The Diary of Marianne Fortescue, 1797-1800

County Louth Archaeological and History Society

The Diary of Marianne Fortescue, 1797-1800Author(s): Noel RossSource: Journal of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, Vol. 24, No. 2(1998), pp. 222-248Published by: County Louth Archaeological and History SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27729830 .

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The Diary of Marianne

Fortescue, 1797-1800

Edited by Noel Ross

INTRODUCTION

Extracts from Marianne Fortescue's diary have already appeared in this Journal. The portions

covering the family's first journey to and from Bath were published by H.G. Tempest1 who at the time

was engaged in having typed copies of the diary prepared for Mrs Edythe Pyke-Fortescue of

Stephenstown. Later Revd H.W. Love made considerable use of the diary in his article 'Georgian

Society in Louth'.2 In view of its importance as a local social document it has been thought desirable

that it should be published in full.

The spelling of the original has been retained but punctuation has been added for the sake of

clarity. As many as possible of the persons mentioned have been identified. The main sources used for

these identifications were Thomas (Fortescue) Lord Clermont, A History of the Family of Fortescue

in All its Branches (London, 1st ed., 1869 and 2nd ed., 1880); Burke's Landed Gentry (9th ed., 1898); Burke's Peerage and Baronetage (1899); Revd. J.B. Leslie, History ofKilsaran (Dundalk, 1908) and

Armagh Clergy and Parishes (Dundalk, 1911); and E.G.S. Reilly, Historical Anecdotes of the

Families of the Boleynes, Careys, Mordaunts, Hamiltons and Jocelyns (Newry, 1839). Other sources

are cited in the relevant footnotes.

Text in round brackets appears as such in the original; matter in square brackets has been added.

THE DIARY

I3 began this Journal on Wednesday the 18th day of October 1797 M.A. Fortescue.

Wednesday night Octr 18, Drogheda. Jack Fortescue,4 M. Fortescue,5 Anna,6 Matt7 & I left

Stephenstown this day at two o'clock. We got our dinner at half past five o'clock, eat hearty, and intend sleeping here this night.

Dublin Octr the 19, we breakfasted in Drogheda and had a pleasant journey to this town where we arrived at half past four. After stopping at two or three hotels without finding accomodation we at

last settled ourselves in Dawson St. Hotel & are very comfortably fix'd. We thank God are all well.

Octr 20. We pass'd this day here also. Fortescue consulted Dr Lindsay8 who fully agrees with

1. H.G.Tempest, 'A Journey from County Louth to Bath', C.F.A.J., x, 4, (1944), 302-6.

2. Revd Precentor H.W. Love, 'Georgian Society in Louth', C.F.A.H.J., xvii, 3, (1971), 177-86.

3. Marianne (or Mary Anne), daughter of John McClintock of Drumcar, born 17 May 1767, died 14 Oct. 1849. She married on 1 Jan. 1787 Mathew Fortescue of Stephenstown whom she always refers to as Fortescue in this diary.

4. Revd John Fortescue, rector of Heynestown 1781-90, rector of St Nicholas, Cork and chancellor of Cork from 1790 until

his death in August 1833. He was a brother-in-law of Marianne's husband.

5. Mathew Fortescue of Stephenstown, Marianne's husband. He died on 10 Nov. 1802.

6. Anna Maria, elder daughter of Mathew and Marianne. She married Sir George Forster in 1817 and died 2 May 1848.

7. Mathew, son of Mathew and Marianne, born 3 Sept. 1791, died 22 Jan. 1845. He married in 1811 Catherine Blair of Blair

in Ayrshire. He was defeated by five votes for the second seat for County Louth in the general election of 1826. He

published a small volume of poems. 8. A Dr A. Lindsay,M.D., Grafton Street, Dublin is listed in J.W. Stewart, The Gentleman's and Citizen's Almanack For ...1800

(Dublin, 1800), p. 119.

222



The Diary of Marianne Fortescue, 1797-1800 223

Doctr Lee9 in thinking Bath necessary for his recovery. S. Page10 dined with us & is to send us word

when a packet sails.

Octr the 21st. We breakfasted & dined at the same hotel & at six o'clock in the eve'g all set out

in a coach to go to Pier Head to Mr S. Page as we heard the Leister" packet was to sail at twelve

o'clock. We drank tea & supp'd with him. The children lay on a bed there from eight o'clock untill

they were waked to go on board, which we all did at about half past twelve. It was a very dark, rainy,

windy night. I was not the least bit frighten'd & remain'd quite free from sickness untill about five

o'clock on Sunday morn'g the 22d. I was quite delighted between eight & nine at the sight of Holy Head. We had a very rough passage, every thing in the ship falling about & the waves dashing over us every moment. When we came to anchor we all got into the boat to get up to Jacksons House; it was raining very heavy on us, but we did not think much of that, as I was so delighted to get on shore.

We all breakfasted there and were very much delay'd after as we did not get off from that untill two

o'clock.

Octr 22 Bangor, here we arrived at eight o'clock in the eve'g, got very safely over the ferry & eat our dinner & all are well. We intend sleeping here.

Conway Octr the 23d. A fine day. We breakfasted this morn'g at Bangor, the harpur was playing all the time. I liked it vastly & think the place very pretty. In comeing here we came over two dreadfull

hills, Penmont Muir & Penmont Ross, the road was very rough. I walk'd up the first mention'd hill as

I thought it quite tremendous. We came a short journey this day, only 177: miles. There is a very beautifull old castle here which we walk'd out to see. Fortescue felt fatigued so we dined early, and will soon go to rest for this night.

Octr the 24th Llangollen a fine day. We breakfasted at eight o'clock this morn'g at Conway and arrived here at past six this eve'g. We came about forty six miles, about Llanwrst is wonderfully

beautifull & hilly. We only pass'd thro' it & had a superb view along the road for about six or seven

miles, then it was excessive ugly to Kernioge. Between that & Corwen there was some parts beautifull and a most wonderfull high bridge & a tremendous hill. From Corwen to this place was truly beautifull, the road ran mostly along the banks of the Dee, and some places look'd quite dangerous as

the bank was nearly perpendicular and above 200 feet above the river. Here we are to sleep & have dined. I like the Welsh ale. It threatens to rain this night heavy.

Shrewsbury Octr the 25th. We left Llangollen at half past eight this morn'g & a very wet one it was. We got to Oswestry to breakfast at eleven. Between Llangollen and Oswestry there is a fine place of Mr Middletons Chirk Castle 'tis called & a very nice town just near it call'd Chirk. We pass'd two

acqueducts & great canal works & had a view of the River Dee about half way, 'twas altogether excessively pretty. We left Oswestry a little past twelve & arrived here before four o'clock. We pass'd a beautifull rock at Nescliff, there were only a few cabins near it. We have only travell'd thirty miles this day. Fortescue complains of being a little tired. We have dined & are to sleep here.

9. Either William Lee, surgeon, Dundalk, aged 60, who was buried in Clonkeen on 6 July 1814, see Revd Guy W.C.

LEstrange, Notes and Jottings concerning the Parish of Charlestown Union (Charlestown, 1912), p. 83 or the 'Mr Lee

from Ardee' who was sent for to attend Lady Emily Jocelyn in December 1801, see The Diary of Anne. Countess Dowager

of Roden (Dublin, 1870), p. 140. Cadwallader Blayney Lee, M.D., Ardee was buried in Clonkeen on 8 Oct. 1824 aged 58,

L'Estrange, Charlestown, p. 83.

10. Sam Page, one of the surveyors of excise at Ringsend. The Customer of Excise at Dublin port was the Earl of Clermont

(William Henry Fortescue, 1722-1806), a first cousin of Mathew of Stephenstown. 11. The packets sailing between Dublin and Holyhead were the Besborough, the Clermont, the Hillsborough, the Feicesten and

the Loft us, Wilson's Dublin Directory for the year 1800 (Dublin, n.d.), p. 11. In his article 'Georgian Society in Louth*,

C.L.A.H.J., xvii, 3, ( 1971 ), p.l 78, Revd H.W. Love assumed that Feister was a mistake for Feinster.



B

to 4^ s S* &> I ri' SX. 3

Stephenstown House. Probably built circa 1787 when Mathew Fortescue married Marianne McClintock. Photo: courtesy Old Dundalk Society.




October the 26th Kidderminster. We left Shrewsbury at a quarter past eight, Fortescue not very well. The road from it to Cole brook dale is quite beautifull. It was so foggy a morning that we could not see much of Shrewsbury. It soon clear'd up & was very fine. There is a new iron bridge only about one month finish'd within a mile of Cole brook dale. It is amazelingly light looking, only one arch, it

is pannell'd. The old one is very curious & handsome. Altogether 'tis a delightfull place. A vast

quantity of wood along the road at one side & at t'other a river. We breakfasted at C.B. dale & left it a little after eleven. There is a tremendous hill just after passing the bridge & on top of it there are

great iron works & coal pits. The next place we came to was Bridge North, it is a large town & an old

castle leaning quite crooked, it suffer'd by Oliver Cromwell. We left that at two and arrived here at

half past four. It is a very good looking town and a carpet manufacture carried on in imitation of

Turkey. Here we dined & are to sleep. The bells have been ringing all the eve'g.

Octr the 27th Glocester. We left Kidderminster early this morn'g. It was very foggy but grew

very fine before we got to Worcester. We were very much entertain'd walking about & looking at the

china manufacture which is amazingly curious. We saw all the different processes & were much

delighted with it - and the town is a very nice one. We saw some of the most beautifull china I ever

beheld, one dinner sett came to 900 gs. We went into the Town Hall which is a great old building with

pictures of kings & queens. We pass'd three hours in seeing all that & eating breakfast. We left that at

half past one & drove to Tukesbury in a very short time. It seem'd a large town but made no delay there and only changed horses & came on here. There is an exceeding curious looking old church

which we perceived out of the bed room window. We are to sleep here & have dined, we had stew'd

lampreys, stakes & chops, the first mention'd dish has made me very sick.

Bath Octr 28th. We left Glocester this (very charming) morn'g a little after eight. We breakfasted

at Rodboro' at ten, it is a delightfull place, the country quite beautifull. There is a great manufacture

carried on there of cloth & casimere, it look'd gay as possible & every soul seem'd busy. Nailsworth

a place just near it is also delightfull. We left that before eleven and drove to Petty France which

seem'd a poor little ugly place. The Duke of Beauforts Demesne just joins it, what we coud see ofthat

over the wall appear'd handsome & grand plantations. We got chaises there and arrived here at half

past three, we have eat our dinner at the White Lyon in Market Place. Fortescue consulted little Spry, he advised him to see Doctr Fraser. We intend sleeping here.

