prejudic'd and ruin'd To go on with the Discourse after Sligo was reduc'd and the Country adjacent in quiet Possession to Their Majesties Government the Coll. writes to the Lords Justices for leave to go to Dublin to vindicate himself being advertised by several good Friends what Affidavits and Examinations were given in to ruine him and that he might be provided with some of the best Gentry of the Country before he went he writes from Ballyshannon to Sir Francis Hamilton who with the rest of those worthy Gentlemen had been all along with him on all Actions against Sligo and had taken Certificates from Coll. Michelburne for their good Services as assured when he went to Dublin he would be had much in Esteem for his good Management he now makes it his Request for a Certificate from them and the rest of the Gentlemen to do him that Kindness which not long before he did to them Here followeth a Certificate from the Chief Officers of the Militia viz. Sir Francis Hamilton Bar. Governour of the County of Donagall Capt. Charles Hamilton of Cavan Capt. William Stewart Capt. John Hamilton of Murvaugh Capt. Henry Colwell c. But first the Letter from Sir Francis Hamilton SIR THE Remoteness of these Gentlemens Habitations who have join'd with me must plead my Excuse for detaining your Messenger so long I make no doubt but the inclosed will answer your Expectation and the greatest Enemy you have who was an Eye-witness to your Actions cannot in Justice contradict one Word in it I gave the Lords Justices an Account from time to time of what passed where we were and never did so without doing you right so that I believe it will be in vain to make a Repetition of what I have formerly said in any thing that may conduce to your Service be pleased freely to lay your Commands upon SIR Your most humble Servant Francis Hamilton For the Honoured Coll. Michelburne These Ballyshannon Here followeth the Certificate WE do Certifie that the Honourable Coll. Michelburne who Commanded the Forces of Tyrone Dey Donygall and Farmonah marched four several times into the Enemies Country and that upon every Occasion he was not only Diligent and Careful but also shewed great Resolution and Conduct to the good Example of those under his Command And whereas some Men have informed that Coll. Michelburne minded his private Advantage more than his Majesties Service We do declare that he in Person forced back many droves of Cattle into the Enemies Out-works which he might have applied to his own private Vse by which means the Garrison thought it more convenient to Capitulate than to suffer so many Thousand Cattle to starve with which and Coll. Michelburne's Diligence and good Conduct the Fort of Sligo was prevailed with to Surrender at the time it was delivered All which we Certifie under our Hands this 20th Day of October Fr. Hamilton Ch. Hamilton Will. Stewart John Hamilton Henry Colwell Another of the same Certificates Signed by the Officers of the Army viz. Â Mich. Cunnington Rich. Bickerstaffe Albert Nisbet Will. Gunter Sam. Shalcrosse John Campbell John Bayly John Hamilton And. Nisbet David Chalmey Hu. Caldwell Anth. Sbemberge John Mansell Hermles Burleigh Daniel It was about the latter end of October the Coll. began his Journey to Dublin and waited on the Lords Justices and acquainted them of the good Condition of the Country and in what posture he left Sligo and the Country adjacent and that withal he was informed that some People had informed their Lordships of several things that were false that he knew not any thing he had done but what was altogether for Their Majesties Service and that all he desired was to have Justice and withal desired that he might have a Copy of those Infermations that were given in against him Upon which the Lord Coningsby told him That he would order Mr. Davis their Secretary that he might have a Copy of them Most of the Examinations were from some of Captain Forward's Troops alledging That of the Prey that was taken out of the Enemies Country they were denied Subsistence for which Reasons they Deserted some in their Affidavits swore to 800. some to 1500. One Robb a Tobacco Seller swore to 6000. but would not stay to justifie his Oath but is posted away by Forward and Vaughan to the King and Council to do the Coll. a farther Prejudice Of all the Militia and Army no Body appears but one Captain Forward who not long before was sent Prisoner by the said Coll. to Lieutenant Gen. Ginkel the Cause and Reason in their due place The Coll. prest hard that the Cause might come on and that he might be dismissed and on the back of Forward's Petition was writ as followeth Thursday Morning the 19th of November at 9 a Clock this Business is to be heard before the Lords Justices and the General To hinder a long Discourse of this Trial in Forward's large Petition and Coll. Michelburne's Answer after the Chancery manner and the Witnesses examin'd on both sides which would take up almost as much as the for going Narrative we will cut it short and only mention the Counsels on both sides and barely the Names of the Witnesses The Counsel for Coll. Michelburn the first time were Serj. Osborne Prin. Sergeant at Law Counsellor Wingfield and Counsellor Wright Capt. Forward's were Sir John Meade Counsellor Counsellor And according to the Order of the Lords Justices both made their Appearance on the 19th of November at 9 a Clock Present Sir Charles Porter Lord Justice and Chancellor of Ireland Thomas Coningsby Esq Lord Justice And General Ginkel Commander in Chief of the Army The Petition and Answer was read and some Pleadings heardon both sides and Forward the Militia Captain failing of any material Evidence his Counsel Petitioned for a longer time and had time allowed them till the last of November The Collonel pleaded the great Charge he was at in keeping several Witnesses in Town and these of no mean Rank as Capt. Hugh Caldwell Capt. of Dragoons Capt. Anthony Shomberge Capt. Cunnington Capt. Stephen Miller c. Which was 40 or 50 Shillings Charge each Day the Lords Justices promising that he should be allowed the Charges of his Witnesses The last of November being the second time of Hearing and Pleading on both sides and when it came again to the Test our Militia Captain failing of his Witnesses his Counsel Pleading they had 100 Miles to come up to Dublin they again got leave from the Lord Justice Porter for 15 Days which was lengthened to 17 Days but it was ordered that Coll. Michelburn should be allowed Ten Guinneys towards the Charges he was at that Day being the last Days Trial was on the 17th Day of December The Trial came on the Counsel on both sides present Counsel for the Collonel Serj. Osborne princ Serj. at Law Serj. Broderick Counsellor Wingfield Counsellor Wright Forward's Councel were The Recorder of Dublin Counsellor Counsellor
yet a more pressing Necessity within those Walls and sending them at last Deliverance and bringing them by your Conduct to Triumph over their Enemies which we cannot but Attribute to an immediate Divine Assistance inspiring them with a Zeal for the true Religion a Love for their Countrey and an Vnshaken Fidelity towards Vs and must ever own it as a Continuation of that Miraculous Providence which hath hitherto conducted Vs throughout our Endeavours to resettle these Nations in all their Civil and Religious Rights and Liberties So in the next place taking into our Serious Consideretion as well the Importance of this Success as that Constancy and Bravery by which it hath been brought to pass We would not omit signifying unto you the just sense We have of this whole Action in which having the greatest Opportunity that can be put into the hands of any Subjects of Obliging their Prince you have in all points acquitted your selves to Our Satisfaction even beyond what could have been expected insomuch that it now lies on Our part to make such Retributions as well to you the Commanders in Chief who have been the happy Instruments under God of this Deliverance as others who have Signalized their Loyalty Courage and Patience in this time of Tryal that all Our Subjects being Encouraged by this Example may be stirred up to the Imitation of it in the like hazardous but Honourable Enterprizes We Will therefore that you Rely on Our Royal Favour towards you and also that in Our Name you assure the Officers Soldiers and Inhabitants of that Our City that we will take fitting Occasions to recompence their Services and Sufferings in Our Cause so that they nor any other of Our Loving Subjects shall ever have reason to repent them of a Faithful Discharge of their Duty and so we bid you Farewel Given at our Court at Hampton-Court this 16th Day of August 1689. In the First Year of Our Reign By His Majesties Command Shrewsbury A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSACTIONS IN THE North of Ireland In the YEAR 1691. AT the Opening of the Campaign when the Army drew into the Field 't was thought reasonable that when that part of the Army that was Quartered in Vlster under the Command of Lieut. Gen. Douglas joyned the other parts of the Army at Mullingar that a Regiment of the standing Army as also a considerable Body of the Militia should be posted at several Passes on Lough Hearne as that of Belturbet Cavan Eneskillin as likewise at Belleick and Ballyshanan called by the Name of the Earne Water to defend those several Passes against the Incursions of the Enemy from their several Frontiers as that of Jamestown and Boyle and particularly the Town and Forts of Sligoe Commanded by Sir Teague O Regan being the main Entrance into Vlster from Connaught and the most convenient and ready Access into the North by way of Ballyshanan 'T was therefore concluded by the General and the Right Honourable the Lords Justices that Coll. Mitchelburne with his Regiment should be posted at the places above mentioned a Person capable of Command being so well known by his Indefatigable Pains in managing the Government of Derry and especially the Souldiery of the Garrison during the whole time of that Memorable Siege where he baffled General Hamilton and his whole Irish Army The Forces under his Command were as followeth Standing Army Coll. Mitchelburne's whole Regiment 1 Companys of Coll. Venner's Regiment 1 Troop of Dragoons Sir Albert Conningham's 1 Troop of Dragoons Coll. Win's These following were under the Command of Sir Francis Hamilton Bannoret Lieutenant of the County of Donegal Capt. Forward Capt. Vaughan Capt. Wray Capt. John Hamilton Capt. Sampson Capt. Charles Hamilton Capt. William Stewart Foot Companies Capt. Tho. Ash Capt. Pa. Hamilton Capt. Oliver Maccashlin The Rivers at this time were very low which required very strict Guards on all the Fords and the Patrols from Post to Post continually moving in the Night About the middle of June by the heedlesness of a small Party of our Dragoons who Patroll'd Morning and Evening 4 or 5 Miles in an open Countrey to Burndervise on a suddain were surprized by one Capt. Mac Sherry and about Ten of them taken Prisoners Mac Sherry himself confessed he took them when they were Fishing for Salmon These Men were soon released for one Lieutenant Scott Brother to Coll. Scott Deputy Governour of Sligoe but lost all their Horses and Arms. Whilst the said Collonel was posting his Men to the best Advantage for the Defence of these most Important Places being the Inlet of the whole North for could the Enemy but get advantage all Vlster would be in great danger the General as also the Lords Justices being by several good hands informed that Jamestown on the Shanon Boyle and Sligoe were Deserted by the Enemy sends these following Orders to Collonel Mitchelburne Dublin-Castle the 4th of July 1691. SIR THE Lords Justices being informed that the Enemy have Deserted Sligoe and Jamestown in Connaught do think it of very great importance that they be forthwith possess'd by their Majesties Forces and therefore have sent you the enclosed Order which you are desired to peruse with all the speed that possible may be if you find the Information true and that it be feaseable to be done otherwise you are not to undertake it And of your Proceedings from time to time you are to give their Lordships an Account Which by their Lordships Command is Signified to you by Sir Your very humble Servant J. Davis I am Commanded to let you know that the Bisket now at Belleik is design'd for Galway so that unless you find the design upon Sligoe and Jamestown like to succeed you are not to take any of it J. Davis To Collonel Mitchelburne for Their Majesties Special Service The General 's Letter on the same Occasion YOU are hereby Directed and Required in case the Enemy shall have left and quitted Sligoe to send such part of the Standing Army under your Command in the North thither as may be sufficient to take possession of and secure the said Garrison and your Proceedings herein the Condition of the place and of what elsewhere you may think now or from time to time proper for me to know you are to give me a particular Account of Given at the Camp by Athlone this 5th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell To Coll. Mitchelburne and in his Absence to the Officer in Chief with the Standing Forces in the North. It is the General 's Directions that the Officers take care their Men behave themselves Orderly and not Abuse and Plunder the Countrey and for what they do of that nature the Officers to be answerable George Clarke Coll. Mithelburne receiving these two Expresses one from the Lords Justices and the other from the General immediately sends away a Drummer to Sligoe to Sir Teague O Regan with some Letters that were sent from Londonderry by some Prisoners that were taken by
