Thomas Duggan

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 10th February 2023

FENIANISM IN BALLINCOLLIG/6: Mr O’Connell said he had discovered in one of the newspapers found at Donovan’s house... a printed copy of the letter found in the office of the Irish People, which letter had been proved to be in Duggan's handwriting. The manuscript of the letter had the pen drawn across several passages, which were omitted in the version appearing in the Irish People. He then proceeded to read the manuscript letter in extenso, of which it will be sufficient for us to give the following portions, the passages between brackets being those struck out of the original, and not appearing in the newspaper:— “TO THE EDITOR OF THE IRISH PEOPLE. Ballincollig, Aug. 27th, 1865. Sir -— Will you permit me in your invaluable and truly Irish journal to offer a few suggestions to our patriotic young men with respect to their preparation for the coming struggle to which we are inevitably approaching? [The soldier is evidently unfit for his business who acquires not, at least, the rudimentary knowledge of military training. There is scarcely a young man in Ireland, no matter how remote the locality, that cannot at the present time learn something or other of the 'noble art of war.' With so many militiamen and retired soldiers as are in the country, to say nothing of others who make it a labour of love to instruct, no one should be ignorant of the method of loading his gun and discharging it with tolerable accuracy.] “It is useless to say, 'I am a true man, and will be ready when the time comes,' unless you make some efforts to show that you are really in earnest, and that you are devoted, body and soul, to the cause. The man who sits idly, with his hands in his pockets, and talks lip patriotism, without making any attempt ‘to learn the soldier's glorious trade’, will be rather an incumbrance [sic] than otherwise. It is only by persevering energy and self-sacrificing devotion— by availing ourselves of every possible means, and by unremitting attention to our duties, that we can be truly said to be ready. We should remember that the liberties of peoples are never won by windy declamations or popular harangues. The ring of the rifle and the clash of the sabre are the convincing arguments that strike home to the hearts of tyrants. [To be able to meet them with such requires active and earnest preparation.] Let no man rest satisfied with the notion that he is as good as another. Let him try to prove that he is better. No man is so perfect that he cannot arrive at greater perfection, and no man is useless who is anxious to receive instruction. Above and before everything, the true man should train himself to implicitly obey his superiors, in all that regards his duty. The duty of obedience cannot be too strongly inculcated in the minds of our countrymen, particularly as regards a secret revolutionary army, where non-obedience cannot be publicly published.” Then follows another passage in the same strain, which had also been struck out. The letter proceeds: “No matter who is placed in authority [or where are his commands] the subordinate's duty is obedience. It is the motive power that insures victory. Without it the Grecian phalanx or the Roman legion would never have immortalised themselves in the pages of history; nor would the raw conscripts of the Revolution become the victorious soldiers of the Consulate and Empire, when they swept like a tornado over frightened Europe, crumbling dynasties in their march, and crowning with imperishable laurels the brow of their gifted and deathless leaders. “Ours has been a dark, sad history, caused principally by dissensions and disunion among men who, if properly united, would never have allowed the foreigner to plant standard on our shores. How easy it would have been, since the days of McMurrogh to the present time, for the Irish, if properly united, to drive their enemies into the sea, never to return. It would seem as if the goddess of mischief, during these long and weary ages, made Ireland her special home; as we hear of little but quarrels and bloodshed between clan and clan. Whenever anything like union took place for the expulsion of the stranger, the apple of discord was sure to be thrown in their midst by their wily and unscrupulous enemy, and forthwith began petty brawls and quarrels, which ended in defeat and disaster, and entailed a heritage of woe on succeeding generations. Such will be our fate, if we allow petty jealousies and ignoble passions to creep into our midst.” After a lengthened homily on the self-abnegating character of the true patriot, the letter goes on: “N.B.—It is not in the sunshine of prosperity that the better qualities of the man are developed. Any butterfly may glitter in the sun's rays. It is the hard-nipping winds of adversity that strengthen and brace the noble faculties, and steel the man to look forward with unflinching determination to the gaol of martyrdom or success. ‘Greatly to do is great; but greater far Greatly to suffer.’ Strict obedience, earnest and devoted attention to our duties, and an unwavering confidence in the justice of Providence and the righteousness of our cause, will bear us honourably through the trial; and should we fail (which may Heaven prevent), it will be with the consciousness of having done our duty—of vindicating our rights as citizens of the great human family— of claiming a place in the bead-roll of martyrs and heroes, and of leaving to posterity an example to follow and imitate.” …The witnesses re-attested their depositions, and were duly bound to appear to substantiate them when required to do so. The prisoners were then cautioned in the usual form by Mr. Ryan, but they made no statement. The Chairman -– You stand committed to take your trial at the Special Commission, to be held at Cork, or at any adjournment of the same, which may be to the Assizes. The prisoners were then removed to the County Gaol. (Friday 1 December, 1865, Cork Daily Herald, p2) --00--

