â—â—o had been so mainly Instrumental in reâ—â—oring them that Peace they had so raâ—â—ly â—orfeited and had leisure during almost a â—ree Years to repent of the trouble they had â—â—ven the Kingdom and of the Losses themâ—â—lves sustained Whilst this Joy lasted care was taken to â—â—der the Garrisons and provide them with â—â—ch Necessaries where they were wanting as â—ight serve for the Winter Stores and put the â—oldiers in a good plight Nor was the Joy 〈◊〉 these Successes bounded in this Island but â—read into remote Countries so that in the â—amps of the Allies the Cannon was fired â—nd all other Demonstrations of a high satisâ—â—ction for the Success of their Majesties â—â—ms were set on foot though the French Commanders especially in their Camps laboured to extenuate these brave and vigorous Undertakings crowned with such ample Success least it could dishearten and abate the Courage of their Men who already by their frequent deserting seemed to grow weary of a War wherein they too plainly found that instead of what they formerly gained by Plundering and laying defenceless Places waste they must expect nothing but Blows and severe Treatment On the First of November following these Transactions the Irish Entirely left the English Town of Lymerick Embarking oâ— the Transport-ships in the Shannon wheâ— Sailing for France one of those Ships having on Board Four hundred Men besideâ— Stores and Furnitures of divers kinds running foul on a Rock overset and about Onâ— hundred Men were drowned though nâ— diligence was wanting to endeavour theiâ— preservation Upon the marching out of the Irish ouâ— Soldiers marched in and Garrisoned thâ— English Town and now Sir David Collieâ— was made Governour of the City of Lymerick and the Lord O Brian of thâ— County of the said City And on the Sixâ—â— of this Month the French Squadron consisting of Eighteen Men of War Six Fire-ships and Twenty Transport-ships who brought about Ten thousand Arms Wine and Brandy for Sale and much Provision fell down about Two Leagues below Scaltery viz. the Men of War but their Transport-ships were suffered to remain nearer to take in Provisions and other Necessaries for Transportation of the People they were to take on Board And Major-General Talmash having settled and ordered things to the best Advantage in the City gave place to the new Governour and departed for Dublin where he was received with many Expressions of Joy according to the true merit of his Courage and Conduct in this War Upon this great turn of Fortune many of their Ringleaders going away in the French Ships the Rapparees found themselves abandoned and in great Distress so that they were constrained to come in and submit so that the face of things appeared to be strangely changed Uproar and Confusion being turned into a calm Peace so that most of the English and Dutch Regiments c. prepared to Embark for England where they soon after Arrived and passed for Flanders where they were for the Winter Season quartered advantagiouâ—ly in divers Towns to hinder the Incursiâ—ons of the French The General having put an end to the War of Ireland being highly caressed and treated in Dublin Embarked for England on the Monmouth Yatch where he received the Applause and high Commendations of the People in all places where he passed The King received him very graciously and Created him Earl of Athlone c. The Parliament likewise sent their Thanks to him for the good Service he had done desiring him to Communicate the same to all the Officers that had served under him in this Expedition And he together with them was highly Entertained at a Noble Treat by the City of London The Soldiers now returning a Proclamation was Issued forth for their well abearing and behaving themselves in their March Quarters and making due Payment And so great was the Joy of the Irish Nobility and Gentry for restoring that Kingdom to Peace and Tranquility that in humble Gratitude they made the following Address to his Majesty viz. WE Your Majesties Most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects crave leave in the first place to offer our most humble Thanks to the Divine Majesty by whom you Reign for having Raised and Inspired your Majesty for the Deliverance of these Oppressed Nations and for preserving Your Royal Person so frequently exposed to danger but never in greater than in the Kingdom and Cause of the Protestants in IRELAND What was then so graciously undertaken by Your Majesty in Person is now so happily finished by the Success of Your Arms that we owe to Your Majesty's Courage and Conduct next to the Divine Providence the Restoration of our Religion and Civil Rights and Liberties We beseech Your Majesty to Accept this Recognition as the first Fruits of our Redemption till we are able to make a more Solemn and Parliamentary Acknowledgment to Your Majesties Iust Title to our Allegiance not only in Right of this Crown but in Gratitude to our great Deliverer and Conqueror of Your Majesty's Enemies We are sure Your Majesty will effectually preserve those You have so generously Delivered and we hope Your Majesty shall never have occasion to doubt the steady and united Affections of the Protestants of IRELAND in the Service of your Crown and Dignity from Principles of Inclination Duty and Interest all which makes us unanimously and heartily to pray for the Sacred Person Victorious Arms and Iust and Gentle Government of King WILLIAM and Queen MARY with Peace and Continuance over us On the Two and twentieth of December Sarsfield having got together Two thousand six hundred Men Women and Children set Sail from Cork for France he thought to have carried a greater Number but was deceived by their Deserting him as did the whole Regiments of Mac Dermo Brian O Neal and Colonel Felix O Neal upon the Advice they received of the ill Treatment of the Irish that were already Landed in France where the Officers were generally displaced or made to serve in lower Stations even to Common Soldiers and French Men set over them Ireland being now in a fair way to a Settlement Colonel Foulk Governour of Dublin had Orders to Disband the Irish Regiments that came over to us upon the Surrender of Lymerick except Fourteen hundred which were appointed for the Emperour's Service the which though they prosessed a great willingness to serve their Majesties they submitted to and had Two Cobs a Man given them Gratis most of them going to their Habitations or Employments On the Three and twentieth of Ianuary being the first day of the Term the Right Honourable Sir Charles Porter Lord Chancellour and Thomas Conningsby Esquire Lords Justices of the Kingdom came to the Court of Kings Bench accompanied by divers of the Privy Council and other Persons of Quality where they took the Oaths and Subscribed the Declaration required by the late Act of Parliament made in England After which the Judges of other Courts and Persons of different Quality and Employments did the like About this time
the Castles of Bâ—ham and Rea into which Baldorick Mac Donnel had put a Garrison of 100 Men confining by this means the Irish that were in Arms 〈◊〉 the Province of Vâ—ster whereupon the ground of our Army went into Winter-Quarters leaving some flying Parties abroad to keep under the Rapparees who thought it now their time to rob and steal and indeed they not only burnt the Lord Orrery's House at Charleville but committed many other Outrages though divers of them came short home for this kind of Black Guard not being looked upon to be Soldiers plundering sometimes as well the Papists as the Protestants were frequently cut off in their Attempts and now when Force began to fail the Enemy had recourse to Stratagems but in this they failed by a timely discovery by Letters that were dropt by some Persons as they were flying to the Woods or Mountains one of them written by one Mr. Hogen who had been a Colonel in the Irish Army acquainting him That the Protestants were secure and supine in their Quarters and that her Friends had lately done several strange Feats in the places that were under the English Obedience and especially in the County of Wicklow and that the French in the Kingdom were very industrious to take all advantages that Tyrconnel would soon return with Forces from France that the Soldiers in Dublin were poor and miserable and would do any thing for Bread so that if Sarsfield had a mind to come over the Shannon with his Forces not only the Army but the Militia would be drawn out of the City and then every Papist firing his own House or Lodging whilst the Consternation lasted they might destroy the Protestants and secure the City and that which had hitherto hindered them from putting the Projecâ— in Execution was the Records of the Kingdom being there which must needs perish iâ— the flames but however they had at last removed that Scruple and were resolved to go oâ— with it c. This Woman was taken and brought before the Privy Council where she was so faâ— from denying it that she with confidence affirmed she writ it and though she could noâ— be blamed for doing what she had done upoâ— which she was committed to Prison Thâ— Lords Justices upon this Discovery put out â— severe Proclamation against the Papists to diâ—able them from putting such wicked Desigâ— in practice by banishing some for several mileâ— and taking strict Recognizance of the rest which according to its true Tenor for the sâ—tisfaction of the Curious in so weighty a maâ—ter concerning the Safety of the whole Kinâ—dom will not be amiss to be inserted The Lords Justices Proclamation â— IT having been observed that divers Pâ—pists and others disaffected to the Gâ—â—ernment some of whom are lately come 〈◊〉 of the Enemies Quarters do daily resoâ—â— unto thâ— City of Dublin and into the Lâ—berties of St. Sepulchre Thomas Couâ— and Donore and do presume not only 〈◊〉 the Day but in the Night time to meet in Numbers to the intent as we have great reason to apprehend them to consult how to raise Disturbances to the prejudice of their Majesties Government and to continue the Rebellion of this Kingdom as also to destroy the City of Dublin by fire which some of them as we are credibly informed have threatned and designed For Remedy therefore of the Mischiâ—f that may happen upon such Resorts and Meeting we do hereby strictly Charge and Require all persons whatsoever of the Popish Religion who have not been noted House-keepers within the City or Liberties aforesaid for the space of three Months last past that within 48 hours â—fter the publication of this Proclamation they depart out of the said City and Liberties and repair to their several Habitations or other places in the Country at least Ten miles distance from this City which â—f they neglect or refuse to do they shall be apprehended and proceeded against as Spies and persons designing the disturbance of the Publick Peace And in order to the more â—ffectual Execution of this our Proclamation we hereby require the Lord Mayor of the â—ity of Dublin and Seneschals of the said Liberties to cause diligent search to be made immediately after the time hereby limited for the departure of such persons as aforesaid into all Houses and Places throughout the City and Liberties and a true Account to be taken of the Names and Qualities of such as shall be found therein not qualified as aforesaid which is forthwith to be returned to us under the Hands of the said Lord Mayor Sheriffs and Senaschals of the said City and Liberties whereupon we will give order to have them proceeded against with the utmost Rigour of their Majesties Laws And we do hereby further declare That if any such Papist or other disaffected Person after the Fourth of December next not being House-keepers as aforesaid shall repair unto the said City or Liberties and there abide by the space of 24 hours after such Proclamation without rendring him or her or themselves to the Lord Mayor or one of the Sheriffs or Aldermen of the said City or one of the Seneschals of the said Liberties to the end it may be known in what House he she or they take up his her or their Lodging or if above the number of five Papists or disaffected Persons as aforesaid whether House-keepers or any others shall meet within any House within the said City or Liberties on any pretence whatsoever either by Day or Night or shall be out of his her or their Lodgings after Nine of the Clock at Night in either of these Cases if any Person shall be so hardy as not to give due obedience to our Direction aforesaid they shall be prosecuted as Contemners of their Majesties Royal Authority And because Rewards as well as Punishments are necessary conducing to the Discovery of such as shall offend in the Particulars aforesaid we do hereby publish and declare That as we will severely punish such Offenders as aforesaid the Receivers and Harbourers of them contrary to this our Proclamation so we will give a Reward of Twenty shillings to each Person who shall give Information against any such Offenders in any of the said Particulars to be immediately paid out of their Majesties Treasury upon proof of such Offence or Offences made before the Lord Mayor of the said City c. This and the diligent search made after suspected Persons startled the Caballars and Conspirators in such a manner that they either dispersed or concealed themselves So the pernicious Design of laying the Metropolis of Ireland in Ashes and mixing those Ashes with the Blood of its Inhabitants was frustrated And indeed this appeared not to be grounded upon light Suspition but upon substantial Reason for the Enemies Troops abroad were about that time moving nearer towards Dublin then any other Occasion but such Intelligence or Correspondence could reasonably require but upon this discovery retired and the City Guards were
