, that they fhould form a general plan of infurredion, and that they fhould fend the faid plan by exprcfs to the different adjutant- generals throughout the province, that they fhould all ad at the fame moment; in cafe the infurredion was not agreed upon they were to meet at Belfafl on the 24th June, but it was generally the No. XIV. i6i the opinion that they were ail to return to their refpedive oc- cupations and induftry, and not meet again and deceive the people any longer. The new addition of one member from each county to the Executive are to meet in Banbridge on Monday the 4th June, and a printer in Belfail was to iurniAi them with a printing prefs for their ufe, to print and publi'h manifcftoes. Sec. when they fhould take the field. Meeting of Colonels. ?vlay 31 ft Saint field. Perfcns alTembled -, [their naiiiesj reprefented ten regi- ments ; they received the provincial reports, and generally determined to ac^; feveral mellages palled betn'een the dif- ferent colonels as to this refolution ; a few days after this an adjutant-general refigned, and at a meeting where 2^ co- lonels were alfenibled, only two refolvtd for action, and the other 21 declared they would not aci: on any plan but on the invafion of the French or fuccefs to the efforts of the . infurgents about Dublin. They are to meet again on.Tuefday next to elect a new adjutant general, and to hear the fituation of the other provinces. The adjutant-general for the county of Down propofed to take up his head-quarters at Ballyna- hinch, and to remain there and to make it the place of rendez- vous for the forces of the county of Down. On the 5th June meflages paft between the adjutant-general of Down and the colonels; they urged the adjutant-ger.eral to put the county of Down in motion, or that if he declined it they would find a man who could do fo. A mellage was received and delivered upon oath that the county of Antrim intended feizing on the magiflrates affembled in Antrim at the feffions as hoflages, at the beginning of their riling. It v/as ordered that an exprefs fhould be fent to all the colonels of the county of Down, commanding them to collecl: their regi- ments as nearly as polfible at the fame time; at this tim.e an account was brought that Doctor Dickfon was made a prifoner in Ballynahinch about nine o'clock yefierday evening by Lord Annefiey's yeomen. At firit it was refolved to wait the refult of the meeting of the new Execuii\e at Ballymena on the 8th Jime; they difperfed for the prefcnt, and concealed themfelves ; afterward attempts were made to prevail on per- fons to take the chief command. - The people of Ballynahinch were of opinion they -could refc;-'e Dickfon the moment the county meant to acf, and it wa-s th'.. ir intention fo to do. X i62 No. XV, ExiraFls from the Information of Jom Hughes of Belfaji^ Bookfellery given upon (Jalh before General Lucius Barber^ and Jince confirmed on Oath before the Committee of the Lords, and on his Examination before the Committee of the Commons. SAYS, that in the year 1793 ^^ '^^^^ admitted a member of the ift Society of United Iriflimcn in Belfoil — that about July 1796 he "became a member of a Society (which regenerated under the prefcnt fylfem) in Kelfaft — Robert Orr then a Chandler in Bclfaft adminif- tered the oath on his admifficn — the oath he took is exactly the "fame as that fet out in the printed Conftitutions — foon after he formed a Society of United Irifhmen himfeif at Belfaft. — In the Tnonth o'i November 1796, Bar. Teehng, then of Dundalk, Linen Merchant, met him in Belfail, and afktd him if he could fpare a fortnight or three weeks to go to Dublin for the purpofe of ex- tending the Societies there — he confented — he did not receive any letters of introdudion, but Teeling dire6led him verbally to call "upon Edward John Lewins of Berestord-llreet, and to communicate with him — It was part of the lydem to avoid writing as much as pofiible, and no perfon was employed in the confidential bufmefs or mifTions whole charadler was not a fufficient voucher for him. He ■went to Dublin and called upon Lewins, who upon confideration was of opinion tliat he could not be ufeful in Dublin as his acquaintance tvas very limited there — Whiltl he remained in Dublin he dined frequently with Lewins — the Company at his table were generally Clergymen and fome of them foreigners — he thinks it likely they were Priefts. He returned to Belfaft in December 1796 — he did not attend the Societies from motives of caution, but fpoke to the young men who were concerned in the day time, in the ftreet, or ■when they called at his hou'.e to afk his opinion — He continued fuch cautions till fhortly before the Lent Affizes 1797, when Mr. James M'Guchin, the Attorney, requefted him to go to Dublin in order to get a liccnfe for Counfellor Curran to be concerned for the Piifoncrs th.en in the feveral Gaols on the North Eaft Circuit charged -ts United Irilhmen — His directions from M'Guchin were to get Curian No. XV. 163 Curran down on as cheap terms as pomble but to get him down at all events Believes the iubfcriptions for County Antrim amounted to /7CO and upwards, and the Iubfcriptions tor County Down to rio and upwaMs-The trealurer for the County Down Alexander lowry, repaid him the money he had advanced -£50 which he had mid to Mr. Curran as a retaining fee, and abou £200 that he had paid for hcenles for Mr. Curran-He underftood then in every con- verfation that Down and Antrim were prepared to rife and prevent ly a ital conviftion being executed.- At the Lent Afl.zes of Antrim or Down, Lowry and Teeling requefted h.m to meet them in Dublin early in June following-he was not then ■"fo'-'Bed of the Bufmefs-a'few days after he received a note urging the neceffity o te cromg-the next'day he went to Balealy where the writer of °le not°e informed him that he muft go to Uublin for the purpofe of meeti^^^ Lowry, Teeling and other fri.nds, but that he muft fira ake ^n oath not to' mention'the names of any of the perfom with whom h2 mould communicate in Dublin-He took the oath, fet out for Dub- hn the fame day, and arrived there fome days before the 5th of June T.ly-Hc met Lowry and Teeling, who then informed him that he^4 was to be a national meeting in Dublin at that time of Dele- sates from the different provinces, in order to receive a return of fhe ft en^th of the United Irilhmen, and to determine whether aa nfur eaSn would then be prafticable, and Lowry and Teeling told him the reafon they defued him to meet them was to give hs opi- nfon of tLe ftength and readinefs of Down and Antrim- ;ie faid his op°nion was d.at as the People were in a great meafore oifarnied the Saiority of them would not rife-leeley faid his opinion was othe Xand that Louth was anxious to rife-Lowry laid I>,wn was alfo anxious to rife-Lowry and reeling afterwards told h.m that the natfona meeting had tal.en place at Jo/,,. Jack/on s m Church- ftreet, Tnd that the°Dclegates had agreed to proceed ^of^^ Teeling fhewed him at hi. ( feeling's) lodgings in Aungier-ftrcet a t^ap of'ireland, on which the plan of the '"i--*"" ^^^^ ^ 'o t and the Doints marked to which certain nun.bers of men weie to be broueht-The Delegates left Dublin in order to raife their leipeftive cZles and to take'the fteld. They collefted che Colonels in each Countv in order to mve them dircaions for bunging out their regi mel-Th Coonds of the County Antrim refuled » come for- ward-The Colonels of the County Down agreed to bmg their TeSienTs forward-The other counties m UUler were d.f.nclined i64 No. XV. and therefore the intended infurredlion did not take place — Lowry told him what had pafied at the meeting of die Down Colonels, and lie underftood the refult of the appiicarions to the Coloneb of the other Counties, from converfations with many people in Belfaft at that time. While he was in Dublin in June 1797, Teeling invited him to breakfaft ooe morning at his lodging in Aungier-ftreet, where he told him he niould fee more fiicnds — Me w^ent there accordingly, and at breakfaft there, and after breakfaft on fame day in other lodg- ings which 'reeling had in the Munfter Hotel in Capel-ftreet, the converfation turned upon the (late of the Country, and the prepara- tion and fimefs at that time to begin the infurredlion. In the courfe of it thf: opinions of thofe prefent differed. Some of them prefled for commencing the infarreftion immediately, particularly Lowry^ Teeling and M'Can. Some of the others were of opinion that however Ulfter might be ready to rife the other provinces v.'ere not in a fufficient degree of forwardnefs for rifing — He left Dublin and returned to Belfaft on or before the 14th of June. He attended a meeting at Randleftown, which was heki within about four days of that time. The m.eeting confifted of Teeling, Lowry, Robert Moore of Derry, Iron- monger, (as he believes his chrirtian name and trade to be) and fome other perfons — He attended faid meeting by the diretftions of Lowry and Teeling, to hear the report of the Colonels of the County Antrim — Ihe firft refolution of the report as he befts recollects was, that it was imprudent to aft at that time without foreign aid, but that if the County Down would aft, a part of the Antrim Colonels who could bring out 9 or 10, coo men would aft wich them. Ihe meeting broke up in confequence of the divi- fion amongft the Antrim Colonels — The Rev. Arthur M'Mahon told the meeting that he had been fent by the Colonels of the County of Down, to ftate to the Colonels of the County Antrim, that they (of Down) were willing to rile, and that he had delivered fuch meflage accordingly — A few days after there was to have been a nu'tting of the leaders of the County of Down and Antrim at Ballinahinch, but they did not come, and Teeling and Lowry left Ballinahinch detern;ined to go to France, as it would not be fafe for them to remain longer in die country. Did not attend any meeting from June 1797, till March 179S. He has known the Rev. of for two years nci.nately — He ( ) called on him on Friday the ift of June a: his houfe in Belfift, and told him that the Colonels of the United Irilh No. XV. 165 Lifli Regiments in the County of Down, had had a meeting in Saintfield on the day before as had ftated, that twenty three of them had agreed to fight and commence the rebellion, pro- vided die County of Antrim and the other counties of Ulfter, as he believes, would aft with them ; and as he knew there v/as to have . been a meeting of the Colonels of the County of Antrim that day (viz. ift June inft.) he ( ) wifhed to know whether he had heard any thing from it — ( ) laid he would go out to Mr. 's that evening, and requefted that intelligence fhould be fent of what was done in the Antrim meeting — He added, that he would go from Mr. 's to where he was to preach on Sunday, from thence he would go to Ballinahinch and remain there 'till Wednefday, at the lame time he told him that he ( ) was one of the Adjutant Generals of the United Irifhmens'^ forces in the County Down, and that he intended going to Ballinahinch as it was a central place, from which he could iffue his orders to his Officers — He faid farther, that the reafon of his ftaying till Wednefday was, that the Antrim Colonels had adjourned till the Tuefday, and than he could receive their determination in Ballinahinch the day follow- ing- In February laft when the Prifoners were trying at the commiifTion, Pried Quigley introduced him to the younger Binns from England, thinks his name is Benjamin — Binns told he had diftribured molt of the printed addrelfes " United Britons to the United JriHimen," and gave him a copy of it, and direfted him to print an edition of them — He printed a thoufand of them — Mr. of Belfaft, to whom they were fent when printed off, paid him three Guineas for them. The fame Mr. of Belfaft, told him that he ( ) was appointed Treafurer of a Lottery which was to confift of 2000 tickets at one Guinea each, the higheft prize ;^'300, the profits to be applied to the general fyftem of United Iriflimen — The firrt imme- diate want of money was to be made up and fupport witneffes on the trials in Dublin. i66 No. XVI. T/ie following Information was given upon Oath by Thomas Reynolds of Kilkea Cajiie^ in the County of Kildare, who afterwards confirmed the fame upon Oath before the Committee of the Lords, and likewife before the Committee of the Commons. — Mr. Reynolds gave Evidence on the Trials of M'Cajm, Byrne and Bond, who were all found Guilty, and on thefe occafions he likeivife confirmed the principal matters contained in the follozving : THE voluntary information of Thomas Reynolds of Kilkea Caf- tle in the county of Kildare, Efq. who being duly fvvorn on the Holy Evangelifts, Saith that he was fworn an United Irilhman by Oliver Bond at his houfe in Bridge-Street, Dublin, about two months after that Chriftmas on which tiie French were in Bantry Bay, which was about February 1797, and that Richard Dillon, Linen Draper of Bridge-Street, 13ublin, was prelent at his being fworn in as fuch United Iriihman by the faid Oliver Bond — And this Deponent turther faith that he has been at three or four meetings of United Iriflimen in company with the faid Oliver Bond at the Brazen -head in Bridge-Street, Dublin. — I'hat the tJrft of thole meetings was about ten days or a fortnight after Deponent was firft fworn in, and that the others were held at the diftance of about eight days from each other. — And this Deponent further faith that the objects of the conlpiracy of United Iriflimen are moll decidedly thole of overturn- ing the prefent government, of eftabhihing a republican form of government in its flead, of dethroning the King, and of affifting the French in any invafion they may make upon this kingdom to forward thefe views ; that the intention of affifting the French is not a nocellary part of the Conlpiracy, as many of the United Jrilhmen wilhcd to accomplilh a revolution in this Country without l:,e inters-ention of the French, but not being able to effedt that puqy^jfe, thev would join the French in cafe of an invafion ; that the above objects were thofc that the faid Oliver Bend, and all thole who attended at any meeting of United Irilhmen at which Deponeat was prefent, had in view. — And this Deponent further faith No. XVI. 167 faith that the above-mentioned Richard Dillon, John Cormick of Thomas-Street, Feather-Merchant, Andoe, of High-Street, and Hugh Wilfon, formerly clerk in Finlay's Bank, and who afterwards went to Cork, were prcfent at thofe meetings of United Irifhmen, which Deponent attended at the Brazen Head in Bridge-flreet. — And this Deponent further faith, that at one of thofe meetings Ohver Bond related to the fociety in the prefence of the above- nam.ed men and many others, a plan by which the United Iriflimen could poffefs themfclves of the city of Dublin, and the (Irong places therein, and particularly fpoke of the feizure of the Parliament-houfe while the members were there. — And this Deponent further faith, that at the iaft meeting that he attended at the place abovementioned, the mcmberJ. of it feperated into different fpht^, that of the fplit to which deponent belonged, he himfelf became Treafurer, John Cormick, Secretary, and Hugh Wilfon, Delegate, to go forward to the Baronial. — And this deponent further faith, that the obje6t of the fplit to which he belong- ed was to hold communications with the people, in order to forv/ard the principles of the United Iriflimen among them, to effecl a Revo- lution, and to prepare them to arm for that purpofe — 1 hat each indi- vidual mentioned the number of arms and ammunition he pofKif^d, from which the returns to the higher Societies were made. — And this deponent further faith, the Secretary to the meeting at the Br.izen- Head keeps a hardware Ihop, next door to Wogan the bookfeller In Bridge-ftreet, his name is M'Bride, and thatCrofs the bookfeller v/as ballotted into that meeting. — And this Deponent further faith, that he is certain, that the faid Oliver Bond is privy to the extent of the confpiracy, becaufe on Lord Edward Fitzgerald's offering this depo- nent to become a Colonel in the corps of the United Irifhmen, in the county of Kildare, faid Oliver Bond advifed Deponent very flrongly to accept of that Commiflion. — And this Deponent further faith, that about the third or fourth time of his attending the meeting at the Brazen Head, about a month after his firft admifTion, he was delegated forward into the Baronial, that the Baronial was held at the Struggler's in Cook-ftreet, that on going with John Cormick and Hugh Wilfon to the houfe, M'Cann as Secretary came out of the room, in which the Committee was held, to meet them, introduced the three Delegates to die meedng, having firft fworn them as being duly delegated i that there were about thirty perfons prefent, that deponent knew of them only George 'Feeling and another, and that the reft were low perfons— that at one of the Baronial meedngs, one Burgefs, 1 68 No. XVI. Burj^efs, Ton to Mrs. Burgefs, linen-draper on the quay, brought up as Delegate from the prels-gang on the river very large returns from them of arms, of cannon, &e. — that the Baronial colleded money from the inferior Societies — that he has paid in money himfelf, as Treafurcr to his fplit; that deponent attended the Baronial two or three times afterwards, that none but low perfons were prefent — De- ]:)onent at this time was refident in Park-ltreet, Liberties, his father a fiik manufa(5turer. — And this Deponent further fiith, that at this period he quitted the confpiracy for fome time. — This Deponent further faith, that in November 1797, Lord Edward Fitzgerald, accompanied by Hugh Wilfon, met deponent upon the fteps of the Four Courts, and told him that he wilhed to fpeak to him upon very particular bufinefs -, tiiat Deponent informed Lord Edward Fitzgerald he would be found in Park-ilreet, if he called on him there — that Deponent and Lord Edward knew each other only perfonally, and that only from a pur- chafe Deponent had been about in the county of Kildare from the Duke of Leiniler; that Lord Edward was walking with Flugh Wil- Um, from whom he muft have known of Deponent's connexion with the United? Irifhmen. — And this Deponent further faith, that on the next day Lord Edward Fitzgerald did call on Deponent at his houfe, and told him that he came to requeft Deponent to become a Colonel for the Barony of Kilkea and Moon, in the County of Kildire — that l.")cponent had then purchafed his place at Kilkea — that Deponent had JbiTie general converfation with Lord Edward, endeavouring to put him off* — but that Lord Edward faid he would fhare every danger with him, that he would (land or fall with him, and Deponent on this confented to become fuch Colonel — That Deponent faid to Lord Edward, he did not think the United Men could Hand in battle before the King's troops, Lord Edward replied, Thai would not be altogether n-eceirary, as aififtance from France was expeded, that then fome of the United Men would certainly join in the French linesj and of courfe v.'ould foon become difciplined ; but as to the I"! altitude, all they would have to do, would be to harrafs the efcorts of amniunition, cut off detachments and foraging parties, and in fine, make the King's troops feel themfelves in every refpedl in an enemy's >. )Lintry, while the ai^iual battles would be left to the foreign troops j • iUt Deponent fays this took place in the month of Nove^iiber laft — i.'iit LokI Edward then faid, that there was an honeft man in the County of Kildare, Mathew Kennaa, who would call on and fpeak to Deponent about eleding Deponent Colonel — That foon after Lord Edward No. XVL 169 Edward had fpoken to Deponent, Deponent met Oliver Bond in Bridge-ftrcet, and told him of Lord Edward's application, repeating to Bond his relu6lance to become Colonel; Bond ufed many argu- ments to induce Deponent to accept of the appointment, and at length Deponent agreed, faying to Bond^ " wellj fince you advife me ^' fo ftrongly, I will comply with Lord Edward's defire and accept " of the employment." — That Deponent went down to Kilkea, and remained fome time there without hearing any thing, when in the latter end of January 1798, Mathew Kennaa came to Deponent and aflced him if he would ftand his eledion for Colonel,, that Deponent anfwered, he would, for Lord Edward had been fpeaking to him about it ; Kennaa faid, " he knew Lord Edward had fpoke to Depo- " nent," and he then told Deponent he fliould hold a civil, as well as a military employment, and afked him which he would chufe to be a Freafurer or a Secretary ; Deponent faid he would be a Trea- furer, as that poll was much lefs refponfible, and iefs troublefome than the poft of Secretary ; Kennaa faid he was glad of the choice, and that he himfelf would go forward with Deponent as Secretary — ■ That on or about the 15th day of February, Kennaa came again to Deponent and told him he had been unanimoufly elefted Colonel and Treafurer, and that he (Kennaa) was chofen Secretary to the Baronial, and that the County Meeting was to be held the following Sunday 1 8th February 1798, at the Nineteen Mile-houle near Kil- cuUen, and told Deponent he (Kennaa) would meet Deponent on the road at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning; that accordingly Deponent did meet Kennaa, and they rode to the Nineteen Mile-houfe together, and there they met the Couniy of Kildare Committee — -rhnt an elefbion for the officers of the Society was held — that thofe eleftions came on every three months, that is, the beginning of February, the beginning of May, and fo on, were the times — that there were prefent at the County Meeting Mathew Kennaa, Mic. Reynolds of Naas, Mr. Flood, Mr. Daly of Kilcullen, Cummings the Apothccaiy of Kildare, two perfons from Athy, one perfon from Narraghmore^ another perfon belonging to Mr. La Touche's Yeomanry. — That Deponent expeded to meet Lord Edward Fitzgerald there, as Kennaa told Deponent he had regularly attended the County Meetings, chat Cummings came forward at the meeting and ftat.J, that although Lord Edward had done fo, yet being a marked man he declined attending for a time, and tlierefore refigned his office of Treafurer^ and propofed that a new one fliould be elected-^tiut on the ele^lion Y taking 1^0 No. XVI. taking place, CumnVings was elefted to go forward ro the Provincial, as Secretary, in the room of Mic. Reynolds; Deponent was elefted to go forward as Treafurer, inltead of Lord Edward, and Daly was elected Delco-ate ; — that about two gninc as w-re paid into Deponent's hands as TreTifurer, made up of what was called three-penny money, from its being college 1 by three-pences from tiic inferior Societies — That the returns of arms, &c. were given in; that there was no report in Dublin; that there was little faid, the eleftion having taken up moft of the time, and that the meeting v/as over about three or four o'clock — that Mic. Reynolds faid, that at lo o'clock next day. Provincial was to meet at Bond's in Bridge-fbreet, Dublin. — And this Deponent further faith, that as it would have been very inconvenient for him after four o'clock, to have gone from Nineteen Mile-houfe hom.e to Kilkea, 15 miles, and then to Dublin, 35 miles, to be at Bond's by 10 o'clock the next morning, and to have gone on to Dublin without returning home, would have alarmed Mrs. Reynolds, he wro*e a letter to Oliver Bond by poll, excufing himfelf from at- tendincy that meeting, promifing to be in Dublin in the courfe of the week whicli letter Bond afterwards toU Deponent he did receive and did accordingly lay before the mccdng— That Cummings did not go, and Daly went alone; that this meeting at Bond's was on the Monday three weeks before the arreft of the perfons at his houfe, that is on Monday the 19th of February 1798. — And this Deponent further faith, that on the Tuefday following, he arrived in Dublin with Mrs. Reynolds, and rem^ained there for fome time — that Depo- nent had never vet met any of his Captains, that he did not then know any of them except Kennaa rnd Malone, a fmith, whom he faw once with Kennaa — that Daly told Deponent he underfrood the Monday tliree weeks from the meeting at Bond's, was to be the next meeting day of the Provincial, and at Bond's houfe likewife — At this dmc about the 25th February 1798, Deponent travelled with Mr. Cope to Caflle-Jordan in order to obtain pollefrion of fome lands to which they werj joindy enntled, and during the journey De- ponent at the perfuafion d"Mr. Cope, on whofe friendlhip and honour he had the moll impli' 11 reliance, did difclofe to Mr. Cope in part, the extent of the corifpiracy, and told him that in order to enable governmenc to counterad it entirely, he would procure a m.an who could get to the bottom of it, and detedt rhe leaders; that in confc- quence^Deponent did, in the name of a third perfon, communicate to Mr. Cope for government all he knew of the plans and views of the United No, XVI. 171 United Irifrinen, and particularly the proceedings of the meeting at Bond's of the 1 9th of February 1798, which Deponent got from Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and the intended meeting of the 12th of March, alio at'Bond's, which meeting was in confequence appre- hended. — That in order to procure more certnin knowledge of the intended meeting of the 12th of March, Deponent :ipp!itd to Bond, at whofe houfe Daly had faid it was to be held, that Bond referred De- ponent to John M*Cann as the man who v/as to regulate that part of the bufinefs, and to give any information that might be necclTary about it J that Deponent did apply accordingly to M'Cann, that M'Cann faid to Deponent, that unlefs he brought up the returns from the County Committee of Klldare, he could not be admitted to the Provincial, neither could he give him any inf rmation thereof, till he fhewed to him faid returns — that on communication with Mr. Cope, he advifed Deponent to go down to his County, vvhich he ac- cordingly did — That Deponent went down on rhe Saturday week before the arreft of the meeting at Bond's, to Kiikea— that on the Sund.iy he went to Caftledcrmott, where for the firft time he m.et his Officers, fettled returns of men and arms, &c. that Kennaa a61:ed as Secretary. — That the Officers prefent, whom Deponent knew, were Brannicks, two Germans, Malone, tlie fmith, Cornelius M'Daniel, firmer, near Caftledermott — That Deponent went to this meeting merely to authorize him to get the returns to bring to M'^Cann, that he called on Daly at Kilcullen whom he knew had the returns, and who wrote a copy of thehl and gave it to Deponent ; that Deponent brought the returns up to Dublin, that he ffiewed them to M^Cann, and alked him the time of the meeting of the Provin- cial, who faid it was very odd there v/as not any increafe in the returns fince the lad meeting, and that the Delegates muft be in town on the Sunday evenings that M'Cann promifcd to breakfift wich Deponent on Sunday [ I th March 1798, at his houfe, No. 4, Cuml^erland-ftrcet, and tell him all particulars as to the time and place of the Provinv iai Meeting. — And this Deponent further faith, that he called at Oliver Bond's houfe on Saturday, that while he was there M'Cann came in and faid to Bond, that he muft have a room frorn him for Monday, to which Bond anfwered, that M'Cann fhould have the room he had lafr, or he fliould have the litde room — that another perfon was prefent v/hcn Bond faid this j that Deponent thinks the perfon like one Gallagher, a clerk to Moor, the iron-monger of 1 homas-ftreet; that Deponent fuppoicd decidedly that Bond knew the purpofc for whic]"). 172 No. XVI. which M'Cann afked the ufe of the room. — And this Deponenf further faith, that M'Cann came on the next morning, Sunday, to breakfaft with Deponent, that no particular converfation took place, as Mrs. Reynold was prelent, that Deponent after breakfalt walked with M'Cann to the bottom of Church-Street, who told him that at lo o'clock on Monday morning he muft be at Oli- ver Bond's, and delircd Deponent to be pundual, as particular bufmefs would be done, — That Deponent not wiihing to be at the meeting, as he knev/ it was to be arrefted, wrote a note to Bond, which he lent to Bond's on Monday moining, ftating that Mrs. Reynolds was taken very ill, that he could not conlequently bring his money at the hour appointed, and begged him to make an apology for him to M'Cann on that account. — And this Depo- nent further iaith, that on the day of the arreft of the perfons at Oliver Bond's, he underlliood that Lord Edward Fitzgerald went from Dr. MS\'evins's lodgings to the hoiife of a Swadler in Aungier-, Street named Kennedy, at No. 13 or 23 as Deponent thinks — Depontrnt met Lord Edward Fitzgerald at Leinfter-houie fome days before, believes on Sunday the iith of March 1798, with a printed order for the Lawyers Corps to get Ball Cartridges and keep their orders fccrer, in his hand, which Deponent was carrying to Mr, Cope to point out the impropriety of, and which on Lord Edward's feeing, he faid " he was a marked man, that Government " wilhcd to fcize him, and thib order was meant againft him, that he " wiihed he could get to France, the communication from thence " having been lately interrupted ; that he was very intimate with " Talleyrand Perigord, and if he was there he could influence him '^ to halten the invafion, for which the port of ^A exford would be " the beft fitted — ihat the French had a few remarkable fall failing " Frigates, and that he thought the beft plan would be to fill two ** or diitc of them with OHicers and Irifli-mcn, and perfons capable *' of driUing men, and arms and ammunition, and run them into ** Wexford j that he did not approve of a general invafion, for if the " Grand French Fleet fliould be beaten by the Englilh it would *' ruin the caufe j and if a partial landing could be made, the Coun- " try would rife and hold out, till fupplies could be thrown in from " France.'' — That on the VVednefday after the arred at Bond's, M'Cann of Grafton -ftreet told Dej.onent that Lord Edward wifhed io fee him at 8 o'Clock fame night, he brought Deponent to the houfe of [a perfon named in the original,] where Deponent fiiw Lord Ed v.- aid No. XVI. J73 Edward, who faid he would write fomething for the County pf Kildare, and defired Deponent to call on him the following evening a| the fame hour in the fame place ; Deponent did call and Lord Edward gave him a letter to the County of Kildare in his own writing, defiring them not to mind what had pafTed, it fignlfifd no^ thing but to fill up their vacancies occafioned by the arreft at Bond's as foon as pofnble, as the day was at hand when they fhould be called into aflion, and they might rely on his being in his place on the day of need; he alfo told Deponent that he had in his hands £\2 as Treafurer to the Barony of Ophaly, and f^^z as Treafurer to thf County of Kildare, which two fums he would take care to have handed over to Deponent i and then Lord Fdward went away frorrj the houfe in difguife, under care of a gendeman who Deponent be=r lieves to be a Mr. Lavv^lefs a Surgeon, but Deponent is not certain as to his name, not being very well acquainted with Mr. Lawlefs's perfon — And this Deponent further faith that the report of the Com* mittee, a copy of which he gave Mr. Cope to forward to Govern^ ment, was given him by Lord Edward Fitzgerald — that Deponent went down one dav about 24th February 1798, to the Black Rock with CuT-mings and M'Cann of Grafton-ftreet, Lady Edward^ Apothecary, to dine with Lord Edward, where he found Hu^h Wilfon, and that after dinner Lord Edward gave Deponent tho.% papers to copy, and to report to his County committee^ — And this Deponent further faith, that two or three days after the arreft of the perfons at Oliver Bond's, he was with Mrs. Bond, and that Neilfon, who was there, faid that the people of Dubhn were not like thof^ of the North, who inftead of flying about the ftreets v/ould havf quietly proceeded to fill up the places of the arrefted Delegates — Ai.',^ this Deponent further faith, that he afterwards returned to the County of Kildare, that he was informed by Daly that the County meeting would be held at Bell's, on the Curragh, on the next Sunday, that Deponent attended, and that at the faid County meeting a refolution wa§ read as if it came from Dublin, defiring them to fill up the vacancies inftantly, which were made by the arreft of the Delegates at Bond's in Dublin, and that the aforefaid letter from Lord Edward Fitzge raid was alfo read— that Deponent gave in this letter at the meeting, that the letter was in the hand writing of Lord Edward, and was be- lieved at the County committee to come from Lord Edward, anci the fubftance of faid letter was handed all about the county as fiich jhat t\\t faid letter v/as unfealed whcii Deponent received it from Lon^; EdwaPs* 174 No. XVI. Edward Fitzcsrald; that Deponent received alfo from Lady Edward ^'-33 for tiK^ Barony of Ophaly, which flie direftedhim to give to Daly, and alfo £^1 as fucceflfor to Lord Edward as Vreafurcr to the County Committee, which Lady Edward gave from an account on paper >Ahich (lie lead, that Deponent gave the j^ij to Daly, through one Murphy, who called on Deponent at Kiikea for it, and of thej^3a Deponent has ;/^ 1 3 at prefent in his polfelTion, and the reft he gave to Michael Keynolds, Mrs. Luby and another perfon, who formed a committee on beh.ilf of the prifoners to be tried at the AfTizes at Naas ; that Deponent was ordered to give Cummings, who is a prifoner in Dublin, any money he might want — that the County committee knew fo exadlly the fum Deponent had received from Lady Ed vard before his arrival, that they mentioned his having fix bad Bank Notes, which he was not aware of himfelf And Depo- nent further faith, that after this laft mentioned County meeting, he had never been in Dublin, till brought there a prifoner — on Tuefday fen'nighc after the arpcft at Bond's Deponent met his Officers, at which meeting Brannicks faid that Germane had fome- thing of importance to communicate, who being called in, ftated that Mv. Caulfield of Levetftown direded him to fay, that if he was appointed to the joint command as Colonel with Deponent, he v/ould join the United Irifhmen — that on debating upon the pro- pofal, Germane was cntrufted to inform Mr. Caulfield, that he iliould have the joint command. — That at the faid m.eeting it was propofed that the fevcral Officers fliould take their refpe6live Oaths, and that Deponent fliould take his as Colonel, which he did, and the reft took theirs ; that from the breaking up of this meeting, Deponent has never met any committee. — And this Deponent further faith, that fame fufpicions has attached upon him as being the caufe of ih.e Provincial Comm.ittee having been fcized, that he had heard fo from Kennaa and that it was in confcquence of Deponent's communications with Mr. Cope, which De;>onent endeavoured to explain away to Ken- nai to arife from his having had money tranfaclions with Mr. Cope — that Deponent was coming to town with the above-mentioned par- ticulars to Mr. Cope on Thurfday laft; when at Naas he met with J'lood, v/ho faid that the laft county meeting was at the Ninetee-n Mile Houfe, and a very full one, and faid he fuppofed Deponent would be at the meeting on Sunday ; that on Deponent's ihewing an ignorance of the meeting Flood drew in, and would not fay t'ioy more ; that it was likely Flood might have lieard of the fuf- picions No. XVl. 175 picions of Deponent, and thought it imprudent to truft him.— And this Deponent further faith, that upon this he v/ent back to Kilcullen, that at the Nineteen Mile Houfe he wrote a riote to Mr. Cope teUing him that he could not be in Town for fome time, the reafon of which he could not commit to paper, but which when he knew it he would be fatisfied with—that Deponent carried this letter to Kilcullen and put it in the Poft-Office there, that he went home to Kilkea, and from thence to Caftledermott ; whence he was leized by the militar)'-, and carried to Colonel Camp- bell, who declined teeing him, and ordered him to gaol ; that De- ponent entreated to be permitted to fpeak with Colonel Cam[,bcil, or to be fent immediately to Dublin Caftle, but that the guard were ordered to do their duty, and he was taken to Athy gaol — that De- ponent wrote from thence to Colonel Campbell, requefting a few minutes converfation — his requeft was not attended to ; that about 10 o'clock: on Sunday Deponent again folicited an interview, oii which after fome delay he was brought up and fliated the meeting of the County Committee that was to take place on that day, which being mod likely over he advifed the feizure of the perfons returning to their houlcs, which was accordingly made in part.-— And this Deponent further faith, that being efcorted on his way to Dublin by a detachment of Mr. La Touche's yeomanry, he re- marked the countenance of one of the Yeomen who were guarding him as one familiar to him, that the man looked very earnedly at Deponent, and at lad vvhifpered him to be (teady — that Deponent recoUeded before he got to Johnftown that the yeoman was one of the County Committee with whom he had fat— that the yeoman took an opportunity of defiring the Deponent not to falter, as he had mod important news ; that upon this Deponent got leave to go into the necefTary- houfe, to which the faid yeoman was appoint- ed to guard him, and there found an opportunity to whilper to him that there was to be a rifmg in ten days, and tliat Mic. Reynolds came down from Dublin to inform them fo. No. XVII. ^77 Paper copied by Air. 7*. Reynolds from one in the Hand 'writing of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and given by Lord Edward Fitzgerald to Mr, Reynolds. The following Returns and Refolutions, together with the Duty of Adjutant-General, were copied from a paper in the hand- writing of Lord Edward Fitzgerald by him, and tranfmitted to Government previous to the arrell of the meeting at Bond's. They are alluded to in Mr. Reynolds's information. National Committee, 26th Feb, 1798. Ulfter and Munikr made no new returns this time, but ftate th&ir former returns again of lail Monday. Armed Men. Ulfter 110,990 Munder 100,634 Kildare 10,863 Wicklow 12,895 Dublin 3010 Dublin City 2177 Queen's County 11,689 King's County 3,600 Carlow 9'4H Kilkenny 624 Meath 1400 Finances in hand. ^•436 2 4 147 17 2 no 17 7 93 6 4 37 2 6 32i 17 11 91 2 I 21 it 3 49 2 10 10 2 3 171 2 I 279,896 - £. 1485 4 9 Refolved, that our thanks be returned to the feveral colonels for their effe(ftual exertions in embodying and arming their feverul regiments. Refolved, that two delegates be fent into Connaught by the Ulfter provincial, to organize that province. Refolved, that the Executive Committee be reqaefted to account for the expenditure of 60 guineas voted to them. Refolved, that we will pay no attention whatever to any attempts that may be made by either Houfes of Parliament, to divert the public mind from the grand objed which we have in view, as nothing tliort of the complete Emancipation of our Country will farisfy us. Z Refolved, 1^8 No. xvir. Refolved, tliat each county who have not yet paid up their finances, fliall be requelied to pay 70/. except the county of Carlovv, which fliall only pay 40/. Refolved, that the Executive do take fuch ileps immediately as will tend mofl expeditioufl) to bring about a union of the four pro- vinces — three only having as yet come forward. Refolved, that \ht colonels in each county fhall make lihs of three perfons, to be tranlmittcd, fealed up, either through the provuice or any other authentic channel, one of which three will be nominated to the employment. Refolved, that the counties of Cai-low, N'?eath, Wicklow, Derry, Down and Antrim, deferve well of their country, for their manly offer of emancipating her diredtly ; but that they be requ'^-lied to bear the fhackles of tyranny a little longer, uniil the whole kingdom (hall be in fuch a ilate of organization as nill, by their joint co (ope- ration, effed without lofs their dcfnable point, which is liourly drawing to a crifi3. 'tD Duty of Adjutant -Generals. They muft make at Icaft every fecond week reports to the Executive, thro\igh the mirdium of the peribn named to them for that purpofe, on inch or all of the following fubjsds, as thev fhall obtain any intellig^'nce of, and be unremitting in dilcreet exertions to dilcover every thing within their county. ift. The number, Arengih, and arms of the regiments under their command, qualifications of their officers, which of them have feen adual fervice,-and have been in the army. 2d. What number of mills in their counties, and what average quar.tily of flour and corn tliey contain fummer and winter. 3d. The bieadth and condition of the roa I.';, depth of the rivers, heighth of their banks, where they have bridges and fords, form imp;iflable marflies in fummer and winter, run through bogs, &c. 4th. The belt pofi'ion to interrupt the convoys going to the enem) from the capital, leading to their camps or depots, or from one town to anodv r ; alio, the littelt lor the patriots to allemble or rally in, with a reaioned detail of the aliedgcd advantages or dlfad- vanlages. 5ih. What numb r of towris and \illng'?s ; hov/ m.^.ny horfe and fout could be q".c;ittred in tivjm , where the country has plantat!(Mis fuflkieiit No. xvir. 179 fufficient to afford fhelter to troops without tents, or where they could conveniently find fuel, draw and forage. 6th. Who the belt patriots, and beft fitted by intelligence and honefiy to be employed as commiffaries. 7th. To communicate to the Executive every movement of the enemy, every change of quarters, number of horfe and foot, fpe- cifying whether native or foreign, fituation, nature and quantity of depots, and nature of their pofition. 8th. Thofe in the maritime counties are charged on the firfl appearance of a friendly force on the coaft, but efpecially on certain intelligence being had of the debarkation of our allies, to commu- nicate the iame in the mo!l fpeedy and trufty manner to the Execu- tive. — They muft then immediately colle6t their force, and march forward with as many of the Yeomanry and Militia as pofTible ; each man to be provided with at leaft three days fubfiftence, and to bring on all they can of cars, draft horfes, horfes harneffed, and horfes to mount cavalry, with three or four days forage ; taking care to feize no where the property of a patriot where an enemy can be found to raife contributions on. Papers i8o No. XVIII. No. I. Papers found in the pocket- hook of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, and in his pojjeffion, at the time of his arrefl. T. Keathy, Envernefs Fencibles 50 witli I Ban" of Salt, Londonderry 47 I Nafs, Armi_ jgh 250? 22S Green- Horfe ' Conn el I . I Clane, Armagh 5^ I Narragh Rab"^K' County M. ^ r Longford C ^6th Draoroons/^ 500 2 C Louth M. J Kilkea, Do. Do. Do. 500 I Killcullen, r 9th Dragoons^ Sop ^Tyrone M. Q 30C ") Suffolk > 5^Q (^Orange Yeo" j 90^ Carbery, Ir ivernefs Fenciblcb 50 Ophilia, Si mdr' 600 2 County fundry Returns 2319 with lO Batl* of 1500 S^^9 No. II. 50 Chains of 6 foot long, with 50 padlocks. IQOO Spike nails, 4, 6, 8 inches. 200 Round (taples. 20 Cramp Irons, i j in this form. 50 Large fledges. 50 Small ones. 50 Hammers. 50 Groove irons. 100 Hatchets 300 Shovels and fpades, or as many as can be procured. 150 Hooks for Icaling ladd^^rs, the catching point to have a liackle face. No. No. XVIII. i8i No. III. [In the hand-writing of Lord Ed-ward Fitzgerald^ Suppofe R. force divided into 3 columns. The left of the Klldare line * to [column] to [aflemble at] Cloncurry, or between it Clonard bridge ; a detachment to be fent to Clonard-bridge, as foon as pofTible -, that body [column] to advance by Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Chapelizod, towards Dublin. * The words In Italics had a line drawn through them in the original. No. XIX. iSi No. XIX. PapcrsfoundattheMeetingat Bond's, on the 12th of March. Found on 'John Lynch at the Meeting at Bond's ; Hand-writing of IFilliam Michael Byrne. The County W '^. C— ■ inform their Conftituents— that by the advice they have received from the Provincial, it appears ihat very flattering accounts have been received from abroad, which will, in a very few days, be officially handed down. — The Provin- cial returns of men have only encr^aftd a few thoiifnnds fmce the lat^ repoits — as the new County Members have not yet come in — in confequence of the new Elecftions, whicli, each Barony will take notice, muft be on or before the 15th February next. The County Comm^ again eartieflly recommend it to their Con- ftituenls — to pay no attention to any flying reports, as they know to a certainty, falie emiflaries are encouraged to dilleminate fuch news as may tend todifunite or lead them allray. The C. C. hear with regret the diffatisfa^lion of the Baronial Com- mittee of Newcallle, with refpcvlt to their not being as yet fully fupplied with Arm:;, &c. — They alUMe them that every exertion has been ufed to that purpuie, and that quantities of P ks are now ready manufadurcd for delivery •, but would at the fame time recommend to have as many made as polFible in each Barony, as they will thereby come infinitely cheaper. The County Committee cannot be accountable for any money in the hands of a Baronial Trealurcr, — and of courfe cannot account for any, but fuch as has been paid in to them, of which there ap- pears a coned Itatement in the returns. They feel with concern the apathy of tlieir fellow-citizens of the Co. VV. who rcfufe fo fmall a pittance as one penny per man — to alle- viate, in fome degree, tb.e dliheires of their fuffering brethren now in W. Jail — where there are many innocent Cit. in want of the common necelfaiies of life;— but who, though famifhlng, Icorn to betray the tnijl repofcd in them. The County Com' inform their Confiituents, tint, fo far from hav- ing a fund in hands, they aie now indebted to one of their members (No. No. XIX. 183 (N»o. 2.) who has kindly advanced 18I. 4s. 2d. for the relief of pri- foners — The County Members arc therefore intreated to f-)rward to A/m, without delay, as much money as can be colleded in their refpec- tive Baronies ; as there appears to be now in goal — from Arklow Ba- rony four — from Sbiliela five — from Ballinacorr fourteen, and one from Talbot ftown^/t'^M — and from Newcaltle/wo — \n'A\ forty-two^ without the fmaJeit tund for the enfuing m°. Ref'lved, that a fublcription be inllantly commenced, for the putpofe of forming a fund, for the employing and retaining Council, which fhall be taken as a voluntary contribution, according to the circumftancts of individuals— to be lodged in the hands of a Treafurei chofen by the County C. Relolved that it is requeued that the next meeting may be fully aitend.'d, as there is bufmcfs of the utmoit impjrtance to be takea into confideratlon. C. C. Jan^. 22, 1798. Pd. prifoners. Tal. 2974 20 3 10 iig o o Low. D. 706 . id. 12 10 3 35 15 o A.. 2400 eg 8 3 . 2d. 22 15 o Rd. 1200 17 o o 500 3d. 57 19 3 83 5 o N.C. 1800 0^ 15 o N°2.i2 6 5 {6i 3 4 \V. B. 1800 13 15 o L. B. 840 820 85 10 II 245 i 4 Shil. 1080 7 ig 3 -^- 85 10 n , ^Q^ IQ Province ■ 12800 162 34 — — I eg ly ^ 73 4 o88i8iO 73 4 6 G. P. S. B. Ps B. C. B. Ib.P- Tal. 181 7:! 66 131 321 3331 8315 75 Ar. 2e'5 85 6B 87 200 400 8050 500 N.C. 158 41 20 52 ssg 5965 169 K. D. 185 94 62 75 380 980 500 17 1256 4; 1 1 22830 761 •99 3 3 27« • Papers S4 I, cledled. No. XIX. No. I. Papers found in the Room at Bond's. Hand-writing of John Macan, do folemnly declare, that 1 came duly No. II. Hand-writing of John Macan. iplh Kildare 10863 Wicklow 12095 Dublin 3010 Do. City 2000 Queen's Co. 11689 King's Co. 3600 Carlow 9414 Kilkenny 624 Meath 14000 February, 1798, In Treafurer's Hands 20 8 3 20 67295 40 18 3 Refolved, that the Colonels in each County fhall make out a lift of three perfons to be Adjutants-General for faid Counties. — The lifts to be tranfmitted, fealed, either through the Provincial, or any other authentic channel to the Executive, who will nominate one of the three to the employment. Refolved, that our Treafurer be allov/ed to pay 16 guineas to the Delegate for to buy a Horfe — which, when the entire County is or- ganized, is to be fold, and the money paid back into the hands of the Treafurer. Refolved, that the Ex. Comm' be requefted to account for the Expenditure of 60 guineas voted them. Refolved, that each Co. who huve not p:\id in any finance, (hall be requelied to pay in 70I. immediatfzly, except the Co. Carlow, which fhall only pay 40I. P,LIV AT ES No. XIX^' 185 Privates Test. Hand-writing not known. I, A. B. do folemnly declare, that I will perform my duty, and be obedient to all the lawful commands of my Officers, while they zCi in fubordination to the duly-eledted Committee. Hand writing of John Macan. Refolved, that we will pay no attention whatlbever to any attempt that may be made by eidier Houfes of Parliament, to divert the public mind from the grand objefl we have in view, as nothing ihort of the compleat Emancipation of our Country will fatisfy us. No. III. In Hands 20 18 2 K. 10863 W. 12095 D. 3010 CD. 2000 (^C. 11689 K.C. 3600 C" 9414 K^ 624 M. 14000 67295 40 18 3 Ten in the Morning this Day three Weeks. No. IV. Hand writing of John Macan. Refolved, that it is the opinion of this Committee, that if the other Ps. be in an equal liaie of preparation as Leinfter, as foon as we can procure the information of their ftate, and their determination to ad in concert with the Nation, we (hould immediately proceed to act •, — and that the Exe''* be requ?