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
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
the said Coll. at Derry in the time of the Siege in particular one Lieut. Scott Brother to Coll. Scott joynt Governor with Sir Teague and Coll. of one of the Regiments Garrison'd in Sligoe Collonel Mitchelburne's Letter to Sir Teague SIR 'T IS no small Satisfaction to me to know that my Old Acquaintance Sir Teague O Regan the happiness of whose Company I have so often enjoy'd in the French Campaign should be in a Garrison so near me As also Coll. Scott I have sent you a Pacquet of Letters by my Drum from the Prisoners in Londonderry one whereof is to Coll. Scott from his Brother to whom I have been Civil upon the Collonel's Account which he does kindly acknowledge My Service to Collonel Scott I am SIR Your most Humble Servant John Mitchelburne The Drum was dispatch'd away immediately with Orders not to spare Horse-flesh but to return with all speed but instead of coming that night or the next day there being no News of the Drummer the Collonel could not conjecture what was become of him he thought either he was knock'd in the Head by the Rapperees or that Sir Teague O Regan was removing and would not let him return least he should give an Account of the postnre they were in which might be the cause of our falling on their Rear He resolves therefore to know the truth of the matter and the 3 d. day having no News of his Drummer calls a Court Martial and march'd that Night The Court Martial A General Court Martial held at Ballyshanan this 13th of July 1691. WHereas by two Letters received one from the General and the other from the Lords Justices giving an Account of the Enemies quitting Sligoe and Jamestown We having sent a Drummer to Sligoe to observe their motion and the truth thereof and finding no return of the Message sent do think it highly necessary for Their Majesties Service to march as many of the standing Army and Militia as can be spared towards Sligoe at Nine a Clock this Night that we may be able to give an Account of the Affairs of Sligoe and full Answer to each Letter John Forward Charles Hamilton George Vaughan William Hewart William Wray John Hamilton John Mitchelburne William Staughton William Mead. Capt. Caldwell Capt. Nesbitt George Gregory Stephen Miller Richard Bickerstaffe Mich. Coningham The Court Martial being over and every one sworn to Secresie they march their Troops and Companies over the River with as much Expedition as they could We set forward towards Sligoe about 9 that Night the Strengths of what we march'd leaving the Forts and Passes indifferently well guarded were as followeth About 80 Dragoons standing Army 080 The Collonel's Foot 200 Collonel Venner's Foot 100 The Militia 200 Â 580 By break of day we came to Mulloughmore mid-way between Ballyshanan and Sligoe and about five came to the Grange where the Collonel posted all the Foot in the old Walls of the Grange in Ambush commanded by Lieut. Coll. Staughton When we halted and drew up by reason of some difficulty whilst we were at Muloughore some Disputes were started by Capt. Forward and some of the Militia of what ill consequence it would be if the Enemy should give us a Defeat that most part of the North say open to the Incussions of the Enemy the substance of which was discours'd with to the Collonel by Captain Henry Hart the Collonel made answer it was a shame to turn back since they were half way As also why did not they object this at the Court-Martial but said he would go if he had no more than the standing Army and those of the Militia as would not follow him they might turn back but if they would trust to his Management they need not in the least doubt for his business was not to fight the Enemy but to know if Sligoe were deserted And accordingly as soon as the Foot were posted by way of Ambush the Collonel takes all the Horse and Dragoons with him and mounts about Forty of his Granadeers on the Officers Horses he having about seven short Miles to Sligo he march'd with that Precipitation that it was impossible to be surprized by the Enemy leaving Seouts on every Hill till he arrived within a Mile of Sligoe where observing no Horse appear he advanc'd nearer and obser'vd about 3 or 400 Foot drawn out by which means he discover'd that Sligoe was not deserted as was reported the Collonel continued before the Town above an hour and then march'd back 't was very remarkable to march 20 Miles and especially when we march'd so private not so much as to meet with one Person to give us Intelligence The Collonel's Letter to Sir Teague concerning the Drummer which was detained by him in the Town July 13th 1691. SIR I Think strange that you detain my Drummer these four days which was never yet practicable by the Law of Arms and must needs be a great Reflection upon you by this unjust dealing IsI have him not speedily I 'll revenge his wrong on the Prisoners in Derry which is all from Your humble Servant John Mitchelburne To the Honourable Sir Teague O Regan Governour of Sligoe This now he sent by a Girl into the Town to Sir Teagne least he should detain the Messenger and then drew off his Men and at Drumcleife strand the Enemy advanced withsome Horse where was some skirmishing on both sides but at the appearance of our Granadeers the Enemy retreated and we march'd back to the Grange and joyn'd our Foot and march'd that Night to Ballyshanan The next Morning the