The Fenians

The Canadian Raids in ‘98, the Castle authorities were beforehand. In September 1865, O’Leary, Luby, O’Donovan Rossa and several other prominent Fenians were arrested. The office of The Irish People was raided, and the paper wai suppressed. James Stephens eluded capture till November. He wa« lodged, when at last seized, in Richmond Prison (Dublin), but, by the aid of some of the warders who were themselves sworn members of the Brotherhood, he escaped and got safely out of the country. The other* were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

Above : The Manchester Martyrs

Clerkenwell Explosion.—Two of the Fenian leaders named Kelly and Deasy had been arrested in Manchester. As they were being conveyed to Salford gaol, an attack was made on the prison van by a band of Fenians (September, 1867) The prisoners were rescued, and not recaptured, but several of the assailants were secured. In the struggle a police-sergeant named Brett who was on guard within the van, had been mortally wounded, and five of the captured Fenians were tried for his wilful murder.