augmented and all manner of Caution and Circumspection used that might prevent in any probability the threatned Danger Dâ—ring these Transactions those Troops we had abroad were not idle but often marching many Miles into the Enemies Quarters not only beat them from their Posts and killed a great many of them but gave the Villages opportunity to rest in quiet under their Majesties Protection and freeing them from those Ravagements wherewith before they were distressed so that many who before stood out for fear of being plundered or destroyed came in and joyfully laid hold of the gracious Pardon offered them so that the face of things seemed to put on a Calm considering the Tempest that a little before had in a manner disjointed and put them out of Frame The Enemies Regular Troops missing of the Advantages they expected now gave way to the Outrages of the Rapperees more than ever having before a little restrained their Insolencies that the Advantage of Plunder might accrue to themselves so that they committed many barbarous Murthers in Villages and Loan-houses where their Force prevailed being mainly incited thereto by the revengeful Priests who shared with them in their Booty which made our Troops though the Season was very incommodious for marching by reason of the rains and quagginess of the ground and incroach upon them and frequently surprize them in their Randezvous beating them out of their Cabins and firing them over their Ears And now his Majesty providing for the Civil Affairs the Privy Council were the Lord Primate of Ireland the Lord Chancellour High Treasurer and Archbishop of Dublin for the time being the Duke of Ormond Earls of Meath Drogheda Longhford Ranelagh Granard and Viscount Lisburn the Bishop of Meath the Vice-Treasurer the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Chief Justices of the King's Bench Common Pleas Chief Baron of the Exchequer Master of the Rolls Principal Secretary of State and Master of the Ordnance for the time being Robert Fitz-Gerrard Sir Henry and William Hill Esquires The Judges appointed by his Majesty were for the King's Bench Sir Richard Raynel Mr. Justice Lyndon Sir Richard Stephens for the Common Pleas Mr. Justice Cox Mr. Justice Ieffersdon for the Exchequer Lord Chief Baron Hely Mr. Baron Echlin Sir Standish Harstrong Nor was the Civil Settlement alone considered but likewise the Ecclesiastical Promotions for the good and tranquility of the Protestant Churches of Ireland viz. Dr. March Bishop of Feras was advanced to the Archbishoprick of Cashel Dr. Tenison Bishop of Killala to be Bishop of Cloglier Dr. William King to be Bishop of London-Derry Dr. Digly Bishop of Lymirick to be Bishop of Elphin Dr. Vigorâ— Dean of Armagh to be Bishop of Ferus Dr. Wilson Dean of Rapho to be Bishop of Lymerick Dr. Fitz-Gerrald Dean of Cloim to be Bishop of Cloufort Dr. Lloyd Dean of Achonry to be Bishop of Killala So that now the face of things began to look pleasant however though it was in the dead of Winter our Troops abroad found some Action for one of our advanced Parties setting upon the Enemy near Castle-Town they killed 22 of them and took 5 Prisoners and Colonel Foulks gave a considerable Defeat to about 1500 Rapperees and trained Soldiers killing many of them and taking some Prisoners near the Bogg of Allen. Whilst these Successes were carried on with a high hand Colonel Brewer possessed himself of the Forts and Town of Lansborough and defeated about 3000 of the Enemy Soon after Major-General Tetteau heightned with his frequent Success and the beating some small Parties of the Enemy he marched his Forces towards the strong Town of Ross which had in it a Carrison of 600 Men under the Command of Colonel Maccarty the Lords Coursey and Slane and others of Note were also in the place upon the approach of our Men but not thinking themselves secure enough they poasted away for Lymerick and thereupon our Approaches being made 50 Danes and 50 of the Detachment out of Kingsale were ordered to storm a Fort cut out of a Rock which they did with so great a Resolution that they froze the Enemies Courage and soon made themselves Masters of it putting most they found therein to the Sword and many of those that endeavoured to swim from thence to another Rock were killed in the Water and marching thence to Tralee General Sheldon abondoned it with such speed that they had no time to set it on fire and so it fell entire into our hands and we having a small Fort at Fermoy-Bridge in the County of Cork the Enemy advanced with about 2000 Horse and Foot under the Command of one Carrol who upon his Approach sent to have it Surrendred Declaring that he knew the strength of the Place and that it was not tenable But upon his approach found such a warm Reception that after divers firings he being kill'd upon the place his Men took to their heels and that they might glory of something they burnt one House in their return Soon after this Defeat and the routing divers Parties of the Rapparees Colonel Brewer and Major Board went out with a detached Party of 150 Horse and about 200 Foot from Mullengar to relieve Marescourt and Mayvore with Provision and that done they took their way towards Ballymore and dislodged the Enemy on those Passes opening and freeing the Country and then returned to their Stations without the loss of any Men and soon after this Lieutenant Taylor defeated 400 of the Irish near Endery Lieutenant-General Ginkle upon notice that a great Body of the Enemy was gathering and some of them advancing towards Athlone he and Sir Iohn Lanier drew out a Party to oppose them who upon their approach retired in great confusion but being pursued by our Horse and Foot they were beat from the Retrenchments they had made as their last Refuge and the Chace being continued about 200 of them were killed and wounded and several taken Prisoners and our Men got a great Booty of Horses for the Enemy in their flight being hard pressed in the Rear quitted them and got into the Woods Colonel Hamilton being abroad meeting with a Party of the Enemy as they were Ravaging the Country near a place called Bautrey set upon them and at the first Charge put them into Disorder and soon after to open flight killing about 70 of them and taking some Prisoners with Booty c. And Captain Derby defeated another Party of them at Birre And now the Rapparees being more terrible to the Country People than the Enemies Regular Forces a Party was sent out to suppress them so that being frequently met withal a great many of them were killed and some that were taken Prisoners were Executed and lighting on a Party of about 400 Irish though he had then 100 Foot and 34 Horse having lessened his number by Detachments sent to find out the Rapparees he however drew up and Charged them with such Bravery that during the Action some more of his Men
going over a little before had raised they seized upon the Town of Wexford which was given to one Fitz-Stevens a Welch Gentleman according to Agreement upon his raising part of the Forces so that News of this and other Successes flying to England many Adventurers came over and although the Petty Kings joyned their Forces yet were they beat in divers bloody Battels and Dormat being restored had Dublin submitted to him inflicting grievous Punishments upon such of his Capital Enemies as he found there The Prince being now in Ireland greatly increasing in Strength that came over to him carried all before him which made King Henry who feared the Prince's aspiring upon such Successes and willing to have the honour of Conquering so large a Kingdom himself sent his Mandate to recall the English out of Ireland so that but a few being left with the Prince in Dublin and they reduced to a great streight by the Irish that had taken heart they nevertheless Sallied upon an Army of 30000 with not above 1500 Men and utterly routed them taking great Spoil and then coming for England he surrendered all the Cities and Forts he had taken into his Father's Hands for Dormat by this time was dead and in the Year 1172. King Henry landed with a Royal Army which brought such a Terrour upon Ireland that Roderick and most of the Petty Princes that were Independent or his Tributaries came witn their humble Supplications to intreat him That he would take the Government upon him as their Supream Prince and Lord So that at Christmas he made them a Noble Feast in Dublin and settled the Kingdom in Civil and Ecclesiastical Matters Reforming Abuses and Barbarities And soon after those that held out in Vlster were brought to submit from which time we may Date the Conquest of Ireland by the English under which Soveraignty it has ever since remained as a conquered Kingdom and now annexed to the Crown yet the Natives who are generally hot spirited uneasie and restless under Restraint have often strugled to break this Chain though to the Loss and Disadvantage mostly of themselves King Richard the First by reason of his Wars in the Holy Land his Imprisonment upon his Return in Austria and the Empire and other Disappointments he met with at home had no War with the Irish nor happened there any thing extraordinary but care and industry to settle the Government which was done with such tenderness that the Natives being more civilized began to think themselves happy in the change and that they were redeemed from perpetual War which when so many Princes governed as Absolute in their Dominions could not be avoided among so rough and stubborn a People But because King Edward the First had sent for Forces out of Ireland to help him against the Scots with whom he had mortal Wars the wilder sort of the Irish in Edward the Second's time invited them over and many of the leading Men of the Natives revolting ruining the Country but upon the English joyning Battel with them they were routed and about 11000 slain among whom was a King of Connought and one Okly a Lord of great Possessions but soon after the Lord Roger Mortimer being sent over as Lord Justice of Ireland he managed Matters so ill that the Scots were again called in under Edward Bruce Brother to the Scots King who taking several places by the Revolt of the Irish from the English Obedience caused himself to be Crowned King of Ireland But in a great Battel his Forces being routed and he labouring to restrain their flight was killed by one Morepass whom he likewise requited with Death before his Fall and the dead Bodies fell by that means on each other which happened in the Year 1320. However they were rather dispersed than broken doing considerable Mischief where they found an opportunity to fall upon the English that had settled themselves in the Towns and Villages near the Sea c. In the Year 1329. during the Reign of King Edward the Third the Irish in Leinster and Meath rebelled against whom the Earl of Ormond drew out what Forces he could but being over-poured in number was defeated and the Irish made great Spoils of the English Possessions and amongst other Barbarities burnt eighty of them in a Church where they had fled for Refuge but at last the English fortified themselves in Wexford and upon their approach to besiege it sallied out upon them with such Courage that Success crowned it and 4000 of the Irish were killed most of them that fled being hotly pursued were drowned in the River Slane which with some other Encounters where Victory declared on our side so quelled them that in this King's Reign they rebelled no more Anno 1398. in the Reign of King Richard the Second the Irish fell again into Rebellion and by Surprize fall upon the King's Lieutenant and divers Persons of Quality whom they slew which made the King with considerable Forces haste thither and Landing he put them in all parts to the Rout killing a great many and taking several of their Ring-leaders and keeping his Court of State at Dublin to him resorted the Nobility and chief of the Irish submitting and paying him Homage promising to keep the Country in quiet for the future but Troubles arising in England the King hastily left Ireland and was no sooner arrived in Wales but finding himself deserted he betook him to a Castle where he was seized by Henry Duke of Lancaster to whom he resign'd his Crown and was afterward inhumanly murthered Upon whose Death many Troubles and Contentions arose so that the English being embroyled at home Ireland was little minded the People there doing in a manner what they pleased But in the Reign of Henry the Fifth we being setled at home more care was taken to prevent the Outrages and Depradations of the Irish insomuch that several who had been formerly Offenders were punished and others fled amongst whom were divers of their great 0nes who notwithstanding the care of the Earl of Ormond then Lieuâ—enant of the Kingdom to repress them drew a great multitude of People into Rebellion but the Earl gave Battel at Redmore-Athy where the Irish under the Leading of O Moor stood stoutly to it as Men in despair but after a bloody Fight that coloured all the Ditches of the Fens with Blood the Battel swerved and the Irish were defeated with great slaughter Which quelled them in so terrible a manner that for a long time after they seemed out of Love with War So that nothing memorably occurs in History till the Reign of Henry the Seventh when the Earl of Kildare being Deputy one Richard Symons a Priest wheedled him into a belief that one Lambert a Youth whom he had brought up as his Scholar was really the Earl of Warwick Son to George Duke of Clarence Brother to King Edward the Fourth that had escaped out of the Tower and was come thither for protection and the young Spark
