Still, even then, had the English Government regained public confidence by promoting Parliamentary Reform and Catholic Emancipation, it is probable that very large numbers of the members who were hesitating would have decided in favour of law and order, and so would either have restored to the association its earlier character, or would have so reduced its strength by their defection as to make a rebellion evidently impracticable. This, as we have seen, was not done. After the recall of Fitzwilliam in ... Read More

The plans of the United Irishmen were well known to the Government, which had spies everywhere, even in the innermost circles of the society. Nevertheless, the leaders were for several months permitted to enjoy a fancied security, and to mature their schemes at home and abroad without interference. At length, in March 1798, the blow was struck. A number of the chief men were arrested at the house of Oliver Bond, one of their number, in Bridge Street, Dublin. Other arrests followed, ... Read More