The Irish priests in the penal times (1660-1760) [microform] : from the state papers in H. M. Record Offices, Dublin and London, the Bodleian Library, and the British Museum

'., ; ...->' "<' . - >,

"' ' ' '- '\ .-'*'*"

L, b c Cl n i v c vs i J v o f C b i c oijo
libraries

-

in

(166O176O).

FROM THE STATE PAPERS IN H.M. RECORD OFFICES,

DUBLIN AND LONDON, THE BODLEIAN LIBRARY,

AND THE BRITISH MUSEUM,

BY

REV. WILLIAM P. BURKE.

WATERFORD:
PRINTED BY N. HARVEY & CO.,

For the Author.
1914.

til. I I

'' .V;:.., -

1 r ' ..''< '

JS~o^-

1)<\

.

." C (

448101

CONTENTS.

Page

CHAPTER I. REIGN OF CHARLES II. I

CHAPTER II. REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued) .... 51

CHAPTER III. WILLIAM AND MARY 110

CHAPTER IV. REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE 163

CHAPTER V. THE PRIEST CATCHERS 207

CHAPTER VI. LIFE OF THE PRIESTS 238

CHAPTER VII. ULSTER .... 267

CHAPTER VIIL LEINSTER 297

CHAPTER IX. MUNSTER 348

CHAPTER X. CONNAUGHT 412

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX I. INFORMATION REGARDING OLIVER PLUNKET 454

APPENDIX II. HEADS OF BILL FOR AMENDING POPERY

ACTS 455

APPENDIX III. PROPOSALS FOR THE BETTER REGULA-

m TION OF POPISH CLERGY 461

I

APPENDIX IV. SATIRICAL VERSES ON PRIESTS WHO

ABJURED 464

INDEX .... 468-491

CORRIGENDA.

Page 113, line 17, for 'put up' read ' pmt up. 1
119, 21,,, 'bigotted' read' bigoted.'
206, 29,,, 'nistakes 1 read' mistakes.'
207, 5,,, 'detatched' read' detached.'

INTRODUCTION.

THE Irish penal code has long occupied an evil pre-eminence
among the similar codes of Europe. Though its worst enactments
may be parallelled if not exceeded in the decrees of Louis XIV.
against the Huguenots or the Sweedish legislation against the
Jesuits yet in its symmetric completeness, its multiplicity of cruel
detail, it stands apart and alone. In other countries penal laws
were passed against minorities. They were the scalpel as it were,
for the excision of something alien from the body politic. In
Ireland they may be likened to poison injected into and diffused
through every current of the national life. Their purpose was
not to benefit the country as a whole, but to pauperise, degrade,
and enfeeble it.

The code itself has often been analysed from the days of
Burke down, while its effects have- been admirably summarised
by Lecky (a). Its actual working has never been described.
Volumes, it is true, have been written on the subject but instead
of investigating the facts, the writers have copied one another's
assertions or devoted themselves to eloquent declamation. On
the one hand we read of the Church of Ireland passing through
"an ordeal of persecution unparalleled in the history of mankind" (&) .
of "unexampled sufferings during three centuries of persecution and
penal laws" (c). Authorities on the other side would fain represent
that the penal laws rarely found their way outside the statute
book, that they were mere reserves of power, political expedients
' used by government in times of special danger, as when threatened
by foreign invasion or Jacobite plots. Even Lecky shared in part
this view. He was of opinion that the persecution could never
have been really stringent since it was met by the passive resistance
of the great body of the nation (d). Between these extremes it
is possible to determine where the truth lies only by a careful study

(a) Burke, Tracts on the Penal Laws. Lecky, History of Ireland in
the Eighteenth Century, Chapter I.

(6) Brennan, Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, Preface.

(c) Moran, Persecution of the Irish Catholics, Preface.

(d) History of Ireland II., p. 266.

vi. INTRODUCTION.

of all the evidence available. In the case of the laws disabling
Catholics from holding property this evidence is singularly full and
complete, but not so in regard to the laws against the priests
with which this volume deals. For the crown books at assizes
and quarter sessions, bill books, presentments, informations, gaol
returns have almost all disappeared, and the operation of this
section of the code can be learnt only incidentally and on occasions.
Hence the documents which are here printed, are to be read not so
much for what they contain as what they suggest ; they are con-
vergent rather than conclusive. Two facts, however, they establish
beyond question. In the first place it is clear from the Council
books and the correspondence of the Lords Lieutenant and Lords
Justices that government spared no effort to enforce the law.
There were instructions to justices of assize, mandates to sheriffs
and inferior magistrates, requisitions to the military, rewards and
encouragement to informers in short the whole executive
machinery was put in motion to harass and if possible exterminate
the Catholic priesthood. The second fact of which there is abundant
evidence is that the local authorities, for the most part, actively
co-operated. It might be supposed that country gentlemen would
be unwilling to take part in the work of persecution. They lived
mostly on their estates ; their tenantry and servants were Catholics ;
they had every reason to cultivate good relations with their neigh-
bours, yet the slightest research into the vast collection of "Country
Letters" in the Irish Record Office discovers everywhere the
spirit of which the penal code was but the legal embodiment. The
Puritan settlers in truth needed no spur from the executive. They
had a rancour and a bigotry entirely their own. Upon this point
we have some decisive information. The Grand Jury presentment
book for the County Limerick for part of Queen Anne's and the
whole of George the First's reign is still preserved the only record
of its class extant. It shows that regularly every assizes from 1711
to 1726 when it ends, there were proceedings against priests. In that
period the executive only once (in 1714) appealed to the Limerick
magistrates to enforce the law. Again take Clare and Galway
where if in any part of Ireland, the popery laws might be supposed
impossible of execution, yet from no other counties are there as full

INTRODUCTION. vii

particulars of priest hunting. So far indeed from tempering the
code, it would appear that the local authorities often gave it a
special force and edge in the execution. Viewing therefore the
evidence as a whole there can be little doubt as to the character
and extent of the warfare carried on against the clergy. But
even if all official documents had perished, if its statutes had
disappeared with the Irish Parliament itself, the history of these
evil times might still be read upon the face of the land. The
"Mass Rock," the "Old Altar," the "Priests' Hollow," the "Chapel
of the Horn" (e), and many a similar name in every district in the
country are witnesses more abiding than parchments to a pro-
scribed religion and a hunted priesthood. The thoughtful student
will find perhaps still higher testimony to the fire of persecution
in the weld and fusion it effected between priests and people.

The following papers are derived mainly from two sources,
the Carte manuscripts in the Bodleian, Oxford, and the State
Paper department of the Irish Record Office. The former furnished
most of those for the seventeenth century, the latter for the
eighteenth. As there is no printed calendar of the Carte collection
only a limited use could be made of that great repertory. Two
volumes of the proceedings of the Irish Privy Council have however
supplied much information. The papers in the Record Office will
be found under the headings "Civil Correspondence," "Present-
ments and Petitions to Lords Lieutenant and Lords Justices,"
"Miscellaneous Papers," "Church Miscellaneous," "Departmental
Correspondence," "Parliamentary Returns," "Southwell Papers,"
Crown and Peace Records. ' ' A few documents have been obtained
from Marsh's Library and some from the Essex Papers in the
British Museum. It has been thought well to reprint a few others
that have appeared in the Historical Manuscripts Reports and
elsewhere. With the exception of these latter, the contents of this
volume will be altogether new to students (/).

(e) Place Names of the Decies, Power.

(/) Since the above was written a series of papers has appeared in the
Jnsh Ecclesiastical Record from Rev. Reginald Walsh, O.P., entitled
Glimpses of the Penal Times." Some seven or eight documents in Chapters
ill. and V. have been printed in his studies, and in several cases the lives
of persecuted regulars have been traced with a minuteness and accuracy of
research beyond all praise.

CHAPTER I.

REIGN OF CHARLES II.

THE attitude of government towards the Catholic Church in
Ireland during the reign of Charles II. varied according to
the party in the ascendant and the exigencies of English
politics. Thus there was complete toleration in the vice-royalty
of Lord Berkeley, 1670-2, whilst on the other hand a fierce per-
secution raged during the period of Lord Essex, part of Ormond's
first term of office and nearly the whole of his second. Puritan
and Royalist both agreed in principle but while the one aimed at
destroying Catholicism by suppressing public worship and exter-
minating the priests, the other hoped to obtain the same result by
promoting dissension, setting seculars and regulars at variance,
banishing the more independent of the clergy and paralysing the
church generally. The two policies often ran together but it will
be more convenient to consider them apart.

Though Charles was restored in 1660 the Cromwellian regime in
Ireland continued. Except that Ormond and a few royalists filled
the executive and that the episcopalian church was re-established
there were few changes. Coote, Broghill, Clotworthy, and Mont-
gomery, the most active spirits under the Commonwealth, became
peers and took high office. The soldiers and adventurers remained
in possession of the land ; the new settlers were undisturbed in
the towns ; parliament was exclusively puritan ; the magistracy
in great part so. Hence the persecution of the Catholic clergy
unless at rare intervals, was carried on almost as actively as
before, and it was still hoped to realize the ideal of Pym that not
a priest should be left in Ireland.

During the Commonwealth there was a parliamentary union
of the two countries and the laws of England were held to be of
force in Ireland. Accordingly priests found in the kingdom

2 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

incurred under the English Act, 27 Eliz., c. 2, the penalties of
high treason and might be put to death, and many in fact were.
But now things having reverted to their former state there was
no summary method of dealing with priests as such. To remedy
this the Commons in April, 1663, transmitted to the English Council
the heads of a bill subjecting Ireland to the entire English penal
code. Through Catholic influence in the Council, the proposal was
rejected and henceforward during the reign of Charles the pro-
cedure was to charge the priests with treasonable conspiracy or
with offences against the old statutes of -premunire.

The government correspondence therefore is filled with stories

of popish plots. A letter "dropped out of his mass-book" by

Father James Dermot of Meath, urged his correspondent to keep

his horses and arms for the time of doing good was at hand.

Edward Farrell, parish priest of Clonbrony, did inform James

Grant that on the night of 24th December, 1663, there was a plot to

cut off all the Protestants and if they did miss the aforesaid night

they were to perform it ere long. A "ship-load of priests about

fifty" arriving in the West in June, 1663, confirmed Ormond's

suspicions as to treasonable designs with Spain. Colonel McCaffrey

deposed that representatives from different provinces met in a

wood in Fermanagh to consult of a general rising against the

Protestants. From the South, Orrery wrote that the Irish do much

talk of the French and do rely on them. From the North, Lord

Conway reported that the priests and friars and Irish gentry of

Ulster had of late (July 1664) private meetings frequently in every

county, signed a declaration and were arming themselves. The

Catholic primate, Edmund O'Reilly, was presumably head of the

conspiracy. Some of the informations sworn against him may

therefore be given at length.

I.

THE EXAMINACON OF HUGHE O'RELIE OF AGHOLEIN IN THE
COUNTY OF CAVAN, GENTLEMAN.

Who saith that hee did often resort to the duelling house of
Doctor Owin Mac Swine the papish titular bishop of Killmore
on the mountain of Slewnerin to visit a kinsman of his named
John Relie who is secretarie or clerk to the said titular bishop.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 3

That about the 24 day of June last the said John Relie at this
Examinat's house at Agholein told this Examinat for a truthe
that Edmund ORelie the popish titular Archbishop of Armagh
sent lettres to the said popish titular bishop of Killmore whereby
he signifyed that hee the said titular Archbishop was redy to
come over into Ireland and (by the assistance of the King of
Spaine and the pope) to bring with him into Ireland 15,000 men
and that Phillip mac Hughe mac Shane Counelly O'Relye was
to come from Flanders with the said titular archbishop and to
bring with him 10,000 men more at or before Michaelmas next
and that it was to bee done by contract and conditions made
betwixt them and Lieut Generall Edmund Ludloe who (as the
said John Rely tould this Examinat) hath undertaken a restoration
to the popish clergie of all the spiritualities and temporalities
and to the said Phillip mac Hugh of all his lands, and this
Examinat saith that hee hath of late observed the popish
clergie of Ulster to meete in great multitudes in remote places
by night and by day on that designe as this Examinat con-
ceivth.

21 July 1663.

II.

Hugh O 'Relie of Aghellyn, gentleman, adged 30 odd yeares or
thereabouts deposed that on the 28 day of June last past Antonie
Doghertie guardian of the ffriers in the countie of Tiroun, John
mac Phillip mac Shane Bradie, Thomas M c Karnan, Terlagh
O'Gowan, Thomas Murphie and other ffranciscan friers to the
number of 15 assembled together at Ballebeath in the'baronie
of Creemourne to contrive a way for the sending of John mac
Phillip mac Shane Bradie a ffranciscan frier into Spaine or Rome
to Edmund Garratt Reelie there primate in order to a deseign
of leavying a warr Here in Ireland. They are raising of con-
siderable sums of money in many counties of this kingdom
being encouraged thereunto by the friers who have Indulgences
for seaven yeares sent unto them by the Pope. He is creadiblie
informed that they have akeadie in banke above 2500 li which
is kept in the hands of Neale O'Gowen guardian of the friers in
the convent of Carrickmermadderie. He further deposeth that
Primate Reelie hath appoynted fower clergie men one fer each
province in Ireland to be. his correspondents, counsellors, in-
telligencers and advisers. The said Neale O'Gowan was appoyn-
ted for the province of Ulster which was told to this Examinat
by the said Neal they both being together drinking of a bottle
of aqua vitae under a hill neare to Virginia. This Examinat
goeing to speeke to his kinsman John O'Relie secretarie to
Doctor Owen mac Swine titulare of Killmore in order of further
discoveries found that the said John was sent poste by the said
bishop with severall packetts of lettres to the ports of Ireland.

4 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

Last of all he deposeth that Primate Reelie a few days before
his departure out of this kingdom, in the house of Connor Reelie
vttered thes enseuinge words, viz, that he hoped the King shall
not rule or raindge long and for his own parte there was noe
livinge for him here in Ireland for long as Ormond had any
power heare.

13 August 1663.

III.

Intelligence concerning the titular primate, 28 May 1663.
Meeting with ffitz Symons last night who lately came out of the
North where he left Prymatt Rely on whome he is to waite in or
about Birr about the 15th of the next where the primate hath
a meeteing with the Arch Bishop of Cassell, the Bishop of Meath
and severall others and sayes that he knowes noe generall meeting
any of their church has if nott with the seuerall bishops in their
seuerall dioses.

IV.

27 Feby 1664-5.

Meeting yesterday with Dromgould who tould me he was sent
for hither by Demsy to participate of instructions com by the
last post from the Prymatt which are (as he tells me) requiring
the said Demsy to picke out such persons that he thinckes fitt
of the cleargie and to send two at least in each circuit in this
kingdom where they may with most conveniency meet with the
gentry of each County and to incurrage them to stick to their
severall ingagements and if they should think the tyme too
long for executing their designe that it is for to make their
cause the surer and likewise to give direction to every parish
priest to exhort their parishoners at their easter confessions to
that purpose and enioyn every of them to an oath of seacresy.
A note of such clergymen as are chosen for the severall circuits
of Ireland.

Monster
Burgett ffaling Connell and Barry.

Coniahgt
Bourk Rourck Brodin and ffrench.

Oulster
Rely Sail Nugent and Dohertie.

Leinster
Dempsey Dromgould Wesly and Plunckett.

V.

Bryan Rely of Dromory in the barony of Lullaghgarvie deposed
that Major Owen McDonel Grome Brady tould this Examinant
that the titular Primate Edmund Rely would procure aydes
and did advise them to begin the rebellion before the aydes
should come that they themselves might have the credit and repute

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 5

of it and that the said Primate himself and the Earl of Tyrone,

Colonel Brian Roe O'Neill, Colonel Philip McHugh ORely and

others would come along with the said expected aydes from

France and the said Primate had soe farr laboured in the matter

as hee had prevailed with the Pope to excommunicate all persons

of the Irish that are in France or Spaine or elsewhere beyond

the seas that would not join in that designe. All those who

joyned in this conspiracie weare to beginn to putt it in execution

on the 11 day of this present June at night and that if they were

redy the words agreed on weare Deus Omnipotens and that the

words agreed on to signify their not being redy weare Vale

Domine. The said titular Primate had from beyond seas written

a letter to Dr. Daly to send Fr. Peter Walsh a ffranciscan friar

a 100 pounds and that 3 score pounds thereof were sent to him

accordingly, to the end that by the said Peter Walsh's meanes

they might have intelligence of the Lord Lieutenant's proceedings.

June 17 1666.

It is scarcely necessary to say there was not a particle of truth
in these informations. Neal O'Gowan was arrested by Sir Patrick
Hamilton on a warrant dated 17th August, 1663, and in careful search
no treasure could be found. Hugh Kelly, Lady Iveagh's chaplain,
author of the supposed Declaration was subsequently captured
but there was no corroboration of the story. As for the Primate
himself, all this period he was reported to be engaged in inter-
national intrigue, he was subsisting on the alms of French and
Belgian bishops. But the informations and intelligences fulfilled
their purpose. They cast upon the entire church the shadow of
treason. All priests were constructive rebels and any assembly of
the people for mass was conspiracy. The Lords Justices wrote to
Secretary Nicholas, 12th December, 1660 :

The popish priests appear here boldly and in large numbers, and
though this is more penal in England than in Ireland yet as
these men have always been incendiaries here we think it wise
to secure them and prevent them from saying mass and preaching.
We have therefore given order to secure them. Priests who,
when out on bail, think themselves entitled to continue preaching
we have ordered to be committed as they reflect scandal upon
the King's government.

To carry out these orders was not always an easy task. Captain
Sharpies for instance wrote from Belturbet 19th October.

Hearing of a convening of the Irish in the parish of Killeven and
not positively knowing the place of the convention our party

6 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

being divided five of them happened on the place where they
were all met at mass and seeing the priest in vestments seized
upon him. As they wanted force by reason of the rest not
coming in, the priest was rescued by the multitude, their arms
taken from the soldiers and they ill-treated and beaten with
stones and clubs. Upon the return of the party we sent out
another which brought in some men but the soldiers cannot
positively swear to them. They can. however swear that the
priest was one who was formerly taken by some of Major Moore's
troop and let out by Captain Foster, High Sheriff of Monaghan
upon bond not to officiate again as priest.

Several Proclamations were issued. In one dated 12th Novem-
ber, 1662, it is stated that these unlawful assemblies were still
held in contempt of His Majesty's authority "popish masses being
said even close to Dublin and popish jurisdiction attempted to
be introduced," wherefore all judges, justices of peace, mayors
and sub-sheriffs were to take prompt action to prevent such as-
semblies and punish offenders. A few examples of the proceedings
may be given.

Cossen Sancky.

There are two priests by name James fitz Garrald and Carue Carroll
which doe dayly frequent this town and the parts adjacent
and have of late at noone day said Masse in the middle of the
towne severall times and are not content with that but goe about
from house to house seduceing the people and with draweing
them from the protestant Religion as I am able to make good
against fitz Garrald. Nowe soe it is that on Sunday last I
knoweing wheare they weare mett went with six men more in
my company and found the said fitz Garrald at his devotion
with a bout 500 more, and apprehending of him (though he
was four times rescued from us) yett at last I brought him away
and have taken security for his appearance on Saturday next
before me to answer what shah* be obiected against him in his
Maiesties behalfe. Nowe the cause that I did this is because I
can nott get any of these proclamations heere that weare put
forth by my Lord Lieut which doth direct people in my case
what to do with such men when they are taken therefore pray
direct me what I am to doe and if you see cause acquaint my
brother Sir John Stephens with it and advise whether it may
not be convenient to acquaint my Lord Deputie, truly if I doe
earr as it is of Ignorance not of willfullnesse. Your answer
heere vnto I pray let me have by the post in hast

I rest your Lo vncle
St. Johns 10 March 1662. WM. WELDON.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 7

The Humble Petition of James Tully sheweth,
That your Petitioner on 26th of December last was taken for a
priest in this Citty [Dublin] and comitted to the Marshallsy
where he still continues prisoner to his greate damadge haveing
noe manner of subsistence nor anie way to relieve himself.
That your Grace may be pleased to give order for your Petitioner's
enlardgment uppon baile or prescribe for him present subsistance
whereby he may not perish in the Marshallsy.
[Ordered] Petition to be considered at next Council meeting,
3 Aug 1663.

The humble Petition of Garrett Forstall and Thomas Herford
poore priests &c.

That your poore petitioners are close prisoners att Kilkenny this
halfe a yeare past, being fyned the last assizes past for a supposed
unlawfull assembly att. Callen on the 17th of March. And for
that your distressed petitioners are very infirm in their health
and soe poore as they are in noe way able to pay the said fynes
imposed on them May it please your Grace to commiserate their
condicon, they being alwaies deemed heretofor faithfull and
loyall to his Maiestie.
[Ordered] To be referred to next Council, 14 August 1663.

The humble peticon of Anthony Stafford etc.
Sheweth that your petitioner lyeth imprisoned in Wexford upon
an information given in to Baron Povey late Justice of Assize
for Leinster that he was one of those who met at an unlawful
assembly whereas that meeting was noe other than the assembly
of a few persons that were convened to pray to God for his
Maiesties long and happy raigne over his dominions and his
prosperous successe against his enemies. Yet your poore supliant
who is an impotent person and while he was able sided allwayes
in the late troubles with those who stuck to his Maiesties interest
and while at liberty did procure some charity for the support
of his aged mother, by the rule of court is fined in twenty marke
and to finde bonds for his appearance at the next general Assizes
to be held for this county. May it please etc.
[Ordered] To apply himselfe to the Comrs for the reducement
of fines. 29 April, 1665.

JOHN WALSH TO ORMOND, 17 JULY 1667.

I doe fynd that on the 24th of June last there was a meeting uppon
the land of Keppagh in the Barony of Clanwilliam of above
1000 persons, men, women and children att the first masse of
one John English a young priest. The principal persons there
were Theobald Butler of Bansigh, Edmund Butler late of Wooden
town, John Butler late of Poulkery, Thomas Butler of Keppagh

8 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

and David Gibbon of Killeelacheir all living within the same
parish with divers others, whereof many espetially the principal
gentlemen and their wiues dyned there. They say that att that
meeting there were four English protestants whereof one Jones
of Teperary. As to a meeting by a wood syde near fethard I
can by noe meanes fynd that there was any such if not ment
of those who conies to their parish priest every Sunday and other
holy dayes.

LORD CONWAY TO OSSORY, 2 JULY, 1664.

The Popish clergy are much alarmed by the apprehension of those
priests in the County Cavan and we believe this poore kingdom
will never be at quiett till they be all removed out of it.

Besides the charge of treason-felony the priests were held
responsible for the outlawed Irish gentlemen who under the name
of Tories carried on guerilla warfare against the Cromwellian
planters. Ormond complained to Lord Kingston, President of
Connaught, 8th January, 1667, of "theextreme boldness andinsolence
of the Tories" against whom he had taken various measures. "Yet
now for a further means having reason to believe that the Popish
clergy of the parts infested by them do rather animate and en-
courage them than admonish them to the performance of their
duty and loyalty to his Maiesty, we require your Lordship forth-
with to arrest all the popish titular clergy of the parts infested by
the Tories and commit them to prison." Kingston doubtless
carried out his instructions for the Council Books show that similar
methods were adopted in other parts of the country.

To COLONEL VERB CROMWELL, DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF DOWNE,

16 JUNE 1668.

We received your letter of the 10th instant concerning the appre-
hending severall of the popish priests and fryers in your County,
who are now prisoners in Downpatrick. We learn that those
priests and fryers are less criminous in that particular (in respect
of encouraging Tories) than popish priests and fryers in other
counties. We require you to take orders that those priests and
fryers as well those whom you did apprehend as those who uppon
sumons came in (excepting Owen McConnell who came late out
of Flanders and landed at Killbeggs the 8th of May last) be
inlardged from their prison. As for the said Owen McConnell
you are to cause him to be examined when he left this kingdom
and went into foreign parts, what the occasions were of his return,
whether himself or any other had any commission from the

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 9

Pope or any other person, whether he brought letters into this
kingdom and to whom and return said examinacon to the Lord
Deputie.

OSSORY TO THE EARL OF DONEGAL, 19 JUNE 1668.

Concerning your apprehending of severall popish priests and friars
in the county of Antrim and now prisoners in the gaole of
Carrickfergus, each priest and frier is to enter into bond in the
sum of 100 to appear before the Lord Lieutenant and Council
within ten days, and to be' then enlardged.

It will be observed that occasionally orders were issued to
release priests from gaol on their giving bail not to act contrary
to the laws. These orders though issued by the highest authority
were not always carried out. For instance a proclamation was
made in 1661 that the priests in the several prisons throughout
Ireland should be released on these terms, yet among the Treasury
warrants of that year and the following are found such items as:

Oliver Walsh Marshal of the City of Dublin for monies by him
disbursed to two popish priests committed to his custody, at
6^. per diem for each of them for 797 days by warrant dated
14 of March 1662, 19 18 6.

John Dalway Mayor of Carrickfergus to be by him issued to 'three
popish priests now prisoners at Carrickfergus at 6^. per diem
to each of them towards their relief, 6 August 1661 10 0.

Captain Charles Twig for monies by him disbursed for the relief
of the popish priests prisoners in Galway 4 October 1661, 10.

And so on.

How little in truth royal proclamations availed to prevent
persecution may be judged from the following petition presented
to the King in 1662.

To the Kings most excellent Maiestie.

The humble petition of the Romish Cleargiemen now prisoners in
the seueral Provinces of Ireland.

Humbly sheweth That notwithstanding your Maiesties happy
restitution and your unparalleled clemency, mercy and those
great acts of Grace and indempnity to all the people of your
severall kingdomes of what profession or iudgment soever either
as to faith or to Government or of what party or interest soeuer
in the warres, your Maiesties poor subiectes the Catholic Cleargie
of the Roman Communion in your kingdom of Ireland groane
alwaies vnder a most vigorous persecution continued even to
this daye euer since your Maiesties returne and with as greate
rigour as of any time heretofore. Houses searched for them

10 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

continually by guards of souldiers and when they are taken,
dragged to prison euen out of their bedds of sicknesse euen
poore aged decrepit men and even those of that cleargie who
have on all occasions both att home in their own country and
abroade in their exile constantly manifested in their carriadge
very loyall hearts and very great affections and even a passionate
zeale for your Maiesties interest and service and who have
vppon that account (and for haveing therefore declared their
conscience against the Lord Nuncio and against his party in
the fatal differences of Ireland) suffered since very much vnkind-
nesse from some of their owne communion or of their own brethren.

That your petitioners are about three score in the severall pro-
vinces and prisons of Ireland and that in some places they are
denyed since your Maiesties restoration the poore allowance of
foure pence a daye which the State formerly did allow and give
them for necessary sustinance, many of your petitioners having
been these many yeares in prison and some ever since the Parlia-
ment forced that kingdome in the yeare 50.

May it therefore please your Sacred Maiestie to looke on your
most humble petitioners and to looke on them with such in-
dulgent regard as either to think or make them worthy your
Princely compassion and to lett the loyal affections and great
sufferings of some of them for you, over ballance those fore past
weaknesses or failings of others (whom yet affliction hath since
corrected) that they all may bee through your Maiesties merci-
full goodnesse and by your gracious command sett at libertie,.
and they all will ever continue their vowes and prayers to God
for your Maiesties happy and long raigne over your people in
this earthly Empire of great Brittaine till you exchange itt for
that which is prepared for you aboue the starres.

So that the body of priests who on 3rd February, 1662. made the
"remonstrance" or demonstration of loyalty to Charles, scarcely
exaggerated the facts.

Our dispersion into many foreign countries and the grievous per-
secution of the remainders at home ; some and even these by
dozens and scores and for many years many of them confined
in the several public gaols, marshalseas and prisons in this
kingdom, and not a few now of late to close restraint and new
additions daily made, others flitting and roaming to hide them-
selves in mountains, woods, bogs, rocks, in caves and horrid
wildt messes and searched for day and night yea hunted like
wild beasts.

But harassed as the priests were from without a still more
dangerous campaign was carried on within their own body. At
the Restoration Edmond O'Reilly, the primate, Anthony Geoghegan.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 11

bishop of Meath and some others thought well to join in an address
of congratulation to the King. Peter Walsh, a Franciscan, who
was well known to Charles and had followed the court in exile
was selected as the medium. But the bishops little reckoned with
their man. For an address or "remonstrance" was presented in
which instead of mere congratulation and loyalty, the clergy of
Ireland were made to say that they were obliged to obey the King

under pain of sin in all civil affairs "notwithstanding any power or
pretention of the pope or see of Rome or any sentence of what
kind soever given or to be given by the pope his predecessors or
successors or by any authority spiritual or temporal derived from
his see." In truth "the procurator of the Irish clergy" as he
styled himself was in the pay of government and this address
was but the first move in a well matured plan to raise the vexed
question of temporals and spirituals and split the Irish church into
warring factions. The fact has been long suspected but the Carte
Papers put it beyond question.

ORMOND TO SECRETARY BENNETT 5 FEBY 1663-4. -

I was glad that such a test as that of a declaration subscribed at
London by many of the clergy and laity was sett on foote which
was the most proper way to distinguish betwixt them [the
Romish clergie] and since it is most probable that one tyme
or other his Matie will find it necessary to lessen the prodigious
number of that clergie that dayly flock hither and are ordained
heere I doe conceive that those who will not subscribe to that
declaration (which noe understanding good subject will refuse)
are fitted for a sharp proceeding to be held with them, by which
meanes if it be seasonably taken in hand connivance and favour
may be afforded to those that shall subscribe with more safety
to the Government and with lesse scandall to the Protestants.

Peter Walsh the principal instrument received the fixed salary
of 100 a year from Ormond, a sum which would be equivalent
to eight times that amount at present (a). Besides this he received
for a considerable period the further sum of 200 yearly to sub-
sidise as would appear, his supporters.

(a) "I forgot to tell you that P. Walsh would call to you for .50 which
I had ordered my Controller to putt into your Grace's hands for him, being
unwilling to lett others know he was a pensioner" Ormond to Lord Chan-
cellor Boyle,. 19th August, 1667.

12 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

Monies received att severall times since May 1662 from my Lord
Duke of Ormond by Father Peter Walsh to this present August
1666.

Att several times and by several summes

the sayd year 1662 receaved by me .... 300

In the year '63 .... .... .... 300

In the year '64 .... .... .... 320

In thl year '65 by severall summes .... 105

In all .... 1025

PETER WALSH.

The service which Walsh was prepared to give his masters
was ample. His proposals briefly were :

1. The superiors of the Roman Catholic clergy to be licensed by
the King. No others to exercise " any jurisdiction or superiority
(even purely spiritual' I meane) over any of his subiectes by
virtue of any commission received from any community or
superior beyond seas." Any clergy obeying persons not so
licensed to be proceeded against with "due severitie."

2. Two or three grave and learned men to summon once a year
all the superiors of the priests and regulars "to examine their
proceedings in what may relate to the Government in matters
of doctrine or practice."

3. Notice to be given of all ecclesiastical "assemblys or chapters,
the day and the place in order that they should not be held
without his Maiesties express allowance" and nothing finally
determined therein until a copy of the proceedings be furnished
to his Majisty (b).

Holding such opinions one is little surprised at finding Walsh
in close relations with the Protestant hierarchy. Boyle, arch-
bishop of Dublin, writes to Ormond 6th July, 1664.

Your Grace's particular commands have obliged me to a frequent
converse with Peter Walsh whom I finde to be very zealous as
to the English interest. The confinement of some priests and

(b) Walsh to Ormond. No date. In the preamble he writes "I must
confesse my Lord I was content to see under the hands and seales of the
most inveterate heads of the disloyal part of the Cleargie a submissive appli-
cation to his sacred Maiestie and to your Grace and to see them necessitated
to make it by me whome for having formerly appeared against them in that
manner I did in the fatal differences of our countrymen and for having un-
alterably adhered to his Maiesties interest with all faith affection and zeale,
they persecuted so long and represented at Rome with so much horror and
in the general chapter of my Order held there and to all my superiors both
at Madrid and in countries beyond seas, charging me in all those places
with being suspected of heresy."

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 13

friars here and the insolent carrage of Magee and Docharty
[Franciscans] with their confederates acting by the authoritie
of a foreign power doth necessitate my Lord Deputie to doe
some thing at this time in order to both. The prisoners exam-
inations are taken, and they in plaine terms refuse to subscribe
the Remonstrance of Peter Walsh and I suppose my Lord Deputy
may think it convenient to your Grace's presydent to disperse
them into several! places of restraynt. For Magee and Docharty
and others of that party that remayne about the country and
diffuse theyre poysons in all places as they pass, it is thought
a proclamation published against them will be the liklyest way
to prevent there mischiefes. I had some discourse with Peter
Walsh who not only thinks a proclamation the fittest and the
softest way to doe the work but adviseth it as necessary. He
believes that there is a great concurrence between the fanatique
English and the Nuncio Irish to rayse disturbance amongst us.
In fine I perceave plainly he is very suspitious that the Nuncio
party amongst the clergy will in a short time carry the whole
sway of that kingdom to the discouragement if not destruction
of the loyal party of the Clergy if something be not done to
discountenance them.

The Franciscans who discarded Walsh received the particular
attentions of the authorities. On llth June, 1664, the archbishop
again wrote to Ormond.

By the apprehension of some friars who were this day brought
to town it is very probable that my Lord Deputy may discover
the principall gang of those who have united themselves and
declared against Peeter Walsh's protestation and who have
designed the carrying on a forreign obedience in opposition
thereunto. The persons now hi restraint are doubtless of that
party. So much their papers evidence and I hope this lucky
hit uppon theire first attempts will discourage them from any
further progress in the like nature.

The opposition to the Remonstrance being chiefly fostered by
synods and chapter-meetings, these were carefully watched. The
Protestant Primate writes 7th June, 1664, to Ormond.

My Lord Deputy [Ossory] being informed that one Dennis Magee
a ffranciscan ffryer of the North who is lately retourned from
beyond the seas is now in his visitation through the kingdom,
and intends to hould a general chapter very soone, uppon advice
had with the Archbishop of Dublin is resolved to issue his warrant
for apprehending him and one Antony Docharty, provinciall,
who countenances much the other but the Archbishop will take
the advice of the Council before his warrants issue.

14 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

Again on the 6th of July he reported :

When I came to the countie of Downe I found that there had been
a great meeting of the popish cleargie two dayes before my coming
thither but I could not get information what occasioned that
confluence for privately it was carryed through. I was tould
the most of them were druncke att night. I suppose that Dr.
Daily vicar generall to the titular primate (to exercise his pre-
tended and forrein juridsiction) had called them together which
is a thing too vsuall with him and some others of that way.

Accordingly, as the Archbishop of Dublin had suggested, a
proclamation was issued :

Whereas information hath been given unto us by divers gentlemen
ond others of the Popish religion that several pretended chapters
have been and are to be soon called in several parts of this kingdom
and meetings appointed by persons disaffected to his Majesties
Government who take opportunities from those assemblies to
diffuse and spread abroad among the people of that Religion
seditious doctrines etc, all are hereby cautioned and forewarned
that none shall presume to assist, abett, or countenance them
and those who were engaged therein shall upon their duty of
allegiance to his Maiesty forbear any further proceedings.

DUBLIN CASTLE 11 July 1664.

All intimidation and bribery notwithstanding, only sixty-nine
ecclesiastics could be got to sign the Remonstrance. The surrender
however, of the theological faculty of the Sorbonne to the French
Government in 1663, gave Walsh and his supporters new hopes.
Father Maginn, the Queen's chaplain, visited Ormond at Kilkenny
and undertook to win over his brother, the Dean of Dromore,
Daly the vicar general of Armagh and others in the North. Further,
the exiled bishops, beaten it was supposed, to the knees were making
piteous appeals to Government for permission to return. The
Primate himself who on account of his staunch opposition, had to
fly the country, was now writing in terms in which self-respect
even was wanting.

May it please your Grace.

I am the Publican standinge a f arre of and not daringe to lift upp
mine eyes to the heavens and your Grace but knocking my
breast humbly pray your Excellencie wilbe pleased to be favour-
able to me and make me partaker of his Maiesties vnparalled
mercies, promising in the sight of God and his Angells that I
shall endeavour to comply in all pointes with his soueraign

REIGN OF CHARLES IL 15

Maties most gracious will and your Excellencies comands as
fair as shall become a true and faithfull subiect. If otherwise
who am I, a worme not a man, the reproach of mankind, the vilitie
of the people, a dead dogg and a flea yett my most gracious Lord

Your Grace his most abject servant
Paris 22 Oct 1665. EDMUNDE ARMAGH.

Again he appeals to Captain Archer who had been set to
watch the Irish in France.

Paris the last October 1665 ' Noble Captaine.

Heareing from Patrick Archer your kinsman that you are posted

hence as I suppose for Ireland. I iudged it meete to comend

vnto you mine owne case its this. I live in Paris these five

months after being at Rome and in the way thether forward and

backward about four years. Faine would I return to my country

to be buried among my friendes I am next Januarie 68 yeares

compleat and though I be not without offence I am never the

lesse much calumniated, I would not or ever did subscribe to

any violation of peace. At Waterford I vtterly denied before

the Nuncio to putting hand to the breach of the peace concluded

before that tune at Giginston neer the Naess, I was never at

Jamestown though called thether, nor at any meeting which I

understood intended any dissention, breach or tumult butt

though I finde not me self guiltie of ought yett in this I am not

iustified for he is the Lord that iudgeth me. My humble request

is that you be pleased in charitie to comend me to his grace the

Duke of Ormond Lord Lieut of Ireland to be mercifull to me

to whom I will give if neede be good securitie for my demeanour,

I pray forget me not as Pharao his cheefe cup bearer forgott

Joseph in the prison. The rest is that I pray God direct you

in all your waies. I am your humble servant for Capt Archer.

EDMUNDE ARMAGH, (c)

So that there was still reason to suppose, as in the case of
France, that if a body of the clergy were gathered together under
the shadow of the civil power, a considerable number might be
committed to the Remonstrance and the dissensions among them
thereby embittered the more. Besides, their refusal to subscribe
would be construed as disloyalty and afford a pretext for further

(c) Orders were issued 18 March 1661 to arrest Primate Reilly, who
seems to have escaped the country soon after. On 5 August 1662 Ormond
wrote to the Earl of Middleton "Since my arrival here (in Dublin) I am
informed that one Rely the Titular Primate of Ireland is or was lately at
Ayre and that divers of his clergie went over to him. If your Lordship could
gett him taken and safely sent over to receive his tryall for the villannys
he did heere it would be very seasonable service and a great security to all
honest men, for he is a fellow that knows by experience how to treat with
fanatiques and all sorts of Rebells."

16 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

persecution. In the event safe-conducts were granted to the
exiled primate, and some forty of the bishops and clergy at home
to meet in Dublin. The motives which actuated Ormond are
disclosed in his correspondence with Clarendon the English Lord
Chancellor.

ORMOND TO CLARENDON 9 JUNE 1666.

The meeting of the Irish clergie will be held heere in the beginning
of the next week though it hath been upon the matter prohibited
by letters from Cardinall Barberini and the internuncio at
Brussells as a thing threatening much danger to the Catholique
religion. The letters sent from them by a Dominican frier one
Farrell I took yesterday from the titular Bishop of Ardagh and
send you copies of them. They were not opened by him nor
could I haue found them with him if he had not been willing
enough though he would haue it otherwise believed. I am still
hopefull good use may and will be made of this meeting if the
zeale which is almost generall heere against popery and Irish
will lett us make the best of it.

I acknowledge it a greate and perhaps a bold negligence in me
that I haue not acquainted the King with my correspondence
with Primate Reyly in order to intelligence. In recompense
whereof I promised him permission to end his dayes (which are
not like to be many) peaceably in his owne country. By his
coming I am confident there is no intention of invading this
country. Another condition of his coming and receaving pro-
tection is his subscribing to the Remonstrance which will not
only make his return desperate but give much countenance to
it and as much mortification to Rome as they can receive from
anything in Ireland. Now I remember me I did some moneths
since acquaint my Lord Arlington with my correspondence with
hmi [Reilly] and propose him as a proper spye. But he thought
500 a yeare (the rate he [Reilly] sett upon his service) too high
and soe I admitted of his return, that is, promised to conive at it.

The refusal of the bishops and clergy to sign the Remonstrance
was therefore the signal for renewed persecution. Of the three
bishops who attended the meeting the Primate O'Reilly and
Plunket, bishop of Ardagh were forthwith put under arrest. Lynch,
bishop of Kilfenora made his escape to France.

ORMOND TO CLARENDON JUNE 27 1666.

The meeting of the Romish clergie heere is now dissolved but
without their having subscribed to the Remonstrance or to
anything of like force. The titular Primate is a jugler and seems
to deny that he knew of any condition whereupon he was per-
mitted to come over. My purpose is to send him back again,

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 17

after some tyme in which it may be discerned whether he had
not some worse purpose in his coming. During his stay which
shall be in the towne he shall be under good watch if not under
guard. I send you herewith Father Caron's letter to me sub-
scribed by him a day or two before he dyed. He was carefull
to have witnesses by from the time he despaired of recovering
lest it should be reported he retracted any of his principles,
which was noe unnecessary caution for even before his death it
was so given out and he had tyme solemnly to disown in the
presence of many. You know; whether he was to reckon upon
the 100 he mentions in the postscript or noe (d).

CLARENDON TO ORMOND 7 JULY 1666.

I have not seen what you write to Lord Arlington upon the meeting
of the Irish clergy. I doe wish heartily you would pursue
your own secrett instructions which I am sure I would doe if
I were in your case, and begynne with expelling all the priests
out of Ireland who refuse to subscribe the Declaration. If you
consent to the least alteration you overthrow the whole and
absolve all who stand obliged by their subscriptions. The
primate in my opinion should not be sent away but made a very
close prisoner and noe man suffered to come to him. It is yett
in your power to keepe out and improve that schism which will
contain much security to the kingdom. I am heartily sorry for
poor Carron's death ; he was an honest man and it is an honest
letter. I had directed 100 to be payd to him if he had been
alive, it shall be payd as you shall direct.

ORMOND TO CLARENDON 18 JULY 1666.

I make no scruple to proceeding with all severity to the expulsion
of those Irish clergie who have not or shall not subscribe to the
Declaration in the same sillables as it was first conceived, but
if that be done without any mitigation or favour to the subscribers
they will shortly reunite. Those who have been persuaded (not
without hope of advantage by it) to subscribe will take absolu-
tions for having done it, and those who shall disdaine that re-
fraction will be exposed to scorn and persecution from the other
party and be without that countenance which should support
them. How far that countenance shall extend is what I would
receive direction in, and it may not be without inconvenience
to the King to give such warrant without the advice of his
Council. The titular primate has some colour of a safe conduct
but the conditions are palpably broken by him. He shall not
have liberty enough to doe mischief nor yet to be gone. Caron's

(d) ^Redmond Caron, O.S.F., was Walsh's principal supporter. Claren-
don writes 13 December 1662 "Fr. Caron (of whom upon your commendation
I take care here) desyrs me to recomend his poore friends to you. the man
is sober and discreet and exceedingly abhorred by the papists."

18 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

100 he left to pay debts and legacys as I think to Peter Walsh
his distribution.

CLARENDON TO ORMOND 4 AUGUST 1666.

Concerning your Catholiques, the matter hath not been yet debated
amonge us so much as in private. I do not think a better method
can be observed in that affayre then is I believe expressed in
your instructions to prosequute the dissenters [i.e. non-sub-
scribers] with severity till they are dryven out of the kingdom
and not to prosequute or disturb the others in any degree.

The "prosecution" therefore of the priests who refused to put
their religion under state control, was carried on more actively
than ever. The Carte correspondence abounds in details. A spy
in the service of the Protestant archbishop of Armagh reports
12 May 1667.

As I came from Armagh on tuesday the 15th of October 1666 I
lodged that night in my way to Dublin att the house of one
George Blykes vppon the ffewes who being then absent, vppon
some discourse with his wife (who is a Roman Catholique) we
happened to speake concerning Dr. Dawry who she told me vsed
i I to keepe his visitations at her house every yeare but that now
Uhe kept it Dunleer and that vppon that day and that there was
^some difference betwixt him and one Draycott a priest that
lived at Tradagh concerning the jurisdiction of the county of
Lowth. The next day being the 16th I travelled from thence
to Droghedagh and in my way thither as I was passing through
Cappocke I saw an. old man on horse backe and much company
aboute him att an ale house doore in that towne and I asked
the old man (whom I suspected to be a preist) whether the
visitation was ended. He makeing noe reply being as I imagined
exceeding in drinke, a young man on horse backe by him told
me the visitation was done yesterday. I asked him where was
the metropolitan he answered me he was not in this kingdome
I then asked him where Dr. Dawly the vicar generall was, he
answered at Dunleer in the way before me. After I came to
Dunleer and lighted att one Peirce's house and came vnto a roome
which they could scarce spare, being as I saw myself very full
of company. Mr. Peirce the master of the house come in to
the roome and I asked him what meant all that company, then
he told me ther was a meeting of Dr. Dawly with several! of the
Romish clergie to the number of 14 or 15 priests or there abouts,
I asked him what they did there, he told me he knew not for
they spoake nothing but Latine and he did not understand it.
I then asked him who discharged the reckoning and his wife
told me Dr. Dawly's servant payd her seaven and forty shillings
yesternight and he payd her fifteen shillings that day and sayd
they had few such dayes, I told her I supposed it was a visitation,

REIGN OF CHARLES II.

19

she said she knew not but the high sheriffe dined there yesterday
and kept his Court Leet at one Millers house over the way the
same day but that he dined in a roome by himselfe and not
with Dr. Dawly.

From Kilkenny, Ormond's own city, came a list of the local
Catholic establishments.

St. Maryes parish
in Backe Lane

A convent of Franciscan Friers in St

James street

A popish .schoole neere the Friers.
A convent of Augustin Friers.
{ A convent of Dominicans.
The Jesuits chappie, a masse house
The Jesuits schoole house.
Luke Archer's chappie a masse house

Back Lane.

St. Patrickes
Parish

St. Kennys Parish
St. John's Parish

In St. Maty's parish

At Richard Nolan's a masse house.
A nother masse house neere the gate.

f James Kevanagh a chappie a masse house
\Pierce Purcells chappie or masse house

JOne Lench teacheth a schoole at John
I Shea's near Mr. Walter Lawlesse his house

In the sd parish of St. Maryes one Mrs
- Trennell & Mrs Cantwell keepes schooles

Luke Archer Parish Priest of St Maryes
James Kavenagh Priest of St Kennys
Piers Purcell Priest of St Johns
Peirce fforstal Priest of St Patrickes Parish

The Dominicans received, it would appear, special attention.
A note of the names of all the Dominican Priors of Ireland,

Linster
Kilkenny Edmond Prender-

gast

Achaboe Patrick Dulehanty
Athy Redmond Moore

Mullingare Garratt Dillon
Trime Gerratt Ferraill

Longford Richard Maddin

Munster

Limbrick John Burke
Killmallock Henry Burgate
Youghall Constantine Kyffe
Cashell Patrick Henbery
Lorha Thady Biragra

Conaght.

Portumna Christopher Walsh
Athenry Thomas Burke
Galloway Nicholas Hallam
Strade William Burke
Irlare Domnick Phillbin

Boresule William Burke
Rathtranny Antony Henegan
Sligoe Philia Connor

Roscoman John Bern

Thredath
Newtown
Coolrahan
Goula

Ulster

John Reynolds
Clemens Bern
James Crilly
Thomas Mahun

Suma 24

20 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

The names of such Monasteries wherein Priors are not named at
the present,

Linster. Dublin, Naase, Arcloe, Rosse.

Munster. Waterford Corck Gleanmire Tralee Clonmell

Ulster. Carlingford Dery

Conoght. Tuilsk.

An intercepted letter of the Provincial, Father John O'Hart
(who writes under the name of Harrison) throws some light on the
proceedings against them.

Copy of Harrison alias Hart's lettre to Clemens Berne :
Yours beering date the 25th and last of May I received and con-
sidering your office to be expired and that you have not numerus
vocalium ad electionem requisitus therefore I send you the inclosed
and desire you to send for Mr James and Mr Thomas and notify
this to them. Gowrin is already assigned in Carlingford ut ibi sit
numerus ternarius. I desire Mr Crolly to help you well, I know
he may doe it. I have sent my postilla with six breviaries to
the young men in those quarters. I am summoned to appeare
here, my bonds being called uppon. The reason I was sent for
and none else is that they intend to make me an example to
terrify all the superiors of Ireland that they might condiscend
to Peter Walsh his remonstrance. They beginn with me that in
regard of our order excepting one they cannot gett any to signe
or as much as to flatter with Peter Walsh and that wee have
been all obedient to the Nuncio which is most odious. Now
my adversaryes cast such aspersions uppon me and myne to
make us odious, they envy our stedfastness and unanimitie soe
farr that they doe worke to sow sedition among us Sed frustra.
Our friends in London gives us very great comfort that this
tendring will fall of itself very soone and they commend much our
resolucon and suff ranees. Men are madd here Peter Walsh
himself e beginning to be weary of his proceedings in regardeth
that he seeth his own f aire promises to the nation to be frustrated
that the nation is cast by this bill soe that ere long there will
be noe accompt of his advice.

Soon after we find the Provincial a prisoner in Dublin Castle ,
together with some of his colleagues Christopher Farr ell, for
instance, who had been imprisoned for bringing over letters from
Cardinal Barberini forbidding the Dublin meeting, and Redmond
Moore who was specially obnoxious to Walsh (e). The latter died

(e) "Such poore creatures as had not wherewithall to bribe him he
(Walsh) persecuted so violently that one ffather Moore a Dominican died
a prisoner" Peter Talbot's vindication by a Pastor of Dublin.

REIGN OF CHARLES II.

21

after an imprisonment of three years. Besides those in the Castle
there were some in other prisons.

Council to John Weaver Esq 15 July 1668.

You are to cause diligent search for Michael Shiele a Dominican
frier who 'we are informed lives sometimes at his sister's house
in Lisdark in the Kings Co. and cause him to be committed to
the shire gaol until further notice. You are further to seize
such papers etc.

Keane Carroll "a poore Dominican fryer" petitions, 13 April
1668,

That your poore suppliant vppon the 3rd day of September 1666
was and hath been a prisoner, in the custodjr of the Sergeant-at-
Armes where he remaineth in a most sad and deplorable manner
haveing noe way to mainteine himselfe only what charitable
Christians are seldome pleased to bestow on him, through meanes
whereof your suppliant will undoubtedly perish if not by your
Grace (at whose feete hee casteth himselfe prostrate for redresse)
speedily relieved. And forasmuch as your supliant ever yet
hath been a faithfull and loyal subject to his sacred Majestic
King Charles the Second and to his predecessors and never acted
anything prejudicial to the Crowne of England nor never guilty
of that crime do deserve such tedious imprisonment. May it
therefore please your Grace of your wonted mercy to order that
your suppliant may be set at liberty, giveing good security that
he shall be forthcoming whensoever called upon.

The Franciscans were as little spared as the Dominicans
though many of them supported Walsh. Ormond indeed showed
some countenance. On 24 July 1665 he ordered the release of
James Fitz Simons and Thomas Harold who had lain in prison
since New Years Day 1663. But other msmbsrs of the govern-
ment made no distinction.

ORMOND TO ORRERY 24 OCTOBER 1666.

It is necessary the insolent folly of those Jesuits, priests and Fryars
should be soe restrayned as to teach them modesty when they
are well used and prevent the scandall the licence they take
may give to sober Protestants. The Jesuit [Stritch] should be
sent for and his Pasarole called for and as his carriage shall be
found so deale with him by imprisonment in order to his banish-
ment. As to the Fryars I think it will be best your Lordship
send for Coppinger who will be found about Corke and demand
of him whether those fryars be of the number of the subscribers,
requiring from time to" time a list of their names. If he says

22 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

they are not of that number your Lordship shall doe well to
cause them to be seized on. If they are your Lordship is to
require them to separate themselves for the present. If he says
that some of them are and some of them are not subscribers,
let him give you a list of those that are not and then it will be
fitt to seize them all but afterwards to. set the subscribers at
liberty and send the others to the nearest prisons. This dis-
tinction will keep up the disunion between them and secure us
one party among them. When it shall please God to send us
peace wee may more securely determine how all of the Romish
profession are to be dealt with.

ORMOND TO ORRERY 8 JANUARY 1667.

Your Lordship hath done well to seise upon the Friers in Bantry
and it is fitt that you should deale with those of Quin of whom
there is not one subscriber and also that you find out if possible
the two Guardians and lay them fast or take good security for
their forth coming. I am sorry my cousin Daniel O'Brien gets
him not a better sort of chaplains. For those friars or priests
lately landed, as they pretend, out of Spaine I wish they may
be apprehended if possible and examined concerning the place
they left, the reason of their coming hither, who are their friends
etc. I wish you would give order in the ports of that province
to suffer none who shall land out of forreign parts to be let pass
till after the like examination.

ORMOND TO ORRERY 30 MARCH 1667.

I am glad to find by your letter that Mulryan the friar is appre-
hended and I doubt not he be secured either in gaole or any
other way until it shall be resolved what course shall be taken
with him, I. have sent directions to the high sheriff of Tipperary
to make search for and apprehend Edmund Haghereen Edmund
Walsh and John O'Magher and I desire that what evidence
3^our Lordship can get against them and the rest may be sent
to Clonmell against the next Assizes.

Orrery bore no love for Ormond and it would seem from the
following order in the Council Book, that he girded at the latter
for conniving at friars in the Tippera^ Palatinate.

To Richard Earl of Arran 26 September 1670.

We are informed by the Earle of Orrery that in the suburbs of
Cashell there are erected two convents of friers and considering
that the place is within the Count}^ Palatine of Tipperary we
doubt not your Lordshipp has power to suppress such buildings
which if not seasonably prevented may grow into great eviUs
but in case you have not power we upon notice shall supply that

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 23

defect. It will be necessary that we bee informed by whom
and when those convents were erected and the names of the
proprietors of the lands wherein they are erected.

BERKELEY.

When England was at peace with the Continent, and stories
of popish treason could not be so easily concocted, recourse was
had to the ancient statutes of Praemnnire.

OSSORY TO KINGSTON LORD PRESIDENT OF CONNAUGHT 10 AUGUST

1669.

Having received information that severall popish recusents have
lately severall times held numerous and unlawful assemblies in
the town of Galway and that severall popish priests and Jesuits
and others of the popish pretended clergy have and still doe
openly .exercise forraine and ecclesiasticall jurisdiction to the
great oppression of his Maiesties subjects. We require you to
informe yourself of the names and qualities of such popish
pretended clergie as usually resort to that town.

LORD ROBARTS TO EDWARD BISHOP OF CLONFERT 14 FEBRUARY

1669.

We require your Lordshipp to use such meanes as you judge fitt
for the apprehension of Daniel Kelly who seems to assume the
place of titular popish vicar generall of the Diocese 9f Clorifert
and he being apprehended be committed to safe custody in the
shire gaole and cause such examination to be taken as shall be
necessary for proofe of the matter contained in your letters of
the 4 of June last.

ORMOND TO OSSORY 26 JANUARY 1669.

It seems Father Patrick's brother [Ronan Maginn, Dean of Dro-
more], is fallen into inconveniency by his ignorant zeale and
though I am persuaded his intentions weare good yet I will not
say it can be safe to interrupt the course of justice in soe tender
a case as that of exercising forraign jurisdiction, by any publique
order in stop of prosecution. But if the King's atturney be
verbally and privately ordered not to be over diligent I conceive
there can come no hurt of it.

More fortunate therefore than others, Maginn escaped.

Priest hunting would appear to have ceased in a great measure
with the departure of Ormond in 1669. His successor Lord Ber-
keley would adopt neither the policy of persecution nor of intrigue.
Hence the Catholic authorities were free to take their own course
with Walsh and the other hired agitators. But Ormond stood by
his old friends ; and henceforward for three years the quarrel of

\
24 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

Remonstrants and Anti-Remonstrants was fought out at White-
hall instead of Dublin. Before the new viceroy had left for Ireland
Ormond made strong representations to Charles upon the "per-
secution" which the Remonstrants were undergoing for their
loyalty. Accordingly special instructions were issued to Berkeley.

Whereas we are given to understand that since our calling the
Duke of Ormond from the government there divers of the dis-
affected party of the popish clergy are not only returned to that
our kingdom but have beyond seas obtained titular dignities of
archbishoprics and bishoprics with unlawful powers which they
have presumed to exercise to the great discouragement of all
or most of those who subscribed a remonstrance declaring the
allegiance they bear to us, our pleasure is that you severely
put in execution the laws against such titular archbishops bishops
or vicars general as have cited, excommunicated or threatened
any of those who in England or in Ireland have subscribed the
said remonstrance, and that on all occasions you give protection
to those who have subscribed and not retracted their subscription.

Peter Talbot who had been appointed to the see of Dublin
in 1669 took the leading part against the Remonstrants. All sorts
of reports were made to government about him. One dated
21 June 1670 runs,

Heer was last Saturday a meeting of all the Catholique bushops
of Ireland to regulate some disordres in their owne church. The
principal grounds of their meeting wear thes to Publish the
Popes inhibition to them to medil in anne temporal busines
to take away the fast of wensday and the hole dayes not sutable
to thes kept by that Church. On Saturda}' last Petter Talbot
tould them he was apointed by the King to oversee all the clergie
of Ireland. The Tetular Primat Pluncket desired to se the
autorete, and that he would submit. The other said he had
it not vnder the great seal. The Primat replied the letil [seal]
would serve his turon and that in the intrim that he shewed
this of the King's, he was to oversee him and would. They
have gevin a Remonstrans to his Excellencie, it's the same the
Clergie gave tre years agoe to my Lord Duke. Petter Talbot
tucke occasion at this meeting to declare that my Lord Duke
[of Ormond] had beene the ruine of the Catholicks and instanced
seuerall things. I should thinke that to asperse such a minister
as your father is, in such an assembly is penal and to assume
that he is overseer of the Clergie heer by the King's autorete
ought to be soe to. My Lord Liftenant is acquainted with all
this and vere sensible of the Malis of this man's behaviour and
will write to the King.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 25

Walsh and his followers appealed directly to the King. "Your
petitioners" they stated "are estranged from the comfort and
charitie of their friends and relations by reason of the violent
persecution of Peter Talbot and others now exercising jurisdiction
over your honest and peaceable subiectes" and having recited
their grievances, conclude by petitioning that "by your gracious
hand they may be rescued from those unsupportable afflictions."
Talbot in defence wrote to Sir Ellis Leighton, Berkeley's secretary.

TEMPLEOG 9 July 1670.

Honoured Sir. I give you many thanks in having my letter
delivered so safely to our friend. That foolish libel that Collonel
Fitz Patrick kept so great a stirr about and wherein it was said
that I excommunicated all Peter Walsh his adherents, was re-
presented in England as a true solid piece. My friend [King
Charles] desires that my Lord Lieutenant will certify vnto
him and to my Lord Arlington whether I be such a disturber
of the peace as that Paper sayes and Fitz Patrick writes. There-
fore I beseeche you to speak to my Lord Lieutenant to doe me
the justice as to signify whether I have not demeaned my selfe
since his arrivall heere as peaceably and inoffensively as any
other of my function. And for excommunicating I never as
much as threatened it, butt to the contrary have hindered the
Superiors of ffriars (who are exempt from the Bishop's juris-
diction) from prosecuting some of their regulars with that vigour
and censures which their scandalous lives deserve merely for
feare of stirrs and noises notwithstanding that I knew Fitz
Patrick doth countenance Coppinger and two or three more
dissolute fryars against me, who are the only unquiet spiritts
amongst us. I write the inclosed to arm my two friends that
my Lord Lieutenant will certifie the truth according to their
desire and my request, I should advise you and my Lord Lieuten-
ant to beware of Fitz Patrick did I not feare you would thinke
it proceeded from passion. I pray speak to his Excellency to
certifie the truth by this post.

Your faithfull servant

P. TALBOT.

Lord Berkeley's reply to Ormond's attack was equally effective.

BERKELEY TO ORMOND 13 SEPTEMBER 1670.

1 had whilst I was at the Curragh, a letter shewed to me from my
Lord Arlington signifying in plaine tearmes that your Grace
had informed his Maiestie in his Lordship's hearing that I had
discountenanced those called remonstrators and countenanced
their opposers, I shall take leave to say that the complaint of

26 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

Peter Walsh though most true were very injurious to me ;
because neither he nor any other in his behalf has made any
the least address to me since I came hither. Secondly if
Peter Talbot doth now exercise forraigne jurisdiction heere to-
his prejudice and those of his way I am the least answerable
for it of any man living, having declared to Peter Talbot at
my coming to this place that if he should disturbe any man
upon the account of their being Remonstrators (though upon
other pretences) I would make him an example. For which and
others of my plaine dealings with him he hath been much un-
satisfyed with me ever since my arrivall. What he [Walsh]
meanes by Peter Talbot and others I know not but wish they
had been named that I might have the stricter eye over them.
But what if all these reflections upon me be without ground ?
I have great reason to believe they are soe, because my Lord
Chancellor told me this day some of Mr. Walsh's way complain-
ing to his Grace now three months since in generall terms, his
Grace desired him to make proof of any one particular. Since
which time he hath never heard from the Gentlemen.

During Berkeley's administration it was in vain that Ormond
and Walsh tried to stir up feuds, and kindle the fires of persecution.

When Essex succeeded to the vice-roj/alty, there was every
hope that the peace which the church had enjoyed for three years
would continue. Archbishop Talbot was in London and on his
return he brought to the new Lord Lieutenant the following letter
of introduction.

FR. PATRICK MAGINNIS TO ESSEX 27 JULY 1672.

May it please your Excellencjr. The Gentleman that humbly
presents this to your Excellency is the person I gave you a
character of at Whyte hall. His integrity and loyaltie is well
known to the King and the ministers who are sufficiently assured
of his capacitie and willingness to assert his Maiesties interest.
It was on that account and on no other that I presumed to
recommend him to your Excellencie's favour. The reason I
made bold to offer this trouble by his own conveyance is to the
end he may have the more easy and speedie access in order to
the honour of being personally known to your Excellencie, of
which he must needs as he ought to be very ambitious. And
since he together with the rest of his profession in the country
resolves never to fayle in their loyaltie, affection and duty to
the King our master, I hope your Excellencie will be pleased
to entertain good and favourable thoughts of them and of their
endeavour to serve his Maiestie, for whom they are and alwaies
shall be free to sacrifice their lives.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 27

SAME TO SAME 26 AUGUST 1672.

Mr Talbot acquainted me with your Excellencie's favourable re-
ception of him upon my recommendation for which I return
my most humble and thankfull acknowledgments accompanied
with the assurance of my resolution to continue with the deepest
respect imaginable. Yours etc.

A year later we find Arlington, Secretary of State, introducing

another bishop.

* WHITEHALL Sept 16 1673.

My Lord I write this to comply with a promise I made to the
Titular Bishop of Clogher to write to your Excellency in his
favour whom I saw once only after he had layne many months
sick here in London, I knew him in Madrid a ffranciscan ffryer,
much esteemed in his Order and no lesse in the Court by the
ministers there ; and by his good offices to them, I found much
helpe in his Maiestie's affaires entrusted then to my care and
in all occasions he seemed to be full of loyalty and duty to the
Crown of England. He is a man of good parts and understand-
ing in the affairs of the world and this testimony I owe him
that if he continue there, you may know him to make use of him
and I shall be glad your Excellency will let him know I have
recommended him to your favour, which is all the occasion of
this, I am your Excellencies most faithfull and most humble
servant ARLINGTON.'

With this Dr. Tyrrell brought a second letter more laudatory
if possible. But when it is stated the writer was Ormond one
may be prepared for the crooked corrective which followed ten

days later.

CLARENDON HOUSE 27 Sept 1673.

My Lord I have been impatient for an opportunity by some
safe hand to send a letter after that I sent by the Titular Bishop
of Clogher that you may know why I gave him such a letter.
The man was of good credit in the Court of Spaine and had
good accesse to, and countenance from the ministers of that
kingdom. I found by good arguments he was no friend either
to the Titular Primatt nor yet to Peter Talbot envying perhaps
the preferring of the one to the Primacy, and [envying] the
credit the other boasted he had in our Court, and I believe from
this emulation and discord your Excellency might be the better
informed (in a time of so much danger as I cannot chuse but
suspect this to be) of any designe there may be to disturb the
government especially by that party. Your Excellency being
so well able to distinguish betwixt such intelligences as proceed
from malice and those that bear a probability of truth, and I
am further to inform your Excellency that he who carried my

28 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

letter has the reputation of a man secret enough, and upon whose
word it is not always necessary too much to rely but these are
not characteristics peculiar to him amongst those of his function
as experience has very abundantly thought me when I was in
that government and had more to do with them than I hope
your Excellency will ever find cause to have. ORMOND.

By this time however, Essex had mastered the policy of dealing
with the clergy which Ormond for twenty years had perfected
and made his own. He replied,

DUBLIN CASTLE Nov. 14, 1673.

My Lord I have lately received two letters from your Grace
both concerning the Titular Bishop of Clogher ; the first delivered
by himself, the latter wherein you were pleased to discourse
more freely concerning him was brought me by this gentleman
Sir Bernard de Gomez. 'Tis a great advantage both to myself
in particular and to his Majesties affairs in generall that your
Grace is pleased to communicate with me so plainly the know-
ledge you have of persons in this kingdom, and I desire you
will continue this correspondence as often as there is anything
necessary for me to know and that you have the opportunity
of conveying it by a safe hand.

The execution of the late address will I conceive put an end to
all relating to these titular Bishops who now must quit the
country and I hear they are all preparing to be gone, in obedience
to it. One thing I have of difficulty lying upon me in this
Article of the Address which I do not make known to any of
my friends in England except your Grace, it is this, Soon after
my coming hither, Moloon}? the titular bishop of Killaloe whom
I look upon as the most dangerous (because the wisest) man of
all the clergy made a composure of all the differences between
their Primate and Peter Talbot ; as also the dissentions between
Colonel Talbot and Collonel Fitzpatrick and had upon the matter
well nigh made an union among them all, I soon found that if
this proceeded I should have no intelligence of any of their practices
or actions. I believe it to be one of the most important things
I could do both for his Majesty's service and for the security of
his Protestant subjects here either to keep those men divided
or if they were united to break them again. I made some of
their friers who alwaise have their little wrangles with the secular
clergy, to set up faction against their Bishops and by encouraging
their little annamosityes amongst themselves, I at length
brought them to that pass that they openly accused one another
of exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction contrary to the laws of
the land. Several examinations were taken and the Bishops
brought to swear one against another, which have renewed their
divisions to that degree as I believe they are now irreconcilable.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 29

By the address of the House of Commons all the regulars are to
be banished and should I put this exactly in execution I must
send all these poor friers abroad, who have done us this service
and expose them to great severityes there ; indeed I believe
some of them acted so far as they will certainly loose their lives
should they be sent beyond seas. There are but very few not
I am sure beyond six or eight who have been principally instru-
mental in this affair ; and for these though I will not give them
any publique protection yet my intention is to counive at them
and give some gentleman in the country charge to take care
that they be not troubled for doubtless in all these cases 'tis
impossible but something must be understood to be left at the
discression of a governor. Yours etc. ESSEX.

Ormond again wrote 9 December 1673,

It is without doubt needful that your Excellency and whoever
governes for the King there should have good intelligence of
the temper and designes of the severall partj^es there of whom
there are none so numerous so agreeing in principles of religion
or so unsatisfied with their condition as the Irish Papists and
therefore your Excellency does most prudentry to continue
such differences as arises amongst them in poynt of secular
interests for to that all their contentions referre. When I had
the honour to governe in that kingdom I found meanes . to
devide them upon the subscription of a certaine Remonstrance
declaring their fidelity to the King in temperalls in such termes
and to that degree that was not agreeable to the pretences of
the Pope. This Remonstrance with the countenance given to
the subscribers and discountenance to the refusers got ground
very fast ; but after I was recalled this cours was neglected if
not inverted and the subscribers were exposed to the persecution
of the refusers even in Ireland. If this test had been continued
it would have made a more useful and reasonable distinction
then that betwixt Regulars and Seculars, for, as many Regulars
are well affected to the Government so divers Seculars are as
dangerous to it. But it was not easy to make this understood
in an English House of Commons nor was there time for it.

The plan of dividing the Irish ecclesiastics into factions was**
even carried a further stage. Before, they had been split into '
Remonstrants and Anti-Remonstrants ; now, some of the bishops
themselves in their insensate distrust of Archbishop Talbot were
got to give evidence of the exercise of foreign ecclesiastical juris-
diction and thereby to bring down upon the whole body the storm of
persecution. It is sad to find among the ecclesiastics overreached
in this way, the saintly Archbishop Plunkett. A file of infor-

30 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

mations in the London Record Office enables us to realise how Essex
"brought the bishops to swear one against another."

Though the efforts of Reynolds, Coppinger, Gernon and the
other recalcitrant friars to curb the "exorbitances" of Archbishop
Talbot, got little countenance from Berkeley, this did not prevent
them from renewing the attack under his successor. At first
they met with little success. But in February 1673 Lord Dungan
of Castletown near Celbridge, committed one John Byrne a Domini-
can of Kilcock to Naas jail charged with various misdemeanours.
While in jail Byrne was visited by Sir Henry Ingoldesby one of
the leaders of the " Protestant Interest" with the result that Byrne
accused Dungan of being the mere instrument of Archbishop
Talbot who had previously excommunicated him and laid the
people of Kilcock under interdict for adhering to him. All this
was too good not to be converted to political capital and so Lord
O'Brien a great champion of "the country party" was instructed to
bring the affair to the notice of the English Commons. Mean-
while in the hope of putting out the threatened conflagration, John
O'Moloney, bishop of Killaloe, interposed with Byrne.

I have received your lengthy letter in which you try to prove
your innocence, I wish you could persuade others as easily as
me. I will do what I can to procure your liberty both with the
Archbishop and Lord Dungan. Your case is more difficult than
you think nor am I certain I can do for you what you wish,
yet I will see that my help shall not be wanting. But I must
warn you that a complete and unconditional submission is
absolutely necessary and that you will retire from these parts
to the place of obedience appointed by your superiors or else-
where if you prefer it outside this province. We shall take
care of your reputation as far as possible but you must surrender
to another the business of me Order hitherto entrusted to you
in these parts according to the command of the Superior or
Provincial. If I can (which I do not expect) obtain better
conditions for you I will gladly do so. Yet I give you a friendly
warning to get out on whatever easy terms you can and not to
plunge into litigation or danger. It is better to anticipate
than to be anticipated and he who is wise only after the event
(like most of our cloth) is wise too late. If you are a sensible
man I have said enough. You will hear from me again for I
hope to meet the Archbishop to-day on this business.

In vain however did Moloney advise submission. Ingoldesby

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 31

for his own reasons kept Byrne in jail for the Assizes. Towards
the end of April the following petition was sent to Essex.

The Humble Petition of John Byrne a Dominican ffriar etc. sheweth
That Peter Talbot titular Archbishop of Dublin within the
said city has severall times exercised publickly foreign jurisdiction
and by virtue thereof publickly and privately slandered threatened
and vexed those that for their constant affection to the Govern-
ment should discover or censure his irregular proceedings, in
which he likewise encouraged Patrick Plunkett titular bishop of
Meath, with some of his priests to second him against the Peti-
tioner who publickly opposed his violent proceedings, all this
to the great distraction of the simple people who for their over
much credulity to the like prelates or pastors of their souls
think themselves bound in conscience to execute what they
command them, notwithstanding what mischief they suffered
upon the same score in the late rebellion. The premises con-
sidered, may it please your Excellencjr for the preservation of
the loyalty and peace of the ignorant people to oppose timely,
things of so great consequence, and to that intent to nominate
two or more Prot'estant justices who jointly or severally in Dublin
and Meath may examine the abuses of the said Peter Talbot
and his confederates in exercising foreign jurisdiction and raising
yearly taxes by his priests from the people contrary to the laws,
and that the truth of this may better appear that your
Excellency's protection may be granted to the Petitioner and
others concerned therein.

Talbot on his part petitioned Essex to have the whole matter
investigated before himself or before a Committee of the Privy
Council that so, there would be less danger of forged evidence or
suborned witnesses "it being notorious that the said Byrne and
his confederate John Landy alias Reynolds are convicted of such
infamous practices." Essex of course refused and on the 28th April
in accordance with the prayer of Byrne, issued a commission to
Sir Hans Hamilton, Sir George Rawdon and Dr. Topham to hold
an enquiry and call before them the witnesses named by Byrne.
Talbot in the last resort appeared in person before the Privy
Council 5th May. Essex reports to Arlington

Peter Talbot presented a petition to the Council whereof a copy
is enclosed. The substance and almost the very words were
contained in a petition he presented to me a few days before
and I had answered that I would put the business in such a way
of examination as I should think fit ; and that he might satisfy
himself that neither he nor any other should have any injustice

32 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

done them. Now his presenting this his second petition to the
Council was looked upon them as a great contempt of me and
in the nature of an appeal from the Lieutenant to the Board,
and thereupon they all generally resolved to commit him, but
I was willing enough to have his committment suspended so
we only gave him a reprehension and dismissed him.

Knowing Talbot's influence with the King, Essex took care to
acquaint the Secretary in advance, with his proceedings.

I have lately had a complaint from some Friers against Peter
Talbot and though I am confident his ill usage of them and by
my Lord Dungan's assistance his imprisonment of one, has
provoked them to make this accusation yet the matters in it
are of so high a nature as my duty obliges it not to pass it by
without putting it into some way of examination, I give your
Lordship this early notice because I know the skill of the person
concerned [Talbot] and his intelligences in England how forward
he will be to invent some lies upon this occasion. The substance
of the complaint against Peter Talbot may be reduced to these
3 particulars.

First That he had exercised forraine ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in
this kingdome.

2ndly That he had pretended his Maiesties authoritie for the
exercising of this his forraine ecclesiasticall jurisdiction.

3rdly That he had leavied moneys upon the people.

I have referred it to Sir Hans Hamilton Sir George Roydon and
Dr. Topham to examine and give me an account of it wherein
if anything shall be proved considerable I shall not faile of
acquainting your Lordship with it.

The Commissioners held their enquiry on several dates between
the 5th and 12th May, 1673. They examined in all fourteen
witnesses eleven ecclesiastics and three laymen. The ecclesiastics
included six Dominicans, one Franciscan, the provincial of the
Carmelites, one parish priest and two bishops. It may be well to
begin with the evidence of the parish priest of Kilcock, Dennis Egan.

Being demanded if he received any letters or orders from Talbot
lately excommunicating Byrne or for interdicting the parishioners
of Kilcock, he says about August last he received a letter from
him commanding him to forbid the parishioners to hear Byrne's
mass. This letter he by command read to Byrne at the Market
Cross, divers others being present. Last September hs received
the annexed instrument signed by the Vicars or Deputy Vicars
General the contents whereof he published to some of the parish-
ioners and showed it to others. Being demanded whether he
had not forbidden the parishioners to hear his own mass or

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 33

denied to christen their children he says he did forbid them and
was commanded by his superiors to do so, because they did not
obey the said interdict and that he had christened children but
he had refused to admit some of the parishioners to be godfathers
for the same reason of disobedience.

The said Instrument.

That the moderation of the Government in not prosecuting the
Roman Catholic clergy for exercising their functions, might not
be abused by our indiscretion in being too public therein, it was
ordered by our spiritual superiors that those thought guilty of
that fault should moderate their zeal so that the neighbouring
Protestants might have no cause of complaint. The only
person who did not comply with their orders is Byrne, Dominican
prior of Kilcock who not content to travel up and down the
country in his monastic habit, ceases not to blow his horn to
assemble the people in his chapel there to mass and sermons,
it being one of the greatest roads and markets of this kingdom.
Complaint thereof being made he was commanded by the Roman
Catholic Ordinaries of Dublin and Kildare to be more discreet
and private, and he contemning these commands it was ordered
that no people should be admitted to his mass or to any other
in or within a quarter of a mile of Kilcock. He contemning this
command also and continuing to blow his horn without any
regard to the laws of the land or the canons of the Church, we,
being concerned for the souls and peaceable behaviour of the
Roman Catholics of the diocese of Kildare, which the said Byrne
disturbs, declare that by his disobedience and his continuancy
in his dangerous and damnable courses, he has separated himself
from the communion of the Roman Catholic Church and therefore
all members of the same Church are bound to shun his conversa-
tion, and also that of those of whom he pretends to be superior
and who live in his priory. Neither ought they to give him or
them any alms but to look upon them as vagabonds or sturdy
beggars, and all are bound to obey the justices or constables
when their aid is required for apprehending or leading to prison
the said Byrne if the magistrates think fit to punish his crimes.
This we only declare and we do not intend to exercise any foreign
jurisdiction contrary to the laws of the land but only advertise the
Roman Catholics that Byrne's priestly character or religious
profession can be no protection for his seditious and scandalous
proceedings nor ought to deter them from helping the King's
officers to apprehend or carry him to prison when legally required,
12 August 1672.

JOHN WHELAN,
DOMINIC DEMPSEY.

After Peter Walsh himself one of the principal antagonists of

Dr. Talbot was John Reynolds. In the charges made against the

D

34 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

archbishop during the vice-royalty of Berkeley, his name is
constantly found. His evidence now in brief was

On 8 September last at the Dominican Chapel in Bridge St., Dublin,
Talbot in person declared friar John Byrne an excommunicated
person as the deponent was informed, and 2 December last
Talbot likewise declared the said excommunication at the Jesuit's
Chapel Dublin as the deponent is likewise informed. Thursday
or Friday before St. Martin's Day last Talbot in presence of the
deponent and many other Romish clergy at a public assembly
in Bridge Street, declared that Byrne was an excommunicated
person and the question whether it was lawful for them to
imprison him was resolved in the affirmative. The deponent
and William Ash a Dominican friar were then employed by
Talbot to Byrne with a warrant from Sir Maurice Eustace to
show it to Byrne and to persuade him to depart from Kilcock
otherwise the warrant should be put in execution. Last October
at a public meeting of the Romish clergy at Bridge St. the
deponent being present, Talbot publicly declared that he had an
authority and power from the King over the Romish clergy of
Ireland, to banish, punish and correct them, and the said Talbot
wrote several letters to that purpose and particularly to Oliver
Plunkett, titular Primate of Armagh, and to Constantine Keeffe,
Provincial of the Dominicans. The first was shown and read
to the deponent by the titular Bishop of Meath and was to that
effect. Talbot commanded the deponent to write to the said
Provincial to come to Dublin within ten days otherwise he would
have him clapped up in prison by virtue of his said power from
his Majesty. The deponent being at an assembly of the Romish
clergy in Dublin, Talbot declared that a marriage then cele-
brated by a Protestant minister betwixt two persons whereof
one was a Roman Catholic and the other a Protestant viz. :
Simon Luttrell and a daughter of Sir Thomas Newcomen was
not lawful, and shortly after, as the deponent heard, the said
parties were married again by Talbot.

Some of these particulars were corroborated by the depositions
of Edmund Wall, Edward Chamberlain and Michael Fullam,
Dominicans of Dublin. But in the deposition of William Ash
there is no mention of the supposed warrant from Sir Maurice
Eustace for Byrne's arrest. The statement about the mixed
marriage is supported by the evidence of Thomas Dillon, the
Carmelite Provincial. Some further ' ' enormityes" of the archbishop
are related by other witnesses. Christopher Farrell another
Dominican "has heard that Talbot threatened to excommunicate
also Dr. Anthony French at the Capucins Chapel in Dublin but knows

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 35

not whether he was excommunicated." Further picturesque
hearsay evidence was given by Ignatius Gernon a Franciscan.

He had heard from Anthony Garland [Qy Gernon ?] a Franciscan
that Talbot had threatened him and others that he would ex-
communicate him if he would not leave Dublin, and that the
said Anthony had lived at Dundalk for several years past by
reason of the said Talbot 's prosecution against him. The
deponent has heard that Valentine Cruise, John Read and
Francis Coppinger have likewise been removed from Dublin
by Talbot 's threats, and that Francis Coppinger was removed
from being Provincial in this kingdom by the See of Rome,
contrary to the customs of this kingdom which used to choose
their own Provinciall and that the authority for removing
Coppinger was sent into this kingdom to Talbot.

Having made good the charge of exercising ecclesiastical
jurisdiction, the Commissioners examined the bishops mainly on
the two remaining counts against Talbot, viz. : levying money,-
and usurping royal authority to control the clergy. It may be
well to explain that in 1670 Colonel Richard Talbot, brother of the
archbishop, was selected by the Irish nobility and gentry who were
dispossessed by the Cromwellians, to plead their cause at White-
hall. To add force to his arguments with the statesmen there,
abundant money was needed, and so collections were organised in
Ireland. The other point about exercising royal authority is not
so clear. On 17th June, 1673, Essex writes to Arlington " I am con-
fident if the truth were fully known (as I have some well grounded
hints though not such as amount to proof) it would appear that
father Patrick Maginn did write to Mr Peter Talbot as in your
Lordship's name to encourage him to proceed in his exercise of
ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, and upon this he founded his pretence
of his Majestie's authority transmitted to him by some of the
King's ministers/' But making all allowance for Essex's opportun-
ities of knowing, the truth seems to be that Charles did authorise
the action of Talbot. They were on the most intimate relations.
Their private cypher may still be seen in the Bodleian, and when
the storm came Talbot was too loyal a friend to disclose a warrant
that would have made the unsteady throne of Charles, totter.
This is confirmed by the fact that when seven months later he
had to fly the country he carried with him to the continent

36 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

commendatory letters from Charles and the Duke of York to the
King of France (/).

THE EXAMINATION OF DR. OLIVER PLUNKETT, TITULAR
ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.

Asked what he knows of any foreign jurisdiction exercised by
Peter Talbot, he says, he heard he excommunicated friar John
Byrne of Kilcock, and he saw a letter from the said Talbot in
his own hand directed to Dr. Patrick Plunkett titular Bishop
of Meath, setting forth that he had declared Byrne excommuni-
cated for not obeying an interdict on the inhabitants of Kilcock
and desiring the said Patrick Plunkett to warn all the parish
priests of the diocese of Meath to beware of the said friar as of
an excommunicated person. Being demanded what he knew or
had heard concerning the levying of moneys in Ireland for agency
abroad on their behalf, he says, about Candlemas Term in 1671,
being in Dublin he was called to a meeting by the said Talbot
at the house of Captain now Sir Thomas Newcombe, at Oxman-
town, where many of the Irish nobility and gentry were assembled
of all the provinces except Ulster, but none of the clergy that
he remembers, were present except Talbot and himself. There
Talbot propounded that this Examinate should exact moneys
from the clergy of Ulster for the agency of Colonel Talbot in
England on behalf of the Roman Catholics of Ireland. This
Examinate answered that he did not know before of any such
meeting about that affair, and that he could not consent or
conclude of any such matter, none of the said province being
present, and he thought it dangerous for him to undertake the
levying of money of the King's subjects without authority.
Then it was further propounded by the Earl of Westmeath
that those present should give a voluntary contribution. There-
upon Talbot and this Examinate each said he would give 10.
But this Examinate being informed the day after by George
Plunkett priest in St. Thomas Street that that Talbot was
levying the said 10 off his clergy and that he the said George,
to the best of the Examinate's remembrance gave 20s. towards
it and had also paid 20s. before to Talbot towards the agency
of Mr. Netterville in England, and perceiving the said money
was exacted from the clergy there, when Mr. Tuite being col-
lector for the said money, came to demand his 10, he told him
he would not pay any moneys till he had spoken with his clergy
in the province of Armagh, as well as Talbot had done with his
in Leinster. And afterwards this Examinate declined the
payment thereof and neither received nor paid any part of it,
nor did any other to his knowledge pay any part of it, but several
of the gentry at the said meeting then promised payment towards
the said agency, but this Examinate does not remember their

(/) Hist. MSS. Report 10, Ap. v, 363.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 37

names or what they promised to pay except that Francis Barne-
well promised 5. Lord Berkeley being then Lord Lieutenant,
he went presently to him and acquainted him with the said
meeting and passages there, which his Excellency said he had
notice of already and advised him not to contribute anything
towards the charges of any agency, which this Examinate
observed accordingly and a day or two after went out of Dublin,
and does not know what was acted there in the said affair after-
wards. Being further demanded what he knows of Talbot's
declaring to him and others of the clergy here of any power he
had from his Majesty over them all or of his exercising thereof,
he says in 1670, he himself summoned all the Roman Catholic
Archbishops and Bishops to Dublin to declare their loyalty to
his Majesty, where they met and drew up a remonstrance.
And variance happening as to who should deliver it to his Ex-
cellency after they had all signed it, and it had been agreed that
Sir Nicholas Plunkett should present it, this displeasing Talbot
he declared before the said bishops that he had authority from
his Majesty to oversee and govern all the Roman clergy of
Ireland. This Examinate answered that he desired to see the
said authority under his Majesty's hand and seal or such a
signification thereof from some of his ministers as should oblige
his obedience thereunto. Which when Talbot could not or would
not produce, he told him that neither he nor any of them was
bound to obey him. Moreover Talbot wrote about eight months
ago to the titular bishop of Meath declaring that Fr. Patrick
Maginn had lately written to him by Lord Arlington's order to
the purpose aforesaid, viz., that he should admonish or oversee
the actions of all the Romish clergy of Ireland and give notice
of such misdemeanours as he should observe in them to his
Majesty's ministers to have offenders punished according to
their demerits, and that having observed many things acted
by the Romish Archbishop of Armagh fit to be corrected and
particularly about changing a certain nickname viz. "Mac
Ichy" (in English the son of a blind man) which Talbot said was
now really become a sirname and was in the power only of the
King and Parliament to alter, the said Archbishop should retract
what he had done in prohibiting the custom of using such nick-
names in families or else should be punished by his Majesty's
ministers. Whereupon this Examinate being informed by the
said Patrick Plunkett and others that Talbot had frequently
given out he had such an authority over this Examinate and
all the rest from his Majesty or his ministers and having got
into his hands Talbot's said letter sent it over to Lord Philip
Howard, Almoner to the Queen, to know whether Talbot had
any such power as he pretends from his Majesty or any of his
ministers. The Lord Almoner answered that no such power
was given to Talbot from his Majesty or Lord Arlington or any
other of his ministers 8 May 1673.

38 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

THE EXAMINATION OF PATRICK PLUNKETT, TITULAR BISHOP OF

MEATH.

On 17 June 1670 at a meeting of five or six Romish bishops
at Mr. Reynold's house at the Bridgefoot, Dublin, Peter Talbot
declared that he had authority from his Majesty of England to
correct and punish all the Romish clergy of Ireland. Which
being disapproved by some present and particularly by Oliver
Plunkett titular Primate of Armagh who desired to see it, saying
if it were so he would obey it, the said Talbot did not produce
any such authority. Some few months after the said Talbot
showed this Deponent a letter from Fr. Patrick Maginn im-
porting that he, Talbot, was to correct the vices of the Romish
clergy of Ireland, and that it was by the advice of Mr Secretary
Arlington. A copy thereof was sent by the said Talbot to the
said Oliver Plunkett by this Deponent's conveyance with a
letter from the said Talbot to the same effect. Oliver Plunkett
answered that he had sent him only a copy of a letter, and how
authentic it was we did not know but would send into England,
and as he should receive an answer, so he would demean himself.
This Deponent has been informed that the Earl of Arlington
has disowned that he ever gave any directions to the said Fr.
Patrick to write any such letter. This deponent received a
letter from the said Talbot intimating that friar John Byrne
was de jure excommunicate for he had violated an interdict
imposed by the Vicars General of Kildare on the town and
inhabitants of Kilcock, and desired the deponent to send the
same to his clergy to take notice of it and this Deponent accord-
ingly sent copies to his clergy in the diocese of Meath but
he, this Deponent, has neither the said letter nor a copy of it.
12 May 1673.

The previous March the English Commons in the full blast
of Protestant frenzy demanded the expulsion of Talbot and the
other bishops from Ireland. Charles gained time by referring the
Commons' address to the Committee of Inspection. But any hope
he had of shirking the issue was destroyed by the bundle of deposi-
tions sent over by Essex. As parliament was re-assembling in
October the English Council on 26th September sent the following
instructions to Essex.

In reference to the fourth Article [of the address] it is his Majesty's
express pleasure and command that you by advice of the Privy
Council there issue a proclamation commanding in particular
Peter Talbot, pretended Archbishop of Dublin and ah 1 other
titular Popish archbishops, bishops, vicars-general, abbots and
all others exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction by the Pope's

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 39

authority forthwith to depart out of that kingdom, or otherwise
that you cause them to be prosecuted according to law, and
that all convents, seminaries and Popish schools be dissolved
and suppressed and the regular priests commanded also to
depart upon the like penalty.

As this is the first of a long series of mandates to the Irish
clergy to quit the country it may be given at full length.

1673, October 27, Council Chamber, Dublin.
Essex. We the Lord Lieutenant and Council according to his
Majesty's commands signified unto us by the Lords of the most
honourable Privy Council of England bearing date the 26 day
of September, do in his Majesty's name straitly charge and
command Peter Talbot, pretended Archbishop of Dublin, and
all other titular Popish Archbishops, Bishops, Vicars General,
Abbots and all others exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction by
any authority derived from the Pope or See of Rome in this
kingdom and also all regular priests that they before the last
day of December next depart out of this his Majesty's kingdom
of Ireland upon pain of his Majesty's high displeasure and of
such other pain and punishment as by law may be inflicted upon
them.

And for their better means to depart we hereby declare and publish
that if any of the said titular Popish Archbishops, Bishops or
other persons hereby commanded to depart out of this kingdom
shall at any time before the said first day of December next
resort to any port town and there declare to the chief magistrate
or officer of the said town or port that he is a person included
within this our proclamation, they shall suffer him or them
quietly to depart and shall see them shipped and sent away for
foreign parts.

We expressly forbid and prohibit all and every his Majesty's sub-
jects to receive harbour or relieve any of the said titular Popish
Archbishops etc. after the time hereby limited for their departure.

We further in his Majesty's name straitly charge and command
all and every the mayors, justices of the peace, sheriffs, constables
and all other his Majesty's good and loyal subjects that they
and every of them from time to time from and after the first
day of December next shall make diligent search and inquiry
for and after all such titular Popish Archbishops etc. and upon
the discovery of any such titular Popish Archbishops, etc,, or
of any receiver or harbourer of them that they shall forthwith
secure them and advise us the Lord Lieutenant and Council and
take care the said persons be proceeded against according to
the laws of this kingdom.

Many of the proscribed clergy entered their names for trans-
portation in the ports of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Waterford,

40 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

hoping in accordance with the second clause of the proclamation,
to obtain protection and that meanwhile the storm would blow
over. By the third week of December the mayors of the several
towns began to report unexpected difficulties.

Whereas several of the Popish clergie applied themselves to several
of the chief magistrates of divers port Towns, declaring their
readiness thence to be shipt away and whereas the masters and
owners of shippes refused to receive them as passengers in their
shippes. If such masters refuse to receive and transporte out
of this kingdom such a competent number of said persons, you
are to bind over such masters to appear at this Board.

And whereas we are given to understand that some doubt is made
whether secular Priests are within the intent of the Proclamation,
we declare that such secular Priests who have not exercised
ecclesiastical jurisdiction by any authoritie derived from the
Pope or Sea of Rome are not to be included in the said Pro-
clamation. 19 December 1673.

Directed to the Mayors of Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and
the Sovereign of Ross.

Even if the ship-owners and masters were willing it was a
question if there was shipping enough in the country to transport
the vast number of friars and other condemned ecclesiastics. Sir
George Rawdon writes from Lisburn, 17th December. "I hear
not of any priests transported nor is there shipping to carry them
into foreign parts, so what his Excellency will do next I foresee not."
His Excellency did the best he could in the circumstances pretend
it was no affair of his to provide shipping. .So, on 31st December,
1673, orders under the most stringest penalties were issued to the
clergy registered in Dublin to quit the kingdom within fourteen
days. A fortnight later it was reported to the Council that divers
of the popish clergy were continuing about the port of Ross.
Similar reports came from Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Cork.
A further series of mandates was issued 12th January commanding
them to depart before the 26th. Meanwhile some of the magistrates
were showing activity.

Sir Your letter concerning the apprehending James Marshall
titular Deane of Raphoe and Marney McGolerick frier was com-
municated to his Excellency and this Board. We well approve
your diligence in that affaire and [they] command me to acquaint
you that the Frier be continued in gaole till further order and

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 41

for the titular Deane if he be a secular and hath not exercised
ecclesiastical! jurisdiction then you enlarge him but if otherwise
that he be continued in gaole, 20 December 1673.
To Brazill Brooke etc. at Donegall. JOHN DAVY.

Mr. Browne Your letter to my Lord Thomond concerning your
so seasonable apprehending and committing ffrancis Connor
the frier, was communicated to my Lord Lieutenant and Council.
It is their pleasure the Assizes for the County Carloe being soe
neare that you doe then and there present the said Connor,
with good evidence for his so offending against the last pro-
clamation against friers. 7 March 1674.

Essex himself writing to an English correspondent 25th
January, 1674, states,

The Lord Mayor of this Citty [Dublin] brought me a list of about
thirty or more priests and friers who had given their names to
him as being in this town in order to their transportation, and
there being a fleet of seven or eight merchantmen to goe for
France I directed him to see them putt on board and sent away.
All which he assures me is executed.

This is probably the body described by Ingoldsby in a letter
to Lord O'Brien 26th January, 1674. "A pretty large pack of
bishops and friars have been shipped from hence lately, amongst
them your friend Mullony." Yet two months later, after much
grinding there was little wheat, and Essex sent over one Mr. Harbord
to explain to the English Council that the bishops and friars could
not be put out by "fair and legal means." Instructions were
returned to use all such ways as his lordship should think best.
Accordingly a fresh proclamation with more stringent penalties
was issued April 27th.

His Majestic is informed that notwithstanding the proclamation,
the titular Popish Archbishops, Bishops and others or diverse
of them refusing to give obedience thereunto, do remaine still
in his Majestie's kingdom, concealing themselves in contempt
of his authority and of the laws Wherefore etc.

But between those who were hiding and those who were in
the ports freely offering themselves for transportation the Council
was sorely perplexed.

Mr. Constable the Mayor of Galwey intimating that severall to
the number of forty of the popish clergie in that town com-
manded by the late Proclamation to depart the kingdom, were

42 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

willing in conformitie thereunto to transport themselves in a
shipp then in that harbour but that Linch the Master or Owner
thereof would not undertake their freight under forty shillings
for each of them, which the said friers and soe foorth pretended
they were not able to raise. Wherefore the Mayor prayed his
Excellence's directions.

Ordered that it be signified to the Mayor that the said persons are
at their perills.to transport themselves. 18 May 1674.

Even when the friars and priests were secure on board ship
and clear of port their transportation was by no means certain.
For the Lord Lieutenant writes 25th January, 1674.

We still find new inventions of these priests to evade the execution
of the Proclamation. As particularly from Ross I hear that
several friers being there putt on board some shipps in order
to their transportation into forrein parts were by the Owners
of the ships sett on shoar within ten miles of the place, for which
these Owners are like to answer at their returne. And truly
I perceive plainly that unless his Maiestie send some ships or
orders to hire them here on purpose to transport these people
we shall not be able to gett the country cleared of them.

The English Commons resolving themselves into a Committee
on Ireland, 18th and 20th February, took a full survey of the
Catholic enemy there. As usual the attack was led by recreant
Irishmen Lord Arran, Ormond's second son, and Lord O'Brien,
heir to the Earl of Thomond. The latter was the orator of the
occasion, and memoranda of his speeches may still be seen, scribbled,,
blotted and re-written, among the Irish papers in the London
Record Office. A selection of these may here be given but they
must of course be read with caution.

People in Ireland 1,100,000, three eights Protestant. Above 4000
Romaish Clergy, 500 Protestant. Romish Archbishops, Bishops
and Dignatories have beside their dues at home, abbys or such
like endowments in France. The clergy and lawyers generally
bred up there of late years since that Monarch swelled so high.
Colleges endowed there for them. All the youth almost of
that kingdom (I say the Papists) 'sent over into France where'

they are bred up to the Church, Law or Sword the

French King keeps above 2000 youth always in colleges for
divinity and law and has now for the most part in his service
all those whose estates were forfeited.

Quaere what's the danger now more than formerly ?

Visitations, confirmations etc. most frequent, 2000 or 3000 at
a meeting. Fifteen year ago not a mass said openly in the

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 43

kingdom, now it's common. Above 30000 [Protestants] returned
to mass. Any who had married [Cromwellian] soldiers, carried
husbands and consequently the children with them.
Common papists depend on the priests, they on the bishops and
superiors and they of late years wholly on the ministers of fforayne
princes but especially France where they have great endowments.
Mass flourishes but since 13 or 14 yeares past. For there was
not a public mass anywhere. Now 500, 1000 or 1500 masses
dayly.

After this overture he proceeded to give minute statistics after
the fashion made popular by Sir William Petty.

Seculars .... .... .... 1600

Grey Friars .... .... 2600

Black Friars.... .... .... 600

Jesuits .... .... .... 25

Capuchins .... .... .... 16

Archbishops .... .... 4

Bishops .... .... .... 24

Seminaries abroad .... .... 2500

7369

1. There are 2,278 parishes in Ireland and in each, one with another,
above 100 persons that go to confession once a year at least.
None is admitted by the priest to confess before he pays his 3d.,
and many 6d., 12d., or more. But reckoning but 3d., which
the priest demands as his due it amounts in every parish to

. 1 5s., which in the 2,278 parishes is 2,847 10s.

2. Those that go to confession and no others are admitted to the
Sacrament, which being a duty they much covet to perform, it
must be concluded that as many as confessed viz., 100, so many
received. He that offers least pays 12d., which amounts one
with another to 11,390.

3. There are 80 Sundays and holidays in which the priest says
mass for which he demands and receives from all the communi-
cants 4 patricks, which makes 2d. English. This from 100
persons amounts to 16s. 8d. per week and from every parish per
annum 66 13s. 4d. which from 2,278 parishes is 151,866 13s. 4d.

4. Committations (as they term it) of penance for perjury, for-
nication adultery and incest, which is among the vulgar most
horridly practised, the bishop has from every one thus offending
10s, and if but two be reckoned for in a parish, though it's free-
quent to have half a score, it amounts in the 2,278 parishes to
2,278.

5. For every christening, wedding and burial the mass priest has
2s. Allow but 10 per annum to each parish, it amounts to
2,278.

44 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

6. Let the party that dies be never so mean it is the custom for
the people, not only of the same parish, but those adjacent,
to come to the burial and every one that comes pays 3d. at least
to the priest as an offering and many 6d. and others 12d. It's
very rare but at every burial there 200 or more appear, nay at
many, one two or three thousand, and yet allowing but 200
and those at 3d. per head and that in every parish there are 4
burials per annum this amounts to 10 in each, and in the 2,278
to 22,780.

Having scared the vision of the faithful Commons by this
financial bugbear, Lord O'Brien sketched his plan of dealing with
the priests.

1. There being but 500 ministers in Ireland, the like number of
priests (and those seculars) to be allowed and no more.

2. That these be registered in every county and appear at every
Easter sessions for their county and take out a license or pro-
tection sealed with the public seal of the county in open Court
betwixt 10 and 12 in the morning.

3. Registered priests to wear a particular habit.

4. That fixed places be appointed to each priest for holding his
conventicles, and that none of them presume to go above five
miles from the place where he officiates without leave first obtained
under the hands and seals of five Justices of that county.

5. That since the proclamation of 27 October last has not proved
effectual for banishing the Romish bishops and regulars, it be
considered how to provide for the more speedy clearing that
kingdom of them and of all others not licensed as aforesaid.

Death to any [priest] proved by two witnesses to endeavour the
perverting any Protestants.

All this to be put in execution this next Easter sessions and a
proclamation to give notice of this forthwith and also to command
all others of the clergy [i.e. unlicensed] to repair between this
and first May next to some fixed places shipping to be provided
to carry them where they desire or you appoint. Death to any
that obey not, or that return again.

Essex, who had to face practical realities, laughed such pro-
posals as these down the wind.

ESSEX TO HARBORD JANUARY 25 1674.

We have of late from severall of the Justices of Peace of this kingdom
received an account that they have apprehended severall friers
and priests who in contempt of the proclamation presumed to
stay longer than the time therein limited.

As for the banishing of the bishops and friers together with all
such as have exercised ecclesiastical jurisdiction, whatever may

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 45

be apprehended at a distance, I am confident it is so far from
causing a discontent even among the Papists themselves, I am
sure that they are rather glad of it, these being a great burthen
to them in the collections of money which were being perpetually
made for their support. But should it be resolved to use the
like measure with all the seculars I am not without apprehensions
what the consequence thereof might be, there being severall
hundred thousands of the popish religion in this kingdom and
should any such thing be thought on, it were fitt the King had
a standing army of at least fifteen or twenty thousand men
in constant pay and upon duty. For I would be loath to be
answerable for the peace with a less force in case I were putt
upon the execution of such orders.

But the hunting of the regulars and the higher ecclesiastics
was actively continued throughout the years 1674-5. Peter Walsh
from the safe shelter provided for him by Ormond in England
appealed to the Lord Lieutenant in behalf of his brethren.

My Lord. I am my selfe one of those Regular and unalterable
subscribers and have now endured so much on that account
that custom of suffering may be thought to have taken from
me the sense of it. But I cannot reflect upon the deplorable

condition of my friends without tears of grief e, that a few. men
of loyalty approved by the very best of all tryals, Persecution,
should for no other reason than for being Regular Priests, should
by the Royal Authority, for maintenance whereof they have
suffered so long, be thought unworthy to breathe the aire of
their native country and be excluded even from that freedom
which at least 1200 of their Anti Remonstrant opposers are
permitted to enjoy. Truly the condition of these men is very
hard. If they disobey the Proclamation, besides the hazard
they run from the Laws, they must starve. For they cannot
find shelter amongst their nearest relations, whether the tender-
ness of nature be overawed by the penalties mentioned in the
Proclamation, or hardened by the practices of their perpetual
antagonists. If they obey, they give themselves up to the
cruel mercy of their Irish adversaries and Papalin Zealots in
foreign countries while in the mean time such vast numbers of
those Ecclesiastics who have wrought their woe, are protected
and cherished by that same Royal Authority which they refused
to own any farther or longer than it should please the Pope.

Essex not paying much attention, Walsh next addressed one
of the leaders of the English Commons "humbly to request your
honour to lend your favourable attendance at the Committee of
Religion."

46 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

P. WALSH TO SIR H. COVENTRY 4 JUNE 1675.

Praying that your honour may not think it not unbecoming your
particular care and compassion of afflicted innocents, to repre-
sent effectually both to the House of Commons itself and the
Committee of Religion, the special case of those few unfortunate
Irish Churchmen, those men of sorrow indeed, who suffer so
extreamly in their Church for being loyal Remonstrants and
yet from the State for being Regular Priests. For, relieving of
such sufferers is fit for such a great person as you and makes
you truly so. Certainly there is no greater participation of the
Divinity in this life or hopes of it in the next than by doing good.

The following is a further illustration of the Lord Lieutenant's
activities.

ESSEX TO SIR H. CAPELL 19 MAY 1674.

I received a letter of May 12 from Mr Harbord, wherein he told
me there was a strong report about town of a priest which I
had caused to be taken by soldiers out of my Lord of West-
meath's house, I must observe to you that no noblemen are by
the proclamation debarred their chapleins in their houses ;
they may keep any of 'the secular clergy provided they have
never exercised ecclesiasticall jurisdiction. Why these noble-
men cannot content themselves with any other chapleins than
such as are banished persons, I cannot well understand.

There came a gentleman to me about the end of January or be-
ginning of February last and acquainted me that one Oliver
Dease, Titular Vicar General of Meath, and one Reilly a frier
were often seen in the County of Westmeath in contempt of the
Proclamation. Dease did harbour himself at the Earl of West-
meath's house, and Reilly at another Gentleman's house near
there. That he was sure that if diligent search were made at
those two houses, at one or other both would be taken, I then
said I would give orders to some of the Justices of the Peace
to look after it. Whereupon this gentleman told me that I
would faile of my endeavours if I went that way to worke, for
that the country thereabouts being most of them papists and
very watchfull about their priests, the Constables could not be
stirring anywhere there, nor indeed get help to them but they
would be betrayed. Hereupon I ordered a party of souldiers
to perform this service, a thing in ah 1 times not unusual in this'
kingdom in cases of the like nature. Now I would faine know
whether I should slight this Information and thereby leave
myself at this Informer's mercy to be accused at the next sitting
of the Parliament. This Dease is a very able, shrewd man,
and one who manageth the whole business of the Popish interest
in the two or three countyes thereabout, and they would faine
keepe him here. I have also had applications from severall

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 47

of the noblemen to dispense with their chapleins but doe find
that should I gratify them in this, all the tumultuous dangerous
priests would by that means be harboured in these noblemens'
houses, and not a mischiefous fellow would ever be sent away.

There was one high-placed ecclesiastic whom Essex was un-
willing to run to earth Primate Plunkett. He had rendered good
service against the Tories and his action in the Talbot case could
not be ignored. In the proclamation banishing the clergy it was
asked that he be exempted by special proviso.

ESSEX TO SIR HENRY CAPEL 13 OCTOBER 1673.

Here is one Oliver Plunket the Romish titular Primate of this
kingdom who seems to be one of the best men of his persuasion
I have mett with, and though I doubt not but he is industrious
enough in promoting his own religion yet I could never finde
but he was of a more peaceable temper and more conformable
to the government then any of their Titular bishops in this
country. I know not well what proceedings may be in parlia-
ment in relation to us here, or how far the matter of religion
may be concerned in it, this only I shall say that in case any
debates should arise by way of discriminating of persons and
putting banishments or other punishments upon particulars I
should be glad for the reasons above-mentioned you would
yourselfe and some of our friends secure this Gentleman from
any such severitie which should be singly and personally in-
flicted on him.

Though like the others he had to go into hiding during the
earlier months of the persecution, it does not appear from the
records that any determined attempts were made to capture him.
On the contrary his remaining in the country was rather connived
at. In the absence of Essex in England during the latter half
of the year 1675, Archbishop Boyle, the Chancellor, and Sir Arthur
Forbes acted as Lords Justices. Boyle's secretary, Beecher,
writes to Essex in October 1675.

My Lord Chancellor gave me enclosed, directed to himself. He
said he was in dispute with himself what to doe therein, for
either the person that wrote it was a crazed man or else it might
be one of the discontented of their clergy, through whose pickes
[piques] something might redound to public benefit. But yet
he was not willing to be very strict in the inquiries after these
persons named in the letter in regard he did believe they might
be connived at for reasons of state. However a messenger was

48 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

sent to make search for those persons in that place but noe such
was found. The person that writes the said letter concealing
his true name and place of abode, he could no further proceed
and therefore was apprehensive it might not be a Roman Catholick
but some other that might have a design to lay a fund for a
clamour against himself [the Chancellor] for not taking notice
of such intelligence.

[Enclosure].

8 br - 1675.

My Lord Your Excellencie being Lord Deputie of Ireland together
with Sir Arthur Forbiss Being engaged in conscience not to
conceal anything prejudicial! to his Maiestie, after mature
deliberatun I thought it lawfull to acquaint your Excellencie
of the subsequent About the 8 of September there was a Packet
sent from the Pope of Rome to the pretended Lord Primate of
Ireland one Plunkett and another to the old Bishop Plunkett.
They both together live at the Innes in Sir Nicholas Plunkett's.
He that brought the Packett was one Thomas Kerry and the
superscription was to one Thomas Cockes (so they call the said
Plunkett). Whether they be any hurt or harm in this Packett
I cannot tell but know it is from a forraine power and against
the law. If your Grace be pleased to inquire after it, putting
these two Bishopps to their Oaths I warrant that they will not
conceale it. If I see your Grace in earnest after this business
I will declare more of other persons that keep the same corres-
pondency, but them two being the Capital! heades they are
most concerned. Unless your Grace prevent you shall repent,
few words to a noble witte.
To his Grace Mich 1 - Boyle etc. GABRIELL JOHNSON.

I live in the Irish Quarters and am so well friended that I
dare not discover where I am for feare of any accident ; but I
assure your Grace unless you have a great care of this my infor-
mation his Maiestie must know of it.

In the following information we have the first appearance of
the man who more than any other helped a little later to bring the
Primate to the scaffold.

THE EXAMINACON OF JOHN MOYRE TAKEN BEFORE ME THE 27 OF

DECEMBER 1676.

Who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists saith that
about October 1672 this Examinate and one ffather Thomas
Crawley coming from Rome towards Ireland, at Marsellis they
mett one Thomas Plunkett and one Neall O Neill going from
Ireland towards Rome and falling in company with them in the
chamber of the said Plunkett and Neill (the last being off the

REIGN OF CHARLES II. 49

same countrie in Ireland with the Examinate and the said
Crawley), he told them that he the said Neill and Plunkett had
a letter from Doctor Plunkett Titular primate of Ireland directed
to Seignior Boldeskie who was Secretarie to the Societie de
propaganda ffide which letter they (sic) showed to the said
Crawley and to this Examinate, and the said Crawley supposing
it to be a letter recommending of the said Plunkett and Neill
to the said Secretarie opened the letter to enable him the better
to advise the said Plunkett and Neill how to make their appli-
cationes to the said Boldeskie and others the ministers of the
Court of Rome, and having opened it they found the contents
of it to be as followeth viz. : That the said Doctor Plunkett being
sent over to this kingdom as Primate had (he thanked God)
good success in his undertaking in this kingdom of Ireland for
that he had kept a Provinciall Council in his Province and
had erected a school for educating youth and had alsoe insinuated
himselfe into the good opinion of severall of the Lords and of
other persons off qualitie in Ireland soe as he had a freedome
and intimacie with them.

That he heard that a warre was then beginning between the Catholic
princes abroade which he desired might by all means be prevented,
ffor that in that warre they shedd Catholicke blood and did not
thereby propagate the faith but if the Court of Rome should
soe order the affaire as to reconcile the said princes and that they
or some of them would be prevailed with to send an army for
Ireland, they might have good success in it and thereby propagate
the faith to the advantage of the Romish Church and therefore
prayed the said Secretarie to employe his Interest with the
Archbishop of Aixe being a Cardinall of the French party to
persuade the French King to a peace and to the sending his
arms to this kingdom in which he the said Doctor Plunkett
wold be an usefull Instrument, having already by his owne
travelling through the kingdom or by the Information of others
by him employed, enabled himself to give an account of all
forts, castles and strongholds of this kingdom and of the wayes
of taking or surprising of them as alsoe of all persons of qualitie
who would be usefull Instruments to helpe to carry on the
warre, there being very many whom he knew would take arms
with them.

This Deponent further saith that he the said Doctor Plunkett this
late harvest travelled through Munster butt what his occasions
were, knowes not but suspects the worst.

And this Examinate being further desired why he did not sooner
discover this, saith that he was two yeares after in Spaine with
the said ffather Crawley who he thought would have come along
with him, and that since his coming to this kingdom being about
two yeares he was a stranger and knew not to whom to apply
and that alsoe he dayly expected over the said Thomas Crawley

50 REIGN OF CHARLES II.

who saw and read the said letter in Marsellis and if here
would declare the same and the contents of itt and hopes the
said Crawley will soone come over and further sayeth not.

JOHN MOYRE.
Taken and sworn before me the day and yeare above said

A true Coppie.

No notice, was taken of this either, for as yet there was no
market for roguery. The few bishops in the country were left
undisturbed. But the respite they enjoyed was only the calm
which precedes the storm.

CHAPTER II.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued),

IN 1678 the stories of Popish conspiracies culminated in the
"Popish PJot," and the persecution hitherto chronic became
acute. Ireland according to Gates and Tonge was to take
a leading part in the scheme for the destruction of Protestantism
and liberty. The several garrisons (they said) were to be seized,
four Jesuits were told off to assassinate Ormond, four" Irish ruffians"
were lying perdu near Windsor to remove Charles himself, while
on a concerted date there was to be a wholesale massacre of Irish
Protestants. The leading conspirators were Peter Talbot, arch-
bishop of Dublin, and James Lynch, archbishop of Tuam. A
papal nuncio was actually resident in Ireland and ample assistance
was promised by the French king. The first details reached
Ormond in Kilkenny, 7th October.

THE KING AND COUNCIL TO ORMOND.

Whereas Information has been given upon oath touching a
dangerous conspiracy against the life of his Sacred Majesty and
that amongst divers other particulars of pernicious consequence
it hath been testifyed in reference to his Maiestie's kingdom of
Ireland.

1. That by the meanes and contrivance of Peter Talbot titular
Archbishop of Dublin, the Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland was to be murthered.

2. That with this Signall there was a generall Rebellion to commence
in that kingdom and to be supported by the Pope and the French
King.

3. That in order thereunto there was already a Nuncio sent by the
Pope remaining in that kingdom and 40000 black Bills already
there wherewith to arm the Irish upon occasion.

All which points with severall others do more at large appeare by
a paper given to this Board. It is thereupon ordered by his

Maiestie in Council in particular that his Grace

use Effectuall meanes to compell all the Titular Bishops or
dignataryes of the Church of Rome to depart that kingdom

52 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

with all possible speed. But for the person of Peter Talbot
titular Archbishop of Dublin against whom the Information is
more particularly made, that he be seized and taken into custody
and an account returned to this Board of what upon his Exam-
inacon shall appear. Also that his Grace direct the Lords
Archbishops and Bishops of that kingdom in their respective
Dioceses to observe diligently the meetings and assemblies of
the Popish Recusants and that they send his Grace Information
of all which may deserve his Grace's care, and prevention of these
evills we have been informed of. 30 September 1678.

ROBERT SOUTHWELL.

Ormond lost no time, for before setting out from Kilkenny
he issued warrants to arrest Peter Talbot who in broken health
had ventured home to his brother, Colonel Talbot, at Luttrells-
town. By the time Ormond reached Dublin the archbishop was
a prisoner at the castle, while a few days later Nicholas Netterville,
superior of the Dublin Jesuits and several others were put under
arrest. At a Council meeting it was resolved to banish all the
regulars and higher clergy from the kingdom. Accordingly a
proclamation similar in terms to those issued in 1673-4, was made
16th October commanding all archbishops, bishops and others
exercising popish jurisdiction to depart the kingdom by the 20th
November. All convents, friaries and popish schools were forth-
with dissolved and special penalties enacted against all receivers,
relievers and harbourers of such popish clergy. How the proclama-
tion was received we have some evidence. "At Waterford,"
writes Ormond, "the proclamation was in part taken down and
the rest of it besmeared ; it was done in the night and without
the walls so that it could not be known who did it." In Dublin
"there was something of a fellow's offering to take down the pro-
clamation (at least the sentry thought) for he thrust the fellow
into the body." But whether through vincible ignorance of the
proclamation or through frank contempt of it, few of the clergy
had transported themselves by the 20th November. On the 19th
Orrery reports.

The Mayor and some of the chief aldermen of Youghal, Cork and
Kinsale say only one of the regular Romish clergy (named Grace)
has given in his name to be shipped, in these three ports though
this is the end of the time.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued,}. 53

A supplementary proclamation 6th November required all
owners and masters of ships bound to parts beyond the seas to set
up in the most public places, notices in writing of the time of their
departure and obliged them to take on board all such ecclesiastics
as presented themselves. Orrery wrote from Cork 22nd November
that several ships for France, Spain and Portugal had given notice
of their departure but so far only two poor friars offered to go.
Worse still "though none are gone, two have come in, one from
France the other from Spain." But though the priests were not
to be found in "the neighbourhood of foreign-going vessels, they
abounded in other ports.

ORMOND AND COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFF OF Co. LOUTH.

Whereas severall of the popish clergie have resorted to Carlingford
and Dundalk under pretence of shipping themselves there, and
we being satisfied that it is well known to them that few or noe
shipps do export thence for any forraine parts. We require
you to take such of the popish clergie as you shall find in or
about Carlingford or Dundalk into custody and safely to convey
them to Drogheda to be kept in custody there untill there be
convenience of shipping. 29 November 1678.

Yet Ormond was sanguine, "This is the day" he writes to Lord
Longford "beyond which all the titular and regular popish clergie
in this kingdom stay in it at their own peril and they will not find
it so easy for them as heretofore to lurk here and evade the penalties
that will follow." On 2nd December, he proceeded to make good
his word by issuing mandates to the sheriffs of the different counties
throughout Ireland.

We being informed that in manifest contempt of the proclamation
few or none of the Popish regular clergy have departed the
kingdom and for that we have hot yet received any intimation
from you or any of the justices of the peace in your county
that any of the said clergy are apprehended. We therefore do
hereby require you and the said justices to redeem this your
neglect and more vigorously put our commands in execution by
diligent search for such clergy who have not departed the kingdom
and committing them to safe custody. Whereof we expect a
speedy and good account. 2 Dec 1678.

As the local records have long perished, we can glean par-
ticulars of the magistrates' proceedings only incidentally from the
Carte manuscripts and the Council Books.

54 REIGN OF CHARLES 11. (Continued}.

The Jesuits, according to Gates, were the most dangerous of
the clerical conspirators ; against them therefore action was first
taken. Nicholas Netterville, the rector of the Dublin house, was
arrested early in October and on the 17th of that month he was
examined by Jones, bishop of Meath, Robert Booth and Sir John
Davys.

THE EXAMINACON OF NICHOLAS NETTERVILLE OF THE CITY OF

DUBLIN, GENT.

Sayeth that he is one of the Society of the Jesuits and that he
is superintendent over such of that Society as are in and about
Dublin viz. Mr. Corsher (g), Mr. Gough, Mr. Johnson Mr. William
Long. Hee saith that of that Society there are about thirty
in the whole kingdom, that there are none of them in the north
of this kingdom, that he knows no one person of the Northern
parts of that Society but the said Mr. Johnson. He saieth that
the several persons following are of that Society, Mr. William
Ryan of Caherlagh who is the Superior of the Society in Ireland,
Mr. Quirck in Kilkenny, Mr. Gerrald Nugent of Brackly in the
County of Westmeath who is now coming to reside in Dublin,
Mr. Nicholas Nugent now resident neare Beggstown in the County
of Dublin, Mr. Ignatius Carbery att Balledoyle in the said County
of Dublin, Mr. Richard Bourke att Portumna in the County of
Gallway, Mr. Kerwin in Gallway, Mr. ffrancis White, Mr. Martin
White and Mr. Cleere in Waterford, Mr. Peter Creagh in Limerick,
Mr. Jealous neare Rosse in the County of Wexford, Mr. Everarde
who came into the kingdom about two yeares agoe and now
(as the Examinat supposeth) is att Portumna but the names
of the rest of the persons of the said Society in this kingdom he
cannot at present remember. He saith he doth know Mr.
Morgan (h) and did see him in this kingdom about three yeares
since and that he came then into the kingdom by order of the
Generall of the Society att Rome to visitt the Jesuits here con-
cerning their Temporalities and to settle some differences between
them concerning the same. That he did not know any money
he brought with him, that he stayed in this kingdom about
four or five weeks. He saith that when the Proclamation
issued commanding all .persons of the Examinate's condicon to
depart the kingdom, hee the Examinate was very sicke and
continued soe for a long tyme after, which was testified under

(g) Q uer Y Usher ? or it may be an assumed name.

(h) "My Lords, likewise in January 1678 (as near as I can remember)
Morgan was sent into Ireland as a visitor and he returns in February or
March and gives us an account how ready the Irish were to vindicate their
freedom and their religion from the oppression of the English as they called
it." Titus Gates, Trial of Lord Stafford, p. 115.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 55

the hand of his physician and uppon his recouery hee desyred
to depart but finding that severall persons who did depart were
returned he stayd and hath continued in the kingdom since.

NICH NETTERVILLE.

Father Netterville was doubtless transported but if we trust
the information given before the English House of Lords 10th
November, 1680, he made his way back to Ireland, since he was
ordered to be arrested again on that date. The proceedings
against the Jesuit Superior appear in a report of the Irish Privy
Council sent to England.

The Lord Lieutenant having notice of one William Ryan to be
Superior of the Jesuits in this kingdom thought fit to have him
secured and examined and his papers seized, which accordingly
was done by Captain Robert Fitz Gerald a member of this
Board in pursuance of several letters from this Board of the
5th and 8th of November 1678 and the said Ryan was brought
up with a guard and committed to the Castle.

On the 5th of November 1678 letters were sent from the Board
to Mr. Secretary Coventry giving an accompt of the proceedings
against Ryan and one Richard Bourke another Jesuit with the
examinations of the said Ryan and Bourke in which mention
was made of one thousand pounds given by one Hughes a Jesuit
to a college of Jesuits at Poictiers in France which thousand
pounds was said to be lodged in the hands of Daniel Arthur.

And there appearing nothing material against Ryan in reference
to the plot he was by order of the Board dated 26th of February
1678[9] put aboard a ship bound from the port, of Dublin to
some foreign part in order to his transportation according to the
proclamation for that purpose.

Some of the Protestant bishops were active in the work of
capturing Jesuits and other popish ecclesiastics. In January, 1679,
the Council directed Secretary Davis to acquaint Hopkins, bishop
of Raphoe.

Your letter to the Bishop of Meath concerning the apprehending
and imprisonment of Stretch a Jesuit was communicated to the
Council. It is their pleasure that Stretch be continued under
his imprisonment until an opportunity presents itself wherby
hee shall be transported. As to the poor man in whose house
hee lodged and was taken their Lordships do not see anything
whereupon to ground a presentment against him.

The magistrates' correspondence shows similar activity. One
Jeremiah Jones writes from Sligo to Ormond, 12th November, 1678

56 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

eight days before the time-limit for the departure of the
priests.

There was taken in my neighbourhood last week by one Henry
Thornton, a Jesuite by name John fntz Gerald born in the County
of Kerry and as he saith not above seaven weeks in Ireland.
He took shipping in August last in Nants in ffrance and came
for England and staid at London some time, and from thence
took shipping at Bristoll and landed at Belfast and soe took
his journey through this country to Galway. After apprehending
him, Thornton and some others that were by, heard him utter
some words that discovered him to be sent over as one of the
twelve jesuites sent into this country by the pope. Taking him
that night to my own house and telling him of the daunger he
was in of Death he imediatly did disclose vnto us wher there were
eight or nine of his Society dispersed in Galway, Limerick,
Waterford and Kilkenny according to the inclosed note of their
names with severall others which had in their keeping Com-
missions under the Great Scale of France and the Pope. I
brought him to the toun of Sligoe and secured him in the town
Martiall's house with a souldier attending him day and night
at my own charge.

Though few in numbers, several of the Jesuits evaded capture ;
two years later John Bradley and Thomas Atterbury sent over by
Shaftesbury to work up evidence for the Plot, write from Dublin
that they had seized some Jesuits but there were others still to be
got. Who these were, or whether Jesuits at all, does not appear.
In January, 1681, the Council got on the track of a real Jesuit
without knowing it.

COUNCIL TO THE MAYOR OF WATERFORD 15 JANUARY 1680[1].

We require you upon receipt hereof to take into custody John Cleere
a regular priest now resident in the Citty of Waterford ; we
require you to seize upon his papers and have him sent under
a safe guard to this Citty of Dublin.

COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFF OF Co. WATERFORD 31 JANUARY 1680[1].

Whereas etc. we find by Certificate of the Marshall and of a Surgeon
in Waterford that the said Cleere is soe sicke that he was not in
a condition to travell, you are to view him and certify etc.

The Augustinians, at this time a very small body in Ireland
seem to have obeyed the proclamation. But in steering clear of
Scylla some of them found themselves in Charybdis. Sir Robert
Southwell wrote to Ormond from London, 7th December, 1678.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 57

A vessel was lately driven into Milford Haven by stress of weather
wherein were four Austin friars from Dublin in their way to
France ; they coming ashore were clapped in gaol till orders
go from hence and the orders which go this night are for examining
the seamen as well as the friars to be fully possessed of the truth.

The custom officer at Fishguard had the worst opinion of his
prisoners.

JOHN LEWIS TO ALDERMAN HUMPHRY JERVIS 2 DECEMBER 1678.

There were forced to Milford lately by stress of weather four
friars, they say of the St. Augustine's order and they call them-
selves James Higgin, Thomas Eustace, John Dowdall and
Laughlin Keogh and another person who they call Thomas
Conroy, servant to Eustace. They flung a cask overboard when
they saw they could not avoid the port, and they forced the
master and the two boys that belonged to the vessel to keep
sea to the utmost. They came on board at Dublin. I am
persuaded they are some of those villains that conspired against
the good Duke of Ormond. They are in the common gaole
and shall be so kept till we hear more of them, which I pray
inquire into, for we cannot extend too much diligence, our King
and kingdoms lying under the burthen of Popish villains. God
preserve us in this dangerous age.

The Dominicans and Franciscans being the strongest bodies
numerically, occupied more of the Government's attention. An
unworthy member of the former order named Bernard Dennis
helped to bring upon his fellows, much persecution. The fearsome
story he told was :

In the year '68 1 entred into the Order of the Dominicans in Ireland ;
and in the same year there arrived at Dublin a Franciscan
Frier, brother to the late Earl of Carlingford, and arriving there
he made severall Collectors for the levying a competent sum
of money out of every convent. The collectors were by name,
John Reynolds alias Landy and John Berne and arriving in the
County of Sligoe in the month of May '68 when the Collectors
came to the Convent of our Friers there, all the friers gathered
together into a room and these Collectors coming in did read
their commission given them from one James Taaffe as they
said ; and I was there personally present though a novice ; and
upon reading their commissions they said forty shillings was to
be paid by the Prior and the friers of that Convent ; and the
Provincial of the order of the Dominicans questioned the power
of the said Reynolds and Berne and so did the Prior ; and I
ask'd why the money was levy'd ? They gave answer : that
that levy and several other levies was to encourage the French

58 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

King in whose kingdom was several bishops of Ireland, clergy-
men and others whose business it was to provoke the King to
bring an army to invade Ireland whenever time should serve.

Some of the Dominicans freely transported themselves. On
13th December, 1678, the Council wrote to Sir William King at
Limerick.

As to the two Dominican friars who surrendered themselves since
the Proclamation and are now committed by you, it is the
Council's pleasure that they be secured until there be an oppor-
tunity of transporting them with the Titular Bishop of Limerick
and the other friers mentioned in your letters, which you write
will be sent away next week and it is our pleasure that the
persons who harboured them be proceeded against at the next
Quarter Sessions.

The two priests who were celebrating mass within the Citty of
Lymerick if they appear to be secular priests and have not
exercised any forraine jurisdiction, that they be dischardged yet
they bee not hereafter permitted to celebrate mass within the
garrison there.

Others were not so compliant. Felix O'Connor, for instance,
Prior of Sligo, died in prison there after some months confinement.
From Cork gaol Constantine O'Keefe, Provincial of the order in
Ireland, petitioned government for release.

COUNCIL TO LORD SHANNON AT CORK 7 MARCH 1678[9].

Whereas a petition was lately exhibited at this Board in the name
of Constantine Keeffe a Dominican Frier alledging severall
infirmities whereby he is unable to transport himself according
to the Proclamation. We require of you to inform yourself of
that matter and to make return to us.

Many after hiding for a considerable time returned to their
former haunts and were captured.

COUNCIL TO THOMAS LOVELACE AT ROSCOMMON 17 SEPTEMBER 1680.

Your letters of the 28th of August concerneing the apprehending
of Michael Connor pretended prior of the order of Dominicans,
at Roscommon, Bryan McDermott and John Keogh friers and
David Gawan secular priest, were communicated to this Board,
it is our pleasure that the said persons be kept in safe custodie.

COUNCIL TO THE MAYOR OF GALWAY 17 SEPTEMBER 1680.

Your letters of the 8th instant concerning Dominick Linch fitz
Stephen a regular priest of the order of St. Dominick who is

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 59

apprehended and in gaol were read. We require you that the
said Linch be kept in strict custodie.

Human nature is often frail :

SIR JOHN DAVYS TO SIR WILLIAM KING 2 NOVEMBER, 1680.

Whereas etc. we require you to inform yourself of the health of
Dominick Lynch who, as he says, has considerable discoveries
to make.

When the terror of the Plot was subsiding a Dominican bishop
of Elphin, Dominick Burke, began in hopes of better times to build
an altar in their old abbey of Athenry.

ORMOND TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF TUAM 3 JUNE 1681.

We being given to understand that there is erecting in the Abbey
of Athenry a monument or tombe for one Bourke titular Bishopp
of Elphin with inscriptions thereon of his severall titles and
dignities, you are to cause enquiry to be made and if you soe
find, a stop is to be put to the work.

ORMOND TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF TUAM 28 JUNE 1681.

We finde by your Lordshipps letters there is already not onely a
monument but an alter very stately erected of marble and stone
in the Quire of the said Abbey, and whereas the magistrates
have neglected etc. you are to cause the said monument if offensive
to Protestants, to be taken down.

Again when Arran, Lord Deputy, enquired of Ormorid what he
was to do regarding a Dominican at Burrishoole and some more
recently settled in Galway, Ormond replied 30th August, 1683.

There is nobody here at present from whom I can properly receive
advice, much less directions the King being at Winchester
how to advise you to proceed with the senseless and extravagant
insolency of the friars and nuns who are guided by them at

Galway and Burrishoole I am of opinion that if

it be not too late you should sent orders from the Council to the
Judges that go the Connaught circuit to have the mad friar at
Burrishoole indicted upon the statute in force against such as
shall be found in the act of saying mass and prosecuted to the
utmost extent of the law. If the assizes be over I conceive it
may be done at a Quarter Sessions.

The nuns are silly creatures yet they must be dispersed and those
who gave them a retreat ought to be sought after. But those
priests and friars who governed the ceremony of admitting a
new nun ought be prosecuted as far as the law will reach, and
if some of the lay assistants of the best quality at the profession

60 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

of the nun and at the mass at Burrishoole were also prosecuted
it will be better. When I mention the dispersing of the nuns
you will understand my meaning extends to the friaries also.

A week later, September 8th, Arran was able to assure Ormond
that already the friars had been dealt with.

There will I hope be no further trouble given us here by the priests
friars or nuns, for those in Burrishoole have been tried and
found guilty at the assizes and fined at 50 a piece, which they
are to pay and find sureties of their good behaviour before they
can get out of gaol, and those about Galway are dispersed
and run away. This way of proceeding of the magistrate, I
conclude will deter others of their persuasion if they are not
quite out of their wits.

Again a little later his anticipations were fulfilled.

The priests etc. begin to be more discreet than they were since the
insolencies of those at Burrishoole have been so severely punished
so that I think your Grace may safely let that matter rest. My
Lord Primate will send you the particulars of their trial.

The Franciscans occupy a large space in the official corres-
pondence.

COUNCIL TO ROBERT ELYE AT CARRICK 25 NOVEMBER 1678.

Your letter concerning the apprehension of Edmund Butler pre-
tended Guardian of Carrick was communicated to his Excellency
and their Lordshipps, who command me to acquaint you that
he is to be continued in safe custody.

COUNCIL TO THE MAYOR OF CLONMEL 6 DECEMBER 1678. .

We have received information that one Rowland Comyne a Popish
Priest is secured in that town by Lieutenant Bellamy and that
he finds him a decrepitt infirme man neere foure score yeares
of age. We think fitt to inform your selfe of the said Comyn's
condition and if you find him soe disabled as hee cannot trans-
porte him selfe and that he bee a Regular Priest you take good
security for his departure out of the kingdom within some certain
time to be lymited by you.

We find by your lettres of the 27th of November last you have
comitted to Gaole one Edmund Butler a ffranciscan frier and
one Andrew Louder of Carrigg a Secular Priest. As to the
Secular Priest hee being not within the intent of the Proclamation
we think fitt you give orders for discharging him and as for the
frier wee did uppon intimation of his age and weaknes give
order that he should continue in safe custody until he should
be in a condition to travell, and did require good security for
his departure within a certain time.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 61

COUNCIL TO CHARLES COLLIS AT SLIGO 24 MAY 1680.

We find you have lately seized on two friars in the Convent of
Ballymote and secured a greate library and the friars vestments
in the said Convent and as we have given orders for the payment
of the Reward for apprehending the regular popish clergie soe
wee require you that you take speciall care that the library and
vestments be secured, and that you continue the friars in custody.

COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFFS OF GALWAY TOWN 6 DECEMBER 1678.

We find by your letters of the 26th of November you have appre-
hended two popish priests but you do not mention whether
they be regulars or seculars. If regulars we require that they
be secured -until there be an opportunity of transporting -them,
but if seculars they are to be dischardged.

ORMOND TO SIR GEORGE RAWDON 3 JUNE 1681.

We pray and require you to cause diligent search to be made for
John O'Neale, Guardian of the ffranciscan friers of Armagh.
We require you to have him apprehended and examined upon
the matters menconed in ffiorence Wyer's examinacon.

Occasionally the fidelity of his Majesty's servants in pursuit
of the friars was not above suspicion. For instance, in a letter
to Ormond, September 28th, 1680, we find that Sir Peter Cosby
issued a warrant to the gaoles of the Co. Kerry to set at liberty
Friar O'Keeffe committed for the Plot which warrant purported
to be by licence of the Privy Council. On learning this an order
in Council was made that Cosby be put under arrest and committed
to Dublin Castle. Again :

COUNCIL TO RICHARD FRANCIS AT BALLYLEAGUE 21 JANUARY

1678[9].

