THE Whole Proceed of the Siege of Drogheda in IRELAND, With a thankful Remembrance for its wonderful delivery. Raised with GOD'S special assistance by the Prayers, and sole valour of the besieged, With a Relation of such memorable passages as have fall'n out there, and in the parts near adjoining since this late Rebellion. Written by Nicholas Bernard, Deane of Ardagh in Ireland. This shall be written for those that come after, and the people which shall be born shall praise the Lord, Psal. 102. 18. So that men shall speak of the might of thy marvellous acts: and I will also tell of his greatness, Psal. 1456. LONDON, Printed by A. N. for William Bladen, 1642. IT is ordered this fourteenth day of July 1642, by the Committee of the House of Commons in Parliament concerning printing, that this Book entitled the siege of Drogheda in Ireland, etc. be forthwith Printed, and that the same be printed by W. Bladen, and that this Book be not printed nor reprinted by any other without his consent. John White. To the honourable the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses of the house of Commons now assembled in Parliament in England. NAture teacheth every thing to affect its own preservation, and Reason for the same end, compels this Book under your Honourable Patronage, whether it tends as to its proper Centre, in the maturity of whose wise and pious resolutions rests terror and dread to the Rebels, and the only hope of relief to our miserable distresses in the Kingdom of Ireland: and to be a Isa. 58. 12. the repairer of the Breach, and the Restorer of Paths to dwell in, is so Honourable a Title, that there can be no greater invitation. That application of * Vid. Melchior. ●●●●dast. 〈…〉 Pap●. Ba●onius (in his exhortative to Paul the fifth) of those two commands given to Saint Peter, b job. ●1. 17 Feed my sheep, c 〈…〉 11. 17. kill and eat, i. e. (saith he) preserve the Catholics, and kill the Heretics, have been in their interpretation the sum of the popish bloody Conspiracy for this Kingdom, for the extirpation of which Idolatrous rout, howsoever we find there needs no farther incitement than your own Religious, zealous inclinations, yet we cannot but humbly declare our affections to it also (they like a viperous seed having endeavoured to eat out the hearts of such as nourished them,) That we would in a fair medicinal way have healed Babylon cannot be gain said, but proving such a fretting gangreen, what help is there but an amputation. What charitable acts, courteous carriage, friendly informations we have over-flowed with to them, and what ill fruits have been produced from them towards us, needs no further witness, so that for the most moderate of them, at least a compelle intrare, can be their only favourable expectation, Which howsoever Saint d M●a primitus Sententia erat neminem ad unitatem Christi cogendum, non dum enim expertus eram quantum mali eorum (viz, Donatistarum) auderet impunitas. At haec opinio mea demonstrantium superabatur exemplis: nam prinio appohebatur mihi civitas mea, quae cum tota esset in parte Donati ad unitatem Catholicam Timo●e Legum Impertalium conversa est, quem nune videmus ita hujus vestrae animositatis perniciem detestare, ut in ea nunquam fuisse credatur, & multas alias civitates etc. August. Epist. 48. ad Vincentium: Videlicet ibidem gratulationes & gratiarum actiones eorum qui ab Haresi timore l●g●m redierunt. Objectiones solvuntur. Epist. 50. ad Bonifactum lib. 2. contra Petil●●num. c. 8●. Lab. 1. contra Gandentium. cap. 9 & 24. L●b. 1. contra Parmen. cap. 10 lib. de Vnitate Ecclesiae cap. 20. Augustine had been once against, yet upon the experience of that good issue, it had in clearing his own City Hippo of Heresy, and other parts, he changed his mind in urging it. This e Sent. August. (num Heterodoxi metu poenarum ad sidem Catholicam cogi possunt) collect● a Matth. Merula. vide cap. 7. in conclusione, cum cohortatione ad Zelum contra Sectarios hujus temporis. Merula indeed applies to us, and by the example of this Father, exhorts the Emperor and Princes of Germany, to alter their course in a present suppressing the Religion of the Reformed Churches. But Becanus the lesuit proceedeth further to move them without any more ado to the kill of us, (whom he asperseth with the blot of Heresy) after the example of Moses so condemning the worshippers of the golden Calf, the hanging up the heads of the people at Baal peor, by Elias, jehu, in slaying the priests of Baal. And after the applying to us those mortal precepts in the Law against f 〈◊〉. 24. 16 Blasphemers, g D●●t. 17. 12. Disobeyers of the chief Priest, and h D●ut. 13. 14. enticers to serve other gods, and answers of all pleas that might be alleged for our toleration, concludes, i ●●●etici 〈◊〉 per●●bant pa●em Christianam quam ho●icidae & ●●res, ●t high puniuntur ●oenacapitis, ●●go multo m●gis illi qui sunt pernitiosiores. Nam cum pax Christiana sit duplex. Ecclesiastica & Politica: Homicidae & ●●●es tantum perturbant politicam, Haretici utramque. Mart. Becan. c●p. 15. de paenis Haereticorum, quaest. ●. We ought to be slain rather than thiefs or murderers, as being far more pernicious to Church and Commonwealth. Nay, Scioppius in his Classicum Belli sacri, charges the Emperor with it as his duty, to slay our very k S●ul hujusmodi mandatum accept'st, Percute Amaleck interfice a viro usque ad muherem, & parvulum & lacta●●em. Nota infantes Hareticorum Deus occidi & jubeat, ne adultio●●s facti patrum scelete impli●●●tur▪ in ò Deut. cap. 13. 9 15. STA●IM percuti●s etc. Non audias, neq●e par●●● ei oculus tuus ut miscrearis: sic Imperator, interficere debes ●uemcunque etc. idque statim ut David in Psal. 101. ●n m●●●●in● interficrebam (hoc est) ut ex●rti fuerant, disperderem ●. e. ●● nullus inveniretur p. 12. 18 19 79. 83. Children and infants, after the example of saul's command for Amaleck, and the Israelites for the Canaanites, that he should not spare neither his eye have pity. l Nulla r●gravi●s Deum offendere potest Caesar quam ●arcendo ●●reticis bello captis: exemplo Sau●●●, 1 Sam. 15. ●●. Ergo 〈◊〉 etiam atque etiam Imperator, ut si quando t●●s & Dei perduelles d●vin● & humano jure mori jussos, in potestatem t●am ●edeg●●is, ●●e●s 〈◊〉, & gladium in vindictam malorum ubi d●tum, s●c feri●tu●● ger●●, si●itiore quam Saul paena afficiaris, saltem ut quod Regi A●h●b s●●ilem ob●a●sam Deus cominatus fuerit, in te tu●sq●e 〈◊〉 u●ndo ●●●tias ●e●ic him est, pag. 80. 78. Terreat te Imperator 〈…〉 R●gi ●cles●ph●t cla●s●s, ●urique Ind●c● jactura▪ terreat te illa 〈…〉 2. c●p. ●0. 37. pag 86. Denounceth a judgement upon him and his, if he should so much as give any Quarter to the chiefest of us, by the warning of saul's rejection for reserving Agag, and Ahabs threatening that his life should go for dismissing of Benhadad. m Cum Turcis, Mahumetanis, Ethnicis, Hebraeis faedus tibi facere Imperator licet, ut Deut. 20. 5. (Cum civitatibus quae a te valde procul sunt foedus inire poteris, etc.) non autem cum haereticis, qui vicini sunt, qui pleraque nobiscum habeant communia, de his praecepit Deus ut nullum omnino permits vivere▪ occidatis omnem animam viventem etc. pag. 81. 82, 83. Gasp. Scioppii consiliarii Regii Classicum belli sacri, sive Heldus redivivus, hoc est ad Carolum q●in●um Imperatorem suasoria approbat. authoritat. super. ut omne lectiore, & memoria dignum, & omnibus perutile. With Turks and Heathens he allows him to make a peace, but for us that partake with them in some common principles, no plea can be admitted to reprieve us from a present slaughter of old and young, not saving alive any that breathes: whom else where he terms * Gasp. Sciopii Scorpiacum i. e. remedium adversus haereses, ab ipsis Protestantibus Scorpionibus petitum. Scorpions, and therefore to be killed assoon as we are born. Which horrid Counsel is justified by n Haeresis cum alte radices egit, non nisi ustionibus & sectionibus, seu bellorum vi & impetu ac violentia exs●indi debet. Praecipitar, Deut. 17. ut qui sacerdotis Imperio de Religionis controversiis, se non submiserit interficiatur. An●mitius tractabimus eos qui corr●●c●nte Christi Evangelio a Catholica fide deficiunt? Quid nos facere convenit nisi ut Zelum imitantes Regum veteris Testamenti eos mature emedio tollamus. Hac enim laude Helias, jehu, & alii celebrantur. Non esse crudelitatem occidere Ha●●ticos sed pietatem: saeva est clementia parcere, etc. I●a●. Paul. Windeck. deliberatio. de extirpandis haeresibus. Antidote. 10. & 11. Windeck, in the like application and exhorcation to the burning, kill, and all other violent course of war for our extirpation, by the Precedents of zealous Kings and Magistrates in the old Testament, whom such as are christian's (he saith) ought to exceed, accordingly as Heresy under the Gospel is the more damnable, concluding all clemency to us to be cruelty, and that which might seem cruelty to be piety. This, with much of the like, is the sentence they have decreed against us in their Schools, published in their Books, exhorted Princes to in their Doctrines, and accordingly made this Kingdom the bloody stage wherein they have acted it to the full, in murdering and drowning without distinction of sex or age. Now whether these evil servants may not be justly judged out of their own mouths, (whose Religion hath been long agone by the Bishops of this Kingdom decreed to be Heretical and Apostatical) or recompensed according to their own works upon us, (which have been so horrid and barbarous as all Heathen and Turkish story are to seek for precedents) I leave it to your Honourable wisdoms to determine only, I am sure no stricter bonds can be taken of them to secure us for the future, than those, which they have broken at this present, even that triple obligation of nature, oaths, and favour, wherein they are still supported by their Clergy, as if they did God good service. And indeed what hopes can there be of peace, where a Kingdom is not at one in Religion? which as our woeful experience showeth it, so reason is sufficient to evince it, and I am willing to give a jesuite leave to speak it for me. o Nulla unquam familia fuit in qua dissentiens Religio pacem non turbavit, exemplo sit discordia, inter Isaac & Ishmaelem, inter jacob & Laban, inter Mosen & uxorem Sephoram, quomodo ergo in toto Regno pax & concordia sperari potest ubi Religionis & fidei fumma est discordia. Qui olim conjunctiores quam Judaei & Israelit●●? At postquam altare contra altar, templum contra templum erectum est, mox inexplabili dissidio dissecti & dissociati sunt. Becanus, de poems Haereticorum. Quaest. 6. What family (saith he) was there ever where a difference in Religion made not a breach? see it in Isaac and Ishmael, jacob and Laban, Moses and his wife Zipporah, and if so, what concord can be expected in a whole Kingdom, where there is much more disagreement, who were nearer a kin than Israel and judah, but assoon as Altar was erected against Altar, they were soon divided in an irreconcilable war. The argument me thinks is probable, only let the application be to themselves, and the endeavours to this Honourable Parliament, so to fan, and throughly purge the floor of this our Church, that there be no such Canaanites left in the Land, to be thorns, and pricks in the e●es of our posterity hereafter, of whose Idolatrous falsehood, and murderous projects we in this late besieged Town of Drogheda, (so thirsted for by them) have had too much experience, wherein the service that hath been performed in the unanimous defence of it, by my Lord Viscount Moor (whose laborious vigilancy and large expenses in the want of supplies elsewhere deserves a special remembrance:) Sir Henry Tichburn our valiant Governor, with the rest of our courageous Captains, and Commanders, may merit a prime place in your honourable favour. A Collection of some passages in which (being by many desired as seasonable for the present, and profitable for the future) I have in the midst of other distractions and employments presumed in this rude form to present to this Honourable House, whose paternal bowels we find already have yearned upon us, and in the continuance of whose indulgent care with an Application to his Majesty, all our hopes are deposited, And I doubt not but this poor and mean offering shall the rather gain acceptance, in that it is derived from such who have these many months lived the next door to Martyrdom. GOD, in his goodness prosper all your designs, for for the reducing of this Kingdom to due obedience, refining and enlarging of our Church, and the returning of a more settled peace to this disjointed Island, which must be the daily prayers, and is the belief of Your Honour's most humble and devoted Servant, N. BARNARD. Droghedah, May, 25. 1642. To the Reader. THou hast here the earnest of a succeeding bloody History which by some other hand hereafter may be perfected, and may well be entitled the Martyrologue of Ireland, for the present thou mayst apprehend this Relation, as an abridgement of the whole, wherein each of their parts have been in some measure acted, and by the touch of this pulse only in this one member, thou mayst give the righter judgement of the malignity in the body. This town was for a long time accounted the forlorn hope on both sides, upon the success of which each built their several issues, As often were we buried in the fear of our friends, as in the boasts of the Rebels. For a while the Southside towards Dublin remained clear, but Northward we heard of nothing but bloodshed, and desolation, in fifty or sixty mile's compass the houses of God were deserted of their Pastor and people, and possessed by such as were neither, so that we took ourselves to be only reserved either like Iob's Messengers to relate it, or like Aaron between the living and the dead, to pray for them, which (as for ourselves) hath not been in vain, for here the plague was stayed. And indeed, seeing they were so presumptuous as to make Religion the cause, we joined issue with them, like Eliiah with the Priests of Baal, and God hath answered us from Heaven, in accepting our sacrifices, and rejecting theirs, though they whipped themselves, till the blood gushed out upon them. For the subject matter of this Narration believe it to be true, m●ch I was a witness of myself, the rest I (have received from men of trust, the whole hath been viewed by several of our Captains, whose attestation may add a further strength to thy persuasion, and the impartiality of it may be rather credible, as being written by him, who is without the least relation to any. For the style thou mayst accept of it according to the distractions it was accompanied with, and the hast I have been put too, by the so many mistakes and falsehoods printed by others already, wherein myself hath suffered none of the least. If thou shalt find the thoughts of these Popish Projectors, full of horrid Conspiracies and treacheries, their mouths of falsehoods and lies; their hands defiled with blood and all their paths tracked with Rebellion, wonder not at it, for 'tis no new thing under the Sun, and he must needs be a stranger in the World, that cannot produce multitudes of the like Precedents before. Dost thou find them in these justified and encouraged by their teachers marvel not neither; 'tis their usual doctrine lineally descended from their Ancestors of which I might easily present thee with a great bundle. On the otherside, when thou shalt read of God's wonderful preserving so weak a Town, so many months besieged by such a multitude, in the want of clothes, meat, and money; sixteen thousand one night assaulting us at once (or if we may believe their own List, three and twenty thousand who by a few were repulsed with the loss of many hundred of theirs, and of ours not one so much as hurt: many Sallies made out by little parties in the face of such great bodies▪ with the like continued success, and that great deliverance of us from five hundred of the chiefest of them (having t●o●sands more attending then at the Gates) who by a treachery, while we were in our beds, had got within our bowels, and so continued undescryed an hour or two, whose shout of triumph upon the very Key was our first alarm, yet, by the glean of a few, were all either slain or routed and without any considerable loss of ours. The twice relieveing us in that extremity of scarcity, when by all it was conceived impossible, in so sudden and so fitting a wind and tide in every circumstance appearing to be the very answer of our prayers; I say, when thou shalt meet with these, and divers more of the like nature how easily mayst thou be drawn to confess (as even our Town papists have been compelled to themselves) that God hath fought for us, and declared himself to be the Parent of our Religion, by his being so tender a Nurse of it: Howsoever let the experience of God's handiwork in so little a model, beget a confidence of much more in preserving the whole Kingdom (now so undermined) against the gates of all hellish plots whatsoever. This, or the like fr●it is aim of this Relation which obtained, he hath his full desire, who is Thine, in him by whom all things consist, N. Barnard. Authori, Lectori, Operi. Worthy Divine, which Attribute's as due; As my respects, almost prescribed to you; The wonderworking virtue of your pen, Buries alive, makes the dead live again; Raising the prospect to succeeding age Of Miracles above the Rebel's rage. When that had swollen so high (like the proud Tower) No hand could reach it but Diviner power. And that, by means despiced, suppressed it so, As confused Babel fell, or Jericho. All times hence learn, no force or council shall Rise against Heaven, but for the greater fall. When God's the object of a trust, the Whale Proves Jonah's bark, the Sea poor Jacob's wall. Nature submits to him that framed it, and Means with events are both in his command. A careful eye through all this Story led, Will often think it over unwearied: And know the glory of the Author is, This narrative is Truth's, and Time's, not his. Some of the special Passages in this RELATION. THe many homebred Treacheries we were delivered from the first fortnight by Master Lewis Moor's vigilancy. pag. 1 The coming down of Sir Henry Tichbourns Regiment, coldly welcomed by the Town Papists, November 4th. pag. 7. The general Declaration of the Catholics of Ireland. pag. 8. The Rebels plundering my Lord Moor's house of Mellifont, p. 12. Their many pretended Treaties and presumptuous speeches, p. 15. The defeat of 600. of our foot, at the bridge of Gillingstowne, three miles from us, p. 16. The surprisal of a Chester barque at the Skerries, with English passengers, pag. 17. The Rebels burning all our Corn and Hay near us, p. 17. A skirmish at the Green hills not halfe a mile from us, where an hundred of them were slain, p. 19 A Dominican Friar sent from them to demand the surrender of this Town, p. 21. The Oath taken by the Papists of this Kingdom as it was delivered us by the said Friar, p. 22, The Protestation of the Governors and Captains of Drogheda, for the keeping of the Town, with an Oath taken by them, and offered to the Aldermen, and others, but refused, p. 23. The general Onset by sixteen thousand, December 20. when not a man of ours was so much as hurt pag. 25. The Motives moving the Catholics to take Arms, pag. 23. A treacherous plot by the opportunity of a great Ice prevented, p. 34. A skirmish, January 7. when an hundred of the Rebels were killed, and about an hundred forced into the River, with divers the like, p. 35. The miserable scarcity of victuals growing upon us, Our welcome relief, January 11. by Captain Stutfield, pag. 37. The wonderful preservation of us from the Invasion of five hundred of them, January 12. p. 38. The Pinnace in her return running aground desperately attempted by the Rebels, p. 42. Two bragging Letters, one of Sir Philem O Neals, and another of Colonel Plunkets, p. 45. Divers Sallies made out to get in forage, to the death of multitudes of the Rebels, taking their Ensigns, and no loss of ours, p. 51. The woeful extremity of famine, after the Town had been sifted, and all possible relief near hand adventured for, p. 36. Our relief the second time, February 20. wherein Gods special hand was evident in divers particulars, pag. 57 The same day the Rebels beaten off from our walls when they had mounted many of their scaling ladders, pag. 59 Divers horrible cruel acts committed upon the English Protestants near us, pag. 20. The kill of three hundred of the Rebels at the bridge of Gillingstone, in revenge of the like number of ours at the same place, p. 62. The burning of Morlenton and Colpe with divers of the like, and routing them on the South side, p. 64. March the 5th. Their routing on the North side at Tallagh-holland, when seven of their Captains with three hundred others were slain, p. ●7. The taking possession of four of their Castles on each side of the River: Of the taking of Atherdee, about eight miles from us, with the battle there when four hundred of them were killed, p. 74. The admirable providence of God in the quick taking of Dundalke, about 16 miles from us, March 26. with which we accounted our Siege fully raised, pag. 75. An Appendix of some other occurrences in the prosecution of our victory since, which give some light to the former, pag. 80. The Names of the several Captains, as they came in for our defence at DROGHEDAH. Octob. 26. 1641. THe Lord Viscount Moor of Droghedah, with his troop of Horse consisting of sixty six. Sir john Nettervill, Captain With their two half standing Companies, Rockley, Captain Seafowle Gibson, Captain His Company of the English Inhabitants and other Protestants were to the number of six score. Novemb. the fourth, 1642. Sir Henry Tichburne, Colonel and Governor of the Town, his Company of Foot. Sir john Borlase Captain, These three, though having been before Officers of the field, yet out of their zeal to the present service came as private Captains. L. Colonel Byron Captain. L. Colonel Wenmond Capt. jacob Lovel, Sergeant Major, who died in the Siege. Captain Chichester Fortescue. Captain Will. Willoughby. Captain Edw. Billingsley. Captain Lewis owen's. Captain john Morris. The Troops of Horse. john Sloughter Captain, Lieutenant to Sir Thomas Lucas, Commissary General. Thomas Greymes, Lieutenant to Sir Adam Loftus. Novemb. the tenth. Captain Henry Bryan. Captain Patrick Trevor. Captain Foulke Martin. November the two and twentieth. Christopher Roper Sergeant Major, These 3 Captains escaped very defective in their Companies from the defeat at the bridge of Gellingston. Captain William Cadowgan. Captain Charles Sownsley Fifty Horse, under the command of Sir Patrick Weymes Captain, Lieutenant to the Earl of Ormond. February the twentieth with our second relief. Captain Richard Borrows. Captain Edward Trevor. Captain William Hamilton. When all the aforesaid Captains (excepting the Regiment of Sir Henry Tichburne) were appointed to be under my Lord Moor's command. WE whose names are here underwritten, who have been and continued Captains within the Town of Droghedah, during the Siege, and so eye-witnesses of most things which have fall'n out in it, Having duly and diligently read over this Book, entitled, The Siege of Droghedah, do hereby according to the several times of our coming thither, and according to our best remembrance confirm this following Narration to be wholly truth: and do testify it to be in each particular very impartially and fully related. As witness our hands this 11 of june, 1642. Seaf. Gibson. Io. Sloughter. Rob. Byron. Rich. Borrows. Phil. Wenman. P. Wemies. The Lord Viscount Moor of Droghedah, his Confirmation of the truth of this following Narration. HOwsoever the known integrity of the Author is a sufficient testimony of itself, yet (having the second time read over this Book entitled The Siege of Droghedah, where I have been an eyewitness of what hath been done from the beginning of it,) I do hereby (according to the attestation of the six other Captains, and in answer to the desire of such as have conceived it necessary) confirm this following Relation to be wholly truth, and in each particular to be fully and very impartially written; (only declining throughout such passages as may concern myself.) As Witness my hand th●s 22 of june, 1642. MOOR. THE Siege of Drogheda in IRELAND, OR A Relation of such memorable passages as have fallen out here, and the Towns near adjoining, from the beginning of this late REBELLION. THe 23 of October, 1641, was the fatal Day pitched upon by the Papists of this Kingdom of Ireland, with one consent for the utter ruin of the Protestants and the true Religion professed by them here, and doubtless had taken effect accordingly, had not the special providence of God prevented it in a timely discovery at the root, which was to have surprised the Castle of Dublin, undertaken by the Lord Mac-Guire, and as they say cast upon him by some sacred Lot: but that morning he was taken himself and committed close prisoner, where he had in his thoughts provided the like lodgings for others. The fact was horrid in the aim, desperate in the attempt, crafty in the project, bloody in the fruits, close in the carriage, undiscryed till the very Eye of the morning for execution▪ general in the extent, being a Catholic Cast indeed (like those Romanists for the whole Coat of our Saviour) at the ruin of the whole State at once. This though thus stopped at the head, yet wrought not so full a cure, but that it broke out in deadly issues through most parts of the Body of the Kingdom▪ into which it is not now my purpose to range, leaving it to the several relations of others. The chief intent of this discourse is to give thee a true account of what hath fallen out within this besieged Town of Drogheda, wherein I have be●● 〈◊〉 this ●hole Winter myself. The news of the foresaid discovery posting from Dublin hither, was met with the same night by much of the like Nature out of the North, The treacherous surp●●●all of Castle Bl●●y, Newry, Carrick, Charlemom, Monahan with others came in thick like Iobs ●essengers one upon another, all confidently assured by their Surprizers that Dublin was taken already. These reports howsoever cred●bl● enough by the conditions of such who were the Actors, yet the suddenness of them bred not at first a full persuasion, till we received a double and triple Confirmation by the flight of many to us stripped, and wounded, in whom we began then to apprehend the draught of our own Picture next▪ but whether by some Skeen abroad, or Sword at home, or both, lay in an even balance, for each man to conjecture. Our first succour was my Lord Viscount Moor, being then at Mellifont, about three miles from us, who by the sad news of his sister the Lady Blany, and her children's imprisonment, had a warning piece given him of their affection towards himself, came with some part of his Troop, hither at midnight, knocked up the Major and Aldermen, invited them to some speedy resolution for their own defence, as supposing there might be some Vipers harboured within their own Bowels, they presently promised him very fairly▪ cursed the Rebels foully, but made preparation very slowly, Whereas upon Muster days they were wont to appear in many hundreds well armed, now not above forty could be found. Pitchforks marched instead of Pikes and Birding-peeces were taken for Muskets, so that we began to suspect many of them had cursed themselves. My Lord conceiving his continued presence might be prevalent, instantly had a house prepared, removed his whole Family hither and (which was our chief strength) guarded us with his troop of Horse, consisting of above threescore, very completely provided▪ caused many old Pieces cast into a blind Dangeon to be drawn out and scoured, at each Gate Northward some to be mounted, others planted before them, disburdened a Ship of a Merchants lying at the Habours mouth, of four more, and with good words drew from them some competency of powder, rounded the Town walls, had some weak parts further strengthened, The North Port made up strongly, reviewed the two half standing Companies, whereof one was altogether suspected, pressed the Town to a show of two hundred men, the Major part proving (as we found them afterwards) but a show indeed. Having thus for the present endeavoured such a defence, as the weakness of the means could afford, and finding the Rebellion still gathering as it cowled, his Lordship in a black dark night posted privately to Dublin, acquainted the State with further danger than they had been sensible of, and of what consequence the safety of this Town must needs be, not only for the North but for Dublin, and the whole Kingdom, and in the Council Chamber amongst divers other Lords made this very exemplary motion, offered to make up his own troop a full hundred, and to raise a hundred foot at his own charges, but it was not accordingly answered by others, (though applauded by all) for the present all he could obtain was a Commission to Captain Seafowle Gibson, for the command of a hundred men with Arms and Munition sent down with him the next day, who was no sooner returned, but (such was the love of the English Protestants Inhabitants to him) that within two hours his Company was full with those Volunteers without pressing one, who mustered and took the Watch that night, and indeed could not be eased of it many nights afterwards, whose continued vigilancy & toil in assisting my Lord Moor from the beginning, deserves a special remembrance, Both of them (before any farther succour came) watched in their own persons ten nights together. By this time the Rebels had taken Dund●lke, and Dromiskin, and had advanced so far as to pillage all the English Protestants within five miles of us, whose example so took with our Neighbours near us that they endeavoured to prevent them, in making a prey of the residue themselves, miserable spectacles of wealthy men and women utterly spoilt and undone nay stripped stark naked▪ with doleful cries came daily flocking in to us by multitudes, upon whom as our bowels could not but yearn, so we failed not to receive with all charitable welcome as coming from the next door to Martyrdom. Our Papist Townsmen made light of it, some discovering themselves too far by their smiles, being more ready to fill up the measure of that iniquity of their brethren, then to relieve them, many false Alarms had we by ringing of the Towle sele Bell, as if the enemy were at the Gates and the time chosen when we were either going to Church or at it, as it were of purpose to disturb us. Their numbers multiplied beyond all conceit all which we found afterwards to be but feigned and sprung from some ill affected within only to cause the greater conf●●●on. Promises of Assistance daily assured us by Letters, and accordingly expected we found still failing us; Our former Governor, Sir Faithful Fortescue posting to Dubl●●▪ and f●nding further delaye● resigned up his Commission and by hi● disheartening Letters gave us over, who though willing to h●●ard his life for us yet was loath to lose his reputation also. In the midst of these distractions▪ seeing little hope in man and perceiving our feare● within equalizing our feare● without we betook ourselves too God. I sent privately to all the Protestants in the Town● man by man (being not thought safe to give any more public notice) presently to mee● at the Church▪ who with the rest of the strangers fled to us from the adjoining Towne●▪ made up a great Congregation; We there spent the time in a sorrowful confession of our sin▪ acknowledged God's Justice in their punishment▪ begged pardon implored his succouring of us (who were now for the profession of his name like the three children in the fiery furnace.) and so we entered into a solemn vow, and covenant with God that if in this extremity, he should in his goodness preserve such a handful of us from the multitude of those whom we saw were instantly ready to swallow us, we would be more diligent in serving him in righteousness and true holiness all our days which was sealed with such an abundance of tears that flowed from all sorts, that we rise with confidence that he, who had so prepared the heart● would open his ●●●e to hear. Being encouraged with these first fruits we appointed a solemn fast, some three days after, when howsoever our meeting was conceived by the chief to be very hazardous, (from whom that very morning I received some such advertisement of a suspected Plot, by that opportunity) yet we put ourselves into God's hands as our sole refuge and with a small guard of Soldiers continued it the whole day, which was blessed with the increase of our former affections, and so from that time forward we kept it weekly. Immediately we found some fruit of our prayers. Plots secretly conceiving and near their birth proved abortives by their discovery, which seeing they had not the heart and strength then to bring forth, I will not be their Midwife to deliver them to the world. Our enemies were more than dared to be known our strength but small and soon reckoned yet did very memorably. Great success was given to our Designs within as without. My Lo. Moor's horse were of necessity put upon service every night, about thirty scouted without the Walls a mile or two, the rest guarded the streets, and walked the rounds within, sometimes as they had intelligence of an opportunity with some foot, they marched out by break of the day, amongst the thickest of the Rebels, but they were still too light of foot, and dared not approach them in any fight, only much stolen goods were regained, abundance of cows recovered and restored in the market place to as many as could own them: about 200. of the Rebels were slain as they were found robbing in divers Companies, about fourscore brought in as Prisoners, whereof (such was our mercy) but six of them were hanged, one of them confessed expressly that his charge was only to ●obbe the Clergy (which he was taught was not so much as a venial sin) and which he performed accordingly to the ●ndoing of some three or four many Friars and Priests were busy in posting 〈◊〉 and fro, till they were stopped, some upon the pretence that they wan●●d victuals, craved leave to depart, and were officious in giving the Rebels their Benidictions, who had a quarter of a year before enjoined the vulgar one fasting day extraordinary each week for the good success of some special design, for the Catholic cause which we dreamt not of, and yet their want appeared evidently to be but feigned, by the charity of the townspeople to the meanest Prisoners, whom they not only pitied, and publicly cried out against our hard usage of such poor harmless people, but were so charitable in relieving them with meat and , that they make little suit to be released, than whom it may easily be believed, their Priests and Friars were of much more value. Two several nights I must not forget the Relation of: when upon no light grounds we had good cause to be suspicious of some traps laid for us, one night dangerous speeches were given out, which might bear the exposition of some Massacre, one of no mean quality was heard to say to his neighbour, This night will be our opportunity; another in Irish to his fellow in the street, Now will be the time or never, which when he suspected an English Protestant overhearing, and understanding him charged him instantly with silence, somewhat was in it, that one of the chief of the Town (who seemed to love me truly) wished me not to lodge within my own house that night, but to accept of his. About Fleven a clock as we were expecting some mischief, it fell so out that a Post from Dublin brought us the news, that the ●ewry was taken again by the Scots which being so confidently affirmed, and instantly rumoured through the Town, I verily believe did us good service, though it proved but like the surmised noise of a great host in the Syians ears, which broke up the siege of Samaria, howsoever the present belief o● it took that effect, that the Countenances of the Townsmen were apparently altered; The next morning in their courteous carriage to the Captains and Officers to whom the day before they could not dissemble a good look●. But when upon inqui●●e they had found this news to be but Counterfeit ●●yne, they returned again to the Design of another night work (when a Lord● Son, and a noted Papist, being then by his turn with the Town Arms, and his own standing Company Captain of the Watch) there was some further attempt given (as being the last night of any hope, knowing that a thousand men were upo● their much within eight miles of us, and would not ●a●l● to be with us the next.) At a house over against the main Guard where his own men were he took some small oceasion to quarrel, and with base language to abuse my Lord Moor▪ (who wisely balked it as conceiving tha● time of the night not to be seasonable for an uproar.) Comm●nded the Rebels, maintained that they were not Rebels, and the like; Nay, proceeded so fare as twice to ask his Lieutenant (being a Protestant) What side he would be of if there were any Commotion. In fine, it was so apprehended by all the Commanders in the room, that they presently stood upon their Guards with their Pistols spanned under their cloaks expecting some Watchword from him either to the main● Guard, or to some other confederate, unknown elsewhere. And for prevention, some struck betwixt him and the Window towards the street; My Lord Moor's horse were privately drawn up ten stood always before the door, and the rest in several divisions guarded the streets to keep all within. The Protestant English Soldiers to the number of Sevenscore, were silently called up also, which when he perceived he did his best to make up things again, but they had gone too fare to be so easily cured, and there were other circumstances not long before, which made the suspicion smell the stronger, as his changing many of his foot Company from Protestants to Papists▪ and those to be of his own servants and Tenants; Most nights when he and the Town had the Watch, the Pieces mounted upon the Gates, were found stopped with Garlic of purpose to break them; that whole day was he continually passing from one Friary to another, whether for B●nedictions or Consultations we wots not, and that very night he went his first round as Captain of the Watch (which then was only for the North side) and might have been dispatched in half an hour, he was above three hours before his return, altogether confirming our jealousies in his being now laying the tr●un● and disposing of all things for the perfection of some Treachery. But doubtless had the Enemy kept his hour▪ and according as was threatened and expected approached the walls that night, things had not been so concluded. But thanks be to God who took of the wheels of their resolutions, that the mischief that they had devised, they had not the courage to drive on to any perfection. In the midst of these distractions, whereas others with good cause were deserted of their Pastors, I was deserted of my Congregation: most of the better sort fled to Sea, and with very affectionate expressions entreated me to the like, presuming by the barbarous cruel usage of others of the Clergy my danger to exceed theirs, those who could not fly came about me for the contrary; I was soon resolved (as indeed never admitting any other inclination) not to leave them in their misery, but to live and die with them, remembering that of our Saviour, that the Shepherd should hazard his life for his sheep, as that of Saint Ambrose to justina the Empress when he was commanded either to receive the Arrians, or to leave Milan answered, Non prodam lupis gregem mihi commissum hic occide, si libet, But one of the chiefest cares that lay upon me even more than my life, was that great treasure of my Lord Primates Library, which I had the happiness to be trusted with in his absence. We heard of the daily rudeness of the vulgar in burning and cutting in pieces the papers and books of such of the Clergy already made a prey of (as in especial the Bishop of Meaths, and the Lord Conways Library) the Manuscripts howsoever invaluable, yet by their mean clothing likely to be least respected by such illiterate hands. No Barks left in the harbour to remove them, the best course which the misery and necessity of that time would afford was not neglected, but none could promise safety. At length God who useth to be then most seen in helping when all sense faileth allayed much of this and our other fears by sending us a competent strength of a thousand foot, and a hundred horse with able Captains under the command of Sir Henry Tichburne who was also made Governor of the Town, whom as long expected, so was November the fourth joyfully received by us, But by the Town as coldly and discourteously, making him to wait for his lodging till nine a clock at night in the street (though come in by two) and at length was compelled by his own Authority to provide one himself, with divers other particulars which I will not trouble the Reader with. But it was so resented, that howsoever the Town Arms offered their service that night, yet it was rejected, and notwithstanding the wet, long, and heavy march that day, three hundred of the Soldiers were drawn out of the several Companies to continue the Watch that night, wherein our vigilant Governor took a voluntary share himself also. The next day being the fifth of November and the thankful remembrance ●or our delivery from the Papists Conspiracy in England we kept it solemnly with an addition of the like for our preservation in part from this also, which tho●gh it were the younger sister, yet being in its own Country got the pre-eminence. Before it was not well taken to call it Rebellion, but only the act of some discontented Gentlemen. But now we took heart to speak as we thought; To this Regiment the State was pleased not long after to add three Companies more▪ so that now besides the Town Arms, we were fifteen hundred foot, and a hundred and threescore horse, by which our fears of meeting daily at the Church w●●● cured and we encouraged to double our weekly Fasts, when by turns each division of the Regiment might partake of one and by our frequent adm●nitions endeavoured to prevent these vices usually incident to Soldiers, as also in regard that by their continual Watches they could not attend the public Prayers offered twice every day in the Church where (as best agreeing with our present estate) we used that form appointed in King james his Reign, (when all the Ref●r●ed Churches were conceived to be in the like danger, Anno 1628.) by the assistance of some of my Brethren here, each part had it (with one fitted to our present condition) upon their Guards evening and morning▪ and there was reason that where Religion was the cause, the better success might be expected, if it could be infused into the defenders of it. Not many nights after here crept out in the twilight this following Declaration, framed as it appears upon the presumption the thing contrived had been effected, which was found in the streets and by the wax at each corner seemed to have been some where affixed. And howsoever we had seen before some other imperfect ones, yet by the draught and fairness of the hand with other circumstances we apprehended this to be the most authentical. The General Declaration of the Catholics of Ireland. WHereas we the Roman catholics of this Kingdom of Ireland have been continually loving and faithful subjects to his Sacred Majesty, and notwithstanding the general and heavy oppressions suffered by subordinate Governors to the ruin of our lives, honours, and estates, yet having some liberty of Religion from his Majesty out of the affluence of his Princely love to us we weighing not corporal loss in respect of the great immunity of the soul, are inviolably resolved to infix ourselves in an immutable and pure allegiance for ever to his Royal Majesty and Successors. Now it is that the Parliament of England, maligning and envying any graces received from his Majesty by our Nation, and knowing none so desired of us as that of Religion, and likewise perceiving his Majesty to be inclined to give us the liberty of the same, drew his Majesty's Prerogative out of his hands thereby largely pretending the general good of his Majesty's Kingdoms, But we the said Catholics and loyal Subjects to his Majesty do probably find as well by some Acts to pass by them the said Parliament touching our Religion, in which the Catholics of England and Scotland did suffer. As also by threats to send over the Scottish Army with the Sword and Bible in hand against us, That their whole and studied plot both was and is, not only to extinguish Religion (by which we only live happily) but also likewise to supplant us and raze the name of Catholics and Irish out of the whole Kingdom. And seeing this surprise so dangerous, tending absolutely to the overthrow of the liberty of our consciences, and Country, and also our gracious King's power forced from him, in which and in whose prudent care of us our sole quiet and comfort consisted, and without which the fear of our present ruins did prescribe opinion, and premonish us, to save ourselves. We therefore as well to regain his Majesty's said Prerogative being only due to him and his successors, and being the essence and life of Monarchy, hoping thereby to continue a strong and invincible unity, between his Royal and ever happy love to us, and our faithful duty and loyalty to his incomparable Majesty, have taken Arms and possessed ourselves of the best and strongest Forts of this Kingdom, to enable us to serve his Majesty and defend us from the tyrannous resolution of our Enemies. This in our consciences as we wish the peace of the same to ourselves and our posterity is the pretence and true cause of our present rising in Arms, by which we are resolved to perfect the advancement of truth, and safety of our King and Country. Thus much we thought fit in general to publish to the world, to set forth our innocent and just cause, the particulars whereof shall be speedily declared. Dated October 23. 1641. God save the King After the Soldiers in some good order were quartered Sir Henry Tichburne our Governor took a diligent view of the Walls: Consultations were had for the better fortifying of them▪ The Mill-Mount conceived a very defensive place, for the guard of Meath-side, the weaker part of the Town, and so accordingly were mounted four pieces of Ordnance, and there soon appeared good cause for this preparation, The whole County of Louth (scarce a Gentleman that was a Papist excepted) were drawn into this Conspiracy, so that we were beset on that side Northward with five thousand, or as their own list reported it eight thousand. The infection did so spread, that it not only tainted, but broke out in the faces and lips of some of our Aldermen, one Stanley (who was a Town Burgess for the Parliament) took himself highly promoted to be a Captain with them; others who not long before seemed to do good service in the discovery of the like (whose Letters I had seen deeply exclaiming against those courses) now ran the same way also; Nay, the very Sheriff of the County (who had been so favoured as to continue Knight of the Shire also) was a Leader in that Rebellion too, He with Stanley came in hither often upon protection as joint Commissioners from the Rebels upon some pretended Treaties, whom howsoever for some reasons according to a Commission for that purpose, it was not thought amiss to protract things by such like parleys, yet we gave little heed to any thing they said, being persuaded which way so ever they looked they rowed another. The subject of much of their discourse was a desire to do the Town good service which might be the more credible in regard of some estates they had in it. Their extraordinary affection to my Lord Moor and his Family, inviting him for his safety to retreat to Mellifont again, or if that were not sure enough, a stronger Castle was offered him, as divers letters to that purpose I have often seen from many, remembering him of the security his Father lived in at that same place during all Tyron's Rebellion, and therefore his son who had deserved better of them, could not but be confident of the same. Nay, proffered to make him General, at least of all Meath and Louth, That what ever losses himself, or tenants had sustained should ●ll be repaid to a penny, which was often seconded by divers other Agents, But the depth of all (as the following fruits declare) was but to have made a prey of him, and his, and so to have weakened the Town of an active and zealous supporter, who still as before was very forward to give the life to every design for its ' preparation', which had appeared in giving a stop to many of their crafty Plots by the way here. Before this Regiment came to us, at the earnest request of the said Sheriff of Louth, the State was so fare moved as to send down three hundred Arms, for the defence of that County (who had not then declared themselves) with about forty more for the Guard of Dundalke, but the suspicion of their treachery scenting stronger here then possibly it might 20 miles further were by my Lord Moor stopped in their passage. The Lords Justices having likewise about a fortnight before sent five hundred Arms to the Lord Gormanstones house, about five miles from us, at his Petition for the arming of Meath, upon whose fidelity they still presumed, according to the pattern of their Ancestors, yet now receiving an intimation of some plot of the Rebels to surprise them, were under the care of Lord Colonel Wamman safely conveyed hither, with whom there ●ame also a Fortnight's Pay for the Regiment, but was not supplied with any more money in twenty two weeks after, which as the former offer of the state aggravates the falsehood of the Rebels: so this later advanceth the honour of this service here, in their so zealous continuing their unanimous defence of this Town, notwithstanding so little encouragement. The Parliament time now drawing on, my Lord Moor was necessitated to a second journey to Dublin, where as he was not backward in a free and full declaring himself against some Excusers of this Rebellion, so was he not unmindful of this Town, and Country adjoining; But propounded a second motion, exceeding the former, viz. that seeing Sir Henry Tichburnes Regiment consisting but of one thousand Foot, and one hundred Horse, was not of that number and strength, as to secure the Town, and to issue fare out for the prevention of any further approach of the Enemy; He offered to raise six hundred men more at his own charges, to them and give them pay till a supply of moneys should be sent out of England, conditionally that the four Compantes in the Town over and above the former, and not yet affixed to any Regiment might be added to his Command to make up a thousand. By which Dundalke, Atherdee, and the whole County of Louth might possibly have been secured. But it was not so readily accepted as it merited. Thus by this forward and Noble offer, his affection to the cause being fully discovered, and being (as I have been informed) the only Lord in the Pale (excepting the Earl of Kildare, and the Lord of Hoath) who was a Protestant, the malice of the Rebels was further enraged, and presently took the advantage of his absence, to draw up to his house of Mellifont, to the utter spoiling and piliaging of it, as will appear by the Relation following, which disaster he hath been since assured by them, was the fruit of his former motions, as being done the next day after his return. Of the Rebels Plundering the House of Mellifont, and their cruel Barbarous deal there, Novemb. 25. 