Whiteboys & Levellers

WHITEBOYS & LEVELLERS
Reports from the 'Corke Journal'

See also: Rathcormac Northeast Cork Fermoy at corkgen.org

Notes in italics. The names of those arrested are in bold type and have been capitalised.

15th February, 1762 - CORKE - Yesterday the following Exhortation was publickly read from the Altars of the different Romish Chapels in this City.

My dear Children and Brethren in Christ, - 'You are not, you cannot be ignorant, that the law of God, and your Religion command you, in the strongest and most explicit terms, to be faithful, dutiful, and obedient to the powers, and governors, his viceregents, which the Omnipotent has placed over you, 'Kings reign thro' me, obey those who are placed over you, give unto Caesar, what belongeth to Caesar, and unto God, what belongeth to God;' this is the law, this is the duty of all of his Majesty's subjects in general, but you, my Roman Catholic Brethren, have yet another call upon you; the highest gratitude for the great lenity and paternal indulgence of his present Majesty's and his Royal Ancestors reigns and government over you, and forget not that the several penal laws in force against you in this kingdom, were enacted in reigns anterior to the accession of his Royal House, to the thrones of these realms; be then grateful and affectionate, be loyal and dutiful, behave in all things and on all occasions as good Christians and as good subjects; and as you are not qualified to do it by other means, at least assist your King and your Country with your hearts, your wishes, and you prayers; …. It has pleased our excellent Lord Lieutenant and the Government, in this time of a combination of enemies (Great Britain was then involved in the Seven Years War 1756 - 63), to order a solemn and general Fast to be observed throughout the kingdom on the 12th day of March next; I do earnestly exhort you to observe it exactly according to the tenor of the proclamation for the at purpose, and to offer, not only now, but at all times, to the Almighty, your earnest and fervent prayers for the spiritual and temporal prosperity of our gracious Sovereign King George the Third, and to beseech the God of Hosts to bless his Majesty, his officers, and his troops, to inspire and direct his councils, to grant a glorious and a happy conclusion to this war, and that a solid, lasting, and advantageous peace may restrain the effusion of Christian blood. You are also in duty bound to implore Heaven for all that is good and happy in this and the next life for his Majesty's Viceregent, our chief Governor, whose goodness looks with a tender and impartial eye on all his Majesty's faithful and loyal subjects, and whose extensive charity knows no Distinction of Religions.'

At the same time the different Clergymen exhorted their Congregations in the most pathetick manner, not to aid, abett, or succour any deserters, nor to connive at their deserting: They also recommended in the most expressive terms, to all such of their flock as shall take his Majesty's Royal advance money, not to quit their colours upon any account; as they, on behalf of themselves, and the fraternity of their ministry, disavow in the most solemn manner any such mal-practices, for that such of their flock as should in any wise derogate from this charge, would incur the anathema of the Roman Catholick and Apostolick Church.

Presumably, this letter, which is unsigned, was written by Richard Walsh, who was Catholic Bishop of Cork 1747-63. Due to the circumstances of the time, little is known of Bishop Walsh. A few weeks later, the Catholic Bishop of Cloyne and Ross, John O Brien, issued a similar Pastoral Letter:-

'March 29th 1762. - Reverend Sirs, - I have lately sent directions to all those amongst you, who are situated on the frontiers of the neighbouring counties, that have been first infested with those profligate disturbers of the public peace and tranquillity, who are called WHITE BOYS or LEVELLERS, to exhort and admonish the good people of their respective congregations, against having any hand, or taking the least part, directly or indirectly, in any illegal practice, or holding any sort of conduct, that may give offence to the government, especially in the present general conjuncture of troublesome times, when all the Roman Catholics of this kingdom should rather be more attentive than ever, to manifest their unfeigned disposition of giving our most excellent and noble minded Lord Lieutenant, and all our other great and good governors, the best and most solid proofs in our power, of the just and grateful feeling we have, and always should have of their lenity and indulgence towards us in our unhappy circumstances subjected as we are, according to the disposition of Providence not only to legal restraints and incapacities, but also to penal laws, whose weight and severity we already find to be alleviated in great measure, through the goodness and clemency of our most gracious rulers. to forbid all those of our communion, under pain of censures, to have any communication or society with those night walking disturbers, and that the said censures, should be issued and published as incurred DE FACTO by all such as might have engaged with them people or taken part in their iniquitous practices, unless they immediately desisted.

