yet a more pressing Necessity within those Walls and sending them at last Deliverance and bringing them by your Conduct to Triumph over their Enemies which we cannot but Attribute to an immediate Divine Assistance inspiring them with a Zeal for the true Religion a Love for their Countrey and an Vnshaken Fidelity towards Vs and must ever own it as a Continuation of that Miraculous Providence which hath hitherto conducted Vs throughout our Endeavours to resettle these Nations in all their Civil and Religious Rights and Liberties So in the next place taking into our Serious Consideretion as well the Importance of this Success as that Constancy and Bravery by which it hath been brought to pass We would not omit signifying unto you the just sense We have of this whole Action in which having the greatest Opportunity that can be put into the hands of any Subjects of Obliging their Prince you have in all points acquitted your selves to Our Satisfaction even beyond what could have been expected insomuch that it now lies on Our part to make such Retributions as well to you the Commanders in Chief who have been the happy Instruments under God of this Deliverance as others who have Signalized their Loyalty Courage and Patience in this time of Tryal that all Our Subjects being Encouraged by this Example may be stirred up to the Imitation of it in the like hazardous but Honourable Enterprizes We Will therefore that you Rely on Our Royal Favour towards you and also that in Our Name you assure the Officers Soldiers and Inhabitants of that Our City that we will take fitting Occasions to recompence their Services and Sufferings in Our Cause so that they nor any other of Our Loving Subjects shall ever have reason to repent them of a Faithful Discharge of their Duty and so we bid you Farewel Given at our Court at Hampton-Court this 16th Day of August 1689. In the First Year of Our Reign By His Majesties Command Shrewsbury A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSACTIONS IN THE North of Ireland In the YEAR 1691. AT the Opening of the Campaign when the Army drew into the Field 't was thought reasonable that when that part of the Army that was Quartered in Vlster under the Command of Lieut. Gen. Douglas joyned the other parts of the Army at Mullingar that a Regiment of the standing Army as also a considerable Body of the Militia should be posted at several Passes on Lough Hearne as that of Belturbet Cavan Eneskillin as likewise at Belleick and Ballyshanan called by the Name of the Earne Water to defend those several Passes against the Incursions of the Enemy from their several Frontiers as that of Jamestown and Boyle and particularly the Town and Forts of Sligoe Commanded by Sir Teague O Regan being the main Entrance into Vlster from Connaught and the most convenient and ready Access into the North by way of Ballyshanan 'T was therefore concluded by the General and the Right Honourable the Lords Justices that Coll. Mitchelburne with his Regiment should be posted at the places above mentioned a Person capable of Command being so well known by his Indefatigable Pains in managing the Government of Derry and especially the Souldiery of the Garrison during the whole time of that Memorable Siege where he baffled General Hamilton and his whole Irish Army The Forces under his Command were as followeth Standing Army Coll. Mitchelburne's whole Regiment 1 Companys of Coll. Venner's Regiment 1 Troop of Dragoons Sir Albert Conningham's 1 Troop of Dragoons Coll. Win's These following were under the Command of Sir Francis Hamilton Bannoret Lieutenant of the County of Donegal Capt. Forward Capt. Vaughan Capt. Wray Capt. John Hamilton Capt. Sampson Capt. Charles Hamilton Capt. William Stewart Foot Companies Capt. Tho. Ash Capt. Pa. Hamilton Capt. Oliver Maccashlin The Rivers at this time were very low which required very strict Guards on all the Fords and the Patrols from Post to Post continually moving in the Night About the middle of June by the heedlesness of a small Party of our Dragoons who Patroll'd Morning and Evening 4 or 5 Miles in an open Countrey to Burndervise on a suddain were surprized by one Capt. Mac Sherry and about Ten of them taken Prisoners Mac Sherry himself confessed he took them when they were Fishing for Salmon These Men were soon released for one Lieutenant Scott Brother to Coll. Scott Deputy Governour of Sligoe but lost all their Horses and Arms. Whilst the said Collonel was posting his Men to the best Advantage for the Defence of these most Important Places being the Inlet of the whole North for could the Enemy but get advantage all Vlster would be in great danger the General as also the Lords Justices being by several good hands informed that Jamestown on the Shanon Boyle and Sligoe were Deserted by the Enemy sends these following Orders to Collonel Mitchelburne Dublin-Castle the 4th of July 1691. SIR THE Lords Justices being informed that the Enemy have Deserted Sligoe and Jamestown in Connaught do think it of very great importance that they be forthwith possess'd by their Majesties Forces and therefore have sent you the enclosed Order which you are desired to peruse with all the speed that possible may be if you find the Information true and that it be feaseable to be done otherwise you are not to undertake it And of your Proceedings from time to time you are to give their Lordships an Account Which by their Lordships Command is Signified to you by Sir Your very humble Servant J. Davis I am Commanded to let you know that the Bisket now at Belleik is design'd for Galway so that unless you find the design upon Sligoe and Jamestown like to succeed you are not to take any of it J. Davis To Collonel Mitchelburne for Their Majesties Special Service The General 's Letter on the same Occasion YOU are hereby Directed and Required in case the Enemy shall have left and quitted Sligoe to send such part of the Standing Army under your Command in the North thither as may be sufficient to take possession of and secure the said Garrison and your Proceedings herein the Condition of the place and of what elsewhere you may think now or from time to time proper for me to know you are to give me a particular Account of Given at the Camp by Athlone this 5th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell To Coll. Mitchelburne and in his Absence to the Officer in Chief with the Standing Forces in the North. It is the General 's Directions that the Officers take care their Men behave themselves Orderly and not Abuse and Plunder the Countrey and for what they do of that nature the Officers to be answerable George Clarke Coll. Mithelburne receiving these two Expresses one from the Lords Justices and the other from the General immediately sends away a Drummer to Sligoe to Sir Teague O Regan with some Letters that were sent from Londonderry by some Prisoners that were taken by
prejudic'd and ruin'd To go on with the Discourse after Sligo was reduc'd and the Country adjacent in quiet Possession to Their Majesties Government the Coll. writes to the Lords Justices for leave to go to Dublin to vindicate himself being advertised by several good Friends what Affidavits and Examinations were given in to ruine him and that he might be provided with some of the best Gentry of the Country before he went he writes from Ballyshannon to Sir Francis Hamilton who with the rest of those worthy Gentlemen had been all along with him on all Actions against Sligo and had taken Certificates from Coll. Michelburne for their good Services as assured when he went to Dublin he would be had much in Esteem for his good Management he now makes it his Request for a Certificate from them and the rest of the Gentlemen to do him that Kindness which not long before he did to them Here followeth a Certificate from the Chief Officers of the Militia viz. Sir Francis Hamilton Bar. Governour of the County of Donagall Capt. Charles Hamilton of Cavan Capt. William Stewart Capt. John Hamilton of Murvaugh Capt. Henry Colwell c. But first the Letter from Sir Francis Hamilton SIR THE Remoteness of these Gentlemens Habitations who have join'd with me must plead my Excuse for detaining your Messenger so long I make no doubt but the inclosed will answer your Expectation and the greatest Enemy you have who was an Eye-witness to your Actions cannot in Justice contradict one Word in it I gave the Lords Justices an