Cavan Herald
Published in Cavan, county Cavan

March 1, 1825

MARRIED

At St. George's Church, Dublin, by the Lord Bishop of Kilmore, the Rev. William BUSHE, Rector of St. George's, and of Templeport, in this Diocese, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late John DAXON of Strasburgh, in the County of Clare, Esq.; the bride's fortune exceeds £100,000.

DIED

On Tuesday last, at Taugharina, in the County of Tyrone, Mr. James MACKLIN, formerly of Londonderry, aged 86 years.

At Na-Limavady, on Wednesday, the 16th inst., Mrs. FRANKS, wife of George FRANKS, Esq., of Londonderry.

On the 17th inst., in the 53rd year of his age, William M'CLINTOCK, of Dunmore, in the County Donegal, Esq.


THE NEW COURT HOUSE

Our new Court House, in which our approaching Assizes will be held, is now nearly completed, and is unquestionably a very ornamental, useful, and elegant edifice;--as a public building it adds considerably to the appearance of our Town, and as an useful one, embracing offices for the various public departments, united under the same roof, its utility is unquestionable.....


We copy the following from the "ANTIDOTE" Newspaper, it is the only information we have had of the circumstances therein referred to, and if they occurred we are disposed to think our respectable correspondent in Ballyjamesduff would have given us early information thereof; we are therefore inclined to doubt the accuracy of the statement.

"A Correspondent from the county of Cavan informs us, that on the night of the 25th ultimo. the windows of a schoolhouse (erected by Lord Farnham in Kiffah, about one miles from Ballyjamesduff) were entirely destroyed; and not content with the breaking of the glass, the miscreants demolished the metal sashes. He also states that on Sunday night, the 5th inst. between the hours of ten and eleven o'clock, the house of P. SMYTH of Ballyjamesduff, was forcibly entered by a man named MURRAY, in the absence of SMYTH and his wife, who were at an adjacent house at a dance. The wife of Smyth having occasion to return home earlier than was expected, found the door burst open, cried for assistance and closed the door, fastening the hasp to the staple, after a short time the husband and more persons returned, and caught Murray in the act of making his escape through a back window, yet, strange to say, they let him go off free ! This is a clear demonstration of what a perfect understanding exists between the members of the Roman Catholic communion."

"He further states, that on Wednesday night, the 9th inst., a banditti of Ribbonmen, consisting of about 150, as near as could be counted, passed through the town of Ballyjamesduff and maneuvered about one mile north of that town. They were distinctly seen by a private of the 34th foot, named Matthew O'BRIEN. There were several shots fired by the same party in that direction of the morning."


BIGOTRY AND INTOLLERANCE--About a fortnight since, while the Roman Catholic Curate of Dungiven was holding a station in one of his parishioners houses, whose wife is, we understand, a Presbyterian, and where there happened to be a Protestant Testament--this bigotted and intollerant zealot, seized the sacred volume and condemning it with vehemence, as unfit for the public eye, he committed it to the flames before the family, and heaped coals upon it lest it should escape his wicked and sacreighious (sic) fury. We pledge ourselves for the truth of this statement, and we defy Mrs. FULTON to contradict it. [Derry Paper]

March 8, 1824

CAVAN ASSIZES

On Thursday evening, the Hon. Baron M'CLELLAND, and Justice VANDELEUR, Justices of Assizes for the North-West Circuit arrived in town from Longford, where the business was very light.

A little after 10 o'clock on Friday morning, Judge VANDELEUR proceeded to the County Court, where his Commission was opened and read, after which the grand panel of the County was called over, and the following gentlemen having answered to their names were sworn to compose the Grand Inquest for this Assizes:--

Alexander SAUNDERSON, Esq., Foreman  
Charles COOTE, John HASSARD
Josph. PRATT, Esqrs. C. E. J. NUGENT,
Sir W. YOUNG, Bt., Ralph B. CLARKE,
Cosby NESBITT Cosby YOUNG,
Thos. BURROWES Tho. L. CLEMENTS,
R. H. SOUTHWELL Charl. Jas. ADAMS
Jas. SAUNDERSON P. THORNTON,
W. HUMPHRYS, jun. Richard SCOTT,
Samuel MOORE, Jas. H. STORY,
Fran. WHYTE, jun., Jas. O'REILLY, jun.,
M. J. BOYLE, Esqrs. G. FINLAY, Esqrs.

After the jury were sworn they were addressed by the learned Judge very concisely, and in purport nearly as follows:

He regretted that it was not in his power to give them a more favourable account of the criminal calendar which was now very heavy--he had been more fortunate on another occasion, but though now not equally light.....

FRIDAY, FIRST DAY

William CURRANE indicted for a burglary on the 18th of November, in the house of John FITZPATRICK.

