Back

1/4

Inspiring the United Irishmen

Irish government officials found this letter in the desk of John Sheares, a leader of the United Irishmen, when they arrested him on May 21, 1798. Sheares’s letter is filled with language meant to inspire the United Irishmen to “rush like lions'' against British “oppression” and “despotism” no matter the cost. Sheares and his brother Henry were both arrested, tried, and found guilty for treason against the British Crown. This letter served as evidence against them. On July 14th, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered in Dublin.

Letter
Written by John Sheares
May 1798
Paper, Ink
© National Museum of Ireland

Inspiring the United Irishmen

Irish government officials found this letter in the desk of John Sheares, a leader of the United Irishmen, when they arrested him on May 21, 1798. Sheares’s letter is filled with language meant to inspire the United Irishmen to “rush like lions'' against British “oppression” and “despotism” no matter the cost. Sheares and his brother Henry were both arrested, tried, and found guilty for treason against the British Crown. This letter served as evidence against them. On July 14th, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered in Dublin.

Letter
Written by John Sheares
May 1798
Paper, Ink
© National Museum of Ireland

Inspiring the United Irishmen

Irish government officials found this letter in the desk of John Sheares, a leader of the United Irishmen, when they arrested him on May 21, 1798. Sheares’s letter is filled with language meant to inspire the United Irishmen to “rush like lions'' against British “oppression” and “despotism” no matter the cost. Sheares and his brother Henry were both arrested, tried, and found guilty for treason against the British Crown. This letter served as evidence against them. On July 14th, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered in Dublin.

Letter
Written by John Sheares
May 1798
Paper, Ink
© National Museum of Ireland

Inspiring the United Irishmen

Irish government officials found this letter in the desk of John Sheares, a leader of the United Irishmen, when they arrested him on May 21, 1798. Sheares’s letter is filled with language meant to inspire the United Irishmen to “rush like lions'' against British “oppression” and “despotism” no matter the cost. Sheares and his brother Henry were both arrested, tried, and found guilty for treason against the British Crown. This letter served as evidence against them. On July 14th, they were hanged, drawn, and quartered in Dublin.

Letter
Written by John Sheares
May 1798
Paper, Ink
© National Museum of Ireland