Memorial of James Watson, Brookhill - 1851 (pt 2)

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXIV.

-- -- -- --

MEMORIAL OF 

JAMES WATSON, BROOKHILL

1851.

(Continued.)

Removal from Commission of the Peace.

The course of events now leads on to the period that was so full of interest to Mr. Watson and the country at large -- viz., the year 1845. Before July of that year the temporary Act prohibiting processions had expired. It was considered by a great number of loyal men that the usual Orange anniversary should be observed, with proper decorum, and the Protestant North.

Accordingly, a procession took place at Lisburn, headed by Mr. Watson. It was understood that he did not fully concur in the determination to walk on the 12th July. However, seeing that such a measure was decided upon, it was his aim to afford his countenance to it by his presence. He considered, besides, that his personal concurrence and it would tend to the promotion of harmony and peace.

Now ensued important matters which long occupied the attention of the whole Empire. On 18th July the Marquis of Clanricarde, in the House of Lords, commenced the series of discussions. He asked the Government -- "What course they intended to pursue with regard to Mr. Watson, a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant of the county of Antrim? It had been thought proper not to renew the Party Processions Act; and on the 23rd of June a meeting was held at Lisburn, attended by three hundred masters of Orange Lodges, and presided over by Mr. Watson -- a most respectable gentleman, and most popular in his neighbourhood, but whose conduct in his public and official capacity must not go unnoticed. Resolutions were passed at that meeting, and signed by him, to organise the Orange Institution in the county, and to meet on one of the July anniversaries, and to march in procession to the parish church. Now, magistrates were dismissed very unceremoniously in 1843 attending Repeal meetings, or subscribing to the Repeal Association. What he wanted to know was, whether the Government, after they had taken upon themselves the responsibility of doing away with the Act, had made any arrangement in its stead -- whether they had taken any steps to rebuke this gentleman from what he had done in reference to these proceedings, and had dismissed him from the commission of the peace?"

In a very short time public suspense was brought to an end. Anxious conjecture give place to painful certainty. It was officially announced that Mr. Watson had been formally, in the first instance, dismissed from the deputy lieutenancy, and, next, superseded in the commission of the peace. The effect of this announcement was singularly striking. Men of all parties united in questioning the propriety of the bold and ungracious step of the government.

A Roman Catholic and Repeal paper, called the "Newry Examiner," contained this language:--

"What was Mr. Watson's crime? He attended an Orange meeting and procession, organised proceedings, and appeared decorated with the insignia of the confederacy. Now, in all this there was nothing illegal. The Government had permitted the Processions Act to expire -- the Lord Lieutenant did not issue even an admonitory letter to discountenance the displays which were announced and expected. Within Mr. Watson's district everything passed off in a most orderly and quiet manner. There was neither offensive language nor violence of any kind employed. Mr. Watson is, therefore, declared unfit to continue a magistrate simply because he thinks fit to exercise a legal and constitutional right in the open day, and without the danger of injury to the peace of the country."

In Belfast and Lisburn especially, and in the adjacent districts, the Ministerial insult to Mr. Watson was the absorbing theme of conversation, and discussion. Where his name had been familiar on the lips of men as a household word, the slight which was mediated and cast upon him was received in silent indignation, or with an unrestrained expression of discontent and profound concern. The utmost length to which, it was conjectured, Government interference could venture, would be an official communication to Mr. Watson conveying a disapproval of what had been done under his sanction, and an expectation that there should be henceforward a conformity to the desires of the Queen's Government. An interference of this description from high quarters would not have been taken as trenching upon the union immunities of an individual or party. But when, instead of this, there was a harsh and summary visitation of the displeasure of the Government, without any word or sign of a cautionary nature, the natural love of fair play, common to all classes of the people, attached itself to the side of Mr. Watson.

In all parts of the United Kingdom the magistracy very keenly felt the indignity which their office suffered in the case of Mr. Watson. Several magistrates of the highest standing saw that their independence was at stake, and therefore at once tendered their resignations of their office.