Here followeth a Letter from the Lords Justices to Coll. Michelburne in Answer of one to their Lordships viz. Dublin-Castle the 21th of July 1691. SIR WE have this day received your of the 13th with the Inclosed from Sir Teague O Regan and Coll. Scott For Answer we leave it to you to make the Exchange proposed of the Lieutenant who is Prisoner at Londonderry by them desired for the ten Dragoons and you may direct your Order as you see cause to the Officer Commanding at Londonderry and the Magistrate of that place to send the Lieutenant to you accordingly If you find any who are willing to come into protection and will bring in Stocks of Cattle with them I do hereby Impower you to receive them and to assure them of the protection of the Government they taking the Oath of Fidelity and Allegiance and behaving themselves as becometh good Subjects We are glad to find Sir Teague O Regan sowell inclin'd as to send away the Protestants in safety out of the Enemies Quarters and doubt not your Care in all things that may conduce to Their Majesties Service desiring to hear constantly from you as there is any the least occasion We are Your very Humble Servants Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby For Coll. John Michelburne at Ballyshannon in the County of Duingal To be sent by the Post-Master by Express of Eneskillen from Eneskillen John Davis I had almost ommited a material Passage which was when Coll. Michelburne sent to give Orders for Lieut. Coll. Ramsey Governour of Eneskillen to joyn him with a 100 Firelocks on their March to Manner-Hamilton an Express met them from the Coll. acquainting them that he could not possible joyn them and so ordered them to return back but those of Coll. Ramsey's being a good Party and with them a considerable number of Militla which were never wanting on such an occasion to hunt for Prey prosecuted their Journey to Killkenny and entring into Terrerah a Barony joyning to Killkenny they brought off a confiderable Booty of Gattle Horses and Sheep in the mean time the Garrison of Sligoe was alarm'd Sir Teague and Coll. Scot being advertised of the number of the Soldiers as also the Militia that was with them laid wait for them with 500 Foot Coll. Michelbourne being fearful least the Garrison of Sligoe should sally out and fall on them at unawares sends a Detachment of about 200 Horse and Dragoons under the Command of Sir Francis Hamilton to joyn the former Party by whose vigilant Travelling all Night they luckily fell in when the Eniskillen Party and Sir Ieague O Regan were engag'd at the appearance of Sir Francis Hamilton both Parties desisted and stood in a maze and that at the same time when the Eniskilieners were in a likelihood to have been totally lost for that Coll. Scot was just come up with his Regiment to joyn Sir Teague but it was not long till one might judge on whose fide the Victory wou'd fall for the whole Party of the Irish fled and out Militia after them for above four Miles but Sir Teague was the foremost Man and just at the Entrance of the Town of Sligoe a Serjeant of the Dragoons seized on one matholland the Store-Keeper of Sligoe who was with Sir Teague and not half a Pistol shot from him but the Honourable Sir Teagne O Regan Governour of the Town and County of Sligoe won the Race This Matholland that was taken Prisoner by the Serjeant told him Who do you think that Crook'd-back Fellow was who rid before The Serjeant reply'd he believed him to be his Servant The Devil take me quoth Matholland but he was Sir Teague O Regan By my Soul quoth the Serjeant 't is 20 Guineas out of my way for I am sure the General would have rewarded me very well Sir Teague swore that if they ever carch'd Sir Teague so far again he would agree to be crack'd as a Hog oracks a Pottato At this time by the earnest pursuit after the Enemy one Lieut. Patrick Macre formerly a Lieut. in Dorry during the time of the Siege pursuing the Enemy into the Town apprehending still he was among his own Men cry'd out for King William's Boys and the Honour of London-Derry the poor Man was mistaken and knook'd down by the Enemy but accidentally one of the Towns Men knew him and had him before Sir Teague Sir Teague ask'd him his Name quoth the Lieut my Name is Patrick Moore Then Sir Teague enquired what he was He told him he was a Servant in Derry and enquiring after all things he ask'd him who was Governour in Derry Hotold him Coll. Michelburne to whom he express'd great kindness and allow'd him good Quarter which civility afterwards was Requited by Coll. Michelburne But to pursue our Discourse from the Enemy we took 16 Prisoners which were brought by Guard to Ballyshannou Sir Teague was not long before he heard who had his Prisoners and sent this following Letter to Sir Francis Hamilion Sligoe the 24th of July SIR UPon the last Exchange between us and Coll. Michelburne that now Commands at Ballyshannon we writ to have certain Persons that we thought they had Prisoners there sent us they being as we computed in Arrear to us upon the Exchanges Whereupon we had a civil Letter from Coll. Michelburne importing that he would send them if he had them This Letter I cannot find to send you but upon my Honour it was to this purpose which shews that there is a fair Corespondence between us and our Enemy on this side as may be in such Cases expected other than which I never saw practised nor am acquainted with between Persons of Honour though of different sides you have now one Ensign Rourke Prisoner together with some Inhabitants of this Town and Country I commanded and partly forced and particularly one French that is an Inhabitant of this Town and his Wife and ten Children We have one Lieutenant Patrick Moore of that Party Prisoner here if you will return the said Ensign Rourke and the said other Prisoners of this Town and County that were no way concern'd in our Army I will send you thither or to any Frontier Garrison any of them that you will name and will compleat the Exchange in what shall be found wanting as occasion will offer the said Moore had a Letter of Credit about him from one Alexander Lecky an Alderman in Derry for Twenty or Thirty pounds which names this Person a Lieutenant whither he be so or not the Exchange shall be performed upon your Complyance with SIR Your Humble Servant Teague O Regan To Sir Francis Hamilton Barron Capt. Montgomery or any other Person commanding in Chief a Party of the Enemy in this Country A Copy of a Letter of Sir Teague O Regan's to some of the Gentlemen in the County of Sligoe Intercepted Sligoe July 15th 1691. Gentlemen THO' we have Provisions coming by Water from Gallway the uncertainty that way makes our General Order
Prey along with them for he concluded no Prey no Militia we having arrived there about 10 the Coll. divided his whole Party in two Bodies about Four Hundred Men in each the one he Ranged on the top of a Hill with which he designed to pass the River at Ebb-water In the mean time he block'd up the West part of the Town with the other Four Hundred Men and having viewed well the Ground he posted them on such places as he thought most proper He could at the same time have entred the Town but apprehending the ill Consequences that might have happen'd if the Soldiers had taken to plunder which undoubtedly they would he gave Orders on pain of Death not one to enter the Town As soon as he saw his Men thus posted he lest the Command of that side of the Town with Major John Hamilton and then hasted to that Party that was to take the River which they easily passed without any great Resistance though several Shoes were made at them from the Fort every Horse-man took a Foot-man behind him the Coll gave Orders immediately to draw up the Men and march'd towards the Town where on the East side we perceived the Enemy to form into a Body we drew up our Men within Cannon shot of the Town on the left of a strong Danish Fort where we encamped that Night The Coll. considering the great want of Ammunition for at this time we had left but six Charges immediately dispatch'd an Officer with six Dragoons to Ballyshannon Twenty Miles from Sligoe forbearing to Fire on both sides the Town as little as we could that Night and having block'd them up closely on both sides the Town we expected to hear from them for we were not in a Condition to Attack them on either side they being two Regiments of Foot and we in all but 800 but this Order was given that if the Enemy should Attack us from the East side those of the other side to fall on and if they of the other side were Attack'd we were to do the same The Coll. the same time being the 4th of this Instant received this following Letter from Mr. Davis the Secretary by Order of the Lords Justices as followeth Dublin-Castle August the 1st 1691. SIR THE Lords Justices command me to acquaint you that they receiv'd Yours of the 13th and another from Major Ramsey of the 28th and are very well satisfied with the Account you both have given of the Business of Sligoe and glad of the good Success you had there but the General having now taken other Methods concerning that place you are not to make any further Attempt upon it without his Excellency or the Lords Justices particular Order which is by their Lordships Command signified to you by SIR Your Humble Servant John Davis To Coll. John Michelburne at Ballyshannon to be sent by the Post-Master of Eniskillin John Davis By the foregoing Letter you see Coll. Michelburne notwithstanding some Instructions from the Lords Justices to do what he thought necessary for Their Majesties Service yet here is a positive Order both from them and the General to make no further attempt on Sligoe without their positive Orders and the truth of it is both he on this side and those on Connaught side were in no extraordinary secure post but they might have been beaten off by the Garrison had they been brisk and as they ought to have been and then considering the unruliness of the Militia who were all their own Masters for no sooner were they posted on any post either on advance Guard near the Town or Guards on far distance in an hours time they were all gone it cannot be thought but the Militia must be very dissatisfied with Coll. Michelburne who as they apprehend came out for no other design than to get a Prey for when he would find fault and tell them he expected otherwise and that what great concern the gaining of that place was they made Answer they came not to Besiege Towns but to get Prey to stock their Lands It was impossible to make the Militia do any thing but the whole burthen lay on the poor Foot and the two Troops of Dragoons standing Army for it was not two Days but the Militia Deserted their Posts on Connaught side The Day following Collonel Scott sends out a Drummer to beat a Parly with the following Letter Sligoe August 4th 1691. SIR I Find by your Letter to Sir Teague and me the 1st Instant that you were much concern'd for the sad Condition of the poor People of this Countrey which is likely to be ruin'd by both Parties if not speedily prevented you have here a parcel of poor Men whom we keep here against their Wills to be serviceable to our Garrison if you will give them your Protection for themselves and their Cattle they are willing to go with them to your Quarters according to the desire of your Government we giving them leave I sent you such another Letter to the other side but could not be answered you being on this Pray let me have your Answer by this Drummer I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Edward Scott To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne Perusing which Letter I sent him this following Answer Camp August the 4th 1691. SIR I Received yours and would willingly serve you if Sir Teague would agree to what Proposals I made and truly protecting your People would be a kindness and if on your part you would let them enjoy their Harvest would be another both which your surrendring may compleat by which means our Charity will extend to all I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne I presently after received an Answer from Sir Teague in these words Sligoe August 4th 1691. SIR I Have seen your Letter to Collonel Scott and having considered it I intend to call my Officers together to resolve what proposals to take from or make to you in order to which I will after return of this Drummer and your Compliance send you Collonel Scott and one other Field Officer to know your proposals and time to consider of them with the rest of my Officers as you and Coll. Scott and the other Officers shall agree Mean time I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne To which I sent this following Auswer SIR HAving perused yours brought hither by your Drum for proposals the Proclamation and Generals Letter must be my Guide I am willing to meet Collonel Scott and the other Officers where you please and am ready to Comply with what shall be Honourable on both sides I am Sir Your Most Humble Servant John Michelburne To Sir Teige O Regan About this time one Captain Forward a leading Card to the rest of the Militia quits his Post at midd time of day with his whole Troop and most presumtuously marches away forces our out Guards and while we were drawing Articles with the Garrison Preys Strips and
