Name: The life of James, Duke of Ormond; containing an account of the most remarkable affairs of his time, and particularly of Ireland under his government: with an appendix and collection of letters, serving to verify the most material facts in the said history. New ed., carefully compared with the original MSS (vol. 5)
Author: Thomas Carte (1686–1754)

Parliament members intimidated by armed men at Dublin Castle

Dublin · city · Dublin

Members of both houses of parliament attempting to meet were surrounded by armed soldiers at the castle-bridge, gate, and yard leading to the parliament house. Muskets were presented at their breasts, and none were allowed to bring servants or weapons inside the castle-bridge.

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then the onely expedient, to compose or remove the then growinge discontents and troubles of the land; and the said lords justices and their partie of the councell then well knowing that the members of both howses throughout the kingdome, a few in and aboute Dublin onely excepted, would staie from the meetinge of both howses by reason of the said prorogation, by proclamation two dayes before the time, gaue way the parlyament might sitt, but soe lymmitted, that noe act of grace, or anie thing else for the people's quiett or satisfaction, might be propounded or passed. And therevppon a few of lords and comons appeared in the parlyament howse, whoe in their entrance att the castle-bridge and gate, and within the yard to the parlyament howse doore, and recess from thence, were invironed with a great number of armed men with their match lighted, and musketts presented even to the breasts of the members of both houses, none being admitted to bring one servant to attend him, or anie weapon about him within the castle-bridge; yett how thyn soever the howses were, or how much overawed, they both did supplicate the lords justices and councell, that they might continue for a tyme together, and expect the comminge of the rest of both howses, to the end they might quiet the troubles in full parlyament, and that some acts of securitie granted by your majestie, and transmitted vnder the great seale of England, might pass to settle the minds of your majestie's subjects. To these requests, soe much conducing to your majestie's service, and settlement of your people, a flatt denyall was given, and the said lords justices and their partie of the councell, by their worckinge with their partie in both howses of parlyament, being then verrie thyn as afforesaid, propounded an order should be conceaved in parlyament, that the said discontented gentlemen tooke armes in rebellious manner, which was resented much by the best affected of both howses ; but being awed as afforesaid, and crediblie informed if some particuler persons amongst them stood in opposition therevnto, that the said musketiers were directed to shoote them att their gowing out of the parlyament howse, thorough which terror waie was given to that order.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

Dublin is the city around you, and once its parliament met under the threat of soldiers. The lords justices and their part of the council knew that most members throughout the kingdom would stay away because of a prorogation, so by proclamation two days before the time they gave way that parliament might sit, but so limited that no act of grace or anything for the people's quiet or satisfaction might be propounded or passed. A few lords and commons appeared in the parliament house. At their entrance at the castle-bridge and gate, and within the yard to the parliament house door, they were surrounded by a great number of armed men with their matches lighted and muskets presented even to the breasts of the members. None was admitted to bring one servant to attend him, or any weapon about him, within the castle-bridge. Thin as the houses were, and overawed, both supplicated the lords justices and council that they might continue for a time together and expect the coming of the rest of both houses, to quiet the troubles in full parliament, and that some acts of security granted by the king and transmitted under the great seal of England might pass to settle the minds of his subjects. A flat denial was given. The lords justices and their party worked with their part in both houses, then very thin, and proposed an order should be conceived in parliament that the discontented gentlemen took arms in rebellious manner. This was resented much by the best affected of both houses, but being awed, and credibly informed that if particular persons among them stood in opposition, the musketeers were directed to shoot them at their going out of the parliament house, through which terror way was given to that order.

Lord Forbes's forces desecrate Our Lady's church near Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1642

Lord Forbes's forces, having landed near Galway, took possession of Our Lady's church on the west side of the city—the ancient burial place of the local people—and defaced it. They dug up the graves and burnt the coffins and bones of the dead.

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5th of the last month by a pinnance of his lordship's ; and I send you here inclosed the motives of my declining his lordship's assistance at that time. To which I will add, that there was no possibility for me to perswade either town or country to entertain any treaty with him, much less to receive a garrison; nei- 109 ther was his strength such as report gave out, nor any way considerable to act what was expected ; neither had I power nor much occasion of forwardness given me to be assisting therein. For whilst I was at Terrellan in treaty with his lordship, and that my lord president was then with him in the fort, I could see the country on fire, my tenants goods and houses burnt, and 4 or 5 poor innocent creatures, women and children, inhumanely killed by some of his forces. And his lordship at his landing having taken possession of our lady^s church on the west of Gallway, their ancient burial place, they did not only deface the church, but digged up the graves and burnt the coffins and bones of the dead. These proceedings make such assistance more destructive than beneficial to us.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 163

As the companion tells it

This is Galway. In 1642, Lord Forbes landed near here, and his forces took possession of Our Lady's church on the west side of the city. It was the ancient burial place of the local people. They did not only deface the church. They dug up the graves and burnt the coffins and bones of the dead. The writer of this account had been at Terrellan in treaty with Lord Forbes, while the lord president was with him in the fort. From there he could see the country on fire, his tenants' goods and houses burnt, and four or five poor innocent creatures, women and children, inhumanely killed by some of his forces. He wrote that there was no possibility of persuading either town or country to entertain any treaty with him, much less to receive a garrison. His strength was not as report gave out, nor any way considerable to act what was expected. These proceedings, he wrote, made such assistance more destructive than beneficial.

