A TRUE RELATION OF Several Acts, Passages and Proceed, done, undertaken, suffered and performed, by Captain Robert Lawson, now one of the Sheriffs of the City and County of London-Derry, upon and since the first beginning of the great and general Rebellion in Ireland, in several parts and places within the Province of Ulster.  
With a true Copy of his Commission at Lysnegarvy, a Copy of a Letter to Sir Robert Stewart from the Commissioners, and Copies of his warrants to his two Lieutenants and Quartermaster to Command in his absence, with a true Copy of another Commission for raising of men in London-Derry, with a true Certificate under the hands of the Colonels, Commissioners, and Captains in general, touching his carriage in and about London-Derry, with his Commission of agency from the City of London-Derry during his abode in London.  
Printed at London, 1643.   

A true relation of several Acts, passages and proceed; done, undertaken, suffered and performed, by Captain Robert Lawson, now one of the Sheriffs of the City and County of London-Derry, etc.  
ABout the sixteenth of October 1641. before any notice of an Insurrection of this great and general Rebellion, Captain Lawson having occasion to take a journey from  unto Dublin, and to to travel by way of Belfast, to the iron works within two miles thereof, wherein he had some stock and interest, took his journey from thence with intent to go for Dublin upon Friday the 21. of October following, and came and rested that night in safety at Drummore, where arising early the next morning, being Saturday, took his journey towards Newry, when upon the way he happened to meet with a son of Sir Edward Trevers coming from thence, who related unto him upon enquiry, that the Country there was rising in Rebellion, which he not giving much credit to, went forwards until he came within a mile of Newry to the Bridge there, observing and seeing upon the way upon several hills, ten and twenty men in a company, and the Bridge guarded with about 80. men, who offered to assault this Captain, whereupon he observing great danger, being accompanied only with his man, returned bacl to Loughbrickelane, where he happened to meet with Sir Thomas Lucas and Captain Armstrong, where after long conference between them, a messenger approaches, and comes, who did relate the truth of a general Rebellion in all those parts; upon further conference it was agreed and concluded that the said Captain Lawson with the rest should repair for their relief to a house of Sir Edward Trevers, whither being come, they found there his son Mark Trevers, and his wife, and a maid, and an Irish Agent of his, who was well mounted, and had served his Father sixteen years, and five Irish footmen ready to departed thence into another house of his Fathers about twelve miles distant, his Father being gone in his Coach about an hour before a by-way from Newry, but yet not above a mile or two from Newry. So demanding what to do for best safety, it was agreed amongst them, that they should go into Sir Edward Trevers house, it being a place of some defence; and coming within a mile thereof, they sent their footmen before to the house, and stayed themselves upon the side of a hill, to have intelligence if the house were safe, whereupon one of the boys in company with them, the rest being fled to the Enemy, returned and acquainted them that Sir Conn. Mackgennis had newly taken his Father's house and himself prisoner so considering what to do, it drawing towards night, it was resolved they should ride all night and go Downe-patricke way, when they presently espied a horseman coming from Newry, whereupon Captain Lawson and the Irish Agent stayed to inquire for news, and the rest of the company going forwards, but seeing the Enemy's horse halt on the way, and the rest of the company being about a quarter of a mile before: Captain Lawson desired the Irish Agent to come along with him forwards in their company, but being well mounted he leaves Captain Lawson, and rid to the Enemy to Newry, and presently risen 80. men, and followed Captain Lawson and his company to Dondromme, where they stayed for a short time, in and about half an hour after they left it, came the Enemy and took it in, where in pleased God to give them a great deliverance, that night being Saturday; and the next morning being Sunday about break of the day they came to Downe-patricke, where they stayed to hear a Sermon, all the Town being in a great affright.  
After which they went forwards and came that night to Killeleagh to the Lord hamilton's, where Sir Thomas Lucas and the rest stayed, and Captain Lawson thereupon that night procured a man with him from thence, and came in the night by Comber, through the Lord of Ardes Country about by little Belfast, and came to great Belfast, and up to the Iron works near thereunto about three of the clock in the morning, where his wife was then resident, and having sent several messengers before to inquire after him, who were taken and rob. But Captain Lawson not having rested there above two hours, arose, calling two horsemen with him. And in the morning being Monday, went down bacl again to great Belfast, where they found most part of the inhabitants fled, and flying, and carrying away their goods to Carrickefergus, and the old Lord Chichester shipped aboard in a Ship. So Captain Lawson went throughout the Town, and blamed them much for offering to leave the Town, and entreated for some Arms, either by buying or lending, but could not prevail. At last he found in Master Lesquires house seven Muskets and eight Halberds ready in the streets to be shipped for Carrickefergus, which Arms