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 10th February 2023

FENIANISM IN BALLINCOLLIG/5: I said to Duggan I wanted to speak to him outside, and he went with me to the back-yard. I said, “Duggan, you know what you have done with me; and being, as I am, one of your men, I would be thankful to you for some little information connected with the matter.” He said, “I will.” I asked him about provisions. He said there were plenty, and referred to the ammunition stores—that the powder mills were in the hands of fellows that would work till the last for them, and they would be soon their own. We were joined by Murphy and the other man; but Johnson seemed to say my company was not required, and I came in, leaving my friend Murphy with them. We separated at nine o'clock. The man who gave his name as Johnson said the village of Ballincollig was too public; and we should select a place in the country; and it was arranged Murphy and I were to act there, the next time of meeting, by a man coming to direct us. On Sunday, on leaving the barracks, leaving Murphy after me, there was a young fellow apparently waiting, who asked my name. I should state that while in the room at Donoghue's there was two or three persons there who changed bank notes, and apparently, after the change came in, handed sums of money to Duggan. I don't know whether those were residents of Ballincollig. When I met the young fellow on Sunday, in consequence of what he said, I proceeded to the Mill-house, Mr. Moxley's, near the police barrack at the bridge (Bunnow-bridge). Saw Duggan there, who introduced me to this man (pointing to the prisoner Donovan). Duggan, who had not been there when I arrived, excused himself and said there were two cars of Yankees came into Ballicollig, who detained him. Murphy was also there introduced to Donovan. Donovan asked me to go into the back yard, and when I did, he said, “Duggan tells me you are one of us.” I said “Yes.” He said “I am a ‘B’.” We spoke about poor Stephens being taken. “Never mind about Stephens,” he says; “We can release him any time we like, for there are five of the turnkeys belonging to ourselves.” Mr O’Connell—It turns out he said what was true. Did he say anything about the time they would release him? Witness -– He did not, but that they did not want to do it just yet. He said the object was to release the country as soon as ever they could, and that would be about Christmas – not later. We then returned into the house. We were joined there by the two cars of Yankees from the village. Chairman – What do you mean by Yankees? Witness -– Men who gave their names as Yankees. Two of them were very like real Americans. They appeared to have been a long time in America. We were introduced to them by Donovan and Duggan. Two of them sat in the window ledge and asked me to sit between them, which I did. If I remember well, Donovan told me one of them was the man who was taken at Queenstown some time ago, with a carpet bag and a revolver. I went into the yard with one of them and he said, “You are a fine fellow; I wish we had you with us in Cork.” I said I would consider, and I asked him what were the good ideas in the attack and all that. He said “We have 50,000 men ready to land at a moment’s notice.” I drank plenty there and would not account for myself afterwards. After going home each evening, after each meeting, I reported accurately what had occurred, to the regimental Sergeant Major. On one occasion, I asked Donovan for his address, and he gave it to me on a slip of paper, which I put in my glove and afterwards handed to Sub-Inspector St. Leger. Mr. O’Connell read the address -– “Jeremiah Donovan, of St. Anne’s Hill, Blarney.” The prisoners having been asked had they any question to put to the witness, Duggan replied that was not the time or place for it – that the witness would swear anything. Donovan had no question to ask. He said, “That boy would swear whatever he liked.”' -- Private Thomas Murphy, 4th Dragoon Guards, comrade of the last witness, was then examined and his evidence was chiefly a corroboration of what Cain had sworn… Constable Andrew Slattery deposed to having arrested the prisoner Donovan, yesterday morning, at his own house, near Blarney. He had been employed as a car-driver at St. Anne’s Hil, but was out of that employment since the 8th October last, when he was first arrested; found in his house on that occasion three numbers of the Irish People (produced); on arresting Donovan, that morning, witness found in his pocket some written documents (produced). Mr. O’Connell read extracts from one of them [a poem, titled “The Ballincollig Marches”]... Contd .../6 --

