neither in the interests nor in the affections of the people, It may be said, the people of Ireland shew no political exertion. In the first place, public spirit is completely depressed by the recent persecutions of several, the Convention-act, the Gunpowder, &c. &c. Declarations of Govern. ment, Parliamentary Unanimity, or Declarations of Grand Juries, all proceeding from aristocrats, whose interest is adverse to that of the people, and who think such conduct necessary for their security, are no obstacles; the weight of such men falls in the general welfare, and their own te nantry and dependants would desert and turn against them; the people have no way of expressing their discontent civi liter, which is at the same time greatly aggravated by those measures; and they are, on the other hand, in that semibarbarous state, which is of all others the best adapted for making war. The spirit of Ireland cannot therefore be cal. culated from newspaper publications, county meetings, &c. at which the gentry only meet and speak for themselves, They are so situated that they have but one way left to make their sentiments known, and that is by war. The church. establishment and tythes are very severe grievances, and have been the cause of numberless local insurrections; in a word, from reason, reflection, interest, prejudice, the spirit of change, the misery of the great bulk of the nation, and above all, the hatred of the English name, resulting from the tyranny of near seven centuries, there seems little doubt but an invasion in sufficient force would be supported by the people. There is scarce any army in the country, and the militia, the bulk of whom are catholics, would to a moral certainty refuse to act, if they saw such a force as they could look to for support."

"Mr. Jackson was so pleased with this paper and its author, that he pressed him very strongly to go to France, and enforce in person its contents; promising him the utmost success, both as a public and private man. At first Mr. Tone agreed to this proposal; but afterwards declined it, on account of his wife and children. Mr.

Rowan then suggested, that Dr. Reynolds should go on the same mission, which he was not unwilling to do, but was discountenanced by JackSon, who wished it to be undertaken by no other person but Tone, of whose consent he had not entirely despaired. While this was going on, government was minutely informed of every particular by the intervention of Cockayne; and having intercepted some of Jackson's letters, enough to form a body of evidence against him, he was arrested the latter end of April. Dr. Reynolds shortly after got privately to America. Mr. Rowan escaped from Newgate on the night of the first of May, and was conveyed on board a small vessel in Dublin harbour, that had been secured for him by a friend. A proclamation was directly issued by government, offering 1000 reward for his apprehension, and another by the corporation of Dublin, from whose gaol he had escaped, offering £500 for the same purpose. The sailors of the ship in which he was concealed, knowing whom they had on board, showed him the two proclamations, to which he answered, "lads, my life is in your hands;" and made them fully acquainted with the cause of his danger and flight. They instantly assured him, they never would betray, but would protect him to the last extremity. Accordingly, on the first change of wind, they put to sea, and landed him safely in France. Tone, on the other hand, made no attempt at concealment or escape. It was not at first ascertained that Cockayne was an informer, and even after he had reason to be

otherwise convinced, he persuaded himself that no more could be proved against him, than misprision of treason, in concealing a solicitation to go to France, which he had rejected. In this opinion he was probably mistaken, but the point was never tried, owing to the interposition of private friendship."

At this period is to be dated the commencement of the society of United Irishmen, embodied for the establishment of an independent republican government in Ireland. The first traces of this institution are to be found in Belfast, among mechanics, petty shop-keepers, and farmers. One of the three societies of United Irishmen, that had been formed in this town, escaped - observation by the obscurity of its members, and continued its sittings; a union was formed between it and another club of men, principally in the same sphere of life, some of whom had been United Irishmen. This association adopted the name of United Irishmen, and their test, but so altered, as to embrace the objects they had in view. This test did not simply bind to the use of abilities and influence in the attainment of an impartial and adequate representation of the Irish nation in parliament; but "to persevere in endeavouring to obtain a full and adequate representation of all the people of Ireland;" thus leaving ample room for the efforts of republicanism. Secrecy and mutual confidence now became essentially necessary; and the laws, which

stood in the way of the pursuits and objects of these societies, must also be disarmed of their terrors. For this purpose it was made part of the admission oath, that neither hopes nor fears, rewards nor punishments, should ever induce the person taking it, directly or indirectly to give evidence against any member of those societies, for any act or expression pursuant to the spirit of the obligation.

Such was the plan and test, adopted and taken by the two Belfast clubs, in which town and vicinity several similar ones were speedily formed, during the summer and autumn of this year. Their constitution was as follows.

I. This Society is constituted for the purpose of forwarding a brotherhood of affection, a communion of rights, and au union of power among Irishmen of every religious persuasion, and thereby to obtain a complete reform in the legislature, founded on the principles of civil, political and religious liberty.

II. Every candidate for admission into this society shall be proposed by one member, and seconded by another, both of whom shall vouch for his character and principles. The candidate to be ballotted for on the society's subsequent meeting; and if one of the beaus shall be black, he shall stand rejected.

III. Each society shall fix upon a weekly subscription suited to the circumstances and convenience of its numbers, which they shall regularly return to their baronial by the proper officer.

IV. The officers of this society shall be a secretary and treasurer, who shall be appointed by ballot every three months; on every first meeting in November, February, May and August.

V. A society shall consist of no more than twelve members, and those as nearly as possible of the same street or neighbourhood, whereby they may be all thoroughly known

to each other, and their conduct be subject to the censorial check of all.

VI. Every person elected a member of this society shall, previous to his admission, take the following test; but, in order to diminish risk, it shall be taken in a separate apartment, in the presence of the persons who proposed and seconded him only, after which the new member shall be brought into the body of the society, and there vouched for by the same.

Test." In the awful presence of God, I, A. B. do voluntarily declare, that I will persevere in endeavouring to form a brotherhood of affection among Irishmen of every religious persuasion, and that I will also persevere in my endeavours to obtain an equal, full and adequate representation of all the people of Ireland. I do further declare, that neither hopes, fears, rewards or punishments shall ever induce me, directly or indirectly, to inform on or give evidence against any member or members of this or similar societies, for any act or expression of theirs, done or made, collectively or in dividually, in or out of this society, in pursuance of the spirit of this obligation."

VII. No person, though he shall have taken the test, will be considered as an United Irishman until he has contributed to the funds of the institution, or longer than he shall continue to pay such contribution.

VIII. No communication relating to the business of the institution shall be made to any United Irishman on any pretence whatever, except in his own society or committee, or by some member of his own society or committee.

IX. When the society shall amount to the number of twelve members it shall be equally divided by lot, (societies in country places to divide, as may best suit their local situation,) that is, the names of all the members shall be put into a hat or box, the secretary or treasurer shall draw out six individually, which six shall be considered the senior society, and the remaining six the junior, who shall apply to the baronial committee, through the delegates of the senior society, for a number. This mode shall be pursued until the whole neighbourhood is organized.

Order of business at meetings.-I. New members read declaration and test, during which subscriptions to be col