Freeman’s Journal

12 March 1793

 

‘Dundalk Assizes commenced yesterday. A number of those infatuated wretches, called Defenders, are to be tried.

The Right Hon. the Speaker left town on Sunday morning, to be present at the assizes in Dundalk, where he is obliged to attend.’

‘A rescue of the Defenders to be tried in Dundalk being spoken of, a reinforcement of military from Drogheda was sent hither, whom those that marched from our barracks on Sunday morning are to replace.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

16 March 1793

 

‘Extract of a letter from Dundalk, March 14.

"At the assizes, yesterday, the Crown Court did not break up till seven o’clock at night. – Judge Boyd and Downes presided on the bench alternately, relieving each other in the fatigue of the business.

Three of the wretches called Defenders were capitally convicted before the first mentioned Justice, and two more before the latter. One of those found guilty before Judge Boyd, Peter M’Bride, was executed at eight o’clock last night, having went from the Court to the gallows, and the other two next day.

Those convicted before Mr. Justice Downes are not yet sentenced. At the beginning of the assizes, there were to be tried 120 persons, most of whom were Defenders.

It is imagined business will not terminate here until next week. The Judges have been so wearied, that they were obliged to write to the Lord Chancellor for aid upon the bench; in consequence of which, Counsellor Caldbeck arrived here yesterday with a commission of association, which was opened accordingly, this day, and six of the Defenders capitally convicted before him.

Yesterday, a bill of indictment was found against Napper Tandy, for dispersing about here a libellous paper called Common Sense, at the time the Rt. Hon. Speaker’s warrant was issued against him from the House of Commons. A special messenger set off from hence yesterday, with a Judges warrant, to bring him down here."’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

23 March 1793

‘DUNDAK ASSIZES

Many erroneous fragments of the business transacted at the above mentioned assizes having appeared in some of the Dublin newspapers, we think it necessary to give the following particulars which may be depended upon as a true statement of the proceedings.

Arthur Boyle, found guilty of a burglary and felony in the house of Elizabeth M’Neal, of Ballagan – to be hanged on the 22d of April.

A great number of Defenders, indicted in said burglary, are not yet taken.

John Gilmer, Thomas Keenan, and Pat Conyngham, (all Defenders) found guilty of highway robbery, on John Flanagan – to be executed on the 1^st of April.

James Plunket, found guilty of a burglary in the house of Charles Cravan, Esq: - also, found guilty of three other capital felonies under the Whiteboy act – to be executed the 22d of April.

Thomas Dowdall, James Flinn, and Peter M’Bride, for a burglary in the house of Lord Clermont, and several other capital felonies; Peter M’Bride was hanged on the 14^th instant, being the day he was found guilty, and the other two were ordered to be hanged the next day; but at the gallows, Dowdall confessed he did not go into the house at the time of the robbery, and the Speaker seeing he was very young, humanely interfered with the Judges, and had him respited. – Flinn was hanged.

Bryan Smith, Philip M’Ardle, Bryan M’Elerny and Mathew Gregory, found guilty of several felonies, under the Whiteboy act – to be hanged on the 1^st of April.

John Kirk, found guilty for said felonies – to be hanged on the 12d of April.

Patrick Bollard, for several felonies, under said act – to be hanged the 25^th of March.

Laurence Halfpenny, found guilty with him for said felonies – to be hanged on the 22d of April.

Samuel Slator, John Dungan, and Thomas Reath, for robbing the mail at Flury-bridge, county Louth, of eleven bags of letters; Reath pleaded guilty; the trials of the other two lasted the whole of the day – all to be hanged on the 25^th of March.

Arthur Hagan, for assuming the name of Defender – to be publicly whipped through the town of Carlingford, and give security of his good behaviour for seven years.

George M’Daniel, found guilty of administering the following oath to one Peter Mathews, ‘that he should be true to his brothers; be true to his Captain or Committee; never to defraud them, and to be ready at all calls to assist them,’ – to be transported for life.

Peter Mathews, Thomas Mathews, Peter Markey, William Taaffe, Henry Rider, William Johnston, Terence Lee, Francis Connor, James Mathews, William Hughes, James Murphy, Thomas Foggy, James Hinds, Pat Hoey, Thomas Coffey, all found guilty of taking the above oath, and ordered to be transported for seven years.

Five others were acquitted of taking the oath.

