hands the order of the March was changed and a Dispatch sent to the Forces at Armagh and Tenargee that they should immediately march by the great Road towards Dundalk But a Detachment of 200 Foot and 50 Dragoons going from the Newry towards Dundalk were incompassed by an Ambush of 500 of the Enemies Horse and though our Men fought desperately yet above 20 of them were killed and wounded and the Enemy lost as many with the Officer that commanded them whose Horses our Men in their Retreat brought away with them On the 31th of Iune the King marched early in the Morning from his Camp at Ardee towards Drogheda and found the Irish Army Encamped along the Boyne above the Town but the Foot not coming up before it was late and with them the Artillery nothing could be done that Night but visiting the Posture of the Enemy and the Fords of the River which appeared very difficult to pass However the King Encamped within shot of the Enemies Cannon which had like to have proved very fatal to these Kingdoms by sending Death so near a precious Life that is so dear to them for as his Majesty was taking a view of their Posture a six pound shot brushed his shoulder and razed the skin making a large though not a deep Wound yet he nothing daunted thereat only caused it to be dressed and mounting again kept on Horseback for several hours after and toward the dusk of the Evening he commanded Count Schomberg with the right Wing of the Horse two Regiments of Dragoons and Trelawney's Brigade to take five Field-Pieces and go early in the Morning to try the Fords some Miles above the Enemies Camp and if he found an Opportunity to pass over and Attack them in the Flank or oblige them to Decamp And almost beyond expectation he passed with good Success beating off 8 Squadrons that stood ready to oppose him and having gained firm ground on the other side the River drew up his Men in Battalia sending to acquaint the King what he had done and to receive his further Orders But the King no sooner received the News and perceived the Enemy were drawing up to Charge the right Wing but he caused an Attack to be made in three places the first before a small Village at a very good Ford at the Second the Foot waded the middle and at the Third the Horse were forced to swim The Dutch Foot-Guards that first passed over sustained the shock of the Enemies shot whilst they were in the Water not firing till they came up close and then pouring in their Bullets Those that were in the Village and behind the Ditches gave way but five of the Enemies Battalions came up to charge them before the Third Battalion of that Regiment had passed the River yet ours maintained their ground and made them retreat in disorder leaving one of their Colours and many dead men upon the place but our men pressing eagerly on and advancing beyond the Village were twice vigorously attacked by the Enemies Horse but received no great Damage whereupon the Danish Forces advanced to the left and the Brigadiers Melionere and Hanmore came on the Right one being attacked by the Dragoons and the other by the Horse but neither did any great matter by reason they had no Pikes And now the thundering of the Guns clashing of Swords and the Cries and Shouts made a confused noise so that the Irish trembled at the Din of War Duke Schomberg having passed the River with a few Forces at what time about thirty Officers and others of the Enemies Life-Guard had desperately charged the King's Battalion and were all killed except Five and those attempting to escape through the Village unhappily met with the Duke who in the Firings that were made received a shot in the Neck doubtful whether from the Enemy or accidentally from his own men whereupon he fell from his Horse and died without speaking in Arms of a French Captain who alighted to relieve him and as he had been trained up in War almost from his Youth so now he ended his days in the Bed of Honour He received in this Action likewise two Cuts over the Forehead but not veâ—y considerable And the famous Mr. Walker who held out the Siege of London-Derry passing the River received a shot in his Belly of which he died soon after much lamented of all that knew his Vertue and Courage The King all this while discharging the part of a great General and a valiant Soldier was every where at hand to give Orders and succour those that stood in need marching with Seventeen Battalions of Foot and the Horse he had about him to inforce those Troops that had engaged the Enemy though they had not much advanced towards the Right Wing which he did with Nine Squadrons of Horse and Twelve Battalions of Foot and so marched them against the Enemy who upon their approach fled without staying to be charged retiring in much disorder but our Horse pressed on to overtake them in such haste that the Foot could not keep pace with them they took with them likewise five small Field-pieces and our Dragoons supported by the Horse charged the Rear of the flying Enemy and killed a great many of them so that for the more speed they threw away their Arms and what else was cumbersome yet finding themselves hard pressed by so small a part of our Army some of the French faced about and made as if they would stand the Charge but the King appearing on the Hills with his Troops they fled faster than before many of them scattering and making their escapes through the Bogs and narrow Passes our Foot pursued them but to Duleek yet our Horse had the chase of them four Miles further till Night came on and then the King sent them Orders to return to the Foot and sent for Tents and Baggage from his Camp at Drogheda that the weary Soldiers might repose themselves that Night The greatest part of the Enemies Baggage fell into the hands of our Army as their Chariots Tents Arms Cannon Ammunition Provision and some Money and what was more remarkable a great many Arms were found laid down in Rank and File those that owned them being run away without so much as staying to Recover them About Three thousand were slain and divers Prisoners of Note taken amongst whom was Lieutenant-General Hamilton who deserted the King the Trust he reposed in him yet he was used very kindly notwithstanding his former ingratitude And upon this Defeat the strong Town of Drogheda surrendred as did many other Places thereabout The late King Iames who had stood at a distance to view the Fight as soon as he perceived his Army in Rout fled with all speed towards Dublin with a very few Attendants where he immediately called a Council and acquainted the Magistrates of the City with the misfortune that had befallen him declaring never to trust himself more at the Head of an Irish
them that defended it whilst our Horse and Foot took their Posts pouring in their Shot The Enemy drew down a great Body of Horse towards our Left and were so strongly possessed behind the high Banks of the Ditches that they held our Foot in dispute for 2 hours before they could gain any thing considerable upon them but at last we prevailed and forced them to give way notwithstanding fresh Recruits of Horse and Foot were sent to sustain them as they were pushed back and although three Battalions of Foot advanced on the Right over the Skirts of the Bog and a small Rivulet that discharged it self into the Sac where in a Corn field others of the Enemies Battalions and Squadrons stood firm to the Charge yet they notwithstanding maintained their ground till more of our Regiments and Squadrons advanced to support them and then Charging up the Hills where the Enemies Squadrons were posted gave them a warm Entertainment In the mean time our Left had opportunity to beat the Irish from their Ground and at the same time the Right pressing upon them disordered them to that degree that a general Rout of their Horse ensued and their Foot thereupon being hotly charged fell into disorder and though they had made a resolute Resistance they were obliged to quit the field and were pursued by our Army four Miles but then Night coming on and the difficulty of the ways hindred the further pursuit it being 6 in the Evening when the Armies engaged and near 9 before they broke and fled The Enemies Army was superiour to ours consisting of 20000 Foot and 8000 Horse and had by their Encampment all the advantage yet our Men gained an entire Victory 7000 of the Enemy being killed upon the place Among the slain of note were the Lord Galloway Colonel Moor Colonel Baker Colonel Gourdon a great many Captains Lieutenants Ensigns Cornets c. and more particularly Monsieur St. Ruth the French General who received here his Reward for the many Cruelties he used towards the Protestants in France Many of note were wounded of which many mortally and soon after died of their Wounds About 100 Officers and 500 Soldiers were made Prisoners and all the Enemies Provision Tents Baggage and Cannon fell into the hand of our Men with a great many Colours and Standards and most of the Arms of the Foot which to help their speed in flight they threw away This great and entire Victory was obtained with the loss of 600 Men on our side and of note Major-General Holstable Colonel Mongats Colonel Charles Herbert Major-General Petit Major Davenish Major Colt Major Cornwal Major Fox with divers Subalternate Officers The wounded of note were the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt the Lord Cutts the Lord George Hamilton Colonel Earl Lieutenant-Colonel Burdwell with several Subalternates The Enemy in this flight and total rout scattered their Arms and Baggage all the way they fled thinking as it may be by that means to stay the pursuit but it availed them little for such Trifles were not regarded in comparison of the Great Work that was in hand to subdue and bring the Kingdom under their Majesties Obedience by an entire Conquest insomuch that urged by the Sword behind and not finding way to escape through the press and throng that was before them a great many cast themselves into the Bogs and Water-plashes and of these not very many escaped Others that were more nimble of Foot and had got the start of the press scampered by known ways and never left running when the pursuit was given over till they got to the Woods or Mountains or into such Bogs where they thought it was impossible to follow them The French who were not so nimble as the Irish or if they had yet but very little acquainted with the Country came mostly by the worst on it where they were broken and scattered throwing away their Arms and crying for Quarter which in the heat of the Soldiers fury could not be always obtained Some of the Enemies Horse indeed retreated pretty indifferently keeping together as well as the Confusion would permit but thought it not safe to stay in the Countries thereabout for fear of being attacked by some of our Detachments the next day but being got at a great distance and those that were scattered coming to their Rendezvous they made a small Body under the Command of Colonel Sheldon and some other Officers but the Foot was so entirely dispersed that we heard little of them afterward unless such as got into the Places that yet held out and even there many of the Fugitives were refused the Garrisons being already filled up and straitned for Provision so that for a time lying under the Walls and hankering about without any thing wherewith materially to subsist many disbanded of themselves and others by the leave of their Officers as finding this great Blow had broken their Hopes and Interests in the Kingdom so far that they even despaired of piecing it together again by force and withal knowing no doubt that this would be such unwelcome News to France that although the late King resided in that Court to solicite on their behalfs they could expect but little Succours seeing all that had been already sent had turned to so little account and that the English heightned by this Success knew well enough how to take the advantage and push on to the Walls of Lymerick wherein as their last Refuge they had placed some hopes Whilst these things were employing the Enemies serious Consideration care was taken of our wounded Men and such Prisoners as had been secured who received very good Usage and what else was requisite till they should be disposed of as Prisoners of War The Victory thus entirely gained the Army encamped beyond the place of Battel and Brigadier Eppinger going out with a strong Party possessed himself of Portumney whereupon the Fort and Castle of Bavaher surrendred and many of the scattered Forces fled to Galloway and Lymerick As for the greatest part of the Standards and Colours taken in this Battel they were sent to England and there exposed to the publick view of the People as eminent Trophies of so signal a Victory The English Army upon the former Successes resolute to push on for the entire reducing the Kingdom to their Majesties Obedience after some refreshment marched towards Galloway Being before the place the General sent a Trumpet to the Lord Dillon Governour of the Town to offer him advantagious Terms in case he Surrendred before the Cannon were planted against the Walls But he returned for answer That Monsieur Ussone the French Lieutenant-General who commanded was of the same Opinion with himself and the rest of the Officers and that they were resolved to defend the place to the last Upon which the Approaches were made and on the 20th of Iuly by break of day a Fort or Ravelin on the Hill was attacked and our Granadiers that were ordered for that purpose marched
with great silence insomuch that they were not discovered till they were at the Foot of the Glacis where they delivered their Granado's and went on to the Pallisado's entring the Fort. The Enemy perceiving all was lost cried for Quarter leaving our Men Masters of it so that they strongly retrenched themselves but hearing that Baldorick O Donnel was on his March to throw himself into Galloway the Water was bridged over with the Tin Boats over which passed 6 Regiments of our Foot and 4 Squadrons of Horse to oppose his Attempt so that finding he could not effect his Design he retreated into the County of Mayo burning and plundering in his way The taking this Fort so Alarm'd the Town that the Governour desired a Parley and leave to send some Persons to the General to treat about Articles of Surrender so that three of their Lieutenant-Colonels came out and as many of ours-entred the Town by way of Hostage and after some debate it was agreed That the Town should be delivered to such Officers as the General should appoint and in the mean time five Hostages should be sent for the due performance of the Agreement on the Articles and all the Outworks of the Town put into the Generals hands the Enemy forbearing to fortifie any thing in the mean-time and to withdraw all their Cannon from the Walls but that our Men might be permitted to work and post themselves â—s they saw convenient provided they came not within three yards of the Wall or placed any Cannon on the Batteries that should be made And that the Garrison and Townsmen should have the benefit of the Lords Iustices Proclamation of Indempnity which gives them their Estates and Liberties And further that those who were desirous to depart might be conducted to Lymerick with their Arms Drums beating c and six pieces of Cannon and have liberty to send to Tyrconnel and acquaint him with what they had done and invite him to do the same at Lymerick That pursuant thereto they sent the Lord Clanrickard with four Officers of note as Hostages and allowed two Persons sent from the General to enter the Town and take an Account of the Stores c. The Treaty upon these Considerations coming to a final Conclusion the Garrison marched out on the 26th of Iuly D'Vssone the French Lieutenant-General having leave to be on his way to Lymerick three hours before the rest marched out On the 28th of Iuly Matters being settled and the Place garrisoned the Army marched away towards Lymerick the only strong Place the Irish held in the Kingdom Whilst these things passed Sir Teague O Regan delivered up Slego to Colonel Mickleburn and divers other Places of no considerable defence were Surrendred by others Baldarick O Donnel whose Success an old Prophecy had foretold fearing by the ill luck â—he all along had had it was but a Fable willing to submit with the Men under his Command sent to desire a Cessation on this particular and that some place might be assigned him and his followers till his Majesty was acquainted with his Proposals for coming over which was in part allowed him and he afterward was received into their Majesties Protection Now our Parties being abroad entred those Counties that held out and brought away great Booties of Cattel defeating divers of the Enemies Detachments that were abroad plundering the Country Upon the approach of the English Army towards Lymerick the Enemy who were encamped near it no sooner perceived the advanced Parties but their Foot entred the Town and their Horse drew off further into the Country And now Tyrconnel finding the Thread he had spun grew too fine and ready to break in sunder vexing at the crosness of Affairs fell sick and died as 't is reported of Grief being buried in Lymerick the place where he died On the 