Protestants flying from all parts of the adjacent country, into
Castle-Comber. At one o'Clock a Troop of the 4th Dragoons, a Company
of the Downshire Militia, and a few Yeomen arrived from Ballinakill;
these with a Troop of the R. Irish Dragoons, two Companies of the
Waterford Militia, and one Corps of Yeomen Cavalry, about two
hundred and fifty in all, made up the whole of our Military force;
a small number to oppose 8000 Furies! but that the Battle is not to
the strong, the event of that day proved.
About four o'Clock, the Rebels arrived at Gurteen, three miles from
Castle Comber, where they heard Mass; at five they had Mass again,
(it being a holyday) at the Gizebo, a mile nearer.
Between six and seven the engagement began at Cool-bawn, one mile
and half from Town. Being with the advanced Guard I was present at
the commencement. The Rebels advanced in the most daring manner, and
in pretty good order, having placed their Musketeers in the front
who kept up a brisk fire. I continued behind the Infantry for about
fifteen minutes, during which time the balls were whistling on every
side. I was so ignorant as to enquire what occasioned the whistling
noise, and being informed it proceeded from the balls, I began to
think of providing for my safety, as my presence there was useless,
having at this time no Arms. I then planted myself behind the pier
of a gate; but observing the Rebels advance and the Soldiers to give
way, I rode back to the Town: the Cavalry followed immediately, and
just behind me shot a villain who had the audacity to desire the
Officer to surrender the Town. Here I had a miraculous escape; for
many of the Infantry who came down close behind me were shot, by
lurking Rebels from behind the hedges.
The Military then took possession of the Bridge, where the battle
continued hot for the space of fifteen minutes, when Captain G--n.
ordered a retreat: the Cavalry and part of the Infantry instantly
obeyed, but about twenty of the Waterford Militia absolutely refused,
declaring "they would prefer death to dishonour." they were mostly
Roman Catholics! I had not heard the order, but my horse taking head
ran off; when I knew their intentions, I did not attempt to prevent
him. We halted about a mile and half from the Town, when looking
behind we beheld it all in a blaze, the Rebel Inhabitants and some
who came the back way, set it on fire. The firing ceased for a few
minutes, the cause I know not, but words cannot express what I felt
that moment; I concluded that my unoffending friends had fallen
victims to the human Savages: they were presented to my imagination
in a thousand dreadful forms. God pardon my feelings in that moment!
how hard it is to forgive such Enemies. I proceeded slowly till I met
General Asgill, with about 1000 Men: with these I returned, sunk with
sorrow, fearing the tragic sight which I expected to present itself on
entering the Town would be too much to bear; but thanks be to God my
fears were groundless,--the few Military which remained, and about
thirty Protestants, who were determined to fight for their Wives and
Children, or perish with them, kept possession, nor suffered a Rebel
to cross the Bridge. Our Cannon in mistake played on the Town for some
time, but providentially no lives were lost thereby. The Rebels on
sight of the reinforcement took shelter in the woods, and from thence
killed a few of the Military; but eighteen rounds of Grape shot
dislodged them. 'Twas four in the afternoon before they retreated. It
is said 400 of the Rebels fell. There were twenty six Protestants in
coloured cloaths, and about twenty Soldiers killed, some of the former
were butchered in cold blood, in a manner too dreadful to relate.
For the safety of Kilkenny, the Troops were obliged to return there
that night; the Loyalists who fled with them I think could not be
less than 600; they left the most of their property behind them,
which a party of the Rebels who returned carried off.
The hand of God was visible in our deliverance that day; but
remarkably so in three instances which I shall mention.--First, from
midnight till five o'Clock, we had the greatest Fog I remember to
have seen; had it not been for this, in all probability the Rebels
would have divided themselves into different parties, and surrounded
the Town: but being strangers in the Country, and not knowing where
they might meet the Army, they kept in a body on the main road, and
attacked us but in one place. Secondly, the burning of the Town; for
the day being remarkably calm, the smoak lay on the street, which
prevented them from seeing our Force; for had they known that the
Army fled, 'tis more than probable they would have entered, as
there were many Entrances unguarded.
Thirdly, the Waterford Militia's disobedience of Orders,--had they
retreated without a very extraordinary miracle the Loyalists would
have fallen a prey to their unmerciful yet unprovoked Enemies.