and now Dublin wherein was a strong Garison commanded by Colonel Iones being the only place of strength that held out the Marquess laid Siege to it with a brave Army to appearance but it seems there were too many Irish in it for the Besieged taking the advantage of the carelesness of the Camp made at first very slender Sallies but finding the advantage they sallied with their whole strength and beating the Besiegers out of their Works followed them into their Camp which occasioned such Terrour and Confusion that the Irish fled and left the English and some few French to stand to it but being overâ—owered by the vigorous Attacks they at â—ength after a sharp and bloody Dispute gave â—way and were forced to raise the Siege whilst â—he Besieged became Masters of their Camp â—nd an extraordinary rich Booty and more Forces arriving from England Fortune went against them almost every where And now London-Derry being besieged that Siege was â—aised by Sir Charles Coot but what yet was a greater Terrour Cromwell a vowed and morâ—al Enemy to the Irish landed with seven Regiments of Foot four Regiments of Horse â—nd one of Dragoons bringing along with him â—he Title of Lord Governour or Lieuteâ—ant of Ireland and had to bring over â—hese Forces forty Sail of Ships with â—attering Pieces Mortars Ammunition â—nd all other Warlike Stores and Materials He staid a while to visit Dublin and â—hen marched with a compleat Army to â—esiege Drogheda wherein was a strong Garâ—ison of English and Irish it being upon â—he Rumour of his Approach reinforced with Two thousand five hundred Foot and Three â—undred Horâ—e and although it was stoutly â—efended yet it was carried by Force and by the too cruel Order of the General all were put to the Sword not respecting Age â—or Sex except a very few who hid themâ—elves for many Days till the Fury was over And here it is the more to be lamented beâ—ause this Brunt fell mostly upon many brave English Gentlemen who were got into the Place to Defend it for their King Otheâ— Towns were likewise taken by Storm anâ— treated at the like rate so that a bloody Vengeance seemed to fall heavy upon a great many that were Innocent for the Sins of the Guilty who had so lately polluted the Land witâ— Innocent Blood and now kept mostly out oâ— the way in the Mountains Bogs and Fastneâ—ses however being at last hunted from placâ— to place a great number fell by the Sworâ— Famine and Pestilence insomuch that the Lanâ— was greatly Depopulated a third part of thâ— People being wasted and had severe Task Masters over them that made them Groan â—nder their Burthens till Charles the Seconâ— came to lighten their Sholders and restoâ—â— them again their Peace and Eaâ—e by Accessioâ— to the Crown upon the Happy Restauration so that the People wearied with their formeâ— Miseries began to be out of love with Waâ— and Insurrections and seemed mightily inclinâ—ble to Peace And indeed the King too care to place such Ministers of State among them especially the Lords Lieutenants anâ— Lords Justices that they had no reasonablâ— cause to complain of their Usage either iâ— Affairs Civil or Military and indeed thâ— Tranquility the Kingdom enjoyed made thâ— People in a great measure forget what theâ— had suffered They traded to France anâ— Spain with the product of their Native Soil the Rivers and Lakes likewise affording theâ— plenty of Fish which they transported foâ— Wine and other Commodities Nor did theâ—â— Thoughts appear to be elevated above what was reasonable till the Death of the King But when King Iames the Second ascended his Brother's Throne and declared himself a Roman Catholick then it was the Irish Papists began to prick up their Ears and to expect Advantages beyond their Abilities publickly declaring The Day was their own and that the Protestant Religion must go down But it seems in this as in their other Aims they took such Measures as made them shoot wide of their Mark The Earl of Tyrconnel who had been raised by King Iames when Duke of York from a mean to a considerable Figure was looked upon as a fit Instrument to carry on the Design in that Kingdom and therefore upon the re-calling of the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon he was made Lord-Lieutenant and soon gave the Irish great Hopes of Superiority over the English in that Kingdom by first Cashiering the Protestant Soldiers and Officers that were in Arms and then the Officers and Ministers of Justice And though there were Complaints made against him at the English Court yet they were not regarded but he the rather encouraged in his Enterprizes insomuch that things run so high that many feared a fatal Event and divers left thereupon the Kingdom some going for Holland others for Scotland and England and in such a method Matters continued to be pushed violently on till News came of a purposed Invasion of the Kingdom of England by the Prince of Orange now our Soveraign then Tyrconnel beâ—tir'd himself to secure Ireland Imprisoning such as he suspected and Disarming others draining the Garrisons of the most expert Irish Soldiers that were Papists and sending them over to the number of Three thousand or thereabout to the Assistance of his Master but they did him far more hurt than good by increasing the Peoples Fears that were but before suggested And indeed the whole English Nation Revolting in a manner from King Iames and what was more remarkable a great part of the Army he had been so long Training up at a vast Expence Upon the Landing of the Prince with his Forces the Irish Forces that had been sent over in expectation of Mountains found that they were not only dwindled into less than Mole-hills but themselves in a miserable Condition not only at the point of starving when Disbanded with the rest of the Forces by the Earl of Feversham but almost exposed to the Fury and violent Resentment of the People who had conceived a Hatred against them so that at last submitting they were taken care of and most of them shipped for the Emperour's Service against the Turks Tyrconnel was not idle in Ireland upon the News he had from England of King Iames his Flight to France but calling a Council mostly of his Creatures told them That now it was their time to stand up for their Country and secure it against all Opposers and that for his part if even his Master should command him to deliver up the Sword he should think it in such â— Iuncture his Duty to Refuse it And immediately not only spread the News throughout the Country but caused the Irish every where to take Arms such as they could get â—o â—haâ— the Tumultuous Rabble getting together plundered the Protestant Houses drove away their Cattel fired their Stacks of Corn and Hay murthered some and barbarously used others insomuch that the Terrour working in all such as could fled for their Lives leaving their Substance
sad Disaster on the Coast for being put on Board the Breda by what means is uncertain her Powder taking fire she blew up and most of those who were on Board were desteoyed the rest of the Fleet returned in Safety The Irish that yet kept the Field were not above 10000 yet they promised themselves great Recruits against the Spring In the mean while the Protestants conceived great Joy at this Success and in a grateful Acknowledgment to his Majesty who had been so signally instrumental in the Hand of Heaven for their Deliverance his Birth-day being the Fourth of November Old stile was observed in the reduced Places in an extraordinary manner but especially at Dublin where the Militia consisting of 2500 Foot and two Troops of Horse and as many of Dragoons were drawn out and gave several Vollies and in the Evening there was very fine Fireworks before the Lords Justices House on Colledge-Green and by their Order Claret was distributed to the People who drank their Majesty's Healths with all the Expressions of Duty and Loyalty and most of the Nobility and Gentry in and about the City were invited by the Lords Justices to a splendid Entertainment and Banquet the Day concluding with ringing of Bells and the Night with Bonefires and Illuminations as also other Publick Demonstrations of Joy and Triumph The Fifth of November being the Anniversary of the Popish Powder-Plot the Lords Justices attended by the Nobility Judges and other Persons of Quality in the Town with the King and Herauld at Arms and the Ensigns of Honour carried before them went to St. Patrick's Church and after their Return the Lords Justices gave the Nobility and Gentry another splendid Entertainment their Majesties Titles being at the second Course proclaimed in Latin French and English by the King at Arms the great Guns in the Castle continually thundring the general Joy in their roaring Language And that the Common People might not be wanting in sharing of their Bounty a whole Ox and an Hogshead of strong Bear was dealt out amongst them and at Night the general Joy was concluded with Bonefires and other Demonstrations of Publick Satisfaction The Soldiers being now mostly in their Winter-Quarters that they might have good usage and the Inhabitants of those Towns where they were quartered at the same time receive no damage the Lords Justices thought it neccessary to give their Orders concerning those Matters and accordingly issued out their Proclamation for regulating the Quarters of the Army and ascertaining the Rates to be allowed for the Soldiers Diet the Prizes of Provisions and the manner how the Inhabitants that trusted them should be paid for what they delivered out to them The Rapparies having already been fairly warned to desist from their Ravages and Burnings in the Countries under Obedience they notwithstanding enterprizing the like Captain Archer upon Notice that a Party of them were abroad marched against them with about Twenty of the Militia but upon his approach finding them much stronger than he had been informed after a hot dispute he found himself obliged to retire with the loss of four of his Men however not giving it over he immediately raised more of the Militia and the next Morning by break of day fell upon them a second time with better success for having put them to rout he killed about Twelve of them and took Twenty Prisoners enriching his Men with such Booty as those People had scraped together in those Countries where they had been for a considerable time doing much mischief And now the Lords Justices and Councel having reason to suspect that several dangerous Persons coming to the City of Dublin as Spies from the Enemies Quarters and upon other wicked Designs were sheltered in that City by Papists Natives who kept Taverns and other Publick Houses and there frequently met to continue as much as in them lay the Subversion of Their Majesties Government and the Ruin of their good Subjects of the Kingdom of Ireland thought fit to put out their Proclamation to prohibit and forbid all Papists Natives of the Kingdom to sell any Wine Beer Ale or other Liquors by Retail after the 25th of Decemb. 1690. upon pain of being proceeded against as Retailers of Wine and other Liquors without License By this time one Mac Finnan having got together about Four hundred Men being a mixture of the Irish Army and Rapporees marched towards Castle-town to surprize thirty Dragoons commanded by a Lieutenant detached thither from their Quarters at Iniskeen and although they had all the advantage they could wish yet the Lieutenant and his Men behaved themselves so bravely that they killed Ten of their Enemies but having spent their Ammunition and five of their own Party being killed they found themselves constrained to Surrender and had Quarter given them yet the Lieutenant his Serjeant and several of his Men were put to the Sword in cold blood however the Alarm reaching Iniskeen Major Culleford who commanded there Advanced with another detached Party and falling upon them in the height of their Success put them to the rout killing about 12 on the place took 5 Prisoners without the loss of a Man on our side Nor were the Commanders his Majesty had intrusted less watchful on all parts for Major-General Tettau marching from Cork to Killcreagh and on his way being joyned by others so that he made up a Body of 2200 Men he entred the County of Kerry where the Enemies Troops retired before him and coming into a Fortification at Scrovolard he attacked it and in two hours took it with little difficulty when advancing along the edge of the Mountains and sustaining the Rapparees fire without receiving any considerable damage they discovered towards Brewster field some of the Enemies Scouts whereupon 70 of our Dragoons and Horse having the Vanguard came up with a Party of 160 of the Enemies Horse who not enduring the Fire of our Men upon the first Charge retreated and falling by degrees into confusion at last came to plain running though there were several Irish Nobility and some considerable Officers amongst them yet such as our Men had not yet attacked put by this time the Country round about in a flame and our Forces not being far from Killarny hasted thither with all the speed they could to save that place and notwithstanding the Enemy upon their approach left it yet about twenty Cabbins were burnt by two Troopers that stayed behind for that purpose who as a Reward of their Undertaking were killed by our Men and Brewster's Forge saved and put divers of the Enemies Parties then abroad to the rout clearing the Country in a manner on that side whilst the Irish only bore up the little Courage they had left relying much upon the further Aid they expected from France However though the Season was far advanced our Men gave it not over as yet but for the better securing Winter-Quarters and preventing the Country from Plunder they took in several Castles as