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 10th February 2023

FENIANISM IN BALLINCOLLIG/4: Mr. O'Connell—Did you think well of them? Witness—Well, I did not in my own heart; but I made him believe I did. He then said, “Would you become one?” I hesitated for a moment, and before I gave him any answer, he said, “If you don't wish to be made by me, I’ll get you made in barracks.” Being anxious to know the name of the person who was to do it in barracks, I asked him. He did not wish to tell me, and I then consented to be made by him. He then went out and was absent for a few minutes. When he returned he told me to follow him to Barry’s back-yard. Mr. O'Connell—Did you ask him any questions about the objects of the Fenians? Witness—He would give me no information until he had me sworn. When he got me into the back-yard, he took off his hat and asked me to take off my cap. He took it from my hand and put it on the top of his hat, and laid it on the step of Barry’s back door. He then told me to hold up my left hand, he facing me; and as I did so he raised his right hand and clasped my right thus (illustrating the movement). He then asked my name, and when I told him he said for me to repeat after—"I, James Cain, do solemnly swear, in the presence of God, allegiance to the Republic, and to take up arms in its defence, at a moment’s notice, and to obey my superiors—or officers”—I cannot say which he said—“So help me God.” There were some other words, I think, which I cannot recollect. Then he handed me a book from his pocket. It was a service book. [A book produced.] I don't think it was that colour, but brighter. I would not swear to the book nor the cover of it. He handed me the book and asked me to kiss it. I took the book, in this position, and kissed my thumb, making him believe I had kissed the book. “Go into the taproom then,” says he, “and I'll go in after you.” I went in, and, shortly after, he went to Barry’s bar, and ordered some beer, which was brought in by Barry’s female servant. It fell at the front of Mr. Duggan’s feet, and the quart was taken by the servant and replenished. I took it from the servant’s hand. We then had some conversation on two or three subjects. Afterwards, we went out, and were speaking from Barry’s house towards the gate, where he mentioned he had lost a very good friend from the barracks. I asked his name, and he said his name was Curry, that he was a canteen man. After mentioning Curry, if I remember well, he told me to get as many men as I could; that their intention was to take the barracks as soon as they made a start, and that would be very soon. He said if I got him nine “D's”, he would make me a “C”. Nine "C's" made one "B", if I remember well; but I cannot say if he said anything advancing from "B". I don't know what the rank referred to was. -- I wanted to find the extent of his plot, and I promised to get him some more men. That was on the 13th. I said, “When can I see you again? I'll not be able to see you on Tuesday, but on Wednesday I would.” He said he could not see me on Wednesday, as he had to go to Cork; but he would find a man that officiated in the village while he was away; his name was young Ford, and he gave me a description of his appearance, and the place where to meet him. Mr. Ryan, R.M., told the witness not to mention the name of any person who was not before the court. Examination continued—I met Duggan again in Barry's house, on Wednesday. I believe Barry was there himself also, and some other men. I brought with me, as a candidate, my friend Murphy, who is in the same troop and the same room with me. When I went in, we passed the compliments of the day, and Duggan said was this my friend? I said yes, and told him the other I had promised to bring was on duty, but I would bring him another time. Duggan then spoke to Murphy, and I heard him ask him to follow him into the yard. Murphy returned afterwards, and Duggan immediately after him. Murphy said to me in the presence of Duggan, who was near enough to hear, that he (Duggan) had made him a Fenian. On Friday, the 17th, Murphy and I went to Barry's again. Duggan was not there, and I sent Barry's boy to fetch him, and he came instantly. There was some conversation, and he said Barry's was too public--that we had better go up to Donoghue's, where the boys were. “Not,” said he, “but Barry is all right.” We went towards Donoghue's, and met two others. About eight or nine met together in a small room at Donoghue's. One of them was a black-whiskered man, whose name was given as Johnson, and whose person I would know again. I would know five or six of them. Duggan introduced me and Murphy to them and we shook hands. There was lots of drink flowing there. Mr. Duggan's friends paid for the drink. I was speaking to a man who appeared to be a carman whom I would know again. Contd .../5 --