Yours &c. F. R.
LETTER IV.
KILKENNY, AUGUST 30th, 1798.
_My Dr. Friend_,
In a former letter you have an account of the fate of Castle-Comber,
&c.--I have only to notice in this, that some Gentlemen who fell into
the hands of the Rebels while in possession of that town were brought
into the presence of the Rebel general Murphy, who is said to have
been a Priest in the Co. Wexford, and was excommunicated for his bad
conduct many years ago.--He was dressed in black, affected the
appearance of a stupid enthusiast, and shewed some bullets which he
said had been fired at him, but had rebounded from his invulnerable
body--incredible as it may seem, this wretched invention was
generally believed by the more wretched dupes under his command--You
have here a real statement of the facts, of which I know you have
sufficient curiosity to desire to be informed.
On Monday morning[A] our reconnoitring parties observed the Rebel
Army posted on the bog, between John's-well mountains and the Ridge,
about eight miles distant from this City--they seemed to be at rest,
and remained quiet except when relieving their Centinels, till four
o'Clock, when they were observed to move to the right along the
Ridge towards Kelly-mount and New-bridge.
[Footnote A: _The writer omitted the date._]
In the course of the evening several false alarms electrified the
inhabitants here--Yet the Garrison was left the whole day at rest.
Next morning Sir C. Asgill marched with a large force, consisting of
two pieces of Artillery, part of the Wexford and Wicklow regiments,
of the 4th, 5th, and 9th, Dragoons, of Hompesch's Cavalry, the
Romney Fencibles, and of the Kilkenny, Gowran, Fassadineen
Shillelogher, Desart, Thomastown, Myshall, and Kellishin Cavalry,
he was joined on the march by the Leighlin-bridge Infantry, and part
of the Downshire Militia, with their Artillery, also the Maryborough
and Ballyfin Corps of Yeomen Cavalry.
About six o'Clock he came up with the Rebel Army, amounting to from
five to six thousand men, advantageously posted on a rising ground,
in an extensive flat, at Kilcomny, near Gore's-Bridge--nothing could
exceed the joy of our brave Soldiers, after so many fatiguing
marches, at last to have a pleasing prospect of retaliating; the
Officers were constantly obliged to restrain their ardour. The
engagement began with a terrible fire of Artillery, which the Rebels
returned with quickness, but entirely without effect.
A very hot fire was kept up near an hour, but unable to withstand
the impetuosity of our troops the Rebels began to give way, and fled
towards the Co. Wexford.
A horrible slaughter now ensued, which lasted six or seven hours,
nor did it cease while a Rebel was to be seen--1100 Rebels were left
dead on the field of Action! among whom was the _invulnerable
commander Murphy_. This victory was so very decisive that we have
got possession of all their Artillery, amounting to 15 pieces of
different callibre--all their Standards, Ammunition, and Baggage,
a vast number of Pikes, Muskets, Swords, &c. 700 horses, a great
quantity of black cattle, Sheep, &c. also a vast quantity of
bedding, blanketting, and wearing apparel which were given up to
the Soldiers who bravely contended for the same.
Yours, &c. &c.----
LETTER V.
MARYBOROUGH, APRIL 20th, 1799.
