an Account coming to the Lord Kingston his Lordship immediately sent in the Night Captain William Ormsby and Captain Francis Gore with a detached party of men out of every Troop and Company under their Command and the next Morning before day the Lord Kingstone March't with another party to assist them if there had been occasion but his Lordship met Cornet Charles Nicolson who gave him an account that our party had got the Castle by setting Fire to the Gate and smoaking the Enemy out who at first fired very briskly upon our men yet we lost none We found great store of Provisions of Meal c. and seventeen Muskets belonging to the Irish Army with several half Pikes Irish Daggers and Rapparee's Swords the Protestants had their Corn and Cattle returned 'em or a Market rate paid them for so much of their Corn as they could spare Several Letters were written from time to time to Collonel Lundy for a supply of Arms and Ammunition for the Garrison of Sligo but none could be had 'till at last a Ship came to Derry from Scotland with Ammunition and then Coll. Lundy consented to let Sligo have three Barrels of Powder and Ballyshanny one provided five Pounds per Barrel were paid for it but though a Bill of twenty Pounds was immediately sent for that end yet none of it ever came to Sligo About the 20th of March an Express came to Sligo from Coll. Lundy to hasten our March with all speed to Derry which Letter as all others that came from Coll. Lundy or the Committee were communicated to all our Officers but the last Letter that came was mislay'd by Capt. Coote and on the same day a Council of War if then it might be so term'd was called and a speedy March to Derry was Voted by the Officers who had no Commission to make 'em so but such as the Gentlemen they had chosen for their chief had given 'em The Names of the Subscribers of that Council were as follows Major Owen Vaughan Major Thomas Hart Captain Hugh Morgan Captain Piercy Gethins Captain Edward Woods Captain William Ormesby Captain William Smith Captain William Griffith Lieutenant Richard Brooke Lieutenant Adam Ormesby and Cornet Oliver Brookes On the 21st being the next day following the Council was called again where it was hotly pressed and Voted to march Northward and accordingly all things were prepared against the next day and then a March began the Foot Baggage with some Horse in the rear March'd out early in the Morning the rest attending the Lord Kingston till they had broke the Trunnions and nailed the heavier Guns and sent off the smallest by Boat and staved all the rest they could find but those sent away were put into an Island by storm which next day were taken by the Irish by help of some Boats that were concealed by them On the 24th the Forces with Bag and Baggage arrived safe at Ballyshanny Lieut. Coll. Connell Farrell was ordered to hinder and oppose us with 180 Fire-locks from Boyle with the Dartry-Irish to the number of four or five hundred who attempted the breaking down of Bondrons-bridg which they quitted upon the approach of about fifty of our Horse and took the Boggs and never opposed us in one Pass though there were many dangerous ones wherein a few might hinder the Passage of a great many had they had Courage to do it Either on the way or at Ballyshanny a Letter came to the Lord Kingston from the Committee at Derry with Orders as they said from Coll. Lundy to stay at Ballyshanny and keep the Passes on the Earne Water which was obey'd he having his present Majesty's Commission The Garrison of Ballyshanny under the Command of Capt. Folliot was now reinforced and the Ferry-boat of that place sunk and the Lord Folliot's House with other Houses on Connaught-side the Water were burnt to prevent the Enemy's sheltring themselves therein and from thence annoying us with their shot and one Arch more of Balleek-bridge was pulled down part being so served by Sir James Caldwell before and a Garrison left there under the Command of Major Vaughan and Lieut. Arthur Cooper and another Garrison left at Mulick being the House of Lieut. Walter Johnson under the Command of Capt. William Smith Capt. Francis King and Lieut. Toby Mulloy to observe and guard a Ford at the mouth of Lough-Earn and at the same time another Party was ordered to keep the Castle and Town of Dunnegal being Commanded by Capt. Francis Gore and Capt. Edward Woods During the time of the Lord Kingston and his Party 's being at Ballyshanny and the Places before mentioned there came several Expresses inviting the Lord Kingston with Eighty of his choicest Horse and three Hundred Foot to Derry with Promises of Provision should be made for 'em But the Party having been all along together they were all of 'em against breaking 'till something should happen by which they might shew their Zeal to his present Majesty's service and the Protestant Religion and accordingly staid there 'till a Letter came to the Lord Kingston sign'd at a Council of War at Derry April the 13th Ordering the Forces under his Command as well as all others to be at Clady Lifford and Long Causey or the places near to 'em on Monday the 15th of April by 10 a clock in the Morning This Letter came not to the Lord Kingston till the 14th of April at ten a Clock that Night and the nearest of his Forces were 30 miles from the place of Rendevouz Upon this the Lord Kingston called a Council of War wherein it was concluded That tho it was impossible for the Lord Kingston and his Party to be at any of the Places abovementioned in twice the time limited yet the Lord Kingston himself with ten or twelve Horse should the next Morning go towards Derry to see how matters were and to give Directions accordingly to his Party Very early the next Morning his Lordship went but when his Lordship came to Strannor-lane within five miles of Rapho his Lordship met with several of the Brittish running from Cladyford who gave his Lordship an Account that the Brittish were fled with Coll. Lundy into Derry and the Irish were got to Rapho between his Lordship and that place whereupon his Lordship hastened back to Dunegal and sent an Express with orders for the Horse to secure themselves in Iniskilling and the Foot at Dunegal Ballishany and other places And then the Lord Kingston with some of his Officers went to Killibeggs and took Shipping and were put into Scotland from whence his Lordship hastened to give his Majesty an Account of Affairs hoping to have made a quick return to his Party with his Majesties Commissions and Orders So unhappily were the designs of that Noble Lord who inherits the Courage as well as the Honour of his Father for the preservation of that part of the Countrey which he prosecuted with extraordinary Zeal and Resolution frustrated by
