The History of Ireland from the Reformation to the Union ... Translated from the German by E. A. Robinson, and specially annotated by the Author

Preface

TO THE GERMAN EDITION. THE following work originated in a treatise of mine on " Ire land from 1660 to 1760," which appeared about Easter of the year 1SS3, in connection with the curriculum of .the Royal Gymnasium at Ostrowo. This dissertation received favourable notice in several newspapers and periodicals, and numer ous requests were made to me, both personally and by letter, urging me to amplify and extend the work, and, in its enlarged form, to give it to the public. In acceding to the request, I have been mainly influenced by the fact that there exists no recent history of Ireland in the German language ; and that in view of the peculiar role which this island has for many years played in the history of the British empire, not only professional students of history, but also many educated people feel the necessity of more accurate information respecting the past of that country.

It is obvious that a history of Ireland can only possess any great interest for us Germans, in so far as it stands related to the events which have transpired in the powerful neighbouring kingdom. For this reason the Reformation appears to present the most natural starting-point for our historical research, inasmuch as before this period the dominion of England over the western isle existed more in name than in reality. As regards the terminus ad quern, I was strongly disposed to con tinue the historical narrative to the present time, or, at least, to the date of Catholic emancipation ; nevertheless, I have felt bound to resist this temptation, because, to me, it seems scarcely possible yet to arrive at a definite and conclusive judgment on the history of the present century. I have accordingly preferred to break off with the accomplishment of the Union ; for this event, which annihilated the indepen dent Irish Parliament, and put an end to the separate political Preface.

IV existence of Ireland, is surely an epoch of eminent importance, and one, therefore, with which it does not appear inappro priate to close our narrative. The period which war. treated in the dissertation above referred to thus occupies but a small section of the present work (chaps, v.-viii.); and it is possible that I maybe charged with having handled the earlier period too summarily, while devoting too great a space to the representation of the last twenty years. In my judgment, however, the time from 1780 to 1800 — that is, the era which embraces the struggle for inde pendence, and the succeeding years of legislative freedom ; which witnessed the effects upon Ireland of the French Revo lution, the formidable rebellion of 1798, and the proceedings in connection with the Union— belongs to the most eventful portion of Irish history.

Moreover, as "Grattan's Parliament," and "legislative independence," are the watchwords adopted by Parnell and the party of Home Rule, this period possesses for us a certain present interest. On this account there may be many persons desirous of obtaining some more definite information respecting the years in which legislative independence actually existed in Ireland. AUTHOR'S

PREFACE.

TO THE ENGLISH EDITION. FOR my German readers I considered that a detailed system of notes might properly be dispensed with, and, therefore, in the original edition of this work, I merely appended a short bibliographical index, for the guidance of those who might wish to acquaint themselves more fully with any particular period of the history. But to the English public, to whom these authorities are, in general, easier of access, I judged that continuous notes might possibly be more acceptable, and I accordingly decided to annotate the English edition. It has been necessary, however, that the notes should be pre pared somewhat hurriedly, and for this reason I would ask the indulgence of the reader, if, perchance, among the refer ences an occasional small error may have crept in. CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Introduction.— Ireland before the Reformation. Manner of Ireland's subjugation. — Reasons for the easy conquest.— Why it was so difficult to retain. — Feudalism unsuited to Irish conditions. — Mistakes in administration. — Absenteeism of English landlords. — Amalgamation of the English colonists with the native Irish. — Impolitic measures for the prevention of the growing Celticism of the English landlords. — Effects of the system of separation. — Waning of English influence. — Condition of Ireland in the time of Henry VII. — Administra tion of Sir Edward Poyning //. 1-8.

