ck-neck feathers and green cockades, &c.

Yours, &c.----

LETTER VII.

TYRELL'SPASS, APRIL 30th, 1799.

_Dr. Friend_,

I should have answered your favour sooner, but was making every
possible enquiry in order to furnish you with the best account
of the engagement at Kilbeggan. The gentleman, the bearer of this
(one of our Officers) and I were present on the occasion.

On the 17th of June 1798, (on the preceding day a fair was held in
Kilbeggan. The lower order of the people appeared uncommonly civil,
and this country had a more placid appearance than for some time
before,) at 11 o'clock at night a recruit of Capt. Clarke's gave
information that the town would be attacked on the next day. As
many similar alarms had been circulated before, this was not much
regarded--however the Videts of Horse were ordered to keep a sharp
look-out, and give instant intelligence should any number of men be
descried by them.

At break of day, (at that time of the year about two o'clock) some
persons were perceived on the top of a hill westward of the town.
Immediate notice of this was given to the Officer commanding, who
directed that the horse-guard should continue to observe the motions
of the enemy; and should their numbers encrease, to retreat slowly,
about two hundred yards in front to the town, and apprize him of
the same.

It soon appeared that their force was between three and four
thousand divided into bands, from sixty to an hundred, in regular
order, with different kinds of Arms, principally pikes, from five to
ten feet long, pitch-forks, &c. Each band moved separately headed by
an Officer, distinguished by a green sash or cockade--most of the
men had white paper bands round their hats.

It was generally remarked that they had all clean shirts on, had
each a piece of oat-bread in their pockets, and many were apparently
intoxicated.

The town (the subject of this letter) has not been remarkable
for loyalty--the principal fears of the garrison arose from an
apprehension of treachery. There were then under arms sixty of the
Northumberland Fencibles, about thirty of the Fertullagh Cavalry,
and thirty loyal Protestants, who either belonged to the town or
had fled there for refuge.

On the first appearance of the Rebels, (three hours before the attack
commenced) an express was sent to Tullamore where the principal part
of the 7th Dragoons lay--General Dunne forwarded a Troop about
eighty in number--the want of