THE True State and Condition OF THE KINGDOM OF IRELAND, Sent to the House of Commons from their Committee there; Whose Names are signed thereto, VIZ. Robert Reynolds, Robert Goodwin, Both Members of the said House.  
Also the true Relation of the great victory the Protestants in that Kingdom, lately had against the Rebels there; Sent in a Letter by Sir Richard Greenvill▪ to the said Committee, who hath since commended it to the House of Commons.  
Together with a Letter from Sir John Chicester, of great consequence, to Sir John Clotworthy a Member of the said House.  
All which are appointed by the House of Commons to be Printed to prevent false Copies; and for the true satisfaction of all His majesty's loving Subjects.  

ORdered by the Commons, That these Letters, and Relation, be forthwith Printed and published.  
Hen. Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   
March 2. London, Printed for Edw. Husbands. 1642.   

Sir,  
BY our four former addresses of the 2 of November, 13 of December, 17 of January, and 2 of February, we gave you faithful account of the state of affairs here, as they then stood, and by our last Letter of the 2 of February, we informed you of the Commission sent to the Lord marquess and others, to meet with the chiefest of the Rebels, and to hear, and receive in writing▪ what they could say or propound; before the coming over of this Commission, many ill symptoms did appear, but now things are grown to an evident clearness: For upon Monday last a Letter was read at the Board, from His Majesty (without any Secretaries name subscribed,) the effect whereof was to this purpose; That His Majesty took notice, that they, the Lords, justices, and council, without His consent, or Privity, had admitted us to be present at their debates, and did require them, not to suffer us to be present with them any more, as formerly we had been; The Lords, justices, and council thereupon resolved to do accordingly; And on Tuesday morning, sent Sir Paul Davis to our lodging, to acquaint us both with the Letter, and the resolution they had taken upon it; But because the words of the Message were not full enough, as we conceived, We desired their Lordships to express themselves clearly, whither we should be admitted, or not, For we were but servants to the Parliament, and must give a strict account of our Actions to those which sent us thither; Thereupon Sir Paul Davis returned to the Board, and acquainted their Lordships herewith, And after an hour came to us, with a second Message, which we immediately put down in writing, (viz.) That the Lords, justices, and council, had formerly acquainted us, by him, with a Letter they had received from His Majesty, That they were resolved to obey His majesty's commands; and therefore they could not admit us any more to be present as a Committee.  
Sir, you will easily imagine that affairs are steered here by the Court compass; and if the design be to make peace with the Rebels, that so this Army may be applicable elsewhere: Our presence any longer at the Board, will not further that design; however, The time we have there spent, and the experience gained by that, will perhaps be serviceable to you at our return, which we now hasten (as becomes us) all we can, And resolve to depart hence this week being retarded only to see the Lord Lisle in a good Posture for his hop full Expedition, he being resolved to march on Tuesday next. We conceive it very necessary to send a Ship of strength and trust to ride in Bullock-Road before Dublyn, and another of less burden, to ride before Drogheda.  
Sir, We have to the utmost of our weak Abilities, endeavoured to wade through the dangers and difficulties, which on all sides do attend our employment here; but that which does exceedingly astonish us, is▪ That we have not been honoured with one Letter since our coming over.  
We had almost forgot to tell you, That the labour is on both sides the Sea, to make the Rebels appear strong and considerable, and to put difficulties and impediments upon our Military proceedings, the better to bring on a most horrid pernicious peace, which all good men here do abhor, and are resolved to abandon the Kingdom, rather than to be exposed to an utter extirpation upon the next opportunity, which those blo●dy, but inconsiderabl● villains can lay hold of.  
You may see their in-nate valour by our late victory over them upon Tuesday the seventh of February, an exact relation whereof made by Sir Richard Greenvell, who commanded in chief, we send you here enclosed, and you may see their inveterate malice, who a week after this Commission came over, and the day appointed for to hear their Complaints, Did combine to make slaughter of a Convoy that passed by them, without offering them any violence, But were shamefully defeated of their expectation, and hath so disheartened them, that we are confident, my Lord Lisle shall march where he pleases, with his 2000 foot, and 300 horse; and what Religion, or to the Crown of England, do those show that advise His Majesty, to a dishonourabl● peace, which those miscreants which will ere long (if you do not exceedingly negl●ct this service) disband, starve, and cutthroats among themselves.  