Besides the significant manifestations of the indignant feeling of many honourable minded members of the magisterial bench, there is to be recorded the strong, united testimony of magistrates and others -- a nearly countless host -- assembled at Lisburn on Thursday, Aug. 21, 1845. It had been resolved that a public opportunity should be afforded the whole community for giving proper expression to their sentiments with regard to Mr. Watson. The day which has been mentioned was fixed upon for this purpose. Certainly the grand result, in the magnificent array upon the occasion, must have even more than surpassed expectations of the most sanguine.

Shortly after one o'clock the immense procession, preceded by music, began to move toward the place of meeting, a suspicious field belonging to David Beatty, Esq., on the other side of the road from the Friends' Schoolhouse on the hill. At the upper end of the field a large platform was erected, filled with the ladies and with the persons who were to take a lead in the proceedings. About one hundred and eighty Orange Lodges were in the field -- from Belfast, Lisburn, Hillhall, Ballinderry, Maralin, Moira, Waringstown, Kilmore, Ballylough, Dromore, Dromara, Hillsborough, Ballinahinch, Newtownards, and various other districts. In addition to these, there was a vast concourse not at all connected with lodges. It was calculated that the number of persons at the meeting was at least fifty thousand.

On Friday, the 22nd August, Mr. Watson received another proof of the estimation in which the society held him. A grand entertainment was given to him in the Assembly Rooms, Lisburn, by nearly two hundred gentlemen. Thomas Johnson Smyth, Esq., J.P., D.L., presided.

In Belfast the Protestant people of all ranks were full of anxiety to express their sentiments in regard to the conduct of the Ministry towards Mr. Watson. Accordingly, on the evening of Thursday, the 4th September, a grand Protestant demonstration was held in the Music Hall in honour of the late victim of expediency politics.

A vast number of affectionate and complimentary addresses were presented to Mr. Watson. All parts of the kingdom appeared anxious in this manner to join in the universal tribute of approval and admiration of his principles. In many cases deputations waited personally upon him the Brookhill.

The Government, after not more than fifteen months had elapsed from the date of their hot and hasty displeasure, despatched to Brookhill overtures of reconciliation. An official tender, dated 2nd September, 1846, was authoritatively made to Mr. Watson of restoration to the high offices of which he had been so unceremoniously deprived. The offer was not accepted. It was courteously declined, but in such terms as showed a decision that was unalterable.

Death, 1850.

About midsummer in 1850 he was seized with the affection which ultimately resulted in death. It was understood by the multitude of anxious inquirers that he was not afflicted with any positive disease -- that he laboured chiefly under prostration of strength from the decay and breaking up of his physical system. But he lingered for a considerable time under the attack, hope began to be entertained by the community that he might yet rally. However, at length he sank. After an almost miraculous continuance of his life -- without food or nourishment for a great number of days -- he peacefully breathed his last on Tuesday, the 3rd of September, 1850.

Monday, the 9th of September, was fixed upon for the interment. In the "News–Letter" of September 10 a graphic narrative was published descriptive of the funeral pageant:––

"Yesterday all that was mortal of the late venerable and universally esteemed proprietor of Brookhill was deposited in its last resting place -- a vault in the Magheragall Churchyard. From an early hour in the morning the entire country for miles around the residence exhibited the tokens of preparation for the approach solemnity... From the mansion to the church the road was densely crowded with people -- to such an extent, indeed, that it was a considerable time before the procession could reach its destination. The whole scene was impressive to the last degree... At the church the crush was oppressive, but there was no interruption to the sacred harmony of the procedure. The churchyard was previously filled by groups of men and women, most respectively attired; and therein was prepared for the body a vault, adjoining that which is tenanted by the remains of Mr. Watson's grandfather. At the vestibule the body was received by the Rev. Mr. Courtenay and the Rev. Roberts Mussen. It was then brought inside the church, and after the beautiful and impressive service was concluded, it was carried to the vault in which it was deposited. It was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon before the ceremony was completed, after which the vast assemblage, numbering from 10,000 to 20,000 persons, retired to their homes."

