irretrievable. It might be possible to replace all the other members of the Directory after the arrests in March; but there was no substitute to be found in Ireland for Lord Edward. He was the only military man in connexion with the Union capable of taking command of any considerable number of men, competent for the important office assigned him, and qualified for it by a knowledge of his profession, practical as well as theoretical. When he was lost to the cause, it was madness to think there was any hope left of a successful issue for resistance." Lord Holland, writing in 1824, bears the following testimony to Lord Edward's character and intentions: "More than twenty years have now passed away. Many of my political opinions are softened — my predilections for some men weakened, my prejudices against others removed; but my approbation of Lord Edward FitzGerald's actions remains unaltered and unshaken. His country was bleeding under one of the hardest tyrannies that our times have witnessed. He who thinks a man can be even excused in such circumstances by any other consideration than that of despair from opposing a pretended government by force, seems to me to sanction a principle which would insure impunity to the greatest of all human delinquents, or at least to those who produce the greatest misery among mankind. . . Lord Edward was a good officer. The plans found among his papers showed much combination and considerable knowledge of the principles of defence. His apprehension was so quick, and his courage so constitutional, that he would have applied, without disturbance, all the faculties he possessed to any emergency, however sudden, and in the moment of the greatest danger or confusion. He was, among the United Irish, scarcely less considerable for his political than his military qualifications. His temper was peculiarly formed to engage the affections of a warm-hearted people. A cheerful and intelligent countenance, an artless gaiety of manner, without reserve, but without intrusion, and a careless yet inoffensive intrepidity, both in conversation and in action, fascinated his slightest acquaintance, and disarmed the rancour of even his bitter opponents. These, indeed, were only the indications of more solid qualities — an open and fearless heart, warm affections, and a tender, compassionate disposition. Where his own safety was concerned, he was bold even to rashness; he neither disguised his thoughts nor controlled his actions: where the interests or reputation of others were at stake, he was cautious, discreet, and considerate. . . Indignant as he was at the oppression of his country, and intemperate in his language of abhorrence at the cruelties exercised in Ireland, I never could find that there was a single man against whom he felt the slightest personal animosity. He made allowance for the motives and even temptations of those whose actions he detested." Perhaps there is no one whose memory is held in more loving regard by the Irish people than Lord Edward FitzGerald. '^ '^2 331
FitzGerald, Augustus Frederick, 3rd Duke of Leinster, Grand Master of the Freemasons of Ireland, eldest son of the 2nd Duke, was born 21st August 1791. When quite a boy he succeeded his father as Duke of Leinster. He was educated at Eton and at Oxford. In politics he was a staunch Whig, and supported in the House of Lords the cause of Queen Caroline, Catholic Emancipation, the Reform Bill, and other measures of a liberal tendency. Most of his life was passed in Ireland attending to the duties connected with his estates and his position in the country. He was a man of singular refinement and amiability of character. He died 10th October 1874, aged 83, and was succeeded by his son. ' 54 =02
FitzGerald, Edward, a leader in the Insurrection of 1798, was a country gentleman of ample means who was born at Newpark, County of Wexford, about 1770. He was in Wexford jail on suspicion, at the breaking out of the Insurrection in 1798, was released by the populace, and during the occupation of the town commanded in some of the engagements that took place in different parts of the county, showing far more ability than the Commander-in-chief, Bagenal B. Harvey. Dr. Madden says: "With regard to the prisoners that fell into his hands at Gorey, he behaved in the most humane manner possible; amid the threats and shouts of the people for vengeance on those who had recently slain or butchered their nearest relatives, . . he said to the people: 'You cannot bring the dead to life by imitating the brutality of your enemies. It is for us to follow them, and come face to face with them.' " He particularly distinguished himself at the battle of Arklow, where he commanded the Shelmalier gunsmen. He afterwards joined in the expedition against Hacketstown; and surrendered upon terms to General Wilford, in the middle of July. With Garrett Byrne and others he was detained in custody in Dublin until the next year, when he was allowed to remove to England. He was re-arrested on 25th March 1800, imprisoned for a short time, and then permitted to
