THE SCOT IN ULSTER

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of insubordination and outrage." [1] On a people so situated, the news of the Rebellion of the American colonies had a tremendous effect, all the greater because so many thousands had left Ulster during the last twenty years for the American colonies, and because so many of the "Hearts of Steel" were among the staunchest soldiers in the American army. [2] The Protestants of Ulster became strongly republican, intensely sympathetic with the revolted colonies, and sternly set on obtaining redress of their own political grievances. The condition of the country pointed to the necessity for the abolition of the restrictions on trade; the temper of the people demanded the abolition of the religious disabilities. The reforms were obtained in a strange way. The strain of the war with France and America compelled the British Government to strip Ireland of troops, so that when rumours of a threatened invasion reached the country, she seemed as if she would be an easy prey to a French army. The emergency roused the spirit of the people; and in 1778, all over the North of Ireland, the Protestants, high and low, began to arm and form themselves into volunteer regiments. [3] Meanwhile the Irish Parliament, under the influence of that group of orators whom Grattan led, awoke out of the sleep of a century, and, close corporation though it was, began to move for reform. The Vol-...continue reading »

[1] Reid's History, vol. iii. p. 338.

[2] Lecky's History, vol. iv. p. 350.

[3] Froude's Ireland, vol. ii. p. 254. Benn's Belfast, p. 630.

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Page 94

The Scot in Ulster:
Sketch of the History of the Scottish Population of Ulster

by John Harrison

1888