A true Relation of the TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN Sir Charles Coot Kt.  
Lord Precedent of Connaught in Ireland, AND Owen-Roe-O-Neal; As it was Reported to the Parliament FROM THE Council of State. Together with The VOTES of the House thereupon.  

ORdered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That these several Letters and Articles, together with the Votes of the House thereupon, be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti.   
London, Printed for Edward Husband, Printer to the Parliament of England, August 28. 1649.   

Die Veneris, 24 Augusti, 1649.  
Mr. Robinson Reports from the Council of State, a Letter from Sir Charles Coot from , of the fifteenth of August, 1649. and another of the fourteenth instant, with Articles of Agreement between General Owen O Neal, and Colonel Richard Coot, in the behalf of Sir Charles Coot, Lord Precedent of Connaught, dated 22 May, 1649. which were all this day read.  
Resolved, etc. 
 THat the Vote of this House of the centh of this month in the case of Colonel Monk, be communicated to Sir Charles Coot, as the Resolution of this House, and a direction for him how to behave himself in the Transaction between him and Owen Roe O Neal.  
Resolved, etc. 
 That this House is well satisfied of the diligence, faithfulness and integrity of Sir Charles Coot, in preserving the Garrison of  for the Interest of the Commonwealth of England; and that it be specially recommended to the Council of State, to take care for Provisions for him for the future, to prevent the like straits, and encouragement of him and his Officers and Soldiers under his Command.   

ORdered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That these several Letters and Articles, together with the Votes of the House thereupon, be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti.   

A Copy of a Letter sent from Sir Charles Coot, Lord Precedent of Cannaught, unto the Council of State.  
Right Honourable,  
I Have already given your Lordships an account of our condition till the one and twentieth of June last▪ since which I have laboured under so many difficulties of all kinds, that I dare say never man comported with a more vexatious miserable life than I have done; and truly, had not the wonderful providence of God gone along with me, and the Forces under my command, in all undertake, we had long since been ruined and destroyed, and the Interest of the Parliament of England in these parts wholly lost, but by his providence both ourselves and this place have hitherunto been preserved, which hath given me this opportunity both to pour forth my complaints, and to give your Lordships an account of our present condition; in doing whereof, that I may not be over tedious, be pleased to understand, That immediately after sending away of my last Letters, our Enemies began much to increase both in number and activity, insomuch that they presently blocked up the passage by Sea as well as by Land, entrenching themselves upon the Crook of Ember in a Fort, wherein they planted thirteen pieces of Ordnance, with about Two hundred Soldiers, close by the Channel, through which all Ships and Boats bound for this place must necessarily pass, so that no relief, without great hazard of being sunk, could possibly come unto us: The next day after they begun to build thou-Fort, I sent down Captain Keysars Friggot, by his own opportunity, with about One hundred Musketeers, to see whether he could prevent their design, by battering down their Fort, and taking their Ordnance, which he was very confident he could perform; but it seems they were so well provided, that Captain Keisar durst not abide their shot, so that after a short dispute, he carried down both Ship and men to Culmore, having first received some shot through his Ship; so soon as he came to Culmore, he put the men into Boats, and made them believe that he would go down with them into Enishowen, and and help them to get victuals for their subsistence, during their stay from Derry, but he was no sooner rid of them, but he presently forsook both them and this place, for what end, or whether he is gone, I know not; but your Lordships may easily imagine, that it added much to our other many discouragements, to find ourselves deprived of the assistance of the only Man of War then left in this place, and no question added as much encouragement to our Enemits; so that I shall humbly desire, that your Lordships would be pleased to call him to a strict account for this unworthy carriage therein: Seven days after this discouragement, it pleased God Four hundred of the Cannaght Horse, and One hundred and fifty Dragoons, made a shift, through exceeding difficulties, to come hither to our relief, by which means, notwitstanding the Fort at Sligo, was