_My Dr. Friend_,
Being desirous of making public the valour of the Troops of this
town under the command of Major Matthews of the Royal Downshire
Regiment, against the Rebels, I send you a plain narrative of facts
as follows:
On the 24th of June 1798, four hundred of the Downshire Regiment,
with their Battalion guns, Captain Pole, with the Ballyfin Troop
of Yeomen Cavalry, and Captain Gore, with the Maryborough, (both
Troops under the immediate command of Capt. Pole) proceeded towards
the Collieries of Castlecomber and Donane, by order of Sir Charles
Asgill. On the Road we saw Castlecomber on fire; soon after we
arrived at Moyad, and saw the Rebel Army in great force on the high
grounds above Donane; we then received intelligence that Sir Charles
had engaged them at Castlecomber that morning, and that his force
was at least double ours, but that he had retired to Kilkenny. It
was now too late in the evening for us to attack; we therefore fell
back on Timahoe, determined to be at them in the morning. At Timahoe
an express met us from Sir Charles, desiring we should return to
Maryborough; this was answered by an express from us, proposing
to Sir Charles to attack the Rebels next morning on the road from
Donane, and that we would attack on the road from Timahoe. The
answer to this proposal we received at 7 o'clock next morning from
Sir Charles, who could not agree to it, as he said his Troops were
fatigued, but left it to us to fight, we could do it with security,
where we were, or to return to Maryborough. We chose to risque the
former, and the proper arrangements being made, returned to Moyad,
where we had last seen the Rebels: when our Cavalry arrived there,
they found the Rebels had gone off to the Ridge; there we pursued
them, and were again disappointed in bringing them to action, as
they had marched for Gore's-Bridge: our Cavalry then proceeded to
Old Leighlin, from which place Capt. Pole, who had gone forward for
intelligence, sent an express to inform Sir Charles Asgill of what
he had done, and of our intention to attack the Rebels wherever we
found them. At Old Leighlin we met with Mr. Vigars, to whom our
intention of attacking the Rebels was made known, and he, seeing
our men much fatigued, immediately supplied us with a number of cars
to carry them, without which assistance we should have been much
distressed; he likewise accompanied us to the scene of action, and
was always in front giving us every assistance in his power. The
whole Corps arrived at Leighlin-Bridge about twelve at night. In
two hours after an express came from Sir Charles, desiring us to
meet him at Gore's-Bridge at five in the morning; we instantly
marched, but on the road we got such intelligence as induced our
Commanding Officer to alter his route, in order to get between the
Rebels and the mountains; an account of which he sent to Sir Charles,
by Mr. Moore, Collector of this place, who, with his brother Mr. Pierce
Moore, marched with us, and to whose able advice and knowledge of the
country I heard Major Matthews say, we in a great measure owed our
success. After a march of about three hours we came in sight of the
Rebels; and, as soon as we got within a proper distance, fired some
cannon shot at them: they retired from us about a mile and a half to
form their line; we followed in Column, with our guns in front, and
our Cavalry in the rere; just as we got orders to form our line for
the attack, we heard Sir Charles's cannon on the other side of the
hill; at this instant our Cavalry were ordered to charge, which they
did in a most gallant stile; the Rebel line was instantly broke, and
we joined Sir Charles's Troops in the pursuit, which continued with
great slaughter for above six miles; all the cannon, horses, stores
and prisoners they had were taken, and their Army dispersed.
When it is known that the Rebel Army would not have been brought to
action, or even an attempt made upon them, but for the exertion of
this little Corps--and when it is known that this Corps pursued a
large body of Rebels at least five thousand strong, with ten pieces
of cannon, for nearly forty miles, without orders or directions from
any general Officer whatsoever, and that, except some bread they got
at Leighlin-Bridge, not a man of them tasted food for forty-four
hours, I think you will agree with me that they did their duty, and
that their country ought to know it.
Yours, &c. &c.----
LETTER VI.
BELFAST, APRIL 29th, 1799.
_Sir_,
In compliance to your request I shall set down briefly what has been
already communicated to a few, but must thro' the medium of your
intended publication be more generally circulated.
On Saturday morning June the 9th, 1798. Col. Stapleton having
received intimation of a number of people assembled at Saint-field,
and neighbourhood, he set out from Newtownards, with a detachment
of the York Fencible regiment, accompanied by the Newtownards and
Comber Yeomen Cavalry and Infantry; all-together about 320 men, and
two Field Pieces.
About half past four o'clock in the evening, this little Army fell
in with a body of Rebels, supposed to be between six and seven
thousand men, near Saintfield.
The Light Infantry, commanded by Captain Chetwynd advanced with
great gallantry to secure an eminence on the right, which having
accomplished, he was attacked by a force of at least three thousand
Rebels--the front armed with pikes, the centre and rear with
muskets, whose fire galled them severely till the body of the Troops
and Field Pieces came up, when the Rebels were routed with huge
slaughter. The Rebels by their own account lost above five hundred
men, among whom were many of their leaders. The King's Troops after
routing the Insurgents marched to Comber, where they halted during
the night--next morning proceeded to this Town.
I am much concerned to inform you of the loss of three brave
Officers by those miscreants hands in this action--_Capt. Chetwynd_,
_Lieut. Unite_, and _Ensign J. Sparks_: Lieut. Edenson was wounded.