11th of August our Army marched from Nenagh to Shalley about two Miles from the Silver Mines The next day to Tusla where to refresh them they remained one day But the next day the General being resolved to push on and prosecute the Success they had orders to march to Larrick-en-Lysh about 4 miles from Lymerick the only place wherein the Enemy reposed their last hopes as having yet some small glimmering of hope which they reposed in a continual expectation of some fresh Succours from France From Carrick the next day the General went with 1500 Horse and Dragoons within sight of Lymerick beating in their Out-guards and taking a view of their Out-works from a Hill that over-look'd the City where our Artillery encamped the last Year and upon his being there sevâ—â—al Deserters came over and confirmed an Account before received that the Horse were retired to the other side of the Shannon and their Foot drawn within the Retrenchments Further informing That upon Tyrconnel's Death a Commission was produced under the late King's hand which Mr. Plowden formerly one of the Commissioners of the Revenue had brought lately from France impowering Sir Alexander Fitton Sir Richard Neagle and the said Plowden Justices of Ireland And a further Account was given That divers Persons were seized and made Prisoners in Lymerick by the order of the French General Vssone for having made some Proposals in order to a timely Surrender Upon which the General sent them word by a Trumpet That if they put any Man to death for having a mind to come over to him he would retaliate it on the Irish Prisoners that had been lately taken and were now in his power Of which indeed there were a great many and some of no mean quality in Titles besides Officers of considerable note upon the account of their late Commands â—n the Irish Garrisons or Army On the 16th Sir Iohn Hanmore joyned the General with five Regiments of Foot from Cork and the Neighbouring Garrisons as also some other Re-inforcements from divers adjacent places as well Horse as Foot The same day Major-General La-Forest was sent out with a strong Detachment to meet the Cannon but with some impatience had been expected from Athlone under the Convoy of Colonel Loyd's Regiment and though in the mean time a great deal of Rain fell yet it nothing abated the Courage of the Officers and Soldiers to go on in prosecuting the intended Siege of Lymerick To further whose purpose a Squadron of English Ships were in the Shannon who made themselves Masters of a French Ship of considerable Burthen which had taken in St. Ruth's Horse and Equipage in order to carry it for France after which they braved the City of Lymerick by coming almost within Cannon shot of it Whilst these things were doing and the Lord Justice Coningsby who had been to concert Matters in the Army was returning from Dublin the Militia were in a readiness to keep those Parts in quiet consisting of 1000 Foot and 500 Horse and Dragoons having with them 3 Field-pieces whilst others of the Militia of the neighbouring Counties were advancing to augment their Number and
having violated the Peace and undeniably begun the War in invading Ireland the King delayed not to denounce the War against them by a Declaration to that purport bearing Date the Seventh of May 1689. and great Preparations were made for passing over to Ireland Forces were Levied in all parts of England and Money prepared for defraying the Charge of the Expedition which was the more facilitated upon the Estates of Scotland submitting their Crown to King William and Queen Mary and taking of them upon their being owned and invested King and Queen of that Kingdom which they did by their Commissioners who waited upon Their Majesties to that purpose in the Banquetting-House at Whitehall And the Viscount of Dundee who had headed the Rebel Highlanders and others in that Kingdom being killed in a fatal Battel near St. Iohnstown things began to go better and the Success of the Scotch Affairs gave way to a more speedy prosecuting those in Ireland where the Inniskilling-men being abroad pierced the Enemies Quarters and got great Booties defeating divers Parties and making themselves terrible to the Enemy Upon News brought that Maccarty was in those Parts with a strong Party plundering and ravaging the Country Lieutenant-Colonel Berry with three Companies of Foot eight Troops of Horse and three of Dragoons marched towards them but upon their approach found they were made stronger than they were reported by another Party that had joyned them and were much superiour to him in number which obliged him before he found himself sufficiently strong to attack them to send to Colonel Woolsey at Inniskilling for a Re-inforcement which he no sooner obtained but he charged them with much bravery killing a considerable Number taking some Prisoners and putting the rest to flight but the Flyers in their way being greatly re-inforced rallied and came to second Encounter which for a time continued bloody and doubtful they by reason of their advantageous Post much galling our Horse with their Cannon but the Defiles or dirty narrow Passages being resolutely passed by our Foot and Dragoons they made themselves Masters of the Cannon which gave our Horse the advantage to charge the Enemies Horse who thereupon deserted the Foot and fled and the Foot after them a great many being killed and some taken Prisoners by which Defeat the Country was freed from great Incumbrances This part of the Enemies Army that had a long time lain heavy upon it being by this means and in this Battel fell of the Enemy by the Sword and those that were drowned in desperately throwing themselves into the Lough to escape the Pursuers about Three thousand There happened likewise divers other Rencounters of lesser note wherein the Protestants for the greatest part gained the advantage Whilst these things were doing the Irish Army with King Iames at the Head of it marched towards London-Derry promising themselves the Terrour of their Arms would oblige it to a Surrender upon their first approach but found they were extreamly mistaken for although Colonel Lundy the Governour and the two Regiments sent from England under the Colonels Cunningham and Richards had withdrawn and slighted it as a place not tenable against an Army of Forty thousand Men with a Train of Artillery and divers Mortars Providence so ordered it became the Bulwark of the sinking Nation and gave the Enemy their first considerable check for divers Troops that were abroad mostly composed of undisciplined Soldiers throwing themselves into it they together with those that were found there were Regimented even the multitude seizing the Keys and undertaking with great alacrity to defend it having chose Mr. George Walker Minister of an adjacent Village their Governour and Major Baker his Co-adjutor or Assitant-Governour during the Siege And now those in Arms in the Town consisted of 117 Companies and every Company contained sixty Men being in all 7020 Common Soldiers and 341 Officers The next thing taken in hand was to view the Stores and ordering their better Security from any Embezling as resolving to defend the place to the last extremity having already rejected the Offers the Enemy made them in case they would readily submit which consisted of much promised Favour and Protection but the hard dealings others had met with who had put themselves into their hands made them deaf to all Proposals and their great Guns being mounted on the Wall they fired upon the Advance-Guard of the Enemy who had been promised to be received with open Arms by Hamilton and others who undertook to bring over the besieged which much consternated King Iames then within the reach of their Cannon and obliged him to remove to a place of more safety However seeing fair Words and Promises could not gain it they resolved to reduce it by force beginning within a day or two after their appearance before it to break Ground and run their Trenches drawing up a Demi-culverine within a Furlong of the Town with which they battered the Market-House and did some damage to other Houses but the Cannon from the Town playing among them did considerable Execution and to hinder their nearer approach the Besieged sallied and beat them out of their Trenches killing about Two hundred Men amongst whom was the French General Mamow and others of Note with little loss on our side and of Note only Lieutenant Mac Phedris was killed The Besiegers finding this way little availed them drew four Demi-Culverine into an Orchard adjoyning to the Town and kept continual Firing which hurt many People in their Houses and made some Impressions in the Walls Nor was the damage left unrequited from the Cannon of the Town which killed them a great many Men and some considerable Officers and a sudden shot took off two Fryars in their Habits as they were exhorting the Besieged to press on the Siege And now to do their Work more effectually they placed two Mortar-pieces and threw in divers Bombs which did some damage to the Houses and People whereupon the Besieged sallied and killed several of the Enemy at Penburn-Hill losing only two of their own and eighteen wounded The same day a Shot from the Town broke and dismounted one of their Pieces on the Battery and killed the Gunner whereupon they drew a Trench a-cross Windmil-hill from the Bog to the River and there raised another Battery lining the Hedge with Dragoons but at the same time the Besieged sallied in a considerable number and dividing one part made them Masters of the Trenches and advantageous Ground killing about two hundred whilst the other Party beat the Dragoons from the Hedges Which reiterated Losses so enraged the Enemy that having Captain Cunningham and Lieutenant Douglass upon some Sallies they after Quarter given put them to the Sword which served to confirm the Besieged in the belief of the Mercy they were to expect if they fell into their hands and made them more obstinate in a resolute Defence and alluring the Governour out under pretence of Treaty they fired a hundred Shot
out against a powerful Army backed by almost a whole Kingdom it may very well compare with the most famous Siege that ever was mentioned in History Major-General Kirk soon after these Succours got in came to London-Derry and was received with all the Demonstrations of Joy a People in so ruinous a Condition could bestow and having viewed the Walls and Fortifications blessed himself to think that such slight Works could ever have been defended so long against such an Army Things in London-Derry being settled as well as the shortness of time would permit it was agreed that Mr. Walker should go for England and present his Majesty with an Address in his own and the Names of the principal Persons that had been in the Town during the Siege where he was very graciously received and his Majesty as a Mark of his Favour for the signal Services he had done him ordered him 5000 pound and a Promise of his further Regard Whilst this Siege lasted the Inniskilling-Men and others of the Protestant Party abroad were not idle but a Detachment of 600 Men were sent under the Cammand of Colonel Stewart got into the Isle of Inch and hearing the Irish had fortified themselves in Tully he sent a commanded Party of sixty Musquetiers and beat them out when more Forces coming to him he and other Commanders raised some small Fortifications in the Island and there succoured a great many Protestants who fled from the Enemy with their Cattel and Substance and others that had been stripped of all and came naked beating divers Parties of the Irish that attempted to force him from his strength and the Duke of Berwick being sent this way with 1500 Horse attempted to force Ralfamulin where a small Party of our Men quartered but having timely notice getting to their Arms and Barrocading the Street the Enemy after a sharp Dispute drew off with the Loss of 240 Men and on our part only Lieutenant Coningham and a few private Soldiers and a Lieutenant wounded However very desirous to bring these Parts into Subjection nothing was omitted that Threats or Alurements could effect but neither of them prevailed against the stedfast Loyalty of the Protestants they too sadly remembred how often they had broke their words and how little they esteemed keeping it with those they termed Hereticks One fatal Instance of which take for many It happened that the Lord Galmoy being abroad with a Party took Captain Dixie prisoner by surprize in his Father's House which House he set on fire and with him brought away Cornet Charlton but hearing one Brian Mac Kingâ—or Mac Gurrie a Captain of the Irish Army had been taken by our Men and was Prisoner at Cran he sent to the Governor of the Castle to offer Captain Dixie in Exchange vowing upon his Honour so soon as Gurrie came Dixie should be sent them This was well accepted and Guerrie was sent but Galmoy thereupon ordered the two Young Gentlemen to be tried by a Council of War for receiving a Commission from England and being sentenced had orders to prepare to die the next day but in the mean time great Endeavours were used and Promises made them of Life and Preferment if they would turn Papists and adhere to King Iames. But they generously rejected the Offer and preferred their Religion before the saving their Lives and although Mac Gurrie interceded mainly for them and reproached the Lord Galmoy with the Stain of his Honour after his solemn Promise in Writing yet he would hear nothing on their behalf but caused them to be hanged upon one Russel's Sign Post whilst he made merry there and not content with their Lives he ordered their Heads to be cut off and tossed to the Soldiers to play at Foot-ball with which when they had misused for a time he caused to be set up on the Market-Cross at Belturbet This made I say the rest more cautious to trust their Mercy whereupon the French General Rosne resolute to subdue them came within the shot of their Cannon to encourage the Soldiers that were gathering in those parts against them but a shot had spoiled his Undertaking had it not fallen a little too short yet it beat up the Stones which wounded him in the Leg and his Horse in the Body and killed two Troopers insomuch that frighted with this Disaster he gave over the Attempt But greater Actions than these attended the Fate of Ireland the English Army so long expected was embarqued and came on with a fair Wind being discovered some Leagues at Sea by the longing People who watched for it on the shore and proclaimed its arrival by their loud Shouts and Acclamations of Joy and on the Thirteenth of August 1689. Duke Schombergh who commanded the Forces landed at Carickfurgus and after a short Enquiry into the state of the Kingdom he sent two Regiments to Belfast and having refreshed himself and that part of the Army that landed with him he directed his March to find out the Enemy being every where received by the Protestants with the greatest Expressions of joy imaginable At the Terrour of whose approach the Castle and Town of Antrim was deserted and our Men took possession of it leaving there a Garrison of fifâ—y Soldiers under the Command of Captain Ormsby and many other Places and Passes were secured But Carickfurgus refusing upon Summons to Surrender a part of the Army sate down before it and the next day the Cannon and Mortars were planted against it whilst the Trenches were opened and no sooner they heard the English speak to them in a Dialect of War from the mouths of their Cannon but they beat a Parley but the main import of their Request being to send to King Iames to have his leave to Surrender it was rejected and the Mortars and Cannon began to play against the Town very furiously they answering us with their Cannon in like manner especially anoying our Men with two Pieces advantageously planted in the Lord Dungale's House yet our Bombs did great Execution beating down and setting many Houses on fire Several of our Ships that lay in a Line played likewise their Cannon on the other side and no less indamaged the Besieged whereupon they again desired a Parley but insisting to March out with their Cloaths and Baggage the Duke would not agree to it only allowing them to be Prisoners of War and again the Batteries were renewed they again hung out a white Flag to Parley and upon submitting to a Surrender were allowed to be conducted to the next Irish Garrison whereupon Sir Henry Ingoldsby marched in with his Regiment and took posseâ—sion of the Place By this time fifty Sail of Ships came up the Lough on board which were a Regiment of Horse and four of Foot who joyning the Army the General marched towards Belfast and were two miles beyond Lisnoygarney on the 2d of September which made the Enemy retreat with much Precipitation yet they took so much time as to set