Chapter II

Ireland until the Death of Queen Elizabeth.— Attempts to Introduce the Reformation. — National Insurrections. Condition of Ireland at the time of the Reformation. — Severance of the Irish Church from Rome. —Its re-organization. — Resistance of the Irish Catholics to the Reformation. — Strengthening of the royal authority in Ireland. — Alliance of the native princes with the Crown. — Disturbances in the reign of Edward VI. — Progress of the Reformation during the reign of Edward VI. — Re-establishment of Catholicism under Mary, 1553-1558. — The. Parliament of 1556. — The inauguration of confiscation and colonization in Ireland. — Changes occasioned by the accession of Elizabeth. — The Parliament of 1560. — Attitude of the higher clergy towards the Reformation. — Attitude of the Irish people.— Condition of some of the Irish dioceses in 1576. — Rebellion of Irish chieftains under Elizabeth. — Shane O'Neill's revolt. — Rebellion in Munster. — Attitude of the papal see under Gregory XIII. with respect to Ireland. — The invasion of Fitzmaurice. — The Earl of Desmond's participation in the rebellion. — Second invasion. — Issue of the struggle. — The colonization of Munster —Administration of Sir John Perrot. — The Composition of Connaught in 1585.- Perrot's recall and fate. — Ireland during the administration of Lord Justice Fitzwilliam. — Fresh troubles in Connaught and Munster. — Change in the command of the English troops. — Conduct of Essex. — Tyrone's alliance with Spain and the papal see. — Change in the conduct of the war under the new Governor, Lord Mountjoy.— Unsuccessful Spanish invasion. — Horrors ' of the struggle. — Submission of Hugh O'Neill pp- 9-34-

Chapter III

Ireland from the Death of Queen Elizabeth until 1641. — The Period of Colonization, and of the Systematic Land Spoliation. Disturbances in the Irish towns.— Retirement of Lord Mountjoy.— Carew's rule. — Lord-lieutenancy of Sir A. Chichester.— Attitude of the viceroy towards the Catholics.— Hostility of Tyrone. — He is suspected of complicity in a conspiracy.— Tyrone and Tyrconnell flee to the Con tinent.—Measures of precaution taken by the English Government — Chichester's colonization schemes.— Rebellion of O'Dogherty.—Chi chester's plans modified in London. -Method of colonization.— Working of the colonization scheme.— The Parliament of 1613. — Progress of the religious struggle.— Parliament resumes its labours.— English greed for v b Contents. VI Irish land.— Discoverers.— The Crown joins in the machinations against the landed estates of Ireland.— Accession of Charles I.— The " graces.' - Protestant opposition to the toleration shown towards the Catholics.

Fall of Falkland.— Character of the administration of Cork and Ely.— Administration of Sir Thomas Wentworth.— His absolutism.— Increase of the army and of the royal revenue.— Wentworth's proceedings against the landed gent/ry of Connaught.— He conceives the idea of confiscating Connaught. — Favourable aspects of Stafford's administration. — Results of Strafford's policy— Recall of Strafford.— His trial and its issue. PP- 35-56.

Chapter IV

Ireland from 1641 to 1660.— The Period of the great Irish Rebellion, and the Complete Subjugation of the Country by Cromwell. Character of the new administration.— Fears of the Irish Catholics for their religion. — The causes of the insurrection. — The leaders of the con spiracy.—Outbreak of the rebellion. — Exaggerated statements made by English historians relative to the extent of the Ulster rebellion. — The spirit of the rebellion more national than religious. — Relations between the Irish and the Scotch. — Reasons for the spread of the rebellion.- - Alliance between the Catholic nobles of the Pale and the Celts. — Fresh reasons for the spread of the insurrection. — The Synod of Kilkenny. — First general assembly of the Irish confederates in Kilkenny in 1642. — Change in the character of the rebellion. — The position assumed by the king with regard to the rebellion. — Truce of 1643. — How the truce was regarded by the various parties. — Despatch of Irish troops to Scotland. — Counter-measures of the English Parliament. — The Earl of Glamorgan's peace negotiations. — Rinuccini appointed papal ambassador to Ireland. — Attitude of the king towards the nuncio. — Rinuccini's instructions. — His landing in Ireland. — Rinuccini's reserve. — Ormond effects a peace between the Royalists and the Irish. — How the peace is regarded by the nuncio and the different parties in the country. — Growing influence of the nuncio. — The nuncio proposes to sever the connection between England and Ireland. — Ormond opposes his tactics, and surrenders Dublin to the Parliamentary army. — Effect of this action. — Increasing opposition to the nuncio. — The great majority of Rinuccini's followers desert him.

