A Narrative of What Passed at Killalla, in the County of Mayo, and the Parts Adjacent, During the French Invasion in the Summer of 1798 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1800. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... room on the same floor was left undisturbed; the two bed-chambers adjoining were reserved for the general and his principal officers. The attic story, containing a library and three bed-chambers, continued sacredi to the bishop and his family. And so scrupulous was the delicacy of the French not, to disturb the female part of the house, that not one of them was ever seen to go higher than the middle floor, except on the evening of their success at Castlebar, when two officers begged leave just to carry to the family the news of the battle, and seemed a little mortified that the intelligence was received with an air of dissatisfaction.... One of these officers observed to a brother officer in the town, who interpreted for him in the house where he-' lodged, that there was no hope of attaching the bishop's family to their cause, for thar, while he was announcing, the victory at Castlebar, he coiild see despair painted in their faces. It was some time before the French could believe, that no protestant would join them. The only persons of the established church that did so', were two drunken sots of Killalla, who, thinking apostacy the fittest prelude to treason, before they embraced the French party, did first publicly declare.'themselves converts to the church of Rome. f It is net easy by any force of language to convey an adequate idea of the miseries of that first night, which succeeded to the landing of the enemy. To the terrified imaginations of the town's people the castle instantly presented itself, as the only place where they could have a chance of safety. Thither accordingly they fled, without distinction of age, sex or condition, forcing their way into every corner of the house and offices, occupying the stair-cases, spreading through the bed-chambers...