Irwin II. Captain Alexander Leckey Lieutenant James Lennox Ensign John Harvey III. Captain Matthew Cacken Lieutenant Henry Lâ—ng Ensign Francis Hunt IV. Capain Warham Jemmet Lieutenant Robert Morison Ensign Daniel Sherrard V. Captain John Tomkins Lieutenant James Spaight Ensign Alexander Coningham VI. Capt. Thomas Moncreiff Lieutenant James Morison Ensign William Mackee December the 11th Mr. Cairns went for London The same day Governour Philips went to Newtown and in a few dayes return'd with about 3 or 400 Horse William Hamilton of Moyagh brought near 200 more which they tendered to our service Soon after Letters from Dublin inform us that the Lord Tyrconnel had ordered the Lord Mountjoy and Lieutenant Collonel Lundy with six Companys of their Regiment to come down and reduce this City to its former Obedience But our Friends there caution'd us against the receiving of 'em and the City was generally averse to it and yet that their actions might not be mis-interpreted they endeavoured to represent the reasons of 'em in a Declaration which they Published about this time See in the end When the Lord Mountjoy came to Omagh he sent Captain Mac-Caustand with a Message to this City desiring two or three of their Number to meet him at Rapho upon which Captain Norman and Mr. John Mogredg were sent to hear his Proposals who at their return gave assurance of his Lordships being fully impower'd to Capitulate and that he would on the surrender of the Garrison with our Arms procure a Free and General Pardon for what was pass't these Terms our two Envoys did earnestly sollicit us to accept tho in vain But because these two had no power to Conclude any thing his Lordship desired there might be Commissioners with full power to treat with him at Mount-Gavelin Accordingly the Governour George Phillips Esq Captain Alexander Tomkins Horace Kennedy Esq Lieutenant William Crookshanks and Lieutenant James Lennox were impowr'd by the City to treat and conclude who after a full hearing of his Lordships Proposals would comply on no other Terms than the getting a Protestant Garrison and liberty to keep their Watches and Arms as formerly as also a free and General Pardon under the Great Seal which his Lordship declared he could not grant and so they parted without any Conclusion his Lordship then saying he wou'd next Morning come to the Gates and demand Entrance They returning with the report of these passages we began to examine again the Stores of Amunition and found only six Barrels of Powder a few Arms unfix'd and most of the Guns unmounted for want of Carriages Soon after his Lordship appears at the Bishops-Gate where for some time he was made to stand upon a warm debate within whether he should be admitted At length out of respect to his Lordship he was suffered to enter who being very importunate for an Accommodation there were Eleven persons of the City and Country appointed to treat with him viz. George Phillips Governour Horace Kennedy Esq Captain Alexander Lecky Captain Warham Jemmet Captain John Forward Captain George Canning Lieutenant Henry Long Lieutenant James Lennox William Coningham Esq and James Steward His Lordship after some debate that he might prevent any more Forces coming down upon us was at last prevail'd on to agree to such Articles as the City proposed which Articles are annext in the end Upon the Perfection of these Articles his Lordship for our better Satisfaction ordered Leiutenant Collonel Lundy to repair to Strabane there to stop his six Companies till the full Moyety being Papists were turned off and some Officers of the City were sent to see it done and Protestants inlisted in their stead Yet there were but two Companies all Protestants under Command of Leiutenant Collonel Lundy and Captain Stewart received at first into the City The other four consisting of one half Papists were ordered to quarter at Strabane Newton Stewart and Rapho till throughly reform'd Which so fully satisfied us that the Protestant Interest would be much strengthned by the interposition of the Lord Mountjoy that our Governour freely resign'd his charge to him and we all resolv'd to follow his orders and directions Accordingly his Lordship heartily Concurr'd with the Citizens advis'd 'em to repair the Carriages of the Guns fix the old Arms that lay in the Stores and every thing else that might be found necessary for the preservation of the City Whereupon there was a meeting in the Guild-hall of all the Inhabitants in orto the Levying of Moneys for that purpose And a voluntary Subscription being there made about 100 l. a select number was chosen to dispose thereof as also to regulate the Concerns of the City viz. Samuel Norman Alderman Alexander Lecky Alderman Matthew Cocken Alderman Horace Kennedy Sheriff Mr. Francis Nevill Mr. Frederick Coningham and Mr. James Lennox to whom Mr. John Mogredg was Secretary The Lord Massareene also some time after freely Contributed a considerable sum of Money towards the defence of the place They studied all possible means for the preservation and safety of the City and Countrey and since they still apprehended a Desscent of the Irish they kept up a good Correspondence with the Neighbouring Counties in what concern'd their Common Interest And that our Friends in the Country might be incouraged with a speedy supply of Powder and Arms Money was freely advanced by Horace Kennedy Esq Edw. ard Brooks Esq Lieutenant Henry Long Will. Crook shanks Ensign William Mackee Ensign John Harvey Ensign Francis Hunt Alexander Gordon Hugh Davey and William Maxwell Merchants and sent with James Hamilton Merchant to Scotland to buy Powder and Arms. He cou'd procure no more than 42 Barrels of Powder which except 10 left in the County of Down happily came and was secured in the Magazine Being also informed that a small Bark which was sent from Dublin with 30 Barrels of Powder for the Earl of Antrim lay Wind-bound at Killagh in the County of Down there were persons appointed to seize and bring the same about for our use who did so and leaving a share in some trusty hands for the Countries Service brought the remainder being about 20 Barrels to this City But all being too small a quantity pressing Letters were dispatch't to our Agent at London to sollicit their Majesties for Succours The Lord Mountjoy is sent for to Dublin by the Lord Tyrconnell His Friends here all disswade him from going up But the advice of some in Dublin prevail'd more upon him Upon his Coming there it was proposed to him by the Lord Tyrconnell that he should go with Lord Chief Baron Rice on a Message to King James in France to desire leave of Treating with England for that Kingdom upon which he procured the following Articles on our behalf to be perfected a Copy of which he sent down to the North with the ensuing Letter which I shall here add because it discovers how miserably he as well as many other well meaning Gentlemen were imposed upon by Tyrconnel who