Drummer returned and brought this following answer Sligoe July 14th 1691. I Received yours and as to my Detaining the Drummer I rather took him for a Spye than a Drummer for he was not satisfied to be in the Town but must go up into the Fort and make his Observations besides his Considence and giving his Tongue that Liberty that I could by no means suffer it and I am sure you would have don no less had any of Ours been guilty of half the Impertinence in your Garrison and for the future I desire that any other Drummer may be sent rather than that Fellow I am very glad you are my Neighbour and will treat you with all the Civilities our Cause will allow Collonel Scott gives you his Humble Service I am Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan Collonel Mitchelburne's Letter to the Lords Justices giving them Account of this his first Journey to Sligoe My Lords I Received two Expresses one from Your Lordships the other from the General to take Possession of Sligoe if it was quitted by the Enemy but the Difficulty was such that it is almost impossible to get Intelligence for there is not a Dweller between this and Sligoe On Tuesday last I posted away a Drummer with Letters from the Prisonars of Londonderry to the Governor of Sligoe thinking by that means to know the certainty but they detain'd the Drum 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
being now found convenient for their Majesties Service that I enter not with the Militia under my Command into the Province of Connaught notwithstanding any former Resolution I am thereby directed to post them on the Borders of the Province which Instructions I will pursue with all Expedition I think it sit to give you an Account of this my Instructions We have raised all the Militia of the North except the County of Ardmagh and Mannoghan which Maj. Touchburne and Corner Mead are now viewing Upon an Express from the General we are returned out of the County of Down and with all Expedition will march what of the Militia is Armed What is not Armed we have written to the Government about and expect they will furnish them Cumber July 11th 1691. Your Humble Servant Adam-Murray For Their Majesties Special Service To Coll. John Michelburne at Ballyshannon Coll. Michelburne writes to Coll. Murray to hasten his Militia giving him an Account of his Design against Sligoe and that if Coll. Murray March't to the Frontier he could Advance with a greater Force against Sligoe Collonel Michelburne expected Day after Day to hear of Coll. Murray's Militia but never heard from them or him After he calls a Court-Martial the 17th of July 1691. At a General Court-Martial held at Ballyshannon this 17th of July 1691. WE the under-named Persons do think it necessary for Their Majesties Service considering how the Juncture of Affairs stands and the late Victory by the Blessing of God Almighty gained over the Enemy to Assemle a convenient number of Troops and Companies to meet on the 21th Instant to make an Infalon Connaught particularly the County of Sligoe by which means we may discover the further design of the Enemy in those parts as also to Summons the Garrison of Sligoe to a Surrender and this we all agree to be most necessary for Their Majesties Service John Michelburne Patrick Hamilton William Vaughan Benjamin Touchburne Josias Campbell Tristram Swetnam Alexander Knox Dalway Clemens Thomas Ash William Wray Francis Hamilton Hugh Caldwell Edward Nesbit Francis Boyd Stephen Miller Richard Bickerstaffe William Stewart William Sampson John Hamilton This was the Result of the Court-Marital and though all were sworn to Secrecy yet by the Indiseretion or Treachery of some of the Members of it it was in two hours time publick throughout the Countrey which made the Coll. resolve to call no more Court-Martials but gave Orders that all should be ready at an hours warning but he was in the mean time mightily solicited by Captain Forward and Captain Vaughan and Nicholson whose Expectations and Desires were more filled with Prey than any thing else to disclose the time we should march He had ordered Lieut. Coll. Ramsey from Eniskillin to joyn him with one Hundred Firelocks at Manner Hamilton also two Companies of Collonel Venner's Regiment which lay at the Barr Mouth of Ballyshannon but they as well as Lieutenant-Collonel Ramsey receiving Orders to march to their own Regiments at Droghede he was forced to defer it a day or two till he could send to Eniskillin and Belturbit for a Detachment of his own Regiment to meet them On Thursday the 28th of July about three in the Afternnon he began his March to Belleike 3 Miles from Ballyshannon from whence having viewed all the Men about five he march'd towards Manner Hamilton where we arrived by two in the Morning being 11 Miles of bad Road from hence about six on Fryday we march'd towards Killowny where we Encamp'd where on the Road our Militia perceiving some Cows and Horses to the number of sixty several of them broke confusedly out of their ranks but were soon forc'd back to their Post by Coll. Michelburne's Order It was here first their Robbing and Stripping began they consider'd his Business not as it was but as if he had only design'd for a Prey This Evening as soon as we had encamped Coll. Michelburne rid out accompanied with Sir Francis Hamilton c. to Ballisadare-Bridge two Miles from the Camp to discover the Enemy with 100 Horse and after our Guards were set in the most