A personal narrative of the Irish revolutionary brotherhood, giving a faithful report of the principal events from 1855 to 1867

Front matter

<p t, o

*

JOSEPH DENIEFFE

Introduction

HP HE years between 1855 and 1867 cover a period

■*■ of Irish history which has been much misrepresented by current English writers and those who seek to justify England in her course in Ireland. We think it is time now that the whole truth should be told, and justice done to the memory of those brave and sincere patriots who took up Ireland's cause at a time when everything looked dark and hopeless.

At the time the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood was founded in Ireland the country was after passing through a most terrible ordeal. During the ten years from 1845 to 1855 she lost over two millions of her population, more than half of whom were killed by a manufactured famine, while the rest were reduced to the direst poverty, with the emigrant ship and the poor house staring them in the face.

On April 9, 1855, Archdeacon Fitzgerald, a patriotic priest, wrote to Gavan Duffy that all hope for the poor of Ireland was dead, and the latter, who was about to quit Ireland in despair, thus wrote in his farewell address : —

"It may be thought I despair too soon of the present time. If there be any who honestly think so, let them try to do better, and may God prosper them. For me, I have tried. For seven years I have kept the green flag flying alone or with but a handful of friends ; for twice seven years I have thought, written and acted to one sole end. In these five years I have been five times prosecuted by the English Government, and wasted thirteen months of my life in English prisons. I have 'spent and been spent' cheerfully in fortune, health, peace, the duties of home and the rights of my children ; always in exhausting personal conflict with a hired press and all who lived, or hope to live, by corruption. It may be the result is small and I am an unprofitable servant, but I have done my best."

iv INTRODUCTION.

The author of our history. Air. Joseph Denieffe, a native of the City of Kilkenny, was then a resident of New York, and a member of the Emmet Monument Association. He was called to Ireland by the serious illness of his father, and on the eve of his departure was given a commission to found the organization in that country.

It is here Mr. Denieffe takes up his narrative, and from that time until 1867— when all hope was temporarily abandoned — he took a leading part in the movement, and was twice sent as a delegate to this country by the men in Ireland. He is, therefore, in a position to speak with authority on the subject of which he writes. He was always in close touch with James Stephens, the Chief Organizer of the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood, and his place of business in Dublin was for many years the headquarters of the Organization. He was one of its most useful, loyal and enthusiastic workers ; nothing was done or contemplated without his knowledge and counsel. His story is a graphic "inside" history of the movement, and can be accepted as the exact truth.

Of all men now living Mr. Denieffe is the most competent to deal with the events which transpired in Ireland between 1855 and 1867. He does not claim to be a great writer or a possessor of literary style, but he tells his story in a clear and entertaining manner, while sincerity and truth are stamped on every line.

Mr. Denieffe is now a resident of Chicago. During his long life he has devoted himself to the betterment of his people, and has made many sacrifices in their behalf. He has been through the fire and not found wanting, and well deserves the repose and honor due a good and faithful servant.

In order that our readers may clearly understand the graphic story told by Mr. Denieffe, we deem it advisable to give a brief review of Irish affairs in America previous to his time, and of the events which gradually led up to and finally crystallized into the most powerful secret revolutionary society that ever existed.

After the abortive rising in '48 whatever opinions

INTRODUCTION. v

were entertained regarding the cause of the sudden, and to Americans, inexplicable, collapse and failure which took place in Ireland, it was pretty generally recognized and conceded that it was mainly owing to a lack of military knowledge in those engaged in the revolutionary movement. The Irish peasantry had been led into revolt without arms or military training or even a commissariat. Their leaders, without material means or scientific knowledge, had failed to provide these indispensable requirements to a successful rising, and in consequence, the insurrection became a dismal failure.

