A Narrative of the Battell of KNOCKNONES.
IT was now a season as unapt for Action to the naked English, as opportune for the Jrish better inured and accommodated to the hardships of that Country, when the Lord Taff, Generall for the Irish, advanced towards the English Quarters, with a Designe to block up, or distress them in their Garrisons, wherein it being discerned, that hee might prevalently proceed to their destruction, if a seasonable opposition were not given; It was at a Counsell of Warre summoned by the Presedent, long debated whether to issue forth of our Garrisons to encounter this approaching Torrent or not, and at length after an earnest endeavour of divers to the contrary, resolved to be more consistent with our safeties to make head against the Rebells in the field, then to suffer them to come within our Quarters, and so disable us either to joyne together in an offencive, or subsist together in a defensive posture, In pursuance of which resolution, The Army (being by the generall vote, and the Presidents Orders drawne together at Moyallo) marchched on the Twelfth of this Instant (after a due discharge [Page 4]of those pious invocations and exercises of addresses to the Divine Providence which the President had injoyned) to a place called Gariduff (in English Blask-gardens) the Rebells encamping at Knocknones within two miles of us; but the day so far spent, as that it was not held fit to make any attempt then upon them; About the evening came a Trumpet from the Lord Taff with a Letter to the President, in these words,
THe delay of my not sending to you a returne of your last Letter by your Trumpet, was occasioned by my stay for my Artillery, which being come, I tell your Lordship, That Captaine Courtepp very much magnifying the Excellency of your Foot, I offered (more for recreation then with a suspition that it might breake your Army) That a Thousand or two of mine should (when ever you made an indifferent appointment,) sight with a like number of yours; which I am now ready to performe in this place; And if you please to draw the Remaine of your Army hither, I will look upon you, and certainly neither of our Parties will want the gallantry of seconding their ingaged friends. Our quartell is to preserve the Kings Interests, which all of us with the hazard of our lives will maintaine against my opposition; And when I consider, that by the destruction of your party, I may be in the more unmolested Condition to serve him, be certaine your invitation to battell is neceptably received by me. I know that in your Lordships Army there are a great many Gentlemen which have been very faithfull to their King, and [...] is your Lordships, practise to abuse them by [...] them in a service to destructive to His Majesties [Page 5]Rights. And pray, my Lord, doe not delude them by detracting this Army, who are unalterably, and without any hope of perticular benefit, determined to loose themselves, or restore (as much as in them lies) the King to His former greatnesse; This is truth, and it proceeds cordially from
To which the Lord President returned.
MY LORD, I have received your Letter, by your Trumpeter, and your Lordship might before this have perceived that I was not ignorant where your Army lay, had not the approach of night scanted me of time to march up unto you; And being you have performed as much as I desire in bringing your Army hither, I shall not desire you to loose any advantage you have in numbers of men, being your offer was onely made for Recreation: You are pleased to say your quarrell is chiefly to preserve the Kings Interest, and because I beleeve it will little avail me to offer Reasons to convince you of the contray, I shall deferre the dispute untill wee meet in the morning, when I beleeve these Gentlemen whom yee suppose to bee deluded by me, will by Gods help use Rhetorick that will better conduce to that end, to which I shall refer your Lordship for satisfaction, being resolved to contribute there in to the endeavours of
This night wee lodged in a wood which equally affoarded both security and convenience unto the souldiers. The word was to the Foot (Pray) to the House (Prevaile;) and this night some [...] was observed in the nature of [...] early in the mornning [Page 6]we began to prepare (the light giving us now a clear manifestation of what was to be done) the enemy was drawn up upon a hil about two Myles of called Knoknones, which being of great advantage to them. The Lord President (if possible) to withdraw them from it sent this Letter to the Rebels Gene all.
Here is a very faire piece of ground betwixt your Lordships Army and ours, one this side the brooke; whether if you please to advance, we will do the like; we do not so much doubt the gallantry of your resolution, as to thinke you will not come, but give you this notice, to the end you may see wee do stand upon no advantage of ground, and are willing to dispute our Qaurrel upon indifferent tearms; being consident that the justnesse of our Cause wilbe this day made manifest by the Lord, and that your Lordships judgment will be rectified concerning
To which the Lord Taaff returned verball answer, that hee was not so little a souldier, as not to improve any advantage he had, of ground or otherwise, which he doubted not the President would doe in like ease.