first maintained by Sir Arthur Rawden his Lieutenant Collonel Mr. Hawkins concurring with him but afterwards the Countrey contributed to the Expence The Consult had ordered the surprizal of Carickfergus some Protestants in the Town were acquainted with it and the design laid Febr. 21. in the night 1000 foot march from Belfast towards it under the Command of Lieutenant Collonel Bremicham and Major Baker but the Weather being bad and the way tedious it was clear day before they reach'd the Town when they were within a mile of it Bremicham stop'd 'em on pretence of two passages in a Letter he had from the Lord Mount Alexander Sir William Franklin and Mr. Hamilton of Tillimore The one was That he should do nothing in Carickfergus without Mr. Henry Davis's Advice who was then in the Town The other that they would be with him at the hour of Action The Garrison thro this delay had so much notice of their approach as enabled 'em to put themselves in some posture of Defence The Earl of Mount Alexander Sir Arthur Rawden and other Gentlemen came with 4 or 500 Horse not doubting the success of the Foot but found the foremost party of 'em and those on the Walls firing at one another Mark Talbot Lieutenant Collonel to the Earl of Antrim came out to know the reason of this Attempt He was told the stores of Carickfergus had been always under a Protestant Governour That being now in other hands they came to demand it for the Prince of Orange especially to prevent the Insolencies and Robberies of the Souldiers They also offer'd terms to the Garrison which Talbot promised to acquaint the Earl of Antrim with Upon his return it was agreed That Collonel Cormack Oneal who had then his Regiment in Town should disband it and lay down his Commission and he and they having Protections to return to their several dwellings That the Garrison should be kept by a few of the Earl of Antrim's Regiment who should never have above a weeks Provisions at once That the Protestants in Town should have a Guard as well as the Papists of equal number without any disturbance from the Castle That the value of what had been plundered should be restored That all Letters from the Papists to Dublin should be sent open to the Consult at Hillsborough and particularly such a Letter sent from the Earl of Antrim and Cormack O Neal by one of their number to give the Lord Tyrconnel an Account of that Affair as he Protestants should approve of A Letter was accordingly sent sign'd by both sides but Fryar O Haggerty was upon Mr. Randal Brice's Recommendation suffered to be the Bearer who understood as much as any in the Garrison could dictate to him and gave the Lord Tyrconnel the following too true Account of the Condition of the North viz. That they were untrain'd and had few experienced Officers That the most part were without Arms and such as had 'em their Arms were unfixt and unfit for service They were very much scattered and their number not near what had been written and was confidently reported in Dublin that they wanted all Ammunition and necessary Provisions for appearing in the Field The Lord Tyrconnel who had deferred for 20 days to send down his Army after it had been first agreed on in Council upon this Information resolved to dispatch the most Considerable and best trained part of it under the Command of Lieutenant General Hamilton From the 23d of February to the 11th of March several Skirmishes happened between the Irish Garrison at Newry or the Rapparees and the Frontier Garrisons of the North. The latter being frequently employ'd to rescue Preys of Cattel which those Ravenous Beasts seiz'd and endeavour'd to carry away Two Letters from Dublin one of the 22d the other of the 25th of February arrived in the North one giving an account of the preparations making against 'em at Dublin the other relating the disarming the Protestants there But their confident expectation of Succors from England and their conceit of Tyrconnels fears made them too slow in their measures They did indeed send to C. Lundy at Derry to bring down what he cou'd spare of the Forces of Derry Tyrone and Donnegal to their assistance and offer'd him the Command of their whole Army C. Lundy promised to bring with him 1000 men well appointed out of each of the three Counties with a train of Artillery and to be with 'em on a certain day which was about a Fortnight before the Descent of the Irish Army Upon which the Consult ordered Hillsbrough to be stockt with all necessary provisions for an Army But C. Lundy failed their expectations in this as he did in every thing else afterwards that concerned their common safety The 9th of March Captain Leighton returned with a Letter see in the end from his Majesty to the Earl of Mount Alexander to be communicated to the rest of the Nobility and Gentry approving their endeavours for their own defence c. He brought over also Commissions for all the Regiments in the Counties of Antrim Down Ardmagh and Monaghan except two that were not raised when Captain Leighton left the North and assured 'em of speedy relief telling them some of the Cannon and Ammunition were shipt and 15000 men ready at the Waterside c. Upon his coming King William and Queen Mary were Proclaimed in the Towns that were in the North-East part of Ulster with all the expressions of Duty and Affection which became their high obligations to their Majesties as well as their hopes from 'em and in some before his Arrival The same day Mr. Osborn arrived at Hillsborough with a Message which the Lord Tyrconnel had permitted him to deliver But the real design of his coming was to prevent their being surprized with the descent of the Irish Army to give 'em the best information and advice in order to their defence to which he earnestly urged 'em a fuller account whereof the Reader may see in his Vindication 11th of March the Irish Army came to Newry Sir Arthur Rawden being then at Loch-bricklan sent to the Consult for more Forces to defend that place But being that Night informed that the whole Irish Army would be there next Morning and the Consult acquainting him that they had no Forces ready to be sent and advising him to retire to Dromore he ordered the inhabitants that Night to pack up their Goods sent his Foot to Guard them and with his Horse secured their retreat The Inhabitants went on to Belfast and the Sea Coasts 12th of March the Garrison at Rathfryland with the Inhabitants abandoned the place and came to Dromore and that Night the Irish Army came to Loch-bricklan This day Cap. Hugh Mac-Gill brought his Troop of 80 Dragoons from the Ardes to Dromore Sir Arthur Rawden sent to Hillsbrough for an 100 good Musketeers but they came not nor the other Forces expected from other parts 13th of March the Irish Army