John FITZPATRICK, sworn--the window of his house was broke on that night--it was not broke when he went to bed--an hat and a pair of stockings were taken out of the house--they were there when he went to bed--the hat belonged to another man named PILES--nothing else was taken......Prisoner had no question to ask witness.

JURY--Had no particular mark on the hat--knows it by the band--is a common one.

Prisoner on his defence said he told the prosecutor on the road from whom he got the things.--Prosecutor called up, said he told him no such thing--did not tell him he got them from a man named FLEMING--knows the people who had prisoner in custody--they were neighbours of his.--Verdict Guilty.

SATURDAY

James CARROLL, indicted for, on the 10th November, stealing watches, &c. from Mr. FREEMAN..

Francis THOMPSON, Esq., Foreman  
Mark BAXTER Wm. JAMESON
John VEITCH John BRADY
James BERRY Wm. IRWIN
John ARGUE John WILSON
Wm. CARMICHAEL Wm. Pollock, Esqrs.
Francis MARGURINE  

Mrs. Phaebe FREEMAN, sworn--was at Aghadrena--had some of her property taken on the night the house was set on fire--it was November was a year--has since got some of it--she here produced a watch, which was her property, and was taken on that night--she missed it immediately after the house was on fire--the box containing it and jewellery was taken away--did not get it for a long time after--got it from Mr. MASTERSON, who lived at Mr. CASTLE's house--MASTERSON was a watchmaker--is positive as to the watch being her property--never parted it since she last got it.

Cross-examined by Mr. DOGHERTY--had eight children in the house, one of them a daughter--never charged any of her children with theft--her son was made drunk by CARROLL and two others, and they induced him to say it was he that took them--Father Robert DEVINE, and CARROLL, took out her eldest son and made him drunk--he was drunk after the burning took place......

John MASTERSON, sworn--examined by Mr. DEERING--lived in Cavan, in Nov. 1823--was a watchmaker--saw him in January, 1824--gave him a gold watch, which he said was pawned with him for three cwt.of meal, a poney, and two guineas.....Cross-examined--knows the Freeman family very well--heard of the robbery--never saw the watch before--erased a name about eight years ago--was never examined about it--the owner lives in Cavan, and wished another name on it in place of the maker's name....

Mr. Mark BAXTER was named as an evidence, but the Court said his testimony could not be legal as irrelevant to the fact.

CASE CLOSED.

Judge recapitulated. Verdict--GUILTY--Sentence--Transportation for seven years.

Major MILNE, of the 2d Royal Veteran Batallion was yesterday tried for assaulting, with the intention of violating the person of Elizabeth GARTLCK (?), an infant under twelve years of age. The trial excited considerable interest; the Counsel for the prisoner declined calling witnesses, resting entirely for his full acquittal on the evidence of the prosecutors; the Jury without hesitation returned the verdict of Not Guilty, thereby fully exculpating that Gentleman from the foul stain, which was sought to be affixed to his character. The verdict caused a strong expression of approbation in the Court. The trial shall appear in our next.

Patrick SMYTHE, for burning a house, the property of Lord Farnham, at Killyfessy, on the 28th of January, was yesterday found guilty and sentenced to be hanged; the prisoner is rather above the lower ranks of society, and was, we understand in very comfortable circumstances; this man's apprehension and conviction is due to the prompt and judicious proceedings of that useful and active Magistrate, Captain GRAHAM.

We shall continue the report of Assizes news in our next.


LONGFORD ASSIZES

On Tuesday, the Assizes of Longford commenced, when the following Gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury of that County:--

Richard FOX, Esq., Foreman
John THOMPSON John FETHERSON
Samuel ACHMUTY James ACHMUTY
John FETHERSTON John DOPPING
John M'CONCHY Richard WEBB
Wm. HAMPRON Alexander BELL
Wm. LEDWITH W. L. GALBRAITH
W. J. BOND, John WILDER
Alex. KINGSTON Bevan C. SLATOR
John R. ROBINSON Robert SANDYS
Matthew CRAWFORD Arthur KINGSTON
J. A. RICHARDSON H. B. WILSON

FASHIONABLE MISCELLANY

The Lord Chancellor has been pleased to appoint, Francis M. WHYTE, of Redhills Lodge, Esq., a justice of the peace for this County.


The Rev. Patrick REILLY, P.P., of Crusherlough, was found lying on the road near Drung bridge, this morning, quite dead; it is supposed that he was on his return home in a state of intoxication, and fell off his horse.


MARRIED

In Belturbet Church, on the 8th inst., by the Rev. William HEARNE, James CROWLEY, Jun., of Temple street, in the city of Dublin, Esq., to Ann, Daughter of David FINLAY, of Sugar-loaf, in the County of Cavan, Esq.


(From the HOUSE OF COMMONS--Monday, Feb. 4.)