As to my order concerning the general exhortation relative to those disturbers, I have received sufficient testimony of its having been executed according to directions. But for the censures, the said frontier parish priest sent me a remonstrance desiring they may be excused and dispensed from issuing any menaces of spiritual penalties, until such time as the clergy of the neighbouring dioceses should have proceeded to act in like manner, alleging for their excuse, that as they had been assured and as it really appeared from circumstances, the different bands of those nocturnal rioters were all entirely composed of the loose and desperate sort of people, of different professions and communions, who showed as little regard to religion as to morals, they apprehended immediate danger with regards to the safety of their persons, as if they made themselves singular in proceeding to censure against a multitude of dissolute night walkers, who had already given so many terrifying proofs of their rash dispositions as well as of their disregard of all laws, and contempt of all characters…………Your very affectionate and humble servant, - J. O Brien. - Ballinterry (Gortroe, see Rathcormac.htm), March 30th, 1762

John O Brien, Bishop of Cloyne & Ross 1748 - 1769. Parish Priest of Castlelyons prior to becoming Bishop. Published an Irish-English Dictionary in 1768. Died in exile in Lyons, in France, in 1769.

5th April, 1762 - A Proclamation has been issued by the Lord Lieutenant and Council of Ireland, offering a reward of fifty pounds sterl. for apprehending and convicting any of the persons concerned in unlawfully assembling themselves in arms, and digging up several acres of land, and levelling several perches of walls and ditches in different parts of the kingdom, and committing many other outrages, to the great annoyance of many of his Majesty's subjects, and to the disturbance of the publick peace and quiet of this kingdom.

Another proclamation has been issued, offering a further reward of one hundred pounds sterl. for each and every of the first five persons that shall be so apprehended and convicted thereof before the 24th day of July next.

Wednesday and Thursday, there was a meeting of the Protestant Inhabitants of this city at the market-house, in order to form an association for their defence against the attempts of private or foreign enemies, when about 2000 persons, subscribed their names, as have many more since.

Last Week was committed to the County Gaol, DENNIS CONNER, Comber, of Tallow, who, it is said, acted as Adjutant amongst the White Boys; he was, through the vigilance of the Inhabitants of Youghall, apprehended, and sent from thence by water. A party of General Douglas's regiment of Dragoons arrived here last Saturday night, from Mallow, and this morning they set out for Dublin, escorting a Messenger with the above DENNIS CONNOR in custody.

Same day (Saturday) was committed to the County Goal, by Abraham Devonsher, Esq; High Sheriff of the County, JAMES DREW, PETER DYNAN, GARRET NAGLE, JOHN CORCORAN, JOHN MORONY, HENRY SIZE, AND NICHOLAS MC GRATH, on suspicion of their aiding and assisting of the Clan called White Boys; they were brought from Kilworth and Rathcormuck, under a guard of the army.

We hear that a party of the army, and some gentlemen of the Youghal militia, marched to Tallow, and made eleven of the above Clan prisoners, who were conducted to Youghal, and are from thence to be transmitted to the County gaol in the city; and as numerous parties of the army, each party attended by a Justice of the peace, are marched against these disturbers of publick tranquility, and that the gentlemen of the country will have their aid and support in apprehending them, it is hoped that a total stop will soon be put to such dangerous practices, and the chiefs of them be brought to condign punishment.

Yesterday all the Roman Catholic Clergy of this City, by order of their superior, exerted themselves in the most pathetic terms, to excite their respective congregations to the just abhorrence of the infamous practices of the persons called Levellers, whom they represented as unfaithful to their God, by giving umbrage to the state; and not only enemies but persecutors of their religion, by provoking the indignation of the most indulgent government.

This day sixteen of the people called White Boys, were brought to town from Lismore and Tallow, under a strong guard of Lord Drogheda's light horse, and a party of foot, and were lodged in South Goal, we are in hourly expectation of more from Youghall.

