Lord O Donnel who was incamped with Sir Albert Coningham near to Killowny and that his Lordship desired him to march against Sligoe as soon as posible he could and that Sir Albert Coningham was incamped with him and withall produced the Lord O Donnels Pass a also a Pass from Sir Teige O Regan The Lord O Donnels Pass WHereas Father Petton and Edward Wade have submitted to King William and Queen Mary and their Government and have desired this my Pass to go into the County of Dunigal These are therefore to require all persons not to Hinder or Molest them either in Body or Goods Given at Killowny the 2d day of September O Donnel Sir Teige O Regans Pass PErmit Father James Petton and Mr. Edward Wade to pass towards the County of Dunigal without Hurt or Molestation either in Body Goods or Arms with their Servants Given at Sligoe this 3d of Septemb. 1691. Teige O Regan This put the Collonel to a stand knowing that Sir Teige O Regan and O Donnel was at variance and how they should get a Pass from Sligoe to come to Ballyshanan he knew not he askt them if they had any Letters from O Donnel or Sir Albert they answered none but produced a Letter from Captain Mountgomery to Charles Hamilton of Cavan which made him the more suspitions of them he askt them how they came to get a Pass from Sir Teige who made answer that the Priest had a Brother in Sligoe which was Leiutenant Collonel who procured it from Sir Teige to pass 'm into the County of Dunigal the Collonel being apprehensive this was a Decoy to draw him into some inconvenience confin'd them till he heard farther from O Donnel or Sir Albert Coningham beause the Country lay open between Killwony and Ballyshanan by way of Mannor Hamilton and that in few hours they might have inteiligence from one to the other and not run the hazard of coming by Sligoe but this suspition he had of Wade and the Priest was soon over for about Evening came a Dragoon of Sir Alberts party and a Gunner that deserted Sligoe giving an account of Sir Alberts being Routed and some of his men being taken which soon after was confirmed by Letter of O Donnels who gave this following account The Account given by the Gunner and Dragoon THey both being sick in Killowny soon after Day they heard of a great Out-cry by the Women in the Town that Ballderrog was taken prisoner and Sir Albart Coningham's party beaten which made them with all speed get out of the House and make their Escape into a Ditch in a Garden that was near hand they heard some Shoutings afar off and saw several Women coming into the Town stript that belonged to Sir Albert's party and one of these Men stole into the Town where he had News that Sir Albert was killed they immediately got two Horses whose they were they knew not but supposed them to belong to the Dragoons and rid away to Manner-Hamilton and so came to Ballyshannon The Lieutenant belonging to O Donnel confirm'd what these two said the ill news of Sir Albert's Death was soon Confirm'd These following Letters are to the Lord Granard as also to Collonel Michelburne to provide Bread for the Northern Forces Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby YOU are hereby required from time to time to deliver unto such person or persons as the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard and Coll. Michelburne or either of them shall appoint to receive the same the usual Allowance of Bread or Meal according to the proportion of I pound a day for each for such a number of the Northern Militia now Order'd to March to Ballyshannon as shall be directed by the said Earl of Granard and Coll. John Michelburne or either of them and for so doing this with a Receipt for the same from the person or persons so appointed shall be your sufficient Warrant Given at Their Majesties Castle of Dublin the 24th Day of August 1691. To Isaac Pereira Esq Commissary General of the Stores of Ireland By the Lords Justices Command John Davis Dublin-Castle the 25th August 1691. My Lord INclosed is a Copy of an Order to Mr. Pereira to deliver Bread to the Northern Militia as shall be directed by your Lordship or Coll. Michelburn which Mr. Pereira sends by this Post to the Store-keeper of Belturbet whence the Provisions must be had if your Lordship or Coll. Michelburne will please to appoint Persons to receive the same from time to time and to Certifie the Store-keeper what number of Militia are upon Duty This by the Lords Justices Command is signified to you Lordship by My Lord Your Lordships most Humble Servant John Davis Castle Forbass Septemb. 13th 1691. SIR I Had an Account from the Lord Justices that there is a proportion of Meal arrived at Belturbit designed for the support of your Northern Militia you need no Order from me since you have power to call for what you find requisite God willing I intend to march the Forces from Dublin which arâ— now at Athlone to Morrow being Friday through Connaugh to Boyle where I intend to be with them the 8th Day of this Instant without fail I must desire you to send me notice thither where and with most conveniency I may joyn the Forces under your Gommand which I desire may be with all the Expedition imaginable I am Your Affectionate and Humble Servant Granard I desire you will bring the 980 l. with you which you received from Jemmitte the Collector at Londonderry and which is designed for the support of the Men. Here follows an Account of the last Besieging Sligoe with the taking of the Town and Out-works by the Forces under the Command of Coll. John Michelburne and the Surrender of the two Forts to Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the 15th of Septemb. 1691. A List of the Forces that joyn'd Collonel Michelburne as Ballyshannon the 8th of Septemb. 1691. County of Dunigall Dragoons Capt. Charles Hamilton of Cavan 50 Capt. William Stewart 50 Capt. Vaughan 25 Capt. Murvough Hamilton 50 County of Derry Capt. Tristrim Berrisford 50 Capt Hugh Rowly 50 I Troop of Dragoons of Coll. Winn 50 County of Formannah I Troop of Horse Commanded by Capt. Erwin 50 County of Autrim A Troop of Horse Commanded by Capt. Harrison 50 County of Mannoghan Capt. Dawson 50 Of the Standing Army Part of Coll. Michelburne's Regiment 600 I Troop of Dragoons of Sir Albert Coningham's 50 County of Autrim I Foot Company Commanded by Capt. Adaire 60 County of Tyron I Foot Company Commanded by Oliver Mac Cashlin 60 Capt. Patr. Hamilton 60 For the better understanding of the following Discourse 't is to be understood that Coll. Michelburne had brought the Garrison of Sligoe to Articles which were approved on by General Ginkell and Signed and Sealed The Garrison was to be delivered up to the said Collonel the 15th of August last past but for the falseness of O Donnel who
