1798 Rebel Granted Emigration Pass.
... Another correspondent has kindly favoured us with the information that after the sixteen Dunseverick yeomanry had been liberated in the manner referred to, they proceeded to leave the town by Ballyloughan; but when at the Clougher Burn, they were observed by a numerous body of insurgents then on their way from Clough to Ballymena, under the command of a young Presbyterian minister or licentiate, named M'Neice [McNeice?]. In hope to avoid the pursuit which was immediately made, the yeomen left the road near the premises now occupied by Mr. James Gordon - passing along the country at a short distance from the old castle of Killyfleugh, and proceeding towards the burial ground at Kilconriola. Near that place, on a locality called "Deghill", or "Quenten" - and which another informant calls the "Gusheen Knowe" - the unfortunate yeomen were completely surrounded, and again made prisoners. Notwithstanding their protestations respecting what had already occurred in Ballymena, they were marched back to the town - but were soon afterwards finally liberated in conformity with the conditions previously imposed. After the rebellion had been effectually suppressed, young M'Neice [McNeice?] found himself in a position of very serious danger, in consequence of his leadership on the occasion; but a pass for his emigration to America was ultimately granted on the united and urgent solicitations of the late Mr. Neale M'Peake [McPeake?] of Harryville, and the Rev. Mr. Douglas, a loyal Presbyterian clergyman, then of Coleraine....Close