The reason as we learned afterwards by some of their men taken prisoners, (besides the advantage of ground being a steep hill) why the Lord Taaff so pertinaciously stuck to that place was this.
There was a certaine old blind Prophesie running amongst the Irish, which converted into English rymes like their old bard speakes thus.
Which was by the Lord Taaff applyed to himself, for that the hill whereon he stood was called Knocknones, and his Ancestors had the lands of Mack. Donagh given by the Kings of Enland in reward of their service performed against he Rebells here, their Leuiftenant Generall Sr. Alexander Mac Donnell known vulgarly by the name of Colkitta, was unwilling to have the fight performed on that day (upon a superstious observation,; for that he was exceedingly afraid of Saturns malevolent influence, that day being to him criticall) the former name of this place was antiquated almost this last age, the name of it now being Englishmans hill, as it proved upon this happy and successefull day.
The Lord Taaff therefore resolving obstinately to adhere to his chosen ground, the Lord President calling a Counsell of War to advise whether it were expedient to assault them on such a disadvantageous place (the wind freinding them likewise, and their numbers almost doubling ours) but the sence of our present condition quickly resolved this scruple, it being to no purpose to have advanced hitherto, if wee should proceed no further, and for the success to put our selves upon the mercy of God. It is not to be forgotten here that before the Counsell, the Lord President commanded that God should be sought by prayer, for our direction in this needful time of trouble. The word given on our side was Victory, the mark a branch of new broome in our hats, wherewith our Quarters then abounded. The [Page 8]enemies mark was a strawen rope about their hats; their Word was God and St. Paterick, they having forgotten how lately their contry St. had failed them; (for that was the word when we put them to the sword at Cashel) their numbers consisted as themselves gave out 9000. Foote. and a 1000. Horse, but by list found afterwardes in the Leiuftenant Generals pocket, they were mustred in the field 7464 foot, and 1076, horse. besides Officers: our Army was neere 4000 Foote, and 1200 horse, the enimie ranging their battell in a plain front, all along the hill, that so they might ingage all their force together, their foot were drawn into nine divisions, of which the greater part by much was Pike, wing'd with three bodies of Horse on each side, beside reserves; our foot whose number was by half the lesse, were marshald into three devisions, whereof two parts of three were Muskets, the right and left Wing of Horse were made of 13 bodies of Horse, 7 on the right wing, and 6 on the left (with their Reserves;) Both Armies thus drawn up,
The Rebels held firmly (their first resolution) not to parte with their station, but that we should either not fight at all, or do it upon these unequall tearms, the wind was for the Rebells, the Lord President (whose Rivall no man can be in this piece of glory, it being indeed in all mens judgements, under God, the gaining of the day on our side) throughly weighing their numbred ground and Comodity of the place, above us, all which he considered of too much moment they might be to turn the Seale in the Ballance of War, thought of a way of forcing them to that which they would not willingly be drawn to, to leave the ground, and discompose their present forme, that so (we might have the advantage in that disorder) to assault them; and this he effected thus;
[Page 7] He drew the left wing of his battle from the ground, wherein he at first placed them, making them move into a place of fallow ground more leftward, as if he would get upon the enemies backs on that side, and Commanded his right wing to wave a little that way too, as if he went with all his Force to assail them in that one place. The Rebels carefull enough to support their own designe, had a watchfull eye upon all our motions; and by this last, imagining they might be charged in the Rear, or surcharged with the multitudes of our men at one place, the train of the Lord Presidents Plot immediately took; for they breaking their first form, parted with their stands: Likewise drawing most of their Forces to succour their right wing, by varying the scene of their ground, we got these advantages. The wind was made an indifferent arbiter, the ascent of the hill not so steep, and onely the Sunne was now a neuter to ripen the Fruit of this Design quite, which was now more then green. The Lord President commanded two pieces of Artillery to be drawn to play on their right wing, and if any disorder thereby hapned, our Horse and Foot were in that nick to fall on: our right wing having observed the left of theirs, made thin with some confusion likewise in sending relief to their friends, had command to resume their first stations, and to incline further to the right hand (as our left wing had done before to the left) as if they likewise intended to surprise the Rebels on the back; to prevent which, the Rebels resolved immediatdly to fall on: to this end they advanced with their Horse before their Foot, to charge; but that errour being soon espied by ours, our shot were commanded presently to advance under the shelter of a Ditch that