Camp leaving Coll. Michelburne and Sir Francis Hamilton the River being between in apparent peril of being cut off by the Garrison the said Coll. and Sir Francis Hamilton had left them but 150 Men each and a Troop of Dragoons the Garrison of Sligo being this time 2 Regiments Captain Vaughan prevailed with his Men to Desert promising them a Barrel of Beer at Bunccanagh the place of his Residence Friday The 7th of this Instant the Detachement under the Command of Sir Francis Hamilton and Capt. Anthony Shomberge were ordered to cross the River and join the Collonel on a certain Account of O Donnell's advance with a Body of Men to beat up the Camp Saturday morning being the 8th Instant the Forces were ordered to decamp and march back to Ballyshannon the Coll. staying behind accompanied with Sir Francis Hamilton Capt. Charles Hamilton Capt. William Steward and other Officers of the Militia with the two Troops of Dragoons of the standing Army to observe the motion of the Enemy but finding the Garrison not inclined to Sally out about 9 that morning drew off and marched to Ballyshannon In which fore-going Journal it is discovered that one Forward a Militia Captain deserted his Post and not only lost the taking the Town that time but he had like to have been the ruine of those few Forces the Coll. had left with him About the latter end of August he finds the said Capt. Forward at Ballyshannon and gave order for his Confinement and for an Example to the rest of the Militia for his Cowardise and Miscemeanours it being the third time he so unworthily gave the Enemy Encouragement sent the said Capt. John Forward Prisoner to General Ginkel who ordered him to give in Baile to answer his Misdeamour But instead of being called to an account he informes the Lords Justices by many salse Allegations and Affidavits against Coll. Michelburne and had two Months time to act his Villany whilst the Collonel was reducing Sligo And amongst the rest one Robb a Tobacco-Seller at our Camp and Confederate with Forward swears to 6000 black Cattle and innumetable Sheep and Horses And as soon as the salse Affidavits were made before the Lords Justices he is sent away to London to the King and Council and that all things should have Success he is sent to a Counsel as unworthy as themselves to enlarge on Robb's Affidavit and on the 3d. of December the Petition of George Robb was read before the King and Council And in the Prayer of the Petition desires that it may not be returned back into Ireland for that it was there already which shews that the Villain had no mind it should be there for that he was so well known And at a Conspiracy at Londonderry held by Forward and Vaughan Vaughan declared they had laid so deep a Foundation for the ruine of him meaning Coll. Michelburne that it was impossible for him to escape But that extraordinary Action in taking Sligo he was fearful would spoil all their measures this was told Coll. Michelburne by Capt. Henry Hare It will not be amiss to give you the Prayer of his Petition in length The Prayer of Robb's Petition to the King MAY it therefore please Your Majesty to take the same into Your Princely Consuleration and that the said Coll. Michelburne Capt. Boyd and all others concerned may personally appear before Your Majesties to answer your Petitioner's complaint and that your Petitioner may not be returned into Ireland having already made his complaints there and that Your Majesty will likewise be pleased to grant an Order to Humphty Booth Roger Smith and William Nicholson of Sligo Esq and to Andrew Knox John Hamilton of the County of Donegall Esq and Robert Delapp of Ballyshannon Merchant to examine such Witnesses as the Petitioner shall bring before them and upon the Return and Reaning the Depositions so taken Your Majesty will be further pleased to grant such further Order for the Petitioner's Relief in the Premises as to Your Majesty shall seem meet And your Petitioner will euer Prey c. Ch. Mountague The Reference At the Court at White Hall the 30th of December 1691. Present The King 's most Excellent Majesty UPON Reading the annexed Petition of George Robb Merchant and several Inhabitants of the Country of Donnegall and Sligo complaining of Coll. Michelburne Capt. Boyd and others under their command for taking away Goods black Cattle Sheep and Horses from the Petitioners It is this day ordered by his Majesty in Council That it be and it is hereby referred to the Right Honourable the Lords Justices of Ireland to examine the Petitioners Allegations and to give such Orders and Directions therein as their Lordships shall see Cause Part of Robb's Affidavit as followeth and let the Readet judge the rest THAT several of the Inhabitants applied themselves to the said Coll. and particularly Mr. Matthew Ormsby a Protestant Inhabitant and shewed him the said Gen Ginkel's Protection and that he was a Protestant never in Arms and that his Cattle had been taken up by his Party and were under his Guard but the said Coll. did never give him any order nor restore him the said Cattle Now to prove what George