yet a more pressing Necessity within those Walls and sending them at last Deliverance and bringing them by your Conduct to Triumph over their Enemies which we cannot but Attribute to an immediate Divine Assistance inspiring them with a Zeal for the true Religion a Love for their Countrey and an Vnshaken Fidelity towards Vs and must ever own it as a Continuation of that Miraculous Providence which hath hitherto conducted Vs throughout our Endeavours to resettle these Nations in all their Civil and Religious Rights and Liberties So in the next place taking into our Serious Consideretion as well the Importance of this Success as that Constancy and Bravery by which it hath been brought to pass We would not omit signifying unto you the just sense We have of this whole Action in which having the greatest Opportunity that can be put into the hands of any Subjects of Obliging their Prince you have in all points acquitted your selves to Our Satisfaction even beyond what could have been expected insomuch that it now lies on Our part to make such Retributions as well to you the Commanders in Chief who have been the happy Instruments under God of this Deliverance as others who have Signalized their Loyalty Courage and Patience in this time of Tryal that all Our Subjects being Encouraged by this Example may be stirred up to the Imitation of it in the like hazardous but Honourable Enterprizes We Will therefore that you Rely on Our Royal Favour towards you and also that in Our Name you assure the Officers Soldiers and Inhabitants of that Our City that we will take fitting Occasions to recompence their Services and Sufferings in Our Cause so that they nor any other of Our Loving Subjects shall ever have reason to repent them of a Faithful Discharge of their Duty and so we bid you Farewel Given at our Court at Hampton-Court this 16th Day of August 1689. In the First Year of Our Reign By His Majesties Command Shrewsbury A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE TRANSACTIONS IN THE North of Ireland In the YEAR 1691. AT the Opening of the Campaign when the Army drew into the Field 't was thought reasonable that when that part of the Army that was Quartered in Vlster under the Command of Lieut. Gen. Douglas joyned the other parts of the Army at Mullingar that a Regiment of the standing Army as also a considerable Body of the Militia should be posted at several Passes on Lough Hearne as that of Belturbet Cavan Eneskillin as likewise at Belleick and Ballyshanan called by the Name of the Earne Water to defend those several Passes against the Incursions of the Enemy from their several Frontiers as that of Jamestown and Boyle and particularly the Town and Forts of Sligoe Commanded by Sir Teague O Regan being the main Entrance into Vlster from Connaught and the most convenient and ready Access into the North by way of Ballyshanan 'T was therefore concluded by the General and the Right Honourable the Lords Justices that Coll. Mitchelburne with his Regiment should be posted at the places above mentioned a Person capable of Command being so well known by his Indefatigable Pains in managing the Government of Derry and especially the Souldiery of the Garrison during the whole time of that Memorable Siege where he baffled General Hamilton and his whole Irish Army The Forces under his Command were as followeth Standing Army Coll. Mitchelburne's whole Regiment 1 Companys of Coll. Venner's Regiment 1 Troop of Dragoons Sir Albert Conningham's 1 Troop of Dragoons Coll. Win's These following were under the Command of Sir Francis Hamilton Bannoret Lieutenant of the County of Donegal Capt. Forward Capt. Vaughan Capt. Wray Capt. John Hamilton Capt. Sampson Capt. Charles Hamilton Capt. William Stewart Foot Companies Capt. Tho. Ash Capt. Pa. Hamilton Capt. Oliver Maccashlin The Rivers at this time were very low which required very strict Guards on all the Fords and the Patrols from Post to Post continually moving in the Night About the middle of June by the heedlesness of a small Party of our Dragoons who Patroll'd Morning and Evening 4 or 5 Miles in an open Countrey to Burndervise on a suddain were surprized by one Capt. Mac Sherry and about Ten of them taken Prisoners Mac Sherry himself confessed he took them when they were Fishing for Salmon These Men were soon released for one Lieutenant Scott Brother to Coll. Scott Deputy Governour of Sligoe but lost all their Horses and Arms. Whilst the said Collonel was posting his Men to the best Advantage for the Defence of these most Important Places being the Inlet of the whole North for could the Enemy but get advantage all Vlster would be in great danger the General as also the Lords Justices being by several good hands informed that Jamestown on the Shanon Boyle and Sligoe were Deserted by the Enemy sends these following Orders to Collonel Mitchelburne Dublin-Castle the 4th of July 1691. SIR THE Lords Justices being informed that the Enemy have Deserted Sligoe and Jamestown in Connaught do think it of very great importance that they be forthwith possess'd by their Majesties Forces and therefore have sent you the enclosed Order which you are desired to peruse with all the speed that possible may be if you find the Information true and that it be feaseable to be done otherwise you are not to undertake it And of your Proceedings from time to time you are to give their Lordships an Account Which by their Lordships Command is Signified to you by Sir Your very humble Servant J. Davis I am Commanded to let you know that the Bisket now at Belleik is design'd for Galway so that unless you find the design upon Sligoe and Jamestown like to succeed you are not to take any of it J. Davis To Collonel Mitchelburne for Their Majesties Special Service The General 's Letter on the same Occasion YOU are hereby Directed and Required in case the Enemy shall have left and quitted Sligoe to send such part of the Standing Army under your Command in the North thither as may be sufficient to take possession of and secure the said Garrison and your Proceedings herein the Condition of the place and of what elsewhere you may think now or from time to time proper for me to know you are to give me a particular Account of Given at the Camp by Athlone this 5th of July 1691. Bar de Ginkell To Coll. Mitchelburne and in his Absence to the Officer in Chief with the Standing Forces in the North. It is the General 's Directions that the Officers take care their Men behave themselves Orderly and not Abuse and Plunder the Countrey and for what they do of that nature the Officers to be answerable George Clarke Coll. Mithelburne receiving these two Expresses one from the Lords Justices and the other from the General immediately sends away a Drummer to Sligoe to Sir Teague O Regan with some Letters that were sent from Londonderry by some Prisoners that were taken by
Morrow I will send you their number and colour if there be any Paper in this Town that I can come to you shall have it I am SIR Your most humble Servant Edward Scott Lieutenant Dunbar who was sent by the Collonel as also an Officer from the Garrison with Letters to the Lord Tyrconuel and Earl of Lucan but to be perused first by the General Returned back this day with a Letter from the General viz The Generals Letter from the Camp at Birr Aug. 4th 1691. SIR I Send you back the Letters you inclosed from the Governour of Sligoe and can by no means Agree to the Messengers going to Limrick to ask my Lord Tyrconnel's consent whether he shall deliver up the place this is more than I granted to Galway for they absolutely agreed to Surrender in four days and only were permitted to let them know it We are not now in a Condition to court people to do themselves a Service for Limrick and Sligoe are the only places that are not under their Majesties Obedience if the place be forth-with deliver'd up into your hands I will still make good the Conditions I promised to Sir Teige if not he must take what follows for it will be too late to expect favour I am SIR Your most humble Servant Bar de Ginkel To Collonel Michelburne at LBallyshanan Collonel Michelburns Letter to Sir Teige on the Receipt of the Generals Letter SIR BY the Inclosed Letter from the General you may see his positive Demand of the Fort and his performing the Conditions he promised you formerly which was the same Imployment confer'd on you you now have as also what other satisfaction you would in reason desire Your Original Letter I will send you to peruse if you desire it but I do not question but you took a Copy of it on your first Treaty Your Answer to this I am SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne Sir Teige's Answer Sligoe Aug. the 10. 