The Partial Diary of "Honest" John Martin, Young Irelander, 1812-1875 Co. Down, Ireland

560/1—Record of this Irish Patriot’s imprisonment for treason against England.  Please see attached chart for genealogical information.

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Monday, October 30th, 1848

Great storm last night--Heavy rain today till 12 O’clock—cold raw foggy ev.g

Abt 6 AM roused by loud rapping at door of building. Learned from Irwin that the cause was that one of the lunatics was expiring.

Walked ¾ of mile in yard. Good health.

Visited by Simpson in ev.g from 6 till 8.

Read Smollett’s England Chaps 10, 11 (Anne) & Chap 1 of Geo. 1—Freeman of this day—Homer. Iliad. B.12, till line 60 [commenced read to translate Homer’s Iliad. Find it awkward & difficult & consult lexicon for every 3rd word. Intend to task myself at reading Homer’s Greek until I master the language so far as to enjoy Homer in original]—Gibbon’s Life, (by young man) prefixed to Decline & Fall, glanced over.

Tuesd. Oct. 31 Mild rather foggy; fair yet damp. Well. ½ mile in yard.

Mary here. Letter Miss Mitchel with acct of letter from John. He has been poorly in the rainy season, but is now well. He reads continually, but will not write anything. He seems to have heard of public events here. Letter also from William who has got clerkship in Merchant’s office at New York at 500 $ per ann. He looks forward with pleasure to arrival of sisters next Spring. Mary has heard that J.D.R. has escaped as deck passenger for America from Warrenpoint.

Duffy’s trial put off, through error of Attorney General about change of venue. So much the better, as he can’t have worse chance next Commission and something may turn up in interval.

Read nothing except Freeman & Hom. Il. from yesterday place to line 210.

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Wednes Nov 1. Fair but rather raw and foggy; rains at night. Well. 1 mile in garden.

Mary visited me, also Dr. Kidd, also O’Rourke. O’Dogherty’s trial concluded at 12 O’Clock today, with a wicked charge from Judge Crompton. (Crampton?)

Read Hom. Iliad. From yesterday to line 377, and Freemen.

Thursday Nov 2 Fair rather pleasant. 2 miles in garden.

While there in come O’Reilly to take his walk. This is the first time I have seen him though he is here 3 weeks or more. We had a long chat. O’Dogherty "guilty"; and Williams is to be "tried".

Visited by Mary. –Freeman tells of serious "rebellion" in the Punjab & a defeat of the English brought about by defection or "treason" of their Sikh troops. If they get well beaten then will be many dry eyes in Ireland and in many other places. I hope too the Boers at the Cape are not yet converted by Sir H. Smith’s sermons about the sin of "treason" against the Empire.—Very serious state of affairs in Vienna. Seems that the Emperor’s armies are really about to bombard the city and that Hungarian National army is approaching for relief of Viennese.

Read Hom. To end of book 12th; commenced Book 1st & read to line 129.

Friday Nov 3. More rain last night; damp dark morning; rainy foggy cold windy day. No walking at all.

Visited by Mr. Bell of County Cavan to my great surprise. Very kind of him: Ellen from Mary Simpson brought me a letter from Jane Fraser. Poor Jane very affectionately anxious about me. She has another son,

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"Maxwell-David." How many children has she now?

Williams’ trial going on. Very spirited Irish speech from Ferguson. But his law arguments, though very good, too abstruse for jurors.

Wrote long letter to Miss Mitchel and one to James Martin.

Read Homer from yesterday’s line to line 344; Freemen; "Woodstock" for 10 chaps.

Saturday Nov 4. Moderately fair. 1 ½ mile in the garden.—Mary Simpson came early and brought news that Williams is acquitted! Judges Crompton & Torrens laid it down as law that publishing "felonious" articles was "guilt" under the statute. Jury however refused to assume his guilt without evidence of his own writing.

They therefore gave a special verdict (that he was guilty of publishing but not of intention of depriving the Queen &c) and having been sent back twice by the judge who refused to take the special verdict they came with "not guilty"—Bravo!

Yesterday and today not very well but cured self with pills of Dover’s powder.

Read nothing but Woodstock to end.

Visited by John O’Hagan and Dr. Kidd. J. O’H says point of error for Clonmel convicts is considered good. My point & theirs will perhaps come before Queen’s Bench next week.

Visited also by Mr. Bell of County Cavan whom I had met 2 years ago at Tremount. Very kind of him to call upon me. By the by there is much

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less restriction upon me as to visitors than there used to be.