he could not forbear telling him how unkindly he took it in endevouring to bring O Donnell to raise his Camp and that in a few days he would return with such a strength that it should not lye in O Donnells power to releive them and that it was not Gentiel to send a Lieutenant with a Major to General Ginkel when it was agreed on when the Articles were signed that a Major should go with a Major to see the General Sign and Seal He gave the Drummer Likewise half a Guinea to be delivered to Capt. M. Sherry who was a noted Robber and a Captain in Collonel Terron O Rourke's Regiment in Sligoe Collonel Michelburne had a correspondence with the said Capt. M. Sherry who had ingaged to come off with his whole Company as soon as he met with a conveniency Here follows Lieutenant Collonel M. Donnaghs Letter Sliegoe Aug. 11th SIR IN my Collonels absence I open'd yours to him and have sent to those whose Cattle were made a prey by Captain Forward some of whom will wait on you as for our sending to O Donnell to fall upon your Camp while before Sligoe nothing is more false Neither would we wish that you or yours were touched here during our League but you will give us leave to wish your Retireing after which we sent rather to prevent O Donnells comming hither than to invite him and that chiefly for fear he should destroy our Cows and Provision However he is a Brigadeer of our Army and he may do in that what he pleases You have our Governours answer as to your Generals demand and for sending a Lieutenant for a Major Major Hamilton is our Witness that our Major intended for the journey but being taken ill we put the matter to Major Hamilton and it was by his consent that Lieutenant Scott went with him for the Major that was not able to go This is no matter of Substance I hope to take exceptions at My Collonel when he comes home will satisfie you farther in the mean time I am SIR Your most humble Servant Ternon M. Donnagh To Collonel John Michelburne Governour at Ballyshanan The Drumer returned with the above mentioned Letter and withal was assured that Ballderrog was incamped within three miles of Sligoe a Spie the Collonel had abroad brought this following account A true Account of the Forces under the Command of Ballderrog O Donnell Brigadeer M. K. James's Army Regiments of Foot THE Lord Ballderrog O Donnell new Arms from Limricke Collonel Donnell Oge O Donnel some few Arms. Collonel Connell O Donnell Ballderrogs Brother indfferent well in Order Collonel Shawn Oge M. Swine no Arms. Collonel Cannus O Donnel about a 100 Matchlocks Collonel Ternon Oge O Roarke good Arms. Horse Major D'la More Captain of Horse formerly in Lutterells Regiment Dragoons Captain Shawn O Donnell 1 Troop 50 Captain Torlough M. Swine 1 Troop 50 The 13th and 14th the several Detachments from Bellurbit Cavan Eniskillin and Killybeggs of Collonel Michelburns Regiment joyned at Ballyshanan so that he had of his own Regiment about 600 and 2 Troops of the Army Here you may see the great difference between Preying and doing the King Service This was a time if ever they would have their Country cleared they might But tho Sir Fran Hamilton Governour of the County did all what possiable he could do it could not oblige the Militia to leave their dwellings notwithstanding the Country paid them twelve pence a day For of twelve Troops and two Companys of Militia that appeared out of one County when they understood they were going to get Prey now the Kings service is to be done and the Town to be Surrendered no more than 4 Troops appears to witt Captain Charles Hamiltons Capt. William Stewarts and Captain Hamiltons of Murvough and one Troop commanded by Captain Erwine out of Formannagh This day the Collonel receives an Express from the Lords Justice Porter as followeth Dublin Castle the 5th of Aug. 1691. SIR IN the absence of my Lord Coningsby who is at the Camp I received yours of the 6th Instant directed to us both wherein you give us an account that Sligoe hath capitulated with a Copy of the Articles which you have done well in to send the General to be Ratified where my Lord Coningsby will be sure to meet them What you apprehend of Ballderrogs coming to relieve Sliego you need not give your self any further trouble or concern for he having so Capitulated for himself and his Party that there is a perfect Cessation of Arms between us and them however since you desire assistance from the Counties of Mannoghan and Formannegh I now dispatch away Orders to the Governours of those Counties to march all the Militia that can possible be spared out of both towards Sligoe with eight days Provision of Bread to your assistance with directions to observe your Orders when there Collonel Venners Regiment is marched to the Camp so as the remainder of your Regiment cannot be relieved by any of them as you suppose but I hope since Ballderrog hath submitted there will be no occasion You must press Horses and Cars to carry off the Cannon and Baggage pursuant to your capitulation they cannot be expected hence and my Lord Coningsby who commands the Treasury being in the Camp I know not how to send you Mony but if their be occasion you must find a way to take it up from some of the Collectors of their Majesties Revenues nearest to you or otherwise and it shall be allowed them upon their Accounts or otherwise be Re-enbursed to you I am SIR Your very very humble Servant Charles Porter The day for the Surrender was the 15th of August Collonel Michelburne exactly according to the time appointed marches the 14th and Incamped at Burindruse along the River side 4 Miles from Ballyshanon and 16 from Sligoe and begins his march by break of day the next morning about 11 he comes before Sligoe but on his way he halted at the Grange and sent Captain Shenbarge to Sir Teige with this following Letter From the Grange Aug. 15. 1691. SIR I Hope this will find my Major and Lieutenant Scott returned with the Ratification of the Articles from General Ginkell which we signed between us I am now on my March to Sligoe and hope all things will answer our Expectation The Bearer hereof Captain Shenbarge I have sent to wait on you I am SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne To the Hon. Sir Teige O Regan Knight Governour of Sligoe Sir Teige's Answer SIR I Had yours just now and do answer it on back of your own that you may not wait for an answer Your Major Major Hamilton is returned and the Officer I sent with the Articles not altogether confirmed by the General Ginkell However I would agree to the Articles signed but that my Ld. O Donnel a Brigadier of our Army is come with a strong Brigade who if he stands by us alters all Affairs for 't is a
About the 27th of August Collonel Michelburne received the following Letter sent to him by the Lord Granard being a Copy of a Letter from the Lords Justices Dublin the 22th of August 1691. SIR BAllderrog O Donnel contrary to his Agreement with the General by which he was to assist in reducing Sligoe has been the only Person has prevented it being delivered up to Collonel Michelburne pursuant to a Treaty signed by the Governour We find by this Treachery of O Donnel the adjacent Countrys may be greatly damag'd We have therefore thought it necessary to cause 1000 of the Militia of this Town to begin their March to Morrow towards your Lordship and have writ to Collonel Michelburne to observe your Lordships Commands and to the Governours of the several Counties under-written to get their Militia at the places and times under-mentioned of all which we desire and appoint your Lordship to take the Command and with them to march towards O Donnel and to use your best endeavours to kill and destroy him and his Followers We have likewise sent by Express to the General to order some of the Army the Forces now in Gallway to be sent to join your Lordship if they can be spared In the mean time we must needs press your Kordship to take care that Ballymore be not left without a Guard We have directed the Store-keeper at Athlone to furnish your Lordship with all such Ammunition as you shall send for to supply your self and the rest who want We have your Lordships of the 20th with the inclosed to which we need give no other answer than what is before We know your Lordship will use all imaginable care and diligence in securing the Country against this false Man and hope the Forces we design may get together time enough to prevent his doing much mischief We shall send Provisions of Bread and some Money to subsist the Men. We are Your Lordships most obedeent Servants Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby We must desire your Lordship to send to Coll. Michelburne where and when you will have him meet you The Militia of the North for the several Counties following are appointed to be at Ballyshanan on the several days following Tyron Dunigal and Formannagh on Thursday the 27th Instant Mannoghan and Londonderry the 28th Instant Gavan the 29th Instant Down and Antrime the 31th Instant Castle-Forbasse Aug. 21th 1691. SIR BY this inclosed Copy of a Letter from the Lords Justices to me you will perceive what their Comman is are I am required to keep a Correspondency with you and to know from you if it be convenient to join you with 1000 of the Militia of Dublin which are now upon their March thither If the quiet of the Country which I hear is threatned by O Donnel will necessitate our Conjunction I conceive Boyle or some place thereabouts will be most convenient for Rendezvousing all the Forces designed for that Service I hear various Reports of Ballderrog some saying that he has concluded Conditions with the General and is upon his March to join him at Lymerick Others That the Officers under his Command will not accept of the Conditions agreed on Be pleased to let me hear what you know and withal to dispatch an Account to me whether the Vlster Militia be arrived at Ballyshanon As I was writing this a Pacquet from the Army directed to you came to my hands I suppose from the General which I hear withal send you and desire in all these particulars your suddain answer SIR Your most Affectionate Humble Servant Granard These for Their Majesties special Service To Coll. John Michelburne at Ballyshanon or elsewhere hast hast To be send by the Officer Commanding at Finna to Belturbet and by the Officer Commanding there in hast away to him Collonel Michelburns Answer My Lord I Can give you as yet but little account of the Militia only that I received a Letter this Afternoon from Sir Francis Hamilton who tells me that on Sunday next he Randezvouzes his men at Ballymafoy and on Munday or Tuesday will be with me at Ballyshanan at which time I shall have the rest of the Troops from other Counties with 500. Choyce Foot of my own Regiment which as soon as arrived will I march straight to Sligoe and if they of Sligoe understood your Lordships Motion it may be a means of their surrendering the sooner The only thing will be to know where O Donnel is the last news is that but two of his Regiments will follow him and of the strength of his Forces I can give your Lordship an account but his going to the General I do not find true if it were something would be in the Generals Letter if I could know of Ballderrog I could march the nearest way by Sligoe I have several Spies abroad and will not fail to send your Lordship an account how affairs stand I am My Lord your Lordships Most humble Servant John Michelburne To the Right Honourable the Earl of Granaro at Castle-Forbus or elsewhere With Speed From the Camp at Carick on Lysh Aug 23. 1691. SIR I Have yours from Ballyshanan of the 18th by which I find the Trick which O Donnell has play'd so that you must be upon your Guard and keep the two Troops of Dragoons with you and as much of the Militia as you can I send upon this account Collonel Stoyd back to Athlone and then the Militia that is there shall return to the North to be posted as you Direct After the care you us'd in this Affair I am sorry it did not succeed however you have done your part very well and would make a good addition to your Services if you would yet find any way of Treating with Sir Teige O Regan and getting the place I send you the Warrant you desire and am Your humble Servant Bar de Ginkel To Collonel John Michelburne Commanding at Ballyshanan Soon after Collonel Michelburne received this following Intelligence and sent it Inclosed to the Lords Justices SIR ABout ten days since I left the Camp and on Friday last I was at Ballyrobe where My Lord O Donnell was and was standing by when he signed Articles to Collonel Richards I saw likewise an Express from one of O Donnells Collonels desiring him not to come to the Camp for there was a plot laid to take away his Life for signing the Articles to the General and that when I arriv'd at Boyle he heard that the Lord O Donnels own Regiment his Brothers and another Regiment went to him and that they were resolved to come to Ballyshanan to joyn you I am in great hast in going to the County of Dunigal otherwise I had waited on your Honour I am Your humble Servant J. L. To Coll. John Michelburne Governour at Ballyshanan About this time arrived one Mr. Wade formerly an acquaintance of Col. Michelburns and with him a Fryer who desired some private Discourse with the said Collonel They told him that they came from the