Laurence Harvey, found guilty of a most wilful perjury, whereby three persons escaped for murder – to be twice pillored, imprisoned three months, and afterwards transported for seven years.

Christopher Nugent, Stephen M’Guigan, Thomas Finegan, Arthur Hagan, James Cravan, Edward M’Ardle, Bryan M’Ardle, Peter Crilly, Michael M’Cabe, Pat Wall, Barny Grimes, James Byrne, Pat Mathews, and Laurence Quigly – all acquitted of offences under the Whiteboy act.

All the prosecutions were carried on by the Crown, in which the Attorney and Solicitor Generals were indefatigable, and their conduct distinguished with great humanity.

There are a great number of persons yet untried, and the Judges have adjourned to the 11^th of April, to finish the rest of the business.

The candour and impartiality of Mr. Justice Downes on the Bench are highly applauded. Mr. Caldbeck proceeds from Downpatrick of finish the business, during which, as a Judge, he has experienced the severity of very long sittings, from nine in the morning till ten at night, which he bore with laudable patience.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

30 March 1793

 

‘Monday, Samuel Slater and John Dungan were executed in Dundalk, pursuant to their sentence, for robbing his Majesty’s mail, near Flury-bridge: they were launched into eternity about four o’clock, and behaved in a manner truly penitent – also, Patrick Ballard, for robbing the home of Mr. Bailly, near Dundalk – Laurence Halfpenny, who was concerned with Ballard, in the above robbery was respited.

A respite for ten days was obtained for Thomas Reath, on of the parties in the mail robbery.’ [See Dundalk Assizes 23 March 1793]

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

13 April 1793

 

‘This day, the judges sat here pursuant to adjournment, and proceeded to business, when James Napper Tandy was called to take his trial for publishing a libel, signed ‘Common Sense’, and he not appearing his recognizance was effected, and those of his bail, Mr. Arnold, of Usher’s-quay, silk manufacturer, and another person.

Pat Byrne, of Dundalk, Gent, who submitted to the indictment for said libel, has not yet received sentence.

Thomas Kirk, found guilty this day of taking the Defenders oath – is to be transported for seven years.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

1 August 1793

 

‘DUNDALK ASSIZES

At Dundalk Assizes, Mr. P. Byrne, a person of respectability, convicted at the last assizes there of circulating seditious papers, and sentenced to be imprisoned and fined 500L – pleaded his Majesty’s pardon for the imprisonment, but paid the fine, and was enlarged.

There are no Defenders to be tried in Louth or at Dundalk, but those that remained untried at those places at the last assizes.’

‘The following persons were tried before Justice Crookshank, the 19^th instant: Martin Fitzgerald, found guilty of robbing Mr. Blacker, of arms, and two other capital felonies, ordered to be executed.

James Trainer, found guilty of conspiring to murder Thomas Rogers, and of attempting to burn his haggard.

Patrick Hanratty, Peter Keenan, Michael Macloughlin, Martin Byrne; Henry, Margaret and Catherine Levins, Henry Magee, Francis Byrne, Catherine Murphy, Thomas Timey(?), and Thomas Andrews, acquitted of various offences.

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

8 August 1793

 

‘DUNDALK ASSIZES

At the above assizes which ended on Thursday the fifth of August, the following persons were tried before the Hon. Mr. Justice Crookshank: -

Michael Clarke, found guilty of traitorously and feloniously setting fire to, and burning the house of Christophilous Jenny, Esq., at Park, on the 5^th of January last – sentenced to be hanged, quartered, &c. on the 5^th of August.

Martin Fitzpatrick, found guilty under the White-boy act, of taking arms from John Blacker, of Aulare – to be hanged on the 12^th of August.

Mathew Connor, Manus M’Kevit, and M. Hamill, found guilty of taking arms from different people – to be hanged on the 12^th of August.

Thomas Andrews, found guilty of taking arms out of the house of Pat. Reath, of Gluck, on the 25^th of May – to be hanged on the 5^th of August.

James Trainor, found guilty of conspiring to kill and murder Thomas Rogers, and also to burn his house – to be imprisoned two years and six months and to be pillored in Dundalk.

Thomas Coleman, who was found guilty last assizes of conspiring to kill Torquin Park M’Neill, Esq., found guilty at the present assizes of another conspiracy – to be imprisoned one year, to commence after former imprisonment is out, and to pay additional fine of 100L.