1641. UPon the one and twentieth of Novemb. being Sunday, as we were going to Church in the morning, there came a rumour to our Governor of the Rebel's intention to beset Mellifont, about three miles from us; Whereupon he presently was sending o●t to the former strength there a further supply of two hundred Foot, and a troop of Horse; But as the Drums were beating, there marched down the hill of Tallihascot, about two miles from us Northward a thousand men, (as they seemed) giving many shot as they came; This gave a stop to the issuing out of the former forces, as interpreting by that and other Circumstances their aim was rather to surprise the Town, but by the issue it appeared the plot was only to divert us, there being at that same instant about Fifteen hundred from other parts drawing towards Mellifont. The force left there to defend it against some Pilferers, besides a few servants of the house, was only twenty four Musquettiers, and fifteen Horse, two Scouts they had abroad, one of whom was cut off, the other pursued to the very Gates; about an hour before their coming Mac-Maghon sent a note (which I saw) to the Warders of the house (as he styled them) that if they would give it up, they should have quarter, and withal a Bullet for a token. The quartermaster of the Troop returned a short answer, they would all die rather than yield, and a bold Scotchman standing by, bid the messenger to advise his Master to make his Bullets bigger. Many messengers were with all expedition dispatched hither with letters sowed up in their , for the safer conveyance, but we heard not of them. All ways being thus stopped, and finding no hope of any further relief, they prepared themselves for their own defence, for any promise of quarter, by the experience of their falsehoods to others they gave little credit to; They accounted themselves but dead men, and so were resolved to sell their lives at as dear a rate as they could, shaken hands, and encouraged one another. The Enemy's Horse and Pike were placed upon the top of the hill▪ amongst whom is confessed were some, who not many days before professed the quite contrary. Their Foot marched over the Garden sides in multitudes, whom these few of ours so received, that they fell all back about forty yards, and so accordingly retreated four or five times; In brief, they killed sevenscore of them, and had made them up so many hundreds, but for want of Powder, having at the most but Six shot, some but Four; not a man of them was hurt till all was spent, they had cut their Bullets into halves, and to make even with their Powder, they rammed in five or six together, whereby each shot was the death of many, and in conclusion when all was spent, they broke as many Muskets as they could against the walls. The Sergeant who had the command of the Foot behaved himself very valiantly, by the Confession of the Enemy, and at their entrance slew many with his Halberd. Half a dozen placed in a little outward Castle killed some of them, as they were marching down the hill, amongst whom was one of the chief Captains, in rich stolen , at whose fall there was a great cry. These at last being promised quarter, and yielding, yet they wounded, and threw them out at the windows. The Horse who could do but little good within, when they saw them pressing so thick to the very Gates, opened them, and gave them a desperate Charge, and so made their way through them, though by their pursuers scattered divers ways before they came hither. The number of the slain in all of our side were thirteen (whom a Friar (for none of our Clergy durst venture thither) was so forward for a deed of Charity, as to procure them burial in the Church adjoining, and one man finding life in him (notwithstanding at least forty wounds) brought him home on a Car; The course they took with him was the same they did with others▪ they first stripped him, lest he should bloody his , and then a dozen of them together run him through, and hacked him with their Skeenes, leaving him for dead. But the most barbarous act was the kill of a grave comely old Gentleman, of above fourscore years of age, who after he had opened the Wine-cellar, and was giving them all possible courteous entertainment, and filling wine to them, of a sudden run him through. A poor old blind man that had been the Porter (who could make no resistance) they knocked down; another as old as he they cut his throat, so enraged, that they slew the very dogs they found, broke the windows, took up divers of the Planks in the Chambers to seek for moneys, searched the people's mouths for it, ripped the Featherbeds to take away the Tikes, carried away the Hang, and other furniture that was portable, cut in pieces all the Cover of the Chairs and Stools, (many of which were very rich) broke with their Clubs a Closet of Glasses, and Gallipots full of such Ingredients as they were incapable of, took away abundance of provision in the house, of Cattles and Horses abroad, and what they could not carry they destroyed, to the loss of my Lord Moor, at least 2000 pounds. The fair Haggard of Corn they thrashed and took away afterwards by leisure; The Women they stripped all stark naked; The Chapel they made their quassing room, broke the Pulpit, and all the seats, threw a fair Church Bible into the Mill-Pond, broke the very Bell; Their best language to them all was English dogs▪ Whores and Rogues▪ Heretics, and the like. After the departure of these, came a ruder troop of the base sort of Churls, some of the very Tenants and near neighbours, who drew away the Iron, and Brass, and other wooden lumber, leaving not so much as a door, or Iron bar in the windows; And so of a most pleasant habitation in one night, became a most rumours desolate place. By all which may easily be judged the truth of their former promises, if the owners had been so persuaded, as to ●ave trusted their own persons there also, who (as we have had late credible information) were entered in the first List among such as should have been surprised but such as were trusted with it had not the Courage to attempt it, as the like care was taken of this Town also; And yet one merry passage concluded this Tragedy, by a Basket of Tulips, and other such like roots, which these Rebels finding so carefully laid up, took them for some rare dainties, and so fell to eating them with butter, which had that present operation, that for a week after most of them deemed themselves poisoned, and cursed the Heretics, as if that bait had been laid there of purpose. After this they yet desisted not to multiply their parleys daily, and in regard my Lord Moor was one of the Lords authorised by Parliament to treat with them, they more thick than before applied themselves to him, renewing still their former protestations of love to him and his, wished him to leave the Town for his own safety, pressed their former honourable offer to make him their General, that full satisfaction should be given him for his losses at Mellifont, (though I believe many of their estates could scarce have compassed it.) And to clear themselves of that hateful aspersion of Rebellion assured him to show that good warrant for what they did, which should give all the world satisfaction, importuned him very earnestly for a meeting. The place and time agreed upon his Lordship with some few adventured out of the Gates, but in stead of them found some straggling fellows gathering, which gave him just cause to suspect some treachery, and so retreated, (which since he hath been assured of.) Yet that night they came to the Gates to excuse it, and upon promise of safety entered, but neither spoke nor shown any thing to the purpose, still confirming our opinions of them to be false accusers, and speakers evil of dignities, utterers of great swelling words of vanity, and Inventors of lies in hypocrisy, according to which we ever found their continuance. And yet to put an end to those shadowy pretences, a motion was made of cessation of Arms▪ till a Messenger were sent from each withal expedition into Scotland, and so to proceed according to the return of the King's pleasure, but they could not hear of that ear neither, though some answered they had sent one of their own already for the same end, which yet we weighed in as light a belief as the other. Some scattered speeches have I heard fall from them, scarce worth the gathering up, they talked a little confusedly of the King's Prerogative, of an Act passing in England, that every Papist should be presently hanged, That they would have the Lord Deputy be always of the Irish birth, of their former heavy pressures, freedom of their Religion and the like, the later of which they very presumptuously and confidently avouched. Often have I heard them acknowledge (which we knew very well ourselves) that many of the Priests and Pryers have been the chief movers of them▪ Our Alderman Captain said a Friar lately came from Spain, threatened him, if he did not readily join with them, he should presently have his head struck off and hanged behind him, whom yet, we knew, needed no such spur to put him forward. Nay, he acknowledged that a titular Popish Bishop of theirs made a large Oration unto them by way of encouragement in this Rebellion, assuring them they should all be saved and reputed as Martyrs that died in that quarrel, One Dowdal of Killalee confessed that when his Brother went first out, his own mother upon her knees dissuaded him, but a Priest urged him to it and prevailed, whose example himself not long after followed. After this we had a rumour of O Relies advancing this way wards, from the County of Cavan, The day before whose coming to Platten (a Castle within two miles of us) one Darcy, the Master of it, was so courteous as with great protestations of welcome solemnly to invite most of our Captains to a Feast thither, which if obtained, they had been all handsomely catched in a snare by him. This Rely having taken Kels, Arbracen, the Navan, we might easily foresee a possibility of besetting us on the Southside also toward Dublin▪ whereupon our Governor entreated the State to a further s●●ply, who after a long expectation sent it down, but unfortunatly the foot miscarried by the way as followeth. Of the defeat of six hundred foot, with their Ammunition at the Bridge of Gillingstone, within three mil●s of Droheda. ON Saturday the two and twentieth of November, six hundred Foot and fifty Horse set out of Dublin, but so late that they marched but six miles, to Swords which as soon as we understood, a Post was sent from hence to warn them to mend their pace and not to fail of reaching hither, the next day, both for their own safety and ours, and in expectation of them accordingly our Governor issued out with a competent force of Foot, and Horse to meet them, but the Soldiers mutined against their Commanders, and would not march any further than Balrudhery (which was but six miles more) though they were offered double pay to invite them through. The next day being the twenty third of November, a little on this side the Bridge of Gillingstone, (when they thought all danger was past) in a great stubble field they were met with by at least 2000 of the Enemy, who (being a mighty fog) were within Musket shot before they were descried. The Captains presently began to draw up their men into a Battalia, and entered the field, The Soldiers seemed at first to be overjoyed to meet them, The Rebels making a stand, they did so also, But it so fell out as they were ready to give fire, one of the Officers (who dying in the place prevented the like punishment for it) commanded a Countermarch, in which they being compelled to take a Ditch were disordered, and the Enemy judging it a flight gave such a shout that frighted them into a further confusion, and so presently charging them were routed, most were slain, many escaped hither with their Arms but more without, two of the Captains were killed, the other escaped with one Ensign. The fifty Horse (who were my Lord of Ormonds) made their way through them without the hurt of one man. The causes of this disaster are diversely pleaded by the Soldiers and Commanders, which I will not take upon me to determine. This accident was our greatest loss, and our Enemies gain, by the large portion of powder, match, arms, and moneys, which were made a prey of, yet some good was produced out of this evil, being the occasion whereby our foes were discerned from seeming friends, for till now the Lords of the Pale were Neuters, but upon this success they all instantly discovered themselves of what stamp they were of, after whose Copy our Townsmen began to improve their hands also, Assoon as the Scout that morning brought us the news of the Enemies marching that way, our valiant Governor made out presently with six hundred foot and two troops of horse, but before he could reach the place, the Rebels were fled with the carriages, as being the main thing they aimed at, but that falsehood of our Neighbours on the Northside of us appeared evidently, two of their Commissioners (the Sheriff and our Alderman) were at that instant in parley with us, from them, and as soon as the certainty of the ill news came, joy might be discerned in their smiles, who, by much of their discourse to me that morning, it was clear they were of the Plot: fears they presently multiplied upon such as were apt for them, what bloody fellows they were, and desperate, giving also an assurance of a prosecution that night and the like, which in reason being probable enough, the whole Regiment stood to their Arms, and were appointed their several Guards upon the first Alarm, but they had not th● hearts to proceed. Not long after this, the Rebels took the opportunity of another advantage also in the surprisal of a Chester Bark at the Skerries whose owner upon great presumptions is believed to have been corrupted to it by three or four of our Popish Merchants aboard her, who against the desire of the rest of the English (which was to have been for Dublin, or any other Port) would put in no where but there, and ran her aground also, which in regard of the open Harbour, and the fairness of the weather it could not be but a voluntary act. And it further appeared by the mirth of the Merchants as soon as she was stuck, their present violent rifling the English who had some good sums of moneys, before any Boat came out from the Rebels, That Bark was fraught with some extraordinary provision of Powder and Ammunition for them, amongst which there was a Harquebus made of purpose at Chester, at the charge and direction of one of our Town, The Papists in her, were welcomed by the kind greeting of the Rebels but the poor Protestant English robbed of all they had, their Letters out of England intercepted and detained. As soon as they were landed desiring a safe conduct hither, the Lord Netherfield out of a pretence of favour would not suffer them, but sent them to Dublin, assuring them he would not fail to take this Town within two days, and then they would be prisoners again, of which he had so strong a persuasion that the rumour was confidently given out, and believed in Dublin, before the attempt. So sure did a simple Alderman of ours, who was with them expect it, that to mediate for the saving of one of their lives, and giving him a shilling to carry him to Dublin, he compelled the poor man to make over his house and what else he had here, thinking to have taken possession of it instantly, in due form of Law. Nay, their boasts then were to this purpose. That they might easily see the cause was of God, it had so prospered; that Gods special hand was in it in so sudden giving up the Kingdom into the hands of the Catholics. Which since by the contrary event on our side, hath been retorted unto them otherwise, in our wonderful delivery from them. Now were we fully besieged on all sides, blocked up aswell by Sea as Land, all ways of intercourse towards Dublin stopped, Sentinels placed so thick night and day, that none could pass unsearched: divers ways were daily tried for the safe conveyance of Letter's, some sowed up in the Collars of their doublets soles of Boots, Buttons, in Cerecloths clapped upon feigned sores, but seldom did any scape their scrutiny above once. And now upon this confederacy betwixt Meath, and the County of Louth, they began to style themselves the Catholic Army. This proved it high time to add what else could be effected for our strengthening the Town. Brestworks were made before every Gate, Platforms in such places where the walls were defective, some for Sentinels to stand on, others for pieces to play upon, abundance of Morning-stars (as they call them) terrible weapons upon a wall, a world of Crescets; to give light in a dark night round about the Town, an Iron chain crossed the River, and which had been our chiefest improvidence) a command to all near hand to draw in their corn and hay, but was prevented by the Rebels, who about one a clock at night before that resolution, fired at least a thousand pounds worth of several corn at once, a horrid sight by the grain destroyed, horrible by the season, but more lamentable as being lost by the negligence and mere dulness of the Owners, who had been commanded to reduce it, and accordingly all helps offered them for the same end, before. By this act which redounded to the loss of the whole Town, might easily be interpreted their intentions, for the prevention of which (though a little too late) the Soldiers adventured our at several Ports, and brought in the residue that had escaped them. And by their example we proceeded ourselves to burn many houses near the walls, which they had referred only to shelter themselves in their approaches from the shot. The Skirmish at the Greenhils. DEcember the 3 was the first fruits of any skirmish between us at S. Laurence Gate and West Gate, there issued out about 350 foot, and two troops of horse for the securing some carriages, sent out for Corn at the Greenhils about half a mile of, yet it so fell out that by some notice given to the Enemy by a party of their own within, a multitude met them unexpectedly half way, who (being a mighty fog) were all in Battalia, and within Musket-shot before they were descried, The report of their number by such as had taken a dark view was 3000 (yet somewhat mistaken) who instantly gave such a shout that they were judged not much below it, some Officers advised to a retreat, many of the Horse (which were Papists) in the Rear ran bacl with confused cries to disturb those that were at the Gates drawing out, reporting as if we had been beaten already, The carriages were returned, and for haste of crowding in, filled up the Gate. In the midst of this confusion our men being amazed, our resolute Governor (who must have the honour of that days service) presently light off his Horse, and led the Foot himself by the equal hazard of whom all were revived and encouraged, Commanded the Musketeers up the Hill, and the Pikes in that narrow passage of the lane to open for the Horse, and so with all expedition made ready. The Rebels by this had charged us twice, yet hurt not a man, but assoon as our Horse and Foot came up, they gave them at once so full and satisfactory an answer that without any further reply, they gave up the field and so betook themselves to their heels, their cries being now of another time, and so in our sight from the walls were they chased a mile, or two, (the sudden breaking up of the mist being their farther discovery) to the loss of above two hundred of them, but not one man of ours. The Horse who in this case must needs do the chief service, were by the ditches compelled to divide themselves, and each took a several path, according as the scattered rout led them. Amongst the slain there was one Priest and three Captains, of whom one was near a kin to the Earl of Tyrone, some money was got in most of their pockets, , and arms, not a few, This good success ●o mightly fleshed our soldiers, that they were nothing but ●●●ging for the second part to the same tune. This night we looked for a present remedy, by an onset from both ●●des at once, but it seems they had not so soon digested their breakfast on●y not many nights after some straggling fellows stole near the walls, and ●●●●ntured a few shot at our Sentinels, but they proved a volley at their ●wn b●●●all, who were instantly knocked down in their places; many nights after was continued some extraordinary vigilancy in their expectation, but we took them still to be of more courage than we found them. I will not grieve thine eyes in relating here the many cruel bloudsheds, barbarously committed near us upon the persons of those English, which were found tardy in their repair hither, robbing, stripping starving, and stabbing, were so ordinary that our ears were filled with no other news. Thou mayst guess at their disposition by their usage of one and thirty prisoners, taken at the Bridge of Gillingstone, or in the way before they could reach hither, (whose lives they had reserved only to exchange, for as many of theirs with us) their entertainment of them was a crowding into a dark Dangeon, and feeding them with nothing but Garbage and offals, of ●●ch flesh as their Dogs could scarce eat, allowing them neither salt nor ●ire to broil it, and once a day threw them in a sheaf of Beans, or some Cabbage stalks, the return of whom was a lamentable spectacle, many being so far pined, proved irrecoverable, and died the next day, howsoever the like number here of theirs that were released, returned in a better hue, their faces declaring they wanted no victuals and for other necessaries they were so fully supplied, by many of their Town-sisters, as if they had been Martyrs. Those of our Soldiers which were Papists, were so poisoned daily with the Council of such, as had a dominion over their Consciences, that they stole over the walls by dozen in a night to the Enemy, some fairly asked leave to be dismissed, as being against the safety of their souls, to be so much as defensive in this quarrel, every night we had alarms by some peals of shot at one corner, or other, But at length finding the intent to be rather to disturb our rest, then surprise the Town, they were so slighted that we suffered them to spend their powder against the walls, without so much as taking any notice of it, unless any approached so nigh as we were sure of the conclusion, howsoever we were assured by all that came ●●om them that in this dark of the Moon, we should feel their utmost, which according to their threatening, we were not backward to prepare them an entertainment. At length they sent an extraordinary Embassage, which for the better luck came by a Friar one father Darcy, who not long ago had been Prior of the Dominicans here; He accompanied by a Captain of his own name, with a Drum beat a Parley upon the hill, and being admitted to the Gate delivered his Commission to the Captain of the Port, the sum of which was to this purpose, viz. That the General and Captains, of the Catholic Army had sent this Father Darcy with others to treat with the Governor and Captains of the Town of Droheda, to whom they were ●● give credit as in their names, provided first that they might have assurance of safe conduct and return, under the hands of the Governor, before their entrance. While this was considering of, and a protection sending them accordingly, The Friar longing till he was delivered of his errand, stayed not for an answer, but upon the bare word of an Officer enters, and without any further security presents himself. At his sudden unexpected approach the Governor made him sensible of his error, which (being out of his element) he had run into, that being come in without any Obligation from him, he was at his mercy, whether he would dismiss him or no, yet notwithstanding was pleased to pass it by only as an inconsiderate act, and not taking that advantage which the Law of Arms would justify, granted him audience, and assurance of safety, as if he had had it more formally under his hand, as it was both conditioned and preparing, and the Drum that came with him was as inordinate as himself, being one of our own Soldiers, not long before run away from us, whose doom by right was to have been hanged. The sum of his demand was, The absolute surrender of the Town for his Majesty's use and service, assuring us of such deep projects and mighty forces, that it would be impossible (not expressly excepting God's power itself) ever to be relieved either by Land or Sea, The Governor with the Captain's answer, was as short; that they had a Commission from his Majesty bearing such a date for the defence of this Town against them, but could they produce a Countermand of a Later date, either from his Majesty, or the Lords Justices for to give it up, they were ready to obey; In the mean time they thought themselves more able to keep it, than the Country was to keep them. That as yet they had been put to no such distress, as to admit of any such mean thoughts. That if they attempted it by the Sword, they should be sure to have most of their lives first; or if by Famine, they should hear they eat their horses hides. Having this answer, the Friar was as weary of his stay in Town, as he was hasty of entering, only gave us a Copy of the Oath, lately taken by the Lords of the Pale, and (as he said) by the rest of the Pretended Catholics near us, which the next day it came to my hands, I thought it not unfit to return it with the interest of a short gloss, and a dissuasive appendix to the taking of it. The Oath is as followeth. I A. B. do in the presence of Almighty God, and all the Angels and Saints in heaven, promise, vow, swear, and protest to maintain and defend, as fare as I may with my life, power, and estate: the public, and free exercise of the true Catholic Roman Religion against all persons that shall oppose the same. I further swear, that I will bear faith and true Allegiance to our Sovereign Lord King Charles, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will defend him, and them, as fare as I may with my life, power, and estate, against all such persons as shall attempt any thing against their Royal Persons, Honours, Estates, or Dignities, and against all such as shall directly, or indirectly, endeavour to suppress their royal Prerogatives, or do any act or acts contrary to regal government. As also the power and privileges of Parliament, the lawful rights and privileges of the Subject, and every person that makes that Vow, Oath, and Protestation, in whatsoever he shall do in the lawful pursuance of the same. And to my power, as fare as I may, I will oppose, and by all ways and means endeavour to bring to condign punishment, even to the loss of life, liberty and estate, all such as shall either by force practise, Counsels, Plots, Conspiracies, or otherwise, do or attempt any thing to the contrary of any Article, clause, or any thing in this present Vow, Oath, and protestation contained, so help me God. Upon the Treaty of this said Friar, who in the name of the Commanders of the Catholic Army (for so he styled them) had demanded the surrender of this Town as aforesaid, our Governor and Captains caused this following Protestation and Oath to be made and drawn up as followeth. The Protestation of the Governor and Captains of the Town of Drogheda, for their unanimous defence of it for his Majesty's use and service. Whereas we are beset with such who pretend their attempts in taking of this Town to be for the advancement of his Majesty's service, (which notwithstanding we believe is but a pretext to delude the vulgar) we the Governor and Captains of the said Town, for the further manifestation and approbation of our loyalty, and faithfulness to his Majesty, by whose immediate Command we are charged for the defence of his just and Royal title in it: do likewise hereby unanimously make this following Protestation and Oath, and do enjoin it to be taken by every Soldier and Inhabitant of this Town, as the evidence of their faith, and truth to the King's Crown and dignity, which we shall maintain with our lives and estates, and that such as shall refuse it, to be put out of the Gates. The Oath. I Shall to my uttermost, endeavour the defence of this Town, against all outward or inward attempts whatsoever, for his Majesty's service. I shall forthwith discover any Plot, Conspiracy, or Combination, which may, or shall come to my knowledge from without, or within, which may be any ways intended to the prejudice of the whole Town, or to the person of the Major, Governor, Aldermen, or any of the Captains or Officers Garrisond in it. I shall not attempt nor consent that the Town shall be given upon any pretence or cause whatsoever, without the consent of the Governor, Major, and greater part of the Captains and Aldermen in it, or without special Command from his Majesty, or chief Governor or Governors of the Kingdom. All which I do hereby swear truly and faithfully to observe and keep without any fraud, deceit, or mental reservation whatsoever. This Oath howsoever intending aswell the safety of the Town Officers, as the Garrison and either readily taken or offered to be taken by the Captains, Officers, and all the Soldiers, yet being presented to the Major and Alderman, they first delayed it, by desiring a sight of it with some time of consideration, and at length after advise with their learned (I will not say Religious) Council returned a flat refusal, only coloured with the pretence of endangering the favour of a fair quarter, which they expected if the Town were taken, yet a Lieutenant of one of the Troops, (though a Papist) and