ROMAN CATHOLIC MARRIAGES.--Dr. LUSHINGTON rose to move for a copy of the commitment of five persons in November 1824, to the gaol of the city and county Londonderry for three years. The parties were two persons of the Roman Catholic persuasion and two others of the Presbyterian Protestant church of Scotland, who had been married by a popish priest. An information having been subsequently laid before the Magistrates, the whole of the parties were called upon to give evidence; and on their refusal, they were committed for three years to the county gaol of Londonderry. The Learned Gentleman commented at great length on the severity of the Act under which the commitment took place, and expressed his intention to bring forward a measure to prevent the recurrence of such a transaction.

Sir George HILL said that the speech and motion of the Learned Civilian was calculated to excite a belief that the Magistrates of Londonderry, had in the present instance evinced some extraordinary degree of rigour in the performance of their duty. The real circumstances of the case were these, a popish priest of Londonderry by the name O'FLAGHERTY, was in the habit of celebrating marriages between Roman Catholics and Protestant women. The Presbytery, after considering whether they had better prosecute the offender or remonstrate with him, chose the latter course. O'FLAGHERTY wrote a letter, in reply, in which he promised that he would not repeat the offence. This letter, He (Sir G. HILL) had seen. In the course of the last autumn, O'FLAGHERTY's curate, one O'HAGAN, offered to officiate in the same way as O'FLAGHERTY himself, had done, and he accordingly celebrated several illegal marriages. On the 5th of November application was made by the parents of two women so married, to the Bench of Magistrates, presiding at the petty sessions. They followed the provisions of the statute book, and summoned the parties who had been married. These parties refused to give evidence, and the Magistrates had no alternative but to commit them to prison according to law. On the first Sunday of their confinement the parties had informed him (Sir G. HILL) that they were tired of being in prison, and were willing then to give the requisite evidence. He accordingly bound them over and suffered them to go before the end of the week. But the Roman Catholic Association, as usual thought proper to interfere in the matter, and proclaimed their denunciations against the Magistrates in the most menacing way. If Magistrates and country Gentlemen were to be subject to the furious invectives of that body on every occasion, they had better quit the country at once.

Mr. DAWSON followed the Hon. Bart. in explaining the specific merits of the case before the house, and, at the same time the Hon. Member denounced, in a most manly and eloquent strain the mischievous tendency of the efforts of the Catholic Association.

Dr. LUSHINGTON, in reply said, that it was universally admitted in Ireland that on one part or another of these laws, great doubts existed--The Motion was then agreed to.


THE CHURCH

The Lord Primate has collated the Rev. Edward STOPFORD, L.L.D. to the Archdeaconry of Armagh, vacant by the death of the honourable and Rev. Charles KNOX; the Rev. James JONES, to the Rectory and Vicarage of Derrynoose; and the Rev. Charles ALEXANDER to that of Keady.

The Bishop of Raphoe has appointed the Rev. Maurice FENWEAK, to the Rectory and Vicarage of Killibegs in that diocese.

His Grace the Duke of Devonshire has presented the Rev, George GUMBLETON, Curate of Curryglass, in the County Dublin, to the united parishes of Affane and Eglish, in the county of Waterford.

March 15, 1825

THE HIGH SHERIFF has received a respite for Patrick SMYTHE, sentenced to be hanged on the 29th inst., for burning a house at Killyfassy; it is probable his sentence will be commuted to transportation for life.

James M'CULLA, a watch maker who absconded from Westport, with several watches, was apprehended in Armagh.


CAVAN ASSIZES
(Continued from our last.)

There was only one record, which was of an unimportant nature, an ejectment to obtain possession of ground, for non-payment of Rent--the parties were the Earl of Roden, and Francis BEATMAN, Plaintiffs.--George M'DOWELL, Defendant--verdict for Plaintiffs.

A considerable portion of Judge VANDELEUR's time was occupied in the trials of illicit Distillers, above one hundred and thirty of whom were found guilty, and sentenced to one month's imprisonment, or a fine of 40s. each. We regret that that baneful system still continues so prevalent in this County.


CROWN COURT--SATURDAY

Philip BRADY for stealing a sheep on the 28th of October, the property of Patrick CORCORANE.

Patrick CORCORANE--sent a sheep to Mr. MAGRATH's and when a few days there she strayed away, and he heard it was in Ballyhaise pound, and found it there--it was in October, nine or ten days after it strayed away.--Judge--Say not guilty, Gentlemen.

Prisoner--I am not guilty.

CLERK OF THE CROWN--So say the Jury--not guilty.--Verdict.--Not Guilty.

Patrick MORAN, and Denis REILLY for stealing the property of James ALWELL--James ALWELL was in Crossdoney on the 28th of August, the fair day--sold pigs; got 49s. two notes of £1 and eleven tenpennypieces--it was taken out of his pocket in John MOORE's house--he was knocked down, his teeth knocked out of his head, his rib broke, and his purse was taken out by Pat. MORAN (whom he identified)--is positive of this being the man--saw REILLY--he was there, and said stop Jemmy your money is safe--then he was making after MORAN--knew REILLY before.....The Judge said, there was no case made out, and ordered the issue up, and the prisoner to be acquitted, when one Juror said that such was not their unanimous opinion.

