The true state of the TRANSACTIONS OF Colonel George Monk WITH Owen-Roe-mac-Art-O-Neal; As it was Reported to the Parliament BY THE Council of State. Together with the VOTES & RESOLUTIONS OF The PARLIAMENT thereupon. ORdered, That it be referred to the Council of State, to give Direction for printing the Report from the Council of State, and so much of the Letters and Proceed as concern this business, and the Votes of the House thereupon. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. London, Printed for Edward Husband, Printer to the Parliament of England, August 15. 1649. Die Veneris, 10 Augusti, 1649. Mr. Scot Reports from the Council of State, a Letter and Paper concerning a Cessation made by Colonel Monk with General Owen Roe mac Art O Neal, sent to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by Colonel Monk, and were by the Lord Lieutenant brought and delivered to the Council, and by them taken into consideration, and that the whole Business was then disapproved by the Council; and the Council hath declared unto Colonel Monk, That they neither did nor do approve of what he hath done therein; and Ordered, That both the foresaid Letter and Papers, and also the Reasons now exhibited to the Council by Colonel Monk, for his making the Cessation, should be Reported to the House; which were all this day read. The House being informed, That Colonel Monk was at the door, he was called in; and being come to the Bar, Mr. Speaker by Commands of the House declared to him, That the House had received a Report from the Council of State, touching an Agreement for a Cessation between him and Owen Roe; and whereas in his Letter he doth mention, That he had done it with advice with some others there, Mr. Speaker demanded of him, what persons he intended thereby: To which Colonel Monk answered, That he did it upon his own score, without the advice of any other person; only having formerly had Discourse with Colonel Jones, Colonel Jones told him, That if he the said Colonel Monk could keep off Owen Roe and Ormond from joining, it would be a good service. Being demanded by Mr. Speaker, Whether he had any advice or direction from the Parliament, or Council of State, or Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, or any other person here to do the same; he did expressly deny, That he had any advice or direction therein from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, or from the Council of State, or from the Parliament, or any Member of either; but he did it only on his own score, conceiving it was for the preservation of the English Interest there, and that they have had some fruits thereof accordingly. Being withdrawn, and afterwards called in again, the questions demanded him by Mr. Speaker, and his answers thereunto, were read unto him; and the said Colonel Monk did acknowledge, That the same are his answers to the said questions. REsolved, etc. That this House doth utterly disapprove of the proceed of Colonel Monk, in the Treaty and Cessation made between him and Owen Roe O Neal; And that the innocent Blood which hath been shed in Ireland, is so fresh in the memory of this House, that this House doth detest and abhor the thoughts of any closing with any party of Popish Rebels there, who have had their hands in shedding that blood. Nevertheless, the House being satisfied that what the said Colonel Monk did therein, was in his apprehension necessary for the preservation of the Parliament of England Interest, That the House is content the further consideration thereof, as to him, be laid aside, and shall not at any time hereafter be called in question. Ordered, That it be referred to the Council of State, to give Direction for printing the Report from the Council of State, and so much of the Letters and Proceed as concern this business, and the Votes of the House thereupon. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. Colonel George Monks Letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Right Honourable, SInce I received advertisement of your resolution of coming into this Kingdom, I have very much rejoiced, and withal do assure you, that you have no servant in the world more glad of it, than myself; I am infinitely obliged to you for your many favours, for which I return you hearty thanks. I do account it a principal part of my duty, to give you account of affairs here in this service: I have, since, the Scots deserting me (although they are unwilling to own it) notwithstanding their actions do fully manifest it, used my utmost endeavours to reserve the interest of England in the North, and to keep some footing there. I have taken care to provide the Garrison of Lisnegarvy, with two month's provision of corn, which is kept there safe, if any rapture happen between, which is likely to be, since their ends are clear opposite: As also I have well furnished with victual the Garrison of Derry, the only pass into the North, and Green Castle, Cartingford, Dundalk and Colerane, if my Forces should advance to besiege either of them. And being in a very ill condition with these Garrisons between the Scots and Irish, Owen mac Art's Army, I have adventured, by the advice of some special friends and wellwishers to this Service, to treat with Owen mac Art, to keep him from joining with Ormond, which if he had done, Colonel Jones and I had been in a very great hazard of losing the Parliaments footing in this Kingdom; whereupon finding Colonel Jones in such a condition, that he could not relieve me, it made me the more confident to adventure upon a Cessation of Arms between Owen mac Art's Party and mine, he engaging himself to oppose Ormond, which he doth really intent to do, and hath already by his endeavours manifested his willingness to ruin Ormond, for a greater feud cannot possibly be between them, than there is now: wherefore upon this score I have treated with him, and according to his desire, sent you the Copy of the Propositions made by him, and according to his desire sent you