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
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
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
was then on Capitulation with General Ginkell and sent to Coll. Michelburne to joyn him if the Garrison should prove Obstinate and so to reduce them by force The General ordered Coll. Michelburne to pay him 200 Guineas as a Mark of his Favours of which accordingly he paid him 100 and the other 100 he promised to pay him in two or three Days but the said O Donnel notwithstanding his Ingagement with the General the payment of the 100 Guineas he appeared the only person that obstructed the Surrender and took part with the Garrison of Sligoe to defend them apainst Coll. Michelburne or what other the General should send Signing an Instrument under his Hand that notwithstanding any Contract made between the General Ginkell and himself his only design was to prolong the time and what he did or acted was for King James's Interest and promised the Garrison of Sligoe to joyn with them when there was occasion The Lords Justices understanding the Abuse that was committed by the said O Donnel issued first their Order to the Militia of most part of the Province of Vlster to joyn Coll. Michelburne the latter end of August who by the General 's Orders and the Lords Justices Commanded the Summer past at Ballyshannon to the intent that when a considerable body could be got together he was to Advance teward Sligoe their Lordships ordered likewise a considerable Body of the Militia from Dublin and other parts of Lemster to be Commanded by the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard with a Commissioner to Command the whole Forces of Lemster and Vlster to reduce O Donnel as also the said Forts of Sligoe to Their Majesties Obedience but the said O Donnel in the mean time makes his Peace with the General and joyns his Forces with the Earl of Granard therefore the lord-Lord-Justices gave Orders for a considerable quantity of Provisions to be sent from Dublin to Bellurbit for this occasion Whilst the Militia was drawing to the Frontiers Coll. Michelburne drew from Cavan Bellurbit Eniskillin and Killybegs as many of his own Regiment as he could spare out of the said Garrisons to joyn the Militia whom he expected by the Ist of September but it was the 8th before the Militia could make any considerable Appearance in the mean time the said Coll. us'd all his Endeavours to get some Field Pieces from Eniskillin the 9th he began his March with about 500 Militia Horse two Troops of Dragoons of the standing Army three Militia Foot Companies and 600 Men of his own Regiment That Night he Encamped at Drumcleif three Miles from Sligoe and 17 from Ballyshannon from whence Capt. Vaughan a Militia Captain with his own Troop and a Detachment of ten more to secure him from the Rapparees was dispatch'd to the Earl of Granard to acquaint his Lordship of our Advance Drumcleif the 9th of September 1691. My Lord THE backwardness of some of the Militia Troops of this Province was the Oaccsion of my not advancing sooner I have sent Capt. Vaughan to know your Lordships Commands who will give you an Account of our Advance and what Condition we are in I think it not convenient to quit this side of the Town to joyn you before you come to Sligoe by reason of the Inconveniency of drawing our Guns I am My Lord Your Lordships most Humble Servant John Michelburne To the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard at Boyle or elsewhere These The next Morning about Seven we advanced within half a Mile of the Town and advantagiously posted our selves in an old Danish Fort called by the name of Rabacan built in the time of Oliver Cromwell and as soon as we were encamped Orders were given to repair the said Fort the said Coll. Michelburne sends a Drum with a Summons to Sir Teague O Regan Govetnour of the Town and County of Sligoe as followeth Collonel Michelburne's First Letter SIR I Do not question but your Intelligence is such that you are satisfied and assured of what Preparation is made which you may see by a considerable Force under my Command enough to bring you to Submission but a far greater under the Earl of Granard and the Lord O Donnel so that you will be surrounded on every side and that we are not to quit the place till reduced However I have Orders from his Excellency General Ginkell once more to treat if with your Conveniency You know the Hardships of a close Siege and the ill Effects that will happen if you continue obstinate 'T was very ill resented and ill taken that you detained the Articles Signed by General Ginkell you neither returned them nor the Counterpart but kept both in your Custody I am SIR Your Humble Servant John Michelburne I desire your speedy Answer my Service to Collonel Scot and Collonel Rourke To the Honourable Sir Teague O Regan Governour of Sligoe Sligoe September the 11th 1691. SIR I Have yours of this days date my Intelligence is such that I cannot give a shroad Guess of the Preparations that are making