Got a warm bath – very comfortable indeed and sat up luxuriously reading in arm chair till 1 O’Clock.

Sunday Nov 5 Dark moderate fair day. Well. Walked about 1 mile in yard.

Attended meeting & had as usual kindly chat with Mr. Hunter. Rather a crowd, owing to the arrival of 20 convicts from Antrim.

Read Homer to end of Book 1st.

Had quite a "party" for tea. Elizabeth & Todd Mary and Simpson. Todds come to town yesterday. Lill has brought various presents of eatables and drinkables – a fine large cake from Mrs. Todd, eggs and fowl from Mrs. Boyd of Loughorne, butter from Lill herself. Wine from Todd, jam and honey from Mrs. Todd & herself. I shall become a glutton.

Todd has never got my political letters (published last year in the Telegraph & Examiner nor has he brought Mitchel’s letters.

Monday Nov 6 Moderate dry dark day – walked 2 miles in garden. Had a talk with Mr. Young from whom I learn that O’Dogherty is expected

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here tomorrow. Young says he will be placed with the ordinary convicts down in the Depot. When I remonstrated against the harshness and unfairness as compared with my treatment, he remarked that O’Dogherty had "broken trust" in his plotting to escape from Newgate. This is too too bad. I argued the point very frankly with Young urging that it was quite natural for a prisoner to attempt to get free and that I felt assured that O’Dogherty never had made a pledge upon the matter & that he would never break a pledge of any kind. Young seemed rather struck by what I said. But I fear O’D must go to a cell in the depot as there is no other room like mine in the Govt prison. He will get a cell all to himself.

Visited by Doctor Cuthbertson – very kind of him. It appears he has often called at the gate to inquire for me and this ev’g Mr. Cooper civilly admitted him. Also Rev. Mr. Clarke to whom I told what I had heard about O’Dogherty in hopes he may be able to do something for him. Clarke going to dine with Williams. Also Elizabeth and Todd from ½ past 7 till 10. Res Read Homer Book 2nd first 140 lines. Freeman. Fortunes of Nigel Vol 1

Tuesday Nov 7. Fine dry cold day. Walked 3 miles in garden. –

Visited by Mr. Marquess who brought me notice

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of Crown Sol. To be ready for being brought up to assign errors in my record on Thursday next. This is earlier than I expected. Mr. M. proposed to bring me in a covered car and of course I assured him I would not let him suffer by his civility. – Mr. Kenny called and sat chatting in his good-natured way for an hour and more. He had a great deal to say about how people of Clare Limerick &c were waiting for commencement of insurrection by S. O’B & were ready to do their part. He represents them as expecting to fight even after Ballingary had O’B kept himself from clutches of Gov’t. – He is about suing out Writ of Error for Gogarty

English &c in forma^ pauperis. I don’t like this: but how is it to be helped, as very expensive business & who will give the cash? -- It is remarkable how many extra visitors have been admitted to me during last fortnight. – Elizabeth alone called at 5 O’Clock. Todd will be likely to stay for Writ of Error. Sin.

Read nothing but vol 2nd of Nigel.

Wednesday Nov 8 Fine cold dry rather frosty. Walked

Great cavalcade of Artillery, perhaps above ½ mile long, their band in red uniforms with large scarlet plumes hanging from their polished helmets back over their necks, their helmets glancing splendidly in the sun & illuminating their scarlet uniforms. The horses of the officers prancing proudly

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I watched them pass looking out of sick ward. All that against the country that supports such proud show and formidable array! --Well if the people had only spirit & self-confidence enough, how soon they could lay all these haughty mercenaries on their back in the mud! --

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Monday November 20.

Since last entry in this journal, my way of life here has been similar to what is already described. I have had a walk in the garden every fine day. Mary Simpson has visited me almost every day & Maxwell sometimes. Elizabeth and Todd remained in town on acc’t of my Writ of Error. I was brought up on Thursday 9th inst to assign the errors. I was conveyed by Marques & Young in a covered car & so had opportunity to see something of the streets and & passengers. I felt no excitement about the matter, not did I feel any while in Court where I was greeted by a good many acquaintances. I was brought up again on Monday and Tuesday 13th & 14th insts. For the arguments of my case. Sir C. O’Laghlan opened argument for me and made a remarkably able speech. I was very glad that he had this opportunity of distinguishing himself and that he succeeded so admirably in exhibiting his great

