Exceeding welcome News FROM IRELAND. Being the Copy of a Letter sent from Dundalke to Mr. Dudley Norton Esquire, Inhabitant at Nanptwich, and now resident in LONDON. Wherein is declared in what condition the Kingdom of Ireland is at this present. Which true information what victories have been obtained against the Rebels in several parts of that Kingdom, By The Earl of Ormond. Sir Henry Titchburne. Sir Chrstopher Loftus. Sir Richard Greenvill. Captain Bartlet. Colonel Vavasor. With others that are the chief Commanders of the Army for that service. Published for the satisfaction of all those that desire true information of the proceed in that Kingdom, by Authority. LONDON, Printed for Henry Fowler. Septemb. 2. 1642. Welcome News FROM IRELAND. HAving received true information from you of the proceed between the King and Parliament in England; in requital I have thought it necessary to inform you how the case stands with us in Ireland. For the Rebels they increase daily, like Hydra's heads; one is no sooner cut off, but there arise three in his place; but God be thanked they want Arms to furnish them; by which means (though their Forces are very considerable) they are not invincible; for several assaults have been made against them, upon great odds on their side; yet so great is God's mercy towards us, that notwithstanding their numbers, our handful have still the victory, coming off with little loss, they being killed by thousands. For our soldiers, though their habits are poor, yet they have good hearts, for they weigh neither danger nor death, but upon all occasions are forwarder to fall on then their Commanders are to have them. For example, the Earl of Ormond with 5000. Foot and 800. Horse fought with 15000 Rebels near Kilkenni, where the Rebels are encamped, killing at least 3000. with the loss of 60. Foot and 20. Horse. Sir Henry Titchbourne before Dundalke fought with Rorum Maguiers (brother to the Lo: Maguiers now prisoner in the Tower) having but three Regiments of Foot and two Troops of Horse, Maguiers having above a thousand Rebels: in which fight Sir Henry Titchbourne behaved himself so valiantly, that had not Maguiers bestirred himself very nimbly, he had accompanied his brother: for his valiant followers shown him a fair pair of heels, and left him to fight it out by himself; which he seeing, followed their example, and ran away for company. In this battle there were killed near 2000 Rebels, 20. Prisoners taken, which were hanged like Rebels as they were. Sir Christopher Loftus. hath cleared the Coast of Galway, it having long time been besieged by the Rebels; but being oft times worsted by the English Forces, and gauled by the often issuing out of the Citizens, they were forced to steal away by night. But Sir Christopher Loftus having discovered them, fell upon them on the morrow as they marched towards a wood that was near adjoining, thinking there to secure themselves; but seeing themselves intercepted, they fronted the English, who gave them a sour welcome. The English were strait seconded by the Citizens of Galway, at whose arrival the Rebels began to be amazed, and in a confused manner ran into disordor: In which confusion they were cut off so fast that they found the place too hot for their company. Wherefore instead of fight, they took themselves to running, leaving the english and the Citizens of Galway to congratulate their happy victory. Captain Gibs was lately hard beset at Garmaston being opposed by Oneale the great rebel, whose forces were 18000. foot, and 3000. horse. Cap. Gibs having been abroad relieving several Castles besieged by the Rebels; and upon his retreat he made Garmaston his quarters intending to stay there a day or two to refresh his men, and to give them time to mend their clothes which were very bad: But Philome Oneale having intelligence that there was a small company of English in Garmaston under the command of Cap. Gibs, marched through the wood privately, stealing upon the Town, but being discovered by the English, certain notice was immediately given to Captain Gibs, who sent immediately to Captain Bartlet, who was then in Limricke Castle, desiring him to send him some present aid, otherwise he and his men had been lost. Philome Oneale having surprised him in his quarters, nevertheless, Garmaston having a little Castle in it, he had planted to small field pieces which he would intercept him some small time, likewise placing his men to his best advantage, to offend him and secure himself. This being done as soon as Pwilome Oneale came within shot of the Town, he caused his men to give a general shout, which Oneale hearing feared some treachery, whereupon he made a stand, all this while Captain Gibs stood not still, for his field pieces and other small shot with the drums made such a confused melody, that the Rebels were almost amazed, fearing that they had been almost betrayed to death, they not conceiving any other cause of joy could be at such a time so vehemently expressed. Thus both parties continued shooting for the space of two hours. Captain Gibs his men shooting at a full body, did do great execution amongst them, but the rebels shooting at random scarce frighted the English. At length Captain Bartlet with 500 foot and 3. troops of horse, marched through the wood for the more privacy, and before they were ware clapped just upon the rear of the Rebels, which Oneale seeing; caused his men to wheel about, and to front Captain Bartlet, who having the advantage of the hill, fronted them both (knowing his men to be of an approved courage) and gave them a hot charge with musket bullet. In the mean time Captain Gibs drew out his men and planted them just at the bottom of the hill, shooting very fast, so that between them they caused them to retreat, discharging on the flank. Which they having done, being clear of both the parties of English, they very fairly marched away with speed, with the loss of 500 men. In this Skirmish Captain Gibs was shot through the arm with a musket bullet, and lost near 100 men Sir Richard Greenwel fought with Mac-mahaun near Munster. Mac-mahaun being plundering certain villages having 3000. fooote, and 500 horse; but Sir Richard Grenevill having not alliegiance went up to the rescue of the Inhabitants, where after 5. hours' fight Macmahanone having strengthened himself with a Castle whereon he had planted three field pieces, but after so much time spent to decide the difference, the English pressed so hard upon them, so that they fled out of the Town leaving their Ordnance for Sir Richard Grenevill to carry home with him, their haste being such that they were either too hot or too heavy. Colonel Vavasor obtained a Castle from the Lord Plunket, wherein was great store of Amunitio, where he slew 50. Rebels, and took the Lady Plunket prisoner, with her two sons which were sent to Dublin. These are the chief of our proceed in Ireland, pray let me at the next return be informed what hath passed between the King and Parliament since your last letter, and in return I shall gratify you with the like courtesy from hence. So I rest Your friend to be commanded, Patrick Kilborne. Dundalke, Aug. 26. 1642. FINIS.