>fted to take fuch ite'ps imme- diately, as will tend moft cxpeditiov,fl y to bring about an Union of the diiferent prov'. Refolved, that the Seleft Com' of five be rcquefted to prepare a Military Teft to be laid before the Piov^ at thdr next Meeting for their approbation. A a Extra^s i86 No. XIX. Extra^sfrom the pocket-book of John Macan^ found at Bond's, P. C. [Provincial Committee.] 20th February, 1798. Klldare 10863 Wicklow »28f5 ^. 20 18 3 Dublin 3010 . 20 Do. City 2177 - ] 04 6 5 Queen's Co . 11689 — » King's Co. 3600 - Carlow 9414 - Kilkenny 624. - Mealh 14000 ' l^^ 68272 45 4 8 Subfcriptions : Febr^. oth, 1798. Feb^ 1 6th. Febr^. 2:^. No. 8 8 1 I I 6^ 6^ 2 1 I 6^ 64 3 2 8^ 6i 4 I I 6^ 6^ 5 ^T I I 6 6^ 7 I 1 64- 64- 8 64: 6^ 9 2 K 10 I I 2 84 2 2 II I I 6 6 12 64 & 2 84. 3 9'- iC.i 15 C. C. [County Committee.] February 19111, 1798. 812 28 8 III Us 19 15 500 913 6 46 9 '77 /. 104 6 [Four divifions of the City of Dublin.] D. C, No. XIX. 187 D . C. 2d March. In hands /. i 16 o\. No.r 118 4 II e>i 2 118 3 19 7^ 6^ S 84 12 4 72 64 5 120 2 4 4 6 99 1 15 3 3 7 50 8 6i 9 I 12 104. 10 80 I 6 9 64 II 70 I 4 4 12 115 I II 9 I I 13 I 74 14 2 84 C^ 16 4 D. C. 8th March, 98. B. C. [Baronial C ommittee 5th March, 1798. No. I 118 4 3 6^ 12 ;C.2 i 17 5 2 118 4 3 3 12 3 48 I 6 12 4 72 12 5 120 12 »3 6 105 I 15 2 10 7 107 14 12 8 89 12 9 86 3 8 3 10 118 2 4 9 8 15 II 102 I 13 12 115 2 II 6 13 86 I 7 8 H 84 3 7 8 Ei^tran i88 No. XIX. Extras of a letter found upon Oliver Bond^/t^ned H. IV . (Hugh Wilfon) and dated, Cork 6tk, 1798. I have been Co cooped up fince I came here, that had I known the fitua on of the place, my mind fhould never have been fo abomi- nab V clofeted, for any emolument that 1 may derive before a change of the prefent government takes place. You can but faintly imagine how things are going on here -, give the people but a little time, and reft affured the progrefs fcience is making will aftonifh the world. — The enemies of the human race are much alarmed, and the revolt of the Dublin County Militia has increafed their fears. Mr. Finlay fays, they arc all affaflins, and he is almoft afraid to truft himlelf with them, — I hear they are to be difperfed among the Highlanders through the country. Numbers of preachers of the true Gofpel are better than few, and thofe dif- perfed grains may not fall on rocky ground. When the news came this morning of the Spanifh fleet being out, the Arntocrats fecmcd happy, faying, their doom was at hand, Jervis being after them. With beft regards to Mrs. Bond and all friends, I am fincerely yours, H. W. Evidence No. XX. 189 EiVidejice of Captain Armjlrong, on the Trial of Henry and fobn Sheares. The Witncfs fworn and examined. Q. Pray, Sir, in what profefllon are you ? A. I am a Captain in the King's County Militia. Qi, Are you acquainted with Mr. Henry or Mr. John Sheares? A. I am ; with both of them. (i. Do you fee thefe gentlemen in Court ? A. I do. Q. Point them out. A. That is Mr. Henry Sheares, and that is John Sheares, I believCo Q^ You know thefe two perfons ? A. I do. Qi, Can you tell when you firft became acquainted with either of thena ? A. The firft time was Tuefday^ the loth of Aiay laft. (Here the TVitnefs produced fame papers.) CL What papers are thefe ? A. Some notes I took of the bufinels as it happened. Q^ In your own hand-writing i* A. Yes. Q. Then you have a right to look at them. Can you recolleft, how you happened to become acquainted with them ? A. I came to town from the camp about bufinefs, and went into Mr. Byrne's (hop — After fome converfation, he a(ked me. Did 1 knowMr. Sheares ? 1 afked him. Was it Sheares, the lawyer? Q^ What camp did you fpeak of? A. The camp of Lehaunftown. Q^ Was your regiment quartered there ? A. My company was quartered there. Q. Where was Byrne's fhop? A. In Grafton- ftrcet : I do not know the number. Q^ What did Byrne propofe ? A. He afked me. Had I any objection to meet Mr. Sheares ? I faid, I had not. Q^ How long had you been acquainted with Mr. Byrne the book- feller ? A. I believe, I have known him about two years. Q^ What was the nature of that acquaintance you had with Mr. Byrne? was it familiar, or otherwife ? • A. 1 knew icjo No. XX. A. I knew him as my bookfeller, whofe fliop I much frequented : I was there almoll every day. Q:, Do you recoiled any particular defcription of books which you w«ere in the habit of purchafing from him? A. 1 utcd to purchafe every pohtical pamphlet as it came out, and other books I fancied. Ci, Do you recollect what was the particular occafion of his aflcing to introduce you to Mr. Sheares? A. 1 did not know his purpofe. Q^ But you were fpeaking about fomcthing? A. I was not fpeaking at the tlmej he followed me out. Qj_ You had been fpeaking ? A. I had, but do not recolle£V. Q: There were other people there ? A. There were. Q^ He followed you out, when he made that propofal ? A. He did. Ci_ Did you take any particular meafure in confcquence of that propofal } A. I did: I went to look for Captain Clihborn, aman upon whom I had dependance, and who I knew was in town; He was my particular friend. Q. Was that before you met either of the Mr. Sheares's ? A. It was. Qi (By the Ceurt.) Was that immediately after you left Byrne's ? A. It was, my Lord. Qi, Did you fee Mr. Clibborn, whom you went in quefl of? A. I did. Q^ What did you do? A. I told him what had happened, and afked him for his advice. Q. I prefume you mean, what had happened- between you and Byrne ? A. I do, Sir. Q. Can you recollect what advice he gave you, or v\hat you determined to do? The Counfel for ihe Pi i brers objected to this quedion. Q. Did you come to any determin.itic n ? A. Capt. Clibborn advifed ire to gve them a meeting. Qi The relult of your converfation was to give the Mr. Sheares's a meeting ? A. It was. Q^ Mention, whether you were ever introd'iccd to the Mr. Slicares's, or either of them, in confequence of this propofal, or not ? A. Upon No. XX. 191 A. Upon my return to Mr. Byrne's late, I waited until the elder Shearcs arrived. CL (By the Court.) That is Henry ? A. I believe fo, my Lord. Q: What pafled upon the arrival of Mr. Henry Shearcs ? A. Mr. Byrne introduced me to him in the inner {hop. Q. Do you recolle6l in what manner or form he introduced you ? A. He only mentioned my name ; but faid, that if we had a mind to chat, we might go into the room inddc the inner (hop. Q^ Recoiled whether any thing elfe was faid by Byrne in the prefence of Mr. Henry Sheares ? A. He opened the door, fhewed me in and faid, ** All I can fay to you, '* Mr. Sheares, is, that Capt. Armftrong is a true brother, and you may '* depend on him." Q^ Be fo good as to call to your recolleftion any thing that may have pafled upon that interview between you and Mr. Henry Sheares; you have \ right to refrefh your memory by your notes. — At what time did you take :hem ? A. I took a fheet after every interview I had with the gentlemen. Q. Mention the import and fubflance of what pnflTed ? A. Henry Sheares told me, that what he wanted to fay to me, he wifhei to fay in the prefence of his brother. Q^ (By the Court.) Did he fay this in the prefence of Byrne ? A. No, my Lord, in the private room, when we were alone. Q^ Do you recollect any thing worthy obferving to have pafTed that day ? A. I told him, I had no objedlion to wait till his brother came. Q^ M-'hen did you again hold converfation with him? A. In a very (hort time after the other jVIr. Sheares came to the (hop. Q. After he came, where were you ? A, We were introduced pretty mueh in the fame manner as before, Qi, Do you mean by Byrne ? A. Yes. Q. He introduced you to John alfo? A^^ention then what pafled? A. He told me he knew my principles very well. (^ (By the Court.) Who told you that ? A. Mr. John Sheares. Q^ Were you at this time in the inner room again ^ A. Yes. Q. And the door fhut r A. 1 believe fo. Q..(^y 192 No. XX. Q^ (By the Court.) Did the brother Henry go in ? A. No, my Lord, I had feparate interviews with them. Q;, Did Mr. Henry Sheares go away ? A. He did, before John came, and did not return that day. — John faid, he knew my principles very well — that he was emboldened by that know- ledge, and the prefTure of events induced him, for the good of the caufe, to make himfelf known to me, and to fhew me how the caufe could be benefited by my joining the caufe in aSiioti, as he knew I had by inclination. — 1 told him, I was ready to do every thing in my power for it. Q: Meaning the caufe ? A. Yes. — And that if he (hould (hew me how I could do any thing, I would ferve him to the utmofl of my power. * Q:, Did he flate to you in what manner you could fcrve this caufe to which he thus alluded ? A. He faid, that as I was wiUinjr to ferve it, he would tell me at once ■what I could do. — He told me, that the rifing was very near — that they could not wait for the French, but had determined upon a home exertion ; and that the principal manner in which I could aiTift them, was by feducing the foldiers, and biinging about the King's County Militia, and confulting with him about taking the camp. Q;, (By the Court.) What camp ? A. The camp at Lehaunftown I underflood, where I was quartered. — And that for the purpofe of bringing about the foldiers, he would recom- mend me to endeavour to pra6liie upon the non-commillloned officers and privates, who were of the Roman Catholic religion, as they were the moll likely to think themfelves aggrieved. I do not recolle6l any thing more of the converfation that day, except our appointment to meet the Sunday following. Q. Did he mention an appointment for that day ? A. He did. Q^ Where? A. At his houfe. Q^ Where was that ? A. In Bageot-ilreet. CL l^id he tell you ? A. Yes ; fcr I did not know it till then. — On the Sunday following I went to his houfe, and the elder only was at home. CL That vas Henry? A. I believe fo; I only knew thtm at th^t time by the dilVwidicn of elder and youn?f.r CL Do No. XX. ^93 Q^ Do you recoiled the number of the houfe ? A. I do not. Qi^ Upon which fide of the way is it ? A. On the right hand going out of town, his name was upon the door. Q. What paOed ? A. I had a repetition of a good part of the converfation with Henry, that I had had upon the former day with John. Q^ Mention what you particularly recoiled ? A. He told me, that he underftood his brother and I had con- verfed together — he apologized to me for not returning to me to Byrne's, for that there was a committee fitting that day, which it v/as neceflary that one of them fhould attend. Q^ Did he mention what that committee was about .? A, He did not — He afked me as to the ftate of the regiment, and the fituation of the camp ; where it was moft vulnerable, and the number of troops ftationed there — he queUioned me as to the poffibiliiy of taking it by ftorm, or by treachery, or by ufing the counterfign, or fomething of that kind — I do not recolledt any thing further till the Prifoner came in. Q^ (By the Court.) This converfation was before John came in ? A. It was. Q^ Do you mean to fay, you do not recoiled any thing more faid by Henry .? A. Except a repetition of what John had faid. — John aiked me, whether I knew any United men in the regiment — I faid, not. Q^ Was that in the prefencc of Henry ? A. It was. He faid, he thought I could make gooA men of 4l^ foldiers. Q^ Which of them faid that ? A. John : — I faid, I fhould be afraid to commit myfclf with any of them ; but if 1 knew them, I ffjould then do what I could in concert with them. He faid, he believed he could inform me of lome I might depend upon — he told me, it was their intention to feize the camp, the artillery at Chapel'zod, and the City of Dublin in one night. B b Q^(By igi No. XX. Q^ (By the Court.) Whofe intention ? A. Ours was his expretlion : I under(\ood the United Iriflimen. — He faid, there was to be one hour and a half between the feizing of the camp and Dublin, and an hour between feizing Dublin and Chapelizod, fo that the news of both might arrive at the fame time. He told me, if I would ca'l at eleven at niglit, he would give me the names of fome men in the regiment. Q. What regiment ? A. My own regiment. Q^ f^v the Court.) That meeting was in the morning ? A. In the morning before dinner. — At the meeting in the evening, he told me, he had not been able to obtain the names for me ; but that a man would call upon me ia the camp to whom 1 was to give a pafs, and that I might converfe with him upon his return without referve. Q^ Recolle(5i:, if you can, whether any thing more particular pafled about the caufe in hand ? A. I do not recoiled any thing en that day. Q^ Who had the command of your regiment ? A. Col. L'Eftrange. Q^ Did you ever communicate to any perfons what pafled at thefe interviews? A. I returned to the camp immediately after each interview, and communicated the bufinefs that p>a{led to Col. L'Kikange and Capt. Clibborn — Sometimes I communicated it to Lord Caillereagh and Mr. Cooke. — On VV^ednefday the i6th, the Colonel was furprifed, that no man had called upon me — he requcfted 1 would go to town and find out the realign : 1 came to town, and as neither of the Mr. Sheares's was at home, 1 left word, that I would call between five and fix o'clock. I called between five and fix, and was fhewn into the library at Mr. Sheares's houfe. Q^ At the fame houfe ? A. Yes : the younger Sheares came in, told me he wiOied to in- troduce me to a gentleman with whom I might confult and advife in his abfence, as he muft go down and organize Cork i he faid, he had not been able to find out the names I v/anted in the regiment — He faid, the riiing in Cork was to be in fuch a manner, that the news might reach Dublin at the lame time -with the news of rifing in other places, and that he was only waiting for the Executive to fixlhoday. Q^{^^y No. XX. 195 Q. {By the Court.) Was the news of the rifing in Cork to reach Dublin at the time of the rifing there ? A. Yes. Qi, {By the Jury.) Where was the Executive ? Who were they ? A. I do not know ; he did not explain, and I afl^ed him no quefticn. Q^ What did you underftand ? A. The Executive DireAory, who were fitting in Dublin in the fame manner, as other committees were fitting. — Mr. John Sheares appointed me to meet him next day, and that he would introduce me to that gentleman. Q. Had you feen Henry at that meeting at all upon the i6th } A. Not at that time — I went there next day, Thurfday 1 7th, and met both the brothers. Q. At the fame houfe .? A. Yes, the fame houle. — I do not recolledl any converfation of moment, until the gentleman came. I was introduced to him as to a Mr. Lawlefs, a relation of Lord Cloncurry : That was the name he was introduced by. Q^ Was there any other prefent ? A. None but the two brothers. Q^ He was introduced as the perfon Mr. John Sheares had been fpeakingof the day before.? A. I underftood fo. Mr, Lawlefs told me, he had been prefent fome time before at a meeting of deputies from all, or compofed of almofl: all, the militia regiments in Ireland -, at which meeting, he faid, there were two of our men ; he did not know their names ; but that if I would call between five and fix upon Mr. Sheares, he would leave their names with him for me. Q^CBy the Court.) Were the Mr. Sheares's prefent at this conver- fation .? A. They were both prel'ent, my Lord. — He faid, he would obtain the names from a man, who had been very adive in making United Irillimen, and who had been very active in making fome in every regiment that had been in Dublin for two years paft. Q. The two prifoners were prefent at that meeting ? A. Both 196 No. XX. A. Both were prefent on that day. The elder Sheares told me, that the corps throughout Ireland were completely organized, and had all their Captains and Adjutants appointed. 1 called that even- ing lo get the names which Mr. Lawleis was to leave for me. I was IheA'n into the library, where Mr. John Sheares was in converfation with a man. — Upon the man's going away, Mr. John Sheares gave me this note, which was to be a note of introducftion to a Serjeant in our regiment, intimating to him, that I might be depended upon, and faid he got it from the man he had been fpeaking to. Q^ {By the Jury) Is it in Mr. Sheares's hand writing ? A. 1 do not know. Qj_ Is it diredted.? A. It is direded to Serjeant Connors. Q^ Is there any other Serjeant ef that name in your regiment ? A. I beheve not. Q^ Before you quit Mr. I.awlefs, do you recoiled any expreflion relating to the camp, or the neighbourhood of it ? A. 1 do i he remarked, that the trees to the right of the Camp would be very convenient for hanging people. Q^ {By the Court) Was that in the prefence of Mr. Sheares.? A. It vvas, my Lord. Q^ Have you in your recoUedlion any dire6\ion given by Mr. Lawlefs or the Mr, Sheares's, as to what fhould be done at the time of the attack, or the line of condu6t to be purfued .? A. Yes, my conduct was to be this : — I was to eredt a ftandard upon the night to be fixed upon for the attack upon the camp, which was to be joined by all whom 1 had previoully known to be United Irilhmen ; that no other perfon was to be fpared, and they v/ere not to be given the option of joining at the time of the attack- He gave me the name of a private, Pat. I^'ennan, at the time he gave me the note, and appointed me to meet him tiie Sunday following, when he would introduce me to more friends of the caufe. Q^ Did he lay any thing refpeding Fen nan .? A. I underitood, that Fennan and Connors were the two depu- ties whom Lawlefs mentioned. Q^ {By the Court.) From whom did you underfland that ? A. Lawlefs had mentioned, that he would leave their names with Mr. John Sheares, and thofe were the names which Mr. John Sheares gave No. XX. 197 gave to mc. — On Friday, I could not find Connors ; but on Satur- day I gave him the note, and allied him, Did he know the man named in the note; it was Arthur Hill — he told me he did. Q^ What is become of Connors ? A. He is in confinement, I believe, in the Cafile guard-room. Q^ He has been made a prifoner ? A. He was about the 20th of May : — He faid he would call upon me for a pafs. Q^ Did you call upon Mr. Sheares again ? A. I did, upon Sunday the 20th of May. I found the elder Sheares at home. I told him what had palled between Connors and me, and that he would not know me. Q^ That is, would not open himfeif to you ? A. Yes : — He faid he was much furprifed at that, but attributed it to his caution ^ and he recommended caution to me, for that he and his brother efcaped by their caution, for Government then thought them inai5live. He faid there was a man at that time with Connors at Lehaunftown, and that I fliould find no difficulty in con- verfing with him upon my return to the Camp. The younger Sheares produced a paper, upon which appeared to be written names, by way of memorandum — among them were three more names of our regiment. Q^(By the Court.) Did John come in ? A. He did. — I do not recoiled any converfuion more of moment with Henry : — John came in and Henry went out — then John pro- duced the paper — he mentioned the names as if reading them from the paper, and three of them correfponded with three ferjeantsin our regiment. Q. (By the Court.) What did he fay of them .? A. He told me they were men I might depend upon as United Irifhmen, and he mentioned their names to me as fuch. Q^ Is there any thing elfe in your recolledion ? A. He told me, he had that day called at Lawlefs's, and that he believed he had abfconded, for he was denied to him. He faid that a man had been out at the Camp on Saturday looking for me, to give me a letter, but could not find me. I afked him the contents •, he faid it was no matter, as I was then there, I would hear of it. He faid, the Executive Directory had direcled him to tell me, they had come 198 No. XX. come to a refolution to appoint me to the command of the King's County regiment. — He (aid 1 might promife to every man in the regi- ment that would join me, a portion of land in the King's County. — He told me, that on the night of the rifing in Dublin, the Lord Lieutenant was to be feized and all the Privy Council, fcparately in their own houfes. — This converfation was in the prefence of the elder. Q. (By the Court.) What part of the converfation ? A. Ail fubfcquent to his faying that Lawlefs had fecreted himfelf. — He faid that when the Privy Council were all feized, there was no place to ilfuc orders from, fo as to counteratfl the rifing ; and that in cafe of a failure of the attack upon the Camp, on the march of the foldiery into the town through Baggot-ibeet, they had a fufficient number of houfes in Eaggot-lireet in their interetl, to fhoot them from, fo as to render thein ufelei's ; and that he expedled throughout Ireland, that the Militia regiments would join, from the accounts they had received of them : — that I'everal men of the different regi- ments had promifed different numbers, fome ten men, fome twenty, feme thirty, and fome one hundred, provided they had fufficient notice: — but that if they were called out with their officers, nothing could be done, as the other regiments would be too ftrong for them. Q- This was mentioned bv John Sheares in the prefence of Henry ? A. Yes. Q^ He told you that the rifmg; was to take place foon ? A. He did. Q^ Did he mention any reafon .? A. He did, the country was tired with the profecutions, and that the people threatened, if the rifing did not immediately take place, they would take the oath of allegiance, and give up their arms. The elder Sheares told rne, that he had had a fcrvant, wh.i was the greateft coward he ever faw ; but that he had been particularly active in making LTnited IriHimen, particularly ibldiers •, but had quit him through fear and gone to Cuik. — 1 do not recolLcl any thing fur- ther. Q^ Did you communicate the laft converfation to any perfon ? A. Continu.illy, everv one: — I never had an interview with the Mr. Shears s's, that 1 had not one vv ith Colonel L'l- iuange and Captain Clibboin, and my Lord CafiUr^agli. Q^ Where No. XX. 199 Q^ Where have you been fince that time? A. I have only been in Wicklow and Wexford, and the county of Kildare. Q. Did any thing happen to you ? A. I was wounded in my foot, at Siievebuy mountain, where I was with Colonel Walpole. I could not go to my regiment, being ordered by Lord Calllereagh not to leave town ; 1 volunteered, and had the command of the grenadier company in the Londonderry Militia, where they behaved in the moft exemplary manner. Q^ Did you lee either of the Prifoners after they were arreftcd ? A. I faw the younger. Q^ Where? A In the officer's guard-room at the Caftle. Q^ Do you recolletl upon what day he was made a prifoner ? A. The morning after the lail converfatlon. Q. Did any thing pafs between you ? A. He afl\.ed me if his brother was taken ? I faid I did not know. He afked me if his papers were feized. — 1 faid I did not know. — He faid he hoped not, for there was one among them that would com- mit him. Crofs-Examined hy Mr. Cur ran. Q;^ What countryman are you ? A. An Iriihman. Q^ W hat part ? A. The King's County. Q^ How old are you ? A. I believe between 27 and 28. Q^ Have you any hereditary fortune ? A. Every thing I have is hereditary. Q^ Then you have hereditary fortune ? A. 1 have hereditary fortune, which qualifies me to be a Captain in the King's County Militia, otherwife I would not be one. Q^ Do you mean to fay that your efiate is not dimlnifhed, or waited ? A. Since I came of age, do you mean ? Q^ Yes, Sir?— A Certainly not. Q. Had you ever been in any military fituation before you were in the King's County Militia ? A. I had. Q^ Where ? A. In fevera'l places. ' Q^ Mention 200 No. XX. Q^ Mention as many as 3'ou recoiled ? A. I have been quartered Q^ You miftake me, Sir, — I mean, had you been in the army ? A. I was in the Englilli Militia. Q^ In what regiment ? A. In twoi the Somerfet, and the South Middlcfex fupple- mentary. Q, Do you recoiled how you came to quit the Somerfet ? A. I do. — Having bufinefsiii Ireland, and not being able to obtain leave of abfence. Q^ Have you always, when you talked of the fubjed, mentioned that as your reafon for leaving the Somerfet Militia ? A. 1 do not recollect having given any reafon. Q^ I want you to fay pofitively upon your oath, whether you did — or whether you do not recoiled ? A. 1 do not recoiled that I gave any other, C^ Then you do not fay you did not ? A. I do not believe I ever did. Q^ Do you fwear pofitively ? A. I cannot fay ; but 1 believe I did not •, and that was the reafon. Q^ I afk you, will you venture to fwear pc;fitively, that you never did give any other realon for your leaving the Somerfet ? A. I cannot fwear pofitively to what I may have faid in jefting: — It is nut impolfible ; but 1 believe 1 did not, and that was the reafon. Q. I beg you to recoiled. — Did you in jeft, or otherwife, give any (;ther account of your leaving the regiment ? t\. 1 cannot fwear pofitively ; bui I do not believe I ever did ; — It is fo very trifling a thing ; I might have faid, I did not like quar- ters, or fome fuch thing. (y How long alter did you go into the South Middlcfex ? A. About a year, I believe. I do not exadly recoiled the time the Supplementary were called out. I had a friend in London, who put down my name, knowing I v. ar, unemployed and would like it. Q^ lalked you. Sir, and you faid you did believe in the exillence of a tuture Rate of rewards and punifliments. I &l"k you now upon the oath you have taken, have you always profefied that belief.? A. Always. C^ 1 wiih to have your anfwer corred and precife. — Do you Cay, you always profefied it ,? A. 1 do and did. Q; From No. XX. 2ot Q^ From your education, you ought very well to underftand the moral obligation of an oath. I prefume you have often refledled upon it ? A. I have often thought of it ; I hope with great refpedl. (y By virtue of your oath, have you ever exprelTed any other fen- tinient than reCped of the obligation of an oath ? A, Never to my knowledge. Q^ Will you fay upon your oath, that you never did upon any occafion deliberately fay, that an oath ought to be binding fo far, and no longer, than it was convenient ? A. Never. Q^ Did you in any manner deride the moral obligation of an oath ? A. I believe not. Q^ Do you know a gentleman of the name of Bride ? A. I do. Q^ Have you been in company with him .? A. Very often. Q^ Did you in his company deride the moral obligation of an oath ? A. I do not recoiled:. Q^ Were you in his company within the laft fix months .? A. I was. Q^ Were you in the College with him ? A. I was. Q^ In whofe chamber ? A. I do not believe 1 was in any chamber with him thefc fix moot lis. Q^ Were you any time before that ? A. 1 have been in chambers with him. Q^ In whofe chamber ? A. Mr. Browne's. Q. Do you fpeak pofitively ? A. I do. Q^ Within how many months ? A. Within a year. Q^ Was Mr. Bride there ? A. I could not be in company with him if he were not there. Q^ O, I forgot, I believe my quefiion was as to your being in company with him. — Do you recolleel any converfation in that com- pany touching the l^ubjea of an oath ? A. I do not. C c q^ You 202 No XX. Q. You will be the beft judge yourfelf whether you can undertake to give a pofuive anfwer to my queftion — Will you upon your oath Tay, that you did not in tiiat company exprefs any contempt or de- rifion for an oath ? A. I am ccnfident I never did. Q. How l.>ng were you in the South Middlefex ? A. I do not know exav^ly ; for I never faw my commiHlon. Q^ You mentioned that you had been much in the habit of buying political pamphlets from Mr. Byrne? A . I fa id lo. Q^ Had you been much in tlie habit of talking upon fuch fubjev5\s ? A. Of politics, do you mean ? — Yes, I was. Q^ Had you been much in the habit of exprefllag your own political fentiments touching the rtate and affairs ot your own countrv ? A. I generally uftd to chat there: when buying a book, I had fome convcrfation about it. Q^ I do not mean to conBne you to the time of l)U)ing a book, but generally ? A. Very often — When in company 1 ufed to fpeak upon that as upon other fubjfcls. Q^ I fhould be glad to afl^, if you can recollect, whether the general fiyle of your obl'ervations was in favour of the conduft of government, or the contrary ? A. J he contrary. Q. That was tlie general and piet4y uniform line of your conver- fation in company .? A. Generally fo. Q^ Was it pretty i^rongly the contrarv, or no* ? h. I do not know that it was verv itrong — It liad tliar tendency. Q^ Keeping at a due diitance ii\nY\ A. I hope fo, Sir. (!^ From what, Sir ? A. Any thing wrong, or iniurioiis to myfelf. (^. Do you lecolled — People fometimcs make up t]":eir fentiments to trails, and h.and tliern about in that fliaj)e — Did )ou ever gi\ e Kfpuhhcanifn.) ? A. 1 d-> not recoiled it — If that was the rounl, I give i*. CV If ihat uas tlie round ? — A. 'J'oalU; aie generally given in routids — fomclimcs luin:in<7 — lomciimcs No. XX. 203 fometimes of other kindb^ — If that was the round, I gave it as well as I could. Q^ Do you recolleft any thing about the Kings of Europe, as to either good or bad health ? A. Not the Kings of Europe. Q. Some of them ? A. Yes, I have drank th^'m. Q^ With great affedtion ? A. I cannot fay with great aflfedion ; I have drank my own King with regard. Q;_ Have you had much political converfation with Mr. Byrne ? — I liippofe not ? A. Never, but when I was buying a book in his fliop. C^ That feems goes further than the title page with a bookfeller — -Did you make any particular profeflions to him ? — I fuppofe not ? A. I do not recoiled any till after the introdudion to the Mr. Sheares's. Q^ Never before, about your principles? A. Never about my principles. Q^ The propofal to become acquainted with them was merely a wifli of Mr. Byrne ? A. I do not know with whom the wilh originated. (^ He propofed it, you (tiid ? ^ A. I did fay, he propofed it. Q^ You faid, you had no idea of what the fubjed was, or whether any fubjed was talked of, between you and Mr. Sheares? A. No, Sir-, I faid the contrary. Q^ When Byrne propofed it, you faid you had no obiedion ? A. I did. Q^ Pray, Sir, do you know a gentleman of the name of Drought ? A. I do, a great many. Q^ Do you know the Drought, I mean ? A. I do not. Q. Have you no conjedure of the Drought I mean f A. 1 have. Q^ What Drought is it you mean ? A. I do not know whom you mean. Q;_ What Drought do you guefs at ? A. You wcRild not take my guefling, Q, I will— ^o4 No. XX. Q. I will — What Drought did you fuppofe I alked you about P— Do you recolleft having called any Mr. Drought to your window ? A. 1 doi that gentleman is my firft coufin. Q^ Then you know your coufin Drought — Had you any con- verfa :on wiih him when you called him up ? A. I had a good deal. Q^ For what time ? A Very near an hour. Q. Do you recoiled what the converfation was about ? A. Upon my word, I do not : — it was common place — the com- mon news of the dav — A good deal of it was piofellions of joy at having feen each other ^ for we had not feen each other for fome time. Q^ Was this before or after you met with the wound ? A. It was after. Q^ Do you remember to have told him any thing that happened to you ? A. I fuppofe I told him all that happened to me. Q^ Did you tell him any that happened about two countrymen ? A. No, but about three. Q^ Did you tell him you had hanged any of them ? A. No, for that would not have been the fad. Q^ Did you tell him you had lied them up ? A. No. . Qi Or that you ordered them to be tied up .? A. No. Q^ Or that they were tied up ? A. 1 did : — I told him that one was tied up. (^ For what purpofe ? A. One was to be hanged, the other was to be flogged. Wc were going up Blackmore Hill under Sir James DufF— there was a party of rebels there — we met three men with green cockades — one we (hot, another we hanged, and the third we flogged and made a guide of. Q^ Whicli did you make the guide of? A. The one ihat was neither fliot nor hanged. Q^ Did Mr. Drought lay any thing to you as to the cruelty of the tranfadtion ? A. No : he might have faid fomething of ilie diP.rcficd illualion of the country. Q, Did No. XX. 205 Q:, Did he fay any thing as to what you could expe6l hereafter ? A. No, I do not recoiled, that he did. Q^ Did you fay to him, " I thought you knew my fentiments too well long fmce upon the fubjedl of futurity ?" A. I do not recoiled ever to have broached the fubjed of futurity to him. I always knew Mr. Drought's opinion of futurity. Q^ You never convcrfed with him upon the fubject of a future exiftence ? A. Never : — I do not recoiled it. Q^ How long ago is it fmcc the converfation you mentioned p A. I do not recoiled the day — it was fince the 5th of June, Co- lonel Walpole's death was upon the 4th — but I fnould think it was a fortnight ahcr that, becaufe I was not able to go to the window for a fortnight. Q^ Then it was within a month — Can you undertake to fay, that you did not fay to him, '' You know my fentiments upon futu- rity ?" — A. I faid no fuch thing. Q^ Will you give me leave to aflv you, had you ever been in any other military fituation, a c/m-^-military filuation .? A. No. Q. Did you know Archibald Hamilton Rowan .? A. 1 have feen him ; but never knew him to fpeak to him. Q^ Were you in his corps .? A. Never. Q^^ Do you recoiled the National Guards in 1792 ? A. I do not recoiled any thing of it. 1 have heard of Hamilton Rowan -, I was only jult of age at that tinie. Q Were you in that corps i A. Never. Q^ Did you make up the uniform ? A. Never : — 1 do not know the uniform. I might have had a coat anfwering the uniform ; but I never made it up tor the corps, nor did I ever fee it. Q^ Did you wear in the year 1792, any drefs like a uniform with green trovvfers — buttons having a harp imprelfed without a crown, and green cockades ? A. Never. 1 had no green coat, nor buttons of that kind — I might have worn green when a boy. Crofs 2o6 No. XX. Crofs-Examined by Mr. Ponsondy. Q^. How long have vou been in the King's County Mililia ? A. Since the ipih of January VAX. Q^ Have you declared it was in your power to b:ing over the King's County Militia, if there was a rifing ? A. Never to any perfon but the Sheares's, and to Byrne after my introduftion to them, O- Do you recolledl not having fpoken favourably of the King of England. Did you ever fay, " that if no other perfon could be fojLind to cut off the head of the King of England, you would do it yourfelf?" A. Never. Q_ Are you pofitive you never did ^. A. Never. CL As you have been fond of buying new pamphlets as they came out, do you recoiled to have bought the pamphlets of Paine ? A. I have. Q^ Have you read them ? A. 1 have read all that I got — 1 have not got them all. Ct You have read the '' Rights of Man" and the *' Age of Realbn ?" A. I have. Q, Do you recoiled having told any one, that they contained your creed ? A. Mo :— I do not recollea. that I did. Q. Are you fure you did not fay it .'' A. I did not fay it, becaule 1 never thought it. The following Paper, found by Alderman Alexander, in a Box in ihc Poifefrion of Mr. Sheares, was read : Note. The words in Italics were interlined : Thefe between Crotchets were ftruck acrofs with a pen. *' hijljmnty [" Your Country is fiee; all thofe Mongers who ufurped Its " Cjovernnient to njiprefs its people are in our hands, except fuch *' as have] " Your No. XX. 207 *' Your Country is free and you are about to be avenged [already] " that Vi!e Government which has io long and [o Cruelly opprelfed ** You, is no more ; fome of its mort Atrocious Monikrs have al- *' ready paid the torfeit of thiir L/ives, and the relt are in our hands *' [waiting their fate,] The National ^\ag^ the Sacred Green., is at *' this Moment flving over the Ruins of Deipotilm, and that Capital " which a few hours pait [was the Scene] WitnefT.-d the Debauchery, " [the Machinations] plots and Crimes of your Tyrants, is now the *' CiJadel of Triumphant Patriotifm ^;7£//^/>7;/f. Arifethen, United *' Sons f)f Ireland ; ariie like a great and powerful people, Deter- *' mined to [live] be free or die, Arm Yourielves by every means *' in your power, and \\\.\{[i like Lions on your Foes ; Confider, " that [in Difarming your Enemy] for every Enemy you difarm, *' you arm a friend, and thus become doubly powerful ; In the *' Caufe of Liberty, inadion is Cowardice, and the Coward fhall *' forfeit the Property he has not the Courage to proicdt. Let his *' Arms be Seized and Transferred to thofe Gallant [Patriots] Spirits *' who want, and will ufe them ; Yes, iriilimen, we fwear by that ** eternal Juf^ice, in whofe Caufe you fight, that the brave Patriot, *' who furvives the prefent glorious Struggle, and the family of him *' who has fallen, or lliall fall hereafter in it, fhall Receive from the *' hands of a grateful Nation, an ample Recompsnce out of [thofe *' funds] that property which the Crimes of our Enemies [fhall] have *' Forfeited into its hands, and his Name ^too] fliall be Infcribed on •' the National Record of Irifh Revolution, as a glorious Example to *' all pofterily ; But we likewife fwear to pinijh Robbery with death and •' Infamy, *"' We alfo fwear, that we will never Sheathe I'ne Sword until " every fperfon] being in the Country is rcitored to thofe equal " Rights, which the God of Nature has given to all Men, — LTntil *' an Order of things fhall be eliabliflied, in which no Superiority *' fiiall be acknowledged among the Citizens of Erin, but that *' [which] of Viiiueand Talent [iTiall Intitle to,] ". As for ihofe degenerate Wretches who turn their Swords againfl " their Native Country, tlie National Vengeance awaits them : Let "• them find no quarter unlefs they (liall prove their Repentance by " fpeedily deferting, Exchanging from the Standard of Slavery, for " that of Freedom, under which their former Errors may be buried, " nnd they may Share the Glory and advantages that are due to the " Patriot Eands of Ireland.. " Many 2o8 No. XX. " Many of the Military feel the love of Liberty glow within their " Breafts, and have [already to] joined the National Standard; " receive [thofe] with open Arms, (uch as fliall follow fo Glorious *' an Example, they Can render fignal Service to the Caufe of *' freedom, and rtiall be rewarded according to their deferts : But " for the Wretch who turns his Sword againil his Native Country, " let the National V^engeance be Vifited on him, let him find no *' Quarter, Two other Crimes demand '' Roule all the Energies of your Souls; c.^ll forth all the Merit *' and abilities which a Vicious Government Configned to obfcurity, *' and under the condud of your Chofcn Leaders March with a " Steady Step to Viflory ; heed not the Glare of [a Mercenary] " hired Soldiery, or Arifiocratic Teomanry^ they Cannot ftand the " Vigorous Shock of Freedom, [clofe with them Man to Man, and " let them fee what Vigour the Caufe of freedom can.] Their " Trappings and their Arms will foon be Yours, and the DeteileJ " Government of England to which we Vow eternal hatred, ihall " learn, that the Trealures, [flie, it] they Exhaufts on [their merce- *' narvjits accoutered Slaves for the purpole of Ba'.chering Irifhmen, " fhail but further Enable us to turn their Swords on its devoted " head. • " Attack them in every diref^ion by Day and by Night ; avail *' youifelves of the Natural Advantages of your Country, which are *' Innumerable, midivith which you arc Ih'tter acquainted than thy-^ *' Where you cannot Oppofe them in full force, Conflantly harafs " their Rear and their flanks ; Cut off their provifions and Magazines " and prevent them as much as polhble from Uniting their forces ; " let whatever Moments you Cannot [pafs in] Devote to fighting for \ ** your Country, be [Devoted to] palled in learning how to fight for " it, or preparing the means of War, fc^r War, War alone mufl " occupy every mind, and every hand in Ireland, until its long op- " prellcd Soil be purged of all its Enemies. *' Vengeance, Iriflimen, Vengeance on your OpprelTors— Re- *' member what thoulands of your dearell friends have perilhed by " their [Murder?, Cruel plots] Mercilcfs Orders- Remember theiV " burnings, their rackings, their torturings, their Military Malfacres, i *' and their legal Murders. Rcmember'ORR." No. XXL cy^'W/r. y^T^^^^-^/^-y ^^ ^^-Ct-^ ^. ;^^/^. ^^^- ^..^ A^-^ ^^^^ ^^.^^^y X. /'^>-t<^a^ ^-y^^,^« '^^ y M^^^i^/^^^is^^, /^'^**^ ^^i'f^^J^y^ '^^^'^^^ Q^*-'^^ '^^ ^^ /ii^\ ^ ^^^i^ ^^ /^^^ ^^--^^^^ /^^^^ ^^7^^^-^ ^ ^^^ / ^y^^rtr-Z^-^^-- ,4,^^-^^ -^^^ ^/CS^p^^^i^.^ /^^Ue^C/^^ :^^f^^t:^ /C^Z^^ ^e- ^ . . ^ ^ M.aJ'&€'^ y^^n-^^f.^ ^iCCoJ?.<:^ ^ ^-^^ ^-^'^-'^^^ /^/'^^^tZ^^^zg^ /t'^T- i^i^-r-,-,,^ ■/ A^^i.^-. /^''D /t^r ^..cr^/^ '^^ /I /fi^ O' ^ /^,«^r/t/*^*^ ^2^^^^^>'*»*^^"^''*-»^ Aayy>^^'^ S -^^^ ^ ^— 5 -^^^'v^ y^' ^^x ^ » 'i 5 .56 Total 16198 806 1 26t 62 3'23 i '23 1 1540 733 1 3830 i 5jlJ 3'4 j 5'7 7 1 341 1 165 former Y. Antrim I Men 22716 26153 Gtms , Bayon' 2948 j 1536 Piftols Swords! Pikes 4' 7 1 3(^9 \ 4S88 BallCg' Balls Powder Canon jMortr' 24911 70943 1 1230 1 s 1 I Yeo. F. ar. priV Doun .. In all 45 li 'o' Deiry 3 10500 1217 4.C 1230 8545 1 SS°° '3' 7 1 . Do. |Tom.L. Armagh 4 17000 1744 S34 168 654 104 7409 I 324 1 36 ... It is earneftly requeaed thit each C. will fend P. of the beft ability and ptahity ihe:^ poflihly can. oa the Donnegal S 9648 ! Calv. 1 Do. Monagh" 6 9020 M. neceffary at this crifis, It is requefl- ed no B' will purchafe L. Tickets. Tyrone 7 14000 950 437 202 1263 9 i 423 T. Cavan 8 688 C. Ferraana' 9 2000 F. Total 111725I 6919 3223 58s 1023 6424 43 '25 76448 ^880 8 ! I 459 1 U. jiTom ! 83460 3463^ 1 1 1 1 Appendix, No. XXI. following Returns, &c. were found in the Houfc of Edward Rattigan, in Bridgefoot-Strect, in the City of Dublin, and among his Papers I Q, I R I We are No. i in the 9 Baronial Cominitlee of B.ur.ick Divifion. I 15 388 G I H —Men — Mu(kets —Bayonets — BlunderbulTcs — Piflols —Swords -Pikes —Ball Cartridge - 15;ills -lb. of Powder -Yeoman Friends -Militia Ditto -Prifoners -Militia Enemies Yeomen Ditto LiUNSTEU Kcv. I — Louth 2— City of Dublin 3 — County Ditto 4 — Kildare 5 — Meath 6 — Total. I M I N s; 5830 lb. Lead. L No. 1 in ilie 10th Y\- DillricUve I— Antrim 2 — Down 3 — Derry A— Men B— Miifkets C — Bayonets 4 — Armagh D — Blunderbuffes 5— Donegall E— Piflols ^ 6— Monaghan F — Swords 4 7 — Tyrone , G — Pikes 8— Cavan H— Ball Cartridge | g J 9 — Fermanagh I — Ball | 6 ' 0020 K— lb -of Powder 26153 M — Mortars N — Yeomen 294S 6919 1536 585 J_i_ 7oy4S 8545 6424 4312H 36 Caval' I I 76448, 2880 I 8 I I I 495 I . I I Paid F.xecut' Com" ^288 15 o Paid Prilonurs Friends 700 o o It is pequefted that each county will fend perfons of the befl ability and probity they pollibly can on the next eleftion, as it is indifpenfably neceflary at this critical junflure. It is earneiUy rcquefted that each county will form immediately on the military organization. It is alio defired, that no perfon will purchafe Lottery Tickets. Key of the City of Dublin , W.— 66 2 B.— 69 3 R-/3 4 S. — 26 234 Societies J ■ 095 Finance £s '3 9 2 ■595 1- 19 3: 5 '3 9 3 >2^'7 £^-0 >5 - formerly 13 7 7 4 403 Total 40 2 9 Total 4420 /. ■)''•' '5 Private Subfcriptions. o 17 o No. XXI. 217 ULSTER KEY. Found among the Papers of Edward Rattigan, A. Counties B. Men C. Guns D. Bayonets E. Blunderbufles F Piftols G. Swords H. Pikes I. Ball-cartri dge K. Balls L. Hair-powder M. Cannon N. Mortars 0. Yeomen Friends Q^ Lead I 2 Antrim Down 5 Donegal 6 Monaghan 3 4 Derry Armagh 7 Tyrone 8 Cavan 9 Fermanagh 2 3 4 Work-houfe Barrack Rotunda StephenVgreen 1 B. Societies >C. Men J D. Finance Guns Bayonets Blunderbufles Men Piftols Swords Pikes Ball-cartridge Blank do. 10 Powder 11 Ball 12 lb. Lead 13 Yeo. frs. 14 Cannon 15 Militia frs. 16 Do. enemies 17 Yeo. do. 18 Infantry frs. 19 Volunteers — old ones 20 lb. Ball A. Dublin B. County do. C. Louth D. Kildare E. Meath T. Finances Ee 21$ No. XXL s.d. ^I I At a Meeting of U. I. held at B. C. PimlicCy Dublin^ May qth 1797, Edward Maguire in the Chair. John Tench, Treafurer. Edward Rattigan, Secretary. s. d. 1 Edward Maguire 2 John I'ench 3 Edward Rattigan 4 Patrick Shuffleton 5 James Lawler 6 James Harlin 7 Hugh Re fborough 8 Thomas eavanagh 9 Robert Paxnian 10 William ...titers 1 1 John j-.uiphy 12 Patrick Koward 13 G. FiTzfimons 34 Thon.as Giliigan 15 Joiin H:j!.gins 16 Luke 1 'uigan 17 Thomas 1 iynn 1 8 Thomas xVlaher 19 Sil. Fox 20 John Dowling 21 Owen Conner 22 Peter Hays 23 Arthur Connell 24 John Pagan 25 iNicholas Brogan 16 Philip Crotton 27 John Reilly 28 Andrew Ennis Arthur Pafmer Bartholom.ew Carney Thomas Dunn Matthew M'Cabe Wm. Ryan Andrew Nicholfon • Richard Behan 36 Philip Reynolds To enquire for Flin and Soran. An Englifti fhilling fubfcription paid at each meeti Several other papers were found with the above, containing lifts of name* and fubfcriptions at meetings of United Irifhmen. No.. XXL 219 UNITED MEN OF IRELAND. YOUR numbers have encreafed to fuch a degree, that you may with truth befaid to be the Pu)p'eof Ireland, but your organization fhould keep pace with your numbers ; for without orgavi^zacion, how can your numbers or your ilrength be brought to act ? con- fider the prefent moment, a moment when France, attcr conquer- ing the armies of the Defpots of Europe, is marching her foldiers to her coafts, a moment when France, colle£ting the Navies of Spain, Holland, Venice and her own, is preparing one hundred and feventy fhips of the line, to tranfport thofe conquerors of the Defpots of the continent, that they may pour them on England, Scotland and Ireland, filled with miUions, united in the glorious caufe of freedom, anxious to receive them. In a moment when defpotifm, founded on the ufurpation of every popular right, and fupported by corruption and tyranny, is ready to fall to pieces, into a gulph of bankruptcy and ruin : Is this a moment for jou to he un- prepared? Is this a time for you to abate your perfeverance, your patience, or your fpirit ? Confult your reafon, it will tell you that your ftrength confiits in your being a cordially united, and tho- roughly well ORGANIZED BODY. Do uot thcu hcarkcu to thofe men, who will tell you to difcontinue your organization, or from choofmg your Reprefentatives. Let fobriety, let good charafter, let courage, let talents be the qualities v/hich fiiall direct your choice. Purge your focieties of all fufpicious or doubtful men. No doubt at this inftant, thofe you ele£t will have to fill ports of danger, but ere long they will be pofts of honour and of fafety. Above all be mindful of the folemn oath you have taken to promote UNION amongil Irijhmen of every Sed and Religion. Disunion has been the means by which Ireland has been enflaved for the centuries that are paft. in union only can Ireland find her falvation. Be difcreet and avoid drunkennefs, be firm, but be patient and avoid riots. In a word unite and organize, and rely on it ere long, you muft be free. Refolved, that it is ordered, that each Barony do pay into the nation three pence per month each man at the lead, whilfl thofe who are rich do pay according to their abilities. Refolved, that no man do pay except to his own Treafurer, 22(3 No. XXI. Refolved, that the taking of arms by force from houfes is attend;u with great evil, and produ6live of no good ; therefore any men iniprifoned therefor, Ihall not be maintained by their Societies. Refolved, that United Men are ftridly forbidden to attend to any orders which do not come regularly through their Reprefentatives. I, A. B. do folemnly fwear, in the awful prefence of God, that I will obey whatever orders I may receive from my fuperior officer, for the purpofe of freeing my country. So help me God, as I keep this facred obligation. ty- Many thoufands more found v/ith this among the papers of Edward Rattigan. P R I V A T E S ' s TEST. I, A. B. as private, do voluntarily declare, that I will come forward when called on by ferjeant or fuperior officer, and aid them as far as in my power lies, in any eligible manner that may tend to the efiabliiliment of Liberty, or the Freedom of Ireland. SERJEANT'S T E S T. I, A. B. as ferjeant, do voluntarily declare, that I will come forward when called on by my captain or fuperior officers, and aid them as far as in my power lies in any eligible manner that may tend to the eftablifhment of Liberty, or the Freedom of Ireland. I do further declare, that I will not call forward under arms any of the men configned to my command, without the authority of my fuperior officers or commander, except in a cafe of emergency, when fuch authority cannot be obtained ; and that I will not rifk by any illegal meeting the fafety of any individual under my command. COMMANDING OFFICER'S TEST. I, A. B. as captain, colonel or commander, do voluntarily de-' clare, that I will aid to the utmoil of my fl^ill and power the men under my command, in any eligible manner that may tend to the eflablifliment of Liberty o/the Freedom of Ireland. I do further declare, that I will not call forward under arms any individual configned to my command, Avithour the approbation of the fu- perior authorities, No. XXII. 221 Extract from the 'Trial of the Rev. William yackfofi, for High Treffou^ in the King's Bcr.ch of Ireland^ ii^d April 1795. JrroRNEY General. Do you recolleft any converfation be- tween Mr. Jack/on and Mr. Lewins at any time ? A. At any. time ? Yes. Q. AVhere and when ? A. At Hyde'% Coffee-houfe. Q. In v/hat chamber ? A. I believe in that v/here I fiept. Q. Can you recoiled what that converfation was ? A. That was as to Mr. Le-ioins allying Mr. Jack/on for fome written documents or authorities, that he might produce them to Mr. Rrrjjan, in order that Mr. Rowan might with confidence talk to Mr. Jackfon. O^ Who is the Mr. Rowan you fpeak of ? A. Mr.. Hamilton Roivan, I think, they called him. (). Where was he at that time ? A. In Newgate. Q. Can you tell whether Mr. Lavins and Mr. Jackfon had any ;---nverfation refpefting Mr. R.o\van before ? A. I cannot fay to that. Q. Bid you not fay that Mr. Lewins came to afk Jackfon had he any written document that he might produce to Rowan to con- vince him he might talk with confidence.'' A. I did. Q^ What anfwer did Jackfon give to that requefl ? A. I believe he gave him fome paper. Q. Did you fee w^hether he gave any ? A. I cannot fwear that I faw him deliver the papers into his ana Ql Did Jackfon tell you whether he had delivered them .? A^ He did tell me that he had delivered fome papers to Lezcins, uid that he wdfhed he had them again. Q. Did 222 No. XXII. Q^ Did he tell you why he vrifhed to have them again ? A. He faid he would not trufl them with Lewins if he had them back. CX Did he tell you what thofe papers were ? A. He did not. (^ Do you know whether he ever got them back ? A. I believe he did. Q. Did he ever tell you whether he did or not ? A. Not direftly in thofe words. Q^ In what words then ? A. I can only fay I believe he did get them back again, but 1 cannot fwear that Mr. 