THE Kingdom of Ireland is of no mean Extent, but rather very large and considerable; It is an Island, it is bounded on the East with England and Scotland, on the West with the main Ocean, on the South with part of France and Normandy, and on the North with the Du­calidonian Sea. It is, as all other Islands, sur­rounded with Water, containing in Length 400, and in Breadth 200 Miles, and is espe­cially [Page 2] parted or divided into four Provinces, viz. Munster, which is again divided into the Counties of Limerick, Kerrey, Waterford, Cork, Desmon, and the Holy Cross in Tipperary. 2. The Province of Leinster, divided into the Coun­ties of the East and West Meaths, Kilkenney, Caterlough, King's County, Kildare, Wexford, Dublin and Wicklow. 3. The Province of Connought, divided into the Counties of Clare, Thumond, Majo, Sligo, Letarim, and Roscomon. 4. The Province of Ʋlster, divided into the Counties of Tyrconnel, Tyrone, Cavan, Coleraine, Monaghan, Antrim, Down, Armah, and Lough; and these are for the most part at this day re­plenished with many considerable Cities and Towns, of which I shall have occasion to speak in the Series of this History, as they shall fall in their proper places. The Country is natu­rally very fruitful, and seems by the Soil al­ways to have been so, though the Natives have not appear'd very active in improving it, as being naturally given up to sloath, or to live by War and Rapine. As for the first Peopling it after Noah's Flood, it remains ve­ry much, if not altogether in the dark, the Natives having been imposed on by Monks and Bards, a sort of Rimers and Fortune-Tel­lers, with Fables for Reality, though it is con­jectured by the Learned, that this Island was Peopled upon the Confusion of Tongues at Ba­bel, soon after the Flood; and the Irish Histo­rians of the best account, tell us, That one Ba­stolenus, encouraged by the Example of Nim­rod in Syria, settled his Monarchy in the We­stern [Page 3] Islands, and amongst others peopled this; yet where he kept his head Residence no men­tion is made, but that his three Sons ruling there, had War with Giants that grew up in the Land and rebelled against them; and that afterward divers Scythians roving to seek Ad­ventures, got footing there; and so they go on in the doubtful Paths of Uncertainty a great way farther: But true it is, that according to our own Histories, and those of other Nations, the Irish began very early to rove abroad, and in their Boats, and such kind of Ships as they had, coming frequently ashore in England and Scotland, and other Places, did great Mischief by Burning and Plundering, but were frequent­ly met withal, and a great many of them kil­led. Nor do we find that the Romans, when they conquered Britain, extended their Arms to Ireland.

It is held they were Converted to the Chri­stian Religion by St. James the Apostle; and some give large grounds for it: but their Au­thors will have it done by one Paladinus, sent thither to that purpose by Pope Celestine, but more especially perfected by St. Patrick, to whom they ascribe a thousand Incredibilities: But to leave these Conjectures that are not greatly pertinent to our Matter, we now come nearer to that for which we have more War­rant and Certainty.

The first Acquaintance that the English had with the Irish, as to any thing that is remark­able, was in the Reign of Henry the Second of England, their chief Communication being with [Page 4] France, whether they sent several Bands of Sol­diers to help them against the English, who were Waring there under their King for the Recovery of his Right in the Provinces that were his Grand-father's, which he ha­ving pretty well settled, turned his Thoughts upon Ireland, where he heard they were at Variance among themselves, the whole Land being divided under many Petty Princes, when it luckily happened a business fell out that gave him an easie Inlet to the Conquest of it; for in the Year 1167. the Eastern Part of the Island along the Sea being possessed by Dormat Mac-mur, King of Leinster, his Cruel­ties had highly incensed his Subjects against him, and what more raised their Fury, was, the Injury he did to Morice King of Meath, by wheedling away his Queen, and living with her in Adultery; so that the inraged Husband seeking Reparation and Revenge, invaded his Countries, by the Assistance of Roderick O Co­nor, King of Connaught, at the Terror of whose Approach, Dormat being detested by, and for­saken of his Subjects, was forced to flie to Eng­land, and there implored Protection; which upon taking an Oath of Fidelity and Obedi­ence to the King, was freely given him; and Henry, with a Sum of Money, procured leave of Pope Adrian, an English-man, promoted to St. Peter's Chair, that he might Conquer Ire­land, promising moreover, throughly to esta­blish the Christian Religion, and bring it to an Acknowledgment of the See of Rome; but whilst he was preparing to pass the Seas; new [Page 5] Troubles arose in his French Territories, that required his Presence; yet by his Letters Pa­tents he gave Leave, with Encouragement to his Nobles, and such others as were willing to go for Ireland.

Dormat impatient of his Exile, mainly up­on this Concession, solicited Richard the King's Son, promising not only his Daughter, a very beautiful young Lady in Marriage, but great Possessions in the Country, when he should be restored, and all his Territories after his Death. The young Prince being of a Warlike Tem­per, and thirsting after Glory, resolved, though his Father was absent, to undertake this Expe­dition; and early the next Spring sailed from Bristol with divers Ships, on Board which were thirty Knights, sixty Esquires, and three hundred Archers, the first English-men ever known to land in a Hostile-manner in Ireland, and being met by Dormat with such Forces as he, going over a little before, had raised, they seized upon the Town of Wexford, which was given to one Fitz-Stevens, a Welch Gentleman, according to Agreement upon his raising part of the Forces; so that News of this, and o­ther Successes flying to England, many Adven­turers came over; and although the Petty Kings joyned their Forces, yet were they beat in divers bloody Battels: and Dormat being restored, had Dublin submitted to him, inflict­ing grievous Punishments upon such of his Ca­pital Enemies as he found there.

The Prince being now in Ireland, greatly increasing in Strength, that came over to him, [Page 6] carried all before him; which made King Henry, who feared the Prince's aspiring upon such Successes, and willing to have the honour of Conquering so large a Kingdom himself, sent his Mandate to recall the English out of Ireland, so that but a few being left with the Prince in Dublin, and they reduced to a great streight by the Irish that had taken heart, they nevertheless Sallied upon an Army of 30000 with not above 1500 Men, and utterly routed them, taking great Spoil; and then coming for England, he surrendered all the Cities and Forts he had taken into his Father's Hands, for Dormat by this time was dead; and in the Year 1172. King Henry landed with a Royal Army, which brought such a Terrour upon Ireland, that Roderick, and most of the Petty Princes that were Independent, or his Tribu­taries, came with their humble Supplications to intreat him, That he would take the Govern­ment upon him, as their Supream Prince and Lord: So that at Christmas he made them a Noble Feast in Dublin; and settled the King­dom in Civil and Ecclesiastical Matters, Re­forming Abuses and Barbarities: And soon af­ter those that held out in Ʋlster were brought to submit, from which time we may Date the Conquest of Ireland by the English, under which Soveraignty it has ever since remained as a conquered Kingdom, and now annexed to the Crown: yet the Natives who are gene­rally hot spirited, uneasie, and restless under Restraint, have often strugled to break this Chain, though to the Loss and Disadvantage mostly of themselves.

King Richard the First, by reason of his Wars in the Holy Land, his Imprisonment up­on his Return in Austria and the Empire, and other Disappointments he met with at home, had no War with the Irish, nor happened there any thing extraordinary, but care and industry to settle the Government; which was done with such tenderness, that the Na­tives being more civilized, began to think themselves happy in the change, and that they were redeemed from perpetual War, which when so many Princes governed as Absolute in their Dominions, could not be avoided a­mong so rough and stubborn a People. But because King Edward the First had sent for Forces out of Ireland, to help him against the Scots, with whom he had mortal Wars, the wilder sort of the Irish in Edward the Second's time invited them over, and many of the leading Men of the Natives revolting, ruining the Country; but upon the English joyning Battel with them they were routed, and a­bout 11000 slain, among whom was a King of Connought, and one Okly a Lord of great Possessions: but soon after the Lord Roger Mortimer being sent over as Lord Justice of Ireland, he managed Matters so ill, that the Scots were again called in under Edward Bruce, Brother to the Scots King, who taking several places by the Revolt of the Irish from the English Obedience, caused himself to be Crowned King of Ireland; But in a great Bat­tel his Forces being routed, and he labouring to restrain their flight, was killed by one More­pass, [Page 8] whom he likewise requited with Death before his Fall, and the dead Bodies fell by that means on each other, which happened in the Year 1320.

However, they were rather dispersed than broken, doing considerable Mischief where they found an opportunity to fall upon the English, that had settled themselves in the Towns and Villages near the Sea, &c.

In the Year 1329. during the Reign of King Edward the Third, the Irish in Leinster and Meath rebelled; against whom the Earl of Ormond drew out what Forces he could, but being over-poured in number, was de­feated, and the Irish made great Spoils of the English Possessions, and amongst other Barba­rities, burnt eighty of them in a Church where they had fled for Refuge; but at last the English fortified themselves in Wexford, and upon their approach to besiege it, sallied out upon them with such Courage, that Success crowned it, and 4000 of the Irish were killed, most of them that fled being hotly pursued, were drowned in the River Slane; which with some other Encounters, where Victory decla­red on our side, so quelled them, that in this King's Reign they rebelled no more.

Anno 1398. in the Reign of King Richard the Second, the Irish fell again into Rebellion, and by Surprize fall upon the King's Lieute­nant, and divers Persons of Quality, whom they slew; which made the King with consi­derable Forces haste thither, and Landing, he put them in all parts to the Rout, killing a [Page 9] great many, and taking several of their Ring­leaders; and keeping his Court of State at Dublin, to him resorted the Nobility and chief of the Irish, submitting and paying him Ho­mage, promising to keep the Country in quiet for the future: but Troubles arising in Eng­land, the King hastily left Ireland, and was no sooner arrived in Wales, but finding him­self deserted, he betook him to a Castle, where he was seized by Henry Duke of Lancaster, to whom he resign'd his Crown, and was after­ward inhumanly murthered. Upon whose Death many Troubles and Contentions arose; so that the English being embroyled at home, Ireland was little minded, the People there doing, in a manner, what they pleased. But in the Reign of Henry the Fifth, we being setled at home, more care was taken to prevent the Outrages and Depradations of the Irish; in­somuch, that several who had been formerly Offenders were punished, and others fled, a­mongst whom were divers of their great Ones, who notwithstanding the care of the Earl of Ormond, then Lieutenant of the Kingdom, to repress them, drew a great multitude of Peo­ple into Rebellion: but the Earl gave Battel at Redmore-Athy, where the Irish under the Leading of O Moor, stood stoutly to it as Men in despair; but after a bloody Fight, that co­loured all the Ditches of the F [...]ns with Blood, the Battel-swerved, and the Irish were defeat­ed with great slaughter. Which quelled them in so terrible a manner, that for a long time after they seemed out of Love with War: So [Page 10] that nothing memorably occurs in History, till the Reign of Henry the Seventh, when the Earl of Kildare being Deputy, one Richard Symons a Priest, wheedled him into a belief, that one Lambert a Youth, whom he had brought up as his Scholar, was really the Earl of Warwick, Son to George Duke of Clarence, Brother to King Edward the Fourth, that had escaped out of the Tower, and was come thi­ther for protection; and the young Spark ha­ving been well tutored, and of a graceful Carriage, so well acted his part, that not only the Lieutenant, but a great many of the Irish Nobility sided with him, raising considerable Forces to espouse his Quarrel, Crowning him King in Dublin, and not content to keep him there, they brought him with a considerable Army into England, landing in Lancashire, and Proclaiming him. But the King's Forces advancing, they were in a Set-battel over­thrown, and the Imposter taken Prisoner, the Priest hanged, &c.

They likewise in the King's Reign aided another called Perkin, or Peter Warbeck, who stiled himself Duke of York, younger Son to Edward the Fourth; but in this they had no better success than in the former, a great ma­ny being killed, the Impostor taken, after se­veral Attempts, and bloody Encounters, having engaged the Scots as well as Irish, on his part, marrying the Lady Catharine Gourdon, Niece to that King; he was first obliged to confess his Impostor, how he was set on, maintained and encouraged by the Dutchess of Burgundy, [Page 11] Sister to Edward the Fourth, and then being publickly punished, was sent to the Tower, from whence endeavouring to escape, he was exe­cuted, and with him the real Earl of Warwick, who had been kept a Prisoner there a conside­rable time: all that was alledged against him was, that he attempted to make his E­scape with Perkin, to raise new Commo­tions.

In the Reign of Henry the Eighth, great Commotions were stirred up, which were at first suddenly appeased, but the Earl of Kil­dare being Deputy, the People exhibited their Complaints against him to the Court of Eng­land, as the cause of many Disturbances by his severe using them, and amongst other Ar­ticles they had this, viz. All Ireland is not able to Rule this Earl. Then, said the King, this Earl is the fittest Man to Rule all Ireland: and thereupon he continued him Deputy, it ap­peared this hatred against him proceeded only from the strict hand he had over them to keep them from rebelling. And another was, That he had caused to be burned the Cathedral Church of Cashal. The Archbishop of that place be­ing his chief Accuser, and when every one would have denied it, he humbly replied, By Chreest I would never have done it, had I not byen told the Archbishop was in it. Which plain dealing made the King smile, and the Archbishop storm and fret: however, the Earl was ordered to rebuild it at his own charge, and so continued in his Deputyshi [...] but often fell into displeasure by reason [...] [Page 12] plain downright dealing; and Cardinal Wol­sey now ruling all at Court, for speaking too plain to him upon his Examination at the Council-Board, where Wolsey sat as President, he sent him to the Tower, and ordered a War­rant for his Execution without the King's Knowledge; of which the King having No­tice by the Lieutenant, was mightily incensed at Wolsey, and that great Favourite soon after falling into Disgrace, the Earl was released and sent to Ireland, with one Sir William Sheington, who was made Deputy: however the O Moors fell into Rebellion, but being op­posed by Forces drawn out of Dublin, they were dispersed, and many of them killed, and for that time the Tempest blown over; how­ever it lasted not long, for the Earl of Kildare's Enemies, having again upon many grievous Complaints prevail'd to have him sent for to England, he was committed to the Tower; whereupon his Son, the Lord Thomas, notwith­standing the Perswasions of the Chancellor to avert him from it, fell into Rebellion, and drew great Forces after him; yet driven at last to extream Necessities, he was perswaded by the Lord Grey, then Deputy of the Kingdom, to submit himself to King Henry's Mercy, with­out hope of Pardon; but some of his Follow­ers having killed Alen Archbishop of Dublin, he was upon his Arrival committed to the Tower; and King Henry being informed, That the Geraldine Family had vowed never to have Peace with him, he sent for the Earl's five Brothers in Custody; when one of them du­ring [Page 13] their crossing the Seas, demanded of the Master, what the Name of the Ship was? who replied, The Cow: Nay then, said he, looking on the rest with a dejected Counte­nance, we are all lost Men; for now a Prophecy comes into my head, that says, Five Brethren of an Earl should be carried into England in the Belly of a Cow, and never come back a­gain: and I doubt not, but all things hitting so pat, we are they. And indeed so it happen'd; for being Accused of the late Rebellion, though two of them were ignorant of it; the Lord Thomas, Son to the Earl, was beheaded on Tower-hill, and the five Brethren hang'd drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, and the Earl soon after died in the Tower of Grief, which de­stroyed the Center of that Noble Family; for although one Brother escaped, yet travel­ling through many Countries, he at last came to Naples, and there died Childless. Nor did the Lord Grey escape, for being countermand­ed, and accused of holding Correspondency with this Family, though without any notable Proof, he was Condemned for High-Treason, and beheaded on Tower-hill.

The Kings of England, the better to please the Natives of Ireland, having been all this while only called Lords of Ireland, the Par­liament sitting at Westminster in the 33d year of Henry's Reign, invested with the Title of King of Ireland: whereupon the Earl of Ty­rone, and divers others rebelled; but in some bloody Encounters being defeated, the Earl was at last subdu'd, and brought Prisoner for [Page 14] England; yet upon his humble Submission re­leased and sent over, upon promise of keeping the Country in quiet; which he pretty well observed during the short Reigns of King Edward the Sixth, and Queen Mary, only some petty Commotions happened that were soon quieted.

In the Year 1566. being the Seventh year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, one of the chief Lords of Ireland, named Donald Mac Carti More, upon some little stirs that happened, came over, and not only cleared himself to the Queen, but delivered up to her all his Territories, vowing perpetual Fealty; but she in gratitude restored them again, and made him Earl of Glencare, giving him a con­siderable Sum to bear his Expences; so that by his great Authority amongst the Natives, it was thought the Kingdom would be kept quiet; but it proved otherwise: for after some private Conspiracies, that never broke out, were defeated, the Earl of Desmond, the Eleventh Earl of that Title, who had great Territories and abundance of Followers, broke into open Rebellion, and did great damage to the English, driving them out of many pla­ces, killing divers Gentlemen in Revenge, as he said, of the Earl of Kildare and his Fami­ly being put to death; and amongst others, one with whom he had contracted a strict Friendship, and usually called Father, who when he saw him with his drawn Sword breaking into his Chamber, and relying upon his former Friendship, cried out, What is the [Page 15] matter, Desmon, my Son? to whom the bloo­dy Earl sternly replied, I am no longer thy Son, nor thou my Father; but thou shalt surely die: and thereupon they put him, and all they found in the House to the Sword.

These Outrages allarmed the Lord Deputy, who drawing out his Forces after divers Skir­mishes put the Earl to the Rout, who being forsaken of his Followers, lurked for some­time in the Bogs and Mountains; but misera­ble want driving him thence among the Cot­tages, he was there found and slain by a private Souldier, when his Head being con­veyed to England, was set upon London-Bridge; and so fell this Eleventh Earl of Desmond. But in his Grave the restless Spirits of the Irish were not buried, for casting their Eyes on the Family of the Bourks, they gave out they would have an eminent Person of that Family to be their King, or Governour; and many Tu­mults were raised: but this prudent Queen, notwithstanding some intestine Troubles at home, took such care, that she a long time by Policy and Force reduced the unruly Natives to their Obedience; the former of which was particularly effected by driving away their Cattel, and making them submit through ex­tream necessity, after they had been got toge­ther in the Woods, about forty Days. The Second was by the timely Notice the Deputy had of Two thousand Scotch Highlanders land­ing to joyn with the Irish, and knowing no­thing that they had laid down their Arms, as to their greatest number, they came on with [Page 16] such as fell in with them by the way, in hopes to joyn the rest, breaking into the Province of Connaught, where indeed a great many of the Country Peasants took Arms on their part; but the Lord-Deputy by speedy Marches to­wards them, and finding they were got into Bogs and Fastnesses, after he had encamped within sight a-while, feigned a Retreat, and they, by reason of their over-numbring him, supposing he had fled, immediately followed; but were no sooner trained on the firm ground, e're the English fac'd about, charged their Front and Flanks, piercing the Array of their Battel, and put them to utter rout and confu­sion, so that not above eighteen of them esca­ped, of upwards of Three thousand, which crushed the Scots attempting to help them in their Rebellion.

These bad Successes shewing plainly, the Hand of Heaven against them, did not how­ever make them sensible of their Misfortune, in taking up Arms against a powerful Na­tion; for perceiving themselves too weak to struggle in the Lyons Paws, they began to tamper with other Nations, alledging after the Reformation, Religion, as a ground to justifie their Rebellions, though they were e­ver starting from their Allegiance, when both Nations professed that of the Roman Catho­lick Communion; but now taking this for a plausible pretext, the Earl of Tyrone began under hand to deal with Philip the Second of Spain, for Succours of Men and Ammunition, promi­sing to hold the Kingdom at his Devotion: [Page 17] but this being about to be discovered by Hugh O Neale, Tyrone in a rage clapped a Cord about his Neck, and strangled him with his own hands. Notwithstanding this, it was known, and he summoned to answer it in the English Court; and upon some assurance of Pardon he went, submitting himself, and ma­king such plausible Protestations of Innocency, that times running high by reason that the Spaniards were about to Invade England, he was pardoned, and sent over again, but af­terward proved Ingrateful, and a very dan­gerous Enemy.

Much about this time one Mac Malcoon, a leading Man among the Irish, stirred up Com­motions about paying Taxes, for which he was taken, tried, and executed, his Estate being given partly to his Family, and partly to the English, that living upon it they might curb and over-awe the rest: Whereupon one Brian O Roch, who had sided with him, to prevent a present Punishment, fell into an open Rebel­lion; but upon the Rout that immediately was given him, he fled into Scotland for Pro­tection; but the Queen's Influence was so great upon that Kingdom, that she had him deliver­ed up; and being tried at Westminster, he was there found Guilty, and being carried to Ty­burn, he was there executed without being concerned at Death.

These things having been buzzed in the ears of the Multitude, to have been done in an Ar­bitrary Way, the Earl of Tyrone thought it a fit time to lay hold on their Discontents, and [Page 18] raised all the Forces he could, calling in the Spaniard, and imploring the other Roman Ca­tholick Nations to assist him, as he pretended, to prevent Heresies over-running that King­dom; nor was the Pope, to whom he had sent one Stewkley, an English Renagado, as his A­gent, wanting to further his Design, causing 600 Harquibussers to be levied in the Terri­tories of the Church, for the Service of Ty­rone: But Stewkley, who commanded them, coming into the Port of Lisbon with them, at what time King Don Sebastian was going to invade Africa, he retained them for his Ser­vice, when at the fatal Battel of Alcazaz a­gainst the Moors, they were all cut to pieces: However, Tyrone being very much strength­ned, gave the English a great Overthrow, and put all Connaught, Ʋlster and Munster in Arms; and the War after that went on with doubtful Success, sometimes one Party prevailed, and sometimes another. Here the famous Earl of Essex, the great Favourite of Queen Elizabetb, commanded; but whilst he was fighting in Ireland, he was undermined by his Foes at the English Court, and being called home, and some Misdemeanours in this War, and other things charged against him, he was confined to his House, where falling into Discontent, he after having imprisoned the Privy Counsellors that were sent to him from the Queen, he broke out into open Violence, for which he lost his Head on Tower-hill. The Fall of so brave a Souldier proving afterward [...]o small cause of Grief to the Queen; and his Loss [Page 19] was greatly regretted by the People, whose Darling he was.

The Lord Norrice being Deputy of Ireland in the stead of the Earl of Essex, he followed his business so close, that giving Tyrone several Overthrows, and beating out the Spaniards that came to his Assistance, he at last was left by his Followers, who cursing him for bring­ing them into such Troubles, shifted as they could; so that after he had lurked up and down some Months, suffering extream Neces­sity, he came and surrendred himself to the Lord-Deputy, upon promise he should be sent over to England, there to throw himself at the Queen's Feet for Mercy; and according he was sent over and committed to the Tower; but the Queen dying before he could be brought to Trial, King James the Sixth of Scotland, and First of England, coming to the Crown, he was by an Act of Indempnity par­doned, and set at Liberty, he and all his Ad­herents, promising exact Obedience for the future; and that wise King knowing how to settle a troublesome Nation, as having been brought up in one himself, he knew it was best to prevent and lay aside Animosities, and therefore by his Proclamation of Pardon, he utterly extinguished all Offences, not only a­gainst the Crown, but between Subject and Subject, as to particular Trespasses; and the like to every one that at a set day would ap­pear and claim the Benefit of his Pardon be­fore the Justice of Assize, and Publick Justice for that purpose being setled in every County, [Page 20] it abated much of the Tyranny their Petty Lords had over them, and made the Vulgar sort of them sensible of the Goodness of the English Laws, of which before, they had pur­posely been kept in Ignorance: Being now for the most part freed from their Servitude, and in the King's immediate Protection, so that if their Lords had a mind to Rebel, they could not compel their Tenants to Rise as they had formerly done: and Ireland being now divi­ded into Shires, the Circuits were erected in every Province; and the English had their Lands alotted, and more particular Colonies established, so that Trade began to flourish; and several Corporations of the City of Lon­don having purchased large Proportions of Land, built a strong Town for their Securi­ty, against the Incursions of the Irish that might happen, very advantageously situate on the Bank of a River and Lough, which made a wonderful Change, to all appearance, in the face of Things; but what can hinder a Peo­ple from being miserable that will make them­selves so, as may not improperly say, in spight of Providence: the chief of the Irish were displeased at these Proceedings, finding the English Improvement rendred such Plenty in the Kingdom, as made their Land of little value; and therefore many of them spight­fully let them lye neglected to be over-run with Thistles and Briars, cursing their Posteri­ty if ever they had any Communication with the English, or so much as Ploughed or Sowed; by which their irreconcileable Hatred to us may be measured.

The ordinary sort of People notwithstand­ing their Lords Disswasions, finding they had not their former Power to compel, perceiving Advantage to arise by this new Settlement, in­habited very friendly with the English, and by their Examples began to improve themselves in Industry, and seemed averse to be stirred up as formerly upon every slight Occasion to Rebel, insomuch that a long Peace ensued, and that brought with it extraordinary Plenty; but as nothing is certain or permanent upon Earth, so in process of Time this golden Cord of U­nion between the two Nations was violently cut in sunder.

Troubles arising in the Year 1641. thro' a Mis-understanding, and fomented Heats blown by secret Enemies, and War being in prospect between England and Scotland, seve­ral of the Native Irish Chiefs, not finding the People prone to hearken to them, incited the Popish Priests, who by promising them Hea­ven for Obedience to their Commands, and Damnation on the contrary, with many o­ther strange Stories and Things, pushed them headlong on to one of the blackest Iniquities the Sun has for many Ages beheld, and was too late discovered to be prevented, for it hap­pened, that on the 23d of October, the Irish headed by a great many of their Nobility and Gentry, rose generally in Arms, seizing upon divers strong Places, Arms, Ammunition, and all that came to hand, vowing the utter De­struction of all the English in Ireland, to Ex­tirpate them from the face of the Irish Earth, [Page 22] both Root and Branch; and this was disco­vered but one Night before it was to be exe­cuted; by which Providence however Dublin and some other Places, by the Imprisoning the Conspirators, and Fortifying them with good Garisons, were secured, and became a Re­fuge to the Lives of many; so that now one might every where behold Houses flaming, the miserable People fly every where for their Lives, whilst the Blood of many were ming­led with Flames, and the Earth made red by the Blood of those that were slaughtered in the Fields and Ways; thousands were drown­ed in Rivers and Lakes till the Stream was glutted with the dead Bodies, and they Bridg­ed over the Waters; many were ripped up alive, and others tortured in a more cruel man­ner; some were turned out into Snows and Frost and starved to death; the Priests and Fryers going along with the Murtherers, and beating them on to it with their Crucifixes, telling them, They were Hereticks, and no longer to be suffered alive on the Earth; and that it was so far from a sin to kill them, that it was Meritorious, and even Damnation it self to spare them; giving the Sacrament to the more scrupulous of Conscience to confirm them in the Bloudy Enterprize; so that in a short space, before any Succour could come from England, they destroyed by sundry barbarous ways 20000 Men, Women, and Children, burnt most of their Houses and Villages, killing their Cattel, and suffering them to rot upon the Ground, rooting up likewise their [Page 23] newly sprouted Corn, as maliciously bent not only to destroy the People, but in Hatred and utter Detestation all that appertained to them; flattering themselves by the Inducement of old lying Prophesies, to shake off the English Yoke, and choose them a King from among their Country-men, but Face consented not.

The King was at the beginning of this fa­tal Mischief in Ireland, upon the Borders of Scotland, labouring to compose the Differen­ces; recommending the Care of Ireland to his Parliament then sitting at Westminster, who promised a speedy Relief and Assistance to the Protestants that were got together in Arms, and stood upon their Defence; Voting 50000 pound for to raise Forces; and the Earl of Ormond was made Lieutenant-General of the Royal Forces in that Kingdom; to joyn whom Sir Simon Harcourt was sent out of England with a Regiment. So that the poor Remnant of the Protestants getting together, made the Irish Papist that was so good at base and unmanly Murthers, fly the Face of War. But Troubles growing fast on in Eng­land, by the Misunderstanding between King Charles the First and his Parliament, and sprouting up into a miserable Civil War, most of the guilty Persons at this time escaped un­punished: But the small Force of the Prote­stants that were left, being once united, for­ced the Irish out of their strong Hold, and restored the Face of Government; yet about eight Years after a Bloody Scene was acted, for King Charles the First loosing his King­doms [Page 24] with his Life, his Eldest Son Charles, as his undoubted Right, taking upon him the Kingly Dignity, though in Exile, England be­ing cast, as they termed it, into a Model of a Free State or Republick, the Marquess of Ormond, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, was com­missioned to Labour the Securing that Coun­try to the behoof of his Master King Charles the Second; and finding no other Means to do it in that Imergency, he closed his Inte­rest with the Chief of the leading Irish, con­cluding a Peace in the King's Name, with the most considerable of them, upon Submission and Obedience to his Majesty, there being a Concession of certain Articles on the part of the Marquess to be performed, when being joyned by the Marquess of Clanricard, and the Lord Inchequeen, the Earl of Castlehaven, &c. Trim and Tredah or Drogheda, upon a Defeat they gave the Forces that came from England, surrendered: and now Dublin, wherein was a strong Garison commanded by Colonel Jones, being the only place of strength that held out, the Marquess laid Siege to it, with a brave Army to appearance, but it seems there were too many Irish in it, for the Besieged taking the advantage of the carelesness of the Camp, made at first very slender Sallies, but finding the advantage, they sallied with their whole strength, and beating the Besiegers out of their Works, followed them into their Camp, which occasioned such Terrour and Confusion, that the Irish fled, and left the English and some few French to stand to it, but being over­powered [Page 25] by the vigorous Attacks, they at length, after a sharp and bloody Dispute, gave way, and were forced to raise the Siege, whilst the Besieged became Masters of their Camp, and an extraordinary rich Booty; and more Forces arriving from England, Fortune went against them almost every where. And now London-Derry being besieged, that Siege was raised by Sir Charles Coot; but what yet was a greater Terrour, Cromwell, a vowed and mor­tal Enemy to the Irish, landed with seven Re­giments of Foot, four Regiments of Horse, and one of Dragoons, bringing along with him the Title of Lord Governour, or Lieute­nant of Ireland, and had to bring over these Forces forty Sail of Ships, with battering Pieces, Mortars, Ammunition, and all other Warlike Stores and Materi­als.

He staid a while to visit Dublin, and then marched with a compleat Army to besiege Drogheda, wherein was a strong Gar­rison of English and Irish, it being upon the Rumour of his Approach reinforced with Two thousand five hundred Foot, and Three hundred Horse; and although it was stoutly defended, yet it was carried by Force, and by the too cruel Order of the General, all were put to the Sword, not respecting Age nor Sex, except a very few who hid them­selves for many Days, till the Fury was over: And here it is the more to be lamented, be­cause this Brunt fell mostly upon many brave English Gentlemen, who were got into the [Page 26] Place to Defend it for their King. Other Towns were likewise taken by Storm, and treated at the like rate; so that a bloody Ven­geance seemed to fall heavy upon a great ma­ny that were Innocent for the Sins of the Guil­ty, who had so lately polluted the Land with Innocent Blood, and now kept mostly out of the way in the Mountains, Bogs, and Fastnes­ses; however, being at last hunted from place to place, a great number fell by the Sword, Famine, and Pestilence, insomuch that the Land was greatly Depopulated, a third part of the People being wasted, and had severe Task-Masters over them that made them Groan un­der their Burthens, till Charles the Second came to lighten their Sholders, and restore them again their Peace and Ease, by Accession to the Crown upon the Happy Restauration; so that the People wearied with their former Miseries, began to be out of love with War and Insurrections, and seemed mightily in­clinable to Peace. And indeed the King took care to place such Ministers of State amongst them, especially the Lords Lieutenants and Lords Justices, that they had no reasonable cause to complain of their Usage, either in Affairs Civil or Military; and indeed the Tranquility the Kingdom enjoyed, made the People in a great measure forget what they had suffered: They traded to France and Spain with the product of their Native Soil; the Rivers and Lakes likewise affording them plenty of Fish, which they transported for Wine and other Commodities. Nor did their [Page 27] Thoughts appear to be elevated above what was reasonable, till the Death of the King. But when King James the Second ascended his Brother's Throne, and declared himself a Roman Catholick, then it was the Irish Papists began to prick up their Ears, and to expect Advantages beyond their Abilities, publickly declaring, The Day was their own, and that the Protestant Religion must go down. But it seems in this, as in their other Aims, they took such Measures as made them shoot wide of their Mark.

The Earl of Tyrconnel, who had been rai­sed by King James, when Duke of York, from a mean to a considerable Figure, was looked upon as a fit Instrument to carry on the De­sign in that Kingdom; and therefore upon the re-calling of the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon, he was made Lord-Lieutenant, and soon gave the Irish great Hopes of Supe­riority over the English in that Kingdom, by first Cashiering the Protestant Soldiers and Officers that were in Arms, and then the Of­ficers and Ministers of Justice: And though there were Complaints made against him at the English Court, yet they were not regard­ed, but he the rather encouraged in his En­terprizes; insomuch, that things run so high that many feared a fatal Event, and di­vers left thereupon the Kingdom; some going for Holland, others for Scotland and England: and in such a method Matters continued to be pushed violently on, till News came of a purposed Invasion of the [Page 28] Kingdom of England by the Prince of O­range, now our Soveraign, then Tyrconnel bestir'd himself to secure Ireland, Impri­soning such as he suspected, and Disarming others; draining the Garrisons of the most expert Irish Soldiers that were Papists, and sending them over to the number of Three thousand, or thereabout, to the As­sistance of his Master; but they did him far more hurt than good by increasing the Peoples Fears that were but before sugge­sted. And indeed, the whole English Na­tion Revolting in a manner from King James, and what was more remarkable, a great part of the Army he had been so long Training up at a vast Expence. Up­on the Landing of the Prince with his For­ces, the Irish Forces that had been sent o­ver in expectation of Mountains, found that they were not only dwindled into less than Mole-hills, but themselves in a mi­serable Condition, not only at the point of starving when Disbanded with the rest of the Forces, by the Earl of Feversham, but almost exposed to the Fury and violent Re­sentment of the People, who had conceived a Hatred against them; so that at last, sub­mitting, they were taken care of, and most of them shipped for the Emperour's Service a­gainst the Turks.

Tyrconnel was not idle in Ireland upon the News he had from England of King James his Flight to France; but calling a Council mostly of his Creatures, told them, [Page 29] That now it was their time to stand up for their Country, and secure it against all Op­posers; and that for his part, if even his Master should command him to deliver up the Sword, he should think it, in such a Juncture, his Duty to Refuse it. And im­mediately not only spread the News throughout the Country, but caused the I­rish every where to take Arms, such as they could get; so that the Tumultuous Rabble getting together, plundered the Protestant Houses, drove away their Cat­tel, fired their Stacks of Corn and Hay, murthered some, and barbarously used o­thers, insomuch that the Terrour work­ing in all, such as could fled for their Lives, leaving their Substance behind them, and happy they thought themselves in that Condition, if they could pass the Seas, either to England or Scotland; for although several of the Protestant Nobility and Gentry made Head in the North, yet the Enemy having in their Possession all the strong Towns, they found themselves too weak to make any extraordinary Resistance against so mighty a Torrent as came roar­ing on; however, they gave several of their Parties notable Overthrows, fortify­ing London-Derry, Slego, and the Isle of Innis killing, and such other Places and Dif­ficulties of Access as they found Oppor­tunity; for by this time Tyrconnel had gi­ven Orders for stopping the Ports, and made many large and plausible Offers to bring them [Page 30] over to his Party, but they prevailed on a ve­ry few.

The Prince and Princess being proclaimed King and Queen of England, France and Ire­land, on the 14th of February, 1688. upon the Humble Address of both Houses of Parlia­ment, great care was taken for the speedy succouring the oppressed Protestants of Ireland; and that the Papists in Arms against them, might be left without Excuse, a Proclamation was sent over, offering, among other things, a Pardon and Indempnity for all that should in Obedience to it lay down their Arms and re­tire to their respective places of Abode, and there peaceably behave themselves as obedi­ent Subjects ought to do, upon which Condi­tion they should in full Freedom enjoy their Estates according to Law, and that the Roman Catholicks upon such a Consideration should have all the Favour that the Law allows for the private Exercise of their Religion; with a further Promise, That a Parliament should be speedily called in that Kingdom: But up­on refusing to comply with the Royal Man­date, to be esteemed as Rebels and Traytors to the Crown of England, &c. their Lands and Possessions to be Forfeited, and disposed of by way of Distribution among those that should be Aiding and Assisting in the Reducing the Kingdom to its Obedience.