Thus with our most humble and hearty Prayers to the Almighty, for an honourable and speedy Accommodation, we humbly take our leaves, and remain  
Your humble and faithful Servants, Robert Reynolds, Robert Goodwin. Dublin, the 15 of Fe●ruary. 1642.   

A Relation concerning the Fight that happened at RATHCONNELL.  
BY command from the Lord marquess of Ormond, certain Forces of both Horse and Foot were sent unto Trim, for the relief of Athlone, with a direction unto Sir Rich●rd Greenvill to have the chief Command thereof; which Forces arrived at Trim on Thursday 26 January; and on Friday morning then following, Sir Richard marched thence toward Athlone with about 900 Foot, and also about 200 Horse; and that night all lodged at Athboy.  
Saturday the 28 being come nigh unto Ballinacur, being a very strong pass, we found the Enemy poss●ssing it with 300 men, having cut off there a Bridge, whereat Sir Richard commanded certain Dragooners to force that pass, and also sent a Party of Horse to second them; which the enemy opposed, until some of the Horse found a place thereby, where they leapt over a deep ditch of water; which put them all to flight over a bog there by: In which escape divers of the rebels were slain, and as it is said, also one of their Commanders. That night we lodged at and about Kilteenan.  
Sunday the 29, marching forwards, 4 of our Horse Scouts espied 4 Horse Scouts of the rebels, on the top of a hill before them; who seeing our Scouts, hastening towards them, withstood them, being Country Gentlemen of good quality; and being but 4 to 4, they encountered each other a while fairly, with only their swords, until one of the rebels had both given and received a wound, and was seized on by one of our Scouts; whereat the rest, being very well mounted, escaped away, leaving their consort to be slain in the place: And being come nigh Tobbercormick (where we lay that night) some of our Horse took a Gentlewoman of some quality prisoner, who stood on a hill there by, guarded with some musketeers.  
Monday the 30, being come within 5 miles of Athlone, we took one M. Richard Dillon prisoner, who informed Sir Richard, That general Preston was sending all the Forces he could make, to hinder our coming to Athlone, and therefore wished us to make all the haste thither we could: Presently thereon, a horseman of our forlorn hope came back, and informed Sir Richard, That seven Colours of the enemies Forces were then marching towards us. Sir Richard then presently commanded forth more of his Horse to hasten to second the fore-Troop, which in that interim charged the enemy, who retreated to a Bog, where most of them might have been cut off, had not the care of the Safe-Conduct of the provisions appointed for the relief of Athlone forbidden it. That night we all came safe at Athlone, wher● we all stayed the next day following.  
Wednesday the 31, Sir Richard sent all our Horse and Foot to quarter at Kilkenny-West, four miles thence, until such time as 300 of the Lord Rannelaugh's Regiment, and three hundred of Sir Michael Earnly's Regiment could be drawn thither from their out-Garrisons, to march back with us: And when our Horse approached nigh unto Kilkenny, they discovered that it was strongly manned by Sir James Dillons Forces, Captain Thomas his Troop, and colonel Farrel●'s Regiment, of the County of Longford; whereat Captain Vaughan, with some of our Horse, fell into their Quarters, and killed a Captain, and some other Officers, and also about 50 of their soldiers, and took many of their Arms, and possessed their Quarters until Saturday.  
Saturday the 4 of Febr: we all quartered at and about a place called, The Moat, at which time the 600 of the Lord Rannelaugh's, and Sir Michael Earnly's Regiments were lodged with ours, where Captain Vaughan found in his Quarters an English man's wife, who told him, that the general report of the country was, That the Irish had gathered all the Forces they could get together, and were confident to compass us in on every side, and to cut us all off, resolving and vowing not to leave a man of us alive: saying also, That if we should get the Victory, the heart of their Wars would be broken, for that there was an ancient prophecy much talked of among the Irish, That that side which should win the battle at Rathconnell, should be conquerors of the Kingdom; it being a Tradition superstitiously held amongst the Native Irish.  
On Monday the 5 and 6, we marched towards Trim, meeting with no opposition, but very foul weather and ways, which greatly disheartened the soldiers, and killed divers of them; in which time we took several of the country people, w●o all confirmed the former reports of the enemies Forces, and intentions: Sir Richard Greenvill notwithstanding said, He was resolved not to march a foot out of his way, were the enemy never so strong.  