Bryan Larkin, found guilty of taking an unlawful oath – to be transported pursuant to statute.

Owen O’Neill, found guilty of petty larceny, burned in the hand.

James Brennan, James Martin, and Bryan M’Mahon, found guilty of a riot and appearing armed – to be whipped, and imprisoned three months.

John Conly, found guilty of petty larceny – to be imprisoned four days, and burned in the hand.

The persons indicted for the murder of Mr. Morgan, made an affidavit to put off their trial, which the Court could not refuse; but imagining some trick was intended, adjourned to the 26^th of August, to try them and other offenders.’

[At the subsequent trial on 26^th August 1793 Thomas Carty otherwise Gartlany was found guilty of the murder. He was sentenced to death by hanging and to be ‘anatomised’].

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

25 March 1794

 

‘ASSIZES AT DUNDALK

Monday se’nnight, the Hon. Justice Chamberlaine too his seat in the Crown Court, where the following persons were tried: -

William Smith and Patrick Grimes were tried and found guilty of robbing Messrs. Bamber and M’Cartney, on the high road near this town, in the June last.

Arthur Martin and John Maginnes were convicted of forcibly entering the dwelling-house of the Rev. Moore Smith, of Killincoole, and robbing the same of fire-arms.

The prosecution in this case was supported by the evidence of Mr. Smith and James Cravan, an approver, who gave a very clear and accurate account of his being at the robbery, and identified the prisoners.

Mathew Kirwan, Patrick Teernan, Patrick Kenny, James Morgan, Dennis M’Kenna, Thos Kirwan, Patrick M’Kenna alias Thomas M’Kenna, and Richard Kelly, were tried upon four indictments, for attacking the house of Alexander M’Clintock, of Newtown, on the 25^th of December, 1792.

The evidence in this case, produced on the part of the Crown, were Mr. M’Clintock, who proved the attack, and of there having been several shots fired which broke the windows in his house, but could not identify the prisoners.

The next witness was Thomas Murphy, an approver, who swore he was with the prisoners at the bar and others, at the attack on the above night – that they were armed with guns and blunderbusses, and were all sworn Defenders, and determined to plunder the house of arms and ammunition; his testimony was in some respects not consistent and several gentlemen were produced, who gave evidence that he was not a person to be credited on his oath – and that they knew him to be guilty of several robberies. – The Jury after retiring for a few minutes, found the prisoners – not guilty.

The following persons were capitally convicted:

Christopher Kennedy and Mat M’Cunnin for a felony and burglary in the dwelling house of Ann Rogan

Philip Carrafher, Thomas Carry, James Martin, Silvester Carry, Patrick Hamill, for a burglary and felony in the dwelling-house of the Rev. Robert Levins. The former was recommended by the Grand Jury, it having appeared that he saved the life of Mr. Levins.

Edward Hughes, for a burglary and a felony in the dwelling-house of Peter Kirck.

James Walsh, for robbing the highway near Dundalk, James Dogherty, and John Thompson.

Henry Deary, John Morgan, and Michael M’Ilroy, found guilty of being Defenders and taking unlawful oaths, were sentenced to be transported for seven years.

Pat Clarke, James Shee, Thomas Burne, and Michael Fraghan, convicted of appearing armed as Defenders, were sentenced to be twice publicly whipped, and imprisoned three months – and James Boyce and John Cravan, to be punished in a similar manner for such like offences.

Dominick Davitt, for conspiring against the life of David Atkinson, Esq; a magistrate, very active in his duty, found guilty, and sentenced to be imprisoned three months, and fined 20L.

Patrick Murphy, for sheep-stealing, sentenced to transportation.

Tully Hart, for being a Defender, and appearing armed, to be twice whipped, and imprisoned six months.

James Fitzsimons, guilty of a riot and breaking windows at Ardee, to be imprisoned three years and give security.

James Fitzsimons, James Fee, and George Shevelan, were tried and acquitted for robbing the Ardee mail.

Hugh O’Berne, charged with publishing a libel signed Common Sense acquitted.

Eighteen persons charged with being Defenders, were acquitted.

James Dornin, acquitted of drinking seditious and treasonable toasts, the prosecutor having died a few days before the trial.

Counsel for the Crown in the above trials: The Attorney General, Mr. W.P. Ruxton, Mr. Saurin, and Mr. M’Cartney – Agent, Mr. Kemins.

