THE
PREFACE.

SO great a prevalence has custom, that to see an English book without a Preface, is as strange a sight as a bull without horns, the weapons of his defence. If this little History of the Irish Robbers has any occasion of a Preface, it can only be to obviate one objection that may be made by cavillers against it, viz. ‘Rogues merit no commendation; and therefore men ought to be cautious of introducing their actions in History, lest it should be an encouragement to others to follow their example:’ But I can assure the Reader, that my intention is quite different: I have wrote with no other design than to discourage young men from falling into such company as may lead them into a shameful way of living, which often brings them to an ill end, and leaves a reproach upon their family, who may be innocent. We may observe the great Redmond O’Hanlon, though he lived a merry life, yet it was but short, and attended with such dangers and fear, that he could have but little satisfaction, and at length he became such an odium, that one of his own relations, for the lucre of a reward, dispatched him out of the world as he lay asleep. How safely, then can an outlawed rogue leave p. iv his life in the power of another, when induced not only by the promise of a reward, but for the sake of pardon to give information? And if a man has occasion to distrust his own comrades, with how much dissatisfaction must he live? It is true, he may riot for a while, but let him take care, “lest (according to the Psalmist) he be cut off in his wickedness, and die in his sins.”

I hope the following History may also be of service to honest men of all professions, who may happen to have dealings, though at unawares, with such kind of cattle as are here treated of.— By making ourselves acquainted with their artifices and ways of management, we may be better able to know how to discover their wiles, and break their measures. When a man is forewarned, if he does not fore‐arm himself, I believe all men will think him blame‐worthy. I am sure this is my opinion, who am a well wisher to all men.