he took and bought a Drum, and beating the same through the Town, ●aised about twenty men, who came with him again up to the Iron works, having Mr. Forbus, & some number with him joined with Cap. Lawson, where also he gathered inall about 160. horse & foot, who about two of the clock upon the same Monday in the afternoon, being the 25. of October, the second day after the rebellion, marched unto Lisnegarvy, and there entered the Town about four of the clock the same day, all the people with the Troop there engarrisond, having before left the Town to the Enemy's mercy the Sunday before, and they quartered all that night, in the house the Bishop of Down lived in, and put many Candles in the Market-house and Sentries out in every quarter of the Town, making show of six or seven lighted matches for every piece to astonish the Enemy, who came to the Sentries that night, intending to have burnt the Town, but our show and carriage was more than our force, the Enemy being strong and many in number, by which means they were affrighted and beaten off that night. And The next morning being Tuesday, the Enemy appeared by the Town's end, and drived before them about 400. Cows, whereupon Captain Lawson with 45. horse issues forth, leaving the rest to guard the Town, and it pleased God by their good labour and industry they took the prey of Cows, and some prisoners, and killing others of the Enemy, and got seventeen of their mantles. And after sending the prey into the Town, they adventured three miles further, and brought in before night as many more Cows, and kept them within the Bawne wall of the Bishop's house, and all the next night secured the Town also. Sir Conn. Mackgennis threatening and sending word he would burn the Town that night, but it please God they were prevented and beaten off, and the Town kept in safety, and often issued forth amongst the Enemy to prevent their gathering to a great head, until at length upon the next day being Wednesday, the Troop and townsmen came in again to the Town, hearing and understanding what service Captain Lawson and his small company of men had done there in securing the same, the preservation whereof under God was a means of the safety not only of Lisnegarvy and Belfast, but of most of those parts thereabouts. Being the first that opposed the Enemy in those parts. And at night came thither the Lord of Ards forces and the Lord Hamilton, Sir Arthur Firingham, Captain Chichester, Sir Thomas Lucas, and Sir James Montgomery, and Mr. Arthur Hill, with their forces, who Captain Lawson and his men great thanks for their good care and service in the Town, and offered to give him a Commission to enable him to do more service, which he was very unwilling to accept of, in regard of his Calling, being a Merchant. But being moved by Sir Thomas Lucas, accepted thereof, and gave him power thereby to raise as many horse and foot as he pleased in the Counties of Down and Antrym (as may appear by his said Commission) praying him to accept thereof, the said Sir Thomas Lucas promising he would acquaint his Majesty with his good service, which the rather encouraged him to accept thereof.  
So there being come up to Lisnegarvy about 1500. horse and foot, himself, his men, and company had their order by their Commission, and quarters about the Iron works in the Barony of Belfast, and then left to the Army about 400. Cows, and only brought with him from thence about sixty Cows for his own company.  
About four days their Armies stayed in Lisnegarvie, and in that time most of their men went home with some Cows to Claneboyes, and the Ards, and Captain Chichester, Sir Arthur Tiringham, with some others, went to Drommore, where the Enemy approaching upon them, they retired home to their Quarters, by which means Lisnegarvie was left in a worse case than at first, so was Captain Lawson was forced from time to time upon all Alarms to come up from his Quarters, being three miles off to relieve the Town. And for the space of a month by reason of the often approaches of the Enemies got little rest in day or night, but still in skirmish and assisting the Town, and was at the putting 250. of the Enemy out of Mr. Rawdens' house near thereunto, and recovered from them some Lead, with much other goods left therein, and were preserved for the owners, and killed several of the Enemy at that time and afterwards above ten or more every day, and marched up to Ballanderry, and brought many Cows from thence, put out Mr. Rory an Arch-rebel out of his house, losing upon many skirmishes some few of his men, which the Country thereabout well knows, in which service Captain Windsor was, and behaved himself gallantly, and several other times as occasion offered.  
At last having gotten notice of a Ship of his which he had fraughted with Butter from Londonderry to go for France, was stayed there and not suffered to pass. Captain Lawson acquainted Captain Chichester, Sir Arthur Tiringham, and the rest of the Commissioners, therewith, desiring them to have leave to come to Derry to take some course to release her, which they willingly granted, and gave him a Warrant under their hands (as doth appear) unto his two Lieutenants and Quartermaster to command his company of horse and foot in his absence, being limited for ten days and no longer, and withal write their letters in his behalf to some of the Commissioners at Londonderry to take him into their care, and show him all favour in releasing of his Ship and goods, and setting forth the good services done by him in those parts, as likewise doth appear. Howbeit the Commissioners at Derry at his coming thither taking into consideration the great