This Royal Concession, though Tyrconnel la­boured what in him lay to hinder its being dispersed, wrought some good Effects, not­withstanding that Earl, to counter-ballance it, [Page 31] put forth a Paper which he termed his Decla­ration, not only therein insinuating what great Advantage the Kingdom would reap by stand­ing out. But that their Fears might be dissipa­ted, he promised speedy Aids and Succours from France, and that they should not want for either Money or Provision, and moreover, the better to encourage them, gave hopes of King James's speedy landing there with a nu­merous Army. And the better to secure him­self, and keep up the Courage of his Party he sent out Detachments to secure divers Pro­testant Gentlemen in the Country, and make Garrisons of their Houses. But the greatest part of them having timely notice, made their Escapes; by which the Protestants grew stron­ger in the North; however their Goods and Possessions were destroyed and harassed. The Priests being the greatest Incendiaries to stir up those that were actually in Arms to Spoil and Rapine, as being sure of a share, as like­wise to Arm the madding Multitude; so that one might see Droves of the latter, some half naked, others tattered, and all in miserable Rags, armed with Pitchforks, Bills, Staves, and what other merciless Weapons they could get on the suddain, running like so many Fu­ries to spoil and plunder, and in their gree­diness of Prey, not many times distinguishing Papists from Protestants. And it was strong­ly reported, That there was a great Debate in the Council, to which some Popish Bishops were admitted, about a General Massacre, as the best Expedient to clear the Country of [Page 32] Hereticks: But Tyrconnel (let it be to his praise) had the Generosity to oppose and detest it, and put a stop in some measure to the mischievous progress of the Rabble, yet when some of the Chiefs who had got Protections from him, made their Com­plaints: That they were notwithstanding plun­dered: He only shook his Head, and told them, It was Necessity that made his Men to do it, and he could no ways help or restrain it.

These violent proceedings made those that thought upon the Earl's Protection, they might have some confidence in their continuance as to safety, begin to make away for the Sea-coast; and although the Masters of Ships were commanded on pain of Death to tran­sport none, yet many escaped to England and Scotland, where they were well received, and Provision made for them by way of Publick Brief and Collection, &c.

About the latter end of March the Abdica­ted King landed in Ireland, with a great Train of Officers, but very few Forces, and was received at Dublin with a mixture of Joy and Sorrow, bringing with him as his Su­pervisor Monsieur D'Avaux, with some French Generals. The Recorder of Dublin made a long Speech to him upon his Arrival, extol­ling him for Courage, Conduct, and all the Heroick Vertues imaginable, above the Skies; and a general Joy spread in the faces of the Roman Catholicks, thinking now the day was all their own, and not doubting to carry [Page 33] every thing by force or submission; and more Soldiers were Listed and Regimented under the French Officers that came over, and care taken to lay up Stores. Money was eve­ry where extorted, and the plundered Cattel, Corn and Hay brought in, and sold at incon­siderable Rates; insomuch that they soon ga­thered an Army of between Forty and Fifty Thousand Men.

Whilst these things were doing at Land, the English Navy being out at Sea with a strict Charge to hinder Correspondence between France and Ireland, the Squadron under the Command of Admiral Herbert, had Notice by their Scout Ships, that part of the French Fleet was abroad, and stood away to the Irish Coast: Whereupon he made all the Sail he could after them, and the next Day found they stood into Bantry Bay, a very spacious bearing in of the Sea, and though for fear of the Shallows, and other Difficulties that might offer, it proved a work of Difficulty to enter upon them, for they seemed no ways willing to come out to an Engagement, not­withstanding they were much superiour in number; yet the Admiral drawing his Ships into a Line, and lying upon the stretch, bat­tered them extreamly from Ten in the Morn­ing, till Five in the Afternoon, at what time the French Admiral tacked from us, and stood farther into the Bay. We killed them a great many Men; and some of our Men delared, they saw one of their great Ships go to the bottom. On our side we lost Captain Aylmer [Page 34] of the Portland, with a Lieutenant, and about Three hundred Seamen killed and wounded, and could our Fireships have entred upon them, most of their Ships, which were Forty four in number, to about Twenty eight of ours, might have been destroyed.

Our Fleet after this Engagement came back to Portsmouth, and there refitted, whe­ther the King of England went to take a view of them, and Dining aboard the Admiral, created him Earl of Torrington, &c. and di­stributed about Six thousand pound among the Seamen.

And now the French having violated the Peace, and undeniably begun the War in in­vading Ireland, the King delayed not to de­nounce the War against them by a Declara­tion to that purport, bearing Dare the Se­venth of May, 1689. and great Preparations were made for passing over to Ireland, For­ces were Levied in all parts of England, and Money prepared for defraying the Charge of the Expedition; which was the more facili­tated, upon the Estates of Scotland submit­ting their Crown to King William and Queen Mary, and taking of them upon their be­ing owned and invested King and Queen of that Kingdom, which they did by their Com­missioners, who waited upon Their Majesties to that purpose, in the Banquetting-House at Whitehall. And the Viscount of Dundee, who had headed the Rebel Highlanders, and others in that Kingdom, being killed in a fatal Bat­tel near St. Johnstown, things began to go [Page 35] better, and the Success of the Scotch Affairs gave way to a more speedy prosecuting those in Ireland, where the Inniskilling-men being a­broad, pierced the Enemies Quarters, and got great Booties, defeating divers Parties, and making themselves terrible to the Ene­my.

Upon News brought that Maccarty was in those Parts with a strong Party, plundering and ravaging the Country. Lieutenant-Co­lonel Berry, with three Companies of Foot, eight Troops of Horse, and three of Dra­goons, marched towards them; but upon their approach, found they were made stron­ger than they were reported, by another Par­ty that had joyned them, and were much su­periour to him in number; which obliged him before he found himself sufficiently strong to attack them, to send to Colonel Woolsey at In­niskilling, for a Re-inforcement; which he no sooner obtained, but he charged them with much bravery, killing a considerable Num­ber, taking some Prisoners, and putting the rest to flight; but the Flyers in their way being greatly re-inforced, rallied, and came to second Encounter, which for a time con­tinued bloody and doubtful, they by reason of their advantageous Post, much galling our Horse with their Cannon; but the Defiles, or dirty narrow Passages being resolutely passed by our Foot and Dragoons, they made them­selves Masters of the Cannon, which gave our Horse the advantage to charge the Enemies Horse, who thereupon deserted the Foot and [Page 36] fled, and the Foot after them, a great many being killed, and some taken Prisoners, by which Defeat the Country was freed from great Incumbrances. This part of the Ene­mies Army that had a long time lain heavy upon it, being by this means, and in this Bat­tel, fell of the Enemy by the Sword, and those that were drowned in desperately throwing themselves into the Lough to escape the Pur­suers, about Three thousand.

There happened likewise divers other Ren­counters of lesser note, wherein the Prote­stants for the greatest part gained the advan­tage.

Whilst these things were doing, the Irish Army, with King James at the Head of it, marched towards London-Derry, promising themselves, the Terrour of their Arms would oblige it to a Surrender upon their first ap­proach; but found they were extreamly mi­staken; for although Colonel Lundy the Go­vernour, and the two Regiments sent from England, under the Colonels Cunningham and Richards, had withdrawn and slighted it, as a place not tenable against an Army of Forty thousand Men, with a Train of Artillery and divers Mortars; Providence so ordered, it be­came the Bulwark of the sinking Nation, and gave the Enemy their first considerable check; for divers Troops that were abroad, mostly composed of undisciplined Soldiers, throwing themselves into it, they, together with those that were found there were Regimented, e­ven the multitude seizing the Keys, and un­dertaking [Page 37] with great alacrity to defend it, ha­ving chose Mr. George Walker, Minister of an adjacent Village, their Governour, and Major Baker, his Co-adjutor, or Assistant-Governour during the Siege. And now those in Arms in the Town consisted of 117 Com­panies, and every Company contained sixty Men, being in all 7020 Common Soldiers, and 341 Officers. The next thing taken in hand, was to view the Stores, and ordering their better Security from any Embezling, as resolving to defend the place to the last extre­mity, having already rejected the Offers the Enemy made them, in case they would readi­ly submit, which consisted of much promised Favour and Protection; but the hard dealings others had met with, who had put themselves into their hands, made them deaf to all Pro­posals, and their great Guns being mounted on the Wall, they fired upon the Advance-Guard of the Enemy, who had been promi­sed to be received with open Arms, by Ha­milton and others, who undertook to bring o­ver the besieged, which much consternated King James, then within the reach of their Cannon, and obliged him to remove to a place of more safety.

However, seeing fair Words and Promises could not gain it, they resolved to reduce it by force, beginning within a day or two after their appearance before it, to break Ground, and run their Trenches, drawing up a Demi­culverine, within a Furlong of the Town, with which they battered the Market-House, [Page 38] and did some damage to other Houses; but the Cannon from the Town playing among them, did considerable Execution; and to hinder their nearer approach, the Besieged sal­lied, and beat them out of their Trenches, killing about Two hundred Men, amongst whom was the French General Mamow, and others of Note, with little loss on our side, and of Note, only Lieutenant Mac Phedris was killed.

The Besiegers finding this way little availed them, drew four Demi-Culverine into an Or­chard adjoyning to the Town, and kept con­tinual Firing, which hurt many People in their Houses, and made some Impressions in the Walls: Nor was the damage left unrequi­ted from the Cannon of the Town, which killed them a great many Men, and some considerable Officers, and a sudden shot took off two Fryars in their Habits, as they were exhorting the Besieged to press on the Siege.

And now to do their Work more effectu­ally, they placed two Mortar-pieces, and threw in divers Bombs, which did some damage to the Houses and People, whereupon the Be­sieged sallied, and killed several of the Enemy at Benburn-Hill, losing only two of their own and eighteen wounded. The same day a Shot from the Town broke and dismounted one of their Pieces on the Battery, and killed the Gunner, whereupon they drew a Trench a-cross Windmil-hill, from the Bog to the River, and there raised another Battery, li­ning [Page 39] the Hedge with Dragoons; but at the same time the Besieged sallied in a considera­ble number, and dividing one part, made them Masters of the Trenches and advanta­geous Ground, killing about two hundred; whilst the other Party beat the Dragoons from the Hedges. Which reiterated Losses so enraged the Enemy, that having Captain Cunningham, and Lieutenant Douglass upon some Sallies, they, after Quarter given, put them to the Sword, which served to confirm the Besieged in the belief of the Mercy they were to expect if they fell into their hands, and made them more obstinate in a resolute Defence: and alluring the Governour out, under pretence of Treaty, they fired a hun­dred Shot at him, yet none of them had the power to hurt him, by reason upon their first presenting, he sheltred him behind the ru­ines of an old House, and retired into the Town, cautious how he trusted them any more.

The Besiegers by this time grown weary of continual Duty, and the danger they were ex­posed to, drew off their main Body, and en­camped on a Hill about two miles from the Town, yet left it entirely besieged.

On the Fourth of June, a Squadron of Vo­luntier Horsmen, who promised upon Oath to do great things, supported by a Detach­ment of Foot, made an Attack upon the Windmil-work, resolving to force the Line, coming on with loud Shouts and Huzza's; but were frustrated in their Enterprize, be­ing [Page 40] beat off with considerable loss, Four hun­dred of them were accounted to be killed; and to secure their Retreat, the Foot car­ried Faggots at their Backs, and those that had none, hoised the dead Bodies, and car­ried them away on their Backs to dead the shot.

On the part of the Besieged, the loss was very inconsiderable, only Captain Butler pres­sing too eagerly after the Enemy, was taken Pri­soner, and a few killed by a great shot coming over the River.

These several Defeats and Disappointments of taking a place they before had thought so easie, that the French General upon the first view, swore he would beat down the Walls with Pot-Guns, so enraged the Enemy, that they were resolved to make all the effort imaginable, and the next night played Bombs, some of them 273 pounds, which broke up the Streats, beat down several Houses, and killed divers Persons; which occasioned some consternation, and the more when their Stores of Provision began to fail, and Famine to encrease, so that they needs must have been disheartned, had they not been encouraged by the discovery of Thirty Sail of Ships in the Lough, which were sent to their Succour from England, under the Command of Ma­jor-General Kirk, with Provision, Men, and Ammunition: But the River being chained up with a floating Boom a cross it, and Bat­teries of the Enemy on the Bank, he could not only for several days get up, but had much [Page 41] ado to have Communication by Letter; yet the hope of Relief so near at hand, kept up the Spirits of the Besieged, and encouraged them to a vigorous Defence, though many died daily for want.

Monsieur de Rosen the French Marshal, by this time arrived in the Enemies Camp, and understanding the little progress they had made in carrying on the Siege, fell a swearing, By the Belly of God, he would not only demolish the Town, but bury the Besieged in their own Ruins. But upon the Attacks he made, found no better Success than the rest: and the Lord Clancarty, who they said was desti­ned by an old Prophecy to take the Town, making an Attack, and being beat off with great loss, Lieutenant-General Hamilton, who had falsified his Trust to King William, and revolted to the Enemy, upon his being sent from England to pacifie Matters in the begin­ning, came to make large Offers, but was rejected by the Besieged with Indignation; nor was Rosen's Promises and Threats regard­ed. Whereupon he pitched upon a French Politick, imagining that would infallibly do, viz. he caused all the miserable Protestants to be gathered out of the Countries round a­bout, and driven half naked and starved there to perish, if the Besieged refused to succour them, whose Wants, though they pierced their Hearts, having very slender Provision in the Town, they could not relieve, and there­fore kept the Gates shut against them, yet fi­red among the Enemies Party that drove [Page 42] them, four or five of them fell dead with the Shot. And now there being several Prisoners in the Town, who had several Relations of Note and Command in the Enemies Camp, the Governour, and the rest, caused a Gal­lows to be set up in the sight of the Enemy, threatning to hang the Prisoners thereon, if those miserable People were not suffered to return to their Habitations, yet leave given them to write to their Friends, to know what they would do on their behalf. Rosen return­ed them no Answer; but Hamilton returned them a slight one. However, this Stratagem prevailed, and the People were permitted to return; which proved advantageous to the Garrison; for amongst them five or six hun­dred poor Starvlings were shuffled out, and some able Bodies taken in.

Another Stratagem they had to shoot Let­ters into the Town in the dead Shell of a Bomb, viz. not filled with Powder, as imagi­ning the Governour, and other Superiour Of­ficers kept their Proposals from the Soldiers; but this enraged them the more, and it was made Death so much as to discourse of a Sur­render. About the Thirtieth of June, Major Baker died; yet the Defence continued as vi­gorous as ever, and divers Sallies were made, though the Garrison through Famine, Diseases and Loss was lessened near one half, and the Famine increased so fast, that Horse-flesh was sold for Eighteen pence the pound, and but little of that to be had: A Quarter of a Dog, that fead upon the dead Irish, at Five shillings [Page 43] and six pence, his Head at half a crown, a Cat at four shillings and six pence; Rats, Mice, Tallow, Greves, and all noysome things that could be possibly eaten, proportionably; so that in the whole Town there was but nine lean Horses left, and a pint of Meal, and a little Tallow to each Man, when Providence so ordered, whilst they were at their Devo­tions, News came that Ships were making their way up the River; which to their great Joy and Comfort proved true: for Major-Ge­neral Kirk having notice that the Town could hold out no longer, ordered the Mountjoy and Phoenix, and Mountjoy guarded by the Dart­mouth, to force their way at any hazard, which they did through the Showers of the Enemies Shot, and found the Boom broke; one of them however struck upon a shelve, yet the Stock of her Guns set her free again, and they came safe to the Town, bringing Life to a dying People: which the Enemy perceiving, thought it to no purpose of staying longer before it, least they should receive worse disgrace, but in some confusion raised their Camp, firing Culmore, and divers other Places in their Retreat, breaking for haste some of their great Guns; and had a Party of the Inniskilling-Men, and some of the Garrison up­on their Rear, who cut off, or took Prisoners the Straglers, with some Booty; the former having before defeated Lieutenant-General Maccarty, they likewise threw about twelve Cart-load of Arms into the River for want of Carriages to bear them off; and lost before [Page 44] the Town in a Siege of one hundred and five Days, for so long it lasted, between 18 and 19000 Men, and among them 100 of their best Officers.

And now pardon me, Reader, for insisting so long upon this particular, which I could not slightly pass over, since (if we consider the Weakness of the Place, few of the Men that defended trained up in War, and Scar­city it endured, and the time it held out a­gainst a powerful Army, backed by almost a whole Kingdom) it may very well compare with the most famous Siege that ever was mentioned in History.

Major-General Kirk soon after these Suc­cours got in, came to London-Derry, and was received with all the Demonstrations of Joy a People in so ruinous a Condition, could be­stow; and having viewed the Walls and For­tifications, blessed himself to think that such slight Works could ever have been defended so long against such an Army.

Things in London-Derry being settled as well as the shortness of time would permit, it was agreed that Mr. Walter should go for Eng­land, and present his Majesty with an Address in his own, and the Names of the principal Persons that had been in the Town during the Siege; where he was very graciously recei­ved, and his Majesty, as a Mark of his Fa­vour, for the signal Services he had done him, ordered him 5000 pound, and a Promise of his further Regard. Whilst this Siege lasted, the Inniskilling-Men and others of the Prote­stant [Page 45] Party abroad were not idle, but a De­tachment of 600 Men were sent under the Cammand of Colonel Stewart, got into the Isle of Inch; and hearing the Irish had forti­fied themselves in Tully, he sent a commanded Party of sixty Musquetiers, and beat them out, when more Forces coming to him, he and o­ther Commanders raised some small Fortifi­cations in the Island, and there succoured a great many Protestants who fled from the E­nemy with their Cattel and Substance, and others that had been stripped of all, and came naked; beating divers Parties of the Irish that attempted to force him from his strength; and the Duke of Berwick being sent this way with 1500 Horse, attempted to force Ralfamulin, where a small Party of our Men quartered; but having timely notice, getting to their Arms, and Barrocading the Street, the Ene­my, after a sharp Dispute, drew off with the Loss of 240 Men; and on our part only Lieutenant Coningham, and a few private Sol­diers, and a Lieutenant wounded: However, very desirous to bring these Parts into Subje­ction, nothing was omitted that Threats or Alurements could effect; but neither of them prevailed against the stedfast Loyalty of the Protestants; they too sadly remembred how often they had broke their words, and how little they esteemed keeping it with those they termed Hereticks. One fatal Instance of which take for many:

It happened that the Lord Galmoy being a­broad with a Party, took Captain Dixie pri­soner [Page 46] by surprize in his Father's House, which House he set on fire, and with him brought away Cornet Charlton: but hearing one Brian Mac Kinghor Mac Gurrie, a Captain of the Irish Army, had been taken by our Men, and was Prisoner at Cran, he sent to the Governor of the Castle, to offer Captain Dixie in Ex­change, vowing upon his Honour, so soon as Gurrie came, Dixie should be sent them. This was well accepted, and Guerrie was sent, but Galmoy thereupon ordered the two Young Gentlemen to be tried by a Council of War, for receiving a Commission from England; and being sentenced, had orders to prepare to die the next day, but in the mean time great Endeavours were used, and Promises made them of Life and Preferment, if they would turn Papists, and adhere to King James. But they generously rejected the Offer, and pre­ferred their Religion before the saving their Lives; and although Mac Gurrie interceded mainly for them, and reproached the Lord Galmoy with the Stain of his Honour after his solemn Promise in Writing; yet he would hear nothing on their behalf, but caused them to be hanged upon one Russel's Sign-Post; whilst he made merry there; and not content with their Lives, he ordered their Heads to be cut off, and tossed to the Soldiers to play at Foot-ball with, which when they had mis­used for a time, he caused to be set up on the Market-Cross at Belturbet.

This made, I say, the rest more cautious to trust their Mercy; whereupon the French [Page 47] General Rosne, resolute to subdue them, came within the shot of their Cannon to encourage the Soldiers that were gathering in those parts against them, but a shot had spoiled his Undertaking, had it not fallen a little too short, yet it beat up the Stones, which wound­ed him in the Leg, and his Horse in the Bo­dy, and killed two Troopers, insomuch, that frighted with this Disaster, he gave over the Attempt: But greater Actions than these at­tended the Fate of Ireland; the English Army so long expected was embarqued, and came on with a fair Wind, being discovered some Leagues at Sea, by the longing People who watched for it on the shore, and proclaimed its arrival by their loud Shouts and Acclamati­ons of Joy: and on the Thirteenth of August, 1689. Duke Schombergh, who commanded the Forces, landed at Carickfurgus; and after a short Enquiry into the state of the Kingdom, he sent two Regiments to Belfast; and having refreshed himself, and that part of the Army that landed with him, he directed his March to find out the Enemy, being every where re­ceived by the Protestants with the greatest Expressions of joy imaginable: At the Ter­rour of whose approach the Castle and Town of Antrim was deserted, and our Men took possession of it, leaving there a Garrison of fif­ty Soldiers, under the Command of Captain Ormsby; and many other Places and Passes were secured: But Carickfurgus refusing upon Summons to Surrender, a part of the Army sate down before it; and the next day the [Page 48] Cannon and Mortars were planted against it whilst the Trenches were opened, and no sooner they heard the English speak to them in a Dialect of War, from the mouths of their Cannon, but they beat a Parley; but the main import of their Request being to send to King James to have his leave to Surrender: it was rejected, and the Mortars and Cannon began to play against the Town very furiously, they answering us with their Cannon in like man­ner, especially anoying our Men with two Pieces advantageously planted in the Lord Dungale's House; yet our Bombs did great Execution, beating down and setting many Houses on fire. Several of our Ships that lay in a Line, played likewise their Cannon on the other side, and no less indamaged the Be­sieged; whereupon they again desired a Par­ley, but insisting to March out with their Cloaths and Baggage, the Duke would not agree to it, only allowing them to be Prison­ers of War; and again the Batteries were re­newed; they again hung out a white Flag to Parley, and upon submitting to a Surrender, were allowed to be conducted to the next Irish Gar­rison; whereupon Sir Henry Ingoldsby march­ed in with his Regiment, and took possession of the Place.

By this time fifty Sail of Ships came up the Lough, on board which were a Regiment of Horse, and four of Foot, who joyning the Ar­my, the General marched towards Belfast, and were two miles beyond Lisneygarney on the 2d of September, which made the Enemy retreat [Page 49] with much Precipitation; yet they took so much time as to set divers Places on fire; whereat the General was so incensed, that he sent to tell the Commanders of those Parties, That if they desisted not from using such French Tricks, they must expect no Quarter, if they fell into his hands; which made them upon quitting Dundalk leave it intire.

The Duke finding the Plains of Dundalk commodious to Encamp on, and the Winter Season approaching, caused the Tents to be pitched, whilst the Enemy's Army between 40 and 50000 fortified and entrenched about Ar­dee.

Slego being still in the hands of the English, a Party of the Enemy consisting of about 5000 Horse and Foot, advanced that way in hopes by Force or Surprize to make them­selves Masters of it: But Colonel Lloyd, who Commanded the Inniskilling-Men, having no­tice of their Design, drew out about a 1000 Horse, Dragoons, and Foot, and Lining the Hedges of the Lane of Boyle, where they were to pass, with his Foot, he drew up his Horse on a rising ground, and charged the Enemy so suddenly, that after a smart Engagement he put them to Flight in great Confusion; and taking a nearer way with his Horse and Dra­goons, got into Boyle before the Enemy, and charged them again in the Front, whilst the Food did the like in the Rear; so that 700 were cut off, and about 400 taken Prisoners, with O Kelly their Commander, and forty o­ther Officers of note; and by this Rout 8000 [Page 50] Head of Cattel were recovered, which the E­nemy in their Ravaging the Country had got together, also a great many Arms, Ammuni­tion and Provision; so that those Parts conti­nued in quiet a long time after: so that the E­nemy perceiving Force in vain, undertook to ruine our Affairs by treacherous Policy, but they failed in that, as in all the rest. The Pro­ject was thus: It happened that 4 Regiments of French Protestants were raised in England for the Service, and amongst them divers were listed that came over just then by the way of Holland, which being done in haste, the Co­lonels had no time strictly to examine them, so that amongst these there was one Du Plessey, who had been formerly a Captain in France, and fled thence for a Murther, but now ser­ved as a private Soldier; this Man sent to Monsieur D'Avaux, to let him know, That if he would get him his Pardon in France, and let him have the Command of such as he brought over, he would inveagle the Papists that had been unwittingly Regimented to the Irish Camp. Which upon his Trial before a Council of War appearing by his intercepted Letter, and Confession, he, with four others his Accomplices, were found Guilty, and execu­ted; and upon a strict Scrutiny a great many Papists were found in those Regiments, and sent Prisoners to England. Providence by this timely Discovery frustrating the Design they might have to Revolt, and endeavour the turn­ing the Scale of Victory, if it came to a Bat­tel.

The Plains of Dundalk, by reason of the Fogs and Wetness of the place, incommoding the Camp with Sickness and Inconveniency, a­bout the middle of November it broke up, and marched away to the Newry Pass; and beat­ing out the Enemy, possessed themselves of the Town, and upon their Attempting to re­cover it, were beaten with considerable loss. Brigadier Stewart falling upon them with 250 Horse and Foot so resolutely, that they fell into Confusion, thirty being killed on the place, and about eighteen taken Prisoners, and a­mong the number five Officers. And Colo­nel Woolsey took Belturbet upon the first Sum­mons.

Nor did only the Men, but the Women baffle the Courage of the Irish: for a strong Party of them attempting to make themselves Masters of the Lady Newcomens House, that Heroick fortified it, and garrisoned with her Tenants, beating off the Enemy, and killing several in the Attacks they made, though she had no great Guns, and but a few small shot; whereupon they found themselves obliged to bring some Cannon and a Mortar before it; which caused her to Surrender, in considera­tion, That dismissing the Garrison to march with their Baggage to Lisnigarvy, she and her Domesticks might continue there in quiet. But this was not virtually observed; for get­ting into her House, they took away many things of value.

Whilst these things happened at Land, some­thing remarkable, and not amiss to be reci­ted, [Page 52] was done on the Water, in the Bay of Dublin, in spight of all the Power and Force of the Irish, that then possessed that Great City.

Sir Clously Shovel being on that Coast, after cruising thwart the Bay, he stood into it, and could then perceive a Ship a Mile within the Bar, whereupon resolving to fetch her out, if possible, he came to an Anchor, and went on Board the Monmouth Yatch, and at a little more than half Flood, the Wind being Nor­therly, he with that Yatcht, two Men of Wars Hoys, a Catch, and the Pinnace, got over the Barr; whereupon the Ship being aware of his coming, weighed Anchor, and moved up to Salmon-Pool, about a Mile nearer to Dublin, and there run a-ground, within shot of a French Man of War of twelve Guns, and two or three English Ships that lay a-ground filled with Soldiers, who continually kept firing at our Vessels; however, they followed the At­tack, and after some dispute, Sir Clously Sho­vel made a sign for the Fireship to enter and bear up; which when the Enemy perceived, they left their Ships, and got away in their Boats; whereupon our Men went on Board her, and having somewhat lightned her, brought her off, in turning out the Wind, ve­ring out of the Sea, one of Sir Clously's Hoys run a-ground, and could not be got off before the Water fell away from her, so that the rest were forced to lye by her, and get out her An­chors, ready to heave off, when the Tyde should return; and the Hoy being upon bare [Page 53] ground, thousands of People came upon the Strand, among which was King James with his Guards, as Spectators of what might hap­pen, and two Protestants that had escaped from Dublin, got to our armed Boats, and with much supplication intreated to be taken in. However, a French Trooper to shew his Bravado, came riding up within half Musquet shot, and reviling our Men as well as he could gabble English by the Epithets of Rebels, &c. he had so much Courage as to discharge his Pistol at that distance; but a shot from the Boat that lay next the Shoar killed his Horse, whereupon Monsieur pulling off his Boots, left them to our Men, betaking him to his heels as fast as he could run, for fear an unwelcome Messenger should overtake him, and make him pay dear for his Vain-glory.

The Ship thus taken was the Pellican, the biggest of the two Scotch Frigots taken by the French the precedent Summer, carrying a­bout twenty Guns. Three or four of those that were aboard her, were killed by the Fi­ring of our Men, and found dead upon the Deck, besides those that were carried off, as well killed as wounded: and our Vessels ha­ving done what they came for, returned in triumph with their Prize, in the sight of a numerous People, who thought it for the most part safest to keep at a distance.

This Ship lay here to carry off some of the Protestants Goods that had been seized in Dublin; but the Freighters by this means were disappointed of their expectations.

Colonel Woolsey being still abroad with a Party to observe the Enemies Motions, ha­ving with him a Party of 700 Men, out of the Regiment of Kirk, Earl, Grover, and the Innis killing Troops, he ordered half [...] of them to make an Incursion towards Finag, under the Command of Lieutenant-Colonel Creichtoune, he with the rest marched to Kili­slia, a strong Castle between Belturbet and Cavan, where he by secret marching came by break of day, and brought his Men within Musquet shot of the Fortress, under the shelter of the Hedges and Ditches, and immediately fixed his Miners to the Wall, where they soon finished a Mine, and were ready to spring it by Ten the next Morning; whereupon the Colonel sent to Summon the Garrison, upon which they sent out an Officer to treat, and about two hours after the Conditions were a­greed on.

Which were, That the Garrison should march out with their Arms and Baggage; and accordingly the Castle Gate was delivered about Noon, and the Garrison commanded by one Captain Darchy, marched out within an hour after, consisting of 160 Men detached our of several Regiments; and according to Articles agreed on, were guarded to Cavan: so that this strong place was reduced with the loss of three Men on our side, and four or five wounded; it being of great Importance to their Majesties Affairs; by reason it opened a free passage into Connaught, and all that part of Leinster that lies on the Shannon; and after [Page 55] having put in a Garrison of One hundre [...] Men, he returned to Belturbet, and was there reinforced by a Battalion of Danes, to enter upon further Action, as he found it advanta­geous to the Service. Insomuch, the Irish Par­ties were so frequently met withal, that they came not abroad so often as they were wont; by which means our Men had the better lei­sure to get in Hay and Corn to the Magazines, which they frequently adventured for in the Enemies Quarters, and for the most part suc­ceeded so well, that they mainly encreased the Stores; so that with that, and what came from England, the Camp, and Out-Quarters were plentifully supplied; and even the Pa­pists chose rather to bring in their Provisions to our Camp than the Enemies, for Self-inte­rest, by reason of the disproportion in the Mo­ney, as taking valuable Coin in ours, and only Copper and mixed Mettal at a vast dis­proportion; in the other promised to be chan­ged hereafter into better Coin, though they knew not when, nor cared to rely upon such uncertainties.

About this time the damp Fogs arising in the Country, a great many Officers and Soldi­ers died in either Camp; but the destruction light mostly on the French, in comparison of their number, who coming out of a warm dry Country, could not so well endure the incommoding Vapours and cold Damps, which the frequent Rains that fall in Ireland, especi­ally when the Season is any thing considerably advanced towards the Winter Quarter.

And now that the Blessing of God might be upon Their Majesty's Arms, and Judg­ments averted, the General caused his Pro­clamation to be published throughout the Camp, and in other places, strictly prohibi­ting Swearing, Cursing, and Prophaneness in the Officers and Soldiers on pain of Displea­sure, and such Punishments as might be in­flicted, which for a time stopped those Vol­leys of Oaths and Curses, that were wont to be heard on every trivial occasion.

The General went out with a Party to view the Enemies Posts, and Situation of the Country, and upon his return to Lisburn, where now his Head-Quarters were, he re­ceived the welcome News▪ That Colonel Woosley marching from Belturbet with Seven hundred Foot, and Three hundred Horse, notwithstanding his being discovered by the Centinels, who gave the Alarm, and the bad­ness of the Weather, he got thither half an hour after break of day, and there, contrary to his expectation, found the Duke of Berwick arrived with Twenty five hundred Men, which with the Garrison made up about Four thousand, and these were drawn up in good order near the Fort; yet the Colonel took Courage, resolving to Charge them, ordering his Men as the ground gave opportunity, and soon they joyned in a fierce Encounter, the Inniskilling-Men standing to it manfully; so that notwithstanding the great odds, in two hours time they beat the Enemy out of the Field with considerable slaughter; in which [Page 57] Action the Duke of Berwic k had his Horse shot under him, and Colonel O Rely, Gover­nour of Cavan was killed, as also two Lieute­nant Colonels, and divers other Officers of Note.

The Enemy beaten out of the Field, our Men too eager of Plunder, entered the Town before they had gained an entire Victory; which the Irish perceiving, rallied, and those in the Fort sallied upon them; so that in the scattered disorder they were in, they had been mostly cut off, had not the Colonel with a Reserve of Two hundred and fifty Foot, and Eighty Horse hasted to their rescue, and gi­ven them leave to get to their Arms, and al­though he beat the Salliers into the Fort, and made the others retire; yet the Town being a Magazine, and full of Plunder, he could not get his Men out, till he was forced to fire it about their Ears, whereby great Stores, of Provisions were consumed; for most of the Houses were filled with Bread, Meal, Oats, and the like, being a Six Months Pro­vision for the Garrison: and by this Defeat and the Ruine of the Town, the Duke of Berwick was disappointed of his Design, which by his Orders, was to Post there with Ten Thousand Men, to be composed of a De­tachment of all the Regiments, and so to keep the Country in awe, and make Incursi­ons as he perceived it advantageous.

In this Action, on our side were only Twen­ty Men killed, of which number were Cap­tain Armstrong, Major Trahern, Captain [Page 58] Mayo, and Captain La Maugere; but the E­nemy lost above Three hundred, and Two hundred taken Prisoners; many that fled threw away their Arms and Baggage for haste.

Upon this Success, Sir John Lanier being at the Newry with a strong Party, advanced to Dundalk, and from thence to Bedlow Castle, where was a Company of Foot, consisting of between Thirty and Forty Men; but the Dragoons soon stormed it, killed divers of them, and set the Castle on Fire, and upon their return attacked Dundalk, wherein the Enemy had a Garrison; but they kept close and would not venture to sally, and our Men not being strong enough for a formal Siege, plundered the Houses thereabouts, and march­ed away with a considerable Booty.

About this time the Prince of Wirtemberg landed with the Danish Forces under his Com­mand for their Majesties Service, and in a short time joyned the Army.

Col. Callimot attempting to surprize the strong Fort of Charlemont, but being too soon discovered, he was obliged to Retreat; which he did with the loss but of one Man.

Spring coming on, Lewis the Fourteenth was not altogether unmindful of his Promise, but sent Five thousand French, with some Cloaths and Ammunition, in lieu of which Succours, as many Irish were sent to France, under the leading of Lieutenant General Mac­carty, who having been taken Prisoner by the Inniskilling-Men upon the great Overthrow, [Page 59] had by this time made his escape; for which Colonel Hamilton, Governour of Inniskilling, where he had been detained Prisoner, was questioned; but upon Trial, producing a Letter from his Superiour Officer, for what he had done, the matter passed over.

Colonel Woosley about this time had the Castle of Killesandra delivered to him upon Summons, the Garrison being terrified into a compliance, upon Notice he was about to spring a Mine under it, the Garrison consist­ing of 160 Men, were conducted to Cavan; and many other Castles and advantageous Pla­ces were frighted at the approach of our For­ces, or compelled to Surrender; and great Plenty abounded in the English Camp, by rea­son those that brought it received Silver Mo­ney: when on the other side King James had caused Brass Money to be coined, and an Order to pass it at certain Rates, though it was not a Twentieth part of the value; yet prohibited it in Payments in his Custom-house and Exchequer: and having called a pre­tended Irish Parliament, they anulled the Act of Settlement, and all other Acts favou­rable to the Protestants, relating to Matters Civil or Ecclesiastical; so that Protestant Bi­shops and Ministers were out, and Popish Bi­shops and Priests advanced to their Benefices, and great Oppressions used on all hands: but whilst this was doing, Charlemont, a strong Fortress of the Enemies; that had been all the Winter blocked up, finding no Succours of Provision, though some of our Men got in over [Page 60] the Morass, which hastened the consumption of their Provision, beat a Parley, and after some debate about Articles they were agreed upon, they being in their Order as followeth:

Thus, after a long holding out, this strong Place was forced into a compliance, notwith­standing the Enemy had put such confidence in it, that many of those abroad proposed it as a last Refuge, if things came to a greater Extremity, its Scituation and Strength giving them Incouragement to hope it was Impreg­nable; and indeed, it had baffled our Men in some Attempts they made on it, and held out so long, contrary to expectation; howe­ver [Page 62] at last, we find that was agreed to be Sur­rendred, and accordingly it was Surrendred, and the Governour Teague O Regan, and the Garrison, who had near consumed all their Provision, marched out in number 800; they left 17 Pieces of brass Cannon, 2 Mortars, and a considerable quantity of Ammunition. And this Place by Nature and Art being ex­ceeding strong, greatly availed to the keeping all that part of the Country in awe. And what more exceedingly heartned the Soldiers, was the News that the King of England had left Whitehall on the fourth of June, and was coming for Ireland with a considerable Army, great Sums of Money, Stores of Ammunition, and all things necessary for the vigorous car­rying on and expediting the War. Nor were they deceived in the Report; for on the four­teenth of June he landed at Carickfergus, and went from thence to Belfast, where he was waited on by Duke Schomberg, and many of the great Officers, and with him came not only some of the Irish Nobility, but a great many of that Country, who had fled for Eng­land to avoid the Danger that threatned from the Papists; and great was the Joy of the Protestants for his Arrival, and as much on the other hand the Terrour and Consternation of the Papists.