Counsel for the Defenders

Mr. Blackbourne, Mr. Mayne, Mr. Dobbs, Mr. Ewing, Mr. Ball, Mr. Saurin, and Mr. Pellew – Agent, Mr. Hartford.’

 

 

The Freeman’s Journal

08 April 1794

 

Drogheda, March 5

‘Committed by James Scholes, Esq., Thomas Rooney and John Callaghan – charged with having forcibly entered the house of Mary Collier, put her in fear of her life, and feloniously took thereout cash and goods to the amount in value of five guineas.

Alice Mollan and Jane Keenan were committed to goal, by the worshipful Mayor – charged with having stole out of a trunk, in the house of John Orson Esq, Fair-street, six hundred guineas.

The cook and two housemaids were concerned in the above robbery – one of the latter has turned approver, by which means 178 guineas have been recovered.’

 

[Dundalk]

‘The following unfortunate men are to suffer death in Dundalk, pursuant to their sentence at the last assizes:

James Martin, to be executed on Monday, the 7^th inst.

Patrick Grimes, William Smith, and Thomas Carry, on Monday the 4^th inst. Patrick Hamill and John McGuinness, on Monday, the 11^th inst.

Edward Hughes, the 28^th inst.

James Walsh, Philip Caragher, Sylvester Carry, Arthur Martin, Christopher Kennedy, and Mat M’Cuming, are to be executed on the 26^th of May next.

Monday last, James Boyle and Tully Hunt, were whipt from the gaol of Dundalk to the bridge – they are to undergo the like punishment on the 28^th inst.

Monday next, James Fox, Thomas Byron, and Michael Feehan, are to be whipt from the gaol of Dundalk to the bridge, and on the 5^th of May next.’

 

 

The Freeman’s Journal

24 April 1794

 

‘At the assizes in Dundalk, held on Friday and Saturday last, Richard Mullen was found guilty with others, the house of (sic) John Dunkin of firearms; as was also Patrick Carney, for conspiring to take away the life of Brabazon Smith, Esq., several other prisoners were tried for slight offences and acquitted.’

 

 

The Freeman’s Journal

3 May 1794

 

[Dundalk Assizes]

'At the adjournment of the spring assizes, held in Dundalk, on the 18^th inst., the following persons were tried:

Richard Mullan and John Coleman, for feloniously forceably (sic) and by threats and menace causing John Duncan to deliver to them a gun, to be executed on Monday next.

Alexander M’Cabe, for forcibly, maliciously and feloniously attacking the dwelling house of Pakenam Smith, Esq., to be hanged on Monday next.

James Mullen, for conspiring against the life of Joseph Coulter, to be imprisoned two years and give security for his good behaviour.

John M’Court for receiving stolen goods, to be imprisoned one year.

John Hanlon, for being a vagabond, to be transported for seven years, unless he gives bail for his good behaviour for seven years.

Christopher Verdon, for an assault, to be imprisoned three months.

Thomas Brannigan, for an assault, to be imprisoned six months.

James Gray, for an assault, fined 6d.'

 

 

The Freeman’s Journal

17 May 1794

 

'Mathew Reilie and John Kinlan, found guilty at an adjournment of the quarter sessions at the Thostal of street robbery, are to be executed in front of the New Gaol, this day, pursuant to their sentence.'

 

 

The Freeman’s Journal

20 May 1794

 

'Saturday last, Michael Reilly and John Kinlan were executed for street robbery, at the front of the New Gaol, pursuant to their sentence.'

 

 

The Freeman’s Journal

20 September 1794

 

‘Drogheda Assizes

The following persons were on Thursday tried before the Hon. Justice Crookshank at the above assizes:

Thomas Murphy, found guilty of corrupt perjury. It was for swearing against messrs Bird, Hamill and Delahoyd, at the last assizes; he was convicted on the most clear and satisfactory evidence.

The above gentlemen gave evidence against him, and they swore in the most solemn manner, that the never countenanced Defenders but used every endeavour to suppress them.

Murphy ordered to be pillared on Saturday the 17^th inst, his ears to be nailed to the pillar and, then, to be transported for seven years, pursuant to the statute. [See Dundalk Assizes 25 March 1794]

Michael Conly, acquitted of stealing a cow from Joseph Birch in the co. Dublin.

Richard Small, acquitted of endeavouring to seduce John M’Nally, a militia-man, to join in a robbery.