Famine threatens Dublin garrison, 1642

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

In February 1642, the lords justice wrote from Dublin Castle that scarcity of victuals was so extreme that both soldiers and inhabitants would perish within days unless provisions arrived from England. The army could not be sent abroad to forage without endangering the city and castle, and trade had collapsed as merchants' estates were seized by the state.

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But the scarcetie of provisions of victualls is such, not only heere, but also at the guarrisons of Drogheda, Dundalk, Trim, Naas, and other guarrisons, as afflicts vs beyond all expression. Wee finde that if the forces now heere at Dublin continue 134 heere, they and wee must vnavoidably perish within a few daies, if provisions of victualls arrive not speedily forth of England. Wee finde also that, if wee send part of them abroad to gett their victualls by the sword, (in which case they must marche in a considerable strength,) wee are not assured that there is competent provisions to bee had abroad to enable so many men to live ; or, if there bee, the danger is very great ; for wee cannot send them out in such a strength as is necessary, and leave a sufficient strength heere to make good this citty and castle, in case wee should bee assaulted heere in their absence ; nor have wee such store of poulder and matche as may bee competent for both ; nor are wee able to fitt and accomodat the officers and soldiors for soe long a marche ; nor money fully to answer the charges of carriages, and many other charges incident to such an expedition ; although the comittee sent from thence hether did, to helpe vs in this distress, ingage themselves for two thousand pounds, which falls farr short of enabling this worke of
406 LETTERS cxxxiv-

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 177

Ormond's raid on Naas: burning, spoiling, and hangings

Naas · town · Kildare · 1641

Ormond led a military incursion into Naas, in which much property was burned and spoiled and some people were hanged. He defends the action as warranted by the king's authority and refuses to disavow it, while noting his wife and children are held as pledges. The Lord of Gormanston warned Henry Dillon that Ormond's family would answer for any further such raids.

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You say, it is taken very ill by the country and the Irish armie, that I did make inroades into the country, and espetially that to the Naase, in which, you say, I did burne and spoyle much, and hanged sume people. You may please to vnderstand, that I am, by the king, honoured for the present with the command of his armie in this kingdome ; and that his majestie takes it very ill from the country and those your lordship calls the Ireish armie, that, contrary to theire duty of allegence, this pretended armie has, without warant from him, assembled and taken armes, imploying them traitorously against his tounes, forts, and forces, and to the destruction of the liues, goods, and libertyes of diners his majestie's good seruants and subiects ; and that the country, contrary to there duty, and contrary to the example of theire auncestors, many wherof haue acquired honours and estates as bountious and noble rewards of theire courage and faithfullnesse manifested in all ages against rebells to, and inuaders vpon, the crowne of England ; I say, his sacred majestie takes it very ill, that those whoe had beefore them the examples of soe worthy forefathers, and now liued vpon the liberall guerdon of theire seruices, vnder the comfortable protection of his indulgent raigne, should not haue expressed thaire gratitude and faithfullnesse in manfully resisting the trechery ploted and perpetrated against his crowne and interests, and in represseing or reuengeing, the vnheard of inhumanities comited against his good subiects of the British nation and protestant religion, to whoes ciuillitie and industry, (next vnder the blesseing of God in soe gracious a prince,) wee owe the hapynesse wee lately inioy'd ; but that on the contrary many of English,
U 2

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 122

As the companion tells it

Naas is the town you are passing through or near. In 1641, Ormond led a military incursion into this place. He burned and spoiled much, and he hanged some people. The country and the Irish army took the raid very ill. Ormond defended it without apology. He said the king had honoured him with command of the army in this kingdom. His majesty took it ill that the Irish army had, without warrant from him, assembled and taken arms, employing them traitorously against his towns, forts, and forces, and to the destruction of the lives, goods, and liberties of his good subjects. Ormond argued the country had failed in its duty. Their ancestors had acquired honours and estates as rewards for their courage and faithfulness against rebels to the crown of England. Those forefathers lived upon the liberal guerdon of their services, under the comfortable protection of the king's reign, yet did not resist the treachery plotted against his crown and interests. They did not repress or revenge what Ormond called the unheard-of inhumanities committed against his good subjects of the British nation and Protestant religion. He refused to disavow the raid, even though his wife and children were held as pledges. The Lord of Gormanston warned Henry Dillon that Ormond's family would answer for any further such raids.