Octr the 29th. This has been a terrible wet day. Doctr Fraser was here, Fortescue has got a cough which he (Fraser) says will prevent his beginning the waters as soon as he otherways woud. We dined

hearty & thank God are except him all well. No lodgings yet fix'd on so we are to pass this night here.

Monday the 30th Octr. Jack & I got up early and walk'd to the Pump Room, met very few there.

We proceeded from that to look for lodgings, we return'd to breakfast without fixing on any. After that

Fortescue went with us & found what will answer. So before three o'clock we were settled here in

Argyle Buildings No. 2. We had a cosy dinner & are all pretty well. It has been a dark misty day. Bath

I think is a very nice town, the markets which I have been thru' are particularly clean & neat.

Tuesday Octr 31st. Jack Fortescue & I set out at 12 o'clock to walk. We first went to visit Mrs

Foster,12 we found her & Fanny Pratt" at home. Mrs F. chatted away at a great rate, we sat a good

while. I ask'd Fanny to walk, she came. We all went to see Mrs Evans, she was confin'd to her room

12. Anne, second daughter of Revd Joseph Pratt of Cabra, Kingscourt, rector of Dromiskin, and wife of Henry Foster,

Marianne's maternal uncle.

13. Third daughter of James Butler Pratt of Drumsna, Co Leitrim and Margaret, daughter of W'illiam Foster of Dunleer. She

was a niece of Mrs Anne Foster.



226 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal

so I did not see her. Fanny went home. After dinner Matt grew very heavy with a severe cold, we sent

for Spry to see him. He order'd him physick which he has taken. We are all soon going to bed.

Novr the 1st. A fine frosty day. Fanny call'd on me at twelve to walk. We were out a good while,

she stay'd to dinner - we had beautifull house lamb and were very cosey all the eve'g working. Matt

was confin'd all day with a feverish cold. Fortescue was complaining but walk'd about

notwithstanding. Anna & I also have got colds.

Novr the 2d. A foggy wet day. I did not stir out, work'd & wrote to Eliza,'4 the children seem

better. Fortescue took his first glass of the Hot Pump at one o'clock, he has been rather better this day. I have a great cough and am just going to take wine whey.

Novr the 3d. This has been a tolerable fine day. I walk'd to see Mrs F., sat a while with her. On

my return I found Fortescue very indifferent, we sent for Dr Fraser. He came this eve'g & ordered him

to take a bottle going to bed which he wrote a prescription for, he took it & went early to bed. I still

have a great cough, Anna is better, Matt is still heavy. Anna went to school for the first time.

Novr the 4th. Fortescue has been very indifferent all this day. Fanny came after breakfast to

enquire after him. Doctr Fraser visited him and advised him to quit these lodgings & go to a warmer

situation. Jack Fortescue, Fanny and I walk'd to Milsom St. to try for lodgings there. We have fix'd

upon very comfortable apartments which (if he is well enough to move) we intend going to tomorrow.

Fanny dined with us. Fortescue went to bed at eight o'clock, my cough is much the same, Anna pretty well, Matt middling. It was a fine day untill about three o'clock, then it began to rain. We went to the

Pump Room when we were out & did not see many people there.

Novr the 5th. Fortescue has been very much the same way this day, weak & no appetite, Matt feverish & very heavy. This has been a very foggy wet day, I have not been out. Doctr Fraser advised

Fortescue to take two glasses of water which he did. Harding15 brought him one in the morn'g at nine

& the second at one. He complains of a pain this night in his foot which we anxiously hope may prove gout.

Novr the 6th. Fortescue has had no sympton this day of gout, however he seems a little better. He sat up till nine, but has not eat any meat these three or four days past. Matt seems still a little

feverish, Anna & I are pretty well. We quit our lodgings in Argyle Buildings at about two o'clock this

day & came to No. 7 Milsom Street & are very comfortably fix'd. Fanny dined with us; this day has been very fine. Fortescue went at one to the Pump Room in a chair & took a glass of water.

Tuesday Novr the 7th. Fortescue seems better this day, he eat a little & has sat up later. It has been very fine. I did not go out, Fanny drank tea with me. Matt is still heavy & unwell. Fortescue drank two glasses of water, they were brought to him as he did not venture out.

Novr the 8th. Fortescue is getting much better & is getting his appetite. He continues drinking the waters & they seem to agree with him. I rec'd a letter from my mother"1 giving an account of the

Bishop of Cloghers17 death which happen'd on the 2d of this month. It has been a lovely day. I was

14. Elizabeth McClintock, Marianne's younger sister, married 31 Dec. 1802 Lt. Col. Henry le Blanc. 15. In his will made 17 Oct. 1797 Mathew Fortescue bequeathed "to my servant James Harding ?50 sterling" (National

Archives, Pyke-Fortescue papers, 1004/5/1). 16. Mrs Patience McClintock, n?e Foster. 17. William Foster, brother of John 'Speaker' Foster.




not out, nor Fortescue either. Doctr Fraser visited him & has done so every day this week past. Jack

Fortescue went to Bristol & return'd to dinner. I subscribed to Batty's Library & have been reading all the morn'g.

Novr the 9th. Fortescue is this day infinitely better, he got up early, so did I and walk'd to the

Pump Room. There were not many there tho' an uncommon fine day. He drank a glass of water & we

were home at half past nine to breakfast. He has eat much heartier & I am in great hopes he is now in a fair way of recovering. He dined at home, J.F. & I dined at Mrs Fosters, there were just eight of us

at dinner & about thirty came to cards in the eve'g. Jack came home to Fortescue before nine, I did not untill ten o'clock.

Novr the 10th. This has been a delightfull day. Fortescue is amazing well, he went before

breakfast for his glass of water, eat his breakfast hearty after. Fanny call'd on me to walk. We all set

out together, he & Jack went to market, Fanny & I to divert ourselves. We walk'd for a long time &

went thro' the Abbey Church which I liked very much. We dined before four. Fanny stay'd with us.

Novr the 11th. This has been a lovely day, Fortescue very well, Matt better, I have still a cough. I sat at home till past two & wrote to Mrs J.W. F.,18 then walk'd out. We dined hearty. Fanny drank tea

with us, we were very cosey. I finish'd Thodore Cyphon & began the Necromancer.

Novr the 12th. Fortescue has got a pain in his foot but in other respects is very well. This has

been a damp coldish day. I was afraid to venture out as my cold is not getting better. Jack Fortescue

dined out, Fanny dined with us. Anna & Matt are pretty well.

Novr the 13th. Nothing new this day. Fortescue certainly has got the gout in his foot, he has been in a good deal of pain. He went before breakfast to the Pumps in a chair & again at one o'clock. It has

been a fine sunny day, it did not however tempt me out. The children & I are pretty well. I finish'd the Man of Destiny.

Novr the 14th. This has been a damp day, however I walk'd out. Fortescue thank God is in a

very good way. With a smart touch of the gout he has been in pain most part of this day, but seems

something easier this night. Fanny dined with us, Fortescue went to bed at nine o'clock & I hope may have a good night. He coud not go this day to the Pump so had the water brought to him three times.

Novr the 15th. Fortescue is better of the gout but complain'd all day of a headache, he went early to bed. I walk'd a little in the morn'g which was fine. He did not go the Pump but had the water

brought. I have a cough still; the children are very well.

Novr the 16th. Fortescue vastly better this day but not quite free from gout, however no

headache. It has rain'd & is a dirty day. I work'd & read all the morning & finish'd a long letter to my mother, & also finish'd Bridon's Tour & was much entertain'd.

Novr the 17th. This day has been very fine, I walk'd a vast deal. Fortescue is recovering very fast & went three times in a chair to the Pump. Fanny drank tea with us. Anna, Matt & I are well. I

heard from Eliza & Anne Foster19 & pass'd a pleasant morn'g.

Novr 18th. This day has been dampish. Fortescue pretty well, went as usual to drink the waters.

18. Mrs Rebecca Foster (n?e McClure), wife of John William Foster, Marianne's maternal uncle.

19. Daughter of Henry Foster.




I finish'd the Gossips Tale & liked it, as it was in an uncommon style. Fanny came & dined with us.

Fortescue is just gone to bed & complain'd of a little headache, the children & I are now quite well.

Novr 19th. I went to the Octagon Chappel. After the service I came home as 'twas a very sharp cold day. Fortescue was as usual not yet able to walk to the Pump Room. Fanny & Mr Vincent dined

with us, he talk'd an immencity. We supped & were merry enough.

Novr the 20th. Fortescue pretty well and still goes in a chair to the Pump. Jack & I walk'd out

at about two & went to see the Panorama which is really amazingly well done, a complete view of

Admiral Duncan's fight at sea with the Spanish Fleet and also a view of the Boyne on fire, 'twas

altogether very well worth seeing. Anna & Matt are now quite stout.

Novr the 21st. This has been a very fine day & hard frost. Fortescue is getting on very well. I

had a letter from Fanny20 my sister & I wrote one to Eliza. Jack Fortescue has had letters from Ireland

with bad accounts of disturbances & White Boys in the County of Cork. I heard of Mr Mark

Beresford's21 death. J. Fortescue went to Bristol this morn'g & return'd before four o'clock. I walk'd

to see Mrs F & took Matt.

Novr 22d. This day was excessively windy & dry. I walk'd a good deal. Fortescue is getting stouter, he walk'd to the Pump. About twelve o'clock in walk'd John22 & his wife,2' I never was more

surprized; they arrived here last night. Miss Caldwell & I went to the Pump Room, it was full & the

band playing. The children are very well.

Novr 23d. Fine weather & hard frost this morn'g. At eleven o'clock Mr Walmsley the drawing master came to me. I sat from that untill past one at a landscape. Fortescue excessively well, only his

foot a little weak but not so as to prevent walking. I walk'd a good deal also. Jack dined out & when

he returned before nine said there was snow quite thick in the streets. We have just done eating roast

oisters & are going to bed.

Novr 24th. The streets this morn'g quite cover'd with snow. Fortescue very well. I walk'd for

some time & in the Pump Room where there were not a great many. I got a letter from Mrs J.W. Foster.

I went to the ball at the Lower Rooms between eight & nine with John & his wife & was capitally well entertain'd with all the comical figures there & two young ladies very nearly naked. I return'd a

little after eleven & found Fortescue & Jack just done their supper.

Novr 25th. The frost & snow this morning was not over but it thaw'd & rain'd a little about

twelve. Jack left us at nine o'clock & set out for Bristol on his way to Milford, from that he sails for

Waterford & so to Cork. Fanny dined with us. The morn'g I pass'd in drawing & reading. Fortescue

very well & walks a good deal & three times to the Hetling Court Pump every day. The children well, I still cough.