Lundy to March to Lifford and Strabane and the next the Dragoons were ordered to March to Letter-Kenny The Horse and Dragoons brought in good store of Meale and other Provisions to Derry April 10th Mr. Cairns being sent from England with Instructions and a Letter from the King to Collonel Lundy came this day to Derry he met some Officers and a great number of people going off Collonel Lundy had offered Passes to the Officers and spoke so discouragingly to many of them concerning the indefensibleness of the place that they strongly suspected he had a design to give it up and they could see little hope of preventing it in such a Confusion if he proved Treacherous and therefore were unwilling to stay only to be betrayed into the Enemies hands Mr. Cairns delivered the Kings Letter to Governour Lundy and acquainted him and others with the cause of his coming and the Forces following him at Sea for their aid and though this good News put new Life and resolution into many of them yet since others and particularly some of the chief Officers were said to be on the Wing to depart he was earnest with Governour Lundy to take some speedy and effectual care to prevent it whereupon a Council of War was held that Night to whom Collonel Lundy imparted his Letter see it in the end Mr. Cairns's Instructions were also read and be pursuant thereto represented to 'em his Majesties great care and concern for 'em and that whole Kingdom the great preparations making in England for their relief and the Forces at present hastening to ' em He therefore earnestly disswaded 'em from deserting the place and desired according to his Instructions a particular account of the present Condition of the City as to Men Arms Ammunition c. This had that effect that the Council drew up the following resolution which Collonel James Hamilton proposed and was active to promote We the Officers hereunto subscribing pursuant to a Resolution taken and agreed upon at a Council of War at London-Derry held this day do hereby mutually promise and engage to stand by each other with our Forces against the common Enemy and will not leave the Kingdom nor desert the publick Service until our affairs are in a setled and secure Posture And if any of us shall do the Contrary the person so leaving the Kingdom or deserting the Service without consent of a Council of War is to be deemed a Coward and disaffected to their Majesties Service and the Protestant Interest Dated the 10th of April 1689. Paulet Phillips Hugh Mac-Gill Rich. Croftor Jo. Hill Geo. Hamilton Arthur Upton Ja. Hamilton Nich. Atchison Hugh Montgommery The. Whitney Will. Ponsonby Rich. Johnson Robert Lundy Blaney Ar. Rawden Will. Shaw Rich. Whaley Dan. Mac-Neal Will. Shaw Jo. Forward Ger. Squire J. Blaney Jo. Tubman This Resolution was not only affixt on the Market-House but read next Morning at head of every Battallion at which the Soldiers expressed their great satisfaction with loud Acclamations and Huzza's Mr. Cairns also wrote to several persons of Note that were then about going off at Castledoe to disswade 'em but all in vain At the same Councel there were several Articles agreed on see 'em in the end The Enemy being come to the Lough and threatning to come over with their Boats and there being no other Vessel in the Lough but Mr. Cairne's the Council desired and obtained his to be used as a Privateer against them The Enemy thus hastning upon them and some discontents appearing among the Soldiers who murmured especially against Collonel Lundy for taking no more care to put 'em into a posture of defence and expressed great readiness to fight the Enemy if they were led on to allay these heats and provide for the common safety A Council of War was held April the 13th in which they came to the following Resolution London-Derry April the 13th 1689. At a General Council of War resolved unanimously that on Monday next by Ten of the Clock all Officers and Soldiers Horse Dragoons and Foot and all other Armed men whatsoever of our Forces and Friends Inlisted or not Inlisted that can or will Fight for their Countrey and Religion against Popery shall appear on the fittest Ground near Gladyford Lifford and Long-Cauly as shall be nearest to their several and respective Quarters there to draw up in Battalions to be ready to Fight the Enemy and to preserve our Lives and all that is dear to us from them And all Officers and Soldiers of Horse Foot Dragoons and others that are Armed are required to be then there in order to the purpose aforesaid and to bring a Weeks Provision at least with them for Men and as much Forrage as they can for Horses Robert Lundy William Stuart Ja. Hamilton Fran. Hamilton Nich. Atchison Hugh Montgommery Geo. Hamilton Fran. White Jo. Tubman Jo. Barry C. Fronde Hugh Mac-Gill Jo. Hill Jo. Hamilton Jo. Forward Kilner Brasier Walter Dawson Pawlet Phillips At this Councel Collonel Lundy was chosen to be Commander in chief in the Field which he undertook This day Major Stroud made some Proposals to Governour Lundy of which no notice was taken most of the Suburbs on both sides the Water were burnt or pulled down April the 14th the body of the Enemies Army Marched up towards Strabane part of them within view of the City whereupon Mr. Cairns went twice to Governour Lundy pressing him to take some speedy effectual care for securing the Passes of Fin-Water least the Enemy should get over before our men could meet he replied in a careless manner that he had given Orders already but how little was actually done towards the prevention of it the next day gave us a sad Demonstration The same day several others sent word to Governour Lundy that if he did not March the men that day the Enemy would certainly prevent their getting together in any orderly body and therefore intreated him to be with the men that Night at Clady and Lifford But their advice was not regarded our men had burnt all the Corn and Forrage on the Road so that if those Passes had been maintained the Enemies Horse could not have long subsisted there This day we had News that a Fleet was seen off the Coast near the Lough-mouth but were driven off by the Wind to Sea again Captain Hamil and Major Crofton with a party at Lifford did all this Night repulse the Enemy who attempted to come over the Ford with great resolution and success killing as we heard several of them with their Cannon and small shot April the 15th Collonel Cuningham and Collonel Richards with the English Ships and Forces arrived in the Lough they had particular Instructions to receive from time to time such Orders as Collonel Lundy should give them in all things relating to his Majesties Service pursuant to which Collonel Cuningham sent three several Messages to him By the first which was from Green-Castle about Ten in the Morning he acquainted him