Tuesday the 7, proceeding in our March, we understood of divers Troops of Horse and Foot that daily had followed our Rear, which then was guarded by a Troop of Horse commanded by lieutenant Hatcher, who charged certain Forces of the enemy which were advanced somewhat nigh him, and then cut off about twenty of them. Afterwards, about ●1 of the clock the same day, being come nigh molingar, we took a prisoner, who told us that the Irish Forces possessed our pass of Rathconnell, a mile before us, being very strong in number of men, and the prime Officers and Gentry of of the country. Whereupon Sir Richard hastened the advance of his Forces towards the foresaid pass; and being come nigh in view of it, saw the pass to be somewhat narrow, and that it was cut off by a broad and deep Trench, being compassed in on each side with great bogs, and having adjoining to it on a very steep hill a strong Castle, and divers other Works well manned, by which there appeared no passage for either Horse or Foot: Then did Sir Richard draw all his Forces into battle-order before it, which consisted of a forlorn hope of 50 musketeers, commanded by lieutenant Dikes; and two Wings of sixty shot more, commanded by two ensigns (one of them a coward) the forlorn hope being seconded with a Division of 200 musketeers, which was commanded by Sir John Sherlock, which was the vanguard of our little Army; whereof, the first Division was led by Captain Verncy, and lieutenant Oliver; and the second Division of it, by lieutenant Williams; and also the third Division by Major Morris. The rest of the Forces consisted of three Divisions of Pikes flanked with shot, which were for the battle of the Army, each containing about 300 men; whereof, the first was led by Captain Honywood; the second by Major Sir Abraham Shipman; the third by Sir Michael Earnely: after which followed another Division of 200 musketeers, commanded by Major Fortescue; which was for the rearguard; whose Rear was guarded by a forlorn hope of 50 musketeers commanded by Likewise those Foot were flanked with three Divisions of Horse; whereof Captain Vaughan commanded the vanguard; lieutenant Rogers the battle; and lieutenant Hatcher the rearguard. Likewise before the vanguard of the Foot, marched the Lord Rannelaugh, leading a Troop of volunteers. Likewise for the forlorn hope of the Rear, Captain Pate commanded 40 Dragooners, which were also assisted with 20 firelocks: which done, seeing not only a strong enemy of above 2000 Foot, and six Horse Troops before us, and others at least 600 on our right hand, and 600 more of Longford men at a distance on our left hand, upon the bogs, not far off, from which were hastening up to second them, as it is said, 800 of the Realies; and then, unknown to us, there was waiting upon our Rear 500 more, which then newly possessed molingar, about half a mile behind us, to hinder our Retreat. Then, for to begin the Play, the forlorn hope of 50 Shot, advanced on right towards the pass, and so likewise did the left Wing of Shot, to flank that, the right Wing staying behind, contrary to command, whose ground notwithstanding was made good by others: Those together being advanced as far as they could, were seconded by several Divisions drawn out of the vanguard; which also disputing it with the enemy, without any apparent good success, Sir Richard was enforced before the front of the rest of the Forces, to say, There was no other remedy now, but we must resolve to tarry it, or die, because he saw great numbers of men approaching towards our right hand, and likewise as many towards our left hand; which if they should come to join with those before us, would be too strong for us; therefore now of necessity all must use their best endeavours to force thorough the pass upon the enemy, and by so doing of it resolutely, there was no doubt of good success: Whereunto all men seemed very willing, and so accordingly the three Divisions of the battle advanced cheerfully, with their Colours flying, to force their way, Sir Richard keeping upon reserve 250 musketeers; which three last Divisions being come at push of Pike with the rebels that defended that pass; and Sir Michael Earnly espying the advance of the Longford men on our left hand, marched towards them, and then presently received a Charge by the Horse that Captain Brian commanded, which by our Shot was repulsed, and Brian himself shot dead; and that gave a stop to the Longford men. In the Interim of this Conflict, many of the Forces from off the Castle were running speedily to charge our right Wing of Shot; which Sir Richard repulsed, by sending amongst them more