as you mention to reduce this place if they were Ten times greater then you fancy them it is equal to me Neither am I ignorant as you mention of the Effects of a close Siege which I am in this case resolued to try However I thank you for your offer and as for not returning the Articles Signed by General Ginkell no wonder at it for I have no other to show my own General for my Justification for the manner of my Capitulation and of breaking off honestly with you to whom I appeal whither or no I have not behaved my self as I ought and who is to blame in this matter I suppose you have the Counterpart of the Article your self Coll. Seot and Coll. Rourke defires to be remembred to you and Sir Francis Hamilton so do I who am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To Coll. John Michelbourne Governour of London-Derry and Ballyshannon This day being 11th of September and proving very wet was Imployed in cutting Fagots and repairing the Fort so that we made no Advance till about Nine next Morning the Coll. viewed every part of the Enemies Outwarks where he might take 'em at the best Advantage they were observed about 200 of them hard at work in Levelling an old Ditch some distance from the Fort we were informed by some of the Country that they had taken a reinforcement of two Foot Companies one commanded by Lieut. Coll. Edward mac Swine the other by Capt. Conn O Neal we also observed great numbers of them going into the Town and could only discover one Company of Granadeers lodg'd in a Danish Fort to observe our motion The Enemy still observing our Men at work repairing the Danish Fort were now altogether secure not apprehending in the least that we should fall upon them that Morning and fully assured that nothing would be done of our side till the Lord Granard arrived but in less than an hour they found
AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSACTIONS IN THE North of Ireland Anno Domini 1691. AND Of many other Remarkable Passages during our last Years Successful Campaign in that Kingdom With a Particular Relation Of the Manner of Besieging and Taking the Town of Sligoe by Storm by the Honourable Collonel JOHN MICHELBVRNE Governor of London-Derry and sometimes Governour of the Town and Fort of Sligoe then Commander in Chief of Their MAJESTIES Forces in the Province of Vlster LONDON Printed in the Year 1692. To His Excellency GODART Earl of Athlone Viscount Aghrim Baron of Barronasloe and Bar de Ginkell Commander in Chief of Their Majesties Forces in the Kingdom of IRELAND My Lord THIS following Treatise is a Subject that lies so wholly whithin Your own Province of Honour that it pretends a kind of Right to lay it self at Your Excellencies Feet For though in general it relates the happy Managery of the last Years Successes in the North of Ireland yet since that cannot be done without publishing some just Testimonials of the Courage Fidelity and Services of my Worthy Friend Collonel John Michelburn methinks it is a piece of Duty as the Pendant always attends the Flag to usher his Bannoret under Your Standard And truly there 's some farther Plea for my presumption in this Dedication viz. That I may justly avow that Collonel's Early Endeavours in the Kingdom of Ireland were at least the Phosphore to Your Excellencies brighter Sun His forward Hand gave the first fair Earnest for the Irish Successes when in his Exemplary Northern Services his Preservation of London-derry I may properly say like a true Forlorn Hope he held the Enemy in play till Your Excellencies heavier Mass of Glory could come up to sweep the intire Victory A Victory indeed in which the World must do You this publick Justice that the whole last Years Renown was entirely Your own For whilst in all the other Scenes of War as Germany Flanders Savoy c. Fortune in a manner kept wholly neuter and the rest of the Neighbouring Heroes only stood at a Bay Your Excellencies more Active Arme held the most prevailing Sword and only play'd the Conquering Game whilst an entire Victory follow'd no Chariot but Your own And as long as the Compleat Reduction of Ireland fills so large a Page in the English Annals Your Excellencies never dying Merit must stand Chronicled with so fair a Character that they must give You this peculiar Renown That you made not War a Trade You felt the Cause You fought and in the Service of England consulted the Interest of Christendom whilst the Expedition of Your Triumph is possibly the brightest of Your Lawrels But alas 'T is not my Province to be Your Excellencies Herauld or Historian there 's no occasion for my poor Pen to attempt what all Tongues are already full of 'T is enough that with the Fame You have all the Vertues of a Conquerour and as such this Gentleman's Cause can not come before an Abler or Properer Judge the Assurance of which Justice is the occasion of this Confidence from My Honoured Lord Your Excellencies most Obedient tho' Unkown Humble Servant and Admirer J. H. TO THE READER THough this following Discourse as it contains a perfect Series of the most