Place names have been reproduced in the text based on their most common usage in the contemporary documents used for the book, rather than on any political or religious grounds. Thus: Arva, County Cavan (rather than Arvagh); Queen’s County (rather than Laois or the contemporary Leix); King’s County (rather than Offaly); Connaught (rather than Connacht). In the case of Derry/Londonderry: for the sake of consistency, Derry is used specifically for the city and Londonderry for the county. Where place names appear within direct quotations, they are reproduced as in the original document.
In describing individuals and groups politically loyal to the Union and/or British government the term ‘loyalist’ is preferred. Where ‘unionist’ is used in quotations from contemporary documents that usage has been maintained. Unionist (capitalised) refers to members of the political party.
Quotations from original documents appear in most instances as in the original. Where it is felt it will aid understanding, or to prevent confusion, minor typographical or spelling errors have been silently corrected while editorial additions are found in square brackets.