ANOTHER EXTRACT of more LETTERS sent out of IRELAND, Informing the condition of the Kingdom as it now stands. SIR, Since my last to you, that is to say, the 23. of June, the marquis went to meet the Rebels at Castle-marten near Killcullen Bridge, where for the Rebels, there met for the Province of Leinster, the Lord Viscount Gormonston, and Sir Robert Talbot; for the Province of Munster, the Lord Viscount Muskerry, and John Welsh the Lawyer; for the Province of Connaught, Sir Lucas Dillon, and jeffery Browne the Lawyer; for the Province of Ulster, Tirlogh o Neale, Sir Philem o Neales' Brother, and Ever, M. Gennys of Killwarlin. There went with the marquis, the Earl of Roscommon, the Lord Moor, Sir Francis Willoughby, Sir Thomas Lucas, Sir james Ware, Sergeant Eustace, Colonel monk, Colonel Gibson, and many others; Our Commissioners and others were in several Chambers, and as I hear, Treated by writing, only sometimes Messengers went between them: The Lord Taaffe was at that place and very busy, they continued there till the first of july, and appointed the 18. of july to meet again, but being better advized upon the unreasonableness of the Rebels demands, they met no more but broke off the Treaty, as 'tis reported, and are now preparing with all speed to take the Field. In my last Letters that miscarried at Sea, I wrote you word of a great overthrow given by Sir Robert Stewart, Sir William Stewart and Sir William Coles Forces, against Owen Roe o Neale the Rebel's General of Ulster, where after a long fight they beat them, and killed 1000 of them as is reported, took a very great prey of Cattles, above 6000. Cow's as it is said, many prisoners of note taken, and Owen Roe o Neale escaped very narrowly, sothat in Ulster appears no Army of the Rebels, and those Irish which are left there, are eating up of one another through famine. About a week before the Treaty for a Cessation, here was a report that Preston the Rebel's General with some Soldiers was come into Meath, about Tecrohan and those parts, but with how many, and for what cause, we had not so good intelligence as to know yet, Colonel Muncke then ready to go for England, was entreated by the State to go out towards him with a party of men, who yielded to it; he should have had 1500 Foot at the first, and 3 or 400 Horse, but they were so scattered here and there, up and down in the Country, that he had but 1200 Foot, and about 150 Horses, he relieved Castle jordan, and some other parts thereabouts, and coming homeward by Clancarry, about 15 miles from Dublin, Preston meets him with about 6000 Foot, and 600 Horse, some that were present there and had seen all the Armies on both sides since the Rebellion first began, do affirm, that this of Prestons was the greatest; both sides did strive for a strait passage which monk was of necessity to go over, for which they disputed the matter a good while, but Colonel Munck gained it; then they encountered and fought a good while, till Preston and his Army very stoutly ran away, having lost about 150 of his men killed in the place, as 'twas reported to me, and took many of their Arms, and some Colours; and of our side not one man killed, only one man shot but not dead; thus God yet preserves us miraculously, and why we should distrust him who deals thus for us I know not. It is thought by some, that Preston had a design upon Dublin, coming so near it with such an Army, and having no Enemy, or other place to look for thereabouts. Dublin, July 5, 1643. Written again from thence by the same hand, being a man of credit and worth in the City of Dublin. I Wrote in my last how Colonel monk had beaten Preston, but not being able to pursue him, he having so small a party and wanting means, he marched into the Counties of Wickloe and Wexford, and as he returned burnt most of the Town of Arckloe, but the Castle there was too well fortified for him to deal with, he returned home to Dublin the last Monday, and brought with him about 500 Cows, which he gave amongst the Soldiers: In the mean time Preston took in Crohan and Edenderry in the King's County, and is now marching again towards Castle jordan to besiege it. Though Captain Bartlet came to us the last week with that provision which the Parliament sent us, yet our Commanders say, they cannot stir without 5 or 6000lb. to provide for their train of Artillery, for Carriages, for Shoes for the Soldiers, and such like necessaries, which money when and how it will be gotten here none knows, the Protestants especially are so drained, that they have little or nothing left, and the Papists will lend nothing. The Rebels agree well together, so do not we, and if we spend time about private differences one with another, and seeking to charge and undermine ourselves, what must become of the public. It is still confirmed, that there are no Rebels to be seen in Ulster, and that the Irish that are there, are so miserable that they eat their children, and one another, a just judgement of God upon them for their cruelties. Owen Roe o Neale their General in that Province, with all his men are said to be gone into Connaught, and that the Scottish Army is gone after him, but I hear of no message sent by them to our State here of it, so that what they will do we know not, only of this I am sure, if things were now well followed by them, as they might be, and that we had but some money for the Officers, Victual and Ammunition, and that well ordered and governed as it should be, we might by Gods help break the heart of this War in a very short time. Bartlet came in a blessed time, for in that time upon a strict search in Dublin, there was but 400 Barrels of Corn found in the whole City for all the Army and Inhabitants here, multitudes of the poor English come still from Ulster and other parts, as they get from the Rebels, which fills us with famine. Dublin, 12 July, 1643. From the same hand. THat provision of Victuals brought by Bartlet was a means of keeping us from a desolation which then was falling upon us; but that is almost spent, and we shall suddenly fall into the same case again, if we be not supplied; and if we shall be supplied in time with necessaries, there is no doubt but by God's blessing we may have a quick end of the War for the main of it; for Ulster is already upon the matter conquered, and no Rebels in a body to be now seen there. The Pale is so wasted, that scarce a Cow, Garron or Man is to be seen in many miles together, and the ears of the Corn which is now growing in many of these parts, is so generally cut off now before it is ripe, by the hunger-starved Rebels, that very little of it will be reaped, so that if we could have reasonable supplies for the present, that we might be able to take away this harvest from them, and destroy that which we could not take, a great part of this War would be ended this Winter, which otherwise may long trouble us. You must know, that Soldiers which serve in a Country only for their pay, and have no interest in it, will not care so much what becomes of it, and will exclaim more for the want of their pay if it be wanting, than those who are interessed in it, and have hopes to recover their ancient possessions and rights, of which sort I would we had more here. Do not forget what I now write, that the sending of help to us now in time, will be more, than ten times so much when it is late, and when matters are brought to that exigent, that we shll be like to those in a deep consumption which cannot be recovered. Brent the Popish Lawyer is suddenly expected here from Oxford; and at his coming some alterations and changes amongst us here to follow. Preston we hear is about Tecrohan, threatens the Garrison at Trim, our Army is gone that way, my Lord marquis in person is to follow presently, God bless and prosper him. You will sell good bargains of our Cities and Towns here certainly when they shall be gained. I do not think it will be two years purchase▪ and I think if things may go on roundly, before this summer is spent, the work would easily by Gods help be done, but if you lose time a little longer, instead of getting any thing, both you and we shall be sure to lose all, two Months more of such times as we have had the two last Months past, will do much to bring us into a hectic Fever, which Physicians say is irrecoverable. Dublin, July 19, 1643. From another good hand from Dublin. WE know not how to live, there are now here such an infinite number of poor people come to this Town, which have been sent by the Rogues from the Garrisone which they have taken from us, that it would grieve the heart of any Christian to see them lie in the streets starving, and no means to help them. Our Army is now going forth, God presper them. Our Soldiers are in great distress, not having either Meat, Money, or Shoes to their feet, it is a lamentable thing to see what distress they are in. The North is cleared, I wish their Forces were with us. Reasons delivered in Ireland, against the Cessation of Arms there so much pressed by the Rebels, the Treaty now broken off. 1. WHereas a Cessation is treated of, and the only reason thereof, because by that we must seek our subsistence; This must infallibly starve us and the Army, Now there being many hands and active wits in several places, who do often get something by force and so live, than they must take nothing, but must only trust to the dole of the false Rebels who themselves are poor and warning. 2. Now our Soldiers grow in martial exercises and action, than they shall grow dull, sick and idle to their destruction, sell their Arms not cared for by their Officers, who do so ill look to them now as they lose them and embesle them daily. 3. The English Soldiers will run away into England, and Irish will be taken in their rooms, all will be Irish in a years space, which is the time of Cessation, especially a peace being expected, and so we shall have no Army English Horse or Foot, whereby we shall be altogether at the will of the Irish as is desired, or else the English will straggle to their old dwellings, and so be murdered here and there. 4. The Churls shall murder us in every corner, and the prime men not seen in it, where shall we have remedy, their being no judge nor party answerable, the Law not current, the Irish faithless and really tied to nothing. 5. The Garrisons in sever all places have neither Corn nor Cattles, they must take none by force, how shall they live? the contribution cannot or will not come in, what remedy? The Rebels will have all the Corn this harvest, we must buy it of them, and are not able for want of money, how then? 6. The Rebel is now in great want of Corn, Ammunition, etc. this harvest and a whole year's time, by the Sea will provide them of all things, and so if we shall have men to fight with them (which we may well doubt) they will by this furnish and enable themselves for 2 or 3 Years further at least, and so tyre us and England, whereas it were our wisdom to lose no time. 7. The Irish will come into Dublin, and very likely surprise us, if not, they will sue us for any thing we own, if we sue them, there is no Law nor Officers to execute judgements, and if they do not surprise us or pinch us with suits, they will starve us. 8. Our little Ammunition we have will be spent before winter in ordinary watches, we have nothing to acquire more, so that if England help us not one ways or other, this next winter we shall be at the will of the Irish as is desired. 9 Now they see our Army and Dublin only stands in the way, these two must by this devise unfallibly be destroyed by what is above said, So no help but a new conquest upon most extreme disadvantages if not impossible. 10. The Cessation is for a long time, and able to give scope to all manner of practices wherein they will never sleep, and we by authority or inherent negligence utterly lull asleep; The blood of so many innocent English now in the heat of action being almost grown cold, by this devise a whole year will be given to wrap it into more oblivion, and so the Irish shall have their will both in Religion and possessions of our goods and Lands. 11. When our Army by this long idleness is made Irish or unserviceable, if it be said we will have new Armies, and not trust the Irish, Then must we fight with raw Soldiers against experienced and better armed men, which will be dangerous, besides the great increase of the charge more than now it would be. 12. Can any man expect that the Rebels whose only aim is to extirpate the English and Religion, will keep better faith with us now, when the English are wonderful few and disabled, than they did when the English were in all parts, the government strong, and the English inhabitants rich and in vigour. 13. The advantage is apparently now on our side, the Irish are every where beaten, they are distressed in Victuals and Ammunition, they have no Foreign aides, they fear our Armies every where, and undoubtedly by a little subsistence out of England, we are able to consume them, but by this devise all will be turned the other way. 14. If a peace should ensue this prologue, which is certainly expected, than the English are certainly destroyed, for the Irish continuing in their full multitudes and fully armed, will be masters both of government and interest both of King and Subject, the English cannot inhabit here. 15. This Cessation cannot give us Corn till harvest, in the mean time we starve, though they strive to send us in Cattles, which is much doubted they can very hardly do. 16. The Cessation will provide only for the Army, and that in a scant measure, not enough to serve half the year, what shall the poor English rob subjects do, they have neither money nor means to buy food, but the English must all be gone, which is the principal labour of the Irish and of those that have promoted this Cessation. 17. If all the Arms of the Irish mighe have been delivered up, and the Towns rendered to us, we might perhaps have had a little breathing, but no security, so long as such huge numbers of the Irish remain, and the English in such paucity and weakness. 18. This Cessation will utterly deface our Religion, and set up Popery in the full height. 19 The harvest saved to them and lost to us, will be of much greater value to them for the subsistence and advantage, than all that they can give us can be to us, besides the lengthening of the war for many years. 20. Their malice is now more and their power more than at the beginning, can we think they will hold longer with us than they see their time. 21. This Cessation leads to a peace, and being as is principally pretènded by reason of our extreme necessities and the failer of the Parliament, even to save our lives: whereas in truth our lives are not worth the dishonour and detriment it will bring to the Crown and English Nation, and it must work to base ends, even to give the Irish all the Lands, and for ever keep out the English, which is the thing mainly affected, and to work the dissolving of the Act for the Adventurers, and to smother all the cruelties, murders and rapines committed by the Irish. 22. It doth utterly discourage all the English, and makes them forsake the Kingdom all they can which will soon be done. 23. The Rogues of this Rebellion (though not seemingly countenanced by the great ones) being needy and in want, will steal all our Cows, etc. from our garrisons and no remedy. 24. The Cessation hath in pretence an aim at our subsistence, and to be founded only on our necessities, which truly is a dangerous ground of peace, amongst so a people: but the inward meaning is the preservation and restitution of the Irish, and keeping out the English and English government, neither doth it seem to be a thing so resolutely commanded by the King, for it hath been said openly, if we would lend 10000lb. there should be no Cessation, and yet the King should be satisfied, or if we would propound any other way for maintenance, the like should be done. 25. It is a certain way to lose Ulster, which is now in a manner entirely in our hands, and we in a fair way to Connaught. 26. New the Cattles which we gain though they be sold dear here, yet our Soldiers have the money who spend it amongst us, but if the Cessation proceed, than we must buy Corn and Cattles from the Rebels who will have all our money. 27. Lastly, Although we are truly in a most miserable case for subsistence, gasping daily for the last breath by 'samine or our own enemy's Sword, seeming for a time to be left by the Parliament through the intemperate exclamations of a wanting Army, and our Sovereign Lord the King not able at the present to help us, Yet doubtless it is less dishonourable and shall render us less scandalous to posterity to die with our Swords in our hands, yet expecting God's mercy, then by a craved Cessation and in a certain destruction, to tie up our hands now helping us a little, and yield up ourselves and the Kingdom against his Majesty and the Crown of England, into the hands of barbarous Rebels, who thirst only to riot in the blood of innocent English, and the utter abolition of the Protestant Religion. The new Oath made by the supreme Council of the Rebels of IRELAND at Kilkenny. WHereas the Romish Catholics of this Kingdom of Ireland have been enforced to take Arms, for the necessary defence and preservation as well of the Religion plotted, and by manifold practices endeavoured to be quite suppressed by the Puritan faction, as likewise the lives, estates and liberties, as also for the defence and safeguard of his Majesty's regal Powers, just Prerogatives, Honours, Estates and Rights invaded upon, And for that it is requisite that there should be an unanimous consent and real union between all the Catholics of this Realm, to maintain the premises, and strengthen them against the Adversaries; It is thought fit that they and whosoever shall adhere to their parties as a confederate, should for the better assurance of the adhering fidelity and constancy for the public cause take this ensuing Oath. I A. B. Do promise, swear and protest before God and his Saints and Angels, that I will bear faith and Allegiance to our Sovereign Lord Charles, by the grace of God, King of Great- Britain, France and Ireland, and to his Pleyres and lawful Successors, and that I will to my power during my life, defend, uphold and maintain all his and their just Prerogatives, Estates and Rights, the Power and Privilege of the Parliament of this Realm, the fundamental Laws of Ireland, the free exercise of the Catholic Romish Faith and Religion throughout this Land, and the Lives, just Liberties, Possessions, Estates and Rights of all those that have taken or shall take this Oath, and perform the contents thereof: And that I will obey and ratify all the Orders and Decrees made and to be made by the suprcame Council of the confederate Catholics of this Kingdom concerning the public cause. And that I will not seek or receive directly or indirectly, any pardon or protection for any act done or to be done touching this general cause, without the consent of the major part of the said Council: And that I will not directly or indirectly do any act or acts that shall prejudice the said Cause, but will to the hazard of my life and estate, assist, prosecute and maintain the same. So help me God and his holy Gospel. Killmore Castle in