Kilkenny city ransacked within its walls

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641

The Lord of Upper Ossory writes to the Earl of Ormond that the city of Kilkenny has been ransacked within its walls, leaving him in a difficult situation for want of munition and remote from any succour. He also reports atrocities committed by the lord president of Munster, including the execution of a pregnant woman.

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RIGHT HONOURABLE MY VERY GOOD LORD ; SUCH is the vpproare and cariadge here amongst us, that it were but folly to fill paper withall ; and noe greate wonder, when as the citty of Kilkeny is ransackt within the walles, so as (for my parte) I ame in such a hard case for want of munition for such purposes betwixt boath sorts, as that I doe not well knowe how to behaue my self, I being so remotte from any succour from your honour and those parts. And therefore doe humbly pray that your honnor wil be pleased to solicitt the case to the lords justices, in hoape thereby to take som course for my succour ; whereas I can doe nothing as I would otherwise, though I haue threatned as well by the Irishry, as by the lord president of Mounster, who is so cruell and mercilesse, that he caused honest men and women to be moste execrably executed ; and amongest the rest caused a woman greate with child to be ripte vpp and take 3 babes together out of her wombbe, and then to trust every of the babes with weapon through their litle bodyes. And withall doe pray your honorable aduise in those cases, to which I would willingly relye. This act of the lord president's hath put many in a sorte in desperation. And this being all for this presente I take leave, euer remaning
Your lordship's to be comaunded,

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 117

As the companion tells it

Near the road is Kilkenny. In 1641, the Lord of Upper Ossory wrote to the Earl of Ormond that the city of Kilkenny had been ransacked within its walls. He said the uproar was such it would be folly to fill paper with it. He was in a hard case for want of munition between both sorts, and so remote from any succour from Ormond and those parts that he did not well know how to behave himself. He asked Ormond to solicit his case to the lords justices, in hope of taking some course for his succour. He wrote that he had been threatened by the Irishry and by the lord president of Munster. The lord president, he said, was so cruel and merciless that he caused honest men and women to be most execrably executed. Among the rest, he caused a woman great with child to be ripped up, and three babes taken together out of her womb, and then every babe trusted with a weapon through their little bodies. This act, the writer said, had put many in a sort of desperation.

Martial law murders near Dublin under Sir Charles Coote

Dublin · city · Dublin

Loyal subjects near Dublin were murdered in their beds and hanged without cause by martial law under Sir Charles Coote and others, acting on paper warrants from the king's justices that were contrary to the fundamental laws of the realm.

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3 . Sundry of your majestie^ loyall subiects neere Dublin and elsewere here were, though nott well, lately murdered in theire bedds, and many hanged by martiall lawe withoute cause, by sir Charles Coote and others heere, by colloure of paper warrants of your said justices, the said warrants being wholy against the foundamentall lawes of this realme.
4. It was resolued by your justices and state of this realme to wast all the country here, without excepting any, specially neere Dublin. And in pursuance thereof, they caused diuers of there troopes and bands to burne, pillage, and wast the country, and particulerly the lands and goods of some of your best subiects; and published a proclamation to burne all the corne

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 114

As the companion tells it

In Dublin, the king's justices and the state of this realm resolved to waste all the country, without excepting any, especially near the city. In pursuance of that, they caused divers of their troops and bands to burn, pillage, and waste the country, and particularly the lands and goods of some of the king's best subjects. A proclamation was published to burn all the corn.

National assembly of Irish Catholics at Kilkenny (CXI)

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

The Catholics of Ireland assembled at Kilkenny in a national assembly to provide for the safety of the king's subjects, protesting that the assembly was not intended to be a parliament and renewing their oath of allegiance to King Charles.

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present distempers may produce to yours and our prejudice, we have now mett in a nationall assembly at your citty of Kilkenny, 1 1 1 to provide for the safety of us your subjects here, untill your majestie shall take some fitt course for our preservation. Wherein to meete misconstructions, we have protested that we intended not this assembly to be a parliament, or to have the power of it, we in all plainness really confessing that the calling and dissolving of that great body is an inseparable incident to your imperiall crowne. We likewise renewed our oath of allegiance to your sacred person, your heires and lawfull successors, and our firme and immoveable purpose to observe and to be ruled only by your common laws of England and statutes here established and enacted by parliament among us, which are not contrary to our catholique Roman religion ; wherein we hope we have given testimony of the candor and reality of our actions and intentions, and given your majestie that satisfaction which is due from a most faithful! people to a most gracious soveraigne. We therefore, with hearts bent lower then our knees, doe humbly beseech your sacred majesty timely to assigne a place where with safety we may express our greivances, and you may with freedom apply a seasonable cure unto them. And there you shall find our dutifull affection attended with just cause of security in our faithfullness, and manifest arguments of our earnest desire to advance your service ; and that you may be graciously pleased to leave us free in the profession of faith here continued since the first conversion of this island, and which our ancestors of British extraction, at the first coming of the English to Ireland, found before them here, and brought with them ; and that you may secure our estates and liberties according to your laws, as you have done in your two other kingdomes ; and that hereafter your majesty will make noe distinction between us and the rest of the nations subject to your empire, but by the faithfull services which we will never cease to doe : which granted, we will convent our forces upon any designe your majestie will appoint, and we will ever pray.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