well provided both with Victual and Ammunition when they left it was afterwards treacherously betrayed by Major He●derson to the Earl of Clanrickard, and that by the corruption of Sir Robert Stuart and his party: About four days after the Lord of Ar●es (who styles himself Commander in chief of His Majesty's Forces for the Province of Ulster) with about Seven hundred Horse and Dragoons, came hither to the assistance of our Besiegers, who being joined, were so exceeding numerous, that our Horse began rather to be a burden to us, than a benefit, being no ways able to fetch in provisions for themselves or us; in the mean while no means were left unassayed for the taking or surprising of this Garrison, both by continually falling upon our horse, whilst they were grazing without the walls, by sending in threatening Summons, and by scattering up and down most malicious Libels, both against my own person, and the late proceed of the Parliament of England, with large promises and proffers of reward to all Officers and Soldiers that would desert the Service, and come in unto them: During these straits from without, we wanted not our discouragements within, for our ammunition and provisions were much wasted, so that we had not above six week's provisions left; some of our Soldiers likewise, especially of the new Supply, through disaffection to the Parliaments Interest, daily deserting us, to the great discouragement of our old Soldiers, and most of the rest, so impatient of our present condition, by reason of our wants and hard duty, together with the great disadvantages we have continually fought upon, that they have rather begot Murmur and Mutinies in our old Soldiers, than any ways helped to allay them. Amidst these great Difficulties and Distractions, we endeavoured to support our languishing Spirits, by an expectation of speedy and effectual Relief out of England; but finding that also hath so far failed us (notwithstanding the wind hath several times favoured us) that we have not so much as heard out of England since the 14 of June last, we began to despair as to outward means, and had nothing left to rely upon, but that Providence of the Almighty, which hath hitherunto watched over us for our preservation: whilst we remained in this posture, Owen O Neal (who with about Three thousand Foot and Four hundred Horse, was not above Fifty miles distant from us) freely made offer of his assistance for our Relief, professing much affection to the Parliament of England, and an earnest desire to use the utmost of his endeavours for the maintenance of their Interest in this Country; and to induce me to a belief that his expressions were real and hearry, he enclosed in his Express, some Letters that he had received from Colonel Monk, whereby it appeared, that Colonel Monk had not only accepted of his assistance for the diversion of the Enemy, but had also furnished him with Twenty Barrels of Powder for that purpose; and further assured him, That he should neither want Powder, nor any thing else which he had in store: And in Colonel Monk's Letter in answer to the Lord Inchiquin, who charged him with joining with Owen O Neal and his party (a Copy whereof was likewise enclosed) it was insinuated, as if Owen O Neal's submission to use the Parliaments power, were ready accepted by them. Now calling to mind that it is no new thing, for the most wise God to make use of wicked Instruments, to bring about a good Design for the advancement of his Glory; and finding ourselves involved in this great Extremity, that we must either resolve to be ruined and destroyed, and with us the Parliaments Interest in these parts, or else make use of this desperate Remedy: for prevention thereof, I called together a Council of War, and advised with them, what was fit to be done; all things being duly considered, the result whereof was, That it was better to accept of the assistance of those who proclaimed themselves friends both to us, and the Interest we fight for, rather than to fall into the hands of those that have both by word and deed declared themselves malicious, bloody and enraged Enemies against both us, and those we serve under; but yet with this wary proviso, That we would use their assistance no longer than the approbation of the State of England should go along with us therein, as your Lordships well perceive by the Articles at large, which I have herein enclosed: After this Agreement (viz.) upon the eight of this instant, Owen O Neal with Three thousand Foot and Four thousand Horse, having marched through O Cahans' Country, came in to our assistance, and encamped themselves before this City, on the other side of the water; the terror whereof (together with the activity of the Forces under my command, in falling upon the Rear of the Enemy, whilst they