THE answer AND VINDICATION of Sir WILLIAM Coal Knight and colonel (presented to the Right honourable the Lords and others the Committee of both kingdoms, and by them sent to be reported to the Honourable the Commons house of Parliament of England at Westminster) unto a Charge given in by Sir Frederick Hamilton Knight, to the said Committee, against the said Sir Will: Cole.  
Wherein also will appear, how frivolous, the aspersions are, which were endeavoured to be cast upon the said Sir William, and his Regiment, in a Pamphlet set forth in Anno Dom. 1643. Declaring the Services of the said Sir Frederick. Which chiefly occasioned this Answer from the press.  

To the Right Honourable the Lords and others the Committee of both kingdoms.  
The Information of Sir Frederick Hamilton Knight and Collone, against Sir William Cole Knight.  
showing:  
FIrst, That the said Sir William Cole had notice of the intended Plots of the Irish to break out into Rebellion above a fortnight before the Rebels took up arms, as it is generally given out in Jreland; and yet did neither timely inform the State, nor his Neighbours for to prevent the mischief and to defend themselves.  
II. That having a Commission from his Maejesty to be a colonel only of five Companies of Foot, he notwithstanding taketh on nine Companies, making them believe, as if he had Commission for a Thousand. And when he had made use of their Service near a year and a half, when provisions were sent him by the Parliament, whereof they expected a share, he cashiered four of the most deserving captains and their Companies of purpose to gain all the said Provisions to himself and his son in law Deane Barkley, who was his Agent to the Parliament for those provisions.  
III. About the beginning of the Rebellion, there were two English Papist whose surnames were Hetherington, who joined themselves with the Rebels, and plundered one sergeant Abrels house, a Tenant unto Sir Frederick, and afterwards burned the House, which was certified to Sir William Cole by Sir Frederick, with the Depositions of certain witnesses proving the same fact: and it was desired that Sir William Cole would make them sure for justice, they being then daily employed by him, which he refused to do, aleadging that they had done good service to him and afterward suffered them to escape.  
IV. That whereas Sir Frederick Hamilton had taken one Robert Park, one that complied with the Rebels and had him in custody a year and more, and had likewise gained the Command of his Castle, which was of great advantage and service to the Parliament; and by means whereof, the said Sir Frederick did daily much spoil and annoy the Rebels: The said Sir William Cole knowing the consequence thereof, and how well affected the said Park stood unto the Rebels, on a time after that horrid Cessation concluded with the Rebels, and when he knew that Sir Frederick himself, his Wife and children were gone for London-Derry, some sixty miles from Mannor-hamilton: The said Sir William Cole, upon the Marquis of Ormond's commands, sends his ensign with 40. Musquetiers unto Sir Frederick's said Garrison, and by permission of the said Sir Frederick's Lieutenant, who commanded in his absence, and corresponded with him as it should seem, he took away the said Park. And whereas he was by the said Order to have conveyed him unto London-Derry, and so to Dublin, he first feasted him at his Castle, and then returned him back amongst the Rebels, who received him with all gladness, and after they had rejoiced a while together, they go along with him to Dublin, where afterwards he procures an Order of the State for restitution of his Castle with whatsoever arms and goods were in it; which he accordingly obtained in Sir Frederick's absence: Which he and the Rebels now make good against the Parliament, to the great prejudice of the Parliaments service, and the danger and hazard of all those parts of Conaght. And this done, albeit, the said Sir William Cole, well knew that Sir Frederick had refused to deliver the said Prisoner upon several Orders and Commands, sent unto him by the said Marquis for that purpose, as well knowing the said Park to be an utter Enemy to the Parliament here and their proceedings. And one for whom the Lord Viscount Taaffe (that arch-rebel) had by his Letters solicited the said Sir Frederick for his delivery.  
V. That the said Sir William Cole did in the month of February next after the said Cessation, apply himself unto the Marquis of Ormond, who then and long before was declared an Enemy to the Parliament. And complained against the said Sir Frederick and his soldiers to the said Marquis, for taking of a prey from the Rebels; which Rebels the said Sir William Cole had then protected: and gained an Order from the said Marquis for restitution thereof, which notwithstanding was disobeyed.  
VI. That before the said Cessation the said Sir William Cole corresponded with the Rebels, and took 100 of them at the least into his Protection, and formed them into a Company consisting of a captain and Officers; and employed them for some time with the rest of his Regiment, who did him service in getting of preys, but did great disservice unto the State, in giving Intelligence against all the British of their proceedings; and more particularly did much grieve and offend Sir Frederick's Garrison at Mannor-hamilton, who at the last took their opportunity and turned Rebels again.  
The said Sir Frederick could inform many other particular Omissions and disservices which the said Sir William Cole hath committed in this time of his employment, since the Rebellion began in Jreland: which because they do concern himself in a more near relation, he shall therefore forbear to mention. And the said Sir Frederick is ready to justify himself in whatsoever that any man can object against him, And humbly prayeth, that this honourable Committee will not think the worse of him, for discharging his duty to God and the State, by the informing of these Miscarriages, which in Conscience he holds himself bound to relate in pursuance of his solemn League and Covenant.  
Frederick Hamilton.   

To the Right Honourable the Lords and others the Committees of both kingdoms.  
The humble Answer of Sir WILLIAM Coal Knight and colonel, to the Information of Sir Frederick Hamilton Knight, exhibited against him to your Lordships, the 26. of December, 1644.  

