But, setting aside patriotism, religion, and ambition, it is likely enough that he distrusted the Government, and feared the doom pronounced in Dublin Castle against all the gentlemen of his creed and race.

At all events he put himself at the head of the insurrection in Ulster.

He and the officers under his command, on the night of the 22nd, surprised and captured the forts of Charlemont and Mountjoy.

The towns of Dungannon, Newry, Carrickmacross, Castleblaney, Tandragee fell into the hands of the insurgents, while the O'Reillys and Maguires overran Cavan and Fermanagh.

Sir Conor Magennis wrote from Newry to the Government officers in Down: 'We are for our lives and liberties.