This city, Kilkenny, is where the Catholics of Ireland met in a national assembly to provide for the safety of the king's subjects, until his majesty should take some fit course for their preservation. They were careful to say what the assembly was not. They protested that they did not intend it to be a parliament or to have the power of one, confessing that the calling and dissolving of that great body belongs only to the imperial crown. They renewed their oath of allegiance to the king's sacred person, his heirs and lawful successors, and declared their firm purpose to be ruled by the common laws of England and statutes established by parliament among them, so far as those were not contrary to their Roman Catholic religion. They told the king they hoped this gave testimony of the candor and reality of their actions, and gave him the satisfaction due from a faithful people to a gracious sovereign. With hearts bent lower than their knees, they asked him to assign a place where they might safely express their grievances and he might freely apply a cure. They asked to be left free in the profession of faith continued since the first conversion of the island, the faith their ancestors of British extraction found before them when the English first came to Ireland. They asked that their estates and liberties be secured according to his laws, as in his two other kingdoms, and that no distinction be made between them and the rest of the nations subject to his empire, except by faithful service. They pledged to convent their forces upon any design the king should appoint.

Catholics of Dublin denied arms and disarmed

Dublin · city · Dublin

Petitioners of the English Pale sought arms from the king's store at Dublin, where provision existed for arming over twenty thousand men, but were refused. Catholic inhabitants of Dublin who possessed arms were disarmed, while Protestants were armed and given commands.

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1. Your moste clement highnes may be gratiously pleased to vnderstand, that when the nowe distempers of this land began in your province of Vlster here, wee humbly petitioned vnto your majestie's justices of this kingdom to affoorde vs some armes oute of your highnes1 store at Dublin, where there was sufficient provision for the arminge of more then twenty thousand men ; and wee beinge furnished therewith in competent manner, did then vndertake to appease the present troubles here with little expence to your majestie. Which request of ours was by your justices not only reiected, as distrusting our loyalty, though ample testimonie hath been given thereof by many discents, and the blood of oure auncestors shed in aboundance in former ages for the defence of the crowne of England ; but wee weare likewise denyed of armes for the necessary defence of our howses and persons, exposinge vs to the mercy of the enemy; and such alsoe of the inhabitance of the cittie of Dublin as were catholikes and had armes were disarmed.
2. Att the same tyme of that oure repulse, all the English and protestants of these parts had armes and weapons giuen them for there defence ; and many of them, though o£ meane condicion, weare employed as commaunders of companyes by your state of this realme for the suppressinge of the present comotion in Vlster : and such of the English pale and ould English of good qualitie that were catholikes were not admitted to the same favoure or like comaunde, though they were earnest sutors for it, not knowinge then the justnes of the quarell of the said Irish forces, or that it did reach to the generall defence and advantage of your majestie, and of this your whole kingdom, as was since made knowen to vs.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 114

As the companion tells it

Dublin, a city the road passes through, holds a story from a time of trouble in Ireland. When the distempers began in Ulster, the Catholics of the English Pale petitioned the king's justices for arms from the king's store at Dublin, where there was sufficient provision for the arming of more than 20,000 men. They offered to appease the present troubles at little expense to the king. The justices rejected the request, distrusting their loyalty, though these petitioners could point to the blood their ancestors had shed in abundance in former ages for the defence of the crown of England. They were denied arms even for the necessary defence of their houses and persons, and such Catholic inhabitants of the city of Dublin as had arms were disarmed. At the same time, all the English and Protestants of these parts had arms given them for their defence, and many of them, though of mean condition, were employed as commanders of companies. Catholics of good quality in the English Pale were not admitted to the same favour or command, though they were earnest suitors for it, not knowing then the justness of the quarrel of the Irish forces, or that it reached to the general defence and advantage of the king and of the whole kingdom, as was since made known to them.

Disease raging in Dublin, 1642

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

The writer reports being dangerously ill from a disease raging in Dublin that had killed more officers than warfare. His wife and eldest son also fell seriously ill with the purples and smallpox, but the family was recovering by the time of writing.