1691. SIR I Had yours of the 9th Instant together with the Generals Letter inclosed for his positive demand and promise to perform the condition he offered I know of none he offered other than in General tearms since which time you and I came to particulars Whereof you have a part and I another which was transmitted to him to be confirmed of which we expect soon a return so that what you have under my Hand and Seal already is answer enough from SIR Your Most Humble Servant Teige O Regan Collonel Scotts Letter Sligoe the 10th of Aug. 1691. SIR I Had yours and that I might dispatch your Drum the sooner I writ on the back of your Letter and do therein send the Generals Letter I am sorry you should think me or any of us here so Madd or Cowardly as to surrender such a place as this with such precipitation I will always do what an honest man ought to do no persuasion will make me do otherways when your Major and my Brother comes back I will willingly meet you half way in the mean time pray be pleased to Order the Releasement of the Priests at Ballyshanan I send you the Number Colour and Marks of my Horses I will assure you that I had rather have them than sixty Pounds if you find that I ought to get them I leave them to your self who am SIR Your most humble Servant Edward Scott In this Affair you may see how the Militia behaved themselves for of Twelve Troops of Dragoons and two Companies of Foot all forsook us but Sir Francis Hamilton Charles Hamilton Captain William Stuart and Capt. John Hamilton and all of the private Men unless as many as served for a Guard for those Gentlemen And if Sir Francis Hamilton and the other Gentlemen could not influence them to stay it was impossible Collonel Michelburne should that was a stranger amongst them This Discourse has been the more tedious by reason some malicious people of the Militia to cover their own guilt have endeavoured to Asperse and Villifie the Collonel by several false Informations given in against him to the Government This day being the 10th of August Col. Michelburne drew off his Detachment on Connaught side of Sligoe Occasion'd by Ballderrog O Donnel's Advance to relieve the Town and joyn'd them with those of Ballyshanan side and call'd his Officers together where was considred The strength of O Donnel's Party which was computed to be 3000 well Armed men as also the Garrison consisting of near 1000. Of our side considering the 12 Troops of Dragoons and two Foot Companys of the Militia that left us we were in no way able to make a defence meeting with so much disincouragement and that we were but a handful in comparison of the Enemy The strength we had then not exceeding four Hundred 't was agreed the next morning to march back to Ballyshanan and return with a stronger Body than formerly for the Malitia would no question but be very ambitious to see the Surrender of the Town and Fort of Sligoe So on the 10th Instant the Collonel broke up Bamp and that Night march to Ballyshanan This is the end of the second Expediton made against Sligoe Collonel Michelburne arrives at Ballyshanan the 10th of Aug. at night and sends a way Expresses to all the Militia near him to be ready on the 14th instant to joyn him and got all things in a readiness as was agreed on by the Articles signed and Sealed between Sir Teige and him he also sends Expresses for 300 more of his own Foot and this following Order to Major Tieburne and Cornt Mead Supervizors of the Militia in Vlster By vertue of an Order to me Directed by the Right Honorable the Lords Justices for commanding the Militia of the Province of Vlster I will and require that you march with as many Horse and Foot as you can get together by Friday the 14th of this Instant and joyn me with the rest of the Militia commanded by Sir Francis Hamilton together with the rest of the standing Army in order to receive the Garrison and Forts of Sligoe and to march farther into the Country as it shall be necessary for their Majesties service They are to bring with them six days Provision of Bread and for other Provisions there will be care taken Given at Ballyshanan the 11th of August 1691. John Michelburne To Major Tichburne Commanding the Militia of Gavan and Coronet Joseline Mead Commanding at Eniskillin Collonel Michelburne was very desirous to know if Ballderreg O Donnell was arrived at Sligoe with his Brigade as was reported and therefore sends away a Drum with some Letters from the Prisons of Londonderry and a Letter to Collonel Scott giving him an account that as soon as Forward returned from Preving the Country Those that belonged to him should have satisfaction that is they should have either their Goods returned or else be satisfied in Money so far as it lay in his power but as yet he was not returned But however
he could not forbear telling him how unkindly he took it in endevouring to bring O Donnell to raise his Camp and that in a few days he would return with such a strength that it should not lye in O Donnells power to releive them and that it was not Gentiel to send a Lieutenant with a Major to General Ginkel when it was agreed on when the Articles were signed that a Major should go with a Major to see the General Sign and Seal He gave the Drummer Likewise half a Guinea to be delivered to Capt. M. Sherry who was a noted Robber and a Captain in Collonel Terron O Rourke's Regiment in Sligoe Collonel Michelburne had a correspondence with the said Capt. M. Sherry who had ingaged to come off with his whole Company as soon as he met with a conveniency Here follows Lieutenant Collonel M. Donnaghs Letter Sliegoe Aug. 11th SIR IN my Collonels absence I open'd yours to him and have sent to those whose Cattle were made a prey by Captain Forward some of whom will wait on you as for our sending to O Donnell to fall upon your Camp while before Sligoe nothing is more false Neither would we wish that you or yours were touched here during our League but you will give us leave to wish your Retireing after which we sent rather to prevent O Donnells comming hither than to invite him and that chiefly for fear he should destroy our Cows and Provision However he is a Brigadeer of our Army and he may do in that what he pleases You have our Governours answer as to your Generals demand and for sending a Lieutenant for a Major Major Hamilton is our Witness that our Major intended for the journey but being taken ill we put the matter to Major Hamilton and it was by his consent that Lieutenant Scott went with him for the Major that was not able to go This is no matter of Substance I hope to take exceptions at My Collonel when he comes home will satisfie you farther in the mean time I am SIR Your most humble Servant Ternon M. Donnagh To Collonel John Michelburne Governour at Ballyshanan The Drumer returned with the above mentioned Letter and withal was assured that Ballderrog was incamped within three miles of Sligoe a Spie the Collonel had abroad brought this following account A true Account of the Forces under the Command of Ballderrog O Donnell Brigadeer M. K. James's Army Regiments of Foot THE Lord Ballderrog O Donnell new Arms from Limricke Collonel Donnell Oge O Donnel some few Arms. Collonel Connell O Donnell Ballderrogs Brother indfferent well in Order Collonel Shawn Oge M. Swine no Arms. Collonel Cannus O Donnel about a 100 Matchlocks Collonel Ternon Oge O Roarke good Arms. Horse Major D'la More Captain of Horse formerly in Lutterells Regiment Dragoons Captain Shawn O Donnell 1 Troop 50 Captain Torlough M. Swine 1 Troop 50 The 13th and 14th the several Detachments from Bellurbit Cavan Eniskillin and Killybeggs of Collonel Michelburns Regiment joyned at Ballyshanan so that he had of his own Regiment about 600 and 2 Troops of the Army Here you may see the great difference between Preying and doing the King Service This was a time if ever they would have their Country cleared they might But tho Sir Fran Hamilton Governour of the County did all what possiable he could do it could not oblige the Militia to leave their dwellings notwithstanding the Country paid them twelve pence a day For of twelve Troops and two Companys of Militia that appeared out of one County when they understood they were going to get Prey now the Kings service is to be done and the Town to be Surrendered no more than 4 Troops appears to witt Captain Charles Hamiltons Capt. William Stewarts and Captain Hamiltons of Murvough and one Troop commanded by Captain Erwine out of Formannagh This day the Collonel receives an Express from the Lords Justice Porter as followeth Dublin Castle the 5th of Aug. 1691. SIR IN the absence of my Lord Coningsby who is at the Camp I received yours of the 6th Instant directed to us both wherein you give us an account that Sligoe hath capitulated with a Copy of the Articles which you have done well in to send the General to be Ratified where my Lord Coningsby will be sure to meet them What you apprehend of Ballderrogs coming to relieve Sliego you need not give your self any further trouble or concern for he having so Capitulated for himself and his Party that there is a perfect Cessation of Arms between us and them however since you desire assistance from the Counties of Mannoghan and Formannegh I now dispatch away Orders to the Governours of those Counties to march all the Militia that can possible be spared out of both towards Sligoe with eight days Provision of Bread to your assistance with directions to observe your Orders when there Collonel Venners Regiment is marched to the Camp so as the remainder of your Regiment cannot be relieved by any of them as you suppose but I hope since Ballderrog hath submitted there will be no occasion You must press Horses and Cars to carry off the Cannon and Baggage pursuant to your capitulation they cannot be expected hence and my Lord Coningsby who commands the Treasury being in the Camp I know not how to send you Mony but if their be occasion you must find a way to take it up from some of the Collectors of their Majesties Revenues nearest to you or otherwise and it shall be allowed them upon their Accounts or otherwise be Re-enbursed to you I am SIR Your very very humble Servant Charles Porter The day for the Surrender was the 15th of August Collonel Michelburne exactly according to the time appointed marches the 14th and Incamped at Burindruse along the River side 4 Miles from Ballyshanon and 16 from Sligoe and begins his march by break of day the next morning about 11 he comes before Sligoe but on his way he halted at the Grange and sent Captain Shenbarge to Sir Teige with this following Letter From the Grange Aug. 15. 