A DIARY OF THE Siege of LYMERICK.

August. 1691. THe General having resolv'd on the Forming of the Siege of Lymerick, and in order thereunto, having given Orders for Captain Coale, with his Squadron, to sail down the Shannon, and for the immediate March­ing of Twenty Six whole Cannon, Mortars, &c. from Athlone, to meet him there. 3d. On the Third of August the whole Army passed the Shannon at Bana­har-Bridge, and came the same Night to Birr, (which place is distant from Lyme­rick Thirty Miles.) The General having receiv'd an Account by Deserters, That Brigadier Carrol was posted with a Party of Irish, at a Place called Nenagh, which is a Pass Fourteen Miles from Lymerick, gave Orders to Brigadier Levison, with a detatched Party, to go and Attack the said place; who marched from the Camp early this morning, with Five Hundred Horse and Dragoons.

4th. Brigadier Levison, with his Party, got yesterday in the Evening to Nenagh; at whose approach the Governour Carrol set the Town on fire, and then quitted it in great haste; but the fire was soon put out by Eleven of our Men, who happened to be Prisoners there, and were left behind.

5th. This day we marched from Birr, and marched to a place called Burraskeen, where we Encamped the same night.

6th. This Evening we reached Nenagh: Here we received an Account, That Briga­dier Levison, with his Horse and Dragoons, pursued Carrol and his Party so closely, and so far, that within four miles of Lymerick he took all their Baggage, amongst which were two rich Coats of long Anthony Carrol's, one valued at Eighty Pounds, the other at forty Guinea's, and about forty Pistoles in Gold; as also four hun­dred and fifty Head of large black Cattel, and some Sheep, which the Enemies sudden flight would not suffer them to carry off:

7th. This morning a Party marched from the Camp towards Killaloo, in search for Rebels, who killed two, and took about nine Prisoners, which were all of the Ene­my they could meet with; and in the evening returned to the Camp with a great Prey of Cattel.

8th. Some Pioneers, under the Convoy of a good Party of Horse and Dragoons, marched this morning towards the Silver Mines, to mend the Roads for our Car­riages. A Brigadier, and two of the late King James's Horse-Guards, who de­serted the Enemy, came into the Camp with their Horses and Accoutrements, and advised us, That the Enemy were Intrenching themselves near Carrick-I [...]lish.

9th. Lieutenant Colonel Oxborough, with a Lieutenant, their Servants and Accoutre­ments, came over to us from the Enemy this day; as also did another Officer and eleven Musqueteers, with their Arms. A Man and Woman were this day hanged [Page 2]in the Camp; the Man for Robbing, and the Woman for Murthering one of our Soldiers near Galway. Mr. Richards, Secretary and Adjutant-General to Balda­rick O Donnel, who had been with the General in the Camp four of five days, went hence this day for Dublin, to confer with the Lords Justices.

10th. Several considerable Deserters came into our Camp this day, from the Enemies Quarters; they gave us an account. That both French and Irish were mightily surprized to find our Ships in the Shannon, having been possess'd, That the French were Masters at Sea, and that we durst not adventure so far.

11th. This morning we decamped from Nenagh, and the same night we came to a Place called Shalley, about two miles from the Silver-Mines, a very wild part of the Countrey.

12th. This day we marched again, and came to a small Village called Tulla; here we incamp'd, and lay till the 13th, 13th. on which day we decamp'd, and came that day to Carick-Inlish, which is situate about four miles from Lymerick.

14th. This day the General went out of the Camp, at the head of fifteen hundred de­tached Horse and Dragoons, advancing with them within sight of Lymerick, and having beaten in the Enemies Out-Guards, took a View of their Works from the Hill where our Artillery Encamped the last year: In the evening the Gene­ral returned again to the Camp.

15th. This day several Deserters came over to us, and confirmed an Account we had before receiv'd, That Sarsfield with the Enemies Horse, was retired to the other side of the Shannon, being Encamp'd in the County of Clare, about four miles above Lymerick; and that their Foot were drawn in within their Retrenchments: They inform'd us likewise, That the Earl of Tyrconnel was very ill, and had re­ceiv'd the Extream Ʋnction.

16th. This Afternoon Sir John Hanmore, with five Regiments of Foot from Cork and the Neighbouring Gatrisons, joyned us. Major General In Forest marched out of the Camp this day with a strong detachment of Horse and Foot, towards Athlone, to meet that part of our Artillery that were coming from thence, under the Convoy of Colonel Lloyd's Regiments; which consisted of Nine Twenty Four Pounders, Nine Eighteen Pounders, and Four large Mortars, (being an Ad­dition to the Train of Artillery we brought with us from Galway.)