Your letters concerning Daniel Carter and the Friars of Timo-
league were read. His Grace and their Lordshipps doe well
approve of your diligence in binding over the persons who
pretended the takeing of the said Friars. If they produce not
the friar we require that you cause the said persons to be pre-
sented at the Assizes.

COUNCIL TO SIR WILLIAM HAMILTON 17 MAY 1681.

Whereas Con Magennis hath not given any account of his taking
Bryan Magoirck and others but under pretence as we are informed
apprehended severall popish priests and dischardged them for
money, we require that you cause the said Magennis to be appre-
hended.

62 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

Again Lord Clare reports about the Guardian of Quin, 18th
January, 1681.

I know Brady to be the most eminent, zealous and most knowing
man of his order in this kingdom, and that nothing of the papists'
designs here could be hid from him. Had he not an opinion
my cousin Donogh O'Brien to be a man that loves his quiet,
he would have told him more ; his work being to be carried on
only by desperate fellows.

Ormond replied that if Brady was still in the country it would
be Clare's duty to have him apprehended. But he had his sus-
picions of his correspondent's sincerity. Clare now writes that
there was no use in arresting Brady.

LORD CLARE TO ORMOND 11 FEBRUARY 1681.

I find that the friar Brady is still in this kingdom, I have employed
people to apprehend him. But if they do take him I know it
will not be to much purpose as to any discoveries he will make
for he will sooner burn than discover anything which may pre-
judice the interest of the Roman Catholic religion.

Many petitions were sent in to be dispensed from transporta-
tion. A few examples may be given in extenso.

To his Grace James Duke of Ormond Lieut Generall and Generall
Governor of his Maiestie's kingdom of Ireland and the rest of
his Maiestie's Privie Council.

The humble petition of Laurence Tancard a ffranciscan fryar
Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner taking notice of the
severall proclamations lately issued for those of his profession
to depart this kingdome by a limited time would with all sub-
missiveness give obedience thereto hee being seaventy two
yeares of adge and continually troubled with many infirmities
by reason of which he has not beene able to goe out of his chamber
these seaven moneths past. Your Grace and this honourable
table will be pleased to take to your consideration that your
Petitioner for not obeying the Nuncio in Kilkenny who excom- i
municated all those who sided with the peace of '48, was at his
going vnto Rome cast into prison where he remained for the
space of fourteen weekes and was in great danger to be sent
vnto the Gallies and that also for subscribing to the Remon-
strance he suffered as much as any others. Further your Grace
and this honourable table was gratiously pleased on my former
petition to graunt me a reference to Doctor Vallor for whom I
have sent above forty times but never could have the happiness
of his visitt.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 63

His Humble request to your Grace now is that with the eies of
pitty and compassion he may be looked upon in the sad condition
he is in and that he may during the short time he has to live
by the course of nature be dispensed with from goeing beyond
sea according to the said Proclamation but that hee may live
heere in Dubline among his few frinds who may afford him some
charitable relife and comfort. And he as in duty bound will
ever pray. LAURENCE TANCARD.

For my Lord Duke of Ormond Lord Liftennant of Ireland the
humble petition of Antony Nugent poor Capucin.

Humbly sheweth That your Petitioner was dispensed of the two
last proclamations by the mediation of his noble friends my
Lord of Grannard and Sir Theophilus Jones uppon the notice
of preserving the English in the last rebellion against which I
have preached. Your Grace may call to mynd how my Lord
Moore did send me with a letter of the danger of Tredath
[Drogheda] and this with hazard of my leef when none else
would undertake the danger. Your Grace did employ me with
a letter in Westmeath to the sheerif. I am very ould and sicke.
I might offer other motives but I leave all and my own concernes
to your gratious consideration and I will ever pray etc.

ANTONY NUGENT.

There is no reference on these petitions, but sometimes a
temporary respite was granted.

To his Grace James Duke of Ormond etc. and to his Maiesties
Privy Councill.

The humble Petition of Dominick Martyn an Augustinian
fryer humbly sheweth vnto your Grace and Lordshipps that
.your Petitioner was willing pursuant to your Graces and Lord-
shipps Proclamation to transport himselfe out of the kingdom
and would doe so accordingly had his severall distempers
permitted him. That ye Petitioner is three score and nyne
yeares of adge and has been for sundry yeares past so unwieldly
that he was and is still found to keepe his bedd as by Physitian's
certificate to that purport hereunto annexed may appeare.

May it therefore please your Grace and Lopps to consider your
poore Petitioner's adge and infirmitie and in regard that he is
willing to enter security before any Justice of the Peace of the
Countie of Gallway for his good behaviour that your Grace and
Lopps may be pleased to grant him leave to remaine in the
kingdom that thereby he may take the libertie of breathing
the air for health, if his infirmitie will permit him, without being
molested. DOMINICK MARTYN.

[Endorsed] Ordered that the Petitioner do with good security
before the Mayor of Gallway acknowledge a recognisance in the

64 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

sum of two hundred pounds, to personally appear within ten
days before the Lord Lieutenant or other Chief Governor, and
shall in the meane time demean himself as a dutiful and loyal
subject and upon certificate of the Mayor of Gallway of such
recognisance we are pleased that the Petitioner be permitted to
remain in this kingdom until further orders notwithstanding the
Proclamation.

9 July 1680.

Again :

ORMOND TO THE GOVERNOR OF KINSALE 18 DECEMBER 1678.

By your letters to the Earl of Ossery concerning one James Calverly
a Regular priest of the order of St. Francis and finding by his
application to you that he is so wake and sicke that hee cannot
transport himself at present, you are to take good security
for his departure out of the kingdom within six months of the
date hereof.

COUNCIL TO THE GOVERNOR OF KINSALE 20 JUNE 1679.

By your letters concerning one James Calvarly a Regular priest
of the order of St. Francis who had formerly a lycence to con-
tinue in this kingdom for six months and it appearing by your
said letters that you took a Chirurgion with you and went to
him and found him in such a languishing condition by a con-
sumption, that he hath not been out of his bed for three moneths
neither is like to be till he be caried to his grave, you are to take
good security for his departure within six months.

More convincing reasons than ill-health were occasionally
pleaded :

COUNCIL TO GEORGE PHILLIPS AT DERRY 21 SEPTEMBER 1680.

Your letters of the 14th instant concerning Paule Gormley a
ffranciscan friar now in gaol at Derry were read. You are to
examine him concerning the Popish Plott and to give him an
assurance in his Maiesties behalfe that he shall not onlie be sett
at libertie but alsoe be rewarded according to the meritt of his
discovery.

Six weeks later (2nd November) the Council wrote that Gormley
was to be sent to Dublin with all speed. He proved however a
sorry witness. He first revealed the manufacture of evidence by
Hetherington, Shaftesbury's agent, and next at the trial of
Archbishop Plunket, came forward to testify the malice of his
fellow-friar Moyer, and that the archbishop was concerned in no
plot but did 'more good in Ireland than harm.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 65

Whether as informers or as invalids, the number permitted
to remain in the country was small indeed. Ormond replying to
some charges on this head, writes 4th May, 1679.

It is true that some regulars were permitted to stay, and they are
not five in the whole kingdom, at least I think so, and those are
. such as by reason of age and physical infirmity could not be
transported, or such as would be worse used in any popish
country than the law can use them here, by reason of their
declaring against the Pope's power with Peter Walsh. To force
such away would show more inhumanity than prudence.

Even when the Titus Gates' frenzy had spent itself the pur-
suit of the friers still continued. The parson of Innishowen, John
Humble, writes to Hopkins, bishop of Deny, 24th November, 1682.

Pursuant to your Lordship's order I have made enquiry into
the late confluence of the Romish clergy, which consisted of
regulars as well as seculars. They held a formal visitation and
paid their accustomed dueties to one Manus O'Merisan as their
superior, and vicar general. There is a sharp dispute and
contest betwixt this O'Merisan and Father McGorkey (the
person I told your lordship was formerly in my Lord Massareenes
custody for words of reflection as competitors for the supremacy) .
The inferior clergy pretend to constitute their superior by their
own election and by this artifice and evasion think to secure
themselves from the penalty of the law for extolling of and
exercising foreign jurisdiction. They have their monthly
assemblies, and what may be the production of such dangerous
conventions, if not reasonably restrained is not hard to conjecture,
the fatalities of former times sufficiently demonstrating to us
the sad results thereof. There are many friars among us
particularly Father McColgan, Father Hegarty , Father O 'Dogherty
(there are two of that name) with some others. I hope your
Lordship will take this into your serious consideration, and
make some essay to redress the dangerous irregularities of these
sort of men who are indefatigably industrious in all those methods
that subtilty and malice can suggest to effect the ruin of our
poor afflicted Zion.

The bishop in enclosing this letter to Primate Boyle complained
of the neglect of the Justices of that district, an observation in
which the primate entirely concurred. But three weeks later the
bishop was able to send the satisfactory intelligence.

Our new sheriff Mr. Benson hath apprehended one of those trouble-
some friars your Grace hath heard of, and assures me he is in
pursuit of more. Captain Cocken hath pawned me his word

F

66 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

that there shall not be a friary left in that county, and because
I know him an intelligent and active man I take his word for
it, and shall from time to time give your Grace an account of
what is done. The friar's name now taken is John McColgan
superior of the Convent of Deny. I humbly beg your Grace's
blessing and commands.

From the other end of the country we learn that the Protestant
clergy were equally active. Roane, bishop of Killaloe, and the
Primate wrote to Ormond about the Clare friars. The latter in a
communication to Arran, Lord Deputy, 14th November, 1682, says :

I know so much the temper of that sort of people that they are
easily raised to insolency upon the least appearance of indulgence
to them and therefore it may be fitt to fall upon the first you can
light on, with severity. What was writ by the Bishop can be
no secret, and if totally neglected may one time or other, be made
ill use of, therefore if there be a convent in those parts as I believe
there is, let as many of the friars as can be found be apprehended
and treated according to the Proclamation, and this being done
without special direction by the government there, will be best.

Though the full stress of the storm was felt by the religious
orders it is not to be supposed that the secular priests passed
unscathed. There were plenty miscreants who for personal
spleen or love of gain or to escape the penalties of their own crimes,
were ready to trump up stories of treason against them. And
there were not a few such as Orrery and Jones, bishop of Meath,
to whose nets everything was fish, who in conjunction with Shaftes-
bury and the leaders of "the Protestant Parliament" were straining
every nerve to implicate the Irish clergy.

Orrery writes November 29th, 1678:

The Mayor of Cork having sent me the deposition of a soldier of
the garrison that went formerly to mass but now is an officer's
servant and mustered, that one Garret Fitzgerald a Popish
Priest had since August last in his hearing often taught his
parishioners that the King of England was only King of the
Protestants of Ireland, but the King of France was King of 'the
Papists of Ireland, I sent him to gaol.

The same month he asks the Council's directions as to Maurice
Condon a popish priest whom he has arrested. On December 10th,
he is earnest to apprehend a Romish priest "who is entrusted with
most of their secrets and can if he will discover much." Ten days
later the priest was arrested.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 67

I have spent most of the afternoon yesterday, examining the
priest Corrie Meehan, and after very long examining him and
telling him my charge he positively denied all. I have this day
sent him to Cork gaol with a constable and a guard.

A little later upon his report directions are given to ascertain
if the six persons landed in Kinsale from Nantes are in popish orders,
and if so to transport them at the earliest opportunity. Again the
informer Henegan has advised the arrival in Kerry of two popish
priests from Paris "habited like gentlemen." One of these escaped
in a creek near Ventry at which harbour Orrery's men were watch-
ing ; the other they are still on the look out for. Information of
treasonable practices was quite unnecessary since any assemblage
for mass might be construed as a popish meeting and those present
at it, dealt with according to the proclamation.

COUNCIL TO THE SOVEREIGN OF ATHY, 2 DECEMBER 1678.

We have received information that on Sunday the 24th of November
last there was a great concourse of people in and neare Athy, and
there were about 1,300 persons assembled to heere Mass. Wee
require you to inform yourself of the number soe assembled and
their conditions and qualities and the names of some few of the
principall.

The Sovereign replied that only three hundred were present,
mostly parishioners, those of greatest consequence being Edmund
Dunn, priest, William Smith, Michael Smith, Richard Hoey, and
another member of the corporation. The Lieutenant in command
added in a further communication that the size of the congregation
was due to "the apprehension that mass would soon become scarce,
and soe nobody would omit it while it was to be had." Mass, in
truth, in the towns was soon to become scarce. The Council,
April 4th, 1679, sent the following mandate to the several mayors
and sovereigns of the cities and towns.

We are informed that contrary to the Proclamation of 20 November
1678 greate and unusuall numbers of the Popish religion doe
meete and assemble themselves within divers of the Cities and
Towns Corporate of this Kingdom, to exercise their religion, we
require you to take care that such meetings within the walls
and liberties thereof be dispersed and dissolved, and that you
do not permit any popish services to be publickly celebrated
within the said Towns, Cities or liberties or suburbs thereof.

68 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

By the following month Ormond was able to report of Dublin,
"There is not one mass-house left unsuppressed in this city." Not
however without difficulty, for he writes to Ossory, 12th April:

There happened some disorder at and after the suppressing one
of the mass-houses hi this city. One of the Lord Mayor's officers
struck a priest as he was kneeling at the altar in his ordinary
clothes, but the officer being ignorant that other vestments are
necessary to say mass in, thought he was then saying one, which
provoked him to that rudeness to the priest. The blow provoked
the priest to say that if Christ were Christ he would avenge the
abuse, or words to that effect. In short that night when it was
dark the officer was assaulted by four or five men, and much
bruised and wounded and we are by proclamation and reward
endeavouring to find out the persons that did it.

The suppression of the mass-houses long continued.

FRANCIS MARSH, ARCHBISHOP OF DUBLIN TO ORMOND, 3 FEBRUARY

1685.

Some complaint hath been made to his Majesty that the
chapels allowed to the Romanists here in Dublin have been
shut up by me. I know not nor ever heard of any chapels allowed
them though some such public houses have been overlooked and
neglected by the government by connivance only as I conceive.
So have also many of the public meeting houses of other Dis-
senters. [During the Dissenters plot of 1683] the Earl of Arran
and Council thought fit when the laws of England were awakened
against them to put some check upon them here also, and because
without great clamour and obloquy they knew not how to dis-
tinguish between one Dissenter and another, they thought fit to
restrain all. I sent therefore for the heads of the Romish Com-
munion and for such reasons as I gave them I must, to their
commendation, say they readily complied and shut up their
doors where they before publicly met. Thus they continued a
good while and I believe all the conventicles in Ireland were for
a while suppressed. The first I heard who opened their doors
were the Papists and one Mr. Fitzgerald preached publicly here
in Dublin in his cap and surplice and, as I was told, published
indulgences. I sent for him and he promised to do so no more.
I heard afterwards that several other priests in this town had
opened their shops. I sent therefore to one Mr. Wesely [ap-
pointed bishop of Kildare 1683] a fair and discreet man and
I told him, which is truth, that I believe they could do nothing
more grateful to the fanatics. The gentleman was so reasonable
to apprehend the case, and if he did give order to forbear their
public assemblies it was voluntarily done without any other
force than of reason and expediency.

.REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 69

The moderation of the archbishop's language it may be observed
was due to the fact that a few months later there would be a Catholic
on the throne. This indeed tamed the hearts of fire, of the per-
secutors generally.

LONGFORD TO ARRAN 24 AUGUST 1683.

Before I left Galway being invited by the Irish merchants to a
'*' dinner I took occasion to represent the folly and indiscretion
they were guilty of to have a public priory and nunnery so near
the town, and four public mass-houses in the town. I acquainted
them also of the danger of it because it was against the law, and
in contempt of the late proclamation and the madness of their
clergy who flock over now would inevitably draw on mischief
upon them. They thanked me for the friendly intimation and
promised to take a speedy course in it. And accordingly the next
morning they came to me and assured me the priory and convent
should immediately disperse, and there should be no more public
mass-houses. But they hoped they might have the exercise of
their religion privately in their own houses and desired me to
interpose with the Mayor that he would not disturb nor trouble
their secular priests which were not within the proclamation.
I spoke to the Deputy Mayor who will give your Excellency an
account how far they perform their promise.

SAME TO SAME 30 AUGUST 1683.

I gave your Excellency an account how readily the Popish party
at Galway complied with the suppressing of their public mass-
houses and dispersing the convent and nunnery. In Limerick
I had discourse with my Lord Bishop and the Mayor for sup-
pressing both the conventicles and public mass-houses and they
promised to do it effectually very soon.

The insolence of the friars and priests in re-establishing them-
selves in Kilkenny was the subject of angry correspondence. It
was Ormond's own town and his Protestant character was at

stake.

ORMOND TO ARRAN 2 OCTOBER 1683.

I am informed that the insolence as well as indiscretion of the
regular Popish clergy was grown to that height that they were
building or fitting up no less than four chapels at Kilkenny,
and that they persisted in that folly though advised to the
contrary by some more sober men of their own religion. It may
therefore be fit for you to send to the Bishop of Ossory and
perhaps to the Mayor of the city to let them know you are so
informed and desire them to take a care to prevent it as also
the celebration of mass within the walls of the town. This may

70 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

be a greater kindness to them than they deserve. It may
perhaps be better to let them go on till they have laid out the
money some fools have given them, and then to dislodge them.

ORMOND TO ARRAN 27 OCTOBER 1683.

They were friars that I told you I heard were fitting four chapels
for themselves within the city of Kilkenny. There are besides
one or two more parish priests who have still been tolerated to
say mass in the suburbs. If those presume to draw congregations
within the walls they ought to be suppressed as well as the others,
and I desire you would take care of this more particularly than
in other places, because the town is mine and my residence.

Ormond's half-brother, George Mathew a strong Catholic
was blamed for the toleration in Kilkenny.

ARRAN TO ORMOND 14 NOVEMBER 1683.

My Uncle Mathew showed me your letter to him of the 8th instant.
It was high time for him to come to town, for the indiscretion
of the Irish clergy at Kilkenny was discoursed of in this town
much to his prejudice, of which he was so sensible that I hear
he has got some person to prevail with the regulars to disperse,
and I shall take care that the like folly be not committed any
more.

It is not to be supposed that the suppression of the mass-
houses was confined strictly, in accordance with the proclamation,
to the cities and corporate towns. The official correspondence
shows that the villages and even the open country was not always
safe for the celebration of. mass.

COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFF OF CLARE 4 MAY 1681.

There is one Richard Gillareagh Popish priest of Killrush who as
wee are informed did lately take the bouldnes publiquely to
celebrate mass neare to the Church doore of Kilrush and that
although he was forbidden the same .by one of the Justices of
the Peace, yet in contempt of his Maiesties authoritie he per-
sisted to celebrate mass there and used unfitting expressions to
the said Justice of the Peace. We require you to cause him to
be apprehended and committed to safe custody.

And in case any other popish priest doe publiquely celebrate
mass there, or that those of the popish religion do assemble in
any great numbers within the said Countie we require you to
disperse them.

COUNCIL TO HENRY BOYLE, CORK, 4 MAY 1681.

After our hearty commendations, it appearing unto us by the
examination of Robert Cole, gentleman, that the Papists doe

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 71

in great numbers meete at Masse-houses in the Baronies of Barry-
more and Imokelly we require you that the proclamation of
20 November- 1678 be put in execution and let the Sheriff and the
Justices of the Peace know that if they had done their Dueties,
the unlawfull meetings of the papists might have been prevented.

COUNCIL TO WALTER HICKMAN 3 JUNE 1681.
By the Examination of Robert Cole he says that there was since
Michaelmas last a newe Masse house erected neere the parish
church of Killeenchoola in the County of Clare, you are to inform
yourself of the matter and make return to this Board.

On the arrival of Shaftesbury's agents early in 1681 to work
up the Plot the raids on the priests were resumed. The Mayor
of Youghal having reported that certain papers were found in
possession of Sheehy, a popish" priest, he is to be put under bonds of
200 to appear within ten days at Dublin Castle for examination.
On same date, 4th January, 1681, warrants were sent to the sheriff
of Limerick for the apprehension of Teige O'Coffy, parish priest
of Oola, Teige O'Hea, parish priest of lough, and Connor O'Coffey,
parish priest of Doon. A little later Sir William Tichbourne was
ordered to arrest Marius O'Quinn, parish priest of Fews, and Connor
Maginness to arrest Bryan O'Hellin, parish priest of Muckney, Co.
Monaghan. But this extraordinary time will perhaps be best
realised from the proceedings of James Geoghegan. Originally a
Franciscan, he had been unfrocked and degraded for misconduct.
Making his way to England he renounced the errors of popery
and was received into the Established Church by the bishop of
Durham. In due course he appeared as a witness for the Popish
Plot before the Privy Council. On 6th October, 1680, he received a
mandate from the Council to proceed to Ireland in order to make
arrests there of the principal conspirators known to him. Landing
in Youghal a month later, he swore informations wholesale against
the Waterford gentry and clergy. His behaviour however was so
outrageous that the Mayor of Waterford had him arrested and sent
to Ormond. But as a passport, an order from the Privy Council,
and a letter of introduction from Lord Sunderland to Ormond
himself, were found on him, Ormond had no alternative but to
provide money, and a guard of horsemen to enable him to carry
on his work of arresting Popish traitors. From the informations
sworn by the troopers and others we gather the following:

72 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

James Fitz Gerald being sworn etc. 22 December 1680, sayeth.
That James Geoghegan formerly a ffryer came to his house at
Maddinstown the 1 1th instant in a violent maner with eight horse-
men and a piper playing before him late in the evening and clapt
a Carbine to the brest of this Examinate's wife demanding where
her husband was, thence went to Athy and returned the next day.
Presently there came in a priest guarded by one of the horse-
men (i) and the said Geoghegan asked this Examinat whether
he would be bound for the said Preist, who refused soe to be.
This Examinat further saith that the Preist was then released
by the said Geoghegan, paying him 32s 6d ; and a Challice and
box of Oyle was delivered back to the Preist on payment of the
money.

This Examinat further saith that said Geoghegan on or about the
16th Instant at Dunnadea took from him a nagg, saddle and
bridle on pretence that hee looked like a young ffryer, which

. horse hee, the said Geoghegan sold for a Guinney tho worth three
pounds to a horseman at Athy.

William Lowfield, one of the troopers, describes further progress.

At the house of Widow Ledwitch at Clonsilla we arrested Father
Ledwitch and seized a challice and vestments, thence we went
to Leixlip where the said Geoghegan dined with Mr. White and
forbid him to harbour any preists, thence to Kildrought where
we seized Father Brown, thence to Maynooth. At Maynooth
the said Geoghegan drew his purse wherein was gold and silver
and showing it to Brown, the Priest, said, look hear you Rogue,
if you would doe as I doe you will not want for Gold or Silver.
At Kilcock the said Geoghegan preferred to sell the said challice
but none would buy it, and then he left the said vestments with
a woman at the sign of the Earl of Kildares Arms to keepe till
his return. Thence we went to Tecullen or some such name
where was a convent, and the said Geoghegan seized on an old
man who hee said was a frier but uppon the intercession of some
of the women of the towne, hee left him behind him with the
Constable and the said Geoghegan did likewise seize at Tecullen
some vestments belonging to a priest but left them behind him.

On Friday night at Kildare hee lay at an Inn and directed the
Horsemen to bee with him by 7 o'c in the morneing, and accord-
ingly they attended him from that howre on horse backe vntill
about 3 or 4 a Clock on the afternoon, all which time hee the said
Geoghegan was drinkinge with severall persons of the Towne
and had a piper playing to him.

From James Fitz Gerald's deposition we learn the fate of the
priests.

(*) This priest we learn from other informations was Thomas Archbold.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 73

Mr. Skinner a Justice of the Peace told this Examinat that
Geoghegan brought before him two priests Browne and Ledwith
whom he accused of treason and the said Mr. Skinner sending
a Mittimus to the Constable to carry them to Gaole the said
Geoghegan took the said Mittimus and blotted out the name of
Ledwith and dismist him, and received forty shillings for his
soe doing as the said Ledwith told this Examinat.

A further report of Benjamin Barrington, William Barker and
others of the troop concludes the record of rascality.

Tuesday 14 December 1680. In the town of Lea Mr. Geoghegan
seized one he called a Preist who was released by him upon
Baile given for his appearance, and from thence he led us that
night to Mountmelick being about seaven miles.

Wednesday 15 December. In the morning we went to one Daniel
McDaniels house neare Mountmellick where was found a very
Rich Vestment and other materials belonging to a priest, which
vestments he seized on and gave into our custody where they
still remain. We came from thence to Tullamore and rested,
being distant some three miles from a Fryery upon which Mr.
Geoghegan had a designe as he told us, but when we came thither
all the fryers were gone and nothing to be found but a few bookes
which he caused to be sold to Mr. Tharltori of Killiegh for fifteen
shillings.

Saturday 18th December. Wee came to the Lady Tuites house
and that night having taken upp severall guides, we came to a
Fryery which was well stored with Butter, Beefe, Beere, Come
and other provisions but the fryers were all fledd away, and
there Mr. Geoghegan caused our Guide to break open chests and
Trunkes whereout as we judge he took 20 or 30 saying it was
a free prize, and that if he could find out the poor he would give
them the corne belonginge to the fryers.

Throughout all this period none of the clergy, regular or
secular, were pursued with such ferocity as those "exercising
ecclesiastical jurisdiction by authority of the Pope of Rome" that
is to say archbishops, bishops, and vicars-general. Hence we are
able to trace the fortunes of most of the rulers of the Irish church
in the government correspondence.

Philip Draycot, parish priest of Drogheda and vicar-general
of Armagh, was arrested early in December 1678.

COUNCIL TO THE MAYOR AND SHERIFFS OF DROGHEDA 13 DECEMBER

1678.

Upon perusal of the Certificate from you dated the 5th Instant
December concearning one Philip Dracott who is reported to
have been a Jesuite and to have excommunicated persons in the

74 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

town of Drogheda, you are to inquire whether he be a Jesuit
or belonging to any order, meanwhile he is to continue in gaol
and is not to be permitted hereafter to celebrate mass within
the garrison of Drogheda.

He evidently satisfied the authorities he was not a Jesuit and
was released. November 10th however of the following year the
House of Lords again ordered his arrest. His fellow vicar sub-
sequently shared the same fate.

COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFF OF ARMAGH 5 JULY 1680.

We require you to cause diligent search to be made for Dr. Hughes
a Popish Priest, that he be apprehended and secured and con-
veyed a prisoner to this city.

The Vicar-Apostolic of Derry and Raphoe was amongst the
first seized.

COUNCIL TO JOHN LORD MASSAREENE 8 NOVEMBER 1678.

Your letters received. As to that particular relating to the letters
or papers which may be found with Plunket the titular vicar
generall or superior in the County of Londonderry, and the other
popish clergy mentioned in your said letters, you are to make
a list of them and any of consequence to be sent to this Board.

Sir John Davis, secretary to the Council, early in January,
1679, sent to the Bishop of Raphoe a transportation order with
the instructions.

Send inclosed with all the speede you can together with Luke
Plunket mentioned in it unto the sheriffs of Londonderry who
are to putt in execution the contents of it.

It was not, however, always easy to ascertain who were or
were not exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Even when the
services of some unfrocked friar or suspended priest were to be had,
the resources of theology were used to outwit the law. If for
instance, the priests elected their own superior, could he be said
to exercise foreign jurisdiction ? Or could a meeting of the clergy
be deemed treasonable when government was notified and their
representative invited to be present ? The case of Bernard McGorke,
Dean of Armagh, was long a sore trial to the magistrates, to the
High Sheriff, Lord Massareene, the Protestant bishops and Ormond
himself. When it was first submitted to the English Privy Council
Sir Leoline Jenkins, Secretary of State, replied (21st January,
1682), "Currat lex." The law took its course; at the Spring

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 75

Assizes of Armagh McGorke was tried "for extolling foreign juris-
diction" and acquitted. The subsequent proceedings appear
from the following:
HUGH ROWLEY J.P. CULMORE TO LORD MASSEREENE 24 MAY 1682.

This day Bryan McGuirke and three priests came here to acquaint
me that McGuirke who is styled Vicar General of the Irish Papist
clergy in Ulster appointed a meeting of his clergy at an ale-house
near my house upon Friday next, and McGuirke told me that
my Lord Lieutenant allowed them so to meet in order to the
governing of their clergy but directed them to apply themselves
to the next Justice to acquaint him of such meeting when he
might send some to see and observe their carriage etc.

MASSEREENE TO HUGH ROWLEY 25 MAY 1682.

My advice is that you send for the said Bryan McGorke and require
him first to shew any order he hath or may pretend to have
from the Government ; next that you demand of him what
discharge he hath upon his last trial at Armagh assizes ; next
demand what certificate he hath of good and sufficient bail.
If you find authentic and good certificates of these you need
take none new. Send me the names of all both regular and
secular priests that may be at the meeting you speak of, and
do not let the regulars go till you have good bail.

Arran, lord deputy (to whom Massereene enclosed the fore-
going for advice) sent a furious reply (30th May).

I find that Rowley is a Justice of the Peace but withal that he
has not acted as the duty of his place required, for he knows or
ought to know that there is a proclamation for apprehending all
regular priests and a reward promised those that shall bring in
any, and I hope that gentleman is not so ignorant but he knows
that a Vicar General is one. Therefore if he does not secure
that Bryan McGorke who he says told him my Lord Lieutenant
allowed him to have a meeting in order to the governing of the
clergy, I will look upon him as an asperser of the Government
and will proceed with him accordingly. I do not altogether
approve of your letter in answer to his. I am sure your Lord-
ship knows that bail ought not to be taken for such contemners
of his Majesty's authority as do stay here contrary to the
proclamation.

A few weeks later Massereene writes in extenuation that he
has got McGorke in custody, though the Justices at first were
reluctant to arrest him as he exhibited his discharge at the Armagh
assizes. He enclosed an examination of McGorke taken before
himself and Sir George Rawdon 14th June, 1682.

76 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

Being examined why he did not upon the proclamation against
all regular priests and friars, leave the kingdom, he says he is
not intended in the same ; that when Luke Plunket the former
superintendent of the priests in the diocese of Londonderry,
who was also Vicar General was transported upon the said pro-
clamation, the priests of that place desired the Exanimate to
come to them and oversee them and be their superintendent
or arbiter ; but that the Examinate is no regular, that he is
no friar but hath some sustentation from the rest of the priests
of the diocese of Londonderry. He says he knew Mr. Black's
house in the county of Armagh, and that he was several times
with Oliver Plunket who used to meet there and at Kinard about
five or six years ago. Being examined if he the Examinate
were titular Deane of Armagh saith that he was tried and ex-
amined before about that, and was acquitted and will not answer
more to that matter.

Being demanded how they had the confidence to go to the Justices
and acquaint them of their meetings saith that he hath been a
priest these twenty-two years, and that he knows it is always
the custom for priests upon their meetings to send notice to the
next Justices thereof. And being demanded what he said before
Mr. Rowley the first time he came to him, saith that he desired
to see three or four priests that were thereabouts, and if it were
not displeasing to him that the Examinate would meet them
there at an ale-house near Mr. Rowley's house ; and saith that
one of the chief reasons why he said so to Mr. Rowley was that
he was afraid that some of the priests might falsely inform
against him (the Examinate) if there were no Protestants among
them at their meetings to hear what they said. And further
saith that he spoke to Mr. Rowley to this purpose that there is
nothing contrary to the proclamation in this business, and that
if his worship saw there were anything against law in it that he
(the Examinate) would give it over ; that Mr. Rowley said how
can that be but it is against the Proclamation. Then the Ex-
aminate answered that he was a superior or superintendent of
the priests' making, and that it was told the Exanimate that
his Grace the Lord Lieutenant upon a doubt or petition proposed
to his Grace whether those superiors or superintendents made
by the priests are under the lash of the Proclamation or not,
his Grace answered that they were not as Dr. Cusack told this
Examinate. The Examinate further saith that Dr. Cusack also
told him that my Lord Lieutenant was of the opinion it was
better that the Popish priests of every diocese should make
one of themselves superior over them than to have none at all ;
that the said Doctor is of the county of Meath, a secular priest,
and that it was at Drogheda about two years ago and more that
the Examinate heard it from the said Doctor. The Examinate
further saith that he the Examinate hath not the English tongue

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 77

well, and if anything have dropped from his mouth before Mr.
Rowley or now (he not being able to express his mind fitly in
English) he "hopes that no advantage on that account will be
taken against him.

This put a new complexion upon matters, since Cusack,
the bishop of Meath, was an acquaintance of Ormond. Arran
contented himself with referring the case to the judges going
circuit. McGorke though acquitted at the assizes continued in
jail for another year.

SIR WILLIAM STEWARD TO ARRAN 13 FEBRUARY 1683.

That Maguirke whom your Excellency mentions was sent to Lifford
jail for being titular Dean of Armagh and pretended Vicar
Generall, and was by me bailed to the Assizes, he utterly dis-
owning either title, and it being made appear before me that
he has been already tried for the very same thing at the Assizes
of Dungannon, Armagh and Monaghan and acquit at all, and
that he is at this time bound by my Lord Massareene to appear
at Derry assizes to answer the same charge. If after this any
Justice there, is offended at his being bailed I doubt he would
.show more zeal than he does understanding. If when a man is
cleared in one county he must be in jail in the next for the same
charge without bail, he may be fifteen years a prisoner ere he can
be freed. For at two assizes in the year he cannot in less time
go through the thirty counties of the kingdom. After all I
believe this Maguirke a great rogue, but if he were a devil he
must have right. Docherty is not said to be a regular no more
than he, his charge is acting under Maguirke, and I thought
he was to be bailed of consequence.

There were only two bishops in Ulster, Tyrrell of Clogher and
the Primate Plunket. Their presence was long connived at. The
dismissal however of Shaftesbury from the Privy Council in October
1679, stimulated him and his faction to new activity. The results
we learn in a letter from Ormond to Coventry, 30th October.

I received yours of the 21st of this month with the enclosed infor-
mation and by that night's post sent orders to the fittest persons
I could think of to search for and apprehend the two persons
named in the information and shall give like orders concerning
some others of the same degree and profession [i.e. Catholic
bishops] as soon as I can have probable notice whereabouts
they are harboured. I do not know of above seven or eight
men of that sort in the kingdom and I think I can guess which
of them are most like to have signed the paper of recommenda-

78 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

tion, if any such there was. But in case any of them shall be
taken I doubt it will be hard to discover by them whether there
was really any such paper signed by them or no.

The following will show the steps taken for the capture of the
two bishops.

ORMOND TO SIR HANS HAMILTON OCTOBER 28, 1679.

It would be an extraordinary service to the King and of great
advantage to me that Oliver Plunket, the titular Primate, and
Tyrrell, the titular Bishop of Clogher, might be apprehended ;
and therefore it is that I recommend it to your utmost care and
diligence presuming that no man can be more like to effect it
than yourself ; and the better to enable you I give you liberty
to engage me for any reasonable reward to any that shall dis-
cover them or any of them to you, so as they may be taken or
any one of them. The thing is of more than ordinary importance
and therefore let me once more recommend it to your best
industry.

SIR HANS HAMILTON TO ORMOND 1 NOVEMBER 1679.

Your Grace's of the 28th of October I received, in obedience to
which I will leave no means unattempted to obey your com-
mands, I am confident if David Fitzgerald [i.e. Plunket] comes
to this country I shall hear of it. But I was about four days
ago told by a popish priest who some days before had gotten
induction to a parish from him, that he had left him at a certain
place within seven miles of Dublin ; that he had cut off his beard
and hair and had got a light coloured wig and went by a feigned
name which I have forgot for then I had not your Grace's com-
mands. I have sent for the same priest and will get by discovery
from him the name of the place he resided in then and for several
weeks before and will by the next give your Grace an account
of all. I am confident he keeps much, if not in Dublin, yet
near it, I assure your Grace if he comes within his own pretended
diocese I shall meet with him. I have laid out also for Tyrrell
who if in this country [Co. Armagh] or Cavan will also be found.
But his absconding places I know not so well as the others.

SIR HANS HAMILTON TO ORMOND 3 NOVEMBER 1679.

Since my last I met the priest I mentioned whom I told I had a
desire to send a letter to Doctor Fitzgerald [Plunket] in favour
of the parish priest of the parish I live in [Carlingf ord] whom the
said Doctor was turning out if I might know where to send it
to him. He told me that I (sic.) was confident that it would
find him at the place he left him at, which is an ancient lady's
house hi a castle about a mile and a half from the Naul, near
or in the road from Naul to Dublin, but could not remember

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 79

the lady's name. He told me that I must direct my letter to
Mr. Meleady near the Naul (for he goes by that name). It is
possible he may be there still, unless he have been alarmed
from Dublin. I am resolved to send my parish priest with a
letter about his own concern to find him out, for such can best
do it ; but I have laid out all his haunts in the whole diocese
so that I am confident that he shall not come thither but your
Grace shall have a good account of him. I have also laid for
him in the Co. Donegal where he often lies quiet at a Papists
house of my name.

Hamilton's clerical acquaintance whether wittingly or not was
the means of locating the Primate ; for on 6th December notwith-
standing his disguise he was captured in Dublin. Ormond at once
acquainted Secretary Coventry whose assistant, Henry Thynn,
replied, 16th December.

Mr. Secretary being seized by the gout, commands me to acquaint
your Grace of his receipt of yours of the 7th, which tells him
of the seizure of Oliver Plunket but that you would forbear
examining him till you had received his Maiesties orders. Mr.
Secretary commands me to tell your Grace that he knows no
other evidence against him than what has already been sent to
your Grace ; but that you may (if your Grace thinks fit) examine
him upon any points that you judge most material for a further
discovery.

Dr. Patrick Tyrrell however evaded his pursuers and after a
year's unsuccessful search Owen Murphy, one of the agents employed
to procure evidence, pretended that Tyrrell would come in and
betray the Plot if offered a safe conduct.

Whereas information is given unto us by Owen Murphy that he
understands one Tyrrell titular Bishop of Clogher can and is
willing to discover the late Popish Plot to raise Rebellion against
his Maiestie and his Government in this kingdom if he may have
a protection to come in and give an account thereof to us. We
do therefore take the said Tyrrell into his Maiesties protection
for one month from the date hereof notwithstanding any pro-
clamation commanding all Popish Bishops etc. We require all
Mayors etc. to suffer the said titular Bishop Tyrrell quietly to
come to Dublin and there remain to perfect the service above
mentioned and to return into any part of the kingdom within
the time granted him. ORMOND, 5 January 1680-1.

As Tyrrell had no information to give, he thought the glens
of Monaghan and Down afforded better security than any Ormond
could offer. He judged rightly though he was long in jeopardy.

80 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

COUNCIL TO HUMPHREY PERROTT, CAVAN, 28 JUNE 1681.

It is thought fitt at this Board that the letters directed to Edmund
Rely prisoner in the Gaole of Cavan from Patrick Tyrrell be
returned to you and that you examine Rely whether he doth
know the said Tyrrell and of what calling or profession he is
and if a clergyman whether he bee a Bishopp and of what place
he bears his title and whether the titular Bishopp of Clogher be
called Tyrrell. You are likewise to examine the said Rely
concerning the great pacquett of letters said to be conveyed out
of the Gaole.

The results of the inquiry do not appear, but it may be observed
that O'Reilly was vicar-general of Kilmore diocese under Tyrrell
its administrator, and that the missing packet would have afforded
damning evidence of his exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

The Carte Papers give many glimpses of the saintly Arch-
bishop Plunket. Four days after his arrest Ormond wrote that
as the charge made by Hetherington was unsupported, he forbore
examining the primate. Secretary Coventry replied December
23rd, 1679.

We have nothing since or more of it [the charge against Plunket]
than what I wrote you formerly ; so that unless his papers
discover some further grounds I doubt little will be got from
him. But if your Grace think fitting to try him with any
questions, it is left to your discretion and may possibly have the
effect of making him believe we know more than we do, and
beget some fear of continuing such kind of negociations [i.e. the
alleged negociations with France.] And his very being in Ireland
after the proclamation may sufficiently justify imprisonment and
if need be a further prosecution.

Ormond again wrote to Coventry 10th April, 1680.

You may remember upon what information the titular Primate
was apprehended and other Popish Bishops sought for, and
that I gave you notice of the apprehension of the Primate, who
has ever since lain in the Castle for no other reason (know.n to
him or to any other but myself here) than his presuming to stay
here in contempt of the proclamation. I have forborne hitherto
to have him examined in expectation of some further light into
the matter which is of such a nature that he will certainly deny
his having any part in it, and then we shall want anything
wherewith to convince him or draw any acknowledgement from
him that may lead towards a discovery of the truth. I put
you now again in mind of this affair because the person [Hether-
ington] from whom the first notice came is returned into England.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 81

Meanwhile, however, unknown to Ormond a network of testi-
*mony was being woven round the Primate. Hetherington with
two others, Bradley and Atterbury, had been sent over by
Shaftesbury to work up evidence in support of Hetherington 's
story that Plunket and the Irish bishops were engaged in intrigues
with France. Arriving in Ireland in March, 1680, they got into
communication with Edmund Murphy, formerly parish priest of
Killevy and precentor of Armagh, but then upon his keeping for
having escaped from Dundalk gaol (where he was awaiting trial
as a highwayman). The next witness they obtained was John
Moyer (or Macmoyer) a friar who some years before had been
cast out of his order, and was now a drunken vagabond. There
were two others formerly parish priests in Armagh diocese, but
long in disgrace Callaghan and Tinan (or Heenan). The whole
party proceeded to London where on 7th May a special Council
was summoned to take their evidence. Ormond in a letter to
Ossory had previously given his opinion of the witnesses.

The discoveries now on foot in the north and west of this kingdom
can come to nothing by reason of the extravagant villany and
folly of the discoverers who are such creatures that no schoolboy
would trust them with a design for the robbing of an orchard.
My Lord of Essex's tool [Moyer] is a silly drunken vagabond
that cares not for hanging a month hence if in the meantime
he may solace himself with brandy and tobacco. Murphy is all
out as debauched but a degree wiser than the other. The other
fellow brought by my Lord of Shaftesbury to the Council
[Hetherington] broke prison being in execution and now the
sheriff or gaoler are sued for the debt. This is their true char-
acter but perhaps not fit for you to give of them.

On May 16th he writes of the archbishop :

With yours of the 8th I received a summary of what was deposed
by those the messengers carried hence ; the next will I suppose

bring us all they can say more at large with some directions
to me what to do, if more be to be done. The titular Primate
accused by them is not no more above them in gifts of nature
than he ought by his place to be, and I hardly doubt so much,
his life is I confess much more churchmanlike. This character
I believe my Lord of Essex will concur with me in, his lordship
having had much more conversation with him than I (&).

(k) Moyer after his suspension had denounced Dr. Plunket to Essex
then Lord Lieutenant for exercising foreign jurisdiction.

G

82 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

But with the English Privy Council, the character of the
witnesses was only dust in the balance. They having put their
informations in writing (their language was not intelligible) set out
for Ireland on the 14th May. The informations were returned
to Ormond, who was ordered to bring Plunket at once to trial.
As the treasonable acts with which the Primate was charged,
were alleged to have been committed in the neighbourhood of
Carlingford, the venue was laid in Dundalk, 21st June. This filled
the approvers with consternation, for Moyer and Murphy were
wanted in Dundalk on several charges, while the character of all
four was notorious in the locality. Moyer wrote to Hetherington
1st June.

You know Sir you trobbled both mee and my company with f aithfull
promises of our safety, yett being now dischardged to prosecute
after a fortnight that perverse Crumwell Oliver [Plunket] he
prevails so much that in recompensation [i.e. revenge] of the
discovery of -his wicked Shifts, he authorized Dr. Hughes to
cause that Gentleman Fr. Owen O 'Donnelly to take possession
of Fr. James Callaghan's parish, one priest Hagan in Edmund
Murphy's, another unto Fr. Tinan's. As for my part I am
excluded and dijected by all the world. I understand this Dr.
Hughes that he may the better act against us, by a cunning
way got some order under my Lord Lieutenant's hand, deceaving
his Grace by surreptitious informations. We understand that
immediately after this man's Tryall, we shall likewise be tryed
by the Common Law, which if so, you know by this grudge of
Oliver's confactionists there shall not be wanting people that
will sweare against us, as he found heretofore, alledging it to be
highly meretorious to put such maledicted members against his
holiness to death.

Again Moyer writes to Hetherington 2nd July :

Deer friend, make all the speede you can especially now when all
our enemyes every where are in an uprore understanding that
Dr. Plunket is to be tryed shortly. Yet they are much com-
forted knowing undoubtedly that he is to be transmitted to
Dundalk where he has all his strong friends and faction and
many that would undergo any death or danger to save his life
least they should be hindered of what they wickedly did intend.
I petitioned the last Council day to his Grace for a Protection,
which was granted, and that Dr. Plunket should stand his trial
in Dublin where the King's evidences would be more bold to
appear. Of that I got no answer. Work imediately to procure

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 83

an order from his Maiestie to cause the said Dr. Plunket to be
kept in Dublin and there to be putt to Tryall.

Moyer however and his partners need have no fear ; the
promoters of the Popish Plot knew their business too well. Jones,
bishop of Meath, writes 1st June, to Colonel Maunsell, a cashiered
officer now in the service of Shaftesbury.

Edmund Murphy a popish priest whose place of residence was
in the Tory Quarters so as advantage was taken against him
by one Baker and Smith living about Dundalk whereby to charge
him with corresponding with Toryes. His having before charged
them in like manner their interests prevailing so as to cast the
poore man into prison when he was to have been tryed the last
Assizes at Dundalk and had undoubtedly perished had he not
seasonably escaped and put himself under the protection of
Government as a prosecutor against the Popish Primate, Plunket.
That which is herein desired is that his condition be presented to
the King for his pardon, in which I am concerned as being to
mee recommended lately by that honourable Lord and worthy
patriot the Earle of Shaftsbury.

Ormond comments on this pretty story in a letter to Ossory
20th July.

The Bishop is not only a spitefull but false Informer, where he says
that Murphy was prosecuted after he had accused Baker and
Smith, the cleare contrary is the truth to the Bishop's know-
ledge.

But all the same Murphy's pardon came. In his second
move the bishop was not so successful.

HENRY JONES TO COLONEL MAUNSELL 3 JULY.

If Oliver Plunket the Titular Primat be tryed at the Assizes at
Dundalk which hee and his favourers earnestly endeavour, all
that business will probably come to nothing. That assizes is
I hear on the 21st. Therefore must expedition be for orders to
have the Tryall to be at Dublin the next Tearm where the King's
Counsell may attend which will be wanting at Dundalk.

SAME TO SAME 20 JULY.

I doubt that the orders for hindering Oliver Plunket the titular
Primate's tryall at Dundalke will come late ; for the Assizes
will be on the 22nd and the Judges were yesterday on their way
thither. The Judges were Baron Hartstong and Justice Cusack.
I doubt that few of the witnesses or evidence for the King will
appeare there, partly not being themselves (they think) secured
and chiefly doubting the issue of the Tryall in that place. Mr.

84 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

Lyndon is ordered to appear on that occasion as the King's
Counsel to manage the evidence which would have been done
by better hands on a Tryall at the King's Bench heere if that
had been. I only recommended the business to Baron Hartstong's
care as that on which all eyes are open.

The bishop's forecast proved true, he had probably taken
steps to ensure it ; for none of the witnesses appeared and the
trial was adjourned. Two days later the English Privy Council
on the application of Murphy and Hetherington recommended
Ormond to have the trial at the King's Bench in Dublin. The
next steps taken by the Shaftesbury agents are shown in the
following :

COLONEL MAUNSELL TO HENRY JONES 14 SEPTEMBER 1680.

At the Council Board [London] Friday last, the two main things
insisted upon was by what order were the Examinations taken
at that Board copied, and copyes delivered to Primate Plunket.
Also by whose order was the safe conduct granted for 300 of the
Romish clergy to assemble at the Assizes at Dundalk. By
Saturday's post last I am sure that your Lord Lieutenant received
a reprimand.

SAME TO SAME, 26 SEPTEMBER 1680.

I understand by my Lord President Radnor that the tryall of
Primate Plunket in England is mightily opposed by the Lord
Lieutenant, or rather by the said Plunket, aJledging that it is
against law that any man for an offence comitted in Ireland
should be tryed in England. My Lord President desired that
I would get it under the hands of able Councell the precedents,
and then he will move the King for to have the tryall here.

The precedents were duly made out, and the Lords of the
Council, 6th October, directed Plunket should be sent over.
Accordingly he sailed on 24th, reaching London five days later.
On 4th November and subsequently he appeared before the Com-
mittee of Examinations. The impression which he made is
described by two of Ormond's correspondents. Lord Arran
writing 6th November :

Thursday and this day were taken up by the House of Lords in
examining the witnesses concerning the Irish Plot. Murphy
was the first examined and was the only witness that reflected
upon you. One part was that the titular Primate told him he
received money from you, which question being asked Plunket
he utterly denied and said he had less encouragement from you

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 85

than the two former Chief Governors Lord Berkeley and Essex.
Which I observed Lord Essex did not like. Another thing was
that one Father Ronan Maginn would have made a discovery
to you as the said Maginn told him, but you instead of hearken-
ing to him, got him sent beyond sea where he died. He
complained also of your usage in relation to Smith and Baker.
David Fitzgerald gave great satisfaction to the House and was
heard with more attention than anybody except Plunket who
went beyond our expectation.

Lord Longford is more detailed.

Plunket has deceived all men living, for he told his tale with modesty
and confidence enough, and without any manner of hesitation
or consternation. When he was asked in the presence of Mr.
Murphy whether he had not told him that your Grace had given
him money, he denied it positively, and said he was so far from
receiving money or any kindness from your Grace that he had
received far less kindness and civility from your Grace than
from the two precedent Governors my Lord Berkeley and my
Lord of Essex, who had both given him money and been very
king and civil to him, and it was unlikely he should tell Murphy
your Grace had given him money if it had been so because he
knew him to be his professed enemy for depriving him of his
parish in which he lived scandalously, and corresponded with
the Tories. In fine he told his story with such plainness and
simplicity that he left an impression with the Lords to his ad-
vantage.

Yet their lordships two days later refused to read the Primate's
petition.

Petitioner being very ancient and subject to divers infirmities,
has great want of his servant [James McKenna] to attend him.
Petitioner for the most part lived in Ireland upon the benevolence
of others, and being brought to Dundalk last July where his
trial was put off for want of sufficient proof, and having spent
there his small stock providing severall witnesses for the defence
of his innocence and for his own relief, he was ever since main-
tained and also brought hither upon his Maiesties charges.
Prays to be allowed his servant and to be maintained upon his
Majesty's charge during his imprisonment.

The "servant" we may safely assume was his confessor. On
10th November some insight is afforded into the motives which
actuated the "witnesses for the King."

Captain Richardson Governor of Newgate informed the House
that Plunket desired to come to the Bar to make discoveries.

86 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

. . . . Plunket on being brought and asked what he had
to discover, said he had never written to any French Messieurs.
He had had no transaction with Mr. Molune (I) except letters
of civility. Earl Essex asked him if he were not with Mr. Molune
he confessed he had [been] : it was to make Plunket and the
other bishops of Ireland friends. Being asked if he knew not
of any conspiracies, he said he knew something of it ; that
about a hundred times he was threatened to be killed. If
he did prosecute the Tories, his life [was] being aimed at ; he
mistrusted that there was a plot against the English.

The Primate in truth was caught between the upper and the
nether millstones. Government held him (in common with other
ecclesiastics) responsible for the actions of the Tories in his diocese.
On the other hand the Tories, who included some of his own de-
graded priests, threatened his life at the least interference with
them. Now in the strange welter both the Government and the
Tories were united to compass his ruin. Tories therefore were
being eagerly sought for as witnesses, pardons and rewards being
freely offered. Negociations were opened even with Redmond
O'Hanlon the leader of the Ulster Outlaws, upon whose head 200
had been set. We find in correspondence with him at one and the
same time, the Protestant bishops of Meath and Clogher, a bishop's
daughter and a bishop's son-in-law. But O'Hanlon spurned the
offers. Owen Murphy therefore came over from England and
fortified with orders from the two privy councils, organised a whole
battalion of testimony. "There came the other day," Arran
acquaints Ormond from London, 22nd January, 1681, "about
twenty-five witnesses out of Ireland under the conduct of Owen
Murphy." The end therefore was not far off. Though the West-
minster Grand Jury on 12th February ignored the bill owing to the
prevarication of the witnesses (m), and though these witnesses
"split" upon one another, the Shaftesbury party were determined
to carry through the Irish Plot. Three days before the trial, one
of the witnesses brought over deposed :

This Informant, Eustace Comine sayeth that William Hetherington

(/) Dr. Moloney, Bishop of Killaloe, of whom infra.

(m) "The foreman of the ]ury told me they contradicted one another
so evidently, that they would not find the bill." Burnet, History of His
own Times, pp. 502-3.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 87

told him severall times that those witnesses were not materiall
witnesses to take away any man's life if they would get but
right law. George Coddan told this Informant severall times
that he had no material witness [evidence] against Doctor Oliver
Plunkett or nobody else [has]. That he had received moneys
from the treasury to go home, and his pass ; he was stopped by
some persons invention, is in town yet and he got more money
from the treasury to bear false witness against some of his
Majesty's true subjects. Harry O'Neil, a gentleman, and his
two sons was stopped to swear against Doctor Oliver Plunkett
and he and his two sons told this Informant severall times that
they had no materiall witness against the said Plunkett. This
young man Owen Moore told this informant that it was a thousand
pittys to take Kayes or Knowls that was witnes, their word ;
that the only [means] that they depend upon to get their pardon
[is] to swear false oaths. The two priests that were lately sent
for Ireland told this Informant that it was a pity to believe any
of these evidences, that it is clear they that was sworn [would
be] brought to any good calling here should they know of any
plot. This Informant sayeth that he is afraid of his life of
Doctor Oates and Mr. Finch their vile invention, and begged
his honour to secure them to the peace until such time as they
will be judged before right law (n).
Endorsed. Mr. Eustace Comynge, reed. 3 June 81.

No notice of course was taken of this, some official subse-
quently adding "His nonsensical information designed to prove
there were but rascally suborned evidence against Oliver Plunket
who was executed in England." The Primate therefore was
brought to "trial" on 8th June and sentenced to be executed at
Tyburn the 1st July. In the interval he made a last appeal to
the King.

To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.

The Humble Petition of Oliver Plunkett a condemned Prisoner
in Newgate.

Sheweth. That your Petitioner on the sixth day of May last
imediately after his arraignment sent two messengers into
Ireland to bring over severall witnesses for your Petitioner's
tryall on the 8th instant but through crosse winds they could
not get to Dublin till the 19th following and the witnesses being
dispersed in divers remote Countyes in Ulster and Leinster
they could not possibly be gathered together in so short a time.
That your Petitioner could not send for the said Witnesses before
his arraignment, secondly because he was assured by severall

(n) Difficult to decypher and obscure, but sense given.

88 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

eminent Lawyers in Ireland that by Law he could not be tryed
in this kingdom for crimes supposed to have been committed
there. That notwithstanding your Maiesties Court of King's
Bench unexpectedly overruled your Petitioner's plea without
allowing his Councell to argue this point or granting him com-
petent time (considering the accidents of wind and weather
and distance of place) to bring over his witnesses. That your
Petitioner being unexpectedly brought to his tryall destitute of
all means to make his just defence and exposed naked to the
malice of his accusers, desired only twelve days time for his
witnesses to come over but was denyed by the Court alleageing
it was only a pretence to gaine further time though your Petitioner
protested and still protests before God it was no trick nor sham
to evade or prolong his tryall but the reall truth of his case,
there being severall witnesses ready to come over as appears
by the Annexed Affidavit who would plainly make out the
falsehood of the allegations of your Petitioners accusers and
that their chief reason to swear against your Petitioner was his
severity against them for their debauched and vicious lives and
particularly for their corresponding with Toryes and proclaimed
Outlaws in Ulster.

Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prayeth that your Maiestie
may be graciously pleased in tender comiseration of your
Petitioner's hard circumstances and unpresidented tryall to
mitigate the vigour of Justice with your accustomed clemency
and grant your Petitioner some respite of time till his case be
further inquired into. And likewise to order that the Lord
Lieutenant and Councill in Ireland to examine the witnesses,
Records and Papers there materiall for your Petitioner's justi-
fication and make their Report thereupon to your Maiestie
that it may appear how just and reasonable it is to pardon or
reprieve your Petitioner and that your Petitioner's misfortune
may never be made a leading case for others.

And your Petitioner (as in duty bound) shall ever pray etc.

OLIVER PLUNKETT.

The Humble Petition of Oliver Plunkett.

[Enclosure.]

John Plunkett maketh Oath before me that he this Deponent
together with James MacKenna were sent by Oliver Plunkett
now prisoner in New Gate, into Ireland to bring over witnesses
for the said Oliver's tryall and accordingly this Deponent and
the sayd James MacKenna went into severall Countyes in Ireland
to bring the sayd witnesses to Dublin in order to their taking
shipping there for England and to be present at the tryall of
the sayd Oliver Plunkett at Westminster. Namely this Deponent
went into the County of Meath for Edmund ffay Gentleman and
into the County of Lowth for Anthony Murray, Paule Neale,
James Doorgan, and Cornelius Tully and brought them to

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 89

Dublin but after coming thither they changed their minds and
would by noe means come with this Deponent into England tho'
he offered them their charges, vntill he had procured them his
Maiesties Pass for their safe Egress and Regress. And the said
James MacKenna sent and went himself into other places and
Countyes for other witnesses who this Deponent believeth will
be ready to come for England if they may have a Pass and
competent time for comeing. And this Deponent doth veryly
believe in his conscience that the Testimony of the aforesaid
Witnesses is very materiall for the said Oliver Plunkett's Defence
for that some of them told this Deponent that one Moyer now
in London writt to his friends in Ireland inviting them to England
to forsweare themselves and then they would gett the said
Oliver Plunkett's head cutt off and the Irish plott would be
carryed on and they should gett money enough. He also sayeth
that he heard that the said Moyer stands convicted of Record
for corresponding with Toryes and Outlaws in Ireland and
also William Hetherington and one Murphy are indicted for the
same crimes, the Coppyes of which Records and Indictments
this. Deponent believeth will be produced upon the tryall of the
said Oliver Plunkett. This Deponent further sayeth that one
ffay above named told this Deponent that the said Hetherington
and another being in Dundalk Gaole for the aforesaid crimes,
he invented and contrived the crimes and matters now charged
upon the said Oliver Plunkett. He the said ffay being at the
same time a Prisoner with them and the said Hetherington gott
out of prison upon the account of charging the said Oliver Plunkett
to be concerned in the Irish plott and offered the said ffay gold
and silver to side with him and swear what he should dictate
to him against the said Oliver Plunkett. And the said ffay
told this Deponent that he would produce the Messenger that
Hetherington imployed to him upon that account at the tryall
of the said Oliver Plunkett.
7 June 1681. JOHN PLUNKET.

Charles might easily have satisfied himself of the innocence
of the condemned man. He had at his elbow two past Lords
Lieutenant, Berkeley and Essex, each of whom from personal
knowledge could have testified to the peaceful character and
sanctity of his life. But cowed by the Parliament and the Shaftes-
bury conspirators, the King did not lift a finger. For he had no
desire to set out upon his travels again.

In Connaught when the majority of the gentry from Clanrickard
down were still Catholic, the bishops and vicars-general were able
to obtain more protection than in the other provinces. Though

90 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

a reward of 200 was offered for the apprehension of Dominick
Burke, bishop of Elphin, he lay for months together in a lonely
house and managed to make his visitations by night, safe in the
loyalty of the people. Thady Keogh, bishop of Clonfert, was
sheltered by Lord Clanrickard in whose family he had been chap-
lain (o). Others were not so fortunate the warden of Galway,
for instance.

COUNCIL TO THOMAS STAUNTON, SHERIFF OF TOWN OF GALWAY,

14 MAY 1680.

You having lately apprehended one Doctor Joyce who pretends
to be a secular priest, which you seem to be doubtful! of, are
to inform yourself. If a Regular he is to be kept in custody etc.

Again.

COUNCIL TO JOHN, BISHOP OF LIMERICK, 29 NOVEMBER 1678.

Having received information from the Lord Vicount Clare that
Lynch Titular Bishop of Kilfenoragh who among others is to
depart this kingdom, is now at the said Lord Clare's mother's
house and is aboute foure score and three yeare of age and so
decrepit as hee is scarce able to leave his bedd. For our better
information we require you to send some fitting person to visit
the said Lynch and give us a particular account.

The particular account resulted in the poor old man's ship-
ment to France in the depth of winter. There a mendicant in the
diocese of Rouen he died shortly after. His vicar-general was
subsequently pursued.

COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFF OF CLARE 4 MAY 1681.

After our hearty commendations etc. Having lately received
information that one Dennis O'Dae Priest of the Parish of
Kellfenora in the County of Clare had ordered a fast to be kept
by the Inhabitants of the Parish of Killalaugh contrary to law,
you are hereby ordered to apprehend him and proceed against
him according to law.

If the Irish church furnished the noblest examples of heroic
endurance, it was on the other hand, saddened by many a scandal.

OTWAY, BISHOP OF OSSORY TO ORMOND 17 NOVEMBER 1680.

I thought it my duty to acquaint your Grace that one Paul Higgin
a priest of the Romish church and lately a vicar general in the
diocese of Killala is now with me and hath left that church and

(o) O'Heyne, Irish Dominicans, pp. 196-7.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 91

come to ours. I have known him ever since I was in Connaught
and have discoursed and disputed with him. He is of an un-
questionable conversation and of much more learning than
generally their -priests are, though I believe not of more than
a man may well bear. He is very poor and if your Grace should
think fit to allow him some pension till something might be
gotten for him, it might encourage others to come in. I hear
that there is a salary in the [Trinity] college for one that can
translate into Irish practical books of divinity Latin or English
adequate to the understanding of the poorer Irish. He would
be very fit for that.

Oliver Plunket had been brought to the scaffold by some of
his own priests ; his fellow metropolitan James Lynch, archbishop
of Tuam, narrowly escaped a similar fate at the hands of an apostate
Augustinian. According to Titus Gates' narrative, Peter Talbot
and James Lynch were the heads of the Popish Plot in Ireland.
Gates, preliminary to returning to England, was to be ordained a
Jesuit by Lynch. "Item, for a watch" (read Gates from his
accounts) "presented to the archbishop of Tuam when at Madrid
81 10s." How Lynch came to be at Madrid and so worked into
Gates' story appears from the following:

Lords Committee of Examinations, 5 December 1678.

May it please your Lordships. In obedience to your order I
have (as well as I can recollect) reduced into writing the Infor-
mations of one Martin French, an Augustine friar, against James
Lynch the Roman archbishop of Tuam in the province of Con-
naught, taken by me at Galway as Attorney General to his
Majesty for the said province when the Lord Roberts had the
government of that kingdom [1669] which followeth in these
words, or to the same effect viz. the said James Lynch said
to the Friar that King James declared himself a Roman Catholic
under his hand and seal which Declaration was in the Consistory
of Rome, till he came to the Crown of England when he employed
one to corrupt the Register of that Consistory and take it out
which being done he caused the person so employed to be poisoned,
for which he [the King] hangs in Hell. The Friar said that
King Charles the First was kind to them of the Catholic religion
and did not put the Statutes in execution against them, and
was a passionate lover of his Queen, a Roman Catholic, to which
the said Bishop answered, Did he not die a heretic, and a declared
enemy to the Catholic religion, for which he was righteously
put to death ? Then the Friar saying that our King that now
is was a very good natured prince and gave the Catholics great
liberty. "He" says the Bishop "a good natured prince! He

92 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

is worse than any of them. How many families has he starved
and ruined who gave him bread when he was abroad !" "Well"
says the Friar "however he is safe enough, he having an estab-
lished army and guards to secure his person." To which the
said Bishop replied "Do not mistake yourself, for there was
one of them (which of those I am not certain) who intended to
have his heart's blood, and if it were not for the barbarousness
of it, would drink it when done." J. SHAD WELL, Jurat.

The archbishop was put on trial Trinity term, 1671, on these
and the further charge of exercising foreign jurisdiction. He was
convicted of a premunire and sentenced to imprisonment and
transportation. But the viceroy, Berkeley, being friendly, he was
let out on bail.

JOHN SHADWELL TO ORMOND 30 NOVEMBER 1678.

The first thing my Lord Berkeley spoke to me after his lordship's
arrival was to ask me if I thought it not a malicious prosecution
against the Archbishop and because I declared my thoughts it
was not, he was very angry with me ; and the friar afterwards
coming and making his application to him for some allowance
in respect his party had wholly deserted him and no man came
to him for masses or confessions, as they usually had done, his
Lordship threatened him with imprisonment, so I kept him
myself several months or he had been starved, of which charity
to him I have since felt the inconveniency.

French finding his occupation gone appealed to Oliver Plunket
who interceded for him with Dr. Lynch and obtained his pardon.
When the persecution was renewed under Lord Essex we discover
him once more in his old role of informer.

ESSEX TO SIR OLIVER ST. GEORGE, NOVEMBER 15 1673.

There is one Martin French a fryer who has been soe usefull to me
both by privately giving me intelligence of all the proceedings
of their clergy and by appearing sometimes and giving assistance
to prosecute some of the Romish bishops that should I send
him abroade as the Proclamation enjoins I am confident the
poor man could not escape the Inquisition or goe with his life,
which I look upon to be of so ill an example to all others who
should be employed in this kind, as I would rather run the
hazard than be guilty of doing anything prejudiciall to the King's
service. I doe therefore desire you take care of him.- It will
be his best course to keep somewhere neare you in the country.
This lettre you are to keep secrett to yourselfe.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 93

SAME TO SAME MAY 23 1674.

Martin French is very usefull to me and hath lately given us good
intelligence of the actings of priests and titular Bishopps in these
parts. Having about a month since published a second pro-
clamation for all Romish Titular Bishopps, Friars, etc, to depart.
I now remind you of this Martin French to take care of him and
see that no harm happen to him, I also desire you to give him
ten pounds. You may do well to give the Mayor of Galway a
hint of this man but it must be kept secret or otherwise he will
not be able to furnish us with such intelligence as may be of
advantage to me.

A few months later on the information of French, Archbishop
Lynch was captured and committed to Galway jail. There he
lay until the second week of October when with a number of other
ecclesiastics he was shipped for Spain. The friar rendered him
unwitting service. Had he remained in Ireland and been arrested
in the first frenzy of the Gates' plot, there can be little doubt he
would have perished on the scaffold. His wretched persecutor
remained to the end in the pay of government. Through some
oversight the Council, 25th November, 1678, wrote to Sir Oliver
St. George revoking permission for French to remain in the
kingdom, and ordering his transportation with the other regulars
detained in Galway. Shadwell, the recorder, made a direct appeal
to Ormond setting forth his services. On 2nd December the
Council Book contains the entry that Martin French, all proclama-
tions to the contrary notwithstanding, is to be continued in the
kingdom. But the unhappy man seems to have been in poor
health. When in the same month the English House of Lords
was investigating the Popish Plot and the charges made against
Archbishop Lynch, French could only tell his story by Shadwell
as proxy.

As the subsidiary plot to the Gates' scheme had been success-
ful in the north, so too the Shaftesbury agents found no difficulty
in procuring evidence of Popish conspiracies in the south. John
Macnamara, formerly a horse-stealer, came forward to prove that
in Waterford Lord Tyrone was engaged in French intrigues, David
Fitz Gerald a man of broken fortune, implicated Lord Brittas,
Colonel Lacy, Sir Thomas Southwell and others in Limerick. The
bishops as usual were deepest hi treason. Fitz Gerald swore :

94 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

About 1676 I saw Dr. Creagh titular bishop of Cork, who as Dr.
Stritch [parish priest of Rathkeale] told me was then newly
come from France and Rome. Bishop Mullowny soon after
to]d me that they had more information about it (the foreign
aid they were to receive by Dr. Creagh and others lately arrived)
that the Pope had already granted the dispensation from
allegiance and that France would faithfully perform its agreement.

His confederate, Maurice Fitz Gerald, corroborated :

In the winter of 1676 Captain Thomas Mac Inerina having returned
from France and Flanders, there was a meeting at Colonel Pierce
Lacy's house at Curra, whither came the Colonel, the Lord of
Brittas, Dr. Molowny of Killaloe, Dr. Brennan of Waterford,
Dr. Dooly of Limerick and two Jesuits whose names informant
knows not.

Accordingly renewed efforts were made to capture the bishops
and other dignitaries who were known to be still in the country.
John Brenane, archbishop of Cashel and administrator of Waterford,
though figuring largely in the depositions of informers, found
shelter at Kilcash and Thomastown castles. For Richard Butler,
Ormond's younger brother, and George Mathew his half-brother,
faoth staunch Catholics, ever befriended him. His vicar in the
.administration of Waterford, Robert Power, was assigned a
prominent part in the Popish Plot. In November, 1680, John
McNamara gave evidence before a Committee of both Houses.

In 1676 this Informant observed the tumultuous congregation of
priests and friars who resorted to Knockhouse, a house of enter-
tainment three miles westward of Waterford. He took
extraordinary notice of it as being not a thing so usual, on so
much that being in company with several of the said priests
but especially with Deane Power who was next in dignity to
the said Brenane this Informant began to inquire the reason
of their meetings so public and frequent in time of persecution,
the said Deane Power made answer that he would satisfy this
Informant as to that next Patron day at Reisk, which happened
to be upon the Lady Day following. Accordingly this Informant
met at the place appointed. For the congregation being gathered
together to confess and receive the Sacrament after the Popish
manner, one Edmund Poore, a Jesuit, preached a sermon the
substance of which was to let the congregation understand that
they had an Indulgence from the Pope of Rome granted them,
and liberty to eat flesh on Wednesday. But in the conclusion
told them that there was a consideration for which so great a

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 95

privilege was granted which the priest of every parish had orders
to give in charge to his parishioners at the time of Confession.
Sermon being .done the priests fell to the exercise of the main
duty which was to confess the congregation. This informant
being then one of the Religion made his confession to Deane
Power. Now at the time of his confession the said Deane gave
a charge as follows that he should not divulge to any person
whatsoever upon pain of mortal sin and damnation. What he
said imported that the aforesaid Indulgence and Liberty was
granted upon this account that whosoever was in a capacity to
help and assist the holy cause in the present designs might have
the benefit of the foresaid Indulgence which was a pardon of
sins for many years. He further added that the clergy of Ireland
were to have the tythes accrued out of each parish with the
glebes and monkslands, that the French King and the rest of
the Pope's confederates, together with the assistance of his
holiness the Pope, did intend immediately to invade the kingdoms
of England and Ireland.

Power seems to have eluded capture though Eustace Comyn,
one of Shaftesbury's agents, was on his trail at Clonmel.

Pierce Creagh, bishop of Cork and Cloyne, finding himself
insecure owing to the efforts of the local magistracy, took refuge
with his brother near Killaloe. Here early in March, 1680, through
the treachery of a servant he was located by the Protestant bishop
and arrested.

COUNCIL TO SIR WILLIAM KING, LIMERICK 29 MARCH 1680.

The Primate has communicated letters from the Lord Bishop of
Killaloe concerning one Pierse Creagh the titular bishop of Cork
and Cloyne who was lately apprehended and sent to you in order
to his transportation. We require of you that the said Peter
Creagh be kept in safe custodie and not transported until further
orders.

Meanwhile some new stories of Creagh's treason had come in,
and on 13th April King was ordered to send the bishop under a
good guard to Dublin. There was further investigation.

COUNCIL TO THE SHERIFF OF CLARE 17 APRIL 1680.

We have received information that Pierse Creagh was harboured
at the house of his brother John. We require you to bind the
said John in good recognisances to appear before the Privy
Council in Dublin within ten days.

A medical certificate had been sent to Dublin that the bishop
was unfit to travel. This was deemed unsatisfactory.

96 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

SIR JOHN DAVIS TO SIR WILLIAM KING, LIMERICK, 27 APRIL 1680.

Whereas etc. Notice was taken that they were Popish Phisitians
who subscribed the certificate concerning Pierse Creagh.. It is
expected that some Protestant Phisitian should view him and
report etc.

Evidently the bishop .was in poor health for on 14th May the
Council made an order that upon the certificate now exhibited
King was to await further directions before sending him to Dublin.
He was not forgotten however.

COUNCIL TO SIR WILLIAM KING 27 JULY 1680.

We require you that you take special care that Pierse Creagh
titular Bishop of Corke be kept in strict custody.

And in strict custody he was kept ; in the interim search being
made for evidences of his complicity in the Popish plot.

COUNCIL TO LORD SHANNON 11 JANUARY 1681.

As your messanger was coming with Daniel Callaghan through
Newmarkett, he [Callaghan] stole from him to Sir Richard
Aldworths and went to the Priests then prisoners there, who
soe conjured him upp as when he came to your Lordship, Bryan
Sweeny tould him he was gladd he was come to sweare the truth
to your Lordship. But Callaghan answered him, he would not
hang his Bishopp and Priest for an hundred pound.

Sweeny's deposition against the bishop being duly framed,
was forwarded to King.

COUNCIL TO SIR WILLIAM KING, LIMERICK, 11 JANUARY 1681.

You may perceive by the Examination of Bryan Sweeny how farr
Pierse Creagh titular bishop of Corke is therein concerned. We
send it together with several questions whereon the said Creagh
is to be interrogated, and doe require you to examine him.

The evidence was now it would seem completed, for on 28th
January the sheriff of Limerick was ordered to have the bishop
again examined whether he was fit to travel. This time the report
of his health was satisfactory and early in February he was trans-
mitted to Dublin. He had now spent eleven months in prison
but he was destined to spend a further year and a half before
being brought to trial.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 97

CHIEF JUSTICE DAVYS TO PRIMATE BOYLE 25 AUGUST 1682.

Now here at Cork, the titular bishop of Cork, a person by me
transmitted from Dublin hither by order of my Lord Deputy
and Council did petition the Court setting forth that the wit-
nesses against him though desired refused to appear and therefore
prayed a summons for them which was granted. This day being
appointed for his trial and the witnesses appearing the Court
proceeded to the trial of him and one of the witnesses being
sworn to give evidence against the titular Bishop then a prisoner
at the bar, he did confidently declare that all what he had sworn
against the prisoner was false and so denied everything which
was mentioned in his former examinations upon oath. But as
the Court was going to call upon another evidence, it happened
that a great part of the floor of the court fell down, and with
that a great number of people many of whom are severely bruised,
others wounded and one or two killed as we are informed. The
confusion you may imagine was very great. Such as were not
hurt were forced to get out of windows and among them Mr.
Baron Worth and I dropped down into the peoples arms who
stood ready to receive us, and I thank God we are now in our
lodgings very safe and very well.

SAME TO SAME, 29 AUGUST 1682.

This only serves to acquaint your Grace that Doctor Creah, the
titular Bishop of Cork, came to his trial. The witnesses who
appeared against him and had before sworn positively against
the Doctor in their examinations, now retracted that part of
their evidence which related to him and thereupon found the
Doctor not guilty.

Some interesting particulars are afforded of the bishop of
Limerick, James Dowley. On 13th August, 1680, Ormond ac-
quainted Primate Boyle that one Patrick French had given evidence
of the plot in Limerick and Mr. John Anketell would corroborate
his evidence. But

Anketell came hither whilst French was here, denied that ever
he told him he had anything to discover, but confessed that
about three years ago there was a meeting of Popish bishops
in a waste house on his land for the consecration of a new bishop,
at which he and many gentlemen of that persuasion were present
to see the ceremony.

The bishop thus consecrated, had already administered the
diocese for nearly thirty years. On the issue therefore of the
proclamation October, 1678, the old man full of rheumatism unable
either to hide himself or to travel surrendered himself to the

H

98 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

authorities. "I cannot hear" writes Orrery 28th January, 1679,
"that any one Romish bishop has shipped himself for foreign
parts out of this province only the titular Bishop of Limerick
surrendered himself in order to his transportation, in that city."
The bishop feeble though he was, was kept under close observation.
The governor of Limerick, Sir William King, writes to Secretary
Gascoigne 21st May, 1680.

The titular Bishop of Limerick has pursuant to his Graces order
entered security to me to be forthcoming at his Grace's pleasure.

Ormond in a letter to the Privy Council the following July
asked for instructions concerning him and others. It was deter-
mined to bring him to trial.

SIR JOHN DAVYS TO GERALD FITZGERALD SHERIFF OF LIMERICK

10 AUGUST 1680.

We require you that James Dowley be bound to appear at the
next assizes at Limerick.

This is the last reference to the bishop in the government
correspondence ; it is probable that the old man soon after appeared
before a higher and a juster tribunal.

At this period the diocese of Ardfert was administered by
vicars-apostolic. These were not overlooked.

COUNCIL TO JOHN BLENNERHASSETT 4 JANUARY 1681.

Having received information that one Ambrose Pierce a popish
priest now resident in the County Kerry doth exercise popish
jurisdiction contrary etc. We hereby require you to have him
apprehended.

But among the Catholic prelates of the time there was no
one who loomed so large in the reports of spies, and the correspond-
ence of Protestant bishops and governors, as John O'Moloney,
bishop of Killaloe. Acquainted with many of the highest rank
in France, the friend of Colbert, it was said even, of the Grand
Monarch himself, he was shadowed and watched from his first
arrival in the country.

ESSEX TO ARLINGTON APRIL 17 1673.

Since my coming into the government of this kingdom, here is
one Molooney who calls himself Bishop of Killaloe come over
hither. I have spoken with him severall times and find him
a very discreet wise man. He is without doubt the ablest

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.. 99

among all those of the Roman persuasion. He has spent most
of his time in France and I am apt to persuade myself e, is too
eminent a man . to lye concealed there without being taken
notice of. He has employed his time since his arrival here
and not without success in composing the differences which
were among those of his own religion, as particularly those dis-
putes which have been betwixt Peter Talbot and Plunkett
their titular Primate, concerning jurisdiction. I perceive too
that he lives in a better condition than the small profitts which
he can make out of his titular Bishopricke would put him into.
All which gives me ground to suspect he is a pensioner of France,
fin case that France and England should not be uppon so good
termes as I presume they now are this person may be a most
mischievous instrument. Your Lordship may now in time
and whilst you have opportunities of good intelligence in the
Court of France informe yourselfe of what value this Molooney
is there, and with whom he holds his correspondences. Only
with this caution that you credit not too much any informations
concerning him which may be sent you from Abbot Mountague
whom I know to be very much a friend to this Molooney.

The bishop quite unaware of the part credited to him in
|| international intrigues, discharged his duties freely and openly.
?| When, six months later, the proclamation was published ordering
I all bishops, vicars-general, and regulars out of the kingdom, he
^ like others believing the storm would blow over, gave in his name

\>3

; l in Dublin as willing to transport himself. Early however in 1674
he was shipped to France and there remained during the rest of
the Essex administration. On the news of Ormond's succeeding

' to the viceroyalty the good offices of the Duke of York (after-

, wards James II) were availed of.

DUKE OF YORK TO ORMOND 23 SEPTEMBER 1677.

I could not refuse this bearer F. Molony who is now agoing back
into Ireland to recommend him in generall to you, finding him
by the little conversation I have had with him to be one of the
soberest and discretest I have meett with, of any of his profession,
and that I am confident will behave himself quietly and to your
satisfaction. I have had the same caracter of him from others
and amongst the rest from the Earl of Essex who knew him
when he was there, without which I should not have been so
forward to have given him this letter, which is all I shall now
say but that you may always depend upon my friendship.

It was fortunate for Moloney that he was not known to Gates.
His standing in France and his introduction into Ireland under the

100 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

sponsorship of the Duke of York, could be woven into a fearsome
story. In the first raid therefore he was overlooked. But there
was a member of the Committee of the Privy Council on Ireland,
who had the highest opinion of his capabilities Essex. Accordingly
an active search was soon begun.

SIR HENRY COVENTRY TO ORMOND 14 JANUARY 1679.

In my last to your Grace of the llth instant I gave you an accompt
of the great arming by sea in France, which still continueth
and the design is unknown as before. There is as is here
supposed, in Ireland the Bishop of Killaloe, a man of very good
parts and much in the confidence and trust of France ; his
name is Molony. His Majesty would have your Grace to seize
him. and his papers. In a late evidence that hath been before
us, one attesteth he heard a letter read, wrote to a Jesuit from
Rome, which said the Pope had considered of the great oppression
Ireland lay under, and that he would not only assist them with
money but that he was framing a design how to have them
supplied with men. What relation this may have to these French
preparations may be worth inquiry.

Ormond on 25th January wrote to Orrery. President of Munster,
to arrest Moloney and seize his papers. He suggested that the
bishop was hiding "somewhere about Limerick or in the county
of Clare where his friends are." Orrery, a man long practised in
these affairs, replied three days later.

I shall write by an express this day to have all means used for the
seizing Dr. Molony and his papers, though I doubt it will be
difficult to do it, for both his friends and kindred have above
these ten weeks confidently reported he had in a disguise shipped
himself for France in the west. Though for my part I cannot
certainly hear that any one Romish bishop has shipped himself
for foreign parts out of this province.

Orrery's anticipation proved correct.

SIR WILLIAM KING TO ORRERY 21 FEBRUARY 1679.

I have laid out severall ways after Doctor Molony but cannot
hear anything. There came one lately to my Lord Broghill and
me to tell me that he heard he was about Galway, and that he
did not question but I should if there find him out. I gave him
some money and sent him away. He returned suddenly and
told me he was within two miles. of this place [Limerick] in
disguise and in a white periwig. I sent one thither that could
know him in any disguise, and one in whom I could confide ;
but he saw no one there like him at all or in any disguise, I am

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

101

assured by some merchants here that he is gone beyond seas,
for they tell me that he went towards Waterford in order thereto.

The hunt continued, but with little results.

COUNCIL TO SIR WILLIAM KING 24 OCTOBER 1679.

Upon perusall of your letters of the 14th instant concerning Dr.
Mullowney we think fitt that you take into your custody the
two baggs of money and doe also examine Thomas Grypha what
person did execute the office of Vicar General! under the said
Mullowney since he the said Grypha was putt out of that im-
ployment and doe use your best endeavours to apprehend the
said Mullowney.

Six months later, the reports of spies seem to have located
the bishop.
COUNCIL TO SIR OLIVER ST. GEORGE, GALWAY, 13 APRIL 1680.

We have lately received information that one Molony titular
Bishop of Killaloe has lately removed out of Clare into Connaught.
We require you to imploy fitt persons to apprehend him and
have him sent under a safeguard to this City of Dublin.

The sheriff of Gal way was written to on same date, but after
prolonged search it was said the bishop had gone back to Clare.

SIR WILLIAM KING TO SECRETARY GASCOIGNE 21 MAY 1680.

In obedience to his Grace's commands to me of the 10th instant's
date I sent out from hence [Limerick] two parties of foot (under
the command of two commissioned officers) to the several places
mentioned in his Grace's list to make search for the titular
Bishop of Killaloe, they returned hither the last night but could
neither find him nor hear of his being at any of the places, nor
at several other places where they made a search for him. I
will lay out all I can to find him and there is no way to effect it
but by setting of him, and that cannot be done without money,
which shall not be wanting.

By this time it was a question whether Moloney was in the
country at all. Ormond was of opinion he was not. Some who
had given information in Cork were examined when they had seen
him last.

LORD SHANNON TO COUNCIL 25 MARCH 1681.
Pursuant to your commands of 25th February last the High Sheriff
brought those persons William Henaghan named in his infor-
mations whom I did examine singly to every particular infor-
mation. The principal man of them is one Dermot Donworth
a man of good means and reputation among the English where

98 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

authorities. "I cannot hear" writes Orrery 28th January, 1679,
"that any one Romish bishop has shipped himself for foreign
parts out of this province only the titular Bishop of Limerick
surrendered himself in order to his transportation, in that city."
The bishop feeble though he was, was kept under close observation.
The governor of Limerick, Sir William King, writes to Secretary
Gascoigne 21st May, 1680.

The titular Bishop of Limerick has pursuant to his Graces order
entered security to me to be forthcoming at his Grace's pleasure.

Ormond in a letter to the Privy Council the following July
asked for instructions concerning him and others. It was deter-
mined to bring him to trial.

SIR JOHN DAVYS TO GERALD FITZGERALD SHERIFF OF LIMERICK

10 AUGUST 1680.

We require you that James Dowley be bound to appear at the
next assizes at Limerick.

This is the last reference to the bishop in the government
correspondence ; it is probable that the old man soon after appeared
before a higher and a juster tribunal.

At this period the diocese of Ardfert was administered by
vicars-apostolic. These were not overlooked.

COUNCIL TO JOHN BLENNERHASSETT 4 JANUARY 1681.

Having received information that one Ambrose Pierce a popish
priest now resident in the County Kerry doth exercise popish
jurisdiction contrary etc. We hereby require you to have him
apprehended.

But among the Catholic prelates of the time there was no
one who loomed so large in the reports of spies, and the correspond-
ence of Protestant bishops and governors, as John O'Moloney,
bishop of Killaloe. Acquainted with many of the highest rank
in France, the friend of Colbert, it was said even, of the Grand
Monarch himself, he was shadowed and watched from his first
arrival in the country.

ESSEX TO ARLINGTON APRIL 17 1673.

Since my coming into the government of this kingdom, here is
one Molooney who calls himself Bishop of Killaloe come over
hither. I have spoken with him severall times and find him
a very discreet wise man. He is without doubt the ablest

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 99

among all those of the Roman persuasion. He has spent most
of his time in France and I am apt to persuade myselfe, is too
eminent a man to lye concealed there without being taken
notice of. He has employed his time since his arrival here
and not without success in composing the differences which
were among those of his own religion, as particularly those dis-
putes which have been betwixt Peter Talbot and Plunkett
their titular Primate, concerning jurisdiction. I perceive too
that he lives in a better condition than the small profitts which
he can make out of his titular Bishopricke would put him into.
All which gives me ground to suspect he is a pensioner of France.
In case that France and England should not be uppon so good
termes as I presume they now are this person may be a most
mischievous instrument. Your Lordship may now in time
and whilst you have opportunities of good intelligence in the
Court of France informe yourselfe of what value this Molooney
is there, and with whom he holds his correspondences. Only
with this caution that you credit not too much any informations
concerning him which may be sent you. from Abbot Mountague
whom I know to be very much a friend to this Molooney.

The bishop quite unaware of the part credited to him in
international intrigues, discharged his duties freely and openly.
When, six months later, the proclamation was published ordering
all bishops, vicars-general, and regulars out of the kingdom, he
like others believing the storm would blow over, gave in his name
in Dublin as willing to transport himself. Early however in 1674
he was shipped to France and there remained during the rest of
the Essex administration. On the news of Ormond's succeeding
to the viceroyalty the good offices of the Duke of York (after-
wards James II) were availed of.

DUKE OF YORK TO ORMOND 23 SEPTEMBER 1677.

I could not refuse this bearer F. Molony who is now agoing back
into Ireland to recommend him in generall to you, finding him
by the little conversation I have had with him to be one of the
soberest and discretest I have meett with, of any of his profession,
and that I am confident will behave himself quietly and to your
satisfaction. I have had the same caracter of him from others
and amongst the rest from the Earl of Essex who knew him
when he was there, without which I should not have been so
forward to have given him this letter, which is all I shall now
say but that you may always depend upon my friendship.

It was fortunate for Moloney that he was not known to Gates.
His standing in France and his introduction into Ireland under the

100 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

sponsorship of the Duke of York, could be woven into a fearsome
story. In the first raid therefore he was overlooked. But there
was a member of the Committee of the Privy Council on Ireland,
who had the highest opinion of his capabilities Essex. Accordingly
an active search was soon begun.

SIR HENRY COVENTRY TO ORMOND 14 JANUARY 1679.

In my last to your Grace of the llth instant I gave you an accompt
of the great arming by sea in France, which still continueth
and the design is unknown as before. There is as is here
supposed, in Ireland the Bishop of Killaloe, a man of very good
parts and much in the confidence and trust of France ; his
name is Molony. His Majesty would have your Grace to seize
him and his papers. In a late evidence that hath been before
us, one attesteth he heard a letter read, wrote to a Jesuit from
Rome, which said the Pope had considered of the great oppression
Ireland lay under, and that he would not only assist them with
money but that he was framing a design how to have them
supplied with men. What relation this may have to these French
preparations may be worth inquiry.

Ormond on 25th January wrote to Orrery, President of Munster,
to arrest Moloney and seize his papers. He suggested that the
bishop was hiding "somewhere about Limerick or in the county
of Clare where his friends are." Orrery, a man long practised in
these affairs, replied three days later.

I shall write by an express this day to have all means used for the
seizing Dr. Molony and his papers, though I doubt it will be
difficult to do it, for both his friends and kindred have above
these ten weeks confidently reported he had in a disguise shipped
himself for France in the west. Though for my part I cannot
certainly hear that any one Romish bishop has shipped himself
for foreign parts out of this province.

Orrery's anticipation proved correct.

SIR WILLIAM KING TO ORRERY 21 FEBRUARY 1679.

I have laid out severall ways after Doctor Molony but cannot
hear anything. There came one lately to my Lord Broghill and
me to tell me that he heard he was about Galway, and that he
did not question but I should if there find him out. I gave him
some money and sent him away. He returned suddenly and
told me he was within two miles of this place [Limerick] in
disguise and in a white periwig. I sent one thither that could
know him in any disguise, and one in whom I could confide ;
but he saw no one there like him at all or in any disguise, I am

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 101

assured by some merchants here that he is gone beyond seas,
for they tell me that he went towards Waterford in order thereto.

The hunt continued, but with little results.

COUNCIL TO SIR WILLIAM KING 24 OCTOBER 1679.
Upon perusall of your letters of the 14th instant concerning Dr.
Mullowney we think fitt that you take into your custody the
two baggs of money and doe also examine Thomas Grypha what
person did execute the office of Vicar Generall under the said
Mullowney since he the said Grypha was putt out of that im-
ployment and doe use your best endeavours to apprehend the
said Mullowney.

Six months later, the reports of spies seem to have located
the bishop.
COUNCIL TO SIR OLIVER ST. GEORGE, GALWAY, 13 APRIL 1680.

We have lately received information that one Molony titular
Bishop of Killaloe has lately removed out of Clare into Connaught.
We require you to imploy fitt persons to apprehend him and
have him sent under a safeguard to this City of Dublin.

The sheriff of Galway was written to on same date, but after
prolonged search it was said the bishop had gone back to Clare.

SIR WILLIAM KING TO SECRETARY GASCOIGNE 21 MAY 1680.

In obedience to his Grace's commands to me of the 10th instant's
date I sent out from hence [Limerick] two parties of foot (under
the command of two commissioned officers) to the several places
mentioned in his Grace's list to make search for the titular
Bishop of Killaloe, they returned hither the last night but could
neither find him nor hear of his being at any of the places, nor
at several other places where they made a search for him. I
will lay out all I can to find him and there is no way to effect it
but by setting of him, and that cannot be done without money,
which shall not be wanting.

By this time it was a question whether Moloney was in the
country at all. Ormond was of opinion he was not. Some who
had given information in Cork were examined when they had seen
him last.

LORD SHANNON TO COUNCIL 25 MARCH 1681.

Pursuant to your commands of 25th February last the High Sheriff
brought those persons William Henaghan named in his infor-
mations whom I did examine singly to every particular infor-
mation. The principal man of them is one Dermot Donworth
a man of good means and reputation among the English where

102 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

he lives. He owns that Molony the titular Bishop of Killaloe
was in his house one day about seven years past and never
before or after but utterly denies any private conversation with
or messages from or sight of the said Bishop ever since or then
or any time before or after it or knowing of any money he any
way disposed of to acny person or persons on the King of France
his account, or heard a word thereof in any manner whatsoever
or of any plot against our King.

There now appears on the scene, Roan, Protestant bishop of
Killaloe, a man thorough-paced in all the ways of informers.

JOHN ROAN TO PRIMATE BOYLE 10 MARCH 1681.

When I was last in Dublin I had some discourse with my Lord
Lieutenant concerning Bishop Moloney whom his Grace believed
was in France, whereas I then was and am still of opinion he is
in this kingdom. Besides other I have this reason that in the
beginning of November last the parish priest of Tullagh died
and the parishioners chose of themselves one Grady to succeed,
where he had scarce continued three weeks but there came an
order from Bishop Molone}? under his own hand for the induction
of one White. The original order I expect this week to be
brought me so that it is evident he could not be in France.

In reply to an enquiry of Ormond, Roan wrote 23rd April :

As for Bishop Molony, I had certain intelligence (while one man
lived but since dead) where his parents were, and amongst
other places he was at the Lady Clare's house near Inish [Ennis],
and having got notice he was there, I sent a party to enquire
for him, but he was gone. The Lord being at Inish which was
more than I knew he was displeased and sent me the enclosed
letter how ill he resented it. I cannot say that the Lord himself
was at any time in Molony 's company.

I have got me many enemies of the Irish for my enquiries after
Bishop Molony so that I was advised by a friend to have a
care of myself, which caused me to write to my lord Primate
to befriend me for my removal when occasion offered.

Clare though professing himself a champion of Protestantism,
was strongly suspected by Ormond. To put himself right he now
joined in the pursuit of Moloney. The cordon was soon drawn
so tight round the bishop that people were afraid to shelter him.
He had at last to fly to France.

JOHN ROAN TO PRIMATE BOYLE 25 APRIL 1681.

And now I must add one thing more, which is this, I hear now
that Bishop Molony is gone to sea. The priest whom he ordered

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 103

to be inducted into Tullagh hath left the country, and the priest
Grady who was chosen by the people at first is returned to that
place. But withal he acquaints me that he hears Bishop Molony
hath left an excommunication on him, but as yet no order for
it is come to his knowledge, but says he is certain the Bishop
took shipping lately at Kilrush. I have acquainted him that if
any such order whether written or verbal is brought to him
that he should give me notice thereof together with the person
that brought it, which I expect he will for the priest's mother
is my tenant.

There was no need of further efforts, for Dr. Moloney soon
after reached France whence on 13th June, he sent to Propaganda
a summary of. his three years' adventures (p).

The bishops of Leinster equally with their brethren in the
other provinces, faced the penalties of transportation or death in
the discharge of their duties. The bishop of Kildare, Dr. Mark
Forrestal, though unceasingly pursued, long eluded capture.
From the very beginning of the Gates' plot the spies were on his trail.

COUNCIL TO RICHARD LOCK AP ATHY 9 DECEMBER 1678.

We find by your letters of the 5th instant an account of the late
concourse of people in which letters you mention that you
heard that the Parish Priest there hath displast priests and divided
parishes thereabouts. We require of you to inform yourself of
that matter and discover the names of the priests removed and
the names of the priests who were putt in their places and whether
the parish priest hath any authority and from whom, upon all
which you will make return to us.

The bishop nevertheless during this and the following year,
faithfully administered his diocese. The Government Register of
1704 shows the several houses of the Catholic gentry where he
ordained priests in 1679 and 1680. But at length it became too
unsafe to shelter him, and he was forced to build a shieling in a
lonely wood, whence he watched for a break in the storm. In
vain, however, for on 25th February, 1681, we find his capture
recorded. For two years he pined in a Dublin prison until in 1683
death came to discharge him.

More fortunate was James Phelan, bishop of Ossory. On the
hills overlooking the Suir in the old manor houses of Garryricken
and Kilcash, the outlawed ecclesiastic was harboured by Walter

(p) Spicilegium Ossoriense II, 258.

104 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

Butler, the Lord Lieutenant's nephew, and Richard Butler his
brother.

The bishop-elect of Ferns escaped transportation by a curious
defence. He was not bishop since he had not received consecra-
tion ; neither was he vicar-general since there was no bishop.
He pleaded that he was simply elected by the twenty-one priests
of the diocese, and the crown prosecutors apparently forgot that
a vicar-capitular exercised popish jurisdiction.

How another Leinster bishop was forewarned and thereby
enabled to escape, appears from the following:

ORMOND TO SECRETARY JENKINS 6 DECEMBER 1681.

There came to my hands a letter written by frier Jo. McMoyer
(one of the evidence against Olyver Plunkett), directed to one
James Cusack, a popish priest [Catholic bishop of Meath] the
subject whereof is to desire Cusack to warn one Doctor Drum-
goole and severall others of the popish clergie to depart the
kingdom for that they had been accused of treason in England,
that new warrants are issued for their apprehension and that
if they stayd they would be served as Plunket was. Some
arguments he used to induce them to be gone, shewing his earnest
desire of unity amongst all those of that function and persuasion,
and some profession he makes of his continued steadfastnesse
and zeale to their religion. Yesterday I produced this letter
at Council and it was then ordered that Moyre should be sent
for being in town. He was accordingly brought and has very
franckly before us all and under his hand owned that the letter
was all his hand writing. He was then ordered to be taken
into custody till he should find sufficient security to appeare to
answer for his misdemeanour of advising such as he himself
had accused of treason to fly from justice. This account I give
you lest such proceeding against one upon whose testimony in
past a person has been found guilty and executed, should be
misrepresented or misunderstood.

It remains to trace the fortunes of the archbishop of Dublin,
Peter Talbot. Arrested and brought to Dublin Castle, llth
October, 1678, the evidence against him as given by Titus Gates,
27th of same month (q), was :

In the month of August there was a consult with the Jesuits and
with the Benedictine monks at the Savoy. In this month of
August there was a letter writ from Archbishop Talbot wherein
he gave an account of a legate from the Pope an Italian bishop

(q) Trial of Edward Coleman, S.J., King's Bench, London.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 105

(the bishop of Cassay I think) who asserted the Pope's right
to the kingdom of Ireland. In this letter there were four
Jesuits had contrived [plotted] to dispatch the Duke of Ormond,
to find the most expedient way for his death ; and Fogarty
[M.D.] was to be sent to do it by poison if these four good fathers
did not hit of their design. Fogarty was present. And when
the consult was almost at a period, Mr. Coleman came, and was
mighty forward to have Fogarty sent to Ireland to dispatch the
Duke by poison. This letter did specify they were there ready
to rise in rebellion against the King for the Pope.

Four days after his arrest the archbishop was examined by
a committee of the Privy Council presided over by Jones.

Peter Talbot Titular Archbishop of Dublin being duely Examined
Sayeth that he left Ireland in or about the month of June before
the publication of the Proclamation for the Popish cleargie to
depart the kingdom [1673], and that hee went away then uppon
the advice of some friends in England and after his goeing into
England and continuance there about a month, hee went into
France and remained there about two yeares and from thence
went to St. Omers and stayed there about a fortnight or three
weeks and thence to Calis where he stayed about a fortnight
and from thence came to London on about March last was two
yeares where he stayed about a month and from thence came
into Cheshire to Mr. Poole of Poolehall in Wirrall where he
continued untill his arrivall in Ireland about the latter end of
May last. He sayeth that the reason wherefore he came into
Ireland was that he was tould by his Physitians that he could
not live long, being troubled with an vlcer in the bladder and
other disorders and therefore desired to dye in his own country.
That being tould the danger of the breach of the Proclamation
and the Law from his returning into Ireland, sayeth he did by
some friends make application to his Grace the now Lord Lieuten-
ant for his returne into Ireland, that Collonell fitz Patrick (r)
wrote to him that his Grace did not conceave it seasonable for
his returne at that time but advised him to adjust things with
his friends in England, which he endeavoured to effect. He
sayeth that uppon a second application made to his Grace before
his coming over that Collonell fitz Patrick wrote to him again
and advised him to adjust matters with his friends in England
and that being done if hee return into Ireland the Lord Lieutenant
would take no more notice of him than of any others of his
quality. That uppon his landing in Ireland hee desired Colloneil
fitz Patrick to make his excuse to his Grace in not waiting on
him according to his duetie, by reason of his distemper and
that Collonell fitz Patrick told him that his Grace was sorry

(r) Ormond's brother-in-law.

106 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}.

for the Examinates sickness and indisposition and that whilst
hee behaved himself peaceably, hee would take no more notice
of him than of others of his condition. He sayeth that he did
not make any other address to his Grace by any other Person
nor received any other answer than before is mencioned. He
sayeth that he doth know Richard Strange but did not see him
but once in London about two yeares since (s). He doth know
John Kaynes and onely read one or two letters from him con-
cerning controversie in religion and never saw him but twice.
Doth not know John ff en wick nor ever writ to him nor ever
received any letters from him. He doth know Richard Ashby,
Rector of St. Omer, but never writt to him or received any
letters from him since he came from St. Omer. He sayeth hee
doth not know Thomas White, Ireland, Micho, Harecourt, ffr
Blundell, John Graves, Jenison or Lockwort. Hee sayeth that
hee heard that one Laseise [Pere La Chaise] was confessor to
the French King but did not know him, nor ever wrote to him
or to any other to be communicated to him, or received any
letters from him. Hee sayeth that since his coming from France
he hath not received any letters from any person from St. Omer
nor sent any letters thither to any person. He sayeth that he
never knew nor saw one Oates nor ever heard of him untill
within this fortnight uppon the discourse of the Plott. He
sa}^eth he doth know William Morgan a priest who usually
resided with the Lord Powes in Wales and hee came acquainted
with him at Poole hall about eight or tenn months since but
doth not know that he was in Ireland within these two yeares
past but heard he was here about five or six yeare agoe. He
sayeth that John Oliva is Generall of the society of the Jesuits
and Resident at Rome. Doth not know of any commission
granted bjr the said Generall to any Person but that communi-
cated for the prayers of the body of the society, [which] has been
granted under the seale to the Examinate and others. Hee
sayeth that he doth not know any Jesuits resident in or about
Dublin but ffr Netterville, ffr Gough, ffr Usher and ffr Johnson f
and one Ryan in the county of Catherlagh and doth not know
any others in the kingdom but hath heard and beleeveth that
there are several!. He sayeth he doth not know or ever heard
of any breefe from the Pope in the year 1673 or since. He
sayeth that he doth not know or heard of any Nuncio, Legate
or minister imployed from the Pope into this kingdom since his
Maiesties restauracon. He sayeth that he hath not written
any letters within these two yeares past to any Jesuit in or about
London or the aforesaid letters to one Kaynes and [but ?] letters
\:o Mr. Benefield in London once or twice since the Examinats
coming into Ireland which was concerning his private affayres

' (s) Strange was Provincial of the English Jesuits. He and the other
Jesuits named, were implicated by Oates in the Plot.

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued}. 107

onely and in vindication of himself from the Calumny of one
Serjeant. He sayeth he doth know Dr. ffogorty and hath been
acquainted with him these nine or ten yeares past. Hee sayeth
that when hee was in London about two yeares since beinge
in discourse with Dr. Fogarty hee wished that hee were in Ireland
uppon account of his practice onely but hee answered hee was
better "where hee was and sayeth hee hath written to him since
concerning his (the Examinats) distemper and Sergents calumny
as aforesaid and noe other occasion and that the said Doctor
by his letters advised him to apply himselfe to Dr. Meara for
his distemper. He sayeth he doth not know of any commanding
officer of the standing Army in Ireland that is a Papist or that
any dispensation was given to any of them for taking the Oath
of Supremacie and believeth that none can be given them. He
sayeth he never received any letters under any cover directed
to the Lord Mount Garrett nor knows of any other person that
received such letters. He sayeth that since his last coming into
Ireland he doth not know of any Parish papist Priests removed
out of their Parishes but heard of one that lived near Arkloe that
was removed for scandalous living but was not done by the
Examinat hee having declared that ever since his last coming
into Ireland hee would not intermeddle in matters of that nature.
Taken before us 15 of October 1678 PETER TALBOT.

Hen. Midensis, Ro. Booth, John Davys.

Two other examinations were taken, and a further one of
Andrew Birmingham, the archbishop's servant. The four were
sent to the Lords Committee then in session in London but these
gentlemen in vain endeavoured to make them fit into Gates' story.
It was now whispered that Ormond himself was in collusion with
Talbot. It was noted that the archbishop's papers were not
seized at his arrest, and further that his return into Ireland was
connived at by the Lord Lieutenant. Though Ossory wrote October
23rd, "I hear Peter Talbot and others are in custody ; I doubt not
but you will make their restraint as easy as is possible, after their
being examined," there could not in the then state of Protestant
frenzy, be question of bail. Neither had Ormond the inclination.
For the Talbots and he had long been bitter enemies and he had
always believed that the terrible expose "The Sale and Settlement
of Ireland" was written by the archbishop. The agonized petitions
therefore sent from time to time, were cast aside with angry disdain.

The humble petition of Peter Talbot
May it please your Grace. Humbly sheweth that your Petitioner

108 REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued).

after a long continuance of an Vlcer and Stone in the Bladder
hath bin bedr'd these six monthes past and now rendred almost
incapable of stirring in his bed or chamber without very great
paine and danger. And therefore [he] is advised by the
Physicians not to stirr or move as much as formerly. Your
Petitioner it appearing by the Physitians opinion in iminent
and sudden danger he is in, doth humbly prey that he may have
a Secular Priest come to him to prepare himself as a Christian
and one of his persuasion for an other world and your Petitioner
will ever pray, etc. PETER TALBOT.

[Endorsed] Peter Talbot's Petition given me by Sir Thomas
Newcomen. Received 1 1 of Aprill 79 ffer a Priest to come to him.

No priest however was permitted to approach and it now
seemed that the only hope of relief physical or spiritual was to
address Charles and the English Privy Council. The result appears
in a letter from Secretary Coventry to Ormond, 19th August, 1679.

As to the letter from your Grace and Council to me with the inclosed
petition of Peter Talbot and the Certificates, I could not shew
it the Council for the reason that no Council is to meet till the
Thursdny after Michaelmas, but I shewed it to his Majesty who
commanded me to return this answer that you and the Council
can best judge of the matter of fact asserted in the petition and
if you judge him to be in that desperate condition His Majesty
is contented you should let him go into the country for the
air provided you take sufficient bail and all other ways provide
against his escape. The King and Council here have given
leave to my Lord Bellasis for a short time to go into the country,
but besides his bail they have appointed two of the warders
of the Tower to be with him at his house but as to this I have
no order to give your Grace any directions. I only acquaint
you with it as my own observation and I suppose your order
if you give it will be that he return whenever your Grace shall
think fitting to summon him. And this is what I had from his
Majesty in answer to the letter sent me by your Grace and Council.

Ormond however was determined to give the archbishop no
quarter ; he met, as would seem, the importunity of the tortured
prisoner with a diplomatic lie.

To his Grace James Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant General

and General Governor of Ireland.
The humble petition of Peter Talbot Prisoner in his Majesties

Castle of Dublin.
Sheweth. That the languishing condition of your Petitioner in

a streight confinement these twelve moneths past and vnder the

most painful of diseases is now come to the point that for want

REIGN OF CHARLES II. (Continued). 109

of conveniency in the place where he is of vseing of Bathes and
other remedies to abate the Sharpnes of his distemper, he is
like to perish in a very deplorable manner and though he has
incouragment from his friends in England to hope that his
Majesty (when his more weighty affaires are over) will take
your Petitioner into his mercifull consideration yet his torments
increase so fast upon him that he feares his Majesty's favour
will arrive too late if your Excellency take no present com-
passion of him. May it therefore please your Grace To grant
your Petitioner leave to remove from the place of his present
confinement to the house of some one of his frinds here in Towne
and there to remaine either upon bayl or under a guard vntill
his Majesties further pleasure concerning him be known. And
he will ever pray etc. PETER TALBOT.

No notice was taken of this petition, for there is no reference
upon it. A final appeal was made in February, 1680, but this
last cry from the dungeon was stifled also. "The two letters,"
writes Coventry 6th March, "were read at the Board yesterday.
They would not at all meddle with the desires of Peter Talbot
but laid it totally aside." Henceforward the only respite to be
looked for was death, and this was long in coming. At length on
25th October more than two years after his arrest, Lord Lanes-
borough wrote to Ormond in Kilkenny "Mr. Turner tells me Peter
Talbot is past recovery." A month later Ormond informs the
English Secretary of State :

I have for two or three posts forgot to acquaint your Lordship
that Peter Talbot, the titular Archbishop of Dublin is dead and
that care was taken to have the body looked upon by some that
knew him.

This was not unnecessary, for in the frenzy of the time Ormond
himself might have been accused of liberating the archbishop.
But a fuller measure is afforded of Protestant fanaticism. Talbot
had befriended Charles. The Spanish pension for the exiled king
had been negociated by him. After the Restoration, as chaplain
to the Queen and resident at Whitehall, he and Charles had been
on the most intimate terms. There is evidence that this intimacy
continued to the end. Yet now the King dared not grant the old
man one week's fresh air, nor at the last, unbolt his cell and let
him forth to die (t).

(t) The archbishop's will may still be seen among the Carte Papers in.
the Bodleian Vol. CCXLIII.

CHAPTER III.

WILLIAM AND MARY.

niTHERTO the work of uprooting the Catholic priesthood
went on at intervals and sporadically. For there was
no regular machinery. The Council or the Lord Deputy
issued instructions or proclamations and these the sheriffs and
other officers acted on or ignored according as their judgment
dictated or the local circumstances admitted. The statute book
beyond certain penalties for " extolling the pope's jurisdiction "
contained no enactments against priests. And the Catholics were
too powerful throughout the seventeenth century to make such
legislation possible. In February, 1612, Sir Henry Winch and
Sir John Davies brought over among other bills one similar to the
English Act of 1585, that Jesuits and seminary priests were to be
accounted traitors and to harbour them was felony. But after
the sturdy action of the Catholic opposition at the beginning of
the parliament, no more was said about the proposal. When
at the parliament of 1634 the bill was again mooted, Straff ord
"thorough" as he was, reported "it would be too much at once~to
distemper the Catholics by bringing plantations upon them and
disturb them in the exercise of their religion ; and very inconsiderate
to move in the latter till the former was fully settled and by that
means the protestant party become much the stronger which he
did not then conceive it to be" (u). At the Restoration the Crom-
wellian House of Commons sent heads of bills to the English Council
subjecting the priests to the same penalties as in England. Again
in 1683 the parliament about to be called, included in its agenda
an act making the exercise of papal jurisdiction in Ireland punish-
able with death. But weakened though the Catholics were by the
Ulster plantation and the Cromwellian forfeitures, the Council did
not think fit to proceed with these measures. Now however all
was changed. The Catholics utterly crushed by the war of the
Revolution were shorn of every element of political and military
(u) Stafford's Letters II, 36.

WILLIAM AND MARY. Ill

strength. Their lands were confiscated, their merchants driven
from the towns, their gentry and professional classes gone into
exile or reduced to pauperism, the mass of the people in abject
misery and serfdom. In short the whole resources and govern-
ment of the country had passed into the hands of the Protestant
minority and the state of things desiderated by Strafford was
realized at last.

It is important to bear these facts in mind. For apologists
of the penal laws are wont to justify them as measures of self
defence. A small minority, they say, in the midst of a hostile
and overwhelming majority could only protect itself and maintain
its existence by reducing the majority to absolute impotence, social
and civic ; that in point of fact these laws preserved Ireland
during the eighteenth century from becoming what it assuredly
would have become, the theatre of Jacobite intrigue and civil
war. And hence that their motive causes were not religious
bigotry or racial hatred but the elementary ones of fear and common
prudence. Such is the reasoning and it appears to have much
force. But after careful examination of the proceedings of the
two Parliaments, of the correspondence between the Irish and
English Councils and the utterances of the statesmen responsible,
I feel bound to say it receives no support from history. The
penal code, though a marvellously complete, organic whole was
not put together under the pressure of an ever advancing enemy
nor was it the result of a well conceived policy of defence. It
came into existence in a brief period when the Irish people were
regarded as hopelessly, irretrievably crushed, and each step in their
fall, each diminution of their hopes was marked by a new link in
the chain (v). Their cause had been espoused by France, and
according as the fortunes of France sank, the penal code grew
branch by branch in malignant perfection. Not in fear were the

(v) Sir Richard Cox who had a large part in framing the code, writes
"The youth and gentry of Ireland were destroyed in the Rebellion or are
gone to France ; those who are left are destitute of horses, arms, money,
capacity and courage. Five out of six of the Irish are insignificant slaves,
fit for nothing but to hew wood and draw water." And Swift the great
representative of the Protestant minority everywhere expresses the utmost
contempt for the Catholics. "They are as harmless as women and children,
powerless to hurt, and doomed to certain disappearance in one or two
generations."

112 WILLIAM AND MARY.

laws of William and Anne passed, but in vengeance and in the
unbridled licence of triumph. The language of Burke has been
sometimes criticised but any research amongst original authorities
shows it to be only the literal truth. "All the penal laws of that
unparalleled code of oppression were manifestly the effects of
national hatred and scorn towards a conquered people whom the
victors delighted to trample upon and were not at all afraid to
provoke. They were not the effect of their fears but of their
security. Whilst that temper prevailed, and it prevailed in all its
force to a time within our memory, every measure was pleasing
and popular just in proportion as it tended to harass and ruin a
set of people who were looked upon as enemies to God and man
and indeed, as a race of savages who were a disgrace to human
nature itself" (w}.

The sequence of events brings out this fact clearly. Im-
mediately before the battle of Aughrim, William made a proposal
through Sir Charles Wogan (Tyrconnell's nephew) that the Catholics
should be secured the free exercise of their religion, that half the
churches should be given back to them, that they should have their
share in civil and military employment, and that half their former
property should be restored (x). The Articles of Galway secured
the officers there, their estates, permitted Catholic barristers to
practice and priests to say mass in private, and pardoned all offences
committed since the accession of James II. Again in the instructions
of William to the Lords Justices to be embodied in the "secret
proclamation" even more liberal terms were granted. Finally the
first article in the Treaty of Limerick guaranteed the enjoyment
of such privileges in the exercise of religion as were consistent
with the laws of Ireland or were enjoyed in the reign of Charles II,
and promised further protection from disturbance on account of
religion. This was the high-water mark of toleration. It was also
the period when the Irish Catholics were strongest. For the war
was not yet over. Louis XIV. was as yet victorious over the
Grand Alliance. William's throne was still shaking, and engaged
as he was in a life and death struggle on the continent, the contest
with the Irish had to be closed on any terms.

(w) Letter to Sir H. Langrishe.

(x) Wogan to Swift Swift's Works XVIII, 13.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 113

But in the seventeenth century no more than in our own day,
were treaties respected longer than the high contracting parties
felt in a position to repudiate them. For a few years some pretence
was made of observing the Articles of Limerick. Dopping, bishop
of Meath, was dismissed from the Privy Council for preaching in
St. Patrick's that no faith should be kept with the Irish. A few
outlawries were reversed in the Lord Chancellor's court. Sydney
admitted some Irish officers into the army and tried to obtain
parliamentary sanction for the Articles. During these years in
fact, the issue of the struggle was still doubtful. The great French
victories of Steinkirk and Neerwinden rendered it possible that
another descent might be made and the whole country kindled
into conflagration. But the decline of France from 1694 onward,
the fall of Namur in 1695, and the peace of Ryswick in 1697,
allayed all the fears of the Irish minority, and furthermore released
William from obligations to his Catholic allies. Accordingly the

| flood of Protestant fanaticism put up since the days of Charles II.

'j was now let loose and the penal era began.

Jl The priests had already got a foretaste of what was to come.

1 ''"}

^jln December, 1692, some French privateers appearing off the

^ coast occasioned a general alarm. An order was issued by Sydney
if to put all priests under arrest as well as such others as had held
|| commissions in the army of King James. Sydney acquainted Lord
m Nottingham, the English secretary, 23rd January, 1693, that the
ft returns of the arrests for Munster and Connaught had not come
in but he enclosed the following :

Dublin .... 35 priests.

Queen's Co. .... 2 ,,

Roscommon .... 5 ,,

King's Co. .... 4

Kilkenny .... 13

Tyrone .... 5 ,,

Mayo .... 4 ,,

Tipperary .... 4 ,, but seven had ab-

sconded and all the priests of Upper Ormond.

Kildare .... 2

Co. Dublin .... 8

114 WILLIAM AND MARY.

"As the apprehensions," he continues, "are now blown over
or in a great manner lessened the persons who were imprisoned
are now set at liberty upon giving security for good behaviour
and promise to come forth when required. Only excepting the
regular clergy who are still imprisoned till his Majesty's pleasure
be known in relation to them."

The regular clergy occupied the anxious attention of the
executive.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, DUBLIN CASTLE, JANUARY 10, 1693.

It is this day ordered that the Committee of this Board appointed
to examine the papists lately taken up in or about this city, or
any three of them do forthwith meet and consider what may
be fitt to be done with the regular priests now in custody upon
the late general order, and of the most easy and effectual way of
disposing or sending them out of the kingdom, and report the
same forthwith.

In accordance with this order the Committee reported the
following day that in 1673, 1674, and 1678 the regular clergy were
banished the kingdom by proclamation. They added

We are of opinion that the great number of popish archbishops,
bishops and regular clergy now in Ireland and exercising forraine
jurisdiction, tends to the disturbance of the peace and is against
the laws and statutes of this kingdom, and there is great reason
to issue out a proclamation like the former proclamations re-
quiring the said bishops and clergy in some convenient time to
depart out of Ireland under penalty of being prosecuted with
the utmost severity. But it is submitted to your consideration
and to the Board whether you shall think fitt to issue out such
a proclamation without their Majesty's commands.

Sydney consulted Nottingham who promised instructions.
Four months later no instructions had come. It was not yet the
time for a general clearing-out of the priests. Meanwhile local
persecution went on. The Lords Justices, 18th August, 1693,
published a proclamation that "the popish pretended parish priest
of any parish when tories are out upon their keeping is to be arrested
and kept in the common gaol of the county until the said tories
are arrested." Now as tories and rapparees abounded in the
years following the Revolution, many of the priests must have
been imprisoned. Here for example are Christmas stories of the
period, one from each end of the country.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 115

Strabane ye 24 of December 1696.

My Lord,

By order from government to the Sheriff of this Co. there is
five of us of the Romish clergy taken and in custody these foure
weeks past in this town, no accusation nor no cause that wee
know but only that wee are priests and the pleasure of the
government. Your Lordshipp is sensible that wee cannot be
here without greate expenses and little or nothing to pay it
with unless helped by such as your Lordshipp, being a perfect
Patern of Charitie. [We] have made bould in the behalf of
the rest to acquaint your Lordshipp with our present confine-
ment and indigencie, some of us being mendicants and thereby
the more unable to defray our charges and since the government,
god be praised, cannot lay any thing to our charge so that any
may intercede for our Hbertie wee pray your Lordshipp to com-
iserate our condition in contributing to our help as to your
Lordshipp shall seeme fitt. And wee shall as in duetie bound
forever pray for your Lordshipps health and welfare and con-
clude ourselves your Lordshipps poore distressed and Most
humble servants. FA. JAMES O HEGARTII

FA. JOHN MAC NALLY

FA TEIG O LINSECHAN

-Priests.

FR. PHILLIP MAC HUGH
FR. JAMES MAC CONNY

Endorsed To the Rt. Hon. and Father in God William by divine
providence Id. Bishop of Derry at Londonderry. These.

In the beginning of December, 1696, the whole clergy of Water-
ford were brought prisoners to Waterford gaol. From the corporate
minute book we learn

December 15 1696 Mr. Mayor having received orders from the
Government to continue the priests in custody and to bail others.
It is ordered that there be a watch of the Cittizens eight men
and a constable every twenty four hours with armes and those
that cannot so appeare to imploy others at Eight pence a turne
and that the Sherife see to the well ordring of it.

The era of penal legislation was inaugurated by the parlia-
ment of 1695. Sydney had been dismissed as too favourable to
the Catholics, and Capel, the new deputy, in his speech to the
two houses, 27th August, struck the key-note of their proceedings.

The [proposed] bills have more effectually provided for your future
security than has ever hitherto been done. In my opinion the
want of such laws has been one great cause of your past miseries
and it will be your fault as well as your misfortune if you neglect
to lay hold of the opportunity now put into your hands by

116 WILLIAM AND MARY.

your great and gracious King of making such a lasting settle-
ment that it may never be in the power of your enemies to bring
the like calamities again upon you.

During the summer Robert Rochfort and Alan Brodrick who
had led the "Protestant interest" in the last parliament and were
now Attorney-General and Solicitor-General, were busy. The
results of their labours in conjunction with the English Council,
were two bills, one for disarming the Catholics the other for the
destruction of Catholic education. "The first," wrote Capel
complaisantly, "will secure the Protestant interest, the other the
Protestant religion in this kingdom." The bills were carried in
a flood of enthusiasm and the session, unlike the stormy ones of
the previous parliament, closed with all round felicitation. Two
years later, as was the custom of the time, the next session opened.
The prospects of the Catholics had meanwhile darkened and their
power of resistance grown less. The time therefore had come
when the whole settlement might be called in question, and the
Treaty of Limerick torn in shreds. Previous to the sitting of
parliament the two Councils with whom all real legislative power
lay, discussed the proposed measures.

THE LORDS JUSTICES TO THE ENGLISH PRIVY COUNCIL 12 JULY

1697.

An Act for the Confirming of Articles made at the Surrender of
the City of Lymerick.

Wee conceived the first Article concerning Religion unfitt to be
mentioned in this Bill. The Second Article is confirmed in the
sence and meaning in which it hath been understood and practiced
by the Council here and submitted to by the Irish in the claj^mes
that are already determined. The Third, Fourth and Fifth
Articles are confirmed. The Sixth Article which hath been the
subject of the greatest disputes is confirmed in its full latitude
which is done in regard to his Maiesties honour only and not
for the justice or reasonableness of the thing in itself and wee
hope the same reason will prevayl in the Parliament if his Maiesty
shall think his honour concerned in having the Article soe fully
confirmed. The 10th day of Aprill hath been thought the
moste proper day to settle for the beginning of the war for the
reason mentioned in the Bill and for that it seemed to be the
sense of the Parliament when that matter was in debate.

WINCHESTER, GALLWAY.

It is to the credit of the Irish lords, the Protestant bishops
in particular, that they protested against the omission of the

WILLIAM AND MARY. 117

famous clause in the second Article. Their lordships however
made no protest against the dropping of the first Article which
was the fundamental one of the whole Treaty. To put toleration
to Catholics in an Act of Parliament would be in their view,
national apostacy.

The road being now clear, legislation against ecclesiastics was
proceeded with. As originally framed the first bill ran "An Act
for suppressing All Fryerys, Monasterys, Nunneryes," etc. The
English Council added "Chantreys, Guilds and Fraternities."
This brought an expostulation, for as it happened the old chantry
and guild property was in Protestant possession and its title might
be imperilled.

THE LORDS JUSTICES TO THE ENGLISH COUNCIL 3 AUGUST 1697.

The amendment is of such a nature that if passed into law it would
disturb the quiett of this whole kingdom. No one person of
either house would give his consent for passing the bill with
this clause, we therefore transmitt the same bill with some
small change in title. An Act for banishing all Papists exercising
Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and all regulars of the Popish church
out of this kingdom.

Froude's account is that the words were inserted by Popish
intrigue in England for the purpose of damning the bill. Yet
the truthful historian must have read the following:

SHREWSBURY TO LORD CHANCELLOR, WHITEHALL, 14 AUGUST 1697.

The Bill for banishing Regulars is now under Mr. Attorney GeneralTs
inspection, it will be considered on tuesday and so, little objection
can be made to it if it be of the same nature with the former
before it was altered by us. Orders having been given to have
it ready engrossed I hope it may be sent away that evening but
your Lordship may depend upon it that there will be noe delay
nor obstruction to the hastening that Bill which everybody
seemed to like.

The Irish Parliament, Lord Chancellor Methuen wrote, were
greatly disappointed at the delay. They were eager to open the
campaign against the priests "inasmuch as the late rebellion had
been notoriously promoted by the Catholic clergy and the public
safety was endangered by the presence of so many of them." The
Bill therefore soon became law.

118 WILLIAM AND MARY.

9 WILLIAM III. CAP 26.

Sec. 1. All popish archbishops, bishops, vicars-general, deans,
Jesuits, monks, friars and all other regular popish clergy, and all
papists exercising any ecclesiastical jurisdiction, shall depart out
of this kingdom before the 1st of May 1698 ; If any of the said
ecclesiastical persons shall be at any time after the said 1st of
May 1698 within the kingdom, they and every of them
shall suffer imprisonment until he or they shall be transported
beyond seas ; and if any person so transported shall return
again into this kingdom, they and every of them shall be
guilty of high treason and suffer and forfeit as in case of high
treason.

Sec. 3. From and after the 29th of December 1697 no popish
archbishop, bishop, vicar-general, dean, nor any other papist
exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction not established by the laws
of this kingdom, Jesuit or friar, shall come into this kingdom
from any part beyond the seas, on pain of twelve months im-
prisonment, and then to be transported, and if any such popish
ecclesiastical person so transported, shall again return into
this kingdom, he and they so offending shall be guilty of high
treason and suffer accordingly.

Sec. 4. Any person who shall knowingly harbour, relieve, conceal
or entertain any such popish ecclesiastic shall for the first offence
forfeit 20, for the second offence 40, and for the third offence
all his lands of inheritance or freehold during his life, and also
all his goods and chattels, one moiety to the King and the other
moiety (if not exceeding 100) to the informer ; the forfeiture
for the third offence to be recovered by bill, plaint, information,
or action for debt in any of the courts of Record at Dublin or
at the assizes.

Sec. 5. As to the said forfeitures of 20 and 40, justices of peace
upon information on oath may summon the persons, and inquire
and levy the same by distress, sale or otherwise, and dispose of
one moiety to the informer and the other moiety to the treasurer
for the use of the county ; and in default of payment to commit
to prison until payment.

Sec. 8. Justices of peace may apprehend and commit all popish
ecclesiastics who remain in this kingdom contrar}^ to this act,
, and suppress all monasteries, friaries, nunneries or other popish
fraternities or societies.

Sec. 9. They shall give account in writing of their proceedings
in execution of this act, at the next general quarter sessions
to be there entered and registered.

Sec. 10. If any justice of the peace shall neglect doing his duty
in execution of this act, he shall forfeit 100, one moiety to the
King and the other to the informer, and be disabled from serving
as a justice of peace during his life.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 119

At first blush it might seem impossible to enforce such a law,
encountered as government would be at every step by an angry,
overwhelming population. Yet for a time the impossible was
achieved and the act obtained a considerable measure of success.
Though the results of Section 1 are known with singular exactness,
it is to be regretted that few details of the process are extant.
Not only have the county documents perished but the records of
the executive for this period are gone, having been burnt presumably
in the fire of 1711.

In December, 1697, the Lords Justices Winchester and Galway
issued instructions to the mayors, sheriffs and other magistrates
that the obnoxious ecclesiastics were to be compelled to enter into
bonds to appear before the Council in Dublin when required. The
services of the Protestant dignitaries were also enlisted. From a
letter of the Jesuit superior dated Waterford, 30th December,
1697, it appears that four days previous all the priests of that
city were cited before the Protestant bishop and dean there to
give evidence as to whether they belonged to a religious order or,
if secular priests, what their ecclesiastical status was. But govern-
ment was not dependent upon the magistrates, however active, or
the parsons, however bigotted. If it were, the task to which it
had set itself would have been beyond its strength. What in-
quisition could discover the regulars, scattered as they were through
the country and working as missionary priests, for nearly all the
communities had been broken up ? Or what rewards or what
punishments could bring in the bishops and vicars, cherished and
protected by a people who would neither be cowed by fear nor
tempted by cupidity ? Besides the ordinary magistracy the
government had now at its service a well trained intelligence
department. Scattered through every part *of the country were
the collectors and surveyors of the forty revenue districts. These*
in their quest for quit-rents and hearth money, for smugglers
and illicit distillers, for hawkers and pedlars might be relied upon
to furnish full particulars of the priests. And so in fact they did.
The Lord Justices, 5th February, 1698, published a proclamation.
The Romish prelates, they said, have been busy holding ordinations,
especially of regulars, to appoint them to cures or parishes, so

120 WILLIAM AND MARY.

that they may remain in Ireland, contrary to the Act. Moreover
it is believed that many prelates will change their names and
addresses, and remain in the kingdom. A return is to be made
showing the name and place of abode of every priest on 27th July
last, and if since removed whither and when, who succeeded him
and from where, and if the successor has ever been reputed a
regular. Finally all strangers come into the neighbourhood
since 25th September are to be similarly reported on. At the same
time the following instructions were issued :

WINCHESTER, GALWAY.

Wee thinking it necessary in order to his Majesties service and
security and the peace of this kingdom that an account be taken
of the number of the Romish clergy as well fryers as secular
priests in Ireland do therefore hereby pray and direct you forth-
with to send orders to such of your collectors as were appointed
receivers of the late Poll tax with all convenient speed to make
inquiry of the severall clerks who were employed in making
up the Books of the said Tax within their respective districts
and to inform themselves by such other ways and meanes as
they see fitt what priests and fryars are now in each County
Citty and Town and return to you their number and names,
distinguishing the regulars from the secular clergy and noteing the
places of their respective aboades which account when returned
to you is to be laid before us and for so doing this shall be your
warrant. 4 December 1697.

To the Commissioners for the managment of his Majesty's
revenue

Of the returns made, a solitary one is preserved, owing to the
fact that it passed from the Council Office into Archbishop Math's
possession and so escaped the fire of 1711. This may excuse its
being printed at full length.

A Particular Account of the Romish Clergy Secular and Regular
in every parrish of .the Dioceses of Dublin.

St. Andrew's parrish March the 2 1697[8].
- Edmund Murphy parish priest supposed vicar generall.
Thomas Austin his assistant

Neagle priest at Patrick Andrew's house in Bridge
Secular j street.

] Patrick Luttrell at Wm. Daylys att the sign of the sun

in Cooke St.

Jeremiah Netterville Preist at the sign of the Harpe in
Cooke St.

WILLIAM AND MARY.

121

,., ,
Keguiars

Thomas Marshall ^

James ffannin ! All Dominican ffriars at the Con-

James Egan j vent in Cooke St.

Christopher FarrellJ

Bryan Kennedy \ St. Augustine ffryers att the Convent

wmiam Brynan J in St Andeon Arch.

Edward Chamberlain Jesuit living neere the Convent in

Cooke St.
Arthur Walsh a Carmelite att the Convent in Corne

Markett.

These are all that are at present to be found butt there are others
who were lately in the parish that are now withdrawne and
supposed to be sculking about the towne and they are as follows :
R. Johnson a Jesuit who did live att Mr. Synotts on Merchants Key.

st}^ both Hved in Bridge St.

( Clement Ash \
R. j Bryan Lehanny Uvere formerly Augustine ffriers.

IMichall manelly)
One Dalfin and some other ffriers whose names cannot be found

out did lately belong to the Convent of Carmelites.
There are severall lay brothers belonging to each of the Convents.

St. Nicholas parrish :
James Russell
Valentine Rivers
Bryan Murray

S. < Jerome Netervil > Priests.

Patrick Luttrell

I William Ryan

\Emer Meginnis ,

The seven secular priests above named are obliged to officiate and

say mass in the Chappie of St. Michaels parish and no where

else for the part of seven parishes, viz. St. Michaels, St. John,

St. Nicholas, St. Werburghs, St. Audeons, St. Brides and St.

Peters.

St. Michans parrish :
William Dalton parish priest Lodgeing at Figham off Brahams,

Barber in Smith Field.
James Gibbons Priest Assistant to William Dalton at the

Chappie in Channel row lodging at Mrs. Ellestons in Channel

row.

John Linegar Priest Lodging at Widdow Lenigars in Church St.
Laurence Dowdall Iddgeing att Mathias Burgenes in Church St.
Richard Murphy priest lodging at Edmund Reynolds in Smith

Field.
William Dardis parish Priest of Abby Lorha in the Co. of

Longford living at Mathew Barritts in smith field.

122

WILLIAM AND MARY.

R. John Weldon Capucin frier lodging at Luke Dowdalls in

smith field.

St. Marys Parish :
S. Fergus Farrell priest Chaplain to the lady Castlehaven who

lives in Capell St. neer the Mint.

St. Johns Parish :
S. Russell parish priest of St. Johns and titular Dean of St.

Patricks Dublin living in Backlane.
No regular can be found in this parish.

St. Werburghs parish :
S. James Russell parish priest of the parish of St. Werburghs

lodgeing at Mrs. Groghans in Cooke St.
No regular can be found in this parish.

St. Andrews parish :

S. Russell parish priest of St. Andrews Dublin.
No regular can be found in this parish.

St. Nicholas within the walls :

S. James Russell parish priest of St. Nicholas living in Cooke St.
No regular can be found in this parish.

St. Nicholas without the walls :

S. Dr Edmund Burne parish priest of St. Nicholas without the walls.
Dowdall assistant to Dr. Burne.
Terence Smith now in the country.
Regulars of the order of St. Francis :
f Ignatius Kelly
John Handley
R. John Brady

^ Phillip Brady .

Francis Cruse Now m the cc > untr y-
Anthony Lynch
! Dunlevi

I Browne

St. Peters parish :
No secular or regular clergy in this parish.

St. Bridgetts parish :
No secular or regular clergy in this parish.

St. Katherins parish :

c /Mr. Brofhy parish priest of St. Katherins
\Thomas Cumberfort his assistant.
Valentin Rivers a priest only a lodger in St. Katherins parish

but officiates in St. Michaels parish.
R. Br37en McTernan a Jesuite.

S.

County of Dublin.

Donnybrooke and Rathfarnane Parishes.

Doctor Cruse Titular Archdeacon of Dublin living in the Co.
of Kildare.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 123

Thady Kelly parish priest of Rathfarnane Tallaght etc. he *
lives for the most part within the union of Tallaght.

