In 1791 and 1792 these outrages were so fearful as to call for a parliamentary inquiry.

In 1793 Mr.Barclay of Forkhill and his family were inhumanly murdered by the Defenders and Protest houses on the Jackson estate were attacked and inmates shot.

Mr. Barclay, who was a schoolmaster, concealed his wife, and declined to tell where she was. The ruffians then put a cord round his throat and so forced out his tongue, which they cut off. His fingers were next cut off joint by joint. His wife, unable to stand the piteous cries, rushed out of her hiding place, and she was also barbarously treated. Her breasts were first cut off, then her fingers, joint by joint, and her little son was then mutilated like his father. These facts were related by Mr. Thomes Verner M.P., in the Irish House of Commons.

In 1795 the Primate and Lord C Beresford were openly attacked, and the Defenders became so bold that the Protestants had to form themselves in companies to go to market and return in safety. In this year the Defenders in Monaghan, Cavan and Tyrone were of such numbers that they determined on a grand foray and cattle raid in County Armagh. They successfully marched past Loughgall and on the 18th September at least five hundred took possession of the gravel pit of Annaghmore and Faughart Hill, an eminence commanding the hamlet of the Diamond, where they hoisted a white flag as standard.

This camp was chosen by one Quigley or O'Coigley, who took the name of Captain. The good and loyal Protestants of the neighbourhood became alarmed, and determined to defend their homes, assembling on the Diamond Hill, which also overlooked the cross-roads and is just within gunshot of Faughart Hill.