marched towards Owen O Neal) had such great influence upon our Enemies in Arnes, and the whole Country, that the next day Sir Robert Stevart and the Lord of Ardes, drew off as many men as they were able, and stole away privately towards Clareboyes: That day and the next I summoned several Garrisons, to wit, The New buildings, the New Fort, Elagh Castle, and Mongevalny, all which, together with their Artillery, Arms and Provisions, are since delivered up unto me: I have since summoned the rest of the Holds which (I make no question will be gained with much ease in a short time (Colonel Mervyn before Owen O Neals falling down, was gone to the Omigh, whether through discontent, or what other reason, I know not, but about three or four days before he went thither, he led on the Enemy's Horse, and gave a desperate charge upon our Horse, not far from our walls, but (I thank God) we lost none but six men, but killed at least twenty of theirs: And yet for all that, Owen O Neal marching with his Army near to the Omigh▪ which he might easily have taken and plundered, Colonel Mervyn was so impudent as to assure him, he was a friend, and told him, He had already agreed with me upon thirteen Articles, forged by himself. The tenth of this instant I received several Letters out of the Country from all parties, to entreat me to accept of their Submission, and to give them protections, some professing their readiness to obey my Authority without conditioning; others upon Condition that they may not be forced to any thing against the ends of the Covenant; or otherwise, That they may have liberty to departed this Country with Bag and Baggage; to all which I returned Answers suitable to the Contents of the said Letters. The thirteenth of this instant, five of the Country upon my protection, came hither to Treat with me for the whole; the issue whereof was, That all, excepting Commission. Officers, as well Soldiers as Countrymen, submitting themselves to the Authority of the Parliament and State of ENGLAND, and delivering up their Arms and Ammunition, should be suffered to remain quietly and peaceably in this Country, they paying such Contributions towards the maintenance of the Army, as was formerly laid upon them; as also such Arrears as are due from them since their last payment: To which though they have through fear seemingly submitted, yet I must acquaint your Lordships, That the Country is so exceedingly wasted of late, First, by the party under George Monro; Secondly, by the party under the Lord of Ardes; and lastly, by the party under O Neal, as also by our burning and destroying the Country round about this City, and so many Inhabitants have with their stocks and families deserted this Country, that truly unless we should utterly undo those that remain here, we must for present expect but small Contribution from them, towards the maintenance of the Army. And now, My Lords, having taken a view of our present condition, I need not tell your Lordships what an easy matter it were to settle this part of the Country in such a posture, as that we shall not need to fear the like Rebellions against the Parliament of England, as we have hitherto been subject unto, to wit, by sending over immediately the Regiment of men so long since promised, and Recruits for the three Regiments of Foot, and two of Horse already in these parts; as also such Forces into the Clareboyes, as may divert their Forces there for falling upon us: And that I may not forget the Officers that have faithfully stuck to me in this last Defection (from whom I lately received a Letter by way of Remonstrance, which I have here enclosed, expressing their hard Condition, and Remedies for the bettering thereof, which they entreated me to represent effectually to your Lordships) which I humbly desire that their Requests, which I conceive to be modest and reasonable, may be taken into speedy consideration, in such sort that they may at length enjoy the fruits of their Faithfulness and Long-sufferings, and that they may with the more vigour and cheerfulness hazard their lives, and all that is near and dear unto them, for the preservation of the Parliaments Interest in these parts.  
To their Desires I shall only humbly add, That a considerable proportion of Ammunition of all sorts may be speedily sent hither, as also Two hundred Case of Pistols and Saddles, our Stores having been much wasted since these last Troubles.  
Secondly, That for the better Reducing of the strong Holds in this Country, a Morter-piece of fourteen Inches high, and about Three hundred Shells fitting for it, may be sent hither with the first opportunity.  
Thirdly, That a Magazine of Breadcorn may be forthwith provided and sent hither, so that this City may not always be in like hazard of starving, as it lately was.  