number of distressed rob people there, and no shipping there to transport them, he was refused, his goods unshipped, and much spoilt, and much lost, and embezzled by reason of the distraction of the times, and lost of Advance-money to the Master of the Ship 30. li. Sterling, besides the benefit of his market beyond Seas, and for the defraying of his credit abroad and at home, which was the only staff of his livelihood, and might have been the means to have returned a Ship or more of Corn intended for these parts, so as he cannot be less damnified then 600. li. the same ship being afterwards employed to carry away into Scotland about 500 poor souls, which would have perished if that occasion had not been offered, no other shipping being there resident for the space of six months before. So as all his goods so shipped, being Butter, are wholly employed and disposed for the supply of the several Regiments, his own Soldiers and others of the British there.  
By reason whereof, and for that the Country all about in this time were then broken out into open rebellion, he could not in safety return bacl to his Quarters by Land or by Sea, but was forced to stay in Derry; howbeit all his company at the Iron works still kept on foot for four months together, doing good service all that time, they being at all battles, and skirmishes there with the Enemy, and about ten of his company lost therein, whereof one was Captain Boyd his Soldier at first, and after made a Captain, whose wife and poor children wholly depend upon Captain Lawsons' relief; so as he cannot have expended less than 1200. li. for the raising, keeping, and maintaining his several companies there, with Victuals, Munition, and Arms, besides all his stock at the Iron works, with the works themselves wholly lost and brought to decay, the Sowe-iron unwrought to the quantity of 2000 li. value, beside much Iron oar, and 1000 tons of square timber most burnt by the Soldiers, 1000 loads of Charcoles' burnt by the Enemy at Forge, Furnace, and in the Woods, with three Gorne Mils, and many houses burned, and land laid waste, and all the movables taken away by the Enemy and others, the land and Mils being worth 150. li. per Annum. The Mills, Lands, and Woods, wholly belonging to Robert Bar Esquire his Father in Law, only 2000 li. Sterling which Captain Henry Osburne his brother in Law & he had as a stock on foot therein, which upon the matter is the loss of the greatest part of their three estates, the whole loss is above 12000. li.  
In the interim of which time Captain Lawson the more to express his willingness to further his Majesty's service, having a Ship come into Carrickefergus, at the first of the rebellion, which was laden with 85. tons of Salmon for the account of him, Captain Henry Finch and Captain Osburn, with other goods for Derry, and bound for France, caused the same to transport from thence to Dublin, Sir Thomas Lucas & Cap. Charles Boulton, where being landed, & the ship intending forwards to France, was presently after cast away worth 2000 l. Sterling, occasioned by the same. And by that conveyance Cap. Boulton getting to Dublin, shortly afterwards brought bacl from thence to Londonderry, thirty Barrels of Powder, with other Arms and Munition, being the first relief and supply which came thither for the supplies of the Regiments, and Soldiers there, without which they had been utterly lost and perished, as being destitute before of any Power or Arms.  
Captain Lawson not being able by reason of the general rebellion to return bacl from Derry unto his charge and companies at Lisnegarvie and the parts thereabouts, the Commissioners at Derry desired him to make his stay there, it being the place of his most abode and dwelling, and were pleased to give him another Commission to raise a company there, which he out of a desire and zeal to the public service did at his own cost, consisting of 150. foot and eleven horse, and were there lately so mustered by the Commissary, which company of horse and foot he hath kept, maintained, and continued at his own charge by weekly pay of two shil. six pence weekly, from the first of December 1641. & 100 beside officers still continued on foot by his weekly pay; and hath issued and delivered out about 4000 Deal boards to make several houses with timber, Planks and Nails to receive the Soldiers, their wives and children in the dead of Winter, most of them having been men of good ability and householders, neither hath he been wanting on his part for and towards the repairing of the decayed walls, gates, and ramparts of the City, and doing other necessary works there, and hath begun a trench without the walls of the City of good consequence, intended to be perfected; for all which he cannot have expended less, to our understanding, than 5000. li. Sterling, besides his loss of several houses, goods, and commodities at Strabane, all burned and consumed, to the value of 1500. li. Sterling, and the want of his means and employment (as being a Merchant-adventurer to the Seas) and having great debts abroad in the Rebels hands, and others, who are poor distressed people and not able to make any satisfaction.  
All which premises considered, as by certificate in them the said doth appear, are of opinion that Captain Lawsons' pains, zeal, valour, care, and service hath justly demerited a good reward, and a consideration to be had of his great losses sustained, being the first that opposed the Enemy in the Kingdom, at and about Lysnegarvy, by which means under God, we enjoy most of the County about, in regard it was so suddenly opposed, being upon the Monday following, the 25. of October 1641.   