17th. This morning three Deserters came into our Camp, and brought us the follow­lowing Accounts; That the Earl of Tyrconnel dyed on the 14th, the ill Condition of the Irish Affairs having broke his Heart; That he was Buried at Lymerick on the 16th, and that a Commission was produced from the late King, which Mr. Plowden (formerly one of the Commissioners of the Revenue of Ireland) brought lately from France, appointing Sir Alexander Fitton, Sir Richard Neagle, and the said Plowden, Justices of Ireland.

18th. We had an Account this day, That Colonel Henry Lutterel had been lately sei­zed at Lymerick, by Order of the French Lieutenant-General d'Ʋssone, for having made some Proposals for a Surrender of the Place, and that he was Sentenced by a Court-Marshal to be Shot; upon which the General sent them word by a Trum­pet, That if they put any man to death, for having a mind to come over to us, he would revenge it on the Irish.

19th. This day several notorious Rapparees were brought Prisoners into our Camp. It Rained very hard this day, as it likewise did for several days past, which very much detarded the March of the Artillery in their way from Athlone.

Aug. 20. 1691. This afternoon two Troopers of the late Earl of Tyrconnel's Regiment, and a Dragoon, deserted the Enemy, and came over to us.

21st. Major O Connor, who was Governour of Banahar, and Surrendred it on Con­dition of marching out with his Men, hath since been in Lymerick, and upon view of the condition of that Place, and consideration of the Wants of the Irish, and their impending Ruine, came over to us this day; also Nine more of the Irish Army, well Mounted and Equipped, came over to us. This day there came into our Camp Twenty Nine Tin-Boats, which were brought from Athlone to Killaloo by Water. Colonel Lumly, who had been abroad as far as Charleville, with a good Party of Horse and Dragoons, returned again this Evening with a Prey of Two Hundred and fifty Black Cattel, Three Hundred Sheep, and some Horses.

22d. Our men were employed all this day in cutting of Fascines, and in making other necessary Preparations for the Siege of Lymerick, wither the excessive Rains, lately fallen, still obstructed our March, as also the coming up of our Cannon and Mortars, which, we were advised, were last night near Birr.

23d. One Sheldon, a Lieutenant in the Irish Royal Regiment, and one Dowdal, an Irish Councellor, made their Escape from the Enemy this day, and came over to us.

24th, To prevent the Abuses committed by Sutlers, who had, about this time exces­sively raised the Rate of Bread and Drink, the General this day Published an Order, and thereby settled the Price of all manner of Provisions in the Camp, and forbidding all Persons to exceed the Rates so settled, on pain of forfeiting their Goods, and suffering a months Imprisonment. Two Rapparees were this day hanged, being Convicted by a Court-Martial, for burning of Houses. Two of Sir John Lanier's Troopers, and a North-Countrey Sutler, were likewise Con­demned: The two first, for Robbing Captain Watts, an Officer in the same Regi­ment; and the other for buying the Captain's Watch, which was stoln, and sold to him by the Troopers.

25th. The General having sent out Major Slundt with Two Hundred and Fifty fresh Draught-Horses to hasten the coming up of our Guns, &c. and ordered our Ships in the Shannon to come nearer Lymerick; and being himself, as well as the whole Army, very impatient in lying here, gave Orders last night for our March; pursuant to which, about five this morning we decamped, and all moved towards Lymerick, except two Regiments of Foot, and an hundred Horses, which remain'd in our Camp as a Rear-Guard, for the Security of our Tin-Boats, and the rest of our Artillery, &c. as also to wait for Major General la Farets coming up with our heavy Cannon, Mortars, &c. who last night encamped within four miles of us. By three this afternoon we came before two of the Enemies Out-Forts, the one an old Church, the other Cromwel's, or rather Ireton's Fort, the latter well for­tified with a very good Ditch, and Lines of Communication with the Town, and both well Manu'd; in the former, were 500 Musketeers, but neither of them gave us much trouble, the Garrisons in both running away upon our Advance. On the Left of our Army was a very good Fort built last Winter, guarded by 600 men, which was bravely Attacqu'd by 80 of our English Granadiers, who receiving a Volley of their Shot, with small Damage, mounted the Works, and carry'd the Place, and drove the Enemy into the cover'd Way they had from the Fort to the Town; our men (having received another Volley) pursued them to their next Out-Warks to the Town, and in this Action kill'd near 100, and took [Page 4]sixteen Prisoners. Colonel Donep of the Danish Horse, who commanded our advance Party of Horse, was slain by a chance Cannon-Shot. The General ex­pecting the Enemy would make a Salley, commanded the Troopers should lie all night at their Horses heads.