Mr. Patrick Gilmore parish priest of Donnybrooke and Kil- I
gobbin living for the most part within the union of Monks- " - '
town.

No regular clergy in these parishes. '

Swords parish :
S. Christopher Walsh priest of Kinsally, Cloghnan and Swords /

living in Swords.

John Jones his Assistant living with him. '

Thomas Smith parish priest of Mallahide living there at Mr. i

Talbotts.
Edmund Murphy priest of Killossey living at Rowlingstown '

in that parish.
There are no regulars in these parishes.

Parish of Lusk and Holmpatrick :
S. Fr. Joseph Walsh parish priest of both parishes living at Knock- I

drummon in the parish of Lusk.
Fr. William Shanley Assistant to the said Fr. Walsh residing .'

at Bolcunny in the parish of Lusk.
Fr. Patrick McAnerrany at Rogerstown in said parish.
Fr. Whitehead at Gracedieu in the said parish.

Parishes of Donebate and Portraan : J \ p.

S. Fr. Charles Ternan parish priest of both parishes living at ' -

Turvey.
No regular can bee found in these parishes.

Parishes of Howth Baldoyle Portmarnock and Balgrimn.
S. Charles Smith parish priest of Howth etc. living in Baldoyle.
No regular can be found in these parishes.

Parishes of Santry and Coolock :

Richard Cahill parish priest living at Artain in parish of J C
Finglas.

Parish of Killsallaghan :
S. Scallery priest of the one part of Killsallaghan living at Dun- i

sallaghan in the parish of Finglas.
Murphy priest of the other part of the parish of Killsallaghan ! ...

living at Fieldstown.
No regular can be found in this parish.

Parish of Garistown :

S. Robert Tayler parish priest of Garristown living at Tober- f ^ ....
gragan in sd. parish.

Parish of Hollywood and Naal : , <-.

S. Owen Smith parish priest living at Mallahide in said parish. .'.--"-

Parishes of Ballrothery and Ballscadden :

S. Andrew Finglass parish priest living at Toberstown being 80 i S
years old lame and blind.

124 WILLIAM AND MARY.

John Coghran his assistant living in same house with him.
No regulars in this parish.

The Union of Clonmethan .

Edmund Murphy priest living in Rowlandstown in the Barony
S. of Castleknock hath the parish of Clonmethan in the Barony
of Nethercrosse, the parish of Palmerstown in the Barony
of Ballrothery, the parish of Killsallaghan in the Barony
of Castleknock the parish of Killestry in the Barony of
Coolock.

Robert Tayler priest living in Tobergragan hath the parish of

Garristown and Ballmadun in the Barony of Ballrothery.

Owen Smith priest living at Mallahide hath the parish of Naal,

Westpellstown, Hollywood Ballyboghill all in the Barony

of Ballrothery.

Parish of Finglass :
R. Bartholomew Scully serves the parishes of Finglass St.

Margarets and the Ward.
R. Fr. Kale serves the parish of Artaine living at Mr. Hollywoods.

, - Parish of Castleknock :

S. Patrick Cruse Dr Devinity living for the most part at William

Andrews of Hollywood in the parish of Mallahide.
Walter Cruse his assistant lately kept at one Dempsies of

Blancetstown in the parish of Castleknock.
No regular can be found in this parish.

Parish of Clontarfe :
,. R. Fr. Cole living at Mr. Hollywoods at Artaine serves the parish.

Parishes of Chaple Isold Palmerston and Ballyfernott :
! \ S. Fr. Doile living in the parish of Eseher officiates in the whole
; union.

No regular can be found in these parishes.

Parishes of Newcastle and Kill :

S. Fr. William Brett parish priest of Newcastle, Fr. Dominic
Dempsey parish priest of Kill, Fr. Patrick Duffy his Assistant.
No regular can be found.

Parishes of Rathcoole, Killteele Rathmore etc. :
S. William Brett parish priest of Rathcoole and Saggard living
I at Newcastle.

Dominic Dempsey living at Lyons in Co. of Kildare officiating
at Rathmore by a substitute. Patrick Duffy his substitute
, living in no settled place.

Fr. James Eustace parish priest of Cradockstown living with

Coll Richard Eustace in the parish of Ballymore Eustace.

' Fr. Owen Pye parish priest of Killbride living on the mountains

in the parish of Blessington.
No regular can be found in these parishes.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 125

Parishes of Talloght and Clondolkin :

S. Thady Kelly parish priest of Talloght living in the ffarr house.
Oliver Doyle parish priest of Clondolkin living at Esker.
No regular can be found.

Parishes of Lucan Leixlip etc. : x

S. Oliver Doyle priest of Lucan living at Esker. ; \

John Duffy priest of Leixlip and Manocth usually lives at

Cartowne in the parish of Manooth.

R. Daniel McKan Fryer living generally with Mr. Nothingham i ,p
at Lucan sometimes at Major Aliens of St. Woolstans.

County of Kildare.

Parishes of Castledermott Dunmonogs, Kilkea, Grange, etc. : -

S. Henry Dalton parish priest of Castledermott, Dunmonogs,

Kilkea Grange Nolron Killclan Kineigh and Granny = ---
officiates, living at Castledermot.
R. Edmund Shiel his Assistant lives and officiates in the parish

of Killelan.

R. James Eustace a Franciscan lives and officiates in the parish
of Dunmonoge.

Union of Killdraught :
S. William Tipper very aged living on his own inheritance in f

Tipperstown.
James Warren priest in the parishes of Killdraught and Straff an

no certain habitation.
R. James Fitzgerald inhabiting commonly att Ardrass at one

Captain Maurice Garretts in the parish of Killadowen.
R. Daniel Markee alias Marcan inhabiting commonly at St.
Wolstans and Newbridge.

Parishes of Taghtow and Laraghbrine :

S. John Duff parish priest living at Old Cartown in the parish of / .--
Laraghbrine. . -

No regulars can be found in these parishes.

County of Wicklow.

Parishes of Brey Rathmichaell Stagonill als Powerscourt :
S. John Talbott living at Rochestown neare Dalkey in the parish
of Monkstown and officiates as parish priest of Rathmichaell
Killternan and Old Conoght.

Richard FitzSimons living at Kilmecanoage in the parish of :'
Delgenny and officiates in the parish of Stagonill alias
Powerscourt.
No regulars in these parishes.

Parish of Delgenny :

S. Seneca FitzWilliam parish priest of Delgenny and Newcastle. /
Richard FitzSimmons parish priest of Killmekenoge.
No regulars in these parishes. -"""^T'

126 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Parish of Monckstowne etc. :
S. Henry Talbott parish priest living at Rochestown Officiates

at Cabbanteely Dalkey and Bullock.
Patrick Gilmare parish priest of Stillorgan living att Newtown

on the strand and officiates at Butterstown.
No regulars can be found.

Wicklow and the United Parishes :
S. Maurice Bryan parish priest living at Ballynockan in union

of Wicklow.

William Cavenah parish priest of Ballydonnell belonging to
Wicklow and of Dunganstown belonging to the Archdeacon
of Dublin.

Edmund McGin parish priest of Castro McAdam annexed to
Wicklow and some other parishes belonging to the union of
Arcklow.

R. Bemardine Plunkett \Fryars living at Croneroe in union of
Peter Cahel J Wicklow.

Parish of Rathdrum :
S. Philemon Me Abe parish priest of Deralasaragh living in sd

parish.
William Cavenogh parish priest of Innisbohen living in said

parish.
Charles Byrn parish priest of Rathdrum having no settled

habitation.
No regular can be found in these parishes.

Parish of Arcloe with the Parishes united unto it :
S. Patrick FitzWilliam parish priest of Arcloe living at Kilmicheil.
Edmund McGinn parish priest of Killmajig living at Bellana.
Charles Cavenagh parish priest of Inorcly living in parish of

Enisbeen of which he is likewise priest.

R. James Cocklan priest of the Convent of Dominicans in Arcklow.
Thomas Caho one of the friers of the said Order and Convent.
Dominick Oran of the same.

Parish of Ballymore :
Owen McAntee.

Parish of Blessington :
No regular or secular clergy in this parish.

Parish of Hollywood :
S. Patrick Kernan parish priest, no regular clergy in this parish.

County of Kildare.

Parishes of Killcullen and Davidstown :

S. Bryan McCabe parish priest of Davidstown living at Blackball.
John Kelly parish priest of Kilcullen living at Nicholstown.
,- No regular in these parishes.

u

WILLIAM AND MARY.

127

Parish of Dunlavin :
Father Patrick [ ] parish priest living comonly at one

Eustace of Calverstown.
Father Brian [ ] parish priest of Narraghmore having no

particular place of abode.
No information wether they bee secular or regular.

Parish of Athy :
S. John Fitzsimons parish priest of Athy and the parts contiguous

to it living in the town of Athy.

Manus Quigley living at Grangemellon with one Mr. Fitzpatrick.
Henry Dalton priest of parish of Moon officiates at Castle-

dermott.

R. Richard Cuddy a Dominican Fryer living for the most part
in Athy.

Parish of Fonstowne :

Brian McCabe parish priest living at Blackball in parish of
Dardstown.

Citty of Dublin parish of St. Pauls :

Fr. Dempsey parish priest of St. Michans is said to be a Titular

Bishop and lodges att my Lady Clanmalieras in said parish.

William Darditt calls himself parish priest of Abby Lorha in

the Co. of Longford he is said to be a Regular.
Fr. James Gibbons said to bee a Jesuit butt calls himselfe
assistant to Fr. Dalton who is butt an assistant himselfe to
ffather Dempsey.
Richard Murphy calls himself secular priest lodging now in

Bridge St.

R. Fr. John Weldon Capuchin ffryer lodging in Smith field.
R. father Neterville a Jesuit lodges on the Key at Dr. Cruses house.
Father Bermingham sometimes in the parish of St. Pauls
sometimes in Cooke street.

Parish of St. Jamess :
Return made by St. Katherines for both being united.

From the returns received from the several revenue districts the
following digest was prepared:

Districts.

Secular.

Regular.

Observations.

Armagh

30

5

Whereof 1 Dean. [In] Barony of

Cremorne [said to be] 14 or 15

friars.

Athlone

49

5

Baltimore

9

3

Cavan

30

8

Whereof 1 Dean and Vicar Generall.

Clonmell

37

15

Whereof 1 Vicar-Generall

Coleraine ....' 14

2

Cork Port ....; 8

4

Cork Excise ...j 18

5

Whereof 1 Bishop.

/" *

128

WILLIAM AND MARY.

Districts.

Secular.

Regular.

Observations.

Dingle

42

12

Whereof 1 Vicar Generall

Donoghedee

No Roll.

Drogheda

4

6

One Lord Abbot.

Dublin Port ....

5

27

Dublin County

17

17

Dundalk

11

6

Ennis

42

14

Foxford

49

42

Gall way Port ....

19

13

Gallway Excise

68

60

1 Bishop 2 Vicars-Gen. 2 Provincial

9 Priors and Guardians.

Kilkenny

26

13

Killibegs

14

12

One Abbot, a great and dangerous

Emissary.

Kinsale

7

2

Limerick

9

9

Lisburn

15

No distinction whether secular

or

regular.

Londonderry ....

1

Maryburrow ....

32

5

Mallow

52

6

Naas

24

16

One Vicar-Generall.

Sligoe

33

29

Strabane

17

1

Strangford

27

6

Trim

66

32

1 Archdeacon 1 Vicar-Generall

1

Bishop.

Waterford

21

8

1 Bishop.

Wexford

24

8

Wicklow

12

5

Youghall

6

3

-

838

399

Total 1,237.

The districts of Ballytrain, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Ballycastle,
Larne, Newry, and Ross are wanting but returns came in later,
making a total of eight hundred and ninety-two seculars and four
hundred and ninety-five regulars.

Though the bishops, vicars-general and other dignitaries in
many instances seem to have eluded observation, the fullness and
minute accuracy of these returns show how completely the clergy
were in the grip of the government. Unlike in the time of Charles II
when priests were caught with the snare and bait as if, they were
held now in a close net. What little hope the regulars had of

WILLIAM AND MARY. 129

being able to keep in the country may be gathered from a few
documents remaining in the "Parliamentary Returns." The
following bears evidence of the haste with which it was drawn up.

In nomine Domini. Amen.
Congregatio Difhnitorii Dublinii hae die 15 feb 1697, sequentia

punctae erant propositae.
Primum An expediat ut fratres se conf erant ad partes ultra marinas

juxta decreta Parliament! ?
2 um An cum vel sine obedientialibus ?
3 um An fit supplicandum rectoribus Gubernii quo [dispensetur]

decrepitis et senio confectis nostrae Religionis patribus ?
4 um Quid de novitiis ?

Monet venerabile Definitorium ut utensilia sacra et etiam domestica
majoris momenti distribuenda inter Benefactores Conventibus
magis addictos (qui proprio chirographo agnoscant ista recepisse
hocque de consensu Discretorum Conventus). Injungimus ut
hujusmodi nulla ant oppignorare aut alienare valeant eorumque
inventorium in manu Syndicii relinquant. Advertendum in
inventorio praefato specificandas esse personas quibus praefata
bona fuerint comissa, illasque ac Syndicum non venditores esse
ut nee bona nee inventorium ulli dent nisi de consensu com-
munitatis istius conventus ad quos spectant vel Diffinitorii.
Et guardianus quilibet teneatur exemplar istius inventorii trans-
mittere ad Patrem Provincialem vel Diffinitorium istius plagae.

Ad l um R. Obediendum esse decreto Parliamenti.

Ad2 um R. affirmative.

Ad3 um R. Affirmative.

Ad 4 um R. transmittendos esse in aliquibus patribus gravibus.

De recordato R. A. P. Nostri provincialis et Diff.
A few of the inventories will enable one to realise the breaking
up of the friars' households.

I It is agreed by the consent of the Guardian and discreets of this

Convent of Kilconnell that the goods of the Convent be disposed

of as f olloweth :
1. A chestfull of books to Mr. Francis Blake of Ballinderry.
J2. Chest full of books to Mr. Hugh McKige of Stiregan.
J3. All our Vestments to Mr. Charles Daly, Calm.
J4. To sell our brewing pan and pewter dishes and brass candle

sticks, black potts, spitts and one brass Kittle to Madam A.

Daly of Calm.
J5. To sell all our tember to James McGuff, our chests, a cupard as

also our genmells, beddsteeds, tabells and chayrs.

That all the ffathers may sell theyr oats and have it for to beare

theyr charges and same to be divided by the Guardian to eatch

of them respectively.

130 WILLIAM AND MARY.

7. To sell all our barells bigg and small to James McGuff.

8. That all the Chattels and provision may be sold and distributed
to the fathers respectively with the price of our farm and all
the rest of our household stuff which distribution is to be don
by the Guardian and discreets.

All the above acts were agreed on this 14th day of March 1697-8
by us. fr. JOHN KELLY Guardian of Killconell

fr. BONAVENTURA BURKE Difr.
fr. A. K. Disc.

The following is the inventory of an Augustinian house in
the same county, Galway.

The Inventory of the goods and chattels deposited in the hands
of Mr. Augustine Bodkin of Cluncoighe by the friers of the
Convent of Dunmore videlicet fr. Christopher Dillon pryor of
the said Convent, fr. William Egan, fr. Symon Moran sub pryor
of the said Convent is as followeth.

Imprimis 4 cowes whereof 2 are in calfe and the other two milch
with their calfs, 4 strappers, 1 Bull of three years, 1 dry Cow,

2 heafers, 1 bullock of 2 yeares, 2 half yearlings, 3 mars whereof
some in fole.

The household goods.

1 Copper pan which contains 2 Barrells, and 3 black potts, 1 Iron
spitt, 6 brass candle stickes, 1 pewter flaggon, 2 pewter dishes,

3 half barrell casks, 4 Barrell casks, 3 Keews, 3 chesks, 1 long
table and a short one, 2 small each to contain half a barrell,

1 wood fferkin, 1 small vessell, 1 payre of stools, 2 table clothes,
3 napkins, 3 towells, a mettle griddle, 1 Iron crowe, 1 picke axe,

2 spades, 1 wooden shovell with an Iron head, beside some
wooden trenches, wooden chambeyrotts and some other small
goods.

Whereas certain writyngs and agreements bearing date 10th
ffeby past betwixt me the undernamed Augustine Bodkin and
the friers of the Convent of Dunmore videlicet Christopher
Dillon William Egan and Symon Moran touching and concerning
the foregoing goods and chattels of the said Convent now deposited
in my hands in trust as more at large may appear by the said
written agreement Know all men that I the said Augustine
Bodkin do hereby and by these presents acknowledge to have
received into my possession the goods and chattels mentioned
in the above Inventory on trust for the above named friers
and the said Convent and to no other end and intention than
to preserve the same for the use of the said friers and Convent
aforesaid. We therefore have hereunto putt our hands and
fixed our scales the 19 day of April in the year 1698, etc.

In another document we find.
The true meaning of the said Agreement is that whereas an Act

WILLIAM AND MARY. 131

of Parliament for banishing all papists exercising any ecclesias-
tical jurisdiction and all Regulars of the Romish clergy etc.
We the said friars have therefore agreed and consented to put
our trust and confidence in our well beloved Augustine Bodkin
to take into his custody the said chattels and household goods
to be kept for us and for our use in maner following that is to
say the said Augustine Bodkin is to possess and enjoy the farm
of Derrynegran (which now the said friars hold from him under
a certain rent) for his own use, provided always that if the
Government should dispense with the Catholic clergy so as not
to transport us the friars of the said Convent and that we or any
of us should come to live together again, the said Augustine
Bodkin is to lett us have the said farm of Derrynegran according
to our lease to the expirey thereof. April 19 1698.

Soon after Christmas, 1697, the Irish government made pre-
paration for transporting the prelates and regulars. A proclamation
was published 3rd January, 1698, which after reciting the Act,
announced that shipping would be ready in certain ports
named, and that the priests on going aboard would be at once
discharged their recognisances. The process of shepherding them
to the ports next went on. King William however, was getting
anxious about the effect on the public opinion of Europe. The
Lords Justices assured him that everything would be carried out

with as little noise as possible.

Dublin Castle 10 Feby 1697-8.

Sir We have received your letter of the 1st instant and will take
care according to His Majesty's directions that shipping be
provided for the transportation of the Regulars of the Romish
clergy who are ordered by a late Act of Parliament to leave
this kingdom and we likewise considered what money it may
be proper to give to each of them for their present subsistence
at the place of landing that we may observe his Majesty's pleasure
therein. . We remain etc.

Rt. Hon. Jas. Vernon Esq., WINCHESTER, GALWAY.

The contemporary flight of the Huguenots from France has
been told by their pastors Benoit and Claude in memoirs which
will be read as long as the French language exists. While the Irish
more suo raised clamour enough no one set -himself to gather the
story of the exodus .from the lips of the banished clergy. The
loss of the official accounts is deplorable ; much more do we miss
those detailed narratives of personal suffering which alone would
enable one to realize this terrible time. What life-story could be

132 WILLIAM AND MARY.

of more moving interest than that of some O'Heyne or McHugh
smuggled as boys put to the continent to be educated returning
in disguise to exercise their ministry in bogs and mountains
hunted from the country in the days of the Popish Plot, and now
again after a gleam of peace, driven forth in old age "to find" in
the words of the Annalist "their graves in strange places and un-
hereditary churches."

The numbers of the priests shipped from the different ports
during the early months of 1698 as reported by Captain South in
the Philosophical Transactions for that year, were

Dublin .... .... 153

Galway .... .... 190

Cork 75

Waterford .... .... 26

These were landed some in Lisbon, some in Corunna but most
in the French ports, Nantes, St. Malo and Dunkirk. Of their
subsequent fortunes we catch only fitful glimpses.

JAMES II TO ARMAND JEAN LATE ABBOT OF LA TRAPPE 15 MARCH

1698.

Reports from Ireland are just as bad [as from England.] The
Prince of Orange heedless of all his fine promises to his allies
even during the peace congress at Ryswick, has sanctioned a
new law for extermining "Popery." This law, which among
other enactments, orders the expulsion of all Religious Orders
has been put in force there by Ruvigny (Lord Galway) so that
the unhappy religious are fleeing in crowds to France. Within a
few months as many as 400 have fjed. This puts a new burthen
on me, and I feel the torture of seeing them with my own eyes
dying of want, after having shared with them what I needed
for my own support.

The Queen of James II, the gentle, pious Mary of Modena,
writes to Madam Priolo in a similar strain.

I hope that on this occasion we shall have time to talk over things
at our ease. Alas, it will be about very gloomy subjects for
there are no others about which to speak. I cannot even keep
myself from telling you outright in order to excite your com-
passion, and increase your devotion and that of all the dear
sisters in their prayers. All the regular priests of the Irish
mission numbering about 700 have been already hunted out of
that country. There are just now near 400 of them in France,
the others are in Spain and Portugal or in Flanders and Italy.
I have seen several of them and they have touched me deeply.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 133

They tell us of events in that country which make the heart
bleed, and if this continues, to all appearance our holy religion
will be uprooted in that kingdom and in others as well. I dare
not dwell longer on this painful subject but I confess to you
that I am full of it and so much affected that I do not want to
see anyone.

Some months later the condition of the outcast priests ap-
parently had not improved for we find Mathew Prior, the English
ambassador in Paris writing to Lord Portland, August, 1698:

Collections have been made in all the churches of Paris for the
poor Irish priests whom the late Act of Parliament sent from
that kingdom. The Archbishop of Paris may be a very holy
man but he is a very ill geographer if he takes Ireland to be La
Grande Bretagne.

Secretary Vernon replied that he was glad of the Archbishop's
charity adding "I hope the Irish friars will flock to him to partake
of it and not slip over hither as it is apprehended." The sums
thus collected amounted to about 35,000 livres. But the refugee
priests found a still more influential benefactor. ' Early in August
Queen Mary of Modena, wrote to the Duke of Tuscany bespeaking
a good reception for Father Bermingham, provincial of the Irish
Augustinians, and Father Garland, definitor of the Franciscans,
who were on their way to the Pope to represent the state of the
distressed clergy. As a result of their mission no less than 27,364
livres were granted by the Holy Father for the six months ending
17th January, 1699. From the accounts of the distribution we
learn that the number of the banished clergy in Paris and the
neighbourhood amounted to three hundred and eighty- three.
There were one hundred and eighteen Dominicans, two hundred
and fourteen Franciscans, twenty-six Augustinians, twelve Capucins,
five Jesuits, five Canons Regular, three Carmelites (y).

When news of the penal legislation in Ireland reached the
Continent and the expatriated priests began to be unloaded in
scores at the different ports, a cry of anger and indignation went
up through Europe. Its echo was heard in Ireland.

LORDS JUSTICES' TO SECRETARY VERNON 6 JUNE 1698.

We have been advised that in several foreign courts, it has been
industriously circulated that his Majesty's papist subjects of

(y) Spicilegium Ossoriense II, pp. 347 seq.

134 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Ireland are persecuted here on matters of opinion purely. We
have therefore caused to be collected a summary account of the
several penal laws in force now in this kingdom against any
persons of that persuasion and the ground or occasion of them,
which we do herewith enclosed transmitt to you if you think
it proper by a view thereof his Majestys ministers in the courts
where these complaints are made, may be the better enabled to
give an answer to them, that we hope may be satisfaction to all
unprejudiced persons.

Not only were strong protests made to the English ministers
abroad but the foreign ambassadors in England were instructed
to bring pressure on the government. The greatest of the Catholic
sovereigns, Louis XIV, was powerless. His treatment of the
Huguenots put him out of court, and hence his instructions to
Count Tallard, 2nd March, 1698, were merely to do what he could
without leaving the English government any opening to bargain
for the French refugees (z) . The Emperor Leopold was in a different
position. He had been the ally of William and without his help
the conquest of England would have been impossible. Further-
more when William was setting out on the Irish campaign the
Emperor exacted a promise that the Irish Catholics were to be
guaranteed religious liberty. Two days after Louis had written
to Tallard, the Emperor instructed Count Auersperg.

I have learnt with a heavy heart the accounts of the Catholics
in Ireland and that the new legislation aims at the entire ex-
tirpation of the Catholic religion. This is in direct contradiction
to the promise which the King made me at the beginning of his
reign ; it violates the Treaty of Limerick ; is destroys confidence
between allies of different religions. Nor will the evil be removed
by the plea that the King had to give his sanction but that he
will prevent the laws from being enforced. The King is mortal
like other men, and when he is gone, these laws may be enforced
in their full rigour. It is therefore my will and express order
that you take the earliest opportunity to point out to the King
not only the injustice of his policy but its inconsistency with
his promise to me and with the Treaty of Limerick (aa).

Auersperg lost no time in carrying out his instructions. "Not
only were the regulars expelled but the bishops also. Those who
expelled the bishops," he told Secretary Vernon, "by making the

(2) Grimblot I, p. 281.

(aa) Der Fall des Hauses Stuart Klopp. VIII, p. 202.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 135

ordination of priests impossible, intended to extirpate the Catholic
religion." Vernon pleaded that the measure was prompted solely
~by political prudence ; the regulars especially being all Jacobites.
The ambassador however, pressed the case, and Methuen, the
Irish Chancellor,, was sent by William to talk him over. "By
order of the King I am to inform you that he fully mindful of his

promise will act according to it He could not refuse

to sanction the bill but in many particulars it will not be enforced.
No harm will be done to religion and there will be no violation of

the Treaty of Limerick The regulars have no houses ;

they live on alms, and the people are too poor to support them.
Besides they are working night and day against the government.

They cannot be tolerated but no dignitary will be

expelled still less will Catholic worship be interfered with." When
some weeks later Auersperg learnt that four bishops had been
transported, Lord Galway wrote from Dublin "only one has left."
Such is the game of blink, bluff and bargain known as diplomacy.
What were the facts ?

Of the twenty-five sees, the Roman authorities owing to the
troubles, had ventured to fill only sixteen, the rest being held in
administration. The sixteen bishops were :

Northern province Armagh, Dominic Maguire ; Ardagh and
Clonmacnoise, Gregory Fallen ; Dromore, Patrick Donnelly ;
Derry and Raphoe, Laurence Lea. Western province Tuam,
James Lynch ; Elphin, Dominic Burke ; Killala and Kilmac-
duagh, Ambrose Madden ; Clonfert, Maurice Donnellan. Cashel
province Cashel, Edward Comerford ; Limerick and Killaloe,
John Moloney ; Cork and Cloyne, John Sleyne ; Waterford,
Richard Piers. Dublin province Dublin, Peter Creagh ; Kildare,
John Dempsey ; Ossory, William Dalton ; Ferns, Michael Rossiter.

As has been seen, the revenue officers in their search for
ecclesiastics exercising papal jurisdiction, had been able to locate
only three bishops, viz., Clonfert, W T aterford, and Cork. It may be
interesting to trace the fortunes of the others. The Primate,
Dominic Maguire, was living at St. Germain on a pension obtained
through Pere La Chaise ; the archbishop of Dublin was maintained
by a charge on the abbey of Marmoutier in the diocese of Strasburg,

136 WILLIAM AND MARY.

the archbishop of Tuam lived at St. Amand near Tournay on the
charity of the abbot.. The bishop of Elphin found refuge in the
Irish Franciscan house at Louvain. Drs. Moloney and Fallen
were supported by their friends in Paris. All these had been
outlawed at the Revolution and had not dared to return. In
April, 1698, bishop Dalton of Ossory and Dempsey of Kildare in
obedience to the proclamation set sail for France, Rossiter of Ferns,
Madden of Killala, and Lea of Derry being only bishops-elect
put themselves upon the people and took their chance at home.
The archbishop of Cashel and the bishop of Dromore will be met
with later on in these pages ; it remains to record the proceedings
against the three bishops whose habitats had been discovered.
The bishop of Clonfert long eluded capture but he was run to

earth at last.

Council Chamber Dublin, 30 April 1703.

Whereas Donelan a titular popish Bishop stiling or calling himself
Bishop of Clonfert was on the 30th day of March last with great
force and violence and against the known laws of this kingdom,
rescued and taken out of the custody of William Elliot, Neale
Mountgomery, Edward Jones and William Feddericks in her
Majesty's high way in the County of Galway by a great multitude
of persons near 300 in number, some whereof were mounted on
good horses and well armed and others on foot (the said popish
bishop being before that time apprehended and then in custody
as aforesaid by virtue of a warrant from one of her Majesty's
Justices of the Peace for the said County) to the great terror
of her Majesty's good subjects and endangering the peace of
this kingdom. And the said William Elliott, Neale Mount-
gomery, Edward Jones and William Feddericks had their arms
taken from them and broken ; and the said Jones and Mount-
gomery were in the said affray so greviously wounded that they
are in danger of losing their lives ; since which time the said
rioters are dispersed but the influence and power of the said
titular popish bishop and other the popish clergy and gentry
in that country is so great that few or none of the said rioters
can be discovered, and the said bishop is relieved, harboured
and concealed by persons evilly affected to her Majesty's
government.

We therefore strictly charge all her Majesty's officers in this
kingdom within their several jurisdictions to make diligent
search after the said titular popish bishop and after all persons
who were aiding in the rescuing of him, to apprehend and send
to gaol the said bishop and bind the said rioters with sufficient
security to appear at the next general assizes. We require the

WILLIAM AND MARY. 137

Sheriff of the said county to make use of the power of his country
for the apprehension of said bishop if the same cannot be other-
wise done. And for the better discovering the said bishop, who-
soever shall apprehend him or discover where he is so that he
may be apprehended shall receive fifty pounds over and above
what they are entitled to by any former law or proclamation.

The bishop, who at this time was verging on seventy, soon
after found relief, harbour and shelter in the grave. More fortunate
however was Richard Piers, bishop of Waterford. He managed to
hide himself so well that his neighbour the bishop of Ossory on
arrival in Paris, June 1698, was only able to tell the Nuncio "it
is reported he is in Spain." For nearly two years and-a-half he
lay perdu, and at length after some narrow escapes reached Paris
towards the close of 1701. Of the bishop of Cork we have ample
particulars. Arrested in 1698 he lay in Cork gaol for nearly three
years without apparently attracting much notice. But some
strange reports about him began to get out. It was said that he
was celebrating mass and worse still ordaining priests in gaol.
At length the scandal of his not having been transported stirred
the Dublin executive into action.

BERKELEY, GALLWAY.

Whereas it hath been represented unto us that John Sleyne Titular
Bishop of Cork now in the Gaol of the City of Cork where he
has continued some years by reason of his Indisposition as he
pretends, does there exercise his Function by frequent Ordinations.
These are therefore to will and require you in pursuance of the
power given unto us by an Act of Parliament made for banishing
all papists exercising ecclesiastical lurisdiction out of this kingdom
before the 1st day of May 1698, to cause the said John by the
first convenient opportunity that shall offer to be Transported
beyond Seas out of his Majesty's Dominions whereof all persons
whom it may concearn are to take notice and for so doing this
shall be a warrant. Given at his Majesty's Castle of Dublin the
10th Day of March 1701. By their Excellencies Commands.

To the Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of Cork and all others
whom it may concern.

This warrant apparently did not admit of much parley yet

f

strange as it may seem the bishop remained untransported for two
years longer. By that time the scandal had grown to national
dimensions and the Committee of Grievances in Parliament took

138 WILLIAM AND MARY.

up the case. The correspondence that followed is still preserved.
It will be convenient to take first the letter of the Rev. Roland
Davies, Protestant Dean of Cork, though latest in point of date.

Dawestown 4 Oct. 1703.

Sr I received yours of September the 17 with an order enclosed
for the Committee of Grievances requiring me to lay before
them all fresh examinations and other papers as I have relating
to the stay of the Titular Bishop of Cork in Ireland after the
time prefixt by the Act of Parliament for his exportation as
also concerning his exercising Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction while
he staid and likewise to give them a full account of all things
that I know relating to that matter. And indeed Sir I would
readily pay obedience with the greatest satisfaction to the said
order if I had any such examinations or papers in my custody
as they require. But uppon my word I have not the least
scripp by me relating to that affair but whatever examinations
I took at any time of that nature I took care to deliver them to
the Clerk of the Crowne at the next following Assizes and there-
fore suppose that (if in being) they are recorded in his office.
I know very well that Dr. Sleyne the titular Bishop of Cloyne
and Cork did continue in Cork some years after Regulars were
exported and that many complaints were made by the Gentry
and an address by the Grand Jury of the County for sending
him away. But upon what account or by what means he was
so long detained I declare that I am a perfect stranger to it.
But as to the other particular I do well remember that about two
years since one Dominick Gough a papist priest (who had been
assistant to another in the parish of Youghall) complained to
me as his friend that uppon the death of that other priest he was
chosen by the people to. succeed in that employment and had a
promise from the said Titular Bishop to be established in it.
But wanting money to pay for his title the titular Bishop after-
ward rejected him and did institute one Richard Harnett alias
Hartnedy to be priest of the said parish. That Harnett there-
upon came to Youghall and showed his institution to the said
Gough and required his submission to it according to the canon
but Gough believing that the said titular Bishop could not stay
long in Ireland nor consequently exert any further dominion
over him, refused to submit unto his order and continued not-
withstanding to celebrate mass and do other offices as formerly
in the town of Youghall. Whereupon the said Titular Bishop
proceeded against him for it and he being contumacious, he
decreed him excommunicated and Harnett thereupon publickly
denounced him such in Youghall. I therefore knowing these
proceedings to be exorbitant took this information from Gough
uppon his oath and delivered it to the Clerk of the Crown at
the next following assizes and uppon it an indictment was framed

WILLIAM AND MARY. 139

*

and Harriett was afterwards tryed and acquitted for want of
prosecution but the titular Bishop being sent away in a little
time after that information was returned by me there was no
further prosecution against him. I have alsoe heard from
some very good hands that there were some proceedings about
the same time before the said Titular Bishop in a matrimoniall
cause between John Bryn and Joan Walsh both of the Diocese
of Cloyne but he was also sent away before he could give sentence
in it and soe being undetermined by him it was commenced
afterward in the Consistory Court of that Diocese. This is all
uppon my word that I know or can give an account of in relation
to that matter. I hope the Committee will believe that I have
not much friendship for that party or their abettors as to conceal
anything in favour to them which on so many accounts I am
oblidged to discover.

I am with all sincerity your most affectionate

humble servant Row. DAVIES.
Endorsed For Dr. Marmaduke Coghill these in Dublin.

Someone was to blame for the delay in transporting the bishop.
And the correspondence did not clear up the matter. On the 27th
July, 1702, John Terry, Augustus Carr, with their fellows of the
Grand Jury of Cork at the Summer Assizes presented the Popish
Bishop and the Popish Vicar-General for exercising ecclesiastical
jurisdiction contrary to the Act in that case made and provided.
The presiding judge referred the matter to the Dublin Council.

Dublin Castle, 8 August 1702.

Sir The Lords Justices have desired me to send you the enclosed
Warrant for the Transportation to Portugall of the Titular
Bishop of Cork and a Fryar and also of one Martin a Fryar,
which .will be brought you from Lymerick, order being sent
thither by this night's post to send him forward to Corke. I am
likewise commanded to acquaint you that what charges you are
at in the Transporting these Fryars etc. will be repaid you by
the Government upon notice thereof sent to Sir. Your most
humble servant J. DAWSON.

To the Mayor of Corke.

[Enclosure].
MOUNT ALEXANDER, THO. EARLE AND THOMAS KEIGHTLEY.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament made for banishing all persons
exercising any ecclesiastical jurisdiction and all regulars of the
popish clergy out of this kingdom before the 1st day of May
1698 etc. and whereas Dr. John Sleyne Titular Popish Bishop
of Cork and Cloyne and Peter Morrough Titular Vicar-General
of the Diocese of Corke committed and now remaining in custody
pursuant to the said Act and whereas we have ordered Dr.

140 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Martin a Convicted Fryar now in Gaol at Lymerick to be sent
from thence to Corke to be transported likewise according to
the said Act. We do hereby signify our will and pleasure that
the said Dr. John Sleyne, Peter Morrough and Martin and
such other convicted Regular clergy as are now there shall be
transported from Corke to any port in Portugall and there set
on shoare and we hereby direct and require you to cause them
to be put on board the first ship that shall be bound to any of
those places in order to their being transported thither pursuant
to the said Act. And for so doing this shah 1 be your warrant.
Given the 8th day of August at his Majesty's Castle of Dublin.
To the Mayor and sheriffs of the Citty of Corke.

The bishop was not transported and the reasons do not appear
but a few months later he succeeded in getting a statement of his
case into the hands of the ambassador of the Emperor in London.

Most Excellent,

John Bapista Sleyne Bishop of Cork and Cloyne eighty yeares
old and laden with infirmityes and weaknesse having bin five
yeares kept in close Prison, viz. from theyeare 1698, most humbly
shews that lately at a generall sessions held for the Queen in
the Citty of Corke the Petitioner was convicted before the
Judges because he had not departed this kingdom with other
dignitaryes and Regulars of the Church of Rome then perpetually
banished this kingdom under the penalty of perpetuall Imprison-
ment or during life. Now by the order of the said Judges it
is decreed that after soe long imprisonment and hardships your
Petitioner shall be banished for ever (to some Islands which he
knows not) in this vigorous winter season and in the time of warr.
Your afflicted Petitioner believes that it is beside the intention
and knowledge of her Majestie that such severity is putt in
execution and hopes she will mercifully spere his old-age and
gray hairs filled with infirmity and misery. Seeing now nothing
remains for him but a Grave. If your Excellencie out of your
tender regard to God's cause and the Church should interpose
with her Majestie in this thing and opose this cruel sentence it
is in the power of her Majestie and her Lieutenant to suffer the
Petitioner to spend the few dayes he has yet remaining, in his
native countrey either in or out of Prison and if it should be
necessary for his liberty he would give security of the ablest
men not to doe anything to the prejudice of the publicke. Soe
your afflicted Petitioner lying under difficulty most humbly
prays, who will never leave of imploring the divine goodnesse
for the prosperity of your Excellencies soul and body.

JOANNES BAPTISTA SLEYNE,

Epus ut supra.

Dr. Sleyne Bishop Corke Copy of his Memoriall to Count Wratislaw

WILLIAM AND MARY. 141

and sent over to the Lords Justices by my Lord Rochester.
Handed in by Mr. Keightley 27 Oct. 1702.

This petition put the Lord Justices in an embarrassing situation.
It was their business to see the bishop transported, but yet his
transportation would have to be explained away to thesatisfaction
of the ambassador. Accordingly two letters were despatched on
the same date (9th January, 1703), to the Mayor of Cork. The
first required of him forthwith to show cause why the Popish
bishop had not been transported in accordance with the Council's
instructions to him, 8th August previous. The second was equally
emphatic in directing him to stay all further proceedings against
the bishop until the further pleasure of their Excellencies was known.
One was evidently for use at the English Council, the other could
be produced by Rochester to humour the ambassador. But no
further steps were taken in behalf of the bishop.

Dublin Castle 19 January 1703.

My Lord We lately promised your Excellency our thoughts
upon a Memoriall you sent us of Dr. Sleyne the Titular Popish
Bishop of Corke which you received from Count Wratislaus the
Emperor's Embassadour and having Informed ourselves of the
proceedings relating to that Bishop we must acquaint you that
in August last my Lord Chief Justice Pyne laid before us the
Inclosed Presentment of the Grand Jury of the Citty of Corke
by which your Excellency will see the Bishop was presented for
Exercising Ecclesiastical! Jurisdiction contrary to an Act of
Parliament and your Excellency may remember when his stay
was connived at by his late Maiestie it was uppon that condition
that he should not exercise any such authority which he engadged
faithfully to observe, but he having broke his promise and the
Gentlemen of the country complaining of his behaviour and that
he was not transported according to the Act of Parliament we
could not forbear signing an order for his transportation to
Portugall which we accordingly did on the 8 of August and sent
it to the Mayor of Corke with directions to putt him on board
the first shipp bound to Portugall and he had notice of it which
he has signified under his own hand though in his Memoriall
he asserts he was to be transported to some Islands which he
knows not ; but our orders were never executed for the reason
you will alsoe see in the enclosed letter from the present Mayor
of Corke to Mr. Dawson. We return you the bishop's Memoriall
again and having thus laid the whole matter before you, shall
expect your Excellencies further directions concerning him.
Wee are my Lord Your Excellencies most humble servants,

Earl Rochester. MOUNT ALEXANDER, THO. KEIGHTLEY.

142 WILLIAM AND MARY.

[Reply].

Cockpitt Jany the 30 1703.

My Lords I had the opportunity yesterday to lay before the
Queen at the Cabinett Council your Lordship's letter of the
19th Instant relating to the Titular Popish Bishop of Cork and
have received her Maiestie's Command to send you directions
that your own order of the 8 of August last for the transporting
the said Popish Bishop to Portugall be putt in Execution. You
will therefore take care accordingly and some particular directions
must be given to the mayor of Corke to be more diligent in the
observing your orders for that by his own account to Mr. Dawson
it was taken notice of here his reasons were very slender for not
having done as he was directed. I am my Lords etc.

Lords Justices 30 Jany 1703. ROCHESTER.

The Mayor of Cork, John Whiting, had replied to Dawson
that the order of 8th August was not carried out as no vessel was
sailing to Portugal. This difficulty now seems to have vanished.

Dublin Castle 9 Feby 1703.

Sir In my letter of the 9 of last month I acquainted you with
the Lords Justices pleasure that no further prosecution should
be had against Dr. Sleyne the Titular Bishop of Cork until you
received their Excellencies further directions therein. And
their Excellencies having considered again of that matter have
commanded me to lett you know it is their express pleasure and
command that you cause the said Popish Bishop 'to be put on
board the first ship that shall be bound from Corke to Portugall
and that you agree for his Freight which the Collector of your
Port will immediately pay the charge of to you or your order.
Be pleased to give me an account of what you shall do herein
for their Excellencies further consideration. I am Sir your
most humble servant J. DAWSON.

To the Mayor of Corke.

With the departure of Dr. Sleyne in the beginning of March,
only two bishops were left in Ireland, both unknown to Govern-
ment. These were Donnelly of Dromore and Comerford of Cashel.
Their fate we learn from a letter written from Paris 5th December,
1708, by Piers, bishop of Waterford to Cardinal Gualterio. "Toute
Royaume dTrelande est a present sans eveques ; il n'ya que
deux dont Tun est en prison et 1'autre fort vieux et hors d'etat
de rendre aucun service." So that the sections of the Act 9,
William III, c. 26 for the banishment of the bishops were entirely
successful. They were only partly so in respect of others exercising
ecclesiastical jurisdiction. We find Richard Maginn, vicar-general

WILLIAM AND MARY. 143

of Dromore, and John Verdon, vicar-general of Ardmagh, refugees
in Paris where they were supported by a pension from the pope.
The following will illustrate the proceedings against some others.

I certifie that at a Generall session of Assizes and generall Gaol
Delivery, held at Clonmell in and for the County of Tipperary
the 14th day of April 1699, Darby 'Mara was indicted, Tryed
and Convicted, for that he being vicar generall of the Diocese
of Emly, did not transport himself beyond the seas out of his
Maiesties Dominions before the 1st day of May, in the 10th
yeare of his Maiesties Reign, according to the statute in that
case made and provided, but remained in this kingdom, in
contempt of the said Statute and contrary to the Form and
Effect thereof, at Emly, the second day of July in the aforesaid
year of the Reign of the King. Whereupon it was ordered by
the Court that the said Darby Mara should be committed in
custody without Bail or Mainprise until the Government please to
dispose of him. Signed by order THO. BARNES Dep. Cl. Cor.

A few months later the vicar-general of a neighbouring diocese
was convicted and transported.

BERKELEY, GALLWAY.

Whereas we have received an account of the Right honorable the
Lord Cheife Justice pyne that Mathew Maloony who has layn
in Goal at Lymerick about a yeare, was committed pursuant
to the Act of Parliament for banishing ah 1 persons exercising
any ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and all Regulars of the Popish
clergy out of this kingdom, he having contrary thereunto remained
in this kingdom after the first day of May 1698 and whereas he
has likewise represented unto us that the said Mathew Malooney
was in his tryall last lent Assizes convicted as being a popish
Vicar Generall. We do therefore in pursuance of the power
granted unto us by the aforesaid Act, will and require you
forthwith to cause the said Mathew Malooney to be conveyed
in safe custody from Lymerick to the Citty of Cork and there
delivered to the Mayor who is required to cause him to be secured
without baile or mainprise till he shall be transported beyond
seas out of his Maiesties Dominions as by the said Act is directed
wherein the said Mayor of Cork is to give his best assistance
and for so doing, this shall be to you and all others herein con-
cerned a sufficiant warrant. Given at his Majesty's Castle of
Dublin the 2nd day of September 1699.

To the High Sheriff of the County of Lymerick or to the Mayor of
the City of Lymerick to the Mayor of Cork and all others whom
it may concern. * By their Excellencyes commands

H. MAY.

Doubtless the sheriffs, mayors and others loyally performed

144 WILLIAM AND MARY.

their duties, but the Catholic sailormen did not account themselves
amongst those whom it concerned to see to the transportation of

priests.

Council Chamber, Dublin, April 30 1703.

Whereas we have received information that Morrogh a titular
Popish Vicar General who was (pursuant to the laws in force
in this kingdom) put on shipboard in the harbour of Cork in
order to be transported, and being so on board hath made his
escape and is now harboured and concealed by evil disposed
persons, and acts as Vicar Generall since making such escape,
to the great contempt of her Majestie's authority ; we have
thought fit to declare that whoever shall discover the said Morrogh
so as he may be apprehended shall receive the sum of twenty
pounds for so doing which said sum shall be paid upon his or
their producing a certificate under the hand of the Judge of
Assize before whom the said popish Vicar Generall shall be tried
and convicted and that all persons who shall in any way harbour
or conceal him shall be proceeded against with the utmost
severity of the law. And we do require all magistrates and other
her Majesty's good subjects to use their utmost diligence in
taking and apprehending the said Morrogh to the end he may be
punished according to his demerits.

It remains now to consider how far the Act was successful in
driving the members of the religious orders out of the country.
The revenue officers, it will be remembered, returned four hundred
and ninety-five regulars as known or reputed such, though it is
probable the actual number was much greater. Of these, four
hundred and twenty-four were transported in the early months
of 1698 leaving about seventy who might be identified. An active
pursuit of those who contemned the law was now begun. Soon
several were captured. But government was in no haste to trans-
port them ; the rigours of an Irish prison were a sure deterrent
to their returning to the country in future. Information however
was conveyed to Hoffman, the German ambassador in London.
The result we learn from a despatch of his to the Emperor Leopold,
21st August, 1698.

Some days ago the two priests who were in gaol viz. a Capuchine
and a secular priest were sent off to France, having previously
entered into recognizances as the law requires. They did so the
more readily as they were threatened that on refusal they would
be put on trial as priests and consequently charged with high
treason. But as they are sent out by one door they can come

WILLIAM AND MARY. 145

back by another without incurring any other penalty than another
expulsion. For the government officials are glad to get rid of
them in this way. These are not at all pleased when over-
officious informers bring a priest to them as they must put him
in prison lest the informer should report themselves for not
carrying out the law. But in such cases the imprisonment is
not rigorous because the King pays well for their board and
lodging, and as a rule permission is given them to go outside the
gaol accompanied by a warder (bb).

This of course was official palaver, similar to the promises
made to Count Auersperg that no bishops should be banished.
But those who know the state of the Irish prisons of the time as
revealed by the Commons Report a few years later, can judge
what prolonged confinement in Newgate or the Black Dog meant.
As for the statement that the government officials were glad to
get rid of the friars by shipping them out of the country the records
of the religious orders show that many were kept several years in
gaol and some ended their lives there. Even the unfrocked friar
was treated with the same impartiality of rigour as his brethren.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Generall Governors
of Ireland.

The humble petition of John Collman, Carmalett fryar from the
County of Galway.

Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioner coming here to the
Citty to perform his due obedience according to the Act of
Parliament to be transported out of his Maiesties Dominions and
before he could got his peticon preferred he was taken prisoner
and comitted to the Geale in Back Lane where your poor
Petitioner will undoubted perish unless transported otherwise
relieved.

That also your poor Petitioner dare not appeare in Spaine France
or Italy uppon the Account of father Joseph Power, Provincial!
of his order which (sic) came from Roome with farren jurisdiction
from the Pope in order to gether his fryars to a meeting in the
Citty of Dublin and in severall other parts of this kingdom
to which meetings your poor Petitioner was called which tould
them publickly that farran jurisdiction and unlawfull meetings
was absolutely prohibited by the government uppon which
Account your poor Petitioner was suspended and severely punished
by this father Power for telling him that I should acquaint your
Excellencies of his private meetings, uppon which Account
and fearing a warrant to be granted against him he made his
escape to England and from that to France where he wrote

(66) Der Fall des Hauses Stuart, Klopp B. VIII, 209.

146 WILLIAM AND MARY.

letters to all convents in the aforesaid kingdom to take up your
poor Petitioner and to use him with the utmost severity of their
law as the Bastile and the Inquisition. This petition I can
make out every word to be true by good Protestant witnesses
and more of my sufferings uppon the same account which is
so publickly known to the Roman Catholicks that they would
see me starve to death before they would relieve me.
The premisses tenderly considered may it please your Excellencies
to order your poor Peticoner's enlardgement or to be transported
into Holland or some Protestant country with some allowance
to relieve his miserable condition. JOHN COLLMAN.

LORDS JUSTICES TO THE MAYOR AND SHERIFFS OF DUBLIN 12 JULY

1698:

John Collman owns himself to be a Carmelite fryer and is in
Custody at Dublin for not departing this kingdom before the first
of May last. Wee require you on the first opportunity of shipping
from this port to cause the said John Collman to be transported
into Holland and from thence he is not to return into this kingdom
under the penalty mentioned in the Act.

The following is a further illustration of the spirit in which
the Act was enforced.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Ireland.

The humble petition of Francis Dillon a poor franciscan fryar
of Athlone.

Humbly Sheweth

That your Petitioner in obedience to an Act of Parliament lately
passed for banishing all papists exercising any ecclesiastical!
jurisdiction aud all regulars found in this kingdom, repaired to
this Citty before the 1st of May last carryed on a Wheel Carr,
not able to ride on horseback or goe on foot being decrepitt
for two yeares last past by a dissolution of his hip bone and
your Petitioner by meanes aforesaid being rendered utterly
disabled to goe beyond the seas pursuant to the said Act hath
humbly besought your Excellencies to extend mercy and com-
passion to your poor Petitioner by relieving him or providing a
competent maintenance for his support or otherwise to prescribe
a Method Whereby he might without offence to the Government
receive the charity of his acquaintance where he formerly lived
till he were in a condition to depart the kingdom. Which
being referred to the hon. Justice Coote he sent a Doctor to visit
your Petitioner who made him his report of your Petitioner's
condition which report .was made to your Excellencies severall
times since containing a true state of your poor Petitioner's
great infirmity and distressed condition going on crutches and
for the most part bed rid, and hath recommended your Petitioner
to your Excellencies' relief e. That your poor Petitioner hath

WILLIAM AND MARY. 147

hitherto patiently expected and hoped for your Excellencies
favourable answer and order on the petition. And being in
long attendance [he] hath contracted Debts for his Diet, lodgeing
and apparell till on nranday the 17th of this Instant October
some of your Excellencies' messangers came to your Petitioner's
lodgeing and took him before the Hon. Justice Coote and from
thence to the Lord Chief Justice Poines where after Examination
he sent your poor Petitioner to Goale where now he perishes
for want of all manner of requisites and inasmuch as your poor
Petitioner hath not concealed himselfe but to the utmost of his
power hath given due obedience to the Law. May it therefore
please your Excellencies in your great charity and goodness to
order the said Debts contracted by your Excellencies' Petitioner
to be paid, to appoint any reasonable maintenance for your
Petitioner in this Citty till he be hi condition to goe beyond the
Seas and to release your Petitioner out of Goale where he cannot
without eminent danger of his life live long being in the condition
he is now in. FRANCIS DILLON.

Dublin Castle 27 October 1698.

The state physician and state surgeon were ordered to examine
Father Dillon and they reported "It is our opinion (that the hazard
of a voyadge in the winter being excepted) notwithstanding of
that lameness which he complaineth of, he may be transported
beyond seas without any damage of his life or health." Their
Excellencies however took the hazard.

LORDS JUSTICES TO SHERIFFS OF CITY OF DUBLIN 24 NOVEMBER

1698.
Whereas Francis Dillon a Franciscan fryer hath petitioned us

and wee having directed Sir Patrick Dunne Knt.

phisitien attending his Maiesties state here and Charles Thomp-
son, Esq. Chirurgeon Generall of the Army to visit the said
Fr. Dillon and report unto us whither he be in such a state of
health as may admitt him to be transported beyond the seas
pursuant to the Act of Parliament and the said Sir Patrick
Dunn and Charles Thompson having made their report. . . .
Wee require you the first oppertunity to cause the said Francis
Dillon to be put on board ship bound from hence to some port
beyond seas out of his Maties Dominions. You are to take
particular care to see the same effectually done.

If the sick friar or the knavish one was not exempt from
transportation neither was the one who had shown friendliness to
Protestants.

The humble petition of John Dolphin parish priest of Killow-
demor in the Countie of Gallway.

148 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Sheweth. That your Petitioner during the late troubles in this
kingdom lived peaceably and in good repute among his Protestant
neighbours doeing" them many friendly offices and preserving
them as much as lay in his power from the injuries and oppres-
sions they lay under. That your Petitioner being reputed a
Regular (notwithstanding that he is and was parish priest of
the aforesaid parish before the late Act against the Regular
Clergie in this kingdom passed) he is therefore in danger of in-
curring the peanalties of the said Act. That your Petitioner's
case hath heretofore bin represented to your Excellencies by
Sir Thomas Southwell and severall other persons of quality
and that your Petitioners kindness to the Protestants in those
times having bin ill represented beyond sea your Petitioner hath
great reason to fear That if he was transported into any forreigne
country he would undergo very severe usage there by reason
thereof and besides that your Petitioner being an infirm man
ii would greatly endanger his life. The premisses considered
may it please etc. JOHN DOLPHIN.

The Lords Justices Winchester and Galway on 7th June, 1698,
referred the petition to Robert Rochfort and Allan Brodrick, the
Attorney and Solicitor-General. They reported four days later:

We do find by the testimony of Sir Thomas Southwell, Robert
Foulke Esq. and severall other Protestants that were prisoners
in Galway that your Petitioner behaved himself towards them

' with great humanity and Christian temper, publickly in the
Court before the Judge of Assize and elsewhere protesting against
the Injustice and Barbarity of their treatment and confinement
and did them all the good offices in his power while prisoners in
Galway. The Petitioner doth not appear to us to be a Regular
much less to have exercised any ecclesiastical! jurisdiction. If
he deport himself as becometh a good subject and never presume
to take upon himself any popish jurisdiction wee believe he may
for the future be connived at by his Neighbours. Nevertheless
if he be prosecuted and presented as a Regular by any person
knowing him to be such we are of opinion it will not be proper
for your Excellencies to interpose in favour of any person what-
soever his desserts may be, or obstruct the execution of so
necessary a law.

Though by the end of the year 1698 the great majority of the
obnoxious ecclesiastics had been driven out of the country, we
have still abundant evidence of untiring activity on the part of
the executive. During the four years, 1698-1701, there is a series
of proclamations minatory and promissor}^ dealing with the subject.
The Lords Justices and Council on 27th June, 1698, had infor-

WILLIAM AND MARY. 149

mations that many regulars had passed for seculars, that hence-
forward all sheriffs were to keep registers of the popish secular
clergy containing their names, abode, parish, barony, with their
length of service, and further that every change of abode should
be recorded. Again on 13th September, 1699, their Lordships
say that many of the regulars "banished the previous year were
returning. The statute was recited and the penalties for returning
set forth in detail while the proclamation concludes with a table
of rewards for apprehending the offenders. Another proclamation
28th February, 1701, orders popish secular priests at their peril to
send to the high sheriffs within twenty days their name, abode, how
long they had been in the parish where they officiate, and on their
removal to notify the sheriff whence they had come, and the full
particulars of their new abode. An abstract of a proclamation
issued 25th November, 1701, may here be given.

ROCHESTER.

We having received fresh information from several parts that in
open defiance of the laws several Papists exercising ecclesiastical
jurisdiction and regulars of the Popish clergy do remain in
this kingdom ; and that several other persons are returned,
which we look upon can be to no other end or purpose but with
design to seduce his Majesty's good subjects from their allegiance
and sow sedition.

And on this occasion we cannot but take notice of the general
neglect of the several magistrates and ministers of justice in this
kingdom and the officers of the revenue in the several ports who
have been wanting in their duty in putting the laws in execution
by whose neglect chiefly the several offenders are emboldened
to continue, come or return into this kingdom. We therefore
strictly charge all the officers of his Majesty's revenue in this
kingdom in the several ports, creeks and harbours thereof, to
take an exact account of all passengers coming in any ship,
vessel or boat and on suspicion to carry or convey such suspected
person or persons before the next magistrate or justice of the
peace who is hereby required to deal with him according to
the known laws, and the said officers are required from time to
time to certify the clerk of the Council of their proceedings herein.

And for the better encouragement of such person or persons who
shall be active in the discovering of such offenders, we hereby
promise and declare that the sums following shall on application
to us be immediately and without any charge, fee or reward,
punctually paid to the person or persons who shall discover
such offenders ; that is to say :

150 WILLIAM AND MARY.

For every such titular Popish Arch Bishop or Bishop the sum of

one hundred pounds.
For every such pretended Vicar General or Popish Dean or other

Regular Popish clergy exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction the

sum of thirty pounds.
For every such Jesuit, Friar or Monk, ten pounds (cc).

Doubtless these rewards put renewed vigour into the Act.
The sums would be five times their present value, and in those
evil days there were not wanting men who for the sake of its emolu-
ments followed the profession of Priest hunting. A report of two
of these may be seen in the Southwell Papers.

Arch Bishopps and Bishopps and Lord Abbotts.
Doctr. Dominicke Lynch Archbishopp of Tuam.
Doctr. McMahun Lord Abbott of Mellefont.
Doctr. John Dempsey Bishopp of Kildare.
Doctr. Madden Bishopp of Ellfinn.
Doctr. Donnellan, Senior, Bishopp of Clonfart.
Doctr. Pierse Bishopp of Waterford and Doctr. Sleyen Bishop of

Corke. _,. _ ,,

Vicar Genlls

Doctr. Burke Vicar Generall of Tuam.

Doctor Donnellan Junior Vicar Generall of

Doctr. Tully Vicar Generall of Killmedough.

Doctr. Cruss Vicar Generall of

Doctr. Rossetor Vicar Generall of Wexfoord.
Doctr. Plunkett Vicar Gen of Meath.

Coadjutors.

ffather Richard mtzsimmons of Wicklow.
ffather Tuite of Meath.

ffather John Talbot of

ffryers.

ffather Molloy Guardian of the ffranciscan fryers in Wexfoord.
ffather Essmond, ffather Down, ffather Dolphin all ffranciscan

ffryers, ffr. Augustine Maddin a Dominican, ffr. Wooten, ffr.

Murphy, ffr. Malikahy, ffr. ffalvey, ffr. ffine, ffr. Tindall, ffr.

Nary, ffr. Grady supposed by the Romans to be a spye, he

lately clameing the Reward of 20 li for two priests.
Doctr. Sleyne Titular Bishopp \ B Bermingham and Ryan

f~\T I rYflj'A I */ O fc/

\J J. V-'WJl JVC J

Doctr. Cumberfoard pretended parish preist of TherlouS'
in the Co. of Tipperary. Ar. Bishopp of Cassell, Cum-
berfoard 's bull was brought from Innocent the twelve by
one ffather Owen fferress now parish preist in the Diocese
of Kerry in the County of Kork.

(cc) The proclamation also has reference to foreign military officers
returning, for whom rewards varying from 50 for a General to 5 for a
non-commissioned officer, are offered.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 151

ffather James Russell has seaven parishes in Dublin and\-p
is Deane of St. Patrick's jKyan.

Donagh McCarthy parish priest of Tralee in the Co. of Kerry is
Deane of Ardfert and took his tryall as soe and since the death
of Dr. Dayly who dyed in [16]99 in Corke Jayle he makes use of
the power of Jurisdiction of Aghadar in the Co. of Kerry.

RYAN.

Owing to the loss of the records of the inferior courts, we have
no means of ascertaining how far this and similar reports were
acted on. Occasionally however there were proceedings in the
higher courts, or cases of doubt were referred to the executive,
and then we, get glimpses of the working of the Act. The Warrant
Books of the Lords Justices and Lords Lieutenant contain many

instances. ,_,

ROCHESTER.

Whereas an Act of Parliament passed in this kingdom the Ninth
year of his Majesties Reigne intitled an Act

And whereas John Kelly a Fryar committed and now remaining
in prison pursuant of the said Act. We do hereby signify our
will and pleasure that the said John Kelly be transported to
Lisbon in Portugall and we hereby direct and require you to
cause him to be putt on board the ship Happy Entrance of Dublin
now in this port, bound thither in order to his being transported
pursuant to the Act aforesaid and we hereby require Thomas
Montgomery, master of the said ship to receive the said John
Kelly on Board and to take particular care to land him in Lisbon
accordingly. For all which this shall be your warrant. Given
at Dublin Castle the 16th day of October, 1701. FRA. GWIN.

To the sheriffs of the Citty of Dublin.

ROCHESTER.

Whereas we have given orders to the Barons of his Majesty's
Court of Exchequer in this kingdom to remitt and dischardge
the fine imposed on John Maglyne, a Fryer now in the Gaol of
Limerick for coming into this kingdom contrary to an Act of
Parliament passed here, in order to his being transported from
hence pursuant to the said Act. These are therefore to direct
and require you to cause the said John Maglyne to be sent in
custody on. shipboard on the first vessell bound from your port
to Spaine or Portugall with Directions that he be sett on shore
at any of those places. And etc. 13 Dec. 1701.

To the Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of Limerick.

NARCISSUS [Archbishop of] Dublin, DROGHEDA.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed

And whereas Edward Chamberlaine a Jesuit committed and now

152 WILLIAM AND MARY.

remaining in prison pursuant to the said Act. We do hereby
signify our will and pleasure that the said Edward Chamberlain
and Anthony Martin shall be transported to Cadez in Spaine
and we direct and require you to cause him to be putt on board
the shipp Two Brothers of Dublin bound thither in order to be
transported and we hereby require Francis Thornton Master of
the said shipp to receive the said Edward Chamberlain and
Anthony Martin on board and take particular care to land them
Cadez accordingly. And etc. 13 March 1702.
To the Sheriffs of the City of Dublin.

Whither the master of the ship thought one Jonah enough,
or whither Chamberlain made his way back again, does not appear
but nine months later the following is found :

ORMOND.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed

And whereas Edward Chamberlain a Jesuit is now in prison
pursuant to said Act, We do hereby signify our will and pleasure
that the said Edward Chamberlain shall be transported to
Holland and we hereby direct and require you to cause him to
be put on Board the ship hen of Roterdam bound thither in
order to his being transported and we herebjr require Clause
Janson Master of the said ship to receive the said Edward Cham-
berlain and to cause particular care to land him at Holland.
And etc. 13 January 1703.

RICHARD Cox, MOUNTALEXANDER.

Whereas we have ordered James O'Doughan and Philip Brady
Fryars to be brought from the Countyes Donegall and Cavan
to Dublin to be transported from hence according to the statute
in that case made and provided. These are to direct and require
you to receive from the High Sheriffs of the said Countyes or
either of them the said James O'Doughan and Philip Brady
and cause them together with another fryar now in your custody
to be brought up in custody under a good guard and delivered
to the High Sheriff of the County of Dublin with this our order
who is hereby required to bring them under a like guard to Dublin
and deliver them to the sheriff of the said Citty. For all which
this shall be your warrant. 10 August 1704.

To the high sheriff of the County of Meath and the high sheriff
of the County of Dublin. J. DAWSON.

NARCISSUS MARSH, RICHARD Cox.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed

And whereas Thomas Blunt and George Martin two Fryers are
now in prison pursuant to the said Act, we hereby signify our
will and pleasure that the said Thomas Blunt and George Martin
shall be transported to Ostend and we hereby direct and require

WILLIAM AND MARY. 153

you to cause them to be put on board the ship Hope of Bilboa
bound thither in order to their being transported and we require
Mr. Francis De Clark Master of the said ship to receive the
said fryers and take care to land them in Ostend. And for etc.
To the sheriffs of the City of Dublin. 22 February 1706.

Here it may be well to note the machinery for transportation
provided by the law.

8 ANN C. 3. S. 325.

Every popish bishop, vicar general, dean, Jesuit, friar and papist
exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction and every popish priest who
by offending against this or any former act shall be liable to
transportation shall within three months be transmitted by
order of the justices of assize or by order of the justices of the
peace in their general quarter sessions, to the common gaol of
the next seaport town where they shall remain until transported.

It shall be lawful for all masters of ships, merchants, and others
to receive the body of such popish regular or popish priest and
to transport the said person beyond the seas out of her Majesty's
dominions of Great Britain and Ireland.

And if any merchant freighting any ship bound for any port not
within the kingdom of Great Britain or Ireland shall refuse to
receive the bodies of such popish regular clergymen or popish
priest not exceeding five in any one ship when required so to
do by the chief magistrate or his deputy of such port when
any such popish person shall remain in gaol, the collectors and
other officers of her Majesty's customs are required not to dis-
charge such ship until such merchant or such master of a ship
shall consent so to do, on pain that such collector so discharging
shall forfeit to her Majesty thirty pounds.

The collector of such port is required to pay to the said merchant
or master of a ship five pounds for the transportation of every
such person to any part of the West Indies, and three pounds
for the transportation of every such person to any port in Europe
not being within her Majesty's dominions.

The same to be allowed said collector on producing receipt of said
merchant or master acknowledging receipt of said sum and
receipt of body of such popish priest. In this receipt shall be
expressed the name of the person to be transported, the place
he did last reside, the time he hath remained in gaol, and from
what county gaol he hath been transmitted to said port.

If any such popish regular or popish priest shall be found in this
kingdom out of the custody of the said merchant or master of
a ship he shall suffer such penalties as are inflicted on a popish
regular who hath been banished and hath returned.

And the said merchant or master shall enter into a recognisance
to her Majesty in the penalty of 50 to transport the said popish
person beyond the seas.

154 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Sometimes when the transported friar made his way back
again and was recaptured, government was placed in a dire ex-
tremity. For it was not thought expedient to subject him to the
death penalty which he incurred by statute, and it would be bad
policy to condone the offence merely by transporting him a second
time. There was nothing for it but to send him to a place whence
he was not likely to return.

PEMBROKE.

Whereas William Armstrong hath given sufficient security to his
Majesty for the Transportation of Redmond Murphy a Convicted
Fryer in the gaol of the County of Wexford to some of his
Majesty's plantations in America. These are to direct you to-
cause the said Redmond Murphy to be delivered to the said
William Armstrong. 2 September 1707.

To Richard Sanders High Sheriff of Wexford.

Another alternative was to subject the returned friar to
indefinite imprisonment. Thus Thomas Blunt and George Martin
were as we have seen transported in 1706. Years after, they
got back to Ireland again, as would appear, and were recaptured.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices.

The humble petition of Thomas Blunt, George Martin and
James Dugan, Prisoners in Newgate.

Humbly sheweth that your petitioners having been convicted
some years ago of being Regulars have been since detained close
prisoners whereby they are not only impaired in their health
but also reduced to the lowest ebb of indigence and want. May
it therefore etc THOMAS BLUNT, G. MARTIN, JAMES DUGAN.

17 December 1722.

[Endorsed]. To be transported as soon as there is an opportunity.

This series may be closed with the following example of official
clemency :

CONSTANTINE PHIPPS, R. INGOLDSBY.

Whereas Christopher Hart of the City of Dublin, Baker, hath
given security before the Clerk of her Majesties Privy Council
for transporting Bryen Roork a convicted priest in the gaol of
Newgate on Board the ship St. Phillip of Bilboa, Joseph Depoertes,
Master, to Bilboa in Spaine we are therefore pleased to extend
her Maiestie's mercy to him, in suffering him to be transported
in six months from the date hereof to the said port and there
set on shore and that he shall not return into this kingdom
without speciall lycence. We direct the sheriffs of the City of
Dublin to cause the said Bryen Roork to be sent under a strong
guard on shipboard. 7 March 1710.

WILLIAM AND MARY. 155

These and many similar documents scattered through the
Council books enable one to judge how thoroughly and consistently
the Act was worked. On 5th October, 1703, the House of Commons
by way of inquiry made some orders upon the subject. One of
them ran "Ordered that the Judges do give an account to this
House what Regulars and persons of the Popish religion exercising
ecclesiastical jurisdiction have at any time been brought before
them, together with their proceedings thereupon." Returns in
accordance with this order were made and are. still extant among
the Parliamentary records. Three of the chief justices Queen's
Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer, and two of the puisne
judges sent in reports, and these as abounding in curious details
may be here given in extenso.

In obedience to the order of the honourable House of Commons
bearing date the 5th instant I have caused Mr. Tisdall, Deputy
Clerke of the Crowne to make diligent search into the records
of the Court of Queene's Bench in order to lay before the honour-
able House the proceedings against the Popish Regular clergy,
from whom I received the annexed certificate.

And having perused my Circuit Bookes I find that att the Assizes
held att Wexford the 24th of Aprill in the 13th year of his late
Maiestie Anthony Molloy and Redmond Murphy were convicted
as ffryers and received Judgment to be transported according
to the statute.

That att the Assizes held the 7th of March in the 14th year of his
late Maiestie they were left on the Callendar in Gaol till trans-
ported. That at the same Assizes John Mathews and Thomas
Johnson being committed as being ffryers and returning into
this kingdom contrary to the statute, and there not being
full evidence against them they were transmitted to the
Naas.

That att the Assizes held the 12th day of August in the 13th year
of his late Maiestie in the countie of the Citty of Cork Peter
Morrogh accused as a Popish Viccar Generall was bound by
Recognisance to appeare but did not and Execution not entered
on the Bayle.

That at the Assizes held at Lymerick the 8th day of August in the
13th yeare of his late Maiestie Daniell Curie being committed
for being a priest and returning into this kingdom contrary to
the late statute there not being sufficient evidence against
him was to remaine in Custody unless he found good security
to appeare at the next Assizes.

Which are all the proceedings I find against any of the Popish
Regular clergy since the last statute.

156 WILLIAM AND MARY.

That on the conviction of any popish Regular clergyman
immediately I gave notice to the government thereof in order to
his transportation.

That the Grand Jury of the County of the Citty of Cork att their
summer Assizes 1700 and alsoe at their summer Assizes 1702
to the best of my remembrance addressed the government by
way of presentment that Dr. Sleyne Titular Popish Bishop
might be transported (who for some time remained there in
prison on pretence of sickness great inability and weakness to
undergoe a voyadge att sea, which was the reason of the in-
dulgence of the Government to him) but since I am well assured
that he has been transported beyond seas. All which I humbly
certify to this honourable house this 25th day of October 1703.

RD. PYNE.
[Enclosure].

Search being made among the Pleas of the Crowne in her Maiestie's
Court of Chief Place Ireland I find that John Keatinge was in
Michaelmas Terme 1699 convicted of being a ffryer and that in
Hillary Terme 1700 John Kelly alias Purcell was likewise con-
victed of being a ffryer and that in Michaelmas Terme 1701
Edward Chamberlain was likewise convicted of being a Jesuit
and that in Easter Terme 1702 Dominick alias Constantine
Egan was likewise convicted of being a ffryer all which persons
were committed to the Gaole of Newgate there to remaine without
Bayle or Mainprise until they should be transported. And by
looking over the Callendar of the last Term I find that said
Chamberlain and Egan are still continued in Gaole and the
Gaoler informs me that the said Purcell has been transported
and that the said Egan [?] died in Gaole. All which I certify
this 12th October, 1703. I further certify that I doe not find any
other or further proceedings against the said persons or any other
regulars in the said Court. RICHARD TISDALL, Dep. Cler.

The report of the Chief Baron of the Exchequer runs :

An Account of such Regulars and Popish persons as have been
brought before me in the severall circuits under written which
I humbly certifie to the honoble the House of Commons in
obedience to their order of the 5 of October 1703.
,-. x ^ x /Presented to be titular Arch-

Co. of Downe } dea con of the Diocese of Dro-

TQQ SS1Z6S more. Tried for the same and

1698 ) (acquitted.

/Indicted last Assizes for con-
tinuing in the kingdom being
Titular Dean of Ardagh and
thereof acquitted. Discharged
by proclamation.

Co. of Longford ^

T ^T4- Accioroc >

Lent Assizes r Patrick ffarrall
1699

WILLIAM AND MARY.

157

Co. of Gallway

/Bount over from last
1 Quarter Sessions to appeare

Lent Assizes > Ambrose Madden and answer, being charged
1699 J j for exercising ecclesiastical

and foreign jurisdiction.
V Security ad prox.

Andrew Mathews /'Presented for being a
(commonly called ] Regular priest. Tryed
J Abbot of Mellefont) (and Acquitted.

Redmond Murphy

The Same Assizes . Gregory Downes

ln Gaole '

Co. of Kerry
Lent Assizes
1702-3

Edmund Carthy
Popish Priest

Daniel ffalvey

J

County of Lowth')
Lent Assizes

1701

Co. of Wexford >
Summer Assizes
1702 J

r For Lycenceing one
Michael Downes being a
Papist to administer the
Rites of the church of
. Roome-Security.
Committed by Barry Denny Esq
and Ed. Herbert. Noe In-
dictment or prosecution. Dis-
charged by proclamation.
Committed by the Rt. Hon. the
Lord Baron of Kerry and
Lixnaw for being a Regular
Popish Priest Continued.
I doe alsoe further Certifie the said honoble house that I doe not
remember or believe that any application was made to me by the
Grand juryes of any of the said Counties or otherwise Relating to
the said Popish Regulars or others Exercising Ecclesiasticall Juris-
diction. Dated this 27 day of October 1703. ROBT. DOYNE.
[Endorsed] An account of the Regulars from the Lord Chief Baron.
Received from Mr. Miler 28 October 1703.

In obedience to the Order of the Honourable House of Commons
made the 5 day of October 1703 I have examined the Assize
Books of the severall Circuits I have gone since the making of
the late Statute in this kingdom against Papists exercising
Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and Regulars of the Popish Clergy
and doe find :

That at the Assizes held in the County of the Citty of Corke the
13th day of August in the 13th year of his late Maiestie, Peter
Murrogh accused as a popish vicar generall was bound by re-
cognizance to appeare at the said Assizes but did not and Exactus
now was entered thereupon which are all the proceedings against
any of them.

Nor do I find or remember that any regulars or persons of the
Popish Religion exercising Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction hath at
any time been brought before me Nor hath ther bin any applica-

158 WILLIAM AND MARY.

tion made to me at any of the said Assizes by the Grand Juryes
or otherwise relating to the said Regulars or others exercising
Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction other than as aforesaid All which I
humbly certifye to the .Honourable House this 28 day of October

1703. N. DONNELLAN.

In obedience to the two severall Orders of the Hon. House of
Commons bearing date the fifth day of this present October
1703 I doe humbly lay before this Honourable House an Account
of what Regulars and Popish persons of the Popish Religion
exercising Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction have at any time been
brought before me together with my proceedings thereupon.

As likewise an account of what applications have been made to

me by Grand Jurys or otherwise relating to Popish Regulars and
others exercising Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction with my proceedings
thereupon.

Connaught Circuit 6 Martii 1702.
Com. Sligoe ^ Patrick O'Connor stood Indicted the

in the Book of Assizes > Lent Assizes before for not departing out
No. 1 J of this kingdom before the first day of

May 1698. He being a Dominican fryer. Ordered that he be
continued in Gaol without Bail until he be transported pursuant
to the said Act. The Grand Jury for the said County at the
said Assizes did present that the Judges of Assize would lay
this matter before the Government in order to have the said
Patrick O'Connor transported, which was ordered by the Court.
To which said presentment and the Order thereupon in the
custody of the Clerk of the Crown for the said County (as I
suppose) for my more certainty therein I humbly crave leave to
Reffer my self.

Com. Ville de Gallwey \ Danil McDonnell was found guilty the

apud Assias ibm tent I Lent Assizes before of coming into this

10 Martii 1702 1- kingdom contrary to the late Act of

In the Book of Assizes Parliament prohibiting the same, he
No. 5 ' being a Dominican Fryer. Under Judg-

ment to remaine in Gaole a Twelvemonth and to be transported

F by order of the Government.

The Grand Jury for the said County of the said Town of Galway
did at the said Assizes present that the Judges of Assize would
when the time of his imprisonment was expired lay the case
before the Government and Councill according to the late Act
of Parliament which was ordered by the Court. To which said
presentment and order now remaining in the custody of the
Clerk of the Crown for the said Town and County (as I suppose)
for the more certainty therein I humbly crave leave to Referr
my self.

Com. Vill de "j Gregory French bound from the last Assizes to
Galwey r appeare and answer this Assizes etc. Indicted

Same Book No. 4) for that he being a Dominican Fryer in

WILLIAM AND MARY. 159

pursuance of a late Act of Parliament was transported out of
his Maiestie's Dominions into Parts beyond the seas and that He
19 July Anno 13 nuper Regis Did Voluntarily and Traitorously
return contrary to the said Act of Parliament. In the margin
of which Book I find an entry of my own hand writing in these
words Continued on the like Rule as formerly to the next
Assizes.

Same Book) Patrick Hubbane alias McDonnell bound over by
No. 6 j the Maior of Galwey being committed last Lent
Assizes untill he should find suretyes de bona gestura etc. being
acquitted of the foregoing offence by the said Book. I find he
was continued in Prison on the like Rule.

Upon my return out of the Connaught Circuit to Dublin I attended
the Lords Justices then in Town at the Castle and then acquainted
them that the severall Grand Juryes of Sligo and the County
of the Town of Galwey had presented that the Judges of Assize
should apply to their Excellencies that care might be taken for
the transportation of the said Daniel McDonnell and Patrick
Connor. Their Excellencies were pleased to answer that they
had endeavoured to get Transportation for convicted Regulars
but that the Masters of Ships to whom application had been
made showd an adversness to take them on Board but assured
me That all due care should be taken for their Transportation
or used words to the like effect. I being satisfied with this answer
and assurance of the Lords Justices I did conceive any further
application in this matter was unnecessary.

Munster Circuit.
Com. Civit. Corke \ At the Assizes held for the County of

Book of Assize No. 5 / the Citty of Corke Thursday the 15th
day of July last past In the Book of Assizes for the County of
the said Citty is entered Peter Murrogh committed by the Maior
of Corke for making his escape out of a ship wherein he was to
have been transported to Portugal being pretended Popish vicar
generall of Corke. In the margin of which book I find him
entered for Transportation.

Com. Corke \ At an Assizes held for the County of

Book of Assizes No. 7 / Cork the 15th day of July last past in
the Book of Assizes for the said County is entered Richard
Hammet bound over in Court the Lent Assizes before for exer-
cising foreign jurisdiction in excommunicating Richard Gough
Priest of the parish of Youghal from the see of Rome and all
other persons of the same religion which should have any comerce
with Hereticks ; to which Indictment he pleaded, was tryed and
acquitted. Ordered to find suretys for his good behaviour.

Same Book 1 Daniel Felix transmitted from Ennis to Corke by
No. 107 I Thomas Ponsonby Esq. High Sheriff of the County
of Kerry ; entered on the margin of said Book to be transported
as a priest.

160 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Same Book \ Daniel Goffe comitted in Court for coming out of
No. 120 / France.

I do not remember any particular application to have been made
to me by any Grand Jury in the Circuit by presentment or other-
wise concerning any application to be made by me for the
Transportation of any convicted Popish Regular. Neither do
I remember that any Regulars or other persons of the Popish
Religion exercising Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction have at any time
been brought before me other than are herein before mentioned.

Upon my return out of this Circuit I attended his Grace the present
Lord Lieutenant at the Castle in Dublin and there I did acquaint
his Grace That there were severall convicted popish regulars in
the Gaoles in Munster and that care ought to be taken for their
Transportation according to the Act of Parliament. His Grace
was pleased to answer that he would consider of some way for
the better Execution of that Law. ANT. UPTON.

October the 19 1703.

[Endorsed] Mr. Justice Upton's Return concerning Preists. Given
into the office by Mr. J. Upton 25 October 1703.

The remaining report deals with the same persons as the
previous with a few additions.

Mr. Justice Macartney's Return about the Priests and Regular
Clergy. In obedience to two orders conceived by the Honble
House of Commons on Tuesday the 5th October 1703, the one
requiring the Judges to give an account what Regulars and
persons of the Popish Religion exercising Ecclesiastical Juris-
diction have att any time been brought before them together
with their proceedings thereupon.

The other requiring the Judges to give an account what appli-
cations have been made to them by Grand Juries or otherwise
relateing to Popish Regulars and others exercising ecclesiastical
jurisdiction together with their proceedings thereupon.

I humbly certifye that Gregory French was indicted att the Summer
Assizes held for the County of the Town of Gal way the 13th
year of the late King for that he being a Dominican Fryer in
pursuance of the late Act of Parliament made in this kingdom
against the regular clergy was transported out of his late Majesty
Dominions into parts beyond the seas and that he the 19th July
the 13th year of the late King did voluntarily and traitorously
returne to this kingdome contrary to the said Act.

The triall was then put off by the King's Council on an affidavit
that Mr. Simcocks, a material witnesse for the King, was in
England. He was ordered to lye in Gaole untill the next Assizes
sans Bayle etc.

At the next Lent Assizes following the said Gregory French's
Tryall for the said Treason was again put off for want of a

WILLIAM AND MARY. 161

sufficient power by the Act to try him and then he was bailed
out upon very good security. He hath been continued under
baile from time to time ever since and is now out upon good
baile. The said Gregory French at the said Lent Assizes was
also indicted for that he being a Dominican Fryer and in France,
contemptuously came into this kingdom contrary to the said
Act of Parliament prohibiting the same, he was then tried before
me and acquitted.

Daniel McDonnell was att the said Lent Assizes also indicted for
that he being a Dominican Fryer, also contemptuously returned
into this kingdom contrary to the said Act of Parliament pro-
hibiting the same. He was found guilty and ordered to lye in
Gaole twelve months and afterwards untill he should be trans-
ported by order of the Government.

Patrick Hubbane alias MacDonnell was likewise at the said Assizes
indicted for the like offence. He was acquitted but continued
under a rule of good behaviour untill the last Summer Assizes
and was then discharged by Proclamation.

Patrick Connor a Dominican Fryer att the last Lent Assizes held
att Sligoe for the Countey of Sligo was indicted for that he was
and is a Dominican Fryer and did not depart out of this kingdom
before the 1st of May 1698 according to the said Act of Parlia-
ment ; he submitted to the Indictment and was ordered to
remain in Gaole without Baile and untill transported by Order
of the Government.

Att the Lent Assizes held att Trim 1702-3 for the County of Meath
Thomas Blunt a Franciscan Fryer was in prison under a rule
to remaine in Gaol without Baile untill transported by order of
the Government for being a Fryer and remaining in this kingdom
contrary to the said Act. He was continued under the same
rule.

Marks Plunkett a priest was indicted at the same Assizes for
extolling the Pope's jurisdiction, the Prosecutor for the Queen
not being ready to prosecute he was bailed out till the next
Assizes.

Att the Assizes for the Countey of Cavan I found Phillip Brady
Franciscan Fryer under a rule of transportation and continued
him under that rule.

There were no applications made to me by any Grand Juries
relateing to Papists but some gentlemen of the Countey of Sligo
desired me to move the Government to have the said Patrick
Connor transported, and some of the said Daniel McDonnell's
friends att Galway desired me to speake to the Government
that he might not be transported because he was very sickly
and I did att my returne from the Circuit acquaint the Govern-
ment therewith accordingly.

All which is humbly certified to this Honoble House the 18th day
of October 1703. By JAMES MACARTNEY.

M

162 WILLIAM AND MARY.

Parliament in an anti-popish frenzy ordered these returns.
But there was slight cause to question the judges. These gentle-
men were only too eager -to clothe themselves in the panoply of
Protestantism for reasons of their own. "Judicial guilt" writes
the official historian "at the close of Anne's reign was merely not
uncommon but general. Though Irish commerce was restricted,
its judges made a lucrative traffic to the Crown, and by parity of
reason, to private parties, of the property, liberty and lives of
fellow subjects. Nor had these hardened criminals any excuse to
offer but merely pleaded great zeal against the Pope and Pretender
though nothing was more likely to introduce these foreigners than
the cruelty and corruption of Protestant judges." ((dd)

(dd) History of the King's Inns, Duhigg, p. 267.

CHAPTER IV.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

OF the recent writers who have treated this period of Irish
history the one who deserves to be best studied is Froude.
Others have approached it in a critical temper or a hostile
spirit, he with entire sympathy. The penal code was in his judg-
ment, a piece of monumental statesmanship, admirable in con-
ception, exquisitely adapted to the needs of the country and only
a failure by the accident that it was not enforced long and con-
sistently enough. Sharing to the full the views of Queen Anne's
Irish legislators, he has best appreciated the forces behind the
penal laws and the aims of the men who framed them. To us
indeed, in our plane of thought the attempt to impose Protestant-
ism on an unwilling nation by a system of proscription and legal
disabilities, would seem futile as well as criminal. That the penal
laws were enacted in sincerity and enforced with conviction
that they were anything more than legislative bogies we find it
hard to realise. Yet if the outlook of these statesmen be duly
considered and the circumstances of the time taken into account
the task to which they set themselves will not seem so extravagant
nor the means so inadequate. In our day religion and politics
are regarded as two spheres hardly touching, in fact almost mutually
exclusive ; nothing can appear to be better denned than the dis-
tinction between church and state ; the axiom a free church in a
free state is in practice almost universally acted on. But in the
reign of Anne the secularist ideal was still unknown ; religion was
believed to be a matter of vital politics ; people were as convinced
of the necessity of a state church as of a state police and could
no more conceive a nation without an established religion than a
man without a blood circulation. And further if there was one
principle more than another settled and acknowledged by states-
men it was that all Catholics were rebels in posse if not actually,
that loyalty to Rome was alike incompatible with civil allegiance
and with individual liberty, and that therefore the first duty of

164 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

a Protestant government to the Catholic religion was to uproot it.

These principles, it is true, were not confessed and consciously

acted on, especially from the Peace of Westphalia onwards, but

none the less they influenced and shaped the whole politics of the

time. Hence it would be a mistake to regard the penal laws as

,\ the outcome of the passions of the Revolution or simply as retalia-

\\ tion on account of the persecution of the Huguenots in France.

\ \From the Reformation down it was merely a question of opportunity.

V English statesmen had never relinquished the hope of making

Ireland Protestant and British but during a century and-a-half,

the project could not be carried out with safety.

Nor was success less probable than in Elizabethian England
when Cecil and Walsingham began their work. For on the one
hand Great Britain had reached the meridian of military power
so that the disturbing factor of foreign intervention was now
eliminated. Recently there had been spread over the country a
net work of barracks for horse and foot, one hundred and two in
all, to dominate and overawe the population. As a more effective
garrison the Scotch were pouring into the north in numbers variously
estimated from ten to twenty thousand a year. To leaven the
south and west, negociations were entered into for planting the
dispossessed Protestants of the Rhenish Palatinate. Finally the
Protestant bishops were busily concerting schemes for converting
the Celtic-speaking people through their own language. Over
against these forces was the mere residue of a nation, and of this
residue the able bodied and enterprising were fleeing in thousands
yearly to the armies of France, Spain, and the Empire. Deprived
of leaders, of wealth, of education of every power of resistance,
no one doubted that in a few years the Irish could be moulded to
any purpose of the legislature. Such were the conditions under
which the penal code came into existence.

Those who regard the code as a counterblast to the Arrets of
Louis XIV. against the Huguenots have sought in these Arrets
the exemplars of the Acts of William and Anne. But they have
hardly considered the family resemblance which all repressive
legislation bears, and further that the task which confronted the
Irish legislators was different from the extermination of an active,

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 165

wealthy, irreconcilable minority. Their problem indeed, was
that which Elizabeth's statesmen had successfully solved a few
generations earlier a national change of religion against the
wishes of the overwhelming mass of the people. Hence the model
and true inspiration of the code is to be found not in the French
but the English statute book. The procedure in each case was
identical.

As in England the first step was the destruction of the religious^
orders, the best educated and best disciplined of the clergy. Next
the organization of the church was broken up by banishing the
bishops and others exercising authority. The existing clergy would
thereby, it was hoped, be reduced to chaos. Finally, the supply of
future priests was cut off. There was at first no question of making
a clean sweep of the secular priests, as had been done with the
regulars. A stronger government, the Cromwellian, had formerly
taken that course, and the experiment was not encouraging. One
great and instant difficulty there was. The destruction of the
Irish schools a century before had resulted in the establishment of
colleges for them all over the continent. Thither young Irishmen
in scores were shipped by the aid of hardy fisher-folk or friendly
merchants. Some years later, trained theologians and accomplished
men of the world, they made their way back in many disguises.
As long as this continued, the extirpation of Catholicism in Ireland
was a hopeless task. Hence an important part of the code w r as
devoted to foreign education. Again to ensure that there should
be no successors to the existing clergy, all priests were registered,
located, and identified. They could not minister outside their
parishes, nor keep curates, and no priests who were not registered
for a certain parish, would be permitted to remain in the country.

This plan of campaign, as will be seen, required time for its
accomplishment. But meanwhile the nucleus of the army was
itself in grave peril. From the days of Elizabeth down, all Prot-
estant colonies had disappeared before that most powerful of
solvents marriage. If the Williamite settlers, the Palatines, the
Huguenots of the towns and the Scotch of the North were to take
Irish wives, it were vain to banish the bishops or intercept the
priests. Numerous acts therefore were passed forbidding marriage

166 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

between Protestants and Catholics and inflicting the gravest
penalties on priests who assisted at them.

Here to afford a connected view of the code the several laws
may be set down in digest. They divide themselves under four
heads : (I) those for the banishment of bishops and others exercis-
ing ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and of regulars ; (II) those for the
prevention of foreign education and the coming of priests into
Ireland ; (III) those for registering priests and enforcing the Oath
of Abjuration, and lastly (IV) laws regarding marriage.

Having in the last chapter sufficiently considered the law exiling
ecclesiastics we shall here deal with the laws under the other three

heads.

II.

LAWS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FOREIGN EDUCATION AND THE
COMING OF PRIESTS INTO IRELAND.

7 WILL III, C. 4.

1. In case any of his Majesty's subjects 01 Ireland shall go or
send any child or other person to be resident or trained up in
any priory, abbey, nunnery, popish university, college or school
or house of Jesuits or priests in parts beyond the seas in order
to be educated in the popish religion in any sort to profess the
same, or shall send money or other thing towards the main-
tenance of such person gone or sent, or as a charity for the relief
of a religious house, every person so going sending or sent shall
on conviction be disabled to sue in law or equity or to be a
guardian, executor or administrator, or take a legacy or deed
of gift, or bear any office, and shall forfeit goods and chattels
for ever and lands for life.

2. If any information be given to any Justice of the Peace that
any such child or other person, money or other thing are gone
or sent away contrary to this act, such Justice is required to
have brought before him all such persons suspected or charged
to have offended and shall examine the persons so suspected
and any other witnesses concerning the same. If it shall appear
probable to him that such offence was committed, the suspected
persons are to be bound with sufficient sureties, and such others
as he shall judge fit to give evidence are to be bound in the sum
of 200 upwards to appear at next Quarter Sessions. If at the
Quarter Sessions it shall appear probable that any person money
or other thing was sent abroad contrary to the act then the person
suspected must shew where such person sent then is and also
to what intent and purpose such money or other thing was sent.
Failure to show this shall be entered on\record and be a con-
viction as well of the person sent as of the person sending, and
they shall incur the penalties aforesaid.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 167

9. No person of the popish religion shall publickly teach school
or instruct youth ; or in private houses teach or instruct youth
except only the children, or others under the guardianship of
the master or mistress of such private family, upon pain of twenty
pounds and also being committed to prison for three months
for every such offence.

2 ANNE, C. 6.

1. If any person being a papist shall send or cause or willingly
suffer to be sent any child under the age of one and twenty
years (except sailors, ship-boys or the apprentice or factor of
some merchant) into France or any other parts beyond the
seas without the special licence of her Majesty or chief governors
of this kingdom and four or more of her privy council they shall
incur the penalties mentioned in Act 7 Will III, c. 4 supra.

2. When any of the judges of her Majesty's courts of Queen's
Bench Common Pleas or Barons of the Exchequer, or any two
Justices of the Peace shall have reasonable cause to suspect that
any such child has been sent into foreign parts they are required
to convene the father or mother or such other relation, guardian
or persons as had the care of such child and shall require them
to produce before them the said child within two months after.
And if the child is not so produced nor reasonable cause shewn
for obtaining further time for the same till the next quarter
sessions, nor good proof given that said child is resident some-
where in Ireland England or Scotland and not in parts beyond
the seas, such child shall be deemed to be then educated in foreign
parts and shall incur all the penalties mentioned in Act 7 Will III
c. 4.

In the summer of 1703 the Irish Privy Council prepared the
bills to be enacted in the coming parliament. Forwarding them to
Nottingham the English Secretary, their Lordships write 16th June :

The Act of last session extended only to dignitaries and regulars
but it being found by experience that secular priests educated
beyond sea among her Majesty's enemies did imbibe their senti-
ments and at their return did become incendaries to rebellion,
it was considered necessary to prohibit their return and the
new Act is in fact but to reinforce a good law already in being
against foreign education.

Accordingly the following sweeping measure became law :

2 ANNE, C. 3.

1. Every clergyman of the popish religion that shall come into
this kingdom at any time after the first of January 1704 shall
be liable to such penalties, forfeitures and punishments as by
the Act 9 Will III, c. 26, is imposed on popish bishops etc. or
any other papists exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction who shall

168 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

come into this kingdom contrary to the said Act, [that is to say
imprisonment and transportation for the first offence, death for
the second.]

2. Any person who shall knowingly harbour, relieve, conceal
or entertain any such clergyman of the popish religion shall be
liable to such penalties and forfeitures as by the said Act is
imposed on the harbourers and concealers of any popish bishop
etc. or regular popish clergyman, to be levied in the same manner
as by the said Act is directed.

All justices of the peace, sheriffs, high and petty constables and
all other subjects are required to use their utmost diligence in
apprehending all such regular or other popish priest who shall
come into this kingdom contrary to this Act.

3. If any mayor, justice of the peace or other officer shall neglect
doing their duty in execution of this Act every such justice and
other officer shall for every such neglect forfeit one hundred
pounds, one moiety to the King, the other to the informer or
person that shall sue for the same, and be disabled from serving
as a justice of the peace during his life.

4. All persons who shall return or come into this kingdom contrary
to the Act 9 Will III, c. 26, or shall come into this kingdom
contrary to this Act may be indicted and tried for the same in
such county wherein they shall be taken or in any county where
her Majesty by commission under the great seal of this kingdom
shall appoint.

It may be well to illustrate the working of these Acts by a
few cases, reserving to future chapters a fuller study of their opera-
tion in the several parts of the country.

Pursuant to an Order from the Government and to a Resolution
taken by the Justices of the Peace of the County of Tipperary
at a Meeting held in Cashell the 18th of June last. We the under
named Richard Lockwood Esq. Mayor of Cashell and John
Hickey Clk. two of her Majesties and the Lord of Regalities
Justices of the Peace for the said County do hereby certify that
wee called together the Popish inhabitants and others living
within the Citty and suburbs of Cashell and the parish of the
Rock thereunto adjoyning and uppon the strictest enquiry we
could make, do not find that any one are gone out of the kingdom
for a year past except one Trihy, an apprentice boy who went
into France to his father in October last. [Given] Under our
hands this tenth day of July 1714. RICHARD LOCKWOOD.

JOHN HICKEY.

In other districts her Majesty's justices were more successful
in~discovering students sent out of the country to be educated.
The Grand Jury of the County Galway at the Spring Assizes, 1715,
presented :

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 169

The names of such persons as have transgressed the Act against

forreign Educacon.
Ulick Burke son to John Earle of Clanrickard went out of the

kingdom to ffrance in or about November 1713 in companie

with one Carbery Kelly a popish cleargieman and Regular

priest from the parish of Ballinekill in the half barony of Bellamoe

at which time John Burke son to Sir John Burke Baronet went

to ffrance in companie of the said Carbery Kelly and not since

returned to this kingdom.
Edward Burke an other son of the said Earle of Clanrickard is

out of this kingdom and missing and we heare he is in ffrance

or Lorraine.
Walter Burke son to Edmund Burke of Milick is out of this kingdom

and missing and is in ffrance or Spaine as we are informed.
Myles Killkelly son to Garrett Kilkelly late of Rahin about two

yeares agoe went out of this kingdom and is missing and we

believe he is in ffrance or Spaine.
James Burke son to Ullick Burke of Ower went out of this kingdom

about a yeare agoe and is missing 'and we are informed he is in

ffrance.
Richard Burke son to Walter Burke late of Killcoo went out of

this kingdom and is missing and is a Captain in ffrance as we

are informed.
Luke Ryan son to Dr. James Ryan of Abbyland went out of this

kingdom last yeare and was for some time missing. We find

he went to ffrance from whence he hath returned several! times

into this kingdom, that his business was to list men for the

pretender as we are informed.
Hyacinth Nugent son to Thomas Nugent comonly called Lord

Reveston [Riverstown] is gone out of this kingdom and is missing,

and as we are informed is in ffrance.
Redmund Burke son to Ullick Burke of Killcoman went lately

out of this kingdom and is missing and as we are informed is

in ffrance.
Edmund Kelly son to William Kelly of Ballinlassy is out of this

kingdom and is missing.
Luke Burke son to Richard Burke of Erickbrack alias Gortemadden

is out of this kingdom and is missing and in ffrance as we are

informed.
Ullick Lynch son to Patrick Lynch of Bellwell has been out of this

kingdom for two or three yeares and we find that he is in ffrance.

Besides inquisitions held under the Act there was another
method for gaining information about young men sent over sea
to be educated. This was intercepted correspondence. Some-
times the letters were taken in the post ; more often they were
found on some person arrested as suspect on landing. A consider-

170 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

able number are still to be seen in the Irish Record Office among
the "Country Letters" and elsewhere. Lecky who had seen some,
describes them as "full of affection for those who were left at home
and of a most touching and beautiful piety." A few examples

may be given. _. . . , , T c .- 01

J b Pans Augt. 8 N.S. 1731.

Rev. Dr. Sir. Presuming you would be glad to hear from us I
take the liberty to salute you and the rest of your dear family
with my best respects and also to give an account of our pro-
ceeding since we parted your good house. After we sent home
Paddj? Hindes we were detained 3 weeks and 3 days in Corke
expecting every day to take shipping. I was at some consider-
able cost upon Poor Billy's account being invited several days

, but could not part him. I said Mass for Mr. Gallway [of Fota
Castle] uncle to Coll. Butler twice, and every other day for the
fryars who gave me a dinner and the last week also to Bro.
Dilleny. Mr. French did not once call him to his house all the
time. After we were aboard though every day sick we had a
good passage and landed at Haver the eight day. We came
from thence to Carbecque upon a Saturday and were accom-
panyed by two Dominican ffryars. We met a ffrench Abbay
who directed us to a Cabray, [Cabaret] he was pleased to say
that he liked my latin so well that he treated the Company with
some wine and paid my Clubb and the next day invited Brother
Billy and me to his house and gave the favour of extraordinary
good company and a sumptuous dinner. We came from thence
to Rouan and lodged the night with the Cordaliers among which
was an Irish ffryar lately come from Prague. I changed dresses
with him and gott the boat from thence to St. Jarmans free and
was mighty well regaled by some Ladys and Gents that were in
the Company but poor bill was at great cost being in his Secular
Cloathes. We lodged one night at the Recolets at St. Jarmans
and the next day I was obliged to goe by Coach to Paris, because
the sandalls sorely cutt my feet, and the Company paid my cost.
In Paris we lodged with the Recolets at St. Laurences and Mr.
Duffy agreed with the Guardian for Brother Dilleny's habit.
He was short of money for seven pieces. I have only 17 lievres.
I made him my purse bearer at Rouan and he was obliged to
lay out my money on the road expecting an advance in his own
at Paris. Mr. Duffy was the best friend we had at Paris and
used us with unexpressable Civility. I gave Mary Madden 's
letter to Mr. Merick, he promised to send her something. We
are to leave the City to-day, I doe begin my Journey for Bullea,
we expect directions from thence to Prague. Br. Dillenny got
his habit for 30 Masses and begg you will get them said. I
begg the favour of you to write to Prague to give an account
of your dear family and how my Dear Father John finds himself

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 171

in health. Pray make my best respects agreeable to Mr. McHugo,
fa. John, both the brothers Bryan and the rest of your family
and believe me to be most cordially etc. THO. BROODER.

Br. Dillany joins saluting you all.

I begg you give my service to the family at Derrihoran, ffahy,
Lismore and Captain Darcy. I seen Cosn Frank here and gives
me an account of Mr. Silvester, he hopes he will doe well.

[Endorsed] To Mr. James Madden at Milick near Eyrecourt in the
Co. of Gallway Ireland per London.

Dear Laurence Last post I was agreeably surprised by some
lines from you in Mr. Rourke's letter, a favour I had so long
before expected. If you have written before to our College it
was certainly an error I had forgot to apprise you of as it is
probable maney letters to me were intercepted. You will for
the future be more cautious and follow the directions in Mr.
Rourke's letter. I wish earnestly to know the state of your
affairs and also if Mrs. McKenna be well from whom I have so
long in vain expected to hear, and to whom you will present my
best respects. If she remember me, Irish news or even Spanish will
be agreeable. Salamanca October 1751. WILLIAM NUGENT.

A Don Ricard Butler Grd Ds. Ms. Ap para entryar a Don Lorenzo
McKenna. Madrid.

In the following we have a reference to the awful earthquake
of 1756 in which the Irish College of Lisbon was destroyed.

I believe you heard from Mrs. Burke her son is arrived safe from
India. The Rector doesn't mark what progress he made. Master
Kelly issued Divine [i.e. graduated in Theology] of Cassanate.
They'll want him at Lisbon if the College can be rebuilt, I am
told Mr. Bradley is gone there from Louvain. Perhaps he may
invent some scheme to help them. They intend to make a
generall collection in Spain. God send it will turn so beneficial
as they propose. We have repaired this old house last summer,
now it's stronger and more decent than ever, it cost us a hundred
dollers which is advanced in the rent, now we have it free for
foure yeares to come. We are all well. DOMINICK O'CONNOR.

To Patrick Kennedy at Clarinbridge, Gallway.

Among these letters perhaps the one that will be read with most
interest is that written by Father Nicholas Sheehy, who ten years
later was hanged at Clonmel the victim of politico-religious hatred.

Dear Paul Though it was yours to write first and give us an
account of your journey, I was before hand with you having
wrote to you the first Saturday after your departure which
Paddy inclosed to his father who I suppose delivered it to you
[who were] unkind enough neer to acknowlidge it. Your silence

172 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

in these circumstances would be sufficient to make me write no
more if not for the great regard I have for you which makes me
pass by all that's past, and beg you will answer to my former.
This day we received Deaconship from the Bishop of Tue at his
house and are to be priested next Sunday come seaven night.
Please to pray we may receive it worthyly and you may be
sure I will not forget you at the altar but will daily beseach the
Almighty to give you grace to persevere in your holy under-
takens to the last with satisfaction and health to undergoe your
Noviceship. The latter [i.e. health] we wanted here since your
departure so much that at the same time Mr. Roche, Paddy
Luis and I have been confined to our beds at the same time.
Mr. Roche and Luis only had the ague which worked them
very hard from which they are I hope free. Paddy's disease is
dubious. Some judge it to be an ague, and others say it is the
ptisick, he goes off to morrow with his father for Madrid, for the
physitians ordered him to change climate, the same I believe I
must do the same which is what I earnestly desire and would
bring it about before now if I had been priested. For the Doctor
though he tended me for three weeks he knew not my sicknes,
varying daily in his sayings and prescriptions so that he pestered
me with bleeding, purging, phisicking and his glisters, tho' I
believe they were of no service for I know my disease which I
conceal from all. The Rector read for me the other day a letter
he had from a Jesuit in Waterford wherein he had an account
of great broiles between the Clerimen caused as thus. The
Bishop stript or deprived the frier of his parish which he
gave to William Brown; the deposed frier made his address
to Counsellor Daubins [Dobbyn] a man whom you for his name
esteem. He promised to secure him his parish and endeavoured
to do so and was so vigorously opposed that he cited to the
assizes the adverse parties and had warrants issued out for the
Bishop [Creagh] Connery [V.G.] and Brown who were forced to
absent themselves, but would not desist from their undertakens
against the frier who is equally positive. The Catholics are
very much concerned for it and severall behave very warm on
it who have nothing to say to it. Father Fitzgerald was expected
in Ireland about September by the Jesuites, fr. Thomas Hennessy
the late Provincial is in a bad state of health as my uncle writes
to me whose letter I had lately with a Bill of twenty pound
so that by it I am very well to buy what ever you are pleased I
should carry home to your friends in your name. My mother
is in a bad state of health whom I recommend to your prayers
who I dread will depart this life before I can well leave the college.
I enchardged Fr. Lisward to tell Fr. St. Leger and severall
when he gets home of you more than you deserved and
have under his hand that he will complie if he arrives safe in
Ireland. What it was I should advise now if I had any hopes

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 173

this would get to you, which in all probability you will never
see, for tis hard [to believe] this young gentleman would be
let in to see you by them fathers who refused Mr. Terry admit-
tance four or five severall times he went to see you. Messrs.
White and Nugent they join me to salute you and wish both
[of them] content and satisfaction. Which Dear Paul with all
sincerity I wish you, hoping you will have me with yours as
soon as possible and you will oblidge dear Sir. Yours for ever
to command. SHEEHY.

St. Patrick's [Salamanca] October the 28, 1756 (ee).

But the Acts against Foreign Education were only means to
an end ; it was of far greater moment to secure that those educated
abroad did not make their way back into the country. Hence
a sharp look out was kept at all ports by mayors, harbour masters,
revenue collectors, tide-waiters, all Protestants and active up-
holders of "our happy constitution in church and state." These
officials, eager to distinguish themselves, reported to the executive
government any captures of special importance. Hence we have
ample particulars of the working of the Act 2 Anne, c. 4. A
selection of letters from different parts of the country may there-
fore be given here.

Youghall 26 June 1713.

Honoured Sirs, I had an account by Express from the Surveyor
att Dungarvan last Wednesday that the evening before he sent
out the Queen's Boat with Officers to board a ship that just
then came to an anchor in the Poole. The Officers rummadged
a fishing boat that had been aboard her and found therein a
stranger with a Trunck and Cloak bagg who tould them his
name was Cornelius Reynolds of Jamestown in the County of
Leitrim which place he left in the yeare 1681 and in a few months
after he was ordained a Priest in Spaine and hath been absent
from Ireland ever since but now growing old he resolved to spend
the remainder of his days with two poor sisters who were in
greate need of some few pence he had gott abroade. By the
same Express I directed the Surveyor to seize the boat and to
stay the ship untill your Highness pleasure could be known
because the Owner and Master had incurred great penalties.
I also advised him to commit the Priest to the charge of the
High Constable with directions to carry him before General
Stuart who yesterday morning by letter desired me to goe to
Dromana where I took Examinations sufficient with the Priest's

(ee) That this letter was written by the martyr-priest appears from a
comparison of the signature, with that on an Affidavit still preserved among
the Dublin Crown Records at the Record Office.

174 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

own confession to warrant his committment, and I sent him
away to Waterford Gaol. The General has promised to give
the Government a more particular account of this proceeding
by this night's post to which I refer your Honours being unwilling
to give up copies of so long Examinations. I begg your Honours
directions about severall Books, papers, Vestments, pieces of
new silk and calicoe found in the Priest's Trunk. I believe the
Judges of Assize will require me to deliver them on their order.
The Books and papers I can't send a particular of what was found
by this but I shall by the next post, because the Surveyor has
not yet sent me a schedule thereof.

Last Wednesday night pursuant to the directions I sent the Sur-
veyor he went to the Poole with intent to place more Officers
on board but he was resisted by the Master and crew all in
arms to the number of 25 men besides boys, and when Captain
Hubbard who was in the Queen's Boat and is in the Commission
of the Peace for that County enterposed they fired two shotts
into the Queen's Boat but hurt no body and soon after weighed
anchor and went off to the Eastward.

I examined the Priest yesterday on oath who was the Owner and
who the Master of that Vessell whether bound and what ladeing
had aboard but he said he knew noe more of him but that she
was laden with wine and salt and in the voyadge he heard them
say they were bound for the West of Ireland. The master of
the fishing boat swears that he knew one Richard Butler who
tould him he was Master of that Vessell. When I goe to Dun-
garvan on Wednesday I shall have a more particular account
from Mr. Pierce Sherlock who I am informed was some hours on
board. Honord Sir Your Most Obedient BR. BADHAM.

Directed to the Commissioners of Revenue.

Whether Captain Butler was captured or not does not appear.
As a harbourer of popish clergy he had incurred a penalty of 20,
and moreover was liable to be kept in prison at the will of the
local authority.

The humble Petition of Peter Darcy of Galway to his Excellency
Lord Rochester.

Sheweth That your petitioner is a native and merchant of Galway,
that in his youth he was bred in the West Indies, that he con-
tinued trading abroade, trading between Spain, France and the
West Indies till he came last to Paris and thence last October
to Gallway having his Maiesties Lycence for such his returne.

That your Petitioner is now taken upp and confined by the Mayor
of the said town of Gallway and denyes bayleing him alledgeing
that your Petitioner brought some ffryers upon his shipp from
France vnto this kingdom.

That your Petitioner knew nothing of any Act of Parliament

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE., 175

prohibitting the returne of Roman Catholicke Clergy into this
kingdom and that it was the Master of the shipp that agreed
with passengers and was to receive to his owne use the benefit
of such passengers. P. DARCY.

[Endorsed] Attorney Generall or Sollicitor.

If his Excellency was puzzled whether his humble petitioner

was a harbourer within the meaning of the Act, the following

from Galway also, was a more difficult poser :

Galway 30 March 1708

Sir I have an account that on board a frigate from China now in
Roundstone bay and expected hither the next fair wind there
is a ffrench popish Bishop and some other Roman Cleargy men
I desire to have the Government direction how I shall carry
myselfe towards him or whether he shall be permitted to land
for if he does, it is thought he will ordaine some young priests
here. Yours

To Secretary Dawson. J. EYRE.

Eyre seems to have got directions that no quarter was to be
given, for on the 30th April he acquaints Dawson that he has captured
the vessel with its crew and passengers.

Often the authorities were at a loss to know whether the sus-
picious arrivals were priests or not. Incriminating papers however
occasionally betrayed them, for testimonies of orders and of religious
profession had to be kept at all hazards. Many of these taken
from captured ecclesiastics are still preserved at the Record Office.

Infrascriptus attestor Fratrem Joannem Macguire post annum
sui probationis professionem seraphicam solemniter in meis
manibus in hoc conventu nostro de Gallbally hac die septima
Augusti 1742. FRANCISCUS ROURKE.

Furnished with this he made his way to some of the Irish
Franciscan houses abroad Louvain, Prague, or Rome. Three
years later he was captured on his return.

Brother John Maguire an Irish Friar Minor having completed his
Theology is about to return soon to the mission in his native
land sorely tried under the galling yoke of heretics (missionem
suae afflictae Patriae sub diro hereticorum jugo degentis).
Wherefore he seeks faculties for granting indulgences on the
point of death, blessing rosaries etc. December 20 1745.

Again the authorities were sometimes advised beforehand.
The Duke of Grafton, Lord Lieutenant, on 5th February, 1723,
acquaints the Lords Justices.

176 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

Lord Townsend sends me information of a vessel bound for Water-
ford having on board severall suspected persons who are said
to come from Rome or Spain with a considerable quantity of
gold and silver. You are to direct the officers on the coast to
keep a strict watch.

His Grace had indeed more than once to spur his deputies
into action. On 12th June previous he enclosed a letter from the
Customs Collector of Wexford reporting the arrest of a friar there
coming from Spain adding "It is proper that some endeavour be
used to apprehend John Begley the pretended Vicar-Generall [of
Limerick]."

In Youghal there had been complaints that arrivals there
had not been sufficiently scrutinized. After that the practice was
to hold up any persons whose identity or calling was unknown.
Thomas Uniacke, Mayor, on 24th April, 1724, petitioned the
Lords Justices that on the 20th October previous he had seized
and secured the following persons who came as passengers on the
ship Margery, of Dublin, bound to Dublin from Rouen, and whom
he had just reason to suspect were popish priests, viz., William
Butler, Paul Hally, James Graham, Nicholas Farrelly, Thomas
Stone, James Smith, Christopher Archbold, and Bryan Hopkins.
An order came that the trunks, books and papers belonging to
these persons should be forwarded to Dublin for examination, the
Master and passengers meanwhile to be kept prisoners in Youghal.
Since then the Mayor had heard nothing, and he now petitioned
for a grant of money towards his prisoners maintenance.

We meet with a similar complaint regarding Galway.

25 October 1701.

Sir My Lord Lieutenant having received information that two
friars lately landed at Galway out of a French ship arrived in
that port, and that two post days have since passed without
any account thereof being sent from you, his Excellency has
commanded me to let you know he is not well pleased with your
remissness in not advising him with the landing of any person
at your port contrary to the laws of this kingdom and expects
you will forthwith send up an account to me if those two
friars have been seized according to Act of Parliament and
are in custody and also what else has been done in that matter.

To the Mayor of Galway. Yours, FRANCIS GWIN.

But it was along the coast of southern Cork and the fiords

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. Ill

of West Kerry that most of this illegal traffic was carried on. The
enterprising smugglers who were running wine and brandy in
exchange for Irish wool, or the fast cruisers engaged in the export
of "Wild Geese" to France and Spain cared little for the penalties
attached to landing priests in Ireland. Hence the collectors and
other officers had need to be particularly active.

The Examinacon of Thomas Morgan of Crookhaven, Innkeeper,
taken before William Hull, Justice of the Peace etc. 9 January
1710.

Sayeth That in September 1708 one Patrick Grady of Crook-
haven seeing a shipp rideing by went in his boate on boarde of
the said shipp and there continued for some time but parteing
from the said shipp brought to [two] eminent men from boarde
which this Deponent vnderstood was ff ryers or cleargy out of ff ranee
and landed them on the land of Cuoseene in the parish of Skull,
that immediately after the said passengers landed one KeanMahon
of Meenterory came and received the said two persons and carryed
them with him to the said Mahon his father in laws house Edmund
Hodnett where he sheltered, harbored and kept them for some
time until he supplyed the said persons with.meate, drincke,
washinge and lodgeing, horses and furniture and afterwards
conveyed said persons to Corke. The aforesaid persons had arms.

To judge from the fact that arms were carried, the service at
times involved no little risk. The rewards however were ample.
Michael Parke writes to Secretary Dawson from Bantry, 15th
June, 1703:

I have a long time awaited their Excellencies pleasure in relation
to the rewarde I payed, in confidence that their Lordshipps
would againe reemburse me ffor the apprehending McGwire the
ffryer whom I comitted to Gaole who was thereuppon soone
after sent backe to France from whence he came, by Alderman
Rogers of Cork which I think ought not to barr me of the five
pounds.

From the neighbouring port of Kinsale were sent reports of
the capture of wondrous ecclesiastical dignitaries. George Pepper
writes to Dawson 23rd January, 1704 :

Yesterday I took up here a Jesuit one of the order of Cordeeliers
in his habitt whom I understood said some seditious words.
The ffrench priests taken on board our privateers are suffered
to go aboute the country and preach everywhere which I feare
will be of ill consequence.

But there was a greater coup even than the arrest of a Jesuit
who was "one of the order of Cordeeliers." In February, 1709,

N

178 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

their Excellencies the Lords Justices, were gratified with the
intelligence that a real live bishop (and a Spainard to boot) was
taken. Orders were at once issued to have him sent to Dublin,
and on 5th March, Pepper writes that the bishop has already com-
menced the journey. There was however a hitch ; their
Excellencies had reason to believe that the authorities at Kinsale
had discovered a mare's nest. On the 13th March we read :

Mr. John Anthony Knt. of the order of St. John for whom the
Government lately sent is here under the denomination of a
Spainish Bishop. I hope he'll make such discoveries as will
tend to her Maiesties service. Mr. Chudleigh is informed by
Mr. Pepper of that town that the said Bishop has aspersed him
with the taking of five pistolls from him which is as false as
God is true. If the Bishop has said any such thing of him he
is very unworthy besides ungrateful to one that used him very
civilly.

The affair soon after fizzled out with the discharge of the
"bishop."

In the harbour of Cork itself priests were captured from
time to time. Robert HiU writes to Dawson 21st June, 1702 :

Four Irish priests are brought to Gaol this day havinge left Nantz
about twenty dayes past and came in the Mary of Galloway
to Baltimore which was loaden with salt and Indigo and bounde
for Galloway.

Rowland Delahoyde, Mayor of Cork 1708-9, had the usual
share of Huguenot leaven ; he was a magistrate according to the
Executive's own heart.

NARCISSUS MARSH, R. FREEMAN.

Having received an account from Roland Delahide Esq. Mayor
of Corke that he has upon information given him seized severall
Bookes, papers and parchments in the custody of one Christopher
Martin a Registered Popish Priest containing matters of dangerous
consequence to her Maiesties person and government and there-
upon committed the said Martin to the Gaole of Corke which
Books the said Mr. Delahide transmitted to us. We do hereby
send you the said Books, papers and parchments and require
you to peruse and examine the same and Report vnto us the
substance therein contained and your Opinion what is fitt to be
done in order to the prosecution of said Martin. 22 Oct. 1708.

To Thos. Coote Justice of Queen's Bench and the Attorney and
the Solicitor General.

.REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 179

Corke 7 Decem. 1708.

Sir I am advised that Mr. Archdeacon who was concerned in the
buying and dispersing some of the priests books has petitioned
Government and set forth that some of his books and papers
were detained and be very much damadged he haveing severall
ships in the harbour. None of his books were taken from him
save his copy book of letters in which nothing very materiall
was found. But I am of opinion he having notice of the letter
we found among the priest his papers put him on his guard.
I have been informed the Council have been informed that
Martin the priest and Archdeacon have too much favour shown
them. For answer, on all occasions when any of that sort
are called in question they never want some Protestant to
appeare for them, but I do assure you while I have the honour
of serving this Citty I will never favour any one of them. The
priest has been confined ever since in the Common Gaole and
bound over in 1000 to appeare at the Assizes. I pray you
to believe none is more for the interest of the Protestant religion
than your most humble servant. ROWLAND DELAHOYDE.

Corke 30 August 1709.

Sir I hinted Mr. Attorney Generall last post of suspected persons
mett with at sea on board a Sloop coming to Corke and belonging
to one Captain Rickards of this town, who were suspected to
be priests and on examination I find them to be so, one of them
owning the same but Comins deneys it, he seeming a very sharp
fellow and under noe confirmation the onely paper found
with him mentioning his being a priest was torn in one halfe
in one pocket and the other in another, and pretends to be a
brewer. But I take him to be a jolly fat priest that loves a cup
of good brewer's ale. For Flanagan's part hee's a Taylor by
trade but owns himself a priest sayeing he learned the taylor's
trade when young. They own to have gone out of this kingdom
about sixteen years past and are now returning. I send you
a Coppy of the Leftenant of the man of warr's Examinacons
and the five papers of any worth found with him. They have
many mass books which I will have looked into. I desire you
let my Lordship know of this and that I may have his commands,
for till then they shall be continued in gaole where they have
been since yesterday 12 o'c. Your honour's humble servt.

Row. DELAHOIDE.

The liking for a cup of good ale ought surely have awakened
a kindly feeling in the Mayor's breast, for in a letter to Dawson,
24th June, 1719, he writes "I shall drinke to yr good health in
Bottle good Red." Perhaps it did, but still the search for priests
arriving in port was long kept up.

180 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

The humble petition of Thomas Price to their Excellencies the
Lords Justices etc.

Sheweth That one James Corbally a Reputed priest was taken
Prisoner by the Ambuscade privateer and brought into the
harbour of Corke. That by order of the Lord Lieutenant, Lord
Chesterfield, the said Corbally was brought prisoner to Dublin
26 December last and committed to your petitioner's custody
and continued therein from said 26 December 1745 to the 29
day of July 1746, wherefore he prays etc. for the sum of 101.

This series may be concluded with abstracts of a few docu-
ments illustrating the peregrinations made by Irish ecclesiastics
before an Irish harbour was run. The John Butler of the first
examination was afterwards the notorious bishop of Cork who
apostatised in succeeding to the Dunboyne peerage but who made
amends on his death bed by founding the "Dunboyne Establish-
ment" at Maynooth College.

On 30th October, 1758, John Fletcher, master of the Shannon
of Whitehaven, appeared before John Wennington, Justice of the
Peace in Whitehaven, and made complaint. That on the 17th of
October instant being at Bordeaux the Duke of Richelieu, governor
of Bordeaux, by force put aboard his ship four persons. On his
arrival at Whitehaven he delivered over the said four persons to
Peter How, a Justice of the Peace. Their examinations were
taken as follows :

John Butler of Grange, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Gentleman, now of
the age of twenty seven years. He was born at Grange in the
parish of Kiltinan. He is a single man and the third son of the
late Lord Dunboyne of Grange deceased. When of the age of
nineteen years he was sent to Italy for his improvement. He
went by way of Cadiz, Genoa and Leghorn to Rome. There he
remained some years, after which he returned back to Florence
and thence to Leghorn in hopes to meet a convoy for Ireland.
But failing in this he went to Marseilles and thence to Bordeaux.
He is of no business or employment, never took the oath of
allegiance to the King of France etc.

Philip Levings of Disert in the County of Louth, Gentleman, Is
thirty two years old, a single man, the third son of James Levings
of that place. He was educated in Ireland until his twenty
first year when he went to Lisbon for his improvement. Thence
he went to Seville and afterwards to Cadiz in which place he
remained some years. In 1755 he went thence to Rome where
he stayed some time to improve in the erudition and see the
curiosities of that part. From there in August last he proceeded

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 181

to Florence and Leghorn in hopes to return to Ireland. From
Leghorn he went to Marseilles and thence to Bordeaux where
he spent five weeks expecting a neutral vessel for Holland or
Spain in order to go thence to Ireland. He. is of no business or
employment and never took the oath of allegiance to the King
of France.

John Byrne of the City of Dublin of the age of twenty years. He
was born in James St. in that city. He left Dublin 14 August
1758 bound for Bordeaux to be an apprentice to Mr. Byrne
who is a merchant there. He was only two months in France
and cannot speak a word of French.

Henry Rice of Dingle in the County of Kerry, Bachelor of Physick.
He is twenty two years old, a single man and second son unto
Stephen Rice of Dingle. He studied humanity in Trinity
College Louvain, and philosophy in Lille. He went thence to
Montpellier in 1755 to study physick where he remained until
8 September last when he went to Bordeaux intending for Spain
or Holland whence he might return in a neutral ship home to
Ireland. He has never taken an Oath of Allegiance to the
King of France.

The foregoing will sufficiently illustrate the difficulties that
priests after their education and ordination abroad, had in making
their way into Ireland. But once within the country their troubles
only increased. They were held in a still closer mesh. For the
code contained an efficient machinery for discovering and entrap-
ping ecclesiastics who had come in or had returned in defiance of
the Acts 7, William III. and 2 Anne. The priests of the year 1704
were all obliged to furnish to the local authorities full particulars
whereby they might be identified. And accordingly as they died,
anyone venturing to officiate in the vacant parishes would at once
be observed and pounced upon. Finally as the registered priests
were not dying out fast enough the Act 8, Anne, compelled them to
take the Oath of Abjuration. On refusal they subjected themselves
to transportation and the other penalties enacted against regulars
and others exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The following
abstracts therefore will explain this portion of our subject :

III.

LAWS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF THE POPISH CLERGY ; FOR
ENFORCING THE OATH OF ABJURATION, ETC.

2 ANNE, C. 7.

1. All popish priests now in Ireland shall at the next quarter sessions
of the peace to be held in the several counties next after 24 June

182 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

1704 return their names and places of abode to the respective
clerks of the peace in the counties where the said popish priests
reside, with their age, the parish of which he pretends to be
popish priest, the "time and place of their first receiving popish
orders and from whom they received the same and shall then
enter into recognisance with two sureties each in the sum
of 50 that such popish priest shall be of peaceable behaviour
and not remove out of such county into any other part of the
kingdom.

All popish priests who shall not make such return being convicted
thereof shall be committed to the common gaol till they be
transported.

2. All popish priests so transported, upon their return into the
kingdom shall be liable to penalties inflicted on popish regulars.

All clerks of the peace shall transmit in ten days after the sessions,
the above described return on pain of 10, to the clerk of the
council, and the return may be viewed without fee.

4. No popish priest shall have any popish curate, assistant or
coadjutor and every popish priest that shall neglect to register
himself pursuant to this act shall depart out of this kingdom
before 20th day of July 1704 on pain of being prosecuted as a
popish regular.

5. This act shall be given in charge at every general assizes and
the list of such priests that are registered shall be publickly
read after the charge given.

The Registration Act was subsequently improved.

8 ANNE, C. 3.

19. No popish parish priest shall have any popish curate, assistant
or coadjutor and every popish parish priest that shall keep any
such popish curate, assistant or coadjutor shall lose the benefit
of having been registered and shall incur all the penalties of a
popish regular, and every such popish curate, assistant or coad-
jutor shall be deemed a popish regular.

26. No popish priest shall officiate or exercise the function of a
popish priest in any parish but that in which he did officiate
at the time of registration and for which he was registered
under the penalties that popish regulars convict are liable unto.

Under this Act one thousand and eighty-nine priests registered
themselves, viz. : one hundred and eighty-nine in Ulster, three
hundred and fifty-two in Leinster, two hundred and eighty-nine
in Munster, and two hundred and fifty-nine in Connaught (ff).

(ff) A List of the Names of the Popish Parish Priests throughout the
several Counties in the kingdom of Ireland together with their Places of
Abode, Age, etc. Dublin, Printed by Andrew Crook, Printer to the Queen's
Most Excellent Majesty, on the Blind-Key 1705, sm. fo.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 183

It will be remembered that the Government returns five years
earlier found only eight hundred and ninety-two secular priests
in the country. The discrepancy is explained by the fact that
many of the regulars remained in spite of the statute 9 William III.
For want of secular clergy they acted as parish priests and this
afforded them a serviceable disguise. We meet Jesuits, for instance,
registered for parishes in Dublin, Meath, Waterford and elsewhere.
But as a more curious evidence of how the law was evaded, the
only two bishops in the country, duly registered themselves with
full particulars. Archbishop Comerford of Cashel, sheltered by
the Mathews of Annfield, was living at Thurles, then a remote
village on the edge of the great bog of Monely. He passed as the
parish priest though his rank must have been known to the whole
country.

Com. Tipperar. and ) A List of the Names of the Popish Parish
Croc. Tipperar. J Priests as they were Registerd at the

General Sessions of the Peace held for the
said County at Nenagh the Eleventh day of July 1704.

No. 45. Name Edward Comerford. Place of Abode Thurles,
Age 60. Parish of which he pretends to be Popish Priest
Thurles. Time of his receiving Popish Orders 1669. Place
where he received Orders at Roan [Rouen]. From whom he
received them Andrew Lynch Bp. of Finnobore.

Similarly Bishop O 'Donnelly appointed to the see of Dromore
in 1697, lived in a humble cabin on the slope of Slieve Gullion,
overlooking Newry.

Com. Armagh ) A List of the Names of the Popish Parish Priests
/ as they are registered at a General Sessions of
the Peace held at Lurgan 10 July 1704.

No. 6. Patrick Donelly. Place of Abode Corrimallagh. Age
55. Parish of which he pretends to be Popish Priest That
part of the Parish of Newry that lies in the Co. Armagh. Time
of Receiving Popish Orders 1673. Where he received Orders
at Dundalk. From whom he received them Dr. Oliver Plunket
Popish Archbishop of Armagh. Sureties Names Terence
Murphy of Lurgan yeoman 50, Patrick Guinness of Lurgan
yeoman 50.

It is probable therefore that nearly all the priests then in Ireland
registered themselves. For it was believed that the aim of govern-
ment was merely to enforce the Acts, 9 Will. III. against regulars,
and 2 Anne against the recruiting of the priesthood from abroad,

184 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

and accordingly that the registration act was directed not against
the existing clergy but their successors. Hence they willingly
availed of the refuge which a legal recognition afforded. But
whether the original plan was to suffer the priesthood to die a
natural death or not, the opportunity now offered was too good
to be lost. The registration act had put the clergy fair on the
anvil, and it was resolved to strike them with the whole strength

of government.

8 ANNE, C. 3, SEC 23.

All popish priests who have been registered in pursuance of the
former act for registering the popish clergy shall take the oath
of abjuration before the 25th day of March 1710 in one of the
four courts at Dublin or at some quarter sessions where such
popish priests have been registered and upon neglect or refusal
and after the said 25th day of March celebrating mass or offici-
ating as a popish priest, such popish priest shall incur such
penalties and forfeitures as a popish regular clergyman convict
by the laws of this realm is liable unto.

THE OATH OF ABJURATION.

I A.B., do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess testify and
declare in my conscience before God and the world that our
sovereign lady Queen Anne is lawful and rightful queen of this
realm and of all other her majesty's dominions and countries
thereunto belonging. And I do solemnly and sincerely declare
that I do believe in my conscience that the person pretended to
be Prince of Wales during the life of the late King James and
since his decease pretending to be and taking upon himself the
style and title of King of England by the name of James the
Third hath not any right or title whatsoever to the crown of this
realm or any other the dominions thereto belonging. And I do
renounce, abjure and refuse any allegiance or obedience to him ;
and I do swear that I will bear faith and true allegiance to her
majesty Queen Anne and her will defend to the utmost of my
power against all traitorous conspiracies and attempt what-
soever which shall be made against her person, crown or dignity ;
and I will do my best endeavour to disclose and make known
to her majesty and her successors all treasons and traitorous
conspiracies which I shall know to be against her or any of them ;
and I do faithfully promise to the utmost of my power to support,
maintain and defend the limitation and succession of the crown
against him the said James, and all other persons whatsoever
as the same is and stands limited by an act intitled "An act
declaring the Right and Liberties of the Subject, and settling
the Succession of the Crown to her present Majesty and the
Heirs of her Body being Protestants" and as the same by one

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 185

other act intitled" An act for the further Limitation of the Crown,
and better securing the Rights and Liberties of the Subject, is
and stands limited after the decease of her Majesty and for de-
fault of Issue of her Majesty, to the Princess Sophia Electress
and Dutchess Dowager of Hanover and the Heirs of her Body
being Protestants," and all these things I do plainly and sincerely
acknowledge and swear according to the express words by me
spoken and according to the plain and common sense and under-
standing of the same words without any equivocation, mental
evasion or secret reservation whatsoever ; and I do make this
recognition, acknowledgment, abjuration, renunciation and
promise heartily willingly and truly upon the true faith of a
Christian. So help me God.

The situation created by this law is admirably described in
an anonymous pamphlet, printed in Dublin in 1724, entitled "The
Case of the Catholics of Ireland Humbly represented to both
Houses of Parliament." It is supposed to have been written by
Cornelius Nary, parish priest of St. Michan's, Dublin.

I am no ways concerned at taking the oath of allegiance, which is
the law of nature and which the common practice of all nations
allows me to take with a safe conscience to any prince who con-
quers me and the country of which I am a member, though he
be never so great a tyrant or usurper even to the Czar of

Muscovy or the Grand Turk x\s to the oath of

abjuration there is a vast difference. For there are some clauses
in it to the truth of which no Roman Catholic at least I am
convinced I cannotin conscience swear. I shall single out
three. First I am required to swear that I believe in my con-
science the late King James or the Pretender has no right or
title whatsoever to the crown of England. Now I am so far a
stranger to the right and titles of Kings and princes (and I am
sure most of my profession if not all, in this kingdom are so)
that I would not take such an oath to any King, prince or
potentate in Europe with respect to all such pretenders to their
crowns. For to be able to swear it, I must have sure and certain
grounds for my belief. But this is what I could never yet find.
Nay many divines and persons of note of the Church of England
have and do still believe that neither the late King James nor
the Pretender has forfeited his right to the crown. And I am
sure all the divines and lawyers in France, Spain and Italy are
of the same opinion. How then can I or any other Roman
Catholic in this kingdom ground my belief to swear he has not ?

Secondly there is another clause requiring men to sy/ear they will
maintain the succession in the Protestant line. N'OW how many
Roman Catholics, continuing such, can in conscience take such

186 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

an oath ? For I am sworn (should I take the said oath) to
withdraw my obedience from King George and his successors
in case he or his successors should become Roman Catholics.
Nor is this an imaginary case. The King of Navarre, Henry IV,
was once a Protestant and became a Roman Catholic. The
Duke of Saxony, now King of Poland, was a Protestant but is
now a Roman Catholic ; and to come nearer home Charles II.
and King James his brother both became Roman Catholics.
How if it should so happen that the royal family should embrace
the religion which I profess, could I in conscience violate my
oath of allegiance, and to my power be aiding and assisting in
dethroning them for what in my opinion and belief they ought

to do ?