with his coming and desired his Orders about Landing the two Regiments on board by the second from Red-Castle about Two in the Afternoon having some information of their being gone out to fight the Enemy at Clady he wrote the following Letter From on Board the Swallow near Red-Castle at Two in the Afternoon April the 15th 1689. SIR HEaring you have taken the Field in order to fight the Enemy I have thought it fit for their Majesties Service to let you know there are two well disciplin'd Regiments here on Board that may joyn you in two days at farthest I am sure they will be of great use in any occasion but especially for the encouragement of Raw men as I judge most of yours are therefore it is my opinion that you only stop the Passes at the Fords of Finn till I can joyn you and afterwards if giving Battle be necessary you will be in a much better posture for it than before I must ask your pardon if I am too free in my advice according the remote prospect I have of things this seems most reasonable to me but as their Majesties have left the whole direction of matters to you so you shall find that no man living will more chearfully obey you than your most humble Servant John Cuningham Having no Answer to either he sent a third Messenger from Culmore-Castle about Nine at Night to desire his Orders which he was ready to execute but he received no answer from Governour Lundy till that Evening of which in its due order This day a considerable party of the Irish Horse Marched from Strabane to Clady some of their Foot being there before them our men had the week before broke down some Arches of the Bridge and had made a Breast-work at the end of it Our Forces at Derry Marched about Eight or Nine in the Morning towards Long-Causey Lifford and Clady many Troops and Companies were gathering from several parts to joyn them in all above 10000. A party of the Enemy that attempted to Ford the River at Castle-Fin was repulsed by a party of Collonel Skeffingtons Regiment posted there Another small party of our men about 30 Dragoons of Collonel Stewarts Regiment Commanded by Captain Murray after most of the few Foot posted there were beat off opposed the Enemies coming over at Cladyford till all their Ammunition was spent But there was no more Ammunition sent them nay so strangely had the Governour managed things that most part of the Ammunition was but coming from Derry about three or four Miles out of it when some part of our Forces were fleeing thither upon their retreat And Major Stroud who had some Horse near the Ford was so ill plac't that he could not bring them on where they were so exposed to the Enemies shot thô he earnestly endeavour'd it so that they were forc't to retire from the Bridge the Enemy perceiving this and observing the scatter'd condition of our men several Troops of their Horse rush't into the River and swam through one Major Nangle and another Officer were drown'd When they got over they were as Gordon O-Neal since told me in terrible fear least we should have fallen upon them for the Waters being high they had scarce a dry shot left But Governour Lundy was so far from putting the Protestant Forces into any posture to oppose them that upon notice of their entring the Ford he gave Orders to all thereabouts to flee to Derry himself leading the way but sent none to other parts of the Army which never met in any considerable body Upon this News of the Irish Horse being got over the Foot posted at Lifford that were shooting at a Party of Irish cross the River at Strabane were called off and retired to the Pass at Long Causey Collonel Franc. Hamilton stopt those that fled there and drew 'em up in good order behind that Pass expecting the Irish would take that way and Lundy would come thither from Rapho But the Irish Horse chiefly pursued those that took the way to Rapho where they did great Execution on Coll. Mountgomery's Regiment of Foot there being no tolerable care taken to bring 'em off And they had been all cut off if they had not got into Boggs and Marishy places to secure themselves from the Enemies Horse The Forces at the Long Causey staid there till towards evening but fearing the Enemy might come from Rapho to intercept their passage to Derry they retired thither So inexcusable was the Conduct of the General both in abandoning so many Passes and those so easily defensible by a few men if they had been either supplyed with Ammunition or constantly reliev'd and in never so much as attempting to draw the Forces into a Body when there were in the Field above 10000 men who whatever he pretended to the contrary wanted more care and resolution in their Leader than Courage in themselves But whether this ill Conduct must be ascrib'd to negligence or design the Reader must be left to judge by his following actions Governour Lundy being come into Town order'd the Centinels to shut the Gates so that many Officers Soldiers and private Gentlemen were forc'd that Night to lye about the Walls and the reason that he since publickly gave for it is not unworthy the Readers notice viz. To preserve the Provisions which he knew to be sufficient for 3000 men for 3 Months after the rate of 4 pounds of Fish 3 pounds of Flesh and 8 quarts of Meal per Week for each Man And though this was very far from being a just Acconnt yet how very different a one he gave the Officers of the two Regiments on board will appear by what follows Governour Lundy this Night sent back Major Tiffin Captain Lyndon and Captain Cornwall Commander of the Swallow Frigat as appears by a Certificate annext at the end with the following Answer to Coll. Cuningham's Message To Coll. John Cuningham SIR I Am come back much sooner than I expected when I went forth for having numbers placed on Fin-water as I went to a Pass where a few might oppose a greater number than came to the place I found them on the run before the Enemy who pursued with great Vigour and I fear March on with their Forces so that I wish your men would March all Night in good order least they be surprized here they shall have all the accommodation the place will afford in this hurry pardon me for this brevity the rest the bearer will inform you I rest Sir London-Derry April 15. 1689. Your faithful Servant Robert Lundy If the Men be not landed let 'em land and march immediately Sir Since the writing of this Major Tiffen is come here and I have given him my Opinion fully which I believe when you hear and see the place you will both joyn with me that without an immediate supply of Money and Provisions this place must fall very soon into the Enemys hands If you do not send your