Ireland, june 23, 1643. A Letter from Sir Robert Stewart Knight and Colonel to the Earl of Eglington. Right Honourable, and my very Noble Lord, YOur Lordships I received the very same day before Sir William Stowart and I, with the rest of the Forces here, took our march upon a late expedition to the Counties of Monoghan and Tirone, for the which and all your Lordship's kind expressions unto me, I give your Lordship many hearty thanks, and am your Lordship's most humble servant; and for what happened in the same expedition, your Lordship shall have the true Relation of it as followeth; and first when Sir William Stewarts Regiment, Colonel Mervins, and mine own, with five Companies out of Derry had marched a day or two together, we had intelligence that Owen Mac Art o Neale the Rebels great titulary General had drawn all the Forces in Ulster together, with their whole Cows, and was upon their march for Connoght, of purpose as we were informed to leave his weak people there and all their Cattles, and to return himself with a strong Army to assault us and the rest of the British Army in Ulster, upon which intelligence we hastened our march to a place where we heard that he was to march through, a place called Clownys in the County of Monnoghan, being upon the road way from Tirone to Connaught, and about some 25 miles distant from Charlemount, and through God's providence it fell out, that upon the 13 of this instant June, a Scout of Horse which I sent out (I having the Van that day) discovered the Irish Army, upon the which I gave order that our Army in regard of their hard march formerly, should refresh themselves with one hour or two's rest, which was done accordingly, and so we strengthened our Porlorne guard, and so continued our march towards them; whenas we advanced near unto them, we discovered their Horse drawn up upon a piece of ground of advantage, and from them were commanded out a party of their best Horse very well mounted, which in a daring insulting way came up and charged some of my Troop, which they received very resolutely, and after a whiles dispute they were put to a retreat, in this interim, a party of the Rebel's Foot had drawn up into a place where was a narrow stone causey and strait pass, where they thought to keep up our Horse, but was put from it by our commanded men, and so the pass was cleared, and my Troop being seconded by Sir William Stewarts Troop and Sir William Belfores, advanced forward upon their Horses, and our commanded men on both sides gave very good fire upon one another, the way where the rest of our Army marched was very narrow, so that none of them came to do service, excempt only the sirst division of my Regiment, which I led on myself, and before ever the second division came to my service, notwithstanding that there was 11 Colours of the Rebels upon service all the while, the Rebels was routed both Foot and Horse, and our light wings and Cannons did very good service, and many of the chiefest and best of their Foreign Officers were either killed in the filds or taken prisoners, for our Horse had the kill of them for 8 or 9 miles together upon all hands, and our Foot for 5 miles or thereabouts, where was done great execution upon the best of their men, Owen Mac Art o Neale himself very narrowly escaped, for the Captain of my Troop was in gripes with him, but his Horse stumbled and he was hurt with a shot, and Owen Mac Art was relieved by one of his Captains. One o Mellane who is now prisoned with me, several other prisoners I have, as one Colonel Brother, son to Owen Mac Art and bred a Soldier, borne in Brussels, another Lieutenanr Colonel who hath been an Officer abroad this 24 Years, call- Shane o Neale, 3 Captains, Named Art o Neale, Shane o Neale and Pattick o Mullin, and 3 Gentlemen of quality, Named William o Clenton, Manns o Sheale, and Con o Neale, great store of Arms we had both for Horse and Foot, and I believe they carried few with them, for my Regiment had 300 Muskets for their share, besides many Swords, Petronels and Pistols, besides all that the rest of the Regiments had. That night Owen Mac Art himself betook him to a Wood, where was a Friary within 7 or 8 miles to Charlemount, where he lodged that night with six only in his company, as I was informed by a party of mine which I sent out the next morning to that same Wood, but before they came they were unfortunately escaped, and my men burned the Friary and brought away a great prey of Cows with them, and so spent 7 or 8 days in ranging the Country, good numbers every day of scattered Rogues we killed in woods, Bogs and Mountains, the strength of the Rebel's Army was near 3000 good men, by relation of some of themselves who now are Prisoners, besides those that were with the Cows, thus giving glory to God Almighty in whose power it is with few to defeat a great many, this being the true Relation, wishing your Lordship all health and happiness, I rest Your Lordships loving and obedient servant Robert Stewart. They had 32 Colours, with 3000 Foot, and 300 Horse. A Letter written by Owen Mac Art o Neale the day after they lost this Battle, unto Sir Robert Stewart. SIR, I Should entreat you to be pleased for to certify unto me by this bearer what prisoners you have taken or have in restraint of ours since the other day, together with your demands, whether you will exchange them for any Prisoners we have, or if for Ransom, how much, wherein you shall do me a courtesy, and to yourself no hurt, for now though Fortune be favourable unto you, it may chance fall out hereafter, that your kindness and favour therein may be requited, if ever it comes in the way of Your assured Friend as I find you Owen o Neale. From our Camp the 16 of June, 1643. This Camp was only himself and 5 or 6 more. I pray let this bearer see the prisoners. By a Letter dated the 20 of June, 1643. From it is thus written by Captain Henry Finch of the said City. THat upon the twelfth of the said June, 600 chosen men out of that City, and 60 Horse joined with Regunents of Sir Robert and Sir William Stewart, and Colonel Audley Mervin, who met with Art Mac o Neale the General of the Irish Forces in Ulster, and all his strength, near a Town called Clowns, about 50 miles from our said City of , where but a part of our Army being drawn up had a glorious day, slew 500 of the Rebleses in the place, whereof 150 Commanders and Gentlemen of their prime, who fought courageously for their lives: We took prisoners who are now in our Jail, Hugh o Neale Colonel, Shane o Neale, Lieutenant Colonel, Art o Neale, Captains. Shane o Neale, Captains. Pattrick o Mullin, Captains. William O clinton Lieutenant. Manus o Sheile, Gentlemen. Con o Neale, Gentlemen. All men of prime note and very considerable, we lost only 6 or 8 Troopers, but many dangerously hurt, where of Sir William Stewarts some was and Captain Garthconte, Captain of Sir Robert's Troop, and other men who came bravely on that day: It was a great Victory, and near a breakeneck to the Northern Forces of the Irish Rebels, It was Gods doing, 500 of our men did not fight for it, the greatest part of our Army not so much as seeing the Enemy but upon the flight, and dead, we had the chase 6 or 8 miles in good ground, in the march out and home we killed above 500 more of the Rebels. We have now no considerable Enemy within 40 or 50 miles of us, but we are so straightened for provision Victuals and Match, Powder and all other Ammunition, that we cannot keep the Fields long, had our Army been there or provided, we had cleared Tyrone before our return, but we had no bread in three days, and our Match, Powder and other provisions were spent; so against our wills, for want thereof, were forced to return home. We have made so many marches this Summer into Donagale, Tyrone and , that there is little or no provisions left in the Country, and few or no Rogues to be seen, all either killed or fled into Connought, but great store of women and children, whereof few Cabins in our march was empty, in some 5, in some 10 and in some 20 found dead in a , part of them eaten by the living, it is a most lamentable case they have brought themselves unto. Dublin 12 July, From another hand. I Have been out with the Army this 5 Weeks, or else I had written unto you before now: whiles we were abroad we took the Lord Dempsyes' Castle, and blew it up. which was a very strong hold and nursery of Rebels, and one Fitz Garrets Castle of Clorboly we took and blew up, and one other of the Fitz Garrets yielded his upon quarter, and had half his Arms, and as much goods as he could carry away, we got above 2000 Cows in Wickloe, the Lord Moor hath gotten 7000 Cows another way, the poor Rogues are starving, for they have nothing in most parts hereabours, but Horses and Weeds to live on. A Letter from Dublin of the 12 of July, 1643. from a man of worth to his Friend in London; Concerning the Earl of Ormends carriage in the matter of Cessation desired by the Rebels. SIR, SOme Letters of yours I have received, but divers I believe have miscarried, through the Sea Captain Mr. Plunkets mistake, or knowing, for to both he is very subject. I am shrewdly tempted to tell you, that mine to you have run the same fortune, but the truth is, this is the first I could find time or reason to write since you went, I know you have heard gallant things of the Lord marquis of Ormond there touching a Treaty he had with the Rebels about a Cessation of Arms; and I make no doubt he is set forth from hence in the true shape and colour of a Rebel, or at least a lover of Rebels, there is no man to whom he hath more clearly decared himself, touching his thoughts of, and intentions towards them, than myself: And believe me, he is just where you left him, nothing changed, either in good will or bitterness towards them, when he went to Treat with them, he had by the favour of the Lords Justices and Counsel, some of the Board to go with him, and he desired some chief Officers of the Army with them, to be witnesses of his carriage through the whole matter, which what ever end it take, I believe it will be printed, when first some of his good friends here, have written their conjectures of it; in the mean time, the main matter that is like to be suggested to his prejudice, is, that this Treaty was not only performed, but desired and wholly gained from the King by his means and advice: His Lordship hath learned by Sir Benjamin Rudyards' speech, about the beginning of this Parliament, how unhandsome it is to justify unpleasing things, by putting them upon the King, and therefore I should say nothing of that in his behalf, but that to you, I desire to give satisfaction, that there is nothing falser, except him that shall write it, and having said this, I shall trouble you no more in that point. One other thing is so much talked of here, that I own his Lordship the right, and you who are my friend the satisfaction; To acquaint you with his carriage in it. Very soon after your departure hence, the Captain of the Swallow and others of that company came ashore, amongst the rest the Master, who stayed late at the Globe Tavern, so late, that the Master of the house against his own profit, desired him and his company to departed, which when they refused, he likewise refused to give them wine, and at length being desirous to be quit of them, he sent for a guard to take them away, which accordingly was done, and the Master sent to the Main-guard, where the Captain being in like disorder, as I hear, not only misused the man, but spoke disgracefully of the Parliament, the Earls of Essex and Warwick as is alleged, now his Lordship's share of the matter is as follows, the Captain came to him and complained of this usage, and when his Lordship told him he was ready to do him justice as soon as the matter would give him ground for it by petitioning, he said he took it to be the better way to pass it over, since he found the Officers were generally so discontened, as that the stirring of this might prove the occasion of more disorder, and be a means to spread the matter further than he desired, to that his Lordship answered, that he knew best what he had to do, but that he was ready upon complaint as aforesaid to do his part towards the vindication of the justice of this place, and of any person injured here, but approved of his mclinations to smother a business of that unpleasing nature, this discourse passed between his Lordship and him in my hearing, when it was ended he went away as I thought, resolved to say no more of the matter, but a little before his going hence, when he had taken other advice, he preferred an Information into the Martial Court against him who was the Captain of the watch night, but there left it without any man to follow it, where it still remains ready for further scanning, when any man shall call upon it, and so much for that. If I should take upon me to answer all the lies raised on his Lordship here, by the father of lies and his hopeful issue, I should become the greatest writer of this age, and therefore I leave them to the shame I know will one day overtake them, resting Your most faithful friend and humble servant I B. Another Letter from the same man from Dublin, 20 July, 1643. SIR, I Have according to my improvident custom, deserted writing till this last minute of time, having been for some days employed in setting on a present march, which hath been infinitely retarded and distracted through the miserable want of all things, now at length the business hath proceeded, that together with some Forces appointed to meet from Drogheda, Trim and Dundalke, and a party sent hence afore, there will be about 4000 sighting men, Horse and Foot, the latter pitiful poor, but as they are, I hope they will stop Preston in the course of his proceeding against our Garrisons, whereof he hath possessed himself of one, which was deserted by the men and burnt, other places where there were wards belonging to private persons, were rendered without resistance, as Edenderry and Techrohan, and now Castle Jordan and another place is in danger, which to prevent, my Lord marquis doth go after the Army to morrow, but his proportion of victual not being for many weeks, he is tied to a very short time for the work which his Lordship will attempt, and leave the success to God, this I tell you, that your expectation be not raised above what is possible to be effected: two packquets from hence were taken by the Wexford men, wherein they boast to have found great miseries; and I fear by those Letters they have found too much of division amongst us, for calumnies, complaints and accusations are so frequent Themes of some dispatches thither, which may encourage the Rebels, and dispose them to unite in much the worse cause, for even now I have adverisement that Preston hath possessed himself of all the passages into that fast Country, except what lieth behind him, whereto I fear his Lordship shall want bread to march, nor were it fit to leave him nearer this Town then ourselves, the condition of the inhabitants duly considered, and Castle Jordan for Dublin being but a bad exchange, so that upon the whole matter, hard are the terms his Lordship goes upon and in this harder than any man's, in that the good shall be imputed to others, if it please God to bless the Army with success, and if any mischance happens (which is not impossible) his Lordship I fear must bear it, withal the malicious constructions that can be made, these have been his Lordship's encouragements since he had the honour to serve the King in these employments, but I can assure you that doth not discourage him, nor will any thing else, that can be raise or done here or there, I am Your very faithful friend and servant I. B. Another Letter from a very good hand in Dublin, dated 19, July, 1633. YOur Letter lately received here and some small quantity of victuals sent hither, persuades me, that we are not wholly deserted by the Parliament, though I must tell you, so barely and coldly remembered, that if a better and ferventer regard be not timely had of us, nothing in humane reason can be expected but absolute ruin, and destruction of the best parts of the Kingdom. Preston with his Forces of 7000 Foot and 800 Horse, superior unto us in Cavelry, and Arms doubling our strength that is here, or that can conveniently be drawn together from or nearest Garrisons: is now in the County of Meath, hath taken Sir William Coolies Castle, and several other holds, have endeavoured to block up Castle Jordan, and is quartered at this time about Tecrohan, Sir Lucas Fitz Gerralds, with intention, as our intelligence brings us to take in Trim, Manooth, or both of them, peradventure vaster purposes. Ten days we have traveled in all the fair and foul ways that can be invented to raise a small sum of money to set forth our Army, but are not yet at the end of our journey, two days more I hope will finish it, and then my Lord marquis goes forth in person, I pray God prosper him. The harvest is now beginning, but before the sickle comes to the Corn, most of it is devoured by the starving people, and that in truth is the best expedient to end this War, and soon will do it, if our Army, and the small remnant of our Nation remaining here may be ascertained of food from England; and Powder and Arms are all most as necessary; labour these two as you love the peace of jerusalem, such is the suit and desire of Your humble servant T. H. A true Relation of the manner of our Colonel Sir Frederick Hamiltons' return from in Ireland, being 60 miles from his Castle and Garrison, where he was at the beginning and breaking out of this Rebellion, with the particular services performed by the Horse and Foot Companies which he commands garrisoned at Manor Hamilton in the County of Leinim in the Province of Connaught. THe Iron works called the Garrison within six miles to Hamilton Castle, october 24 was by the O flannygans, of the County of Fermannagh, and the Mac Laughlins and Mac Murrayes, of the the County of Leytrim, set on sire and all burned. Seven or eight score men, ●●●ober 24 women and children, most of them English, belonging to those Iron works, were divers of them sore wounded, all of them rob, came flying for relief to Castle Hamilton, where the Colonels Lady charitably received them, himself and his two sons at that time being at . This news coming this day fortunately by a messenger from his Lady, ●●●ober he desperately adventured homewards with 10 or 12 Horse of his own servants, passing over Barnesmore in the night time with every Horseman his Calliver and his Match light at both ends, with sound of Trumpet most part of the night as we marched, making a great show and a noise as if an Army had followed us. Thus it pleased Gossip we passed 30 miles of our way that night, coming to Donegall the next morning. At Donegall we found Sir Ralph Gore, Mr. Brooke, Octobr 〈◊〉 and all the British of that part of the County, rob of their Cattles, shortly expecting themselves to be destroyed, much admiring if we had been 500 men, how we durst have past Barnesmore, advising our Colonel to adventure no further homewards, Ballyshannon Castle in his way homewards being blocked up with a great many English in it, and that Town bruned. That night nevertheless did we pass with a Convoy only of 20 Scottish Horsemen to