divers Places on fire whereat the General was so incensed that he sent to tell the Commanders of those Parties That if they desisted not from using such French Tricks they must expect no Quarter if they fell into his hands which made them upon quitting Dundalk leave it intire The Duke finding the Plains of Dundalk commodious to Encamp on and the Winter Season approaching caused the Tents to be pitched whilst the Enemy's Army between 40 and 50000 fortified and entrenched about Ardee Slego being still in the hands of the English a Party of the Enemy consisting of about 5000 Horse and Foot advanced that way in hopes by Force or Surprize to make themselves Masters of it But Colonel Lloyd who Commanded the Inniskilling-Men having notice of their Design drew out about a 1000 Horse Dragoons and Foot and Lining the Hedges of the LaneÌ„ of Boyle where they were to pass with his Foot he drew up his Horse on a rising ground and charged the Enemy so suddenly that after a smart Engagement he put them to Flight in great Confusion and taking a nearer way with his Horse and Dragoons got into Boyle before the Enemy and charged them again in the Front whilst the Food did the like in the Rear so that 700 were cut off and about 400 taken Prisoners with O Kelly their Commander and forty other Officers of note and by this Rout 8000 Head of Cattel were recovered which the Enemy in their Ravaging the Country had got together also a great many Arms Ammunition and Provision so that those Parts continued in quiet a long time after so that the Enemy perceiving Force in vain undertook to ruine our Affairs by treacherous Policy buâ— they failed in that as in all the rest The Project was thus It happened that 4 Regiments of French Protestants were raised in Englanâ— for the Service and amongst them divers were listed that came over just then by the way oâ— Holland which being done in haste the Colonels had no time strictly to examine them so that amongst these there was one Du Plessey who had been formerly a Captain in France and fled thence for a Murther but now served as a private Soldier this Man sent â—â— Monsieur D'Avaux to let him know That if he would get him his Pardon in France anâ— let him have the Command of such as 〈◊〉 brought over he would inveagle the Papists that had been unwittingly Regimented to the Irish Camp Which upon his Trial before a Council of War appearing by his intercepteâ— Letter and Confession he with four others hiâ— Accomplices were found Guilty and executed and upon a strict Scrutiny a great many Papists were found in those Regiments and sent Prisoners to England Providence by thiâ— timely Discovery frustrating the Design they might have to Revolt and endeavour the turning the Scale of Victory if it came to a Battel The Plains of Dundalk by reason of the Fogs and Wetness of the place incommoding â—he Camp with Sickness and Inconveniency about the middle of November it broke up and marched away to the Newry Pass and beatâ—ng out the Enemy possessed themselves of â—he Town and upon their Attempting to recover it were beaten with considerable loss Brigadier Stewart falling upon them with 250 Horse and Foot so resolutely that they fell â—nto Confusion thirty being killed on the place â—nd about eighteen taken Prisoners and among the number five Officers And Colonel Woolsey took Belturbet upon the first Summons Nor did only the Men but the Women â—affle the Courage of the Irish for a strong Party of them attempting to make themselves Masters of the Lady Newcomens House that Heroick fortified it and garrisoned with her Tenants beating off the Enemy and killing â—everal in the Attacks they made though she â—ad no great Guns and but a few small shot â—hereupon they found themselves obliged to â—ring some Cannon and a Mortar before it â—hich caused her to Surrender in consideraâ—ion That dismissing the Garrison to march â—ith their Baggage to Lisnigarvy she and her â—omesticks might continue there in quiet â—ut this was not virtually observed for getâ—ing into her House they took away many â—â—ings of value Whilst these things happened at Land someâ—hing remarkab1e and not amiss to be recited was done on the Water in the Bay oâ— Dublin in spight of all the Power and Forâ—â— of the Irish that then possessed that Greâ—â— City Sir Clously Shovel being on that Coast afteâ— cruising thwart the Bay he stood into it anâ— could then perceive a Ship a Mile within thâ— Bar whereupon resolving to fetch her out if possible he came to an Anchor and weâ—â— on Board the Monmouth Yatch and at a littâ—â— more than half Flood the Wind being Noâ—therly he with that Yatcht two Men of Waâ— Hoys a Catch and the Pinnace got over thâ— Barr whereupon the Ship being aware of hâ—â— coming weighed Anchor and moved up 〈◊〉 Salmon-Pool about a Mile nearer to Dublâ—â— and there run a-ground within shot of 〈◊〉 French Man of War of twelve Guns and tâ—â— or three English Ships that lay a-ground fillâ—â— with Soldiers who continually kept firing 〈◊〉 our Vessels however they followed the Aâ—tack and after some dispute Sir Clously Sâ—â—vel made a sign for the Fireship to enter aâ—â— bear up which when the Enemy perceiveâ— they left their Ships and got away in thâ— Boats whereupon our Men went on Boarâ— her and having somewhat lightned her brought her off in turning out the Wind â—â—ring out of the Sea one of Sir Clously's Hoys râ—â— a-ground and could not be got off before tâ—â— Water fell away from her so that the 〈◊〉 were forced to lye by her and get out her â—â—chors ready to heave off when the Tyâ—â—â— should return and the Hoy being upon 〈◊〉 â—round thousands of People came upon the â—trand among which was King Iames with â—is Guards as Spectators of what might hapâ—en and two Protestants that had escaped â—rom Dublin got to our armed Boats and with much supplication intreated to be taken â—n However a French Trooper to shew his Bravado came riding up within half Musquet â—hot and reviling our Men as well as he could â—abble English by the Epithets of Rebels c. â—e had so much Courage as to discharge his Pistol at that distance but a shot from the Boat that lay next the Shoar killed his Horse whereupon Monsieur pulling off his Boots left â—hem to our Men betaking him to his heels as â—ast as he could run for fear an unwelcome Messenger should overtake him and make him â—ay dear for his Vain-glory. The Ship thus taken was the Pellican the â—iggest of the two Scotch Frigots taken by the â—rench the precedent Summer carrying aâ—out twenty Guns Three or four of those â—hat were aboard her were killed by the Fiâ—ing of our Men and found dead upon the Deck besides those that were carried off as â—ell killed as wounded and our Vessels haâ—ing done what they came for returned in
During these Transactions divers Parties were abroad who hindered the scattered Irish from getting together Reducing some Castles Forts and other advantageous Fortresses and Posts to their Majesties Obedience His Majesty now resolving as is said to besiege the strong Town of Lymerick scituate on the River Shannon under the shelter of which the greatest part of the Enemies rallied Forces were retired being about 25000 strong Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas who had for some time blocked up Athlone was ordered to draw off and to joyn the Royal Army on its way The Garrison was composed of a mixture of French and Irish they had various Disputes about Surrendring that important Place upon honourable Terms but at last were prevailed with by the Earl of Tyrconnel to stand upon their Defence Whilst the Army prepared to march towards Lymerick and his Majesty to be present at that Siege had put off his intended passing over from England 50 of our Dragoons approaching the Town of Youghall the place surrendred To bring it to which the Contrivance was in this manner The Garrison that marched from Waterford was conducted by those Dragoons under the command of Captain Pownal to Youghall who telling the Governour of the Place who was the same that Surrendered up Carickfergus the precedent Year the certain Ruin he would bring upon himself if he thought of holding out and thereupon advising him to a Surrender he after some further Debate only desired him to expect his Answer till Ten at night at which time he privately marched out with Three Companies of Foot giving the Captain an unexpected possession of the Town where he found 14 Guns mounted and 2 without Carriages 350 Barrels of Oats 215 stone of Wooll and several other sorts of Provisions but neither Powder nor Ball. The King being thus far on his March a Deserter came out of Lymerick to our Camp and gave Information That the French had marched out of the Town with eight Field-pieces and took their way towards Galloway there if urgency required it to be ready for Imbarcation to France and not only those in the Town were unsettled and discontented and that others displeased at Tyrconnel 's proceeding were retired to the Mountains of Kerry and such Fear the Approach of our Army brought upon the Enemy made them break down the Bridges to retard their March However that hindered but little for where they found them in that Condition they forded the Rivers and that the People might be still assured of his Majesty's Clemency towards them another Declaration was published and also that a Blessing might attend his Arms a Fast was proclaimed to be observed through all the Provinces of the Kingdom under their Majesty's Obedience on the 15th of August and to be observed constantly during the War on Friday in every Week which was Religiously kept as well out of a due sense of God's Mercies and Favours already extended towards the late languishing Kingdom in a wonderful Deliverance as what they further expected The Approach of our Forces was no sooner known to Tyrconnel and Lauzun but they retired further into the Country leaving Monsieur Boisteau Governour in the Town with a very good Garrison and store of Provision the French retiring under the Walls of Galloway but the Inhabitants not liking such unfriendly Guest who sought their Master's Interest more than the welfare of Ireland shut their Gates and denied them Entrance However at last being received into the Town at the Instance of Tyrconnel and others they shewed their Resentments by dealing very severely with the Inhabitants and we had an account that they hanged up two of those that were most active in opposing their Admittance The Army approaching Lymerick found the Enemy strongly posted about a Mile from the Town and that they had lined the Hedges from whence they fired upon our Men but were soon dislodged and obliged to fly to their Main-guard and the English passed the River Shannon without any considerable Resistance the Enemy that guarded the further shoar flying at their approach and for haste left behind them several Tents and other Materials and encamping within the reach of their great Guns they raised Works to secure them from the shot though some were killed by random Bullets The Army was no sooner Encamped and Entrenchers made some Advance but the King sent to Summon the Governour to Surrender withal offering him very good Conditions but he utterly refused it returning answer That he was resolved to defend the place to the last Extremity Upon which the Trenches were opened and the great Guns being on their way to the Camp Colonel Sarsfield with a strong Party taking a great Compass set upon those that had them in Charge and over-powering the Convoy killed divers of the Waggoners not sparing their Wives with their Children in their Arms burning some of the Waggons and Carriages of the Cannon Nailing up part of the great Guns and breaking others But upon the approach of Captain Coningham with a Party of the Inniskilling-men they made a hasty Retreat yet the Captain fell in with their Rear killed some took other Prisoners and recovered a considerable Booty So that these and other great Guns being brought to the Camp Clonmel a small Fort near Lymerick Surrendred upon Discretion and the Garrison made Prisoners of War And now the Batteries being raised the Cannons spoke English Language in Thunder against the Town and the Trenches were Advanced within 300 Paces of the Wall and two Redoubts taken the which and other Successes of the like nature made them Advance towards another Redoubt Whenas Colonel Douglas mounting the Guard and the sign appointed given by firing 8 Guns for Attacking it those that were Detached for the Service being 150 besides Officers fell on with extraordinary Bravery and Entering the Fort drove out the Enemy killing about 40 possessed themselves of it though the Enemy from the Town made a vigorous Sally with Horse and Foot and the new Batteries being levelled against the high Towers soon laid them in Rubbish also the Bombs and Carkasses thrown in set a great many Houses on fire So that under the favour of these Consternations the Enemy were put unto our Men made their Advances within Thirty Paces of the Ditch and the Cannon still playing not only widened the Breach but beat down part of the Counterscarp and Palisado's so that an Attack was made on the Counterscarp begun by a detached Party of Granadiers seconded by other Detachments who soon gained it as also a Fort the Enemy had under the Wall but instead of lodging themselves as they were commanded thinking Fortune was altogether now on their side they pushed on to enter the Breach in pursuit of the Irish that ran thither but the Cannon being turned upon them charged with Cartridge-shot the greater part of those that were Advanced were cut off and some blown up by the springing of a Mine in the Ditch so that by computation 100 Men were killed and
augmented and all manner of Caution and Circumspection used that might prevent in any probability the threatned Danger Dâ—ring these Transactions those Troops we had abroad were not idle but often marching many Miles into the Enemies Quarters not only beat them from their Posts and killed a great many of them but gave the Villages opportunity to rest in quiet under their Majesties Protection and freeing them from those Ravagements wherewith before they were distressed so that many who before stood out for fear of being plundered or destroyed came in and joyfully laid hold of the gracious Pardon offered them so that the face of things seemed to put on a Calm considering the Tempest that a little before had in a manner disjointed and put them out of Frame The Enemies Regular Troops missing of the Advantages they expected now gave way to the Outrages of the Rapperees more than ever having before a little restrained their Insolencies that the Advantage of Plunder might accrue to themselves so that they committed many barbarous Murthers in Villages and Loan-houses where their Force prevailed being mainly incited thereto by the revengeful Priests who shared with them in their Booty which made our Troops though the Season was very incommodious for marching by reason of the rains and quagginess of the ground and incroach upon them and frequently surprize them in their Randezvous beating them out of their Cabins and firing them over their Ears And now his Majesty providing for the Civil Affairs the Privy Council were the Lord Primate of Ireland the Lord Chancellour High Treasurer and Archbishop of Dublin for the time being the Duke of Ormond Earls of Meath Drogheda Longhford Ranelagh Granard and Viscount Lisburn the Bishop of Meath the Vice-Treasurer the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Chief Justices of the King's Bench Common Pleas Chief Baron of the Exchequer Master of the Rolls Principal Secretary of State and Master of the Ordnance for the time being Robert Fitz-Gerrard Sir Henry and William Hill Esquires The Judges appointed by his Majesty were for the King's Bench Sir Richard Raynel Mr. Justice Lyndon Sir Richard Stephens for the Common Pleas Mr. Justice Cox Mr. Justice Ieffersdon for the Exchequer Lord Chief Baron Hely Mr. Baron Echlin Sir Standish Harstrong Nor was the Civil Settlement alone considered but likewise the Ecclesiastical Promotions for the good and tranquility of the Protestant Churches of Ireland viz. Dr. March Bishop of Feras was advanced to the Archbishoprick of Cashel Dr. Tenison Bishop of Killala to be Bishop of Cloglier Dr. William King to be Bishop of London-Derry Dr. Digly Bishop of Lymirick to be Bishop of Elphin Dr. Vigorâ— Dean of Armagh to be Bishop of Ferus Dr. Wilson Dean of Rapho to be Bishop of Lymerick Dr. Fitz-Gerrald Dean of Cloim to be Bishop of Cloufort Dr. Lloyd Dean of Achonry to be Bishop of Killala So that now the face of things began to look pleasant however though it was in the dead of Winter our Troops abroad found some Action for one of our advanced Parties setting upon the Enemy near Castle-Town they killed 22 of them and took 5 Prisoners and Colonel Foulks gave a considerable Defeat to about 1500 Rapperees and trained Soldiers killing many of them and taking some Prisoners near the Bogg of Allen. Whilst these Successes were carried on with a high hand Colonel Brewer possessed himself of the Forts and Town of Lansborough and defeated about 3000 of the Enemy Soon after Major-General Tetteau heightned with his frequent Success and the beating some small Parties of the Enemy he marched his Forces towards the strong Town of Ross which had in it a Carrison of 600 Men under the Command of Colonel Maccarty the Lords Coursey and Slane and others of Note were also in the place upon the approach of our Men but not thinking themselves secure enough they poasted away for Lymerick and thereupon our Approaches being