The Dock and the Scaffold The Manchester Tragedy and the Cruise of the Jacknell

"The Dock and the Scaffold" by T. D. Sullivan is a historical narrative that recounts the saga of the Manchester Martyrs and the broader Fenian movement, underscoring their fight for Irish freedom. This account zeroes in on William Philip Allen, Michael O'Brien, and Michael Larkin, who faced the ultimate penalty for their involvement in a bold mission to liberate a Fenian leader from British imprisonment. Sullivan's writing emphasizes the unfair treatment received by the Irish freedom fighters and immortalizes the trio as martyrs to the cause. The book opens with a powerful scene in Manchester on November 23, 1867, vividly portraying the somber atmosphere as the public gathers to witness the execution of the three Irishmen. Juxtaposing the crowd’s fascination with the profound sense of patriotism and loss within the Irish community, Sullivan sets the stage for a tale of despair, injustice, and enduring hope, introducing figures like Colonel Kelly and emphasizing the intense political landscape of the time.