THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Old extracts relay news of the American War of Independence

On this day in 1931 the News Letter published extracts that had appeared in the News Letter in September 1781, 150 years previously.

Letter from Dublin of September, 1781: “Dublin, 22nd September, 1781, The ship, Mary of Saltcoats, Captain Wedderburne, a returned transport from Charlestown, is arrived at Kilroot Point near Carrickfergus, on her way home and reports that an express came to General Campbell, who commands there in the absence of Cornwallis, that the gallant Lord Rawdon had another battle with General Greene, in which the whole rebel detachment were routed with immense slaughter, and that officer taken, with baggage, artillery, colours, &c. He adds that the French succours were not arrived on the coast when he sailed, which was on the 9th of August.

Dromore theft: Bessbrook, 18th September, 1781 - “Stolen Sunday night, the 16th inst, out of the bleachyard of Alexander Turnbull, near Dromore, six pieces of three-quarter wide diaper, about half white, marked on one end T, on the other end the number, which number betwixt 830 and 880, and put on with thread and as several pieces of linen were stolen out said bleach yard this season before, Mr Turnbull requests that after this notice no person will trespass; or make road through said green; and requests if any material answering this description be offered to any owner or overseer of a bleach-green to be finished it may be stopped and notice given thereof. And in order to bring the person or persons guilty of said felony to condign punishment I will pay twenty guineas (and all expenses of the prosecution) to any person who shall discover and prosecute to conviction the person persons who committed said felony. Alex Turnbull.”

The Ulster Regiment: “On Saturday, the 22nd September, the following address was presented to the Honourable Hercules Rowley at Langford Lodge, by Lieutentant-Colonel Wilson, Lieutentant-Colonel Jones, and Captain Crawford – Sir, The 6th Ulster Regiment unanimously request you to accept their command as Colonel. In you, Sir, they trust to find the decided virtue and public spirit that alone can dignity their choice; and the name of Rowley gives certainty to their hope. (Signed by order) James Reid, S T Captain of the Maragall Volunteers. To which Colonel Rowley returned the following answer: Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, and the Officers and Privates of the 6th Ulster Regiment. Gentlemen – The very great honour you have been pleased to confer upon me, by your choice as Colonel of the 6th Ulster Regiment, deserves most sincere and grateful acknowledgements. I receive respect and gratitude this unexpected mark of our confidence; and hope, by a steady adherence to those principles of constitutional liberty and independence, which from the first animated the noble Volunteers of Ireland in the glorious cause they have undertaken, and merit a continuance of your favour probation. l have the honour to be, Gentlemen, your most obliged and faithful humble servant. Hercules Rowley, Langford Lodge, 22nd September, 1781.”