He therefore quits Ireland. — Ormond concludes a new treaty with the Irish. — A fresh impetus given to the Royalist cause. — Ormond attempts to recover Dublin, and is joined by O'Neill. — The English Parliament adopts counter-measures. — Cromwell is appointed leader of the campaign in Ireland. — Character of the war. — Capture of Drogheda and Wexford. — Results of Cromwell's victories. — The Clon macnoise Manifesto. — Cromwell's reply. — Further military achievements of Cromwell, and his return to England.— Condition of things at the time of Cromwell's departure.— Further British successes under Ireton. — Ormond leaves Ireland.— Adventurous policy of the Bishop of Ferns. — Progress of the war.— Appointment of a civil commission.— Effect of the barbarous conduct of the war.— End of the struggle.— Retrospect of the various phases of the conflict.— Robber-bands still to be subdued.— Condition of the country after the war.— Decrease of population.—Emi gration.—Transportation to the West Indies.— Colonization schemes.— Confiscation according to the Act of August, 1652.— Details of the Act regulating the migrations of the Irish and the re-settlement of the land. —Complete isolation of the Irish in Connaught.— Social condition of the remaining provinces during the English Commonwealth, pp. 57-93. Contents. VII

Chapter V

Ireland from the Accession of Charles II. to the Treaty of Limerick (1691).— The Period of the Restoration. Accession of Charles II. — Negotiations between the Irish and the Crown relative to the restitution of Irish property. — Provisions of the Act of Settlement. — Difficulties in the way of carrying out the Act. — The Act of Explanation. — Economic differences between England and Ireland. — England's action with regard to colonial trade. — The importation of Irish cattle into England prohibited. — Lord Ormond's interest in the economic development of Ireland. — Religious questions during Ormond's administration. — Remonstrants and anti-remonstrants. — Pre dominance of anti-remonstrants after Ormond's downfall. — Excitement in Protestant circles, and revolution in public feeling in Ireland. — Resignation of the Earl of Essex and return of Lord Ormond. — Fresh religious disorders under Ormond. — Ormond falls into disgrace. — Death of Charles II. — Complete change of system under James II. — Tyrconnell's policy. — Tyrconnell becomes sole administrator. — His hatred of the Act of Settlement. — Expulsion of James II. from England. — Effect of the Revolution on Tyrconnell. — Landing of James II. in Ireland. — The siege of Londonderry. — Meeting of the Irish Parliament. — Decrees of the Irish Parliament. — Repeal of Poyning's Act. — The Toleration Act. — The regulation of tithes. — The revision of titles. — The High Treason Act. — Complete change in the situation brought about by the landing of William's troops. — The battle of the Boyne and the flight of James. — The Irish prosecute the war after the departure of James. — The capitulation of Limerick. — Confiscations. — Condition of the country. PP- 94-1 15.

Chapter VI

The Religious Persecution of the Irish in the Period between the Treaty of Limerick (1691) and the Accession of George III. (1760). The Treaty of Limerick is altered to the detriment of the Irish. — Attitude of the Irish Parliament towards the Catholics. — The Catholics are gradually deprived of all civil rights by the legislature. — Laws to hinder Catholics from engaging in trade on a large scale. — Harsh measures against the Catholics with regard to the possession of land. — Laws against mixed marriages. — Measures to prevent the instruction and education of Catholics. — Laws against the celebration of Divine worship by the Catholics. — Notwithstanding these severe measures conversions are few. — The number of Catholic priests is not reduced. — The real aim of this legislation is, however, attained. — The Catholics are deprived of all influence in the country-. — The Catholics refrain from all attempts at insurrection. — Isolated cases of Protestants advocating a relaxation of the penal laws. — Tolerant administration of Lord Chesterfield. — Change in the policy of the Government with regard to the Catholics. — Catholic writers in Ireland.— Founding of the Catholic Association. — Conduct of the Catholics on the occasion of Thurot's invasion . pp. 116-131.

