Stabbed with a pair of scissors

ENNISKILLEN PETTY SESSIONS – MONDAY.

Magistrates – Captain A S Butler, R M, and A Pomeroy, Esq.

ASSAULT.

Hugh Wallace v. William Cummins.

Wallace stated to the bench that on Saturday evening he was standing at the head of Castle street, waiting for his brother in law who had gone into Kyles’s public house, when Cummins came from the other side of the street flourishing a large pair of scissors, and stabbed him in the face. He did not speak to him or give him the least provocation.

Captain Butler – What have you to say to this charge?

Cummins – Johnston, his brother in law, before going into Kyles’, said he could kick any papist in the town.

Johnston – I have witnesses here to prove that I did not speak to you.

Captain Butler – Whether or no; it did not justify you to make such an attack on Wallace, who was not interfering with you. You are to be imprisoned for one month’s hard labour.

Sub constable Harrington inquired of the Bench what he was to do with the scissors; he also produced a bottle of whiskey, which was found with Cummins. The constable desired to keep them until he would be released from gaol.

The court then adjourned.

(Enniskillen Chronicle & Erne Packet, 10th January 1867)

Testifying in a court martial case, 1866

COURT-MARTIAL. – WEDNESDAY.

Shortly after ten o’clock this morning, the court assembled; and after some preliminary proceedings, the trial of Private John O’Brien, 86th Regiment, who has been before the court since Monday, was proceeded with.

[…]

Hugh Wallace, cabinet maker, was next called for the prosecution, and questioned by the prosecutor.

Prosecutor – Were you in John Martin’s public house on the night of the 6th January, 1866? I can’t say the date, but I was there one Saturday night, early in January, between the hours of 7 and 8 o’clock. Did you see the prisoner before the court in that house the Saturday evening you were there? Yes. Prosecutor – Was there a song sung in that house on that evening called the “Green Flag?” Yes, there was. Prosecutor – Did the prisoner now before the court, sing that song, or any portion of it? He sung the song. Prosecutor – I will now ask the permission of the court to read the song. (Song read).

President – Is the song just read by the prosecutor the song sung by the prisoner that evening in Martin’s public house? It is the song.

President to prisoner – Have you any question to ask this witness? None, sir.

President – Did you hear the prisoner make use of the following words, namely, “Up with the green flag and down with all mean flags, Erin will be free?” I did, or words to that effect.

President to prisoner – Now, have you any question to ask? No, sir.

The prosecutor had no further question to ask.

(Enniskillen Chronicle and Erne Packet, 5th March 1866)