coming in he put them utterly to the Rout killed and took Prisoners most of their Officers and recovered a great Booty And indeed the Winter not fit for the motion of great Bodies was spent in the piquering of Parties and settling the Civil as well as Military Affairs of the Kingdom and so continued till his Majesty went to Head the Confâ—derate Army in Flanders Sarsfield having a great Command among the Irish many of the Enemies chief Officers being gone for France under pretence of bringing fresh Recruits early in the Spring he drew together part of the shattered Army and some of the Militia at Knockany with a design to attack some of our Troops that were advantageously posted but was so warmly received that he found his Attempts very disadvantageous to himself and thereupon picking the most serviceable Men out of the Militia Troops sent them to joyn the Forces he had ordered to encamp in the Province of Connaught and put some of his Troops into Garrison and Winter-Quarters Notice being given to Lieutenant Spencer that a hundred Men of the Enemies Troops were advanced within a Mile of Copperquin in the County of Waterford with a design to surprize and carry off the Recruit Horses sent from England for Brigadier's Regiment he immediately marched with a Corner and 12 Troopers most of his Men being gone a Forraging and finding the Enemy in some disorder Charged them with his small Party and pressed them so hard that they retired into a Wood within a Mile of the place and thereupon 18 more of his Men coming up part of them dismounted entering the Wood whilst the rest on Horseback secured the Pass the Dispute lasted without firing on both sides for several hours in which they killed 40 of the Enemy and took the Captain that commanded them with 7 Soldiers Prisoners also their Arms and Accoutrements only one of the Lieutenant's Party being killed and two or three wounded Lieutenant Purcel being abroad with a Party fell in with the Rapparees and in several Encounters with them killed about 100 but attempting to burn their Cabbins in the County of Longford was way-laid by Sir Daniel O Neal's Regiment of Dragoons part on Horse-back and part on Foot but 35 of the Royal Regiment of Dragoons broke their whole Body upon a furious Charge killing 10 of them and taking 4 Prisoners with a Lieutenant and pursued the rest to Newcastle a Garrison they held in those parts yet in the hasty flight many of them quitted their Horses and took to the Bogs where some were lost These Successes were followed with others no less advantageous to us and unfortunate to the Enemy for Colonel Lillingstone being gone from Roscreagh joyned by another from a Neighbouring Garrison marched to Nonagh where he found the Enemy strongly posted yet charging them with great Resolution he dispossest them of those Posts and beat them into the Castle burning the Town where they had laid up great store of Provision and brought off a Booty of 300 Head of Cattel with the loss of 2 Soldiers and a Trooper's Horse the manner of the Attack being thus The Colonel detached 18 Horse and as many Foot and having them on Garrans or Irish Horse made all the haste he could to secure the Bridge of Nenagh about half a Mile from the Town whereupon the whole Garrison came out to make opposition but he maintained the Pass till his Foot came up and then leaving them at the Bridge he advanced with his Horse towards the Enemy who made many firings but so soon as our Men came near began to retreat and by degrees disordering themselves fell to running but being hotly pursued about 20 of them were killed and a Cornet taken Prisoner after which he sent a Detachment to secure the Pass on the other side of the Town towards Lymerick whilst the rest of his Men entred with the flying Enemy however many of them got into the Castle but our Men burnt the Town and got considerable Plunder And now open Force failing the Enemy they betook them to cruel Stratagems for a part of Colonel Foulk's Regiment being in their Quarters near Yaughal about 8 of them were set upon in a private House and murthered by surprize in a most despiteful manner the like treatment being supposed to be intended to all the rest had not this timely alarm'd them to stand to their Arms and defend themselves Upon suspicion of which Murthers divers were taken up and strictly examined at Dublin amongst which one of them being found Guilty and Executed in the Castle-yard owning at his Execution he buried the murthered Corpse but by no means could be induced to discover his Accomplices and several other were thereupon missing in other places supposed to be made away by them by the same means insomuch that the Lords Justices found themselves constrained to publish the following Proclamation to terrifie and deter the protected Irish from such unmanly Enterprizes of Barbarism The Proclamation of the Lords Justices c. WHereas notwithstanding the great Clemency extended by their Majesties to the Popish Irish Inhabitants of this Kingdom whereby upon their submission they have had equal Protection with their Brittish and Protestant Subjects yet such is the inveterate and implacable Malice of many of the Popish Irish that upon all occasions they not only relieve Their Majesties Enemies but joyn with them in the committing and concealing many horrid Murthers one of which of Eight Soldiers of Their Majesties Army inhumanly strangled at one time and in one place has by God's Providence been lately discovered near this City to have been committed by the Inhabitants of the place where the said Soldiers were quartered for which some of the Criminals have received just and deserved punishment and the Lords Iustices being fully satisfied that such Offences cannot be committed within the open and well-planted Counties of this Kingdom without the contrivance and help or at least the connivance of the protected Inhabitants and having received full Information that there is a Confederacy among many of the said protected Irish to give all Aid and Relief in their power to Their Majesties Enemies upon all occasions and to take all opportunities to destroy the Officers and Soldiers of Their Majesties Army and other Their good Subjects their Lordships being resolved to prevent as much as in them lies such their cruel and malicious Designs and to punish with all necessary severity those who shall be guilty or justly suspected of the same do publish and declare That if any such Murther shall hereafter be committed in any place within Their Majesties Quarters if the Popish Inhabitants of that Neighbourhood shall not use their utmost endeavour and diligence to apprehend the Malefactors and immediately discover all they know of such Fact to some Magistrate living near the place where the said Offence shall be committed so as the said Offenders may be apprehended and brought to punishment that then the Popish Irish Inhabitants of
the Parish where the said Murther shall be committed shall be immediately put out of Their Majesties Protection and Orders shall thereupon be given that they be proceeded against as Spies and Enemies according to the course of Law And soon after another Proclamation was published on the occasion of these Murthers setting forth THat whereas by Examination of divers persons it does appear that a Romish Priest calling himself Father Christopher Brown who has lived many Months in several places within his Majesties Iurisdiction and Power without being molested on account of his Orders or Religion has been if not the first Contriver and principal Director and Counsellor yet a main Abettor and Encourager of the late barbarous Murthers of Their Majesties Soldiers near this City and whereas several others have been found to have been guilty of the said Murthers who are fled from Iustice their Lordships do promise a Reward of Five pounds to such persons not guilty of the same as shall apprehend and secure the said Christopher Brown and Ten pounds for every of the other persons and a Pardon to such though privy to the said Murthers as shall apprehend any of the said Offenders This proceeding stopped the Issue of Blood that way and rendred the Soldiers more secure in their Quarters and other Places where they came the Irish for fear of being taken notice of giving them every where in the places subject to Their Majesties better Usage About the latter end of April Lieutenant-General Ginkle came from Kilkenny to Dublin and many of the General Officers to consult with the Lords Justices about the Affairs of the Campaign and concert Matters advantageous to their Majesties Service and the Monmouth Yatch arrived with Money to that purpose as likewise several Ships with Recruits of Horse and Foot So that the Train of Artillery being by this time drawn out the Soldiers began to draw from their Winter-Quarters nearer Dublin and Waggons and Carriages were provided on all hands and Parties were sent out to remove the Enemies Posts that the Spring being come the Forage might not be wastfully destroyed Some of Captain Green's Militia Dragoons marching into the Enemies Quarters killed divers of the Rapparees and set fire to the place that harboured them And Quarter-Master Chalagan with a Party beat the Enemies Party abroad took divers Prisoners and some of note with a considerable Booty and by lying in the Marish Fields a great many of the Enemies best Horse died and their Provision grew very scanty which occasioned many to desert some going to their Habitations and others coming over to us where such as were able were received About the middle of April 1691. one Captain Fitz-Gerald of the Enemies Party marched out with about 700 Men of the standing Troops to attack a strong Stone-house called Croghan near Philips-Town which although it was guarded only by a Corporal and 8 or 9 Soldiers made a resolute Defence killing about 12 of the Enemy and had done them greater damage had not their Powder failed at what time they were constrained to Capitulate and give up the place However we were not long behind-hand with them for on the Fourth of the next Month a small Party of our Troops was marched by Major Wood from Mountmelick to Castle-Cuff with 300 Foot being Detachments of Colonel Lloyd's and the Lord George Hamilton's Regiments and 50 Horse of Colonel Bierly's and dividing his Foot into several Parties in order to surprize the Rapparees in the Bogs and Woods and with his Horse kept along the skirts of the Bogs to hinder their getting off by which meaâ—s about 70 of them were killed and a Booty recovered which he sent away and a Guard of 30 Men and in the mean while with 30 Foot and 34 Horse beyond the Toger of Mallyhone when about Ten in the Morning he discovered two Bodies of Men of the Enemies Army each about 400 marching silently between the Woods and the Mountains but when they found our Men had espied them they beat up their Drums Upon this the Major drew up his Horse and Foot in a ploughed Field and bid them Defiance so that the Enemies Granadiers thinking that our Men discouraged at their number would have run came over the Hedge but finding they stood firm to expect them they stood not advancing any further In the mean while a Detachment of the Enemy charged those Men on the side of the Wood that were sent away with the Booty whereupon the Major wheeled off by the Skirts of the Wood to succour them who defended themselves by firing very briskly on the Enemy being commanded by Lieutenant Ellis and having got the Horse and Foot over the Bog 80 more of his Men came to him and thereupon he ordered the Foot to march in two Divisions on each side the River he marching between them with the Horse when being advanced somewhat near the Enemy and thinking the Horse might do most Service in taking a Compass about and falling on the Rear wheeled about with an Intention to Surround them which they perceiving and at the same time being pressed very hardly by the Foot began to make an orderly Retreat which the Major perceiving broke in upon their Flank with the Horse which put them to rout and disorder and soon after to open flight whilst our Horse and Foot pursued them through the Woods and down to the Bogs killing about 150 and among them Captain Charles and 2 Lieutenants taking Prisoners Major Iohn Fitz-Patrick who commanded them and 5 Captains 9 Lieutenants and 2 Ensigns belonging to the several Regiments of Colonel Butler Colonel Robert Grace Colonel Luttrels Dragoons Colonel Moor and Sir Maurice Eustace and about 150 private Soldiers among which were 6 Serjeants 17 Corporals an Adjutant-Major a Chyrurgeon 3 Drums and about 150 Musquets Which Victory is to be accounted the more brave and great because the Courage and Resolution of our Men carried it against such odds we having only a Corporal killed and Adjutant Robinson with two Foot Soldiers and a Trooper wounded Nor was this all the Success about this time for 110 Foot commanded by Captain Clayton being sent for from Cork to relieve the Garrison of Ballymaggooly they were in their march observed by a considerable Body of the Enemies Horse but they durst not Attack them yet those that were relieved marched out about Twelve in the Evening commanded by Captain Thorncroft and Lieutenant Hays and about break of Day they were discovered by about 300 of the Enemies Horse and and Dragoons who it was thought lay in wait for them as also a considerable number of Rapparees and our Men being all Foot thought not the open Fields secure against the Horse but for their better Defence drew into an old Pound having a Wall about it Breast-high when by this time the Enemies advance Party coming up offered them Quarter but they answered only by the firing of their Musquets however all the Enemies Troops being come up they