The third clause in the oath runs thus "I make this recognition
heartily, willingly" etc. I shall only remark that to my certain
knowledge many a man as well Protestant as Catholic has taken
the oath with aching hearts and no other way willingly than as
a sailor in a storm throws his goods overboard to save his life.

This last and most drastic act against priests not only created
consternation at home but fluttered the Catholic chancellories in
Europe. A few years before when it was proposed to impose the
Oath of Abjuration the Catholics had successfully petitioned the
English Privy Council. If this law were enacted, they said :

No priest could remain in Ireland ; none could come thither
from abroad under penalty of high treason ; and no Catholic
could live there, being barred the exercise of his religion.

They humbly hoped her Majesty would refuse to consent to a law
which was a breach of faith.

Petitions to England being now of no avail, the help of Catholic
Europe was sought. Father Bonaventure De Burgo was sent
from Rome to the Emperor. He was the ally of Marlborough, and
Marlborough was virtual ruler of England. The Kings of Poland
and Portugal, the Duke of Genoa and other minor potentates
also intervened. In vain, however, all representations made by
the foreign ambassadors were met as on a former occasion by bold,
deliberate lying (gg). English statesmen had now the opportunity
once and for all of getting rid of priests and Catholicism, and were
not to be deprived of it by mere diplomatic pressure.

There remain now to be considered the laws forbidding

(gg) Spicilegium Ossoriense, Vol. II. Klopp's Der Fall des Hauses Stuart
passim.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 187

*

marriages between Protestants and Catholics. Here we are not
concerned with the disabilities and penalties inflicted on the con-
tracting parties but only with the sections that affected priests.

IV.
9 WILLIAM III, C. 28.

1. No Protestant woman possessed of or heir to real estate or
personalty of the value of 500 shall take to husband any person
without having first having obtained a certificate from the
minister of the parish, bishop of the diocese and neighbouring
Justice of Peace (or any two of them) that he is a known Pro-
testant.

3. In case any popish priest or other person shall join in marriage
any Protestant woman having any of the said estates to any
person without having such certificate, such popish priest or
other person for every such offence shall on conviction suffer
one year's imprisonment and forfeit 20.

6 ANNE, C. 16.

3. If any person shall by subtilty or threats persuade the son of
any person having real estate to the yearly value of 50, or
personal estate to the value of 500, to contract matrimony
without the consent of his parents or guardians, before he attain
the age of 21 years, such person shall be disabled etc.

6. If any popish priest shall celebrate the marriage of such person
aforesaid, or shall celebrate matrimony between any persons
knowing at the time either of them is a Protestant, every such
priest on conviction shall be judged to be a popish regular.

8 ANNE, C. 3.

28. Any popish priest prosecuted for offending against the statute
6 Anne, c. 16, it shall be concluded that the said popish priest
did celebrate matrimony knowing that they or one of them
was a Protestant, unless he shall produce certificates from the
ministers of the parties that the said persons were not Protestants.

12 GEO. I, C. 3.

1 . If any popish priest or reputed popish priest or person pretending
to be a popish priest shall celebrate marriage between two
Protestants or reputed Protestants or between a Protestant or
reputed Protestant and a papist, such popish priest shall be
guilty of felony.

2. It shall be lawful for any two Justices of the Peace to summon
persons suspected to be married by such popish priest, or to
have been present at the celebration of such marriage, and
examine such persons on oath when and by whom such marriage
was celebrated.

19 GEO. II, C. 13.

1. Every marriage celebrated after 1st May 1746 between a papist
and any person who hath been a Protestant at any time within

188 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

'.

twelve months of such celebration, or between two Protestants
if celebrated by a popish priest, shall be absolutely null and void.

The difficulties of obtaining evidence against priests officiating
at such marriages are obvious. But very little was needed, and
if marriage could not be proved, the celebrating of mass easily
could be, so that the obnoxious priest could be dealt with.

County of Cork.

The Information of Francis Fling of Mallow taken before John
Dillon and John Raymond two of his Majesties Justices of the
Peace 28 Aprill 1749.

Said Informant being sworn etc saith that on Saturday Aprill 15
he met with Father John Everard or Hard a reputed popish
priest after night fall on the walks of Mallow leading to the
Well who had some conversation with the said Fr. John Everard
or Hard relative to the Marriage of Randal Kells and Elizabeth
Phillpot both of the town of Mallow. Said Fr. John Everard
or Hard told this Informant the Danger the Priest was in who
had marryed the said Randal Kells and Elizabeth Phillpot and
that his neck was in the Halter or some words to that Effect
and cautioned this Informant how he made any discovery
relative to such marriage as may indanger the said Priest as
did marry. This Informant verily believeth such caution to
him was lest he may make any discovery as may indanger him
the said Father. Said Informant met Patrick Terrant of Mallow
about 10 o'clock of night said Randall Kells and said Elizabeth
Phillpot were marryed, and told him he believed said Randal
was going to be marryed.

Robert Philpott Appothecary, being sworn etc. saith On Saturday
night being the 9th instant finding that his daughter Elizabeth
was missing, he caused diligent search to be made and in a short
time had an account that she was at Mrs. Mary Breretons in
Mallow with Randal Kells of Mallow, Shopkeeper, who insisted
that the said Elizabeth was his wife. And he is convinced in
his conscience that the said felonious marriage was celebrated
by John Everard who for severall yeares past has performed
the business and office of a popish priest to wit, marrying, saying
of mass and christening etc. and verily believes that he has
clandestinely married severall of the Protestant religion and
verily believes has seduced severall Protestants so as to be of
the Popish religion.

Upon the general issue of Everard's being an officiating popish
priest there was a whole sheaf of informations. Bartholomew
White, Maurice Power, and John Hays swore they

Were at the public mass celebrated by Fr. John Everard at the

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 189

chappell near the Fair place on Sunday 26 March last and he
then appeared in his vestments.

This was enough for the Cork Grand Jurors.

We find and present that John Everard otherwise Hard a popish
priest of the town of Mallow who stands indicted for celebrating
mass contrary to Law and also for marrying Randal Kells and
Elizabeth Phillpot two Protestants of the Church of Ireland
as by Law Established, is a dangerous person out on his keeping
and has not stood his tryall for these crimes. We therefore
petition your Lordships he may be proclaimed.
Signed Robert Longfield, Richard Con [and fourteen others.]
[Endorsed] At a General Assizes and General Gaol Delivery held
at the King's Old Castle in and for the County of Cork 5 August
1751.

Whether Everard was run to earth or after due proclamation
shot down by the first furious Protestant he met, does not appear.
But this is certain that no priestly ministrations kindled such angry
passions and were so fiercely resented as assisting at marriages
where one or both parties were Protestant. In 1726 Rev. Timothy
Ryan was arrested by the Mayor of Limerick, Lieutenant-General
Thomas Pierse, on a charge of marrying a Protestant to a Catholic
wife. He was tried at the assizes and executed.

The code being complete we may consider here what machinery
there was for enforcing it. In the first place it is to be remembered
that the whole military and civil services of the country were to
a man Protestant. From the Lord Lieutenant down to the tide-
waiter at the port, and the revenue collector in the country, all
were Protestants. So too were the county officials, and so the
borough and parish constables. But behind these was a force
far more numerous and effective. The two revolutions had set
down in the country an omni-present garrison of planters. Sprung
from the Puritan middle class at once the narrowest and most
energetic of English types they had possessed themselves of the
land of the Amorrhites by force, and by force they meant to keep
it. Now upon these the administering of the popery laws mainly
depended. They composed the magistracy and the grand juries ;
they made up the petty juries in all cases into which religion entered;
they formed the quorum at quarter sessions. Having crushed the
old gentry into pauperism or driven them abroad, only the priests

190 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

remained to lead the multitudinous idolaters around them. Hence
they eagerly co-operated in the work of extermination. When
every other year they .met in parliament their rancour often outran

the laws themselves.

30 October 1707.

Resolved nemine contradicente that all popish priests within this
kingdom are obliged to take the Oath of Abjuration by the laws
in force in this kingdom and all such priests refusing or neglecting
to take the same ought to be prosecuted for such refusal or
neglect.

Resolved nemine contradicente that it is the indispensible duty of
all Judges and Magistrates to put the said laws in execution
against popish priests.

Needless to say, such was not the law as it then stood.

20 August 1709.

Resolved that it appears to this House that several popish titular
Bishops and regular clergymen of the Church of Rome are
lately come into this kingdom and exercise within the same,
foreign jurisdiction and continue the succession of the Romish
priesthood by ordaining great numbers of popish clergymen.

Resolved that the laws now in force against popish Bishops and
regulars coming or returning into this kingdom are defective
in the detection of such persons and their harbourers and that
such defect hath chiefly occasioned the coming or returning of
such popish Bishops and regulars into this kingdom.

21 June 1710.

Ordered that a Committee be appointed to inquire and examine
in what manner the two Acts to prevent the further growth
of popery have been executed and how they have been evaded
and that they have power to send for persons, papers and records.

From these and similar resolutions one may appreciate the
temper of the class upon whom devolved the execution of the
popery laws. Even if they felt inclined to mitigate the rigours
of the law, they had little discretion. The statute 4 Anne, c. 2,
for example enacted :

All justices of the peace, sheriffs, high and petty constables and
all other subjects are required to use their utmost diligence
in apprehending clergymen of the popish religion and other

' persons exercising the functions of a popish priest and not regis-
tered.

If any mayor, justice of the peace or other officer, voluntarily
shall neglect their duty in execution of this act every such
mayor, justice of the peace and other officer, shall for every

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 191

such neglect forfeit fifty pounds to be recovered by action of
debt etc. wherein no essoign etc. shall be allowed nor more than
one imparlance, one moiety thereof to the Queen and the other
moiety to the informer or person that shall sue for the same.

The penalties on magistrates not enforcing the law were on
a fixed scale 50 for not apprehending an unregistered priest ;
100 for knowingly permitting a priest to come into the kingdom
from abroad ; 100 for conniving at the presence of a bishop or
regular clergyman in the country. Moreover in these latter cases
there was the further penalty of removal from the commission
of the peace.

If the evidence of magisterial zeal is not as complete in detail
as one could desire, the records of the central government on the
other hand leave little doubt as to the strenuous efforts to enforce the
code. From 1708 onwards in lengthening intervals to the middle
of the century there is a series of proclamations against the popish
clergy. Sometimes it is a general order to quit the country ;
sometimes a proclamation against a particularly obnoxious -priest ;
sometimes a promise of reward for the capture of persons who had
rescued a friar or dignitary. Furthermore the judges going circuit
received special mandates. Two of these for the year 1715 may
be given.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE JUDGES THAT GO TO THE LENT CIRCUITS

IN MARCH 1714-5.

3. To Enquire and give Special Charge to the Grand Juryes to
return what Registered Priests are dead in their severall Counties
what parishes they belonged to, if any have succeeded and who
they are.

4. To Enquire who were the securities for the severall priests
whether such securities are dead and not to be found and certifie
their names to the Justices.

5. To Enquire strictly what priests or reputed priests have come
from Foreign Parts into this kingdom since the Act ; to present
their names, Places of Abode and Harbourers.

6. What persons have transgressed the Act for Foreign Education
and oblige those suspected to produce their children according
to the Act.

10. To put the laws in Execution against all Popish Regulars
reputed Regulars and all such as pretend to or assume any
Jurisdiction.

192 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE JUDGES SUMMER CIRCUIT 1715.

6. Whereas we understand that severall popish priests have been
convicted and still lie in Gaol when they ought according to
Law to be transported. You are to Enquire into this matter
and into the reason why they have not been transported and
to return their names and the Gaols where they lie to the Chief
Governors, and order the Sheriff immediately to take care that
they be transported and if you perceive that the Sheriff cannot
get them out of the kingdom for the Premium allowed, you are
to take care that they be removed to Dublin that the Govern-
ment may order their transportation.

How the judges interpreted their instructions may be gathered
from a charge made to the Kilkenny Grand Jury at the summer
assizes 1714. It was by that model judge, Sir Richard Cox.

Popery and the Pretender are the greatest and most irreconcile-
able enemies we have in the world. As for popery it is an im-
placable enemy to all sorts of Protestants. It considers them
all as excommunicated heretics and consequently as lying under
the curse of God here and the sentence of eternal damnation
hereafter. The papists think us not worthy of Christian burial
and where they have power they will not allow it. They say
that out of their church there is no salvation and that out of
their communion there is no church. Too many of them think
we are incorrigible rebels and have no title to our lands nor
much to our goods ; and consequently if they had opportunity
would think it meritorious to deprive us of both. And of this
our ancestors had woful experience in the barbarous and bloody
rebellion of 1641, and we ourselves in the late rebellion of 1689
when two thousand of us were by name attainted by a sham
Act of Parliament some women, some children, some who
had never seen the kingdom. Now Gentlemen you ought to
observe that this popery which is so dangerous and spiteful
to you, is also irreconcileable. For the pretended infallibility
will not suffer papists to reform any error how gross soever,
or make one step towards you. So that there can be no peace
with Rome without swallowing all her superstitions and idolatries
and without believing that monstrous doctrine of Transub-
stantiation which everybody knows to be false. Besides if you
would conform to their religion, interest will not let them be
reconciled to you, as. long as the forfeited estates and the Clergy

keep the honours and profits of the Church

Therefore it is absolutely necessary that all Protestants should
unite for their common preservation since there are no other
means left to subdue those numerous, indefatigable and im-
placable enemies.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 193

Besides instructions to judges, the Council took into consider-
ation how to make the laws more effective for their purpose.

By the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland.
Ordered that a Committee be appointed of the whole board or any
three of them (whereof one of the Chief Judges to be one) to
inspect the several Acts of Parliament now in force against
Popish Priests in this kingdom and that the said Committee do
forthwith report to this Board what methods they conceive to
be the most proper to hinder any person from officiating as a
preist or exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction in this kingdom
contrary to law 29 October 1716.

Nor is it to be supposed that the popery acts were given in
charge only in seasons of special excitement. There is ample
evidence that informations were sworn under them and present-
ments based on them more regularly and for a longer period than
is generally thought. Even so late as December, 1760, the Grand
Juries of Dublin City and County were charged to enquire and
present offences against the Foreign Education Act, and the
statutes of premunire (M).

Again when reports came in from parts of the country of
priests arriving, or of persons supposed to be dignitaries exercising
jurisdiction, the executive took care to keep the magistrates up
to concert pitch.

We are informed that the children of papists are frequently sent
from severall parts of the Country beyond the Seas for Forreigne
Education and that the Popish Priests who are not Registered
or who have not taken the Oath of Abjuration do all over the
kingdom officiate as Parish Priests without being taken notice
of or punished for the same. We are very sensible that Justices
of the Peace not only know these practices are directly contrary
to Acts of Parliament lately passed in this kingdom but that
the Government has frequently required them to put the Law
in Execution- against such practices. We do therefore hereby
require you to acquaint the said Justices of the Peace herewith
and let them know We do expect they will for the future show
their duty to her Maiesties authority, and zeal for the same by
being active and diligent in putting the laws in Execution against
persons going out of this kingdom for Foreigne Education
against all Popish Schoolmasters, against all Papists exercising
Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and all Regulars of the Popish Clergy
which have come into this kingdom or are remaining therein

(hh) A charge to the Grand Juries, etc., by the Hon. Christopher Robin-
son, Second Justice of the King's Bench, Dublin, 1760.

O

194 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

and the harbourers and concealers of them. Against all Popish
priests which have come into this kingdom and against all
Curates and Assistants to the Popish Clergy. Against Popish
Priests officiating in any parish without being registered, or
without having taken the Oath of Abjuration or officiating in
any other parish then those for which they were Registered.
SHREWSBURY, THOMAS [Archbishop of] Armagh, CON. PHIPPS
[Lord Chancellor], WILLIAM [Archbishop of] Dublin, JOHN
[Archbishop of] Tuam, MOUNT ALEXANDER, ABERCORN, WILLIAM
[Bishop of] Meath, EDMUND [Bishop of] Down and Connor, etc.

28 May 1714.

The magistrates on their part complained that if there were
any neglect in enforcing the popery laws it was through the fault
of the executive. Lord Chancellor Phipps had harangued the
Dublin bench, and actually charged them with conniving at the
celebration of mass in that city. The curious reply was :

What magistrates are remiss Even those of his own making.
His Lordship to increase the number of men of loyalty, has put
most of the new converts into the Commission of the Peace
and it is from these magistrates that priests not registered accord-
ing to law, find shelter and protection, and dare in defiance of the
laws to say mass openly. That encouragement should be given
to new converts I allow, but for a man of forty years who has
all his life lived a violent Roman Catholic on his coming over
to the Church of Ireland to be put into the Commission of the
Peace, is a piece of policy beyond my understanding. Can he
immediately forget all his friends and relations ? Can he be so
deaf to the ties of relationship as to give up a priest, his cousin
or perhaps brother, to be prosecuted ? (ii).

Kindly human nature will however send its growths through
the hardest soil. Often the devotion and self-sacrifice of the
priest gained him the sympathy and forbearance of his Protestant
neighbour ; often too that touch of sport which makes the world
kin, came to his relief. The following curious letter was found
among the papers of the late Lord Howth:

My Lord I have had the honour of being acquainted with your
Lordship when last you were in this country at Turlevaghan.
I have a fine Bitch well bred for your Lordship, I will bring her
to you next April if these Acts permit me to stay in the kingdom
so long. I never offended King or Government. I bred only

(ii) Resolutions of the House of Commons in Ireland relative to Lord
Chancellor Phips with remarks on the Lord Chancellor's speech by a Member
of Parliament London. 1714.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 195

good Hounds of all sorts, a double sort of Wolf Dogs. If this
be an Offence to the Government and whistling a Tune, I never
will be guilty of it again. If you Expell me, pray give me a
little time untill my Whelps are able to travell as far as Vienna
in Germany where I have a harty welcome from Prince Eugenius
and the Prince of Swartzenberg who keeps the finest kenel of
hounds in all Germany. There is not a King in Europe that
keeps as good and as fine a kenel as the Prince of Swartzenberg.
I seen all, and none comparable to it. Your Lordship can doe
a great deal in this affaire, I hope if possible you will have me
exempted, as I know you can if you please. You will have a
greater loss by my being out of the kingdom than being in the
kingdom. I am My Lord, Your Lordships humble friend and
servant. JOHN GINKINS.

Tuam, Nov. 19.

I will be uneasy until I hear from your Lordship in Tuam.

But the friendly magistrate had to reckon with the informer.

Dublin Castle 4 March 1711-2.

Sir My Lords Justices having communicated to the Council a
letter received from Francis Burton Esq. giving an account
that there are in your County several non-juring popish priests,
some Regulars and others who exercise Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
who ought to be taken up, but as for the registered Priests non
jurors if information he given against them that they execute
ecclesiasticall offices the Justices of the Peace will issue their
warrants against such. These are Mr. Burton's own words. In
answer to which his Excellency and their Lordships are extreamely
surprised to find there are so many popish priests in your County
and no account from you of your having seized and committed
any of them to Gaole in pursuance of his Excellencies and their
Lordships express commands signified in my letter of the 26th
of last month. I am again to repeat to you their former com-
mands in causing all popish priests, whether they have taken
the Oath of Abjuration or not or whether they are registered
or not to be immediately seized and committed to Gaole. His
Excellency and their Lordships do highly resent your neglect
and disregard of their orders. So to compensate that omission
you will exert yourself with more than ordinary diligence and
zeale in seizing and committing the priests, and in returning an
account to me what you have done therein with a Certificate of
the Gaoler of the County of the number and names of the priests
committed to his care. Your most humble servant

To Wm Butler Esq. at Ennis. J. DAWSON.

Here is a worse example of connivance :

Council Office Dublin Jany. 4, 1713.

Sir I am commanded by their Excellencies the Lords Justices
and Council to send you the enclosed Examination [missing]

196 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

against Francis Baker Mayor of Youghall and Francis White for
taking money to allow Popish Priests to say mass in the town of
Youghall, with their Excellencyes directions that you cause them,
to be prosecuted according to Law. I am etc.

J. DAWSON.
To Sir Richard Levinge, Baronett, her Majestyes Attorney Generall.

It is probable also that in many cases magistrates interpreted

the law liberally. ^ , v n ,, _ _ . .,_,_

J Dublin Castle 5 December 1712.

Some Queries having been sent up from severall Counties to the
Lords Justices concerning popish priests committed pursuant to
the late Proclamation of the Lords Justices and Council, Their
Excellencies and Lordships directed the Cheife Judges to con-
sider thereof and return an answer thereto to the direction of
the severall Justices of the Peace ; and the Cheife Judges having
laid before their Excellencies their opinion therein I am directed
to send you a copy thereof to be communicated to the Justices
of the Peace of your County at the next Quarter Sessions.

J. DAWSON.
[Enclosure].

Questions proposed to their Excellencies the Lords Justices of
Ireland and their Answers.

1.

Whether Popish Archbishops, Bishops, Vicars Generall, Deans,
Jesuits, Monks, Fryars or any other of the Regular Popish Clergy
or any Papist exercising any Ecclesiastical! Jurisdiction who
did not depart out of this kingdom before the first day of May
1698 or did come into it from any place beyond the Sea after
the 29th day of December 1697 being taken or committed by
one or more Justices of the Peace to prison may be bailed ?

Answer. They may be bailed till Tryall and Conviction but if
after Conviction and Transportation any of them return, it is
Treason and not bailable by Justices of Peace.

2.

Whether secular priests who are not registered or being registered
have not taken the Oath of Abjuration and yet exercise their
function out of their Parish or that have any curate, assistant
or Coadjutor or that have come into this kingdom since the
first day of June 1703, are to be treated as Regulars ?

Answer. They are to be treated as Regulars, and baylable till
Conviction as aforesaid.

3.

Whether the Reward of 20 for apprehending Regular or Secular
Popish Clergy does extend to such priests, or which of them ?

Answer. It extends to all of them.

4.

Whether the witnesses against them should have personall summons

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 197

to appear before Justices of Peace or whether summons in writing
left at their habitation will be sufficient ?

Answer. The summons ought to be personall else the penalty
should not be inflicted (kk).

Though for the first quarter of the century government bent
itself with all its strength to the working of the code, the results
were not commensurate.

Quid leges, sine moribus

Vanae proficiunt ?

Father Nary wrote in 1724. "It is certain that of eleven
hundred Roman Catholic priests who were registered pursuant to
the act of parliament for that purpose, not above thirty-three
priests ever took the Oath of Abjuration ; and of these thirty-
three one half are now dead ; and of the registered priests more

than two-thirds Must the civil and quiet priests

who have lived these many years in the country be destroyed for
the indiscretion of other priests whose coming they knew nothing
of, nor if they had, was it in their power to prevent ?" So that
not only had the statute against priests coming into the country
broken down, but the vast mass of those known and registered were
living as outlaws in defiance of government. This fact is borne
out by authorities on both sides. The Commons Journal records :

19 December 1713.

Ordered that all Justices of the Peace and Clerks of the Crown
and Peace throughout this kingdom do immediately after next
quarter sessions certify to this House what popish registered
priests have taken the Oath of Abjuration and what priests
having neglected to take the said Oath do still exercise their
functions of priests.

Ordered that all Justices of the Peace and Clerks of the Crown
and Peace do at the next quarter sessions certify to this House
what popish priests not registered or who have neglected to
take the Oath of Abjuration have exercised their functions
since the time they ought to have been so registered or taken
the said Oath and whether any and what prosecution hath been
had against them for so doing.

Ordered that all sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Clerks of the Crown
and Peace and gaolers do certify this House what priests have

(kk) [Added] As neare as I could collect the sense of the Judges they
all agree in the above answers which I pray you communicate to their Ex-
cellencies, from your humble servant RICHARD Cox.

198 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

been convicted pursuant to the late Act and which of them
have been transported and which not, with the causes of their
not being transported.

The continuance of the priests in the country was indeed a
constant source of complaint by the Protestant clergy. Secretary
Sunderland was in 1715 apprised by Archbishop King of Dublin :

For want of a due execution of the laws many priests are come in
from foreign parts and there are in the country Popish bishops
concealed that ordain many. Little inquiry of late has been
made into these matters.

In May, 1723, Nicholson, bishop of Derry, writes :

The present insolence of our Popish clergy is unspeakable. Our
law makes it death for any of them (not qualified and licensed
as the Act of Parliament directs by taking the oath of abjuration)
to officiate ; and yet I am abundantly assured that very lately
in my own diocese four or five masses were openly .said by as
many different priests over the corpse of an executed robber,
whose funeral rites were celebrated with as pompous and numerous
an attendance as if the man had died knight of the shire (//).

The executive blamed the magistrates and the magistrates
blamed the law. The most elaborate contrivances for the detection
and capture of the bishops and priests had failed to work. When
a priest was caught, it could not be extorted from him who the
ordaining prelate was, for several hands had been imposed on him
at the same time.

And whereas they have conferred popish holy orders on popish
priests who were not popish priests at the time of the registring,
which they perform by laying on of the hands of many of the
popish priests together to the intent that the party himself so
receiving the said holy orders may not know in whom the power
of conferring such popish holy orders was lodged. For the
more effectual prevention of the mischiefs be it enacted etc.
(8 Anne, c. 3, s. 25).

Again the simple expedient of hanging a curtain between the
priest and the congregation not only outwitted the professional
spies but rendered the inquisitions devised by the statute, utterly
useless. For thereby Catholics hearing mass were enabled to
disclaim on oath all knowledge of the identity of the priest. Parlia-
ment however did not yet despair ; each session brought forth

(II) Quoted by Lecky.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 199

new plans. Though none of these got into the statute book a
few deserve to be recorded as they afford singular evidence of the
frantic bigotry of the times. In 1723 the Lord Lieutenant invited
the faithful Commons to consider how the code could be amended
and the outlawed priests brought to justice. The result was a
bill which in the words of Lecky "deserves to rank with the most
infamous edicts in the whole history of persecution" (mm). But
there were lower levels still. In 1719 the Irish Privy Council
made a proposal to the English cabinet for the extirpation of the
priests which can hardly be discussed in decent history. And the
episode should never find a place in these pages were not the facts
long denied, and was there not in our own day an attempt by the
most popular of English historians to misrepresent them. Govern-
ments in frenzied panic or under the stress of great provocation
have from time to time been guilty of great cruelty or baseness,
but it may be questioned whether in cold blood and in the course of
routine administration any similar proposal was ever made. For
there is here no plea of domestic treason or an enemy at the gates.
The country was in profound peace and a peace moreover which
could not be broken. The Duke of Bolton, Lord Lieutenant,
writes to the English Council, 8th July, 1719 :

I must owne I thinke wee have not much reason to apprehend
intestine commotion from the Irish. The Protestants are well
affected and in such condition as to be able in conjunction with
the remaining part of the army to prevent any disturbance from
the natives while there may be a necessity of employing some of
the forces of this kingdom in another place.

Yet on the 14th July the Commons

Ordered that leave be given to bring in heads of a bill for better
securing the Protestant interest of this kingdom by further
amending the several Acts of Parliament to prevent the further
growth of Popery and that Mr. Trotter, Mr. Attorney General,
Mr. Solicitor General, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Marlay, and Mr. Ward
do prepare and bring in the same.

The bill was introduced on 4th August, and six days later
Mr. Trotter was ordered to attend the Lord Lieutenant with the bill
and request him to have it transmitted to England. In sending
the bill, his grace writes to Secretary Craggs:

(mm) See Bill in full in Appendix.

200 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

Dublin Castle 25 August 1719.

Sir I have transmitted to the Lords Justices [of England] by
this Pacquet nine more of the Publick Bills which will not I
believe be found liable to many objections so as to take up much
of your time. The Popery Bill as it came from the House of
Commons inflicted no greater Punishment on the Priests of the
Roman Religion than that of burning on the Cheek ; but it
being observed that when that punishment was executed in this
kingdom in other cases, the Rapparees in their Robberies
made it a Common practice to brand innocent persons with
that mark in order to destroy the distinction it was intended
for. And that nothing less than a very severe punishment
would be effective to prevent the frequent arriving of priests
here it was thought proper by the Privy Council to deter them
with the penalty of Castration. If that be thought in England
too severe yet as the Bill contains severall very material clauses
and very beneficiall to the Protestant Interest I cannot but
think it very proper to be returned whatever alteration may be
made in that particular And am with very great truth Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

BOLTON.

The letter of the Irish Privy Council urging the measure was

sent two days later.

Council Chamber, Dublin Castle,

27th of August 1719.

My Lords We herewith transmit to your Excellencies the following
bill " An Act for Securing the Protestant Interest of this King-
dom by further Amending the several Acts of Parliament made
against Papists and to Prevent the Growth of Popery." The
heads of this bill arose in the House of Commons who being
sensible (as the truth is) that there are now more unregistered
Priests and Popish Archbishops, Bishops, Jesuits, Friars and
others exercising foreign ecclesiastical jurisdiction in this kingdom
than ever heretofore, notwithstanding the many laws against
the same, found it impossible to prevent that evil otherwise than
by subjecting persons who should be convicted of being un-
registered Popish Priests, Popish Archbishops etc., to greater
penalties than those they were liable to by the former acts.
After the country hath paid a sum of twenty pounds to the
discoverer of every such offender and been at great expense at
prosecuting and convicting them of the offence, they are only
liable to transportation, unless they return after being trans-
ported but for so doing are punishable with death. Priests
Friars etc. are no sooner transported but new ones come over
from France, Spain, or Portugal, so that their number continues
as great as ever. The common Irish will never become Prot-
estant or well affected to the crown while they are supplied

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 201

with Priests, Friars etc. who are the fomenters and disturbers
here. So that some more effectual remedy to prevent Priests
and Friars coming into , this kingdom is perfectly necessary.
The. Commons proposed the marking of every priest who shall
be convicted of being an unregistered Priest, Friar, etc. and of
remaining in this kingdom after the 1st of May 1720 with a
large, P. to be made with a red hot Iron on the cheek. The
council generally disliked that punishment, and have altered it
into that of castration which they are persuaded will be the
most effectual remedy that can be found out to clear this nation
of the disturbers of the peace and quiet of the kingdom, and
would have been very well pleased to have been able to have
found out any other punishment which might in their opinion
have remedied the evil. If your Excellencies shall not be of
the same sentiments they submit to your consideration whether
the punishment of castration may not be altered to that proposed
by the Commons or to some other effectual one which may
occur to your Lordships' consideration, but are fully convinced
there is an absolute necessity of making the laws against un-
registered Priests and Friars more severe than it (sic) now is.

There are several other good clauses and provisions in this bill,
of which the nation will receive great benefit, and which are very
needful to be enacted into law.

We therefore desire your Excellencies will be pleased that it may
be returned in form under the great seal.

We are your Excellencies most humble servants.
[CHARLES PAULET, Duke of] Bolton.
[ALLEN BRODERICK, Lord] Middleton, Cane.
JOHN [EVENS, Bishop of] Meath.
JOHN [STERNE, Bishop of] Clogher.
[JAMES BARRY, LORD] SANTRY.
[SiR] OLIVER ST. GEORGE.
E. WEBSTER.
R. TIGHE.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Great Britain, Whitehall.
[Under Cover] To Charles Delafoy, Secretary to their Excel-
lencies the Lord Justices of Great Britain, Whitehall.

The Catholics would appear to have got wind of the proceed-
ings at the Irish Council, for a petition was at once drafted praying
to be heard against the bill. The petition unfortunately is now
lost but the covering letter of the secretary to the Irish Council,
addressed to Delafaye, the English secretary, is among the
correspondence at the London Record Office.

Dublin Castle 26 August 1719.

Sir I enclose to you a copy of a petition which has been delivered
to the Privy Council by Gerard Dillon and others praying to

202 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

be heard by counsel upon the Bill to prevent the Growth of
Popery. That no such application may meet with encourage-
ment on your side, I have to acquaint you that that Bill had
its commencement in the House of Commons and was a long
time depending there without any petition being offered against
it ; that it lay some time before the Privy Council before it
was engrossed ; that this petition was not prepared till the
22nd of August instant which was eight dayes after it was
engrossed, upon which observations as well as that it was out of
time made it to be rejected, and it seems to be calculated with
no other view but to give delay to that Bill. E. WEBSTER.

The English Council ignored the recommendation of their
Irish confreres but under what circumstances does not appear.
Lecky, who relates the incident seems to suggest that the castration
bill was abandoned through the good feeling or good sense of the
English. An account in a tract printed in Paris in 1766 styled
an Essai sur I'Histoire d'Irlande is less creditable. According to
this the dropping of the bill was due to diplomatic pressure on the
part of the French who were then in close alliance with the English.
A memorial on the subject was drawn up by some representative
Irishmen in France and presented to the Regent, the Duke of
Orleans. The recently published correspondence of the all in-
fluential Dubois appears to confirm this, for it shows that from
1718 onwards there was a constant interchange of pourparlers
between the ambassadors of the respective countries in behalf of
the Irish and English Catholics on the one side and the Camisards
and Cevennois on the other (nn).

The castration proposal marks the acutest stage of the per-
secution. But already even, saner counsels were beginning to-
make themselves heard. Synge, bishop of Raphoe, writes to
Wake, archbishop of Canterbury, April 13th, 1715 :

As long as such a number of Popish Preists are suffered to continue
among the Irish there may indeed be very little prospect of
doing any great good upon them. But let a way be found to
remove their Preists and place a competent number of Protestant
Teachers in their room and in twenty or thirty years the whole
nation would be Protestants and past all danger of relapse
again into Popery. And this I am of opinion may be done
without any sanguinary law or anything which by an impartial
man would be looked upon as persecution.

(nn) Le Regent, L'Abbe Dubois et Les Anglais Tome III, pp. 444
seq. Paris, 1899.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 203

There are in this kingdom some few popish priests who pursuant
to an Act of Parliament are registered and thereby have if not
the protection yet at least the connivance of the Law and as
these must one by one drop off in a few years by Death, so the
hurt which they do cannot possibly be of any great extent or
long continuance. But within these few years a vast number
more (and many of them said to be Regulars) are come into
all parts of the kingdom who if not arrested and a succession of
them prevented will certainly defeat all endeavours that can be
used in the conversion of the natives. For the doing of this
wherefore besides the laws which we already have, I would propose
one more to be made of which I would desire your Lordship to
consider.

The [point] of it should be to this effect that the Grand Jury of
every county should make presentments of every popish priest
that is not registered who makes his abode anywhere within
the said county, whose names should be all published and pro-
claimed in open court by the Cryer of every Assizes and Quarter
Sessions. And if such preists do not within a certain time depart
the kingdom every man who should apprehend any one of them
and bring him before a Justice of the Peace should be entitled
to a certain reward to be levied upon the Papists of the Baron} 7
where such preist had his ordinary abode, in like manner as is
by the law already provided when a robbery is committed by
any papist. And besides this that so much money should be
raised upon the papists of the said Barony as might be sufficient
to bear such preists charges in safe custody to be conducted to
the water side and pay for his transportation. And if once the
papists found the entertaining and sheltering of their preists to
become thus chargeable to them (besides their maintenance
while they continue amongst them) I doubt not but they would
soon weary of them and be willing to embrace the Established
Religion for which next to their own they seem to have the
greatest inclination. ED. RAPOT.

Subsequently indeed there were occasional paroxysms. In
1733 for instance, a bill passed the Commons annulling all marriages
celebrated by popish priests or friars. This attempt to bastardize
an entire nation did not get beyond the Irish Council. But upon
the whole a steady defervescence of bigotry is noticeable after
1720. It is significant however, that the most tolerant of viceroys
down to Earl Fitzwilliam, had his own scheme for dealing with
the priests a scheme which was prevented from becoming law
only by the fanaticism of the Irish Commons. Lord Chesterfield
writing to his friend, Bishop Chenevix, of Waterford, 29th January,
1755, says:

204 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

I have carefully read over Lord Limerick's bill and approve of
the principle. I had thought of such a one when I was in Ireland
but soon found it would be impossible to carry it through the
House of Commons in- any decent shape ; but should Lord
Limerick think proper to push it this session I would recommend
a few alterations : I would only require the priests to take the
oath of allegiance simply, and not the subsequent oaths which
in my opinion, no real papist can take ; the consequence of
which would be that the least conscientious priests would be
registered and the most conscientious ones excluded. Besides
that, where one oath will not bind, three will not ; and the pope's
dispensation from the oath of allegiance will not be more pre-
valent, nor more easily granted than his dispensation from that
oath by which his own power is abjured. But then I would
make that oath of allegiance more full and solemn, as for instance :

I, A.B., duly considering the sacred nature of an oath and the
horrible crime of perjury which by all the religions in the world
is justly abhorred as a most damnable sin, do most sincerely
promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to his Majesty King George the Second. So help me that great
and eternal God who knows my inmost thoughts and whom I
now most solemnly call upon to attest the truth of them.

The person taking this oath should be obliged to recite it distinctly
and deliberately, and not be allowed to mutter it over in that
indecent and slovenly manner in which oaths are generally taken.
I will venture to add those who will not observe this oath taken
in this manner, will still less observe any abjuration of the Pope's
dispensing power, since such abjuration is by all Papists looked
upon as a nullity.

I would also advise that all penalties of death which in these cases
must end in impunity, should be changed into close imprison-
ment for a term of years or for life. Then there would be perhaps
detections and prosecutions, but in case of death there will be
none. For who will go and .hang a poor devil only for being a
regular, or an enthusiast ? (oo).

The bill of Lord Limerick which Chesterfield suggested to have
amended, was one of those introduced in the years 1755-8. The
last attempt in the long series of repressive legislation may be
set down at length. It throws a curious light on a period when
toleration was supposed to prevail.

HEADS OF A BILL FOR THE REGISTRATION OF POPISH PRIESTS, ETC.

1. All popish priests now in this kingdom shall register themselves
for their several parishes, with the particulars of their abode, age
ordination etc. as contained in the Act 2 Anne, c. 7. The returns
to be printed as before.

(oo) Miscellaneous Works, Vol. iv.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE. 205

2. If the parish for which such popish priest is registered is of
so great extent that one priest is not sufficient, one or more
additional priests may be registered for said parish but the
number of priests so added must not exceed 200 in the whole
kingdom.

3. Any popish gentleman may retain as chaplain a popish secular
priest, provided that the number so retained shall not exceed 50
in the whole kingdom.

4. All popish priests registered or to be registered pursuant to this
act shall previously be approved of by the Lord Lieutenant
and Privy Council of this kingdom and shall take the oath an-
nexed. The said oath shall also be taken by gentlemen who
retain popish chaplains.

5. All successors to the existing popish clergy shall subscribe the
following declaration viz. : I A.B. solemnly declare on the
faith of a Christian and a priest that I am a secular priest and
not a regular.

6. No benefit of registration shall extend to any popish priest who
shall seduce any person professing the Protestant religion to
forsake the same or who shall persuade any person to serve the
Pretender or other foreign prince.

7. If any popish priest shall exercise his function outside the
parish for which he is registered he shall forfeit the benefit of
registration.

8. Registered priests shall be bound at each mass they celebrate
to exhort their congregation in English or Irish to pray for King
George and his successors by name, under pain of removal by
the Lord Lieutenant.

9. If any priest secular or regular who has not been registered
shall remain in this kingdom after the 1st day of January 1759
or shall come into it after that date he shall be liable to a penalty
of one year's imprisonment after which he shall be transported
beyond his Majesty's dominions whence he is not to return under
the penalty of imprisonment for his natural life.

10. After 1st January 1759 any person who knowingly hears the
mass of an unregistered priest or harbours him shall be liable to
a fine of 100 payable to the person who prosecutes.

11. Any person who after 1 January 1759 gives such information
of a popish unregistered priest secular or regular, that he be
taken and convicted shall receive the sum of 100 to be levied
on the popish inhabitants of the county city or town where
such popish unregistered priest was taken.

12. This act is to come into force 1 January 1759 and to continue
for seven years and the end of the Parliamentary session next
following.

I A.B. do promise and swear to bear true faith and allegiance to
his Majesty King George the Second his heirs and successors
according to the succession now limited by law, and that I will

206 REIGN OF QUEEN ANNE.

reveal all whatsoever treasons, treasonable conspiracies or plots
against his person, crown and dignity, shall come to my knowledge.
I profess that I detest and abhor from my heart as impious,
scandalous and abominable to believe that it is lawful to murder
or destroy any person or persons whatsoever, for or under pre-
tence of being heretics, also that vile and unchristian principle
that no faith should be kept with heretics. I declare further
that it is not an article of my faith that any person whatever
has power to absolve me from the obligation of this oath or
that the Pope has power to depose princes, and therefore I
promise and swear that I will not teach, preach, hold, maintain
or abet any such doctrine or tenets. And all this I promise and
swear on the faith of a Christian and a priest freely, readily and
willingly in the plain and ordinary sense of the words now read
unto me without any secret collusion, equivocation, evasion or
mental reservation whatsoever. So help me God.

Stringent in all conscience though this bill was, it was too
tolerant for the persecutors. It was scouted in the Lords by
Primate Stone, the three archbishops and ten bishops, on the
ground it gave a legal status to the priests in the country. On
the 23rd December, 1757, Charles O'Connor of Ballinagare, writes
to Dr. Curry:

Nothing is more certain than that the primate opposed that bill
on the principle of persecution, that he represented it not as an
indulgence only but as a toleration of popery by law, which
he thought should never be admitted. I must confess that
enemies are preferable to friends on the tolerating principles
of the registry bill ; but time and experience may correct the
nistakes of the latter, the former can never be reformed (pp).

And this bill every clause of which was a fetter and every
line an implied insult, a bill which would have subjected them to
the placet of a government of furious bigots, even this would have
been welcomed by the priests as some measure of relief. Verily
the iron had entered into their souls (qq).

(pp) O'Connor's Irish Catholics, p. 245.

(qq) The bill was the result of an understanding between Lord Clan-
brassil (formerly Lord Limerick) on the one hand and Lord Trimleston and
some of the Catholic bishops, on the other. The Roman authorities
came down upon the bishops for their miserable temporising. In a letter
in my possession written by Dr. Kent, president of the Irish College,
Louvain, 18th September, 1775, regarding the test oath of that year appears
the following "It happened many years ago that the chiefs in Ulster, Lord
Trimlestown at their head, formed a formulary to pray for kings and princes,
with the same expectation of indulgence. Whereupon they of the City
[Rome] took fire and gave them Blake for Primate. Daniel Reilly of Clogher
who expected to become Archbishop of Dublin was frustrated of his hopes
and (the affair) caused a flame that is not well quenched to this day."

CHAPTER V.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

CRINGE the motive causes of the code were neither purely
^V religious nor purely political, its results were similarly
^J mixed. The laws that aimed at pauperising the Irish
people were entirely effective. By the last quarter of the eight-
eenth century the Catholics were almost completely detatched
from the land and trade of the country and reduced to mere
occupiers, artisans, or day labourers. More calamitous even, and
more permanent in their effects were the parts of the code which
deprived them of the parliamentary and municipal franchises,
which inflicted on them various civil disabilities and above all,
which deprived them of education. Indeed it may be truly said
that these laws have lasted even to our own day ; for to them as
to their source may be traced some of the worst defects in the
national character. The absence of public spirit as distinct from
mere class interest, the tendency to factionism, the inability to rise
above party, the blind following of men rather than principles
all this is symptomatic of a people who have only recently entered
upon citizenship and have not fully realised its responsibilities.
But the wounds inflicted by the code went deeper still. They
were not merely civil but personal. The poet writes :

What wonder if our step betrays
The free man born in penal days !

It is hardly an exaggeration to say that most Irishmen are
still haunted by a sub-conscious feeling of inferiority social or
even intellectual. They have many virtues but amongst them
can hardly be reckoned personal dignity, mental independence,
and self restraint. They shrink from initiative and are impression-
able to a degree. Their subtlety, their indirectness of expression,
their want of candour has often been remarked. They rejoice
at recognition and welcome patronage, yet on the other hand their
intemperateness of language and feeling often alienate those whose
good will they would fain conciliate. In short the habits of slavery

208 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

induced by the penal code have deprived us as a people of that
sturdy individualism which respects oneself and respects others,
and which is as widely .removed from insolence as it is from
servility.

While the code in so far as it was meant to pauperise and
degrade, was completely successful, it was a signal failure in its
main purpose of Protestantising the mass of the people. Nay
even it had the very opposite effect ; for whilst in the sixteenth
century they, clergy as well as laity, gave evidence of the wavering
convictions of the period, in the nineteenth they had become
the most staunch Catholics in northern Europe. How this result
was brought about is beside our purpose to discuss. The last
chapter shows that it was through no want of repressive legislation
nor of malignant activity. It is well therefore to take a closer
view of the machinery provided and its application to the actual
condition of the country.

It will be remembered that the Act of 1709 compelled all
priests in the country to take the oath of abjuration under the
penalty of transportation and of high treason if they returned
after having been transported. As only some thirty-three con-
formed, the whole body after 25th March, 1710, became outlaws.
Forthwith they put themselves upon the people. They hid in
lanes and garretts or in moors and mountains ; and protected
and sheltered by the whole population they bade defiance to the
law. Though rewards were offered of sums which in those days
would be wealth untold to the wretched peasantry, no one would
take the bribe. Accordingly the following method was adopted :

8 ANNE, C. 3, S. 21.

It shall be lawful for any two justices of the peace whereof one to
be of the quorum, by warrants directed to any constable to
summons any popish person of the age of sixteen years or upwards
to appear before such justices at a certain time and place in
the warrants to be expressed, within three days after the date
of the said warrants so that the said place of appearance be not
above five miles from the habitation of the said person ; and
if the person so summoned shall neglect to appear accordingly,
or appearing shall refuse to give his testimony upon oath where
and when he heard, or was present at the celebration of the
popish mass as the same is used in the church of Rome, and

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 209

who celebrated the same and who were present at the celebration
thereof, and likewise touching the residence and abode of any
popish regular clergyman or any such popish secular priest as
aforesaid who may be disguised, concealed or itinerant in the
country, and also fully answer to all such circumstances and
things touching such popish persons offending contrary to this
and the former act to prevent the further growth of popery.

Such persons so refusing or neglecting to appear or to answer
shall be committed by the said justices to the common gaol for
twelve months unless he or she shall pay down a sum not ex-
ceeding twenty pounds to be paid to the minister, church wardens
and overseers of the poor of the parish where such offender shall
reside.

Provided that every examination to be given in pursuance of this
act shall be for such of the said offences only as were committed
within thirty days before such examination, and that no such
examination shall subject the party examined to any prosecution,
penal ty or forfeiture, or be admitted to be given in evidence
against the person so examined unless such person shall be in-
dicted for having committed wilful perjury in such examination,
and the person so examined and confessing is discharged from
any prosecution or penalties or forfeitures by him incurred by
reason of any offence so confessed as aforesaid.

A few instances of the working of this section may be given.
In 1714 the magistrates of Cashel certified to John White, High
Sheriff of Tipperary.

We certify that pursuant to an Act of Parliament made in the
8th year of Queen Ann we summoned several! of the most con-
siderable Papists in this town who upon their oath declared
they had not heard mass celebrated in or near this town at any
time within the space of thirty days past. And we do further
certify that all suspected places in this town were searched and
no arms found in any of them. All which we certify under our
hands, this tenth day of July 1714.

RICH LOCKWOOD, MICHAEL HICKEY.

COM. DUBLIN FF.

John .Sweetman of the Red Houses of Baldoyle in said county
farmer being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and Examined.
Saith that the last time he heard mass was on Sunday next
sevennight. That the said Mass was said and celebrated by one
Father Tracie a Popish Priest in the town of Hoath. He knoweth
not the said Priest's Christian name. Saith that James Comon,
Christopher Higley, Toby Tallant, Patrick Carr all of Hoath
were at the celebration or saying of the said Mass. That the
place of the said Trade's Residence is usually att or neare the

p

210 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

town of Baldoyle. And that he doth not know of any Romish
Bishop or Regular cleargy man of the Popish religion in this
kingdom. Saith that there was one Christopher Meldon lately
taught school in the Town of Baldoyle, that the said Meldon is
now in Confinement at Kilmainham and that he knows of no
other person that taught school within the said county.

JOHES SWEETMAN [bound to DANIEL WYBRANTS.

appear in the sum of] 40 THOMAS STEPNEY.

17 June 1714 FFOLIOT SHERIGLEY.

JOHN JACKSON.

The Examinacon of Thomas Power of Twocarny in the Barony of
Tyreawly and County of Mayo taken before Robert Blackny Esq.
mayor of the town and county of the town of Gallway and Mark
Wall Esq. Deputy Recorder the 25th day of June 1715.

The said Examinat saith that he is a dealer that lives in the county
of Mayo and being examined whether he was a clergy man of
the Church of Rome would not answer whether he was or not.
Saith he came to Gallway two days agoe expecting to meet one
Madden of the Barony of Longford in the County of Gallway
and was resolved to go to the said Madden 's house when he could
not meet him here ; and being further examined what manner of
dealing he had or followed in the County of Mayo to which he
answered that he kept a plow going and being examined if he
knew any of the Protestant gentlemen in the said Barrony of
Tyreawly the said Examinat made answer that he knew John
Ormsby Esq. of Cloghans in the said County of Mayo and James
Oram another gentleman of that Barrony and the said Ex-
aminat being further desired to answer directly whether he was
a clergy man of the church of Rome or not would make no other
answer than that the Mayor was pleased to say soe.

ROBERT BLACKNY, mayor.

THOMAS POORE. MARK WALL, Dep. Rec.

From reports such as these it will be seen that the inquisitions
held under the act were not futile. Doubtless the zeal of the
magistrates varied with the locality and the status of the ecclesias-
tics. Friars and priests exercising jurisdiction were pursued with
with relentless activity, and more than once the few bishops who
had the hardihood to remain in the country took shelter in
Dublin (rr). Apart from religious and political fanaticism, the
rewards offered by the law and often increased by special proclama-
tion, gave a great stimulus to the pursuit.

(rr) "On the 28 B'ebruar}? 1743 a proclamation was issued

all the bishops and priests fled to Dublin because in so large a city it was
easier to lie concealed than in the country' Hibernia Dominicana, pp.
175, 717.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 211

8 ANN, C. 3, S. 20.

If any person shall discover any bishop, vicar general, dean, Jesuit,
monk, friar or any other regular, or any papist exercising any
ecclesiastical jurisdiction or any secular popish clergyman who
hath not been legally registered so that the said regular or secular
clergyman be apprehended and convicted, every person making
such discovery shall receive as a reward for the same the several
sums following that is to say, fifty pounds for every archbishop,
bishop, vicar generall, or other person exercising any foreign
ecclesiastical jurisdiction in this kingdom and twenty pounds for
each regular clergyman and each secular clergyman not registered
pursuant to the said former act, to be levied on the popish in-
habitants of the county or town where such regular or secular
popish clergyman did respectively exercise such foreign juris-
diction or officiate as a popish priest or did more commonly
reside and shall be convicted thereof as aforesaid, to be levied
in such manner and on such persons as money for robberies by
a late act against tories, robbers and rapparees is to be levied.

The multitudinous correspondence on this part of the subject
may be illustrated by a few characteristic documents.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Ireland.

The humble petition of Samuel Munsell High Sheriff of the
County of Limerick.

Sheweth That your Petitioner brought up to this City three
convict priests and one felon who were under rule of Trans-
portation, in order to be transported.

That your Petitioner delivered three of the said persons to the
Court of King's Bench the other being a priest and not able
to come upp was left behind being above eighty years of age
which appeareth by severall affidavits.

That your Petitioner was at great charge at having horses for the
said persons to ride on and severall Protestants to guard them
being .apprehensive of their being rescued, there being severall
Popish Tories out in Arms in the severall counties through
which they were to pass.

May it please your Excellencies to grant such reward etc.

The humble petition of William Montgomery etc.

Sheweth That at the Assizes for the County of Antrim held on
the 28th day of March 1716. John McDonald a popish priest
not registered was tried and found guilty for exercising the
function of a popish priest and not being registered, at your
Petitioner's prosecution.

That your Petitioner was at great trouble and expense in appre-
hending and prosecuting the said McDonald.

He therefore prays for a grant of the reward set forth in the
proclamation.

212 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

Enclosed is certificate of the Clerk of the Crown.
[Endorsed] Proclamation dated 25 November 1704 gives 30
reward.

To his Excellency the Earl of Pembroke Lord Lieutenant etc.
The Humble, petition of Richard Pue.

Humbly Sheweth That there is one Robert Robison (alias Brady)
a Native of Ireland born but long resident in ffrance, a ffranciscan
frier but now in Ireland under the Notion (sic) of a Protestant
but at the same time exercises the Romish religion celebrating
mass and confessing in Dublin. He now teacheth a public school
of Latin, Greek, Logick and Philosophy and is guilty of dangerous
practises. He has been impeached by some worthy gentlemen
but by his Jesawiticall policy Baffles his accusers. There is one
Mr. James Harper a Protestant living at Dicks Coffee house in
Skinners row that is intimately conversant with the said friar
and is said to be privy to his dangerous interagues [intrigues]
of which the Petitioner is advised to acquaint your Excellency
fearing ill consequences from such persons and actings.

The Petitioner humbly prays your Excellency to examine the
said Mr. Harper and Enquire into the matter as in your great
wisdom shall think fitt.

[Endorsed] To be sent to the Attorney General! or Solicitor.

Enclosed is a note.

The Petitioner desires not to be exposed unless Mr. Harper deny
his knowledge of said person and his actions. Your Petitioner
being in the nature of a servant to the Honourable House of
Commons urged Mr. Harper to apply to the house which he
promised but did not.

To his Grace the Duke of Bolton Lord Lieutenant General etc.
The Humble petition of Samuel Porter of Inishannon in the
County of Corke.

Sheweth That your petitioner for severall years pasf showed
most sincere zeale and affection for his Majestie King George's
service and the Protestant interest by his diligence in appre-
hending and prosecuting many of the regular and secular popish
Clergy who have presumed to come from foreign Nations into
the severall parts of the kingdom.

That he performed severall orders and directions from the Justices
of the Peace of Corke to the hazard of his life and at great expense
with men, horses and arms assisting him. That he was the
principal person constantly assisting the late High Sheriff's
party in taking and securing the state prisoners. That at the
last assizes held for the said county the 6th of August last your
petitioner appeared at the perill of his life and brought to justice
two popish priests videlicet Charles Carthey and Teige Mahoney

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 213

for saying mass not registered who obstinately refused to take
the oath as likewise Owen Carthy a popish school master as
by the annexed Certificate [appears] and were convicted before
the Right Hon. the Lord Chief Justice Foster. That your
petitioner from his fatigue and rideing in executing said order
has laboured under a heavy fitt of sickness to the detriment
of his fortune having twelve children and an aged father to
maintain. That your Petitioner hopes to bring several [priests]
to justice they being very numerous and dayly flocking into
the kingdom and severall of them by messadges and letters
have made your petitioner large offers and a yearly sallery and
retain for him the good will of their assemblyes but your petit-
tioner has an abhorrence to them and does wholly rely on your
Grace and Lordships countenance. That popish persons have
spirited and trained upp their mobbs in a most violent manner
to take your Petitioner's life. S. PORTER.

[Endorsed] Received 8 October 1717.

Though the foregoing is in many parts obviously knavish yet
the hunting of priests in the County Cork was often dangerous
work. On the 10th December, 1707, the Lord Lieutenant and
Council issued a proclamation setting forth that Richard Huddy
of Ballynoe, gentleman, arrested William Hennessy, one of the
regular popish clergy ; that in consequence the previous October
his house and goods were burnt. Their Lordships offer a reward
of 20 and a full pardon of all crimes, murder excepted, to such
as will give information that will lead to the capture and con-
viction of the incendiaries.

In the quest after the priests, the magistrates were actively

seconded by the Protestant clergy.

Limerick August 15 1714.

Sir. Though this is a very improper time to trouble you about
business of small concern yet having been imployed by the
Lords Justices to enquire after the persons mentioned in the
letter written by Daniel Falvey to David Fitz Gerald I send
you the following account viz. That Daniel Falvey is a Franciscan
Fryar formerly belonging to the abby of Irelogh [now Muckross]
neer Kilarny in the county of Kerry, is a middle aged man, and
lives now with Dennis Mahoney at Drommore in the Barony
of Glanerogh in the County of Kerry. That Florence McCarthy
formerly guardian of the said abby is a very old man and living
now at the five mile bridge within five miles of Kilarny on the
road to Macroom and that David Fitz Gerald was formerly a
Friar in the abby of Askeaton in the County of Limerick but
he removed out of that county into the County of Clare but

214 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

where he lives in that County I cannot learn. This is all the
information that can be given you relating to that affair by, Sir,
To Joshua Dawson Esq. Your very humble servant

at the Castle Dublin. THO. LIMERICK.

From the exact particulars it is evident that his lordship was
well served by some spy or other. His brother of Tuam had the
imprudence of disclosing his informer to the authorities.

May it please your Grace

Since your departure I made it my business pursuant to your
Order to inform myself of what your Grace left in charge with
me and give you a speedy account which is as followeth. It is
Certain that James Lynch Titular Arch-Bishop of Tuam is landed
in this kingdom this last month and is sulking somewhere in
this province but where he keeps, the priest that told me was
not forward to tell neither did I think it convenient to be of a
sudden too curious or pressing to know the place of his abode
which may in time be leasurely discovered. As to the rest of
the chief popish missionaries I can positively tell your Grace
by no worse authors then their own Clergie they are Dr. Dermot,
in Irish Mac Diermud, Titular Bishop of Elphin residing in the
County of Roscommon and commonly about Clonmacnose
where he generally and constantly ordains priests, some when
found capable [were] actually to succeed in the mission in this
kingdom, others to be sent into seminaries abroad, in France
etc. The next is Timothy Ruork formerly a Franciscan friar
of the Convent of Milick near Banahir in the County of Gallway
now Titular Bishop of Killalagh and goeing under the name of
Mr. Fielding. His chief residence when he travells to the Counties
of Mayo and Slygo to officiate in these parts is at Counsellor
Terence McDonogh whose wife is this gentleman's relative, but
he is very zealous to keep about the Convent of Milick as much
as possible where he generally ordains priests. One of his con-
stant stages when travelling from Milick to the County of Mayo
is at Mr. Francis Burke vicar generall of the Diocese of Tuam
at Knockaneataguill near Tuam. This Mr. Burke since the Act
of Parliament goes under the name of Mr. Staunton and his
Colleague Mr. Dominick Lynch under the name of Mr. Deane.
Since the death of Dr. Donelaine late Titular Bishop of Cluonfort,
Mr. Francis Burke and Doctor Ambrose Maddin vicar generaJl
of all of the diocese of Cluonfort parish priest of Loghreagh were
competitors each making interest in Rome for the Bishoprick of
Cluonfort but Doctor Maddin about December last received his
pattents, or as they call them, the pope's Bulls and was by the
two former Titular Bishops of Elfin and Killalagh some time
before last Christmas at Melick consecrated Titular Bishop of
Cluonfort. The same person assured me that Peter Creagh

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 215

Titular Arch Bishop of Dublin who was resident in my own time
at Strasbourg for Cardinal Fastainberg, is dead and that Dr.
Burn of ffrancis street in Dublin succeeded him and is now
consecrated Titular Arch Bishop of Dublin. This is the account
that from time to time I had from men of note among them of
the changes and succession of their Bishops particularly in this
province.

As to their inferior clergy there are some who in contempt of the
law by the order of their superiors to supply the missions, do
succeed registered priests deceased and officiate though they be
not registered. Others [are] translated from place to place as
it seems to the Superiors convenient, others, and these esteemed
the most useful missioners in the Church of Rome who do not
take uppon them the care of souls but are employed in teaching
and catechizing generally in publick or private gentlemens
houses as also in preaching. Of all the sorts, I know some in
this county and particulars I shall be ready to send when your
Grace commands me.

I have been from time to time in company with some of their
Cleargie in and about this time since Eaver, as they call him,
and the houghers of cattle began their wicked designs and far
be it from me to asperse anybody, it's with God's assistance
what I shall never be guilty of. I do assure your Grace as many
of the priests as I discoursed of Eaver and houghers and whom
I on sett purpose entertained Christmas last to know from them-
selves as well what Bishops etc. they have as how they stood
affected or disaffected to the practice of houghing. I could
never observe by their speech or behaviour that they disliked or
disapproved the practice. I could never hear that any one
among them made as much as an exhortation against it but
on the contrary if we may judge of the inclination of all by the
conduct of some (doubtless countenanced by others of higher
power) your Grace with all reason will judge that they are
deeply concerned in promoting this wicked design. One father
Phillip Higgin who as I am credibly informed is an Augustinian
frier and generally keeps in and about this town and registered
as a priest in the County of Roscommon on Sunday the 3rd of
last February at his publick mass in Killmore openly prayed for
Eaver and his friends good success. On Tuesday the 14th of
last February Mr. George Millar and I happened in company
in this town with Captain Thomas Burke of Corofin, Doctor
Lynch and father patrick Birn and we had some discourse about
Eaver whereupon Captain Burke and Doctor Lynch told us that
father Edmund Burke parish priest of Commor and Bellelasetuam
the week before had a letter from Eaver and on Sunday the 10th
preached to his congregation exhorting the rich and stock masters
to reduce their flocks and set the lands to the poor people. Captain
Burke and Doctor Lynch affirm they never heard him preach

216 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

soe good a sermon in his life tyme before. Upon which father
patrick replyed that for 100 he would not be guilty of the like
action against the 'government, against the law and against
conscience. If the priest had not by his passion interrupted the
discourse we would certainly know more of the matter. Whether
the priest did it as a politian (sic) to prevent our hearing further
of the matter or whether it was his aversion of the doctrine I
cannot judge. If the papists of this county should know me
to be the author of this account to your Grace, Eaver and his
party and many other loose and wicked men would seek my
life. I shall be ready to observe your Grace's commands were
it to sacrifice my life for the preservation both of church and
government. Your most dutifull and obedient servant,

Tuam March 3 1712-3. GEO. FOSTER.

[Endorsed] To his Grace John Ld. Archbishop of Tuam in Dublin.

"Eaver" was the "Captain Moonlight" of the period; the
priests being credited with inciting and abetting the agrarian out-
rages were pursued with special fury in the disturbed counties.

Primate Boulter also had his intelligencers set, but they often
played upon his bigoted credulity. They persuaded him that the
fasting and praying of the Jubilee of 1726 had a sinister object,
and scared his mental vision with the spectacle of "3,000 popish
priests of all sorts" in the kingdom. They were duly rewarded.
For instance in April, 1726, he writes to Lord Cartaret :

The bearer is wife to Mr. Cassell : he is the person who gave from
time to time the best accounts of the popish priests and what
was doing amongst that party. He tells me his wife will have
occasion to wait on your Excellency to sollicit an affair of his
and desired I would give her a few lines to introduce her. I
hope your Lordship will be so good as to excuse this trouble
since it was a favour I could not well deny him.

Priest setting was a lucrative employment but it was peculiarly
personal, Cassell, as we learn from a subsequent letter, was in
failing health and he wanted a pension for his wife.

Amid however the annals of rascality two classes stand out
in evil distinction. These were unfrocked priests and professional
spies. While the priests who were faithful to their creed and calling
were pursued with every penalty of the law, even death itself,
the wretched man who was cast out from his fellows as a reproach
and a by-word was cherished and supported at the charge too of
the people he had scandalized.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 217

2 ANN, C. 7, S. 3.

Every popish priest being approved of as a convert and received
into the church by the archbishop or bishop of the diocese wherein
they resided and conforming himself to the church of Ireland as
by law established and having taken the oaths and subscribed
the declarations in such manner as the conformable clergy of
the said church are obliged to do, such converted priests shall
have twenty pounds yearly during their residence in such county
for their maintenance and till they are otherwise provided for
subject nevertheless to suspension or deprivation of the arch-
bishop or bishop of the diocese wherein they reside in like manner
as the rest of the clergy of this kingdom, the said sum to be levied
on the inhabitants of such county or town where such converted
priests did last officiate or reside as money is levied that is charged
by grand juries and to be paid them by equal moieties at the
feast of the Annunciation and at the feast of St. Michael.

And such converts shall publickly read the liturgy of the church
of Ireland in the English or Irish tongue in such places and at
such times as the said archbishops or bishops shall appoint.

The salary was by a subsequent act, 8 Anne, c.. 3, increased to
40 about ten times its present value and so enamoured was parlia-
ment of this piece of legislation that the 19 and 20 Geo. Ill, c. 39,
which repealed some of the worst articles of the code, re-enacted.

Prom and after 24th June 1780 every popish priest who hath
heretofore conformed to the protestant religion or who shall
conform and be approved as a convert and received into the
church by the archbishop or bishop of the diocese wherein he
resided and officiated as a Romish priest and who shall have
taken the oaths and subscribed the declarations at any quarter
sessions shall have as maintenance 40 yearly to be paid by
the treasurer of the county wherein he officiated as a popish
priest until he shall be provided for by some ecclesiastical
benefice or licensed curacy of the same or greater value, provided
that such convert priest shall publickly read once a week the
common prayer or liturgy of the church of Ireland and preach
in the English tongue in such places and at such times as the
archbishop or bishop of the diocese shall direct. Said 40 to
be levied off the inhabitants of the county or town wherein such
priest resided or officiated before conformity.

Some of the worst outbreaks of persecution were traceable to
the splenetic vindictiveness of degraded priests. On 7th November,
1741, Primate McMahon wrote "from his hiding place" to Propa-
ganda that the greatest caution had to be taken in the appoint-
ment to parishes, that shortly before he had to fly from his usual

218 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

shelter for "four magistrates armed with warrants were in search
for me, instigated by an unworthy person to whom I had refused
a parish." The Rev. John Hennessy, ex-parish priest of Doneraile
in the County of Cork, by a story of colossal amplitude kindled
the whole ascendancy regime into fury. Appearing before Lord
Doneraile and John Love, the revenue collector of Mallow, 3rd
January, 1732, he swore the following information :

In the month of August or September 1729 he, this informant,,
was in company with Connor Keeffe, popish bishop of Limerick,.
Francis Lloyd, popish bishop of Killaloe, and Dr. Stones a
Franciscan friar of the city of Dublin at the house of Teigue
MacCarthy, popish bishop of Cork and Cloyne when the said
Keeffe and Lloyd delivered a letter to the said MacCarthy from
Christopher Butler, popish archbishop of Cashel, acquainting
him that he had received a letter from the pope's internuncio
at Brussels ; that the pope had complied with the request of
the archbishops and bishops of Ireland and that his holiness
had sent him an indulgence for ten years in order to raise a sum
of money to be speedily applied to restore King James III. to
his right and put their present majesties and all the royal family
to the sword.

Soon after, this informant received a letter and a copy of the pope's
bull from his said bishop with directions strictly to obey the
same the purport of which is as follows "That every communi-
cant duly confessing and receiving upon the patron days of
every respective parish and any Sunday from the 1st of May
to September, having repeated the Lord's prayer five times and
the Creed once, and paying two pence each time, was to have
a plenary indulgence for his sins ; all approved confessors had
full power to absolve in all cases ; with intent that God would
speedily place King James III. on the throne of England."
That the money so raised from every parish, together with 5'
from every parish priest was to be paid to the bishop of each
diocese ; who swore said priests to a true account of what money
they collected by virtue of the said bull.

As it happened the papers of a Cork solicitor named Nagle,.
seized at the same time, gave evidence of a collection made to
oppose certain anti-Catholic legislation proposed in Parliament.
This was regarded as fully corroborative of the priest's story. A.
committee of the House of Commons was appointed to examine
into the affair, and they reported inter alia.

Timothy McCarthy, Timothy O'Brien and Richard Walsh have
taken upon them to exercise in the county of Cork a popish

THE PRIEST CATCHERS? 219

ecclesiastical jurisdiction ; and we have great reason to believe
from Hennessy's examination the same is practiced in every
other part of Munster in defiance of the laws of the land and
to the great hazard of the peace of this kingdom.

The Commons therefore

Resolved that it appears that under colour of opposing heads of
bills brought into parliament great sums of money have been
collected and raised and a fund established highly detrimental
to the protestant interest of this kingdom and of imminent
danger to the present happy establishment.

Resolved that there is a popish ecclesiastical jurisdiction exercised
in this kingdom by popish archbishops, bishops and vicars
general in open violation of the laws of the land.

Resolved that an humble address be presented to his grace the
lord lieutenant, to issue his proclamation to all magistrates to

. put the laws against popery in execution.

His Grace accordingly in 1733 issued a new proclamation,
and parliament set to work afresh on bills to prevent the further
growth of popery.

In the descending scale we come now to the professional priest-
catcher. Country gentlemen except when labouring under great
political excitement or when religious bigotry obscured their
judgment, however desirous they might be to rid the country of
priests, were reluctant to harass their Catholic neighbours by
inquisitions under the Act, 8 Anne. Hence the discovering and
prosecuting of priests was carried on in large part by men who
travelled the country for that purpose and were hired by the
grand juries or the Dublin executive. Pursued by the execrations
of the people, traditions of these men still live, and there are few
localities that do not preserve the memory of some Shawn na
Thaggart. In his "Diocese of Meath" Father Cogan tells many
stories of the Pilots, Barkers, and others. The historian of Limerick
relates how when a notorious priest catcher was buried, his neigh-
bours had cut on the back of his tombstone

God is pleased when man doth cease to sin
The devil is pleased when he a soul doth win
Mankind are pleased whene'er a villain dies
Now all are pleased for here Jack Cusack lies.

The priest catcher added a new terror to the code. Dr. Hugh
MacMahon for a long time one of the two bishops in the north,

220 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

gives in a letter to Propaganda a graphic picture of the situation
created.

When our priests were confronted with greater dangers and were
mercilessly pursued by government, some in order to prevent
being identified by any in the congregation celebrated mass with
veiled faces, others again shut themselves into a closet with
the mass server alone and apertures were made or a small hole
by means of which the people outside could hear the voice of
the celebrant but could not recognise it, or at all events could
not see him. And the mercy of God was only manifested the
more, for as the persecution increased the fervour of the people
increased also. Not uncommonly one would come across men
and women with their hands joined in prayer having got the
signal that mass was begun and thus they united themselves
in spirit with those who afar off were praying on bended knees
although they could not see the priest. It often happened to
myself when saying mass by night that not a soul was present
except the man of the house and his wife not even the children,
for they could not be trusted with the secret. There was a
penalty of 30 and a year's imprisonment on any who permitted
mass to be said in his house or anywhere on his premises (ss).

A few of the priest catchers carried on their operations under
the patronage and direction of the Privy Council itself. To this
circumstance we are indebted for instructive details which are
not obtainable of the class generally. One of the most remarkable
was Garcia, said by some to be a Spaniard by others a Portuguese
Jew. Arriving in Dublin early in 1717 he, by his acquaintance
with Catholic ritual abroad, easily found means of ingratiating
himself with the clergy there, and actually passed for a priest with
the archbishop himself. Owing to the fierce persecution, the
status of the archbishop was disclosed to as few as possible, and
apparently Garcia did not learn it. However this may be, when
the haul was made Dr. Byrne escaped. But the capture included
the provincial of the Dominicans, two Jesuits, one Franciscan,
and three secular priests. Having given this proof of his zeal for
the Protestant interest, the Dublin Grand Jury made him a special
grant of 100 and the executive assigned him apartments in the
Castle. From there he addressed a series of petitions curiously
interesting as a study in religious rascality. Being now an approved
Protestant he first made application to Wake, archbishop of

(ss) Spicilegiura Ossoriense II, 973.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 221

Canterbury. Synge of Tuam being consulted wrote 6th March,

1720, to his Grace :

Upon the receipt of your Graces letter I sent for Garcia and told
him what your Grace was pleased to direct me. The man was
a Romish priest either in Spain or Portugal (I do not well re-
member which) from whence he made his escape for fear of the
Inquisition, having (as it is said) been known to speak with some
freedom concerning some points of the Romish faith. It is
above two years since he came by way of England as I have
been told into this kingdom where for above half a year he
continued to act as a priest until being further convinced he
wholly renounced the Church of Rome, and for some service
which he has done in discovering divers of the Romish clergy
who were convicted upon his evidence, he has received some
reward from the Government with liberty to lodge in the Castle
of Dublin to protect him from the Insults of the Papists.

Wake somehow was npt quite assured of his petitioner, Garcia
therefore had to fall back upon his former patrons.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices and the Lords of his
Majesty's Privy Council.

The humble Petition of John Garcia a converted popish priest.

Sheweth That your Petitioner was a popish priest and that he made
his publicke recantation in the church of Ireland and took the
oaths in the King's Bench about three years ago.

That the Irish papists did severall times endeavour to destroy
your Petitioner by secret practices and open violence so that
your Petitioner is in perfect fear of his life Seeing himself abused
and sometimes assaulted in the streets by papists or persons
disaffected to his Majesty.

That your said Petitioner knows no other reason of his being so
abused but because he is become a Protestant and has informed
against and has convicted by due course of law six Irish popish
priests and three nuns. That the popish clergy being incensed
against your Petitioner for doing the duty of a true Protestant
and faithfull subject did write to Spaine against him and have
been the occasion of your Petitioner's mother and relatives
having suffered persecution and that his own picture was burnt
by sentence of the Inquisition who would burn him alsoe if he
should fall into their unmercifull hands. So that your Petitioner
is deprived of the yearly assistance he received from his said
mother.

That his Grace the Duke of Bolton being sensible of the good
services done by your Petitioner to the Government and the
Protestant religion in discovering and prosecuting the enemies
of both at a very criticall juncture, did promise to settle on your
Petitioner a pension of 50 per annum for his and his family

222 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

subsistence and your Petitioner hopes that his Excellency my
Lord Chancellor will remember the truth of this last allegation.

That the said pension was not settled on your Petitioner who is
actually in greate want and poverty with his wife and two
children, and in danger of being arrested by those he was forced
to borrow from to prevent starving. J. GARCIA.

[Endorsed] That petition be referred to a Committee of the whole
Board to report 1 July 1720.

The Board was not very impressed, for a miserable 15 was
granted and not a word of the promised pension. On the llth
October following he had therefore to refresh their memories by
going over the whole ground again, adding the touching particular :

He is assaulted in the Castle and the streets by which reason your
Petitioner has lost the libertie of walking the streets both Sundays
and week days and is forced to keep his room like a prisoner
for the occasion of his great persecution.

A committee consisting of Synge, Protestant archbishop of
Tuam, Evans, bishop of Meath, Benjamin Parry and James Tynte
was appointed to consider the petition ; they reported 19th October
that they examined Garcia on oath and found that he became a
Protestant in November, 1717. In or about the year 1718 he
received from the Lords Justices the sum of 10. In the same
year he received from the Privy Council 50. In or about 1719
he received from the Lord Lieutenant 20, and from the Lords
Justices 30. In or about 1720 he received from the Lords Justices
15. Total 125.

The Grand Jury of the City of Dublin presented a sum of
100 for the services he had done but he knows not, he says, how
much he got having paid a good part in fees and interest on money
he had borrowed. But he hardly thinks 80 came to him. The
Committee recommended him for relief and so we hear no more of
him until the following year. On 4th May, 1721 :

Your Excellency and Lordships may see that if he troubles with
frequent petitions it is not bicause he is greedy or extravagent
in his expenses but bicause he is really poor and unfortunate.
It is more than three years since it pleased God to call your
Petitioner into the Kingdom of Light. He is become the object
of the rage and hatred of all papists as also of many who call
themselves Protestants. He is forced to keep his chamber and
never go out of the Castle except Sundays that he repair to church.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 223

That perpetual confinement and the want of necessaryes for
life destroys his health. His mother being informed of your
Petitioner's conversion by means of the Irish papists that live
in Cadiz, is so far from helping him that she would joyn with
the Inquisition to burn him alive and in so doing she would
believe to do God service. Your Petitioner avers that most of
the money he has received has been laid out in repairing and
furnishing his room and in the paying of charges of two fitts of
sickness. When the late Lord Lieutenant came last, your
Petitioner was putt in a garrett that had been till then a passage
only, he was forced to make severall partitions at his own cost,
he is actually without bread for himself and his poor family
and is but just risen out of a purple feavor. J. GARCIA.

This produced the desired effect but the following year, 1722,
he was again battering the Lords Justices. On 19th March he
pleaded that the long promised pension might be granted him
or if not that he might be presented to a church living. Later in
the year he made a renewed attack and the Lords Justices forwarded
his memoir to the Duke of Bolton, Lord Lieutenant, then in Eng-
land. Bolton replied on the 27th November that he would recom-
mend the case to Lord Carteret, the Secretary. By this time
everyone was tired of the wretched beggar. His last petition to
be found in the Irish papers is dated 15th February, 1723, when
he asks for money to take him to London. It was gladly given,
for some time before the Lords Justices "had recommended him
to be one of the missionaries to be sent to Minorca." Whether he
ever went to Minorca is more than doubtful.

But Garcia was integrity itself compared to Tyrrell. Of this
egregious blackguard it may be said that a study of his career
helps one better to realise the penal times than any number of
official reports or reasoned documents. That he should be taken
up by chief governors and Protestant bishops entrusted with
confidential missions provided with escorts -armed with man-
dates to magistrates welcomed in fine and accredited as a deliverer
of Protestantism is crucial if melancholy evidence of the blind,
insensate passions of the time. It would seem that in the campaign
against the priests there were no methods too vile, no instruments
too foul. Edward Tyrrell belonged to the declasse gentry, and to
judge from his letters received a fair education. It served him
however to little purpose, for our first acquaintance with him is

224 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

in a letter of his father-in-law Roderick O 'Flaherty of Park, Co.
Galway, to Samuel Molyneux. In this which is dated August,
1708, the distressed condition of Tyrrell is set forth and Molyneux
is asked to use his influence to obtain for him "the place of a boat-
man in her Majesty's boat in Gallway," the necessary qualification
being added that Tyrrell was a Protestant. Failing to obtain the
tide-waitership we find him a year and-a-half later entitling him-
self to public employment by disclosing to their lordships of the
Privy Council a fearsome story of Romish conspiracy. The matter
was considered of such urgency that he was sent over to London.
Not content with exploiting the government at home he utilized
all friends of the happy constitution on the way. Some papers in
the London Record Office enable us to trace the proceedings.
Arriving in Chester 5th January, 1710, he acquainted Governor
Brook of important matters he had to reveal to government.
Brook referred him to Comberback, the City Recorder, who
furnished him with a letter of introduction to Lord Cholmondeley
in London. We next hear of him in Coventry, where he penned
the characteristic epistle :

Honoured Sir Though a stranger I made bould to trust you with
those following lines. That I have left Dublin the 4th of this
instant in Womens aparell and was driven in to Blew Morris
[Beaumaris] in Wales. That I have come out of Ireland in
order to make a full discovery to the Queen and Parliament
of Great Britain in Relation of a Private Rebellion Intended
and upon footing now in our kingdom and a great number of
disaffected persons to our Government hath lately landed in the
Remoat parts of our kingdom. They are harboured and enter-
tained and supported by men of very great Interest and Quality
in our Country prodestands as well as papists. Sir, this is
nothing of what service I can doe to our Queen and Government
when I wend to London.

I desire the favour of you as you are a Member of Parliament for
this town where I now am at present that you may please to
order the Mayor of this city to manage some way to send me
safe to St. James or else to your lodgings in London. Sir with-
out your directions I dare not travell further than this citty of
Coventry. I fear there is some evil design intended against
me upon the Road. Leaving you the great manadgement and
direction in this present affair. I rest your Honors humble
servant. EDWARD TYRRELL.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 225

Your answer by the next post I will expect. You may please
direct yours for me at the Signe of the Coach and horses in
Coventry. Dated the 14th of January 1709-10.

To Edward Hopkins, Esq. Member of Parliament at his lodgings
in London. In haste.

Hopkins at once sent this letter to the proper quarter and
the saviour of his country was safely transmitted to London.
Here Secretary Boyle instructed him to draw up a memoir to be
laid before the Queen in Council. Tyrrell replies on January 25th
that he has drawn up the memoir but adds

I am ready to attend your Honor as soon as you shall think ntt
though not in a condition, for want of cloathes and humbly beggs
your Honor to grant me some present relief e in order to cover
my nakedness.

The next day he forwarded the memoir with the rest of the
papers to be laid before the. Queen and Council. He has framed it,
he writes, in accordance with Mr. Atkinson's directions, and concludes
by begging Secretary Boyle "a smile of his favours." The English
Council however, who had covered the continent with a network
of spies, appraised Tyrrell's information at its true value, and so,
for six weeks we hear no more of him. By that time he had to
give particulars of the personnel of the conspiracy.

THE INFORMATION OF EDWARD TYRRELL OF DUBLIN ESQ.
He knows Edmund Kennedy the Son of Sir Richard Kennedy
late of the County of Dublin, baronet. The said Edmund
Kennedy goes under the name of Joseph Reeves. He is a frier
of the Order of St. Francis and titular Bishop of Dublin. The
said Edmund goes disguised in a lay habit with a sword by his
side and daily frequents various public places. This Informant
saw the said Kennedy in Ireland in July last disguised as one
Jones amongst the Romish clergy. March 21, 1710.

The English Council remonstrated with the Irish Lords Justices
for permitting priests to remain in the country and swagger about
public places wearing swords. Having no further use of Tyrrell
they sent him back to Ireland, doubtless with ample rewards. His
next public appearance was when four months later he was convicted
at the Queen's Bench in Dublin of bigamy. Yet, will it be believed
that before the end of the year we find this convicted felon in the
pay of the Privy Council and on intimate relations with Secretary
Dawson. But henceforward it is best to let him tell his own story.

Q

226 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

The Examinacon of Edward Tyrrell taken before the honourable
Richard Nuttley, Esq. one of her Maiesties justices of the Court
of Queen's Bench in Ireland the 6th day of March 1711-2.

Who being duly sworn and examined saith that he having obtained
a pass from Mr. Secretary Dawson bearing date the 9th of Decem-
ber 1710 whereby he was permitted by the name of Edward
fritz Gerald alias Tyrrell to goe from Dublin to London he soon
after left this city and went to London where in the space of
about fifteen days he arrived on foot without about two or three
pounds in his pockett and after he had stayed in London about
ten days where he lodged in the house of one Spring a Gold-
smith near St. Martin's lane he went by water down to Harrige
[Harwich] and after he had stayed there about two days he went
in a Collier to Lassan Gant where he arrived in about three
days and from thence he went on foot to Gant where he staid
about eight days where he mett with one ffather Lynch with
whom he had been formerly acquainted. That this Examinat
often "heard the said Lynch express his expectation that the
Pretender would come home again that the high church and
low church could not agree, by that means the Pretender would
be brought home again ; that he had acquaintance with no
other persons in Gant and that while he continued there he passed
by the name of Tyrrell ; that from Gant he went to Louvain
and there as soon as he came, enquired his way to the Irish
Colledge and when he came to it he enquired for the Guardian
who came to him and this Examinat passed to him for Edward
fflaherty the son of Roger fflaherty of parke in the County of
Gallway and saith that the said Roger has a son whose name
is Edward and is now at home with his father as this Examinat
believes. This Examinat saith that he found in the said Colledge
one fnorence McNemara the son of Counsellor McNemara of
near Killaloe in the County of Clare a middle sized young man
about the age of twenty two year and who was a novice in that
Colledge of about half a year standing. That this Examinat
was very well acquainted with the said young man for that the
Examinat was about two year ago at his father's house and there
he saw the said young man at home with his father. The said
young man told this Examinat that he and his elder brother were
sent by their father from Ireland about two year agoe and that
they had with them about 100 pound and that the elder brother
went to St. Germans to the Pretender. This Examinat further
saith that while he was at Louvain one James Ternin a member
of the said Colledge and a Regular of the Order of St. Francis
and who he had often seen officiate in the church there was ordered
to come into Ireland by the Superior of the franciscan order who
lives in Paris. That during this Examinat 's stay there he
saw the said ffather Ternin after he had thrown off his habit
in Lay man's Cloaths and the said Ternin told this Examinat

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 227

he was to goe to Dublin to ffather Edmund Byrne Titular Arch
Bishop of Dublin; the said ffather Ternin, ffather Dillon and
severall others told this Examinat about the time that the
Pretender was to land in Scotland the said ffather Byrne was
by virtue of some order sent by the Pope to the said ffather
Dillon and by him sent to Ireland to one Rourk who is brother
in law to Councellor McDonogh and lives in his house in the
County of Roscommon and that Owen McDermod and the said
Rourk were likewise made Bishops the same time by virtue of
the said order and this Examinat further saith that he saw in
the Colledge belonging to the order of St. Dominick in Louvain
one Edward McDermod son to Bryan McDermod of the County
of Roscommon whom this Examinat very well knew before he
left this kingdom and is now a novice belonging to the said Order
and this Examinat further saith that one McMahan son to
Collado McMahan of the County of Monaghan was some time
in the latter end of the last harvest as this Examinat was informed
by the aforesaid ffather Dillon was likewise sent on here as
Bishop of Cloher who as this Examinat was informed lived for
some years near Leven [Louvain] and had 2000 guilders per
annum as being the first Doctor of a Colledge in that place.
And this Examinat further saith that Lieutenant Edward
ffloherty who was in Collonel Denys [Devenish] Regiment that
was raised in Ireland for the service of King Charles of Spaine
deserted the said service and went over with seventy of the
men of that Regiment to the french King's service and is since
as this Examinat is informed returned to Ireland and is joyned
his brother David, a-nd the said Edward ffloherty has brought a
party of disaffected persons into this kingdom in order to raise
a rebellion to whom a great number has since adhered and as
this Examinat is credibly informed are the people that hough
the cattle now in Conaght and this Examinat further saith
that he is very well acquainted with Captain Denis Floherty
and his brother Edward and believes that they were sent with
some men on purpose to raise a rebellion in this kingdom by what
he heard at the severall convents he had been att in fflanders ;
that some time in the last winter this Examinat left Louvain
having there and in other places got about five pounds to loan
his charges to Ireland and soon after took shipping at Haiesluce
in the Dolphin packet boat and in about four and twenty hours
he landed at Harrige from whence this Examinat prosecuted his
journey on foot till he came to parck Gate where this Examinat
took shipping in a Chester ship and landed at Ring's End about
ten weeks agoe from whence this Examinat went to Hoffaughroe
near Bray where this Examinat has since continued until brought
to Tirone by Collonel Edwards.
And further this Examinat saith not

Jurat 6 die Mart [1712] EDWARD TYRRELL.

coram me R. NUTLEY.

228 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

In the following deposition he gives some particulars sup-
plementary of the foregoing account :

Co. WICKLOW.

The Examination of Edward Tyrrell formerly of Park in the County
of Gallway an inhabitant, who being sworn saith :

That by virtue of a pass (dated the 9th day of December 1710
and signed by Joshua Dawson then Secretary to the Lords
Justices) he went from this kingdom for England and thence
for fflanders pursuant to directions from the Lords Justices
(from whom he received as a reward the sum of ten pounds)
and upon his comeing there he this Deponent made it his business
to goe to the Irish Cloysters and the English Colledges in Flanders
aforesaid and past there as a son of Roger Flaherty of Parke
in the County of Gallway, Gentleman, who was very much
esteemed in those Cloysters and Colledges and after being some
tyme there he this Deponent found that the whole management
of the heads of those Cloysters and Colledges tended to the
bringing in of the Pretender into the kingdom of Great Brettagne ;
and to forward the intreige they declared they had sent several
Popish Bishopps into Ireland in order to manage that design
and to incense the Popish inhabitants of that kingdom to a
rebellion in order to promote popery and roote out the Established
Religion of the Church of England ; and the names of the Popish
Bishopps who were sent over into Ireland being first sent from
Flanders to Rome where they were made Bishops (according to
this Deponent's information) and thence sent for the kingdom
of Ireland, whose names according to the said information is
(sic) as follows viz. John McMoghan Titular Arch Bishopp of
Clogher, Bryan Fitzgerald, Bishop of Elphin, Owen McDermott,
Bishop of Conrah [Achonry] near Elphin aforesaid Major Mac-
dounell [struck out] and one Edmund Byrne Bishop of Dublin
the last of which he ordained clergy within these three weeks
last past being informed thereof by ffather John Talbott parish
priest of Connaght in the County of Dublin on Saturday last
and that he had one of the said new ordained clergy as a curate
to himself and his name being [blank] Meghten but this Deponent
could not find out his Christian name. This Deponent further
saith that about October last landing in England he found the
Duke of Ormond was in Ireland and thereupon he made the
best of his way for Ireland and upon his landing which was
about the beginning of December last he was taken so ill with
a pleurisy and ague that he was not able to make his application
to the Government who employed him in order to make the
above discovery but was by his indisposition forced down to
Passaroe in the County of Wicklow aforesaid in order to recover
his health and as soon as he was able to stirr forth he this De-
ponent did apply himself to the next Justice of Peace (being

THE PRIEST CATCHERS, 229

Richard Edwards of Old Court Esq.) and gave him in the
Examinacon as before recited. This Deponent further saith
that some yeares agoe there was a regiment raised in Ireland
for the service of the King of Spain whereof one Devonish was
Collonel, one Kennedy of Dublin was Lieutenant Collonel and
among the rest of the officers one Edmund Flogherty was Lieuten-
ant which Edmund deserted the service and went over with
sixty of the men of said Regiment or thereabouts and entered
himself and men in the French King's service and as this Depon-
ent is informed, the said Lieutenant Flaherty is now returned
for Ireland and has joyned his brother Donnell Flaherty (who
brought a party of disaffected persons into this kingdom in order
to raise a rebellion to which a great number has since adhered)
and as this Deponent is credibly informed he committed great
outrages. This Deponent further saith that he is very well
acquainted with both Captain Donnell Flaherty and his brother
Edmund and their whole family as well as the whole country
where they lived and believes that the said Captain and his
brother were both sent with some men on purpose (by what
this Deponent heard before he left Flanders) to raise a rebellion
in the kingdom of Ireland. This Deponent further saith that
several persons of the Popish religion has (sic) sent over their
sons to be educated in the popish religion beyond the seas con-
trary to the Act of Parliament for restraining of them, viz.
Councellor Mcnemara near Killaloe in the County of Clare sent
over two sons, one being at St. Germains and the other a fryer
att Louvain in Flanders and not sent thither above eighteen
months agoe. One Bryan McDemott of the County of Ros-
common sent his son to Louvain about a year agoe who was
made a fryer ere this Deponent left that place and further saith
not. EDWARD TYRRELL.

Capt. coram me 4 die Martii apud Old Court 1711-2.

RICHD. EDWARDS.

During the year 1712 Tyrrell commissioned by the authorities
made several expeditions through the country in search of priests.
Many particulars will be narrated in future chapters ; for the
present it is enough to say that in December of that year he, under
the alias of Edward Moore, went through the form of marriage
for the fourth (or fifth) time and was finally entrapped. Some of
the numerous petitions he sent from prison set forth in detail his
services to government.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices in Council.

THE CASE OF EDWARD TYRRELL.

Imprimis. In the month of August last in pursuance of a Warrant
from the Lord Chief Justice Cox he had taken Philip Reilly of

230 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

the Order of St. Dominick a popish priest who kept the convent
of that function with all his papers, vestments and severall
letters from France, harboured and supported by one Mr. Taafe
where he was taken within three miles of Dundalk whence he
was committed in the County of Louth. Witness to the truth
hereof James Lee Esq. Justice of the Peace who lives within a
mile of Mr. Taafe where the said Reilly was taken.

2ndly I did take in August last one Terence Conway a popish friar
that went up and down the kingdom as a spy from the Popish
bishops manageing their affaires. He was committed to the
Gaol of Dundalk in the County of Louth by James Tisdall Esq.
and John Barren Esq. One Tady Kelly upon a summons of
John Barron Esq. made Oath before the said Barron Esq. that
the said Conway offered and said Mass in the said Kelly's house
in the town of Ardee. John Barron bound said Kelly to prosecute,
the said Terence Conway att the next Assizes.

3rdly I took one Patrick Markey a young popish priest of the
town of glassnistle in the County of Louth and delivered him
to the guard that went along with me out of the town of Ardee
by John Barron Esq. The above Philip Reilly and Terence-
Conway were taken by the assistance of the Guard of Ardee.

41y I took in the month of November last one Patrick Downin a
popish Bishop with all his books, papers and vestments of a
considerable value, he goes under the name of Carolan and
severall other names. He was committed to the Gaol of Phillips-
town in the Kings County by John Moor Esq. and James Ford
Esq. Some days before he was taken he ordained nine young
men as popish priests. Severall were summoned as witnesses
who did declare upon Oath that they had seen the said Patrick
Downin severall times officiate in the parish where he was taken
and elsewhere in the King's County though not registered.

Sly I did apprehend Father John Downin a young popish priest
with his letters of ordination signed by the Titular Popish Bishop
of Dublin by name Edward Burn, he was committed to the Gaol
of Phillipstown by John Moor and James Ford Esquires, Mr.
Ward, Mr. McManus, Mr. Cahill, Dr. Ivory and others made
oath against him that they saw him say mass in the parish
where he was taken and elsewhere in that county though not
registered.

61y I did apprehend Redmund Renehan a young popish priest
and delivered him to Mr. Goldsberry the High Constable and
the rest of the Guard by virtue of a warrant signed by Mr. Moor
and Mr. Forde. Upon searching of him there were severall
papers found in his custody and an acquittance of rent signed
by Mr. Lestran who told me he knew the said Renehan to be a
popish priest and not registered.

71y I had taken in the beginning of Februarjr last in the Citty of
Corke one Patrick Carthy and William Hennessy two popish

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 231

priests late come from France with all the vestments, books
and papers relating to their function. I had taken elsewhere
hidden in a garrett a fine library of books lately landed directed
to the Bishop who lyves now in Phillips Town.

Sly I had taken at the same time being in the beginning of last
month two young priests newly ordained reddy to goe for France
with their papers and letters by name Slynes, nephews to the
Popish Bishop of Corke who was lately transported out of Corke
by law. They were committed by the Mayor of Corke to the
Gaole.

91y I had seized upon in the Citty of Corke in the beginning of
February last severall admirable rich vestments belonging to a
Bishop with a mitre and other rich robes belonging to that
function. In short the pope of Rome could not have richer
wearing of that sort ; they were delivered to the Maj^or of Corke.

I Edward Tyrrell have been bound over in five hundred pounds
bond to be in Cork the next assizes to prosecute these affairs.
I have been bound over by the Justices of Peace to be at the
next Assizes at Phillips Town. I am able to do more service
than is mentioned in this case notwithstanding I am confined
by the management and spite of popery who spares no money
to stifle my prosecution. I do actually know at this present
time where Burn the Titular Bishop and Bourke who were
lately in the Government's proclamation where they now lodge
and has (sic) their papers. I have sent two in private these
severall days past after 'em in order to acquaint the Government
notwithstanding that I am afraid every minute in this house
to be destroyed by the management of the popish clergy and
other convicted persons that do here reside. Even the very
papishes come out of the street into the Gaol to abuse me in
my confinement. I leave it to the Great God what misery I
am in for serving her Majesty's government. I lye under no
crime but what may be bailed by law according to the opinion
of the recorder and others. If I be not bailed I should be very
glad that your Excellency would give an order to have me trans-
mitted as a prisoner as an evidence for the Queen to Phillips
Town and Corke that all those prosecutions ma}'- not be stifled
by the management of popery. EDWARD TYRRELL.

Attached to the foregoing is a warrant from Justice Nutley
to J. Sanders, keeper of Newgate Gaol, to take into custody the
body of Edward Tyrrell charged with feloniously marrying a second
wife the first being alive. It is dated 23rd February, 1712-3,
Nutley would appear to have formed a poor opinion of Tyrrell.
A previous petition to the Council had been referred to him. In
. this Tyrrell simply bluffed. He was a witness for the Queen,

232 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

prevented from rendering service" by the manadgment of Poppery. "
"It is only a trick putt upon him" and so forth. Nutley was not
convinced ; his report runs :

I humbly inform your Excellency that the petitioner stands in-
dicted before me on Oath, for that he having a former wife
living did in December last marry one Jane Moore. This crime
is a felony, but it is certified to me by the Clerk of the Crown
that the Petitioner was in Trinity Term 1710 tryed in her
Maiesties Court of Queen's Bench for Bigamy and found guilty
and burnt in the hand. So that it is past all doubt that he is
not bailable by law. This is humbly submitted to your Ex-
cellency this 20th day of february 1712-3. R. NUTLEY.

In a further petition Tyrrell again set forth his services with
some variations.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council.
The humble petition of Edward Tyrrell.

Sheweth That your Petitioner was at the Assizes at Phillipstown
in order to Prosecute the Popish clergy whom your Petitioner
apprehended by the assistance of John Moore Esq. and other
Justices of Peace of the King's County. The Hon. Sir Richard
Levin and Mr. Souldan can inform your Excellencies and Council
of what has past in Phillipstown and that notwithstanding that
Counsellor Thomas Daly and severall other lawyers were feed
against your Petitioner's said just cause.

Sheweth That your Petitioner was likewise at Cork where he
has successfully prosecuted one Patrick Carthy and William
Hennessy two popish priests lately come from forreigne countreys
who being found guilty and received sentence according. All
which the Hon. Lord Chief Baron Rochford and Mr. Justice
Nuttly can justifie besides the severall tranckes of popish books
whereof your Petitioner did already inform your Excellencies
were produced with severall rich vestments before the said
justices. That your Petitioner has been for severall hours
together examined before the Grand Juries of the County and
City of Cork when the said Grand Juries found severall other
indictments against other disaffected persons whereof your
Petitioner gave the said Grand Juries an account. All this
your Petitioner has done in her Maiesties behalf. Notwith-
standing that Counsellor Patrick French of Dublin and Councellor
French of Cork and Counsellor Charter with severall other
Lawyers were feed against your Petitioner in order to stifle your
Excellencye's Petitioner's evidence for her Maiestie.

Sheweth That your Petitioner in his journey from Phillipstown to
Cork apprehended one Richard fitzPatrick a popish priest lately
come from France whom your Petitioner brought before two

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 233

Justices of Peace by the assistance of Mr. Haney, the messanger,
and the rest of the Guard that were to conduct your Petitioner
by order of the Government. That the said Fitz Patrick was
committed to the Gaol of Clonmell by the said Justices of the
Peace when your Petitioner in his said journey from Cork to
Dublin prosecuted the said Fitz Patrick at the assizes before
the Hon. Francis Barnard, Justice of the same, and the said
Fitz Patrick was found guilty and accordingly received sentence.
There was found in the said Fitz Patrick's pockett a case full
of papers and letters which your Petitioner gave into the custody
of the said Haney to be delivered to your Excellencies. Your
Petitioner was for severall hours examined before the Grand
Jury of the County of Tipperary in Clonmell aforesaid when your
Petitioner gave severall examinations against other disaffected
persons. The Grand Jury having found all the Bills ordered
your said Petitioner to appear before your Excellencies in Council
for further examination about some- matters of great moment
not fitt to be inserted here. Your Petitioner will further satisfie
your Excellencies and lay before you severall matters of such
weight and moment which shall be a wonderfull satisfaction to
the whole Council and very much tend to the future safetie and
welfare of her Maj esty and all her good sub]' ects. Your Petitioner
would even now open the same but that he is sensible that some
disaffected persons were of opinion that your Petitioner's late
good services were but shams or lies. Your Petitioner is bound
over in severall sums of money to appear at the severall places
aforesaid the next assize in order to prosecute severall other
persons.

Sheweth That by the Invention and malice of severall Irish papists
he is accused at present of marrying of two women and wrong-
fully impeached, and does protest upon the faith of a Christian
that in the course of his life he had no manner of dealing with
his prosecutor, but your Petitioner is informed that the said
Irish papists as well clergy as laity all over the kingdom do
unanimously joyne together towards his down fall and all purely
to prevent your Petitioner's prosecution at Corke, Clonmell,
Philipstown and other parts of the kingdom. The said Irish
papists will infallibly keep your Petitioner confined all the days
of his life on pretence of some wicked practice or other if not
prevented by your Excellencies. The premises considered may
it please your Excellencies to act as much in your Petitioners
behalf to my Lord Chief Justice Cox that your Petitioner may be
capable to putt his intended good services into execution.

E. TYRRELL.

By this time, however, their Excellencies had exploited their
humble petitioner. Constantine Phipps, lord chancellor, and Synge
archbishop of Tuam, lords justices, wrote to Secretary Southwell :

234 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

Dublin Castle 19 February 1713

We have received your letter of the 10th and are not surprised
that false representations of what passes in remote parts of this
kingdom are transmitted into England. Some in this town are
particularly zealous to charge the government with the neglect
and mismanagements of the civil magistrates. Regarding the
charges as to the apprehension of danger from the Papists at
this time more than any other we cannot imagine whence it
should proceed. If they are grown more insolent of late the
Justices of the Peace and the Gentlemen of the Country are
the persons who encourage them for if they did their duty to
the Queen and Country in putting the laws in execution against
the priests and persons who carry arms without license as they
often have been requested to do by express commands from the
Government signified in several proclamations, it would soon
appear how little reason we had to apprehend danger. It is
well known that notwithstanding all the care the government
have taken that there is a generall neglect in the civil magistrates
everywhere in putting the laws in execution against papists.
Whether many priests are come into this kingdom lately or not
we cannot tell ; the only information we ever had of that kind
was from Edward Tyrrell to whose credit you are no stranger
and though he has often told us both priests and officers are
lately come from France into Ireland yet we could never get
the fact proved by any other testimony than his own though
we have done all in our power to encourage him in his discoverys
and to endeavour upon his information to seize and apprehend
such priests and officers. But we never could find any other
effect from his service than to get money from us and you know
he has given the very same information to some former govern-
ments. If the priests say mass publickly and afterwards put
on their swords to dare the country, are not the civil magistrates
only to blame ?

Accordingly Tyrrell had to go forward for trial and confront
as best he could the several wives he had married. Henceforward
his petitions are devoted not to the recital of his national services,
but for the most part to blackening the character of these women.
In one of them he states " the chief e of your petitioner's prosecutors
is one Margrett Clerk a common, lewd, debauched and disorderly
woman," and that he can prove this by several witnesses. And
he goes on the say that she is bribed to appear against him, having
received "severall sumes of money and severall suits of Cloaths"
that she was severall times in the Bridewell but is now the wife
of one John Begley a blacksmith. In another petition he tries

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 235

to show that the charge made against him by Jane Moore was
trumped up by the papists, and an affidavit for the purpose was
enclosed. In this, Mary, wife of William Moore of Bridge Street,
Dublin, swore that her daughter Jane was married to a man who
went by the name of Edward Moore but since known by the name
of Edward Tyrrell. One Mrs. Judge, niece of Mr. Lewis Pierse,
advised Mrs. Moore to go to her uncle Pierse and that he would
give her daughter 50 to prosecute Tyrrell. Pierse and an attorney
named Burke brought her and her daughter to Judge Nutley and
a warrant was issued for Tyrrell who was arrested about six weeks
or two months later. A week before the trial was to come off
Pierse and Burke came to deponent and threatened her they would
make her fly the country and her daughter rott in gaol unless she
prosecuted. Immediately before the trial Tyrrell again petitioned
the executive for a postponement on the ground that his witnesses
were out of town. He asks that their Excellencies would read
Mr. Shouldun's report on his behaviour at the several assizes.
So far from being enriched he has been six pounds out of pocket
by his attendance at Cork and Clonmel, the only money he received
"was at a clubb made by the Gentlemen of Cork upon account
of your petitioner's true behaviour in his prosecution." As yet
he has not got any of the rewards due to him under the Acts of
Parliament, and concludes "Your petitioner humbly beggs for the
tender mercye of God, and throws himselfe before your Excellencyes
to consider the above allegations." Their Excellencies however
referred him to the court. On 9th May, 1713, the trial took
place and Tyrrell got short shrift. But his resources were not yet
exhausted ; he managed to get the death sentence deferred in
the hope something might turn up.

Upon application made to us by Edward Tyrrell a condemned
prisoner in Newgate we are pleased to grant a Reprieve to Satur-
day the 23rd day of May instant and we hereby require the
Sheriffs of the Citty of Dublin to forbeare execution to Saturday
the 23rd day of May accordingly on which day the said Sheriffs
are to cause the said sentence to be put in Execution.

Dublin Castle 13 May 1713.

Even with the shadows of death gathering round him Tyrrell
did not cease to play the hypocrite.

236 THE PRIEST CATCHERS.

To the Lords Justices Generall and General! Governors of Ireland.
The humble petition of Edward Tyrrell.

Sheweth That your Excellencies poore petitioner being convicted
and sentenced to die on the 15th of May instant but being re-
prieved to the 23rd of same month and your Excellencies
petitioner expecting nothing else but Death doth entreat your
Excellencies for the tender mercy of almighty God to suffer your
poor petitioner to be carried in a coach to the place of execution,
your Excellencies petitioner being unwilling to be carried in a
cart as Comonlye are thieves and Highway men.

The premises tenderly considered may it therefore please your
Excellencies to allow your poor petitioner to be caryed in a
Coach to the place of execution and for soe doing your poor
petitioner as in duty bound, will ever pray. EDWARD TYRRELL.

There is no reference on the petition and it would seem that
the wretched creature was borne to execution amid the execrations
of the populace. The following from a contemporary newspaper
is the last notice of him.

[May 23rd, 1713.] This day Terrel the famous priest catcher who
was condemned this term for having several wives, was executed.

The Irish House of Commons had voted that "the prosecuting
and informing against papists was an honourable service" (tt),
but no profession however honourable could survive such members
as Tyrrell. Protestants themselves resented the imputation of
priest catching, and the term "priest-catcher" became the most
hateful and opprobrious that could be applied to anyone. Among
the papers at Marsh's Library may be seen a sworn information.

Comit. Civit, Dublin, ff.
THE EXAMINATION OF JOHN MOLLOY.

Who being duly sworn and examined saith that one Samuel Dye
a reputed Protestant on ffebruary 23rd 1722 called this Deponent
a Priest Catcher, a rogue, with many ignominious names, collar-
ing this Deponent and most grossly treating him where there
were many Romans, either to curry favour with them or to raise
a Mobb about him as this Deponent verily believes by the often
repetitions he made of the name of Priest Catcher. And this
Deponent further saith that one Thomas Rearfoot on the 3rd
day of this instant April 1723 being taken on a Warrant of the
Lord Mayor for a debt he owed this Deponent, he called this
Deponent a Priest Catcher in the full market severall times,

(tt) Commons Journal III, 319.

THE PRIEST CATCHERS. 237

refused to pay or come with the Constables, going to and fro
among the crowd in order to stirr upp the Mobb to abuse this
Deponent as severall of them did, he repeating the same words
over and over again on purpose to hunt this Deponent. That
one Toping of the Mobb called this Deponent quack, noe Doctor,
told him he lyed, depending of the strong back which followed.
This Deponent with drawing into one of the adjacent houses is
afraid they will doe him some bodely harme, except they are
prevented.

Jurat coram me 4 Aprilis Anno 1723.

JOHN FIAGE.

CHAPTER VI.

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. '

nS the penal code formed part of the ordinary law of the
land, its operations could be fully and adequately studied
only in the records of the inferior courts. But these
unfortunately have all perished. Hence such knowledge as we
have been able to glean has been derived from the proceedings of
the executive government reports, orders, warrants, petitions,
judicial processes. Besides these there is however in the Dublin
Record Office a very considerable number of papers which throw
valuable light on the internal state of the church, the lives led
by the priests and the conditions under which they worked. For
though in these evil times no registers of births or marriages were
kept, no patents of ordination or of presentation to parishes, no
memorials of matrimonial proceedings, no documents in short
which would prove the exercise of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, or
would compromise priests and those who sheltered them, yet it
was impossible for a great organisation spread over a nation to
put away all evidence of its working. Hence as one turns over
letters to magistrates, to civil officials, to military officers, the
multitudinous papers that make up the routine of administration,
documents are met with strangely out of place. Latin certificates
"from our hiding place" that so-and-so has received priests orders,
that he is going abroad to make his studies and earnestly commend-
ing him to the charity of all bishops in communion with the Holy
See. Or on the other hand parchments in pompous phraseology
that Mr. Blank has for three years successfully studied theology
in a certain university, in testimony whereof the Doctors of the
celebrated faculty subscribe their names. Or again (for example)
a dispensation in the third and fourth degree of consanguinity
between Dominick French and Agnes Skerett. Doubtless such
papers as these were found on persons arrested on suspicion of
being priests, or in raiding houses where priests were known to

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 239

have been sheltered, and were forwarded to Dublin as clues to
popish conspiracies. Many of them remain in the collections
classed as "Civil Correspondence," "Miscellaneous Letters and
Papers," and "Parliamentary Returns of the Lords Committee on
the State of Popery 1731." We select a small bundle as they illus-
trate the condition of the priests in a part of the country which
from its remoteness and from the number of Catholic gentry
resident there, might be supposed to be out of the range of the
popery laws.

Patrick Duffy was appointed parish priest of Ballinrobe, Co.
Mayo, about 1696. Some exact particulars of him are obtainable
from the Register of Popish Priests of 1704. He was born in
1658 and would appear to have studied at the Irish College at
Douay, for his ordination is set down at Cambray in 1687 by the
celebrated Fenelon. At the registration John Browne of the
Neale and George Brown of Liskillin became sureties for his loyal
behaviour. Almost from the beginning of his pastorate he seems
to have acted as rural dean of the district of Ballinrobe. Dr.
Lynch, the archbishop of Tuam, had been outlawed at the Revolu-
tion and had not ventured to return to Ireland. The diocese
therefore was administered by his two vicars, Dominic Lynch, his
nephew, and Dr. Francis Burke, who passed under the aliases
Dominick Deane and Miles Staunton respectively. These carried
on a correspondence with Duffy on various matters connected with
his deanery and some of this correspondence was preserved by
Duffy unfortunately for himself. Though he had taken the oath
of allegiance to William and Mary 18th April, 1698, and had sub-
sequently registered himself according to law, yet the suspicion at
length got abroad that he was exercising popish ecclesiastical
jurisdiction and his capture was determined on.

Dublin Castle 11 March 1711-2.

Sir It is the express orders of the Lords Justices and Council
that you take up and apprehend the bodies of Patrick Duffy
popish priest in the County of Mayo and Edmund Burgh popish
priest in the County of Gallwey and that you return to me an
account of your proceedings therein.

Sir Your most humble servant
To Robert Miller Junior at Ballinrobe. JOSHUA DAWSON.

240 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

[Reply].

Milford 18 March 1711-2.

Sir As to their Excellencies commands for apprehending Duffy
and Burke I shall do my utmost and have already done all in
my power, having granted warrants against each of them both
in the Countyes Mayo and Gallway. They have both quitted
their parishes and are, as I am informed, gone to shelter them-
selves, the one att Captain Hussey Burke in the borders of the
County of Roscommon, the other towards Westport in this
count}? whither I last night sent a party to take him.

To Secretary Dawson. ROBERT MILLER.

From a letter written from Castlebar 23rd September following
we glean some details of the pursuit.

Mr. Miller says he was ordered by the Archbishop of Tuam when
his Grace was appointed one of the Lords Justices to seize Patrick
Duffy popish parish priest of the parish of Ballinrobe and all
his papers. Pursuant to which in two or three days he went
to Ballinrobe and not finding his person, he went to the said
Patrick Duffy's closett and seized severall of his papers and
such as he judged important he delivered to his Grace. Amongst
which was one signed Albane [? Cardinal Albani] with severall
scales and entreys of severall offices through which it seems to
have been past, which said Miller understood to be a Bull from
the Pope impowering the said Patrick Duffy to absolve all such
as had taken the Oath of Allegiance.

Archbishop Synge hurried to Dublin with the treasonable

documents.

Dublin Castle 11 March 1711-2.

Sir My Lord Archbishop of Tuam having laid before the Council
a paper you seized in the Popish Priest Patrick Duffy's house
which was signed by severall persons who retracted and renounced
their having taken the Oath of Abjuration, their Excellencies
and Lordships desire you will give in your Examination upon
Oath before the next Justice of the Peace of your having found
and seized the paper in the said Popish Priest's house.

Sir, Your most humble servant,

To Robt. Miller. JOSHUA DAWSON.

The priest was captured not long after and put on trial. The
result we learn from the Warrant Book of the Lord Lieutenant.

S. WHARTON.

Whereas Patrick Duffey a secular priest of the Popish Religion
by his remaining in this kingdom beyond the time limited by
Act of Parliament for his leaving the kingdom, has incurred
the penalty of the said Act in the same manner as a Regular

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 241

Convicted, and Whereas the said Patrick Duffy has given good
security to her Majesty of the penalty of ffifty pounds to transport
himself to some part of Spain in six months from the 4th of
August instant. These are to require you to cause the said
Patrick Duffy to be delivered to Abraham Phips, Master of the
goo.d ship the Diligence of Dublin now in this port bound to
Spain, and send him in custody on ship board in order to his
transportation and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Dublin Castle 7 August 1711.
To the Sheriff of the City of Dublin.

Among the correspondence seized by Miller were some of the
letters sent to Duffy by the vicars-general. These are little scraps
of writing about nine inches by four, creased, soiled, and faded,
and it is impossible to look upon them without calling up some
picture of the circumstances in which they were written. They
are the vestiges of men engaged in a welter and struggle for very
existence, who had little time and no thought for composition.
From their appearance it is evident that they were carried by the
messenger concealed in the lining of his clothes or perhaps between
the soles of the boot. The earliest refers to the distribution of the
holy oils for Baptism and Extreme Unction. These according to
the Canons should be distributed at Easter but they did not reach
the Connaught clergy until June ; for the bishops available for
consecrating them, were hidden away somewhere in Cork and
Waterford.

7 June [16]96.

I will summon those in your district to meet on the 17th current,
in the morning at Killcoman chappie to renew the Oyles and
comply with Dr. Burk ['s regulations] who will bee there as
allso your owne. DOM. LYNCH.

This to fr. Gibbon will suffice for him.
[Endorsed] To P. Duffy Ballinrobe.

For the terrible years that followed we have fortunately a
series of letters.

Gallway April 29, 1698.

You will from time to time by sure hands for Mr. Lynch 's of Ballen-
robe house, direct anything that offers under your own Scale
and cover 'to Mr. Andrew Lynch att Ballenrobe' as if for him
by Post recommended to you. You must unceasingly watch on
all sides far and near, and make instrument of one Brother to
reprehend the other. Your, DOM. LYNCH.

R

242 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

In the following Dr. Lynch adopts the alias " Dominick Deane " :

February 27 1698-9.

Reverend Sir I had your last by the ould man who allso tould
me you designed to visit me. I do not question your kindness
and I am very sorry I cannot incouradge you, for my present
circumstance is such as you know, and that cannot well admit
visits. Wherefore it will be more expedient and discreet to '
send [communications] by paper than take the paynes of all
this way, and hazard perhaps great evills. I understand your
Assizes will be there on the 5th of Aprill, wherefore I think it
convenient you defer the meeting of the 15th of the next, till
that day be over and till the 15th or 20th of Aprill as you will
thinke fitt. We ought to keep as silent as possible yet a little.

I hope you have great care of Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Mally to see
how they serve. Pray at your leasure order a paire of shewes
made for me as if for your selfe, and be it somewhat biger then
your own shewe, the heel not very high and well nailed. Your
owne. DOMINICK DEANE.

The following is from the other vicar-general, Dr. Francis

Burke: 1 May 1699.

I came hither in Mr. Deane 's absence and the holy oyles will come
to me soone to be distributed. Wherefore I pray you warn the
fathers of your district to meet where you will think fitt.

Yours MILES STANTON.

July the 22 1699.

I came into this your country but of a start. I part tomorrow
wherefore I cannot attend what we have resolved upon con-
cerning you and father Bourke till the next time that I expect
we will both see you. There is an Information made against
us in Dublin ; upon the Information, orders [were] sent to the
country to bring us to question. Yett all will signify but little.
Si Deus pro nobis quis contra nos ? We must all keepe close
these three weeks to come. Your own DOMINICK DEANE.

In the next there is an allusion to a priest hunter whose name

has appeared in a former chapter:

February 25 1699-1700.

I shall be glad to hear from you if anything occurs at present.
Wee will keep very close till the Assizes be over and till we know
further off the designes of Mr. Birmingham. DOMINICK DEANE.

June the 1st 1700.
We meet with many troubles concerning the diocese of Elfin since

we parted that country which delays us in this county and
J the county of Roscommon and will stay us further yett. I hope

Mr. Shaghnussy is as Dr. Madden ordered him, since desisting

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 243

from his former disorders there in the district of Cong. If nott
he shall blame none but himself for his utter ruin. I am sorry
unwelcome accounts are given att all this distance of your friend
father owen Mally. He must not think wee can always forbeare
with him. Pray advise him to have more care of his behaviour
and charge. Your own DOMINICK DEANE.

July 27 1700.

I shall see you on the 22 of the next as this enclosure requires.
You sumon all yours to meet where you shall think most con-
venient which I believe may be att the place where we mett
last, and be itt timely in the morning, without horses or servants
or any sorte of noise which is all now from your Brother.

DOMINICK DEANE.

March the 9th 1701.

I doe not know what to doe as yett for my safetie. God will
direct us. I hope you have some pence to send me by this Bearer.
It's hard to be emptie in our circumstances. Wherefore if you
are forced to borrow, faile not sending me some till this shower
be over. All our brothers have been formally inlisted [names
registered by Sheriffs] and if they will have them the second
time I believe it will be no matter so there be no bayling them
and that they doe not appear together for feare of a surprise.
This last Order or Proclamation was not resolved upon since
the Hollanders declared for the King of Spain. This may soon
alter it or [they] will issue more hard Orders. Yours

DOMINICK DEANE.

More "hard orders" continued to be issued, and the proclam-
ation of 28th February, 1701, was followed by a still fiercer one on
the 25th November. The reign of terror is illustrated by another

docket of that year.

May 1, 1701.

I believe father Walter Mars [? Meagher's] house to be the most
discreet place as you say. I see no necessity for either of us
[vicars-general] in these times to be with you. The High Con-
stable is willing to be kind and seems soe. If he will not surprise
we will be safe. Your Brother DOMINICK DEANE.

August 15 1701.

Rev. ffather I am but now come into this Country and can make
noe great stay in it, and by reason of our long absence and great
troubles it would be necessary and satisfactory we should spend
an hour together. I can think of noe other place more convenient
than fr. McDonell's house at Dunamony and about the beginning
of next week. I want some paper which you will be pleased to
bring me if you can spare the time to come. D. DEAN.

To Father P. Duffy, Liskellin.

244 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

September 19 1702.

We are very sensible of your present condition as we suppose you
are of ours. Wherefore we need not dilate of either side. We
had no Cathedratica [i.e. sums payable by priests to their ordinary
superior] off you a long time, which though inconsiderable to
you is something to us, both for our support, and the obligation
of calling for it to you as established and accustomed in yearly
synods, which may be forgott if not in some manner kept in
practice. Wherefore we both or one of us resolved to see you
at your next month of October meeting at your severall accus-
tomed places of meeting and require you bring your Vestments,
Fixes, Oyle Boxes, rituals, Breviaries, Statutes and Casuists you
moste make use of. As for one portatil [altar stone], booke
each, about himself and on his owne horse. We have some
particular things to communicate to you then soe as you must
be all summoned to appeare and those of Kiltenain in father
Walter Bourke's Mass house. We do intend for some little
rest's sake to retire for some part of this winter and meet some
others of our circumstance [vicars general] to consult on some
matters of ill consequence to our trust which we would have
done eare now but that we wanted pence to beare our charge.
Wherefore be sure if you are forced to borrow so much, to have
for us a crowne apiece. Yours DOMINICK DEAN.

Even at times when the exercise of coercive power exposed
them to serious peril, the vicars did not shirk their duty.

To father John Mally. 5 June 1705.

I heare you begin to follow the practice off the ffriars, annointing

/ and administering other pastoralia when you are not authorized.

If I here any more of this I will not brook it. Behave yourself

as becometh, otherwise expect no kindnesse from Yours

DOMINICK DEANE.

The following is another manifest exercise of jurisdiction :

October 22

I suppose you had our late letter concerning a meeting next moneth.
It is here reported that the good ould Lord Abbott of Cong is
Dead. Iff soe you know of it, and we must see you of necessitie
and be it tomorrow night att ffather Alexander's [Fr. Ulick
Burke's] mass house after night fall an hour. The way for
you will be to call to ffather Alexander and bring him after night
fall to the mass house with candle light and wee will be with you
punctually there. [Let] noe man know of it. Iff the Abbott
be not dead give yourself noe trouble but send us [word] by
this [messenger] that wee may spare it alsoe. All from your
owne. D. DEANE.

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 245

Henceforward the letters become fewer. But the infamous
oath of abjuration imposed by the Act 8 Anne, c. 3, brought new

difficulties.

March 16 1711.

Rev. Sir You know the Abjuration as public and scandalous
perjury was hetherto reserved specially, and shall be still in
this our district. Save the few we design shall act for us or by
our own power which we cannot sub-delegate [no one is to give
absolution.] Wherefore if any abjurer in this our district should
pretend to be absolved, you must know by whom, that such
[priest] may be punished and made sensible of his error and
ignorance, and the [person] so unlawfully absolved must be by
you again absolved, as one of the new authors [decides] upon
the following conditions and terms :

First. That each of them shall sign and acknowledge the annexed
declaration which you must be sure to keep private for we do
not design to expose any body but as little as we can.

Second place ; they must oblige themselves henceforth never to
pretend to defend or commend the taking off the said Oath to
anybody but rather as far as shall lay in them, censure it as the
Church does and it deserves.

Third. That each of them without delay shall cause the Holly
Sacrifice of the Mass bee at least once offered for them, and
perform what pilgrimage, fast, alms and prayinge you shall
think fitt to impose according the condition and constitution of
each person, and

Finally That for the future they protest against these or any other
such oaths censured by their pastors and church. Upon per-
forming and engaging to perform all which you will admit as
many as shall come to you to the Holly sacraments of penance
and the rest but not otherwise. I rest Sir,

Your Brother and Servant

DOM. DEANE.

[Endorsed] To the Rev. fa. Patk. Duffy Ballenrobe, these April
the 10th, 1711.

The untimely death of our friend Captain Browne is a mighty
surprise uppon us all and an unspeakable loss to all his friends
and especially to his own charge and family as I apprehend.
The Almighty be mercifull to his soule. I am thinking all the
county will be flocking there abouts this day and will be soe
till the Corps be interred, and that all the cleargie hereabouts
will come to offer their service for the reliese of their great patron's
soule. The times are bad and we have reason to [observe]
caution. You take great care of yourselves lest you be surprised
as we are informed is intended. You must keep no sort of a
station or meeting, but from village to village serve your people
at unseasonable hours. I dare not goe further your side. I

246 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

believe you may better serve or distribute the sacred liquor
[the holy oils] in some house there at the Neale than where we
thought to meete this day For I believe that you will see all
those that you thought to see on this and the other side of Ballen-
robe there, especially when you cannot want a messenger to
advise them to come to you by degrees on .account of your
present occasion there. Which is the most discreet method you
can take to serve the soule of our friend and [you are] not to
keep them long to make a show. If there be anything of a
distribution, my compagnion [Dr. Burke] and I will deserve as
well as another to be shared with. Such as you renew the oyles
for, must answer our due [i.e. the Cathedra tica] before you give
them their boxes. Make a list of them. If you could spare the
time to come so far to me as the bearer will tell you, it would
comfort me much. Interim I rest Sir your own

DOMINICK DEANE.

The caution which the vicar enjoined on his clergy was not
only needed for their own safety but for the protection of the
family they came to honour. For if it could be ascertained that
Captain Browne died a Catholic and in particular that a priest
was in attendance at his death bed, then his estates of inheritance
might be broken up in accordance with the Gavelling Act, and such
other lands as he had leased or acquired became the property
of "the first Protestant discoverer." This may be illustrated by
the remarkable case Swan v. Governors of Stephen's Hospital.
In this case one Edward Cusack of Athboy and Dublin by will
dated 23rd June, 1753, left the hospital the reversion of his estates
amounting to 500 a year. Though Cusack had been an ostentatious
Protestant during a great part of his life, one Daniel Swan claimed
the property from the Governors as the first Protestant discoverer.
The claimant's case was that Cusack was present different times
at mass "seeing it sometimes through a window ;" that he kept
company with Papists and popish priests whom he harboured,
particularly one Plunkett ; that he suffered mass to be celebrated
in his coach house, but above all the damming fact "of the priest
and his [Cusack's] popish nieces being with him the evening of his
death." This last circumstance was considered of such importance
that the counsel for the hospital tried to rebut it by the plea that
the three parties came to Cusack merely to play a game of cards with
him ! The vicar-general therefore had good reason to warn the

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 247

clergy not to compromise the Browne family. But in vain. Though
the estates were saved, the following letter from the Protestant
Archbishop of Tuam to Archbishop Wake of Canterbury shows
how Captain Browne's heir was kidnapped and the family of the

Marquis of Sligo became Protestant.

Tuam April 15, 1725.

My Lord When the interest of religion is any way concerned I
am sure I need make no apology for being your Grace's Adviser
and Director. One Mr. Browne of Newport in the County of
Mayo and Diocese of Tuam a young gentleman of about 700
pounds a year, born of Popish parents is by the Care of his
Guardian and some other worthy friends bred a Protestant and
being about sixteen years of age is Master of as much Latin
with a little Greek as is necessary for One who is not designed
for any learned profession. His Protestant friends desire to
give him some University Education and being desirous to send
him to Christs Church in Oxford that he may be secure from
the insinuating attempts of his Popish kindred, have been
pleased to make their request to me that I would procure a
Right Good Tutor who may take effectual care of him with
respect both to his Religion and Manners, as well as Learning.
It will with God's blessing be of very good consequence to the
neighbourhood of Westport which is a remote country with very
few Protestants in it, that this hopefull young gentleman be
brought up a good Protestant as well as a good man in all other
respects. And therefore I beg your Grace's information and
advice in the choice of a Tutor for him. Long absence and no
correspondence have made me an absolute stranger to an old
College, for which reason this trouble is of nesessity given you
by your Grace's most obliged and faithful servant

EDWARD [SYNGE] Tuam.

The following is the last letter of Lynch's discoverable. As
it post dates the transportation of Father Duffy by four years, it
must have been obtained by a raid on another priest's papers :

April 22, 1715.

Rd. Fr. Doctor Burke is lately returned from Corck with the holly
oyles. We desire you acquaint those in your district to recur
on the hollydays of Pentecost to Ballenrobe to renew [them.]
Much of the time is past us, soe as this shall be no excuse then.

To fr. Walter Burke. Yours, DOM. LYNCH.

The correspondence of Duffy with Dr. Francis Burke, the
other vicar-general and subsequently archbishop, though not so
extensive is of no less interest. The earliest document is a summons
from Burke to the clergy secular and regular of Tuam, having

248 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

the cure of souls, to attend a diocesan synod in the chapel of Bores-
cara 6th June, 1695. It must have been no little risk in these
times to bring such an assembly together, yet synods seem to have
been held with fair regularity. On the 4th June, 1698, the year in
which the priests were expatriated in hundreds', the clergy of Tuam
met in synod. An abstract of the charge given by Dr. Burke may
be given :

Being so long from your conversation and company I extremely
longed for the opportunity of saluting you herewith. For
though you are out of my sight you are not out of my mind.
My heart is vigilant for your welfare (5 Corin). I can give you
no account of my proceedings since I saw you nisi de labore et
dolore in quibus cum Apostolo ad Romanos quinto, gloriamur,
scientes quod tribulatio etc.

The dignity of the priesthood is the greatest on earth. Ne mihi
narres purpuras nee diadema nee vestes aureas, umbrae sunt
haec omnia in comparatione dignitatis sacerdotis, and in con-
sequence the obligation is greater on the priests in serving the
vineyards trusted to them. Qui dedit multa, multum quaeret
ab eis (Luke II).

We ought to hold ourselves indispensably obliged to compose our
behaviour and actions especially in this juncture of time more

I than ever, when the flock depends only of the priests as their

I guide in good example, sound doctrine and modest behaviour.

I Wherein if the priest fails what shall become of him and the
flock. The flock strays for want of pastor and guide, and in
lieu of defending them from the common enemie, he will ensnare
them in the laborint (sic) of perdition.

We know well how to apprehend and examine how profitable and
unprofitable, benefices be for our temporal maintenance and
begrudges (sic) if small the charge to us committed, little con-
sidering our little sufficiencie to support the least charge. If
we think that we comply [with our duty] by saying mass and
administering some sacraments to the dying, really we are
deceaved. It is not all, for we are obliged to instruct them in
the Christian doctrine and give them dayly the evangelical foode.
Praedicate evangelium omni creaturae (Mark 16).

The prophet minds us of the judgment, and his reason is quia'
laqueo facti sumus by our bad example in keeping bad company
by our lewd and light carriadge by our conversation nothing
modest nor edifying but contrary to our function by being
most sloathfull in our application to spiritual reading. Where-
fore we are in our reasons shallow, in our exhortations unprofitable
but in worldly occupations more active than becometh, and more
like seculars than spiritual pastors, nay to our great confusion
inferior to many [members] of the church in vertue and be-
haviour.

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 249

Doubtless this was modelled largely on the episcopal charges
with which the vicar was familiar from, his French up-bringing.
Addressed to men under the harrow of the penal code, and living
on the barest margin of subsistence, it must have sounded almost
grotesque. In the subjects proposed for discussion at the theolog-
ical conferences one can also hear the echoes of the Sorbonne.

Quaestio l a
Quid et quotuplex sit lex ?

2 a
Utrum lex naturae aut Decalogi invmcibiliter ignorari ?

3 a

Utrum homo in statu naturae lapsae et sine gratia aut auxilio
supernatural! possit implere omnia aut singula praecepta legis
naturae aut Decalogi?

4 a

Utrum librum arbitrium propriis viribus aut sine auxilio super-
naturali possit assentire veritatibus supernaturalibus ut a Deo
revelatis.

5 a

Utrum liberum arbitrum per se et sine adjuvante gratia aliqua
valeat elicere actum virtutis moralis.

6 a

Utrum peceatum veniale sit in rigore peccatum contra legem Dei
et si culpa venialis remitti potest in altera vita.

In the following agreement we have recalled the old rights
of patronage exercised by laymen before the Reformation:

James [Lynch] Lord Archbishop of Tuam did by Instrument at
the Neale 1 1 May 1698 declare that he was then on his visitation
soe as until his return he might not attend the determining of
differences between his Grace and Edward, Baron of Athenry
about the presentation of the parishes of Dunmore, Killkerin
and Killererin. And whereas the said Lord Baron offered to
make out his title, and the time proving troublesome then and
since and his Grace having by the said Instrument declared to
avoid all prejudice to the Lord Baron or his heirs on account
of any collation made to the severall rectories vicarages and
parishes of Killkerin, Dunmore and Killererin by the said Arch-
bishop, did declare that the severall incumbents should be there
indifferently only for serveing the cure of soules without pre-
judice to the right of the said Archbishop or the said Baron
until the right of presentation shall be examined by indifferent
persons to be named by the said Archbishop and the said Baron,
which the said Archbishop declared should be done on his return
from his visitation. And whereas Father Roger McDermot

250 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

parish priest of the said parish of Killererin is now ten days
dead and the said Lord Baron by instrument dated did present
unto us Dr. Francis Burke Vicar Generall of Tuam in all usual
manner, Fr. Francis Duffye as a fitt person to supply the cure of
soules in the said parish and as the said Baron offers to make
his title appear before the said Archbishop, -yett in regards the
said Archbishop is now and hath been for many yeares past
banished into France soe as he may not without eminent Danger
of his Life appear in this kingdom of Ireland, and that we are
now under great Disquiett not dareing to appear in Publick we
doe assure the said Lord Baron that wee will notify his desires
to the said Archbishop and untill answer be had wee doe consent
and agree that an indifferent priest chosen by the consent of the
said Parties shall attend the cure of soules. 20 June 1701.
EDMD BURKE Prebend de Kallagbeg. Signed FRAN. BURKE

Jo. BIRMINGHAM. ATHENRY.

PA. DUFFY.

The vicar-general did not confine his activities to his own
diocese. The Bishop of Elphin, old and decrepid, was eking out
his last years in Louvain where he had long been a refugee. In
his absence the evils contemplated by government in banishing
the bishops, had become widespread in the diocese. Much therefore
of Dr. Burke 's anxious responsibility arose from the bickering and
the uncontrolled condition of the vacated dioceses. Writing to
Father Duffy about the year 1706 he states :

I have continual troubles by the neighbouring Dioceses, specially
by the Diocese of Elfin whose priests are in great variance with
their vicar Doctor Ambrose Madden of Loughrea. [One of them]
appeales from his own ordinary to me, and through frivolous
apprehensiveness, suspects in his letter of my partiality as you
will see hereafter. Wherefore I hould it convenient to appoint
for the tryall of his business Arbiters Juris. I send you inclosed
the libel [statement] presented by him and doe desire that you
send a copy of it to ffather Myles Gibbon that you may [both]
judg upon it, for I intend to name you both for to heare and
sentence the matter, if it comes to a tryall. They shall goe to
your conveniencie. As far as I can hear they would name Dr.
Lynch, they would suggest him more then my selfe. I am sure
he puts in his libell many things not much relateing to the matter,
I say nothing of it but what I see by the libell inclosed. I send
you alsoe a copy of a petition presented by a priest of the Diocese
of Elfin who requires me to apoint for him an Advocate to
pleade his cause. I named you for him. He is able [rich] and
will consider you well for your trouble. If he goes to you you
must draw a libell in form for him.