Novr 26th. I have nothing scarcely to say for this day as it has rain'd violently the whole of it so I coud not stir out & 'twas so dark I was up too late for church. Fortescue very well, so are the

children & myself.

20. Fanny McClintock, Marianne's youngest sister, married Theophilus Clive in 1798.

21. Of Abbeyville, Co Dublin, M.P. for Dungarvan. 22. John McClintock, Marianne's eldest brother, born 14 Aug. 1770, died 5 July 1855.

23. John married Jane Bunbury on 11 July 1797, she died 28 April 1801. He married secondly in April 1805 Lady Elizabeth,

the third daughter of the earl of Clancarty.




Novr the 27th. This day has been quite different from the last few days we have had, it has been

quite dry & sunny. I walk'd out with Fortescue before breakfast and after from one untill three. There

is a very good band in the Pump Room & I met there a good many people. We dined very cosey and

I dress'd after dinner & went at eight o'clock to drink tea with Mrs Bunbury.24 From that we went all

together to the Upper Rooms where there was a very genteel full ball. I went with them back to supper & so came home after spending a very pleasant day.

Novr the 28th. A violent day of rain this has been. I did not stir out. Fortescue is very well,

drinking the waters regularly. I read & drew all the morning, finish'd Barretti's Travels. Fanny dined

with us. The children & I are well. Matt began this day with his master.

Novr 29th. A foggy damp morn'g, however I walk'd out with Fortescue before breakfast to look

for lodgings as Mrs Sayers our present landlady wanted to charge us a higher price than we have paid since we came. I believe we have fix'd and they are vastly better at No 12 Bath St. It rain'd heavy before we got home. We dined at Mr Reads, play'd one rubber of cassino, then a party of us went to

the concert which I liked & 'twas amazingly full. I came home at half past ten, eat some oisters &

went to bed. Fortescue very well & came home before nine.

Novr 30th. This has been a tolerable day but I did not walk out. Fortescue going on vastly well

thank God. I went before eight this eve'g to a party & Miss Cholmondelys. There was a supper and it

was very pleasant. I was at home before twelve o'clock. I cough a good deal still.

Deer the 1st. A wet morn'g but clear'd up about 12 o'clock. I read & wrote a letter to my mother

& pass'd all day at home.

Deer 2d. Nothing new has happen'd this day which has been very windy & a few showers. I

finish'd Mrs Smyths novel of the Banish'd Man & dont think much of it. I am getting on very well

with my drawing. Fortescue & the children all are stout & hearty. No letters from Ireland these some

days.

Deer 3d. This day has been fine. I went to Huntingdon Chappel, Mr Cooper preach'd a sermon

which took one hour & a quarter. Had he stopp'd half way I should have been better pleased. After

service I walk'd a good deal & on my return home found a letter from Rebecca25 which gave me great

pleasure. We are all thank God very well.

Deer 4th. A tolerable morn'g. We all quit Milsom St at eleven o'clock & came here to Bath St

& have got very good lodgings. I went to the ball at the Upper Rooms which was very full. Fanny Pratt went with me. I got home at eleven. We are all well.

Deer 5th. I have done nothing all this day except reading & drawing tho' it has been very fine.

I had visitors & pass'd the day pleasantly. I got a letter in the eve'g from Eliza & one from Connor.26

Deer 6th. I have walk'd a good deal this morn'g & eat at Mollands. Fortescue was with me, he

goes on regularly with the water & seems very well. So are the children & I. This eve'g I was at the

concert which was most amazingly full but the vocal part except Miss Comerf?] was not much to be

admir'd. I got home at eleven & eat a few oisters.

24. Mother of Mrs Jane McClintock. 25. Rebecca McClintock, Marianne's second youngest sister, married Edward Hardman.

26. The housekeeper at Stephenstown.




Deer 7th. I have done nothing this day but draw & read & finish'd the Sylph which I liked. We are all well & very pleasantly settled here.

Deer the 8th. I march'd out to take a long walk but it began to rain so heavy I was obliged to come home so diverted myself drawing. I got a letter from my sister Fanny. John dined with us. I went a little before nine to the Lower Rooms where there was a very crowded ball. I got home a piano forte.

We are all well.

Deer the 9th. I have really walk'd an immencity this day. It was a fine dry day. We dined alone & have eat oisters & are all well thank God.

Deer 10th. I went to the Abbey Church & Fortescue with me this day. At two o'clock we went to the Pump Room which was very full. It has been a fine day. Fanny Pratt dined with us. We are all

well. I ree'd a letter from my mother & answer'd it by return.

Deer 11th. I got up early this morn'g & sat drawing (except whilst I was eating my breakfast) untill one o'clock. I then walk'd from that untill three & have stay'd quietly at home all this eve'g.

Deer 12th. A terrible wet morn'g. I sat at home & at six in the eve'g I set out to the play (the Heir at Law) which was very entertaining. I went with John & his wife, we stay'd untill the first act

of the farce was over & then went to the L. Rooms & supp'd there. I pass'd a very pleasant eve'g & was home a little after twelve. We are thank God all well.

Deer 13th. A fine day. I have walk'd a good deal, dined at home & pass'd the eve'g quietly. We are all well. I got a letter from Rebecca.

Deer the 14th. I walk'd this day also but heavy rain came on so coud not proceed far. The Pump Room was very full. Fanny Pratt dined with us.

Deer the 15th. Another terrible day of rain. I went to the Pump Room for a little time which was

very full. We dined at home. Fortescue went in the ev'g to the Catch Club. Fanny & I went to the Rooms where there was a grand ball. We got home about eleven, all well thank God. I got a letter from Eliza.

Deer the 16th. This whole day has rain'd violently, I diverted myself at home. I paid Mr

Walmsley his money & have quit learning to draw. I finish'd a letter to my sister Fanny & sent it. Fortescue very well & went between 8 & 9 into a hot bath.

Deer 17th. Another wet windy morn'g. It clear'd up however at about eleven. Fortescue, Anna

& I went to the Abbey Church & heard a good sermon. We dined at Mr Cholmondelys, passed a

pleasant day & heard Mr G. Chol-ly sing. We supp'd & got home before twelve.

Deer 18th. No end I believe to rain, this is a terrible day. I have sat at home all the morn'g &

eve'g.

Deer 19th. The rain still continues. This was Thanksgiving Day, we went to the Abbey Church & after service I sat a while with Mrs Ogle.27 This weather is quite terrible. I feel smothering and

27. Elizabeth Ogle (n?e Fortescue), widow of Revd William Ogle, rector of Kilsaran 1771-94.




unpleasant for want of a clear pure day. I have pass'd the eve'g at home and got a letter from Fanny

at past ten this night.

Deer the 20th. At last we have got a fine day & I have made good use of it by walking over three

hours. We are all well. I finish'd a letter to Eliza. A little before seven I went to the Upper Rooms &

met Mrs Bunbury & Jane, the concert was astonishingly full. I got safe home before eleven tho' the

front chair man got a fall.

Deer 21st. I have walked a good deal this day also & sat a long time with Mrs Foster. It has been

misling. Notwithstanding; I sat for the first time for my picture. The children are very well. Fortescue

went into the hot bath at nine o'clock this eve'g.

Deer 22d. I walk'd about for a while this morn'g, it was fair but dirty as possible. I sat again for

my picture. I went at nine to the Lower Rooms & met Jane, as usual an immence crowd. We did not

stay two hours, on my return I found a letter from Drumcar written by Eliza & Rebecca.

Deer 23d. This has really been a charming day. I walk'd & sat for my picture for I believe the

last time. It promises well. Fortescue went to the play & I went to Mrs Bunbury s where I supp'd. There was a good squeeze there, the Miss Gubbins's sang. I liked it altogether very well. I was not home

untill near two o'clock.

Deer 24th. I got up with a cruel headache, however I went to church as the day was fine. My head has continued bad all day. Fanny Pratt dined with us. Fortescue had a headache too. Men have

been going about the streets singing Xmass hymns to get money. They frighten'd me as they got into our hall & shouted so loud that I did not know what to suppose. They went away quietly however.

Deer 25th. This has been a fine day but a great fog in the morning. I went to the Abbey Church

& came home directly after. Fortescue has felt this day as if he had got cold, my head is not quite well

yet. I got a letter from Eliza.

Deer 26th. This was a damp morning but it clear'd up tolerably. I sett out at twelve to see John

& Jane, his eye is very sore. They intend going tomorrow to London. I have been pretty well this day. Fortescue is also better & went this eve'g to the play. I sent a long letter to my 3 sisters.

Deer 27th. We have been all quite well this day. Fortescue has begun again to drink the waters.

I have shopp'd a good deal this morn'g which was a fine one but the streets are dirty as possible.

Deer the 28th. I have walk'd too much this day as I am quite fatigued & have got a cold in my head. It has been very dry & fine and a frost. Fortescue and the children are well.

Deer 29th. I have been very bad all day with my cold but walk'd out as the day was fine. I got a letter from my sister Fanny. I stay'd at home all this eve'g.

Deer the 30th. Another very fine day. I have been idleing about all this day also, my cold still

bad so did not stir this eve'g. Fortescue & the children are very well.

Deer 31st. I went to church & walked a little after but have a great cold still & headache. Fanny Pratt has pass'd the day with us. I got a letter from Jane, she & John went to London on Wednesday, his eye is something better.




Jany the 1st 1798. I took physick this morn'g so kept the house all day, so did Fortescue as he

went into the bath before nine o'clock. My cold is better. I wrote to Jane and got two letters from

Ireland, one from my mother, the other from Mrs H. Foster. This has been a fine day, a very little rain.

Jany the 2d. I have been pretty well this day & we all took a long walk. The day was

uncommonly fine.

Jany 3d. A wet morn'g & I could not get out the whole day. My cough is still bad, Fortescue

went to the Bath at half past nine, he & the children are well. I wrote to my mother.

Jany the 4th. Fortescue was not atall well this day, his head & stomach were both ill. He grew

pretty well towards eve'g. I went to Mrs Reads where there was a large party & supper but I left it at

ten o'clock after playing four rubbers of cassino, & found Fortescue very well on my return. We had

some rain.

Jany the 5th. Fortescue thank God has been quite well all this day. We went before nine to the

Lower Rooms, came back at half past ten & had supper and brought Mr Vincent with us. This day has

been pretty good but some showers.

Jany the 6th. I was bled this morn'g before breakfast. The day has been fine so I walk'd for some

time, dined & stay'd at home after. Fortescue & the children are well, my cold is still heavy but not

worse.

