Levallen family genealogy

Captain Peter Levallen belonged to a county Cork family, and resided at Waterstown, about twelve miles distant from the city.

He served in the Army of King James II., at the battle of Newtown Butler, for the loss of which he was held responsible by his superiors. It appears that during the fight, Lord Mountcashel, the Jacobite Commander on the occasion, seeing his right severely pressed by the Williamites, who were superior in numbers, ordered some of the forces on his left to be sent to the aid of those on his right. The officer who conveyed the order was this Captain Levallen, who “blundered” either in receiving or giving the word of command; for, instead of ordering the men to face to the right he gave it as “face to the right about;” thus turning the backs of his men to the enemy. The soldiers in their rere, seeing those of the front turning away from the foe, believed the battle was lost; and fled, pursued by their Williamite enemy with dreadful loss. The unfortunate Levallen was placed under arrest and sent to Dublin, where he was tried by Court Martial, found guilty, and shot to death. At the place of execution he protested that he delivered the “word” as he had received it, which many believed. His fate was much regretted. He was married to Jane —, but we have not been able to ascertain if he left any issue. His estates in the county Cork were confiscated by the Williamite party.