parted them and us, who poured such showers of hail upon them (that it proving a funerall peall to many) the rest retired foul, and routed their own Foot. This their neighbours espying, followed their example, and so their main body of Foot, and left wing of Horse ran clean [Page 8]way, and our Horse followed after them in the chase: But God willing to mingle a little gall with the sweet cup he had before given us (that so we might be contented to receive every thing at his hand) was pleased, that part of ground which was assigned for our left wing, was not so convenient for horse, yet to be accepted (where there was no choice of better) but very defenceable by Foote, by reason of some inclosures and ditches, and a lane near adjacent; there the Lord President made the bounds of his Foot, but they by their vallour (if not rashnesse rather) fancying to themselves some imaginary advantage, prest further, and so clouded us a little with the smoake of their shot, that the right wing of the Rebels Army which was led by Sir Alexander Mack-Donnel, alias Colkitto. the Rebels Lieutenant generall, on whom our guns playing fiercely (to prevent that danger and performe some notable service, as he had promised with his Red-shankes) came thundring downe without the least sence of danger, even the Rebels horse on their right winge advancing with those foot, were charged by their opposite horse on our left wing, and routed; who following hard upon them, the Rebels foot slipt in undecerned of them upon our foot, whose forwardnesse, seeing the enemies horse routed had left their defensive stage which they might with ease and safely have maintained; and rouling downe like a Torrent impetuously on our foot, routed our forlorne hope, by which meanes our foot being our numbred the Enemy began to have the execution of them; possest two of our guns, and one of them being loaded, discharged it against us, and so tearing down all before them got to our waggons and there fel a plundering had it not bin for this disaster, without doubt, we had bought a most perfect & glorious victory at the easiest rate that might be without the losse as is imagined of ten men, but this cost some fifty of our common men their lives, and divers of out galantest Commanders not being able to stay their men [Page 9]nor willing to run along with them, there gloriously sacrificed their lives, rather chusing to die, though almost deserted of all, then to give the least ground back to so barbarous and cruell Rebels. The Lord President was but newly parted from the left wing being on the right, where he ioyfully saw a Victory on the nick of gaining, by the totall discomfiture of that part of the Enemy: but looking towards our left wing, there his eyes were presented with the rufull spectacle of his mens slaughters and the Rebels overturning all before them even to our wagons, he immediately posted down som Regiments of Foot, and a troop or two of Horse, which had been there for Reserves, and not come upon the charge: These coming down fell upon the Rebels in their return from our Baggage, where they made there lives, pay the price of their insolent attempt by putting the greatest part of them to the, sword, amongst whom fell Sir Alexander Mack Donnell and his Lievtenant Colonel. And thus by Gods help and the wisdome and vallour of our Generall, Commanders and Souldiers, a glorious victory was gained over the Rebels, the chase was followed every way by our Foot and Horse, but Horse especially, for they were too light for our footmen, all over the Countrey, till night hindred the further prosecution when a retreat being sounded for that time the Lord President and his Officers in the field with their Souldiers, gave thanks to God for his extraordinary great mercy, and deliverance. The slaughter was not made an end with that day, for the next day our Horse ranged the Countrey and found divers; and the foot hunted the woods, and bogs, and by that means found many of the enemy which were put to the sword upon the place.
The storm fell sore upon their foot, the Country who should know best report five thousand to be slaine, there could not be lesse then foure thousand, we recovered neer 6000 Armes, 38 Collours of Foote, with some Cornets of Horse, wee also recovered [Page 10]their Waggons and all their Ammunition, tooke the Lord Taaff's their Generals tent, field bed, and Cabinet wherein are papers of concernment, importing much of this service of Ireland, which is to be delivered into the House. In it was found likewise his Commission from the Supreame Councell for being Generall of the Forces of Munster; so that by the losse of his Army he wants Men to command, and of his Commission, power to command men: On our part were slaine in that unhappy rout of our left wing, some noble and gallant Officers, Sir William Bridges Collonell of Horse, Collonell Gray, Major Browne, Sir Robert Travers the Judge-Advocate was killed at our Baggage, a Captaine or two, Reformades, and some other Officers of inferiour rank, when the sword had sufficiently quenched his thirst of bloud, then in a cooler vaine, mercy began to take place, and these Persons undermentioned were taken Prisoners.
- Collonel Randal Mack-Donnel.
- Lieuten. Col. Mac-Namarrow.
- Major John Fealane.
- Captain Garret-fitz-Morris.
- Captain Pursell.
- Captain Hugh Kely.
- Captain Edmond Bourke.