Jany the 7th. I went this day to church & after that we all walked for two hours. It has been very fine & a frost. Fanny Pratt dined with us. My cold is better, Fortescue thank God is quite well, so is

Anna & Matt.

Jany the 8th. The frost continues hard, nothing new this day but that Fortescue intended to go into the bath this night and coud not as all the chair men except a few run rusty & woud not work.

Twas unlucky as Mr Tysons ball is this eve'g. We are all well.

Jany the 9th. Still a fine frost, but black, and extremely cold. We are thank God all well.

Fortescue went this night into the Bath, we walk'd a good deal all the morn'g.

Jany 10th. The same weather still. We are all well. I got a letter from Drumcar. Fortescue & I

went to the concert at the Upper Rooms at seven & it was so full we coud scarcely get a seat. Madame

Mara sang, we drank tea there and return'd home between ten & eleven.

Jany 11th. A terrible wet rainy day, of course all our fine frost gone. We dined at Mr

Cholmondelys & return'd at a little after nine. Fortescue feels a little pain in his ancle this night, in

every other respect he's well, so are the children & I.

Jany 12. There has been some snow this day. Fortescue has got the gout a little in his right ancle

which I fear will prevent our leaving this as we intended to do on Monday. I got a letter from Fanny

my sister. The children and I are well thank God.

Jany 13th. This day has been dry & fine. Fortescue is much the same. I walk'd out for a good while, nothing new has happen'd.




Jany 14th. This morning Fortescue was in a good deal of pain but it went very much off & this

night he has very little, but his foot & ancle are swell'd rather more. This has been a raw sort of day & some rain. I stay'd at home the whole of it.

Jany 15th. Fortescue did not get up this day untill three o'clock, he had a headache. His foot has

been better, he got well in the eve'g of his headache. I stay'd at home all day. The children are well.

It has been a damp day & a little rain.

Jany 16th. This has been a very wet day. Fortescue is vastly better, none of us coud stir out.

Jany 17th. It has rain'd all this day also but Fortescue & I got a carriage & went a few miles on

the London road. It look'd pretty all about but the badness of the day prevented our seeing well. He is almost recover'd & I hope will soon be able to leave this place.

Jany 18th. It rain'd all day untill three o'clock, I then walked out for an hour. Fortescue is better,

nothing new to mention.

Jany 19th. This day has kept up. Fortescue is much better & went to the Library to read. Fanny Pratt came here, she & I walk'd out shopping. She dined with us. We are all well thank God.

Jany 20th. A fine day. We are all well & hope soon to leave this. I have walk'd a good deal.

Jany 21st. Here we are safe & well thank God at Petty France fifteen miles from Bath. We had a great hurry to get settled so as to come here this eve'g. We dined at three o'clock & left Bath

immediately after and got here a quarter past six. It rain'd a good deal but the morn'g was fine.

Jany 22d. We left Petty France before eight this morn'g & breakfasted at Rodboro' between nine & ten, then proceeded to Gloster. We quit that a quarter before one & got to Tewksbury in one hour

& a quarter. We sat in the carriage there & got fresh horses, then came on to Wor'ster 15 miles in an

hour & a half. The country all about was beautifull & we had a fine day from about twelve, before

that it rain'd violently. We dined here & lay down for two hours after dinner. After that we drank tea

& shall very soon go to bed. I am vastly fatigued, the children & Fortescue are thank God very well.

Jany 23d. We all left Worster a few minutes after seven and got to Kidderminster a quarter past nine. We breakfasted there & left it before ten. We did not get to Bridge North untill one as the road was terrible deep & bad. There we changed carriage & horses & were not long delay'd. We then

proceeded to Cole brook dale where we arrived at three o'clock. They delay'd us very much there in

changing horses so did not get here to Shrewsbury untill six. We are all well & my great fatigue is

gone off. We have dined & are to sleep here. The day has been uncommonly fine & a little frost. I

wrote to my mother.

Jany 24th. We left Shrewsbury at a little past seven, got bad horses & did not arrive at Oswestry untill near eleven. There we breakfasted & left it soon after & got to Langollen before two. We

changed horses there & came on here to Corwen. We arrived twenty minutes past four. We dined

between five & six, are all well & intend sleeping here.

Jany 25th. We quit Corwen this morn'g at seven & got to Kernioge 20 minutes before ten. We

breakfasted & got off from it at half past eleven. We arrived at Llanwrst 20 minutes before one & were




kept an hour changing horses & carriage. We got here to Conway a little after four, have eat a hearty dinner and are to remain here this night.

Jany 30th. We left Conway at half past six & got to Bangor Ferry before ten & there found John

& Jane at breakfast. We all set out together after breakfast and only changed horses at Ginndy, so

proceeded to Holy Head where we arrived between three & four. We all set out in a coach after dinner to get on board the vessel but were turn'd back as the Packet was not to sail oweing to an accident.

So at three o'clock we were awoke to go on board the Leister Packet. We all got up & went on board

& just at twenty minutes after five we sail'd with the wind not very favorable S.W. by W. We tack'd

about a terrible time & coud not make our way to Dublin. The wind rose shocking high & on Sunday

quite a storm. We hoped that eve'g to have landed at Balbriggan but 'twas not our luck as a complete hurricane came on. So the only thing was to get out to sea. We really were in a dreadfull situation &

almost sure of going to the bottom but thank God we escaped. A calm succeeded & a most dreadfull

high sea such as the sea men had never seen in this sea. None of them knew where they were, however

in a few hours every thing had a better appearance & the capt'n then said he thought we were within

20 leagues of Holy Head so we made for it & got safe here back again at 8 o'clock on Monday eve'g after passing 63 deplorable hours on the rageing main. This is now the 30th day of Jan'ry & we are

all amazing well considering. We got tea on our arrival & went early to rest. We have rested very much

these two days & please God hope soon to get to Ireland. This is morn'g before breakfast, so at night I'll write more.

We breakfasted hearty and are getting on very well. John, Jane, Mr Hare & us are the party that

live together. We have no thought of stirring as the wind is still bad. We got a pretty good dinner after

which Jane & I lay down, then return'd to the gentlemen for tea. So ended the day as we dont eat

supper. I feel happy & very thankfull to God for our safety.

Jany 31st. The wind still the same & very high. The Leister Packet attempted to sail for Dublin

but was drove back in three hours. We just go on as usual & are recovering our fatigue. Fortescue

complains of gout in one foot but hope it may not signify. At about two o'clock the Loftus Packet

return'd after being blown about from Monday night without reaching any port.

Feby 1st. We still remain at this same Holy Head. Fortescue has the gout in his foot. The wind

is still unfavorable but notwithstanding the Leister & Loftus Packets are just going off. Jane & I

walk'd this morning. Johns eye is very indifferent, the children & I are well.

Feby 2d. This day is quite different, soft & wet & the wind fair for us to sail which we all hope to do this night, tis only now eleven, we have just done breakfast. Fortescue is much better, tis now

eve'g, the wind has quite changed & no Packet will sail so we all of course continue here.

Feby 3d. The Clermont sail'd this night, a few of the company went. The wind is not high. Fortescue is better, Jane & I walked & the children also. We are all as usual.

Feby the 4th. This morn'g has been very fine & the wind promises well, please God it will

continue & we shall all get off. I read prayers this being Sunday & shoud have gone to church only the prayers were said in the Welsh language. We have now done dinner & do intend sailing this night.

Feby 5th Dublin, Monday. Thank God we are all safe landed in Dublin. We went last night on

board the Leister Packet at twelve o'clock & arrived at Pier Head this morn'g at eleven. Mr Page came

to meet us in his boat & had a very good breakfast for us at his house. We are all as happy as possible. John, Jane & Mr Page dined with us at Dawson St Hotel where we now are and will remain this night.




Feby 7th. We left Dublin yesterday at three o'clock, dined & slept at the Man of War28 & left it

early this morn'g, breakfasted in Drogheda & came to Drumcar where we stay'd two hours. I was

delighted with little Emily.29 Our coach met us there & we all came home here to dinner thank God

very well & happy to find ourselves once more at Stephenstown.

Feby the 13th. Nothing particularly new has happen'd since we came home. My mother &

Fanny dined & slept here & we have had gentlemen visitors back & forward. Fortescue & the children

are well, so am I thank God.

Feby the 18th, Tuesday. We all continue well & have had people every day. We coursed at

Clermont on Thursday, it was pleasant enough. This day Sir T.30 & Lady F?rster31 dined here & are to

sleep. We heard a few days ago of the murder of Mr Uniacke & Col. St George.32 Lady Augusta Forbes33 was married on Tuesday last to Col. Leith. My mother return'd home from Dublin yesterday.

March the 16th, Friday. Since I last wrote we have been all well and had company constantly back & forward. Clive34 arrived from England near three weeks ago. Mr George Jocelyn35 died about

the 6th or 7th of this month. Susan Alexander I heard this day from, she is just return'd from England where she made a short stay just to see her child. On Monday last young Mr Hardman36 & Mr Smyth37 the candidate fought a duel, neither were wounded, the election is going on now for Drogheda.

Tuesday, March the 20th. We are all well. The Drogheda election closed on Friday & Mr

Hardman38 was return'd. We have got a house in Merrion St next door to Mr H. Fosters.39 Mr Murphy40

has been ill keeping his room since the 12th inst. with a sore leg, he is getting something better.

Captain F.41 & Susan42 left us this morn'g, Ned Blacker43 is with us, he came here yesterday.

March 31st Dublin, Merrion St. Fortescue, Anna, Matt & I came to town yesterday thank God

safe & well. Poor Mrs H. Foster44 died on Wednesday the 28th, I sincerely am grieved for her loss. I

left Emily at Drumcar & have just heard she is well. We left Stephenstown on Thursday & slept at the

Man of War.

28. The Man-of -War is located about three miles south of Balbriggan. It was the best known inn on the Dublin-Dunleer

turnpike road until 1834 when it was by-passed by a major road realignment scheme. For an illustration of the Man-of

War and further information see David Broderick, An Early Toll-Road: The Dublin-Dunleer Turnpike, 1731-1855

(Blackrock, Co Dublin, 1996), pp 27-8.

29. Emily Fortescue, younger daughter of Mathew and Marianne.

30. Sir Thomas Forster, 1751-1843; rector of Baronstown, 1784-1843.

31. Dorcas, daughter of Ven. Archdeacon House of Cork, died 1828.

32. Col. Richard Mansergh St George and Mr Jasper Lniacke were murdered at Castle Uniacke. near Kilworth, Co Cork on 9

Feb. following Col. St George's declaration to his tenantry that he would burn more houses and 'transport every United

Irishman he could discover amongst them', see Ru?n O'Donnell, 1798 Diary (Dublin, 1998), p. 15.

