Wogan, and immediately after created him a Baronet. He also knighted the Chevalier Gaydon, and Captains Misset and O'Toole. They were also granted brevets of military advancement, which the King pledged his word to make good as soon as he was restored to his throne; and in case they should be dismissed from the French army for having left their posts without permission-for France at this time did not acknowledge his claim to the throne-they could by these brevets obtain service in the armies of other Catholic powers on the Continent, who still acknowledged Prince James Francis Edward, as de jure, though not de facto Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland, as King James III. Major Sir Richard Gaydon was thus made a Brigadier-General, and Captain Sir John Misset and Captain Sir Luke O'Toole, Colonels; while Lady Misset's father, who was a Captain in the regiment of LieutenantGeneral the Honourable Count Arthur Dillon, was also appointed to the rank of Colonel.

His Holiness gave King James a palace to reside in at Rome, and allowed him a pension of 12,000 crowns per annum.

The Jacobites were rejoiced at the union of the young Prince, whom they recognized as their lawful King, and drew many happy omens from the romantic manner in which it was accomplished, notwithstanding all the opposition it received from the Court of England. In Ireland the glad tidings were received with great joy by all who were favourable to the cause of King James III. In the neighbourhood of Clooneene and Gortinsiguara, the people gave expression to their delight by various demonstrations, and, on the day on which they received the happy news, they refrained from all servile work. Sergeant Power, with great ceremony, proclaimed the marriage of the King, after which he made a long speech in favour of the gallant officers who had taken part in the Queen's rescue, with some of whom he had served in the late war in Ireland. When he concluded, the enthusiasm of the people was unbounded, and long and loud were the hearty cheers which were given for King James III., the Queen Maria Clementina, Pope Clement XI., and the Irish Brigade, after which they soon dispersed, sincerely wishing for the speedy restoration of their gallant young King to his throne, and the Chief of Cineal Aodh to the possessions of his ancestors. And many a follower of his sept fervently joined in the prayer, that the day might not be far distant when O'Shaughnessy, Chief of Cineal Aodh, would again proudly tread the halls of his forefathers!

CHAPTER LII.

ONE BY ONE THEY PASS AWAY.

THE Chief of Clooneene about this period began to decline in health. His father-in-law Captain Mac Donnell had died, and was succeeded in his estates by his son Charles (183). O'Donoghue, the bard, still continued to play at Clooneene, but was now old and feeble, and his harp had lost its wonted lively tones, and was now melancholy; and as he feebly touched the strings, sometimes the tears moistened his aged eyes, as the memory of the many brave friends of his youth who fell on the reeking battle-field of Aughrim flashed across his mind. The Irish gentry who had been deprived of their estates frequently visited Clooneene; and the veteran soldiers of King James often partook of the Chief's hospitality. Dermot Oge Cloran still possessed Lissine, and spent much of his time with the Chief of Clooneene. The famous Chevalier De Tourville, had long given up visiting the Irish coast, but corresponded frequently with the Chief through the medium of the Flying Eagle, which was now commanded by De Merville; consequently the supply of wine and brandy was as plentiful as ever at Clooneene. Cuthbert Fenwick communicated regularly with his kinsman, and always inquired most affectionately for Kelly of Loughcutra, who still held the Island Castle in opposition to Sir Thomas Prendergast, and continued the practice of fowling and angling (184). He regretted very much to hear of John's death, to which he alluded frequently in a very touching manner. He informed his friends, that shortly after his return to Northumberland, he espoused his old belle, Matilda Percy, whose father Sir Algernon, a gallant Cavalier of the old school, fell at the battle of Worcester in 1651, while stoutly contending in the cause of the Second Charles; and that the Northumbrians were determined to raise the standard of rebellion, should they receive any assistance from France. The condition of the Irish gentry who held estates was dreadful; they feared their children would rebel against them, say they were Protestants, and demand settlements of them. All law was in the hands of their intolerant foes, who would not permit them to act as High Sheriffs, and thrust them off grand juries. The persecution was so terrible, that it was only by stealth they were able

snow.

to teach their children the rudiments of their language, and then send them abroad to complete their education. The neighbourhood of Gortinsiguara, however, was free in a great measure from internal persecution, as all the landlords there were still Catholics, the Forsters, the Martyns, the D'Arcys, the Butlers, and the Clorans. Sir Thomas Prendergast, though a Protestant, did not, to his credit be it said, establish a Charter School, or interfere in any way with the religion of his tenantry or neighbours. Dermot Oge Cloran now waxed old, and, giving up the last hope of seeing the darling wish of his heart fulfilled, the restoration of O'Shaughnessy, he sickened and died, proving to the last a faithful adherent to the Chiefs of Cineal Aodh, and was succeeded by his son Edmond. The month of January was cold, in every sense of the word, and the ground was wrapt for miles around in an azure mantle of virgin On the 29th of January, 1720, the Chief of Clooneene, who was an invalid for some time previously, walked into the garden adjoining his mansion to recruit his health. After some time, feeling rather exhausted, he returned to the house, and entered the library, where he found Father Moylan, who usually spent much of his time there, poring over the books and ancient Irish manuscripts with which it was stored. Father Dermot observed with anxiety the fast declining health of his friend, and expressed his sorrow at seeing him so unwell. The Chief said he felt his end was approaching, but that he was perfectly resigned to die. He added-"I am grieved to see the unfortunate state this country is reduced to, as we now live amongst men who have arrogated to themselves the privilege of solely ruling this nation. Had I died at the head of my bold dragoons, I would, indeed, have felt happy; but fancy what the state of my feeling must be at present, when I am obliged to listen, without retorting, to the despotic orders of those who have been elevated to the unenviable position of petty tyrants-men of neither talent nor honour, who stop at nothing to raise themselves to power. But, apart from worldly matters, I now wish to arrange with you my spiritual affairs, and I hope my sins will be forgiven. I commend my soul to Almighty God, hoping for salvation and redemption through the death, passion, and merits of our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, and I firmly believe all the Catholic Church teaches."