protesting his constancy in that Religion upbraided them to their faces, that they could be no good Subjects in their refuall. And here it was not unobserved as a just judgement of God upon some of the Soldiers for their perjury, who having taken the Oath, and a night or two afterwards stealing over the walls to the Rebels one broke his back and another his neck, and others much bruised themselves, lying there as examples to others that should do the like, which was the more observable, in that before that Oath, many had climbed over, and had no hurt. The Rebels finding that neither their fair pretences nor bloody threaten to prevail so far as to gain us to any composition for giving up the Town, they put their resolutions into action, and so Saint Thomas his Eye was the night appointed with one consent to give us an onset on all sides at once, which as we had notice of by our Spies, so towards the Evening we might see them ourselves drawing nigh in several bodies of six or seven thousand, which by their own relation is twice doubled, and lately hath been confessed by one of their chief to have been sixteen thousand, the issue of which was as followeth. The onset given by the Rebels with their whole strength; December the twentieth, being Saint Thomas his Eve. THat afternoon there came certain information of that being the fatal night pitched upon by all their forces for our ruin, who made no other account but of swallowing us up quick, and with it very good grounds to assure us of some assistance promised them by the Town, who at such an hour and at such an alarm were to fall upon us, and to open a P●rt, upon which the Governor instantly disarmed the Town-forces of such Muskets and Pikes as he had entrusted them with, & caused a search, to be made for any other Arms, and to be gathered, all that could be found into one room. Commanded all the Townsmen within doors upon pain of death, and about that hour set for the mutiny within (whereby the Enemy might the securer assault us without) he was once for trial sake thinking to have set forty Musketeers to have shot powder one against another, and so to make a confused noise, as if the Town had been in an uproar, and fall'n upon us indeed: but for fear of some unexpected mistakes, which might have happened by such as could not have known the mystery, he desisted, and rested in the belief of that which evidently declared itself afterwards: The whole Garrison of Foot and Horse, consisting of eighteen hundred, stood to their Arms all that night, every Company being appointed to their several Guards, unto which there was added another of Volunteers out of the able and sufficient householders of the Town, to the number of fourscore, who proffered themselves, and had presently a Captain and Officers appointed them of whom seven were of the Clergy, all sorts without exception thinking it high time now to stand for their lives. The streets were well beset with Candles. The Crescets in the dark night being lighted, our Governor continually rounding the Town to see all things in order, and to prevent our Popish Inhabitants, and the Enemy's concurrence at the set hour, by discerning how the night went, caused the clock to be set back two hours, All things being in a readiness great expectation was there of our greeting, At length about one a clock, they began to give some warning shot (which was deemed to be rather directed to the Townsmen then to us) which being at that distance, our Soldiers daigned not to take notice of. Not long after at a watchword given and about the hour prefixed, they all approached the walls, and according to their use gave such a terrible shout round about the Town, such as I remember never to have heard the like. The end of it was believed either to scar and confound our forces, or to invite the Town to make good their promise: for the furthering of which some were heard to cry out of their windows, that the Town was lost but neither had their issue. That tumultuous cry at one gate was instantly so well answered by the doleful Echo of a Cannon from the Mount, that we soon heard them quite of another tune, as being the slaughter of multitudes of them: for three or four hours was this musical discord continued, till by the mistake of the clock, the day breaking suddenly before they were ware they took themselves to slight, and every one invited the other to all possible speed, after whom (being now fully discovered) were posted all sorts of shot from all quarters, which caused many (who by turning their backs had no mind to see their own deaths) to drop by the way: some of them by their clothes and fair horses were deemed Commanders, scaling Ladders were multiplied in the rumour which came often to our ears before, but we saw none now, neither was indeed the time come, for their use. The numbers of their slain is not certain, only such as were sent out that morning upon a view, found all the fields bedewed with blood, here and there some limbs scattered from their bodies, many cart loads of their dead were seen driving away, abundance left behind in ditches, which in their haste they had forgotten, whose stolen clothes and linnes proved a better booty to their strippers then was expected, many being the very provant Clothes taken from ours at the Bridge, as with one of them (whose head was brought in) was found the very armour of one of our Officers slain there. For ours (such was God's protection of us) that there was not one man slain, nor so much as hurt, notwithstanding at Saint john's Gate (which was the most naked, and where Captain Moris commanded) there was the hottest work, good language passed on both sides, ours called them the King's Traitors, they ours the Queens, some of our Popish Soldiers who had run away, were their Guides, and were so bold as to call their several Captains by their names as they discerned them by their voices, some of ours by this continued acquaintance at length grew so courteous that when they found the Enemy slow in giving fire, deeming it might be for want of Powder, offered to throw them a Bag, if they would but fetch it, wagers were laid commonly amongst the Musketeers who should take of such Commander appearing more gallantly mounted and clothed then the rest; and indeed seldom miss, but one w●n the Set. Thus this night made choice of according to their proverb, in hope or Saint Thomas his blessing turned the contrary, much of their blood was spilt, and by God's especial goodness none of ours, which that morning as soon as the storm was over; we failed not in the Church solemnly and publicly to acknowledge, and to give him the praise to whom it is only due. This failing of the Town (who indeed were not at liberty to perform,) we heard moved the Rebels to vent many hard words against them, and till they received their excuse, threatened to put no difference between them, and us, if ever they took it. Not many nights after when a revengeful reply was threatened again, & by us expected there were found chalked upon most of the Papists doors white Crosses to distinguish them from us; which some of ours perceiving they went up, and down; and privately wiped them out, of purpose to guide the Enemy's hands righter than their intentions; if they had entered, and set up Gallows in their stead, & put the white Crosses upon the Protestants doors, and indeed they had much merited of the Rebels by the distinstion they continually made between ours and theirs in their usage. If any of our Popish Soldiers (whose hearts were justly suspected to be without the Gates) were sick, they wanted neither for clothes, physic, or diet, no more than their own children, by the private charity of the Masters of the houses where they were billeted: But if a Protestant chanced to be sick they would not give him a bit of bread, nor afford him the least courtesy to save his life. Their Axes, Spades and other necessaries, much wanting for Fortifications, and cutting down of trees near the Gates which sheltered the Rebels from the shot, they hide or denied the loan of them, till by searching they were found, and so violent taken. About this time was a grand Conspiracy found out, an oath administering by a Popish Captain of the Town forces to those of his own Soldiers, and some of ours of the same profession, for the seizing upon our Soldier's Arms, as they were asleep in their several lodgings, and sudden killing them either in their beds, or at their Guards. The suspicion of which Plot scented the stronger by being revealed by a Papist, who said he was advised by a Friar to take what Oath should be administered to him by the said Captain, who upon it was presently committed, and by the first shipping sent to Dublin. One Dowdall a Trooper (being as it seems of the Council) and accidentally slain by his fellow, they were so inconsiderate as to observe it as a just judgement of God upon him, whom they presumed had discovered it, But he revealing nothing of it, the contrary was rather observed by us, for his knowledge of it, and concealing i●. Many of the Troopers, as the foot who were Papists were found some nights within doors when they should have answered the Alarms which with other circumstances confirmed our belief, they had been tampered with that way. By this timely repulse of this long threatened onset, we were in the greater hope of having the quieter Christmas, when the Moon began to favour us with her light. Many Festivals in which, we solemnly kept as days of Thanksgiving to God, for our many deliverances. When (with what due preparation by the assistance of the Chaplain and others of my Brethren here could be gained) the whole Regiment received the Communion, who with the Town Inhabitants, and other strangers, made up such a confluence of Communicants for two or three days, that for many years there hath not been seen the like, to the envy and regrating of our Neighbours. By this a rumour was raised amongst the Rebels, as if all our Commanders with their Companies had taken the Sacrament never to give up the Town, which somewhat daunted them, and as we heard moved them to the like indeed, in their superstitious binding one another, by the sacred link never to leave the siege till they had it. Nay, some had prefixed the very day, but the event according to their fond belief in that particular, proved a mere delusion. On Christmas Eve we had a care of preventing their then customary frequent meetings, lest under their pretence of Confessions, or hearing so many Masses, some other fruit should have issued from those assemblies. On Christmas day a Captain of theirs sending his servant with a small wild present to my Lord Moor, in exchange for a pottle of Wine, these following pretended Motives were received, which I thought sit to insert as followeth. The Motives moving the Catholics of Ireland to take Arms. OUr Royal King and Queen are by the Puritans kerbed and abused, and their Prerogatives restrained, diminished, and almost wholly abolished, contrary to the Rights and Power of all Monarchal Authority, and also the Duty, Allegiance and Consciences of all loyal Subjects, which with grief we take to heart, as faithful and loyal Subjects ought to do. The Catholic Religion suppressed and put down in England, and the Catholics persecuted with all rigorous cruelty, even to death; the like the Puritans of this Kingdom threatened to have brought hither. That there is a Law against Catholics in this Country, whereby the Kingdom hath been often impaired and ruined with persecutions, by means whereof the Catholics are made uncapable of any Office, or Place of Commodity or profit, to the great and extraordinary decay of the Catholics in their estates, education and learning. That the Government of the Kingdom is wholly in the hands of strangers, who in their beginnings are generally poor of birth and means, and very quickly become Noble men, and men of great estates, by oppressing and ruinating the poor Natives. That there hath been of late great threaten of sending great Scottish forces, with the Bible in one hand, and Sword in the other, to force our Consciences or end our Lives, besides a private report of a sudden surprisal and cutting the Catholics throats, intending which way we know not, but it hath been both written and spoken by several Protestants and Puritans. That the Catholics were not allowed to have any Arms, or Munition (as Protestants and Puritans were) but stood like dead men not able to defend themselves in such desperate dangers. All which being by them considered, they did see no way but to attempt to seize upon Arms, where they could get them, to save their Lives, maintain the King and Queen, their Religion and Country. To these, some conceiving they might carry a specious show with the vulgar, I thought it not amiss to return an answer in the speedy unmasking of them, which with the gloss upon the confused Oath have it seems been made more public than they deserved, and so I leave them, though at their birth it was not safe here to father them. The impudency of the Sheriff of the County of Loath, with our Alderman Captain, when they came in upon parleyes, in their bold assertions and presumptuous hopes in matter of Religion, was unsufferable, which I will not now run thee so far out of the way as to relate them, though what they said, we took as from the mouth of the Catholic Camp, whose Legates they were, they so took upon them, that a contradiction of them in arguing their Religion to be Idolatry, and their cause Rebellion, which in story is not found ever to have prospered long, procured me no small threaten if the day should prove theirs. Each Sunday they reckoned to have Mass in our Church, as their Generalissimo, Sir Philim o Neil (I have been told by such as have been eye and eare-witnesses) hath often clapped his hands with a joyful assurance to his ●ryers, that shortly they should say him a Mass in Christ Church in Dublin: But their ambitious thoughts were put to a stand by the way here. After this about the end of December was there a great Ice, so that our River of the Boyne was in a night or two so hard frozen, that it could scarce be broken with Mallets; Horses and men might safely pass over, which giving some advantage to those of the Enemy's quarters that lay below the Bridge, made ours also the more vigilant in their watch, and they wanted no information and invitation from hence to take the present opportunity. December the last, a Boy was taken in the morning very early upon the Ice, after a course or two by the soldiers coming from the Rebels, and being charged with suspicion of some message, at first with execrable oaths denied it: But one threatening to hang him, and with a piece of match about his neck beginning to hoist him, whereby he found he was in earnest, he cried out, that if they would spare his life he would tell the truth, and so confessed, four Alderman's wives sent him out to the Rebels, with an assurance of their safe walk over the Ice that night, that many Horses casually had run upon it and continued a long time without danger, that they had given him some money, and had promised him more; That the answer returned was, that they wondered they had it not from the men, whose judgement must needs have prevailed more with them; That they doubted of some trap laid for them by the Governor unknown to the women, and prayed to give them some surer notice, with a token of some Soap and a white dish to drink a cup of Ale in. The women were examined, but had good cause to deny it. How diligent our soldiers were night and day in preventing any such surprisal, by breaking the Ice, may easily be imagined, which they had no sooner done but it thawed of its own accord. Upon New-year's day, about four of the clock in the morning, four Companies and a troop of Horse invited themselves to a visit of some of those quarters Northward; but the delay they had in opening the Port, which the late frost had unexpectedly hardened, hindered much of their design, only Captain Martin with his Company, who gate over the wall with ropes, killed some 15. with a Sentinel, whereas if the rest could have followed in time, they had multiplied them near to as many hundreds, so secure were they of our not daring so much as to approach near them, we put them to flight, burned that Village and another and so retreated. January the 7 ●h. by break of day, about 300. foot, and fourscore horse were pleased to take the air out at S. John's Port, killed a 100 forced a 100 more to the River, many were drowned (amongst whom was found cast up by the water side one Art Roe Mac-Maghon a great Commander with them) took 50. Arms, Cowes, and other booty, to the value of a hundred pound worth, burned their lodgings, and after a pursuit of a mile or two by the horse, retreated, which they did very slowly, of purpose to have invited another Body of them, not far off, to a present revenge of their fellows: But they had seen enough of their blood for one morning, some made an overture, but as our men faced about, they turned their backs, whom a Drake of ours overreached, to the dropping of some of them. In this skirmish, howsoever they wanted not showers of shot from the other side of the River also, yet there was not a man of ours hurt, excepting one, who (against command) continuing pillaging after all the rest were gone, was taken tardy, and received some wounds according to his desert, but escaped with life. Accidentally many were slain among ourselves in the streets, and more in the like hazard strangely preserved. A Corporal of a troop once upon a night's alarm, riding in haste towards the water side, a Sentinel apprehending his intent (by his not answering what he was) to have made over the River to the Enemy, shot him quite through the back, of which he died: The next night another received his death's wound by his next fellow as they fate on horseback One (being drunk) discharging his Musket killed a man and a woman not far from him. A woman in the twilight carrying a pail of water upon her head, a shot from the walls at random struck through the very bottom, and hurt her not, the bullet being found in the water, divers casually shot through the crown of the Hat, Arms, Breast, Collars of their Doublets, and yet had no other hurt then sometimes razing of the skin, and the bullet hanging in their . Now victuals began to be very scarce, the best sort were confined to one meal a day, the common soldier's food was altogether herrings and water, and no bread at all with it. This put every one to a narrow search through their quarters; what was found was put into a store-house, that Corn that was still in stacks, was threshed out immediately: But yet by reason of the want of Mills (most of which were without the Town) little Corn could be ground but by Quernes, too slow a provision for so many thousands of soldiers and Inhabitants. The Milch Cowes throughout the Town were instantly killed, and divided, and as soon gone as given. Coals grew so scorse, that for the Guards, as all the partitions of pales in backsides had been plucked up, so all the Orchards were cut down within the walls as without, whereby the Town seemed very naked, and like the poor people coming in to us, stripped to its shame, of its choicest Ornaments. The want of Hay and Oates caused the Horses to droop, and to be unfit for service, who in stead, were feign to take to straw and grains, sickness and death began to reign every where, many famished, others with a diet not used to before, fell into such diseases which brought them to the same end. In the midst of this extremity hearing nothing from the State (who indeed now conceived our case to be too desperate to be supplied) our Governor thought fit to trim up a small vessel, which being loaded with some small Pieces, and manned with forty Musketeers, was resolved to adventure her through the Enemy's shot, with a little Friggot attending her, who in the fight should have slipped through to Dublin. When they were ready, the Town still declared their hearts in hiding the Pilots, so that after much search none could be found, till at length my Lord Moor was feign to threaten to send half a dozen of the Aldermen in them, who should be placed so, that they should be sure to be shot first, and so accordingly apprehended two or three of them, by this scare, they who before pleaded ignorance, in the space of an hour became such knowing men, that they found out four or five of the chief, to redeem themselves; for Sailors, we were yet compelled to make Proclamation, that if such as were desired came not at such an hour they should be declared traitors, and their wives and children turned out of the Gates, and by this course we were presently supplied, notwithstanding when we had them, little trust could we repose in them being Papists, doubts we had of the safety of our little fleet also, considering the strength of the Enemy's preparations against their coming at the harbours mouth, where besides their Land-forces, three Barks were manned in expectation of them. Our Relief, jan. 11th. BUt God, whose usual time is then to help when all other help and hope faileth, Jan. the 11th. relieved us with the safe coming of the Pinnace, a Friggot, a Gabbard, with two Shallops, and another vessel laden with Biscuit, powder & other Ammunition, of both which, an extremity of want was drawing on, the showers of Musket shot which to little purpose was poured upon them, from each side of the River by the Enemy, and the effectual answers given by our great Pieces, which made such breaches through the bodies of their Companies, as fit Landmarks for them, was worth our glad attention, which was given with great alacrity by the whole Town round about the walls. O the shouts of joy that echoed from all sides at their safe arrival within the Key! Tears were in most men's eyes for gladness, all with one consent in the very street acknowledging it to be God's handiwork, and the very fruit of our prayers, only many of the Townsmen seemed to be dejected, and at their first entrance within the harbour, endeavoured to dank our expectation, by intimating they might be some of the Enemy's friends from Spain or elsewhere, and that the shot was but a colour to blind us till they were entered within our bowels. In this blessing the handiwork of God hath been discerned in divers particulars, they had sunk a Bark in the Channel, but a great fresh with a strong West wind had not long before thrown her out to Sea, they had two Barks on each side, by which they had with other Boats as supporters, fixed an Iron chain with a Cable, cross the Channel, but it proved no let to their passage over, without so much as touching it. The Pinnace had put in by the way at Skirries, about twelve miles off, and burned the Enemy's lodgings, with all their Corn, and what was fit for booty they carried aboard. Now that which was observed as a special Providence by the very Papists, was, that in one tide they should come from thence quite up to our Key, without so much as casting Anchor at the bar in staying for the next, and being a low ebb-tyde also, the like of which is acknowledged not to have been known here above once in the memory of the eldest Alderman. And it passed not without some notice, that this relief should come upon one of our Church-dayes, when no sooner Sermon was done, and we departed, where we had been begging that blessing, but every one was welcomed home with the news of it. The very delays of our two little vessels (though against our minds) was a blessing, who if they had gone out, had run an imminent hazard by the Enemy, whose surprisal must have been their great advantage. Thus wind and tide, and all things wrought for our good, for which as we gave God thanks in his own house, so outward tokens of joy were not omitted that Evening in the streets, by bonfires, volleys of shot, ringing of Bells, and the like. Howsoever for the prevention of any treachery, in the midst of this joy, the Governor had all the watches twice or thrice rounded, and was careful in the Evening, lest the fruits of ours and the Dublin soldiers greetings (who brought money with them) were not that vice of drunkenness. But all his watchfulness could not prevent that distemper in many, which had like to have turned the next day into as great a Lamentation. Of the Invasion, Jan. 12th. ANd now we are to relate our greatest preservation, wherein the special hand of God must be confessed indeed. This night (though never before) too much security had possessed us, and not withstanding our Governors' vigilancy, most of our soldiers were drunk, nay our very watches, two parts were in the same condition also, occasioned by the falsehood of the Popish Townsmen, who for that end privately offered them Ale of free-cost, which poor men having been so long strangers too, they received too liberally; Nay, the very Friars drew in the Sentinels fr●m their guards to drink; while the major part by this were bound fast in a sleep, the Rebels by the help and treacherous intimation of their own within, about four of the clock in the Morning made a breach in the wall, and were entered of their best soldiers and chief Commanders five hundred (as in their Letters I have seen acknowledged by themselves) who as they came in unheard (it being a mighty blustering storm) so continued an hour undiscryed (having for their watchword, Klan Patrick (i e.) S. Patrick's child) till having marched as far as the Key, they gave a shout, whether in assurance of victory, or to give notice to the Town, from whom (by their confessions) they expected assistance, it matters not. But this was our first Alarm, which our v●liant Governor hearing, instantly ran down unarmed, only with his Pistols in his hand, and was the first that caused a Drum to beat, and finding the watches so thin, was compelled to take the main Guard (which fell out to be his own Company) with the glean of some other b●● Guards as all his present strength, caused his Ensign to draw down with them to the Bridge, while some from other Ports could be got together, where he met them just entering, and finding their Pikes to be short of ours by a yard, charged home, and forced them to retreat; yet they had so fair proceeded, as to overturn a Drake that lay there of his carriage. Our Governor by this time having gathered up a competent number of Musketeers, succoured him scone, where the first Company he met with (being yet dark) he took by their answer to be some of his own, and so made a stand. But one of the Rebels knowing him by his voice shot at him, but miss him, only hit him that stood next to him, through the brim of his Hat. Upon which discovery, ours instantly gave fire, which proved so effectual that they presently ran bacl, leaving their bodies for stumbling blocks in our way after them. My Lord Moor himself, with 15. Horse (all that could of a sudden be got ready) came first to his assistance, and chased them up the Hill to the dropping of many of them, and not long after each Captain getting what number he could together, every Lane was beset, that they trod them down with case, many crying out