plied with; but unfortunately for poor Ireland, that brave and dignified nobleman had landed in the kingdom but the day before, and his wise and humane system could not be sent forward to counteract that which existed before his arrival.

The townsmen of Wexford, whose humanity had been so conspicuous in every place they were quartered, were now posted on the several goals, for the protection of the prisoners from the infernal fury of Captain Dixon,* who, it was apprehended, would a second time take advantage of the defenceless state of Wexford, and again recommence his deeds of blood, in which he appeared so much to delight.

On the 23d. the revolters encamped at Wexford and the mountain, formed a junction outside the town, and divided themselves into two bodies: the one under the command of Messrs. Philip Roche, and John Devereux, marched into the barony of Forth, and encamped that night at Sledagh; the other, under the conduct of Messrs. Edward Fitz

*Most, if not all the massacres perpetrated in Wexford, were laid at the door of this infuriated and sanguinary, monster, who yet had an unfortunate ascendancy over. the very worst and most fanatical part of the cowardly wretches who would not fight, and who were now by a general proclamation doomed to suffer instant death, if discovered at camp..

gerald, Perry, and Edward Roche, proceeded over the bridge to Peppord's Castle, where they took their station for that night. Early on the following morning, the execrable Dixon, as was apprehended, entered Wexford, at the head of his drunken rabble, to renew the diabolical cruelties he had been unfortunately able to put in execution there before, in the absence of the inhabitants, who were now returned, and determined to protect the remaining prisoners at the risque of their own lives. This they were happily able to effect, as the murderers were too cowardly to attempt any thing that portended danger to themselves. No one was therefore put to death on this day, but a Mr. Harman, who was going out with Mr. Carty, to General Moore, to whom they were now proceeding on a second mission, with fresh dispatches from Lord Kingsborough. They had but just got outside the town, when unfortunately met by a furious maniac, named Timothy Whelan, who instantly shot Mr. Harman, and snapped a pistol at Mr. Carty, who then thought it prudent to return, thus narrowly escaping with life. This ruffian afterwards had the audacity to attempt the life of Lord Kingsborough, in order to put an end at once to all accommodation, not meeting with his approbation he would have been ordered, for instant execution by the Governor, but for fear of irritating the great body of the populace, too ready on such

occasions, and in such turbid times, to mistake desperacy for heroism, and to attempt the most violent deeds themselves, if thwarted in their inclinations, or by meddling suddenly with their favorites.

General Moore, although he had orders not to proceed farther than Taghmon on that day, that he might co-operate in the general attack on Wexford, yet from the present complexion of affairs, advanced toward that town, having perceived the departure of the revolters from the Mountain of Forth, and having been also informed by Captain Bourke, of the peaceable disposition of the Wexford people. In addition to which he could himself, from the commanding elevation of the road ne took, observe the retreat of the United force, before he ventured into the town; which, after the most minute circumspection, Captain Boyd enter ed with his troop of cavalry. A great number of straggling wretches of country people, were put to death on this triumphant occasion.

All the green ornaments, that had been so conspicuously exhibited hitherto, were now torn down; and some persons, who but the moment before appeared anxious to demonstrate their friendship for the people, changed sides as quick as lightning, and endeavoured to exhibit every symptom of loyalty. General Moore, on consultation with lord Kingsborough, thought it most advisable

not to let his troops into the town, which it had been determined to annihilate previous to the negociation, and in consequence of this circumstance, of which the army was perfectly aware, it required the utmost precaution to prevent its being plundered, sacked and destroyed, with the attendant atrocities. The town's people now felt the utmost anxiety, at not receiving any answer either to their own proposal or lord Kingsborough's dispatches, and as even those which had been forwarded to General Moore himself, he had sent off, requesting further orders from General Lake. General Moore now took his station on the Wind-mill hills, taking every precaution, and having the advantage of a large park of artillery; while the situation itself completely commanded the town of Wexford. Several war vessels took their station outside of the harbour, to attack the fort of Rosslare, which was peviously abandoned for the want of amunition to defend it, and therefore, they thence proceeded opposite the town, completely commanding. the great bridge and adjacent strand; so that Wexford was now thoroughly invested both by land and water. No sooner had the army entered the town, than all the wounded men in the hospital were put to the sword, and a number of straggling inhabitants lost their lives, notwithstanding the most express orders of General Moore, that no kind of excess should be committed.

At 3 o'clock, A. M. of the 23d, the trumpet sounded for the army to march from Enniscorthy, and every one was on foot as soon as possible. Shortly after, the deputies were required to wait on General Lake, who delivered his answer to the proposal of the inhabitants of Wexford to Mr. Hay, and desired him to read it. It was in sub-stance to this effect: That Lieutenant General Lake could not attend to any terms by people in arms against their sovereign ;-while they continue so, he must use the force entrusted to him, with the utmost energy for their destruction.

On reading this, Mr. Hay expressed his surprise, and that such an answer could not be presented to the people of Wexford, as it did not ratify the terms solemnly promised by Lord Kings-borough; but General Lake would not allow further explanation on the subject, as he declared in language the most insolent and savage, that he would not confirm any promise made by Lord Kingsborough, to whose dispatches he would not even return any answer. He then ordered that the deputies should be conducted by an officer, whom he named, to the head of the army, whence they should proceed to Wexford, and thence to return to him, with all convenient speed, with the determination of the inhabitants, as he petulently mentioned, he would not discontinue the march of the troops, and that if any fatality should