Towards evening, the Chieftain considered it advisable to make his will. Accordingly, The O'Ruarc, the lineal descendant of the Princes of Brefney, who was then on a visit at Clooneene, and Costellan, were summoned to his room, and after having spent some hours in drawing up the will, and making the necessary corrections, it was signed, sealed, and witnessed. During the ensuing week, the Chief took to his bed,

and after a few days his physicians entertained but small hopes of his recovery. As soon as it became known that he was ill, his numerous tenantry often visited Clooneene, to ascertain how he was progressing, and day and night messengers were despatched to the neighbouring gentry to report the state of his health. Foremost amongst those who were most anxious about his recovery were the veteran soldiers who had fought under him at the Boyne, and at Aughrim. Feeling his end was approaching, the Chief directed to have all his children brought to his bed-side. When they assembled, he addressed them by saying

"My dear children, I am about leaving this world, and have, therefore, summoned you around me that you may hear my advice, and receive my blessing. In the first place, my children, I command you to love, honour, and obey your dear and affectionate mother, and also to be kind to each other. Always feel proud of your fatherland, and be ever ready to make any sacrifice, however great, in the glorious cause of liberty. Never on any account betray your persecuted and unfortunate country, for which your ancestors have suffered so often, and so much. If those who have its prosperity and welfare most at heart should, at any future time, consider it necessary to appeal to arms for the purpose of redressing its grievances, as I did in my youth, be foremost in the battle-field. Spare no expense in forwarding such a laudable and glorious achievement. I depend on you, James, as you are to be the Chief of our Sept at my death, to be the ever watchful guardian of your family. Act honestly and nobly towards all men, and if you only follow the bright example of your forefathers, you cannot do otherwise. I am sorry to say that the descendants of many historical Houses, which have heretofore been an honour to their country, have forgotten themselves so much as to become supporters of the Government, and, what is worse, have renounced their religion, their country, and their kindred for Court favour, gold, and other inducements. I know that many proposals will be made to you, by whatever Ministry, whether Whig or Tory, that may be in power when you will have attained your majority. You will be offered titles, wealth, vast possessions, and perhaps those which were inherited by your noble kinsman, who is now in exile in the chivalrous land of France, while the proud home of our race, the cradle of our progenitors, Etherston Castle, slowly crumbles to decay. No matter how brilliant the offers made to you may be, let your answer always be, Malo mori quam fædari. Should the Stuart race ever claim the Crown of this Kingdom, be not backward in assisting them to regain it. I give you this advice not because the King would

reward our family, but because the Crown belongs to him, and to him alone. It is as much his property, as the lands I possess will be yours at my decease. But, my son, should he regain these Kingdoms, and misgovern his people, it will then become your imperative duty to take up arms in defence of your country against him; for no matter how ancient or strong the claims of a Prince to a nation may be, they cease as soon as he misgoverns its people. His subjects are bound then to awaken from the degrading sleep of slavery, to burst their chains, and shake off their fetters. You are young, but I am happy to say you possess all the qualities for which your family was distinguished in former days. Therefore I know it is unnecessary for me to tell you to act prudently through life, and to beware of the numerous enemies of your country, who now infest the land. During your minority, be guided in all things by your relatives, particularly by Hayacinth Ffrench, and your uncle Charles, for you will find it necessary to have experienced men to advise you. Always encourage your tenantry, and endeavour to promote their happiness by every means in your power. Keep before your eyes the example of your great grandfather, who received with open arms the children of those unfortunate persons who lost their estates during the Protectorate of Cromwell. My dear children, you have now heard my advice; approach, and kneel down that you may receive the last blessing of your dying parent."

When the Chief concluded, he looked with an air of complacency on his children, but after a few moments turned to the crucifix, which the priest held in his hand, and while uttering the name of our Saviour expired without a struggle (185).

The tidings of his death quickly spread abroad, and all the tenantry soon assembled in the courtyard. Costellan now snmmoned the servants to assist him in distributing refreshments amongst the vast concourse of people, who were hourly increasing. Fat beeves and sheep were quietly slaughtered, numerous fires were lit in the offices, and tents erected in the demesne. The cellars were inspected by Shane O'Halloran, who tapped all the vessels which contained liquor in them. As it was the usual custom on such occasions to empty the cellars, O'Halloran zealously performed his duty, and surveyed with a look of satisfaction the well stored vaults-"Yes," said he to Martin Fahy, "the old claret of the time of Frincheas More na Fion still keeps up the credit of the Clooneene cellars, and even the noble Mac Donnell, or the descendants of the Chiefs of Clan Cuilean, could not fault it. No, nor even the O'Briens, the Stacpooles, the Mac Mahons, or the well skilled family of Butler, who can judge claret by its colour. Aye! let them