formers, it would be extremely difficult to
find a parallel to this same Lysaght. Indeed, the admission by the Crown
of the testimony of such a miscreant, in the matter of life or death,
appears to be highly reprehensible, as the following abstract of his
evidence will plainly evince:

John Lysaght examined: I remember the time when Walsh's house was
burnt. Anthony Ryan came to me before the house was burned to borrow
a gun. I brought it to him on a Monday night, and he told me to come
with him to McCarthy's house, who wanted to see me. I went to
McCarthy's, and near his place was an old house, in which some of our
party were assembled. McCarthy brought some bread and spirits, and
we took share of it. McCarthy asked me if I would go with the men to
frighten Walsh, and burn the house. I promised to do so, and he then
furnished us with powder and ball; we went down to the river side,
and McCarthy gave his pistols and 7/6 in money to Anthony Ryan. He
gave me some powder, flax, and something like saltpetre, and showed
me, by putting some powder into the pan, and snapping it, how the
flax was to be lighted. McCarthy then parted with us, and we, after
eating the bread and meat, went to Walsh's. I lighted the tow, and
Paddy Ryan put the fire into the roof. I and two of the party then
went and stood sentry near the road. After a time, I heard a noise,
and ran back to give an alarm. We then left, and went by Toom
homewards, and separated near Marshall's gate; this was about three
or four in the morning. I and Paddy Ryan had shot guns, Ned Ryan had
a long one, Darby Ryan a bayonet on a pole, and the two Ryans had
McCarthy's pistols. We left the house after it was in flames. I
knew a man named Bryan Noonan; he is dead.

Judge Torrens: Was it you murdered Noonan?

Witness: No. I joined in it.

Mr. Hatchell: How many men did you murder before this?

Witness: None.

You say it was Anthony Ryan went to you to get the gun?--It was.

He has, since, been transported?--Yes.

You went with the party to the burning for the love of
amusement?--They induced me to go with them, but did not force me; I
was not very unwilling to go after getting the liquor; but, when I
brought the gun, had no such intention.

Did you load the gun before you went out?--I did.

Had you liberty to carry