made 50 Danes and 50 of the Detachment out of Kingsale were ordered to storm a Fort cut out of a Rock which they did with so great a Resolution that they froze the Enemies Courage and soon made themselves Masters of it putting most they found therein to the Sword and many of those that endeavoured to swim from thence to another Rock were killed in the Water and marching thence to Tralee General Sheldon abondoned it with such speed that they had no time to set it on fire and so it fell entire into our hands and we having a small Fort at Fermoy-Bridge in the County of Cork the Enemy advanced with about 2000 Horse and Foot under the Command of one Carrol who upon his Approach sent to have it Surrendred Declaring that he knew the strength of the Place and that it was not tenable But upon his approach found such a warm Reception that after divers firings he being kill'd upon the place his Men took to their heels and that they might glory of something they burnt one House in their return Soon after this Defeat and the routing divers Parties of the Rapparees Colonel Brewer and Major Board went out with a detached Party of 150 Horse and about 200 Foot from Mullengar to relieve Marescourt and Mayvore with Provision and that done they took their way towards Ballymore and dislodged the Enemy on those Passes opening and freeing the Country and then returned to their Stations without the loss of any Men and soon after this Lieutenant Taylor defeated 400 of the Irish near Endery Lieutenant-General Ginkle upon notice that a great Body of the Enemy was gathering and some of them advancing towards Athlone he and Sir Iohn Lanier drew out a Party to oppose them who upon their approach retired in great confusion but being pursued by our Horse and Foot they were beat from the Retrenchments they had made as their last Refuge and the Chace being continued about 200 of them were killed and wounded and several taken Prisoners and our Men got a great Booty of Horses for the Enemy in their flight being hard pressed in the Rear quitted them and got into the Woods Colonel Hamilton being abroad meeting with a Party of the Enemy as they were Ravaging the Country near a place called Bautrey set upon them and at the first Charge put them into Disorder and soon after to open flight killing about 70 of them and taking some Prisoners with Booty c. And Captain Derby defeated another Party of them at Birre And now the Rapparees being more terrible to the Country People than the Enemies Regular Forces a Party was sent out to suppress them so that being frequently met withal a great many of them were killed and some that were taken Prisoners were Executed and lighting on a Party of about 400 Irish though he had then 100 Foot and 34 Horse having lessened his number by Detachments sent to find out the Rapparees he however drew up and Charged them with such Bravery that during the Action some more of his Men
coming in he put them utterly to the Rout killed and took Prisoners most of their Officers and recovered a great Booty And indeed the Winter not fit for the motion of great Bodies was spent in the piquering of Parties and settling the Civil as well as Military Affairs of the Kingdom and so continued till his Majesty went to Head the Confâ—derate Army in Flanders Sarsfield having a great Command among the Irish many of the Enemies chief Officers being gone for France under pretence of bringing fresh Recruits early in the Spring he drew together part of the shattered Army and some of the Militia at Knockany with a design to attack some of our Troops that were advantageously posted but was so warmly received that he found his Attempts very disadvantageous to himself and thereupon picking the most serviceable Men out of the Militia Troops sent them to joyn the Forces he had ordered to encamp in the Province of Connaught and put some of his Troops into Garrison and Winter-Quarters Notice being given to Lieutenant Spencer that a hundred Men of the Enemies Troops were advanced within a Mile of Copperquin in the County of Waterford with a design to surprize and carry off the Recruit Horses sent from England for Brigadier's Regiment he immediately marched with a Corner and 12 Troopers most of his Men being gone a Forraging and finding the Enemy in some disorder Charged them with his small Party and pressed them so hard that they retired into a Wood within a Mile of the place and thereupon 18 more of his Men coming up part of them dismounted entering the Wood whilst the rest on Horseback secured the Pass the Dispute lasted without firing on both sides for several hours in which they killed 40 of the Enemy and took the Captain that commanded them with 7 Soldiers Prisoners also their Arms and Accoutrements only one of the Lieutenant's Party being killed and two or three wounded Lieutenant Purcel being abroad with a Party fell in with the Rapparees and in several Encounters with them killed about 100 but attempting to burn their Cabbins in the County of Longford was way-laid by Sir Daniel O Neal's Regiment of Dragoons part on Horse-back and part on Foot but 35 of the Royal Regiment of Dragoons broke their whole Body upon a furious Charge killing 10 of them and taking 4 Prisoners with a Lieutenant and pursued the rest to Newcastle a Garrison they held in those parts yet in the hasty flight many of them quitted their Horses and took to the Bogs where some were lost These Successes were followed with others no less advantageous to us and unfortunate to the Enemy for Colonel Lillingstone being gone from Roscreagh joyned by another from a Neighbouring Garrison marched to Nonagh where he found the Enemy strongly posted yet charging them with great Resolution he dispossest them of those Posts and beat them into the Castle burning the Town where they had laid up great store of Provision and brought off a Booty of 300 Head of Cattel with the loss of 2 Soldiers and a Trooper's Horse the manner of the Attack being thus The Colonel detached 18 Horse and as many Foot and having them on Garrans or Irish Horse made all the haste he could to secure the Bridge of Nenagh about half a Mile from the Town whereupon the whole Garrison came out to make opposition but he maintained the Pass till his Foot came up and then leaving them at the Bridge he advanced with his Horse towards the Enemy who made many firings but so soon as our Men came near began to retreat and by degrees disordering themselves fell to running but being hotly pursued about 20 of them were killed and a Cornet taken Prisoner after which he sent a Detachment to secure the Pass on the other side of the Town towards Lymerick whilst the rest of his Men entred with the flying Enemy however many of them got into the Castle but our Men burnt the Town and got considerable Plunder And now open Force failing the Enemy they betook them to cruel Stratagems for a part of Colonel Foulk's Regiment being in their Quarters near Yaughal about 8 of them were set upon in a private House and murthered by surprize in a most despiteful manner the like treatment being supposed to be intended to all the rest had not this timely alarm'd them to stand to their Arms and defend themselves Upon suspicion of which Murthers divers were taken up and strictly examined at Dublin amongst which one of them being found Guilty and Executed in the Castle-yard owning at his Execution he buried the murthered Corpse but by no means could be induced to discover his Accomplices and several other were thereupon missing in other places supposed to be made away by them by the same means insomuch that the Lords Justices found themselves constrained to publish the following Proclamation to terrifie and deter the protected Irish from such unmanly Enterprizes of Barbarism The Proclamation of the Lords Justices c. WHereas notwithstanding the great Clemency extended by their Majesties to the Popish Irish Inhabitants of this Kingdom whereby upon their submission they have had equal Protection with their Brittish and Protestant Subjects yet such is the inveterate and implacable Malice of many of the Popish Irish that upon all occasions they not only relieve Their Majesties Enemies but joyn with them in the committing and concealing many horrid Murthers one of which of Eight Soldiers of Their Majesties Army inhumanly strangled at one time and in one place has by God's Providence been lately discovered near this City to have been committed by the Inhabitants of the place where the said Soldiers were quartered for which some of the Criminals have received just and deserved punishment and the Lords Iustices being fully satisfied that such Offences cannot be committed within the open and well-planted Counties of this Kingdom without the contrivance and help or at least the connivance of the protected Inhabitants and having received full Information that there is a Confederacy among many of the said protected Irish to give all Aid and Relief in their power to Their Majesties Enemies upon all occasions and to take all opportunities to destroy the Officers and Soldiers of Their Majesties Army and other Their good Subjects their Lordships being resolved to prevent as much as in them lies such their cruel and malicious Designs and to punish with all necessary severity those who shall be guilty or justly suspected of the same do publish and declare That if any such Murther shall hereafter be committed in any place within Their Majesties Quarters if the Popish Inhabitants of that Neighbourhood shall not use their utmost endeavour and diligence to apprehend the Malefactors and immediately discover all they know of such Fact to some Magistrate living near the place where the said Offence shall be committed so as the said Offenders may be apprehended and brought to punishment that then the Popish Irish Inhabitants of
the Parish where the said Murther shall be committed shall be immediately put out of Their Majesties Protection and Orders shall thereupon be given that they be proceeded against as Spies and Enemies according to the course of Law And soon after another Proclamation was published on the occasion of these Murthers setting forth THat whereas by Examination of divers persons it does appear that a Romish Priest calling himself Father Christopher Brown who has lived many Months in several places within his Majesties Iurisdiction and Power without being molested on account of his Orders or Religion has been if not the first Contriver and principal Director and Counsellor yet a main Abettor and Encourager of the late barbarous Murthers of Their Majesties Soldiers near this City and whereas several others have been found to have been guilty of the said Murthers who are fled from Iustice their Lordships do promise a Reward of Five pounds to such persons not guilty of the same as shall apprehend and secure the said Christopher Brown and Ten pounds for every of the other persons and a Pardon to such though privy to the said Murthers as shall apprehend any of the said Offenders This proceeding stopped the Issue of Blood that way and rendred the Soldiers more secure in their Quarters and other Places where they came the Irish for fear of being taken notice of giving them every where in the places subject to Their Majesties better Usage About the latter end of April Lieutenant-General Ginkle came from Kilkenny to Dublin and many of the General Officers to consult with the Lords Justices about the Affairs of the Campaign and concert Matters advantageous to their Majesties Service and the Monmouth Yatch arrived with Money to that purpose as likewise several Ships with Recruits of Horse and Foot So that the Train of Artillery being by this time drawn out the Soldiers began to draw from their Winter-Quarters nearer Dublin and Waggons and Carriages were provided on all hands and Parties were sent out to remove the Enemies Posts that the Spring being come the Forage might not be wastfully destroyed Some of Captain Green's Militia Dragoons marching into the Enemies Quarters killed divers of the Rapparees and set fire to the place that harboured them And Quarter-Master Chalagan with a Party beat the Enemies Party abroad took divers Prisoners and some of note with a considerable Booty and by lying in the Marish Fields a great many of the Enemies best Horse died and their Provision grew very scanty which occasioned many to desert some going to their Habitations and others coming over to us where such as were able were received About the middle of April 1691. one Captain Fitz-Gerald of the Enemies Party marched out with about 700 Men of the standing Troops to attack a strong Stone-house called Croghan near Philips-Town which although it was guarded only by a Corporal and 8 or 9 Soldiers made a resolute Defence killing about 12 of the Enemy and had done them greater damage had not their Powder failed at what time they were constrained to Capitulate and give up the place However we were not long behind-hand with them for on the Fourth of the next Month a small Party of our Troops was marched by Major Wood from Mountmelick to Castle-Cuff with 300 Foot being Detachments of Colonel Lloyd's and the Lord George Hamilton's Regiments and 50 Horse of Colonel Bierly's and dividing his Foot into several Parties in order to surprize the Rapparees in the Bogs and Woods and with his Horse kept along the skirts of the Bogs to hinder their getting off by which meaâ—s about 70 of them were killed and a Booty recovered which he sent away and a Guard of 30 Men and in the mean while with 30 Foot and 34 Horse beyond the Toger of Mallyhone when about Ten in the Morning he discovered two Bodies of Men of the Enemies Army each about 400 marching silently between the Woods and the Mountains but when they found our Men had espied them they beat up their Drums Upon this the Major drew up his Horse and Foot in a ploughed Field and bid them Defiance so that the Enemies Granadiers thinking that our Men discouraged at their number would have run came over the Hedge but finding they stood firm to expect them they stood not advancing any further In the mean while a Detachment of the Enemy charged those Men on the side of the Wood that were sent away with the Booty whereupon the Major wheeled off by the Skirts of the Wood to succour them who defended themselves by firing very briskly on the Enemy being commanded by Lieutenant Ellis and having got the Horse and Foot over the Bog 80 more of his Men came to him and thereupon he ordered the Foot to march in two Divisions on each side the River he marching between them with the Horse when being advanced somewhat near the Enemy and thinking the Horse might do most Service in taking a Compass about and falling on the Rear wheeled about with an Intention to Surround them which they perceiving and at the same time being pressed very hardly by the Foot began to make an orderly Retreat which the Major perceiving broke in upon their Flank with the Horse which put them to rout and disorder and soon after to open flight whilst our Horse and Foot pursued them through the Woods and down to the Bogs killing about 150 and among them Captain Charles and 2 Lieutenants taking Prisoners Major Iohn Fitz-Patrick who commanded them and 5 Captains 9 Lieutenants and 2 Ensigns belonging to the several Regiments of Colonel Butler Colonel Robert Grace Colonel Luttrels Dragoons Colonel Moor and Sir Maurice Eustace and about 150 private Soldiers among which were 6 Serjeants 17 Corporals an Adjutant-Major a Chyrurgeon 3 Drums and about 150 Musquets Which Victory is to be accounted the more brave and great because the Courage and Resolution of our Men carried it against such odds we having only a Corporal killed and Adjutant Robinson with two Foot Soldiers and a Trooper wounded Nor was this all the Success about this time for 110 Foot commanded by Captain Clayton being sent for from Cork to relieve the Garrison of Ballymaggooly they were in their march observed by a considerable Body of the Enemies Horse but they durst not Attack them yet those that were relieved marched out about Twelve in the Evening commanded by Captain Thorncroft and Lieutenant Hays and about break of Day they were discovered by about 300 of the Enemies Horse and and Dragoons who it was thought lay in wait for them as also a considerable number of Rapparees and our Men being all Foot thought not the open Fields secure against the Horse but for their better Defence drew into an old Pound having a Wall about it Breast-high when by this time the Enemies advance Party coming up offered them Quarter but they answered only by the firing of their Musquets however all the Enemies Troops being come up they