Account from time to time of what passed where we were and never did so without doing you right so that I believe it will be in vain to make a Repetition of what I have formerly said in any thing that may conduce to your Service be pleased freely to lay your Commands upon SIR Your most humble Servant Francis Hamilton For the Honoured Coll. Michelburne These Ballyshannon Here followeth the Certificate WE do Certifie that the Honourable Coll. Michelburne who Commanded the Forces of Tyrone Dey Donygall and Farmonah marched four several times into the Enemies Country and that upon every Occasion he was not only Diligent and Careful but also shewed great Resolution and Conduct to the good Example of those under his Command And whereas some Men have informed that Coll. Michelburne minded his private Advantage more than his Majesties Service We do declare that he in Person forced back many droves of Cattle into the Enemies Out-works which he might have applied to his own private Vse by which means the Garrison thought it more convenient to Capitulate than to suffer so many Thousand Cattle to starve with which and Coll. Michelburne's Diligence and good Conduct the Fort of Sligo was prevailed with to Surrender at the time it was delivered All which we Certifie under our Hands this 20th Day of October Fr. Hamilton Ch. Hamilton Will. Stewart John Hamilton Henry Colwell Another of the same Certificates Signed by the Officers of the Army viz. Â Mich. Cunnington Rich. Bickerstaffe Albert Nisbet Will. Gunter Sam. Shalcrosse John Campbell John Bayly John Hamilton And. Nisbet David Chalmey Hu. Caldwell Anth. Sbemberge John Mansell Hermles Burleigh Daniel It was about the latter end of October the Coll. began his Journey to Dublin and waited on the Lords Justices and acquainted them of the good Condition of the Country and in what posture he left Sligo and the Country adjacent and that withal he was informed that some People had informed their Lordships of several things that were false that he knew not any thing he had done but what was altogether for Their Majesties Service and that all he desired was to have Justice and withal desired that he might have a Copy of those Infermations that were given in against him Upon which the Lord Coningsby told him That he would order Mr. Davis their Secretary that he might have a Copy of them Most of the Examinations were from some of Captain Forward's Troops alledging That of the Prey that was taken out of the Enemies Country they were denied Subsistence for which Reasons they Deserted some in their Affidavits swore to 800. some to 1500. One Robb a Tobacco Seller swore to 6000. but would not stay to justifie his Oath but is posted away by Forward and Vaughan to the King and Council to do the Coll. a farther Prejudice Of all the Militia and Army no Body appears but one Captain Forward who not long before was sent Prisoner by the said Coll. to Lieutenant Gen. Ginkel the Cause and Reason in their due place The Coll. prest hard that the Cause might come on and that he might be dismissed and on the back of Forward's Petition was writ as followeth Thursday Morning the 19th of November at 9 a Clock this Business is to be heard before the Lords Justices and the General To hinder a long Discourse of this Trial in Forward's large Petition and Coll. Michelburne's Answer after the Chancery manner and the Witnesses examin'd on both sides which would take up almost as much as the for going Narrative we will cut it short and only mention the Counsels on both sides and barely the Names of the Witnesses The Counsel for Coll. Michelburn the first time were Serj. Osborne Prin. Sergeant at Law Counsellor Wingfield and Counsellor Wright Capt. Forward's were Sir John Meade Counsellor Counsellor And according to the Order of the Lords Justices both made their Appearance on the 19th of November at 9 a Clock Present Sir Charles Porter Lord Justice and Chancellor of Ireland Thomas Coningsby Esq Lord Justice And General Ginkel Commander in Chief of the Army The Petition and Answer was read and some Pleadings heardon both sides and Forward the Militia Captain failing of any material Evidence his Counsel Petitioned for a longer time and had time allowed them till the last of November The Collonel pleaded the great Charge he was at in keeping several Witnesses in Town and these of no mean Rank as Capt. Hugh Caldwell Capt. of Dragoons Capt. Anthony Shomberge Capt. Cunnington Capt. Stephen Miller c. Which was 40 or 50 Shillings Charge each Day the Lords Justices promising that he should be allowed the Charges of his Witnesses The last of November being the second time of Hearing and Pleading on both sides and when it came again to the Test our Militia Captain failing of his Witnesses his Counsel Pleading they had 100 Miles to come up to Dublin they again got leave from the Lord Justice Porter for 15 Days which was lengthened to 17 Days but it was ordered that Coll. Michelburn should be allowed Ten Guinneys towards the Charges he was at that Day being the last Days Trial was on the 17th Day of December The Trial came on the Counsel on both sides present Counsel for the Collonel Serj. Osborne princ Serj. at Law Serj. Broderick Counsellor Wingfield Counsellor Wright Forward's Councel were The Recorder of Dublin Counsellor Counsellor
was to understand that the Lords Justices after he had three publick hearings before their Lordships where he was fully acquitted had sent a Lerter to my Lord Nottingham in his Vindication which was in Answer to Her Majesty's that commanded them to inspect into the Collonel's Miscariages This indeed was a great satisfaction to me but notwithstanding all this considering how hard it is when vulgar Tongues are set a barking to lay the cry and that this Letter to the Queen in his Favour might not be generally known for want of which the publick Clamours are not yet wholly silenc'd and his Enemies through that advantage may still carry on their private Intrigues to his dishonour I have therefore prevailed with him to deliver into my Hands what Papers he had relating to the Transactions where he commanded in Chief as well all Orders and Letters that were sent him from the Lords Justices and the General with his Answer to 'em and those which pass'd betwixt him and Sir Teague O Regan and others relating to the Military Affairs as also the Journal of his own Procedings which I have here with his leave taken the boldness to print with his Tryal in the Close thereby not only to satisfie the World of the just measures he took in reducing so important a place as Sligoe the Key of Connaught but likewise to make his Reparation as publick as his Injuries When the Impartial Reader shall have perused this following Narration he will easily perceive on what a weak Foundation they had built their hopes of ruining this much injur'd Gentleman when the height of their despised malice durst but aim at forging so poor a Scandal on him as Plundering Why did they not asperse him for want of Conduct or Courage Oh! no in both those Capacities they thought he stood too visibly above their feeble Batteries and even this mean Chagre they Iay'd against him how did they aim in vain to make it out Why even thus The Grand Intriguers of this pitiful Design were Forward and Vaughan two Militia Captains under the Collonel's Command against Sligo Men of so Renowned a Character that they were both notoriously famous for quitting their Posts which is vulgarly call'd running away when in all probability he was just on the point of reducing Sligoe of which Notorious Cowardice being Accused by Coll. Michelburne these worthy Malecontents to be reveng'd for the just Disgrace he had thrown upon them enter'd into a Conspiracy against him with one George Rob an Inconsiderable Varlet that the Collonel had threaten'd with Hanging for privately Conversing with the Enemy and selling them Tobacco But whilst these three wretched Confederates were hatching their Villanies they were in a great strait how to have 'em brought to light for the whole Country was so well satisfied of Coll. Michelburne's Worth and Honour that no Justice of Peace wou'd take any Affidavits against him insomuch that Vaughan himself was forc't to act that part and after he had taken such weak Informations as were then new coin'd against him by this wretched Triumviri the Diminitive Tobacco Merchant was immediately