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FOR some tyme before I received your letters by sir Patrick Wemys, I lay, they say, dangerously sick of a disease that rages amongst vs, and hath taken away more officers then the sword. When I was newly gotten out of my bed, it pleased God to lay my wife in hers, whereout (for a good while) wee thought shee would neuer rise. When shee was at the very worst, my eldest boy fell desperately sick of the purples and smale pox: but thanks be to God wee are all now on the mending hand. This accompt of myselfe and famely will of itselfe make my excuse with your lordship, to whome I should long since haue given this returne, had I not bin hindered by these heavy visitations it pleased God in mercy iustly to shew me. My good frend sir Maurice Eustace hath, I doubt not, in all this tyme given you true relations of our proceedings, of the slownes whereof I should be infinitely ashamed ; but that I am perswaded the blame cannot be vppon mee, any longer then till rumors maliciously and
—cix. CONCERNING STATE-AFFAIRS. 363

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1642 was a city gripped by disease. A writer of the time lay dangerously ill from a sickness raging through the place, one that had killed more officers than the sword had in warfare. He had been in his bed for some time before letters arrived from Sir Patrick Wemys. When he was newly out of his bed, his wife fell into hers. For a good while they thought she would never rise. And when she was at her very worst, his eldest boy fell desperately sick of the purples and smallpox. But by the time he wrote, he could say "thanks be to God wee are all now on the mending hand." He sent this account of himself and his family to make his excuse to a lord he should have answered long before. The heavy visitations, he wrote, were what God in mercy justly showed him. He trusted his good friend Sir Maurice Eustace had been giving true reports of their proceedings all this time.

Galway rebellion: young men seize English ship and town

Galway · city · Galway · 1642

Young men of Galway seized an English ship by treachery, killed two men, and took ordnance and powder, compelling the mayor and town to join their faction. Clanricarde besieged the besiegers, supplied the fort from Oranmore, and forced the town's submission by 13 May 1642.

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Some young men of Gallway by treachery surprized an English ship, killed two, and hurt others, and took some ordnance and barrels of powder, by a faction raised in the town, compelled the mayor and graver sort to take it upon them, upon pretence that their goods and some young merchants of the town were
320 LETTERS LXXXIV—

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

In 1642, young men of Galway seized an English ship by treachery, killed two, wounded others, and took ordnance and barrels of powder. They forced the mayor and graver sort to join their faction. Clanricarde besieged them and forced the town's submission by 13 May 1642.

Ormond's victory near New Ross

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1643

On 18 March 1643, the marquis of Ormond, returning from Ross with about 2,500 foot and 500 horse of the king's army, encountered and defeated a rebel force of approximately 6,000 foot and 650 horse. The rebels were wholly routed, their baggage and munition seized, and the king's forces lodged that night on the battlefield.

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1 8th of March, beeing in the tyme the commissioners authorized by his majestie gave meeteing to those of the other side vpon 192 that commission, the lord marques of Ormond, though one of those commissioners, in his returne from Ross, with about two thousand five hundred foote and five hundred horse of his majestie^ armie, fought with the armie of the rebells, consisting of about six thousand foote and six hundred and fifty horse, and obteined a happie and glorious victorie against them : and the rebells armie beeing defeated and wholly routed, and theire baggage and munnition seized on, his majestie's forces lodged that night where they had gained the victory, as by former letters of this board of the 4th of Aprill, 1643, directed to Mr. speaker, wee formerly signified thither : which wee thus repeate, to manifest that the commission, or the meeteing therevpon, gave not any manner of interruption to the proceeding of the warr.
Concerneing the letters yow mention, to devest the committee of both houses there of an authoritie given them by both howses, wee remember that his majestie, by his letters of the 3d of February, 1642, vnderstanding that the then justices and councell had admitted, without his order or knowledge, to sitt in couneell with them in this his kingdome Mr. Robert Goodwin and Mr. Rennolds, and that thereby they were become soe bold as to take vpon them to heare and debate of matters treated of in councell, his majestie, by his said letters, signified his expresse command that they should not bee permitted to sitt or bee present any more at his majestie's councell table heere ; but if they had any business, his majestie willed that they should attend as others of theire qualitie : which his majestie^s pleasure was humbly obeyed by his said justices and councell with that dutie and submission which was due from them to his royall commands.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 217

As the companion tells it

Close to New Ross, on the 18th of March 1643, the marquis of Ormond won a battle. He had been in Ross, where commissioners authorised by his majesty had held a meeting with those of the other side upon that commission. Ormond was himself one of those commissioners, but on his return from Ross he had with him about 2,500 foot and 500 horse of his majesty's army. He met the army of the rebels, which consisted of about 6,000 foot and 650 horse, and he obtained what the record calls a happy and glorious victory against them. The rebels' army was defeated and wholly routed. Their baggage and their munition were seized. His majesty's forces lodged that night on the field where they had gained the victory. The board had already signified this in letters of the 4th of April 1643, directed to Mr. Speaker, and they repeated it to make clear that the commission, or the meeting held upon it, gave no manner of interruption to the proceeding of the war. So the battle stood as proof that diplomacy and war went on side by side, and that Ormond, though a commissioner, was still a soldier in the field.