Robb swore is extream false See the following Certificate from Mr. Matthew Ormsby whom he instances as a Person prejudic'd A Certificate from the Protestant Inhabitants in the County of Sligo WE the undernamed Persons being Protestants and Inhabitants of the Barrony of Tirrecus in the County of Sligo do acknowledge to have received by order of Coll. Michelburne one hundred and twenty Cowes in full satisfaction of all the Cowes Horses and Sheep taken from us and the rest of the Protestants of the said Barrony and County lately taken from us by the men under the command of the said Coll. the 16th day of August 1691. Matthew Ormsby John Shenan Dugdall Boyd Matthew John Boyd Kath. Browne John Ormsby Anne Griffith Robb's CHARACTER Port of Sligoe THESE may certifie all Persons concerned That George Robb was formerly an Inhabitant of this place and a Shop-keeper here for several years together In which Station he the said George Robb proved so troublesom and litigious amongst his Neighbours both in the Town and Country That he hath deservedly fallen under a very evil fame and report with the Inhabitants his Neighbovrs of all sorts having been very often found guilty of as great villany and knavery in his dealings here as are practised and perpetrated by the most profligate Villaines under which untoward Circumstances and Character the said George Robb was forced to leave this Place and Country and since he did so we are credibly informed from others that he hath continued his indeavours to render his Character as notoriousty Evil in all places as it was whilst he lived an Inhabitant amongst us here The Collectors of this Port desiring a Character of this George Robb we have certâ—fied our Knowledg of him this sixth day of February
1691. Phil. Cox Law de Butts George Croston Provost William Cranford Ja. Barret This from the Sheriff of the County I Have known George Robb these several Years and always knew him to have the Character of a shifting knavish Fellow in his Dealings more I cannot say then that I am satisfied this is Truth William Nicholson So much for George Robb Merchant The Charge against John Forward a Militia Captain sworn by the several Persons under-written COllonel Michelburne having received Orders from his Excellency Lieut. Gen. Ginkel to Summons Sligo did on the first of August last appear before the Town and delivered his message to Sir Teige O Regan the Governour but finding his Advantage then appearing so great did on Monday following prosecute his Siege which had so great Success that he brought them to Articles and that the Garrison had been undoubtedly in the Obedience of Their Majesties had not Capt. Forward as an Exampse to the rest of the Militia deserted his Post at the noon time of the day with his whole Troop Stephen Miller And. Nisbet That at Ballisadoe-Bridge be forced his passage against the Out-guards and went and plundered the protected Persons Robert Wilson Robert Robinson That he willfully maliciously and contrary to Order broke the Articles that were signed and sealed by the General 's command in behalf of Their sacred Majesties in Order to the delivery of the Garrison and Forts of Sligo that he violated the General 's and Michelburne's Protections that he plunder'd stripp'd and prey'd the protected as well as those not protected notwithstanding the Protections were produc'd and that without respect of Persons Samuel Ferguson That he drove away to the number of 800 black Cattle besides 100 Horses and Mares and loaded 38 Horses of the plunder of several sufficient mens Houses with Beds Blankets Sheets Ruggs Pors Kettles and with all sorts of Mens and Womens Cloathes and a great quantity of woollen and Linnen Yarn notwithstanding he was commanded the contrary Samuel Ferguson That when Coll. Michelburne heard of the said Capt. Forward's return with the Prey so unjustly gotten he sent Capt. Manson with a small party of men to stop the said Forward who in a Rebellious and Mutinous manner drew up his Troop in defiance of the said Collonel and said he cared not one F for him the said Coll. or any Authority he had James Manson That when the said Officer returned and gave an account to the said Coll. Michelburne of Capt. Forward's mutiny he the said Coll. was forced to send two Troops of Dragoons after him 13 miles before he could be brought to deliver back part of the Cattle he had carried away John Hamilton Andrew Nisbett This is the greatest part of what was alledged against him before the Lords Justices All this considered Coll. Michelburne had very good reason to send such a man Prisoner to Lieut. Gen. Ginkel Boyl December the 9th 1691. The Lord Kingston's Letter THere is a Trial to be the 15th of this month betwixt Coll. Michelburne and Capt. Forward of the County of Donnygall concerning a Prey taken by the latter near this Town the 6th of August last my Tenants were for the most part concerned and all that were had Protections and Certificates of claiming the benefit of the Lords Justices Proclamation in July Forward was most barbarous in the thing and vallued no good Qualification the People were under then which none in the Kingdom could be under better their Submission being as early as it could be and their Behaviour since the War worthy of Justice at least my printed Protection from the General in their Favour produced at the taking of the Prey met equal dis-reguard some Informations taken by me on this occasion will be found in the hands of Mr. John Brett now in Dublin my request to you is to appear against Forward at the Trial and keep him at least under such Circumstances as may find the poor oppressed Subjects earliest Justice you shall not want sufficient Proof to this purpose on your reasonable warning at any time and your care shall have the Acknowledgement of SIR Your Friend Kingston To Mr. William Donnelly in Dublin Mr. Brett will be found at Mr. Bradys at the