1. FOr answer to the first Article, he saith; That he had no certain notice of the intended Plots of the Irish to break out into Rebellion as is suggested by the Informer; But saith, that upon the Eleventh of October, 1641. Bryan mac Coconaght Magwire Esquire, and one Flartagh mac Hugh, informed him of some jealousies and suspicions, that they then apprehended of some evil Intentions and practices of the Lord Magwire, Sir Phelem roe O neil, neil mac Kennay, Hugh oge mac Mahon, & others of the Irish Gentry of Ulster, of which he gave advertisement by his Letter to the than Lords justices and council of Ireland with all possible speed; Also intimating his desires, that their Lordships would be so pleased to take that matter into their serlous consideration, as that they would strictly Examine the said Lord Magwire and others of his Complices concerning the same, who he understood were shortly after to be at Dublin; which Letter or a copy thereof this Respondent understands, was transmitted by their Lordships to the Parliament of England, and remains with the clerk of the honourable House of Commons, and was one of the chiefest Evidences and motives (upon the Discovery made by Owin O Connallie) to induce the State to be upon their Guard, and also of the apprehension of the Lord Magwire, Hugh oge mic Mahon, Coconaght Magwire, Redmond Magwire, Tirlagh oge mac Hugh, and others of their consorts in Dablin, the 23 of October, 1641. or thereabouts. And for proof of this advertisement he can produce their lordship's letter in answer of his, which he received before the Rebellion broke out. And further saith, that upon the 21 of October, 1641. the said Plot being more fully discovered unto him, by the said Flartagh mic Hugh, by Direction from the said Bryan Magwire, and by one Fargus O Howen, how the Rebellion was to break out universally by the Irish on the 23 of that month. He not only posted away a Messenger with a second letter to signify the same unto the said Lords justices and council (which was intercopted 
* Notice was given of this Rebellion, from the Respondent to Sir Frederick Hamilton at London. Derry the 22. of October, 1641. by Francis Barnaby.  by the way at Laghramar,) but also the same Day hastened eighteen Messengers with so many Letters, to notify the same to his Neighbours at Monea, castle-balfour, Newtowne, Newpurtton, Lowtherstowne, Archdale, Bowssland, Clogher, Glasslogh and elsewhere, as far as in so short and Distracted a time he could possibly do, being fully busied to draw his Neighbours and Tenants together, and to arm and put them into a posture of war, for the Defence of the Castle and town of Iniskillin, and the parts thereabouts; and amongst others did then direct particular advertisement thereof to be given unto manor hamilton (where the Rebellion broke not out in a month after) and of which the Informer could not afterwards be ignorant, though he himself was then absent; and certainly of all men hath least reason to lay this as a crime to the Respondents charge, had he not wanted other matter.   

II.  
2. To the second article he answereth. That the Commission therein mentioned (as he hath heard) was the first ground of the Informers envy and discontent, not only against this Respondent, but also against all the other British Colloness then in Ulster, that received Commissions from His Majesty at that time for the raising of their Regiments and prosecuting of the Rebels, taking it in great disdain, that there was not the like Commission then sent unto him; whereas for aught this Respondent could ever hear, none of the said colonels knew any certainty of the said Commissions, until they were brought unto them, neither did this Respondent receive his said Commission until almost a year after the Rebellion began (at which time he gave notice thereof unto all his captains) for that (during the greatest part of that year) he was so enclosed on all sides with multitudes of the Enemies (being above forty miles distant from any that were able to give him relief) that he could not receive any intelligence how the state of the Protestants of that kingdom stood, in any part thereof, though he had often used his best endeavours to gain the same to his exceeding great charges, and the hanging of twelve or fourteen of his Messengers, by the Rebels. And the said Informer finding this Respondent next unto him, and conceiving him easiest to be dealt withal, hath ever since used his uttermost endeavours by invective Calumnies, to asperse and undervalue both him and his actions, which he hath ever envied, so that by extolling his own unknown services, he laboureth as much as in him lieth to eclipse those well known services performed by this Respondent, and all other the Commanders and Officers in Ulster and Conaught; And this Respondent further saith that by virtue of a Commission from the Lords justices and council of Jreland to him directed, at the beginning of the said Rebellion, for raising, Arming and Banding all the British within the County of Fermanaugh, he (with the help of his friends) raised, Armed, and Banded the nine Companies in the said second Article specified, together with a troop of horse, by virtue whereof also, he might have raised, Armed and banded as many of the British as he could have drawn together for their own mutual defence, and prosecution of the Rebels, by whose assistance (and God's great blessings) sundry good services have been performed, whereof this Respondent did often give intimation, both to the Honourable Parliament, and to the Lords justices and council of Jreland, Humbly desiring that in reward of their good services they might be listed into the Parliaments pay, and Regimented under his Command. But inasmuch as he could not obtain tha● favour by reason of the troubles then here, though earnestly solicited by his friends, and that but 500 of his Foot and his troop was inlisted and taken into the Parliaments pay, from the first of July 1642. As appears by Order of the 21 of that month, and Provisions of clothes and Victuals being only sent for them, upon the solicitation of his Agent Master Robert Barcklay, this Respondent was constrained to deliver out the said clothes unto the Officers and soldiers of the said five Companies, (not being able to divide the said 500 suits amongst 900 men) vizt. unto his own Company, his lieutenant colonels, his sergeant Majors, to the Company of captain John Cole and to the Company of captain Hugh Rosse, of whom three are Scottish Officers, and whom without prejudice to the others merit, he conceived very deserving of the employment. Offering at the very same time to the other four captains, and their companies an equal dividend of all other provisions sent him then by the Parliament, and of what spoils they could get from the Rebels, if they would continue with him in the service; promising also to use his best endeavours to have them taken into pay, and added to his Regiment. But the clothes being thus divided (which could not be otherwise) the said four Companies were so discontented, that of their own accords they disbanded themselves and went to seek their fortunes elsewhere, and yet the greatest part of their best and ablest men, were persuaded to continue in the Garrison. So that this Respondent denieth, that he did cashier four of the said captains and their companies, of purpose to gain all the said provisions to himself and his son in Law Master Barcklay, as is suggested by the Informer, but was so far from doing so dishonest an act, that during the stay of the said four captains and their Companies in the Garrison; they received an equal and proportionable share of the Victuals sent by the Parliament unto his five Companies only, and moreover, he then, and about that time did procure upon the credit and Obligations of himself and his friends, worth 1300. l. more in corn and other provisions for his said five Companies and troop, besides those provisions before mentioned to be sent them from the Parliament, without which care and charge it was impossible for him to keep his soldiers together, and to do service for the public, in a remote Garrison, environed then with Rebels on all sides.   