33. Second daughter of Mrs Samuel Little by her first marriage to George, fifth earl of Granard.

34. Theophilus Clive, married Fanny McClintock, Marianne's youngest sister, in 1798.

35. Third son of Robert, second Earl of Roden.

36. Edward Hardman, junior, married Rebecca McClintock.

37. For Ralph Smyth and this election see M. Corcoran, Two Drogheda Voters' Lists: 1798 and 1802'. C.L.A.HJ., xx, 4,

(1984), 319-33.

38. Edward Hardman. senior, M.R for Drogheda. 39. Henry Foster, Marianne's maternal uncle, was the younger son of William Foster, M.R for Dunleer. He is not named in

Burke's Peerage and Baronetage (London, 1899), and is ignored in Lodge's Peerage, Baronetage. Knightage &

Campanionage (London, 1911). 40. Rev. Thomas Murphy, vicar of Stabannon, 1793-1807.

41. John Fortescue of Malahide, Co Dublin.

42. Daughter of John Fortescue of Malahide.

43. Edward Blacker, born 1750, third son of Latham Blacker of Rathescar.

44. See footnote 12.




Merrion St, April 21st. Thank God we are all well. I was brought to bed on Easter Sunday the

8th of this month, the poor child was dead & it was a boy. Fortescue went the eve'g after to the

country. I kept tolerably well untill the Saturday following & then felt ill & was low as possible. Fortescue & my mother came up to town on Monday the 16th since which time I have been recovering & now thank God feel very stout. The loss of my poor child made my confinement very lonely, I have

borne it better than I shoud have supposed I coud. The weather is uncommonly fine & I hope to

recover now very fast.

Merrion St, April 25th. I am getting on very well thank God. Fortescue & my mother are with

me, Anna & Matt are stout & well. She went on Monday to Mrs Jones's School where she goes every

morn'g & returns at three.

Merrion St, April 27th. We are thank God all well. I have not ventur'd out yet, my head is

sometimes bad. I hear constantly of Emily, she goes on delightfully. The weather is charming.

Merrion St, April 29th. Fortescue is not quite stout this day but please God he will soon be well

as 4tis only his stomach. I am getting on very well, so are the children. The weather is still very fine.

We had ten at dinner & supper yesterday, I did not go down to either.

Merrion St, May the 5th. Nothing new has happen'd since I last wrote, thank God we are all

well. I went out in the carriage for half an hour on last Wednesday. My mother left us yesterday. Mr

H. Foster went with her to Drumcar where I hope they arrived safe.

Merrion St, May the 12th. We are all well. ? dined out on Tuesday last & was at a ball on

Thursday at my brothers. We have not yet fixed on a time for going to the country. Jack Fortescue

surprized us the 10th, he just came from Cork.

Merrion St, May 14th. I went on Saturday eve'g to Lady Ferrard's45 and came home before

eleven. Yesterday I went to the Assylum. We dined at home. Mr H. Foster came this day to town. I

heard from Drumcar, they are all well, so are we thank God.

Merrion St, May 16th. Fortescue, Jack & I went yesterday to Malahide. We had a very pleasant drive & pass'd some very nice places. We went on our return to Burnet's Gardens at Richmond, there

was not a great deal to be seen there but it was neat. We came home to dinner. The children & all are

well. The weather is coldish.

Merrion St, May 22d. We have been dineing about & have had company since I last wrote. This

morn'g I went with Jane to Peters Church & heard the Bishop of Ossory46 preach a very good sermon, an hour & twenty minutes long. Ld Ed Fitzgerald was taken up on Saturday eve'g last. This town is

in a great fuss, the streets quite full of military & takeing up quantitys of arms. The children & I are

all thank God well.

Merrion St, May 24th. We went yesterday to Rathfarnham & saw a number of beautifull birds, the golden pheasant exceeds any bird I coud have form'd an idea of. The place is beautifull, the house

has some fine rooms & fine paintings. We return'd to town before three, I drove about the streets. We

45. Margaret Amelia, daughter of Thomas Burgh of Birt, Co Kildare married John 'Speaker' Foster on 14 December 1764. She was created Viscountess Ferrard in November 1797.

46. Thomas Lewis O'Beirne.



The Diary of Marianne Fortescue, 17 97-1800 237

had company at dinner. There have been a number of men taken prisoners & some brought in dead.

The United destroy'd three mail coaches last night, burned one & cut others to pieces. The whole town

is in confusion, God send it may all end well & soon as 'tis quite shocking to hear every moment the

things that are happening. Jack left us at two o'clock & went in the Cork Mail, we believe it has

escaped.

Merrion St, May 25th. Still sad work going on with the United, martial law was yesterday

proclaim'd in this town, all the yeomen out every night. Jack Fortescue return'd to town & had only

got as far as Naas, the Mail was attack'd, the horses very providentially took fright at the firing & run

off. The coach was oversett & by that means they all escaped (I mean the passengers) with their lives.

There was a shocking battle at Naas. Jack saw 39 lyeing dead & six hung. We suppose a vast number more must have been kill'd, the army got five hd pikes from the Defenders who dropp'd them in

running off. The Mail Jack got safe into the Post Office at Naas where we hope it remain'd safe.

Fortescue is pretty well, the children very well. I feel unpleasant from the idea of the dreadfull

situation we all are in, God send a speedy deliverance.

Merrion St, May 27th. We are still going on in the same way. The rebels are defeated in all the

battles hitherto fought. There were three men hung yesterday on Queens Bridge, God send there may be soon an end to it. The weather is uncommonly fine. I long most amazingly to get down to

Stephenstown. The North we still hear is quiet. On the door of every home in this town there is a list

of the inhabitants posted up47 & we are liable to have our houses searched at any time for fear of

conceal'd arms. Fortescue & the children are this day very well.

May 28th, Merrion St. An account came into town this day of four hundred of the rebels having been killed at Carlow & an hd & ten kill'd near Athy. I trust there will soon be an end to it. Fortescue,

Jack, the children & myself are all well.

May 30th, Merrion St. We are still thank God conquering the rebels. This day we heard of Sir

Js Duff haveing had a battle on the Curragh where there were three hd of the rebels kill'd. Fortescue

& Doctr Little48 left town yesterday, they got as far as Drogheda last night. Louth is very peaceable &

all down the North. The Cork & Limerick Mails arrived safe here last night for the first time since this

day week. Jack Fortescue stays with me. He, the children & I are very well thank God.

June 3d, Merrion St. The battles are still going on against the Rebels, there were five hd kill'd

within these two days at N.T. Barry. There was a Lieut of the Rathcoole Yeomen Regt hung yesterday. O'Connor49 is arrived from England. Mr Ryan was buried on Friday, he died in consequence of the

wounds he rec'd in takeing Ld Ed Fitzgerald. Jack, the children & I are very well. Fortescue is still at

Stephenstown, I hope to see him here tomorrow. I went to meeting this day with the Fortescues and

afterwards to Bathesda where we heard a very good sermon 50 minutes long.

Merrion St, June 4th. Lord Ed Fitzgerald died in Newgate last night at one o'clock. Nothing

particularly new this day. Fortescue arrived here safe & well from the country. Baron the taylor was

hung on the New Bridge between one & two o'clock, he I heard was General to the Rebel Army. We are all here very well. The weather is uncommonly hot & fine.

47. Similar lists were posted on the doors in Drogheda, see M. Corcoran, A Drogheda Census List of 1798', C.F.A.H.J., xvii,

2, (1970), pp 91-6.

48. Rev. Dr. Samuel Little, rector of Louth 1789-1823. 49. Arthur O'Connor, the United Irishman.




Merrion St, June 5th. I'm sorry to say this morn'g brought bad news. Col Walpole & about 500 men consisting of Armagh Militia, Ancient British & I believe L.Derry were all surprized (on their

way to join the Regts at Wexford) by a large body of Rebels who attack'd them & took two pieces of

cannon, kill'd a good number of our men & Col. Walpole also lost his life. News is hourly expected from Wexford. My brother50 went to join the Louth Regt this morn'g. God send all may end well for

us.

Merrion St, June the 8th. There has been an engagement at New Ross where near 3000 of the

Rebels have been kill'd. Ld Montjoy lost his life early in the battle. We have not lost above fifty men.

God grant there may be soon an end to it. I have not this long time heard of any thing I grieve more

for than our friend O.B. Bellinghams51 death, he died yesterday at two o'clock in consequence of a

shot he rec'd by accident when he was pushing one of his pistols into the holster, 'tis a most

melancholy thing. His wife & family are I hear come to town.

Merrion St, June the 9th. Fortescue left town this morn'g at six o'clock to go to poor Mr O.B.

B's funeral. There are accounts this day in town of Antrim being disturbed & of our haveing kill'd

four hundred of the rebels. Lord O'Neil52 has rec'd a dangerous wound. Jack Fortescue is with me, the

children & I are thank God very well. My spirits are not brisk at present, I hope to see better times.

We expect soon to hear from Wexford.

Merrion St, June 10th. We this morn'g had great accounts from Arklow of an engagement there in which the Rebels were defeated & a very great number kill'd. Col. Maxwell's horse was shot under him & I hear not one officer was kill'd. 15 hundred men in the North we hear also have lay'd down their arms & declared they woud never fight against their King in future. God send we may soon have

peace & happiness restored in this Kingdom. Fanny, Clive, Ann, Mr Foster & Jack all dined with me at a little after four & at six we sett off to the Pidgeon House in Mr Fosters coach & saw Fanny & Clive safe on board the Princes Royal Capt Browne for Pargate. The vessell was full, there was

another vessell also for the same place with an amazing number on board. The Loftus Packet for Holy Head was also going, no one but Lady Camden53 was to have that. The wind was by no means

favorable but the weather is uncommonly hot & fine. We are all well here, Fortescue is in the country & I hope well too.

Merrion St, June 11th. Nothing new this day, no letter from Fortescue. Mr H.F. & Anne have

just left me & intend going to Southinagh tomorrow. The children & I are well.

Merrion St, June 12th. I hear near 10,000 men are arrived here. There is some good news from

the North. I heard from Fortescue, our country still quiet. My brother came from Arklow very much

fatigued. Jack, the children & I are thank God very well. The streets remarkably quiet this night. My uncle & Anne left town this day at 12 o'clock.