26th. This afternoon our Cannon and Mortars, with 800 Carts of Ball and Bombs, and 800 Barrels of Powder, arrived here from Athlone. This night we broke Ground, and began to work on our Lines of Communication, making our Ap­proaches with very small loss.

27th. Early this morning the Prince Darmstadt, with his own, Colonel Tiffin's, and Colonel St. John's Regiments of Foot, and about 700 Horse, marched hence to reduce Castle-Connel, where the Enemy had a very good Garrison. Another Party marched hence with four Guns, to take in two or three Castles, which the Ene­my had Garrison'd down the River. This Night the Enemy Fired so hard from two Guns they had drawn below the Town on our left, that it obliged our men to move a little further off till they could be better secured. This morning Or­ders were given for fitting 1000 Hand-Granadoes and 600 Bombs, to be ready against Eight at Night. This Day our Fleet, which were ordered from Galway, being about 18 Sail, under the Command of Captain Coal, came up the Shannon towards the Town, firing so briskly as they passed by the Enemies Camp at Crai­ [...]alough, that they made many of them run to the Adjacent Hills: Our Ships came to an Anchor about three miles below the Town.

28th. This morning the General went on Board the Fleet, but staid not long there: The Weather about this time began to be pretty good. Carrick Gunnel Castle, whose Garrison was 130 men, and two Captains, commanded by one Archbold, surrendred upon Mercy, and the Prisoners were immediately put into the Pro­vo's Custody; and this night was surrendred likewise the Castle of Ballycullare, and another strong Castle on the Shannon; in all the several Castles we took about 900 Prisoners. Our men were very busie all this day on our Line of Communi­cation. This morning our light Frigats came and Anchored within sight of the Town, Captain Coal lying with the rest about six miles off: The Irish, upon the first approach of them, expressed a mighty Joy, believing them to be French; and were as much troubled, when they found their mistake.

29th. This morning our Ships began to unload Ammunition, &c. This evening our Line of Communication was finished, the Guns and Mortars were drawn down and mounted thereon; and this night about Eleven, our Mortars began to play, and threw above a hundred Bombs and Carcasses into the Town; which, besides their other Execution, fired the Town in three several places. Upwards of 400 Prisoners, taken in the three several places before mentioned, were this day sent hence to Clonmel, under a good guard of Horse and Dragoons. About Ten this Night, (to encourage the Foot, and to prevent their being too much Fateigu'd) six hundred Troopers on foot, were Commanded down to the Trenches, to raise another Battery, much nearer to the Town than the first.

31th. Early this morning the Troopers had finished their Battery. About Two this morning, a Body of Four Hundred Horse and Dragoons, Commanded by Briga­dier Levison, went hence towards the County of Kerry. About Eleven of the Clock we played from our New Battery. This night Two Hundred of the Prote­stant Inhabitants of Lymerick or thereabouts, most of them Women and Chil­dren, were brought off from an Island in the Shannon, where the Irish detained [Page 5]them Prisoners; the manner of Relieving them, was thus: Major Joseph Strouds who Commands in chief the Militia of the County of Cork, Garrison'd at An­nagh-beg, as he was on the 30th at night Relieving his Guards, a Captain-Lieu­tenant, Cornet, and a Trooper (all of the Irish Army) Deserted, and came over to him; one of them proposed a piece of Service, which Major Stroud readily accepted, which was, To bring off some Protestants from an Island in the Shan­non, called St. Thomas's Island; whereupon the Major immediately taking with him sixteen Dragoons, with them (in four Cotts) entred the Island, and brought off 200 Protestants that were in great misery, being almost starved for want of Food, having only two small Cabbins to shelter them from the Weather, and but a little Hay to lie on; they also brought off a Prey of 46 Horses. Yesterday and this day we played from our Cannon and Mortars very briskly, with very good Execution, as we were told by a Captain, two Lieutenants, and eleven Dragoons, who deserted the Enemy, and came over to us this evening.