made many Attacks upon our Men to force them from their Strength yet they sustained their firings with little hurt but in returning it killed a great many of the Enemy who were commanded by Brigadier Carrol and Sir Iames Cotton which so discouraged them that after they had offered our Men Quarter upon Surrendring and it was refused that they marched off carrying away the wounded and most noted of those that were killed yet they left behind 3 Captains and 10 Troopers slain and Major Slingsby desperately wounded which they thought were too near our shot to be carried off and in all they had between 40 and 50 killed and wounded and of ours 10 were killed and 5 wounded and Major Slingsby was carried Prisoner to Cork And much about this time one Walter Brown who had been High Constable of the Barrony of Delwin being taken as a Spy was Executed and Captain Pallasor being abroad with a Party of our Men consisting of about 40 Firelocks of the Army and 20 of the Militia was by the subtil Insinuation and Treachery of one Terence Megral drawn into an Ambush of two of the Enemies Regiments of Foot and some Troops of Horse which in that Exigency made him betake to the Ruins of an old Castle where he caused his Men to fortifie and defend themselves which they did continually firing upon the Enemy till all their Powder was spent and then prayed for Quarter and having it granted them they were carried Prisoners to Nenagh yet the Militia and others under the Command of Col. Piper had good success in clearing the Country in dispersing the Rapparees and dispossessing the Enemies Regular Troops of such advantageous Posts from whence they might annoy By-Inroads the Countries under Their Majesties Obedience so that they began to shrink together into a narrower Circumference Now great Stores coming daily from England and a Recruit for our Army every day expected The time for Action drawing near the Lords Justices that nothing might be wanting that was conducing to Their Majesties Service caused their Proclamation to be published for the Armies better Accommodation the Substance being in the following manner viz. WHereas the Army is now to draw into the Field where it will be necessary that Provisions be brought in from time to time for its supply and that in order thereunto all due Encouragement be given to Sutlers and other Persons that shall repair thither for that purpose they do strictly Charge and Command all Officers Civil and Military and Soldiers of their Majesties Army not to disturb or molest any Sutler or other Person that shall have a Warrant from the Colonel of any Regiment or leave from the Lords Iustices or the Commander in chief of their Majesties Forces to follow the Camp for this Service that they do not presume to take any thing from them or use any Violence towards them upon pain of being proceeded against with the utmost Severities And all Colonels and other Officers in chief are to take care that the Officers and Soldiers ad pay for all such things as they shall be furnished with by the Sutler according to the Rates that shall from time to time be settled And that the Forces may be more plentifully supplied and and those unnecessary Persons prevented from following the Camp who are only an Incumbrance to it and it being found by experience that the Country has suffered extreamly by them they have not only robbed and plundered it themselves but have inticed the Soldiers to do the same for the preventing of it for the future and that the Quarters may be the better secured whilst the Army is in the field from Rapparees and other disaffected People the Lords Iustices do hereby order and direct all their Majesties Protestant Subjects as well as Papists to stay at or repair to their respective Habitations for the preservation and improvement of the same and that no person or persons whatsoever except such as come thither with Provisions for the use of the Army or upon some lawful occasion approved of by the Commanders in chief do follow the Camp upon pain of Death And that the People whom this War had scattered into divers places leaving many destituâ—â— of Habitations might again be settled anotheâ— Proclamation was issued out to this effect That all the Inhabitants of the Counties of Wâ—terford and Tipperary do retire within Three daâ— to their respective Houses or Habitations or to somâ— adjacent Garrison if they could not go home witâ— security And those belonging to the Counties of Cork Lâ—â—merick and Kerry are forthwith to repair eitheâ— to their own Houses or Habitations if they have aâ—â— or else to some of the Garrisons there to be employâ—â— in the Militia for the defence of the Country whâ— the Army is in the field according to such 〈◊〉 Orders as shall be given them for the Publick Seâ—â—vice And Lieutenant-General Ginkle Command in chief of their Majesties Forces in Ireland 〈◊〉 to be behind or wanting in any thing exhibiâ— an Order to this effect viz. That all Officers and Soldiers and other Persâ—â—â— whatsoever were strictly charged not to press 〈◊〉 Horse Carts or Carriages without Licence first 〈◊〉 from the Lords Iustices or himself in writing And whereas that the Militia being to be in Arms for the Defence of the Country whilst the Army remained in the field no Person should press any Horse actually listed in the said Militia under any pretence whatsoever About this time some other Transport ships arrived from England and brought a great quantity of all sorts of Military Provisions and about Twenty thousand Arms also Ordinance and Stores whilst the Enemies great expectaâ—ion of the like supply from France failed â—hem in great measure that King seeming now â—o grow weary of a War that proved so expensive to him without profit and expecting â—o be sharply pressed this Summer in Flanders by the Confederate Army under the Command of the King of England send indeed some Officers and a few Clothes and such like matâ—ers but seemed frugal in husbanding his Troops for a shelter from a Storm he expected â—earer home which did not a litte discouâ—age the Irish and made them again to desert 〈◊〉 numbers and their falling off had been â—reater had not their Priests taken them to â—ask and insinuated how meritorous it was to â—â—ght with and destroy the Hereticks While these things passed Captain White of â—â—e Lord George Hamilton's Regiment detach'd 〈◊〉 hundred Men under the Command of Captain Iohnston who marched to Belnamona in Tings County and surprized by break of day â—wo Troops of Dragoons of Brigadier Clifford's and three Troops of Horse of the Lord Merriony's Regiment killing Lieutenant Archibald Quarter-Master Barnwell and 15 Dragoons took 2 Ensigns and 9 other Prisoners The Governour of Clonmel marching from that place with a Detachment of Horse and two Troops of the Militia Dragoons came by Night into the Enemies Quarters towards Michael's Town but not finding them
there thâ— Rapparees upon his Return fired out of thâ— Wood which he immediately causing to be surrounded so ferreted them about that 30 oâ— them together with Casheen their Ring-Leadeâ— or Captain were killed And 250 Foot and 20 Horse commanded by Lieutenant-Coloneâ— Hodson marching from Mountmelick he posted them at Kilkapog by break of day where thâ— Foot entred the Woods and Bogs and thâ— Horse securing the skirts they hunted out and killed about 18 of the Enemy that lay lurking there to surprize such as passed that way anâ— indeed these sort of Enemies were more dangerous and cruel where they mastered thaâ— the Regular Troops but so cowardly withaâ— that they would not stand a Charge if theâ— perceived the Match was but any thing neaâ— equal an Instance of which may be observeâ— in this viz. A Party of Colonel Brewer's Men being upon their March towards Kiâ—negad a great Body of Rapparees lay in Ambush yet durst noâ— come out for fear of being worsted though ouâ— Men were much inferiour to them in number but let them pass when so it happened thougâ— very unfortunately that a Serjeant and 4 Soldiers of this Party lagged behind a considerable way upon these the Rapparees seized and though on their knees they begged for Quarter yet they murthered them and not satisfied with their Deaths they bored out their Eyes and mangled their dead Bodies but the next day three of the Murtherers were taken and brought to Mullingar where one of them accused the other two of the Fact they were upon such Conviction immediately hanged up â—nd Captain Poyn soon after falling upon the whole Knot of them with a Party of 110 Men of the Garrison of Mullingar put to the rout and dispersed throughout the Country killing â—etween 40 and 50 of them And now since â—e have had occasion to speak so much of these Rapparees in the Series of this History some â—ay be inquisitive to know what manner of â—eople they are To which I answer They are a sort of Vagabonds and Thieves â—ot caring to Work or take any Employment â—pon them a mixture of Irish with other Naâ—ions who herding together take all opportuâ—ities where they are strongest to plunder â—urn and murther their hands being against â—ll and the hands of all against them to deâ—troy as Beasts of Prey They rejoyce at Wars â—od Troubles because then they have liberty â—hey think to do what they please Their Dwelâ—ings for the most part are Cabins or moveable Houses and their skulking places Bogs Woods â—nd Mountains They are not held as Soldiâ—rs nor included in the Articles of War but lie at the mercy of those that take them without their being obliged to give them any Quarter though they crave it Their Apparel unless they rig themselves by Plunder is so misserable that they go in a manner naked Yet these hopeful Sticks the Commanders of the Irish Army encourage and put Weapons into many of their hands to harress and destroy the Countries under their Majesties Obedience Yet they have been so often met with upon their Incursions that about 4000 of them have come short home since this War begun And furthermore to encourage the People to be vigilant and to discourage such Rakeshameâ— the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland puâ— forth a Proclamation in these words or to thiâ— effect THat to prevent the Robberies wilfâ—â— Burnings of Buildings Corn and Hayâ—â— Murthers and Insurrection with which thâ— parts of the Kingdom under their Majestieâ— Obedience was threatned by the Rebels anâ— their Adherents during the time their Majesties Army should be upon their march tâ— the Frontiers or in the Quarters then poâ—sessed by the Rebels they have thought it nâ—cessary and do thereby publish and declare That the Popish Irish Inhabitants of the râ—spective Baronies under their Majesties Obâ—dience where any Rebels commonly callâ—â— Rapparees shall commit any such Robberies Burnings or Murthers or where any such Insurrection shall happen if they do not immediately give Notice of such Rapparees and Insurrections respectively to the Iustice of Peace or chief Officer of the Militia next to their Habitations and assist him in the taking and destroying them and in the suppression of Insurrections that then they where such Fact shall be committed neglecting their Duties shall be deemed Confederates with the said Rebels and Enemies of their Majesties Government And by Order to be given by the Lords Iustices as occasion shall require shall be proceeded against with the utmost severity of Military Execution And they do further Order That no protectted Irish Papist shall be abroad out of his or their Dwelling-place of Abode after the hours of Nine at Night or before the hours of Four in the Morning under the Pain and Penalty of being put out of their Majesties Protection And if after the Thirtieth of May 1691. any Arms or Ammunition shall be found upon the persons or in the possession of any such Irish Papists he or they shall be looked upon as Rebels and punished accordingly And as they intend severely to punish all such as shall offend in the particulars above-mentioned so they do assure all those Irish Papists who live under their Majesties protection that they behaving themselves as becomes good Subjects shall have the benefit thereof These Proceedings made many of the Papists stir to prevent the mischief who before stood laughing in their sleeves at the Damages their Protestant Neighbours sustained though to curry favour in a dissembling manner they often shewed them a fair Countenance and seemed to pity their Losses And Major O Neal and some others came over from the Enemy and took the advantage of their Majesties Protection But whilst these things were transacting one Mark Baggot apparelling himself in Womens Clothes made it his business to spy into our Quarters and the manner of Affairs but his too much inquisitiveness discovering him he was seized and being sentenced by a Court Marshal he was executed at Dublin on the 20th of May. The Season thus far in a forwardness gave a favourable Invitation to the Army for their taking the field when a Party of the Irish Army consisting of 150 Men thinking to be early at it and do some notable Exploit to be talked on came to Castle-Lions and took thence a few of the poor peoples Cows but Colonel Donep with about 20 Danes and a like number of the Militia Dragoons pursued over-taking them at Ballyderdawn where a Lieutenant with 8 Danes and 6 Dragoons beat off 60 of them who had lined the Hedges in which Action the Lieutenant was killed but the Colonel coming up with his Party and being reinforced with 50 fresh Men he still pursued them killing about 50 of them of which 2 were Commission Officers took 40 Horses and his Men got indifferent store of Plunder This was followed with other Successes of the like nature nor could any great Actions be expected by reason the Armies were not as yet in the field our staying for the