made many Attacks upon our Men to force them from their Strength yet they sustained their firings with little hurt but in returning it killed a great many of the Enemy who were commanded by Brigadier Carrol and Sir Iames Cotton which so discouraged them that after they had offered our Men Quarter upon Surrendring and it was refused that they marched off carrying away the wounded and most noted of those that were killed yet they left behind 3 Captains and 10 Troopers slain and Major Slingsby desperately wounded which they thought were too near our shot to be carried off and in all they had between 40 and 50 killed and wounded and of ours 10 were killed and 5 wounded and Major Slingsby was carried Prisoner to Cork And much about this time one Walter Brown who had been High Constable of the Barrony of Delwin being taken as a Spy was Executed and Captain Pallasor being abroad with a Party of our Men consisting of about 40 Firelocks of the Army and 20 of the Militia was by the subtil Insinuation and Treachery of one Terence Megral drawn into an Ambush of two of the Enemies Regiments of Foot and some Troops of Horse which in that Exigency made him betake to the Ruins of an old Castle where he caused his Men to fortifie and defend themselves which they did continually firing upon the Enemy till all their Powder was spent and then prayed for Quarter and having it granted them they were carried Prisoners to Nenagh yet the Militia and others under the Command of Col. Piper had good success in clearing the Country in dispersing the Rapparees and dispossessing the Enemies Regular Troops of such advantageous Posts from whence they might annoy By-Inroads the Countries under Their Majesties Obedience so that they began to shrink together into a narrower Circumference Now great Stores coming daily from England and a Recruit for our Army every day expected The time for Action drawing near the Lords Justices that nothing might be wanting that was conducing to Their Majesties Service caused their Proclamation to be published for the Armies better Accommodation the Substance being in the following manner viz. WHereas the Army is now to draw into the Field where it will be necessary that Provisions be brought in from time to time for its supply and that in order thereunto all due Encouragement be given to Sutlers and other Persons that shall repair thither for that purpose they do strictly Charge and Command all Officers Civil and Military and Soldiers of their Majesties Army not to disturb or molest any Sutler or other Person that shall have a Warrant from the Colonel of any Regiment or leave from the Lords Iustices or the Commander in chief of their Majesties Forces to follow the Camp for this Service that they do not presume to take any thing from them or use any Violence towards them upon pain of being proceeded against with the utmost Severities And all Colonels and other Officers in chief are to take care that the Officers and Soldiers ad pay for all such things as they shall be furnished with by the Sutler according to the Rates that shall from time to time be settled And that the Forces may be more plentifully supplied and and those unnecessary Persons prevented from following the Camp who are only an Incumbrance to it and it being found by experience that the Country has suffered extreamly by them they have not only robbed and plundered it themselves but have inticed the Soldiers to do the same for the preventing of it for the future and that the Quarters may be the better secured whilst the Army is in the field from Rapparees and other disaffected People the Lords Iustices do hereby order and direct all their Majesties Protestant Subjects as well as Papists to stay at or repair to their respective Habitations for the preservation and improvement of the same and that no person or persons whatsoever except such as come thither with Provisions for the use of the Army or upon some lawful occasion approved of by the Commanders in chief do follow the Camp upon pain of Death And that the People whom this War had scattered into divers places leaving many destituâ—â— of Habitations might again be settled anotheâ— Proclamation was issued out to this effect That all the Inhabitants of the Counties of Wâ—terford and Tipperary do retire within Three daâ— to their respective Houses or Habitations or to somâ— adjacent Garrison if they could not go home witâ— security And those belonging to the Counties of Cork Lâ—â—merick and Kerry are forthwith to repair eitheâ— to their own Houses or Habitations if they have aâ—â— or else to some of the Garrisons there to be employâ—â— in the Militia for the defence of the Country whâ— the Army is in the field according to such 〈◊〉 Orders as shall be given them for the Publick Seâ—â—vice And Lieutenant-General Ginkle Command in chief of their Majesties Forces in Ireland 〈◊〉 to be behind or wanting in any thing exhibiâ— an Order to this effect viz. That all Officers and Soldiers and other Persâ—â—â— whatsoever were strictly charged not to press 〈◊〉 Horse Carts or Carriages without Licence first 〈◊〉 from the Lords Iustices or himself in writing And whereas that the Militia being to be in Arms for the Defence of the Country whilst the Army remained in the field no Person should press any Horse actually listed in the said Militia under any pretence whatsoever About this time some other Transport ships arrived from England and brought a great quantity of all sorts of Military Provisions and about Twenty thousand Arms also Ordinance and Stores whilst the Enemies great expectaâ—ion of the like supply from France failed â—hem in great measure that King seeming now â—o grow weary of a War that proved so expensive to him without profit and expecting â—o be sharply pressed this Summer in Flanders by the Confederate Army under the Command of the King of England send indeed some Officers and a few Clothes and such like matâ—ers but seemed frugal in husbanding his Troops for a shelter from a Storm he expected â—earer home which did not a litte discouâ—age the Irish and made them again to desert 〈◊〉 numbers and their falling off had been â—reater had not their Priests taken them to â—ask and insinuated how meritorous it was to â—â—ght with and destroy the Hereticks While these things passed Captain White of â—â—e Lord George Hamilton's Regiment detach'd 〈◊〉 hundred Men under the Command of Captain Iohnston who marched to Belnamona in Tings County and surprized by break of day â—wo Troops of Dragoons of Brigadier Clifford's and three Troops of Horse of the Lord Merriony's Regiment killing Lieutenant Archibald Quarter-Master Barnwell and 15 Dragoons took 2 Ensigns and 9 other Prisoners The Governour of Clonmel marching from that place with a Detachment of Horse and two Troops of the Militia Dragoons came by Night into the Enemies Quarters towards Michael's Town but not finding them
there thâ— Rapparees upon his Return fired out of thâ— Wood which he immediately causing to be surrounded so ferreted them about that 30 oâ— them together with Casheen their Ring-Leadeâ— or Captain were killed And 250 Foot and 20 Horse commanded by Lieutenant-Coloneâ— Hodson marching from Mountmelick he posted them at Kilkapog by break of day where thâ— Foot entred the Woods and Bogs and thâ— Horse securing the skirts they hunted out and killed about 18 of the Enemy that lay lurking there to surprize such as passed that way anâ— indeed these sort of Enemies were more dangerous and cruel where they mastered thaâ— the Regular Troops but so cowardly withaâ— that they would not stand a Charge if theâ— perceived the Match was but any thing neaâ— equal an Instance of which may be observeâ— in this viz. A Party of Colonel Brewer's Men being upon their March towards Kiâ—negad a great Body of Rapparees lay in Ambush yet durst noâ— come out for fear of being worsted though ouâ— Men were much inferiour to them in number but let them pass when so it happened thougâ— very unfortunately that a Serjeant and 4 Soldiers of this Party lagged behind a considerable way upon these the Rapparees seized and though on their knees they begged for Quarter yet they murthered them and not satisfied with their Deaths they bored out their Eyes and mangled their dead Bodies but the next day three of the Murtherers were taken and brought to Mullingar where one of them accused the other two of the Fact they were upon such Conviction immediately hanged up â—nd Captain Poyn soon after falling upon the whole Knot of them with a Party of 110 Men of the Garrison of Mullingar put to the rout and dispersed throughout the Country killing â—etween 40 and 50 of them And now since â—e have had occasion to speak so much of these Rapparees in the Series of this History some â—ay be inquisitive to know what manner of â—eople they are To which I answer They are a sort of Vagabonds and Thieves â—ot caring to Work or take any Employment â—pon them a mixture of Irish with other Naâ—ions who herding together take all opportuâ—ities where they are strongest to plunder â—urn and murther their hands being against â—ll and the hands of all against them to deâ—troy as Beasts of Prey They rejoyce at Wars â—od Troubles because then they have liberty â—hey think to do what they please Their Dwelâ—ings for the most part are Cabins or moveable Houses and their skulking places Bogs Woods â—nd Mountains They are not held as Soldiâ—rs nor included in the Articles of War but lie at the mercy of those that take them without their being obliged to give them any Quarter though they crave it Their Apparel unless they rig themselves by Plunder is so misserable that they go in a manner naked Yet these hopeful Sticks the Commanders of the Irish Army encourage and put Weapons into many of their hands to harress and destroy the Countries under their Majesties Obedience Yet they have been so often met with upon their Incursions that about 4000 of them have come short home since this War begun And furthermore to encourage the People to be vigilant and to discourage such Rakeshameâ— the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland puâ— forth a Proclamation in these words or to thiâ— effect THat to prevent the Robberies wilfâ—â— Burnings of Buildings Corn and Hayâ—â— Murthers and Insurrection with which thâ— parts of the Kingdom under their Majestieâ— Obedience was threatned by the Rebels anâ— their Adherents during the time their Majesties Army should be upon their march tâ— the Frontiers or in the Quarters then poâ—sessed by the Rebels they have thought it nâ—cessary and do thereby publish and declare That the Popish Irish Inhabitants of the râ—spective Baronies under their Majesties Obâ—dience where any Rebels commonly callâ—â— Rapparees shall commit any such Robberies Burnings or Murthers or where any such Insurrection shall happen if they do not immediately give Notice of such Rapparees and Insurrections respectively to the Iustice of Peace or chief Officer of the Militia next to their Habitations and assist him in the taking and destroying them and in the suppression of Insurrections that then they where such Fact shall be committed neglecting their Duties shall be deemed Confederates with the said Rebels and Enemies of their Majesties Government And by Order to be given by the Lords Iustices as occasion shall require shall be proceeded against with the utmost severity of Military Execution And they do further Order That no protectted Irish Papist shall be abroad out of his or their Dwelling-place of Abode after the hours of Nine at Night or before the hours of Four in the Morning under the Pain and Penalty of being put out of their Majesties Protection And if after the Thirtieth of May 1691. any Arms or Ammunition shall be found upon the persons or in the possession of any such Irish Papists he or they shall be looked upon as Rebels and punished accordingly And as they intend severely to punish all such as shall offend in the particulars above-mentioned so they do assure all those Irish Papists who live under their Majesties protection that they behaving themselves as becomes good Subjects shall have the benefit thereof These Proceedings made many of the Papists stir to prevent the mischief who before stood laughing in their sleeves at the Damages their Protestant Neighbours sustained though to curry favour in a dissembling manner they often shewed them a fair Countenance and seemed to pity their Losses And Major O Neal and some others came over from the Enemy and took the advantage of their Majesties Protection But whilst these things were transacting one Mark Baggot apparelling himself in Womens Clothes made it his business to spy into our Quarters and the manner of Affairs but his too much inquisitiveness discovering him he was seized and being sentenced by a Court Marshal he was executed at Dublin on the 20th of May. The Season thus far in a forwardness gave a favourable Invitation to the Army for their taking the field when a Party of the Irish Army consisting of 150 Men thinking to be early at it and do some notable Exploit to be talked on came to Castle-Lions and took thence a few of the poor peoples Cows but Colonel Donep with about 20 Danes and a like number of the Militia Dragoons pursued over-taking them at Ballyderdawn where a Lieutenant with 8 Danes and 6 Dragoons beat off 60 of them who had lined the Hedges in which Action the Lieutenant was killed but the Colonel coming up with his Party and being reinforced with 50 fresh Men he still pursued them killing about 50 of them of which 2 were Commission Officers took 40 Horses and his Men got indifferent store of Plunder This was followed with other Successes of the like nature nor could any great Actions be expected by reason the Armies were not as yet in the field our staying for the
the other Town with great Resolution so that having battered it till the Walls and Castle were partly beat down and perceiving it saultable order was then given for the storming of the place On the 28th of Iune about Seven in the Morning much in the same order as the former Attack was made yet the Detachments were greater as being a stronger place but before our Men could be in a readiness a small part of the Enemy came and set fire to a close Gallery laid over the Arch of a Stone-bridge they had broken down but were many of them killed in the Attempt yet it deferred the Attack till the Thirtieth However the Cannon and Bombs ceased not to play and do terrible Execution setting the Houses on fire and beating down all before them About Six in the Afternoon the Signal was given to fall on by ringing the Church-Bell whereupon they entred the Ford below the Bridge and pressed with such vigour upon the Enemy that they forced them to quit the Trenches and within the space of half an hour made themselves Masters of all their Outworks and the Ruins of the Castle where they had fortified themselves with Sconces and Major-General Maxwell with 200 Soldiers and divers Officers of note were made Prisoners Yet in the Soldiers over-running the Town in the first fury a great many were killed insomuch 2000 are computed to be slain from the beginning of the Siege till the English were entire Masters of the Town The place was taken in the sight of the Irish Army who when too late were sending a Detachment to their Relief There were found only 6 Pieces of Brass Cannon and 2 Mortars but little store of Provision and Ammunition The Principal Officers kill'd of the Irish were Brigadier Mackellicuddy The Colonels Mac Mahon O Neal O Gard and Grace The Lieutenant-Colonels Mac Genis and Barnwell also Major Murray The Enemy had all the advantage imaginable to Relieve this important Place as lying with their whole Army on the other side but a little distance from it where we had no Forces or if any none capable of opposing them at that time yet so infatuated they were that relying on its strength they still had a confidence that the Town beyond the River would baffle the English Courage notwithstanding they saw the other Town was taken with a very little resistance Monsieur St. Ruth and other of their chief Commanders were reported to be often in it viewing its Works and Fortifications and assured themselves it would at least be a great part of the Summers Work to reduce it if they were not in the end obliged to draw off from before it and the rather because some part of our Army had been before it and gone off without any considerable Success or doing any great matters against the Place But their Imaginations answered not as it has appeared Their Expectations and those Supplies as is said that they sent came so unsonably late that all the advantage they had was to put a stop to our Mens pursuing too far such as got out of the Town and fled for shelter towards their Army This sensible Blow greatly damped the Courage and Resolution of the Enemy who before had promised to do great things and made them bethink themselves of taking new measures insomuch that some took the opportunity as they found occasion to desert The French seemed discontented with the weak Resistance of the Irish and every thing appeared more and more dreadful to this numerous Army When several Consultations were held what was best to be done whether to remove or expect the English in that Camp for they could not propose any thing less to themselves than that after this Success our Forces would give them a nearer Visit and attempt the dislodging them from a place so near a Town newly taken now very weak in it self by Battery And though they talked high yet in all their Debates it did not it seems appear they had any great mind to come to a fight but rather to delay our Army till the Season should advance to put a stop to any considerable opportunity or till they might find some great advantage