- Captain Peirce Wealsh.
- Captain Robert Supple.
- Captain Lieutenant Nugent.
- Captain Gully Reagh.
- Captain Bryan.
- Captain Mack nee Marra.
- Captain Lieuten. Stephenson.
- Captain Donnogh O Bryen.
- Capt. Daniel Mack nee Marra.
- Capt. Lieute. Kenedy O Bryen.
- Captain Florence Mack Carthy
- Captain Donnogh Mack Carthy
- Captain John Mack nee Marra
- Captain Richard Ferrester.
- Captain William Butler.
- Captain Theobald Butler.
- Captain Ro. Mack Domrohugh.
- Captain Alexander Jamson.
- [Page 11] Captain Mlaghlame.
- Captain William O Dudie.
- Captain Farriah O Donnell.
- Captain Eneas O Doniell.
- Captain John O Donnell,
- Captain Arthur Lyncie,
- Captain Marcus Nestor,
- Captain Hugh O Conner.
- Captain Doniell O Sulavan.
- Lieutenant Thomas Hellihed,
- Lieutenant Patrick Hogane,
- Lieutenant Conner Mack Nanamarra,
- Lieutenant Conner O Bryen,
- Lieutenant Edmond Swine,
- Lieutenant Manus Mack Donnogh,
- Lieutenant John Bourke,
- Lieutenant Noll Dignume,
- Lieutenant Thomas Butler,
- Lieutenant William Kelly,
- Lieutenant Eneas O Duly,
- Lieutenant Teige O Donnoghue
- Lieutenant Dwyer,
- Lieutenant Dolton.
- Thomas fitz Morris,
- Ensigne Mack Namarra,
- Ensigne Hanraghane,
- Ensigne Lyllice,
- Ensigne Edmond Bourke,
- Cornet Purcell,
- Ensigne Edmond O Grady,
- Ensign Donnoh Mack Maghane
- Ensigne Doniell O Nelane,
- Ensigne Daniel Mac Cady,
- Ensigne Loghin Kelly.
- Ensigne William Hodnet,
- Ensigne Donnogh O Broe,
- Ensigne John Mack Doniell Carthy,
- Ensigne Francis Gordian,
- Ensigne Daniell Bourke,
- Ensigne John Corcrew,
- Coronet John fitz Gerrald,
- Quartermaster Richard Segerson,
- Ensigne
Lacy:
- Troopers, 14
- Serieants, 9
- Corporalls 7
- Souldiers, 22
- Chirurgions. 6
- Master Purtell.
- Master Stephen Brown,
- Master John Novy,
- Master Christopher Oge Purtel,
- Afterwards found out with the Souldiers,
- [Page 12] Lieutenant Bryen Mack Cragh,
- Ensigne Barret,
- Ensigne John Bourke,
- William Lee Quartermaster.
Divers other Captaines and Officers were made prisoners, who remaining yet in the Souldiers hands unbrought in, could not be inrold in this list, on our part were taken prisoners, Lieutenant Collonell Crispe, who is now releast and with us for an Officer of theirs of like quality, besides one Lieutenant more, here to give you just accompt what every Officer and Soldier performed, (except that small party which unfortunately fled, would swell this relation too much, and inquire the actors modesty, who desire the glory should be ascribed to God, themselves being but imployed as instruments. For the Officers, & amongst the forwardest of them, Collonel Temple, who had seen them performe this dayes service, would have thought them worthy of a better reward, then having conquered all their enemies abroad, to go home, and be conquered themselves by their owne wants, each Souldier honoured God by his vallour, and none dishonoured themselves. The Lord President has not yet made an end of his victory, for he is prosecuting it vigorously, by reducing all the Country into Contribution, where he marches notwithstanding the violence of the weather, and the practises of some to draw the Souldier to a mutinous crying out, Home, Home it being now a deepe snow, and his men almost naked, that so the Province may be subdued, and the Rebells disabled to draw suddenly to a head againe, which if it please the Divine Providence to assist us with seasonable supplies, we shall use all possible and effectuall meanes to prevent.
- [Page 13]Taken of the Enemies Horse. 200
- Slain of the Foot. 4000
- Gentlemen Officers taken Prisoners, 68
- Gentlemen of the Countrey. 6
- More common Officers. 4
- Colours of Foot. 38
- Cornets of Horse. 3
- Of Ammunition, wagons. 4
- Of Armes. 6000
- The Lievetenant Generall slain.