Jane WIGGINS called--lived in Crossdoney last August as waiter--saw last evidence--it was late--he was very drunk--not able to get up--and a man pushing him up--saw a woman in his company--of bad character--Mr. MOORE is a respectable man--MORAN lived in the house about a year, a very proper boy--Evidence called to MORAN not to let ALWELL go till he paid the reckoning.--Verdict--Not Guilty.

Hugh CUSACK, for stealing cloth at Ballinagh.

Patrick CONNELLY proved the loss of a web off a cart.

James M'CABE identified prisoner and proved that he saw him take a web off CONNELY's cart, and take it to M'KIERNAN's, and then to a ditch, where he and M'KIERNAN hid it.--Prisoner wanted to have it cut, but M'KIERNAN opposed it--told CONNELLY of it next morning--and they went with Serjeant PIKE in pursuit of the web, but it as taken away.

On Cross Examination he admitted he was accused of the robbery himself--and that a £1 note was offered to him to discover on the thief.--Not Guilty.

MONDAY

Patrick SMYTH, for burning a house the property of Lord Farnham, at Killyfassy.

Constantine FITZPATRICK, examined by Mr. DEERING--is a pensioner from the 21st. at 9d per day--was in the County last January--knows Killyfassy between Granard & Ballyjamesduff, on his way to Granard--to his family--on the 28th of January with some money--about three o'clock in the morning--it was dark--saw a light, and was anxious to get near the light, to get direction as to the road--the persons with the light were about 18 perches off--three persons were together with the light--it was fire they had--the persons turned off the road, by the ditch--he went to the other side of the ditch and followed them--they stopped at a house, pulled out some of the thatch--and set fire to the thatch--they then went again to the road--the fire they had was in a pot...one GAFFNEY--they got a light inside and thro' the window he saw a man lay down the pot and get something to drink from the man of this house---he rapt at GAFFNEY's door, and they said inside it should not be opened--he insisted on having it opened--they said inside he was Mr. M'CLEAN, and to open the door--and they did so.....saw another man on the road afterwards who went into another home and was at the burning--to another man he pointed out the fire, and a man said it was a house of Lord Farnham's.......on that evening saw Captain GRAHAM--and lodged informations before him......Cross Examined by Mr. DOGHERTY--is a pensioner, barber and hairdresser--lived in Cavan before that transaction, and now in Dublin--has travelled--remembers being in Old-Castle the day before the burning....

DEFENCE

Patt SMYTH, and Connor LYNCH called, the latter sworn.

Examined by Mr. DOGHERTY--lives at Killyfassy--knows the prisoner--recollected the night the house was burned--was a distance from it....prisoner all the time with him--about 1 o'clock that night when the whiskey was made--it was about five o'clock when they got home--saw nothing coming home till they saw the house on fire--SMYTH was with him--SMITH (sic) lives next door to him......

Cross-examined by Mr. DEERING--the former occupier was Patrick FITZSIMMONS--SMYTH the prisoner was nothing to him--part of the whiskey was his--the Fitzsimmonses were turned out--he does not recollect when....near five o'clock if daylight then--the sun was not up at the time--saw the house in a flame of fire but did not see the clouds in a flame of fire--(Evidence here strove to go away)--the price of the whiskey is 1s. a half pint, in this town--got 5s.11. but no halfpenny for what he made--it was bought by one BRADY....

John LYNCH called to corroborate the alibi....Another witness was examined to support that best or most dangerous of all defences, an alibi--but they did not support each other and completely failed.

After a clear and concise charge from the Hon. Baron M'CLELLAND the Jury retired and after a short consultation returned with a verdict of--Guilty--sentence death--to be hanged on the 29th inst.

Counsel for the Defence moved for an arrest of judgment and execution, on a point of law that the arson was not perpetrated in law, as the house was uninhabited, Court overruled the exception, as it appeared there were articles of furniture in the house at the time.

On Monday the trial of Major MILNE, took place, for assaulting Elizabeth GARLICK as stated in our last; the Court was extremely crowded, and the trial appeared to excite much interest.

The Prosecutrix, Elizabeth GARLICK, then aged 11 years and 10 months, was the first witness; she proved the assault under aggravated circumstances having taken place, in the sentry box in the Barrack yard, immediately outside the officers apartments, within view of the windows of the married officers, and within hearing of the Mess-Room--she admitted that she made no mention of the circumstance for three weeks and then in the first instance to Major MILNE's maid, who communicated it to him, and he immediately sent for the stepfather of the prosecutrix and informed him of it, under strong feelings of horror and indignation, at the report--The prosecutrix also stated that whilst in the sentry box, her mother twice passed it, and that the second time the Major called her saying "my Mama, my Mama." These were the principal features of the case, but as we would be obliged to violate not only the rules of morality but even of decency, were we to enter more fully into the particulars, we necessarily decline publishing our report of this trial.