Shot from out of his last reserve: Which sudden fury being stopped, and the service continuing violent on all sides for two hours' time, with a doubtful success: Sir Richard sent forth all the remainder of the Foot, to assist those at the pass; during which Skirmish, lieutenant Rogers did at several times very earnestly desire Sir Richard to give him leave to attempt to force a way thorough that pass, with the Horse that he commanded; whereto at last Sir Richard gave him leave, and wished him good speed; whereat he willingly departed, and hasted to find his way: And being come at the bank and ditch of the pass, found no possible means there of getting thorough; whereat Major Morris called unto lieutenant Rogers, saying, He had found a place for his Horse to pass thorough; then that Troop hasted unto it, which Edward Roscarrocke of the said Troop, first rid thorough, the lieutenant and the rest of the Troop clos●ly followed; and being gotten over, the forlorn hope Troop, led by Cornet Dixsay, followed them; and then presently did those our Ho●se charge the enemy's Horse that were before them; who being not willing to receive them, begin all to run away: in the pursuit whereof; lieutenant Rogers, with the Troop he commanded, chanced to follow a Troop, in whose Rear was taken prisoner colonel Anthony Preston, the eldest son of general Preston; and also there were slain many others of the said Troop. At the same time Cornet Dixsay commanding the forlorn hope, pursued another Horse Troop, killed many of them, and found the dead body of Captain Bryan, who was lately fled from Sir Thomas Lucas Troop; whose head was there cut off, and brought away by Cornet Dixsay; our Foot having been at least two hours before at handy blows, and throwing stones with the enemy, our men with one accord cheerfully came on upon those that manned the Trenches, which made them also resolutely run away: which sudden change drew after them all the rest of Our Forces: and being possessed of their works and hill, Sir Richard gave charge unto Sir John Sherlock, That he with all convenient speed should draw, and keep together his men in good order upon that ground, and furnish all his men with Munition, while he himself, with the Horse, pursued the Longford men flying away; and then presently did Sir Richard, Captain Vaughan, and lieutenant Rogers, with about 40, or 50 Horse pursue them, wherein it chanced, That Captain Vaughan, with a part of those Horse, taking another way, was guided by Noble Sir Charles Co●t that wayward that the enemy was escaped; and at last overtook the great●st part of them▪ and there killed, as by them all is believed, at least 200 of them; so that we verily believe, there were killed in all nigh 250▪ During which pursuit, our Foot remaining about the enemy's Castle, searching, as they usually do, all holes found in the Castle 8 ensigns of the rebels: and also Captain Betagh, Captain Dowd●ll, and lieutenant Elmore, and three other of their Ensigns, were found abroad among the dead bodies.  
In this conflict of our men was killed in that place, but only three soldiers, and about twenty Office●s, and soldier's hurt, whereof sergeant Major Shipman, who then showed himself a very valiant soldier, was shot about two Inches deep, nigh the breast, and yet his Doublet not broken, Captain Verney shot on his breast, and yet not wounded, Captain Loftus had the Tip of his Ear a little hurt with a shot, lieutenant Oliver shot in the breast, and not wounded, lieutenant Moal shot in the forehead, and but slightly hurt, lieutenant Bingham shot in the back, and his skin not hurt; which done, our forces marched thence, and lodged that night at Masistown, and in the field before the forces were drawn into their quarters, Sir Richard caused a Minister in the head of all the Troops, publicly to give God thanks (every man kneeling) for the victory, publicly saying, That it was the work only of God, and not of men, which every man seemed thankfully to acknowledge. This night we understood there was slain in the fight, colonel Patrick, Pluncket, Captain Bryan, and Sir Thomas Nugent's only son and heir, Captain John Nugent of Baliiniscarry, Captain Adam Cusack a Parliament man, Captain Marcas Geoghagan, Captain Roger Darcy of Rattin.  
Also the names of the enemy's Commanders▪ that were at the battle, are sergeant Major general, James Preston, colonel Anthony Preston, colonel Mac Thomas Fitz-Gerald, colonel Peirce Fitz-Gerald, Sir Luke Fitz-Gerald, colonel Roger Moor, colonel Terrell, colonel Walter Nugent, colonel Mulmore o Realy, colonel Brian farrel▪ Sir Thomas Nugent, the Lord of Trim●lston.  