men here some time tomorrow it will not be in your power to bring 'em at all 'Till we discourse the matter I remain Dear Sir Your most faithful Servant Robert Lundy In the Postscript he referrs Coll. Cuningham to the account he gave Major Tiffin which was as himself has since publickly own'd That there was not above 10 days Provision in Town for 3000 Men though all unnecessary Mouths were put out of it and though what was in the Town for private use were taken to the publick Stores Accordingly he ordered Coll. Cuningham and Coll. Richards to leave their Men still on board their Ships and to come with some of their Officers to Town that they might resolve on what was fit to be done Accordingly April 16. Coll. Cuningham and Coll. Richards with some of their Officers came to Town where Coll. Lundy call'd a Council of War composed of these sixteen Persons Chidley Coot James Hamilton Captains of Cuning Reg. Cornwall Echlin Traunter Lyndon Lundy Blany Cuningham Richards Hussey Tiffin Captains of Richards ' s Regim Pearson Pache. Taylor The two Collonels with their Officers were intire strangers to the State of the Town and the rest were in a great measure unacquainted with it for Coll. Lundy had call'd none of the Inhabitants to it except Mr. Mogredge the Clark and when several of the principal Officers who had some suspicion of Coll. Lundy's design as Coll. Franc. Hamilton Coll. Chichester Coll. Crofton Lieut. Coll. Ponsonby c. desired to be admitted they were absolutely refused though at the same Council he pretended he had sent for the two first but said they could not be found and for Sir Arthur Rewdon who he said was a dying Coll Cuningham deliver'd to Governor Lundy his Majesties Letter and Orders directed to him but the Governour who was President of the Council gave 'em the same account of the State of the Town that he had before given to Major Tiffin and therefore advised 'em all to quit it for he said he would do so himself Those of the Council who came from England thinking it impossible the Governour should be ignorant of the Condition of the Town and observing the account to pass without any contradiction from those there who had been for some time in it but had not it seems inform'd themselves better soon agreed in the Opinion of returning for England rather than stay in a place not to be Victualled from the Countrey especially when as he further said the Enemy were near their Gates with 25000 Men and there was no possibility of a return from England in so short a time as the Governour affirm'd what Provision they had must be spent only Coll. Richards argued against it because he look'd on the deserting that Garrison not only as the quitting that City but the whole Kingdom and accordingly they came to the following Resolution Upon Enquiry it appears that there is not Provision in the Garrison of London-Derry for the present Garrison and the two Regiments on board for above a week or ten days at most and it appearing that the Place is not tenable against a well appointed Army therefore it is concluded upon and resolved That it is not convenient for his Majesties Service but the contrary to land the two Regiments under Col. Cunningham and Col. Richards their Command now on board in the River of Lough-foyle That considering the present circumstances of Affairs and the likelihood the Enemy will soon possess themselves of this Place it is thought most convenient that the Principal Officers shall privately withdraw themselves as well for their own preservation as in hopes that the Inhabitants by a timely Capitulation may make terms the better with the Enemy and that this we judge most convenient for his Majesties Service as the present State of Affairs now is On the Result of this Council Collonel Cunningham and Collonel Richards with their Officers went down to the Ships which that day fell down below Red-Castle But Collonel Lundy to delude both the Officers and Soldiers in Town who were earnestly begging that the English Forces might land that with their Assistance they might take the Field and fight the Enemy before their Cannon were brought over in order to the Preservation of that corner into which the Provisions and Wealth of 3 or 4 Counties was crouded told 'em publickly It was resolved the English Forces should immediately land and when they were in their Quarters the Gates should be opened and all joyn in defence of the Town And to cloak the Intreague the better the Sheriffs were ordered to go through the City to provide Quarters for 'em who accordingly did so But all this was meer sham to amuse the Town while they might get away with the greater Ease and Safety This Order was not publickly known till the 18th But one of the Officers of this Council acquainted Collonel Franc. Hamilton and Capt. Hugh Mac Gill with it and advised 'em to go off Captain Mac Gill discovered it to several Friends and particularly to Sir Arthur Rawden who then lay extreamly weak and was the only Person there by Name excepted from Mercy in the Lord Tyrconnel's Proclamation This made 'em look on the Town as betrayed and represented affairs so desperate to 'em that they thought it madness in 'em to stay behind meerly to be exposed as a Sacrifice to the Fury of the Irish And therefore many of 'em got off to the Ships the day following This Day the Body of our Foot that retreated by command from Clady and those parts came in tolerable Order to the Gates but were surprized to find 'em shut by the Governours Order who had but the Day before commanded 'em to flee thither they called to the Centries to open 'em which they refused But when one of the Captains of Collonel Skeffingtons Regiment fired at the Centry and call'd for Fire to burn the Gate that and the other Gates were thrown open and all that had been kept out the Night before now entred the Town which made a considerarable Body There being no Forrage in the Town the Horse went all generally towards Culmore some both Officers and Souldiers who had observed Collonel Lundy's ill Conduct and the confused Posture their Affairs were in got to the Ships those that stayed gathered to Captain Murray and resolved to sell their lives dear rather than fall into the hands of an Enemy from whom they expected no Mercy Governour Lundy had plac'd Captain Jemmet Governour of Culmore who afterwards by his Order deserted it though he had been formerly active in the service of the Town a few Irish poffest themselves of it but it was soon recovered by a small Artifice April 17th King James and his Army being advanc'd as far as St. Johnstown five miles from Derry he or Lieutenant Gen. Hamilton sends one Mr. Whitlow a Clergyman to Governour Lundy to know if they in the City would surrender on honourable terms which they should