While preparations for the '48 revolt were yet being made in Ireland, a military organization known as "The Irish Republican Union" had been set on foot in New York by a few sterling Irish patriots, chief among whom were Michael Phelan, James F. Markey and John G. Fay, all well-known citizens at that time. Mr. Phelan financed the organization and to his energy and liberality the rapid progress made by the new organization was mainly due. To Mr. Markey belonged the honor of raising and disciplining the first military company for this new organization. It was the first military body organized in America for Irish Revolutionary purposes. It was called the "Irish Fusileers," and subsequently became the Mitchell Guards, Co. C, 9th Regiment, New York State Militia. Mr. John G. Fay w r as an active worker in the movement and became Adjutant of the organization.

Towards the close of 1849, the Irish Republican Union was organized into companies according to accepted military regulations and was regularly officered preparatory to its becoming incorporated into the New York State Militia. Michael Doheny, who had fled from Ireland the year before, was elected captain of one of these companies. In May, 1850, the Irish military organization was formally admitted into the service of the State and thenceforth became known as the Ninth Regiment, N. Y. S. M. The military spirit evoked among Irish-born citizens of New York by the appearance of a State regiment wearing their "immorvi INTRODUCTION.

tal green" on St. Patrick's Day, 1851, soon led to the formation of a second Irish Regiment, the "Sixty-ninth." Col. Charles S. Roe was its first commander, and Michael Doheny was Lieutenant Colonel, which position he held until November, 1853, when he resigned. He subsequently became Colonel of the "Seventy-fifth" (or Irish Rifles), the third Irish regiment incorporated into the State Militia.

COLONEL MICHAEL DOHENY.

The most fame came to the Sixty-ninth through its first war colonel, Michael Corcoran. At the outbreak of the Civil War it was the most talked about regiment in the United States. Colonel Corcoran had been ordered to parade the regiment in honor of the visit of the young Prince of Wales, now King Edward, of England. The regiment was then as distinctively and pronouncedly Irish in its organization as at any time in its history. Corcoran flatly refused. He was placed under arrest and

INTRODUCTION. vii

relieved from command. Charges were preferred against him for disobedience of orders, insubordination and disrespect to superiors. A court martial was ordered, but pending its first sitting Fort Sumter was fired on and President Lincoln made his first call for troops. Horace Greeley, Richard O'Gorman and others interceded with Governor Morgan, pointing out that the regiment was needed to defend Washington, and the charges were dismissed. Colonel Corcoran was restored to the command and the regiment was at once sent to the front.

No regiment of the militia acquitted itself with more honor in the Civil War than the Sixty-ninth. It was cut up and recruited eight different times. Three regiments were in the war as representatives of the Sixty-ninth. These were the original Sixty-ninth militia, another Sixty-ninth which became part of the Irish brigade and a third made up after the other two had gone into the field and been cut to pieces.

At the close of the war Colonel Corcoran was thrown from a horse and killed. He had ridden down to a station near Washington to see General Meagher off for the North. He rode Meagher's horse back. The general was a fine horseman and had spirited animals. Corcoran was not used to such a horse, and the animal ran away, throwing his rider.

Towards the close of 1853, the certainty of England becoming involved in a war with Russia filled the hearts of Irish Nationalists in America with hope ; and the arrival of John Mitchell and John O'Mahony about the same time gave fresh impulse to the existing Irish military organizations and soon led to the formation of another — a secret military organization, which was called into existence for the special purpose of preparing for the opportunity which all expected would be soon afforded them.

This new revolutionary society was known as the "Emmet Monument Association," and was ostensibly organized for the purpose of erecting a monument to Robert Emmet. According to tradition, no monument can be erected to Emmet "until Ireland a nation can viii INTRODUCTION.

build him a tomb," therefore, the work of the Emmet Monument Association presupposed the freedom of Ireland as a necessary preliminary.

The new organization spread rapidly until it numbered within its ranks the greater portion of the organized Irish Nationalists throughout the chief cities of the Union.

Its leaders entered into confidential relations with the representatives of Russia at Washington and New York as other Irish leaders of the present day have done within the past few months — a case of history repeating itself.