dispatcht away on this Mighty Embassy to Dublin As to what happened thereupon and how fully his impertinent Evidence was answer'd I refer you to the reading of the Collonel's Tryal before the Lords Justices And now because I have hinted in the preceding part of this Preface what Fame is owing to that Exemplary Service was done by this Honourable Person in the Memorable Siege of Londonderry I will give the Reader to understand what Part he acted in that Memorable Siege Tho' lowd Tongu'd Fame so highly has blown up the great Renown of Dr. Walker in England as truly much Praise was due to him for having been so great an Animator of the Protestant Cause in those worst of Times which was his proper Trade to do yet after the Death of Coll. Baker which happened in the heighth of the Towns Distress and deepest Calamities Coll. Michelburne was in joynt Command with the Doctor whose Conduct appear'd more conspicuous in the Eating part than the Fighting and reason good the Charge of the Stores and Provision being committed to him alone whilst his Brother Governour was only the Martial Colleague and the intire management of the Towns Defence lodged wholly in Coll. Michelburne's Breast during which time as his Principles were too Honourable to listen to any Allurements of the Enemy without the Walls so his Hardships within 'em were not able to shake his Loyalty nor lessen his Undaunted Courage which appear'd particularly in his planting the Bloody Flag on the Royal Bastion and afterwards mounting it on the top of a Steeple to shew the Besieged as well as the Besiegers the heighth of Resolution as they found in the Sequel for when the Enemies Poltick Barbarity had drove the Protestant part of all the Country around without respect of Persons Age or Sex to starve under Derry Walls to return the great Civility with no less Policy than Bravery he erected a Lofty Gallows in sight of 'em to hang 21 Lords Knights and other Commanders which were taken before as Trophies of a Victory lately Obtained which Stratagem obliged the Foe to let the Affrighted People Retreat from Danger Nor had he the Happiness only to save the Town through that Miserable Siege a Service of so high Importance that the King 's then Tottering Interest in Ireland was kept in AEquilibrio by him till Lieutenant General Kirke approaching turn'd the Scales But he had the unhappiness likewise of feeling in a great measure the smart of War as well as reaping the Glory of it having had the irreparable Misfortune of loosing his dear Lady and Children with all his Family by the rage of Pestilence and deadly Famine in this terrible Siege Yet tho' he had so dismal an Occasion of exercising his Passive as well as active Courage my much honour'd Friend constant to both sorts of Magnanimity with the same equal Temper bore the Fortune that drest his Brows with Cipress Garlands as that which Crown'd them with Victorions Lawrels well knowing that Fortior est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit Maenia Reader Farewel but e're we part that you may certainly be informed the Eulogium I have given Coll. Michelburne may pass for Current Coin behold the Stamp a Copy of the King 's own Letter has put upon it VVilliam R. To Our Trusty and Wellbeloved George Walker and John Michelburne Esq Governors of Londonderry TRusty and Wellbeloved We Greet you well The Eminent and Extraordinary Service that you have performed unto us and our Kingdoms in General by your late Resolute and unparallel'd Defence of that our City of Londonderry as it does Oblige us in the first place to an Humble Acknowledgment to Almighty God for his Signal Mercy in Supporting the Hearts and Courages of our good Subjects amidst their great and Various Difficulties and Distresses arising from a furious Opposition without and
do still which was a suspition that they had or were about to Desert it On Tuesday I call'd a General Council as is herein Inclosed and about Eight that Night we Rendezvouzed three hundred Foot and two hundred Horse and about Six next Morning We came to a small Village call'd the Grange within Six Miles of Sligoe where I posted my Foot by way of Ambush Commanded by Lieut. Coll. Staughton I march'd the Horse within a Mile of Sligoe where we perceived the Garrison that was in that Fort to draw out but not any Horse to be seen which gave me so much confidence as to march and draw up nearer My Granadeers and some Dragoons advanced to some Ditches and some Shot was exchanged We continued about an Hour and then march'd back and joyn'd the Foot and about Eight that Night we came to Ballyshanon I have no further to acquaint your Lordships at present but am My Lords Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Mitchelburne The like Letter was sent to General Ginkell This is the Account of our first Journey to Sligoe Coll. Mitchelburne having taken a View of Sligoe as also the Forts was resolved the second time to visit Sir Teague and to stay some two or three days before the place to know if any Advantages might be gained towards Reducing the Town and therefore thus acquaints the Lords Justices in the following Letter of it My Lords I Think it not amiss to give your Lordships an Account of what Militia I have here which is only six Troops of Dragoons out of Dunigal and out of the County of Londonderry only part of a Company commanded by Capt. Patrick Hamilton Since my last Advance to Sligoe I am informed of the Ill condition of the place the Soldiers are a Rabble all Ragged and have no Allowance but one pound of Bread a Day 't is likewise told me that most part of their Craights would come in on protection so that if your Lordships would but allow me some more force and others to advance thither I do not question but in a short time to give your Lordships a very good Account of my Proceedings Sir Teague O Regan has been these two or three days very busie in repairing all his Works about the Fort. Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne About this time Coll. Michelburne writ to Eniskillen to Lieut. Coll. Ramsey to joyn him with an hundred Men at Manner Hamllton and to bring with him as many of the Militia as he could with an intent to Summons Sligoe and to bring them if possible to Surrender but the same time came a Potent to him to march back to Drogheda and withal a Letter to Coll. Michelburne from the General to send a Detatchment to Convey the Ships loaded with Biskets to Gallway viz. By the General Ginkell Commander in Chief of Their Majesties Forces THE Masters of the two Ships loaded with Bisker at present in the Bay of Ballyshannon now are hereby required to set sall instantly for Gullway if the Frigat sent for their Convoy be come to them which I hereby order immediately without loss of time to guard them thither if not they are to go to the Governor of Ballishannon who in that case is required to give twenty five Soldiers to each Ship to secure them to Gallway as aforesaid forthwith and this shall be to him and them a sufficient Warrant Respectively Given at the Campal Loughrea this 16th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell Geo. Clarke To Coll. John Michelburne Commander at Ballishannon This with the Potent that came to Lieut. Coll. Ramsey hindred our design against Sligoe so that it was put off till some other time The day after C. Michelburne received this following Potent YOU are hereby directed as soon as you shall be releived by the Regiment of Coll. Samuel Vennor to march with the Regiment under your Command from your Respective Quarters to Athlone and remain there till further Orders and you are to acquaint the Officers that they are to be answerable for the Behaviour of their Souldiers and to see that they plunder not nor abuse the Country in their said March and especially those to whom I shall think sit to grant my protection Given at the Camp by Aghtim this 14th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell Geo. Clarke To Coll. Michelburne Commanding one of Their Majesties Regiments of Foot or the Officer in Chief with that Regiment The next Day he received this following Express NOtwithstanding any former Orders for your march with the Regiment under your Command so soon as you are Releived by that of Coll. Vennor to Athlone you are now directed to remain in your present Quarters until you are other wise disposed of by the Right Honourable the Lords Justices