Ballyshannon, relieving that Castle, presently calling out Captain Follyot with some few men for our guides, went a hunting for the Rogues, who had been lately about the Castle, where that night ere we lighted we killed some of them, and brought home 22 Prisoners. That night out Colonel dispatched a messenger to his Lady being 12 miles. It pleased God so to bless his messenger, that the next morning by day his Lady sent him a good guard of his own Soldiers and servants, before the Country could hear of our being upon the way, which otherwise it had been impossible for us to pass, having the borders of 3 Counties to march through, and that the most dangerous way in Ireland. Our Colonel is visited by Connour o Rourke the High Sheriff of the County of Leytrim, congratulating his safe return beyond expectation, Octobe● 31. then professing much loyalty and neighbourly love which not long lasted. Came from Dublin with the Lords Justices pass six of our Colonels Soldiers from Carlisle, who miraculously passed without loss of Arms, Nove●● 6. Cleathes or what else they carried, to our Colonels great joy and comfort, being sieve Scotchmen and one Irishman good Musketeers bred with himself. The Colonel makes up amongst his servants and Tenants, Nove● 7. a Troop of 50 good Horses, which do duty day and night about the Garrison and Castle. It is discovered to the Colonel, that one Conouroge Mac Shan't, Nove● 9 Class Mac Laughlin a most dangerous active man, and the chief of that name, was drawing of a Boat 8 miles over mountains, thinking to have manned an Island in the Lough of great consequence, being in a great glynne called Glevedin, which Island in former Rebellions had much galled the English Forces, it lying convenient for the bordering Rebels both of Ulster and Connaught; Upon this information a party of able Footmen were sent out, who met with the said Connour upon the top of a great Mountain, with a many Horse and Foot, drawing of his Boat, where himself was taken Prisoner, and his Boat broken all in pecces upon the Mountain. The Colonel received two Letters, ●●●emb: ● one from O Connour of Sligo, the other from Ballagh o Rourke, both professing much loyalty, excusing their not waiting upon him, and congratulating his late and unexpected return from the Derry. These Letters were kindly answered, with encouragement from the Colonel to persevere in their loyalty, though he little expected it, as it afterwards came to pass. Con Mac Ternan bane o Rourck, ●●●emb: ● the most active and most dangerous man of that name: It is informed that he and others had lately rob an Endlish-Minister called Mr. Bushe apprehended by the Colonels order. Bryan o Rourke another prime Gentleman of that name, ●●●emb: 6 and Brther in law to the foresaid Con o Rourke, was likewise apprehended upon Information that he had robbed another Englishman, William Browne. Being informed that many of the Rebels of Donegall all Firmannagh, ●●●emb: ●0 had their daily tandevous at an Alehouse kept 6 miles from our Colonel's Castle near the borders of Fermannagh: A party was sent thither in the night, where the Alehouse keeper Cahir Mac Caba with six Rogues more were apprehended and brought to our Colonel, with 60 Beefs from the County, who were all in Rebellion as all the other Counties about us, only the two Barronyes near to our Colonels, where his own Irish Tenants lived, made show of loyalty, hoping thereby to have gotten greater advantage afterwards. A Court was to have been held by the Colonels Senesehall, ●●●emb: expecting his Irish-Tenants should have made their appearance, as till that day they duly did, he using all the means he could to preserve his own in their joyalties, as many times they faithfully promised, but that day absenting themselves, he perceived them all traitors. Hugh Mac Cahill Mac Murry the chief Irish-Tenant upon the Colonele Land, ●●●●●●mb: 30 who had juggled with his Brittish-Tenants, making them believe he was a guard for their Cattles, in preserving and recovering some of them which had been stolen by the neighbouring Rebels, did this day join himself with the Cavan Rebels, who in a great body marched with Drum and Colours within two miles of our Castle, drawing with them a many of the Brittish-Tenants Cattles, and taking with them one Englishman whom they hanged. The Colonel now perceiving their general treacheries, ●●●●●b: 4 leaves off any more to trust them, and seeing no order for relief either from the Lord Justices, or the Lord Precedent: They having received advertisement from our Colonel not only of the state of his own Castle, but also of the Town and Garrison of Sligo, where a part of the Lord Presidents own Company lay, with a many British, who were miserably murdered at the taking in of that Town, being promised daily relief by the Lord Precedent, which promise and encouragement as some of themselves say, helped to destroy them, otherwise they could have joined with us before the Rebellion there broke out in that height. This day by our Colonels command, a Gallows was erected upon the top of an hill near the Castle, and having about 24 Prisoners in the Castle, he caused 8 of them to be hanged up, which had been at the burning of Ballyshannon in the County of Donegall, and at the burning of the Iron works in the County of Fermannagh. The same day our Horsemen scouring the sields, took two of the Rogues Sentries, who were brought home and hanged. A party was sent in the night to scour Glansfarne Woods, Decem●● 〈◊〉 upon intelligence that Hugh Mac Cahill the righleader of the Colonels traitorous Tenants kept in those Woods, where indeed they were met withal, 3 of them killed, divers wounded, and their great leader narrowly escaping in the Woods through the darkness of the night. Our Horsemen scouring the fields, Decem●● 14. met with another of the Rebels Sentries, who was brought to the Castle and hanged. One Thomas Abercromy being misled by a treacherous Jesuitical kinsman of his own, this day did for sake his own house, Decem●● 15. being a pretty stone House with a Barn, within a mile of our Colonels Castle, transports himself, his Wife and Children to the Castle of Con o Rourk, apparently by this time in Rebellion, leaving in his own house his said Rapisticall kinsman, married to an Irish-woman, with some of the said Con o Rourks' Irish Rogues, for maintaining of that house, which our Colonel held no good neighouthood; He many times neighbourly and kindly inviting the said Thomas Abercromy with his wife and children to take share with him in his Castle, and not to shame and dishonour himself and his Nation in such a kind: whose answer was, he was fully persuaded of the destruction of this Castle and all in it, for it was so resolved, as he was credibly assured, not only by those of this County, but of all the bordering Counties near it, and that he was promised by the favour of the said Con o Rourke, to have his own life with his wife and children's preserved until they were elsewhere transported. Complaint was made to the Colonel, Decem●● 16. that some of this Con o Rourkes Rogues had rob some of his Tenants, servants and gardens, who sending after them, had some of the Rogues apprehended; where little Thomas Abercromy the Papist presumed to interpose himself for the rescuing of those Rogues, as they were brought by the house his Cousin left him in, upon this Information our Colonel caused him to be apprehended as a dangerous Instrument there, 〈…〉 the Rogues in the house with him running away, the house is demolished and made unserviceable. A party in the night time was sent abroad towards Sligoe, ●●●●mb: ●0 where we met with a number of Rogues, hurt divers, killed three, brought home thcirheads to our Colonel with a lusty Prisoner, who was hanged next day. Own o Rourke, ●●●ary 6. Bryan Ballagh his Brother, with the greatest strength of this County of Cavan, made a great show this day, being about a 1000 or 1200 men, 〈…〉 e marched with Musket shot to us, (where from the Castle we shot one of them dead, 〈…〉 6 being a sign of good luck, making them march further off,) This night they encamped at Larganboye, where Abercromyes' house was lately destroyed, being disappointed of what they expected for there, 〈…〉 their chief Commanders marching a mile further for their quarters to Con o Rourke the then Sheriff, who till that day had not publicly declared himself; there they found Thomas Aberoromy with his wife and children; The Rogues continued with their Camp at Larganboy, within a mile to us, and their chief Officers at Con o Rourkes, from Thursday till Tuesday following, daily drawing out their men to the hills about us, every day multiplying, making great shows, thinking thereby to have scared us out of the Castle. This morning the Sheriff Con o Rourke in the head of Rebels, ●●●●ary 〈◊〉 marched in a full body within half a mile to the Castle, as if he meant presently to have assaulted us, which the Colonel perceiving, draws forth in person as strong as he could make, both Horse and Foot, being fare short of the sixth man of their number, yet made offer there to have fought with them, which the Rogues perceiving make a halt upon a Hill a River dividing us, they calling to us that we were Rebels to the King and not they; Our Colonel wishing them, since their quarrel was so good and their number so much greater than ours, they would try it with us: In the mean time while we were thus parleying, men were sent out by the Colonel in several quarters behind us, to set fire on a many goodly Houses and haggards belonging to his own Tenants, lest the Rogues with their multitudes should have quartered themselves most conucniently round about him, which sudden fire the Rogues perceiving, presently imagined aid was come to us; The fires being up we advanct with greater confidence, whereupon they retreated in disorder, and dispersed themselves presently, some of our Horsemen employed in the burning, apprehended two of the Rogues, which were brought to the Colonel as we drew home to the Castle, which by his orders were that night hanged. A party of Horse and Foot were sent towards the Sheriff Con o Rourkes Castle, to requite his kind visit towards ours the day before, Ianu●●● 12. where we found himself, with his wife, children and family fled that night, leaving Thomas Abercromy with his wife and children in possession of his Castle, whom our Soldiers turned out, victualling themselves with store of Poudred-Beefe, Butter, Meal and such like commodities, what they were able to carry away; afterwards setting fire in the Castle, and in many other thatched houses about it, burning all. A party is sent towards the Castle of Drommahere, Ianua●● 13. where their great Colonel Owen o Rourke with all his strength lay; yet we burned many goodly houses and haggards of Corn within a mile of the Castle, burning all within five miles forwards. Our party marched Westwards 6 miles towards Sligo, Ianua●● 14. burning many goodly houses and haggards that way, and amongst them the house and haggards of Bryan ballagh o Rourke, Brother to the foresaid Con o Rourke. A party of Horse were sent Northwestward 6 miles towards the borders of Sligo, where we burned a strong stone house slated with a bawne, Ianua●● 15. built by Sir Roger jones, called Vnloanes Foart; This day we also burned many other Irish-houses and haggards, and in our retreat, we encountered amongst the Woods a prime Rebel called Ternan oge Mac Art o Rourke, whose head was brought to the Castle that night. A party of Foot are sent 6 miles Northwards towards the borders of the County of Fermannagh, Ianua●● 16. burning all that way many houses and haggards belonging to the o Menghons, Thomas Mac Loans, and the o Frciles of Rossenner: The party marching homewards was betrayed by their guide, and were laid for in their march by above 300 of the Rogues, our party not being 60, five of our men were killed, and 8 of the Rebels, so this march concluded the burning of all houses and Corn within 6 miles round about our Castle, not so much left as a to camp in. This day the greatest strength of the Conty with the assistance of the Lord Taffes son, and Captain Bryan Mac Donnoghy, Ianua●● 25. from the County of Sligoe, the Mac Gawrans from the County of Cavan, to the number of 1200, or 1400 men, encamped themselves at the old place Largenboy, where they lay in the Fields that night, and the next morning drove away all our Colonels Cows to the number of 4 or 5 hundred. Having gotten our Cows, they who took them came this day again, Ianua●● 26. and encamped themselves at two houses, which our Colonel was persuaded by his Licutenant to leave unburnt, within half a mile to the Castle, where was store of Corn at one of the houses, belonging to the Lieutenant himself, which Corn the Rogues fell a burning, which much vexed us, but they lying in that manner, burning of our Corn from Sunday till Tuesday, our Colonel then with a party of Horse and Foot, did beat them from their quarters, killed 8 of them, and chased the rest being five times our number. This day Owen ò Rourke, ●●●●ary ● with the assistance of Colonel Con Mac donnel o Rourke and his Regiment from james Town, with the o Connors and Mac Gawrans from the Counties of Sligo and Cavan, to the number of 1500 or 1600 men burnt our Town and Mills of Manor Hamilton, sssar● which day upon the Rogue's retreat from that good service, our Colonel not being provided otherwise to entertain them, endeavouring the safety of his people, which that day God preserved within his Castle and bawne, yet caused he to be hanged upon the gallows in their view, Con o Rourke, Brother to their great Colonel Owen, and Connor Mac Laughlin chief of that Name, two of the ablest and most dangerous men in this County. Owen o Rourke with his Brother Bryan Ballagh, ●●●uary and the Mac Glannahans to the number of 600 or 700 men from the Darty, encamped themselves again in the former place at our Lieutenants and john Murrayes houses and haggards, falling to their old work of burning, and sending away of our Corn: The next day with a party of Horse and Foot, we again fell upon them as before, killing divers of them, their great Colonel being shot through the hat and through the Pike near his hand; we brought home to the Castle 3 of their ablest men's heads, 〈…〉 The wives and boys of our Soldiers loading themselves with the Corn and pillage, we burned those houses, and what Corn in the haggards we were not able to carry with us, to prevent their further company there, they being too fare masters of the Field. Our horsemen scouring the Fields apprehended two of the Rogues Sentries, ●●●uary Owen Mac Thomas Mac Murray, and Ferries Mac Kegan, two lusty able Rogues, which were the next day hanged. Our Colonel being informed that Mr. Park at Newtowne within 6 miles of our Castle, ●●●uary and 12 miles from Sligo was strongly blocked up with a Camp about him in his Castle, sent a party of Horse and Foot under the command of our Lieutenant, with orders to view their strength, and if possible to relieve and speak with Mr. Park; As we marched towards Newtowne, we saw little danger, only some scouting Rogues from hill to hill. But coming to Mr. Park, he told our Lieutenant that he wished us all home again, holding us all lost men, as if he had been acquainted with the plot; Our Lieutenant amazed at his speeches, perceiving no such sign, upon his march admiring Mr. Parkes intelligence, finding himself and his Castle free, desired Mr. Park, since for his relief our Colonel had seut us thither, that he would therefore lend him 20 or 30 of his men for the strengthening of his party homewards, which Mr. Park would by no means do, though persuaded thereunto by his own Officers, and divers of his men, who told him it was shame for him and them all, he leaving men enough besides to defend him in his Castle, whose answer was, it was well for him if he could defend himself and his till aid come, without Provoking or doing any thing to draw the County upon him: Our Colonel having in person upon his entreaty lately visited him with a small party of Horse, where since it is said, Newtowne should have been the trap to have catcht us all for our kindness to it. On our march homewards we were beset from all quarters with near a 1000 men, who within 3 miles to our Colonel's Castle, gave us a most fierce charge in a most dangerous rocky place, where our Horses could make no play, yet did our men so bravely behave themselves being instantly engaged upon push of Pike, our Musquetieres' once having given fire in their bosoms, were so plied with their stones wherewith they had provided themselves, and had such dexterity in throwing them, as we got not leave to charge again; but we falling upon them pell mell with the but ends of our Muskets did so closely stand to it, as having by God's great mercy and power broke through, disordered and routed them, killing a number, chase them like dogs with our Horse and Foot from hill to hill; In the mean time our Soldiers boys stirpped near 30 of their best men of the Counties of Sligo and Leitrim, of which number was Mulmurry Mac Ternan (chief of that name) a Justice of the Peace who had been Sheriff of this County, who with his eldest Son and heir, and his Son in law Carery o Trower chief of that name, Cormack Mac Murray, Farlisse o Deganan, Bryan o Rourke, and John o Crean, all of them that are named being prime Gentlemen of these two Counties, besides a many of their common Soldiers were killed, whereof is made small reckoning amongst them; It is thought that we cut off that day of all sorts above threescore of them: Our party not consisting of 80 Horse and Foot, of which we lost in that service only one Pike man and one Musquitiere, though many of us were sore bruised with stones, and slight curable wounds with push of Pike, the Rogues afterwards acknowledging that day they saw God was against them, they being ten times our number, and most confident to have destroyed us all, yet it pleased God thus to preserve us from this great damage which we were engaged in, for that ungrate man Mr. Park his sake, we brought home with us abundance of the Rogues Arms and Apparel, which was a good supply to our Soldiers. This day o Connour Sligoe shows himself from that County with his Regiment, ●●uary drawing to a Mountain not much above half a mile from our Castle. O Connour with his Regiment encamped themselves in Cornestacke-Woods, ●ch 1. upon the side of a boggy Mountain not much above half a mile from our Castle. Owen o Rourke with his Regiment and the assistance of the County, ●ch 4. encamped themselves on the right-hand of O Connourss Regiment, in the same Woods near together; O Connour sends a seeming friendly Letter by a Boy of 6 or 7 years old, advising our Colonel to yield to some Treaties with them, and to prevent the eminent ruin was threatened towards his Castle and all in it, which Letter was answered with contempt and disdain by our Colonel, who scorned any Treaty with Rebels and Traitors. Owen o Rourke, ●ch 8. O Connour Sligoe, and all they could then command, being a great multitude, marched towards our Castle from their Camp, as if that day they would have done great matters, but having showed themselves, and marching about us, keeping without Musket-shot of our walls, they drew back to their quarters. They