John Mullen

342

Maureen Withey on 5th November 2024

Conspiracy in Armagh Gaol.  A most singular investigation has taken place at Armagh before the Magistrates, relative to an alleged conspiracy amongst the prisoners in the gaol, to break it  and to their escape. The individual who has been charged as a principal in abetting this design is a soldier named Francis King—a private in the 33d Regiment. ‘The following is the substance of the depositions that were made before the Magistrates : Robert Hardy, or Harvey, was the first witness examined on oath.—Is a prisoner confined  to  in Armagh gaol, under sentence of transportation, and states, that on Sunday the 12th day of April inst., he was in the yard,  at the rear of the gaol, among a number of other prisoners, which yard adjoins the platform whereon the sentinel stands. The soldier then on guard was Francis King, a private in the 33d Foot—a prisoner named Robert Henry, then in the yard, got into conversation with the sentinel. Robert Henry to give the sentinel a sum of money to get a key and liberate the prisoners, a number of whom joined and offered as follows :—The said Robert Henry the sum and offered as follows :—The said Robert Henry the sum of £4, Jas. Quinn £5, Geo, Girtwood £7, and John Mullan making in all £17. The soldier proposed to get a key made and took on paper the dimensions of one which he had. It was arranged that when David Thompson, who is the turnkey, should be going round with his usual of two soldiers to lock up the prisoners , they would endeavour to lock Thompson and the soldiers up, and then fight their their way out if possible through the passage ; and if not, the soldier said there were planks near the place where he was standing, which be put up against the wall, and then they might make their escape. Witness did not see King get any of the money at the time —Robert Henry cut out several forms of keys on piper—R King had brought in a  quantity of whiskey the same day, which he put in a bladder in his regimental cap— and also a pint of whiskey on Thursday last by similar means. William O'Hare, George Girtwood and Robert Henry, were all together, and spoke in Irish, Girtwood offered £7, and 10s. for the key ; this was at the time they were sworn to secrecy in the kitchen —John Mullan swore first, and the others then lifted the book and swore after him. The oath was, that they  should all keep secret, and neither betray each other, nor the soldier. A soldier was here forward, in charge of the police, and the witness identified him as the sentinel referred to, and who said his name was Francis King. Geo. Girtwood,  the second witness sworn and examined, — Is a prisoner in Armagh gaol under sentence of transportation — recollects  Thursday the 12th April inst. on which day he was in the near the platform where the sentinel stands—Robert Henry and  the sentinel got into conversation—-they were standing by themselves at the upper end of the yard—Robert Henry applied  to him to see if he could get a key made—James Quinn and others were in the yard at the same time, and talked - Henry afterwards explained it to them— the soldier proposed to get a pieces of paper, with pen and ink, was handed to the soldier by Henry—solder was to get 10s. for the key. The parties were all promised and sworn to keep secret. King has been committed to gaol till further orders, and a report of the case has been forwarded to the Lord  Lieutenant. Newry Telegraph, 28 April 1829.

342

Maureen Withey on 4th November 2024

NSW Convict Index. Mary Nagle, per Southworth, 1832, Certificate of Freedom, 21 Jul 1847, No 47/0621. Wife of John Mullen, per Guildford, 1829, fbs, (as stated on her CF)

342

Maureen Withey on 4th November 2024

Irish Convict Database, by Peter Mayberry. John Mullen, alias Mullin, Mullan, Mullens, Mullins, age on arrival, 30, per Guildford (8) 1829. Tried at Armagh. 1829, 7 years for Stealing shawl. DOB, 1799, native place, Tyrone. Single, Catholic, Trade, Labourer.