'Jackfon faid " Mr. Lewins has given me thefe papers." — I have every reafon to believe that he did get them back. O. Can you recoiled how foon after your arrival this conver- fation was ? A. Can you tell me the date of our arrival ? Mr. Attorney General. I am not to tell you any thing. VVitnefs. We arrived on the fecond or third, and I fliould fup- pofe it was four or five days after, but I can't fpeak pofitive. O. Had 'Jack/on any interview with Rowan ? A. He had. O^ When had he the firPc ? AT Do you afk me in point of date ? Mr. Ailorney General. If you recollect hov/ foon after the con- Ysrfation with Lewins ? A. I believe a day or two after the converfation with Lezuins. Q_. You believe ! A. I may have hurried myfelf in faying believe j I know that he had an interview. Ch Were you prefent ? A. Yes. O. Had he none previous to that that you were prefent at ? ^\; I believe he had j if that be not evidence, I cannot fay Q. Did No. XXII. 223 Q^ Did Jack/on fay he had an interview ? A. He [old me he had feen Mr. Roivan. Q. That was before you were prefent ? A. It was. C>. And either a day or two after Lewins called for the pa- pers ? A. It was. (^ Did Jack/on tell you what pafled between him and Roivaii at that interview, or any part of it ? A. He told me he was much fatisfied with Mr. Rowan ; that his manners were very much thofe of a gentleman. I recoUeft nothing more. C). Did Jack/on tell you whether he was to fee Rczvan again or not ? A. He faid he was. Q^ Did he tell you when that meeting was to be, and what the objeft of it was ? A. I don't think he faid what it was — yes — he faid it was to breakfaft. Q^ He did not tell you the objedt ? A. No, I think not. Q^ Did he tell you who was to be there ? A. No. (^ Did he go ? A. Yes, he went there certainly. (^ How do you know ? A. I went with him. (^ How foon was this after the firfl: meeting ? A. Within the compafs of three or four days, or a week, certainly. (^ Was there any other perfon with Rowan when you were there ? A. I really believe — I can't fpeak pofitive, and I'll tell you why — there was two or three meetings, and I can't tell at which — there was a relative of Mr. Rowan, I think his father or father- in-law. (^ Did that relative continue during the whole time you were there ? A. No — he went away. (^ Do 224 ^'«- XXII Q^ Do you remember whether there was any body elfe ? A. I think Mr. Tone was there, I cannot pofitively fwear. (^ Do you remember what was the fubject of the converfation there ? A. It Vvas on poHticks. Q^ What poHticks ? A. Irijl) affairs. Q. In what refpeft. A. A great deal was faid about the United Irijhmen of which Mr. Rowan was a member ; fome pamphlets were read, and fome other matters talked of between them— and there was a conver- fation about the diffatisfaction of the people in fome part of the kingdom. (^ Were you prefent at a meeting with Jack/on and Rowan when Tone was prefent ? A. I was. Q^ Did you know, previous to going, who was to be there ? A. I now begin to recollect, but 1 am not pofitively certain, Jack/on faid To7ie was to be there. (^ Did you meet any perfon there ? A. I met Mr. Tone there. Lord Clonmell. Was that the firfi: meeting or the fecond ? A. I am not fure ; but at fome meeting I met Mr. Tone there. Q^ Can you tell for v/hat purpofe Jackfon went to meet Tone there, or for what purpofe he was there ? A. Mr. Jack/on did not tell me for what purpofe he was to be there. Q^ Was there any other perfon prefent but Tone, Rowan, Jack/on, and you ? A. No.- (^ Can you tell what was the purport of the converfation ? A. 1 fhall be very little able to complete an anfwer to that queftion, becaufe I did not particularly wifh to make myfelf maf- ter of that converfation in toto. Q. Be pleafed to inform the Court what you do recollect of that converfation. A. There was fome paper produced, it was in the hands of Tone and it was read bv him and Rowan, Lord No. XXIL 0.2$ Lord Clonmell. Read aloud ? A. Not fo loud that I could underftand it. Mr. Attorney GeneraL Did you fee that paper again at any time ? A. I had it once. Q^ Would you know it again ? A. I made no mark on it. Mr. Attorney General. I did not afk you that. Witnefs. If I were to fee it I would make you an anfwer whe- ther I would know it or not ; before that I cannot give an anfwer. (^ You read it ? A. No, never. (^ What converfation pafled at the meeting where Tone was ? I don't alk you the particular words. A. The converfation among the three was the forming a plan, or talking of a plan, to fend fomebody to France. Q^ Was any particular perfon mentioned to go on that errand. A. Mr. Tone was aiked to go. Lord Clonmell. What — to go ? A. To go. Mr. Attorney General. For what purpofe waS' he to go ? A. As I underftood (^ Did you underftand from the converfation for what purpofe Tone was to go to France ? Mr. Curran. It is impoflible to fuftain the queftion that is put in law — did he underjiand — it is not a legal queftion, and for one reafon as good as a thoufand, that it would be impoflible to indid a witnefs for perjury upon fuch teftimony. The Court. You need not go further into the objeftion. (To the witnefs. J Did you hear the converfation ? A. Yes. Q. Did you underftand it ? A. Yes, in part. Q. How do mean in part f F f A. They 226 No. XXIL A. They were at one corner of the room, and I in another with a book in my hand, and I did not hear enough to ftate what they faid. Mr. Attorney General. Do you know for what purpofe Tone was to ^o to France ? A. I cannot fay, but from my own conjedure. Q^ Did Jack/on ever tell you for what purpofe Tone was to go? A. Never direftly fo ; but from what I underftood and from general converfations, I am well fatisfied what the purpofe was in my own mind Q^ The Court. What did he fay ? A. I cannot repeat it. (^ What was the fubftantial import ? A. The fubftantial import was that he was to go to France with a paper as I underftand — thofe papers I never faw. Q. Did Mr. Tone agree to go ? A. At one time he faid he would, at another time he re- ceded J he gave his reafons for agreeing to go and for receding* Mr. Curran. Was Mr. Jack/on prefent ? A. At the reafons that he firft gave, Mr. Jack/on was not prefent. Mr. Attorney General. Where was it ? A. At Newgate. Q^ Had you a meeting with Tone and Rowan when Jackfon was not prefent ? ^. Yes. C^ Did you ever hear Tone give any reafons for going or not going when Jackfon was prefent ? A. Yes Sir. C^ Where was that ? A. At Newgate. Q^ Who was prefent ? A. Mr. Rowan, Mr. Tone and /. <^ Was Jackfon prefent ? ▲• I think he was. — [This evidence was objefted to.] Q; Were No. XXII, 327 (V Were you at Rowan's lodgings at Newgate at any other meeting than thofe you have mentioned ? A. How many have I mentioned ? Q. Did you ever fee any other perfon befides Tone at Roivan*i lodgings in Newgate ? A. Yes, I faw Dr. Reynolds. Q^ Was Tone prefent at either of them ? A. One? he was. CX How often ? A. Once if not twice* (^ Did you fee him there more than once I A. I think twice — 'tis a year ago, and I have had that on my ;nind fmce, that has fhattered my n>emory very much. q^ Was Jack/on prefent at either of thofe meetings that Key* Tiolds was at ? A. I don't know how to fwear pofitively-— I think he was. Q^ Did you go alone to the meeting ? A. I can -t tell — I was alone more than once at Mr. Rowan' i. Q^ I alk you did you go alone to the meeting at which Dr. Reynolds was prefeat ? A. If I could have anfwered that queflion I would have faved vou the trouble of repeating it. Q^ What Gonverfatiofl pafled between Rozaan, Rey?iolds and Tone when you faw them together ? [Counfei for the prifoner objefted to this queflion. Jack/on not being proved to have been prefent."! (^ Had you any coflverfatioiii with Jack/m refpeding Di-. Reynolds ? A. I had.. (^ What was the fubflance of it ? A. The fubftance of it was, as to his being a proper or an improper perfon to go to France, ^ejlion by the Court, What did Jack/on fay on that fubjea ? A. Mr. Jack/on faid he did not fo much approve of him a?, of Mr. Tone, Mr. 228 No. XXII. Mr. Attorney General. Did he tell you why ? A. 1 cannot anfwer that he told me why — the reafon why, I thought, I am convinced C^ Did Jackfon tell you on what errand Reynolds was to have gone ? A. The fame of To7ie\. Q, What was that ? A. To carry fome paper to FrmKe. ^ejllon by the Court. How do you know ? A. Becaufe the paper, whatever it was, was drawn in New- gate while I was there. Q. Do you know this from your own knowledge, or did Jackfon tell you ? A. I cannot fay that he told me fo in hac verba. Q^. Can you tell fubitantially what you heard from the pri- foner ? A. In fubftance, it was, that he was to go to France with fome inftru«5lions to the French. It is very difficult to repeat con- verfations with accuracy ; I have heard this in many alternate con- verfations with Jackfon, with Tone, with Reynolds and with Rowan. Mr. Curran. My client is to be affected by no converfatiou that is not fworn to have been in his prefence ; the witnefs fays there were fome converfations at which he was not prefent, and therefore it is neceffary the witnefs fhould fwear pofitively that Jackfon was prefent, when any thing refpecling thofe inftruclions paffed, Witnefs. Originally Tone was to have gone, but he left Dublin abruptly without faying whether he would or would not go, and then Mr. Rowan applied to Dr. Reynolds I believe. If I am not point blank in my anfwers, you will let me tell why I am not io, for I Wiould not leave the Court under the impreflion that I would wilfully conceal any thing. C^ Then Jackfon told you that Reynolds was to go to France and take a paper j did you learn from him in converfation what that paper was f A. So No. XXIT. 229 A. So many converfations we have had, that it draws me into a maze which of them I fhall think of. I was many weeks in company with the prifoner, and the fubjed was talked of re- peatedly. — I cannot tell the precife words. Q^ You miftake me, I afked you of converfations in general between you and Jackjon. — Did he ever tell you for what pur- pofe Reynolds was to be fent to France ? A. To take fome written paper with him, to the French Con- vention I believe ; I cannot fay pofitively. CX Did Jack/on tell you at any time or in any converfation for what purpofe Reynolds was to go ? A. I don't know how to anfwer, there are fo many anfwers to be given this queftion. Lord Clonmell. Did you draw any inference from thefe converfations for what purpofe he was to be fent ? Mr. Curran. I beg your LorcUlrip's pa^dcii ; but the witnefs will conceive that he has a right to give his own opinion in an- fwer to that queflion. Lord Clonmell. Did you underftand unequivocally from, thofe converfations what he v, as to be fent for — did 'Jackfon ever tell you for what purpofe, or to whom Reynolds or li'one were to go? A. They were to go to Trance. — I cannot tell in what words to put my anfwer — I cannot fay to whom they were to go ; if I was to fay one perfon I might be wrong, for it was my own un- derftanding of it. I underftood from general converfations con- flantly had, that they were to go with fome papers to France. I cannot repeat Jackfon'^ words, my own words will be my under- ftanding of his words. Attorney General. The witnefs faid he had already heard fo in alternate converfations with Jackfony Tone, kc. Witnefs. I adhere to that flill. Lord Clonmeljl. ^' With inftrudions for the French'* '■^iox what purpofe ^. A. I 230 No. XXII. A. I Ihall there catch up what I faid before: — I iindcrjlood they were to have written inftruclions for the French, but what they were I don't know. Attorney General. To what part of France was the meflenger ta- go? A' I underflood they were to go to Paris, Q^ From whom did you ui^derfland that ? A. From them all. Q^ Did either Tone or Reynolds receive any encouragement to go?' A. Yes, Q. Either Tone or Revnolds in vour prefence ? A. Yes. (^ By whom ? A. By the prifoner and Rowan. Q. What were the encouragements that Jack/on held out ta Tone ? A. That he would find the French a generous., and, I think, a brave people — a generous people. Q^ Was there any thing in the converfation that led Jack/on. to fay that ? A. What brought that fpeech from Jackfon I prefiime, wai owing to the difficulties that Tone raifed to his going. (^ What were they ? A. A wife and family. Q^ Were there any others mentioned I A. The lofs of opportunities which might very Irkely ariie /rom his remaining in this kingdom. (^ Did Jackfon give Reynolds encouragement to go, or ufg any perfuafions ? A. Not much — he did not Hk^ him y he would rather have had Tone. No. xxir. 231 State of I?' eland ^ prepared fo?~ the purpofe of he'ing fent to Trance by Dr. faekfri^ and proved on his Trial, ** THE fituation of Ireland and England is fundamentally diffe- rent in this — the government of England is national, that of Ireland provincial. The intereft of the firll is the fame with that of the people — of the lafl direftly oppofite. The people of Ireland are divided into three feels ; the Eft-iblifhed Church, the Diffenters, and the Catholics ; the firft inhnitely the fmalleil portion, have engrofied belides the whole church patronage, all the profits and honours of the country exclufively, and a very great fliare of the landed property. They are of ccurfe ariftocrats, adverfe to any change, and decided enemies of the French Revolution. The Dilfenters which are much more numerous, are the moft enlight- ened body of the nation, they are Iteady republicans, devoted to liberty and through all the ftages of the French Revolution, have been enthufiaflically attached to it. The Catholics, the great body of the people, are in the lowed degree of ignorance, and are ready for any change, becaufe no change can make them worfe. The whole peafantry of Ireland, the mcft oppreffed and wretched in Europe, may be faid to be Catholic. They have within thefe two years received a certain degree of information and manifefted a proportionate degree of difcontent by various infurreclions, &c. They are a bold hardy race, and make excellent foldiers. There is no where a higher fpirit of ariftocracy than in all the privileged orders, the clergy and gentry of Ireland, down to the very loweft, to countervail which, there appears now a fpirit rifmg in the people which never exifted before, but w'hich is fpreading moft rapidly, as appears by the Defenders as they are called, and other Infurgents. If the people of Ireland be 4,500,000, as it feems probable fhey are, the eftablifhed church may be reckoned at 450, 000^ the dilfenters at 900,000, the catholics at 3,1 50.000. The prejudices in England are adverfe to the French nation under whatever form of govern- ment. It feems idle to fuppofe the prcfent rancour againfl the French is owing merely to their being republicans ; it has been cherilhed by the manners of four centuries and aggravated by continual wars. It is morally certain that any invafion of England would unite all ranks in oppofition to the invaders. In Ireland, a conquered, oppreffed and infulted country, the name of England and her power is univerfally odious, fave with thofe who have an intereft 232 No. XXIL interefi: iri maintaining it : a body however only formidable from fituation and property, but which the firft convulfion would level in the duft ; on the contrary, the great bulk of the people of Ire- land would be ready to throw off the yoke in this country, if they faw any force fufficiently ftrong to refort to for defence until ar- rangements could be made ; the diffenters are enemies to the Englifh power from reafon and from reflection, the catholics from a hatred of the Englifh name ; in a word, the prejudices of one country are directly adverfe, of the other directly favourable to an invafion. The government of Ireland is only to be looked upon as a govern- ment of force, the moment a fuperior force appears, it would tumble at once, as being founded neither in the interefts nor in the affections of the people. It may be faid, the people of Ireland ihew no political exertion. In the firft place, public fpirit is com- pletely depreffed by the recent perfecutions of feveral. The con- vention aft, the gun-powder, &c. &c. Declarations of govern- ment, parliamentary unanimity, or declarations of grand juries, all proceeding from ariftocrats, whofe intereft is adverfe to that of the people, and who think fuch conduct neceffary for their fecurity are no obftacles ; the weight of fuch men falls in the general welfare, and their own tenantry and dependants would defert and turn againft them, the people have no way of expreffmg their difcontent ci-viliter which is at the fame time greatly aggra- vated by thofe meafures, and they are on the other hand in that Semi-barbarous ftate which is of all others the beft adapted for making War. The fpirit of Ireland cannot therefore be calculated from newfpaper publications, county meetings, &c. at which the gentry only meet and fpeak for themfelves. They are fo fituated that they have but one way left to make their fentiments known, and that is by War. The church eftablifhment and tythes are very fevere grievances, and have been the caufe of numberlefs local infurreftions ; in a word, from reafon, reflection, interefl:, prejudice, the fpirit of change, the mifery of the great bulk of the nation, and above all, the hatred of the Englifh name refulting from the tyranny of near feven centuries, there feems little doubt but an invafion and fufficient force would be fupported by the people. There is fcarce any army in the country, and the militia, the bulk of whom are Catholics, would to a moral certainty refufe to a€t, if they fawfuch a force as they could look to for fupport." The above Extracis are tahen from the Report of the Trial of Dr, Jaciforiy by Mejfrs. Ridgewayy Schoales and Lapp^ ani puhlified by j. ExfbaiVf DuUin, No. XXIII. 833 Copies of the following were found in fever al Places, Infiru5f ions drawn up by the Provincial Coinmittee of Leinjltr, \^th J^ril, 1798. Provincial, 19th April, 1798. INSTRUCTIONS. I ft. A return of mufkets in each regiment. 2d. Six good flints and a fufEcicnt quantity of powder for each mufket to be got diredly. 3d. A man to be got in each regiment or barony who underftands making ball cartridges, and a cartridge ftick to be got for each com* pany, the men to inftrudt others in making cartridges. 4th. One bullet mould muft be had for each company at leaft. 5th. Powder of each regiment to be kept if poflible by the colo- nel, or fome other fhop-keeper who can be depended on, the pow- der by no means to be buried. 6th. Each regiment to find a perfon who has ferved in the army or militia, to aft as adjutant, this man to drill the captains, who arc to drill the ferjeants, who are to drill the men ; the adjutant to go through the companies by rotadon, and to be paid by the Baronial Committee. 7th. A ftandard to be got for each company ten feet long with a pike in the end, the flag to be of green ftufF, about two feet fquare. 8th. Each company to provide a horn, a bugle-horn if poflible, if not a cows -horn, the perfon appointed to have them to learn three founds, firft an aflTembly, fecond a charge, third a call of captains to aflemble. G g ^th. Every 234 No. XXIII. 9th. Every man to provide himfclf with an havre-fack, and if pof- fible to iiave condantly by iiim at leaft a week's provifion. loth. Every man to keep kettles or pots in readinefs. 1 ith. Every ferjeant's divifion to be provided with one fhovel, every fecond divifion with one fork, every tiiird with one pick, every divi- fion with one bill-hook, and every company with one axe. 1 2th. Every company to have one good car and horfe, both in good and perfeft order for work. 13th. Every man to provide himfelf with ftraps to carry his great coat or blankets, alfo fmall ftraps for his can and fpoon. 14th. A bit of green ftuff, or any other colour, to be faflened at the end of each pike, as it has a great effed in frightening the horfes of cavalry. Colonels. In hands. L- ^' ^' I- s. d. Carlow, I. 1 1300 „« 40 Kildare, 2. 11910 6 22 15 — 72 15 — Kilkenny, 3. 6700 — Co. Dublin, 4. 7412 3 29 6 — 32 2 6 Meath, 5, 8596 3 56 17 6 Wicklow, 6. 1400Q 22 15 — King's Co. 7. 6300 Wettmeath, 8. 5250 «_ 70 City Dublin, 9. '^bSl — 92 3 3-: No. XXIV. 235 The Decla -niions, RefolutionSy and Conjlitution of the Societies of United IriJJjmen. DECLARATION and RESOLUTIONS. In the prefent jera of reform, when unjiifl: governmenfs are falling in every quarter of Europe ; when religious perfccution is compelled to abjure her tyranny over confcience ; when the rights of men are afcertained in theory, and that theory lubdantiated by pra611ce j when antiquity can no longer defend abdird and oppreHive forms, againft the common fenfe and common interefts of mankind ; when ail governments are acknowledged to originate from the people, and to be fo far only obligatory, as they prote6l their rights and promote their welfare : we think it our duty as Irifhmen to come forward, and flate what y/e feel to be our heavy grievance, and what we know to be its effedual remedy: we have no Nadonal Government; we are ruled by Englifhmen, and the fervants of Englifhmen, whofe obje<5l is the intereft of another country ; whofe inftrument is corruption, and whofe ftrength is the weaknefs of Ireland ; and thefe men have the whole of the power and patronage of the country, as means to feduce and fubdue the honefty of her reprefentatives in the Legifla- turc. — Such an extrinfic power a6ling with uniform force, In a direc- tion too frcquendy oppofite to the true line of our obvious interefls, can be refifled with effe6l folely by unanimity ^ d^cifion^ and fpirii m the people; qualides which may be exerted molt legally, conftitution - ally and efBcaciouOy, by that great meafure, eflencial to the profpe- rity and freedom of Ireland -, an equal Reprefentation of all the Peo- ple in Parliament. ImprefTed with thefe fentiments, we have agreed to form an aiT^ci- ation, to be called the Society of United Irifhmen, and we do pledge ourfelves to our country, and mutually to each other, that we will fteadily fupport, and endeavour by all due means to carry into effect the following refolutions : ift. Refolved, That the weight of Englifh influence in the go- vernment of this country is fo great, as to require 21 cordhl union among all the People of Ireland^ to maintain that balance which is eflential to the prefervation of our liberdes, and extenfion of our commerce. G o; 2 2d. Tha 236 No, XXIV. 2d. That the fole conftitutional mode by which this influence can be oppofed, is by a complete and radical reform of the reprefentadon of the peoplr in parliament. 3d. That no reform is praflicable, efficacious or jufl:, which (hall not include In/hmen of every religious perfuafion. Satisfied, as we are, that the intefline divifions among Irifhmen liave too often given encouragement and impunity to profligate, auda- cious and corrupt adminjflrations, in meafures which, but for the fe divifions they durfl: not have attempted. We fubmit our refolutions to the nation, as die bafis of our political faith. We have gone to what we conceive to be the root of the evil. We have Hated what we conceive to be the remedy. With a parliament thus formed, every thing is eafy — .without it nothing can be done : — and we do call on, and mofl: earneflly exhort our countrymen in general to follow our example, and to form fimilar focieties in every quarter of the king- dom, for the promotion of confl:itutional knowledge, the abolinon of bigotry in religion and politics, and the equal diflribution of the Righrs of Man throughout all fefts and denominations of Irirhmen. The people when thus collefted, will feel their own weight, and fe- cure that power which theory has already admitted as their portion, and to which, if they be not aroufed by their prefent provocations to vindicate it, they defcrve to forfeit their pretenfions for ever. CONSTITUTION. ifl. This fociety is conftituted for the purpofe of forwarding a brotherhood of aftedion, a communion of rights, and an union of power among Irilhmen of every religious perfuafion ; and thereby to obtain a complete reform in the legiflature founded on the principles of civ 1, political, and religious liberty. 2d. Every candidate for admifllon into this fociety fhall be pro- pofed by one member and fcconded by another, both of whom Ihall vouch tor his chara6ler and principles. The candidate to be balloted for on the focieties fubfcquent meeting, and if one of the beans fhall be black, he fiiall ftand rejedcd. 3d. Each fociety fhall fix upon a weekly fubfcription fuited to the circumllances and convenience of its numbers, which they Ihall regu- larly return to their Baronial by the proper officer. 4th. No. XXiV. 2-37- 4th. The officers of this fociety fhall be a fecretary and trenfurer, who fliall be appointed by ballot every three months: on every firft meeting in November, February, May and Augufl:. 5th. A fociety fnali confift of no more than twelve members, and thofe as nearly as poffible of the fame ftreet or neighbourhood, whereby they may be all thoroughly known to each other, and rheir conduft be fubjed to the cenforial check of all. 6th. Every perfon eledlcd a member of this fociety fiiajl, previous to his admillion take the following tejl. But in order to diminiih rifque, it fhall be taken in a fepnrate apartment, in the prefence of the perfons who propofed and feconded him only, after which the new member fliall be brought into the body of the fociety, and there vouched for by the fame. TEST. " In the awful prefence of God, " I, A. B. do voluntarily declare, that I will pcrfevere in endea- " vouring to form a brotherhood of affe6tion among Irlihmen of ** every religious perfuafion, and that I will alfo perfcvtfre in my en- « deavours to obtain an equal, full and adequate repreitntation of all " the people of Ireland. I do further decl'-re that neither hopes, «« fears, rewards or punifliments fhall ever induce me, dirediy or in- <« diref^l)% to inform on or give evidence againft any member or *< members of this or fimilar focieties, for any aft or exprcilion of " theirs, done or made colleftively or individually in or out oi this " fociety, in purfuance of the fpirit of this obligation." 7th. No perfon, though he fiiall have taken the Teft, will be con- fidered as an United Irifliman, until he has contributed to the funis of the inllitution, or longer than he fliall continue to pay fuch con- tribution. 8th. No communication relating to the bufinefs of the inllitution fhall be made to any United Irilhman on any pretence whatever, ex- cept in his ov/n Society or Committee, or by fome member of his own Society or Committee. 9th. When the Society fhall amount to the number of tv/elve members, it fhall be equally divided by l'-)t) Socict es in counrry places 238 No. XXIV. places to divide as may befl fuit their local fituation) that is, the names of all the members fliali be put into a hat or box, the Secre^ tary or Treafurer fhall draw out fix individually, which fix fhall be confidcred the fenior Society and the remaining fix the junior, who fnall apply to the Baronial Committee, through the Delegates of the fenior Society, for a number. This mode fhall be purfued uniil the •whole neighbourhood is organized. Order of B'fnefs at Meetings. id. New members read declaration and tcfl, during which fubfcrip- tlons to be collefted. 2d. Reports of committees received. 3d. Communications called for. 4th. Condidates ballotted for. ^th. Candidates propofed. Conftitution of Committees. Baronial Committees. ifl. When any barony or other diilrict fhall contain from four to ten Societies, the Secretaries of thefe fhall conftitute a Lower Ba- ronial Comn»ittee, they fliould not exceed ten and be numbered in the order of their formation. 2d. An Upper Baronial to confift of ten Secretaries from ten Lower Baronials. 3d. Baronial Committees fhall receive Delegates from Societies of a contiguous barony, provided faid barony did not contain four Societies. County Committees. ift. When any county fliall contain four or more Upper Baronial Committees their Secretaries Ihall alTemble and chufc Deputies to form a County Committee. 2d. County Committees fnall receive Delegates from Baronial Committees of adjacent counties if faid coundcs do not contain four Baronial Committees. Provincial No. XXIV. 239 Provincial Committees, ifl-. When two or more counties fhall have County Committees two perfons Ihall be eleded by ballot from each to form a Provincial Committee, (fur three months) 2d. Delegates from County Committees in other provinces will be received, it luch provinces do not contain two County Com- mittees. ^ National Committee. That when two Provincial Committees are formed they fliall eledb five perfons each by ballot to form a National Committee. S3^ Societies firll meetings in November, February, May and Auguft to be on or before the 5th. Baronial Committees on or be- fore the 8th, County Committees on or before the 25th of the above months. Baronial, County and Provincial Committees fhall meet at leaft once in every month and report to their Conftituents. Names of Committee Men fliould not be known by any perfon but by thofe who eled them. ^ ^ r Tell for Secretaries of Societies or Committees. " In the awful prefencc of God. "J' ^; o" ^"^ voluntarily declare that as long as I fhall hold the ;; ^.ffi.^^. ""^ f^Z^T^^c^'^'"' ^ ^^"' ^« the utmoft of my <^ abilities faithfully difcharge the duties thereof. "That all papers or documents received by me as Secretary I " will in fafety keep^ I will not give any of them or any copy or copies of them to any perfon or perfons, members or others but by a vote of this and that I will at the expiration of my Secretaryfhip deliver up to this all fuch papers as " may be then in my pofTcfTion." ^ ^ RECAPITULATION. Societies to confift of not lefs than four, nor more than twelve complete twelve, Under Baronials of not lefs than four Secretaile^ of Societies, nor more than ten, complete one hundred and twenty ; than ten, complete one thoufand two hundred. An 240 No. XXIV. An Addrejs of the County Committe of DuhUn City, to their Coijlitu^ ents ; a}id an Appendix to our glorious Conjlitution. MANY hardfliips and perfecutions having been, and ilill continue to be filtered by the brotherhood, partly occafioncd by the mif- guided zeal of fome of its members ; partly by the incautious and indifcriminate admirtion of perfons, without due regard having been had to their moral charafter, or fufficient previous knowledge of their political fentiments and patriodfm ; and pardy by the arts and wicked contrivances of our enemies, to defeat our honeft purfuits, by which we hope to refcue our country from the fyftem of forr///>//o// which has nearly deftroyed it ; your committee think it necefTary to recom- mend fome alterations as remedies to thofe evils, and as the means of reftoring confidence, renewing exertions, and enabling focietics and committees to meet with eafe and fafcty in future. We recommend, in the mod carneft manner, your conftant re- coHe6lion of your folemn obligation, to promote a brotherhood of afFe^lion amongll Iriflimen of every religious perfuafion ; fufFer it not to be a mere profeflion, but realize it by every atl of benevolence and kindncfs to each other, as circumfcances fliall enable you, and as you would do to your natural brothers. Union and love are the foun- dations of your alTociation, and they cannot be too (Irongly, or too frequently inculcated, in and out of your meetings. Be fober and promote fobriety in all your circles ; by the obferv- ance of this, many inconveniences and much hazard will be avoided, and more good to yourfelves and lofs to your enemies will be thereby effected, than can poiiibly be calculated -, to the fame end it is re- commended to abftain as much as pofTible from the confumption of cxcifeable ardcles, or thofe which pay high cuftomary duties, fuch as wine, jpirits, fugar, tobacco^ &c. you will thereby dry up the fprings and fources of corruption, that powerful engine in the hands of your cruel and implacable enemies, a government which draws its fources from vice, (fuch as gambling and drunkenjness), muft fall fo foon as the people become virtuous. We recommend the patriotic prailice of preferring, on all reafon- able occafions, the manufaftures and products of your own country, to thole of that country from whence our flavery is derived, and the government of which is our only natural enemy. Banifli No. XXIV. 241 Banifh all violent and intemperate language from your meetings, be afllired, nothing can injure the caufe of liberty more than fuch converfations; whoever perfilb in fuch, mull either be diPaoneft or indifcreet, and therefore ought to be carefully avoided j violent and intemperate language is affeded by Ipies or enemies^ and Ihould there- fore be watched; or where it is caufed by intemperate zeal, it ought to be correded ; for in this cafe it has afforded but too much occafion to your enemies to calumniate your honelt purpofcs. APPENDIX. Diminifh as much as poHible, the rifque of giving or taking the TEST i for this purpofe, therefore, we recommend that when any perfon has been admitted a member of a fociety, and is to take the TEST, the practice fhould be, that it be taken in the prefcnce of his friend only who propofed him, or of fuch other member of the fo- ciety, as he may prefer for that purpofe. It is likewife ftrongly recom- mended, that one black bean fliould exclude from admiffion Avoid, as much as pofTible, mcenngs in public houfes, either of focieties or committees, becaufe they might be attended with much danger, and the occafions of meedng induce no fuch neceiTity ■■> a few minutes in any convenient place, v/ill be fufEcient for a fmall number of men to confer on the objcdls of their dehbcration. As it appears from good foundation, that an irregular fyflcm of finance has produced a great wafte and diffipadon of the funds, it is our decided opinion, that no fociety, committee, or treafurer, under any pretence, fhould be allowed to apply the money pafling through their or his hands, to any occafion whatever ; but that the whole of the fubfcripdons Ihould pafs unimpaired to the county committee, who Ihould be obliged, in repordng back to the focieties, to account for the difpofU of fuch finances i of courfe all applications for pecu- niary aid Ihould be made to the county committee, to which all the ncceffidcs of the poHtical afibcianon mull be reported. The focicdes are earncftly called upon to exert themfelves with zeal and diligence, in paying in and forwarding their fubfcriptions, for the demands arc of the utmort urgency ; the fuffcrings and afflictions of the brother- hood greatly require alleviation. H h It 24-2 Ko. XXIV. It is alio drongly recommended, that each fociety Ihall fix upon a weekly fubicription, fuited to the circumftances and convenience of its members, which they Jliall regularly return to their baronial by the proper oiBcer. Your focieties iliould be new modelled immediately, and on the mod mature deliberation, and all circumftances confidcred, we are decidedly of opinion, that no fociety fhould confift of more than twelve members, and thofe, as nearly as podible, of the fame ftreet or neighbourhood, whereby they may be all thoroughly well known to each other, and their condud be fubjed to the cenforial check of ail. We recommend baronial committees to confift only of the le- cretaries for the time being, of ten focieties, which number Ihoukl on no account be exceeded; baronial committees to be numbered in the order of their formation. The DISTRICT committee to be compofed of the fecretaries for the time being of the baronial committees, but not to exceed ten mem- bersy but if the baronials Ihould be fo numerous in the district, as to render it neceflary fivey /lv, /even, eight, or any number, more or Icfs, of the baronials, as the cafe may require, moft convenient to each other, fliould each fend their fecretary to an upper baro- nial committee, from which upper baronials, in that cafe, fecre- taries fhould be lent to conftitute the district committee; it being earneftly recommended, that no committee, whether baronial or district, ftould exceed ten perfons. The county committe to be conftitutcd, as at prcfent, by two members from each district committee. Obfcrving thefe recommendations and regulations, we rely, that order will be reftored and confidence revived j a& rifque will be fo considerably diminiihed. Auguft 27th, 1797. No. XXV. 243 Printed Hand Bills dijlrihuted hy the United IrtJIrnien. ADDRESS TO THE MORE WEALTHY CLASSES OF UNITED IRISHMEN, You to whom fortunate circumftances give a power of promoting the public Caufe, with fo much general efficacy, and fo little perfonal rifque ; who may alleviate, from a portion of your foperfluities, the fiififerings of thofe adventurous brethren, v/hom an over-ardent, but * on the whole, a neceflary zeal, has fubjeded to the vengeance of ij Government, whilft a cautious referve has exempted moil of you from, perfecution. We call upon you in what we truft is a well founded confidence, that you will make up by pecuniary contribu- tions, for the deficiency or negledl of other exertionig. We kno'// that all men cannot be ufeful in the fame way, and do not defire that men in delicate fituations fhould run unnecefTary hazards ; but he furely is a luke-warm patriot, without title to confidence ox credit, who goes no farther than barren profeffions ; thinks it enough to give a toajl to the caufe of liberty, or utter hniQ peaking condemnation of tl\e attrocities of government. Unlefs it be your own faults, men of wealth and education, you will be the firft to profit by the reform of abufes and folid indepen- dence of your country. You, for the mofl part, yet efcaped from the vengeance of its enemies, whilil they who laboured to prepare it, have fome of them been deprived of life, others lod health and for- tunes fome were hurried to diftant climes, the regions of peftilence and death ; and many, very many linger at this moment m the bafliles of our tyrants. Imprifonment, a thing fo horrible in itielf is aggra- vated in the caufe of thole virtuous men, whoie invincible fidelity an abandoned adminiftration perfecutes v;ith the utmoft rigour: The common attentions which humanity feldom refufcs to felons and mur- derers, are frequently withheld from the United irifhmen ; and being withheld by order (it is faid) of thofe in high authority, require to be fuppiied by more than ordinary means. As far as our funds could hitherto allow, fjme provlilon has been made for the wants of our brethren, but from the irrcgijhrity that h.;s H h 2 crept 244 No. XXV. crept into the payment of fubfcriptions, and, with the exception of a few bright examples, the fmall obligation they as yet owe to the rich, our xTicans are inadequate to the relief of our fellow -fuiferers. Where an induftrious citizen is torn from his employment or purfuits, lies captive in a dungeon ; where a wife with her children is robbed of the protcftion of her companion, every perfon a friend to the Caufe for which he fuffcrs and which his virtue Icorns to betray, will feel the call of duty and of honour to come forward in his fupport. If a trial at laft be granted, innocence bcu fii'd to pay for being de- fended; it has ftill to ftruggic with an hoft ol fuhorned or tutored wit- nefles, zba.r of crown- idivyers^ packeajuriesy {bmenmcsprejucUced, fome- times corrupt j:fdges, before whom a charge muft be twice refuted, malice twice confounded, and innocence made clearer than the fun , to obtain a vcrdid of acquit ta!. V/hat under heaven can more forcibly interefi: the generous m/ind than the fuffcrings of the imprilbned United Iriflimen, and the virtue of the fuiTerers. Whilft adminiftration does not difdain to proffer immenif fums as a lure to perfidy and tUt purchnfe-money of blood ; it can procure but a few out-cafl:s only, already abandoned to every fpe- cies of vice -, and the jails overflow with our perfecuted, pennylefs brethren: Ofthofe, feveral have fcorned to fave their lives by treachery to their glorious caufc, but carried their principles and their fecrets inviolate to the grave j and many more at this hour, with the fword of defpotifm threatening their exiftencc, hold them, in their faithful bofoms, as in a citadel, which cowardice wiil not furrender, or lucre ever buy. Oh ! much injured Countrymen ! fo often contemned by your foreign oppreiTors, more culpably reviled by fomc unnatural natives of the land, traitors to your interefhs and ftrangers to your virtues, what nation can boaft a higher charafter of honour, than you now confer upon your own. With the terrors of punilhmcnt and death on one fide, the allurements of reward and impuni:y on the other, you inflexibly adhere to your plighted faith and obligations, and ex- hibit a proof of moral charader and integrity, which few people have ever equalled — none have ever furpalTed. Much injured and gallant Countrymen ! a day wiii come Vv'hen your magnanimous patience will be renuiteJ : It shall not be forgotten, that although your dwel- lings were deilroyed, your little property laid wafte, though fear is a ftranscr No. XXV. 245 llranger to your hearts, and you lofl all you had to lofe, yet did you hearken to the voice of reafon diiiliadiiig from premature refiOance, which alone can bring ruin upon your country, or fruftrate the brilliant defliny that awaits it. Why fliould Iridimen, bound to each other by ties Co facred and fo honourable, be found iefs zealous in each other's fupport, than tlieir enemies are zealous to put them down ? If imprifonment be apphed to torture, patrionfm it cannot couquer; yet Ihall a brotherhood of affedion go forth into the ceil ; and befides the confolation of fym- pathy, carry with it the little comforts of whicii nature ftands in need. And if perchance this addrefs fnould fall into other hands, than thofe for whom it is intended, we conjure fuch people to bellow one moment's difpaflionate reflexion upon the ^'7>zc;.> and meafures of go- vernment, and the obje^ and proceedings of the United Irifli, let them determine which is better, 2ifree legifuiture, or d. penfwned parliament -y a national adminifiration^ or an irrcjpcnfibU foreign executive -, an obli- •vion of religious animofiiies^ or the exterminating pcrjeculion of Orange- men. Let them, if they be children of this soil, contrail tiie fyftem of IRISH UNION ^yith that of ENGl ISH DISSENSION; the fidelity, patriotifm and honour of the fupportcrs of o;/voc y under world, lu lair And good created." Ah! £46 No. XXV^. Ah I whence that noifc I cometh it from the fpirits of murdered friends, the groans of imprifoned patriots; no, your groans fhall not be heard in vain, you fliall be revenged — foon fhall we hail that aufpicious day, ufhered in by a bright and cloudsefs Iky, which fhall let you free, Ticcompanied by a general fhout of Ireland as it Jbould he. — Trembis th-^n, thou miniftcrs of death, ere that day arrives, fly from a foil which you have curfcd by your counfels, which you have polluted by your crimes, Ceuntrymeny Be firm : trull in your flrength : be united ; before one month paffes, you (hall be free; — honoured patriots become more refpecl- able by captivity, and you, ye virtuous fugitives, with hearts of fter- Ii;ig worth, be not appalled at the gorgeous Ihew of power exhibited — a few declining funs, and it pafTeth away, never more to fully our horizon ; be of good comfort, the hearts of the people are with you, and foon fhall you receive the marked gratitude of a free people. We arc acciifcd of a predileflion for French principles— fuppofing t\\c. facft, who forced them on us ? Men who have taken from us that which not enriches them, and makes us poor indeed ; ufurpers, who txceed in perfecutlon the human facrifices of former ages ; but they jniftake, we contend only for Irifli rights i and v;hatever coincidence there be between the rights of Ireland and France, has been efla- bliflicd by the God of Nature, and who fhall impioufly disjoin them. Friends, Liberty, like the great orb of nature has its periods of darkncfs znA effulgence; but let us not vainly imagine that what is only con- tingent, can interrupt the great plan of the Deity, in perfeding the happinefs of mankinri, V»'e, as a portion of intelligent beings, want not the moral freedom to will, nor the phyfical power to aft. The firfl is confirmed by our Union ; and to fupport our claim to both, half a million of heroes are ready — yes, they only wait the fccond eoming, to commence the millcnium of freedom. And thou noble-minded youth, whofe princely virtues acquire new fplendour, from a fervent zeal for your country's rights : Oh ! may tlic guiius of Liberty, ever faithful to its votaries, guard yourfleps— may No. XXV. 247 fnny tht new Harp of Erin vibrate its thrilling founds through the land, to call you forth, and hail you v.kh the angelic cry of the de- liverer of our country, March^ 47, 1798. A CITIZEN. TO THE UNITED IRISHMEN. At this awful and important crifis, when the tyrants of Ireland vio- late every tye that binds man to focicty ; when " Rigour beyond ibe Law^" is avowed and pradifcd by the governors, and adopted as a, defenfivc duty by the governed; when the judicial bench is made the feat of alTaflination ; where Yelverton weeps over the vidlim in the refinement of cruckyj or Toler with Icfs equivocation, mingles the courfc wit of an horfe -jockey, with the folemnity of a fentence that dooms an Iriihman to death; when the art of printing, that in- valuable bulwark of liberty, that ineftimable fource of happinefs, that powerful opponent of delpotifm, is openly and contemptuouHy anni- hilated by the fervants and Haves of a foreign government, ajfuming the mockery of iegijlatcrs^ like a divan of Saracens^ or a war-council of Vandais^ fweepingwith barbarian ferocity every written monument of knowledge, €^jtr^ trace of letters from the face of the land. Worthy progeny of the firft Englifh invaders, whole favage legifiation banillied inftrudlion by tranfpGrtLng and hanging the Irilli teachers, under the fpacioiis pretext ^( eradicating the Catholic Faith: — Infamous op- prcfibrsl how unlike the generous ambition of ancient Rome, who caiTied the arts into the countries ihe conquered ; Ihe poliflicd the naiioas into which flic bore her eagles ; where your banners waved you created enormity, barbarifm, and extermination, as a French orator truly faid, « yoii would rather reign over 2. church -yard, than cealc to govern.'