Septem. 1. 1691. This morning Colonel Wolsely went from our Camp with 500 Horse and Dra­goons towards Killaloo, it being reported that Sarsfield was moving that way: We still continued to Batter and Bombard the Town very furiously: One hun­dred and twenty of the Rebels who were taken twenty miles off, were last night brought Prisoners into the Camp.

2d. This morning an Express arrived in the Camp, being sent by Brigadier Levison to the General, dated yesterday near New-Market, which advises, That having Intelligence on Monday evening, where the Lord Merrions and the Lord Brittas's Regiment of Horse were, he marched towards them, and by one of the Clock in the morning sell in with them, killed a great Number of them on the Place, cut­ting off several intire Troops, very few escaping; and had taken the Lord Castle­connel's Lady, and divers others, Prisoners; as also a good Prey of Cattel: In this Action Major Wood had his Legg broke by a fall off his Horse, which was the most of our loss. Our Guns and Mortars played incessantly all last night and this day. A Court Martial was this day held, where of the Earl of Droghedah was Presi­dent, where a Woman which pretended she came for a Protection for Cattel, was Condemned for perswading some French Soldiers (whom she took for Papists) to desert and go over to the Irish; several others were also found guilty of Steal­ing. This day we had finished two Batteries more, one of 14 Pieces, the other of 10, all 18 and 24 Pounders. Our Lines of Communication being finished, we b [...]gan this day to work on a Line of Circumvallation.

3d. By a Dragoon of Colonel Nugent's, who this day came over to us from the Enemy, we were advised, That the Enemy's Horse and Dragoons were at Annagh­beg, about three miles above Lymerick, where they lay encamped; that they want­ed Bread and Salt, and were very ill Clad, as was also the Deserter. This evening the General went to view their Camp, to make which look great, the Enemy had set up all their Sheets and Blankets to make a shew of Tents.

4th. This day the Princess of Denmark's Regiment joyned us. This evening three hundred Horse and Dragoons marched from the Camp towards Kerry, to reinforce Brigadier Levison, who was ordered to reduce that Countrey, and all the Garri­sons betwixt Lymerick and Cork. We were all yesterday and this day employed in unshipping our Guns, Mortars, Stores &c. and joyning them to the Train. T [...]is Night we began to work on a New Battery of Twenty Two Guns, the least Eighteen Pounders, and Eleven Mortars, from Eighteen Inches three quarters [Page 6]to Ten and an half Diameter, on the right of the Town, and within Carbine Shot of the Wall: Our men worked some time unperceived, but the Moon ri­sing, discovered us to the Enemy, who played incessantly upon us, and killed seven or eight men; however, we still continued working thereon. This day we fini­shed our Line of Contravallation, with four Forts for the defence of it.

5th. Mo [...]t of this day proving Wet, hindred our working on the great Battery. Deserters that came in this day, informed us, That the Enemy that were encamp­ed at the Lower-Town, were returned between this place and Killaloo, having left four Regiments of Dragoons to guard the Fords of the River; and with the rest, and eight Regiments of Horse, they were resolved to dispute our Passage.

6th. The Rain continuing to fall heavily this day, prevented our working at the great Battery, and finishing it this night, as we expected. By Deserters that came into the Camp this day from the Town, we were informed, That Monsieur D'Ʋs­fore the French General, had much ado to keep the Rapparees, that came from Aghrim, from Mutinying: That he had promised them, That if a supply of Mo­ney, Ammunition and Provisions, came not from France in 12 days, he would dismiss them.

7th. This morning the General having receiv'd advice, That the Irish of the Coun­ty of Kerry were numerous, and b ing Armed, design'd to oppose Brigadier Le­vison, ordered the Princess of Denmark's, and another Regiment of Foot, to march and joyn the Brigadier: Soon after we had an Account, That the Brigadiers Party had taken several Preys, in which were above a thousand Head of Cattel, a great many Horses, some of them very good; as also abundance of Sheep, Goats, and Hogs. Deserters that came into the Camp this day, told us, That our Bombs had set divers Houses on fire, but that it was soon quenched, the Buildings be­ing most of Stone, and very strong; and that the second Bomb that was thrown killed the Lady Dillon, and wounded some others.