again that morning, ●ch 9 〈◊〉 being supplied the night before with Colonel Con Mac Donnels Regiment, which as the day before with near 2000 men, siring some Cabins, and sheltering themselves as they set fire in the ditches of the Orchard, where of from the Castle walls our Colonel shot two of them with his own hands, which they carried off retreating to their old quarters. Being their Patron St. Patrick's day, ●ch 17. and the day they had prefixed for the destruction of our Castle and all in it, Our Colonel that morning with Trumpet, Drum and Colours, marched out with Horse and Foot towards their unaccessible Camp with his small number, challenging them that day to draw near for performance of their great brags, where we parleyed and made some sport with them a while, a River and a bog dividing us; Our Colonel sending for one of his Prisoners, the Rogues being drawn up in a body right before us, we called to them since they durst not come to perform their promise and take the Castle, they would rescue their Countryman who was there to be hanged in honour of St. Pattrick, which Prisoner being hanged and proving but an old sack of straw, long stockings being sowed to it, as it was thrown over the gallows, our Hangman sitting on the gallows, calling to them if they had charity in them to send the poor prisoner a Priest, they imagining that sack to be a man, fell all on their knees in our view praying for the Prisoners soul. Till this day our Campers lay quiet, April 2 our Colonel daily causing the Plough to go in despite of them till this night, that all our plough-Horses through negligence of our Sentries are stolen from us, they thinking by that means they had overthrown our ploughing, and the next morning we falling to gear our Ploughs our Colonel causeth his Troope-Horses which had been kept in the house, to be made ready and fall to ploughing and sowing with them faster than formerly, and ploweth and soweth near fourscore Barrels of Corn, the Rogues not daring for all their strength to blow or sow for themselves within two or three miles of his Castle. By this time the Rogues grew so confident of their securities in their Camp, April 7 that the Colonel o Rourke brought his Cattles to graze upon some waste land within two miles of us, wherewith our Colonel being acquainted, that night sent out a party of Horse and Foot, and seized upon all their Cattles, driving them homewards by break of day, whereupon they raising their Camp, broke out upon us, thinking to have destroyed us and rescued their Colonel's cattles; but it pleased God we so paid them, that we not only made good our prey, but killed a number of their ablest men, bringing with us to the Castle, 6 of their chief Officers heads, of which number was James Murrah Mac Glannaghy the chief man of that name, chase all the rest to their Camp, where we found 3 stand of Pike-mens' Arms, 2 Drums, 6 Muskets with Bandeliers, 2 Sergeants Halberds, with a many Pikes and Skeanes, most of those Arms formerly belonging to the Lord Precedent of Connaughts Officers and Soldiers, having laid in Garrison at Sligo till it was lost and they cut off; Thus we destroyed their great Camp, where our Soldier's wives and boys plentifully victualled themselves, bringing from the Rogues a many great Iron-crowes and such like instruments, made and marked with the sign of the Cross, making their poor churls believe, that with those Irons they were to pull down our Colonel's Castle and Bawne. A party of Foot was this night sent to Glenden, some 5 or 6 miles off, April 9 where we killed and burned in their houses near 20 Rogues, bringing home a number of Cows and Goats, and burning a many of Irish-houses. Our Colonel this night in person, April 18 marched forth with a party of Horse and Foot into the County of Sligo, where within two miles of the Town, he burns of some Villages called Belfather, and other houses there, killed some Rogues, he returns by Mr. Parkes Castle of the Newtowne, finding that Town and Castle untouched or troubled, being in the bosom of the Rogues, where our Colonel being informed the Rogues were daily relieved by that Town and Castle, their Cows having grazed peaceably about the Castle all the while their Camp lay about Manor Hamilton, Mr. Park never permitting a man of his either to meddle with their cattles or themselves, as they went and came with their provisions from Sligo to their Camp, he having in his Castle near 60 able men, which might have done good service if M. Parke and the o Rourkes had not so made their bargains, that until our Colonel's Castle were destroyed, he should not be meddled withal, so as he made them no interruption whilst they were encamped about us; In the mean time Mr. Park causing his Weaver to wove 40 yards of broadcloath for the use of Mr. Bryan Ballagh o Rourke, whilst he and his Brother Owen were lying in camp about us; And the next day after we had beat them from their camp, Mr. Park not only suffered them to carry away their cattles, which all that while they grazed near to his Castle gates without any guard save one coward, as also that day lent Bryan Ballagh the cloath-weaver in his Castle, with divers such like informations proved by Mr. Parkes own servants, whereupon our Colonel thought fit presently to burn that Town which so long had relieved and sheltered the Rogues, and killed some of them at that instant in the Town. Our Horse men this morning scouring the fields, ●●●il 21. killed one of the Rogues centryes bringing his head home to the Castle. This night a party was sent towards Dromahere, 〈◊〉 23. where we killed above 40 of the Rogues, burned many good houses, brought home 7 or 8 score cows, with many Horses, Sheep and Goats, by this march we diverted another great gathering intended to have encamped about us the next day. A party of Foot is sent into a Wood-land Mountain country 10 mile from our Castle, May 1. where by the dawning of the day we fell upon some houses belonging to the great Lord of that Country Mac A Nawe, where we burned and killed in the houses upwards of 3 score persons, taking Mac A Nawe himself, with his two Daughters, and a Kinsman Prisoner, his Wife being killed unknown to the Soldiers, amongst the rest we brought home our Prisoners with 8 or 9 score cows, and near 200 Sheep and Goats. That night a party of Horse and Foot are sent into the country of Sligoe, May 10. where we burned the houses of Teig Mac Phelomy o Connour, Teig bog o Connour, near Cousins and Captains in O Connourss Regiment, whilst he lay about us we killed some 10 or 12 of the Rogues themselves, being then at Sligo, most of the people of the Barony being fled to the Town for fear of our men; That Country being almost waste, we brought home only a prey of Sheep. This night we marched into the County of Fermannagh, May 13 where we killed the Wife of Donnogha Mac Flagherty Mac Gwire, with about 40 more, whom we surprised in houses before day, and brought with us 9 score Cowes, above 200 Sheep and Goats, and 47 Horses and Mares, 30 Swine, and 5 Prisoners which we hanged. Intending towards the Friars of Crewly, we found that house uncovered, May 18 and the Friars fled; This morning we encountered a number of Owen o Rourkes men near to the Castle of Dromahere, where we killed above 20 of them, our Soldiers got good Pillage in their Cabins, brought home above an 100, most of them Scotch and English Cows, 7 or 8 score Sheep, some lusty Mares and Horses, with a many Pikes, and the Lord Precedent of Connaughts Halberd, his Sergeant being taken when they left Sligo. This morning our Castle is attempted to be taken by 4 or 5 handred Rogues from the Dartey or Rosenver, May 20 but our Sentries timely giving us the Alarms, they are rescued, and the Rogues retired to the Mountains. In hope this night to meet the Rebels who attempted our Castle, May 21 a party is sent towards Glon●an 6 miles from the Castle, where we found a many fair Irish-houses, neither man nor beast near them, all which we burned, and marching homeward we perceived before Sunrising a many Rebels at Largenboy, within less than a mile to our Castle, coming from the County of Sligo, with intention that morning to ass●ile our Castle: Our party perceiving them, notwithstanding their sore chase in rescuing the Castle the day before, and their hard march that night, yet did we advance towards them with Horse and Foot within speech of them, our Colonel calling to them from a hill, asked if their errand were for the Castle, for the rescuing their Lord Mac A Nawe and his Daughters, or was it Cows they were seeking, they should have a venture for both, our Colonel causing a Prisoner to be brought out, told them it was Mac A Nawe, to be hanged for their welcome to their old Camp, which Prisoner was immediately hanged in their own view, the gallows standing on the top of a hill, within less than two Musket-shots, where the Rogues were drawn up, as the Prisoner was thrown over the ladder, we could perceive the Rogues upon their knees, thinking we had hanged Mac a Nawe; After this our Colonel gives order presently to drive above two hundred milch Cows towards them, telling them there was the cows we had lately taken from their dear friend Colonel Owen o Rourke, when they were last beaten from their camp, hoping this would have put more mettle in them, since they durst not fight for rescuing their friend, they being five times our number, and we unable to reach them as they stood on those woody bogs, keeping a moss and a River betwixt us and them: Whilst our Colonel parleyed with them, his Lady from the castle came to us (where we were drawn up over against the Rogues) furnishing us with good store of meat and drink, which much refreshed us, having been upon service two nights together, yet were our stomaches sharper set to have been at the Rogues, then either to meat or sleep; but seeing the Rogues so unwilling to come on, we were commanded on a sudden to draw towards the castle, which the Rogues perceiving fell to stripping themselves, and with a great noise and a cry come running towards us, and over the River unto the middle of a moss scarce Musket shot from the castle, as if they would have gotten betwixt us and home; which our Colonel perceiving, gives order to the Officers, commanding the Foot to wheel about upon them, which the Rogues no sooner perceiving, but they presently fell a running over the River, throwing one another into it; as they crossed, our Musketeers getting ground of them, gave sire amongst the thickest of them, killed diveiss, hurt many, chaste the rest near 3 miles over Mountains towards Sligo, bringing home their chief Commander at that time his head, our Soldiers being furnished with above an 100 of their Mantles, coats and cloaks, 2 Drums, a many of their Arms, and good store of Meal and other commodities which their Wives and boys found in their camp, we being told by 2 Prisoners that all the neighbouring Counties had set up their rests with a resolution that night to have met, never to have given us over until they had starved us or taken us out of our castle, but God of his wont mercy thus disappointed that damnable plot, without the loss of a man to us, to his everlasting glory and all our comforts. Notwithstanding our several sore marches the Week past, ●ay 22. we were encouraged by the word of a Prisoner in hope of a special piece of service, this night to venture upon a fresh march, where we were conducted near 14 or 16 miles into the County of Sligo, guiding us amongst most dangerous Rocks and glinns, intending to have betrayed us, as afterwards he confessed; nevertheless it pleased God to give us such strength and courage, and sent us such a meeting with them, as we killed above 30 in three cabins, brought home a fresh Prisoner, above an 100 cows, and near so many Sheep; the cry and Country being up in all parts about us, yet never durst so much as venture to rescue the cattle; At our coming home we hanged our guide, who died a most desperate obdurate villain. A party of Foot was sent towards Mounter Kenny, May 27 that night we killed 10 or 12 in their cabins amongst the Woods, brought home with us near 200 cows an 100 Sheep, and in our return we were set upon by Owen o Rourke, and the sons of M●c Nawe, being near 300 men, where it pleased God we not only defended ourselves and our prey, but also killed and stripped a many of their best men, bringing home a Prisoner with a many of their Arms. This night a party of Horse and Foot are sent towards some Lands of Owen o Rourkes called Cilkosh, where we kided 15 or 16 of his men, june 4. brought home a Prisoner, with some few Cows, Horses, Sheep and Goats. A party of Foot is sent towards our Colonel's Woods of Glansarne, june 12 where we killed 15 or 16 in those Woods, and brought home 4 Prisoners, with some fourscore cows, and near Sheep. Our Colonel having by virtue of a Commission, Inn 23 made use of some 20 of Mr. Parkes men in prosecution of Rebels, not thinking him to be so base a Traitor in correspondency with them as afterwards was proved. This night our Colonel sends his party with 20 Beefs for the supply and relieving Park and his castle, with orders that Parks 20 men should return with our party, there being twice more men with him within his castle then was requisite for the defence thereof: But Park receiving the Beefs, and getting his 20 men within his castle, would not suffer a man of them notwithstanding our Colonel's commission and orders to that purpose to return with us. Our Colonel much resenting Parks presumption the day before, june 24. this day sends his Lieutenant with a party of Horse and Foot, requesting Park by virtue of our Colonel's commission from the Lords Justices and Counsel, to draw forth and muster what strength that castle could make, leaving a competent number within itself for making good the walls; Our Lieutenant orders being that so many should be left within the castle as his judgement should think fit, and the rest to march along with our party upon some special speedy piece of service intended, wherein Sir William Cole and his Regiment had several times denied us assistance; This motion Park denied to muster his men until he persuaded our Lieutenant to come within his castle, where shutting the gates, he mustered near 60 able men, whereof our Lieutenant demanded 30, which Park denied, not suffering a man of his to come within the castle until ours marched away. July 11. This night with Horse and Foot our Colonel thinks fit in person to visit Mr. Park, who had so beastly neglected his Officers in contempt of the Lords Justices and Connsells commission, fearing Park was inclining rather to submit himself and his castle into the hands of the Rogues whom he held the stronger party, and daily corresponded with them, which to prevent, we marched this night about midnight to his Castle walls, requiring Park if he were a subject, that upon his Allegiance he would come forth and speak with out Colonel, who after some shufsling excuses and delays opens his gate, our Colonel commands him speedily to draw forth what men he had within the castle, and making choice of some 20 of them which he joined to his own party, caused presently to apprehend Park upon strong presumption of his disloyalty and his former contempts; Our Colonel presently puts in an Officer of his own with the charge of that Castle and all in it, which being done, our Colonel marches strait towards the Town of Sligo, Parkes castle being within 4 miles of it, none of us that followed him imagining that with so small a party he would have anned at such a march, but coming near to the Town, our Colonel commanding a halt to be made, and the party to be drawn up in abody, using some comfortable encouraging speeches, ask if our stomaches did serve us as his did, to attempt the burning of the Town now so near it, which maintained so many Rebellious enemies, who had joined in the burning our poor garrison, and so many times encamped about us and sought our destruction; This motion was no sooner made by our Colonel then cheerfully embraced by us all, so recommending ourselves to his divine mercy, who had many times assisted and delivered us, on we marched towards the dawning of the day, our Colonel having no other Officers to assist him in this service, but his Sergeant javiston, his Lieutenant and Ensign being most part of this year diseased and unserviceable, our Colonel coming at the Bridge gives orders to the Foot cheerfully to follow their Sergeant with what silence and speed they were able, and once entering the Town, no man presume upon pain of death to enter any house for plunder, but with sire and sword to destroy all we could come at, calling all the street if any British Prisoners were amongst them they should draw to us, as divers did, Our Colonel with his Horse falling upon a many good houses full of people on this side of the Bridge, where he burned and destroyed all, appointing his Randevowes with the Foot at the South-west end of the Town, where he crossed a Foard which brought him close to the Friary, where the foot met and fired their brave mass house and Friary, where it is said, we burned a many good things, which people had given in keeping for safety to the Friars, and all their superstitious trumperies belonging to their Mass: It was thought some of the Friars themselves were likewise burnt, two of them running out were killed in their habits: As we finished this work, and giving God the praise for our success, we were told by some Prisoners that O Connour Sligo with what strength he could make in that County, was that night marched to meet Owen o Rourke and the rest of his old comrades from the County of Cavan, for the laying of a new camp about our Colonel's castle, and the carrying away of our new supply of Cows; upon which news our Colonel held it fit to hast homewards, as we marched hourly expecting to be encountered; when we came within 3 miles of our Colonel's castle, we discerned our Colonel's Horse passiage strongly to be beset (being a strait passiage) with a number of men, having a Rocky-wood on our right-hand, and a great bog on the left, so that our Horsemen by our Colonel's orders are forced to try another way, where many of them were bogged their Horses breaking from them; In the meantime our Footmen courageously charged a great body of them near 300 which were laid for us that way; Those who had beset our Horse-passages, observing our Horsemen bogged, and our Foot engaged with 3 times our number, marched hard after our Horsemen, where our Colonel amongst the rest was 3 times unhorsed, that day the Rogues playing hard upon him, being well known by his Horse and habit, as some of their Prisoners afterwards confessed; nevertheless, it pleased God out of his wont fatherly mercy, not only to deliver us safe out of their hands being a small handful, not above 7 score Horse and Foot, who fought ourselves with near a 1000 of them from several quarters, still skirmishing with us until we came near our Colonel's castle, our Muskiteeres killing a many of them, with the less only of 3, and some few hurt; Notwithstanding our wearisome march and hot service that night in burning of the Town of Sligo, where it is confessed by themselves we destroyed that night near 3 hundred souls by fire, sword and drowning, to Gods