to further their purpose Whilst the Enemies Considerations run to this purpose our Men were gathering the Plunder of the Place which was not so considerable as in so strong a Town might have been expected for besides what had been burnt in the Fires that had happened by throwing in of Bombs and destroyed in the beating down of Houses some of the chief Inhabitants early apprehending this Siege had removed what was valuable together with themselves to distant places where they thought them more secure though by the way part fell into the hands of the Rapparees who distinguished not between Friend or Foes where they found opportunity to get Booty But to come nearer The Enemy after several Debates perceiving our Men were absolute Masters of the Place which was in a manner laid in Rubbish by the throwing in 600 Bombs and the force of 1200 great Shot they came to a Result and it was concluded immediately to raise their Camp and march some Miles further which they did and to increase their number drew the Garrisons of Sligo Iames-Town and Lanesborough quitting them to those that would come and take possession As soon as the Walls of Athlone were a little repaired the General left a Garrison there under the Command of Colonel Lloyd and drew out to observe the Enemies motion The Enemy to amuze us gave out they were resolved to come to a Battel when for the supply of our Army divers Vessels with Ammunition and other Stores arrived from England and bringing over likewise the Earl of Portland's Regiment of Horse who soon joyned the Army It was now resolved to dislodge the Enemy or oblige them to fight Their Majesties Forces on the Tenth of Iuly passed the River the Foot over a Bridge of Boats below the Town and the Horse over a Stone-bridge that had been repaired for their more advantagious passage and marched to Ballinsloe a place on the River Sac. The Enemy lying three Miles distant very advantagiously encamped at a place called Aghrim a small Town stretching their Left towards Kilconnel-Abbey and their Right upon the Hills of Kilcomodon having two very difficult Bogs before them through which the Roads go to Galloway And on the Left was the Ruines of an old Castle where an Intrenchment was made and lined with Musquetiers and on the Right likewise were several Retrenchments for the Security of their Camp The English Army passed the River Sac the Foot and Artillery over a Stone-bridge and the Horse by two Fords forcing the Out-Guards to retreat whilst our Left Wing of Horse advanced beyond the Bog that covered the Enemies Right and made way for the Foot to come in between them and that Our Cannon fired upon the Enemies Guards at the end of the Defile or dirty Lane that leads to Aghrim dislodged
make them up 3000 effectual Men under the Command of the Earl of Granard their business being likewise to secure such Places as might fall into their hands by force or being abandoned by the Enemy The English Army having been some time retarded at Carrick-en-Lesh in expectation of the heavy Cannon upon its arrival in the Camp marched on the 25th of August nearer to Lymerick and took in divers places by the way and especially those near Lymerick In one Fort new built and Garrison'd with 600 Men made great shew of Resistance yet upon an Attack made by 8 of our Granadiers â—fter they had fired upon them killing one of our Men they made a running Retreat and â—y a Covert-way got within their Flank-lines â—rawn about the Town Wâ—ilst the Army was preparing for a forâ—al Siege a considerable Detachment of Foot â—nd Horse with some Cannon was sent under â—he Command of the Prince Hesse Darmstadt â—o take in Castle Conel where the Enemy had Garrison Another Party was sent to take in three oâ—â—er Castles which the Enemy had garrison'd â—n the River below the Town and enterprized â—â—em with good Success yet at the first coâ—ing on of our Army before Lymerick several â—ield-pieces and Cannoâ— were planted so adâ—antagious to the Enemy that playing upon a â—egiment of Dragoons and another of Horse â—â—ey obliged them to draw off to a further diâ—â—ance yet our Men advanced to Cromwel's â—ort which was quitted as also was the Line â—â— Communication they had made to the â—hurch retiring within the Retrenchments â—â—at were better secured by the Cannon of the â—own However to come into Action a Detachment of 80 Granadiers were commanded to attack one of their Out-works which was a new Fort guarded by 600 Men notwithstanding upon the approach of our Granadiers having discharged their Pieces they fled by a Covered-way into the Town and left us Masters of the Fort yet our Men pushing on pursued the Fliers killing some and taking about 20 Prisoners losing but one Man in the Action and the same Night Colonel Dâ—nep a Commander of the Danish Horse was killed by a random shot On the 26th of August the heavy Cannon and Mortars came up and our Men began to work on the Lines of Communication and the next day the Batteries were raised against Thomond-Bridge whilst the Prince Hesse Darmstadt march'd with a Detachment of Horse Foot and Drrgoons and 3 Pieces of Cannon to attack Castle Connel and Lieutenant-General Scravenmore with another detach'd Party marched to Carrick Gunnel which Surrendred upon the first Summons â—â—e Garrison consisting of 250 Men being made Prisoners of War And our light Frigats with Ammunition and Provision came to an Anchor within sight of Lymerick which the Besieged taking for Succours from France were mainly heightned with Joy but upon being undeceived were as much dejected Castle Connel a very strong Fortress was surrendred to the Prince and several other small Castles at divers times in all which were taken about 900 Prisoners The Siege began by this time very much to streighten Lymerick insomuch that the Besieged could not without great difficulty have any considerable Communication with their Parties abroad for their Horse had been removed by our shot from their Camp that was under the Cannon of the Town and obliged to march a great way further yet they appeared very vigilent in guarding the Passes of the Shannon posting their Troops upon many of the Fords and frequently sent their Scouts along the further Bank to observe the motion of our Men and to give notice to their Main-Guards if they perceived them about to make an Attempt for passing it However that little aâ—ailâ—â— as will by and by appear The reducing of Lymerick bâ—ing firmly resolved our Men went on vigorously with the Works making a Line of Contravallation with 4 Forts for the better defending it from any Attack the Enemy might make upon it in their Sallies and raised new Batteries on the Right almost in the same place where the Attack was made upon the place the last year the largest of them being within Carbine-shot of the Wall in a place where it was held not to be extraordinary strong and indeed the Cannon being mounted and playing furiously against it made the Stones shiver and with a few Balls rent it in several places that the Breaches began to appear at a great distance whilst the Bombs thrown into the Town made great havock so that the Flames of the fired Houses frequently ascending very dreadful especially when it happened in the Night time so that it might be discerned for many Miles round the Country and divers were killed by the breaking of the Shell blowing up and beating down of Houses and amongst those that had their lot to fall this way was the Lady Dillon and a great many were wounded and disabled from the Service so that according â—â— the report of some Deserters they began greatly to murmur especially the Militia who â—ad been forced thither after the Battel oâ— Aghrim complaining that their Wives and Children in their absence were many of them in very great distress and unless they might have liberty speedily to go and take care of them they must perish for want some of them urged the danger the place was in and not likely to make a long Resistance against foâ— powerful an Army that had all manner of Recruits and Supplies at hand as occasion should require it when on the contrary they were shut up within Stone Walls and could reasonably expect none However to diâ—â—ipate these Discontents iâ— was caused to be rumored abroad amongâ—â— the Citizens and Soldiers that the French were speedily expected with large Succours but when it appeared very difficult to gain Credit that they could be that way effectually relieved by reason we had several Frigats carrying a considerable strength of Guns and Men upâ—on on the River to hinder their coming up thaâ— way likewise a prevailing and victoriouâ— Army in the Field to obstruct their putting in Succours by Land it was then to quiet the Clamour promised by Monsieur D'Vsson the French Governour That the Militia should be dismissed if Succours did not come from France within 12 days But he failed them or had he intended to have sent them home the difficulty of getting away would have been very great if not impossible had they not first had leave from the General for it was apprehended they would have thrust out a great many useless People to save their Provision which occasioned a watchful eye upon the Passes that few could get away without permission yet some they thrust into an Island in the River being mostly Protestants where they must have starved had not our Men in compassion fetched them off During this care and the vigorous carrying on of the Siege further care was likewise taken for the suppressing the Parties abroad whereupon 300 Horse and Dragoons were sent to reâ—inforce those that were abroad and bring into
subjection the small Garrisons the Enemy yet hâ—ld out against their Majesties in Kerry and the neighbouring parts and six Pieces of Cannon were likewise ordered for that Servicâ— so that upon the approach of our Forces mâ—st of them Surrendred without opposition aâ—d all the Country round about bâ—came free and open so that the Country People brought in their Provisions and other Necessaries to the great refreshment of our Army and measures were taken for setling those parts in their Obedience the People appeared every where to be highly pleased as now being under a better assurance of safety from Plunder and the future Inconveniencies of a War that had wasted almost all they had so that contrary to the usual manner in this case frequently used they were so far from flying for the most part with the little substance they had left that the Villagers and others that had taken Refuge there met their Conquerours with Tears of Joy and welcomed them as their Deliverers Peace and Rest being ever most sweet and pleasant to those who precipitating themselves unadvisedly into Misfortunes have had leisure to consider their Error and by the sharp convincing Arguments of Suffering have known what it is to be rash in undertaking what they could not reasonably expect to go through with against the prevailing Arms of a powerful Nation contending with which Ireland has always been succesless Things being thus ordered the Out-Parties unless so many as could keep the places taken in Obedience returned to the Camp carrying thither some Prisoners of note and amongst others the Lord Castle Connel was brought thither where notwithstanding the advancing of the Season the Soldiers shewed much resolution and cheerfulness in their Undertaking to carry on their Works and manage all other Matters for the Accomplishment of the main End of so brave an Undertaking and though the Enemies great Guns from the Walls Castles and Towers of the Town kept a continual thundering yet the great shot did not obstruct the progress they made in their advances On the 30th of August 9 Mortars played against Lymerick whose Bombs set fire to several Houses but the flame was soon extinguished The next day 9 Pieces of Cannon were bent upon the Bridge to ruin it and hinder thereby the Enemies Communication with their Camp And that Night 2 Mortars more of 18 Inches Diameter were placed in Battery and two Batteries one of fourteen and the other of ten Pieces all Twenty four Pounders were finished and some Deserters came over who gave but a melancholly Account of the posture of Affairs in the Town as to their being badly armed and worse provisioned Now whilst the Siege went successfully on upon Advice that a great Party of Rapparees were drawn together in the County of Kerry mixed with some of the Enemies Horse the General ordered Brigadier Levison with 1500 Horse and Dragoons to march against them of which they had no sooner notice but they divided into two Parties for their better Retreat and the Brigadier did the like and with part of his Detachment pursued one of the Parties whilâ—t Colonel Nieuenhuys did the like by the other the Brigadier soon overtook his Party which consiâ—ted of two Regiments of Horsâ— and a great number of Rapparees which our Men charged so desperately they making no consâ—derable resistance that they were soon broken and in rout most of them being killed or taken Prisoners and a great Booty recovered which they had got in ravaging the Country The Colonel did the like by the Party he pursued which gave the Villages rest from their fears of burning and plundering c. Our Cannon and Bombs continuing to play against Lymerick the former beat down thirty Yards of the Wall of the English Town on the North-east side dismounting the Enemies Cannon and laying them in Rubbish whilst the latter set fire to three of their Magazines one of Brandy and two of Biskets the Fire lasting till Morning and doing great damage so that to save their other Provisions they hastily removed them to more distant places and their Horse that Encamped along the River being removed by the Guns of our Frigats encamped between the Town and Killaloo that they might be at hand to defend the Passages of the Shannon And now the General resolving the Army should pass the Shannon in order to attack the Irish Horse in the County of Clare and to streighten the Town on that side the better to conceal the Design a shew was made as if he intended to ship away the heavy Cannon and quit the small Castles and outward Fortifications which the Enemy taking for his being about to raise the Siege gave a great shout for Joy But that Night our Men laid the Pontons over the River about a Mile above the Town and early the next Morning the Royal Regiment of Dragoons with a Detachment of Horse and Foot had passed over undiscovered by the Enemy but as soon as Brigadier Clifford who lay with 4 Regiments of Dragoons to guard the Passage perceived our Troops had gained the Banks he brought down his Men on Foot their Horses being at Grass but at the first Charge they fell into disorder and from that to open flight Being pursued by our Men a great many of them were killed some taken Prisoners in the flight most of them flung away their Arms and left their Tents Baggage Saddles Bridles and other Accoutrements to be divided amongst our Men with 2 Pieces of Cannon and the Standard of Maxwel The Enemies Horse that encamped higher near Killaloo taking the Alarm drew out but it was only to get time to take down their Tents and cover their Baggage for as soon as our Troops advanced towards them and had passed the first Defile they hastily marched away in some disorder towards the Mountains On the 15th of September the Lord Lisburn as he was quitting the Trenches was killed with a Cannon Bullet and the next day Capt. Taaf came over from the Enemy giving an Account That the Town was almost ruined with our Bombs and great Guns and that they had not above ten days Bread for Subsistance the Garrison not consisting of above 600 able Men. Whilst these things were doing Col. Michelburn marched with a Detachment of his Regiment 500 of the Militia 2 Troops of Dragoons and 6 Field-pieces encamping at Drumchiefle and then advancing towards Slego which again was in the Enemies hands beat in their Out-guards and being joyned by the Lord Granard who a little before had reduced the Castle of Balymont that Garrisom apprehensive of the danger they were in capitulated almost upon the same Articles that were allowed to Galloway including in the Capitulation the Castles of Bellaby New-Town and Castle-Bourk which were to be taken care of provided they Surrendred within 4 hours after Summons And hereupon the Fort on the 15th of September was delivered up and 600 Men marched out under the Command of Sir Teague O Regan and left in the
