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| This is the actual account by John Devoy of the 1876 Catalpa rescue. Other accounts exist, but it was Devoy who assured the success of this mission, by overseeing its planning and execution. The story is introduced by Devoy's biographer, Terry Golway, who provides his insight of this great Irish American. Historian Kevin Cusack reflects on the American roots of this story. The editors offer both a prologue and epilogue outlining events not covered in Devoy's account. Throughout the book are footnotes identifying related parties and events. There are illustrations, some never published before, and extracts from Australian newspapers of the day. |
| Cover painting by Jack Wemp, copyright 2005 |
| John Devoy’s Catalpa Expedition Philip Fennell and Marie King, Editors New York University Press Ireland House Series ISBN-10: 0-8147-2748-4 ISBN-13: 978-0-8147-2748-5 Rights: World Stock Date: January 27, 2006 Price: $35 Format: CL, 6X9, 14 illus. |
Table of Contents Acknowledgements Foreword by Terry Golway Introduction by Kevin Cusack Editors' Prologue I Cruise of a New Bedford Whaler That Brought Humiliation to England-Irish Skill and Yankee Grit Combined-Six Irish Military Prisoners Taken from an English Prison in Western Australia by The Clan-na-Gael-How and Why the Work Was Done. II Seven Thousand Men Knew of the Expedition, but There Was No Traitor-Discussed from Maine To California-Yet the Blow Fell on England Like a Bolt from the Blue–How the Work Was Started–The Committee in Charge. III John Mitchel Knew of the Project and Helped to Raise Funds–A Characteristic Letter. IV Official Report of the Work Done Presented to a Convention in 1876–The Arduous Work of Raising the Money–How John Boyle O’Reilly Got a United States Naval Engineer to Inspect the Vessel. V [No heading in the original account. The chapter describes the final preparations and departure of the Catalpa.] VI How John J. Breslin and Thomas Desmond Of San Francisco Were Selected to Do the Work-An Appointment by James Stephens. VII Auspicious Beginning of the Expedition by Captain Anthony Succoring a Ship in Distress– aught Whale in the North Atlantic–John Breslin’s Official Report of the Enterprise – Anxiously Waiting for Ship’s Arrival. VIII John J. Breslin’s Graphic Account of the Escape of the Six Prisoners, the Dash for the Boat, the Long and Weary Pull for the Ship, the Arrival on Board in the Nick of Time, and the Sharp Parley With the “Georgette”–The Victory Won. IX Breslin’s Difficulties with the Men on the Homeward Voyage–Complained of Food and Treatment and Were Discontented–Demanded to Be Put Ashore and Forced a Change in the Plans-Arrived in New York. X Unexpected Arrival of the Vessel in New York Creates Many Difficulties–Factional Attempt to “Capture” The Men from the Committee Foiled by Patrick Lennon’s Quiet Threat to Use Force–Work of Providing for the Soldiers. XI Work of Raising Funds for the Rescued Men and the Winding Up of the Expedition The Slander-Monger at Work–Financial Statement of the Enterprise. XII The Expedition Wound Up After Many Difficulties-John King’s Narrative of His Part in the Work -The Fenians in Australia Had a Rescue Project of Their Own-Meeting with Breslin-How He Ran the Quarantine. XIII John King Continues His Narrative of His Personal Part in the Enterprise-Meeting with the Two Men Sent From the Other Side of the Atlantic on the Same Errand–The Two Parties Arrange to Cooperate. XIV Conclusion of John King’s Narrative of His Share in the Splendid Work-The Severe Ordeal in the Open Boat and the Race for the Ship Facing British Guns–Safe in the Land of the Free. Editors' Epilogue Clan Organization Route Map Appendix A Letters from James Wilson. Appendix B Report of the Eighth Annual [Clan-na-Gael] Convention Sources Index |
| Order through your local bookstore, internet store or the publisher, New York University Press. In Australia, order through Footprint Books Questions? Feel free to contact the editors . |
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