occurrence of any casualty beyond some dyspeptic consequences to the
cook from over-eating. Would that our migration to the metropolis had
been as fortunately accomplished!

We started early; and on reaching the town where we were to breakfast
and exchange our own for post-horses, found the place in feverish
excitement. A hundred anxious inquirers were collected in the
market-place. Three hours beyond the usual time of the mail-delivery
had elapsed,--wild rumors were spread abroad,--a general rising
in Leinster was announced,--and the non-arrival of the post had an
ominous appearance, and increased the alarm.

We hurried over the morning meal,--the horses were being put to,--the
ladies already in the carriage,--when a dragoon rode in at speed, and
the worst apprehensions we had entertained were more than realized
by this fresh arrival. The mail-coach had been plundered and burned,
while everywhere, north, east, and west, as it was stated, the rebels
were in open insurrection,--all communication with Dublin was cut
off,--and any attempt to reach the metropolis would have been only an
act of madness.

Another express from the south came in. Matters there were even worse.
The rebels had risen _en masse_ and committed fearful devastation.
The extent of danger in attempting to reach the capital, or return to
his mansion, were thus painfully balanced; and my father considering
that, as sailors say, the choice rested between the devil and the deep
sea, decided on remaining where he was, as the best policy under all
circumstances.

The incompetency of the Irish engineering staff, and a defective