Black Lyon Pill Lane Be sure to retain a good smart Council and let me find you omit nothing and that you are very active therein Commissioners Sligo The Examination of Jasper Brett of Brickcliffe in the said County taken before the Right Honourable Lord Baron of Kingston THE said Examinant being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists and examined on his Oath deposeth That Capt. Forward high sheriff of the County of Dunnigall and his Militia Troops on or about the Sixteenth of August last preffed this Examinant and leveral other protected Persons in the said County who lived either in their dwelling Houses or other Places assigned them by Coll. Wasehearth from whom they took Protections and Certificates of submitting some Weeks before to the Lords Justices Declaration that this Examinant being that day at the time of the taking the Prey on his return from the Boyl to his own House did meet the said Forward and part of the Prey near Bellanafad within three miles of the Boyl to whom this Examinant complained of the Injustice done him particularly therein having Coll. Wisehearth's Protection and Certificate of the twentieth of July his Landlord Gilbert Ormsby of Toberraddy in the County of Roscomen Esq his Protection Licensed thereunto by his Excellency Lieutenant General Ginkle and one Collonel Michelburne's Protection to whom this Examinant applied himself upon his first Appearance before Sligo and who was farther tollerated by him by way of Protection in Writing to live in his own House to whom the said Forward replied That he did not value not would regard his Protection but would be civil to him as a Gentleman that this Examinant insisted more particularly on his Protection from Coll. Michelburne under whose command the said Forward came into the County the said Forward replied he would not obey it that he thought himself as sufficient as Michelburne that that night he would not suffer this Examinant to stay with him where the Prey was kept that this Examinant attended him the next morning he found him with Capt Francis King one of the Justices of the Peace of the said County and one Mr. Johnson Servant to the Right Honourable the Lord Baron of Kingston pleading in favour of the protected Country affirming their due Subjection to Their Majesties Government and offering my Lord Kingston's Protection from his Excellency Lieut. Gen. Ginkel in favour of his Lordships Tenants all which met disregard from the said Forward Consenting only at length to run through the Prey and leave as it were a moiety but short thereof as Charity to the infinite number of poor people that followed This Examinant further saith that the said Forward took then from him and his Tenants forty two Cowes besides Calves and
was to understand that the Lords Justices after he had three publick hearings before their Lordships where he was fully acquitted had sent a Lerter to my Lord Nottingham in his Vindication which was in Answer to Her Majesty's that commanded them to inspect into the Collonel's Miscariages This indeed was a great satisfaction to me but notwithstanding all this considering how hard it is when vulgar Tongues are set a barking to lay the cry and that this Letter to the Queen in his Favour might not be generally known for want of which the publick Clamours are not yet wholly silenc'd and his Enemies through that advantage may still carry on their private Intrigues to his dishonour I have therefore prevailed with him to deliver into my Hands what Papers he had relating to the Transactions where he commanded in Chief as well all Orders and Letters that were sent him from the Lords Justices and the General with his Answer to 'em and those which pass'd betwixt him and Sir Teague O Regan and others relating to the Military Affairs as also the Journal of his own Procedings which I have here with his leave taken the boldness to print with his Tryal in the Close thereby not only to satisfie the World of the just measures he took in reducing so important a place as Sligoe the Key of Connaught but likewise to make his Reparation as publick as his Injuries When the Impartial Reader shall have perused this following Narration he will easily perceive on what a weak Foundation they had built their hopes of ruining this much injur'd Gentleman when the height of their despised malice durst but aim at forging so poor a Scandal on him as Plundering Why did they not asperse him for want of Conduct or Courage Oh! no in both those Capacities they thought he stood too visibly above their feeble Batteries and even this mean Chagre they Iay'd against him how did they aim in vain to make it out Why even thus The Grand Intriguers of this pitiful Design were Forward and Vaughan two Militia Captains under the Collonel's Command against Sligo Men of so Renowned a Character that they were both notoriously famous for quitting their Posts which is vulgarly call'd running away when in all probability he was just on the point of reducing Sligoe of which Notorious Cowardice being Accused by Coll. Michelburne these worthy Malecontents to be reveng'd for the just Disgrace he had thrown upon them enter'd into a Conspiracy against him with one George Rob an Inconsiderable Varlet that the Collonel had threaten'd with Hanging for privately Conversing with the Enemy and selling them Tobacco But whilst these three wretched Confederates were hatching their Villanies they were in a great strait how to have 'em brought to light for the whole Country was so well satisfied of Coll. Michelburne's Worth and Honour that no Justice of Peace wou'd take any Affidavits against him insomuch that Vaughan himself was forc't to act that part and after he had taken such weak Informations as were then new coin'd against him by this wretched Triumviri the Diminitive Tobacco Merchant was immediately dispatcht away on this Mighty Embassy to Dublin As to what happened