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legal erudition and his consummate tact and logical acuteness. The bar seemed greatly struck with his ability & the Ch. Jus. complimented him. I am glad of this; for all thought these State trials both at Dublin and at Clonmel – he has been working hard without either public notice or pecuniary remuneration. He resolutely refuses fees. In fact he expends money in our behalf instead of making money by us. After reply by Young Perrin who seemed well made up or "crammed" a question was raised as to the right of reply in an appeal case. Perrin and Moore seemed to consider prisoner (or appellant) entitled to it. Crompton & Blackburn the Crown. In England it appears prisoner has it in Ireland of course the Crown. So the Court decided on Tuesday morning. Holmes made a very good speech on my side & Att. Gen. Replied at great length & ably. – It was pretty generally expected from indications given in course of argument that Perrin & Moore would vote in favour of appellant. However I was called up for judgment on Saturday the 18th & Bench was unanimous against me upon all points. Sorry to have spent so much money for

nothing.—Though originally

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the only object contemplated by my friends in applying for the Writ was to keep me from being sent out of the country. But I now think I would not have been sent out in either case. Todd says what has been already done costs about L150 and my "trial" L150 more. What a fool I was to make any "legal" defense! -
-Reflections come too late however.-- I hope the Writ for O’Brien and the other Clonmel men will have better success. ---- While I sat in Court there were several applications for me for my autograph and several acquaintances came to shake hands with me. Young Drinan of Cork whispered in my ear that "it is not all over yet" – Well I hope not.

On Friday O’Brien Meagher McManus & O’Donoghue reached Dublin & were brought to Queens Bench to assign their errors. And on Saturday morning I had the privilege of seeing them all or we met at Mr. Marques’ office to be conveyed together in a very disagreeable jail van to Court. O’Brien looks but poorly—thin sallow and rather low spirited, or as if he were struggling to keep up his spirits. Meagher looks well, hearty, strong & in good spirits. McManus & O’Donoghue complain of suffering from the damp & uncomfortableness of their cell in Clonmel & say they were obligated to drink plenty of whiskey punch in

contending against

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the rheumatic tendencies of their condition. Marques is disposed to be very civil with them all. O’B is lodged for the present in Marques’ house. Meagher & the others have cells adjacent to O’Dogherty so that the 4 can communicate with each other. And Mathews the turnkey has given O’Dogherty the use of his parlour in the day time, so they are comfortably enough arranged.

One day lately Mary Simpson applied to Young for permission to see O’Dogherty and received it. Young brought her & me to him. And we chatted for ½ an hour or more. He intends to study medicine & languages. I wish I could get leave to study with him.

Williams has called several times upon me. He looks right well. He is going to Edinburgh for a year to study & take out his M.D. and he intends to practice the profession, because he intends to marry. He is a fine honest religious friendly fellow.

I read nothing since last entry except

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some more of Walton’s novels.—Guy Mannering the Antiquary, Reds gauntlet; and of course the Freeman every day.

I must settle to a course of reading or must try to settle. Dr. Kidd has got me the loan of Clarendon’s Great Rebellion out of the Dublin Society. The member who lends it sends me word he is an Orangeman. Williams has lent me Spencer’s Poems & he has given me Cicero’s Iuscalon Disputations.

I have seen a letter from Mitchel in which he says he has got a general idea of what has happened in Ireland since his transportation. He expresses a wish that I may be sent to Bermuda in case I be transported. I wish I may.

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Scraps of journals

1848---

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tied to Voyage Ireland to

Australia 1849

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October 30th 1848

Since I arrived at Richmond, I have read Scott’s Heart of Midlothian, Old Mortality, Legend of Montrose, Rob. Roy, Betrothed, Lt. Ronan’s Will, Scott’s Marmion, Don Roderick (1st time), Bridal of Friermain (1st time); Doom of Devorgoil, (1st time), Auchindrane (1st time); Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, Julius

Caesar, Antony & Cleopatra, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Cymbeline, Comedy of Errors, As You Like It, Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure; Gibbon Decline and Fall, Chap 1, 2; Smollett’s England Chap 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9; LaJude’s Memoirs; and pieces and scraps of Burns, Wordsworth, Horace’s Odes in Latin, Virgil’s Eclogues & Georgics, Beranger’s Chansons, Mangan’s German Anthology, Tacitus’ Annals – Also that creative "Menerius’" pamphlets "A Stitch in Time" and "To the People; & the Freeman almost every day.

I have not written anything except several letters to different parties.