of Merrion, and himself, were obliged to give security that he should not quit Ireland without due notice and express permission.  This restraint had probably irritated his hot impetuous spirit, and made it difficult for him to exercise due self-control when he came in contact with the English governor of Derry, with whom his relations were not improved by the suspicions now attaching to his loyalty.  Accordingly, while the legal forms of the transfer were being gone through, the young chief made a remark extremely offensive to Paulet, which was resented by a blow in the face with his clenched fist.  Instead of returning the blow, young O’Dogherty hurried away to consult the M’Davitts, whose advice was that the insult he received must be avenged by blood.  The affair having been immediately reported to the lord deputy, who apprehended that mischief would come of it, he sent a peremptory summons to Sir Cahir, requiring him to appear in Dublin, ’to free himself of certain rumours and reports touching disloyal courses into which he had entered, contrary to his allegiance to the king, and threatening the overthrow of many of his majesty’s subjects.’  His two sureties were also written to, and required to ‘bring in his body.’  But O’Dogherty utterly disregarded the lord deputy’s order.  Taking counsel with Nial Garve O’Donel, he resolved to seize Culmore Fort, Castle Doe, and other strong places; and then march on Derry, and massacre the English settlers in the market square.

Towards the close of April, Sir Cahir invited Captain Harte, governor of Culmore Castle, on the banks of the Foyle, about four miles from Derry, with his wife and infant child, of which he was the godfather, to dine with him at his Castle of Elagh.

The entertainment was sumptuous, and the pleasures of the table protracted to a late hour.  After dinner the host took his guest into a private apartment, and told him that the blow he had received from Paulet demanded a bloody revenge.  Harte remonstrated; O’Dogherty’s retainers rushed in, and, drawing their swords and skeines, declared that they would kill his wife and child in his presence, unless he delivered up the castle of Culmore.  The governor was terrified, but he refused to betray his trust.  Sir Cahir, commanding the armed men to retire, locked the chamber door, and kept his guest imprisoned there for two hours, hoping that he would yield when he had time for reflection.  But finding him still inflexible, O’Dogherty grew furious, and vented his rage in loud and angry words.  Mrs. Harte, hearing the altercation, and suspecting foul play, rushed into the room, and found Sir Cahir enforcing his appeal with a naked sword pointed at her husband’s throat.  She fell on the floor in a swoon.  Lady O’Dogherty ran to her assistance, raised her up, and assured her that she knew nothing of her husband’s rash design.  The latter then thrust the whole party down-stairs, giving orders to his men to seize Captain Harte.  Meantime, Lady Harte