1691. SIR I Hope this will find my Major and Lieutenant Scott returned with the Ratification of the Articles from General Ginkell which we signed between us I am now on my March to Sligoe and hope all things will answer our Expectation The Bearer hereof Captain Shenbarge I have sent to wait on you I am SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne To the Hon. Sir Teige O Regan Knight Governour of Sligoe Sir Teige's Answer SIR I Had yours just now and do answer it on back of your own that you may not wait for an answer Your Major Major Hamilton is returned and the Officer I sent with the Articles not altogether confirmed by the General Ginkell However I would agree to the Articles signed but that my Ld. O Donnel a Brigadier of our Army is come with a strong Brigade who if he stands by us alters all Affairs for 't is a
Relief if he make it so Therefore I think you and he were best to appoint a place where to meet and discourse the Matter for it does not lye in my power to yield a place as this is if he stick to me You will find me always fair in my dealing who am SIR Your most humble Servant Teige O Regan To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne About three a Clock Major Hamilton and Lieutenant Scott came to the Camp Lieutenant Scott excusing as much as possible the Garison for that Sir Teige and the rest had great desire to perform the Articles had not Ballderrog intermedled Here follows the General 's Letter sent by Major Hamilton when he returned with the Articles signed by the General Camp at Nenagh Aug. 10. 1691. SIR I Have sent you back my Confirmation of the Articles of Sligoe as far as I thought fit it not being reasonable to take those in who are not in a state of doing any Service as for the rest of that County if you find they will submit and desire Protection you may give them assurance they shall have it and I will grant it them upon having their Names sent to me As for any civility you can show to the Garison it would be best to use it and for any Horses that have been taken during the Capitulation if they may be had pray restore them I suppose you know that Ballderrog O Donnel has submitted I directed him to join you and endeavour the reducement of Sligoe which your good Fortune has already brought to submission I have directed him to hold Correspondence with you and told him That you shall pay him from me two hundred Guineys which the Pay-Master-General will return you for him if he calls upon you before it comes and you have so much Money ready by to command pray let him have it if not assure him that it shall be paid as soon as it comes down If any of the Garison can be persuaded to come in I would have you buy their Arms of them and such of the Officers as have a mind to serve let them come to me and I will imploy them and in the mean time for incouraging them I desire you will give each Captain 5 l. each Lieutenant 3 l. and each Ensign 2 l. which I will re-pay you and 'till they are put in Service they shail have half Pay I am SIR Your very humble Servant Bar. de Ginkell To Coll. Michelburne This Letter from the General gave great Incouragement to the Collonel doubting nothing now but that Sligoe would be in our hands in the mean time comes a Messenger from the Lord O Donnel desiring the Collonel to appoint a place between the Town and the Camp He returned an answer He would meet his Lordship where he pleas'd to appoint and that when he was ready he would attend him Soon after Ballderrog O Donnel appears with about ten Horse the Collonel advanced with about the same number and with him Sir Francis Hamilton Cornet Mead Captain Charles Hamilton c. The Lord O Donnel's Speech tending to this effect That he did not deny but that there was a Treaty between General Ginkell and himself but he was not come to any Conclusion as yet and that he expected very good Terms as well for his Followers as for himself and that as the Garison of Sligoe was in dispute he thought it would be necessary that a middle Person meaning himself be put in possession and that Collonel Michelburne should perform Articles with Sir Teige and conduct him safe to Lymerick and that in ten or fifteen days time he would deliver up the Fort to him or whoever General Ginkell should appoint The Collonel told him He understood that Sir Teige O Regan was capable and of Authority sufficient to make good the Articles that was between them if he could not Why was there not a clause in the Articles The Collonel soon perceived that the Garison and he were in dispute for they absolutely deny'd him possession O Donnel and Collonel Michelburne riding aside the Collonel told him That according to the General 's Letter he understood that he was to assist him in reducing the Garison if in case they prov'd obstinate so that he presum'd 't was his business to persuade them to surrender to him and not to take possession for himself which did not answer at all the General 's Letter and gave O Donnel the General 's Letter to read and that nothing should be wanting on the General 's side wherein was mentioned the paying him two hundred Guineys which he should have in a day or two's time O Donnel made answer That he would consult Sir Teige and return an answer the next day in the Morning So returning to the rest of the Officers the Collonel treated O Donnel with some Sherry and Usquebath and parted The next Day Collonel Michelburne met O Donnel at the place appointed and after some discourse they rid off The Collonel delivered him 100 Guineys and promised him in a day or two's time to pay him the remainder according to the General 's Orders and desired to know what he resolved upon for that Sir Teige was ready to surrender the Fort if he would agree to it His answer was That 'till his People had conditions as well as himself he would not at all agree that Sir Teige should deliver up the Fort. Coll. Michhlburne wondred strange and told him That he which should assist if occasion was to oblige them to Surrender was the only Man that obstructed it he desir'd that he would draw his Forces from the Town and let him and the Garison try Titles He answered not at all and if he would agree his People would not allow it but take part with the Garison but withal told the Colonel That assoon as he he had made an end with Collonel Richards he would then come and assist him to reduce the place So they parted and O Donnel went to his Camp By the discord that was between Sir Teige O Regan and O Donnel the Collonel was still in hopes something might be done with Sir Teige he therefore sends a Drumer into Town with Letters to this effect SIR BY your Letters bearing date the 15th of this Instant which refers all to the Lord O Donnel Brigadier of your Army to act for you I wonder in all our Treaty when we signed and sealed Articles he was not so much as mentioned and then not far from you I understand you deny him entrance into the Town with any of his Men as also possession of the Fort so that you will do with him and me no farther than to advantage your unjust dealing I do not understand how you can make his coming to you a Releif you are sensible he has made Conditions with General Ginkell and has taken a hundred Guineys from me by order of the General in part of his Pay due to him in our Service and