thereupon and how fully his impertinent Evidence was answer'd I refer you to the reading of the Collonel's Tryal before the Lords Justices And now because I have hinted in the preceding part of this Preface what Fame is owing to that Exemplary Service was done by this Honourable Person in the Memorable Siege of Londonderry I will give the Reader to understand what Part he acted in that Memorable Siege Tho' lowd Tongu'd Fame so highly has blown up the great Renown of Dr. Walker in England as truly much Praise was due to him for having been so great an Animator of the Protestant Cause in those worst of Times which was his proper Trade to do yet after the Death of Coll. Baker which happened in the heighth of the Towns Distress and deepest Calamities Coll. Michelburne was in joynt Command with the Doctor whose Conduct appear'd more conspicuous in the Eating part than the Fighting and reason good the Charge of the Stores and Provision being committed to him alone whilst his Brother Governour was only the Martial Colleague and the intire management of the Towns Defence lodged wholly in Coll. Michelburne's Breast during which time as his Principles were too Honourable to listen to any Allurements of the Enemy without the Walls so his Hardships within 'em were not able to shake his Loyalty nor lessen his Undaunted Courage which appear'd particularly in his planting the Bloody Flag on the Royal Bastion and afterwards mounting it on the top of a Steeple to shew the Besieged as well as the Besiegers the heighth of Resolution as they found in the Sequel for when the Enemies Poltick Barbarity had drove the Protestant part of all the Country around without respect of Persons Age or Sex to starve under Derry Walls to return the great Civility with no less Policy than Bravery he erected a Lofty Gallows in sight of 'em to hang 21 Lords Knights and other Commanders which were taken before as Trophies of a Victory lately Obtained which Stratagem obliged the Foe to let the Affrighted People Retreat from Danger Nor had he the Happiness only to save the Town through that Miserable Siege a Service of so high Importance that the King 's then Tottering Interest in Ireland was kept in AEquilibrio by him till Lieutenant General Kirke approaching turn'd the Scales But he had the unhappiness likewise of feeling in a great measure the smart of War as well as reaping the Glory of it having had the irreparable Misfortune of loosing his dear Lady and Children with all his Family by the rage of Pestilence and deadly Famine in this terrible Siege Yet tho' he had so dismal an Occasion of exercising his Passive as well as active Courage my much honour'd Friend constant to both sorts of Magnanimity with the same equal Temper bore the Fortune that drest his Brows with Cipress Garlands as that which Crown'd them with Victorions Lawrels well knowing that Fortior est qui se quam qui fortissima vincit Maenia Reader Farewel but e're we part that you may certainly be informed the Eulogium I have given Coll. Michelburne may pass for Current Coin behold the Stamp a Copy of the King 's own Letter has put upon it VVilliam R. To Our Trusty and Wellbeloved George Walker and John Michelburne Esq Governors of Londonderry TRusty and Wellbeloved We Greet you well The Eminent and Extraordinary Service that you have performed unto us and our Kingdoms in General by your late Resolute and unparallel'd Defence of that our City of Londonderry as it does Oblige us in the first place to an Humble Acknowledgment to Almighty God for his Signal Mercy in Supporting the Hearts and Courages of our good Subjects amidst their great and Various Difficulties and Distresses arising from a furious Opposition without and
Plunders the Country without reguard to any Protection In the mean time the whole Militia quits their Posts on Connaught side on their own accord and their whole practice was to Raperee and Scamper Cows and Horses as they call it As well the Prey that was lately got as also from the protected People we cannot altogether excuse the Souldiers for some of them had their hands in as well as the Militia but only they were under some better Command but so it was that notwithstanding the Enemies Guards and our Guards lay within half Musquet-shot one of another yet no sooner was the Collonels back turn'd but he found them Roguing amongst the Militia and that which vext the Militia most was that as fast as the Garrison of Sligoe forc'd their Cattle on our Ground Collonel Michelburn forc'd them as fast back knowing that for no other reason they came to Capitulate but for the inconvenience they were put to by the great number of Cattle that was about the Fort. Here follows a Letter from the Lords Justices which he received about the same time Dublin the 3d Aug. 1691. SIR BY a Letter which we received Yesterday from the General we are told that the Garison of Sligoe are upon some Treaty for his Surrendring Sligoe into their Majesties hands we having heard nothing of it from your self cannot tell what Terms he Demands or what you have Offred but you may assure him of the intire benefit of the Proclamation and if it be necessary you may also propose a reasonable reward had we sooner known of it you should have had earlyer Orders for you cannot do the King greater Service than to get that place into your possession Therefore conclude with him as soon as possible you can We are Your faithful Friend and Servant Cha. Porter Tho. Coningsby About noon this day being the 4th of Aug. the Governours beat a Parly and this following was brought to Collonel Miehelburne August 4th 1691. SIR I Had yours and shewed it to Sir Teige who saith that he answer'd it wherein you made some proposals for the Surrendring this place and so have I answered you to that purpose which was then put off till an Answer was had from our General untill which time he can do nothing and though I Pitty to see