Chapter VII

The Period of Ireland's Economic and Political Restrictions, from the Reign of William III. to that of George HI. The economic policy inaugurated under Charles II. is continued after the Revolution.— Suppression of the Irish woollen industry by England. — Result of the suppression of the woollen trade in Ireland. — The ex- Contents. VIII pectations of the Irish Parliament that England would encourage the linen industry prove illusory.— Ineffectual attempts of the Irish Parlia ment to ameliorate the social distress.— Swift's pamphlet on the prevail ing destitution. His proposals. Government measures against the publication— Minor political rights of the Irish.— Character of the Irish Parliament.— The House of Lords.— The House of Commons.— Long duration of Irish Parliaments.— The irregularity with which they were summoned.— Dependence of the Irish Parliament upon England.— The highest court of appeal in England.— Only Englishmen are invested with the office of Lord Lieutenant.— Absenteeism of the majority of the viceroys.— Other high offices of State filled, for the most part, by Englishmen.— High salaries of the Irish officials.— Numerous pensions out of Irish funds bestowed upon Englishmen . . pp. 132-145.

Chapter VIII

The Period of the Struggles of the Anglo-Irish Colony for Independence. — From the Reign of William III. to that of George III. Gradual estrangement between the English colonists and the mother country.—First constitutional conflict between England and Ireland, in the year 1692. — In 1698 Molyneux advocated Ireland's independence.— Fresh constitutional controversy in 1719. — Conflict between England and Ireland in 1722 on the subject of Wood's halfpence. — Swift's " Drapier's Letters."— Effect of the " Drapier's Letters." — Withdrawal of Wood's patent. — Gradual development of an opposition party among the landed gentry. — Triumph of the opposition in the year 1731. — Growth of the opposition, 1740-1750. — Fresh parliamentary struggles on the question of the national debt. — Further increase of the opposition. — Growing discontent in the country. — Popular rising in 1759 . .

Chapter IX

From the Accession of George III. (1760) to the Administration of Lord Townshend (1767).— The Period of Agrarian Disturbances. The elections of 1760 are accompanied by great excitement. — Charac ter of the House of Commons elected in 1760. — Another constitutional controversy between England and Ireland in 1760. — Details respecting the session of 1761-62. — The commencement of agrarian disturbances. — The social distress existing among the rural population, and its cause. — First appearance of the Whiteboys. — The injustice of the Irish tithe system one cause of the renewed agrarian disturbances. — The Whiteboy proclamations. — Cruel penalties inflicted by the Whiteboys.— Terrorism caused by them. — The English falsely attribute religious and political motives to the agrarian outrages. — Attitude of the Government towards the Whiteboys. — Agrarian disturbances in the north, caused by the Oakboys.— The insurrection of the Steelboys. — Attack on the pension system during the administration of the Duke of Northumberland. — Attempts to procure the shortening of the duration of Parliaments. pp. 157-171.

Chapter X

From the Commencement of Lord Townshend's Administration (1767) to the Organization of the Irish Volunteers (1778). It is made obligatory that the lord-lieutenants shall permanently Contents.

IX reside in Ireland.— The first acts of the new viceroy. — The Act for shortening the duration of Parliaments is passed in 1768. — Defeat of the Government scheme for the augmentation of the army. — Ineffectual attempts of the lord-lieutenant to crush the influence of the " Under takers." — The constitutional conflict of 1769. — The lord-lieutenant adopts severe measures against the Parliament. — Great dissatisfaction in consequence of these proceedings. — Press opposition. — Townshend's measures. — In the Parliament of 1771 Townshend obtains a majority. — Corruption of the Parliament by Townshend. — His recall in 1772. — Lord Harcourt's administration. — Attempt to impose an Absentee Tax. — Com mercial concessions to Ireland. — Significance for Ireland of the conflict between England and America. — Ireland's relations to America. — The Irish Parliament declares against the Americans. — The Government obtains the right to send Irish troops to America. — Discontented con dition of the country. — Dissolution of Parliament in 1776. — Government influence brought to bear on the elections. — The lord-lieutenancy of the Earl of Buckinghamshire. — Financial embarrassments of the Govern ment, and the increasing social distress of the country — The embargo. — Necessity for the Government to surrender its policy of prohibition. — ■ Lord Nugent's proposals in the English Parliament for the relief of Irish commerce. — Agitation in the British manufacturing towns against the proposed abandonment of commercial restrictions. — Lord North sacrifices the righteous cause of the Irish to this agitation. — A measure affording some trifling relief is carried. — The first step in the relaxation of the penal code. — Political reasons which impelled the English to be more just in their treatment of the Catholics. — Gardiner's bill for the amelioration of the condition of the Catholics. — Danger threatens the bill. — Modification of the bill in England. — Its ultimate acceptance in Ireland. — The bill favourably received by the Catholics . pp. 172-196.

