| Citation |
MG-A(G.763.042
22 Sep 1763:13,21 (959)
Extract of a letter from Armagh, July 6. I suppose you have
several accounts in Dublin concerning the disturbances 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
thence 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
tied 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, I am informed, they have visited several of them.
They all wear oak branches in their hats, and call
themselves Hearts of Oak.
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