important Affairs that were transacted in the North of Ireland the last Campaigne and consequently relates the Success of our English Arms in that Kingdom so much conduceing to the happiness of our own cannot but be an entertaining Subject to every honest Reader yet the publishing this ensuing Narrative is not altogether on that design The Vindication of a private Cause of the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne a Person so eminently Instrumental in the Recovery of Ireland has in some measure been the Motive that engag'd this present Pen to be drawn in his Defence Vertue does not always meet with Justice from the Mouth of ill tongu'd Fame Her Enemies are often so successful Detraction and Envy still striking at the noblest Merit that in the false Game they play the Honest side is commonly on the Loosing hand and the Innocent receives its fall from the Treacherous stab of envious Malice and successful Villany Now it being the Misfortune of the Honourable Person I have mention'd to be unworthily a Sufferer in this kind you will find that whilst this Treatise I am writing gives you an exact Relation from day to day of the manner and means he us'd to reduce Sligoe which was taken by him commanding there in chief it will not only satisfie the curiosity of those that are pleased to look nicely into those Affairs in general but will do a particular Justice to his Honour whose Services have deserv'd a much Kinder Treatment than hitherto they have met with by unloading him of those notorious Injuries that most unjustly ill-minded Men had thrown upon him Coll. Michelburne being impower'd by the Lords Justices and the General to command all the Forces of the Province of Vlster after he had made his second Attack against the Garrison he lay before without that Success he expected which was occasioned by some of the Militia's cowardly deserting him a very hard and untrue Character of his Management in that Affair by what means transmitted we know not was sent over to Her Majesty which represented him so faulty that the Queen immediately sent particular Orders to the L. Justices of Ireland to take the matter into their Judiciary Cognizance and Examination I having the good fortune to be an Intimate Acquaintance of his was much surpriz'd and troubled to hear the rumour of those unwelcome Untruths as I conceiv'd 'em that seem'd to blacken so my Friends unspotted Honour My respect therefore for a Person who was so early a Defender of His Majesty's Interest in the Kingdom of Ireland to whose Vigilancy Courage Conduct and Fidelity the most happy Success we met with at London-derry next under God ought chiefly to be attributed woud not suffer me to joyn with the unthinking Populace in that Cry against him But on the contrary I was resolved to continue the same Honourable Opinion of him that his former actions had establish'd in me believing it impossible for a Person that had so lately signalized himself cou'd ever deviate from the Paths of his innate Vertue and unshaken Loyalty being firm in this Belief and zealous for my Friends ' Honour I could not forbear enquiring by a Letter from him what effects this Calumny might have on his Affairs in Ireland and whither as yet he had healed his wounded Reputation-before the Lords Justices I soon received a very satisfactory Answer with a Copy of a Letter from General Ginkell to him which you will find inserted hereafter in its proper place so much applauding the Collonel's signal Services that it rejoyc'd me to know that the malice of his ill-minded Enemies cou'd not divert his Excellency from conceiving the same fair Character of him that all just Men ought But what pleas'd me most
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
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
the said Coll. at Derry in the time of the Siege in particular one Lieut. Scott Brother to Coll. Scott joynt Governor with Sir Teague and Coll. of one of the Regiments Garrison'd in Sligoe Collonel Mitchelburne's Letter to Sir Teague SIR 'T IS no small Satisfaction to me to know that my Old Acquaintance Sir Teague O Regan the happiness of whose Company I have so often enjoy'd in the French Campaign should be in a Garrison so near me As also Coll. Scott I have sent you a Pacquet of Letters by my Drum from the Prisoners in Londonderry one whereof is to Coll. Scott from his Brother to whom I have been Civil upon the Collonel's Account which he does kindly acknowledge My Service to Collonel Scott I am SIR Your most Humble Servant John Mitchelburne The Drum was dispatch'd away immediately with Orders not to spare Horse-flesh but to return with all speed but instead of coming that night or the next day there being no News of the Drummer the Collonel could not conjecture what was become of him he thought either he was knock'd in the Head by the Rapperees or that Sir Teague O Regan was removing and would not let him return least he should give an Account of the postnre they were in which might be the cause of our falling on their Rear He resolves