advantageous places our Men being so well stored with Mutton that they neglected Beef we march'd the next Morning early towards Sligoe being 6 Miles about 11 we came thither At our first approach the Enemy having discharged above 15 shot about 17 Pounders the Coll. beat a Parly and sent a Drum with a Letter to Sir Teague O Regan Governour The Forces under the Command of Collonel Michelburne that march'd against Sligoe the second time Of his own Regiment 300. Two Troops of Dragoons of the standing Army Militia commanded by Sir Francis Hamilton Horse Capt. Charles Hamilton of Cavan Capt. William Stewart Capt. John Forward Capt. Vaughan Capt. William Wray Capt William Sampson Capt. John Hamilton Capt. Henry Hillwell Capt. Nicholson High Sheriff of Sligoe Capt. Henderson Capt. Henry Hart. Of Militia Foot Capt. Patrick Hamilton Capt. Thomas Ash Collonel Michelburn's Letter sent in by the Drummer the Contents of which is as followeth From the Camp before Sligoe Aug. 19th 1691. SIR I Wrote to you last Week concerning the Surrender of Sligoe but since I receiv'd an Express from the General which I have sent you to peruse you may see what fair Terms are proposed both to Officers and Soldiers I presume you are not ignorant of the Surrender of Gallway and the great advantage they have received by an early Complying with Their Majesties Proclamamation and what further they in Reason desired I come now with Authority from Their Majesties and the General to offer you what reasonable Conditions you desire as well for Officers as Soldiers hoping you will Commiserate the sad and deplorable Condition the Country lyes under which must consequently sink into Ruin without your speedy Complyance I have taken all possible care to preserve the poor Inhabitants by giving Protections or otherways and my Business is not to plunder and prey to the ruin of the Country as some from Eniskillin and Bellurbit have not long ago done but for the Preservation and Safeguard of it we allow you may keep your Fort till such time as some Cannon and Mortars may be brought against it and then it may be for Two or Three days and no more for if Gallway and Athlone could not hold out we may judge by your Resistance that you design the Desolation of your Country your own Force cannot defend you long and your Army is entirely defeated Therefore seriously consider if you abuse not the Grace that is offered to you what advantages may accrue as well to your self your Officers and Soldiers as to the Country and Inhabitants thereof In this I have done my duty and desire to know your Resolution that I may make a report of it to the General which is all at present from SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne To Sir Teague O'Regan Govern of Sligoe Fort. The Coll. received an Answer in these words Sligoe August
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
Morrow I will send you their number and colour if there be any Paper in this Town that I can come to you shall have it I am SIR Your most humble Servant Edward Scott Lieutenant Dunbar who was sent by the Collonel as also an Officer from the Garrison with Letters to the Lord Tyrconuel and Earl of Lucan but to be perused first by the General Returned back this day with a Letter from the General viz The Generals Letter from the Camp at Birr Aug. 4th 1691. SIR I Send you back the Letters you inclosed from the Governour of Sligoe and can by no means Agree to the Messengers going to Limrick to ask my Lord Tyrconnel's consent whether he shall deliver up the place this is more than I granted to Galway for they absolutely agreed to Surrender in four days and only were permitted to let them know it We are not now in a Condition to court people to do themselves a Service for Limrick and Sligoe are the only places that are not under their Majesties Obedience if the place be forth-with deliver'd up into your hands I will still make good the Conditions I promised to Sir Teige if not he must take what follows for it will be too late to expect favour I am SIR Your most humble Servant Bar de Ginkel To Collonel Michelburne at LBallyshanan Collonel Michelburns Letter to Sir Teige on the Receipt of the Generals Letter SIR BY the Inclosed Letter from the General you may see his positive Demand of the Fort and his performing the Conditions he promised you formerly which was the same Imployment confer'd on you you now have as also what other satisfaction you would in reason desire Your Original Letter I will send you to peruse if you desire it but I do not question but you took a Copy of it on your first Treaty Your Answer to this I am SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne Sir Teige's Answer Sligoe Aug. the 10. 