At the patriarchal age of nearly eighty-eight years, Mr. Watson descended to the grave. His remains are laid side-by-side with those of his grandfather -- the ancient worthy inhabitant of Brookhill. Whatever monument may be raised to his memory from the devotion of public and attached adherents, there can be no doubt that his best memorial exists in the ardent and affectionate remembrance of those "troops of friends." As a man Mr. Watson was universally beloved. In the varied duties of his public and professional life he had no rival.

"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up
And say to all the word -- this was a man."

(Next Week: The Wallace Collection.)


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 15 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)

Memorial of James Watson, Brookhill - 1851

SOME EXTRACTS
FROM THE
RECORDS OF
OLD LISBURN
AND THE
MANOR OF KILLULTAGH.

-- -- -- --
Edited by JAMES CARSON.
-- -- -- --

LXXIII.

-- -- -- --

MEMORIAL OF 

JAMES WATSON, BROOKHILL

1851.

The name of the author of this little volume of 100 pages is unknown. James Watson, known as the "Young Commodore," was the son of John Watson -- "Commodore Watson" -- and grandson of James Watson, who was buried in Magheragall Parish Churchyard in 1777, aged 77 years. Margaret, the daughter of James Watson, born 1700, married Robert Redman, who afterwards built the old, house at Springfield.

The Old Commodore.

John Watson, known as "Commodore Watson," or the "Old Commodore," entered the Royal Navy about the year 1747. Later he relinquished his commission and proceeded to India, where he again entered the naval service under the East India Company, in what was then known as the Bombay Navy. From 1748 till about 1772 he led an active and adventurous life, rendered the Company signal service, and was several times wounded. In 1766 he married a Miss Popham, of London. It was in Dublin their first-born, James, the "Young Commodore," was born. On their return to India James was left behind in Ireland. In India two other children were born. At length the desire of home turned the Commodore's thoughts towards Europe. His fine Arabian charger, the "Old Major," was shipped before him, and reached Brookhill without accident. Mrs. Watson proceeded on her journey, the Commodore to follow on his return from an expedition then on foot. He was, unfortunately, wounded in the arm by a ball, supposed to be poisoned. The surgeon proposed immediate amputation. This was declined by the Commodore, who is reported to have said -- "If I live, it shall live with me; and if I die, it will die with me." Death speedily ensued.

The Young Commodore.

On Captain Redman and his wife, Margaret Watson, fell the duty of watching over the child James. In Magheragall Parish Churchyard an inscription on a tomb records that Robert Redman, of Springfield, died in 1788, aged 68, and that Margaret, his wife, daughter of James Watson, of Brookhill, died in 1806, aged 78.

A considerable portion of the little volume is taken up with an account of the boy's youthful days; then as he advanced into manhood, his love of hunting, racing, and rural sports; as a magistrate, his Protestant loyalty, his connection with Blaris Camp, and his experiences in Antrim in 1798.

When in the coarse of events he took his place in the county at the head of his hounds the whole population continually cheered and welcomed him. No one was seen in the field who could match him as he followed and encouraged the chase. No figures were better known or more warmly welcomed on the Maze course than that of James Watson and his brother-in-law, Mr. Wakefield. The last race which Mr. Watson rode was upon the Maze course, October 12th, 1825. He ran for the County Cup on Violet, a great pet of his, at that time aged nearly twenty years. He was himself sixty years of age. At the finish of the race stooping down and placing his arms round the neck of the panting and successful animal, he said -- "You are old, and I am growing old, and we shall run no more. This is our last race." This may be said to have been his formal leave-taking of the course, although he hunted and followed the hounds to a few years before his death.

He was remarkably abstemious. Even on the longest day of sporting excitement he would not ordinarily take even one glass of wine before his dinner. The table was no idol of his. This was all the more remarkable considering the days and circumstances in which he was placed.

