Die Veneris, 10 Augusti, 1649.
Mr. Scot Reports from the Councel of State, a Letter and Paper concerning a Cessation made by Colonel
Monk with General
Owen Roe mac Art O Neal, sent to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland by Colonel
Monk, and were by the Lord Lieutenant brought and delivered to the Councel, and by them taken into consideration, and that the whole Business was then disapproved by the Councel; and the Councel hath declared unto Colonel
Monk, That they neither did nor do approve of what he hath done therein; and Ordered, That both the foresaid Letter and Papers, and also the Reasons now exhibited to the Councel by Colonel
Monk, for his making the Cessation, should be Reported to the House; which were all this day read.
The House being informed, That Colonel Monk
was at the door, he was called in; and being come to the Bar,
Mr. Speaker by Commands of the House declared to him, That the House had received a Report from the Councel of State, touching an Agreement for a Cessation between him and
Owen Roe; and whereas in his Letter he doth mention, That he had done it with advice with some others there, Mr. Speaker demanded of him, what persons he intended thereby: To which Colonel
Monk answered, That he did it upon his own score, without the advice of any other person; onely having formerly had Discourse with Colonel
Jones, Colonel
[Page 4]
Jones told him, That if he the said Colonel
Monk could keep off
Owen Roe and
Ormond from joyning, it would be a good service.
Being demanded by Mr. Speaker, Whether he had any advice or direction from the Parliament, or Councel of State, or Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland, or any other person here to do the same; he did expresly deny, That he had any advice or direction therein from the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland, or from the Councel of State, or from the Parliament, or any Member of either; but he did it onely on his own score, conceiving it was for the preservation of the English Interest there, and that they have had some fruits thereof accordingly.
Being withdrawn, and afterwards called in again, the questions demanded him by Mr. Speaker, and his answers thereunto, were read unto him; and the said Colonel
Monk did acknowledge, That the same are his answers to the said questions.
REsolved, &c.
That this House doth utterly disapprove of the proceedings of Colonel Monk,
in the Treaty and Cessation made between him and Owen Roe O Neal;
And that the innocent Blood which hath been shed in Ireland,
is so fresh in the memory of this House, that this House doth detest and abhor the thoughts of any closing with any party of Popish Rebels there, who have had their hands in shedding that blood.
Nevertheless, the House being satisfied that
[Page 5]what the said Colonel Monk
did therein, was in his apprehension necessary for the preservation of the Parliament of England
Interest, That the House is content the further consideration thereof, as to him, be laid aside, and shall not at any time hereafter be called in question.
Ordered,
That it be referred to the Councel of State, to give Direction for printing the Report from the Councel of State, and so much of the Letters and Proceedings as concern this business, and the Votes of the House thereupon.
Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti.
Colonel
George Monks Letter to the Lord Lieutenant of
Ireland.
SInce I received advertisement of your resolution of coming into this Kingdom, I have very much rejoyced, and withal do assure you, that you have no servant in the world more glad of it, then my self; I am infinitely obliged to you for your many favors, for which I return you hearty thanks. I do account it a principal part of my duty, to give you account of affairs here in this service: I have, since, the Scots deserting me (although they are unwilling to own it) notwithstanding their actions do fully manifest it, used my utmost endeavors to reserve the interest of
England in the North, and to keep some footing there. I have taken care to provide the Garrison of
Lisnegarvy, with two moneths provision of corn, which is kept there safe, if any rupture happen between, which is likely to be, since their ends are clear opposite: As also I have well furnished with victual the Garrison of
Derry, the onely pass into the North, and
Green Castle, Cartingford, Dundalk and
Colerane, if my Forces should advance to besiege either of them. And being in a very ill condition with these Garrisons between the Scots and Irish,
Owen mac Art's Army, I have adventured, by the advice of some special friends and well-wishers to this Service, to treat with
Owen mac Art, to keep him from joyning with
Ormond, which if he had done, Colonel
Jones and I had been in a very great hazard
[Page 7]of losing the Parliaments footing in this Kingdom; whereupon finding Colonel
Jones in such a condition, that he could not relieve me, it made me the more confident to adventure upon a Cessation of Arms between
Owen mac Art's Party and mine, he engaging himself to oppose
Ormond, which he doth really intend to do, and hath already by his endeavors manifested his willingness to ruine
Ormond, for a greater feud cannot possibly be between them, then there is now: wherefore upon this score I have treated with him, and according to his desire, sent you the Copy of the Propositions made by him, and according to his desire sent you the Copy of the Propositions made by him, to the Parliament, which are wonderful high, but I believe will descend much lower: I have sent you likewise a Copy of Agreement for the three moneths Cessation betwixt
Owen mac Art and I. I do not think it fit to signifie this to the Councel of State, but do wholly refer the business to you, either to make further use of it, or else to move it, or as you conceive most fit to be done, since there was great necessity for me to do it, I hope it will beget no ill construction, when the advantage gained to the Service, by dividing
Ormond and
Mac Art, is fully weighed.