place 16 pieces of Cannon and Col. Michelburn was constituted Governour And now to return again to Lymerick Whilst the Siege was yet carried vigorously on the General with Lieutenant-General Scravenmore being an the other side of the Shannon with 5000 Horse and Dragoons and a proportionable Detachment of Foot marched into the County of Clare with 12 Field-pieces and 7 or 8 days Provision to oblige the Enemies Horse to fight or drive them further from Lymerick whereupon they not only avoided coming to Action but many of them dispersed and disbanded so that their number daily lessened Brigadier Levison with 250 Horse and Dragoons had fallen upon the Enemy in Kerry where they were about 3000 strong and routed them killing a great many and taking divers Officers Prisoners by whiâ—h means their Majesties Forces were entire Maâ—ters of the County So that the General being now on Clare side of Lymerick with a strong Body of Horse 10 Regiments of Foot and 14 Pieces of Cannon the rest of the Army remaining under the Duke of Wirtemberg for the Security of the Works on the other side on the 22d of September about Noon our Troops drew up before the English Town though the Enemies Cannon played upon them all the while from the Casâ—le and several Towers as also the small shot from the Flankers and Outworks About four in the Afternoon the General ordered a Detachment to attack the Fort near Thomond Bridge Whereupon the Enemy sent two great Detachments out of the Town to support and defend those that were in the Fort but our Men marched on with such Courage and Bravery that notwithstanding this Reinforcement they bore down all before them pursuing with hot Execution the flying Enemy over the Bridge and brought such a Terrour upon the City that Monsieur D Vsson the French Governour of Lymerick durst not lower the Draw-Bridge to let in his own Men dreading least ours should enter with them so that crouding on the Bridge in great numbers our Men by perpetually pouring their Vollies of shot amongst them made a miserable slaughter insomuch that from the foot of the Bridge to the Draw-bridge nothing was to be seen but heaps of dead Bodies discolouring the River with Blood and 600 were computed to be killed in this Action and about 130 taken Prisoners amongst whom was Col. Skelton who being very much hurt died soon after of of his wounds and our Men during this hot dispute being very much exposed to the fire of the Town were about 300 of them killed and wounded but none of note This resolute Enterprise of our Men brought such a Terrour upon the Garrison that in the Afternoon a Parley was beaten round the Town and notice was given that the People were very much enraged against the French Governour for suffering so many Men to be cut off by keeping them out of the City that they had insulted and could hardly be kept from using violence The beating this Parley was to desire a Cessation of Firing and casting in Bombs which was allowed till 9. the next Morning when the Colonels Sarsfield and Wahop came out and desired the Truce might continue a day longer and that they might send to the 1500 Horse commanded by Sheldon in the County of Clare to know whether they would be included in the Capitulation which was allowed And on Septemb. 25. Col. Sheldon and some of his Officers 〈◊〉 to our Camp and had leave given him to go into Lymerick and consult with the Officers in Garrison and the next day Sarsfield and Wahop came out again and dined with the General and Hostages were proposed to be exchanged which being concluded on the L. Cutts Sir David Collier Col. Pâ—per and Col. Tiffany were sent by the General and the Town sent out the Lords Westmeath Trimelstown Lowth and Evagh so that the Cessation was continued and the Garrison sent out their Proposals but they were such as the General could not approve of and therefore instead of answering them he sent in twelve Articles which he would allow and not to be unready to speak his mind in another Language in case the Truce should be broken by their refusal he ordered the Cannon and Mortars to remain charged on their Batteries ready to fire upon the first Command whiâ—h made the Besieged more reasonable in their Demands so that the Commissioners for the Treaty coming forth again the same day had a long Conference with those appointed to treat with them by the General and became more moderate A very good prospect of Accommodation presented at this time for we had of their Prisoners taken in the last Action 2 Lieutenant-Colonels 2 Majors 9 Captains 7 Lieutenants and 6 Ensigns And this being likely to be a general Treaty for the Settlement of the Kingdom the Lords Justices set forward from Dublin to be assisting at it and arrived in the Camp the first of October and after some Conferences with the Commissioners on the part of the Garrison and their Troops in the County of Clare the Articles of Surrender of the City of Lymerick and the Castles of Clare and Ross with all other Places and Castles that were at that time in the hands of the Irish were on the Third of October concluded and agreed on and signed by the General and Lords Justices on the one side and by the French Governour and the Persons deputed by the Garrison on the other and thereupon a Stone-Fort and one of the Gates was put into the General 's hands the same Evening and the next day five of our Regiments marched into the Irish Town it being among other things agreed That the French and such as are willing to go beyond the Seas may continue in the English Town and the Island till they can be Transported and Shipping are to be got ready for that purpose And seeing upon the Articles of this Capitulation the quiet and settlement of the Country consisted and upon signing which 〈◊〉 entirely returned to its Obedience it is requisite the Reader should not be ignorant at least of the Substance or Chief Matters contained in them They consisting in two Parts Civil and Military As for the Civil Part it gave the Roman Catholicks the Exercise of their Religion as far as was consistent with the Laws of Ireland and as they enjoyed it in the Reign of King Charles the Second c. and to all Persons in general that had been in Arms or otherwise under King Iames except forfeiting Persons out of the Kingdom should be repossesed of what they could justly Claim or were lawfully Entituled to in the Reign of King Charles the Second and at any time since by any Law or Laws that were in force in his Reign And those of Trades or Callings to return to them and Exercise them as in the Reign of King Iames the Second on condition they took the Oath of Allegiance made by the English Parliament the First Year of their Majesties Reign Merchants and
at him yet none of them had the power to hurt him by reason upon their first presenting he sheltred him behind the ruines of an old House and retired into the Town cautious how he trusted them any more The Besiegers by this time grown weary of continual Duty and the danger they were exposed to drew off their main Body and encamped on a Hill about two miles from the Town yet left it entirely besieged On the Fourth of Iune a Squadron of Voluntier Horsmen who promised upon Oath to do great things supported by a Detachment of Foot made an Attack upon the Windmil-work resolving to force the Line coming on with loud Shouts and Huzza's but were frustrated in their Enterprize being beat off with considerable loss Four hundred of them were accounted to be killed and to secure their Retreat the Foot carried Faggots at their Backs and those that had none hoised the dead Bodies and carried them away on their Backs to dead the shot On the part of the Besieged the loss was very inconsiderable only Captain Butler pressing too eagerly after the Enemy was taken Prisoner and a few killed by a great shot coming over the River These sevâ—â—al Defeats and Disappointments of taking a place they before had thought so easie that the French General upon the first view swore he would beat down the Walls with Pot-Guns so enraged the Enemy that they were resolved to make all the effort imaginable and the next night played Bombs some of them 273 pounds which broke up the Streats beat down several Houses and killed divers Persons which occasioned some consternation and the more when their Stores of Provision began to fail and Famine to encrease so that they needs must have been disheartned had they not been encouraged by the discovery of Thirty Sail of Ships in the Lough which were sent to their Succour from England under the Command of Major-General Kirk with Provision Men and Ammunition But the River being chained up with a floating Boom a-cross it and Batteries of the Enemy on the Bank he could not only for several days get up but had much ado to have Communication by Letter yet the hope of Relief so near at hand kept up the Spirits of the Besieged and encouraged them to a vigorous Defence though many died daily for want Monsieur de Rosen the French Marshal by this time arrived in the Enemies Camp and understanding the little progress they had made in carrying on the Siege fell a swearing By the Belly of God he would not only demolish the Town but bury the Besieged in their own Ruins But upon the Attacks he made found no better Success than the rest and the Lord Clancarâ—y who they said was destined by an old Prophecy to take the Town making an Attack and being beat off with great loss Lieutenant-General Hamilton who had falsified his Trust to King William and revolted to the Enemy upon his being sent from England to pacifie Matters in the beginning came to make large Offers but was rejected by the Besieged with Indignation nor was Rosen's Promises and Threats regarded Whereupon he pitched upon a French Politick imagining that would infâ—deâ—â—ly do viz. he caused all the miserable Protestants to be gathered out of the Countries round about and driven half naked and starved there to perish if the Besieged refused to succour them whose Wants though they pierced their Hearts having very slender Provision in the Town they could not relieve and therefore kept the Gates shut against them yet fired among the Enemies Party that drove them four or five of them fell dead with the Shot And now there being several Prisoners in the Town who had several Relations of Note and Command in the Enemies Camp the Governour and the rest caused a Gallows to be set up in the sight of the Enemy threatning to hang the Prisoners thereon if those miserable People were not suffered to return to their Habitations yet leave given them to write to their Friends to know what they would do on their behalf Rosen returned them no Answer but Hamilton returned them a slight one However this Stratagem prevailed and the People were permitted to return which proved advantageous to the Garrison for amongst them five or six hundred poor Starvlings were shuffled out and some able Bodies taken in Another Stratagem they had to shoot Letters into the Town in the dead Shell of a Bomb viz. not filled with Powder as imagining the Governour and other Superiour Officers kept their Proposals from the Soldiers but this enraged them the more and it was ma 〈…〉 th so much as to discourse of a Surrender About the Thirtieth of Iune Major Baker died yet the Defence continued as vigorous as ever and divers Sallies were made though the Garrison through Famine Diseases and Loss was lessened near one half and the Famine increased so fast that Horse-flesh was fold for Eighteen pence the pound and but little of that to be had A Quarter of a Dog that fead upon the dead Irish at Five shillings and six pence his Head at half a crown a Cat at four shillings and six pence Rats Mice Tallow Greves and all noysome things that could be possibly eaten proportionably so that in the whole Town there was but nine lean Horses left and a pint of Meal and a little Tallow to each Man when Providence so ordered whilst they were at their Devotions News came that Ships were making their way up the River which to their great Joy and Comfort proved true for Major-General Kirk having notice that the Town could hold out no longer ordered the Mountjoy and Phoenix and Mountjoy guarded by the Dartmouth to force their way at any hazard which they did through the Showers of the Enemies Shot and found the Boom broke one of them however struck upon a shelve yet the Stock of her Guns set her free again and they came safe to the Town bringing Life to a dying People which the Enemy perceiving thought it to no purpose of staying longer before it least they should receive worse disgrace but in some confusion raised their Camp firing Culmore and divers other Places in their Retreat breaking for haste some of their great Guns and had a Party of the Inniskilling-Men and some of the Garrison upon their Rear who cut off or took Prisoners the Sâ—raglers with some Booty the former having before defeated Lieutenant-General Maccarty they likewise threw about twelve Care load of Arms into the River for want of Carriages to bear them off and lost before the Town in a Siege of one hundred and five Days for so long it lasted between 18 and 19000 Men and among them 100 of their best Officers And now pardon me Reader for insisting so long upon this particular which I could not slightly pass over since if we consider the Weakness of the Place few of the Men that defended trained up in War and Scarcity it endured and the time it held
â—riumph with their Prize in the sight of a â—umerous People who thought it for the most â—art safest to keep at a distance This Ship lay here to carry off some of the â—rotestants Goods that had been seized in Dublin but the Freighters by this means were â—isappointed of their expectations Colonel Woolsey being still abroad with a Party to observe the Enemies Motions having with him a Party of 700 Men out of the Regiment of Kirk Earl Grover and the Inniskilling Troops he ordered half oâ— them to make an Incursion towards Finagâ— under the Command of Lieutenant-Coloneâ— Creichtoune he with the rest marched to Kilislia a strong Castle between Belturbet and Cavan where he by secret marching came by break of day and brought his Men withiâ— Musquet shot of the Fortress under the shelteâ— of the Hedges and Ditches and immediately fixed his Miners to the Wall where they sooâ— finished a Mine and were ready to spring iâ— by Ten the next Morning whereupon thâ— Colonel sent to Summon the Garrison upoâ— which they sent out an Officer to treat and about two hours after the Conditions were agreed on Which were That the Garrison shoulâ— march out with their Arms and Baggage and accordingly the Castle Gate was delivereâ— about Noon and the Garrison commanded bâ— one Captain Darchy marched out within aâ— hour after consisting of 160 Men detacheâ— out of several Regiments and according tâ— Articles agreed on were guarded to Cavan so that this strong place was reduced with thâ— loss of three Men on our side and four or fivâ— wounded it being of great Importance tâ— their Majesties Affairs by reason it openeâ— a free passage into Connaught and all that parâ— of Leinster that lies on the Shannon and afteâ— having put in a Garrison of One hundred Men he returned to Belturbet and was there reinforced by a Battalion of Danes to enter upon further Action as he found it advantageous to the Service Insomuch the Irish Parties were so frequently met withal that they came not abroad so often as they were wont by which means our Men had the better leisure to get in Hay and Corn to the Magazines which they frequently adventured for in the Enemies Quarters and for the most part succeeded so well that they mainly encreased the Stores so that with that and what came from England the Camp and Out-Quarters were plentifully supplied and even the Papists chose rather to bring in their Provisions to our Camp than the Enemies so Self-interest by reason of the disproportion in the Money as taking valuable Coin in ours and only Copper and mixed Mettal at a vast disproportion in the other promised to be changed hereafter into better Coin though they knew not when nor cared to rely upon such uncertainties About this time the damp Fogs arising in the Country a great many Officers and Soldiers died in either Camp but the destruction light mostly on the French in comparison of their number who coming out of a warm dry Country could not so well endure the incommoding Vapours and cold Damps which the frequent Rains that fall in Ireland especially when the Season is any thing considerably advanced towards the Winter Quarter And now that the Blessing of God might be upon Their Majesty's Arms and Judgments averted the General caused his Proclamation to be published throughout the Camp and in other places strictly prohibiting Swearing Cursing and Prophaneness in the Officers and Soldiers on pain of Displeasure and such Punishments as might be inflicted which for a time stopped those Volleys of Oaths and Curses that were wont to be heard on every trivial occasion The General went out with a Party to view the Enemies Posts and Situation of the Country and upon his return to Lisburn where now his Head-Quarters were he received the welcome News That Colonel Woosley marching from Belturbet with Seven hundred Foot and Three hundred Horse notwithstanding his being discovered by the Centinels who gave the Alarm and the badness of the Weather he got thither half an hour after break of day and there contrary to his expectation found the Duke of Berwick arrived with Twenty five hundred Men which with the Garrison made up about Four thousand and these were drawn up in good order near the Fort yet the Colonel took Courage resolving to Charge them ordering his Men as the ground gave opportunity and soon they joyned in a fierce Encounter the Inniskilling-Men standing to it manfully so that notwithstanding the great odds in two hours time they beat the Enemy out of the Field with considerable slaughter in which Action the Duke of Berwick had his Horse shot under him and Colonel O Rely Governour of Cavan was killed as also two Lieutenant Colonels and divers other Officers of Note The Enemy beaten out of the Field our Men too eager of Plunder entered the Town before they had gained an entire Victory which the Irish perceiving rallied and those in the Fort sallied upon them so that in the scattered disorder they were in they had been mostly cut off had not the Colonel with a Reserve of Two hundred and fifty Foot and Eighty Horse hasted to their rescue and given them leave to get to their Arms and although he beat the Salliers into the Fort and made the others retire yet the Town being a Magazine and full of Plunder he could not get his Men out till he was forced to fire it about their Ears whereby great Stores of Provisions were consumed for most of the Houses were filled with Bread Meal Oats and the like being a Six Months Provision for the Garrison and by this Defeat and the Ruine of the Town the Duke of Berwick was disappointed of his Design which by his Orders was to Post there with Ten Thousand Men to be composed of a Detachment of all the Regiments and so to keep the Country in awe and make Incursions as he perceived it advantageous In this Action on our side were only Twenty Men killed of which number were Captain Armstrong Major Trahern Captain Mayo and Captain La Maugere but the Enemy lost above Three hundred and Two hundred taken Prisoners many that fled threw away their Arms and Baggage for haste Upon this Success Sir Iohn Lanier being at the Newry with a strong Party advanced to Dundalk and from thence to Bedlow Castle where was a Company of Foot consisting of between Thirty and Forty Men but the Dragoons soon stormed it killed divers of them and set the Castle on Fire and upon their return attacked Dundalk wherein the Enemy had a Garrison but they kept close and would not venture to sally and our Men not being strong enough for a formal Siege plundered the Houses thereabout and marched away with a considerable Booty About this time the Prince of Wirtemberg landed with the Danish Forces under his Command for their Majesties Service and in a short time joyned the Army Col. Callimot attempting to surprize the strong Fort of Charlemont