themselves and said he was a Knave on both sides The Militia of this Line are every one gone of their own accord home and I have only these two Troops to assiste me in this forty miles distance I was forced to take them with me to Sligoe intending to send them the nearest way to Athlone in case the Garison of Sligoe had surrendred in pursueance to your Excellencies Potent If you would be pleased to continue them with me they are of great service in Scouting comning Expresses c. And if your Excellency please to cause a Bill to be returned for the hundred Guineys I supplied Ballderrog Or considering since my being here I have been at a greater charge in my Journeys to Sligoe as also for Entelligence which if your Excellency would vouchsafe to make it up 15 l. it would do me a great kindness I am in due Obedience Your Excellencies most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne The Lords Justices as also the General receiving this Account from Collonel Michelburne of the falseness of O Donnell sent these following Instructions Dublin Castle 22. of August 1691. SIR WE have this day received your Letter by Express and are much concern'd at the Treacherous dealing of the Garrison of Sligoe and Ballderrog O Donnell Whereupon we have resolved to reinforce you with a considerable Body of the Northen Militia from the several Companies from Londonderry Dunigall Tyrone Cavan Mannoghan Formanagh Down and Anfrime whom we have sent to this night to march with all possible speed under their proper Officers and to joyne you at Ballyshanan and we have likewise order'd the Earl of Granard with another Body of the Militia to march with all possible speed from Athlone to joyn you at such place as shall be conserted between you to be most convenient as well for the suppression of Ballderrogs Party as the reducing of the Forts of Sligoe to their Majesties Obedience in order whereunto you are to Obey the commands of the said Earl of Granard as the Commander in Chief of all the Forces appointed for that Expedition We are Your friend and Servants Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby For Collonel John Michelburne at Ballyshanan The Collonel sent imediately an Express to Sir Francis Hamilton desiring him with all speed to joyn him at Ballyshanan Major Touchburne and Cornet Mead Supervizors of the Militia were very dilligent in forwarding those of Cavan and Formannagh c. Sir Francis Hamiltons Letter in answer to Collonel Michelburns Cavan August the 27th 1691. SIR I Received your Letter about Nine a clock last night and I imediately sent to the several Captains of the Militia to Randezvouze upon Sunday next at Eallymafay from whence I intend according to your Orders to march forthwith to Ballyshanan I just now received a Letter from the Lords Justices with an account of O Donnells Ravaging of Connaught and Orders for me to be with the Militia at Ballyshanan the 27th instant which is this day now it will be impossible for the Militia to be there before Munday next and part of them that lies most remote I doubt will not be there so soon I understand that my Lord Granard is to command a Body of men into Connaught if his Lordship comes to Ballyshanan before I be there be pleased to do me the favour to acquaint him that I am doing what I can to have the Militia in a readiness and the time that I expect to have them at Ballyshanan where I shall chearfully observe all the Orders from his Lordship and your self being very sincerely SIR Your Affectionate and most humble Servant Francis Hamilton To the Hon. Collonel John Michelburne at Ballyshanan Collonel Michelburne in the interime whilst the Militia was geting together sends to Enskillin for some Brass gunns that were taken at Newtownbuttler from the Irish under the Command of the Lord Mountcastle and gets them fitted up as also persuant to the Lords Justices Orders sends Expresses to Bellurbit for Bread for the Militia as also provides Boats from Killybeggs for sending away Ammunition Cannon-ball Spades Pitch Axes Provisions c. to be Transported that nothing should hinder or delay us in our March to Sligoe and for drawing the Guns the Horses that were brought in for that occasion were so small that they were of no use which made the Collonel for quick expedition give his own Baggage Horses The 23th Augush the Collonel received the following Letter from the General Camp at Carick on Lysh Aug. 19. 1691. SIR YOU know by this time whether the Governour of Sligoe acted honestly or no but I have very good reason to helieve he has not from a Letter that is intercepted from Collonel Scott for that reason I must desire you will be upon your Guard and make the Militia advance to the Frontiers to prevent the Enemies Incursions If you have not paid O Donnel the 200 Guineys pray don't until further Order or that he has put Sligoe into your hands I am SIR Your Most Humble Servant Bar. de Ginkell Here follows the Letter that was intercepted as followeth Sligoe Aug. the 13th 1691. My Lord NOT hearing from you this long time I send this Bearer to acquaint you with our Assairs Twelve days since one Michelburne a Collonel of the Enemy's Army came hither with his own Regiment of Foot two Troops of Dragoons of the Army and the rest of their Militia to the number of about 2000. in all He sent us a Letter from General Ginkel with some Proposals and Money for Surrendring this place which we resused to do but three or sour Days after we agreed to Surrender if we were not relieved in ten Days which was only a project to save about 5000 Cows we had about the Fort and thereby got an opportunity to send to O Donnel into the County of Mayo I went to him and now he is upon his March towards the Boyle where he is to remain until we get Provisions in here then you may be sure it shall never be surrendred without your Orders or over-powered I saw your Letter to O Donnel and I wondred you did not send the least word to me I hope the Enemy shall see That Gallway is the only place capable of doing such a thing as they have done I hear of a great many young Collonels advanced in the Army I hope my being so remote will not make your Lordship forget me whilst I shall be as mindfull of my Duty and as serviceable in my Station as any of them I am Your Lordships most assured Humble Servant Edward Scot. To the Right Honourable Patrick Earl of Lucan By this you may see how abominable and deceitsul these Men are notwithstanding the Articles under Hand and Seal This Patrick Earl of Lucan was him they called Sarsfield so noted amongst the Irish This Letter was intercepted by one of our Army being a Spy going to Lymerick which occasioned the General to send this following Letter to Collonel Michelburne
About the 27th of August Collonel Michelburne received the following Letter sent to him by the Lord Granard being a Copy of a Letter from the Lords Justices Dublin the 22th of August 1691. SIR BAllderrog O Donnel contrary to his Agreement with the General by which he was to assist in reducing Sligoe has been the only Person has prevented it being delivered up to Collonel Michelburne pursuant to a Treaty signed by the Governour We find by this Treachery of O Donnel the adjacent Countrys may be greatly damag'd We have therefore thought it necessary to cause 1000 of the Militia of this Town to begin their March to Morrow towards your Lordship and have writ to Collonel Michelburne to observe your Lordships Commands and to the Governours of the several Counties under-written to get their Militia at the places and times under-mentioned of all which we desire and appoint your Lordship to take the Command and with them to march towards O Donnel and to use your best endeavours to kill and destroy him and his Followers We have likewise sent by Express to the General to order some of the Army the Forces now in Gallway to be sent to join your Lordship if they can be spared In the mean time we must needs press your Kordship to take care that Ballymore be not left without a Guard We have directed the Store-keeper at Athlone to furnish your Lordship with all such Ammunition as you shall send for to supply your self and the rest who want We have your Lordships of the 20th with the inclosed to which we need give no other answer than what is before We know your Lordship will use all imaginable care and diligence in securing the Country against this false Man and hope the Forces we design may get together time enough to prevent his doing much mischief We shall send Provisions of Bread and some Money to subsist the Men. We are Your Lordships most obedeent Servants Charles Porter Tho. Coningsby We must desire your Lordship to send to Coll. Michelburne where and when you will have him meet you The Militia of the North for the several Counties following are appointed to be at Ballyshanan on the several days following Tyron Dunigal and Formannagh on Thursday the 27th Instant Mannoghan and Londonderry the 28th Instant Gavan the 29th Instant Down and Antrime the 31th Instant Castle-Forbasse Aug. 21th 1691. SIR BY this inclosed Copy of a Letter from the Lords Justices to me you will perceive what their Comman is are I am required to keep a Correspondency with you and to know from you if it be convenient to join you with 1000 of the Militia of Dublin which are now upon their March thither If the quiet of the Country which I hear is threatned by O Donnel will necessitate our Conjunction I conceive Boyle or some place thereabouts will be most convenient for Rendezvousing all the Forces designed for that Service I hear various Reports of Ballderrog some saying that he has concluded Conditions with the General and is upon his March to join him at Lymerick Others That the Officers under his Command will not accept of the Conditions agreed on Be pleased to let me hear what you know and withal to dispatch an Account to me whether the Vlster Militia be arrived at Ballyshanon As I was writing this a Pacquet from the Army directed to you came to my hands I suppose from the General which I hear withal send you and desire in