1789

If this is to be the last year of my life,

according to some of those prophecies, I hope it will be the best. I am not careful about it, but heartily receive the advice of the angel in Milton, — How well is thine: How long permit to Heaven.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 461

Although the extreme severity of the weather kept many tender people away; yet we had a large congregation in the evening to renew their covenant with God; and we always find, when we avouch Him to be our God, he avouches us to be his people.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

At the earnest desire of Mrs. T——, I once more sat for my picture. Mr. Romney is a painter indeed. He struck off an exact likeness at once; and did more in one hour than Sir Joshua did in ten. Tuesday, 6. I retired to Highbury Place, and on Thursday, 8, to Peckham. Here, in the evening, I preached to a very serious congregation, although many of them were of the better rank. But rich and poor seemed equally determined to work out their own salvation.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

I left no money to any one in my Will, because I had none. But now considering, that, whenever I am removed, money will soon arise by sale of books, I added a few legacies by a codicil, to be paid as soon as may be. But I would fain do a little good while I live; for who can tell what will come after him?

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

I again warned the congregation, as strongly as I could, against conformity to the world. But who will [take the warning]? If hardly one in ten, yet is my record with the Most High.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

I spent a day or two with my good old friends at Newington.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

I retired to Camberwell, and carried on my Journal,

probably as far as I shall live to write it. On Thursday I preached once more at Peckham; and did not withhold from them that had ears to hear, the whole counsel of God.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

I looked over the finest picture of atheistical religion that ever I saw, in the account that Captain Wilson gives of Thule, King of Pelew. But how utterly needless is either the knowledge [or the grace] of God, (consequently, how idle a book is the Bible,) if a man be all-accomplished, that has no more knowledge of God than a horse, and no more of his grace than a sparrow!

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

I retired in order to finish my year’s accounts. If possible, I must be a better economist; for instead of having anything before hand, I am now considerably in debt; but this I do not like. I would fain settle even my accounts before I die.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 462

Much of the power of God was in the congregation, both

morning and afternoon; as also on Monday evening; which gave me a good hope that God will carry on his own work. At the earnest importunity of our friends, on Wednesday, 28, I went to open the new preaching-house at Rye. It is a noble building, much loftier than most of our Houses, and finely situated at the head of the town. It was thoroughly filled. Such a congregation I never saw at Rye before; and their behavior was as remarkable as their number; which, added to the peaceable, loving spirit they are now in, gives reason to hope there will be such a work here as has not been heretofore.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 463

I went over to Winchelsea; once a large, flourishing city; but ever since it was burnt by the Danes, a little, inconsiderable town, though finely situated on the top of a range of hills. The new preaching-house was well filled with decent, serious hearers, who seemed to receive the truth in the love of it. I returned to Rye in the afternoon; and in the evening preached to another large and serious congregation. Friday, 30. We made our way through miserable roads to Sevenoaks, where the congregation, both evening and morning, was uncommonly large. So (whether I see them again or not) I cheerfully commended them to God, and the next morning returned to London.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 463

We had an exceeding solemn season, both morning

and evening. It seemed indeed as if the skies poured down righteousness on all that lifted up their hearts to God.

Monday, 2, and the following days, I spent in meeting the classes. Friday, 6, being the Quarterly Day for meeting the Local Preachers, between twenty and thirty of them met at West-Street, and opened their hearts to each other. Taking the opportunity of having them all together, at the watch-night, I strongly insisted on St. Paul’s advice to Timothy, “Keep that which is committed to thy trust;” particularly the doctrine of Christian Perfection, which God has peculiarly entrusted to the Methodists.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 463

I went to Brentford, and found the society still alive, and increasing both in strength and number. Thursday, 12. I preached once more at Chelsea, where there is at length a fair and promising prospect.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 463

I took a view of that noble building, Chelsea College, and all the parts of it. It is designed to lodge five hundred old soldiers, who are furnished with all things needful for life and godliness. Sunday, 15. We had the usual blessing at Spitalfields. Monday, 16. I went to Dorking. I scarce find any society in England like this. Year after year, it seems at one stay, neither increasing nor decreasing; only if one or two die, one or two are quickly added to fill up the number.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 463

I examined the society at Deptford, and preached there in the evening. Wednesday, 18. I retired into the country to finish my writings.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 464

God was eminently present with us at West-Street chapel,

both in the morning and evening. Tuesday, 24. Mr. W—— called upon me, and we had an agreeable and useful conversation. What a blessing is it to Mr. P. to have such a friend as this! In the evening I expounded part of the Second Lesson, Ephesians 3.