with great silence insomuch that they were not discovered till they were at the Foot of the Glacis where they delivered their Granado's and went on to the Pallisado's entring the Fort. The Enemy perceiving all was lost cried for Quarter leaving our Men Masters of it so that they strongly retrenched themselves but hearing that Baldorick O Donnel was on his March to throw himself into Galloway the Water was bridged over with the Tin Boats over which passed 6 Regiments of our Foot and 4 Squadrons of Horse to oppose his Attempt so that finding he could not effect his Design he retreated into the County of Mayo burning and plundering in his way The taking this Fort so Alarm'd the Town that the Governour desired a Parley and leave to send some Persons to the General to treat about Articles of Surrender so that three of their Lieutenant-Colonels came out and as many of ours-entred the Town by way of Hostage and after some debate it was agreed That the Town should be delivered to such Officers as the General should appoint and in the mean time five Hostages should be sent for the due performance of the Agreement on the Articles and all the Outworks of the Town put into the Generals hands the Enemy forbearing to fortifie any thing in the mean-time and to withdraw all their Cannon from the Walls but that our Men might be permitted to work and post themselves â—s they saw convenient provided they came not within three yards of the Wall or placed any Cannon on the Batteries that should be made And that the Garrison and Townsmen should have the benefit of the Lords Iustices Proclamation of Indempnity which gives them their Estates and Liberties And further that those who were desirous to depart might be conducted to Lymerick with their Arms Drums beating c and six pieces of Cannon and have liberty to send to Tyrconnel and acquaint him with what they had done and invite him to do the same at Lymerick That pursuant thereto they sent the Lord Clanrickard with four Officers of note as Hostages and allowed two Persons sent from the General to enter the Town and take an Account of the Stores c. The Treaty upon these Considerations coming to a final Conclusion the Garrison marched out on the 26th of Iuly D'Vssone the French Lieutenant-General having leave to be on his way to Lymerick three hours before the rest marched out On the 28th of Iuly Matters being settled and the Place garrisoned the Army marched away towards Lymerick the only strong Place the Irish held in the Kingdom Whilst these things passed Sir Teague O Regan delivered up Slego to Colonel Mickleburn and divers other Places of no considerable defence were Surrendred by others Baldarick O Donnel whose Success an old Prophecy had foretold fearing by the ill luck â—he all along had had it was but a Fable willing to submit with the Men under his Command sent to desire a Cessation on this particular and that some place might be assigned him and his followers till his Majesty was acquainted with his Proposals for coming over which was in part allowed him and he afterward was received into their Majesties Protection Now our Parties being abroad entred those Counties that held out and brought away great Booties of Cattel defeating divers of the Enemies Detachments that were abroad plundering the Country Upon the approach of the English Army towards Lymerick the Enemy who were encamped near it no sooner perceived the advanced Parties but their Foot entred the Town and their Horse drew off further into the Country And now Tyrconnel finding the Thread he had spun grew too fine and ready to break in sunder vexing at the crosness of Affairs fell sick and died as 't is reported of Grief being buried in Lymerick the place where he died On the 11th of August our Army marched from Nenagh to Shalley about two Miles from the Silver Mines The next day to Tusla where to refresh them they remained one day But the next day the General being resolved to push on and prosecute the Success they had orders to march to Larrick-en-Lysh about 4 miles from Lymerick the only place wherein the Enemy reposed their last hopes as having yet some small glimmering of hope which they reposed in a continual expectation of some fresh Succours from France From Carrick the next day the General went with 1500 Horse and Dragoons within sight of Lymerick beating in their Out-guards and taking a view of their Out-works from a Hill that over-look'd the City where our Artillery encamped the last Year and upon his being there sevâ—â—al Deserters came over and confirmed an Account before received that the Horse were retired to the other side of the Shannon and their Foot drawn within the Retrenchments Further informing That upon Tyrconnel's Death a Commission was produced under the late King's hand which Mr. Plowden formerly one of the Commissioners of the Revenue had brought lately from France impowering Sir Alexander Fitton Sir Richard Neagle and the said Plowden Justices of Ireland And a further Account was given That divers Persons were seized and made Prisoners in Lymerick by the order of the French General Vssone for having made some Proposals in order to a timely Surrender Upon which the General sent them word by a Trumpet That if they put any Man to death for having a mind to come over to him he would retaliate it on the Irish Prisoners that had been lately taken and were now in his power Of which indeed there were a great many and some of no mean quality in Titles besides Officers of considerable note upon the account of their late Commands â—n the Irish Garrisons or Army On the 16th Sir Iohn Hanmore joyned the General with five Regiments of Foot from Cork and the Neighbouring Garrisons as also some other Re-inforcements from divers adjacent places as well Horse as Foot The same day Major-General La-Forest was sent out with a strong Detachment to meet the Cannon but with some impatience had been expected from Athlone under the Convoy of Colonel Loyd's Regiment and though in the mean time a great deal of Rain fell yet it nothing abated the Courage of the Officers and Soldiers to go on in prosecuting the intended Siege of Lymerick To further whose purpose a Squadron of English Ships were in the Shannon who made themselves Masters of a French Ship of considerable Burthen which had taken in St. Ruth's Horse and Equipage in order to carry it for France after which they braved the City of Lymerick by coming almost within Cannon shot of it Whilst these things were doing and the Lord Justice Coningsby who had been to concert Matters in the Army was returning from Dublin the Militia were in a readiness to keep those Parts in quiet consisting of 1000 Foot and 500 Horse and Dragoons having with them 3 Field-pieces whilst others of the Militia of the neighbouring Counties were advancing to augment their Number and
place 16 pieces of Cannon and Col. Michelburn was constituted Governour And now to return again to Lymerick Whilst the Siege was yet carried vigorously on the General with Lieutenant-General Scravenmore being an the other side of the Shannon with 5000 Horse and Dragoons and a proportionable Detachment of Foot marched into the County of Clare with 12 Field-pieces and 7 or 8 days Provision to oblige the Enemies Horse to fight or drive them further from Lymerick whereupon they not only avoided coming to Action but many of them dispersed and disbanded so that their number daily lessened Brigadier Levison with 250 Horse and Dragoons had fallen upon the Enemy in Kerry where they were about 3000 strong and routed them killing a great many and taking divers Officers Prisoners by whiâ—h means their Majesties Forces were entire Maâ—ters of the County So that the General being now on Clare side of Lymerick with a strong Body of Horse 10 Regiments of Foot and 14 Pieces of Cannon the rest of the Army remaining under the Duke of Wirtemberg for the Security of the Works on the other side on the 22d of September about Noon our Troops drew up before the English Town though the Enemies Cannon played upon them all the while from the Casâ—le and several Towers as also the small shot from the Flankers and Outworks About four in the Afternoon the General ordered a Detachment to attack the Fort near Thomond Bridge Whereupon the Enemy sent two great Detachments out of the Town to support and defend those that were in the Fort but our Men marched on with such Courage and Bravery that notwithstanding this Reinforcement they bore down all before them pursuing with hot Execution the flying Enemy over the Bridge and brought such a Terrour upon the City that Monsieur D Vsson the French Governour of Lymerick durst not lower the Draw-Bridge to let in his own Men dreading least ours should enter with them so that crouding on the Bridge in great numbers our Men by perpetually pouring their Vollies of shot amongst them made a miserable slaughter insomuch that from the foot of the Bridge to the Draw-bridge nothing was to be seen but heaps of dead Bodies discolouring the River with Blood and 600 were computed to be killed in this Action and about 130 taken Prisoners amongst whom was Col. Skelton who being very much hurt died soon after of of his wounds and our Men during this hot dispute being very much exposed to the fire of the Town were about 300 of them killed and wounded but none of note This resolute Enterprise of our Men brought such a Terrour upon the Garrison that in the Afternoon a Parley was beaten round the Town and notice was given that the People were very much enraged against the French Governour for suffering so many Men to be cut off by keeping them out of the City that they had insulted and could hardly be kept from using violence The beating this Parley was to desire a Cessation of Firing and casting in Bombs which was allowed till 9. the next Morning when the Colonels Sarsfield and Wahop came out and desired the Truce might continue a day longer and that they might send to the 1500 Horse commanded by Sheldon in the County of Clare to know whether they would be included in the Capitulation which was allowed And on Septemb. 25. Col. Sheldon and some of his Officers 〈◊〉 to our Camp and had leave given him to go into Lymerick and consult with the Officers in Garrison and the next day Sarsfield and Wahop came out again and dined with the General and Hostages were proposed to be exchanged which being concluded on the L. Cutts Sir David Collier Col. Pâ—per and Col. Tiffany were sent by the General and the Town sent out the Lords Westmeath Trimelstown Lowth and Evagh so that the Cessation was continued and the Garrison sent out their Proposals but they were such as the General could not approve of and therefore instead of answering them he sent in twelve Articles which he would allow and not to be unready to speak his mind in another Language in case the Truce should be broken by their refusal he ordered the Cannon and Mortars to remain charged on their Batteries ready to fire upon the first Command whiâ—h made the Besieged more reasonable in their Demands so that the Commissioners for the Treaty coming forth again the same day had a long Conference with those appointed to treat with them by the General and became more moderate A very good prospect of Accommodation presented at this time for we had of their Prisoners taken in the last Action 2 Lieutenant-Colonels 2 Majors 9 Captains 7 Lieutenants and 6 Ensigns And this being likely to be a general Treaty for the Settlement of the Kingdom the Lords Justices set forward from Dublin to be assisting at it and arrived in the Camp the first of October and after some Conferences with the Commissioners on the part of the Garrison and their Troops in the County of Clare the Articles of Surrender of the City of Lymerick and the Castles of Clare and Ross with all other Places and Castles that were at that time in the hands of the Irish were on the Third of October concluded and agreed on and signed by the General and Lords Justices on the one side and by the French Governour and the Persons deputed by the Garrison on the other and thereupon a Stone-Fort and one of the Gates was put into the General 's hands the same Evening and the next day five of our Regiments marched into the Irish Town it being among other things agreed That the French and such as are willing to go beyond the Seas may continue in the English Town and the Island till they can be Transported and Shipping are to be got ready for that purpose And seeing upon the Articles of this Capitulation the quiet and settlement of the Country consisted and upon signing which 〈◊〉 entirely returned to its Obedience it is requisite the Reader should not be ignorant at least of the Substance or Chief Matters contained in them They consisting in two Parts Civil and Military As for the Civil Part it gave the Roman Catholicks the Exercise of their Religion as far as was consistent with the Laws of Ireland and as they enjoyed it in the Reign of King Charles the Second c. and to all Persons in general that had been in Arms or otherwise under King Iames except forfeiting Persons out of the Kingdom should be repossesed of what they could justly Claim or were lawfully Entituled to in the Reign of King Charles the Second and at any time since by any Law or Laws that were in force in his Reign And those of Trades or Callings to return to them and Exercise them as in the Reign of King Iames the Second on condition they took the Oath of Allegiance made by the English Parliament the First Year of their Majesties Reign Merchants and