to their great dishonour as well as loss The number of those killed on the place was about 30 how many were wounded and afterwards died we could not tell Some Officers were killed viz. A French Lieutenant Collonel Captain Obrian a French Captain an English Captain an English Lieutenant Captain Mackārtie Corporal Mac-Guire and a private Sōldier were taken Prisoners At this time Governour Baker died justly lamented by the Garrison in whose affections his prudent and resolute Conduct had given him a great Interest After Governour Bakers death there were several meetings appointed for the Election of a Governour but continual action prevented them However Collonel Mitchelburn who had been Deputy Governour during Bakers sickness continued to act as Governour tho without any confirmation from the Council June the 30th Conrad de Rosen Marshal General of King James's Forces who was said to swear by the Belly of God that he would demolish our Town and bury us in its Ashes sent in this following Letter to the Governour and Officers Conrad de Rozen Marshal General of all his Majesties Forces DEclares by these presents to the Commanders Officers Soldiers and Inhabitants of the City of London-Derry that in case they do not betwixt this and Munday next at six of the Clock in the Afternoon being the first of July in the year of our Lord 1689. agree to surrender the said place of London-Derry unto the King upon such Conditions as may be granted them according to the Instructions and Power Lieutenant General Hamilton formerly received from his Majesty that he will forthwith issue out his Orders from the Barrony of Innishowen and the Sea-coasts round about as far as Charlemont for the gathering together of those of their Faction whether protected or not and cause them immediately to be brought to the Walls of London-Derry where it shall be lawful for those in the same in case they have any pity of them to open the Gates and receive them into the City otherwise they will be forced to see their Friends and nearest Relations all starved for want of Food he having resolved not to leave any of them at home nor any thing to maintain them He further declares that in case they refuse to submit he will forthwith cause all the said Countrey to be immediately destroyed that if any succour should be hereafter sent them from England they may perish with them for want of Sustenance besides which he hath a very considerable Army as well for the opposing of them in all places that shall be judged necessary as for the protection of all the rest of his Majesties dutiful Subjects whose goods and Chattels he promises to secure destroying all the rest that cannot conveniently be brought into such places as he shall judge fit to be preserved and burning the Houses and Mills not only of those that are in actual Rebellion but also of their Friends and adherents that no hopes of escaping may be left for any man beginning this very day to send his necessary Orders to all Governours and other Commanders of his Majesties Forces at Colerain Antrim Carrickfergus Belfast Dungannon Charlemount Belturbet Sligo and to Collonel Sarsfield commanding a flying Army beyond Bellishanny Collonel Sutherland commanding another towards Inniskillin and the Duke of Berwick another on the Finwater to cause all the Men Women and Children who are any wise related to those in London-Derry or any where else in open Rebellion to be forthwith brought to this place without hopes of withdrawing further into the Kingdom Moreover he declares that in case before the said Munday the first day of July in the year of our Lord 1689. be expired they do not send us Hostages and other Deputies with a full and sufficient power to treat with us for the surrender of the said City of London-Derry on reasonable conditions they shall not after that time be admitted to any Treaty whatsoever and the Army which shall continue the Siege and will with the assistance of God soon reduce it shall have order to give no Quarters or spare either Age or Sex in case it is taken by force But if they return to the obedience due to their natural Prince he promises them that the Conditions granted to them in his Malesties name shall be inviolably observed by all his Majesties Subjects and that he himself will have a care to protect them on all occasions even to take their part if any injury contrary to agreement should be done them making himself responsible for the performance of the Conditions on which they shall agree to surrender the said place of London-Derry to the King Given under my hand this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord 1689. Le Marshal de Rosen Par Monseigneur Fetart Lieutenant General Hamilton had also a little before this Letter sent into Town the following Proposals Lientenant General Hamiltons Proposals 1. That Collonel O-Neal has a power to discourse with the Governony of Derry from General Hamilton as appears by his sending this 2. That the General has full power does appear by his Commission 3. That General Rosen has no power from the King to intermeddle with what Lientenant General Hamilton does as to the Siege being only sent to oppose the English Succours and that all Conditions and Parlies are left to the said Lieutenant General Familton that as to what Articles shall be agreed on they may see by the Kings Warrant he has full power to confirm them Notwithstanding if they do not think this sufficient he will give what other reasonable security they can demand As to the English Landing such as had Commissions from the Triace of Orange need not be apprehensive since it will be the Kings interest to take as much care of his Pretestant Subjects as of any other he making no distinction of Religion 4. As to what concerns the Inniskilling people they shall have the same terms as those of Derry on their submission the King being willing to shew mercy to all his Subjects and quiet his Kingdoms 5. That the Lieutenant General desires no better than having it communicated to all the Garrison he being willing to imploy such as will freely swear to serve his Majesty faithfully and all such as have a desire to live in Town shall have Protection and free liberty of Goods and Religion As to the last point such as have a mind to return to their Homes shall have a necessary Guard with them to their respective Habitations and Victuals to supply them where they shall be restored to all they possessed formerly not only by the Sheriffs and Justices of the Peace but also by Governours and Officers of the Army who from time to time will do them right and give them reprizals of Cattle from such as have taken them to the Mountains At the Camp at Derry June 27th 1689. Rich. Hamilton Lest these Proposals should be kept up from the Garrison they weakly imagining the Soldiers more
