Henrietta Battier facts for kids

Henrietta Battier (born around 1751, died 1813) was an Irish writer, a political humorist, and an actress. She used her writing to support important ideas like Irish independence, fair government, and for Catholics and Protestants in Ireland to get along. She signed a special pledge for a group called the United Irishmen and wrote under the pen name "Pat. Pindar."

Biography

Early Life and Family

Henrietta Battier, whose maiden name was Fleming, was born in County Meath, Ireland. Her father was John Fleming. In 1768, she married Captain John Gaspard Battier. They had at least four children. Henrietta started writing to help her family earn money.

Meeting Samuel Johnson

In 1783 and 1784, Henrietta visited London. She met the famous writer Samuel Johnson and asked for his advice about publishing her poems. Johnson encouraged her and helped her find people to buy her book. He even told her, "Don't be disheartened my Child, I have been often glad of a Subscription myself."

Sadly, Johnson died in 1784. Henrietta and her husband also became very ill, and their son died in 1789. These events delayed her plans, and her book of poems, The protected fugitives, was not published until 1791. While in London, she also acted in a play at the Drury Lane Theatre.

Political Writing in Dublin

Back in Dublin, Henrietta found her "patriot heart" and started writing verses that criticized the government. She was supported by Elizabeth Rawdon, Countess of Moira. Henrietta wrote under the name "Pat. Pindar." Her writings were sharp and witty political poems. She argued for changes, religious acceptance, and Ireland's freedom.

In her poems like "Bitter Orange" and "The Lemon" (1797), she spoke out against a group called the Orange Order. This group supported British rule and the power of Protestants in Ireland. Henrietta believed they were holding Ireland back. She joined other women in supporting the Society of United Irishmen, a group that wanted to improve Ireland. She even took their special pledge.

Later Years

After the Irish Rebellion of 1798 was put down, Ireland joined with Great Britain. Henrietta protested this union in her writing. Her popularity as a political writer decreased. In her final years, she lived in poverty in Dublin. The famous poet Thomas Moore, who had attended her literary gatherings as a student, visited her. Henrietta Battier died in Dublin in 1813.

Selected Works

• The Mousiad: an Heroic-Comic Poem. Dublin: P. Byrne, 1787 (attributed).
• The protected fugitives: a collection of miscellaneous poems, the genuine products of a lady, never before published. 1791.
• The Kirwanade, or, Poetical Epistle. Humbly Addressed to the Modern Apostle. Published in two parts, 1791.
• The Gibbonade, or, Political Reviewer. Three issues, 1 May 1793 – 12 September 1794.
• Marriage Ode Royal after the Manner of Dryden. Dublin and London, 1795.
• The Lemon. 1797.
• An Address on … the Projected Union, To the Illustrious Stephen III, King of Dalkey, Emperor of the Mugglins. 1799.