Bagenal Harvey

Bagenal Harvey (died 28 June 1798) was a lawyer and a commander of the United Irishmen in the Battle of New Ross during the 1798 Rebellion.

A Protestant known for his liberal principles and a supporter of emancipation, Harvey was arrested at his home on 26 May at 11.00 p.m. A rebel colonel, Anthony Perry, divulged the information after giving in to torture by Crown forces. He was imprisoned at Wexford Gaol until its occupation by the rebels, where he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, probably against his will. [ [http://www.iol.ie/~98com/leaders.htm] Leaders of 1798. Retrieved Nov. 30, 2007.]

Battle of New Ross

Harvey was in command at the Battle of New Ross on 5 June 1798, in which the rebels were defeated. The rebels outnumbered the English force and had a rebel emissary Matt Furlong deliver surrender terms. While bearing flag of truce Furlong was shot down prompting 500 of the rebels under John Kelly of Killanne to charge. The attack had some initial success with two thirds of the town in possession of the United Irishmen. Yet, they quickly ran out of ammunition and were forced to rely on their pikes. With the arrival of British reinforcements the rebels were defeated.

On 7 June Harvey resigned at Sliabh Coillte, disgusted with his defeat and the following Scullabogue Barn massacre. He was replaced as Commander-in-Chief by Fr. Philip Roche and returned to Wexford where he was appointed President of the town committee. Confident that a treaty would be negotiated by Lord Kingsborough, he retired to Bargy Castle. Yet, shortly afterwards, he and John Henry Colclough, traveled to a cave on the Greater Saltee Island where they planned to escape to France by sea. They were betrayed and arrested, returned to Wexford and hanged on the bridge on 28 June, 1798.

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