’The alarm was now so general that many sent their families out of the country.  My father was still in hopes that we might safely remain.  At the first appearance of disturbance in Ireland he had offered to carry his sisters-in-law, the Mrs. Sneyd, to their friends in England, but this offer they refused.  Of the domestics, three men were English and Protestant, two Irish and Catholic; the women were all Irish and Catholic excepting the housekeeper, an Englishwoman who had lived with us many years.  There were no dissensions or suspicions between the Catholics and the Protestants in the family; and the English servants did not desire to quit us at this crisis.

’At last came the dreaded news.  The French, who landed at Killala, were, as we learned, on their march towards Longford.  The touch of Ithuriel’s spear could not have been more sudden or effectual than the arrival of this intelligence in showing people in their real forms.  In some faces joy struggled for a moment with feigned sorrow, and then, encouraged by sympathy, yielded to the natural expression.  Still my father had no reason to distrust those in whom he had placed confidence; his tenants were steady; he saw no change in any of the men of his corps, though they were in the most perilous situation, having rendered themselves obnoxious to the rebels and invaders by becoming yeomen, and yet standing without means of resistance or defence, their arms not having arrived.

’The evening of the day when the news of the success and approach of the French came to Edgeworth Town all seemed quiet; but early next morning, September 4th, a report reached us that the rebels were up in arms within a mile of the village, pouring in from the county of Westmeath hundreds strong.

’This much being certain, that men armed with pikes were assembled, my father sent off an express to the next garrison town (Longford) requesting the commanding officer to send him assistance for the defence of this place.  He desired us to be prepared to set out at a moment’s warning.  We were under this uncertainty, when an escort with an ammunition cart passed through the village on its way to Longford.  It contained several barrels of powder, intended to blow up the bridges, and to stop the progress of the enemy.  One of the officers of the party rode up to our house and offered to let us have the advantage of his escort.  But, after a few minutes’ deliberation, this friendly proposal was declined:  my father determined that he would not stir till he knew whether he could have assistance; and as it did not appear as yet absolutely necessary that we should go, we stayed—­fortunately for us.