whose Orders you are from time to time to follow and march as they shall direct Given at the Camp by Loghrea this 16th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell Geo. Clarke To Coll. John Michelburne or the Officer in Chief of the Regiment of Foot under his Command Mr. Davis's Letter to Coll. Michelburne giving a Relation of that Victory against the Enemy Dublin-Castle the 15th of July 1691. SIR THis Morning by an Express we have an Account of a very great Victory gained over the Enemy the particulars whereof are as followeth About six of the Clock on Sunday in the Evening the Battel began at a place call'd Aghrim in the County of Gallway about three Miles beyond Bellenaslow the Enemy were advantagiously posted incompassed almost round with Boggs by which means many were saved who otherwise had gone with the rest if our Horse could have come in time enough to second our Foot The Battel was chiofly by reason of the Bogs between the Foot on both sidee whereof it s believed the Enemy have lost 5 or 6000 on our side the loss is between 500 and 1000. The Battel lasted about 3 hours and had not the Night overtaken us in all probability the Slaughter had been much greater we persued the Enemy 5 Miles on their side it 's said their General St. Ruth is killed who Speech't them greatly in the Morning Animating them to Fight as did the Priests the Common Soldiers who also gave them Absolution We took all their Baggage and 9 pieces of Cannon Lord Gallway the Lord of Clanrickerds Brother to Coll. Bourke and several others of Quality killed Maj. Gen. Hamilton Maj. Gen. Darrington Lord Bellew Coll. Bourke Coll. Gorden O Neale Coll. Butler taken Prisoners On our side Maj. Gen. Holstaple Coll Harbert Coll. Mongath of the Danes Maj. Deanish Maj. Coll Maj. Cornwel and Maj. Fox Kill'd Sir George Hamilton the Prince Hesse Lord Cutts Coll. Earle and Lieut. Coll. Brundal Wounded I sent you this by Command of the Lords Justices who doubt not you will improve every Opportunity for Their Majesties Service I am SIR Your very Humble Servant John Davis In short it is a Total Defeat of the Enemy
Prey along with them for he concluded no Prey no Militia we having arrived there about 10 the Coll. divided his whole Party in two Bodies about Four Hundred Men in each the one he Ranged on the top of a Hill with which he designed to pass the River at Ebb-water In the mean time he block'd up the West part of the Town with the other Four Hundred Men and having viewed well the Ground he posted them on such places as he thought most proper He could at the same time have entred the Town but apprehending the ill Consequences that might have happen'd if the Soldiers had taken to plunder which undoubtedly they would he gave Orders on pain of Death not one to enter the Town As soon as he saw his Men thus posted he lest the Command of that side of the Town with Major John Hamilton and then hasted to that Party that was to take the River which they easily passed without any great Resistance though several Shoes were made at them from the Fort every Horse-man took a Foot-man behind him the Coll gave Orders immediately to draw up the Men and march'd towards the Town where on the East side we perceived the Enemy to form into a Body we drew up our Men within Cannon shot of the Town on the left of a strong Danish Fort where we encamped that Night The Coll. considering the great want of Ammunition for at this time we had left but six Charges immediately dispatch'd an Officer with six Dragoons to Ballyshannon Twenty Miles from Sligoe forbearing to Fire on both sides the Town as little as we could that Night and having block'd them up closely on both sides the Town we expected to hear from them for we were not in a Condition to Attack them on either side they being two Regiments of Foot and we in all but 800 but this Order was given that if the Enemy should Attack us from the East side those of the other side to fall on and if they of the other side were Attack'd we were to do the same The Coll. the same time being the 4th of this Instant received this following Letter from Mr. Davis the Secretary by Order of the Lords Justices as followeth Dublin-Castle August the 1st 1691. SIR THE Lords Justices command me to acquaint you that they receiv'd Yours of the 13th and another from Major Ramsey of the 28th and are very well satisfied with the Account you both have given of the Business of Sligoe and glad of the good Success you had there but the General having now taken other Methods concerning that place you are not to make any further Attempt upon it without his Excellency or the Lords Justices particular Order which is by their Lordships Command signified to you by SIR Your Humble Servant John Davis To Coll. John Michelburne at Ballyshannon to be sent by the Post-Master of Eniskillin John Davis By the foregoing Letter you see Coll. Michelburne notwithstanding some Instructions from the Lords Justices to do what he thought necessary for Their Majesties Service yet here is a positive Order both from them and the General to make no further attempt on Sligoe without their positive Orders and the truth of it is both he on this side and those on Connaught side were in no extraordinary secure post but they might have been beaten off by the Garrison had they been brisk and as they ought to have been and then considering the unruliness of the Militia who were all their own Masters for no sooner were they posted on any post either on advance Guard near the Town or Guards on far distance in an hours time they were all gone it cannot be thought but the Militia must be very dissatisfied with Coll. Michelburne who as they apprehend came out for no other design than to get a Prey for when he would find fault and tell them he expected otherwise and that what great concern the gaining of that place was they made Answer they came not to Besiege Towns but to get Prey to stock their Lands It was impossible to make the Militia do any thing but the whole burthen lay on the poor Foot and the two Troops of Dragoons standing Army for it was not two Days but the Militia Deserted their Posts on Connaught side The Day following Collonel Scott sends out a Drummer to beat a Parly with the following Letter Sligoe August 4th 1691. SIR I Find by your Letter to Sir Teague and me the 1st Instant that you were much concern'd for the sad Condition of the poor People of this Countrey which is likely to be ruin'd by both Parties if not speedily prevented you have here a parcel of poor Men whom we keep here against their Wills to be serviceable to our Garrison if you will give them your Protection for themselves and their Cattle they are willing to go with them to your Quarters according to the desire of your Government we giving them leave I sent you such another Letter to the other side but could not be answered you being on this Pray let me have your Answer by this Drummer I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Edward Scott To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne Perusing which Letter I sent him this following Answer Camp August the 4th 1691. SIR I Received yours and would willingly serve you if Sir Teague would agree to what Proposals I made and truly protecting your People would be a kindness and if on your part you would let them enjoy their Harvest would be another both which your surrendring may compleat by which means our Charity will extend to all I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne I presently after received an Answer from Sir Teague in these words Sligoe August 4th 1691. SIR I Have seen your Letter to Collonel Scott and having considered it I intend to call my Officers together to resolve what proposals to take from or make to you in order to which I will after return of this Drummer and your Compliance send you Collonel Scott and one other Field Officer to know your proposals and time to consider of them with the rest of my Officers as you and Coll. Scott and the other Officers shall agree Mean time I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne To which I sent this following Auswer SIR HAving perused yours brought hither by your Drum for proposals the Proclamation and Generals Letter must be my Guide I am willing to meet Collonel Scott and the other Officers where you please and am ready to Comply with what shall be Honourable on both sides I am Sir Your Most Humble Servant John Michelburne To Sir Teige O Regan About this time one Captain Forward a leading Card to the rest of the Militia quits his Post at midd time of day with his whole Troop and most presumtuously marches away forces our out Guards and while we were drawing Articles with the Garrison Preys Strips and