1691. SIR I Had yours of the 9th Instant together with the Generals Letter inclosed for his positive demand and promise to perform the condition he offered I know of none he offered other than in General tearms since which time you and I came to particulars Whereof you have a part and I another which was transmitted to him to be confirmed of which we expect soon a return so that what you have under my Hand and Seal already is answer enough from SIR Your Most Humble Servant Teige O Regan Collonel Scotts Letter Sligoe the 10th of Aug. 1691. SIR I Had yours and that I might dispatch your Drum the sooner I writ on the back of your Letter and do therein send the Generals Letter I am sorry you should think me or any of us here so Madd or Cowardly as to surrender such a place as this with such precipitation I will always do what an honest man ought to do no persuasion will make me do otherways when your Major and my Brother comes back I will willingly meet you half way in the mean time pray be pleased to Order the Releasement of the Priests at Ballyshanan I send you the Number Colour and Marks of my Horses I will assure you that I had rather have them than sixty Pounds if you find that I ought to get them I leave them to your self who am SIR Your most humble Servant Edward Scott In this Affair you may see how the Militia behaved themselves for of Twelve Troops of Dragoons and two Companies of Foot all forsook us but Sir Francis Hamilton Charles Hamilton Captain William Stuart and Capt. John Hamilton and all of the private Men unless as many as served for a Guard for those Gentlemen And if Sir Francis Hamilton and the other Gentlemen could not influence them to stay it was impossible Collonel Michelburne should that was a stranger amongst them This Discourse has been the more tedious by reason some malicious people of the Militia to cover their own guilt have endeavoured to Asperse and Villifie the Collonel by several false Informations given in against him to the Government This day being the 10th of August Col. Michelburne drew off his Detachment on Connaught side of Sligoe Occasion'd by Ballderrog O Donnel's Advance to relieve the Town and joyn'd them with those of Ballyshanan side and call'd his Officers together where was considred The strength of O Donnel's Party which was computed to be 3000 well Armed men as also the Garrison consisting of near 1000. Of our side considering the 12 Troops of Dragoons and two Foot Companys of the Militia that left us we were in no way able to make a defence meeting with so much disincouragement and that we were but a handful in comparison of the Enemy The strength we had then not exceeding four Hundred 't was agreed the next morning to march back to Ballyshanan and return with a stronger Body than formerly for the Malitia would no question but be very ambitious to see the Surrender of the Town and Fort of Sligoe So on the 10th Instant the Collonel broke up Bamp and that Night march to Ballyshanan This is the end of the second Expediton made against Sligoe Collonel Michelburne arrives at Ballyshanan the 10th of Aug. at night and sends a way Expresses to all the Militia near him to be ready on the 14th instant to joyn him and got all things in a readiness as was agreed on by the Articles signed and Sealed between Sir Teige and him he also sends Expresses for 300 more of his own Foot and this following Order to Major Tieburne and Cornt Mead Supervizors of the Militia in Vlster By vertue of an Order to me Directed by the Right Honorable the Lords Justices for commanding the Militia of the Province of Vlster I will and require that you march with as many Horse and Foot as you can get together by Friday the 14th of this Instant and joyn me with the rest of the Militia commanded by Sir Francis Hamilton together with the rest of the standing Army in order to receive the Garrison and Forts of Sligoe and to march farther into the Country as it shall be necessary for their Majesties service They are to bring with them six days Provision of Bread and for other Provisions there will be care taken Given at Ballyshanan the 11th of August 1691. John Michelburne To Major Tichburne Commanding the Militia of Gavan and Coronet Joseline Mead Commanding at Eniskillin Collonel Michelburne was very desirous to know if Ballderreg O Donnell was arrived at Sligoe with his Brigade as was reported and therefore sends away a Drum with some Letters from the Prisons of Londonderry and a Letter to Collonel Scott giving him an account that as soon as Forward returned from Preving the Country Those that belonged to him should have satisfaction that is they should have either their Goods returned or else be satisfied in Money so far as it lay in his power but as yet he was not returned But however
was then on Capitulation with General Ginkell and sent to Coll. Michelburne to joyn him if the Garrison should prove Obstinate and so to reduce them by force The General ordered Coll. Michelburne to pay him 200 Guineas as a Mark of his Favours of which accordingly he paid him 100 and the other 100 he promised to pay him in two or three Days but the said O Donnel notwithstanding his Ingagement with the General the payment of the 100 Guineas he appeared the only person that obstructed the Surrender and took part with the Garrison of Sligoe to defend them apainst Coll. Michelburne or what other the General should send Signing an Instrument under his Hand that notwithstanding any Contract made between the General Ginkell and himself his only design was to prolong the time and what he did or acted was for King James's Interest and promised the Garrison of Sligoe to joyn with them when there was occasion The Lords Justices understanding the Abuse that was committed by the said O Donnel issued first their Order to the Militia of most part of the Province of Vlster to joyn Coll. Michelburne the latter end of August who by the General 's Orders and the Lords Justices Commanded the Summer past at Ballyshannon to the intent that when a considerable body could be got together he was to Advance teward Sligoe their Lordships ordered likewise a considerable Body of the Militia from Dublin and