everlasting great honour and glory and our comforts. James Wethersom a Scotchman, married to an Irish-woman, being at Sligo, july 7 and confessing, himself to have been one of O Connours Soldiers, was this day hanged. A party of Horse and Foot was this night sent towards Killargy, july 10. where the Rogues were strongly encamped within 4 miles to our Colonel's castle; we falling on them before day, there we killed and stripped above 20 of them, brought home above 8 score of their cows, were set upon by a number of them, who thought to have reseve the cows, gave us a most desperate charge, but we killed 7 or 8 more of them, and brought home our prey with a many of their Arms, we lost one of our best Muskiteeres in this service. Our Colonel being advertized from the County of Fermanagh, 〈◊〉 25. that Sir William Cole had lately taken in upon protection above an 100 Irish Rogues, allowing them a Captain of their own Nation over them, quartering them near to the way where our messengers used to pass towards Eniskillen, which much troubled our Colonel, such a thing should be done by Sir William Cole with whom he daily corresponded, without acquainting him with his warrant or reasons for that act: hereupon out Colonel fearing least that such like neighbours should be put upon him by Sir William Cole, this night sends a party towards the borders of Fermanagh, where a many goodly Irish houses with an Iron work were standing amongst the Woods, all which our Colonel this night caused to be burned; In scouring those Woods we found a few cows and a Prisoners. Our Colonel having divers times by Letters advertised Sir William Cole whilst the Rogues lay encamped about him, 〈◊〉 26. desiring some aid from Sat William Regiment being most part Scotchmen, whom our Colonel had advised to submit to his command, being of that County which he lived in, yet Sir William did never since the beginning of these troubles, venture so much as one messenger to see what was become of us, for all our Colonel constantly twice or thrice a Month did adventure messengers to him, who was near 10 times our number: And we being advertized from Sir William Cole himself by our messengers, that some Powder and Ammunition was sent from Dublin and to Donegall, for the supply of Eniskillen and us both, Sir William promising by his means and his stronger party, that some course should be taken for the bringing our Ammunition from Donegall as for his own, which our Colonel relied upon: yet nevertheless Sir William did make that means that his own was brought to Ballishannon within 12 miles to our Colonel's castle, and unknown to our Colonel sends a party of 4 or 5 hundred to Ballishannon for his Ammunition, where he was well supplied with Salt, and marched at this time with this party near to the borders of our Colonel's Land, within 6 miles to his castle, where our small party might have conveniently met them, and have been supplied as they were, if their intention and wishes had been as neighbourcly towards us, as we were really towards them, who by this and other after carriages appeared rather to envy then to pity our extremities whereof they were fully informed; yet hearing by our last messenger how God had blest and enabled us to do for ourselves, and that store of cows were to be had in our county of Leytrim, whereof they heard that we got daily store: This news it seems did more invite our neighbour Regiment then any stomach they had to relieve us in our several distresses until this day; A party of near 400 Horse and Foot are sent with Sat William Coals Letters to our Colonel, congratulating his several good services, expressing he had now in accomplishment of our Colonels former desires sent these Gentlemen and Soldiers, to be employed in scouring of the Country, and such other services as by our Colonel should be thought fit, without limitation of time or other end mentioned in his Letter; upon reading whereof our Colonel bids their Lieutenant Colonel Acheson with the rest of their Captains hearty welcome, there being in their company Mr. Deane Barkeley, who had marired Sir William Coles Daughter, and had lately been relieved by Sir William from the Rogues, in exchange of divers archrebels, Priests, Captains and others of great consequence; This Mr. Deane so behaved himself at a conference betwixt our Colonel and their Officers, as if he had come with absolute power from his Father in law over this party, Officers and Soldiers, their Lieutenant Colonel alleging they were sent thither by Sir William Cole upon information of our messenger, that we were blocked up with a strong camp about the Castle, and that his orders were to stay no longer with out Colonel then the next day, allowing them peremptorily 48 hours and no longer to be from their Garrison, they having in that time 40 long miles march through Woods and Mountains to perform, let any man judge what service in the rest of that time was fit to be ventured on: upon this our Colonel advized them, since their private orders were such, contrary to the contents of Sir William's Letters to him, that their best course was for that night, Commanders and Officer to refresh themselves with him in his Castle, taking order that their Soldiers should be quartered and provided for amongst his Soldiers in their cabins, which their Officers would not yield to, much urging and opportuning our Colonel, that since they were come to him, and that they found the Fields clear about him, as they had been near 3 Months before that, which they knew well enough whatsoever they pretended; that he should employ them upon some piece of service under his command before they returned: Our Colonel telling them, God had hitherto mercifully blest his undertake with his own handful, that he was unwilling to engage the honour of what further service he intended upon such strict orders, the success and event not fit to be limited with their time; Their Officers still importuning that night to be employed, whereupon upon their importunities, our Colonel resolved to try with the assistance of their strength, the taking of the Castle of Drumahere, wherein was Colonel Owen o Rourke, with divers of the Irish Rebels of this County, hoping by that service to have relieved Sir Robert Hanney with his Lady and children, who had been long Prisoners in that castle, thinking Sir William Coles men being so earnest, and once engaged in the hopes of compassing so honourable a piece of service, they would not for shame have left it, and carried themselves so meanly whilst we were upon the service as unworthily they did: Our Colonel not only in hopes, but full of confidence and probable reasons, marches in person with his Horse and Foot, leading them on near the Castle walls, where he entered his Masons, Carpenters and other workmen with their instruments, who in short time did make a breach, where he placed some few Muskiteeres; The Rebels countermanding our work; play so hot upon our Muskiteeres as one of them were killed, another deadly shot the rest were beaten from the work, our Colonel's men being wearied out, and having no seconding or assistance from Sir William Coles great number, their Lieutenant Colonel having no power to command them to relieve our men, whilst we were spending our lives and bloods in compassing this service; Deane Barkeley is publicly discouraging the Officers and Soldiers of Sir William Coles party, telling them they were not sent by their Colonel and Governor to take in Castles, and that their time limited by their orders was come, wishing them at their perils to draw homewards: Our Colonel much grieved and ashamed to be thus engaged with the hopes of their help; advised the Dean not to meddle with what was out of his Element, desiring to dispute the condition of our estate with the Lieutenant Colonel and other Officers of the Regiment. The Dean replied the Water was none of his Element, and yet he could swim; and whosoever should command that party further, should speak to him. Our Colonel thus discontented, contented, observing the unworthy carriage of their Soldiers, who whilst we were upon service, their Horsemen were rambling the Country, driving in Horses and Cows, their Footmen running after Muttons, catching, kill and wasting under every bush; Our Colonel endeavouring after the less of his men to pelswade them only to lie that night about the Castle, knowing by the information of Prisoners, they could not possibly have held out 2 days, if they had not yielded that night, as since we are informed they intended, and did that night, after our Colonel marched from thence, all of them leave the castle, leaving Sir Robert Hanney with his Lady and children locked in a room all alone, till the next day we were not likely to come any more, and that out Fermannagh friend had left us in such disorder, who intended to have carried with them not only what Cows and Horses they had gathered in the manner whilst we wore upon service, but also thought to have stolen with them divers of our Colonels cattles that morning they wero to part; wherewith our Colonel being acquainted, perceived that their intended kindness and visit to him, was only to have made use of his person and strength to have preyed our Country for them, which he held no sitting employment for his personal service, considering how unworthily they had carried themselves towards him in the time of our distress, and particularly in this last service; whereupon order was given by our Colonel, that not only his own, cattles should be rescued from them, but what else they had taken whilst he was in the Fields, telling their Captains it was shame for them, they being 6 times our number, to offer to take any thing from us, since they have made us the worse and not the better for them: This much vexed Dean Barkeley, who pretended a Horse to be taken from him, which he had catched himself whilst we were upon service about the castle, our Colonel telling him, since he had deserved no better amongst us, he should carry no Horse from thence to brag of; wishing the best 2 Horses on his stable, with 500 punds in money had been sent his Father in law and himself to Eniskillen, so that the Deane had not come to this march, who carried himself more like a Devil then a Dean: For the. Captains and Officers being ashamed of themselves, and observing our Soldiers to be but a few, and daily employed, were persuaded by our Colonel for his Majesty's service, and as a small supply for the safety of our castle and Garrison, to lend our Colonel for some time 5 men out of every one of their Companies, making up 30 men to him, and having received these men from the several Captains, our Lieutenant is commanded by the Colonel for the better grace and credit of their party, to march a part of their way with our Horse and Foot, and as our Lieutenant and they were a parting, Dean ' Barkley had like to have raised a mutiny, and have set their party and ours by the ears, threatening those men left with their Colonel by the Captain's consents, so as half of them at that instant presently ran away from us with this unworthy carriage of Sir William Coles party by the Dean of Cloghers, means. Our Colonel acquaints Sir William Cole by a Letter, hoping he would have resented his Son in laws arrogant and presuptuous carriage, and have sent us some supply of more men, but fare otherwise then we expected, Sir William in his answer, rather justified his Son in laws actions, condemning and censuring his Captains for the few men they had lent our Colonel, denying the former, and acknowledging in this Letter for what he sent his party, desiring that those few men which had not run away with the rest by his Son in laws threaten, should be speedily returned him, and accordingly they were: And after this unworthy usage of Sir William Cole, our Colonel's Soldier observing the liberty and disorderly government and discipline of those Eniskillen Soldiers, begun daily to run away to Eniskillon, where they found shelter and employment amongst their Captains, to the great discomfort of our Colonel, and the hazard of us all. A party of Foot is sent to the County of Cavan, ●●gust 8. where we killed above 20 Rogues, bringing home 2 Prisoners, and 7 or 8 score cows, and above 200 Sheep and Goats. A party is sent towards Ballyshannon in the County of Donegall, ●●gust 22 where we killed 17 Rogues, and burned many houses in that Country, and brought home a few cows. Our Colonel being advertized that some 2 miles on this side Sligo, ●●gust 25 a guard of Horsemen did daily come forth with their Reapers of corn, and hoping to meet with them, this night a party of Horse and Foot was sent with some guides to lie in ambush for them, where having laid till noon, none appearing, that day our orders were to burn and prey what we could in that country, where we burned of several Villiages, as Donoly, Formorley, Collrey and Lisduff, with a many other straggling houses in the country, where we met with 3 or 4 score cows, and above an 100 Sheep. By this time the country gathers, thinking to have rescued our prey and have beaten us, but it pleased the Lord so in his wont mercy to stand for us, as that day we killed above 40 of their best men, stripped them all, brought home a Prisoner, rerelieved the castle of the Newtowne with a share of our cows and Sheep, divers of their best Gentry, the o Connourss, and the o Hearts being thus killed; We marched Horse and Foot towards the Rosse in the county of Sligo, whence we brought a prey of near 6 or 7 score cows, and above 300 Sheep and Goats, where in our retreat we were set upon by the greatest strength of the county, who were gotten into a great head to the Town of Sligo, with intention that day to have laid a new C●npe about our Castle, which this encounter diverted, we killing as was afterwards acknowledged by Prisoners near 60 of their ablest men, with two of their famous Priests, Connour o Hart, and donnel o Lynch, bringing home 7 Prisoners, 5 whereof were hanged the next day, one of them called Captain Conô Connour and the other Cormack o Hoy who had been a Minister amongst our Colonel's Parishes, who since this Rebellion professed much loyalty, though a kindly traitor, his Father being Vicar general in the county of Sligo, was some: years ago quartered in the Town of Sligo for treasonable speeches against the King and State. The Colonel this day hears divers shot of Ordinance towards Sligo, Septem●●● 10. which put him in some hopes of some Army towards that place, or relief towards us. This night a party of Horse and Foot was sent towards the Sea-coast to search for a Prisoner, Septem●●● 11. for intelligence what shooting it was we heard the day before, where we fell on, there the country gathered together to oppose the landing of men, where 2 Ships lay within the harbour of Sligo; we gave the Rogues the Alarm, who fled all to a strength of an old Castle near the Sea-coast, we brought home one Prisoner, of whom we learned that some of the O donnels and O Galloghers from Ulster were joined with the county of Sligo Rebels to the number of 4 or 500 thinking those Ships carried men, Moncy, Victuals and Ammunition for out reliese, but it seemed their greater errand thither, was to see for a Bark which the Merchants of Sligo had loaded with several commodities with corn and cattles from the Oyster-Island, where they landed some men, and burned divers houses, going to Sea afterwards, and as yet unknown to us what they were. This night we marched again into the County of Sligo, September 27. where within a little more than a mile to that Town, we burned a great village, Ennagh belonging to Andrew Crean the late Sheriffs of that County, we killed a number of Corne-reapers, and brought with us a Prisoner. By reason of our daily service, October 2 never any ways supplied or relieved now almost a year since the Rebellion begun, our Colonel in this extremity, thinks fit this night to send the most part of his men towards Eniskillen, for some Arms and Ammunition which was sent thither by the conveniency of Sir Robert Stewarts, guarding the Eniskillen party from the Derry, wherewith Sir Robert worthily and lovingly advertized our Colonel from Eniskillen with what was left for him there with Sir William Cole, who had promised to give his best assistance for the speedy conveying and guarding of those necessaries to us: But our party coming to Eniskillen, relying upon the assistance of Sir William Coles Regiment, not only for the guarding of our Arms and Ammunition, but also for the restoring and returning our runaways which had been unlawfully sheltered and employed amongst them. Our Officer demanding a guard for both those purposes, is offered the Arms and Ammunition if without a guard we would venture on them, our runaways are so concealed and dispersed amongst them, as no help is made for us for them at all where there were 14 or 15 of them, Sir William Cole never appearing amongst us, but his gates shut against us, and his bridge drawn up as if we had been Rebels come to take in his Castle, not offering us or our Officers so much as one bit of Bread, or cup of small Beer in his Castle or Garrison, our Colonel having formerly entertained 500 of his plentifully two nights though they wronged him; Thus not daring without a guard to venture upon the King's Arms and Ammunition with so weak a party so fare a march through Woods and Mountains, we were forced with no small hazard to make what speed we could from whence we came; Our Colonel being advertized before our coming that the Country was strongly gathered together to have laid for us in our coming home, but we miss of our errand. Most of this Week was employed by us Men, Women and Boys, in fetching in of Corn from the Rebels, from the bordering counties of Sligo and Fermannagh, with what was near us in our own country, whereof it pleased God we had a good supply without the less of a man, woman or child, though daily threatened with great bravadoes, yet they durst not cut any grain for themselves scarce on this side Sligo bridge, where abundance of Wheat, Rye and Barley rotten upon the ground for want of means and help for us to bring it from thence, which Fermannagh men might conveniently have done both for their own supply and ours. Seven of our Colonel's men left at Newtowne for a guard within 4 miles of Sligo, october 9 upon little Naggs charged 50 or 60 reaping Corn near Sligo, where they killed 4 of them, chased the rest, brought home a Prisoner, with 18 or 20 Horses and Cars the Rogues had been drawing corn withal; The Prisoner being brought to our Colonel, informs him that 2 Congans of the Ulster Rogues, under the command of Captain Manus Mac Egnahan o donnel, and Captain Ferdinando o Gallogher were joined with Captain Teig Mac Phelomy o Connour, who lay at a Town of o Connors called Broad Culline, some 12 miles from us, with intention shortly to have a sling at our Castle. Upon this intelligence, October 21. our Colonel thinks fit this night to send a party of Horse and Foot to prevent these gentlemen's visit, where we met with them in the place our Prisoner informed us, having good sport with them for a while in killing near 60 of them with all their 3 Captains, & Captain Teig o Connourss Wife, his Brother having been formerly a Captain, and brought hither Prisoner was