His Majesty, soon after his Landing, order­ed 200000 l. to be brought on shoar, and fifteen Tun of Half-pence and Farthings of the new Tin coin, and gave notice to all the Agents of Regiments to bring in their Accompts within [Page 63] three days, that they might receive the Moneys due to the Soldiers; and care thereupon was taken to clear their Quarters, and discharge the Country.

The King thus landed, to the great Joy of all the Protestants, every one laboured who should be formost in shewing their humble Gratitude for his Exposing his Royal Person to so many Dangers for their Safety, where­upon the Gentlemen of the County of Down, &c. presented this Address.

On this Occasion likewise the Clergy of the Churches in the Province of Ʋlster present­ed their Address, as did the Presbyterians, and those of their Perswasion in the North of the Kingdom.

The like from the Mayor, Aldermen, &c. of London-Derry; and another from the So­veraign Burgesses and Inhabitants of Bel­fast, which created a high Satisfaction and more general Rejoycing. And here it was that Mr. Walker, that so bravely defended London-Derry, accompanied with divers of the Clergy, waited upon his Majesty, and Con­gratulated his happy Arrival in the Kingdom. And Parties were sent out to observe the Mo­tions of the Enemy.

The King, intent upon the great Affair he came about, stayed not for many Ceremonies and Complements; but being well refreshed, went to Hilsbourgh, and from thence to Newry, where a great part of the Army that had been under the General lay, of which he took a view, and ordered all things to the best Advantage for carrying on the War, nor was the Measures taken slow in Executing. And now whilst this is doing, let us turn a little towards Dublin, and see how Affairs stand in the Metropolis of the Kingdom.

It was not to be doubted, but upon the King's landing with an Additional Army, the Papists would have been more concerned than they were; but I know not upon what false Topick they grounded their Hopes, their Concern was not so great, as might have been [Page 65] expected from so eminent a Danger; whe­ther it was to abate the Courage of the Pro­testants, and startle them into a Mistake of some private Design they had against the King; or that they had some old Prophesies, which they too much relied upon for their Success; or that they trusted to the number of their Army, remains doubtful; but how­ever they kept up their Courage beyond ex­pectation. The Protestants in Dublin guessed it proceeded from the false News that 100000 men were ready to rise in England, and re­call King James, or declare for a Common­wealth; and that the French Fleet being very powerful at Sea, would not fail to intercept the King of England's Return, and so they fancied they had him as it were in a Trap. And indeed in this immergency, the Affronts the Protestants every where received, without any hope of Redress, made them not know what to think of their Condition; nor was it long e're the Chief of them were imprisoned; and the rest were told, They would be glad e're long to go to Mass in a short time. And they were put into frequent frights of having their Houses fired about their Ears, or at the least to be plundered of all they had. And it seems it was debated, That if it came to a Battel, and the Irish were worsted, the City should be set on fire, if not the Protestants massacred. But it is said King James oppo­sed it; and on the 16th of July marched out of Dublin, to joyn with about 5000 Foot sent from France, and one Regiment of them be­ing [Page 66] Dutch, and mostly Protestants, great care was taken to keep them from startling, and the whole Irish Army was composed of about 40000 men, besides 15000 that remained in Garrisons, and 6000 of the Militia, under the Command of Colonel Luttrel and Mac Gilli­cuddy, who was ordered as his Assistant in the Government of the City. And hereupon a hasty Order came out, that all who walked the Streets without Bayonets or Swords, should be seized. And thereupon a great many Pro­testants, who could not get such Weapons, were taken up, and many of them Imprison­ed. And another Order, That upon pain of Death, not above five Protestants, besides the Family, should meet together: So that the Churches, which had till this time been kept open, were shut up, and Dr. King Dean of St. Patrick's imprisoned: Yet such was the Zeal of the Protestants in these dangerous times, that they gathered considerable Con­tributions for the Maintenance of the dispos­sest Clergy, and for such as were Prisoners, till they were forced to desist; all the Goals and many of the Churches, being crowded with Prisoners, not only Citizens, but such as had been brought from Galloway, Kilmainham, and other places; many of them were stifled by crowding and wanting of Air, and others almost famished for want of Sustenance. It would be too tedious to enumerate all the particular Sufferings of the Protestants, their frequent Allarms, Fears and many other Di­sturbances. Therefore let it suffice, that [Page 67] though sorrow lasted for a night, Joy came in the morning, as by the Sequel will be Evi­dent.

The two Armies being now in the Field, the Irish however declined fighting all they could; and it was given out, That King James designed to lead them about the Banks of the River Boyne to weary out the English, as thinking they could not pass that Stream, if defended on the other side; and after he had so done, to cross the Country and go for Limerick. However, least the English should push on, and give him Battel, he resolved to provide for the worst, and therefore ordered Sir Patrick Trant, the first Commissioner of his Revenue, to have shipping ready at Water­ford to carry him off, if things came to Ex­tremity; for at last he found, unless he aban­doned Dublin, which was proposed to be de­fended, he could not avoid fighting above ten days; for the King of England, impatient of delay, possessed himself of almost all the Passes and Posts that were advantageous to bring the Enemy to a Battel; and many Skir­mishes happened between Parties abroad, wherein our men gained the advantage.

The Enemy by this time being Encamped near Dundalk, and strongly guarding a Pass, call'd Four-mile-Bridge, which was very diffi­cult to force, it was resolved that our Army should march to Market-hill, and therefore to fall into the great Road that leads from Armagh to Dundalk; whereupon Major Scravenmore was sent out with a Detachment of 300 Horse [Page 68] and 20 Dragoons, to view the Road and Passes, and find a convenient place to En­camp in, and discover, if possible, the posture of the Enemy; which was so well performed, that a small Party of theirs, seeing this De­tachment betimes in the Morning marching towards Market-hill, supposed it to be the Vauntguard of the whole Army, and there­fore gave the Alarm to their Camp that our Army was almost upon them, which, with­out sending to know the certainty, put them into such a fear, that they fired their Camp, and marched away; which being certified to the King, it appeared so strange, that it could not presently gain credit: But being in a short time confirmed from all hands, the order of the March was changed, and a Di­spatch sent to the Forces at Armagh and Te­nargee, that they should immediately march by the great Road towards Dundalk. But a Detachment of 200 Foot and 50 Dragoons going from the Newry towards Dundalk, were incompassed by an Ambush of 500 of the E­nemies Horse; and though our Men fought desperately, yet above 20 of them were kil­led and wounded, and the Enemy lost as ma­ny, with the Officer that commanded them, whose Horses our Men in their Retreat brought away with them.

On the 31th of June the King marched ear­ly in the Morning from his Camp at Ardee to­wards Drogheda, and found the Irish Army Encamped along the Boyne above the Town; but the Foot not coming up before it was late, [Page 69] and with them the Artillery; nothing could be done that Night, but visiting the Posture of the Enemy, and the Fords of the River, which appeared very difficult to pass. How­ever, the King Encamped within shot of the Enemies Cannon, which had like to have proved very fatal to these Kingdoms, by send­ing Death so near a precious Life that is so dear to them; for as his Majesty was taking a view of their Posture, a six pound shot brushed his shoulder, and razed the skin, making a large though not a deep Wound; yet he nothing daunted thereat, only caused it to be dressed, and mounting again, kept on Horseback for several hours after; and toward the dusk of the Evening, he commanded Count Schom­berg, with the right Wing of the Horse, two Regiments of Dragoons, and Trelawney's Bri­gade, to take five Field-Pieces, and go early in the Morning to try the Fords some Miles above the Enemies Camp, and if he found an Opportunity to pass over and Attack them in the Flank, or oblige them to Decamp. And almost beyond expectation, he passed with good Success, beating off 8 Squadrons that stood ready to oppose him; and having gain­ed firm ground on the other side the River, drew up his Men in Battalia, sending to ac­quaint the King what he had done, and to receive his further Orders: But the King no sooner received the News, and perceived the Enemy were drawing up to Charge the right Wing, but he caused an Attack to be made in three places; the first before a small Vil­lage, [Page 70] at a very good Ford; at the Second the Foot waded the middle; and at the Third the Horse were forced to swim. The Dutch Foot-Guards that first passed over, sustained the shock of the Enemies shot, whilst they were in the Water, not firing till they came up close, and then pouring in their Bullets. Those that were in the Village, and behind the Ditch­es gave way; but five of the Enemies Bat­talions came up to charge them, before the Third Battalion of that Regiment had passed the River, yet ours maintained their ground, and made them retreat in disorder, leaving one of their Colours, and many dead men up­on the place; but our men pressing eagerly on, and advancing beyond the Village, were twice vigorously attacked by the Enemies Horse, but received no great Damage; where­upon the Danish Forces advanced to the left, and the Brigadiers Melionere and Hanmore came on the Right, one being attacked by the Dragoons, and the other by the Horse, but neither did any great matter, by reason they had no Pikes. And now the thundering of the Guns, clashing of Swords, and the Cries and Shouts made a confused noise; so that the Irish trembled at the Din of War.

Duke Schomberg having passed the River with a few Forces, at what time about thirty Officers, and others of the Enemies Life-Guard, had desperately charged the King's Battalion, and were all killed except Five, and those attempting to escape through the Village, unhappily met with the Duke, who [Page 71] in the Firings that were made, received a shot in the Neck, doubtful whether from the Ene­my, or accidentally from his own men, where­upon he fell from his Horse, and died without speaking in Arms of a French Captain, who alighted to relieve him, and as he had been trained up in War almost from his Youth, so now he ended his days in the Bed of Honour. He received in this Action likewise two Cuts over the Forehead, but not very considerable. And the famous Mr. Walker, who held out the Siege of London-Derry, passing the River, re­ceived a shot in his Belly, of which he died soon after, much lamented of all that knew his Vertue and Courage.

The King all this while discharging the part of a great General and a valiant Soldier, was every where at hand to give Orders, and succour those that stood in need, marching with Seventeen Battalions of Foot, and the Horse he had about him, to inforce those Troops that had engaged the Enemy, though they had not much advanced towards the Right Wing; which he did with Nine Squadrons of Horse, and Twelve Battalions of Foot, and so marched them against the Enemy; who upon their approach fled, without staying to be charged, retiring in much disorder; but our Horse pressed on to overtake them in such haste, that the Foot could not keep pace with them; they took with them likewise five small Field-pieces; and our Dragoons supported by the Horse, charged the Rear of the flying E­nemy, and killed a great many of them; so [Page 72] that for the more speed they threw away their Arms, and what else was cumbersome; yet finding themselves hard pressed by so small a part of our Army, some of the French faced about, and made as if they would stand the Charge; but the King appearing on the Hills with his Troops, they fled faster than before, many of them scattering and making their e­scapes through the Bogs and narrow Passes, our Foot pursued them but to Duleek, yet our Horse had the chase of them four Miles further, till Night came on, and then the King sent them Orders to return to the Foot, and sent for Tents and Baggage from his Camp at Drog­heda, that the weary Soldiers might repose themselves that Night.

The greatest part of the Enemies Baggage fell into the hands of our Army, as their Cha­riots, Tents, Arms, Cannon, Ammunition, Provision, and some Money; and what was more remarkable, a great many Arms were found laid down in Rank and File, those that owned them being run away, without so much as staying to Recover them. About Three thousand were slain, and divers Priso­ners of Note taken, amongst whom was Lieu­tenant-General Hamilton, who deserted the King, the Trust he reposed in him; yet he was used very kindly, notwithstanding his for­mer ingratitude: And upon this Defeat the strong Town of Drogheda surrendred, as did many other Places thereabout.

The late King James, who had stood at a distance to view the Fight, as soon as he per­ceived [Page 73] his Army in Rout, fled with all speed towards Dublin, with a very few Attendants, where he immediately called a Council, and acquainted the Magistrates of the City with the misfortune that had befallen him, declaring never to trust himself more at the Head of an Irish Army, who would not stand a single Charge, and then told those about him, they must shift for themselves as he intended to do; but strictly commanded the Papists not to fire the City, saying, Though he left it, he did not quit his Claim to it.

The French Horse under Monsieur Lau­zun, having stood the hottest of the Fight a­gainst ours, were extreamly broken and shat­tered; of between Five and Six thousand, there not remaining above Three thousand five hundred. King James having slept very ill upon his Loss, was the next Morning a­larmed with the News that King William was on his way to Dublin; which put him in­to such a fear, that accompanied with the Duke of Berwick, the Marquess of Powis, and some others, scarce giving himself time for Refreshment, he left the City, and hasted to Waterford, where a Ship lay ready to receive him, and neither slept nor eat till he got out to Sea, and stood away for France: where, it seems, he received no extraordinary welcome when the great Loss and Expence of Treasures was known.

The Protestants that were Prisoners in Dub­lin, having News of what had happened, got at liberty, and possessing themselves of the [Page 74] Militia Arms, secured the City, and the Bi­shop of Limerick and Meath being there, got together the Gentry and chief Citizens, and formed a Committee to regulate and settle the Affairs, which in the hurry and confusion were put much out of frame and order, and pursuant thereto, they garrisoned the Castle, and secured the Stores for the King's use, send­ing to acquaint the King with what had hap­pened, and to intreat him to hasten thither, and quiet the Tumult and Disorder some un­ruly People had raised. The King upon this Notice immediately sent thither a Troop of Dragoons, and the next day the Duke of Or­mond and Monsieur Overkirk were sent with Nine Troops of Horse, and joyfully received. Whereupon the Papists, especially such as had been over-active in oppressing the Protestants, got away with such things as they could carry either by Land or Water, as fearing to be cal­led to account for their Misdoings: so that they who had a little before tyrannized over the Protestants, found the Scene changed, and the Stream turned against them; some indeed the Rabble had seized, and prevented from Flight; but such was the Clemency of the King upon his coming to that City, most of them were not only set at liberty, but that the Kingdom might be quieted, he published his Declaration in these words:

Upon this offer of Pardon, a great many of the meaner sort of the Irish laid down their Arms, and complied with the Contents of the Declaration, some going home to their Habitations, and many of those that were de­stitute of any, took the Service; and things began to carry a Face of Settlement, won­derfully altered from what before it was: So that the People, who a little before were, as it were, in Slavery, and in danger of their Lives, now found themselves at Liber­ty, and utterly freed from those Fears that had so long afflicted them. And soon after his Majesty came to that City, and heard a Ser­mon at St. Patrick's Church, preached by Dr. King, suffering only his Guards, and some of his great Officers, to enter the City with him, and went that day back to his Camp to din­ner, when he had given the Magistrates such necessary Orders as he thought conducing to the happiness of the place, and was Addressed by them, and by the Bishops and Clergy, wherein they expressed their abundant Joy and Gratitude for his Majesty's having been the Instrument, in the Hand of Heaven, for their great Deliverance, &c. And the Town and Castle of Wexford being deserted by the Go­vernour, who fled amongst others to France, it declared for the King, and a Garrison was put into it.

And now the main Strength of the Irish Army being broken by the last Defeat, the Popish Priests every where made it their busi­ness to stir up the Rabble and looser sort of [Page 79] People, who plundered and made great Spoil, especially in the Countries where the King's Forces were not at hand to quell them; how­ever, the Militia frequently met with them, and many of their Ring-leaders being taken, were hanged up as Thieves and Robbers. And that the Counties might be the better settled and guarded, his Majesty made his Progress into divers of them, and appointed Sheriffs and other Officers, as he passed, conferring upon Count Menard, the Duke of Schemberg's Son, in respect of the great Affection he bore his Father, the place of great Master of the Artillery, and soon reduced Wexford and ma­ny other places. Yet the Enemy held by Gar­risons many Towns of Strength, as Cork, Gal­loway, Athlone, Limerick, &c. near to the last of which Tyrconnel and Lauzun had Rallied the broken Army, so that to dislodge them, the Siege of that Place was resolved on, though the Season began to advance apace towards the usual coming on of bad Weather in that Kingdom.

The King having pretty well settled the Affairs of those Counties where his Army had passed, and those that put themselves under his Protection, took it into his Princely consi­deration, That his Subjects had, during this War, been very much imposed upon, and a­bused by Moneys coined in the Enemies Quar­ters, and by the Order of the late King, of no value, in competition of its Premium di­rected by the Exhibitors, for the Relief of such Abuse to the Subject, issued out his Pro­clamation [Page 80] for the Suppressing it, or Reducing it to its intrinsick value, in the following Tenor, viz.

By this we may see the great loss People of all qualities sustained, the Money being as we elsewhere have mentioned, ordered, upon great Penalties in case of refusal, to pass at the Values mentioned, though extraordinarily superiour to the value of the Metal, as appears by its being reduced to its intrinsick Value; yet little of this fell to the share of the Prote­stants, who in their Extremities thought them­selves well to escape with their Lives, having no considerable opportunities to handle Mo­ney, and therefore came off with as little loss in the Reducement of it.

On the 19th of July the Royal Camp lying at Chappel-Izard, removed thence towards Wa­terford, that still held out, whenas the King sent a Summons to the Town, requiring Lieu­tenant-Colonel Hevesey, Governour of the Place, immediately to Surrender, and that if he obeyed the Royal Mandate, the Garrison should be permitted to march out quietly, and the Citizens to enjoy their Houses, Goods and the Benefit of Trade; but upon Refusal to Expect no Quarter. 200 Horse, under the Command of Col. Comboon and Col. Matthews, went with the Trumpeter, who delivered his Message: But the Governour making divers extravagant Demands, which would have been answered with a sudden Attack, but that his Majesty had Compassion of about 300 Protestant Families in the Town, that must have suffered in the common Calamity; wherefore in singular Clemency, he command­ed the same Capitulation to be sent them which [Page 83] had been granted to Drogheda the day after the Battel of the Boyne, with this Addition, That the Garrison might depart each Man with his own Arms, but not with Drums beating and Colours flying; which, after some Debate, they thankfully accepted; and on the 25th of July marched out, to the number of about 1600 Men, being conducted to Mallow, a small Town, lying in the way to Lymerick; but some of their Officers stayed behind, and im­plored his Majesty's Protection; when on the same day the King viewed the Walls of the Place, but entered not into the Town, and so returned back to the Camp, sending a Sum­mons to Captain Michael Bourk, Governour of Duncannon Fort, offering the like Capitu­lation that had been granted to Waterford, in case he immediately Surrendred, but upon Refusal to expect no Mercy. When instead of a positive Answer, he only desired six days to consult Tyrconnel; which being refused, he declared he would take that time. Whereup­on the Cannon was commanded to be brought and planted against the Place, in order to a Battery. But on the 26th in the Evening, Sir Clously Shovel appearing with 16 Frigats, mounted with Guns of considerable Force, within shot of the Fort, it brought such a Terrour upon the Garrison, that the Governour wrote to Major-General Kirk, that he would accept of the Terms offered; which his Majesty being made acquainted with, he was pleased to order, That they should still have the benefit of the Articles that were at [Page 84] first proposed; and the Fort accordingly was Surrendred. After which the King marched towards Dublin.

During these Transactions, divers Parties were abroad, who hindered the scattered Irish from getting together, Reducing some Castles, Forts, and other advantageous For­tresses and Posts, to their Majesties Obedi­ence.

His Majesty now resolving, as is said, to besiege the strong Town of Lymerick, scitu­ate on the River Shannon, under the shelter of which the greatest part of the Enemies ral­lied Forces were retired, being about 25000 strong, Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas, who had for some time blocked up Athlone, was order­ed to draw off, and to joyn the Royal Army on its way. The Garrison was composed of a mixture of French and Irish; they had va­rious Disputes about Surrendring that impor­tant Place upon honourable Terms; but at last were prevailed with by the Earl of Tyr­connel to stand upon their Defence.

Whilst the Army prepared to march to­wards Lymerick, and his Majesty to be pre­sent at that Siege, had put off his intended passing over from England, 50 of our Dra­goons approaching the Town of Youghall, the place surrendred: To bring it to which, the Contrivance was in this manner; The Gar­rison that marched from Waterford, was con­ducted by those Dragoons under the command of Captain Pownal to Youghall, who telling the Governour of the Place, who was the same [Page 85] that Surrendered up Carickfergus the precedent Year, the certain Ruin he would bring upon himself, if he thought of holding out; and thereupon advising him to a Surrender: he af­ter some further Debate, only desired him to expect his Answer till Ten at night, at which time he privately marched out with Three Companies of Foot, giving the Captain an unexpected possession of the Town, where he found 14 Guns mounted, and 2 without Car­riages, 350 Barrels of Oats, 215 stone of Wooll, and several other sorts of Provisions, but neither Powder nor Ball.

The King being thus far on his March, a Deserter came out of Lymerick to our Camp, and gave Information, That the French had marched out of the Town with eight Field-pieces, and took their way towards Galloway, there, if urgeney required it, to be ready for Imbarcation to France; and not only those in the Town were unsettled and discontented, and that others, displeased at Tyrconnel's pro­ceeding, were retired to the Mountains of Ker­ry; and such Fear the Approach of our Army brought upon the Enemy, made them break down the Bridges to retard their March. How­ever, that hindered but little, for where they found them in that Condition, they forded the Rivers; and that the People might be still assured of his Majesty's Clemency towards them, another Declaration was published; and also that a Blessing might attend his Arms, a Fast was proclaimed to be observed through all the Provinces of the Kingdom under their [Page 86] Majesty's Obedience on the 15th of August, and to be observed constantly, during the War, on Friday in every Week; which was Religiously kept, as well out of a due sense of God's Mercies and Favours already ex­tended towards the late languishing Kingdom, in a wonderful Deliverance, as what they fur­ther expected.

The Approach of our Forces was no sooner known to Tyrconnel and Lauzun, but they re­tired further into the Country, leaving Mon­sieur Boisleau Governour in the Town, with a very good Garrison, and store of Provision, the French retiring under the Walls of Gallo­way; but the Inhabitants not liking such un­friendly Guest, who sought their Master's In­terest more than the welfare of Ireland, shut their Gates, and denied them Entrance. How­ever, at last being received into the Town at the Instance of Tyrconnel and others, they shew­ed their Resentments by dealing very severe­ly with the Inhabitants; and we had an ac­count that they hanged up two of those that were most active in opposing their Admit­tance.

The Army approaching Lymerick, found the Enemy strongly posted about a Mile from the Town, and that they had lined the Hedg­es, from whence they fired upon our Men, but were soon dislodged, and obliged to fly to their Main-guard; and the English passed the River Shannon without any considerable Re­sistance, the Enemy that guarded the further shoar flying at their approach, and for haste [Page 87] left behind them several Tents and other Ma­terials, and encamping within the reach of their great Guns, they raised Works to secure them from the shot, though some were killed by random Bullets. The Army was no soon­er Encamped, and Entrenchers made some Advance, but the King sent to Summon the Governour to Surrender, withal, offering him very good Conditions, but he utterly refused it; returning answer, That he was resolved to defend the place to the last Extremity. Upon which the Trenches were opened, and the great Guns being on their way to the Camp, Colo­nel Sarsfield, with a strong Party, taking a great Compass, set upon those that had them in Charge, and over-powering the Convoy, killed divers of the Waggoners, not sparing their Wives, with their Children in their Arms, burning some of the Waggons and Carriages of the Cannon, Nailing up part of the great Guns, and breaking others. But upon the approach of Captain Coningham with a Par­ty of the Inniskilling-men, they made a hasty Retreat; yet the Captain fell in with their Rear, killed some, took other Prisoners, and recovered a considerable Booty. So that these, and other great Guns, being brought to the Camp, Clonmel, a small Fort near Lymerick, Surrendred upon Discretion, and the Garri­son made Prisoners of War. And now the Batteries being raised, the Cannons spoke English Language in Thunder against the Town, and the Trenches were Advanced within 300 Paces of the Wall, and two Re­doubts [Page 88] taken, the which, and other Successes of the like nature, made them Advance to­wards another Redoubt. Whenas Colonel Douglas mounting the Guard, and the sign appointed given by firing 8 Guns for Attack­ing it, those that were Detached for the Ser­vice being 150, besides Officers, fell on with extraordinary Bravery, and Entering the Fort, drove out the Enemy, killing about 40, pos­sessed themselves of it, though the Enemy from the Town made a vigorous Sally with Horse and Foot; and the new Batteries being level­led against the high Towers, soon laid them in Rubbish; also the Bombs and Carkasses thrown in set a great many Houses on fire: So that under the favour of these Consterna­tions the Enemy were put unto, our Men made their Advances within Thirty Paces of the Ditch, and the Cannon still playing, not only widened the Breach, but beat down part of the Counterscarp and Palisado's; so that an Attack was made on the Counterscarp, be­gun by a detached Party of Granadiers, se­conded by other Detachments, who soon gain­ed it; as also a Fort the Enemy had under the Wall; but instead of lodging themselves as they were commanded, thinking Fortune was altogether now on their side, they pushed on to enter the Breach in pursuit of the Irish that ran thither, but the Cannon being turn­ed upon them, charged with Cartridge-shot, the greater part of those that were Advanced were cut off, and some blown up by the springing of a Mine in the Ditch; so that by [Page 89] computation 100 Men were killed and wound­ed, yet they came not off without leaving the Marks of their Valour upon the Enemy. But by this time, the Army having the Elements to contend with, as well as the Enemy, by reason of the stormy Winds and incessant Rains, which not only made the River over­flow, but filled the Trenches knee-deep with Water, and would in a short time, in all probability, have cut off the Communication, and hindered the Forrage from coming in, his Majesty, upon mature deliberation, thought fit to raise the Siege, and refer it to a more seasonable opportunity. So that on the 30th of August the heavy Cannon and Baggage were sent away, and the next day the Army decamped and marched off in good Order, strong Detachments being sent towards Cork and Kingsale: And the King having appointed the Lord Viscount Sidney and Sir Thomas Con­ningsby Governours of the Kingdom, and set­led the other Affairs, as advantageously as might be, sailed for England, and landed at Bristol, where, as in other places, he was re­ceived with a general Joy.

Upon the King's departure, the Irish Gar­risons thought themselves safe for the Winter at least, but found in a short time they were deceived, for other measures were taken. The English Fleet had orders to stand away to the Coast of Ireland, and soon arrived in Cork Harbour; and upon notice of their Arrival, the Land Forces drew down to joyn them up­on their Landing.

Upon which the Duke of Berwick, who stiled himself Lord General of Ireland, drew off, Lauzun and Tyrconnel being al­ready gone to France. Lieutenant-General Douglas followed after the Duke with a strong Party, to fall upon his Rear, but he Encamped so advantagiously behind the Bogs, that it was not thought feasible to attempt the forcing his Camp.

A Battery of 8 Guns was raised to hinder the Landing of our Men, but two or three armed Boats forcing ashoar those that were to manage and guard the Guns fled, and our men dismounted them, throwing the Carriages in­to the Sea; so that on the 24th of September, 5 or 6000 Seamen, Gunners, and Carpenters were detached to be employed in raising the Batteries and mounting the Cannon against the Town of Cork, and divers Boats of arm­ed Men were sent to assist the taking it by water; so that upon the approach of the Army, the Enemy set fire to the Suburbs, and the Earl of Marlborough, who commanded the King's Forces in chief, having taken a view of its Scituation, and finding the Enemy had quitted a Post called Cats-Fort, sent a De­tachment to take possession of it, and then advanced his Camp within Musquet shot of the South-side of the Town, which occasioned the Enemy to set fire to the Suburbs, for fear our Soldiers should lodge themselves in it; yet our Men advanced to the Ruins, and play­ed upon the Old Fort from two Batteries they had raised, and the next day made a Breach [Page 91] in the Wall so wide, that the Besieged fearing our Men would Enter by Storm, and dreading the consequences of Delay, they beat a Par­ly, and sent out an Officer to Capitulate, and Hostages were Exchanged; but the besieged standing high upon Terms, four Regiments under the Command of Brigadier Churchil, were ordered to get into the Island near the Wall, where the Breach was made, which they performed by fording it to the middle, the Granadiers, commanded by the Lord Col­chester, leading the Van, being exposed to all the Fire of the Enemy: Amongst those that attempted this were a great many noble Vo­luntiers, as the Duke of Grafton, the Lord O Brian, Colonel Granvil, Captain Leighton, Captain Cornwal, Captain Nevel, Captain Fairborn, and others; but it proved fatal to the Duke, for by a shot he received, he soon after died, and his Body being carried for England, was there honourably interred.

The Besieged finding that our Men would not enter, as not being above 20 Paces from the Breach, beat another Parley, but could have no other Conditions than to be Prisoners of War; to which, with some difficulty, they agreed, and the Capitulation was signed, which in the Articles was to this purpose, viz.

That upon the Garrisons being received as Pri­soners of War, no prejudice should be done to the Officers, Soldiers, or Inhabitants, but that the General should make it his Endeavour to obtain [Page 92] his Majesty's Mercy and Favour towards them.

That the Old Fort should be delivered up with­in an hour, and the two Gates the like, by 8 in the Morning the next day.

That all the Arms of the Garrison and Inhabi­tants should be put into secure places, and the Protestant Prisoners immediately released.

That a due Account should be given of the Magazines, as well of Provision as Ammuni­tion.

And the same Night 200 Men took posses­sion of the Old Fort, and the next Morning of the Town; the Garrison, between 4 and 5000 being made Prisoners of War; and of note amongst them were the Earls of Clancar­ty and Tyrone, Colonel Macgillicot the Gover­nour, and divers others.

This place thus taken and put into trusty hands, the Army immediately marched to­wards Kingsale, and took their Posts about the New Fort, whilst Major-General Teteau was Commanded with 800 Men to make an At­tack upon the Old Fort; whereupon passing the River in Boats, he on the 3d of October, gave an Assault, and Entered it by Storm, making at the same time, to divert the Ene­my, a false Attaque; and our Men at one and the same time giving the Bastions, some Barrels of Powder took fire, and destroyed about 50 of the Enemy, and in the heat of Fury many were killed. Those that Escaped, some fled unto the Old Castle in the midst of the Fort, and some endeavouring the New Fort, by the [Page 93] help of a Boat, the Tide being against them, they were mostly killed by the shot of our Men from the shoar, the Governour and seve­ral Officers were killed in defending the Ram­parts, and found dead in the places where they fell, and the Soldiers got considerable Plunder.

The Old Fort thus Entirely won, the Gene­ral sent a Summons to the New Fort to de­mand its immediate Surrender; but the Go­vern [...]ur sent back word, That it would be time enough to talk of that a Month after. But the General, not to be dallied, caused the heavy Cannon to be mounted, and two Attacks were ordered to be made by the English on the right, and the Danes on the left; and the more to amuse the Enemy, a false Attack was made, and on the 15th of October the Cannon played all the Morning, and the Gal­leries were preparing to lay over the Ditch, when about One of the Clock the Enemy beat a Parly, proposing that Hostages might be Exchanged in order to a Treaty; which done, Articles were agreed on, and signed a­bout Midnight; and pursuant thereto the middle Bastion was to be delivered up the next Morning, and about 1200 men, of which the Garrison consisted, were to march out the day after. And the principal of the Prisoners taken here, and at Cork, were ship­ped for England; but some of them met with a sad Disaster on the Coast; for being put on Board the Breda, by what means is uncertain, her Powder taking fire, she blew up, and most [Page 94] of those who were on Board were desteoyed; the rest of the Fleet returned in Safe­ty.

The Irish that yet kept the Field, were not above 10000, yet they promised themselves great Recruits against the Spring.

In the mean while the Protestants concei­ved great Joy at this Success, and in a grate­ful Acknowledgment to his Majesty, who had been so signally instrumental in the Hand of Heaven for their Deliverance, his Birth­day being the Fourth of November, Old stile, was observed in the reduced Places in an ex­traordinary manner, but especially at Dublin, where the Militia, consisting of 2500 Foot, and two Troops of Horse, and as many of Dra­goons, were drawn out, and gave several Vol­lies; and in the Evening there was very fine Fireworks before the Lords Justices House on Colledge-Green, and by their Order Claret was distributed to the People, who drank their Majesty's Healths with all the Expressions of Duty and Loyalty; and most of the Nobili­ty and Gentry in and about the City, were invited by the Lords Justices to a splendid Entertainment and Banquet, the Day conclu­ding with ringing of Bells, and the Night with Bonefires and Illuminations, as also o­ther Publick Demonstrations of Joy and Tri­umph.

The Fifth of November, being the Anniver­sary of the Popish Powder-Plot, the Lords Ju­stices attended by the Nobility, Judges, and other Persons of Quality in the Town, with [Page 95] the King and Herauld at Arms, and the En­signs of Honour carried before them, went to St. Patrick's Church, and after their Return the Lords Justices gave the Nobility and Gen­try another splendid Entertainment, their Ma­jesties Titles being at the second Course pro­claimed in Latin, French, and English, by the King at Arms, the great Guns in the Castle continually thundring the general Joy in their roaring Language. And that the Common People might not be wanting in sharing of their Bounty, a whole Ox, and an Hogshead of strong Bear was dealt out amongst them, and at Night the general Joy was concluded with Bonefires, and other Demonstrations of Publick Satisfaction.

The Soldiers being now mostly in their Winter-Quarters, that they might have good usage, and the Inhabitants of those Towns where they were quartered at the same time receive no damage, the Lords Justices thought it necessary to give their Orders concerning those Matters, and accordingly issued out their Proclamation for regulating the Quarters of the Army, and ascertaining the Rates to be allowed for the Soldiers Diet, the Prizes of Provisions, and the manner how the Inhabi­tants that trusted them should be paid for what they delivered out to them.

The Rapparies having already been fairly warned to desist from their Ravages, and Burnings in the Countries under Obedience; they notwithstanding enterprizing the like, Captain Archer upon Notice that a Party of [Page 96] them were abroad, marched against them with about Twenty of the Militia; but upon his approach finding them much stronger than he had been informed, after a hot dispute he found himself obliged to retire with the loss of four of his Men; however, not giving it over, he immediately raised more of the Militia, and the next Morning by break of day fell upon them a second time with better success for ha­ving put them to rout, he killed about Twelve of them, and took Twenty Prisoners, enriching his Men with such Booty as those People had scraped together, in those Countries where they had been for a considerable time doing much mischief.

And now the Lords Justices and Councel having reason to suspect, that several dange­rous Persons coming to the City of Dublin, as Spies from the Enemies Quarters, and upon other wicked Designs, were sheltered in that City by Papists, Natives, who kept Taverns, and other Publick Houses, and there frequent­ly met to continue as much as in them lay, the Subversion of Their Majesties Government, and the Ruin of their good Subjects of the Kingdom of Ireland, thought fit to put out their Proclamation, to prohibit and forbid all Papists, Natives of the Kingdom, to sell any Wine, Beer, Ale, or other Liquors by Retail, after the 25th of Decemb. 1690. upon pain of being proceeded against as Retailers of Wine and other Liquors without License.

By this time one Mac Finnan having got together about Four hundred Men, being a mixture of the Irish Army and Rapporees, marched towards Castle-town, to surprize thir­ty Dragoons, commanded by a Lieutenant de­tached thither from their Quarters at Iniskeen, and although they had all the advantage they could wish, yet the Lieutenant and his Men behaved themselves so bravely, that they kil­led Ten of their Enemies, but having spent their Ammunition, and five of their own Par­ty being killed, they found themselves con­strained to Surrender, and had Quarter given them, yet the Lieutenant, his Serjeant, and se­veral of his Men were put to the Sword in cold blood: however the Alarm reaching Ini­skeen, Major Culleford, who commanded there, Advanced with another detached Party, and falling upon them in the height of their Suc­cess, put them to the rout killing about 12 on the place, took 5 Prisoners, without the loss of a Man on our side.