As a magistrate at Lisburn, Hillsborough, and Belfast, or wherever he was called upon to act, his advice was looked up to as sound and constitutional, and no man enjoyed in a higher degree the confidence of the public and his brother magistrates.

From the very outset of his career James Watson was a thorough Loyalist. He was captain of the BrookhilL Yeomanry. In the troublous days of 1798 frequent reviews of the Magheragall Cavalry and Brookhill Infantry took place under his command on the "Plover Plain," about a mile above Brookhill.

Blaris.

With Blaris Camp he was also is daily communication. On Blaris Moor strange scenes were not unfrequently exhibited. It was known that secret influences were at work among the Irish regiments, corrupting their principles and seducing them from their allegiance. The emissaries of disaffection endeavoured strenuously to sow there the evil seeds of discontent and treason. The knowledge of this obliged the authorities and commanders of regiments to be constantly on the alert. At length three privates of the Monaghan Militia, were detected in treasonable operations. They were tried in Belfast by court-martial. It was found that they belonged to the Society of "United Irishmen." They were sentenced to death. To render the fatal punishment more exemplary, they were ordered to be shot in the presence of their own regiment and of all the other troops encamped at Blaris. Accordingly, the unhappy criminals were marched to the spot where they were to meet their doom. As they drew near Blaris the Dead March in "Saul" was heard in the distance, announcing their approach. The regiments were formed nearly into a square, within which three coffins were placed. As the three unhappy militiamen, the prisoners, were brought forward, each of them took his place and knelt by his coffin. A firing party then advanced. At a signal, the fatal discharge took place. The three fell instantly. One of them, however, seemed to be [--?--] in agony. A sergeant stepped out from ranks and put his pistol to the ear of the wretched fellow. A shot was heard -- the smoke cleared off -- and the three bodies were prostrate, equally quiet, in death. The several regiments were then made to file past them. It was deplorable to mark their clothes saturated with blood, yet, from the inflammable nature of the wadding, partially in a blaze over the lifeless remains.

Such terrible events were the necessary attendants upon the frightful state of the country at that conjecture of affairs. The crisis it length arrived. The rebellion was openly proclaimed. In the South, alarming progress was made. Some portions of the North were only waiting for the watchword, smothering the flame for a little time, that it might, on the outbreak, burn the more fiercely. Much of the County of Antrim was in this state.

Antrim.

On the 7th of June, 1798, Captain Watson was summoned to Antrim to attend a county meeting of magistrates specially called for the consideration of the threatening aspect of the times. There was a large attendance. Earl O'Neill drove hurriedly from Dublin to be present, and arrived in sufficient time to lend his aid in the anxious deliberations. However, the die was unhappily cast. The rebels marched into Antrim while the magistrates were there assembled, and took complete possession of the town. They were attacked by the King's forces. Among these was a troop of the Magheragall Cavalry, under Lieutenant Garrett. Colonel Lumley, from Lisburn, with a party of the 22nd Dragoons, from Blaris Camp, had passed Brookhill on their hasty march to Antrim. The Colonel held a conversation with Captain Wakefield, in the absence at Antrim of Captain Watson, instructing him to forward to Lisburn all unnecessary arms that were at Brookhill or Springfield, lest they might fall into the hands of the rebels. Making his own way onward to Antrim, and taking Lieutenant Garrett and one troop along with him, he left Captain Wakefield, with the rest of his men, to keep charge of the home post.