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 251

Besides ruling the church it is, according to the Apostle, the
office of a bishop to preach. As the solitary pastoral that has
come down to us from those times, the reader's indulgence is
craved for the following :

Whereas it has been evermore practiced by the faithfull both in
the old and the new law when threatened with sorrow and
affliction from above, to have recourse to their only refuge, the
Almighty by fasting, prayers, and sundry other mortifications
whereby they appeased His divine wrath, especially when their
pennance for offending their Creator and Redeemer was sincere
and true. Wee then who profess Christianity but practice it so
little, whose chief care and study is to seek happiness, when
there can be no reall, and by acquiring riches, and very often
by unlawfull means, and in the meane time neglect our duty to
God Wee I say who find pleasure in offending Him and difficulty
in serving his divine Majesty, make nothing of transgressing his
laws by adoring what we should despise and despising what we
should adore, if wee seriously intend to work our salvation let
us repent from our heart for our past iniquities, let us fast, pray
and share our substance with the distressed everyone according
to his ability.

The foulness of the weather this summer will without doubt open
the eyes of many who have been hitherto in a deep slumber,
force them to owne their dependence of the Divine Providence
they so little thought of in their prosperity. One bad season
will destroy their stock, cows and all their worldly substance.
Such calamities may indeed induce much towards our spiritual ,
good by making us deserve the name of Christians a name wee 1
so often abused. We ought to [have recourse] before the throne 1
of mercy not as hypocrites and pharisees and endeavour by our
repentance and good works to divert this and other storms that
hang over us. To this end the Clergy whose business it is to
give good example to others will prescribe nothing for their
parishioners but what they will practice themselves. The
gentry and such as do not work will -fast three week days. The
priests both seculars and regulars besides the three days fast
will say every day their masses devoutly with the two collects
Da nobis et Ecclesiae [?] when they can be conveniently put in
until the next Sessions of Parliament and even then too. The
Qergy both secular and regular will in the beginning of their
masses say their beads in lingua vulgari Sundays and holy days,
and in every family-prayers at night all others will say with the
prophet Daniel we have departed from thy commandments wee
deserve confusion for our sins. It's not in confidence for our
own justice wee offer our prayers to thee but of the multitude
of thy mercies.

252 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

This is what I recommend to you, gentlemen, a confidence in the
Almighty, the merits of our Dear Saviour's Death and Passion
with the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, St. Patrick our holy
Apostle and Patron, St. Bridgit, St. Brendan of Clonfert and
all the Saints if we acquitt ourselves of our duty humbly and
devoutly as well as we purpose, that we will obtain mercy Amen.

E[DMUND] K[ELLY] Clonfertensis.

the 5th July 1725.

In these calamitous times as it was not thought safe to make
a second copy this was handed round from priest to priest according
to the direction annexed "You may direct this upon sight to the
next neighbour." The addresses of the priests are accordingly to
be seen most of them however, obliterated : "July 12 1725 James
Coughlan," "John Maddin," "pray forward to Mr. Denis
Kennedy" etc.

There are several bundles of papers relating to the regular
clergy in the Dublin Record Office. Though in the years subsequent
to 1698 the pursuit of the friars was ubiquitious and untiring, yet
many by registering themselves as secular priests continued to
keep in the country. After 1720 persecution abating they began
in out-of-the-way places to come together again and form little
communities. They set up for agriculturists, rented a farm, took
a few novices under the pretence of "servant boys" and with the
aid of alms collected in the country round about, they managed to
live. Seeing that the whole land practically, had passed to men
animated with furious bigotry, who had every interest in uprooting
and banishing the religious, it is interesting to ascertain how they
succeeded in getting hold of houses and lands. The prolixity of
the following epistle directed to Primate Boulter will therefore be
excused :

May it please Your Grace.

I have heard from my friends in Dublin that there has been
great endeavours used to bear down the credit of the Returns I
made of the fryerys in this County. I am sure I can Justine
my Returns and as I apprehend my reputation and honour is
greatly concerned to clear off every doubt that may be conceived
of the truth of these facts, I humbly entreate Your Grace and
the Lords Committee for Inquirey into the present state of Popery,
will please to examine me and I hope to give such satisfaction to
every particular I have represented to your Grace and their
Lordships as will leave no room to have my veracity questioned.

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 253

Since my last Return I have discovered two Convents of ffryers
more in this County viz. one at Banabula near Ballinahinch in
Irconnought ; I can't tell on whose estate it is. The other is
in the woods on the mountains of Kilmurry. They have a good
comfortable house. They removed from the County of Ros-
common about 5 years ago. I am informed it is the estate of
Richard Martin who I believe was a Convert [i.e. to Protestantism]
he is lately dead. The fryers of Meelick hold their farm from
Darcy Hamilton, a Popish Lawyer ; it is in lease to Coll. Eyre
from the family of Clanrickard for 999 years. Old Coll. Eyre
sett it to this Hamilton for a^term of years yet unexpired. There
is a very large spacious house, well slated with brick partitions
quite through the house and vaults lately built and not yet
quite finished att this Abby for the use of the Abby. The
fryers of Portumna live two miles I believe from the Abby at
Buoly which they rent from Redmond Dolphin a Convert.
The fryers of Kinallehin removed from Tarnany which is the
estate of Robert Masson, Esq. to a house joining the abby in
June 1730 or thereabouts. -This house and eight acres was
purchased from the late Earle of Clanrickard by Denis Daly
of Rafort a Convert, and by him sett to those fryers. When
those fryers came there in 1730 they found one Mathew Aylward
following the soap boyling trade in it. They desired him leave
their house with bag and baggage but Aylward went to this
Daly and applyed to him for liberty to remaine in the house
and Daly gave him a letter which he showed to the Community
and they permitted him to remaine there ever since but on
Wednesday the 5 January this last past Aylward declared
that Dennis Daly had lately a few days before sett him the
Abby and lands, for that all the hurry and trouble given of
late to those fryers was only to take away those acres of the
Abby from him, Daly, and that to prevent [i.e. anticipate] the
same, the land and Abby was set to him Aylward. Mark Hickey
the Guardian of this Convent often declared that they paid no
rent to Daly but their prayers and that he was their great bene-
factor: There's a very large chappell well-slated, lately finished
there. The fryers of Loughrea rent their house from one Lynch,
brother-in-law to Dennis Daly who is a papist and at whose
house Daly lives. The Fryers of Athenry live at Esker near
two miles from the Abby on the estate of Thomas Power Daly,
a Papist. The fryers of Clare Gallway live close to the Abby
and are building a large house. It is the estate of Thomas Blake.
A Convent of fryers of Ross removed from the Abby about a
mile to Kilroe in Co. Mayo on the estate of Martin Blake a Convert.
This Abby is the only one in this County in any sort of repair.
It is the estate of the Lord St. George. The fryers of Dunmore
removed about five years ago from Clonbrush near Dunmore to
Garbally which is the estate of Patrick French Esq. The house

254 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

is in the name of one Higgins. Patrick Brehon is prior of the
Convent and is a subscribing witness to a demise which I sent
your Grace amongst the papers from that place. Kilconnell
fryars live near the abbey on the estate of Antony Daly, a
Convert, and those of Athycoffee near Clontoskert live on the
estate of Nicholas Arcedekne a papist. I presume I need not
mention to your Grace on whose land Thady Glinn lives (because
the original leese is before you) or how he came to the parish of
Dunmore because Brien O'Gara the titular Arch Bishop of Tuam
explains the matter in a letter of his which is I believe before
your Grace. If it be your Grace's and the Lords Committee's
pleasure to inquire more particularly into the manner of Glinn 's
being placed in the parish, I hope I shall be able to offer some
things that will support the credit of what O'Gara writes and
give many instances of the unhappy circumstances the Prot-
estants of this County are in by means of the power, influence
and strength, the number and intolerable insolence of Papists
who possess entire parishes and not one Protestant family in
some of them. I am with the greatest ardour your obedient,
devoted, faithfull, humble servant STRATFORD EYRE.

Eyrecourt 3 Mar 1731-2.

The numerous Catholic landed proprietors in Galway, even
though some were "converts" will explain how in the worst times
Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Carmelites found a
habitat there. In most other parts of the country the solitary
regular who kept watch upon the old abbey lived as a secular and
gradually disappeared. But however generous the patronage and
however Catholic the district, the little communities were always
liable to be swept off in a sudden squall of fanaticism. In 1732
all the Galway houses were raided, some of the members arrested,
the rest scattered, while their papers were seized and transmitted
to Dublin. There they may still be seen amongst the records of
the Irish Parliament whose persecuting zeal they served to feed.
From them it is possible to re-construct in some measure the life
led by the friars during the second and third decades of the
eighteenth century.

The documents belonging to the Augustinian priory of Dunmore
are characteristic of the others and from them a selection is made.
Though calling themselves the priory of Dunmore after an ancient
foundation, the friars actually lived at Garbally twenty miles off
on the borders of Roscommon where a friendly Catholic gentleman

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 255

named French leased them a farm. The following will illustrate

a friar "in the making " :

May the 21 1725.

The Bearer Mr. James Dwyer has lived with me above twelve
months Tutoring my children, and has during that time behaved
himself modestly, discreetly, and vertuously. He has a great in-
clination to become an Apprentice in your house, if he can be soe
fortunate to be received, I can safely tell you he can be no dis-
credit to the order. There's one of my children has a call that
way. I would be glad to have the honour to see you at my house
when next you come to the barony of Athlone being still Your
R. most humble servant P. O'FFALLON.

Ambrose O'Fallon endorsed this "the Bearer is a good human-
ist and of exquisite good behaviour, which fr. Thomas Mulvee can
attest." Here is a similar application:

The Bearer is a young man that has a design to live with you
for some time in order to make one amongst you. I am
acquainted with him for severall yeares and never could either
hear or find out anything by him that might in the least redound
to his discredit.

He tutored formerly at Captain Cheevers and these seaven yeares
past at one Mr. Ned Erwins a very worthy gentleman here in
our neighbourhood. This same young man will be cordially
recommended to you, both by the aforesaid Mr. Erwin and
Dr. Kelly or Captain Cheevers if need be. In short I recom-
mend him to you as a lad that behaved very well hitherto and
as a very smart scholar both as to French and Latin, writing
and arithmetic ; and together with all these perfections [he] has
wherewithall to supply himself at the present with the proper
requisites. You understand me, my dear Sir. I begg you'll
use him very courteously at my poor instance till further recom-
mended. My friends here join in giving you their humble
service and pray except of the same from your most affectionate.
May the 13 1726. FR. THO KEGGAN.

The prior of Dunmore was Patrick Brehon who passed under
the name of Johnson. Before he could receive novices the consent
of the provincial had to be obtained. Peter Mulligan, provincial,
writes to "Johnson" 5th November, 1724 :

Mr. K. came here yesterday with your letter which I read as I
did the attestation of very good persons about his life and
manners. I have no reason to doubt of their sincerity in what
they assert about him. To what I could not be deceived in
myself that is his capacity in what I reasonably could examine
him I tell you I find him capable enough. So that if you and he

256 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

will agree in other things I consent you receive him. But he
must take care of the other young man there and if he be stubborn
to him or you he will repent it. This Mr. Keegan is very capable
to forward him.

SAME TO SAME, 3 SEPT. 1725.

There have been no less than sixteen that offered themselves to
be received with us since I saw you last but all are put off till
we look better about us. This hindered me I mean this great
number to send two young boys to you at present. The
confirmation of all elections and Acts of our Chapter by the
Generall I got only yesterday into my hands though these were
despatched by him the 3rd of October last.

If after a year's noviciate the young man's talents and conduct
were regarded as satisfactory he was ordained and sent abroad to
a convent of the order there to pursue for some years a course of
philosoplry and theology. Unlike the other religious orders the
Irish Augustinians had no colleges on the Continent until 1739,
but the foreign convents had agreed, owing to the persecution,
to receive and educate a certain number of them. A few illustra-
tions of the life abroad may here be given :

Rome May 31 1725.

My dear Fr. Egan I should have given you a mere insinuation
of my arrival, kind reception and welfare in the College, did I
know whither to direct a scroll to you. Whereas at your de-
parture from Cadiz you were uncertain whether you would go
straight for Ireland or remain for some time in Lisbon where I
doe find by father ffarrell's letter to a frier of yours and mine,
you at present reside and doe wish you may live with as
much content and satisfaction there as I doe here under the
wings of the best of men, my ever Dear friend fr. Lector Jubilate
O'Maddin who brought me here from Capla soon after my arrival
there and settled me to my utmost satisfaction notwithstanding
the College not wanting before a supernumerary out of my
province. I overtook the course very happily wherein we
arrived ere they finished the Logick, though we thought in Cadiz
they were further advanced. The Guardian received very well
the kind recommendation of me, to whom you will be pleased
to write answer of thanksgiving for his tenderness of your well
wished. Whereby favour me with the result of this which I
doe hope to be consoled with without delay for [I] am mentally
uneas}' you were intimated to be among them Portuguese. I
delivered yours to L. Clery in the University who was kind to
me on your account. As for the Prioress I haven't as yet seen
her though we sent her your Letter which she received [I] am

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 257

told with mirth and tears. Pray when you write to my dear
subjects or cousin salute 'em kindly for me and assure the former
I am a little surprised to have received noe answer to the severall
letters to 'em. Fr. Doctor Dounellan is vicar of the great
university of Caplea and salutes you being now at my elbow,
as are your old friends brother Nicholas Blak and your friend
Cullin. I don't question did I acquaint the very Rev. Father
Guardian and others of my writing to you, but they'd all kindly
salute you whereas they urgently profess tender wishes for you.
Old Fr. Peter Kelly dyed in Caplea the beginning of this Lent
which is all the newes I can give you other than how prowd I
am of the regularity and religiosity of the College. My hearty
love to Counsellor French at St. Dominick's Key and to father
Thomas Aylward for whose misfortune in his venture in Cadiz
and Mariana I am heartily sorry ; for they were not satisfied
to throw all their affairs upon you. They don't care whether
poor Tom be dead or alive. Wish him joy from me in his priest-
hood. And believe me to be most imoveabry your own till
Death. BR. MARCUS KIRWAN.

Al M.R. fr. Juan McEgan al Relegioso Irlanda in Casa grande de
N.P. San Fran, in lo Ciudad de Lisboa.

In reply to a letter from "Johnson," a student abroad wrote :

Paris 9 October 1723.

Dear Sir I had the favour of yours dated the 14 July by which
I understand you take me for William Gibbons who is dead in
Germany some yeares agoe and who, had he lived, would doe
more than all the Byrns in Ireland. But I am sorry I can't
supply his place being yett in my studies though neer the end.
In the time we are in I am most bare in this country, so that
if my goeing to Rome had done you any good it's out of my
power for want of money to bear my charges. I am the fourth
Mr. Connor pleased to enlist for Dunmore next May seven yeares
allong with Mr. James Bourke under the tuition of Mr. Mullvey.

WILLIAM GIBBONS.

The following, which is of a later date, was addressed from
some college in Spain Madrid probably, to Father Bryan Mac-
dermott a priest of the diocese of Elphin. The name of the writer

also was concealed for obvious reasons:

3 May 1756.

Dear Bryan I have no news to give you. I wrote to our friend
Fr. O'Connor with a letter enclosed for you which I believe did
not come to hand as you mentioned nothing about it in your
letter. The number of masses I owe you are 144 but 'tis not
my intention to oblige you with any only just what you can
conveniently discharge and are compatible with your occupation.

258 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

I only require you to write after you settle at home and tell me
how many you and father can engage that I may have the rest
of them complied with here. If Patrick goes with you get him
to say a parcell and pay him the charity by way of the gligs
(sic) and that for his^sauciness to me in his last letter. Perhaps
you may get his companion Father Michael to say a few and
also Don Miguel your own companion. The worst on't is that
I have no retribution by this only the 50 Miss Beirne sent me.
For the rest I owe since a wooden priest [i.e. one without faculties]
when I discharged them without the proper application and was
obliged by the blind Jesuit with whom I was at Exercises this
past lent to discharge them over again. After your arrival
please God write to me. Costello got a letter from Dr. Brett
[bishop of Elphin] with bouden [bodings] what happened you
not hearing from you. He tells me of your disappointments
and desired his father to give you two guineas.

Old Ryan is a strong pretender for our College but will meet strong
opposition. Surely you would be sorry such an old buck should
fatten his wrinkled belly by the precious bread of St. George.
Blind Peter is intayled in troubles as before but pray how can
I help it if I did not prove an unloyal subject which I never
will though stripped of the vicar. But Mick has no concern
about his cousin Peter Marky for his bread is secure and he shall
not be in the least woryed. Ryan came here to be examined in
Grammar but the hearty lads only examined his teeth as they
did with old horses [flesh] and sent him off with a pair of horns.
Purcell, Landy, Kenney and Spruleen Knaven are his protectors
but all the rest are quite against him, by which you may see the
trouble the old man gave our house. I had a pair of old spectacles
for him and desired he should conjugate your fathers verb pario.
You may respond to our friend Fr. Connor and tell him I shall
show his pall (?) all the civil offices in my power and that his
recommendation is of greater service to the poor lad than all
. the letters he carried with him from Ireland ; for if Ryan had
but a few along with the Patrons who were very much pre-
judiced, he would infallibly carry his point. Dr. Carol got at
length a Canonship in Cordova. This minute I'm dressed to
march along with the rest to the Magdalena to take share of his
splendid function, so my dear Bryan, I shall conclude without
ceremony. Your own ex toto Corde. CARRINGTON.

The Proctor and Collegians join in kind wishes, and Mr. Costello
gives you his kind service though somewhat jealous for not
writing to him since you departed.

It will be observed that the applicants for admission to the
colleges abroad being numerous, vacancies were not always found.
The Augustinian provincial, Edmund Byrne, writing to "Johnson"
at Garbally, September 7th, 1722, says:

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 259

I had an account and orders this day from beyond seas that we
must receive no more novices in this kingdom till further orders.

Again next month, October 18th:

If you have sent any of the young men to the province of Andalusia
thev will not be taken by reason of the great number of ours
that is there already. All Spain complains of us for receiving
so many in this kingdom and so do all other countries.

Finally Cardinal Imperiali, Protector of Ireland, August 27th,
1724, reported a complaint made by some of the Irish bishops :

Several of the regulars in this kingdom admit young men to be \
novices without obliging them to wear religious habits or con- \ '
fining them to any regular place or discipline ; that after the ^
year of their noviciates they are admitted into profession and
promoted to Holy Orders ; that every guardian or superior
keeps about himself two or three such novices.

The indiscriminate reception of novices had lamentable results.
Father Mulligan, provincial, writes to "Johnson" 5th November,
1724 :

To Casserly I gave no dismissories nor obedience to other countries
since he was thoroughly incapable of being advanced to any- \
thing. I wish he was taken, to have all his theft out of his hands. \
The Breviary he stole was Mr. Martin's. I am sorry you did '
not see him to take from him the watch which certainly he stole
from some boddy.

Again on 3rd September, 1725 :

Casserly if he had been prosecuted by those he stole the goods
from, had been hanged. So his sentence was to be banished \^
to America as they tell me. Fahy was likely to be taken by
warrants for abusing a man at a fair. He made it worse by
wounding and beating the same man at his return from the
fair. He is suspended by us.

Father John Dowdall who was elected provincial 14th July,
1730, adopted an effective if obvious method of checking the abuse.

PETER MULLIGAN TO "JOHNSON" GALWAY 22 DECEMBER 1730.

I wrote to Mr. Dowdall about Mr. Waldron whom you presented
to me. Know then that he will have none received if first they
lay not down fourteen pounds sterling besides what they spend
upon themselves for their maintenance the first year the which
fourteen pounds are to be for their passing from this kingdom
to places of study after their profession. The reception of any
he not only forbids, but commands it shall be but upon that

260 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

condition. So that if Waldron has not the fourteen pounds to
lay up in some 'hands that have nothing to do with him, nor
can I further help him. He may expect the provincial! 's own
coming down which will be about May next.

It is to be lamented that of the routine life and work of the
priests these papers afford no glimpse. The "station" at the
farm house, the sermon by the patron well, the instruction of the
children by the turf fire o' nights, the confirmation at rare periods
indeed in the hills, all this was entered down in no human
record. But when the ecclesiastical machinery went out of order,
when there was scandal among the people, and the sanctuary
polluted, then notice was taken and documents filed. Much
therefore of the following, though characteristic of the time, deals
with the rare and abnormal. Probably one of the first "chapters"
held by the Irish Augustinians since the Reformation, is thus
reported :

Acta Subsequentia statuta et stabilita a difnnitorio nostro Capitulo
provintiali Dublinii celebrato die nono Junii Anno 1724.

1. Nullus priorum sub quovis pretextu assumat sibi potestatem
recipiendi novitios nisi obtenta prius expressa provintialis
licentia, a quo vel ab alio ab ipso specialiter ad hoc deputato
stricte examinentur nee tune approbentur, nisi grammaticas
regulas et linguam latinam apprime calleant. Nee hoc sufficiat
sine probabilissimo indicio bonae indolis, purae conscientiae et
testimonio virorum indubitae fidei.

2. Quicunque falso incusaverit alium sive superiorem sive in-
feriorem aut aequalem, aut qui mendacii, perjurii aut calumniae
reus fuerit sive per litteras ad quoscunque scriptas sive alias,
infamis habeatur et sine ulla dispensation juxta arbitrium
provintialis aut sui immediati superioris puniatur.

3. Si quis frater nostrorum die a suo priore sibi assignato nulla
urgente necessitate contempserit ad conventum revertere,
apostata habeatur, et si ei rationes reddere de quaestu, elemosyna
legatis piis aut aliis quocunque modo a fidelibus monasterio
deputatis, noluerit, proprietarius judicetur.

4. Omnis prior in suo conventu ne se sinistram praebeat avaritiae
(quae in nobis nominari non debeat) notam, ordinamus ut
singulis saltern mensibus, si frequentius fieri nequeat, rationes
reddat coram duobus Patribus de his quae quovis modo pro
conventus usu aut fratrum sustentatione a quibusvis personis
aut benefactoribus accepit. Sic pariter de expensis et an neces-
sario fuerint in usum conventus exhibitae.

5. Qui tabernas nisi itineris causa aut alia premente necessitate,
frequentant unde scandalum oriatur, rigorose et sine mora

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 261

gravibus submittuntur poenis, et si quis prior in hoc mandate
exequendo negligens fuerit, ipse a provintiali non leviter puniatur.

6. Si quis in tantam cordis duritiam incident ut Dei et sui ipsius
immemor, ecclesiae legum aspernator vituperatorque evadat
contra ejus statuta clandestina administrando matrimonia,
statim suo priore suspendatur et rigorosis ad ejus arbitrium
subjaceat poenis, nee remittatur nisi a provintiali ad quern suus
prior eum demandabit ubicunque eum comorari.

7. Cum prior provincialis ultra tarn provinciam litteras R ! Generali
Romae mittendas quam inde recipiendas pro specialibus nostrae
provinciae negotiis soluturus sit Is. ; pariter sine expensis
regnum hoc circumire debito visitationis tempore nequeat,
statutuimus ut quilibet noster conventus ei in qualibet visita-
tione viginti solidos anglicanae monetae solvat.

8. Statuimus et stricte praecipimus ut quicunque nominatus et
electus ut prior alicujus conventus nostri in hae provincia sine
mora aut quavis tergiversatione conf erat ad eum sibi assignatum
conventum et quo propius poterit comoretur ut omnibus in-
notescat talem ad nos pertinere:

Habeant omnes priores veras horum actuum copias in suis con-
ventibus et saepius legi faciant coram P.P. et F.F. ne ignorantia
praetendant in his quae observare tenentur.
FR. FRAN. KELEY, Preses. FR. PETRUS MULLIGAN provincialis
electus. FR. EDMUNDUS BYRNE provincialis absolutus. FR.
BERN LEGHANNY primus difflnitor. FULGENTIUS HOLAHAN,
secundus diffinitor. FR. MICHL. FLANNELLY tertius Dimnitor.
NICHOLAUS DORKAN quartus DifHnitor. MICHS. KERNY Visita-
tor. PAT. BEOLAN.

From these statutes it will be seen that not only were the
bonds of religious life relaxed but the respective rights of seculars
and regulars were obliterated. The eighth statute is particularly
deserving of notice. From the days of Henry VIII. when Grey
and Brabazon seized the monasteries, the Augustinians gradually
disappeared until by the beginning of the seventeenth century
they had become almost extinct. Later, in more peaceable times
a few gathered in the neighbourhood of urban priories. Now as
the penal era was passing away they began to make claim to places
that had not known them for two hundred years. A prior would
be named at the Chapter, and fortified with a missive from his
provincial or maybe a brief from Rome itself, he came down to
preside over a community that did not exist, and to take possession
of a monastery the site of which was hardly discoverable. If as
sometimes happened he was appointed to a parish in the district,

262 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

well and good. More often he set up on his own account as prior
of some historic house and made claim to all sorts of forgotten
jurisdictions. He quested for alms in the parishes which had once
been annexed to the priory. This was admissible enough. But
when he asserted his right to be parish priest of the rectories
anciently appropriated to the priory, and when as such, he assisted
at the marriages of the parishioners his pretensions were fiercely
contested. The papers therefore in the Record Office throw much
light on this unsettled period ; they contain evidence of much
misunderstanding, much bickering and of no little scandal. A few
may here be given :

I do hereby declare that I have been a Collector of the alms and
charit}'' accustomed to be given to the friers and brethren of the
Convent of Dunmore in the year 1684 and have collected for ten
years in the parishes of Kilevoone and next parishes to it viz.
Abort and Hanery and that in that tyme nor never since have
heard anny reclaime or pretences to them parishes from the
Augustinian friars of Gallwey vntil this present day. Given
under my hand in Garbally this 15 day 6f September 1724.

FR. THOMAS MULLVY.

I do hereby Certify that the Parishioners of the inside mentioned
parishes [enclosure missing] whatever Charity they were to give
to any of the Augustinian family that it would be only to Mr.
Owen Connor, because he lived amongst them now and that that
was his former limitation, and by this means I lost most part of
my last two collections. Given under my hand in Garbally
this 6 day of february 1725. ' FR. MATHIAS TRECY.

Gallway 10 September 1732.

Rev. Fr. I send you by the Bearer Terance Harran, Carrier, a
small Roundlet full of good mountain, being a Spanish wine
containing 8 quarts for the use of the Mass, which I make bold
to present you with, as a small marke of my esteem for you
which shall never lessen as long as I live but rather encrease. I
am thoroughly persuaded of your good wishes and affection for
me and my wife, and we both flatter ourselves that we participate
of your prayers which we very much esteem and pray you'll
continue to include us and our little ones for the future. Which
I am sure is but what you are used to do. I send by the Bearer
two Boxes Spanish [ ] weight Iqr 20 Ibs which I gave

him orders to deliver td Thomas Harran at or near Millick who
is husband to Gate Callanan, Darcy's nurse. Jenny joynes me in
a [commendation] to our Father Hamilton whose blessing we
creave. Your affectionate friend and faithfull servant to com-
mand. PATRICK BROWNE.

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 263

The child Anthony taken ill since yesterday evening ; he is hot
and sicke. I hope it is from the teeth, and that he'll soon do
well which the Almighty grant.

To Mr. James Madan at MiUick neare Eyrecourt.

An Augustinian who had been falsely accused was the subject
of the following somewhat grotesque epistle :

January 23 1725.

The Bearer Mr. Martin Kennedy being falsely accused in my
behaf that he was a person who temerously did attempt to
assist at the marryage of one of my flock and also when repre-
hended by me for the fact did objurgeously assault me with
more vehemence than became a reprobate. Now dear and
Rev. Sir I assure you upon the word of a priest and as I expect
a share of perpetual bliss, he never to my knowledge committed
the least fault in damnum parochi. He never did me the least
indignity upon any occasion whatsoever.

ANTHONY FLYNN, P.P.

The archbishop of Tuam, Bernard O'Gara, was at this time
known under the highly respectable and Protestant name of
George Fowler.

Rev. Sir. The Bearer Edmund White of this parish and Catherine
Kelly of the parish of Killosope have been published here three
severall times and no canonical impediment discovered why
they should not be joyned in holy matrimony. Father John
being now from home and Mr. Abbot being in Dublin I know of
none in that parish qualified to perform this or any other Ecclesias-
tical office but your selfe. Wherefore if you please or think it
convenient in the absence of those gentlemen to performe this
office, getting your own dues, I believe you may safely do it. I
am in all sincerity Your affectionate humble servant

November 18 1731. GEORGE FOWLER.

Patrick Brehon, alias Johnson, was a friar of the militant
type. Ordained in 1685, he was educated in Spain whence as we
find from letters from the provincial of Castile he returned towards
the end of 1715. He was prior of Dunmore in 1721, and sub-
sequently of Galway. By letter, dated June llth, 1723, the
provincial, Edmund Byrne, removed him. Brehon who considered
himself badly treated, contemplated an appeal to the general of
the order, but whether the appeal was prosecuted does not appear.
Some years later he was in trouble with the bishop of Clonfert.
The latter complained to the provincial, Father Mulligan.

264 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

Very Rev. Father Though I had no great encouragement from
the last Request I made you, that you'll grant me another, yet
before I proceed further I think fit to complain to you of one
Fr. Patrick Brehon that styles himself prior of Dunmore who
signed the following propositions in conjunction with two or
three other friars that I have no acquaintance with. As for
Fr. Brehon he had no opportunity to know my life and con-
versation and much less my sentiments of any Doctrine. I
therefore desire that he will produce his proof of what he writes
against me or else I shall not own him as Prior of Dunmore
nor receive his obedience as such, but look upon him as one of the
.blackest of Calumniators. I must own my low circumstances
wont allow me to stretch my hand often to the Mendicants
I but it's beyond exception true that no man of my station in
Ireland has their interests more at heart and recommends it with
more zeal and discretion to the pastors and flocks of this district
than I do, and this is what I have for my pains. In a word Sir,
I'll expect you'll do me justice before I send my complaint to
Rome. Fr. Brehon will oblige the Church if he proves the
itruth of any one word that he signs against me. And if he does
not, I think he renders himself unworthy of the place he represents.
I expect your thoughts on this matter \yy the bearer and am in
the mean time in spight. of malice and calumny, Your very
affectionate humble servant, CAR. KELLY.

September 14 1728.

l a Propositio. De S. Scriptura in vulgari legenda promiscue.

2 a De Vulgatae corruptela, orthodoxis hie scandalosa et hetero-
doxis pergrata.

3 a De praecepto audiendi missam parochialem, et solo parocho
vel alteri de ejus hcentia in Paschata confitendi.

4 a De Indulgentiis effectu carentibus.

5 a De operibus satisf actor iis Absolution! necessario praemittendis.

6 a De durante adhuc canonum poenitentialium rigore.

7 a De sanctorum invocatione et Rosario minus (ut putamus)
reverenter tractatis.

8 a De papae definientis fallibilitate, in Hibernia ad hec tempora
inaudita.

Denique de regularibus illustrissimis episcopis jure divino subjectis
seu ab illis non exemptis et eorundem privilegiorum contemptu
etc.

[Endorsed] To the V. Rev. fa. Peter Mulligan.

This appeal had the desired effect. Brehon was brought to
heel and in his reply to trie bishop he stated "By my subscription
I never intended to level at you but that my only design was to
stand in conjunction with other Regulars for such privileges are
were granted to Religious Orders." The bishop wrote to the

LIFE OF THE PRIESTS. 265

provincial expressing himself satisfied with the justice done him,
and stating his belief that Brehon was brought into the plot by
Father Edmund Burke, a Franciscan. He required an admission
of this fact from Brehon under his hand and seal. In a subsequent
letter to the provincial he added that the statement "I was an
enemy to Regulars is as false as if they had said I was at the battle
of Preston." The action of the provincial was admirable through-
out. But he had many a trial from Brehon.

Dear Sir It's with near concearne and inward grief of heart I
make some solitary reflections on part of the deplorable letter
you wrote to me wherein you express, though in generall [terms]
the so long continued jarrs and disagrements 'twixt you and
your company there. And which I (pardon the freedom of a
friend) do call both unseasonable and ungodly.

Unseasonable because at a time that we lie under the mercy of
such as have power to extirpate us out of the land and whom,
certainly considering our miscarriages and imprudent behaviour,
we can call more our friends than we can ourselves if our passions
will so blind us as to become our own enemies. Add to this
that it is a time that our exemplary life should edify all. But
what happens there destroys this nay as you yourself must
confess must be a scandal and a stumbling block to them.

I call it likewise ungodly for while such a life is maintained how
men can answer their calling, acquit themselves of their duty
or exercise their function, is to me inconceivable, to themselves
I believe no less.

I conceive the healing of your wounds on both sides though never
so deep, depends on your own prudence, on your doing these
discontented parties justice in all points, on your showing them
your paternal love and affection. Setting also that value on
every one which in any way he deserves, far from making their
defects more publick, to cover them from such as shall make
you and them the subject of their scorn and derision. To
admonish them with the bowels of piety and commiseration,
moved by the zeal of God to your duty of superior therein. Not
to be so easy in suspending them and that upon the most trifling
occasion or lighter faults. Not to abuse them in the presence
of seculars or miscall them in any place. To let them share in
such habitations as may conveniently be given them and to
which they are preferable before any seculars men and women.
Of all those things and perhaps more they pretend you are
guilty as I know by the letters of some of them which Mr. Byrne
did me the honour to let me see. My advice as from your loving
friend and servant is to study a reconcilement between yourself
and them by satisfying them to your utmost power even though it

266 LIFE OF THE PRIESTS.

had been to your disadvantage. Father, if you give up your
charge as you say; it will much redound to your discredit for
the place you are in is worth to be noticed and the post you are
in an honour to any of our company. You may be sure Mr.
Byrne's heart aches to hear your case but the remedies at this
distance not so easy for him, and you all know he cannot go
there now. But he hopes soon to hear from you that your breach
will be made up. And dear Sir pardon me in this one point yet,
that it is too hard a case to send those obediences that you
desire while the persons are under mala fama and publickly dis-
credited (they'll say by you) though their own doings may be
the occasion. But do you once restore them to something of a
good name it's then easy to remove them con buona grazia.
Man's reputation is too dear to him. Pardon my liberty and
know it is only the effects of the benevolent affection of your
most humble servant. P. MULLIGAN.

[Endorsed] To Mr. Owen Egan Merchant in Gallway to be for-
warded to Mr. Johnson in the Co. of Mayo.

With these words so full of practical wisdom and fraternal
charity this portion of our subject may be concluded. They leave
on the mind a high impression of the men who held the helm of the
Irish church in the times of storm.

CHAPTER VII.

ULSTER.

ff\ S long as the forces of religious and racial hate which created
jl the penal code, continued active and this was throughout
^ ^ the greater part of the eighteenth century the priests
were at the mercy of every local despot or bigot who chose to put
the law in motion. But there were particular periods when the
laws were, so to say, in full blast ; when the whole executive bent
itself to the work, and the Catholic Church was driven as if, beneath
the surface. Sometimes it was a threatened descent of the Jacob-
ites, sometimes an unaccountable paroxysm of anti-Catholic fury.
Thus in 1708, 1711-3, 1719, 1731, and 1743, in response to appeals
from government, general war was levied on "the common enemy"
as the Catholics were styled by Parliament and Lords Lieutenant.
At these periods county sheriffs, governors of gaols, magistrates,
revenue collectors and others sent in reports and from them a
tolerably clear view can be obtained of what was going on in
the country. It is proposed in the remaining chapters to utilise
these reports to illustrate the condition of the priests in the four
provinces seriatim.

The number of priests who in accordance with the Act of 1703
registered themselves at the several quarter sessions in Ulster was
one hundred and eighty-nine. Taking into account the population
of the province at the period, the supply of priests was not inade-
quate. But in other respects the state of the church was deplorable.
The long persecution seconded by the plantation of 1610 and the
immigration of Scotch Calvinists at the close of the century, had
almost completely destroyed ecclesiastical organisation and dis-
cipline. Except in Armagh there was no regular succession of
bishops for long periods together. Down and Connor from 1675 to
1715 was under vicars. Clogher from 1687 to 1727, but for a brief
interval of four years. Killmore from 1669 to 1728 was under
vicars or administrators. Similarly Raphoe from 1661 to 1725.
Dromore for the greater part of the period 1667 to 1731 was without

268 ULSTER.

a bishop. Worst of all, Derry during a century and-a-quarter had
no bishop, if we except Fergus Lea who was consecrated at Rome
in 1694 and died there after a few months. The results are
described in a letter of Macmahon, bishop of Clogher, to Propaganda
in 1714 (uu). There was no regular provision for educating the
clergjr. Most of them had only received a hedge-school education
after which they picked up from priests and others as much Latin
as enabled them to be ordained and read mass. Some few, after
ordination made their way to Paris for a smattering of casuistry.
The register of 1704 gives in the entire province the names of six
only who received orders abroad. But more lamentable than the
want of education was the want of moral training in seminaries.
Macmahon found in Armagh four vicars-general, each denouncing
and excommunicating the others. When parishes became vacant
each vicar nominated his own parish priest, and the two or more
parish priests had of course each his own adherents, so there were
rival congregations and altar against altar. As in Armagh so in
the suffragan sees. Killmore had its four contending vicars, Derry
two and so on. The people seeing the ecclesiastics torn by factions,
took upon themselves in many cases to appoint their own parish
priests ; and one of the greatest difficulties Macmahon had in the
diocese of Clogher was how to deal with unworthy priests thrust
into parishes in this way. The authorities at Rome were fully
alive to the state of affairs but how to maintain bishops in Ulster
was a problem not easy of solution. The Catholics, reduced to the
condition of cottiers or of menial servants lay for the most part
mixed with Protestants. Hence notwithstanding all disguises and
precautions, it was almost impossible for a bishop to remain amongst
them for any length of time, undiscovered. In 1704 when only
two bishops were left in Ireland, one of them, the archbishop of
Cashel, being bed-ridden, the situation was discussed between the
pope, the exiled bishops, and the guardians of the "Pretender."
It was resolved to send three bishops to Ireland. One was to be
placed in Kerry, another* at Kilmacduagh, the third at Killala ;
there could be no question of settling bishops in the Ulster sees.
And the. wisdom of this was soon apparent. For the solitary bishop
(uu) Spicilegium Ossoriense II, p. 470-488.

ULSTER. 269

in that province, Donnelly of Dromore, was soon tracked. In
September, 1706, word reached the Lords Justices that a certain
parish priest living in the mountains above Newry, and duly
registered for that parish was in reality a popish bishop. Measures
for his capture were at once taken.

Dublin Castle 3rd September 1706.

Sir Judge Coote has recommended you to the Lords Justices as

a person very ready and capable to serve their Excellencies in
seizing of a popish Bishop his name is Patrick Donnelly he is
tittular Bishop of Drommore and lodges at the house of one
John Parian who is priest of the parish of Killevy in the County
of Ardmagh there fore their Excellencies have commanded me
to acquaint you therewith and desires you will be as expeditious
as you can in the execution thereof. I am Sr.

To Walter Dawson Esqre yr most humble servt.

at Ardmagh. JOHN PRATT.

[Reply.]

Ardmagh 9 Sept. 1706.

Sir I have sent one I could depend on to our mountain to get
an account of patrick Donnelly that Lodges or Lodged with
Priest Parlon and the said Messenger could not find that any
such person ever lodged with the said priest but brings me an
account that there is one Doctor Patrick Donnelly who lives
within a short mile to Priest Parlon's house and the said Doctor
Donnelly I find registered for part of the parish of Newry that
lies in the county of Ardmagh. If this be the same person that
their Excellencies are informed to be the Titular Bishop of Dro-
more I shall doe all that is in the power of man to cease [seize]
him. I desire your favour to let me know their Excellencies'
opinion if this Doctor Donnelly be the person that I must secure.
Your answer by next post will much oblige.

Your humble servant

WALTER DAWSON.

Their Excellencies' answer was in the affirmative :

Dundalk the 15 of Sept. 1706.

Sir Yesterday pursuant to their Excellencies commands I took
Doctor Patrick Donnelly, Titular Bishop of Dromore at the
foot of Slievegullin mountain in the County of Ardmagh whom
I brought thoraugh a shoule [shoal] of papists to Dundalk, having
none the least of the army with me. For my spies gave me a
very speedy account where I could secure the Doctor, which I
was not willing to omit and the time could not allow me to send
their Excellencies' orders to the commanding officer of Dragoones
at Dungannon. I had the faithfull promise of Captain Briser
who commands at the redout near Newry to supply me with

270 ULSTER.

a Sergeant and twelve men upon which I went off and ceased
the Doctor and immediately after I dispatched an express to
be a guide to the said souldiers to me, and stayd in the moun-
tains at least five howres for them but the Captain was soe
unkind as not to send me one man, which was like to be of ill con-
sequence ; for all the roads that I was to carry off the Doctor
thorough was filling with the mountayneers and about one howre
after, I came to Dundalk I sent for Mr. Lay a Justice of Peace
to come to me who was with me early this morning to whom I
applied to send a Mittimus with the Doctor to gaole. He
accordingly did when I waiglled (sic) the Doctor and left him
in custody. I shall waite in this town till I receive their Ex-
cellencies' further commands, if any more be requisite for me to
perform. If their Excellencies would have the Doctor up to
Dublin I shall reddily oblige their Excellencies' commands.
Direct to me by next post to Dundalk and oblige,
2 Reward ? Your most humble servant

To John Pratt Esq. Secy, at Warr. WALTER DAWSON.

The endorsement is "Doctr to be examined whether he is
registered and to be kept a close prisoner." This was done in
due course.

According to your directions I brought Mr. Leigh a Justice of
Peace who examined Doctor Donnelly whose declaration is as
followeth before Mr. Leigh.

The declaration of Patrick Donnelly of Killevy in the County of
Ardmagh saith that he is in priests orders and that he is registered
parish priest of the part of the parish of Newry that lies in the
County of Ardmagh. Saith he never received any other orders
than priests' orders and never exercised any jurisdiction other
than belongs to the priest's office and further saith he never took
upon himself the title of a Bishop, neither did he perform any
office that particularly belongs to the office of a Bishop.

Taken before me the 19 of September 1706.

JA. LEIGH. PATRICK DONNELLY.

Seeing that Donnelly had been appointed by the pope to the
see of Dromore as far back as 1697 this declaration is at first sight,
startling. But the truth appears to be that owing to the troubles
of the time he had never been able to obtain episcopal con-
secration. A similar case was that of Ambrose Madden appointed
bishop of Killala 1695. He was not consecrated until 15th April,
1714, and then only by one bishop as two assistants could not be
had. The Dublin authorities however were not satisfied. Were
not papists deliberate perjurers, and that by papal dispensation ?

ULSTER. 271

Accordingly Dawson was again written to, to make an exhaustive
search for the bishop's papers. He replied from Armagh 23rd
September that he would spare no efforts to secure the "Doctors
Trunckes" but that he now required a posse of twelve dragoons.
Whether he succeeded in the search or not does not appear, but
in the event government was assured that they had a real live
bishop. Every effort was made to obtain evidence against him.
On 6th November a writ was issued by Sir Richard Pyne
directed to the sheriff of Louth to produce the body of Donnelly
at the King's Courts, in Dublin, the Wednesday -next after the
Octave of St. Martin. To this circumstance we are able to trace
the further proceedings in the Queen's Bench records. From the
"Rough Rule Book," the Indictments and Informations, the
following particulars are gleaned :

Patrick Donnelly. [On the motion

Saturday, next after

the Octave of St. Martin 4
23 November 1706.

of Counsellor] Bernard brought by

habeas corpus.

Let him be committed to the Mar-

shalsea prison.

Monday in the ( Patrick Donnelly To be bailed unless

quinzaine of St. Martin j cause shown Thursday next.
25 November 1706. I

/ Patrick Donnelly traverses in custody.
I The same. Let him be tried second
Thursday next after the Friday next term.

quinzaine of St. Martin < The same. Let him be committed as

28 November 1706

before.

Let him be before the Judge, on the

motion of Bernard.

The crown was in difficulties ; the only evidence obtainable
being the following :

The Examination of John Duffy. The said Examinat being duly
sworn and examined saith that he has for several years past
known one Doctor Patrick Donnelly, Titular Bishop of Dromore
in the North of Ireland which said Patrick Donnelly this Exam-
inat believes and is creadibly informed is now in Dublin. This
Examinat was present in this kingdom att a certain place in the
North of Ireland in the year 1700 and saw the said Doctor Patrick
Donnelly ordain and make severall priests or put severall persons
in orders of priesthood according to the ceremony of the Church
of Rome and this Examinat knows the said Patrick Donnelly
is a Papist and verily believes he is a Bishop of the Romish

272 ULSTER.

Religion for that he the said Patrick Donnelly did wear a mitre
and habit of a Bishop in the year 1700 when he did ordain and
put in orders severall persons as aforesaid. Jurat coram me
28 die Novembr 1706. JAMES MACARTNEY

John Duffy etc.

But there were hopes of obtaining - some corroboration of
Duffy's story. Early in the following year Dr. Donnelly was put
forward again.

Monday in the f Patrick Donnelly. [On the motion

quinzaine of St. Hillary < of] Sergeant Saunders.
27 January 1706J7] { ffryday sevenight for trial.

From the following it appears that the hope of a conviction
was lessening :

Monday within the

Octave of the Purification B.V.M.
9 February 1706[7]

Patrick Donnelly. [By con-
sent of] Attorney General
to be bailed.
First ffryday next term to
be tried.

The bailsmen as we learn from the Recognizance Book were :

Patrick Donnelly in Carriganalla Co. Ardmagh 1000.
Daniel McEnnis of Castlewellan Co. Down .... 500.

Richard Reddy of the City of Dublin gentleman 500.
Edward Fitz Gerrald of Peasetown Co. Westmeath 500.

No further evidence as to Donnelly's ecclesiastical status
could be obtained and so he was brought to trial at last.

Wednesday next after ( Patrick Donnelly. [On the motion

the quinzaine of Easter \ of] Attorney General. Tuesday

30 April 1707. ( sevenight further for his trial.

Tuesday next after the ( Patrick Donnelly.

Month of Easter \ Not guilty.

13 May 1707. 1

With the imprisonment of Donnelly the hierarchy of Ulster
de facto came to an end. On the 21st September 1707, it ended
de jure, by the death in Paris of the archbishop of Armagh. As
"Coochonoght alias Domini^k Maguire, Titular Primate," he had
been outlawed in the counties of Fermanagh and Louth at the
time of the Revolution and had not dared to return. The question
therefore of appointing bishops in Ireland had to be considered
anew. The county Monaghan was central in Ulster and sufficiently

ULSTER. 273

Catholic to afford fair shelter for a bishop. Doubtless this fact
influenced Propaganda in filling the see of Clogher. The choice
fell on Hugh Macmahon, Canon of Cassel in Flanders, and it was
resolved to ignore the "Pretender's" right of nomination lest any
mention of that fact in the Brief, might imperil Macmahon 's life
in the event of his capture. Appointed 15 March, 1707, and con-
secrated abroad he only succeeded in reaching Dublin towards the
close of the following year. By changing name, abode and dis-
guise, he managed for three years to outwit the priest hunters.
In 1713 he was appointed to the primacy, an office \vhichof course
made him more obnoxious and multiplied his dangers. At last the
spies got on his trail and so the executive itself set about his capture.

Dublin Castle 25 October 1712.

Sir The Lords Justices and Council having received an Infor-
mation that the titular popish Primate McMahon is lately come
into this kingdom from Flanders and now resides at the house
of Cullogh Duff McMahon near Carrickmacross their Excellencies
and Lordships have commanded me to acquaint you therewith
and to desire you will immediately take such numbers of persons
as you shall think necessary and proper for that service and
cause the said Primate to be apprehended and committed to
Gaole and his papers to be sealed upp and sent to the Council
Board and that you will give their Excellencies and Lordships
an account of your proceedings therein

I am, Sir, Your most humble servant,

J. DAWSON.

To Capt. William Barton one of her Maiesties Justices of the
Peace at Thomastown neare Dundalk.

The magistrate lost no time in the hunt but the cover was

drawn blank.

Thomastown October 30 1712.

Sir I was favoured with your letter of the 25th and pursuant
thereto I went with a party and all secretly by moonlight to
Cullogh Duff McMahon 's house about three miles from Carrick-
macross and diligently searched it and every out house and crate
[creaght cattle byre] near it but met with no such like person
as you write of and only three or four poor labourers and some
women and Cullagh Duff on a straw bed with napy blankets
and sacks stuffed with straw for a Bolster who reddily got up
and with lights we looked in every place for papers under the
pretence for stolen goods that we heard were brought thither
and I believe they will think that was the occasion of our going

T

274 ULSTER.

thither and if the person you mention did ever lye there he would
have some more decensy of a lodging than any was there. Of
which pray inform their Excellencies and Lordships

from Sir your most humble servant,
dunleir not dundalk is my post town. WILLIAM BARTON.

This was very disappointing to their Lordships. But now
an experienced priest hunter appears upon the scene.

Dublin Castle 8 Nov 1712.

Gentlemen The Lords Justices and Council having received Infor-
mation upon Oath that the Titular Bishop Primate McMahon
resides in the Counties of Louth and Monaghan and that the
Bearer hereof Edward Tyrrell can apprehend him in case he be
assisted by the Justices of the Peace and Gentlemen of the
Country. Their Excellencies and the Privy Council have com-
manded me to signify their pleasure to you to give your best
assistance to Edward Tyrrell and to send with him such a number
of men as shall be sufficient to apprehend the said Primate
McMahon and when taken to commit him to the County Gaole
and as their Excellencies and Council do not at all doubt your
affection for her Maiestie's service soe they hope you will exert
yourselves upon this occasion in the apprehension of the said
Titular Primate and send an account of your proceedings therein.

I am Sirs Your most humble servant,

J. DAWSON.

To her Maties Justices of the Peace in the Counties of Louth and
Monaghan.

Tyrrell escorted by a number of the local gentry made various
peregrinations and succeeded in capturing several priests. The
elusive Macmahon however again escaped, and continued as before
to exercise popish jurisdiction, so their lordships had reason
to know. In 1720 the most determined attempt was made to
capture him this time at the instigation of apostate priests.
The whole diocese town and country was scoured, every hiding
place that his prosecutors could suggest, was searched. It was
vain to protect himself from the enemies of his own household,
and so the hunted primate had to fly the district and secret himself
in a distant part of the province.

Besides the bishops^ the vicars and others exercising juris-
diction in the pope's name gave much concern to government.
The following will illustrate the proceedings in a diocese the history
of which at this period is somewhat obscure :

ULSTER. 275

Downe October 8 1712.

Sir In pursuance to the Order of the Government Major Morise
and I issued our warrant to apprehend one James Hannal whom
we look upon to be the most dangerous Priest in this County
and if he could not be found, to secure his papers. And that
no time might be lost, we sent [a party] to secure him the very
night after the Proclamation came down. He did not lye at
his house that night nor has he appeared in this country since,
but they brought his papers. Some of these show that he had
great auctority among them but I send you the copy of one
that plainly shows jurisdiction. It is in these words :

Dominis Patritio Pray, Jacobo Magee, danieli Lea, Edmundo
Grady, Ricardo Tegart, Patritio Bern, Muriarto Krachry, Patritio
Moylan etc. Omnes et singulos admonitos esse volo et in virtute
Spiritus Sancti et sanctae obedientiae sub poena latae sententiae,
apud aedes Danieli Magenisse inter nonan et decimam horam
die Martis 22 instantis Januarii Ann. 1711-2 adesse vos omnes
volo et jubeo ut testatur manus mea. Ja. Hannal.

hac die 14 Januarii 1711-2.

Now you may observe that they are summoned (they are priests)
under penalty of the holy obedience and of being ipso facto
excommunicated. Which shows plainly that he exercises
Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction yett I believe is only a vicar generall
but not Bishop. I took this morning the Examination of Daniel
Mackey who swore that there was a meeting of all these persons
at his house which is a publicke house, in January but could
not swear to the day, so that there was not only a summons
but a meeting pursuant to it, which gives great auctority and
weight to the paper. I have this morning taken two Examin-
ations against the same Hannal for saying mass in Michaelmas
day last, from persons present, and the Examinations are at
this time before the Grand Jury who are good men and will
certainly make a proper use of them. Necessaire business obliges
me to go straight to the County of Ardmagh and cannot stay
till the close of the sessions, but you may depend upon it that
the gentlemen of the bench and Grand Jury will answer the
expectation of the Government. If the Government shall think
fitt to send any further instructions relative to James Hannal
or the other priests they will find a ready compliance to their
commands from all the gentlemen in this County and particularly
from Sir, Your very humble servant

To Jos. Dawson. HEN. MAXWELL.

The magistrate was as good as his word :

Downe February 2 1712-3.

Sir I formerly gave you an account that I sent to search for one
James Hannal a priest whom I had reason to believe exercises
Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in this Diocese and the most dangerous

276 ULSTER.

priest in all this County. I am now to acquaint you that he
is taken and Major Morrise and I have sent him to the jaile with
a Mittimus. This Morrise and I are desirous to know the sentence
of the Government how we are to behave ourselves on this
occasion and if he be bailable what bail we are to take. I must
tell you that the Priests in this country are very much alarmed
and disturbed at his being taken and so exasperated at the man
that took him that I have been obliged to give him arms to
defend his house from their insults. The sub sheriff has been
been with me since the Priest's confinement and told me that
he had clapped a new arrest upon him for marrying a couple
of our church clandestinely which crime I leave to the Govern-
ment whether it be bailable. I waite your directions.

Sir, Your very humble servant
To Jos. Dawson. H. MAXWELL.

When there was so dangerous a priest there could be no question
of bail, and so Hannal was imprisoned until sent forward to the
assizes. Nearly two years later we get the last account of him

from the gaoler of Downpatrick.

Down Patrick 2 Nov. 1714.

Sir Yours I received of the 23 of October. There is no one in
the Gaol of the County of Down under sentence of Transpor-
tation but one James Hannal a popish priest. He has layn in
Goale about fowerteen months and has been about halfe of that
time under the sentence of Transportation. George Lam-
bert Esq. one of the Justices of the Peace and I have used our
endeavours to have him put off and have had him severall
times att Portaferry but could gett noe shipp that would receive
him. We shall do our utmost to gett him transported as soon
as possible we can. Your most humble servant

ROBT. JONES.

About this period all sorts of reports were circulated of Jacobite
plots. The priests were supposed to be the principal conspirators.
When evidence of this was not obtainable recourse was had to the
old methods.

Dear Brother This is to let you know that I received a letter
from our friend the Nuncio from Rome whence I have a full
account of matters abroad. Thank my Jesus, now his most
Christian Majestic hath let our King have 50 thousand pounds
and 30 thousand arms which will be very soon remitted to us
that we may be able to assist to settle him upon the Throne of
England. I hope it will be done to that effect that never it
shall be in the power of any damned heretick to give him the
least trouble hereafter our hope while the world stands and the
glory of all the Roman Catholicks. I hope now we have a fair

ULSTER. 277

opportunity to begin and give the blow. The Queen is to get
her Dosse very soon, the great minister of State in England
who has all at his own designe, hath prooved true, very faithfull
to our People in all matters since he came to that Honour which
I hope he will receive the reward of a faithfull servant. I'm
told by good hands that the Duke of Marl will be soon put out
of the way which will make things the better for us. I wish
he and all his Party were damned which in a short time I hope
they will be sent to Eternity. There is in England 600 Com-
missions come over lately but in my next you shall know what
they are. My time will not permit me to let you know what
we agreed upon. When I was at the general Meeting in Conaught
only this [month?] 700 gentlemen have signed the matter and
it's gone over. The answer I hope we'll have by the end of
January at farthest. You may communicate this to our friends
and let them be ready at the fair warning which depend upon it
you shall- have from me. Which being all my time will allow
me to say at present only my duty to all my Brethren in your
Country I rest your affectionate Brother.

J.M. Jany. 14 1711-2.
For Father Murphy at his lodging in Cavan.

Priests having the habit of carrying such documents loosely
about them, it was duly dropped and duly picked up as appears
from the endorsement "Copy of a letter dropped at the Four
Courts Reed 4 ffeby 1711-2." It was at once transmitted to
Secretary Southwell and communicated to government. The
Council discussed it and compared it with the hundred other
cock-and-bull stories. These all helped to confirm one another,
that every ecclesiastic in Ireland was in the pay of the Pretender.
Accordingly during the closing years of Queen Anne's reign the
priests were kept constantly on the run. The sheriffs, mayors,
and others had instructions to acquaint the executive with the
steps taken to carry out the law, and so the particulars we have
of these years are sufficiently ample. From Derry, William Wotton,
mayor, wrote 12 June, 1714 :

We do not find any papists that have sent their children abroad
for fforeign education or any of the Popish Clergy exercising
ecclesiasticall jurisdiction or officiating as popish priests except
one who we are informed hath lately officiated within the [City]
Liberties and we hope to have him in custody in a few days.

This was followed on the 25th by a letter from the high sheriff
Alexander Squire, that the magistrates of the County had held a

278 ULSTER.

secret meeting (lest the Papists should learn of their proceedings)
and that measures were concerted to seize on the popish priests
in the several districts. But already the priests were forewarned.
Thomas Lawson, Richard Downeing, and James Grattan write
from Magherafelt, October 17th, 1712 :

We met at Ballaghy the 3rd instant and issued summons to the
severall Popish registered priests in our Barony to appeare
before us this day to take the Oath of Abjuration ; they being
six in number. It has appeared to us that three of them are
really sicke and not able to travel but they sent us assurances
they will as soon as they recover, and on a day appointed by us,
appear. These three are Hagan, McKeever, and McNimee.
Brullechan and McGrath sent us the inclosed letter [missing],
and McRory neither did appear nor sent any excuse. We have
adjourned and hope they will come in except McRory who we
believe will stand out.

McRory had indeed previously given a taste of his fibre.
Dawson, a local magnate, wrote to his brother the Dublin Secretary,
enclosing a letter from William Jackson, Seneschal of Drapers-
town, 22nd December, 1710. There have been proceedings,
writes Jackson, in our manor court against Preist Terence McRory
and his nephew James McRory, and their goods were taken on
distress. They appealed to Mr. Mulholland, the sub-sheriff, and so
recovered the goods. But at the assizes an order was made by
the judge to return the goods and he promised to do so. McRory
still holds the goods.

This prest lives in the Manor of Draperstown and parish of Bally-
neescren, who publickly says mass and officiates as popish
priest, is very rich and thereby countenanced by some persons.
If you think fitt to lay before your brother to send down an order
to Captain Downing to summons in this spark Preist McRory
to take the Oath of Abjuration and prevent him from officiating
as Preist it will quiet that Gentleman. This is the head of this
McRory's Impudence, Insulting over me as Seneschal.

The proceedings in the adjoining county of Donegal we learn
from the successive high sheriffs. Peter Benson writes from
Beadstown, 4th March, 1711-2:

I received yours of the 26 February and will observe the govern-
ment's commands in apprehending the popish priests in our
County to the utmost of my power. I will take care to secure

ULSTER. 279

the priests in the two Baronies of Boylagh and Tholme, being
next to Connaught, and will proceed with all expedition to
secure the west.

What number of priests was captured we have no means of
knowing, but some years later they had become more wary. The
sheriff George Gary wrote 5 November 1714 :

There has been due care taken in this County to apprehend popish
priests that do officiate, not having qualified themselves according
to the statute. But as yett none of them have been taken
being nott to be found.

Fuller details are forthcoming from Fermanagh. On 10th
June, 1714, Mervyn Archdale acquaints their Excellencies that he
will appoint a private sessions of the magistrates of the County
"to find by Inquisition" the effectual way to enforce the Acts
against the popish clergy. Thirteen days later he again writes :

Ennis Killen 23 June 1714.

Sir It was found on enquiry that the severall persons hereafter
specified were inhabiting the said County contrary to the laws
and we have ordered attachments against them, and design to
use all lawfull wayes and meanes to bring them to Justice.

MERVYN ARCHDALE.

A list of the severall priests found inhabiteing in the county of
ffermanagh contrary to Law, the 22 June 1714.

1. Charles McGealloge priest of Cleenagh parish, Registered but
not taken the oaths.

2. Doctor McKue priest of Killasher, Registered but not taken the
oaths.

3. Patrick Murphy priest of Aghuveen, Registered but not taken
the oaths.

4. William Roe o Hoyne, Enniskilling, Registered but not taken the
oaths.

5. Patrick McLinan, Inis M'Shane, Registered but not taken the
Oaths.

6. Terence Moor Connelly, Cloonish, Registered but not taken the
Oaths.

7. Dominic McDonnell formerly a frier officiating in Drumcully,
priest not registered nor taken the Oaths.

8. Owen McDonnell lately come from France or elsewhere, offici-
ating in said parish not registered nor taken the Oaths.

9. Hugh McHue a frier, Curate and assistant to Doctor McKue
aforesaid in Killaster parish not registered nor taken the Oaths.

10. John Drum priest in Kinaulty, Registered but not taken the
Oaths.

280 ULSTER.

11. . Shenan a ffrier in the said parish not registered nor taken
the Oaths.

12. Roger McGuire a fugitive priest not registered in said parish

13. Bryan Ban Cassidy alias Treassy a friar officiating in Killastere,
priest not registered nor taken the Oaths.

14. Maurice Cassidy priest Derryvullan. Registered but not taken
the Oaths.

15. John Roe McGuire parish of Maghrisculmony Registered but
not taken the Oaths.

16. Turlagh Linan priest of said parish Registered but not taken
the Oaths.

17. Donagh McGuire priest of the said parish Registered but not
taken the Oaths.

18. Art McCullyan prior of Logh Darge in the County Donnygall
and priest of Teinplecarn in the County Fermanagh Registered
but not taken the Oaths.

19. Edmund McGraw officiating in the parish of Inis McShant
and came from beyond seas not registered nor taken the Oaths.

20. Philymy Cassidy, priest Divinish parish, Registered but not
taken the Oaths.

21. Edmund McLinan priest of Boho parish Registered but not
taken the Oaths.

22. Hugh roe McGuire a Dangerous person left the County of late.

Bartholomew Morrish
Hugh McGuire
McGuire
Patrick ffodaghon
Hugh Brine
James McCaffrey
Thomas McGuire
Owen Ballaghan Cormuck
Phylimy McCarbery
Christopher fflanagan

That the sheriff and magistrates were not merely content with
making reports to headquarters would appear from the following :

Co. ffermanagh I, David Gibson; Gaoler of the said County

acknowledge to have received from Edward
Noble, sub sheriff of the said County the body of Philimy McGuire
pretended popish priest of the parish of Aghalurcher.

Dated 11 March 1711-2.

In the other counties the authorities were equally active. On
12th June, 1714, the High Sheriff of Antrim informed Dawson that
he was summoning the magistrates to consult how best to deal
with the popish priests. From the towns came similar accounts.
Samuel Davys, mayor of Carrickfergus, writes on the 23rd :

School Masters.

ULSTER. 281

As we have no popish priests inhabiting the said county, I know
of none that is not registered who does officiate as parish priest
here nor of any Regulars of the Popish Clergy who execute any
ecclesiasticall jurisdiction.

The reply of the mayor of Belfast at an earlier date deserves
to be set down in full.

Belfast March 24 1707-8.

Sir In obedience to the Proclamation issued by the Government
and Council I immediately issued a warrant against the Popish
priest within my jurisdiction as Mayor of Belfast. The Priest
whose name is Philemy O'Hanel immediately upon the first
issuing of it, being 111, wrote me a letter that he would surrender
himself vnto me and as soon as he was able to come to town,
would wait upon me. Accordingly he came upon Monday last
and stayd in the town till I came home and hath this day sur-
rendered himself to me. I have putt him into our Towne Gaole
and desire you would communicate this account to their Ex-
cellencies the Lords Justices, where I intend to keep him vntill
I know their further pleasure. His behaviour has been such
amongst us since, and was upon the late Revolution so kind
to the Protestants by saving severall of their Goods in those
times that I had offered [to] me the best bail the Protestants
of this county afford. However the Proclamation being positive
and no discretionary power left in us I would not bail him.
Thank God we are not under any great f eare here for upon this
occasion I have made the Constables return me a list of all the
Inhabitants within this town, and we have not amongst us in
the Town above seaven Papists and by the return made me by
the High Constable there is not above one hundred and fifty
Papists in the whole Barony. Favour me with an answer to
this with the Governments pleasure therein.

I am, your humble servant,

GEO. MACARTNY.

The Council however was inexorable. Dawson's endorse-
ment is "let him leave him for the present where he is."

Coming south, the mayor of Drogheda, Henry Smith, writes,
21st June, 1714, that he has taken sworn informations, and there-
upon issued warrants against the priests and more especially
against one George Peppard a Popish priest lately come into the
kingdom. On the same date Edward Bond the sheriff of Armagh,
wrote that he had made all enquiries but

There was no information of any regular of the Popish clergy
lately comd (sic) into this County or remaining in it.

282 ULSTER.

Perhaps the activity of the magistrates previously had some-
thing to say to this.

Armagh October 4 1712.

Dear Cousin Upon the coming down of the Proclamation to put
the law in force against Priests and others of the Romish Religion
my Lord Anglesey was here to whom it was represented by my
brother that there was in this County the Popish Dean of Armagh
upon which my Lord Anglesey told my brother he would not
do greater service than to apprehend .him. My brother told
him that it would require ten or fifteen pounds to sett him.
His Lordship assured my brother that he would get him that
money from the Government if they were sensible it was laid
out in that service. My Lord Anglesey went in a day or two
after to view his lands in Tyrone and in that time my brother
goes and takes this Pretended Dean who is ninety years of age,
has been of a long time bed-ridd as they call it and in short has
lost all his senses and is the most miserable wretch as he now
lies in Gaol that ever was seen. This is so far from being a service
to the Government (which I am sure will never countenance
any Acts of Inhumanity) that it will doe very great disservice
to Protestants abroad that live under a Popish Government for
no doubt the Roman Catholicks abroad will have an account of
this from their friends here and we, if in their circumstances
would think such an act as this very cruell. Had this wretch
been an active stirring man then I think the service had been
good. Or even old and had his reason and even a Bishop he
might have done mischief in ordaining Priests but in his present
circumstances would rather be relieved than feared by any
people in power. He has lain (to the knowledge of all the
neighbourhood) within a musket shott of this town in a miserable
condition and relieved as a reall object of Charity by all sorts
of professions amongst us and when that was brought to him
he was fed with it like a child, having turned a perfect Idiott.
For God's sake, Cousin, if you have any influence over my Brother
persuade him not to do such things for money which brings such
an odium upon him and a reflexion to his family. For every
body here does cry out upon him for it, and says it is the reward
my Lord Anglesey promised to get, put him upon this, for that
he might have taken this poor wretch every day this yeare past.
I doe not think this creature can be proved to be a Dean, he being
tried as I am told in Charles the Second's time and since the
last war of Ireland for being one and both times acquitted.

Your real obliged kinsman
To Jos. Dawson, etc. THO. DAWSON.

Incredible as it may appear this appeal fell upon deaf ears.
The old man however miserable and idiotic, was a Popish dean
and had as such continued in the country for fourteen years in

ULSTER. 283

defiance of the law. There was no condoning the offence. In
jail he had to remain until five months later the end came.

At an Inquest held the 13th of February 1712-3 upon the Body
of Bryan McGork, Gentleman, Lying Dead in the Gaole of
Armagh committed by Mittimus from Walter Dawson Esqr.
one of her Majesties Justices of the Peace of the said County
upon account being a Romish Dean.

Gentlemen You are Dilligently to enquire how and in what
manner Bryan McGork now being Dead in the Goale of Armagh
came by his Death and make a true Verdictt thereof to me under
your hands and seals.

We present and find the above Deceased Bryan Magourk being
committed by the above named Walter Dawson Esq. to the
County Goale of Armagh did die his owne natural Death by
age and Infirmity of nature. Given under our hands and seals
this 13th February 1712 (twelve).

Thos. Field William Neilson

Thos. Reid . Patt Horld

William Hamilton William Gunoll

Rob 4 McConehy Hugh Blane

Walter Master Bryan Hugh

William Toole James McDonnell

William Geough Jo. Fisher

Copia Vera Will. English D.C.

The foregoing was sent to Dublin Castle with the enclosing

letter:

Armagh June 9 1713.

Dear Cossin The 24th of September last in "obedience to the
Government Proclamation I ceased doctor Brian McGurke
popish Titular Dean of Armagh and had full information and
witnesses to prove him such, and committed him to gaole where
he continued till the 13 of February on which day he dyed as
appears by the Coppy of the inclosed inquisition.

WALTER DAWSON.

He concludes by requesting payment of the 50 being the
reward for capturing a Popish Dean according to the scale settled
by the statute. Doubtless a Concordatum for payment issued in
due course, for the service was a very notable one.

At this period indeed so efficiently had the laws against
priests been worked that Catholic worship in Armagh appeared
a thing of the past. Accordingly the second stage of the move-
ment for Protestanting the people was entered upon.

284 ULSTER.

When most of the popish priests of the kingdom refused to take
the Oaths appointed by Law to be taken by them, they being
thereby made incapable of officiating, My Lord Primate
thought it might then be a very proper opportunity to endeavour
the conversion of the Irish papists and to use all means to bring
them over to the Established Church, and having communicated
this intention to the clergy of the Diocese of Armagh they unani-
mously agreed that no time could be more proper to begin the
work than when (as was it thought) 'the popish priests would
not by reason of the aforesaid incapacity any more officiate.
It was the opinion of my Lord Primate and his Clergy that
the most effectuall method for the conversion of the Irish would
be to send some ministers of the Established Church amongst
them who were well skilled in the Irish language to read the
Scripture, Common prayer and to preach to them in the language
they understood. To promote the good work the Lord Primate
and his Clergy subscribed about 130 per annum for the support
of such ministers and accordingly some who were thought
sufficiently qualified were sent to preach, read prayers and the
Scriptures and instruct the Irish Papists of the Diocese of Ardmagh
in their own language and had rules and directions given them
for their behaviour in their missions. These ministers on their
first setting out found the Irish very well disposed to come
and hear them and be instructed by them, and sometimes above
200 persons have attended at prayers and sermons, and behaved
themselves very decently with great attention and seeming
devotion and did express great satisfaction for having prayers
and the Scriptures read and explained to them in a language
they understood and assured the persons sent to instruct them
that they and a much greater number would attend them when
next they officiate. The popish priests having notice of these
proceedings did with great industry apply themselves to the
natives and forbid them upon pain of damnation to goe any
more to hear these ministers officiate and in a solemn manner
published excommunication against them if they should so do
and to prevent them attending these ministers in celebrating
divine offices, the priests said mass in most of the parishes in the
Diocese of Armagh and have by this means hindered the Irish
papists from receiving the instructions designed for them and
which they seemed so willing to receive and have by these
methods rendered in a great measure the good design of
converting the Irish ineffectuall.

It was clear that until the country was rid of the priests all
such missionary enterprises were doomed to failure. The following
from the County Cavan was probably a surer way of getting at
the priests than any rewards to informers however great :

ULSTER. 285

Co. Cavan.

At a general Quarter Sessions for the Peace held at Cavan in and
for the said County the 26 day of April An. Dni 1715. It was
presented by the Grand Jury Impannelled and sworn at the
said Sessions. That whereas the severall popish priests in the
said County hereunder named and who was (sic) registered and
entred into Recognizances that they or any of them should
appear before the Government and Council at any time when
required or summoned as may more fully appeare by a true
copy of their Baile bonds annexed.

Now for as much as the said severall Registered priests have
neglected to come in to take the Oath of Abjuration notwith-
standing summons and warrants have been often granted against
them and they or any of them refusing to appeare and who
shuns (sic) being apprehended by the said warrants. And for
as much as by the tenour of their said Baile bonds or Recog-
nizances their said severall Bailes cannot be obliged to bring in
the severall priests as they became baile for unless due summons
or legal proceedings offer from the Government or Council
whereby to require the said severall- baile persons to bring in
the severall registered priests and to issue such orders as will
oblige the said priests to appeare either at the next Assizes or
next General Sessions of the Peace to be held for the said County.
And in case they should not appeare that due method might be
used to estreate the severall Recognizances against the several
Baile aforesaid. And humbly request that this presentment
may be laid before the Government and Council.

Examined per JA MAGRATH D. Cl. P. THO BAYLY cum Sociis.

Recognizances taken by order of the Government before Charles
Mortimer Esq. the sheriff of the said County the 16 day of April
Anno 1708.

No. Preist's Name. Parish for which they are Regd. The names of the Baile.

/cognovit se debere Dom
Reg in 100

1. Edmund Magaghran Dromlone J Hugh Parker de Ardane

] in Co. pred 50

patk Clery de Rogerii

I in Co. pred 50

/Cognovit etc. 100

William Small de Cavan

2. Hugh Brady Dromgoone "\ in Co. p. 50

Denis Brady de Cavan

^ in Co. pred. in 50

(Cognovit etc. 100

Q r>u-iT T 11 -rr ! .Samuel Dyos de Cavan

3. Phillip Tully Kelmore j in Co. pred. gen. in 50

j Roger Smyth de ead
^ gener in 50

286

ULSTER.

4. Patrick Brady

5. Connor Reilly

6. Bryan Reilly

Killeserdinen

7. Dani ell Reilly

Knockbride

No Preist's Name. Parish for which they are Regd. The names of the Baile.

Cognovit etc. 100

Johes Dunningan de
Cavan in Co. pred.
Driny -I gen. in 50

Denis Brady de Cor-
voggin in Co. pred.
in 50

Cognovit etc. 100

Thomas Naully de Ca-
Annagh \ van in Co. pred. in 50

Terence Reilly de Kil-
, duff in Co. pred. in 50
'Cognovit etc. 100

Edward Lernan de
Cavan in Co. pred. in
50

Johes Donegan de Cavan
, in Co. pred in 50
Cognovit etc. 100

Connor Reilly de Drom-
killy in Co. pred. in 50
Phill. Reilly de Rallagh-
an in Co. pred. in 50
Cognovit etc. 100

Chas Mcfadden de Quil-
Moybolge { kagh in Co. pred. in 50

Patk. McCabe de Lislea
in Co. . pred. in 50
f Cognovit etc. 100

| Chas. Mcfadden de Quil-
Killen ^ kagh in Co. pred. in 50

j Edmd. Clery de Curkis
[ in Co. pred. in 50
Cognovit etc. 100

Cornelius Donnellan de
Virginia in Co. pred. in

50

Garret fitzSimons de
Corneduff in Co. pred.
in 50

Cognovit etc. 100

Connor Reilly de Drom-
kelly in Co. pred. in
Kelbride <j 50

Oliver Newgent de ffar-
enconell in Co. pred.
L 50

8. John Garrigan

9. Thomas Clery

10. Mathew Shereene Monterconaght <

11. Walter Dace

ULSTER.

287

No.

Preist's Name. Parish for which they are Regd. The names of the Baile.

" Cognovit etc. 100

Alex. Johnson de Kelly-
shandra in Co. pred.

12. Patrick Sheridan Killyanagh

13. John Smyth

Lavey

14. Edmund Degany Templeport

15. Owen Doad

Lavey

16. Hugh Drum

Kilishandra

j in 50

j Gerald Masterson de
I eadem in 50

Cognovit etc. 100

Roger Smith de Cavan
in cod Cornite 50
James Smyth de Drom-
hulla in Co. pred. 50
Cognovit etc. 100

Loughlin Smyth de Om-
ard in Co. pred. in 50
Thos. Reynolds de Corn-
agunlen in Co. pred.
in 50

c Cognovit etc. 100

j John Williamson de Ca-
\ van in Co. pred. in 50
j Thomas Harrison de
I eadem in 50

/Cognovit etc. 100

| James Reilly de Dugirry

Iin Co. pred. in 50
Edmund Moris de Ned
in Co. pred. in 50

Examined per JA. McGRATH D. Cl. P.

The years 1743-5 were marked by a recrudescence of perse-
cuting zeal on the part of the executive. The officials responsible
for the administration of the laws against priests, were required
to furnish reports to Dublin. Proclamations were issued and the
following instructions were sent to all sheriffs, mayors, magistrates,

and high constables :

Council Office 3 March 1743.

Sir I am commanded by his Grace the Lord Lieutenant and
Council to acquaint you that you are required to make enquiry
within your jurisdiction and return with all convenient speede
to the Council Board the name and place of abode of all persons
being, or suspected to be Popish Archbishops, Bishops, Vicars
General, Deans, Jesuits, Monks and fryars or other regular
Popish Clergy, of all papists exercising Ecclesiastical! jurisdiction
and the place of abode and names of persons with whom they
reside or are reputed generally to reside. I am Sir your etc.

JOHN LYONS.

288 ULSTER.

Many of the reports still remain. Compared with those of
earlier years they mark a distinct advance in the direction of toler-
ation. The generation whose religious fervour was fanned by the
passions of the Revolution had passed away and their successors
were beginning to doubt whether in the Protestant plantation of
Ireland Popery might not still flourish notwithstanding all the
acts to prevent the further growth of it. Hence they faced the
work of persecution in a more chastened spirit than their prede-
cessors. The Registration acts and the acts requiring ecclesiastics
to take the oath of abjuration were beginning to fall into desuetude,
nay even the fact that certain persons were friars or reputed friars
did not for the most part disturb the equanimity of government.
Bishops and vicars dare not yet avow their office or appear in public
but their existence in the country was acknowledged if deplored.
From the replies sent in from different parts of Ulster, the" follow-
ing are selected as showing the position of the priests in that
province. The Sovereign of Coleraine writes from that town 10th
March, 1743:

I made the Enquire [sic] desired and find there is one John
Brullaghan of Ballymenagh in the parish of Aghadoocy who
is a Popish priest and I have heard that he is Titular Deane of
the diocese of Derry. He and one Duffy his curate who has no
fixed place of residence officiate in the parishes of Aghadoocy,
Maiosquine, Killowen, and Dunboe in the fields, there being no
mass-houses in any of the places where they celebrate mass.

WILLIAM JACKSON.

From Donegal came the following :

Londonderry April 29 1744.

Sir According to his Grace the Lord Lieutenant's directions I
have made all the Enquiries I possibly could and find that
there are [sic] a Popish Bishop of the name of Gallagher in the
County of Donegal! and likewise that there is a Friary neare
Ballyshannon but how many friars I cant give an exact account,
and likewise that there are three friars in the Barony of Ennis-
howen to wit ; Phillip McLoughlin in the parish of Moville and
one James Murrey and one Carrolan in the Lower Part of Temple-
more. This is all the information I gott from the severall
Constables of the severall Baronyes and if I heare of any more I
shall return them as directed.

CHARLES MCMANUS, sheriff of Donegall.

ULSTER. 289

It is not to be supposed that the sheriff and barony constables,
all good men and true Protestants, had allowed these friars and
bishops to remain in the country willingly, and through kindly
feeling. The fact was that systematic attempts to pursue priests
in the trackless wastes of Donegal which at the time contained
the solitary road between Ballyshannon and Raphoe would be
disastrous. Josiah Hart the Protestant bishop of Kilmore, wrote
to George Doddington, the Secretary, 4th March, 1734 :

The Bishop of Raphoe acquainted the Duke of Dorset [Lord
Lieutenant] this morning in the great room that the Popish
Bishop having removed a quiet inoffensive priest and put a
turbulent fellow in his place, Dr. Rogers had issued a warrant
for apprehending him. As they were carrying him to the County
Gaol, guarded by severall Protestants, some of them gentlemen,
a great body of papists attacked them, wounded severall and
arrested the priest. Letters from my own diocese are full of
apprehensions that some mischief is brewing.

In the more settled parts of the country ecclesiastics had to
lie perdu. The Sovereign of Armagh, Edward Harcourt, writes
10th March, 1743 :

As Sovereign of this Corporation I have visited and searched the
houses of the said town. I do not find that any papists exercising
ecclesiastical jurisdiction live or reside or have any abode within
said Corporation.

On same date Thomas Clarke, Portreeve of Charlemont wrote
that after careful search he could not discover anyone exercising
popish jurisdiction. Fuller particulars were forthcoming from the

sheriff of Tyrone.

Mountjoy 30 March 1744.

Sir I have made all the enquiries in my power into the situation
and abode of the severall popish ecclesiasticall persons of this
County and do not find that there are any of that stamp or
persuasion under the character of Popish Archbishops or Bishops
but one man reputed to be a Papish Vicar Generall. I have
enclosed the most exact return. If I can ferrit out more of
their names the same shall appear without loss of time.

JOHN HAMILTON.

County of Tyrone. A Return of the Prests [sic] and ffryars.
Termon McGurk James Murphy priest

Of the same Thomas Feenan ,,

Bellenasagart Enneas Dade [Doill ?]

290

ULSTER.

Patrick Donnelly priest

Patrick Hagan ,,

Eneas McDonnell

Laughlin Hagan

Tague O'Kelly

Bryan O'Quinn

Michael Doill

Tague O'Corr ,,

John Halfpenny ,,

Bryan 'McGuire

Patrick Granhams ,,

John Rogers

James Madden Vicar Generall

Art O'Kelly priest

Ross McCanne ,,

John McCavill

William Weldone ,,

John McCrorey ,,

ffryar

Donaghmore

Clanoe

Donaghmore and Carrenteale

Killishele

The same

Desertireat

Lisav

Ballenderry and Tamleh

Arbrea

ffintenagh

Ardboe

Kelleyman

Clanfeankele

the same

Aghnacloy

Clogher

Clogher

Budoney

ffrancis McDonnell

Patrick Quin

Nicholas Keenan ,,

ffrancis McCann

Phellemy O'Neill

Roger Cheevers ,,

Murtagh McCann

Anthony McCanvill ,,

Christopher McConway,,

JOHN HAMILTON Sheriff.

From the same county we find :

Strabane Mar 9 1743-4.

Sir In obedience to the Command of his Grace the Lord Lieutenant
and Council I have made all the inquiry possibly I could to inform
myself of the number of the Popish Clergy of all ranks, and from
the best of my Information which I am sure is true, there is not
within this Corporation or settled neare it any Popish arch-
bishop, bishop, vicar generall, dean, Jesuit, monk or friar. There
is one priest who serves three parishes ; he lives in this town
and his name is John McConally. If I can meet with any
farder Information I shall be ready to communicate it.

JOHN MCCAUSLANE.

The reply from Belturbet was even more satisfactory to the
executive ; John Jones, the sovereign of that town, wrote on the
14th March, 1743-4 :

We of this Corporation have not one Popish family in our liberties
nor even in King James' time till we went all to Enniskillen.

ULSTER. 291

The high sheriff of the county, Samuel Moore, seems to have
been well served by his spies. Writing 21st March, 1743-4 he
states :

The Popish Bishop of Killmore, known by the name of Clarke,
lives in Dublin. The Popish Deane of Killmore, John Reilly,
parish priest of Croseclogh, he lives at Drumkilly. The
Vicar Generall, Hugh Duggan, parish priest of Killmore lives at
Drumheel ; Duggan a frier lives with his brother the Vicar
Generall ; Daniel Reilly a frier lives in the parish of Denn and
lands of Knockekilly ; John McKernan, a frier lives mostly in
the parish of Castlerahen, has no certain place of abode ; John
Reilly a frier lives in the parish of Kelan, he has no certain place
of abode ; Miles Reilly a frier lives mostly in the parish of Bally-
macu.

Going north, the persecuting spirit as might be expected,
becomes more marked. The Mayor of Carrickfergus, William
Chaplin, writes 7th March, 1743-4 :

I am well informed that none of the Popish clergy has any constant
residence within the town or country of Carrickfergus but that
priests from neighbouring parishes come frequently and
celebrate mass to the Popish Inhabitants living amongst us,
being about thirty families, in general very poor. You may
depend on my fidelity in putting the Laws against Popery in
execution.

The reports from the Counties Down and Louth are of unusual
interest. Ross Moore, sovereign of Carlingford, writes 7th March,
1743-4 :

There are two popish priests who often officiate in this Corporation.
Patrick Carrell who is priest of this parish lives three miles from
this town at a place called Castletown Cooly, and Friar Mathews
who is curate to Carrell, he has no certain place of residence.
The titular Primate lives six miles from this at a place called
Ballymascanlon where there is generally a great concourse of
all kinds of popish clergy. As there is ten Papists for one
Protestant in this County and the army ordered from us I most
humbly request that his Grace the Lord Lieutenant will be
pleased to order me about sixty musquets and some ammuni-
tion which would be a means of keeping the Papists here in great
subjection.

The sovereign of Hillsborough, Edward Hill, writes 5th March,
1743-4 :

292 ULSTER.

I must inform you that at present there doth not reside in my
jurisdiction any popish archbishop or bishop. Lately a popish
bishop did reside neare this place. But last year did leave it
and as I am informed lives now somewhere near Lisburn. There
do reside in a neighbouring parish within my jurisdiction one
popish priest named Patrick Burn who lives in the house of his
brother Edmund Burn, who serves the popish inhabitants of
this and two other parishes. The papists in this county being
not numerous or at least nothing in comparison of the Protestants.
Of any other Popish persons exercising authority I know of none.

William Murch, mayor of Dundalk, on 6th March.

I herein send you the name of our reputed Popish parish priest,
Nicholas Devin who lodges at the house of John Smith in this
town. There was one Dominick Roddy a reputed friar who
resided for some time here but has lately fledd. I should be glad
to know if I ought to seize Devin the reputed parish priest and
shutt upp the chappie. I had a Papist put into Gaole here for
saying the Papists would rise and kill the Scotch meaning the
Protestants, who will be tryed this Assizes.

Four days later the high sheriff Trevor Banns, enclosed the
following :

A List of Regulars or reputed Regular Fryars in the County of
Lowth March the 10 1743-4.
Thomas Babe late of Dundalk now of Balinleragh.
Hugh McConwell of Balimascanlan.
Stephen Carney of Carrick Beggitt.
Dominick Roddy, late of Dundalk.
James Byrne of Knockbridge.
John Stanly of Williamstown.
Edward Drumgool, late of Dundalk.
Anthony Mathews of Knokbridge.
Patrick Mathews otherwise McMahon of Ardee.
John Plunkett of Whiterath.
John Taaff of Lowth.
Owen Linnen of Bermeath.
Bryan Row McMahon otherwise Bernard McMahon otherwise

Bernard Ennis of Ballymascanlin reputed titular Archbishop

of Armagh.
Dominick Mathews of Cooley resides sometimes with Souten

and sometimes with Terence Dullaghin both of Cooley aforesaid.

The report from Drogheda is as follows :

Drogheda 6 March 1743-4.

Sir We have made the most diligent enquiry in our power and
cannot find nor do we believe that any Archbishop, Bishop, Jesuit

ULSTER. 293

Monk or Friar or papist exercising any ecclesiasticall jurisdiction
is now resident or lately or usually did reside within this town
or county except those whose names are underwritten who
lived in three separate houses by themselves in those parts of
the town mentioned, but all dispersed not long before the issuing
of the late Proclamation as we are informed into the Country
and have not appeared here since. And we begg leave to acquaint
his Grace and the Councill that the Grand Jury at the Assizes
held this week have presented all the said severall persons under-
named and the Court has ordered process against them which
we shall use our utmost diligence to have executed whenever it
shall be in our power.

Besides the persons undernamed there is one Reilly the parish
priest of St. Peters who hath resided here some years, and he
hath an assistent whose name is McCabe. There is alsoe one
Cusack the Parish Priest of St. Mary's who hath alsoe resided
here many yeares. And these three persons we suppose may
still be in the town though they did not appeare.

HENRY SHEILS, Mayor.

CHA. SALLERY ) gj,

JAMES SANDIFORDE I n s *

John Donnelly Hiacinth Wattson \

Edward Watson, Owen Lennan I Reputed regulars or ffriars

and James Sampson resideing in I of the Dominican Order.

a house without the West Gate. )
Part Morgan John ffleming IBryan \ ted Regulars or feiars

McCaraher and one McDamell * f August & ine Or der.

now or late of Batchelors Lane. )

Bryen McMahon Patrick Reilly \ Reputed Regular ffriars of

John Kelly and John Markey l - -

now or late of Broadstone Well.

The officials of the County Monaghan appear to have prosecuted
their enquiries with equal success. Cairnes Haughtson writes from
the town of Monaghan, 7th March, 1743-4 :

I have enquired and do find that no popish priest has lived here
for these great many years past but one Francis Duffy who is
the popish priest of the parish of Monaghan. His residence was
generally at one Mary Duffy's within the town but of late he has
absconded and I am told is run away.

The high sheriff of the county wrote 12th March, 1743-4 :

I went round this County and have made the strictest enquiry I
could about the Popish clergy, and send a list of them enclosed
with the barony, parish and place of their abode. I think every
Protestant ought to exert themselves. RICHARD GRAHAM.

294

ULSTER.

A List of the Priests etc. Returned by the Sheriff of the County of
Monaghan :

Parishes.

Monaghan

a

1

a

rt

as
CS
O

O

I <

rt
PQ

PQ

O

s

Tyhallan
Tydavnett

Kilknore and
Drumsnatt

Erigill

Donagh

Clonenish

Amatris

PI

Aghabogg

Currin
Killevan

Priests Names.

Francis Duffy Lived in the town of
Monaghan until about the 5 of March
instant, but is run away ; has a mass
house neare Monaghan.

James Duffy lives on the lands of
Tullylust.

James Murphy lives on the lands of Dram-
shever, has a curate called Thomas
Trenor who is a ffriar and lives in Iteriry
and has a mass house.

Hugh Moynagh called Vicar Generall of
the Diocese of Clogher lives in Coole-
darragh in Drumsnatt.

Ross McKenna and Patrick Murray ;
priest McKenna lives in Mullyodan,
McKenna is harboured by Turlogh
McKenna of Corclar McKenna, is re-
puted a dangerous insolent fellow.

James McKenna lives in Cloncane and
has a mass house and a chappie of ease.

The titular Bishop of Clogher Ross Roe
McMahon otherwise Ennis lives in
Corvally in the parish of Amatris.
James Ward lives in Anaghgulgan lying
in County Fermanagh, has a curate
that stroles through the parish called
Patrick Ruckagh McDonald both very
dangerous men.

James Clearkan, lives in Cornwall and has

a mass house.

Patrick McQuaid lives in Corleck.
Michael Connolly lives in Aghnafin.
Tole Connolly lives, in Kinturk

Clontubritt Philip McArdle priest of the lower part

lives in Carrickanure.
Upper Clontubritt Pierce Duffy lives with one Charles Molloy

and Muckno
Aghnamullen

Tullycorbett

near Castleblaney.

Patrick Brockagh Duffy and Owen Tray
nor Duffy, has no residence but stroles
through the parish. Trenor resides
with one Patrick Roe Reddy. Duffy
near Loghegie.

Roger McMahon lives in Lisdoe.

8

ULSTER. 295

Parishes. Priests Names.

Mahaross Patrick Ginor resides with one Richard

Hand of Carrickmacross and has a
curate called Patrick Boyland who
resides with one Bryan Byrn of Lurgann.
Dunamoine Patrick McCabe otherwise Freeman lives

in Longfield, James O'Neill and James
Cassidy are assistants. O'Neill lives in
Shankaloe, Cassidy has no residence but
stroles through the parish. Freeman

>^ has a mass house \Added~\ Neill and

S Cassidy are friars.

Eniskeen Hugh McMahon otherwise Hugh Roddy

lives in Ballyrush and has a mass house.
Maghracloony James Callan lives in Dromboe.
Killany James McMahon lives in Tullyultun in

Co. Lowth.

Dunamoine James Clinton a friar lives in Coas where

a popish fryary or convent was lately
held.-

For reasons that are obvious the laws against priests continued
in active operation in Ulster down to a much later period than in
the other provinces. Even in the beginning of the nineteenth
century no "mass houses" would be tolerated in many localities
still less would the landowners grant sites for the building of them.
Fitzpatrick in his Life of Dr. Doyle, published in 1861, writes :

The spirit of persecution and oppression lasted to a much later
period than is generally supposed. The present venerable
bishop of Raphoe Dr. McGettigan remembers going with his
father to hear Mass at the side of a mountain in midwinter with
the impending cliff protecting the worshippers from the in-
clemency of the weather and where they were obliged to have
two men stationed at the top of the hill watching lest the
Puritans should come down and wreak their vengeance upon
them. (I. p. 169).

It might be supposed that in no part of the province would
priests be more secure than in the Catholic barony of Inishowen
to the extreme north of Donegal. In this peninsula shut in by
Lough Foyle, the Atlantic and Lough Swilly, and furrowed by
the Slieve Snaght and Scalp mountains, surely the law might be
defied. Yet the local historian writes :

In the parish of Culdaff there is a lone churchyard embosomed
among the mountains and in sight of the ocean. In the centre

296 ULSTER.

of it stands an old church that was once Catholic. None have
been buried there for the past forty-five years except the members
of a few Protestant families who reside in the district. Opposite
the church door is a broad slab of unpolished stone covering a
vault. On one side it has fallen off the wall on which it rested.
There is no inscription. Few, perhaps not four persons know
who is buried there. It is the grave of a bishop, Dr. M'Colgan.
He was consecrated in 1760 [probably earlier]. His predecessor
had found it impossible to reside in the see and he found religion
a wreck. Priests were few and of churches there were none.
The ceremonial had disappeared ; the faith alone remained
standing, it had taken hold in the hearts of the people when
the hand of persecution was unable to follow it. For a number
of years he performed the duties of the most hard-working
priest together with those of the episcopal office. He married,
baptized, heard confessions, visited the sick. His residence
was a humble white-washed cottage at Muff, Donegal. Years
rolled on and bright hopes began to dawn. But the hopes were
disappointed. The bishop had already become obnoxious to the
authorities. They found a ready instrument in a friar who
some time before had been visited with canonical censures.
For safety the bishop quitted his residence, the little cottage,
and sought an asylum among the mountains of Carndoagh.
He remained two weeks concealed in the house of a liberal and
kind hearted Presbyterian named Joseph Campbell. The
military soon discovered his retreat but he effected his escape.
Fatigue and anxiety had already done their work. Two priests
attended him on his death bed in Omagh in the year 1765 (vv}.

(vv) Inishowen: Its History, etc. Deny, 1867.

CHAPTER VIII.

LEINSTER.

IN an angry controversy carried on between the Tory executive
government and the Whig Corporation of Dublin towards
the close of Queen Anne's reign, each party went as far as
to accuse the other of conniving at Popery and permitting non-
juring priests to remain in the country. Lord Chancellor Phipps
seems at first blush to have had the best of the argument. Address-
ing the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in January, 1712, he insisted
on their " preventing public mass being said by priests not registered
and that will not take the abjuration oath" ; and he charged them
that the "negligence of the Dublin Corporation in enforcing the
laws had produced great licence throughout the kingdom." But
it must be considered that Catholicism had now no public, legal
existence, and that a secret society is nowhere so safe as in a large
city. The difficulties that the Dublin magistrates had in enforcing
the laws were that they had to deal with peculiar conditions and
with- sharper and better organised people. Priests living in obscure
lodgings or sheltered in the houses of Catholic gentlemen, were
not so easily located and identified as those who had to move
about in the open country or to make their habitat in small towns.
In point of fact when, more than once, Propaganda complained
of bishops quiting their dioceses, they pleaded that their persons
having become known in the country, they had to take refuge in
Dublin. There where every member of the little congregations
could be scrutinised and identified, they were comparatively safe
from the active magistrate or the official spy. Within sight of
the Council Office on Essex Quay, and under the shadow of the
Castle, near St. Audeon's Arch, Catholic worship was long carried
on. How this was possible we have a curious evidence still sur-
viving. Every Dublin citizen is familiar with the Franciscan
house on the quay opposite the Four Courts known as "Adam
and Eve's." Few however know the story that lies behind the
strange sobriquet. In the early eighteenth century there stood

298 LEINSTER.

there on "the merchants' quay" a well known tavern over which
hung the sign of "Adam and Eve." It was the common resort
of the sailors and longshore men of the port. Mingling with these
the Catholics made their way unobserved through the tavern to
the little chapel of the friars which lay to the rere. And the
effectiveness of these disguises may be judged from the fact that
as late as 1732 when there was comparative toleration, a well
informed Protestant pamphleteer discussing the relative proportion
of Catholics and Protestants in Dublin was unable to state the
number of chapels in the city (ww).

As the secret of the chapels was well kept so the vicars-general
and others exercising jurisdiction managed to conceal their identity.
The decrees of a diocesan synod of Dublin in 1712 are still extant.
In case these decrees should fall into the hands of the government
the enactments are " by the authority of the clergy" ; those who
transgress the "regulations" are declared incapable of discharging
priestly duties; others are to be "deputed by the said clergy"
and throughout there is not a hint of an archbishop living in the
diocese. Certain persons indeed were suspected. At the banish-
ment of the regulars and higher ecclesiastics in 1698 the name
of Edward Byrne priest of St. Andrew's parish, was returned by
the local parson as "supposed vicar generall." But no proof of
the fact could be obtained and Byrne for nine years during the
exile of Dr. Creagh continued to administer the diocese until 1707
when he succeeded as archbishop. Consecrated secretly the clergy
and people loyally sheltered him; the professional priest hunter
even was long unable to discover who ruled the see. Tjnrrell
conjectured that one Father Kennedy, an Augustinian friar, "dis-
guised as one Jones" was the archbishop but the shot was a wild
one. The first clue however was obtained in connexion with the
transfer of some Galway nuns in which Dr. Byrne, and a Fran-
ciscan named Burke were concerned. Informations were sworn
and a hunt for the archbishop began to be actively prosecuted.

Sir Having received some hint yesterday morning of Doctor
Byrne's being in this county I gott ffolliot Shriegley and John

(ww) Scheme of the Proportions which the Protestants of Ireland may
probably bear to the Papists, Dublin, 1731-2. Halliday Pamph. R.I. A.

LEINSTER. 299

Hackett Esquires two other Justices of the Peace to joyne
with me and we issued our warrants and had a diligent search
made in and about this towne, but upon further inquiry found
by the Informations of severall persons that he had been within
two miles of this towne on fryday morning last and was then
on his way to Dublin. I thought myself bound in duty to give
their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council an account of
this matter which I hope you will lay before their Excellencies
in due time. Sir your most humble servant

Wicklow Sept. 28 1712. THO THEAKES.

After further search the trail in Wicklow being lost it was
reported the archbishop had gone north.

Dublin Castle 8 Nov. 1712.

Sir The Bearer hereof Edward Tyrrell having informed the '
Lords Justices and Council that one Byrne the Titular Papish
Archbishop of Dublin mencioned in a late proclamation is lately
gone to Drogheda and conceals himself there, their Excellencies
and Lordships have commanded me to signify their pleasure to
you to assist the said Tyrrell in apprehending the said Byrne
and to send such a number of men with him as shall be sufficient
to take him, and to cause him- when apprehended to be committed
to Gaole there to remain till thence delivered by due Course of
law. I am your most humble servant

To the Mayor of Drogheda. Jos. DAWSON.

In vain however. No trace of his whereabouts could be got
and the egregious Tyrrell now suggested a fresh search in the

Wicklow hills.

Wicklow 20 Nov. 1712.

Sir I communicated your letter to Mr. Hackett and Mr. Allen
Justices. Upon hearing what the said Tyrrell had to saye they
joyned with me and gave me a warrant to search such houses
and to apprehend such persons if they were to be found. The
said Tyrrell did aver that att the present there was in Thomas
Byrne's house one ffather Edmund Byrne and severall other
priests from abroade and also at Redmond Byrnes of Kallaughler
we would find one Captain Charles Byrne and fourteen more
all officers and priests, all come lately from abroade. Upon
which I raised guards of both foot and horse with all privacy
imaginable and searched all suspected houses in our town and
found none, and Mr. Allen and I Road to Redmond Byrnes in
the Countrie and searched there also and found none. All which
gave us no small trouble. I am etc.

WILLIAM HAMILTON.

Escaped again ! For six months no further evidence of the
hunt can be discovered until the middle of the following year when

300 LEINSTER.

the wily ecclesiastic was said to be safe and sound in Dublin
and in the house too of an alderman of the loyal, Protestant

Corporation.

Council Office Dublin 16 May 1713.

My Lord Their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council
having received information upon Oath that one Edmund
Byrne Titular arch Bishop of Dublin and one Byrke a Fryer
lately landed from France lodges (sic) at Alderman Reily's house
in this City. Their Excellencies hav.e commanded me to signify
their pleasure to your Lordship that you will with all the secracy
and prudence that the necessity of the affair requires cause the
said Byrne and Byrke to be apprehended and committed to
Gaole and their papers to be sealed upp and sent to this Council
Office and that your Lordship will give their Excellencies and
Lordships an account of your proceedings therein.

Your Lordships most humble servant

Jos DAWSON.

To the Rt. Hon. Samuel Cooke Knt. Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Whether the Lord Mayor as well as the Alderman was in
collusion with the archbishop and gave him the hint to depart
"with all the secracy and prudence necessary" does not appear, but
the archbishop remained at large. Lucky however as he was, he
was entrapped at last. In 1718 he was one of those arrested at
the suit of Garcia, the Jew priest-hunter. With the others he
was admitted to bail as the authorities were entirely unaware
that he was the identical papal emissary who had long defied all
efforts to catch him. Once out of their clutches he managed during
the remaining five years of his life to govern the diocese undis-
covered.

The difficulties in detecting unregistered and non-juring
priests were almost as great. Recourse therefore was had to the
machinery provided by the Act, 8 Anne, c. 3, sec. 21. A bundle
of informations sent to the Privy Council by some officious magis-
trates, show how this section was worked. A few are here given :

Co. Dublin.

The Examinacon of John Mitchell of Drumnee in the said County
Farmer, taken before the Right Hon. the Lord of Santry. Thomas
Stepney, Foliott Sherigley, Laurence Grace, John Jackson and
Daniel Wybrants six of her Maiesties Justices of the Peace for
the said County taken the 17th of June 1714.

Who being duly sworn and examined saith that the last time he
heard mass was a Sunday last at the town of Coolock in the

LEINSTER. 301

said County but by whom it was said or celebrated he does not
know. Saith that he has a son called James Mitchell and that
the said James teaches the children of Mr. O'Hara who lives at
Kinsale in the said County as school master, and that the said
James was beyond seas for some time and returned into this
kingdom about Christmas last past. Saith that he does not
know of any Popish bishop or regular Popish clergy in this
kingdom.
JOHN MITCHELL [bound to prosecute in the sum of] 40.

The Examinacon of Robert Broghill of the Grange in the said
County Gentleman, who being duly sworn on the Holy Evange-
lists and Examined saith that the last time he heard Mass said
or celebrated was on Sunday last at the house of Richard
Talbott Esq. He knows not any person that was there present.
That Mass then said or celebrated was by one Father Jones a
Popish priest who lives in or near the town of Donebate in the
said County. That he heard one Richard Jones lately taught
or kept school at Malahide ; that he believes the said Richard
Jones is a Papist or Roman Catholick ; knows not of any Roman
bishop or Regular clergy man in this kingdom.

ROBERT BROGHILL 40.

James Fotterell of Grange of Baldoyle in the said County being
duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists saith that he heard mass
said or celebrated on Sunday last at Coolock in the said County
by one ffather Cassady whose place of abode is at Mrs. Holly-
woods at Artane in the said County. Saith that Darby Warde
of Kilmore and James Walker of Coolock both of the said County
were present, knows not of any Roman Bishop or regular Clergy
in this kingdom. Heard that one Mitchell a Roman Catholick
keeps a school at Kinsaley in the said County.

JAMES FOTTERELL 40.

Co. Dublin.

The Examinacon of James Cuniham of Rahenny in the said County,
Farmer, being taken before Daniel Wybrants, Foliott Sherigley,
Richard Bolton, Edward Swan, Thomas Stepney and John
Jackson six of her Maiesties Justices of. the Peace of the said
County. Taken the 22 day of June 1714.

Who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and Examined
Saith he heard mass said or celebrated on Sunday last by Father
Cormack Cassady at Kilmore in the said County. Saith that
Darby Warde of the same, and John Byrne of the same,
Christopher Saver of Clontarfe were all present when the said
mass was said or celebrated. Saith he knowes of no Popish
Bishops or Regulars. Saith that he knows of no Popish school
master.

Bartholomew Doyle of Dunshoghlyn in the said County being
duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and Examined saeth that

302 LEINSTER.

he heard mass said on Sunday last by one Father Scally in the
Parish of St. Pargetts in the said County and saith that Patrick
Fannin and Edmund Laoler of Dunshoghlyn aforesaid were
present at the celebrateing the mass. Saith he knows of no
Popish Bishop or Regular Clergy man of the Popish religion in
this kingdom. Saith he knows of no Popish schoolmaster but
one whose name he knows not who keeps school now in the Castle
of Dunshoghlyn aforesaid.
BARTHOLOMEW DOYLE 40.

John Wade of Rathkenny in the said County being sworn and
examined saith he heard mass said or celebrated yesterday at
Rahenny aforesaid by Father Charles alias Cormack Cassady.
Saith that James Smith and James Erwin of Rahenny were
present. Saith that he heard mass said on Sunday last by the
said Cassady at Darby Ward's house in Killmore in the said
County. Saith that Darby Ward of the said place, James
Fotterell, John Fotterell of Grange were by and present at the
celebration of the said mass. Saith that he knows of no popish
Bishop or Regular clergy in this kingdom.

JOHN WADE 40.

The further stages in the process against priests may be illus-
trated by the following petitions, one before, the other after trial :

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council.

The humble petition of William Dalton Parish Priest of St. Pauls.

Sheweth That your Petitioner has been upwards of three [blank]
closely confined in a Garrett in the White Sheafe among other
Prisoners. That for many yeares past he has been troubled with
the Gravell stone, shortness of breath and megrums in his head
which dayly increases by his soe close confinement without any
manner of ayre which has reduced and weakened your Petitioner
to that degree that he will perish if not timely relieved as by
annexed Certificate will appeare.

That your Petitioner is a native of this City and has been upwards
of twenty six years past in the same without giving the least
offence to the Government. That he is willing to give such
security for his appearance and good behaviour when required
as your Excellencies and Lordships shall think fitt.

May it therefore please your Excellencies etc.

[Endorsed] The matter is already ordered in Council.

[Certificate].

I doe hereby certify that William Dalton priest is and has been
for some years past afflicted with the stone and gravell in his
kidneys and megrim in his head astma and other complications
of pernicious symptoms all which if he is barred the benefit of
air and moderate exercise will increase and prove of dangerous
if not of fatall consequence. Given etc. 3 April 1708.

LEINSTER. 303

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices etc.
The humble petition of Francis Moore alias Murray.

Sheweth That your Petitioner was tryed and convicted this
present Michaelmas Term [1718] as being a popish priest not
registered, exercising the office of a popish priest and was found
in this kingdom contrary to Law and thereupon was ordered by
the Court to remain in Gaole till transported out of his Majesty's
dominions. That your Petitioner being willing to goe abroad
rather than lye in Gaol and there being a shipp in this harbour
goeing to Spaine or Portugall and ready to saile, applyed to the
Right Hon. the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin to take security
for his transpertation but his Lordship refuses without your
Excellencies orders. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays
your Excellencies to grant your order etc. And he will as in
duty bound ever pray etc.

[Endorsed] To pursue the method usuall.

Often the wretched priests were, kept months together in the
loathsome prisons awaiting transportation. Their only remedy
appears to have been an appeal to the Privy Council.

Whereas we are informed that Charles Dempsey [parish priest of
St. Bride's] and severah 1 other popish priests are now confined
in New Gate and lye under the Rule of Transportation. These
are therefore to direct and require you to cause the said Charles
Dempsey and the other convict popish priests now in your custody
to be delivered to such Merchant Owners or Masters of Shipps
lying within the harbour of Dublin as are or shall be outward
bound for any place or port not within either of the kingdoms
of Great Britain or Ireland in order to their Transportation
such Merchant Owner or Master having entered into a Recognis-
ance of the Penalty of ffifty pounds for each of the said priests
before the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin with condition
that such Merchant Owner or Master shall transport said priests
into some place not within this kingdom or Great Britain.

26 March 1713. J. DAWSON.

To the High Sheriff of the City of Dublin.

Henceforward for some years such entries as the following are
occasionally met with :

Order that Hugh Sheridan a Roman Catholic Priest in the Gaol
of Kilmainham be transported to France within three months
from this date. E. BUDGELL.

12 May 1715.

We hereby direct and require you to take effective care that Anthony
Maguire convicted of being a Popish Fryar comming into and
remaining in this kingdom contrary to Act of Parliament and

304 LEINSTER.

ordered to be transported and also John White convicted unlaw-
fully of marrying Benedict Arthur a minor under the age of one
and twenty years to one -Catherine Hackett without the privity
or consent of his father John Arthur Esq. and under the same
rule of the said Anthony Maguire, be both of them transported
to some port in Spain or Portugall out of His Majestys Dominions.
Given the 7 day of August 1718. CHA. HADDOCKS.

To the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin.

Francis Moore alias Murray. We hereby direct and require you
to take effectuall care that Francis Moore alias Murray convicted
of being a Popish priest now under a Rule of Transportation in
the gaol of Newgate be forthwith transported to some Port in
Parts out of his Majesty's Dominion, 25 November 1718.

To the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin. CHA. MADDOCKS.

\Ve hereby direct and require you to take effectual care that Michael
Murphy, James Dillon, Francis White alias Jones and John
Brown convicted of being Popish Priests now under a Rule of
Transportation and in the Goal of Newgate be forthwith trans-
ported to some Port in parts out of his- Majesty's dominions.
Given this 2 December 1718. CHA. MADDOCKS.

To the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin.

Middleton, William [Archbishop of] Dublin, Shannon.

We hereby require and direct you to take effectual care that
Francis Comyn convicted of being a Papist Regular clergyman
now under a Rule of Transportation and in the Goal of Newgate
City of Dublin, be forthwith transported out of his Majesty's
Dominion to Bilboa in Spain. Given 28 June 1723.

To the Lord Mayor of Dublin. CHA. MADDOCKS.

Sir Enclosed I transmit a warrant of Barnaby Lynam just now
received from Alderman Trench. You will be so good as to lay
it before their Excellencies, the Lords Justices and let me know
their pleasure to what part out of his Majesty's Dominions their
Excellencies think fit to order him to be transported.
I am Sir etc. . NATH. KANE.

Tholsel Chamber 13 Jany. 1734-5. To Thos. Tickell Esq.

Wee hereby direct and require you to take effectual care that
Barnaby Lynham a Popish Priest under a Rule of Transportation
in the Goal of New Gate be forthwith transported to some Port
in Portugal out of his Majesty's Dominions. Given 17 Jany.
1734-5. THO. TICKELL.

To the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Perhaps the last raid on the Dublin priests is that reported
by De Burgo (Hibernia Dominicana, p. 175).

LEINSTER. 305

On 17 February 1744 one Alderman William Aldrich with his
Constables went secretly to the parish chapel of St. Paul's on
the north side of Dublin (in which I myself was curate at the
time), and finding Father Nicholas English celebrating mass,
had him forthwith take off his vestments and sent him to gaol.
Thence to the Dominican Convent where he 'arrested the two
chaplains Dominick Kelly and Thomas Nolan. The rest of the
priests of the city leaving their usual place of residence hid
themselves, but one a Franciscan named Michael Lynch who
was taken.

When religious passions were simmering down and magistrates
and others were not as zealous as became them, the executive put
on a spurt. A special committee of the Privy Council was appointed
29th October, 1716, to report "what methods they conceive to be
the most proper to hinder any person from officiating as a preist
or exercising ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in this kingdom contrary to
law." They reported :

We are humbly of opinion that on Sunday next (unless his
Excellency the Earl of Galway shall think fitt to order it sooner)
the Lord Mayor be directed to issue his warrants empowering
and requiring the Constables in the severall parishes of this
City to repaire to the severall mass-houses within the said City
early in the morning to apprehend such popish priests whom they
shall find officiating or celebrating mass contrary to the law in
force in this kingdom.

If the Lord Mayor find civil authority insufficient he is to call in
Military Aid.

Again :

Sir There was no order of Council given to the Lord Mayor
yesterday but a verbal one which he took in writing for his own
security; it consisted of these articles.

1. To search all popish houses for arms and ammunition.

2. To apprehend all popish Archbishops, Bishops and other persons
exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction contrary to law.

3. To seize all regulars and to Extirpate all Monasterys friarys
and nunnerys. I am Sir your most humble Servt.

Feby. 18 1740-1. JOHN LYONS.

To John Potter Esq.

In accordance with a ukase issued from the same quarter
three years later some interesting returns were sent in.

22 March 1743-4 Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin. Return of
Popish Priests etc.

306 LEINSTER.

DAVID TEW Dawson Street 22 March.

In the parish of St. Andrews I can't learn that there is any Mass-
house, Friery, Nunnery or Popish priest Frier or other person
exercising or suspected to exercise any ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
The titular Popish vicar thereof lives in Hawkins St. in the parish
of St. Mark ; his name is Reynolds and under the title of Vicar
of St. Andrews, he includes in his vicarages the parishes of St.
Peters. St. Annes and St. Marks and is said to have seven assistant
Curates, one whose name is Wall.

In the parish of St. Marks, Mr. Reynolds who I suppose is the
above mentioned, is Deemed the Head Popish priest who lodges
at Mr. Redmonds in Fleet St.

Mr. Fitz Patrick next to Mr. Reynolds who lodges at Mr. Dorans
in Fleet St.

Mr. Carrol another assistant priest who lodges at Mr. Mooneys on
Lazers Hill.

Mr. Doolen another assistant lodges at said Moonys.

Mr. Quinn another assistant lodges at said Moonys.

Mr. Wall another assistant lodges at said Moonys.

Mr. Wall Junior another assistant I cant learn where he lodges.

In the parish of St. Audeons there is a Dominickan Chappell into
which there is one entrance from Cooke St. and another from
Bridget St. I can't learn the names of those who officiate
therein, or there are any Popish ecclesiasticks or any other
Popish Friary, Nunnery or other persons exercising popish
ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in the said parish.

In the parish of St. John. There are not any popish ecclesiasticall
persons residing, but there lately was Mr. Clynch who lived in
Winetavern St. and was reputed Titular Dean of St. Patrick's
whence he removed.

In the parish of St. Pauls, I can't learn there are any Mass-houses,
Nunnerys Friarys or any persons exercising ecclesiasticall juris-
diction. Nor can I find any such persons who reside or have
resided in the parish of St. Warburghs.

In the parish of St. Mary's there is a Popish chapell in Liffey St.
which is served by Mr. Linegar a reputed popish Bishop. His
usual place of abode is Abbey St. and he is assisted by four or
five other ecclesiasticall persons who come casually whose names
and places of abode I can't learn.

From the part of Dublin which lay outside the Lord Mayor's
jurisdiction came a more satisfactory report :

CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON Seneschal of St. Sepulchres. Has made
a very strict enquiry and no reputed regular within the liberty
nor a mass-house. 15 March 1743-4.

Among the many papers relating to Dublin perhaps the most
curious and valuable is an abstract of an examination of one

LEINSTER. 307

Father Fitz Simmons, probably the same who subsequently became
archbishop of Dublin. In 1751 some unfrocked priests made
charges against the bishop of Ferns, Dr. Sweetman, as a foreign
agent. Father Fitz Simmons was in some way associated with
the bishop, and so the following is found among the minutes of
the inquiry :

EXAMINATION OF MR. FITZ SIMMONS [NOVEMBER 1751],

Saw Sweetman in town last Whitsun Week whose business was
to ordain. There was no extraordinary meeting then. Did not
see Sweetman at the Archbishop (sic) of Dublin but saw him at
his own lodging at Ignatius Kelly's.

Did not see the Bishop of Ossory on that Occasion but did dine
with Sweetman and him at that time.

Priests are allways ordained here and it was allways the Practice
but they go abroad after to finish their studies. Lonergan
never had a Coadjutor neither had any of his Predecessors.
Archbishop of Dublin has forty five parish Priests in his Diocese,
each pays him a Guinea a year, and has St. Mary's Parish which
is a very good one.

Some Bishops have more Parish priests in their Dioceses.

There are some Fryars. Does not encourage them but cannot
prevent them, there not being a sufficient Number of Secular
Priests, their Duties being heavyer than on the Protestant
Ministers, and the Fryars assist in hearing Confessions.

The Regulars have six Chappells and six or seven Fryars in each
as near as [he] has known ; there may be some unknown to him.

The Orders are Dominickans Franciscans Carmelites of two kinds
Augustines and Capuchins. They live by Collections. The
Provincial, if any, not resident. In one Respect they are under
the Direction of Episcopacy as to forbid during Prayrs of any-
thing offensive to Government. This they do upon a Lord
Lieutenant's Arrivel and at that time are more private in their
Devotions. No singing in the Evening Service and no Sermon
in the Afternoon in any of the Chappells belonging to the Fryars.
They have no Establishment, are all Mendicants.

There are three Nunneries besides that in Channell Row but they
are not Nunneries in a strict sense. Knows not the Superior
in each. In one or two there are between twenty and thirty
each, in another not above three or four.

Fryaries, Dominican in Bridge St. ; one, John's Lane ; one, Ash
St. ; one Church Street ; one, Cooke Street ; and one Worm-
word Gate.

Never heard that the Recruiting Service goes through the hands of
the Priests, either in Dublin or elsewhere and would discounten-
ance it.

Was born in the City of Dublin.

308 LEINSTER.

Does not know anybody that went over with Lord Taaffe but
says a Gentleman was employed in London. Knows not the
sum Collected except Dublin Collection and Sweetman's. The
Dublin Collection was only in the City where there are fifteen
chappells and each gave two guineas. Gave that money and
Sweetman's which was all he received either to the then Lord
Mountgarrett or to Lord Gormanstown. Knows not that Lord
Taaff was concerned except in the Sollicitation here. Never
asked what became of the money being a Trifle. Heard there
was a Collection amongst the Layety besides that amongst the
Clergy. Not all expended, and some refunded to those who
contributed. Mr. Garvea in London employed to ffee Lawyers
etc. Believes Lawyers were employed before the Councill but
never asked particularly. The Superiors of the Chappells
assembled and agreed to give said Contribution. Severall
persons were appointed to collect among the Layety but knows
not who they were. Knows not of any Collection in other Dioceses
for the Notice was very short. Wrote to none of the Bishops
except Sweetman, having no Correspondence with them. But
if required the Archbishop would employ him to write. Knows
a Collection was recommended this -year, a Bill being spoken
of last Session to enable Roman Catholicks to take long Leases
but no Collection made.

Has six or seven Priests to assist him. There are about a hundred
in Dublin. The Collections at the Door provided for them.
A share of that Collection and some Emoluments make up
about fifty pounds or sixty pounds a Year which is his Provision,
and has some Exceedings (sic) upon the Chappell Rent. Micans
his parish is numerous but small. Nicholas Without is the best
parish, No Fee for Confessions being forbid. There are but few
priests unemployed. Natives are allways preferred to assist. No
Ordination these twelve years before. Fewer are now ordained
than used to be, and severall of those who go abroade do not
return. More do not go abroad for Education than used to do.

Has been in Dublin since 1727 ; lived 7 years a Priest in London.

Fryars are not increased in his Memory.

Linegar [Catholic Archbishop] never visits. Has little Power over
his Suffragans.

The neighbouring county of Wicklow, ever the home of the
outlawed, was also the theatre of active priest hunting. In 1708
on the issue of a proclamation to put all popish priests under arrest
William Hamilton, portreeve of Wicklow, writes to Dawson, 8th
March :

In obedience to the Government proclamation I this day seased
(sic) the Popish priest and made diligent search in all popish
places for horses arms etc. but found none.

LEINSTER. 309

The magistrates generally appear to have enforced the laws.
In 1716 Baron Pocklington at his return from the summer assizes
in Wicklow was able to report to their Excellencies :

I found in Wicklow Gaol Owen Mac Fee a Convict popish priest
who says he will gett himselfe transported within a month.
In that County they are not much troubled with Popish Priests.
The Gentlemen gave me an account that they know of noe
Popish schools.

The high sheriff, Thomas Ryves, being asked why the priest
had not been transported replied 30th October :

Owen McFee a popish priest was the last Summer Assizes con-
victed for saying mass in my County contrary to Act of
Parliament and sentenced to be transported. And a warrant
was directed to me for that purpose which remains unexecuted
for want of shipping in the port of Wicklow or elsewhere in my
County ever since the said sentence.

If as seems probable the "Owen Mac Fee" was the "Owen
Fee" registered for the parish of Ballymore Eustace in 1704, much
credit could not be claimed for his capture. For the poor old
convict was now seventy-two. Sometimes however the work of
the magistrates was not unattended with risk.

Wicklow 4 June 1702.

Sir I have received severall complaints from the Inhabitants of
this town that the Roman Catholicks have in the Libertyes of
it, neere the Barracks, built a new mass-house, to which they
resort in great numbers. The Justices of the Peace agreed not
to allow of their meeting there any more. But this morning
goeing to Church, I perceived them at mass of which I acquainted
the Portreeve who ordered me to send a Sergeant and file of men
to tell them they must disperse. They accordingly did but
threatened to complain to the Government of it.

To J. Dawson. ROBERT FLETCHER.

Wicklow July 10 1702.

Sir A fire broke out in this town and consumed eight houses.
It began in an outhouse of Mr. Hamilton the Portreeve. By all
circumstances it seems to have been fired on purpose by the
Papists who very much seem to resent his officiousness (as they
tearme it) in removing them from their Mass-house. Since
when, as I am informed, they have mett every Sunday (after we
are at Church) in the very middle of the town.

ROBERT FLETCHER.

As commanding officer of the troops he asks for instructions
in case they should attempt to assemble in the town again. What

310 LEINSTER.

the secretary's reply was we have no means of knowing. That
gatherings of the people for religious worship were often dispersed
by force appears from a letter of Ryves, the high sheriff, to Dawson,
7th June, 1714, in which he states he raised a posse

to suppress a Riotious Assembly of Papists at the Seven Churches
to pay a superstitious worship to St. Kevin, being accompanied
by severall Justices of the Peace and a great number of the
Protestant inhabitants well mounted but very badly armed.
On the approach of our force the_ rioters immediately dispersed.
Wee pulled down their Tentes, threw down and demolished their
superstitious crosses, destroyed the wells, apprehended and
committed one Tool a Popish school master. The Protestant
Inhabitants of this county are unanimous in their inclinations
and resolutions and will exert themselves with all diligence and
zeal for her Majesty's service in putting all the laws in every
respect strictly in force against the Papists.

The commendation which the learned judge gave the Wicklow
magistrates was deserved even long after.

- Wicklow 8 March 1743-4.

Sir After a strict enquiry I can't find that any Popish clergy
whatsoever are resident within our jurisdiction. The Parish
priest or reputed Popish vicar of Wicklow is Denis Doyle and
resides at his own house on the lands of Ballycullen about four
miles from Wicklow and has not officiated this fortnight past.
His assistant Sylvester Doyle lived with him at his house but
I am informed he has turned him off. There was one Patrick
Cawlin a reputed friar who some time agoe frequented this
neighbourhood but of late has disappeared. I can't learn that
he had any settled place of abode but strolled from one place
to another. GEO. DEACON, Portrive.

To J. Lyons Esq.

Passing on to Wexford the earliest document of this period
met with is a transportation order under the Act 9, William III.

Wexford 11 March 1701-2.

Sir Pray give my most humble respects to their Excellencies
and let them know that I have caused three stakling (sic) seamen
to be secured and sent to Corke. Move their Excellencies that
the fryers in the annexed Certificate may bee transported. They
doe mischief here.

[Enclosure].

I do hereby certify that at the general Assizes and general Gaol
Delivery held at Wexford for the County of Wexford the 3rd
day of April 1699 Redmond Murphy and Anthony Molloy were
at the said Assizes Indicted for that they being Regulars of the

LEINSTER. 311

popish Religion and continues (sic) in this kingdom contrary
to the Act of Parliament intitled an Act for Banishing all popists
Exercising ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and all Regulars of the
popish clergy out of this kingdom, in contempt of our Sovereigne
Lord the king the 10th day of June in the Ninth year of his
Maiesties Raigne att Eniscorthy and in Divers other places in
the said County and they being putt to their traverse, they denied
the fact and a Jury being Impannelled and sworn to try the
said traverse they find them guilty. Whereupon the Court
ordered that they should be and Remaine in the County Gaole
without Bayle or maine prize untill they be transmitted according
to the statute. THOMAS HAKERS D.Clk.

This seemed explicit enough, but in point of fact Redmond
Murphy one of the friars, was kept in Wexford prison for more
than eight years before he was transported. The authorities
often were in no hurry to transport convicted priests. In the
time of William III. it will be remembered the German ambassador
intervened to mitigate the punishment of imprisonment to the
milder one of transportation. In 1723 we find an instructive
instance of a similar kind in W^exford. An Augustinian friar
named Francis Comin had been convicted of coming into the
country contrary to law. He waited several months in Wexford
jail in the hope of transportation but at length managed through
some of his brethren to interest the Spanish ambassador in his
case. The Duke of Grafton wrote from London, 5th February,
1723, that the Marquis de Pozobuero, Spanish minister in England,
had made instance in the name of his Catholic Majesty to have
Comin admitted to bail. The Lords Justices are therefore to make
enquiry into the grounds of his committal and transmit a state
of the matter to be laid before the King. It would appear however
that Comin 's offence was too enormous for bail. On the following
26th March Lord Carteret, the Foreign Secretary, wrote to the
Lords Justices: "His Majesty would be informed whether it
would be of any ill consequence to permit Comin to transport
himself to Spain." The same year we find two more friars
transported from Wexford.

Middleton, William [King Archbishop of] Dublin, Shannon.
We hereby direct and require you to take effectual care that Jasper
St. Laurence and John Killarna both convicted of being Popish
Regular Clergymen now under a Rule of Transportation and in

312 LEINSTER.

the Goal of Wexford be forthwith transported out of his Majesty's
Dominions to Bilboa in Spain. Given 24 June 1723.
To the Sheriff of Wexford. - CHA. HADDOCKS.

How far the Wexford magistrates emulated their Wicklow
brethren in enforcing the laws against secular priests does not
appear. Tyrrell, the priest catcher, in one of his visits to the
county complained of their not assisting him.

To J. Dawson etc.

Most honord Sir Send an order down in relation of commanding
assistance as it was to Mr. Mone at Captain Starling. Direct
to James Stopford Esq. at Kilbride near Gory. There is a
management here to prevent my Designe, which shall appear
before the highest power. You know my meaning. I doe not
enlarge further till I see your selfe. All their roguery again me
shall not prevent what I under took.

Your hons. most humble servt.

Gory 22 Dec. 1712. E. TYRRELL.

The ill success of this expedition was attributed by Tyrrell
in a letter to Dawson, 10th January following, to the "ill manage-
ment of some of the Justices of the Peace." That others were
active enough would seem from a letter of Colonel Edwards, 18th
June, 1714. He has succeeded in taking, he says, Michael Downe
a popish priest, and adds "the mass-house of Ross is ray Id up and
the key left with the Suffrein."

Of the magisterial proceedings in 1744 there are ample
particulars.

Wexford 6 March 1743-4.

Sir I send you in the back side hereof the names and residences
of the popish ecclesiastics in this Corporation as far as they have
come to my knowledge on the strictest enquiry.
The popish Bishop of Ferns passes by the name of Dr. Ambrose
Walker but his true name is Ambrose Calahan. He is a person
who has lived many years in Italy and France and came to
reside in Wexford about ten years since, having built a dwelling
house adjoining the Friery and Mass-house which Mass-house
is as handsome an edifice as any perhaps of that kind in Ireland.
The Friery and Mass-house are built on the foundation of an old
monastery and is now the estate of Arthur Neville Jones Esq.
I am told this Gentleman or his father renewed the lease to a
trustee one Mr. Sutton who took it for the use of the clergy
and the public service of their religion and this was done before
the registration of the former lease for which reason some gentle-

LEINSTER. 313

men of my acquaintance talk much of filing a Bill of Discovery
and when the premises are recovered to fitt them upp for a
Protestant Charter School which might be done without any
great expense and would be very commodious for that purpose.
The Popish clergy from severall parts of the County often meet
at this Convent. I having asked two of them whom I know
what was the occasion of so many of 'em in town. They
announced that they came there once every year to an Enter-
tainment at the Friery and would not acknowledge any other
business than that of feasting. I fear I shall be thought prolix
and can only tell you they are all this fortnight past fled and I
know not whither.

1. Ambrose Walker alias Calahan Bishop of Ferns, his residence
the Friery.

2. . Rea Guardian of the Friery.

3. . Nowlan a frier.

4. Nicholas Sweetman priest of the town. He lodges with John
Murphy shop keeper in the Back street.

5. . Walsh assistant to Sweetman, lives in his own house in John
Street.

6. . Synot officiates in and about the town but he yett got no
parish. Lives with his father James Synot near the Gaole.

Besides these there are severall strangers who frequently stay
three or four months at a tyme in the Friery and are supposed
to be regulars who came here from other counties upon their
own secret affairs. WILLIAM HARVEY, Mayor.

The reports from the other towns follow :

Sir This town is too small to have or entertain in it any of the
regular clergy or Popish Bishops. But I have given under-
neath an account of the Popish parish priests that celebrates
(sic) mass here and likewise of severall other popish priests
within six miles of the town.

Mathew Casey Popish priest of Gorey, lives at Tinnock at his
Brother's.

Henry Masterson Papish priest at Ballyhast with Morgan Darcy.

Edmund Dempsey Popish priest at Knockneskagh with his Brother.

Martin Cullen Popish priest at BaUydean with his Brother Red-
mund.

Nicholas Collier a priest without a parish at Anagh with an old
woman.

Nicholas Nevil Popish priest at Ferns generally at the house of
Patrick Doyle of the same place.

. Carr Popish priest at Coolgrany in the Great public House.

. Morgan Popish priest at or near the same place.

Gorey March 10 1743-4. ABEL RAM.

It is computed that there are ten Papists for one Protestant in
this County.

314 LEINSTER.

Sir In obedience to his Grace the Lord Lieutenant's command I
send you an account as well as I can collect of such chappels
and the priests arid Friers thereunto belonging as are in this
town. J. LEIGH, Sovereign.

Ross 5 March 1743-4.

One Parish chappel, James Nowlan parish priest and residing in
his chappel.

One other Fryery or chappel, Joseph Rossiter, Martin Conner and
Joseph Cannon friers or Priests and reside in said fryery.

Taughmon 10 March 1743-4.

Sir I find that in the Town of Taughman there is one Publick
Mass-house and no more which Mass-house I have caused to be
locked up and no admittance into it in the shape of the Popish
(or any other) worship. I also find that there is one Patrick
Redmond who is looked upon and allowed by the Papists here
to be a Popish Clergyman in the Mass-house of Taughmon.
His place of residence (as I am informed) is at one James Redmond
a brother of his at Harveystown in the parish of Taughmon
and about a mile distant from the town. As to any other Popish
clerg37men I don't find any. WILLIAM HORE, Portriff.

Enniscorthy 10 March 1743-4.

I have made strict enquiry for any Popish archbishops, bishops etc.
I find none to have officiated here but one Patrick Furlong a
reputed Popish priest who lives at Monast, two miles from this
town and left his home about a week before the Proclamation
came out. These is one Ambrose Walker alias Callaghan a
reputed Popish Bishop comes here sometimes but is often at
Wexford, whom perhaps the Mayor of that town can give you
some account of. JAMES COOKMAN

Portreeve.

From these returns it will be seen that apart from occasional
outbursts, the persecuting spirit was dying out. But this spirit
was often quickened and renewed by the malice of false brethren. In
1751 some unworthy priests had saddened and scandalised the diocese
of Ferns. To conceal the exercise of episcopal jurisdiction an instru-
ment was signed jointly by Nicholas Sweetman, Nicholas Synott,
William Devereux, and Thomas Broders on October 31st, ordering
all the parish priests of Ferns to denounce from the altar and declare
excommunicate and accursed by God and His holy Church, James
Doyle, Nicholas Nevill, and Nicholas Collier ; this denunciation to
be repeated on three successive Sundays. The particulars of the
charge made against them may be gathered from the case of Doyle.

LEINSTER. 315

Whereas James Doyle, priest of the Diocese of Ferns who entered
clandestinely into Holy Orders in virtue of pretended or false
Dimissories which made his Orders stolen and irregular has
ever since been a perfect plague to his diocese by being at variance
with every superior he had, and by many and enormous crimes .
for which, sentence of Excommunication was solemnly pro- [[
nounced against him on the 28 of June, [and whereas he did]
wickedly and rebelliously exercise Pastoral Functions under
said Excommunication, and treating the Rev. Mr. Patrick Synot
(who was appointed to serve the district of Templeshannon)
with violence, scurrility and disrespect, and for beating said
Rev. Patrick Synnot treacherously and enormously on 3 Septem-
ber 1751, he is hereby deposed from all ecclesiastical benefices etc.
in the Catholic Church etc.

The wretched man, Doyle, now thought of taking advantage
of the PoperjT- Acts. Getting into communication with Dublin
Castle he charged the bishop, Dr. Sweetman, with being an agent
for enlisting men for foreign powers and with levying money on
his priests 'for treasonable purposes. A warrant for the arrest of
the bishop was forthwith issued by the Lord Lieutenant.

Dorset.