reputed Merchants that were beyond the Seas and had not born Arms since their Majesties Declaration of February 1689. were included and to have the same benefit if they returned within the space of Eight Months after the Date of the Articles As also were several Officers viz. Colonel Simon Lutterel Captain Rowland White Morice Eustace and others who were gone beyond the Seas upon the account of their Regiments remaining in Ireland upon their returning in the space of Eighth Months and taking the Oath above-mentioned and those comprised and so submitting to the Government to have General Pardons of all Attainders Treasons and other Crimes and Offences against the Government committed since the beginning of the Reign of King Iames the Second And that all things that have happened since the War whereby Troubles Suits or Vexations may arise should be passed over and indempnified to those comprised in the Articles to the Date thereof to be mutual and reciprocal on both sides Every Nobleman and Gentleman comprised is allowed to ride with a Sword and Case of Pistols and to have a Gun for the Defence of his House or for Recreation and that inhabited the City of Lymerick or other Garrisons might depart with their Goods Chattels and Provisions out of it without being searâ—hed or paying any Duties and moreover not to be compelled to leave their Lodgings in six Weeks ensuing the Date of the Articles The Roman Catholicks that submit to take the Oath of Allegiance and no other And if any Person or Persons at any time break any of these Premisses he shall shall not cause any other not concerned in such Breach to forfeit the benefit of them and that such Persons as are included shall have the favour of the Lords Justices and General to use their Endeavours to have them protected from Arrests Execution Debts and Damages for the space of Eight Months That Provision be made to enable Colonel Iohn Brown by restoring so much of his Estate and Effects as were taken away to pay his Debts The Matter to be stated and agreed c. Thus things proceeded of this kind advantageous for the quieting of the Minds of the People and settling in Peace and Tranquility As for the Military Articles the Substance of them were That any Persons willing to leave the Kingdom might pass with their Goods and Families except into England Scotland and for the Officers and Soldiers and those called Rapparees that are minded to go Ships should be prepared to transport them and days and places appointed for those that were willing to go to declare their Minds to that purpose and be reduced under their Officers that are to conduct them And the English and Scotch Officers that serve in Ireland to be included in the Capitulation for the Security of their Estates and Effects in the Three Kingdoms if they are content to remain here or for passing freely into France or any other Country to serve and Land-carriage and Shipping to be furnished for those of all Conditions that are not Prisoners of War that have a mind to be Transported and they to be protected from all Wrongs and Injuries And the Ships that are to Transport them to be furnished with Neccesaries for Horse and Men to be paid for by those Transported upon their safe arrival in France and Hostages were to be left for the safe return of the Ships the danger of the Sea excepted and till their Embarkation Quarters to be assigned them they having Liberty to transport Gratis including those of their Officers Nine hundred Horse and for the Troops remaining behind to dispose of themselves as they thought convenient delivering up their Horse and Arms to such as the Generals should nominate to receive them Horse-Provender for those that were to be Transported to be bought at the King's Rate and all Necessaries to be had without molestation And all those Prisoners of War on both sides that were in the Kingdom of Ireland on the 28th of September to be set at Liberty the General promising his Endeavour for the Release of those likewise in England and Flanders And Medicines and other Necessaries be furnished for the sick and wounded And that Notice of these things upon signing be sent to France and those that are to pass thither not to be stopped upon the account of Debt or any other pretence And that French Ships for Transportation shall freely resort to any Parts and have Passports and upon the arrival of such Ships a free Communication shall be between it and the said Troops more especially for those who have Passes from the Fleet and Monsieur de Tumeron the Intendant in consideration of which the Town of Lymerick was to be put into the Hands of the General or whom he shall appoint viz. the Irish Town except the Magazine and Hospital upon the Day of signing But the English Town with the Island and free Passage to Thomond-Bridge to be in the Hands of the Irish Garrison or those that shall come from Clare Cork Kerry c. till a Conveniency offer to Transport them And that no Disorders might happen between the Garrisons the Irish Troopers were to remain in the English Town and Island until they should Embarque on the Fifty ships that should first go to France and to keep from any Injury on either side under pain of Punishment And when they are to march they may march out together or at sundry times as opportunity of Embarking requires with Arms Baggage Beat of Drum Lighted Match Bullet in Mouth Colours flying Six Brass Guns and Two Mortars with some Ammunition and other Stores and that an Inventory of the Ammunition shall be given to that end the Day after the signing The Magazines and Provisions to remain in the Hands of those appointed for their care for the subsistance of the Irish that are to pass for France and they to be further furnished if occasion required And a Cessation of Arms at Land and Sea to be had in respect to the Ships either English Dutch or French to be used in the Transportation until they are returned to their Harbours and that sufficient Passports shall be on both sides as to Ships and Men and that any violating the Cessation shall be punished and Satisfaction made for the wrong and that Persons should be sent to give the English and French Ships notice of this Cessation of Arms for the time and Hostages be given on both sides And if there happen any Change in the Government or Command of the Army before the Capitulation be fully Executed it shall yet stand in force This being briefly the Heads and Substance of these famous Articles I shall now proceed to what ensued upon so happy a Juncture in which the Nation had so great a Promise of Peace and Tranquility which has since raised its drooping Head from the Dust. About the time of this Agreement News came that divers French Men of War with Transport-Ships were on the Coast and endeavoured
to put into some places though very distant from Lymerick but either not well knowing the Harbours or being fearful as having no certainty of what had happened they continued cruizing being seen sometimes off one place and at other times off another as being doubtful and uncertain of their enterprizing any thing to the end for which they came as perhaps having intelligence that a Squadron of our Men of War under the Command of Sir Ralph Delaval was making towards Ireland to prevent any evil design they might have notwithstanding the Capitulation considering on our part that the French Maxim is much the same with that of the Ottomon Port viz. To consider nothing against their Interest but in the firmest Peace to take all the advantages of open Hostility where any thing offers that may render their Attempts successful But whether they sooner or latter had an account of what had happened at Lymerick and that with the rendering up that important place all their Measures had been broken considering in those Articles the few places of no considerable strength were included we determine not but certainly so it happened they attempted nothing worthy of note on the Coast of that Kingdom but kept out at Sea as well as they could During the cruizing of the French we had at length certain knowledge that they had notice of what had happened viz. that Lymerick had submitted and with it all those Places that yet held out if in the time limited they by Surrendring took the benefit of the Articles agreed on which occasioned a greater Security in them as to the fear of being attacked by our Men of War because in one of the Articles it was agreed that such of the Irish and French as had a mind to leave the Kingdom and go for France might stay to expect a free Passage thither without interruption and then they more boldly appeared upon the Coast of Kerry being discerned from the Hills and Cliffs to be about 25 Sail of Men of War with some Fire-ships and 25 Transport-ships and that it might be taken that their design in coming at first was no other than to carry off â—he French and Irish that were unwilling to â—tay Monsieur D'Vsson the late French Goâ—ernour took his first opportunity to give notice of their being there to Major-General Talâ—ash who had been appointed by the Geneâ—al to Command at Lymerick and upon maâ—ure deliberation it being thought more conâ—enient to suffer such as would transport themselves in French Ships than trust any of â—urs in the Enemies Port on that Account â—t last it was agreed that the Transportâ—â—ips might come into the River Shannon â—ut the Men of War and Fireships to keep â—â—t at Sea and that those Transport-ships should have liberty to take on Board such as would freely imbark In the mean while divers Irish Gentlemen and Persons of Quality who it was by some supposed would have embraced this voluntary Exile considering perhaps how the French had insulted them in their own Country and expecting worse Treatment when they should be more ablosutely under their Jurisdiction resolved not to trust their kindness by leaving their Native Country but rather chose to rely upon the kindness of a Generous Prince whose Word in all things is inviolate and thereupon spontaniously came in and took the Oath of Fidelity to their Majesties Nor were the Rapparees who are accounted the most obstinate of the Irish behind hand in this For divers of their Chiefs considering their Safety depended upon a speedy Submission thought it their best way to lay hold of the Grace offered least such a favourable opportunity might for ever be out of their power and thereupon resolving to lay hold on it laid down their Arms and submitted to Mercy causing many others of their Subalternates to do the like and bring in their Arms insomuch that Roads that a little before lay unfrequented by Travellers for fear of this rapacious sort of People were again frequented and those that had been so terrible to them now proved their Guards in many places to protect them against such as yet held out by which means the face of things seemed wonâ—erfully changed and a Country that a litâ—le before had been so bloody a Scene of War â—ow promised and gave a large prospect of durable Peace attended with Plenty and 〈◊〉 greater Advancement by Trade than eâ—er in consideration of a greater assurance â—f Security given especially to the Proteâ—â—ants by the glorious Success of their Majesties Arms than has been in the formâ—r Reigns Although Sarsfield Sheldon and others â—ho centered their Fortunes and Interest in â—â—e late King who had mainly raised them 〈◊〉 his Favours expected to draw after the â—reater part of the Discplined Soldiers to be â—â—sposed of in the Service of the French King 〈◊〉 also some of the Gentry and Nobility yet â—â—ey missed of their aim Matters being thus brought to a Conclusion 〈◊〉 the Kingdom of Ireland care was taken to 〈◊〉 our Troops into Winter Quarters who 〈◊〉 such extraordinary Enterprizes so 〈◊〉 succeeding each other were somewhat 〈◊〉 and required for the recovery of â—â—â—ir Strength and Health more Refresh 〈◊〉 nt and Ease than the Field could any ways 〈◊〉 them And in this such order and care was taken that none should be endamaged in the Quarters but if any such thing happened by any Oppression or Unruliness of the Officer or Soldiers the Party grieved upon Complaint to those appointed to inspect and regulate these Affairs should have speedy redress That the fears of the Countries about Lymerick might be at an end the French anâ— Irish that resolved for France were furthere by the English by way of Friendly assistancâ— for their Embarkment on such Ships as weâ—â— ordered or allowed to carry them to theâ—â— desired Ports The Lords Justices received an Accouâ—â— on the first of November from Major-General Talmash That the French and Iriâ—â— marched out of the English Town on the firâ—â— of the said Month and part of them embarked on the French Ships that were permitted to enter the River Shannon in order 〈◊〉 transport them The General after the many glorioâ—â— Succeses that Crowned their Majesties Arâ—â— under his Command in so short a timâ— arriving at Dublin was received severâ—â—â— Miles from that City by a great Body 〈◊〉 the Gentry on Horseback and approachiâ—â— through the loud Shouts and Acclamations 〈◊〉 the crouding People was received at 〈◊〉 Gates by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in â—heir Formalities and highly welcomed and â—he Ceremony performed upon the occasion â—â— his coming to that Capital City ended with a general Joy and the highest Marks â—â— Respect to a Person who had been so serâ—iceable to the Kingdom His Majesties Birth-day and the Anniversary of the Powder-Plot were likewise obâ—erved with all imaginable Demonstrations of â—oyalty and Marks of Firmness to the Proâ—eâ—tant Religion Nor were some of the Papists wanting to express their Satisfaction to see the Hero