hanged, we brought home this day near 200 cows with a Prisoner, burning the Town of Broad Culline belonging too o Connour, with divers other small Villiages near it. Our Colonel in expectation Sir William Cole and his Captains would now have used some means to have guarded his Arms, Octob●● 1 Ammunition and runaways, as partly they promised within a week or 10 days of our last being with them, whereof seeing no performance, and our former store in that kind, as also our salt being almost quite spent, and understanding that Sir William Cole had lately been supplied from Ballishannon: In this extremity most of our company is again commanded in a party to Eniskillen, with Letters to Sir William Cole mentioning our extremities, sending money by our Lieutenant for what salt could be had at any rate, either for love or money, which orders of Sir William intended no better to us then in our last march to that purpose, that we should ourselves venture upon the Arms and Ammunition, we were at a stand every way, and leaving it to God and better times, to judge and revenge our usage upon these last Letters, our Arms and Ammunition are delivered us with a Letter to our Colonel, but no guard nor supply of salt to be had; Thus it pleased God to bring us safe home with what we received, still detaining our runaways, making use of them. Our Soldiers being weary after their sore march for our Ammunition, Novem●●● 10. the weather being fair, all the Women and Boys are sent towards Dromahere to look for corn, where with a small guard of Horse and some firelocks, they marched where they met with store of corn, coming all loaden home in spite of many Rogues that appeared to them upon several hills. We are this day likely to be surprised by near a 1000 Rogues from the counties of Fermannagh and Cavan, under the command of Sergeant Major Hugh Mac Bryan Mac Gwire; thinking to have carried away all our cattles, presuming on their multitudes against our handful, which they thought had not recovered their last sore march from Eniskillen, and having lain in ambush all night, expecting the drawing out of our cattles in the morning; but finding themselves discovered by 2 of our Horsemen who scoured the Fields before our cattles, these two men were so engaged amongst the Rogues that they were both killed, we taking the Alarm, rescued our Cattles, where we had a sound encounter with the Rogues, who were near 10 times our number, thinking to have swallowed us up; they giving the best fire, and coming the fierceliest for one charge, of most that we met withal this year: but after charge we did pepper them both with Horse and Foot, as that they made both aspeedy and disorderly retreat, we breaking the leg of the only best Soldier and Captain amongst them called Charles Mac Gwier who had long served the King of Spain, and led on some 4 score of their Musketeers most desperately, and for his good service our Colonel to cure him, caused him to be carried on a barrow to the gallows, where he railed at us all for that he could not obtain a Soldier's death, to be shot at a post, having formerly been twice ransomed in two King's services, Spain and France, and this morning commanding 300 proper men, not thinking that night to die like a Dog on Manor Hamiltons' gallows, saying, he observed now God was against them, acknowledging themselves to be 10 times our number, and that it was the Devil brought him from his former honourable service to this base and miserable end. In this day's service, we killed divers of the best men of both Counties, bringing home the heads of Shane Roe Mac Gwire, which Col: Conaught Mac Flagherty Mac Huc, son in law to Mac A Nawe who had been long our Colonel's Prisoner till this day, he was hanged for company with the Captain and his son in laws kind visit to him: We brought home Prisoners, Phelomy Mac Peirce Mac Gwire, who had been Sergeant to the Sergeant Major's company, who scaped very narrowly, himself being enforced to quit his Horse, and to go away sore wounded by the benefit of a boggy Wood near by him. Thus it pleased God to enable us to deal with these Rogues. A party is sent towards the borders of Monter Kenny, ●●●ember where we killed 14 or 15 Rogues, burned a many of houses, brought home a Prisoner with near a 100 cows. Being in great distress and want of Salt, ●●●ember Sir William Cole having used us as before is mentioned, our Colonel resolves this night to adventure a party towards Ballishannon in hope there to be supplied: Our party marching in the nighttime, is by the Rogue's centryes discovered: Nevertheless we marched freely to Ballishannon before day, where Captain Folliot hearing our Colonel's trumpet and our Lieutenant, sends out the Boat for our Lieutenant, who delivering our Colonel's Letter, desiring to be supplied with some salt, Captain Folliot wishing he had sooner known our Colonel's wants either of salt or Ammunition, there being 2 Barrels of Powder with Match and Led proportionable sent from Derry to Donegall for our Colonel's use, with the like proportion for Sir William Cole, who acquainted our Colonel therewith by his Letter, promising the like care should be taken by him for bringing our Ammunition from Donegall as of his own, which Captain Folliot said might as well, as easily have been done if Sir William Cole had but writ so much to him, when by Folliots means his was brought to Ballishannon, from thence by Sir William Coles party to Eniskillen; In which march they came within 6 miles of our Colonel's castle, so it is easy to be judged what comfortable neighbourhood or assistance, either for his Majesty's service or our safety we have had from Eniskillen: After disputing this particular with Captain Felliot he shows our Lieutenant what salt Sir William Cole had left him, being not above 4 Barrels, whereof he sent our Colonel two, who expected 20, sending money and Horses to that purpose with our party by this occasion we brought with us for our Ladies use a good woman called Vnye Hale; As we marched homewards, we could perceive as we came within 6 miles to our Garrison, the fields fowl on all quarters, which set us the better upon our guard, not daring to disperse ourselves in gathering of Cattles which we observed to be driven in our ways, thinking to have tempted us for the greater advantage against us, we having gotten near 3 score which we drove before us till we came near the borders of our Colonel's land, where on a sudden we were engaged amongst the Regues, who had laid a strong ambush for us being within little more than push of Pike before we could perceive them, so as we were presently engaged to push of Pike before our Muskiteeres could give fire, which afterwads they did over our Pike-mens' shoulders, the Rogues standingmost desperately to it for almost half an hour, they being a picked party of the best and ablest men that were of the borders of Fermanagh and Leytrim, most of them O Flannigans, Mac Gwires and Mac Caffries, from the Barony of Towro, with the Mac Glannaghies, Mac Glanghlins o Freiles, and o Meaghens of the Dartrye, and Rossonter, whereof we killed near 3 score of their properest and best men, with their chief Commander, who had been a Spanish Soldier, called Bryan Durrogh o Tressey, with divers others of their Gentlemen whom our boys stripped, bringing home a number of their and Arms; This glorious victory broke the hearts of the most daring dangerous men of both those Counties, to Gods holy name be the praise and honour, who thus mercifully delivered us without the loss of a man, though a many hurt with push of Pike and darts; The service was performed upon S. Andrew's day, for the credit of our Scottish-Patron. A party is sent to scour the Woods of Rossender, and to search for corn, Dece●●●● 15. whence we brought above an 100 Cows, our women and boys being well loaden with good store of corn, where we killed 3 Rogues and brought home a prisoner. This night our Colonel intends a party of his Christians to be kept at Ballymote, ●●●●mber where he hopes to burn of that Town, not doubting by Gods former favour and mercy the performance thereof, had not a many of his Souliers been seduced to a most damnable plot, to have run away to Sir William Cole, being encouraged thereto by the report of a messenger our Colonel had lately come from thence, informing what liberty his Soldiers had there, who would not be commanded by Captain or Officer, which damnable plot had so taken amongst a many of the party, that being marched but a small way, they pretend such faintness and weariness, that the like was never observed amongst them; not knowing what the mystery could mean, our Lieutenant is found contrary to his orders to march back again, by this means was this service overthrown, for which our Colonel thanks Eniskillen, on which retreat we encountered some Rogues, whereof we killed 6 or 7, and brought home near 3 secre Cowes, which were not very welcome present to our Colonel, in comparison of what service that night he expected to have been done: This party no sooner came home, but our Colonel discovered the whole plot, where he took such course with them as he found the whole cause proceeded from Eniskillen, and the countenance was given his runaways there. A party is sent towards Clanlogh on the borders of Mounter Kenny, 〈◊〉 9 where we killed divers Rogues, bringing home 2 Prisoners, above 200 Cows, burned a many houses in the Country, our women and boys to a great number coming home loaded with store of Corne. We marched into the County of Cavan, 〈◊〉 ● where in the Laragane we burned some houses, killed some few Rogues, brought home a prisoner, and near 9 score Cowes. We were guided by a Prisoner to the County of Cavan, 〈◊〉 where on our march through Glansarne, we apprehended a most Arch-rogue, called Cormack o Quillan, who had all that year stolen a many of our Colonel's Horses; from the County of Cavan we brought this night near 200 very fair Cows, most of them as fat as if it had been at Michaelmas; Thus we retreated through Glanserne, killing some 5 Rogues, our women and boys being loaded with Corne. We marched towards Mounter Kenny, 〈◊〉 where this night we killed some Rogues, took Prisoner the Wife of Owen oge Mac Murray, the chief man of that name, himself scaping narrowly, we brought home 3 score Beefs a many of them very fat. We marched towards Dromahere, 〈◊〉 17. hearing a great gathering was there making ready for a new Camp against us, where on our march through a Wood within less than a mile to Dromahere, where their new Camp lay over against it at Crewly, we brought from those Woods some 3 or 4 score principal Beefs, killed some Rogues, and brought home 2 Prisoners, returning one of them being a wench of some 10 or 12 years old with a Letter of our Colonel's Irish-Souldiers to their Countrymen in Camp, near the Abbey of Crewley, the copy of which Letter here followeth. To the most unworthy cowardly Colonels, Captains, and such like ragged Regiment now gazing for our Colonel's Easter Provision near Dromahere and Crewley. MOst disloyal, dishonourable and unworthy Countrymen, we are much ashamed of your base cowardliness, that makes us so long expect your threatening to steal away our Colonel's Cows. If you had followed the counsel of that perjured dastard Owen Mac a Bryan you had made more haste, who thought it time to run away himself after we found him in a bush, whilst we were upon service against the Rogues your friends of Fermannagh, but if you make no great haste, our Cows are few enough to eat till those be fat you now Heard for us near Cromahere, where you lie destroying your own poor Churls, and devising lies to keep them in heart, yourselves keeping the Castle until we rouse you up as we did the last morning, whilst we gave you a visit looking for our break fast. Tell Teig and Turlogh Mac A Nawe with their Nephew Hugh that would be o Rourke, that their Sister his niece fears there to Beeve in the Lent time, is like to bring their two Sisters to their Father, and whensoever they came within sight of his Castle, where the sign steal Mac A Nawe two Daughters upon Manor Hamiltons' Gallows, which worship may be timely challenged by the Brothers and Grandchild. Commend us to that Lousy Lords Son Luke Taffe, and Bryan Mac Donnoghy his base Brother in law, who the last year lost their own County, to help to steal our Colonel's Cows, which many a lusty lad and poor Churl with their Cows and Sheep of that County hath well paid for since, though they be wise enough to keep themselves from danger until their turn come to do sacrifice to our Gallows, which hath well flourished since they were here with their friends and Countrymen in hope to do themselves service at last; The Country cry out they will complain to Owen Roe o Neale for your careless blowing away your Powder, blest and sent by the Pope to other purpose then to shoot at our Colonel's Castle from the top of Benbowe, thinking your brags will carry it here as in other places, where you are not so well tried or known; So wishing your speedy conversion which is downfall, but rather confusion, who have been the actors and instruments in this abominable, barbarous and detestable Rebellion, advising your poor ignorant Countrymen churls, to forsake longer following such lying and seducing leaders, and trust to our means for ever, so once more fare-well-and be hanged, You loyal disaffected Countrymen Shane Roe Mac Roy, Hugh o Fellan, Cormack o Clery, Edmond o Kelly, Bryan o Fellan, Conner o Finny, Cum ceteris in Culnia. Castle Hamilton this 17 of February, 1643. THis day being Wednesday before Easter, ●●rch 29. having sent no party abroad since the 17th. of Feb: in expectation of Sir William Coles men from Eniskillen, who our Colonel was informed were in great distress there, both for Corn and Cattell, neither being to be had for venturing in that County, wherefore our Colonel advertised Sir William Cole and his Captains, that here was fair hopes to be supplied, if they would with their party of 4 or 500 men, secretly hast to us, who should be ready to join with them for falling upon the Rogue's camp, who lay near and about the Castle of Dremahere, 6 miles from us, where the Rogues were plentifully provided in the Camp, both from the County of Sligo and this County, having above 7 or 8000 Cows about this time grazing about them, and that country full of Corn, whereof both Eniskillen and we at this time stand in great need. The Captains of Eniskillen in their answer, acknowledge the extremity of their wants and our Colonel's invitation, but are in such confusion and disorder amongst themselves, as they neither denied to come or promise any thing plainly, when we deferring, all this while unwilling to fear their Camp, or venture our handful against 10 or 12 Companies commanded by Colonel Lucas Taffe, and his Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mac Donnoghye, with the assistance of Colonel Owen o Rourke, who lies in the Castle of Drum here, but now seeing no appearance of Eniskillen men, and our own Cows and provision grown very short against Easter, our Colonel is necessitated to venture with his own small party, which adventure it pleased the Lord this day so to bless, as to enable us to bring from the very Castle walls of Dromahere near 400 Cows, with pretty store of Sheep's, Goats and Mares, with some small supply of Butter and Meal, fight our selus through a great body of the Rogues, where we killed divers, hurt above 40, as appears by one of their Officers Letters found in their Lieutenant Col: pocket, being killed by us 3 days after, chaste the rest into Woods and bogs, bringing home our prey, and 3 Prisoners without the loss of a man, one Muskiteere only hurt on the shoulder, so that if Eniskillen men had been advised by our Colonel, we had undoubtedly had a fair pull of at least 7 or 8000 Cows, with abundance of Wheat and other corn besides: what good service might have been done upon the Rogues, how they can answer the neglect of this and other such like service, whereunto they have several times been invited and advertized by our Colonel, both for his Majesty's service, the common good, and their own particular relief, as more clearly it shall appear hereafter, God sending us aid and indifferent Judges to hear us both. Being Easter-eve, April 1. our Hay for Horses growing short by reason of the number we and our Colonel kept within the Castle all Winter, he is forced to venture 24 of his trowse Geraldmes to graze near 2 miles from the Castles, with a guard of near 50 of his men to take charge of his Plow-horses and his Cows, hoping till after Easter the Rogues being so lately beaten by us, they would not have ventured, as this day they did, a great body of them appear within a short mile to our Castle, before our Sentries descried them; We taking the Alarm, most of our best Horse and best Pike-men being so fare from us, divers others of our Soldiers being employed about firewood and such like necessaires, so as we are not able in this extremity to make up above 50 fight men, if so many, with which number we were commanded to endeavour the rescuing of the rest, guarding our Horses and Cattles, having no other way or means to save all or lose all; where it pleased the Lord so to direct us boldly to march towards the Rogues as they were advancing towards our Geldings and Cattles, perceiving our small number stragglingly draw together, they with speed advance towards us, marching in 3 divisions, their first division being led-on by their Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mac Donnoghy, and on the head of his own Company Captain Francis Taffe, and Captain Cormaok o Hawes Company, which division consists of 44 Muskiteeres besides Pike-men, the second division is led only by their Sergeant Major Teigreagh o Dowde; In the head of his own Company Captain David o Dowde, and Captain Bryan o Hares Company consisting of 42 Muskiteeres; The third division leadon by Captain William Tyrrell, on the head of his own Company Captain Bryan Mac Swine, and Captain Roger o Conners Company Consisting of 45 Muskiteeres besides Pike-men, which multitude thinking to have swallowed up our handful, perceiving us draw up without Horsemen, thinking to cut those off before we join with the rest, their Lieutenant Colonel leading on most fariously along a Bridge, over a River, at the foot of the hill where our men were drawn up, we perceiving them all cross the River, marching in a lose body towards us, giving fire upon us, we seem a little to retreat, where we got the benefit of a ditch for all our Muskiteeres to play out of, whereupon the Rogues imagining we had taken the retreat, did with great shouts cry out as if they had already beaten us; but our Muskiteeres did from that ditch so pepper them, that it is not to be believed what a sudden alteration our handful made amongst their multitude, our Pike-men flying in upon them, where one Mr. John Connigham himself was deadly shot with a Mukit bullet in the body, who lived 2 days after; Thus having killed their Lieutenant Colonel, who fought most desperately as ever man did, divers being with shot and Pike beaten to the ground, yet did he fight upon his knees, pity so great courage should have been in so Arch a Traitor, who was thought, to have been one of the greatest firebrands of