all these particulars your suddain answer SIR Your most Affectionate Humble Servant Granard These for Their Majesties special Service To Coll. John Michelburne at Ballyshanon or elsewhere hast hast To be send by the Officer Commanding at Finna to Belturbet and by the Officer Commanding there in hast away to him Collonel Michelburns Answer My Lord I Can give you as yet but little account of the Militia only that I received a Letter this Afternoon from Sir Francis Hamilton who tells me that on Sunday next he Randezvouzes his men at Ballymafoy and on Munday or Tuesday will be with me at Ballyshanan at which time I shall have the rest of the Troops from other Counties with 500. Choyce Foot of my own Regiment which as soon as arrived will I march straight to Sligoe and if they of Sligoe understood your Lordships Motion it may be a means of their surrendering the sooner The only thing will be to know where O Donnel is the last news is that but two of his Regiments will follow him and of the strength of his Forces I can give your Lordship an account but his going to the General I do not find true if it were something would be in the Generals Letter if I could know of Ballderrog I could march the nearest way by Sligoe I have several Spies abroad and will not fail to send your Lordship an account how affairs stand I am My Lord your Lordships Most humble Servant John Michelburne To the Right Honourable the Earl of Granaro at Castle-Forbus or elsewhere With Speed From the Camp at Carick on Lysh Aug 23. 1691. SIR I Have yours from Ballyshanan of the 18th by which I find the Trick which O Donnell has play'd so that you must be upon your Guard and keep the two Troops of Dragoons with you and as much of the Militia as you can I send upon this account Collonel Stoyd back to Athlone and then the Militia that is there shall return to the North to be posted as you Direct After the care you us'd in this Affair I am sorry it did not succeed however you have done your part very well and would make a good addition to your Services if you would yet find any way of Treating with Sir Teige O Regan and getting the place I send you the Warrant you desire and am Your humble Servant Bar de Ginkel To Collonel John Michelburne Commanding at Ballyshanan Soon after Collonel Michelburne received this following Intelligence and sent it Inclosed to the Lords Justices SIR ABout ten days since I left the Camp and on Friday last I was at Ballyrobe where My Lord O Donnell was and was standing by when he signed Articles to Collonel Richards I saw likewise an Express from one of O Donnells Collonels desiring him not to come to the Camp for there was a plot laid to take away his Life for signing the Articles to the General and that when I arriv'd at Boyle he heard that the Lord O Donnels own Regiment his Brothers and another Regiment went to him and that they were resolved to come to Ballyshanan to joyn you I am in great hast in going to the County of Dunigal otherwise I had waited on your Honour I am Your humble Servant J. L. To Coll. John Michelburne Governour at Ballyshanan About this time arrived one Mr. Wade formerly an acquaintance of Col. Michelburns and with him a Fryer who desired some private Discourse with the said Collonel They told him that they came from the
much upon that as to loose the Town I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Bar de Ginkell In the mean time the Lord Granard advanced with his Party in sight and sent for Coll. Michelburne who with some other of his Officers attended his Lordship and gave him an account of the progress he had made as well in pinning them up who consisted of 28 Companies of Foot in so small a compass as also how all things were in a manner concluded His Lordship was by the Collonel and several others attended into Town to the House of Sir Arthur Goore Soon after Sir Francis Hamilton Major Hamilton and Major Tichburne attended his Lordship giving him account That all was concluded on between the Fort of Sligoe and Coll. Michelburne if it might be with his Lordship's Approbation except some small Additions which Sir Teige desired the Commissaries might report to his Lordship who granted it His Lordship ordered the Collonel and Major Hamilton to compleat the Articles which accordingly was done Sir Teige desiring a further time for as they were to Surrender at 12 on Sunday his Lordship agreed to give them leave till 7 next Morning being Monday the 14th which accordingly was done as followeth According to Capitulation they were furnish'd with 28 Truckle Carrs and two Horses to each Company for their Baggage which took some time to bring out of the Fort after them marched 28 Companies such as they were which done Sir Teige delivered up the Keys to Coll. Michelburne who immediately marched in at the Head of a Battalion of his own Regiment after which the Lord Granard rode in with a considerable number of Officers and Gentlemen of the Countrey Collonel Michelburne with the Keys in his hand complimented his Lordship with them in the Name of Their Majesties King William and Queen Mary who return'd him the Keys and wish'd him joy of his new Government The Lord O Donnel about this time delivered the Collonel a Letter of old date which should have come to his hands about the 21th of August and it was not delivered till the 14th of September A Letter from Coll. Richards bearing date from Cushin-Town the 19 of Aug. 91. SIR MY Lord O Donnel and I have now regulated all Matters and will to the utmost of his power do what shall most contribute to Their Majesties Service I do not doubt but that you will supply him with what necessarys you can after Sligoe is in your hands my Lord I suppose will March towards the General or according to what Directions he shall receive from him I shall take care for his Supplies of what we have in our Stores when he comes to Gallway or any other of our places where we have Stores Your wants at Sligoe may be supplied from Ballyshanan if any there otherwise upon your notice and the General 's Order Collonel Goore or my self will send you by Sea what is to be had from us I am satisfied my Lord O Donnel will do his best for reducing Sligoe and therefore it will not be amiss to consult him in difficulties I am SIR Your most humble Servant Ja. Richards Just now I have advice That Sarsfield with the Horse is come on this side so that Sir Albert Coningham has Orders to march his Dragoons to Clare-Gallway I expect to be this Night at Gallway and if any thing extraordinary happens shall advise you Capt. Otway had Orders to take an account of the Stores of Ammunition and Provision according to the Capitulation which follows A List taken the 15th day of September 1691. of the Guns Ammunition and Stores of War in the Sodd Fort of Sligoe Ordinances Brass mounted on Brick and stand Carriages 12 Pounder 1 Chamber Piece 1 Iron Ordinances Mounted on Brick and stand Carriages Deme Coulver 1 Minion 3 3 Pounders 10 Power 30 bar Ball for French Fusies 6½ bar Ditto for Pistol 1 bar Match 8 hog per est Ball proportionable Culvering 109 Bastard Cannon 72 12 Pounders 36 9 Pounders 144 Saker 267 Minion 332 Fallcon 054 Ladles and Spunges for Demy Culvering 1 1 3 Pounders 10 10 12 Pounders 1 1 Menion 3 3 Crows of Iron 2 Syaths 18 Handbarrows 21 Wheel-barrows 30 Pitch 25 Peices 40 Floot barrs of Iron 40½ Old Iron 8 C. Hand Granadas fixt 200 Ditto unfixt 328 Scales 1 Weights 5 Shovels and S pades 38 Received the day and year above mention'd by the Order of the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the Guns Ammunition and Stores of War above mentioned As Witness my Hand John Michelburne Sodd Fort Sligoe the 15th September 1691. Provisions for the Mouth Oate-meal 24 bar Beef 200 bar Salt 1 bar Meal 11 bar Oates 150 bar Barrly 60 bar Received the day and year above mention'd by Order of the Right Honourable the Earl of Granard the Provision and Stores above mentioned As Witness my Hand John Michelburne The account Received of the The Train of Artillery from Captain Richard Swan as followeth Powder in Barrels 25 Ball in Barrels 35 Match in Bundels 15 Wheel-barrows 21 Iron Crows 3 Baskets 45 3 Pounder Balls 183 A Small parcel Killkenny Coals in a Case Hammer Hatchits 20 Bill Hooks 24 1 A barral Kit Granadas fixt 100 Shells unfixt 482 Handbarrows 48 Pickaxes 23 Rep-hooks 5 Syaths 2 Whetstones 4 Turn Pikes 18 Horse Harnssing 18 Clouts 12 Shafts 2 Linchpins 12 Tar Tub 1 1 Wheel for the big Gun 1 1 Axil-tree 1 Swingle Trees 4 Hurters and Wassers 13 1 Jack 1 8 Sand Bagg 1 12 Pounder Balls 98 1 Dark Lanthorn 1 Long Spikes in a Box 500 2 Shilling Nais 500 Of mens Harnessing 2 Riges Ropes ' 2 Fadams of 2 inch Rope 10 ½ A Goyl of Small Rope ½ 1 Brass 12 Pounder 1 2 brass 3 Pounders 2 And all necessaries belonging to them An Account of Coll. Michelburne's appearing Three several times before the Lords Justices to make answer to Mr. Foward's Information a Militia Captain November the 19th the 30th and the 17th of December 1691. BY the fore-going Narrative where all things were acted to the full Satisfaction as well of the Lords Justices as the General as by their many Letters do appear 't is strange what grounds there could be found out for the calling to Account this Faithful Trusty Person that the Queen should be acquainted with his great Miscarriage and after that the King in Council the Order from the Queen was answered in these Words by the Lords Justices in a Letter to the Lord Nottingham as in the Close of the Book Sometimes since we received Her Majesties Command by your Lordship to inquire into the rerson of Coll. Michelburne's withdrawing the Blockade of Sligo c. That the General and Lords Justices knew of no Miscarriage and that he should be so vilely represented to Her Majesty and with that secrecy and privacy that it cannot be known who were the Villanous Actors of this scandalous false Aspersion by which the best deserving Men may unknown be