Likewise the names of the superior Officers of our Army, are these, The Lord Viscount Rannelaugh, Sir Richard Greenvile, colonel Sir Michael Earnely, colonel Sir John Sherlock, lieutenant colonel Gibbs, sergeant Major Sir Abraham Shipman, sergeant Major Ashly, sergeant Major Morris, sergeant Major Fortescue, Captain Honywood, Captain Lucas, Captain Verney, Captain Sands, Captain Loftus, Captain Nichols, Captain Palmer, Sir William Bronkett, Captain Vaughan, Captain Banger, Captain G●●, lieutenant Oliver; Also for the Horse, Capta●n Vaughan, lieutenant Hatcher, and for Dragooners, Captain Pate; All which Officers did excellently perform their services, as did all the inferior Officers, excepting only Ensign Lake.  
That night Sir Richard Greenvile, in giving out his orders for the watch, gave out for that night's watchword, the word (Revenge,) and also for the field, the word (justice,) which was correspondent to God's blessing in the Victory.  
Wednesday the 8, we lodged at Masistowne.  
Thursday the 9, all forces quartered about Tryme, from whence they marched the next day into their former Garrisons.   

My dear Brother,  
WE are at length come out of our m●serable imprisonment, where the sufferings of our Ears and Eyes, Did not a little add, to what we also felt, in a great proportion, by seeing and hearing the miserall Spectacles, and sad cries of our distressed poor soldiers, God be thanked, All that were left of us, are come hither in much safety, and by a course much better, then if we had not encountered with such difficulties: For when we were come a mile on this side Mullingar, at Reconnell, where the enemy had made himself very strong in good works, They there being 6000 foot, and 10 or 12 Troops, kept the passage against our men, whose number were not above a thousand foot, besides my Lord precedents men, be brought from Cornaught with them, and whose good fortune it was to have the Van, and give the defeat: Herein colonel Greenvill hath behaved himself very well; We have killed of the enemy 500 on the place, amongst whom, is the great Commander Plunket, and another colonel; We have taken Prestons' son (who was also a colonel) Prisoner, and Bryan, that was sent from you hither, and proved Appostate hath lost his head in the skirmish. We have many Captains, and other inferior Officers, Prisoners; also have brought home nine ensigns. If this be presecuted effectually, as I hope it will, The power and courage of that Rebellio●● blood, must be exceedingly lessened.  
But alas Brother, our extremities for want of victual is beyond Imagination, And if present remedy be not provided effectually, all the Officers will over to the King quit the Kingdom, and the whole Design must be lost: Now we are through the concurrence of most evident manifestations of God's goodness in a probable way of reducing these miscreants for ever; but if we are lost, as we must be by pretermitting this present supply, ten times over the expense if both blood and Treasure, which will now in appearance finish the work, will not then put us in the State we are now possessed off. You cannot imagine to what heights all sorts of people are come unto, being made desperate by the sufferings they have undergone, and little hopes of being relieved, as bad as things go. My Lord Lisle, with colonel Monck, and Cromwell, having 1500 foot, and 300 horse, some great and field pieces, Bend their course towards Athy, which will induce Preston either to fight with them, or quit Kilkenny. At the same time my Lord More and Titchbourn, intend to go forth with all their forces to East and West Meath, and Cavan; God send us his countenance and favour, whilst we are in such neglects from man.  
The King hath sent express order, That your honest Committees shall not be admitted to the counsel Table, as formerly; and I fear they intend to go hence immediately, God knows what inconveniency will arise by their coming away; though I must confess, They have but poor encouragement to stay. We hear you have had good success lately in Killultagh, and at Ennes kellen; but withal, That your want of victual, is like to put a soon end unto all controversies, I am sure you hear from thence more particularly than we can.  
When you represent your own necessities, fail not to remember ours, and God put you into the Posture, to minister help unto us, otherwise, let's know immediately, That we may not die in a ditch, and starve, which is the condition, threatening us all. I shall be more particular in my next, if God continue us a being; but now can add no more, only my most humble Service to my dear Sister, and that I am  
Your faithful Servant, and affectionate Brother John Chicester. Dublin, the 14 of Feb. 1642.  
I forgot to tell you, that Captain Vaughan, who brought this news, was Knighted by the justices, upon the report of it; And that my Lord hath left sufficient strength in the Castles of Athlone Rosconian, and the Bail of the old soldiers, who so long as their victual can last, will certainly give a good account of those strengths.  
For Sir John Clotworthy Knight, in Castle-yard, in Holborn.  
FINIS.