Nor were the Commanders his Majesty had intrusted less watchful on all parts; for Major-General Tettau marching from Cork to Killcreagh, and on his way being joyned by others, so that he made up a Body of 2200 Men, he entred the County of Kerry, where the Enemies Troops retired before him, and coming into a Fortification at Scrovolard, he at­tacked it, and in two hours took it with little difficulty; when advancing along the edge of the Mountains, and sustaining the Rapparees fire, without receiving any considerable da­mage, [Page 98] they discovered towards Brewster field, some of the Enemies Scouts, whereupon 70 of our Dragoons and Horse having the Van­guard, came up with a Party of 160 of the Enemies Horse, who not enduring the Fire of our Men, upon the first Charge retreated, and falling by degrees into confusion, at last came to plain running, though there were several Irish Nobility, and some considerable Officers amongst them; yet such as our Men had not yet attacked, put, by this time, the Country round about in a flame, and our Forces not being far from Killarny, hasted thither with all the speed they could to sa [...]e that place; and notwithstanding the Enemy upon their approach left it, yet about twenty Cabbins were burnt by two Troopers that stayed be­hind for that purpose, who as a Reward of their Undertaking, were killed by our Men, and Brewster's Forge saved, and put divers of the Enemies Parties, then abroad, to the rout, clearing the Country in a manner on that side, whilst the Irish only bore up the little Courage they had left, relying much upon the further Aid they expected from France.

However, though the Season was far ad­vanced, our Men gave it not over as yet, but for the better securing Winter-Quarters, and preventing the Country from Plunder, they took in several Castles, as the Castles of Ba­ham and Rea, into which Baldorick Mac Don­nel had put a Garrison of 100 Men, confining by this means the Irish that were in Arms to the Province of Ʋlster; whereupon the gross [Page 99] of our Army went into Winter-Quarters, lea­ving some flying Parties abroad to keep under the Rapparees, who thought it now their time to rob and steal; and indeed they not only burnt the Lord Orrery's House at Charleville, but committed many other Outrages, though divers of them came short home; for this kind of Black-Guard not being looked upon to be Soldiers, plundering sometimes as well the Papists as the Protestants, were frequent­ly cut off in their Attempts; and now when Force began to fail, the Enemy had recourse to Stratagems; but in this they failed, by a timely discovery, by Letters that were dropt by some Persons as they were flying to the Woods or Mountains; one of them written by one Mr. Hogen, who had been a Colonel in the Irish Army, acquainting him, That the Protestants were secure and supine in their Quar­ters; and that her Friends had lately done seve­ral strange Feats in the places that were under the English Obedience, and especially in the County of Wicklow, and that the French in the Kingdom were very industrious to take all advantages; that Tyrconnel would soon return with Forces from France; that the Soldiers in Dublin were poor and miserable, and would do any thing for Bread; so that if Sarsfield had a mind to come over the Shannon with his Forces, not only the Army, but the Militia would be drawn out of the City, and then every Papist fi­ring his own House or Lodging, whilst the Con­sternation lasted, they might destroy the Prote­stants and secure the City, and that which had [Page 100] hitherto hindered them from putting the Project in Execution, was the Records of the King­dom being there, which must needs perish in the flames; but however, they had at last remo­ved that Scruple, and were resolved to go on with it, &c.

This Woman was taken and brought be­fore the Privy Council, where she was so far from denying it, that she with confidence af­firmed she writ it; and though she could not be blamed for doing what she had done, upon which she was committed to Prison. The Lords Justices upon this Discovery put out a severe Proclamation against the Papists, to dis­able them from putting such wicked Designs in practice, by banishing some for several miles, and taking strict Recognizance of the rest; which according to its true Tenor, for the sa­tisfaction of the Curious in so weighty a mat­ter concerning the Safety of the whole King­dom, will not be amiss to be inserted.

This, and the diligent search made after su­spected Persons, startled the Caballars and Conspirators in such a manner, that they ei­ther dispersed or concealed themselves. So th [...] pernicious Design of laying the Metropolis of Ireland in Ashes, and mixing those Ashes with the Blood of its Inhabitants, was frustrated. And indeed this appeared not to be grounded upon light Suspition, but upon substantial Reason; for the Enemies Troops abroad were about that time moving nearer towards Dublin, then any other Occasion but such In­telligence [Page 104] or Correspondence could reasonably require, but upon this discovery retired, and the City Guards were augmented, and all manner of Caution and Circumspection used that might prevent, in any probability, the threatned Danger.

During these Transactions, those Troops we had abroad were not idle, but often marching many Miles into the Enemies Quar­ters, not only beat them from their Posts, and killed a great many of them; but gave the Villages opportunity to rest in quiet under their Majesties Protection, and freeing them from those Ravagements wherewith before they were distressed; so that many, who be­fore stood out for fear of being plundered or destroyed, came in, and joyfully laid hold of the gracious Pardon offered them; so that the face of things seemed to put on a Calm, con­sidering the Tempest that a little before had in a manner disjointed and put them out of Frame.

The Enemies Regular Troops missing of the Advantages they expected, now gave way to the Outrages of the Rapperees more than ever, having before a little restrained their Insolencies, that the Advantage of Plunder might accrue to themselves; so that they com­mitted many barbarous Murthers in Villages and Loan-houses, where their Force prevailed, being mainly incited thereto by the revengeful Priests, who shared with them in their Booty which made our Troops, though the Season was very incommodious for marching, by rea­son [Page 105] of the rains and quagginess of the ground, and incroach upon them, and frequently sur­prize them in their Randezvous, beating them out of their Cabins, and firing them over their Ears.

And now his Majesty providing for the Ci­vil Affairs, the Privy Council were, the Lord Primate of Ireland, the Lord Chancellour, High Treasurer, and Archbishop of Dublin for the time being, the Duke of Ormond, Earls of Meath, Drogheda, Longhford, Ranelagh, Granard, and Viscount Lisburn, the Bishop of Meath, the Vice-Treasurer, the Chancellor of the Exche­quer, the Chief Justices of the King's Bench, Common Pleas, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Master of the Rolls, Principal Secretary of State, and Master of the Ordnance for the time being, Robert Fitz-Gerrard, Sir Henry, and William Hill Esquires.

The Judges appointed by his Majesty were, for the King's Bench Sir Richard Raynel, Mr. Justice Lyndon, Sir Richard Stephens; for the Common Pleas, Mr. Justice Cox, Mr. Justice Jeffersdon; for the Exchequer, Lord Chief Baron Hely, Mr. Baron Echlin, Sir Standish Harstrong.

Nor was the Civil Settlement alone consi­dered, but likewise the Ecclesiastical Promoti­ons, for the good and tranquility of the Prote­stant Churches of Ireland; viz. Dr. March Bishop of Feras, was advanced to the Arch­bishoprick of Cashel, Dr. Tenison Bishop of Kil­lala, to be Bishop of Cloglier, Dr. William King to be Bishop of London-Derry, Dr. Digby Bishop [Page 106] of Lymirick to be Bishop of Elphin, Dr. Vigors Dean of Armagh, to be Bishop of Ferus, Dr. Wilson Dean of Rapho, to be Bishop of Ly­merick, Dr. Fitz-Gerrald Dean of Cloim, to be Bishop of Cloufort, Dr. Lloyd Dean of A­chonry, to be Bishop of Killala.

So that now the face of things began to look pleasant; however, though it was in the dead of Winter, our Troops abroad found some A­ction; for one of our advanced Parties, setting upon the Enemy near Castle-Town, they killed 22 of them, and took 5 Prisoners, and Colonel Foulks gave a considerable Defeat to about 1500 Rapperees and trained Soldiers, killing many of them, and taking some Prisoners near the Bogg of Allen.

Whilst these Successes were carried on with a high hand, Colonel Brewer possessed himself of the Forts and Town of Lansborough, and defeated about 3000 of the Enemy. Soon after Major-General Tetteau, heightned with his frequent Success, and the beating some small Parties of the Enemy, he marched his Forces towards the strong Town of Ross, which had in it a Carrison of 600 Men, under the Command of Colonel Maccarty, the Lords Coursey and Slane, and others of Note were also in the place, upon the approach of our Men, but not thinking themselves secure e­nough, they poasted away for Lymerick, and thereupon our Approaches being made, 50 Danes, and 50 of the Detachment out of King­sale, were ordered to storm a Fort cut out of a Rock, which they did with so great a Reso­lution, [Page 107] that they froze the Enemies Courage, and soon made themselves Masters of it, put­ting most they found therein to the Sword, and many of those that endeavoured to swim from thence to another Rock, were killed in the Water; and marching thence to Tralee, Ge­neral Sheldon abandoned it with such speed, that they had no time to set it on fire, and so it fell entire into our hands; and we having a small Fort at Fermoy-Bridge in the County of Cork, the Enemy advanced with about 2000 Horse and Foot, under the Command of one Carrol, who upon his Approach sent to have it Surrendred, Declaring that he knew the strength of the Place, and that it was not tenable. But upon his approach found such a warm Reception, that after divers firings, he being kill'd upon the place, his Men took, to their heels, and that they might glory of some­thing, they burnt one House in their return.

Soon after this Defeat, and the routing di­vers Parties of the Rapparees, Colonel Brewer and Major Board went out with a detached Party of 150 Horse, and about 200 Foot from Mullengar, to relieve Marescourt and Mayvore with Provision; and that done, they took their way towards Ballymore, and dislodged the Enemy on those Passes, opening and free­ing the Country, and then returned to their Stations, without the loss of any Men; and soon after this Lieutenant Taylor defeated 400 of the Irish near Endery.

Lieutenant-General Ginkle, upon notice that a great Body of the Enemy was gathering, and [Page 108] some of them advancing towards Athlone, he and Sir John Lanier drew out a Party to op­pose them; who, upon their approach, retired in great confusion, but being pursued by our Horse and Foot, they were beat from the Re­trenchments they had made, as their last Re­fuge; and the Chace being continued, about 200 of them were killed and wounded, and several taken Prisoners, and our Men got a great Booty of Horses; for the Enemy in their flight, being hard pressed in the Rear, quitted them, and got into the Woods.

Colonel Hamilton being abroad, meeting with a Party of the Enemy as they were Ra­vaging the Country, near a place called Bau­trey, set upon them, and at the first Charge put them into Disorder, and soon after to open flight, killing about 70 of them, and taking some Prisoners with Booty, &c. And Captain Derby defeated another Party of them at Birre. And now the Rapparees being more terrible to the Country People than the Enemies Re­gular Forces, a Party was sent out to suppress them; so that being frequently met withal, a great many of them were killed, and some that were taken Prisoners were Executed; and lighting on a Party of about 400 Irish, though he had then 100 Foot, and 34 Horse, having lessened his number by Detachments, sent to find out the Rapparees; he however drew up, and Charged them with such Bravery, that du­ring the Action some more of his Men coming in, he put them utterly to the Rout, killed and took Prisoners most of their Officers, and reco­vered [Page 109] a great Booty. And indeed the Winter, not fit for the motion of great Bodies, was spent in the piquering of Parties, and settling the Civil, as well as Military Affairs of the Kingdom, and so continued till his Majesty went to Head the Confederate Army in Flan­ders.

Sarsfield having a great Command among the Irish, many of the Enemies chief Officers being gone for France, under pretence of bringing fresh Recruits early in the Spring, he drew together part of the shattered Army, and some of the Militia, at Knockany, with a de­sign to attack some of our Troops that were ad­vantageously posted; but was so warmly re­ceived, that he found his Attempts very dis­advantageous to himself, and thereupon pick­ing the most serviceable Men out of the Militia Troops, sent them to joyn the Forces he had ordered to encamp in the Province of Con­naught, and put some of his Troops into Gar­rison and Winter-Quarters.

Notice being given to Lieutenant Spencer, that a hundred Men of the Enemies Troops were advanced within a Mile of Copperquin in the County of Waterford, with a design to surprize and carry off the Recruit Horses sent from England, for Brigadier's Regiment, he immediately marched with a Cornet and 12 Troopers, most of his Men being gone a For­raging, and finding the Enemy in some disor­der, Charged them with his small Party, and pressed them so hard, that they retired into a Wood within a Mile of the place, and there­upon [Page 110] 18 more of his Men coming up, part of them dismounted, entering the Wood, whilst the rest on Horseback secured the Pass, the Dispute lasted without firing on both sides for several hours, in which they killed 40 of the Enemy, and took the Captain that command­ed them, with 7 Soldiers Prisoners, also their Arms and Accoutrements, only one of the Lieutenant's Party being killed, and two or three wounded.

Lieutenant Purcel being abroad with a Par­ty, fell in with the Rapparees, and in several Encounters with them killed about 100, but attempting to burn their Cabbins in the Coun­ty of Longford, was way-laid by Sir Daniel O Neal's Regiment of Dragoons, part on Horse­back, and part on Foot; but 35 of the Royal Regiment of Dragoons, broke their whole Bo­dy upon a furious Charge, killing 10 of them, and taking 4 Prisoners, with a Lieutenant, and pursued the rest to Newcastle, a Garrison they held in those parts, yet in the hasty flight ma­ny of them quitted their Horses, and took to the Bogs, where some were lost: These Suc­cesses were followed with others no less advan­tageous to us, and unfortunate to the Enemy; for Colonel Lillingstone being gone from Ros­ [...]reagh, joyned by another from a Neighbour­ing Garrison, marched to Nonagh, where he found the Enemy strongly posted; yet charg­ing them with great Resolution, he dispossest them of those Posts, and beat them into the Ca­stle, burning the Town where they had laid up great store of Provision, and brought off a [Page 111] Booty of 300 Head of Cattel, with the loss of 2 Soldiers and a Trooper's Horse, the manner of the Attack being thus:

The Colonel detached 18 Horse, and as many Foot, and having them on Garrans, or Irish Horse, made all the haste he could to se­cure the Bridge of Nenagh, about half a Mile from the Town, whereupon the whole Garri­son came out to make opposition; but he main­tained the Pass till his Foot came up, and then leaving them at the Bridge, he advanced with his Horse towards the Enemy, who made ma­ny firings, but so soon as our Men came near, began to retreat, and by degrees disordering themselves, fell to running, but being hotly pursued, about 20 of them were killed, and a Cornet taken Prisoner; after which he sent a Detachment to secure the Pass on the other side of the Town towards Lymerick, whilst the rest of his Men entred with the flying Enemy; however, many of them got into the Castle, but our Men burnt the Town, and got considera­ble Plunder.

And now open Force failing the Enemy, they betook them to cruel Stratagems; for a part of Colonel Foulk's Regiment being in their Quarters, near Yaughal, about 8 of them were set upon in a private House, and murthered by surprize in a most despiteful manner, the like treatment being supposed to be intended to all the rest, had not this timely alarm'd them to stand to their Arms, and defend themselves. Upon suspicion of which Murthers divers were taken up and strictly examined at Dub­lin, [Page 112] amongst which one of them being found Guilty, and Executed in the Castle-yard, own­ing at his Execution he buried the murthered Corpse, but by no means could be induced to discover his Accomplices; and several other were thereupon missing in other places, suppo­sed to be made away by them by the same means; insomuch that the Lords Justices found themselves constrained to publish the follow­ing Proclamation to terrifie and deter the pro­tected Irish from such unmanly Enterprizes of Barbarism.

And soon after another Proclamation was published on the occasion of these Murthers, setting forth,

This proceeding stopped the Issue of Blood that way, and rendred the Soldiers more secure in their Quarters and other Places where they came, the Irish, for fear of being taken notice of, giving them every where, in the places sub­ject to Their Majesties, better Usage.

About the latter end of April, Lieutenant-General Ginkle came from Kilkenny to Dublin, and many of the General Officers, to consult with the Lords Justices about the Affairs of the Campaign, and concert Matters advantageous to their Majesties Service; and the Monmouth Yatch arrived with Money to that purpose, as likewise several Ships with Recruits of Horse and Foot. So that the Train of Artillery be­ing by this time drawn out, the Soldiers began to draw from their Winter-Quarters nearer Dublin, and Waggons and Carriages were provided on all hands, and Parties were sent out to remove the Enemies Posts, that the Spring being come, the Forage might not be wastfully destroyed.

Some of Captain Green's Militia Dragoons, marching into the Enemies Quarters, killed divers of the Rapparees, and set fire to the place that harboured them: And Quarter-Master [Page 116] Chalagan with a Party, beat the Ene­mies Party abroad, took divers Prisoners, and some of note, with a considerable Booty; and by lying in the Marish Fields, a great many of the Enemies best Horse died, and their Pro­vision grew very scanty, which occasioned ma­ny to desert, some going to their Habitations, and others coming over to us, where such as were able were received.

About the middle of April, 1691. one Cap­tain Fitz-Gerald, of the Enemies Party, march­ed out with about 700 Men of the standing Troops, to attack a strong Stone-house called Croghan, near Philips-Town, which although it was guarded only by a Corporal and 8 or 9 Soldiers, made a resolute Defence, killing a­bout 12 of the Enemy, and had done them greater damage, had not their Powder failed, at what time they were constrained to Capi­tulate, and give up the place. However, we were not long behind-hand with them, for on the Fourth of the next Month a small Party of our Troops was marched by Major Wood, from Mountmelick to Castle-Cuff, with 300 Foot, being Detachments of Colonel Lloyd's and the Lord George Hamilton's Regiments, and 50 Horse of Colonel Bierly's, and dividing his Foot into several Parties, in order to surprize the Rapparees in the Bogs and Woods, and with his Horse kept along the skirts of the Bogs, to hinder their getting off, by which means about 70 of them were killed, and a Booty recovered, which he sent away, and a Guard of 30 Men, and in the mean while, with 30 Foot and 34 [Page 117] Horse, beyond the Toger of Mallyhone, when a­bout Ten in the Morning he discovered two Bodies of Men of the Enemies Army, each a­bout 400, marching silently between the Woods and the Mountains, but when they found our Men had espied them, they beat up their Drums.

Upon this the Major drew up his Horse and Foot in a ploughed Field, and bid them Defi­ance; so that the Enemies Granadiers, thinking that our Men, discouraged at their number, would have run, came over the Hedge, but finding they stood firm to expect them, they stood, not advancing any further: In the mean while, a Detachment of the Enemy charged those Men on the side of the Wood that were sent away with the Booty; whereupon the Major wheeled off by the Skirts of the Wood, to succour them, who defended themselves by firing very briskly on the Enemy, being com­manded by Lieutenant Ellis, and having got the Horse and Foot over the Bog, 80 more of his Men came to him, and thereupon he order­ed the Foot to march in two Divisions on each side the River, he marching between them with the Horse, when being advanced some­what near the Enemy, and thinking the Horse might do most Service, in taking a Compass about, and falling on the Rear, wheeled about with an Intention to Surround them, which they perceiving, and at the same time being pressed very hardly by the Foot, began to make an orderly Retreat; which the Major percei­ving, broke in upon their Flank with the [Page 118] Horse, which put them to rout and disorder, and soon after to open flight, whilst our Horse and Foot pursued them through the Woods, and down to the Bogs, killing about 150, and among them Captain Charles, and 2 Lieute­nants, taking Prisoners Major John Fitz-Pa­trick, who commanded them, and 5 Captains, 9 Lieutenants, and 2 Ensigns, belonging to the several Regiments of Colonel Butler, Colonel Robert Grace, Colonel Luttrels Dragoons, Co­lonel Moor, and Sir Maurice Eustace, and about 150 private Soldiers, among which were 6 Serjeants, 17 Corporals, an Adjutant-Major, a Chyrurgeon, 3 Drums, and about 150 Mus­quets. Which Victory is to be accounted the more brave and great, because the Courage and Resolution of our Men carried it against such odds, we having only a Corporal killed, and Adjutant Robinson, with two Foot Soldiers and a Trooper wounded.

Nor was this all the Success about this time, for 110 Foot, commanded by Captain Clayton, being sent for from Cork to relieve the Garri­son of Ballymaggooly; they were in their march observed by a considerable Body of the Ene­mies Horse, but they durst not Attack them; yet those that were relieved, marched out a­bout Twelve in the Evening, commanded by Captain Thorncroft and Lieutenant Hays; and about break of Day they were discovered by about 300 of the Enemies Horse and and Dra­goons, who it was thought say in wait for them; as also a considerable number of Rap­parees: and our Men being all Foot, thought [Page 119] not the open Fields secure against the Horse, but for their better Defence, drew into an old Pound, having a Wall about it Breast-high; when by this time the Enemies advance Party coming up offered them Quarter; but they answered only by the firing of their Musquets; however, all the Enemies Troops being come up, they made many Attacks upon our Men, to force them from their Strength, yet they sustained their firings with little hurt; but in returning it, killed a great many of the Ene­my, who were commanded by Brigadier Car­rol and Sir James Cotton, which so discouraged them, that after they had offered our Men Quarter upon Surrendring, and it was refused, that they marched off, carrying away the wounded and most noted of those that were killed; yet they left behind them 3 Captains and 10 Troopers slain, and Major Slingsby de­sperately wounded, which they thought were too near our shot to be carried off; and in all they had between 40 and 50 killed and wounded, and of ours 10 were killed, and 5 wounded, and Major Slingsby was carried Prisoner to Cork. And much about this time one Walter Brown, who had been High-Con­stable of the Barrony of Delwin, being taken as a Spy, was Executed, and Captain Pallasor, being abroad with a Party of our Men, con­sisting of about 40 Firelocks of the Army, and 20 of the Militia, was by the subtil Insinuation and Treachery of one Terence Megral, drawn into an Ambush of two of the Enemies Regiments of Foot, and some Troops of Horse, [Page 120] which in that Exigency made him betake to the Ruins of an old Castle, where he caused his Men to fortifie and defend themselves, which they did, continually firing upon the E­nemy, till all their Powder was spent, and then prayed for Quarter; and having it grant­ed them, they were carried Prisoners to No­n [...]gh; yet the Militia and others under the Command of Col. Piper, had good success in clearing the Country in dispersing the Rappa­rees, and dispossessing the Enemies Regular Troops of such advantageous Posts, from whence they might annoy By-Inroads, the Countries under Their Majesties Obedience, so that they began to shrink together into a narrower Circumference.

Now great Stores coming daily from Eng­land, and a Recruit for our Army every day expected. The time for Action drawing near, the Lords Justices (that nothing might be wanting that was conducing to Their Maje­sties Service) caused their Proclamation to be published for the Armies better Accommodati­on, the Substance being in the following man­ner, viz.

And that the People whom this War had scat­tered into divers places, leaving many destitute of Habitations, might again be settled, another Proclamation was issued out to this effect;

And Lieutenant-General Ginkle, Commander in chief of their Majesties Forces in Ireland, not to be behind or wanting in any thing, exhibited an Order to this effect, viz.

About this time some other Transport ships arrived from England, and brought a great quantity of all sorts of Military Provisions, and about Twenty thousand Arms, also Ordinance and Stores; whilst the Enemies great expecta­tion of the like supply from France failed them in great measure, that King seeming now to grow weary of a War that proved so ex­pensive to him without profit, and expecting to be sharply pressed this Summer in Flanders, by the Confederate Army, under the Com­mand of the King of England, sent indeed some Officers, and a few Clothes, and such like mat­ters, but seemed frugal in husbanding his Troops for a shelter from a Storm he expected nearer home; which did not a little discou­rage the Irish, and made them again to desert in numbers: and their falling off had been greater, had not their Priests taken them to task, and insinuated how meritorious it was to fight with and destroy Hereticks.

While these things passed, Captain White of the Lord George Hamilton's Regiment, detach'd a hundred Men under the Command of Cap­tain Johnston, who marched to Belnamona in Kings County, and surprized by break of day two Troops of Dragoons of Brigadier Clifford's, [Page 124] and three Troops of Horse of the Lord Mer­riony's Regiment, killing Lieutenant Archibald, Quarter-Master Barnwell, and 15 Dragoons, took 2 Ensigns, and 9 other Prisoners.

The Governour of Clonmel marching from that place with a Detachment of Horse, and two Troops of the Militia Dragoons came by Night into the Enemies Quarters, towards Mi­chael's Town; but not finding them there, the Rapparees upon his Return fired out of the Wood, which he immediately causing to be surrounded, so ferreted them about, that 30 of them, together with Casheen their Ring-Leader or Captain, were killed. And 250 Foot, and 20 Horse commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hodson, marching from Mountmelick, he posted them at Kilkapog by break of day, where the Foot entred the Woods and Bogs, and the Horse securing the skirts, they hunted out and killed about 18 of the Enemy that lay lurking there to surprize such as passed that way; and indeed these sort of Enemies were more dan­gerous and cruel where they mastered, than the Regular Troops, but so cowardly withal, that they would not stand a Charge, if they perceived the Match was but any thing near equal; an Instance of which may be observed in this, viz.

A Party of Colonel Brewer's Men being up­on their March towards Kinnegad, a great Bo­dy of Rapparees lay in Ambush, yet durst not come out for fear of being worsted, though our Men were much inferiour to them in number, but let them pass; when so it happened, though [Page 125] very unfortunately, that a Serjeant and 4 Sol­diers of this Party lagged behind a considera­ble way; upon these the Rapparees seized, and though on their knees they begged for Quarter, yet they murthered them, and not satisfied with their Deaths, they bored out their Eyes, and mangled their dead Bodies; but the next day three of the Murtherers were taken and brought to Mullingar, where one of them accused the other two of the Fact; they were upon such Conviction immediately hanged up: and Captain Poyn soon after falling upon the whole Knot of them with a Party of 110 Men of the Garrison of Mullingar, put to the rout, and dispersed throughout the Country, killing between 40 and 50 of them. And now since we have had occasion to speak so much of these Rapparees in the Series of this History, some may be inquisitive to know what manner of People they are: To which I answer,

They are a sort of Vagabonds and Thieves, not caring to Work, or take any Employment upon them; a mixture of Irish with other Na­tions, who herding together, take all opportu­nities, where they are strongest, to plunder, burn and murther, their hands being against all, and the hands of all against them, to de­stroy as Beasts of Prey. They rejoyce at Wars and Troubles, because then they have liberty they think to do what they please. Their Dwel­lings for the most part are Cabins, or moveable Houses, and their skulking places Bogs, Woods and Mountains. They are not held as Soldi­ers, nor included in the Articles of War, but [Page 126] lie at the mercy of those that take them, with­out their being obliged to give them any Quar­ter, though they crave it. Their Apparel, un­less they rig themselves by Plunder, is so mi­serable, that they go in a manner naked.

Yet these hopeful Sticks, the Commanders of the Irish Army encourage, and put Weapons into many of their hands, to harress and destroy the Countries under their Majesties Obedi­ence.

Yet they have been so often met with upon their Incursions, that about 4000 of them have come short home since this War begun.

And furthermore, to encourage the People to be vigilant, and to discourage such Rakeshames, the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland, put forth a Proclamation in these words, or to this effect:

‘THat to prevent the Robberies, wilful Burnings of Buildings, Corn and Hay, Murthers and Insurrection, with which the parts of the Kingdom under their Majesties Obedience was threatned by the Rebels and their Adherents, during the time their Ma­jesties Army should be upon their march to the Frontiers, or in the Quarters then pos­sessed by the Rebels, they have thought it ne­cessary, and do thereby publish and declare, That the Popish Irish Inhabitants of the re­spective Baronies under their Majesties Obe­dience, where any Rebels commonly called [Page 127] Rapparees, shall commit any such Robberies Burnings or Murthers; or where any such Insurrection shall happen, if they do not im­mediately give Notice of such Rapparees and Insurrections respectively to the Justice of Peace, or chief Officer of the Militia next to their Habitations, and assist him in the taking and destroying them, and in the suppression of Insurrections; that then they, where such Fact shall be committed, neglect­ing their Duties, shall be deemed Confede­rates with the said Rebels, and Enemies of their Majesties Government: And by Order to be given by the Lords Justices, as occasion shall require, shall be proceeded against with the utmost severity of Military Execution. And they do further Order, That no protect­ed Irish Papist shall be abroad out of his or their Dwelling-place of Abode, after the hours of Nine at Night, or before the hours of Four in the Morning, under the Pain and Penalty of being put out of their Majesties Protection. And if after the Thirtieth of May, 1691. any Arms or Ammunition shall be found upon the persons, or in the possession of any such Irish Papists, he or they shall be looked upon as Rebels, and punished accord­ingly: And as they intend severely to punish all such as shall offend in the particulars a­bove-mentioned, so they do assure all those [Page 128] Irish Papists who live under their Maje­sties protection, that they behaving themselves as becomes good Subjects, shall have the be­nefit thereof.’

These Proceedings made many of the Pa­pists stir to prevent the mischief, who before stood laughing in their sleeves at the Damages their Protestant Neighbours sustained, though to curry favour in a dissembling manner, they often shewed them a fair Countenance, and seemed to pity their Losses. And Major O Neal and some others, came over from the E­nemy, and took the advantage of their Maje­sties Protection.

But whilst these things were transacting, one Mark Baggot apparelling himself in Wo­mens Clothes, made it his business to spy into our Quarters, and the manner of Affairs; but his too much inquisitiveness discovering him, he was seized, and being sentenced by a Court Marshal, he was executed at Dublin on the 20th of May.

The Season thus far in a forwardness, gave a favourable Invitation to the Army, for their taking the field, when a Party of the Irish Ar­my, consisting of 150 Men, thinking to be ear­ly at it, and do some notable Exploit to be talked on, came to Castle-Lions, and took thence a few of the poor peoples Cows; but Colonel Donep with about 20 Danes, and a like number of the Militia, Dragoons pursued, over­taking them at Ballyderdawn, where a Lieu­tenant with 8 Danes, and 6 Dragoons, beat off [Page 129] 60 of them who had lined the Hedges, in which Action the Lieutenant was killed; but the Colonel coming up with his Party, and be­ing reinforced with 50 fresh Men, he still pur­sued them, killing about 50 of them, of which 2 were Commission Officers, took 40 Horses, and his Men got indifferent store of Plunder.

This was followed with other Successes of the like nature, nor could any great Actions be expected, by reason the Armies were not as yet in the field, our staying for the arrival of more Ships from England; and the Irish upon the like account from France.

And about the latter end of May, 8 Ships with 500 Carriage-Horses, and other Necessa­ries for the Army came to Dublin, and Lieute­nant-General Scravenmore, Major-General Mackay, and Major-General Ruvigny came likewise on Shoar. And now the Train of Artillery consisted of 39 Pieces of Cannon, 12 Field-pieces, and 6 Mortars.

And in the mean while the French General St. Ruth proceeded to model the Irish Army, and give Commissions in his Master's Name, ordering things with an Absolute Power, where their Troops drew together at Loghera in Con­naught.

And in the beginning of June all things on our part was in a manner in a readiness, the Soldiers by this time being well recruited of the hardships, found many of them in their Win­ter Quarters; and being often out in Parties.

The Army indeed lay still longer than the Irish expected, which made them promise [Page 130] themselves more success than they were like to meet withal; for the General intending to make a vigorous War, and push on for speedy Victory, and the reducing all places that yet held out, and had refused to submit to their Majesties Obedience, took care so effectually to provide for all things necessary for enterpri­zing so great an Undertaking, that nothing might be wanting to retard in the least the progress of their Majesties Arms; and because the Stores laid up the Year before as to For­rage, and other things of that nature, whereby the Army might subsist in its March, it was prudently taken into Consideration, that Na­ture should have time to do her part, in furnish­ing the Earth with such a sufficiency as might supply what was wanting, if any delays by cross Accidents should happen, that so every thing that could be expected might contribute to the sudden and effectual reducing the King­dom, and putting an end to so chargeable a War; whereby the Forces upon so happy a Conclusion, as must necessarily restore Peace in these parts, might be at leisure to oppose the grand Disturber of Europe in a more sensible manner; seeing it was concluded his main Policy in assisting the Irish, was only to di­vert those Troops he otherwise could not without reason expect, would make him an unwelcome Visit upon his own Frontiers, and joyntly labour to plant the Rightful Monarch in the Field of Golden Lilies.

These Considerations, I say, being of weight, presaged the unparallel'd Success in a great [Page 131] measure, that attended and crowned them to our wishes.

The Irish, and the French in Confederacy with them, held several strong Towns; such as were not thought easily to be reduced; as Ballymore, the two Towns of Athlone, Gal­loway and Lymerick, besides a numerous Ar­my that had already taken the field, and pro­mised to themselves great matters from their Valour and Conduct, as now supposing them­selves better disciplined than the Year before; for they had amongst them a great many French Officers, who laboured to exercise and train them up in the Arts and Methods used in the French Army. And indeed, had they had to do with any other Nation but the Eng­lish, they might have come off better than they did in the oppositions they made; but the an­cient British Valour revived in so short a War, took again its insuperable vigour, resolving to overcome all Difficulties, and stick at no Dan­ger, but furiously press on where the least glimmering of Victory presented, and so like a rapid Torrent forcing the opposing Dams, carrying all before it, and Crown their Mo­narchs with sprouting Laurels and Triumphs.

But not longer to detain the Reader from matter of Fact, which is mainly the intended Scope of this History: The Supplies expected from England being seasonably arrived, and every thing that was thought necessary in a readiness, there wanted but Orders to march; which were not delayed; for now, as is said, the Army being ready to take the field, our [Page 132] Forces were commanded to Decamp, and ac­cordingly Decamped from Mullingar; and the same day the Army was joyned by Lieutenant-General Douglas, with the Northern Troops, and on the Seventh of June came before Bal­lymore, seizing upon all the Enemies Out-posts, which they quitted upon the approach of our Men; but being taken, the Serjeant was hang­ed for firing after the Communication was then cut off between him and the Town.

In the Afternoon a Battery of four Field-pieces was bent against the Fort, and five Bat­teries were raised the Night following, from whence our Cannon rent the Walls and Cur­tains; and the General sent to the Governour to let him know, That if he and the Garrison would Surrender within two hours, he would save their Lives, and make them Prisoners of War; if not, they must expect no Quarter.

To which the Governour made no direct Answer; but reply'd, He hoped to get better Terms.

Our Cannon having made two great Brea­ches, and sour Boats brought from Mullingar, put into the Water, the fear of a present Storm made the Besieged hang out a white Flag, and Colonel Bourk, with several Officers, came and submitted to the General at discretion: So that Colonel Earl with 400 Men marched in and took possession of the place; in which there was a Garrison of 780 Soldiers, besides 259 Rapparees well armed, and about 1000 Women and Children.

In this Action we had 8 Men killed, and the Enemy above 150.

This important place thus reduced, and the Prince of Wirtemberg having joyned the Ar­my with about 12000 Horse and Foot, the March was directed towards Athlone.

On the Nineteenth our Men came before the place, where they had put up the French Colours in four parts of the Town, to make us believe there were a great many French in­garrisoned in it: but this hindred not; for by Ten in the Morning a Battery of Ten eighteen Pounders was finished; and playing upon the Great Bastion, in a short time the Face-flank and Curtain were laid in Rubbish, and the General ordered the Assault to be made in this order.

First there advanced 300 detach'd Grana­diers.

Then 50 Pioneers with more Faggots.

Then 200 Feusileers, supported by two Re­giments of Foot.

After them 200 Pioneers with more Faggots.

Then 20 Men with Axes to cut the Barro­cades, if any opposed.

So that about Six in the Evening, on the Twentieth of June, the Signal was given to fall on, which was the Discharge of all the Cannon in Battery.

At first the Enemy seemed resolved to de­fend the Breach; but upon the first flight of the English Granadoes, they scattered and fled in much confusion over the Bridge to the Irish Town on Connaught side, some leaping into the Shannon for haste, and there perished in the Waters.

Our Men immediately entred the English Town; but lying somewhat open to the Ene­mies shot on the other side the River, some few were killed, and others wounded; but the En­gineers soon raised Blinds to shelter them.

On our part of note, Lieutenant-Colonel Coar, and Lieutenant-Colonel Kirk of Villier's Regiment were killed, one entring the Breach, and the other surveying the Town from a Hill.

The Siege was carried on against the other Town with great Resolution; so that having battered it till the Walls and Castle were part­ly beat down, and perceiving it saultable, order was then given for the storming of the place.