The Mother and Step-father of the child were also produced and examined, and in the testimony not only of the prosecutrix, but between it and the testimony of her parents there was a considerable discrepance, so much so that the prisoner's counsel declined examining any of the many witnesses they had in Court.

The Learned Judge charged at considerable length; he dwelt a good deal on the enormity of the offence as charged and the weight of punishment which should deservedly fall on the prisoner if guilty; while in feeling and impressive language he expressed his abhorrence of the wicked and diabolical attempt, which if innocent, was made to blast his honor.......he dwelt on the harmony which existed between Major and Mrs. Milne, the circumstance of her having been walking in the yard but a few minutes before, the interest they both manifested for the child, having had her instructed in the school established by the Major for the education of the soldier's children; and on the testimony of the step father, who on his examination stated that he did not know any thing in the conduct of the prisoner, that was not highly honourable, and like a Gentleman--he entreated the jury to weigh the evidence maturely...He was satisfied their verdict would be a conscientious one, equally maintaining a respect for the laws and protecting innocence.

The Jury immediately returned a verdict of not guilty.

Two boys, named William and Robert HEISLIP, stood capitally indicted for violating a female named Catherine BIRD, the eldest, appeared to be about 18 and the youngest 14 years of age, the prosecutirx who was a maid servant in her father's house, appeared to be about 15. Her evidence was so contradictory, that the Learned Judge (Baron M'CLELLAND) ordered the issue to be sent to the Jury before her testimony was concluded, and a verdict of not guilty was instantly returned. The Learned Judge lamented that so young a girl should have been made the instrument of wicked and designing persons, for motives which had not transpired, to expose and perjure herself in so dreadful a manner, and directed the boys to be discharged.

The prosecution, by a man named DALY, of some Cyprians, by whom he stated he was robbed, as noticed in a former HERALD, excited considerable laughter at the expense of the prosecutor, who is a tythe proctor, and was not calculated to shed much additional lustre on his character. Some busy wight advised the prosecutor to apply for his expences, with which advice he foolishly complied, and which excited the anger of the presiding Judge, who exclaimed "what you rascally blackguard, how dare you appear before me," which made the unfortunate Gallant retire rather expeditiously, while the auditory were convulsed with laughter at his sorry plight.

(Convictions and acquittals will appear in our next.)

March 22, 1825

In a late number of the HERALD, we noticed the sudden and premature departure for the mansions of bliss, of the Rev. Patrick REILLY, P.P., of Crusserlough--one of these divines possessed of cherry cheeks, demure look and carbuncled proboscis which were so fully described in true and glowing colours in our last number. This Rev. Gentleman partial to the good things of this life, regaled himself with a little of the native beverage, whilst in this town, on the day previous to his untimely exit, and according to the evidence of one of the witnesses, "although he was a little hearty when he went into the house, however after he had eaten his dinner, and taken a tumbler (or two) of punch, he became sober, and afterwards went to another public house," no doubt to complete the progress of returning sobriety by a tumbler or two more; after which he proceeded on horse back towards his home, "in such a state as" according to another evidence examined before the Coroner, "to qualify him to do business, neither drunk nor sober," and in this state either from a too sudden flow of blood to the head, or the want of a sufficient balance for it, he fell from his horse, and was translated to the regions of bliss--an inquest was held, the following verdict delivered, and the Rev. Gentleman decently interred.

"March 9th, 1825

Henry MAXWELL John STAFFORD
Thos. M'CABE Peter REILLY
Peter SHERIDAN Mat. BOYLAN
Arth. KILROY sen Charles WHITE
Anth. KILROY jun Francis BOYLAN
Charles BOYLAN George BOYLAN"

We did suppose that having been committed to the earth, he would have been allowed to remain quietly there, but that unfortunately was not the case; it was miraculously discovered that he died from the baneful effects of orangeism, administered either in the shape of too much whiskey, or the application of a cudgel or brick bat against his head, and so fully satisfied were the country people, that a priest alone die by orange violence, that the following eight Magistrates assembled on Wednesday last in Kilnaleck, to make further enquiry into the cause of his death, viz.

Major BURROWES, Rev. Christopher ROBINSON, R. H. SOUTHWELL, John Charles TATLOW, William GRAHAM, Andrew BELL, Henry MAXWELL, M.P., and Christopher E. J. NUGENT, Esqrs.