therefore to know the truth of the matter and the 3 d. day having no News of his Drummer calls a Court Martial and march'd that Night The Court Martial A General Court Martial held at Ballyshanan this 13th of July 1691. WHereas by two Letters received one from the General and the other from the Lords Justices giving an Account of the Enemies quitting Sligoe and Jamestown We having sent a Drummer to Sligoe to observe their motion and the truth thereof and finding no return of the Message sent do think it highly necessary for Their Majesties Service to march as many of the standing Army and Militia as can be spared towards Sligoe at Nine a Clock this Night that we may be able to give an Account of the Affairs of Sligoe and full Answer to each Letter John Forward Charles Hamilton George Vaughan William Hewart William Wray John Hamilton John Mitchelburne William Staughton William Mead. Capt. Caldwell Capt. Nesbitt George Gregory Stephen Miller Richard Bickerstaffe Mich. Coningham The Court Martial being over and every one sworn to Secresie they march their Troops and Companies over the River with as much Expedition as they could We set forward towards Sligoe about 9 that Night the Strengths of what we march'd leaving the Forts and Passes indifferently well guarded were as followeth About 80 Dragoons standing Army 080 The Collonel's Foot 200 Collonel Venner's Foot 100 The Militia 200 Â 580 By break of day we came to Mulloughmore mid-way between Ballyshanan and Sligoe and about five came to the Grange where the Collonel posted all the Foot in the old Walls of the Grange in Ambush commanded by Lieut. Coll. Staughton When we halted and drew up by reason of some difficulty whilst we were at Muloughore some Disputes were started by Capt. Forward and some of the Militia of what ill consequence it would be if the Enemy should give us a Defeat that most part of the North say open to the Incussions of the Enemy the substance of which was discours'd with to the Collonel by Captain Henry Hart the Collonel made answer it was a shame to turn back since they were half way As also why did not they object this at the Court-Martial but said he would go if he had no more than the standing Army and those of the Militia as would not follow him they might turn back but if they would trust to his Management they need not in the least doubt for his business was not to fight the Enemy but to know if Sligoe were deserted And accordingly as soon as the Foot were posted by way of Ambush the Collonel takes all the Horse and Dragoons with him and mounts about Forty of his Granadeers on the Officers Horses he having about seven short Miles to Sligo he march'd with that Precipitation that it was impossible to be surprized by the Enemy leaving Seouts on every Hill till he arrived within a Mile of Sligoe where observing no Horse appear he advanc'd nearer and obser'vd about 3 or 400 Foot drawn out by which means he discover'd that Sligoe was not deserted as was reported the Collonel continued before the Town above an hour and then march'd back 't was very remarkable to march 20 Miles and especially when we march'd so private not so much as to meet with one Person to give us Intelligence The Collonel's Letter to Sir Teague concerning the Drummer which was detained by him in the Town July 13th 1691. SIR I Think strange that you detain my Drummer these four days which was never yet practicable by the Law of Arms and must needs be a great Reflection upon you by this unjust dealing IsI have him not speedily I 'll revenge his wrong on the Prisoners in Derry which is all from Your humble Servant John Mitchelburne To the Honourable Sir Teague O Regan Governour of Sligoe This now he sent by a Girl into the Town to Sir Teagne least he should detain the Messenger and then drew off his Men and at Drumcleife strand the Enemy advanced withsome Horse where was some skirmishing on both sides but at the appearance of our Granadeers the Enemy retreated and we march'd back to the Grange and joyn'd our Foot and march'd that Night to Ballyshanan The next Morning the Drummer returned and brought this following answer Sligoe July 14th 1691. I Received yours and as to my Detaining the Drummer I rather took him for a Spye than a Drummer for he was not satisfied to be in the Town but must go up into the Fort and make his Observations besides his Considence and giving his Tongue that Liberty that I could by no means suffer it and I am sure you would have don no less had any of Ours been guilty of half the Impertinence in your Garrison and for the future I desire that any other Drummer may be sent rather than that Fellow I am very glad you are my Neighbour and will treat you with all the Civilities our Cause will allow Collonel Scott gives you his Humble Service I am Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan Collonel Mitchelburne's Letter to the Lords Justices giving them Account of this his first Journey to Sligoe My Lords I Received two Expresses one from Your Lordships the other from the General to take Possession of Sligoe if it was quitted by the Enemy but the Difficulty was such that it is almost impossible to get Intelligence for there is not a Dweller between this and Sligoe On Tuesday last I posted away a Drummer with Letters from the Prisonars of Londonderry to the Governor of Sligoe thinking by that means to know the certainty but they detain'd the Drum and