if he be in our Service as it plainly appears 't is no Relief and the Articles are still in force SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne I desire 20 Cows for my Money for Provision for my Men which pray order Sir Teige's second Letter in Answer to Coll. Michelburnes second Letter SIR I Had your by the Drummer As to the leaving all to my Lord O Donnel I do not design any such thing but being a Brigadier of our Army we might expect to be relieved by him As to the Capitulation agreed upon we are willing to Surrender this place to you accordingly but we expect that your part of it shall be performed also that is to get us the Horses and all things mentioned in the Articles towards our Marching together with the Horses that have been taken from Collonel Scott and other Officers of the Garison If you have not a mind to delay let this be done and then you will find how we are inclin'd and without which we will not Surrender which we will justifie before any General And the Prisoners you promised to Collonel Scott and mentioned in the Articles are not yet set at Liberty I have no Cows but am willing you should buy so many Cows for your Men as you think necessary and may send any Man to buy them I am Your very humble Servan Tiege O Regan To Coll. John Michelburne The Collonel did not much dislike this Letter and there fore sends his Major into Town to acquaint them that all things were in a readiness and for their Horses that were taken from them in time of our Parley when the Articles were signed he would pay for them according to his promise and for the Prisoners it is a solly for them to think that he would part with them 'till they perform Articles with him The Collonel thought how he was in a fair way of closing up all but whilst the Major and they were discoursing O Donnel arrives from the Camp and to satisfie them in their doubts signs this following Certificate I Do Certifie upon my Honour That my sole intent in Marching the Forces under my Command to this place was intirely to relieve the Garison of Sligoe and notwithstanding whatsoever Treaty past betwen General Ginkell and my self it was purely to delay the Affair in this Juncture and to forward K. J. Interest And I do promise and ingage to stick by you against any Force General Ginkell shall send Given under my Hand at Sligoe this 18th August 1691. O Donnel This is the Contents of what was produc'd to me under the hand of my Lord O Donnel by Coll. Scott at Sligoe when we parted Given under my Hand this 18th August 1691. John Hamilton As soon as this was done all things were broke off the Major returned to the Camp the Garison began to be very Insolent and sent word to remove our Camp or else they would beat us out of it disdaining the smallness of our number they having 10 to 1. The Collonel made answer That he would remove when he pleas'd and that in few days he would come and beat them out of the Fort. About one a Clock he ordered the Tents to be taken down and the Baggage to march in the Front and the Foot to March in the Rear of the Baggage and about an Hour after the Collonel brought up the Rear having with him four Troops of Horse and two Troops of Dragoons That Night they Incamped at Mullonghmore 10 Miles from Sligoe and the next day came to Ballyshanan This is the end of the third Journey Collonel Michelburne made against Sligoe That Night he sends away this following Letter by an Express to the General as also one to the same Effect to the Lords Justices SIR MY Major whom I sent with the Articles to your Excellney to be signed returned on the 14th The Town was to be delivered the next Morning I sent Sir Teige the inclosed who answered mine on the back and according to Sir Teige's desire I diseours'd Ballderrog called amongst them my Lord O Donnel who signified by his Discourse That as the Garison was in dispute his advice was That a middle Person meaning h mself between both be placed in the Town and Fort and withal did acknowledge that there had been some Treaty between him and General Ginkel in behalf of Himself and Followers and if I would condescend he would be put in possession of the Town and Forts and I to perform Articles to conduct the said Garrison to Limrick I told him as to any thing else I was ready to serve his Lordship but my business there was to performe Articles with the Garrison and I expected they would do the same with me after some discourse I rid off with Ballderrog and shew'd him your Excellencies Letter and presented him with one hundred Guineas of the two hundred your Excellency order'd me to pay him and the other hundred should be at his Lordships Service in a day or two His discourse was still to be in possession of the Garrison I told him your Letter mention'd no more than to joyn me in case they were Refractory And since there was no occasion either his saying he would not relieve them or drawing off his men would be sufficient I put it to him to know if he came there to relieve or not and to know whether he was our Friend or Enemy he told me next morning he would give me full satis faction in every thing I desired then there might be a Cessation of Arms. My Lord Ballderrog went that night to the Camp early in the morning I sent the second Letter to Sir Teige whose Answer is inclosed and finding him so inlinable I sent my Major to compound all those little Businesses between us and to satisfie them fully in money but when he came there unexpected he found the Lord Ballderrog who sent away the Major immediately to me to meet his Lordship between the two Lines where we again met and after some discourses we again rid off he told me that he was so far ingag'd to K. William that he could not with Honour break off but however several of his Officers expected good Terms and as much advantage as others I told him that the Surrender of the Garrison to me would be no hindrance for that you were easier dealt with by fair means than foul and that I must acquaint you that he was the only person that did obstruct the Surrender and appeared our open Enemy after tasting so largly of your favours He told me he could not agree to the Surrender till his Officers were satisfied as well as himself I have sent inclosed an Instrument of Ballderrogs without which they would have surrendred when the Major saw his falseness to your Excellency and taking money and yet acting as an open Enemy he gave Sir Teige and Col. Scott an account of his ingagement to you and his receiving money from me They blest
themselves and said he was a Knave on both sides The Militia of this Line are every one gone of their own accord home and I have only these two Troops to assiste me in this forty miles distance I was forced to take them with me to Sligoe intending to send them the nearest way to Athlone in case the Garison of Sligoe had surrendred in pursueance to your Excellencies Potent If you would be pleased to continue them with me they are of great service in Scouting comning Expresses c. And if your Excellency please to cause a Bill to be returned for the hundred Guineys I supplied Ballderrog Or considering since my being here I have been at a greater charge in my Journeys to Sligoe as also for Entelligence which if your Excellency would vouchsafe to make it up 15 l. it would do me a great kindness I am in due Obedience Your Excellencies most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne The Lords Justices as also the General receiving this Account from Collonel Michelburne of the falseness of O Donnell sent these following Instructions Dublin Castle 22. of August 1691. SIR WE have this day received your Letter by Express and are much concern'd at the Treacherous dealing of the Garrison of Sligoe and Ballderrog O Donnell Whereupon we have resolved to reinforce you with a considerable Body of the Northen Militia from the several Companies from Londonderry Dunigall Tyrone Cavan Mannoghan Formanagh Down and Anfrime whom we have sent to this night to march with all possible speed under their proper Officers and to joyne you at Ballyshanan and we have likewise order'd