CHAPTER XL

From the Organization of the Volunteers (1778) to the Attainment of Legislative Independence for Ireland (1782). Wretched state of Ireland's defences. — Origination of the volunteer force. — Attitude of the Government towards this movement. — Social distress. — The non-importation agitation. — Danger of invasion. — Loyal attitude of the Catholics. — Growth of the volunteer movement. — The Parliament of 1779. — The Commons demand free trade. — Formal presentation of the address. — Demonstration of the volunteers on the celebration of the birthday of William III. — Mob riots in the capital. — The Government proposals to impose fresh taxation are rejected. — The Commons will only agree to a six months' Budget. — Brilliant speech by Burgh. — The opposition in England attacks the ministry on account of its conduct of Irish affairs. — Lord North resolves to remove all restrictions on trade with the colonies. — The Irish, not satisfied with these con cessions, demand legislative independence. — Government opposition to these demands. — Grattan introduces his " Declaration of Rights " on April 19th, 1780. — Yelverton's motion for the repeal of Poyning's Law. — Bushe's Mutiny Bill. — Opposition of the volunteers to the Perpetual Mutiny Act. — Change of administration. — Buckinghamshire is succeeded by Lord Carlisle. — Government embarrassments. — Fresh rumours of invasion. — Energetic action of the volunteers. — The services rendered by the volunteers are recognised. — Session of 1781. — Yelverton's scheme for the formation of a navy. — Motions by Grattan and Flood for the repeal of the Perpetual Mutiny Act. — Renewed attempt to abolish Contents.

X Poyning's Act.— Passing of the Habeas Corpus Act.— Gardiner's bill for the relief of the Catholics.— The volunteer convention at Dungannon.— Grattan advocates the views of the Dungannon Convention in Parliament. — His proposals are rejected. — The lord-lieutenant's P??ltl0tJ mth regard to these proposals.— Yelverton moves that such British Acts ot Parliament as have reference to Irish landed property be endued with the force of law for Ireland.— Fall of Lord North's ministry.— Discussion on Irish affairs in the British Parliament.— The English ministry wishes to postpone the debate in the Irish Parliament. —The Irish national party declines to comply with this desire.— Proceedings in Parliament on April 1 6th, 1789.— Ponsonby's motion on the address.— Grattan's speech on the national grievances.— Acceptance of his motion to present an address to the king demanding legislative independence.— The Duke of Portland's attempt to negotiate with the Irish on the question of a formal compact.— The Irish decline to enter into negotiations.—Pro ceedings in the British Parliament.— The demands of the Irish are con ceded.—The Irish Parliament votes an address of thanks. — National grant to Grattan *P- 197-227-

Chapter XII

The First Years of Irish Independence, until the Period at which the Influence of the French Revolution began to be felt in Ireland (1791). Difficulties in the way of Ireland's constitutional development. — Per fecting of the constitution. — Gardiner's Catholic Bill. — The question of "simple repeal." — Change in the administration. — England's formal renunciation of the right to legislate for Ireland. — Institution of an Irish order.— Change in the lord-lieutenancy. — Hostility between the Parlia mentary majority and the volunteers. — The volunteers demand the reform of Parliament. — Parliament makes an ineffectual attempt to con ciliate the volunteers. — Breach between Grattan and Flood. — Meeting of the national convention in Dublin. — Political role of the Earl of Bristol. — Want of unanimity as to the methods of Parliamentary reform. — Bristol's proposals are rejected, and Flood is commissioned to draw up a Reform Bill. — Character of his bill. — Flood introduces it on November 29th, 1783. — It is opposed by Yelverton. — Flood's motion is lost.— Reception of this result by the volunteers. — Address to the king. — Flood enters the English Parliament. — Change in the lord-lieutenancy. — Flood introduces his Reform Bill a second time on March 13th, 17S4. — Dis tressed condition of the Irish industries. — A demand for a protective tariff to prevent the country from being deluged with English manufactured goods.

