ABSTRACT

The single aim of Fenianism, up to the rising of 1867, was to achieve the independence of Ireland from Great Britain by means of physical force. The Fenian practice was to meet soldiers in public houses, one of the few places where soldiers and civilians could meet and mingle without attracting attention, in an atmosphere of conviviality fostered by the Fenians who bought drinks for the potential recruits. Despite the casual structure of the organization, the Fenians had undoubtedly penetrated the army to a great extent. John Devoy was appointed chief organizer of the British army by James Stephens on 26th October, 1865. Devoy spent most of his time working in Dublin with but rare visits to the country posts. He did, however, have some contact with the garrisons in the Dublin division. Historians of the Fenian movement have generally taken Devoy's assertions as fact.