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
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
Commissioners were on a Treaty and as to the Treaty he Agreed to those of the former Articles only Scratching out the drawing of the two Pieces of Canon for that he would not promise any thing but what he would perform it being Impossible to draw Guns that time in the Year The Commissioners going out told them that the Collonel would not allow of any time above Twenty four hours they then Demanded four days and they would put one of the Forts into our hands Collonel Michelburne without any delay bid them return and agree to it Admitting they would give up the big Fort their Answer was the most part of their things was in the Sodd Fort but they would Surrender the Stone Fort which he refusing advis'd them to consider of it till the next Morning and then to send their final Answer in the mean time Coll. Michelburne gave Orders to post all the Horse and Foot Guards for the Nights Service and 100 Pioneers with their implements all in the View of the Enemy As soon as the Commissioners were returned Order was given to Salute them with our Cannon and Small-shot which continued most part of the Night all which time the Fort hung out Lights for fear we should Attack their Counterscarpe That night the Collonel sends an Express to the General as also to the Lords Justicâ—s as followeth Sligoe Septemb. 12th 1691. My Lords I Have once more a Prospect of Sligoe Fort to be under Their Majesties Obedience In my last I acquainted your Lordships of the backwardness of the Militia but however on Thursday last being the 10th of this Instant I marcht with a Detatchment of 600 Foot of my own Regiment about 400 Militia Horse and 100 Foot with 2 Troops of Dragoons of the Standing Army and that Night Incamped at Drumcleefe 3 Miles from Sligoe and sent an Express with a Detatchment of 36 Men under the Command of Capt. Vaughan with Orders to Acquaint my Lord Granard of my Approach to Sligoe Next Day he Incamped about half a Mile from the Town which was imployed in repairing a Danish Fort but proving wet we made no Advance on the Enemy till about Nine the next Morning The Enemy was now bolder than usual for besides the two Regiments they had an Addition of two Foot Companies one Commanded by Lieut. Coll. Mac Swine the other by one O Neal. About Eight I began to form my Detatchments both of Foot and Horse but at last I thought it necessary to imploy the whole Party At our first approach they quitted all the Ditches and Posted themselves on that side where stands their Fort but the Tide being out I advanced my Granadeers with about 150 Foot still gaining upon them the Enemy Attackt us with great Fury which caused me to order 3 Troops of Horse to Advance which caused the Enemy to retreat and Man a Fort about 150 yards from the great Fort and that at the Advance of our Horse and Foot they quitted that likewise which after a short Dispute we became Masters of and all their Out-Works as also the Town of Sligoe and now are incamped and lie close under their Forts By the next I hope to give your Lordships an Account of the Fort being intirely in our hands In this Action we lost but 1 Ensign which was killed with a Canon from the Enemy and some 9 Men Wounded and 1 Man of the Militia and 4 Horses wounded I am My Lords Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne About Ten at Night we had an Account from our Out-Guards Commanded by Captain Harrison that between the Town and Ballisadeare-Bridge they Discovered a considerable Camp occasioned by their many Fires but did not know whither they were Friends or Enemies it was dubious whether they were the Forces under the Lord Granard or Sarsfield's Party which we had an Account was marching towards Sligoe and to inform our selves of this most urgent Affair the Coll. Ordered Captain Harrison should send out immediately 20 of his Troop of which 2 of them to Advance within about half Musket-Shot before the rest of the party till they were Challenged by the other by which means they would soon discover whither they were Friends or Enemies which accordingly they did and found them to be the Forces under the Earl of Granard the Commander of the party was brought to my Lord who gave his Lordship an Account according to the former Discourse Next Morning the Collonel sent to them that if they did not immediately come to Conclusion he must remove all the Papist Families out of the Town and if they pleas'd they might take them into the Fort. To which Sir Teague's Answer SIR I Had yours The Kindness as to our Women and Children I thank you for you do but what becomes you and what I expected of you and