* When an O^Corraor is hianted from his co^inrryj and a confpiracy made m the Britifli C5.binet againft his life, for the crime of loving Ireland i when Fitzgerald is a" fugitive, for facrificing the prejudices of birdj, to accelerate the happinefs of bis country, and repelling* with the arms of juftice, that infamous power that burns the peafant out of his .dwelling, or puts hioa on the bayonet 5 when the honour- able trade q[ z merchant, the peaceable one of a phyfician, the learn- ed profclBoii of a lawyer, the humble one of a hufband-man or an Ar- 248 No. XXV. till', are no protetTtlon againfl: a perfecution that is direfled againd the virtue and integrity of Irillimen, that will eradicate the name of Ire- land, if not fpecdily checked in its horrid career, by an united appeal to Heaven, wliich will ultimately give to our armed exertions the means of victory, liberty, and terrible juftice. In the preparative interim, let fobricty be national and unchange- able; by abftaining totally from the ufe oi fpiyituous liquors you will icftroy the excife, which is the only branch of revenue remaining, rom whence is produced the principal Jlrength of government , you m\\ prevent the diftillation of grain, which confumcs nearly double '>d brethren whofe trials approach, the benefit of legal defence ; "nnd the centinels whom you have appointed to watch over your interefts, ftand firm at their ports, vigilant of events, and prompt to give you notice and advice,' which, on every occaiion at all r-quiiing ir, rely on receivincr. This recital, IriGunen, \- meant to guard thofe of yoi. \?ho are remote from the fcene of the late events, againft the confequences of mifreprefemation and ndftake. The moft unfounded rumours ^ ' have 2^0 No. XXV. have been fet afloat, fabricated for the doubls piirpofe of dckifion and intimidation. Your enemies lalk of treachery, in the vain and fallacious hope of creating it ; but you, who fcorn equally to be their dupes or their flaves, will meet their forgeries with dig- nified contempt, incapable of being either goaded into untimely violence, or funk into pufillanimous defpondency. Be firm, Irifhmen, but be cool and cautious ; be patient yet a v/hile ; trufi: to no unauthorifed communications ; and above all we warn you, again and again we warn you, againfl doing the work of your tyrants, by premature^ by partial or di'vi^-lcd exertion. If Ireland fliall be forced to throw away the fcabbard, let it be at her c^jjri time, not at theirs, Lublin, March I'jth, (St. Patrick's Day J 179S. TO THE UNITED IRISHMEN. Countrymen, No moment was ever fo awful to Ireland as the prefent one- Liberty or flavery Is now before us. That the decifion is in your hand, I am well affured. Glorious profpeft ! The people of Ireland are United. Shew the pitiful tyrants who calumniate you — Shew Europe — fhew the World that you are a band of brothers^ actuated by a fenfe of honour, virtue and patriotifm — (hew an exam- ple df the effeds of your principles in Armagh. The hills and rallies which were lately ftained Vvdth blood, are now covered by the r^^/fpirit of the Gofpel, and peace, and love and chanty, and union reign in the hearts of Irishmen ! — Look at this, ye traducers, ye dividers, ye devourers of Ireland. Yes, thank Heaven, we are United, and that our enemies know right well. Let not the honeft indignation of your virtuous fouls provoke you to a Vv'ord or an adlion unworthy of your country or your caufe, when you hear yourfelves termed ' a neftof execrable and infamous traitors.* You mud learn to fmile at the impotent attacks of malignant defpair. Look at the map, fays a Minifterial chara61er, and you will find that Ireland miiji belong to England or France. What occafion to look at the map, or why employ the word niu/l ? But, if this be the decree of Fate for Ireland, let it be done with unanimity, with love, and with power ; let no internal broils, no local fituations, no religious opinions, ever provoke an Irifiman to fpill the blood of an Jrijhman, ^ But No. XXV. 251 But let us for the lake of our common intereft, for the fake of our common country, for the fake of our common God and Father, go with one hand and one heart together. Trouble not yourfelves whether France is to fend 40 or 50,000 troops here; whether England is to fend 40 or 50,00 troops here; but turn your attention to Ireland — think of what fhe was, what fhe is, and what fhe ?nay be. Think, that were you to divide ?.s in. former days, and one part to feek protedion and afllftance from one of thofe powerful nations, the other party from the other na- tion, what carnage and rivers of blood would enfue — flavery v/ouki follow, and Ireland be undone, perhaps for ever. But in your Union is your fifety — in your Union is your ftrength, your import- ance and your liberty. In whatever fcalc your weight is call, it will preponderate in an inftant. He is your enemy, and the man of blood who would divide you — he is your friend, and the man of peace who would keep you together. I am far from aifuming fo much importance, as to attempt laying down a plan of condud: at this critical period. Your obedience to the laws, your fobriety, induftry, prudence and patience, have ren- dered you the envy of your enemies, and make any thing I could fay unneceflary, T'our Will mufl prevail — let it then be matured — let it refult from reflection — from cool, determined adherence to your principles — from a regard to the peace of your country — from the glorious love of liberty and the Irijh nam.e. If your hearts pant after a continuation of the Britifli Minifler'.^ behaviour to Ireland — if you admire the war, thecondu6lof thewar, and the confequences of the war : If you be fatisfied that three- fourths of the people of Ireland fliould not enjoy the benefits of thi, Conftitution — that the very name of Reform fhould be fcouted with derifion — if the fufpenfion of the trial by Jury, the Convention bill, the gunpowder bill, the proclamations and Baltiles appear eligible and falutary, you will have no difficulty how to conduct yourfelves. But fhould thefe things appear to you in a different point of view, it will be neceffary, perhaps, to condud yourfelves in a different manner. And that that manner may terminate in the glory, liberty and happinefs of Ireland, ought to be the honeft wifh of every boneji IRISHM4^. Viz ^V^ No. X a\ Fabruiiicd Ruta and Rcguuitiom of the Lhwigc Men. AS an inflance of the arts ufed to make the Orange AlTociatioti an occafjon of exciting in the breafis of the lower ciafs of catho- lics the mod malignant and vindictive palFions — the following fc- ries of fabricated rules and regulations intended to be confidereJ as thofe oi the Orange Men, are here inferted. The copy ironi which they arc tranfcribed was found in the houfe of Marlnv, a laylor, in Hoey's-court, but fnnilar copies were frequently found both on the perlons and in the houfes oi United IriiUmen. I ft. Kefolved unanimoully, that each and every member be fur- niflied with a cafe of horfe piltols and a fword, alfo that every member fliall have twelve rounds of ball cartridges. 2d. Refolved, that every man (hall be ready at a moment\«: warn- ing. 3d. Refolved, that no member is to introduce a papirt; or pref- byterian, quaker or methodiif, or any perfuafion but a proteitanr. 4Lh. Refolved, that no rnan wear irifh manufadure nor give employment to any papilL 5th. Refolved, that every man (hall be r«ady at a moment's warn- ing to burn all the chapels and meeting houfes in the city and couiKy of Dublin. 6th. Refolved, that any man that will give information of any houfe he fufpedfs to be a United Irilhman's will get the fum of 5I. and his name kept priv^ate. 7th. Refolved, that no member will introduce any man under the age of nineteen or over tlie age of forty-fix. f.\!r.:c7s No. XXVIf. 25^: ry'r.nls frrm the Union Si.ir aiul P-'fs. UNMON STAR. "'HE Union Srnr appeared at irregular periods, was pri -ted on <;ne i^.de of t!ie paper to fit it for being paHed on walls, and fre- fUienriy f^cojid editions were pubiiflied of the fame numbers. It Gbiefly confilted of names and abufive charaders of perfons fup- poft (i to havc- been informers againfb United Irifhmen, or adive op- nolers c^f their dehgns ; and to fuch IHfs were generally added the nioil furious exhortations to the populace, to rife and take ven- geance on their oiipreiTors. Each number commences with the fol- lowing words : " As the Union Star is an official paper, the managers promife the *' public that no charatfters fhall be hazarded but fuch as are de- *' nounced by authority, as being the partners and creatures of Pit, " and his fanguinary journeyman, /.r/z/.v/V, ** The Star offers to public jufiice the following df feOable trai- ** tors, as fpies and perjured informers. " Perhaps fome arm more lucky than the reO:, may reach his *' heart, and free the world from bondage." Then followed the liRs of profcription, of which, from the wan- ton cruelty with which individuals are brought forward, as objedr, ot popular odium, it is impnilibie to give an example : The exhor- tations with which each number concluded, may be judged of from the following extrads : Fxtr^uls fri'm /-V UaioJi Star. *' LET the indignation of man be raifed againit the impiou?! >vretchwho prophanely ailumes the title of reigning by the grace of Cjod, and impudently tells the world he can iio no wrong — Irishmen ! is granting a patent, and oflering premiums ''o murderers to depo- pulate your country, and take your pr©pert*ts, no wrong .^ Is tak- ing part of the fpoil no wrong.? Is the foreign defpot incapable cf wrong, who fliarpens the fword that deprives you of life, and ex- pofes )our children to poverty, and pII its confenuent calamities ? Oh. 2 54 No. XXVI L Oh, man ! or rather lefs, O King ! will t'le iinotheicd groans of my countrymen, who in thy name fill the innumerab'e dungeons you have made for aflerting the rights cf man, b^ confidered no wrongs? Will enlightened Irifhrnen believe you inc;ipabie of wrong, v;ho offers up the moll amiable of mankind dsily on tlie fcifFold, or the gibbet, to t'^y infatiable ambition ? Is burning the villagts of what you call your people, and fiiooting the trembling fufferers, no wrong? Is taking the church into partnerfhip, and en- couraging its idle and voluptuous drones to dcfpoil induilry of its rev/ard, and teach a lying dodrine to ran(f\ion their injuftice, no wrongs? Are the continual wars you engender and provoke to dellroy mankind, no wrong ? Go, impious blafphemcr, and your hypocritical forcerers, to the fate philofophy, juHice and liberty configns tl]ee. 'Tis inevitable, thy impofitions are deteCled. Thy kind have been brought to julHce. The firft poflTellor of thy trade has jecently bled for the crimes of the craft : his idle and vile fol- lowers, who efcaped the national axe, are walking memorials of juftice, begging a miferable livelihood over thofe countries, whofe tottering thrones encourage but an uncertain afTylum. Ere the grave, which is opening for thy defpif!'d perfon, embofoms thee, make one atonement for the vices of thy predecefTors ; refilt not the claims of a People reduced to every mifery ; in thy name give back the properties that thy nation v/refted from a fufFering people; and let the defcendants of thofe Englilh ruffians rellore to Irifhrnen their Country, and to their Country Liberty : 'Tis rather iate to trifiej one fortunate breeze miy do itj and then, woe be to him y/ho was a tyrant, or who is unjuil." No. 2. ** Infurreciion and revenge, however defcribed or difcountenanced by the abettors of tyranny., fliould always be refpeeled by a peo- ple, as they have operated powerfully towards the prefervation of liberty and the diilribution of ju (Vice. As revolutionf, in every age iind country, were ads contrary to laws then in exiftence, they coaiequentiy were infurretlions. The thing called in England a xevoluiiwn in 1688, juftifies the ailertion ; and in the declaration of rights, the men v/ho drew it up, and the people who read it, defended and admired the virtue and necelhty of refilUnce to opprelfion. The revolutions of France and America were founded on infur.vfdion ; and before them the Portuguefe and Dutch revolutions. No. XXVII. 25^ rf Volutions. Antiquity furnifh many fpkndid inuirreflions ; nmongft others, the celebrated one of the Roman people retreat- ing to (he K4ons Sacer, and defending thernfelves by wliolerome regulations from the privileged patricians,— -the Luttrells, Fitz- gihbons and Scotts of the day. Hiftory ornaments her page with the bold ftruggles, as honourable, edifying, and worthy of imitation by fufTering humanity. Revenge! glorious revenge! Your name is as fweet as liberty ; as Paine fays, " He that would *' not punilh cruelty offers a premium to vice," or, as Ganganelli fyprefTes it, '* Mercy to the wicked, is cruelty to the worthy."— The Irifhman who would not expiate the burning of his cabbin, by the burning of a tyrant's palace, is acceifary to his neighbour's deftru6tion j or he, whofe father, fon, or brother has been murdered by Britifn or Irifh mercenaries, would not revenge the deed, by imolating any of his country's oppreffors, is beneath a man, and is the murderer of ]]is kindred by connivance. The horrors comm.itted in our country by our Englifli maflers, ce-nturies ago, demand vengeance ; v.hen killing an Irifhman was only fineable, many proofs of which are exifting. We fliall cite one : At a e;enera] gaol delivery at Waterford, the 4th of Edward II. before John Wogan, Lord Juftice of Ireland, an Englifhman accufed of murder, pleaded in bar of judgment, that the perfon killed was an Irifhman. The tying of catholic clergymen back to back, and drowning them in the Shannon.-— The Englifh plan of ftarving whole counties is loudly boailed of by Englifh writers; we need not rcfort to the calendar of Englifli cruelties — they are again revived ; and Ireland, moiftcning with the blood of her children, loudly calls for glorious revenge. United Irifhmen, be Ifeadv and perfevering ; liberty and jullice point the road to glory ; the delivery of our country is at hand ; your labours will be rewarded ; yourjuft revenge will be gratified; the gholls of your martyred countrymen will be comforted ; and an eq'.ial diftribution of rights will be yours : Induftry will be honoured, indudrious age Vene- rated, pregnant wives refpedled ; and the plough, the fhuttle and the fhip (hall give their blefTings unfnnckled. Be not caft down nor hopelefs, the genius of Ireland will gjive aid to your endea- vours ; the mitred mountebank fhall refign his lands for the education of deferted infancv, and the care of induflrious ao-e. The lands which royal villainy arreted from murdered Irifnmen, (hall be the rewards of the deliverers of their ccvntrv. No more 256 No. XXVIL will the lazy lord enjoy the fruits of your labour, and fl.irve y*. into ihe ranks, to pleafe his ambition or extend his power. Nv. more fhall inceflant ti)ii be ycur fate. No more (hall you be as you have boen for centuries, rearing and watching the ox or the fhee;;' vv'hofe tiefh you never talked, (ir whofe fleece never v/arms votj. No more ftiall you be doomed to threfli or fow the corr> you neve- were allowed to fee in bread. If the want of liberty hr'i over them, it may fairly be concluded :h-,[ the grs e^^:mn,u where this ignorance prevails, is verging fart to its difTohjtion." Same. " The rule of right, is a rule that in morals fnouid never vary ; but, if. thele kingdoms, to preach up rnsoiifm is tiie l)ell rule; and the wifdom of government protcds thofe who embrace this Vicht fide of the queliion, while it punidies with equal rectitude thofe who maintained t1iat a rtpuhli: is the only right form of c^overn- nient;— let us apply this rule to the Continent France Ts not a ration of fools ; and fome amongft them have as much fenfp fGod forgive them: as ^^ - * ^^ *^ hut no matter. 1 he fools of France tell you, th;it monarchy is a coat of arms, whofe fup- porters are the church and the ariftocracy— its crert, the bloody hand; ;'.nd its motto, Odi prrfaumn -yv^/zo ; but that democracy not poll. (lino- thele ;„';,V7,v/ wits, is the .xgis of wifdom, whofe ?■/, /;' ;//.: fhouid govern the world 4 now thefe are two rules nt n / ', bcth appearing on opjX^Ke principles, both proliounced to be the Very belt for the government of m:^n, and ench declared Superior to the other m excellence; yer a man (hall be nun'rh^d nlternately fr)r obferving this or (hat, according; to the a'ir which he brea tilts." Prefs, Mo. 9. Oa. 17 th, I 797- \ The li:ued J jf:nien .recommend to each other t-mperance, patience, p ace, and non-reldrance dieinous crimes :) They do not wjfh for rcfcrm or emancipation, becaufe they never a(kcd for any fuch No. XXVII. 261 iwch Jhin':(-— no ! Th's is a li',t!e odd —But \vh::t is t!ie confpiracy ? A cinlpiracy of tiu'h -agninil fallehood,— a confpiracy of peace and H'Drity agunll war and ilavery, — ;i confpiracy of love and fi:;tional union'ai^.-^ind hafred and civil diibadiion, — a confpiracy of reafon, judic- and virtue, againft cruel oppreflion, inhumanity, and vice" — — aid %v^ w U j iv //inter, it ibe King and his p. -pi' do -,v.i unite or conjprre (rail // hy what name you p'eafe) againfi. lU mi-U iviiked hiood-ihirfl^/ miniflfri^ who have cnnfpired againfi Jj^-i!\ Gcd cm only tell hr.wjoon the p:''^p!e imli l>fc ibeir I'cloved King, or he h s f alii fa!., but zvretclvd pe'pe." Prefs, No. 10. Oc\. 19, 1797. After a comparifon of the condud. of Lord Yelvcrton on Orr's condemnation to that of Judge JefTeries, follows: " At this c'-'f's^ fo full of hori'or, we have a confolation in thinking that certain atrocities can live only till they are underftoed, they are hidrous fpe^ftres which van'd-i with the morning : The mere execu- tions of military force, terrible as they arc, go no farther than nhr branches, and. may be endured ; but the blow that is levelled at the root of fociety is a warning to mankind., that " // they "• do not aiv.ike^ thy miifl flecp for eve^ ; there is no alter native betweeji lihertv and dejlruclmn, and it they are too aljeB to cl aim freedom as a. right, th^y mujl fly to it as p, refuge. Same. "IRISH R E B F L L I O N. MONDAY next will be the anniverfary of' what is ufuaJly called the Iridi rebellion : Far be it from us to juUify the cruelties /aid lo have been committed by foiiie of the infurgents of that day, Src. But" whatever thofe cruelties may have been, th.y cannot have given rife to the epithet, Rebelhon ; that, if jidl, muft be warranted by the objeds and demands of the infurgents. — (Here follows a large expofjtion of their demands.) Oh, Ireland ! what. Is to be thy future deftiny ^ If the myfterious workings of Pro- vidence fhUl withhold from us thofe blefnngs after which we pant, will our p-.fterity cdumniate their forefathers, and fliall our failures hQ matter of triumph to nur children? But no ; it cannot be — the honell, and, we truft, the peaceable exertions of United Ire- L'lnd ni favour tf trrednm mull fucceed. The queftion of forfeited property is, thtink God, by common confent, at reil ; and v/e will not, like our ancclfors, mar a national caufe by fedorial quarrels ; we "' fhaj]. s62 No. XXVII. Hiall have no controverfies about which fct of priefts fnatl enjoy The archbifhoprick*:, bifhopricks, deanries, and other fpi ritual; promotions; let us then psrfevere with puisnes, moderation., firmnefs. — Whatever Afcendancy Men, or Orange Men, may at- tempt, — the caufc of Inftj Liherv) mu(l finill: p-evail^ fuppnrtt^d as it IS, ly n *' brothfrhoo:l of afftHim amon^ji hijhmenof everv religious, ffrjinjhv.y Prefs, No. II. Q)i\. 26,, 1797. " But, my Lord, (to the Lord Lieutenant on Orr's execution,) it- will not do — though your guards, and your foldiers, and your thoufands, and your tens of thoufands, fhouid condu'5\ inno- cence to death — It will not do. — \ voice has cried in the wil- dernefs, and let the deferted ftieet.^ of Carrickfergus proclaim to. all the v/orld, that good men v/ill not be intimidated ; and that they are yet more numerous than your foldiers." No. 9. O^. 17, 1797. *' The United fripmen are every whc-re knocked down by t!ie hacks and runners of adminiftration, with all the rancour of poli- tkal fanaticifm ; while the Orangemen, who have folemnly fworn, to exterminate his Majsliy'e Roman Catholic fubjeds, are the only perfons protected and cherifhed by the Englifh ca!)inet. If then anv hrnnch of his Mije/ifs oppt'-ff'd /uIJc-lIs in h-eLmd are driven //? ff.^k foreign protrihon, 'who is to blame, the opprejfed or. the opprefjors?'' No. 18. Nov. 7, 1797. »' To THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND. For ffiame ! for fhame ! what are you afraid of.? The minifler is as timid as he is infolent — -your patience has made hini proud ; your humility has made him haughty; your firmnefs will make him fearful : Bat if the tim.e of recovering your liberties is gone by, if your doom of fervitude is fealed, if you are to be flaves, at leaft, forge not your own fetters, nor fit them.v/ith your own hands — let them be forced upon you, and let Europe fee that you do not wear them with wiUingnefs and eafc; remember that though life is pre- fcious, liberty is the gem that gives life its luftre. AlTert your rights; demand the conflitution of your forefathers; let not the blood of Hampden, Sidney and Ruflell, have flowed in vain. Re- commend yourfelves toGod, and, if necsflary, in defence of liberty,^ die in the laft ditch." Np,' Kb. XXVII. 263 No. 17. Nov. 4, 1797. *' Examples are not wanting, if examples could avail, that tyran- ny has no terrors for a mind retblved, and that confederated multi- tudes can overpower the bell difciplined troops. France has con- firmed this new difcovered truth, and France has afforded a leffon bf moderation to the Sovereigns of Europe." Same. The fatal Battle of Aughrim. " MoUrn ; loll Hibernia, ever mourn *' Thy freedom lolt, thy laurels torn, " Thy warriors funk on Aughrim's plains, ^* And Britain loading ihee with chains." No. 23, Nov. 18, 1797. " Should thofe defperate Frenchmen be inclined to approach our fhores, as they have threatened this fcafon, and not meeting Commo- dore IVinter in the fame blullery temper, fhould they chance toef- fe(ft a landings there can be no manner of doubt but the peafantry of the country, confidering the fignal gratitude of the Legiflature and Government fhewn to them, for their former loyalty and promptitude in the national defence, would rife en m'jjje^ and meet the enemy in open drmiJ" Same. " The ever memorable cnpi are and de/iru^ion of die Bajlile, is a flriking and awful example to tyrannical governments, of what even un irmed ciuzens can do againll difciplined force, entrenched in the ftrongell fortifications, if once roufed by a fenfe of injuries^ and an enthufiaftic love of liberty, to fhake off at once thtic fears and their chains." No. 24., Nov. 21, 1797. "Imuft warn you, that if you hope to unite, the eafe and indul- gence, both mental and bodily, of untroubled times, with the agita- tions of party, you will be forely difappointed. The prefent times will require uncommon firmnefs, large facrifices, fevere privations^ and laborious exertions ; but how fliall you efcape them, could you defire it ^ you muft fly from your native land, you mull renounce your fituation in fociety, many or your moll valuable connexions -, you mufl divell yourfelf of the patriot feeling towards your coun- ^ry^ which includes itli the befl affedions, and univerfal charities of 264 ^'^- xxvir. the univerfal bofom. And whither would you fly ? In whu quarfer of the habitable globe can you dream of finding untioubied and permanent repofe, amidft the general cocvulfion which Ihakt-s the gemus and the mor.il iuiirunvnu. It is not only mo-re manly and more honourable, but alfo more prud.nt, to march with counte- nance erect, a volunteer, into the patriot ranks, than to be forci^d to the painful alternative of becoming one of the fatellites of tyranny, one of the opprclFors of your country, one of the butchfrs of your brethren; of joining the patriot band, at a future day, reluclant- ly, and ungracioufly, and ot bringing an acceilion oX llrcngth, with- out deferving gratitude or honour. Above all, do notdefpond of the Pvcpublic Believe me, itfhallnot be loft, the prefent filence of the people is not the filence of fear and defpondency, but of difcretion — the [)ubiic ciufe is not aban- doned, notwithftanding the terrors of military execution, &c. but the day muji come when the people (hail firmly rally round the conftitution, and range themfelves boldly undei thi ftandard of freedom." No. 26. Nov. 25, 1797. " What thinks royalty now .? how ftands its account with the world .'' is it at laft convinced of its madnefs and vanity, in opprefs- ing the will of a great, but oppreffed nation, o}ice denrminid to be free !" la the letter to Lord Carhampton, under the title of Satanides, is the following pailage \ No, 27. Nov. 28, 1797. *' It was indeed to be lamented that you (hould periHi by thfi ilroke . may, perhaps, fc-on have an opportunity of fhewing, by a(^ts of mercy and forgivenefs, more fublime than fortune has yet put it into their power to exercife, that virtue which it fhall be our province to cultivate and fofter." Same. " This day the Lord Lieutenant and the King's Pailiament went to Chrift's Church, to return thanlcs for the i^Ji vidory." No. 48. January i8th, 1798. To THE YEOMEMoF IRELAND. " Some of you, perhaps, may think you have an interefl in a life of bondage ; — grievoully will you find yourfelves midaken ; a day of reckoning will come when the utmoil farthing muR: be paid. Look around you ; count the millions that are burning their chains, and fay, which has the majority ; you or the vati-)}! ? Ad* here to that duty from which no oath can abfolve you : Proteii your counuy and its laws. But your King. The hiftory of your country has told you, that allegiance and protection are mutual ; and that, could the monarch violate the laws, your oath of allegiance would be an oath of reftihmce. Will you be the' Irifh '' gentry," that, Lord -Grenville fays, join in the murders of their country? Or v/ould you 270 No. xxvn. 5(.ou not rather be that generous Irifh people, who, he Aiys, do refill abufe. No. 48. Jan. i8th, 1798. THE DISUNITED MEN. " The Difunited Men fay, there can be no conciliation with traitors-, we hope however, that tr.ntors as they are^ they W\\\ ?[n<\ that nnercy which they did not fhew," fuch or them at leaft, as are not fteeped to the very eyes *' in crimes of deadly hue" : — Arfon, confpiracy, fubornation, perjury, and murder, cannot be forgiven. Libels and cheats may be forgiven; folly and malice defpifed. — Ponder on this, ye difunited men." Prefs, No. c,\. Jan. 25th, 179S. " To THEIR HIGH MIGHTINESSES— The GENERALS, LIEU- TENANT-GENERALS, &c. NON-COMMISSIONED O^^FI- CERS, DRUMMERS, and PRIVATES, now exercising the Powers of Government in IRELAND. '' The PETITION of the poor afflided People of Ireland, umted in Miiforiune and afFedion to each other, and in humble Duty to your HighnefTes, &c. " WE do dutifully implore your HighneflTes to do all feeming juflice towards yourfclves \ and feeing how little profit and advan- t.igc there is, or has been, in deftroying the habitations, &:c. of your poor and dutiful fubj-fts ; and feeing how many palaces and calllfs, &c. there be in the hands of your inveterate enemies, &c. and many bilhonricks, redories, and other offices in church and flate there be. We, therefore, pray your Highnefles to take the fame to your non-gracious uje^ and to confider what goodly bifhops, judges, lawyers, fpeakcrs, marquifles, counfellors of ilate, and taftcrs of wine, your MightinefTes would make, and above all, how much eafur is the hurtbtn of/ppiding a few ihoufand pounds by the year, than tiJiU of carrying a knapfuk ar^d firelock, as the greater part of you at pr^h't do \ and v^t pledge our/elves to ajjijl you in the faid juft and necefiary undertaking— /or Go^ ^w^/^r man— for religion— for our rig/'.'s an,\ lileriics — for migna chirta — the bill of rights — the trial h i-*'y ~-Tfid our ruo/i blejed ^orijlitution in church and Jf ate,'' &:c. No. No. XXVII. 271 No. 52. Jan. 27th, 1798. From Mr. ROGER O'CONNOR'S Third Letter. " Thanks to the God of Nature, who works by means infcrut- able to mortal ken, Grenvilie, Pitt, and Jenkinfon, have done wonders ; they have nearly realifed our fond hopes of feeing thje abufes^ which have hitherto withjiood the ineffenual Jtrug^les of divided kingdoms, fall profirate before the moderate, but determined exertions of united nations-' No. s^- Feb. 6th, 1798. " To CORRESPONDENTS. " We have received a dialogue between a venerable old c©un- tryraan and a foldicr, in which the countryman feduces the foldier from murder and robbery ; but fhews, that even though it be loyal, and for the good of religious and fociai order to murder and plun- der, // is both fafer^ and mve -profitable, to rob the rich than the poor ^ No. 57. Feb. 8, 1798. "The PEOPLE. " Happy would it be for their oppreflbrs, were the prefent fllence of \\\t^tQ)'^\z tlie filence of death -^ but thrice happy for the people it is only \\itfVence of fleep. The night is nearly fpent, and the morning breaks *******, Your Lordfhip (the Lord Lieu- tenant) may have the happinefs of feeing, that the Irifh people are as valiant m the field, as they are patient under torture, and re- figned at ihe Jcafiold." No. 58. Feb. 10, 1798. The Prelbyterian of Ulfler wiflies for life only that he may fee his country free, and all the people partaking equally the rights and privileges of Citizens ; nothing hjs is their olje£l than the independence of Ireland, and the freedom of all its inhabitants. Truft me, the Prefbyterians of Ulfter do by no means wifh to fee you fit down contented with cold catholic emancipation, as a gift from any government : No ; they wifh to fee you by your own ene'-gy, refcue yourfdves from that opprellion you have fo long laboured under; 272 No. XXVII. under ; and in doing fo, they are ready to rilli every thing in the common caufe." No. 58. Feb. 10, 179S. " "What a glorious profpecfl opens to the view of every ho- neft Iiifhman. The admiiiiftration is reduced to this dreadful precipice, that if it moved forward, it is dafhed to pieces ; and if it attempts to retreat, certain deiirudtion is its fate. Thus, in the very nature of things, the diffolution of the prefent fyftem is inevitable; and the freedom of Ireland is as certainly approaching, as the noontide blaze advances from the early dawn. A little patience will foon terminate our fufferings. Perfevcrance in union, and brotherly affedion, will, for the prefent, alleviate them. We hear of your fufferings, and your virtues ; we are alfo fuffering with you in the fame caufe ; and the time is not far dillant, v/hen onx p:i{i:vf vi, tii^'s^ uirprecrnnedTuiih thi atllvi ones^ fhall procure for Ireland her rights; fliali hurl confufion and deflrudion on her enemies ; fhall avenge the manes of her flaughtered patriots, in- demnify the fufferings of thofe who may efcape the profcription, and confolidate the everlafting glory, happincfs and peace of Ireland." No. 61. Feb. 17, 1798. TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND. ** Your mailers arc alarmed : They will propofe a reform in parliament, not fo much to divide you, (for that they know is inrpolTible,) as to paralyze your efforts, and to fhake that which they cannot pull down. Trull them not. — Whilft they thought you difunited and unable to refill tyranny, they reviU^d and infulted you ; but at the name of the Great Na- tion, they fhrunk into their own worthleiTnefs : Already they hear its thunders breaking on their heads, and fee its armies pouring ieftrutflion on them. While thofe thunders rolled at a diftance, they defpifed the noife ; for men are apt to be brave when they apprehend no danger ; but as the found approaches, their dread increafes with its nearnefs, and appalled at the power they had fo often defied, they lower the loftinefs of their air, and afiume ihe tones of moderation, &c. If they be fincere in their pro- felTions No. XXVII. 273 fcfTions ot reform, let the axe be laid to the root. What Signifies the dippings and fhearings of a few withered leaves, while the whole trunk is rotten ? Let tiic tree be cut down and caft into the fire, it has but too long cumbered the ground ; — beware of them when they have over-reached you and got you in their power, they will return to their old fyftem, and afterwards laugh at you. Neither muft you hope a fecond time to be relieved, but be Jleadyy and do not a5i pro- fanely ^ thwart not that kind Providence which ii working your deliver- ance." No. 61. Feb. 17th, 1798. « We muft deplore his (Col. Manfcrgh St. George's) death, as the melancholy confequence of that pernicious fyftem of Pitt and his aftbciates, which by hollowing the rich againft the poor^ the protef- tant againft the papift — weakly endeavours to prevent an union, which muft terminate in the deftrudion of their power, and the pu- nilLment of their crimes j a very fliort time, however, will cxpofe thofe afTaflins in their true colours." No. 6^' Feb. 22, 1798. « What a people can do, the people of North America have done ; what a people ought to do, the people of Ireland are con- fidering." Same. 'f The Prefs will continue to its laft hour to dcfpife its adverfaries ; and be it filerxed when it may, it will live in the remembrance of Iriftimen, whofe union is now complete, who know their duties^ and will perform them." " The difpofition to repel oppreflion and maflacre, are clearly augmented by the late determination to purfue, and of confequence to encreafe rigorous meafures againft the people of this land : But men when infpired by liberty, will not long deliberate on adopting what nature prompts, Freedom, or ELSE." Mm PRESS. 274 No. XXVIL PRESS, E^traH from a letter in No. 68 of the Prefs^ ivhich w2sfeized on the d.iy of its intended -publication^ addrejfed to the Author of Coercion, My Lord, the ancients entertained a fiiperftition that in certain circuinllances men were irrefiftibly impelled by fome fecret power to their own deftruftion ; or, to ufe a word which Iccms to be imme- diately derived from the luperftition, that they were infatuated ; fuch, my Lord, at prefent feems your fituation. — You feem to fhut your eyes on the fituation of this country — you feem incapable of deriv- ing any advantage from the example of another country — The hand of fate feems upon you, and you ftill go on as foolifhly confident, and as madly gay, as the infecl that flutters round the torch, or the bird that cannot refill the fafcination of the ferpent's jaws that are ex- tended to devour him. I know, my Lord, you plume yourfelf on the imaginary fafety of your fituation. But pride not yourfelf any longer on that circum- ilance; deceive yourfelf no more; I tell you, you are in danger: think not to fcreen yourfelf behind the fhield of parliamentary fup- porc : repofe not on the delufive promifes of military proteclion : they will avail you nothing in the dread moment of national retribu- tion, and amid the confufion of revolutionary vengeance. At fuch a moment, if, unhappily, perfeverance in your prefent condudl fhould induce it, the Ikcred perfon of the judge will not be refpcdled ; your elevated fituation will not procedl you ; the forma- lities of trial may be laid afide ; the cautious and cftabliflied rules of evidence may be exploded: at fuch a juncture the forms of law may not be infulted to jullify your execution. There will be no neceffity for fuborned teltimony, or intoxicated jurymen, to procure your con- demnation. Ireland can afford the cleareft evidence of your crimes : the unanimous voice of its inhabitants will pronounce you guilty ; on fuch an occafion, ourdifgull againft the duty of the executioner, will be fufpended, and men will contend fur the honour of terminating fo dellrudivc an exiHence. No. XXVIL ^ 275 Extra^s from a CoUe^lon of Songs, I'ntitkd the Irijh Harp new flnmg. The nevj Viva la. Tune — IVilJy was a Wanton Wag, Mufe of energy and fire. Stretch abroad thy boldcfl wing. Freedom calls ! alTiime the lyre. Freedom calls ! arife and fing. Viva la, long live the people. Free from care and flavery. Viva la, Hibernia ! Man will furely foon be free. Sing the Captive's broken chain. Sing the tyrant's withered arm. Mad oppreflion ftorms in vain. Freedom's breath has broke the charm. Viva la, &c. Slavery's baftile reared its head. Deep the ftrong foundation lay. Loft in its tremendous fhade, Nations mourned the abfent day. Viva la, &c. All the ghaftly regions round, Stretched immenfe a hideous wild, Mifery hoped and horror frowned. Men defpair'd and dsemons fmiled. Viva la, &c. Sudden founding from afar. Freedom's awful voice was heard j Glorious as the morning ftar, Soon Liberty herfclf appeared, Viva la, &c. Triumph fliining in her eyes. Beams of heavenly fplendor fhed. Kindling up the glowing fkics, Darknefs faw and midnight fled. Viva la, &c. M m 2 Down 27^ No. XXVII. Down the gothic ftru<5^ure then. Thundered on the builders heads. Slaves beheld, and fprung to men. Tyrants faw and fhrunk to Andes. Viva la. Sec. Storms and tempers howling flew, Defolation left the fcene, Gales of vernal fragrance blew. Nature blew in flowery green. Viva la, See. Freedom, fl;ill extend thy fway, Boiindlcfs may thy influence run, Univerfal as the day, Everlafting as the fun. Viva la, &c. Plant, Plant the Tree. Tune — Daffy hi down dilly. ift. See, Erin's fons, yon rifing beam. The e?iflern hills adorning. Now freedom's fun begins to gleam. And break a glorious morning; Defpotic fway from France is chafed. And church delufions vanifhed. Our illc fliall never be difgraced. If thefe dread fiends were baniflied, Chsrus. Plant, plant the tree, fair freedom's tree, 'Midfl danger, wounds and flaughter, Erin's green fields its foil (hall be. Her tyrants blood its water. 2d. They come, they come, fee myriads come, Of Frenchmen to relieve us. Seize, feize the pike, beat, beat the drum. They come my friends to fave us ; Whilfl trembling defpots fly this land, To fliun impending danger. We ftrctch forth our fraternal hand. To hail each welcome ftranger. JPlanJ, plant the tree, Arc. That No. XXVII. ^^^ 3d. That caftle which through ages paft. For delpots was appointed. You, lovereign people, claim at laft. For you're the Lord's anointed : The ufelefs baubles that adorned Our late Vice-royal ninnies. Now to the crucible reti rned. Produce you ufeful guineas. Plant, plant the tree, &c. 4th. Thofe nicknames, Marquis, Lord and Earl, That fet the crowd a gazing, "We prize as hogs efteem a pearl. Their patents fet a blazing. No more they'l vote away our wealth. To pleafe a King or Ojieen, firs, But gladly pack away by ftealth. Or tafte the guillotine, firs. Plant, plant the tree, &c. 5th. Our Commons too, who fay fo footh. They reprefent the nation, Shall fcamper eaft, weft, north and fouth. Or feel our indignation ; The Speaker's mace to current coin. We prefently will alter, For ribbons lately thought fo fine, We'll fit each with a halter. Plant, plant the tree, &c. 6th. No more our tythes well grumbling throw. To thofe who on us trample. But, where he wills each man fhall go, To reafon's pureft temple ; Erin go brah, each choir fhall fing, The heart opprefied to chear, firs. Not thefe curs'd founds, " God fave the King," Pifcordant grate our ears, firs. Plant, plant the tree, &c. 7th. The nations bank has been put up To fwindling moft completely. To forgeries it e'en can ftoop. On guinea notes fo neatly. And when it gets yourfolid coin, The cuftum-houfe marauder, M' ill forgery in red letters join To the back of Townly Lawder. Plant, plant the tree, &c.. Thofe 27» ' No. XXVIL 8th. Thofe hwyf rs who with face of brafs. And wigs replete with learning, Whofe far fetched, quibbling quirks furpafs Republicans difcerning; For them, to ancient forms be (launch, 'Twill fiiit fuch worthy fellows, In juftice fparc one legal branch, I mean, relerve the gallows. Plant, plant the tree, &c. 9th. ^nd when th' all glorious v/ork is done. Rejoice with one another. To plough -fhares beat the fword and gun. Now every man's your brother; Detefled wars fhall ever ceafe In kind fraternization. All will be harmony and peac^. And the whole world one nation. Plant plant the tree. Sec. Tbe Fatal Blow. Tune — O'er the Hills and far away Come come my countrymen advance. Charge your mufket, point your lance ; Proclaim your will from fhore to Ihore, 'Till tyranny fhall be no more. Too long have tyrants ruled the land. Too long you fpare the ruffian band ; The blood by vile opprefTors fhed Calls vengeance on each guilty head. To yon in this decifive hour Avenging fate entrufts her power. Then haile to flrike the fatal blow And puiiifh each tyrannic foe. No. XXVIII. 279 Printed Papers againjl fahng Br.nk NoteSy and purchafing ^nt RchU: A CAUTION TO THE BRETHREN. THOSE appointed by you to fuperintend your interefts, have from time to time fent you fuch advice, or information, as they were I enabled from refledion, or enquiry to ofier for your advantage and and the general good. Still a6luated by the fame principle of zeal and fidelity, they deem it their duty to caution you againfl: the immenfe quantity of bank notes, which government is fabricadng without bounds. We need not tell you that the value of any bank note reds upon the credit of him who iffues 11 And in our opinion, the liTiiev of this paper is a bankrupt, who in all likelihood muft fhortly fhut up, and run awny. The prefent convenience of circulation will be but poor amends for the fubfequent beggary and ruin it will bring on the holders ; for you know it will be watle paper and muft (top fomewhere as foon as there is a hurfl^ and that the pofTefTor, {Gcd help him) will be robbed of fo much property as he has taken it for. Sometimes people accept of rap-hilfpence for the convenience of change ; but that is by far not fo foolilli as taking thefc bank notes i for a tinker or brafs-foundcr will give you Ibmething for bafe metal : but when the government goes down^ thefc fine notes of theirs, with ftamps of hundreds and ihoujands upon them, will not fetch a penny a pound at a fnuff-fhop Befides, government has a great many guineas in the banks and elfcwhere, which there is a dehgn of hoarding ui> againft the hard pujh^ when thefe folks are very ceitain their ban^c notes will not be worth as much as the old rags they were made of. But if you'll not give the government contradors or commifiioners your goods without hard cujh they muft fhcU out the gold. What is the worft that can happen to you, but to fell fomcwhat lefs, uniii the want of your commodities makes them pay for them in proper coin ; or if you don't {<:% is it not better for )QU to Lave ^our g(jods than CO give them for nothing. The 28o No. XXVIIL THE UNITED IRISHMEN TO THE L/INDED AND MONIED INTERESTS OF IRELAND. Whereas it has been propofed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to fell the quit -rents of the Crown, in order to raife new fupplies for the profecution of this iinjuft, unnecefTary and ruinous war: Now, we the United Irishtvien, impelled by a i'enfe of public duty, and a fincere regard to the rights of property, think fit to give you this pub- lic caution, that no fuch fraudulent tranfaition, confuming by antici- pation the refources and future revenues of the Nation, will be fuffi- cient to ftand good in the event of a Revolution and a free Legifla- ture j a fair and folid bargain muft have the fanftion of due authority : but this, as well as every other loan or contradt now in agitation, is in itfelf invalidated by the nefarioufnefs of its objecft, and the incom- petency of the prefent Parliament to bind the Nation by any aft whatfoever, as it is notorious to the whole world that it was named by the Crown, under the terrors of martial law ; that there exids in it no freedom of a6lion, but that it is the bought bafe inftrument of fupporting an exterminating government and foreign dominion. Jlfter I his lei the Bupes blame themf elves. No. XXIX. 2Sr 'Extrd^l from the 'Trial of Daniel Gillan, Owen M^Camia^ TVilham M^Canna and Peter Al^Carron, Privates in the Monaghan Regiment of Militia, held at Beljaji on the 8th of May, 1797, on the following Charges : ift. For exciting, caufing, and joining in a Mutiny and Sedi- tion in the faid regiment. 2d. For not iifmg their utmoft endeavours to fupprefs faid Mutiny and Sedition, being prefent thereat ; and alfo for not giving information without dehiy to their Commanding Officer, of fuch Mutiny or intended Mutiny, as foon as they came to the knowledge thereof. The firft witnefs, Corporal John Reel depofed, " I met Daniel Gillan and Owen M'Ganua one day in North-llreet ; Gillan afked. me what I thought of the plan he had laid out, I then afked him what it was, he told me it was to get articles from the town's people to form Societies in the regiment. I faid 1 did not think there were fcholars good enough in the regiment to carry on the bufinefs ; he made anfvver, and fdd, that he and Owen M'Canna were: fcholars good enough to, carry on that and mjore ; we then ap- pointed a meeting for that night at the houfe of one Griffin, in Blue Bell Entry, we met accorjdirgly at Griffin's houfe, myfelf and the three prifoners, Daniel Gillan, Owen M^Canna, and William M'Canna, we went up ffairs, called for fome beer and fent for Griffin, but he was not in the houfe that night. The pri- foners and I together with fome others whofe names I do not now recolledl:, went to Griffin's the next night, and we fent down for Griffin and he came up ftairs to us — Daniel Gillan fpoke fometing to Griffin, and Griffin would not fay any thing concern- ing it, until Owen M^Canna alfarcd him I was an United Iriiliman and that he need not be afraid ; Daniel Gillan then told him what we were come about. Daniel Gillan faid rliat he cxpe6ted Griffin would do as much as he could to nffifr us ; Griffin laid he would do as much as he could, but he was fure he could do no- N n thuiir 282 No. XXIX. t'hing until fr.ch time as a ftridler account was given in of what United Irillimen were in the regiment, and at tliat meeting Griffin delired us to appoint two of the fteadieft men that were aniongft us to go with their returns to a Committee in town, and that he would go with them to a Committee or Society where they woiild get a return of the number of United Irifhmen in Ireland and in the French fleet, and Griffin faid unlefs Societies were formed amonglt the men themfelves that they never could be of any ufe to the town's people, and to let every news that was be made known to tl.cm, fo as that upon a fignal to be fettled by the town's people and given t'o a conhdential man to be made known to all the reft, they might turn out of the ranks, and to be pofitive there were no traitors amongft them ; and our bufinefs upon turning out was to join the town's people and the mob. — Daniel Gillan made mention of Robert M*Adam, a grenadier, and de- lired us to be cautious of him, and to caution all men that we knew to be United Irifhmen againft him, as he had h-een fworn by a perfon in the town to difcover or lind out any of the men who were United Irilhmen. — William M*Canna then fwore that if Robert IVPAdam ever found out or difcovered of a man in the regiment that he would murder him. — Owen M'Canna then faid that not only him but any other man in the regiment that fhould make any difcovery fliould meet with the fame. We then fell to and appointed one man of each company to make a return of the United men in their different companies, which returns vvas to be made in fome time after, as foon as they could get it done. — Daniel Gillan vvas appointed to inform the men that were not there of their being fo appointed, and he^ Gillan, was appointed to make a return of Captain Lucas's company — Owen M'Canna was ap- pointed for the Major's, and William M^ and 4th Articles of the 2d Section of the Articles of War, and do adjudge, that lie fl]..ll ferve as a foldier for (even years, in any of the Corps fta- tioned in any of his INTajefty's dominions beyond the feas, or in foreign^parts, that his Majtfty Ihall pleafe to order." Extraa No. XXIX. 285 Extras from the Trial of Bernard Gihnore^ James Malhwy 'Thomas IVall, Patrick M^Miil'i-iiy and Edward I'/oods^ P/ivate Soldiers in the Louth R^^iment of Mihtia, held on the 24th of May, I797> on thefolloW" ing charges : ill. For joining in Mutiny and Sedition. 2d. For coming to the knowledge of intended Mutiny and Se- dition, and not endca\ curing to fupprefs the fame ; and for not, without delay, giving information thereof, to their Commanding Othcer. On a queftion from the Profecutor, to the Evidence, John O'Neill, he anfwered — " When I was in company with Bernard Gilmore, and James Mallan, the way I heard it explained, that when the French (h )u!d co-ne, we were to be fuch as them, that there was to be no rich, but all equality, and that tliere was no life in our going againft the French, becaufe when all powers were againftthem, they could make no hand of them," SENTENCE. The Court, in confideration of the evidence laid before them, do find the prifoners, Bernard Gilmore, Tiiomas Wall, and Edward Woods, guilty of the crimes laid to their charge, and do adjudge that they fhall ferve for their refpei5tive lives, as fol- dics abroad. — And the Court having, on the evidence laid be- fore them, found the prifoner, James Alallan, guilty of not, with- out delay, giving information of the fedition to his Comnninding Officer, do adj-idge, that he Ilia II receive 500 lafhes — and that Pa- trick M'Mullen, who they likewife find guihy on'the evidence adduced againft him, fhall receive one thoufand lalhes. Extraft from the Trials of Daniel Mahon, and Thomas Carty, Privates of the Kildare Regiment of Militia, at DiMn, on the ^oth day of May, 1797, on the following Charges, viz. ift. For exciting and joining in Mutiny and Sedition. 