The whole return of his Majesty's Troops were--29 Killed, and 22
wounded. Not only the valour of the other Officers that fell in
this engagement deserves to be publickly recorded, but that of the
amiable, gallant and much beloved Capt. C. ought not to be passed
without particular notice--This brave fellow at the head of his men
received no less than nine pike wounds! notwithstanding which he
continued his position, encouraging by his example his men to fight
like loyal Soldiers; till alas, two wounds from muskets deprived
this hero of his existence, and our country of his future services.
Poor Sparks--whose race of glory was now ended, was but sixteen
years old, and had just before he fell, received for his intrepid
conduct the public approbation of his commanding Officer.
Too much praise cannot be given the Newtownards and Comber Yeomen
Cavalry, who, conducted by Captains Houghton and Cleland, evidenced
the greatest intrepidity during the whole of the action.
If it be possible to convince those deluded creatures who were then
in arms against the peace and prosperity of this Nation, and of
their certain destruction, should they again have recourse to such
rebellious measures, it must be the event of the above action, where
so many were cut off by such an inferior force.
P. S. It was ludicrous to behold the varied badges of distinction as
worn by the Rebel chiefs; some were dressed in green jackets, turned up
with white, others yellow, white vests, buckskin breeches, half-boots,
hats with white cock-neck feathers and green cockades, &c.
Yours, &c.----
LETTER VII.
TYRELL'SPASS, APRIL 30th, 1799.
_Dr. Friend_,
I should have answered your favour sooner, but was making every
possible enquiry in order to furnish you with the best account
of the engagement at Kilbeggan. The gentleman, the bearer of this
(one of our Officers) and I were present on the occasion.
On the 17th of June 1798, (on the preceding day a fair was held in
Kilbeggan. The lower order of the people appeared uncommonly civil,
and this country had a more placid appearance than for some time
before,) at 11 o'clock at night a recruit of Capt. Clarke's gave
information that the town would be attacked on the next day. As
many similar alarms had been circulated before, this was not much
regarded--however the Videts of Horse were ordered to keep a sharp
look-out, and give instant intelligence should any number of men be
descried by them.
At break of day, (at that time of the year about two o'clock) some
persons were perceived on the top of a hill westward of the town.
Immediate notice of this was given to the Officer commanding, who
directed that the horse-guard should continue to observe the motions
of the enemy; and should their numbers encrease, to retreat slowly,
about two hundred yards in front to the town, and apprize him of
the same.
It soon appeared that their force was between three and four
thousand divided into bands, from sixty to an hundred, in regular
order, with different kinds of Arms, principally pikes, from five to
ten feet long, pitch-forks, &c. Each band moved separately headed by
an Officer, distinguished by a green sash or cockade--most of the
men had white paper bands round their hats.
It was generally remarked that they had all clean shirts on, had
each a piece of oat-bread in their pockets, and many were apparently
intoxicated.
The town (the subject of this letter) has not been remarkable
for loyalty--the principal fears of the garrison arose from an
apprehension of treachery. There were then under arms sixty of the
Northumberland Fencibles, about thirty of the Fertullagh Cavalry,
and thirty loyal Protestants, who either belonged to the town or
had fled there for refuge.
On the first appearance of the Rebels, (three hours before the attack
commenced) an express was sent to Tullamore where the principal part
of the 7th Dragoons lay--General Dunne forwarded a Troop about
eighty in number--the want of a sufficient force was of the worst
consequence, as the Rebels attacked our party in the mountains, and
obliged the Fencibles to retreat back to the town--Meantime the
Loyalists cleared the streets which were now full of Rebels without
the loss of a man--the Cavalry pursued--Sergeant Price alone killed
fourteen Pikemen. On hearing the firing a few of the Cavalry stationed
at Tyrell's-pass flew to the scene of action, just before the Black
Horse arrived--both, aided by the dismounted from Tyrrell's-pass
killed 400 of the enemy.
Yours, &c. C. F.
The Publisher having waited in vain for a detail of the engagement
at Naas, Kilcullen, Hacketstown, &c; and public curiosity daily
encreasing, being desirous of gratifying the same, he deems it most
advisable to insert the following OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS received at the
Castle, with their dates.
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter from Lord Viscount Gosford, Colonel of the
Armagh Militia, and Major Wardle, of the Ancient British Light
Dragoons, to Lieutenant General Lake, dated Naas, Thursday Morning,
8 o'Clock, 24th May, 1798._
This morning, about half past 2 o'Clock, a Dragoon, from an Out-post,
came in and informed Major Wardle, of the Ancient British, that a
very considerable armed body were approaching rapidly upon the Town.
