Accounts have been received from Lieutenant Gardiner, of the Antrim Militia, that early on Monday the 25th instant, a Body of rebels, consisting of several Thousands, marched from the Mountains of Wicklow, to attack Hacketstown. On seeing them approach, Lieutenant Gardiner, with the Troops under his Command, viz. fifty Upper-Talbotstown, Twenty four Shebagh Cavalry, fifty of the Antrim Regiment, forty-six Hacketstown, and thirty Coolattin Yeoman Infantry, took Post on the most advantageous Ground near the Town, to endeavour to prevent the rebels from gaining Possession of it; but after a few Rounds the rebels filed off in every Direction, with an Intent to surround and cut him off. Lieutenant Gardiner then retreated with the Infantry to line the Walls and Windows of the Barrack. A Contest continued in the Midst of Flames (for the rebels set Fire to the Town) for nine Hours, when they were obliged to retreat. Lieutenant Gardiner states that the rebels suffered greatly, and that thirty Car-Loads of their killed and wounded were carried off by them in their Retreat, and many of their Dead were found in the Streets and Ditches.

Date:

[1798]