what I would have done were I in your Station I know of no particular Women or Children belonging to us in Town except Maj. Conners's Lady Mrs. Reyly and my Servant Maid if you please to admit them hither and the rest if there be any to guard 'em where else they please I will thank you As for your saying that I came to no Treaty c. I do assure you out of the particular desire I had to deal with you I have strained my self to such Terms as I would not with any other if you will not take hold of this Opportunity all Circumstances considered it is your fault and believe me you will repent it you may believe I am not ignorant of my Lord Granard's and the Lord O Donnel's Motion but I am really and so are the rest of the Gentlemen more for you than any else of your Party and Station and to shew you my further Sincerity I am willing that the same Commissioners named by you and me yesterday may meet again and compose the matter if they can before the coming of those with some of whom I have no Inclination to have any Civil Dealings I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne To which Coll. Michelburne agreed and Orders the same Commissioners who were on the Treaty the Night before to go on in the Capitulation and Conclude with them About this time the Collonel received the Generals Letter as followeth Camp before Lymrick September the 7th 1691. SIR I Have your Letters of the 29th of the last from Ballyshaanon and hope with O Donnells help you are by this time in Possession of Sligoe for since his Agreement with Collonel Richards I make no Question but he will do the Service to their Majesties which he promised and therefore I desire you will use him Civilly when he joyns you If possible when you have that delivered to you I would have Sir Teague O Regan and Collonel Scott Excluded from Terms that I may punish those People that have so Treacherously broke their Faith however I would not have you stand so
much upon that as to loose the Town I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Bar de Ginkell In the mean time the Lord Granard advanced with his Party in sight and sent for Coll. Michelburne who with some other of his Officers attended his Lordship and gave him an account of the progress he had made as well in pinning them up who consisted of 28 Companies of Foot in so small a compass as also how all things were in a manner concluded His Lordship was by the Collonel and several others attended into Town to the House of Sir Arthur Goore Soon after Sir Francis Hamilton Major Hamilton and Major Tichburne attended his Lordship giving him account That all was concluded on between the Fort of Sligoe and Coll. Michelburne if it might be with his Lordship's Approbation except some small Additions which Sir Teige desired the Commissaries might report to his Lordship who granted it His Lordship ordered the Collonel and Major Hamilton to compleat the Articles which accordingly was done Sir Teige desiring a further time for as they were to Surrender at 12 on Sunday his Lordship agreed to give them leave till 7 next Morning being Monday the 14th which accordingly was done as followeth According to Capitulation they were furnish'd with 28 Truckle Carrs and two Horses to each Company for their Baggage which took some time to bring out of the Fort after them marched 28 Companies such as they were which done Sir Teige delivered up the Keys to Coll. Michelburne who immediately marched in at the Head of a Battalion of his own Regiment after which the Lord Granard rode in with a considerable number of Officers and Gentlemen of the Countrey Collonel Michelburne with the Keys in his hand complimented his Lordship with them in the Name of Their Majesties King William and Queen Mary who return'd him the Keys and wish'd him joy of his new Government The Lord O Donnel about this time delivered the Collonel a Letter of old date which should have come to his hands about the 21th of August and it was not delivered till the 14th of September A Letter from Coll. Richards bearing date from Cushin-Town the 19 of Aug. 91. SIR MY Lord O Donnel and I have now regulated all Matters and will to the utmost of his power do what shall most contribute to Their Majesties Service I do not doubt but that you will supply him with what necessarys you can after Sligoe is in your hands my Lord I suppose will March towards the General or according to what Directions he shall receive from him I shall take care for his Supplies of what we have in our Stores when he comes to Gallway or any other of our places where we have Stores Your wants at Sligoe may be supplied from Ballyshanan if any there otherwise upon your notice and the General 's Order Collonel Goore or my self will send you by Sea what is to be had from us I am satisfied my Lord O Donnel will do his best for reducing Sligoe and therefore it will not be amiss to consult him in difficulties I am SIR Your most humble Servant Ja. Richards Just now I have advice That Sarsfield with the Horse is come on this side so that Sir Albert Coningham has