Custom House Dublin 11th.December 1821

Sir. I am directed to inform you for the information of the Lord Lieutenant that it appears from the report of Captain Christian that one of the Water Guard named Michael Griffin was taken prisoner and confined in a house at Loughshinney, as were also Williams and Gilmore the detatched men alluded to in Mr.Blakes report, that the Chief Boatman at Skerries was also sent prisoner to the same house by the Smugglers and his arms taken from him when the Water Guard were attacked by two or three hundred armed men, yet so far were the main body of the Water Guard from allowing themselves to be surrounded, that they forced their way through the mass, one man fired at a Smuggler who made a thrust of a bayonet at him, and another if the Water Guard men wounded a Smuggler with his Bayonet, that the Water Guard did not evince any want of courage, but having left Loughshinney to join a reinforcement expected from Skerries. A small landing was effected during their absence but that on their return they prevented further landing from the Smugglers boats and the Parties on shore with their empty cars and horses dispersed.

 

I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient Humble Servant. C.J.Allen Maclean.

 

To The Rt. Hon.Charles Grant.






 

Reference: Custom and Excise Admin Letters. National Archives. Bishop St. Dublin 8.