the Earl of Granard with another Body of the Militia to march with all possible speed from Athlone to joyn you at such place as shall be conserted between you to be most convenient as well for the suppression of Ballderrogs Party as the reducing of the Forts of Sligoe to their Majesties Obedience in order whereunto you are to Obey the commands of the said Earl of Granard as the Commander in Chief of all the Forces appointed for that Expedition We are Your friend and Servants Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby For Collonel John Michelburne at Ballyshanan The Collonel sent imediately an Express to Sir Francis Hamilton desiring him with all speed to joyn him at Ballyshanan Major Touchburne and Cornet Mead Supervizors of the Militia were very dilligent in forwarding those of Cavan and Formannagh c. Sir Francis Hamiltons Letter in answer to Collonel Michelburns Cavan August the 27th 1691. SIR I Received your Letter about Nine a clock last night and I imediately sent to the several Captains of the Militia to Randezvouze upon Sunday next at Eallymafay from whence I intend according to your Orders to march forthwith to Ballyshanan I just now received a Letter from the Lords Justices with an account of O Donnells Ravaging of Connaught and Orders for me to be with the Militia at Ballyshanan the 27th instant which is this day now it will be impossible for the Militia to be there before Munday next and part of them that lies most remote I doubt will not be there so soon I understand that my Lord Granard is to command a Body of men into Connaught if his Lordship comes to Ballyshanan before I be there be pleased to do me the favour to acquaint him that I am doing what I can to have the Militia in a readiness and the time that I expect to have them at Ballyshanan where I shall chearfully observe all the Orders from his Lordship and your self being very sincerely SIR Your Affectionate and most humble Servant Francis Hamilton To the Hon. Collonel John Michelburne at Ballyshanan Collonel Michelburne in the interime whilst the Militia was geting together sends to Enskillin for some Brass gunns that were taken at Newtownbuttler from the Irish under the Command of the Lord Mountcastle and gets them fitted up as also persuant to the Lords Justices Orders sends Expresses to Bellurbit for Bread for the Militia as also provides Boats from Killybeggs for sending away Ammunition Cannon-ball Spades Pitch Axes Provisions c. to be Transported that nothing should hinder or delay us in our March to Sligoe and for drawing the Guns the Horses that were brought in for that occasion were so small that they were of no use which made the Collonel for quick expedition give his own Baggage Horses The 23th Augush the Collonel received the following Letter from the General Camp at Carick on Lysh Aug. 19. 1691. SIR YOU know by this time whether the Governour of Sligoe acted honestly or no but I have very good reason to helieve he has not from a Letter that is intercepted from Collonel Scott for that reason I must desire you will be upon your Guard and make the Militia advance to the Frontiers to prevent the Enemies Incursions If you have not paid O Donnel the 200 Guineys pray don't until further Order or that he has put Sligoe into your hands I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant Bar. de Ginkell Here follows the Letter that was intercepted as followeth Sligoe Aug. the 13th 1691. My Lord NOT hearing from you this long time I send this Bearer to acquaint you with our Assairs Twelve days since one Michelburne a Collonel of the Enemy's Army came hither with his own Regiment of Foot two Troops of Dragoons of the Army and the rest of their Militia to the number of about 2000. in all He sent us a Letter from General Ginkel with some Proposals and Money for Surrendring this place which we resused to do but three or sour Days after we agreed to Surrender if we were not relieved in ten Days which was only a project to save about 5000 Cows we had about the Fort and thereby got an opportunity to send to O Donnel into the County of Mayo I went to him and now he is upon his March towards the Boyle where he is to remain until we get Provisions in here then you may be sure it shall never be surrendred without your Orders or over-powered I saw your Letter to O Donnel and I wondred you did not send the least word to me I hope the Enemy shall see That Gallway is the only place capable of doing such a thing as they have done I hear of a great many young Collonels advanced in the Army I hope my being so remote will not make your Lordship forget me whilst I shall be as mindfull of my Duty and as serviceable in my Station as any of them I am Your Lordships most assured Humble Servant Edward Scot. To the Right Honourable Patrick Earl of Lucan By this you may see how abominable and deceitsul these Men are notwithstanding the Articles under Hand and Seal This Patrick Earl of Lucan was him they called Sarsfield so noted amongst the Irish This Letter was intercepted by one of our Army being a Spy going to Lymerick which occasioned the General to send this following Letter to Collonel Michelburne
themselves in a great mistake for about Nine that Morning the Coll. ordered the Company of the Granadeers one Troop of Dragoons and 200 Foot immediately to draw up under Covert of our Fort he likewise gave Orders for all the Horse to get ready and mount with all speed in the mean time all the Fort was got ready the Attillery harnish'd and ready to march the Coll. advaneed with the Granadeers and 200 Foot to secure the Ditches and to beat of the Granadeers that were lodg'd in a Danish Fort near the Enemies Outworks and at our first firing the Enemy quitted the Danish Fort and made into their Trenches the Collonel thought now was the time pursues hard after them enters their Trenches the Enemy plays hard on our Horse with their Cannon which was rangld on the Hill opposite to the Fort but with little Dammage We prosecuted our Advance beating them from Ditch to Ditch still gaining Ground the Foot were all hot engag'd but the Enemy still giving way the Militia Troops were very forward on all occasions led on by Sir Francis Hamilton Maj Touchburne and Cornet Mead the first of which is Lieut. of the County of Dunigall the other two Supervisors of the the Militia of Vlster The Enemy at last took to their Heels our Men pursued them with repeated Huzza's at last the Enemy took to a strong Sodd Fort some Hundred Yards from the great one and that the Enemy should have no time to consider Coll. Michelburne Advanc'd at the Head of his Granadeers on Horse-back and about 100 Foot entred into the Fort the Enemy on all sides jumping over the Works Thus in an hours time we became Masters of all their own Works and intercepted between them and the Town so that the Town fell into our Hands Likewise the Coll. sent a Lieut. and Thirty men to guard the Bridges that no Soldier should enter the Town to plunder and withal gave Orders that the Gallows should immediately be removed into the Market-place to hang the first Offender which was an extraordinary Satisfaction to those in the Fort who expected no less than to have their Wives and Children put to the Sword Our resolute Commander never dismounted his Horse till he had gained this point endeavouring to win this most important place by fair means it being unpossible considering all Inconveniencies to get it otherwise and to indulge them the more notwithstanding the great Advantage Coll. Michelburne sends to them this second Summons declaring it to be the last The Second Letter to Sir Teague SIR IN my last I gave you to understand that the Forces under my Command was sufficient to Reduce you which you see before your Eyes that ye are not able to withstand us These are the Men that bid Defyance to Leiutenant General Hamilton During the four Months Seidge at Derry where your whole Army was Baffled therefore know that I 'll be Master of your Counterscarff before the Morrow Morning but you cannot but acknowledge my kindness in preserving of your Familys in the Town from Ruine and Destruction which has been practised when a place has been taken by Force but instead of that I Treate you rather as Friends then Enemies and if now you will comply with Reasonable Offers and make a quick Surrender both you and your Families may be preserved this being the last time you may