III.  
3. To the third Article this Respondent saith, that one James Dunbarre Esquire, son and heir of Sir John Dunbarre Knight (whose Lands with a good-Yron work thereon, lies next adjoining, to part of the Lands of the Informer, whose desire to intrude upon and gain their Rights to himself (as they often affirmed to this Respondent) begot much contention amongst them, (as it did between him and all others also who were his landed Neighbours) which bred such malice in the heart of the Informer against the said James, that he not only exceedingly thirsted after his life, but after the Lives also of his two servants the Hetheringtons, in the said Article mentioned, (not Papists as therein is surmised) but then, and now Protestants, who as well to shun the malice of the Informer, as the fury of the Rebels, came with his said father unto this Respondent in December 1641. Who entrusted the said James with the custody of the Castle of Lissgole near Iniskillin, with 74 persons with him, where he was assaulted the 18. of December 1641. or thereabouts, by a powerful party of the Enemy under the conduct of Rorie Maguire, Brother of the Lord Maguire▪ who then took and burned the said Castle, and massacred all that were in it, except the said James Dunbarre, whom the Rebels kept in Prison, until May or June 1642, at which time he made an Escape, and came again (accompanied with the said two Hetheringtons) unto this Respondent where the said Hetheringtons, went to Church, and did many good and acceptable services, behaving themselves honestly and valiantly in all that time, and as he is informed, or both together with their Master at this time in the service of this Honourable Parliament, under general Major Monroe (whose Kinsman the said James Dunbarre is) And where he and his said men are ready to answer aught the Informer can lay to their charge, but this Respondent saith, that he never knew, or heard, that the said Hetheringtons, joined themselves with the Rebels, or plundered the said sergeant Abrels house, or afterward burned it, neither was their any proof thereof, made by the said Abrel, or any witnesses upon Oath or otherwise produced before the Respondent, neither did he deem it requisite upon the bare Letters of the Informer, (knowing his malice towards them for their Master's sake) to commit them to Prison where they might have starved, for want of sustenance, neither did he suffer them, as felons or Traitors to escape, for that they in the service did destroy divers Rebels, and traitors, whilst they remained at Iniskilling under this Respondents command.   

iv.  
4 To the fourth Article of the said Information, this Respondent sayeth, that upon the First of July 1642. or thereabouts, the said Informer having a design upon the Town of Sligoe, about ten miles from his house, marched to the Castle of Robert Park Esquire, in the said Article mentioned, an English Protestant, and a justice of Peace, which before the Rebellion was possessed of an estate of about 1000 l. a year, and one that was of very good repute and esteem, amongst his neighbours, and who (as this Respondent hath been often Informed by credible persons) had (to the best of his power) opposed the Rebels, in the beginning of that Rebellion, without complying or any way corresponding with them. And under colour of going forward with that design, procured the said Master Park with 30, or 40 of his soldiers to accompany him to Sligoe, and when they came near the said Town, both Master Parcks' soldiers and those of the Informers entered the Suburbs thereof, and having burned some few houses in it, and received some British Protestants, that escaped unto them from the Rebels, they brought them unto the Informer where he stood aloof, with the said Mr. Park, two of the said rescued Protestants, namely John Wetherspin the Father, and James Wetherspin his son, both Scotchmen, were questioned by the Informer; wherefore they were amongst the Rebels. The Father answered, that by reason of his age (being about 70 years old or upwards) and that he was sick and Bedridden three months before, he could not get away, but lived upon the alms of the people; Whereupon one of the Informers servants told him, that this old man was formerly Tenant to one John Waldrome Esquire, (a Gentleman that had an estate near the Informers lands in that Country) and had borne witness upon Oath on his landlords part in matter of title of Land against the Informer, by means 
* Note, that this John Wetherspin, conceived to have been the Father, was not the man the said Sir Frederick shot as aforesaid, yet was hanged by him, but it was another old sick bedridden Scotshman that was so shot and killed by him in manner aforesaid.  whereof the cause was Decreed for Mr. Waldrom against the Informer, or matter to that purpose. Upon which (without using any more words) he shot and killed the poor decrepit old man, which was the first, and last man the Informer killed with his own hands since the Rebellion began in Ireland, as some of his own servants and soldiers affirmed. Whereupon being informed by James Wetherspin the son that the Forces of the County of Sligoe, were upon their March to join with the O Roirkes, for to trouble Mannor-hamilton, he together with Mr. Parcks and both their Companies, hastened back to Mr. parcks' house, where at the importunity of the Informer (as this Respondent hath been credibly informed) he got the said Mr. Park and his Company (for the better Guard of him and his men) to accompany him to Mannor-hamilton. And although in the way they were heard beset by the Rebels, insomuch as the Informer in a bog was unhorsed, and his Horse with Furniture and Pistols taken by the Rebels, by whom he had been then slain or taken, if by the care and valour of the said Mr. Park and some of his soldiers he had not been horsed again and brought off. Yet when they had escaped that danger and were come to the Informers house (as this Respondent hath credibly heard) he took the said James Wetherspin (for having formerly witnessed with his Father against him as aforesaid) and twisted a Cord with a wrinch about his Head so hard, that his blood streamed forth of his 
* Note, that there were suits depending both in Ireland and in England, between Sir Frederick Hamilton, and the said James Wetherspin, some years before the Rebellion. And that the said Wetherspin, being served in Ireland with a Command, Dated the 14. of January 1640. under the hand of the Speaker of the House of Commons of England, at the instance of the said Sir Frederick; he appeared here in London, 7. April 1641. Where having attended the House to answer Sir Frederick's complaint until the 20. of September 1641. And (not being able longer to stay) be returned into Ireland, where the said Sir Frederick became his judge and Executioner, as in this Answer is declared.  ears, Eyes, Nose, and mouth; In which tortures he continued him during his pleasure, and then easing him of that, did cast him into a Dungeon, where he continued him languishing for hunger from Thursday until the Wednesday following: And did cruelly punish a poor Scotshwoman, which in pity did cast him an handful of oatmeal under the door, which the miserable man, did lick with his Tongue from the Dirt, his hands and feet being fast tied together with cords or Withes; and upon the Wednesday following caused him to be Hanged. Who at the beginning of the Rebellion, with a Horse, Sword, and Fowling piece, came to him, offering his service against the Rebels, from whom notwithstanding he took the said Horse and arms, commanding him to be gone out of his Garrison, and that if he did not, he would Hang him, or if ever he got him again, he would be his Death; which he faithfully performed, as aforesaid.  
And also upon the Informers entrance into his Castle, he made exceeding shows of welcome to the said Mr. Park, whilst in the interim, he caused all his soldiers to be Disarmed, and they put in restraint in several lower rooms in his house; and then when he perceived no danger of opposition, he arrested the said Mr. Park, charging him with Treason, and committed him close Prisoner, where he detained him in Durance the space of a year and upwards, without suffering any man, except sergeant Major James Galbraith to speak unto him, which was but once, and that upon much importunity; whose extreme misery, was lamentably bewailed by all the men that were in that Garrison. And then he not only seized upon and kept his Castle of Newtowne, putting a Guard of his own into it, but also Plundered, and converted to his own use, all his Money, Plate, arms, householdstuff, Bedding, Furniture, and all other his goods whatsoever, which he had then as well without as within Doores there, not suffering his soldiers to come out of Restraint, or use their own arms, until he had unlawfully compelled them, to take an Oath to serve as soldiers under his only Command. By reason whereof, the said Mr. Park was utterly disabled to perform far greater and much more advantageous Services in every degree in that place for this honourable Parliament against the Rebels, than ever the Informer did, or could do there, as this Respondent hath been credibly informed, as well by the Testimony of sundry other honest men, as by the said Mr. Park himself.  
Whereupon Sir Edward Povie Knight, whose Daughter was the Wife of the said Mr. Park, together with others his Friends (being advertised of his extreme hard usage) Petitioned the Lords justices and council of Ireland, for his removal to Dublin, to answer such matters as the Informer had to lay to his charge, and entered into Recognizance of 10000 l. for his appearance, upon which their Lordships by Order dated in May 1643, or thereabouts, required the Informer, to set the said Park at liberty, to be sent either to captain Folliot to Ballyshannon, or unto this Respondent to Jniskillin, together with the matters that he had to object against him. That so he might be conveyed by them, or one of them to Londonderry, to be sent from thence to Dublin. But the Informer (notwithstanding the said Order was showed unto him) denied obedience thereunto. And detained the said Park still in durance, until his said friends procured several Orders commanding his enlargement, yet nothing would prevail to that effect with him, until that about the beginng of September 1643, captain King coming with a troop of horse from Conaght into Ulster, about some business he had with Sir William Stuart, and Sir Robert Stuart, he came about the 13 of that month to Jniskillin unto this Respondent, who sent his ensign with 50 Musquettiers to guard the said troop to the Abbey of Boyle in Conaght, which is about 40 miles from Iniskillin, who were so far from knowing, or allowing of the said Cessation mentioned in the said fourth Article, that they fought with and killed some Rebels in the pass of Ballinafadd, and took a pr●y from thence to the Boyle, whence upon return of the said ensign, he came to manor Hamillon in his way, where he delivered a letter from this Respondent, to Lieutenant Lesley, the Informers lieutenant, it being direc●d to the Informer, or in his absence to the Officer in chief at manor Hamilton, with an Order of the copy of an Order which the Respondent received from the said captain Foliot in it directed also as aforesaid, from the Lords justices and council of Jreland, for the enlargement of the said Park; to be sent to Iniskilin or Ballyshannon, which this Respondent left to his choice to do, or not to do, as best pleased the Informer or his said Officer; who sent the said Park along with the said ensign, and because he was sensible of the great misery which he had wrongfully sustained by his captain's severity, he delivered to the said Master Park, two of his own horses, with some other little help toward his charges, as the said Park told this Respondent when he came to Iniskillin, before which time, this Respondent was never acquainted with him, neither did this Respondent know, or ever heard, that he was affected to the Rebels, neither did he know any manner of certainty, of the concluding of the Cessation with the said Rebels, until he received advertisement together with a Proclamation to that effect, from the Lords justices and council of Ireland the 23 of October 1643 or thereabouts, nor did he or could he obey the said Cessation before or since that day, neither did he take any notice, whether the Informer or his wife and children were gone to London-derry, Neither was the marquess of Ormond at that time, Lord justice, Lord Deputy, or Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, nor did this Respondent receive any such Commands from his Lordship, to send to the Informer, as in the said fourth Article is surmised, neither did this Respondent look for, or expect any indirect corresponding from the Informers Lieutenant.  
And this Respondent saith, That as a Prisoner and poor distressed Englishman his Countryman (being under bail and mainprize as aforesaid) he gave some entertainment unto the said Park, for some few weeks in his house, far short of feasting as the Informer terms it, and not finding safety to convey him by the nearest way to Dublin, He sent a guard together with one Henry Langford, and other English and Scotchmen with him, to manor Hamilton again, where he heard he was lodged for a Night, and where the Informer or his Officer might have detained him if they pleased. But from thence he was conveyed, by the said Langford and others to the Abbey of Boyle, whence after he recovered of a fever (whereof he had almost died) he repaired to Dublin, and according to the condition of his said friends Recognizance, appeared before the Lords justices and council at the council Board there, where how he was proceeded withal this Respondent knowoth not, Neither did this Respondent return him back amongst the Rebels, neither doth he know whether any of them did accompany him to Dublin, neither doth this Respondent believe that the state there would grant him an Order for Restitution of his Castle, with whatsoever arms or Goods were in it, unless it appeared to them, that he was wrongfully expulsed by the Informer. And this Respondent saith, that he heard, that by virtue of such Order of the State, the said Castle was restored unto him; and that he keeps it, as the rest of the British Forces in Conaght doth their Holds for the Parliament service. For upon the 25 of March last past (as this Respondent hath been informed,) The said Park his soldiers of Newtowne, with the Informers soldiers, did spoil and prey the Rebels at Dromaheare, within six miles of Castle-hamilton, and two miles of Master Parcks' Castle of Newtowne, so as the Informers alogation, that he and the Rebels makes good that Castle against the Parliament, to the prejudice of the Parliaments service, and the danger and hazard of all those parts of Conaght, is merely surmised, invented, and devised, of purpose (as this Respondent conceives) to make him odious on the one side, that the Informer may thereby the better work his malice against him, and on the otherside, to bring the said Master Park into the displeasure of the Parliament, whereby he may make way to gain his Estate.  
And this Respondent further saith, that he never knew, or heard of any Orders or Commands, sent unto the Informer, by the said marquess of Ormond, to the said Master Park, neither did he know, or doth believe the said Park to be an utter enemy to the Parliament or their proceedings, nor doth he know, neither doth it concern him, whether the Lord Viscount Taaffe, did by his Letters solicit the Informer for the delivery of the said Park. But this Respondent doth believe in his conscience that if the said Park had but 1000 l. in the world, he would give 500 l. of it to be here now, to be a most humble suitor to this honourable Parliament for remedy against the said Informer, for these and many other intolerable wrongs, and high oppressions done him by the said Informer. And this Respondent humbly craveth leave, to declare further the behaviour of the said Informer, towards Thomas Abbertromy Esquire, a Protestant and principal undertaker in that Plantation, and sometimes high sheriff of that County, whose Estate there bordered upon the Informers, within a mile of his Castle, whom he also Imprisoned, and kept in miserable durance, for a long time, out of the malice which in particular he bore to himself, and also unto his Father in law Sir John Dunbarre Knight, and James Dunbarre Esquire, his brother in law, not suffering any to wash his linen, but was necessitated, with his own hands, to wash his shirts, in his own urine. And at length being set at liberty, the poor Gentleman with his wife and children came (in great want of all necessaries) to Iniskillin to this Respondent, who used means to relieve them until he conveyed them towards his native Country of Scotland.  
And further this Respondent saith, that (as he hath been credibly Informed by divers honest Protestants, who well knew the Informers evil carriages, to those that were under his command, and more especially to the Protestants that fled from Sir John Dunbarres Iron works to his house for safeguard of their lives) the Informer compelled many of them (without sending guards or convoys with them) to depart from his Garrison, insomuch, as by their endeavouring to travel 20 miles over Mountainous ways towards Iniskillin, many of them were murdered in their journey by the Rebels. And in particular twelve or fourteen persons at one time, and divers of them famished through hunger and cold, which will be proved by sundry men and women of the same Companies, whose fortune it was (through God's Providence) to escape those dangers. And are now resident partly under this Respondent at Iniskillin, and others of them dispersedly dwelling amongst other Reglments, in Ulster and elsewhere.   

V.  
5. To the fifth Article this Respondent saith, that he did not know in the month of February, after the said Cessation, whether or no the said Lord marquess of Ormond, was Lord lieutenant of Jreland; nor whether he was declared an Enemy to the Parliament, not did he hear any other then that he was gracious and acceptable unto the Parliament, until this Respondent was now upon his journey to London, and sayeth that after concluding of the said Cessation (which how acceptable it was to the Parliament, this Respondent being so remote, understood not) He by virtue of a Commission dated in November or December 1641. from Sir William Parsons and Sir John Borlace then Lords justices of Ireland, and the council there, did upon the 29 of baptistry 1643 or thereabouts, receive Tirlagh Og Mac Gawran, and some followers of his, being Inhabitants of the Barony of Tallag●aph in the County of Cavan, together with their goods into protection, appointing them some quarters to dwell and graze upon, near Iniskillin, until directions to the contrary should come from the Parliament, and that upon agreement, that they should pay 70. I. in Money or Victuals by a time limited, towards the better subsistence of the shoulders of this Respondents Regiment, for the preserving of that Garrison, whose provisions being then near spent, had no hopes to be supplied by the State there, and as little expectation to be furnished in due time from hence, and the said protected men having delivered in one of their Kinsmen unto this Respondent, to remain in Prison at Iniskillin in pledge as well for their Loyalties during their continuance upon the said Protection, as the paying of the said Contribution, and performing other duties, conformable to their agreement, gathered their goods from remote parts, and upon the second of February 1643 or thereabouts, were coming tothe quarters assigned to them by this Respondent, but by the way the soldiers of the Informer, incountering them, declared that they were in want of victuals in their Garrison, and although they would forbear to kill them (for so far they agreed to the said Protection) yet they would and must borrow some cows from them upon ticket, to be paid by the State, out of their entertainment, and thereupon took from them 3 or 400 cows, whereof their Officers at Mannor-hamilton (upon the mediation of the Respondents lieutenant colonel) caused the greatest part to be restored again unto the said owners, but refused to deliver the rest. Of which (upon the next occasion that this Respondent had to write to Dublin) at the request of the said owners, he gave intimation unto the than Lords justices and council and thereupon, the said Lord marquess being newly then, Lord lieutenant of Ireland, did by his Warrant command, not only the restoring of the refidue of the said goods unto the owners, but withal required better correspondency to be observed for the future between the Officers and soldiers of the Informer, and those of Jniskillin, and not to clash or jar between themselves, but whether the said latter Order was obeyed as touching the restitution of the said Goods, this Respondent knoweth not, and sayeth that the Officers and soldiers of the said Garrisons, not in obedience to that Order, but of their own mutual accords (have ever since the Informer left those parts) lived in better amity, than ever they did, or could do, whilst he continued there amongst them: nevertheless this Respondent sayeth, that by reason of that impediment, offered by the Informers soldiers as aforesaid, this Respondent and his soldiers lost the benefit of that bargain to the great prejudice of that Garrison.  
And sayeth further, that the Informer or his Officers, received into his Protection (by what authority this Respondent could never yet understand) one Owin, or James Mac Murrey, Margaret Ny Cabe, and sundry other Rebels of the County of Letrym, and kept them and their goods upon his own Lands of Glanfear●e near his Garrison in that County, which will be proved by Certificate and sundry Letters of the date of January 1643. under the hand of his own lieutenant and others.   

VI.  
To the sixt Article, this Respondent denyeth that ever he corresponded with the Rebels as by the said Informer is therein suggested, but saith that by virtue of the aforesaid Commission from the Lords justices and council of Ireland, he did receive into Protection one Bryan mac Coconaght mac Gwire Esquire, with 40 or 50 of his friends, Servants and Tenants who had some Goods of their own to live opon, taking Pledges from some of them for assurance of their loyalties, which Protection this Respondent humbly conceiveth was lawful for him to grant unto the said Bryan Magwire for the Reasons following, vizt.  
First, for that upon the 21 of October 1641. he discovered unto this Respondent by Flartagh mac Hugh afore-named, the purpose of the Irish to rise into Rebellion upon Friday and Saturday, the 22. and 23 of October aforesaid, advising him and all the English and Scottish Protestants in the town of Iniskillin, and County of Farmanagh, to be carefully upon their Defence; which this Respondent acknowledgeth was (by God's mercy and providence) the principal Motive that prevented the murdering of this Respondent, and of all those Protestants that escaped that bloody Massacre thereabouts.  
Secondly, for that the said Bryan did refuse to join in any Action with the Rebels, denying to enter into their oaths of Confederacy and association against the Protestants, for which he was in great danger to be cut off by them.  
Thirdly, for that he preserved under his own Protection divers of the British Nation, Protestants which together with several of their goods he brought safe to Iniskillin, when he was so received into Protection, as Ambrose Carleton, Richard Irwing, Gawan Bettic, & many others.  
Fourthly, for that by receiving him, being an eminent man of Ulster, and allied unto many Noble families, (both in Scotland and Ireland) It exceedingly abated the fury and courage of the Rebels, and distracted their Consultations in those Parts, and wholly disjoined the Forces of the Rebels in that County, by dividing themselves into factions; and no less disheartened those of the next adjoining Counties, which in that interim, and for a long time actor did abundantly advantage and further the public Service.  
Fiftly, for that in further Evidence of his loyalty to the English crown and Government, he presented a Letter unto this Respondent, which came unto him from Owin mac Artt O Neille (Uncle of the Lord Magwire, and general of the Rebels in Ulster) who lately before, arrived in Ireland, with Men, arms, and Ammunition, out of West Flanders, which Letter is as followeth, viz.  
To our loving and dear cousin Bryan mac Coconaght Magwire.  
Loving cousin,  
KNow that I am arrived at this Harbour, nine or ten days past, whether I sent before me as much Ammnuition as i deemed needful to answer the Necessity of this Country: and that I have here now, Men and Provisions such as (by the leave of God) will give great Comfort and succour unto this whole kingdom. But beloved cousin, I am given to understand that (notwithstanding your sufferance and distress) you are abundantly inclined to side with the English Nation, which indeed doth exceedingly grieve me; Wherefore I will have you from henceforth (as you tender your own good) to banish those thoughts out of your mind, and not to pursue those Resolutions, which in the end may be the occasion of your own Destruction, as I think it will be to all those whose minds will appear contrary to ours, let these suffice with the adage of many salutes unto you, from castledoe the 17 of July, 1642.  
Your affectionate Kinsman, Signed, Owen O Nersle.  
And besides, the said Bryan gained intelligence of great concernment, from the Enemy and discovered it at all times, and upon all occasions unto this Respondent, who made great use thereof for the furtherance and advancement of the public Service; whereof this Respondent made report by his Letters unto Sir William Parson●, and Sir John Burlase, than Lords justices of Ireland and the council there, to whom he did send the said Bryan Magwire, to Dublin; who did not only approve of this Respondents act in receiving of him and his men into Protection as aforesaid, but also (as this Respondent was informed) did further signify unto this Hon: Parliament, the affection and service of the said Bryan, with their desires in his behalf that he should be rewarded for the same. And afterward their Lordships returned the said Bryan unto this Respondent, allowing him and his men to be continued upon Protection at Iniskillin; near unto which Garrison he remains loyal even at this time, but in a most miserable condition for want of Necessaries. And this Respondent denyeth that ever he did form the said Protected men into a Company, consisting of a Captain and Officers, as in the said sixth Article is merely devised and surmised, but did employ them under the leading of some of the British Gentlemen of his Garrison, upon service many times, with the rest of his Regiment against the Rebels, wherein they were of abundant use, as well for spies and guides, as by killing and destroying the Enemy as effectually as others did; And (for aught known to this Respondent) did no disservice at any time unto the State, in giving Intelligence against all or any of the British of their proceedings, and divers of the said Protected men, being taken Prisoners at several times, by the Rebels, were put to Death for taking part with this Respondent. But this Respondent denieth, that all the said Protected men did take their opportunity to turn to the Rebels again as is surmised, but some few that did (leaving their Pledge which they gave for assurance of their loyalty, in Prison at Jniskillin) this Respondent caused him to be Hanged, when they proved disloyal. And this Respondent humbly conceiveth, That as Rahab and her Parents, Family and friends for her sake, were preserved in Jericho for saving the two spies of Joshua; so this Hon: Parliament will be pleased to think, that this Respondent did no disservice unto the State in Protecting and preserving of the said Bryan Magwire, and some of his Friends for his sake; who was the Instrument of the saving of the Lives of many thousands of Protestants (even God's people) from being utterly destroyed by the fury of the said bloody Rebels.  
And for answer unto that expression wherewith 
* Note, that since this Answer was sent into the Commons house of Parliament, Sir William Cole received a Letter of the 8. of January, 1644. written by one of the captains of his Regiment from Iniskillin; certifying that about that time, 40 Horse and 120 Foot of that Garrison, fought with and routed 500 Foot and 3. troops of Horse of the Rebels, conducted by colonel Philip O Rely, wherein they not only rescued their own Cattle which were Plundered by the Enemy: but also killed 140 of them in the place, and took 55. Prisoners, whereof are Officers, one sergeant Major, 3 captains, two Lieutenants, with divers Gentl●men and other Officers. Whereby it appears, that neither the said Sir William, or his soldiers did any way correspond with the Rebels since the Cessation before.  the said Informer seems to conclude his Information, by saying he could inform many other particular omissions and disservices, which the said Respondent hath committed in this time of his employment, &c. The Respondent saith, that he conceiveth the Informer means it, by the scandalous calumnies and aspersions digested in fifteen places of that Pamphlet, printed at London in An. Dom. 1643. wherein his Services are registered, and wherein this Respondent and his captains, Officers, and soldiers, are most injuriously taxed, with often reiterations of unworthy and mean carriage towards him, for that they did not wait upon him, upon all his calls, which this Respondent conceiveth was more than he was bound to do further than to this Respondent would seem fit, for the good of the public service; especially when as at the same very times (Which was long before the Cessation) he was employed about services of far greater and better concernment in the Counties of Fermanagh, Cavan, Monaghan, Tirone, Donegall, Letrim, or Sligoe, which hath formerly been well known both in Ireland and elsewhere.  
And this Respondent further showeth, that immediately after the said Cessation, this Respondents Regiment destroyed 295 of the Rebels and famished many hundreds of them, and also took in Rory mac Gwires Castle, which is now preserved for the Parliaments use; And afwell then as before did rescue, or otherwise redeem from the said Rebels 5467 English and Scottish Protestants, and relieved them for many months, out of the spoils gained from the Enemy, until that in his own person he guarded and conveyed great numbers of them towards London-derry, where further care was taken for their relief by the good people there: And saith also, that he this Respondent was one of the first colonels of the British Regiments in Ulster, which did embrace and take the solemn League and Covenant, which he humbly conceives will not be deemed to be Omissions or disservices, as the Informer terms them: who since his coming hither, hath not only laboured to Defame the Respondent, but also hath taxed the rest of the colonels in Ulster for their Neglects in their service, who (in this Respondents opinion) have done much better Service than either of them.  
Yet did this Respondent several times show his desires in a most effectual manner to help and relieve the said Informer; for having received a pitiful Message from him about the 26 of July 1642. That he, his Wife, Children, and soldiers, were like to be destroyed by Nine hundred of the Rebels that then besieged him; This Respondent immediately sent a party of four hundred Horse and Foot for his relief, with Orders that after they had relieved the Informer they should return within 48 hours; This Respondent being then threatened to be Besieged, by the general of the Irish Forces Owin mac Art O Neille with 6000 Men. But when the Respondents Lieutenant colonel came to the Informer with this party, they found him not at all besieged nor in no such extremity as he pretended, but perceived he sent this pressing Message, only to get some of the Respondents men with him to take in the Castle of Dromoheare, which without Ordnance they could not have effected, though being come, at his importunity they attempted, in conclusion to no other purpose, then to destroy their Men.  
Whereupon his Officers and soldiers returned on the 29 of July from him having received many affronts and abuses. And on the 20 of May following this Respondent intending some service, in the Province of Conaght drew forth about 500 horse and foot, and Leaguring within two miles of the Informers Garrison, was importuned with much earnestness, to come unto him to christian his son, which the Respondent (conceiving to be an act of Charity and Christianity) consented unto, expecting, such civility, as might be answerable to so neighbourly an Office. But both himself and those few Officers he carried with him, received such gross disrcspect, that he will not defile your ears with the hearing it.  
Nevertheless, God having blessed the Respondent in his journey with success against the Enemy, he gave him for the relief of his Garrison Two hundred fifty nine cows; There going with him in his Journey of their own accord of the men belonging to his Garrison, only 38 Footmen and 12 Horse.  
He moreover then bestowed upon his good Lady 1000 sheep, and what he bestowed on those Gentlemen of his Lady's kindred, and his Officers, who went in a friendly manner with this Respondent, the Jnformer suffered them not to enjoy, but converted to his own use.  
These civilities, which this Respondent is most unwillingly drawn to mention, he conceived might deserve more thanks, and not to be himself and his Regiment, exclaimed against by the Informer, merely to render him and them odious, in all places where his tongue gets any credit.  
In the time of Peace, his carriage towards his neighbours was so full of contention, that there was hardly any man of quality or worth near him, in the Province of Conaght, that he had not laboured to injure and oppress, either in their Estates or reputations, if not in both, so that before the Rebellion began, such his carriages made him extremely distasteful to men of all conditions, that lived within 20 or 30 miles of him in that Province, which will be evidenced by divers of his Neighbours, of the best quality, now in this city, if they may be called upon for that purpose.  