James Carran, acquitted of stealing a watch, the property of James Dogherty.

Matthew Farrelly, found guilty of perjury, in his examination before Ralph Smith Esq., Mayor of Drogheda – to be pillared opposite the Thostal on the 11^th of October.

John Reid, acquitted of robbery on Bryan Halfpenny.

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

26 March 1795

 

‘Dundalk assizes ended on the 19^th instant and the following persons were tried before Mr. Baron Smyth: Michael Callan, Peter Carroll, and John Smith, all found guilty of capital offences, received sentence to be hanged on the 12^th of May next.

James Kirk, found guilty of several assaults and false imprisonment, as a crimp, to be imprisoned, six months.

George Magennis, found guilty of drinking a seditious toast, but being strongly recommended, was only fined a mark, and to be imprisoned for a week.

Thomas Dullegan, found guilty of petty larceny, burned in the hand.

Richard Boylan, Bernard Grimes and Owen Maguire, to remain till next assizes to stand their trial for murder.

 

PERSONS ACQUITTED

Pat Dooley, for administering oaths.

Michael Conroy, for taking arms from Rev. Mr. Moore Smyth, and several other felonies.

James Whems, also for several such like felonies.

Thomas Monaghan, acquitted of ditto.

Bryan M’Ardle, for bottle stealing.’

 

 

Freemans Journal

21^st April 1795

'The assizes at Drogheda ended on Thursday last – There were several persons tried at them, most of whom were acquitted. Daniel Hitchcock, confined on a charge of forgery, was ordered to remain in custody, until he give security, himself in 400L – and two sureties in 500L each, to stand trial for the same at the next assizes.'

 

 

Freemans Journal

11th August 1795

 

‘Richard Boylan, found guilty at Dundalk assizes of setting fire to the stable and barn of Mr. Joseph Morgan, at Moore-town, was executed yesterday, pursuant to his sentence.’

‘At the assizes of Dundalk last week, the following persons were tried before the Hon. Justice Crookshank: -

Bernard Grimes and Owen Maguire were found guilty of the murder of Thomas Wade, on the evidence of James Thornton – who was an accomplice in the murder, and turned approver.

The circumstances are nearly as follows: -

Grimes, Maguire, Thornton, and the deceased, went together on the night of the 20^th of July 1794, in order to commit a robbery at Longstones. – They had previously concerted a plan to murder Wade, to prevent him from prosecuting some persons who were confined in the jail of Drogheda, at the following assizes. – When they came to the river of Drumthallen, Maguire knocked down Wade with a blunderbuss – and the other two held him under the water until he was suffocated. – They then took him out – each struck him on the head with large stones, and threw him into the river!

Some time after the murder was committed, Thornton was taken up in a robbery, of Mr. Gray, of Ardee, near Tullyhesker hill, and lodged in the gaol of Drogheda. He there discovered the murder and swore against Maguire; on his being transmitted to Dundalk, he implicated Grimes.

When the jury returned their verdict guilty, Grimes called on Maguire to declare the truth – and Maguire positively declared Grimes was not at the murder, but had given them arms to commit the intended robbery.

They were both executed on Thursday, and their bodies sent to the country infirmary, where they were dissected, and afterwards interred in the gaol yard.

Maguire acknowledged the crime for which he was to suffer; Grimes has left a confession after him, in which he solemnly denies his guilt as to the murder, but says he committed several robberies – and was led through malice to prosecute Messrs. Bird, Hamill, Delahoyde, Read, and others, for High Treason, at Drogheda, at Spring Assizes, 1794.’ [See 20 September 1794 - Drogheda Assizes and other references]

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

13 April 1797

 

‘At the assizes of Dundalk several persons were tried for various offences, and two convicted; one for attempting to administer the United Man’s [sic] oath to a serjeant of the Dublin Militia, and the other of cow stealing.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

05 September 1797

 

‘DUNDALK ASSIZES

Thursday Aug. 31.

This day was nearly concluded the business of the town. The Attorney General came into Court and expressed his intention, which was, that no bill should be sent up against the several persons charged with treason and treasonable practices, and committed by Mr. Gattigar, of Dundalk, amongst whom were Hugh Reilly, Mr. James Kelly, Mr. Gossin, post-master of Fleury-bridge, Mr. Dowdall, Mr. Smyth, Mr. Derry, late Usher at Mr. Tindall’s school, and Mr. Maurety of this place. They had petitioned for their trial on the first day of the assizes, and had brought down Mr. Curram specially from Dublin, and retained Mr. Ball, Mr. Clelland, Mr. Sampson, and Mr. Chanlon; they are yet held to bail and bound to come forward at the ensuing assizes.