2d. For 286 No. XXIX. 2c]. For advifing and perfiiading two men of the Duke of York's Royal Regiment of Highlanders, to defert his Majefty's fervice. James Ivlafon, the fecond vvitnefs, depofed — ** I was walking with Corporal Brunton, and the two prifoners met us, and afked us if we would go and take a glafs, the Corporal at firft refufed it, faying that he had orders to take out. We however went into a houfe, and they called for a naggin of whifkey, and afked us if we were going to ftand out for a Ihilling a day, as all foldiers were going to do it. We faid we did not know, or liear any thing about it ; then they began, and a.'ktd us what we thought about the United Iriihmen. We faid we did not know what they meant by it ; then they f.iid, that if we would join tliem, it would be bet- ter than to be foldiers, for that we fl»ould have inoney and pro- viQons. They faid they had gone out of the barracks without any money, and got plenty of it, and they faid if any of our offi- cers looked down upon us, and we would defert, and come to that Iioufc, we would get clothes, and plenty of every thing, and ne- ver be taken ; and they delired the woman of the houfe to take a loook at vSy that fhe might know us again ; and if we called again, to be kind tons. They told us they had a defign to cut off the Frazers, becaufe they knew that none of tliem would join them, but hoped there were a great many of our's that would join them. One of them (the witnefs pointing to Carty) faid, that Captain Walker tokl him in the ranks, that he, Carty, was a United Irilli- man, and he faid, the anfwer he returned the Captain was, That there were more of them that, than him ; and he, Carty, faid, That the Duke of Leinller had given up his commiffion, and that they need not be afraid, for that the head men of the kingdom were to take charge of them. — One of them (1 can't rccolledl whicli) went to an adjoining room, where there v.'cre country peopk, and a Gentleman came back with him and faid — As long as wc would be in that mind, that they were in, that as long as he had tlircepence, we fhould have three lialfpence of it. — They then began to fj)eak about Religion, and Tiid if did not fignify what Religion they were to be of { and that the hrft that was to caft up to another what Religion k.e was of, was to be hung." SENTENCE. The Court having taken into confideration, tlie evidence ad- duced on the trial of Daniel Mahon, and Thomas Carty, privates in No. XXIX. ' 287 in the Kildare Regiment of Militia, find both the prifoners guil- ty of the crimes a'.ledged againft them, in breacJi of the 3d Arti- cle of the 2dSetrtion, of the 5th Article of the 5th Sedtion, of the Articles of War, and the Court having found the prifoners, Daniel Mahon, and Thomas Garty, guilty of excitifi^ and joining in Mutiny and Sedition f in breach of the 2d Article of the 3d Section of the Articles of War, do therefore adjudge them to fuffcr death. Extract from the Trial of James Mattheii'S and John Sheridan, of the Royal Dublin Regiment of Militia, at Blaiis Camt, on the ^thday of July, 1797, en the follovjing Charge, viz. For exciting and joining in Mutiny and Sedition. Mathew Browne of the Dublin Regiment of Militia, thefirft viitnefs, depofed — " On our arrival at Caftle-town we went into a garden, and were brought to a fmall houfc, when we went in, we found feven or eight men, and we were defired to lit down, the houfe, as I heard, belonged to MelTrs. Burn and Teeling, the people then addrelTed Matthews, as if he had been there before, and alked him how he was ? and faid they had a very thin meet- ing tliere, this night, which they did not exped ; we then talked of going away, and they fent for a Gentleman, Who deponent iinderllood to be a Mr. Teeling, and on his difcourling to ws, he afked the prifnner, Matthews, how he was getting on in the com- pany ? He faid, very well ; damn you, Matthews, fays he, but you are a fine little fellow, and deferve to be a Captain : — The company then began to talk about the French fleer, and Mr. Teel- ing faid, if they would make their landing good, they would get enough to afiifh them, and he faid that they had plenty of money in the funds of their diflcrent Committees, to buy fuchinilru- ments as were neceflary ; and he faid by the laft returns he <^oi from Dublin, there were upwards of ninety-thoufand United Irilhmcn ; all this happened in the prefence and hearing of the prilbner, Matthews, and there were two other foldiers of the Re- giment prefent, who have llncedeferted. '* Tlie next meeting was after the return of the Regiment "rom Monaghan to D md.i'k, at O'Hare's, to which deponej-it was varned, with otiier men of th.e light company, by the prifoner, Matthews ; zSS No. XXIX. Matthews: "We aflembled on a Sunday evening, tothebeftof deponent's recollection ; there were many men of the Dublin Regiment, then prefent, amongft whom were the prifoners, Matthews and Sheridan, they were appointed by the majority of the meeting, to forward the buljDefsof United Irifhmen ; there was a foldier of the regiment, of the name of Connor, who fat that night as Prefident, and he declared that any man in the room, that would difcover againft any of the company then prefent, fhould be alfaflinated. We then broke up, but not before a meet- ing was appointed for another day. A few nights after we met at O'Hare's ; the prifoner Matthews was there, with other men of the regiment, but Sheridan, to the beft of deponent's recollec'ti- on, was not there ; and on account of Matthews being acquaint- ed with the bufinefs firft, the men in the room thought proper to appoint him Lieutenant, as he was fo forward in the bufinefs, and alert in making United Irifhmen ; fome of the men fpoke of the prifoner, Sheridan, as a proper man to be Captain, we finifhed our bufinefs, and we adjourned. " The prifoner, Matthews, had fuch intercourfe with one Woods, an Apothecary at Dundalk, and the prifoner often told the deponent, that he underwood from the intelligence that was con- veyed to him by Wood, that there were a number of people at Belfafr, ready to afTift the French when they landed, and that dif- turbances would begin fooner than we imagined. One Stewart ]M*Coomb, of the Dublin Regiment, was prefent at this commu- nication from tlie prifoner, and 1 have heard the prifoner often declare in the prefence of M^Coomb, that if the French landed, he, the prifoner, Matthews, would join them." SENTENCE. The Court having taken into confideration, the evidence adduced on the trial of James Matthews, of the Royal Dublin Reo;iment of Militia, find him guilty of the crime alledged againft liim, in breach of th.e 3d article, of the 2d Seciion, of the Articles of War, and do therefore adjudge him to fufler death. The Court do alfo find the prifoner, John Sheridan, of the Roval Dublin Kegiment of Militia, guilty of the crime alledged jigainft him, in breach of t!:e 3d Article, of tlie 2d S-cdcion, of the Articles of War, and do therefore adjudge him to ferve for life, in No. XXIX. 289 in any of his Majefty's dominions beyond the feas, or in foreign, parts. Extract from the Trials of Dominick Giligan, Private of the Rofcommmy Patrick Aliens Private of the Galwajy Thomas Redmond, Private of the Wexford, Richard Tanktrd, Private of the Limerick County, Michael Cajiillo, Private of the Leitrim, Bryan M^Govem, Private of the 14^'' ex- ford. Corporal Drumgoldof the IVefimeath, and Corporal Connor of tht Meath Regiments of Militia, held at Bandon, on the 10/ A da^ of July ^ 1797, on the following Charge, viz. For beginning, exciting, caufing, or joining in a Mutiny or Sedition in th.e corps to which they belong, by having taken un- lavyfu], mutinous, or feditious oaths, or being inltrumental to their being taken, as alfo for being prefent at a mutiny or fedition, or intended mutiny or fedition, and not ufing their utmoft endea- vours to fupprefs the fame, or coming to the knowledge of a mutiny or intended mutiny, and not without delay giving infor- mation thereof to their Commanding Officer. " John Daly depofeth, that Halloway told him that Terence O'Brien was doing duty at InniOiannon, and Dominick Gilligan at the Camp Groiiiid, and without their Ijgning them he could not get them, and when evidence did get them they would frand him in 6s. 6d. as every man who got the articles paid 6s. 6d. to the Com- mittee-Man, which was kept for the fubfiftence of the wives and children of men fhot and tranfported for the fame, but told evi- dence he would get them for him for half-a-crown next day, as he had been at the expence of liquor for him. On evidence walking out with Hall/day they met Mac Donald of the f.mie company, an additional gunner, to whom he was introduced as 'd friend by Hal- otvday, when evidence afked them back to the fame hou-fe to drink, and M'Donald told him we had put a coal of fire to the Waggon Stores, which was found and put out by a Dragoon who had ftables near it, and that they were waiting for a letter from Fermoy Camp, and when they received that they would place the cannon on the 30th regiment's barracks to keep them in, as they could not depend on them. The evening previous to the executi- on of the men of the Wexford regiment, evidence went again and demanded the articles of H.illoiuay, who told him he was very forry O o foi* 290 No. XXIX. for keeping them fo long from them, as lie believed it was a means of keeping many men of tlie fame company with evidence igno- rant of the cdufe, and delired evidence if the General gave them a rait at Innifhannon the next day attending the execution, to go to the head Inn, where he would fee him and Ter. O'Brien of the 2d Fencibles, and would get the articles ligned, and after that there was no danger, but l;e would get them figned in camp by Dominick Gilligan of the Rofcommon." " Patrick Dougan, of the Galway Liglit Infantry, depofcth, tiiat we all three went up flairs together, and Gilligan ai'Ketl him if lie had a miind to know more of the fecret, when he took out a paper and began to read, and fwore him to be true to tlie 1' rench Repub- lic, and take the life of any man that would attempt to difcover ; he then afKcd him for a fhilling, and faid h.e got one from every man he fwore, and on his fiying he had not one, a pedlar that was prefent took out two (hillings which he gave to prifoner for Martin Burke^ and e\ idence. SENTEiNCE. The Court having taken inro confideration the profecution, and prifoner's defence, are of opinion, the prifoner, Domnnck Gilligan, is guilty of the crime alledged againft him in breach of the 3d and 4th Articles of the 2d SeCiicnof the Articles of War, and do therefore adjudge him to fuller death. John Hargrove, on the trial of Patrick Allen, depoferh, ".that about a m;o,ith ngo he was walking by tlie river near the camp, Patrick Alien and otlier men were there, and liailrcoay of the Meath, lanhud of the Lim.erick County, M'Govern and Clancy of the Wexford, Kcljh and Migulre of the Royal Meath, one of the Waterford, and another he does not know — about three or four weeks back there was another fquad, fome of the Sligo, a man of the Limerick, about eight or ten — the prifoner was littii'g wilh the firit party, and called to evidence ; after our talking fome time, /Jilai U\d to tJallovjayy 1 think wc mav inform Haigro'-ji.' with our deiign, which I think he will keep fecret — Halloivay anfwered he might ; A'len then faid they intended writing to the North and other parts of the kingdom, to inform them they would go on with their intention, the firft of July, and then to have the king- dom on lire in both ends and in the middle, and then with what friends No. XXIX. 291 friends Mr. O'Brien, near Bandoii, could fend them, and what frit-nds thev had in camii, about four hundred, thattliev intended firft taking the cannon, and then taking the bel'-te-'.ts, with the fmal!-ar?Tis, which tliey wo ild give to the covintry-people that wouM be lent hv Mr. O'Brien, and tlien go pur Get.cral Coote to death, ;tnd as manv otlicers as tht y could, and the ■ retreat to Ban- trv, and take poirelfion of the batterv, and keep it if p- i?ib'e, till the French would land ; tliis is all evidence knows of tlic prifcn- er, Allen." SENTENCE. The Court do alfo find Patrick A'ier, guilrv .r i! < cri:^- ^1- bdged agai.tfl: him, a^.d do therefore adjrdge ' .■, i ) r.c - One Thousand L/vshes. N. B. Thomas RediTond found giiihy, and fentenced to le- ccive Fifteen Hln'ored Lashes. Br- an M'Goverri found guilty, and fjntenced to receive Five Hundred Lashes. Richard Tankard found Guilty, and fentenced to ferve abroad, for 'ife. The prifoner, Michael Caflillo, found guilty of the crime al- ledged agai.tft him, and fe?tenced 10 receive One Thousand Lashes, and to ferve abroad for life. The prifoner. Corporal Drumgold, found guilty of the crime ailed ged agaiiift him, and adjudged to fuffer Death. N. B. The prifoner. Corporal Connor, withdrawn from be- fore the Court. General Coote propofing to try him by a Court Miiitialof the Line. O o 2 Extras 292 ' No. XXIX. Exttafl fmn the T'rial of Corporal M^AuJiff', William Larracy^ and 7V- renc:; 0"* Brien^ of the Second FencibU Dragoons, held at Bandon, on the loth Day of Jiilyy 1797, on the following Charge^ viz. For beginning, exciting, caufing, or joining, in a Mr.tiny or Sedition, in the regiment to which they belong, by having taken unlawful, mutinous, and feditious oaths, or being inftrumental to their being taken, as alfo being prefent at a Mutiny or Sedi-, tion, or intended Mutiny or Sedition, and not without delay gi- ving information tliereof to their commanding ofticer. Kenry Ciirren, Private in the Second Fencible Dragoons, de- pofcth, '< That about three montlis ago, prifoner, (Corporal M'-zlu- Jiff, who was Corporal of the guard on which evidence was a fol- tlier, took hini about two hours before the guard was relieved, up the Cork road, with John Purcel, another of the guard, \xhen tiie Corporal told evidence, he was forry he was fo blind, and evi- dence replying he was very forry for it himfelf, the Corporal made .nf-", er, that if he would do as they defired, he would never want a friei:',ij a fliilling, or a drink, while a brother could give it to to him. Prifoner,^ Corporal 71/V/v/;/, fent Purcelliov IVilliam Lar- rucy, afl-ced them what news ? they anfwering good news ; and Larracy faid to me, he always thought me a fober, fettled fellow, a'.id that he was eafv, as he believed I would become a brother. Evidence feeing Dennis Callaghan, the flater, coming down the road, he deflfed them to ilop the converfation ; when evidence imagines, the prifoner, M^Auhff, faid, that was the man they wanted, and on his conung up and bidding good morning, he ailved what news ? and they anfwered, they belie\ed good news ; \\\tw Callaghan w^tdi, if evidence was a brotlier, or did he mean to become one ? thev anfwered, they believed he did, and Callagh- an fbook hands v\ith him, faying, he was very glad to fee me, and and they all aflced me inlide the ditch, and Cr/Arj/?^?/; gave me a book, jmd fvvore me to keep fecret what t would hear or fee, and afterwards Cafla?han fwore me to be true to my brethren ; we all then wentto Murphy's public houfe, and after getting fome liquor, Callay^han read the articles, which were in writing, to be true to my brothers, and nevei' fee a brother want, while 1 would have 2-fV. and to ioin the French when they fhould come, and fwore me four times to them ; at the bottom of the paper there were two hearts, and a tree, which appeared to evidence to be done with ' , iilk. Nc. XXTX. ^93 filk, and Callizhan faid he got them from a Mr. O'Connor, in the Wefi, and that the tree denoted Liberty, aiid they all fhevved ligns to evidence, with liie hand of Love and Liberty, and the prifon- ers IM'AiihfFand Larracy often repeated them, and CalJaghan taught him a catecliifm by which Jie waste know a brother, both M^Au- liff and Larracy told him about the III of July they meant to have a general rife through the kingdom, to feize the cannon and camp, to murder the officers, and all who would not join them, and that if the French did not come, they thought they could march throughout the kingdom thcmfelvcs, as they would be joined by all that part of the army that were fworn/' SENTENCE. The Court find the prifoners. Corporal M^Aiiliff dLud. William Larracy^ guilty of the crime alledged againft them, and do there- fore adjudge them to fufFer Death. The Court do find the prifoner, Terence O^Brien^ guilty of the crime alledged againlt Jiim, and fentence him to receive One Thous.\nd Lashes, and to ferve abroad for life. Extratl from the Tri.il of James Murphy, Patrick Hahey, Henry Hodgms, Valentine Cooke, Matthcvj TcoL; Charles Kelly, and James Condron, Privates in the Dublin County Regiment of MJitia, held at Cork, on the ic^th of March, 1798, on the following Charges, viz. For beginning, exciting, caufing, or joining in a Mutiny and Sedition in the regiment to which ihey belong, and being pi-efent at a Mutiny and Sedition, and not uling their utmoft endeavours to fupprefs the fame, and for coming to the knowledge of a Mu- tiny, or intended Mutiny, and not, without delay, giving infor- mation thereof to Lieutenant Colonel Finlay, the Commanding Officer of the regiment, James Greenham depofeth, that " Sometime after the prifoner Murphy afl^ed evidence to go to a meeting of friends that he could depend upon ; evidence anfwered he would, and went ac- cordingly to the houfe of Early, a publican, near South Gaol, where he met all the prifoners, J^fimes Murphy, Patrick Halvey, 294 No. XXIX. Halvey, Henry Hodgens, Falemine Cooke , Matthsiv Toole , Charles Kelly^ and fames CoiidroHy and two men more of the regiment, who have fince dcferted, and ore Gorman, and another man of the re riinent that was difcharged a few days before. When evi- dence was W'th them about half an hour, an inhabitant, who was called Murpl;}', and faid he was a delegate from United Irifhmcn, when they con verfed together about fcizing the arms of tb.e JJ/ublin County Regiirent, and enquiring how many United Irinimen belonging to the regiment. The prifoner Mur- phy anfwered, about 300 fafpected friends, Almphyy the dele- gate, faid, if there were but 30 friends in the barrack, bv having them difjKM-fcd up and down in the rooms, when the attack was to be made, to give ihe arms to the town's-people." On being afked wlicthcr the delegate Murphy fpoke of Hard- grove, a fo'dier of the regiment, he ai fwered, tliat " Sometime after the meeting! met the prifoner Murphjow South-Sridge, when he told me he vould Ihoot Hidgrove for being fjcli an enemy to the United Irifhiiien, faying, he would compleat it by getting twine, a!id Hinging it to a piftol under his coat, and went back at that tine to get it, as he faid, but afterwards at the m.eeting it was debated, ^^:\^t\^^t\• Hardzrove ^-\^\\\(\ not be put death, when it was determined he lliould not ; as, if he was put to death, it would be the caufe of the town being proclain:ied, and they could do no good at all then. The delegate faid, nine-tenths of the people of Cork were fworn." On being afl^ed whether he ever Iieard \\\\y Murphy, the pri- foner, fufpcdted Hard^rove for being unfriendly to the caufe of United Iriihmen, he anfwered — ** Yes, I did, on account of his behaving fo treacherous to them." On being qucftioned whetl'.er he ever was at the houfe of one 7)o;;;;^//y at Glafsnevin, who were in company, and what palled in converfation there, lie anfwered — *^ 1 was in company with the prifoners Mirphy and Halvcy, 'John Kean, a foldier, that deferted, and Uonndly, the man of the houfe. Prifoner MYrp/^j/ enquired which of the ofiicers of the Dublin County Regiment deferved death, and n^ntioned Captain Brabazon and Lieutenant Cole- wian, and fome others I do not recoIle6l. The difcourfe was flopped by (AV^?;/,j who faid it was not right to be fpoken of in coiiinion ; No. XXIX. 295 common ; and Donnelly mentioned a plot that was formed of blow- ing up the magazine." Michael Gorman depofeth, that — « After evidence was fwori?. Murphy the delegate, gave the word and lign, which vvii:, com- ing in with the left hand covering the right, and faying, ftudy, to anfwer, I am determined, whicn was, for that month, and far- ther faid, he hoped it would be the laft, as the general riling was to be foon, and that if there were to be thirty men difperfed in the barracks, to give the arms to the town's-people outlidt, it would be furhcient ; and that vvhen^ the riling took place they would VakQGtndral Myers prifoner, and feize the Shannon and Blackpool guards." On being queftioned whether any perfon at the meeting he mentioned, feemed to take a lead, or to be particularly attended to befide the delegate,' Miirpliyy he anfwered — " Yes, Mirphy, the prifoner. On being allied whether Murphy, the prifoner, made any offer of his fervices when the riling was to take place, and to feize the arms, he anfwered — " Yes — he faid he would head them him- felf." Patrick Flanagan depofeth, that " the prifoner. Murphy, then wanted evidence to fwear on fome papers to turn out at a mo- ment's warning, and join the French when they landed, and wanted him to kifs the papers, but evidence refufed, and turning about laid them down by him." SENTENCES. ** The Court having taken into their confideration the evidence laid before them, find the prifoners, James Murphy, Patrick Hal- vey, Henry Hodgens, Valentine Cooke, Matthew Toole, Charks Kelly, and Jatncs Condron, privates in the Dublin County Regiment of Militia, Guilty, being in breach of the third and fourth articles of the fecond fedtion of the articles of war ; and we do thereby adjudge the prilbners, James Murphy, Patrick Halvey to fufFcr death ; and the prifoners, Valentine Cooke d^nd James Cwdron to re-' ceive one thoufand laflies each ; and the prifoners, Henry Hodgens and Matthew Took to receive eight hundred ladies each ; and the prifoner, 296 No. XXIX. priloner, Chiirks Kelly, to receive five hundred laflics in the ufual manner. But it having appeared to the Court that tlie prifoner, Charles Kell)^ was in a ftate of the greateft intoxication, in which he continued during their fitting ; and that he may have been taken to that meeting for the purpofe of fwearing, it not having ap- peared that he was fworn before, and that he was obje(5ted to by the delegate, Murphy — the Court do therefore recommend him as a proper obje6l for mercy.'' Extras No. XXIX. 297 Extran from the Trial of Thomas Whelchan^ Brian Martin^ WilUam Maharhy IVilliam Conlan^ Thomas Ready, Michael Gunley, Mat hew Minin\ James Gunnings John Bray, Patrick M^Loughlui, and Felix Fitzge,aldy Privates of the JVejimeath Regiment of militia, held at Cork, I he nth day of July, 1798. — Confined by order of Lieutenant Genera^ Sir James Stewart, for Mutiny and Sedition, and for difpoftng of his M^ijejly'^s ammunition. Cornelius SulIivan,inhabitantof Skibbereen,depofed, "that evi- dence went to the houfe of John Sullivan, publican, where he faw the priloners, John Bray and Bryan Martin, and about three or four more Ibidiers, but none of the prifoncrs but thofe mentioned, and one I'eady Drifcol, when they came to agreement to fend a man on pafs next dayto Cloghnakilty,tobringthe foldiers there tothe fame mind tliat they were, which was to put their Otlkers and the Orangemen to death at Gloghnakilty and Skibbercen, if theydid not come to dine at the Lecip as was fixed — the men at each quarter was to put it in execution, and then take polTeffion of the guns and arms and join each other, and march 10 C.iftle Townfend, Skibbereen and Bantry, and then to the Kerry Mountains. John Bray was to command the Skibbereen people, and the prifoner, James Guwmig,yj'ds theperfon who went on pafs to Gloghnakilty, as ap-reed upon, and when evidence met him after his return he told him they were all ready at a moment's warning, meaning the men of the VVeftmeath regiment who were quartered there ; and three days after evidence was at another meeting at Skibbereen, at Jerry ov Michiel Sullivmi's, where the prifoner, William Conlav, and one or two more foldiers were, and Conlan told evidence they had been agreeing juft on the former plan, and often was told by dif- ferent men of the regiment on meeting them to fame e{fc(5^, par- ticularly from Byan Mirtin, IVilliam Mahady, IViUlim Conlm, Thomas Ready, ' Michntl GunUy, James Gunnuig, and John Brav, with Pat, M^La'ighlin, but never heard prifoners, Whclchan, Mithew Martin, or Felix Firz'^era/d, fay any thing about it — evidence never faw Fitzgerald, before he faw ball cartridges with Teady Drifcol, but does not know who gave them to him. Thefe meetings continu- ed 'till lalt Sunday fortnight, when Thomas Ready came to evi- dence and delired him to get pen, ink, and paper, to write a lette>- for him, and gvt a horfe and man to fend it by, to Cloghnakiky, 10 P p have 298 No. XXIX. have the foldiers there ready to turn out on that night, when evi- dence told him he would not do it, and the prifoner Ready, went away — evidence faw Ready afterwards, wlien he told him no per- fon could walk through the town without the pafs-word, which was, " all is IT, d I, and five pounds for a Croppy^ s head'^'* — tliis pafs- woi d evidence fays, was among the foldiers, and thofe of their party. Major Nugent .who commanded at Skibbereen, having made a figure which was called a Croppy and ufed as a Target for the troops to hre at, they had fixed to make the Major bring this figure <:\\\ liis back to the Leap, where they were to march after putting their Officers to death, and then put Major Nugent to deatli, and the Yeomanry, if they oppofed them — evidence lieard tlie prifoner, {Bray) in particular fay fo." Timothy Drifcol, inhabitant of Skibbereen, depofeth, that " The Ijgnal was the burning of a houfe, when we were to af- femblc, and remain ontlie mountains near the town, till morning, the foldiers were to have eight hours for plundering the money, &c. of the town, and if they could not get at their arras, ^"^e country people were to fire a fliot, to alarm the town, and wiic. they got their arms, the country people were to take all the goods and pro\ifions, in the town, towards furnilhirig a camp, which was to be formed, and were to have gone to Bantry, and if pur- fued to the Kerry Mountains ; evidence believes there would have been two thouiand men colleded in the country, to join them ; it was divided into four divifions, or quarters, one of which, evidence was to command, and had others under him, but on finding they meant to take the lives of the Yeomanry, having a brother an oi'ficer in it, evidence lodged information of all he knew, before a magifirate*" SENTENCE. " Tlie Court liaving confidered the profccution, and what the prifoners had to offer in their defence, the Court are of opinion, the prifoners, fVilliam Conlon, Thomas Ready, Michael GunUy, and John Urar, are guilly of the crimes alledged againft them (of Mu- tiny and Sedition) and do therefore fentence them to fulfer Dl'.ATH. The Court do alfo find the prifoners, Thomas Whekhan, Bryan \ uUrtiii, IVVl'.am Mahady, i\i\<\ James Gunning, guilty of fame crime, | and No. XXX. 299 and do therefore fenten-ce them to ferve for life, infomeof his Majertv's Plantations beyond the feas. — The Court do find the pri- foner, Patrick M^Laughliny guilty of the faine criine, and do therefore fentence him to receive 50olarhe?, in theuiual manner, and the Court do acquit the prifoner, Mathew Mirtm and Fdix Fitzgerald, and the Court do acquit all the prifoners of the latter part of the charge." / / / / No. XXX. No. XXX. 301 Hand-hills diflrihuted on fever alOccafions among the Soldiers. SOLDIERS, WHETHER Englilli, Scotch, or Irifh, at this awful and alarming period, when the legiflature of the country feein deter- mined on precipitating it from one danger to another, let me entreat you not to forget you are ftill men : Sedu(5tion made you foldiers, but nature made you men. Let her call awaken every noble and generous fentiment in your breafts, never to turn your arms againft your fellow-men, whofe crimes are hatred to tyranny and oppreflion, and a love of liberty. For this are we itiled traitors and rebels ; — but by whom ? — l^y thofe "whoare themfelves the worft of traitors ; thofe who have be- trayed the people ; who have rebelled againft the rights of man, and exercife their defpotifm upon us becaufe we efpoufe their caufe : Your caufe, 'tis a common one, and Englifh, Scotch, and Irifh, are alike interedcd in it. Our tvrants talk of treafon, forgetting there can be none except againit the rights and interefts of the people. The people cou\d Jhurijh and would flourifh without them ; but what are they without the people ? It is the people p.\ys both thexm and you. Let the Englifh foldier confider the feverity, the burdens enormous under which his country (which probably contains all his dcareft connexions) groans, for the redrefs of which Britons ajre now united. Let the Scotch foldier weigh the fame confi- derations, (and recoiled the recent mafTacres at Trajient,) aid for the redrefs of which Scotchmen are now united, and then if they can, let them condemn us for ftruggling for liberty, of which we fmcerely wifh them to participate ; and if they can- not, never let them turn their arms againft us. The Iridi Soldier cannot forget that he is an IRISHMAN. 31ft March, 1798. TO 302 No. XXX. TO THE SOLDIERS OF IRELAND. Fellow Citizens and Fellow Soldiers, FERiNIIT a countryman to addrefs you in a few words upon a few plain fads, and if any of you feel with me the pofitions I fhall lav down, I entreat you by all that can be dear to man, forward its iiifluence amongtt your brethren in arms : but in doing fo let the cautious condud you purfae lull fufpicion to reft in thofe tyrants who now under the colour of commanding dare enflave fuch brave 7nen, as I truft none of you will fail proving himfelf when the day fliall arrive. p;,-ft_Let me afiv you, is tlicre one amongft you (particularly t;;ofc who have been reared in the country) vvhofe deareft relations and moft intimate friends do not refide in your refpedive counties ? T anfwer, none ; and you muft feel if they are expofed to danger. Secondly — Which of you that has not formed in his mind a hope of one day (when the period of military fervice is expired) revifiting his dear friends, and fpending an honoured age in the bofom of Ins parents in peace and tranquillity, rc-animated by the fcenes his boviih days played truant in, looking with fond remem- brance on the village that gave him birth, and cheering a lonely Winter in th.e companionable fociety of perhaps a loving wife and rifiJ.f; ofisprlng— You all expect to do fo ; not a man of you but muff have formed the moft fanguine hopes of doing fo. Hut, mv countrymen, what muft your feelings be, how check ^•our indignant manly rage, when every day adds peril to their ex- Ifrence ; when each day gives a melancholy fad account, (which I ('.o not helltate to fay is concealed from you) of their being mur- dered by tliofe Orange-men in power — hunted by thofe paid to defend them in your al)fence, and with fliamc I muft add, by fome of our own countrymen, debafed and degenerated by becoming d"pcs to the murderous Orange faction now lording it through the land ; Irifli l)lood freezes at the fcenes of perfecution carried on a^^ainft our countrymen, againit your families and friends ; net an Irifli heart but beats with redoubled ardour to face fuch bL'od-hounds, and not an Irifli hand but would wield a fabre to have revenge'. IMy No. XXX. 303 IVIy countrymen, what can you fay when you hear of fcenes of blood acting on the fpot where your native hamlets once ftood, but now no more : Their owners (your friends) eitlier fent to fec^ repofe in the grave by the hands of thtfe villainous orange mur- derers, or immured in the damp and dreary dungeons of the IxS- tiles of this country, pining in chill defpondency, wailing for u trial feldom obtained, and when obtained, acquitted, after years of dreary folitary conrinement ! 1 Somie hurried on board prilbn fhips, fome adually tranfporled to the fettlements on the Coafl of Africa, otliers fent to ferve in the Weft Indies, certain victims to the climate ; or left to rot, chained in the hold of a hltliv coafr- ing veiTel ! Your wives defpoiled to gratify the infatiabie' luft of tliefe ravifhers ! and thefe fcenes, my countrymen, fuffered to go unpunilhed by thofe in power, whom you protedt ; to whofe frowns your array adds terror ; to whom you give your fupport, for unlefs you pleafe they vanifh ; without your protecflion thefe Defpots fall, thefe defolators that each day retine on fuch bloody deeds would perifli, and your country be free. My brave coun- trymen do not let the world call us dafrards : No, let us fliew the world we are men, and above all that we are Irifhmen. Let every man among you feel the injuries your country, yourfelvcs ha\e fuffered ; the infults you have received, the ftripes that have been dealt with an unmerciful hand on thofe brave comrades who dared think and feel for their country. — If you do, the glorious work will be complete, and in the union of the citizen and his brave fellow foldier, the world (hitherto thought to look down upon us with contempt) will fee that we can emancipate our countrv ; we will convince furrounding nations tliat Irilh foldiers have avowed and adopted a maxim they will maintain, or perilh — namely, fh.u every man /hould he a Soldier in dcfaice of his Lib:ity, but j.cn: to take away the Liberty of others. Weftmeath, 27th March, 1798. SHAMROC. DUBLIN 304 No. XXX. DUBLIN GARRISON. THE great diiTiCulties which the Soldiers have laboured under froiii the lownefo of their pay, has long been known and acknow- ied^^ed, and has been borne by them with an unexampled degree of patience. The fiibliftencc money of the Soldiers, at pvefent, is no jnore than three lliillings and lix-pence per week ; a fum infuffici- cnt to maintain in any degree of comfort, a fingle man, and totally inadequate to maintain a man who has a wife and family, which many of us have ; if the pay is compared with that of a labourer or a porter in this city, the difference is immenfe. — The pay of the failors is now fixed at one (billing Britilh per day, exclufive of which they have a profufe allowance of meat, of beer, and of fpirir, which keeps ti.em comfortable, and enables them to fave futlxiently for the maintenance of their wives and families. — Wctl.e foldiersof the Garrifon of Dublin, who have long cheer- fully fubinitted to a very fevere Garrifon Duty, and who will not even for a moment allow, that we are inferior to any body of men in lovaltv to our King and Country, have unanimouily agreed, luimblv to reprefent to Government the infuinciency of our prefent pav, ard that we are convinced, that one ihiliing per day, fublift- cDce n^.oney, would be a moderate allowance (or the Infantry, with a proportionate advance to the Ca\alry and Artillery, to be paid in money and not in paper — and in order to have thofe moderate and jMit claims brouglit to a conclulion, we have determined to remain in our prefent ('uarter-', until they are fettled to our fatisfaction ; and we recommend in tlie moft earneft manner, to every Regiment throughout the Kingdom, to afiift us in obtaining this juft and rcafonable demand. Dublin , A^ril 29,1797. T:iefoIIov:u:g Hand Bill was di/Jributed in Cork in March Ili/I txcttin^ the Soldiers to JMutiny. TO IVI 1 L I T 1 A M E N ! ! ! TWO of your body are to be murdered, and you will be called on to be the murderers : you will be told that you have fs\'orn to obey your offxers, and that you arc in dan^^er of being punillied if you refufe to be executioners. But I tell you, you are bound to reliftfuch a command, and that the people who have affixed a vrreliful eye on all your proceedings will never cxcufe you from fuch No. XXX. 305 fuch an Ad. — From the moment the trigger is drawn by which they are to be butchered you ceafe to have the confidence of the Men of Erin, Refufe to fire, refufe to be the executioners of your tyrants damnable orders, who dares to call you to account. The whole people will defend and (hield you ; they will feed and lodge and clothe you ; they will warm you in their bofoms ; as you behave now your country will confider you for ever. Oh \ Militia men, you will all be fliot one by one, if you don't at once put a Hop to daughter. Did you not. hear how the brave men of the Carlow militia at Blaris Camp refufed to (hoot two of their comrades ; another re- giment was called on for the purpofe — Tliey refufed to be mur- derers : A Scotch regiment was iingled out — even they refufed, yet not one of them was puniilied : ^'K ho dare to punifh you if you are true to each other ,? Now is the time to prove yourfelve?. DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR: OR, THE FOUR IRISH SOLDIERS, A TRUE STORY. THESE brave men, William M'Kenna, Ovven M'Kenna, Peter M'Carren and Daniel M'Giliain, foldiers in the Monaghan militia, were fentenced to be fhot by a Court Martial for being United Irifhmen. They were repeatedly offered their pardon and rewards on condition of informing againfl: their affociates. They chofe death before diflionour, and met their fate like men. They were carried upon cars, attended by their clergy, and accompanied by large de- tachments of various regiments, from Belfaft to Blaris camp, on Tuefday the 16th day of May 1797. I he father of Owen M'Kenna was defired to interfere in order to fave his Ion's life, and to en- courage him to inform. His anfvver was, that hisfon fhould never fave his life by informing, as in that caie, if thofe who wifhed his fon to turn traitor Ihould forbear to flioot him, he himfelf would do it. Upon this the ion and his three comrades had their brains blown out in the prefence of the brave. old man. The United Irifhmen have made a handfome proviilun for the families of thefe honourable men, as the only token of efleem and gratitude now in their power to beftow. 3o6 No. XXXI. Examinations of DoSlor Mc. Nevin, /Arthur O'Connory E/q. Samuel Neil/on and Thomas Addis Emmet. SECRET COMMITTEE of the HOUSE of LORDS. T lief day y ']th Auguji 1798. Dodor WH:iam James Mc. Nevin /worn. Q^ When did you become an United Irifhman ? A- About September or October 1796, I became a member of the clofe fociety of United Iriflimen ; it confided of focieties at firft compofed of thirty- fix members, afterwards thefe focieties ■were reduced to twelve members ; each fociety of twelve chofe a Secretary, and generally a treafurcr. , Q^ What was the next higher fociety ? I A. The Secretaries of five focieties formed a lower Baronial Committee, out of each of the lower Baronial Committes one perfon was chofen to be a member of the upper Baronial, each of the upper baronials confifted of ten members thus chofen.-— 'Ihe next fuperior committees were in populous towns, Diftrid Committees, and in counties, County Committees ; thefe were compofed of one member eleded from each Baronial. The next fuperior Committees were the Provincial committees, compofed of two memb«!rs, fometimes three, eleded from each County Committee. Q. How was the Executive chofen ? A. Each Provincial Committee elected five perfons by ballot, the Secretary examined the ballots, and reported to the perfons ele<5ted their appointment, but made no report of the eledion to the Provincial, who were thus kept in ignorance of the perfons who compofed the Executive. The Executive had the command of the whole body thus organized. Q. How were the orders of the Executive communicated ? A. One member of the Executive communicated with one mem- ber of the Provincial Committee, he with the Secretary of the County Committee, he in like manner with the Secretaries of the Baronials and thefe Secretaries with thofc of the fubordinate Societies. (^ Was No. XXXI. 307 Q^ Was there any omifllon made in the lad tcft ? A. In the laft teft the words were " a full reprefentation of all " the people," omitting the words " in the Commons Houfe of ** Parliament.*' Q^ Why was the omifllon made ? A. To reconcile reformers and republicans, and becaufe they had given up all idea of reform, and were determined on repub- licanifm. Q^ What was the organization originally ? A. At firft it was purely a civil organization ; but I believe it was military in Ulfter about the latter end of 1796. Q^ What was the nature of the military organization ? A. The Secretary of the fociety of twelve was the petty officer, that is, Serjeant or Corporal ; the Delegate of five focieties to a lower Baronial was ufually the Captain, and thus had fixty men under his command ; and the delegate of ten lower Baronials to the upper or Diftricl Committee was ufually the Colonel, thus a battalion was compofed of fix hundred men. Q^ In what manner were the higher oflicers or ftaff appointed ? A. The Colonels of each county font in the names of three per- fons to the Executive, one of whom was appointed by the Exe- cutive Adjutant General of the county, his duty was to receive and communicate all military orders from the Executive. Q; Was any attempt made to procure Irifh officers who had ferved in foreign armies ? A. Such a plan was formed but not proceeded on. Q^ Did they endeavour to prevail on French officers in England or Ireland to join them ? A. They did not. Q^ Were any attempts made to feduce the army and militia I A. There were many. (^ How were the finances of the fociety recruited ? A. Every member of the fociety paid a monthly fubfcription ; this fund was applied to the fupport of prifoners in gaol, to defend them on their trials and to extend the union. Q^ How were the arms and ammunition to be procured ? A. The general direction was for each perfon to arm himfelf, fuch as could afford it with fire arms and ammunition, others with pikes. (^ What was the object of the fyllem ? A. To 3o8 No. XXXr. A. To effei^l a revolution and eftablifli a republic. Q^ How were emifliiries appointed to extend the fyftem ? A. They were felecled by fome confidential perfon in the dif- ferent diftrids. Q^ How were the expenfes of the emiffaries borne ? A. Oat of the general fund. Q^ Were the reports of the Secret Committees of the two hou- fes of Parliament laft year accurate ? A. I believe they were accurate, fave that they underfliatcd the number of men and arms. Q. Do you know of any depots of arms or ammunition ? A. I do not — each man concealed his own arms, and I believe there were many engaged in the fyftem who were not armed. CX For what purpofe were arms provided ? A. For the purpofe of infurredion, and I think even after dif- arming the North, the people were much inclined to rife, but were prevented by a reprefentation from the executive, that it would be abfurd to rife when their enemies were prepared, and they might foon exped foreign alliftance, 1 believe they retained more arms than were taken irom them. Q^ When did the military organization begin in Leinfter ? A. In the beginning or middle of 1797. Q^ Was this organization made with the knowledge and appro- bation of the National Executive, for the purpofe of revolution? A. It was. Q^ When was the fyftem introduced into Munfter ? A. About twelve er eighteen months fince, but it did not extend rapidly — it went on qui-rtly. Q^ Was there any connexion between the union and the Scotch and Englifli focieties ? A. There might have been fome flight connection between the North and thofe iocieties, but there was no clofe connection be- tween them and the Union. Q^ How was the Military Committee appointed and when? A. It was appointtd by the Executive about February, 1706. O. What was the duty of this committee ? A. To confider and digeft fuch plans and direcl the National military force in fuch manner^ as might be neceffary in cafe of infurreftion ; and in cafe of invafion to co-operate with the French. Qi Was any plan of infurre(^ion formed, and when? A. In No. XXXI. 309 A. In April or May 1797 a plan of infurreOiIon for the North was formed, and heads drawn up in writing, but it was foon given up and the writing deftroyed. (^ Were any directions given by the Dire£lory to the mem- bers to abflain from the confumption of fpirits and other excifeable goods ? A. There were, and it was recommended to Hop the currency of bank notes, and not to purchafe quit-rents. A hand-bill to this purpofe was circulated by order of the Executive, dating that it was an anticipation of the public refources which at the revolution would not be allowed to ftand good. Q^ Have there been any communications between the National Directory of Ireland and Executive direttory of France ? A. There have — Previous to 1796 iome perfons had gone from hence to France — In 1796 a letter came from one of them, dating that the fituation of this country had been reprefented to the DireCtiry, who had promifed to invade Ireland, for the purpofe of feparating it from Great Britain. This letter was taken into ferious confideration by the Executive early in 1796, and an anfwer fent in April that year, accepting the propofal on condition that they fliould come as allies to act under the direttion of the new govern- ment, as Rochambeau did in America, that they fliould be paid the expences of the expedition, and their troops receive Iri(h pay while they aCted here. This anfwer was fent to Paris by a fpecial meflfenger, and the French Directory promifed that the fuccours fliould be fent. About October or November 1796, a meffenger came from France with intelligence that the fuccours might be fpeedily ex- peCted, and defiring to know the date of preparation of the coun- try. The force to be fent by France was dated to be 15000 men, and he thinks if they had landed, when they came to Bantry, an infurredtion would have taken place in the North. After the French expedition at Bantry had failed, there was no communi- cation with the Directory till April 1797. Then an accredited Minider was fent by the Iridi Directory to the Directory of France by way of Hamburgh. — He may have heard that the Irifh Minider had a conference with general Hoche at Frankfort, and that the French Minider at Hamburgh had given him a letter of introduc- tion 3IO No. XXXI. tion to Hoche. The Irifh Minifter was well received at Paris by the Piredory, and continued the accredited Irifh Minifter there till February laft — fince that time he hasnot heard of him, having been arrefted in March, and continued in confinement fincc. He be- lieves a confidential meeting took place foon after April, 1797, between a perfon who went from hence, and a perfon in London with refped to the difpofitions of the French government. The next communication of confequence was in June 1797, when an accredited perfon went from hence to communicate with the French Diredory by their defire : he went by Hamburgh where he faw the French minifter, who made fome difficulty about granting a pafl'port, and demanded a memorial which was written by the ac- credited perfon and given to the French minifter under the impref- fion, that the paflport would not be granted. The Memoire was written in England, and contained the ob- jects of his miffion according to the inftruftions which he had receiv- ed from the Executive. It began by ftating that the appearance of the French in Bantry-bay had encouraged the leaft confident of the Irifli, in the hope of throwing off the yoke of England with the af- fiftance of France : That the event of that expedition had proved the facility of invading Ireland : That in the event of a fecond expedition, if the objedl: was to take Cork, Oyfter-haven would be the beft place of debarkation : That the perfon who had been before accredited was inftrucled to point out Oyfter-haven as the beft place of debarkation ; and it ftated the precautions which had been taken by throwing up works at Bantry, Fermoy and Mallow. It further ftated that the fyftem of United Iriftimcn had made a rapid progrcfs in the county of Cork, and that Bandon was become a fecond Belfaft : Uhat the fyftem had made great progrefs in other counties, and that the people were now well inclined to ?.flift the French : That 150,000 United Iriflimen were organized nnd enrolled in Ulfter, a great part of them regimented, and one- third ready to march out of the province. It detailed the number of the King's forces in Uifter, and their ftations; recommended J-ough-Swiliy as a place of debarkation in the North, and ftated that rhe people in the peniafula of Donegal would join the French. It itatcd alio the ftreiight of the garrifon of Londonderry, and that one regiment which made a part of it was fuppofed to be difaft'eded. It No. XXXI. 311 It mentioned Killybegs alfo as a good place of debarkation ; and ftated that the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan, were amongft the beft effeded to the caufe. In cafe of a landing at Killybegs, it recommended a diverfion in Sligo, and ftated that a force of 10,000 United Iriihmen might be colle£led to fall upon Enniikillen, which commanded the pafs of Lough Erne : That it was eafy to enter the Bay of Galway — but very difficult to get out of it: That the counties of Louth, Armagh, Weftmeath, Kildare, King*s County and City of Dublin, were the beft organized : That the Catholic priefts had ceafcd to be alarmed at the calumnies which had been propagated of French irreligion, and were all affeded to the caufe : That fome of them had rendered great fcrvice in pro- pagating with difcreet zeal the fyftem of the Union. It declared that the people of Ireland had a lively fenfe of gratitude to France for the part which (he took, and alfo to Spain for the intereft (he took in the affairs of Ireland. It engaged, on the part of the National Dircdory, to reimburfe the expenfes of France in the expedition which had failed, and of another to be undertaken. The number of troops demanded was a force not exceeding 10,000 nor lefs than 5000 men. It ftated that a brigade of Englifh artillery had been al- ready fent over, and that a large body of troops would probably be fent if Ireland was attacked. A confidcrable quantity of artillery and ammunition, with a large ftaff", and a body of engineers, and as many Irifti officers as poflible, whofe fidelity they were allured of, were demanded as neceflary to accompany the expedition : a recommendation was given to feparate the Irifh feamen who were prifoners of war from the Britifli, fuppofing they would be ready to join in an expedition to liberate their country. It further recom- mended a proclamation to be publifhed by the French General on his arrival here, that the French came as allies to deliver the coun- try — not to conquer it. It alfo recommended to the Directory to