8th. The General having resolved to Attack Lymerick on the English-Town side, which is to our Right, in order to which, our Approaches were carried on with such Celerity, that in four days time we run our Lines so near to the Enemy, that we could annoy one another with our Small-shot. By this day we had raised a Line composed of several Batteries, viz. One to the Left, of ten Field Pieces, to shoot Red-hot Balls; another of 30 Guns, one Battery of 8 Mortars and of 6, and another on Ireton's Fort, (which much annoy'd the Irish Town) of 5 Mortars and 8 Guns, 12 and 18 Pounders, and a Fort to secure our Lines of Battery. At Four this morning we fired a great Mortar, but the Shell bursting in her, flung both the Mortar and Carriage two yards off the Floating. We soon after discharged fourteen 24, and three 18 Pounders, which (like a Volley of Small-shot, for the closeness of firing) opened a Breach in the Wall, at which two Coaches might en­ter a brest, and filled the Counterscarp with its Ruines; and all this day we con­tinued to ply the Town with Fire-Balls, Carcasses and Bombs, which did them much mischief.

9th. Our Cannon and Mortars continued to play without intermission, that from our great Battery we this day made a Breach in the Wall of the English-Town, of about thirty yards wide. This day we finished another Battery, which play'd up­on St. John's Gate in the Irish Town; and this day we began to work on two other Batteries, one of seven Eighteen Pounders, and the other of sixteen Twenty Four Pounders. About Two this Afternoon, a Body of the Enemy came out, and ap­pear'd [Page 7]as if they intended a Sally, but design'd only to secure a Ditch that lay betwixt them and our Batteries; which was no sooner known, but our men march'd down upon them, and beat them back into the Town, killing about thirty, with the loss only of one Granadier. Our Guns and Mortars continued to play into the Town all this night without intermission.

10th. Early this morning one of the Enemies Captains came to us out of the Town, and gave an account, That yesterday, in beating the Enemy into the Town, we killed two of their Majors, and one of our Bombs killed Monsieur la Four, who was Bro­ther to the Governour; and that the Governour and Officers, to keep up the Hearts of the Town and Garrison, assured them, That the French Fleet had totally beaten the English and Dutch, and forced those English Vessels, with Captain Coal, into the Shannon; but that Day, or within Forty Eight Hours, a Squadron of French would come into the River to their Relief, and wholly destroy the English, &c. All this day we continued firing, and about six at night the Town appear'd on fire in many places; to prevent its spreading, the Enemy blew up divers Houses and Buildings; notwithstanding which, some very considerable place continued burn­ing with great violence until two the next morning.

11th. This morning some Officers of Sir Albert Cunningham's Regiment of Dragoons came to the Camp, with an Express from their Lieutenant Colonel Echlin, of the loss of their Colonel, and to pray the Generals Favour to have the Regi­ment: The said Colonel Sir Albert Cunningham's Regiment being Detached from the Camp to joyn the Forces for the Reducing of Sligo; and he staying after them, did follow with ten men only as a Guard. In their March, upon the Hills near Boyle, they unhappily mistook their way in a Fogg, and sell into the hands of two or three hundred Rapparees, to whom they sold their Lives at the utmost Rate, killing about twenty five, but were at last over-power'd and cut in pieces, vvhose Blood vvas soon Reveng'd by Baldarick O Donnel, vvho vvas in hearing of the Guns, but came too late to save the brave Colonel; hovvever he killed many of them, and Routed the rest. We continued to Batter and Bomb the Town all this day, and all night.

12th. All last night and this day we fired furiously into the Town without intermis­sion; and Our Breach was widened seventy Paces; this day We began to pre­pare Our Floating Bridges, in order to pass over the Water, but whether to the Island, or above the Town, to gain the other side, was at that time a Secret. This Morning came to us Ten Dragoons and an Officer Deserters, who said, that in the great Fire that was in the Town on the tenth at Night, the Bombs set Fire to three Magazins; one of Powder, which in blowing up, set Fire unto, and burnt great part of the English Town, and did much more mischief, the other two of Beef, Bisket, Oats, Brandy and Wine, which were all destroyed, and would be soon wanted amongst them.

13th. All this day we continued firing into the Town, and the Deserters which came over to us this day, informed us, That our Ball, Bombs, Carcasses, &c. had ruined the greater part of the English Town. Our Can­non now mounted were Sixty Pieces, none less than 12 Pounders. This day the General sent an Express to the Queen.

Sept. 14. 1691. This morning the General sent two Regiments towards Clonmel and Waterford to reinforce the Militia, there being many Prisoners at the latter, and the Irish in those parts grew insolent. His excellency also sent Money and Guards to sup­port them, with Orders to blow up and demolish Castle-Connel, and the other Castles we had taken near Lymerick on the Shannon, and elsewhere, to prevent there being any more Nests of Rebels, Rapparees, &c. This day near sixty Wag­gons of good Wool, taken from the Enemy, were put on Board our Ships.

