Carlow June 31st, 1798.

My Dr. Friend,

YOUR affectionate letter I did not receive till eight days after date: I have felt much uneasiness at not having it in my power to answer it sooner; you may think it strange that in the space of ten days I could not procure time for that purpose, but were you acquainted with my situation you would be convinced that it is a fact. If I live to see you, I trust fully to convince you of the same.

Providentially for me I was absent from Carlow the time of the attack on that Town, I say providentially, for my warm spirit and forward disposition might have led me into danger. The account which I received from people of veracity, who were on the spot is as follows.

On the 24th of May, the day preceding the attack, Haydon, a Yeoman, but an officer of the Rebels, repaired to the Country, and spent the day in mustering his Forces. A letter relative to the business, directed to Mr.J.D. of Arles, was by mistake put into the hands of a Loyal Yeoman of the same christian and sirname, and residing in the same place: The bearer was conveyed to Maryborough and executed, and the letter sent to Col.M— who commanded in Carlow, by means of which the Military had timely notice of the intentions of the Rebels. There being no Barrack for Infantry in the Town, the men were billeted upon the Inhabitants; the genteeler sort paying for their lodging, they were in general quartered in the Cabins. The intention of the Rebels was to murder the Soldiers in their lodgings, surprise and take the Horse Barracks, and then make themselves masters of the Town, which in all probability they would have done, had not God brought their designs to light in the manner above mentioned; for on receipt of the above information the Infantry were ordered into the Barracks, and kept under arms till the Insurgents had entered the Town.

About twelve o'Clock the Rebels came forward in great force, and too confident of a victory not yet gained, gave three cheers crying "the Town is our own!" but how dreadfully were they disappointed? for in that moment, the military rushing forward, cut them down in all quarters; and having posted themselves in an advantageous manner cut off almost all possibility of a retreat. Many of these deluded creatures fled into the houses for shelter, but there justice pursued them—for the Soldiers set them on fire immediately. About eighty houses were burned, but the numbers consumed therein could not be ascertained.

It is supposed not less than six hundred fell that morning; and what is surprising, only two I believe were found among the bodies with any simptoms of life!

Thus did God frustrate the designs of the wicked, and display his justice and mercy in a singular manner—His justice, in suffering the ungodly to fall into the pit which they had digged for their innocent, unoffending neighbours; and his mercy, in preserving those whom he employed as the Executioners of his vengeance on his Enemies. Not a Soldier or Yeoman was so much as slightly wounded! One Soldier indeed who had not left his billet, they hung with a sheet; but being soon extricated he recovered immediately.

Sir.E.C.Bart. Haydon, Kelly, Kane, Borro, two Murphys, one of them a Serjeant in the Yeomenry, and several others were executed a few days after. Haydon it is said, finding it going against his friends, slipt into his Father's house, dressed himself in his Regimentals, and came out and fought against those whom he had a few hours before led to the slaughter.

Thus by the interference of him who declares a hair of our head cannot fall without his permission, was an innocent people saved from the murderous designs of a Sanguinary Foe.

I Remain yours Affectionately

F. R.