Orders to march his Dragoons to Clare-Gallway I expect to be this Night at Gallway and if any thing extraordinary happens shall advise you Capt. Otway had Orders to take an account of the Stores of Ammunition and Provision according to the Capitulation which follows A List taken the 15th day of September 1691. of the Guns Ammunition and Stores of War in the Sodd Fort of Sligoe Ordinances Brass mounted on Brick and stand Carriages 12 Pounder 1 Chamber Piece 1 Iron Ordinances Mounted on Brick and stand Carriages Deme Coulver 1 Minion 3 3 Pounders 10 Power 30 bar Ball for French Fusies 6½ bar Ditto for Pistol 1 bar Match 8 hog per est Ball proportionable Culvering 109 Bastard Cannon 72 12 Pounders 36 9 Pounders 144 Saker 267 Minion 332 Fallcon 054 Ladles and Spunges for Demy Culvering 1 1 3 Pounders 10 10 12 Pounders 1 1 Menion 3 3 Crows of Iron 2 Syaths 18 Handbarrows 21 Wheel-barrows 30 Pitch 25 Peices 40 Floot barrs of Iron 40½ Old Iron 8 C. Hand Granadas fixt 200 Ditto unfixt 328 Scales 1 Weights 5 Shovels and S pades 38 Received the day and year above mention'd by the Order of the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the Guns Ammunition and Stores of War above mentioned As Witness my Hand John Michelburne Sodd Fort Sligoe the 15th September 1691. Provisions for the Mouth Oate-meal 24 bar Beef 200 bar Salt 1 bar Meal 11 bar Oates 150 bar Barrly 60 bar Received the day and year above mention'd by Order of the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the Provision and Stores above mentioned As Witness my Hand John Michelburne The account Received of the The Train of Artillery from Captain Richard Swan as followeth Powder in Barrels 25 Ball in Barrels 35 Match in Bundels 15 Wheel-barrows 21 Iron Crows 3 Baskets 45 3 Pounder Balls 183 A Small parcel Killkenny Coals in a Case Hammer Hatchits 20 Bill Hooks 24 1 A barral Kit Granadas fixt 100 Shells unfixt 482 Handbarrows 48 Pickaxes 23 Rep-hooks 5 Syaths 2 Whetstones 4 Turn Pikes 18 Horse Harnssing 18 Clouts 12 Shafts 2 Linchpins 12 Tar Tub 1 1 Wheel for the big Gun 1 1 Axil-tree 1 Swingle Trees 4 Hurters and Wassers 13 1 Jack 1 8 Sand Bagg 1 12 Pounder Balls 98 1 Dark Lanthorn 1 Long Spikes in a Box 500 2 Shilling Nais 500 Of mens Harnessing 2 Riges Ropes ' 2 Fadams of 2 inch Rope 10 ½ A Goyl of Small Rope ½ 1 Brass 12 Pounder 1 2 brass 3 Pounders 2 And all necessaries belonging to them An Account of Coll. Michelburne's appearing Three several times before the Lords Justices to make answer to Mr. Foward's Information a Militia Captain November the 19th the 30th and the 17th of December 1691. BY the fore-going Narrative where all things were acted to the full Satisfaction as well of the Lords Justices as the General as by their many Letters do appear 't is strange what grounds there could be found out for the calling to Account this Faithful Trusty Person that the Queen should be acquainted with his great Miscarriage and after that the King in Council the Order from the Queen was answered in these Words by the Lords Justices in a Letter to the Lord Nottingham as in the Close of the Book Sometimes since we received Her Majesties Command by your Lordship to inquire into the rerson of Coll. Michelburne's withdrawing the Blockade of Sligo c. That the General and Lords Justices knew of no Miscarriage and that he should be so vilely represented to Her Majesty and with that secrecy and privacy that it cannot be known who were the Villanous Actors of this scandalous false Aspersion by which the best deserving Men may unknown be
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
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
Heisers a riding Nagg and Twelve Garroons and Mares And farther saith That those that called at his House when Michelburne's Protection was produced them tore the same and threw it in the Dirt. And further saith That no part of the said Prey was nearer Ballimore than this Examinant's House who was as aforesaid tollerated to live in his House about four miles distance from Ballymore That the rest of the said Prey for the most part was taken within two or three miles of the Boyle And further saith not taken before me December the 1st 1691. Kingston The Lords Justices Letter to the Lord Nottingham Principal Secretary of State My Lord SOmetime since we received Her Majestie Commands by your Lordship to inquire into the reason of Coll. Michelburne's withdrawing the Bloccade of Sligo before the delivery of it pursuant to the first Capitulation which we could not do till the Campaign was over since then we have examined the matter which at first appeared to us as if the said Coll. had causelesly left his Post and that the Enemy took that Advantage to break their Artieles and refused to deliver up the Town But upon hearing Witnesses produced by those who charged this miscarriage upon him and also his Defence and Witnesses produced to prove the truth thereof we do not find there was any just cause to Charge the said Coll. Michelburne with any neglect or default But it appeared to