other parts of Lemster to be Commanded by the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard with a Commissioner to Command the whole Forces of Lemster and Vlster to reduce O Donnel as also the said Forts of Sligoe to Their Majesties Obedience but the said O Donnel in the mean time makes his Peace with the General and joyns his Forces with the Earl of Granard therefore the Lord-Justices gave Orders for a considerable quantity of Provisions to be sent from Dublin to Bellurbit for this occasion Whilst the Militia was drawing to the Frontiers Coll. Michelburne drew from Cavan Bellurbit Eniskillin and Killybegs as many of his own Regiment as he could spare out of the said Garrisons to joyn the Militia whom he expected by the Ist of September but it was the 8th before the Militia could make any considerable Appearance in the mean time the said Coll. us'd all his Endeavours to get some Field Pieces from Eniskillin the 9th he began his March with about 500 Militia Horse two Troops of Dragoons of the standing Army three Militia Foot Companies and 600 Men of his own Regiment That Night he Encamped at Drumcleif three Miles from Sligoe and 17 from Ballyshannon from whence Capt. Vaughan a Militia Captain with his own Troop and a Detachment of ten more to secure him from the Rapparees was dispatch'd to the Earl of Granard to acquaint his Lordship of our Advance Drumcleif the 9th of September 1691. My Lord THE backwardness of some of the Militia Troops of this Province was the Oaccsion of my not advancing sooner I have sent Capt. Vaughan to know your Lordships Commands who will give you an Account of our Advance and what Condition we are in I think it not convenient to quit this side of the Town to joyn you before you come to Sligoe by reason of the Inconveniency of drawing our Guns I am My Lord Your Lordships most Humble Servant John Michelburne To the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard at Boyle or elsewhere These The next Morning about Seven we advanced within half a Mile of the Town and advantagiously posted our selves in an old Danish Fort called by the name of Rabacan built in the time of Oliver Cromwell and as soon as we were encamped Orders were given to repair the said Fort the said Coll. Michelburne sends a Drum with a Summons to Sir Teague O Regan Govetnour of the Town and County of Sligoe as followeth Collonel Michelburne's First Letter SIR I Do not question but your Intelligence is such that you are satisfied and assured of what Preparation is made which you may see by a considerable Force under my Command enough to bring you to Submission but a far greater under the Earl of Granard and the Lord O Donnel so that you will be surrounded on every side and that we are not to quit the place till reduced However I have Orders from his Excellency General Ginkell once more to treat if with your Conveniency You know the Hardships of a close Siege and the ill Effects that will happen if you continue obstinate 'T was very ill resented and ill taken that you detained the Articles Signed by General Ginkell you neither returned them nor the Counterpart but kept both in your Custody I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne I desire your speedy Answer my Service to Collonel Scot and Collonel Rourke To the Honourable Sir Teague O Regan Governour of Sligoe Sligoe September the 11th 1691. SIR I Have yours of this days date my Intelligence is such that I cannot give a shroad Guess of the Preparations that are making as you mention to reduce this place if they were Ten times greater then you fancy them it is equal to me Neither am I ignorant as you mention of the Effects of a close Siege which I am in this case resolued to try However I thank you for your offer and as for not returning the Articles Signed by General Ginkell no wonder at it for I have no other to show my own General for my Justification for the manner of my Capitulation and of breaking off honestly with you to whom I appeal whither or no I have not behaved my self as I ought and who is to blame in this matter I suppose you have the Counterpart of the Article your self Coll. Seot and Coll. Rourke defires to be remembred to you and Sir Francis Hamilton so do I who am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To Coll. John Michelbourne Governour of London-Derry and Ballyshannon This day being 11th of September and proving very wet was Imployed in cutting Fagots and repairing the Fort so that we made no Advance till about Nine next Morning the Coll. viewed every part of the Enemies Outwarks where he might take 'em at the best Advantage they were observed about 200 of them hard at work in Levelling an old Ditch some distance from the Fort we were informed by some of the Country that they had taken a reinforcement of two Foot Companies one commanded by Lieut. Coll. Edward mac Swine the other by Capt. Conn O Neal we also observed great numbers of them going into the Town and could only discover one Company of Granadeers lodg'd in a Danish Fort to observe our motion The Enemy still observing our Men at work repairing the Danish Fort were now altogether secure not apprehending in the least that we should fall upon them that Morning and fully assured that nothing would be done of our side till the Lord Granard arrived but in less than an hour they found
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
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