make the independence of Ireland an indifpenfable condition of the treaty of peace then depending; and ftated that a proceeding fo authentic could not be difguifed or mifreprefented, and would very much encourage the-.pcople of Ireland. It contained alfo an aflu- rancc that the Irifli militia would join the French if they landed in coniiderable force; Immediately 312 No. XXXI. Immediately after this Memoire was given in to the French mi- nifter, a pafTport was granted to the writer to go to Paris, where he had feveral conferences with people in authority, foaie of them members of the Diretlory : the objeft of thefe conferences was to obtain the fame affurances of fuccours from them that their agents bad before given. The negociation for peace was then going on at Lifle. He was told by perfons in authority that they did not think the Englifh Cabinet fincere, but that if France could get the terms fhe had a right to expedl, the Directory would make peace. A fecond Memoire was prefented at Paris by the fame perfon foon after his arrival there ; its objecl was to imprefs on the Direc- tory the neceffity of expediting the armament for Ireland, by every argument which the writer could ufe. After the breaking off the negociation and Lord Malmibury*s return to England, affurances were given that the French govern- ment would fend a new expedition to Ireland, and that they would never abandon Ireland till (he was feparated from Great Britain ; and thefe affurances have been fmce renewed. CX Was any information fent to thelrifli Executive of the Dutch armament in the Texel ? A. There was in July or Auguff, and that it was deftined for Ireland. Q^ Were there any accounts received from France fmce thofe you have mentioned ? A. There were three feveral accounts between October 1 797, and February 1798; the two firft contained renewals of their former affurances, the laft a promife of the arrival of the armament here in April. Q^ Was any difpatch fent from Ireland to France during the laft Winter? A. There was a difpatch made up fome time in the laft winter by the Irilh Executive, and given to one member of it, who un- dertook to have it conveyed to France. The general import of this difpatch, was to prefs for the promifed fuccours. Q. Were you a member of the Executive? A. I was. q^Do No. XXXI. 313 Q^ Do you fpeak w ith certainty of the miirinn to France in June 1797, and of uhatpaffed at Paris in conlequence of it, and of the two Memoires ? A. I do. Q^ Have you read thofe Memoires ? A. I have. (^ Do you know they were both delivered ? A I do. Q^ How were the expences of the accredited Irifli minlfter at Paris to be borne ? A. He took a good deal of money with him, either his own, or raifed by a particular fubfcription, and it was intended to remit fupplies to him whtn that was expended. Q^ Have you feen a refolution of the Leinfter Provincial of the 19th February, 1798, " That they would not be diverted from their purpofe, by any thing which could be done in Parliament, as nothing Ihort of the total emancipation of the country would fatisfy them ?" A. I have. Q^ Was it officially communicated by the Provincial to the Executive ? A. It was. (^ Did you know that a Provincial Meeting was to be held on Monday the i2ih of March ? A. 1 did. Q^ What was the reform originally required by United Irifh- men? A. A democratic Houfe of Commons, they thought one arifto- craiic body in the (late fufficient. Q^ Was any ecclefiaftical eftablifhment intended by the new go- vernment ? A. No, I conceive that a revolution would of courfe involve the demolition of the church eftabliftimeat, and of courfe a relief of the poor from tythes. Q\^ Do you know of any loan being negotiated with France 05 Spain ? A. Yes, the agent who was fent over in April 1797, was in- flruclcd to negotiate a loan of half a million or 300,000!. if it could be got from France or Spain. R r (^ Have 314 No. XXXI. Q. Have you any doubt of the fincerity of France ? A. I have not, I believe inability alone has prevented France from invading Ireland. Q^ Dou you think the mafs of the people in the provinces of Leinfter, Munfter, and Connaught, care the value of this pen, or the drop of ink which it contains, for Parliamentary Reform or Catholic Emancipation ? A. I am fure they do not, but they wifh much to be relieved from the payment of tythes. Thurfday, No. XXXI. 315 TJjurfday, ^th Auguji ijg^. Arthur 0* Connor j Efq. Sworn, Q. When did you become an United Irifhman ? A. About November 1796. (^ When did the Military organization begin ? A. About the middle of 1796. CJ^ Were you a member of the National Executive ? A. 1 was, and continued fo from November 1796, to January 1798. (^ When did the communications with France commence ? A. Before I was an United Irifhman, I believe in the middle of 1796, at the fame time that the Military organization was formed. (^ When was it agreed to accept the offer of afliftance from France ? A. I underflood it was accepted at a meeting of the Executive in fummer 1796. — I was apprized of the offer and acceptance by my brother members of the Executive after I became a member of it, and before the arrival of the French in Bantry Bay. (X Was it the determination of the United Irifhmen in the North to rife if the French had landed ? A. The Directory thought they would rife. Q^ When was the firft communication from France after the expedition to Bantry Bay ? A. The firfl: which of my own knowledge I can fpeak of was ia Augufl 1797. — It ftated that a fleet lay in the Texel vi^ith 15,000 men on board, and that the armament was deftined for Ireland, I was arrefted and in confmemcnt for fome months before that time. Q^ Was it mentioned to the Irifh Executive where the defcent was intended ? A. It was not in the difpatch which I faw. Q^ Was there any intelligence brought of the intended invafioii at Bantry ? A. There was by a Meffenger who arrived here about November 1796. ^ . . Q^ Was there a Refident Agent appomted to go to Pans m Spring 1797 ? A. There was whilfl: I was in prifon, and a fecond pcrfon was fern in June following : I faw this pcrfon on his return to Ireland from 3i6 No. XXXI. from France about November 1797. He reported that no arma- ment was then ready, but that one fhould fhortly be ready, I un- dcrftood that when a French fleet was ready the expedition would take place. Q^ Have you heard that there were fome converfations on this fubject between perfons of this country and General Valence prior to October 1796. A. I have heard there were, they did not however lead to any thing decifive. Qi^ Was there any conneclion with the Englifli or Scotch fo- cieties ? A. Any connexion with them was merely between individuals : the Iriih Executive wifhed to keep clear of them. Q^ Do you know of any loan being negotiated with France or Spain ? A. Inflruflions were given to the agent to negotiate a loan of half a million in France or Spain on the lecurity of the new Irifti Government. Says his fituation in the Executive was filled up when he left Ireland in January laft. Samuel Ncilfon, /worn. Q. When did you become a member of the Society of United Iriflimen? A. In Odober 1791,1 became a member of the original Society. Q. When did the prefent organization commence ? A. In fpring 1792, the affiliated fyftem of organization com- menced, and has gradually increafed fmce that time. Q. When was the organization completed in Ulfter ? A. On the 10th of May 1795. O. When did the affiliation begin between Ulfter and the reft of the kingdom ? A. From the time that the fyftem commenced, emiflaries were fentto every part of the kingdom for the purpofc of extending it. O. What was the objcd then ? A. I think to alarm Government into a compliance with their objects. CX When did the military organization begin in Ulfter ? A. In Autumn 1796. The object of this organization was to carry their meafures by force. ^ (i_Did No. XXXI. 317 Q^ Did you know any thing of the correfpondence carried on with France ? A. Previous to my being airefted, which happened in Septem- ber, 1796, 1 had heard of communications with France and a probability of the negotiations for afliliance being iuccelsful. Q^ When were you Hberated and on what condition ? A. I was liberated in January or February lalt, on condition that I fhould not belong to any treafonable committee. Q^ After you were liberated did you not hear of any intended attempt on Dublin or Lehaunftown camp ? A. I did not till after the arrerts at Bonds. C^ After that, were you very active in advifing the (ilH ng up the vacancies that you fuppofed had taken place in confequcnce of thofe arrefts? A. I was. Q^ Had you then any information of an intended infurreclion ? A. Soon after I difcovered that an infurreclion was decided upon and I meant to have given my advice and afliftance. (^ Was there a letter from John Sheares found in your pocket when you were laft arrefted ? A. There was. Q^ What was the objea of this letter ? A. To diffuade me from attacking Kilmalnham gaol. (^ Was there any intention of attacking Newgate ? A. I believe there was an intention of attacking it on the night I was arrefted the 23d of May. Q^ Did you know of any depots of arms and ammunition ? A. 1 believe there never were any : the arms were in the hands of the people, and they hid them. 1 he manufaclure of pikes be- gan about the time of the military organization. Says the Con- vention Bill was calculated to meet every part of the fyftem of United Iriflimen. Says Ulfter is not fo well organized as it was a year ago. Says many people joined the United Irifhmen fup- pofing them to be the ftrongeft party in the ftate, and if their af- fairs had been well conducted, he thinks they would have become the Government. Latterly their affairs have been much mifcon- dueled becauie the ableft men amongil them have been cither ar- refted or obhged to fly. Says, that until the laft two m >nths he did not conftder Government to be well informed, but the late arrefts convinced him they were. Friday 3i8 No. XXXr. Friday, wth Aiigiiji, i/qS. Thomas Addis Emmett, Efq, /worn. Q. Did you belong to the focietv of United Irifhmen ? A. I did. O. Were you a member of the Executive ? A. 1 was. — I was firft appointed in January 1797, and conti- nued a member of it till May 1797. I then ceafed to be of it till December laft when I was ele<5led a fecond time, and I continued a member till my arreft. (X When did the military organization take place ? A. 1 have heard that it commenced the beginning or middle of 1796. Its object was to prepare for refiftance. This organiza- tion was known to and had the approbation of the Executive, as returns of men and arms were regularly made to them. The laft military organization proceeded immediately from the Executive. Q. When did the firft communication with France take place ? A. The firft 1 heard of took place about the middle of 1796. This was in confequence pf an offer of aftiftance from France : this offer was in confequence of reprefentations made by perfons of this country refident at Paris. It was taken into ferious confide- ration in the fummer 1796, and accepted by the Executive. The firft communication with France, of which I can fpeak from my knowledge, was in April, 1797. This was an effort to eftablifti a permanent intercourfc with the French Directory ; to give them an account of the number of troops here, and of their fituation, and of the difpofitions of the people, and to folicit the aid of a li- mited number of troops with arms and ammunition. A fpecial meffenger was fent on this occalion who was continued the refN dent accredited agent of the Irifti Executive at Paris, and has been iupported by private fubfcriptions. O. Were any difpatches received from this agent ? A. In feme time after his arrival at Paris, he fent affurances to the Executive, of affiftancefrom the French, and that they would continue it till Ireland was fcparated from Great Britain. (^ Whea No. XXXI. 319 Q^ When did the next communication with France take place ? A. In June 1797, a fecond meffenger was difpatched. He was fent in confequence of an application from the French Directory to arrange every thing for the invafion. His inftruclions were pretty much the fame as thofe of the former, but he was to re- quire a greater quantity of arms. This additional fupply of arms was demanded principally in confequence of the feizure of arms in the North which had been made by order of government. Q^ Was any communication made here relative to the arma- ment in the Texel? A. I am pretty certain that a communication was made in fum- mer 1797, that the armament in the Texel was deftined for Ireland. Q^ Was any difpatch received from France in the laft winter ? A. A difpatch from the Dire(5tory arrived in the laft winter to inform the Executive that an armament would arrive here in the month of April. No mention was made of the amount of the force to be fent, nor of the place of debarkation, as they were affured by the Irifh Executive that wherever they landed they would be fupported. Q^ How do you account for the people being fo loyal and well- difpofed while the French were in Bantry Bay ? A. About November 1796 a meffenger arrived here from France who ftated that a defcent would immediately be made with 15,000 men. In a very few days after this meffenger had quitted Ireland on his return, a letter arrived which was confix dered as authentic by the Irifh Executive, ftating that the expe- dition was deferred till fpring, when England would be invaded, and probably Ireland. This contradidion then threw the Exe- cutive off their guard, in confequence of which no meafures were taken to prepare the people for the reception of the French army. The people were left to themfelves. (^ Was any difpatch fent from this to France in the laft Winter ? A. About the beginning of January or the latter end of De- cember a difpatch was made up by the Executive, and intended to be tranfmitted to the Directory, but the attempt failed. (^ When 320 No. XXX. Q^ When was the Staff appointed ? A. It was appointed for Leinfter by the Executive in January or February 1798. It was thought neceflary to have an Adjutant- General in each county to communicate military orders from the Executive. Q^ What was the mode of appointment ? A. "I he Colonels of each county returned the names of three perfons to the Executive, who appointed one of them. (^ What was the purpofe of the military organization and pre- parations ? A. I'o aflift the French when they fhould land, and effect a re-: volution. Q^ When was the Military Committee appointed .? A. 1 believe in February 1798. 1 heir duty was to prepare a plan of co-operation with the French when they fliould land, or of infurreclion in cafe diey fhould be forced to it before the arrival of the French, which ihey are determined to avoid if poffible. I believe the infurreclion which has taken place was brought for- ward by the miliiary fevei itics which were exercifed in the county of Kildare, and that it the arrefts had not taken place it would have been kept back by the perfons who were arretted till the French fliould arrive, as it was their determination to wait for afliftance from France. If the French had arrived I am certain there would have been a very general and formidable infurre<5fion in every part of the country. Q^ "Was John Sheares a member of the Executive before your arreil ? A. He was not. Says the old Executive never meant to fpill blood, but rather to retain men of a certain rank as hoftages, and it they found them hoftile to the new government to fend them out of rhe country. That it was alfb determined that if the wives of fuch perfons did not ad with hoftility to the new government they Ihould be allowed a maintenance out of the hulband's pro- perty, and that each child fhould have a portion, the refidue to belong to the nation. Q^ Did the arrefts on the 1 2th of March tend to diforganize the lyttem ? A. Ihey did. Tlie principal members of the Union were ei- ther confined or fled in confec^uence of the arrelts. Q^Do No. XXXI. 321 Q^ Do you think the mafs of the people care for Catholic Eman- cipation or Parliamentary Reform ? A. I believe the mafs of the people do not care a feather for Catholic Emancipation ; neither did they care for Parliamentary Reform till it was explained to them as leading to other objects which they looked to, principally the abolition of tythes. They were alfo taught to conlider that when they became members of a democracy their condition would be bettered. Q^ Was any ecclefiaftical eftabliflimcnt intended by the revo- lutionary government. A. None, certainly. (^ fiow do you fuppofe it poiTible for Ireland to remain an in- dependent country unconne(5fed with Great Britain ? A. Ireland is now in a very different fituation from that in which flie flood at the Revolution : 1 think {he has grown out of her connection with Great Britain. Q^ Explain yourfelf ? A. At the Revolution her population did not much exceed a million and an half, now it amounts to five millions ; her wealth has increafed in a greater proportion. — 1 am therefore of opinion that flie is capable now of (landing alone. <^ Do you not think it a wifer and a fairer policy to abide by that connexion by which her wealth and population have grown io confiderably ? A. I do not. I think this might be the happicH; country in the world if flie was eftablifiied as an independent Republic, Q. How could fhe exiil: without a (hip of war or the means of having one. Twelve Britifii frigates ftationcd around her coafts muft annihilate the trade of Ireland. How much could England diftrefs her, even in the fmgle article of coals? A. I think Ireland would be very much crippled for fome years; but if (he were feparated from Great Britain the coloffal ilrength of the Britifli navy would be very quickly reduced ; and as to the fupply of coal, I think by extending our inland naviga- tion we could be fupplied with fuel at home. S s ExtracJs 322 No, XXXII. Exirach from the Declaration of John Cornikk, of Thomas -Jireet, in the City of Dublin, who had fled from thence and 'ivas apprehciided at Guernfey, July loth 1798. THAT about fifteen months ago he had taken the oath of an United Irifliman— about three months ago Lord Edward Fitzge- rald was brought to his houfe by William Lawlefs a Surgeon who lis ed in French-ftreet, Dublin) in order to be concealed there, fmce which time, influence by his lordfhip, he had taken a more active part in the rebellion by attending feditious meetings ; that during his intercourfe with Lord Edward Fitzgerald his Lordihip fliewed him two letters, taking care to conceal their fignatures from him — one of which ilated that the number of difaffecled in London amounted to feventeen thoufand, who would rife upon a common emergency, but that there v.ere at leaft one hundred thoufand of the fame defcription who would not fhew themfelves until the time of actual invafion ; the other was conceived in near- ly thefe terms — " I have juft received a letter from L. who has made application to 'the truftees for the advance of 5000I. upon your eftates, which they refufed, faying they would make no pay- ment fhort of the entire, and that they would not be able to efFed that for four months." That the date of the lail letter was fome time in May ; that Lord Edward Fitzgerald remained concealed in his houle nearly a month ; he afterwards abfconded, fearch having been made in his houfe for his Lordiliip. In his declaration he further flated^ that in the month of March laft a Deputation from the United Britifli in London arrived in Dublin ; he knows that there is an Agent for the United Britifh refident in Paris, and that there are Agents both for the United Britifh and Irifli reiident at Hamburgh, but that he is ignorant of all thtirname?, except of that of Lewins, who is the famiC perfon whofe initial was written in the Letter Ihewn to him by Lord Edward Fitzgerald. He acknowledged his being intimately acquainted with this Le- wins, who is this Irifli refident at Paris ; and oflered, if his par- don Ihould be granted, to correfpond with faid perfon, who he was certain would write coniidcniially to him. No. XXXIV. 323 Letter from John Sheares, found upon Sa?nuel NelJfon, on the evening of the 2id of May. SIR, I I have fought you in every diredion, but unfortunately in vain. It is now too late to ufe many words upon the fubjeft of our intended interview ; let it fuffice to fay that I am acquainted with the de- ftrudiive defign you meditate, and am refolved to counteraft it whatever it may coft me — red aflured that nothing fhall check a re- folution which honour, private affection and prblic duty unite to demand the immediate execution of, and that however unwilling I may be at any other moment to take the only fteps which your ob- ftinacy may render neceflary this evening for the prefervation of my friends and my country, I will without hcfitation take them. The , fcheme you have undertaken I view with horror, whether its effects be confidered as relating to my imprifoned friends, the deftruclion of whole property and lives rnuft be the confequence even of your fuccefs, or as afFeding Arthur O'Connor's exifterice, the precarious chance for which you thus cruelly leflTen, or (what is fuperior to every other confiderationj as enfuring the ruin of Ireland's free- dom — In (liort Mr. to be candid with you, the fcheme is fo totally deRitute of any apology even from the plea of folly or paffion, that I cannot avoid attributing its origin to a worfe caufe, and nothing can convince me of the contrary but your immediately foregoing io pernicious an enterprize. In thefe fentiments 1 am. not fingular, nor in the refolution which arifes from them, and Ihould you doubt me, you mud purchafe conviction on a very feverc cofl : my refolution and that of my friends is this, if you do not by nine o'clock this evening give us every neceflary and facred. af- furance, that you will counteraft and prevent the perpetration of his plot againft all that you ought to hold dear, notice of it Ihall be given to the government without a moment's delay — for we do pre- fer that a few mifguided (not to fay guilty individuals fliould pe- rifh, than that every remaining hope of our country's fuccefs, and the lives of our moft valued friends (hould be facrificed by the ac- compliihment of a ilupid, perhaps wicked undertaking. — Do not feed yourfelf with hope that any^ connderatiun lliali licter me from fulfilling this threat — If every poignard you couUI command were at my throiit 1 would do n-^y duty — 1 did think well ol you — I wiOi to do fo dill — you alone can prevent me. J. S. I dine at 52, Abbey-dreet, where I d)all exped your anfwer before eight o'clock. 324 No. XXXIV. Letter from John M'Manus to Patrick Gallagher. Kilbcggan^ 2nd May , 1798. Dear Citizen, Conformable to the informations I received when I lail had the pleafure of feeing you, immediately on my return to the country, I fent inftruclions to the refpective Baronies, to have their numbers properly returned, their collcclions made he. and appointed a day for the County Meeting accordingly, (which was laft Saturday) when to my great mortification, I was totally dilap- pointed, they not having come accordingly to appointment. I can- not pretend to account in any manner for this timid conduct on the part of the Delegates, but furely there is nothing in my opinion to julHfy it — I was prepared to go up on Sunday as requelled, but confidered it totally ulelefs, as I was deflitute of any returns faving thofe of the Barony. I am certain there mufl be a very curious idea formed of this county, from fuch unpardonable neglect, but I alfb flatter myfelf that were matters fully known to our friends, no blame would be attached to me — from the tirft moment af our receiving the Syflem of Organization in this Barony we loil not a moment's time — the people are all well prepared, and in four hours we can bring to the field 3,400 men determined to fland or fali in the caufe of their country, all they want is a knowledge of tl^e moment. I am certain the good fenfe of our friends through the neglect or intimidation of other Baronies) would not fuffer fuch a number of brave men to be facrificed, and 1 hope flill for the necef- fary informations. From the variable difpofitions of the lower order of the people I do think many of their Bo. Members excufable ; it takes and re- quires great patience as well as perfeverance, to bring them to a proper fenfe of their duty, and I know the exertions of fome in par- ticular has not been wanting:. 1 have again fent word for our 1 county meeting to aflemble this week, and inform me when the De legates fiiould be in town with proper returns, &;c. Your's moft fraternally, JOHN M'JMANUS; Number No. XXXIV, 325 Number of Troops in this Barony. -o Northumberland Fencibles in this town. 40 Orange Yeomen infantry Tuelfpafs. 35 Do. do. Cavalry, Moat. With a few more not worth mentioning. The fad is, we are determined to put them down in a moment, or ten times their number. My brother was in Dublin all laft week, and tells me he called different times, but had not the fortune to meet you withm. 1 hope there will be no difappomtment now. 326 ' No. XXXV. Mr. Gi-andy^s hiformation. County of Wexford, J RICHARD GR ANDY of Ballyftraco, to wit. i in the county of Wexford, farmer came J this day before us his Majefty's juftices of the peace for faid county, and maketh oath upon the Holy Evan- gelills that he this examinant was attacked and feized at thecrofs roads of Kilbride in faid county on Sunday the third day of June inftant, between the hours of nine and ten o'clock in the morning, as he was returning from a farm he had on the lands of Kilbride, by (everal perfons armed with guns, pikes, and fpears ; that amongft the number were Michael Poor, Thomas Poor, Martin White, Richard See, Martin Cothoun, Nicholas Browne, Michael White, John Moran and Laurence Moran, all of Kilbride afore- faid, with many others, whole names this deponent knows not, though their faces were very familiar to him ; that examinant was conducted from thence to the rebel camp at Carrick- Byrne in faid county, and in the afternoon of fame day was brought to Mr. King's houfe at ScolJobogue'in faid county ; that he was introduc- ed into a room where he faw Bagenel Harvey of Bargy-Caitle in faid county, efquire, William Devereuxof Taghmon in faid coun- ty, farmer, Francis Brien of Taghmon, and Nicholas Sweetman of New-Bawne in faid county, with a few more whom deponent did not know, but believes that John Colclough of Ballytiegue in faid county, and a fon of faid William Devereux's were of the number ; that deponent was clofely examined by faid Bagnel Harvey as to the irate of Rofs and Duncannon Fort, and whe- ther he was an Orange-man or an United-man ; that faid Bagnel Harvey proffered him to take the oath of an United IriOiman, and become one of their community; that at lall deponent ob- tained a pafs from faid Bagnel Harvey, with which he came as far as Bryanflown, where he was (topped by the guard of rebels who were ftationed there ; that he was conducted back again to Collop's-Well, where he met with faid Bagenel Harvey and laid Nicholas Stwectman ; that laid bweetman ligned the pafs lie had got from faid Harvey ; that be had not gone far before the pafs had been taken from him and torn, upon which deponent was taken prilbner to ScoUoboguc-Houfe, where he was confined till the No. XXXV. 327 the Tuefday morning following, with many other Proteflants • that about nine o'clock John Murphy of" Loughnageer infaid ccunry who had the command of the Rofegarland rebel corps, and was the officer of the guard over the prifoners, had ordered them out by fours to be fhot by his company of rebels, till thirty five were maf- facred ; that the rebel fpeau-inen ufed to take pleafure in piercing the viflims through with their fpears, and in exultation licking their bloody fpears ; that while this horrid fcene was adinp- the barn at faid Scollobogue, in which were above one hundred Proteftanis as deponent heard and believes) was Tet on fire and all confumed to alhes ; that examinanl's life was fpared becaufe faid Pvlurphy knew faid Bagnel Harvey hall given him a pafs, and through his intercef- fion with faid Murphy, Loftus FreiTell was likewife Vpared; fayeth they were both tyed and conveyed within a mile of Rofs where thev met faid Bagnel Harvey, Cornelius Grogan, of Johnftown in faid county, Efq. faid William Devereux, and many others unknown to deponent, retreating from the battle of Rofs; fayeth that faid Bagnel Harvey ordered faid Murphy to take the prifoners to his lodging at CoUop's-well, where he gave a pafs to Loftus Frizzell but refufed to give one to deponent, leafi: he (hould go to Duncan- non Fort, and report what deponent had heard and feen ; faith that he heard and believes it to be a fact that faid Cornelius Grogan had the command of the barony of Fort rebel troops at the battle of Rofs ; faith that he was taken to Foulke's-mill in faid county that night, where he continued for two days under a guard dreffing the wounded; that he .was afterwards conveyed to Ballvmitty infaid county, when he obtained a pafs from Edward Murphy, pariOi prieft: of faid place, to pafs and re-pals through his diftrici for the purpofe of curing the wounded ; fayeth that he was fent to Ta^-h- mon where the fitting rebel magiflrates John Brien, James Harpar, Jofeph Cullamore and Matthew Commons were of opinion that de- ponent might with the prieft's pafs have gone back again and re- main there, fayeth that he ftroled along the fea fide under the pro- tection of this pafs till at lad he effected his efcape acrofs the ferry of Bannow to Fethard on Friday evening the 2 2d inllant, and from thence to Duncannon fort this morning ; fayeth that he often heard it reported while he was in cuftody that John Colclough and Tho- mas M Leard, both of Tintern in faid county, were very aClive in promotincT the rebellion ; and further fayeth that he faw John Deve- reux of Shalbeggan in faid county, junior, at Scollobogue on Monday 28 No., XXXV. Monday the 4th inftant, and that he feemed and he verily believeth he had a principal command in the rebel army ; fayeth that he like- wife faw Charles Reily of Ramfgrange in faid county at the faiJ caiDp at Carrick-byrne amongfl the Rebels very bufy.and adlive to promote their caufe ; deponent further fayeth that he attended mafs celebrated by Edward Murphy, parifli prieft of Bannow ; that after mafs he heard faid Murphy preach a fermon, in which he faid " Brethern you fee you are victorious every where, that the balls *' of the liereticks fly about you without hurting you, that few of *' you have fallen whilfl: thoufands of the Hereticks are dead, and " the few that have fallen was from deviating from our caufe and " want of faith ; that this vifibly is the work of God, who now is " determined, that the Hereticks who have reigned upwards of one " hundred years, (hould be now extirpated, and the true Catholic *' religion eftablifhed ;" and deponent fayeth this fermon was preached after the battle of Rofs, and fayeth he has heard feveral jermons preached by the priefls to the fame effect ; and further fayeth that he has heard feveral of the rebels who had been at the battle of Ennifcorthy and elfewhere declare, that Edward Roche the prieft did conftantly catch the bullets that came from his Ma- jefty's army in his hand and give them to the rebels to load their guns with i deponent further fayeth that any Proteftant who was ad- initted into the rebel army was firft baptized by a Roman Catholic prieft, and that every Proteftant who refufed to be baptifed was put to death, and that many to fave their lives fuffered themfelves to be baptized. Sworn before his Majefty's Juftices of the peace for faid county this 23d day of June 1798, at Dun- cannon Fort, Bound in the fum of t wo- , , , ^ , GEORGE OGLE, hundred pounds to pro- / j^^^^^ CORNQCK, fecute, when called on, ^ ^^j^ HENRY LYSTER, ^h^ examination with el. I Jqhn KENNEDY. RICHARD GRANDY. [A true Copy.] No. XXXV. 329 GENERAL ORDERS. At a Meeting of the Ge?icral ayid ftvcral Ojfficers of the United Army of the County of Wexford the following Refolutions ic-ere agreed upon : Refolved, that the Commander In Chief (hall fend guards to cer- tain baronies for the purpofe of bringing In all men they fhall find loitering and delaying at home or elfewhere, and if any refiilance be given to thofe guards fo to be fent by the Commanding Officer's orders, it is our defire and orders, that fuch perfons fo giving re- fiilance fhall be liable to be put to death by the guards, who are to bear a commillion for that purpofe; and all fuch perfons fo to be found loitering and delaying at home, when brought in by the guards, fliali be tried by a court martial appointed and chofen from amongfl the commanders of all the different Corps and be puniOied with death. Refolvedj that all officers ffiiill immediately repair to their ref- pedlive quarters and remain with their different Corps, and not de- part therefrom under pain of death, unlels authorized to quit by written orders from the C^ommander in Chief for that purpofe. It is alio ordered, that a guard fhall be kept in the rereof the dif- ferent Armies, with orders to fiioot all perfons who ffiall liy or defert from any engagement, and that thefe orders fliall be taken nodce of by all officers commanding fuch engagements. All men refufmg to obey their fuperior Officer to be tried by a court martial and puniflicd according to their fentence. It k alfo ordered, that all men who ffiall attempt to leave their refpeclive quarters when they have been halted by the Commander in C^hief (hall fulfer death, unlefs they fliuil have leave from their Officers for fo doing. It is ordered by the Commander in Chief, that all perfons who have Itolen or taken away any horfe or horfes (hall immediately bring in all fuch horfes to the camp at head quarters, otherwiie any horie that fliall be feen or found in the polTellion of any perfon to whom he does not belong, Ihall on being convicted thereof futFcr death. T t And 330 No. XXXV. And any goods that fhall have been plundered from any houfe, if not brought in to head quarters, or returned immediately to the houks OT cvi:trs, that all perfons fo plundering as aforefaid fhall on being convicted thereof luHer death. It is alfo refolved, that any perfon or perfons who (hall take upon him or them to kill or murder any perfon or prifoner, burn any houfe, or commit any plunder, without fpecial written orders Irom the Commander in Chiel, (hall fuffer death. By order of, B. B. Harvey, Commander in Chief. Head Quarters, Carrick Burn Camp, June 6, 1798. Francis Breen, Secretary and Adjt. No. XXX Vr. 331 By the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland. A PROCLAMATION. CAMDEN, WHEREAS a traitorous Conrpii-acy exiftinjr within this king-: dom for the fubverfion of the authority of his Majefty and the Parliament, ahd for the deftruftion of rhe efLaMifhed conflitution and government, hath confiderably extended it'tlf, and hath broken out into a6ls of open violence and rebellion : We have therefore, by and with the advice of his Majeflv's Privy Council iffued the moft diredt and pofitive orders to the officers commanding his Majefly's forces, to employ them with the utmoft vigour and decifion tor the immediate fuppreffion there- of, and alfo to recover the arms which have been traitoroafly forced from his Majefly's peaceable and loyal Subjeds, and to difarm the Rebels and all perfons difaffeded to his Majefly's go- vernment, by the mofi: funlmary and efFe£lual meafures. And we do hereby ftri£lly charge and command all his Majefly's peaceable and loyal fubje<5ls, on their allegiance, to aid and affifl to the utmoft of their power his Majefly's forces in the execution of their duty, to whom we have given it flridly in command to afford full protedion to them from all adls of violence which fhall be attempted againfl their perfons or properties. Given at the Council Chamber in Dublin the 30th day of March 1798. Clare, C. Char. Cafliell, W. Tuam, Drogheda, Ormonde and Offory, Shannon, Altamont, Clonmell, Kly, Dillon, Pery, Gosford, 0'2\eill, H. Meath, Cafllereagh, Glent worth, Callan, Tyrawly, John Fofler, J. Parnell, H. Cavendifh, J. Blaquiere, H. Langrifhe, Theo. Jones, Jof. Cooper, D. La Touche, ). M. Mafon, James Fitzgerald, R. Rofs, Ifaac Corry, Lodge Morres. Cod fave the King. Tt2 332 No. XXXVIL Notice to the Inhabitants of the County of WHERE AS his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant in Council has in confequence of the darinjT a£ls and depredations committed in this country, ordered and directed by his proclamation bearing date the 30th of March lafl; and by his particular orders thereon, that the military (hould ufe the mofl: fummary means to reprefs difturbances, and to recover all arms taken from the Yeomanry and well-allected, and other concealed arms and ammunition. All the people concerned in taking or concealing thefe arms are required to give them up within ten days Irom the publication of this notice, which if they do they may be aflured no violence whatever will be done to them or to their properties ; but if they do not, they are informed that the troops will be quartered in large bodies to live at free quarters among them, and other very fevere means be ufed to enforce obedience to this notice. And thofe who have knowledge where arms are concealed are called upon to give information, which they may do in any private manner to the neareft civil magiftrate or commanding officer of his Majefty's forces or of the yeomanry corps ; fecrecy Ihall be obferved with refpeft to them, and they (hall be rewarded when their report is proved to be true. Should the deluded and evil difpofed among the people in this county dill perfevere in robbing and murdering, and committing other acls of violent infubordination to the laws of their country, they are informed that the Commander in chief will be obliged to have rccourfe to thofe powers with which he has been invefled to bring them to immediate punilhment. Given at Head Quarters at Kildare, the 3d of April 1798. By order of the Commander in Chief, Frederick Maitland, Secretary. I No. XXXVm. 333 By the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, A PROCLAMATION. CAMDEN, HIS Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, by and with the advice of the Privy Council, has iffued orders to all the General Officers commanding his Majefty's forces to punifli all perfons acting, aiding or in any manner alFilting in the rebellion which now exifts in this kingdom, and has broken out in the moft daring and violent attacks upon his Majefty's forces, according to martial law, either by death or otherwife, as to them (hall feem expedient for the punifhment and fuppreffion of all rebels in their feveral diftficls j of which all his Majefty*s fubjedls are required to take notice. Given at the Council-Chamber in Dublin the 24th day oF May 1798. W, Armagh. Clare, C. Char. Cafliel. W. Tuam. V/aterford. Drogheda. Ormonde and Oflbry. Weftmeath. Shannon. Bel- lamont. Roden. Altamont. Glandore. Farnham. Ely. Dillon. Pery. O'Neill. Carleton. Caftlereagh. H. Meath. G. L. Kildare. Mulkerrv. Glentworth. RofTmore. Tyrawly* John Fofter. J. Beresford. J. Parnell. H. Cavendilh. J. Blaquiere. H. Langrifhe. Theo. Jones. Jof. Cooper. D« La Touche. J. Monck Mafon. Arthur Wolfe. Rob. Rofs. Ifaac Corry. Lodge Morres. God fave the King* 334 No. XXXIX. Return of Arms feized and furrendered infeveral Dijiri6ls» Commanders Gen. Dundas Rofs Ditto Moore Taylor Dunne Duffe 26th March to 14th July I ft May to icth June f5th July 25th July 7th June to I ^th July 26th March to 2ift July 1 6th July St. John 17th July Craig r I ■ Nugent I 8th May to i6ih July July 31ft Col. Skerritt 'J""^ 28th to July 2bth Gen. Champagne July 28th ift Auguft Grofe Lake 13th March to I 5 Augult MTT J 1 loth May to aior Hardy , , ' •* ^ uti! June 7027 48 1128 300 240 2456 4246 500 j 1930 15200 5 3844 23 10500 662 i 1 00 if' Mi s Pikes. 620 1270 »5 873 12 6 '4973 3.6 410 537 78 lOI io6 »7 800 6 II 3 18 2 628 304 Swi vels. •903 ioi 34» 227 SS 9 14283 5000 375 1183 35c 1340 700 70 »3 2544 17000 207 44 ic6 5 50 9 83 2000 8500 92 1756 '44 44^3 128 41S3 39 248 119 33'8 106 22 70630 48109 Total - 1 29583 it appears from the letters of the Generals, that many arms have been ftized or fur- rend' red which arp not included in the above returns ; in many places they have remained in the pofTeflinn of the yeomen, END OF THE APPENDIX. REPORT FROM THE SECRET COMM[ITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDSy tVITH AN APPENDIX, Printed t]? autftoritg. D U B L I Ns PRINTED BY W. SLEATER, PRINTER TO THE HOUSE ©F LORDS, NO. 28, DAME-STREET. 1798, C 3 ] REPORT FROM THE COMMITTEE OF SECRECY. Die Jovis, 30^ -^ugujii, 1798*^ The Lord Chancellor from the Lords Committees appointed to examine the Matters of the Sealed-up Papers received from the Commons on the 23d of July laft, whofe Lordfhips had Power to fend for Perfons, Papers and Records, and to examine all fuch Perfons as they might fummon before them in the mod folemn Manner, and to communicate from time to time with the Committee of Secrecy, appointed by the Houfe of Commons, made the following Report. MY LORDS, TH E Lords Committees appointed to examine the matters of the fealed-up papers received from the Com- mons on the 23d of July laft, and to report the fame as they fliall appear to them to this Houfe, have met and examined into the matters to them referred, and direfted mc to report to your Lordfhips as follows : Your Committee beg leave firft to recall your Lordfhips attention to a Report made to this Houfe on the 7th of March 1793, ^7 ^^^ Lords Committees, who had been appointed to enquire into the Caufes of the Diforders and Difturbances which prevailed in this Kingdom in the years 1792 and 1793, by which it appears, " That confiderable A 2 " bodies [ 4 ] " bodies of Infurgents then diftlnguinied by the name of " Defenders, infefted the Counties of Meath, Louth, Cavan, " Monaghan and other adjacent diflrids during that period, *' and that the meafures which were then puriued by them, " appeared to be concerted with x degree of fyftem and " regularity which proved' diftindly that they were dircded *' by men of fuperior rank, who ftimulated the lower orders " of the people to tumult and outrage, as leading to •' the abolicion of tithes, hearth ' and county taxes, and to " the reduclion of rents. — That durirtg that period very '' confiderable fums of money were levied upon the Roman " Catholics of this kingdom, under the authority of a com- " mittee of perfons of that perfuafion, who then alTumed and " feemed in a great degree to fucceed in the government -' and diredion of the whole body of Irilh Catholics, and " that out of the general fund thus created, protection was *' extended to perfons who ' were criminally profecuted for " the mpfh daring" and flagrant crimes. — That during the ** fame period an iinufual ferment difturbcd feveral parts " of the northern province, particularly the "town of Belfaft *' and the county of- Antrim^ kept up and encouraged by *■' every artifice which turbulence and dilaflediion could luggeft, '* and more particularly by the moft licentious abufc of the *' prefs. — That the condurt of France was openly held up as *• an example for imitation, that hopes and expedations " were given of French affiftance, by a dcl'cent upon this " kingdom, and that prayers had been publicly offered up at '* Belfaft from the pulpit, for the fuccefs of the French armies, " in the pretence of military bodies, which had been newly '' levied and-arrayed in that town, without^ny legal authority. — *' That feveral other militaiy allociations htid in like manner " l^cen entered into, in different parts of' the province of '* Ulfter, compofed of perfons of a very inferior defcription, " arqied witliout authority, and difciplincd bv officers of their ** own ele6lion. — That thel'e armed bodies were daily cncro:ifing " in numbers and force, and liad exerted their beli endeavours '' to procure military men of experience to command them. *' Some of them having exprefsly ftated, that there were m.en *' enough to be had, but that officers were what they wanted.-— " Tliat arms and gun-powder to a very large amount, much •' above tl^e common conilimption iiad been recently lent " to Belfaft and Ne\vrv, and tliat orders had been given ' . ' "for [ 5 ] *' for a much greater quantity, which could be wanted only " for mihtary operations. — That at Belfafl: large bodies of " men in arms, aliembled nightly by candle light to be drilled " and exercifed, and "that repeated attempts were made to " feduce the ioldiery, which much to the honour of tlie ^* King's forces had proved ineffedual. — That at the lame period *' a body of men had been arrayed at Dublin, under the " Title of Firft Battalion of National Guards — their uniform *' copied from that of the French National Guards, and " marked with emblems of difaffedion. — That the declared *' objeft of thefe military preparations was to procure a reform *' of parliament ; but that the plain and palpable intention ** was to overawe the parliament and executive governmert, " and to didate to both." Your committee next beg leave to recall )^our Lordiliip's atten- tion, to a Report made to the houte on the i 2th of May i 797 by the Lord's Committees appointed to examine the matters of the fealed-up papers received from the Commons on the 4th of the fame month, by which it appears " That the fyftem of treafon ^* which had been eftablithed in the year 1792, was then much *' matured and extended under the influence and direction of " numerous affiliated Societies, 'calling themfelves United Irifh- ** men, in conjundion with trie Alibciated Body of Defenders.