Lord O Donnel who was incamped with Sir Albert Coningham near to Killowny and that his Lordship desired him to march against Sligoe as soon as posible he could and that Sir Albert Coningham was incamped with him and withall produced the Lord O Donnels Pass a also a Pass from Sir Teige O Regan The Lord O Donnels Pass WHereas Father Petton and Edward Wade have submitted to King William and Queen Mary and their Government and have desired this my Pass to go into the County of Dunigal These are therefore to require all persons not to Hinder or Molest them either in Body or Goods Given at Killowny the 2d day of September O Donnel Sir Teige O Regans Pass PErmit Father James Petton and Mr. Edward Wade to pass towards the County of Dunigal without Hurt or Molestation either in Body Goods or Arms with their Servants Given at Sligoe this 3d of Septemb. 1691. Teige O Regan This put the Collonel to a stand knowing that Sir Teige O Regan and O Donnel was at variance and how they should get a Pass from Sligoe to come to Ballyshanan he knew not he askt them if they had any Letters from O Donnel or Sir Albert they answered none but produced a Letter from Captain Mountgomery to Charles Hamilton of Cavan which made him the more suspitions of them he askt them how they came to get a Pass from Sir Teige who made answer that the Priest had a Brother in Sligoe which was Leiutenant Collonel who procured it from Sir Teige to pass 'm into the County of Dunigal the Collonel being apprehensive this was a Decoy to draw him into some inconvenience confin'd them till he heard farther from O Donnel or Sir Albert Coningham beause the Country lay open between Killwony and Ballyshanan by way of Mannor Hamilton and that in few hours they might have inteiligence from one to the other and not run the hazard of coming by Sligoe but this suspition he had of Wade and the Priest was soon over for about Evening came a Dragoon of Sir Alberts party and a Gunner that deserted Sligoe giving an account of Sir Alberts being Routed and some of his men being taken which soon after was confirmed by Letter of O Donnels who gave this following account The Account given by the Gunner and Dragoon THey both being sick in Killowny soon after Day they heard of a great Out-cry by the Women in the Town that Ballderrog was taken prisoner and Sir Albart Coningham's party beaten which made them with all speed get out of the House and make their Escape into a Ditch in a Garden that was near hand they heard some Shoutings afar off and saw several Women coming into the Town stript that belonged to Sir Albert's party and one of these Men stole into the Town where he had News that Sir Albert was killed they immediately got two Horses whose they were they knew not but supposed them to belong to the Dragoons and rid away to Manner-Hamilton and so came to Ballyshannon The Lieutenant belonging to O Donnel confirm'd what these two said the ill news of Sir Albert's Death was soon Confirm'd These following Letters are to the Lord Granard as also to Collonel Michelburne to provide Bread for the Northern Forces Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby YOU are hereby required from time to time to deliver unto such person or persons as the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard and Coll. Michelburne or either of them shall appoint to receive the same the usual Allowance of Bread or Meal according to the proportion of I pound a day for each for such a number of the Northern Militia now Order'd to March to Ballyshannon as shall be directed by the said Earl of Granard and Coll. John Michelburne or either of them and for so doing this with a Receipt for the same from the person or persons so appointed shall be your sufficient Warrant Given at Their Majesties Castle of Dublin the 24th Day of August 1691. To Isaac Pereira Esq Commissary General of the Stores of Ireland By the Lords Justices Command John Davis Dublin-Castle the 25th August 1691. My Lord INclosed is a Copy of an Order to Mr. Pereira to deliver Bread to the Northern Militia as shall be directed by your Lordship or Coll. Michelburn which Mr. Pereira sends by this Post to the Store-keeper of Belturbet whence the Provisions must be had if your Lordship or Coll. Michelburne will please to appoint Persons to receive the same from time to time and to Certifie the Store-keeper what number of Militia are upon Duty This by the Lords Justices Command is signified to you Lordship by My Lord Your Lordships most Humble Servant John Davis Castle Forbass Septemb. 13th 1691. SIR I Had an Account from the Lord Justices that there is a proportion of Meal arrived at Belturbit designed for the support of your Northern Militia you need no Order from me since you have power to call for what you find requisite God willing I intend to march the Forces from Dublin which arâ— now at Athlone to Morrow being Friday through Connaugh to Boyle where I intend to be with them the 8th Day of this Instant without fail I must desire you to send me notice thither where and with most conveniency I may joyn the Forces under your Gommand which I desire may be with all the Expedition imaginable I am Your Affectionate and Humble Servant Granard I desire you will bring the 980 l. with you which you received from Jemmitte the Collector at Londonderry and which is designed for the support of the Men. Here follows an Account of the last Besieging Sligoe with the taking of the Town and Out-works by the Forces under the Command of Coll. John Michelburne and the Surrender of the two Forts to Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the 15th of Septemb. 1691. A List of the Forces that joyn'd Collonel Michelburne as Ballyshannon the 8th of Septemb. 1691. County of Dunigall Dragoons Capt. Charles Hamilton of Cavan 50 Capt. William Stewart 50 Capt. Vaughan 25 Capt. Murvough Hamilton 50 County of Derry Capt. Tristrim Berrisford 50 Capt Hugh Rowly 50 I Troop of Dragoons of Coll. Winn 50 County of Formannah I Troop of Horse Commanded by Capt. Erwin 50 County of Autrim A Troop of Horse Commanded by Capt. Harrison 50 County of Mannoghan Capt. Dawson 50 Of the Standing Army Part of Coll. Michelburne's Regiment 600 I Troop of Dragoons of Sir Albert Coningham's 50 County of Autrim I Foot Company Commanded by Capt. Adaire 60 County of Tyron I Foot Company Commanded by Oliver Mac Cashlin 60 Capt. Patr. Hamilton 60 For the better understanding of the following Discourse 't is to be understood that Coll. Michelburne had brought the Garrison of Sligoe to Articles which were approved on by General Ginkell and Signed and Sealed The Garrison was to be delivered up to the said Collonel the 15th of August last past but for the falseness of O Donnel who
was to understand that the Lords Justices after he had three publick hearings before their Lordships where he was fully acquitted had sent a Lerter to my Lord Nottingham in his Vindication which was in Answer to Her Majesty's that commanded them to inspect into the Collonel's Miscariages This indeed was a great satisfaction to me but notwithstanding all this considering how hard it is when vulgar Tongues are set a barking to lay the cry and that this Letter to the Queen in his Favour might not be generally known for want of which the publick Clamours are not yet wholly silenc'd and his Enemies through that advantage may still carry on their private Intrigues to his dishonour I have therefore prevailed with him to deliver into my Hands what Papers he had relating to the Transactions where he commanded in Chief as well all Orders and Letters that were sent him from the Lords Justices and the General with his Answer to 'em and those which pass'd betwixt him and Sir Teague O Regan and others relating to the Military Affairs as also the Journal of his own Procedings which I have here with his leave taken the boldness to print with his Tryal in the Close thereby not only to satisfie the World of the just measures he took in reducing so important a place as Sligoe the Key of Connaught but likewise to make his Reparation as publick as his Injuries When the Impartial Reader shall have perused this following Narration he will easily perceive on what a weak Foundation they had built their hopes of ruining this much injur'd Gentleman when the height of their despised malice durst but aim at forging so poor a Scandal on him as Plundering Why did they not asperse him for want of Conduct or Courage Oh! no in both those Capacities they thought he stood too visibly above their feeble Batteries and even this mean Chagre they Iay'd against him how did they aim in vain to make it out Why even thus The Grand Intriguers of this pitiful Design were Forward and Vaughan two Militia Captains under the Collonel's Command against Sligo Men of so Renowned a Character that they were both notoriously famous for quitting their Posts which is vulgarly call'd running away when in all probability he was just on the point of reducing Sligoe of which Notorious Cowardice being Accused by Coll. Michelburne these worthy Malecontents to be reveng'd for the just Disgrace he had thrown upon them enter'd into a Conspiracy against him with one George Rob an Inconsiderable Varlet that the Collonel had threaten'd with Hanging for privately Conversing with the Enemy and selling them Tobacco But whilst these three wretched Confederates were hatching their Villanies they were in a great strait how to have 'em brought to light for the whole Country was so well satisfied of Coll. Michelburne's Worth and Honour that no Justice of Peace wou'd take any Affidavits against him insomuch that Vaughan himself was forc't to act that part and after he had taken such weak Informations as were then new coin'd against him by this wretched Triumviri the Diminitive Tobacco Merchant was immediately dispatcht away on this Mighty Embassy to Dublin As to what happened thereupon and how fully his impertinent Evidence was answer'd I refer you to the reading of the Collonel's Tryal before the Lords Justices And now because I have hinted in the preceding part of this Preface what Fame is owing to that Exemplary Service was done by this Honourable Person in the Memorable Siege of Londonderry I will give the Reader to understand what Part he acted in that Memorable Siege Tho' lowd Tongu'd Fame so highly has blown up the great Renown of Dr. Walker in England as truly much Praise was due to him for having been so great an Animator of the Protestant Cause in those worst of Times which was his proper Trade to do yet after the Death of Coll. Baker which happened in the heighth of the Towns Distress and deepest Calamities Coll. Michelburne was in joynt Command with the Doctor whose Conduct appear'd more conspicuous in the Eating part than the Fighting and reason good the Charge of the Stores and Provision being committed to him alone whilst his Brother Governour was only the Martial Colleague and the intire management of the Towns Defence lodged wholly in Coll. Michelburne's Breast during which time as his Principles were too Honourable to listen to any Allurements of the Enemy without the Walls so his Hardships within 'em were not able to shake his Loyalty nor lessen his Undaunted Courage which appear'd particularly in his planting the Bloody Flag on the Royal Bastion and afterwards mounting it on the top of a Steeple to shew the Besieged as well as the Besiegers the heighth of Resolution as they found in the Sequel for when the Enemies Poltick Barbarity had drove the Protestant part of all the Country around without respect of Persons Age or Sex to starve under Derry Walls to return the great Civility with no less Policy than Bravery he erected a Lofty Gallows in sight of 'em to hang 21 Lords Knights and other Commanders which were taken before as Trophies of a Victory lately Obtained which Stratagem obliged the Foe to let the Affrighted People Retreat from Danger Nor had he the Happiness only to save the Town through that Miserable Siege a Service of so high Importance that the King 's then Tottering Interest in Ireland was kept in AEquilibrio by him till Lieutenant General Kirke approaching turn'd the Scales But he had the unhappiness likewise of feeling in a great measure the smart of War as well as reaping the Glory of it having had the irreparable Misfortune of loosing his dear Lady and Children with all his Family by the rage of Pestilence and deadly Famine in this terrible Siege Yet tho' he had so dismal an Occasion of exercising his Passive as well as active Courage my much honour'd Friend constant to both sorts of Magnanimity with the same equal Temper bore the Fortune that drest his Brows with Cipress Garlands as that which Crown'd them with Victorions Lawrels well knowing that Fortior est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit Maenia Reader Farewel but e're we part that you may certainly be informed the Eulogium I have given Coll. Michelburne may pass for Current Coin behold the Stamp a Copy of the King 's own Letter has put upon it VVilliam R. To Our Trusty and Wellbeloved George Walker and John Michelburne Esq Governors of Londonderry TRusty and Wellbeloved We Greet you well The Eminent and Extraordinary Service that you have performed unto us and our Kingdoms in General by your late Resolute and unparallel'd Defence of that our City of Londonderry as it does Oblige us in the first place to an Humble Acknowledgment to Almighty God for his Signal Mercy in Supporting the Hearts and Courages of our good Subjects amidst their great and Various Difficulties and Distresses arising from a furious Opposition without and