When it satisfactorily appeared on a further examination of witnesses that his Reverence died of apoplexy, but whether excited by too much abstinence or too much whiskey, was not satisfactorily ascertained--this, however, was insufficient; orange rancour could alone kill a priest, & before all those Magistrates, Major BURROWES excepted, a fresh inquest, or rather a renewal of the former one was held on Friday last, the Jurors being the same and chosen from both religious persuasions, six of each; and on Saturday evening they had not returned their verdict.--Two of the jurors declaring that they would never assent to any other verdict than that he was murdered by the orangemen, unless the body was disinterred, and that they had occular demonstration to the contrary.

Since writing the foregoing, we have heard that the Jury on their reassemblage, continued in consultation for above forty eight hours, when it appearing that there was no prospect of agreement, they began to abuse each other, and from words proceeded blows--after several eyes were encircled with black, and the claret flowed plentifully from the noses, it appeared to be unanimous opinion of all that it was time to separate; the door was therefore forced open, and all retired to their respective homes.

We have not heard that any circumstances transpired to ensue any alteration in the verdict first delivered, that any fresh testimony was adduced that could create a necessity for it--it, however, has been stated that two of the Jury after the first inquest were known to say, that if they had it again in their power, they would not deliver a similar verdict in that which they had signed, but would from the impression formed on their own mind by their own cognitations, return a verdict of wilful murder, as from the Orangemen alone he could have only received his death!!

Since writing the foregoing, we have heard that in this novel and somewhat farcical procedure, and under the influence of the Foreman and Coroner, the jury were prevailed on to re-assemble on Sunday morning, and in a short time after returned a then second verdict, that the deceased's death was caused by a fit of Apoplexy.


ASSIZES INTELLIGENCE

The following persons were tried and found Guilty at our last Assizes:--

James CARROLL, for the robbery of Mrs. FREEMAN--trial reported--to be transported for seven years.

Daniel FARRELLY, for stealing an heifer--to be transported for seven years.

Bernard REILLY, for cow stealing--To be transported for seven years.

Michael NEILL for cow stealing--to be transported for seven years.

Catharine REILLY, for stealing shawls and linen, from different persons--To be transported for seven yeas.

James KEOGAN, house robbery--To be transported for seven years.

Hugh DALY, for robbing Judith BEATAGH--To be transported for seven years.

Catherine REILLY, for picking pockets--To be transported for seven years.

Patrick SMYTH--To be hanged--respited--trial reported.

Patrick CONLAN, for burglary and robbing in the house of Henry HUNTER, of Bailieborough--submitted--

To be transported for seven years.

John MULLEN, for burglary--pleaded guilty--Death--respited.

Anthony BRADY (and Patrick CONLAN, as above) assembling with others with intent to rob James FITZSIMONS, pleaded guilty--seven years transportation.

William CORRANS, for burglary and robbery--to be hanged--respited till further orders.

Bridget REILLY, for stealing wearing apparel--three months imprisonment.

John NIXON, for stealing shoes and a shirt--six months imprisonment, at hard labour.

Mary SMITH, for having a stolen coat in her possession--nine months imprisonment, and hard labour.

James LITTLE for stealing timber--three months imprisonment

John LARNEY, for stealing a deal board, nine months imprisonment, and hard labour.

Thomas HARDY, for stealing soap--six months imprisonment, and hard labour.

David HAGAN, for breaking into Captain GRAHAMs's garden and stealing a saw--six months imprisonment and hard labour.

Patrick M'CAWLEY, for stealing a sack and a quantity of meal--twelve months imprisonment, and hard labour.

Mary HOPKINS, for stealing ribbons at the fair of Baileboro'--nine months imprisonment, and hard labour.

Bridget LACKEY, for robbing Patrick CARROLAN--twelve months' imprisonment, and hard labour.

John M'DONALD, for a rape--trial put off.

Matthew BRIODY, for burglary--trial put off.

The following persons were acquitted:--

Catharine FLYNN, for having a stolen watch in her possession.

Bernard M'GAUGHRAN, for posting a threatening notice.

Edward LILLY, for a rape.

Joanna LONG attempting to pick pockets.

Patrick LYNCH and Peter SMYTH, for stealing money out of a shop at Kilnaleck.

Peggy BRADY and Mary RAHALL, for picking the pocket of Michael DALY of a pocket-book containing £2 10s. in whole notes, and £400 in half notes.

Patrick MORAN, for robbing James ALWILL--trail reported.

Ellen COLLINS. Bridget CORRY and Margaret DANE, for having in their possession notes stolen from Michael DALY.

John HALL, for stealing a piece of calico.

Charles FRENCE as a vagrant.

James SHERIDAN, Hugh BRADY and Thomas M'DONNELL, for an assault and stealing whiskey.

Catharine REILLY, for being present at and assisting to commit robbery.

James HAMILTON, Catharine HAMILTON, and Ellen MOOHAN, having stolen goods in their possession.

Mary REILLY, for having stolen goods in her possession.

Philip FITZPATRICK, for a rape.

John FITZPATRICK, for putting down a cow house and taking the timber.