the poor people suffer by these Terms yet to mend it I would not loose the least oppertunity of my serving my King Therefore if you think their being preserved may be of any use to the Publick good it lies on you to preserve them it being for your profit if this Country be yours and for your Credit if it be done in Charity If this be approved of Acts of Hostility ought to Cease till it be done which requires but till to morrow Morning I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant Edward Scot. To the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Which in these words I Answer'd August 4th 1691. SIR I Can say no more than I did before and do not find that giving you leave to send an Officer to Limerick was any restraint in persuing my design to block up this place and for any Acts of Hostility that are between us I think they are so small that they are hardly worth taking notice of I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant John Michelburne To Collonel Edward Scott Thus we continued this night Next day I received the following from Sir Tiege Aug. 5th SIR WE are upon reduceing the Articles to four therefore shall desire that you Command your Forces on both sides to retire to the several Posts they were in when we began to Treate of a Capitulation Yours Regan To Collonel John Michelburne Now comes up to the Camp whole droves of idle People especially the Lagganeers and for one honest Man twenty Thieves and not a man of the Militia but had two or three attenders to run away with what Horses or Cattle they could Raparee or Scamper as they call'd it Esteeming all their own they laid their hands on the Militia was now out of patience to have the prey divided but the Collonel would not do it for two Reasons first was that if they divided every one of them would go home by which means the Enemy would take advantage the next was that as many of the Protected as could shew their Protections he caused their Goods to be returned One of the Certificats I think not amiss to mention WE the under named persons being Protestants and Inhabitants of the Barroney of Terreragh in the County of Sligoe do Acknowledge to have received by the Order of Collonel Michelburne one Hundred and Twenty Cows in full satisfaction of all the Horses and Sheep taken from us and the rest of the Protestants of the said Barrony and County lately taken from us by men under the Command of the said Collonel The 6th of August 1691. At the Camp before Sligoe Witness present Patrick Hamilton Matthew Ormsby Ja. Boyd Dugall Boyd John Shennan Kath. Brown John Ormsby Matthew Ratleidge Ann Griffeth This was drawn by Mr. Patrick Hamilten Attorney of Killetre One hundred and Sixty was delivered to some of the Irish Gendemen that were protected by an account given in by Captain Caldwell and Captain Boyd they producing Certisicates from the said persons To go on with our former Discourse in the Letter from the Lords Justices to the Collonel who as they tell him that he cannot do the King greater Service than to get that place into his possession and so orders him to conclude with them as soon as possible This Letter with those of Sir Teigs and Collonel Scotts considering the Confusion Distraction and Disorders that were in the Camp by ungovernable people such as has to deal with the Laggan Militia must needs give just cause to conclude with the Besieged And the next day being the 6th of August the following Articles were Signed and Sealed between Sir Teige O Regan of one Part and Collonel John Michelburne of the other Part. Articles of War agreed to by the Honourable Sir Teige O Regan Knight and the rest of the Officers of the Garrison of Sligoe of the one Part and the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne in the behalf of himself his General and the rest of his Army of the other Part. 1st THAT all the said Garrison viz. Governours Officers Souldiers Ingineers Gunners Gunsmiths Bakers Chaplains and all others that have a mind to go Craights or other shall have their lives secured and March out with their Arms Baggs and Baggage Drums beating Collours stying Match lighted Bullets in their Mouths each Officer and Souldier twelve Charges of Powder with Match and Ball proportionable and their Horses and Cowes as well belonging to them respectively as the Garrison in general without any Molestation and at their several and respective Elections their Wives Friends and Cattle to be protected in any part of the Country as well as any other person whatsoever 2dly That the said Garrison may march the Nearest
much upon that as to loose the Town I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Bar de Ginkell In the mean time the Lord Granard advanced with his Party in sight and sent for Coll. Michelburne who with some other of his Officers attended his Lordship and gave him an account of the progress he had made as well in pinning them up who consisted of 28 Companies of Foot in so small a compass as also how all things were in a manner concluded His Lordship was by the Collonel and several others attended into Town to the House of Sir Arthur Goore Soon after Sir Francis Hamilton Major Hamilton and Major Tichburne attended his Lordship giving him account That all was concluded on between the Fort of Sligoe and Coll. Michelburne if it might be with his Lordship's Approbation except some small Additions which Sir Teige desired the Commissaries might report to his Lordship who granted it His Lordship ordered the Collonel and Major Hamilton to compleat the Articles which accordingly was done Sir Teige desiring a further time for as they were to Surrender at 12 on Sunday his Lordship agreed to give them leave till 7 next Morning being Monday the 14th which accordingly was done as followeth According to Capitulation they were furnish'd with 28 Truckle Carrs and two Horses to each Company for their Baggage which took some