do still which was a suspition that they had or were about to Desert it On Tuesday I call'd a General Council as is herein Inclosed and about Eight that Night we Rendezvouzed three hundred Foot and two hundred Horse and about Six next Morning We came to a small Village call'd the Grange within Six Miles of Sligoe where I posted my Foot by way of Ambush Commanded by Lieut. Coll. Staughton I march'd the Horse within a Mile of Sligoe where we perceived the Garrison that was in that Fort to draw out but not any Horse to be seen which gave me so much confidence as to march and draw up nearer My Granadeers and some Dragoons advanced to some Ditches and some Shot was exchanged We continued about an Hour and then march'd back and joyn'd the Foot and about Eight that Night we came to Ballyshanon I have no further to acquaint your Lordships at present but am My Lords Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Mitchelburne The like Letter was sent to General Ginkell This is the Account of our first Journey to Sligoe Coll. Mitchelburne having taken a View of Sligoe as also the Forts was resolved the second time to visit Sir Teague and to stay some two or three days before the place to know if any Advantages might be gained towards Reducing the Town and therefore thus acquaints the Lords Justices in the following Letter of it My Lords I Think it not amiss to give your Lordships an Account of what Militia I have here which is only six Troops of Dragoons out of Dunigal and out of the County of Londonderry only part of a Company commanded by Capt. Patrick Hamilton Since my last Advance to Sligoe I am informed of the Ill condition of the place the Soldiers are a Rabble all Ragged and have no Allowance but one pound of Bread a Day 't is likewise told me that most part of their Craights would come in on protection so that if your Lordships would but allow me some more force and others to advance thither I do not question but in a short time to give your Lordships a very good Account of my Proceedings Sir Teague O Regan has been these two or three days very busie in repairing all his Works about the Fort. Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne About this time Coll. Michelburne writ to Eniskillen to Lieut. Coll. Ramsey to joyn him with an hundred Men at Manner Hamllton and to bring with him as many of the Militia as he could with an intent to Summons Sligoe and to bring them if possible to Surrender but the same time came a Potent to him to march back to Drogheda and withal a Letter to Coll. Michelburne from the General to send a Detatchment to Convey the Ships loaded with Biskets to Gallway viz. By the General Ginkell Commander in Chief of Their Majesties Forces THE Masters of the two Ships loaded with Bisker at present in the Bay of Ballyshannon now are hereby required to set sall instantly for Gullway if the Frigat sent for their Convoy be come to them which I hereby order immediately without loss of time to guard them thither if not they are to go to the Governor of Ballishannon who in that case is required to give twenty five Soldiers to each Ship to secure them to Gallway as aforesaid forthwith and this shall be to him and them a sufficient Warrant Respectively Given at the Campal Loughrea this 16th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell Geo. Clarke To Coll. John Michelburne Commander at Ballishannon This with the Potent that came to Lieut. Coll. Ramsey hindred our design against Sligoe so that it was put off till some other time The day after C. Michelburne received this following Potent YOU are hereby directed as soon as you shall be releived by the Regiment of Coll. Samuel Vennor to march with the Regiment under your Command from your Respective Quarters to Athlone and remain there till further Orders and you are to acquaint the Officers that they are to be answerable for the Behaviour of their Souldiers and to see that they plunder not nor abuse the Country in their said March and especially those to whom I shall think sit to grant my protection Given at the Camp by Aghtim this 14th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell Geo. Clarke To Coll. Michelburne Commanding one of Their Majesties Regiments of Foot or the Officer in Chief with that Regiment The next Day he received this following Express NOtwithstanding any former Orders for your march with the Regiment under your Command so soon as you are Releived by that of Coll. Vennor to Athlone you are now directed to remain in your present Quarters until you are other wise disposed of by the Right Honourable the Lords Justices whose Orders you are from time to time to follow and march as they shall direct Given at the Camp by Loghrea this 16th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell Geo. Clarke To Coll. John Michelburne or the Officer in Chief of the Regiment of Foot under his Command Mr. Davis's Letter to Coll. Michelburne giving a Relation of that Victory against the Enemy Dublin-Castle the 15th of July 1691. SIR THis Morning by an Express we have an Account of a very great Victory gained over the Enemy the particulars whereof are as followeth About six of the Clock on Sunday in the Evening the Battel began at a place call'd Aghrim in the County of Gallway about three Miles beyond Bellenaslow the Enemy were advantagiously posted incompassed almost round with Boggs by which means many were saved who otherwise had gone with the rest if our Horse could have come in time enough to second our Foot The Battel was chiofly by reason of the Bogs between the Foot on both sidee whereof it s believed the Enemy have lost 5 or 6000 on our side the loss is between 500 and 1000. The Battel lasted about 3 hours and had not the Night overtaken us in all probability the Slaughter had been much greater we persued the Enemy 5 Miles on their side it 's said their General St. Ruth is killed who Speech't them greatly in the Morning Animating them to Fight as did the Priests the Common Soldiers who also gave them Absolution We took all their Baggage and 9 pieces of Cannon Lord Gallway the Lord of Clanrickerds Brother to Coll. Bourke and several others of Quality killed Maj. Gen. Hamilton Maj. Gen. Darrington Lord Bellew Coll. Bourke Coll. Gorden O Neale Coll. Butler taken Prisoners On our side Maj. Gen. Holstaple Coll Harbert Coll. Mongath of the Danes Maj. Deanish Maj. Coll Maj. Cornwel and Maj. Fox Kill'd Sir George Hamilton the Prince Hesse Lord Cutts Coll. Earle and Lieut. Coll. Brundal Wounded I sent you this by Command of the Lords Justices who doubt not you will improve every Opportunity for Their Majesties Service I am SIR Your very Humble Servant John Davis In short it is a Total Defeat of the Enemy
me without loss of time to send Horses for some wherein on your Allegiance to K. James I require your speedy Compliance and Gentlemen I pray let no Self-interest Base Consternation or other Imbecility make you neglect your Diligence and Care herein if you do I shall not only Represent you accordingly but in spite of Fate will make you the first Sufferers of so Fatal a Neglect An Officer and Guard will expect 60 Horses and Sacks and Leaders at Temple-House on Sunday next at Eight of the Clock in the Morning from the Barrony of Lyney I remain Gentlemen Your Humble Servant Teague O Regan I desire the Cattle of your Barrony out of hand To Kean O Harra Esq Mr. Ecgeboy O Harra Mr. Om. O Harra Mitchel O Harra and the rest of the Gentlemen of the Barrony of Leyney Hast Coll. Mitchelburne is again contriving to make a second Journey to Sligoe and since Coll. Venner's Regiment was Marcht away and he seven Garrisons to keep did not know well how to bring it about but sends to Lieut. Coll. Stanght his then Lieut. Col. to send Maj. Hamilton to joyn him with 100 Fire-locks on a certain day at Manner Hamilton and in the mean time sends the following Letter to Sir Teague O Regan by his Drummer with a Present of some good Snuff and two Bottles of Vsquebaugh Ballyshannon the 26th of July 1691. SIR YOU must needs be very sensible of your own Weakness by the News you have of your Army being totally beaten how that they are not able to stand before us so pray seriously consider it I presume you have not as yet seen the Lords Justices Proclamation which I inclosed send you you have an opportunity to do your self and your Friends a kindness if you do but lay hold of this Opportunity in Treating with me as to the Surrender of Sligoe I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne I thank you for your Present of the Cask of Claret you sent me be pleased to accept of a Bottle of Usquebaugh and some good London Snuff Sir Teagues O Regan's Answer to Collonel Michelburne's First Summons Sligoe 28. July 1691. SIR I Had yours by the Drummer the last Night and do render you Thanks for all your Civilities to me yet I am sorry you would harbour so Ill and Weak an Opinion of me to think that I should be so great a Villain as to betray my Frust to my King and Countrey and that in a time when I am very sensible that the Party I took is in the most likelihood of doing well as ever they were since this War began As to the Proclamation it may take with such as want Wit and Honesty but never with me neither do I know any particvlar thing wherein the Weakness of your Cause appears more than by the Proclamation which you will find if you do without partiality read it If you will be pleased to send me Mr. Mattholland and the rest of the Prisoners which were lately taken by some of your People I will upon any such Occasion do the like where I have Prisoners from you If you think it much that all should come I hope you will send John Duaney of Coll. Scott's Regiment and the two Soldiers of Coll. Ternon O Rourks Regiment I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan Coll. Scott and his Brother give their Humble Service The same Day the Coll. received an Express from General Ginkell much to the same effect as he had sent to Sir Teague O Regan the Day before so that he had no more in Answer to the General than to send the above Letter of Sir Teague's which he immediately dispatch'd away by the same Express The General 's Letter Camp before Gallway 25th July 1691. SIR I Am to own the Receipt of three of your Letters and am Obliged to you for the Diligence I find by yours of the 20th you used in dispatching the Provision Ships they are not yet come hither as for the Dispute about the Command of Eneskillin now the Lieut. Coll. is removed it is at an end but if he had not I should have been very willing to have Gratified you in what you desired I inclosed send you one of the Proclamations of Pardon to those that do the Service mention'd in it you may from me assure Sir Teague O Regan that though the time may be expired that is there limited yet if he Surrenders Sligoe I 'le make it good to him and the Garrison and if he will submit and take Service either an Imploy equal to what he has or such recompence as in reason he can desire I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Bar de Ginkell To Coll. Michelburne The Coll. The same Day received a Letter from Counsellor Davir Secretary to the Right Honourable the Lords Justices viz. Dublin-Castle 25th July 1691. SIR I Herewith send you a particular Account of the late great Victory obtained against the Irish and have this only to add That the General being set down before Gallway sends word the 22 d. that the Fort being Stormed and Taken on the 20th in the Moruing the Town sent out in the Afternoon to treat and have agreed to Surrender on Sunday Morning next at Six of the Clock and that immediately the Out-works were delivered into our Possession and all their Cannon drawn from their Walls and 5 Hostages delivered The General designs next to Lymerick and we have some reason to believe that place will soon Capitulate likewise Of this I thought it convenient to give you an Account and to assure you that I am SIR Your very Humble Servant John Davis For Coll. John Michelburne Governor of Ballishannon To be sent him by the Post-Master of Eniskillen from Eniskillen John Davis Since we are Concerned with the Militia of the Northern Parts 't is not amiss to give you an Account that for the better ordering of the Militia there were three Superiors ordered to inspect them Coll. Murray Maj Touchburne and Cornet Mead. Coll. Murray had undertaken with the Lords Justices to enter into Connaught with a considerable Body of Men and not to lessen the Militia to incommode the Rebels and 't was generally discours'd that the Body of his Men were to consist of 5000 Horse and Foot but how that could have been accomplisht cannot well be understood for when all the Militia of the Countrey was summon'd by the Lords Justices Orders to joyn Coll. Michelburne at Ballyshannon and then to joyn the Lord Granard likewise they could not make 500 but we had two sorts of Services that of defending the Frontiers and that of getting Prey for wherever a design was for Plunder there you had twenty for one It was theresors thought not convenient for Coll. Murray to enter into Connaught but to joyn his Militia on the Frontiers as by a Letter from Coll. Murray to the Governour of Ballyshannon Collonel Murray's Order front the General The General 's Orders to me IT