prejudic'd and ruin'd To go on with the Discourse after Sligo was reduc'd and the Country adjacent in quiet Possession to Their Majesties Government the Coll. writes to the Lords Justices for leave to go to Dublin to vindicate himself being advertised by several good Friends what Affidavits and Examinations were given in to ruine him and that he might be provided with some of the best Gentry of the Country before he went he writes from Ballyshannon to Sir Francis Hamilton who with the rest of those worthy Gentlemen had been all along with him on all Actions against Sligo and had taken Certificates from Coll. Michelburne for their good Services as assured when he went to Dublin he would be had much in Esteem for his good Management he now makes it his Request for a Certificate from them and the rest of the Gentlemen to do him that Kindness which not long before he did to them Here followeth a Certificate from the Chief Officers of the Militia viz. Sir Francis Hamilton Bar. Governour of the County of Donagall Capt. Charles Hamilton of Cavan Capt. William Stewart Capt. John Hamilton of Murvaugh Capt. Henry Colwell c. But first the Letter from Sir Francis Hamilton SIR THE Remoteness of these Gentlemens Habitations who have join'd with me must plead my Excuse for detaining your Messenger so long I make no doubt but the inclosed will answer your Expectation and the greatest Enemy you have who was an Eye-witness to your Actions cannot in Justice contradict one Word in it I gave the Lords Justices an Account from time to time of what passed where we were and never did so without doing you right so that I believe it will be in vain to make a Repetition of what I have formerly said in any thing that may conduce to your Service be pleased freely to lay your Commands upon SIR Your most humble Servant Francis Hamilton For the Honoured Coll. Michelburne These Ballyshannon Here followeth the Certificate WE do Certifie that the Honourable Coll. Michelburne who Commanded the Forces of Tyrone Dey Donygall and Farmonah marched four several times into the Enemies Country and that upon every Occasion he was not only Diligent and Careful but also shewed great Resolution and Conduct to the good Example of those under his Command And whereas some Men have informed that Coll. Michelburne minded his private Advantage more than his Majesties Service We do declare that he in Person forced back many droves of Cattle into the Enemies Out-works which he might have applied to his own private Vse by which means the Garrison thought it more convenient to Capitulate than to suffer so many Thousand Cattle to starve with which and Coll. Michelburne's Diligence and good Conduct the Fort of Sligo was prevailed with to Surrender at the time it was delivered All which we Certifie under our Hands this 20th Day of October Fr. Hamilton Ch. Hamilton Will. Stewart John Hamilton Henry Colwell Another of the same Certificates Signed by the Officers of the Army viz. Â Mich. Cunnington Rich. Bickerstaffe Albert Nisbet Will. Gunter Sam. Shalcrosse John Campbell John Bayly John Hamilton And. Nisbet David Chalmey Hu. Caldwell Anth. Sbemberge John Mansell Hermles Burleigh Daniel It was about the latter end of October the Coll. began his Journey to Dublin and waited on the Lords Justices and acquainted them of the good Condition of the Country and in what posture he left Sligo and the Country adjacent and that withal he was informed that some People had informed their Lordships of several things that were false that he knew not any thing he had done but what was altogether for Their Majesties Service and that all he desired was to have Justice and withal desired that he might have a Copy of those Infermations that were given in against him Upon which the Lord Coningsby told him That he would order Mr. Davis their Secretary that he might have a Copy of them Most of the Examinations were from some of Captain Forward's Troops alledging That of the Prey that was taken out of the Enemies Country they were denied Subsistence for which Reasons they Deserted some in their Affidavits swore to 800. some to 1500. One Robb a Tobacco Seller swore to 6000. but would not stay to justifie his Oath but is posted away by Forward and Vaughan to the King and Council to do the Coll. a farther Prejudice Of all the Militia and Army no Body appears but one Captain Forward who not long before was sent Prisoner by the said Coll. to Lieutenant Gen. Ginkel the Cause and Reason in their due place The Coll. prest hard that the Cause might come on and that he might be dismissed and on the back of Forward's Petition was writ as followeth Thursday Morning the 19th of November at 9 a Clock this Business is to be heard before the Lords Justices and the General To hinder a long Discourse of this Trial in Forward's large Petition and Coll. Michelburne's Answer after the Chancery manner and the Witnesses examin'd on both sides which would take up almost as much as the for going Narrative we will cut it short and only mention the Counsels on both sides and barely the Names of the Witnesses The Counsel for Coll. Michelburn the first time were Serj. Osborne Prin. Sergeant at Law Counsellor Wingfield and Counsellor Wright Capt. Forward's were Sir John Meade Counsellor Counsellor And according to the Order of the Lords Justices both made their Appearance on the 19th of November at 9 a Clock Present Sir Charles Porter Lord Justice and Chancellor of Ireland Thomas Coningsby Esq Lord Justice And General Ginkel Commander in Chief of the Army The Petition and Answer was read and some Pleadings heardon both sides and Forward the Militia Captain failing of any material Evidence his Counsel Petitioned for a longer time and had time allowed them till the last of November The Collonel pleaded the great Charge he was at in keeping several Witnesses in Town and these of no mean Rank as Capt. Hugh Caldwell Capt. of Dragoons Capt. Anthony Shomberge Capt. Cunnington Capt. Stephen Miller c. Which was 40 or 50 Shillings Charge each Day the Lords Justices promising that he should be allowed the Charges of his Witnesses The last of November being the second time of Hearing and Pleading on both sides and when it came again to the Test our Militia Captain failing of his Witnesses his Counsel Pleading they had 100 Miles to come up to Dublin they again got leave from the Lord Justice Porter for 15 Days which was lengthened to 17 Days but it was ordered that Coll. Michelburn should be allowed Ten Guinneys towards the Charges he was at that Day being the last Days Trial was on the 17th Day of December The Trial came on the Counsel on both sides present Counsel for the Collonel Serj. Osborne princ Serj. at Law Serj. Broderick Counsellor Wingfield Counsellor Wright Forward's Councel were The Recorder of Dublin Counsellor Counsellor
the said Coll. at Derry in the time of the Siege in particular one Lieut. Scott Brother to Coll. Scott joynt Governor with Sir Teague and Coll. of one of the Regiments Garrison'd in Sligoe Collonel Mitchelburne's Letter to Sir Teague SIR 'T IS no small Satisfaction to me to know that my Old Acquaintance Sir Teague O Regan the happiness of whose Company I have so often enjoy'd in the French Campaign should be in a Garrison so near me As also Coll. Scott I have sent you a Pacquet of Letters by my Drum from the Prisoners in Londonderry one whereof is to Coll. Scott from his Brother to whom I have been Civil upon the Collonel's Account which he does kindly acknowledge My Service to Collonel Scott I am SIR Your most Humble Servant John Mitchelburne The Drum was dispatch'd away immediately with Orders not to spare Horse-flesh but to return with all speed but instead of coming that night or the next day there being no News of the Drummer the Collonel could not conjecture what was become of him he thought either he was knock'd in the Head by the Rapperees or that Sir Teague O Regan was removing and would not let him return least he should give an Account of the postnre they were in which might be the cause of our falling on their Rear He resolves therefore to know the truth of the matter and the 3 d. day having no News of his Drummer calls a Court Martial and march'd that Night The Court Martial A General Court Martial held at Ballyshanan this 13th of July 1691. WHereas by two Letters received one from the General and the other from the Lords Justices