A true Copy of a Commission at Lisnegarvy, 28. October. 1641.  
By the honourable Captain Arthur Chichester, and Sir Arthur Terringham Knight, commanding in the Army against the Rebels, etc.  
Whereas we find that Captain Robert Lawson is willing to employ his own service and pains together with such forces as he hath now a foot or can raise, in defending and preserving the several Counties of Down and Antrim, and especially in the Barony of Belfast: These are therefore to pray and authorise him so to do for the furtherance of his Majesty's service in suppressing the Rebels now up in Arm●s, and we do hereby straightly charge and require all his Majesty's Officers and loyal Subjects to be aiding and assisting to him in that service, and to be ready from time to time to relieve him and his companies with provision and other necessaries during his said employment, and that he fail not to give us daily intelligence of his proceed therein. And for his so doing, this shall be his Warrant, given under our hands from his Majesty's Army in Lisnegarvy, this 28. day of October 1641.  


Arthur Chichester.  
Arthur Tirringham.     

A true Copy of a Licence when I came to Derry, and Commission to my two Lieutenants and Quartermaster to command in my absence.  
By the Honourable Captain Arthur Chichester and Sir Arthur Tyrringham Knight, Governor, etc. and Commissioners for his Majesty's present service against the Rebels.  
Whereas we have Licenced Captain Robert Lawson to be absent from his charge for the space of ten days, these are to require and authorize you Lieutenant Clugstone and Lieutenant Hannay, and Quartermaster Stewart to govern and command the said Captain's Troop and company in his absence, and reduce them all to one body according as they were first entered and enlisted under his command, and that you and they receive your further directions from us: and we do hereby require you to inquire and search out what wearing clothes or other goods the Soldiers have pillaged out of Master Roydens' house or elsewhere, and that you fail not to seize upon the said goods, and to take them unto your charge, and especially those taken by one Pwrdy. And having received the same unto your hands, you are to keep and dispose them or any other goods that hereafter shall be so pillaged by any of the said company or such as shall follow them according as your Captain shall appoint and direct, whereof you are not to fail as you will answer the contrary at your perils.  
Given under our hands at Carrickefergus the 16. of November 1641. 

Arthur Chichester.  
Arthur Tyrringham.     

A true Copy of Sir Arthur Chichester and Sir Arthur Tyrringhams' Letter to Sir Robert Stewart.  
Noble Sir,  
IT is the best right we can do Capt. Robert Lawson in part of recompense for the good service he hath done here against the Rebels to recommend him and his occasions in your parts to your care and favour: he informed us of a Ship of his that is now a loading at Derry, and fears in regard of these troubles it will not be suffered to carry away his goods, by which means he is like to undergo much loss and damage, we shall therefore entreat you for our sakes to countenance his business there, and to procure his Ship and goods a free passage, we are confident you will not be backward to favour so deserving a man, which is earnestly desired by those that will be most ready to express ourselves,  
Carrickefergus, Novemb. 6. 1641. Your very affectionate friends, 

Arthur Chichester.  
Arthur Tyrringham.    
We find him so able a man that we have stayed him here, and given him a command; he hath supplied us being destitute of any means of sending intelligence to the State with a Ship, though it was bound for France.   