the Copy of the Propositions made by him, to the Parliament, which are wonderful high, but I believe will descend much lower: I have sent you likewise a Copy of Agreement for the three month's Cessation betwixt Owen mac Art and I. I do not think it fit to signify this to the Council of State, but do wholly refer the business to you, either to make further use of it, or else to move it, or as you conceive most fit to be done, since there was great necessity for me to do it, I hope it will beget no ill construction, when the advantage gained to the Service, by dividing Ormond and Mac Art, is fully weighed. By this business I have very much quieted the Scots, who were upon so high terms, that nothing would satisfy them, but that I must deliver up the provisions, Arms and Ammunition to them which I had in my Stores, as you may perceive by the Copies of their Letters at their meetings; but now they do not stir, either to send Forces to join with those against Derry, or to advance towards me: wherefore being driven to this great straight, I shall desire that it may not receive any ill censure, but that it may be throughly considered. I doubt I have already trespassed too much upon your time, and do therefore crave pardon for this boldness, and humbly beseech you to continue your good opinion towards me, and esteem me, as I am Dundalk, this 25. of May 1649. Your faithful and most humble Servant, GEORGE MONK. Ormond within this three days hath taken a Garrison of Owen mac Arts, and put most of the men to the sword, the place called Mary-Burrow, and the hath sent Preston to lie before Athy, another of Owen mac Arts Garrisons. Articles condescended unto, and agreed upon, by and between General Owen O Neal, Commander in chief of the confederate Catholics, and Colonel George Monk, Commander in chief of the Parliament Forces, within the Province of Ulster. Dated 8 May, 1649. I. IT is agreed that there be a Cessation of Arms, and of all acts of Hostility, between the Forces and Parties commanded by, and adhering to General Owen O Neal, as well in Ulster as in the rest of the Provinces of the Kingdom, and the Forces or Parties under Colonel George Monk his command, for three months after the date hereof; Provided that in the said time, there be not any agreement made with the Marquis of Ormond, the Lord of Inchiqueen, or any their adherents, or with any who are Enemies to the Parliament of England. II. That upon all occasions during the said time, both Parties be ready with their Forces to assist one another, until a more absolute agreement be made and condescended unto by the Parliament of England. III. It is agreed between the said Parties, that the Creaghts of Ulster, residing within the quarters of Colonel Monk, pay contribution to General Owen O Neal; And that it may be likewise lawful for the said Colonel Monk to receive contribution from such Creaghts of Ulster, as well those who have not as yet paid him contribution, as those that do; and in case any of them refuse so to do, it shall be lawful for Colonel Monk to compel them thereunto, excepting those who belong to the County of Cavan. iv It is also agreed, That if General Owen O Neal shall happen to fight against the Forces under the command of the Marquis of Ormond, the Lord Inchiqueen, or any other Enemies to the Parliament of England, and thereby spend his Ammunition, if he be near unto my Quarters, and be distressed for want of Ammunition. I shall then furnish him. V It is agreed between the said Parties, And the said Colonel Monk doth in the behalf of himself and his Party, faithfully promise and undertake, that free leave and liberty shall be given to any Ship or Ships, that may arrive at any Harbour, or Port-Town within the said Colonel Monk's liberty, during the time of our Agreement, with any Silver, Gold, Provision, Arms, Ammunition, or any other commodities, to the use of the said General or his Forces: And that the said General O Neal, or such as shall be by him authorized hereunto, shall be admitted to fetch away the same with security and safety; and that no interruption or impediment be given to the said shipping, to departed without any prejudice, at their will and pleasure. The Propositions of General Owen O Neal, the Lords, Gentry and Commons of the confederate Catholics of Ulster, to the most High and most Honourable, the PARLIAMENT of England. I. IMprimis, That such as are already joined, or shall within the space of three months, join with General Owen O Neal, in the service of the Parliament of England in this Kingdom, as well Clergy as others, may have all laws and penalties against their Religion and its Professors, taken off by Act of Parliament, and that Act to extend to the said Parties, their Heirs and Successors for ever, while they loyally serve the Parliament of England. II. The said General O Neal desireth an Act of oblivion to be passed, to extend to all and every of his party, for all things done since the beginning of the year 1641. III. They desire that General Owen O Neal, be provided with a competent command in the Army, befitting his worth and quality. iv They desire that they may enjoy all the Lands that were, or aught to be in their or their Ancestors possession. V That all incapacity, inability and distrust hitherto, by Act of State or otherwise, against the said party, be taken off. VI That on both sides all jealousies, hate and aversion, be laid aside, unity, love and amity, be renewed and practised between both parties. VII. That General Owen O Neal may be restored and put in possession of his Successors estates, or some estates equivalent to it, in the Counties of Tyrome, Ardmach, or London-dery, in reward of his merit, and the good service that he shall perform in the Parliament of England's service, in the preservation of their interest in this Kingdom. VIII. That the Army belonging to General Owen O Neal and his party, be provided for, in all points as the rest of the Army shall be. IX. That the said party be