Merrion St, June 13th. Nothing new this day. I had three letters from Louth, every where in that

county quiet. Jack & I dined at Mr W. Fortescues.54 We are here all thank God well & the weather is

& has been since the end of April quite uncommonly fine.

50. William McClintock, 1777-1838, Marianne's third brother.

51. O'Bryen Bellingham, third son of Alan Bellingham of Castlebellingham. He married Anne Tandy and had issue a son, Alan

O'Bryen, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Anne.

52. For an account of the piking of Lord O'Neill see Rev. W.S. Smith, 'Memories of '98', U.J.A.., Third Series, I, (1895), p. 139.

53. Frances Molesworth of Wenbury, Devon, wife of 2nd Earl Camden, Lord Lieutenant.

54. William Fortescue, 1733-1816, eldest son of Revd John Fortescue, rector of Heynestown and Dromiskin. Prior to his

retirement he had been resident surveyor and controller of the Post Office in Dublin.




Merrion St, June 14th. An account this day arrived of an engagement between Col. Nugent &

the Rebels in which they were defeated with a considerable loss & some cannon taken also at

Ballynahinch (Ld Moira's). Ballynahinch town & Saintfield are partly burnt. Louth is still quiet, some

men have been sent up here from Dundalk & Ardee and are now in joal. Mr Esmond was hung this

day on Carlisle Bridge, he has left a widow and children I heard. Our weather very hot & not a sign of rain.

Merrion St, June 15th. I had a letter from Fortescue, he is well & has been out at night hunting for men. He took two the night before last. No news this day. We are all well. The weather still hot.

Merrion St, June 16th. All quiet still in Louth. I heard this day from Fortescue. 1100 men landed

here this morn'g, 300 Cavalry & 800 Infantry. An account has been rec'd in town that Munro a shop

keeper in Lisburn, otherwise a General of the Rebel Army at Ballynahinch, together with his Aide

camp & Chaplain have [been] executed in the town of Lisburn. Geni Lake sett off this day to take the

command of the Army at Wexford. There has been a little rain this eve'g which was of great use but

'tis still very hot. I heard from Fanny, she was from Sunday untill last Wednesday eve'g going from

hence to Parkgate. We are well here. The streets seem very quiet this night.

Merrion St, June 17th. Nothing new this day. Jack, Anna & I walk'd to Marks Church. Ld

Cornwallis55 is expected over immediately to succeed Ld Camden.36 The weather still beautifully fine.

Merrion St, June 20th. There has not been much news since the Rebels have been defeated at

two battles, one at Kilbeggan, the other at Ovidstown Hill. They lost more than 300 & 20 men, our

loss dont exceed 23. Col Irvine & Sir Rd Steele were wounded. Fortescue came yesterday to town,

thank God very well. I have been excessively ill, last night particularly so, I feel better now. Anna &

Matt are well. We had yesterday a good deal of rain & this day threatens more. Lord Cornwallis is

arrived.

Merrion St, June 23d. This day great news from Wexford of our haveing killed a great number

above 5000 & taken cannon from the Rebels also. Lord Camden I saw this day going thro' the streets

which were lined with yeomen, he was on his way to the Packet and was this even'g to sail for

England & a delightfull day it has been. Ld O'Neil died in consequence of the wound he reed from

the rebels in the north. I was out shopping with Mrs J.W. Foster this day who came yesterday to town

with Alick.-7 My little Emily was very ill cutting teeth but thank God is getting better this day, I heard.

We are all here well.

Merrion St, June the 26th. I do not know when I was so disappointed as at hearing this morn'g of disturbance about Dundalk which must prevent our going to Stephenstown. I trust in God it wont

signify. Fortescue intends going down tomorrow. Mr Gataker58 was very much hurt the other day by his own steward whom he was conveying to Dundalk a prisoner, he beat him on the head with an iron

bar and got off from him. We hear he is not dangerously hurt. I heard yesterday of my little Emmy's

being quite well.

Merrion St, June 28th. There was an account yesterday of Sir Charles Asgill's having killed

above one thousand of the rebels near Kilkenny, their chief called Murphy a priest was also killed -

55. Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquis Comwallis, appointed Lord Lieutenant 14 June 1798 and sworn in 20 June 1798.

56. John Jeffreys Pratt, 2nd Earl Camden, Lord Lieutenant from 13 March 1795 to 14 June 1798.

57. Rev. Alexander McClintock, 1775-1836, Marianne's second brother; rector of Kilsaran 1797-1810. He married Anne Pratt.

58. Thomas Gataker of Balrigan. near Dundalk. merchant and magistrate, originally from London.




ten pieces of cannon, two swivels, their colours & quantities of ammunition, arms, cattle etc were

taken. The weather is delightfull. Fortescue went yesterday to the country. I trust Louth will keep quiet. We are all well.

Merrion St, June 29th. I heard this day from Fortescue. He is well & says the country is very

quiet. We think of going down on Sunday if it continues so. The Marquiss of Buckingham arrived this

day & his Regt of Militia. I had a letter last night from Fanny. We are all well.

Merrion St, July the 1st. Louth continues quiet & we intend leaving this tomorrow please God.

Fortescue is in the country. The weather still very fine. No news these few days. The children & I are

well.

Stephenstown, July 3d. We arrived safe & well here thank God. Yesterday at seven o'clock

Fortescue met me & stay'd untill this morn'g. He went off early to Dundalk where he is to remain

with his troop. The country I hear is quiet.

Stephenstown, July 7th. Fortescue has not been at home since except on Thursday for a few

minutes with a prisoner & the troop with him. It seems lonely & the weather has not been fine these

few days past. I went on Wednesday to Drumcar & brought Emily home & Eliza also came to stay with me. The children are all well. I feel a little cowardly but trust in God we are safe. I think Eliza

is very good to stay with me. We work a great deal & have finish'd all the breakfast room chair

covers. They look very pretty. I put them on the chairs etc yesterday. I was very unwell last night but

this day am much better, 'tis very dull here. I hope to see better times.

July 8th, Stephenstown. This day we went to C.B. Church - Eliza, Mr Blacker & the children.

Fortescue came home to dinner & expects to remain here. I hope he may be allowed. We are all well

thank God. Eliza went to Drumcar.

Stephenstown, July 12th. On Monday I sat at home working. Tuesday we all went to pay visits

& dined at Drumcar. We all returned home before ten. Eliza came back with me. Wednesday we went

to Dundalk to visit there & this day we sat working. Fortescue went to Dundalk. It has been very uncertain weather this some time past

- very heavy showers. We are thank God all well.

Stephenstown, July 15th. Friday the 13th we drove into Dundalk. No mail arrived that day as it

was taken by the rebels about eleven miles of this side of Dublin. Yesterday (Saturday) Fortescue

went to Dundalk & then got orders to go off with his troop to Ardee, so he & some of his men set off

at near six o'clock to Ardee & there waited further orders & at three o'clock this morning (Sunday)

they proceeded to Slane. Bess Pratt,39 Eliza, Mr Blacker, the children & I went to Dundalk soon after

Fortescue left us & there we all slept & return'd here after breakfast this day. It rains shockingly at

which I am much grieved. God grant all our troops may return safe. I have just heard there has been

a battle & 3 or 4 hundred of the rebels killed. I had last night a letter from Mr F.60 dated Ardee. At the

time it was written he seem'd to think there would be no fighting, I much fear he was wrong. We are

all well. I trust this business will end well and that we may soon enjoy peace.

July 19th, Stephenstown, Friday morn'g. Monday the 16th I pass'd in great anxiety. At about

five o'clock in the even'g McGlade61 arrived with a letter from Slane to order clean linen with which

59. Elizabeth, eldest daughter of James Butler Pratt of Drumsna, Co Leitrim and his wife, Margaret Foster of Dunleer. 60. Marianne's husband.

61. An Owen McGlade was employed as gate keeper at Stephenstown from 12 August 1814, see Mathew Fortescue's account

book in the possession of the editor




he was to sett out early the following morn'g. However about eleven Harding arrived & said his master & all were comeing. So at near twelve Fortescue arrived & Doctr Little who had also gone to

fight the rebels. They did not meet so as to fight but took some prisoners. There were a number kill'd

by the Dumphry's Regt, they lost one man only. We have hope now of quietness as there were only two Meath men join'd them & none of the Louth. On Tuesday we were all in good spirits. Bess, Eliza

& I went to Dundalk. Wednesday we sat at home untill even'g, then went out on a car. Yesterday

Fortescue took me a long drive in his gig. The even'g we sat at home. There was no rain. This morn'g

also promises well. Fortescue, the children & all are well. I got a letter from Fanny on Sunday last.

Stephenstown, July 22d. We have had a wonderfull quantity of rain & some thunder &

lightening. We have had company & visitors here these few days & are thank God all very well. Mr

Blacker, Bess & Eliza are with us. Some people seem to think the rebellion nearly at an end. I can't

yet think it is.

July 27th. On Monday the 23d we sat at home, on Tuesday walk'd a little & had a good deal of

company at dinner. Wednesday was an uncommon fine day. We drove to Clermont62 in the cabriole &

eat fruit. Some men dined with us. Thursday (yesterday) was very showery. I sat at home finishing my window tops & this day was very fine. My mother came & stay'd only about an hour. She took Bess Pratt home with her. Eliza & I took a pleasant drive this eve'g. Thank God we are all well & enjoy tranquility here. Hoy63 & Marmion64 were hung on Wednesday even'g in Drogheda

- wretched men !

Stephenstown, Augt 1st. On Saturday last we drove to Bellurgan, a very fine day. Sunday also was fine. We went in the cabriole to C.B. Church. On Monday we sat at home & just after dinner my uncle H. F. & Anne came to us. Yesterday rain'd the whole day. We thought of going to a ball in

Drogheda but it was so wet we coud not think of it. Just after supper Major Fortescue65 came here & at twelve o'clock he, Fortescue, my uncle H. & Mr Ed. Blacker all set out to take some men. They

were out untill four this morn'g & did not get the people they wanted. Anna Maria has got a musick master to attend her. We are thank God all well.

Augt 3d. On Wednesday we drove to Dundalk, a fine day. Yesterday we drove in the cabriole to

Lessrenny,66 Anna & Eliza rode - one going, the other returning. This day Fortescue & I went in the

gig to C.B., Mr Blacker rode. It rained almost all day. We are thank God all well.

Augt 5th. Yesterday was very fine. We went in the cab: to Dundalk. This day (Sunday) we went

to Dromiskin Church & had a pleasant drive but rather a cold day. We are all well.

Augt 13th, Stephenstown. Monday was a lovely day. We sat at home but drove out in the even'g.

