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The attacks were repulsed with a great loss of women and children to the assailants,

who displayed a ferocity equal to their delusion. The streets are represented as having been

the scene of the most shocking excesses.

The firmness of the Troops and Loyal Inhabitants on this occasion cannot be too

highly commended, and the example will not be lost upon the disaffected.

MOST IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE FROM IRELAND

County Wexford, Ireland—Thursday, June the Twenty-Second, 1798

Dispatches received this morning confirm that the Insurrection, which broke forth in Ireland

on the three-and-twentieth, hath now come to a general and decisive engagement in the

County of Wexford.

The Rebels, who for some weeks past have maintained themselves in great numbers

in the neighbourhood of Enniscorthy, were yesterday attacked in their principal encampment

upon an eminence called Vinegar Hill, which had been strongly occupied, and from which

they had long overawed the surrounding country.

The Enemy are represented to have been numerous, and though for the most part

armed with Pikes, they resisted with a desperation which rendered the action severe. The

King’s Troops, advancing on several sides, were engaged for many hours, and the firing of

artillery was distinctly heard at a considerable distance.

It is stated that the position was at length forced, but that, owing to the extent of the

ground, and the confusion inseparable from so obstinate a contest, many of the Insurgents

made their escape. Large bodies are said to be dispersing through the neighbouring counties.

Accounts agree that prisoners had previously been taken by the Rebels, and that the

situation of the loyal inhabitants of Wexford hath been for some time in the highest degree

alarming.

Returns of the killed, wounded, and missing on both sides are not yet completed.

His Majesty’s government relies with confidence upon the spirit and firmness of the

Troops, and trusts that this blow will materially hasten the restoration of order throughout the

disturbed districts.

CHAPTER TEN

JAMES