THE DEFENCE OF BALLYBOY SEPT/OCT 1828
A presentation table snuff box, Birmingham, 1830, mark of J.W, machined sides and foliate rims, the lid centred with a crest and the motto "Anchor Fast...

THE DEFENCE OF BALLYBOY SEPT/OCT 1828
A presentation table snuff box, Birmingham, 1830, mark of J.W, machined sides and foliate rims, the lid centred with a crest and the motto "Anchor Fast Anchor", the base inscribed "This Box/Accompanied by the Freedom of the City of Dublin was/Presented to/ MR. SAMUEL GRAY/ of Ballybay in the County of Monaghan/ for his many and determined conduct in heading/ the Protestants of that Town when it was/ threatened to be Enter'd by one of the/POPISH DEMAGOGUES/ that were likely to ensue from such a/ high and daring Proceeding Oct. 1828, (c.5 troy ozs). 8.5cm wide

 

John Lawless (c.1780 - 1837) a lawyer, entangled in the 1798 and 1803 rebellions and was categorised by the poet Shelley as a 'republican'. He had a mercurial personality. O'Connell, to which Lawless gave his support on a conditional basis, said he was "almost always a nuisance to be managed". The event commemorated in the present lot is Lawless's descent on Ballyboy to collect 'Catholic rent' on the instructions of the Catholic Association. A force of armed Orangemen commanded by Gray prevented his entry to the town.
A contemporary print entitled "The Protestant Boys of Ballybay driver a Lawless mob away" celebrates a seeming Orange victory but in fact the accumulating pressure on the Duke of Wellingtons government secured the passing of the Catholic Relief Bill.

 

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