12th April, 1762 - The following is an authentick copy of the oath tendered by the White Boys, otherwise Sive Oultho's children, to those who enlist themselves in their society.

'I do hereby solemnly and sincerely swear that I will not make known any secret now given me, or hereafter may be given, to any one in the world, except a sworn person belonging to the society called, White Boys, otherwise Sive Oultho's Children.

'Furthermore, I swear, that I will be ready at an hour's warning, if possible, by being properly summounted by any of the officers, serjeants, and corporals belonging to my company.

Furthermore, I swear, that I will not wrong any of the company I belong to, to the value of one shilling, nor suffer it to be done by others, without acquainting them thereof.

'Lastly, I swear, that I will not drink of any liquor whatsoever, whilst on duty, without the consent of any one, or other of the officers, serjeants and corporals, and that we will be loyal one to another as in our power lies.'

Limerick, April 8. Last Tuesday the Reverend George Massy and Nicholas Weeks, Esqrs., went to Bruff and Kilmallock, with a party of Lord Drogheda's Light Dragoons, in search of the rioters, who have of late committed such outrages in this county, and searched the houses in each town for arms. At a house at Kilmallock, the door of which they found some difficulty to break open, one of the dragoons resolutely thrust himself in at a window tho' there were two or three men armed with ………..to be a deserter, so attempting to escape with a gun in his hand, was hot in the arm and secured, as were eight other suspected persons who were brought to town and lodged in goal.

A Gentleman of property, has also been committed, on suspicion of aiding and assisting in their disturbances.

Friday and Saturday arrived here five companies of the Queen's royal regiment, commanded by General Montague, the remainder is soon expected; they are to remain in garrison here.

Committals. To the County Goal, on Thursday last, by Arthur Hyde, Stephen Moore, William Forward, and Robert Grove, Esqrs.; FRANCIS STAKPOLE, MATHEW ROCHE, THOMAS FITZGERALD, WILLIAM COTTER AND EDMOND DINGINE, being charged with treasonable practices, and aiding and assisting the people called White Boys or Levellers. - Friday, by Abraham Devonsher, Esq.; JOHN CORBET, DAVID SHEEHAN, JOHN RAYON, AND JAMES DENNAHY, for being concerned with the above riotous mob. - This morning, by Mathew Parker, Esq.; WILLIAM CASEY, WILLIAM SHEEHY, JAMES DENT, JOHN DEA, RICHARD KENT, DARBY MAHONY, PATRICK PENDERGASS, AND PATRICK MURPHY, all charged by information on oath of being concerned in the riotous and rebellious proceedings of the unlawful mob called White Boys; they were brought in the King's bo.. from Youghall, guarded by a party of the Militia, and on their arrival at Cove, were escorted to town by Robert Newenham, Esq.; Surveyor of Cove. There are now confirmed in the above Goal, forty of those infamous rioters, which will soon be augmented to upwards of sixty, when joined by those at Youghal, which are soon expected.

(Advertisement) - WHEREAS Outrages of various kinds have lately been committed, and are still daily committed, in divers parts of this kingdom, by unlawful and riotous assemblies of people, known by the name of LEVELLERS. And Whereas it is the duty of all loyal and well-affected subjects, to contribute in the most effectual manner in their power, to the dispersing and suppressing of said assemblies.

NOW We the undernamed Roman Catholic Inhabitants of the City of Corke, in order to shew our utter detestation and abhorrence of all such enormities, and our earnest desire that the perpetrators thereof, and all concerned therein, may be discovered and brought to justice, do hereby offer a reward of TWO HUNDRED POUNDS Sterling, for apprehending and prosecuting to conviction, each and every of the first five who officiate or act as leaders under him, provided said chief and leaders be seized and convicted within the County or County of the City of Corke, within three calendar months after the date hereof. - Corke, April 7, 1762 (arranged alphabetically)

15th April, 1762 - Tuesday, JOHN [RIORDAN?] was committed to North-goal for drinking Long Life and good health to the White Boys.

This day was brought to …. from Mallow escorted by a party of the Earl of Drogheda's Light Dragoons, JAMES [LEDDIN?], charged with being …, and uttering words which tend to stir …… up to disaffection; and seditious. He was lodged in the County Goal.