Sir Charles Coote pillages and burns towns near Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

Sir Charles Coote, a privy councillor, pillaged and burned a gentleman's principal town near Dublin, destroying houses, corn, and goods worth over £4,000. He subsequently burned diverse towns near Dublin where the gentry lay in garrison with their forces.

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5. This cruell and lawles proceedings driue dyuers of your good subiects to take armes in there owne defence. And therevpon your justices did by publike proclamation desier a conference with them, for to vnderstand the cause of theire discontents and soe risinge in arines, giuing them your majestie's word in the intervall for the securitie of theire persons and 49 goods. Yett did they the same day in which the proclamation was published, and duringe there safe conducte, cause sir Charles Coote, one of your privie councell theire, pillage and burne one of the said gentlemen's principall townes, howses, corne, and other goods, to the vallue of more then 4000?. Which violation of the publick faith in your majestie's justices and state of this realme, giuinge iust cause of ielousie and suspicion of theire sinceritie and cleare intentions towards the said gentlemen ; and withall obseruing, that the verie day before your majestie^ petitioners were to appeare in Dublin vpon the proclamation afforesaid the said catholike inhabitants of the citie of Dublin were disarmed as afforesaid made them forbere to observe any further the contents of the said proclamation, but to continue theire armes, and stand vpon theire gard. Wherevpon sir Charles Coote, (they giuinge him noe iust provocation or offence, and containing themselues within the bounds of your lawes,) with a great power of horsse and foote, attempted vna wares to surprize and opresse them, and in that incounter dyvers men were slaine of both sides; in revenge whereof the said Coote burned dyvers townes neere Dublin, where the said gentlemen then lay in garrison with theire forces.
6. There was a late odious prottestation made and declared in parliament here against the proceedinges and actions of the nowe Irish forces of Vlster, of purpose to incense them against vs and ingadge vs in an imortall warr with them. Which prottestation had it not beene y elded vnto, it was then resolued

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

Dublin was the setting for a breach of public faith that helped push the countryside into open conflict. Your justices issued a proclamation inviting certain gentlemen, who had taken up arms in their own defence, to come forward for a conference. The proclamation gave them the king's word for the security of their persons and goods. Yet on the very day it was published, and while that safe conduct held, the authorities caused Sir Charles Coote, one of the privy councillors, to pillage and burn one of those gentlemen's principal towns. The houses, the corn, and other goods destroyed were valued at more than 4,000 pounds. The day before the petitioners were to appear in Dublin, the Catholic inhabitants of the city had been disarmed. This violation of public faith gave the gentlemen just cause to distrust the sincerity of those in power. They kept their arms and stood upon their guard. Sir Charles Coote then came with a great power of horse and foot and attempted unawares to surprise and oppress them, though they had given him no just provocation and had kept within the bounds of the law. In that encounter diverse men were slain on both sides. In revenge for that, Coote burned diverse towns near Dublin, where the said gentlemen then lay in garrison with their forces.

Dublin merchants' goods forcibly requisitioned

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

Protestant merchants in Dublin, both English and foreign, imported goods expecting government funds, but when money from England failed and credit ran out, the lords justices forced merchants to surrender both imported and native commodities for military subsistence, promising payment in London that never came.

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SINCE the signing of our leters of the zoth of February, wee have thought fitt to signifie to that honourable howse, that the protestant merchants heere, as well English as strangers, (conceiving that wee should bee plentifully supplied with money from thence,) brought in hether sundry comodities, the papists having in a maner given over all trade. But our wants of all things requisit to give the officers and soldiers subsistence, whose poore and distressed condition wee behould and lament with grief of hart, enforced vs, when our meanes from thence failed, and our credits could hould out noe longer, to force their comodities out of their hands, not only those imported hether, but many of the native comodities they were to export hence, that wee might make vse of them, on our vndertaking that payment should bee made them at London. Which payments failing, it is now come to that passe, that those that would bring in victualls and other
-cxxxiv. CONCERNING STATE-AFFAIRS. 405

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

Dublin, in 1642. Protestant merchants here, both English and foreign, had brought in goods, believing money would come from England to pay for them. The Catholics had all but given up trade, so the trade that remained was in Protestant hands. But the money from England never came. The lords justices had officers and soldiers to feed, men whose condition they watched with grief of heart. When their own means failed and their credit could hold out no longer, they forced the merchants to give up their goods. Not only what had been imported, but native goods the merchants meant to export. They took them on an undertaking that payment would be made in London. Those payments failed. The merchants who had trusted the government's word were left with nothing, and those who might have brought in victuals and other supplies would no longer do so.