Plunders the Country without reguard to any Protection In the mean time the whole Militia quits their Posts on Connaught side on their own accord and their whole practice was to Raperee and Scamper Cows and Horses as they call it As well the Prey that was lately got as also from the protected People we cannot altogether excuse the Souldiers for some of them had their hands in as well as the Militia but only they were under some better Command but so it was that notwithstanding the Enemies Guards and our Guards lay within half Musquet-shot one of another yet no sooner was the Collonels back turn'd but he found them Roguing amongst the Militia and that which vext the Militia most was that as fast as the Garrison of Sligoe forc'd their Cattle on our Ground Collonel Michelburn forc'd them as fast back knowing that for no other reason they came to Capitulate but for the inconvenience they were put to by the great number of Cattle that was about the Fort. Here follows a Letter from the Lords Justices which he received about the same time Dublin the 3d Aug. 1691. SIR BY a Letter which we received Yesterday from the General we are told that the Garison of Sligoe are upon some Treaty for his Surrendring Sligoe into their Majesties hands we having heard nothing of it from your self cannot tell what Terms he Demands or what you have Offred but you may assure him of the intire benefit of the Proclamation and if it be necessary you may also propose a reasonable reward had we sooner known of it you should have had earlyer Orders for you cannot do the King greater Service than to get that place into your possession Therefore conclude with him as soon as possible you can We are Your faithful Friend and Servant Cha. Porter Tho. Coningsby About noon this day being the 4th of Aug. the Governours beat a Parly and this following was brought to Collonel Miehelburne August 4th 1691. SIR I Had yours and shewed it to Sir Teige who saith that he answer'd it wherein you made some proposals for the Surrendring this place and so have I answered you to that purpose which was then put off till an Answer was had from our General untill which time he can do nothing and though I Pitty to see the poor people suffer by these Terms yet to mend it I would not loose the least oppertunity of my serving my King Therefore if you think their being preserved may be of any use to the Publick good it lies on you to preserve them it being for your profit if this Country be yours and for your Credit if it be done in Charity If this be approved of Acts of Hostility ought to Cease till it be done which requires but till to morrow Morning I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant Edward Scot. To the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Which in these words I Answer'd August 4th 1691. SIR I Can say no more than I did before and do not find that giving you leave to send an Officer to Limerick was any restraint in persuing my design to block up this place and for any Acts of Hostility that are between us I think they are so small that they are hardly worth taking notice of I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant John Michelburne To Collonel Edward Scott Thus we continued this night Next day I received the following from Sir Tiege Aug. 5th SIR WE are upon reduceing the Articles to four therefore shall desire that you Command your Forces on both sides to retire to the several Posts they were in when we began to Treate of a Capitulation Yours Regan To Collonel John Michelburne Now comes up to the Camp whole droves of idle People especially the Lagganeers and for one honest Man twenty Thieves and not a man of the Militia but had two or three attenders to run away with what Horses or Cattle they could Raparee or Scamper as they call'd it Esteeming all their own they laid their hands on the Militia was now out of patience to have the prey divided but the Collonel would not do it for two Reasons first was that if they divided every one of them would go home by which means the Enemy would take advantage the next was that as many of the Protected as could shew their Protections he caused their Goods to be returned One of the Certificats I think not amiss to mention WE the under named persons being Protestants and Inhabitants of the Barroney of Terreragh in the County of Sligoe do Acknowledge to have received by the Order of Collonel Michelburne one Hundred and Twenty Cows in full satisfaction of all the Horses and Sheep taken from us and the rest of the Protestants of the said Barrony and County lately taken from us by men under the Command of the said Collonel The 6th of August 1691. At the Camp before Sligoe Witness present Patrick Hamilton Matthew Ormsby Ja. Boyd Dugall Boyd John Shennan Kath. Brown John Ormsby Matthew Ratleidge Ann Griffeth This was drawn by Mr. Patrick Hamilten Attorney of Killetre One hundred and Sixty was delivered to some of the Irish Gendemen that were protected by an account given in by Captain Caldwell and Captain Boyd they producing Certisicates from the said persons To go on with our former Discourse in the Letter from the Lords Justices to the Collonel who as they tell him that he cannot do the King greater Service than to get that place into his possession and so orders him to conclude with them as soon as possible This Letter with those of Sir Teigs and Collonel Scotts considering the Confusion Distraction and Disorders that were in the Camp by ungovernable people such as has to deal with the Laggan Militia must needs give just cause to conclude with the Besieged And the next day being the 6th of August the following Articles were Signed and Sealed between Sir Teige O Regan of one Part and Collonel John Michelburne of the other Part. Articles of War agreed to by the Honourable Sir Teige O Regan Knight and the rest of the Officers of the Garrison of Sligoe of the one Part and the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne in the behalf of himself his General and the rest of his Army of the other Part. 1st THAT all the said Garrison viz. Governours Officers Souldiers Ingineers Gunners Gunsmiths Bakers Chaplains and all others that have a mind to go Craights or other shall have their lives secured and March out with their Arms Baggs and Baggage Drums beating Collours stying Match lighted Bullets in their Mouths each Officer and Souldier twelve Charges of Powder with Match and Ball proportionable and their Horses and Cowes as well belonging to them respectively as the Garrison in general without any Molestation and at their several and respective Elections their Wives Friends and Cattle to be protected in any part of the Country as well as any other person whatsoever 2dly That the said Garrison may march the Nearest
robs all before them as well those the Collonel had protected as those that belonged to the Town In this distracted confusion the Collonel was forced to double his Guards and had his Men at their Arms all Night This following Certificate is signed by the Officers that were on Guard with the Cattle WE do Certifie That being Commanded by our Collonel with 20 Men to Guard the Cattle the Militia being in number about 2 Hundred did force our Guards and drove away all the Prey of Cows that was then under our Charge Given under our Hand this 9th Day of Aug. 1691. Michael Coningham Richard Bickerstaffe Here follows a Complaint by many of Outrages committed by Capt. Forward and others of the Militia who we told you before deserted Coll. Michelburne and with his whole Troop and others joining him to the number of 80 Horse plundered the whole Country SIR I Make bold to acquaint you of several Outrages committed by some of those under your command in this County especially by Capt. Forward who without pity of the Poor or respect to Their Majesties Proclamation took a Party with him who plundered stripp'd and preyed all the protected Persons they met with either in this County or towards Boyle and took a black cropt pacing Gelding of mine mark'd I. C. from an Officer who at Major Hamilton's request I sent as well to secure him from the Raparees as to guide him the way to Boyle the Officer having much ado to escape himself leaving him my Horse This is left to your serious consideration by SIR Your humble Servant James O Conner To Coll. John Michelburne Governour at Ballyshanan SIR I Had your Honour's Protection and Certificate of claiming the benefit of the Lords Justices Proclamation and a Certificate from Gilbert Ormsby my Land-lord in being included in his Protection from the General and lived within the Line of Boyle yet Captain Forward and his Troop has took our Beasts only restoring a few Head and therefore I humbly prostrate my felf for Justice and pray the Cattle may be delivered us I am Your Humble Servant Jasper Brett I received another from Sir Teige to the same purpose SIR I Need not reccommend to you to send a safe Convoy along with Mr. Brett to secure any Cattle you return him or any thing else of the poor Peoples preyed by Captain Forward 'till they come on this side of the Grange they are satisfied that what is restored be given to Mr. Brett This is all from Your very humble Servant Tiege O Regan To Coll. John Michelburne We continued three days after the Militia left us and thought when they were gone we should remain quiet and peaceably within the Town but then as well as before we were continually disturb'd in the Night by Murthers and Out-crys committed by some of the Militia that probably had not got their proportions or at least had sent them home and was hunting for more The Garison of Sligoe was also continually disturb'd as appears by the following Letters Collonel Ternon O Rourk's Letter SIR I Was unwilling to be often importuning you for my Horses I will only desire you will imploy some one to make search for them the marks are three bob tail'd Geldings of 14 handfuls heighth a black Gelding of 15 handfulls I protest I would not take 30 l. for them though I am certain they were of no advantantage to your self I am SIR Your most humble Servant Ternon O Rourke Sligoe Aug. the 7th 1691. SIR I Am weary of troubling you with so many Complaints the Bearer hereof Cavell O Dollane Owen Mac Laughlin and Torlogh Cullaine have lost all their Cows Horses and Baggages they tell me that Captain Caldwel was there present I send them to you that you may be pleas'd to surrender their things to them being taken in time of a Parley I am SIR Your humble Servant Edward Scot. Sligoe Aug. 10. 1691. SIR ACcording to the Incouragement you sent me by Laughlin Githaly I have sent a great number of my Followers in order to take Protections but it unluckily happened to them contrary to my expectation they were all preyed their Protections not regarded but it seems rather worse for them to be Protected than otherwise Forty of my Followers are not left worth a Groat the same Night they were Protected Yet I am extream sensible that all these disorders were committed unknown to you this Day I have sent one of my Nurses in order that she should be returned of what she and my other Forsterers lost whom I hope you will receive into consideration and grant her Satisfaction in her insupportable loss otherways we may have just reason to deem your Protection superficial both my Forsterers lost 70 Cows together with some Horses and Mares I am Your Friend and Servant Ternon O Rourke To the Hon. Coll. John Michelburne Gov. of Ballyshanan These Letters with many more the Collonel has to produce intimating the sad Disorders and Abuses committed by those of the Militia and others their Associates and to satisfie Collonel Scott who was very importuning for his Horses he sends him this following Letter Camp before Sligoe Aug. 10. 1691. SIR I Received yours and have used all my Endeavours to find your Horses and whosoever stole them I suppose knew how to convey them away without keeping them in the Camp and you and the other Gentlemen must rest satisfied but this I will promise you when the Fort is surrendred which is now but six Days to come they shall have satisfaction in Money so far as they in reason can expect But as for you and Collonel Rourke I brought out of England five Geldings two of which shall be at your Service and I do promise you shall be satisfied for the rest which I suppose is satisfaction enough Believe me Gentlemen notwithstanding I have sent my Troops of the Militia 4 or 5 Miles off to Grase I can soon send for them back I am Your humble Servant John Michelburne Pray do me the kindness that the Drum may bring me some Paper Collonel Scott sends imediately this Answer Sligoe the 10th of Aug. 1691. SIR I Had yours just now and am sorry that you should think me so mean that for my Horses I should break off of what I gave my Honour for I meant the continual oppression of your Army on the poor near out Guards whereby both Parties might fall fowl one of another but now the occasion is removed by your Removal and then you shall see that I am not the man you Mention had I been I know very well where I might break my Faith with advantage to my Party but I am no such man What made me make mention of my Horses so often was because I thought 't was easier for you to get the Horses returned to me than to pay the value of them you never saw So from this hour I will say no more of them but leave all to your self only to