for quarter had it, whom some pretending to have been my servants gate the like favour, others crept into by-corners and backsides, and thus found some hunting work for the soldiers most of the day after, so that there was slain within and without the Town, and taken prisoners, about two hundred, amongst whom one was presumed to be a Priest by his gilt Breviary found in his pocket, and brought to me by his stripper. And (if we may give credence to a Letter which I have seen of their own (who usually in these relations, shoot rather short than over) some of the best of their Captains were slain, hurt, and lamed. A dreadful sight, me thought, it seemed to see the bodies of so many dead men lying naked up and down the streets, but more horrid to think whither their souls were posted, even to a second death also, and yet it could not be beheld without thanks to God, who had returned their Design for us upon themselves. In whom we might view the draught of our own condition if the day had been theirs. For the breach in the wall it was in such an obscure place (in an Orchard between Saint James his Gate and the water) that it could not be found out till the pursued directed us to it by their flight thither, through which about two hundred fled, who (if known in time) had been prevented: Such mistakes were there in this dark confusion, that a Captain meeting some twenty of them took them for his own, encouraged them, and was leading them very confidently up to the Mill-mount, till casually by laying his hand upon one or two of them, and finding them wet, and discerning a trouse, apprehended his error, and made his way by his sword through some of them, and so gate bacl again; yet they proceeded so fare as to knock down the two Sentinels in their way, and were come just up to the Mount-Bridge before they were dispatched, one of whom was killed upon the very Mount itself. The Captain who had then the command of the Mount mistook one of our Companies for the Rebels, who (by their making haste up to the Hill, being breathless and speechless, in not answering what they were) was just giving fire to a piece of Ordnance upon them, had not one man being best wound, by a timely answer saved the rest. Without the Town were many thousands at several corners still confidently expecting the opening of a Port, by their own party within, who stayed in sight an hour or two after daylight: Which error of theirs when ours apprehended, they thought good to nourish, and having taken a Bagg-piper of theirs, caused him upon one of the Gates to dance and play very merrily, and call to them to make haste in, that the Town was theirs; The like was confirmed at other Gates by holding up their Caps, and using all other signs of triumph. By this it was a mirth to see Companies of straggling fellows leaping ditches for the shorter way, and running out of breath for haste to the Gates, like Birds to the snare, or fishes to the net, who should be first taken, and so were brought in by dozen in a string, till our prisons were glutted with them. But at length, seeing all going, and none returning, they judge it but to be but like beasts to the Lion's dens, and so that sport was ended, and yet so strong were they of that belief that they still kept their stand, till a Piece or two from the Mill-Mount, shown them their mistakes, by sweeping away about thirty of them, and so by that discourteous usage, the rest of them took their leaves of us very abruptly, many were slain at the several Ports by the Musket-shot from the walls, divers found out by the soldiers within, where they had been by their good brethren harboured, some were men of good quality by their , who when they were stripped, were f●und double suited, a fair skarlot disguised by a frizo, keeping it (I believe) clean for the more glorious triumphing show after we had ●in all cut off, but blessed be God who made us not a prey unto their teeth. This deliverance was acknowledged by the worst of men to be Gods special handiwork, in their heartless delays at their entrance, the confasion in their proceed, the infatuating of their Counsels, for had they but either cut off the Guard at the Port near which they were entered, who were most asleep, and so opened the Gate to thousands of their own Party there attending, or made up to the Mill-Mount, where four or five Pieces were commanding the whole Town (and where a ●unner was not to be found) or marched but to the Bridge, and with the two Drakes there entered into the Body of the Town, and so cut off the main Guard, we had been undone, and slain in our beds, and indeed true and righteous had been God's Judgement for that deluge of drunkenness, wherein most were drowned. But he shown himself rather to delight in mercy in sparing us. It was not unobserved neither, that their shout of victory being our first Alarm, should be our only preservation, and that in this great hazard of us all, and slaughter of so many of them, there should be in fight, but three of our men slain in the place, was most wonderful in our eyes, indeed some few walking in the streets unarmed, and ignorant of their entrance, were butchered by them (as a footman, a horseman, and a Sentinel or two) for the preventing their discovery, as others, by some other accidents afterwards, but in fight no considerable number. One of our soldiers that had run away, being taken now and hanged, confessed upon the Gibbet, that a Friar had laid the plot, and others of that Fraternity had a hand in the prosecution, as accordingly about the time of the shout there was seen half a dozen Muskets shot out of one Friary, at such as passed on the other side upon the Key. Upon this, inquisition was made into some of their Cloisters, where Powder, Match and Arms were found little becoming any of those Orders, except the loyalists, whose Father had been indeed a lame soldier. Under this pretence of searching for Rebels, some pillage was committed in the Town against the will of the Governor, who afterwards by Proclamation had restored to the owners what could be gotten, and on pain of death that misdemeanour restrained, though many of their Actions in this business, had deserved a greater forfeiture. This error overpast without any damage, as it deserved of us a special day of thanks giving to God (which accordingly was observed) so ●● doubled the vigilancy of our watch ever after. The former continual duty of the soldiers was very great, each Company with their Captain and Officers, by an equal division watched every other night, besides two Captains of the watch in their turns for each side the Bridge. Now to this was added the assistance of forty Ho●se, who by several divisions walked the Rounds all night, so that a Sentinel by their often visiting had scarce time to wink. My Lord Moor, and the Governor, in their own persons, each night walked the Rounds also, as surpervisors of the whole. The walls were narrowly reviewed within, as without, and some suspected places strengthened; the pioneers employed in slitting the wall-dike, and clearing the Orchards without, of such Trees that yet sheltered the Enemy from the shot; the top of the Mill-Mount round beset with Barrels filled with earth, and so every one being encouraged with the little relief by the Pinnace, and the great deliverance from the Invasion, looked the more narrowly to their charge for the prevention of the like against. A fair wind within two days inviting the Pinnace, with her attendance to a return, gave the Enemy many a fair warning piece on each side as she passed, but few from either replied, only upon a little Fisher Boat of our own, staying in the rear, some shot were bestowed, through the Furs, but hurt her not: But at length, by the unskilfulness, or the drunkenness of the Steersman, ran aground, and being left dry was taken by the Rebels, and in her about thirty pound of Powder, two Slings, and one Harquebus, and fourteen Prisoners, whom the next day they sent us upon the like exchange of their own. The Pinnace was for want of water, and some inconsideration, run aground also. The Rebels upon this advantage played thick upon her from both sides the River, to their great expense of Powder, and to as little purpose, till at length at an Ebb, as she lay dry, a hundred of them under the shelter of some Carr loads of Furs, desperately approached her, and notwithstanding the loss of some of them ran under her very Stern, and there with their Pick-axes and Crows of Iron, began to bulge her, who being thus got now, not only out of the fear of the Cannon, but of any hurt by Musket or Pike, was our greatest hazard. Captain Stutfield (who hath much deserved of us in twice adventuring to relieve us) presently threw some Granad●'s among them, which killed many of them, they abide six, but at the seventh with one consent they all ran away, whom the Musket and Cannon prosecuted, and caused many to lose their breath up the Hill, and after that never dared to adventure the like again: The number of their slain is uncertain, but by the mighty stream of blood it was conjectured to be at the least threescore; for the Pinnace some few were hurt, but none killed, except a Lieutenant accidentally shot in the Head by one of their last, as they were ready to weigh Anchor. Whilst we saw her in this danger, the apprehension of our own loss in her, was cause sufficient to move us publicly, as privately, to pray for her restoring, and it was answered: for that night, by the help of a fresh, and lightning her Ballast, with the change of a sit wind, she got off, and lanced into the Pool, where resting herself two days, the third, with affair wind road out in triumph, and bade us farwell. The Shallops and the rest most falsely left the Pinnace in her distress, and mounted over the Bar to Dublin, or else the four Barks lying by her, had either been reduced or fired, only a Friggot ●ef● with us, carrying four pieces of Ordnance, and going to assist, as fare as the bar mouth stuck to her, but had the misfortune of running aground on the other side also, where the Rebels in the dark made a brest-work, and with two flings taken from the other, played on her all the night, but paid dearly for their presumption, in the loss of many o● their lives. And it was here observed, that those of ours who cowardly dared not be seen above hatches, and would not fight, were only wounded (the Deck being not Musket proof and those who appeared and courageously discharged, were not hurt at all, but came off untouched. But not long after she was freed also of that danger, and came safe in again. And it was observed as a rare thing, that in the same Tide there was one wind to bring the Friggot hither, and within one hour or two after, another wind as necessary for the Pinnaces restoring. Thus wind and waves, and all accidents turned to our good, and ruin of the Rebels. After this waste of Powder, with much loss of their own blood, we were quiet a week after, without so much as one shot to disturb us, only they fired many Towns upon my Lord Moor's Lands, still persuading him as before, that their making his estate thus a offering, proceeded from their religious, zealous affection to him. After these disasters, many Drum-Parlies had we daily from them: The first Drum (or rather Agent with a Drum at his back) was sent for little else but to rail and curse, by which impatiency we felt their distempered pulse, and discerned where it pinched them, some Letters we received, were so transcendent, that they soared beyond all sense; some so vaporous, that they vanished into mere nonsense, two of which I have been desired to blot a little paper with, one from Sir Philim O Neile, and the other from Colonel Plunkett (as he styled himself) by which, being the top of their brains, thou mayest the easier conjecture what might be expected from their underlings. The Letter of Sir Philim o Neile their General (with the Errata of much false English corrected) to my Lord Moor, upon the sending him his Majestihs' Speech in the PARLIAMENT. SIR, what prisoners we have here taken, and in a fair way, I can not understand by the Catalogue of your prisoners, or all of them, nay not the third part so taken, but rather some of those that under your yoke of servitude, rather with you, than us, whose Innocency I desire and hope will relieve them in time. I desire a true List of our soldiers taken by any of yours, which when I see, will deliver soldier for soldier, and Gentleman for Gentleman; As for the Copy you sent, I hold it not authentical to any from his Majesty, for the like may be invented, and printed in Ireland, as in England. Let it be printed where it will you please, I prefer his Majesty's Intentions, and my own, with the rest of the Lords here of the Pale and Loath, whose Predecessors have ever from the beginning been most faithful and loyal to the Crown of England, and ever intends the same themselves, Inviolable and most true and zealous loyalty, before any such Inventions, and so I rest, Yours, as you are mine, PHIL. ONEILE. From the Catholic Army, Jan. 14 ●h. 1641. The Letter of Colonel Plunquet to my Lord Moor, and the Governor. MY Lord Moor, and Sir Henry Tichburne, upon the word of your Drum-major, I delivered fourteen prisoners yesterday, for which we expected this Morning at ten of the clock as many of ours. This Bullet was taken out of the body of a certain Gentleman on our side, and after giving quarter to those prisoners which we sent of yours, we found many of the like fashion about them; for the first time I was contented to wink thereat, giving them a favour in sparing their lives, till first I had acquainted you of your soldiers proceed, hoping thereby that their uncivil beginnings may be by your due carefulness hereafter amended. For the better sort of our side, we desire nothing more than a soldierlike, and honourable kind of way. If by your answers herein we find you intent the contrary, then shall i● be the uttermost of my endeavours, and with all expedition to publish unto the world, that neither will we give quarter, or demand it. Let this my Letter remain as a testimony of our noble Proceed, being written by the hands of an Englishman. The Names of the prisoners we desire in exchange of those we sent yesterday, are included in this enclosed Note. In haste I rest, Your Friend, Richard Plunquett. Beawly, Jan. 15th. 1641. Upon the former blind Infidel Letter, a slander by bestowed a pair of spectacles, and to the latter vaparous one was given a Counterblast, each returned with dashes according to their merit. And that I may not trouble thee any more with things of this nature, I shall here give thee a view also of a royal Pass of Sir Philim O Neile, found with one of his soldiers after he was slain, wherein the plurality of his follies passing through the multiplying Glassy of his distempered fancy is more evident. The PASS. WHereas we are pleased to take into our protection the Bearer hereof, John Grere, We therefore pray all our Colonels, Captains, and our other inferior Officers of our Armies, and all others to whom these presents shall come, to suffer and permit the said John Grere to pass and repass about his and our lawful affairs, he behaving himself soberly and honestly, without his taking up Arms against us, the which we require all the aforesaid Officers to take notice of this our Warrant, as you, or any of you will answer the contrary. Phil. O Neile. Given at Armagh, this of Novemb. Which thus coming to our hands, returned not without the interest of some Annotations also, howsoever by these silly Precedents, thou mayest seriously measure what high ambitious thoughts reign within him. In his Letter he is so presumptuous, as by a kind of equality to instle his own intentions with his MAJESTIES (somewhat like that of one of their Cardin●ls, Ego, & Rox meus) and so prefers them before the rest of the LORDS, as if they were all to be but subsequent to his. For the ●asse, what stile could be more affecting a Royalty: As if his being called ●a●le of Tyrone by the vulgar, Iulled him into a dream, he had been crowned KING of Ulster. In which we shall leave him but a while before he is wakened. After the Pinnace had taken her leave of them, some of their own Barks followed her to Sea also, by some rumoured to be fraught with their flying Commanders, others to be dispatched for France, or for Dunkirk for a supply of Arms and Powder, their store of each having been lately much wasted (as I have seen some of their Letters intimating to that purpose.) Their former blustering strange Letters were abated of a sudden, they fell into calm, and mild expressions, myself wanted not some respective remembrance from the chief of the Relies, whom indeed I had known with little suspicion of the possibility of any such enterprise, one, whom the English had shown so much love too, as when he was prosecuted for his Life, at the King's Bench by great ones. A Jury of the English Protestant Gentlemen, affectionately cleared him, with the issue of the hazard of their own estates, who for that verdict were questioned in the Star-chamber afterwards; yet some of these men hath he used most barbarously, and kept them under a merciless bondage, upon their own Lands, till lately by an exchange of some of their prisoners here, we received. When they had no more prisoners of ours near hand, they offered ●y two or three Drums to ransom theirs. Our Governors' answer was, he had no Commission for it, but assured them of that respect that none should remove them out of their close lodgings, that what meat they would send them, should be duly given them, and indeed they wanted not by the charity of the popish Merchant's wives, who sent them Caddowes, Nightcaps, Meal, and , such as they were never Masters of before, so that if the Commanders could spare them, the men we found indifferent, whether they were released, or no. And yet for any of our prisoners returned at any time from the Rebels naked and starved, not a crumb of Charity could be wrung from them, were it to the present saving of their lives: Charity which in itself is ever commendable, yet with this distinction is mistaken, and loseth its reputation, evidently declaring the hearts of the Doners. Often were we threatened with Alarms, men seeming to gather out towards Evening, as if there had been some reality in it: Houses near the Town upon Hils were fired, which were their usual Signals for an union of forces on both sides; but they proved but bravadoes, their only refuge we found now, was starving us: As sometimes they would approach so near us as to ask our Sentinels if they had yet eaten their Cabbage-stalkes, or wanted Horseflesh. Multitudes indeed died of the famine, many of the soldiers who had been men of good estates, by the salt diet never used to before, fell into those diseases which made them unfit for service, so that every Company grew very defective in their number, a continual watching in those cold Winter Nights (the Sentinels standing without any shelter) many without shoes or stockings (which by the Merchants hiding their Leather and Cloth, could not be supplied) destitute of necessary firing upon their Guards, in reason must needs produce some ill effects with such as had been otherwise bread; but by degrees the poor men learned contentedness, patiently waiting upon him, who when we were brought to an extremity, failed us not; yet let it be ever remembered, to the honour of the LORD Moor, and GOVERNOR, and the Captains of the Horse and ●oot, to keep so naked a Town so long, against such a multitude, in that want both of Men, Meat, Money, , and firing; yet duly keeping their watches every Night, wet or frost, besides the continual Alarms, and often Sallies, whereby they had scarce any time to rest. Within a Fortnight, what quantity of Biscuit and Meal, we received by the Pinnace, was by so many mouths easily spent; Famine and ●luxes, with other diseases, returned again to their former dominion over us; death began to look more terrible within the walls then without; the Bells rested not from passing tolls, the streets frequented daily and hourly with doleful beats of Drums, and sad Funeral Marches; the Churchyard continually ringing with Volleys of shot at their Burials; multitudes of the English Inhabitants (to my no small grief) wasted away also, so that what by those that left the Town at first, and those that now left the world, by this, my own Congregation was reduced to a small number. The Town was put to a narrow Scrutiny, Sellers were searched with spits, as well as lofts, in each of which, much provision was found against the oaths of the owners. In the Fryeries, against their vow of poverty, were found Trunks of Plate and Money, with other Treasure, which howsoever they owned them not; yet being the goods of Rebels, it was their little praise to be the receptacles of them. This work was made some men's daily employment, and for a while passed few days without reaping some fruit, and yet all that could be gotten, was no sooner equally distributed but by so many Cravers was presently dispatched. In this extremity some mutinies were broached among the soldiers, but wisely stopped again: The very English as well as the Irish for want fled to the enemy. Now fears were daily rumoured by the Rebel's party within, some bravadoes made by the Enemy in some showers of their strength in the day time without, threatening the hazard of a thousand men, but they would make a breach in our walls, some where or other, which was confirmed by the report of some Pieces of Battery, Sir Philim O Neile had sent for from the North to that end, every Night they burned some Town or other of Corn near us, and were now in a daily expectation of some conditions to be offered by us for a surrender, which as we were informed, by some that came from them, they had feigned already by some lying counterfeit Letters, pretended to be wrote as from my Lord Moor, and the Governor, to animate their soldiers in the assurance of it. Our expectation of relief by Sea still failed us, so that we were compelled to man out a little Friggot ourselves to Dublin, with some Commissioners to relate our misery, which we feared they were not sensible of, and after much inconstancy of winds in driving her often in and out, at length, February the 7th. she went to Sea, passing the Bar without any prejudice by the Enemies, only they honoured us so fare as to bestow two Pieces of Ordnance upon her for a farewell, but touched her not, and yet in two several places they were planted so near the channel (as we now find their works) that one would think it were a wonder ever to miss. The same day we made a sally out in the face of the Rebels Northward, burned two or three of their lodgings, and fetched in forage and other provision for a sufficient bait of three or four days, the envy of which caused those near hand to gather into a body of four or five hundred, which were soon affronted by as many of ours readily drawing out, or rather running, so glad were our soldiers of the fresh air, and the sight of such whom they had only heard of before in their dark Alarms, scouts on each side discharged, and some ambuscadoes which lay in ditches gave fire, and thus a skirmish passed in our sight from the walls, but for the body of them, no provocation could draw them to a further meeting us, than their usual stand at a long ditch cast up breast high for that purpose: The issue was, some of theirs were slain, but of ours not one, only by the breaking of a little Brasse-peece, a Gunner was hurt, which yet gave them such a rugged salute, that very abruptly they took leave of us; and so drawing towards Night, with shoots on both sides we parted. That Night our Governor thought fit to make a dark inquiry of their strict Discipline on the other side the River, twenty Musketeers stumbled upon their Court of Guard, and killed some of them, with their Sentinels, the rest fled, the number was uncertain; but by the cries of such as escaped, whom they heard lamenting the slain, it appeared to be some competent number, which ours taking their words for, without further search returned. This good success encouraged us to many others, February the 11●●. in the afternoon, upon some notice given us by our scouts of that side being clear, and good Corn still standing in stacks, there issued out forty Musketeers, under the command of Lieutenant Greeneham, and twenty Horse under the command of Cornet Constable to guard the rest appointed for bringing it in, unexpectedly there appeared four hun●red of the Enemy which were newly come out of the North, not above an hour before, and approached without doubt of making a prey of such a handful, ours instantly drawn up boldly, and were within half Musket-shot before they gave fire, as if out of courtesy they would give them the onser, but finding them still dumb, charged them, which so took with them, that they instantly shogged, and with the coming in of the Horse were routed threescore, with a Lieutenant, and an Ensign were killed, nine taken prisoners, with another Ensign, and several Sergeants, two Colours brought home in triumph also, the one taken by Cornett Constable, the other by Lieutenent Greymes. With the Prisoners were found abundance of chained Bullets, Slugges, Hooks, and other chained small shot, of purpose to make every wound incurable; one who took himself to be a great Gentleman amongst them, having quarter given him, died upon his examination after he was come hither, who upon his stripping, was found begirt with a Saint Francis Girdle, by which Benediction of the Actors, the Friar's affections were evidently discovered to be the cause, what virtue it might have for the saving of his soul, I wot not; but for the body it had so little, that it could not preserve itself, for he was shot just through it, the three devoted Knots being died from grey to red with his blood. The next day they sallied out further with the like success, in getting some grain, burning two of their Towns, and taking some Prisoners. The poor soldiers feasted themselves with their Milk and Beer (which for haste in some places they had abandoned) loaded their backs with some more lasting provision, and clad them with such , as had been taken from their fellows at Mellifont. By these Sallies howsoever the Horse were well refreshed for a season; yet the Foot fell now into a further extremity, the Town being sifted, and that pillage w●ich could be gotten (without too m●ch hazard) being wasted, Horseflesh, Dogs and Cats began to be good me●t amongst them; which being suddenly made known to me, we appointed the very next day (though Sunday) to be kept in a more solemn manner then ordinary, to beg our bread of God some way or other, to proclaim a ●ast, was but to enjoin that which necessity had enforced, and properly for a religious one, it should be a voluntary act: Fasts are called Sabbaths, but with us now every Sabbath was become a Fast, so that that distinction according to the ancient Canons could not bind us; but still see the accepting of our very intentions, that very Sunday, February the 14 ●h. was there a booty offered to us of above fourscore Cows, and two hundred Sheep, which s●me Horse and Foot instantly issuing out, returned with the spoil of, by that time we were going to Church, whereby my subject was turned to thanksgiving, That as David, we might acknowledge, I did but say I would confess, and thou forgavest, etc. Thou preventedst me with thy loving kindness, etc. And still this was with the loss of some of our Enemies, but of ours (notwithstanding the shot as thick as Hail from the other side of the River) not one man so much as hurt, a Horse was only shot through the ear. The popish Townsmen could not dissemble their sadness at the sight of this relief; but it appeared in their faces, and speeches, and casually a Horse at the Gate slipping out of his Rider's hand, and running through the Town, some of them could not but express their joy in hope one Horseman had been slain. Another Sally was made two days after, on the other side, with a hundred Foot, and a troop of Horse, to secure the bringing in of some Corn, a mile and a half off; but by some secret notice given to the Rebels by those of their own party within, fifteen hundred from divers parts suddenly beset them, our men ran not away; but having called bacl their Foragers, made a fair orderly retreat through them to the kill of nine of the Rebels (as hath been since confessed by themselves) and of ours none so much as hurt, only some stragglers of poor unarmed men and women, who (against command) to get some Corn) stayed too long behind, they barbarously and basely butchered, without giving them any quarter, to the number of twenty or thirty, which was revenged not long afterwards. Now Sir Philim O Neile being returned out of the North, came very short of those brags he made when he went, which were nothing but of great Pieces of Battery, and so many thousands of men which should be able to eat us up instantly; but in stead of that stately march, he invisibly stole hither, lying at Beauly, a mile and a half from us, three or four days unknown, and brought but forty Horse with him, and half of those unarmed, by which we suspected the Scotch had not used him very kindly in th●se parts; yet as soon as he was discovered, he sent a message to my Lord MOOR, That he had taken all the Towns in the North but two, which were also at his pleasure. That the whole Kingdom was in the like case, and still wondered DROGHEDA should be so singular as to think to hold out, and to be delivered out of his hand (see a little RABSHECAH) yet again protesting his Love to him, and renewing that offer of their former honours, with assurance of being paid to a penny all his damages: But if not, gave him warning before such a day to prepare himself for his last; for he would then take the Town whatsoever it cost him, and that his Lordship must look for no quarter from him. But howsoever, we were ready against his day prefixed, yet that feared us not so much as the extremity of Famine, which pressed, and grew every day upon us, more and more: Insomuch, that now nothing but desperate courses could I hear thought of, and resolved upon by such as used to be most hearty, in the fear of the loss of all; at last, if they were not relieved by such a day, and that very near at hand, which though the only possible means must be by Sea from DUBLIN; yet the continuance of such a contrary wind dashed our hopes that way also. This utmost extremity seems to me, to be Gods only time, when most probably he would be seen, even when all sense failed, and, methought, bespoke a present extraordinary spending a day in his house of Prayer, (which we knew not but might be our last) as a special trial of the fruit of those exercises, (as sometimes the Lord of Hosts hath bidden his to prove him, in some cases of want, if he did pour them out a blessing, Mal. 3. 