Wednesday, 25, was the day which I had ordered all our brethren in Great Britain and Ireland to observe with fasting and prayer, for the recovery of His Majesty’s health: But we had the satisfaction to hear, that before we asked (unless in private) He answered; insomuch that the time intended for humiliation, turned into a time of thanksgiving; and both at five, at nine, at one, and in the evening, we were most employed in praises. Sunday, March 1, was a solemn day indeed. The new chapel was sufficiently crowded both morning and afternoon; and few that expected a parting blessing, were disappointed of their hope. At seven in the evening I took the mail-coach; and having three of our brethren, we spent a comfortable night, partly in sound sleep, and partly in singing praise to God. It will now quickly be seen whether they who prophesied some time since, that I should not outlive this month, be sent of God or not. One way or the other, it is my care to be always ready.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 464

At Bath the evening congregation was such as we used to have on Sunday evening; and I have seldom seen a larger here. In the morning, a young gentleman, who had heard me the evening before, desired to speak to me. He seemed greatly affected, and was almost persuaded to be a Christian. In the afternoon he sent his carriage, and would needs have me see his lady, though she had lain in but two or three days. Whether they turn back or no, they both seem now not far from the kingdom of God.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 464

I went on to Bristol, where we had a crowded congregation both this evening and the next. Sunday, 8. In the evening I preached in Temple church to a large congregation. It was an acceptable time, especially to the mourners in Zion.

Mr. Baddiley read Prayers for me, but could not stay to assist me at the Lord’s Supper. However, my strength was as my day. Monday, 9, and the following days, I visited the classes, which do not decrease either in grace or number. Tuesday, 10. I had the pleasure of an hour’s conversation with Mr.——, whom I had hardly seen for several years. On all these evenings God was eminently present in the congregation. On Thursday, 12, the grand day of rejoicing for His Majesty’s recovery, I preached on part of King Hezekiah’s thanksgiving for his recovery; and indeed it was a season of solemn joy; particularly when I applied those words, “The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day.”

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 465

I spent some time with poor Richard Henderson, deeply

affected with the loss of his only son; who, with as great talents as most men in England, had lived two-and-thirty years, and done just nothing.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 465

In the evening I preached in Temple church; perhaps for the last time, Good Mr. Easterbrook was suddenly taken ill the next day. Well, whatever is, is best. Sunday, 15. Having Mr. Baddiley to assist me in the morning, I preached at Kingswood in the afternoon; and in the evening, at the Room. We concluded the day with a solemn and comfortable love-feast.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 465

We set out early, and dined at Stroud, where I had proof that either people or Preachers, or both, had left their first love. I strongly exhorted them to remember from whence they were fallen, and do the first works. God applied his word, and I suppose two hundred were present at five in the morning. Tuesday, 17. Many were present at Gloucester in the evening; but they seemed to be little affected. Wednesday, 18. I preached in Tewkesbury at noon. The Room was crowded, and all seemed to feel what they heard. I was informed that one who, two or three years ago, had carried all his family to America, in quest of golden mountains, had crept back again, being utterly beggared, and forced to leave his family behind him. In the evening the House at Worcester was thoroughly filled with a deeply affected congregation; but we were in great want of more room. In due time God will give us this also.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 465

We went on to Birmingham, still increasing on every side. Hearing the cry of want of business, even in this as well as most other trading towns in England, I considered what the meaning of it should be; and the case seems plainly this: Two or three years ago, business poured into Birmingham, and consequently more hands were wanting; but when business returned into its usual channel, they were wanted no longer. These men therefore certainly wanted business, and spread the cry over the town. The same must be the case at Manchester, Liverpool, and all other towns where there is an extraordinary trade for a time: It must subside again; and then arises the cry of want of business.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 466

I had a day of rest, only preaching morning and evening.