Confederate assembly convened at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

The great assembly of the confederate Catholics of Ireland met at Kilkenny on 24 October, establishing a supreme council to provide for safety and welfare of those defending the free exercise of religion, the rights of the sovereign, and the liberties of the country.

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WEE his majestie's most humble and most faithfull subiects, whom the great assembly of this kingdome, which mett at his majestie's citty of Killkenny the foure and twentyeth of October last, hath authorized and entrusted, by the name of the supreame councell of the confederate catholicks of Ireland, to provide for the safety and wellfare of such as adhere to vs in the defence of the free exercise of our religion, the rights and prerogatives of our soveraigne, and the libertyes of our contry, haue, the eight of this instant, opened and readd a summons vnder the signature of James lord marques of Ormond, James earle of Roscomman and others, beareing date the third of February, and directed to the lord viscount Gormanston, the lord viscount Mountgarrett, and eight more ; whereby notice is given to them, (in pursuance of a commission said to be from his majestie, and mentioned to haue been granted vppon a petition of the catho-
ORMOND, VOL. v. D d

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 177

As the companion tells it

In 1642, Kilkenny was where the great assembly of this kingdom met, on the 24th of October. They were the confederate Catholics of Ireland. The assembly authorized a supreme council to provide for the safety and welfare of those who adhered to them, in the defence of the free exercise of their religion, the rights and prerogatives of their sovereign, and the liberties of their country. On the 8th of February, the supreme council opened and read a summons signed by James, Lord Marquis of Ormond, James, Earl of Roscommon, and others, dated the 3rd of February. It was directed to the Lord Viscount Gormanston, the Lord Viscount Mountgarrett, and eight more. The summons gave notice to them, in pursuance of a commission said to be from his majesty, and mentioned to have been granted upon a petition of the Catholics.

Cork garrison starvation and desertion, 1643

Cork · city · Cork · 1643

Lord Inchiquin reports from Cork that 500 soldiers had deserted for want of subsistence and the remainder were barely held together. The troops had consumed provisions in the harbours down to one pound of bread and half a pound of cheese per man, and had eaten upon the towns until residents could no longer support them.

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I HOPE captain Jephson's stay there is rather occasioned by my misfortune then any disaster hapened vnto him : butt whether of them stayes him, the loss is considerable his majestic has suffered by itt, there being 500 men runn away from theyr coulours for want of means to subsist; and the rest were kept together with soe much difficultie, that if the fleete had nott 209 com as itt did, truely I think wee had lost the whole army. And though wee haue sent 700 away with part of the fleete, and shipped the rest of those foot that could be founde aboord the rest ; yett I feare our ruin will nott be avoyded, the remaining part being much the greater, and windebounde in the harbours, where they haue spent all the provisions which they had for transportation to one pounde of bread, and halfe of cheese per man ; and if the winde carry them not away before they eate that, I expect theyr landing againe here, arid presently after, theyr disbanding ; for I protest I haue not any thing to giue them.
Itt may be supposed that the mony promised to be lent by this corporation will help mee to prevent this mischeife, but I assure your lordship itt will not, there being but 400?. payed in mony, the rest they bring in plate, which will not availe mee; soe that 1 am forced to desire my mother-in-law, and what other freinds I haue any interrest in, to lend mee whatever mony they haue, (to supply the souldiers present want,) vppon promise of repayment when I should haue the expected authoritie to receiue mony from the Irish ; and if I faile them, in good fayth I beleeue they are vndon : yet they were content to runn that hazard, seeing noe other way to keepe vs together, the souldiers haveing eaten vppon the townes as long as they could possibly support them. To verifie this, I assure your lordship, that an allderman being charged but in 20 shillings towards the mainetenance of the garrison this last weeke, he desired vs to take his house and goods to dispose of for his majestie's service, butt protested inabilitie to make payment of that somme.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 228

As the companion tells it

In 1643, Cork held a garrison that was starving. Lord Inchiquin wrote that 500 soldiers had run from their colours for want of means to subsist. The rest he kept together with so much difficulty that, had the fleet not come when it did, he believed they would have lost the whole army. He sent 700 away with part of the fleet and shipped the remaining foot soldiers aboard the rest of the ships. But the greater part stayed windbound in the harbours, where they spent all the provisions meant for transportation down to one pound of bread and half a pound of cheese per man. Inchiquin expected that if the wind did not carry them off before they ate that, they would land again and disband, for he had nothing to give them. The corporation had promised money to help, but only 400 pounds came in coin. The rest came in plate, which was no use to him. He was forced to ask his mother-in-law and whatever friends he had interest in to lend whatever money they possessed, on promise of repayment when he should receive authority to collect money from the Irish. The soldiers had eaten upon the towns as long as the residents could possibly support them. An alderman charged but 20 shillings toward the garrison's maintenance that last week asked them to take his house and goods for the king's service, but protested his inability to pay even that sum.