As the fight proceeded in the streets of Antrim, Captain Watson was close to the Magheragall Cavalry. He was not far from Lord O'Neill when his Lordship was treacherously and savagely piked. At the Massereene Bridge, about the moment of Earl O'Neill's fall, Captain Watson and his party were closely hemmed in by the rebels. To escape from the deadly enclosure in which they found themselves, he and two or three others, who were well mounted, saw that there was on opening for escape but by leaping directly over the parapet of the bridge and into the river. Just as he was in the act of leaping, one of the rebels levelled a pike or gun at him, with an aim so close and sure that there appeared no nope of its missing him. In that instant another rebel shouted -- "Don't touch Watson! that's Watson!" and dashed up the gun or pike that was in his comrade's hand. Captain Watson and one of the troopers, a farmer in Magheragall, made good their desperate leap. A third who endeavoured to follow their example was pierced through and through with pikes, and fell dead into the water, awfully mangled.

On the Captain's gaining the bank, and riding across a field to reach another part of the town, he came full in front of a separate detachment of rebels. He subsequently declared that he then considered his life as not worth many minutes purchase. First he thought of turning and seeking safety in an opposite direction. Ultimately he determined to move forward. Whether the men recognised  him and did not wish to do him injury, or whether they did not think it right to attack a gentleman who was not in a soldier's dress, he could not know. Howsoever it was, he was unquestioned and unchallenged, and permitted to pass them without remark.

Shortly after these momentary disasters Colonel Lumley caused a retreat to be sounded, to allow time for the reinforcements that were every instant expected. The corps of Magheragall Cavalry did not properly understand the signal, and remained exposed to the destructive assaults of the rebels. The Colonel observing this, and exclaiming -- "The poor fellows will be cut to pieces" -- galloped forward himself to lead them out of their perilous position. While engaged in this effort to save others he received a musket ball in the leg, near the foot, from the effects of which he never altogether recovered.

It was a source of great satisfaction to Captain Watson that, during all this terrible period of bloodshed and anarchy, no private causes of feud existed between himself and any of the infatuated people who were betrayed into disloyalty. While some of the gentry, magistrates residing not far from Brookhill, were obliged to brave the perils of private assassination, both day and night, it was his fortunate lot to be exempt from any such terror or peril. It was his great delight to afford hope to those guilty men who were alike dupes and victims. One of the most pleasing circumstances of this exciting period -- connected with Captain Watson -- was a result of the hazardous leap at Antrim. It is matter of history that M'Cracken in Belfast, and Harry Monro at Lisburn, and many others, forfeited their lives on account of their acts at or before the fights at Antrim or at Ballinahinch. The spectacle was but too common of men of respectability and intelligence executed and beheaded for their share in the rebellion. Necessity -- though sometimes but "the tyrant's plea" -- inevitably, in this case, urged the summary infliction of justice; but, in several instances, mercy tempered justice. A Mr. Mulholland, one of the most energetic rebel officers at the battle of Ballinahinch, was pardoned because he had interfered to save the life of a person who had been carried a prisoner into the camp, And when, shortly after the fights, some of the misguided men who had fought at Antrim were sentenced to death by a court-martial, one of the number claimed the protection of Captain Watson. It was the very man who, in the critical moment, had dashed away the murderous weapon directed at his breast. The Captain repaired to the place of his confinement, and was happy to recognise him as the preserver of his life. A representation of the facts being made to headquarters, the condemned rebel was at once set at liberty. Such incidents as these relieved to some extent the horrors of those days of terror and crime.

It is remarkable that, upon a subsequent occasion, long after the sound of rebellion was hushed, Mr. Watson was, a second time, in imminent risk of losing his life in Antrim. At a Corn Law riot there he and other gentlemen were violently assailed by the mob, and severely stoned. Passing down the street, with the late General Coulson, of Belfast, a huge stone -- which, it was supposed, was intended for the General -- struck Mr. Watson on the head and stretched him insensible on the ground. It was found that he had received a wound which was pronounced as likely to be mortal. After a lengthened, confinement at Antrim he was so far recovered as to be removed to Brookhill. His restoration from the consequences of the brutal assault was extremely tedious.

(To be Continued.)


(This article was originally published in the Lisburn Standard on 8 March 1918 as part of a series which ran in that paper each week for several years. The text along with other extracts can be found on my website Eddies Extracts.)