* The papers which set forth Magan*s real claims to his pension were not
then accessible, even to the Irish Government. One of the many letters addressed
by Higgins to Ck>oke, dated June 30, 1798, refers to the original intent of the
United leaders to rise on May 14. • Lord Edwai'd was then with Magan, who
fom:id means to prevail on him to postpone his purpose.' The postponement
would give time for the capture of Lord Edward Fitzgerald and others. This
letter was wTitten after the death of the chief, and informs Cooke that ' the plan
was to rise Garretstown, Naul, <Src., and circuitously round the metropolis to Dun-
leary, &c. Lord Edward insisted on his Kildare men and those of Carlow being
brought in, and he would take the field at Finglas, and march into the city,
which was his great object to carry.* The above is curious as showing how
much Lord Edw^ard's views had changed since Koinhard desoiibed him as one
« of the moderate party.*



GEORGE CANNING



145



Magan was said to have filled some small legal office long
since abolished, though of its precise character even his rela-
latives could afford ne- information. A gossiping missive is
subjoined, the less reluctantly because Magan, having often
stood in misanthropic isolation, it is pleasant to find any
person who came in frequent contact with him. Moreover it
is one of the last letters of a not undistinguished man. Sir
W. Gossett, who wrote to Magan for information as regards
the shiecure he held, might have been glad of the dates which
are now supplied. The late Huband Smith, M.E.I. A., served
with Magan as a Commissioner for Enclosing Commons.