Sunday, 22, was appointed for my opening the House at the east end of the town. It would have been crowded above measure, but that the friendly rain interposed; so that we had only a moderate congregation. It was otherwise in the evening, when heaps upon heaps were obliged to go away. How white are these fields unto the harvest! Monday, 23. The congregation at Dudley pretty well filled the new House, where I preached as I did at London fifty years ago. Thence we hastened to Madeley, where I found Mrs. Fletcher better than she had been for many years; and young Mr. Fletcher much alive to God, and swiftly growing up into the spirit of his uncle. I preached in the evening, after Mr. Horne had read Prayers, to a deeply serious congregation; and again at nine in the morning, Tuesday, 24, in the preaching-house she has lately fitted up. Going on to Shrewsbury, at six I preached in the preaching-house, on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Several of the Gentry and several Clergymen were there; and, I believe, not in vain. I had purposed to set out early in the morning, but was persuaded to stay another day, there being now a fairer prospect in Salop than had been before. I preached morning and evening. I have cast my bread upon the waters, and hope it will be found again, at least after many days.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 466

We set out early, and, taking post-horses at Clowrust, reached Conway between eight and nine o’clock; having traveled seventy-eight miles that day; twenty-eight more than from Chester to Conway.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 466

We went on to Holyhead; and at eight in the evening went on board the Claremont packet. The wind stood fair three or four hours: It then turned against us, and blew hard. I do not remember I was ever so sick at sea before; but this was little to the cramp which holden most of the night with little intermission. All Saturday we were beating to and fro, and gaining little ground; and I was so ill, throughout the day, as to be fit for nothing; but I slept well in the night, and about eight in the morning, Sunday, 29, came safe to Dublin quay.

I went straight up to the new Room. We had a numerous congregation, and as serious as if we had been at West-Street. I preached on the sickness and recovery of King Hezekiah and King George; and great was our rejoicing. I really took knowledge of the change which God has wrought in this congregation within a few years. A great part of them were light and airy; now almost all appear as serious as death. Monday, 30. I began preaching at five in the morning; and the congregation, both then and the following mornings, was far larger in proportion than those at London. Meantime, I had letter upon letter concerning the Sunday service; but I could not give any answer till I had made a full inquiry both into the occasion and the effects of it. The occasion was this: — About two years ago it was complained, that few of our society attended the church on Sunday; most of them either sitting at home, or going on Sunday morning to some Dissenting meeting. Hereby many of them were hurt, and inclined to separate from the Church. To prevent this, it was proposed to have service at the Room; which I consented to, on condition that they would attend St. Patrick’s every first Sunday in the month. The effect was,

1. That they went no more to the meetings.

2. That three times more went to St. Patrick’s (perhaps six times) in six or twelve months, than had done for ten or twenty years before. Observe! This is done not to prepare for, but to prevent, a separation from the Church.

On the mornings of this and the following week I expounded the thirteenth chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians: Such a compendium of true religion as none but the Author of it can give. The evening congregations were exceeding large, as well as deeply attentive. Friday, APRIL 3. I preached at Bethesda; and with much liberty of spirit. Saturday, 4. I preached in Gravel-Walk House, so filled as I never saw it before; and they all seemed to hear as for life. It was a comfortable night.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 467

I preached in the new Room at seven. At eleven I went to the cathedral. I desired those of our society who did not go to their parish churches, would go with me to St. Patrick’s. Many of them did so. It was said, the number of communicants was about five hundred; more than went there in the whole year before the Methodists were known in Ireland.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 468

Today, and for some days following, I was so overborn with letters, that I had hardly time to do anything but to read and answer them.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 468

I visited and administered the sacrament to our poor widows; four-and twenty of whom are tolerably provided for in our Widows’ House. The forwardness and stubbornness of some of these was, for a time, a grievous trial to the rest; but this is past: They are all now of a better spirit, and adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 468

In the evening I met, for the second time, the bands. I admired them much: They are more open than those either in London or Bristol; and I think here is a greater number of those that are now clearly perfected in love, than I now find even in London itself.