giving an Account of the Enemies quitting Sligoe and Jamestown We having sent a Drummer to Sligoe to observe their motion and the truth thereof and finding no return of the Message sent do think it highly necessary for Their Majesties Service to march as many of the standing Army and Militia as can be spared towards Sligoe at Nine a Clock this Night that we may be able to give an Account of the Affairs of Sligoe and full Answer to each Letter John Forward Charles Hamilton George Vaughan William Hewart William Wray John Hamilton John Mitchelburne William Staughton William Mead. Capt. Caldwell Capt. Nesbitt George Gregory Stephen Miller Richard Bickerstaffe Mich. Coningham The Court Martial being over and every one sworn to Secresie they march their Troops and Companies over the River with as much Expedition as they could We set forward towards Sligoe about 9 that Night the Strengths of what we march'd leaving the Forts and Passes indifferently well guarded were as followeth About 80 Dragoons standing Army 080 The Collonel's Foot 200 Collonel Venner's Foot 100 The Militia 200 Â 580 By break of day we came to Mulloughmore mid-way between Ballyshanan and Sligoe and about five came to the Grange where the Collonel posted all the Foot in the old Walls of the Grange in Ambush commanded by Lieut. Coll. Staughton When we halted and drew up by reason of some difficulty whilst we were at Muloughore some Disputes were started by Capt. Forward and some of the Militia of what ill consequence it would be if the Enemy should give us a Defeat that most part of the North say open to the Incussions of the Enemy the substance of which was discours'd with to the Collonel by Captain Henry Hart the Collonel made answer it was a shame to turn back since they were half way As also why did not they object this at the Court-Martial but said he would go if he had no more than the standing Army and those of the Militia as would not follow him they might turn back but if they would trust to his Management they need not in the least doubt for his business was not to fight the Enemy but to know if Sligoe were deserted And accordingly as soon as the Foot were posted by way of Ambush the Collonel takes all the Horse and Dragoons with him and mounts about Forty of his Granadeers on the Officers Horses he having about seven short Miles to Sligo he march'd with that Precipitation that it was impossible to be surprized by the Enemy leaving Seouts on every Hill till he arrived within a Mile of Sligoe where observing no Horse appear he advanc'd nearer and obser'vd about 3 or 400 Foot drawn out by which means he discover'd that Sligoe was not deserted as was reported the Collonel continued before the Town above an hour and then march'd back 't was very remarkable to march 20 Miles and especially when we march'd so private not so much as to meet with one Person to give us Intelligence The Collonel's Letter to Sir Teague concerning the Drummer which was detained by him in the Town July 13th 1691. SIR I Think strange that you detain my Drummer these four days which was never yet practicable by the Law of Arms and must needs be a great Reflection upon you by this unjust dealing IsI have him not speedily I 'll revenge his wrong on the Prisoners in Derry which is all from Your humble Servant John Mitchelburne To the Honourable Sir Teague O Regan Governour of Sligoe This now he sent by a Girl into the Town to Sir Teagne least he should detain the Messenger and then drew off his Men and at Drumcleife strand the Enemy advanced withsome Horse where was some skirmishing on both sides but at the appearance of our Granadeers the Enemy retreated and we march'd back to the Grange and joyn'd our Foot and march'd that Night to Ballyshanan The next Morning the Drummer returned and brought this following answer Sligoe July 14th 1691. I Received yours and as to my Detaining the Drummer I rather took him for a Spye than a Drummer for he was not satisfied to be in the Town but must go up into the Fort and make his Observations besides his Considence and giving his Tongue that Liberty that I could by no means suffer it and I am sure you would have don no less had any of Ours been guilty of half the Impertinence in your Garrison and for the future I desire that any other Drummer may be sent rather than that Fellow I am very glad you are my Neighbour and will treat you with all the Civilities our Cause will allow Collonel Scott gives you his Humble Service I am Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan Collonel Mitchelburne's Letter to the Lords Justices giving them Account of this his first Journey to Sligoe My Lords I Received two Expresses one from Your Lordships the other from the General to take Possession of Sligoe if it was quitted by the Enemy but the Difficulty was such that it is almost impossible to get Intelligence for there is not a Dweller between this and Sligoe On Tuesday last I posted away a Drummer with Letters from the Prisonars of Londonderry to the Governor of Sligoe thinking by that means to know the certainty but they detain'd the Drum and
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
if he be in our Service as it plainly appears 't is no Relief and the Articles are still in force SIR Your humble Servant John Michelburne I desire 20 Cows for my Money for Provision for my Men which pray order Sir Teige's second Letter in Answer to Coll. Michelburnes second Letter SIR I Had your by the Drummer As to the leaving all to my Lord O Donnel I do not design any such thing but being a Brigadier of our Army we might expect to be relieved by him As to the Capitulation agreed upon we are willing to Surrender this place to you accordingly but we expect that your part of it shall be performed also that is to get us the Horses and all things mentioned in the Articles towards our Marching together with the Horses that have been taken from Collonel Scott and other Officers of the Garison If you have not a mind to delay let this be done and then you will find how we are inclin'd and without which we will not Surrender which we will justifie before any General And the Prisoners you promised to Collonel Scott and mentioned in the Articles are not yet set at Liberty I have no Cows but am willing you should buy so many Cows for your Men as you think necessary and may send any Man to buy them I am Your very humble Servan Tiege O Regan To Coll. John Michelburne The Collonel did not much dislike this Letter and there fore sends his Major into Town to acquaint them that all things were in a readiness and for their Horses that were taken from them in time of our Parley when the Articles were signed he would pay for them according to his promise and for the Prisoners it is a solly for them to think that he would part with them 'till they perform Articles with him The Collonel thought how he was in a fair way of closing up all but whilst the Major and they were discoursing O Donnel arrives from the Camp and to satisfie them in their doubts signs this following Certificate I Do Certifie upon my Honour That my sole intent in Marching the Forces under my Command to this place was intirely to relieve the Garison of Sligoe and notwithstanding whatsoever Treaty past betwen General Ginkell and my self it was purely to delay the Affair in this Juncture and to forward K. J. Interest And I do promise and ingage to stick by you against any Force General Ginkell shall send Given under my Hand at Sligoe this 18th August 1691. O Donnel This is the Contents of what was produc'd to me under the hand of my Lord O Donnel by Coll. Scott at Sligoe when we parted Given under my Hand this 18th August 1691. John Hamilton As soon as this was done all things were broke off the Major returned to the Camp the Garison began to be very Insolent and sent word to remove our Camp or else they would beat us out of it disdaining the smallness of our number they having 10 to 1. The Collonel made answer That he would remove when he pleas'd and that in few days he would come and beat them out of the Fort. About one a Clock he ordered the Tents to be taken down and the Baggage to march in the Front and the Foot to March in the Rear of the Baggage and about an Hour after the Collonel brought up the Rear having with him four Troops of Horse and two Troops of Dragoons That Night they Incamped at Mullonghmore 10 Miles from Sligoe and the next day came to Ballyshanan This is the end of the third Journey Collonel Michelburne made against Sligoe That Night he sends away this following Letter by an Express to the General as also one to the same Effect to the Lords Justices SIR MY Major whom I sent with the Articles to your Excellney to be signed returned on the 14th The Town was to be delivered the next Morning I sent Sir Teige the inclosed who answered mine on the back and according to Sir Teige's desire I diseours'd Ballderrog called amongst them my Lord O Donnel who signified by his Discourse That as the Garison was in dispute his advice was That a middle Person meaning h mself between both be placed in the Town and Fort and withal did acknowledge that there had been some Treaty between him and General