arrival of more Ships from England and the Irish upon the like account from France And about the latter end of May 8 Ships with 500 Carriage-Horses and other Necessaries for the Army came to Dublin and Lieutenant-General Scravenmore Major-General Mackay and Major-General Ruvigny came likewise on Shoar And now the Train of Artillery consisted of 39 Pieces of Cannon 12 Field-pieces and 6 Mortars And in the mean while the French General St. Ruth proceeded to model the Irish Army and give Commissions in his Master's Name ordering things with an Absolute Power where their Troops drew together at Loghera in Connaught And in the beginning of Iune all things on our part was in a manner in a readiness the Soldiers by this time being well recruited of the hardships found many of them in their Winter Quarters and being often out in Parties The Army indeed lay still longer than the Irish expected which made them promise themselves more success than they were like to meet withal for the General intending to make a vigorous War and push on for speedy Victory and the reducing all places that yet held out and had refused to submit to their Majesties Obedience took care so effectually to provide for all things necessary for enterprizing so great an Undertaking that nothing might be wanting to retard in the least the progress of their Majesties Arms and because the Stores laid up the Year before as to Forrage and other things of that nature whereby the Army might subsist in its March it was prudently taken into Consideration that Nature should have time to do her part in furnishing the Earth with such a sufficiency as might supply what was wanting if any delays by cross Accidents should happen that so every thing that could be expected might contribute to the sudden and effectual reducing the Kingdom and putting an end to so chargeable a War whereby the Forces upon so happy a Conclusion as must be at leisure to oppose the grand Disturber of Europe in a more sensible manner seeing it was concluded his main Policy in assisting the Irish was only to divert those Troops he otherwise could not without reason expect would make him an unwelcome Visit upon his own Frontiers and joyntly labour to plant the Rightful Monarch in the Field of Golden Lilies These Considerations I say being of weight presaged the unparallel'd Success in a great measure that attended and crowned them to our wishes The Irish and the French in Confederacy with them held several strong Towns such as were not thought easily to be reduced as Balâ—ymore the two Towns of Athlone Galloway and Lymerick besides a numerous Army that had already taken the field and promised to themselves great matters from their Valour and Conduct as now supporting themselves better disciplined than the Year before for they had amongst them a great many French Officers who laboured to exercise and train them up in the Arts and Methods used in the French Army And indeed had they had to do with any other Nation but the English they might have come off better than they did in the oppositions they made but the ancient British Valour revived in so short a War took again its insuperable vigour resolving to overcome all Difficulties and stick at no Danger but furiously press on where the least glimmering of Victor presented and so like a rapid Torrent forcing the opposing Dams carrying all before it and Crown their Monarchs with sprouting Laurels and Triumphs But not longer to detain the Reader from matter of Fact which is mainly the intended Scope of this History The Supplies expected from England being seasonably arrived and every thing that was thought necessary in a readiness there wanted but Orders to march which were not delayed for now as is said the Army being ready to take the field our Forces were commanded to Decamp and accordingly Decamped from Mullingar and the same day the Army was joyned by Lieutenant-General Douglas with the Northern Troops and on the Seventh of Iune came before Ballymore seizing upon all the Enemies Out-posts which they quitted upon the approach of our Men but being taken the Serjeant was hanged for firing after the Communication was then cut off between him and the Town In the Afternoon a Battery of four Field-pieces was bent against the Fort and five Batteries were raised the Night following from whence our Cannon rent the Walls and Curtains and the General sent to the Governour to let him know That if he and the Garrison would Surrender within two hours he would save their Lives and make them Prisoners of War if not they must expect no Quarter To which the Governour made no direct Answer but reply'd He hoped to get better Terms Our Cannon having made two great Breaches and four Boats brought from Mullingar put into the Water the fear of a present Storm made the Besieged hang out a white Flag and Colonel Bourk with several Officers came and submitted to the General at discretion So that Colonel Earl with 400 Men marched in and took possession of the place in which there was a Garrison of 780 Soldiers besides 259 Rapparees well armed and about 1000 Women and Children In this Action we had 8 Men killed and the Enemy above 150. This important place thus reduced and the Prince of Wirtemberg having joyned the Army with about 12000 Horse and Foot the March was directed towards Athlone On the Nineteenth our Men came before the place where they had put up the French Colours in four parts of the Town to make us believe there were a great many French ingarrisoned in it but this hindred not for by Ten in the Morning a Battery of Ten eighteen Pounders was finished and playing upon the Great Bastion in a short time the Face-flank and Curtain were laid in Rubbish and the General ordered the Assault to be made in this order First there advanced 300 detach'd Granadiers Then 50 Pioneers with more Faggots Then 200 Feusileers supported by two Regiments of Foot After them 200 Pioneers with more Faggots Then 20 Men with Axes to cut the Barrocades if any opposed So that about Six in the Evening on the Twentieth of Iune the Signal was given to fall on which was the Discharge of all the Cannon in Battery At first the Enemy seemed resolved to defend the Breacb but upon the first flight of the English Granadoes they scattered and fled in much confusion over the Bridge to the Irish Town on Connaught side some leaping into the Shannon for haste and there perished in the Waters Our Men immediately entred the English Town but lying somewhat open to the Enemies shot on the other side the River some few were killed and others wounded but the Engineers soon raised Blinds to shelter them On our part of note Lieutenant-Colonel Goar and Lieutenant-Colonel Kirk of Villier's Regiment were killed one entring the Breach and the other surveying the Town from a Hill The Siege was carried on against
and Lymerick during the Sieges of those Places it was required that three Witnesses should give Testimony as to the Premisses one of them to be a Protestant in every particular matter for proof of each Persons qualification as to the Articles who claims to have been within the said City or Town and thereby to be comprised within the said Articles or either of them And on the Sixth of April the Lord's Justices of the Council and Kingdom sat to hear and examine the Claims exhibited before them by such Persons as made their Application to them sitting Mâ—nday Wednesday and Friday weekly for that purpose And that nothing might be wanting to encourage and promote the Trade of the Kingdom Ships daily arrived in the Ports with Provision and other Necessaries insomuch that after a long Scarcity Plenty began again to be restored to a prospect of a greater height than ever by which the Calamities and Sufferings appeared to vanish and the Joy of the People the Protestants especially to be restored more than ever especially under the Conduct and Government of Affairs of those prudent Persons that are put into Power and Trust. The Kingdom of Ireland thus settled and in a fair way to Happiness his Majesty was in Flanders drawing his Forces together to prosecute his Victories on that side and compleat the Felicity of his Kingdoms when in the mean while some ill Men of restless Spirits at home were labouring under hand to disquiet us by endeavouring to hold Correspondence with the Common Enemy and Encouraging him to invade their Native Kingdoms but Providence as at all times so now more particularly timely discovered their dark Projects and sinister Designs whereupon many were apprehended and imprisoned in divers places in order to be brought to Justice and Condign Punishment yet this did not so much discourage the French King but that he got his Fleet very early in a readiness as it is generally supposed to Invade England but the Winds appeared to stand on our side and kept them in their Harbours contrary to their Expectations though he had drawn down his Forces on the Coast of Normandy c. to Embark on his Men of War and Transport-ships as occasion should offer Our Fleet in the mean while was hastned out to oppose them and the Dutch Squadrons with much Celerity joyned us so that on the 19th of May they stood away to the South-west in search of the French Fleet and about six Leagues from Cape Barsleur got sight of them who with much presumption bore down upon us having the Weather-gage the Wind at South-west and about Eleven in the Morning they Engaged Admiral Russel who commanded our Red Squadron The sight continued hot on both sides till about Three in the Afternoon Turville the French Admiral being very much worsted and fearing to be hemmed in by our Blue Squadron and the Dutch who laboured to get the Wind of the Enemy bore away but not so speedily but that the Blew Squadron had time enough to come in and Engage him about Six so that another hot Dispute continued till about Ten at night the French making a Retreating fight in which some of their Ships were blown up and others sunk All Night it was very calm and foggy the next Morning and abâ—ut Eight it began to clear up the Wind at East-North-East when the French Fleet appeared about Two Leagues to the Leeward of ours much less in number than the day before being but Thirty six Men of War standing away to their own Coast whilst ours pursued them and both Fleets upon a great Calm came to an Anchor the Dutch who now had the Van being within a League of them and on the One and twentieth they weighed and stood away and we after them Admiral Russel taking his Course towards Barsleur having sight of several Ships under the shoar but by this time many of them were got into the first Harbours they came to so that fear and too much haste caused several of them to run aground to prevent our Coming up with them But it availed little for Vice-Admiral Delaval hotly pursuing Fliers who put in made under Cape de Wick their Squadrons being now broken and separated with much difficulty got in with light Frigats Fire-ships and Armed-Boats and in spight of the Fire the French made from their Ships and from their Platform on shoar Captain Heath laid the Royal Sun of France on Board with his Fireship and burnt her being the French Admiral of 104 Guns and Captain Green burnt the Conquerdant of 102 Guns and another Ship of 80 Guns was burnt by the Boats that were sent out after the Men were taken from it and some other Vessels with little loss of Men on our side Captain Fowlis attempted to burn the Royal Sun but was set on fire by an accidental shot from the Enemy supposed to be made red hot for that purpose Monsieur Gaberet's Ship Admiral of the French Blew Squadron perished in the fight amongst the rest Whilst these things were doing Admiral Russel with the Red Squadron stood with the Enemies Ships who were got into the Bay of La Hogue and sent Vice-Admiral Rook with a Squadron of Light Frigats and Fireships and all the Boats he had with him well armed to burn the Ships he had there penn'd up which succeeded so well that Six were burnt that Night and with the same Resolution Six more were burnt the next Morning Three of them being Three-deck'd Ships carrying a great Force of Men and Guns and the other Three from sixty to seventy Guns and one of Fifty six Guns was overset and utterly lost So that the whole number in that Bay was destroyed the Men in the Boats on this occasion behaving themselves with much Bravery and Resolution insomuch that they took possession of several of the French Ships and turned the Guns upon the Platform that fired upon them from the Land in the sight of the French and Irish Camp that lay near the shoar Many of the French Seamen perished with their Ships those on shoar refusing to fetch them off and a great many were taken Prisoners So that in the main we destroyed about One and twenty of their biggest Ships and of other Frigats Crafts and Transport-ships to the number of Thirty and this without the loss of any Ship on our side unless Fireships that were spent on the Enemy For this Signal Victory the Admiral caused a Solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God to be held on Board the Fleet and had the Wind been more timely favourably few of the French that engaged had escaped This happy News caused great Rejoycing in all their Majesties Dominions and in the Courts of the Confederate Princes And now to shew God's more signal Favour and Mercy towards us a Hellish Conspiracy was discovered that had been carried on to destroy his Majesty beyond the Seas by Assassination influenced by the greatest Persons in the French Court to their Eternal Infamy as it was deposed upon Oath and this was undertaken by one de Grandual a Captain of Dragoons in the French Service and one Dumot a Walloon who had the last Year agreed together to kill the King and for that purpose went to Loo whilst his Majesty was there but missing of their wicked purpose they went back to Paris and there remaining during the Winter they engaged one Leefdale in the same pernicious Design agreeing to Attack the King either upon a March or when he should ride out to see the Troops but an Almighty Hand held them from their Executing what they so wickedly intended and saved his Anointed to be a Joy and Comfort to his People and a Scourge to the Common Enemy who though good at close Villanies and purchasing of Towns yet not to stand in Competition at fair Valour and Heroick Bravery as has all along appeared by Retreats and strong Encampments when urged to Battel in a fair Field yet no doubt a short time will let us see the difference between true Manhood and Politick Dâ—lays and Precautions Ireland is now waiting to Receive her Right Honourable Lord Deputy with all the Demonstrations of Joy that a willing Nation can express sutable to the great Expectations she has to be yet more happy under the Auspicious Conduct of so worthy a Hero and wise Dispencer of Justice and an Encourager and Propagator of the Protestant Religion c. Thus we see through God's Blessing upon their Majesties Arms this Kingdom is once again in a happy way to be prosperous and more entirely happy than ever FINIS