The representatives of the Emmet Monument Association apparently satisfied the Russian gentlemen of the power and influence of the Irish element in America and of the expediency of Russia's aiding their project of creating a revolution in Ireland and thus striking at the British Empire in its most vital part, so that the Consul held out to them the strongest hopes of their obtaining from the Russian Government all the material aid they required — namely, the means of fitting out an armed expedition for Ireland.

The muster-roll of one of the companies composing "The Emmet Monument Association" is still in existence. It is dated exactly fifty years ago and few of its members are now alive. There were one hundred men and two officers in the company. In order that their names may be preserved and handed down the muster-roll is given herewith.

"THE EDWARD FITZGERALD GUARD."

Organized April 7TH, 1854.

Captain — John O'Mahony.

First Lieutenant — Michael F. Nagle.

Michael Barry. Peter Ivory. W. O'Callaghan.

C. Boobidge. Chas. J. Jackson. Pat. O'Donnell.

James Boyd. F. A. Jackson. Thos. O'Higgins.

Denis Brown. Charles Jones. Owen O'Neill.

INTRODUCTION.

Edward Brown.

R. J. Brown.

Thomas Burke.

Edw. K. Butler.

John C. Byrne.

Patrick Carr.

B. J. Casey.

James Connor.

Joseph Corlies.

Andrew Cullem.

Edw. Cummins.

John Curry.

William Curry.

Owen Dermody.

Rich. O'Neill.

Chas. O'Reilly.

F. O'Ryan.

P. O'Ryan.

H. S. Persse.

M. H. Power.

W. F. Power.

Edward Price.

Michael Price.

T. H. Kelly.

M. A. Kelly.

Louis Kenyon.

Wm. E. Lalor.

James Lanigan.

Thomas Leddy.

John C. Lynch.

Patrick Lynch.

Thomas Lynch.

Chas. McCarthy. Michael Ryan.

H. McConnell. Patrick Ryan.

William Dooley. J. W. McManus. Wm. T. Sinnott. John Duane. J. McNamara. Edward Sisk.

W.S.McNamara. James Skehan.

William Maynes. Michael Skehan.

Pat. J. Meehan. William Tierney.

Samuel Mitchell. L. Verdon.

Michael Mullin.

B. P. Murphy.

C. Murphy.

John Geoghegan. Edw. Murphy.

Michael Hannon. Patrick Murphy. William Walsh. David Hinds. Richard Murphy. John Warren. Patrick Hogan. Wm. Murphy. Edward White. Bryan Holland. Peter Murray.

Dan'l S. Howley. Rich. J. Nagle.

For various reasons the help promised by Russia never materialized ; delay and proscrastination seemed to be the rule until finally the Crimean war came to an unexpected close, thereby ending all hopes of assistance from their new ally. At this juncture it was deemed expedient by the directors of the E. M. A. to formally dissolve the association and release the members from their pledges. Before this course was taken, however, they took the precaution of first forming a permanent committee, consisting of thirteen men. representatives of the several divisions of the society. This committee was empowered to resuscitate the organiza-

S. Fannon.

Francis Farrell.

James Farrell.

John G. Fay.

John C. Foley.

Pat. Gallagher.

Peter Gaughran.

Maurice Wall.

Patrick J. Wall.

J. S. Walsh.

Michael Walsh.

x INTRODUCTION.

tion whenever they deemed the proper time had come for taking such a step.

It may be remarked here that when the Emmet Monument Association was in existence there were more armed, disciplined and determined Irishmen in New York pledged to the cause of Ireland's freedom than there have been at any time since.

After an interregnum of two years, the ever watchful patriots composing the committee came to the conclusion that the time had again arrived for renewing preparations for an Irish revolutionary movement on a large scale and accordingly summoned the members of the E. M. A., and from its members commenced the formation of a new organization, which they designated the Fenian Brotherhood.

Mr. Denieffe joined the Emmet Monument Association in 1855, while hope for Ireland was still strong on account of the European war. He spread the organization in Ireland on the same basis as it existed in America until the arrival of James Stephens, when, on St. Patrick's Day, 1858, the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood was launched into existence, the old organization being incorporated and continuing under the new name. editor the gael.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE

IRISH

REVOLUTIONARY BROTHERHOOD.