Connaght in this Rebellion, and the bloodiest tyrant against our Clergymen, having caused 3 of them to be murdered, Mr. Thowas Fullerton, Mr. William Listowne, and Pattrick Dromond, who were bloodily killed by his orders, when they first lay about this Castle; Yet blessed be God this day who enabled us so to deal with them, as we put the Rogues after killing their Lieutenant Colonel, to such a disorderly and confused retreat over the River, where numbers of them threw one another into it, so as it is almost incredible to speak or write what number of proper personable men as any Ireland affords, were killed that day by our weak handful, to God alone be the glory. The next day our Colonel sending forth to search the Fields, to see if the Rogues had dared in the night time to carry off any of their dead bodies, but it did not appear they durst meddle with any; whereupon order was given for burying of them all, which was 2 days labour for 20 men, there being near 3 score found and buried, besides divers which had been carried away by the River, there being then a great 'slud in it. Thus it pleased God to continue his former favours and mercy towards us, with this great and miraculous victory without the loss of a man of ours, other than Mr. Conningham, our Women and Boys coming home loaden with Muskets, Pikes, Swords and Skeanes, enough to Arm 7 or 8 score men, and in hope to get more that were drowned in the River. And thus God hath done for us without the help of Eniskillen, whom we long waited for to have contributed for their supply and relief, and all these men that were found killed, within Musket shot of our Castle. A copy of such Letters and Papers as were found in the Lieutenant Colonels Bryan Mac Donnoghy his Pockets, being killed near Manor Hamilton Castle, on Saturday, April 1, 1643. SIR, I Believe you have heard of the great loss we have sustained this morning by Manor Hamiltons' Soldiers, I pray you to morrow come away yourself and dispatch provision for my Company, who must fast this night; your own Company is extreme weak here; therefore have all the rest sent for speedily, that they may be complete to morrow to march. This is all for the present, I rest From the Camp at Crewly, March 29, 1643. Your loving Brother Co: Lucas Taffe. NOble Sir, we are straight commanded by our Colonel to have all our Company to the full number here this night, and especially he doth desire your own speedy repair hither; and without you send for all your men upon sight hereof, and give them straight charge to be here this night with us, you will otherwise be ashamed for ever, seeing we are called upon speedy service: For my own part, I thought you did regard the loss of me more than thus, to leave me here all this while unappointed with Soldiers and Ammunition; for without God's great help, I had never come off alive from the last morning's service we had with Manor Hamiltons' Soldiers: I pray you as you love your own credit and my life, send me the rest of the Soldiers; otherwise, if you will let me go upon service without them, by Christ I will never be an Officer under your command more. We have not a pound of Powder amongst us all left: Your 8 Musketeers played their parts most gallantly, and discharged more shot then half of the Regiment; but our Pike-men played the jade with us. Hugh o Hara is shot in the Foot, and 40 more of our Regiment wounded, 2 only killed, none of them yours: This is the hurt we received yesterday morning; so leaving all to your best care and discretion, I rest From the Camp of Crewly, the 30th. of March. Your obedient Lieutenant Cormack Mac Donnogh, SIR, I Shall desire that you march towards the falling in of night, with all the Companies on this side of the water, where I shall meet you: you are to leave one Pikeman out of every Company, to guard the Baggage left at Crewly, who you are to require to keep good watch upon such things as shall be left with them, and not to spoil any thing belonging to the Abbey, as they shall answer it at their perils; so till meeting I rest Yours Co: Lucas Taffe. Drumahere, March 31. Bellisedera the 12th. of March, 1642. WHereas feveral grievous complaints are daily exhibited unto us, that the under-named persons do daily commit several incursions, massacres, robberies, outrages and many other enormities and pillages within the County of Sligo, contrary to his Majesty's Laws, the several acts of the supreme Provincial and County Counsel to the contrary provided and enacted; These are therefore in his Majesty's name, to will and require you Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Mac Connagh and Serjeant Major Teig Reagh o Dowda, to attach the bodies of the undernamed persons, and to that purpose, to command such of the Forces of the County of Sligo as they shall think fit; wherein all the Captains, Officers and private Soldiers of the Forces of the said County, are hereby required and authorized; such of them as shall be hereto required, to be aiding and assisting unto these, Lieutenant Colonel and Sergeant Major Teig Reagh o Dowda, as they shall receive directions; and in case that the under-named persons shall not willingly suffer themselves to be apprehended; then the said Lieutenant Colonel and Sergeant Major are to deal with them like common enemies, as well by death as otherwise; And these Lieutenant Colonel and Sergeant Major Teig Reagh o Dowda, are likewise requited to commit the bodies of the under-named persons, being so attached, unto the Castle of Ballynefada, and there to leave them in safe custody, until they receive further directions from us: And the Captains, Warriors and assisting to the said Lieutenant Colonel and Sergeant Major Teig Reagh o Dowda in the execution of the premises as they shall receive directions, whereof you and every of you may not fail at your extreate perils, Dat' Anno superiore dicto. Capt: Charles o Connour, Capt: Hugh o Connour Owen Mac Roe o Connour, Redagh Mac Beryan o Hart, donnel Mac Rory o Connor, Owen o Connour, Cahill duff Mac Teigh, Boy o Connour, Shane o Hart, Teig o Hart, Roar o Hort, Gilpatrick o Hart, Robe o Binningham, Teig o Connour Sligo, Farrall o Gara, Nonny o Hara, Andrew Crean, Phelemy o Connour. SIR, YOu may perceive by the Lieutenant General's Letter, how I am commanded to wait in these parts, God knows how long; but no longer than after I know the distribution of this Army; If greater occasion than now appears unto us require it not: though loath I was to be a suitor in my own behalf for my repairing thither. Truly I have done in that particular more than behoved me, therefore the managing of that Regiment until further directions is left to your care to dispose of, to use and employ them in all manner of defence or offence, as it to you shall seem most advantageous to his Majesty's service, and the preservation of the Country. I shall also desire you to address yourself to the Counsel of the County, as well to participate of such occurrants as I transmitted unto them, as also to forward the execution of some particulars concerning the maintenance of your Forces, and the speedy levying thereof, employing in your absence Sergeant Major Dowda to oversee and command the Regiment, and to expedite all Country affairs: I hold it requisite that one well armed Captain should always reside within the County. I pray Sir advertise me by the bearer, how or in what restraint, Oliver o Hara was kept by the Sheriff since my coming away, It did expect that by this he would cry mea Culpa: but seeing he stands so stiffly upon his justification, I promise him that I shall desire Justice against him, as also against the Sheriff, if he have not gone according to his directions. I pray cause Serjeant Major Dowda to be paid for his Powder, according to my promise unto him, and let me hear at large from you, whether any man offers disobedience amongst you, that we might take course with them: I hope you will not forget to rid poor Carberry of the insolent power of the Northern, in which case I pray you be advised by your County Counsel: The enclosed of the Lord of Elphin, I pray you endeavour if your occasion will admit you the leisure to accomplish his desires therein; This being all for the present, I am Your faithful Brother Lucas Taffe. Tuam the 26th. of Feb: For my worthy Friend Mulmurry Mac Ternan Esquire, Found in his Pocket being killed and stripped. KInd Gossip, the only thing that keeps me from you, is the report that Sir Frederick Hamilton promised to come last night, or this day to see me at this Castle, which report hath made me and all mine to watch all night: I pray you have a care if you hear any such thing, to march hither with all posthaste with your Company; And so I bid you farewell, and rest Dromahere Castle, Feb. 21, 1641. Your own faithful Gossip Owen o Rourke. A Copy of such Letters as were sent by the Rebels to our Colonel and to his Lady, thinking to have terrified her; and a Copy of other Papers and Writings found in the Pockets of their Priests, Friars and Captains, being killed and stripped. Madam, I Am sorry it was never my fortune to be acquainted with your Ladyship, though much desired: Now out of the respects I bear unto your Ladyship's family, I cannot but be grieved to think on the trouble that is like soon to fall on you. We have here 23 Companies that are now ready to march towards you, and 15 Companies more upon their much from the uppermost part of this County, and the County of Maio. I have for your Ladyship's sake entreated the Captains of the Army to write unto Sir Frederick, I should be right glad that he would embrace the conditions sent him, for there are many resolved to lose all their lives, or they will have Sir frederick's head, notwithstanding their friends he hath prisoners. For the Army doth protest and swear, they will have Sir Frederick and Manor Hamilton Castle, though it cost the lives of thousands, and the lives of his Prisoners, rather than to suffer him longer to remain within their bosoms, especially carrying himself as he hath done towards them, It is but in vain to strive against the straeme. If I had not been well assured that the Army now in Arms and ready to march, are too strong against any powers this Kingdom can make, or readily come to help you, and that which encourageth us most to take Arms, is the Justness of our cause, which is for the maintenance of his Majesty's Prerogatives, our Liberties and Religion, which is so much trodden underfoot, that most of all this Kingdom are resolved to sacrifice their lives in defence thereof; And if we get not our demands of Sir Frederick, take it on my word he will soon repent it: I should be very sorry that any hurt should come to your Ladyship. I make no doubt but you know how near a kin, which you will by the bearer, if you do not, however I will remain From our Camp at Sligo. December 13, 1641. Your loving Cousin and servant Patrick Flunkett. This Paper was found in Mulmurry Mac Tervans Pocket. WE have agreed, that a supply of 200 Soldiers shall be presently pressed and taken up in the Barony of Dromahere, for the service now in hand against Manor Hamilton Castle, according to the division hereafter expressed, witness our hands, this last of January. Owen O Rowrke. THe two septs of Chlamloghins and Clanmurrayes are to maintain fou cscore soldiers, Monuterkenny and Ballymackenagh thirty soldiers, Killargy and Killimurry are to maintain fifty soldiers, Leeland and the parish of Dromlasse are to maintain forty soldiers. This Paper was found in a Priest's pocket, being killed and stripped. WHereas we are certified that the unexpected insurrection did arise in defence of our good faith, and holy Mother, the Catholic Ramane Church, and of his Majesty's prerogative Royal, both which being lately intended by the Protestants of England and Ireland, to be aboment wherefore I Teig O Connour Sligo, Colonel of the Irish Regiment for the county of Sligo, do hereby command all the inhabitants of the parish of Cadbry, as you are naturally obliged to obey the Roman Church, to pay or cause to be paid unto father Connor O Harry Pastor of the said parish, all such tithes and other duties as he can sinned out were unpayed to the former Minister of the said parish, and in failing hereof I promise to assist him as I best can, as witness my hand this 17 of January. NOble Sir Frederick Hamilton, I cannot forget that in times passed there was a mutual correspondency of love, and affectionate friendship between my father, and yourself, which on your part hath been approved by several of your favourable courtesies, which hath left such an obligation upon me his son and heir, as I cannot but wi●h your happiness before your hurt. Though the general matter now in hand requires the contrary. I am persuaded you cannot but know or imagine, as true it is, that there is so fast an union made and concluded a mongst us all the Roman Catholics, as members of one body, we have vowed to help one another, so that if one member receiveth hurt, the other must apply his best endeavours for the cure, all tending to the defence of our Christian Religion, and the preservation of his Majesty's most Royal power & prerogatives, being the chief reasons of this our most Christian quarrel: Therefore, when I saw the most miserable distractions & afflictions which my most near Cousins, and Neighbours of this county suffered under this pretence by your cruelty and means, my heart could not for the brotherly Christian charity I own unto them, besides the several invitations and persuasions of many of my friends and alliance, but make this present expedition. I have here with me lying about me, besides a many more drawing towards you for the places to seek redress and revenge of these great miseries and calamities you have put upon them, which I wish to have in the gentlest sort I may. Wherefore, I thought fit to acquaint you more for your own good, than any end of mine, That I am here strong enough from the county of Sligo, having all the best, and chiefest men of that county about me, besides the strength of the county of Leytrim under the command of my Cousins, the O Rourkes whom you have much harmed, who have procured by their friends from the county of Maio these gre●t supplies, daily drawing towards us, so that you will find it impossible for you to resist, wherefore out of my unfeigned good will do advise you that before we go to extremity, you will take the best course for your own safety and relief, which great Potentates and Nobles are not ashamed to do, when they are in the like extremities as we hold you to be, in desiring that you and we may agree upon quatters & a Cessation of Arms, until Articles propounded upon either side may be agreed upon, I desire to be free from giving way to shed your blood, if otherwise I may compass my pretences: If you will not make use of this friendly offer instantly without delay, and before the county of Maio Gentlemen join with me, I fear they being so near and great in numbers; I shall hardly stay their hands from see●king revenge for killing and hanging so many of their kinsmen, the O Rourkes, and others of their friends of this County, whom you have destroyed, herein I will expect your present answer, and desire that our messengers on both sides may freel pass● without harm or danger, as is usual in all leaguers, Mean time I shall remain From our Camp near Manor Hamilton, March the 15 1641 Yours at pleasure and hearts desire Teig O Connour Sligo Colonel. This Letter answered thus. YOur loyalty to your King, your faith to your friends once broke, never more to be trusted by me, but revenged as God shall enable the hands of him who was loving to your loyal Predecessors, whose curse will contribute to your destruction, for extingishing the memory of their loyalties, Thus I rest with contempt and scorn to all your base brags. Your scourge if I can. F. H. For Captain John O●crean, March 1 1641. Allowed to himself and company nineteen quarters of Land, in the parish of Collroy. BY the consent of the Colonel Teig O Connour Sligo, who appointed us to allot unto every Captain of his Regimont, that are now encamped about Manor Hamilton, and to stop the incursions of that Garrison we hold and think fit, that every Captain to this purpose shall levy, and take up in every quarter of Land that is allowed for his share forty nine quarters of meal unpressed, and twelve pence of money every week, for the relief of their companies, and for so doing this shall be their sufficient warrant, as witness our hands, the day and y●are above written. Andrew Crean, Teig boy O Connour Connor O●ge O hart These last two killed, and these Papers found as they were stripped. We did beat them from their Camp finding this Paper in one of their dead men's pockets. April 1 Whereas there hath severall-warrants issued for the levying of four quarters of meal●, in every quarter of land of a third levy, Comita●●● Sligo. which three several levies is within the Barronny of Carbery, for the maintaining of the soldiers out of the said Barronny now encamped about Manor Hamilton, out of which every soldier is to have for his means whilst he is there fourteen quarts in meal, and twelve pence in money for every week and more. And in as much as we find that there is meal already allotted as is well able to maintain the said Army till the 15 of May next. We do therefore hereby require all Captains, Collectors to surcease and keep their hands from collecting any more meal or money then what was allotted in every quarter for the said three levies, whereof the several Collectors and Captains according to a former warrant, are to meet by a day to give up an exact account thereof. Dated at Sligo, the 4 of April, 1642. Teig O Connor Sligo, Andrew Crean Captain Conn O C●nnor since hanged there. For the Lieutenant Colonel Brian Mr. Donnogh SIR, I Hope you have taken course in my absence to keep some of your forces in action here, lest tergiversation being ill construct by the gentry of this County, not only having deprived them of your own aid, but such assistance as they expected from Maio, or thus delaying will produce no better effect than ruin and destruction, being now nearer unto it, than ever it hath been formerly. The County of Galway Gentlemen have of late petitioned to the Earl of Clanrickard against the Lord Forbus, who hath already committed several acts of hostility, that his Lordship might persuade him to part quietly with his forces, or to give them leave to stand for their own defence, the answer of which was transferred to this day at Longreagh, where Clanrickard my Lord Precedent, and the chief of that county meet, and from thence my Lord Precedent goeth to Galloway. Sir, what their resolution will be I cannot yet imagine, but fear much so general a meeting will produce a strange issue tending to our deserved ruin, which I commit to a higher power to prevent, than any commission that comes from Parliament. The County of Maio forces is gathered to Sethruell and intent to camp upon the confines of that County. My Lord of Maio sent to us for aid, being well known to his Lordship how able we are to spare any, he was pleased to write plainly if we had not in retribution of their loss sustained in these parts parralelled his courtesies, that we should expect no more aid from thence. A fair excuse, or a fit denial, sure the small forces we have here are in greater danger, than that County which needeth, not fear any foreign invasion: we are I protest unto you not above three hundred in number, not like henceforth to be at any rest or quietness. The Powder bestowed upon Connaught, is brought partly to the county of Maio, and some to the County of Galloway, resolved upon not to be touched, until our Provincial County distribute it as they think fittest, when the Counsel is held. I cannot well assure you, the report of the arriving of shipping at Sligo give we no little occasion of fear which I pray with expedition to certify me. And if my own repair, be any whit necessary upon the landing any new supplies, I will not fail to post night and day unto you. I hope your Counsel have agreed to meet often, being very necessary, especially now, I doubt not they will be soon called upon to meet when ever I receive intelligence of the full & true resolutions of the county of Galloway, I have seen late intelligence of England of July date, concerning the King & Parliament, who are at great distance, the Lord of heaven continue them so, until I send them an absolution. The powder made at Laughlin is as good as any is in Ireland, we shall want no more of that commodity, so we be furnished with all other necessaries. I pray Sir, let my mother use all the hast she can to have the ditch wholly scoured about Ballymote Castle, before the bad weather overtakes it, I pray that I may have every second day what occurrents those parts afford you. In the interval I present my service to our friends and rest Castle Keagh the 18 of August. Your loving Colonel Lucas Taffe. This letter was found in a Priests pocket that day we killed above 80 in the County of Sligo. The names of such as have been hanged at Manor Hamilton by Martial Law, since the beginning of this Rebellion Decemb 3. Turlogh mac Clevor. Neale Mac Cluan. Mann● O Gallogher Manns O Hoy Decem. 