THE SCOT IN ULSTER
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and the Society of the "United Irishmen" was inaugurated at Belfast in 1791. [1] There was to be no more Catholic or Protestant--all were to be united in one brotherhood of equality and fraternity. The Society at first embraced all who desired reform, and many of the best of the North of Ireland Presbyterians joined it; but gradually the old cleavage between Protestant and Catholic began in its midst, and as its more violent members hurried it downwards towards open rebellion, the split became wider, and in 1795 the association of Orangemen sprang into existence. In this way, when rebellion actually broke out in 1798, the struggle was not so severe in Ulster as it would otherwise have been, although much good blood was spilt of the Presbyterians of Down and Antrim. The Rebellion of 1798 brought in its train, and as its inevitable issue, the Union, which once again united the English and Scottish settlers of Ulster under a common Government with the race from which they spring. The Union rendered possible that enormous advance in contentment and prosperity which Ulster has made during this century. ...continue reading »
[1] Benn's Belfast, p. 643.
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Page 96
The Scot in Ulster:
Sketch of the History of the Scottish Population of Ulster
by John Harrison
1888