On the 28th of June, about Seven in the Morning, much in the same order as the for­mer Attack was made, yet the Detachments were greater, as being a stronger place: but before our Men could be in a readiness, a small part of the Enemy came and set fire to a close Gallery laid over the Arch of a Stone-bridge, they had broken down, but were many of them killed in the Attempt; yet it deferred the Attack till the Thirtieth.

However the Cannon and Bombs ceased not to play, and do terrible Execution, setting the Houses on fire, and beating down all be­fore them.

About Six in the Afternoon the Signal was given to fall on by ringing the Church-Bell; whereupon they entred the Ford below the Bridge, and pressed with such vigour upon the Enemy, that they forced them to quit the Trenches, and within the space of half an [Page 135] hour made themselves Masters of all their Outworks, and the Ruins of the Castle where they had fortified themselves with Sconces; and Major-General Maxwell with 200 Soldi­ers, and divers Officers of note, were made Prisoners.

Yet in the Soldiers over-running the Town in the first fury, a great many were killed; in­somuch, 2000 are computed to be slain from the beginning of the Siege, till the English were entire Masters of the Town.

The place was taken in the sight of the Irish Army, who, when too late, were sending a De­tachment to their Relief. There were found only 6 Pieces of Brass Cannon, and 2 Mortars, but little store of Provision and Ammunition.

The Principal Officers kill'd of the Irish were Brigadier Mackellicuddy.

The Colonels Mac Mahon, O Neal, O Gard, and Grace.

The Lieutenant-Colonels, Mac Genis and Barnwell, also Major Murray.

The Enemy had all the advantage imagi­nable to Relieve this important Place, as lying with their whole Army on the other side, but a little distance from it, where we had no For­ces; or if any, none capable of opposing them at that time; yet so infatuated they were, that relying on its strength, they still had a confi­dence that the Town beyond the River would baffle the English Courage, notwithstanding they saw the other Town was taken with a very little resistance.

Monsieur St. Ruth, and other of their chief [Page 136] Commanders, were reported to be often in it, viewing its Works and Fortifications, and as­sured themselves it would at least be a great part of the Summers Work to reduce it, if they were not in the end obliged to draw off from before it; and the rather, because some part of our Army had been before it, and gone off without any considerable Success, or doing any great matters against the Place.

But their Imaginations answered not, as it has appeared. Their Expectations, and those Supplies, as is said that they sent, came so un­sonably late, that all the advantage they had, was to put a stop to our Mens pursuing too far such as got out of the Town, and fled for shelter towards their Army. This sensible Blow greatly damped the Courage and Reso­lution of the Enemy, who before had promised to do great things, and made them bethink themselves of taking new measures; insomuch that some took the opportunity, as they found occasion, to desert.

The French seemed discontented with the weak Resistance of the Irish; and every thing appeared more and more dreadful to this nu­merous Army.

When several Consultations were held what was best to be done, whether to remove or ex­pect the English in that Camp; for they could not propose any thing less to themselves, than that after this Success our Forces would give them a nearer Visit, and attempt the dislodg­ing them from a place so near a Town newly taken, and now very weak in it self by Battery. [Page 137] And though they talked high, yet in all their Debates it did not, it seems, appear they had any great mind to come to a fight; but rather to delay our Army, till the Season should ad­vance to put a stop to any considerable oppor­tunity, or till they might find some great ad­vantage to further their purpose.

Whilst the Enemies Considerations run to this purpose, our Men were gathering the Plunder of the Place; which was not so con­siderable as in so strong a Town might have been expected; for besides what had been burnt in the Fires that had happened by throw­ing in of Bombs, and destroyed in the beating down of Houses, some of the chief Inhabitants early apprehending this Siege, had removed what was valuable, together with themselves, to distant places, where they thought them more secure; though by the way part fell into the hands of the Rapparees, who distinguished not between Friend or Foes, where they found opportunity to get Booty. But to come nearer.

The Enemy, after several Debates, perceiving our Men were absolute Masters of the Place, which was in a manner laid in Rubbish by the throwing in 600 Bombs, and the force of 1200 great Shot, they came to a Result; and it was concluded immediately to raise their Camp, and march some Miles further; which they did: and to increase their number, drew the Garrisons of Sligo, James-Town, and Lanes­borough, quitting them to those that would come and take possession.

As soon as the Walls of Athlone were a little [Page 138] repaired, the General left a Garrison there un­der the Command of Colonel Lloyd, and drew out to observe the Enemies motion.

The Enemy, to amuze us, gave out, they were resolved to come to a Battel; when for the supply of our Army, divers Vessels with Ammunition and other Stores, arrived from England, and bringing over likewise the Earl of Portland's Regiment of Horse, who soon joyn­ed the Army.

It was now resolved to dislodge the Enemy, or oblige them to fight.

Their Majesties Forces on the Tenth of Ju­ly passed the River, the Foot over a Bridge of Boats below the Town, and the Horse over a Stone-bridge that had been repaired for their more advantagious passage, and marched to Ballinsloe, a place on the River Sac.

The Enemy lying three Miles distant, very advantagiously encamped at a place called Aghrim, a small Town, stretching their Left towards Kilconnel-Abbey, and their Right up­on the Hills of Kilcomodon, having two very difficult Bogs before them, through which the Roads go to Galloway: And on the Left was the Ruines of an old Castle, where an In­trenchment was made and lined with Musque­tiers; and on the Right likewise were several Retrenchments for the Security of their Camp.

The English Army passed the River Sac, the Foot and Artillery over a Stone-bridge, and the Horse by two Fords, forcing the Out-Guards to retreat, whilst our Left Wing of Horse advanced beyond the Bog that covered [Page 139] the Enemies Right, and made way for the Foot to come in, between them and that.

Our Cannon fired upon the Enemies Guards at the end of the Defile or dirty Lane that leads to Aghrim, dislodged them that de­fended it, whilst our Horse and Foot took their Posts, pouring in their Shot.

The Enemy drew down a great Body of Horse towards our Left, and were so strongly possessed behind the high Banks of the Ditches, that they held our Foot in dispute for 2 hours, before they could gain any thing considerable upon them; but at last we prevailed, and for­ced them to give way, notwithstanding fresh Recruits of Horse and Foot were sent to sustain them, as they were pushed back; and although three Battalions of Foot advanced on the Right, over the Skirts of the Bog, and a small Rivu­let that discharged it self into the Sac, where in a Corn field others of the Enemies Battalions and Squadrons stood firm to the Charge; yet they notwithstanding maintained their ground, till more of our Regiments and Squadrons ad­vanced to support them; and then Charging up the Hills where the Enemies Squadrons were posted, gave them a warm Entertainment.

In the mean time our Left had opportunity to beat the Irish from their Ground; and at the same time the Right pressing upon them, disordered them to that degree, that a general Rout of their Horse ensued; and their Foot thereupon being hotly charged, fell into disor­der; and though they had made a resolute Resistance, they were obliged to quit the field, [Page 140] and were pursued by our Army four Miles; but then Night coming on, and the difficulty of the ways hindred the further pursuit, it be­ing 6 in the Evening when the Armies enga­ged, and near 9 before they broke and fled.

The Enemies Army was superiour to ours, consisting of 20000 Foot, and 8000 Horse, and had by their Encampment all the advan­tage; yet our Men gained an entire Victory, 7000 of the Enemy being killed upon the place.

Among the slain of note were the Lord Gal­loway, Colonel Moor, Colonel Baker, Colonel Gourdon, a great many Captains, Lieutenants, Ensigns, Cornets, &c. and more particularly Monsieur St. Ruth, the French General, who re­ceived here his Reward for the many Cruel­ties he used towards the Protestants in France.

Many of note were wounded, of which ma­ny mortally, and soon after died of their Wounds.

About 100 Officers and 500 Soldiers were made Prisoners; and all the Enemies Provisi­on, Tents, Baggage and Cannon fell into the hand of our Men, with a great many Colours and Standards, and most of the Arms of the Foot, which to help their speed in flight, they threw away.

This great and entire Victory was obtained with the loss of 600 Men on our side; and of note Major-General Holstable, Colonel Mon­gats, Colonel Charles Herbert, Major-General Petit, Major Davenish, Major Colt, Major Cornwal, Major Fox, with divers Subalternate Officers.

The wounded of note were the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt, the Lord Cutts, the Lord George Hamilton, Colonel Earl, Lieutenant-Colonel Burdwell, with several Subalternates.

The Enemy in this flight and total rout scat­tered their Arms and Baggage all the way they fled, thinking as it may be by that means to stay the pursuit: but it availed them little; for such Trifles were not regarded, in compa­rison of the Great Work that was in hand, to subdue and bring the Kingdom under their Majesties Obedience by an entire Conquest; insomuch, that urged by the Sword behind, and not finding way to escape through the press and throng that was before them, a great many cast themselves into the Bogs and Water­plashes, and of these not very many escaped.

Others that were more nimble of Foot, and had got the start of the press, scampered by known ways, and never left running when the pursuit was given over, till they got to the Woods or Mountains, or into such Bogs where they thought it was impossible to follow them.

The French, who were not so nimble as the Irish, or if they had, yet but very little acquaint­ed with the Country, came mostly by the worst on it, where they were broken and scat­tered, throwing away their Arms, and crying for Quarter, which in the heat of the Soldiers fury could not be always obtained.

Some of the Enemies Horse indeed retreat­ed pretty indifferently, keeping together as well as the Confusion would permit; but thought it not safe to stay in the Countries [Page 142] thereabout, for fear of being attacked by some of our Detachments the next day; but being got at a great distance, and those that were scattered coming to their Rendezvous, they made a small Body under the Command of Colonel Sheldon, and some other Officers; but the Foot was so entirely dispersed, that we heard little of them afterward, unless such as got into the Places that yet held out, and even there many of the Fugitives were refused, the Garrisons being already filled up and straitned for Provision, so that for a time lying under the Walls, and hankering about without any thing wherewith materially to subsist, many disbanded of themselves, and others by the leave of their Officers, as finding this great Blow had broken their Hopes and Interests in the Kingdom so far, that they even despaired of piecing it together again by force; and withal knowing no doubt, that this would be such unwelcome News to France, that although the late King resided in that Court to solicite on their behalfs, they could expect but little Succours, seeing all that had been already sent had turned to so little account; and that the English heightned by this Success, knew well enough how to take the advantage, and push on to the Walls of Lymerick, wherein, as their last Refuge, they had placed some hopes.

Whilst these things were employing the E­nemies serious Consideration, care was taken of our wounded Men; and such Prisoners as had been secured, who received very good Usage, and what else was requisite, till they [Page 143] should be disposed of as Prisoners of War.

The Victory thus entirely gained, the Ar­my encamped beyond the place of Battel, and Brigadier Eppinger goin [...] out with a strong Party, possessed himself of Portumney, where­upon the Fort and Castle of Bavaher surren­dred, and many of the scattered Forces fled to Galloway and Lymerick.

As for the greatest part of the Standards and Colours taken in this Battel, they were sent to England, and there exposed to the publick view of the People, as eminent Trophies of so sig­nal a Victory.

The English Army upon the former Succes­ses, resolute to push on for the entire reducing the Kingdom to their Majesties Obedience, af­ter some refreshment, marched towards Gallo­way.

Being before the place, the General sent a Trumpet to the Lord Dillon, Governour of the Town, to offer him advantagious Terms in case he Surrendred before the Cannon were planted against the Walls.

But he returned for answer, That Monsieur Ussone the French Lieutenant-General, who commanded, was of the same Opinion with him­self, and the rest of the Officers; and that they were resolved to defend the place to the last.

Upon which the Approaches were made, and on the 20th of July by break of day, a Fort or Ravelin on the Hill was attacked, and our Granadiers that were ordered for that purpose, marched with great silence; insomuch that they were not discovered till they were at the Foot [Page 144] of the Glacis, where they delivered their Gra­nado's, and went on to the Pallisado's, entring the Fort.

The Enemy perceiving all was lost, cried for Quarter, leaving our Men Masters of it; so that they strongly retrenched themselves: but hearing that Baldorick O Donnel was on his March to throw himself into Galloway, the Wa­ter was bridged over with the Tin Boats, over which passed 6 Regiments of our Foot, and 4 Squadrons of Horse to oppose his Attempt: so that finding he could not effect his Design, he retreated into the County of Mayo, burning and plundering in his way.

The taking this Fort so Alarm'd the Town, that the Governour desired a Parley, and leave to send some Persons to the General to treat a­bout Articles of Surrender; so that three of their Lieutenant-Colonels came out, and as ma­ny of ours entred the Town, by way of Ho­stage; and after some debate it was agreed,

That the Town should be delivered to such Of­ficers as the General should appoint; and in the mean time five Hostages should be sent for the due performance of the Agreement on the Articles; and all the Outworks of the Town put into the Ge­nerals hands, the Enemy forbearing to fortifie a­ny thing in the mean time; and to withdraw all their Cannon from the Walls; but that our Men might be permitted to work and post themselves us they saw convenient, provided they came not within three yards of the Wall, or placed any Can­non on the Batteries that should be made: And that the Garrison and Townsmen should have the [Page 145] benefit of the Lords Justices Proclamation of Indempnity, which gives them their Estates and Liberties. And further, that those who were desirous to depart, might be conducted to Lyme­rick, with their Arms, Drums beating, &c. and six pieces of Cannon; and have liberty to send to Tyrconnel, and acquaint him with what they had done, and invite him to do the same at Ly­merick.

That pursuant thereto they sent the Lord Clanrickard, with four Officers of note as Ho­stages, and allowed two Persons sent from the General to enter the Town, and take an Ac­count of the Stores, &c.

The Treaty upon these Considerations co­ming to a final Conclusion, the Garrison march­ed out on the 26th of July, D'Ʋssone the French Lieutenant-General having leave to be on his way to Lymerick, three hours before the rest marched out.

On the 28th of July Matters being settled, and the Place garrisoned, the Army marched away towards Lymerick, the only strong Place the Irish held in the Kingdom.

Whilst these things passed, Sir Teague O Re­gan delivered up Slego to Colonel Mickleburn, and divers other Places of no considerable de­fence were Surrendred by others.

Baldarick O Donnel, whose Success an old Prophecy had foretold, fearing by the ill luck he all along had had, it was but a Fable, wil­ling to submit with the Men under his Com­mand, sent to desire a Cessation on this parti­cular, [Page 146] and that some place might be assigned him and his followers, till his Majesty was ac­quainted with his Proposals for coming over; which was in part allowed him, and he after­ward was received into their Majesties Pro­tection.

Now our Parties being abroad, entred those Counties that held out, and brought away great Booties of Cattel, defeating divers of the Enemies Detachments that were abroad, plun­dering the Country.

Upon the approach of the English Army to­wards Lymerick, the Enemy, who were en­camped near it, no sooner perceived the ad­vanced Parties, but their Foot entred the Town, and their Horse drew off further into the Country.

And now Tyrconnel finding the Thread he had spun grew too fine, and ready to break in sunder, vexing at the crosness of Affairs, fell sick and died, as 'tis reported, of Grief, being buried in Lymerick, the place where he died.

On the 11th of August our Army marched from Nenagh to Shalley, about two Miles from the Silver Mines.

The next day to Tusla, where to refresh them they remained one day.

But the next day the General being resolved to push on and prosecute the Success, they had or­ders to march to Larrick-en-Lysh, about 4 miles from Lymerick, the only place wherein the E­nemy reposed their last hopes, as having yet some small glimmering of hope, which they reposed in a Continual expectation of some fresh Succours from France.

From Carrick the next day the General went with 1500 Horse and Dragoons within sight of Lymerick, beating in their Out-guards, and taking a view of their Out-works from a Hill that over-look'd the City where our Ar­tillery encamped the last Year; and upon his being there, several Deserters came over, and confirmed an Account before received, that the Horse were retired to the other side of the Shannon, and their Foot drawn within the Retrenchments.

Further informing, That upon Tyrconnel's Death, a Commission was produced under the late King's hand, which Mr. Plowden (former­ly one of the Commissioners of the Revenue) had brought lately from France, impowering Sir Alexander Fitton, Sir Richard Neagle, and the said Plowden, Justices of Ireland.

And a further Account was given, That di­vers Persons were seized and made Prisoners in Lymerick, by the order of the French Gene­ral Ʋssone, for having made some Proposals in order to a timely Surrender. 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 him, he would retaliate it on the Irish Prisoners that had been lately taken, and were now in his power. Of which indeed there were a great many, and some of no mean qua­lity in Titles, besides Officers of considerable note, upon the account of their late Commands in the Irish Garrisons or Army.

On the 16th Sir John Hanmore joyned the General with five Regiments of Foot from [Page 148] Cork, and the Neighbouring Garrisons; as also some other Re-inforcements from divers adja­cent places, as well Horse as Foot.

The same day Major-General La-Forest was sent out with a strong Detachment to meet the Cannon, but with some impatience had been expected from Athlone, under the Convoy of Colonel Loyd's Regiment; and though in the mean time a great deal of Rain fell, yet it nothing abated the Courage of the Officers and Soldiers, to go on in prosecuting the intended Siege of Lymerick.

To further whose purpose, a Squadron of English Ships were in the Shannon, who made themselves Masters of a French Ship of consi­derable Burthen, which had taken in St. Ruth's Horse and Equipage, in order to carry it for France; after which they braved the City of Lymerick, by coming almost within Cannon shot of it.

Whilst these things were doing, and the Lord Justice Coningsby, who had been to concert Matters in the Army, was returning from Dublin, the Militia were in a readiness to keep those Parts in quiet, consisting of 1000 Foot, and 500 Horse and Dragoons, having with them 3 Field-pieces; whilst others of the Mi­litia of the neighbouring Counties were ad­vancing to augment their Number, and make them up 3000 effectual Men, under the Com­mand of the Earl of Granard, their business be­ing likewise to secure such Places as might fall into their hands by force, or being aban­doned by the Enemy.

The English Army having been some time retarded at Carrick-en-Lesh, in expectation of the heavy Cannon, upon its arrival in the Camp, marched on the 25th of August nearer to Lymerick, and took in divers places by the way, and especially those near Lymerick.

In one Fort new built, and Garrison'd with 600 Men, made great shew of Resistance, yet upon an Attack made by 8 of our Granadiers, after they had fired upon them, killing one of our Men, they made a running Retreat, and by a Covert-way got within their Flank-lines drawn about the Town.

Whilst the Army was preparing for a for­mal Siege, a considerable Detachment of Foot and Horse, with some Cannon, was sent under the Command of the Prince Hesse Darmstadt, to take in Castle Conel, where the Enemy had a Garrison.

Another Party was sent to take in three o­ther Castles which the Enemy had garrison'd on the River below the Town, and enterprized them with good Success; yet at the first co­ming on of our Army before Lymerick, several Field-pieces and Cannon were planted so ad­vantagious to the Enemy, that playing upon a Regiment of Dragoons, and another of Horse, they obliged them to draw off to a further di­stance; yet our Men advanced to Cromwel's Fort, which was quitted, as also was the Line of Communication they had made to the Church, retiring within the Retrenchments that were better secured by the Cannon of the Town. However, to come into Action, a De­tachment [Page 150] of 80 Granadiers were commanded to attack one of their Out-works, which was a new Fort guarded by 600 Men, notwith­standing upon the approach of our Granadiers, having discharged their Pieces, they fled by a Covered-way into the Town, and left us Ma­sters of the Fort; yet our Men pushing on, pursued the Fliers, killing some, and taking about 20 Prisoners, losing but one Man in the Action; and the same Night Colonel Donep, a Commander of the Danish Horse, was killed by a random shot.

On the 26th of August the heavy Cannon and Mortars came up, and our Men began to work on the Lines of Communication, and the next day the Batteries were raised against Thomond-Bridge, whilst the Prince Hesse Darm­stadt march'd with a Detachment of Horse, Foot and Drrgoons, and 3 Pieces of Cannon to attack Castle Connel; and Lieutenant-Ge­neral Scravenmore, with another detach'd Party, marched to Carrick Gunnel, which Sur­rendred upon the first Summons, the Garrison consisting of 250 Men, being made Prisoners of War. And our light Frigats with Ammu­nition and Provision came to an Anchor with­in sight of Lymerick; which the Besieged ta­king for Succours from France, were mainly heightned with Joy; but upon being undecei­ved, were as much dejected.

Castle Connel, a very strong Fortress, was surrendred to the Prince, and several other small Castles at divers times, in all which were taken about 900 Prisoners.

The Siege began by this time very much to streighten Lymerick, insomuch that the Be­sieged could not without great difficulty have any considerable Communication with their Parties abroad; for their Horse had been re­moved by our shot from their Camp that was under the Cannon of the Town, and obliged to march a great way further; yet they ap­peared very vigilent in guarding the Passes of the Shannon, posting their Troops upon many of the Fords, and frequently sent their Scouts along the further Bank, to observe the motion of our Men, and to give notice to their Main-Guards, if they perceived them about to make an Attempt for passing it. However, that little availed, as will by and by appear.

The reducing of Lymerick being firmly re­solved, our Men went on vigorously with the Works, making a Line of Contravallation with 4 Forts, for the better defending it from any Attack the Enemy might make upon it in their Sallies, and raised new Batteries on the Right, almost in the same place where the Attack was made upon the place the last year, the largest of them being within Carbine-shot of the Wall, in a place where it was held not to be extraordinary strong; and indeed the Cannon being mounted, and playing furious­ly against it, made the Stones shiver, and with a few Balls rent it in several places, that the Breaches began to appear at a great distance, whilst the Bombs thrown into the Town made great havock, so that the Flames of the fired Houses frequently ascending very dreadful, e­specially [Page 152] when it happened in the Night time, so that it might be discerned for many Miles round the Country, and divers were killed by the breaking of the Shell, blowing up and beat­ing down of Houses, and amongst those that had their lot to fall this way, was the Lady Dillon, and a great many were wounded and disabled from the Service; so that according to the report of some Deserters, they began greatly to murmur, especially the Militia, who had been forced thither after the Battel of Aghrim, complaining that their Wives and Children in their absence, were many of them in very great distress; and unless they might have liberty speedily to go and take care of them, they must perish for want: some of them urged the danger the place was in, and not likely to make a long Resistance against so powerful an Army, that had all manner of Recruits and Supplies at hand, as occasion should require it; when on the contrary, they were shut up within S [...]one Walls, and could reasonably expect none.

However, to di [...]sipate these Discontents, it was caused to be rumored abroad amongst the Citizens and Soldiers, that the French were speedily expected with large Succours; but when it appeared very difficult to gain Credit, that they could be that way effectually reliev­ed, by reason we had several Frigats carrying a considerable strength of Guns, and Men up­on the River to hinder their coming up that way; likewise a prevailing and victorious Army in the Field, to obstruct their putting [Page 153] in Succours by Land; it was then to quiet the Clamour, promised by Monsieu [...] D'Ʋsson, the French Governour, That the Militia should be dismissed if Succours did not come from France within 12 days.

But he failed them: or had he intended to have sent them home, the difficulty of getting away would have been very great, if not im­possible, had they not first had leave from the General; for it was apprehended they would have thrust out a great many useless People to save their Provision, which occasioned a watch­ful eye upon the Passes, that few could get away without permission; yet some they thrust into an Island in the River, being mostly Prote­stants, where they must have starved, had not our Men in compassion fetched them off.

During this care, and the vigorous carrying on of the Siege, further care was likewise ta­ken for the suppressing the Parties abroad; whereupon 300 Horse and Dragoons were sent to re-inforce those that were abroad, and bring into subjection the small Garrisons the Enemy yet held out against their Maje­sties in Kerry, and the neighbouring parts; and six Pieces of Cannon were likewise order­ed for that Service; so that upon the approach of our Forces, most of them Surrendred with­out opposition, and all the Country round a­bout became free and open, so that the Coun­ [...]ry People brought in their Provisions, and o­ther Necessaries, to the great refreshment of our Army; and measures were taken for set­ling those parts in their Obedience, the People [Page 154] appeared every where to be highly pleased, as now being under a better assurance of safety from Plunder, and the future Inconveniencies of a War, that had wasted almost all they had; so that contrary to the usual manner in this case frequently used, they were so far from flying, for the most part, with the little substance they had left, that the Villagers, and others that had taken Refuge there, met their Con­querours with Tears of Joy, and welcomed them as their Deliverers; Peace and Rest be­ing ever most sweet and pleasant to those, who precipitating themselves unadvisedly into Mis­fortunes, have had leisure to consider their Er­ror; and by the sharp convincing Arguments of Suffering, have known what it is to be rash, in undertaking what they could not reasonably expect to go through with against the prevail­ing Arms of a powerful Nation, contending with which Ireland has always been succesless.

Things being thus ordered, the Out-Parties, unless so many as could keep the places taken in Obedience, returned to the Camp carrying thither some Prisoners of note; and amongst others, the Lord Castle Connel was brought thi­ther; where, notwithstanding the advancing of the Season, the Soldiers shewed much reso­lution and cheerfulness in their Undertaking to carry on their Works, and manage all other Matters for the Accomplishment of the main End of so brave an Undertaking; and though the Enemies great Guns from the Walls, Castles and Towers of the Town, kept a continual thundering; yet the great shot did not ob­struct [Page 155] the progress they made in their advances.

On the 30th of August 9 Mortars played a­gainst Lymerick, whose Bombs set fire to seve­ral Houses; but the flame was soon extin­guished.

The next day 9 Pieces of Cannon were bent upon the Bridge to ruin it, and hinder thereby the Enemies Communication with their Camp: And that Night 2 Mortars more of 18 Inches Diameter, were placed in Battery; and two Batteries, one of fourteen, and the o­ther of ten Pieces, all Twenty four Pounders, were finished, and some Deserters came over, who gave but a melancholly Account of the posture of Affairs in the Town, as to their be­ing badly armed, and worse provisioned.

Now whilst the Siege went successfully on, upon Advice that a great Party of Rapparees were drawn together in the County of Kerry, mixed with some of the Enemies Horse, the General ordered Brigadier Levison, with 1500 Horse and Dragoons to march against them, of which they had no sooner notice, but they di­vided into two Parties for their better Retreat; and the Brigadier did the like, and with part of his Detachment pursued one of the Parties, whilst Colonel Ni [...]enhuys did the like by the other; the Brigadier soon overtook his Party, which consisted of two Regiments of Horse, and a great number of Rapparees, which our Men charged so desperately, they making no considerable resistance, that they were soon broken and in rout, most of them being killed or taken Prisoners, and a great Booty recover­ed [Page 156] which they had got in ravaging the Coun­try. The Colonel did the like by the Party he pursued; which gave the Villages rest from their fears of burning and plundering, &c.

Our Cannon and Bombs continuing to play against Lymerick, the former beat down thirty Yards of the Wall of the English Town on the North-east side, dismounting the Enemies Can­non, and laying them in Rubbish, whilst the latter set fire to three of their Magazines, one of Brandy, and two of Biskets; the Fire last­ing till Morning, and doing great damage, so that to save their other Provisions, they hastily removed them to more distant places; and their Horse that Encamped along the River, being removed by the Guns of our Frigats, encamped between the Town and Killaloo, that they might be at hand to defend the Pas­sages of the Shannon. And now the General resolving the Army should pass the Shannon, in order to attack the Irish Horse in the County of Clare, and to streighten the Town on that side, the better to conceal the Design, a shew was made, as if he intended to ship away the heavy Cannon, and quit the small Castles and outward Fortifications; which the Enemy ta­king for his being about to raise the Siege gave a great shout for Joy. But that Night our Men laid the Pontons over the River, about a Mile above the Town, and early the next Morning the Royal Regiment of Dragoons, with a De­tachment of Horse and Foot, had passed over undiscovered by the Enemy; but as soon as Bri­gadier Clifford, who lay with 4 Regiments of [Page 157] Dragoons to guard the Passage, perceived our Troops had gained the Banks, he brought down his Men on Foot, their Horses being at Grass; but at the first Charge they fell into disorder, and from that to open flight.

Being pursued by our Men, a great many of them were killed, some taken Prisoners in the flight, most of them flung away their Arms, and lest their Tents, Baggage, Saddles, Bridles, and other Accoutrements to be divi­ded amongst our Men, with 2 Pieces of Can­non, and the Standard of Maxwel.

The Enemies Horse that encamped higher near Killaloo taking the Alarm, drew out; but it was only to get time to take down their Tents, and cover their Baggage; for as soon as our Troops advanced towards them, and had passed the first Defile, they hastily marched away in some disorder towards the Mountains.

On the 15th of September the Lord Lisburn, as he was quitting the Trenches, was killed with a Cannon Bullet; and the next day Capt. Taaf came over from the Enemy, giving an Account, That the Town was almost ruined with our Bombs and great Guns; and that they had not above ten days Bread for Subsi­stance, the Garrison not consisting of above 600 able Men.

Whilst these things were doing, Col. Michel­burn marched with a Detachment of his Regi­ment, 500 of the Militia, 2 Troops of Dra­goons, and 6 Field-pieces, encamping at Drum­chiefle, and then advancing towards Slego, which again was in the Enemies hands, beat [Page 158] in their Out-guards, and being joyned by the Lord Granard, who a little before had redu­ced the Castle of Balymont, that Garrisom ap­prehensive of the danger they were in, capitu­lated almost upon the same Articles that were allowed to Galloway, including in the Capitu­lation the Castles of Bellaby, New-Town, and Castle-Bourk, which were to be taken care of, provided they Surrendred within 4 hours af­ter Summons. And hereupon the Fort on the 15th of September was delivered up, and 600 Men marched out under the Command of Sir Teague O Regan, and left in the place 16 pie­ces of Cannon, and Col. Michelburn was con­stituted Governour: And now to return again to Lymerick.

Whilst the Siege was yet carried vigorously on, the General, with Lieutenant-General Scra­venmore, being an the other side of the Shannon with 5000 Horse and Dragoons, and a propor­tionable Detachment of Foot marched into the County of Clare with 12 Field-pieces, and 7 or 8 days Provision, to oblige the Enemies Horse to fight, or drive them further from Lymerick; whereupon they not only avoided coming to Action, but many of them dispersed and dis­banded, so that their number daily lessened.

Brigadier Levison with 250 Horse and Dra­goons had fallen upon the Enemy in Kerry, where they were about 3000 strong, and rout­ed them, killing a great many, and taking di­vers Officers Prisoners; by which means their Majesties Forces were entire Masters of the County: So that the General being now on [Page 159] Clare side of Lymerick with a strong Body of Horse, 10 Regiments of Foot, and 14 Pieces of Cannon; the rest of the Army remaining under the Duke of Wirtemberg for the Securi­ty of the Works on the other side, on the 22d of September about Noon, our Troops drew up before the English Town, though the Enemies Cannon played upon them all the while from the Castle and several Towers, as also the small shot from the Flankers and Outworks.

About four in the Afternoon the General or­dered a Detachment to attack the Fort near Thomond Bridge. Whereupon the Enemy sent two great Detachments out of the Town, to support and defend those that were in the Fort: but our Men marched on with such Courage and Bravery, that notwithstanding this Re­inforcement, they bore down all before them, pursuing with hot Execution the flying Ene­my over the Bridge, and brought such a Ter­rour upon the City, that Monsieur D'Ʋsson, the French Governour of Lymerick, durst not lower the Draw-Bridge to let in his own Men, dreading least ours should enter with them; so that crouding on the Bridge in great numbers, our Men by perpetually pouring their Vollies of shot amongst them, made a miserable slaugh­ter; insomuch, that from the foot of the Bridge to the Draw-bridge, nothing was to be seen but heaps of dead Bodies discolouring the Ri­ver with Blood, and 600 [...] were computed to be killed in this Action, and about 130 taken Prisoners; amongst whom was Col. Skelton, who being very much hurt, died soon after of [Page 160] of his wounds; and our Men during this hot dispute, being very much exposed to the fire of the Town, were about 300 of them killed and wounded, but none of note.

This resolute Enterprise of our Men brought such a Terrour upon the Garrison, that in the Afternoon a Parley was beaten round the Town, and notice was given, that the Peo­ple were very much enraged against the French Governour for suffering so many Men to be cut off, by keeping them out of the City, that they had insulted, and could hardly be kept from using violence.

The beating this Parley was to desire a Cessation of Firing and casting in Bombs; which was allowed till 9 the next Morning, when the Colonels Sarsfield and Wahop came out, and desired the Truce might continue a day longer, and that they might send to the 1500 Horse commanded by Sheldon in the County of Clare, to know whether they would be included in the Capitulation; which was al­lowed: And on Septemb. 25. Col. Sheldon, and some of his Officers came to our Camp, and had leave given him to go into Lymerick, and consult with the Officers in Garrison; and the next day Sarsfield and Wahop came out again, and dined with the General, and Hostages were proposed to be exchanged, which being conclu­ded on, the L. Cutts Sir David Collier, Col. Piper, and Col. Tiffany were sent by the General; and the Town sent out the Lords Westmeath, Trimelstown, Lowth, and Evagh; so that the Cessation was continued, and the Garrison [Page 161] sent out their Proposals; but they were such as the General could not approve of; and there­fore instead of answering them, he sent in twelve Articles which he would allow; and not to be unready to speak his mind in another Language, in case the Truce should be bro­ken by their refusal, he ordered the Cannon and Mortars to remain charged on their Bat­teries, ready to fire upon the first Command; which made the Besieged more reasonable in their Demands: so that the Commissioners for the Treaty coming forth again the same day, had a long Conference with those ap­pointed to treat with them by the General, and became more moderate.

A very good prospect of Accommodation presented at this time; for we had of their Prisoners taken in the last Action, 2 Lieute­nant-Colonels, 2 Majors, 9 Captains, 7 Lieu­tenants, and 6 Ensigns. And this being likely to be a general Treaty for the Settlement of the Kingdom, the Lords Justices set forward from Dublin to be assisting at it, and arrived in the Camp the first of October, and after some Conferences with the Commissioners on the part of the Garrison, and their Troops in the County of Clare, the Articles of Surrender of the City of Lymerick, and the Castles of Clare and Ross, with all other Places and Ca­stles that were at that time in the hands of the Irish, were on the Third of October concluded and agreed on, and signed by the General and Lords Justices on the one side, and by the French Governour, and the Persons deputed by [Page 162] the Garrison on the other; and thereupon a Stone-Fort, and one of the Gates way put into the General's hands the same Evening; and the next day five of our Regiments marched into the Irish Town, it being among other things agreed, That the French, and such as are willing to go beyond the Seas, may continue in the English Town and the Island, till they can be Transported, and Shipping are to be got ready for that purpose.

And seeing upon the Articles of this Capi­tulation, the quiet and settlement of the Coun­try consisted, and upon signing which, it entirely returned to its Obedience, it is re­quisite the Reader should not be ignorant at least of the Substance or Chief Matters con­tained in them: They consisting in two Parts, Civil and Military.

As for the Civil Part, it gave the Roman Catholicks the Exercise of their Religion, as far as was consistent with the Laws of Ire­land, and as they enjoyed it in the Reign of King Charles the Second, &c. and to all Per­sons in general that had been in Arms, or o­therwise under King James, except forfeiting Persons out of the Kingdom, should be re­possessed of what they could justly Claim, or were lawfully Entituled to in the Reign of King Charles the Second, and at any time since, by any Law or Laws that were in force in his Reign. And those of Trades or Cal­lings to return to them, and Exercise them as in the Reign of King James the Second, on [Page 163] condition they took the Oath of Allegiance made by the English Parliament the First Year of their Majesties Reign.

Merchants, and reputed Merchants, that were beyond the Seas, and had not born Arms since their Majesties Declaration of February 1689. were included, and to have the same benefit if they returned within the space of Eight Months after the Date of the Articles. As also were several Officers, viz. Colonel Simon Lutterel, Captain Rowland White, Mo­rice Eustace, and others who were gone be­yond the Seas, upon the account of their Re­giments remaining in Ireland, upon their re­turning in the space of Eighth Months, and taking the Oath above-mentioned; and those comprised and so submitting to the Govern­ment, to have General Pardons of all At­tainders, Treasons, and other Crimes and Offences against the Government, commit­ted since the beginning of the Reign of King James the Second. And that all things that have happened since the War, whereby Troubles, Suits, or Vexations may arise, should be passed over and indempnified to those comprised in the Articles to the Date thereof, to be mutual and reciprocal on both sides.

