Secret Service Under Pitt

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

51030

Title

Secret Service Under Pitt

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William J. Fitz-Patrick's 'Secret Service Under Pitt' exposes the clandestine operations of the British government in Ireland during the late 18th century. Drawing on previously sealed archives, the work reveals a network of spies, informers, and political betrayals that shaped Irish history. With a serious, investigative tone, this biography offers a definitive look at the 'secret service' behind the scenes of the era's most turbulent political struggles.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Secret Service Under Pitt*, W. J. Fitz-Patrick presents a definitive historical investigation into the covert operations surrounding the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and the subsequent Act of Union. Drawing upon newly accessible documents, including the sealed 'Secret and Confidential' chests at Dublin Castle and the Pelham MSS., Fitz-Patrick dismantles established narratives found in the works of historians like Froude and Lecky. The book reveals that the apparent secrecy of rebel conspirators was an illusion; informers such as Samuel Turner and Francis Higgins were often present at rebel councils, dining with them, and ready to betray them at a moment's notice. A central theme is the treachery employed by the British administration to neutralize threats. The text details the arrest of French agents, including General Napper Tandy, within the neutral territory of Hamburg, and the treacherous surrender of Irish leaders. Fitz-Patrick meticulously reconstructs the controversial role of Father O'Leary, examining allegations that he acted as a government spy or was manipulated to sabotage the Catholic Convention of 1783. While O'Leary may have been guiltless of direct betrayal, the author suggests he wittingly or otherwise aided the Viceroy's schemes by remaining silent during a critical meeting, allowing a forged letter from Lord Kenmare to ruin the Convention's proceedings. The narrative explores the high-stakes political maneuvers of key figures like the Duke of Portland, Lord Castlereagh, and Prime Minister Pitt, illustrating how state policy was conducted through a vast network of double agents. Fitz-Patrick argues that the administration's fear of a national Congress led to desperate measures, including the use of spies and the suppression of legitimate reform movements. By presenting a 'truer view' of historical figures and correcting misconceptions about the era, the book serves as both a companion to biographies of Daniel O'Connell and a standalone account of the secret service that dictated the fate of Ireland. Ultimately, the work exposes the intricate web of espionage that maintained British control, demonstrating that the wider the ramifications of conspiracy, the greater the certainty of detection by those sitting at the same council-board.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History
• Politics