James TRACY, Terence M'QUINN, and Patrick M'GUIRE, for administering unlawful oaths.

Philip BRADY, for sheep stealing,

Owen CLARKE, for having stolen goods in his possession.

Patrick REILLY for having stolen goods in his possession.

John REILLY horse and cow stealing.

Hugh CUSACK, stealing linen--trial reported.

William and Robert HEASLIP, for a rape.

Bryan MONAGHAN, sen. and jun. having stolen hoops in their possession.


Hugh DUFFY was, at Monaghan, sentenced to be hanged, for robbing the King's Court mail, on 22d November.

March 29, 1825

RELATIVE PROPORTION OF PROTESTANTS TO ROMAN CATHOLICS IN IRELAND

Mr. Leslie FOSTER on the discussion of the Catholic Petition, entered into a luminous detail of the relative proportions of Catholics to Protestants in each county and in each province, the result of which will be morely clearly understood by the following statement:--In Clare, the most Catholic county, the Catholics were to the Protestants, in the proportion of 28 to 1--Ulster:--Cavan (the most catholic of that province) 2¼ to 1--Antrim--3-2/3 to 1--Down 2 and a small fraction to 1--Derry 2 to 1--In Kerry 18 to 1--in Kilkenny 12 to 1--Armagh 1½ to 1--Fermanagh 1-1/5 to 1--Monaghan 1-3/4 to 1. The provincial proportion was in Ulster 1,998,600 Catholics to 1,170,000 Protestants--Leinster--1,757,000 to 370,000--Munster--1,935,000 to 200,000--Connaught 1,110,000 to 120,000. The total population of Ireland making 4,944,000 Catholics to 1,860,000 Protestants."


FASHIONABLE MISCELLANY

Lord Farnham visited this town twice in the last week in his carriage; he is now almost entirely recovered from his late tedious, and severe attack of the gout.

Yesterday the Earl of Enniskillen passed through this town, on his way from Florence-court, to Dublin.

We sincerely regret to learn that the Earl of Belmore is seriously indisposed.

Mr. SNEYD, M.P., landed in Dublin on Tuesday last, from London, where he was in attendance on his parliamentary duties.

Mr. O'CONNELL arrived last week from the land of Cakes, to domesticate a little in the land of Slaves.

An ordination was held at Kilmore Church, on Sunday, the 20th inst. by the Lord Bishop of Kilmore, at which two Deacons were priested; and five young Gentlemen were ordained deacons. We have been unable to obtain the names of the Gentlemen ordained, except the Rev. William Le Poor TRENCH who was priested.


MARRIED

On the 24th inst., in St. George's church, Dublin, by the Rev. Mr. SHORT, Henry DAVIDGE, of Clonmellan, in the County Westmeath, Esq., to Ellen, eldest daughter of the late David MORTIMER, of Lakeview, in the County of Cavan, Esq.


The Rev. John Charles MAUD was inducted into this parish on Saturday last, our late Rector the Rev. Dr. ROBINSON being presented by the Bishop to the Parish of Carrickmacross, vacant by the death of the Rev. Mr. PINCHING. ERNE PACKET

A petition to Parliament against granting concession to the Roman Catholics, is in progress of signature in this county. IBID.


ENISKILLEN ASSIZES

Hugh M'CAFFRY indicted for arson in the premises of Henry W. HETHERINGTON, at Parson's green, on the 26th of December last.

________HENDERSON sworn.--Witness stated that he was awakened by a fellow servant who saw a blaze of light flash against the window, that he then awoke his master, put on his clothes and went out--saw the office house and a rick of hay in a blaze, that he also saw another fire in the direction of his father's house, which was distant from Mr. HETHERINGTON's about 40 perches--went down to his father's house and saw in the lawn park a number of men, one of whom was armed with a gun, and who said he would shoot witness if he would go near him....On his cross-examination he stated that on that night (being Christmas night) his master had gone to bed drunk--that none of the maids had gone to milk the cows that night it was so stormy--witness was the last up, and no one could have gone out to the office house unknown to him--he had drunk none on that night, or during the day, having been unwell....On the investigation before the magistrates, witness mentioned the prisoner's name to Mr. SCOTT, who took no notice of it--did not lodge informations until eight or nine days after--admits that had never before heard of any charge against the prisoner. Witness here became so incoherent in his answers that the agent for the prosecution declined acting farther, and the witness was ordered off the table; and after one witness was produced and examined for the prisoner, the jury without hesitation acquitted him.


MEATH ASSIZES

The Right Hon. Lord Norbury (who appeared in excellent health) opened his commission in the crown court, at half past eleven o'clock, attended by the Lord Bishop of Meath, and the High Sheriff, John THOMPSON, Esq.