Every Nobleman and Gentleman com­prised is allowed to ride with a Sword and Case of Pistols, and to have a Gun for the Defence of his House, or for Recreation; and that inhabited the City of Lymerick, or other Garrisons, might depart with their Goods, [Page 164] Chattels and Provisions out of it, without being searched, or paying any Duties; and moreover, not to be compelled to leave their Lodgings in six Weeks ensuing the Date of the Articles. The Roman Catholicks that submit, to take the Oath of Allegiance, and no other. And if any Person or Persons, at any time break any of these Premisses, he shall shall not cause any other, not concern­ed in such Breach, to forfeit the benefit of them; and that such Persons as are included, shall have the favour of the Lords Justices and General, to use their Endeavours to have them protected from Arrests, Execution, Debts and Damages for the space of Eight Months. That Provision be made to enable Colonel John Brown, by restoring so much of his Estate and Effects as were taken away, to pay his Debts: The Matter to be stated, and agreed, &c.

Thus things proceeded of this kind advan­tageous for the quieting of the Minds of the People, and settling in Peace and Tranqui­lity.

As for the Military Articles, the Substance of them were:

That any Persons willing to leave the Kingdom, might pass with their Goods and Families, except into England, Scotland; and for the Officers and Soldiers, and those called Rapparees, that are minded to go, Ships should be prepared to transport them, and days and places appointed for those that were [Page 165] willing to go to declare their Minds to that purpose, and be reduced under their Officers that are to conduct them: And the English and Scotch Officers that serve in Ireland, to be included in the Capitulation, for the Secu­rity of their Estates and Effects in the Three Kingdoms, if they are content to remain here, or for passing freely into France, or a­ny other Country to serve, and Land-carriage and Shipping to be furnished for those of all Conditions that are not Prisoners of War, that have a mind to be Transported, and they to be protected from all Wrongs and Injuries: And the Ships that are to Trans­port them, to be furnished with Necessaries for Horse and Men, to be paid for by those Transported upon their safe arrival in France, and Hostages were to be left for the safe re­turn of the Ships, the danger of the Sea ex­cepted; and till their Embarkation Quarters to be assigned them, they having Liberty to transport Gratis, including those of their Of­ficers Nine hundred Horse; and for the Troops remaining behind, to dispose of them­selves as they thought convenient, delivering up their Horse and Arms to such as the Ge­nerals should nominate to receive them. Horse-Provender for those that were to be Transported, to be bought at the King's Rate, and all Necessaries to be had without mole­station. And all those Prisoners of War, on both sides, that were in the Kingdom of Ire­land on the 28th of September, to be set at Liberty; the General promising his Endea­vour [Page 166] for the Release of those likewise in Eng­land and Flanders: And Medicines and other Necessaries be furnished for the sick and wounded. And that Notice of these things upon signing, be sent to France, and those that are to pass thither not to be stopped up­on the account of Debt, or any other pre­tence: And that French Ships for Transpor­tation shall freely resort to any Parts, and have Passports; and upon the arrival of such Ships a free Communication shall be between it and the said Troops, more especially for those who have Passes from the Fleet, and Monsieur de Tumeron the Intendant; in con­sideration of which the Town of Lymerick was to be put into the Hands of the Gene­ral, or whom he shall appoint; viz. the Irish Town, except the Magazine and Hospital, upon the Day of signing: But the English Town, with the Island and free Passage to Thomond-Bridge, to be in the Hands of the Irish Garrison, or those that shall come from Clare, Cork, Kerry, &c. till a Conveniency offer to Transport them. And that no Dis­orders might happen between the Garrisons, the Irish Troopers were to remain in the English Town and Island, until they should Embarque on the Fifty ships that should first go to France, and to keep from any Injury on either side, under pain of Punishment. And when they are to march, they may march out together, or at sundry times, as opportunity of Embarking requires, with Arms, Baggage, Beat or Drum, Lighted [Page 167] Match, Bullet in Mouth, Colours flying, Six Brass Guns and Two Mortars, with some Ammunition and other Stores, and that an In­ventory, of the Ammunition shall be given to that end, the Day after the signing.

The Magazines and Provisions to remain in the Hands of those appointed for their care, for the subsistance of the Irish that are to pass for France, and they to be further fur­nished, if occasion required. And a Cessati­on of Arms at Land and Sea to be had, in respect to the Ships, either English, Dutch or French, to be used in the Transportation, until they are returned to their Harbours; and that sufficient Passports shall be on both sides as to Ships and Men; and that any vio­lating the Cessation shall be punished, and Satisfaction made for the wrong; and that Persons should be sent to give the English and French Ships notice of this Cessation of Arms for the time; and Hostages be given on both sides: And if there happen any Change in the Government, or Command of the Army, before the Capitulation be fully Executed, it shall yet stand in force.

This being briefly the Heads and Sub­stance of these famous Articles, I shall now proceed to what ensued upon so happy a Juncture, in which the Nation had so great a Promise of Peace and Tranquility, which has since raised its drooping Head from the Dust.

About the time of this Agreement, News came that divers French Men of War, with Transport-Ships, were on the Coast, and en­deavoured to put into some places, though very distant from Lymerick; but either not well knowing the Harbours, or being fearful, as having no certainty of what had happened, they continued cruizing, being seen sometimes off one place, and at other times off another, as being doubtful and uncertain of their enter­prizing any thing to the end for which they came; as perhaps, having intelligence that a Squadron of our Men of War, under the Com­mand of Sir Ralph Delaval, was making to­wards Ireland, to prevent any evil design they might have, notwithstanding the Capitulation, considering on our part, that the French Maxim is much the same with that of the Ottomon Port, viz, To consider nothing against their Interest; but in the firmest Peace to take all the advan­tages of open Hostility, where any thing of­fers that may render their Attempts successful. But whether they sooner or latter had an ac­count of what had happened at Lymerick, and that with the rendering up that important place, all their Measures had been broken, considering in those Articles, the few places of no considerable strength were included, we de­termine not; but certainly so it happened, they attempted nothing worthy of note on the Coast of that Kingdom, but kept out at Sea as well as they could.

During the cruizing of the French, we had at length certain knowledge that they had no­tice of what had happened, viz. that Lymerick had submitted, and with it all those Places that yet held out, if in the time limited, they, by Surrendring, took the benefit of the Arti­cles agreed on, which occasioned a greater Security in them, as to the fear of being at­tacked by our Men of War; because in one of the Articles it was agreed, that such of the Irish and French as had a mind to leave the King­dom, and go for France, might stay to expect a free Passage thither, without interruption, and then they more boldly appeared upon the Coast of Kerry, being discerned from the Hills and Cliffs, to be about 25 Sail of Men of War, with some Fire-ships, and 25 Transport-ships, and that it might be taken, that their design in coming at first, was no other than to carry off the French and Irish that were unwilling to stay, Monsieur D'Ʋsson, the late French Go­vernour, took his first opportunity to give no­tice of their being there to Major-General Tal­mash, who had been appointed by the Gene­ral to Command at Lymerick; and upon ma­ture deliberation, it being thought more con­venient to suffer such as would transport them­selves in French Ships, than trust any of ours in the Enemies Port on that Account, at last it was agreed, that the Transport­ships might come into the River Shannon; but the Men of War and Fireships to keep out at Sea; and that those Transport-ships [Page 170] should have liberty to take on Board such as would freely imbark.

In the mean while divers Irish Gentle­men, and Persons of Quality, who it was by some supposed, would have embraced this voluntary Exile; considering, perhaps, how the French had insulted them in their own Country, and expecting worse Treatment when they should be more absolutely under their Jurisdiction, resolved not to trust their kindness by leaving their Native Country, but rather chose to rely upon the kindness of a Generous Prince, whose Word in all things is inviolate, and thereupon spontaniously came in, and took the Oath of Fidelity to their Majesties: Nor were the Rapparees, who are accounted the most obstinate of the Irish, behind hand in this: For divers of their Chiefs considering their Safety depended up­on a speedy Submission, thought it their best way to lay hold of the Grace offered, least such a favourable opportunity might for ever be out of their power; and there­upon resolving to lay hold on it, laid down their Arms, and submitted to Mercy, cau­sing many others of their Subalternates to do the like, and bring in their Arms; insomuch that Roads that a little before lay unfrequent­ed by Travellers for fear of this rapacious sort of People, were again frequented, and those that had been so terrible to them, now proved their Guards in many places, to pro­tect [Page 171] them against such as yet held out, by which means the face of things seemed won­derfully changed, and a Country that a lit­tle before had been so bloody a Scene of War, now promised, and gave a large prospect of a durable Peace, attended with Plenty, and a greater Advancement by Trade than e­ver, in consideration of a greater assurance of Security given, especially to the Prote­stants, by the glorious Success of their Majesties Arms, than has been in the for­mer Reigns.

Although Sarsfield, Sheldon, and others, who centered their Fortunes and Interest in the late King, who had mainly raised them by his Favours, expected to draw after the greater part of the Disciplined Soldiers to be disposed of in the Service of the French King, as also some of the Gentry and Nobility; yet they missed of their aim.

Matters being thus brought to a Conclusion in the Kingdom of Ireland, care was taken to put our Troops into Winter Quarters, who by such extraordinary Enterprizes so swift­ly succeeding each other, were somewhat harassed, and required for the recovery of their Strength and Health, more Refresh­ment and Ease than the Field could any ways afford them.

And in this such order and care was taken, that none should be endamaged in the Quar­ters; but if any such thing happened by a­ny Oppression or Unruliness of the Officers or Soldiers, the Party grieved, upon Com­plaint to those appointed to inspect and regu­late these Affairs, should have speedy redress.

That the fears of the Countries about Ly­merick, might be at an end, the French and Irish that resolved for France, were furthered by the English, by way of Friendly assistance for their Embarkment on such Ships as were ordered or allowed to carry them to their desired Ports.

The Lords Justices received an Account on the first of November, from Major-Ge­neral Talmash, That the French and Irish marched out of the English Town on the first of the said Month, and part of them em­barked on the French Ships that were permit­ted to [...] the River Shannon, in order to transpo [...] [...]em.

The General, after the many glorious Successes that Crowned their Majesties Arms under his Command in so short a time, arriving at Dublin, was received several Miles from that City, by a great Body of the Gentry on Horseback; and approaching through the loud Shouts and Acclamations of the crouding People, was received at the [Page 173] Gates by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Formalities, and highly welcomed, and the Ceremony performed upon the occasion of his coming to that Capital City, ended with a general Joy, and the highest Marks of Respect to a Person who had been so ser­viceable to the Kingdom.

His Majesties Birth-day and the Anniver­sary of the Powder-Plot, were likewise ob­served with all imaginable Demonstrations of Loyalty, and Marks of Firmness to the Pro­testant Religion.

Nor were some of the Papists wanting to express their Satisfaction to see the Hero, who had been so mainly Instrumental in re­storing them that Peace they had so rashly forfeited; and had leisure during almost a three Years, to repent of the trouble they had given the Kingdom, and of the Losses them­selves sustained.

Whilst this Joy lasted, care was taken to order the Garrisons, and provide them with such Necessaries where they were wanting, as might serve for the Winter Stores, and put the Soldiers in a good plight. Nor was the Joy for these Successes bounded in this Island, but spread into remote Countries; so that in the Camps of the Allies the Cannon was fired, and all other Demonstrations of a high satis­faction for the Success of their Majesties Arms were set on foot: though the French [Page 174] Commanders, especially in their Camps, la­boured to extenuate these brave and vigo­rous Undertakings, crowned with such am­ple Success, least it could dishearten and a­bate the Courage of their Men, who al­ready by their frequent deserting, seemed to grow weary of a War, wherein they too plainly found, that instead of what they formerly gained by Plundering, and lay­ing defenceless Places waste, they must expect nothing but Blows, and severe Treat­ment.

On the First of November following these Transactions, the Irish Entirely left the English Town of Lymerick, Embarking on the Transport-ships in the Shannon; when Sailing for France, one of those Ships ha­ving on Board Four hundred Men, besides Stores and Furnitures of divers kinds, run­ning foul on a Rock overset, and about One hundred Men were drowned, though no diligence was wanting to endeavour their preservation.

Upon the marching out of the Irish, our Soldiers marched in, and Garrisoned the English Town, and now Sir David Collier was made Governour of the City of Ly­merick, and the Lord O Brian of the County of the said City. And on the Sixth of this Month the French Squadron, con­sisting of Eighteen Men of War, Six Fire­ships, [Page 175] and Twenty Transport-ships, who brought about Ten thousand Arms, Wine and Brandy for Sale, and much Provision, fell down about Two Leagues below Scal­tery, viz. the Men of War, but their Trans­port-ships were suffered to remain nearer, to take in Provisions and other Necessaries for Transportation of the People they were to take on Board. And Major-General Tal­mash having settled and ordered things to the best Advantage in the City, gave place to the new Governour, and departed for Dublin, where he was received with many Expressions of Joy, according to the true merit of his Courage and Conduct in this War.

Upon this great turn of Fortune, many of their Ringleaders going away in the French Ships, the Rapparees found them­selves abandoned, and in great Distress, so that they were constrained to come in and submit; so that the face of things appeared to be strangely changed, Uproar and Con­fusion being turned into a calm Peace; so that most of the English and Dutch Regi­ments, &c. prepared to Embark for Eng­land, where they soon after Arrived, and passed for Flanders, where they were for the Winter Season quartered advantagiou­ly in divers Towns, to hinder the Incursi­ons of the French.

The General having put an end to the War of Ireland, being highly caressed and treated in Dublin, Embarked for England on the Monmouth Yatch, where he received the Applause and high Commendations of the People in all places where he passed. The King received him very graciously, and Created him Earl of Athlone, &c. The Parliament likewise sent their Thanks to him for the good Service he had done, de­siring him to Communicate the same to all the Officers that had served under him in this Expedition: And he, together with them, was highly Entertained at a Noble Treat by the City of London.

The Soldiers now returning, a Proclama­tion was Issued forth for their well abear­ing and behaving themselves in their March, Quarters, and making due Payment. And so great was the Joy of the Irish Nobility and Gentry for restoring that Kingdom to Peace and Tranquility, that in humble Gra­titude they made the following Address to his Majesty, viz.

On the Two and twentieth of December, Sarsfield having got together Two thousand six hundred Men, Women and Children, set Sail from Cork for France: he thought to have carried a greater Number, but was de­ceived by their Deserting him; as did the whole Regiments of Mac Dermo, Brian O Neal, and Colonel Felix O Neal, upon the Advice they received of the ill Treatment of the Irish that were already Landed in France, where the Officers were generally displaced, or made to serve in lower Sta­tions, even to Common Soldiers, and French Men set over them.

Ireland being now in a fair way to a Set­tlement, Colonel Foulk, Governour of Dub­lin, had Orders to Disband the Irish Regi­ments that came over to us upon the Sur­render of Lymerick, except Fourteen hun­dred which were appointed for the Empe­rour's Service; the which, though they professed a great willingness to serve their Majesties, they submitted to, and had Two Cobs a Man given them Gratis, most of [Page 179] them going to their Habitations or Employ­ments.

On the Three and twentieth of January, being the first day of the Term, the Right Honourable Sir Charles Porter, Lord Chan­cellour, and Thomas Conningsby Esquire, Lords Justices of the Kingdom, came to the Court of Kings Bench, accompanied by di­vers of the Privy Council, and other Per­sons of Quality; where they took the Oaths, and Subscribed the Declaration required by the late Act of Parliament made in England: After which the Judges of other Courts, and Persons of different Quality and Employments did the like.

About this time there happened an Ex­traordinary Storm, which did much Da­mage at Land, but more by Sea: The Adventure of London was cast away on the Coast, and all her Men drowned. A Ves­sel laden with Corn was driven from her Anchor in the Road, and beaten to pieces, but her Men saved, and divers other Ship­wracks were driven on shoar in the Ports of this Kingdom.

And now the Poor being very numerous, by reason of Losses in the War, care was ordered every where to be taken of them till they could better provide for them­selves, having convenient Houses appoint­ed [Page 180] for their shelter. And the Militia of the Country was reviewed, to know in what Condition it stood. And the Lords Justices issued out a Declaration, Prohibi­ting any Officer, Clark, or other Person or Persons whatsoever, depending upon their Majesties Treasury, either by himself or a­ny other, to use in part, or in whole, di­rectly or indirectly, to buy any Arrears or Debenture due to any Officer, Soldier, or any Person or Persons that have been Em­ployed in their Majesties Service the pre­ceding War, upon pain of forfeiting the benefit of every Contract or Agreement for such Arrears which shall be paid to the Party to whom they are due, when the same shall come to be paid; as also upon communication of such a Fault, be dismis­sed from his or their Employment, and de­clared being uncapable of serving in the Treasury for the future.

This saved a great many Officers and Soldiers much Money, who to supply pre­sant need, would have taken a small mat­ter for what was after paid them to the full. And now though it had been stipulated and agreed by several Articles made with the Garrison of Lymerick, Galloway, &c. That all Arms were to be delivered up, unless such of the Nobility and Gentry as were allowed them for Defence of their Houses, &c.

And this not being punctually observed, a Proclamation was issued out by the Lords Justices, to command all Persons who had any to Surrender, or cause to be Surren­dered to the Sheriff of the City, Town, or County, or to the next Justice of the Peace, all their Fire-Arms, Swords, Pikes, Half-Pikes, Halbards, Partisans, Skenns, Bayonets, and all other Arms, Offensive and Defensive. And upon failure or contempt, to be prosecuted to the utmost Severity of the Law: a Reward of Ten shillings was likewise proposed to any Person who should, after the Tenth of March, discover any Arms; and the Concealer to be prosecu­ted at the next Assizes as a Contemner of their Majesties Royal Authority, to be looked upon as Disturbers of the Peace, and to forfeit the Benefit of the said Arti­cles.

This made a great many of the Papists bring in their Arms, for fear of a Disco­very, which they had kept till now per­haps to so sinister an end: so that by this means the Peace being better assured, the Protestants found themselves out of dan­ger; the Husbandmen manured their Ground with cheerfulness, as not doubting to reap the benefit of their Labours, which they had been long debarr'd, to the undoing of many Thousands. The Artificers fell a­gain to their respective Crafts with cou­rage. [Page 182] So that the Land casting off its bloo­dy stain, laboured to forget its sorrow; and though the usual Trade with France was prohibited, yet from England, Scotland and Spain, all Necessaries were brought that usually supplied the Kingdom from a­broad. And that they might yet be more easie, some illegal Proceedings being represent­ed to the Lords Justices, they put forth a Proclamation for suppressing them, running to this Tennor; viz.

This was thrice proclaimed in all the Market-Towns that every one might take notice of it, and have Redress of their Grievances, if any should afterward be com­mitted upon them, or their Possessions; yet it extented not to the prohibiting the search­ing for, and taking away of Arms.

And the better to Confirm and Inform all sorts of People, being Dutiful and Loy­al, in their Majesties good Intentions to­wards them, their Majesties Proclamation was published in the following words, viz.

And to the end that none of the Irish might be ignorant of what was intended for the good of the Nation, another Proclama­tion was published in all the chief Towns of the Kingdom, To Ascertain a Day to those that should be distinguished to be compre­hended within the Articles of Lymerick, &c. To shew their said Rights and Claims to the said Articles; the Lands and other Matters they desire Restitution of, with the Place of their Being and Situation; and that they should have fair Hearings and favourable Constructions made on their Claims and Petitions: The Days and Places of Hearing to that purpose be set and appointed, that none might pretend any mistake on that account, not to come provided with suffici­ent Proof and Testimony of such their Rights and Claims, according to the Tennor of the Articles of Lymerick and Galloway, &c. And that seeing several Protestants did inhabit Galloway and Lymerick, during the Sieges of those Places, it was required that three Wit­nesses should give Testimony as to the Pre­misses, one of them to be a Protestant, in e­very particular matter for proof of each Per­sons qualification, as to the Articles, who claims to have been within the said City or Town, and thereby to be comprised within the said Articles, or either of them.

And on the Sixth of April the Lord's Ju­stices of the Council and Kingdom sat to [Page 186] hear and examine the Claims exhibited be­fore them, by such Persons as made their Application to them, sitting Munday, Wed­nesday and Friday weekly for that purpose. And that nothing might be wanting to en­courage and promote the Trade of the King­dom, Ships daily arrived in the Ports with Provision and other Necessaries, insomuch, that after a long Scarcity, Plenty began a­gain to be restored to a prospect of a great­er height than ever, by which the Calami­ties and Sufferings appeared to vanish, and the Joy of the People, the Protestants especi­ally, to be restored more than ever, especial­ly under the Conduct and Government of Affairs of those prudent Persons that are put into Power and Trust.

The Kingdom of Ireland thus settled, and in a fair way to Happiness, his Majesty was in Flanders, drawing his Forces together to prosecute his Victories on that side, and compleat the Felicity of his Kingdoms, when in the mean while some ill Men of restless Spirits at home, were labouring under hand to disquiet us by endeavouring to hold Cor­respondence with the Common Enemy, and Encouraging him to invade their Native Kingdoms; but Providence, as at all times, so now more particularly, timely discovered their dark Projects and sinister Designs, where­upon many were apprehended and imprison­ed in divers places, in order to be brought to [Page 187] Justice and Condign Punishment; yet this did not so much discourage the French King, but that he got his Fleet very early in a rea­diness, as it is generally supposed to Invade England; but the Winds appeared to stand on our side, and kept them in their Har­bours, contrary to their Expectations, though he had drawn down his Forces on the Coast of Normandy, &c. to Embark on his Men of War and Transport-ships, as occasion should offer.

Our Fleet in the mean while was hastned out to oppose them, and the Dutch Squa­drons with much Celerity joyned us, so that on the 19th of May they stood away to the South-west in search of the French Fleet, and about six Leagues from Cape Barfleur got sight of them, who with much presump­tion bore down upon us, having the Weather­gage, the Wind at South-west; and about Eleven in the Morning they Engaged Admi­ral Russel, who commanded our Red Squa­dron. The fight continued hot on both sides till about Three in the Afternoon, Turville the French Admiral being very much worsted, and fearing to be hemmed in by our Blue Squadron; and the Dutch, who laboured to get the Wind of the Enemy, bore away, but not so speedily but that the Blew Squadron had time enough to come in and Engage him about Six, so that another hot Dispute continued till about Ten at night, the French [Page 188] making a Retreating fight, in which some of their Ships were blown up, and others sunk: All Night it was very calm, and fog­gy the next Morning; and about Eight it began to clear up, the Wind at East-North-East, when the French Fleet appeared about Two Leagues to the Leeward of ours, much less in number than the day before, being but Thirty six Men of War, standing away to their own Coast, whilst ours pursued them; and both Fleets, upon a great Calm, came to an Anchor, the Dutch, who now had the Van, being within a League of them; and on the One and twentieth they weighed and stood away, and we after them, Ad­miral Russel taking his Course towards Bar­fleur, having fight of several Ships under the shoar; but by this time many of them were got into the first Harbours they came to; so that fear and too much haste, caused several of them to run aground to prevent our Coming up with them. But it availed lit­tle, for Vice-Admiral Delaval hotly pursuing Fliers who put in, made, under Cape de Wick, their Squadrons, being now broken and se­parated, with much difficulty got in with light Frigats, Fire-ships, and Armed-Boats, and in spight of the Fire the French made from their Ships, and from their Platform on shoar. Captain Heath laid the Royal Sun of France on Board with his Fireship, and burnt her, being the French Admiral of 104 Guns; and Captain Green burnt the Conquerdant, of [Page 189] 102 Guns; and another Ship of 80 Guns was burnt by the Boats that were sent out after the Men were taken from it, and some other Vessels, with little loss of Men on our side.

Captain Fowlis attempted to burn the Roy­al Sun, but was set on fire by an acci­dental shot from the Enemy, supposed to be made red hot for that purpose. Monsieur Gaberet's Ship, Admiral of the French Blew Squadron, perished in the fight amongst the rest.

Whilst these things were doing, Admiral Russel, with the Red Squadron, stood with the Enemies Ships, who were got into the Bay of La Hogue, and sent Vice-Admiral Rook, with a Squadron of Light Frigats and Fireships, and all the Boats he had with him, well arm­ed, to burn the Ships he had there penn'd up; which succeeded so well, that Six were burnt that Night, and with the same Resolution Six more were burnt the next Morning, Three of them being Three-deck'd Ships, carrying a great Force of Men and Guns, and the other Three from sixty to seventy Guns: and one of Fifty six Guns was over­set, and utterly lost: So that the whole num­ber in that Bay was destroyed; the Men in the Boats on this occasion behaving them­selves with much Bravery and Resolution, in­somuch that they took possession of several [Page 190] of the French Ships, and turned the Guns upon the Platform that fired upon them from the Land, in the sight of the French and Irish Camp that lay near the shoar. Many of the French Seamen perished with their Ships, those on shoar refusing to fetch them off; and a great many were taken Prisoners. So that in the main we destroy­ed about One and twenty of their big­gest Ships, and of other Frigats, Crafts, and Transport-ships, to the number of Thir­ty; and this without the loss of any Ship on our side, unless Fireships that were spent on the Enemy.

For this Signal Victory the Admiral cau­sed a Solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God to be held on Board the Fleet; and had the Wind been more timely favourably, few of the French that engaged had escaped. This happy News caused great Rejoycing in all their Majesties Dominions, and in the Courts of the Confederate Princes.

And now to shew God's more signal Fa­vour and Mercy towards us, a Hellish Con­spiracy was discovered, that had been car­ried on to destroy his Majesty beyond the Seas by Assassination, influenced by the great­est Persons in the French Court, to their E­ternal Infamy, as it was deposed upon Oath; and this was undertaken by one de Gran­dual, a Captain of Dragoons in the French [Page 191] Service, and one Dumot a Walloon, who had the last Year agreed together to kill the King; and for that purpose went to Loo, whilst his Majesty was there, but missing of their wicked purpose, they went back to Paris, and there remaining during the Win­ter, they engaged one Leefdale in the same pernicious Design, agreeing to Attack the King, either upon a March, or when he should ride out to see the Troops; but an Almighty Hand held them from their Ex­ecuting what they so wickedly intended, and saved his Anointed to be a Joy and Comfort to his People, and a Scourge to the Common Enemy, who, though good at close Villanies, and purchasing of Towns, yet not to stand in Competition at fair Valour and Heroick Bravery, as has all along appeared by Retreats and strong En­campments, when urged to Battel in a fair Field; yet, no doubt, a short time will let us see the difference between true Manhood and Politick Delays and Pre­cautions.

Ireland is now waiting to Receive her Right Honourable Lord Deputy with all the Demonstrations of Joy that a willing Nation can express, sutable to the great Expectations she has to be yet more hap­py under the Auspicious Conduct of so worthy a Hero, and wise Dispencer of Ju­stice, and an Encourager and Propagator of the Protestant Religion, &c.

Thus we see, through God's Blessing up­on their Majesties Arms, this Kingdom is once again in a happy way to be prosperous, and more entirely happy than ever.

THE French King having former­ly broke all the Leagues and Truces that had been made with [...] by the Confederate Princes, and in time of open and avowed Peace, committed divers Hostilities, not only in the Pal [...]inate, but in other Places on the Rhine, Territories of Liege, and Frontiers of Flanders; the Emperor, King of Spain, and Elector of Brandenburgh, finding them­selves aggrieved, and not being able to get any Satisfaction or Redress for Injuries done, contrary to the Law of Nations, up­on such Agreements by their Ambassadors at the French Court; upon the Revolution in England, and the French King's taking King James into his protection, and ma­king great preparation for War in all his [Page 2] Territories, took measures to unite them­selves in a strict League and Alliance with the King of England, and other Princes, to oppose the Insults of an Enemy who had, the better to carry on his ambitious De­signs, made an under-hand League with the Turk, the professed Enemy of Christi­anity, that they diverting the Arms of the Empire on the side of Hungary, he might have a greater facility to ravage and com­mit all manner of Mischiefs on this side: And now an op [...] War is proclaimed a­gainst him, to [...] go him to do Reason, and restore the Places he had unjustly ta­ken in the time of a fair and firm Peace, and to disable him for the future, to Injure his Ne [...]hbours, to gratifie his Ambitious Ends and Designs in aspiring to universal Mona [...]y, which the projec [...]ng States-M [...] [...]ance have Insinuated into his Am­bitious [...]ghts to grasp at.

Parties b [...]g now abroad on both sides, one [...] [...]he Netherland Troops of 70 Men, on [...] [...] of May, 1689. met with and d [...]eate [...] a French Party, of whom they kill [...] 1 [...] and took 16 Prisoners, putting [...] to a disorderly Flight; whereupon, and [...] other C [...]sideration [...], the Gover­nour of the Spanish Provinces, caused the following Declaration to be published, viz.

THat the French King after [...]ing vi­olated all Treaties, and the T [...]e that has been Religiously observed on the part [Page 3] of his Catholick Majesty, by many Acts of Hostility, which are sufficiently known to all Europe, had, to add to this former unjust Attempt, declared a War against Spain, without assigning any colourable Reason for the same, endeavouring to have the Alliance which his Catholick Majesty had made with the Princes his Neighbours for the Security and Peace of Christendom, pass for a Scandal, whilst the said French King in a most Inhumane manner, with unheard of Cruelties and Barbarities, destroys the States of the Em­pire, without having any regard to the Laws of Religion, War, or Sacred Faith of Capitulation; and that his Ministers employ all the Subtilty of their Nego­tiation to trouble the Harmony of Chri­stendom, and to bring down the Ottoman Forces for the destruction of Hungary, and to hinder the Conclusion of a Peace between the Emperor and his Allies, and the Ottoman Port. That his Catholick Majesty being thus unjustly attacked, commands all his Generals, and other Officers, to oppose the French with all their Force, and to fall upon them by Sea and Land, as Enemies, Aggressors, and [...]eakers of the Treaties; and all his Sub­jects and Vassals of Spain who may be in the French Dominion, to retire from thence within 15 Days; forbids all Commerce and Correspondence with the Subjects of France upon pain of Death; declares all [Page 4] Goods, Moveable and Immovable, be­longing to them, confiscated; and re­quires all the Subjects of the French King, with their Wives and Families, to depart the Country within 8 Days from the Pub­lication hereof, upon pain of being made Prisoners of War, with Penalties to such as shall conceal them.

As for the W [...]r against Spain, the French King caused [...] [...]o be proclaimed the Month before in all his Dominions, as he had done that against the Emperor, and England; and th [...] Ministers who were stay­ed at the several Co [...]ts, for the Securities of each other, were exchanged, and Par­ties being abroad, many Skirmishes hap­p [...]ed, wherein sometimes one, and some­times th [...] other [...] as Fortune threw [...]he Palm, prevailed, and the Governour of Fland [...] [...]ade great Preparation for the Ca [...] [...] [...]aving this Year by the 3d. of Ma [...] 6000 [...]se and Dragoons mounted, and the States General got all things in a [...] for their Troops to take the Field [...] now Matters began to come to an Earnest push.

The Elect [...]r of Brandenburgh Army on the [...]th. of J [...], 1689. cause before Key [...]wart, and himself arriving in the Cam [...] on the 12th. the Night following the Trenches were opened, and on the 22d. two new Batteries were begun, and the Besieged fired very furiously, which some­what obstructed the Brandenburghers car­rying [Page 5] on their Work; that Night the Trenches were advanced 300 Paces, and Count Charles of Schomberg, Lieutenant-General of the Brandenburgh Forces, and Adjutant-General Nesmer were wounded. On the 23d. the Trenches were carried within 50 Paces of the Ditch of the Town, and the next Day the Batteries were finish­ed, and the Cannon and Bombs played, which set fire to a great Tower, and divers Houses. On the 25th. in the Afternoon the Governour Mounsier Marcognet beat a Parley, finding the German Soldiers of the Garrison inclining to capitulate, and the next Morning the Capitulation was signed and agreed on, That the Gates should be immediately delivered up: That all the French Officers and Soldiers should march out the day following, with Arms and Baggage, Drums beating, and Colours flying, &c. and to be conducted to Lux­emburg, and that the Germans in Garrison might Retire, or take Service under his Electoral Highness, and accordingly on the 27th. the Place was surrendered.

Whilst these things were doing, the French Parties in the Palatinate commit­ted great Ravages and Spoils, not being contented with the Plunder only, nor sa­tisfied with the Execrable Barbarities they had before committed in those parts, re­duced to Ashes the Cities of Spires, Worms, and Oppenheim, not leaving in those an­cient and famous places one House stand­ing; [Page 6] but a Party of French being sent out of Bon to burn the Village of Houff, the Country People fell upon them with such fury, that they killed about 60 of them, and took divers Prisoners.

And now the Armies being in the Field in Flanders, and moving towards each other, and the Confederate Army on the 25th. of August [...] [...]camping near Till Castle, having [...] out their Foragers, Prince Waldeck who commanded in Chief, had notice that the Marshal d' Humieres with his Army, which he had re-inforced some days before with 6000 Men, was on his march; whereupon the Forragers by the Sign given of firing several Pieces of Cannon [...]re called in, and in the mean time the Enemies Vaunt-Guard attacked the Village of Forge, where 800 Men were posted under the Command of Colonel Hedges, and Lieutenant-Colonel Goes, and the Major of the Regiment of Hess: This Attack lasted about two Hours, but being most English, they defended themselves very bravely, till Major de Roo, who was sent to give notice of it to the Lieutenant-Generals, Webbenum, the Earl of Marlbo­rough, and d' Huby, who were with the Foragers, and to bring them back; came to their assistance with some Horse; where­upon our Men perceiving the whole French Army advance towards them, retired, fighting till they came to the Town of Walcourt, in which was posted a Battalion [Page 7] of Lunenburghers, of Colonel Linstanes's Re­giment, and afterwards Re-inforced with a Battalion of Colonel Holle, the French attacked the Town very furiously with ma­ny Battalions, and several pieces of Cannon, which lasted two Hours and a half: Lieu­tenant General Aylua advanced with 3 Re­giments towards the Town, of which he detached that commanded by the late Lieutenant-General Talmash, and the Lieu­tenant-General, the Earl of Marlborough, followed with the Troops of Guards, and two English Regiments; in the mean time Major-General Slangenburg advanced with a Detachment of Foot to the other side of the Town, which obliged the Enemy to retire in confusion, leaving behind them their Cannon and Ammunition, and a great many killed and wounded; of which take the following Account. Monsieur de St. Galain, Marshal of the Camp, and Mon­sieur de Metz Tercelin were killed with a Cannon-shot; the Chevalier de Corbet, Bri­gadier and Colonel of the Regiment of Champaigne, mortally wounded; Monsieur Tibergue, Lieutenant of the Artillery, wounded. Of the Regiment of Guards, the Count d' Antagnan was killed, 4 Cap­tains and 5 Lieutenants killed, 3 Cap­tains and 11 Lieutenants wounded, the Major wounded, 1 Gentleman-Voluntier killed, and 2 wounded. In the Regiment of Champaigne, the Lieutenant-Colonel woun­ded, the Major mortally wounded, 2 Cap­tains [Page 8] and 2 Lieutenants killed, 5 Captains and 7 Lieutenants wounded. In the Gre­nadiers an Exept of the Guards wounded. In Vilpion's Regiment of Horse, 1 Captain killed, and a Cornet and Aid-Major wounded.

In Gredier's Regiment of Foot, 1 Cap­tain killed, and an Aid-Major, 2 Captains and a Lieutenant [...]unded, and divers of them afterwards dyed of their Wounds: And in this Action the French lost between 4 and 5000 Men, which put a Check to their Proceedings this Campaign.

After this Battel, Prince Waldeck remo­ved his Camp to Gerpins, and the Marshal d' Humieres retreated to Fornies; yet du­ring these Transactions, the Marquis de Boufflers who had with him 3500 Foot, and 30 Squadrons of Horse, took by As­sault the Little Town of Kockheim on the Moselle, and put most he found in it to the Sword.

Mentz bein [...] now besieged by the Im­perialists, the Counterscarn was taken the 6th. of September 1689. and thereupon Preparations being made for a general As­sault, the French Garrison in it wanting Powder, beat a Parley on the 8th. and Ho­stages were accordingly exchanged; on the 9th. the Capitulation was signed, in pur­suance whereof, the Place was the next day surrendered the Magazines being delivered up to such Persons as were appointed by the Duke of Lorain, to take an Account [Page 9] of them, and so the Garrison, which at the beginning of the Siege consisted of about 10000 of their best Men, marched out, viz. 4500 Foot, 400 Dragoons, and 280 Horse, besides 6 or 700 Foot that were in small Parties with the Baggage, laden on 250 Waggons and Mules, and conveyed to Landau a great number of them, viz. 1500 being sick and wounded, and the Country People were ordered to demolish the Trenches and Out-works made during the Siege.