Fourthly, That two Frigates may be appointed constantly to attend this Coast, and that they may be so furnished with Provisions and Ammunition, as that they may not be a burden to this Garrison, as those formerly appointed for that Service have been.  
Fifthly, That Chirurgeons Chests may be forthwith sent hither, we having no Medicaments left in these parts; as also Colours for the Foot Regiments.  
My Lords, I am sorry that I have been forced to be so over-tedious to your Lordships; but truly I have been so long deprived of an opportunity to express myself, and such great alterations have so lately happened in these parts, that I thought it my duty rather to be thus troublesome, then to neglect the through-acquainting your Lordships with all the material passages that this part affords. And because I could not give your Lordships in writing such an exact account as I could wish, I have therefore once more desired this Gentleman Mr. King, who is fully acquainted with all passages of public concernment, and who I am confident will give your Lordships a faithful account thereof, to wait upon your Lordships. And in regard I have not wherewithal to support him in this Journey, I must humbly desire, That your Lordships will be pleased to take him into consideration, and to give him such a Reward for his constant readiness to serve the Parliaments Interest, as may encourage him therein; as also to return him back as soon as possibly may be with the Supplies . And here (my Lords) I could willingly end, but that I cannot forbear to complain of the hard usage I have met with continually, since I have been employed in the Parliaments Service: And now having been twenty weeks besieged by a numerous and enraged Enemy, have had no Relief sent unto us, except about Two hundred n●ked men, and ill armed; many whereof being disaffected to your Service, have since deserted us; and Six hundred quarters of Wheat, which certainly cannot be thought competent for such a considerable place: which neglect of us, I would not willingly impute to your Lordships, but rather to some secret Enemies to the Parliaments Interest and my own person, who by secret undermine, and misrepresentations of our Condition, divert the Relief intended for us: But I hope your Lordships having had such constant experience of our faithfulness in your Service, will at length think us worthy of better encouragements, or otherwise that I may be discharged from my Employment in your Lordship's Service. In confidence whereof, I remain,  
, Aug. 15. 1649. My Lords, Your Lordship's most humble Servant, CHA: COOT.   

A Copy of another Letter from Sir Charles Coot to the Council of State.  
Right Honourable,  
BE pleased to understand, That General Owen O Neal being sensible, that the Parliaments Interest in these parts was in danger to be wholly lost, and the Forces under my command likely to be ruined and destroyed in defence thereof, by a numerous party of English and Scots, under the conduct of the Lord of Ardes, and other desperate Enemies against the Parliament, was pleased freely to offer his assistance for our relief, which was accordingly accepted by me, upon the Articles or Conditions herein enclosed, which I purpose (God willing) inviolably to observe, till your Lordship's pleasure be known therein: And truly, I must ingenuously acknowledge, That I have hitherto found General O Neal, and the Army under his command, very punctual and faithful in all their promises and engagements that they have made unto me; and I make no question, but they will continue so unto the end: In the mean while the General hath been pleased to communicate unto me certain Proposals, which he saith were long since transmitted into England to the Parliament by Col: Munk; and though for his own part, and the prime Officers with him, they do not doubt but that the Proposals are already yielded unto by the State; yet in regard their Army and party in all other parts of the Kingdom, cannot be satisfied therewith, until the Parliament be pleased to declare themselves more publicly therein; He hath therefore desired me humbly to entreat your Lordships to declare your Resolution therein, and that with as much speed as may be; to the end that he and his party might with the more vigour and cheerfulness, endeavour the preservation of the Parliaments Interest in this Country, which I humbly desire may be accordingly performed, as that which I humbly conceive (with submission to your Lordships greater judgements) may much conduce to the advancement of the Parliaments Interest in this County: And so I remain, My Lords,  
Your Lordship's most humble and faithful Servant. , Aug. 14. 1649.  
For the Right Honourable the Council of State, sitting at Whitehal Westminster.   

Articles condescended unto and agreed upon, by and between General Owen O Neal, Commander in chief of the Confederate Catholics, of the one part; And Colonel Richard Coot, in the behalf of Sir Charles Coot, Lord Precedent of Connaught, of the other part: dated the Two and twentieth of May, 1649.  
1. IT is Agreed and Concluded, That there be a Cessation of Arms, and all acts of Hostility between the Parties and Forces under the Command of General Owen O Neal, and the Forces and Parties under the Command of Sir Charles Coot, Lord Precedent of Connaught, Colonel Richard Coot and their party, until the Parliament of England's pleasure be known unto him, to the Propositions presented them by the said General O Neal.  
II. It is Concluded and Agreed, That both parties be mutually engaged in War Offensive and Defensive, against the Enemies of both or either, during the aforesaid time; and that upon all occasions in the interim, they be in a readiness to aid, assist and relieve one another, until a more absolute Agreement be made and condescended unto by the Parliament of England; and that the Forces and Creaghts of either side, shall have free leave, permittance and liberty of access, recourse and retiration, in case of necessity, to the quarters of each other; and that the said General O Neal shall be furnished from time to time with Ammunition, according to the best ability of the said Lord President and his party, to be employed only against the Enemies of the Parliament of England, and shall have at present twenty Barrels of Powder, with Match and Ball proportionable thereunto.  
III. It is concluded and agreed, If General O Neils answer from the Parliament should prove a denial, tha● a receipt of such an answer, both party's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to their former quarters, without any prejudice from the one to the other, a●●●ourteen days t●●e limited for the … iration.  
iv It is concluded and agreed between the said par●ies, That the Creaghts o● Ul●●●● or C●nnaught, who are or will be resident in the quarter's belonging to the Lord Precedent, Colonel Richard Coot, or their p●rty shall be admitted according to their accustomed 〈◊〉 to contribute towards the maintenance of General O Neals Army; and that likewise it shall be lawful to the said Lord President and Colonel Richard Coot, to receive Contribution from such of the said Creaght as w●ll voluntarily ag●●● with them to that ●●●●ct.  
V It is ag●●ed between both parties, That the aforesaid Lord Precedent, Colonel Richard Coot, and their party, will assord and give 〈◊〉 leave and liberty to any Ship or Shipping that with Coin, Provision, Arms, Ammunition, or any other kin●● of Commodities, may at any time during this Cessation, arrive at any H●rbor, Port, Town or H●ve●, within their Liberty, to the use of General Owen O Neal, and his Forces, and ●h●t admittance be given him, or such ●s he will appoint to ●●●ch away the same, with seecurity and safety, and that th● said Shipping have leave ●o put at pleasure without any prejudice.  

By virtue 〈◊〉 a Commission to us directed from General O N●●● 〈◊〉 ●●clude a Cessation of Arms with 〈…〉 or 〈…〉 and his party dated 22 May. 1649.  
WE have concluded and agreed in the behalf of the said General O Neal, That in case the S … ● b●●● th● La … e, lately under the Lord P …, shall on the approach of the Army 〈…〉 during this Cessation, submit to th● L●●● Presidents Command, that then the said Ge●●●●● O Neal before such submission be admitted sh●ll receive for the pains taken by him, his Officers and Soldiers. Two thousand pounds in moneys, and Three thousand 〈◊〉 more than which be is not to demand, whereof nothing … ined from the Scots before the submission i● to be ●●●koned; or any quarters tak●n up whilst the Army stays for the said Moneys and .  
It is further agreed and concluded, That what Holds or Castles shall be taken from the Scots aforesaid, during this Cessation, in the Laggane or thereabouts, sh●ll be disposed of as the Lord Precedent shall think fi●; and if any Garrisons shall be taken in Connaught o● elsewhere, by the assistance of General O Neal, th●t then 〈…〉 … ed of as General O Neal shall t●●nk ●i●.   
FINIS.