Morrow I will send you their number and colour if there be any Paper in this Town that I can come to you shall have it I am SIR Your most humble Servant Edward Scott Lieutenant Dunbar who was sent by the Collonel as also an Officer from the Garrison with Letters to the Lord Tyrconuel and Earl of Lucan but to be perused first by the General Returned back this day with a Letter from the General viz The Generals Letter from the Camp at Birr Aug. 4th 1691. SIR I Send you back the Letters you inclosed from the Governour of Sligoe and can by no means Agree to the Messengers going to Limrick to ask my Lord Tyrconnel's consent whether he shall deliver up the place this is more than I granted to Galway for they absolutely agreed to Surrender in four days and only were permitted to let them know it We are not now in a Condition to court people to do themselves a Service for Limrick and Sligoe are the only places that are not under their Majesties Obedience if the place be forth-with deliver'd up into your hands I will still make good the Conditions I promised to Sir Teige if not he must take what follows for it will be too late to expect favour I am SIR Your most humble Servant Bar de Ginkel To Collonel Michelburne at LBallyshanan Collonel Michelburns Letter to Sir Teige on the Receipt of the Generals Letter SIR BY the Inclosed Letter from the General you may see his positive Demand of the Fort and his performing the Conditions he promised you formerly which was the same Imployment confer'd on you you now have as also what other satisfaction you would in reason desire Your Original Letter I will send you to peruse if you desire it but I do not question but you took a Copy of it on your first Treaty Your Answer to this I am SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne Sir Teige's Answer Sligoe Aug. the 10. 1691. SIR I Had yours of the 9th Instant together with the Generals Letter inclosed for his positive demand and promise to perform the condition he offered I know of none he offered other than in General tearms since which time you and I came to particulars Whereof you have a part and I another which was transmitted to him to be confirmed of which we expect soon a return so that what you have under my Hand and Seal already is answer enough from SIR Your Most Humble Servant Teige O Regan Collonel Scotts Letter Sligoe the 10th of Aug. 1691. SIR I Had yours and that I might dispatch your Drum the sooner I writ on the back of your Letter and do therein send the Generals Letter I am sorry you should think me or any of us here so Madd or Cowardly as to surrender such a place as this with such precipitation I will always do what an honest man ought to do no persuasion will make me do otherways when your Major and my Brother comes back I will willingly meet you half way in the mean time pray be pleased to Order the Releasement of the Priests at Ballyshanan I send you the Number Colour and Marks of my Horses I will assure you that I had rather have them than sixty Pounds if you find that I ought to get them I leave them to your self who am SIR Your most humble Servant Edward Scott In this Affair you may see how the Militia behaved themselves for of Twelve Troops of Dragoons and two Companies of Foot all forsook us but Sir Francis Hamilton Charles Hamilton Captain William Stuart and Capt. John Hamilton and all of the private Men unless as many as served for a Guard for those Gentlemen And if Sir Francis Hamilton and the other Gentlemen could not influence them to stay it was impossible Collonel Michelburne should that was a stranger amongst them This Discourse has been the more tedious by reason some malicious people of the Militia to cover their own guilt have endeavoured to Asperse and Villifie the Collonel by several false Informations given in against him to the Government This day being the 10th of August Col. Michelburne drew off his Detachment on Connaught side of Sligoe Occasion'd by Ballderrog O Donnel's Advance to relieve the Town and joyn'd them with those of Ballyshanan side and call'd his Officers together where was considred The strength of O Donnel's Party which was computed to be 3000 well Armed men as also the Garrison consisting of near 1000. Of our side considering the 12 Troops of Dragoons and two Foot Companys of the Militia that left us we were in no way able to make a defence meeting with so much disincouragement and that we were but a handful in comparison of the Enemy The strength we had then not exceeding four Hundred 't was agreed the next morning to march back to Ballyshanan and return with a stronger Body than formerly for the Malitia would no question but be very ambitious to see the Surrender of the Town and Fort of Sligoe So on the 10th Instant the Collonel broke up Bamp and that Night march to Ballyshanan This is the end of the second Expediton made against Sligoe Collonel Michelburne arrives at Ballyshanan the 10th of Aug. at night and sends a way Expresses to all the Militia near him to be ready on the 14th instant to joyn him and got all things in a readiness as was agreed on by the Articles signed and Sealed between Sir Teige and him he also sends Expresses for 300 more of his own Foot and this following Order to Major Tieburne and Cornt Mead Supervizors of the Militia in Vlster By vertue of an Order to me Directed by the Right Honorable the Lords Justices for commanding the Militia of the Province of Vlster I will and require that you march with as many Horse and Foot as you can get together by Friday the 14th of this Instant and joyn me with the rest of the Militia commanded by Sir Francis Hamilton together with the rest of the standing Army in order to receive the Garrison and Forts of Sligoe and to march farther into the Country as it shall be necessary for their Majesties service They are to bring with them six days Provision of Bread and for other Provisions there will be care taken Given at Ballyshanan the 11th of August 1691. John Michelburne To Major Tichburne Commanding the Militia of Gavan and Coronet Joseline Mead Commanding at Eniskillin Collonel Michelburne was very desirous to know if Ballderreg O Donnell was arrived at Sligoe with his Brigade as was reported and therefore sends away a Drum with some Letters from the Prisons of Londonderry and a Letter to Collonel Scott giving him an account that as soon as Forward returned from Preving the Country Those that belonged to him should have satisfaction that is they should have either their Goods returned or else be satisfied in Money so far as it lay in his power but as yet he was not returned But however
if he be in our Service as it plainly appears 't is no Relief and the Articles are still in force SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne I desire 20 Cows for my Money for Provision for my Men which pray order Sir Teige's second Letter in Answer to Coll. Michelburnes second Letter SIR I Had your by the Drummer As to the leaving all to my Lord O Donnel I do not design any such thing but being a Brigadier of our Army we might expect to be relieved by him As to the Capitulation agreed upon we are willing to Surrender this place to you accordingly but we expect that your part of it shall be performed also that is to get us the Horses and all things mentioned in the Articles towards our Marching together with the Horses that have been taken from Collonel Scott and other Officers of the Garison If you have not a mind to delay let this be done and then you will find how we are inclin'd and without which we will not Surrender which we will justifie before any General And the Prisoners you promised to Collonel Scott and mentioned in the Articles are not yet set at Liberty I have no Cows but am willing you should buy so many Cows for your Men as you think necessary and may send any Man to buy them I am Your very humble Servan Tiege O Regan To Coll. John Michelburne The Collonel did not much dislike this Letter and there fore sends his Major into Town to acquaint them that all things were in a readiness and for their Horses that were taken from them in time of our Parley when the Articles were signed he would pay for them according to his promise and for the Prisoners it is a solly for them to think that he would part with them 'till they perform Articles with him The Collonel thought how he was in a fair way of closing up all but whilst the Major and they were discoursing O Donnel arrives from the Camp and to satisfie them in their doubts signs this following Certificate I Do Certifie upon my Honour That my sole intent in Marching the Forces under my Command to this place was intirely to relieve the Garison of Sligoe and notwithstanding whatsoever Treaty past betwen General Ginkell and my self it was purely to delay the Affair in this Juncture and to forward K. J. Interest And I do promise and ingage to stick by you against any Force General Ginkell shall send Given under my Hand at Sligoe this 18th August 1691. O Donnel This is the Contents of what was produc'd to me under the hand of my Lord O Donnel by Coll. Scott at Sligoe when we parted Given under my Hand this 18th August 1691. John Hamilton As soon as this was done all things were broke off the Major returned to the Camp the Garison began to be very Insolent and sent word to remove our Camp or else they would beat us out of it disdaining the smallness of our number they having 10 to 1. The Collonel made answer That he would remove when he pleas'd and that in few days he would come and beat them out of the Fort. About one a Clock he ordered the Tents to be taken down and the Baggage to march in the Front and the Foot to March in the Rear of the Baggage and about an Hour after the Collonel brought up the Rear having with him four Troops of Horse and two Troops of Dragoons That Night they Incamped at Mullonghmore 10 Miles from Sligoe and the next day came to Ballyshanan This is the end of the third Journey Collonel Michelburne made against Sligoe That Night he sends away this following Letter by an Express to the General as also one to the same Effect to the Lords Justices SIR MY Major whom I sent with the Articles to your Excellney to be signed returned on the 14th The Town was to be delivered the next Morning I sent Sir Teige the inclosed who answered mine on the back and according to Sir Teige's desire I diseours'd Ballderrog called amongst them my Lord O Donnel who signified by his Discourse That as the Garison was in dispute his advice was That a middle Person meaning h mself between both be placed in the Town and Fort and withal did acknowledge that there had been some Treaty between him and General Ginkel in behalf of Himself and Followers and if I would condescend he would be put in possession of the Town and Forts and I to perform Articles to conduct the said Garrison to Limrick I told him as to any thing else I was ready to serve his Lordship but my business there was to performe Articles with the Garrison and I expected they would do the same with me after some discourse I rid off with Ballderrog and shew'd him your Excellencies Letter and presented him with one hundred Guineas of the two hundred your Excellency order'd me to pay him and the other hundred should be at his Lordships Service in a day or two His discourse was still to be in possession of the Garrison I told him your Letter mention'd no more than to joyn me in case they were Refractory And since there was no occasion either his saying he would not relieve them or drawing off his men would be sufficient I put it to him to know if he came there to relieve or not and to know whether he was our Friend or Enemy he told me next morning he would give me full satis faction in every thing I desired then there might be a Cessation of Arms. My Lord Ballderrog went that night to the Camp early in the morning I sent the second Letter to Sir Teige whose Answer is inclosed and finding him so inlinable I sent my Major to compound all those little Businesses between us and to satisfie them fully in money but when he came there unexpected he found the Lord Ballderrog who sent away the Major immediately to me to meet his Lordship between the two Lines where we again met and after some discourses we again rid off he told me that he was so far ingag'd to K. William that he could not with Honour break off but however several of his Officers expected good Terms and as much advantage as others I told him that the Surrender of the Garrison to me would be no hindrance for that you were easier dealt with by fair means than foul and that I must acquaint you that he was the only person that did obstruct the Surrender and appeared our open Enemy after tasting so largly of your favours He told me he could not agree to the Surrender till his Officers were satisfied as well as himself I have sent inclosed an Instrument of Ballderrogs without which they would have surrendred when the Major saw his falseness to your Excellency and taking money and yet acting as an open Enemy he gave Sir Teige and Col. Scott an account of his ingagement to you and his receiving money from me They blest
