The life of Thomas Reynolds

Commons in Ireland, from William James M.Nevin's Pieces of Irish History, from the Memoirs of William Sampson, and from the Life of Curran, by his son.

It may not be known to all my readers that there are two different editions of the Life of Theobald Wolfe Tone, the original edition published by his son at Philadelphia, in 1826, in two volumes large octavo, containing together twelve hundred and forty pages closely printed, and each page containing forty lines;-the other, which is more commonly known, published by Colburn in 1827, also in two volumes octavo, but of a smaller size, much larger print, and containing only eight hundred and seventy-five pages of thirty-one lines each;—indeed, the latter contains less than half the matter of the former. The motive for suppressing so large a part of this extraordinary work is not difficult to detect, and it is certain that, very soon after the original appeared, it was bought up with such care that a copy could with difficulty be procured. I have two copies of the American edition,-and certainly a more candid exposure of the real designs of the United Irish Society, from the first hour of its formation, could not possibly be imagined than that which Mr. Tone's papers afford. It is not easy to believe that they were ever intended for publication, at least in their present form. I need not add, that all my quotations are taken from the original edition.

It will be observed that all Mr. Tone's statements as to the real designs of the United Irish Society from its formation in 1791, and the care with which those

designs were concealed from the mass of the United Irishmen, under the mask of Catholic Emancipation and Parliamentary Reform, fully corroborate the Reports of the Secret Committees, which have been so stoutly contradicted by Dr. M'Nevin ond others. Mr. Tone's work was never answered, it was judged more prudent to let it quietly sink into oblivion.

I have been obliged to speak plainly of Mr. Moore's Life of Lord Edward Fitzgerald; he has so insidiously endeavoured to connect my father with that nobleman's arrest and death, that I could not pass by the charge. His popularity as a writer, certainly no intrinsic merit in his Memoir, caused his work to be universally read; and many persons, in utter ignorance of the facts, believed Mr. Moore's statements. In a work, therefore, such as this, I am called upon to answer the accusation, whatever may be my own opinion of him who preferred it.

I am indebted to another pen for the analysis of, and remarks on, the trials of M'Can, Byrne, and Bond, contained in the 8th, 9th, and 10th chapters. My reading and habits but ill fitted me for the critical examination of reports of legal proceedings carefully involved in obscurity, and in some parts wilfully falsified. I trust that hereafter my father will be judged in these particulars by the evidence produced against him, and not by the speeches truly or falsely attributed to counsel.

It has been hinted to me, more than once, that the publication of this work will draw upon me that malevolence which pursued my father to his grave—that I shall rouse feelings which are almost extinct—and begin a contro

versy which will annoy me for years. But do those persons, some of whom I know are my friends, imagine that I have not long ago well calculated the consequences of what they call throwing down the gauntlet? I do not conceive I am throwing it down-I am only taking up that which has been thrown down repeatedly, and which, had I followed my own inclination, I would have taken up twenty years ago. As to malevolence, it cannot affect me. I have nothing to gain or lose in this world; I have long ago given up all worldly acquaintance, all hopes of worldly honours, or riches. As to rousing dormant feelings, that is just my wish; I should be very sorry to have the subject forgotten; I wish it to be remembered, and carefully examined, knowing that it will stand the test. I know that if my book is read at all it will be criticised. As regards the style, and the composition of such parts as are mine, I am sure they are open to criticism, and any they may meet with, instead of annoying me, will serve but as a lesson to me to correct my defects if ever I should again venture before the public-for such criticisms, therefore, I should be grateful. As to the facts adduced, they may be denied, because there are men who will deny anything, but I have not to my knowledge advanced a single statement which I cannot substantiate. I have, in all important matters, sought my proofs from my enemies. The works of which I have made most use are Tone's Life, Curran's Life, M'Nevin's Pieces of Irish History, and Howell's State Trials, all of which are taken from the enemy's camp,

for I felt that my surest plan was to let my father's revilers write his life. All the letters I have published I have in my possession, ready to be shown to any person, friend or foe, who wishes to see them. The parliamentary matters are copied from Hansard. On these points, therefore, I do not fear criticism. I have a vast mass of curious documents, which are not in these volumes anecdotes of all the leading men connected with the United Irish Society, many of whom have to this day remained unknown as United Irishmen. I have however carefully abstained from naming a single individual in these Memoirs who has not been already repeatedly named, and I hope I shall be enabled to continue this reserve.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

PRELIMINARY CHAPTER.

Page

A summary of the principal events in Ireland since the surren-

der of Limerick-Penal statutes enacted against the Roman

Catholics-The Patriots obtain some concessions- French in-

vasion-Thurot lands at Carrickfergus; defeated by Commo-

dore Elliot The Origin of the Levellers and Whiteboys-

The Hearts of Oak-The Hearts of Steel-The American war

gives rise to the Volunteers - Their proceedings-- The Dungan-

non resolutions-Concessions to the Catholics-Reform in Par-

liament and Catholic Emancipation first discussed-The Roman