April 10. — (Being Good Friday.) I accepted of the pressing invitation of Mr. Smyth, and preached at Bethesda both morning and evening; in the morning on the New Covenant, as it is now given to the Israel of God; and in the evening on Hebrews 9:13, 14, “If the blood of bulls,” etc. At both times we had a brilliant congregation, among whom were Honorable and Right Honorable persons: But I felt they were all given into my hands; for God was in the midst. What a mercy it is, what a marvellous condescension in God, to provide such places as Bethesda, and Lady Huntingdon’s chapels, for these delicate hearers, who could not bear sound doctrine if it were not set off with these pretty trifles! April 12. — (Being Easter-Day.) We had a solemn assembly indeed; many hundred communicants in the morning; and in the afternoon far more hearers than our Room would contain; though it is now considerably enlarged. Afterwards I met the society, and explained to them at large the original design of the Methodists, viz., not to be a distinct party, but to stir up all parties, Christians or Heathens, to worship God in spirit and in truth; but the Church of England in particular; to which they belonged from the beginning. With this view, I have uniformly gone on for fifty years, never varying from the doctrine of the Church at all; nor from her discipline, of choice, but of necessity: So, in a course of years, necessity was laid upon me, (as I have proved elsewhere,)

1. To preach in the open air.

2. To pray extempore.

3. To form societies.

4. To accept of the assistance of Lay Preachers:

And, in a few other instances, to use such means as occurred, to prevent or remove evils that we either felt or feared.

We set out early on Monday, 13, and about twelve reached Clonard; five-and-twenty Irish miles from Dublin. Three or four times as many as the house could contain met together at five o’clock. The power of God was remarkably present; when divers were cut to the heart; and perhaps none more so than the master of the house. We had another good opportunity at seven in the morning, Tuesday, 14, which we closed with a serious, pointed conversation, and then went on to Tyrrel’s Pass. Though the wind was piercing cold, the multitude of people obliged me to preach abroad in the evening; after which I gave them all a plain account of the design of Methodism; namely, not to separate from the Church, but to unite together all the children of God that were scattered abroad.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 468

About ten I preached to a small congregation in the

Court-House, in Molingar. We had a far different congregation, both as to number and spirit, in Longford Court-House in the evening. It was a beautiful sight. Great part of them came again at seven in the morning, and seemed to relish those words, “He that doeth the will of God, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 469

Heavy rain came on in the evening; yet the preaching-house at Kenagh would not contain the people. Friday, 17. I came to my old friends at Athlone; but, to my surprise, I found them heaps upon heaps. I hastened to hear the contending parties face to face; and was amazed to find how much matter a little fire kindles. Some of the Leaders had causelessly taken offense at the Assistant. He called on Mr. R., and warned him against imbibing the same prejudice; telling him if he did he must beware of the consequence; meaning thereby the mischief it would do among the people. Misunderstanding this word, he grew very angry. Others took part with him, and the society was in an uproar. I talked with him till I was tired; but in vain: One might as well have talked to the north wind. So I gave him up to God, and only endeavored to quench the flame among the people.

Saturday, 18, was a day of peace. Sunday, 19. The Commanding Officer sending to offer me the use of any part of the barracks, I preached at five in the riding-house, a very spacious building, to a multitude of people, on, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” I think the word did not fall to the ground. Monday, 20. I preached about eleven at B——; and at six in the church at Aghrim. It was much fuller than when I preached here before; and many Papists were there; who, as the Minister informed me, had attended the church ever since I was there before.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 469

About ten I preached in Eyre-Court church, so filled as, I suppose, it never was before; and many of the hearers seemed to feel the word. Thence we went on to Birr. How is the scene changed here! One of the dullest places in Ireland is become one of the liveliest! But I could not preach abroad in the evening, by reason of the rain; so we made all the room we could in the Room and in the yard; and a most solemn opportunity we had.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 470