— *' That a traitorous correfpondence and communication between " the leaders and diredors of the focieties of United Irifhmen " and the Executive Diredory of the French Republic had been " carried on between the month of June 179; and the month of " January 1796, and that the means by which it had been carried " on were diftindly proved." Your committee are now enabled more fully and accurately to flate to your lordlhips the nature and extent of the treafon which fo juftly alarmed your lordlhips in 1793, and whi( h has recently broken forth in open Rebellion, having examined four perfons who were members of the Executive Diredory of the Irilh Revolu- tionary Union, namely, Arthur O'Connor, Efq; v\ho was lately tried at Maidilone for high trealon, William- James M'N even, doc- tor of phyfic, Thomas-Addis Emmet, barriiter at law, and Oliver Bond, lately convided of treafon, all of wliom have acknowledged themfelves to have been confidential leaders and dire dors of the Irilh Union, and that their objcd was, to effed a Revciution in this [ « 1 A,, kingdom, b, Mo,™ |,i, «,,»,•, r„|,,,a, ,„„ , ; „ mve conlidcred a duty incumbent on them ; tlK-y have t herrfore p.rporey affift,ng L Frinch; -r'th^rnrould , e^? rd^tat a dciccnt upon t ks country ; or, if foreign affilUnce couV n" be the Irilh Union was enabled to levy a revohitionarv im,, ^ c„o,npleted in the province of Uhler'on thrri^iroHla 'T /!! That the fcheme of extending it to the other provinces wa, adopted at an early penod by the Irilh Dircftorv ; bm t does no SriTl-°"?r"'"'='-"^^'''' "^^"'"^ •-'"5' confiderabepmgef byondthe northern province before the autumn of ,706, l.en rm,fl„ries were ient into the province of Leinfter to propag'ate the r;ftcm -It appeared diftinflly to your Committee that die iiVle pretexts of rarliamentary Reform and Cathohc Emanci, uion we e found inefTcclua! tor the feduction of the people of tl^t province a.raiting for French afTillancej and it appears to your committee, that a regular and digefted plan of infurrediori was adually formed and reduced to writing in April 1797, ^vhich was given up for that time only from the reprefentations of the executive diredory of the union, that fpeedy and eifcdual ailiflance was promifed from France. For the purpofe of arming this body orders were given by the Irifii Diredory, that every member of the union who bad the means, fhould provide himielf with fire-arms and ammunition, and that fuch perfons, whofe means would not afFord any other weapons fliould provide tliemfclvcs with pikes — which order appeared to your Committee to have been executed in a very great extent throughout the provinces of LTlfler, Leinfter, and Munfler — in the province of Connaught the emilFaries of the union feem not to have been enabled to proceed further in their fyilem of treafon than by adminiftering oaths to the people ; their further progrefs feems to have been obflruded by the vigorous exertions of the executive government, when rebellion broke forth in ads of open hoftility. — It appears to your Committee, that the diredory of the union having thus eftabliflicd a Revolutionary Government in thcmfelves over a great body of the people, ilTued an order forbidding the ufe of any article of confumption liable to th?, excife duties, which order was dated to your Committee by the aforefaid perfons, who had been members of the Republican Diredory, to have been generally and implicitly obeyed. — And it further appeared to your Committee from the teftimpny of the fame perfons, or fome of them, that an order had been alfo ilTued by the fame diredory to flop the currency of bank notes, and to forbid the purchafe of quit-rents payable to the crown^, which by an ad of this feffion have been vefled in the Lords CommifTioners of the treafury, to be Ibid for the fervice of the current j^ear, with a threat on the part of the Directory, that fuch a fale would be diiallowed at the approaching Revolution, as aii anticipation of its rcfources. Ywii [ lo ] "^'our Commiirec having thus detailed the fyilcni of Trealoa and Rebellion eftablilhcd within this kingdom, wliich has been To acknowledged bv ioine of the mofl aftive and confidential mcriibers of the Irifli Revolutionary Dirediory, will now proceed to open to your Lordlliips their dark and defpcrate deligns, w hich liave been confellcd by them, of betraying their country to a rapacious and mercilefs foreign enemy. It appears to your Committee, that early in th Year 1796, a propofition was made from the Executive Direciory of the French Republic, by Theobald-Wolfe Tone, late a barrifter of this country, who abfconded fliortly after the convicflion of a man of the name of Jackfon, for treafon. In the year 1794, to the Executive Direftory of the Irilh Union, that a French army fhould be fent to Ireland to afTifh the Republicans of this country in fubverting the monarchy, and ieparating Ireland from the Britilh crown. — The aforefaid Mellrs. Arthur O'Connor, Thoma<^-Addis Emmet, William M'Neven, and Oliver Bond, all of whom have been members of the Irilh Republican Directory, have depofed to your committee, that this was the firft communication within their knowledge which took place between the Irifh and the French Dircdories, and that the propofition originally moved from France ; Your Committee however are of opinion, that the communication thus made to the Irilli Direftory through Mr. Tone, muft have taken place in confequence of an application originating with Ibme members of the Irilh Union, inafmuch as it appears by the report of the fecret committee of this houfe made in the lad feffion of parliament, that a mellenger had been difpatched by the fociety of United IrKhmcn to the Executive Directory of the French Republic, upon a treaionable midion, between the month of June, 1795, '^"'-^ ^^^'"^ month of January, 1796, at which lirne the mellenger lb fent had returned to Ireland; and your Committee have ilrong realbn to believe, that Edward- John Lewins, who now is and has been for a confiderable time the accredited refident Amball'ador of the Irilh Rebellious Union to the French Republic, was the perfon thus difpatched in the fummer of 1795. It. appears to your Committee that the propofition i'o made by the French Diredory, of afiifhance to the rebels of this kingdom, was taken into conhderation by the Executive Diredory of the Irilh Union immediately nftcr it was communicated to them, that they did agree to accept [ " j accept the proffered cifilftarxe, and that llicir determination was made known to the Diredory of the French Repubhc by a I'pecial mefienger — rand your Committee have ftrong reafon to believe, that the Invafion of this kingdom which Vv'as afterwards attempted, v-.as fully arranged at an interview which took place in Switzerland in tlie Summer ot 1796, near the French frontier, between Lord Edward Fitzgerald, the aforefaid- Mr. Arthur O'Connor, and General Hoche. — It appears to your Committee, that in the month of Oftober, or November, 1796, the hofuile armament which foon after appeared in Bantry Bay, was announced to the Irifh Diredory by a fpecial melienger difpatched from France, who was alfo inftrudled to enquire into the flate of preparation in which this country fhood, which armament v/as then ftated to the Iriih Diredlory to confift of 15,000 troops, together v/ith a confiderable quantity of arms and amir.uniiion intended for the ufe of the Jrifli Republican Union — In a few days after the departure of tlie mefienger wh'o had been thus fent to announce the fpeedy arrival of this armament on the coafts of this kingdom, it appears to your Committee, that a letter from France was received by the Irith Directory, which was confidered by them as authentic, ftating that the projected defcent was poftponed for fome months, and to tjiis circumftance it has been rliirly acknowledged to your Committee, by one of the Irifli Directory, that this country v/as indebted for the good conduft of the people in the province of Munfler, when the enemy appeared in Bantry Bay. — He has confeiled that thefe contradiftory communications threw the Irifli Diredory off their guard, in coniequence of which they omitted to prepare the people for the reception of the enemy. — He has coniefled that the people v.'ere loyal, becaufe they were left to themfelves.— It appears to your Committee, that after the attempt to invade this kingdom in December, 1796, had failed, the Iriih Diredory renewed their folicitations to France for afiifiance, and it v^as determined by -t-hem to eflablifh a regular communication and correipondence' with the Diredory of France, by a refident accredited Iriih minifter at Paris ; — Accordingly it appears to your committee, that in April, 1797, Edv^ard-John Lewins of this city, attorney at law, was oif- patched from, hence, under the afiumed name of Hiompfon, to ad as the minifter of the Irifli Republican Diredory at Paris. That he went by way of Hamburgh, where l:e obtained a letter of credence from the French miniller 10 General Hoche, with B 2 whom [ >^ ] whom he had a conft'rencc at Frarxckiort, froqi whence he proceeded to Paris, where he has continued to refide from that time, as the miniiier of the Executive Directory of the Republic ol Ireland. It appears to your Committee that in June, 1797, a fecond mellenger, D.'clor William-James M'Neven, was difpatched by the fame Direench Republic earneftly prefiing for the promifed fuccours was made up by the Irifli Diredory, late in Decem.ber 1797 <^^ ^^^iy in January 1798, which one of them undertook to have con- veyed to France; but that the attempt failed. — It has been flated to your Committee by one of the rebel Diredory of Irelafnd who was privy to this ad of Treafon, that the difpatch was not 10 be fent througii Great Britain; but he did not explain to your Committee any reafon on which thic afierticn was founded, nor [ 1,4 J nor any other route by which the meflenger was to make h'S way to France. The feverai perrons 'aforefaid who have Co coafeffed themielves to have been members of the Executive Kcvolutipnary Directory of the Iridi Rebels and acknowledged their traitorous correfpondence and connexion with the Directory of the French Republic, have endeavoured to palliate this branch 6f their treafon by afcribing it, firli to tlieir difapprobation of an aft of parliament paffed in the Year 1796 to prevent infur- reclion, next to their diiappointment in obtaining a p?.rliamentary reform, and lafdy by reprelenting their dirmclination to negotiate with France for a greater for-je than might enable them to lubvert the monarchy and retain the government of this country in their own hands. The falfehood andabfurdity of tliefe pretences are fo manifefl that your Committee would have thought it unbecoming to advert to them in their Report, if thefe avowed Traitors to their Kmg and Country had not in part learned thus to palliate their trealon from perlbns of a very ditferent dcfcription in Great Britain and Ireland, who fatally for the peace of this Kingdom and the fecurity of the Britiih Empire, have during the progrefs of this moft foul and unnatural Rebellion, from utter Ignorance and Mifinformation on the ilibjecl, as your Committee mull prcfume, publicly and repeatedly palliated, if not juftified, that iyftcm of trealon which had well nigh involved this once happy and fiourifiiinp; kingdom in all the miferies of the French Revolution. — With refpcd to the Infurreftion Adt your Com- mittee have only to obferve that it pafled into a Law on the twentj'^-fourth of March 1796, and was not put into execution before the fourteenth of November 1796, on which day the firft proclamation, which itfued under the provifions of it, bears date, and that the introdudion of it into the Houfe of Commons i was long fubfequent to the period when it appears, that the ' connexion and correfpondence of the Irilh Union with t' Directory of the French Republic firfh commenced; And ti ._ it was enaded in confcquence of a fvRcm of midnight murder, robbery and outrage which began in 1792, and was lb matured 1 in 1796 under the inlluencc and dircdion of the Irilh Union as j nearly to depopulate a very coniutcrable diflrictl in two of tl;e provinces, of every loyal .and peaceable inhabitant of it. \Vi ' refpect to rarliamcnlary Reform your commiitvC iiave toobici- tha't it was diftindly acknovdcdgcd by the perfons who in fhc'r [ -5 ] own phrafe have taken upon them to think for the People, that no reform of parHament will latisfy them which docs not necef- farily involve in it, the lubverfion ofall ecclefiaftical eflablifli- ments proteflant or popifh, and the t^radual fcparation of this kingdom from the Britiih Crown ; and that no plan of reform will fatisfy them lliort of an Houfe of Commons purely demo- cratic. — It was further allcdged by the feveral perfons' who ib acknowledged their traitorous connexion with France, that the immediate caufe of their efcablilhing a refident agent at Paris, was the rejection of a plan of reform which was prcpofed in 1797 in the Houfe of Commons, which plan they faid would have fatisfied the People. — But the palpable falfehood of this alfertion appears by the journals of the Houfe of Commons ; for thefe perfons have all confeffed that their refident agent was difpatchcd by them to Paris in April 1797, with inftructions to negotiate a treaty v^ith the Direftory of France ; and the proportion for parliamentary reform, to the rejection of which they pretend to afcribe the miffion of Lewins, was not made till the fifteenth of May 1797. As to Catholic Emancipation (as it is called) it Vv^as admitted i^y them all to have been a mere Pretence from the firfl eflabliihment of the Irilli Union, and that if they had been enabled to fucceed in their plan of reform and revolutioji it v/ould have involved in it equally the deflrudion of the Proteftant and Popifn Religion. — The fiid M'Neven having- diftinc^ly acknowledged that the intention was to abolilh all church eftablilliment, and not to have ariy Efiablilhed Pvcli.o-ion, and that, for his own part, he would as foon eftabliili'^ the Mahometan as the Popiih Religion, though he was himfclf a Roman Catholic. — With refped to their difmclination to nerjo- tiate for a French force to be fent into this Kingdom of fuflicient magnitude to conqucT it — the Idea of fetting Bounds to the Ambition and Rapacity of that Power, if once enabled to cflablifh itfelfhere, is too ablurd to deferve any Notice; but it appears to your Committee, that the Direftory of France have heretofore declined to fend any force to this country which will not enable them to diftate fuch terms to it as they ma^^ think fit, although it appears to have been urged to them, on the part of the Iriih Rebels, particularly by Lord Edvvard Fitzgerald, that the bcft expedient for accomplifliinp- a Revo- lution here would be, to difpatch faft failing Frigates to the Coail with fmall bodies of troops and confiderable fupplics of Arms and mili^.irv Stores, together with ofTicers ■ qualified to difciplinc [ I« ] dircipiine the Irilh Peadintry ; but from a letter fupoDfcd to he written from Paris by Lewins, the Irifli agent, to the faid Lo:d Edward Fitzgerald, which he read, Hiortly before his arrefh, to Joki Coimick a colonel in the Rebel Army of Dublin, it a: - pears that the Diredory of France difapprovcd of any fuch pi; :i of carrying their objed — the terms of the letter are, " Ti e *' truft.^es have refufed to advance the i^aool. on the fecurit , *' they will not make any partial advance till they have Vc.c *' whole film ready." Upon a review of this fubjed, of the evidence which hr; been collected, and of all thofe facts of notoriety which ha\j taken place in this kingdom for the laft eiMit years, your Com- mittee feel themfelves fully warranted to llate, that there has been, during the whole of that period, a fedilious and treafon- able Fadion in this country, whofe objedt has been to fubve -r the Conftitution in Church a,nd State, and to feparate Ireland from the BritiOi Crown, by inculcating the principles, and adopting the means which were fucceisfuUy cmplo^^d to aboliih the Religion, extirpate the Nobility, and iubvert the Monarchy of France. Your committee here allude to the addrefles which were forwarded at an early period, from this faction to the French National Alfembly, to their commemorations of French Fel- tivals, particularly the 14th of July, to their attempts made to pervert the loyal inftitution ot Volunteers to the purpoles of Rebellion, by reviving it on the fyftem of the French Na- tional Guards J to the inftitution of the original focieties oi United Irilhmen, their various feditious and treafonable pub- lications in favour of the French and the Republican lyfcem, vilifying and degrading the government and parliament of their own country, particularly by reprefenting the houfe of commons, as it is conftituted, not to be a legitimate branch of the legiflature, that it was in its original formation a viola- tion of the rights of the people, and has continued to be an ufurpation on them; to tlieir perfevering induitry in ilfuing and circulating thefe and all other Publications at the cheapefl rate amongft the lower orders of the People, which could alienate their Minds from the Duty of Allegiance, and inculcate the Principles of Infubordlnation, Revolt and Irreligion, and to their attempts, in Imitation of the French Revolutionilts, to form a National Convention. Your [ ^7 ] Your committee further allude to the Syftem of Organization which they have already detailed, which appears to them to have been formed by this faftion when their open attempts to fubvert the conftitution were fruftrated by the convention aft ; and to the lecret obligations which they im.poled upon their alfociates, to elude detedion artd puniihment. Your committee further allude to the meafures which were purfued by the fame fadiol to intimidate the refident gentlemen of the country, by m.idnight attacks, in order to drive them from their hoiifes, or to enforce their connivance or iupport, a courfe which your committee underftand was purfued with fatal fuccefs in Frdnce j and to the impudent falfehoodand calumnies propagated with fmiilar induftry by the fame fadion, and by their partizans, reprefenting the means to which the goTernment and parliament were compelled to refort, for the fupprcffion of midnight robbery and murder, and for the difcomfiture of rebel- lion, as the fbiirce of thefe complicated evils. Your committee further allude to the infidious addref;^ ufed by the fame fadtion, in turning to their purpofes the religious feuds, prejudices and diilinftions of the country, which were revived principally by their wicked machinations} at one time flattering the paffions and hopes of the higher order of the Catholics, at the moment in whi-.li they meditated their de- ftruftion, and at another, ftimulating the lower ranks to indif- criminate acis of outrage and vengeance againfl their loyal fellow (ubjeds. Your committee further allude to the plan formed by the fame fadion, of arraying and regimenting the whole mafs of the people, of iupplving them v/ith arms and ammunition forced from the lovaf, and ci elfablifhing in- every part of the country manufactories of pikes to be diftributed amongft the lowed ranks of the people. Your committee further .allude to the early difpofition which appeared in the leaders of the fame faction to correfpond with the ruling powers of France, to obtain French afilftance in iheir revolutiona'-y projeds, and to the regular fyftem which they afterwards eftabliOied, for conneding themfelves with the Execu- tive Diredory of the French Republic, wherein they appear to have adcdas therulii.gpowercf the country, negotiaiin;^ treaties and loans of money v/ith foreign ftates. C You: [ >8 r i.. Your com:nitl;c further allude to the repeated attempts which Jiave been made by the dime iaclion to ieduce the king's troops of all delcriptions from their allegiance, and their attempts to deter his majefty's loyal fubjefts from enrolling themfelves in the yeomanry corps , to their plans of infurreclion, maffacre and confiication, which have been clearly proved againit fome of their leaders, wiio have been convicted of treafon by due courfe cf law, and have been confetred by others of them before' your committee ; aind above all, to the defperate project of the fa^me faftion to corrupt the Youth of the country, by introducing their orga- nized fyftem of treafon into the Univerfity, which attempt tvas happily fruftrated by the timely interpofition of the vifitors of Trinity College, and by the high fpirit of honour and loyalty of the great body of fludents in that learned Seminaiy. Your committee farther allude to the various infurreftions which were meditated, as well as thofe which have aftually taken place ; to the late deflruftive Rebellion, and the prefent Invafion by a French force, which your committee feel themielves war- ranted in fiating accurately to correfpond with the plan of revolu- tionizing this country, v^hich was recommended by Lord Edward Fitzgerald. It appears to your committee, that the government and le^if- iature being fenfible of the defigns thus meditated againfh tlie cdnftitution of this kingdom, felt themfelves bound to refifb every demand which was made upon them by the fame fa6lion, vv'ith a view to cfTeft their traitorous purpofes ; and as it appears from the confefTion of fome of the moll leading and notorious traitors engaged in this confpiracy, that what they termed ca- tholic emancipation and parliamentary reform were confidered as the fureft means cf accomplilhing their rebellious projefls, vour committee cannot but applaud the wifdom and difcretion of parliament in v.athholding their atlent to fuch wild and fatal conccfTions. — If any thing was wanting in proof of their wifdom, it is fuppliedby aRefolution entered into by the rebel provincial com- mittees of Ulfler and Leinfter on the 19th February 1798, the day on which a propofition was made to your lordlhips ofconcetfion and conciliation to the people, as a probable meafurc to tranquilize the country. This refolution was agreed to in the fame words and on ihe fame day, 19th February 1798, by two provincial commit- ters, one afpjmbled at Armagh, the other at Dublin, it has been authenticated [ 19 1 iiuth--ticated to your Committee, and appears to have beeu officiX^^^^^ Executive Diredtory of the Rebehiou-; ■ Unon and'^is.nthe following words-" Reiolved, that we wiU "pay no attention whatever to ^ny attempt that may be rn^le " bv either houle of parliament to divert the public mind from " the grand objea we have m view, as nothing Ihort ot the com- " plet! emancipation of our country will latisty us. On the whole your committee attribute the falvation of this kingdom to the vigorous and decifive meafures o tne executive Kovfrnment, adoptfd in March 1797. .^"d purlued from the lame period and to the firmnels of parliament, who, always on- pofed t'o promote the welfare and happmels of the people have e^nced a determined tefolution never to yield to the artifices or t ators what is intended only for the lubverfion the con.t- ut^Ln-But your committee thmk it their bounden duty to ftate , to 5wlordrnips, that although .it api«ars to them that tne fvftim of treafon and rebellion which had been eftabhlhed, 1. for thepTefent confiderably (haken, yet that having; tatally taken deep root'^ n the countrv, it will require unceafing vigilance and atten- tfon in every department of the ftate, to guard ^g^'f ^^ re- v°vai of it.-Your committee have to lament deeply the faciluy with which the lower orders of the people may be feduced r cm their allegiance, and cannot but reprelent to your loKim.ps tac,r deckled tpinio;, that no effort Ihoukl remain untried, to open. Oere-es to the evils which they have invariably luflercd oy ^iSdi^^o feduaion, and to the wicked artifices o hiU raitor- ousaffociation, which has already involved them la c.i.uiu „..J complicated miferies. Your committee have thought it their duty to annex by way of A T^v tn tlvs Report thJ confeffions ct their trcafons made iclves on his Majefty's clemency. Vf.oV^fT 1-nvp alfo to refer your lordihips to ^^t^^Z^^^^^^^ of the hLie of comLns i y^Zw fo-nd to contain moft intereitmg and important t^^^S^ti^^. ail of which are .^y illuflratcd and proved in the Appcr.dix annexed to their Report. C2 APPENDIX. APPENDIX. Page No. I. Examination of John Hughes, - 23 II. The Addrefs of the United Britons to the United Irifhmen, - - 33 III. Examination of Dr. WiUiam- James M'Neven, 36 IV. Examination of Arthur O'Connor, Efq. - 46 V. Examination of Samuel Neilfon, - 48 VI. Examination of Thomas-Addis Emmet, Efq. 52 VII. Examination of Oliver Bond, - 57 VIII. Copy of a Paper found in the Writing-box of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, - 59 [ ^3 ] A p p p: N D I X. No. I. Examination of John Hitghe^ . Friday, 3d August, 1798. John Hughes, of Be f aft, fzvorn. Says about five years ago, in the year 1793, he was admitted a member of the firft Ibciety of United liifhmen in Belfaft ; the iociety confiflcd of about 70 of the leading people in bufmefs in Belfaft, fuch as Mr. M'Cabe, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Watt, and perfons of that defcription. There were four or five other focieties of the fame kind then in Belfaft. There was no oath on admiflion at that time ; the members took a teft only ; ho did not attend much to the iociety, and the fyftem of 1793 fell into difufe. About July, 1796, he became a member of a fociety (which regenerated under the prefent fyftem of the United Irifhmen) in Belfaft ; it was called the firft fociety of United Irillimen in Belfaft ; Robert Orr, then a chandler in Beltaft, adminiftered the oath on his admiffion ; the oath he took is exadtly the fame as that which is fet out in the printed conftitutions. That fociety confifted cf the following perfons, namely, the faid Robert Orr, Thomas Richard fon, Browne, and two or three other per- fons whofe names he did not know, and to whom he was and is yet an utter ftrangcr. He fuppofes he w\as brought by Orr to that fociety, becaufe the other members of it were ftrangers to him, 2 4 No. I. him, for at that time it was neceffary that fix United Iridimen Ihouid be prefent when a ne.v member was fworn. Soon after he formed a fociety of United Irilhmen himleif in Belflift. — That fociety confided of the following perfons, namely, Mr. Robert Hunter, of Bjlfaft, broker ; John Tifdall, of Belfaft, notary public ; James Miclean, of Belfaft, watch-maker ; Henry Ha- zelett, of Belfaft, merchant ; Samuel Maclean, of Belfaft, mer- chant ; Thomas M'Donnell, ot B>;itaft, grocer ; James Luke, of Belfaft, linen tlidor ; Hup;h Crawford, of Belfaft, merchant j Wil- liam Thomfon, of Belfaft, Imen merchant ; Adam M'-Lean, of Belfait, woollen draper j Walter Crawford, of Belfaft, iron mer- chant i Hugh Dunlap, of Belfaft, builder ; and William Hogg^, of Belfaft, Imen fador. He was fecretary to the fociety and brought the prayer-book to Iwear in the members, they took the book, and he alfo fur- nifhed them with the conftitution, and they took the oath at the table. — After the expirarion of his office of fecretary to the fo- ciety, which was about three months after he formed it, he did not attend regularly, and was not an a6tive member. — In the month of November, 1796, Bartholomew TceUng, then of Dun- dalk, linen mercliant, met him in Belfaft ; he had been well ac- quainted with Teeling before that time, and each knew the other to be an United IriiLman. — Teeling alked him if he could fpare a fortnight or three weeks to go to Dublin for the purpofe of pro- moting and extending the focieties of United Iriftimen there j he (\\d not underftand that Teeling then held any office in the fyftem, but that he was afting from zeal in the caufe ; he con- fented to go to Dublin for the purpofe ; he did not ftipulate for being paid or reimburfed his expences. — He did not receive any letters of introduftion from Teeling, but Teeling diretfled him, \-erbally, to call upon Ed ward- John Lewins, of Beresford-ftreet, Dublin, and to communicate with him upon the beft means ot extending the fyftem of United Iriftimen in Dublin. — It was part of the lyftem to avoid writing as much as polfible, and no perfon was employed in the confidential bufmefs or miiTions of the fociety, whofe character was not a fufficient voucher for him. — He went to Dublin accor^iingly and called upon Lewins. He told Lewins, that Mr. Teeling had direcled him to call upon him, in order to be informed of the lituation and the progrels of the iocieties in Dublin, that he might (if he could be ufeful) affift in promoting and extending them. — Lewins told him, that the fo- cieties No; I. ^ 25 cieties were gaining ground in Dublin and extending in the country, and Lewins (upon confideration) was of opinion, that lie could not be uleful in Dublin, as his acquaintance was very limited there. — He vifited Lewins generally once a day whilft he remained in Dublin,' and frequently dined with him. The conl- pany at his tabVe wefe generally Clergymen, and lome of them Foreigners ; he thinks it likely they were Priefls. — He ftaid in Dublin about three weeks at that time.-— Teeling came to Dublin whilft he was there, and lodged in the fame houfe with him, the Belfaft Hotel in Capef-ftreet"— Teeling ftaid about three days in Dublin at that time, and nothing particular palTed between them there. — -He did not attend or fit in any fociety of United Inih- men during the time he ftaid in Dublin. He returned to Belfaft in December 1796. He was ill witli a rheumatifm for fome tim^e after his return to Belfaft, and was not at the town meeting which was held in confequence of the French being in Bantry Bay. — He did not attend the focicties, from motives of caution, but fpoke to the young men v/ho were con- cerned, in the day-time, in the ftreet,' or when they called at his houfe to afk hts opinion. — He continued fuch cautious conduft till ihortly before the Lent Affizes 1797, v»hen Mr. James M'Guckin the Attorney, requefted him to^go to Dublin in order to get a licence for Counfellor Curran to be concerned for the prifoners then in the feveral gaols on the North Eaft Circuit, charged as United frilhmen.-^He accordingly went to Dublin, and at the deiire of Mr. M^Guckin waited upon Mr. Curran, to know whether he would attend as Coiinfel for the prifoners at the Affizes.' — Mr. Curran faid he would, but would expeci' to receiv!!: one hundred guineas as afce for each and every town he fhoukl; be defu-ed to go to. — He told Mr. Curran he ihould have the money, and he paid him fifty, pounds as a retaining fee, ind ap- pointed him to attend at Mona^han affizes firft, and he would there be informed what other towns he ftiould be required to attend at.—^His general- direftions from M'Guckin were to get Curran down, on as cheap terms as he could, but fo get him down at all events.— He did not attend at Monaghan, or Armagh affizes, but he attended at the then enfuing affizes at Carrick- fergus. — -Mr. Francis Jordan of Belfaft, merchant, was treafurer for the' county of Antrim-, and collecled the money. — Has heard moft of the gentlemen in Belfaft fubfcribed, that Cunningham- Gregg paid twentv ov.lncas, Charles Rankin paid twentv gumeas, D' " William 26 No. I. ' William Sinclairc paid twentj- guineas, Robert Thompfon paid ten guineas for himfelf, five guineas for his ion and five guineas for his daughter. — Never heard that the Sub-lheriff of Antrim received any money from the prifoners or their agent, but heard that Hugh iM'Key, Sub-flieriff of the county of Down, was paid thirty guineas for returning a partial pannel, and that Alexander Lowry, of Linnen Hill, paid him the money, viz. ten guineas before the trial came on, and twenty guineas after the aflizes were over. — Believes the fubfcriptions for the county of Antrim then amounted to (even hundred pounds and ii^pwards, and the fubfcriptions for the county of Down amounted to nine huntlred pounds and upwards, Alexander Lowry wa^ the treafurer for Down, he repaid him the money he had advanced, viz. the fifty pounds thjtt he had paid toMr.Curran as a retaining fee, and about two hundred pounds that he had paid for licences for Mr. Curran. — He underftoodtli-^a in every converfation he had, that Down and Antrim were prepared' to rife and prevent any capital conviction being executed. — At the: Lent aflizes of Antrim or Down, Lowry and Teeling requelted him to meet them in Dublin ca/rly in June following ; they did not acquaint him upon what bufinefs they defired to fee him in Dublin; he fijppofed' it was to (late lo people in Dublin, the htuation of Beltaft, or fuch other part of the neighbourhood as he was acquainted with.— Fie confcnted to meet them inDublin. — A few days afterwards he received a note from Mr. John Magenni.i of Balealy, defiring him to fee him immediately at Balealy. He received this note on a Saturday. He went to Balealy on tb.e next day and met Magennis. — Magennis told him it would he neceffary for him to go to Dublin, where he would meet Lowry and Teeling and other friends, but that he muft firft take an obligation, Magennis then adminiftered an oath to him that he would not mention the names of any of the perfons he fhould be introduced to, or witli whom he fliould communicate in Dublin. — He took that oath,, and on fame day fet out from Balealy tO: Banbridge where he took a place in the mail coach for Dublin, where he arrived the next morning ; this was fomc days before the fifth of June, 1797. — He met Lowry and Teeling in Dubfn, they afked him if he had fcen Mvagennis. — He roki them he had. — Lowry and Teeling then informed him that tiicre was to be a national meeting in Dublin at that time, of delegates from the dinlrent provinces of Ireland under the orga- nization of United IriOimcn, in order to receive a general rctfirn of the ftrength of the United Irillnr.en, and- to determine whether No. I. 27 an infurreclion would be then prafticable, and Lovvry and Teeling told him thereafon they defined him to meet them in Dublin was, to give his opinion of the ftrength and readinefs of Down and Antrim to aid the infurreftion, lo far as he was capable of judg- ing.— He faid his opinion was, that as the people were in a great meafure difarmed at that time, the majority of them would not rife or join the infurreftion. — Teeling faid his opinion was other- wife ; he faid Louth was anxious to rife : Lowry faid Down was alfo anxious to rife. — Lowry and Teeling afterwards told him that the national meeting had taken place at John Jackfon's in Church- llreet, Dublin, and that the delegates had agreed to proceed to aftion. — Teeling (hewed him a map of Ireland at his (Teeling's) lodgings in Aungier-llreet, on which the plan of the infurrection was delcribed, and the points marked to which certain numbers of men were to be brought. — He underftood that the map fo marked, had been prepared by fome Irilh officers who had been in the Auftrian fervice, who exprelfed their opinion decidedly, that the people were not in a ftate of preparation to make a fuccefsful infurredlion, being deficient in arms and ammunition. — The delegates left Dublin in order to raife their refpcftive counties, and to take the field. — They coUecled the Colonels in each county in order to give them directions for bringing but their Regiments; — The Colonels of the county of Antrim refufcd to come forward ; — The Colonels of the county cf Down agreed to bring their regiments forvs^ard ; — Tl^e other counties in Uiiler were difinclined to come forv,'ard, and therefore the in- tended infurrection did not take place. — Lowry told him what had paffed at the meeting of the Down Colonels, and he under- ftood the refult of the applications to the Colonels cf the other counties, from converfations with many people in Belfaft at that time. — Whilft he was in Dublin in June, 1797, Teeling invited him to breakfaft one morning at his Jodgings in Aungier-ilireet, and tcld him he fnould fee fome friends ; he went there accordingly, and met at breakfaft there, and after breakfall on the fame day, at other lodgings which Teeling had in the Munfter Hotel, in Cope-ftreet, tlie following peribns, John Magennis, of Balealy, in the county of Down ; Mr. Tony M'Cann, of Dundalk ; Mr. Samuel Turner j John Byrne, of Union Lodge, near Dundalk ; Mr. Patrick Byrne, who lives near Union Lodge ; Colonel James Plunket ; Alexander Lowry, and Mr. Andrew Cumming of the county of Galway, and Dr. M'Neven. — The converlrition turned upon the ftate of the country, and its preparation and fitnefs at that time D 2 ut 2.8 No. I. 10 begin the inlurrcclion ; in the courfc of it, the opinions cf the before mentioned perfons differed, fome of them prelled for rhe infurre(5lion commencing immediately', particularly Teeling, Lowr}', and M'Cann ; fome of the others were of opinion, that however Ulflcr might be ready to rife, yet the other provinces were not in a fiifficient degree of forwardnefs or preparation for yifmg. He met the above-mentioned perfons at ievcral other times during his flay in Dublin in June, 1797 j and their converfations were generally upon the flate of Ireland, and to the import before mentioned. — He left Dublin and returned, to BslfafI: en or before the fourteenth day of June. — He attended a meeting at Randalftown, which was held within about four days of that time ; the meeting confided of Teeling, Lowry, Robert Moore, ■ of Derry, Iron Monger, (as he believes his ciiriftian name and trade to be) and Colonel James Plunket ; he attended faid mcetiiig' by the dire^flion of Lowry and Teeling to liear the report of the Colonels of the county of Antrim ; the report was brought to the meeting (by a perfon of the name of Dunn, as he believes) who was clerk to Bartly, Black, and Co. of Larnc, accompanied 'by 'the Rev. Arthur M'Mahon, of Hollywood. — The '" report' from the Colonels was read by Dunn. The firl^ refolution was, as he befl recollecls, That it was imprudent to aiTi-at' that tinie, without foreign aid, but that if the county of Down would act,^ a part of the Antrim Colonels who could bring out nine or ten thoufrind men woqld aft with Down.— The meeting broke up in comequence of the divilion imongfh the Antrim Coionels.— XheReV. Arthur M'Mahon told the meeting, that he had been fcht by the Colonels of the county of Down, to Ilate to the Colonels of the county of Antrim who had met at Park-gate that day, that they '(the Colonels of Down) were willing to rife, and that he had delivered fuch the mefTage of the Down Colonels to the" Antrim Colonels. — M'Mahon was theii a member of the Ulfler Prbvihcial Com- jnittee, and >he- told him that he had' been on-^ of the I'evea Colonels of the county of Down who had- bee*rt felcdfcd and appointed leaders for faid county ; and he- alio told hini that he (M'Mahon) was a member of the National Kxecutive. — Teeling le-t Randalftovvn with him on Tuefday, they came together to •Shane's Caitlc, and flept there that night, and got to Belfaft on \Vednefday. — Teeling llcpt at his houfe on faid Wcdneiday, and on next day he and Teeling 'went to Ballynahinch, where they met M'Mahon and Lowry at Arm(lrong's-Inn.— There was to have No. 1. z^ have been a meeting of the leaders of Down and Antrim on that day at Ballynahinch, but |:hey jdid not come, and Teeling and Lowry left Ballj^nahlnch determined jto go to France, as it would not be fafe tor them to remain loriger in this country. —He returned liome that night. — M'Mahon was informed on his road home (as he heard) that he would be taken ; and he, Robert-Rollo Read, Haftings Mafon, once an officer in the Downihire Militia, and John Magcnis, took boat at Bangor and got over to Scotland, and afterwards M'Mahon got to France where lie iiiil is. From June to November, 1797, his private affairs became cmbarralied, and he flopped payment in November, and a commiffion of bankruptcy iffued againfl him fome time after- wards. — He did .not attend any civil or military meeting of United Irillimen from June, 1797, till March, i793> when he furrendered hinifeif under the commillicn in Dublin. He went to Dublin in March, 179.S, and ftaid two days; the time for his final examination was enlarged till the twenty-firft of April ; he went to Dublin on the twentieth of April, and remained there about nine days. — He called on Samuel Neilfon, walked with him to Mr. Cormick, a feather merchant, in Thomas-ftreet. — He was introduced bv Neilfon to Cormick in the office.— Cormick aiked them to o-q ui> flairs ; he and Neilfon went up flairs and found Lord Ed'- ward Fitzgerald and Mr. Lawlefs, the Surgeon playing; at billiards. — He liad been introduced to Lord Edward about a 3Tar before by Teeling ; he was a flranger to Lawlefs ; flaid about an hour ; no particular converfations ; was invited to dine there that day, and did fo j the companv were Lord Edward, Lawlefs, Neiifon, Cormick, and his VVife. Ihe converfation turned upon the flate of the countr)-, and the violent meafures of government in letting the arniv loofe. The company were all of opinion, that there was' then no chance of the people refifting by force with any fuccefs. He was alfo introduced ^y Gordon, who had been in Newo-ate and Robert Orr, of Belfaft, Chandler, to Mr. Rattican,'^the timber merchant at the corner of Thomas-flrcet. — Rattican talked to him on the flate of the country and of the city of Dublin, and told him that they would begin the infurredlion in Dublin by liberating the prifoners in Kilmainham. Rat- tican ihewed him a plan of the intended attack upon Ki]- mainham.— Whilfl he was in Dublin, in April, he dmed with 30 No. I. iN'eihon at the Brazen Head. — Next day Neillon called him up at five o'clock, and they went to Swectman's, near Judge Chamberlaine's, to breakfaft ; Sweetman was then in prifon, •but Neilfon lived in his houfe. — Neilfon took Sweetman's carriage to Mr. Grattan's, and brought him along with him. — When they got to Mr. Grattan's, Neilfon told him he had ibmething to fay to Mr. Grattan in private, and defircd him to « take a walk in the domain. — Neilfon however introduced him i to Mr. Grattan firft ; and Mr. Grattan ordered a fervant to attend him to fhew him the grounds. — He returned in about half an hour. — Went into Mr. Grattan's library — Neilfon and Grattan were there together. — Grattan afked a variety of qucf- tioRs touching the ftate of the country in t^nt North ; how many families had be^n driven out and how many houles burned by the government or the Orange Men ? — Grattan iaid he fpppofed he was an United Irilliman ; he faid he was. — (jrattan a/ked him how many United Irilhmen were in the province? he faid he reckoned 126,000. — Grattan afked how many Orange Men there were? he faid about 12,000 — Grattan. made no particular anfwer. — Neilfon and he left Grattan's about twelve in the day ; they Avalked to their carriage which was at Ennifkcrry ; he alked Neilfon what had palled between Grattan and him — Neilfon evaded the quellion but faid generally that he kad gone down to Grattan to aik him whether he would come forward, and that he bad fworn him. —That Grattan promifed to meet him in Dubliji before the next Tuefday. — He left ; Dublin that evening and returned to Beltiift. — He has known I the reverend Steele ^Dickfon of Portaterry for two years inti- | mately.— Saw him at the affizcs of Antrim and Down at Lent ] affizes 1797. — He law him acting with Lowry, Turner and \ Teeling as one of the committee for conducting the prifoners defence.— Nicholas Magin called on him with a meifa^e from Dodor Dickfon, that Dickfon was going to Ballynahmch to remain there till Tuefday, and that he would be at Mr. Pot- fingers till fcven o'clock of that evening. — Dickfon QiUed upon \ hira Friday the firfl: of June at his houfe in Bclfift, and told > him that the colonels of the United Irifh regiments in the ' county of Down had had a meeting in i, field on the day be- fQre, as Mr. Magin had ftated, that twenty-three of them liad agreed to fight, and commence the rebellion provided the county of Antrim and the other counties of Ulfter, as he believes, would acl with thcni, and a? he (Dickfon) knew tliere No. L 31 there was to have been a meeting of the colonels of the county of Antriiii that day, (viz. the firft of June) Dickfon wiflied to know whether he had heard any thing from it. — He faid he had not heard of the meeting — He knew tiiere was to be fuch a meeting; Hunter toki him fo. — Dickfon faid he would go out to Mr. Pottinger's that evening, and requefled he would fend him intelligence of what fhould be done in the Antrim meeting; that he would go from Mr. Pottinger's to Bailee, where he was to preach on Sunday, from thence he would go to Baliynahinch and remain there till Wed- nefday. On the Sunday, Mr. Keane, of Finlay's bank, came from Dublin, and aiked him where Dr. Dickfon was. — He told Keane he would find him at Baliynahinch — Keane went there on Monday, as he believes. On Friciay the ift of June, Dickfon told him that he was one of the Adjutant Generals of the United Iriflimens forces in the county of Down, and that he (Dickfon) would go to Baliynahinch and remain there till Wednefday^ as it was a cen- tral place, from which he could iflue his orders to his officers.— Dickfon told him that the reafon why he would remain at Baliynahinch till Wednefday was, that the Antrim Colonels had adjourned till the Tuefday, and that he could receive their determination in Baliynahinch on Wednefday. In February laft, when the prifoners were trying at the Com- miflion, Priefl Quigley introduced him to Citizen Baily, wha was an officer in the Eaft India Company's Service, and lived near Canterbury, and alfo to the younger Binns from England ; thinks his name is Benjamin. Binns told him he h:ld diftributed mofl of the printed addreffes, entitled, " United Britons to the United Irifhmen," and gave him a copy of it, and direfted him to print an edition of them. He printed one thouflind of them, and the one now produced to him is a copy of that which Binns delivered to him. — IVlr. John Caldwell, of Belfaft, paid him for printing the edition ; as the copies were wrought off" he fent them to Mr. Caldwell— Caldwell paid three guineas to him for the printing. hh 32 No. I. He heard a Mr Bonham came with Bally and Binns from London, a-.id was the delegate from England to Ireland men- tioned in the paper. — He never faw Mr. Bonham — Either Binns or Baily told him that the addrefs was written by a Mr. Cof- grave of London. — John Caldwell, of Beltafl, managed a lot- tery. — Caldwell told him that he had been appointed treafiirer for the lottery ; that it was to confifb of two thoufand tickets, at one guinea each, the higheft prize 300). — the profits to be applied towards the general fyfhem of United Iriflimen. — The lirlt immediate want of money was to fend up and fupport witnelTes on the trials in Dublin. Q^ You have faid that you were introduced to Mr. Grattan by Samuel Neilfon at his houfe at Tinnehinch, in April lafi — Recoiled; yourfelf, and fay whether you can fpeak with certainty as to that fad ? A. I certainly can. — About the 28th of April laft, I went to Mr. Grattan's at Tinnehinch with Samuel Neilfon, on going into the houfe we were Ihewed into the librar}\ — Neilfon intro- duced me to Mr. Grattan, and I foon after walked out, and left them alone for full half an hour. — I faw a printed conftltu- tlon of the United Irillimen in the room. Q^ Can you fay whether Mr. Grattan knew it to be the conflitution of United Irifhmen ? A. I can— for he afked me fome queflions about it. — He afkedme alfo a variety of queflions about the ftate of the North. — ^\Vhen we were going away I heard Mr. Grattan tell Neilfon ihat he would be in town on or before the Tuefday following; — and I underflood from Neilfon that Mr. Grattan had vifited him in prifon, and on our return to town, Neilfon told me he i^.ad fworn Mr. Grattan. Neilfon and I breakfafled that morning at the country houfe of Sweetman, who was then in prifon, and went from thence to Mr. GrittanV in Sweet man's carriage. T/r No. II. 33 The Addrefs of the United Britons to the United IriJIimen, proved and alluded to in the Evidence of John Hughes. "»»>>»» i^Hg€«=«w> United Britons, to the United IrifJimen, Fellow-Men, Anxious to difTipate thofe prejudices, which a miftaken and in- terefted policy has artfully diffuied, to prevent an union of fentw ment and mutuality of opinion from being held by the people of England and Ireland ; we in the name of the former, (with whofe fentiments we are acquainted, and whole confidence we poffefs) declare that we will by every poflible means promote the eman- cipation OF iioTH countries. To torward this great objeft we offer you our confidence, and in return demand yours. Though labouring under the yoke of the fame oppreffors, the Sifter Countries have been differently treated. Ireland has always been the objed of direft and open violence, England of Fraud ; Ireland has been robbed, England has been cheated. One uni- form plan, DIVISION, has been carried on in both. Sacrificed as Ireland has been to the ambition of England, the idea of her being treated as a free Country was too grofs to be obtruded upon the meaneft underftanding ; but England, whole avarice was flattered by the defpicable lure of exclufive trade, greedily fwallowed the bait. She was taught to believe that Riches flowed upon her, while Poverty was fecretly infmuating itfelf into her very vitals. Amidft mock contentions foi liberty and real ones for plunder. She vainly imagined herfelf free, and was thereby in- duced to pay the intereft of a Debt, of greater amount than the value of the whole Landed property of the Country, without re. flefting that Bankruptcy however late muft be the confequence of an overftretched credit.— THAT bankruptcy has arrived. The Religious diffentions between Catholic ^ and Protejlant in Ireland (whole opinions admit of a real diftindion) and the party fquabbles between JVhig and Tory in England (whofe political ones admit of none) were affiduoully fomented ; the People were E divided 34 No. II. vided about the JJiadow till they loft the fubjlance. The plan oppreflion was fyftematically direfted throughout both coun- tries to the fame objed, though in apparent oppofition, In Ire ■ land Revenue was only railed to be lavilhed in unmerited penll' ns, without the infult of pretended National advantage in England the viel of fraud was neceflary to cheat the people of lar^e lums under the plaufible pretext of public necelTuy. The undiiguLed opprefllons of Ireland, by rendering fubfiitence precarious to tnc Poor, have made her a conftant hot-bed for the fattelites of Ty- ranny ; but in England occafional crops could only be railed when the flame of war unufually forced the foil. This marked dif' tin6lion in the treatment of the countries, has produced as marked a difference in the characters of the two Nations ; Ireland has acquired that of manly opennefs, England that of mean difguife. England though abufed with forix^s has never been without fmcere friends to fubftantial liberty. Among them a number ©f dark and defigning characters have always intruded ; and t!ieir conduft has furnifl^ed iuch a tiifue of apoftacy, that general apathy had nearly fucceeded general diftruft. Various political Societies have been inftituted for the purpofe of Reform, but of thefe, few could boaft purity of Principles, or integrity of Leaders. Formerly, Richmond he;ided the votaries of Univerfal Suffrage, Fox thole of Reprefentation by Houfe^ holders, and Piti thofe who wilhed to disfranchife the Corrupt Boroughs, to throw their proportion of Reprefentation into the Counties ; bLft thefe have vaniOicd. The Society of the Friends OF THE People, and that for Constitutional Informa- tion, Viave dlfcontinued their exertions. The London Cor- responding, and other Societies in union with it, have arifen ypon their ruins, and as univerfal good is their bafis, wc doubt not, but, fupported by Nimibers and Principles, they will pot be wanting i^i the hour of danger. The Irish, always an heroic People, had, during the Ameri- can Wai, berome a,i armed Nation. They took up Arms for Defence, and undertook the caufe of Reform for Security. England, likcwife, engaged in the caufe of Reform, but her efforts were weak, as Ihc had not endured fy fficlent to convince her of the ncceffity of union. The efforts of a number of emi- nent Perfons in both Countries in the caufe of Freedom, were infulficicut, becaufe Prejudice yet prevailed, and Men were not awakened to their juft Rights and true Intcrcfts. The No. 11. 