there happened an Extraordinary Storm which did much Damage at Land but more by Sea The Adventure of London was cast away on the Coast and all her Men drowned A Vessel laden with Corn was driven from her Anchor in the Road and beaten to pieces but her Men saved and divers other Shipwracks were driven on shoar in the Ports of this Kingdom And now the Poor being very numerous by reason of Losses in the War care was ordered every where to be taken of them till they could better provide for themselves having conveniâ—â—â—â— Houses appointed for their shelter And the Militia of the Country was reviewed to know in what Condition it stood And the Lords Justices issued out a Declaration Prohibiting any Officer Clark or other Person or Persons whatsoever depending upon their Majesties Treasury either by himself or any other to use in part or in whole directly or indirectly to buy any Arrears or Debenture â—ue to any Officer Soldier or any Person or Persons that have been Employed in their Majesties Service the preceding War upon pain of forfeiting the benefit of every Contract or Agreement for such Arrears which shall be paid to the Party to whom they are due when the same shall come to be paid as also upon communication of such a Fault be dismissed from his or their Employment and declared being uncapable of serving in the Treasury for the future This saved a great many Officers and Soldiers much Money who to supply presant need would have taken a small matter for what was after paid them to the full And now though it had been stipulated and agreed by several Articles made with the Garrison of Lymerick Galloway c. That all Arms were to be delivered up unless such of the Nobility and Gentry as were allowed them for Defence of their Houses c. And this not being punctually observed a Proclamation was issued out by the Lords Justices to command all Persons who had any to Surrender or cause to be Surrendered to the Sheriff of the City Town or County or to the next Justice of the Peace all their Fire-Arms Swords Pikes Half-Pikes Halbards Partisans Skenns Bayonets and all other Arms Offensive and Defensive And upon failure or contempt to be prosecuted to the utmost Severity of the Law a Reward of Ten shillings was likewise proposed to any Person who should after the Tenth of March discover any Arms and the Concealer to be prosecuted at the next Assizes as a Contemner of their Majesties Royal Authority to be looked upon as Disturbers of the Peace and to forfeit the Benefit of the said Articles This made a great many of the Papists bring in their Arms for fear of a Discovery which they had kept till now perhaps to so sinister an end so that by this means the Peace being better assured the Protestants found themselves out of danger the Husbandmen manured their Ground with cheerfulness as not doubting to reap the benefit of their Labours which they had been long debarr'd to the undoing of many Thousands The Artificers fell again to their respective Crafts with courage So that the Land casting off its bloody stain laboured to forget its sorrow and though the usual Trade with France was prohibited yet â—rom England Scotland and Spain 〈◊〉 Necessaries were brought thaâ— uâ—ually supplied the Kingdom from abroad And that they might yet be more easie some illegal Proceedings being represented to the Lords Justices they put forth a Proclamation for suppressing them running to this Tennor viz. THAT the Lords Iustices being informed that several Iustices of the Peace Sheriâ—ffs and other Magistrates presuming on their Power in the Countries have by colour of their Authority in a most Illegal and Arbitrary Manner contrary to the known Laws of the Kingdom dispossessed several of Their Majesties Subjects not only of their Goods and Chattels but of their Lands and Tenements They therefore Command and Require all Iustices of the Peace Mayors Sheriffs and other Magistrates to forbear such Illegal Proceedings and not to Intermeddle with the Right Property Title or Possession of the Estates Goods or Chattels of any of Their Majesties Subjects other than by due Course of Law they are required and as they shall be able to justifie This was thrice proclaimed in all the Market-Towns that every one might take notice of it and have Redress of their Grievances if any should afterward be committed upon them or their Possessions yet it extented not to the prohibiting the searching for and taking away of Arms. And the better to Confirm and Inform all sorts of People being Dutiful and Loyal in their Majesties good Intentions towards them their Majesties Proclamation was published in the following words viz. WHereas by an Act made in Our Parliament at Westminster in the first Year of our Reign Entituled An Act for the better Security and Relief of their Majesties Protestant Subjects of Ireland it was amongst other things Enacted That all and every Person and Persons whatsoever should be absolutely Discharged and Acquitted of any from the payment of all the Quit-Rents Composition-Rents Heart-money Twentiâ—th-parts Payments and other chief Rents arising or payable out of any Houses Lands Tenements Hereditaments Rectores Tythes or Church-Livings incurring or becoming due to us at any time after the Five and twentieth Day of December 1688. until the said Kingdom of Ireland should by Us be declared to be Reduced and the War and Rebellion there ended We have now pursuant to the said Act of Parliament thought fit by and with the Advice of our Privy Council to issue out this Our Royal Proclamation hereby declaring That the said Kingdom of Ireland is reduced to Our Obedience and the War and Rebellion there ended And We do hereby Will and Require that all and singular such Rents and Payments and all other Duties payable to the Crown which shall henceforth grow incur or become due be duly answered and paid unto Us in such manner and under such Penalties and Forfeitures as if the said Act had not been made Dated the 3d of March 1691 2. And to the end that none of the Irish might be ignorant of what was intended for the good of the Nation another Proclamation was published in all the chief Towns of the Kingdom To Ascertain a Day to those that should be distinguished to be comprehended within the Articles of Lymerick c. To shew their said Rights and Claims to the said Articles the Lands and other Matters they desire Restitution of with the Place of their Being and Situation and that they should have fair Hearings and favourable Constructions made on their Claims and Petitions The Days and Places of Hearing to that purpose be set and appointed that none might pretend any mistake on that account not to come provided with sufficient Proof and Testimony of such their Rights and Claims according to the Tennor of the Articles of Lymerick and Galloway c. And that seeing several Protestants did inhabit Galloway
and Lymerick during the Sieges of those Places it was required that three Witnesses should give Testimony as to the Premisses one of them to be a Protestant in every particular matter for proof of each Persons qualification as to the Articles who claims to have been within the said City or Town and thereby to be comprised within the said Articles or either of them And on the Sixth of April the Lord's Justices of the Council and Kingdom sat to hear and examine the Claims exhibited before them by such Persons as made their Application to them sitting Mâ—nday Wednesday and Friday weekly for that purpose And that nothing might be wanting to encourage and promote the Trade of the Kingdom Ships daily arrived in the Ports with Provision and other Necessaries insomuch that after a long Scarcity Plenty began again to be restored to a prospect of a greater height than ever by which the Calamities and Sufferings appeared to vanish and the Joy of the People the Protestants especially to be restored more than ever especially under the Conduct and Government of Affairs of those prudent Persons that are put into Power and Trust. The Kingdom of Ireland thus settled and in a fair way to Happiness his Majesty was in Flanders drawing his Forces together to prosecute his Victories on that side and compleat the Felicity of his Kingdoms when in the mean while some ill Men of restless Spirits at home were labouring under hand to disquiet us by endeavouring to hold Correspondence with the Common Enemy and Encouraging him to invade their Native Kingdoms but Providence as at all times so now more particularly timely discovered their dark Projects and sinister Designs whereupon many were apprehended and imprisoned in divers places in order to be brought to Justice and Condign Punishment yet this did not so much discourage the French King but that he got his Fleet very early in a readiness as it is generally supposed to Invade England but the Winds appeared to stand on our side and kept them in their Harbours contrary to their Expectations though he had drawn down his Forces on the Coast of Normandy c. to Embark on his Men of War and Transport-ships as occasion should offer Our Fleet in the mean while was hastned out to oppose them and the Dutch Squadrons with much Celerity joyned us so that on the 19th of May they stood away to the South-west in search of the French Fleet and about six Leagues from Cape Barsleur got sight of them who with much presumption bore down upon us having the Weather-gage the Wind at South-west and about Eleven in the Morning they Engaged Admiral Russel who commanded our Red Squadron The sight continued hot on both sides till about Three in the Afternoon Turville the French Admiral being very much worsted and fearing to be hemmed in by our Blue Squadron and the Dutch who laboured to get the Wind of the Enemy bore away but not so speedily but that the Blew Squadron had time enough to come in and Engage him about Six so that another hot Dispute continued till about Ten at night the French making a Retreating fight in which some of their Ships were blown up and others sunk All Night it was very calm and foggy the next Morning and abâ—ut Eight it began to clear up the Wind at East-North-East when the French Fleet appeared about Two Leagues to the Leeward of ours much less in number than the day before being but Thirty six Men of War standing away to their own Coast whilst ours pursued them and both Fleets upon a great Calm came to an Anchor the Dutch who now had the Van being within a League of them and on the One and twentieth they weighed and stood away and we after them Admiral Russel taking his Course towards Barsleur having sight of several Ships under the shoar but by this time many of them were got into the first Harbours they came to so that fear and too much haste caused several of them to run aground to prevent our Coming up with them But it availed little for Vice-Admiral Delaval hotly pursuing Fliers who put in made under Cape de Wick their Squadrons being now broken and separated with much difficulty got in with light Frigats Fire-ships and Armed-Boats and in spight of the Fire the French made from their Ships and from their Platform on shoar Captain Heath laid the Royal Sun of France on Board with his Fireship and burnt her being the French Admiral of 104 Guns and Captain Green burnt the Conquerdant of 102 Guns and another Ship of 80 Guns was burnt by the Boats that were sent out after the Men were taken from it and some other Vessels with little loss of Men on our side Captain Fowlis attempted to burn the Royal Sun but was set on fire by an accidental shot from the Enemy supposed to be made red hot for that purpose Monsieur Gaberet's Ship Admiral of the French Blew Squadron perished in the fight amongst the rest Whilst these things were doing Admiral Russel with the Red Squadron stood with the Enemies Ships who were got into the Bay of La Hogue and sent Vice-Admiral Rook with a Squadron of Light Frigats and Fireships and all the Boats he had with him well armed to burn the Ships he had there penn'd up which succeeded so well that Six were burnt that Night and with the same Resolution Six more were burnt the next Morning Three of them being Three-deck'd Ships carrying a great Force of Men and Guns and the other Three from sixty to seventy Guns and one of Fifty six Guns was overset and utterly lost So that the whole number in that Bay was destroyed the Men in the Boats on this occasion behaving themselves with much Bravery and Resolution insomuch that they took possession of several of the French Ships and turned the Guns upon the Platform that fired upon them from the Land in the sight of the French and Irish Camp that lay near the shoar Many of the French Seamen perished with their Ships those on shoar refusing to fetch them off and a great many were taken Prisoners So that in the main we destroyed about One and twenty of their biggest Ships and of other Frigats Crafts and Transport-ships to the number of Thirty and this without the loss of any Ship on our side unless Fireships that were spent on the Enemy For this Signal Victory the Admiral caused a Solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God to be held on Board the Fleet and had the Wind been more timely favourably few of the French that engaged had escaped This happy News caused great Rejoycing in all their Majesties Dominions and in the Courts of the Confederate Princes And now to shew God's more signal Favour and Mercy towards us a Hellish Conspiracy was discovered that had been carried on to destroy his Majesty beyond the Seas by Assassination influenced by the greatest Persons in the French Court to their Eternal Infamy as it was deposed upon Oath and this was undertaken by one de Grandual a Captain of Dragoons in the French Service and one Dumot a Walloon who had the last Year agreed together to kill the King and for that purpose went to Loo whilst his Majesty was there but missing of their wicked purpose they went back to Paris and there remaining during the Winter they engaged one Leefdale in the same pernicious Design agreeing to Attack the King either upon a March or when he should ride out to see the Troops but an Almighty Hand held them from their Executing what they so wickedly intended and saved his Anointed to be a Joy and Comfort to his People and a Scourge to the Common Enemy who though good at close Villanies and purchasing of Towns yet not to stand in Competition at fair Valour and Heroick Bravery as has all along appeared by Retreats and strong Encampments when urged to Battel in a fair Field yet no doubt a short time will let us see the difference between true Manhood and Politick Dâ—lays and Precautions Ireland is now waiting to Receive her Right Honourable Lord Deputy with all the Demonstrations of Joy that a willing Nation can express sutable to the great Expectations she has to be yet more happy under the Auspicious Conduct of so worthy a Hero and wise Dispencer of Justice and an Encourager and Propagator of the Protestant Religion c. Thus we see through God's Blessing upon their Majesties Arms this Kingdom is once again in a happy way to be prosperous and more entirely happy than ever FINIS