The Wheeling Repository

Extract of a letter from a respectable gentleman of the county Derry, Ireland, to his friend in Pittsburgh, dated,

"Moneyguiggy, August 13, 1807."

"You have, undoubtedly, heard of the great conquests made by Bonaparte, in Prussia, Russia, and all parts of the continent, as also of the peace lately concluded between the continental powers and the French; all which gives us reason to think that the French will invade us immediately. The newspapers informs us, that they are making every necessary preparation with that intention. Bonaparte intends putting his long promised threats in execution, and I understand that the French army wishes much to fight the British on their own ground. In common with all our friends, I very much dread the horrors of war. We have every reason to expect disturbances—our unfortunate island is once more declared to be in a state of insurrection, and martial law proclaimed throughout the whole kingdom. Nothing but disputes, quarrels, and party business, reigns throughout the north, and many other parts up the country. The orangemen have become a strong party in the north, and there have been several dreadful quarrels between them and the Roman Catholics in the counties of Tyrone, Antrim, Armagh and Derry. One happened in Maghera, at June fair last, to which I was an eye witness. All the yeomen were armed with guns, bayonets and swords—the Catholics with spades, shovels, pitchforks, &c. The quarrel lasted for many hours and a great number of both sides, were cut and mangled in the most shocking manner. About the same time, the orangemen and Catholics fought in many places upwards. The Catholics are determined to be no longer in terror or dread of them. There is no such friendship & hospitality in our country as used to be—as these party affrays are dividing the people. The clergyman is at present viewing the crops in Ballynascreen parish, and it is the opinion of several of the best informed men, that the tythes will this year amount to 3000l. though it has formerly amounted to no more than 750l.—I know persons, who formerly paid but 5s. who have been raised to 2l. 4s. others that have paid but 13s. 6d. have been raised to 4l. and some that formerly paid but two guineas, have been raised to ten guineas, and so on. Country leases are much augmented, and from this you may judge of our present situation.—A rupture with America is much dreaded at present, and the universal wish is, that it may end in nothing."