10. and as an evidence to our very Enemies (who had made the cause Religion) that we were his Church, and chosen by his special providence in relieving us, and so by a common consent, though a private warning the next day, being Friday, and the eighteenth of February was it thus set apart, for the begging our bread of God, which accordingly, for the subject, I took the fourth Petition of the Lords Prayer; This day we continued in the house of God from morning to evening, which was blest with much affection and many tears, we begged pardon of our former abuse of his benefits, renewed our vows of better obedience, etc. wherein, howsoever some confident passages of assurance of having presently an answer of our desires, might well seem to be without warrant, yet see the event, that evening the wind inclined▪ and the very next morning, from the worst of winds, a North-West, it instantly turned to the best, a Southeast, and with such weather as we could have wished, and so continued. Nay, it went not unobserved by the very Papists, as a wonder, that that very evening there were a world of Roaohes, and other Fish taken with Angles, by the Soldiers, never known to be found there in the River before, which they drew up for many hours as fast as they could cast in. The continuance of which gave a present relief to most; and if a Sparrow fall not to the earth without a providence, why should not we judge it a special providence when it is for supplying the wants of his children that cry unto him who are of much more value? That Saturday in the evening, having some notice of the approach of our relief, we met on the Sunday morning earlier than we used (contriving to have done by the Tide) and in the continuance of the same former subject, and Petition, blessed with the same affections, praying that it might now pass through the envy and opposition of all our Enemies. Now it so fell out, that as I was upon the very conclusion of the Sermon, a Messenger came into the Church with that joyful tidings, that some of the Vessels were come within the Bar, which answer of our prayers receiving upon Gods own day, in his own house, and in the continuance of his own ordinance, we took as from God himself, and so concluding with all possible thanks and praise to him, from whom every good gift descendeth, we went out and saw the salvation of God. When two Pinnaces, six Gabbards, three Friggots, with a Shallop, came all safely to us, & all but the two Pinnaces that very Tide came up within our Key, laden with a plentiful relief for two or three months' provision; to which somewhat was added by the way too, in the taking of a large Fisherboate of the Rebels, loaden with Herrings, going to some of their confederates elsewhere. By a contrary wind they were compelled to put in by the way at Skerries, where not affecting idleness, they landed some forces, and burned some towns, and left four Rebels hanging for landmarks, in revenge of one English man, whom maliciously they had hanged in despite of them, the day before. In this relieving us, there was somewhat the very Papists took notice of, as a special providence, (viz.) Their coming the second time from the Skerries hither at once, without casting Anchor at the Bar; nay, notwithstanding a Friggot was compelled to stay awhile in the rear, for the taking in a Captain and some officers out of one of the Pinnaces, yet instantly weighed Anchor, and came up that very Tide also: which though it were so fare spent, that a good way she was compelled to come against it, yet arrived safely. Again, as in the former reliese, Jan. 11. a Bark which they had sunk in the Channel, was driven out to Sea by the wind, and tide, to open their passage; so now having strongly chained together a great many Ship-masts, with other timber, (which now we see cast upon the shore) bound with a great Cable, and supported by seven or eight great Boats cross the Channel, the very day before the approach of our relief, of itself burst asunder; so that though a Shallop was sent in the front with Instruments to cut it, yet they found the work done for them, and so was no rub at all. And lastly, that the wind should then turn just to fit the Springtide, without which it could have done us but little service, and to be at that instant, when the very last of our store was just spent: we must acknowledge it to be the Lords doing indeed. The consideration of which stopped the months of all our adversaries with admiration staggered many in their Religion, and hath been a means to incline abundance of them to us, who have even stolen into our Communion without our knowledge, till we have found them there, as plainly and evidently seeing God's hand in it. While our little Fleet was thus under sail, in the Channel the Rebels spared not their shot on both sides, which was returned them with interest; some of ours were hurt, one man killed, but of the Rebels not afew. In one of the Gabbards a bag of Powder, by the accident of a Match, took fire as she was near the Key, but did no other hunt then scorch the faces of half a dozen of them, who were soon well again; with these, besides our provision, we had a supply of four Companies more, which, with some other independent foot here before, made up a full Regiment for my Lord Moor, and so we were now restored again (having by the famine been much lessened) to sixteen hundred foot, and one hundred and fifty horse; and by this refreshment we were with some confidence the more able to look about us. And yet I must not forget our great and early deliverance that Sunday morning also. Sir Phi. O Neile marching silently with all his strength he could make, made so bold an attempt, that about four of the clock he applied his scaling Ladders to the Walls, and in special at one place near Saint Laurence gate at a low private corner (where sometimes a Sentinel had been omitted) they brought abundance of them, two of which they had presently fixed, and on each one mounted, the Sentinel there missing fire, they presumed higher, till he was feign to knock them down with the butt-end of his Musket, and cry out to the Guard, who instantly so plied the rest, with their fill of shot, that they left thirteen of their Ladders, and many of their bodies behind them. Their Commanders urged them, but to cut the Sentinels throat, and the Town was theirs; but they would not be brought to look that way again, nay the remembrance of their former repulses did so dishearten those in the very rear, that their Capt. were fall'n to drive them on like Sheep, and to delude them with the assurance that those in the Front had taken the Town already, and the gate opened. The like onset was given or attempted at other Ports also, seconded with many shot from the other side the River; All our Regiment of horse and foot were ready in a trice, and some so quickened that they were seen upon the Walls, who had not been out of their beds a fortnight before; so zealous was every one to keep the Town one day longer: The number of their slain was unknown by their continual dragging the dead bodies away. But by an English boys relation (who was Drummer to Sir Phelemy, who in his making haste to us, stumbled over two or three of them lying together in a ditch) may be conjectured there were some considerable store, but of ours none had the least hurt; so that for the blessings of that one day, we may praise God with the Psalmist (Psal. 136. 24, 25.) O give thanks unto the Lord who hath delivered us from our Enemies, and giveth food to all flesh, for his mercy endures for ever: for which, as thou mayest well imagine, we did not omit our thanks to God that day; so we conceived it worthy of a solemn day of thanksgiving set apart of purpose in the week also, which we observed the Tuesday following. With this relief came a Proclamation from the State against these Rebels, which that afternoon was published at the Market-Crosse with Drum and Trumpet, wherein the prizes set upon each of their heads, were fare beyond their worth; Sir Phelemy O Neal's valued at 1000 li. Rely and others at 800. li. and the rest of them at 400. li. This set the Soldiers a longing for the next skirmish, every one hoping it might be his fortune to hit right, two of those of 400. li. weight, (as I am informed) had been dispatched by us before, one at the Green hills, December the third, another at Drumullin, January the seventh, who was by my Lord Moor's Troop beat into the water, and so drowned; whose body was now cast up by the River side, but his he●● not thought worthy the cutting off. About this time we had some intercourse by messages of a milder nature from other Rebels in parts more remote: A Packet of Letters were sent to my Lord Moor out of the North, transcribed indeed by his Sister the Lady Blany, but it was evident all was of their inditing or correcting; The sum was an offer either of all their prisoners in Ulster for my Lord Maquire, or else my Lady Blany with her Children and Sisters, and other Gentlemen in and near the Castle of Monaghan for two other of their prisoners in the Castle of Dublin, for the soliciting of which, the Lady Blany had a form of a Petition, framed to the Lords, Justices and Council, and other private Letters, both to my Lord Moor, and divers of her friends, for their earnest motion and prosecution of it for her safety, which according to the directions, after my Lord Moor's viewing them, was to be sent back to those Rebels from whence it came, to be prosecuted by some of their own approved Agents. Though the person mentioned to be this charitable mover, was clapped up before it came to his hand. And herein I cannot let pass unobserved, how their malice and barbarous cruelty to some other of their prisoners did so blind their reason, that it hath now much wronged themselves; The base treacherous butchery of my Lord Calfield, at Sir Phelemy O Neils own house, whether out of a pretence of favour being removed, was no sooner entered, but as he was walking, a fellow came behind him, and with a brace of bullets shot him quite through the back: The perfidious sudden hanging of Master Rich. Blany, because he would not go to Mass: Their unpatterned falsehood to another Gentleman, who by the promise of his life, had been drawn to Mass, and received the Sacrament; presently Maquire told him he would never be so fit for God again, and so giving him choice of a rope, or a with, instantly hanged him, according to which we hear they have used many more; Their drowning of four or five hundred English at Porta Downebridge (which for the stench of the multitude of dead bodies there, they call now in derision Downe-sincke) And other places in the North, by three or fourscore in companies, of men, women, and children, whom after their promise of safety, suddenly ●●ey threw over into the rivers: At the Newry they put one hundred English into a Gabbard with promise to send them hither, but assoon as the tide served they took away their Sails, and Oars, and left them to the mercy of the winds and waves, and so were cast away: it was a common thing to set some of the English a-work with Pickaxes to break down the walls of some Castles after the roof was burnt, and for their wages, to cut their throats presently, to lay wagers who should strike the deepest gash with their swords in their thighs or arms, & many such like horrid murders in cool blood, merely for recreation sake; of which nature, and worse, thousands more might be related, even such as no Heathen or Turkish Story can pattern for cruelty, which I leave to the relation of others (as thou hast heard of abundance already in a book of remarkable passages) it being not my purpose to range any further than the liberties of this Town, who (thanks be to God) have been delivered from them, to which I shall return again. And here I am remembered of another deliverance which fell out now also, as (sometimes blessings like crosses, when they do come, are observed to come together) (viz.) the emptying the Town of the Popish Townsmen (according to a command from the State) who had been found tampering with the Rebels; An Inventory was taken of all their goods, and put in safe custody, till they could appro●● themselves better then they were suspected, many of them at the gates offered to go to Church, whom I was willing to have informed, but being judged heartless, or rather double-hearted, and so the more dangerous, it was not accepted of, till they had done a little penance in the Country, which being Ash-wednesday, was the fittest season, yet some of the soberest sort (and who are not molested) by those great deliverances, they have seen wrought for us, of themselves have desired satisfaction; In which I should be glad to be employed all day, and every day. No sooner had our Pinnaces and the other Vessels unloaded themselves of their welcome burdens, but a Northwest wind served them with such weather as they could have wished for their return; when the same day February 26. our Governor issued out with 220. Foot, & 120. Horse, Southwards, to a village called Beaubecke, to secure the carrying in of some Corn and Hay from thence, which as soon as it was fully pillaged and burnt, he advanced somewhat further towards Smith's town, where being informed by his Scouts of five Companies there ready to withstand him, he had the greater mind to proceed, his men needing little encouragement, and so drew up to them, who no sooner felt the smart of our shot, and the troops of Horse (which of all is most terrible to them) ready to prosecute, but they instantly broke, every man contented to lose his Arms to save his life; nay, some rid themselves of their for the farther speed, and so there were slain about 300. of them, two colours taken by Sergeant Major Fortescue, and Captain Bryan, a Drum, and an Ensign taken Prisoners, of Cows about eightscore, with all other sorts of pillage of good value, so many were shot in the river of Gillingstowne, that the water was all red with their blood: The sight of those twenty or thirty unarmed men and women murdered by them a week before, (whom they left there in the ditches unburied) enraged our men the more to a revenge, whom the Pioneers in the mean time interred. In this particular, it was observed as a part of Divine Justice, that the slaughter of them should be in the same field, where they had defeated ours, in which as we gave them an even repay, so it fell out also, that some of the same Captains had a hand in it, who had b●ene then routed; whom Sir Patrick We●mes (having the Command of the Earl of Ormonds' troop) in remembrance of that dysaster, shown them the least mercy; Colonel Preston was hard put to it, who for haste left a Portmanteau of his best with his rich military belt behind him, which fell to be the booty of a Horseboy, in the pocket of whose breeches was found three Letters of more worth than himself, whereby evidently the Lord Gormanstone, Trimlestone and divers others were first proved Traitors. The next morning, it was thought necessary to prosecute this unexpected victory as a probability of raising the Siege, so they were taken before they could gather to any head again, which howsoever being Sunday, our Religious Governor was very slow to it, as desirous rather to have spent that as a day of thanksgiving to God, for the good success of this day, yet being for the necessary preservation of the Corn, and other things, which they had reason to suspect would else be instantly fired by them, he consented to it, and so very early by break of day 600. foot, and 120. Horse, under my Lord Moor's Command (after we had by Prayer commended them to God's Protection, (which in the like expedition was seldom omitted) marched out with carriages, and two field pieces. But the first Castle being within half a mile of us called Stanime, where there was a great haggard of Corn, (which beyond their first resolutions they thought fit to visit by the way, and where they supposed there had not been a man) they found so entrenched, and fortified, that it proved more difficult than was expected, yet our men drew up boldly to them, within pistol shot, and though it was not the intent of that day's work, yet being provoked, bestowed thousands of bullets amongst them, to the death of many of the Rebels in their Trenches, but by the ill shots of our Gunners (who still miss the house) with the fall and continuance of abundance of rain, whereby their matches were washed out, they were compelled to retreat; and so came dropping wet home, yet by Church-time, to give God thanks for their great preservation, who though continuing so long in that imminent danger (which they dreamt not of, at their going out) yet was there not a man lost in the place, only some of slight wounds by poisoned bullets, and want of good medicines, miscarried a long time afterwards, and in the mean time, some were sent to the next village of Colpe, where they loaded themselves with their Corn, and returned, without any opposition: And not many days after upon the hearing of our preparation for a reply, the Rebels in the aforesaid Castle of Stanime abandoned it of themselves, and so it fell into our hands without bestowing one shot more. And here it hath been reckoned as a thing very observable, that in all these onsets, invasions, and Sallies out, (howsoever multitudes have died of the famine, divers unarmed pillagers met with abroad, have been taken and butchered, some died of wounds by the unskilfulness of the Chirurgeon, and the like) there hath not hitherto been killed of armed men upon the place in fight (as I have been informed) above twelve of ours, and not one Officer; and of those, there was but one man that was not fetched off from them, and that is accounted the due of his too much presumption, who at the assault of a house charged, and discharged his musket twice or thrice against the very door, where there were many playing at him from within, and so stood as a mark for them, without so much as stirring a foot of his ground, but of the Rebels how many hundreds, if not thousands, have been killed, may easily be summed up in the reading. This wonderful preservation was I believe the occasion of that false rumour raised by them, as if some of ours had sold their Souls to the Devil to be shot-free, and yet at other times to encourage their Soldiers (who were continually upon their flight) they would upon most Sallies persuade them of hundreds of ours slain with many Commanders (of whom some had died often in their reports) when there was not one, nay scarce would they suffer them to believe their own senses, that any were killed of theirs: Howsoever, those of the soberer sort were much convinced of the cause, by the event, apparently seeing that God was with us. After one day's rest, March the first, my Lord Moor, and the Governor went out again the same way, with a competent number of Horse and Foot, when (after the securing in of at least two hundred pounds worth of Corn, by four Companies under the command of Sir John Borlace, and the burning of such of their lodgings, as had remained of the former days work at Colpe,) they advanced further, their first resistance was two Companies of the Rebels, stealing along the side of a Ditch, who being discovered Captain Billinsley was sent with 80. Musketeers, and coming as unexpectedly upon them, as they had intended upon us, were soon routed. A Lieutenant with thirteen Soldiers were slain, and a Captain of the O Neales' taken prisoner; the rest escaped into the Castle of Stanime by the help of a Bog, which stopped the horse in their chase: the Castle of Colpe, after much hazard of such as first entered it, by the Pikes and stones thrown of those within, whereby they were three or four times beaten down the narrow stairs, at length was taken, where they killed them every one, to the number of twenty six persons; and yet neither then, nor all that day was one of ours lost. With the Captain taken prisoner, we found many Petitions, two Letters superscribed to Sir Phelemy O Neile, with the title of Earl of Tyrone, and General of Ireland: But yet the foundation upon which those airy honours were built, was the condition of his taking this Town, but that day his Excellency was much humbled (who unknown to us) had stole over the river, only with five men, and by our unexpected approach (being cut off from securing himself where he intended) crept into a furbush, and so lay like a trembling Hare in his Form, till the evening, (where being so near us) he had good luck he was not started up by so many hunters, which needs must have been the best sport that day; Some rough abusive greetings past and repast from each side the river, (which parted them from any other than such a tongue combat) ours giving them lawful warning of a visit shortly, and that not by a cowardly creeping in the dark (according to their custom) under our walls, but at noon day, when we might be visible, asked for their drunken General, in derision of whom, some of our Trumpeters gave some scornful music, and for one Pistol of theirs, discharged in defiance, we returned them ten, and for one Musket, twenty, and thus our Soldiers in their retreat, stretching their throats to be heard with such kind of language, they made up a merry end of that day's skirmish. Some English now, as at other times, took the opportunity to get from under their thraldom, and informed us of some advantages, whom commonly they put in Trowses to be taken for Irish, and in the front to be first killed, yet they usually scaped, from these we understood by what lying practices they had kept their Soldiers from running away lately. March the third, some other forces marched out under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Waineman, early in the morning, who advanced as fare as Marlingtowne about three miles from us, where by the former frights they found the Town abandoned, so that their whole work that day was to reap what was left, for which all sorts were permitted to go forth for pillage, the lanes were so thickened with all sorts of grain, that the Spring seemed to be Harvest, and the Vernal equinoctial to be mistaken for the Autumnal, such loads of Corn were mounted upon horses, that upon the hills, they looked like moving haggards, by which our great extremity was turned presently into plenty, and whereas our chiefest want was Malt, the whole Town (having drunk nothing but water for a week) were now set a brewing again, and for expression of joy there wanted no Bonfires of three or four Towns together, whereby a clear day grew dusky by the smoke: A fair house of one Draicots, (who by the Rebels was newly created Viscount Marlington for his merit in the cause) made the clearest light, which was done the rather in a just revenge of his fraudulent disarming many of our Soldiers as they were making hither from the bridge of Gillingstone, his Library (with what could be preserved from the fire) was brought in hither, and sold us at very easy rates, a very fair large Parchment Manuscript of an old Missal, consecrated to that Church of Marlington, come to my hands, the loss of which I presume they have valued more than their houses. By the sight of this good success our Enemies grew sick of envy, and in a discontent left their houses; yet in the midst of this cheer, we had the fear