Whereas we have received information that certain treasonable
practices against his Majesty and his Government are at this
time carried on in and about the town of Wexford by Nicholas
Sweetman Titular Bishop of Ferns and divers other persons
whose names are unknown who resort frequently to the house
of the said Sweetman in Wexford aforesaid. These are to
direct and require you to repair forthwith to Wexford and there
make strict and diligent search for said Sweetman, and him
and any other persons whom you shall suspect to be concerned
in the said Treasonable Practices having found, you are to seize
and apprehend together with their letters and papers which
you are carefully to examine and mark in such a manner that
you may be able to swear to them hereafter if occasion should
be and to bring unto us to be examined and further dealt with
according to law. And you are hereby further directed to seize
the Persons and Papers of James Doyle a reputed popish priest
living near the said town of Wexford and bring him and his
papers before us to be examined touching the said practices.
All Mayors Sheriffs Justices of the Peace etc. to aid and assist.
Given this 29 day of November 1751. GEO. SACKVILLE.

To Lieut. Col. Dunbar.

Luckily for the bishop some friendly Protestants were able
to get at the truth.

316 LEINSTER.

Ballenkeele December 4 1751.

Sir I beg to acquaint you that Mr. Sweetman of Wexford was
taken into custody this day by order of the Government and
is to be carried to Dublin tomorrow to be tryed, as we hear, for
listing or endeavouring to list men for foreign service and raising
money for that purpose. If there are any examinations of the
kind, you'll find that our neighbour James Doyle, the degraded
priest, was at the bottom of it, who, I think is capable of con-
triving as wicked a thing as any man living. He has often
threatened that he would be revenged if he was not admitted to
enjoy his parish quietly. It may be a particular good fortune
for the poor Prisoner that you, Sir, in some means know his
character and likewise the character of the supposed prosecutor.

It would be a great blessing to the public if the same punishment
should be inflicted on perjury that is on felony. Mr. Doyle is
abandoned by his own Church, can find no refuge there and has
I suppose found some scheme to himself of getting bread whjph
will gratify his malice. I am convinced that Mr. Sweetman
was never directly or indirectly guilty. Yours etc.

To Sir Arthur Gore. EDWARD HAY.

The bishop as would appear, was examined by a committee
of the Privy Council. As a specimen of a rare and at one time
almost extinct species in Ireland, he was doubtless regarded with
curious interest, and hence the inquiry took a much wider scope
than the circumstances warranted. The minutes of the examina-
tion are valuable therefore for the general light they throw on this

obscure period.

EXAMINATION OF N.S.
That he was in Dublin the latter end of last May or beginning of

June, then saw Linegar the Titular Arch Bishop of Dublin.

No person of rank then in their company but one.
Said that he came to ordain eleven or twelve young men for the

Archbishop who is a very old man and not able to do it himself.

Said he ordained for his own diocese about three months ago.
Saw severall priests and friars in town. Nothing then transacted

but the Ordination. Saw the Archbishop twice or thrice, and

remembered nobody with them but the Bishop of Ossory.
Knows two or three Synnotts.
Knows the Parish Priest of Castleislish who is Vicar Generall of

his Diocese.

Did not order him to summon the Clergy of the Diocese.
Had severall meetings about Doyle but no other. Such meetings

he called plain meetings to have the advice of his Priests for the

exercise of his Function.

Did not denounce Heretics or Excommunicate except for Dis-
obedience, particularly Doyle and one Hagan. Did not abuse

LEINSTER. 317

him, and Hagan practiced physick without License. Excom-
munication ordered against them if they did not leave the Diocese.

Knows not of any Curse on the people if they should tell what
passed that day.

Knows not particularly the Parish Wards.

Did not hear of any Spies nor say anything of such at the meeting.

Does not remember any meeting after his return.

Walter Pay, Miles Granell and Hugh McDough Franciscan Friars
at Wexford. Pay has been there nine or ten years, Granell
two years and McDough as long.

Their Superior Guardian appoints them Guardian is Superior.
There are six or seven Friars more, two of them near Clonmines
near Colonell Colcloughs, two or three in Ross, one of one order
and two of another. Two have a house the other a lodging.

There are three or four different orders, Franciscans, Carmelites
and Augustinians, these are all priests.

Says that he has no jurisdiction over them except on certain
occasions about which they dispute. There is one in Wexford,
a lay brother, never to be ordained, as assistant in the house.

Belives there may be six fryaries in Diocese, the friars all of this
County. Says he has two clergymen who help him to take
care of his parish.

In his parish some give him 5 5, some 1 1 some 6|d. In some
parishes the priests only get corn and other little things. Col-
lections of Sundays is for the priest. In his parish he gets half
the collection and the priests the other half. He has thirty
two parishes. They give him a guiney each at the distribution
of Oyles, has not above 40 a year from the parish, of which he
gives one third to the coadjutor. The collection at his chapel
door is about 16 a year. This is the best parish in his diocese
yet not above 40 a year, and some accidental things about 10
a year. Common parishes worth about 30 or 35 a year and
when he was a priest one year 30, second year 34, third year
42. And they have all Dependents.

He knew Hennessy some time ago who is a very old man. Hennessy
was never at his house but he was at Hennessy's last summer.
Only a visitation. Says he believes he was provinciall of the
Jesuits but is not now. This man used to give letters of recom-
mendation to Spain where there are Foundations for students.
Only meat, drink and clothes given to them and stay there but
six years. Says he was ordained in Spain.

Says it is not unusuall to ordain Irish here. Generally abroad.
The King of Spain took some of their houses. They learn
humanity at home, but few learn Greek.

Hennessy was a Clergyman of Distinction.

Fitz Gerald reputed head of the Jesuits and was at Waterford
last summer. One Jesuit in his Diocese not settled.

Would discourage these Externs if he could.

318 LEINSTER.

Mr. Hervey's meaning of certificates was about marriages as
Parish Ministers. That Banns were published in Church and
Fees paid.

During the last Assizes the three friars were with him in Wexford
but nobody else. The friars have no bed for any strangers.
That fryary established before he was born.

His chappel was theirs which with the collection at the door
occasioned the Debate.

Never rings a bell but at the Altar.

No Irish officers that he knew of at the Assizes, but last New
Year's day one Geoghegan and one Sarsfield in Lallies Regiment
were in Wexford. Has not heard of them since except that
Sarsfield marryd ill. Does not know their business. Says that
Sarsfield said he came to demand Justice against his Brother.
Has not heard anything of them since.

Never was privy to any recruiting.

None of them to his knowledge were in any of the Priests houses.
The last Recruiter he heard of was Collonel Fitz Gerald about
twenty years ago. The collection of money made about six
or seven years ago was about an Act of Parliament then made.
The collection in his Diocese was 24. Some of the Roman
Catholicks in his parish made him think of the Collection. He
remitted the money to Mr. Fitz Simons, priest of St. Marys
parish, Dublin, who had wrote to him and afterwards
acknowledged the receipt and said it had been applied as was
intended. But one of the Acts was against forreign education
and that the money was to defray the expenses of persons who
went with Lord Taaffe. Afterwards saw Fitz Simons at Kelly's,
the stationer. Did believe the dropping that Act was owing
to those sollicitations. Never got any account of the money.
Never heard what the sum collected through Ireland was, knows
not whether all was paid to Fitz Simons. Saw him when last
in Dublin but asked him no questions about the money. Did
not know how otherwise that money was to be disposed of.
Never heard of it. The second collection intended against any
Acts to be made this winter, but nothing collected as no such
Acts seemed to be proposed. Did not know what they were to
have been.

Sometimes they make charitable collections.

Knows Michael Connon parish priest of Ferns.

Did not know of any Irish officers with him.

Did not hear of any Captain Sullivan being here but heard of his
being in the Rebellion.

M. Connon was once a School Master, marryd, went abroad a
Priest and returned in three or four years. Never heard of him
inlisting men and had it been, believes he should not have been
made acquainted with it except he should heare it in common
discourse.

LEINSTER. 319

Saw him about five weeks ago at a funerall. Believes that if he

did inlist, he should not have Intelligence. Would give notice

to the Government if he knew of such Practices.
The friars have no arms as he believes.
There are twenty four Bishops and Archbishops. Leighlin and

Kildare go together. Archbishops cannot visit without an

Order from the Provinciall Council. No Provinciall Council in

his time or many years before.
Linegar has been Archbishop eighteen years. Reilly is primate.

Never saw him nor had any correspondence with him. Knows

Butler Bishop of Cashel and Emly the old Gentleman. Does

not know the other his Coadjutor.
Coadjutors are appointed by the Pope.
Has been twenty six years parish priest. Made Bishop in 1745.

Dr. Walker his predecessor.
Fryars in general increased considerably. Knows not the reason. \ \

None but vagrant fryars itinerant. Provincial can suspend them, I \

excommunicate them and order corporal punishment.
A Provinciall to each Order.
Believes they meet in Dublin.
Provinciall accountable to their Generall.
Corresponds with the Nuncio at Bruzelles on any dispute, he having

the Jurisdiction here. His name is Crivelli. He sends his

Answers in Lattin.
The Pope appoints all Bishops which is sometimes on a postulation

from the priests of the parishes.
Applications to the Pope are sent to the Nuncio or some friend

abroad.
Was consecrated by Linegar. Linegar has no coadjutor, but

Fitz Simons, Vicar General, acts and Mr. Clinch.
Unknown to him there could not be any number of foreign officers

in the country. Says the 3 fryars are well behaved. Their

provision is half the Collection and what they get by begging.
Was made Bishop on a postulation.
Had no intimation of the Rebellion [1745] or relating to it. The

priests did tell one another what news they met with but did

not know any 'that had a correspondence abroade.
M. Cannon did write to him when his Predecessor dyed that he

would serve him, but did not write neither did any body else

write to him about State affairs.

This examination created such a favourable impression that
the bishop was forthwith released.

Dorset.

We hereby direct and require you forthwith to discharge out of
your custody Nicholas Sweetman And for so doing this shall
be your Warrant. Given 21 December 1751. GEO. SACKVILLE

JAMES BUTLER Esq. Pro. Mar. General.

320 LEINSTER.

In Kilkenny just as in Wexford and several other counties
the magistrates though never so willing, confessed that without
adequate military support the popery laws were impossible of
execution. In 1708 when the proclamation came down author-
izing them to summon before them all Catholics of position to
take the Oath of Abjuration, Adam Haydock, Mayor, and the
Aldermen replied (3rd April) :

The Protestants of this City I may say are but a handful in
respect of the Popish inhabitants who will not take the Oath
of Abjuration, it being refused by the cheife of them though
tendered by rne. And without the City we are in a way sur-
rounded by that inveterate and implacable enemy. Therefore
I do entreate that arms and ammunition may be sent as also
the Commissioners of Array.

This complaint would soon seem to have been removed for
four years later the mayor wrote in a more confident tone :

Kilkenny 27 September 1712.

Sir According to the orders and decrees of Proclamation I pro-
ceeded and this morning I sized (sic) a priest who ownes himself
to be one and that he has left France about fourteen months
agoe ; he calls himself Mahir and sometimes he is called ffather
Michaell. I cannot gett him to speake much which I take to
be a Cunning in him. I have it from my good hands that above
thirteen priests from France, Portugall and Spaine, has (sic)
been lately in this towne but cannot learne what has become of
them. Nor did they appeare in the day time. I do not wondr
that I missed of them for they had a printed proclamation to
leave before I had mine and they had all sorts of news much
sooner than the Magistrates. The Mayor elect will be sworn
on Munday next. Pray let him know the Government Com-
mands concerning ffr. Michell Mahir.

To J. Dawson. WILLIAM BAXTER, Mayor.

[Endorsed] to keep him in Custody, to be prosecuted according to
law.

The -secrecy which the mayor took to be "a cunning" was the
great difficulty his successors also experienced in dealing with
priests. On 7th June, 1714, Thomas Blunt, Mayor, writes to
Dawson that he has issued warrants in accordance with the Act,
8 Anne, c. 3, sec. 21, to the "most noted of the Papist Leaty" of the
city compelling them to appear before him on the 9th inst., and
give evidence when and where they were last present at mass and
who celebrated it. On 12th June the Mayor and Justices of the
city relate the result.

LEINSTER. 321

They met and expected severall of the Popish inhabitants who
were summoned. Yet only one appeared who gave information
that Sunday the 23 May last he heard mass celebrated by Thomas
Cantwell, against whom a warrant is issued.

Whether Cantwell was captured or not does not appear but
to judge from the Corporation books, the efforts to get rid of the
priests were continued with commendable zeal.

Presentments of the Grand Jury at a General Assizes held in
and for the County of the said city the 2 day of August 1715.

We present Father Cashell for celebrating Mass in the parish of
St. Canice in the Libertys of the citty of Kilkenny on Sunday
the last day of July 1715, being noe registered priest of that
parish or any other within the county of the said citty ; we
received this information from John Minoge, Broguemaker.

This priest Cahill had shown intolerable hardihood, for at a
time when popish worship was extinct in Kilkenny he had ventured
to say mass. The 21st June previous James Agar, the Mayor,
complaisantly informed the Dublin Council:

I have committed all the popish priests, and such other papists
as we apprehended capable of giving any disturbance, and
have them now securely confined.

In the country parts of Kilkenny it does not seem the secret
was as well kept as in the city. The high sheriff, Oliver Cramer,
writes to the Lords Justices, 5th July, 1714, enclosing reports :

The Earl of Cavan and Josias have taken Informations against
Edmund Fitz Gerald a popish priest for celebrating mass who
is registered but not taken the Oath of Abjuration.

James Agar and Ralph Gore have taken Informations against
Richard Long and William Walsh popish priests for saying mass,
who are registered but not taken the Oath.

Tobias Caulfield, Ebenezer Warren and William Flower have
taken Informations against Michael Phelane and Edward fitz
Gerald popish priests for celebrating mass, who are registered
but not taken the Oath. Also against Richard fitz Gerald and
Michael Cane popish priest as Coadjutors.

The subsequent proceedings against these priests were not
reported to the Privy Council. But it seems they put themselves
upon the country and evaded the law. For on the 25 October
following, Cramer writes :

In obedience of their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Councils
Commands, he pleased to signify to their Excellencies that there

vv

322 LEINSTER.

was only one Martin Archer a popist priest convicted in this
County for celebrating mass not taken the Oath. Which said
Martin Archer by order of the last Assizes was to be transmitted
to Waterford to be transported pursuant to the Act and according
to the warrant to me. I have transmitted him and have a
receipt from the Sheriff of Waterford for him.

[Enclosure].

Co. Kilkenny. At a Generall assizes and Generall Gaol Delivery
held at Graces old castle in and for the said County the 17th day
of July, 1714.

Whereas Martin Archer now in your Custody was at last summer
Assizes indicted, tryed and convicted of three severall Indict-
ments for that being registered popish priest of the parishes of
Tubrid, Urlingford and Killahey and not having taken the Oath
of Abjuration did on the 6th of January at Lughamy, on the
25th of December at Craddockstown, and 7th of October at
Lughany, celebrate mass and exercise his priestly function
contrary to the form of the statute in that case made and pro-
vided. These are therefore to command you on sight hereof
forthwith to transmit the body of the said Martin Archer from
the common Gaol of the County to the common Gaol of the
County of the Citty of Waterford, there to remaine without
baile or mainprise until from thence transported beyond the
seas. And for soe doing this shall be a sufficient Warrant,
per Ordin. Cur. WILL. HAMILTON D. C. Cora.

To the Sheriffs of the County of Kilkenny and the County of the
Citty of Waterford.

As the difficulties of capturing the priests were great, and still
more the difficulties of obtaining evidence to convict them when
captured, a professional priest hunter operated for some time in
the neighbourhood. In the Civil Correspondence is a letter to
Chief Justice Foster dated 18th October, 1717. The writer, one
William Dymond makes a touching appeal to the judge. He
sets out the sufferings pf his "poore helplice family" and goes on
to remind him "Your Lordshipp sent me to Goren to the Hon.
Esquire Ram, about to discover the men that wase to serve the
pretender, and alsoe my charges in seizeing the severall Popish
Vestments and Mitters [mitres] which came into the kingdom."
He proved however no better than his class, for the endorsement
on the petition is "Received from Lord Chief Justice who says
he hears Petitioner is a dangerous man."

Of the outbreak of persecution in 1744 there are a few
memorials. James Fielding, the Portreeve of Irishtown, writes on
20th March, 1743-4 :

LEINSTER. 323

The following are generally resident and among us. Two Popish
priests, Patrick Murphy, and the place of his abode is at Mr.
Thomas Murphy's Green St. and Walter Walsh at Widow Rydings,
and four friers or reputed friers, John Newman and the place
of his abode at Mrs. Luke Newman, Fr. Lary at Widow Downs,
Fr. Morris and Smyth at an old house near fryers Bridge. I
am informed they did all abscond a few days before the Proclama-
tion and do believe it true, not meeting with any of them when
I was on search assisted by all the Protestant Inhabitants.

The next will fittingly end the notices of Kilkenny. According
to the law of the period if a man fled from, and successfully evaded
justice, the grand jury petitioned the government and on sufficient
cause shown, the latter issued a proclamation declaring the offend-
ing person to be "a Tory, robber and rapparee out in arms and
on his keeping and not ameanable to law." The effect of this was
that he might be seized, hunted, or forthwith shot at discretion.

County of the City of Kilkenny to wit

At a General Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at the old Tholsell
in and for the County of the said City, the 15th day of April 1744.

Whereas the said Grand Jury then and there Impannelled and
sworn did among other things make the following Presentment
to wit

Whereas it appears to us that Colman O'Shaughnessy was at
the last Generall Assizes Presented as titular Bishop of the
Diocese of Ossory and forasmuch as wee are credibly Informed
that the said Colman O'Shaughnessy was Domestic Chaplain
to the Pretender to his Maiesties Crown and was at the Immediate
instance of the said Pretender presented to the see of Ossory as
Bishop thereof and that the said Colman O'Shaughnessy still
Remains at Large in this kingdom and not apprehended. We
therefore present the said Colman O'Shaughnessy as a Dangerous
Enemy to his Maiestie's Person, Crown and Dignity and to the
Protestant Religion as by Law Established and Pray that this
Honourable Court may cause this our Presentment to be laid
before the Chief Governors of this kingdom.

Whereupon the Court accordingly hath ordered the said Present-
ment to be laid before the said Chief Governors.

Dated as above. Examined by William Walters Dep. Clk. of the
Peace.

The Chief Governors were not agreeable to the petition and
the endorsement runs "the person presented, not presented as a
Tory, Robber or Rapparee. Nor is there any Examination to
support the said presentment."

324 LEINSTER.

In Carlow where Protestants were more numerous than in
other counties of Leinster the administration of the popery code
pursued a more even tenor, and the intervention of the executive
was rarer. But some interesting letters are to be seen :

Carlow 9 October 1713.

May it please Your Excellencj^.

I have lately mett with so particular behaviour in one Bowen,
Registered priest of the parish of Carlow that I think it incumbent
on me to lay it before your Excellency that I may receive your
directions at a time that the Rigour of Law in his case seems to
be in some measure dormant.

On Michaelmas day last being obliged to goe to Carlow to be
sworn Soveraigne of the Corporation being elected on Mid-
summer day before, which the Priest could be no stranger to
nor to the Highway from my house to Carlow in which I found
him with a large congregation of people all uppon their knees
except the priest who was in his surplass with a Cross mounted
on a stick or something like it in his hand. Passing through
the body of the People celebrating mass as must be supposed
though I heard not a word spoke neither made the Priest any
answer when I reprooved his impudence in meeting so barefaced
against the known law of the kingdom. Which looked as if he
did it in defiance of the law and magistracy.

If I am any way out in this application to your Excellency I hope
my intentions being good will plead my pardon who am your
most humble servant. THO. BURDETT.

What action was taken is unknown. The priest continued to

officiate.

Staplestown June the 7 1714.

May it please your Excellencies and Lordships.

The laws against Popish priests who have not taken the Oath of
Abjuration and yet officiate, have been putt in Execution as
fair as the Justices of the Peace were Impowered to doe by
taking examinations and granting warrants therein. Particularly
against Joseph Bowen Registered popish priest of the parish of
Carloe, David Byrne Registered popish priest for the parish of
Rathvilly and Charles Nowlan Registered popish priest of the
parish of Tulloe and also severall others by warrants from the
Quarter Sessions for not appearing on being summoned. I have
the honour etc. RICHARD VIGORS.

There was much milling and but little flour, for four months
later the high sheriff had to write :

Sir According to their Excellencies the Lords Justices commands
I give you an account that since I have been sheriff there have

LEINSTER. 325

been noe priests in the Gaol of this County though some time
before there was one who dyed in the said Gaole. I am etc.
Carloe Oct. 28 1714. RICHARD VIGORS.

This was not encouraging. Still the hunt was well sustained
the following year, as a kinsman of the sheriff testified :

Ballynakill Feby. 9 1715.

Sir I made search in severall suspected places for a Priest that
was reported to have been lately in my neighbourhood but could
not find him and I am credibly informed he is fled out of the
country. But if he returns I don't doubt giving the Govern-
ment a good account of him. Yours

To J. Bugell. THO. VIGORS.

As the years passed, Protestants could sleep soundly though
mass was being said around them. But from time to time there
were certain forms of popish aggression which were more than
flesh and blood could bear.

My Lord The great insolence of the Papists in this County and
their audacious proceedings occasion me to give your Lordship
this trouble. There was a priest taken last week by Mr. Wolseley
for marrying a Papist to a Protestant and accordingly was ordered
by him to be carryed to Carlow Jail but was mett by the way
by near 500 people and rescued from Mr. Wolseley's servants
and the Constable.

Since which examinations have been taken against the rogues
who rescued him. Notwithstanding which they walk the street
publickly here, so great a party to support them that nobody
must attempt to take them. They have already attempted
to murder a Justice of the Peace and a trooper who gave exam-
inations against them and threatened Mr. Wolseley, Mr. Preston
the Parson of the Parish and several other gentlemen.

I write this at the desire of Mr. Wolseley, Mrs. Burton and severall
others to beg your Lordship will lay them before the Government
that we may have an order for the troops to assist us in taking
of them which we intend doing next Monday, so hope your Lord-
ship will get the order for us against that time.

I assure your Lordship if this is not done there will be no living in
this county nor must any persons appear for his Maiesties
government without venturing their lives. I am

Your Lordships most dutifull servant

Burtonhall 3 Aug. 1739. BEN. BURTON.

To Lord Duncannon.

This affair must be very secret for fear they should hear of it
and run away.

326 LEINSTER.

The arrest of a priest was a service of considerable risk. In
1751 we find a proclamation issued against the persons who
assaulted George Brereton, high sheriff of Carlow, because he had
apprehended John Taaff a popish priest, the same perhaps who

is the subject of the following notice :

Carlow March 8 1743-4.

Sir There was one John Taaf who had a house in this town and
Parish Priest of the same and constantly exercised Ecclesiasticall
Jurisdiction here, and upon receipt of yours I went in search
for him in order to apprehend and commit him but he has made
his escape quite out of this town and county, but where I cannot
find. I know of no other person exercising Ecclesiasticall
Jurisdiction. Yours etc.

To J. Lyons Esq. PHIL. BERNARD, Sovereign.

From this date for seven years Father Taaf was "on his keep-
ing" ; his fate we learn from the following :

Dorset.

Whereas at a General Assizes and General Gaol Delivery held for
Co. Carlow 17 March 1743 John Taaff e was presented by the
said County for that he being a Popish Priest did take upon
himself to exercise the duty and office of a Popish Priest not
being Registered against the Statute, and that at a General
Assizes and General Gaol Delivery held in said County 23 March
1752 the said John Taafe submitted to the said Indictment and
was thereupon ordered by the Court to remaine in Gaol for the
space of twelve months and to be afterwards transported as we
should think fit. Upon some favourable circumstances submitted
to us in his behalf we think it fit to extend his Majesty's mercy
vnto him as to the said Confinement. These therefore are to
direct and require you to draw up a Fiant containing his Majesty's
Pardon as to a poor man, to him the said John Taafe of that
part of the sentence directing him to remaine in Goal for twelve
months and in the said Fiant insert all such beneficial clauses
as in grants of like nature. Given this 11 day of May 1752.

To the Attorney and Solicitors General. GEO. SACKVILLE.

George [Archbishop of] Armagh, Newport Chancellor.

Whereas at a General Assizes and General Gaol Delivery etc. etc.
and Whereas the said Taaffe has been removed by virtue of a
Habeas Corpus into your Custody in order to plead the said
Pardon which Pardon he having pleaded in his Majesty's Court
of King's Bench the same has been allowed. We do hereby
order and direct that the said John Taaffe with the first
opportunity be transported to the kingdom of France or Spain
and that the Lord Mayor of the Citty of Dublin do take sufficient
security by Recognisance from the Master of the Ship into

LEINSTER. 327

which he shall be delivered for that Purpose to land the said
John Taaffe in the kingdom of France or Spain accordingly.
Given this 17 July 1752. THOMAS WAITE.

To the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, Dublin.

The particulars of the working of the code in Kildare are even
more scanty than in Carlow. The open character of the country
made concealment especially difficult, and the Catholic population
must have been very sparse. In 1708 on the coming down of
the proclamation to arrest and imprison all priests, the work was
carried out with singular efficiency.

Castledermott 1 April 1708.

Sir All the priests of this County are taken and in custody Except
one Balfe who left the country about two years past and one
ffagan who is very sicke and weake. So that of thirty priests
who were registered for this County there are five dead one sicke
and one quitt the country and all the rest Imprisoned besides
one priest of the County Wicklow taken in this County.

I am Sir etc.
To J. Dawson Esq. JEFFRY PAUL.

Four years later when the Council made a determined attempt
to arrest the archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Byrne, Dr. Nary, the parish
priest of St. Michan's, and a Franciscan named Burke, they were
supposed to have taken refuge in Kildare. On 20th September,
1712, the Lords Justices and Council issued a proclamation that
an unlawful society of nuns was removed from Galway to Dublin
by the pretended order of a Brother John Burke of the Order of
St. Francis and Provincial of Ireland who has fled from arrest.
Other popish regulars and Dr. Byrne and Dr. Nary, of Dublin, popish
priests have exercised jurisdiction. They are to be arrested.
Laws against ecclesiastical jurisdiction to be enforced ; all un-
registered priests, all curates and coadjutors, all registered priests
who have not taken the Oath of Abjuration to be arrested. All
instruments, papers and letters relating to ecclesiastical jurisdiction
to be seized ; the Oath of Abjuration to be tendered to all priests.
A strict account will be demanded of all magistrates.

Naas 25 Septr. 1712.

Sir This day I received from the Sub-Sheriff of the County of
Kildare a Proclamation for, the taking and apprehending of
John Bourke, Dr. Byrne and Dr. Nary and immediately I went
to the house of Captain James Eustace of Yeomanstown in this

328 LEINSTER.

neighbourhood where Dr. Nary has been for these three or four
months past, and made diligent search for the said Doctor
but could not find him but was told that the Doctor was gone
this day to surrender himself to the Government and that the
search should have been there yesterday in order to apprehend
the said Doctor. Yours etc.

To J. Dawson Esq. FFRANCIS SOTHEBY.

There is a suggestion in the concluding sentence that the
people at Yeomanstown were in common parlance "pulling the
leg" of the magistrate. If Dr. Nary went to surrender himself,
he changed his mind on the way, for he took excellent care to
keep out of the hands of the authorities. The following is further

correspondence from the same locality :

Naas 12 June 1714.

Sir The magistrates met on this date and received severall
examinations against Popish Registered priests that celebrate
mass and have not taken the Oath, and also against a popish
schoolmaster. They have granted warrants against all these.

Several of the Justices met at Maynooth on the 10th instant and
took examinations against a Registered priest and a priest not
registered and against two popish schoolmasters and granted
warrants.

Several other magistrates met at Timolin and elsewhere and took
examinations against registered priests etc.

The priests have absconded themselves at present but all diligent
care shall be taken by me to putt the said warrants in due
execution. BRABAZON PONSONBY Sheriff.

To J. Dawson.

Naas 24 October 1714.

Sir There is only one James Eustace a popish priest under sentence
of transportation in my Gaole. He was convicted before my
being a sheriff. I received no order for his transportation else
I would have sent him away before now. He is in close confine-
ment. I shall be ready to dispose of him as their Excellencyes
shall direct. BRABAZON PONSONBY, Sheriff.

Evidently the magistrates of Kildare acting under the eye of
the executive carried out their duties efficiently. Well on in the
dawn of toleration the following reports went up :

Athy 6 March 1743-4.

Sir I cannot find there is or has been any Popish priest or regular
popish clergy in this Corporation. The priest that has officiated
in this parish is one Daniell Fitzpatrick who lives in the Queens
County about two miles from this town. Jo. JACKSON.

To J. Lyons Esq.

LEINSTER. 329

In a deposition sworn before Sligo magistrates we get an
interesting glimpse of how the priests of Kildare ministered to
their people in those days.

The Depositions of severall Persons taken before us Percy Gethin
and Robert Lindsey Esquires 11 November 1712.

Cormock McGloen of Carrowmore in the parish of Killaspickbrewn
in the barony of Carbery, yeoman who being duly sworn and
examined saith that in his road coming from Dublin homewards
about eight days agoe he heard mass said in a waste house at
Killcock and that the persons there present were all strangers
to him except Stephen Crane of Sligoe and those of his own
company who were then coming from Dublin and that he did
not know the priest that did then celebrate. Further this
Examinat saith that he heard mass at Drynahan in the parish
of Killaspick from one McDonnah who was a young priest and
that was about two months ago and he believes he may be a
young friar because he did begg money.

On the 23rd October, 1714, the high sheriff of Meath amongst
others was directed to make return what popish priests were under
sentence of transportation in the county jail. As he did not reply
a further missive was sent on 14th December. The return is not
now discoverable. But that the popery acts were duly enforced
appears from the following :

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices etc.

The humble petition of Charles Woodward late High Sheriff of
Meath.

Sheweth That your petitioner apprehended one James Plunket a
Popish priest for saying Mass out of the parish for which he
was registered, contrary to the Statute. That at the Assizes
held for the County of Meath 9 July 1716 the said James Plunkett
was tryed and convicted for saying Mass in the parish of Kilsker
in the said County being only registered Priest for the parish
of Killeagh and thereupon ordered by the Court to be transported
pursuant to the Statute at your Petitioner's prosecution as by
Certificate enclosed.

That your Petitioner was at great trouble and expense in prosecuting
the said James Plunkett and prays the Reward mentioned.

The only other particulars of County Meath obtainable are
the returns from Trim in 1744. On 22nd March John Fox, Port-
:reeve, acquaints the Council :

.1 have made a diligent search and in a most solemn manner examined
and interrogated the popish inhabitants of the said Corporation
and I did not receive any information relating to the priests.

330 LEINSTER.

This was elicited by a demand for details as in a reply of
Sth^March, he had contented himself with stating he knew of
no one exercising popish jurisdiction within his liberties.

From the neighbouring county, Westmeath, we have fuller
accounts. The Grand Jury in 1714 after reciting the names of the
registered priests of the county, some of whom would appear to
have taken the Oath of Abjuration, presents a short list of those
offending against other sections of the Acts.

That Charles Deal of Ballintullagh Registered Priest is dead and

that Dease now officiates in his stead.
That ffrancis mtz Simons registered priest of the Parish of Rath-

courath (Titular parish Priest) and fforking is dead and is

succeeded by Edmund Cormock now dwelling in Mayvore.
That Dominick Nugent Registered priest for the Parish of Dysart

is bed ridden and that Bryan Cormock officiates.

Some further proceedings in that year are reported by the

High Sheriff.

17 June 1714.

In the Barony of Fertullagh one William Warren unregistered
popish priest has sometimes officiated, against whom a particular
warrant was issued by Mr. Rochfort, Mr. Bertles and Mr. Hand-
cock but he could not be found. No popish school-masters
neither any children sent away for foreigne education.

In the barony of Moycashell there hath been diligent search made
for one James Dillon a Popish priest who is registered but hath
not taken the Oath. He cannot be yet found. J. WEST.

In reply to an enquiry about priests :

October 30 1714.

There was one Neal McNerny alias Leary found guilty before
Mr. Lord Justice Doyn at the last Assizes and the said McNerny
obtained an order of transportation.

Looking through old Dublin newspapers one is surprised, at
a period when the laws were supposed to have lost their sting, at
meeting such items as :

Mr. Luke Tyrrell was convicted at Mullingar Assizes of being an
unregistered Popish Priest and ordered for Transportation
(Pue's Occurrences 31 August 1742).

A search in the records however, cleared up the matter. It
is to be observed that in the Act 2 Anne, c. 6, the first section ran :

If any persons shall seduce, persuade or procure any person that
shall profess the Protestant religion to forsake the same, and

LEINSTER. 331

to profess the Popish religion, or reconcile them to the Church
of Rome, persons so seducing, as also every Protestant who shall
be so perverted and reconciled to Popery shall for the said offence
being thereof convicted, incur the penalty of premunire.

The following therefore is intelligible :

To his Grace the Lord Lieutenant etc.

The humble petition of Francis Morley son of Jane Morley
Widow. Sheweth

That Jane Morley petitioned your Excellency that her daughter
Jane Morley a Protestant had been carried away and seduced
to the Popish Religion by Luke Tyrrell a popish priest and
prayed the said Tyrrell would be prosecuted. That said Petitioner
prayed the said Tyrrell would be prosecuted. That said
Petitioner expended -11 2s 3|d in pursuing and apprehending
and procuring witnesses to prosecute said Tyrrell at last Assizes
of Mullingar when he was convicted of being a popish unregistered
priest.

He concludes by praying an order for the money spent and
encloses a bill of costs which included the item "a man and two
horses to Dublin in pursuit of Tyrrell."

John [archbishop of] Armagh, Robt. Jocelyn.

We direct and require you to take effectual care that Luke Tyrrell
a Popish unregistered priest now under a Rule of Transportation
and in the Gaol of Newgate be forthwith Transported out of
his Majesty's Dominions and carried to some part or place in
the Dominions of the States General of the United Province.
Given 27 May 1743. J. POTTER.

To the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin.

For the year 1744 there are three reports :

17 March 1743-4.

I have made strict enquiry within my jurisdiction and called to
my assistance two of the Justices of the Peace who summoned
before them severall of the Popish inhabitants and took their
severall depositions upon Oath. By which it appears that
one Stephen Egan reputed popish Bishop of the Diocese of Meath
celebrated mass in the popish chappel of Mullingar in said County
lately and performed the Ceremony of Confirmation of Children
in the Mass house of Mullingar aforesaid but where or with whom
he resides I cannot find.

I further find that there is a Friery at Multifarnham in said County
Inhabited by Peter Hughes, Francis Darcy, . Delamer, .
Pettit, . Gaynor, and humbly pray the Lord Lieutenant's
warrant for suppressing said Friery with a proper command of
the standing army quartered at Mullingar. No civil power I

332 LEINSTER.

can raise being sufficient it being a popish neighbourhood and no
orders for arraying the Militia of the said County.
I also find that Barnaby. Barnewell and Walter Duffy popish
priests reside in a house near the chappel in Mullingar aforesaid.
That one Charles Reilly is a popish priest of the parish of Killucan
and one Garrett Reilly is a popish priest of the parish of Raconnell
in said County. That I have used my utmost efforts to have
the said Bishop Friers and priests apprehended but cannot.
Yours etc, JAMES SMITH, Sheriff.

Mullingar 8 Mar. 1743-4.

Sir I have made strict enquiry and am informed that there was
one Barnaby Barnwall who did officiate as a popish Clergyman
in the Mass house at the back of the town of Mullingar and that
he had one Walter Duffy an other popish Clergyman as his
assistant and that the said Barnwall and Duffy did reside and
dwell in a house together adjoining unto the said Mass house.
But that of late the said Barnwall and Duffy either consale
themselves very Close or have removed quite out of the neigh-
bourhood. This is all I can learn at present. Yours etc.

BEN. SPAU Seneschall of the Manor.

Athlone 7 March 1743-4.

Sir 1 have made and caused to be made careful and diligent
enquiry and do find that there hath been lately in this town a
seminary of fourteen Regular Friers who upon the late
Proclamation have separated and withdrawn themselves to
places to me unknown, and that there were two parish Priests
in this Burrogh who have likewise withdrawn, and I know of
no other popish Ecclesiastical Persons whatsoever that have
orders or exercise any ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Yours

JOHN PLUMMER.

A Father Dalton in the beginning of 1751 became for some
reason or other obnoxious to the magistracy in the neighbourhood
of Killua. The following was sent to Secretary W T aite :

25 January 1751-2.

Sir I have this day intimation that Dalton is Coadjutor to Nugent
and Barnwall and lives alternately at each of their houses.
This affair must be conducted with the greatest caution and
resolution as I am certain that upon the least hint given, there
would be a numerous Mobb of Papists ready to rise and rescue
him from the hands of Justice. Yours

BENJAMIN CHAPMAN.
The earliest report from Longford is :

Longford 28 March 1708.

Sir I have some of the priests in custody and the rest I shall
get in this week except some that were not registered that has

LEINSTER. 333

made their escape. You may assure their Excellencies that no
care or diligence shall be wanting att this so necessary juncture,
for her Maiesties service and the preservation of our religion and
country. RICHARD AUCHMUTY.

To H. Poultney Esq. att the Castle of Dublin.

In 1714 we find :

County of Longford, Return to the Instructions of the Government.

We answer that
George Muldoon popish priest of Cashel is dead and that Patrick

Howlan is come in his stead.
Charley ffarrell popish priest of Rathline is dead and that Patrick

McCaherty is come in his stead.
Garrett ffarrell popish priest of Mastrum is dead and Oliver Stephens

is come in his stead.
That Thady Murtagh popish priest of Killacouroge and Shruar is

dead and Bryan McHugh is in his room who was formerly con-
victed for marrying a protestant and papist together contrary

to the statute. He was transmitted to Dublin in order to be

transported, he made his escape and is on his keeping.
Morgan ffarrell popish priest of Abbylara is dead and succeeded

by Miles Reilly and Fergus Lee.
James Reilly popish priest of Granard is dead and succeeded by

Miles Reilly.
Patrick Kearan popish priest of Killeshee and Bally McCormack

is alive and has given no security.
Bryen Reilly popish priest of Kilumkill is alive, one of his securities

is dead,
ffrancis ffarrell popish priest of Killoe alive, one of his securities

dead.
Lewis ffarrell popish priest of Tagh Shenan, Taghshevem and Abby.

Shrewell alive, one of his securities dead.
Fergus ffarrell of Killoe alive, one of his securities dead,
ffergus Lee popish priest of Castlenugent alive. Brought us no

suretyes. Not allowed as registered.
Bryen McHugh popish priest of Cashell alive one of his securities

dead.
We know nothing of any popish regulars or reputed regulars

Assuming any jurisdiction.
We know of no persons who have transgressed the Act of foreign

Education. ROBT. NEWCOMEN cum Sociis.

A curious case illustrative of the proceedings under the marriage
acts may be mentioned here. Bryan McHugh was registered
parish priest of Cashel in the County of Longford in 1 704. Four years
later he married a pair who to judge from their names, Edmund
Geraghty and Elizabeth Byrne, were Catholic enough in all

334 LEINSTER.

conscience. But the consequences are detailed in a whole series
of documents at the Record Office.

To his Grace James Duke of Ormond Lord Lieutenant etc.

The humble petition of Bryan Hughes a poor prisoner in New

Gate in Dublin.
Sheweth That your Petitioner was at the Lent Assizes held at

Longford Indicted and tryed for marrying one Edmund

Gyreaghty and Elizabeth Byrne on the 12th of August 1708

upon the allegation that said Byrne was a Protestant and

Gyreaghty a papist at the time of their marriage.
That your Petitioner knowing himselfe Innocent of the Crime

stood his tryall and before he was prepared was found guilty

and received the sentence to be transported.
That the said partyes being examined by the Justices of the Peace

for the County of Longford declared on the Holy Evangelists

that they were both of the Popish religion all along, before

their marriage, at the time and ever since.
May it please your Grace to referr the allegation to this petition

to Mr. Sergeant Neave before whom he was tryed to report the

whole matter.

Sent apparently as an enclosure was

Co. Longford. Information of Edmund Gyreaght and Elizabeth
his wife taken before John Wilson and Thomas Kennedy, Justices
of the Peace for said County.

Who being sworn on the Holy Evangelists say that they are of
the popish religion and were married by Mr. Bryan Hughes on
the 12th of August 1708 and further depose that they did profess
the popish religion at the time of their Marriage etc.

There is no endorsement on the petition. Government was
then, 1708, in a paroxysm of anti-Catholic frenzy, and McHugh
got short shrift. We might suppose therefore that from prison he
was securely escorted on board ship and was now beyond the seas,
meditating on the justice of Irish law. Not at all ; he made his
escape from Newgate, and back to his diocese. There he exhibited
triumphantly in the faces of his prosecutors an order for his release
from prison, signed by Joshua Dawson, the Clerk of the Privy
Council himself. But later on it was discovered that the discharge
was a clever forgery concocted by McHugh. Accordingly the
Grand Jury now presented him as a tory and a rapparee out upon
his keeping and offered rewards for his recapture. Run to earth
at length, he was at once marched to Dublin for transportation.
Yet incredible as it may appear, on llth July, 1712, he was at

LEINSTER. 335

large again. On that date the Lords Justices issued a proclamation
setting forth much of McHugh's history and offering 20 reward
ior his apprehension. Notwithstanding the presentments of the
: grand juries, the rewards of the executive and the efforts of the
priest hunters, three years later he was reported to be ministering
in the diocese of Ardagh. But however long the fox runs he is
caught at last.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Ireland.

The Humble Petition of Timothy Kinnett and Thomas Cursen.

Humbly Sheweth That one Bryen McHugh was formerly at an
Assizes held for the County of Longford convicted of celebrating
a marriage between a Protestant and a Papist contrary to the
Statute and thereby incurred the penalty of a popish regular
and was ordered to be transported. In order thereunto he
was transmitted to Dublin but the said priest made his escape,
was again apprehended and a second time either was registered
or escaped. Upon which the Lords Justices in 1712 issued a
proclamation with a reward of 20 to apprehend him. That
your Petitioners at their great expense and hazard of their lives
did last winter apprehend and bring before Sir Robert New-
comen a Justice of the Peace for the County of Longford, said
Bryen McHugh, who committed him to the Gaol of Longford
where he remained until run to Dublin by habeas Corpus in
order to be transported. The premises considered may it please
your Excellencies to grant the reward etc.

[Endorsed] That an authentic certificate be produced that they are
the persons who apprehended Bryen McHugh.

This was forthcoming :

On or about the first day of May last the said persons apprehended

Bryan McHugh and brought him before me.
Signed 18 December 1716. ROBERT NEWCOMEN.

On 10th March, 1743-4, James West, high sheriff, wrote en-
closing :

The names and places of Abode of all persons being or supposed
to be Popish Archbishops, Bishops, Vicars General, Deans,
Jesuits, monks, or Friers and other Popish clergy, and all
other popish persons exercising any ecclesiastical jurisdiction
within the County of Longford returned by me James West Esq.,
High Sheriff of the said County pursuant to command of his
Grace the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland.
No. 1. Patrick McGary of Longford Vicar or Priest of the parish

of Templemore.

2. Thomas Byren Popish Bishop of the Diocese of Ardagh
and vicar of Taughshimat at Carrickedmond.

336 LE1NSTER.

No. 3. John Byren of Tarnaght vicar of parish of Templemichael
and of Maydaw parish.

4. Patrick Flynn of Clogh vicar of the parish of Killcomick.

5. Maurice Ferrall of Ballymalion vicar of the parish of Shrewle.

6. Patrick Farrell of Mullavorney assistant in the parish of

Shrewle.

7. . Nangle of the same assistant in the parish of Shrewle.

8. Francis Donnelly of Claris vicar of the parish of Cashill.

9. Garrett Farrell of Ballinulty vicar of the parishes of Kill-

glass Rathreagh and Aughera.

10 Patrick Kevinan of Ballinulty vicar of the parish of Colum-
kill.

11. Richard Ratigan of Aghakieran vicar of the parish of

Killishee.

12. Michael Farrell of Ballagh vicar of the parish of Cloony-

geese.

13. Francis McCartan of Drumlish vicar of the parish of Killaw.

14. James McKernan neere Shossduff vicar of the parish of

Lower Killaw.

15. Mathew Bready of Laughill vicar of the parish of Cloon-

broney.

16. Laurence Byren of Edgeworthstown vicar of the parish of

Masstrym.

17. Brady neere Edgeworthstown assistant in said parish.

18. Hugh Brady sometime of Edgeworthstown sometime

assistant in sd. parish.

19. Fergus Lee of Castlenugent vicar of Granard parish.

20. . Murtough of Barnygone vicar of Ardagh parish.

21. Hugh Flynn of Killnatan vicar of one part of the parish

of Killaw and Templemichael.

22. Thomas Stephens of Coolerny vicar or assistant of Temleml.

parish.

23. . Dengnan of Abbylarah vicar of Abby Larah.

24. . Roddy sometime in Granard assistant in Granard parish.

25. Peter Clyne of Ballynemanagh assistant of Taughshinny

parish.

26. Michael Farrell of or near Castlenugent vicar of the parish

of Street.

Returned this 8 day of March 1743-4

JAMES WEST, Sheriff.

John Johnston, seneschal of the manor of Granard, wrote
10th March, 1743-4 :

I doe affirm that there is not any popish priest or popish clergy
whatsoever living within my liberty. - It is true that there is
a Mass-house in my jurisdiction where mass used to be celebrated
by one Owen Ruddy but the said Mass-house is shutt up this
fortnight past. The said Owen Ruddy lives in the Sheriff's

LEINSTER. 337

Liberty which Sheriff I make no doubt will inform you of his
abode and of many others who lives within his return.

As an evidence of growing toleration, more than four years
before a Dublin newspaper chronicled the death of a bishop of
Ardagh. The notice is curious as it shows an interested contempt
of the sort the old Romans felt towards the Church when emerging
from the Catacombs.

Dr. Mulligan Titular Bishop of Ardagh died 23 July [1739]. He
belonged to the Augustinians, was a missionary in Scotland and
Provincial of his order in Ireland. What is most observable
of this illustrious Defunct is that during the eight years of his
being Bishop, he never Ordained one, and often bemoaned some
of his Confreres who are too ready to impose hands on all sorts
of unworthy subjects, and multiply the ministry to its destruction,
at a juncture when the whole kingdom is overstocked with
Clergy and swarms of friars who overburthen the poor of their
persuasion. And though of little value this Titular Dignity is,
which has no other eminence but what each Parish Priest gives
about once a year twenty shillings, yet there are said to be as
many candidates for it already as for the Archbishop of
Tolledo (xx).

In the Queen's, as in the other counties of Leinster, we have
ample evidence that the magistrates realized their responsibilities.
On 27th March, 1708, a joint letter was sent to the Lord Lieutenant
in the names of Robert Stubbs, high sheriff, J. Weaver, Edward
Dawson, and Hodges Gibbet, magistrates.

What their Excellencies formerly ordered the Sheriff and us to do
has been duly put in Execution. The Priests are all in custody
and we are now sending to all to take the Oath of Abjuration
and such as refuse shall be committed.

Later on when their Excellencies required to be informed of
the magistrates' further proceedings, Thomas Vigors high sheriff
wrote 12th June, 1714, that he and the other magistrates had
taken informations against the several priests and warrants were
already out for their arrest.

From Maryborough we have some fuller details. On 20th
March, 1708, St. Ledger Gilbert and Ephraim Dawson wrote :

In pursuance to your Excellencies commands we immediately
sent dispatches to size (sic) all the popish priests and other

(xx) Dublin Daily Post.

338 LEINSTER.

disaffected persons. Which service is already performed through
out this county. Six of the priests are now in custody and we
expect all the rest will be brought in within a day or two.

The returns for 1744 are as follow :

Maryborough Mar. 8 1743-4.

Sir I have made most strict Enquiry in my Power to give you a true
and just Return and can know no other But the following persons
exercising any Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction within this Borough
or Liberties which reach as near two miles round the town.
This Borough is in the diocese of Leighlin and Ferns of which
Diocese William Lawlor of Ballymackin is Vicar Generall as I
am informed. John Lawlor of Ballyflin is his Assistant or
Curate in the part which is the parish of Burres. There is two
priests in the parish of Clonenach in the above Diocese. A
great part of the said parish is in the Liberty of said Burrough.
One of which [Priests] is Edward Corkron of Cromoge who is
reputed treasurer for the Diocese, the other is Daniel Horachan
of Clonagown a Priest but as I can find has no other title. I
know of no other nor can I hear of any other person exercising
any Popish Jurisdiction in this Burrough or Liberties but shall
make strict Enquiry and if I find others or any other you shall
immediately have an exact account. Jos. DWIOR.

The names of the Popish Clergy of the Queen's County.

Edmund Corkeran of Cromoge priest of the part of the parish

of Clonena who writes himself vicar of Clonena.
Darby Cleary of Grantstown priest of the parish of Aghaboe.
William Keating of Ballymeddock priest of the parish of Abbey-

leix, Ballyrone and Ballynake. And . Taaf his coadjutor.
Bryan Moor of Ballynagall reputed Bishop.
Lewis Moor of Raheenahole priest of the parish of Ballyadam.
Daniel Fitz Patrick of Shangana priest of Athy.
William Taaf of Ballynegall priest of Dunane.
William Lawlor of Ballymakan Vicar Generall of the Diocese of

Leighlin.
John Phelan of Huntington Vicar Generall of the Diocese of

Kildare.

John Lawlor coadjutor to the said John Phelan.
Patrick Kelly parish priest of Stradbally.
James Phelan Parish priest of Skirk.
Daniel Kennedy reputed friar at or neare Skirk.
Martin Dulay of Durrow parish priest of Aghamacart.
Valentine Dunn of Coolamoney parish priest of Rosanalla.
Arthur Molloy of Mount Mellick parish priest of Castlebrack.
. flyn of Mount Mellick reputed friar.
Michael Dunn of Brittas reputed friar.
John Meagher of Roscrea parish priest of Kile.

LEINSTER. 339

Michael Costigan of Rushall reputed friar.

William Fitz Patrick of Grantstown Coadjutor to Darby Cleary.

Daniel Horahan of Clonegoun parish priest of part of the parish

of Clonana.

Mathew Lawlor of Knockenagar Priest.
Patrick Byrn of Garran reputed friar.
William Dulany of Killeen parish priest of Offerilan.
Thady Hanly of Mountmellick reputed friar.

GEORGE DESPARD, Sheriff of the Queens County.

We come now to deal with the King's County, the remaining
one of Leinster province. In reply to the instructions and
proclamation sent in 1708 the assembled magistrates on 30th March
addressed the government :

Wee having this day mett at Killeighe agreed on the following
several answers viz :

That all the popish priests that Inhabit the said County are com-
mitted except one Thomas Perry who hath absconded. . .

While regretting that the record is so summary, the Dublin
correspondence affords abundant particulars of a priest hunt a few
years later. It was conducted by Tyrrell and so we are able to
follow it.

The Examinacon of Edward Tyrrell taken in the presence of their
Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council.

Who being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and Examined
saith that having given Information to Mr. Moore and Mr. Forth
two Justices of the Peace of the Kings County where some
regulars of the Popish Clergy were and having obtained a warrant
to apprehend them, went with the High Constable and seized
one of the said Regulars, and upon searching his papers, found
one paper which was a discharge for rent from Mr. Thomas
Lestrange to the said Regular. That afterwards the said Regular
made his escape. That being at the Quarter Sessions Mr.
Lestrange asked if he had not taken a paper of his amongst the
Papers of the Regular Priest seized. The Examinate replyed
he had and he gave the said paper to Mr. Forth. Whereupon
the said Mr. Lestrange said he had given such an acquittance
for rent but could not tell how he came to doe it, or that he knew
he was a Regular. Saith that he saw Primate Mac Mahon in
Flanders and is now in this kingdom and knows he resides at
Cullagh Duffe McMahon's neare Carrickmacross in the County
of Tyrone and saith that he comes sometimes to Lusk in the
County of Dublin to ordain Cleregy of the Popish religion.
Saith that John Taaffe of Athirdee was present when Primate

340 LEINSTER.

MacMahon ordained Priests at Patrick Marky's house at Glas-
pistol in the County of Lowth in the month of May last when
he ordained four priests. Saith that the names of the persons
so ordained are Patrick Markey, son of the aforesaid Patrick,
John Fleming who lives near Athirdee, one Patrick Lawler neer
Dunleer, and one Bellew of the same County. That Dr. Bardin
Titular Bishop of Ferns was present and assisted at the said
ordination. That Peter Keeneghan of Ballymacalloge in the
County of Lowth was also present at the said ordination and
one Dowdall who lives neer Athirdee was also present. Saith
he applyed to Captain Thomas Bellingham and informed him
of the Regulars being in the County of Lowth and of the afore-
said Ordination and desired him to give directions for siezing
the said Priests whereupon Captain Bellingham said he was an
old man and infirm with the Gout and was unfit for business
and therefore advised this Examinate to goe to Dublin and apply
himself to the Government. Further saith that he came to
Dublin in order to apply to the Government and writ a Letter
and sent it by one Willet a Chandler who was a Grand Juryman
of this Citty to my Lord Chancellor but he was told that his
letter would not be delivered to the Lord Chancellor for that
his servants if they knew that the Letter came from this Exam-
inate, would not deliver it. Saith that he went in person to the
Lord Chancellor at his house who received him this Examinate
civilly and gave him half a guiney for his Encouradgement to
proceed in his Discoveryes. Being further examined saith
that one Thomas Feaghny who is reputed a Popish Bishop
came lately from St. Germans and now lodges at the house of
Mr. Felix Coughlan near Fairbane in the King's County and
saith that he discovered the same to John Moor Esq. who said
he did not care to concern himself therein but directed him to
come and apply himself to the Government.

Further saith that he believes Edmund Byrne the Titular Arch
bishop of Dublin's papers are kept in the house of one Byrne
a Cooper in Francis Street. ED. TYRRELL.

Capt. coram me xxv Octobris Anno Domini 1712.

J. DAWSON Dep. Cler. Concilii Privati.

The popish bishop just come from the Court of the Pretender

demanded immediate action.

Dublin Castle 25 Oct. 1712.

To John Moore, Esq. of Crochan and James Forth Esq. of Redwood
near Philipstown.

Gentlemen Edward Tyrrell who brought me your letter of the
18th instant has attended the Lords Justices and Council, and
hath given an Examination on Oath that one Thomas Fooghry
who is reputed a Popish Bishop and came lately from St. Germans
in France now lodges at the house of Mr. Felix Coughlan neare

LEINSTER. 341

Fairbane and Tyrrell undertakes to have him apprehended there
if he may have sufficient assistance. The said Tyrrell likewise
informed the Justices and Council that there is a convent of
Fryers of the order of St. Dominicke at a place near Fairbane
called Fedan where a great number of them constantly reside.
Their Excellencies and Council hereby signify their pleasure
to you to go with the said Tyrrell and require such assistance
as you shall think necessary and search the house of the said
Felix Coughlan for the said Thomas Fooghry and having appre-
hended him, to secure him. Their Excellencies desire you
will also endeavour to apprehend the Fryers said to be in said
Convent and commit them to Gaole accordin b ^o the directions
of the late Proclamation and disperse the seminary if any such
therebe. Tyrrell says he will make further Discoveryes to you
if you have but good assistance. Their Excellencies having
already seen your zeal in the like service upon the late informa-
tions given by the said Tyrrell, do in a particular manner recom-
mend this present service. J. DAWSON.

By the same post a warrant was directed to Captain James
Sterling at Ballyboy in the King's County.

Their Lordships recommend it to you to give Tyrrell what assistance
you can and command such a number of men as you shall think
necessary for the apprehending such enemies to our Constitution.

The history and results of the expedition are given in the

. following :

Ferbane November the 4 1712.

Sir In obedience to the Commands of their Excellencies the
Lords Justices and Council of this kingdom signified by you to
us to go with the Bearer Edward Tyrrell to search the house
of Mr. Felix Coughlan for Thomas Feoghny a Titular Popish
Bishop lately returned from St. Germans in France, we proceeded
on our journey towards Mr. Coughlan 's house but within about
three miles of the house, Edward Tyrrell found by his in-
telligence that the said Feoghny was at a place called Carthron
in the County Westmeath, to which place we went and there
found him though his being there was denied by all the servants
of the house. We take leave at the request of Mr. Coughlans
lady who lay dangerously ill to acquaint the Lords Justices
that she was Hourly apprehensive of Death and begged very
earnestly that wee would take security for Feoghney, being as
she said her physitian. But not having any such authority by
your Letters We sent him under a good guard to Phillipstown
Gaole where he will continue till their Excellencies and Lord-
ships further pleasure be known. We think ourselves obliged
to let you know that if Tyrrell had not been very vigilant and

342 LEINSTER.

active Feoghny had not been taken. We have taken his Exam-
ination which we send you Enclosed. We proceeded afterwards
according to the Command in your Letter to Fedan to make
search for the ffiriars but found no such persons there. We
think fitt to acquaint you that in our way through a very wild
uninhabited country we searched the house of Mr. John Coughlan
of Clanmenlock where there was a great number of beds and
books but no persons except women. We received intelligence
that the said John Coughlan had notice from Dublin that there
was a search intended for Priests in that country and we were
tould before we came to the said house by Thomas Feoghny,
the Prisoner, that John Coughlan afforesaid sent him word
the night before that he the said Feoghny was (as he termed it)
on the list of Priests to be apprehended. There was a consider-
able provision of drink and eatables as well as beds at Coughlan 's
house though it was in a most retired place far distant from any
high road. We must also acquaint you that when search was
made at Fedan for the Friars, Tyrrell apprehended one William
Kenny whom he charged with harbouring and concealing as
well as his brother Redmund Kenny who made his escape from
the High Constable of the Barony of Balliboy with which we
formerly acquainted you, as also other Regular popish priests
whom the said Tyrrell delivered into the custody of one William
Ponder who was one of his assistants in the taking of him. But
a scuffle happened, occasioned by a drunken man coming into
the house. Kenny took that opportunity and made his escape.
He has a farm near the place and we have taken proper Exam-
inations and granted a warrant against him which we doubt
not will be executed. Our men and we rode from 5 o'clock on
Monday morning till 6 at night without any refreshment either
to our selves or horses through as bad roads as I believe ever
were Travelled and at night mett with very sadd entertainment
and lodging at this place. We are your honours humble servts.
G. MOORE, T. FORTH, JA. STERLING, SAMUELL Low.

[Enclosure].

Com. Regis. The Examinacon of Thomas Feaghry taken the
4 day of November 1712. Who being examined saith that
about fifteen years agoe he left this kingdom and went with
one Fr. Anthonjr Kelly a ffranciscan frier, landed at Havre Grace
in France, went through Paris to Prague in Bohemia and there
began his stud}* which he continued about one year. That he
then returned to Paris where he continued his study of philosophy,
humanity and physick in the Jesuits College till near Christmas
last, then left Paris, went to Nants, there took shipping with
one Dowdall of this kingdom and landed at Dublin about St.
Thomas Day. That he stayd in Dublin till about Easter last
and then came into the Kings County to the Widow Coughlan
near Banagher in the said County where he stayd for some time,

LEINSTER. 343

then went and resided chiefly at the house of Mr. Owen Mooney
of Doone in the said County till about two months agoe when
he was sent for to Kincorr in the said County to the house of
Felix Coughlan Esq. where he continued till about six weeks
agoe when he went with the said Felix Coughlan 's Lady to
Carthron in the County of Westmeath where he was yesterday
apprehended. This Examinate saith that on or about the 9 day
of September last he was at a place called the Seven Churches
in the said County where he heard mass celebrated but utterly
denies that he officiated as Popish Bishop or priest or that he
ever was in any popish orders. This Examinat saith that he
see at the Seven Churches aforesaid about nine or ten popish
priests. That he was told there was a popish Bishop there but
does not know whether he see him or not, he not being at that
time in a different habit from the rest of the popish priests.
This Examinate saith that about five year agoe he see one Dunan
att Paris where he' believes he studied divinity, that since this
Examinate came into this kingdom he see the said Dunan in
Dublin and was told he was a priest. Edward Tyrrell desiring
that this Examinate should be asked whether he see his brother
Edmund Feoghny att Kincorr aforesaid, answered that he see
him in the Green Lane before the house. That at Easter last
he was in no popish orders but was told he was since ordained
a priest and that he has, and see him celebrate mass near Lisloony
in this County. TH. FFEAGHRY.

G. MOORE, T. FORTH, SAM. Low, JA. STERLING.

This seems a plain, unvarnished tale enough, but the law
advisers of the Crown only saw in it the greater evidence of the
dangerous character of the "bishop."

Council Office Dublin 8 Nov. 1712.

To John Moore. Sir I have received a letter dated 4th instant
signed by you, Mr. Forth, Captain Sterling and Mr. Low by the
hands of Edward Tyrrell and laid the same before their
Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council and had their Com-
mands to acquaint you and the rest of the gentlemen that they
are very well pleased with your and their readiness and pro-
ceedings therein and that their Excellencies have given directions
that Thomas Feaghry be brought up here in order to be tryed
at the Queen's Bench this term. Yours J. DAWSON.

By the same post instructions were sent to have John Coughlan
of Clonmelogh, Edmund Ward of Tynnecross, John Feaghny near
Fedan, and Denis Dowling near the Seven Churches, sent to Dublin
as material evidence for Her Majesty. Yet needless to say the
case against the "bishop" collapsed.

344 LEINSTER.

The following year, 1713, the campaign against the King's
County priests was renewed. On 10th March Secretary Dawson
directed one Edward Shuldham to attend the Philipstown assizes
to prosecute. He attended in due course and reported :

Ballyboy 28 March 1713.

Sir At Philipstown there were nine bills of indictment against
popish priests, six for not having taken the Oath, three against
registered popish priests for saying mass out of the parish for
which they are registered. None appeared but Edward Carolin
and his brother John, but in regard the principal witness against
them did not appear but had an affidavit produced of his being
disabled by sickness, the Attorney General did not proceed.
There were two other Indictments one against a Petty Constable
for suffering a Popish Priest's escape out of his custody, the
other of a woman for assaulting and beating Tyrrell but none
of them appeared and warrants are ordered.

EDWD. SCHULDHAM.

The accounts sent to the Castle in 1714 were just as unsatis-
factory. On the 21st June sixteen magistrates met in Ballyboy
to put the proclamation against the priests in execution.

We desire you will be pleased to acquaint his Grace and their
Lordships that the late insolent behaviour of the Papists of their
County, as we apprehended, is chiefly owing to their priests -not
being brought to justice who have of late publickly exercised
their functions. And severall of the Justices of the Peace who
were active in summoning persons to give evidence against
them and taking examinations have been threatened for their
behaviour towards them. There has been but one priest brought
to his trial and convicted, one Carolan an unregistered priest
who exercised the function of a popish priest in the parishes of
Killbride and Durrow, and one Geoghegan a registered priest
from the parish of Croghan but who had not taken the Oath of
Abjuration. We continued both in Bail, Affidavits having been
made at every Assizes that they were so ill that without hazard
of their lives they could not appear. But the rest of the said
priests as we are credibly informed exercise their function and
are not taken though our warrants are still out against them.

A report from Ballyboy a few days later was more optim-
istic. The enemy were getting cowed.

The activity of the magistrates hath already had the effect
that the Popish Clergy are gone a hideing as usually they doe
from Justice.

LEINSTER. 345

The results were summed up by the high sheriff in a letter

four months later.

October 30 1714.

Sir To give you a full account of the proceedings that have been
against the popish priests in this County. There were in the
month of September 1712 three priests committed to Gaole (to
witt) Edmund Carolan and John Coonan alias Doonan alias
Moran found officiating as popish priests in the parishes of
Killbride and Durrow though neither of them registered in this
County, and Thomas Geoghegan registered popish priest of the
parish of Monasteoris and officiating as such not having taken
the Oath required by law. They were all three bayled to the
next Assizes two of them (to witt) Carolan and Coonan in Dublin
and Geoghegan by Mr. Moore and Mr. Low who committed all
the said priests. Sir Richard Levin the Queens Attorney Generall
came to the next assizes being the Lent assizes 1713 to prosecute
the said priests. Carolan and Coonan appeared. Terrill the
evidence who was hanged before the Assizes after, was there
then to prosecute, severall other evidences were bound over,
the Bills were found. An affidavit was sworn that Geoghegan
was sicke. All that did not know the reason to the contrary,
expected that Carolan and Coonan would be tryed and found
guilty and left in Gaole to continue without bayle till the be-
ginning of December after, there came a warrant from the Hon.
Justice Upton commanding the then sheriff of the said County
tq transmit the said Carolan to Newgate which was accordingly
done. I have been informed that the said Carolan is at liberty
in Dublin. One William Costikin the gaoler's son met him not
long since in Pill Lane and Drank with him there. At every
assizes since, there have been affidavits sworn by Papists that
Carolan and Geoghegan the other two priests were sick and
so they continue under bayle. Yours

WILLIAM SPRIGG, Sheriff.

The insinuation of the sheriff was that the Tory- Jacobite
Lord Chancellor Phipps, intervened to save the priest, and that
action such as this, paralysed the efforts of the local magistracy.

The only document of the 1744 period relating to the King's
County to be met with, is the return of the high sheriff.

Kings Co. April 10, 1744.
John McKeogh a frier of Meelick in the County of Gallway often

in the parishes of Birr and Killcoleman.

William Walsh a reputed frier often in the parish of Killcoleman.
Anthony Carroll the same in the same parish.
Thady Carrick a priest lives by Kilcoleman Church.
John Gilfoyle Priest of Shinrone parish.

346 LEINSTER.

James Kennedy Priest of Roscomrow and Kiltully parishes.
. Dwyer Do. of Birr.

. Ducy Do. of Dunkerrin.

John Hogan Do. of Annymadle.
George Nugent Do. of Monasteoris.
Laughlin Fullard Curate of Monasteoris.
Edward Cavanagh priest of Geashill.
Laurence Delahunty Do. of Killaderry.
Anthony Nowlan Do. of Durrow.
Kedagh Dempsey Do. of Killbride.
Owen Geoghegan Do. of Killmanaghan.

Anthony Fox, Owen Molloy and Robert Fitz Gerald supposed-
regulars now in my custody. HENRY LYONS, Sheriff.

But the priest hunting did not cease for many years after.

George [archbishop of] Armagh, Newport, C. Bessborough.

We hereby direct and require you to take effectual care that Simon
Forster a Popish Priest now under a Rule of Transportation
in the Gaol of Philipstown be forthwith transported out of his
Majesty's Dominions to Lisbon in Portugal. Given the 16
February 1754. THOMAS WAITE.

To the High Sheriff, King's County.

Even far into the last century, men who had remembered
episodes in the penal times recounted them to Dr. Doyle the bishop'

of Kildare.

Allen 6 May 1823.

I am here placed in the centre of an immense bog which takes its-
name from a small hill under whose declivity the chapel and
house are built where I now write. What perhaps interests me
most in the wide and vast expanse of the Bog of Allen is that
it afforded for nearly two centuries a place of refuge to the
apostolic men who have gone before me in preaching the faith
and administering the sacraments to a people in every respect
worthy of such pastors. The haunts and retreats frequented by
the bishops of Kildare in the times of persecution are still pointed
out by the aged inhabitants of these marshes with a sort of
pride mingled with piety ; and they say " There he administered
confirmation ; here he held an assembly of the clergy ; on that
hill he ordained some young priests whom he sent to France,
to Spain or to Italy ; and we remember or we heard how he
lived in yonder old walls in common with the young priests
whom he prepared for the mission. He sometimes left with a
staff in his hand, and being absent months, we feared he would
never return ; but he always came back until he closed his days-
amongst us. Oh ! if you saw him ; he was like St. Patrick
himself."

LEINSTER. 347

What think you my dear friend must be my reflections at hearing
of the dangers, and labours and virtues of these good men, and
what a reproach to my own sloth and sensuality and pride !
They of whom the world was not worthy, and who went about
in fens and morasses, in nakedness and thirst and hunger, and
watching and terror, will be witnesses against me for not using
to the best advantage the blessings which their merits have
obtained from God for their children. Their spirit indeed seems
to dwell here, and in those remote and uncultivated districts
there is found a purity and a simplicity of morals truly surprising.

Again :

In the glen or the cavern where they sojourned they taught the
rudiments of learning. The Catholic bishop of this diocese in
a shed built of mud and covered with rushes on the verge of the
Bog of Allen the refuge of a man not inferior in mind or virtue
to Fenelon instructed youth with his own tongue and shared
with them the crust which he had first watered with the tears
of affliction.

CHAPTER IX.

MUNSTER.

DOWN to the year 1715 when the second Duke was attainted,
Tipperary was an independent palatinate under the rule
of the Ormonds. The records of the palatinate courts
were then transmitted to Dublin where they are still preserved.
They are however fragmentary, and on the criminal side with
which we are concerned, they have almost totally disappeared.
But by bringing together a number of isolated references one is
able to form a fair judgment how the priests fared in the county.
The first Duke of Ormond, kidnapped to England and brought
up by the notorious Abbot, archbishop of Canterbury, was the
only Protestant of his family. In some respects the most fatal
enemy the Irish Catholics ever had, his bigotry never extended
to his relatives, and when at the Restoration he became virtual
ruler of the kingdom, the Butlers came back to property and
power. Accordingly throughout a great part of the penal era,
all the great county magnates were strong Catholics. Ormond 's
brother, Richard of Kilcash (ancestor of the present family of
Ormond), his half brothers, Toby and George Mathew, his nephew
Purcell, baron of Loughmoe, his cousins the Lords Cahir and Dun-
boyne, the Butlers of Kilmoyler, Bansha, and numerous others,
all lived in the county and at the worst times were able to shelter
the priests. The present habitat of the archbishops of Cashel
is traceable to the fact that from the Cromwellian period
down Thurles has been in Catholic hands. The Vicar-Apostolic,
John Burke, lived there as an attendant to Lady Thurles
(Ormond's mother) who was dispensed from being transplanted to
Connaught. During the popish plot Archbishop Brennan was
hidden at Annfield by Toby Mathew. His successor again, Edward
Comerford lived as parish priest of Thurles under the protection
of the Mathews, lords of the manor. When Comerford died at
the depth of the penal times, the Roman authorities appointed
Christopher Butler of the Kilcash family in the belief that his

MUNSTER. 349

relatives would be able to maintain him in the county. But
while the loyalty of the old families afforded a considerable measure
of protection, it only helped the more to embitter the Cromwellian
squirearchy. A few illustrations may be given of the feelings
subsisting between the two parties. Kingsmill Pennefather writes
from Cashel, 29th March, 1708 :

The militia want arms and in my humble opinion it is very necessary
they should be supplied speedily not only on account of the
quality [but the] good estates of the Papists who live among us.
If their Excellencies please to order ammunition with the guns
it will very much encourage our Protestant inhabitants.

In the following there is sample of the fighting temper of an

ancestor of the late Sir William Butler :

Cashel Feby. 1 1715.

Sir Collonel Purcell, Major Mathew and his son, and others of
the chief of the Papists have been taken up and admitted to
baile on security that they shall confine themselves to their
respective parishes and be of good behaviour till the Govern-
ment's pleasure be further known. I will send them to Dublin
if their Excellencies think fitt. I sent Cornet Edwards yesterday
to search for arms and seize suspected persons. He went to the
house of one Butler of Derryclooney who has two sons that re-
fused him entrance in order to search for arms. My Cornet was
intended to carry out his orders upon which Thomas Butler,
one of the sons fired out of a window at Edwards, which made
him the more resolute. Which they in the house observing
were terrifyed into complyance of opening the door and let him
in, where he found a case of pistols, one firelook and two swords.
He seized the two young men whom I sent to Gaole. I don't
find any arms worth speaking of in possession of the Papists.
Such horses as were seized are ordered into Inns in the next
adjacent towns under guards. Pray send powder and ammuni-
tion from Limerick or Waterford. KINGSMILL PENNEFATHER.

Again in January, 1729, he writes for more ammunition, that
"the number of Papists and other evil disposed persons is so great
that it is hazardous for the civill power to put the laws in execution. "
George Cole, mayor of Clonmel, writes 20th September, 1746 :

I believe the town may conveniently quarter 2 companys and
upon an Emergency as many more, and att their request I
desire you will acquaint their Excellencies that the Protestant
inhabitants of Clonmel are pleased with every opportunity of
showing their zeal for his Majesty's service and that they will
upon all occasions give the utmost proofs of their steady Loyalty
for his sacred person and government.

350 MUNSTER.

A revenue collector, Samuel Bagwell, reports from the same
place, 14th March, 1743, that he is in search of Andrew Laffan
supposed to be enlisting men for the French service, adding

I have a very large walk in this County most part of it very wild
and too well stockd with the vermin called Papists who I fear
will destroy me when I am amongst them upon my collection.

From these and such like it may be conjectured that the
Tipperary magistrates would not be wanting in their duty of setting
the priests. Nor were they. The transportation of the vicar-
general of Emly, Dermot O'Meara, in 1699 has been already noticed.
His archbishop, Dr. Comerford, was long kept on the run. A man
named Ryan who seems from some notes in the Southwell Papers
to have been a professional priest hunter, located him and even
named the priest who brought the bull of consecration from Rome.
But unfortunately from the loss of the papers of this period, it
cannot be ascertained what measures were taken to capture the
archbishop, and how he managed to escape. Of his successor we
have some very interesting particulars. Christopher Butler
owing to the suspicion fallen on his family, especially after the
attainder of the second Duke of Ormond, moved about constantly
in order to escape observation. Much of his time was spent at
Kilcash at the foot of Slievenamon. Occasionally he can be traced
at Garryricken, Co. Kilkenny, or again with his relatives, the
McCarthys of Springhouse, in Tipperary. When the scent became
too keen he made his way to his cousins the Gallways of Fota
Castle, near Queenstown. Here it was that the notorious Tyrrell
tracked him.

Edward Tyrrell being examined saith that he was present in a
Mass house neare Corke when one Butler Titular Archbishop of
Cashel ordered [ordained] two persons called Slines on the 29 of

January last

saith he believes Christopher Butler is now at Kilcash which
is the place of his residence since he came from ffrance about
six months ago ; is brother to Butler of Kilcash.

' EDWARD TYRRELL. Dated this 6 May 1713.

No time was lost.

Council Office Dublin 16 May 1713.

Sir Their Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council having
received information upon Oath that Christopher Butler Titular

MUNSTER. 351

arch Bishop of Cashell came from France about six months
agoe and resides at Kilcash in your County as allso John Pierce
Titular Bishop of Waterford resides there allso Their Excellencies
and Lordshipps have commanded me to acquaint you thereof
and that you forthwith apprehend the said Christopher Butler
and John Pierce and commit them to Gaole and their papers to
be searched and sealed upp that if necessary may be sent to this
Office in order to be laid before the Council Board and that you
do it with secracy and prudence that the necessity of the Affair
requires and that you will give their Excellencies an account
of your proceedings therein etc. J. DAWSON.

To the High Sheriff of Tipperary.

The archbishop apparently by a lucky chance escaped.

Nenagh May 30 1713.

Sir Your letter of the 16 of May instant did not come to my
hands until the 26, being in Dublin which is the reason wherefore
you did not heare from me before now in answer to their Ex-
cellencies the Lords Justices and Councils commands.

On the 27th I repaired to Kilcash and there made diligent search
and Inquiry for Christopher Butler Titular Archbishop of Cashell
and John Pierce Titular Bishop of Waterford but could find
neither of them. Neither could I find that they or either of
them had been there. I likewise made strict search for the
books and papers belonging to the said Popish clergy but could
not find any. I desire you will be pleased to acquaint their
Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council with my proceedings
in this matter. Sir your most humble servant. TER. MAGRATH.-

Yet on Sunday, 16th August not three months later, the
archbishop had the hardihood to consecrate two bishops, one for
Cork, the other for Killaloe at "Villa Domus Fontis" Springhouse
in the Glen of Aherlow. And so on throughout his career. His
portrait is at Kilkenny Castle and who that has seen him as he
looks out from the canvass, with quiet eye and tranquil counten-
ance, his fingers playing with the pectoral cross, his whole attitude
of gracious repose who could realise that for thirty of the forty-
five years of his long episcopate he was a felon and an outlaw
and his capture welcomed as an "honourable service."

But the location of the archbishop by Tyrrell was nothing to
his discovery at Clonmel. There he beheld a real live Cardinal.

Clonmel the 10 of Jany 1712-3.

May it please your Excellencies I have been disappointed in
serving the Government in the County of Wexford by the ill

352 MUNSTER.

management of some of the Justices of the Peace there as it shall
appeare before your Excellencies in Council in a very short time.
In the meane time there is extraordinary good service to be done
in this towne by takeing of severall persons of greate note of the
Popish clergy lately come from France and Rome, more particular
Thomas Ennis [Thomas Hennessy S.I.j who goes under the name
of a Popish bishop ; he acts here after the Rules of a Cardinall ;
on the sixth of this instant, called twelfth day he was in a Bishop's
habit with a mighter upon his head, and all other extream
rich Robes belonging to that order, he celebrated high mass in
the Mass house without the West gate of this towne, where he
had a vast company of people which showed him as much
Reverence as if he had been the Pope by kissing his hands and
the very ground whereon he trod, all which I was an eye witness
off. There is another person here who takes upon him the title
of a Bishop ; he goes by the name of Mr. Bourk but his right
name is Sail. There is also another whose name is Father
Adams, he is turned father Confessor in particular to the women
and is manageing a way to put upp a private Nunnery. All
those I have seen officiate. I must take leave to assure your
Excellencies they are very dangerous persons. Thomas Ennis
has of late years been a great spy in the Court of England. They
all go by contrary names ; one of them is the Titulate bishop of
Derry who has been already taken by the Lords Justices and
Council but was rescued out of the Custody of Capt. Michael
Cole as his Grace the Archbishop of Dublin and Mr. Justice
Cooke can inform your Excellencies and give better satisfaction
' of the truth hereof. I think it fitt to give you the names of the
persons who entertains them privately in their howses viz.
Richard Stritch and Patrick Morony Merchts, James Sherlocke
apothecary and one Tonory ; these are the persons who enter-
tains them and in whose houses their goods and papers are now
concealed. I think it also requisite to give your Excellencies an
Account of severall of the persons who have heard and saw them
Officiate as aforesaid viz. Thomas Pursell, Francis Morony,
Nicholas White, Michael Davan Merchants, John Maugher,
William Morony, Patrick ffitz Patrick, James Sherlock apothe-
cary, Richard Stritch and Patrick Morony Merchants, James
Tonnory ; these are the names of the most materiall persons
who to my certaine knowledge have been hearing them. I
desire they may (if your Excellencies thinks fitt) be examined
upon Oath of what they know concerning the persons aforesaid.
I am credibly informed there are some Protestants in the towne
who are largely bribed by those disaffected persons for winking
at their actions. I have this night been in private with Major
Cutbert Wilkinson, Collector of Clonmell with whom I advised
concerning this matter, his advice to me was to apply myself
to your Excellencies for an order not only to the Civill magestrates

MUNSTER. 353

but also to the Commanding officer of the troops of this Barracks
to take with him as many men as may be sufficient for appre-
hending these men without which (there being so vast a number
of Popish mobb in this towne) it cannot possibly be done ; and
withall humbly begg (if your Excellencies thinks convenient)
to mention particularly in that order Thomas Batty and Robert
Hamerton Esquires Justices of the Peace for this County to act
in this affair as your Excellencies shall think fitt and that the
order and letters may be enclosed to the Collector who is a
Gentleman that I find would be very ready to serve the Govern-
ment if he were in Commission of Peace and I humbly desire that
no letter or order may be writt directly to the Mayor of the
Town or to any other person except those who are nominated
above for some good reasons which shall hereafter appeare
before your Excellencies and in so doing I doubt not but the
service will be compleated to your Excellencies satisfaction.
I humbly begg there may be directions given that I may be
safely protected in the Execution hereof or otherwise I shall be
knockt in the head. I would have directed this to your Ex-
cellencies but fearing there should be any notice taken thereof
in the Post Office here, have given it to Major Wilkinson to
inclose to Sir Thomas Southwell. I must further begg leave to
acquaint your Excellencies that there is great disorder on foot
in this town. I am afraid to explain myself fully before I can
before your Excellencies. Had I any person here who is a
stranger in this place in whom I could trust, I could putt him
in a way to see those people Officiating in their habits for there
is no one here I dare have discovered myself and design to,
but the Collector and one Richard Scott who is officer of Excise
in the town of Clonmell who, makes it his business in his walk
to take a view of those people as well as the howses wherein
they lodge. I humbly beg when they are apprehended that
they may not be allowed to have any conference with each other.
I alsoe humbly begg (if your Excellencies thinks fitt to write to
the Mayor of the towne) that it may be enclosed to the Collector
with order not to be delivered to the Mayor till I think fitt, With
all humility and obedience I beg leave to subscribe my selfe
your Excellencies most obedient humble servant,

EDWARD TYRRELL.

By the same post Tyrrell acquainted King, archbishop of
Dublin :

I have given their Excellencies an account at large of a Cardinall
that now is in this towne from the Pope lately come over as
also of some other Bishops and Popish clergy that are now in
private meetings and among them there is the titulate Popish
Bishop of Derry whose name is Edmund Cane but goes here by
the name of Adams. I doe remember that your Grace was in

354 MUNSTER.

the Council about three yeares agoe when an order passed for
apprehending the said Cane and directions being sent to Capt.
Michael Cole, Justice of Peace in this County who apprehended
the said Cane but was Rescued from the said Justice. In short
I must assure your Grace there is about nine hundred of those
sort of persons landed in this kingdom what without doubt is
not come upon any good design. .. ... __

This information was so momentous that the lords justices
referred it to the Council.

Dublin Castle 17 Jany. 1712-3.

Sir The Lords Justices having received a letter from one Edward
Tyrrell informing them of a Cardinall and severall Popish Bishops
and Regulars of the Popish Clergy being in Clonmell, and of the
countenance and protection they meet with there. Their

- Excellencies thought fitt to communicate that letter to the
Privy Council and I am commanded by the Board to send you
the enclosed copy thereof with their pleasure that (in conjunction
with Mr. Hammerton whose assistance you are to desire) you
do require the said Tyrrell to come before you and take his
examination upon Oath and then cause the laws to be put in
Execution against such Cardinall, Bishops and Regulars if any
such be in Clonmell. You are desired likewise to send for Mr.
Wilkinson the Collector and Mr. Scott the Excise Officer whom
Tyrrell mentions in his letter to give you what information they
can in the matter. Their Excellencies and Council do expect
you will return me an account of your proceedings therein.

I must inform you that the said Tyrrell has formerly given infor-
mation of matters of this kind to the Lords Justices and Council
which he has not been able to make good, and that at this time
he is not sent or has any authority from them to go upon the
service he pretends to do. But however if any person what-
ever will perform so good service as he undertakes now, they
will be very ready to countenance it and do not doubt you will
be zealous in prosecuting such Incendiaryes if they can be found
in your town. Your most humble servant,

Jos. DAWSON.

To Thomas Batty Esq. one of her Majesty's Justices of Peace at
Clonmel.

Whether the concluding paragraphs damped the magisterial
ardour does not appear but the "service" fizzled out miserably.

Clonmel Jany. 21 1712-3.

Sir I receaved yours of the 17th, by direction of theyr Excellencies
the Lords Justices and Councell and inclosed in it a copy of a
letter from Edward Tyrrell to theyr Excellencies the 10th instant
from this town setting forth he could discover severall Popish

MUNSTER. 355

Bishops and Regulars that were then in Clonmell. Pursuant to
directions on receipt of the Letter I immediately inquired of
Major Wilkinson, the Collector, and Mr. Scott the Excise officer
what they knew of this matter and finde Tyrrell was in this
towne for a boute a fortnight until last Saturday having notice
given him by Major Wilkinson that he was advised not to have
any further commerce with him he immediately went out of this
towne as he pretended towards Corke which is all I can heare
of this matter, only that from a greater concours of papists
then usuall resorting this towne of late I believe there have
been some such persons here of the Romish Clergy as above
mentioned. But for the present I think they are dispersed, not
from any apprehension of being discovered by Tyrrell but severall
of the chief of the papist inhabitants of this town happening att
this time to be summoned to take the oathes, theyr clergy have
taken the alarme and are absconded. Your most humble servt.

THO. BATTY.

During the subsequent years there are several reports of
proceedings sent in by the sheriffs and others. John White, high
sheriff, writes from Cappagh 2nd June, 1714 :

Inclosed I sent you a letter [missing] which I received from severall
of the Justices of the peace of this county which they desired
may be layd before their Excellencies the Lords Justices with
full assurance that they will strictly putt the laws in Execution
against all Popish priests and all other persons whatsoever who
shall refuse to abjure the Pretender and will not be ameanable
to the laws. I presume I may in a short time give their Ex-
cellencies a good account of the proceedings of all the Justices
of the peace of this County, most of whom have assured me
that they will in their respective Barronys putt the laws in
Execution according to their Excellencies Directions against all
persons obnoxious to the laws.

On the llth June, thirty of the magistrates of the county
met in Cashel and resolved "that all the laws against priests and
regulars and all other popish recusants shall be put in execution
by us within the said county." Their proceedings were in some
instances reported to Dublin.

Tipperary June 23 1714.

Sir In obedience to the directions which we received from his
Grace the Duke of Shrewsbury, Lord Lieutenant of the kingdom,
and Counsell by their letter of the 28th of May last we summoned
the principal popish inhabitants of the Barony of Clanwilliam
to appear before us at Tipperary on the 22 instant on purpose
to inquire into the matter contained in the said letter, but our

356 MUNSTER.

summons not being regarded by them we were forct to have
recourse for information to the meaner sort of people by whom
we found that Thomas Grace and David Hedderman popish
priests (and not qualified by law to exercise their function)
have of late Sellebrated Mass in the Parishes of Tipperary,
Latten and Sronell for which we issued warrants against them.
As to the other matter which we were directed to inquire into,
we cant yet receive satisfactory information by reason that
those who are privie to them, refuse to appear to give information
concerning them but we desire you will assure their Excellencies
the Lords Justices that we will use all proper means to discover
whatsoever has been practiced to preiudice her Maiestie and the
peace of her kingdom. We must observe to you that we sum-
moned some new converts whose conduct and behaviour gave
us grounds to feare they were not sincere Protestants with purpose
to tender the abjuration oath but they also refused to appear
for which reason we have issud warrants against them. We
purpose soon to meet again on this occasion and you shall be
informed of our proceedings that you may give their Excellencies
account of the same. We are etc.
JAS. DAWSON, JONA ASHE, WILLIAM BAKER, MATHEW BUNBURY.

Five other Justices of Peace write, 1st July, 1714, from Nenagh:

Pursuant to order and resolution agreed to we did on the first,
instant meet and examine on oath the Petty Constables of the
severall parishes what Popish priests officiate without being
registered ; without having taken the Oath of Abjuration.
We have an account of three who are registered but not con-
formed to the Law and will proceed against them accordingly.
We cannot heer of any persons going abroad for foreign education
nor of any persons exercising Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction except
one Denis Kennedy Priest of Kilbarran against whom we have
issued our warrants. We have not any popish school master
within Ormond Barony nor hear on strictest enquiry of any
Popish priests lately come into this kingdom from beyond seas.
We have an account of one curate or assistant whom we shall
endeavour to apprehend. The Justices of the Peace of this
Barony have long agoe caused the popish inhabitants of any
credit to take the Abjuration Oath, except a few who are since
come to live in said Barony or who absconded.

25 July 1714.

We further acquaint you that having proceeded in order to detect
Popish regulars and Dignatories we were not able to discover
any such in our Barony but having received Information against
two popish priests in other Baronies viz. one Macnamara whose
Christian name we do not know and one Daniel Davern who
have celebrated masses lately, one of them being not registered
and both not having taken the Oath of Abjuration. Against

MUNSTER. 357

whom we have issued our Warrants as we have likewise done
against some lay persons who being summoned in order to take
the Oath have refused to appear.

HENRY PRITTIE, MICH. STANLEY, DERMOT O'MEARA.

In Slievardagh barony the priests managed to escape obser-
vation. Two justices wrote 6th July, 1714, from Killenaule,
that they summoned the chief papists and upon the examination
of one Owen Clancey they took informations against John Healy
a popish schoolmaster, and Captain Butler of Clorine, suspected
to be enlisting men for the Pretender. But upon the whole the
magistrates earned the encomiums of the executive. Secretary
Dawson, 31st July, acquainted the high sheriff :

I am directed to acquaint you that their Excellencies and Lordships
do very much approve of the zeal of the Justices of the Peace
on this occasion and desire them to continue their care and
diligence therein and in a few days you will receive a more
particular answer.

They evidently continued their diligence.

Knockorden Feby. 5 1716.

Sir In obedience to their Excellencies the Lord Justices directions
by examining sondry Papists I have detected two Popish priests
not registered according to Law, one Patrick Heas in Tipperary
and one Darby Crow near Cullen in the County of Tipperary
against whom I have issued warrants but they are not as yet
taken. Your humble servant

EDWARD MOORE.

The returns sent in 1744 according to instructions, give some
further insight into the state of things in Tipperary.

Clonmel 7 March 1743-4.

Sir In obedience to the command of his Grace the Lord Lieutenant
and Council of this kingdom and on receipt of yours dated the
3rd instant I immediately made all the Enquiry possible within
this town and the liberties thereof for all Popish Archbishops,
Bishops, Vicars General, Deans, Jesuits, Monks, friars and other
regular popish Clergy and of all papists exercising any ecclesias-
tical jurisdiction. And upon due and strict Inquiry and after
examining upon Oath several Papist Inhabitants of this town to
that purpose do finde that there are three persons viz. Thomas
Hennessy who officiated as Popish Parish Priest of this town.
Thomas Stritch who is assistant Priest under him and Walter
Power a ffryer and that the usuall place of their Residence is
in the town of Clonmel. Hennessy lives in a house of his own,
Stritch in the house of Catherine Stritch, Widow, his mother,

358 MUNSTER.

and Power in the ffryery house in the West subburb of Clonmel.
That on receipt of the Proclamation sent him by the Govern-
ment Boleyn Bigg .Esq. one of his Majesty's Justices of the
Peace for County Tipperary who lives here Joyned me and we
Immediately issued severall warrants directed to the sheriff of
the said County to all high and petty Constables and to the
Constables of the said Town to apprehend all popish Archbishops
etc. and to search for all arms, armour and ammunition in
Papists houses and other suspected places within said town and
County. Which were immediately given into the hands of the
Constables of this town with strict charge to putt the same in due
execution which they did accordingly. And the Constables
returned us account that they could find no popish priests nor
arms etc. in the said town and liberties thereof and that they
particularly searched the several houses wherein said priests
lived and that they were fledd and gone away. That there is
a very large Popish Mass house, well slated and in good repair
in the west subburbs of this town and a thatched house called
a fryery a little above the same and vast quantityes of papists
in and about this town did usually frequent the same, but that
said Mass house and fryery are now locked up and the keys
thereof brought me. All which is most humbly submitted to
his Grace and Privy Council by your Most obedient and humble
servant. JN. LACKEY, Mayor.

P.S. I shall take care from time to time punctually to observe
all the commands of the Government.

Cashell March 10 1743.

Sir Pursuant to his Excellency's the Lord Lieutenant and Councils
Order to me of 3rd inst I send you inclosed two Informations
which show the number of the Popish Clergy in the City and
Liberties of Cashell and am humbly of opinion that there are
no Popish archbishops etc. Regular popish clergy or Papists
exercising any ecclesiastical jurisdiction within this City or
Liberties other than the persons particularly named in said
Informations.

I am further to Inform you that the Justices subscribing said
Informations went through this City and Liberties in my aid
and made diligent search for the persons in said Informations
but could as yet apprehend none of them, they having made
their escape, and at the same time searched for arms in all
suspected places and found none. I also by order of Colonell
Pennefather transmit to you the Information of the popish
Inhabitants of the Town of Thurles, who am your humble servant.

EDWD. LHOYD.

County of Tipperary City of Cashell.

The Informations of Richard Kelly shopkeeper, Denis Ryan
Innholder, John Berane and Daniel Kelly, Wiggmaker, popish

MUNSTER. 359

inhabitants of the said City taken before us the 6th day of March
1743-4. Who being severally and duly sworn on the holly Evan-
gilists and Examined deposeth and saith that Timothy Fogarty
is the resident popish priest that officiates and celebrates mass
in the parish of St. John Cashell and that they verelly believe
he has no station in the popish church such as Vicar Generall,
Dean, Jesuit, monk or frier and is only priest of the aforesaid
parish. They further deposeth that James Meagher is a popish
priest but has no parish to take care of nor do they believe
that he the said Meagher has any station in the church as above.
They further deposeth that Denis Brien and Phillip Dwyer are
both friers and live in a house they rent in the subburbs of the
said City and that Timothy Fogarty and James Meagher both
live in houses they rent in said City and they severally deposeth
that they know of no other popish clergy of any kind or degree
whatsoever within the said City or Liberties thereof and they further
severally deposeth that Christopher Butler is the reputed titular
Bishop of the Diocese of Cashell and that his reputed place of
abode is at Kilcash near Clonmell in the said County, and further
saith not. Taken and sworn before us the 6 day of March 1743-4.
EDWD. LHOYD Dep Mayor of the City of Cashel. RICHD. KELLY.
RICHARD PENNEFATHER WILLIAM CARR DENNIS RYAN.

JOHN ROE, RICHARD LOCKWOOD JOHN BERANE.

DANL. KELLY.

( The second information which is of similar tenor was sworn
by Edward Scully, Innholder:

County of Tipperary. Town of Thurles.

The Information of John Cormack, Robert Shee, Inholder, James
Fogarty, shop keeper, George Creagh, shop keeper, all popish
inhabitants in said town as also John Langton.

Who being severally sworn on the Holy Evangelists Deposeth and
saith that Michel Fiha (sic) is resident Popish Priest that officiates
and celebrates mass in the parish of Thurles and that they
verily believe he has no station in the popish church as Vicar
Generall, Jesuit, Monk or Frier and is only priest of the aforesaid
parish. They further depose that James Prendergast is a frier,
Valentine Delany and one Hogan whose Christian name they
don't know are friers alsoe and reside in said town. And they
further depose that John Ryan and one Byrne whose Christian
name they dont know are ffriers and appear sometimes in said
Town but are not Residents of it. And they further depose
that William Howley who is the popish priest of the Town of
Fethard is the reputed Vicar Generall as they often heard and
verily believe of the Diocese of Cashell. And they further depose
that John Wale is a popish priest who officiates sometimes and
did celebrate mass in the chapel of Thurles and often frequents
said town but is no Resident. And they further depose that

360 MUNSTER.

Christopher Butler is the titular archbishop of the Diocese of
Cashell and is so reputed and that his reputed place of abode
is at Kilcash near Clonmel in said County and further saith not.
Taken and sworn before us on the 9 of March 1743-4.
RICHARD PENNEFATHER, ROBERT TAYLOR, WILLIAM PENNEFATHER,
JOHN CORMACK, ROBT. SHEE, Js. FOGARTY, GEORGE CREAGH,
M. LANGTON.

It is often thought that despite the efforts of the executive
and the parliament, the laws against priests were not, and never
could be enforced owing to the good feeling of the local authorities.
Doubtless in many cases this was true. But the documentary
evidence points rather the other way to the restraining influence
of government. If the request of the grand jurors in the following
instance were granted and the proclamation issued, the legal effect
would be that the priest might be shot at discretion by any
drunken squire.

County of Tipperary to wit. At a General Assizes and General
Gaol Delivery held at Clonmel in and for the County of Tipperary
the 16 day of March 1750.

We the Grand Jury at said Assizes in lawful manner Sworn and
charged Present John Hally late of Killerke in the County of
Tipperary, popish priest, who stands indicted as of record re-
remaining in the Crown Office of said County, for that he
contemptuously and unlawfully did endeavour to seduce and
pervert Charles Moore a professed Protestant of the Church of
Ireland as by Law established from his said profession and
Excite and abett him, the said Charles Moore, to receive and
embrace the form and Ceremonies of the Church of Rome for
which he hath not yet received Tryal as by the Clerk of the Crown
certified to be a Torie, robber and rapparee of the Popish religion,
out in Arms and on his keeping and not ameanable to Law and
we pray your Lordships he may be represented as such to their
Excellencies the Lords Justices and Council of this kingdom to
be forthwith proclaimed.

Thomas Maude, Danl. Gahan, Jonathan Lovett, Stephen Moore,
U. Barker, Hugh Massey, Kingsmell Pennefather, John Roe,
Math. Bunbury, Francis Sadleir.Thomas Luther, Francis Despard,
Richard Pennefather, Samuel Waller, Phannell Cooke, Minchin
Garden, John Lapp Judkin, John Jephson, William Penne-
father, Laurence Clutterbuck, John Bayly, Tho. Darner, Nathaniel
Taylor.

In truth the best and only security the priests had was the
loyalty of their people. They were ready to defend them often at
the cost of their own lives. In 1754 orders were sent to arrest a

MUNSTER. 361

priest in Cashel and have him sent to Limerick to be tried, as would
appear, on some charge under the Marriage Acts. In a series of
letters at the Record Office there is a lively account of the pro-
ceedings. The following is from the high sheriff of the County to
Secretary Waite :

Sir I think it my duty to inform you that the priest I was ordered
to have transmitted to Limerick was rescued from my Sub sheriff
and the army by a very great number of people which pelted'
them with stones in such a manner that the soldiers were rendered
incapable of charging their pieces after they had made some
shotts. Two of the soldiers were greatly hurt and the Sub sheriff.
One of the mobb is dead and severall wounded. I must observe
that five times the number of soldiers would not take a priest to
Gaol through that country when his life was supposed to be in
the least danger.

When the guard set out the last days march there was about a
hundred mobb went on before and as many behind shouting
as they went, which collected the different clans to a narrow
lane where they made the attack by about five hundred men at
once throwing vast quantities of stones and then rushing im-
mediately on the men. These were concealed in some thick furrs
till they had the guard in the lane and in ten minutes there was
at least 3000 men and women collected and vast multitudes
running down every hill to the place they heard the fire.

Kingswell 29 March 1754. JONATHAN LOVETT.

On 6th April the high sheriff again writes :

You mentioned that it is necessary for me to send up proper In-
formations of the rescue but if you was here you would see it
was not in my power to gett any at present, for the Priests have
such an influence on the people that time must be the only thing
that gives me hopes of getting such as will be of service.

He goes on to relate that two villains with pistols had attacked
himself. Armstrong the Protestant vicar of Tipperary took up
the defence of the sheriff, who had been blamed for not providing
a greater military force.

On his arrival at Tipperary with twenty soldiers no attempt at
rescue was apprehended till they came near Limerick [County]
but as some insolence was used in examining the coach and
chairs that travelled the road from Tipperary towards Limerick
and many threats were uttered against the young Lady that
was to prosecute he and his friends apprehended it reasonable
to send the priest by the military force, and all the neighbouring
Gentlemen were summoned to convey the Lady that was to

362 MUNSTER.

prosecute. Had they all attended I feare it would be fruitless
for I heare there were thousands, and many of them armed
from the bounds of the County Tipperary prepared and resolved
to rescue.

Joseph Damer of Shronell, a neighbouring magistrate, wrote
that so great was the popish intimidation that the high sheriff
had left his house at Kingswell and gone to live in the town of
Tipperary. And he continues :

The Common Papists are insolent and provide themselves with
arms. We hope the Lord Chief Justice in his charge to the
Grand Jury will let the county know their duty and raise the
spirits of the now insulted poor Protestants.

His lordship must have spirited up the poor Protestants, for
a few years later is found the following presentment against a
parish priest of that locality :

Clonmel General Assizes May 23, 1763 before Right Hon. Warden
Flood and Hon. William Scott.

Michael Ouinlan a Popish priest having at Aghnacarty and other
places exercised the office and functions of a Popish priest against
the peace and statute etc. True Bill.

The earliest illustration of the working of the popery acts, met
with in Waterford, is the following.

Berkeley, Gallway.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed in this kingdom the 9th
yeare of His Majesty's Reyne entited an Act passed for banishing
all Papists exercising any Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and all
Regulars of the Popish Religion out of this kingdom, it is enacted
etc. And whereas it is certifyed vnto us by Mr. Justice Cox
one of the Justices of Assize for the late Munster Circuit that
James Manin and William Daniel ffryers remain now in the
County Gaol of Waterford having not yet been sent beyond
seas. These are therefore to authorize and require you in
pursuance of the Act before mentioned to cause the said James
Manin and William Daniel by the first convenient opportunity
that shall offer to be transported beyond seas out of his Majesty's
dominions wherein all magistrates and other persons whom it
doth concern are to take notice and for so doing this shall be
to you and all others herein concerned a sufficient warrant.
Given at his Majesties Castle of Dublin the 29 Day of April
1700. By their Excellencies Commands. T. H. MAY.

To W. Browneing Esq. High Sheriff of the Co. of Waterford.

Richard Pierce was bishop of Waterford from 1696 to 1739
the most savage period of the code. But of the forty-three years-

MUNSTER. 363

of his episcopate not quite four were spent in his diocese. For
he had been chaplain in King James' army and this fact was
trumpeted in the "State of the Protestants" by Archbishop King.
His Jacobite associations were moreover well known to Lord
Stair, the British ambassador in Paris. Hence though Propaganda
more than once sent a mandate to return to Waterford he dare
not venture, and thus he lived and died a refugee at Sens in Bur-
gundy. But a man of his mark would be a splendid take for the
priest catchers and so a sharp look out for him was long kept
up. It will be remembered that Tyrrell made a wild shot that
"John" Pierce, bishop of Waterford, was sheltered at Kilcash
Castle with Archbishop Butler. When it was pretty certain he
had not returned from France, a more picturesque story was told :

Whitehall 20 April 1713.

My Lord Two persons whose names are Samuel Webber and
Samuel Graydon having given information of a design formed
in France by one Pierce who stiles himself Bishop of Waterford
to set the Queen's [Anne's] Pallace on fire and afterwards to
assasinate Herself. T am directed to communicate the same to
your Grace that you may order enquiry to be made into the
character of these men, the former of whom says he has inhabited
many years in Clonmel and Sligo, the latter that he has served
some time in the regiment commanded by Mr. Harvey and of
late in the British Hospital in Spain. When your Grace receives
any account of them from Ireland you will be pleased to transmit
it to me that I may lay it before her Majesty.

I am my Lord Yours etc.

DARTMOUTH.

To his Grace the Duke of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant.

This story was too tall to stand, and so later reports assumed
more modest shapes.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Ireland.
The humble petition of Richard McElligott.

Sheweth That your Petitioner discovered one Richard Pierce
Titular Bishop of Waterford and Lismore to have returned into
this kingdom from France contrary to a late Act of Parliament
made here but the said Pierce being harboured by one Collonel
John Butler of the Castle of Kilkenny and Collonel Thomas
Butler of the County of Tipperary soe that your Petitioner could
not prosecute him the said Pierce, as the law impowers.

May it therefore please your Excellencies to grant your Order
to the next sitting Judge of that Circuit to order that a fine

364 MUNSTER.

may be levied on the Collonels aforesaid which they are liable

to by the Act above mentioned. And your Petitioner will

pray etc.
Your Excellencies may be sensible that your Petitioner has lost

the fame and friendshipp of all his ffriends and Relations on this

Account.
[Endorsed] To be recommended to a Justice of the Peace to assist

in putting the Act in Execution.

Of the proceedings against the Colonels there is no account.
In 1713 and the subsequent years the priests of Waterford like
their brethren elsewhere were in the language of the proclamations
"out upon their keeping." Edward Shuldhan writes to Secretary
Dawson 21st July, 1713 : "The priest at Waterford who came on
his tryall, submitted, soe he is ordered after the time of his im-
prisonment is out to be transported." James Roch, high sheriff
of the county, on 18th June, 1714, acquainted the Dublin authorities
that he has summoned all the Justices of the Peace to meet at
Kilmacthomas to take steps to arrest the absconding priests.
The mayor of Waterford, Francis Barker, on the 5th of the same
month modestly encloses informations taken against Edward
Butler and Henry Cheevers. The priests in the city seem to
have successfully eluded their pursuers, for Samuel Austin writes,
27th October : "In our Gaol in this City we have only one popish
priest viz. Martin Archer who was transmitted to us last week
from Kilkenny." In 1715 we find the following presentment :

We find and present that Terence Sheehy Romish Priest of the
parishes of Whitechurch, Aglish and Clashmore, John Carroll
Romish Priest of parishes of Kilbarrymeaden, Monksland and
Rossmear, James Donnell Romish Priest of the parish of Kill-
ronan, Thomas English Romish Priest of the parishes of
Rathgormuck and Lisnekill, Richard Power Romish Priest of
the parishes of Ardmore, Lisgenan and Kinsalebeg were all
registered at a Sessions held for the said County at Tallow the
4 day of July 1704 and are since dead.

And that Gerrald Prendergast doth officiate and celebrate mass
as a popish priest in the place of James Daniell in the said parish
of Killronan, and also that Morgan Sheehy officiates in the
parishes of Ardmore and Kinsalebeg in the place of Richard
Power. We alsoe find and present that Theobald Burke Romish
Priest of the parish of Dromcanan did take the Oath pursuant
to Act of Parliament.

MUNSTER. 365

We find and present that Michael McCanny of the parishes of
Affane, Modeligo and Seskenan, Morris English of Mothell and
Killbarry, David Lehen of the parish of Lismore, Thomas Browne
of the parishes of Ballylenin and ffews, John Power of the parishes
of Killmedin, Clonegam and Newcastle, Thomas Clancy of the
parish of temple Mihill, Thomas Conny of the parish of Ringo-
gouna, William Kennedy of the parish of Disart, John ffennell
of the parishes of Dunhill and Reisk were registered at the
Sessions aforesaid and are all now alive.

NICHOLAS OSBORNE cum Sociis.

[Endorsed] 19 Aprill 1715 Com. Waterford Presentment against
Priests.

Towards the end of 1721 the capture of a priest near Dun-
garvan, revealed a very dangerous form of Popish conspiracy.
The two following letters were found on him :

Nos Hugo Dei et Apostolicae Sedis gratia Episcopus Acchadensis
notum facimus universis per praesentes quod nos Anno Domini
1713 in die Octava Nativitatis beatae Mariae semper Virginis
dilectum Dominum Joannem O'Connor diocesis Limericensis
(cum licentia sui ordinarii) ad primam tousuram, quatuor minores
ac. S. Subdiaconatus ordinem promovimus, feria vero quarta
Quatuor Temporum Septembris eumdem ad S. Diaconatus
ordinem promovimus, ac tandem feria sexta eorumdem Quatuor
Temporum praenominatum ad S. Presbyteratus ordinem rite et
canonice promovimus, non servatis ex Indulto Apostolico in-
terstitiis aliisque a Concilio Tridentino requisitis. In quorum
fidem praesentes manu Sigilloque munerimus hac die 19a
Septembris Anni supradicti. Hu. ACCHADENSIS ^ \

De Mandate Ta. Kilkenens Secret. / \

(V)

Nos diocesis Lymericensis Vicarius Generalis ad quos hae literae
spectaverint salutem in Domino sempiternam.

Cum dilectus nobis in christo Dominus Joannes O'Connor in jure
canonico licentiatus praesbiter et Castellae Novae parochus
ardenti zelo religionis causa offerens, colligendi homines contra
Haereticos curam suscepit, quapropter (in voto haberet in His-
pania mare trans jicere) nostras testimoniales litteras petierit,
nos justae ejus petition! consentientes notum facimus et attest-
amur eum non solum pie et exemplariter vixisse, verum etiam
nullis censuris enodatum, eum quam ob rem omnibus praesulibus
gratiarii et communionem Sanctae Sedis Apostolicae habentibus
et has litteras inspecturis sumopere comendamus. In quorum
fidem ita fecimus et attestamur hac die tertia Novembris anno
Domini 1721 mill, septin, vices, primo.

JOANNES BEGLEY Vicarius Generalis.

366 MUNSTER.

Forthwith warrants for the arrest of Begley and of the bishop
Hugh mentioned in the Testimony of Orders, were issued. Mean-
while a number of suspicious strangers found in the neighbourhood
of Dungarvan were arrested and an inquiry was opened by one
Talbot Ivory, 21st December, 1721. The following is an abstract
of the proceedings :

John Connor popish priest being examined saith that he has been
in this part of the country about a fortnight and-because he had
no benefice of his own he went up and down among Christians
and priests. Being asked whether he is a priest Says he is not
obliged to criminate him selfe. Being asked how long time
since he was received in popish orders Says it was about eight
years ago. Being asked whether he had no parish since he was
ordained Says he had not.

The Letters of Orders which were found with him among other
papers, being produced he owns to have received them ; also
a pass signed by Joannes Begly vicar generall of Limerick.

Says he said Grace last night at Mr. James Fitz Geralds house
at Supper and that they had bread ale etcetera. Says his desygne
was actually to goe over seas, and that he heard severall people
were likewise to go over.

He refuses to sign the Examination.

John Fitz Gerald who is Clerk to the priest taken among the rest,
being asked where he lived Says he lived near the Island of Kerry
[Castleisland]. Being asked whether he knows the above John
Connor. Says he is acquainted with him and that he heard him
say mass above a hundred times in the County of Kerry and
that he officiated as Clerk under him severall times and that he
knew him to be a popish priest in orders. Being asked what
brought him among the prisoners says that he came from Kerry
to see his relation the said James Fitz Gerald.

Dennis Rourke saith that he left Mitchelstown about ten days
ago, called at the house of Mr. James Fitz Gerald at Killeh in
the County of Waterford when and where there were severall
persons reputed to be wild geese or men intended for the Spanish
service. John son of James Fitz Gerald tried unsuccessfully to
enlist him to fight against the Moores. He heard there are
about one hundred men to go off to Spain.

James Fitz Gerald (prisoner) denied giving sustenance to the
persons ; his son Thomas went over to Spain about a yeare
ago. He says the person reputed to be a priest and now in
custody told him he was a priest.

Terence Connery of the old parish in the County Waterford says
that ffather francis Quin shipt off at Wise's point near Dun-

MUNSTER. 367

garvan about a fortnight ago one hundred and five men in a
sloop which came in at Dungarvan one Laurence Grace, Master.

Ivory, the magistrate, in a letter from Youghal, 2nd January,
1722, relates further particulars :

Last Munday with the assistance of the army in the night time
I surrounded the house of Mr. James Fitz Gerald at Killeigh in
the County of Waterford whose son last year was reported to
carry off near 100 men and another son is now on the same
errand. His house has been the head quarters for this province
whereby the multitude that resorted there have destroyed the
provisions of all the poor people near the sea coast. In his
house I seized a priest who had a power to enlist men and a pass
to go for Spain, and eleven men in the barn. I have sent ten
men, the priest and Fitz Gerald that harboured them to Water-
ford Gaol and have written to Mr. Napper the Collector at
Limerick to secure Begly the vicar generall.

From West Waterford we have curious and instructive details.
In 1708 the priests of Waterford like those in the rest of the country
were all pounced upon and held in custody. But in some cases
through the offices of a friendly constable, the detention was
merely formal. Such a case occurred in Lismore where the dean,
David Lehane, seems to have had considerable liberty. William
Jephson, a Protestant, who was scandalized at this, acquaints
Secretary Dawson, 31st March, 1708 :

I have to inform you that the popish priest of this parish (who
for his parts and subtiltye and superiority over all the other
preists is reckoned as dangerous a Person as may be, and can
greatly influence his people) is only confined in the neighbour-
hood, not a musquet shott from his parish at a Constable's house
and has been suffered to come abroade and officiate. By whom
this indulgence has been granted I will not say nor can I fully
be informed as yet but the fact is true. Their Excellencies if
they think fitt will give their commands in this matter and
wherever they lay, then noe body can take it ill when they are
duely put in execution.

Six years later we learn more of the Dean.

Lismore 14 July 1714.

Sir Pursuant to your Letter Mr. Andrews and myself mett and
issued warrants against severall popish priests and had two
taken one Garrett fitz Gerald an old man and one Laurence
Gordon his assistant against whom we have Informations of
their exercising their Function contrary to Law. We have

368 MUNSTER.

committed them to Gaole of which proceeding we acquainted
the High Sheriff at the meeting the 17th June and desired to be
laid before the Government and we propose effectively putting
the laws in- force which is to summons Persons of the Popish
religion to examine when where and by whom mass was celebrated
By which means we have gott full Informations against all the
Priests that celebrated mass within thirty days. On which we
have issued warrants against them and hope they may be taken.
Inclosed is a Letter I had lately from the Popish priest of this
place who finds fault with me for the course I have taken and
pretends to direct me how I should proceed. I have full
directions about him, he being in high esteem amongst the
Popish Clergy and is said to be a Bishop etc. but passes but
for a Common Priest. It is believed he makes young priests
but I cannot gett Information upon Oath, so if taken he cant be
prosecuted but as a Common Priest. Yours, RICHD. BAGGS.

The magistrate took his worshipful self so seriously that he
could not see the priest was fooling him.

Worthy Sir I am sorry my distemper will not dispense me to
wait in person on your worship though had I been in a condition
to ride or goe I understand it's not safe for any of my function
to appear before a Magistrate in this hott weather. Permit one
therefore, I pray, to salute your worship a far off and to let you
understand that I am tould that upon examining those that
were summoned to take an Oath the 28 of last month in Lismore
your Worship was pleased to level at me particularly in order
to bring me under the penalty of the law. Which indeed I did
not expect from so good a friend as I took you to be. I am tould
that the said Jurors being sworn where and when they heard
mass last a few answering it was from Fr. Nagle and such a day,
your Worship not satisfied with that answer which is the only
one required by the Proclamation you were pleased to enquire
whether they heard mass from me, a question which you were
not obliged to propose or they to answer. Because they were
to answer when and by whom they heard mass last. I am
tould that Mr. Stefan swore he did not know whether it was
three weeks or four weeks since he heard mass from me, of which
information your Worship is pleased to take hoult in order to
bring me under the penalty of the law which I can hardly believe
and that for those reasons. First because I found you always
to be my very good friend that you'd take hould of so blind
an information to ruine me. For granted that Stefan swore
that he did not know whether it was three weeks or four weeks
since he heard mass from me that makes no positive oath that
he heard mass from me three weeks or four weeks agoe. For
if he swore that he did not know whether I was then in Lismore

MUNSTER. 369

or in Cappoquin it makes no positive oath that I was then in
either Lismore or Cappoquin and so when he swore he heard
mass from me three or four weeks ago. Moreover its known
that I was not in a. condition these many weeks past to serve
my parish being confined to my bed b}^ the gout and gravel
in the heath [? height] of which I was forced to be carried like
a dead man between people out of my bed. Hearing your
worship issued your warrant to take me I pray be not more
severe against me then respecting parish priests. If the rest of
my function be sent to gaol I am willing when able to leave
my bed to carry my cross along with them. But I pray lett
me not be dealth with worse than they are. I am tould that
there is not such a hurly burley between Cork and Dublin as
there is between Tallow and Lismore ; no priest in the whole
province sent to gaole but two out of Tallow whereof one who
is registered did not officiate these ten years past. We hear of
no priest confined in Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, or Waterford.
I hope you do not designe me to be the first priest to march to
gaol when I am not able to leave' my bed. God's peace be with
you and all other moderate Justices of the Peace being the
ardent prayer of

Worthy Sir, Your worships most humble and most afflicted servt.

from my bedd the 5 day of July 1714. D. LEHANE.

[Endorsed] Richard Bagg Esq. In Lismore.

The magistrate eventually had the best of the joke. In a
"List of Persons Secured," February, 1716-7, we find "Lismore
David le Hane a Priest."

The return sent from Waterford City in 1744 is as follows :

The Return of the Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of Waterford.

Sir In obedience to the order of the Lord Lieutenant and Council
transmitted to us by you we have made diligent enquiry within
our jurisdiction for the names and places of abode of all persons
being or reputed to be Popish Archbishops, Bishops, Vicars-
General, Deans, Jesuits, Monks, Friars or other regular popish
clergy and of all papists exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

And we find that Silvester Loyd reputed to be the popish Titular
Bishop of Waterford resided in the City of Waterford for some
time past but upon search being made for him pursuant to the
Proclamation we find he has lately absconded and cannot be
found.

We find that William O'Meara reputed to be popish Dean of Water-
ford resided in the City of Waterford for some time past but
upon search for him he has absconded as aforesaid.

We find that John St. Leger, Felix Clear}'-, William Sexton, Peter
MacNamara, Peter Costello, Luke Kelly, William Shee, John

370 MUNSTER.

Bray, and William Brown to be reputed Monks friers and Jesuits
and that they or some number of them dwelt together for some
time past in a house in Stephen Street called the friery but
upon search made in aforesaid house and other places we find
they absconded as aforesaid. Which we humbly certifye and
return this 14th day of Aprill 1744.

CORNELIUS BOLTON, Mayor, JOHN MORRIS and THOMAS WEST,
Sheriffs.

The bishop it may be observed died a refugee in Paris three
years later.

The papers relating to the County Cork owing to its great
extent, which includes three dioceses, are numerous and important.

Berkeley Gallway.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed in this kingdom the 9th
year of His Majesty's Reign for banishing all Papists etc. and
all Regulars and Whereas it is certifyed unto us etc. These
are therefore to authorise and require you in pursuance of the
said Act to cause the said Thomas Fleming and John McDowd
ffryers by the first convenient opportunity that shall offer, to
be transported beyond seas out of his Majesty's Dominion? etc.
Given at his Majesty's Castle of Dublin the 29 day of Aprill 1700.

To the high Sheriff of the County of Cork. T. H. MAY.

Evidently the Cork authorities were not all of one mind as
to enforcing the popery laws.

Ormonde.

Being informed that one Daniel McCarthy a Popish Priest who
was tryed and convicted at the last Assizes at Corke and sent
to be transported out of this kingdom and to remaine in Gaole
without Baile or Mainprise until transported, is now at liberty
in the County of Corke. These are to direct and require you
to cause the said Daniel McCarthy to be apprehended and com-
mitted to Gaolc and kept in safe custody and the first opportunity
of shipping to cause him to be transported out of this kingdom
according to the sentence given against him. Given the 30 day
of November 1711. EDW. SOUTHWELL.

To George Crofts Esq. High Sheriff of the County of Cork.

In fact the Privy Council in London was receiving the worst
accounts of the growth of popery in the south. That protagonist
of Irish Protestants, Sir Richard Cox, was constrained to defend

his fellow magistrates.

Dun 23 Feby. 1712-3.

Sir I have the favour of yo urs and was surprised at Mr. Hetridge's
dismall account of the Papists here for though I came through

MUNSTER. 371

Cork and had a visit from the Mayor and severall of his brethren
and have been since in this wild country yet I know nothing of
the matter nor do I believe there is anything in it but that two
or three perhaps more priests (or Titular Bishops as some suspect)
came over and I think one or two are apprehended and one or
two made their escape and 'tis likely that the priests will presume
upon the peace and come hither if they can, but both Acts of
Parliament and Proclamations are so severe that if these gentle-
men who complain do their duty in putting the laws in execution

. the priests will find but cold comfort here. I am as much against
popery as any of them but do not find any change or alteration in
that county but as it has been these seven years. Yours

To Edwd. Southwell, Secretary, etc. RICHD. Cox.

Hetridge had waited on Southwell in London with a letter
from Castle Hyde that the Protestants were in great apprehension
"that many priests were come over, said mass publickly and then
put on their swords either as daring or making it unsafe to punish
them." Further a trunk was seized near Mallow "containing
popish trinkets, books and letters." The whole trouble seems to
have arisen from the fact that the exiled bishop of Cork had died
in Lisbon the previous year and the Pope appointed Donough
McCarthy parish priest of Shandon to succeed him. The secret
got out somehow, and though McCarthy was not consecrated until
August, 1713, the priest hunters were already on his trail.

Corke Feby. 1 1712-3.

Sir I doe hereby acquaint you with a Transaction which lately
happened here which I desire you to lay before their Excellencies
the Lords Justices and to let me know their Excellencies pleasure
therein whose commands shall with all diligence be obeyed.

About ten days agoe one Mr. Edward Tyrrell applyed himself
unto me and letting me know that he had made it his Business
to Detect and seize all such Popish clergymen as he found in
the kingdom contrary to the law made against them. That he
had seized on severall in the Counties of Lowth and King's
County who were thereuppon committed to the gaoles of their
respective counties of which he had given an account to their
Excellencies and was by them approved.

That he had Information that a Titular Popish archbishop
with severall Popish clergymen were lately arrived here and
therefore desired mine and the rest of the Justices of the Peace
here assistance which being a matter that so much conduced
to her Majesties service and the safety of her Subjects we readily
embraced it and promised him all the assistance possible and

372 MUNSTER.

Incouradged him to make what discoveries he could and provided
him with a convenient lodging and necessaries.
That on Thursday last he came to me and told me he had made a
full discovery and desired our assistance to putt his project in
Execution. Upon which I sent for the rest of the Justices and
before us the said Mr. Tyrrell gave an Information upon Oath
That he had found out a Titular Roman Archbishop who went
by the name of Butler and severall other unregistered Popish
Priests and that he was present that day when the said Titular
Archbishop said High Mass in one of the chapells and saw him
exercise Ecclesiasticall Popish jurisdiction by ordaining two
young men. That he also heard two of the priests to wit Patrick
Carthy and William Hennessy say mass in the same chappie
that he had discovered where they lodged and where the vest-
ments were put.

Upon which we sent for such of our Aldermen as were in rown
and could come, to consult the best means to be used herein and
thereupon we drew a warrant grounded upon the said Infor-
mation in pursuance of their Excellencies and Councils late
proclamation which warrant we directed to the Sheriff with the
Constables and other officers of the City who presently after
midnight went out in severall partyes under the conduct of Mr.
Tyrrell to severall places where he informed us he was told the
said Titular Arch Bishop and other the Popish Priests were
lodged. That first comeing to the Arch Bishop's supposed lodg-
ing they could not find him, only found the said Carthy one
of the Preists and in another house they found the other priest
William Hennessy whom Mr. Tyrrell heard say mass, and in
another house they found the two young men who were that
day ordained. Which four persons were committed to Gaole
and since that time they have all severally given good security
for their appearance at the next assizes to be holden for this City.
Upon searching for the Priests the sheriffs and their assistants
found severall vestments which Mr. Tyrrell deposes he saw the
said Titular Arch Bishop and the other Priests wear when they
officiate, with severall other Trinketts belonging to their worship
and severall Bookes among which they found in a garrett in
the house where Carthy was taken a large Trunk of new Bookes
all which they brought to me where they still remain. The
Trunk of Bookes are owned by one MacNamara one of the
Registered Priests in this City but on perusall of them we finde
many of them are marked as the Bookes of Edmund fflanagan
the Titular Popish Bishop of Clonfert who Mr. Tyrrell tells me
is now in the Kings County. Mr. Tyrrell informs me that when
he was at mass as aforesaid he heard them use severall Prayers
for the Pretender by the name of King James the third and
telling the congregation in Irish that they should not feare.
The cloud that hung over those of their function would soon be

MUNSTER. 373

over and their King settled on his Throne. All the papist Books
and vestments we thought fitt to keep till we receive directions
from their Excellencies.

Not knowing but it might be requisite we took a Recognisance
from Mr. Tyrrell upon his leaving this City to appear at our
next assizes and prosecute against the said Priests if the Govern-
ment shall think fitt. We omitted giving this account the
.last post expecting some further disco veryes might be made.

Yours etc. DANIEL PERDRIAN.

Tyrrell when in Cork passed under the name of Edward Fitz-
gerald. He formed the acquaintance of one David Fitzgerald
whom he had seen at mass, and brought him back to Dublin as a
man who could make great discoveries being no less a personage

than the son of the chapel keeper.

21 February 1712-3.

David Fitzgerald being examined before the Privy Council saith
he knows Edward Fitz Gerald being acquainted with him at
Corke. Was present when masse was said in Corke and that
Father Dennis Carthy said Masse in Corke and is a Bishop.
Says he saw him make a priest formerly but did not see him
make any priest that day when Edward Fitz Gerald was at
masse. That he heard the two young priests say masse severall
times before. This his father is called John Fitz Gerald, is a
poor man but is not chapell-keeper, nor has any employment
about the chapell but that one Murphy who is employed by
Father Dennis Carthy was Chapell keeper. That he has heard
four priests say mass in Corke and their names were Dennis
Carthy, Teige McNamara, Patrick Carthy and William Hennessy.

Tyrrell beginning to suspect that the Cork man's story might
not fit into his own, raised difficulties about having Fitz Gerald
examined.

Edward Tyrrell being examined saith that he brought one David
Fitzgerald with him from Cork to be examined before the Lords
Justices and Council and being examined whether this Examinate
[Tyrrell] would have David Fitzgerald examined he replyed that
Fitzgerald was an absolute stranger to him, this Examinate
being a discoverer or prosecutor of Popish Priests, and [Fitz-
gerald] believes this Examinate to be a priest, and he feares his
[Fitzgeralds] being examined may discover this designe and
therefore he [Fitzgerald] will not goe to Cork.

Their Excellencies of the Privy Council were evidently non-
plussed by the roguery of their witnesses, for two days later, 23rd
February, they referred them both to Mr. Justice Coote. He

374 MUNSTER.

probably straightened out the evidence and on 10th March we
find the following order to Mr. Shuldham :

Edward Tyrrell a prisoner in Newgate is to be sent to Phillipstown
and Cork to prosecute Regulars at the next assizes. You are to
attend at the said assizes to prosecute in behalf of her Maiestie
and you are to pay the expenses of Tyrrell, the sheriff's officer
and messenger appointed to attend him and the horses of the
two horsemen or Dragoons ordered as a guard.

Shuldam made a brief report of the proceedings in a letter
from Cork, 8th April, 1713.

I have been this week fully employed in the prosecuting of the
Popish Clergy. There have been upwards of twenty Indict-
ments against them but none appeared and stood their tryall
but two that Tyrrell caused to be apprehended. Amongst the
indictments there is one against one Christopher Butler a popish
archbishop but he is not to be found, so process is ordered against
him and all the rest that did not appear.

Tyrrell 's raid put the priests on their guard. John Allen.
Mayor of Cork, writes, 22nd June, 1714 :

As to the popish priests unregistered and registered that have
officiated without taking the Oath of Abjuration we can sa}~
that we have severall times endeavoured to apprehend such
but could never take above two to wit Patrick Carthy and
William Hennessy upon the Information of Edward Tyrrell
both which priests were prosecuted last assizes, convicted and
transported. We are credibly informed that the severall mass
houses in this City and suburbs have for these three weeks past
been shutt up and no priest appeared.

Mathew Dean on 2nd August sent a list of the priests registered
and unregistered supposed to be frequenting the city. The en-
closure is lost but we are more fortunate in the case of the county.

Pursuant to your Lordships directions to us the Grand Jury of the
County of Cork at the General Assizes and General Gaol Delivery
held for the said County the 9 day of April 1714 we make the
following return. HEN. BOYLE cum sociis.

1. John Shinnick, Gurran and Great Island. Suretyes entered
into Recognizances James Hegarty and Darby Keeffe in 50.
Refused to take the Oath of Abjuration.

2. Felix McCarthy deceased, Killmurry. Succeeded by Edmund
Sweeny, Teige Carthy and Danl. Leigh all of whom were indicted
but extra [i.e. out upon their keeping].

MUNSTER. 375

3. Phillip Mullane deceased, Ahabolley.

4. Dermod Callaghan, Aghina, Aglis and Ovens. Suretyes
Cornelius Murphy of Burren, James Egan of Skart in 50. Re-
fused to take Oath. Indicted but extra.

5. Daniel Carthy alias Gehy deceased, East Skull.

6. Dermod Croneen, Ballyvoorney and Killmartyr.

7. Denis Leary, Killmehill and Macloneagh. Suretyes Edmd.
Barrett, Thomas Murphy of Curahaly. Refused to take Oath.
Indicted but extra. Succeeded by Sullivan deceased, now by
Downey.

8. Donogh Sweeny Macromp. Suretyes Patrick Lawson of Skan-
kill, Dermot Carthy of Corleigh. Refused the Oaths. Indicted
but extra.

9. William Marke, Carrigcloyna, Carrigcupane and White Church.
Suretyes Garret Fitzgerald and Henry Pary.

10. Patrick Hoggan deceased, Monadcen, Carrick and Clonourt
succeeded by John Callaghan.

11. Donogh Callaghan, Castletown, Ballyhooly and Killatlw,
took the Oaths.

12. Teige Sullivan, Tullolease and Killbolan. Suretyes Manus
Keeff deceased and Tim Sullivan; refused the Oath.

13. John Sullivan Rahan part of Wnite Church and Killshannigg ;
took the Oaths.

14. Andrew Fitz Gerald deceased, Cloyne succeeded by John Curtin.

15. Edmund Cotter deceased, Dungerny, Mogeety and Cloumult,
succeeded by John Barry a new comer.

16. Mortagh Kelleher, Clondrohid. Suretyes Manus O'Keeffc of
Clongeely, Arthur Keeffe of Kellmihill. Refused the Oath.
Indicted together with Mortagh Kelleher junior his Coadjutor
both extra.

17. Felix Carthy deceased, Dromaleague, Drisinagh and Coharagh,
succeeded by Teig Carthy alias Baskina.

18. William Cahill, Killegh, Ardeagh, Dangin part of Clonprest.
Suretye Derby Keeffe of Great Island. Refused the Oath.

19. Daniel Keeffe, Kellmeen and Cullen, took the Oath.

20. Owen Keeffe, Clonfert. Suretyes Manus Keeffe of Knock-
ageely and Arthur Keeffe of Knockageely. Refused the Oath.

21. Daniel O'Callaghan, Killbrogan, Murragh and Templemartyn,
removed to the parish of Clonmeen and succeeded in said parish
by Charles Carthy. Both Indicted but extra.

22. William Sheehane, Killbryn, Castlemagner, and Ballyalogh,
refused the Oath.

23. Derby Murphy, Shandrum, refused the Oath.

24. Dermot Driscoll, Creagh and Tullagh refused the Oath.

25. Daniel Carthy deceased, Aghadown.

26. John Conrie, Killcaskeen.

27. Teig Sullivan, Killaghneagh, Killcathen and Killmanagh.

28. Donogh Sullivan, Dromlariff and Killcomy succeeded by
Daniel Keeffe.

376 MUNSTER.

29. Dermot Carthy, Tracton Abbe}'. Suretyes Henry Verdon of
Ballynemale, fflorence McCarthy. Refused the Oath. Indicted.

30. Auliff Sullivan, Durrus and Killcrohane.

31. Roger McSweeny, Killmocomoge succeeded by George Goald
a new comer indicted this Assizes.

32. Charles McCarthy deceased, Fanlobus etc. succeeded by
Michel Crowly now convicted. Since his confinement one Connor
officiates.

33. Teige Calleghan, Skull and Killmoo, refused the Oath.

34. Daniel Crowley, Timoleague etc.

35. John Dawly, Churchtown and Liscarroll, deceased, succeeded
by Maurice Browne.

36. Redmond Barry, deceased, Buttevant.

37. Donogh Mahony, Iveleary.

38. Daniel Boghely, deceased, Carrigeline, succeeded by John
Callaghan alias Jones and Moyle Murrishe McSweeny new comers.

39. Dermot Murphy, deceased, Downdorrow, succeeded by
ffrancis Coggan and now in custody.

William Coggan, Ballynabye, succeeded b}< T John Hurley now
in custody and convicted last assizes.

40. James Nagle, Killworth, took the Oath.

41. Dermot Daly, deceased, Glanworth succeeded by William
Bryan a young man never out of the kingdom.

42. Donogh Sweeny deceased, Donaghmore, succeeded by fflorence
Carthy a new comer.

43. Teig Donohoe, Malehyc.

44. Owen Mullane, Mallow, refused the Oath. Indicted formerly.

45. Donogh Dawly, Ballyaghly, Ardskineen.

46. Teige Dawly, Doneraile.

47. Morris Brown, Imperick refused the Oath.

48. Owen O'Cahell deceased, Clonmeen, succeeded by Denis
Callaghan registered priest of Killbrogan.

49. Morris Condon, Mitchelstown, took the Oath. One Butler his
coadjutor put on him for that reason. Butler indicted this
assizes at Limerick and Cork.

50. Teige Sullivan, deceased, Kanavay, succeeded by Denis Sweeny
registered priest of Macroomp, for which Indicted this assizes
but extra.

51. Daniel Hurley, Desert.

52. fflorence McCarthy, Ringroan Ballydee.

53. Daniel McCarthy, Lislea, transported formerly but returned
into the country.

54. Daniel Sullivan, deceased, Killmeen succeeded by Daniel
Keeffe who took the Oath.

55. John Sullivan not registered, Mogeely, refused the Oath.

56. . Brown not registered, Youghall, refused the Oath.

Throughout these years there are reports from several parts
of the county.

MUNSTER. 377

Youghal 2 November 1712.

Sir On 29 September in the morning I sent three constables and
two officers suddenly to the mass house without the North Gate
of this town where I had an account there was a great meeting.
One of the Constables did seize neare the mass house the person
supposed to be the Priest but he was rescued from him by a
great number of women and made his retreat into one Morrish
Fitz Gerald's house. The doores being immediately shutt and
the Constables not being able to procure entrance the said
Priest was conveyed from there or made his escape some back
way so that he could not be found though I made strict search
after him. I have taken severall examinations concerning the
rescue and bound over two women for the same and there is a
warrant against the said Fitz Gerald's wife who has gone out
of the way and not yett taken I have delayed in hopes I should
be able in a little time to secure the Priest after whom I have a
strict eye. FRANCIS BAKER.

It would appear that the priest was taken soon after, for on
18th November Baker acknowledges their Excellencies pleasure
about the priest.

