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.