(Advertisement) – WHEREAS by Proclamation of the Government, it appears that there are several Seditious Assembles of People in diverse parts of this Kingdom, in a Riotous and Tumultuous manner convened. And Whereas; since the issuing said Proclamation, there is Reason to apprehend that said Assemblies are headed by some Persons who act as Principals amongst them.

NOW in Order to suppress such unlawful Assemblies and bring the Offenders to Justice, The PROTESTANT INHABITANTS of the City and County of the City of Corke, hereby offer a Reward of Three Hundred Pounds Sterling for apprehending and prosecuting to Conviction, the Person who acts as Chief to said Assemblies; and also the Sum of Fifty Pounds for apprehending and prosecuting to Conviction, each and every of the first five who officiates or acts as Leaders under him, provided said Chief and Leaders be seized and convicted within the County or County of the City of Corke, within three Calendar Months after the Date hereof.

N.B. The above Rewards will be paid at the Bank of Messers. Falkiner and Mills in Corke. RIGGS FALKINER, Treasurer.

(Advertisement) – WHEREAS a threatening Letter dated at Clashmore (Co. Waterford?), the 1^st of April, 1762, drafted to GEORGE BAGNELL, Printer in Cork, signed A.B.S.L.M.C. was received by the said George Bagnell on last Sunday from the Post Office in Corke, with the Youghal Post Mark on it, NOW WE the PROTESTANT INHABITANTS of the City of Corke, do hereby offer a Reward of Thirty Pounds Sterling to such Person or Persons as shall within three Calendar Months from the Date hereof, apprehend and prosecute to Conviction, the Author or Authors of said Letter.

N.B. The above Rewards will be paid at the Bank of Messers. Falkiner and Mills in Corke. RIGGS FALKINER, Treasurer.

(Advertisement) – WHEREAS a threatening Letter, dated from head quarters at Ballyporeen (Co. Tipperary), the 2^nd day of April 1762, directed to Mr. Nicholas Haly of Macroom, signed Mr. Nobody, and Sheelah Ni Veakil, was received by the said Mr. Haly on Tuesday last, by the Bye Post, and having the Corke Post Mark on it.

NOW I the said Nicholas Haly, do hereby offer a reward of TWENTY POUNDS Sterling, to such Person or Persons, as shall within three Calendar Months, from the date hereof, apprehend and prosecute to Conviction, each of any other two of the Profligate wretches that might have been concerned in writing the said Letter. Macroom, April 9, 1762 NICHOLAS HALY

22nd April, 1762 - Tuesday the 13th the Youghal Militia, took one of the Levellers in the county of Waterford, and found in the house of a Papist, two guns and a case of pistols loaded, with a small quantity of powder and ball.

Committals - Last Saturday, MAURICE GUFFON, of Ballymacsimon, (parish of Aghern, Conna), to the county goal, by Arthur Gufford, Esqr., being charged with harbouring the White boys.

Yesterday were brought from Youghall to this city escorted by a party of Lord Drogheda's light horse, JOHN AND WILLIAM FAKY, JOHN FARRELL, JOHN KIRBY, MARK JACKSON, DERBY COLEMAN, JAMES LANDERS AND CORNELIUS HURLY, and lodged in the South jail, for being of the party called Levellers.

As the above prisoners were passing through Mallow-lane, a large mastiff dog ran out of a house, seized a young girl by the arm, and tore here in so dreadful a manner that her life is despaired of. The same dog bit several other persons before he was killed.

26th April, 1762 - Saturday. Godfrey Lill, Esq; a member of parliament for the borough of Fore, and John Morrison, Esq; Crown Solicitor, arrived in town, on their [misson?] to enquire into the late disturbances and riots, caused by the levellers.