By this business I have very much quieted the Scots, who were upon so high terms, that nothing would satisfie them, but that I must deliver up the provisions, Arms and Ammunition to them which I had in my Stores, as you may perceive by the Copies of their Letters at their meetings; but now they do not stir, either to send Forces to joyn with those against
Derry, or to advance towards me: wherefore being driven to this great streight, I shall desire that it may
[Page 8]not receive any ill censure, but that it may be throughly considered.
I doubt I have already trespassed too much upon your time, and do therefore crave pardon for this boldness, and humbly beseech you to continue your good opinion towards me, and esteem me, as I am
Dundalk,
this 25. of May 1649.
Your faithful and most humble Servant,
GEORGE MONK.
Ormond
within this three days hath taken a Garrison of Owen mac Arts,
and put most of the men to the sword, the place called Mary-Burrow,
and the hath sent Preston
to lye before Athy,
another of Owen mac Arts
Garrisons.
Articles condescended unto, and agreed upon, by and between General
Owen O Neal, Commander in chief of the confederate Catholiques, and Colonel
George Monk, Commander in chief of the Parliament Forces, within the Province of
Ulster. Dated
8 May,
1649.
I. IT is agreed that there be a Cessation of Arms, and of all acts of Hostility, between the Forces and Parties commanded by, and adhering to General
Owen O Neal, as well in
Ulster as in the rest of the Provinces of the Kingdom, and the Forces or Parties under Colonel
George Monk his command, for three moneths after the date hereof; Provided that in the said time, there be not any agreement made with the Marquess
[Page 9]of
Ormond, the Lord of
Inchiqueen, or any their adherents, or with any who are Enemies to the Parliament of
England.
II. That upon all occasions during the said time, both Parties be ready with their Forces to assist one another, until a more absolute agreement be made and condescended unto by the Parliament of
England.
III. It is agreed between the said Parties, that the Creaghts of
Ulster, residing within the quarters of Colonel
Monk, pay contribution to General
Owen O Neal; And that it may be likewise lawful for the said Colonel
Monk to receive contribution from such Creaghts of
Ulster, as well those who have not as yet paid him contribution, as those that do; and in case any of them refuse so to do, it shall be lawful for Colonel
Monk to compel them thereunto, excepting those who belong to the County of
Cavan.
IV. It is also agreed, That if General
Owen O Neal shall happen to fight against the Forces under the command of the Marquess of
Ormond, the Lord
Inchiqueen, or any other Enemies to the Parliament of
England, and thereby spend his Ammunition, if he be near unto my Quarters, and be distressed for want of Ammunition. I shall then furnish him.
V. It is agreed between the said Parties, And the said Colonel
Monk doth in the behalf of himself and his Party, faithfully promise and undertake, that free leave and liberty shall be given to any Ship or Ships, that may arrive at any Harbor, or Port-Town within the said Colonel
Monk's liberty, during the time of our Agreement, with any Silver, Gold, Provision, Arms, Ammunition, or any other commodities, to the use of the said General or his Forces: And that the said General
[Page 10]
O Neal, or such as shall be by him authorized hereunto, shall be admitted to fetch away the same with security and safety; and that no interruption or impediment be given to the said shipping, to depart without any prejudice, at their will and pleasure.
The Propositions of General
Owen O Neal, the Lords, Gentry and Commons of the confederate Catholiques of
Ulster, to the most High and most Honorable, the
PARLIAMENT of
England.
I.
IMprimis, That such as are already joyned, or shall within the space of three moneths, joyn with General
Owen O Neal, in the service of the Parliament of
England in this Kingdom, as well Clergy as others, may have all laws and penalties against their Religion and its Professors, taken off by Act of Parliament, and that Act to extend to the said Parties, their Heirs and Successors for ever, while they loyally serve the Parliament of
England.
II. The said General
O Neal desireth an Act of oblivion to be passed, to extend to all and every of his party, for all things done since the beginning of the year 1641.
III. They desire that General
Owen O Neal, be provided with a competent command in the Army, befitting his worth and quality.
IV. They desire that they may enjoy all the Lands that were, or ought to be in their or their Ancestors possession.
V. That all incapacity, inability and distrust hitherto,
[Page 11]by Act of State or otherwise, against the said party, be taken off.
VI. That on both sides all jealousies, hate and aversion, be laid aside, unity, love and amity, be renewed and practised between both parties.
VII. That General
Owen O Neal may be restored and put in possession of his Successors estates, or some estates equivalent to it, in the Counties of
Tyrome, Ardmach, or
London-dery, in reward of his merit, and the good service that he shall perform in the Parliament of
Englands service, in the preservation of their interest in this Kingdom.
VIII. That the Army belonging to General
Owen O Neal and his party, be provided for, in all points as the rest of the Army shall be.
IX. That the said party be provided with, and possessed of a convenient Sea port in the Province of
Ulster.
I do, upon receiving a confirmation of these Propositions, forthwith undertake and promise in behalf of my self, and the whole Party under my command, faithfully and firmly to adhere to the service of the Parliament of
England in this Kingdom, and maintain their interest hereafter, with the hazard of our lives and fortunes, against all opposers whatsoever. In witness whereof, I have hereunto put my hand and seal, this 8 day of May,
Anno Dom. 1649.