Arrive there in the presence of the Mayor or Chief Civil Magistrate of London-derry But if he shall refuse the said Oaths or any one of them Or that you shall find the Approach to the said Town difficult and the Landing or Delivery of the said Arms and Stores insecure you are then not to Land the said Stores or part with the said Commission Instructions and Mony but to cause them to be brought back on Board the said Ship under the same Convoy to some Port in England Whereupon notice thereof given to us we shall signifie our further Orders thereupon and for so doing c. Given c. Whitehall the 22. of Febr. 1688. By His Majesties Command Shrewsbury The Kings Letter to Collonel Lundy by Mr. Cairns Whitehall 8th March 1688. SIR I Am Commanded by the King to acquaint you That his Majesties greatest Concern bath been for Ireland and particularly for the Province of Ulster which he looks upon as most capable to desend it self against the Common Exemy And that they might be the better enobled to do it there are two Regiments already at the Sea-sâ—de ready to embark in order to their Transportation into that Province with which will be sent a good quantity of Arms and Ammunition And they will be speedily followed by 〈◊〉 considerable a Body as by the Blessing of God may be able to rescue the whole Kingdom and re-settle the Protestant Interest there His Majesty does very much rely upon your Fidelity and Resolution not only that you should acquit your self according to the Character he has received of you but that you should encourage and influence others in this difficult conjuncture to discharge their Duty to their Countrey their Religion and their Posterity all which call upon them for a more than ordinary vigour to keep out that deluge of Popery and Slavery which so nearly threatens them And you may assure them That besides his Majesties Care for their Preservation who hath a due tenderness and regard for them as well in consideration that they are his Subjects as that they are now exposed for the sake of that Religion which he himself professes The whole bent of this Nation inclines them to imploy their utmost endeavours for their deliverance And it was but this very morning that his Majesty hath most effectually recommended the Case of Ireland to the two Houses of Parliament And I do not doubt but they will thereupon immediately come to such Resolutions as will shew to all the World that they espouse their Interest as their own As to your own particular you will always find the King graciously disposed to own and reward the services you shall do him in such a time of Trial. And for my part Whatever I can contribute either to the general Service of that Kingdom or to your own particular satisfaction I shall never be wanting in Sir Your very humble Servant Shrewsbury Subscribed for Coll. Lundy Governour of London-Derry Instructions to Mr. David Cairnes YOU are with what convenient Speed you can forthwith to repair to Londonderry in the Kingdom of Ireland At your Arrival there you are to acquaint the Governour and Magistrates of the said City of his Majesties great care and concern for their Security Which he hath shewn not only in sending thither at this time Men Arms and Ammunition but in the further great preparations he is making as well for the particular Defence of that place as for the Safety and Protection of that whole Kingdom You are particularly to inform your self of the present Condition of Londonderry both as to Men Arms and Ammunition and whether the Country thereabout can be able to furnish Provisions for a greater force intended to be sent thither without carrying Provisions from England An exact account whereof you are to bring your self with the best speed you can or to send it with the first conveniency to me or to the Committee of Council appointed for Irish Affairs You are to get the best Informations you can what force the Enemy has as well Horse as Foot in what Condition the Troops are and how Armed and what care is taken for their Subsistance whether by providing Magazines and Stores or by trusting to the Provisions they shall find where they March You are to enquire what new Levies have been made of Horse Foot or Dragoons by those Collonels who had their Commissions sent them some time since by Captain Layton of what Numbers they are and how disposed of Given at the Court of White-hall this 11th Day of March 1688 9. Shrewsbury Mr. Cairns Certificate Charles Earl of Shrewsbury Waterford and Wexford c. one of the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council and Principal Secretary of State MR. David Cairns the Bearer hereof being appointed by the Committee for Irish Affairs forthwith to repair to London-Derry These are to Certifie whom it may concern that the said Mr. Cairns hath for these two months last past attended constantly his Majesty and the Council in behalf of the said City and that he hath behaved himself with Prudence Diligence and Faithfulness Given at the Court at Whitehall this 11th Day of March 1688 9. Shrewsbury Articles at a Council of War at Derry April 10th 1689. At a Council of War at London-Derry Present Coll. Robert Lundy Coll. James Hamilton Coll. Hugh Mongomery Lieut. Coll. Whitney Lieut. Coll. White Lieut. Coll. Johnsten Lieut. Coll. Shaw Major Barry Major Tubman Lord Blayney Sir Nich. Atchison Coll. Francis Hamilton Lieut. Coll. Ponsonby Major Crofton Major Hill Major Phillips Capt. Hugh Mac Gill. 1. REsolved That a mutual Engagement be made between all the Officers of this Garrison and the Forces adjoining and to be signed by every Man That none shall desert or forsake the Service or depart the Kingdom without leave of a Council of War If any do he or they shall be lookt upon as a Coward and disaffected to the Service 2. That a Thousand Men shall be chosen to be part of this Garrison and joined with the Soldiers already herein to defend the City the Officers of which thousand and the Garrison Officers are to enter into the Engagement aforesaid 3. That all Officers and Soldiers of any of our Forces in the Neighbourhood not of this Garrison shall forthwith repair to their respective Quarters and Commands 4. That all Collonels and Commanders of every Regiment or independent Troop or Company be now armed and fitted that so we may take up Resolutions for Field-service accordingly The Lists to be sent hither by Saturday next 5. That the several Officers in their respective Quarters shall take care to send in Privisions to the Magazines of this Garrison for supply thereof And take care that they leave with the Owner thereof some of their Victuals and Provisions for their own Supports and to send in Spades Shovels and Pick-axes 6. That the Thousand Men to be taken into this Garrison shall have the old Houses about the Walls