time to bring out of the Fort after them marched 28 Companies such as they were which done Sir Teige delivered up the Keys to Coll. Michelburne who immediately marched in at the Head of a Battalion of his own Regiment after which the Lord Granard rode in with a considerable number of Officers and Gentlemen of the Countrey Collonel Michelburne with the Keys in his hand complimented his Lordship with them in the Name of Their Majesties King William and Queen Mary who return'd him the Keys and wish'd him joy of his new Government The Lord O Donnel about this time delivered the Collonel a Letter of old date which should have come to his hands about the 21th of August and it was not delivered till the 14th of September A Letter from Coll. Richards bearing date from Cushin-Town the 19 of Aug. 91. SIR MY Lord O Donnel and I have now regulated all Matters and will to the utmost of his power do what shall most contribute to Their Majesties Service I do not doubt but that you will supply him with what necessarys you can after Sligoe is in your hands my Lord I suppose will March towards the General or according to what Directions he shall receive from him I shall take care for his Supplies of what we have in our Stores when he comes to Gallway or any other of our places where we have Stores Your wants at Sligoe may be supplied from Ballyshanan if any there otherwise upon your notice and the General 's Order Collonel Goore or my self will send you by Sea what is to be had from us I am satisfied my Lord O Donnel will do his best for reducing Sligoe and therefore it will not be amiss to consult him in difficulties I am SIR Your most humble Servant Ja. Richards Just now I have advice That Sarsfield with the Horse is come on this side so that Sir Albert Coningham has Orders to march his Dragoons to Clare-Gallway I expect to be this Night at Gallway and if any thing extraordinary happens shall advise you Capt. Otway had Orders to take an account of the Stores of Ammunition and Provision according to the Capitulation which follows A List taken the 15th day of September 1691. of the Guns Ammunition and Stores of War in the Sodd Fort of Sligoe Ordinances Brass mounted on Brick and stand Carriages 12 Pounder 1 Chamber Piece 1 Iron Ordinances Mounted on Brick and stand Carriages Deme Coulver 1 Minion 3 3 Pounders 10 Power 30 bar Ball for French Fusies 6½ bar Ditto for Pistol 1 bar Match 8 hog per est Ball proportionable Culvering 109 Bastard Cannon 72 12 Pounders 36 9 Pounders 144 Saker 267 Minion 332 Fallcon 054 Ladles and Spunges for Demy Culvering 1 1 3 Pounders 10 10 12 Pounders 1 1 Menion 3 3 Crows of Iron 2 Syaths 18 Handbarrows 21 Wheel-barrows 30 Pitch 25 Peices 40 Floot barrs of Iron 40½ Old Iron 8 C. Hand Granadas fixt 200 Ditto unfixt 328 Scales 1 Weights 5 Shovels and S pades 38 Received the day and year above mention'd by the Order of the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the Guns Ammunition and Stores of War above mentioned As Witness my Hand John Michelburne Sodd Fort Sligoe the 15th September 1691. Provisions for the Mouth Oate-meal 24 bar Beef 200 bar Salt 1 bar Meal 11 bar Oates 150 bar Barrly 60 bar Received the day and year above mention'd by Order of the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the Provision and Stores above mentioned As Witness my Hand John Michelburne The account Received of the The Train of Artillery from Captain Richard Swan as followeth Powder in Barrels 25 Ball in Barrels 35 Match in Bundels 15 Wheel-barrows 21 Iron Crows 3 Baskets 45 3 Pounder Balls 183 A Small parcel Killkenny Coals in a Case Hammer Hatchits 20 Bill Hooks 24 1 A barral Kit Granadas fixt 100 Shells unfixt 482 Handbarrows 48 Pickaxes 23 Rep-hooks 5 Syaths 2 Whetstones 4 Turn Pikes 18 Horse Harnssing 18 Clouts 12 Shafts 2 Linchpins 12 Tar Tub 1 1 Wheel for the big Gun 1 1 Axil-tree 1 Swingle Trees 4 Hurters and Wassers 13 1 Jack 1 8 Sand Bagg 1 12 Pounder Balls 98 1 Dark Lanthorn 1 Long Spikes in a Box 500 2 Shilling Nais 500 Of mens Harnessing 2 Riges Ropes ' 2 Fadams of 2 inch Rope 10 ½ A Goyl of Small Rope ½ 1 Brass 12 Pounder 1 2 brass 3 Pounders 2 And all necessaries belonging to them An Account of Coll. Michelburne's appearing Three several times before the Lords Justices to make answer to Mr. Foward's Information a Militia Captain November the 19th the 30th and the 17th of December 1691. BY the fore-going Narrative where all things were acted to the full Satisfaction as well of the Lords Justices as the General as by their many Letters do appear 't is strange what grounds there could be found out for the calling to Account this Faithful Trusty Person that the Queen should be acquainted with his great Miscarriage and after that the King in Council the Order from the Queen was answered in these Words by the Lords Justices in a Letter to the Lord Nottingham as in the Close of the Book Sometimes since we received Her Majesties Command by your Lordship to inquire into the rerson of Coll. Michelburne's withdrawing the Blockade of Sligo c. That the General and Lords Justices knew of no Miscarriage and that he should be so vilely represented to Her Majesty and with that secrecy and privacy that it cannot be known who were the Villanous Actors of this scandalous false Aspersion by which the best deserving Men may unknown be