Disturbances in Dublin, as well as in the rural districts. Revolutionary conduct of the Earl of Bristol.— The national congress achieves no result. — End of the volunteer movement. — Pitt's position with regard to Irish commerce. — The main propositions contained in Pitt's resolutions on the question of the commercial relations of England and Ireland. Proceedings in connection with this subject in the Par liaments of England and Ireland. — Pitt's speech on February 22nd 1785.— Opposition of the English manufacturing towns. — Pitt modifies his resolutions. — Proceedings in the British Parliament in connection with them.— Objections in the Irish Parliament.— Pitt withdraws his proposals.— Events of the year 1786.— The Riot Bill of 1787.— Grattan moves for a re-adjustment of the tithe system.— He renews his proposals in 1789.— Death of Rutland.— Lord-lieutenancy of the Marquis of Buck ingham.—Conflicting action of the English and Irish Parliaments on the question of the regency in the year 1789.— The measures adopted with Contents.

XI regard to those officials who voted with the opposition. — The supporters of the Government are rewarded. — Foundation of the Whig Club. — Change in the administration. — Parliamentary transactions in 1790. — Fresh elections. — The session of 179 1 . . . pp. 228-257.

Chapter XIII

Ireland under the Influence of the French Revolution, until the Rebellion of 1798.

Influence of the French Revolution upon Ireland, and especially upon the Puritan population of the north. — Organization of the League of the United Irishmen. — How the Catholics were affected by the French Revolution. — Formation of a committee for the furtherance of Catholic emancipation. — The question of Catholic emancipation receives support from the acts of the English legislature. — Burke advocates the cause of the Catholics. — Negotiations of the Catholic Committee with Pitt. — Burke's letter to Sir H. Langrishe in 1792. — Split among the Catholics. — Sir H. Langrishe brings in a bill for the relief of the Catholics in 1792. — Opposition from the High Church party — Ultimate acceptance of the bill. — The rejection of petitions demanding the bestowal of further privileges upon the Catholics. — Agitation by the Catholic Committee. — Violent hostility of the ultra-Protestant party. — The United Irishmen show sympathy with France and republicanism. — Agrarian disturbances in the north. — The Peep-of-Day Boys and the Defenders. — Pitt is dis posed to make further concessions. — Friendly reception of the Catholic Committee at court. — The speech from the throne on January 10th, 1793, makes special reference to the condition of the Catholics. — The debate on the address. — Hobart's bill for the relief of the Catholics. — A motion in favour of parliamentary reform is defeated. — The Govern ment decides to proceed against the United Irishmen by means of exceptional legislation. — The Gunpowder Bill and the Convention Bill. — The speech from the throne on January 21st, 1794. — Ponsonby's second motion on the subject of parliamentary reform. — Proceedings against the United Irishmen. — Advent, trial, and fate of Jackson, the French agent. — During the course of the trial Wolfe Tone, secretary to the Catholic Committee, is compromised. — Pitt makes advances to the Irish Whigs, and is desirous of a change in the lord-lieutenancy. — Pitt and Grattan enter into negotiations. — These statesmen fail to come to an agreement. — After prolonged negotiations, Fitzwilliam is appointed lord lieutenant. — The new viceroy meets with difficulties. — His impolitic attitude towards the high officers of state. — His action on the question of emancipation arouses the resentment of the English ruling classes. — The recall of Fitzwilliam. — Fitzwilliam tries to justify his conduct. — He is supported by the English Whig party. — Lord Camden is appointed successor to Fitzwilliam. — His reception in Ireland. — Fate of Grattan's Emancipation Bill. — Erection of a Catholic seminary at Maynooth.— Growing influence of the United Irishmen. — Change in their organization. — Excesses of the Peep-of-Day Boys and the Defenders. — Founding ot Orange lodges. — The Catholics driven out of County Armagh.— The Indemnity Bill and the Insurrection Bill (1796). — The efforts of Wolfe Tone to induce the French to undertake an invasion of Ireland. — The mission of Fitzgerald and O'Connor to