12. Phelomy Duff Mac Cob Decemb. 18 Gelpatrick O Can Brian O Moriice Decemb. 20. Turlogh O Cally. january 2. Brian O Cannon. Con O Rourk the Colonel's brother january 8. Connour mac. Shane Glass Mac Laugblin the chief of his name. Aug. 23. Owen Mac Garraghy. Cormack O Cornan. August 31 Shane Mac Skerrie. john Spence. Septemb. 10. Captain Con O Connour. Credough Mac Derno. Cor Mac O Hay had been a Minister. Teig Mac Goane. Septemb. 4 Brian Mac Diffet. Septem. 17. Donnogh O D●wde. Septem. 19 Grany O Dowgan. Patrick O Neale. Febru. 2 ohn Wytherspin. Febru. 11. Donnogh boy O Bane. Mewe Mac Laughlin. Feb. 22. Owen Mac Thomas Murray. Febru. 26. Ferrall Mac Kegan. Mar. 15 Turmultagh Mac Garraghy: Subsheriffe deputy of Donegall. Cormack O Hoys wife. near kinswoman to O Conn●ur. 〈◊〉 8. Hugh O Hart donnel O Hart. Grany ny K●we. Ph●lomy mack A Naw Gilpattrick O Mullane 〈…〉. Laughlin O Degannian 〈…〉. Call boy mac Garty. Donnogh O Hart 〈…〉. Hugh O Flin. james Roch the chief Murcherer, of the British at Sligo. donnel O Clery. Hugh O Cullen. Glany O Regan. james Wytherspin. july 12 james halfpenny. july 26 Hugh O Faith Novem. 4. Garret mac A Na● chief of his name. Nou. 14. Cap. Charles mac Gwire Nou. 16. Phelomy Mac Pierce. Decem. 22 in Gwyre. january 7 Edmond Mac Gawran. Turlogh Reagh O Mortelan. Brian O Cuer. February 3 Cormack O Cuer. Cormack O Quillan. Februar 18 Ka●ill mack Can. Donnel mac Glannag●y, William mac Roregan. Sir Robert Hannay his Letter and others being Prisoners at Sligo and sent to Domahere Castle. Honourable Sir, WE the undernamed persons having suffered in all our whole estates and being upon our banishment out of this Kingdom, under the safe conduct of Mr. Edmond Bourk Ragagh, and Mr. Walter Bourk of Ardagh towards the North, but most opposed at Castle Connour Enniscromne Escagh bridge, Dawne Neale, Arnaglesse and Tomler go by several bands of armed m●n purposely set for our lives, were not their extreme violence suppressed by the discretion, worth and care of those two Gentlemen, and we taken prisoners by the mac Swine's, brought before O Connour Sligo, where we now remain, and intended to be sent unto the Castle of Dromaheere to be kept until you Sir deliver such prisoners of the O Rourkes, and others as you have in your custody, or to be dealt with, as you do unto them, Sir, you are nobly disposed, so that in honour we hope the means of relief, being now in yourself, you will not suffer us to perish, who will ever remain, Sir, Yours truly obliged to serve you Robert Hannay, Andrew Adare, Alexander Montgomery. William Liston, Thomas Fullerton. THese be the names and number of Prisoners, Sir Robert Hannay, his Lady, his two daughters, two boys, two men, and a Gentlewoman Mr. Andrew Adare, and his wife and sister's son, Mr. Alexander Montgomery his wife and eldest son, Mr. William Liston his wife and daughter, Mr. Thomas Fullerton and his wife, Patrick Deomond, Mr. Adares man. Sir after the writing of this Letter we are brought to Dromaherre, and order left by the Captains to bring us unto the Camp at Manor Hamilton, where we must suffer death, if those Prisoners with you Sir, be not delivered. Sir Fredrick Hamiltons' answer to the Letter . SIR, I Have received your Letter, whereby I am given to understand of your treacherous surprisal, notwithstanding of your safe conduct promised, for the which I am very sorry, but such is the treacherous falsehood of those disloyal traytours generlly throughout this whole Kingdom, that hath made me vow and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will never give nor take quarter with them, or any of them, yea though my own sons who have descended from my own Loins, were in your estate, I had rather they should die gloriously for the cause of Christ, than I should so abase myself as to deal with such traitors to God and his Majesty. Thus beseeching God Almighty to strengthen and encourage you, that you may continue constant till it shall please God to give you deliverance either by life or death. In the mean time I am persuaded that they will use you with no worse measure, than their Prisoners, who were apprehended by me in the action of Rebellion are used: So recommending you to God, I rest, Castle Hamilton January 19 1641. Your very loving friend F. H. By Letters from Dublin dated 26 of July and 2 of August from a good hand. THe Lord marquis of Ormond as I hear, hath now writ to the State here, to send him Bread and Cheese for 5000 men, for that he hath no victuals for his Army, and yet we hoped here, that those Countries would have afforded plenty of victuals, and these sending still abroad, we being in such want at home, makes our necessities desperate. There came lately to Town here, Lieutenant Colonel Sentleger, son unto the late Precedent of Muns●er, who came through Kilkenny, having a pass for his safety from the Viscount Muskerry; he saith that at Kilkenny he saw and dined with the Pope's Nuntio who is come thither, and hath brought to the Rebels 80000lb. This is likewise reported by others, who say they saw him there; and it is much belceved here, Sentlegers business hither as I hear was about the Cessation, to know by what authority it is to be done, and how fare procceeded in; what will be the issue of tha business is not yet known. Our Ammunition here grows very scarce, and if we be not suddenly relieved from England, it will be an unanswerable reason for a Cessation; and then we must either submit to the merciless mercies of these cruel Rebels, and to their treachery, or else come for England, and endure those miseries and afflictions there which God shall please to lay upon us. Romember this, that that precious thing time; if it be overpast but a little before relief comes to us, the Kingdom is not like to continue in his Majesty's lgovernement as it now is, but as the Rebels will please to have it: we now hear that Preston hath dispersed his Army, and lodged his Ordinance at Sir Luke fitz gerald's at Tecrohon in Meath, that he wants Carriages and Ammunition, so that if we could prosecute this War, and had provisions before Preston had again furnished himself, there would be good hopes of putting a speedy end to this War, which otherwise will prove long, tedious, and of excessive charge, and weary out all the English. We now begin to despair of any help from the Parliament, hearing how unable the Parliament is to send any, and that his Majesty so fare prospers, that we are in hope to have help only from him. We are now like a Candle burned out, and the snuff in the socket giving a little light some times, but ready every moment to perish for want of a new supply of oil. Upon Sunday morning about one of the clock, there was a great Alarm here in Dublin, the Rebels had got into New-streete, and came up as fare as the pottle, and had pillaged divers houses before we could make resistance, and set some thatch houses on fire, some 20 one and other, the certainty is not so well known though we dwell here, as I can assure you of it: the Rebels were as some faith who saw them 300 Horse, a great Company of Foot, but how many we know not, (God be blessed) they were beaten out, and about 20 of them killed, and some 6 or 7 of ours, they presently after burned a great deal of Hay made up in Cocks about Ragarr and Rasarnam, and a night or two after about Donna brook, our Army being abroad we could not follow them, but thought ourselves well that the City was kept fafe, being much afraid of and suspicious the Papists within us, though I cannot hear of any proof against any in particular. The victuals which were brought us by Bartlet, are long since spent, and we are now again in as ill case for want as ever, our Army being the greatest that ever we sent out since this rebellion; they went near Edenderry which was given up to us, but all pillaged, and the Crohan which likewise they had taken, they left and burnt it, since which time our Army without doing any thing more, came back to Killcock, where they have since been for some days passed in great necessities, and very many of our Soldiers dying in the Fields for hunger, so that we fear it will consume in a short time to a small number, though in these necessitous times we account them as though their numbers were full: The marquis came the last Thursday from them to Dublin, and yesterday went back to them again; and as it is said here, the Army for a great part of them shall be placed in out Garrisons, and the rest come to Dublin. Brent is come over again with some Letters out of England, which were as I hear delivered yesterday, the Vicetreasurer, and Sir John Temple, and Sir Robert Meridith were committed to the Castle, and the Master of the Wards as I hear, should also have been so committed but that he is sick, and so his committal respited till he recover his health. So I rest Your very loving Friend S. M. To my worthy Friend William Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons in England, to be speedily communicated to the House. Master Speaker, THere is now some short time essl●●ed since here began a great rumour to be spread amongst us (and much fomented in the mouths and ears of all sorts of people) of a treaty for a Cessation of Arms to be concluded on betwixt the forces settled in and about Dublin, and the Lynster Rebels, and that the same was agitated and set on foot by virtue and force of several Letters from his Majesty to the marquis of Ormond, and that the business hath been in a great probability to take effect until of late some appearance of a breach hath fallen out betwixt them; what the substance or success of that treaty may be, we in these parts have been kept utterly ignorant, and so far from being (to our knowledge) comprehended therein, or concluded thereby, as that we have not had the least notice thereof, but by the hands of the Rebels, to whom in that, or any other particular, we have little reason to give credit, save that at a late parley, which was held betwixt me and the principal Officers of this Army, and the Lord of Muskery (who pretended to communicate unto us matter tending to the public good;) we made such advantage thereof, as to obtain leave to send a Gentleman of our own to the place, where this treaty was related to be in agitation, who suddenly returned unto us, with assurance that upon sundry specious overtures made by the Rebels such a Treaty had been entered into, but that the same by the appearance of their delusive irreality was broken off at present, and that the marquis of Ormond was then marched into the field with a good strength to prosecute the Lynster Rebels. And as we are of opinion that extreme necessity did compel those of the Lynster Army to hearken to such a Treaty, so we cannot but avouch our own wants and general distresses to be equal to, if not surpassing, the sufferings of any other part of the Kingdom, And indeed albeit we are most faithfully zealous and desirous to bestow our lives and fortunes on this cause and service; yet will our general defects and necessities disable us to administer any advantage unto it, being altogether unfurnished of such means, as might make our persons and endeavours available, or considerable: And although we have lately received a ship laden with Provisions, furnished out by the care and providence of that Honourable House (for which we are desirous that you would return them our humble and thankful acknowledgement of their great favour therein:) yet when the same fell out to be divided amongst out whole Army, it amounted not to above ten day's provision for the common soldiers, so as I am again enforced to lay the soldiers upon the wretched inhabitants of our several Garrisons, who were altogether unable to sinned either themselves or the soldiers a subsistence, if some private Merchants had not been endueed to bring in provisions upon their own account; which were sold out to the poor people, and may make them subsist until the harvest draw on upon us, that we may expect to gain something abroad, which then nevertheless we cannot hope to do, or to be able to look out of our Garrisons, for the especial want of powder and Munition, which is such as that our whole stores will be utterly exhausted, and spent in mere watching without other service, in one month or six weeks, having not for all our Garrisons and men above thirty Barrels of Powder, and Match in no sort proportionable to it; So that I shall humbly desire that in the first place we may receive at the least 200 Barrels of Powder with Match and lead proportionable, if any service be expected at our hands. In the next place, there is cast upon me a most heavy and insupportable burden of satisfying and giving contentment to the Officers, who having now neither money or (meat being as scarce and dainty with them as either) do daily importune me for leave to forsake the service, which I could not refuse to some few whom I had no means to relieve, nor can, but with reluctancy, deny unto the rest, seeing the contemptible and wretched condition they live in, beneath the quality of Gentlemen, or indeed common soldiers in other parts, and therefore I am enforced to deal with them by persuasions, wherein I have hitherto proved so successful, and have found them so faithfully devoted to this service, as that they are content at my entreaty to wait for, and expect the order and direction of that Honourable Assembly, how they shall be disposed of, or provided for: And hereupon have I prevailed with the Admiral (whom we are all exceedingly obliged to, for his care and willingness to advance this service) to employ this Pinnace expressly with this dispatch to be communicated unto the House. And shall earnestly beseech you, as you tender the good and preservation of this considerable and important Province and Army, that you would effectually represent the substance of this my Letter unto that Honourable Assembly, and obtain and return unto me such full and ample directions and advertisements, what supply we are to expect, or depend upon, or what other course we shall apply ourselves unto, as that we may (according to our general desire) so dispose of ourselves as may best suit with the liking and approbation of that Assembly, being confident that they will only Order and Command us such things as may be fezible, at least possible for us to observe: And now that we may not in the interim perish before any supplies or directions can overtake us, or return unto us, (which we shall be in great danger of) if we receive not a sudden resolution. I shall make humble suit that this Pinnace may be dispatched back with all possible speed. And seeing we have already received good benefit by the Assistance of the Admiral; I shall also humbly desire that a course may be conceived to continue him upon this Coast, and that he may be directed to comply with me in all occasions of service, for that it is very probable we may by his help, when we shall have supplies, take in divers of the sea Towns, which had been performed ere this time, if ever we had been in a condition (since his coming to us) fit to March into the field. The enemy advancing lately to the siege of Capperquin and Lysmore, which places (in regard I was unable to draw forth the whole Army, through mere want of all kind of necessaries) I did endeavour to strengthen with men, and provisions, and to that purpose marched with a good party of foot, and some horse to Tallow within two miles of their Camp, and there lay to face them, and attempt the putting in of provisions into the said several places: I had there an opportunity to have a perfect view of their whole Forces, and did find as well by my espyals, as by my particular survey, that their strength of horse did at the least treble ours (although ours according to their several numbers, were indifferently full) and that they were very competently armed, which gave me then occasion and resolution to desire you would represent unto that Honourable Assembly how that Sir john Pawlet, Knight, having by his industry and earnest desire to advance this service, gotten a considerable number of serviceable men, well mounted together, who have on all occasions been employed, and shown themselves active and able in the performance of several services, I have for their encouragement and for the keeping of them together, and for the strengthening of our Horse issued some small quantity of Tobaccoes unto them, to keep them alive, and promised to use my endeavours to gain them an entertainment; I shall therefore earnestly desire you to represent unto the House, that if they will vouchsafe to supply Sir john Pawlet with a small sum of money, and some Arms to recruite and complete them (which are the only thing they want) and to give me Order to enter them into pay and entertainment under his Command, that there will be a very serviceable and considerable Troop raised for the public service, and such an one as will bring a good addition of strength to this Army. I have formerly of late directed most of my dispatches unto Sergeant Major Jephson, a Member of the House, and an industrious solicitor for the Province (to avoid your too much trouble) but now I must desire your favours and furtherance in the return of this dispatch, (he being probably come thence) in attendance whereon I remain Cork 7. Aug. 1643. Your affectionate friend and servant INSIQUIN. FINIS.