This good Success was succeeded by the surrender of Bon, which had been a con­siderable time besieged by the Elector of Brandenburg; for having sent a Detachment to joyn the Confederate Army before Mentz, and his Electoral Highness hear­ing of the surrender of that Place, having re-manded them, he sent after 3 Salvo's of great and small Shot, a Trumpet, to the Baron d' Alsfelt Governour of Bon, to ac­quaint him with the Issue of the Siege of Mentz, and to require him to surrender the Place; whereupon he sent Answer in Writing, He was not unwilling to treat: and thereupon several Messages passed that Evening, and the Day following, between the Camp and Town; but the Governour's Demands were such, as his Electoral Highness would not consent to, and so the Cannon, which had ceased during the Par­ley, played again very furiously, making great Breaches in the Walls and Works, [Page 10] and the Trenches were opened against the Place; but at length [...]e Governour being hard pressed, and despa [...]ing of Relief, sur­rendered on the same Conditions that Mentz had don [...].

And now the Protestants in France, wea­ried by the continued Persecution, armed in Da [...] to [...] [...]umber of 2500, and forced th [...] P [...] through the French Territories, an [...] [...] a very sharp Skirmish with the Forces under the Marquis de Larre that opposed them, of whom 3 or 400 were killed, and the Marquis dangerously wounded: And so passing through Dau­phin, they passed the Mountains, and went into the Duke of Savoy's Country, who assigned them places to inhabit in the Val­ley of St. Martin, which Success encoura­ged a second Company to Assemble in the Neghbourhood of Lusane, to the Number of 2000, and passing the Lake in Boats, got safe to Evian, beating all the Troops that opposed them in the way, they being composed mostly of the Militia, and since having their Antient Liberties and Privileges restored them by the Duke, they have Encreased to great Numbers, and done signal Services against the French Forces that have intruded themselves into the Country of Savoy.

Two Regiments of Hussars being quar­tered near Sintzheim, a Detachment of 600 were sent towards Philipsburg, who posted themselves in a Wood, except 30, [Page 11] who advanced very near to the Place, and notwithstanding the Fire of their Cannon brought away the Cattle that were feeding there: the French Garrison thereupon sal­lied out, and being drawn by our Men as far as the Wood, were surrounded by the Hussars, who killed 300 of them, and took several Prisoners, among which was a Lieutenant-Colonel; and having on our side lost but 4 Men, the rest returned to their Quarters with 300 Head of great Cattle, and 500 Sheep.

The French still Ravaging the Palati­nate, according to their wonted Mischie­vous way, burnt, about the middle of Sep­tember, Frankendale, Newstadt, Lumbsheim, Petersheim, Wachenheim, Darmstein, and several other Places; as likewise a great many Villages in Honsdrudg: and so, as to any other memorable Actions, ended the Year's Campaign of 1689.

Early in the Spring for the Year 1690. great Preparations were made for the car­rying on the War with vigour and resolu­tion, so that the whole Army in all parts was computed at 222000 effectual Men, viz. the Emperour 20000. The Elector of Bavaria 18000. The Elector of Saxony 12000. The Lantgrave of Hess 8000. The Circle of Suabia and Franconia 10000. The Duke of Wirtemberg 6000. The Elector of Brandenburg 20000. The Prince of Liege 6000. The Bishop of Munster 7000. The Elector of Palatine 4000. The Princes of [Page 12] Lunnenburg 16000. The King of England 20000. The States G [...]neral 35000. The King of Spain in H [...]s 25000. The Duke of Savoy, and the Troops of Millaine 20000. And now the more to confirm Matters, and consult the State of the War, the King of England passed the Seas to be present a [...] [...]e Congress of the Confederate Princ [...] [...] Amba [...]dors at the Hague, and was rece [...] with all Triumphant Demon­strations of J [...]s and the Elector of Ba­varia being there, told the King at his Ar­rival, That he came thither to be disposed of by his Majesty, and therefore desired him to direct the Troops he is to command in such Stations and Methods as he should think most advantageous for the common Interest of Christendom, which he would prefer be [...]re all other Considerations what­soever: and dive [...] of the Princes and Am­bassadors had Audience of his Majesty, and the Entertainment in all points was so Royal and Splendid, that Holland never shined with so great a Lustre of Majesty since it was a Nation.

During this great and weighty Confe­rence, the French King took care to have his Army early in the Field; and though the Confederates were not wanting on their parts to draw out, and the King of Eng­land to give all the necessary Orders that possibly the Juncture of the time would allow, yet the French sat down before Mons, and although the Governour defended it [Page 13] with much Courage and Bravery of Re­solution, yet the French, with the loss of a Great Number of their best Men, opened their Trenches, and encroached upon it under the favour of their Cannon, which played incessantly. But whilst the King was advancing to relieve it, the Towns-men, incited thereto by two Abbots, supposed to be bribed by the French, Mutinied, and compelled the Governour, much against his Will, to surrender upon Honourable Terms, marching out with Arms, Drums beating, and Colours flying to Brussels, &c.

The Camps being now drawn near each other, on the 25th. of May, a Party of our Dragoons, of the Regiment of Valenzar, advanced very near the Enemy, and fell upon one of their Out-Guards, and cut them all off with the loss only of one Man on our side, and two or three wounded: the French had a design to have surprized by Treachery, Bruges and Newport, and some other Places, which caused their Ar­my to make Long and Hasty Marches to­wards Ghent; but their Correspondency was detected, and the Traytors seized, which frustrated their Design, so that they in as great hast marched back from Deynse to Courtray, which Place they begun to Fortifie.

The Duke of Savoy being Active in op­posing the French, and resolving to beat them out of his Territories, battered Car­magnole, where the Enemy had a conside­rable [Page 14] Garrison, and after 3 Hours playing the Cannon, th [...] B [...] [...] hung out a White Flag, and the Ca [...]lation was a­greed the same Evening, so that the next Day t [...] Garrison marched out to the Num­ber of 3000 Men, and 3 [...]ieces of Cannon, bein [...] [...] to [...] Agreement; found in the [...] of Corn, and 800 Loads of [...], with a considerable quan­tity of A [...] [...] our Men also burnt several Hundred Loads of Hay, the Enemy had laid up in a M [...]azine near Pignerol; and the Garrison of Montmelian made a Sally, and for [...]ed a Passage through the French that had blocked up that Plac [...] ta­king a great number of Cattle, and quan­tities of other Provisions; and Monsieur Cattinat [...] c [...]manded the French Ar­my in chief [...] in those parts, [...]camped from Saluces 3 Days before the Taking of Car­magnol, for f [...]r the Army of the Con­fede [...]tes should fall upon him, retiring into the Valley of Lucerne, to destroy the Goods and Effects of the poor Vaudois, and sent the Duke of Elbuff with a Detachment of 11 Companies of Grenadiers, and 4 of Carbiners, 2 Squadrons of Dragoons, and 3 Men out of every Company of his Army to Ravage the Valley of Angrogne; but they were attacked by 100 Vaudois, com­manded by Monsieur Mallet, who killed 500 of them, and took Colonel Pellot, and 3 other Officers, with the loss only of 8 Men, and 12 wounded.

Whilst these things passed, on the o­ther side the Mountains a Party of our Men fell on the French near Floreff, and cut off about 500 of them with little Loss on our side: The Account being in this manner, viz. Monsieur de Bateville having advanced to Floreff with 3500 Horse and Foot, he took the Little Fort the Spaniards held there to guard the Passage of the Sam­bre, but a Detachment of the Garrison of Namure coming presently after upon him, they charged and routed the French, kil­ling a great many Officers and Soldiers, besides those that in their hasty Flight were drowned in the River; so that the French finding their Arms had but bad Success, took to the old way of corrupting those that were Intrusted by the Allies, and amongst others they tampered with one Jacob Mar­tinet Schephen, of the Town of Sluys, and Cornelius Roelants; but the Correspondence was timely discovered, and those two Par­ties being detected, and tryed, were con­victed of holding Correspondence with the French, in order to Betray or Fire that Important Place, for which the first of them were Hanged and Quartered, the other Hanged only, on the 16th. of May 1690 and so this under-hand Contrivance was defeated.

The French, about the beginning of June, advancing near Mentz, to spoil and ra­vage the Country, a Party of Hussars in Garrison there, sallied out and unexpectedly [Page 16] falling upon them, killed about 1000, and took a great many Pri [...]s with much Booty: yet these were but small to what soon after happened; for Prince Waldeck having received Advice that the French, commanded by the Duke of Luxemburg, were [...] the S [...] at a place called Fromon [...] [...] the [...]9th. of June, from [...] and marched to Pieton, which R [...] his Horse p [...]ssed in the Night, and the Foot following, he the next day detached C [...]nt Berlo to observe the E­nemy, and ordered Count Flodorp to second him with another Body of Horse, Count Berlo charged several of the Enemies Squa­drons very vigorously, but they being Re-inforced, obliged him to Retire in some disorder, and the Enemy followed till they perceived some of our Foot, and then they Retreated to their main Body; so that the Dutch Army stood in Battalia all Night, and the next Morning the Prince was in­formed that the French had received a great Re-inforcement, which made them 40 Bat­talions and 80 Squadrons of Horse, besides Dragoons, in all about 40000 MEn, where­upon he resolved to march to some other advantagious Ground, as not having with him above 25000 Men; but the Enemy having marched all Night, and being ad­vanced beyond the Dutch Left Wing, gave him not time to put his Design in Execu­tion, so that the Battel began about Ten of the Clock in the Morning, and the [Page 17] Dutch Horse in the Left Wing gave way upon the first Charge, but the Foot fought for Six Hours with the greatest Bravery imaginable, several Battalions firing 3 Ranks deep on 3 sides at once; but after the Horse had left them open, the French took them in the Flank and Rear, how­ever they defended themselves gallantly, and the Spanish Horse in the Right Wing fought very bravely, routing 2 Lines of the Enemies Left Wing, and taking 10 Pieces of Cannon, which they were a long time Masters of; and had not the Horse of the Left Wing given way as they did, it is more than probable but the Day had been ours: however our Foot retired in good Order with the Horse of the Left Wing that had Rallied to Nivelle, being forced to abandon their Cannon, because those that attended the Carriages were run away with the Horses, but all the Bag­gage was saved, and by the great foresight of the Prince, the great Cannon for Bat­tery which was coming to the Army, was countermanded to Namure.

The Loss on our side was accounted 5000, but on the Enemies the Loss is held to be about 12000, and amongst them divers great Officers and Persons of Qua­lity: for the Foot and Horse of the Right Wing fought desperately, and made great Havock of them, and Prince Waldeck did all that a brave Experienced General could do: On our side of Note, the Counts [Page 18] de Stirum and Warf [...] were killed.

After the Battel, th [...] [...]ince retired with his Foot to Nivelle un [...]ued, and the Spa­nish Horse who had suffered much, marched to Ch [...]rleroy, so that the French only got the Name of the Victory, without the ad [...] [...] and [...] Arm [...] was soon re­cruite [...] [...] E [...] Reg [...]ments, and di­vers [...] Troops, &c.

As to [...]he P [...]rticulars of the Enemies loss in this Battel, we have the following Ac­count from Paris, viz.

The Count Gournay, Governour and General of Maubeuge: The Sieur de Metz, Lieutenant-General of the Artillery: The Marquis de Valarceaux, Marshal de Camp: The Marquis de Soicourt, Colonel of the Regiment of Vermondois: The Sieurs de Salarat, de Barilack de Jussar and de Ja­nury: The Chevalier de Soiecort, Colonel of the Dauphin's Gens d' Arms: The Mar­quis de Verderon [...]e▪ The Sieur de Lubespine, and the Sieur d [...]llefo [...]riere, with a great Number of In [...]riour Officers, killed: The Sieurs de Viaus and de Zimnies, both Mar­shals de Camp: The Sieur G [...]eder, Briga­dier: The Count Albert, Son to the Duke of Luynes: The Marquis de Lavarat: The Count d' Marchine: The Marquis d' Movoy The Count de la Solre: The Sieur de la Re­viere, with many others of No [...] wounded. They further own; That divers Regiments suffered extreamly in the Fight, especially the Royal Piemont Regiment, and those [Page 19] of Picardy, Normandy, Languedock, Cam­paigne and Vermondois. The Foot-Guards and Gens d' Arms, there remaining of the latter (who before the Battel, were 600) but 170, and of the Swiss Regiment of Stoupa, most of the Officers were killed.

The Count de Colonitz on the 21st. of July, marched [...]o the Night towards the Enemies Camp, and advancing as far as Nideralheim, met a Detachment of 500 French Horse, commanded by Monsieur de Bussiere, who covered their Foragers near Burschal, and having with him 600 Hussars, he charged them, and put them to the Rout, killing 200, and taking about 40 Prisoners, amongst which was a Lieu­tenant-Colonel, who soon after dyed of his Wounds received in the Fight, 2 Cap­tains, 11 Lieutenants, and 9 Cornets. On our side, only 3 were Killed 7 Wounded, and the Count received a slight Hurt in the Arm, and the Hussars took 100 Horses, with a great deal of other Booty from the Enemy, which they brought back as a Token of the signal Advantage they gain­ed over the Enemy.

The King of England being now in Ire­land, and having overthrown the Irish and French Army, under the Command of King James, &c. the News of his great Success soon reached the Ears of the Confederate Princes, which occasioned great Rejoycing in their several Camps with publick Feasting, the discharge of all the [Page 20] Cannons and Salvo's of small Shot, and the King's Health went [...]und, with firing of Cannon, sounding of Trumpets; and whilst the Elector of Brandenburg made a publick Entertainment in his Camp at Gen [...] [...]n this Occasion, a Trumpet came from the Duke, [...]o desire a Pass for some Horses that w [...] [...] at [...]d, the Duke in his Jou [...]ney ab [...] his private Affairs: His Electoral Highness ordered him to be cal­led in [...]t Dinne [...] time, and bid him at his return acquaint the Duke, that he found them Rejoycing for the great Victory the King of England had gained in Ireland: and suddenly after the Battel of Fleros 2000 French and Switzers deserted.

Whilst matters went thus, 2000 of the Enemies Horse advanced to Soignies, whence they sent out several Parties to observe our Camp between St. Peter Lewin and Hall, but one of them being met by a Party of our Men, was routed, divers of them killed, and a Captain and 22 Sol­diers made Prisoners.

On the Savoy-side the Duke being joyn­ed in a strict League with the Confede­rates, and joyned by divers of their Troops, marched towards the Enemy, not ex­pecting them so strong, and posted so well as he found them; yet on the 18th. of August his Army, and that commanded by Monsieur Catinat, came to a Battel near Staffarda, near Salusses, and after a Fight of several Hours, the Duke's Left Wing, which was [Page 21] very much gaul'd by the Enemies Cannon, that was very advantageously planted, fell into disorder, insomuch that he found it convenient to retire towards Carmagnole, which he did in very good Order, having lost about 1000 Men, and 6 Pieces of Can­non, though not without a great Slaugh­ter of the Enemy: But about the same time, the Vaudois and French Protestants defeated a considerable Body of French in the Valleys of Lucern, Killing about 1400 of them, and making themselves abso­lute Masters of the most Important Passes on that side: And thus ended the Memo­rable Actions of the Campaign for the Year 1690. on this side, &c.

In the Year 1691. the King having the Year before pretty well quelled the Irish, and settled Affairs in all the parts where his Arms were Victorious and appointed General Ginkle to command the Army, passed the Seas early in the Spring, to give necessary Orders for the Management of the War in Flanders, and taking a Review of the Army, he found it to consist of between 45 and 50000 Effectual Men, and soon after performed the Ceremony of pre­senting the noble Order of the Garter to the Duke of Zell, in his Closet, assisted by the Dukes of Norfolk and Ormond, and the Earl of Devonshire; and so returned for England, where he was received with great Demonstrations of Joy, and having ordered Affairs here, returned to the Army, [Page 22] which he found in a very good Condition to oppose the Enemy.

The French having a pa [...]ticular Spite a­gainst the Protestants in Savoy, the Mar­quis de F [...]quieres understanding that the Vau [...] fortified themselves at Lucerne, and fr [...] [...] [...]e Invaded the French Quarters, march [...] [...]om [...]rol on the 18th. of April, [...]bout [...] Nig [...], with about 1200 F [...]t, [...] Horse and Dragoons, and Cha [...]ing th [...] by break of Day, made th [...] [...]at, and made his Soldiers burn up their Provision, and began to fi [...] the Town; at what time they rallied to the Number of 2000, and being En [...]aged by the Spoil the Enemy had made of their Substance, and Cruelties they had commit­ted upon [...] Wive [...] [...]nd Children, came down from the Hill [...], and attacked the Marqu [...] with [...]hat vigour, as to force his Troop to give way, and retire in great Confusion to P [...]gnerol, to the Gates of which they pur [...]ued them, Killing a great Number of them, and Burning several Villages near the T [...]wn, insomuch that not above three parts in four that came against them, escaped, being killed or woun­ded: by this Action they made themselves Masters of Lucerne, and other Places adja­cent.

The Marquis de Boufflers on the 5th. of June, with between 18 and 20000 Men, sat down before Liege, and began to at­tack the Convent of the Carthusians on the [Page 23] other side the River, about a Musquet shot from the Town, which the Garrison de­fended very well; and the Enemy raising their Batteries, fired their Cannon against it, whereupon the Garrison that was in it, retired unto the Town, and the Enemy demanded 2600000 Livres Contribution; and upon refusal thereof, began to Bom­bard the Town, and set some Houses on Fire, but on the approach of the Confe­derate Troops, burnt his Camp, and re­tired in great disorder, and the Loss of 2 Regiments, who fell in with the Bran­denburghers as they were coming to recruit his Army; and soon after the French made a Bravado before Mentz, but having su­stained some Loss from the Cannon of the Town, soon retired again, and 40 of the Enemies Horse being met by 50 Branden­burghers, 16 of them were Killed, and 3 or 4 Wounded. And now as Providence or­dered it, a dangerous Conspiracy was dis­covered at Bruges, which was carry'd on by one of the Burghers and his Accom­plices, to betray that Town to the Enemy; but the Conspirators were timely seized, and their Purposes frustrated.

The Marquis de Feuquieres, laying Siege to Coni in Piemont, on the 15th. of June, the Count de Bernex and the Count de Voguere, threw themselves into the Place with a Re-inforcement of 1500 Men in the fight of the Enemy; so that upon noti Feuquieres received that Prince Eugenius [Page 24] Savoy was coming with 3000 Horse and 1000 Feusiliers to Succour it, he raised the Siege, and retired with such hast, that he was forced to leave behind him 300 Sick and Wounded Men, 500 Sacks of Corn, 30000 Rations of Bread, and lost in the Siege abo [...] [...] Men, besides several Pieces of C [...]non [...] him [...] was carry'd wounded to [...]nerol.

[...]he F [...]nch [...] [...]ing about Montme­lian, taking the advantage of a Holy-day [...] wh [...] th [...] [...]eople were in Procession, made some Attempt upon the Place, bu [...] the Governour s [...]ding out a Detachment, they fell upon the French with such vigour, that about 500 of them were Killed, with the Loss only of [...]o of the Garrison, which made them quite abandon the place, which for a considerable time they had blocked up. [...]d Lieutenant-Colonel Deve [...] French Officer, though in the Branden­burgh Service, hav [...]g notice that a Party of 400 French Horse [...]ay in a Village near Aix la Chapell, h [...] marched thither secretly with 200 Horse, and surprized them, killed 90, took 80 Prisoners, and 60 Horses, with little loss on his own part; and the Duke of Saxony passing the Rhine with upwards of 20000 Men, beat the French, and the Parties posted there to hinder his Passage, and caused the Marshal de Lorge, who com­manded the main Army in those Parts, to [...]re before him in great Confusion, so [...] divers Places of Note fell into his [Page 25] Hands, and some Parties of Hussars being abroad, within the space of eight days, kil­led and took 500 of the Enemy: And de Lorge in his hasty Retreat, abandoned New­stadt, and retired to Landau, and for his better Security, encamped behind the Ri­ver Quiek.

The King, by divers Marches and Encamp­ments, endeavouring to draw the French to a Battel, possessed himself of Beaumont, in sight of their main Camp, commanded by the Duke of Luxemburg, and percei­ving for all that, they would not stir, only moving a little to alter the front of their Camp; the King caused the Walls to be undermined, that so when he saw cause to move his Camp from it, the Works might be demolished as a place not tenable a­gainst so great an Army as the Enemy had near it; and on the 23d. of August the King gave Orders for demolishing the Walls, and several Squadrons of Horse and Battalions of Foot, were posted between our Army and the Town, to secure the Re­treat of the Garrison; and about two Hours after, his Majesty marched with the whole Army towards that Place, to sup­port our Men, in case the Enemy, who lay on the other side of the Town, should offer to give them any disturbance; and then the Mines were sprung, and the For­rage in the Town burnt, and the Garrison was withdrawn in the view of the Enemy, who chose rather to suffer the Affront of [Page 26] having one of their Garrisons demolished in the Face of their whole Army, than to stir out of their Camp, or make the least motion to hinder us, least it might engage them in a Fight.

The French making a fresh Attempt upon Montmelian, took the Town with the loss of 400 Men; but were obliged to [...]uit it again, as being beat out with the Cannon of the Castle, of which they in vain laboured to make themselves Masters, and only contented themselves with block­ing it up, which lasted not long neither, before it was entirely relieved, upon the ap­proach of the Confederate Troops; yet another Party upon the side of the Rhine, made themselves Masters with some diffi­culty of Pfortzheim, and made the 200 Men they found in Garrison, Prisoners of War, but upon the approach of the E­lector of Saxony, they abandoned it again, and so it fell into our Hands. And now the French were the more disheartened, because they received notice that their dear Ally the Turk, was utterly routed in Hun­gary, by Prince Lewis of Baden, and briefly in this manner, viz.

The Prince being within fight of the Grand Visir's Camp, the greatest part of the Enemies Horse came out to attack the Right Wing of the Imperialists, which they put into disorder, and defeated an Imperial Battalion, who were all cut off with their Officers, on the place where they were [Page 27] posted: the Turks after this, endeavou­red to fall upon the Foot of our first Line in their Rear, but were prevented and re­pulsed, so that in the beginning the success of the Battel was very doubtful: But the Prince recovered this disadvantage by his gallant and prudent Conduct, in causing the Second Line of the Right Wing to advance, and ordering the Left to attack the Enemies Camp at the same time, which they had very well fortified; and this had such Success, that the Enemy was entirely routed, losing 10 Pieces of Cannon, with all their Baggage and Ammunition, and between 20 and 23000 of them killed up­on the Place, and in the pursuit; and the Germans lost 3 or 4000 in the Fight, of which number were several Officers of Note.

The French upon these bad Successes, betook themselves to Stratagems but as successless; for divers Persons brib'd their Commander to blow up our Bombs and Ammunition-Waggons, by privately put­ting lighted Matches among the Bombs and Barrels of Powder, it was so timely prevented, that only 2 or 3 of the Bombs went off, and a Person suspected being charged with the Treachery, confessed, that he had just before been in the French Camp, and was hired to do it by the Duke of Luxemburg, and thereupon was sen­tenced to have his Right hand cut off, then half Strangled, and so to be Burnt; [Page 28] and the Sentence was accordingly put in Execution.

And now again, as at all other times, Providence had a signal Hand in the pre­servation of his Majesty's precious Life; for as he stood under a Tree to view the Ene­mies Camp, and they believing by his At­tendance, it could be no other than the King, levelled a piece of Cannon, so that he had not step'd from that Place above a Minute, before a Bullet came and split the Tree in that place he had stood against under it.

About the beginning of August the French surprized the little Town of Gers­back, in which was 300 Men. But Colo­nel Palfi, who was abroad with 500 Hus­sars, routed divers of their stragling Par­ties, killed some, and took a great many Prisoners, recovering a considerable Booty which they had got in ravaging the Coun­try.

On the 17th. of September, our Army in Flanders marched from Irkonwell, near Aeth, to Leuze, and decamping again on the 20th. marched to Cambron. The Duke of Luxemburg, who was re-inforced with 4000 Horse, commanded by the Marquis de Villars, having notice of that, parted from his Camp with 4 Squadrons of Horse and Dragoons, among which were the Troops of the Houshold, to fall upon our Rear. There happened to be a great Fog that Morning, which was the reason his [Page 29] March was not discovered; about Noon our Army had passed the River and Defile, near Catoize, except some Squadrons and Battalions who had the Rear-Guard. They were charged by the Enemy, and some of our Squadrons were at first put into dis­order, but being supported by the Foot, who had lined the Hedges, and planted 3 small Field Pieces, which did very good Service; they maintained their Post till they were re-inforced by some of the Troops that had already passed the Defile, and af­ter a sharp Dispute, repulsed the Enemy, who retired in Confusion; our Army stood in Battalia till 4 in the Afternoon, when Prince Waldeck caused the Rear-Guard to pass the Defile, and that Evening encam­ped, at Cambron, as the Enemy did in the Plain of Roucourt: so that in this Action our Loss was accounted 500, and the Ene­mies far greater; some Prisoners were ta­ken on both sides, and amongst those of the French, a Major du Corps: we lost 6 or 7 Standards, and took 5 of the Enemies, which belonged to the 2 Troops of the Guard du Corps, of which, the Marshal de Lorge and the Duke de Nouailles were Cap­tains. On our side, the young Prince of Anhalt, Cornet in the Guards of Frizeland, Count Benthem, and the Sieur Riperda, Captains of Horse, and Major Felix, were killed: the Count de Lippe, Count Tilly, and Colonel Diedom, were woun­ded; as also several Officers of lesser note. [Page 30] Of the French, the Count de Maulevrier, Lieutenant-General and Governour of Tournay: The Count de Montbrun, Lieute­nant-General and Governour of Cambray: The Count de Torges, who commanded one of the Troops of the Guards, and the Count d' Mortagon, Guidon of the Gens d' Arms, were killed: The Sieur de Pommervil, Governour of Dorcay, and the Sieur de la Rabeliere, dangerously wounded; besides divers other Officers, whose Names were wanting in the Account.

The King of England was not in this Action, but ordering the Army to their Winter-Quarters in a good condition, was on his way in order to re-pass the Seas.

The Elector of Saxony, by the progress of his Arms, brought a Terror on the French in so suddainly passing the Rhine, and other great Enterprizes. Their Fears began to lessen, upon notice of his Death, who dyed the 22d. of September, after some Sickness, at Tubingen in the 44th. Year of his Age. The New Elector his Son, immediately thereupon writ to the States-General to acquaint them with it, and to assure them of his Resolution, not only to Cultivate and Improve on his part the Ancient Friendship between his Pre­decessors and this State, but likewise to contribute all that depends on him for the advancement of the Interest of the Confe­derates, and the Common Cause of Chri­stendom; ordering at the same time his Men [Page 31] to quarter near the Rhine, to be the earlier in the Field the ensuing Campaign.

And so ended this Campaign 1691: as to Memorable Transactions, (for in Winter there passes little matter of Action, un­less the bickering of Parties from near Gar­risons under different Commands) but early in the Spring the Armies were ready, and divers French Parties advancing too far, were met with, and cut off, and the rest, by reason of the Scarcity that appeared, suffered very much, a Found of Bread be­ing sometimes sold at 5 So [...]s, and their Pay falling short, a great many, as well Natives as Strangers, under Pay in their Army, deserted, and the Forces of the Confederate Princes being quartered nearer than usual, their Early Attempts which stand them usually in most stead, were frustrated.

About the beginning of April, a Party of Germans being abroad, met a French Party near Worms, which they defeated, taking 20 Horses, and divers Prisoners.

And now it will not be amiss to give a Taste of the French Kindness to the English that are in France with King James. [...]t so happened that an English Gentleman be­longing to the late King's Family, yet be­ing a Protestant, dyed at St. Germains a­bout the beginning of May, and before his Death ordering his Servant to bury him in a Field; he accordingly performed it: but the Magistrates having notice of it▪ [Page 32] caused the dead Body to be digged up, and afterward dragged on a Sledge in a most barbarous manner, and then exposed to the Fury of the Rabble, who tore it in pieces, and cast the dismembered Body on a Dunghil.

There being a Treaty on foot between the Emperor and the Duke of Hanouer, it was about this time concluded; in pursu­ance of which, the House of Lunenburg was to send 6000 Men into Hungary, to War against the Turks, and 8000 to act against the French and the Irish, that came into France after the Treaty of Limerick suffe­ring greatly for want of Cloaths and Provi­sions: upon Complaint to the Grand Pro­vost of Argentan in Normandy, he caused several of them to be Hanged for Mutineers; which so enraged Teague to see his Expe­ctations frustrated, that a whole Company fell upon the Provost, and killed divers of his Men, himself hardly escaping by Flight.

On the 19th. of May this Year, Admi­ral Russell gained a Signal Victory over the French Fleet at Sea, and destroyed in the Fight, and upon their own Coast, about 26 Sail of their Capital Ships, and amongst others, the Rising Sun, of 104 Guns; and none of Note killed on our side but Rear-Admiral Carter, and Colonel Hastings, which Blow greatly discouraged the Ene­my, and so weakened them, that they have not been able to hold up their Heads at [Page 33] Sea to any purpose for several Years. And now the French, otherways despairing of Success, began again under-hand Treache­rous Conspiracies against the Life of the King of England, which was carryed on at the Instance of the Marquis de Barbiseux, the French King's Secretary of State, by the Sieur de Grandvall, a Captain of Dragoons in the King's Service, and one Dumont a Walloon, &c. who watched all Advantages a considerable time, to Kill his Majesty, as he should ride out to view his Troops; but God in his Mercy prevented the wicked Design, and the guilt of some of the Con­spirators caused them to reveal it; where­upon Grandval being seized, and tryed by a Court-Marshal, confessed how he was hired to do it, and for his Reward was justly Executed in the Camp.

The French Landing 2000 Men before Ongelia, flung in about 200 Bombs, upon which the Inhabitants quitted it, and the Enemy plundered and set Fire to the Town: but the Inhabitants and Mi­litia who had retired towards the Moun­tains, soon after returned, and fell upon the French with that Fury, that caused them to Embark in much disorder, leaving 200 Dead behind them.

In the beginning of June, the French having besieged Namurr, opened their Trenches, and attacked the advanced Works towards the Sambre, against which they raised 2 Batteries, one of 9, and the [Page 34] other of 15 Pieces of Cannon: they also raised a Battery against the Castle, and another against St. Nicholas-Gate, where they attacked the Iron-Gate; but the Be­sieged made a great Fire, as well from the Town as the Castle, and one of their Shot set fire to the Enemies Magazine of Powder, which occasioned a great Consternation among them, and killed and wounded di­vers Men; yet they attacked a Redoubt from the Iron-Gate, but were several times beaten off before they could make them­selves Masters of it; which they scarce were, but the Mines took fire, and blew up the Work, and the French in it, that were entered: But whilst the King of England was hastening to Relieve it, or Fight the Duke of Luxemburg's Army, that covered at some distance the Besiegers, the Town Capitulated, and surrendered; but the Castle and New Fort held out a great while longer, so that the Enemy lost above 5000 Men in this Siege; yet to Recom­pence this Loss, the Imperialists much about the same time, took Great Warra­din in Hungary, suffering the Garrison to march out with Bag and Baggage, but no Cannon; and the French Soldiers daily de­serted in great Numbers, and came over to us, and a Party of Hussars, 2 Troops, and 100 Dragoons fell upon the Enemies Out-Guards, and killed 50 of them; but advancing farther, they were surrounded by a Body of the Enemies Horse, through [Page 35] whom they fought their way back, and returned to the Camp with the loss of 9 Men, and 7 wounded, yet brought off with them divers Prisoners: and the Ma­ster de Camp de Bay, with a small Party of Horse and Dragoons, beat a French Con­voy that was going to their Camp, destroy­ing about 200 Waggons, taking 200 Horses, and 130 Head of Cattle, killing 50 of their Men, and taking 60 Prisoners: And the Count de Vehlen marching from the Camp near Zulphick with 100 Horse, defeated a French Party, who had Burnt two Villages near Linnich, of whom they killed about 60, and took 30 Prisoners, with the Of­ficer that commanded them.

These being the Forerunners of greater Actions, for the King having often urged the Enemy to come to a Battel, and finding it declined by strong Encampments, and of­ten Removals, at length attacked them in their Camp at Enghein, though the Passage to it was extream difficult; which being performed mostly by the English and Danes, was carried on with that Bravery and Courage, that the French were pur­sued and beaten from one Post to another, and were just at the point of gaining an Entrance into their Camp, had the advanced Parties been timely succoured; but for want of it, and the Enemy not only bending their Cannon directly on them, and charg­ing them on all sides through the Hedges, they were constrained to retreat with the [Page 36] Loss of many Soldiers, and some brave Commanders: but the Enemy had little cause to boast, their whole Army narrow­ly escaping an entire Defeat, their number of Men and Officers of note killed, far ex­ceeding ours. In this Fight the Duke of Chartres was wounded in the Neck, the Prince de Turenne, the Marquis de Belfonds, the Marquis de Tiladet, Lieutenant Gene­ral, the Brigadier Stoupa, the Chevalier de Estrades, Colonel Paulier of the Swissers, the Marquis de Fimarcon, were Killed: The Chevalier de Merci, the Marquis d' Alle­gree, the Count de Florentine, the Marquis de Blanville, and the Marquis of Thiange, dangerously Wounded; divers of them soon after dying of their Wounds: in the French Regiment, called the King's Regi­ment, about 40 Officers were killed and wounded. Of the Regiment of Stoupa 600 Men were killed: and of this and Pau­lier's Regiment there remained but 4 Cap­tains alive; and besides these, 10 or 12 of the Old Regiments suffered extreamly: And the French themselves acknowledg'd they lost 500 Officers, and 5000 private Soldiers. At the same time the Duke of Savoy marching Victorious into Dauphin, greatly alarum'd the French Court, for he took Ambrun, and Gulestro, with divers other Places, and Garrisoned them, and had, no doubt, made a great Progress, had he not unhappily fallen sick of the Small-Pox, which obliged him to draw off his Army, and return to Turin.

The Count Guiscard sending out fre­quent Parties from Namurr to fetch Pali­sadoes from the Neighbourhood of Seleyn, Count Serclas de Tilly commanding the Troops of Liege, detached 300 Foot and 200 Dragoons; and though contrary to his Expectation, he found the Enemy 1000 strong, commanded by the Prince d' Enrichment, who had under him the Marquis de Hoquincourt, Colonel and Go­vernour of Peronne, and the Marquis d' Ecos; our Men fell on with great vigour, and routed the Enemy, and brought to Huy▪ 400 Prisoners, and 30 Officers: The Marquis de Hoquincourt, with a great ma­ny others, were killed on the Place, viz. 356 Serjeants and Soldiers, beside Great Officers; and many attempting a hasty Escape, were drowned in the River.

The Duke of Leinster on the 1st. of Sep­tember arriving at Ostend with the Eng­lish Forces under his Command, they all Landed the next Day, and Encamped at Martekerke, about 4 Miles from that Town, and soon after being joyned by a Detach­ment from the King's Camp, under the Command of Lieutenant-General Talmash, they marched towards Newport, and 4 Regiments were sent to possess themselves of Furnes, which accordingly succeeded, and 2000 Pioneers were ordered to fortifie it; and soon after Dyxmude fell into our Hands, with the Villages, and other adja­cent Places; which brought such a Fear [Page 38] upon Dunkirk, that they kept close within the Munitions, not daring to stir out to hinder us: and so having Garrisoned those Places, and not finding it practicable to besiege Dunkirk with so small an Army, the Fleet returned again to England.