of a rub, by the running aground of a Friggot coming up from the Pinnace with Powder, but by being Masters of the field on that side, we were not much troubled; the Rebels got into some Boats, and played thick upon her, whom ours replied to as fast, many shot they made with a great brass piece, but still miss her, at length the Pinnace gave so fortunate a one, that it dismounted theirs of its carriage, and at last when they found little fruit by their guns, they assaulted us with their tongues, a company of them approaching near the River side, called ours Rogues and Traitors, their answer given them, was by a few Musqueteers, who under the covert of some fires discharging, put some of them to a nonplus, and the rest to their heels; And so our men being then abroad, continued there for the securing her till the next tide at ten aclocke at night, when they left her afloat again; And yet also to divert their thoughts that way, our Governor caused some Musqueteers about midnight to sally out on the other side, and gave two or three volleys of shot, which raised them through their quarters to stand upon their own defence, and so the next tide that danger was over. And now the Besiegers took themselves to be the Besieged, many privy Counsels of darkness were had several nights, at divers places they met, and knocked their wisest heads together, but they struck out nothing but folly, Their multiplied barrels of Powder made at Dung●non, would not take fire, yet still they set brazen faces (their strongest defence) upon the business, in threatening each day to take the Town, by an invisible host somewhere approaching, great state they took now upon them, expecting we should give them the visits, and when we did, they daigned us not so much courtesy as to meet us out of doors. But I believe thou longest to see the conclusion, from which I will not now long detain thee. March the fifth, there issued out four hundred foot and fourscore horse under my Lord Moor's command; on the other side Northward amongst his own traitorous Tenants, to Tallaghhallon, where Collo mac Bryan, with his complices had been billeted, and whither (unknown to us, or else we had doubled our strength) had been the night before crept secretly, the whole fraternity of Rebels to lay their heads together upon some forlorn counsels, wanting not Sir Phelemy O Neil himself for their Precedent; They appeared instantly eight Colours in view, three for one of ours, many had entrenched themselves in a square body within the Town, and so played upon advantages, but our men (Lieutenant Colonel Byron commanding the foot) declined them not, but with as much alacrity as their Commanders could have wished drew up boldly, and gave fire so thick and sure, that after the Rebels had replied to three or four ranks, they were weary of it, and so finding many dropping among them, betook themselves to the last refuge of their heels; near four hundred, with seven Captains were slain, and one taken prisoner, viz. Rory, Mr. Art, Mr. Rosse, Mr. Maghon, and one Colours; which had been but the earnest of many more, had they not (as some were seen) slipped them off their staffs, and put them into their breeches, one Art Roe, Mr. Patrick, Mr. Art Moyle, mac Maghon, of great repute among them, (lately created by them Lord Baron of Monaghan, and whose head is valued beyond its worth in the Proclamation) was taken Prisoner, who being sore wounded to the loss of one of his eyes, and perceiving by the other his inevitable end approaching, politicly stripped himself stark naked, and so lay as dead among the slain, till afterwards upon a view by Lieutenant Colonel Byron, who casually finding him with a Saint Francis girdle (which for good luck he still kept about him) and deeming him by that to be a man of some quality, commanded one of his Soldiers to cut off his head; upon the affright of which, the Varlet roused himself, and was soon recovered of his speech, who instantly declaring himself, and assuring that the saving of his life should be the redemption of my Lady Blany and her children, he was preserved, and accordingly, hath wrote effectually for that welcome exchange, but as yet we find him not so valued by them, who (having thus long failed our expectation) he is every day in the way of preferment to be hanged; And thus Saint Francis his Cord proved fare from being a Girdle of verity, which being given him for his preservation, proved very falsely the sole occasion of his destruction. A hundred Muskets were taken, and Pikes covered the ground every where, which the pursued were willing to be eased of, for the quicker speed; others secured themselves by a Bog near hand, who upon their gathering thick were so roughly admonished by a Drake from us, that they soon removed their stand farther off. And in all this hot skirmish in sight of our very walls wherein they made their most desperate resistance (such was still God's goodness to us) not a man of ours was so much as hurt by them, one of our Officers was shot in the foot, but it was by a Soldier of our own, and the Bullet first passed through the head of one of the Rebels. And here I must not let pass one merry passage, they had brought with them out of the North, an old wooden Image, called Mac Kill Murragh, (i. e. the Son of Mary) by which it is very common amongst the Irish to swear, this venerable block did they repose much confidence in, for the taking of this Town, and when it came first amongst them, it was received with acclamations of joy, like the Ark in the Camp of Israel, to save them from the Philistims, & for good luck, was this time at Tallaghhallon; But as soon as this hot work began, his Guardian took care with the first to post him away on horseback, and in leaping a ditch, the horse threw the fellow and Mac Kill Murragh in the dirt, that two others were feign to take him up upon their shoulders, and to troth with him (with the loss of some of his limnes) towards Dundalke, as I have been since told by one of their own profession; our Governor in the mean time with some horse and foot issued out toward Beauly to provoke their General Sir Phelemy O Neile, (as supposing he had not yet left that lodging) burned Newtowne under his nose, and beat two Colours (which was all that appeared) into the Castle, and returned the sooner upon hearing that hot work, with an intention (if need were) to have relieved my Lord Moor, but by that time he had marched half way, the bright firing of three or four Towns thereabouts gave sufficient assurance of the victory, and so made a stand; At the first blush, coming that way he was misapprehended to have been Sir Phe●emy himself (whom as yet ours knew not had been amongst themselves) and the number by their open March appeared to have been a thousand. The Soldiers had got their fill of all sorts of pillage, and howsoever (in that hot prosecution a mile or two about) they might be thought to have enough of that morning's work, yet were they so eager to have been at it again, that they sued to their Captains to let them meet him presently, offering to throw all their spoil down to make an end with him at once, but upon a second inquiry they were found to be their friends. In this my Lord Moor, by the acclamations of all men, behaved himself very valiantly to the greater hazard of his person, than his Captains were pleased with, was cut through the boot with the sword of one whom (having newly discharged his Pistols) he had struck under his horse with a half Pike, the forepart of his Saddle run through by another, his horse hurt, all spattered with the dirt, which the thick flying of the Bullets raised, but had no other hurt; In this desperate fight, being once discerned, two hundred of the Rebels gathered, and made up towards him, only crying out, This is my Lord Moor, when (the rest of the horse in several Divisions, being upon a prosecution) he had but seven in his Company, yet he retreated not, but charged them, many were killed, the rest scattered, and were still lessened by their pursuers. This famous Generalissimo, Sir Phelemy O Neil●, with his great Commanders, fled away very obscurely, and meanly attended, unless it were with the following curses of the whole Country, with which he is still greeted by all sorts; many of our Gentlemen whom he had with such vain hopes deluded, hath he here left lamenting their miserable condition which they foresee deservedly approaching. And thus as our worthy Governor on the Saturday before had the honour in the beginning of the raising of our Siege on the Southside by a retaliating slaughter of so many of them at the fatal Bridge, so were we all pleased that this next Saturday on the North-side, my Lord Moor (to whom we were beholding) as our first succour at the rising of these Commotions, and our chief continued supporter in his large and liberal expenses upon all occasions, to the great encouragement of the Captains and Commanders, by supplying them in their extreme great necessities) should have the honour of giving them their last in their dispersing. The fruit of which began that very evening to appear, when some of the English now escaping from them, came in and gave us notice that the Castles of Beauly and Stanime on each side the river were deserted by the holder's, and Sir Phelemy with the rest of that nest being fledge, were flown away with some field-pieces towards Dundalke, into each of which our Governor instantly sent some Companies, who accordingly entered without the least resistance, rounded the Country the next morning, two or three miles as fare as Termonfecken, but found not a man, only a world of Corn, which in that haste they had not time to fire. By this our Town was filled with provision, Ports began to open, our neighbours making suit to be admitted to our Market, Castles near hand voluntarily surrendered, the owners submitting, and all good men's hearts rejoicing by this sudden change, begun and finished in the compass of a week; every street ringing with praises to God the Donor, to whom we failed not solemnly and publicly to acknowledge it often. After the Rebels (that had so long besieged us) were thus routed, and some of the chiefest of their Castles near, possessed by us, Letters, as well from Lords, as other of the Gentry, came thick in to us, of which, some receiving no answer, came and presented themselves to our mercy; in special, one Bath, who about the middle of December had came in with his Irish Dart accompanied with the Sheriff of the County of Louth, (both Commissioners from the Rebels) and very confidently and arrogantly demanded the surrender of this Town, who at first was ashamed to own the knowledge of me by reason of some speeches that had then passed between us, the event of which had proved beyond his belief or expectation. The Letters of the Lord Netherfield and the Lord of slain, with divers others of the chief of the Country have I seen under their own hands in a most humble suit to my Lord Moor, to stand their friend, some protesting their innocency, others pretending themselves deluded by the Northern Irish, and heavily cursing the first plotters of this business, and yet we knew they cursed themselves, and had enough under their own hands, they little dreamt of, to steer us right enough in our Judgement of them. From others we had feigned Letters of the approach of two thousand of O Relies men, one way, and of eighteen hundred of Sir Phelemy O Neiles, another way, and each within five miles of us: But the use they had given us of their lies, and the contradiction which the submission of their Chief gave to it, made the news of no value with us, yet it produced that effect, that to prevent their dry lodgings, there issued out some competent force to Slain, burnt the Town and the Country near it, took the Castle and pillaged it, with which the Soldiers came loaden home. And not long after my Lord Moor, and the Governor made a Salley out another way, spent the greater part of the day in burning forty or fifty Villages, took one Barnewall of Rahasket, who was a Colonel among the Rebels, and a great Parleyer from them hither, and had been many year's Deputy, Custos Rotulorum of that County (as dangerous a fellow by his natural parts, and other education as any they had,) His Castle (after a few shot, and seeing our men appearing in a full body) he yielded, where was found so much of bread and other victuals, ready baked, that no doubt, he expected the return of his former Guests, besides four hundred barrels of Malt, and abundance of all sorts of Grain, his Cellars full of Wine and Beer, which the Soldiers Feasted themselves with, for a while; he with his two Priests, taken with him, were (with seven or eight Friars more) cloistered in one prison here, but since he is promoted to the Castle of Dublin. Darcy of Plattin (two of whose Sons were Captains among the Rebels, who had the strongest and fairest Castle in the Country is fled, leaving his Wife and Family, with about fifty Musketteeres to defend it: This, howsoever the first time it was denied my Lord Moor, and the Governor (as it had been before to my Lord of Ormond) who demanded the surrender of it in the King's name, yet the second time hearing of our pieces of battery approaching, gave it up upon Composition, and so we have a Garrison there also, by which our Town is securely Flanked on both sides the River. After this, by the escaping of many poor English from their servitude, we had evident assurances of the treacherous messages, and plots of our Popish Inhabitants, for the betraying this Town unto them, some who never were here before, could name us the men, describe ●he places, by the nearness to such a Tower, design the time, all which agreeing with our former informations and suspicion, was a sure testimony. How many Letters in the midst of these forlorn hopes, have I yet seen of theirs in a vain comforting themselves, with an assurance (to use their own words) that the Almighty would doubtless favour their just and innocent cause, and their holy intentions. Another I have seen of O Relies to my Lord Moor, that he had no news, but that powder was in making every where (to use his own words) thanks be to God, and our good King, etc. But we knew at the same time he was fall'n sick upon the news of Sir Phelemies' late routing at Tallagh-hallan. To relate what a change presently there was in this Town, from that extremity of scarceness and dearness, to what a plenty and cheapness things were come, would be incredible: eggs, which during this Siege, one was a rich present, worthy of thanks from the chiefest, were now fifteen a penny; Hens, at two pence, milch Cowes at five shillings, Horses, which before the Siege, were rated at three or four pounds, sold for twelve pence, nay commonly passed among friends for a quart of Beer; The finest Wheat in the Market for eight shillings a Barrel, Fish (to which we had been altogether strangers) multiplied abundantly, though such a glut in reason cannot be imagined to hold many months, by the burning so many thousand barrels of Corn, further from us, which they could not bring in. Many bloody murders were committed upon the English Protestants, in revenge of this late defeat. At Atherdee, they killed all that were remaining there; the next night near Slain, an old Gentlewoman, with her Daughter, and Grandchild, had their throats cut in their beds; in divers other places they drowned Men, Women, and Children. The Earl of Ormond (Lieutenant General) was now not fare from us with 3000. Foot, and 500 Horse, burning the County of Meath, and on the eleventh of March, attended with divers Colonels and Captains, did us the honour of a visit, and dined herewith my Lord Moor, at Droghedah, who began to recover some competent ability, of giving such a troop some entertainment. Many at the sight of the weakness of our Walls fell into admiration of the possibility of our holding out so long against such a multitude. His Lordship's intention of being the raiser of our Siege thus unexpectedly prevented, (God giving that honour before his approach to the feeble strength of the besieged) yet was very zealous to take the fair opportunity now given him of the full routing of the Rebels so newly dispersed, by a present, quick prosecution of them, before they could get any head again. Which, by my Lord Moor, and Sir Henry Tichborne, our Governors' relation, finding very seasonable, and of little difficulty, called a Council of War, viz. the Lord Moor, and our Governor, Sir Thomas Lucas, Sir Simon Harcourt, Sir Robert Ferrald with others, These upon mature deliberation, finding good grounds to consent with his Lordship, and conceiving great hopes of a good and speedy success, even to the clearing of those Northern parts, wrote to the Lords Justices very earnestly, to enlarge his Lordship's Commission, (which before was so straitened, that in the literal sense, it could scarce stand with a liberty of relieving us, if there had been need, being commanded not to pass over the River of the Boyne, beyond which the greater part of our Town is seated) alleging many reasons to enforce it, preventing an Objection in the want of victuals, by a provision undertaken by my Lord Moor, from his own Lands near adjoining. And indeed, such a confidence was apprehended of prevailing in this motion, that our Governor had picked out ten Companies of our best men, fittest for that service, and my Lord of Ormond designed the like number of less experienced Soldiers for our guard in their room, my Lord Moor, (as the best guide in those parts) and Lieutenant Colonel Weyneman chosen by the said Council of War to be Commanders of them, All were ready for their march, and appointed to meet his Lordship at slain, five miles off. But the Lords Justices proving still constant to their former injunction, and renewing a stricter command for his present retreat to Dublin, that design (so desired by our Governor as an assured means of an instant reducing the whole County of Louth) was put to a stand, and thereupon our scattered rebellious rout, who before were in a trembling fit, now took heart again, and gathered at Atherdee and Dondalke, whither (as we heard) daily posted thousands out of Meath and Louth, as to their safest receptacles, and presumed, not long after, to threaten us with another visit. The Earl of Ormond submitting in this to the wisdom of the State, (as presuming some other important affairs were in hand, which might justly necessitate that command) retreated accordingly, only in answer to our Governors' request, sent him bacl four companies of Foot, and two troops of Horse, with two pieces of Battery. Upon the receipt of which, my Lord Moor, and our Governor, (who in all things have proceeded very unanimously) for the prevention of a further multiplication of Rebels, which a longer delay might have produced, resolved to adventure upon the same Design themselves, which they were willing others might have been honoured with; and so upon the one and twentieth of March, with one thousand Foot, and two hundred horse, they marched that way ward, first finished what they had left undone at slain in burning the Town, and some villages in the way: In the Castle there was returned again a Garrison of twelve men, who by the presumption of the strength of it had a good mind to hold out, but assoon as they saw our pieces of battery, yielded, and had quarter, only one of our Soldiers formerly run away from us, there taken, was hanged: about three miles off, some bodies of the Rebels appearing, a party of Horse was sent out, killed forty of them, and so pursued them, till the rest were employed in burning the Country after them; and so continued that day and the next. The three and twentieth day of March, they marched with fire and smoke towards A●herdee, about a mile from the Town, in a fallow field, our Scouts descried the Enemy in two Divisions, the number is diversely reported, some say 1100. some 1500. our Governor (according to his wont cheerfulness, upon any such service) drew all into a Battalia, the Soldiers being of themselves as readily disposed, and longing to greet them, a party of the Horse was sent to get between them and the Town, and another party to stand between them and a Bog; a forlorn hope of a hundred men marched before to scour some ditches, who stumbling upon an Ambuscado of their Musketeers, beat them out, and in pursuing them fell upon the body of the rest, who upon the sight of one of our Divisions drawing up so nimbly after them, betook themselves to their heels, whom our Horse prosecuted with such speed, as there were about four hundred slain in a miles compass, besides some others in the Ditches that the very Pioneers knocked down with their Spades, and not a few perished in the bog, which was the best refuge of the most. At the foot of the Bridge ours found some resistance, by some Musketeers, placed there in a Tower, but our Governor (disdaining so much as a rub in this assured victory) found a passage over the river, and galled them so on the other side, that they soon abandoned it. The passage being thus opened, the Horse entered, and with a full Career chased them through the Town, yet by that little stop, many of them were gotten too fare to be overtaken. One Lieutenant Colonel, and five Captains were slain, many fell by my Lord Moor's own hands; And (which is still Gods great goodness) not one man of ours lost, only a horseman shot in the heel, and a horse in the hoof. Here the Soldiers finding good pillage, and victuals ready dressed, took up their lodgings that night: The next morning the Governor with a Party of Horse, went out and burnt the Country two mile about, but suffered no pillage to be brought into the Town, and so proceeded towards Dundalke, whither all the Country next day posted with their Cattle, and what else was portable, many foreseeing their ruins, came in and submitted, and resigned their Castles. Upon the six and twentieth of March being Saturday (when as their bloody design upon us was decreed on that day, so hath many of our victories over them fall'n out on that day also, as that at the Bridge February the twenty sixth, at Tallagh-halland March the fifth, and this) they assaulted Dundilke, which the Rebels had to their uttermost fortified, and by reason of the double walls, and double ditch, marish ground on the one side, and the Sea on the other, the greater difficulty was expected. After the former defeat at Atherdee, the streets of Dundalke were well trodden with at least a thousand Cows, and two or three thousand sheep, continually passing through it the night before, attended with the lamentable cries, and the wring of hands of the Owners, mixed with as bitter curses of the first movers. That morning all the poor English Protestant Prisoners, (some of which before were permitted to beg up and down the streets) were clapped up with an intent to have hanged them (for which they had provided them ropes) assoon as the Town should prove to be in any hazard, who yet already had been almost starved. We approached the Town, about nine of the clock in the morning, planted our Ordinance upon a little hill not fare from the gate, which 500 of them within defended; A forlorn hope of an hundred of ours drew up, and gave fire at such as were in the Gatehouse, and for a while th●●e was very hot work, on both sides. At length they within, finding some of them to drop, run away, whom ours perceiving, increased their fears by shouting, but their Commanders beat them bacl to their guards, and so the same peal was rung again by each. At length a Division under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel Waineman, of about three hundred, resolutely approached the Gate also, and some with pickaxes began to beat down the walls, while the rest replied to the Tower with their shot. Abundance of great stones were poured down from a Castle, yet by God's goodness no great hurt to any. By the sight of our men's continued undauntedness, with one consent they ran all away, upon which that Division entered, and the Horse pursued them a full gallop to the kill of many of them. But upon the turning towards the next Gate, seeing two or three Brass pieces planted, and five hundred more ready to receive them, they fairly retreated, But a Castle placed at the head of that out-streete, manned with their best Musqueteers, which ours minded not, and for fear of endangering their own men (at whose heels ours were) had yet stood dumb, now in our return played very hot upon us, whereby ten of ours were slain, An Ensign, one Sargeant, and one that carried the Colours for another, a Horseman with another's Horse was killed also, Lieutenant Francis Moor, was shot upon the shoulder-piece of his Armour, which from thence rebounded upon his head, broke the skin, and so stuck within his hair, without doing him any further hurt, which if it had been deadly, surely he that made she shot must have merited some extraordinary reward, for as we heard from themselves, and by all others our prisoners coming from what Quarter soever, no man's name was so odious with them, and so deeply maliced, and threatened, if he could have been taken. The loss of these men (which we were not used to) and especially of Ensign Fortescue, which was the first Officer we had ever yet lost in fight, enraged my Lord Moor, and the Governor the rather upon a resolution of a present revenge, who else had contented themselves with the taking the out-Towne for that night, and to have lodged themselves there till the morning. This Castle standing so advantageously, and finding it to be so well provided with good shot, was the only Remora to their proceed; for the gaining of this, they set the Houses on fire near it, which howsoever before the wind was not very favourable to their design, yet no sooner lighted, but it seemed suddenly to turn, as they would wish it, and carried the smoke both into the Town and Castle, choking them within both; Ours also having gathered some dry Bean stalks, made them into bundles, and filled them with Tow, and good store of Gunpowder; the Soldiers employed in that service, took them upon their heads, as a shelter against the stones tumbling down upon them, and under that smoky cloud, got undescryed to the very Castle door, against which they laid down their bundles, and giving fire to them by a Train; blew up the door; and some other boards; by which those within being choked, and frighted, leapt out at a Window; for the discovery of which, a Sergeant of Captain owen's, with five men, upon the condition they might have the pillage of it, entered it, and by the signal of the flourishing their naked swords on the top of the Castle, gave notice of being their own. Upon the possession of this, all were revived, and took themselves Masters of the Town already; we quenched the fires that had annoyed the former Tenants, and manned it with thirty good Musquetteeres, who being within half Musket shot, played so thick into the Town, that not a man could stir in the streets, we drew up our pieces of Ordnance against the inward Gate, and with some ten Wool packs (found in the Castle very opportunely) made a kind of a Bulwark for our Musqueteers, both to save them from their Cannon, and that they might play over them without danger of any other shot, though assoon as they perceived this secure approach, they troubled us with neither, but left their pieces there loaden. Our men for distinction sake, against the entry of the Town, put every one a white paper upon his hat; The Governor took one Division with a party of Horse, and drew by the back part of the Town towards the North-gate, (out of which they upon the Castle had discerned the f●ight of multitudes of them) killed forty in his way. Sir Phelemy O Neile, who not long before had made such brags, confidently assured his men of the death of so many of our Commanders, and as an evidence of it, brought forth his own into the Market place all bloodyed, as if they had been ours stripped by him, now seeing us thus encompassing the Town, and himself like to be taken in the net also, stole away over the River (in which, divers in that haste were drowned) accompanied with divers others, who as they were going, were heard to lament their destiny, and curse that Fatal day, scarce knowing whither to retreat with any welcome. At a by Gate the Governor entered, first, shortened some of their journey, whom he met there posting out, and instantly sent a Sergeant to my Lord Moor, to signify to him, the Town was deserted, and that he might securely move forwards, which as soon as by the second message of a Captain, with some Musqueteers, he received a confirmation of, he marched on, and accordingly found the event, beating open the Gates, took possession of two Brass pieces, and another with the Market place, and so about seven a clock at night, they took the Town, without any further resistance. The night thus drawing on, and the full tide, secured Sir Phelemy in his flight, from our prosecution of him. The number of the slain is uncertain, but about a hundred of them were killed, at and after the taking of it, and of ours about fourteen, which were lost upon that unlucky Castle only. Sir Phelemy, after he had gone two miles off, in a show of what revenge he could make, burned some part of a fair Castle of my Lord Moores, called B●llymaskomlin, sentencing him all the while to be a Traitor to God and the King. The poor English Protestants, to the number of (who had received the sentence of death, within themselves) by this sudden entry of their friends, being set at liberty, were almost beside themselves for joy; Pillage of all sorts was here found in abundance, as being of late the Treasury of the County of Lough, for the share of which, each Captain took the fortune of his Quarter. The Soldiers feasted themselves with all sorts of provision, which they found dressed to their hands, Turkeys and Hens were of no value, with them, that (as I have been told) within four days, there were about 4000 eaten, it was ordinary at one Table to see ten, or twenty couple of them, in Rank and File cut off in an instant. Sir Henry Tichburne our Governor behaved himself throughout the whole, very valiantly, in the hazard of his person, with the meanest Soldier, my Lord Moor is accordingly by all applauded, as needing rather a bridle then a spur, in those attempts, each Captain hath gained himself much honour, and every Soldier deserves encouragement, who shrunk not an inch from what they were commanded. The glad news of which we were here saluted with in the streets, the next day, being Sunday, just as we were coming from Church, in the afternoon, where we had been praying for that blessing upon them. This victory, the breakneck of the Rebellion Northward (and with which I may conclude, as completing our Siege delivery) is by all attributed unto Gods own handiwork, which succeeded beyond our thoughts or expectation. The number of our men (by the so many staying behind at Atherdee, and stealing bacl hither with their pillage) upon Muster that morning, were found to be but seven hundred and fifty Foot, and two hundred Horse, and there were then near three thousand of the Rebels within the Town, able to have beat us out, being entered: For brass pieces, and other such Artillery they exceeded us also, besides the defence which nature had given the place, as well as industry. This poor Town of Drogheda, when they were the besiegers, there were (as hath been since confessed by some of their chief) sixteen thousand sometimes besetting us, the famine pressing us very sore, so that what with death and sickness, we had not above one thousand fight men, yet by God's goodness, held out four months, and notwithstanding the homebred treacheries, their mighty onsets and Alarms, at last with a few were routed. Now that this strong Town of Dundalke, every way so well provided, with men, Ammunition, and Victuals, thus to be taken, with such a small number, and in so short a time as one day, who can but acknowledge it to be Gods special work indeed, putting an evident distinction between them that seek him aright, and such as seek after superstitious vanities? That seeing they have boasted Religion to be the cause, God hath declared by the event with which he is pleased, in supporting ours, so fraudulently undermined by theirs, in giving us so many wonderful, if not miraculous preservations; for which, to him only be raised a monument of everlasting praise, and thanksgiving, from us, and ours, from one Generation to another; Not unto us, but to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise God, be all honour, and glory, now and for ever, Amen. AN APPENDIX OF Some other Occurrences fallen out since, in the prosecuting of our victory, and further discovery of divers particulars, touched upon in the former Relation. UPon this quick and seasonable regaining of Dundalke (the Key of the North) the State thought fit to continue Sir Henry Tichburne there with such an increase of strength as was necessary, and committed the present Government of this Town to the Lord Viscount Moor of Drogheda, who, as he hath his honour from hence, so his Lands lie about it, by which double interest, none can be imagined to be more careful of our preservation. About this time we received some Prisoners late Inhabitants of this Town, very luckily escaped from the Rebels, taken at the Skirries a little before Christmas last, upon their return out of England, one of which being my Parishioner, and examined upon oath, I thought it not unfit to give thee a sum of it; As soon as their Letters were taken from them, & viewed, themselves rob of all, and stripped, and come ashore, they were entertained by one of the Irish Lords with this salutation, Ye are welcome out of England to be hanged, as all of your profession must expect shortly. And not long after in cold and snowy weather were turned out of doors without any sustenance, often forced for want of water itself, to quench their thirst with Snow. At Balruthery, about eight miles from us (where a Convent of our Friars sat daily in Council against us) This party heard one Friar Malone (who was Vicar General to the Catholic Army) assuring one of their Captains, that they would not fail to have Mass on Christmas day in Saint Peter's Church in that starved Town of Drogheda, and at Christ-Church at Dublin by Newyearesday, not doubting as soon as they should take the former, the other would follow with ease; That they would make a Bonfire of my Lord Primates Library, rejoicing to think how they should warm their hands by it, taking what revenge they could on it, seeing he was too fare out of their reach himself; one Friar Walsh adding this for a cause, in regard those books had been an instrument, whereby by his writing and doctrine he had damned more souls than now were living: And for myself, in lieu of my Custodium of it, my sentence was to have been * The like was not only threatened, but done to Marlorate (that worthy and able Divine) by the Papists at the Siege of that Town, whereof he was Pastor, as soon as it was taken, vid. Praestantium aliquot Theologorum qui Rom. Antichrist. praecipue oppugnarunt, Effigies & Elogia per lac. Verheiden Hagae 1602. in vita August. Marlorat. Anno quo Rothomagum obsessum occupatumque fuit ab Antichristianis noster Marloratus ●cclesiae Rothomagensis Pastor fuit comprehensus, cujus vitam laqueo abrupere illi qui Romano obstricti Pontificiegreglos se satellites illo facto declararunt. Martyr igitur verus quem causa, non paena facit, Anno 1562. cum Annos 56. vixisset. hanged up by it, and afterwards to have been beaten to powder. One of our Captains who was an Inhabitant, and of whose dislike of them, they had had some former experience, his torment was the same time decreed also, (viz.) to have put him into a Cask driven full of spikes, and so to have rolled him up and down till he had been dead, with divers the like, forged out of that holy (but bloody) Irish Inquisition. This foresaid Vicar General (who bragged he had had his oar in many Conspiracies before now) This party heard him often declaring the Decree of the Army, to be this, that seeing Drogheda had been offered Quarter, and refused it, they would kill man, woman and children of all the English Protestants, that by Easter day they hoped England should be theirs as well as this Kingdom; That they had a great party already, and were assured of some foreign assistance, whereby they would plague the Puritans in London, and have the education of the young Prince themselves, etc. Many treacheries were by this party revealed, which had been hatched by the like, within our own bowels: Many horrid Acts committed upon some of the Clergy, and other Protestants, whom after they had butchered, denied them burial, and suffered the swine to feed on them, making a mock of the greatest misery, and terming the most unpatterned cruelty the finest sport, in which none had their hands deeper than those of the very Pale, derived of the ancient English, only degenerated in matter of Religion. The lives of these Friars, not only in dicing, gaming, and cursing, whole nights, but also in drunkenness, whoring, committing of rapes, and such other lasciviousness, were so lewd, as is not fit for any chaste ear to be defiled with, and yet all their designs forsooth pretended under the cloak of holiness and Religion. Some other Prisoners (upon exchange of the like number of theirs) we received also out of the County of Cavan, by whom we were informed how the same evil spirit that reigned here, had possessed them there also, in their teacherous betraying such who had deserved so well of them, robbing, and utter undoing them, who had formerly saved their lives, which is too long to be crowded into this corner, only I cannot let pass their barbarous ingratitude to Bishop Bedell, the Bishop of Kilinore, who was so addicted to the Irish in favouring them, and preferring them above any others, that he incurred a censure from the best of his friends for it; yet this learned venerable Prelate of sixty eight years of age, whose gravity might have turned the edge of malice itself, did they put out of his house in the depth of winter, and enclosed him in a cold Castle in the midst of a Lough, manacled his sons before his face (which himself begged to have been so much honoured also) and having robbed him of all he had, (the Titular Popish Bishop taking possession of his books, and Manuscripts, which he prised most) at length he was removed to a poor house, within sight of his own, (where divers others of the poor English Protestants were by an honest charitable Minister of the Irish birth relieved) and there with grief and former miserable usage died, whom they could scarce be drawn to allow Christian burial (dying, saith the Popish Bishop, a Heretic) and so was laid in the outmost part of the Churchyard, as himself had desired. Such confidence yet had some of the religious persons of that County, of a good success, that an Abbot was heard to say in these terms, That he would not ask it of God in mercy, but in justice, that now if the Catholic cause did not thrive for his part, let the Devil take them, and their Religion ever after. But to return again to ourselves, with whom, by God's blessings, all things still prospereth in sallying out from one Quarter to another, to the death always of some of the Rebels, and without the loss of one of ours, sometimes twenty of our Musquetteers have adventured to take a drove of a hundred or sevenscore Cowes from as many score of the Rebels, lying in ditches upon advantages, and yet have cut them off by ten or twenty, put the rest to flight without the loss of any men or cattles; Nay, some of our Garrisons being not above sixscore horse and foot, when they have been informed of a thousand of them gathering and attempting to burn a Village near them, have made a party out, killed many, the rest flying, like the wicked, when no man pursued. Some threescore horse, and Dragoneers upon intelligence of some nests of Rebels lurking in divers bodies to the number of five hundred, have marched out seven or eight miles, killed one hundred of them, returned with a good drove of Cattles, fired thirty or forty of their lodgings, and all without the hurt of one man; As at Dundalke, (to whom we still bear an affectionate relation) the like we hear of daily, very usually, thus giving notice one to another, by such kind of fires, like Beacons, on the tops of hills, against a common enemy. Much of the like good service is daily done by our Garrisons, especially by my Lord Moor's foot company at Mellifont, under the command of Captain Constable, and at Bewly by some of Captain gibson's company, under the command of Lieutenant Greeneham: who let few days pass without reaping some of the Rebels heads. Many who were taken Prisoners, were so desperate, that being threatened to be hanged, made such haste, that they took ropes & hung themselves; or being upon the Ladder, threw themselves off. Not long ago Sir Henry Tichburne went with a party about four miles from thence, encompassed a Wood, where he was told Coll. Mac Bryan had lodged with some hundreds of his men, the night before killed about one hundred and fifty, burned the Country near, and without any damage. March the 25. my Lord Moor being certified of 1300. gathered to the Na●●●n under the Lord Gormans●ownes command, and there fortifying the Town, ten miles from us, marched very early with two hundred horse, and some Dragoneers, and Musquetteers (mounted on Garrons, for the quicker march) only to take a view of their strength, took a Scout with the Lord Gormanstownes own saddle-horse, drew up to the Gates within half Pistol shot, killed twenty of them, fired the Country under their noses, and all the way hitherwards, returned with abundance of Cows, and six hundred Sheep, and yet those who boast so much of the cause of God and Religion, and take themselves to die in the happiest estate of Martyrdom, had not so much faith or courage to make out upon us, and for many that had adventured out elsewhere, were found by some Charms * It is certain, that at the taking of the Newry, a Rebel being appointed to be shot upon the Bridge, and stripped sta●k naked, notwithstanding the Musquetteer stood within two yards of him, and shot him in the middle of the back, yet the Bullet entered not, nor did him any more hurt than leave a little black spot behind it. This many hundreds were eye-witnesses of, one of which of good trust hath related it to me. Divers of the like have I been confidently assured of, who have been provided of such diabolical charms as follow. thrust-free, (as they call it) who being knocked down, the point of a sword put upon their naked breasts, it could not be made to enter, or draw the least blood, which howsoever I was always slow of believing such fables, yet hearing it so often protested unto me by some Officers upon their own experience, I could not but listen to it. And for paper Charms, their Religion yields plenty of that fruit, and commends the confidence in them, as great evidences of devotion, some of which have come to my hands, one being lately taken, with some of those Rebels at Dundalke, and given me, I have here inserted the true Copy of, though, I believe, it deceived him who put his trust in it, and by the looks it seemed to have been much worn in the carriage. JESUS MARIA. ✚ ▿ This is the measure of the wound of the side of our Lord Jesus Christ which was brought from Constantinople unto the Emperor Charles within a Chest of Gold as a Relic most precious to that effect, that no envy might him take, and it hath such virtue that he or she that shall readit, or hear it read, or will bear it about them, that neither Fire, Water, Tempest, Knife, Lance, Sword, neither yet the Devil shall hurt them. And also any woman with child, the day that she seethe the said measure of the wound of our Lord, she shall not die any sudden death, in the time of her burden, but shall be delivered with less pain, and whatsoever they be that desire this about them in the way of Devotion, they shall not die any sudden death, and by the fight of meditation on this wound, they shall gain victory over their enemies; and further, care shall not damage them, and moreover, the day that he or she shall read it, or hear it read, they shall not die any evil death. And having thus stumbled upon these delusions, I shall give thee a view of one or two more, taken at the same place, both, as the former, delivered me by one of their own profession. IHS' outline of Our Lady's foot The measure of our Blessed Ladies Foot. Whosoever shall kiss it three times, and say three Ave maries devoutly, in honour and reverence of her, gaineth seventy years of pardon, and be delivered of many perils. Indulgences granted to the sacred grain of Saint Joan, being a name of the third order of our blessed Father Saint Frances, and was a most godly and virtuous Abbess, you must make no small account of them, for the Pope did grant very many Indulgences unto them, and to other grains, and medals; They contain the virtue of that grain carried by the Angel-keeper of Saint Joan unto Heaven, as hereafter you shall note by the testimony of our Saviour. They have special power against Devils, for they are forced to fly out of the bodies of men, and whosoever carrieth the said grain about him needs not to fear no evil. They contain a most powerful virtue against Wildfire, against the tempest of the Sea, and against all manner of infirmities incident to the soul and the body of man, and especially against the Fever, Pestilence, the Scab, the tentation of the Devil, and of Heresies, for they have the virtue of the Agnus Dei. These ensuing Indulgences were granted to these blessed grains by our Saviour and our blessed Lady, by the intercession of Saint Joan, who did impart the same unto the rest of her Sisters at the hour of her death; First say one Pater noster, and one Ave Maria, and you merit as many Indulgences as Rome affords that day. After your Confession and Remission, say ten Pater nosters and ten Ave Maria's in remembrance of the most precious blood of our Saviour; and you are as innocent from sin as when you came out of the Stone, (i. e. the Font) and if you say them for any soul in Purgatory, his sins are forgiven him. Our holy Father, Pope Adrian the third, and Pope Gregory the seventh, did grant unto the grain these Indulgences following. Say one Pater noster, one Ave Maria, Anima Chri. and Sal. Regina, you redeem three souls out of Purgatory; say the prayer of the Cross with one Creed, and you bring a soul out of Purgatory; say two Creeds when the Priest knocketh his breast at Mass, and you bring a soul out of Purgatory; Adore the Crucifix thirty three times, and you get remission of sins to thirty three souls; say the Creed thirty three times, and you merit as many Indulgences, as those that visit Saint Joan's Church. Confess and Repent on the feast of the transfiguration of our Lord, and at Easter, and say Anima Chri. and you obtain forgiveness of all your unperformed oaths; say certain prayers in the honour of the blessed Sacrament upon Christmas day, our Lady day, Saint Francis day, and Saint Cloars day, say Anima Christi, in honour of Christ's blood, upon Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and you get remission of all your sins, or the sins of any other that you pray for; adore the Cross upon Friday five times, and you bring five Souls out of Purgatory of your own kindred; believe verily and doubt not, that whosoever carrieth any part or parcel of these holy grains about him, shall never miscarry. Anima Christi, sanctifica me, etc. This sacred grain, ye see, is a Catholicon, good for all diseases, preserves from all manner of evil, incident to soul as body, especially from the temptation of the devil and heresy, but yet not their feet from being so swift to shed innocent blood, their hands from theft, their tongues from lying, and such like, which are near enough a kin to the Devil. This grain being steeped one quarter of an hour, in a hotchpotch of Ave-maries, Cross prayers, and such like ingredients, the virtue descends as low as purgatory, the next door to hell, absolves you from perjury, and if you have any part or parcel of these grains about you, you cannot miscarry. These medicines if they were common, would surely undo all our Physicians, and Chirurgeons, and (as one would think) prove a great hindrance to their very Priests, whose craft (like Demetrius the Silver Smith) would be in danger to be set at naught. Some formal conveyances of all the spiritual goods of the Friar minors, and the Nuns of Saint Clare, to some Gent. Our neighbours as a means of preserving them here, and saving them hereafter, i. e. a conferring unto them the merits of their Masses, Prayers, Fasts, Preach, Readins, Meditations, Devotions, etc. in some requital of their Alms to them, drawn up under the hand and Seal of the Provincial, Anno 1640. with divers others such delusions (which to us they would not be known) the Originals have come to my hands, but I will not glut thee with any more of them. These fond scrolls the silly people prize as pearls, but if they found a Bible of ours in English, how basely would they use it, burning was the best end, that came to all they laid hands on, as the like was the destiny of all other Books of that nature, with which some of the owners were more grieved then for the loss of their goods. Nay, some Libraries of the Clergy made a prey of; they were so violent, that as Herod, to have been the surer of the death of our Saviour killed his own Child amongst those Innocents' at Betheleem, so they burned abundance of their own Authors also, without distinction, where at first search, they found but any of ours. By the death of so many men about us, having their houses, and all their provision either burnt or drawn hither, the dogs only surviving, are found very usually (like that judgement upon Jesabell, for the murder of Naboth) feeding upon their Masters, which taste of Man's flesh, made it very dangerous for the Passengers in the roads, who have been often set upon by those Mastiffs, till we were as careful to kill them also. Not long after this, my Lord Conway with the Scotch Forces, to the number of about three thousand advanced from Knock●f●rgus, as fare as the Newry, eight miles beyond Dund●●ke, took the Town upon Composition of giving them their lives that were in the Castle, which was the rather yielded to, for Sir Edward trevor's sake, an ancient grave Privy Counsellor of this Kingdom, than Prisoner within it, who else by a battery, or the baseness of those varlets might have been● endangered. This news put the Rebels about Armagh, some sixteen miles from thence, into such a fright as they presently fired the Country, killed most of the English remaining, burned all the houses and the Corn, and fled to Dunganon, in the County of Tyrone. For the Town of Armagh (Sir Phe●emy O Neile being there himself) they burned down every house and Crete in it, burned the fair Cathedral (which they had made their Masse-house hitherto) and the Steeple, so that the Bells dropped down, the cruel murders they committed were it in any other Country would be incredible, about a dozen of the English clapped up in the lower Goal, they took out of the Town and butchered them; in the upper room, where the better sort were, and some of the Clergy, they set fire to it, intending to have burnt them in it, but they broke open the door, two of which escaped, the rest were followed, and murdered. An old grave man, one Master Starkey, of above fourscore years of age, Master of the Free-school of Armagh, whom I kn●w to be an innocent harmless man, and had been Sewer to Queen Elizabeth, they took him with his two Daughters, and at Bla●ke-water, not fare from thence, stripped them and drowned them, some few escaping from thence hither, have filled our ears with such horrid, and barbarous acts, as I am loath to conclude with them, and indeed they are so many, that they would make a book of themselves. Yet one particular I cannot omit, as a just judgement of God upon him who was the Author and prime Actor in the burning the Church of Armagh, who three or four days after run stark mad, and so died within the week. Not long after these, came other prisoners to us, escaped out of the County of Cavan (June the first) with their mouths full of the like stories, where abundance of our neighbours here, have been compelled to take Sanctuary, who (though of the ancient English, yet) are reported to be more set upon cruelty then the mere Irish. There, upon the hearing of that news of the Scotch, having the Command of the Castle of Knockefergus, the Newry and others, they began again to revive among the common Soldiers, their former imaginary hopes, that the Scotch were sent to take their parts, which they were so credulous of, that upon that ground they freely dismissed Captain Bayly with his wife, his Lieutenant and some others of that Nation, conveying them to the Newry, (a long journey, and so they came hither) only taking this Oath of them: that They should but d●e as the rest of the Scotch there did; which, howsoever the Rebel's meaning was an Assistance of them, yet they there found they must be perjured, unless (according to the practice of their Country men thereabouts) they killed men, women, and children. The same Treaty they were about with the rest of the Scotch in the County of Cavan, which if effected accordingly, the Rebels shall very charitably bind them in a stricter obligation to cut their throats then else of themselves they might be prone unto. Many Regiments are now landed; and more ready at the water s●de; great preparations are making for a March into the field, with which none are more pleased than some of ours, who have been thus long cooped up in this besieged Town; with the good news of which thou mayest expect to be refreshed daily, and before the conclusion of this Summer, there is hope of producing some good issue, out of these beginnings in a just revenge of the blood of so many thousand Christians, so causelessly shed by these barbarous Rebels. FINIS.