TWO LETTERS From Sir Charles Coote, Lord Precedent of the Province of Connaght in Ireland. To the Honourable William Lenthall, Speaker of the Parliament. RELATING The Rendition of the Town and Castle of Carickfergus, to Sir Charles Coote. Together with The total Defeat of the Scottish and Irish Forces in the North of Ireland, under the Command of the Lord Ards, Lord Claneboys and Monro. Imprimatur, Hen: Scobell, Cleric: Parliamenti. Printed at London for Robert Ibbitson dwelling in Smithfield near Hosier Lane, 1650. Two Letters from Sir Charles Coote, Lord Precedent of the Province of Connaught in Ireland. For the Honourable William Lenthall Speaker of the Parliament. Honourable Sir, BEing advertized by several hands, that upon the retreat of Monroes' party out of the Laggan, he would join with the Lord of Ards, and Claneboyes, about Charlemount, and march into these parts of the Counties of Down and Antrim, for relief of Carickefergus, and that they did expect many of the Scottish Inhabitants here to rise and join with them, I drew forth what Force I could make (with security to the Garrisons) on Saturday the 25 of November, to a Randezvouze at Drombo, between Belfast and Lisnegarvy, which consisted of part of my own Regiaments of Horse and Foot, and others that I brought from the Laggan. Sir Theophilus Jones, and Colonel Chidley Cootes Regiments of Horse, with Colonel Venables his Troop, and Lisnegarvy Horse, Colonel Slaydes Regiment of Foot, part of Colonel Venables, and four Companies of Colonel fenwick's, in all about 1500 Foot, and 1200 Horse. The next day we advanced to Lisnegarvy, and lay there six days, though very ill accommodated by reason of the former burning of that place and Country about it by Monro. On Friday, the 30 of November, the Enemy advanced into the Country, and slipped by us beyond Drummore into Mac Cartans woods, which we could not hinder, lying at such a distance; nor could we advance higher into the Country, without hazarding the Enemy's passage another way over Bogs and Mountains to Carrickfergus. On Saturday, they came to Cumber▪ and early on Sunday, to New Town. We followed them, and had like to have engaged them on their rising from Cumber, some of them were cut off in the Rear, and some of their Tents and Ammunition taken, but coming a little short, and the waters being up, they got into New Town, whither we sent a strong party to face them, and provoke them to fight, whereunto not finding them inclined, and the weather so excessive wet, our Ammunition spoilt, and victuals spent, we marched bacl to Malone to refresh our men, change our Powder, and get new supply of Bread, intending to visit them again within two days. But they prevented it by their march upon Wednesday last the 5 Instant within a Mile of Lisnegarvy, intending to get over the River of Laggan above that place, and to pass into the County of Antrim to Carrikfergus, on which we drew up again to Lysnegarvy, on this side of the water to oppose their passage, expecting hourly, with Major Ormesby 400 more of my Horse, which I had sent for out of the Laggan, who came immediately after our advancement, and were very serviceable in the execution. The next morning assoon as the Enemy arose, we marched after them very early out of Lisnegarvy, and before they had marched a mile from their Quarter, we engaged with their Rearguard upon a Boggy pass on the Plain of Lysnesreane, and after an hot dispute, our Vanguard of Foot, being commanded by Major Gore of my own Regiment, and that of Horse by Major Dunbar of Sir Theophilus Jones his Regiment, who both behaved themselves very gallantly, got the Pass, and killed Cap. Hambleton, and divers others in the charge. After which Forlorn of Horse, it was Sir Theophilus Jones place to charge; who did it with a great deal of gallantry prosecuting the Enemy (whose gross Body made little resistance) from place to place, till they were totally routed. I sent off Major King, and Cap. St. George, with a party of Horse, to make good a Pass, which the Enemy of necessity must have gone through, who behaved themselves extreme well in prosecution of the Orders given them; so that we conceive there could not be less killed than a thousand of the Enemy; neither Officer or Soldier of the Army omitting any thing that was possible to be done by men; the execution being pursued above eight or ten miles, and but for the Bogs and thick wood, few of them could have escaped. And such horsemen as did escape, left many of their horses, and fled on foot. All their Ammunition and Baggage was taken, and most of their foot Officers. Colonel Henderson that betrayed Sligo, was killed; and Col. Hambleton is prisoner, with divers other Officers; what became of the Lords of Ards, and Claneboyes, and Monro, I am not yet able to give an account, some of our party being yet upon the pursuit; their number was 2000 Foot, and 800 Horse, as we were informed, the night before we engaged with them, by some of their men that ran to us from them, as likewise by prisoners which we took in the fight; they were all Irish except a very few. The most of the Scots which the Lords brought with them, left them, nor did any in the Country join with them; we lost but one corporal of Horse, and three private Soldiers, and not many hurt. For all which we have great cause to bless Gods holy name, to whom only the glory is due. On Thursday next Carickfergus by the capitulation is to be surrendered unto us; and I doubt not they will now perform with us; but such is the sad condition of this Province by these late troubles, and the great destruction that hath been made by all parties that it is impossible to support men enough out of the contributions thereof, to secure the Garrisons and Country, from the incursions of the Enemy, until Charlemount, and Eniskelly be first taken in; so that the Parliament must be pleased to afford us supplies for our men; or this Country, now almost wasted, will be totally ruined; which but moderately handled for one six months, would afford a constant considerable relief to their Forces. This Gentleman Capt. St. George, is one who hath been a sufferer with us, his Father and the whole Family, having lost all they had, for their fidelity in the State's service; whom I humbly recommend to your favour, and remain Sir, Your most humble servant CHARLES COOTE. Belfast, Decemb. 8. 1649. For the Honourable William Lenthall, Esq Speaker of the PARLIAMENT. Honourable Sir, COntrary winds detaining my cousin Cap. St. George, since the writing of my dispatch, two or three days ●●●ger than I expected. I have this day received Carrickfergus Town and Castle, according to capitulation, wherewith I have thought good to acquaint you, and shall humbly desire the same may be communicated to the House, which I believe will be very acceptable, I have placed Colonel Venables Governor thereof, and shall further humbly desire you to acquaint the House, that this Town and Castle is of the greatest importance of any place in this Province. Which being all, I take the boldness to conclude myself, Sir, Your most humble and faithful Servant Charles Coote. Carrickfergus Decemb. 13th. 1649. Imprimatur Hen: Scobell Cleric. Parliamenti. FINIS.