15th. We continued all this day to Bomb and Batter the Town, and made the Brea­ches so wide, that we could plainly see into the Town, which look'd Ruinous. The Enemy made many Sod-Works, and a very deep Trench or Ditch, with Pal­lisadoes and Stockadoes, yet the men continued impatient to Storm it. About three this afternoon, the Lord Lisburne was unfortunately kill'd by a Cannon-Ball from the Town, as he was coming out of his Tent, which he had placed in the Trenches. This evening our Cannon were thrice discharged, and our Ar­my made several Volleys, in demonstration of their Joy, for the great Defeat given to the Turks by the Emperour's Forces. This night we again fired the Town, which burnt furiously for two hours.

16th. The General having resolved to pass the Shannon, it was given out (to amuse the Enemy) that we were going to raise the Siege; and for the better colouring that pretence, a large Mortar and two or three Guns (which by often firing, had been rendred unserviceable) being drawn off in sight of the Town towards the Shipping. About Ten last night, Orders were given to carry our Floats and Pontoons to a place appointed for laying our Bridge, about a mile above the English Town. To cover the Work-men, which were about 600 in number, a Detachment of 100 Granadiers was sent in four Boats over to St. Thomas Island, from whence to the other side of the River were two or three shallow Fords; they lay there undiscover'd till it was almost morning, when a Trooper that was Patrolling first saw them, and gave notice to four Regiments of the Enemies Dra­goons, who with some Foot were posted with two Parties under the Com­mand of Brigadier Clifford, not far from thence; upon which those that lay nearest our Bridge, made some Shot at us. About seven a Clock the Bridge was finished, and the General immediately Ordered the Royal Regiment of Dragoons to pass, who drew up on the side of the River, and made way for the Granadiers and Fusiliers that followed; These were supported by four Battalions of Foot, and several Squadrons of Horse. In the mean time, the Enemies Dragoons came down on foot to oppose us; but as soon as our men advanced, they took to their Heels, leaving their Tents and Baggage, with their Bridles and Saddles (their Horses being at Grass, at a place about two miles off) behind them: We took also two Pieces of Brass Cannon, and Brigadier Maxwel's Standard. In this Action we had but one man kill'd, and the Enemy not many, for they run imme­diately, and great numbers of them afterwards took the advantage of that Con­fusion and Deserted. We took several Prisoners, and among them, a French Lieu­tenant Colonel of Dragoons, and some other Officers, who confirmed what we had heard before, of the burning the two Stores of Biscuit a d one of Brandy. By this time the main Body of the Enemies Horse, who were Commanded in Chief by Sarsfield, and lay there encamped near the Town of Killaloo, took the Alarm and drew out, making a shew as if they intended to fight us, but it proved only a Stratagem to get time to secure their Tents and Baggage in Decamping, which they [Page 9]did, but in great Confusion, marching away immediately towards the Mountains. Our Horse returned to the Camp, and the Foot were Posted at the Head of the Bridge; a Detachment being first sent to Summons a Castle, which is very ad­vantagiously situated in the middle of the Shannon; upon our Party's coming be­fore it, they immediately Capitulated, but were allow'd no other Terms, than to be made Prisoners of War: The Garrison consisted of about 60 men. Soon after we took in another Post, both of which prov'd of great use to us.

17th. This day one Taaf, a very sensible man, and a Captain of the Irish Royal Regi­ment of Foot, came over to us, and informed us, that our Bombs and Cannon had killed great numbers of the Garrison, and left few Houses standing in the Town. Notwithstanding our being busied in passing the Shannon, we fired plen­tifully the last night into the Town, and continued to do the like all this day. This day eleven of the Enemies Troops came over to us, with their Horses, Arms, and Accoutrements; and for their better Encouragement, were immediately received into our Troops. This evening, the Standard and two fine Brass Field-Pieces, taken from the Enemy at our passing the Shannon, were brought into the Camp.

18th. Orders were this day sent by the General to Captain Coal, to land some men out of his Frigats, to destroy all the Forrage in those parts of the Country of Clare, near the Water side.

