Sir, - In the Outrage Papers for 1832, in the National Archives, there is correspondence regarding nationalist protests at Orange, marches during July of that year. On July 1st 1832, and again on July 12th, there were Orange marches from Virginia, and various other locations in County Cavan, to Cavan town.
In response, on Saturday, July 21st, 1832, a "green" march assembled at Lavey Strand, and this in turn marched to Cavan town, to the consternation of the police and army, who had reinforcements called in. Dublin Castle was kept informed. Mounted dragoons cantered through the assembly at intervals, and a number of persons, including the organisers, were arrested, although there were no reported incidents. The participants wore green sashes, or green ribbons around their hats.
The local magistrate and deputy lieutenant of the county, Major Thomas Burrowes of Stradone, concluded, in his report on the matter to the authorities in Dublin Castle that: "this meeting would never have taken place had it not been for Orange meetings and processions. Under this impression it is my duty expressly to declare my conviction of the necessity that exists for such amendment of the law as will effectively, check all meetings whatsoever when persons assemble with badges, banners, music, etc., which are utterly incompatible with the public peace and I am full convinced that there never will be happiness or peace in this country until processions of all sorts are put down."
Many of the 8,000 to 10,000 marchers were there "unwillingly" - out of fear of nationalist terrorist [the Ribbonmen] - according to a newspaper report also attributed to the magistrate. - Yours, etc.,
Esker Park,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.