us upon the Proof and Examination aforesaid that his drawing off from thence was unavoidable and that he could no longer continue there without the certain ruine of those few Forces remaining with him which we desire your Lordship to lay before His Majesty My Lords Your Lordships most humble Servant Gha Porter Tho. Conningsby To the Right Honourable the Earl of Nottingham Principal Secretary of State To conclude Here you see is a just and true Account of Coll Michelburne's faithful Discharge of his Duty both to Their Majesties and his Country and as we say He is a good Soldier that goes no farther than he is commanded and by the fore-going Discourse he had no positive Orders for going against Sligo yet when they found he had so good Success they highly applauded him and incouraged him to prosecute that which he had so fortunately begun For says the Lords Justices You cannot do your King a greater Service then to get that place says the General I have directed O Donnel to join you to endeavour the Reducement of Sligo which your good Fortune has already brought to Submission And in another Letter from his Excellency he acquaints the Coll. That he had ordered the Militia that lay at Athlone to march to the North and be posted as he shall direct and after the care you have used 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 could yet find any way for treating with Sir Teague O Regan and getting the place You see that he so treated with Sir Teague O Regan with his drawn Sword as to beat him out of Sligo Nor in the whole can there be reasonably the least shadow of complaint to charge Coll. Michelburne with any Mis-behaviour through his whole Service though there are not wanting those malicious people who not only study to render him little but if possible to make him uncapable of serving his King or Country and to have him turned out of His Majesties Service and his Regiment broken Such envious Spirits us true are at work and though perhaps his Martial Education has not so intirely qualified him for a Courtier to be ready guard against those secret Machinations against him However he thanks Heaven that he lives in an Age where Virme and Honour are their own Supporters Desert and Fidelity stand their own Court-Friends and their Foundation too strong to be supplanted by Parasites or Flatterers As some farther Testimonials of the Collonel's Behaviour I shall only subjoin these two Certificates one from the City of Londonderry and the other from Colraine WE the Mayor Aldermen and Burgesses of the City of Londonderry do hereby Attest and Certifie that Collonel John Michelburne Governour of the said City in and since the Siege of Derry having his Regiment or a great part of them Quartered here many Months kept the said Garaison in good Order Discipline and Temper whilst his own Regiment were Quartered among us and paid their Quarters and was careful of the Preservation of the Place both from any Insults of the Enemy and from all Irregularities of his Soldiers and by all means in his power made his Government and Interest in this Garrison on all Occasions easie and pleasing to us for which Services and Civil Deportment he was Elected and Sworn Alderman of this City In Testimony whereof We have hereunto set our Hands and Affixed the Common Seal of this City the Second day of February 1690. Ger. Squire Mayor Samuel Norman Alex. Iomkins Alex. Lecky Tho. Moncreife Arvice Hen. Ash Arvice Wil. Crookshanks Com. Rob. Shennan Will. Morisen John Harvey Fran. Nevil Albert Hall Alex. Coningham Tho. Moore Samuel Leeson John Gilling John Crookshanks John Nightingall Geo. Gravel John Mogridge Will. Mackie Rob. Harvey WE the Inhabitants of the Town of Colraine do Certifie that during the time the Regiment belonging to the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Governour of Londonderry did Quarter and keep Garrison in this place both Officers and Soldiers behaved themselves very Orderly and Civily to the Town and Gountrey paying thankfully for what they called for all which we Certisie as Truth to whom it may Concern Dated at Colraine this third day of February Anno Dom. 1690. William Godfrey Mayor Rich. Adams Edm. Haward Alex. Mac Phillip Daniel Browne Richard Lynam Thomas Lance. John Twaddel David Wilson John Ga' James Oustiane John Gardner William Ross Hugh Bankhead WE the Inhabitants of the Town of Antrim Do hereby Certifie That during the time the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Governour of Londonderry his Regiment did Quarter and keep Garrison in this Place both Officers and Soldiers behaved themselves Civily without Robbing or Plundering the Town or Conntrey but thankfully paying for what they call'd for All which we Certifie as Truth to whom it may concern Given under our Hands this 28th of Januar. 1690 1. James Shennan William Stewart John Mac Master Tho. Gredell William Colvill William Whitby Alexander Hanna John Nabb William Young Rob. Weire John Brigson Thomas Spencer Robert Coningham FINIS
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