RECOLLECTIONS

OF THE

IRISH REVOLUTIONARY BROTHERHOOD.

Chapter I

EARLY in June, 1855, the Emmet Monument Association of New York was steadily organizing, and its members were drilling once a week. The object of the Association was the invasion and freedom of Ireland. Only those were admitted to membership who were free from family obligations, such as having a wife, mother, or others, depending upon them for support. Each and every member should be ready to serve at a moment's notice. This was the organization from which sprung, a few years later, the great Fenian Brotherhood. Michael Doheny (1), John O'Mahony and other exiles of the Forty-eight movement were its organizers. As soon as I became aware of its existence I spoke concerning it to my friend, Patrick Mackey, also a Forty eight man, who had been a student in St. Kyran's Co/ lege, Kilkenny, preparing for the priesthood at that time. After the failure at Ballingarry, in which he was engaged, he was obliged to leave Ireland and go to the

(1) Michael Doheny and John O'Mahony made good their escape from Ireland after Smith O'Brien failed in his efforts to create a revolution. The latter was captured, sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered, but his sentence was commuted to exile for life in Tasmania. After serving five years he was pardoned and allowed to return to Ireland.

Michael Doheny was a lawyer in New York, a Colonel of

United States. His family, selling out their property, followed him. He was a particular friend of mine.

I suggested that we join the organization, and it was arranged that I should join first, and inform him if there was an oath or any obligation which would prevent him from joining, as he had some conscientious scruples in that regard. In that case I could let him know when the invasion was to take place, when he would join us as a volunteer.

I became a member of the Association, but found I could give no information to my friend. It was the old story of the man joining the Free Masons. If his friends wanted to know anything of the order they would have to become Masons themselves.

About this time I received a letter from home, informing me of my father's illness, his death being expected at any moment. This letter, written by my youngest brother, was very brief, and showed signs of deep sorrow. I immediately went to my employer, Mr. Wm. H. Stewart, then under the St. Nicholas Hotel, Broadway, and showed him the letter. I told him I wished to leave for home at one of the Irish regiments, and was sent as delegate to Ireland with the remains of Terence Bellew McManus. He was an orator of great ability and was the author of "The Felon's Track," a book descriptive of his escape from Ireland, and a "History of the American Revolution." He died in New York in 1861.

John O'Mahony, after '48, escaped to France and lived there for two years with James Stephens. It was during this period that they formed the plan of creating a great organization, with branches in Ireland and America, for the liberation of Ireland, Stephens agreeing to take charge in Ireland and O'Mahony in America. In 185G, after the Crimean War was over, the Emmet Monument Association was allowed to wane, but out of its remains, two years later, was organized the Fenian Brotherhood, which rapidly grew in numbers and influence. John O'Mahony was its Head Centre or Chief Executive. He was also Colonel of the Ninety-ninth New York Volunteers during the Civil W'ar, was editor of the Irish People Newspaper and Sunday Citizen, and translated Keating's History of Ireland from the Irish. He died in New York in 1S77. His body was taken to Ireland for interment and his funeral, like that of T. B. McManus, was made the occasion of a great national demonstration. He rests in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, once, and asked him to excuse me for leaving on so short a notice.

"It is hard on both of us," said he. "I don't like you to leave, but hope you will soon return and report to me."

At this time travelling by steam was very expensive, but there were some fast sailing clipper ships, boats that made the passage inside of eighteen days. I engaged passage on one of these, the "Emerald Isle," belonging to the Tapscot Line. I met in the office of the Company a Dublin friend I knew very well, who was going across on a different purpose to mine. He was going to be married.

After securing my passage I went to see Col. Doheny, told him of my unexpected departure, and asked him who I was to report to on the other side. "We have no one there as yet," he replied. "So we give you carte blanche to do what you can for the organization and yourself."