Pursuant to the General Resolution taken att Moyalla where we

went on the summons, John Bayly and Richard Croker Esq. and

I mett the 23 of June last and received Informations against

the undernamed following priests and popish schoolmasters.
Charles McCarthy popish priest not registered officiates in parishes

of Killbonane and Templemihl.
Edmd. Sweeny popish priest not registered officiates in the parishes

of Killmurray and Aglis.
Mortimer Kealiher popish priest not registered officiates in the

parishes of Templemartir.
Daniel Hoagh popish priest not registered officiates in the parishes

of Kilmurry and Aglis vice versa with Edmund Sweeny.
Denis Sweeny popish priest registered for marriages but officiates

out of his parish and has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.
Patrick Hurley of Lysnegatt Barony of Kin, popish schoolmaster,
fflorence McCarthy popish priest not registered officiates in the

parish of Donaghmore.
Derby Callaghan popish priest registered for Aglis parish but

officiates in the parishes of Aglismagh and Ahobullog and suplyed

Aglis with a Curate.
The 14th inst I Joynd with Richard Hodges Esq. at Macrump

and we received informations against the following persons,
ffrancis O'Brien popish priest not registered officiates in parish of

Drislane.
Denis Ring popish schoolmaster in said parish.

378 MUNSTER.

Denis Leary popish priest not registered officiates in the parish of
Inchgeelagh.

Teig Sullivan popish priest if registered, for officiating out of his

parish and not taken Oath of Abjuration.

Teig Riordan popish priest not registered officiates in parish of
Ballyvourney.

In the foregoing list the priests to whom the first four names belong
were indicted the March Assizes of the year 1713 but were not
taken nor did the Clerk of the Crown issue Capias against them.
I desire Sir that you will give an account to the Lords Justices
of those our proceedings and that no person shall be readdier
for her Majesties service than your GEO. RYE.

Macroom 16 October 1712.

Sir As soon as I received their Excellencies the Lords Justices
Proclamation about Roman clergy I made search for the priest
of the parish but he having absented himselfe I gott two of our
clergy to goe with me to examine his books and papers. We had
his dores and trunks opened but found nothing but a greate
number of mouldy books, some papers of no consequence to the
publick and a parcel of bones made upp in a box of cotten with
Inscriptions of Saints names on them, and some trincketts with
them, none of which we thought materiall to seize.

I gave a warrant to the High Constable to bring him and others
before me to enter baile for their appearance next Assize, hoping
by that amusement to remove the feare of being sent to Gaol.

At my return from Kerry I found the priest of this parish returned
and had him apprehended yesterday and sent him to Corke
Gaole after his refusal to take the Oath prescribed by the Act.
His name is Donogh Sweeny a Doctor of Sorbonne registered to
this parish. I had him to Corke in my Lord Wharton's time
when at an assizes he refused to take the Oath and was bailed
in Court by the Judges as many others were. Whether he is
a dignitary or it be on account of his being a Doctor the other
priests used to pay him reverence above their fellows, and about
half a yeare ago after the death of a priest eight mile from hence
he sent as I was informed a young fellow as curate to the parish
who was lately a schoolboy here and not out of the kingdom
soe must have been ordained in it. But on my making search
for him he fled out of the kingdom and was drowned in his
passage. Another attempted to sett up the succession but
found the quarter not safe for him and is gone.

Dr. Sweeny at parting, desired me if I would writ to you to give
an account of his peaceable behaviour and civil carriage which
I must testifie to doe him justice, and if their Excellencies will
admit any priests to baile, he offers very good security that his
person shall be att their disposal when they please to command,
for being old, feeble and poor he fears he shall soon die in Gaol

MUNSTER. 379

if he is detained there. And if he comes out he will say mass
soe that I meane not to make any request for him but what shall
be the common fare allowed to others. Your most humble
servant RICHD. HODGES.

Of all places in the county it was strange that the Bandon
magistrates should be thought remiss in prosecuting priests. On
4th July, 1714, twenty-four Justices of Peace met there.

We are not conscious to ourselves that there is enny neglect in
us. As often as we received any Information against such
priests we have issued warrants against them and when any
are taken we have committed them to gaole and when convicted
we have rewarded those who were active in taking them.

Kingsale 10 April 1710.

Sir This night carrys you a letter from our Sovereign giving an
account of his confineing the Town Priest on his having Infor-
mation of the preists saying Mass since the time limited by the
late Act.

Busteed the parson gave the information to the Sovereign and
complained of the delay in acting. He threatens our Sovereign
with mighty matters whether out of zeal for the Government,
Religion or what other reason I know not but I wish him and
the other gentlemen of the County may never be slacke in their
Endeavours for the Government's service and the Protestant
religion than our Sovereign. JA. DENNIS.

Kinsale 11 June 1714.

Sir Pursuant to the Lord Lieutenant and Councils order I seized
and committed our priest one ffather Th. Mulshinoge who never
was registered. He is a very old and decrepyd man and for
four years past has scarce been able to stirr with the gout. He's
a druncken fellow and was very serviceable to the Protestants in
King James years and constantly kept with, and to his power
supported them. He has behaved himself e very civilly here
since the troubells and banished one Bishopp Lyne and severall
others of their clergy who came here to reclaim him and had
they staid it would abeen in vaine.

He always went by the name of King Williams priest and were
it not for the sway he bears over the Papists I believe he'd be
another religion. I sent him twice to Cork Gaol and the Judges
sent him back like a badd penny. He has tendred bayle who
are very respectable Protestants that he is in his tyme secured
which I have refused to take.

Therefore I ask you to let me know their Excellencies pleasure
whether I shall send him to the County Gaol or take security
for his appearance at the next Assizes. If he must be sent to
Cork I must gett a horse hither for he is not able to go or ride.
Your most faithfully obedient servt. AD. DENNIS.

380 MUNSTER.

Kinsale 31 January 1716.

Sir It is now three or four months since I summoned in the
principal! Papists of this town to whom I tendered the Oath of
Abjuration which none here have refused.

As to priests the person who for many years officiated in this
town in that quality is now in the Gaole in Corke under com-
mittal and has lain there for some months as I am informed
afflicted with sickness. I know of no other priests either regular
or secular within this Liberty. ROBERT CHUDLEIGH.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices etc.

The humble Petition of George Hooper of the City of Cork
Inholder.

Sheweth that your Petitioner apprehended one Cornelius Madden
a popish priest and also Daniel Sullivan a popish school master
who were tried and convicted at the assizes held for Cork 24
March 1716 and ordered to be transported. The premises con-
sidered reward.

[Certificate] that Cornelius Madden was convicted for celebrating
mass and exercising his function without being registered.

Cork 12 December 1721.

The very extraordinary Devotions, Fastings and Penances among
the Irish all over the County (remarkable even in this City) in
so much that many hundreds of them have been seen by
Protestants of good credit going to the churches every day
bare footed, yea some who had not been able to stir out of doors
or their bedds for a long time are forced to comply with these
injunctions. A very sensible honorable Gentleman who saw
many of them told me upon enquiry what all this was for, was
answered that they were commanded to do it for the good of
their souls and the advantage of another person. JA. OSBURNE.

To Jas. Busteed.

What steps were taken to meet this new popish conspiracy
are not recorded.

In accordance with the requisition sent by Secretary Lyons
in 1744, reports from every district were sent in.

Cork 13 March 1743-4.

We have made strict enquiry and underneath we return to you
the names of such said persons as we have discovered with
the places of their abode (such as have any).

We have been informed that great numbers of Popish Priests
and ffriars besides those whose names we return have been
swarming about this city. But their names we could not find
out nor with whom they reside but we hear that for the present
they have withdrawn themselves from this place.

Timothy McCarthy J ****** T * ul * r ? ish P * Cork resides

+1^ ^ T? v, \ i near tne North Popish Mass house in
otherwise Rabagh Qty

MUNSTER.

381

Coleman Sarsfield

Michael Sarsfield

John Casey

Tool

Burn
Their Christian names

could not find out.
Gorman

His Christian name

could not discover

Mathew Phillips
Bryan Gallaher

Patrick Mahony
John Roche

John Haly

Feen
Hines
Hogan
Sullivan

we

[A Reputed Registered Priest, resides in
j upper Duglass Road in the South
I Suburbs of said City.
/A reputed Popish Priest, reported to be
J curate to said Coleman Sarsfield, resides
jnear St. Stephen's Hospitall in said
\South Suburbs.

Three reputed popish friars, reside at a
reputed ffryery in Fishamble Lane in
said City where was formerly an Ana-
baptist meeting house.

(A reputed Popish friar, resides at a
we 1 reputed Popish ffriery on Duncombs
(marsh in said City.
(A reputed Popish priest resides at the
j house of Joseph Ronayn in the North
(suburbs of said City.
[A reputed Popish priest resides in
I Gallways Lane in the South Suburbs of
(City.

(A reputed Popish priest, resides near the
< North Popish chappell in said North
(Suburbs.

J A reputed Popish priest resides in Shan-
idon Castle Lane in North Suburbs.
(A reputed Popish frier, resides at a
^reputed popish ffriery in the South
(suburbs of said City,
/reputed popish priests but their Christ-
jtian names we could not discover nor
Ithe names of the persons with whom,
Vnor where particularly they reside.

RANDALL WESTROPP, Mayor.
ROBT. WRIXON ) Q ,
WILLIAM HARDING / bnerms -

Youghall 9 March 1743-4.

Sir In obedience to his Grace's orders I made strict search and
enquiry and find there is neither popish Archbishop etc. or any
person exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction within this town
and liberty. There was one Fryer whose name I am informed
is Andrew Dwyer that have at times sculkd about the town
and one Thomas Collins secular priest who had really taken up
his abode here, both which narrowly escaped my hands last
Monday was a fortnight. I doe believe they will hardly attempt
coming here for the future. If they doe I trust in God I shall
be able to render a good account of them to the Government

382 MUNSTER.

as I have persons employed night and day to have a carefull
look out for them. . Jos. FREEMAN, Mayor.

Middleton 9 March 1743-4.

I have made strict enquiry and am well assured that no popish
person exercising any ecclesiastical jurisdiction does now or has
resided within the liberties of this place for twenty years past.
No Mass house has been suffered in the parish and the present
priest is a very weak, mean man who (whatever his dispositions
may be) has no abilities to hurt. WILLIAM WARD.

Mallow 13 March 1743-4.

There is neither Bishop, Vicar Generall, Priest or Deacon in this
town, nor did I ever suffer more priests here than one, whose
name is John Everard. He went off before my return from
Dublin ; the Mass house is nailed upp nor do I hear of any
priest within five miles of me. ANTHONY JEPHSON.

Bandon 6 March 1743-4.

By the assistance of the Burgesses and Gentlemen of this Corpora-
tion and obedient to his Grace's Orders I doe send you the names
of the severall popish Priests of the adjacent parisshes but
observe to you that within the Limetts of this Baronye no priest
or papist was ever since the late King James his Reigne suffered
to reside within the town. The Inhabitants are all Protestants
and by our Corporation laws no others are to live among us.

Priests names of the adjacent parishes to the Corporation of Bandon.

Daniel Neville priest of the parish of Ballynodan, resides at Killcol-
man about three miles from the Town.

Rickard Donovan reputed vicar generall of the Diocese of Ross
in the County of Corke resides at Ballynascarty about five miles
from this Town.

John Hurley priest of the parish of Inishonane within two miles
of this Town resides at Inishonane.

Laurence Callanan priest of the parish of Rathclareen resides at
Garry dring about five miles from this Town.

Dennis McCarthy priest of the parish of Tymolague who lives
about five miles from the Town.

Anthony Consident a reputed Friar resides at Tymolague afforesaid
where there is a monastery.

Cornelius Crowly priest of Kilbrogan parish lodges at Con O'Neills
at Farranvane about two miles from the Town.

Redmond Cordon priest of Brinney parish lives at Ballyhandle
three miles from Town.

Note that the above priests are all known to have each man their
own parish and keep respectively houses of their own except
Crowley above mentioned. The above Friar has no parish but
has a house of his own at Tymolague. This is all that can at
present be advised about in this neighbourhood.

RALPH CLEAR, Provost.

MUNSTER. 383

Kinsale March 1743-4.

Your directions to me was only to find out what popish clergy
we had in out Libertys and make a due report thereof. Yet
we were resolved to goe a greater length than to find them out
for we have resolved to have taken them up and have them con-
fined till further orders. As to the popish clergy in our own
Libertyes I know of none neither can I find out any more, than
two priests and one begging fryer, the title or order he belonged
to I cant discover but find that they have disappeared for some
time being as I suppose apprehensive they would have been
confined. Their names are hereunder mentioned.

Daniel Cleaghly a priest, lived at Belgooly in our libertyes.

Phillip Mahoony a priest lived in this town.

Thomas Mahoony a Frier lived in this town.

ROBERT MARKHAM.

The Puleston MSS. give us further glimpses of this period.
George Ross writes to Francis Price from Castle Lyons, 18th
September, 1733 :

At Fermoy on a meeting of the Turnpike Commissioners, the
circumstances are too many to insert here but the consequence
is this that whereas Standish Barry would not come into their
unjust and arbitrary measures, the Hervick Colonel and Captain
have this morning sent an express to the priest O'Brien not to
celebrate mass for the future on pain of transportation. In
short it would prove an endless task to write of all their tyrrany
and oppression.

SAME TO SAME, CASTLE LYONS SEPTEMBER 21 1733.

Having taken a chair at the hall door I perceived a smith with
a hammer and a cargo of nails escorted by a file of musketeers
and two hussars on horseback in full march southward. Their
orders were to nail up the mass house door which accordingly
was performed and I had pleasure from my post to see the
whole party return into the Corporation to give an account of
their exploits which was managed with that courage and conduct
that they did not lose a man, neither were they insulted in the
rear though it was confidently given out such a thing would
happen. This affair succeeding so well most of the Protestants
of the town were summoned to appear and a select guard of
twelve men ordered to mount on Sunday morning next at the
mass house, there and then to seize and apprehend all priests,
Jesuits, monks, friars etc. as shall fall into their hands and make
a due return of their guard by 8 O'C on Monday. To morrow
night a patrol is to mount.

384 MUNSTER.

WILLIAM PEARDE TO FRANCIS PRICE, CASTLE LYONS, MARCH 9 1744.

All this country are under great apprehensions, dreading an
invasion. All the priests have absconded only your old friend
who expects some favour to be shown him on account of his
age.

EDMUND SPENCER TO FRANCIS PRICE, NEAR CHARLEVILLE,

MARCH 20 1744.

The priests in this country are all fled or hid ; one who was taken
near Bandon is to be transported.

The latest document about 1760 relative to proceedings
under the popery acts is the following :

Whereas David Welsh of Mitchelstown a popish priest was indicted
at the last Assizes of. Limerick for solemnizing a clandestine
marriage on the 4th day of June last between John Webb of
Cooliveghy, yeoman, and Margaret Powell, spinster, and whereas
the said John Webb and Patrick Cahure of Cooliveghy, Charles
Welsh of Tulla, mariner, and Maty Jones of Durragh a servant
maid all in the said County Limerick together with a person
commonly called by the name of Captain Welsh of Ballyannohan
in County Cork were also indicted at the said Assizes for way
lajdng with intent to murder Roger Powell, gentleman, on the
16th day of last June, the said John Webb and Charles Welsh
having each of them discharged a gun at said Mr. Powell wounding
him in the face and body. Now Mortagh Madden of Knock
Carrin, j^eoman, adged fifty two years and upwards made oath
that the said David Welsh, John Webb, Patrick Cahure, Charles
Welsh and the person called by the name of Captain Welsh
have all quitted their usual places of abode and are fled from
Justice and are now out upon their keeping we pray they may
be represented to their Excellencies the Lords of the Council
to be forthwith proclaimed.

Their lordships do not appear to have acceeded to the petition,
for the Proclamation Books do not contain any one on the affair.

Passing to the neighbouring county of Kerry which from its
remoteness, its mountainous character, the fewness of its roads,
and the sparse Protestant settlements, might be supposed to be
safe ground for priests, yet we. find the pursuit carried on there
with vigour and determination.

Pursuant to the Resolutions taken at the General Meeting of the
Justices of the Peace at Tralee the 11 of June 1714 to subdivide
themselves into the severall Baronies in which they dwell. We
the undernamed met at Tralee the 12th instant and issued our

MUNSTER. 385

summons to the severall persons following to appeare before us
to answer to such questions relating to the popish priests and
other matters recommended to us by the Lord Lieutenant and
Council by their orders dated the 28 of May last. Thomas Fitz
Maurice of Tralee did appeare and refused to give his testimony
or pay down the forfeiture. Whereupon we committed him to
the Common Gaole of this County.

Dermot Mehane did appeare and gave his testimony against John
fritz Maurice a popish priest who had celebrated the popish mass
and had not taken the Oath of Abjuration or paid the forfeiture,
whereupon we committed him to the Common Gaole. Maurice
Lenane of Ballineedore and William Verdon of Carrignafooly
were summoned and did not appeare. Garret Gould of Kill-
fanney was summoned and did appeare and gave his testimony
against Thomas Connor a popish priest of Glanflesk and James
Cahane a popish priest of Currens but refused to take the Oath
of Abjuration whereupon he paid the forfeiture. John Doody,
Teige Leyne and Murtogh Twomy all of Tralee appeared and
gave their testimony against James rhtz Maurice a popish priest.
Edward Rice of Tralee gave his testimony against the said
James fritz Maurice as also against Dennis Moriarty a popish
priest of Dingle. John Cahane and David Hally both converts
appeared and James McDonogh of Tralee and ffrancis Haly a
a papist and took the Oath of Abjuration. Thomas Spring,
Edmund Spring, Richard Harold and James Moriarty all of
Castlemaine were summoned and none appeared but James
Moriarty who gave his testimony against Maurice Moriarty a
popish priest who came out of France last winter or spring.
He also gave his testimony that Edward Spring afforesaid sent
his son John Spring into France. Daniel ffahy of Grinagh did
appeare and gave his testimony against Macragh ffahy a popish
priest who was not registered. We have issued warrants against
all the persons against whom we took informations as also against
such persons as neglected to appeare to give testimony pursuant
to our summons. We have also issued our warrant against
Ambrose Moriarty convicted as a popish priest since the Act for
registering the popish clergy and for taking upon himself the care
of two persons. We shall proceed further to the best of our
power and knowledge which we desire you will lay before the
Lords Justices and Council.

JOHN BLENERHASSETT, E. DENNY, FFRAN. MAYNARD, SAMUEL
MORRIS, R. DENNY, JOHN BATEMAN.

Tralee June the 23 1714.

Two of the most energetic magistrates, John Blenerhassett
and Joseph Kennington, wrote on the following day :

We met at Tralee the 1 1 inst and issued summons to severall persons.
All or most did appear and after some reluctance gave infor-

AA

386 MUNSTER.

mations. Copies of two are inclosed the rest being of the same
import. We do live in a remote part of the county twenty
miles from the sea coast so that the popish priests have shelter
there with impunity.

Writing to King, archbishop of Dublin, they further say :

We take leave to acquaint your Grace that we live in a part of
the County at least twenty miles distant from the sea coast
from which place to us none of our fellow Justices reside so that
by this means and that of being a mountainous country the
new heard of Popish priests have shelter there with impunity.

The two informations were :

Co. Kerry. Richard Connell deposed that he heard that Major
Dennis McGillycuddy of Carunahony and his son Daniel McGilly-
cuddy did in or about the month of May 1713 transport them-
selves beyond the seas in a ship belonging to Captain Rich or
Mathew Butler that sailed from some port in France to the
harbour of Valentia with an intent to dispose of a concern or
interest the said Major has in Holland. Saith that one Geffry
Connell of Cahir in said County lately a Popish priest did about
the month of March last transport himself to France. Saith he
saw one Teig Connell preparing then to goe on board said Butler's
ship. Believeth said Connell did with one ffiorence Carthy
transport himself in said ship, Saith he knoweth of one Darby
Connor, Donogh Sughrue alias Roe, Popish schoolmasters
who lately taught, and knoweth ffiorence McGillycuddy who
teacheth as he hears. Saith that he heard that one Denis
Moriarty alias Loghy is a Titular Dean in the Church of
Rome and he exercises Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction, that he the
said Denis did threaten or say he would suspend one Murtough
Sullivan a popish priest for getting dismissing letters from
another popish clergy. Saith that one Dermod ffalvey doth
now reside and officiate as popish priest in the Parish of Killarney
and one Macrah ffalvey doth the like in the parish of Aglish
and one Teig Rahilly doth the like in the parish of Kilcomen
and one Owen fferris doeth the like in the parish of Kilbonan
and one Donal Holohan in the parish of Kilcrohan and one
Cornelius Leyn in the parish of Dromod and one Cornelius
Sullivan in the parish of Templenoe and one Hugh Sweeny in the
parish of Brosna and one Cornelius Murphy in the parish of
Valentia and one Thomas Connor in the Parish of Killaha are
all popish priests and one Owen Mcmnen fferris in the parish of
West ffrachons is a Popish priest. And that the before named
persons do all reside in the said parishes respectively and there
they officiate as priests And further saith not. RICH. CONNELL.

Ric. Connell deb Dn. Regin in xxli sub condic. ad prosequend etc.
Jur. et Recog. coram nobis 21 die Junii 1714.

Jos. KENNINGTON JOHN BLENERHASSETT.

MUNSTER.

387

Co. Kerry. Patrick Trant deposeth that he knew one Teig Connell
and that said Connell about February last went to France for
foreigne education in the ship belonging to Captain Butler.
That he heard Garrett or Morris Pierce sent his son to France
for foreigne education. That Stephen Price sent his son for
the like purpose. That Bartholomew Rice sent his son for said
purpose. That Dennis Moriarty alias Lohy is reputed and taken
for a Vicar General! in the Church of Rome. Saith he knew one
Morris Moriarty to be a popish priest. That said Moriarty
came into this kingdom about six or seven months agoe. That
he was present at the celebration of a popish mass by him in
March last. That the 13 of June inst. he heard mass and that
one Ambrose Moriarty celebrated said mass. That Edward
Hussey and Richard Hussey and Nicholas Moore were then
present. That Owen McMorogh fferis a popish priest and Teig
Leyne. That he heard one Daniel Breen a papist did teach
youth in learning. That he saw within 12 months last past
Edmund Hussey, Edmund fferriter and Justin McCarthy Gentle-
men go around with swords who are papists. And further saith
not. PATT TRANT.

In xx li sub condit etc. 21 June 1714.

Upon these informations warrants were issued. The following
abstracts of the proceedings were transmitted to the Council :

A List of the Popish Priests and Schoolmasters in the County of
Kerry against whom the late subsheriff has warrants.

/Maurice Moriarty ^ ^. . ,
J \ Popish

Priests.

Warrant dated 21 June 1714 per
Jn. Blenerhassett and Josiah
Kennington Clk.

Another Warrant Tho. Connor
per Ed. Denny Saml. Morris
Jn. Batteman and ffran Maynard
Issued against Maurice ffalvey.
And also a Warrant from the
said Justices dated the same
day against James Cohane,
Maurice Moriarty, Ambrose
Moriarty, Edmund Hogan and
Teig Lyne.

Warrant dated 21 June 1714 per
Jn. Blenerhassett and Josiah
Kennington Clk.

Owen McMorris feris
Dennis Moriarty J
Denis Moriarty a Titular Dean
Dermot ffalvey
McGrath ffalvey
Teig Rahilly
Danl. Halligan
Cornelius Line
Cornelius Sullivan
Hugh Sweeny
Cornelius Murphy
Thos. Connor
James Cashell
Ambrose Moriarty
Maurice Moriarty
Edmund Hogan
Teig Lyne.
Murrogh Connell
Stephen Rice
Barthol Rice
Garrett and
VMaurice Pierce

popish
priests

for sending

their

children

to France

388 MUNSTER.

Derby Conner

j^ciuy v^uiuiei \

Donogh Rue I popish

Boetius Egane i school-

ffior. Gillycuddy 1 masters.

Warrant dated 21 June 1714

per John Blennerhassett and

Josiah Kennington Clk.

^Daniel- Browne '
An Account of such Priests against whom Capias was ordered to

issue at the Assizes held at Tralee in and for the County of

Kerry 17 July 1714.
Teige Lyne, Owen Mcffmen, Maurice Moriarty, Dennis ffalvey,

Edmund Howgan, Thady Sullivan, Thady Lyne, James Cahane,

Thomas Connor, John FitzMaurice, Dennis Moriarty, Owen

Carthy.

The details of the pursuit on the Capias warrants are unfortu-
nately not forthcoming. The following year we find :

County Kerry. At a general Assizes and general Gaole Delivery
held at Tralee in the said Co. Kerry Saturday April 2, 1715 the
first of King George.

[The Grand Jury] presents as followeth.

No. 1. We find and present that Bryen Connor a popish Priest
Registered for the parish of Murhur hath removed to the parish
of Liselton ; that Hugh Swyny a popish priest (not registered)
now succeeds. Hugh Swyny a popish priest formerly registered
for the parish of Ardfert is deceased. That Owen fferris a
popish priest registered for the parish of Ballydaly succeeded
Eneas Lyan deceased in the parish of Kilcolman. That Owen
Carthy a popish priest succeeded Dermot Cunoghan deceased in
the parish of Mollahiffe. That Teig Rahely a popish priest
succeeded Owen Dunlea in the parish of Killcomin. That
Dermot ffalvey a new popish priest succeeded Alexius Leary
in the parish of Killarney . That James Cahane a popish registered
priest hath removed to the parish of Disert in the Room of Teige
Daly deceased. That Thomas Connor popish priest succeeded
John Connor deceased in the parish of Killaha. That Ambrose
Moriarty a Convicted popish priest succeeded John Dillane in
the parish of Killaha. That Ambrose Moriarty a convicted
popish priest succeeded John Dillane in the parish of Ballyna-
county. That Dominick Moriarty a new popish priest succeeded
Thomas Dooling deceased in the parish of Ballyheige and Killury.

Copia Vera R. Crosbie Com. Governor.

No. 2. Present also as followeth.

We find and present that Charles Dorane a popish priest not
registered officiates in the place of Charles Daly deceased in the
parish of Castle Island. That Daniel fferraly a new popish
priest succeeded Godfrey Daly deceased in the parish of Murhur
and Knockanure. That Cornelius Lyne a new popish priest
officiates in the parish of Dromod. That Daniel Holohane a

MUNSTER. 389

new popish priest succeeded Daniel ffalvey in the parish of
Killcrohane. That . Shea a new popish priest succeeded
Murtogh Sullivane in the parish of Killgarvan. That Dermot
Sullivan a popish priest succeeded Macaragh Shea in the parish
of Killenane. That Macragh ffalvey a popish priest officiates
in the parish of Aglish. That Denish Moriarty alias Loghy
a popish priest officiates in the parish of Dingle, is a reputed Dean
or Vicar Generall. That Cornelius Sullivane a popish unregistered
priest officiated lately in the parish of Templenoe. That
Cornelius Murphy a papish unregistered priest officiated lately
in the parish of Valentia.

We further find and present that none of the said priests have
taken the Oath of Abjuration.

Copia Vera. R. Crosbie Com. Gov.

At this period most of the great families of the county were
still Catholic. The Knight of Kerry, Lord Kenmare, The McGilli-
cudy, the Husseys, Trants, Falveys, and others, all prof essed the old
creed. The following from Lord Kenmare will show the dangers
to which they were exposed from rascals who pretended conformity :

Arda, Sunday 29 May 1709.

Sir One Mortagh Griffin or O 'Griff y has said before some half
a dozen persons that a congregation being at mass att this
cottage this day sennight I bid the said congregation go and
kill the said Griffin, and further said that six of the said Con-
gregation had averred to him that I openly said these words
and added that if he had not respect for me, he could have gone
and informed his Excellency this matter.

Now, lest the gentleman may not be so good as his word I am
going to tell you the matter. The priest of the parish said mass
in this cottage in an outward room. I was att it in an inward
room with half a score more than tolerable pritty ladies and
gentlemen among whom were at the fagg end of the mass a
Protestant or two as God would have itt. Mass being ended the
door was shutt against the fore mentioned congregation and we
within fell to eating a breakfast of sheep and lambs puddings
and other rural things, and drank my Lord Lieutenant's health
round (yy). Having a law suit depending with this Mr. Griffin
before my Lord Chancellor, he would use of such black ingredients
to smother the hopes of same law suette by making my family
one of the worst of the sorte people they call Roman Catholicks.

Your most humble servant

KENMARE.

(yy) The Duke of Ormond : Kenmare 's son was married to the daughter
of Thomas Butler of KilCash, ancestor of the present Lord Ormond.

390 MUNSTER.

The sacrifices these men had to make for their faith may be
judged from such reports as the following :

RICHARD HODGES TO J. DAWSON 1 APRIL 1708.

There are severall Irish Gentlemen who live neare this place who
having refused the Oath of Abjuration are prisoners at Tralee
as Sir Nicholas Browne called Lord Kenmare, Collonel Maurice
Hussey and his two sons, McCarthy More and others who are very
poor. They should be removed to Ross Castle as they could be
supported there by their friends and not put Government to
great expense.

From other places we catch curious glimpses. Whitall Brown
writes from Dingle, 25th March, 1702, to William Palmer, elk :

The Mass house being so nigh the Barracks heire, the Suffreine
and I have ordert the Preist to say noe more mass there but
will in another place further off from my guards. The Barrack
is a long defenceless house within twenty yards of the mass
house to which 3 or 400 persons resort Sundays and other Holy-
days and therefore there is danger of a surprise.

Richard Hodges writes from Ross Castle, 20th March, 1707 :

I have this day taken upp one priest and signed warrants for
six more who I hope will be in Gaole in a few days. I have
putt all the Protestants in arms from Macroom to Killarney.

The men under arms gripped them fiercely no doubt when
agents of the Pretender were about, as for example :

Listowhill 13 August 1711.

My Lord. I have made every enquiry among Protestants and
Papists and am informed that about seven weeks since a man
came into this County, called himself Bourke, said he was a
Connaught man and a Cottener by trade, went barefoot, bare
headed and a staff in his hand. Exhorting the common people
to forsake their vices and lead a Godly life. He had a Catechism
which he read and pretended to expound to the people in Irish
which the common sort were highly pleased with. Others
assure me there was no connexion or sense in his discourse.
He was at first generally believed to be a poor madd Enthusiast.
Att the end of a discourse to the people he usually sett up a
cry, very common in Connaught (as I am told) after which he
would scourge himselfe vntill the blood ran down his back.
I am informed that he was seen at the wood of Drommin about
a mile from this place where about 200 people were gathered
to hear him, after that at Ballyhauraghan and att or near Dingle
and as your Lordship sayes once at Rathkenny where there was

MUNSTER. 391

a great concourse of people. As soon as I heard of the numbers
of people that followed him and amongst them four Priests
and that the common people reported he wrought miracles.
I sent out two of my servants to apprehend him. He had in-
telligence of it and made his escape to the County of Clare. It
is reported he is now in the County of Lymerick. I have made
enquiry of what passed at Rathkenny, Sunday the 22 of last
month and am informed there was a great number of people
assembled to hear the said Bourke and emongst them severall
Protestants. As to the whole number it is differently reported,
some say about 2000 and some others believe there were 3000.
I have not yett found any person who acknowledged that mass
was said or celebrated there. They all agree that what the
said Bourke spoke was in the nature of the exposition of a
Catechism. It is observed that the Popish clergy speake well
of the man as that he is a man of good life. JAM. JULIAN.

To the Right Hon. the Lord of Kerry.

The arrest and transportation of Mathew Moloney, vicar
general of Limerick in 1699 have been already noticed. During
the earlier years of the eighteenth century there is abundant
evidence of how the popery acts were worked in Limerick.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament passed in this kingdom the Ninth
of his Majesty's Reyne entitled an Act passed for banishing all
archbishops, bishops, etc. out of this kingdom, it is enacted etc.
And whereas it is certified unto us that John McGlyne and
John Carthy ffryers remain now in the County Gaole of Lymerick
having not yet been sent beyond seas. These are therefore to
require you to cause the said ffryers etc. Given at his Maiesties
Castle of Dublin 29 Day of April 1700. T. H. MAY.

To the High Sheriff of the Co. of Lymerick.

By their Excellencies Commands.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament etc. And whereas we have
ordered Doctor Martin a Convicted Fryer now in Gaol at Limerick
to be sent from thence to Cork to be transported according
to said Act. We do hereby signify our will and pleasure that
the said Dr. Martin be transported from Cork to any port in
Portugall and there set on shoare etc. Given the 8 day of April
1702. MOUNT ALEXANDER, THO. EARLE, THO. KEIGHTLY.

Three years later, February 23rd, 1705, Lord Ikerrin writes
from Limerick to the Lord Lieutenant :

I came hither yesterday and found everything in good order. I
have given all the necessary orders I could think of to keepe the
garisson still soe. I have delivered 100 balle to eatch company

392 MUNSTER.

which indeed wee wanted extreamely for there hardly passed
a night that some of the sentries were not affronted by the
people of the town. I have spoke to the Maior to calle in all
the priests that are hereabouts and intend to keepe them for
two or three days. This and the giving ammunition to the
men has very much alarmed the papists and I never saw people
soe frightened.

In 1708 on the anticipation of Jacobite troubles, a haul was
made on the priests of Limerick. Some of the more spirited of
them as of the Catholic gentry, were put under bail in sums that
at present would represent about 3000 each.

Com. Lymer. An Abstract taken out of the Records of the Peace
Office of the said County of the Popish Priests that entered into
Recognizances before the Justices of the Peace for the said County
and their Security and Recognizance entered on the 12 of April
1708.
fMathew Hease Popish Priest of the Parish of Actanesy

and Ballingarry etc. bound in .... .... .... 200

Security Christopher Carr of the Citty of Lymerick In-

keeper bound in .... .... .... .... 100

V Connor Hogan of the same Inkeeper bound in .... .... 100

Derby Connor of Ballyknockane in the Parish of Ballin-
garry Popish Priest acknowdedged to be indebted to
our Soveraign Lady the Queen in the sume of .... 200

Sureties Patrick Peppard of Killmacow Gent, and James

Nash of Kilatile, Gent .... .... 100 each

/Garrett Gough of Byaledurog in the sd. Co. Gent, acknow-
! leges as indebted to our Soveraegn Lady the Queen in 200
Security James Nash Gent. Patrick Peppard Gent, each 100
, James Nash Killatile in sd. Co. Gent acknowledges indebt-
edness to our Sovereign Lady the Queen in the sume of 200
Patrick Pepard Gent and Garrett Gough Gent two

securities each .... .... .... .... 100

f David Lacy of Askeaton in sd. Co. Popish Priest of Parish
Askeaton acknowledges indebtedness to our Lady the
Queen in .... .... .... .... .... 200

Securities Patrick Pepard of Kilmacow Gent and James

Nash Killatile Gent in .... .... .... 100 each

/Patrick Nash Ballycullen Gent Co. Limerick acknowledges

J indebtedness to our Sovereign Lady the Queen in .... 200

1 Patrick Pepard Killmacow Gent, and Garrett fritz Gerald 100
\ of Dromehir in said County .... .... 100 each

/Gerald mtz Gerald of Dromehir in sd. Co. Gent, acknow-

J ledges etc. .... .... .... .... .... 200

1 James Nash Killatile in sd. Co. Garrett Gough Byaledurog

\ in sd. Co. Gent .... .... .... 100 each

MUNSTER. 393

(Patrick Pepard of Killinacow in sd. Co. acknowledges etc. 200
\ James Nash Killatill Gent, and Patk. Nash Ballycullen 100 each

(Morrough Rahely of Rardryagh in sd. Co. Popish Priest
Parish of Dunmoylen acknowledges indebtedness etc. 200
Gerald ffitz Gerald of Dromekeen in sd. Co. and ffrancis
Garvane bound in .... .... .... 100 each

( John Rahilly popish Priest Parish of Killfenen bound in 200

J Pierce Piercy of Citty of Lymerick Burgess bound in

( Edmund Dundon of the same Taylor .... 100 each

/William Shaghnasey of Killcorenane in sd. Co. Popish
| Priest of Parish Killcorenane acknowledges indebted-
( ness in .... .... .... .... .... 200

Gerald FitzGerald of Dromehir in .... .... .... 100

ffrancis Garvane Morenane in .... .... .... 100

/Connor Shinnane of Killmurreen in sd. Co. Popish Priest

J Parish Killmureene acknowledges indebtedness etc. .... 200

1 ffrancis Garvane, Morenane in sd. Co. bound in .... 100

^Gerald fntzGerald of Dromehir in sd. Co. bound in .... 100

Coming down the years we find :

A List of the Popish Priests of the Citty and County of the Citty
of Limerick as they were registered the 21 July 1711.

1. William Ryan popish priest of St. Marys and St. Munchins.
Security Tho. Harrold.

2. Michael Dwyer popish priest of St. Michaels parish Dead.
2. John Bourke popish priest of St. Munchins Dead.

4. John Connelan popish priest of St. Nicholas parish in the North

Liberties of Limerick. Securities Tho. Harrold, Pierce Morony.

5. Murtogh Hehir popish priest of St. Michaels parish. Securities
John Macnamara Dead. William Stritch.

6. William Ryan popish priest of Ballycomin parish. Securities
William Kent Dead, Bartholomew Duffy.

7. William ffleming popish priest of the parishes of Cahernary,
Caherily and Donoughmore. Securities Tho. Harrold, Robt.
Hannan dead.

8. Denish Connor popish priest of St. Johns parish. Securities
Tho. Atkinson dead, Bartholomew Coughlan.

9. Jasper White popish priest of St. Laurence parish Dead.

10. Malachia Ryan popish priest of Killonen parish Dead.

1 1 . James McMahon popish priest of Knocknagala parish. Securities
William Kent, Richard Moore dead.

12. ffrancis Grady popish priest of Kilteely parish. Security
None.

Uppon searching the Records we dont find that James McMahon
popish priest of the parish of Knocknegala in the Liberties of
the City hath taken the Oath of Abjuration nor the other Oaths
prescribed by Law. We find that the rest of the within sur-
veiving popish priests have taken the Oath of Abjuration and the

394 MUNSTER.

others prescribed by Law. We don't find that any popish priest
has officiated in the Room of the deceased popish priests.

ROBERT CREIGGE cum Sociis.

Of the subsequent years we catch occasional glimpses. Henry
Baylee, high sheriff of the county, writes from Limerick, 30 October
1714:

I received your Letter signifying their Excellencies pleasure in
relation to popish priests and other prisoners under sentence of
transportation. In obedience of which I return that I have
only one in my Gaole under that sentence which is Mathew
Hease a popish priest found guilty for officiating, as such not
being registered and lyes under sentence of transportation
since Lent Assizes 1713. I cannot find that any security was
given for his transportation.

George Sexton, Mayor of Limerick, writes 31st Januar}^, 1715 :

The Papists are turned out of this Citty and we know no disaffected
amongst them unless the chiefe of them who have refused to-
take the Abjuration Oath, may be reckoned such. We have
and are making strict and diligent search after all Popish regular
clergy and priests not registered and cannot yet find or hear
of them amongst us.

Fortunately in the case of Limerick we have preserved the
only local record of the administration of the penal code, as dis-
tinguished from the records of the executive government. It is an
early "Presentment Book" of the Grand Jury, and seems to have
lain for the most of the two hundred }^ears in a damp closet. Though
rebound, the binder was unable to detach many of the leaves
which are stuck together. The writing also is in many cases quite
illegible. The following is as much as may be made out :

At the General Assizes for the County of Limerick held at St.
Francis Abby the 20 day of September 1711, the Grand Jury
present

Charles Coniers for keeping Thomas Gorman a popish schoolmaster
in his house. Ignoramus.

Cornelius O'Brien alias Manahine a Munk and Regular clergy-
man billa vera.

Thomas Gibbons a popish schoolmaster. billa vera.

Thomas Gorman a popish schoolmaster for teaching billa vera.

13 August 1712.

The Grand Jury present Mathew Heas a popish priest for exercising
his function. billa vera..

MUNSTER. 395

18 March 1712-3.

Thomas Hea for celebrating mass billa vera.

Mathew Heas and John O'finaghty for celebration of mass billa vera.
Daniel McNamara for celebrating mass billa vera.

John mnaghty for celebrating mass Ignoramus.

Thomas Nugent for celebrating mass billa vera.

Daniel McNemara for celebrating mass billa vera.

30 July 1713.

John Cahill priest not registered for celebrating mass billa vera.
Daniel Noonan popish schoolmaster billa vera.

19 March 1713-4.

Denis Brien and James Kennedy popish schoolmasters.

St. Francis Abbey 13 day of July 1714.

M. Butler for celebrating mass and not taking the Oath billa vera.
John McEniry, Maurice England, Thady Daly, Derby Egan all popish

priests for celebrating mass and not taking the oath billa Vera.
Edmund Sheehy for carrying arms being a papist.

Thomas Connor a popish priest for celebrating mass billa vera.

David Lacy a priest for the same billa vera.

James McMahon a priest for the same billa vera.

William Murphy a priest for the same billa vera.

John FitzGerald priest for celebrating mass billa vera.
Idem for the same.

[Some pages obliterated].

General Assizes 4 August 1715.

William Heas a popish schoolmaster Billa vera.

William Croe a popish schoolmaster billa vera.

Daniel Calahan schoolmaster a reputed Protestant seen at Mass.

General Gaol Delivery 5 April 1716.

Connor Macartney alias Bryan indicted for bringing a popish
priest [into Ireland].

Connor McEniry alias Ryan for being a popish priest.

Michael Dwan a popish schoolmaster.

We find and present that Lieut. George Green of the Abbey in the
County of Limerick did take and at the present Assizes prosecute
John Butler a popish non registered priest for celebrating mass
who was convicted for the said fact, we therefore present that
the sum of twenty pounds sterling be raised on the popish in-
habitants of [oblit.] and paid to the said George Green as a
reward for apprehending, transmitting and prosecuting said
popish priest according to the Statute.

We find and present that Richard Southwell Esq. of Rathkeale did
take and at this present Assizes prosecute Cornelius McEniry
alias Bryen a popish non juring priest for celebrating mass who
was convicted of said fact we therefore present that the sum of
20 be raised on the popish inhabitants and paid to the said
Richard Southwell as a reward for apprehending etc.

396 MUNSTER.

11 April 1717.

Thomas FitzGerald for carrying arms being a papist.
Patrick Murphy for carrying arms being a papist.
Teige Sullivan a popish priest for saying mass.
Murtogh Noonan a popish priest for saying mass.
We present 20 to be raised on the popish inhabitants of the County

to Captain John Odell for his good service in taking Teig Sullivan

a popish non juring priest.
We present 10 to be raised on the popish inhabitants of the County

to Capt. John Odell for his service in taking Thomas FitzGerald

a popish schoolmaster.

20 July 1717.
Laurence Ryan a popish priest for saying mass Billa Vera.

3 April 1718.

Phillip Norry a popish priest for saying mass.
David Lacy another popish priest for saying mass.

19 August 1718.

Daniel O'Brien for teaching school.
Joseph Mulca Dwyer Irish Popish schoolmaster.

28 August 1719.
John Burke a popish priest.
Edmund Quirke for harbouring priests.

26 March 1720.

Thomas FitzGerald a popish priest for saying mass.
Thomas FitzGerald a popish priest.
Cornelius Hoe a popish schoolmaster.
Laurence White a popish schoolmaster.

10 March 1720-1.

John Cannan for teaching school being a papist.
Bryan Kennedy for carrying arms being a papist.

24 March 1721-2.
John Linch a popish priest.
John Bowler a popish schoolmaster.
John Smith a popish schoolmaster.
Maurice Reidy a popish priest.

Edmund Quinn, James Bryan, Cornelius Sheehan, Edmund Dillon,
Hugh Conway, Cornelius Sheehan, Morgan Reyley, all popish

priGStS - 23 July 1722.

Patrick Caghill popish schoolmaster.
Patrick Bryan popish schoolmaster.

[seven pages illegible].

4 April 1724.

Derby Hickey a popish schoolmaster.
Patrick Wolfe a papist carrying arms.
Daniel McKeogh a papist carrying arms.

MUNSTER. 397

25 August 1724.

Derby Molloney a non juring priest for marrying.

[four pages illegible].

25 July 1725.

Mathew Geren a popish priest.
John Tubridy a papist carrying arms.

[four pages illegible].

1726.

Maurice Ready popish priest for fellony in marrying a cupple.
Denis Moriarty a non registered priest for executing priestly offices.
O'Calahan a popish priest.

Many of the raids on priests were traceable to such infor-
mations as the following :

Limerick Jany. 30 1743-4.

My Lord As every subject is obliged in duty to do justice to his
King and Country soe I take it uppon my selfe to discharge
my own conscience as to this affair. The case is this. There
is one Patt Neylan a parish .priest and Vicar Generall of the
Diocese of Kilmacduagh in the County of Gallway who when he
hears Confessions obliges his penitents to give him a certain sum
of money in order to remitt it to a fforreign prince for his support
as he tells them they are obliged in conscience to doe it and
likewise he says he can absolve them from any Oath of Loyalty
to the present King and by this reason he may withdraw the
subjects from the King and cause a Rebellion in this kingdom.
In the County of Clare like wise one Mr. O'Brien Vicar Generall
of Kilfenora does like wise the same. One Patrick Doherty
parish priest near Ennis does the same. One James Dalton
Vicar Generall of the Diocese of Killaloe in the County of Clare
and parish priest of Ennis acts after the same manner. One
Walter Burke, one Patrick Scanlan, one Mihil McMahon, one
Mihil Hoar, one Mr. Darmody all Roman Catholick priests in
the Citty of Limerick doe the same. They stirr up their penitents
and give them such hearts that they are willing to doe anything
rather than disoblidge their pastors. And my Lord unless you
prevent this business the whole kingdom is in danger. All these
Gentlemen both priests and ffriars now being in the kingdom
of Ireland ought to sweare allegiance publickly to the King, and
if this be not done his Majesty's person is in danger fearing
lest this practice should be held in England as well as in this
Country. I cannot at present discover my name lest I should
be murthered but send out a protection for the person who
writes this and then you will know more. The Eternal God
preserve your Lordship and that both peace and plenty may
attend his Majesty's subjects. Noe more at present on this
head. Yours for ever W. D.

To his Grace William Duke of Devonshire.

398 MUNSTER.

The documents relating to the remaining county in Munster,
Clare, are sufficiently numerous. In a county where in our own
times the law is to a great extent paralysed, it might be supposed
that the penal code was simply impracticable. But the facts
show the danger of "intelligent anticipation" and of reading a
priori notions into history. We who live in a period of democratic
government when executives are responsible to parliaments and
parliaments to public opinion, can with difficulty realise a state
of things which now exists nowhere in Europe out of Russia.
Clare in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries was dominated
by an active, determined magistracy, and though the Protestants
were numerically insignificant, yet possessed as they were of all
the resources of government they held the great Catholic mass
by the throat as if. The Catholics might wriggle and groan as
they liked but for any real resistance they were powerless.

On the 26th February, 1711, Secretary Dawson instructed by
the Lords Justices wrote to William Butler, high sheriff of Clare,
to put under arrest all popist priests whether they had taken the
Oath of Abjuration or not and whether registered or unregistered.
Butler would appear to have procrastinated for Francis Burton
of Buncraggy reported that there were some

Non-juring priests suspected to advise the destruction of stock and
several registered and others exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction
who ought to be taken up. But as for the registered priests
non-jurors, if informations be given against them that they
exercised ecclesiastical offices, the Justices will issue their
warrants against such.

A further mandate was sent from Dublin Castle, 4th March,
that their Excellencies highly resented the neglect and disregard
of their orders. "So as to compensate your omission," they in-
formed Butler, "you will exert yourself e with more than ordinary
diligence and zeal in seizing and comitting the priests, and in
returning an account with a Certificate of the Gaoler of the County
of the number and names of the priests committed." This spurred
on the sheriff for even Burton admitted in a letter 10th March, "the
numbers of papists are so great that the priests are hed from us."
An effective method of getting in the priests was directed by
Secretary Dawson the following day.

MUNSTER. 399

It is their Excellencies pleasure that you send to the popish priests
of your county or their securities and lett them know that their
Recognizances will be put in suit if they do not forthwith appear
and surrender themselves to you.

In a recriminatory correspondence between the Privy Council,
the high sheriff, and Francis Burton some curious facts were dis-
closed. The Council, 13th March, 1711-2, wrote to the high
sheriff :

Being informed that Francis Burton Esq. did at a meeting of the
Justices of Peace of your County at Six mile bridge on 23rd
February last discussing the taking up of the Popish Priests
pursuant to the order sent from the Council Board, declare they
ought not be taken up by any such orders though they had not
taken the Oath of Abjuration unless some Examinations were
taken of their having executed ecclesiastical jurisdiction, you are
to cause some of the Justices to be examined as to Burton's
words and make return.

Burton's reply dated 17th March, 1711-2, was :

At the meeting held at Creagh's a popish house near the Bridge
how speedily and exactly. to execute this order, [the matter]
admitted some debate so that the question was putt by the
Sheriff whether the priests should be summoned to appear or
whether the Justices should sign a warrant for taking them up.
When it came to my turn I declared my opinion against doing
either and for this reason, it seemed to me the Government
expected the Order to be executed with all dispatch and it was
my opinion that a summons would give them notice to abscond.
And all to sign a warrant to the sheriff who seemed to me to
scruple the trouble and being assured that the only forreign
educated priest (a non juror) was formerly tutor to his son, and
by his [the sheriff's] election removeing him from their best
protestant school in this country to his care, he'd be a cheque
to this Order. I therefore gave it as my opinion that every two
Justices should in their own neighbourhood issue warrants
against them and against such as could inform against them.
There would be difficulties in proclaiming the priests at the
assizes for then the non registered priests would be the safest.

Damaging though these charges were the Council had abundant
proof of the high sheriff's activity against the priests.

Six Mile Bridge 9 Mar. 171 1-2.

Sir It is above a year since Sir Donogh O'Brien was our foreman
and I was one of the Jury when we presented severall popish
priests that had not taken the Oath of Abjuration for saying

400 MUNSTER.

mass. The Capias upon these presentments were not delivered
unto me untill I was juste comeing away from the sessions. I
am positive I would commit any person in the County uppon
the Government's order. I know of no regulars in the Countye
nor can I tell but such may sulke in it as their non Registered
priests have done since my warrants have been against them.
I have informed most of the Justices of your second letter and
pressed for their assistance. WILLIAM BUTLER

Writing from Newmarket 18th March, 1711-2, the sheriff
states :

At a meeting of the Justices of the Peace at Six mile bridge 23 Feby.
I asked all the Justices whether they had any committals of
popish persons exercising ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in this
County and they said they had not and that if they did find
any such they would commit them, and neither they nor I can
heare of any Regular but one sayd to be such called Flann
Brodye who lately made his escape from a Constable in Six mile
bridge. In my next you will have an account of such popish
priests as will come in.

The high sheriff was as good as his word. The threat of
estreating the recognizances brought in the priests ; for they
could not see ruined the kindly laymen who had gone bail for them.

Rossroe 21 March 1711-2.

Sir You have inclosed a Certificate of the Committment of severall
popish priests. And you may have an Affidavit of the age and
infirmity of one Connor Moylan another of them aged about
seventy yeares who I am well assured is in a languishing con-
dition and I would be glad to know the Government's pleasure
about him. W. BUTLER.

The certificate is wanting but the particulars are obtainable
from the following petition :

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices and the most Honourable
Privjr Council of Ireland.

The humble petition of William Freeman, Thomas Cloghessy,
Charles O'Connor, William O'Daly, Murtogh Egan, Connor
Moran, Murtogh ffianagan, Dermot O'Brien, Richard Gilleragh,
Connor Mahony, Murtogh Nolan, Therlogh McMahon, John
Moylane, Donogh Foley, Teig Kearn, James Kearn, William
Connelan, John McNamara, Daniel Vaughan, Gilbert Brody,
Nicholas Huonjme, Daniel Gorman, ffrancis Shenane and John
Bilton Registered popish Priests in the County of Clare.

Most humbly sheweth. That William Butler Esq. High Sheriff of
the County of Clare having issued severall orders for imprisoning

MUNSTER. 401

your petitioners and the rest of the popish Clergy in the said
County pursuant to your Excellencies' orders of the 14th of
March instant, your Petitioners have voluntarily submitted them-
selves and severally repaired to the Common Gaol of the said
County where they now stand committed and are in custody.
And your petitioners are informed that the reason for which
they are soe imprisoned is on account of the late houghing and
killing cattle and sheep in this County which is a practice they
utterly abhorr and detest and which they have endeavoured and
will endeavour to prevent all they possibly can and as the said
houghing and killing was committed in this County only on the
borders of the County of Gallway and on the stockes of County
of Gallway men and as they are informed by persons that came
from the County of Gallway and that the Gaol wherein your
petitioners are committed is too narrow and unfitt for them to
remaine in and where some of them they fear will perish if not
soon enlarged and that your petitioners are willing to appeare
where soe ever required by the Government May it please your
Excellencies to send orders to the said High Sheriff to enlarge
said petitioners. [Here follow the signatures as above.]

The voluntary surrender of the priests evidently impressed

the Council favourably.

Dublin Castle 25 March 1712.

Sir I received your letters of the 18 and 21 instant with Certificate
of the number of the priests committed to your Gaol, the Exam-
ination of the Justices in relation to Mr. Burton and the Petition
of the several! priests to their Excellencies. All which I laid
before the Lords Justices and Council who command me to
signify their pleasure to you that such priests who have
voluntarily surrendered themselve's pursuant to the Order of
this Board may be allowed to lodge in houses in the town of
Ennis for their health and convenience upon their giving you
good security to appear in Court at the next Assizes at Ennis
and in the meantime not to depart the towne. Yours

J. DAWSON.

To Win. Butler Esq. High Sheriff of the County of Clare at Ennis.

Meanwhile the pursuit of the priests who did not surrender
or who were not registered, was actively carried on. In answer
to an enquiry from Dawson, Butler wrote 1st May that he has
issued warrants against them. A fortnight later we find :

Ennis 13 May 1712.

Sir I came hither to attend the special sessions when I hoped to
have some popish priests brought in but mett with no more
than two that I sent as by the inclosed Certificate and one more

BB

402 MUNSTER.

my servants seized and brought to me latelye to a Countye
Courte who fell into fitts of the ague which I was informed

- credibblye attend him for a considerable tyme paste and there-
fore I did not commit him being in manifest danger of losing

. his life.

And it is my greatest trouble that I should leye under the censure
of his Excellency and the Lords of the Counsell for not succeed-
inge in theire committment or that their Lordshipps should
thinke that I would in the leaste either neglect or disobeye their
orders.

Collonel Tirey, Mr. Ivers, Mr. Warde and Mr. Boyle Vandeleur
mett me last Mundaye and they promised to use their utmost
and took severall stations and promised before this tyme to
send me an account of what they would doe, and not hearing
from them I believe they did not succeed. Our misfortune
here is that moste of our High and Pettye Constables are papists
and my Protestant servants would not hitherto apprehend more
than those mentioned in the Registry Nos. 25 and 31, [John
Moylane P.P. Killkeedy, and William Conellan P.P. Tulla]
and the sicke man No. 37, [Edmond Glissan P.P. Clonlea].

Sir Donogh O'Brien Brigadier General, and Mr. Thomas Hickman
joyne their diligence with myne but I believe it would be easier
at this tyme to ketch soe manye wolfes or foxes than those
priests, their being twelve presented as mentioned in my laste
for saying mass contrary to the Statute Nos. 1, 3, 4, 9, 12, 23,
27, 35, 41, 42, 44. [Fathers Andrew Burke P.P. Dromcliff,
Thomas Cloghissy P.P. Kilchrist, Connor Macnamara P.P.
Clareabbey, Connor O'Brien P.P. Killshany, Murtogh Flan-
agan P.P. Killmoone, Terence McMahon P.P. Kildisert, Teige
Kerin P.P. Ruan, Charles Hickey P.P. Feakle, Brian
McMahon P.P. Killrush, "Daniel Gorman P.P. Killard, John
Belson P.P. Killmurray,] and of the rest eight are dead as in
the Registered Numbers 11, 15, 16, 29, 33, 36, 38, 45, [John
Queally P.P. Rathborney, John Donoghue P.P. Kildisert,
William Halloran P.P. Killansulagh, Mark Griffey P.P. East
part Dysert, Daniel McNamara P.P. Killroe, Edmund Grady P.P.
Tomgreny, Maurice Mclnerney, P.P. Killmurray, Teige
Shenan P.P. Killferboy].

I am humbly of opinion that if process would issue against their
Boddyse and their Securetyes they would soon appear. And
it is a great affliction to me that I am found at this tyme to make
any Excuss. I promised monye out of my owne purse to my
Gaoler (who would be gladd of their custom) and other Protest-
ants for each prieste that they would bring in but they would
not undertake it. I finde one of our priests is goune into the
Liberties of Limerick. I sent to the Mayor for his assistance
to have him delivered to my servants. Yours W. BUTLER.

MUNSTER. 403

[Enclosures].

I John Gigge Gaoler of Ennis in the County of Clare doe hereby
acknowledge that pursuant to a warrant to me delivered from
William Butler Esq. High Sheriff of the said County I have
received into my custody in the Gaol afforesaid the bodyes of
John Moylen popish priest of the parish of Ogonilla and William
Connellan popish priest of the parish of tullow in the said County.
Witness my hand the 11 of May 1712. JOHN GRAGG.

Being present PIERS BUTLER WAL. NEILAN.

Donogh Tomy of Montallan on 17 March made oath that Edmund
Gleesan popish priest of the parish of Clonlea is unable to travell
to Ennis being sicke this fortnight of an Ague and unable to
leave his house. JA. VANDELEUR.

In the following years we get occasional glimpses. On 17th
June, 1714, Thomas Hickman, high sheriff, wrote from Ennis
that three days previous the gentlemen of the county met to take
measures for the arrest of popish priests. They committed one
Andrew Burke a registered popish priest upon Information that
he celebrated mass not having taken the Oath of Abjuration. It
being reported to them that one Nicholas Keane and one fflorence
MacNamara, both priests, had lately returned from France, they
issued warrants for the arrest of said persons.

Next year the grand jury took stock of the whole popish
enemy.

Co. Clare.

Presentments made by the Grand Jury of the said County at a
General Assizes and General Gaol Delivery held at Ennis for
the said County the 24 March 1714-5.

We find and present that Andrew Burke was registered popish
priest of the parish of Dromcliffe ; that Nicholas Rice Esq. and
Captain Peter Aylmer were his Security ; that Rice is dead and
Aylmer is alive ; that the said Burke still officiates in the said
parish though he has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.
We find and present that Thomas Cloghisy was registered priest
of the parishes of Clondagad and Killchrist ; that Terence
O'Brien of Ballycorick and Capt. Peter Aylmer were his securities ;
that O'Brien is dead and Aylmer is alive ; that the said Cloghisy
still officiates in said parish though he has not taken the Oath
of Abjuration.

We find and present that Connor McNamara was registered priest
of the parishes of Kelone and Clareaby ; that Collonel John
McNamara and Mr. Nicholas Comin were his securities ; that
McNamara is dead and Mr. Comin alive ; that the said McNamara

404 MUNSTER.

still officiates in said parish though he did not take the Oath of
Abjuration.

We find and present that Charles Connor was registered priest of
the parishes of Killclagh and Killmacreehy ; that Francis
Sarsfield and Turlogh O'Brien of Aghagling were his securities ;
that they are both alive ; that the said Connor still officiates
in said Parish and has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.
We find and present that William Daly was registered priest of
the parishes of Kilfenora and Oughevane ; that James Davern
of Lisdoonvarna and Charles McDonagh of Ballikiel were his
securities ; that the said Davern is alive and the said McDonagh
dead, that the said Daly still officiates etc.

We find and present that Murtogh Egan was registered priest of
the parishes of Cluony and Killmanehan ; that Walter Huonigh
of Turlamore and Dermot Considine of Tirelehine were his
sureties ; that they are both living ; that the said Egan still
officiates etc.

We find and present that Connor Morane was registered priest of
the parishes of Cam and Killoleny ; that Nicholas Comin of
Ennis and Charles McDonogh were his surities ; that Comin is
alive and McDonogh is dead ; that the said Morane still officiates
etc.

We find and present that Walter Markam lately deceased was in
his lifetime registered priest of the parishes of Abby and Ughtoma;
that Terence O'Brien of Agheglimy and James Quinn of Ennis
were his securities both being now alive.

We find and present that John Queely lately deceased was registered
priest of the parishes of Rathborny and Killonaghan ; that
William Brock of Glaniny and Nicholas Lynch of Ballivany were
his securities both being now alive.

We find and present that Murtogh fflanagan was registered priest
of the parishes of Killmoone and Killny ; that William Brock
of Glaniny and Patrick Bunill of Ranahane were his securities
the latter being dead ; that the said fflanagan still officiates
etc.

We find and present that James Cahane was registered priest of
the parish of Glaninaght ; that William Brock of Glaniny and
James Quinn of Ennis were his securities both being now alive ;
that said Cahane still officiates etc.

We find and present that Dermot O'Brien was registered priest of
the parish of Droumeragh ; that Capt. Terlogh Brien of Agha-
ghiny and John Quinn of Ennis were his securities both being
alive ; that the said O'Brien still officiates etc.
We find and present that John Donoghue lately deceased was
registered priest of the parish of Killdysert ; that Capt. Donogh
McMahon of Clenagh and John Daly of Mohirliclohy were his
securities both being alive and that the priest is succeeded by
Terlagh McMahon who has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.

MUNSTER. 405

We find and present that William Hallurane lately deceased was
registered priest of the parishes of Killanasula and Tompilo ;
that fnorence Macnamara of Mooghane and Laurence Chroe of
Balrymacuna were his sureties both being alive and that the
said priest is succeeded by Connor Molony who has not taken
the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Donogh Cleary was registered priest of
the parishes of Doory and Templemally ; that fnorence Mac-
Nemara of Ardelony and David White of Inchcronan were his
securities both being alive ; that the said Cleary still officiates
in said parishes though he has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Rickard Gillcreagh was registered priest
of the parishes of Bunratty, Dromlyne, Clouloghane, Killmaliery
and Killconery ; that Donogh McNemara of Clenagh, and
frrancis McNemara of Crevagh were his securities ; that both
are alive ; that the said Gillereagh still officiates etc.

We find and present that Connor Mullony was registered priest
of the parish of Killraghtir but now succeeds William Hallurane
deceased parish priest of Killansula and Tomfinla ; that the said
Mullony 's securities were James Molloney of Kiltanon and John
Reed of Killsway both being alive etc.

We find and present that Murtogh Neilan was registered priest of
Inchicronan ; that David White of Inchicronan and Laurence
Chroe were his sureties both being alive ; that the said Neilan
still officiates etc.

We find and present that Symon Shinor was registered priest of
the parishes of Kilfintenan and Killely ; that David White
late of Sixmilebridge and Morrish Cleary of Ennis were his
securities both being alive ; that the said Shinor hath taken
the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Morgan Mclnerhiny was registered priest
of the parishes of Cluony and Quin ; that ffiorence McNemara
of Crevagh and Patrick Creagh of Danginigin were his securities
both being alive and that the said priest now officiates in the
parishes of Kilfinaghten and Killmurry in the place of Maurice
Mclnerhiny deceased ; that the said Morgan has not taken the
Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Terlagh McMahon was registered priest
of the parishes of KiUmaleery, Killfedan and Killdisert ; that
Capt. D. McNemara of Clenagh and ffiorence McNemara of
Crevagh were his securities both being alive ; that the said
McMahon still officiates etc.

We find and present that Conor McLane was registered priest of
the parish of Killeneboy ; that Coll. John McNemara of Crevagh
of Rath both deceased were his securities ; that they are both
dead ; that the said priest still officiates etc.

We find and present that John Melane was registered priest of the
parish of Killkeedy ; that Murtogh Hogan of Kells and fnorence

406 MUNSTER.

McNemara of Rathclony were his securities both being alive ;
that the said priest is removed to Ogonilla, Killnoe and part of
Tomgrany in the place of Daniel McNemara, where he now
officiates not having taken tue Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Donogh Query was registered priest of
the parish of Dysert ; that John Connell of Brenbry and Richard
White of Drumbane were his sureties both being alive ; that
the said Query officiates etc.

We find and present that Teige Kerin was registered priest of the
parish of Killmuony ; that Patrick Burull and Denis O'Dea
were his securityes ; that both are dead ; that the said Kerin
still officiates etc.

We find and present that James Kerin was registered priest of the
parish of Killilagh ; that Donogh O'Dea of Mocullen and Murtogh
Hogan of Kells were his securities both being alive ; that said
priest removed out of said parish and now officiates in the parish
of Cluony though he has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Marcus Greapha was registered priest of
the parish of Dysert ; that Patrick Hehir of Laghannifilan and
ffrancis ffitz Gerald of Rosleban were his sureties that the said
Marcus Greapha and said ffitz Gerald are dead.

We find and present that William Doogan was registered priest of
the parish of Killaloe ; that fflorence McNemara and Maurice
Cogan were his securities ; that the said Doogan is alive and
took the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that William Conellane was registered priest
of the parish of Tulla ; that Nicholas Rice of Lissoquin and
ffrancis McNemara of Crevagh were his sureties ; that Rice is
dead McNemara alive ; that said priest still officiates etc.

We find and present that John McNemara was registered priest
of the parishes of Killadan and Killehan ; that John McNemara
and Francis McNemara both of Crevagh were his sureties ; that
John McNemara is dead ; that the said priest still officiates etc.

\Ve find and present that Daniel McNemara lately deceased was
registered priest of the parishes of Killnoe and Ogonilla ; that
he was succeeded by John Melane who hath not taken the Oath
of Abjuration that Coll. J. McNemara of Crevagh deceased and
James Margeson of Tomgrany now alive were his security.

We find and present that Daniel Voghane who was registered
priest of Killkudy and Killogeney now officiates in the parish
of Tomgreny that said Voghane hath not taken the Oath of
Abjuration.

We find and present that Charles Hickey was registered priest of
the parish of ffickle ; that Coll. John McNemara lately deceased
and Henry Boncher of Anagh were his securities ; that said
priest still officiates.

We find and present that Edmund Grady was registered priest of
the parishes of Tomgreny and Moynoe also Cluonrusk in Co.

MUNSTER. 407

Galway ; that John Ringrose and James Boucher were his
securities ; that said Grady is dead and succeeded by Daniel
Vaughan who hath not taken the Oath.

We find and present that Edmund Glisane was registered priest
of the parishes of Cluonlea and Killuran ; that John Mcgrath
of Tyrovan and John Reed of Killovie were his securities both
being alive ; that said Glisane still officiates etc.

We find and present that Maurice McMerhiny was registered priest
of the parishes of Killfinaghtin and Killmurry ; that John
McNemara and morence McNemara of Moghane were his security ;
that the said priest is succeeded by Morgan Mclnerhiny who
has not taken the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Gilbert Brody was registered priest of the
parish of Killmacduan ; that Ignatius Casey of Ennis and Mur-
togh McMahon were his securities ; that the said Brody still
officiates etc.

We find and present that Nicholas Honine was registered priest
of the parish of Moyarta and Killeballihone ; that Nicholas
Comin of Ennis and Walter Huonin of Templemore were his
security both being alive ; that said priest still officiates etc.

We find and present that Brien McMahon was registered priest of
the parishes of Killrush and Killimer ; that Michael McMahon
of Ladmon and one Moriarty of Mullagh were his sureties ; that
they are both alive ; that said McMahon still officiates etc.

We find and present that Daniel Gorman was registered priest of
the parishes of Killard and Killfiragh ; that Nicholas Comin of
Ennis and Michael Nihil, Glascluon were his securities, both
being alive ; that said priest still officiates etc.

We find and present that Francis Shinan was registered priest of
the parish of Kilmurry ; that George Stackpole of Ennis and
John How of Coraduff were his security both being alive ; that
said Shinan still officiates though he hath not taken the Oath of
Abjuration.

We find and present that John Belson lately deceased was registered
priest of parish of KiUmurry ; that he was succeeded b}^ Charles
Connell who hath not taken the Oath of Abjuration.

We find and present that Teig Shenan was registered priest of
Killfarboy ; that George Stackpole of Ennis and John Egan of
Freagh were his securities ; that Teig Shenan is dead and
is succeeded by Francis Shenan who hath not taken the
Oath.

We find and present that Roger Mullony is a popish priest not
registered and that he officiates and celebrates mass in the parish
of Quin in the said County.

We find and present that there is a popish seminary or ffriery
near Currinenagh bridge or Crusheen in the said County, under
the direction or government of one Hedegan a reputed frier
which is not only the greatest Injury to the Protestant interest

408 MUNSTER.

in this county but also contrary to and in contempt of the severall

laws made for preventing the further growth of popery.
We find and present that there is a popish ffriery near Ballymullana

in this County under the direction of one James Bruodin alias

Brown a reputed frier.
We find and present that Patrick Pursell is a reputed frier who

commonly inhabitts in the parish of Tulla and County of Clare.
We find and present that William Connellane is a reputed frier

who commonly inhabits in the parish of Tulla and officiates.
We find and present that Daniel McNemara Junior, son to Daniel

McNemara of Gortaderry within said County is lately made a

priest and inhabits within the said County.
We find and present that Richard Thornton is a popish priest.
We find and present that Edmund Quinn is a popish priest.

During the years following 1715 the pursuit was actively kept
up but the priest as the high sheriff, Butler, had pointed out, was
more elusive than the wolf or the fox.

County Clare.

Whereas Flan Brody alias James Brown alias Dennis Culligan a
popish ffriar hath been at the last Assizes convicted by order of
the last goeing Judge for the Circuit of Conought was transmitted
to the castle of Lymerick from whence he was shipped in order
to be transported beyond the seas and that it is since credibly
given out and told that he the said Brody alias Brown alias
Culligan is returned into this county from on Board the said
ship which was to transport him Wee the Grand Jurors at the
general Sessions of the Peace held this 8 day of October 1717
for the said County do find and present the said fflan Brody
alias Brown alias Culligan to be a Tory, Robber and Rapparee
out and upon his keeping and guilty of High Treason against
his Majesty's Crown and Dignity and we pronounce and Ingadge
that we will secure and pay unto any person or persons who
after this day shall seize and secure the said Brody, alias Brown
alias Culligan within the said County so as he may be brought
to Condign punishment the sum of twenty pounds sterling.

JOHN CHARTERS cum Sociis.

[Endorsed] 24 October 1717 Proclaimed.

The returns made to government in accordance with instruct-
ions in 1744 are as follows :

Ennis 22 April 1744.

Sir Herewith you have a list of the popish clergy of this County
which was made up with great difficulty and hope the Govern-
ment will not be displeased at the delay in returning it.

FFRANCIS DAWSON sub sheriff.

MUNSTER. 409

Titular Bishop of Killaloe Patrick McDonough, Ennis otherwise

Dromcliff parish James Dalton Vicar General, Darby Brogy
parish priest.

Killballyowen parish John Cusack, Michael Spilacy.

Killrush parish Richard Thornton.

Killard parish

Killmurray parish Teig Macnamara.

Killadisert parish Darby Cahill.

Killmacduan parish John Carew and Cornelius Droutle.

Killchrist parish Patrick Doherty

Clareabby parish Michael Cuony.

Killmurray parish Michael Stannon and James Comons.

Cloney parish Roger Mullowney

Tulla parish Andrew Connellan.

Quin parish Roger Mulloney

Sixmilebridge parish Mathew Mullowney.

Dromline parish Laurence Connellan

Killmalierny parish Thomas Clanchy.

Tomfielow parish Patrick Quinn.

Killnoe parish Roger McNamara.

Killaloe parish William Doogan and Boetius Davoren.

Ogonuely parish James Hickey.

Tomgraney parish Roger McNamara.

Friekill parish Charles Hickey.

Ennis Cantry parish John Minoge.

Killfentinane parish John Herbert and Richard Keating.

Callaghans Mills parish Thady McNamara.

Killseeley parish Cornelius Twohy.

Killogennedy parish William Doogan the younger.

Doonassa parish Teig Mullowney

Killmichael parish Gilbert Brody.

Killmaeduan parish Edmund Quinn and John Carew.

Dysart parish Teig Kerin

Magh and Killnemonee Daniell Sullivan

Dromcliff parish John Quin.

[Endorsed] To John Lyons Esq.

Lismehane 2 Mar. 1743-4.

Sir I have in accordance to directions made a very strict search
and inquiry into all the houses at Ennis last week and had the
Army from Clare to assist me and I sent my subsheriff to Kil-
rush, Kilfenora and severall other places where we had the least
suspicion of priests or arms, but could not find either. We
have locked and nealed up the mass houses. JOHN WESTROPP.

A few years later both the English and Irish Privy Councils
were fluttered by news of a very dangerous plot carried on by
Romish ecclesiastics in Clare.

410 MUNSTER.

Whitehall April 4 1752.

My Lord I have the honour of sending your Grace the inclosed
letters relating to the assembling and proceedings of the Jacobites,
in the Town of Ennis. I hope this information will tend to
the apprehending of such disaffected persons whose names are
therein inserted who are evidently engaged in carrying on a
treasonable correspondence. I must recommend it to your
Grace to make the most discreet use of these Letters as they
are of a very secret nature. But if they should enable your
Grace to come at any material Discoveries you will be pleased
to inform me thereof in order that the same may be laid before
the Lords Justices. Your Grace's etc. HOLDERNESSE.

To his Grace the Duke of Dorset [Lord Leiutenant].

[Enclosures].

To Florence Hensy Esq. Doctor in Physick in Turles Street
London.

Dear Flory I send you this letter that you may see the contents
of it. Communicate it to Captain F. and do as you think proper
about the affair. I told Laurence Connollan more than once
that no Postulation if not backed by the neighbouring B[ishops]
and the Arch B. in particular would be of any use. For my
part I am very easy about it my principal view is to get a simple
benefice which I am pretty sure of However I shall write to
C. Cors but am resolved to ask no Butter of him, let him do as-
he pleases.

[Endorsed] Not signed but from Mr. Hensey at the Hague. N.B.
This letter was sent under cover to Mr. Destonaches and upon
the back of it was wrote " J'ai une raison particuliere pour ne
point envoyer cette lettre en droiture."

Friday 28 Feby. 1752.

Dear Sir I wrote to you last week and in my letter I fancy I
mentioned to you that Doctor Mac Donagh was weak and infirm.
Now my dear friend I tell you he is dead and buried. It's there-
fore expected by your friends and those that wish you well that
you will immediately make use of your friends and interest
everywhere to succeed him. I am sure you will meet with
many difficulties however you ought in regard to your friends
here who expect you will succeed, leave no stone unturned to
act the needfull on this critical occasion (now or never). There
is a kind of Postulation or Remonstrance to be sent off by next
post signed by as many priests as were at Ennis when the little
Man dyed. I say to be sent to the Chevalier to pray him to-
name one or other of the Gentlemen therein specified to succeed
Mr. McDonogh. Mr. James Cuony, Mr. John Meagher of Rosgrea,
and Mr. Thomas Roche are the three first named in the said
Remonstrance or Postulation and warmly recommended by
Dalton's giddy writing. After them you are named and after
you Hoare the Fryar in Lymerick. Your great friend Canon.

MUNSTER. 411

MacNemara was doing all he could to be Coadjutor as we are
well assured and now will do more I believe. I give you a
caution of this by advice. There is one Lacy who they say has
great interest with the Chevalier. Dean Creagh or his Friends
will do what they can in short. It is hoped you will immediately
do what ought to be done on this occasion. Mac Donogh had
800 in one bag and 4 or 5 hundred pounds in Paper. He left
all to his Relations and died as he lived. We are all to call a
Chapter next week. I am desired by some of my friends to
give you an account of what happened immediately and so do
it accordingly and expect you will not be idle and that wee will
hear from you as soon as you can give us an account good or
bad. Cuony, Meaghir or Thomas Roche have no interest abroad
but I am afraid and so are many that Lacy and MacNemara
are not so. I wish you good success. LAU. CONNELLAN.

The Lord Lieutenant's reply to Lord Holderness was :

I have received the honour of your Lordships Letter of 4th inst
enclosing copies of two letters in relation to the proceedings of
certain disaffected persons in the Town of Ennis and the County
of Clare and if these papers should enable me to come at any
material discoveries, I shall not fail informing your Lordships
thereof in order that the same may be laid before the Lords
Justices [of England]. DORSET.

In the numerous intrigues carried on in connexion with epis-
copal succession during the penal times, government had not the
least suspicion that the nomination to bishoprics was exercised by
the two "Pretenders." So well was the secret kept that the truth
came out only in 1825 in the evidence of Dr. Doyle before the
House of Lords.

CHAPTER X.

CONN AUGHT.

THROUGHOUT the most savage part of the penal era the
Catholics of Galway predominated not in numbers only
but in wealth and territorial importance. Lords Clan-
rickarde, Athenry and Riverstown were Catholics. So too were
the Burkes of Portumna, Milford, Glinske, and Gortmadden,
the Dalys of Carrownakelly (Dunsandle), the Frenches of Durras
and Rahassane, the Donnellans of Caltrons, the Martins of Cor-
beagh and Tyllyra, and numerous others. Yet from no other
county is there fuller evidence of the working of the code. The
presence of strong and influential Catholics only seems to have
had the effect of stimulating the Protestant petty squires into
abnormal activity.

The earliest notice of the Galway clergy occurs in the opening
year of the century. Robert Blakeney writes 23rd December,
1701, enclosing a certificate of the parish priests of the town :

Patrick Skerrett, 23 December 1701 popish priest of William gates
quarter in the town of Gallway certifies he has no coadjutor.

John Bodkin popish priest of the Kea quarter, Do.

Jerome Martin popish priest of Abby gate street, Do.

Mathew Lynch popish priest of Newtown quarter, Do.

Redmond Burke popish priest of Clare Gallway and part of Oran-
more.

John Bodkin popish priest of Raheen in the liberties certifies he
has no coadjutor.

The 2 Anne, c. 6, enacted that no Papist should after 24th
March, 1703, take a house or come to live within the town or suburbs
of Galway, and that only twenty of the papist "trading merchants"
duly licensed by the Lord Lieutenant should be suffered to remain.
Some years later more stringent measures were adopted.

Galway 19 March 1707-8.

Sir I have pursuant to order of last night's post turned all the
popish inhabitants out of the town and garrison and have also

CONN AUGHT. 413

committed the several popish priests to the gaol. I have also
taken care to remove the market outside the walls and have
given orders to prevent mass being said in the town.

RICHARD WALL, Mayor.
To H. Poultney at her Majesty's Castle of Dublin.

Gallway 30 March 1708.

Sir I have turned out of this town all the popish inhabitants
and ordered that a watch be duly kept. I have alsoe secured
six popish priests belonging to this town, there are still two
wanting whom I will endeavour to secure. I have also sent for
Coll. Dominick Browne who had a Regiment in the late King
James' army and Sir Walter Blake who commanded a troop
in the said army and tendered the oath of Abjuration to each
of them which they refusing to take I have secured them both.

RICHARD WALL, Mayor.

How long the priests were kept in prison does not appear
but on 22nd March, 1711, the mayor received instructions to cause
the popish priests in Galway to be secured. This he did so
effectively that the executive thanked him for his "endeavours
to banish the priests those enemies to our constitution, and cause
those you have apprehended to be prosecuted at law with the
utmost rigour." Hence on 29th February the following year
Thomas Wilson was able to report :

There is no priest or other clergyman in Gaol except one ffrier
who was transmitted from Ballinarobe some Assizes agoe to be
transported.

But transporting the priests was like mopping out the tide.
So thought the House of Commons.

10 December 1713. The House being informed that several
popish regular clergymen convicted who by the laws of this
land have been ordered to be transported beyond the seas, have
notwithstanding the said sentence returned again into this
kingdom and most particularly to the County of the town of
Galway and that several other popish regulars have of late
come to that place who for want of a sufficient number of
Protestant freeholders in the said County of the town of Galway
after allowing the prisoners their peremptory challenges, cannot
be brought to justice, the popish freeholders there never finding
any of the said regulars guilty though on the fullest evidence.

Ordered, that leave be given to bring in heads of a bill to enable
the protestant freeholders of the County of Galway to serve as
jurors in all criminal cases in the county of the town of Galway.

414 CONN AUGHT.

This intolerable scandal was only removed by the 4 Geo. I.,
c. 15 which enacted that Protestant freeholders of the county
might be summoned to attend at the assizes in any plea of the
Crown, or at any trial at bar in the King's Bench, Dublin. Mean-
while even though a conviction could not be obtained, the priests
who returned were kept in jail. Robert Blakeney, mayor, re-
ported in 1714 :

One James French a regular popish clergyman has lain in gaol a
long time, committed for high treason for returning from beyond
seas after being transported. He could not hitherto be tried
here for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders.

Doubtless this James French was the subject of the following

correspondence :

Galway 12 Sept. 1701.

Sir I had yours before the last Assizes in Galway in answer to
what I writ about the poor priest my brother and am obliged
to you for your favour. He was indicted at the Assizes for high
treason on the supposition that he is a Dominican fryer but the
Judge thought fitt to putt off his tryal and ordered that he should
be in the mean time kept in Gaole. He is a poor sickly man
and can't live if he be long in confinement I therefore thought
fitt to make an application to the Government to baile him.
The Judges had so good a character given them of his life and
conversation by all the Protestants of the County that I hope
they will speak a good word for him. PA. FRENCH.

To Jos. Dawson att H.M. Castle of Dublin.

In March, 1715, he was still in prison.

Com. Ville Galway.

Account of persons in Custody in the Circuit to be laid before
Government.

James ffrench, Popish frier, Indicted for that he being transported
before the 1st of May 1698 did traytorously return into this
kingdom. Triall putt off severall times per defect Jurorum.
Note he was indicted for coming into this kingdom and not
transporting himselfe and he submitted to that and was ordered
to be transported.

The following is the last evidence of him :

We hereby direct and require you to take effectual care that James
French convicted of being a Fryer now under a Rule of Trans-
portation in the Gaol of Gallwey be forthwith transported to
Lisbon in Portugal. Given this 5 day of May 1718.

To the Mayor of Gallwey. CHA. MADDOCKES.

CON NAUGHT. . 415

Yet not the last.

We hereby direct and require you to take effectual care that James
French convicted of being a Fryer now under a Rule of Trans-
portation in the Gaol of Gallwey be forthwith transported to
Spaine or Portugal, Dublin Castle 16 August 1718.

CHA. MADDOCKES.

The correspondence for 1714 shows renewed activity. Samuel
Eyre writes to Secretary Dawson, 4th May :

Pursuant to your commands some time past I have made diligent
search and dispersed the nuns that were in this town but now
I am informed that they are gathering againe and that by the
advice of severall popish lawyers who tell them there is no law
against their assembling and that if they be dispersed one day
they may assemble againe. I desire your Grace's further com-
mands on this occasion.

A month later, 7th June, Eyre again writes that he has issued
search warrants against the popish clergy, and moreover had
dispersed the nuns. So effectively was the work done that Robert
Blakeney writing 26th October states :

There remaine now not any Popish secular or regular popish clergy-
man or any other person on the Government's account in Gaole
here but James French.

He enclosed at the same time the following memorandum :

July 15 1714, Ignatius Bigg Master of the Three Freinds of Gallway
His recognizance in 50 to transport Alexander Lynch a secular
Clergyman as it is expressed in the Recognizance.

October 6 1714, John Hillhouse Master of the Hester and Mary
Galley of Bristoll. His recognizance in 50 to transport Thomas
McDermot Roe alias Lambert a popish Regular Clergyman of
the order of St. Dominick, Gallway. The two recognizances
above mentioned are in my custody. Witness my hand October
26 1714. H. ARKRIGHT, Collector.

Yet one never knew when these popish priests might turn
up. Blakeney again reported :

I do find that John Brady a Popish Priest lately lived within the
liberties of the said Corporation. Sometimes in the house of
Patrick Brown in the town of Athenry and sometimes in the
house of Charles French of Geethill near the said Town, and
that he the said Brady lately quitted that neighbourhood but
I could not find or learn that any other Popish clergymen live
or can be found at any place within the said town or Liberties
thereof.

416 CONN AUGHT.

So far so good. But on 24th January, 1716, their Excellencies
issued another proclamation that they were informed there were
still in the kingdom divers regulars and persons exercising ecclesias-
tical jurisdiction and other popish priests not registered. All
magistrates were to make further search and seize them, the
rewards for their apprehension hitherto offered were to be increased.
As the priests were got rid of, Mayor Blakeney and Sheriff Smith
addressed themselves to the other popish enemy. On 29th January
write :

We have in obedience to their Excellencies commands drawn
summons to all papists within this Town and County thereof
to appear and take and subscribe the Oath of Abjuration. But
having instructions produced to us by Collonel Barett to turn
out all papists except about twenty merchants whom we bound
over in Recognizances with Protestant security till they load
and unload their shipping and are obliged to appear de die in
diem before the magistrates of this Corporation to be dealth
with as their Excellencies shall thinke fitt and on that account
we suspended proceeding any further on the summons till we
know their Excellencies further pleasure whether to keepe the
Papists in generall out of town or suffer them in and proceed
against them according to law.

A considerable body of the Protestants sympathised with their
Catholic fellow citizens and this was made the ground of serious
charges in Parliament. On 13th September, 1717, the extremists
petitioned :

For several years past a design had been carried on to support a
popish interest within the town ; nunneries and other places of
refuge for regular and secular priests, friars and other offenders
against the laws had been connived at within the town ; great
numbers of papists had been permitted to inhabit ; a sufficient
number of Protestant freeholders could not be found in the
county of the town to try offenders against the acts against
papists whereby great numbers of popish priests, friars and
dignitaries of the church of Rome frequently landed from foreign
parts and through the connivance of the Justices were sheltered
and from thence found opportunities to disperse themselves
into all other parts of the kingdom.

Though Parliament graciously passed the "Galway Act" the
priests continued to arrive. George Gerry, mayor, writes 2nd
April, 1725 :

CONN AUGHT. 417

On the information of one Thomas Bigge I have secured four
friers who do not indeed appear to have been transported and
though they offer baile till next Assizes I have refused till favoured
with the Government's directions. This evening the said Bigge
forwarded me the enclosed paper.

[Endorsed] Show it to Solicitor General.

In November, 1731, we have the first of two detailed accounts
of the "state of popery" in Galway. It was furnished by the
Mayor, Walter Taylor.

The sheriffs gave me an account of a reputed popish chapel in
Middle street in which chapel there is an altar, a canopy and
some forms ; and informed me that one Gregory French and
Robert Skerrett two popish priests usually officiated therein ;
and another popish chapel in the same street in a warehouse
belonging to Antony Bodkin, merchant, with some forms, and
that one Patrick Bermingham titular warden and some other
priests or friars whose names I could not learn officiate therein
and which said warehouse was converted into a chapel five or
six years ago ; and that one Patrick Skerrett a registered popish
priest a very old man officiates and says mass (as they heard)
in his chambers in Skinner street ; and that one Patrick Hoobane
an old registered priest officiates and says mass in the parish of
Rahoon in the west suburbs of Galway ; and that one Gregory
French (but whether he is a priest or friar I cannot learn) is said
to officiate in the house of widow Skerrett lately deceased in
Lombard Street near the lower barrack ; and one Bodkin and
one Banks (of whose Christian names I have not been informed)
officiate in some of the said chapels or private houses. And
they giving no account but as aforesaid and finding it not practic-
able without examining on oath some of the popish inhabitants
to get an account of any other or what mass houses in the said
town or what number of priests officiate in each of the said mass
houses or of the private popish chapels or of the number of friars
or nuns in each friary or nunnery respectively. I cannot be
particular therein.

The second was sent by Thomas Shaw, mayor, 9th March,

1743-4 :

County of the Town of Galwey to wit.

The Examinacon of Anthony French fitz Martin Merchant.
The said Examinate being duly sworn sayth that he heard mass
the last time without Abby Gate at a reputed mass house. That
one Lynch was the person who officiated and was reputed a
regular ; that Walter Joyse of Galwey, merchant, was present,
one Thomas Blake of Turlogh, one Nicholas Bodkin and Walter
Joyses wife ; that said mass was celebrated on Sunday last.

cc

418 CONN AUGHT.

That he know not the Christian name of said Lynch ; he believes
him to be a reputed Fryar and a member of the society who
live at said Fryery. That one Patrick Brown, Nicholas Lynch,
James Moran, Francis French and Francis Martin are reputed
to be Friers belonging to said Friery. Believes they are now
dispersed. Sayth that there are four or five belonging to the
Friery at the West, one Thomas Burke, one Stephen Kirivan ;
cannot recollect the names of the others ; are reputed of the
order of St. Dominick and believes they are likewise dispersed
and knows not where they are gone to. Sayeth he knows another
reputed order called the Augustinians. Sayth that there are
four or five belonging to said house, one Daly and one Michael
French belong to it ; knows not the names of any of the rest ;
believes they are also dispersed. Sayth that there is a Mass
house in Middle street and four or five persons reputed to belong
to it ; that they are secular priests and are called Anthony
Blake who is reputed Titular Warden, Francis Kirwan and
Laurence and Nicholas Lynch who are reputed vicars. Sayth
that the said Anthony Blake when in town lodges at Walter
Blake's, merchant, Francis Kirwan with his sister in Middle
street, Nicholas Lynch with one Arthur a brother in law 7 of his
without the Gates. He believes they are not now in town ;
knows not where they are gone to. There is another Mass house
in Middle street but was not there these thirty days ; that one
Ambrose French belonged to it ; heard one Andrew Lynch
sometimes officiates there ; believes them to be secular priests.
Knows not whether they are now in town but believes they
are not ; knows one Mark Halloran to be a reputed secular.
Saith that there are three nunnerys belonging to the town as
he hears, and are called Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustin-
ians. Knows not how many are in each. Heard some of them
are now dispersed. He knows not of any Archbishop or other
Clergyman of the Popish religion disguised, concealed or itinerant
in said town. Hears there is one Nicholas Merrick a reputed
secular that officiates in the West and one Walter Burke a reputed
secular that officiates in the East Libertyes.
Michael Burke of Fahybegg Merchant being Examined etc. One
Hobbert Burke officiated at the West Chappie last Sunday ;
there may eight friers belong to it but some have not been in
town some time. They are called of the Order of St. Dominick.
He knows one Geoghegan ; he was called Arthur when he first
knew him but his name was afterwards changed. Knows one
Thomas Burke, Walter Burke, one Creagh. He heard them all
from time to time say mass ; they are now scattered ; knows
not where. Knows a friary without Abbey Gate that goes by
the name of St. Francis. Knows not how many belong to it.
Knows another Friary called the Augustinian ; that sometimes
four sometimes five belong to it, one French, one Blake, one

CONN AUGHT. 419

Daly are of the number. Knows of a chappie called the Priests
chappie in Middle street. Knows one Mark Hollereran ; is old
and thinks he does not officiate.

Two years later Stratford Eyre was appointed governor of
Galway and "vice-admiral of Connaught." This old soldier seems
to have concentrated in himself all the bigotry of the province,
and amidst the piles of fading letters on forgotten topics in the
Record Office, his correspondence glows with unique fire and
vigour. He had the utmost contempt for the corporation. "The
mayor," he writes, "is the son of a man who was my Lord Tirawly's
footman, one sheriff is a beggar, the other a shoemaker and a
poor one, the deputy recorder a poor antiquated man of seventy
who is supported by the papists." In a lecture to the corporation
he continues :

Noe, Gentlemen, that you are here in your corporate capacity I
must recommend to you to disperse those wrestless popish
ecclesiastics. Let me not meet them in every corner of the
streets where I walk as I have done. No sham searches, Mr.
Sheriffs as to my knowledge you have lately made. Your
Birds were flown but they left you cakes and wine to entertain
yourselves withall r

On November 20th, 1747, he wrote :

Alderman Ellis has let the houses which were friaries to those
ecclesiastics, there are in this town and suburbs above 180 of
those ecclesiastics and within the Liberties lives Robert Martin
a most dangerous murdering Jacobite.

Next month the situation had grown still more desperate.

There are six friaries and nunneries, two popish chappells, eight
popish schools, above thirty papists to a Protestant and at least
200 popish ecclesiastics within the town and suburbs many of
whom were agents and emissaries and all of them affected to the
interests of France and Spain for whose success they publickly
prayed in their chapells. Numbers of popish ecclesiastics
arrive daily from abroad by way of Holland to Cork and

appear publickly in the streets within the last

twelve months three sentinels had been knocked down at the
west gate one of them by two Dominican friars named Burke
and Geoghegan and the other two by papists. Of late years
several old Protestants and the children of such had been per-
verted to the popish religion by the indefatigable assiduity,
diligence and unlimited access these ecclesiastics had to the
town and suburbs indiscriminatly.

420 CONNAUGHT.

Henceforward for over a dozen years, Governor Eyre carried
on the war against popish ecclesiastics, often with little encourage-

ment in high quarters.

Eyreville 12 May 1750.

Sir There is a large Popish chappell now building in the Middlr
street within the town of Galway. As I apprehend this pro-
ceeding may in its consequences affect his Majesties service
and to be contrary to laws for the encouragement of a Protestant
settlement there. I request you will be pleased to lay this account
before their Excellencies. S. EYRE.

[Enclosure].

Our neighbours flushed with their success and exulting in the
destruction of a Hopefull Protestant Simenary which promised
itself to be raised emongst us are (to our shame be it spoken)
now erecting a large mass house (or chappell rather) in or near
the Centre of our town to be Illustrated with Altar pieces, Quiers
Organ, paintings and all other ornaments and embellishments
which adorn any of the foreign churches.

Gallway 19 August 1755.

Sir I have reported to his late Excellency the Earl of Harrington
and to his Grace the Duke of Dorset that three houses in this
town and within pistol shot of the walls are inhabited by Resident
Emissarys and agents of Rome. It is my duty to apprise my
Lord Lieutenant that there are three fryarys here to wit, August-
inian, Dominican and ffranciscan in which I am informed there
are thirty fryars and I humbly submit it to his Excellency's
consideration how impenetrable to my observation these Regulars
(who appear like other Inhabitants in the streets and in public
places and to do them and all the Papists here justice, behave
very quietly and inoffensively to outward shew) may receave
and convey intelligence to the enemy unless some means by
Intercepting post letters their correspondence may be discovered.
I hear their letters are directed to them as if they were in Lay
character and I send you the names of as many of them as I
could without suspicion collect. Our assizes is a time that
brings severall persons hitherto who have no business in the
Courts and may well be suspected of other views. S. EYRE.

To Secretary Waite.

[Enclosure].

Peter Killikelly Titular Bishop of Killmacduagh.

Robert Murphy, Stephen Kirwan, Robert Browne, Thomas Burke
Brother to John Burke formerly sheriff.

Gregory Joyce

wT Dominican Fryers.

Walter Burke f J

John Bodkin

CONN AUGHT. 421

Michael ffrench Provinciall Generall of all the Augustinians in

Ireland.

ffleming Prior of the Augustinian convent Galway.
Thomas Daly, Augustine Blake the rest of the Augustinians not

yet informed of.

TM- -m i xx -TUT i.- ("Brothers of Tasper Martin of Ross
Thomas Blake ffrancis Marian formerl in t J he Commission of the

and John Martin , tp ea ce.

ffrancis ffrench was last year in Rome these ffranciscans. The

rest not informed of.
Dr. King a Jesuit, Blake Titular Bishop of Killala, Antony Blake

Titular Warden of Galway, Andrew Marcus and ffrancis Kirwan

viccars.

On this occasion Eyre was encouraged to proceed against the

priests.

Galway 6 September 1755.

Sir At one this morning I secured ffrench and ffleming in their
beds in their convent and they are now in my house kept apart
and treated agreeable to my Lord Leiutenant's Instructions.
All the papers which I could find upon the strictest search I
send this express sealed up and they are all (one paper excepted
which Sir Thomas Prendergast and I read) uninspected since
they came into my hands. There are a number of books in
their rooms sufficient to load a car and by Sir Thomas's advice
I shall forthwith shut up and fix a seal on the doors where the
books are and post a sentry over them. I've strictly adhered
to your instructions and it was not known that they were appre-
hended till this morning at 7 o'c. The astonishment of the
people is great and their clamour against me but as I have your
leave to communicate my Lord Lieutenant's favourable dis
positions to them by your Letter of the 2nd instant I hope in
a few hours all will subside.

The Mayor is now examining ffrench who seems very open and
communicative and is in whose handwriting down (sic.) His
Examination which with ffleming's shall be sent to you. He
suspects a frier named Marcus Mannin and chaplain to Mrs.
Daly the widow of Thomas Power Daly who lodges in King
street Boarding school to have represented him in the obnoxious
light he is. Inclosed is a direction to find Mannin if you think
proper to examine him. These people offer vast securityes for
their appearance but till his Excellencies pleasure is known I
will detain them in my house. S. EYRE.

To Mr. Secretary Waite.

When the sealed letters were opened in Dublin, they afforded
no evidence of Jacobite or other plots, and the friars were soon
after liberated. Governor Eyre was long kept out of the rewards

422 CON NAUGHT.

he claimed for capturing friars. When the government in Dublin
were tired of him he applied to London. Secretary Wilmot wrote
to Waite 29th March, 1759 :

Governor Eyre having lately transmitted to the Duke of Devon-
shire the enclosed memorial, his Grace has directed me to send, it
to you and to desire as the service was performed in consequence
of orders from England during his Grace's administration, that
you will remind their Excellencies the Lords Justices thereof
that Mr. Eyre may be repaid all reasonable charges. But the
Duke of Devonshire leaves it to the Lords Justices to determine
whether Governor Eyre is entitled to the reward which he claims
for apprehending such persons. His Grace recollects that what
was suggested against the friars was so far from being founded
that they proved to be not only very inoffensive men but objects
of compassion and were relieved by his Grace accordingly.

Passing from the city to the county of Galway the first letters
met with relate to the troublous year 1708.

Galway 30 March 1708.

Sir I find a great number of the County Gentlemen will be confined
in this town by the High Sheriff on their refusal to take the
Oath of Abjuration. We shall by it make but a bad exchange
to take into the town Gentlemen that have been officers in lieu
of Merchants who can do us not much hurt. The Sheriff has a
Gaol which will be the occasion of their all coming hither and
I have heard the sheriff will under pretence of this Gaol lodge
such as are sent hither in other places. I have told him that
if he would take a large house for them I would give him a guard
but otherwise I would not admit them into the town. J. EYRE.

To Jos. Dawson Esq.

Galway 6 April 1708.

Sir The Garrison of Galway who had turned out the Papists were
very unwilling to receive the Irish officers and priests that were
to be sent in by the Justices. For which reason to avoid there
being too many in one place I appointed some in Gaol, some in
Loughrea the County Town where we have two troops of militia
and dragoons to guard them. Very few either priests or officers
sent in yet but I will send a particular account in a post or two.

To Jos. Dawson Esq. EDMD. CROW.

Hedford 18 May 1708.

Sir The Priests and officers I mentioned are

persons that absconded untill the government's orders for
bailing were heard of, and are willing now to give bail according
to the prescription. J. CARVER.

CONN AUGHT. 423

Three years later the proceedings against priests were
particularly brisk. David Power, high sheriff, writes from Galway
22nd February, 1711-2 :

Most of the Constables in this county are Papists and it is hard
to trust them in this affair and especially [as regards] the priests
who are in great numbers registered and unregistered.

I have acquainted severall of the Justices of the Peace of the
Lords Justices commands in relation to the priests and their
meeting. It is a general rumour that there are several men with
scarlet cloaks and that spake ffrench go up and down the country
by night. The Gentlemen in the county are in great feare and
apprehension.

This was confirmed by Vesey, archbishop of Tuam, four days
after.

There is a great resort of the Roman Catholic Gentlemen out of
the other provinces to Galway to avoid the oath of abjuration.
The Judges will find much opposition from the Roman Catholic
Lawyers and the Gentry of this province.

The archbishop also complained of the supineness of the
magistrates. A meeting of the magistrates, he wrote, was con-
vened by Mr. Bingham on the 23rd. They all promised to try
and seize what priests they could that had not taken the Oath of
Abjuration, which none have done except one in the whole county.

Early in March an important capture was reported, no less a
person than the bishop-elect of Killala.

Mar. 11 1711-2.

Sir I have seized Doctor Ambrose Madden a regular popish
priest from the parish of Loughrea ; this man is looked upon
to be the chief of them in this County. I send you the enclosed
certificate as desired from the Gaoler. I have acquainted severall
of the Justices of the Peace of their Lordships resentment in not
apprehending the popish priests. If it were not for the assistance
of the Dragoons at Loughrea I should be stoned to death by
the mobb on account of Madden for there was two or three
hundred comeing about me by night. They [priests] absconded
from me and are out upon their keeping and if the Government
were pleased to send me directions to gett the Recognizances
that were given by severall of the Gentlemen of the County at
the time they were registered and to sue their sureties upon the
said Recognizances they would all come in. Pray lay this before
his Grace and their Excellencies. Your most humble servant,

D. POWER.

on

424 CON NAUGHT.

This I hope will be lookt upon as a good method to secure them
priests that abscond.

[Enclosure],

Co. Gallway. I Doe hereby Certify that David Power Esq. High
Sheriff of the said County committed to my Gaole the body of
Ambrose Madden Popish priest and registered for the Parish of
Loughrea and that I have him now in my custody in the said
Gaole. Given under my hand the 7th day of March 1711-2.

STE. FULLER.

The capture of the bishop-elect appears to have put the others
their guard. Power again writes 14th March :

I have searched diligently but could not seize any more of the
popish priests but Collonel Samuel Eyre tooke Dermot Dolan a
priest but he made his escape by a rescue. They have all ab-
sconded but this day I sent their sureties summons to bring
in the priests.

Robert Blakeney sent from Castleblakeney a fresh suggestion
for dealing with the matter.

All our popish priests who are in the bottom of this [cattle hough-
ing] and the maine springs of it are absconded and will not come
in I know of but very few and am humbly of opinion that if the
Magistrates had orders to seize the houses of suspected papists
and also their persons in order to oblige them to take the oaths
of allegiance and abjuration it would be of great service.

This was in March but the pursuit of officiating and unregistered
priests went on through the year. On 23rd December, 1712, the
high sheriff, Robert Mason, writes to say he will to the best of his
power carry out their Excellencies instructions with regard to the
priests.

Of the following years there are occasional glimpses. Six
county magistrates met at Athenry, 22nd June, 1714, to take
council how to get rid of the popish clergy. In a letter to the
executive they state that the orders on that matter will be ful-
filled, and continue :

We most humbly represent that there has been severall of the
Popish priests of this County who were registered and had not
taken the Oath of Abjuration, taken and committed by the
Justices of the Peace to the Gaol of Galway who were from time
to time admitted to baile by the Justices of Assize.

At the spring assizes 29th March, 1715, the following present-
ment was made :

CONN AUGHT. 425

We find and believe that great numbers of Priests and ffriars and
other Ecclesiastics of the Romish persuasion have come into this
kingdom within these four years last past and we do believe
that all such as are not registered have lately come into this
kingdom in regard that had they been here at the time of the
Registring of the Priests required by Act of Parliament they
would have registered themselves as well as those who were in
the kingdom did. And we further find that a great number
of Priests as well those Registered as those not Registered were
at a Quarter Sessions held for this County 7 July 1714 presented
upon Informations of their having celebrated Mass and not
having taken the Oath of Abjuration, their names and places
wherein they celebrated mass are contained in said Presentment
now in the hands of the Clerk of the Peace for this County.

We are credibly informed and verily believe that great numbers
of fryars have within these very few years come into this kingdom
and settled themselves in the following places in this County,
viz. Kilconell and in another place near Portumna as also in
Tomona neare the Abby of Kinelehan, in Ross near Headford
in Loughrea, in the Abby of Milick, in Keilneschall, neare the
Abby of Athenry. And that the great discouradgements that in
the close of the last Reign were given by the men in power to
such as were active in suppressing all ffryaries have contributed
greatly to their settling in this county in defiance of the laws.

And we further beg leave to represent that at a Quarter Sessions
held the 7 July 1714 and at a private sessions held at Aghrum
the 29 of June 1714 great numbers of priests were presented for
celebrating mass not having taken the Oath of Abjuration, the
said presentments are now in the hands of the Clerk of the
Peace but no process as yet issued. And we make it our humble
request that your Lordships would immediately issue particular
directions to the High Sheriff of this County to be diligent in
apprehending the said persons.

The names of such Regular preists of this county as are deceased
and such as supply their places.

1. Owen Donelan of Killane parish Deceased and cant tell who
supplies his place.

2. Gregory ffrench of Down's parish Deceased and cant tell who
supplies his place.

3. Walter Costello of Addergole parish Deceased, succeeded by
ffergus Kelly Registered for Ballinakill.

4. Hugh Madden of Cloontuskert parish Deceased succeeded by
Bryan Lorkan registered for Bullan.

5. Murtagh ffahy of Ballynacourty parish deceased, cant tell who
supplies his place.

6. Edmund Knavin of Dooniry parish Deceased, cant tell who
supplies his place.

7. Thomas Burke of Ardrahan parish Deceased succeeded by Ed-
mund Lynch and John Cullan.

426 CONN AUGHT.

8. John Dolphin of Killmedeen parish Deceased, succeeded by
Jonock me Hugo registered priest for Killtoskell.

9. Patrick Keoghry of Killconickny parish Deceased cant tell who
supplies his place.

10. Edward ffrench of Spidell parish Deceased cant tell who
supplies his place.

11. Walter Dillon of ffeonagh deceased succeeded by Cormack
McGuriffe.

12. James Hynde of Killtarton parish Deceased cant tell who
supplies his place.

13. John Concanon of Templetogher and Bungonogh parishes
Deceased succeeded by Andrew Crean lately come into this
kingdom.

14. James Boytogh of Killbennet parish Deceased cant tell who
supplies his place.

15. Dennis Bryan of Killisoran parish Deceased cant tell who
supplies his place.

16. John Egan of Killursa parish deceased, succeeded by Dennis
Hynde registered priest for Kilcolgan.

17. 'Reynald Kealy of Killconry parish Deceased succeeded by
Peter fflanry.

18. Peter Donelon of Killcooly parish deceased, succeeded by
Owen Donelan.

19. Thomas Jounins of Killmordaly deceased, Peter fflannery
officiates.

20. Rickard Burke of Ballmekelly parish deceased, succeeded by
Myles Welsh.

21. Coagh ffallon of Killrickell parish deceased succeeded by
Owen Donelan.

22. James Mannin of Grange parish deceased, succeeded by William
Murphy.

A sample of the informations sworn against priests may here
be given :

The Examination of John O'Mollowny of Ballyheane taken before
James Macartney and William Caulfield Esquires Lords Justices
of Assize for the Connaught Circuit the sixth day of April 1715.

This Examinat being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and
examined saith that he knows Francis Burke of the County of
Gallway to be reputed Vicar Generall and James Lynch Titular
Archbishop of Tuam, and that he hath known the said Francis
Burke to execute the office of Vicar Generall by divorceing severall
couples from the Bonds of Marriage particularly Thomas Paddin
and Mary Mannin att Ballheane in the County of Mayo in the
house of Edmund Costello parish priest of Ballheane about
five yeare agoe and also in the house of Teig Mally at Morisk
in the Owles in the County of Mayo. He this Examinat was
present when the said Francis Burke did order [ordain] Bryan

CONN AUGHT. 427

Mulcroan and Peter Gibolane popish priests, who now officiate
as popish priests in the County of Mayo and Peter Gibolane
is popish priest of the parish of Cloghwell and the said Francis
Burke now dwelleth neare Slewboghteen in the County of Gallway
neare Loughrea and that Patrick Duffy Registered Popish parish
priest of the parish of Ballinrobe is reputed the other Vicar
Generall of the said Diocese of Tuam, and that he came into
the said office in the place and stead of Dominick Lynch nephew
to the said Titular Arch Bishop and that the said Patrick Duffy
and the said Francis Burke together with Patrick Twohill, a
regular, Bryan Mulcroon, Peter Gibolane, Edmund Nally,
Thomas Mulkeeran all popish priests and severall others of the
said function not known to this Examinat met at Lane near
Aghagower in the parish of Aghagower Barony of Moriske
and County of Mayo and being part of the lands of Valen-
tine Browne and on or about the twentieth day of Novembsr
last, the said Francis Burke, Patrick Duffy, Patrick Twohill,
Bryan Mulcroon, Peter Gibolane, Edmund Nally and Thomas
Mulkeeran did celebrate seven masses from Dawn of Day till
12 of the Clock, and this Examinates cause of knowing is that
he saw all the said persons before named except Burke, Mulcroon
and Edmund Nally in their surplaces and saw particularly
Francis Burke and Patrick Twohill elevate the wafer and the
same day the said Francis Burke and Patrick Duffy ordained
ffifty popish priests as Patrick Twohill told this Examinat and
that in or about the twentieth ffebruary last the said Francis
Burke and the other persons before named were to meet on the
lands aforesaid and John Mally popish priest of the parish of
Barrescarny told this Examinat it would be an Act of Charity
in him if he knew anything of a contract between Richard Walsh
and Margaret Walsh and the rest of the said persons in order to
divorce the said couple. When this Examinat went to the
said place the said John Mally told this Examinat that there
would be no meeting that day, that Patrick Duffy aforesaid is
now dwelling in Westport in the County of Mayo and that this
Examinat saw the said Patrick Duffy on Sunday 13 day of
March last at Westport aforesaid in the said street and saw
great numbers of people gathered about the house of Thomas
Joyce, and the said Patrick Duffy came out of the said house
about an hour after the Multitude of people that had been there
were dispersed which gave cause to this Exajninat to suppose
that they had mass the said day in the house of said Thomas
Joyce and further saith not.

Jurat coram nobis 7 die Aprilis 1715. JA. MACARTNEY.

JOHN h i s MULLOWNY. W. CAULFIELD.

mark

Of the proceedings against priests in 1744 there arc some
vivid accounts.

428 CONN AUGHT.

Loughrea 24 Feby. 1743-4.

Sir I received my Lord Chief Justices warrants against two
popish priests which shall be strictly obeyed by me to the utmost
of my power. As the papists who live here has (sic) the earliest
Intelligence for the priests being taken upp in Dublin they all
fled here from their convents and fryerys but as the two priests
I am to pursue live remote and in the country I hope in some
short time to give you a better account of them.

RICHARD CROASDAILE.

Loughrea 30 March 1744.

Sir Yours of the 3rd should have been answered some time but
I could not inform myself of half the number of Popish clergy
in this County At the other side you have the most perfect list
I could make. . RICHARD CROSDALE.

To John Lyons Esq. H.M. Castle of Dublin.

[Endorsed].
Peter Donelan titular Bishop of Clonfert lives at Kellmurayn in

the parish of Tynagh.
Titular Archbishop of Tuam one O'Garah. Cannot learn his

Christian name nor where he lives.
Kelly titular Bishop likewise.

Friary at Loughrea.

John Haghagan, James Coleman, Leacy ., Peter Cullenan, John
Lennan.

Friary at Killconnell.
Edmund Kelly, Walter Kelly, John Spein.

Friary at Kellascall Dominicans.

Dominick Burke, Thomas Dolphin, Patrick Burke, Dominic French,
Patrick Moran, Charles French, William Keighay Pryor.

Friary at Meelik of the Franciscan Order.

James Madden, Dennis Madan, Guardian, John Lorkan, Thomas
Brodor, John McHugo.

Buoby Friary, Dominicans.
Thomas Madden, Ulick Burke, John dwane.

Friary at Tomona.
Nicholas Walsh, Anthony Burke, . Madden, Dominick Hickey.

Friary at Clare Galway.
Thomas Morris, Guardian, . Burke.

Passing from Galway to the adjoining county, Mayo, we find
considerable evidence of the activity of the magistrates there. In
the winter of 1711-2 there was an agrarian outbreak with the
usual concomitants, cattle-houghing and the like.

CONN AUGHT, 429

Dublin Castle 4 Mar. 1711-2.

My Lord His Excellency and Council have reason to believe so
much mischief could not be carried on without the connivance
and knowledge if not the concurrence of the priests, so their
Excellencies gave directions to the Justices of the Peace in the
Counties of Gallway, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare to commit
all the priests of the popish religion in their respective counties
to Gaole and if you think it may be of service in your County
they desire you will pursue the same method and return an
account thereof to me. Jos. DAWSON.

To the Lord Mayo etc.

His lordship did not need this spur ; he was already in the field.

Castle Bourke 25 Feby. 1711-2.

My Lord According to your last resolution I have yesterday
apprehended the priest of this parish and sent him to Castlebarr.
About the dead hour of the night last night there came some
people in their boots from the East Gate of my lane to my house
doore where they stood for some time and from thence they
walked to the West Gate towards my stable and soe back againc
to the East Gate. Whereto I went this morning as soon as I
had the account from some of my servants, when I found the
fresh tracks of men and horses. I tooke measure of boots
which I have tried with my own men and horses and finde they
doe not agree any way MAYO.

He concludes by requesting that arms and ammunition should
be sent him immediately. The arrest of priests was not unattended
with risk and the magistrates were dilatory. A fortnight later,
llth March, the following mandate was sent to the high sheriff :

It is their Excellencies pleasure that you send to the popish priests
of your County or their securities and lett them know that their
Recognizances will be put in suit if they do not forthwith appeare
and surrender themselves to you.

Whether this threat brought in the priests or not does not
appear. Some of them certainly held out as we gather from the
letters of one of the most energetic of the Mayo magistrates.

Milford 2 September 1712.

Sir I have att last though with some difficulty gott Father Neale
Boyle and pursuant to their Excellencies directions committed
him to the Gaole of Gallaway without Baile or Manprise till
their further pleasure be known. He was taken on Sunday
last by a Sergeant belonging to Captain Hall's company who
has had my warrant against .him ever since I knew their Ex-
cellencies pleasure but could not meet with him till Sunday,

430 CONN AUGHT.

the priest having had notice as he owned to me. Great numbers
of the Irish flocked in to see him and would very faine have
bailed him. The popish merchants of this town offered to
lodge 1000 in my hands as security for him rather than that
he should goe to Gaole ; they showed great concearne for him
and some of them said they would apply to the Governor of the
County. I am told that soon after the priest was taken and
before I came to town that severall of the popish mob of the
town came to the house of Dr. ff alien a Clergyman in our Church
and abused his wife by giving of severall curses and ill landguage,
alledgeing that her husband and she were the occasion of Father
Boyles being taken. I doubt not but that on this occasion I
had an addition to the volleys of curses I had on ffather Duffey's
account but hope neither will much prevaile. I am Sir etc.
To Secretary Dawson. ROB. MILLAR.

Castlebar 23 Sept. 1712.

Sir As to Neale Boyle I gave you an account of his being taken
and committed. All I know is that he is as I am informed a
popish unregistered priest lately come from France and that he
came to Tuam and then as 'tis alledged by some ecclesiasticall
or forraine jurisdiction, turned out one Patrick Borne registered
priest of the parish of Tuam who officiated there for above
twenty years past. ROB. MILLAR.

A few more documents illustrative of the working of the code
in Mayo may be given :

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Ireland.
Presentment of the Grand Jury of Mayo at Assizes held 4 April
1715.

We finde and believe that great numbers of Popish Fryers
and other Ecclesiastics of the Romish persuasion have come into
this kingdom these four yeares last past and that severall have
also been ordained within that time in this County.

We finde and present that no Registered priest in this County
hath ever taken the Oaths pursuant to the statute except John
Durken Registered priest of the parishes of Killedan and Boghola.

We by leave to present to your Lordships that we are creadibly
informed and verilly believe that great numbers of ffriars and
other Popish regulars have within these few years come into
this county and settled themselves neere the severall abbys
and convents therein and that the great Discouradgements that
in the close of the last Reigne that were given to such as were
active in suppressing all ffriaries and putting the laws against
popery in Execution have contributed greatly to their settling
in this county in Defyance of the Laws and we humbly conceive
it will be of signal use to the service of his Majesty to encouradge
all persons in their severall stations to contribute all that in
them lyes to putt the Laws in Execution.

CONN AUGHT. 431

A List of the Priests Dead.

Patrick Duffey of Ballinrobe popish Registered priest absconded.
Joseph Bourke officiates in his place.
John Brown one of Duffey's securities dead.
John Synod registered priest of Cong parish, turned out by popish

authority. Security John Brown dead.
Miles Bourke and Jon Sacrisey officiate in his place.
Walter Bourk of Cahernecolurna registered priest of Ballaculla

Parish dead. John Synod officiates in his place.
Richard Nally registered priest of the halfe parish of Rusley parish,
dead. Some young priest officiates in his room whose name we
have not.
Patrick Glin Registered priest of Taughine parish, dead. George

Kendrick officiates in his place.

Darby MacNamara Registered priest of Adrogule Parish Dead.

James Henry officiates in his place registered in Ardough parish.

Denis Kimlicane Registered Priest of Killfine and Rareagh Dead.

John Bourk officiates in his place.
George Landly registered Priest of the parishes of More and Kill-

macanoge, Dead. Jonine Revane officiates in his place.
John Durken Priest of the parish of Killedan who took the Oath
of Abjuration turned out of his parish by Dominick Bera registered
but of no parish.

John Rudey of the parish of Milick, Dead.
Morrise Franc of Killkellduff parish, Dead. Anthony Henigan

officiates in his place.
John Morrise of Knock parish, Dead. Brian Gara officiates in his

place.
Edmund Costolow of Castlebar parish, Dead. John McDonnell

officiates in his place.
Eneas McDonnell of Burcas Cara parish, Dead. John Mally

officiates in his place.
David Trasey of Ballioney parish, Dead. Miles McDonnell officiates

in his place.
Miles Gibson of Aughagoure parish, Dead. Patrick McToule

lately come from France officiates in his place.
Teige Reilly of Oughavale parish, Dead. Peter Gibolane officiates

in his place still officiates.

We find and present that Richard Hoobane a Popish priest not
registered officiates in the parish of Adragoole.

Of the outburst of persecution in 1744 only one memorial is

discoverable.

Castlebar 9 March 1743-4.

Sir All I can learn is that James Roween a friar of what order
or place of abode I am not informed has been often here since
Christmas last but has not been seen since last Monday.

THOMAS ELLISON.

432 CONN AUGHT.

In Sligo as in the other counties of Connaught the priests were
regarded as at the bottom of the agrarian troubles of 1711-2.
Early in 1712 instructions were sent by Secretary Dawson to have
the priests put under arrest. The high sheriff replied 29th February
that the county magistrates had issued warrants against them.
This was followed, 4th March, by further directions to Colonel
Chidley Coote at Coloony to commit them to jail, and on same
date to Edward Wingfield at Sligo, adding

I hope soon to have an account from you of the number of priests
committed with their names and a Certificate from the Gaoler
of their being in his custody.

Wingfield replied, llth March, 1711-2:

Most of the popish priests are fled from their dwelling houses
and their usual places of abode. I humbly offer it that it be
given in charge to the Judges of Assize to call for the respective
priests in the severall countyes and their securities by their
Recognizances. This will in some measure help to bring them in.

On 20th March a proclamation was issued by the Lords Justices
and Council that whereas they had information that the popish
priests had aided the cattle houghers, that therefore all priests in
Connaught, Clare, and Fermanagh were to surrender themselves
before the 28th March, and those that did not so surrender were
to be arrested forthwith.

The onty effect of this appears to have been to put the priests
more than ever on their guard. But throughout this year an active
pursuit was kept up. From a sheaf of depositions still preserved
we glean much interesting detail.

Co. Sligoe ff.

The Depositions of Mr. Thomas Corkoran and other of the Popish
Inhabitants of the Town of Sligoe taken before us Percy Gethin,
William Ormsby and Robert Lindsey Esquires. Three of her
Maiesties Justices of the Peace for the County this 28 day of
October, 1712.

Thomas Corkoran of Sligo Merchant being duly sworn upon the
Holy Evangelists and Examined saith that the last time he
heard mass was about fifteen days agoe about the 13th inst.
and that the said mass was celebrated by one Peter meghney
and that after the manner used in the Church of Roome and
that the said Peter meghney was registered but is a non juring
Popish priest of the Parish of Killadoone in this County and

CONN AUGHT. 433

that he does not know where he resides and that he knows of
no Popish Dignitary or Regular in the said County and further
this Examinat saith not.

John Mayry of Sligo Merchant being duly sworn saith also that
he did heare one Molass O'Mighane who is a priest in the County
of Leitrim say mass in Sligoe after the usuall manner in the
House of one Patrick ffrench about three weeks agoe and further
this Examinat saith not.

Other Depositions taken before us November 4 1712.

James Friele of Sligoe Apotechary being duly sworn upon the
Holy Evangelists and Examined saith that the last time he
heard mass was at the Mass House or Chapell neare Sligoe about
the 15th of October last and it was Peter Fieghney who was
registered popish priest of the parish of Killadoon in this County
(but is a non juror) who did then celebrate the same and that
there was then present James Jolly and severall other Popish
Inhabitants of the town of Sligoe at the said mass and that he
did not see any strangers present neither priests nor ffriars but
that Dennis Kerregan who is registered non juring Priest of the
parishes of St. Johns and Calry in this County was there present
being his Parish. He further saith that he heard mass severall
times within these six months last past from the said Denis
Kerrigan and Peter Fieghney in the chapell aforesaid and at
Patrick Devanny's House and at his own house in Sligoe. He
also saith that he did hear mass celebrated at Ballyshanny in
the County of Donnygalle by one Turlough McSwyne a reputed
frier of the Order of St. ffrancis and of the Abbey of Donnygall

He further saith that he did see another frier in Sligoe by the
name of John McGwyer and one other called fneghny and another
called Garrett Cullian all ignorant, and that he knows not whether
any of the said friers or regulars either resided or abyded. He
further saith that in the North part of the kingdom he knows
of severall regulars viz. one John Padeen and one ffather James
Pottan and one ffather John Gallaher and that he knows not
their residence although he hath frequently seen them there
and he saith that he hath seen no Dignitary of the Church of
Roome that he knows but saith that he has heard of severall
as of a Bishop one McDermott in the County of Roscommon
who is titular Bishop of Elphin and one Rourke who is Titular
Bishop of Killala and says that he believes the said Bishops
doe ordayne severall young priests but that he has seen none
of them and further this Examinat saith not.

Charles Fallen being duly sworn etc. saith that the said priests
Dennis Kerrigan and Peter meghney did use to be at one Morgan
McCurrick's house in Sligoe before the Government Proclamation
but where they reside since he knows not.

Owen Devanny being duly sworn and examined saith that he
knoweth one fr. James meghny a regular of the Order of St.

DD

434 CONN AUGHT.

Dominick who he heareth is or used to be Prior of the Convent
of Sligo.

Bryan Hart being duly sworn etc. saith that about the beginning
of August last -being at the funerall of one Mr. Conmy about
twelve miles from Sligoe he heard severall masses from three or
four priests that he knows not and further saith that he saw
at the said funerall one McDermot reputed to be Titular Bishop
of Elphin.

Peter Kelly being duly sworn etc. saith that the last mass he heard
was at Bundroos in the County of Donygall and the same was
celebrated by ffather Patrick Levany priest of the parish of
Fennor in the said County.

The depositions of Teig McDennagh of Ballraghaboe and others
taken before us William Ormsby and William Smith Esquires
two of her Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County the
29th day of October 1712.

Teig McDennagh being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and
examined saith he heard mass the last Sunday was sennight at
Castlesorragh in the parish of Shancough in this County and
the same was celebrated by one Bryan McDermott roe alias
John Smith a priest lately come into the county in the place of
Peter ffieghny since removed to Sligo. This Examinat saith
that the said Bryan McDermott or McDermott roe lives near
Sleebegurmoyle in the barony of Tyrurill. He also saith that
he did see one Thomas Rutlidge a reputed friar and knoweth
no place of residence he has, and also saith that he did see one
Rourke who he hears is Titular Bishop of Killala.

Bryan McDonagh being sworn and Examined saith that he did
hear mass celebrated Sunday last at Taonah in the parish of
Kill m c alden by Mathew Brehon registered non juring priest
of the parish of Taonah. This deponent did also hear Teig
Dawney celebrate mass in the parish of Ballysodar in this County
at Carrigbanahan, the said Teig Dawney being a registered non
juring priest. He further saith that he hears there are several
ffriars in the Country but that he neither knows them nor the
places of their abode.

William Bourke being duly sworn etc. saith that the said McDermot
roe disguises his name to cloak his power in the Church. This
Deponent also saith that he heard one Bryan Higgin say mass
within the space of two months in the parish of Killross and that
he the said Bryan Higgin dwells at Danmer in the parish of
Ballysummahan being a registered non juring popish priest.
This Deponent also saith that he heard one Denis McDermot
celebrate mass in the parish of Killmacbrany in this county.
He saw one Garrett Cullinan a friar preach at Gunervaugh in
the parish of Kill me Treany aforesaid and this Deponent also
saith that he saw one Gallagher an itinerant frier at Lorga in
the parish of Ballysumehan ; he did also see one Thomas

CONN AUGHT. 435

Rutlidge a friar and heard him celebrate mass at Lurga. This
Deponent saith he did see one Rourke who is reputed to be
Bishop of Killala travelling on the road in the barony of Curren ;
this Deponent further saith that he heard there was one McDermot
Bishop of Elphin sometime ago in the upper part of the barony
of Tyrellin in this County.

The Depositions of severall Persons taken before us Percy Gethin
and Robert Lindsey two of her Majesties Justices of the Peace
for this County 11 November 1712.

Paule Cunningham of Drynaheen in the parish of Kellaskbrom in
said county yeoman being duly sworn and examined saith that
he heard mass said in a field at Drynaheen about two months
ago from one who was a stranger that said he was going over
seas and that he was a young priest and this Examinat was
then told his name was McDermott.

William Ward of Farrinacuny in the barony of Carbery being
sworn saith that about three weeks ago he heard mass at Lysidyll
in the parish of Drumcliff in this County from Cormac ffeeny
who is a registered non juring priest of the said parish and that
there were no strangers then present but one Cassidy and the
said Cormac ffeeny lives at Mullynevaine in the said parish
and this Examinat saith that about June last he heard mass in
the said parish from one that he is informed is Richard Doherty
a regular popish priest about Mullingar.

Hugh Gallagher being sworn and examined saith that he did see
one Mac Swyne in the parish of Aughanlish in this county who
is said to be a ffrier and that he is informed there are young
clergymen made but not any more and this Examinat saith
that he heard of one Manus a popish school master but knows
not where he resides.

Though informations were taken and warrants issued, the
priests were too elusive. It was easier to see the game than to
bring them down. A return from Sligo to the Castle authorities,
12th December, 1712, is graphic, "No priest yet brought in."
Still the magistrates bravely held on to the work. The details
for 1714 are particularly full. William Smith, mayor of Sligo,
was the channel of communication. On 18th June he wrote :

The Justices of the Peace met yesterday to administer the Oath.
Very few appeared and but one took the Oath, we are now issuing
warrants.

This had little effect.

The Magistrates made use of all the expedients they could by
issuing of warrants and found no benefit by It. All are of
opinion that if the Government give orders to the soldiers to

436 CONN AUGHT.

assist, they question not of giving a good account of their duty.
Without which the Papists are so numerous and so insolent we
cannot pretend to do any considerable service. The popish
clergy of all ranks and orders were never more numerous nor
active.

The Grand Jury made the following presentment :

We return that Hugh Ternan of Drumleefe priest is dead and
Owen Cunnoohan is in his stead.

We return that James Connell of Ballasidare priest is dead and
Teige Davy is in his stead.

We return that Connor Connell of Skreen and Drumard priest is
dead.

We return that John Kelly of Templeboy and Killmackshalgan is
dead and one Scott is in his stead.

We return that Thady Higgins of Emlaghfad priest is dead and
Peter Kelly is in his stead.

We return that Edmund Keanaghan [is] officiating in Drumard
parish.

John Hart whose place of abode we know not, Dominick Mulroon
of what place we know not, and one Mullany and one Rutlidge
whose places of abode we know not, Michael McDonagh also
in Curran Barrony, have been educated abroad beyond sea also
James ffeehay of Coola.

We return that Edward Crofton of Longford Esq. and his son
John Crofton, Morgan McDonogh, Cormuck Ballagh McDonogh,
Teige Conner of Knockadoe, Neale O'Donnell, ffrancis McKea,
Harrill Gallagher, William King, Christopher Verdon, Theobald
Verdon, Nickolas Dowdall, ffrancis Connell, Luke fflin, Patrick
ffrench, Miles McDonnell, John Maly, Naughton O'Donnell and
Thomas Martin being summoned have refused to appear and
take the Oath.

We return that Edmund Roolane and Thomas Gara are regulars
in this County.

As no troops were forthcoming for the service, the mayor on
29th October had to repeat in answer to Dawson :

The Papists are so numerous in this county that without the
assistance of the army there is no good to be done.

The following year there is evidence that the hunt for priests

was more successful.

Sligo August 14 1715.

Sir Charles Fallen a papist refused to take the Oath of Abjuration
as did three others of the better sort of Papists for which I
sent them to his Majesty's Gaol as I did also another papist
who harboured two non juring popish priests and had one of
them in bed in her house when we went to search.

JOHN DE BURKE, Provost.

CONN AUGHT,

437

The Sligo magistrates pursued their work indefatigably.

Order for Mr. Trotter to prosecute Popish Priests at Sligo Summer
Assizes 1719.

Bolton.

We herewith send you two letters from Robert Browne together
with his Examination taken before the Justices of Assize for
the last Connaught Circuit about Popish Priests who are come
into this kingdom from Foreign Parts and we do hereby direct
and require you to repair to Sligo and take care that the said
Persons be proceeded against according to law this Summer
Assizes at Sligo. Given this 10 August 1719. E. WEBSTER.

To Thomas Trotter Esq. His Majesties Solr. in Criminal Causes.

Henceforward until 1744 we learn little of the priests of Sligo.
In that year in accordance with instructions from Secretary Lyons,
two detailed returns were made.

The Examination
Abbey of Sligoe

Michael Gara
Bleak

Patrick Henican

John Brett

Michael McDonogh
Gallagher

Patrick French

Patrick Birne

James Gallagher
Stephen Egan
McMahon

Sligoe
Dominican Order

Co. of Sligo to witt.

of Ambrose Gilligan a Reputed Friar of the
taken the 9 day of March 1743-4.
Archbishop of Tuam.
Bishop of Achonry

f Parish Priest of Ballasadare Dean and Vicar
| Generall to the said Bishop Bleak

(Bishop of Kellala Diocese (now at Rome) ;
heard and believesBryan Kelly of the parish
of Castleconner is constituted the said
Bishop Brett's Dean and Vicar Generall.
( Bishop of Kellmore and one Ryly his Vicar
| Generall.

j Bishop of Rapho and one O'Donnell is his
| Vicar General.

f Bishop of Elphin and one Patrick Gaffney his
j Vicar Generall and Bryan Gerroghty his
^ Dean.

("Bishop of Ardagh, Thomas McDermotroe is
j his Vicar Generall and has a parish in
I Tyrowhill.

Bishop of Kildare Diocese.
Bishop of the Diocese of Meath.
Primate of All Ireland.

Fryars.

Michael Hart, Prior, Michael Killhawly,
sub prior, John Killdea, Peter Clowan,
Daniel Roghneen, James Feighny, James
Scanlan, John Hurry of Lyny, Martin
Garroghy of Dartry, Phelim Creafnn.

438 CONN AUGHT.

Creevylea near (John McKeown, Guardian, James McKeon

Fryerstown, Francis J Patrick Early otherwise Mulvoghery, Ed-

Order [ mund O'Hara, Phelim McMorrey.

Ballindone (Dominick Hartt, Prior, Con O'Rorke, Peter

Dominican Order \ Connor.

Ballymote /Michael Conian, Guardian, Francis McDon-

Franciscan Order \ ogh, Anthony, McDonogh, Francis Davey.

Knockmore (Henry Prendergast, Prior and Parish priest

Carbinetts (<sic\ Order 1 of Killoran in the barony of Lyny, . Hart,
Carbmetts (sic) Urder { James Nangle

Bamda / , fa o>Hara Prior

Augustine Order 1 J '

Ardnaree jjohn Conmey, Roger Flanily/ Thomas

Augustine Order ( Brennan.

^ TV, 7 /Thomas Flanigan, Prior, Michael Burk,

- ayo j D omm i c k Phillbin and parish priest of

Dominican Order I Adderfold > ~- Brehony, Francis Healy,
jjomimcan uraei ^ Michael McDermott.

Moyne j Thomas Burk, Miles Burk, Cormuck Mon-

Franciscan Order 1 nilly, Michael McCormick.

Co. of Sligo to witt.

At an Enquiry held at Sligo the 9 day of March 1743-4 before
Gilbert King High Sheriff of the County by virtue of a mandate
directed to him by his Grace the Lord Lieutenant and Councell
on the oaths of the undernamed [twenty six Protestants.]

We the above named Jurors do find the persons hereafter under-
named do exercise Popish Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in this
County and we do not find that any more or any others do
exercise the same to our knowledge in this County. That is
to say

No. 1. Patrick French Titular Bishop of Elphin, his place of abode
is at Cloonaquin in the County of Roscommon.

2. Michael McDonagh reputed Bishop of Killmore and Ardagh.

3. James Fieghney

-' Mi All belonging to the Friery in the

o. Michael Killhawly O f Sligoe. y

6. James Scanlan. 6

7. John Kildea /

8. Michael McDonogh ^ priests in the union of St. John's in

9. Mathew Coner j Sligoe.

10. Thomas Brennan, Frier at Cloghermore in said union.

11. David Flynn priest of the parishes of Killm c Ower and

Killaspickbrown in said union.