About noon I preached in the beautiful new courthouse, at Tullamore. Deep attention sat on the rich as well as the poor; as it did likewise at Coolylough in the evening. Thursday, 23, being the Thanksgiving Day for the recovery of His Majesty’s health, I preached in the Court-House, at Portarlington, as soon as the Church Service ended. The congregation was exceeding well dressed, but exceeding careless and ill-behaved. At six I preached in the church at Mount-Mellick, exceedingly crowded with hearers of quite another kind: They were all attention; and in the morning filled the preaching-house. Friday, 24. The church at Maryborough was far larger, and one of the most elegant that I have seen in the kingdom. It was thoroughly filled in the evening, although many of the hearers looked as if they had not been in a church before. But in half an hour they were serious as death; and in the morning, Saturday, 25, the lower part of the church was well filled. Surely many will remember that day. In the evening I preached in our preaching-house at Carlow; where, that I might not overshoot the congregation, I preached on, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 470

I preached in the morning, and at five in the evening. The people were very civil, and many of them attentive; but I think the time of Carlow is not yet come. Monday, 27. I reached Enniscorthy about noon; and presently after, as it had continued to rain, I preached in the place prepared for me, which was a large, though not very elegant, cow-house. However, God vas there; as likewise in the assembly-room, at Wexford, where I preached to a large congregation in the evening.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 471

About noon we reached the ferry, on the west side of which Mrs. Deaves was waiting. She pressed me much to go with her in the chaise, and, at least, to dine at her house; saying Mr. Deaves was willing to settle the House in any way that I desired! The same thing he said to me himself; so I hoped all things would end well. In the evening I preached to a numerous congregation, on Mark 3:35. The God of peace and love was in the midst of us, and seemed to affect the whole assembly.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 471

We had a large congregation in the morning. At breakfast and at tea, on these two days, I met all the society; (eight or ten excepted;) and we greatly confirmed our love to each other. In the evening I preached to a larger congregation than before, on, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Afterwards I strongly exhorted them all to rehearse no past grievances; and only to provoke one another to love and good works.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 471

We went to Capoquin. The rain preventing my preaching abroad, I accepted of a very large room which was offered me in the barracks. As we went up the street, we had a very numerous retinue, hallooing and shouting with all their might: But the sentinel keeping out the mob, we had a quiet congregation within. A Popish gentleman inviting me to lodge at his house, I spent a comfortable evening.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 471

The House was sufficiently filled with people, as well as with the power of God. Monday, 4. So it was again at five, when I endeavored to quench the fire which some had labored to kindle among the poor, quiet people, about separating from the Church. In the evening I preached on Luke 8:24; and the word was as fire; it pierced to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. Tuesday, 5. Being not very well in the morning, I desired Joseph Bradford to preach. In the evening I preached on, “Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” Many, I believe, are earnestly purposed so to do. May God give them the power! Wednesday, 6. I preached on that remarkable prophecy, Genesis 9:27, which is so eminently fulfilled at this day, wherein God does “seize the servile progeny of Ham.” Thursday, 7. I went to Bandon, and finished the Life of Baron Trenck; the strangest I ever read. Was there ever such a fiend incarnate as the late King of Prussia? To inflict such unheard-of torments for so many years, for no fault! Good had it been for him, if he had never been born. Yet, what a wretch was Trenck himself! He made not the least scruple of adultery and murder; and does not appear to have had a jot more religion than an inhabitant of Otaheite! I think, therefore, this is a most dangerous book; I wish none that cares for his soul would read a page of it.

In the evening I preached in the new preaching-house, twice or thrice as large as the old. It was well filled both this evening and the next; but I did not find the same life in this people as in those at Cork. But God is able to cause all grace to abound here also. Saturday, 9. I returned to Cork, and earnestly enforced, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 472

After preaching, I administered the Lord’s Supper to about four hundred and fifty communicants. I was enabled to speak with power in the evening to more than the House could contain, and afterwards to the society. May God write it on all their hearts! I am now clear of their blood.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 472

At half an hour after two we reached Kilkenny; and at six I preached on, “One thing is needful.” A few seemed to understand what I meant; as also at five in the morning, when I expounded, “There is neither work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Tuesday, 12. I felt myself a good deal out of order. However, I pushed on to Limerick, where the Rev. Mr. Ingram (one of the Chaplains of the cathedral) gladly received me: So did Mrs. Ingram, and all the lovely family; where I wanted nothing which the kingdom could afford. At six the House would not contain the congregation. I preached on, “There is one God;” and it seemed as if all under the roof were sensible of his presence.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 472