Tuesday Fortescue was unwell so we did not stir. On Wednesday we walk'd to see the ladies at

Grange.67 On Thursday we drove out to Clermont. We dined at Grange - Anne Foster, Eliza, Mr

62. The Clermont estate in Haynestown belonged to William Henry Fortescue, 1st Earl Clermont.

63. John Hoey, a plumber and glazier in Dundalk, was hanged in Drogheda on 25 July 1798. He was survived by his wife Ann

(n?e Fitzsimons) and four children, Mathew, Cashell, Christopher and Catherine. His wife was pregnant at the time of his

execution, but the Dundalk parish registers have no mention of the baptism of another child. He is buried in Castletown

graveyard, see N. Ross and M. Wilson (eds.), Tombstone Inscriptions in Castletown Graveyard, Dundalk (Dundalk, 1992),

p. 72.

64. Anthony Marmion, a chandler in Dundalk, was hanged at the same time as Hoey. He was survived by his wife, Eleanor

(n?e Dowdall), by three sons, Lawrence, Patrick and James, and a daughter Mary (all minors) and by two brothers, John

and Francis. He also had a posthumous daughter, Nelly. He was buried in Louth.

65. Chichester Fortescue of Dromiskin, 1777-1826.

66. Lisrenny, the residence of the Filgate family. 67. Grange townland adjoins Stephenstown on the south-west. It was the residence of Revd Dr Samuel Little.




Blacker, Fortescue & I. On Friday, a lovely day we sat at home. Mrs Forbes etc drank tea here. On

Saturday they all dined with us, so did Mr F., Mrs Fl. Fortescue68 & Captn & Susan. Mr and Mrs

Faithful have stay'd with us since yesterday. We all went to C.B. Church. Rebecca came home with us & Eliza return'd to Drumcar. Anne is this day to go home. We are going out in the cabriole. It rain'd

dreadfully in the night. We are thank God all well.

Friday, Augt 17th. On Monday we drove out in the cabriole. On Tuesday we went to Dundalk.

Wednesday we drove to Clermont & left Mr & Mrs Faithful there. On Thursday five from that dined

here & slept last night. The Grange party also dined with us. The Fortescues all left us after breakfast

this day. Half of Fortescues infantry69 dined here at one o'clock. It has rain'd heavily all this eve'g. Ned Blacker left us yesterday. We are all well.

Monday, Augt the 20th. Saturday was very fine. We dined at Ld Roden 's70 & walk'd about the

gardens in the eve'g. On Sunday we went to C. B. Church. The day was very lovely. William Pratt71

came here, dined & slept. This is another charming fine day. In the morn'g we drove out in the

cabriole, return'd before two, then sat quietly until dressing time. We all dined at Grange. I have been

pretty well but last night was very much the reverse.

Augt 24th. On Tuesday the Clermont family all came here & stay'd untill yesterday. My mother

& Eliza dined here on Wednesday. I was unwell all that day & yesterday I went into Dundalk to get medicines order'd me by Law.721 took a vomit last night & thank God am better this day.

Augt 26th, Friday. The Fortescues came back to us. Yesterday we were to have had the Geni

from Dundalk & other officers but an alarm of the French haveing landed in the County of Mayo &

of rebels being up about Nobber hurried the Regt off. God grant it may not turn out of much

consequence. I felt very much dishearten'd. The Grange family73 dined with us. 'tis now early on

Sunday, as yet we have not heard any news. All the Fortescues, Mr & Mrs F. F., the Captn & Susan

left this at nine o'clock, the first mentioned for Dublin & the last for Malahide. The children &

Fortescue are thank God all well. Rebecca is with me.

Janry the 1st 1799. A tolerable day, the snow nearly gone. John Fostescue is with us & Mr

Murphy -

they hunted. A.O.B.74 dined & slept. My father75 is at Drumcar & has a little gout, my mother

in Dublin, Eliza with me.

2d. A fine day, the men rode. Lady F[orste]r & Bess Pratt came & sat an hour with us. We are

all well.

3d. Another fine day. Eliza & I went to Dundalk to visit Lady Rfoden]. The gentlemen dined at

Grange.

68. Faithful William Fortescue of Milltown Grange and his wife Jane (n?e Adair) of Belmont, Co Laois, whom he married in

1796.

69. Yeomanry units were embodied from 1796 onwards as part of the Government's efforts to counter the activities of the

United Irishmen and defenders. For details of the yeomanry in Co Louth see P. O Snodaigh, 'Notes on the Volunteers,

Militia, Yeomanry and Orangemen of County Louth', C.F.A.H.J., xviii, 4, (1976), 289-93.

70. Dundalk House, the residence of Robert Jocelyn, 2nd earl of Roden.

71. William Pratt 1775-1864, eldest son of James Butler Pratt of Drumsna, Co Leitrim whose wife was Margaret Foster of

Dunleer.

72. Marianne's medical adviser in Dublin.

73. The family of Revd Dr Samuel Little.

74. Alan O'Bryen Bellingham, son of O'Bryen Bellingham. 75. John McClintock, 1742-99. It was he who built the Georgian house at Drumcar now occupied by the Order of Saint John

of God.




4th. A fine day. Eliza & I rode a short way all out.

5th. The gentlemen hunted. I did not feel very well but drove to Lessrenny & Corbollis76 & was

better after.

6th. Sunday morn'g. Eliza & Anna went to C.B. Church. I stay'd at home. A. O. B. rode here to

talk of the mistake about the Southinagh family not comeing here. C. Fortescue,77 Doctr L[ittle],

George78 and J. F.79 dined & slept.

7th. This day the same party except Dr L. & George. We are thank God well & hearty. Lovely weather still.

8. Eliza & I drove to Drumcar to see my father. He is much better. I went with him in his carriage round by Tullydonnell. The gentlemen hunted. Alick came here to dine & sleep & went with us to a

Dundalk Ball, which was pleasant enough. We got home at 4.

9th Wednesday. We all went to course at Clermont. Had not much sport, but a good deal of

company. At dinner much the same party.

10 Jany. The gentlemen hunted. Alick & Henry80 came here to stay as my father went to Dublin.

Major F. surprized us at dinner.

11. Still lovely weather. Eliza & I drove to C.B. to visit the folk there. We saw A.O.B. who was

to go the day following to Cormy81 to be introduced to his intended papa.

12th Saturday. The gentlemen hunted - the usual party at dinner - all well.

13th. Eliza & I went to L[outh] Church & afterwards to Thomastown82 to pay a visit. The

gentlemen all excepting Henry & George dined at Grange where there was a male party. C. Fortescue

slept here.

Monday 14. This day the gentlemen had their County meeting & were all unanimous against an

Union. We expected a large party at dinner & were only ten. Alick left us for Dublin. Fortescue has

not been at all well.

Tuesday 15. The gentlemen hunted. Eliza, Matt & I drove into Dundalk. We play cards every

eve'g.

16th. Nothing new this day -

all well. Fortescue recover'd.

17th. This day has been only middling. We rode. There was hunting & they kill'd a fox. Alick

return'd to dinner.

76. The residence of the Lee family. 77. Chichester Fortescue, 1777-1826, MP for Hillsborough. 78. Son of Revd Samuel Little.

79. Revd John (Jack) Fortescue.

80. Marianne's youngest brother, 1783-1843. Beginning in 1805 Henry kept a diary for the remainder of his life. Twenty-one of the twenty-two volumes survive and are at present in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (D3580/1-21).

81. The present-day Cabra Castle, near Kingscourt. 82. Now Knock Abbey, for Knock Abbey see J.T. Dolan, 'Knock Abbey', C.L.A.J., v, 3, (1923), 179-83.




18. The gentlemen hunted with Ld Rodens hounds. The Lady Forbes's came to Grange on their

way to Scotland.

19. Not a fine day -

nothing new - our own party of six.

20 Sunday. We went to C.B. Church, a wetish day, all well.

21 st. A very fine day. Alick and T. F. left us for Dublin.

22. This day Parliament met. Mrs O'Reilly83 pd us a long visit. Billy Blacker84 came to dinner -

all well.

23d. A fine day. The gentlemen hunted with Ld Rodens hounds. Henry very well & rode a good deal. We are all well. Billy Blacker mighty jolly.

24th. Eliza & I drove into Dundalk where we heard the Union was given up which gave us

infinite pleasure. We met Lady Forster & chatted a good while at Miss Gordons. We are all well.

25th. Nothing new this day.

26th. Mr Blacker left us. Eliza & I drove to Clermont. It has been a very fine day. All well.

27th Sunday. A rainy day. We did not go to church but read at home. No one at dinner but our

own party. All well.

Tuesday eve'g 29th. Yesterday a fine frost. Eliza, Henry, Anna & I went to Drumcar to meet my mother where we dined & slept. Anna & I return'd this day & left all the rest at Drumcar. This day also is frosty & fine. I found Ned Blacker, Doctor Lee & Murphy here. We are all well thank God. I

rec'd a letter from Fanny this eve'g.

Tuesday, Feby 5th. I return'd to Drumcar on last Wednesday where I dined & slept. Henry, Anna

& I left it at eleven next day, as the day seem'd threatening snow. My mother & Eliza went as far as

the Man of War & so into town early next morn'g. Friday & Saturday were terrible days & stormy.

Captn Morton's85 vessel was wreck'd at Haggardstown & all on board perish'd, 'twas truly

melancholy. On Sunday I was very unwell with a headache, it grew better before dinner. Captn Fortescue & Susan came to us. Yesterday the gentlemen went to Dundalk. We stay'd at home. Alick

came at dinner time. We play'd whist & were merry & pleasant. This day is desperate cold, windy & we are just the same party. All well thank God. Fortescue rides to Dundalk tho' it is so bad.

Sunday, Feby 10th. Wednesday last was an indifferent day. Captn F. & Susan left us. Thursday was snow & bad. Friday was desperate thick snow & a high wind. It grew milder at night & thaw'd.

Yesterday was fine & thawing all day. Ned Blacker left us for Drogheda, so were only a party of four,

Alick, Henry, Fortescue & myself. All well thank God & the children. This day is fine. It froze last

night so is as slippery as possible. I did not go to church but Alick read prayers for us. I wrote to my mother on Saturday. I wrote to Fanny.

83. Margaret (n?e Dowdall, of Carne Isle, Co Meath), second wife of Matthew O'Reilly of Knock Abbey. 84. William Blacker, born 1744, eldest son of Latham Blacker of Rathescar.

85. The burial register of St Nicholas' Parish Church, Dundalk records the burial on 2 Feb. 1799 of 'Mr William Morton, who

perished in a storm on board his ship'.