The REASONS inducing Colonel
Monk to make a Cessation with
Owen Roe O Neal for three Moneths, which is now expired, were as followeth:
- 1. THat about
April last, the Scots under his command having relinquished their obedience to the Parliament, and denied to obey any command from him, upon refusing to joyn with them in a Declaration against the Parliament and Army, he desired assistance from Colonel
Jones to reduce them to obedience: But Colonel
Jones finding by good Intelligence, that the Lord of
Ormond had made a Peace with all the Irish, except
Owen Roe O Neal; That he had set up the Princes Interest, and upon that score was raising all the force he could make to distress Colonel
Jones in his quarters, thought it not safe, as to the Parliaments Interest in
Lemster, to spare any assistance to Colonel
Monk.
- 2. That Colonel
Monk being upon this necessitated to retire to his Garison of
Dundalk, found
Owen Roe O Neal quartered with his Forces, being Six thousand Foot, and about Seven hundred horse, in the counties of
Cavan and
Monahan, within twenty or thirty miles march of his Garrison; and also received good Intelligence, that the Lord of
Ormond at that time used all possible means to draw
Owen Roe to his party, offering him any Conditions to induce to it.
- 3. That Colonel
Monk finding himself thus invironed with the Scots on the one hand, with whom he understood the Lord of
Ormond kept Intelligence at
[Page 13]that time, and with
Owen Roe on the other; and finding how dangerous it would in all probability be, not onely to himself, but also to Colonel
Jones, and so consequently to all the Parliaments Interest in
Ireland, to have
Owen Roe and the Scots thus upon the sudden, and before any Forces could be expected to arrive out of
England, either to Colonel
Jones or his own relief, united with the Lord of
Ormond.
- 4. Finding that if he could keep the Lord of
Ormond and
Owen Roe at distance, until supplies arrived, he should not onely deprive the Lord of
Ormond of that accession of strength which
Owen Roe's Forces would have added unto him, but also render the Scots in
Ulster, and the Earl of
Clanrickard with his
Connaght Forces (all which being joyned together, would have made Twelve thousand horse and foot) useless to the Lord of
Ormond, as to any assistance he could expect from them to joyn with him against Colonel
Jones, Owen Roe lying so with his Forces, as that he might within two or three days march, have fallen either into the Scots quarters, or
Clanrickards quarters, if they had not kept their Forces to attend his motions.
- 5. Finding also that
Owen Roe, in regard of his own safety, would accept the large Offers made him by the Earl of
Ormond, if he had not been speedily prevented; Colonel
Monk well weighing all the dangers and advantages as aforesaid, that might in all probability insue thereupon; and likewise what hazard it might have been to retard a conclusion with
Owen Roe (whom he found impatient of all Delays) until he might receive Directions either from the Councel of State or the Parliament, for his farther proceeding therein, thought it most agreeable to the discharge of his trust,
[Page 14]and the safety of the Parliaments Interest in that Kingdom, rather to cast himself upon the Parliaments favorable interpretation, and to conclude a Cessation with
Owen Roe for three moneths, then by any further delay, to lose the advantages aforesaid, the fruits whereof have in some measure answered his expectation, and prevented the Earl of
Ormond all this while from a strict besieging of
Dublin, and so consequently of taking it, for want of a competent number of foot to lie down before it, which he could not have done, without the addition of the Scots and
Connaght forces as aforesaid; and in the mean time necessitated him to spend his time in taking of the out-Garisons, which if
Dublin had been taken, he knew would have speedily fallen into his hands. The truth of all which, and of the advantages gained by his proceedings, he submits to the further testimony of those that Command in chief for the Parliament upon the place.
A Letter of the Scottish Officers in
Ulster, to
Colonel MONK.
VVE are very well satisfied in our own consciences, and are confident all, except the parties against whom we do declare, will be so, That we have discharged our duties in relation to you, and that we have with a great deal of honesty & fidelity, declared our selves for the Parliament of
England, And onely against those who have illegally usurped their power, for whose service we are confident the Arms, Ammunition and Clothes sent to the Army, were never ordained; nor can we see how you discharge your trust to the Parliament, when you detain those provisions sent by them to us, who are still willing cordially to prosecute those ends to which we were engaged, when you got your Commission, and to follow the commands of that lawful Power which did give it you. Thus far we are free, because we cannot lie under the accusation of that crime, whereof others are guilty, &c.
Major
Rawden will give you an accompt of our Answers to your desires, which we are confident will witness our respects to you, and we do earnestly desire that you may be as careful in preserving a good correspondency and neighbor-hood, as
Belfast,
the 9.
of May, 1649.
Your affectionate humble Servants. Signed:
-
Montgomery, John Edmonstone,
-
Uti Knox, William Hamilton,
-
George Kieth, James Clotworthy,
-
James Shaw, Fergus Kennedy,
-
Ed: Ellis.
FINIS.