The state of DUBLIN, As it stood the 27. of December, And of other parts of Ireland. BEING The Copy of a Letter sent from a good hand to an Alderman of this City. By reading which You will find the vanity and falsehood of those vain foolish Pamphlets invented and published of late. With a strange and unheard of flocking together of several kind of Birds over the City of Dublin on Christmas Eve last.  
Printed at London for Nath. Butter. 1642.   

The copy of a Letter sent from Dublin Decemb. 27. 1641. by Tristram Witcome, a Factor there for a worthy Alderman of this City, declaring in what state the City there stands. With the strange and sudden departure of two Aldermen from thence: and strange sight on CHRISTMAS Eve.  
SIR:  
OUr miseries are great, our fears more, if speedy relief do not suddenly arrive, hunger will certainly be more plentiful with us then bread; for the Rebels who daily increase have blocked up all passage two ways unto the City, so that Southward from Doungarvil, and North-east from Clannoroe, no provision of victual can come at us; neither can the present Garrison here be spired to clear those parts. It stands fare worse with this City (God knows) than the world with you will believe, otherwise they would not be so slow of their succours, as to our woes we find they are. For the Rebels grow strong, and withal so daring, that they attempt the blocking up of the very harbour of Dublin, and to that end are building two Sconces at the Havens mouth, out of the command of the Castle, whereupon they have already mounted twelve iron Pieces, howsoever they came by them: so that it they be not prevented, and that with seasonable opportunity, (which God in his mercy grant) they will not only stop and hinder, all our Posts and Missengers for England, but likewise be able to debarse and affront what succours should come from thence to us.  
The English not without just ground are in exceeding great jealousy and suspicion of the Irish inhabitants of the City, who although they make us fair countenance, as whole visage and habits sort with ours, yet their hearts and good wishes it is to be feared are with the Rebels. Apparences are good proofs: Upon the Eve of Saint Thomas Decemb. 20. two of the Aldermen of Dublin, Mr. Dominick Rooch, and Mr. Patrick Copinger fled but of Dublin, with their wives, children, and whole families, whither God knows, but surely all is not well; their houses being observed to stand shut up for the space of two days together, without ingress or egress of any either master, servant, or neighbour; notice being thereof taken at last report being there of made unto the two justices, it was thought fit by them to send officers and soldiers who upon command to open, and none answering, forced the doors; but being entered found nothing within considerable, in respect of their estates and qualities, which giveth great cause of jealousy unto the said justices, and to all loyal English, that these Aldermen are not only fled and stolen away to the Rebels, but further have discovered whatsoever may be advantageous unto them, as touching the state of the said City: as likewise of carrying a heedful and watchful eye over the rest: for it is greatly to be suspected that the Rebels have more intelligence in this City, then stands for our profit; seeing that they make daily approaches towards us, sometimes in lesser bodies, sometimes in greater; sometime on horseback, sometime only with their foot; now staying longer, now retiring sooner; now drawing nearer the City, now retiring farther off, as they that looked for some sign or token of advantage to be showed out of the City: and which increaseth our fears the more, is that the two great Rebels that have the command of these rebellious troops that now are nearest the City, are Mack Odonnel and Charles Mack Cartie, who have but too great alliance, kindred, cousin germane, friends, foster fathers or foster mothers, or foster brethren in this City.  
I am hearty sorry of what you writ me the last week, that the King and the Parliament disagreeing about the pressing of men for Ireland; for I am much afraid that if the Parliament will have no men to be pressed for that service, but what come hither to come voluntary, I am afraid that our help will come too late, if any come at all. Although it be true that there hath been divers skirmishes in the Country, wherein (God be praised) our people have had the better, yet we have lost men likewise, and some brave and worthy Commanders; and although we be weakened through victory, yet weakened we are by reason that we have no supply, and are but few in respect of the enemy, and their number daily increase.   

A strange and wonderful thing by Fowls.  
A Most strange and unwonted accident happened in Dublin on Christmas Eve, as ever was heard of the Crows, Ravens, and Sea Gulls, about four of the clock in the afternoon, being dusk, assembled in such a numerous manner, hover, puling and croaking in such a strange unheard of wise over the City, that it amazed and affrighted all the inhabitants; especially they continuing without departing in this sort until six of the said evening; a strange time of night for such roll to be abroad at, at such a time of the year. And which is more strange, that could not be frighted nor scared away with all the reports of muskets, and some great Pieces out of the Castle that were shot off for that purpose. What this strange accident means or portends is not for me to divine: but surely by the knowledge of the oldest men in Dublin, either English or Irish, never the like was seen.  
Concerning other matter of trade, it behooveth rather to think of calling in, if we can, then of sending any thing else over. Which if I can in any reasonable way accomplish, you shall by God's permission shortly see me in London: till then, desiring you and all our friends to implore the assistance of Heaven for us here, I rest,  
Your Servant, T.W.  
FINIS.