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 10th February 2023

-- FENIANISM IN BALLINCOLLIG/3: I shall now proceed to lay the evidence before you, and as there is a gentleman in attendance—a public officer of great importance—I wish to examine him first, that he may leave as soon as possible to attend to his duties. Mr. Edward Sheehy, District Inspector of National Schools, deposed he was inspector of the schools in that district, and had been so since 1858. He knew the prisoner, Thomas Duggan, who had been a teacher in the Ballincollig National School from the time of the witness’s appointment in 1858 up to February, 1862. He was then dismissed, on the report of the Head Inspector, for continuing to be a member of the Ballincollig Young Men’s Society, after it became a political society. Identifies a report furnished by Duggan to him, for the year 1858; and on comparing it with a letter handed him by Mr. O’Connell (that addressed to the editor of the Irish People) gives it as his opinion that both are in the handwriting of the prisoner. Also compares the handwriting of the latter with that in parts of the School Register, roll book, and report book, and gives his opinion founded on that comparison that the letter is in the handwriting of the prisoner Duggan. The report first alluded to was dated December, 1859. Mr. O’Connell said the letter in question was addressed “To the Editor of the Irish People”, and was dated “Ballincollig, August 27, 1865.” That was not signed by any person. The prisoner Duggan, on being asked if he had any question to put to Mr Sheehy, said he had not. James Cain, private 4th Dragoon Guards, was then sworn, and examined by Mr O’Connell. He deposed – I am stationed at present in Ballincollig; I have been eight years in the regiment; I have medals for serving in the Baltic under Sir C. Napier. I have been about two months quartered in Ballincollig; on Sunday the 12th instant I was going into Cork about half-past two o’clock, and when about a mile from Ballincollig, on the road, I met the prisoner Duggan. I had never known him before. He was coming towards the village; he passed me the compliments of the day, and I returned them to him; he then came over to me, and said he thought he knew me; I replied he had the advantage of me there, or something to that effect; he said he was very sorry we were so far from the village, or we might have something to drink; I said I was in a hurry to meet a friend; we parted then, but there was an agreement made that I was to meet him in Barry’s public-house, in Ballincollig, in the afternoon of the following Monday; I went to Barry’s at half-past two or three o’clock, and saw Duggan sitting by the fire, on a chair, apparently in drink; there was another old gentleman at the bar, with whom I had a pint of beer; I did not wish to go into the room, to Duggan’s company, seeing the state he was in at the time, and I went away for about an hour; returning again, I saw Duggan in the same place; I believe there was another man or two in, but I would not say so for a fact. That was in Barry’s tap-room. I stood at the bar, and Duggan beckoned me to him. I sat down with him and he asked me what I thought about the Fenians. I said I thought well of them, or something to the effect of praising them to him; and added “I suppose you are connected with them, or know a great deal about them?” “Yes,” said he, “I am a Centre.” “Oh, indeed,” said I. he then said “I think, from your accent, you are an Irishman?” I said I was, from Mitchelstown, in this county. He asked me my name, and I said it was James Cain. He said something about religion, or that he supposed I was a Roman Catholic. I said I was a Catholic. It was when he asked me what I thought of the Fenians. I said I thought well of them, or words to that effect. Contd .../4 --

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 10th February 2023

FENIANISM IN BALLINCOLLIG/2: If I am rightly instructed, Duggan was originally a National Teacher, and was dismissed, as it will appear to you, for his connection, perhaps, with this society of the Fenian Brotherhood. He has been, perhaps, the originator, at all events, of what is called a ‘Centre’ of this treasonable society in this place called Ballincollig. I am sorry to say he is a man of family, and that unfortunately for himself—I do not wish to add pain to his position—he is a man that has not led a very regular life; and I am greatly afraid he has misled many others. I do not want to go into any exaggerated statement, and not having personally examined the witnesses myself, I shall not state what the evidence will be, but will proceed, at once, to bring each witness before you and examine him. I may, however, say that I am instructed to prove, by the most positive testimony, that Mr. Duggan tampered with the military, two of whom I shall produce, to sustain that statement; that he did recently, in the village of Ballincollig, succeed—not with much difficulty, because I believe it was intended—in swearing in two of the military, one of them named Cain, and another named Murphy, as members of this Fenian society. They will detail to you several meetings at which other members of the Brotherhood were made, and names will transpire which may be fictitious, and which, therefore, we do not wish to deal with. At one of those meetings, the prisoner Donovan was present, and you will hear the witnesses state his declarations and opinions on that occasion. I should state to you that after the arrest of Duggan, and upon the remand being reported, the documents found in the office of the Irish People, at the time of its seizure, were examined, and I will produce to you, in Mr. Duggan’s handwriting, a letter written to that paper, and I will allow you to judge for yourselves if you ever heard a document that more strongly marks out the course of the Fenians, on the occasion of the late intended outbreak. That letter shows it was to have been instantaneous; and it will show to you the importance of the remand in Duggan’s case, as, if he had been dealt with lightly as others were here some time ago, that document would not have been looked for, would not now be produced; and Duggan would, probably, have been at large. So that, in addition to the offence of administering the illegal oaths, and making the two soldiers members of this treasonable society, you have in his own handwriting the proof of his connection with this treasonable society, and with the Irish People, which removes all doubt or difficulty in his case. Gentlemen, as I said to you, Donovan was arrested last night, and I will place before you a document, found upon his person, which, I have not any doubt, connects him intimately with this society, and follows out his own declarations at the meetings. There is one thing about that document which, when it is read, will need no comment—that is where it refers to the convictions for marching and drilling which were obtained against certain parties at Ballincollig. I cannot say whether that document is in Donovan's handwriting or not; but I may state that is not necessary, because a document found with a person, if it be connected with a treasonable society, it is immaterial in whose handwriting it may be. It refers to the conviction of those ten persons, and their sentence by Judge Keogh, whom it calls a tyrant; and says how soon they will be relieved by the American Brotherhood, and so on. There were other printed documents also referring to this society, which may have come into his possession by purchase, or have been given him by a friend, and which, therefore, I shall not read. Contd .../3