35 The Apoflacy of feveral Leaders of the Pubhc caufe, added to the famous Coiilition, fmothered for a long time, the flame of Liberty; 'till the French Revolution again fanned its dying embers into a glow, which, we hope and truft, will never be &:.tinguilhed. The conduct of the two Countries, on this important event, difpiayed a ftriking contraft. Ireland, who by her arms, had extorted from the En^liJJi Government fome fragments of her Rights, feemed ready in the fame! manner to demand the reft. England, alfo, formed Societies, whofe objed was Emanci- pation, but who hoped it might be obtained by Reafon; Alas \ they over-rated its force. The difarming Bills in Ireland, the Treafon and Sedition Bills in England, and their confequcnces in both Countries, need hardly be mentioned. On the People they have bxought Chains, on the Government irreconcileable Hatred. One good effed: has, however, refulted from mutual Sufferings, and mutual Commiferation ; the prejudice of Nations is done away, and the English burn with defire, to hail the Irish, as Freemeti^ and as Brethren. Our numbers arc immenfe, our Influence ftill more confidera- ble, and our fentiments accord with yours. We are unthinned by the Tyranny of the Law or of the Sword ; 'tis true^ we have had our Fears and our Jealoufies ; Spies and Informers have been introduced amongft us, but all thefe have ferved only to point out more clearly the Men who are worthy of truft, and in thefc, whe- ther Rich or Poor, we have the higheft confidence. Our Delegate is entrufted to lay before you our whole pro- ceedings; we, therefore, decline entering into particulars in the prefent Addrefs. We have" repofed confidence in you, and fhall exped fuch a return as you may think our Integrity and Talents dcferve. We doubt not but you will, with us, fee the propriety of eftablifliing unlimited confidence, or declining our interference as fruitlcfs. Should you think our fituation, our infk'ence, and our opportunities calculated to ferve the Common Cauie, rely upon our Diligence, our Zeal, and our Fidelity. With beft wilhes, for the amelioration of the condition of Man, and. hopes that your Exertions and Virtues, aided by an UNITED PEOPLE, will speedilt Emancipate Yo^iR Country; we remain in the bonds of Brotherhood and Union. Your*s Fraternally ! Friday^ January c^thy 1798. (S^r.!.) 36 No. Ill, Examination of Do6lor William-James M'Neven. Tuesday, 7th August, 1798. DoBor JVilliam-yames M'^Neven, /worn. Q^ WHEN did you become an United Irifhman ? A. About September or Oftober 1796, I became a member of the Clofe Society of United Irifhmen. — It confided of Societies at firft compofed of 36 Members, afterwards thefc focieties were reduced to 1 2 members, each fociety of 1 2 chofe a Secretary and generally a Treafurer. Q^ What was the next higher fociety ? A. The Secretaries of five focieties formed a Lower Baronial Committee, out of each of the Lower Baronial Committees, one perfon was chofen to be a member of the Upper Baronial, each of the Upper Baronials confifled of ten members thus chofen. — The next Superior Committees were, in populous towns, Diftrid. Committees, and in counties, County Committees, thefe were compofed of one member cledied from each Baronial. — The next Superior Committees were the Provincial Committees, compofed of two members, fometimes three, eledled from each County Committees. Q^ How was the Executive chofen ? A, The Provincial Committees elefted five perfons by ballot — the fecretary examined the ballots, and reported to the perfons eleded, their appointment, but made no report of the eledion to the Provincials, who were thus kept in ignorance of the perfons who compofed the Executive. — The Executive had the command of the whole body thus organized. l!]^ How were the orders of the Executive communicated ? A. One member of the Executive communicated with one member of the Provincial Committee, he with the Secretary of yie County Committee, he in like manner, with the Secretaries of the Baronials, and thefe fecretaries with thofe of the fubordi- nate focieties, Q^ Was No. IIL 37 Q^ Was there any omiffion made in the laft teft ? A. In the laft teft the words were. " A full representation of " all the people," omitting the words " in the Commons Houfb « of Parliament." Q^ Why was the omiflion made ? A. To reconcile reformers and republicans ; and becaufe they had given up all idea of Reform, and were determined on Repubhcanifm. Q^ What was the organization originally ? A. At firft it was purely a civil organization, but I believe it was mihtary in Ulfter about the latter end of 1796. Q^ What was the nature of the Military Organization ? A. The fecretary of the fociety of twelve was the petty officer, that is, ferjeant or corporal. — The delegate of five Ibcieties to a Lower Baronial, was ufually the captain, and thus had fixty men under his command and the delegate of ten Lower Baronials, to the Upper or Diftridt Committee, was ufually the colonel. — ^Thus a battaUon was compofed of fix hundred men. Q^ In what manner were the higher Officers or Staff ap- pointed } A. The Colonels of each county fent in the names of three perfons to the Executive, one of whom was appointed, by the Executive, Adjutant General of the county. — His duty was to receive and communicate all military orders from the Executive. Q^ Was any attempt made to procure Irifh Officers who had fcrved in foreign armies ? A. Such a plan was formed, but not proceeded on. Q^ Did they endeavour to prevail on French Officers in England or Ireland to join them ? A. They did not. Q^ Were any attempts made to feduce the army or militia ? A There were many. Q^ How were the finances of the fociety recruited } A. Every member of the fociety paid a monthly fubferip- tion. — This fund was applied to the lupport of prifoners in gaol, to defend them on their trials, and to extend the Union. Q^ How 38 • No. III. Q^ How were arms and aminunition to be procured ? A. The general direction was for each perfun to arm himfelf, fuch as could aiford it, with fire arms and ammunition, others with pikes. Q^ What was the objeft of the fyftem ? A. To effecl a revolution and eftablifh a republic* (^ How were emiffaries appointed to extend the fyfleni ? A. They were fele(^ed by fome confidential perfon in the dif- ferent diftrids. Q. How were the expences of the emiffaries borne ? A. Out of the general fund. (^ Were the Reports of the Secret Contmittees of the two Houfes of Parliament laft year accurate ? A. I believe they wtre accurate, fave that they Underftated the number of men and arms. (^ Do you know of any depots of arms or ammunition ? A. I do not, — each man concealed his own arms, and I be- lieve there were many engaged in the fyftem who Were not armed. CX For what purpofe w ere arms provided ? A. For the purpofe of infurrection, and I think even after difarming the North, the people were much inclined to rife, but were prevented by a repreientation from the Irilh National Exe- cutive Dirediory, that it would be abfurd to rife, when their I'jnemics were prepared, and that they might foon exped foreign aiTiftance. — I believe they retL.med more arms than were taken fro m them. O. When did the Military Orgination begin in Lcinfler ? A. In the beginning or middle of 1797. O Was this organization made with the knowledge and approbafion of the Irifh National iOxecutive Directory for the purpofe of Rebellion and Revolution? J». It was. q^ When No. III. 39 Q. When was the fyflem introduced into Munfter ? A. About twelve or eighteen months fmce, but it did not extend rapidly, — it went on cjuietly. Q^ Was there any connexion between the Union and the Scotch and Englifli Societies ? A. There might have been fome flight connexion between the North and thofe Societies, but there was no clofe connexion between them and the Executive Lire6):ory of the Union. — A perfon came from the Correfponding Society in London to Dub- lin with an addrefs which I faw, but I did not fee the perlbn who brought it. Q^ How was the Military Committee appointed, and when ? A. It was appointed by the Executive Djredory of the Uniom about February, 1798. Q^ What was the duty of this Committee ? A. To confider ant) digeft fuch plans, and direO: the na* tional military force in fuch manner as might be neceffary in cafe of infurre^ion;--and in cafe of invafion to co-operate with the French. Q^ Was any plan of infurreftion formed, and when? A. In April or May 1797, a plan of infuiredion for the North was formed, and heads drawn up in writing, but it was foon given up and the writing dedroyed. (^ Were any Direelions given by the Executive Direftory of the Union to the members of it tp abftain from the confump- tion of Spirits and other excifcable gooes ? A. 1 here were ; and it was recommended to (lop the cur- rency of Bank Notes, and not to purchafe Q^uii Rents. — A hand- bill to this purpofe was circulated by order oi the Executive Diredlcry of the Union, dating that i: was an articipation of the public refources, which at the revolution would not be al- lowed to itand good. Q. Have there been any communications between the Revo- lutionary Executive Diredory of Ireland and the Executive Di- rectory of the French Republic ? A. There 40 . No. III. A. There have — ^Previous to 1796 fome perfons had gone fironi hence to France on account of their political opinions — Early in 1796 a letter came from one of them itating that the fituation of this country had been reprefented to the Directory of the French republic who had promifed to invade Ireland, for the purpofe of feparating it from Great Britain. — This letter was taken into ferious confideration by the Irifh Executive early in 1796, and an anfwer was fent in April that year accepting the propofal on condition that they fhould come as allies, to act under the dire(^ions of the projeded revolutionary government, as Rochambeau did in America, that they fhould be paid the expences of the expedition and their troops receive Irilh pay whilft they acted here — This anfwer was fent to Paris by a fpecial meffenger, and the French Directory promifed that the fuccours thus demanded fhould be fent. About Odtober or November 1796, a meffenger came from France to the Irifh Directory with intelligence that the promif- ed fuccours might be fpeedily expected, and defiring to know the fiate of preparation of this country. — The force to be fent by France was ftated to be 15,000 men and a great quantity of arms and ammunition, and I think if they had landed when they came to Bantry an infurredion would have taken place in the North of Ireland. After the French expedition at Bantry had failed, there was no communication with the Executive Diredory of the Irilh Union till April 1797 — Then an accredited refident minifler or agent was fent by the IriCh Diredory to the Diredory of France by way of Hamburgh. Q^ Have you heard that the Irifh minifter had a conference with General f Iodic at Franckfort, and that the French n-ki- niiter at Hamburgh, had given him a letter of introdudion to General Hoche ? A. I may have heard fo. Q^ How was the Iriih minifter received at Paris ? A. He was well received by the Diredory at Paris, and continued the refident accredited minifter of the National Executive Diredory of Ireland, till February laft. — Since that time I cannot fpeak from my knowledge, having been arrefted in March, under a warrant of the Secretary of State, and continued in confinement fmce. Q^ Did No. III. 41 Q^ Did any confidential meeting take place foon after April 1797, between a peribn who went from hence, and a perfon in London, with refped to the difpofitions of the French government ? A. I believe there did. Q^ When was, the next communication with France ? A. The next communication of confequence, was in June 1707, when an accredited peribn, went from hence to commu- nicate with the French Diiediory by their defire— rHe went by Hamburgh, where he faw the French minifter, who made fome dithculty about giving him a paffport, and demanded a Memoir containing his inftrudlions, which was accordingly written by the accredited peribn and given to the French miniftcr under the impreilion that the paffport would not be granted. The Memoir was written in Englifh, and contained the objefts of his miffion according to the inftruiflions which he had received from the Executive Dire^pry of the hiih Unioii. It began by dating that the appearance of the French in Bantry bay had encouraged the leaft confident of the Irifh in the hope of throwing off the yoke of England, with the affiftance of France. — That the event of that expedi- tion, had proved the facility of invadmg Ireland. — That in the event of a fecond expedition, if the object was to take Cork, Oyfter Haven would be the beft place of debarkation — • and it ftated the precautions which had been taken for defence, by throwing up works at Bantry, Fermoy and Mallow. — It further ftated that the fyilem of United Iriffimen, had made a rapid progrefs in the county of Cork, and that Bandon was become a fecond Belfaft. — That the fyftem had made great proerefs in other .counties, and that the people Vv'ere now well inclined to affift the French.— That 150,000 United Iriffimen were organized and enrolled in Ulffer, a great part of them reoimented, and one tliird ready to march out of the province. — T-Jt detailed the number of the king's forces in Ulffer and their ftations. — ^Recommended Loughfv/illy as a place of de- barkation in the North, and ftated that the people in the Peninfula of Donegal would join the French. — It ftated alio the ftrenffth of the garriibn of Londonckrry, and that one F regiment 4a No. III. regiment which made a part of it, was fuppofcd to be diiaffeacd to the King of Great Britain. — It mentioned Killybegs alfo, as a good place of debarkation, and ftatcd that the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Monaghan were amongft the beft affeded to the caufe. — In cale of a landing at Killybegs it recommended a diverfion at Sligo, and ftated that a force of 10,000 United Irifhmen might be collefted to fall upon Ennif- killen, which commanded the pafs of Lough-Erne. — That it was eafy to enter the bay of Galway but very difficult to get out of it. — That the counties of Louth,, Armagh, Weftmeath, Kildare, Kings County and city of Dublin, were the beft organized. — That the Catholic Priefts had ceafed to be alarmed at the calumnies which had been propagated of French irreligion, and were well affeded to the caufe. — That fome of them had rendered great fervice in propagating with difcreet zeal the fyftem of the Irilh Union. — It declared that the people of Ireland had a lively fenfe of gratitude to France for the part which flic took, and alfo to Spain for the intereft which (he felt in the affairs of Ireland. — It engaged on the part of the Irilh National Executive Diredory to reimburfe the expences of France in the expedition which had failed, and of any other which might be undertaken. — The number of troops demanded was a force not exceeding 10,000 nor lefs than 5,000 men. — It ftated that a brigade of Englilh artillery had been already fent over, and that a large body of troops would probably be fent from Great Britain if Ireland was attacked. — A confiderable quantity of artillery and ammunition with a large llaff and body of engineers, and as many Irilh officers as poffible, whofe fidelity they were afilircd of, were demanded as neceffary to accompanj' the expedition. — A recommendation was given to feparate tlie Irilh feamen who were prifoners of war from the Britilh, fup- pofmg the former would be ready to join in an expedition to hberate their country. — It further recommended a proclamation to be publifhed by the French General on his arrival here, that the French came as allies to deliver the country, not to concjuer it. — It alfo recommended to the Diredory of the French Re- {niblic to make the independence of Ireland an indifpenfable condition of the treaty of peace then depending at Lille, and liattd that a proceeding fo authentic, could not be difguifed or inilreprefented, and would very much encourage the people of frchuid to perfift in their exertions to atchievc a revolution. — It contained alio an affurance that the Irilh Militia v/ould join the I 'rench. if they landed in cunfidcrablc force. Immediately No. III. 43 Immediately after this Memoir was given in to the French miniiler a paffport was granted to the writer of it to go to Paris, where he had feveral conferences with perions in authority, fome of them members of the Dire?ecutive Diredlory who was lent over in April 1797, was inftruded to negotiate a loan of half a million, or 300,0001. if it could be got from France or Spam, Q^ Have you any doubt of the fmcerity of France r A. I have not ; i believe inabiUty alone has prevented France from invading Ireland. Q^ Do you think the mafs of the people in the provinces of Leinfter, Munfter, and Connaught care the value of this pen,; or the drop of ink which it contains, for Parliamentary Reform or Catholic Emancipation .? A. I am fure they do not ; but they v.ilh much to be relieved from the payment of Tithes. Q^ How do you account for the cruelties lately exercifed by the Rebels on Proteftants ? A. If the National Executive Dired"Ory could have pre- vented it I believe they would ; but the lower order of Catholics confider Proteftant and Englilliman, that is, EngliOi fettler, as f5'nonimous, and as their natural enemy — the fame Irifli word (Saffena) fignifies both. Examination 46 No. IV, Examinaticn of Arthur O'Connor^ Ej'i. Thursday, 9th August, 1798. Arthur O'Connor, Efq ; Sworn. Q^ When did you become an United Iriiliman ? A. About November, 1796. O. V/hen did the Military organization begin ? A. About the middle of 1796. (X Were you a member of the Executive Directory of United Iriflimen ? A. I was, and continued fo from November, 1796, till January, 179^- Q. When did the communications with France commence ? A. Before I was an United Irifhman, I believe in the middle of 1796, about the fame time that the military organization commenced. Q^ When was it agreed to accept the ofler of afllflance from France ?. A. I underflood it was accepted at a meeting of the Exe- cutive Diredory of the Irifli Union, in fummer 1796. — I was apprized of the ofier and acceptance by my brother members of the Executive Direclory after I became a Member of it, and before the arrival of the French in Bantry Bay. Q^ Was it the determination of the United Irifiimen in the North to rife if the French had landed ? A. 'Jlie Executive Directory of the Union thought they would rife if a landing of tlie French had taken place. (^ When was the firfl communication from France after the expedition to Bantry Bay ? A. The firfb which of my own knowledge I can fpeak of, was in Augui't 1797- — It ftated that a ficet lay in the Texel with 15,000 men on board, and that the armanicnt was delUned for Ireland. — 1 was arreflcd in this City linder a fecretary's warrant, *nd in confinement for fomc months before that time. q^ Was No. IV. 4j Q. Was It mentioned to the Irifh Executive where the def- cent was intended to be made ? A. It was not in the difpatch which I fiiw. Q^ Was there any Intelligence brought of the intended in- vafion at Ban try ? A. There was, by a meffenger who arrived here about November, 1796. CX Was there a refident agent appointed to go to Paris in Spring 1797 ? ^ A. There was, whild I was in Prifon, and a fecond Perfoa was fent in June following- Q^ Did you fee this Perfon on his return to Ireland from France ? A. I did about November 1797.-— He reported to the Ex- ecutive Dire6lory, that no armament was then ready, but that one would fhortly be ready. Q^. Did you underdand that when a French fleet was ready, the expedition would take place ? A. I did. CX Have you heard that there were fome converfations on this fubjed, between peribns of this country, and General Valence, prior to October 1796 ? A. I have heard there were, they did not, however, lead to any thing decifive. CX Was there any connexion with the Englifh or Scotch focietieS ? A, Any connexion with them was merely between indi- viduals — The Irifli Executive Directory wiihed to keep clear of them. CX Do you know of any loan being negotiated with France or Spain ? A. lnftru£tions were given to the agent of the Irifli Executive Direftory, to negotiate a loan of half a million, in France or Spain, on the fecurlty of the Revolutionary Government when it fliould be eflablilhed. CX Was your fituatlon in the Executive DIre<5lory of the Irifli Union filled up, when you left Ireland in January lall: ? A. It was. 4S No. V. Examination of Samuel Neilfii. Thursday, 9th August, 1798. Samuel Nei'fon, fzvorn Q^ When did you become a member of the fociety o^ United Iriflimen ? A. In OtScober 1791 I became a member of the original fociety. (^ When did the prefent organization commence '* A. In Spring 1792, the affiliated fyitem of organization com- menced, and has gradually encreafed fmce that time. CX When was the organization completed in Ulfter ? A. On the 10th of May 1795. CX When did the affiliation begin between UHler and the reft of the kingdom ? A. From the time that the fyftcm commenced, emiffaries •were fent to every part of the kingdom for the purpofe of extending it. (^ What was the objeci: then ? A. 1 think to alarm Government into a compliance with their Objecls. Q^ When did the military organization begin in Ulfter? A. In Autumn 1796. Q. What was the objeft of the militaiy organization ? A.' The objeci was to cany their meafures by force. Q. Do you know any thing of the correfpondence carried on with France ? A. Previous to my being arrefted, which happened in September 1^96, 1 had heard of communications with France, and a probability of the negotiations for afliftanc^ being fuc- cclsful. Q^ \Vhcn No. V. 49 O When were you liberated, and on what condition ? ^ Y 1 was liberated in January or February laft, on condition that I fhould not belong to any treafonable committee. Q. After you were liberated, did yon hear of any intended itte^ipt on Dublin or Lehaunftown Camp? . .^. f A. I did not till after the arrefts atBond's'on the 12th of March. O After that were vou very a^Ive in advifing the filling up the vacancies in the feveral departments of the In^i Union which you fuppofed had taken place in confecjuence ot ihofe arrefts r A. I was. Q^ Had you then any information of an intended infur- ''a""'' Soon after I difcovered that an infureaion w'as decided upon, and 1 meant to have given my advice and afliltance in it. O Was there a Letter from John Sheares who was lately conviaedof treafon, and executed, found in your pocket, when you were laft arrefted? A. There was. O. What was the purport of that letter ? a: To dilTuade me from attacking Kilmainham Gaol. Q. VvTas there any intention of attacking Newgate ? >- I believe there was an intention of attacking it on the ni.^i I was arrefted, the 23d of May, ,798, m order to liberate Lord Edward Fitzgerald.-I believe fome hundreds were aflenv Med at the Barley Fields for that purpo e.- Fhey conridered that Lord Edward would be a very valuable leader, and ha he vo Id have led the Rebels in Leinfter.-All the delegates looked o 1 im as their leader.-l have delivered feveral meffages from mto differ nt committees.- Lord Edward and 1 were ftopped by a patrole at Palmerftown not long before and liberated by miftake, Q, Were Lord Edward Fitzgerald and the Sheares's acaualnted with each other? ,. . , A. They were, and knew each others political opinions. 5© No. V. For fome time before Lord Edward's arrefl, he was almoft condantly employed in conrultations with military men, and in iorming plans of miHtary operations. I believe latterly Lord Edward was rather afraid of invafion, left the French fliould conquer Ireland, and therefore urged on the inlurreclion. Q^ Have you had any interviews with Mr. G rattan fmcc you were liberated from confmeriient .? A. I was twice- with Mr. Grattan at linnehinch, in April 1798 -I either fheweci Mr. Grattan the laft conlliturion of ihe Society of United Irifhmen, or explained it to him, and prelfed him to come forward— I was accompanied at thefe interviews by John Sweetn)an and Oliver Bond— But I do not believe Mr. Grattan was ever an United IriPiiman. Q^ Do you mean John Sweetman who is now in cuflody on a charge of treafon, and has with others of the flate prifoners fubmitted to the mercv of Government ? A. I do. ' C^ Did you know of any depots of arms or ammunition ? A I believe there never were any— 'J he arms were in the hands of the people and they hid them, this was confidered the iatelt method. (^ It has been ftated to this committee, that you have faid you Iwore Mr. Grattan .? A. I never did fwear Mr. Grattan, nor have I ever faid that 1 Iwore him. (^ When did the manufacture of pikes begin ? A. About the time of the military organization. Says the Convention Bill was calculated to meet every part of the fyflem ot United IriOnnen. When he read it, he fuppofed the framer of the bill had their conflitution before him whilit he was drawinj; it. Says, Uli'ler is not fo well organized as it was a year a-o Says niany people joined the United IriHrnien, fuppofmg them to be the ftrongefj party in the Rate, and if their aftcirs had been well contiufted, he thinks they would have become the -overn- mem of the countty.- Heing defired to explain liimfclf, he faid, latterly their aflairs have been much mifcor.duacd, Lecauie the No. V. 51 ableR men amongfl them, have been either arrefted or obliged to fly. — If they had remained at large, is of opinion they muft have fucceeded. Says, that till th , lafl two months, he did not confider govern- ment to be well informed, but the late arrefls convinced him thev were. By a letter addrefled to the Lord Chancellor, by Samuel Neilfon, immediately after his examination, he wiflies to correct his evidence, by dating, that he had another interview with Mr. Grattan at Tinnehinch, in company with Mr John Hughes, and that they both went there in Mr. Sweetman's chaife. G z Examlvation' I'l No. VI. Exd)?nnatiud of Thomas-Addis Emmet, Eff^uire. Satukdav, nth August, 179S. Thomas- Addis Em.met, Ejq; fivoni. O. ' Did you belong to the fociety of United Irifhmen ^ A. 1 did. C^ Were you a member of the Executive Dire£lory of tha: fociety ? A. I was, — I was firft appointed in January 1797, ^"^ ^^'^' tinued a member of it till ^ May 1797—1 then ceafed to be a member of the Directory till December laft, when I was elected a fecond time and 1 continued a member till my arreft" in March laft. O. When did the militgry organization take place ? A. 1 have heard that it commenced the beginning or middle of 1796. CX What was the obje£t of the military organization ? A. Its objed was to prepare for refill ance and effect a revo- lution. Q. Was this organization known to the Executive Directory of the Union ? A. It was known to and had the approbation of the Executive, as returns of men and arms were regularly made to them. — The laft military organization proceeded Immediattly from the Execu- tive Directory. CX When did the firft communication with France take place ? A. The firft I heard of took place about the middle of 1796. — This was in confequeiice of an offer of afilftance from France — This ofTer was in conlequence of reprefentatlons , made by perfons of this country, reiident at Paris. — It was taken into leiious confideratlon in fummer 179^, and accepted by the Irifli Fxecutive Dircftorv The J No. VI fi The firfl communlcatiofi with France, of which I can fpmk i\on\ my own particular knowledge, was in April 1707. — J his was an effort to eftablilh a permanent intercolnfe with the French Diredory, to give them an account of the number of troops here, and of their fituation, and of the difpofitions of the people ; — and to folicit the aid of a limited number of troops, with arms and ammunition. — A fpecial Meflfenger was fent on this occafion, who has continued the refident accredited a'>-ent of the lfi(h Executive Direclory at Paris, and has been fupported kom heivctt by private fubfcriptions. (^ Were any difpatches received front this agent? A. In fome time after his arrival at Paris, he fent alTurances to the Executive, of affiftance from the French, and that i\\e'f would continue it till Ireland was feparated from Great Britain* (^ "When did the next communication w^ith France taki" place ? A. In June 1797, a fecond meilenger was ciifpatched.-lle was fent in confequence of an application from the French Direftory, to arrange every thing for an invafion of this king- dom, his inftruclions were pretty much the fame as thofe of thg former, but he was to require a greater quantity of arms — This additional fupply of arms was demanded, principally in confe^ quence of the feizure of arms in the Norih, which had been made by order of government* Q^ Was any communication made to the Executive Dire^iory of the United IriHimen, relative to the arnument in the Texel r A. I am pretty certain a communication was made in the! fummer of 1797, that the armament in the Texel was deffincd for Ireland. Q^ Was any difpatch received from France in the lafl: winter ^ A. A diipatch arrived in the lad winter from the French Direclory, to inform the Executive l)irectory here, that 'A\\ arinament would arrive on the Iridi coait in the month of April 1798. — No mention was made of the amount of the force io b^ fent, nor of the place of debarkation, as they Were affured by the Irifh Executive, that wherever they lar.de^ they would be Mipported. Q, How 54 No. VI. ,ur% l"°T-f l°" ;'"" u" '°' '■''' P'"P''-" 1'=""? *■" '°y^l ^nJ well dilpoled, wliile the Iiet.ch were in Jlantry liav ? A. About Noven.ber, ,796, a meffenser' 'arrived Iiere from trance, who flated that a defcent would im.nediately be ntade With ,5 ooo men-In a very few days after this meffentjer had quitted Ire atid on hjs return, a letter arrived, which was conf- dered by the r,(l, Executive as authentic, flatins, that the ex- pedition was deferred till Spring, when EnglandNvould be in- .ded and probably Ireland :-This con,radic>ion threw the Executive off their guard, in confequence of which, no meafures ^vere taken to prepare the people for the reception of the French army.— 1 he people were left to themfelves. lalt^vintlr"^' '''*""'''■•='" ''™'" ""» ki"S'°"Sh Q. When was the Revolutionary Staff appointed ? A It was appointed for Leinller in January or February 1708 TolTtoZ' '""!I"^'° ''"" ^" ^"i"'--"" General I U'h ErecutlvrX^rerry!"' ^""""'"^"'^ ""'""^ ''"^'-^ ^'^ '"e Q. What was the mode of appointment ? A. The Colonels of each county returned the names of three perfons to the lixecutive, who appointed one of them to acl as Adjutant General of the county. pre?iratlln'? '''' '^'" ^"'^''^' '^ '^' ^^'^''''^ Organization, and Revo'lutbn.'^'^ '^' ^'''"'^' ^'^'''' '^''^ ^'^"^"^ ^'"^^' '"^ '^''^ "^ (X When was the Military Committee appointed ? A. 1 believe m February, lygS, Q^ What No. VI. ^. Q^ Wiiat was the duty of the Military Committee ? A. Their duty was t ; prepare a plan of co operation with the French when they ftould Lind, or of infurredion in cafe they fnould be forced to it before the arrival of the French, which they were determined to avoid if poflible.— I beUeve the infurreclion, which has taken place, was brought forward by the military feverities which were exercifed in the county of Klldare, and i'f the arreds had not taken place it would have been kept back, bv the perfons who were arreted, till the French [hculd arrive, as it was their determination to wait for afhflance from France, before any open attack fhould be made by the people.— If the French had arrived at the appointed time, I am certain' there would have been a very general and formidable infurredion in every part of the country. Q^ Was John Sheares a member of the Executive before vour arreiL ? A. He was not. (^ Ilave^ you heard that he was ehCied a member of the Executive Direftory after your arreft ? a: I have not ; but it is poiiibie he may. q. Have you feen the Revolutionary Proclamation wliich was drawn by John Sheares, and proved at his trial ? A. 1 have and I very much difapprove of it.— The old Execu- tive never meant tofpill blood, but rather to retain men of a certain rank as hofcapies, and if they found them hoHiie to the Revolutionary Government, to fend them out of the country— And It was alio determined, that if the wives of fuch perfons did not aa with hoftility to the new Government, they (liould be allowed a maintenance out of the hufDand's property, and that --ch child ihould have a portion : The refidue to beloiu^ to the e nation. Q. Did the arreds of the 12th of March, tend to difomani-e the lyftem ? ^ ' A. They did,— the principal members of ihe Union were either conhned or fied in confequence of the arreds. (^ Did you -think the mafs of the people care for Caihol- Emancipation or Parliamentary Reform ? A. 1 believe the mafs of the people do not care a feather for Catholic Iimancipaticn, neither did they care for Parliamentary |(i No. VI. Reform, till it was explained to them as leadin::; to otiier objefts which they looked to, principally the abolition of tithes. — 1 am very fure if tithes were abolifl-ied, the people, on taking new Jeafes, would be obliged to pav more in proportion for lands than the value they now pay for tithes — -My willi was to deltroy the pre-feat eftablilhcd church, and to have no church tdablifh- jnent. — The People were alfo taught to confider that when they became members of a Democracy, their condition would bo bettered. (X Was any Ecclefiaflical Eflabiifhment intended by the Revolutionary Government } A. None, certah:Iy. Q^ How do yon fuppofe it pouible for Ireland to remain a free country, unconnected wirh Great Britain ? A. Ireland is nov/ in a very different fituation from tl.at in which fhe flood at the Revolution ; I think (lie has grov.n cmt ol her connexion with Great Britain, Q^ Explain yourfelf ? A. At the Revolution, her population did not much exceed a miUion and a half, now it amounts to five millions. — Her wealth has increafed in a greater proportion. — I am therefore qf opinion, that flic is capable now of Handing alone. Q^ Do you not think it a v»ifer and a fairer policy to abide by that connexion, by which her wealth and population have grown fo rapidly ? A. 1 do not ; I think this might be the happiefl country la the world, if flie was eliablidjed as an independent republic. O. How could fhe cxifl as an Independent (late unccnne<51ed with Britain, without a fli^ip of war, or the means of having one j'— Twelve Britifh frigates (tationed on her coafts, could annihilate the trade of Ireland.— How could England diihefi her in the fingle article of coals.'' A» I think Ireland would be very much crippled for fome years, but if file were feparated from Great Britain, the coloflal jftrength of the Britifli navy would very quickly be reduced. — And as to the fupply of coals, I thinl<^ by extending our inland navigation, we could be fi'.pplicd with fevi;ci at home. No. ^■U. 57 Examination of Oliver Bond. Tuesday, 14th August, 1798. Oliver Bond., Szuorn. Q^ Were you an United Irifliman ? A. I was, and continued fo till the tiraeof my arrefl. Q^ Were you a member of the Executive Direftory of the IriHi Union? A. I was not regularly a member of the Executive, I was originally affociated with the Northern Executive in 1 796, and afted under that aflbciation in conducing the affairs of the Union — When the Leinfter organization was completed, early in 1797, I was regularly ele6led a Member of the Executive, but declined to act officially, 1 however continued in the confi- dence of the Union, and was confulted by them on all affairs oi^ moment. (^ Did you know any thing of the correfpondcnce with France ? A. I did before the Leinfler organization was completed in 1797 ; but 1 knew nothing of it officially after I declined being i member of the Executive Directory. Q^ When was the firft communication with France ? A. The firft I knew of was about the middle of 1796. — A perfon was then fent to France to found the difpofitions of the Diredlory, and to know what affiftance they would give. Q^ When did the military organization commence ? A. It commenced in the North late in 1796, and in Dublin in Spring 1797. (X How was the fyftem propagated ? A. By emiffaries fent into the different counties, with letters, to fuch refident peifons as were likely to forward the fyftem, and had influence in the Diftrict. Q^ When was the fociety of United Iriffimen inftituted ? A. Ic Vv'as originally inftituted in 1791, for the purpofe o Reform, — Catholic Emancipation was a mere pretence. H Q^Dj 5-8 No. VII. Q^ Do you think the maf* of the people care for Parliamentary Reform ? A. I believe the mafs of the people did not, nor do not care for Parliamentary Reform— but thofe who thought for them J did. 1 (^ Were the rcporfs of the fecret committees of laft feflion accurate ? A. think they were. Q. How did you get the letters of Smith and Newel ? A, T be/ were left with me by the pcrfons who got them up from them by negotiation. Q^ Was not the obje£l of the Union, to arm and regiment the people, for the purpofe of fubverting the (government .'' A. Latterly it was. Q^ Were there any depots of arms ^ A. There were not. up f* Q^ For what purpofe was the newfpaper called the Prefs fet A. I believe to forward the caufe of the Union. Was it an objecl of the Union, to abolifh all ecclefiallical ellablifhments ? A. It was a principal object. Q^ Was there any perfon fent from Dublin to organize the South ? A, There was laft Winter, and I underflood he had made eonfiderable progrefs in Limerick and other places. ' ' Q^ Did you underftand that Connaught in general was well organized ? A. I underRood it was. Q^ Do you think the places, in the Executive Dlrc(ftory and the other departments of the hifli Union, of thofe who were arrefled on the 12th of March were filled up after that arreft. • A. I believe they were. Copy No. VIII. 5^ Copy of a paper found in the writing box of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, on the 1 3th of March by the Officer who went on that day to arreft him under a Charge of Treafon. N. B. This does not appear amongft the papers ieized on Lord Edward Fitzgerald, which are contained in the Appendix to the Report of the Houfe of Commons. IF ever any unfortunate caufe fhould put Our city, with the other parts of the country into the pofleffion of a cruel and tyrannical enemy, whofe government by repeated oppreffions, might drive us, into the lad ftage of defperate refiftance, our condud then fliould be regulated in a manner beft calculated for obtaining victory. The follozving thoughts are humbly offered for the infpeSlion of every real IriJJman. It is fu'ppofed that the enemy have a well appointed and dif- ciplined ftanding army.-— In fuch a cafe evei'y man ought to confider how th^t afmy could be attacked or repelled, and what advantage their difcip- line and numbers might give them in a populous city, ading in concert with the adjoining counties^. It is well known that an officer of any {kill in his profeflion, would be very cautious of bringing the bed difcipHned troop* into a large city in a (late of infurrection, lor the fo'.bvnng. reafons : H 2 His 6o No. VIll. His tioops, by the breadth of the ftreets, are obliged to have a very narrow front, and however numerous, only three men deep can be brought into aclion, which in the widelt of our ftreets, cannot be more than fixty men, as a fpace mufl: be left on each fide or flank, for the men who difchargc to retreat to the rere, that their places may be occupied by the next in fuccelTion, who are loaded, fo though there are a thoufand men in a ftreet, not niore than fixty can act at one time, and Ihould they be at- tacked by an irregular body armed with pikes or fuch bold wea- pons, if the fixty men in front were defeated, the whole body, however numerous, are unable to afnil, and immediately become a fmall mob in uniform, from the inferiority of number, in com- parifon to the people, and eafrly difpofed of. Another inconvenience might dellroy the order of this army. Perhaps at the fame moment, they may be dreadfully galled from the houfe-tops, by fliowers of bricks, coping ftones, &c. which may be at hand, without imitating the women of Paris, who carried the ftones of the unpaved (Ireets to the windows and tops of the houfes in their aprons. Another difadvantage on the part of the foldiers, would be, as they are regulated by the word of command, or flroke of the drum, they mufl: be left to their individual difcretion, as fuch communications mufl: be drowned in the noife and clamour of a popular tumult. In the next place, that part of the populace, who could not get into the engagement, would be employed in unpaving the ilreets, fo as to impede the movements of horfe or artillery ; and in the avenues where the army were likely to pafs, numbers _ would be engaged forming barriers of hogflieads, carts, cars, counters, doors, &c. the forcing of which barriers, by the army would be difputed, while like ones, were forming at every twenty or thirty yan's or any convenient didances, fituation might require ; fjiould fuch precautions be well obferved, the progrefs of an army, through one ffreet or over one bridge would be very tedious, and attended with great lofs, if it would not be deftroyed, at the fame time the neighbouring counties might rife in a Mafs and difpofe of the troops fcattered in their vicinity, and prevent a junction or a paiTage of any army in- tended for the city ; they would tear up the roads and barricade every No. VIII. 6 1 every convenient diftance with trees, timber, implements of hufbandry, &c. at the fame time lining the hedges, walls, ditches and houfes, vi^ith men armed with mufkets, who would keep up a well direfted fire. However well exercifed (landing armies are fuppofed to be, by frequent reviews, and fham battles, they are never prepared for broken roads, or enclofed fields, in a country like ours covered with innumerable and continued interfeclions of ditches znd hedges, every one of which are an advantage to an irregular body, and may with advantage be difputed, againft an army as fo many fortifications and entrenchments. The people in the city would have an advantage by being armed with pikes or fuch weapons, the firft attack if poffible fhould be made by men whofe pikes were nine or ten feet long, by that means they could ad in ranks deeper than the foldiery, whofe arms are much fliorter, then the deep files of the pike rnen, by being weightier, mufl eafily break the thin order of the army. The Charge of the pike men, fhould be made in a fmart trot, on the liank or extremity of every rank, there fhould be intrepid men placed to keep the fronts even, that at clofing every point fliould tell together, they fliould have at the fame time, two or three like bodies at convenient diflances in the rerc, who would be brought up if wanting to fupport the front, which would give confidence to their brothers in adlion, as it would tend to difcourage the enemy, at the fame time there fhould be in the rere of each divifion, fbme men of fpirit to keep the ranks as clofe as poffible. The apparent flrength of the army, fliould not intimidate, as cloiiug on it makes its powder and ball ufelefs, all its fuperiority is in fighting at a diftance, all its fkill ceafes and all its adion m.uft be fufpexaded, when it once is within reach of the pike. Tl.c reafon of printing and writing this, is to remind the people of difcuirmg military fubjeds. SECOND SECOND REPORT FROM T H E COMMITTEE of SECRECY OF THE H O U S E OF L O R D S. Die Jovisy 6° SeptembriSy 1798**. The Lord Chancellor made the following Report from the Committee of Secrecy. Mr Lords, -L HE Lords Committees appointed to examine the matters of the fealed-up Papers received from the Commons on the 23d of July laft, and to report the fame as they (hall appear to them to this Houfe ; having feen an advertifement in the Public Prints figned Arthur O'Connor, Thomas-Addis Emmet and William- James M'Neven, in the follovi^ing Words, — /^" Having read in " the different N ewf papers Publications pretending to be Abjlra^s of *' the Report of the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Commons, and " of our Depofitions before the Committees of the Lords and Com- " mons ; we feel our f elves called upon to ajjure the public , that they *' are grofs and to us aftonifliing Mifreprefentations , not only unfup- " ported by, but in many Infrances direftly contradiBory to the faBs *' we really fated on ihofe Occafions. IVe further afj'ure our Friends y ** that in no Inflance did the Name of any Individual efcape from us ; " on the Contrary y we always refufed anfzvering fuch Quefions as " might tend to Implicate any Per Jon whatever y conformably to the " Agreement entered into by the State Prijoners zvith Government. " Arthur G* Connor y " Thomas- Addis Emmet y " fVilliam-James APNeven.") have ( 64 ) have thought it their Duty to examine the faid Arthur O'Connor, Thomas- Addis Emmet and William- James M'Neven with refpecl to fuch Advertifement, to the end that it might be afcertained ■whether they or any of them intended to contradict or retract any thing which they had heretofore depofed before your Com- mittee — And your Committee fubjoin the feveral ^ xaminations on Oath of the faid Arthur O'Connor, Thomas-Addis Iimmet and William-James M'Neven, this day made and figned by them refpedtively upon that fubject, as follow, viz. s E c R p: T { [ 65 ] SECRET COMMITTEE, HOUSE OF LORDS, Thursday, 6th September, 1798. Arthur O'Connor^ Efq. /worn. Admits that the Advertifement which appeared In the Hibernian Journal and Saunders's News-Letter of Monday the 27th of Augufl laft, under the Signatures of Arthur O'Connor, Thomas-Addis Emmet and William-James M'Neven, was pub- liihed by their Authority. — Says he does not mean to contradidt or retraft any thing ftated by him before this Committee or the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Commons. — Says he has now read the Evidence given by him before the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Lords as printed in the Appendix to their Report, which he admits to be accurate, but wiflies to explain himfelf upon two Points contained in faid Evidence — Firft, That General Valence was not in the mod diflant manner connefted or con- cerned in any Negotiations carried on between the Directory of the Irifh Union and the French Diredory — Secondly, That it did not appear to him that there was any Connexion between the Irifh Executive Directory and any Society in Great Britain ; on the contrary that it was propofed to the Perfon who adjufted the Terms of the Alliance between the Irifli Union and the French Diredory in 1796, that an Invafion of England (hould take place at the fame time that Ireland was to be invaded, to diffuade them from which the Irifh Agent ufed fuch Arguments as he believes wcr« conclufive. A. O'CONNOR. Tliomas' [ 66 ] TJiortias-Jlddis Kmmet^ Efq. Szvorn. Admits that the Advertifement which appeared in the Hibernian Journal and Saunders's News Letter of Monday the 27th of Auguft hifl, under the Signatures of Arthur O'Connor, Thomas-Addis Emmet and William-James M'Neven, was publiflied by their Authority. — Says he did not by faid Advertifement, nor does he in any manner, mean to contradict or retract any thing flated by him before this Committee or the Secret Committee of the Houfe of (>ommons, but is willing to authenticate the whole of the Evidence which he gave on thofe occafions in any manner that may be thought fit. — Declares that the faid Advertifement alluded folely to Mifreprefentations in the News Papers. — Says that he has read the Evidence ftated in the Appendix to the Report of the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Lords, as having been given by him before that Committee, and admits that the Evidence fo ftated expreflfes nothing but the Truth, but omits many Reafons which he gave in juftification of his own Conduct and of that of the Members of the Union at large.— Says he does not mean to contradict any thing which has been fo reported with refpect to the Military Organi^iation of the United Irifhmen in this Kingdom, or the Nature or Obje£t of it, which was, after they had defpaired of obtaining a Reform in Parliament by peaceable means, to effect a Revolution by fubverting the Monarchy, feparating this Country from Great Britain, and ereding fuch Government in Ireland as might be chofen by the People. — Says he does not mean to contradict the Details' given in the faid Reports, of the Correfpondence and Connexion of the Irifh L^nion with the Government of France, as far as he has any knowledge thereof, and which Details he fo far admits to be accurate. THO-.ADDIS EMMET. j:>Qdor [ 6? ] Dodor William-James M^Neven^ Sworn. Admits that the Advert ifement which appeared in the Hibernian Journal and Saunders's News Letter of Monday the 27 th of Auguft laft, under the Signatures of Arthur O'Connor, Thomas-Addis Emmet and WiUiam-James M'Neven, was pubhfhed by their Authority. — Says he does not mean to con- tradid or retrad: any thing ftated by him before this Committee or the Secret Committee of the Houfe of Commons. — The Advertifement alluded folely to the Mifreprefentations in the News Papers which are not fupported by the Report of either Houfe of Parliament. — Says he does not mean to contradift any thing which has been fo reported with refped to the Military Organization of the United Iriflimen in this Kingdom, or the Nature or Obje6t of it, which was to eflfeft a Revolution by fubverting the Monarchy, feparating this country from Great Britain and ereding a Republican Government in Ireland. — Says he does not mean to contradid the Details given in the faid Reports of the Correfpondence and Connedion of the Irifh Revo- lutionary Union with the Government of France, which details he admits to be accurate. W. J. M^NEVEN. Date Due DA947.G78 The report from the Secret Comm.ttee of ,n;',""'°;/;|'^°'°9ical Semmary-Soeer L, 1 1012 00046 0735