The whole garrison were instantly under Arms, and took up their
position according to a plan previously formed in case of such an
event happening. They made the attack upon our Troops, posted near the
Gaol, with great violence, but were repulsed: They then made a general
attack in almost every direction, as they had got possession of almost
every avenue into the Town. They continued to engage the Troops for
near three quarters of an hour, when they gave way, and fled on all
sides. The Cavalry immediately took advantage of their confusion,
charged in almost every direction, and killed a great number of them.
A great quantity of Arms and Pikes were taken, and within this half
hour many hundred more were brought in, found in pits near the town,
together with three men with green cockades, all of whom were hanged
in the public street. We took another prisoner whom we have spared, in
consequence of his having given us information that will enable us to
pursue these Rebels; and from this man we learn that they were above
a Thousand strong: They were commanded as this man informs us, by
Michael Reynolds, who was well mounted, and dressed in Yeoman Uniform,
but unfortunately made his escape; his horse we have got.
About thirty Rebels were killed in the streets; in the fields, we
imagine, above an hundred; their bodies have not yet been brought
together.
It is impossible to say too much of the Cavalry and Infantry; their
conduct was exemplary throughout.
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant General Dundas to Lord Viscount
Castlereagh, dated Naas, May 25th, 1798._
In addition to the account which I had the honor of sending you
yesterday, I have the satisfaction to inform your Lordship, that
about 2 P. M. yesterday I marched out again to attack the Rebels,
who had assembled in great force on the North side of the Liffey,
and were advancing towards Kilcullen-Bridge: They occupied the hills
on the left of the road leading to Dublin; the road itself and the
fields highly enclosed, on the right. The attack began between 3
and 4; was made with great gallantry, the Infantry forcing the Enemy
on the road, and driving them from the hills on the left; the Cavalry
with equal success, cutting off their retreat. The affair ended soon
after 4. The slaughter was considerable for such an action; one
Hundred and thirty lay dead. No prisoners.
I have the further satisfaction of stating to your Lordship, that
his Majesty's Troops did not suffer in either killed or wounded. The
Rebels left great quantities of all kinds of Arms behind them, and
fled in all directions.
This morning all is in perfect quietness. General Wilford, from
Kildare, joined me last night; an Officer with whom I serve with
unspeakable satisfaction.
The Troops of every description, both officers and men, shewed a
degree of gallantry which it was difficult to restrain within
prudent bounds.--Captain La Touche's Corps of Yeomenry distinguished
themselves in a high stile.
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter from the Reverend James Mc Ghee, Vicar of
Clonmore, County Carlow, dated Hacketstown, three o'Clock, P. M.
May 25, 1798._
In consequence of an information received this morning, that a large
body of Rebels were marching to attack the Town, Lieutenant Gardiner,
with the men under his command, and a party of Yeomenry commanded by
Captain Hardy, went out to meet them. Having reconnoitred their force,
which amounted to between three and four Thousand, they took post on
a hill under the Church, and when the Rebels came tolerably near, the
Officers and Men made a Feint, and retreated into the Barrack.
The Rebels seeing this, came on with a great shout, imagining the
day to be their own. In a few minutes Captain Hume came up with
about thirty of his Troop, and instantly charged them, on which the
Rebels retreated. A general Pursuit took place; and so complete was
the rout that above Three Hundred of the miscreants now lie dead on
the field of battle.
To say that the _Antrim_ Regiment behaved well is not any thing new;
but the Yeomen under Captain Hardy's command behaved astonishingly;
nor can I sufficiently commend the conduct of Captain Hume and his
Corps; for though his right arm was in a sling, owing to a very
severe fall from his horse, which prevented his using his sword, he
headed his men with gallantry, and went on with spirit and bravery
that surprized every one, considering his situation.
As to Lieutenant Gardiner, his conduct and steadiness throughout the
whole affair is far beyond my praise; but I am sorry to inform you
that a severe blow of a stone he received on his breast from a
villain whose life he had just saved, prevents his writing to you
himself. He is, however, thank God, walking about, and having been
let blood, is much better; the villain was shot dead on the spot.