A true Copy of a Licence to transport my wife and goods to Derry.  
KNow all men by these presents, that we have licenced Captain Robert Lawson, to convey and bring his wife and family with their goods to the Town of , and do therefore straightly require all his Majesty's Officers and loving Subjects, to assist and aid them in their journey with their said goods, as they will answer the contrary at their perils.  
Given under our hands at Carrickefergus the sixth day of November 1641. 

Arthur Chichester.  
Arthur Tirringham.     

A true Copy of London derry Commission.  
Whereas by his Majesty's Commission under the hands of the Right Honourable Sir William Parsons and Sir John Borlase Knights, now Lords Justices of this Kingdom of Ireland, and others of the Honourable Privy Council of the same Kingdom, to us and others directed, bearing date the eighteenth day of November last passed; whereby we or any one of us jointly or severally are required and authorised to levy, arm, and array all such forces both of foot and horse of the British Nation, within the several Counties of Tyrone, , Donnagall, Cavan, Armagh, and Fermanagh, all, or any of them, and also to divide, distribute, and dispose the said forces into Troops or several Companies, and to appoint Officers and Commanders over them. Now by virtue of the foresaid Commission, we do hereby nominate, ordain, and appoint Robert Lawson Merchant, and one of the Burgesses of the City of  to be Captain and Commander of one hundred men of the British Nation, and he to appoint such Officers under him for the commanding and due ordering of his said company as he shall know and approve to be men of discretion, care and trust to discharge the Offices whereunto they shall be elected and appointed by him. And we do hereby authorise the said Robert Lawson to join his said company with any other his Majesty's forces for the defence of the foresaid City of , or in pursuing, slaying, and destroying any of the Rebels, and for the taking and surprising any of the Holds or Forts now possessed by them or any of them if occasion shall so require. And we do hereby require and command all such persons as shall be entered in the List, and under the command of the said Robert Lawson to render all due obedience to him and his Officers as by them in point of Martial affairs they or any of them shall be commanded and required, as they will answer at their perils.  
Given under our hands and seals at the City of London-Derry, the fifth day of December 1641. 

John Vaughan.  
Henry Vaughan.  
Dudley Phillips.    
To Robert Lawson Burgess.   

A true Copy of a Commission from the City of  to London.  
WE the Major of the City of London-Derry, in the Kingdom of Ireland, and Sir John Vaughan Knight, one of his Majesty's Honourable Privy Council of the said Kingdom, and others the Aldermen and Captain of the aforesaid City, hereunto subscribing, having important occasion at this present to employ an Agent of especial trust into England for the public good, and better safety of this City and the Country adjoining, in regard of the eminent danger the same are in, in respect of the general Rebellion of the Natives of this Kingdom; Have thought fit to employ the Bearer hereof Robert Lawson, one of the Sheriffs of the said City, and Captain of a foot company of Soldiers now ingarrisoned in the same City to be our Agent in the foresaid business, who intendeth by the assistance of Almighty God with all possible speed to pass into the Kingdom of England, there to expedite our affairs, and afterwards to make his return hither. We therefore do pray and desire all his Majesty's Officers, Ministers, and loving Subjects of any his Highness' Realms and Dominions, to whom these Presents shall come to be seen, to take notice hereof, and to permit the said Robert Lawson to pass and repass both by Sea and Land without trouble or molestation either in body or goods, and to assist him if need require with Post-horses, or any other thing need full in his journey, and return hither as they as every of them tender his Majesty's service, and the welfare of this part of his Majesty's Kingdom, in testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands, and caused the Seal of Mayoralty of the foresaid City of be hereto affixed at the said City, the 23. day of September, Anno Dom. 1642. Annoque Reg. Car. 18.  


John Vaughan.  
Henry Vaughan.  
John Kilner.  
Robert Thorneton Major.  
Simon Pits.  
Henry Finch.     