12. Peter Clewane priest of the parish of Killvarnet in the

barony of Lyny.

13. John Henry frier in said parish.

14. Patrick Henecan Vicar Generall of Achonry, his abode is

in the parish of Ballysodare.

CONN AUGHT. 439

No. 15. Edward Henecan Dean of Killala his abode is in the parish
of Dromard.

16. Mathew Fahy late of Sligo now a frier at Swords in Co.

Dublin.

17. . McCoye a frier at Achonry.

18. Henry Brett a frier in the parish of Killmorgan.

19. James Banaghan parish priest of the parishes of Killross

and Ballysinighan.

20. John McKeown \

21. Thady McMurra [friers in the parish of Drumcliffe.

22. Phelim Knofin. J

23. Murtagh Kara parish priest in the parish of Achonry.

24. Patrick Keregan vicar of Achonry.

25. Peter Swiney priest in the parish of Templebo}/, his abode

in Carrickduffe.

26. John Bolan of Kellmacshalgan.

27. Roger Hart parish priest of Esky and Killglass.

28. John Conmy frier and Prior in the parish of Esky.

29. Bryan Kelly parish priest of Castleconner and is vicar of

Killala.

30. John Feenane Priest of the half parish of Kellinormoy.

The earliest account of proceedings against priests in the

County Leitrim is as follows :

Carrick April 2 1706.

Sir As for the Romish Clergy of this County, when registered there
was twenty four and butt one since dead. And nine I must
confess did on the first summons appear. There are yett fourteen
of them abroad and uppon Threatening their securetyes one of
them are captulateing. Three of these who on first summons
came in plead great poverty and are very pressing to have Bayle
taken of them to come inn whenever called for, but this wee
have not Listened too. Butt desires to know what wee shall
doe in that case or what distinction wee shall make between
those who uppon the first summons came inn and those who
are not yett come inn. Butt two Gentlemen -took the Oath,
Major Shanly and one Mr. Gallagher. GEORGE ST. GEORGE.

Until the troubles of 1711-2, six years later, we can obtain
no further information. At this period there was in the county
a thorough going magistrate named Ormsby who in a series of
letters kept the executive well posted. Some extracts may be
given :

Tobervady 23 Feby. 1711-2.

Sir 'Tis now past doubt that the great mischief which befalls us
is committed by the Common people of the county and that
they are sett to work by the Priests who are raised by Emissaries

440 CONN AUGHT.

sent from France. And this is the opinion of those Roman
Catholicks who desire to live in peace and have hitherto suffered
most by this unnatural and barbarous insurrection and therefore
I humbly offer it to the consideration of the Government whether
it may not be proper immediately to seize and commit all the
priests in the kingdom who are all registered and bound by
Recognizance to appeare whenever called upon.

GILBERT ORMSBY.

As government did not immediately respond, Ormsby in a
letter of 7th March suggested an alternative, viz. :

To prohibit publick masses for it is there they meet and concert
their villany. And other Discoverers affirm that severall of the
cattle houghers confessed their wickedness to the Priests and
received absolution from them which I hope will be a sufficient
reason for the Government to ridd the nation of that dangerous
sett of men. I wish our assizes were on.

Instructions were now sent down to make a clean sweep of
the priests. The high sheriff acquainted Secretary Dawson with

the result :

Porte 7 March 1711-2.

Sir Warrants have been issued but I cannot find that any of the
said priests are yett taken. But this day one priest in the
neighbourhood of Carricke surrendered himself to me and I
committed him. I thought proper to communicate to you
that you be pleased to lay itt before his Excellency that if any
favour may be allowed to such as voluntarily surrender them-
selves I should be glad to receive his Excellency's commands.
I take this course as the nearest Justice of the Peace is Mr. Gore
fifteen miles off. M. CUNNINGHAM, Sheriff.

The failure to get in the priests appears to have raised Ormsby

to a white heat.

Tobervady 12 Mar 1711-2.

Sir Mr. Roger Kelly a very honest papist and a fosterer to the
Blakes whose sheep were houghed has been eminently service-
able. I hope the Government will take notice of it and rather
that I find these barbarities dispose him to renounce his scurvy
religion for I reckon that all our unhappiness and misfortunes
proceed from the Priests to whom the greater men communicate
their designs and they stirr up the common people to execute
them. Nor do I believe we shall ever be safe or quiet till a
wolf's head and a priest's be at the same rate. Such a time I
remember and then there was not a quieter populace in the
world. GILBERT ORMSBY.

CONN AUGHT. 441

On 20th March a proclamation was made for all priests to
surrender themselves within a week. After that date search to
be made by all magistrates for such as abscond. A lively letter
from Ormsby later in the year gives a glimpse of the procedure

adopted.

Tobervady October 13 1712.

Sir We summoned the principal Popish inhabitants of the parish
of Athleague on the 7th instant and they being sworn acknow-
ledged that they had heard mass on Michaelmass duly celebrated
by ffather Philip Higgins registered priest of the said parish.
They refused the Oath of Abjuration but one whose name is
Edmund Corr who alledges he had taken it before. Whereupon
we asked him whether since he had not confessed it as a sin to
his priest. By his evasive answers we judge he did confess it
and received absolution, and it is a general report that all the
Papists who formerly took the Oath have done in like manner.
Which occasions in us the melancholy reflection of living among
men whom neither oath can bind nor justice and lenity oblige
to fidelity. The priests and regular clergy are all absconded so
that we cant take them. We are informed of multitudes lately
come into the kingdom and their Superiors turning out the
Registered priests as dull, inactive sort of people and placeing
others who will be more subserviant to their purpose.

GILBERT ORMSBY.

In a magisterial report a few days subsequent the melancholy
note was changed to a more cheery one.

Sirs In obedience to the late proclamation we summoned Carbery
Kelly a registered popish priest for the parish of Ballinakill to
take the Oath of Abjuration. He refused to appeare, the
summons being left in his chamber and is a person generally
supposed to be qualifyed for conferring holy orders and exercising
ecclesiasticall jurisdiction though as yett we could not find any
legal evidence. But on all occasions he absconds though between
times of searching for him- he is daring to a fault and depends
on the shelter he has under the roof of Mr. Feogh Burke at Glinsk.

We summoned also Roger Moore registered popish priest of the
parish of Kilbegnet who did not appeare but is removed from
his usuall place of abode. He is an ignorant though we can't
say an innocent man of his persuasion though not as dangerous
as the other.

We think it our duty to inform you we summoned Sir John Burke
of Milford, Baronet, and his sons Henry and Richard to take
the Oath of Abjuration. But these gentlemen have refused to
appeare before us. We also left a summons at the dwelling
house of Teig Burke but for the greate part of the year he usually

442 CONN AUGHT.

dwells with the Earl of Clanrickard and was at this time at
his Lordship's house and so was Mr. John Burke one other son
of Sir John's at the Lord Dillons for which reason we issued no-
warrants. WILLIAM CAULFIELD.

17 October 1712. GILBERT ORMSBY.

All informations, summons, warrants notwithstanding, the:
priests were still at large. Great hopes were formed of the County
Sessions held in the beginning of November, but the united attempt
was no more successful than the efforts of the individual magistrates.

Carrick November 11 1712..

We summoned all the popish Clergymen that are registered for
and reside in this County to appear and take the Oath, but not
one priest appeared at our Quarter Sessions. We adjourned
the Sessions and issued out fresh summons to them and also to
severall Popish gentlemen intending thereby to convict the
clergy by their evidence but not one Clergyman appeared and
so we repeated it a third time but all to no purpose. We con-
tinued our Sessions still by adjournment but believe it will be
to little purpose, the Clergy having generally withdrawn them-
selves from their usuall place of abode and either quit the County
or at least abscond so that they cannot be brought to justice.

Next month it was the same.

Carrick 5 December 1712.

Sir We can make nothing of this matter of the priests yet. I
am going to Abbey Boyle tomorrow but they still abscond and
keep out of the way notwithstanding our utmost endeavours to>
bring them in. I am certain they do not say mass in their usuall
places. GEORGE ST. GEORGE.

We have some interesting particulars of the year 1714. In.
reply to the enquiry made by government, the high sheriff wrote :

Carrick 10 June 1714.

Sir As to any children sent beyond the seas they can hear of
none only this day there was an intimation that one James
O'Neill a Colonel in the late war has sent his. son abroad. As
to regulars and others of the Romish clergy the Justices of the
Peace have had no information excepting once about five years
agoe some examinations were given in to me by one Ralph
Barter which I delivered to the Clerk of the Crown but could
not gett the persons taken. I find the Magistrates very willing
to do all in their power but we lye under great difficulties for
the major part of the inhabitants being papists the protestants
living amongst them are afraid to inform. THOMAS CROFTON..

CONN AUGHT. 443

The sheriff concluded by asking the assistance of the military
in sufficient numbers. He adds in a subsequent letter :

I do not find one of the priests are taken, I know indeed it is very
difficult, the much greater part of the county being papists, to
take any of the priests or other ecclesiastical persons and the
few protestants in it are afraid of meddling with them. Had
I my health in any tolerable degree I would have endeavoured
seizing them in person but truly cannot.

At a sessions next month the following presentment was made :

Co. Leitrim.

At a Special sessions of the Peace held for the said County at
Carrick Drumrusk the 27 day of July 1714.

Whereas the Grand Jury then and there impanelled and sworn
present that Bryan Egan and Dennis Connan both registered
priests of the Romish religion in the parish of Killtoghork and
that Laurence Keon a popish priest registered for the parish
of Killinurnery now removed to the upper end of Killtoghork
parish and that Bryan Donagher, Registered popish priest but
not for any parish goes by the name of Dr. Donagher deemed
to be a moderator over the popish clergy in the dioceses of
Killmore and Ardagh and that Peter Duigenan a registered
popish priest in the parish of Anaghduff and that Dominick
McGany a registered popish priest in the parish of Anaghduff
has removed himself into the parish of Mohill and that Owen
McHugh a registered popish priest in the parish of Mohill and
that Connor McLoughlin a popish priest registered for the parish
of Cloonclare has since removed himself to the parish of Oughter-
agh and that Phillip Reyley a registered popish priest for the
parish of Carrigallen and that Thomas Brady a registered popish
priest for the parish of Drumreilly and that Felix McKeone
a registered popish priest for the parish of Killtubrid and that
Dermot fflannan a registered popish priest of the parish of
ffenagh and that Thomas fflyn a registered popish priest of the
parish of Cloone and that Denis Gaffney and Hugh Cannon both
registered popish priests for the parish of Cloone and that ffrancis
Moran a ffranciscan ffyer in the parish of Cloone and Mohill
and that Peter Reynolds a ffranciscan ffryer in and about the
parish of Mohill and that Oughy Duigenan a ffranciscan ffryer
in the parishes of ffeenagh and Killtubret and that Owen O'Rorke
alias Donell alias Robin the Juggler a ffranciscan ffryer in the
parish of Oughteragh and Drumreilly and that Miles Keene a
ffranciscan fryer in the parish of Anaghduff and that Cormac
Shanley a ffranciscan fryer of the parish of Oughteragh and
that ff arrell Rodaghan a ffranciscan ffryer in the parish of ffeenagh
and that another Rodaghan a young priest newly ordained
whose Christian name they know not that frequents the parish

444 CONN AUGHT.

of ffeenagh and that James McTernan a young priest lately
ordained in and about the parish of Cloone, do all frequently
say mass and have not taken the Oath, and that James McHugh
a popish schoolmaster keeps school in Kesheary in the parish of
Killtubrid and that Robert Molloy a papist teaches school in
the parish of Drumshauboe and one Edward Nagle a papist
teaches school in Castlefore in ffeenagh parish and that one
Richard fflanagan a papist keeps school in the parish of Drum-
reilly all which papish schoolmasters have not taken the Oath
of Abjuration as by law required and that one Gerald Cullen a
ffranciscan ffryer exercises his fryers function in and about the
County Leitrim and that one Patrick fflyn of Mohill is a young
popish priest not registered and celebrates mass in the parish
of Mohill and that one ffrancis Keane a young popish priest in
the parish of Killtubrid is not registered and says mass in said
parish and that one John Duigenan a young priest not registered
frequently celebrates mass in the parish of ffeenagh and that
one Bernard Rodaghan a young priest lately ordained says
mass in the parish of ffeenagh and elsewhere, all which said priests
and ffryers doe frequently say mass and exercise their priestly
functions not having taken the Oath of Abjuration but act in
publick defyance and contempt of the laws of this kingdom.
These are therefore in her Majesty's name requiring you. and
every of you on sight hereof to apprehend the bodyes of all
the before mentioned and them or any of them so apprehended
to bring before some of her Majesties Justices of the Peace to
be dealt with according to law.

The return for 1744 sent in by the high sheriff, Arthur Ellis,
and dated 26th March, is as follows :

Co. of Leitrim to wit.
A List of the Titular Popish Bishops, Deans, Vicars Generall,

exercising ecclesiasticall jurisdiction in the said County, also of

the ffryars following to witt.
No Archbishopp.
Michael McDonagh otherwise Clark, of Abbey street in the Citty

of Dublin Titular Pope [sic] of the Diocese of Kilmore.
Thomas Burne of Carrickedmond in the County of Longford

Titular Bishopp of the Diocese of Ardagh.
Owen McPharlon otherwise Bartley of Munterkenny Titular

Deane of the Diocese of Killmore.
James Martin near Temport reputed Popish Vicar Generall of the

Diocese of Kilmore.
Thomas McDermott Roe Titular Dean of Ardagh living at Bally-

farnan in the County of Roscommon.
Patrick Early generally residing at the house of Edward Magauran.

A reputed fryar of the ffranciscan order.

CONN AUGHT. 445

Dominick ffannen. Generally residing at Drumlahan in the parish

of ffeenagh.

James McGarry Generally residing in the parish of Killtubrid.
Farrell Rudaghan Generally residing in the parish of ffeenagh.
Daniel McTeir, Generally residing in the parish of Carrigallen.
Michael Reynolds late of Drumdo.
Charles Reynolds late of Cavan.
Hugh Brady, Generally resides at Edgeworthstown in the County

of Longford.
John Kean of Gubnaconry in the parish of Cloone and James

McTernan near Ballyknockan in the said parish coadjutors to

the parish priest of said parish.
Phillip Brady a reputed travelling parish priest.

ARTH. ELLIS, Sheriff.

From the remaining, county of the western province, Ros-
common, there is quite a considerable body of evidence. The
earliest letter has reference to a Catholic custom of almost prehis-
toric origin pilgrimages to holy wells. These pilgrimages tended
to foster devotion to saints and Catholic superstition generally.
Besides they brought together great numbers of papists to the
terror of all good subjects. Hence an important section of the
code forbade all such meetings under severe penalties.

2 ANNE, C. 6, S. 27.

Whereas the superstitions of popery are greatly increased and
upheld by the pretended sanctity of places especially of a place
called St. Patrick's Purgatory in the county of Donegal, and of
wells to which pilgrimages are made by vast numbers at certain
seasons. All such meetings and assemblies shall be adjudged
riots and unlawful assemblies and punishable as such in all persons
meeting at such places.

All persons assembling at St. Patrick's Purgatory or any well or
place contrary to this act and shall be convict thereof shall forfeit
ten shillings, the moiety thereof to be paid to such persons who
shall give information, the other moiety to the poor of the parish
where such offender shall be convicted.

In default to pay the said sums such offender shall be committed
to some constable or inferior officer where the offence was com-
mitted, to be publickly whipped.

All persons who at such assemblies build booths, sell ale, victuals
etc. and shall be convict thereof, to be fined twenty shillings.

All magistrates are required to demolish all crosses, pictures and
inscriptions that are anywhere publickly set up and are the
occasion of any popish superstitions.

446 CONN AUGHT.

The following letter is interesting on another account, that
the writer was uncle of the poet, Goldsmith :

Elphin 22 Aug. 1704.

My Lord We have a well in the neighbourhood of Elphin commonly
called St. Marys Well, to which vast numbers out of severall
distant places lately came and they are to meet there again
sometime in September next. This is taken no notice of here
which occasions this complaint to your Lordship. We live
among a people who are very apt upon the least encouragement
to grow insolent ; they ought therefore to be under the habitual
awe of government and not suffered to trample upon so late an
Act purposely provided against their superstitious and riotous
meetings. EDWARD GOLDSMITH.

Another no less dangerous practice was the assembling of
papists at mass in close proximity to barracks.

Sir I received yours but yesterday ; it was mislaid here which
occasioned it. As for the mass house, it was up before the
barrack was built. I showd it Brigadier Langston who advised
me to acquaint the Government with it. I have heard of no
papists coming armed there, nor any disorders committed,
neither am I afraid of them though there is a thousand of them
meet constantly att mass who if they had any evill designe being
so very near may surprise us either in Church or at the barrack.
But if the Government thinks their so neare neighbourhood not
inconvenient I am no way afraid of them. ALEX. MONTGOMERY.

Roscommon Oct. 8 1702.

There are very full particulars of the proceedings against the
priests in 1712. On 1st March the high sheriff, John Kelly, wrote :

I have been as active as possible since the first order in having
the popish priests taken up and shall by next post observe to
you what number will be in my custody with the Gaolers
certificate.

[Reply]

Dublin Castle 4 March 1711-2.

Sir I received your letter of the 1st instant, and have commended
it to the Lords Justices and Council. Their Excellencies and
Lordships are well pleased with the account you give of your
intention to execute their orders in committing to Gaole the
popish priests and they expect by tomorrow's post to have an
account how many and what preists you have committed pursuant
to their orders. J. DAWSON.

This account duly arrived.

CONN AUGHT. 447

Roscommon 5 March 1711-2.

Sir This is to acquaint his Excellency and the Lords Justices
that in obedience to their commands in your, letter of the 26th
ultimo, I have on Tuesday the 4th instant secured and delivered
into the Gaoler's custody the undernamed popish priests. Their
names and what parishes are as follows :

Hugh Dermott priest of the parish of Ardcarna.

Charles Cahan priest of the parish of Killiroly.

William Keogh priest of the parish of Roscommon.

Edmund Keely priest of the parish of ffuerty.

Edmund Conry priest of the parish of Killbride.

Thady McGreah priest of the parish of Lisonuffy.

Patrick Duigenan priest of the parish of Rumlin and Killtrustan.

John Egan priest of the parish of Clunfinlagh.

These are all with one Terence Rory priest of the parish of Kil-
leglasse who has been for severall years past confyned to his
bedd that I could by this time secure, the county being large
and the popish priests living very remote one from another.
As for Rory, being by noe meanes able to come to Gaole by
reason of his infirmity, he gave sufficient security for his good
behaviour. I hope in my next to be able to give you an account
of having in my Custody a good part of the rest, having given
most of the Justices of the Peace of this County Notice of the
Government's pleasure I am always ready to receive and
execute.

The enclosed [missing] is the Gaoler's certificate of his having
received into his custody the above named popish priests. Yours

To Jos. Dawson at her Maties Castle of Dublin. JOHN KELLY.

The high sheriff encouraged, kept to his work.

Tulsk 9 March 1711-2.

Sir The most part of my time has been disposed of in the Queen's
business in using my best endeavours to have such of the popish
priests as are not yet in custody apprehended. JOHN KELLY.

But after all, it appears that the priests were merely decoyed.

The humble petition of the Romish Clergy imprisoned in Roscom-
mon 12 March 1711.

To their Excellencies the Lords Justices of Ireland.

Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners as soon as they heard
of the order for confyning the Clergy of this Province on account
of those villians that houghed the cattle, did without expecting
to be sent for come themselves to the High Sheriff by whom
they were delivered to the Gaoler of the said County in whose
hands they continue to their great trouble and charge, most of
them if not all being so poor and at so great a distance from
such friends as would in charity relieve them, that they cannot

448 CONN AUGHT,

long subsist of themselves. They further show that no cattle
were houghed in the parts where they were registered and that
their Protestant neighbours can give a very favourable account
of their entire submission to the Government. May it please
your Excellencies to order them to be set at liberty or to order
them subsistence during their confinement.

No notice appears to have been taken of the petition as no
order or reference is endorsed on it. Meanwhile the high sheriff
kept the executive informed. On 15th March he wrote :

Though I have taken all care both by my own and my bailiffs
search to find out and bring in such of the popish priests as did
not come in, yet to no effect they having absconded themselves.
Therefore I can give you no further account than by my last.

When the Roscommon assizes were held at the end of March
the priests apparently for want of evidence were not put forward,
and on 5th April Kelly wrote to Dawson that the judges put them
under bail until the next assizes. Whether they were tried at the
summer assizes does not appear ; it is clear however that the
magisterial activity continued unabated through the year.

Co. Roscommon.

The Examination of Charles Feeny, Constable of the Parish of
ffuerty taken before Sir Edward Crofton Bart. Sir Arthur Shaen
Bart. Gilbert Ormsby and William Caulfield Esquires four of
her Majesties Justices of the Peace for the said County.

This Examinate being duly sworn saith that he was present on or
about the 28 of February last when ffather Edmund Kelly
Parish Priest of the Parish of Fuerty celebrated mass according
to the usage and custom of the Church of Rome at a place called
Kinmully in the Parish aforesaid. And further saith that one
Richard Corr of the said Parish about three weeks before being
very sicke and indisposed and he sent for the said Edmund
Kelly to attend him in his sickness and the day he sent for him
happening to be on a Sunday he was personally present when
ffather Kelly a regular ffryer did officiate and celebrate mass
according to the use of the Church of Rome at and in the place
and parish afforesaid in the stead of the said Father Edmund
Kelly. And saith he doth believe in his conscience that the said
Father Edmund never did take the Oath of Abjuration as re-
quired by an Act entitled An Act for Explaining and Amending
an Act for the Preventing the Further Growth of Popery and
further saith that on or about the latter end of the month of
May last past he went to the Buriall of one Daniell Rowen who
dyed in the parish of Ballinakill in the Count}^ of Galway and

CONN AUGHT. 449

as the Corps of the said Daniell Rowen was carried to be buried
he there and then saw three fryers one of whom they call ffather
Burke and further saith that on or about a month since at a place
called Aghagower in the parish of ffuerty and County of Ros-
common he saw one ffather Francis Hurly a fryer and alsoe
saith that within these six months last past he has often heard
and was present when the said ffather Hurly celebrated mass
according to the usage of the Church of Rome in the parish of
ffuerty. He saith that he heard that great numbers of fryers
have within these six or seven months last past come into
this kingdom and saith that he has seen more of those sort of
clergymen within that time than he either saw or heard of in
five years before. And saith that they were all clad in good
apparell and very well mounted with horses, and further saith
that according to the custom of their order they went up and
down the country into -the severall villages thereof and begged
from the Inhabitants to the great oppression of the Poor from
whom they gett sheep, money and corn. Everybody giving
according to their abilities. And saith that many of the In-
habitants murmured at their coming amongst them and further
saith that it was the common discourse amongst the Popish
inhabitants of the Country where this Examinate lives that the
old abbies in this kingdom were to be rebuilt and the fryers
restored to them and that was the reason that such numbers of
them flock into this kingdom as have done within these six or
eight months last past. He saith that Father Edmund Kelly's
place of abode is at Aghagower in the parish of fraerty and
county aforesaid. This Examinat further saith that he was
personally present on or about the month of June last when one
ffather phillip Higgins officiated and celebrated mass according
to the usage of the Church of Rome at a place called Araghty
in the Parish of Athleague and County of Roscommon and
further saith that he believes the said ffather Phillip was never
registered for the said Parish, and alsoe believes in his conscience
he never took the Oath of Abjuration.
Jurat coram nobis Octob. 21 1712.

GILBERT ORMSBY, EDWARD CROFTON,
ARTHUR- SHAEN, W. CAULFIELD.

A month later another parish constable gave similar evidence.
As at this period such an office was not tenable by Catholics, it
would seem that these persons won the confidence of Catholics
and got admitted into the congregation at mass by masquerading
as Catholics.

An Information made before us at Boyle the 20th of November
1712 upon Oath by John Griffin Constable of Tyboheen parish
that sometime in September last one Bryan McDermot who

EE

450 CONN AUGHT.

goes by the name of John Griffin, one Bryan McAlleghany who
goes by the name of Mr. Lyon, one Bryan Comn and one James
McKillcumy all Regular popish clergy came into this County.

Sir The above Information was given in this day which we believe
to be our duty to have laid before their Excellencies the Lords
Justices and desire you will be pleased to lay it before them.

Boyle Nov. 20 1712. CHR. COOTE, JOHN FFRENCH.

As in the rest of the country there were untiring efforts through-
out the years 1714 onwards to get rid of the priests. On 12th June
William Lyster and fourteen other magistrates of Roscommon
addressed their Excellencies :

We take leave to lay before your Lordships that we have heretofore
committed severall popish priests to Gaole who have appeared
at the General Assizes and been there discharged without any
further prosecution or orders, and that persons have been bound
'over to prosecute some popish priests who could not be appre-
hended, and upon which recognizances we have not heard of
any further prosecution.

Towards the close of the year in answer to a query whether
there were any priests in his gaol the high sheriff, William Lyster,
wrote, 27th October :

There was one Bryan a popish priest in this Gaol who is become
a Protestant of the Church of England.

For the year 1715 we find the following :

The Humble Answer of the Grand Jury of the County of Roscom-
mon at a General Assizes held the 25 March 1715.

It appears to us that Francis Dillon popish priest of Killredoon
parish is dead as also Edmund Kelly of the parish of fraerty,
Bryan Doyle of Killaloone parish, Daniel Concannon of Canneo
parish, Owen Connor of Killroneen parish, William Hanley of
Cloonyormason parish, Daniel Gannon of Crew parish, Edmund
Gormally of Clontoskert and Killevan parishes, James Muldoon
of Baslisk parish, Thady Mullrehine Kelltullagh parish, Terence
Nary of the parish of Kellglass succeeded by one Gebolan, in
the parish of ffuerty succeeded one Bartholomew Croghan
popish priest to Edmund Kelly deceased, Terence Garmon made
a priest since the Registry.

We know of no priests in the County of Roscommon who have
taken the Oath though they were summoned, but we will use
our utmost endeavours to putt the law in Execution against
them and the regulars.

And so they did. One case attracted widespread attention.
Towards the end of October a friar named Kilkenny was taken.

CONN AUGHT. 451

But in bringing him to jail the constables were set upon and beaten
and the prisoner rescued. The sequel we learn from the Council
Minute Books.

9 November 1715. Informations relating to the rescue of one
James Kilkenny a Franciscan ffryer, read. Ordered that Mr.
Attorney General prepare a proclamation promising a reward
for apprehending said Kilkenny or any persons concerned in the
Rescue.

11 November. Proclamation signed for apprehending James
Kilkenny, Patrick Beakin, Una McManus, Margaret Tristan.

As the warrant for the transportation of Kilkenny is not
discoverable in the Entry Books, it would appear he was never
again captured. His rescuers however were not so fortunate.

To their Excellencies etc. the humble petition of Christopher
Marshall, Samuel Belshier, Edward Jones, Thomas Griffiths,
Martin Wilcox and John Clifford.

Sheweth That one James Kilkenny a Franciscan fryar having
been rescued as he was going to the Gaole of Roscommon, the
Lords Justices issued a Proclamation 7 November 1715 and
offered 100 reward for the apprehension of Kilkenny and 20
to apprehend Patrick Baken of Carroward, Una McManus and
Margaret Tristan or other person concerned in the rescue. And
whereas your petitioners by virtue of a warrant from the Lord
St. George, in the dead time of the night went and took Patrick
Baken and Mary Baken who were at the Summer Roscommon
Assizes 1716 tried and the said Mary Bakan was found guilty of
said rescue and fined 20. May it please your Excellencies etc.

The only memorial of the troublous year 1744 in Roscommon

is the following :

Tulsk March 14 1743-4.

Sir Within the limits of the Corporation of Tulsk, the place is
mostly waste save a few poor Cabbins and one Inn all inhabited
by Papists. The Corporation lies in the parishes of Kilcooly
and Ragala of which parishes one Bryan O'Connor is the official
popish priest and as I am credibly informed his place of residence
is att one Mr. Daniel Kelly's of Carrigins. I am likewise informed
that joining the limits of this Corporation att Foxborough there
lives one Patrick Frinch who is said to be the Titular Bishop of
Elfin, and am assured the said Frinch had lately intelligence
of some disturbance intended him and thereupon left his house
and this County about the 23 of February last.

JAMES BARLONG, Portrieve.

To John Lyons Esq. at H.M. Castle of Dublin.

452 CONN AUGHT.

The reader has now before him in great part the documents
to be found among the Public Records illustrative of the working
of the statutes against priests in the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries. While, as has been so often pointed out, the evidence
is fragmentary and incomplete, an honest study of it can hardly
fail to leave on the mind the impression that the governments of
the time bent themselves with all their strength to the destruction
of the Catholic church in this country. Though the law was en-
forced in varying degrees at different times and places, no doubt
appears to have been entertained of its ultimate effectiveness for
the purpose. Indeed more than once the end seemed in sight.
During the period of the Popish Plot and again in the earlier years
of the eighteenth century the hierarchy was uprooted, ecclesiastical
organization reduced to anarchy, the most active and efficient of
the clergy scattered or driven into exile. Those who are of opinion
that in the actual condition of the country the penal code never
was and never could have been enforced, can hardly have
considered the large measure of success which it attained. But
just as martial law had failed in the preceding century, the civil
law eventually proved unequal to the task. To attempt to trace
the reasons would be profitless speculation. Froude as a disciple
of Carlyle in the doctrine of force, was convinced that if the English
had given the Protestant party in Ireland more solid and sustained
support, the country would long since have been as Protestant as
Yorkshire. Others are of opinion that the strength of Catholicism
in this country, lay in its close identification with the national senti-
ment. Others again have seen in the preservation of the faith the
direct, visible hand of providence. But however views may vary as
to the possible issue of the code, its actual results are admitted by
all. The Catholic church emerged from the struggle strengthened
and invigorated. So far from being shaken, it had struck its roots
broader and deeper into the conscience and affections of the people.
And in the event two notable consequences followed. The close
association of priests and people in common trials and common
misfortunes gave to the church a marked popular and democratic
complexion. In other countries the priesthood has been largely
identified with the conservative or even reactionary elements in the

CONN AUGHT. 453

state. Here on the contrary the priests have been responsive to
every flux of public opinion ; they have led rather than followed
popular movements, and as a class have ever been found on the
side of change, nay even at times, of revolution. But on the other
hand if the clergy have been thus susceptible to popular influences,
their interaction upon their flocks has been equally unmistakable.
Owing to causes historical, political, and social, no people probably
in Europe had less feeling for public order, less sense of public
justice, less appreciation of the benefits of law. Yet strange to
say this bias of habit and character never in the smallest degree
impaired their moral sense. The spirit of reverence, respect for
parental authority, subjection to higher though unseen power, all
this remained and formed the basis of the most beautiful domestic
and social virtues. In conditions little above the brute beasts,
amid every circumstance of material degradation, they never lost
the vision of things which appear not, the substance of things to
be hoped for. And this is due under God to the men who shared
their lot and ate with them the bread of affliction.

APPENDIX I.

THE following document was omitted at p. 77 through an
oversight. It is important as the first act in the drama
which ended in Tyburn the martyrdom of Oliver Plunkett.
At the inception of the Popish Plot by Gates and Tonge there was
mention only of Peter Talbot and Archbishop Lynch as Irish
conspirators. But a year later more fuel had to be procured for
the Protestant fire. The primate had to be worked into the story
and so the following narrative was concocted by Hetherington
Shaft esburj^'s employe :

Information.

That on or about May or June last Colonell Fitzpatrick delivered
to the Pope's Internuncio at Brussells a letter or paper signed
by four Roman Catholick bishops, two of whom were Plunkett
Archbishop of Armagh and Tyrrell Bishop of Clogher recom-
mending the said Fitzpatrick as the only person fitt to be in-
trusted generall of an army for establishing the Roman Catholick
religion in Ireland under the French sovereignty, which paper
after its coming to the Internuncio 's hands was seen by severall
clergy and laymen known to Father Daly, Procurator, Father
O'Neill, Father Connery, Father McChane, Guardian of the
Irish Franciscans and Father McMahoun alias Mathews Prior
of the Dominicans in Louvain among whom 'tis also said that
the said Fitzpatrick carried such another instrument into France
when he first arrived from Ireland whence he went into Flanders
with resolutions to settle at Brussells but he was forced to remove
from thence by his Royal Highness [the Duke of York] commands
which he obeyed without much regret and murmuring.

APPENDIX II.

BESIDES the bills against priests which became law the Irish
Parliament was engaged in a whole series of others which
for one cause or other failed to pass. These may still be
seen among the parliamentary papers in the Record Office. One
of them is thus described by Lecky : "In 1723 when the alarm
caused by Atterbury's plot was at its height the Irish House of
Commons at the express invitation of the Lord Lieutenant pro-
ceeded to pass a new Bill against unregistered priests. It was
entitled 'A Bill for explaining and amending the Acts to prevent
the Growth of Popery and for strengthening the Protestant Interest
in Ireland/ and the heads of the Bill after passing through both
Houses were sent over to England with the warm recommendation
of the Irish Privy Council. The Bill as it issued from the Commons
is still preserved and it is no exaggeration to say that it deserves
to rank with the most infamous edicts in the whole history of

persecution The Heads of the Bill have as far as

I know never been printed though they well deserve to be." The
following is the full text of the parts dealing with the clergy :

HEADS OF A BILL FOR EXPLAINING AND AMENDING THE ACTS
TO PREVENT THE GROWTH OF POPERY AND FOR THE STRENGTHEN-
ING THE PROTESTANT INTEREST IN THIS KINGDOM.

WHEREAS the several Laws heretofore Made against Papists and
to prevent the Growth of Popery have been often Evaded and
in many Cases Proved Ineffectual and Great Number of Popish
Priests and Friars have of late come into this kingdom to Disturb
the Peace thereof And not only many Popish Arch Bishops,
Bishops and Others of the Popish Clergy as well Regular as
Secular Priests who have not been registered and taken the
Oath of Abjuration have continued in this kingdom contrary
to Law but also great numbers of Popish clergy have of late
years come into this kingdom And have Endeavoured to Raise
and Spirit up Rebellions and Commotions by Enlisting and
Procuring Divers of His Maiesty's Subjects to enlist themselves
in the service of the Pretender and by Procuring the persons
so enlisted to be embodyed in Companyes and Regiments and

456 APPENDIX II.

transported into Parts beyond the seas in Order to form an Army
to compass their said Traitorous Purposes to the Great Danger
of His Majesty's Government and the Protestant Interest of
this kingdom AND WHEREAS severall Justices of the Peace and
other Magistrates have neglected to put the Laws made against
the Growth of Popery in Execution. FOR REMEDY whereof we
pray it may be enacted that all and every Popish Priest and
Priests and other Person or Persons exercising the office or
function of a Popish Priest within this kingdom not being regis-
tered pursuant to an Act made in the Second year of the reign
of her late Majesty Queen Ann Intitled An Act for registering
the Popish clergy, shall depart out of this kingdom before the
25th day of March in the year of Our Lord 1724 and that all .
and every such Popish Priest and Priests and other Person and
Persons exercising the office or function of a Popish Priest who,
shall be found in this kingdom after the said 25th day of March
in the year of Our Lord 1724 being thereof convict shall be
deemed and adjudged guilty of High Treason other than and
except Every Popish Priest who before the 14th day of Novem-
ber 1723 took the Oath of Abjuration in any of his Majesty's
Four Courts Dublin or at the Assizes or at the General Quarter
Sessions of the Peace or before two or more Justices of the Peace
in this kingdom and who shall before the said 25 day of March
1724 file and prove his or their Certificate or Certificates in one
of his Majesty's Four Courts of Dublin or at the next Quarter
Sessions of his or their having taken the said Oath of Abjuration.
AND WHEREAS by an Act made in the 9th year of the Reign of
his late Majesty King William (of glorious memory) Intitled
An Act for banishing all Papists exercising any Ecclesiastical
jurisdiction and all regulars of the Popish clergy out of this
kingdom It is enacted that all Popish archbishops, bishops,
vicars general, deans, Jesuits, monks, friars and all other regular
popish clergy and all papists exercising any ecclesiastical juris-
diction shall depart out of this kingdom before the first day
of May 1698 under the pains and penalties in the said Act
mentioned And that notwithstanding several Arch Bishops,
Bishops, Vicars General, Deans, Jesuits, Monks, Fryers and
other Regular popish clergymen or Papists exercising ecclesias-
tical jurisdiction are now in this kingdom we pray it may be
enacted that every Archbishop, Bishop, Vicar General, Dean,
Jesuit, Monk, Fryer or other Regular popish clergyman exercising
ecclesiastical jurisdiction or who at any time since the first day
of May in the year of Our Lord 1698 exercised ecclesiastical
jurisdiction in this kingdom shall depart out of this kingdom
before the said' 25th day of March 1724 And that all and every
Archbishop, Bishop, Vicar General, Dean, Jesuit, Monk, Fryer
or other regular popish clergyman exercising ecclesiastical
jurisdiction who shall after the said 25th day of March 1724

APPENDIX II. 457

be found in this kingdom, being thereof convict, shall for such
offence be deemed and adjudged to be guilty of High Treason
And every person who after the said 25th day of March 1724 shall
knowingly and willingly, Receive, Relieve, Comfort, Aid, Main-
tain, Conceal or Harbour any such Arch Bishop, Bishop, Vicar
General, Dean, Jesuit, Monk, Fryer or other regular clergyman
exercising popish jurisdiction, or Popish Priest not registered
or other person or persons exercising the Office and Function
of a popish priest knowing him to be an Arch Bishop, Bishop,
Vicar General, Dean, Jesuit, Monk, Fryer or regular clergyman
or popish priest other than Excepted as aforesaid shall for such
offence be adjudged a Felon without benefit of clergy And suffer
Death and Lose and Forfeit as in Case of one Attainted of Felony.
And we pray it may be further enacted that whosoever shall
make any Discovery to any Chief Magistrate Justice of the
Peace or any other Person or Persons whatsoever of any Popish
Archbishop, Bishop, Vicar-General, Dean, Jesuit, Monk, Fryer,
regular clergyman exercising popish jurisdiction or popish
priest other than Excepted as aforesaid being in this kingdom
after the said 25 day of March 1724 or of any person or persons
knowingly and willingly Receiving, Relieving, Comforting, Aiding,
Maintaining, Concealing or Harbouring any such Archbishop etc.
after the said 25 day of March 1724 Whereby and by virtue
of such Discovery any such Archbishop etc. or any other person
or persons concealing or harbouring any other or either of them
as aforesaid shall or may be apprehended, taken and convicted
by virtue of this Act that thereupon the Conviction of any of
the said Archbishops .... popish priests the Discoverer
shall receive as a Reward the sum of one hundred pounds And
the person or persons who shall prosecute such Discovery to a
Conviction the further sum of one hundred pounds as a Reward
to him or them for such prosecution. And every person who
shall be convicted of knowingly or willingly concealing or har-
bouring any of the said Archbishops .... popish priests
the Discoverer shall receive as a Reward the sum of fifty pounds
and the person or persons who shall prosecute any such Dis-
covery to a Conviction the further sum of fifty pounds as a Reward
to him or them for such prosecution which said severall sums
of Money shall in twenty one days after such Conviction be
paid by the Collector of the District where such Prosecution
and Conviction shall be had without any fee for the same to the
person or persons so prosecuting and convicting the said Offender
or Offenders He she or they tendering a Certificate to the said
Collector under the hand or hands of the Judges or Justices
before whom such Offender or Offenders shall be convicted
certifying the conviction of such Offender or Offenders and alsoe
that such Offender or Offenders was or were taken by the person
or persons claiming the said Reward. AND WHEREAS it is found

458 APPENDIX II.

by experience that nothing helps to corrupt the principles of
youth in their Religion and Loyalty as their Education under
Popish Tutors or Schoolmasters. FOR REMEDY whereof we
pray it may be enacted that if any Papist shall after the 25th
day of March in the year of Our Lord 1724 be convicted of being
a Popish Tutor or Schoolmaster or a Popish Tutor in any private
family instructing a youth or youths every such Person so
convicted shall suffer as a Felon without benefit of Clergy And
every person who shall after the 25th day of March 1724 know-
ingly and willingly keep and entertain such popish Tutor in his
family shall upon Lawfull Conviction be guilty of Felony without
Benefit of Clergy. Provided always that this Act or anything
therein contained shall not extend to make any corruption of
blood. AND WHEREAS notwithstanding severall persons sum-
moned pursuant to the Laws now in force have appeared before
the Justices of the Peace and on examination confessed that
ihey had lately heard Mass yet by reason of the Acts and Con-
trivances of the Priests in frequently drawing curtains between
them and their congregation at the time of saying Mass No
Discovery could be made of the person who then celebrated
Mass that it might appear whether he was duly qualified to say
such Mass FOR REMEDY whereof we pray it may be enacted
that no popish priest shall celebrate mass in any Popish chappie
or Mass house with the door shutt but that the same shall be
open at the time of the celebration of such Mass And that the
person or persons who officiates or officiate shall appear Bare-
faced and in Public view during the time he performs such
Office And in case proof shall be made before two or more Justices
of the Peace of the County when such Mass is or shall be celebrated
by the Oath of two or more witnesses that Mass was celebrated
in such Chappie or Mass house with the doors shutt or that the
person or persons who officiated there were concealed and did
not appear openly and in public view at the time of celebrating
such Mass that then the said Justices of the Peace shall by
warrant under their hands and seals respectively cause the said
Chappie or Mass house to be forthwith shutt up and not to be
opened again for a Popish Chappie or Mass house And all and
every person or persons who shall be present at such celebration
of Mass shall upon proof made thereof before one or more Justice
or Justices of the Peace of the said County by the Oath of one
or more witness or witnesses forfeit the sum of forty shillings
to be levyed by Distress and Sale of the Offenders goods by
warrant under the hands and seals of such Justice or Justices
respectively one moiety thereof to be disposed to the use of the
Informer the other moiety to the use of the Poor of the Parish
where such offence is or shall be committed And in case of in-
ability to pay the same such person or persons shall be sent
to the House of Correction for every time not exceeding the

APPENDIX II. 459

space of ten days And in order to prevent the continuation of
the popish superstition and more effectually to suppress all
popish nunnerys erected or to be erected in this kingdom we
pray it may be further enacted that no papist or reputed papist
shall from and after the said 25th day of March 1724 keep any
Boarding school or place for the Reception of Women or receive
any Woman or Women to be dieted and educated under the
pain of forfeiting for every such offence the sum of one hundred
pounds sterling to be received by any person who shall sue for
the same in any of his Majesty's Courts of Record in Dublin by
Bill, Plaint, or Information the one moiety to the use of his
Majesty, his heirs and successors the other moiety to the use of
such person who shall sue for the same as aforesaid AND WHEREAS
all methods for preventing popish priests from marrying Prot-
estants have proved ineffectual we pray it may be enacted that
from and after the first day of ffebruary 1723 [4] any marriage
solemnized or pretended to be solemnized by a popish priest or
reputed popish priest where one or both the persons intended
to be married is or are Protestants shall not be taken or adjudged
a marriage in Law AND FORASMUCH as great mischiefs have
happened to the Public by escapes of non juring popish priests
by the means of the corruption of sub sheriffs and Gaolers who
have suffered severall priests to escape and officiate Publickly
abroad and others to officiate as Publickly in Prisons We pray
it may be enacted that if any Gaoler or other person who by
law has the actual custody of any popish Arch Bishop, Bishop,
friar, priest or other popish ecclesiastical person shall knowingly
and willingly permit or suffer any such popish Arch Bishop,
Bishop, friar, priest or other ecclesiastical person to officiate as
such in prison Such Gaoler or other person having the actual
custody of such Arch Bishop etc. being thereof lawfully con-
victed at the Assizes or at the General Quarter Sessions of the
Peace in the County of the City of Dublin and the County of
Dublin shall be fined by the Judges of Assize or Justices at the
said General Quarter Sessions of the Peace in any sum not
exceeding the sum of one hundred pounds or stand in the pillory
at the discretion of the Judges or Justices and be rendered in-
capable of ever serving in any office. AND WHEREAS by an
Act made in the eight year of the reign of her said late Majesty
Queen Anne Intitled An Act for Explaining and Amending an
Act Intitled An Act to Prevent the further Growth of Popery.
It is among other things enacted For the more effectual discovery
of such popish regular clergymen and popish priests be it further
enacted that it shall and may be lawful for any two justices of
the peace whereof one to be of the quorum by warrants under
their hands and seals directed to any constable within their
county to summons any popish person of the age of sixteen
years or upwards to appear before them within three days so

460 APPENDIX II.

that the said place of appearance be not above five miles from
the habitation of said person ; and if the said person so summoned
shall neglect or refuse to appear or shall refuse to give his testi-
mony upon oath where or when he heard or was present at the
celebration of the popish mass, and who celebrated the same
and who and what persons were present at the celebration
thereof and likewise for and touching the being, residence and
abode of any popish regular clergyman or any popish secular
priest as aforesaid and also fully answer to all such matters,
circumstances and things touching such popish persons offending
contrary to this and the former act ; such person so refusing or
neglecting to appear shall be committed by the said justices to the
common gaol there to remain without bail for the space of twelve
months unless he or she shall pay down a sum not exceeding
twenty pounds ; provided that every examination to be givea
in pursuance of this act shall be for such of the said offences
only as were committed within thirty days before such exam-
ination AND WHEREAS by reason of the shortness of the time
between the comittal of the Fact and the information to be
given many offenders have escaped punishment. We pray
it may be enacted that the time limited for giving information
in the cases mentioned in the said Act shall be and is hereby
extended to three Calendar Months. .....

BRUEN WORTHINGTON-) Q p u
ISAAC AMBROSE >

APPENDIX III.

5UCH public opinion as existed in Ireland during the early
eighteenth century manifested itself not in the news sheets
but in pamphlets. Hence a search through contemporary
pamphlets as the Halliday Collection in the Royal Irish Academy
or the Thorpe, in the National Library, affords interesting evidence
of the views of the dominant classes upon the policy of persecution.
One of these pamphlets may be here selected as a sample. It is
entitled "The Ax laid to the Root or Reasons humbly offered for
putting the Popish Clergy in Ireland under some better Regulations.
2nd Edition Dublin 1749."

Popish Priests swarm over the whole kingdom at present and the
Resort to Mass houses is as publick and unrestrained as it is to
our Churches.

The Titular Popish Bishops residing in the kingdom are more
numerous than the Bishops of the Established Church, holding
their visitations and exercising their jurisdiction with little
caution or restraint.

The religious orders of Monks, Friars, Jesuits and Nuns have
their nests in many places and are perfectly well known in the
vicinity.

To remedy this intolerable state of things the following
proposals are made :

1. That it is agreeable to reason that papists giving good security
for their fidelity to Government should be tolerated.

2. That a sufficient number of priests be allowed.

3. That all such priests be registered under such terms and con-
ditions as an honest papist can consistently with his religion
and conscience submit to ; for otherwise the best will be excluded
and the worst retained.

4. That every popish priest at the time of being registered shall
show his letters of Orders, take the Oath of Allegiance and the
following :

I A.B. do from my heart abhorr, detest and abjure as impious and
heretical that damnable doctrine that etc. and do declare on my
conscience that neither the pope nor anything upon earth, can
absolve me from my Oath of Fidelity to his Majesty King George
the Second and his successors and that I will accept of no such
absolution.

462 APPENDIX III.

5. That upon the death or removal of such priest another may
succeed under the same qualifications.

6. That every registered priest shall wear some particular decent
habit to be approved by the Government and Council and
if he shall be found above one measured mile from the house
of his usual residence without the same he shall for the first
offence forfeit and pay to the informer five shillings and ten
shillings for every other offence. (It will be very useful to have
every popish priest known and distinguished, for want of which
he will do mischief and pervert people under the disguise of a
lay habit).

7. The Number of priests to be registered shall be limited by
Counties at the discretion of the Government and no more
admitted to be registered but upon Oath made of a vacancy.

S. Every county to be divided into particular districts consisting
of one or more parishes and one priest registered for each district
who shall officiate in no other district unless during a vacancy
or unless the neighbouring priest should be disabled by sickness
or infirmities.

9. That at the time of registration such priest to be registered
shall bring two papists of known and sufficient ability to be
bound in a bond of 100 for his good and quiet behaviour during
his residence.

10. That after the 25 of March 1751 every popish priest who is
not registered and every person officiating as such by perform-
ing any clerical office or ceremonies that are peculiar to the
Church of Rome either in publick or in private shall for the first
offence be fined in the sum of 50 and be imprisoned for the
space of one year and for the second offence be fined in the sum
of 100 and imprisoned during life.

11. That one Bishop of the Romish Communion shall be allowed
by the Government to reside and exercise his function in each
of the three provinces of Leinster, Munster and Connaught
under certain regulations and large security and to be registered
as the priests are, taking the Oaths as above.

That every such Bishop shall confer Holy Orders upon none but
natives of the kingdom of Ireland and shall be himself a native.
That he shall confer Orders at four stated times of the year only,
to be fixed by law. And that every candidate shall three days
at least before his Ordination repair to some Justice of the county
where such Candidate resides and there take and subscribe the
following Oath, annexing his name with the place of his residence :

I A.B. do swear in the presence of God who will judge me the
last Day that since the first day of May last past I have not
received any education or instruction in any popish University,
College, Seminary or School without this kingdom of Ireland
and that' I will not hereafter study or take any degree in any
such University, College, Seminary or School, so help me God.

APPENDIX III. 463

Such Justice of the Peace to be required to certify under his hand
and seal the names of all such Candidates together with the
Oath taken by them and give a copy thereof to one of the
Candidates who shall be a sufficient authority to the Bishop for
ordaining them and without which he shall not confer orders.
The original to be returned to the Quarter Sessions that it may
remain on record.

A penalty to be inflicted on the Bishop who shall ordain without
such Certificate.

Such Justice of the Peace shall not certify until the Candidate
who requests it shall bring to him the name and place of the
Registered Priest whose vacancy he is nominated to supply
certified by the Minister and one or both of the Church wardens
of the parish where the vacancy happened. (This precaution
is necessary in order to prevent the needless multiplication of
Idle popish priests who are a heavy burthen on the poor people).

12. That two Seminaries be tolerated under proper regulations for
the instruction of such young men as are intended for popish
Orders ; the masters or tutors to be natives of Ireland and
that after a certain time no person shall be ordained who had
received foreign education.

13. That upon the vacancy of a registered Bishop the two remain-
ing be allowed to consecrate another who shall be a native of
Ireland and that has been a Registered priest.

14. That every person who shall perform any office or function
peculiar to a popish Bishop who shall not be registered to that
end shall for his first offence be fined in the sum of 500 and be
imprisoned for the -space of one year and until he has paid such
fine ; and for the second offence be fined in the sum of 1000
and be imprisoned for life, which will be a punishment more
dreadful to them than transportation.

15. That every papist of any religious order being convicted
thereof shall be fined in the sum of 100 and be imprisoned for

J.Xxv^ **

The true question is whether it will not be better to have three
popish bishops who shall be amenable to Government and put
under strict ties than forty dispersed through the kingdom in
disguise to work all mischief in their power behind the curtain.
Whether it will not be safer to let in a thousand priests at the
public gate and mark them as they enter than to suffer five
times that number to steal in unknown at the Postern and by
that means swarm over the whole nation.

APPENDIX IV.

IN 1709 it will be remembered an act was passed in the Irish
parliament compelling the priests who were registered to take
the Oath of Abjuration under the severest penalties. Of the
one thousand and eighty priests whose names appeared in the
government register only thirty-seven according to De Burgo
took the oath. Dr. Nary a still better authority states in his
"Case of the Catholics of Ireland" that the actual number was
thirty-three. One fourth of the number belonged to Westmeath
where nine out of the thirty-five registered for the county, con-
formed to the law. These were :

Rev. James Dalton, P.P., Ballymacallin.

Philip Tyrrell, P.P., Mullingar.

,, Charles Keilry, P.P., Taghmon.

,, Michael Dillon, P.P., Ballybrickoge.

Hugh McDonogh, P.P.

,, William Cullen, P.P., Upper Castletown.

,, Thomas Dillon, P.P., Lacken.

John Pierse, P.P., Templeoran.

,, Anthony Coughlan, P.P., Castlelost.

The feelings of their non-juring brethren found expression in
doggerel verse, always an effective weapon in Ireland. The nick-
names borne by some are added to the names.

A Dialogue between Nine Jurors and ffather James Dillon att
Mrs. White's house before they entered the Court to [take] the
oath of Abjuration.

Solomon

Fa. James Dalton When learned authors hold it safe to swear

what mind reserves, what need we further fear ?
But this doctrine some Doctors doe support,
therefore to swear let us make haste to Court.

Fa. James Dillon What condemned authors doe perversely teach,

it's sin to practice, greater sin to preach.
But such as thought it safe to take this oath
Were all condemned by Church and Council
both.

APPENDIX IV.

465

Dr. Saul
Fa. Terril

Fa. James Dillon

Saul

Fa. James Dillon

Saul

Fa. James Dillon

Saul

Fa. James Dillon

Goderlaham
Fa. Keily

Fa. James Dillon

What they condemn to practice is just and fitt.
And what they do not, pray why must we omit.
But never condemned was Mental Reservation,
therefore, on with the oath of Abjuration.

This way of swearing Scripture does forbid
As Namure Synode likewise Lorraign did.
Read the quotations and you'll find in brief
Mental Reservation a condemned thief.

What Namure Synode says and with Lorraigne
what quoted Scripture I can soon explain ;
they say man ought his candid mind to show
to his soft friend but never to his foe.

Who knows but in this fair explanation
you may make up a mental Reservation.
If Scripture too can use this, who can
perceive the truth from either God or man ?

Hear me, good Sir, and you'll plainly find
I don't reserve my oath unto my mind
I swear the Prince by law no right to these
three kingdoms hath because his right doth
cease.

That law 's no law which Scripture doth gainsay.
His right to Caesar Christ doth command to pay
What he commands to give, your laws denys
therefore who sayth no right in Caesar lyes ?

The right your Caesar had by Law is void,
his property and title both destroyed,
then if I swear that Prince noe right to have
the law from guilt will my good conscience save.

Well said ! good Doctor, tell us, pray be kind
in what author did you this doctrine find
if Law will have you swear a Bull is a bear
a Doctor an Ass and what not, you will swear,

The oath is false and what is more severe
that 'gainst my will yet willingly must swear,
this contradicting Pill if I denye
to forraigne countries certainly must flye.

If Pagans acted such infernall laws
and force such oaths for to support their cause
would the Apostles whom we ought to follow
think your Pills so indigestive, swallow ?

FF

466

APPENDIX IV.

Absalom

Fa. Michael Dillon

Fa. James Dillon

Gafford
Hugh McDonogh

Fa. James Dillon

Cattle Drover
William Ciitten

Fa. James Dillon

Sis in presenti-
Thomas Dillon

Bladerbuff
Fa. J. Pierce

Fa. James Dillon

Absolom says for a finer stock

of gratitude, it's purely for his flock,

his love of them and their Paternal! care

made him forswear himself at Mulingare.

Your life for them and that which need requires
You are to give it when God desires
What if you think he'd have you for their sake
to damm your soul by swearing, you mistake.

Now spake Gafford inspired with Kidough's

grace,

Sir Toby's doctrine and with Esop's face,
Who takes an oath tho' false against his will
is of his faith and one Religion still.

I find true friend if pressed you'll swear as well
noe Heaven above, and below no Hell,
nay what Religion will you blush to own,
since you adjure all Romans from the Throne.

In haste he leaves his horned bullocks there ;
Knows not for what, yet is resolved to swear
but if himself he perjures, leaves his fall
on Solomon the wise and Doctor Saul.

They'll have enough to answer for them both
and so will you if you should take this oath.
It would better keep your bullocks from the

thief
than hang Religion on false Pastor's sleeve.

Ignoramus who scarcely Syntax saw
will not refuse to swear what is decreed by law
he'd rather live at home a purjured snake
than on bread across therefore the oath he'll
take.

Bladerbuff in fine with a Rurall pipe
with stinking baggs and dammed noisy wipe
played on before whilst they were on the gigg
so merrily to dance the swearing jigg.

When Christ Apostles made of fishermen
the Divell a piper was amongst them then
Some danced on halters, some their members

tore

some racked to death but none of them for-
swore.

APPENDIX IV.

467

Juryman
Coughlan

Fa. James Dillon

There was no other though it was by chance,
nor Coughlan either att this publique dance
but soon after they followed Darcy's way
to damn their soul leste the flock should stray.

If Christ in death didn't suffer on the Cross
the world had been att a perpetuall loss,
then Judas may excuse himself and say
to save his flock he did his Lord betray.

FINIS.

This curious piece is found among the parliamentary records
(Bundle 73, No. 45) and seems to have been with other papers
before the Boulter Commission. It is described "an attempt at
Poetry termed a Dialogue and other addresses to Fr. J. Dalton and
others ridiculing and depreciating them on their taking the Oath of
Abjuration."

INDEX.

Abbey

Abbylara

Abbey Boyle

Abbey Shrewell

Abby Leix

Abbot, Archbishop

Abbyiand

Abercorn, Lord

Abbeylorha

Abort

Achonry .... 228, 365,

, Bishops of, see Donnel-

lan M. (after, of Clonfert),
Blake W., MacDermot H.

Actanesy

Achaboe

"Adams," Father

"Adam and Eve's"

Adderfold

Addergole

Affane

Aghabogg

Aghakieran

Aghamacart

Aghaiiney

Aghadoocy

Aghagower

Aghamullen

Aghuveen

Agholein

Aghnafin

Aghadown

Aghina

Aglis

Aghadoe

Aglish

Aglismagh

Aglish

Ahabolley

Aherlow

Aixe, Archbishop of

Allen

Aldworth, Sir R

Albani, Cardinal

Aldrich, Alderman

Page

395

333-6

442-9

333

338

348

169

194

127

262

437-8-9

Anagh

286,

Anaghduff

Andrews, P

Anglesea, Lord

Anketell, J

Anthony, J

392
19, 338

... 352
297
438

425, 431
365
294
336
338
404
288
449
294
279

2, 3, 25

294

375

375

375-7

151

364

377

386

375-7

351

49

346, 125

96

240

304

313, 406
443

120, 174

282

47

178

Annymadle .

Annfield

Anaghqulgan

Annacarty

Antrim

Page

346

348

294

362

9, 211

Archer, M 322,364

Archer, P 15, 19

Arklow 20, 107, 126

Ardnaree 438

Ardfert (and Aghadoe), 98, 151, 838,

see Kerry.
Bishops of, see Connell

Dr, Pierce A., Moriarity D.,

O'Meara W.

Ardagh, 135, 156, 335-7, 438, 443-4
Bishops of, see Plunket

P., Fallen G., Donogher B.,

Mulligan P., Burne (Byren)

T., McDermot Roe T.

Ardrass 125

Ardclony 405

Archdall, M 279

Arlington, Lord, 11, 17, 25-7, 31-5-7-8
Armagh, 3, 18, 61, 76, 81, 127, 135,

267-8, 281-2-3
Archbishops of, see

O'Reilly E., Plunket O.,

Maguire D., McMahon H.,

McMahon B., McMahon R.,

Blake A., Reilly M.

Arthur, D 55, 304

Artaine 123-4, 301

Archbold, C 174

Armstrong, W 154

Armand, J 132

Ardee ....230, 292, 339, 390

Archdeacon, N 254

Ardmore 364

Ardeagh 375

Arda 389

Ardrahan 425

Ardcarna 447

Ardskineen .... 376

Askeaton 213, 392

Ash, W 34

Ash, C 121

Ashby, R 106

Arran, Lord, 22, 42, 59, 60-6-8, 69, 75, 84

Athboy 246

Athenry 19, 59, 253, 415, 424-5

Athenry, Lord 249, 412

INDEX.

469

Page

Athlone 127, 146, 332

Athleague 449

Atterbury, Lord 56, 81

Athy, 19, 67, 72, 103, 127, 328, 338

Athycoffey 254

Aughrim 112

Austin, T 120

Auersperg, Count 134-5, 145

Aughera 336

Aughanlish 435

Ayhvard, M 253

Ayhvard, T 257

Babe, T.
Badham, B. .
Baker, Mr.
Balinleragh .
Ballindone :
Ballingarry .
Ballheane
Ballaculla
Ballenkeele .
Ballintullagh
Ballinulty

Ballagh

Ballinahinch
Ballaghy.

292

174

83-5

292

438

392

426

431

316

330

336

336

253

: 278

Ballinrobe, 214, 239, 241-8-9, 250, 426-7

Ballinlassy 169

Ballinakill .... 169

.Ballinderry 129

JBallebeatti 3

Baldoyle .... 54, 123, 209, 301

Ballyalogh 375-6

Ballyadam .... 338

Ballyboy 341-3-4

Ballydaly 388

Ballydonnell 126

Ballycullen 310, 392

Ballycastle 128

393

376

313

338

375

313

382

388

392, 444

Ballycummin
Bally dee
Bally dean
Ballyflin
Bally hooly
Bally hast
Bally handle ..
Bally heige
Ballyknockan

Ballylannen 365

Ballyleague 61

Ballymedock 338

Ballymore 126

Ballymote 61, 438

Ballymore Eustace 124, 309

Ballymacalogue 340

Ballymalion 336

Ballymacormack 333

Ballymacalin 464

Page

Ballymakin 338

Ballymascanlon 291-2

Bally makelly 426

Ballymena 288

Ballynacourty 435

Ballynascarty 382

Ballynagall 338

Ballynesaggart 289

Ballynescreen 278

Ballynake 338

Ballynakill 325

Ballynabye 376

Ballynemale 376

Ballynemanagh 336

Ballynodan 382

Bally neullava 408

Ballyroe 213

Ballyrone .... 338

Ballyrush 295

Ballyshannon 288, 433

Ballysodare ' 434-6-7

Ballysumechan 434

Ballytrain 128

Ballyvoorney 375-8

Baltimore 127, 176

Balrothery 123

Balfe, F. ' 327

Bandon 379, 382

Banida 438

Banaghan, J. 439

Banagher 342

Bansha 7

Bantry 22, 177

Barry, J 375

Barry [Robert], Bishop of

Cork and Cloyne 4

Barry, R 376

Barren, J 230

Barmeath 292

Barton, W 274

Barrymore, Barony of .... .. 71

Barrington, B., .". 73

Barnewall, F 37

Barnewall, B 331

Barnygone 336

Barberini, Cardinal 16, 20

Barnes, T 143

Baslisk 450

Beadstown 278

Beggstown 54

Begley, J 176, 365-6-7

Belgooly 383

Bellwell 169

Bellelasetuam 215

Bellingham, Captain 340

Belfast 128, 281

Belturbeb 5, 290

Bern, C 19,20

Bern, J 19,57

470

INDEX,

Page

Bern, P 275

Bermingham, P. 417

Bermingham. Father, -127, 133, 150,

242, 250

Bermingham, A 107

Berkeley, Lord, 1, 23-4-5-6, 34-7, 85-9,

92, 143

Bessborough, Lord 346

Bilton, J 400-2

Birr 4, 345-6

Biragra, T 19

Birne, P., Bishop of Ardagh 437

Black, Mr 76

Blake, F 129

Blake, W. , Bishop of Achonry, 421
Blake, A., Warden of Galway 421

Blake, A., Archbishop of

Armagh 206, 418, 421

Blake, Sir W 413

Blake, M 253

Blake, N 257

Blake, T 253

Blanchardstown 124

Blessington 124-6

Blenerhassett, J 106

Blount, T 152, 161

Blundell, Father 106

Blykes, G 18

Boldeski 49

Boho 280

Boghely, D 376

Boghoola 430

Bodkin, A 130

Bodkin, J 412

Boyle, Lord, Chancellor, 11-2-4, 26, 47

60-5, 96

Boyle, N 429, 430

Borne, P 430

Bolton, Duke of, 199, 201, 212, 221-3

Boytogh, J. 426

Bond, E 281

Boylagh 278

Boylan, P 295

Borescara 248, 427, 431

Boulter, Primate 216, 252

Bowen, Father 324

Boyle, H 70

Bray 125

Brett, W 124

Brady, Major 4

Brady, H 285

Brady, P 286

Brady, J 62, 122, 415

Brady, P 122, 152, 161

Bradley, J 56, 81

Bradley, Mr 171

Brackly 54

Bray, J 364

Brett, H 439

Page
338
93-4
156
336
326
359
400-6
254-5,

Brittas"

Brittas, Lord

Brin, P

Bready, M

Brereton, G.

Brien, D

Brody, F

Brehon, P

Brett, J., Bishop of Elphin, 258, 437
Broghill, Lord, see Orrery

Broderick, A 116, 14&

Brown, Father 72-3, 122

Browne, R 420

Brown, W 172, 369, 376

Borwne, T 365

Brown, J 239, 245-7, 304

Browne, E., Bishop of Killaloe, 351

Brown, G 23&

Brown, Colonel 413

Browne, Mr. 40

Brown, P 262

Brennan, J., Archbishop of

Cashel 94, 34&

Brenbry 406

Brodin, W., Vicar-General of

Clonfert 4

Broghill, R. 301

Brenney 382

Bryan, D 426

Brody, G 400

Bryan, M 126

Brbfy 122

Brody, F 408

Brooke, B 40

Brynan, W. 121

Bruodin, J 408

Brosna 386

Bryan, J 396

Broders, T 314

Brullechan, J., Bishop of

Derry 278, 288

Buncraggy 398

Bundony 290

Bungoonagh 426

Bunratty 405

Bundroos 434

Buoly 253

Buoby 428

Burke, M. , 438

Burke, J ., Vicar- Apostolic of Cashel, 348.

Burke, J 393, 431

Burke, T 19, 420

Burke, M 431

Burke, W 420, 431

Burke, T 364, 418

Burke, A 402-3

Burke, Captain 215, 240

Burke, E 215, 239

Burke, W 19, 244

INDEX.

471

Page

Burke, U 244

Burke, F., Archbishop of Tuam, 150,
214, 239, 241-8-9, 250, 426-7

Burke, J 257

Burke, E 265

Burke, R 426

Burke, D., Bishop of Elphin, 59, 90

Burke, B 130

Burke, U 169

Burke, R 169

Burke, W 169

Burke, J 19

Burke, R 54-5

Burke, J. (Bourk), Arch-
bishop of Tuam 4

Burke, J 393

Burgatt, W., Vicar-Apostolic

of Cashel 4, 348

Burne, T., Bishop of Ardagh 444

Burren 375

Burtonhall 325

Burris 328

Burton, Father 195

Burn, P 292

Burn, J 292

Burrishoole 19, 59, 60

Butler, R 94, 104, 348

Butler, M 395

Butler, E 60, 364

Butler, Sir W 349

Butler, Father 376

Butler, Colonel 170

Butler, J 395

Butler, R 171

Butler, Captain 174

Butler, W 103, 176

Butler, C., Archbishop of Cashel, 218,
319, 348, 350-1-9, 372-4

Buttevant 376

Byren, J 336

Byrne, P 339

Byrne, E 257, 261-3

Byrne, D 324

Byren, L 336

Byrne, E., Archbishop of Dublin, 122,
215, 220-7-8, 230, 298-9, 300, 327,340

Byrn, C 126

Byrne, J 30-1-2-3-4-5

Byaledurog 392

Byren, T., Bishop of Ardagh 335

Cabbinteely
Caddan, G.
Cahane
Cahernary
Caho, T.
Cahel, P.
Cahir
Cahane

126
87

404, 447
393
126
128
386
385

Cahill, W.
Cahill, J.

Caherilly

Callan

Callan, J.

Calln

Callaghan, O..
Callaghan, J.
Callaghan, D.
Caltrons

Page

375

395

393

7

295

129

81

82

96

412

Calahan, A., Bishop of Ferns, 312-3-4

Callaghan, T 373

Callaghan, J 373

Callaghan, D 375-7

Callaghan, J 373

Callaghan's Mills 409

Callanan. L 880.

Calverstown l7

Calverly, J 64

Cannon, M : 318-9

Canneo 450

Cannon, H 443, 314

Cantwell, M 19

Cantwell, T 321

Cane, E 354

Capel, Lord 115

Capel, Sir H 4G-7

Cappagh 7

Cappock 18

Cappoquin 369

Carbery, J 54, 121

Carlow 41, 54, 106, 324 seq.

Carrick 60

Carrigeen 451

Carrick, Edmond 335, 444

Carrick Beggett 292

Carlingford .... 20, 53-7, 78, 82, 291

Carrickmacross .... 3, 273, 295, 339

Carrickfergus .... 9, 128, 280, 291

Carrigallen 443-4

Carrick, T 345

Carrigaline 376

Carrigcloyna 375

Carrick 375

Carrick-on-Shannon .... 439, 442-3

Carrickanure 294

Carter, D 61

Carthy, P 312-3-4

Carthy, E 157

Carthy, C 212

Carthy, F 375

Carthy, T 375

Carthy, C 375

Carthy, D 375

Carthron 341

Carthy, J 391

Carr, A 139, 313, 321

Carolan, E 344-5

Carney, S 292

472

INDEX.

Carrol, Dr

Carroll, K

Caron, R

Carton

Carolan, Father
Carranteale ....

Carrell, P

Carndoagh

Page

258

21

,. 16

125

288

290

291

296

Carroll, Father, .... 6, 306, 345, 364

Carteret, Lord 311

Carrowmore 329

Carty, D 376

Cassell, Mr 216

Cassidy, B 280

Cassidy, J 295

Cassidy, M 280

Cassidy, C 301-2

Cashei; 4, 19, 22, 135-6, 168, 209, 218,
268, 333-6, 349, 355-6, 357-8-9, 361.
see Tipperary.

Archbishops of, see Burke, John ;

Burgatt, William ; Brennan, John ;
Comerford, Edward ; Butler, Chris-
topher ; Butler, James.

Cashell, Father 321

Castleconnor 437

Castle Bourke 428

Castlebar 240, 431

Castleblakney 424

Castleisland 366, 388

Castleknock 124

Castlehyde 371

Castle Lyons 383-4

Castledermot 125-7, 327

Castleislish 316

Castlehaven, Lady 122

Castlenugent 333-6

Castlebrack 338

Castletown 375, 464

Castlemagner 375

Castlerahan 291

Castleblaney 294

Castletown 30

Castletowncooly 291

Casey, M 313

Casserly, M 259

Cavan2, 78, 80, 127, 152, 161, 277,

284-5-6, 445

Cavanagh, W 126

Cavanagh, E 346

Cavanagh, C 126

Cawlin, P 310

Celbridge 30

Chapelisold 124

Charleville 384

Charlemont 289

Chamberlain, E 34, 121, 151-2-6

Chaise la, Pere 135

Cheevers, Captain 255

Cheevers, H

Chevers, R

Chenevix, R.

Churchtown

Chesterfield, Lord

Clanmenlock

Clanfeankle

Page
364
290
203
376
203
342
290

Clanrickarde, Lord, 89, 90, 169, 253,

412, 442

Clanmaliera, Lady 127

Clare 66, 70, 96, 398 seq.

Clare, Lord 62, 90, 102

Clare Abbey 402-3-9

Clare, Galway 253, 428

Clanoe 290

Clancy, T 365

Claris 336

Clarinbridge 171

Clarendon, Lord 16, 17,18

Clashmore 364

Clery, T 286, 369

Cleary, D 338, 405

Cleare, Father 54-6

Cleaghly 383

Clewane 438

Cleenagh 279

Clinton, J 295

Clonbrony 2, 336

Clogher, 86, 206, 290-4, see Fermanagh,
Monaghan.

Bishops of, see Duffy, Patrick ;

Tyrrell, Patrick ; MacMahon, Hugh ;
McMahon, Bernard; O'Reilly.Daniel.

Cloghessy 400-2-3

Clogh 336

Cloghermore 438

Cloghans 210

Clonfert, 23, 90, 135-6-7, 150, 252, 372,
375, see Galway.

Bishops of, see Brodin, W. ;

Keogh, Tady ; Donnelan. Maurice ;

Madden, Ambrose ; Kelly, Edmund ;

Donnellan, Peter.

Cloncoighe .... 130

Cloncane 294

Clondalkin 125

Clonagawn 338-9

Clondrehid 375

Clonmel, 20-2, 60, 127, 143, 171, 233-5,
349, 351-2-3-4-7, 360-2

Clonlost 464

Clonourt 375

Clonenach 338-9

Clonmines 317

Clonmult 375

Clonegam 365

Clongeely 375

Clonmacnoise 214, 343

Cloone 443

INDEX.

473

Page

Cloonish 279

Clontubritt 294

Clontarf 124, 301

Clonprest 375

Clonrusk 406

Clonmethan 124

Cloonygeese 336

Clonmeen 375-6

Clonsilla 72

Clontuskert 425, 450-4

Cloonaquin 438

Cloonyormason 450

Clonenish 294

Clyne, P 336

Clynch, Father 306, 319

Cluony 404

Clunfurlogh 447

Coas .... 295

Cong 243-4, 431

Collis, C 61

Cole, R 70

Cole, Father -.... 124

Columkill 336

Connery, T. 366

Coony, J 410

Cooliveeghy 384

Coonaghan, D 388

Coleman, Mr 105, 145

Comerford, Father 122

-Comerford, E., Archbishop of

Cashel, 135-6, 142, 150, 183, 348

Connor, B 388

Connor, T 385-8, 395

Connory, Dr 172

-Connelly, T 279. 293

Connor, Mr 257, 262, 392-3

Connelly, M 293

Coloony 432

Commor 215

Coleraine 19, 127, 288

Connor, C 19, 41, 58, 314

Collins, T 381

Collier, N 313-4

Concannon, D 450

Concannon, J 426

Coggan, F 376

Coggan, W 376

Condon, M 376

Conmv, T 315

Coharagh 375

Conrie, J. j 375

Comin, F 304, 311

Coppinger, F 21-5, 30-5

Cocklan. J 126

Comyn, E 86-7, 95

Comyn, R 60

Considine, A .... 382

Comins, Father 178

Conway, T 230

Page

Cooldarra 294

Cooke, S. 300

Coolgraney 314

Coolerny 336

Connel], Dr., Vicar- Apostolic

of Ardfert 4

Connellan, L 410

Connellan, J 393

Connellan, W 400-2-3-6

Conian, M 438

Conmey, J 438

Condon, M 66

Connan, D 443

Cork and Cloyne, 20, 21, 40, 52-3-8,

66-7, 94, 127, 132-5, 177-8-9, 180,

218, 230-1-2, 370 seq.
Bishops of, Barry, Robert;

Creagh, Peter; Sleyne, John;

McCarthy, Donogh ; McCarthy,

Teige.

Convoy, T 57

Cosby, Sir P 61

Coolock 123, 300-1

Coventry, Sir H., 45, 55, 77-9, 80

Cormack, E 330

Conry, E 447

Corkron, E 338

Costello, P. 369

Costigan, M 338

Corleigh 375

Corclar 294

Cordon, R 382

Costello, W 425

Costello, E 426

Coola 436

Coolamoney 338

Coonahan, 436

Corofin 215

Corbally, J 180

Corleck 294

Creagh, Peter, Bishop of Cork,

subsequently Archbishop of

Dublin, 54, 94-5-6-7, 135, 172, 214

Crawley, T 48-9

Craddockstown 124, 322

Crean, A 426

Crew 450

Croseclogh 291

Crivelli, Internuncio 319

Crane, S 329

Cromoge 338

Cremorne 3, 127

Crow, D 357

Crowley, M. ' 376

Crowley, D 376

Creagh 375

Croncroe 128

Cruise, Dr 122-4,150

Cruise, V 35

474

INDEX.

Page

Cruise, F 122

Cruise, W 124

Croneen, D 375

Crevagh 405, 406

Creevylea 438

Croghan 344

Croghan, B 450

Crusheen 407

Curran, 436

Curtin, J 375

Cullen 357, 375

Cullinan, G 434

Cullen, M 313

Currens 385

Culmose 75

Cullen, G 444

Cusack, Judge 83

Curra 94

Cuddy, R 127

Curragh 25

Cullane, J 425

Cusack, J., Bishop of Meath 76-7

Dace, W 286

Bade, E 289

Dalton, H 125, 127

Dalton, J 397

Dalton, W., Bishop of Ossory, 135-6

Dalton, W 121, 302

Dalkey 125-6

Dalton, Father 332

Daly, P., Vicar-General of

Armagh 5, 14, 18, 19, 151

Daly, T 395, 421

Daly, D 376

Daly, C 129, 388

Daly, W 120

Daly, G 388

Dalys, The 412

Daly, A 254

Daly, D 253

Dayly, Dr., Vicar-Genl. of Ardfert, 151

Dalway, J 9

Dangin 375

Daniel, W 362

Darcy, F 331

Darmody, Father 397

Darcy, P 174

Darcy, Captain 171

Dardis, W 121-7

Dawley, J 376

Dawley, T 376

Dawney, T 434

Dawestown 138

Dawson, W 269, 270-1

Davern, D 356

Davies, R 138-9

Dease, O., Vicar-Genl. of Meath, 46
Deal, C 330

Page

Degany, E 287

Delany, B 170

Delany, V .... 359

Delamer, Father 331

Delahunty, E 19, 346-

Delgany 125

Delahoyde, R 178-9

Dempsey, C 303

Dempsey, J., Bishop of Kildare 127, 135.
Dempsey, J., Vicar-Genl. of Kildare, 4.

Dempsey, D 33, 124

Dempsey, K 396

Dennis, B 57

Denny, B 157

Denn 291

Dermot, J 2.

Dermot, H 447

Derrihoran 171

Derry 20, 64-5-6, 74-6, 128, 135-6, 198,.

268, 277, 288, 352.
Bishops of, see Plunket, L. ;

Lea, F. ; McColgan, J. ; Brul-

laghan, J.

Derrycloony 349

Derrynegrane 131

Derryvullen 280

Devenish 280

Devenish, Colonel 227

Devine, N 292.

Devereux, W 314

Devonshire, Duke of 422.

Dillon, F 146-7

Dillon, G 19

Dillon, T 34

Dillon, F 450

Dillon, J 304, 330, 388

Dillon, E 396

Dillon, C 130

Dillon, W 426

Dingle 128, 181, 385-9, 390-

Disert 365

Disertireat 290

Dobbyn, C 172.

Doad, 287

Doherty, P 397

Doherty, A 3, 4, 13-17

Dolan, D 424

Dolphin, Father 150

Dolphin, J 147, 42(5-

Dolphin, R. 253

Donagh 294

Donnelly, P., Bishop of Dromore 135-6,
142, 183, 269, 270-1-2

Donebate 123, 301

Doneraile 218, 376.

Donnellan, M., Bishop of Clonfert,

135-6-7, 150, 214, 257
Donnellan, P., Bishop of Clonfert 214
Donnellan, N. 158

INDEX.

475-

Page

Donuellan, 425-6

Donnellan, P. 426

Donnelly, P 290

Donnelly, J 293

Donegal, .... 79, 152, 288, 433, 278

See Raphoe.

Donworth, D 101

Dopping, A 113

Donnybrooke 122

Doill, M 290

Donoughmore 393

Donoghadee 128

Donaghmore 290

Donaghmore 376-7

Donoghue. T 376

Donovan, R 382

Donagher, B., Vicar- Apostolic

ofArdagh 443

Donnell, J 364

Doon 71

Doone 343

Doolin, Father 306

Doorgan, J. 88

Dorling, T 388

Dooning ... 425

Doran, C 386

Dorset, Lord 420

Dowdall, J 57, 259

Dowley, J., Bishop of Limerick, 97-8

Dowdall. L 121-2

Downe, M 312

Downan, "Bishop" 230

Downey, Father 375

Downdurrow 376

Downesparish 425

Downes, G 157

Down, Father 150

Down 8, 14, 156, 267, 275.

Bishops of, see Hannal, J.

Downpatrick 8

Doyle, B 301, 450

Doyle, Father 124-5

Doyle, D 310

Doyle, J 314-5-6

Doyle, S 310

Draperstown 278

Drumoleague 375

Drislane 377

Drisnagh 375

Draycott, P., Vicar-General of

Armagh 18, 73

Drogheda,18,53,63,73-4-6,128,281,292

Dromana 173

Dromboe 295

Dromkeen 392

Dromcliff 402-3-9

Dromlyne 405

Dromehir 392

Dromlone 285

Page

Drommore 213-

Dromgoone 285

Dromlariff 375-

Dromcannon 364

Dring 286-

Dromgould, Dr., Vicar-General

of Armagh 4, 104

Dromod 386-8

Dromore, 4, 14, 135, 142, 156, 267
Bishops of, see Donnelly, Patrick ;.

McMahon, H.
Droumeragh

Drum, H

Drumdo

Drumlish

Drumnee

Drumlahan ....

Drumheel

Drumsnatt

Drumkeilly ....

Drumard

Drumcully

Drumbane

Drumreilly

404

279, 287
444
33(>
300*
444
291
294
291
43G-
279'
40&
443

Drynahan 329, 435

Dublin, 6, 7, 9, 14. 16, 20, 34-6-8-9,
41, 52-4, 68, 79, 104, 113, 129, 135,
152-4, 193, 200-2-6, 212-5, 220-1-2-3,.
226, 260, 297 to 308, 337.

Parishes of 120 to 127

Archbishops of, see Talbot, P ;

Creagh, P. (translated from Cork) ;

Byrne, E. ; Murphy, E. ; Linegar, J . ;

Fitzsimmons, P.

Dubois, Cardinal 202

Ducy, Father 34G>

Duffy, J 271

Duffy, F 250, 293-4

Duff, J 125, 294

Duffy, Mr 170

Duffy, P 124, 294

Duffy, P., Vicar-Forane of Tuam, 239-

240-1-2-3-4-5-6-7, 250, 427, 430

Duffy, W 331

Duggan, H. 291

Dullaghan, T 292.

Dunleer 18, 340

Dunleavy, Father 122.

Dunlavin 127

Dunboe 288

Dunboyne, Lord 18O

Dulay, M 34&

Dulany, W. 339

Duncannon, Lord 325>

Dunane 338

Dunan, Father 343-5-

Dunhill 365

Dunmore 130'

Dunamony 243-

476

INDEX.

Page
Dunmore .... 249, 253-4-5, 262-3-4

Dunn, Sir P 147

Dunn, E 67

Dunn, M b46

Dunn, V 346

Dungarvan 173, 365-6

Dungerny 375

Dunshoghlyn 301

Dunmoylen 392

Dunmonoge 125

Dunnadea 72

Dungannon 77

Dundalk, 35, 53, 81-2-3-4-5-9, 128,
183, 230, 292, 269.

Dunsandle 412

Dunamoyne 294

Dunkerrin 346

Duigenan, P. 443

Duigenan, J 444

Durkin, J 430-1

Durkin, N 261

Durras 376, 412

Durrow 338, 344-6

Dwyer, P 346, 359

Dwyer, A 381

Dye, S 236

Dymond, W 322

Dysert 330, 406-9

Early, P 438

Earle, T 139

Edwards, Colonel 312

Edwards, R 229

Edgeworthstown 336, 445

Egan, D 395

Egan, D 32

Egan, C. 156

Egan, 266

Egan, M 400-4

Egan (MacEgan), S., Bishop

of Meath 331, 437

Egan, J 121, 426

Egan, B 443

Egan. W 130

Elphin 59, 90, 135-6, 150, 214, 228,

241, 250-8, 433-7-8, 446, 451.
Bishops of, see Burke, D. ;

McDermot, O.; Kelly, C. ; French,

P.; Brett, J.

Elleston, M 121

Elye, R 60

Emly 143

Emlaghfad

English, T 364

English, N 305

English, J 7

England, M 395

Ennis.102,128,159,195,397, 401-3-6-8-9
Enniskillen 279, 290

Page

Enniskeen 295

Enniscorthy 311-4

Esker 124-5, 253

Esky 439

Esmond, Father 150

Essex, Lord 26-8-9, 31-2-5-8-9,

40-2-4-6-7, 81-5-9, 92-3-9

Errickbrack 169

Erigall 294

Eustace, J 124-5, 328

Eustace, M. 127

Eustace, R 124

Eustace, Captain 327

Enstace, Sir M. 34

Eustace, T 57

Evans, Bishop 201, 222

Everard, Father 54

Everard, J 186, 382

Eyre, J 175

Eyrecourt 171, 254

Eyre, Colonel 253

Eyre, S 254

Eyreville 420

Fahy
Fahy, M.
Fanlobus
Fannin, D.
Fannin, J.
Fallen, C.

171

425, 439
376
444
121
426

Fallon, G., Bishop of Ardagh, 135-6

Faling, Father 4

Falvey, Father 150-7

Falvey, D 213, 286

Falvey, M 386

Farrell, C 16, 19, 20, 34, 333

Farrell, E 2

Farrell, M 333-6

Farrell, C 121

Farrell, F 122, 333

Farrell, P 156, 336

Farrelly, N 176

Farrelly, D. 388

Farrincunny 435

Fay, E 88-9

Feakle 402-9

Feeny, C 435

Feehy, P 432-3

Feenan, T 289

Fedan 341-2-3

Felix, D 159

Feaghny, T 340-1-2-3

Fennell, J 365

Fenelon, Bishop 239

Fennor 434

Fenwick, J 106

Feonagh 426, 444-5

Feenan, J 439

Ferbane 340-1-2

INDEX.

477

Page

Ferns 104, 135-6, 313-8

Bishops of, see Rosseter, M. ;

Verdon, J.; Callaghan, A.; Sweet-
man, N.

Fermanagh 2

Ferris, 150, 386

Fertullagh 330

Fethard 8, 359

Fewes 18, 71, 365

Fiage, J 237

Fiha, M 359

Finaghty, J 395

Finch, Mr 87

Finglass 123-4

Finglass, A. 123

Finn, Father 150

Fishguard 57

Fitz Gerald, D 213, 372

Fitz Gerald, Father 172, 317

Fitz Gerald, A 375

Fitz Gerald, T 396

Fitz Gerald, E 272

Fitz Gerald, E 321

Fitz Gerald, Colonel 318

Fitz Gerald, Captain R 55

Fitz Gerald, R 321, 346

Fitz Gerald, "Bishop" .... 228

Fitz Gerald, G 66, 367

Fitz Gerald, J 6, 56, 72, 125, 395

Fitz Gerald, Mr 68

Fitz Gerald, D 85, 93

Fitz Gerald, M 94, 121

Fitz Gerald, G 98

Fitz Patrick, Colonel, 25-8, 105-6, 454

Fitzpatrick, R 232-3

Fitz Patrick, Fr 306

Fitz Patrick, D 328, 338

Fitz Patrick, F 330

Fitz Maurice, J 384

Fitzsimmons, T., Vicar-General

of Armagh and Kilmore .... 4,21

Fitz Simmons, F 330

Fitz Simmons, P., Archbishop

of Dublin 307-8, 318

Fitz Simmons, R 125-7, 150

Fitz Williams, S 125

Fitz William, P 126

Flannelly, M 121, 261

Flannery, P 426

Flanagan, Father 179

Flanagan, E 372

Flaherty, Lieutenant .... 227-9

Flanagan, M 400-2

Flannan, D 443

Fleming, J 293

Fleming, Father 420

Fleming, T 370

Fleming, W 393

Flynn, A 263

Flynn, P.
Flynn, H.
Flynn, T.
Fota

Fonstown
Foley, D.
Fogarty, T.

Page

336, 444

336

443

170, 350
127
400
359

Fogarty, Dr 105-6-

Forbes, Sir A 47-8

Forrestal, P 19

Forrestal, G 7

Forrestal, M., Bishop of Kildare 103

Foster, Captain 6

Foster, Justice 213

Forster, S 346

Foulke, R 148

Fox, A 346

Foxford 128

Fottrell, J 301

Francis, R 61

Freeman, R 178

Freeman, W 400

French, E 426

French, G 158, 160-1, 417, 425

French, Mr. 170

French, D 238

French, F 253

French, J 414-5

French, M 420

French, N., Bishop of Ferns, 2, 4, 5, 34
French, P., Elphin,437,438,451

French, A 418

French, M 91-2-3

French, P 97

French, Counsellor 232, 257

Fuerty 447-8-9

Fullam, M 34

Fullard, L 346

Gaffney, P 437

Gallagher, F 434

Gallagher, B 381

Gallagher, J., Bishop of Rap-
hoe and Kildare 288, 437

Galway, 9, 19, 23, 40-1, 54-6-8-9,
60-1-3-9, 90-1-3, 100, 127, 132-6,
145, 157-8-9, 160-8, 174-5-6, 178,
210, 259, 262, 298, 345, 412 seq.

Galway, Articles of 112

Gallway, Mr 170

Galbally 174

Gara, T 436

Garbally 253-4-8

Garcia, J 220-1-2-3, 300

Garrigan, J 286

Garran 339

Garryricken 103

Garristown 123-4

Garmon, D. 450

478

INDEX.

<Garland, Father

Garvey, Mr

Gawan, D

Gaynor, P

Geashill

Page

133

308

58

295

346

'Geoghegan, A., Bishop of Meath 4, 10

Geoghegan, J 71-2-3

Geoghegan, Father .... 344-5, 419

Geoghegan, Mr 318

-Geoghegan, T. 420

Geoghegan, O. 346

Geraghty, B 437

Gernon, Father 30-5

Gernon, J 35

Oibbon, D 8

Gibson, D 280

Gibolan, P 427

Gibbons, J 121-7

Gibbon, Father 240-1

Gibbons, W 257

Gillareagh, R 70, 400

Gilfoyle, J 345

Gilligan, A 438

Gilmore, D 123-6

Glanworth 376

Glaninaght 404

Glanmire 70

Glanflesk 385

Glaspistol 340

Glendalough 310

Glin, P 431

Glissan, E 402-3-6

Glinsk 412, 441

Glynn 254

Goldsmith, E 446

Gorey 312-3

Gorman, Father 381

Gorman, D. 400-2

Gorman, T 450

<~k>rmanstown, Lord 308

Gough, Father 54, 106

Gormley, P 64

Gough, D 137, 159, 160

Gormally, E 450

Gordan, L 367

Gortmadden 169, 441

Goula 19

Gould, G 376

Gowran 20, 322

Grace, Father 52

Grady, P 177

Grady, F 393

Grady, E 275,406

Grady, Father 150

Grady, Father 102

Grace, T 356

Graves, Father 106

Grant, J 2

Grafton, Duke of 175, 311

Page

Granard 333-6-7

Grantstown 338-9

Granhams, P 290

Graham, J 176

Grange 180

Grange 301

Grange 426

Grangemellon 127

Grannell, M 317

Green, M 396

Great Island 374-5

Greapha 406

Grypha, T 101

Gubnaconry 445

Gurrane 374

Gunnervaugh 434

Gualterio, Cardinal 142

Gwin, F 151, 176

Hackett, C 304

Hagan, P 290

Hagan, Father 82, 278

Hagan, L 290

Hagan, Father 316-7

Haghegan, J 428

Haghereen, E 22

Hally, J 360, 381

Hally, P 176

Hallam, Mr 19

Halligan, D 387

Halfpenny, J 290

Halloran, M 418-9

Hamilton, J 289

Hamilton, Sir P. 5

Hamilton, Sir H 31, 78

Hamilton, Sir W 61

Hamilton, D 253

Hamilton, Father 262

Handley, J 122

Hanley, T 339

Hannal, J., Vicar-General of

Down and Connor 275-6

Harcourt, Father 106

Harnett, R 138, 159

Kara. M 439

Hart, C., Provincial of Dominicans 154

Hart, R 439

Harrold, T 21

Harbord, Mr 41, 44

Harrington, Lord 420

Harveystown 313

Hayes, P 357

Hea, T 395

Hease, M 391-9-5

Hehir, M 393

Hegarty, Father 65-115

Hedderman, D 356

Henecan, P 437-8

Henegan, M 19, 67, 101

INDEX.

479

Page }

Hennessy, W 372-3-4

Hennessy, T., Jesuit Provin-
cial 172, 317, 352-7

Hennessy, J 218

Hennessy, W 213, 230

Henbery, M 19

Henry, J 438

Herford, T 7

Herbert, E 157

Hetherington, W., 64, 80-1-2-3-4-9

Hickey, C 404

Hickey, J 168

Hickey, M 253

Higgin, J 57

Higgins, B 434

Higgins, P 449

Higgins, T 436

Hickman, W 71

Higgins, P 90, 215

Hill, R 178

Hillsborough 291

JHines, Father 381

Hoey, R 67

Hoar, M 397

Hoagh, D 377

Hogan, P 375

Hogan, Father 359, 381

Holahan, F 261

Holohan, D 386-8

Hollywood 123-6

Hollywood, Mrs 301

Hodnett, E 177

Hopkins, B 176

Hopkins, Bishop 55, 65

Hoobane, P. 417

Hoffman, Count 144

Horachan, D 338

Howlan, P 333

Howley, W 359

Howth 123, 209

Howth, Lord 194

Howard, Lord 37

Humble, J 65

Hubbane, P 159, 161

Huddy, R. .-. 213

Hughes, P 331

Hughes (McHugh) .Dr., Vicar-
General of Armagh 74, 82

Hughes, Father 55

Hull, W 177

Huntington 338

Huonyne, N 400-7

Hurley, F 449

Hurley, D 376

Hurley, J 376, 382

Hurley, P 377

Hynde, J 426

Hynde, D 426

Hynes, P 169

Page

Imokelly 71

Imperick 376

Inchgeela 378

Ingoldsby, J. 154

Ingoldsby, Sir H 30, 41

Inismacshane 279, 280

Inishcronan 405

Inishonane 382

Innisbohen 126

Innishowen 65, 288. 295-6

Innishannon 212

Irlare 19

Irvvin, E 255

Iveagh, Lady 5

James II., King

Jamestown

Jealous, Father

Jenkins, Sir L

Jenison, Father

Jervis, A ;

Jigginstown

Jones, H., Bishop 66, 83-

Jones, J

Jones, Sir T

Jones, Jer

Jones, Mr

Jones, R

Jones, Father

Johnson, T.

Johnson, Father .... 54,

Jonins, T

Joyce, Dr., Warden of Galway
Joyce, G

Kallaghbeg

Kale, Father

Kavanagh, J

Kanavay

Kaynes, J

Keating, J

Kearney, M.

Kean, T

Keane, F

Kearan, P

Kealy, R

Keely, E

Keeffe, C., Bishop of Limerick

Keegan, T

Keeffe, C

Keeffe, O

Keeffe, D

Keenaghan, E.

132

15, 173
54

74, 104
106
57
15

4-6, 107
123
63
55
8

276
301
155

106, 121
426
90
420

250
124

19
376
106
156
261
402
444
333
426
447
218
255

34
376
376
436

Keightly, T 139, 140

Keley. F 261

Kelly, E 169

KeJly, J 151-6

Kelly, J 122-6, 130

Kelly, C., Bishop of Elphin, 169, 441

480

INDEX.

Page
Kilkelly, P., Bishop of Kil-

macduagh 420

Killaderry 346

Killard .". ' 402-7

Killala, 90-1, 135-6, 214, 268, 270,

421-3, 433-7-9.
Bishops of, see Madden, A. ;

Rourke, T. ; Brett, J.

Killarna, J

Killarney

Killany

Killaha

Killathy

Killacomoge

Killansula

311

213, 386-8
295
386
376
333
405

Killaloe, 28, 30, 95, 135, 218, 397, 409,

see Clare.

Bishops of, see Burke, J. (Vicar-
Apostolic) ; Molony, J. ; Browne,
E. ; Lloyd, S. ; McDonogh, P. ;
O'Meara, W.

Killaspickbrown 329, 435-8

Killaloone 450

Killane 425

Killasher 279

Killadoon 432-3

Killaghneagh 376, 90, 299

Killbarran 356

Killbarry 365

Killbarrymeaden 364

Killballyowen 409

Killbennet 426

Killbride.... 124, 286, 312, 344-6, 447

Killcathen 376

Killcorenane 393

Killcoleman 345, 382

Killcoo 169

Killclogh 404

Killconery 405, 426

Killcomkmy 426

Killcormack 336

Killelan 125

Killererin 249

Killerke 360

Killeserdinen 286

Killen 286, 291, 339

Killenchoola 71

Killevoone 262

Killevan 5, 294, 450

Killeigh 73, 339, 376

Killeshee 333-6

Killeglasse 447

Killea 366

Killerny 376

Killedan 430

Killenboy 405-9

Killevy 81, 269

Killfedan 405-9

Killgarvan 389

Killisoran

Killinurney

Killishandra

Killiroly

Killkeedy

Killmacow

Killmanagh

Page
426
443
287
447
405
392
376

Killmaleery 405-9

Killmacrehy 404

Killmanehan 346, 404

Killmacduagh, 135, 150, 268, 397, 420

Killmartyr 375

Killmacduan 409

Killmehill 375-6

Killmeen 376

Killmedeen 426

Killmormoy 489

Killmureen 393

Killmoone 404

Killmnrry 253, 374-7, 405-9

Killnatan 336

Killossey 126

Killowdermore 147

Killoe 333-6

Kelly, T 123-5, 230

Kelly, E., Bishop of Clonfert,

252-5, 263-4, 428

Kelly, P 257, 338

Kelly, L 369

Kelly, A 342

Kelly, J 293, 436

Kelly, D 305

Kelly, H 5

Kelly, D., Vicar-General, Clonfert 23

Kelly, E 448-9, 450

Kelly, F 425

Kelly, E 428

Kelly, W 428

Kells 405

Kellegher, M 376-7

Kellascall 428

Kelone 403

Kennedy, Sir R 225

Kennedy, E 225

Kennedy, M 121, 171, 263

Kennedy, D 338, 356

Kennedy, W 365

Kent, Dr 206

Keon, L 443

Keogh, T., Bishop of Clonfert 90

Keogh, W 447

Keogh, L 57

Keogh, J 58

Keoghry, P 426

Kernan, P 126

Kerin, J 406

Kerry, 56, 61, 150-7, 288, 384 seq.

Kerry, Lord 157

Kerry, T 48

INDEX.

481

Page

389, 390

54

8, 128

392

402-3-9

169, 241

126

129, 254, 425-8

... 30-2-3-4-5, 72, 329
94, 103, 348, 350-1, 363
386-8

Kenmare

Kerwin, M.

Kilbeggs

Kilatile

Kilchrist

Kilcoman

Kilcullen

Kilconnell

Kilcock ....

Kilcash ....

Kilcomen

Kilcrohan 376, 386

Kilbolane 376-7

Kilbonan 386

Kilcaskeen 376

Kilbrogan 376

Kilcooly 407

Kilcolgan , 426

Kilcooly 426

Kilbegnet 441

Kildare, 68, 72, 112, 113, 135-6, 150,
327 seq., 338.

Bishops of, see Dempsey, J . ;

Forrestal, M. ; Wesley, E.; Dempsy,-
J.; Gallagher, J.

Kildea, J 438

Kildrought 72, 125

Kildysert 402-4-9

Kilfenora .... 16, 90, 183, 397, 404

Bishop of, see Lynch, A.

Kilfinnan 393

Kilfintenan 405

Kilglass 336, 439, 450

Kilgobbin 123

Kilkelly, M 169

Kilkea 125

Kilkerin 249

Kilkenny, 7, 14, 19, 51-2-4-6, 62-9,

70, 113, 128, 192, 320 seq., 351, 364

Kilkenny, J 450-1

Kilkelduff 431

Kiloleny 404

Kilolaugh 90, 406

Killowen 288

Kiltredoon 450

Killucan 331

Kilua 332

Kilross 434-9

Kilmacbranny 434

Kilmacouer 438

Kilmallock 19

Kilrush 70, 103, 402-7-9

Kilroe 253

Kilmore 2, 3, 80, 267-8, 285, 289, 291-4,

301, 437-8, 443-4, see Cavan.

Bishops of, see MacSwine, O. ;

Tyrrell, P. (Bishop of Clogher) ;
McDonogh, M.

Kilmeaden 365

Kilmocanoge
Kilmorgan
Kilmacshalgan
Kilmurayn ....

Kilmoo

Kilmoredaly

Kilmoyler

Kilonaghan ...

Kilshannig

Kilsallaghan

Kilrickell

Kil tartan

Kilronan

Kiltrustan
Kiltenain
Kilyanagh
Kilworth

Page

376, 431

439

436

428

376

426

8

404

376

123

426

426

364

447

244

287

376

Kinallehin 253, 425

Kincorr 343

Kinaulty 279

King, Archbhp. 115, 194-8, 304,311,386

Kinard, M 76

King's Co 113, 339 seq.

Kilmacthomas 364

Kilnoe 406

Kiltuly 393

Kiltubrid 443

Kiltullagh 450

Kiltoskell 426

Kilursa 426

Kilumkill 333

Kiltoghork 443

Kilvarnet 438

King, Dr. ...; 420

Kingswell 361

Kinsalla 123

Kinsale 52, 64-7, 128, 177, 379, 380-3

Kimlickan, D 431

Kinsalebeg 364

Kirwan, S 418, 420

Kirwan, M 257

Kirwan, F 418

Knavin, E 425

Knowles, E 87

Knockbride 286

Knockelly 291

Knockneskagh 313

Knockhouse 94

Knockbridge 292

Knockengar 339

Knockorden 357

Knockaguly 376

Knocknegala 393

Knock 431

Knockmore 438

Krachry, M 275

Kyffe, C 19

Lacy, Colonel

93-4

GG

482

INDEX.

Lacy, D.

Lacken

La Chaise Pere
Lanesborough, Lord

Laraghbrine

Larne

Lary, Father

Lawler, W

Lawson, T

Latten

Lawless, W

Landy, J

Lavey

Lawler, J.

Page

392-5-6

464

106

108

125

128

323

338

278

356

19

31

287

338

Lea, F.~ Vicar- Apostolic of

Derry and Raphoe .... 135, 268

Leary, A 388

Lea 73

Ledwitch, M 72-3

Lecky (quoted) 170, 199

Lehane, D 365-7-8-9

Lehany, B. 121, 261

Lee, F. 333

Leigh, Mr 270

Leighton, Sir E 25

Leitrim 173, 439 seq.

Leixlip 72, 125

Leopold, Emperor 134, 140-4, 186

Lestrange, T 230, 339

Lennan, 292-3

Levannv, P 434

Levinge", P 180

Levinge, Sir R 196, 345

Lewis, J, 57

Leyn, C 386

Limerick 19, 40, 54-6-8, 69, 71,
90-3-5-6-7, 100-1, 128, 135-6, 140-3,
151-5, 176, 204, 210-3, 218, 361-5,
384, 391 seq., 408, 410.

Bishops of, see Dowley, J. ;

Molony, J. ; Keefle, C.
Linegar, J., Archbishop of

Dublin 121,306-7,316-9

Linsechan, Father 115

Lisburn 40, 128, 292

Liscarroll 376

Lisdark 21

Lisdoe 295

Liselton 388

Lisgenan 364

Lisloony 343

Lislea 376

Liskillen 239, 243

Lismehane 40

Lismore 171,365-7-8-9

Lisnegatt 37

Lisnekill 364

Lissonuffy 441

Lissoquin 404

Listowe]

isward, Father ...
Lockwood, R.
Lock, R.

ockworth, Father

Long, R

Long, W

Longfield

Longford, Lord

Page
390
172

168, 209

103

106

321

54

295

53, 69, 85

Longford .... 19, 127, 156, 332 seq.

Lorha Abbey 19, 121

Loghegie 295

Loghanafilan 404

Loughrea .... 214, 250-3, 423-5-8

Lough Derg 280

Loughmoe 348

Lovelace, T 58

Louder, A 60

Lowfield, W 72

Loyd, S., Bishop of Killaloe,

after, of Waterford 218, 369

Louth .... 18, 53, 88, 157, 180, 291-2

Lucan 125

Lughany 322

Ludlow 23

Lullaghgarvie 4

Lurgan 183, 295

Luttrell, P 120-1

Luttrell, S 34

Luttrellstown 52

Lusk 123, 339

Lyndon, Mr. .... : 84

Lynch, A 241, 415

Lynch, A 122, 183

Lynch, M 305, 412

Lynch, A., Bishop of Kil-

fenora 16, 90

Lynch, Captain 42

Lynch, T-, Archbishop of Tuam,

51, 91-2-3, 135, 150, 214, 239, 299

Lynch, D 58

Lynch, D. (alias Deane), 214, 241-2-3-4

245-6-7, 250, 427

Lynch, Father 226

Lynch, J 396

Lynch, U 169

Lynch, N 418

Lynch, Father 417-8

Lyny 438

Lysideel 435

Lyons, J 287

Lynham. B 13, 304

Lyne, E 388

McArdle, P 294

McAntee, 126

McCabe, B 126-7

Macabe, P 126

McCabe, Father 292

INDEX.

483

McCabe, P

McCanu, F

McCann, M

McCann, M

McCaraher, B.
McCaherty, P.
McCaffrey, Colonel

McCan, D

McCanville, A.

Page \
295
290
290
365
293
333
2

125
290
McCarthy, D., Dean of Ardf ert 151

McCarthy, F 213

McCarthy, T., Bishop of Cork

and Cloyne 218, 380

McCarthy, D., Bishop of Cork

and Cloyne 371-2-3

McCarthy, P 230

McCarthy, F 374

McCatrhy, C 376-7

McCarthy, T 374

Macartney, G. 281

Macartney, Justice 160, 172

McColgan, F 65-6

McCo]gan, J., Bishop of Deny 296

McConway, C 290

McConwell, H 292

McConnelly, J 290

McConny 115

McConnell, 8

McCullinan, A 280

McCarill, R 290

McCavill, J 290

McDaniel, D 73

McDermot, H., Bishop of

Achonry 365-6

McDermot, B 58, 257

McDermot, O , Bishop of

Elphin 214, 227, 433-4-5

McDermot Roe 13, 434-5

McDermot, R 249

McDermot, B 227-9

McDermot Roe, T., Dean of

Ardagh 415, 437, 444

McDonald, J 211

McDonnell, D 158, 161, 279

McDonough, Counsellor .... 214, 227

McDonnell, Father 243

McDowd, J 370

McDonogh, P., Bishop of

Killaloe 409, 410, 411

McDonnell, E 290

McDonnell, Father 290-3

McDonogh, Father 329

McDough, H 317

McDonogh, M 438

McDonogh, M., Bishop of

Kilmore 437-8, 444

McEgan, J 257

McEniry, C.
McEniry, J.

395
39i

Page

McFee, 309

Vlaguire, J 174

Maguire, R. 280

Vlaguire, J 280

Maguire, D., Archbishop of

Armagh 135, 272

Maguire, B 290

Maguire, J 433

Mcguire, D 280

Maguire, H 280

McGarry, P 335

VEcGarry, D 443

Maguire, R. , Dean of Dromore 14 , 23 , 85

MaGuire, R 142

Maguire, E 121-b

Magennis, D 272-5

Maginn, P., Chaplain to Queen Cath-
erine of Braganza, 14, 23, 26, 35-7-8

Magennis, C 61, 71

Maglinn, J 391

Maglinn, J 151

McGrath, F 278

McGrath, E 280

McGrath, Father 385

McGettigan, Dr., Archbishop

of Armagh 295

Magee, J 275

Magee, D 13

McGoldrick, M 40

McGeoghegan, E 285

McGealloge, M 279

McGurriff, C 426

McGork, B., Dean of Armagh,

61-5, 74-5-6-7, 282-3

McGuff, J 129

Magherafelt 278

Magher, W 243

Maghracloony 294

McHugh, Father 115

McHugh, H 279

McHugh, B 333-4-5

McHugh, D 443

McHugo, J 426

Mclnerney, P 123

Mclnerny, T 94

Mcllliny, B 450

McNerny, N 330

McKernan, T 3

McKenna, J 85-8-9

McKenna, L 171

McKenna, R 294

McKeown, J 438

McKenna, R 294

McKernan, J 291

McKenna, J 291-4

McKeown, F 443

McKeogh, J 345

McKue, M 279

McLinan, E 279

484

INDEX.

McLoneagh ....
McLoughlin, B.
McLoughlin, C.
McMurray, P.
McManus, C.

Page
375
288
443
448
288

McMahon, H., Bishop of Clogher
and Archbishop of Armagh,
217-9, 227-8, 268, 273-4, 291, 340
McMahon, B., Archbhp. of Armagh 292
McMahon, R., Bishop of Clogher

and Archbishop of Armagh 294

McMahon, J 393-5

McMahon, T 400-2

McMahon, B 293

McMahon, R 294

McMahon, Dr. , Abbot of Melif ont 150

McNally, Father 115

McNamara, J 93-4

McNamee, Father 278

McNamara, F 226-9

McNamara, D 356, 395

McNamara, P 369

McNamara, T 372-3

McNamara, J 400-6

McNamara, C 403

McNamara, D 406, 431

McPharlon, 444

McRory, J 290

McRory, Father 278

Macroom 375-6-7-8

McQuaid, P 294

McSweeny, M 316

McSwine, O., Bishop of Kilmore, 2, 3

McTernan, B 122

McTernan, J 444

McTeir, D 444

Madden, A 150, 380

Madden, A., Bishop of Killala

and Clonfert, 135-6, 150-7, 214, 242,
250, 270, 423-4.

Madden, M. 170-1

Madden, J. 290

Madden, R 19

Mahir, M 320

Mahon, K 177

Mahony, T 212

Mahrisculmony 280

Mahaross 299

Mahony, P 381-3

Mahoney, T. 383

Mahony, C 400

Mahun, T 19

Malahide 122-3, 301

Mallow .... 128, 188-9. 371-6-7, 382

Mally, Father 241-3-4

Malehye 376

Mally, J 427

Maiosquin 288

Mannin, M 421

Page

Manin, J 362,426

Markey, D 125

Markey, P 230, 258

Markey, J 293

Markam, W 404

Marlborough, Duke of .... 186

Marshall, T 121

Mara, D 143, 350

Martin, A 152.

Martin, C 178-9

Martin, F 418, 421

Martyn, D 63

Marshall, J 40

Marsh, Archbishop, 68, 120, 151-2, 178

Martin, J 412,444

Martin, R 253

Martin, Dr 391

Martin, F 139

Martin, G 152

Maryborough 128, 337-8

Mason, R 253

Massareene, Lord 65, 74-5-7

Mastrum 333-6

Masterson, H 313

Mathew, G 70, 94, 348

Mathews, J 155

Mathews, A 157, 292

Mathews, Father 291

Matthews, P 292

Maunsell, Colonel 83-4

Maxwell, H 275

May, H 143

Maynooth 72, 125, 328

Maydaw 336

Mayvore 330

Mayo 113, 238 seq., 42,8 seq.

Mayo, Lord 429

Meara, Dr 107

Meldon, C 210

Meleadv, Mr 79

Meath 4, 31-6-7-8, 46, 55, 76-7, 88,

113, 150, 161, 329 seq., 399 seq.

Meath, Bishops of, see Geoghegan,

A. ; Plunket, P. ; Cusack, J. ;

Egan, S.

Meehan, C 67

Meghten, Father 228

Melick, 169, 214, 253, 263, 345, 425-8

Meagher, J 338, 359

Meagher, J 406

Melane, J 406

Mellifont 140, 157

Merrick, M 170

Methuen, Lord ....117,135

Micho, Father 106

Miller, Mr 19

Miller, G 215

Miller, R 239, 240

'Middleton 382

INDEX.

485

Middleton, Lord
Milford

Mitchell, J

Mitchelstown
Modeligo
Modena, Mary of

Mocullen

Mogeely

Mohill

Mollahiff
Moloney, M.

Page

.... 15, 201, 304
240, 412, 441

300

376, 384

365

132-3

406

375

444

338

143

Moloney, J., Bishop of Killaloe

and Limerick, 28, 30, 41, 86, 94-8-9
100, 101-2-3, 135-6

Moloney, D 397

Molloy, A 310, 338

Molloy, Father 150-5

Molloy, J 236

Molloy, 346

Molyneux, S 324

Monadeen 375

Monast 313

Monasterevan 346

Monaghan 6, 71, 77, 272, 293, 294-5

Monkstown 123-5-6

Monksland 364

Montgomery 1, 7, 151

Montague Abbe 99

Montgomery, W 211

Monterconaght 286

Monilly, C 438

Moore, R 19, 20

Moore, Major 6

Moore, L 338

Moore, Lord 63

Moore, Mr. 127

Moore, 87

Moore, J 230

Moore, R 441

Moor, B 338

Moore, F 302-4

Moran, J 418

Moran, S 130

Moran, C 400-4

Moran, F 443

Morenane . 393

Morgan, F 54

Morgan, Father 313

Morgan, W. 106, 177

Morgan, P.

293

Moriarty, D., Vicar-General

of Ardfert 386-7, 397

Moriarty, D 385-7-8

Moriarty, M 385-7

Moriarty, A. 385-7

Morisk 426-7

Morris, Father 323

Morrough, P., Vicar-General

01 Cork 139, 144, 155-7-9

Page

Mothel 365

Mountgarrett, Lord 107, 308

Mount Alexander, Lord,

139, 141, 152, 194
Mountmellick .... .... 13, 338-9

Mountjoy 289

Moville 288

Moyarta 407

Moylaa, P 275

Moylan, J 400-2-3

Moyne 438

Moynoe 426

Moybolge 286

Moycashel 330

Moyer, F 61

Moyer, J 48, 64, 81-2, 104

Moytiagh, H 294

Muckno 71. 294

Muckross 213

Muff 296

Mulligan, P., Bishop of Ardagh,

255-9, 261-3-4-5, 337

Mulcahy, Father 150

Mulryan, P 22

19, 330-1-2, 435. 464

Mullane, P 375

Muldoon, G 333

Mullyodan 294

Mullavorney 336

Mullan, O. ' 376

Mulshinoge 7, 379

Multifarnham .. 331

Mulcroan, B 427

Mullynevaine 435

Mullkeeran 427

Mulvey, Father 262

Munsell, S 211

Munterkenny 444

Murphy, 79, 86

Murphy, E 81-2-3-4-5

Murphy, R 154-5

Murphy, R 121-7, 310

Murphy, E., Archbishop of Dublin 120

Murphy, T 3

Murphy, P 279

Murphy, Father 277

Murphy, J 294

Murphy, M. 304

Murphy, P 322

Murphy, C 386

Murphy, W 426

Murhur 388

Murray, B 121

Murray, A 88

Murray, J 288

375

294

Murragh
Murray, P.
Murtagh

333-6

486

INDEX.

Page

Naas 20, 30, 128, 155, 327-8

Nagle, Father 120

Nagle, J 376

Nary, C 150, '185, 197, 327-8

Nally, R 431

Narraghmore 127

Naul 78-9, 123

Neale, P 88

Neale 239, 246-9

Ncilan, M 405

Newcastle 124, 365

Newcomen, Sir T. 34-5

Newbridge 125

Newgate 145-6

Newman, J 323

Newmarket 96, 400

Newport 247

Newtown 19

Newry 128, 183, 269

Netterville, J 120-1

Netterville, N 52, 54-5

Netterville, Father .... 36, 106, 127

Nenagh 183, 351

Neville, N 313-4

Neville, D 382

Neylan, P 397

Nicholson, Bishop 196

Nicholas, Secretary 5

Nottingham, Mr 125

Nottingham, Lord .... 113-4, 167

Nolan, M 400

Nolan, T 305

Nolan, R 19

Norry, P 396

Noonan, M 396

Nowlan, A 346

Nowlan, C 324

Nowlan, Father 313-4

Nugent, A 63

Nugent, D 330

Nugent, G 54, 346

Nugent, H 169

Nugent, Mr 173

Nugent, Mr 4

Nugent, T 395

Nugent, Father 332

Nuncio, The 15, 20, 62

Nutley, Justice 226, 231-2

Gates, T

O'Brien, T

O'Brien, Father

O'Brien, C

O'Brien, Father
O'Brien, D.

51-4, 87, 104-5

218

383

394

397

400

O'Brien, D 22, 62

O'Brien, Lord 30, 41-4

O'Connor, D 171

O'Connor, P 158, 161

Page

O'Connor, C 2-06

O'Connor, C 400-2-4

O'Connor, B 451

O'Connor, F 58

O'Connor, J 365-6-7

O'Cahill, 376

O'Callaghan, Father 396

O'Corr, T 290

O'Coffey, T 71

O'Coffey, C 71

O'Daly, W 400-4

O'Dae, D 90

O'Doherty, Father 65

O'Donnelly, 82

O'Doughan, J 152

O'Fallon, P 255

O'Finaghty, J .... 395

Offerilan 339

Ogonuila 406-7

O'Gowan, T. 3

O'Gowan, N 3, 5

O'Gara, B., Archbhp. of Tuam 254, 263,

428, 437

O'Hanel, P. 281

O'Hanlon, R 86

O'Hea, T 71

O'Hart, J 20

O'Hoyne, W 279

O'Kelly, A 290

O'Kelly, T 290

O'Keeffe, C 58

O'Keeffe, Father 61

Old Carton 125

Old Court 229

Old Connaught 125, 228

Old Parish 366

Oliva, Father 106

Omagh 296

O'Madden, L 256

O'Meehan, M 433

O'Merisan, M 65

O'Meagher, J 22

O'Meara, W., Dean of Waterford,

Bishop of Ardfert and Killaloe 369

O'Molony, see Molony

O'Neill, P 290

O'Neale, J 61

O'Neill, H 87

O'Neill, N 48

O'Neill, B 5

Oola 71

O'Rourke, 443

O'Reilly, H 2

O'Reilly, P 3, 5

O'Reilly, E., Archbishop of

Armagh, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
Ormond, see Chapter I-II passim
Orrery, 1, 2, 21-2, 52-3, 66-7, 98, 100
Ormsby, J 210

INDEX.

487

Page

Ormond, Upper 113

O'Shaughnessy, C 323

Oran, D 126

Orleans, Duke of 202

Ossory 135-6-7, 316, see Kilkenny,

Queen's Co.
Bishops of, see Phelan, J. ;

Dalton, W. ; Shaughnessy, C.
Ossory, Lord, 8, 9, 13, 23, 64, 81-3, 107

O'Quinn, M.

O'Quinn, B

Otway, Bishop

Ovens

Oughteragh ....
Oughvale
Oughevane ....
Owles, The ....

Ower

Oxmantown ....

71
290

91
375
443
431
404
426
169

36

Palmerstown 124

Park 224

Parke, M 177

Paris 15, 67, 133, 170

Parry, B 222

Parlon, Father 269

Pay, W 317

Pembroke, Lord 154, 212

Pepper, G 177-8

Peppard, G 281

Perrott, H 80

Perry, T 339

Petit, Father 331

Petty, Sir W 43

Philips, G 64

Phillipstown, 230-1-2, 340-4-6, 374

Phelan, M 321

Phelan, J., Bishop of Ossory, 4, 103-4

Phillbin, D 19

Phillips, M 381

Philpott, E 188

Phelan, J 338

Phipps, C., Lord Chancellor,

154, 194, 233, 297, 345

Pierce, Mr 18

Piers, R., Bishop of Water-
ford .... 135-7, 142, 150, 351, 362-3
Pierce, A., Vicar- Apostolic of Ardf ert 98

Plunket, J 329

Plunket, P., Bishop of Ardagh 16

Plunket, B 126

Plunket, P., Bishop of Meath,

4, 31-6-8, 48

Plunket, G 36

Plunket, Sir N 37, 48

Plunket, O., Archbishop of Armagh,
24-7-9, 34-6-7, 47-8-9, 64, 76-7-8-9,
80-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, 92, 454
Plunket, T 48

Page
Plunket, L., Vicar- Apostolic

of Deny and Raphoe .... 74-6

Plunket, M 161

Plunket, J 88

Plunket, Dr., Vicar-Genl. of Meath 150

Pocklington, Baron 30&

Ponsonby, T 159

Poole, Mr 105

Poolhall 105-6

Portrane 123

Portferry 276

Portmarnock 123

Portumna .... 19, 54, 253, 412, 425

Portland, Lord 133

Porter, S 212

Potter, J 305

Poulakerry, 7

Pozobuero, Marquis of .... 311

Power, R 364

Power, Lord 106

Power, J 145

Power, J 365

Power,R.,Vicar-Genl.ofWaterford94-5

Power, E 94

Prendergast, Sir T 421

Prendergast, E 19

Prendergast, J 359

Pratt, J 269

Prior, M 133

Pray, P 275

"Pretender," The 226

Pue, R 212

Purcell, P 408

Purcell, P 19

Purcell, S 156

Purgatory, St. Patrick's .... 445

Pye, 124

Pyne, Justice 143-7, 155-6

Queally, J

Queally, D

Quin Abbey ....

Quin, P

Quin, E.
Quin, Father
Quirk, Father
Quigley, M.

402

406

22, 62, 405-7-9

290

396, 408

306

54

127

Queen's Co 113, 337 seq.

Quinlan, M. 362

Radnor, Lord 84

Rahan 375

Raheny 301-2

Rahoon 415

Rafram 438

Rahilly, T 386

Rahilly, J 393

Rahilly, M 392

Raheenahole 338

488

INDEX.

Page

Rahassane 412

Raphoe, 40,55, 74,267, 289,see Donegal.

Bishops of, see Plunket, L. ;

Lea, F. ; Gallagher,' J.

Rardrynagh

Rathborney 402

Rathclareen 382

Rathconrath 330

Rathconnell 331

Rathcloney 406

Rathcoole" 129

Rathdrum 126

Rathgormack 364

Rathfarnan 123

Rathkeele 94, 395

Rathkenny 302

Rathmichael 125

Rathmore 124

Rathranny 19

Rathreagh 336

Rawdon.SirG 31,40,61,75

Rea, Father 313

Redmond, P 314

Reddy, R 272

Read, J 35

Reidy, M 396-7

Reisk 94, 365

Renehan, R 230

Reilly, C 286

Reilly, P 230

Reilly, D 293

Reilly, Alderman 300

Reilly, J 291

Reilly, C 331

Reillv, E., Vicar-General of Kilmore 80

Reilly, Father 46

Reilly, B 4

Reilly, M 396

Reilly, B 286

Reilly, D 286, 291

Reilly, M 291,333

Reilly, P 293

Reilly, G 331

Reilly, J 333

Reilly, D., Bishop of Clogher 206

Reilly, B ' 333

Reilly, M., Archbishop of Armagh 319

ReiH"y, J 2, 3

Reynolds, J 19, 30, 33, 57

Reynolds, Father 306

Reynolds, M 444

Reynolds, C 173

Ringogonah 365

Rice, H 181

Ringroan 376

Richardson, Captain 85

Riordan, T 376

Rivers, V 121-2

Riverston, Lord 169, 412

Page

Richelieu, Duke of 180

Roane, Bishop 66, 102

Robinson, Judge 193

Robarts, Lord 23, 91

Roddy, D 292

Roche, J 381

Rochester, Lord .... 141-2-9, 151, 174

Robeson, R 212

Rpchfort, R 116, 148, 330

Rodaghan, F 443

Rogers, J 290

Rogerstown 123

Roolan, E 436

Rosanalla 338

Roscrea 338, 410

Rosscomrow 346

Rosleban 406

Ross, 20,40-2, 54,128,253,312,314-7,382

Rossmear 364

Rossroe 400

Rossiter, J 314

Rossiter, M., Bishop of Ferns,

104, 136, 150

Ross Castle 390

Roscommon 19, 58, 113, 215, 445 seq.

Rourke, B 154

Rourke, Mr 171

Rourke, F 174

Rourke, T., Bishop of Killala,

214, 227, 433-4-5

Roween 431

Rowley, H 75-6

Ruddy, 336

Rumlin 444

Rusley 431

Russell, J 121-2, 151

Ruan 402

Rutlige, T 434-6

Rushall 339

Ryan, W 54-5, 106

Ryan, W 393

Ryan, L 396

Ryan, Father 258

Ryan, W 121

Ryan, J 359

Ryan, Dr 169

Ryan, L 169

Ryves, T 309

Sacrisy, J.

Saggart

Sail, Father
Sail, Father
Sampson, J. .
Sanders, R. .
Sankey, M. .

San try

Santry, Lord
Sarsfield, C.

431
124
352

4

293
154

6

123

201, 300
381

INDEX.

489

Sarsfield, Captain

Sarsfield, M

Scally, Father
Scanlan, P.

Scully, B

Saver, C

Sergeant, Mr

Seskeninane

Sexton, W

Shancough

Shandrum

Shandon

Shangana

Shanley, W

Shanley, C.

Page

318

381

302

397

124

301

107

365

369

434

375

371

338

123

443

Shannon, Lord, 58, 96, 101, 304, 311
Shaftesbury, Lord, 56, 64-6, 71-7,

81-3-4-6

Shadwell, J 92-3

Shaughnessy, Father 242

Shaughnessy, W 393

Shaughnessy, C., Bishop of Ossory

Shankalo 295

Shee, Father 389

Shea, J 19

Sheehan, C 396

Shee, W 369

Sheehy, F 364

Sheehy, Father 71

Sheehy, N 171-2

Sheehy, M 364

Shenan, Father 279

Shenane, F. 400-2

Sherlock, P 174

Sheridan, H 303

Sheridan, P 287

Sheerin, M 286

Shiel, E 125

Shinnor, S 405

Shinrone 345

Shiel, M 21

Shinnanc, C 393

Shinnick, J 374

Shossduff 336

Shrewsbury, Lord .... 116, 194, 355

Shrewle 336

Shronell 356, 362

Shruar 333

Simcocks, Mr .... 160

Six Mile Bridge 399, 400

Skart 375

Skankill 375

Skerrett, A. 238

Skerrett, R 417

Skerrett, P 412-7

Skinner, Mr. 73

Skirk 338

Skreen 436

Skull 177, 375

Page

Slewnerin 2

Slewboghteen 427

Sleyne, J., Bishop of Cork and Cloyne,

135, 137-8-9, 140-1-2, 150, 231, 371-9
Sligo, 19, 55-6-7-8, 61, 128, 158, 161,

329, 432 seq.

Smith. T 122-3

Smith, C 123-4

Smith, M 67

Smith, W 67

Smith, Mr 83-5

Smith, J 176

Smyth, J 287

Smyth, Father 323

South, Captain 132

Southwell, Sir R 56

Southwell, Sir T 93, 148

Springhouse 350

Squire, A 277

Stafford, Father 7

Stagonill 125

Starling, Captain 312

Staunton, T 90

Stanley, J 292

Stepney, T 210

Stearne, Bishop 201

Stephens, 333

Stewart, Sir W 77

Stireqan 129

Stone, T 176

Stone, Archbishop 206, 346

Strabane 115, 128, 290

Strade 19

Stradbally 338

Straffan * 125

Strange, R 106

Strangford 128

Strafford, Lord 110

Stritch, Dr 94

Stritch, Father 21

Stritch, T 357

Stritch, Father 55

St. George, Sir 93, 101, 253

St. George, 201

St. John's 6

St. Laurence, J 311

St. Leger, Father 172, 369

Stuart, General 173

Sullivan, M 386-9

Sullivan, Captain 318

Sullivan, T 396

Sullivan, C 386

Sullivan, A 376

Sullivan, D 389

Sullivan, T 375

Sullivan, J .... 375

Sunderland, Lord 71

Swartzenberg, Prince of .... 195

Sweeny, B 96

HH

490

INDEX.

Page

Sweeny, D 377

Sweeny, E 374-7

Sweeny, H .... .... 386-8

Sweetman, J 209, 210

Sweetman, Dr., Bishop of Ferns

307, 313-4-5-6-7-8-9

Swift, Dean Ill

Swords 123, 438

Sydney, Lord 113-4-5

Synnot, N 314

Synnot, Father 313

Synod, J 430

Synge, Bishop, 202. 215, 221 , 233, 240-7

Taaf, Mr.
Taaf, Lord
Taaf, J.
Taaf, Father

Taaf, J

Taaf, J.

230

308

326-7

338

292

:... 57

Talbof, J 125, 150

Talbot, R 28, 35, 51

Talbot, Mr 123, 301

Talbot, H 126

Talbot, P., Archbishop of Dublin,
24-5-6-7-8-9, 30, 39, 51-2, 104,
105-6-7-8-9.

Talbot, J 228

Tallard, Count 134

Tallaght 123-5

Tagart, R 275

Taonah 434

Tancard, Father 62

Tallow 366-9

Taughmon 314, 464

Taughine 431

Tarnany 253

TaghShenan 333

TaughShinnat 335-6

Taylor, R 123-4

Tecullen 72

Templeboy 436-9

Templemore 288

Templemore 333

Templemartin 375-7

Templemichael 375-7

Templemichael 336

Templecairn 280

Templemally 405

Templenoe 386-9

Templeport 287

Templeshannon 315

Templeoran 464

Temleml 336

Temport 444

Tew, D 306

Teman, C 123

Teman, H 436

Teman, J 226

Terry, M

Terry, J

Termon McGurk
Thompson, C.
Thornton, R.

Tholme

Thomond, Lord
Thomastown ....
Tharlton, Mr.
Thornton, H.

Page

173

139

289

147

408

278

41

94

73

56

Thurles 150, 183, 348, 358-9

Thynn, H 79

Tichbourne, Sir W 71

Tinan, Father 81-2

Tinnock . 313

Tindall, Father 150

Tisdall, M 155-6

Tisdall, J 230

Timoleague 61, 376, 382

Tipper, W 125

Tipperstown 125

Tipperary .... 8, 22, 113, 355, 361

Tompilo 405

Tomgraney 402-6

Tool, Father 381

Topham, Dr 31-2

Tomona 425-8

Tobervady 439, 440-1

Tonge, Dr 51

Tracey, D 431

Tracey, M 262

Tracton Abbey 376

Tracey, Father 209

Tralee .... 20, 151, 384-5-8, 390

Trench, Alderman 304

Trennell, Mr. 19

Trihy 168

Trim 128, 329

Trimleston, Lord 206

Tuam, 51, 135-6, 150, 195, 214, 254,

. 429,430.

Archbishops of, see Lynch J ;

Burke, Francis; O'Gara, B.

Tue 172

Tuite, J 222

Tuite, Father 150

Tuite, Lady 73

Tuite, Mr. 36

Tulla 102-3, 384, 406-8

Tully, J 7

Tully, Dr., Vicar-General of

Kilmacduagh 150

Tully, C .... 88

Tullycorbett 294

Tullyultan 295

Tully, P 285

Tullolease 375

Tullagh 375

Tullamore 73

INDEX.

491

Page

Tullyra 412

Tulsk 20,457

Turlevaughan 194

Turner, Mr .... .... 109

Turvey 123

Tuscany, Duke of 133

Twig, Captain 9

Twohill, P 427

Twocarney 210

Tyboheen 449

Tyhallan 294

Tydavonett 294

Tyrconnell, Lord 112

Tyrrell, Dr., Bishop of Clogher

and Meath, 27-8, 77-8-9, 80, 454

Tyrurill 434

Tynnecross '. 343

Tyrrell. L. 330-1

Tyrrell, E., 223-4, 236, 274, 299, 311,

339, 341, 350-1-2-3, 354, 371-2-3

Tyrone 3, 113, 289, 290

Tyrone, Lord 5, 93

Valentia 386-9

Vallor, Dr 62

Vaughan, D 400

Ventry .... 67

Verdon, J., Bishop of Ferns 143

Vesey, Arqhbishop 423

Vernon, J 131-3-4

Uniacke, T.
Upton, Justice
Usher, Father

Wade, J

Wake, Archbishop

Wall, Father

Wall, E

Wall, J

Waldron, Mr

Walsh, A ....

Walsh, C ....

Walsh, D ....

Walsh, E ....

Walsh, C

Walsh, Father

Walsh, O

Walsh, P., 5, 11, 12, 13, 20-5-6

Walsh, J

Walsh, W

Walsh, R

Walsh, J

Walsh, W

176

160

54, 106

302

202, 220

306

34

359

259

121

123

384

22

19

313

9

, 45-6, 65
7

321
218
123
322

Page

Warren, J 125

Warren, W. 330

Watson, H 293

Waterford, 15, 40, 52-4-6, 71, 93-4,

101, 115-9, 128, 132-5, 172-3, 203,

317, 362 seq.
Bishops of, see Brennan, J ;

Piers, R. ; Lloyd, S.

Watson, E 293

Weaver, J 21

Webster. Secretary 201-2

Weldon. J 122-7

Weldon, W 6, 290

Wesley, E., Bishop of Kildare 4, 68
Westmeath ....54", 63, 330 seq., 464 seq.

Westmeath, Lord 36, 46

Westport 240, 427

Wexford, 7, 128, 150-4-5-7, 176,310.-e#.

Wharton, Duke of 240

White, J 304

White, J 393

White, J 209

White, F 54

White, F 304

White, T 106

White, M 54

White, Mr 72

Whiting, J 142

Whitehead, Father 123

Whitechurch 364

Whiterath 292

Whitechurch 375

Whelan, J 33

Williamstown 292

Winch, Sir H 110

Wicklow, 126-8,150,299,308-9,310,327

Wisespoint 366

Winchester, Lord, 116-9, 120, 131, 148,
310-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9

Wirrell 105

Wooten, Father 150

Wotton, W 277

Woolstans (St.) 125

Wogan, Sir C 112

Worth, Baron 97

Woodenstown 7

Wratislaw, Count 140-1

Wybrant, D 210, 300

Yeomanstown 327-8

York, Duke of (after Jas. II.),

99, 100, 454

Youghal, 19, 52, 71, 128, 138, 159,
173-6, 196, 376-7, 381-2

N. HARVEY & Co., PRINTERS, WATERFORD.

f

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO