March, 31. A Great Defeat given TO THE Rebels in Ireland, By Master George Courtney, Governor of the Castle of Limbrick: Wherein Colonel Geraldine, one of the chief Rebels, with divers Captains and other Officers and above 130 Common Soldiers were slain. Whereunto is added, the Relation of the taking of the City of Cork by the Rebels. All this being credibly Related in a Letter sent from Master Francis Pursell, to his kinsman G. Buck Esq London, Printed Anno Dom. 1642. Noble Cousin, IN my last I made known unto you some part of my misfortunes and losses; but they were not then grown unto their full maturity, as now they are; for my house, at that time, was exempt from the flames, which since have devoured it, together with all my Stables, Barns, and other houses of office, and adjacent Buildings: They have taken, killed, and driven away all my stock of Cattles, and left me in that indigent condition, that I have nothing now to boast of, but my poverty, which indeed is the more bitter at this time, in respect that I have not formerly been acquainted with it: and I find, that upon all the estate which I had (for I cannot say that I have now one foot of Land in this Kingdom) I am not able to procure here 500l. though I should perish through the want of such a sum: Wherefore let me entreat you to omit no time in the taking up, and sending me those moneys which I wrote the last week unto you for, upon the Bonds which lie in the Solicitors hands; and for other particular businesses, I have here sent you an enclosed Schedule, for your better direction. The Rebels have put a strong Garrison into Cork, which likewise they endeavour to fortify. Tredagh yet holds out, but it is to be feared, will be surrendered for want of Victuals, if we have not good success in the arrival of our Pinnace, which is once more gone to supply them, having twice already relieved them. Provision gins to be here extremely dear, in regard of the multitudes that flock unto this place, and the great devastation of the Country round about. And we have not yet a competent Army to march with fare into the Country. There was news brought unto us the last night of an assured defeat given unto the Rebels at Limbreck, by one Master George Courtenay, who is Constable of the Castle, and hath there 1000 Foot of his own Tenants, and two Troops of Horse, which are commanded by two of his sons, for the Guard of the City and Castle. On the fourteenth of this present, the enemy, to the number of 8000 men, marched under the conduct of one Colonel Geraldine, to take in this Place; and before they came within three English miles, sent a Herald, to summon it: The chief Officers of the City presently entered into Counsel, to deliberate of the answer which they should return to the enemy. And it was Courtenay's advice, that they should pretend a readiness to render the City up unto them, upon condition that they might enjoy their goods and Estates peaceably, and without any molestation: and to this purpose they procured two serving-men, of whose fidelity they were well assured, to go unto the enemy, and declare the resolution of the City. The men being well accoutred, taking upon them to be Citizens of the best rank, who came thither to offer themselves as pledges for the real intentions of the City, gained so much credit from the Colonel, that without further delay, he taking these two with him, marched with about 1500 men to the City, leaving the rest behind himâ–ª and when he came near unto the gate, he found it open, and not any sign of opposition: and being met about a Musket shot from the gate, with divers of the chiefest Citizens, to receive his promise of peaceably enjoying their fortunes, which was condescended unto by him; he was entreated to march into the City with those men which he brought with him, being desirous they should be there in Garrison, for the Guard of the City. He finding them so (seemingly) real, and suspecting no fraud or treachery, went into the City, accompanied with these Burghers, and his Soldiers following him, until such time as about 500 of them being entered, the Portcullis was immediately let fall, and Mortars and Muskets fired, as well upon those that were come in, as those who were without. The Colonel himself was shot in at the left eye, and thorough the head. There was also slain one Captain Butler, and another of the Geraldines, who was a Cousin to the Colonel, and had a Company under him: Captain Orose, Lieutenant Magroh, and divers other inferior Officers, and not one man escaping of those who entered, and very few of those who were without, for as soon as the Musket shot which played upon them from the Walls and Port had routed them, and put them to flight, the two Troops of Horse commanded by Master Courtenay his sons, sallied out, and cut off most of them. This famous overthrow was achieved by the discretion and wisdom of Master Courtenay, who lodged his soldiers so privately about the Port, that no notice was taken of them, until the Watchword was given; and then those Burghers which accompanied the Colonel, retired themselves instantly into houses on either hand, giving free liberty for the Shot (which was placed in convenient places) to play on the enemy. There were also slain divers Officers of quality without the Town, in their flight, and to the number of 700 soldiers. I hope that this great and assured Victory will much quell their bold and barbarous attempts, and give encouragement to ours, to obtain more of them. Would your distractions in England would give leave unto the Parliament to send us some speedy supplies of monies and Horses, for we want neither men nor courages. I shall expect daily to hear from you; and as soon as there is any thing worth writing, you shall not fail to receive. From DUBLIN, this 15 of March, 1641. Your well-wishing friend, and loving Kinsman, FRANCIS PURSELL. FINIS.