John Lysaght examined: I remember the time when Walsh’s house was burnt. Anthony Ryan came to me before the house was burned to borrow a gun. I brought it to him on a Monday night, and he told me to come with him to McCarthy’s house, who wanted to see me. I went to McCarthy’s, and near his place was an old house, in which some of our party were assembled. McCarthy brought some bread and spirits, and we took share of it. McCarthy asked me if I would go with the men to frighten Walsh, and burn the house. I promised to do so, and he then furnished us with powder and ball; we went down to the river side, and McCarthy gave his pistols and 7/6 in money to Anthony Ryan. He gave me some powder, flax, and something like saltpetre, and showed me, by putting some powder into the pan, and snapping it, how the flax was to be lighted. McCarthy then parted with us, and we, after eating the bread and meat, went to Walsh’s. I lighted the tow, and Paddy Ryan put the fire into the roof. I and two of the party then went and stood sentry near the road. After a time, I heard a noise, and ran back to give an alarm. We then left, and went by Toom homewards, and separated near Marshall’s gate; this was about three or four in the morning. I and Paddy Ryan had shot guns, Ned Ryan had a long one, Darby Ryan a bayonet on a pole, and the two Ryans had McCarthy’s pistols. We left the house after it was in flames. I knew a man named Bryan Noonan; he is dead. Judge Torrens: Was it you murdered Noonan? Witness: No. I joined in it. Mr. Hatchell: How many men did you murder before this? Witness: None. You say it was Anthony Ryan went to you to get the gun?—It was. He has, since, been transported?—Yes. You went with the party to the burning for the love of amusement?—They induced me to go with them, but did not force me; I was not very unwilling to go after getting the liquor; but, when I brought the gun, had no such intention. Did you load the gun before you went out?—I did. Had you liberty to carry a gun?—Yes, from a magistrate, Mr. Coates, who is since dead. Were you ever tried before you committed the murder on Noonan?—Indeed I was; I was tried before, for posting a threatening notice, but it was no such thing. Were you not sentenced to be transported?—I was. Did you not fire shots at the same time?—Yes. Judge Torrens: And the reward you gave the Government for bringing you back was murdering Noonan Mr. Hatchell: Was not your brother Caravat tried?—Yes. You say you were only present at the murder of Noonan; now, was it not you who knocked down the unfortunate man with the butt-end of a blunderbuss?—Yes, the very first. (Sensation.) And you don’t call that murdering the man?—We were all murdering him.