A tale, for young people, of the Siege of Londonderry, the hardships of the defenders, and their brave patience. Isabel, a veritable angel of mercy for her uncle and cousins is a pleasant study. Another fine character is old Geoffrey Lambrick, drawn from a quiet life and his tulips into the smoke of battle.
[ARCHDEACON, Matthew].
⸺ LEGENDS OF CONNAUGHT, TALES, &c. Pp. 406. (Dublin: John Cumming). 1829.
Seven stories:—“Fitzgerald,” “The Banshee,” “The Election,” “Alice Thomson,” “M’Mahon,” “The Rebel’s Grave,” “The Ribbonman.” “Almost every incident in each tale is founded on fact.” (Pref.). The first story (165 pp.) depicts Connaught “in a wild and stormy state of society” towards the close of the eighteenth century, and records the wild deeds and memorable exit of the very widely known individual who is its hero.
⸺ CONNAUGHT: a Tale of 1798. Pp. 394. (Dublin: printed for M. Archdeacon). 1830.
The Author was “from infancy in the habit of hearing details of ‘the time of the Frinch’” ... and has “had an opportunity of frequently hearing the insurrectionary scenes described by some of the Actors themselves.” (Pref.) The Author is loyalist, but not bitterly hostile to the rebels. The rebellion is not painted in roseate colours, but it is not misrepresented. Humbert’s campaign is vividly described, but history does not absorb all the interest. The love story (the lovers are on the rebel side) is told with zest, and there is abundance of exciting incident. Quite well written.
⸺ SHAWN NA SAGGARTH, THE PRIESTHUNTER. (Duffy). 6s. 1843.
A tale of the Penal times.
ARCHER, Patrick, “MacFinegall.” Born at Oldtown, North County Dublin, about fifty years ago. Lives in Dublin, where he is a Customs Official.