Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-11-22
AnonIpALD mAMllroN nowAN.


For several years past the Irish people Of
the United States have been laboring 10 |
secure IL union of the citizens OF that country |
into an associated effort for the purpose of
adopting measures to bring about the disso- |
luton Of the bond which binds that country |
to Great Britain, and inaugurato q Republic |
upon Irish soil. To secure this object, the
Fenian Brotherhood has been established.
In our city there is an organization entitled
the Hamilton Rowan Circle. II is called
after an Irish patriot of that name, who was
somewhat intimately connected with the
local history OF Wilmington, and in order
that our citizens may have n full understand
ing oi the whole matter, we have compiled
from authentic history and documentary
evidence, sketch OF the eventiul life of the
distinguished patriot whose name heads this
aricle
During the Irish rebellion OF '9S, prOmi-
nent among the actors in that eventful
period, was Archibald Hamilton Rowan
He was early identified with the cause
OF Irish liberty, and took an active and
energetic part III trying TO free his native
land from the bondage of British tyranny.
He was man OF great wealth, and might
have lived quietly in peace and comfort
had he chosen to take sides with the OPP
| nressors OF Ireland, and uphold the British
| government. But his whole heart was filed
with patriotic ardor, nnd he was willing to
make any sacrifice so that the Republican
Banner might be planted tnumphantly on
Irish soil
In 1909, the rebellion had, progressed to
such IL degree that money was raised by
subscription for nrming and equipping lnrge
body Of men styled the National Guards.
The uniform was grcen--the national color
OF Irelnnd-and the 9th day of December
was selected for general muster. IN Dublin,
lor the purpose OF showing their strength,
inspiring the friends of the cause with
greater confidence and courage, and filling
tier enemies with terror and dismay. In
the meantime the British government became
alarmed, and determined TO crush every an,
puarance OF nsurrection in its infancy, by the
employment Of vigorous measures 10 crush
out, if possible, the germ OF liberty which
was almost ready to burst INTO flame. The
Lord Lieutenant, on the Sth of December
the day Immediately preceding that of tho
intended muster, issued proclamation pro.
: hibiiing all seditfOUs assemblies, or armed
: associations not authorized by the supreme
p0icer Of the State, and commanding the
magistrates 10 employ military force, il nc,
, ccssary, TO carry out the mandates contain
y cd in this document. 1t was understood tha
+ this manifesto was aimed at the Irish Ma
. tional Guard. The garrison was strongly
reinforced with government troops, and pre-
sentcd formidable appearance. Under thu
y circumstances the friends OF Irish libert,
C deemed it advisable to defer the coniemplat
l., cd demonstration. The principal officers
:. however, assembled on the 14th and issue
n counter proclamation. At this meetinl
L says IIarrop, in his history of the Irish ne
Ie bcllion, ''a gentleman OF respectable FORUM
n and fame, illustrious for philanthropy, an
Il amiable for his private character and depor,
ment," acted as secretary, and on accouu
lc OF the manifesto issued by the asscmblagt
Ie was arrested in the ensuing month. ii
rs was tried in January, 1894, found guilty
n the charge against him, and sentenced [
: pay a fine OF five hundred pounds; to L
imprisoned two years, and before his lbert
ID tion, TO give security in four thousand pound
n. for his good behavior during seven years.
. MCGEE, in his history of Ireland, saw
y ''In '04, Archibald Hamilton Rowan, one {
ut the honest and most chivalrous character
oil any age, was convicted by packed iury
: Oh circulating the famous "Universal Emai
,-'natioa Address" OF his friend, DR.. Wn
n Drenhan, the pset politician OF the party.
d Ile was dciehded BY Curran, ila celebrate
O. Irish Barrister. :. was on this dccaso
/ that Curran made the famous speech
- which occurs The beautiful aposlrophe
&c "the genius Of Universal Emancipation. "
n aiGGec says Rowan was convicted Of eli
gulaling reasonable documents, and iia