William J. (William John) Fitz-Patrick
Secret Service Under Pitt
"Secret Service Under Pitt" by William J. Fitz-Patrick is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book provides a detailed exploration of espionage and political intrigue during the tumultuous period of Irish rebellion against British rule, focusing particularly on the activities of informers and spies. Central to the narrative is the mysterious figure of Samuel Turner, whose actions—alongside pivotal historical figures like Lord Edward Fitzgerald—shape the treacherous landscape of the time. At the start of this work, Fitz-Patrick introduces the complex web of betrayal that characterized the United Irishmen's movement and the British government's response to it. The author discusses the background of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, detailing the surveillance and suspicions surrounding him due to his revolutionary activities. The opening chapters reveal the climactic moment when a cloaked informant seeks to sway the political balance by offering vital intelligence to British officials, positioning himself as a crucial player in the clandestine operations leading up to significant arrests in the rebellion. Fitz-Patrick's careful detailing invites the reader into the shadows of history, uncovering the motives and risks faced by both the rebels and their betrayer.