expect any Favour for when my Lord Granard Arrives the power will be out of my hands and so pray Consider it and let me have your speedy Answer I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne To the Honourable Sir Teague O Regan Governour of the Fort of Sligoe Sir Teague O Regan's Answer to Collonel Michelburn's Last Summons Fort Sligoe 11th September 1691. SIR I Had your Letter by the Drummer and being a thing of that Importance I cannot Answer it before I have the Officers of the Garrisons advice which will be in two hours I see your Men go on vigerously with their work if you do not immediately make them leave off Working I must take what measures ought to be taken in the Case but I assure you that I had rather deal with you in any thing then with others of your Party and I desire you to believe that from SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan Collonel Scott and Collonel Rourk and the rest of the Officers gives you their Humble Service Collonel Michelburne was very well satisfied with Sir Teagues Answer and could not but agree to Sir Teagues Repuest and the Hundred Pioneers which stood ready in the view of them and some at work he Ordered them immediately to lay down their Working Tools and gave Sir Teagne this following Answer Camp at Sligoe this 11th September 1691. SIR I Had yours and according to your desire I allow the two Hours time you mentioned and for any work you mention I shall forbear and do expect the like from you and altho your People are not at Work yet they fetch burthens of Fireing from the Gate and all the Work that at present I have need of is to Remove the Gallows into the Market Place to hinder Plunder and to punish the first Offender which I believe you nor your Officers will not find fault with having given out a Proclamation to that purpose so that the Gentlemen in Fort shall not be Damnifyed one Farthing in Case they comply with my Demands my Service to Collonel Scott Collonel Rourk and the rest of the Officers I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne Sir Teagues Third Letter SIR I Agree to what you Write and for those Men of the Garrison that went out 't was unknown to me now I send to recall them into the Fort I am well pleased that such good Discipline may be kept in Order to prevent Plunder I am SIR Your Humble Servant Teague O Regan To the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Governour at Bellyshannen Soon after was brought this Fourth Letter by a Drummer I Am so well assured of your Worth and Honour that I will send out Three Field Officers Collonel Rourk Major Conner and Leintenant Collonel McDonnagh without Demanding any Hostages so appoint Three Commissioners from your self and agree what place you shall think fit to Treate in I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan The Commissioners appointed for our side were Sir Francis Hamilton Major John Hamilton and Major Tichburne THeir Instructions were to know what proposals the Enemy would make and to make Objections to what Demands the Irish Commissioners should unreasonably Propose their Demands were these to have the Articles that were formerly Signed and Sealed by the General Ginkell to be put in force and what Reinforcements they had taken into the Fort to be included into the same Articles and to have nine dayes time for a Surrender their Demands being brought to the Collonel he absolutely denyed any more then 24 Hours during which he would have open Hostility excepting the time the
Commissioners were on a Treaty and as to the Treaty he Agreed to those of the former Articles only Scratching out the drawing of the two Pieces of Canon for that he would not promise any thing but what he would perform it being Impossible to draw Guns that time in the Year The Commissioners going out told them that the Collonel would not allow of any time above Twenty four hours they then Demanded four days and they would put one of the Forts into our hands Collonel Michelburne without any delay bid them return and agree to it Admitting they would give up the big Fort their Answer was the most part of their things was in the Sodd Fort but they would Surrender the Stone Fort which he refusing advis'd them to consider of it till the next Morning and then to send their final Answer in the mean time Coll. Michelburne gave Orders to post all the Horse and Foot Guards for the Nights Service and 100 Pioneers with their implements all in the View of the Enemy As soon as the Commissioners were returned Order was given to Salute them with our Cannon and Small-shot which continued most part of the Night all which time the Fort hung out Lights for fear we should Attack their Counterscarpe That night the Collonel sends an Express to the General as also to the Lords Justicâ—s as followeth Sligoe Septemb. 12th 1691. My Lords I Have once more a Prospect of Sligoe Fort to be under Their Majesties Obedience In my last I acquainted your Lordships of the backwardness of the Militia but however on Thursday last being the 10th of this Instant I marcht with a Detatchment of 600 Foot of my own Regiment about 400 Militia Horse and 100 Foot with 2 Troops of Dragoons of the Standing Army and that Night Incamped at Drumcleefe 3 Miles from Sligoe and sent an Express with a Detatchment of 36 Men under the Command of Capt. Vaughan with Orders to Acquaint my Lord Granard of my Approach to Sligoe Next Day he Incamped about half a Mile from the Town which was imployed in repairing a Danish Fort but proving wet we made no Advance on the Enemy till about Nine the next Morning The Enemy was now bolder than usual for besides the two Regiments they had an Addition of two Foot Companies one Commanded by Lieut. Coll. Mac Swine the other by one O Neal. About Eight I began to form my Detatchments both of Foot and Horse but at last I thought it necessary to imploy the whole Party At our first approach they quitted all the Ditches and Posted themselves on that side where stands their Fort but the Tide being out I advanced my Granadeers with about 150 Foot still gaining upon them the Enemy Attackt us with great Fury which caused me to order 3 Troops of Horse to Advance which caused the Enemy to retreat and Man a Fort about 150 yards from the great Fort and that at the Advance of our Horse and Foot they quitted that likewise which after a short Dispute we became Masters of and all their Out-Works as also the Town of Sligoe and now are incamped and lie close under their Forts By the next I hope to give your Lordships an Account of the Fort being intirely in our hands In this Action we lost but 1 Ensign which was killed with a Canon from the Enemy and some 9 Men Wounded and 1 Man of the Militia and 4 Horses wounded I am My Lords Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne About Ten at Night we had an Account from our Out-Guards Commanded by Captain Harrison that between the Town and Ballisadeare-Bridge they Discovered a considerable Camp occasioned by their many Fires but did not know whither they were Friends or Enemies it was dubious whether they were the Forces under the Lord Granard or Sarsfield's Party which we had an Account was marching towards Sligoe and to inform our selves of this most urgent Affair the Coll. Ordered Captain Harrison should send out immediately 20 of his Troop of which 2 of them to Advance within about half Musket-Shot before the rest of the party till they were Challenged by the other by which means they would soon discover whither they were Friends or Enemies which accordingly they did and found them to be the Forces under the Earl of Granard the Commander of the party was brought to my Lord who gave his Lordship an Account according to the former Discourse Next Morning the Collonel sent to them that if they did not immediately come to Conclusion he must remove all the Papist Families out of the Town and if they pleas'd they might take them into the Fort. To which Sir Teague's Answer SIR I Had yours The Kindness as to our Women and Children I thank you for you do but what becomes you and what I expected of you and what I would have done were I in your Station I know of no particular Women or Children belonging to us in Town except Maj. Conners's Lady Mrs. Reyly and my Servant Maid if you please to admit them hither and the rest if there be any to guard 'em where else they please I will thank you As for your saying that I