Feby 11th. A fine day. It froze last night. I received a letter from my mother. My father has the

gout. We are all well thank God, Henry getting better.

Feby 12th. This has been a tolerable day. I went to Clermont to see Captn & Susan. Mr

Woolsey86 and Mr A. Bellingham came & dined here & are to sleep. Doctr Little came from Dublin &

is to sleep also. Thank God we are all well.

Feby 13th. This day was fine & we had the same party except Dr L. I got a letter from my mother. My poor father has been desperate ill, but thank God there was a change for the better as he

got gout in one foot. I hope to hear again tomorrow.

Feby 14th. I heard this eve'g & thank God my father is in a good way. This has been a very rainy

day. Mr B. & Mr W. stay'd. C. Fortescue came to dinner & is to sleep. Fortescue out riding all day. We, thank God are all well. I wrote to my mother.

Feby 15th. I heard this eve'g & my father is thank God getting better. I went to Clermont. The

gentlemen hunted. We had no one at dinner but my brothers. We are all well. This day was fine.

Feby 16th. This day was tolerably fine. I sat at home. Captn F. & Susan came & dined & are to

sleep. We are all thank God well.

Feby 17th. This day was fine. We went to church at C.B. We had Captn F., Susan, Doctr Little

& my brothers. All well thank God, my father getting on well.

Feby 18th. This has been a desparate day. No one stirr'd out so we are the same party except

Henry who left us for school.

Feby 19th. This day was very fine. I drove to Dundalk & afterwards left Susan at Clermont. We

are this day alone. I had a letter from my mother, my father was very ill again on Saturday but better

when the letter left town. I got alarm'd very much about him, but please God he will recover.

Feby 21st. Nothing new these two days, my father much the same. Alick & Ld Louth87 call'd

here yesterday. I heard from Henry. Alick went this day to town. Yesterday was fine, the night dreadfull stormy. This day some violent rain as I ever saw. We are thank God very well. This night is also very windy.

Feby 22. This day there was some rain. I sat at home. Susan & her father came after four. He

left Susan with me & went on to Doctr Littles where he was to dine. We are all well thank God. I

rec'd a letter from Dublin, my father by the account, I don't think is better. I wrote to Henry & Eliza.

Feby 28th. Since I last wrote I have pass'd some melancholy days. My poor father breathed his

last on last Saturday morn'g at about three o'clock. I trust in God he has made a happy change. I have

heard constantly of my mother, she bears her loss with great resignation & I sincerely hope she may continue to do so. I thank God I am getting much better but had dreadful headaches for three days. Susan Fortescue is with me. Mr Little came here yesterday eve'g. Fortescue & the children are well.

86. Rev. William Woolsey, rector of Heynestown 1790-1810.

87. Thomas Oliver Plunkett, 11th Baron of Louth.




March 3d. Nothing new since. We have the same party & are thank God all well. Wm Pratt

pass'd Thursday & Friday here. We think of going to Dublin tomorrow.

March 10th. Fortescue & I set out for Dublin on Monday the 4th & slept that night at the Man

of War & got into town at about one o'clock next day. We found my poor mother very low but thank

God her health not impair'd. My brothers & sisters were all well, we remain'd in town untill Friday & got to Drogheda that day where we dined with my uncle whom we found but indifferent. Mrs F. &

the children very well. We supped there & went to the inn a little after eleven, slept well & breakfasted

yesterday before we left it. We got safe here at about three & found all well thank God. This day has

been fine. I walk'd out & read at home as I did not go to church. On my arrival I found a letter had come in my absence from Fanny. She was getting better when she wrote.

March 12th. We have had charming weather since we came home. I have walk'd every day.

Yesterday my brother William came to us. Doctr Little & Mr Gerrard88 dined with us also. Fortescue went this morn'g to the Assizes. We are thank God all well only I have a great headache. Bess Pratt was married to A.O'B. B. on Saturday last. They & Anne Foster came down on Sunday to Milestown.

They sent this day for the Piano Forte.

March 16th, 9 o'clock Saturday morn'g. Fortescue stay'd untill Thursday at the Assizes. That

day he, C. Fortescue, Doctr Little & my brother Wm dined here. Yesterday they rode to Drumcar &

called at Milestown on their way for my uncle H. Foster. Fortescue & the Doctr return'd at six o'clock

to dinner. Wm went to Drogheda so far on his way for Dublin. Lady Forster & Laetitia89 paid me a

visit. We are all well thank God. Very fine weather still.

March 19th. On Saturday about two o'clock my brother Henry came here from Drumcar & told me my mother was that day to be there. I went to C.B. Church on Sunday & afterwards to Drumcar

where I saw my mother & sisters. I felt very much on going there & seeing my poor mother. So truly different every thing appear'd that no doubt it was grevious but God's will be done. I sat with them

about two hours, then return'd home & Henry with me. Yesterday I went to see Bess & found her at

home very comfortably settled at Milestown. Anne I also saw. Yesterday & Sunday were both fine.

This day Fortescues Corps was inspected at C.Bellingham & a most dreadfull day it was, both heavy rain & snow. He return'd to dinner & seven gentlemen with him. We are all thank God well.

March 22d, Stephenstown. On Wednesday last I went to church at C.B.& afterwards to Drumcar

where I dined & slept. My brother John came there to dinner & his wife. My mother was very low.

The next morn'g I prevail'd on her to take a little drive out with me. I thought it would do her good, so after that Anna & I return'd here. We found all well. Mr Cairns*1 was here, he had stay'd with

Fortescue in my absence & left us this morng. I went to Louth church. The weather is raw & cold. Fortescue & the children are well thank God. We are this day (Good Friday) alone & very cosey. This

country as quiet as possible. I have got my garden very nice but no seeds sown yet except sweet pea.

I received a letter from Mrs Little yesterday.

March 25th. On Saturday nothing particular happen'd. Fortescue rode to Drumcar. I sat at home.

On Sunday he & I went to Louth church. It rain'd very heavy. Doctr Little dined with us. This day has been wet too, I did not go out. Fortescue rode to Dundalk. We are thank God all well.

88. Rev. Samuel Gerrard, curate of Dunleer, 1775-1808. 89. Elder daughter of Sir Thomas and Lady Forster. 90. William Cairnes of the Castlebellingham brewery.




March 28th. On Tuesday last I went to Dundalk & took Anna and Matt with me. We shopp'd there for above an hour & just as we were leaving Dundalk met Anne Foster & my brother William

rideing. They had been here first. We stopp'd to chat, then parted. Fortescue dined at Grange. Anna

and I were tete-a-tete. Yesterday Fortescue went to the auction at Drumcar. He did not leave it untill

late so dined at Mr Sheils's91 & rode home at night. This morn'g he went again to the auction & as he

is not yet return'd & now 'tis past nine, I suppose he has done the same. Matt is not very well this

night oweing to haveing [word illegible] too much exercise, please God it won't signify. I heard Lady J. Straton92 was brought to bed of a son on Patricks Day I believe. Mrs Lindsey93 lay in on Friday last

(the 23d) of a daughter. This day & yesterday have been fine. I wrote on last Tuesday to Fanny.

March 29th. This day has been fine but cold & windy. Fortescue went immediately after

breakfast to Drumcar intending to return to dinner but I rec'd a note this eve'g from him telling me he was to stay there & sleep. I drove into Dundalk this morn'g. The children & I are thank God all well.

This night seems quite a storm. Nurse Hand has got a daughter.

Sunday night, March 31st. Yesterday Fortescue came home & my brother William with him. It was a severe cold day. I sat at home all the morng. This day has been equally wintery but this night seems very calm. I went to C.B. Church & return'd here after. We are all well thank God.

April 3d. 1 went on Monday April 1st to Drumcar where I dined & slept. My mother return'd

home with me yesterday & left me this day. Ned Blacker is here. Fortescue & the children are all well

thank God. We still have very severe weather.

April 5th. Yesterday I sat at home all day drawing & a severe windy cold day it was. We heard

of a most melancholy accident which happen'd to Mr Lee's son94 & occasion'd his death - 'twas a fall

of horseback. I feel very much for the family as their grief must be great. This morning I pass'd in the same manner & rec'd a letter this eve'g telling me of Fanny & Clives arrival. I had one from herself

from Dublin. They arrived on Wednesday & intend being at Drumcar at dinner tomorrow. We are all

well here thank God. This day has been severe also & a good deal of snow.

April 6th. I sat drawing this morn'g and had visitors. Alan & Bess rode here, John & Jane came

in their curricle & Wm rode. They sat a couple of hours. This day has been much better. The snow

gone off here but is still on the hills at Coll?n. Ned Blacker is with us. Fortescue & all well.

April 7th. I went this morn'g to Drumcar & saw all there & Fanny who had come down the day before with Clive. He I did not see as he had rode to Dundalk. Fanny look'd very thin & pale but said

she was getting much stouter. My mother tolerably well. I return'd to dinner, Doctr Little, Ned & C.

Fortescue were our party. We are all thank God very well. This day rather milder.

April 9th. Yesterday was very showery but notwithstanding Jane & Fanny came here in a

curricle & sat a good while & took a snack & left me about half past three. Sir C. Fortescue & his

nephew dined & slept here. The first mentioned & Doctr Little went off from here at twelve o'clock

intending to go as far as the Man of War this night so far they are on their way to town. Alan O. B.

91. William Sheils of Newtowndarver.

92. Lady Emily Jocelyn, youngest daughter of the 1st Earl of Roden, wife of John Straton of Lisnawilly. The Diary of Anne, Countess Dowager of Roden, p. 35, records that the boy was born on 19 March. A tombstone in St Nicholas' churchyard, Dundalk states that John Warde Straton was born on 19 March 1799 and died on 19 August 1853.

93. ?Sarah, wife of Revd Alexander Lindsay, rector of Carrick, Co Louth.

94. OfCorbollis.




call'd here this day. We have now no one here but Ned Blacker. All well but Matt who has had a great headache but seem'd much better before he went to bed. This day has been quite different, the wind

from the west & a good deal of sun.

Friday, April 12. Wednesday last was a tolerable good day. I went to Dundalk. Mr Fortescue

dined & slept here. Doctr Lee call'd here yesterday. It rain'd without ceasing. This day has been very fine. Ned Blacker went to Drumcar. I walk'd out. We are all well thank God.

April 13th. A lovely day. I went to Dundalk & on my return met Fanny & Clive. She came into

the chaise with me. They will stay untill Monday. John & Jane also dined with us. We are all well

thank God.

[To be continued]



The Diary of Marianne Fortescue, 1797-1800

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Transcript of The Diary of Marianne Fortescue, 1797-1800