France. — Debate on the address in the Irish House of Commons. — Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act. — Hoche's expedition to Ireland. — Loyal attitude of the population of the south. — Condition of the north at the beginning of the year 1797. — General Lake's proclamation ordering the disarmament of the population. — Hostile disposition towards England. — Election of a Directory by the Contents.

XII United Irishmen. — Renewed negotiations with France. — The Irish Catholics begin to cultivate relations with the United Irishmen.— The con templated invasion of Ireland by the Dutch is frustrated.— Parliamentary election of 1 797.— Grattan retires from public life.— The elections yield an Orange majority. — Rigorous proceedings against the radical press. — Atrocities committed by the Government troops. — Lord Moira brings the excesses of the troops under the notice of the Irish House of Lords. —Lord Clare's reply PP- 258-296.

Chapter XIV

Ireland from 1798 until 1800.— The Rebellion and the Union with England.

Bonaparte's invasion schemes. — Military organization of the United Irishmen.— Final mission to the Continent. — Arrest and trial of O'Connor. —Treachery of Reynolds.— Arrest of three members of the Directoiy. — Capture and fate of Lord Edward Fitzgerald. — The United Irishmen elect another Directory. — The Government receive further information respecting the conspiracy. — Preparations made by the Government. — Outbreak of the rebellion ; its character and progress. — Serious rising in County Wexford. — Despatch of British troops to Ireland, and Cornwallis appointed lord-lieutenant and commander-in-chief. — Suppression of the rebellion by General Lake. — Cruelty of the British troops. — The lenient counsels of Cornwallis opposed by the Orange party. — Cornwallis causes a bill to be laid before Parliament granting an amnesty to the rebels. — Certain of the leaders are condemned and executed. — Disclosures made by the State prisoners. — Fate of the imprisoned members of the Directory. — Allegation against Grattan, in consequence of which his name is struck off the list of the privy council. — Attempted invasion by the French under General Humbert. — Napper Tandy's unsuccessful landing in Ireland. — Second French expedition to Ireland. — Fate of Wolfe Tone. — Pitt forms the design of bringing about the Union of England and Ireland. — Reception of the scheme in England and Ireland. — Attitude of the Catholics towards the projected Union. — Views of the Irish officials on the question of the Union. — Dissensions in the British Cabinet on the subject. — Pitt resolves to dissociate the questions of the Union and Catholic emancipation. — The principles of the bill are settled in the British cabinet and sent over to Ireland.— Agitation in Ireland. — Proceedings in the British Parliament in connection with the Union. — Pitt's speech on January 31st, 1799. — Proceedings in the Irish Parliament. — The Government is defeated in the Irish House of Commons. — The measure is postponed to the next session. — Cornwallis vainly advocates the simultaneous passing of a measure of emancipation. — Agitation among the anti-unionists. — The Government refuses to dissolve Parliament. — Castlereagh proposes a method of accomplishing the Union.— The Government resolves to adopt Lord Castlereagh's plan- Bribery practised.— The opinion of the lord-lieutenant on this mode of procuring support. — The Catholics are won over to the Union scheme. — The opening of Parliament on January 15th, 1800.— The debate on the address is the occasion of a violent conflict on the question of the Union. —Castlereagh introduces his Union scheme in the Commons on February 5th.— Main features of the scheme.— Proceedings in the House ol Commons.— In the House of Lords.— The bill is sent to London.— Proceedings in the British Parliament.— Final proceedings in connection with the Union.— End of the Irish Parliament.— Its character.— Catholic emancipation is again deferred.— Unfavourable