Ginkel in behalf of Himself and Followers and if I would condescend he would be put in possession of the Town and Forts and I to perform Articles to conduct the said Garrison to Limrick I told him as to any thing else I was ready to serve his Lordship but my business there was to performe Articles with the Garrison and I expected they would do the same with me after some discourse I rid off with Ballderrog and shew'd him your Excellencies Letter and presented him with one hundred Guineas of the two hundred your Excellency order'd me to pay him and the other hundred should be at his Lordships Service in a day or two His discourse was still to be in possession of the Garrison I told him your Letter mention'd no more than to joyn me in case they were Refractory And since there was no occasion either his saying he would not relieve them or drawing off his men would be sufficient I put it to him to know if he came there to relieve or not and to know whether he was our Friend or Enemy he told me next morning he would give me full satis faction in every thing I desired then there might be a Cessation of Arms. My Lord Ballderrog went that night to the Camp early in the morning I sent the second Letter to Sir Teige whose Answer is inclosed and finding him so inlinable I sent my Major to compound all those little Businesses between us and to satisfie them fully in money but when he came there unexpected he found the Lord Ballderrog who sent away the Major immediately to me to meet his Lordship between the two Lines where we again met and after some discourses we again rid off he told me that he was so far ingag'd to K. William that he could not with Honour break off but however several of his Officers expected good Terms and as much advantage as others I told him that the Surrender of the Garrison to me would be no hindrance for that you were easier dealt with by fair means than foul and that I must acquaint you that he was the only person that did obstruct the Surrender and appeared our open Enemy after tasting so largly of your favours He told me he could not agree to the Surrender till his Officers were satisfied as well as himself I have sent inclosed an Instrument of Ballderrogs without which they would have surrendred when the Major saw his falseness to your Excellency and taking money and yet acting as an open Enemy he gave Sir Teige and Col. Scott an account of his ingagement to you and his receiving money from me They blest
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
Commissioners were on a Treaty and as to the Treaty he Agreed to those of the former Articles only Scratching out the drawing of the two Pieces of Canon for that he would not promise any thing but what he would perform it being Impossible to draw Guns that time in the Year The Commissioners going out told them that the Collonel would not allow of any time above Twenty four hours they then Demanded four days and they would put one of the Forts into our hands Collonel Michelburne without any delay bid them return and agree to it Admitting they would give up the big Fort their Answer was the most part of their things was in the Sodd Fort but they would Surrender the Stone Fort which he refusing advis'd them to consider of it till the next Morning and then to send their final Answer in the mean time Coll. Michelburne gave Orders to post all the Horse and Foot Guards for the Nights Service and 100 Pioneers with their implements all in the View of the Enemy As soon as the Commissioners were returned Order was given to Salute them with our Cannon and Small-shot which continued most part of the Night all which time the Fort hung out Lights for fear we should Attack their Counterscarpe That night the Collonel sends an Express to the General as also to the Lords Justicâ—s as followeth Sligoe Septemb. 12th 1691. My Lords I Have once more a Prospect of Sligoe Fort to be under Their Majesties Obedience In my last I acquainted your Lordships of the backwardness of the Militia but however on Thursday last being the 10th of this Instant I marcht with a Detatchment of 600 Foot of my own Regiment about 400 Militia Horse and 100 Foot with 2 Troops of Dragoons of the Standing Army and that Night Incamped at Drumcleefe 3 Miles from Sligoe and sent an Express with a Detatchment of 36 Men under the Command of Capt. Vaughan with Orders to Acquaint my Lord Granard of my Approach to Sligoe Next Day he Incamped about half a Mile from the Town which was imployed in repairing a Danish Fort but proving wet we made no Advance on the Enemy till about Nine the next Morning The Enemy was now bolder than usual for besides the two Regiments they had an Addition of two Foot Companies one Commanded by Lieut. Coll. Mac Swine the other by one O Neal. About Eight I began to form my Detatchments both of Foot and Horse but at last I thought it necessary to imploy the whole Party At our first approach they quitted all the Ditches and Posted themselves on that side where stands their Fort but the Tide being out I advanced my Granadeers with about 150 Foot still gaining upon them the Enemy Attackt us with great Fury which caused me to order 3 Troops of Horse to Advance which caused the Enemy to retreat and Man a Fort about 150 yards from the great Fort and that at the Advance of our Horse and Foot they quitted that likewise which after a short Dispute we became Masters of and all their Out-Works as also the Town of Sligoe and now are incamped and lie close under their Forts By the next I hope to give your Lordships an Account of the Fort being intirely in our hands In this Action we lost but 1 Ensign which was killed with a Canon from the Enemy and some 9 Men Wounded and 1 Man of the Militia and 4 Horses wounded I am My Lords Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant John Michelburne About Ten at Night we had an Account from our Out-Guards Commanded by Captain Harrison that between the Town and Ballisadeare-Bridge they Discovered a considerable Camp occasioned by their many Fires but did not know whither they were Friends or Enemies it was dubious whether they were the Forces under the Lord Granard or Sarsfield's Party which we had an Account was marching towards Sligoe and to inform our selves of this most urgent Affair the Coll. Ordered Captain Harrison should send out immediately 20 of his Troop of which 2 of them to Advance within about half Musket-Shot before the rest of the party till they were Challenged by the other by which means they would soon discover whither they were Friends or Enemies which accordingly they did and found them to be the Forces under the Earl of Granard the Commander of the party was brought to my Lord who gave his Lordship an Account according to the former Discourse Next Morning the Collonel sent to them that if they did not immediately come to Conclusion he must remove all the Papist Families out of the Town and if they pleas'd they might take them into the Fort. To which Sir Teague's Answer SIR I Had yours The Kindness as to our Women and Children I thank you for you do but what becomes you and what I expected of you and what I would have done were I in your Station I know of no particular Women or Children belonging to us in Town except Maj. Conners's Lady Mrs. Reyly and my Servant Maid if you please to admit them hither and the rest if there be any to guard 'em where else they please I will thank you As for your saying that I came to no Treaty c. I do assure you out of the particular desire I had to deal with you I have strained my self to such Terms as I would not with any other if you will not take hold of this Opportunity all Circumstances considered it is your fault and believe me you will repent it you may believe I am not ignorant of my Lord Granard's and the Lord O Donnel's Motion but I am really and so are the rest of the Gentlemen more for you than any else of your Party and Station and to shew you my further Sincerity I am willing that the same Commissioners named by you and me yesterday may meet again and compose the matter if they can before the coming of those with some of whom I have no Inclination to have any Civil Dealings I am SIR Your most Humble Servant Teague O Regan To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne To which Coll. Michelburne agreed and Orders the same Commissioners who were on the Treaty the Night before to go on in the Capitulation and Conclude with them About this time the Collonel received the Generals Letter as followeth Camp before Lymrick September the 7th 1691. SIR I Have your Letters of the 29th of the last from Ballyshaanon and hope with O Donnells help you are by this time in Possession of Sligoe for since his Agreement with Collonel Richards I make no Question but he will do the Service to their Majesties which he promised and therefore I desire you will use him Civilly when he joyns you If possible when you have that delivered to you I would have Sir Teague O Regan and Collonel Scott Excluded from Terms that I may punish those People that have so Treacherously broke their Faith however I would not have you stand so
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