I was amazed at this announcement, as I understood a descent was to be made on Ireland early in the following September. John O'Mahony was present, as was also James Roche, formerly editor of the Kilkenny Journal.

I asked what time or date could I announce to any friends I might organize as the time they expected to move on Ireland.

"You may assure them," was the reply, "the time will be September. We have thirty thousand men ready now, and all we need is money, and arrangements are under way to provide it. We propose to issue bonds and some of the wealthiest men of our race are willing to take them."

That was my commission, and I went with a cheerful heart, although I had no one in Ireland to report to. Oh, what a charming period is youth, when nothing seems impossible.

Next morning I met my Dublin friend at Tapscott's Office, and two others with him, one of whom was going across to receive a legacy left to him by his father, in Kingstown. The other would like to come, but had no money ; he was expecting some every day. He, like his friend, had also fallen in for some property, and was desirous to be with us. We arranged that he could also

We had plenty of everything necessary for a long voyage — given us by friends. Tom, my first acquaintance, had three cases of wine, given by his employers, besides some more potent beverage, and I was also well supplied. After some hand shaking and other manifestations of affection by our friends, we got on board, and sailed out of New York Bay.

It never looked so beautiful to me as it did on that day. There was not a cloud to be seen in the sky. A good stiff breeze in our stern, which caught us after passing Sandy Hook, kept up all the way across until we came abreast of Cape Clear. The whole passage was pleasant, and nothing occurred to mar our enjoyment. There were but few passengers, all of them belonging to the middle class, excepting one, who was constantly in the company of the Captain.

After the first day was passed all became pretty well acquainted, and seemed as if they had known each other for a lifetime. We were all of the same race, without a single exception. Tom became a great favorite. It was he who started all our amusements, and when any one felt down hearted, or was thinking too deeply, he would stir them up. If he found them too gloomy he would take them to our quarters and give them some solace.

During the trip an interesting event took place which to some was very amusing, and which after those most concerned were well and out of danger brought consolation to the one most interested. A lady was confined and gave birth to a fine boy. It was the intention of the father to have him born in Ireland. The poor dear woman felt disappointed and could not account for it : she looked as if she accused herself of some mistake, and couldn't get over it. However, as soon as the condition of her ladyship permitted a visit from the quartet it was made. We congratulated her on her good luck, and how providential it was that the boy was born on the "Emerald Isle." We had an impromptu christening. As the boy was strong and healthy we had no formal baptism, but every feature of the ceremony was duly celebrated and observed with respect and decorum. Thus the time was passed. How it flew over us !

IRISH REVOLUTIONARY BROTHERHOOD. g

On the seventeenth day, about 4 o'clock in the morning, we heard the watch call out "Land ahead." Tom jumped into his clothes and was on deck in a few minutes. He soon came tumbling down the companion ladder shouting, "Boys, we are in sight of Cape Clear!" We all got into our clothes as soon as we could. Tom, bringing the last bottle of champagne, mounted on deck. The Captain and his friend were already there. Tom broached the bottle, filled the cup and with eyes full of gladness drank to the land of his love. All followed, each in turn repeating the sentiment in raptures of thanksgiving. The Captain and his friend approached us, and complimented us in very nice terms ; he wished he had on every voyage four passengers who took such an interest in making others happy.

Very soon we came abreast of the Old Head of Kinsale, and steered down channel. What a day to me! We kept close to the land all the way to the County Waterford. We could see the green fields and the people moving along. The hills, so sacred to Irishmen, were smiling a welcome to us. We gradually lost sight of them, as we made for Liverpool.

We arrived in Liverpool the next day, and after some delay passed the Custom House. We found we had a few hours to spend before our boat left for Ireland, so we took a stroll through the city, seeing nothing worthy of notice, except the docks, which are very extensive.

We were glad when the time arrived to get on board our boat, which we did in the nick of time. When we entered the cabin we were surprised to find our friend, the Captain's companion, sitting alone awaiting supper, which he had ordered.