themselves and said he was a Knave on both sides The Militia of this Line are every one gone of their own accord home and I have only these two Troops to assiste me in this forty miles distance I was forced to take them with me to Sligoe intending to send them the nearest way to Athlone in case the Garison of Sligoe had surrendred in pursueance to your Excellencies Potent If you would be pleased to continue them with me they are of great service in Scouting comning Expresses c. And if your Excellency please to cause a Bill to be returned for the hundred Guineys I supplied Ballderrog Or considering since my being here I have been at a greater charge in my Journeys to Sligoe as also for Entelligence which if your Excellency would vouchsafe to make it up 15 l. it would do me a great kindness I am in due Obedience Your Excellencies most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne The Lords Justices as also the General receiving this Account from Collonel Michelburne of the falseness of O Donnell sent these following Instructions Dublin Castle 22. of August 1691. SIR WE have this day received your Letter by Express and are much concern'd at the Treacherous dealing of the Garrison of Sligoe and Ballderrog O Donnell Whereupon we have resolved to reinforce you with a considerable Body of the Northen Militia from the several Companies from Londonderry Dunigall Tyrone Cavan Mannoghan Formanagh Down and Anfrime whom we have sent to this night to march with all possible speed under their proper Officers and to joyne you at Ballyshanan and we have likewise order'd the Earl of Granard with another Body of the Militia to march with all possible speed from Athlone to joyn you at such place as shall be conserted between you to be most convenient as well for the suppression of Ballderrogs Party as the reducing of the Forts of Sligoe to their Majesties Obedience in order whereunto you are to Obey the commands of the said Earl of Granard as the Commander in Chief of all the Forces appointed for that Expedition We are Your friend and Servants Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby For Collonel John Michelburne at Ballyshanan The Collonel sent imediately an Express to Sir Francis Hamilton desiring him with all speed to joyn him at Ballyshanan Major Touchburne and Cornet Mead Supervizors of the Militia were very dilligent in forwarding those of Cavan and Formannagh c. Sir Francis Hamiltons Letter in answer to Collonel Michelburns Cavan August the 27th 1691. SIR I Received your Letter about Nine a clock last night and I imediately sent to the several Captains of the Militia to Randezvouze upon Sunday next at Eallymafay from whence I intend according to your Orders to march forthwith to Ballyshanan I just now received a Letter from the Lords Justices with an account of O Donnells Ravaging of Connaught and Orders for me to be with the Militia at Ballyshanan the 27th instant which is this day now it will be impossible for the Militia to be there before Munday next and part of them that lies most remote I doubt will not be there so soon I understand that my Lord Granard is to command a Body of men into Connaught if his Lordship comes to Ballyshanan before I be there be pleased to do me the favour to acquaint him that I am doing what I can to have the Militia in a readiness and the time that I expect to have them at Ballyshanan where I shall chearfully observe all the Orders from his Lordship and your self being very sincerely SIR Your Affectionate and most humble Servant Francis Hamilton To the Hon. Collonel John Michelburne at Ballyshanan Collonel Michelburne in the interime whilst the Militia was geting together sends to Enskillin for some Brass gunns that were taken at Newtownbuttler from the Irish under the Command of the Lord Mountcastle and gets them fitted up as also persuant to the Lords Justices Orders sends Expresses to Bellurbit for Bread for the Militia as also provides Boats from Killybeggs for sending away Ammunition Cannon-ball Spades Pitch Axes Provisions c. to be Transported that nothing should hinder or delay us in our March to Sligoe and for drawing the Guns the Horses that were brought in for that occasion were so small that they were of no use which made the Collonel for quick expedition give his own Baggage Horses The 23th Augush the Collonel received the following Letter from the General Camp at Carick on Lysh Aug. 19. 1691. SIR YOU know by this time whether the Governour of Sligoe acted honestly or no but I have very good reason to helieve he has not from a Letter that is intercepted from Collonel Scott for that reason I must desire you will be upon your Guard and make the Militia advance to the Frontiers to prevent the Enemies Incursions If you have not paid O Donnel the 200 Guineys pray don't until further Order or that he has put Sligoe into your hands I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant Bar. de Ginkell Here follows the Letter that was intercepted as followeth Sligoe Aug. the 13th 1691. My Lord NOT hearing from you this long time I send this Bearer to acquaint you with our Assairs Twelve days since one Michelburne a Collonel of the Enemy's Army came hither with his own Regiment of Foot two Troops of Dragoons of the Army and the rest of their Militia to the number of about 2000. in all He sent us a Letter from General Ginkel with some Proposals and Money for Surrendring this place which we resused to do but three or sour Days after we agreed to Surrender if we were not relieved in ten Days which was only a project to save about 5000 Cows we had about the Fort and thereby got an opportunity to send to O Donnel into the County of Mayo I went to him and now he is upon his March towards the Boyle where he is to remain until we get Provisions in here then you may be sure it shall never be surrendred without your Orders or over-powered I saw your Letter to O Donnel and I wondred you did not send the least word to me I hope the Enemy shall see That Gallway is the only place capable of doing such a thing as they have done I hear of a great many young Collonels advanced in the Army I hope my being so remote will not make your Lordship forget me whilst I shall be as mindfull of my Duty and as serviceable in my Station as any of them I am Your Lordships most assured Humble Servant Edward Scot. To the Right Honourable Patrick Earl of Lucan By this you may see how abominable and deceitsul these Men are notwithstanding the Articles under Hand and Seal This Patrick Earl of Lucan was him they called Sarsfield so noted amongst the Irish This Letter was intercepted by one of our Army being a Spy going to Lymerick which occasioned the General to send this following Letter to Collonel Michelburne
1691. Phil. Cox Law de Butts George Croston Provost William Cranford Ja. Barret This from the Sheriff of the County I Have known George Robb these several Years and always knew him to have the Character of a shifting knavish Fellow in his Dealings more I cannot say then that I am satisfied this is Truth William Nicholson So much for George Robb Merchant The Charge against John Forward a Militia Captain sworn by the several Persons under-written COllonel Michelburne having received Orders from his Excellency Lieut. Gen. Ginkel to Summons Sligo did on the first of August last appear before the Town and delivered his message to Sir Teige O Regan the Governour but finding his Advantage then appearing so great did on Monday following prosecute his Siege which had so great Success that he brought them to Articles and that the Garrison had been undoubtedly in the Obedience of Their Majesties had not Capt. Forward as an Exampse to the rest of the Militia deserted his Post at the noon time of the day with his whole Troop Stephen Miller And. Nisbet That at Ballisadoe-Bridge be forced his passage against the Out-guards and went and plundered the protected Persons Robert Wilson Robert Robinson That he willfully maliciously and contrary to Order broke the Articles that were signed and sealed by the General 's command in behalf of Their sacred Majesties in Order to the delivery of the Garrison and Forts of Sligo that he violated the General 's and Michelburne's Protections that he plunder'd stripp'd and prey'd the protected as well as those not protected notwithstanding the Protections were produc'd and that without respect of Persons Samuel Ferguson That he drove away to the number of 800 black Cattle besides 100 Horses and Mares and loaded 38 Horses of the plunder of several sufficient mens Houses with Beds Blankets Sheets Ruggs Pors Kettles and with all sorts of Mens and Womens Cloathes and a great quantity of woollen and Linnen Yarn notwithstanding he was commanded the contrary Samuel Ferguson That when Coll. Michelburne heard of the said Capt. Forward's return with the Prey so unjustly gotten he sent Capt. Manson with a small party of men to stop the said Forward who in a Rebellious and Mutinous manner drew up his Troop in defiance of the said Collonel and said he cared not one F for him the said Coll. or any Authority he had James Manson That when the said Officer returned and gave an account to the said Coll. Michelburne of Capt. Forward's mutiny he the said Coll. was forced to send two Troops of Dragoons after him 13 miles before he could be brought to deliver back part of the Cattle he had carried away John Hamilton Andrew Nisbett This is the greatest part of what was alledged against him before the Lords Justices All this considered Coll. Michelburne had very good reason to send such a man Prisoner to Lieut. Gen. Ginkel Boyl December the 9th 1691. The Lord Kingston's Letter THere is a Trial to be the 15th of this month betwixt Coll. Michelburne and Capt. Forward of the County of Donnygall concerning a Prey taken by the latter near this Town the 6th of August last my Tenants were for the most part concerned and all that were had Protections and Certificates of claiming the benefit of the Lords Justices Proclamation in July Forward was most barbarous in the thing and vallued no good Qualification the People were under then which none in the Kingdom could be under better their Submission being as early as it could be and their Behaviour since the War worthy of Justice at least my printed Protection from the General in their Favour produced at the taking of the Prey met equal dis-reguard some Informations taken by me on this occasion will be found in the hands of Mr. John Brett now in Dublin my request to you is to appear against Forward at the Trial and keep him at least under such Circumstances as may find the poor oppressed Subjects earliest Justice you shall not want sufficient Proof to this purpose on your reasonable warning at any time and your care shall have the Acknowledgement of SIR Your Friend Kingston To Mr. William Donnelly in Dublin Mr. Brett will be found at Mr. Bradys at the Black Lyon Pill Lane Be sure to retain a good smart Council and let me find you omit nothing and that you are very active therein Commissioners Sligo The Examination of Jasper Brett of Brickcliffe in the said County taken before the Right Honourable Lord Baron of Kingston THE said Examinant being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and examined on his Oath deposeth That Capt. Forward high sheriff of the County of Dunnigall and his Militia Troops on or about the Sixteenth of August last preffed this Examinant and leveral other protected Persons in the said County who lived either in their dwelling Houses or other Places assigned them by Coll. Wasehearth from whom they took Protections and Certificates of submitting some Weeks before to the Lords Justices Declaration that this Examinant being that day at the time of the taking the Prey on his return from the Boyl to his own House did meet the said Forward and part of the Prey near Bellanafad within three miles of the Boyl to whom this Examinant complained of the Injustice done him particularly therein having Coll. Wisehearth's Protection and Certificate of the twentieth of July his Landlord Gilbert Ormsby of Toberraddy in the County of Roscomen Esq his Protection Licensed thereunto by his Excellency Lieutenant General Ginkle and one Collonel Michelburne's Protection to whom this Examinant applied himself upon his first Appearance before Sligo and who was farther tollerated by him by way of Protection in Writing to live in his own House to whom the said Forward replied That he did not value not would regard his Protection but would be civil to him as a Gentleman that this Examinant insisted more particularly on his Protection from Coll. Michelburne under whose command the said Forward came into the County the said Forward replied he would not obey it that he thought himself as sufficient as Michelburne that that night he would not suffer this Examinant to stay with him where the Prey was kept that this Examinant attended him the next morning he found him with Capt Francis King one of the Justices of the Peace of the said County and one Mr. Johnson Servant to the Right Honourable the Lord Baron of Kingston pleading in favour of the protected Country affirming their due Subjection to Their Majesties Government and offering my Lord Kingston's Protection from his Excellency Lieut. Gen. Ginkel in favour of his Lordships Tenants all which met disregard from the said Forward Consenting only at length to run through the Prey and leave as it were a moiety but short thereof as Charity to the infinite number of poor people that followed This Examinant further saith that the said Forward took then from him and his Tenants forty two Cowes besides Calves and