A true Copy of a Certificate of the Commissioners, Colonels, Captains, and Commanders, of Captain Lawsons' carriage in and about , and Lisnegarvy, and the Country adjoining.  
TO all Christian people unto whom these Presents shall come, We Sir William Stewart Knight and Baronet, Sir John Vaughan Knight, two of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council of Ireland, Sir Robert Stewart Knight, and other his Majesty's Commissioners, Captains and Commanders of the several Regiments under the command of the said Sir William Stewart, Sir Robert Stewart, and Sir Ralph Gore Knight and Colonel, lately deceased, here under subscribing; do hereby certify, That whereas by virtue of several Commissions to some of us and others directed from the Right Honourable the Lords, Justices, and Council of Ireland, bearing date the 27. of October last, a Commission issued amongst others, to Robert Lawson, one of the Sheriffs of the City and County of , to raise and arm a company and number of men to consist of one hundred and upwards for the safe keeping of the said City and County and the Country adjoining, and apposing the Rebels, who thereupon with great expedition, care, and carriage, raised, armed, and maintained from the first of December last passed, at his own cost and charges one foot company of 150. foot and a Troop of eleven horse which have been so lately mustered, have by the Commissary, with which company of foot being joined with other companies within the City, he hath carefully watched and guarded the said City, being a place of great important, and joined with the other companies, in repairing the decayed walls; rampiers, and gates thereof; and hath also at all needful times, and upon all offered occasions by himself in person, and with his company of horse and foot marched forth and joined with our Regiments, and given battle to the Enemies with us in the greatest services that have been done in the Countries of Tyrone, Donnegall, and , always furnishing his men, and carrying victuals and provisions for them without putting the Country to any charge, having accompanied us at many good skirmishes, set battles, and hard encounters with the Rebels, and some time adventured abroad, and done good service with his own company; And we do hereby sincerely acknowledge that the said Captain Lawson with other the City companies have under God been no small means for the preservation, not only of the said City, but of this part of Ulster. And that we without the assistance of the said City companies could not have so well subsisted. And we do further declare that Captain Lawson hath taken great care in training and exercising his company, that they are expert ready Soldiers; and if it please his Majesty and his Honourable Court of Parliament so to esteem of him and his company, he hath well demerited good pay and reward, as well for his service done in these parts, as for the like by him done and performed at Lisnegarvy, and the parts thereabouts at the first Insurrection of this Rebellion, as is intimated and signified unto some of us under the hands of divers Honourable persons in this Kingdom, which we have seen and perused, and give good credit thereunto; and we do also certify on the behalf of the said Captain Lawson that he hath issued and delivered without any payment or satisfaction the number of 4000 Deale-boards together with Timber, Iron, and Nails, wherewith to erect and set up several houses for the lodging and receiving of the Soldiers, other poor distressed people within the City resorting thither for relief in the dead time of winter, without which many of them otherwise had perished and been lost, the most part of the houses in the Suburbs being pulled down in fear of the Enemy's approach. And having a Ship laden at Derry upon the first beginning of this Rebellion, with a great quantity of Butter to be transported for France, did afterwards unlade the same Butter, and distributed the same by times, by our order, amongst the Soldiers and others for their relief, without any payment. By which means he lost 30. li. of Advance-money to the Master of the Ship, the loss of the benefit of his markets abroad, and preservation of his credit at home and abroad, besides his loss at the Iron works above Belfast, amounting to a great value, and his loss and damage sustained by several houses, goods, and commodities burned and consumed at Strabane of great worth, and great debts abroad in the Rebels hands, much on the behalf of the said Captain Lawson, we do certify to be true, besides other good services performed by his own hands in killing and cutting of some of the Archrebels, and in testimony of the truth hereof, we have here under subscribed this 16. day of September, Anno Dom. 1642. An. R. Car. Angl. etc. decimo octavo.  


Robert Thorneton Major.  
Henry Vaughan.  
Robert Culbreth.  
Simon Pitts.  
Henry Finch.  
John Vaughan.  
Robert Stewart.  
Edward Maxwell.  
Thomas Fairefax.  
John Stewart.  
William Stewart.  
William Simpill.  
James Gulbreth.  
Thomas Dutton.