Great and Good NEWS BOTH FROM Scotland and Ireland; Being a Faithful and Particular Account of a late Terrible Engagement BETWIXT Major-General KIRK, AND THE Duke of Berwick, and Colonel Sarsfield: AS ALSO, A True Relation of a late Horrid and Popish Conspiracy, Discovered, against Their Present Majesty's King WILLIAM and Queen MARY.  
Licenced according to Order.  
March 14. 1690.  
A Vessel lately come from Ireland to Plymouth, informs us of a very hot Dispute, occasioned by the Policy of Colonel Kirk, between a party of the Irish Rebels, which was as followeth:  
Colonel Kirk hearing that Coll. Scansfield, by the Order of his Master K. James, had removed his Quarters from Dublin to Dundalk, with about Fourteen Hundred Foot and Horse under his Command; within Eight Miles of which Colonel Kirk lay with Six Hundred Horse and a Regiment of Foot, consisting of a Thousand Men, who studied this Stratagem to bring the silly Irish liable to his Mercy.  
He draws out a Party of Four Hundred Horse and Four Hundred Foot, and Orders a small parcel of Dragoons to drive before him about Thirty Head of Oxen: In this posture he advances towards Dundalk, till he came (about Evening) within Three Miles of the place, where he covered his Party in a convenient Wood, and Ordered the Cattle to be driven that Night about a Mile further, and there leave them. Having proceeded thus far in order to his design, the Soldiers refreshed themselves and their Horses with Provisions they had brought along with them, till the next morning by break of day, Colonel Kirk Commanded out some Spies to give him notice of any Motion that the Irish should make out of Dundbalk. By this time the Cattle had straggled into some good Pastures, and (as their custom is) upon break of day, the Oxen began to Roar one to another, which immediately Alarmed the Irish in Dundalk with much Joy, who had for a long time lain under great want of Provisions. News was immediately carried to Colonel Sarcsfield in the Town, that they heard, and could likewise discern from the Forts, some Cattle that lay within a Mile and a half of the Town; and desired him that he would Command out a Party to go and secure them with all expedition, lest they should be prevented by some of the English Forces: Upon which, Colonel Sarcsfield drew out a Party of about Three Hundred Horse and Two Hundred Foot, which he led himself upon this Enterprise. He was no sooner got without side the Town, but the Spies gave Notice to Colonel Kirk, who was glad his Design began to work so answerable to his hope● and expectation: He than drew his Men into good Order, and Marched them with all possible silence, through the Wood, which led to the backpart of another, before which Wood the Cattle were Grazing: Under this Cover they were very conveniently placed from the sight of the Enemy, who within an hour and an half were advanced to the Cattle: upon which Colonel Kirk drew up his Men in order to Engage them upon the right side of the Wood, which lay between them and Dundalk; and as the Irish returned with the Cattle, they fell upon them unawares; the surprise of which put them into such Disorder, that they could not reduce themselves into any posture of Defence, but made their Opposition so confusedly, that the English made a great Slaughter amongst them, and put them to flight in a moment, pursuing of them almost to the Gate of the Town, Killing in all, about 3 Hundred and odd, and taking about Threescore Prisoners; with an inconsiderable loss on our side, saving one Captain, who is very much lamented. With this Success in his Stratagem, Colonel Kirk returned 〈◊〉, bringing the Cattle along with him, all but two which were accidentally Killed by Chain-Shot in the Skirmish.  
The Thoughts of His Majesty's coming to Ireland, hath so animated the hearts of the English Forces, that the Soldiers daily toss up their Caps, crying, God Save King William, and send him safe to Ireland.  
WE have an Account from Scotland, that several persons disaffected to that Government, who were Heretors to the late Lord Dundee, to promote and support the declining Interest of the Late King James, have made it their Business to apply themselves to those Gentry in Scotland, who they thought inclinable to their own Party, to Engage them in a Bond of Association, to Aid and Assist, and make Contributory Supplies to keep up the Rebellion in the Highlands, and assist Colonel Canon, who is the Chief Commander amongst the High-landers. This Design had not been long in Agitation  Sir Thomas Levenston had some Intimation of it, who Commands a Regiment of Dr●oons at Inverness, who having some Notice of a particular day the Associates intended a meeting, at the Lord Olyphant's House in Bamf, to Consult a further Management of their Affairs, sent 100 of his Men under the Command of Captain Hoy, giving them order to Surround the House to prevent any Escapes, and some to enter and secure what Gentlemen they found in the Cabal within door: According to their Orders they proceeded, and Marched to the Lord Olyphant's House with such Secrecy, that they encompassed it before any could make their Escape, and entering the House found 12 Gentlemen which were Strangers, besides those of the Family, which they immediately Secured, and making: further search into the Closet, found the Original Bond of Association, with the Names of 400 Persons, who had Signed it, some Clens and Men of Desperate Fortunes, whose Necessities as much as Disloyalty has excited them to Rebellion; the Papers were immediately sent to the Privy-Council, and from thence transmitted to His Majesty, upon which Discovery the Privy Council, have sent out Parties to Apprehend those who have Signed the Association: The Intention of these Associates were to stand by King James with their Lives and Fortunes; and make it the utmost of their Endeavour to Re-Establish him in the Throne of Scotland; in order to which they were to make all the Force that possibly they could by next June, at which time they were to Join with Colonel Cannon, and the rest of the Rebels now in Lochaber, and furnish them with Victuals and all necessary provisions.  
The Lord Oliphant and the rest of the Conspirators that were taken, were sent under a strong Guard to Aberden, where they remain Close Prisoners, so that we hope by God's providence to Discover and Confound all Conspiracies and Evil Devices hatched by Restless persons, to undermine him, who the Almighty through his Special providence has made our King, to his own Glory, and our Comfort.   
FINIS.  

London, Printed for W. Partridge, in Fleetstreet.