The only cause of importance or curiosity now remaining is the trial of Mrs. Elizabeth M’Gan, for persuading a soldier to become a United Irishman.’

September 1

‘This day the assizes concluded. The trial of the lady for seducing the soldier to become an United Irishman – did not go on.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

12 September 1797

 

‘At the Dundalk assizes, which terminated on the first of September, John M’Garrity was found guilty of horse-stealing, and ordered to be executed on the 6^th of November next. It was intended to recommend him an object of mercy, on condition of his going abroad.

Several other persons were tried for various offences and the trials of some were deferred to a future day, who were admitted to bail.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

16 September 1797

 

‘DUNDALK ASSIZES

Ended on Friday, the 1^st of September, when the following persons were tried and found guilty: John M’Garrity, for horse stealing, to be hanged on the 6^th of November next, the intention being to recommend him for mercy on condition of serving abroad.

James Corran, for assaulting a Revenue officer and a constable, to be imprisoned for a fortnight and give security for his future good behaviour; the sentence was made so small on account of the traverser having been in custody for five months before his trial.

Owen M’Garrity, Christopher Keeran, and Pat. Lennon, for an assault at the fair of Mullacrew, to be confined a month.

James Keeran, for the same offence, to be imprisoned three months and fined forty shillings: this increase in his sentence beyond the others arose from his having produced on his defence three perjured witnesses.

Thomas Reynolds, for stopping and seizing a man on the highway, asking him was he up, and detaining him for half an hour, was not withstanding an able defence made by Counsellor Curran, convicted, and ordered to be imprisoned one month and to give security of the peace for seven years; it appearing by prisoner’s affidavit that he was poor, no fine was set on him.

James Naynor, a journeyman shoemaker, for combination, to be imprisoned six months.

The following persons were acquitted:

Patrick Byrne, and Bryan Duff, for murder; Felemy Hinchy, for the murder of his own bastard child; Peter Carroll, for burglary and felony; Arthur M’Cooey, and Silvester Mathews, for riots; Peter Callan, and John Gallagher, for stealing yarn; M. M’Daniel, for combination; Daniel Laverty, a soldier in the Londonderry militia for the murder of Christopher Grant. It appeared in evidence that the soldier having a prisoner in custody, conveying him to justice, he was attacked by the deceased, who threw several stones at him from behind a ditch, one of which stones cut the soldier desperately on the head, upon which he pursued, and upon coming up to deceased stabbed him with a bayonet; Peter Fitzpatrick, for Grand Larceny.

The following trials were postponed:

Francis Donnelly for administering oaths; Nicholas Carroll, William Timmons, and John Maguire, for murder; John Mullan, for endeavouring to seduce a soldier from his allegiance; Bernard Dowdall, Hugh Reilly, Nicholas Gossan, Pat Dowdall, Edward Reilly, James Kelly, Bryan Smith, Joseph Mourity, Valentine Derry, Hugh Hagan: - These persons had been for some time on a charge of High Treason, and the Attorney Gen. having informed the Court, that he did not mean to prefer any bill of indictment against them at this assizes and that he consented to their being bailed; they were accordingly discharged on giving security to appear at next Assizes.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

23 March 1799

 

‘At Dundalk Assizes, Hugh Markey was found guilty of burglary, and felony in the house of Thomas Rafferty, and ordered to be executed on Monday the 8^th of April

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

18 July 1799

 

‘At the assizes of Dundalk, there was little business, owing to the happy change that has taken place in the state of the country, but one person was capitally convicted, and that was for stealing yarn.’

 

 

Freeman’s Journal

25 July 1799

 

‘DROGHEDA ASSIZES

Began, and ended on the 15^th July; there was no civil business.

Wm. Magenis was tried and found guilty of robbing a bleach-green and sentenced to be executed on the 8^th August – On this man’s train it appeared from a witness produced by himself to his character, that he had committed a murder about two years since, and had absconded for it for some time.

John Kelly, a servant, for stealing yarn from his master’s ware-house, was ordered to be whipped through Drogheda, and imprisoned three months.’

