| Citation |
BEP(F.763.066
3 Oct 1763:21 (1465)
Extract of a letter from Armagh, July 6. I suppose you have
several accounts in Dublin concerning the disturbance we
have in the North, on account of the heavy cesses laid on
last assizes. There are great numbers risen on this
occasion, in different parts of the country and this day a
great many of them paraded at the Market-hill, and from
hence proceeded to one Mr. ---, who lives near Ball's mill,
in the mountains, in order to chastize him (as they have
done some others already) for being instrumental in laying
on these cesses. A person coming from Newry this morning,
met them a little beyond Market-hill, all marching in order,
and many of them armed. He says they filled at least two
miles of the road, and were formed into companies, with each
a standard, or colours, displayed; of which he says he
counted thirty, with drums, horns, fiddles and bagpipes.
They have erected several gallows in different places, at
one of which they have a ladder, rope, and cap it with a
black ribbon. They only meant at first to reduce the
exorbitant cesses; but now, I am told, they mean to oblige
the clergy to give up the small dues: and for that purpose,
they have visited several of them. They all wear oak
branches in their hats, and call themselves Hearts of Oak."
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