As soon as he saw us he beckoned us to him, shook hands and ordered supper for all, insisting that we should be his guests for the evening.

He was evidently glad to see us, and later told us of an experience with a Customs Officer.

While in the Custom House his trunks and mine lay close together. He was apparently in haste to get away, and hailed one of the inspectors who was standing a little way off, and asked him to pass his traps. One of these

6 \ PERSONAL NARRATIVE OF THE

was a square, seafaring chest, on which lay a sovereign, which the inspector put in his pocket. He put his official mark on each of the trunks, did the same to mine and we passed out. "You saw that sea chest," said he. "It is full to the lid with plug tobacco.'' Beating a British Custom House he thought was an act to be commended. In this case we heartily agreed with him. He then told us that this was his first visit to Ireland, since he left it r a boy, from Youghall, County Waterford, for America, where he spent his years coasting around South America, Mexico and the United States. He did not expect to meet any one he knew on his return, as he had not heard from any of his friends for many years.

We spent the night pleasantly, and arrived at the North Wall in due time, where we put our friend in a cab, and directed the jarvey to take him to the Shelburne Hotel, where the proprietor, Martin Burke, would give him all the information needed during his stay in Dublin.

We wended our way to Terry McCabe's, near Carlisle Bridge, where Tom was well known. I would have gone direct to Kilkenny, but could not get away from Tom. He wanted me to see his father and his best girl, so I concluded to stay over night with him. He didn't care to go home right away, so we went to the Theatre Royal, in Hawkins street. We took seats in the pit, close to the orchestra. Between the first piece and the last the orchestra struck up "God Save the Queen." All took off their hats in that part of the house. I did not understand the thing, and did not remove mine. All around me shouted, "Take your hat off!'' I paid no attention to them. One fellow near me said if I didn't he would remove it. He made an attempt, and I knocked him over a seat. Immediately the gods on the top gallery shouted, "Bravo," "Jump on him," etc. All was turmoil in a moment. I was ordered out. "I will go," I said, "but hope the next time I come I shall not be annoyed with this anthem, as you are pleased to call it. I call it an insult to the Irish people, who have not as yet become slaves." I must say the majority of those present were on my side.

We got home safely to our hotel. Next morning before we got out of bed, Tom's lather, hearing of his arrival, called and after some greeting and scolding took us to his house for breakfast. After a little while we went to see Tom's fiancee and friends. I was obliged to spend another night in Dublin.

Next day, Sunday, I left for home, and arrived in Kilkenny at Q o'clock in the evening. Although a fine bright night, very few people were at the depot. I passed through John street and over the bridge, which commands such a fine view of Ormond Castle, and on through the centre of the city, which appeared to me to be deserted. I met but one or two persons, until I reached my father's residence. I found my father, recovered from his illness, had retired for the night. My mother and two sisters were sitting together when I was admitted. They did not know me, nor I them. Five years had elapsed since I left them, and the changes that had taken place in that short time baffled us. I did not at once make myself known, but said I was a friend of Joe's (myself), and called, according to promise, to see them. While telling them how he was, etc., I could not but admire their affectionate interest. Their anxious eyes told how each of them felt. When I declared myself, the maternal feelings gave way, in the joy of the moment. My father came down stairs half dressed to add to the already strained emotions of the group. In a few minutes the room was filled with our neighbors, who flocked in to greet and welcome me, amongst them a dear friend and classmate, John Kavanagh. After a time, when greetings had been exchanged, questions asked and answered, and all had become calm and cool, John and I started out to take a* stroll, and see some old places dear to both of us. Even at night I could see that a change for the worse had come over the little town. The woolen mills that were working when I left home were all closed up and deserted, gloom and sadness prevailed all over; no improvements, everything seemed going to the dogs !

Within a day or two I called on John Haltigan, at the "Journal" Office, who, next to Dr. Cane, was then one of the most popular men of the city, and was foreman in the printing department of that paper. After making arrangements to meet him that evening at his house, where we could talk with more privacy and without interruption, I left him, pleased with our interview.