Heisers a riding Nagg and Twelve Garroons and Mares And farther saith That those that called at his House when Michelburne's Protection was produced them tore the same and threw it in the Dirt. And further saith That no part of the said Prey was nearer Ballimore than this Examinant's House who was as aforesaid tollerated to live in his House about four miles distance from Ballymore That the rest of the said Prey for the most part was taken within two or three miles of the Boyle And further saith not taken before me December the 1st 1691. Kingston The Lords Justices Letter to the Lord Nottingham Principal Secretary of State My Lord SOmetime since we received Her Majestie Commands by your Lordship to inquire into the reason of Coll. Michelburne's withdrawing the Bloccade of Sligo before the delivery of it pursuant to the first Capitulation which we could not do till the Campaign was over since then we have examined the matter which at first appeared to us as if the said Coll. had causelesly left his Post and that the Enemy took that Advantage to break their Artieles and refused to deliver up the Town But upon hearing Witnesses produced by those who charged this miscarriage upon him and also his Defence and Witnesses produced to prove the truth thereof we do not find there was any just cause to Charge the said Coll. Michelburne with any neglect or default But it appeared to us upon the Proof and Examination aforesaid that his drawing off from thence was unavoidable and that he could no longer continue there without the certain ruine of those few Forces remaining with him which we desire your Lordship to lay before His Majesty My Lords Your Lordships most humble Servant Gha Porter Tho. Conningsby To the Right Honourable the Earl of Nottingham Principal Secretary of State To conclude Here you see is a just and true Account of Coll Michelburne's faithful Discharge of his Duty both to Their Majesties and his Country and as we say He is a good Soldier that goes no farther than he is commanded and by the fore-going Discourse he had no positive Orders for going against Sligo yet when they found he had so good Success they highly applauded him and incouraged him to prosecute that which he had so fortunately begun For says the Lords Justices You cannot do your King a greater Service then to get that place says the General I have directed O Donnel to join you to endeavour the Reducement of Sligo which your good Fortune has already brought to Submission And in another Letter from his Excellency he acquaints the Coll. That he had ordered the Militia that lay at Athlone to march to the North and be posted as he shall direct and after the care you have used in this Affair I am sorry it did not succeed However you have done your part very well and would make a good Addition to your Services if you could yet find any way for treating with Sir Teague O Regan and getting the place You see that he so treated with Sir Teague O Regan with his drawn Sword as to beat him out of Sligo Nor in the whole can there be reasonably the least shadow of complaint to charge Coll. Michelburne with any Mis-behaviour through his whole Service though there are not wanting those malicious people who not only study to render him little but if possible to make him uncapable of serving his King or Country and to have him turned out of His Majesties Service and his Regiment broken Such envious Spirits us true are at work and though perhaps his Martial Education has not so intirely qualified him for a Courtier to be ready guard against those secret Machinations against him However he thanks Heaven that he lives in an Age where Virme and Honour are their own Supporters Desert and Fidelity stand their own Court-Friends and their Foundation too strong to be supplanted by Parasites or Flatterers As some farther Testimonials of the Collonel's Behaviour I shall only subjoin these two Certificates one from the City of Londonderry and the other from Colraine WE the Mayor Aldermen and Burgesses of the City of Londonderry do hereby Attest and Certifie that Collonel John Michelburne Governour of the said City in and since the Siege of Derry having his Regiment or a great part of them Quartered here many Months kept the said Garaison in good Order Discipline and Temper whilst his own Regiment were Quartered among us and paid their Quarters and was careful of the Preservation of the Place both from any Insults of the Enemy and from all Irregularities of his Soldiers and by all means in his power made his Government and Interest in this Garrison on all Occasions easie and pleasing to us for which Services and Civil Deportment he was Elected and Sworn Alderman of this City In Testimony whereof We have hereunto set our Hands and Affixed the Common Seal of this City the Second day of February 1690. Ger. Squire Mayor Samuel Norman Alex. Iomkins Alex. Lecky Tho. Moncreife Arvice Hen. Ash Arvice Wil. Crookshanks Com. Rob. Shennan Will. Morisen John Harvey Fran. Nevil Albert Hall Alex. Coningham Tho. Moore Samuel Leeson John Gilling John Crookshanks John Nightingall Geo. Gravel John Mogridge Will. Mackie Rob. Harvey WE the Inhabitants of the Town of Colraine do Certifie that during the time the Regiment belonging to the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Governour of Londonderry did Quarter and keep Garrison in this place both Officers and Soldiers behaved themselves very Orderly and Civily to the Town and Gountrey paying thankfully for what they called for all which we Certisie as Truth to whom it may Concern Dated at Colraine this third day of February Anno Dom. 1690. William Godfrey Mayor Rich. Adams Edm. Haward Alex. Mac Phillip Daniel Browne Richard Lynam Thomas Lance. John Twaddel David Wilson John Ga' James Oustiane John Gardner William Ross Hugh Bankhead WE the Inhabitants of the Town of Antrim Do hereby Certifie That during the time the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne Governour of Londonderry his Regiment did Quarter and keep Garrison in this Place both Officers and Soldiers behaved themselves Civily without Robbing or Plundering the Town or Conntrey but thankfully paying for what they call'd for All which we Certifie as Truth to whom it may concern Given under our Hands this 28th of Januar. 1690 1. James Shennan William Stewart John Mac Master Tho. Gredell William Colvill William Whitby Alexander Hanna John Nabb William Young Rob. Weire John Brigson Thomas Spencer Robert Coningham FINIS