Page:History of Redmond O'Hanlon.pdf/21

 21 ace of the half-moon sill towards his enemy? because he knew very well the dragoons did not pursue then, with an intent to kill their own horses,

In this posture, they were just by the side of a large trench, when the officer came within shot; Captain O'Hanlon gave the officer a fair challenge, either to decide the matter by a field battle, or to give three guineas a-piece for the horses; but the offer was rejected: Redmond observing and fearing that the footmen would find a passage over the trench, thought proper to make a moderate offer, which was to return the horses at a guinea a-piece, and to be allowed to withdraw unmolested: if this were refused, he swore that every man he had should fire upon the soldiers. This challenge occasioned a council of war to be held, where it was concluded to give him the last demand, so a messenger was sent with the money, which when captain O'Hanlon had received, he and his mere retired behind the trench which was before unperceived by the officer, who otherwise, upon an earlier discovery might' have made Redmond a prisoner. Thus this surprising adventure ended without striking a' blow.

This last action of Redmond's incensed the government to the highest degree, and a fresh proclamation was issued out; offering a reward of L.400 or more, for his head, dead or alive, and L. 40 a piece, for the eighteen men that were with him. The family of the Coot's, at Coote Hill, were very active and successful in taking his comrades, as likewise the Johnston's of the Fews; and in a few years, the most of his chief men were executed, except Reilly who fled for his life to France, where the same Coote having