His Lordship said there was not a country free from tyranny and oppression on the earth, although the contrary would be collected from the wanton calumnies sent forth to the world by ambition and wicked men. There never was an oppressive use of the laws of the country, which were not open to the humblest cottier--Every man's house was his castle......He remembered the great veneration a great man, who now took so active a part in the affairs of this country in the commons house of Parliament (Sir F. BURDETT) was treated with, when he visited this county to see an old acquaintance, and when he gave evidence in this very court. A verdict of acquittal (continued the noble and learned judge) was found in that very difficult case, which was sometime afterwards reviewed in Dublin. But how he (meaning the gentleman who was then tried, Roger O'CONNOR, Esq.) acquitted himself, be the gentleman best know....

RAPE AND MURDER

Christopher KEEGAN was indicted for the murder of Anne FEELY, by choaking (sic) and strangling her.

Mr. KEMMIS, K.C., stated the case for the prosecution, after which

Catherine WOOD was sworn and examined.--Witness lives at Summerhill--Ann FEELY, the deceased, was her sister--saw her living on Tuesday before Christmas day....on the Tuesday witness sent deceased from Summerhill to Dublin, to sell some wooden ware--saw her on Christmas-eve, when she lay dead on the road, at the corner of Spring-valley, about a quarter of a mile from her house. When the deceased left witness to go to Dublin, she was gay and in good health--was about sixteen years old--when witness saw her lying on the road, her clothes were all dirty and torn to pieces, and her eyes full of gravel and dirt--deceased had a fine strong shift on her when she left witness for Dublin.

John FITZSIMMONS, a carman, sworn and examined by the Recorder of Dublin.--Was in Dublin in the month of December last, and left it two days before Christmas day--knew Anne FEELY, the deceased--she accompanied witness four miles out of Dublin on her way home, and was in good health and spirits on that day; known William BYRNE, a carman--he was coming up with an empty dray, when the deceased asked him, as witness's dray was loaded, would he give her "a lift towards home," and BYRNE said he would--the deceased then got up on BYRNE's dray, and they soon go out of witness's sight.....

Wm BYRNE, examined by Mr. ARABIN--Lives within a mile of Summerhill (Here witness confirmed the statement of the last witness as to the deceased having got up on his dray when about four miles from Dublin). Prisoner was sitting on a separate dray, and when they came to a public-house on the road between Summerhill and Dunboyne, called the Hatchet, prisoner and the deceased sat on the same dray--witness and prisoner had five naggons of whiskey, at the public house, between five persons--the deceased took some at different times, about one glass in all--prisoner pressed her to drink; witness and prisoner stopped at another public house on the road....the deceased walked and sat upon the dray occasionally, and appeared friendly.....prisoner and deceased then went together towards Summerhill, which was not the way to go to the prisoner's house--witness then gave a description of her clothes, which corresponded with that given by the last witness--her clothes were neither torn or dirty--prisoner went a least half a mile out of his way, by coming to the cross roads at Spring Valley....

Doctor TROTTER sworn.--Stated that he had been called to examine the body of the deceased, upon which he found several marks of violence--on the legs, chest, and other parts of the body, particularly on the neck and chest--conceives the deceased came by her death in consequence of direct pressure on the chest and neck producing strangulation--her clothes were all torn and dirty. Witness saw prisoner at the inquest, and examined his person, on which were several marks of violence; one side of his upper lip was nearly severed--there were several fresh scratches on his side--(Witness here detailed the result of a more minute examination of prisoner's person, which is unfit for publication, but which seemed to complete the chain of circumstances by which his guilt was established.)

Lord Norbury charged the Jury, after which they retired for a few minutes, and returned a verdict of Guilty.

There appeared to have an extraordinary fatality attending this most wretched and unhappy man, for on the morning after the murder, when the matter was spoken of, a relation of his upbraided him with the offence in the most indignant terms, but added that he would give him a few pounds, all the money he had, and desired him to make his escape. The prisoner ridiculed the idea of his being suspected, and appeared much displeased with his relation. He then proceeded towards the place where the inquest was holding, and on his way met a woman who said, "Oh, you monster, where are going?" to which he replied "to see what's going on here above (meaning the inquest). "Then if you go there?" said the woman, "you'll never get from them till you're hanged." He laughed at this prophetic warning, and proceeded to the Inquest, and when he entered the room a buzz of horror was heard from all present. It is also said, that a woman with whom he formerly cohabited died under suspicious circumstances while living with him.


ENNIS ASSIZES

James M'NAMARA, Andrew CUNNINGHAM, Margaret M'NAMARA, and Susan M'NAMARA, for aiding Connor HOGAN in violating the person of Bridget M'NAMARA. A more disgusting instance of depravity was never brought to light, and credulity is inclined to doubt the possibility of a female taking that infamous part in the transactions which was clearly proved. The four were capitally convicted and sentenced; but a Jury of Matrons having been impannelled, reported that the women were pregnant, a circumstance which will necessarily delay the execution.

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