19th. These two days past, we were busied in lengthening over our Bridge of Boats, which proving too short at first laying over the River, was bravely supplied by the forwardness of our Souldiers, who marched through the Water where the Bridge proved deficient. This day some of our Militia brought into the Camp three notorious Rapparees, whom they took about 12 miles off,

20th. This day was chiefly spent, in removing our Float-Bridge nearer the Town, and in raising a Battery for the security of it; we also secured a Pass to the Town, as likwise the Pass of Annabeg, where we went over the last year. This Afternoon, the General received an Account from Brigadier Levison, that he putting him­self at the head of 250 Horse and Dragoons, had again fallen upon the Enemy in the County of Kerry, who was 3000 strong, and had with them two entire Re­giments of Dragoons, killed a great many of them, took divers Officers Priso­ners, and quite dispersed the whole Party; so that vve vvere now entire Masters of that County, vvhich did not a little straighten the Enemy. The Weather vvas very bad, and much Rain for these three days past; but this Afternoon it cleared up, and began to be very fair again.

21th. All last night and this morning our Guns continued to play furiously into the Town. This Afternoon by an Express to the General, vve had advice in the Camp of the Surrender of Sligo, the manner as followeth. On the 10th Instant, Colonel Michelbourne marched with a Detatchment of his Regiment, and 500 of the Militia of the Province of Ulster, two Troops of Dragoons of the Army, and six Field Pie­ces, and encamped at Drumcheste, about three miles from Sligo, of which he gave an Account to the Earl of Ganard, by a Party of Horse under the Command of Captain Vaughan. The 11th, he advanced within half a mile of the Town, but the Weather being wet, he could make no further Progress that day. On the 12th, he drew out his men to Attack the Enemy, who at first made a shew of opposing us, but presently after quitted the Works which they had cast up to defend the Entrance into the Town: Our men pursued them, and forcing the rest of their Out works, beat them into the great Fort, with the loss only on our side, of an Ensign kill'd, and five men wounded. On [Page 10]the 13th, the Earl of Granard came with the Forces under his Command before the Place. His Lordship caused immediately Batteries to be raised against the Fort, and insinuated into the Enemy such Apprehensions of Great Cannon and Mortars, which they were made to believe he had brought along with him, that they sent out to Ca­pitulate: The Conditions were Agreed and Assigned; much the same Terms as Gal­way; and the Fort, which is very strong, was accordingly Surrendred on the 15th, there marching out 600 men, under the Command of Sir Teague O Regan. They left in the Place 16 Pieces of Cannon, and Colonel Michelbourn is made Governour of it.

22d. Early this morning, the General, the Duke of Wirtemburgh, Lieutenant General Scravenmore, with all our Horse and Dragoons, (except Colonel Coy's Regiment of Horse, and 50 out of each of the Regiments of Dragoons of the Ar­my) and ten Regiments of Foot, taking with them seven days Provisions, and 14 Guns, viz. Ten three Pounders, and Four twelve Pounders; marched over our Bridge of Boats into the County of Clare. In the mean while the Major-Gene­rals, Mackay and Talmash, Commanded the rest of the Army for the security of the Works on Munster side of the River, from whence we still continued to fire day and night into the Town, whence also they fired at our men as they passed by. About 12 at noon all our men had passed the Bridge, and were drawn up before the Town on Clare side, the Enemy playing upon them all the while from the Ca­stle and several Towers, both with great and small Shot, but with little Execu­tion; and about Two, 18 of Colonel Matthew's Dragoons, being our Advance Party, were attacked by the Advance Party of the Irish, who out-numbred them, and both Parties were sustained from each side till about Four, that the Float came up, when began a warm Dispute; and the place being near the Town, the Enemy play'd upon us at the same time with their Cannon from the Castle, and their Small-shot from the Walls, which neither dismayed nor did much mischief to our men. About Five, the General order'd a Detachment to Attack the Fort near Thomond-Bridge, which Commands both the Bridge and the Kings Island; and though two great Detachments Sallied out of the Town to support those that Defended it, we carried it, and pursued the Enemy over the Bridge to the Town; but the Besieged perceiving our men at their H els, drew up the Draw-Bridge, leaving above six hundred of them to the fury of our Souldiers, some of whom were press'd into the Shannon, and the rest killed by our men. In this Action we took 21 Commission Officers, amongst whom were Colonel Shelton, two Lieutenant-Colonels, three Majors, five Captains, and the rest Subalterns: We took also 47 Common Souldiers, three Brass Guns, two three Pounders, and one twelve Pounder, and five Colours; the General very well rewarding the Souldiers which brought them in: We lost not one Of­ficer of note, but had killed about 200 of common Souldiers. We immediately posted our selves in all their Works and Forts on that side the Water. This day 100 head of black Cattel, taken in the late Action, and 600 more taken by Briga­dier Levison in Kerry, were brought into the Camp.