‘DUNDALK ASSIZES

Began Tuesday 16^th, and ended on Wednesday the 18^th, which Loughlin Duffy, alias Brady, found guilty of stealing a mare, was sentenced to be executed on the 2^nd of September.

James Daly, a boy about 13 years old, for picking the pockets of three of his fellow-servants of money, was ordered to be transported for seven years, he appearing to be an adept at thieving.

Ann Smyth and Mary Lennon, for stealing linen cloth out of a market, ordered to be transported for seven years.

Terence Fegan, for receiving stolen goods, to be transported for life.’

 

 

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL

12 April 1800

 

Trials at Dundalk

The assizes began on Thursday the 2d and ended on Saturday the 5^th April last, when the following persons were tried and found guilty, viz: -

Edward Rourke, of the murder of his own child, about four months old, by throwing it into a bog hole, at Donaghmore, on the 5^th of January last, by which means it was immediately suffocated.

Francis M'Elboy alias M'Evoy of usury – ordered to pay treble the money lent

William Taaffe, of a riot, and seizing two horses: two cars laden with potatoes, cutting the sacks and letting the potatoes fall about the road.

Thomas Hoey of assaulting Pat. Hillard at Haggardstown, on the 11^th Feb last; ordered to be imprisoned for a month.

Peter Durnin, of feloniously taking, on the 15^th Oct last, sundry articles of wearing apparel, the property of Arthur Curry, ordered to be transported for seven years.

Felix Dawdly, of stealing hay, the property of John Dransfield, of Dundalk, sentenced also to be transported for seven years.

Patrick Hanratty of pig stealing.

The following persons were acquitted:

John Barlett, of the murder of Michael Cavanagh, a soldier.

Michael Connolly, of stealing fruit.

Thomas M'Cann of receiving a promissory note, which had been taken out of the mail.

Pat Hanratty for stealing a cow.

James Finigan, acquitted of feloniously taking £1 6s 0d in money.

Michael M'Donald of receiving 20 gallons of whiskey which had been stoled.

Anne Casie of stealing potatoes.

John Lamb of carrying away a girl with intent to marry her.

 

The Freeman’s Journal

17 March 1815

 

Drogheda Assizes, March 15

‘Yesterday evening about four o’clock, the Hon. Justice Daly arrived in town.

The Hon. Justice Mayne arrived in town this morning; his lordship presided in the Record Court.

The following trials took place this day –

James Martin, for having forged stamps in his possession, with an intent to issue them and thereby defraud the Revenue – Not Guilty. John Taafe for stealing sugar the property of John M’Can (sic), acquitted. The indictment by mistake, stated the sugar to be the property of M’Cann, instead of Coleman. James Coleman and Martin Moore for a conspiracy to rescue John M’Kenna, a prisoner in Drogheda jail – Not Guilty. But ordered to give bail for their good behaviour. – Michael Smith alias Rice, indicted for uttering several bank notes knowing them to be forged, Guilty – Death.

Joseph Kelly and Ann Dowdall, indicted for an assault on Mr. Benjamin Smith, and rescuing A. Thompson, William Roberts, and John Wilson, three soldiers of the 98^th regiment – indicted for the murder of Thomas Bird – Not Guilty. Michael Gilligan, indicted for stealing butter, the property of Michael Bird, Esq. – Not Guilty. Joseph Martin indicted for stealing a pig, the property of Michael Mathews – Not Guilty.

DROGHEDA, March 15. – The Sheriffs have received a warrant for the execution of Michael Smith, alias Rice, convicted on Saturday last, for passing forged notes, knowing them to be such. Judge Daly, in passing sentence on the unfortunate culprit, stated, that if any favourable, or even doubtful circumstance had appeared in his favour, on the trial, he would have recommended him to mercy; but on the contrary, it turned out, that he was an old offender – that he had been arraigned at the bar, where he then stood, for an offence of the same nature, four years ago, and acquitted for want of prosecution; that his life had been one scene of inquiry. The wretched man made no declaration whatever, but begged a long stay. The execution is fixed for Saturday, the 8^th of April.

Hickey and Callan, two of the villains who robbed Mornington House, and abused Mr. Brabazon, have been found guilty at the Assizes of Trim. It is rumoured, they are to be executed at Blackbush, but we have no certainty of the truth of the report.

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28 October 2004