About the beginning of September, E­benburg was besieged by the Imperialists, and on the 20th. of that Month, the Castle of Stauffen surrendered to them upon discretion, and 70 French in Garrison were made Prisoners of War, and the same day the Germans put a Garrison into New Leiningen, which put the French upon their old Stra­tagem to draw them off; for the Marquis de Boufflers having repass'd the Meuse at Namure, with 6000 Horse, and being re­inforced with several Detachments from Dinant, Namure and Maubege, marched to Hainault and St. Trone, and detaching 50 Horse and 50 Foot, who burnt the Little Town of Bilsem, and sending out about the same time several other Parties, they Burnt divers other Towns thereabout; but upon the approach of our Troops, retired with great precipitation, insomuch that they quit­ted a considerable part of their Booty; the Margrave of Bareith, the Landtgrave of Hessecassel, and the Duke of Wirtemburg, Count Stirum, and General Thungen, ad­vancing to take their Quarters about New­stadt, the French Garrison consisting of 2 or 300 Men, retired upon their approach, and left them Masters of it, without a blow; and [Page 39] about 6000 Peasants were summoned there­upon, to help the re-fortifying the Town of Manheim.

About this time the Troops of Newburg and Cologne lying near Malmedy, sent out a Detachment of 1800 Foot and 2000 Horse, making 12 Squadrons and 3 Bat­talions, with 6 Pieces of Cannon, under the Command of Major-General Weix, and the Count de Velen, to attack the Marquis d' Harcourt, who was with 5 Battalions and 24 Squadrons near Aldoff; and our Horse being come within sight of the Enemy, immediately attacked them without stay­ing for the Foot, and at first forced them to give way; but the French making use of their Cannon, it put our Horse into some disorder, and obliged them to retire, whereupon the Count Velin with 2 Cap­tains, were taken Prisoners, and we lost about 150 Men, though the Enemy was hotly charged, and a great many of them fell in the Battel, not without the loss of some of their Chief Commanders.

In this Month happened, viz. on the 8th. Old Stile, A strange and unusual Earthquake, which at one and the same time was felt in England, Flanders, Hol­land, Ireland, France, and many other Places, it lasting about a Minute, and was very sensibly felt in our Camp at Grammen in Flanders; the King of England was then at Dinner in an old decayed House, which shaking very much, and every one appre­hending [Page 40] it would fall, his Majesty was pre­vailed with to rise from the Table and go out of that ruinous and threatning Fabrick: but the surprize was soon over, and no harm happened. Soon after, his Ma­jesty having given all necessary Orders for the Army at the convenient time to go into Quarters, returned to England by the way of Holland, where he was received with great Joy and Acclamation, and with his happy Return, we conclude the Memo­rable Transactions of this Campaign of 1692.

Anno 1693. Early Preparations were made on both sides, to take the Field, and the King to forward Affairs, as much as possible, on the 30th. of March left White-Hall, and went to Gravesend, where he Embarked, and set Sail about 5 in the Afternoon, with a fair Wind for Holland, being attended by several Yatch [...] and a Squadron of Men of War, under the Com­mand of Rear-Admiral Mitchel, where he safely arrived, and was received with great Joy; and the Elector of Bavaria being ap­pointed Governour of Flanders, sent the Duke of Arco to Complement his Majesty upon his safe arrival in Holland.

And to begin this Campaign, 100 Neu­burghers having notice that 80 French were in a Village, called Malterne, they march­ed thither, and obliged them to yield themselves Prisoners of War; and the Camp for the general Rendezvous of the [Page 41] Army was marked out, and Works cast about it, near the City of Brussels. The Enemy likewise drew out from their Win­ter Quarters; the French King having created a great many new Officers, and divers Mar­shals of France, amongst whom is Mon­sieur Tourville, who was beaten the last Year at Sea by the English and Dutch; which so disgusted several of the Grandees, that they threw up their Commissions of Lieu­tenant-Generals, and retired to their re­spective Habitations.

The Vaudois being in Arms in the Val­leys, set upon 200 French, who came to cut Wood for the use of the Town of Pig­nerol, and getting between them and home, fell on with such Fury, that they killed 100, and took 16 Prisoners, with an Officer, with the loss only of 2 Men, and pursu­ing this Success, they fell in with a Con­voy going to that Place, laden with Corn and Meal, and took it almost within Can­non-shot of the Town; the Enemy, tho' mainly disappointed thereby, not daring to attempt the Relief of it, and the French watching for our Merchants passing the Streights, one of their Men of War, com­manded by Captain Doudon, carrying 44 Guns, and 250 Men, set upon the Berkley Castle, commanded by Captain Barret, at Sun-rising, and continued the Fight till Night; at what time the French-man find­ing he had catched a Tartar, his Fore-mast and Main-Top-mast being shot down, and his [Page 42] Stern tore to pieces, bore away, having 52 Men killed, 35 wounded, and 15 Prisoners ta­ken in attempting to board the English Ship.

The French this Year having an Army in the Palatinate, Ravaged and Burnt di­vers Places, as Frankendale, Spires, and the famous Town of Heidleburg, blowing up the Castle; for the cowardly Surrender of which, the Governour upon his arrival at Prince Lewis of Baden's Camp, was put under Arrest, it appearing that he caused the several Posts to be quitted, before the Enemy had gained one foot of Ground, in­somuch that finding the Klingersconce and the Walls deserted, they forced one of the Gates, and entered the Town with little or no opposition; and having destroyed the Place, they deserted it, and retired towards Philipsburg.

And now the Enemy finding the Spanish Forces strong in Flanders, laboured to di­vert them, by making War in Catalonia, where the Duke de Nouailles, with much difficulty, took the little Town of Roses, and laid Siege to Huy in Flanders, which they, after a stout Resistance, had sur­rendered to them. But in the mean while the Duke of Wirtemburg with a great De­tachment of Horse and Foot, forced the Enemies Lines, and entered French Flan­ders, where he put the Country under Contribution, and raised a Million of Livres, taking divers small Places, and very much Booty.

But whilst these things happened, our Straights and Turkey Fleet fell in with the French main Fleet, who were upon the Watch for them, near Lagos-Bay; yet whilst some of the Men of War, who con­voyed them, disputed it, most of the Mer­chant Ships got into Harbour; and the Men of War finding themselves unable to cope with so great a Number of Ships, made an advantagious Retreat, after ha­ving seen most of the Merchant-Men safe in their Harbour.

But to return to Land again, we there find the two Armies in Flanders within a few Hours march of each other, so that many Skirmishes happened between the Out-parties: after which, the Duke of Lux­emburg marched with 50 Squadrons of Horse, and 10 Battalions of Foot, as like­wise some Field-Pieces, to Tongres, in or­der to fall upon part of the Garrisons of Liege and Mastritcht, being 18 Squadrons, and some Foot, who lay near the Place, under the Command of Count Tilley, but he having notice of it, retired over the Sare, leaving only 3 Squadron [...] to secure his Retreat: the French sent against them the like Number, but they beat them back, yet fresh Troops being sent, our Men re­treated. These were the Forerunners of greater Actions, and were succeeded by the Battel of Landen, which was in this manner.

On the 18th. of the last Month, New [Page 44] Style, the King being at His Camp at Park, understood that the Enemy was marching towards the Meuse, whereupon His Maje­sty march'd the 21st. to Tirlemont, where receiving News that the Enemy had at­tack'd Huy, we continued our march as far as Hopertingue, between St. Tron and Ton­gres, with a design to succour the Place. There His Majesty being informed of the Surrender of Huy, detached the same day 10 Battalions to strengthen the Garrison of Liege, and so returned the next day to Neer Hespen, where the Army halted, that it might not be too far from the Enemy before their Design was known, to which end, several Parties were sent out towards their Camp, which stretch'd it self almost from the River Jocker to the Meuse. On the 28th. the Parties brought Word, that they could not come so near the French Camp as usual, because they found a great Body of Horse upon the High Grounds near the Mill of Warrem, which hindered them from making any discovery beyond the Jocker: some Hours after the King was acquainted that the Enemy appeared from the high Grounds of St. Gertruyden-Landen, at half an hours distance from the Camp, His Majes [...]y sending out Parties, soon discovered that it was the Van-Guard of their Army that had marched before day without beat of Drum. His Majesty not doubting but they intended to attack our Army, resolved to fight them; to which [Page 45] end, having ordered the Foot to their Arms, and the Troopers to mount, made that Evening the Disposition of his Army, having plac'd the Right Wing towards the Village of Elixem, and the Castle of Loany upon the River of Gheete. The Left of the Right Wing extended it self to the Vil­lage of Neerwinden, being covered by a little Rivolet, some Hedges and Hollow-ways. The Brigade of Ramsey consisting of 5 Battalions was plac'd before the Right Wing near Larre. The Brandenburg Foot over against Larre, and that of Hanouer over against Winden. His Majesty finding the Ground very much open from Winden, to Neerlanden, caused a Retrenchment to be made in the Night between those places, behind which His Majesty placed the rest of the Foot, and some Battalions in the Village of Neerlanden. The Left Wing began towards the Village of Dormal, co­vered by the Rivulet of Landen, as far as Neerlanden, where it made an Elbow that returned behind the Foot, which was upon the Retrenchments the better to second it.

Our Army remain'd all Night in this Disposition. At the break of Day we saw the Enemy drawn up in two Lines upon the high Grounds of St. Gertruyden-Landen, and another Body that advanced towards our Retrenchment on the side of Winden. At Sun-rising the Enemy was advanced so near to us, that we play'd our Cannon [Page 46] upon them; for about two Hours they made no motion. About six a Clock those that remained on the High Grounds, came down in several Lines, and when they were within reach of our Cannon, they left the middle of the Plain, and caused their In­fantry to File off to our Right, towards the Village of Winden and Larre, and on our Left towards the Village of Neerlanden, being sustain'd by their Horse, which marched on both sides of the Plain, and caus'd a Bo [...] to pass on the other side of the Rivulet of Landen, to make us believe they intended to fall upon our Left Wing, while they should make their greatest Ef­fort upon our Left, which they attack'd about seven Hours after.

The Fight lasted on that side for some Hours with doubtful success; the Enemy advanced, and were repulsed several times, and even some Squadrons got over the little Rivulet below the Village of Larre, and came into our Camp, most of which were either killed or taken. In the mean while, the Elector of Bavaria behaving himself with the greatest Vigour, and giving Or­ders to all the Right Wing, made them charge so advantagiously, that he made the Enemy give way, and drove them back into the Plain. The Brigade of Ramsey, that had been forced to give Ground, re­gain'd their Posts. The Electoral Prince of Hanouer brought up his Infantry again into their Posts, as did the Prince of Bran­denburgh [Page 47] his own Foot. The French ne­vertheless remained in some part of the Village at Winden; but finding that they could not force our Right Wing, attack'd the Village of Neerlanden on our Left, where having been beaten back after a very great Fight, they renewed their At­tack with fresh Troops, which obliged the King to come from the Right to give the necessary Orders at the Left, where the Fight was renewed again very warmly with small Shot, which continued about an Hour, when we became Masters of the Village, having driven the Enemy quite out of it, which made them with­draw all their Troops from the Attack, where they had succeeded so ill, carrying them to their Left and our Right, where had been always some small Firing; and though the Enemy had been beaten at the Left, they had nevertheless kept a part of the Village of Winden, and made them­selves Masters of the Hedges of the rising Ground, which laid the Flank of our Re­trenchment open to them. The King, who was in every place where his Presence could be any ways useful; after having se­cured every thing on the Left, returned immediately to the Village of Winden, and brought up twice to our Retrenchments the English and Scotch Foot, where they behaved themselves as they had done every where else, with great Resolution and Cou­rage. The Elector of Bavaria did dispose [Page 48] two Battalions, so as to take the Enemy in the Left Flank, whilst three others at­tack'd them in the Front; but before this could be put in Execution, the Enemy ha­ving been strengthened with such of their Forces as they had drawn from the Right, became Masters of the Passage into the Village, and made an Overture through which their Horse began to pass with the help of their Foot that lay in the Hedges. Their Horse that passed first, were beaten back, but our Foot at the Retrenchment not being able to suffer their Fire any longer in Flank, was obliged to retire, and our Cannon on that side abating its Fire, the Enemies Horse crouded through the Passage, and began to extend themselves towards their Left all along the Hedges, which were possessed by their Foot. Most part of this Cavalry consisted of the French King's Houshold.

As soon as they had formed some Squa­drons, they attack'd the Troops of Hanouer and Brandenburgh, which were on the Left of the Right Wing, and took the advan­tage of the Motion of part of those Troops which they forced to retire, and at the same time went to their Left, and did the like to the Spanish Troops which were on the Right of the Hanouer Horse. His Ma­jesty, to remedy this Disorder, caused part of the Left Wing to advance, but being far off the Enemy, did not give them time to form themselves, but having attack'd the [Page 49] Dutch Horse on the Left, partly in Flank, forced them to retire before the English had got into a Line, who were obliged to attack the Enemy as they found them­selves, which some did with Success, ha­ving beaten what came before them; but the Right Wing having been forced to pass the River, the English Troops were quite encompassed. The King finding the Enemy over-powered us, sent Orders to the Generals of the Foot, and to those of the Left Wing, to retire to Leuwe, a Fort near the Camp. The King's Dragoons and Grenadiers that lined the Rivulet of Lan­den, made their Retreat by the River through the Village of Dormal, and the Foot and part of Cavalry of the Left Wing by Orsmel. The Enemy, whose Horse was drawn up in two Lines upon the ri­sing Ground, adventuring to attack them in their Retreat. The King having given all necessary Orders every where for the Retreat, and finding himself encompassed on all sides, thought fit to go over the Ri­ver, and with great difficulty passed the Bridge that had been made at the Village of Neerhespen, where His Majesty met some of His Guards and Light Horse of the Right Wing, and the remainder of the Brigade of Ramsey: and near Tirlemont came up with those Troops of the Right Wing that had been Rallied by the Elector of Bavaria.

In this great and long continued Battel, the Enemy lost about 13000 Men, most of them not only their best Soldiers, but Officers, and many of them Persons of great Quality; the Duke of Berwick was taken Prisoner by our Forces; and the Duke of Ormond, after all the Resistance, a brave and valiant Spirit was capable of, fell into the Hands of the Enemy, grievously wounded, but soon after the exchange was made, and both Parties set at Liberty.

Upon the King's Retreat, the Duke of Wirtemberg, with the Forces under his Command, whose absence gave the French the boldness to attack our Camp, was immediately sent for, and the Loss we at first supposed we had sustained, was much less than we thought, by the daily coming in of the Troops that retreated by several ways, so that 7 or 8000 Men were the most accounted to be lost on our side: and this great Battel in a manner ended the Campaign in Flanders; but on the Savoy side a great Fight happened between that Duke and Monsieur Catinat, wherein many brave Men were killed on either side, espe­cially of the French Nobility, and on our side the valiant Duke of Schomberg fighting couragiously at the Head of his Battalion in the hottest of the Battel; and although the French kept the Field, they had only the Name of Victory bought at a very dear rate: And the French repassing the Mountains somewhat late in the Season, [Page 51] many Thousands of them perished in the Snow, besides a great deal of their Bag­gage. And thus we conclude this Cam­paign of 1693. as to the memorable Trans­actions that happened, for all the Ene­mies proposed Attempts afterwards were only Bravado's, and came to little or no­thing. And the King having disposed things to the best Advantage, returned to England.

In the opening the Campaign, 1694. the Enemy was slower than usual, as having not only lost a great many Men and Horses, as well by Sickness as in the War, but being in extream want of Corn, and all sorts of Provision, there having been an Extraordinary Famine the Year be­fore, in which many Thousands dyed. The Confederates had time to draw their Ar­mies into the Field, before the Enemy could attempt any thing; and to hasten them the more, and put things into a readiness, his Majesty on the 6th. of May, embarked on the Fubs-Yatch, attended by 8 Dutch Men of War, and sailed for Holland, where he was received with the usual Joy, and from thence in a little time, passed to the Army in Flanders, which he found in a great forwardness, and gave necessary Or­ders for its taking the Field; while the Enemy was yet unprepared by disappoint­ments of Forrage, and the emptiness of many of their Magazines upon the Fron­tiers. About this time the Elector of [Page 52] Saxony dyed at Dresden, by which the French hoped to reap some Advantage, but it proves ineffectual to them; for Prince Frederick Augustus, his Brother, succeed­ing him in that Principality, confirmed to the Confederates all the Elector de­ceased, had agreed to: And the great Master of the Teutonick Order, who stood in com­petition upon the Difference arising at the Election with Prince Clement of Bavaria, for the Bishoprick of Liege, dying, the French Party laboured at Rome to hinder the Confirmation of the latter, but it availed not; for the Pope, to whom it was referred, has since declared in favour of the Prince: which great disappointment nohas weakened the Interest of the Crown of France on that side.

Our Navy-Royal now being abroad, Admiral Russell had notice by a Sweed, that a great Fleet of French, laden with Corn and Naval Stores, were in Conquet-Bay on their way to France, who sent Captain Pickard with another Man of War, and a Fireship, to get an Account of them; but they no sooner appeared within sight, but the French cut their Cables, and stood into the Shore, thinking them the forerunners of our Fleet, and for hast, run upon the Shallows and Rocks, and by the Shot from our Men of War, about 50 of them perished, and 2 or 3 of them fell into our Hands.

The French main Fleet being gone into the Straights to facilitate the Marshal de [Page 53] Nouailles Attempt upon Bracellona, Admi­ral Russell, with the Capital Ships of the English Fleet, joyned by the Dutch Squa­dron of Men of War, stood away in search of them, provided with Naval Stores and Necessaries suitable to so great an Expedi­tion: so that upon his approach, the French Fleet under Tourville, were forced to quit the Enterprize, and get into Toulon, laying a Bomb cross the Channel, and draw­ing their Guns on Shore, to fortifie the Places.

The Lord Berkly being upon the Coast of France, with a considerable Squadron of Men of War, and on board them Lieute­nant-General Talmash, with a considerable Strength of Land-Forces, a Descent was resolved upon; and whilst the Marquis of Caermarthen stood into Cameret-Bay with 7 Men of War, battering the Forts the Enemy had raised on either Shore; under the favour of his Guns, the Soldiers entered the Boats, and resolutely thrust on Shore, the Lieutenant-General being at the Head of them, charging and killing a great number of the Enemy; but upon advancing, they found the Ene­my entrenched behind strong Works, and very numerous in Horse and Foot, con­trary to Expectation; insomuch that it was thought advisable to Retreat, in which the Lieutenant-General was wounded in the Thigh with a Musquet-Bullet, yet brought off his Men with as little Loss [Page 54] as might be; but being carry'd to Plymouth, he soon after dyed, by reason of the Gan­greening of his Wound: though in this Action the Enemy lost a great many of their Men, and some Officers of Note, our Cannon more particularly doing them very considerable Damage, in Ruining their Battery, &c.

Whilst these things happened near Home, the French made a great Effort in Catalonia, and the Marquis de Villenay, Viceroy of the Country, having Intelli­gence that the Enemy was marching to­wards Gironne, he drew together a Body of 11000 Foot, and 4000 Horse, most of them new raised Men, and posted them with 12 Pieces of Cannon to defend the Passage of the River Ter: but before they could raise sufficient Works, the Enemy advanced, having received great Re­inforcements by Sea, which made their Army 20000 Foot and 8000 Horse, and Charging those that guarded the Pass, made them give way, but were bravely received by the Spanish Horse, who Charged divers times, and Killed a great many of the Enemy; but being over­numbred, they were forced to Retreat in some disorder: And in this Action the Spaniards lost about 3000 Men, and the Enemy not a less number; whereupon they proceeded to Besiege the Castle of Palamos, which after a stout Resistance, surrendered, the Garrison, consisting of [Page 55] 1400 Men, were made Prisoners of War; but the Governour and some of Note, were permitted to go to Gironne upon their Parole: but the whole Country be­ing in Arms, and the Grandees sending in their Quota's, together with the Dis­appointments of the Assistance they ex­pected from their Fleet, by reason of Admiral Russell s coming into those Seas with the English and Dutch Fleet; they have since done very little on that side, but rather lost abundance of their Men by Sickness and Desertion.

About the middle of June, the Squadron of Dutch and English Men of War in the Ocean, commanded by the Lord Berkly, attended by divers Bomb-Ketches, came before Diep, a very considerable Sea-Port Town, on the Coast of Normandy, and the Ketches under the favour of the Great Guns from the Men of War, getting in­to the Harbour, supported by divers light Frigats, notwithstanding the continual Fire of the Enemy, played very furiously and successfully into the Town; so that although Monsieur de Beuron, Lieutenant of that Province, arrived there the mean while, and caused the Streets to be unpa­ved to prevent the greater Mischief by the falling of the Bombs, and other ways, laboured all he could to save the Town, it was set on Fire in several places at once, so that it flamed very terribly for 3 Days, and 2 Magazines were heard to blow [Page 56] up, and in one of them, by the Blow, was supposed to be between 4 and 500 Barrels of Powder, which set others on fire, and tore a great part of that Quarter of the Town; and it was thought several great Ships were burnt and blown up, by reason of the Guns that were heard to go off at the same time: And in brief, the Town being altogether laid in Ashes, and the English having done what they came for, sailed on the 15th. of July before Hauvre de Grace.

On the 17th. they came before the Place, and found the Shores guarded with Numerous Troops; the Wind blew very hard, but the next Day toward the Eve­ning the Weather was calm, and the Bomb-Vessels warped in as near as they could to the Town, being covered by a great many Boats, Manned with Sea-men and Soldiers. The Enemy fired all the while from their Batteries on the Shore, without doing us any damage. The Night was spent in throwing in about 250 Bombs, and more had been fired, but that the Wind grew very high, which obliged our Vessels to stand off again in the Morning; in the Night several Fires were seen in the Town, and one particularly, which by the great Blaze and long continuance, was supposed to be a Magazine of New Stores; and though the Enemy sunk 6 Ships in the Harbour, to obstruct our nearer approach, yet above a third part of the Town was [Page 57] laid in Ashes, and the rest much shat­tered. The next day the Lord Berkley sailed towards La Hogue and Cherbourg, not only alarming, but bringing a great Ter­ror upon all the Coast.

Soon after these Successes, an Attempt was made upon Dunkirk, and a great Ma­chine filled with Bombs and Carcasses, brought to bear upon their Out-forts and Works, which being blown up on pur­pose, rent and shattered some of them in a dreadful manner: but finding the Place strongly fortified by Art and Nature, our Ships drew off before Calais, where they had done considerable Execution, had not the Seas run high, and the Shallows and Sands obstructed their near ap­proach.

The King having endeavoured by the often removal of his Camp in Flanders, to oblige the French to a Battel, or to gain upon them, and they endeavouring all they could to shun it; there only happen­ing some Skirmishes between advanced and detached Parties, he caused Huy to be Besieged, which, with little resistance, he took, and Garrisoned it with a strong Garrison, still advancing and gaining upon the Enemy, who quitted some of the Lines and Out-works; so that this Sum­mer our Quarters are much inlarged in those Countries, by taking in a great many Villages and Important Posts.

Whilst these things happened on that side, Prince Lewis of Baden lying with the German Army on the Rhine, and the Saxon Troops being come up with him, finding he could not bring the French to a Battel, caused Bridges to be laid over the River, and passed over his Foot and Cavalry, before whom the Enemy retrea­ted with much Precipitation, and had divers of their Troops cut off in the Rear; several Places of advantage were seized on by the Imperialists, and the Saxons, in a kind of separate Body, did the like on their part; so that not only considerable Contributions were raised, but a great Fear and Consternation was brought on the French Garrison in Philipsburg; but not be­ing able to oblige the Enemy to Battel, they repassed the River with great Booty. Some Parties of his Majesties Army, being again abroad, one of them brought in 20 French Foot, and 14 Troopers: and another brought in 114 Foot, and 48 Troopers with their Horses and Accoutrements; and several others were killed in the Rencounter.

The Season advancing apace by reason of the Rains, and want of Forrage abroad, little more of moment happened, the E­nemy altogether declining any thing that looked like coming to a Battel, so that the King having given necessary Orders for advantagiously posting the Troops in their Winter-Quarters, and every thing else that was convenient to be done, left [Page 59] the Army, and went for Holland, in order to his Return for England.

To strengthen the Alliance, and hinder the Designs of France in the Court of Po­land, a Marriage this Summer was conclu­ded between the Elector of Bavaria, Go­vernour of the Spanish Netherlands, and the King of Poland's Daughter.

The last of July, one of our Parties de­feated a Party near Charleroy, of the Ene­my, killing divers of them, and taking 60 Prisoners, and a Party of the Garrison of Aeth, with a Detachment of Horse from the Flying Camp in Flanders, forced the French Lines between St. Guislane and Conde, killed several of the Enemy that guarded them, and took the remainder Prisoners: after that, they advanced into the Neighbourhood of Quinsnoy and Valen­ciennes, where they put the Country under Contribution, and brought back with them divers Hostages for performance of the Payment, together with a Booty of 300 Sheep, 200 Cows, and 150 Horses, and ano­ther Party of our Men beat a Party of the French, killed some, and took divers Prisoners.

The French advancing somewhat near the City of Liege in great Parties, the Troops of that place had 2 Rencounters with them, and took between 7 or 800 Horse, and entirely defeated 2 Squadrons of Horse of their Forrage-Guards; and a Party of 16 Spaniards brought into the Camp 40 Prisoners and 50 Horse.

Their Majesties Ship the Soldadoes, Cap­tain Allen Commander, cruzing off Cape de Hogue, in Company of the Hind-Pink, met with 6 Sail of French Ships, one of them a Frigate of 26 or 30 Guns, three of them Privateers, from 16 Guns down­wards, and the other two Merchant Ships of 180 Tun each: but upon the Fire of our Guns, they stood into Granton-Bay, where one of the Merchant-Ships run on Shore about two Miles short of the rest, but she was fetched off and carry'd away by two Privateers of Guernsey, whilst the rest engaged the Enemy for 6 or 7 Hours; and having received great Damage by our Shot, they all run on Ground, and left them: whereupon we sent out our Boats to have Burnt them, but the Shore was so lined with Horse and Foot, that it could not be effected.

The Talbot-Pink being on the Coast of Ireland, and having Notice that the Irish frequently gave Intelligence to the French Privateers; to be satisfied therein, came to an Anchor under a Place called Ireland's Eye; the Commander putting up French Colours, ordered all his Men, in case any appeared from the Shore, to go under Deck, except such as could speak French or Irish: soon after this, a Boat came off with 4 Irish Men, who taking her for a French Ship, came on Board, and gave the Commander an Account of several things, and among others, of what Ships there lay in the Bay: [Page 61] upon which he caused them to be seized, and sent Prisoners to Dublin, in order to be tryed as Betrayers of their Country, by holding Correspondency with the Enemy.

Prince Lewis of Baden having sent out several Parties of Horse, to get Intelligence of the Enemies motion: the next Morning he understood that his unexpected March had greatly alarmed them, and that they had decamped about Midnight in great hast, and with so much Precipitation, that they had not time to give the Parties that were in Bergstraet, notice to joyn them, warning them only with a Signal of 10 Guns, of the Germans approach, leaving several Waggons, Arms, and other things behind them in their Camp, as fearing our Army might get between them and the Rhine, to cut off their Retreat or Com­munication with Philipsburg: but the Hus­sars, suddenly passed the Neckar, and at­tacked some of the Enemies Parties, of whom they killed about 60, and took di­vers Prisoners: and the next Day happen­ed a sharp Rencounter between our Ad­vance-Guards, and some of the Enemies Troops who came from Heidelberg. The Enemy brought two Battalions of Foot, and a Regiment of Dragoons to force our Men from an Eminency upon the Bridge of a River that passes near Viseloch, where they kept their Ground; and being re-in­forced by a Detachment from our first Line, beat them back in much disorder; [Page 62] and in this Action, the Count d' Auverna, Brigadier; and the Marshal de Beronne, Colonel of the Dragoons, with about 5 or 6 Captains, and other Officers, also 200 Soldiers were killed, and on our side about 80 were killed, and the Baron de Merci Adjutant-General was wounded and taken Prisoner, and soon after 88 French Pri­soners, four of them Officers, were brought into the Camp, and many other Prisoners were taken by our Out-parties, and a great number of Deserters came in.

The Imperial Army encamping near Peter Waradin, the Turks and Tartars came down upon them, so that the Impe­rialists thought it not convenient to move out of their Camp, yet Parties frequent­ly engaged, and the two Fleets upon the Danube did the like, Cannonading perpe­tually in a manner happening between the two Armies; but our Army being [...] in­forced by the coming in of General Poland and the B [...]denburgh Forces, the Enemy fearing we [...]hould give them Battel, with­drew their great Cannon from the Bat­teries, and decamped in the Night without any noise and marched the next Day 5 or 6 League [...] [...]owards Semlyn, and our Men fal­ling in the Rear, took a great Booty, and di­vers Prison [...]rs▪ and soon after, upon pretence of Miscarriage, a great falling out happened between the Kan of Tartary, and the Grand Visir, so that the former left the Camp, and retired h [...]e ward with his Tartars, which [Page 63] in their way were fallen upon by our Par­ties, and a great Booty recovered.

There having arisen some differences be­tween Shaban Dey of Argiers, and Maho­met Bey, who has the Chief Authority at Tunis; they came at last to an open Rup­ture. About the beginning of this Month our Dey marched into the Territories of the Tuniseens; Mahomet Bey came with his Forces to oppose him; and on the 21st. of the last Month the two Armies encamped in sight of each other near Keff, which is a­bout two days Journey from the City of Tunis: Mahomet Bey had with him about 10000 Foot and 20000 Horse; but the Al­gerines were not above 12000, both Horse and Foot: There happened the same day a small Skirmish, in which the Tuniseens had the advantage. On the 25th. Mahomet Bey drew out his Forces, and offered the Alge­rines Battel, but Shaban Dey, considering the inequality of their numbers, kept within his Camp, saying, It was not lawful to fight on that Day which was appointed by their Pro­phet for performing of their Devotions; The Tuniseens thereupon attack'd his Camp, which was strongly intrench'd, b [...] were re­pulsed, with little loss on that si [...]? This suc­cess, and the want of Disciplin [...] which he observed to be among the Enemy, made Sha­ban Dey resolve to come to a decisive Action, and accordingly the 26th. in the morning he gave Orders for his Troops [...] march, to which they shewed at first so [...]e unwilling­ness, [Page 64] being still disheartned by the Ene­mies strength; but finding the Dey fixed in his resolution, they advanced towards the Enemy, who on their side did not decline the Battel. The Algerines gave the Tuni­seens only one Volley of Musket-Shot, and then fell on with their Swords, and in less than 3 hours Shaban Dey was Master of Mahomet Bey's Tents, his Artillery con­sisting of 15 brass Guns, and all his Baggage. The Tuniseens fled in great Confusion, and had not the Algerines spared them in the pursuit, most of the Foot had been cut off. Their loss is computed at about 2000 Men, besides 800 Prisoners: Of the Algerines there were about 5 or 600 killed.

The English having this Year gained many Signal Advantages over the French, taking a great many of their Ships, and ruined one of their Islands or Plantation, taking the advantage of the Mischief the Earthquake had done in Jamaica, and en­couraged by some disaffected Persons that came over to them from the Island, and encouraged a Descent, and being encou­raged t [...]reto the more by the arrival of 3 Men [...] War from France, each carrying upwards 50 Guns; they came upon the Co [...] with about 2 [...] Privateers Sloops, and other [...]ssels commanded by Ducasse Governour of St. Domingo, and Landed some Men within 7 Leagues of Port Royal, Burning and Plundering the Country, killing the [...]attle, and driving great Flocks [Page 65] of Sheep into Barns, and there burning them, killing many Prisoners in cool Blood, after two days quarter; digging up the Bodies of the Dead, and causing the Negroes to violate several Women of Note, as by way of Derision and Pastime. But Sir William Beston, Governour of Jamaica, having had Notice of their coming, from one Captain Eliot, who was Prisoner w [...]h the French, and escaping, put the Inhabitants in Arms, who beat off the Enemy in several Attacks, killing them a great many Men, especially in attacking a Breast-work defended by 200 of ours, and supported by a greater Force; as also in assaulting a Brick-house belonging to one Mr. Hubbald, defended by himself and 25 of his Servants. So that having lost about 700 of their Men, and being able to at­tempt no farther, they retired in great Confusion, setting Sail and hasting home.

The French in the Close of their Cam­paign in Savoy, thinking to fall upon the Vaudois in the Valleys of St. Marlin and Pragalls, sent out 4 great Detachments by several ways; 200 were sent beyond Pe­ruse, to amuse them, and the sa [...] Num­ber marching to Pomeral, passed [...]e River Clisson, the 3d. of 400, marche [...] through the Vineyards, and divided int [...] [...]wo Par­ties; a fourth of 800, passed over the Hills in three Parties, but were all so w [...]ll received, that they were repulsed on all sides, and pursued several Miles; divers of them were [Page 66] [...] [Page 67] [...] [Page 66] killed, and more drowned in the River Clisson, and several t [...]ken Prisoners, 50 being killed out of one Battalion: And in this Action not above 3 or 4 of the Vaudois were killed, which so incouraged them, that they took several Pl [...]ces of Im­portance almost without resistance.

The Venetians being successful against the Turks in the Archipelago, [...]he Captain General having put 200 Men on Shore at Tenedos, who possessed themselves of the strong Castle, sailed to the Isl [...]nd of Scio, and Landed his Forces, battering and soon taking a Tower that defended the Harbour, and in it 200 Turks and 22 Pieces of Can­non: Then they raised Batteries against the Castle, which in 16 days Siege, surrendered, and with it that fruitful Island, which has been out of their Possession about 100 Years.

The Forces of Poland having an Eye upon Caminiec, upon noti e an Army of 40000 Turks and Tartars were coming to relieve it with Provisions; commanded by Sultan Shaban Gercy, were upon their March, the Poles, commanded by the Crown-General, &c. made shew of Re­treating, to change their March, and pas­sing the Niester, about 2 Leagues from the Town attacked the Enemy with great Courage and Bravery; so that the Fight lasted 7 Hours with equal Advantage, but then it enclining to the Poles, they pressed on with such Vigour, that they put them to Rout in all parts, insomuch that pursuing [Page 67] the Victory, between 4 and 5000 of them were killed, as many taken Prisoners▪ and the Slaughter had been greater, had no Night come on, and hindred the pursuit. A Convoy of 5000 Waggons, each drawn by 6 Oxen, laden with Oyl, Rice, Money, Arms, and other Provisions, fell into the Hands of the Poles; so that by reason of this great Disappointment, 'tis supposed Caminiec will be necessitated to surrender the Garrison: being in great want of all things necessary.

Those of the Enemy immediately upon this Defeat, dispersed in great Confusion. So that upon this, and the Disappointments the Turks met with on the Danube, and in other Places, with the Account we have of the Sickness of the Grand Signior, whose Life seemed to be despaired of, they must be in great Straits, which in all probabi­lity will constrain them to a Peace, very advantagious to the Empire.

The French Fleet in the Streights having a long time been kept close in the Port of Thoulon by Admiral Russel, in conjunction with some of the Spanish Men of War and Gallies, after many Attempts to get out and sail for Brest, thought it advisable not to hazard an Enterprize so dangerous, but upon some Advices sent him from the Court of France, at length caused the great Ships, and others to be disarmed, and laid up; the Seamen in those Western Parts belong­ing to them being put to the Fatigue of a Four hundred Miles march over Land to [Page] [...] the [...] of their small Ship [...] [...]o [...] [...]tor Season. And un [...] [...] T [...]ville returned to [...] [...]ccount of his Sum­ [...] [...] [...]aking [...]ough [...]eri [...]r to what [...]e had [...]ed [...] h [...] [...]tting o [...], whilst ou [...] [...] remains on the Coast in Vigour, [...]d [...] with Necessaries fit for Wa [...]▪

The N [...]ce [...]ties in Fran [...], not [...]ithstand­ [...] [...] of Harvest this [...], is very [...]eat th [...]h t [...]e Taxes are in many parts somewhat l [...]s [...]en [...]d) insomuch th [...] the Cries of the People are very loud; and for fear of an Insurrection, that Monarch has been constrained to lessen the Tax La Taille, as also to free the Provinces of Langue duck and Prov [...]nce from Winter Quarters, though a [...] of 3 Millions is laid upon them in heir th [...]of.

And now the Army on both sides being in a manner entirely in Garrisons and Win­ter Quarters, His Majesty after some dis­appointments by contrary Winds, and want of S [...]ring-Tides to bring the great Ships over the Flats, arrived safe on the 10th. of Novem [...]er, and was received with the usual Demonstrations of Joy.

And thus have we given a Summary Ac­count of the Great Transactions of Europe, [...]ce the present War began between the Allies and the Crown of France, which we wish may end with Victory and Advantage on our part, for the firm Establishing a [...]sting [...] in Christe [...].