In the adjacent counties military law had been proclaimed, and our village was within a mile of the bounds of the disturbed county of Westmeath.

Though his own tenantry, and all in whom he put trust, were as quiet, and, as far as he could judge, as well-disposed as ever, yet my father was aware, from information of too good authority to be doubted, that there were disaffected persons in the vicinity.
'Numbers held themselves in abeyance, not so much from disloyalty, as from fear that they should be ultimately the conquered party.
Those who were really and actually engaged, and in communication with the rebels and with the foreign enemy, were so secret and cunning that no proofs could be obtained against them.
'One instance may be given.

A Mr.Pallas, who lived at Growse Hall, lately received information that a certain offender was to be found in a lone house, which was described to him.

He took a party of men with him in the night, and he got to the house very early in the morning.

It was scarcely light.