I was not well able to preach in the morning; so Joseph Bradford took my place. But about eleven I preached myself at Pallas, about twelve miles from Limerick. All the remains of the Palatine families came hither from Balligarane, Court-Mattris, and Ratheal; in all which places an uncommon flame has lately broke out, such as was never seen before. Many in every place have been deeply convinced, many converted to God, and some perfected in love. Some societies are doubled in number, some increased six or even ten fold. All the neighboring Gentry were likewise gathered together; so that no House could contain them, but I was obliged to stand abroad. The people, as it were, swallowed every word: and great was our rejoicing in the Lord.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 473

I preached in the morning on Revelation 2:4, 5; in the evening on Luke 4:18. All the congregation were, for the present, much affected: With many, I trust, the impression will continue.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 473

We set out at five; and between three and four reached

Castlebay. In the evening I preached at Killchrist, to so large a congregation that I was obliged to preach abroad, though it rained all the time. As I had not been well for some days, this did me no good; but I holden up till Saturday, 16, when we came to Ballinrobe, and then gave up, and let another preach. After a very uneasy night, on Saturday, 17, I went on to Castlebar, and, finding myself much better, preached in the evening to a lovely congregation. But I was obliged to let Joseph Bradford preach in the morning, on Monday, 18. Being stronger in the evening, I preached again, and met the earnest society, increasing both in number and grace.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 473

Retiring to a friend’s house about a mile from the town, I took a full account of the late wonderful affair of Mr. F——d. Mr. George Robert F——d, at his first settling near Castlebar, about the year 1776, made himself very popular; but, meantime his pride was excessive; affirming that, being the head of the Desmond family, he was the premier Nobleman of Ireland. Therefore he expected that all the country should submit to him: Hence he fell into disputes with his father; and by turns with his brother; and kept his neighbors in perpetual alarm. In 1779, when volunteering began, he raised a Company, which was wholly subject to him. Soon after he engaged Patrick Randal M’Donald, a relation, as a Captain in his Company; but not long after, a dispute arose between them, relative to the driving of some cattle. Mr. M’D., being informed that Mr. F. intended violence to him, placed some men near his own house; and ordered them, if he approached the house, to fire. Mr. F. approaching, one of them did fire; which killed his horse, and wounded him in the knee and leg. On this he prosecuted Mr. M’D. at the following Assizes; but, after a full hearing, he was acquitted.

Another matter of contention soon ensued: Mr. M’D., being an Attorney, was employed against Mr. F., and carried the suit. This inflamed Mr. F. beyond measure, of which Mr. M’D. was frequently informed. This continued, however, to the close of the year 1785; when Mr. M’D., being at Castlebar one nights a blunderbuss, charged with eight or nine bullets and slugs, was discharged through the window of the room where he used to sit. Immediately after Christmas, the witness, Mr. R. G., was sitting in Mr. M.’s cellar, bottling some wine, when he heard a very uncommon sound of a musket, and a loud shriek following it. Going out, the first thing he saw was Mr. M’D., wounded in the leg. On his cry, three men ran out of the little house of Mr. F., whence the gun had been fired from a hole through the wall, which had been made on purpose.

He then took a lodging in Castlebar; but on the 20th of February, 1786, accompanied by Mr. G., Mr. H., and M., went to his house in the country. They had been but a while there, when they found it surrounded by many armed men; on which Mr. M’D.’s friends made their escape to a neighboring village. Meantime they broke into his house; and, not finding him, broke into several houses. At length they came to the house where he was, and fired several balls through the doors and windows: Then they broke in, and made M’Donald, Gallagher, and Hipson, prisoners; and one Fulton said he had a warrant against them. They desired he would bring them before Sir Neal O’Donuel, a Magistrate, then within five miles; but, instead of this, they were tied, and dragged to F.’s house, in Turlogh, where they continued all night.

WES_WW04.PDF, p. 473