16th June, 1798

I felt indignation and a wish to be avenged…

Elizabeth Richards

Observer & supporter of the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion

A party of ruffians came to search the house for arms […] On a loft they found a blunderbuss covered with dust and without a lock. It served however as a pretext. Reproaching my mother with a breach of faith.

One Cormick who had found the blunderbuss insisted on my sister’s showing her writing desk. He thought he said it might contain pocket pistols. The impertinence of this man and the tone of authority assumed by the whole party overcame my mother’s spirits and she wept bitterly. I felt indignation and a wish to be avenged.