23d. All yesterday, and last night, our Guns and Mortars continued firing into the Town: This morning Colonel Corbet came over to us from the Enemy, and pro­posed to the General the bringing over Tyrconnel's and Galway's Regiments of Horse, and out of them to make one good Regiment to serve their Majesties in Flanders.

Sept. 24. 1691. About four a Clock this Afternoon the Enemy beat a Parley round the Town, desiring to Capitulate about the Surrender.

25th. This day the Earl of Westmeath, Colonel Sheldon, the Lord Galway, Lord Dillon, Nicholas Purcell Esq; commonly called Baron of Loughmoe, the titular Primate, the titular Archbishop of Casbel, Sir Theobald Butler, Major Condon, and some others, came to our Camp from the Enemies Horse Camp, Din'd with the Gene­ral, and after a large Conference went hence into the Town. The Cessation which began yesterday upon the Besieged's Parlying, continued till ten a Clock the next morning.

26th. Sarsfield and Wahop, and two Brigadiers of the Irish Army, came into the Camp from the Town, and came to a Resolution with the General about the Treaty, and in order to it, that Hostages should be exchanged; accordingly in the Afternoon, the Earl of Westmeath, Lord Lowth, Lord Evagh, and Lord Trimle­stown, came Hostages from the Besieged; and in Exchange of them, the General sent in my Lord Cuts, Sir David Collier, Colonel Tiffin, and Colonel Pyper.

27th. This morning the Besieged sent their Proposals to the General, which were so unreasonable, that the General returned them with disdain, and ordered our Bombardiers and Gunners to make ready to play again into the Town; accord­ingly all things were prepared, when the Besieged, who were apprehensive of the Consequence, sent out to know what Terms his Excellency would propose to them.

28th. Early this morning, Sarsfield. Wahop, Purcell or Loughmoe, the titular Primate, the titular Archbishop of Cashil, Garret Dillon, Sir Theo. Butler, and John Brown, the three last Counsellors at Law, with several other Commissioners on the part of the Enemy, came out of the Town to the Generals Quarters, whither his Excellency sent for all our General Officers; where, after a long Debate, Articles were almost agreed on for the Rendition, not only of Lymerick, but of all the other Forts and Castle in the Enemies Possession.

29th. We were now in Possession of the Six mile-Bridge, and other Passes and Ca­stles about Lymerick; but the French and Irish, in the Town and Camp, insisting on the having the Articles Agreed to, Signed by the Lords Justices as well as the General, things remained in the same posture.

30th. The Cessatson still continuing, several of our Souldiers went into the Town, and the Besieged came frequently into our Camp; where also Sarsfield, Wahop, Sheldon, and others of their Officers, were this day Entertain'd by the Duke of Wirtemburgh.

Octob. 1. 1691. This Evening the Right Honourable the Lords Justices arrived in the Camp.

2d. This day several Irish Officers and Commissioners appointed to Treat, came in­to the Camp from the Town, and stayed with the Lord Justices and General till 12 at night; by which time all the Difficulties which arose in settling the Articles being agreed, they were concluded on, and Ordered to be fair Drawn for Signing.

3d. This Evening the Articles were Signed and Exchanged; but it being late, we only took possession of the Enemies Out-Works, their Stone Fort, and St. John's Gate, on the Irish Town side.

4th. This morning Four Regiments of Foot marched into the Irish Town, which is indeed the strongest part of Lymerick, leaving the English-Town for the Irish Quar­ters, until Sarsfield, with those who were design'd to go with him, could be Shipp'd for France.

Octob. 5. 1691. The Irish having Imprisoned a Lieutenant-Colonel, for denying to go with them for France, he was immediately Enlarged, upon the General's taxing them with their Breach of Articles, and laying before them the Consequence of such their Violation; it having been granted them to take off only such as were wil­ling to go without any manner of Compulsion.

6th. This morning Colonel Earl's Regiment marched from the Camp towards Cork, which Place (with the Garrisons thereabouts) is Assigned them for their Winter-Quarters.

7th. This morning the Right Honourable the Lords Justices (having seen us in quiet Possession of the Irish Town) set forward in their Return to Dublin.