The subject of Ireland is one which has for some years been a very prominent one, and is likely, I fear, for some time yet to occupy a large share of public attention. For many years the laws in Ireland and the rights of Irishmen have been identical with those which we enjoy in England. The discontent manifested in the troubles of recent years has had its root in an older sense of grievance, for which there was, unhappily, only too abundant reason. The great proportion of the soil of Ireland was taken from the original owners and handed over to Cromwell's followers, and for years the land that still remained in the hands of Irishmen was subject to the covetousness of a party of greedy intriguers, who had sufficient influence to sway the proceedings of government. The result was the rising of Ireland, nominally in defense of the rights of King James, but really an effort of despair on the part of those who deemed their religion, their property, and even their lives threatened by the absolute ascendency of the Protestant party in the government of the country. I have drawn my information from a variety of sources; but as L wished you to see the matter from the Irish point of view I have drawn most largely from the history of those events by Mr. O'Driscol, published sixty years ago. There is, however, but little difference of opinion between Irish and English authors as to the general course of the war, or as to the atrocious conduct of William's army of foreign mercenaries towards the people of Ireland. 

From the Preface

The history of Ireland has assumed such immediate interest that Mr. Henty's fictional treatment of one of its important crises will be welcomed by all who desire that the young should realize vividly the sources of many of its troubles. The story is the record of two typical families. In the children the spirit of contention has given place to friendship, and though they take opposite sides in the struggle between James and William, their good-will and mutual service are never interrupted^ and in the end the rightful owners come happily to their own again.

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