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 10th February 2023

NEWSPAPER REPORT OF HIS COMMITTAL HEARING: -- FENIANISM IN BALLINCOLLIG. (FROM OUR REPORTER.) A special court was held yesterday, at Lisheens Petty Sessions Court-house, near Ballincollig, for the purpose of hearing a case of the above character, which in some respects was one of the most remarkable that has yet come before the public. The accused were Thomas Duggan, an elderly man, who had been teacher of the Ballincollig National School, up to February, 1862, when he was dismissed for alleged connexion with the Fenian Brotherhood; and Jeremiah Donovan, a young man who had been employed as carman at St. Anne's Hill, Blarney, and who was one of those arrested on the 8th October, and subsequently discharged from the county Gaol, in the absence of sufficient evidence against them. Duggan had been for some time incarcerated in the County Gaol, whence he was brought to Lisheens yesterday; but Donovan had only been re-arrested at half-past one o'clock yesterday morning at Blarney. The charges preferred against the prisoners were—being members of an illegal association called the Fenian Brotherhood, administering unlawful oaths, and tampering with the allegiance of the military at Ballincollig. There was an almost total absence of the public from the Courthouse, though the proceedings were open; and the prisoners were in the custody of a strong guard of armed constabulary, under Mr. Sub-inspector St. Leger. The Magistrates on the Bench were—Sir Thomas Tobin, chairman; Mr. J. Morton, and Mr E. F. Ryan, RM. Mr. Philip O'Connell, Sessional Crown Prosecutor, appeared on behalf of the Crown. The prisoners had no professional assistance. Mr. O'Connell, in stating the case for the prosecution, said—Gentlemen, I appear here on the part of the Crown to prosecute those two parties, or at least to require, at your hands, informations, to send them for trial to the next commission, which will be held immediately. The prisoner Duggan has been for some time in custody, and has been remanded, and you will find the result of that remand to be of the utmost importance to the Crown. The hurry and the annoyance that is made about keeping persons in custody will not appear so very great when you find the Crown have a great deal to do in these charges, which I may say at once are treasonable charges -- charges of treason against these parties, for being members of the Fenian Brotherhood in Ireland. I say that the arrest of those parties, and their detention, were not so unreasonable as you will think after you will hear this case. Donovan had not been arrested until, I believe, last night; because it was only recently his name transpired." Contd .../2 --

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 8th February 2023

CRIME: Treason, an option not listed above, hence High treason was selected.

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 8th February 2023

Duggan, Thomas, born 1822, married to Lucinda (b 1827), Ballincollig, Cork, 4 children: Thomas 16 yrs, Edward 9 yrs, Frederick 7 yrs, Ellen 14 yrs; schoolmaster, literate, RC, convicted at Cork 14/12/65: 'Was a Centre in the County of Cork and actively engaged in swearing in soldiers at Ballincollig'; treason-felony, 10 yrs p/s; inmate of Portland prison (5366); inmate of Fremantle prison, West Guildford road party (convict #9720); 7 letters home, character good. Record: Absent from camp, 2/6/68 - cautioned and dismissed. Release: Free Pardon 15/5/69; schoolteacher at Goomalling, Northam; resided in retirement at 15 Waugh Street, North Perth; died 24/12/13, from Parkinson's disease, at St. John of God Hospital, Subiaco, W.A. (KW Amos, 1987, "The Fenians and Australia c1865-1880").