Dublin, February 15. 1641. CONFIDENT news FROM IRELAND BEING A LETTER SENT FROM Mr. William Philips, Merchant, dwelling in Dublin, to Mr. William Baber, a worthy friend of his, and one of the Gentlemen of the Inner-Temple. CERTIFYING How one of the Rebels flying from his Confederates into Dublin, related to Sir Charles Coot their damnable designs, who making it known to Sir Simon Harcott, and the rest of the Justices, they suddenly issued forth, and beating them out of their Works, slew 800 of them, with small loss. A Relation that is real, and not coined according to invention merely for Press profit; but to satisfy many whom it may concern, who cannot be resolved by one man's private Letter.  
LONDON. Printed for Robert Wood. 1641.   

CONFIDENT news FROM IRELAND.  
NOBLE FRIEND:  
I Having such a convenient Opportunity by the Bearer hereof, my loving and special Friend: I could not but let you understand something of the present condition we now stand in; which at this time is very miserable and pitiful, and as far as I conceive is like to be worse, if the Parliament of England send not over speedy Aid. For the number of the Rebels increase daily, and are entrenched within our view in a great multitude; besides the Papists in the City do much afflict Us; for they daily plot and contrive which way to bring us and this City to confusion. Whose wicked and malicious designs, by God's special favour and providence over us, have been continually defeated, and brought to nought.  
Upon Saturday, the Twelfth of February, about 11. of the clock at night, came an Irishman, one of the Rebels: but by craft fled away from his Companions; who knocked at the Gate, desiring of the Watch that he might speak with Sir Charles Coot, Governor of our City: Saying, he had somewhat to tell him, which did concern the welfare of the City and kingdom: which Sir Charles hearing of, commanded that they should strictly search whether he had any company with him, or any at hand: if not, to bring him unto him, which was performed accordingly, and the man brought unto his bedchamber, chained with Fetters of Iron: who related how with much difficulty he fled from the Rebels, his Conscience not suffering him to conceal such a Bloody Design which they had intended on the morrow against the City: and to that purpose had gathered 30000. men, that when that they were all at Church, they might surprise the City. Whereupon Sir Charles arose from his bed, sending to Sir Simon Harcott this sudden News; who with all speed came unto him, and they went to the Lords Justices together, to relate the news.  
Whereupon Command was given for every man to stand to his arms, and the whole City to be raised for their Defence.  
About two and three of the clock in the morning, they marched from the City, being in number about six thousand, with four Troops of horse, and two Field-pieces. About six of the clock in the morning, they approached near the rebel's Camp, and found them unprovided for such a strong design: only their number much increased, and their Camp strongly fortified, which did not a whit discourage our Men; For they were extreme willing to give the onset, and to fall upon them: seeing they were altogether so unprepared; which they did, and by the Discharge of our Field-pieces, the Rebels began to forsake their quarters: which our men seeing, with all earnestness pursued them. Some stayed behind to take their arms, and such Carriage as they had.  
The number of Arms was five thousand: and about nine and ten of the clock, being Sunday in the morning, our Men retreated, with a Report of the slaughter of Eight hundred Men, on the rebel's part, on ours Fourscore.  
Our Intelligencer we kept fast, but we rewarded him well for his pains: which will perhaps be an encouragement for others hereafter, to do us the like faithful service.  
We are much obliged to the Parliament of England; and also to the Pious and Religious City of London: Of whose Bounty and Liberality, we have, and do still partake of in a large measure: The Lord of Heaven reward them threefold into their bosoms.  
Our Gallowsies are well adorned with Priests, Jesuits, and friars, the Complotters and Broachers of all our present Calamities: At which news, the Rebels swell with indignation, and vows Revenge.  
We have nine barks laded with Corn, and other Provision for Drohedagh; which poor City holds out valiantly, and thirsts for Relief. Which I hope by this time, have obtained their desires, and are relieved: but I cannot certainly assure you thereof.  
Thus am I prevented by the urgency of the Bearer, to bid you farewell; desiring to be remembered to all my Friends: and especially yourself.  
Your assured Friend, William Philips. From Dublin, this 15. of February 1641.  
FINIS.