And particularly this Respondent, representeth to your further notice, something of the Informers demeanour towards some of his distressed neighbours in the hands of the Rebels, deciphered in these two short ensuing Letters, Printed in the latter end of that book of his own Services, Page 57 viz.  
Sir Robert Hannay's Letter and other Protestants being Prisoners at Sligoe, are sent to Dromaheare Castle.  
Honourable Sir,  
We the undernamed persons having suffered in all our whole Estates, and being upon our banishment out of this kingdom, under the safe conduct of Master Edmond Bourke of Ragagh and Master Walter Bourke of Ardagh, towards the North, but most opposed at Castle-Coner; Eniscromme Escagh-bridge, Downeill, Arnaglasse and Tomler, go by several bands of armed men, purposely to set for our lives, were not there extreme violence suppressed by the discretion, worth and care of those two Gentlemen, and we taken Prisoners by the MacSwines, brought before O Coner-Sligoe where we now remain, and intended to be sent to the Castle of Dromaheare, to be kept until you Sir deliver such Prisoners of the O Roirkes and others, as you have in your eustody, or to be dealt with, as you do unto them, Sir you are Nobly disposed so that in honour, we hope, the means of relief being in yourself, you will not suffer us to perish who will ever remain Sir  
Yours truly obliged to serve you, 

Signed Robert Hannay,  
Andrew Adare,  
Alexander Mountgomory,  
William Liston,  
Thomas Fullerton.    
These be the names and number of the Prisoners, Sir Robert Hannay, his Lady, his two Daughters, two boys, two men, and a gentlewoman, Master Andrew Adare and his wife and sister's Son, Master Alexander Mountgomerie, his wife and eldest son, Master William Liston, his Wife and Daughter, Master Thomas Fullerton and his Wife, Patrick Deomand Mr. Adares' man.  
Sir, after the writing of this Letter, we are brought to Dromaheare Castle, and Order left with the captain to bring us unto the Camp at Mannor-hamilton, where we must suffer death, if those Prisoners with you be not delivered.  
Sir Frederick Hamiltons Answer to the Letter aforementioned.  
SIR, I have received your Letter, whereby I am given to understand of your treacherous surprisal notwithstanding of your safe conduct promised, for the which I am very sorry. But such is the treacherous falsehood of those disloyal traitors generally throughout this whole kingdom, that both made me Vow and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will never give or take quarter, with them or any of them, yea though my own Sons that descended from my loins were in your estate, I had rather they should die gloriously for the cause of Christ, than I should so abase myself, as to deal with such traitors to God and his Majesty. Thus beseeching God Almighty to strengthen and encourage you that you may continue constant, until it shall please God to give you deliverance either by life or death. In the mean time I am persuaded that they will use you with no worse measure, than their Prisoners, who were apprehended by me in the action of Rebellion are used, so recommending you to God I rest.  
Your very loving friend, Frederick Hamilton. Castle-Hamilton, January the 19, 1641.  
And after he delvered this letter unto the Messenger, he hanged the chief of the Prisoners (being brother to colonel O Roirke who was desired by this exchange) in the sight of the Messenger before he would permit him to depart, upon whose return to the Rebels they in revenge thereof, murdered about 10 or 11 of the said Protestants, whereof two were Godly Ministers, and yet if their mercy, and Compassion in the midst of their Barbarity had not far transcended Sir Frederick Hamiltons, they had likewise put Sir Robert Hannay and his Lady and Children and all the rest to death.  
And that his ill disposition may the more fully appear, he hath with striking and other ill usage so behaved himself, toward his Officers, that his Lieutenant, ensign, Minister and one of his sergeants have all forsaken him, so that he hath now no Officers, but one sergeant to Command his Company, at Mannor-Hamilton consisting of 70 men or thereabouts.  
And notwithstanding all this, the said Informer is labouring for the Government of Londonderry, and because he conceived he might prevail in that sure if his miscarriages were not discovered, he moved this Respondent, that all the differences betwixt them, might be composed by the order of friends, which motion if this Respondent would then have accepted, he conceives this information had never been heard of.  
And as touching the Government of Londonderry, aforesaid this Respondent humbly desires leave to declare that once it was conferred upon Sir George Pawlet, a man whose temper in some things, was not much unlike this of the Informers, whose passionate demeanour in his Office, was not only the occasion of the loss of his own life, but of the loss also of the lives of many of this Nation there, and the burning of that town, with the kindling of a violent (though as it happened) but a short Rebellion in the Country thereabouts, which did put the State then, to much unnecessary expenses in the suppressing of it.  
All which together with the premises, this Respondent humbly representeth as pertinent instances, and reasons to induce the honourable Parliament, not to put the Government thereof into the power of the Informer, whose demeanour will never be brooked, by those good people that now inhabit there, upon whom, all the aspersions that are laid by any late reports or printed letters, (this Respondent believes) were invented and contrived by the Informer, or his Instruments, of purpose to make them detestablee to this Honourable Parliament, whom this Respondent is confident, are as Loyal, and well wishing to the Parliament as can be expected, and will really witness the same, by their ready and joyful receiving and obeying of any governor (except Sir Frederick Hamilton) that the Parliament will be pleased to appoint over them. But his conditions are so well known unto them, that they will quit their fortunes and stations there, which they have hitherto preserved, with so much expense and hazard, rather than submit unto his Command.  
And this Respondent most humbly desires this honourable Committee, would be pleased to pardon him if he have trespassed upon your Patience, in answer to the Charge given in by the Informer, being necessitated thereunto, for his more ample Vindication, by laying open the disposition of the Informer, which he hath most unnecessarily drawn upon himself, without any provocations given to him, by this Respondent. And humbly prays such reparations as in your wisdoms shall be thought fit. Signed, WILLIAM Coal. Exhibited 11 of January, 1644.