came to no Treaty c. I do assure you out of the particular desire I had to deal with you I have strained my self to such Terms as I would not with any other if you will not take hold of this Opportunity all Circumstances considered it is your fault and believe me you will repent it you may believe I am not ignorant of my Lord Granard's and the Lord O Donnel's Motion but I am really and so are the rest of the Gentlemen more for you than any else of your Party and Station and to shew you my further Sincerity I am willing that the same Commissioners named by you and me yesterday may meet again and compose the matter if they can before the coming of those with some of whom I have no Inclination to have any Civil Dealings I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne To which Coll. Michelburne agreed and Orders the same Commissioners who were on the Treaty the Night before to go on in the Capitulation and Conclude with them About this time the Collonel received the Generals Letter as followeth Camp before Lymrick September the 7th 1691. SIR I Have your Letters of the 29th of the last from Ballyshaanon and hope with O Donnells help you are by this time in Possession of Sligoe for since his Agreement with Collonel Richards I make no Question but he will do the Service to their Majesties which he promised and therefore I desire you will use him Civilly when he joyns you If possible when you have that delivered to you I would have Sir Teague O Regan and Collonel Scott Excluded from Terms that I may punish those People that have so Treacherously broke their Faith however I would not have you stand so
Hancocke Counsellor Donnelsley The Witnesses on Forward's side were Capt. Vaughan Capt. Pa. Hamilton 2 Troopers of Forward's Troops Forward's Boy and Vaughan's Boy This Vaughan was one of Forward's Party and Deserted the same time that he did and promised his Men a Barrel of Beere when they came home Hamilton was in Prison on Execution for about 36 l. the Night before the first hearing and the Money was paid or ingag'd for to William Groves Esq by Forward for his inlargement The two Troopeas were Parties and fled with Forward when he Deferted his Post and Plunder'd the Country so that of all the worthy Gentlemen in the North of Ireland Forward had none that would concern themselves knowing his Actions to be so base and villainous The Witnesses on the Collonel's side were as followeth Major-John Hamilton Capt. Hugh Colwell Capt. And. Nisbet Capt. James Manson Capt. Anth. Shomberge Capt. Mich. Cunningham Capt. Stephen Miller Lieut. Ferguson Lieut. Tho. Bennet Doctor Magee Besides the Letters of Sir Fr. Hamilton and the Certificate which of it self were sufficient against Forward or those Emissaries he brought with him That which Forward would have endeavour'd to have made out was that he and his Men wanted Provisions which was the reason they were forced to draw off from the Siege when it was sufficiently prov'd that of the Prey that was brought in for the Subsistence of the Army the Militia of Forward's Troops kill'd the Sheep and let the Carcases stink in the Field and sould the Skins for 2 d. a piece The Lords Justices made a strict inquiry what became of the 6000 Cattle as they were informed were taken and brought to Sligo See the Evidence made by Capt. William Stewart by order of Coll. Michelburne As also the Certificate sworn to by Capt. Bickerstaff and Capt. Cunningham which is reserr'd to the Narrative Before half the Witnesses of the Coll. side were sworn the Lord Chancellor threw the Pen out of his Ear and spoke thus Here the Militia complains that they were starved and that Coll. Michelburne converted the Prey to his own use when we find plainly that the Militia plunder'd and took all away and so the Court rose And all People were fully satisfied what a piece of Roguery and Villany was design'd to ruine a worthy honest Gentleman who all a long during the War of Ireland made it his study and care to act and do what was most necessary for Their Majesties Service Here followeth the Journal that was given in before the Lords Justices the last day of Trial. A Journal of Coll. Michelburne's second Expedition against Sligo from July the 30th to his return August the 8th 1691. THE 30th of July Thursday the Collonel began his March from Ballyshannon which was about 3 in the Afternoon and arrived at Mannor Hamilton about 12 that Night and incamped on the South-side of the Town from whence he dispatched an Express to Major Hamilton to follow him with an 100 Fire-locks to join him at Collowny The Van-Guard commanded by Sir Francis Hamilton Bar. the Rear-Guard commanded by Capt. Hugh Caldwell Friday The 31st of July about 6 that Morning we decamped from Maunor Hamilton and about 12 came to Drummaleavie being 8 miles where the Coll. formed his Horse and Foot in a complear Body and marched in Battallion all the Afternoon about 5 we discovered the out-Scouts and Centinels of the Enemy about 7 we arrived at Collowny and were most advautagiously posted in a Peninsula having the Castle and River of Collowny on our lest Wing and a Bog on the right Saturday The 1st of August we began our March about 6 in the morning the Van-Guard commanded by Capt. Hugh Caldwell and the Rear-Guard by Capt. Andrew Nisbet Sir Francis Hamilton led the Militia about 10 the Enemies out-Guards were beaten in by a Detachement from the Van Guard about 11 we drew up about a Cannon Shot from the Town of Sligo The Enemy saluted us with 15 Shot of 18 Pounders from the great Fort but did us no damage about 1 the Col. beat a Parley which continued till towards evening where it was concluded that a Messenger from the Enemy should go with an Officer of ours to the General to get leave to go to Limericke to Tyrconnel for Terms to Surrender Sligo about 7 we marched back to Collowney and incamped on the same Ground we did the night before and in out way 8 Men of a Troop were ordered under the command of Captain Anthony Shonberge to match into the Enemies Country to bring in Provisions for his Men and commanded them to be back that night or the next morning Sunday The 2d of August about 3 in the Afternoon Major Hamilton joined us with 100 Fire-locks from Belturbet and about this time Captain Shomberge returned with a Prey of about 1000 some Cowes Sheep and some Horses on which we mounted the Company of Granadeers The Collonel ordered the Quartermasters to deliver a fat Sheep between each four of their Men and to be ready to march early the next morning Monday The 3d. Instant we advanced the second time against Sligo and the same Orders to be observed as was on Saturday Lieut. Ferguson and 20 Men more were lest to guard the Baggage and Prey which was order'd to march in the Rear about 12 we took up our former ground against Sligo about 3 Coll. Michelburne divided his Men into two Divisions leaving the Major and Sir Francis Hamilton to command the Right Division on that side and when the Tide served led the Lest Division forced the Passage over the River and Besieged Sligo on the other side that night he dispatched away an Express to Ballyshannon for Ammunition and Bread Tuesday The 4th Instant the Coll. ordered the Souldiers to build Barrackes and Provisions of Cowes and Sheep were given to the Men as much as they pleased to have Wednesday The 5th Instant an Express arrived at the Camp from the Lords Justices to Coll. Michelburne not to make any further attempt against Sligo for that the General had taken other Measures without his Excellencies or their particular Order which commands were signified to him from their Lordships between 11 and 12 the Garrison beat a Parley Thursday morning being the 6th Instant Capt. Forward and his Troop Capt. Vaughan and his Troopes with others of the Militia deserted their Posts the former forces his Passage at Ballysadeare-Bridge and plunders the Country and about 60 miles through the Mountains makes to his home This day about 3 in the afternoon being the 6th of this Instant Articles were concluded with the Garrison and the Major and Coll. Scot's Brother dispatch'd away with the said Articles to be sign'd by the General This evening Capt. William Stewart was ordered to divide what Prey was left equal amongst the Militia and standing Army and the same night the Militia seized on the whole as well what belonged to the standing Army as their own and intirely Deserted the