Identity Statement for Thomas Francis Meagher
- Reference code: IE UCDA P18/1-2
- Title: Papers of Thomas Francis Meagher (1823–1867)
- Dates: 1848
- Level of description: Item
- Extent: 22pp
- Context
- Content and Structure
- Conditions of Access and Use
Biographical History
Born in Waterford, Meagher was educated at Clongowes Wood and later trained as a barrister. He quickly entered political life and was a founder-member of the Irish Confederation. A fervent nationalist, who believed in an armed uprising, Meagher was arrested after a failed rising in 1848 and sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted and he was sent to Van Dieman's land (Tasmania) to serve a life sentence. In 1852, he escaped his island prison and fled to America where he became a journalist and lecturer. During the American Civil War, he organised the Irish Brigade to fight for the North and became a brigadier-general.
Scope and Content
Evidence given by constables John Doran and Robert Alfred stationed at Rathkeale, County Limerick, before George Goold JP, in support of the case against Thomas Francis Meagher for treason; copy indictment in the same case.
- Access: Available by appointment to holders of a UCD Archives reader's ticket. Produced for consultation in original format. Original material will be retrieved on Fridays only. It will be made available for consultation in the UCD Special Collections reading room on Level One of the James Joyce Library.
- Language: English