provided with, and possessed of a convenient Sea port in the Province of Ulster. I do, upon receiving a confirmation of these Propositions, forthwith undertake and promise in behalf of myself, and the whole Party under my command, faithfully and firmly to adhere to the service of the Parliament of England in this Kingdom, and maintain their interest hereafter, with the hazard of our lives and fortunes, against all opposers whatsoever. In witness whereof, I have hereunto put my hand and seal, this 8 day of May, Anno Dom. 1649. Signed, Owen O Neal. The REASONS inducing Colonel Monk to make a Cessation with Owen Roe O Neal for three Months, which is now expired, were as followeth: 1. THat about April last, the Scots under his command having relinquished their obedience to the Parliament, and denied to obey any command from him, upon refusing to join with them in a Declaration against the Parliament and Army, he desired assistance from Colonel Jones to reduce them to obedience: But Colonel Jones finding by good Intelligence, that the Lord of Ormond had made a Peace with all the Irish, except Owen Roe O Neal; That he had set up the Prince's Interest, and upon that score was raising all the force he could make to distress Colonel Jones in his quarters, thought it not safe, as to the Parliaments Interest in Lemster, to spare any assistance to Colonel Monk. 2. That Colonel Monk being upon this necessitated to retire to his Garrison of Dundalk, found Owen Roe O Neal quartered with his Forces, being Six thousand Foot, and about Seven hundred horse, in the counties of Cavan and Monahan, within twenty or thirty miles march of his Garrison; and also received good Intelligence, that the Lord of Ormond at that time used all possible means to draw Owen Roe to his party, offering him any Conditions to induce to it. 3. That Colonel Monk finding himself thus environed with the Scots on the one hand, with whom he understood the Lord of Ormond kept Intelligence at that time, and with Owen Roe on the other; and finding how dangerous it would in all probability be, not only to himself, but also to Colonel Jones, and so consequently to all the Parliaments Interest in Ireland, to have Owen Roe and the Scots thus upon the sudden, and before any Forces could be expected to arrive out of England, either to Colonel Jones or his own relief, united with the Lord of Ormond. 4. Finding that if he could keep the Lord of Ormond and Owen Roe at distance, until supplies arrived, he should not only deprive the Lord of Ormond of that accession of strength which Owen Roe's Forces would have added unto him, but also render the Scots in Ulster, and the Earl of Clanrickard with his Connaght Forces (all which being joined together, would have made Twelve thousand horse and foot) useless to the Lord of Ormond, as to any assistance he could expect from them to join with him against Colonel Jones, Owen Roe lying so with his Forces, as that he might within two or three days march, have fallen either into the Scots quarters, or clanrickard's quarters, if they had not kept their Forces to attend his motions. 5. Finding also that Owen Roe, in regard of his own safety, would accept the large Offers made him by the Earl of Ormond, if he had not been speedily prevented; Colonel Monk well weighing all the dangers and advantages as aforesaid, that might in all probability ensue thereupon; and likewise what hazard it might have been to retard a conclusion with Owen Roe (whom he found impatient of all Delays) until he might receive Directions either from the Council of State or the Parliament, for his farther proceeding therein, thought it most agreeable to the discharge of his trust, and the safety of the Parliaments Interest in that Kingdom, rather to cast himself upon the Parliaments interpretation, and to conclude a Cessation with Owen Roe for three months, then by any further delay, to lose the advantages aforesaid, the fruits whereof have in some measure answered his expectation, and prevented the Earl of Ormond all this while from a strict besieging of Dublin, and so consequently of taking it, for want of a competent number of foot to lie down before it, which he could not have done, without the addition of the Scots and Connaght forces as aforesaid; and in the mean time necessitated him to spend his time in taking of the out-Garisons, which if Dublin had been taken, he knew would have speedily fallen into his hands. The truth of all which, and of the advantages gained by his proceed, he submits to the further testimony of those that Command in chief for the Parliament upon the place. A Letter of the Scottish Officers in Ulster, to Colonel MONK. Honourable Sir, WE are very well satisfied in our own consciences, and are confident all, except the parties against whom we do declare, will be so, That we have discharged our duties in relation to you, and that we have with a great deal of honesty & fidelity, declared ourselves for the Parliament of England, And only against those who have illegally usurped their power, for whose service we are confident the Arms, Ammunition and Clothes sent to the Army, were never ordained; nor can we see how you discharge your trust to the Parliament, when you detain those provisions sent by them to us, who are still willing cordially to prosecute those ends to which we were engaged, when you got your Commission, and to follow the commands of that lawful Power which did give it you. Thus far we are free, because we cannot lie under the accusation of that crime, whereof others are guilty, etc. Major Rawden will give you an account of our Answers to your desires, which we are confident will witness our respects to you, and we do earnestly desire that you may be as careful in preserving a good correspondency and neighbourhood, as Belfast, the 9 of May, 1649. Your affectionate humble Servants. Signed: Montgomery, John Edmonstone, Uti Knox, William Hamilton, George Kieth, James Clotworthy, James Shaw, Fergus Kennedy, Ed: Ellis. FINIS.