10th May, 1762 - Whereas it has been published in the Cork Evening Post, (dated Monday May 3, 1762,) that I fled from justice, as a member of that gang called Levellers, otherwise, White Boys, I think it incumbent upon me, in vindication of my character, to acquaint the public, that the charge made against me is quite destitute of foundation. The lenity of the Government did not inspire me with fear for my person, and my conduct has been, and I hope will ever be such, as to merit a continuance of that lenity, for which I shall always testify the most grateful acknowledgment. I was particularly at the time, when it was published that I had fled, engaged, according to the instructions of my Superior, in exhorting my flock to the most peaceable deportment, and an utter abhorrence to the practices of the Levellers, whose iniquitous proceeding, I think, no man more heartily detests than I do; and should not, for that, be traduced as an abettor, much less a member of so profligate a party. I hope this declaration, the truth of which can be attested by many persons of known integrity, will be a sufficient voucher of my adhesion to, rather than flight from justice. - JOHN DOYLE, Ardfinan ( see below, 24/6/1762), May 6,1762

Last Wednesday night, a number of villains dressed in white broke into the house of the Revd. Mr. John Oliver, of Rockvale, in the county of Corke, and robbed it of a considerable value….

Last Friday, JOHN CONNELL, JAMES KEEFE AND JOHN BRYAN, were committed to the county goal, by Mathew Parker, Esq.; charged with being levellers.

This morning, one troop of Lord Drogheda's light horse marched out of this city for Feathard (Fethard, Co. Tipperary); and tomorrow morning the rest are to follow to the same place.

24^th May, 1762 – Yesterday, WM. NUNAN, JN. POWER, T. FORCHANE, ANTH. DWYER, DAVID AND JOHN FOWLUE AND JOHN FLEMING, charged with assembling in the dead time of the night, and setting fire to houses, levelling ditches, throwing down walls, and killing cattle, about Ballyhooly, were committed to the county gaol by Arthur Hyde and William Forward, Esqrs., and conducted thither by a party of the army.

27^th May, 1762 – Last Tuesday, three companies of col. Sebright’s regiment marched into this city. – Same day eight covered waggons, and thirty-nine cars, loaded with camp equipage, passed through this city for Kinsale.

Same day JOHN TRACEY AND MICHAEL DOOLIN OTHERWISE DOOEL, were committed to the county gaol by Robert Grove and Michael Creagh, Esqrs., being charged with being white boys, and shooting a horse belonging to James Grove, Esq.; and burning a barn and an out-house belonging to Michael Adams.

24^th June, 1762 – CORKE – Last week ended at Clonmell, the tryal of the Levellers confined there, at which OWEN CALLAGHAN of Clogheen, was fin’d one mark, to suffer a year’s imprisonment, and until he can give security for his good behaviour; ____MEARA, to be whipt thro’ that town, and remain in prison for six months; JAMES LEYLAND AND HIS WIFE, and about eighteen more were discharged by proclamation. WILLIAM SHEEHY, priest of Clogheen, WILLIAM O DONNELL, priest of Cahir, and JOHN DOYLE, priest of Ardfinan, in the County of Tipperary, were presented by the Grand Jury as unregistered Popish Priest, and are to take their tryals to such next Assizes, until then admitted to bail.

Extract of a letter from Waterford, June 22. - ‘This day the Judges appointed by Special Commission for the tryal of the Levellers, or White Boys, left this city; when seven delinquents were capitally convicted, two for destroying David Coughlan’s mill, and five for burning the cabbin of one Fowlow. MR. W.W. pleaded an exemption from the authority of the Special Commission, as this, he said, only extended to the county, and he was confined in the city by a warrant from the Mayor: It is said, that he intends to get himself removed to the King’s Bench, there to take his tryal.’

Yesterday morning, PIERCE BAILY, ROBERT STAKPOOL, AND PIERCE MOOR, OTHERWISE ANDREW MOOR, were carried out of town, under a strong guard of the army and Horse Militia of this city, to be executed pursuant to their sentence, as mentioned in a former paper.

28^th June, 1762 – Last Thursday, PIERCE BAYLY was executed at Mitchelstown pursuant to his sentence.

And, on Saturday ROBERT STAKPOOL AND PIERCE OTHERWISE ANDREW MOORE were executed pursuant to their sentence, one at Glanworth and the other at Fermoy.

These pages are for the use and enjoyment of website visitors who are researching Cork history and genealogy and they are freely accessible. Some of the material is borrowed from others. Please do not link directly to any images on these pages, as that would constitute misuse.

Cork Ancestors

corkgen.org

these pages are best viewed on a wide-screen computer.