Order to burn and destroy around Dublin to prevent starvation of the city

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1641

The lords justices and council issued an order for the Earl of Ormond to burn, spoil, waste, and demolish all towns, houses, corn, and hay where rebels had been relieved or harbored around Dublin, and to kill all men able to bear arms. The order was prompted by rebels assembling in hostile manner about the city of Dublin, openly professing to starve the city and the state.

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THE rebells haueing assembled themselues in armes in hostile manner with banners displaying in severall places about this citie of Dublin, intending and openly professing to starve this citie and this state, and his majestie's forces heere, that soe the rebells may the more easily possess themselues of the kingdome, deprive his majestie of his royall crowne and soveraignty heere, and roote out, murder, and distroy all the Brittish and protestants in the kingdome.
In prevention of which theire wicked purposes, our very good lord the earle of Ormond and Ossory, lievtenant generall of the army, is now goeing abroad with some of his majesty's forces to encounter the rebells and theire adherents and releevers, and for depriveing them of the benefitt and conveniency of houseing and lodging for theire reliefe.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

Dublin, in 1641. Rebels had assembled in arms around the city, with banners displaying, openly professing to starve Dublin and the state and his majesty's forces, so the rebels might more easily possess the kingdom, deprive his majesty of his crown and sovereignty, and root out, murder, and destroy all the British and Protestants. The lords justices and council issued an order for the Earl of Ormond, lieutenant general of the army, to burn, spoil, waste, and demolish all towns, houses, corn, and hay where rebels had been relieved or harbored, and to kill all men able to bear arms. Ormond was now going abroad with some of his majesty's forces to encounter the rebels and their adherents and relievers, and to deprive them of the benefit of housing and lodging.

Rebels plunder to the gates of Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641

Ormond reported that rebels in Leinster had laid waste £3,000 a year of his lands and were now robbing to the very gates of Kilkenny, where he had his principal dwelling. His wife and children lay defenseless at another house twelve miles away.

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est erthlei happines I studei to acqueir; and therfor my obleigaciouns to them aere graett. Bott all teyis most give plaese, when his majestie's servis, and the saeftei of his kingdoums couinis in questeioun. I haeve bein bould to wreitt soumthing of this to my lord levtenantt, whos presens heir in teym will mor avaell then half an aermey. I haeve in my pour particular sufrid mutch by the rebellis in Lenster : 3000^. a yeir of meyn is leyd waest by thes robreis, and nou the robbe to the verei gaetis of Kilcenney, whaer I haeve my prinsipall duelling, and is within tuelve meyls of another house of meyn, whaer my weif and childring are defenslese. This wee heird nott of when the last dispatch wentt.
I haeve preseumid to give his majestei a relacioun of the former dissaster, tutching the 600 men thatt went tauards Drochedach; bott of this I seyd nothing. Iff ther bee anei thing of thise thatt you think worthei to bee tauld his majestei, you mey bee plesid to dou itt. Sir, I ame

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

This is Kilkenny. In 1641, the Duke of Ormond wrote that the rebels in Leinster had done him great damage. Three thousand pounds a year of his lands were laid waste by their robberies. Now they were robbing to the very gates of Kilkenny, where he had his principal dwelling. And within twelve miles of that city lay another house of his, where his wife and children were defenseless. He said he had heard nothing of this when the last dispatch went. He had already presumed to give the king a relation of the former disaster, concerning 600 men that went towards Drogheda, but of this new trouble he had said nothing. He asked that if there was anything in his account worth telling his majesty, it might please the recipient to do so. He wrote that his obligations to those he served were great, but all must give place when his majesty's service and the safety of his kingdoms came in question. He had been bold to write something of this to the lord lieutenant, whose presence in time would avail more than half an army.

Perilous petitions signed in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1641

In 1641, Sir William Parsons, Sir Adam Loftus, and others contrived dangerous petitions signed by thousands in Dublin and other parts of Ireland, directed to the English House of Commons. These petitions aimed to destroy the Catholic religion, lives, and estates.

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8. After this, certeine dangerous and pernitious petitions, contriued by the advise and councell of the said sir William Parsons, sir Adam Loftus, sir John Clotworthy, knights, Arthur Hill, esq., and sundrie others of the malignant partie, and signed by many thowsands of the malignant partie in the cittie of Dublin, in the province of Vlster, and in sundrie other parts in this kingdome, directed to the commons howse in England, were att publique assizes and other publique places made knowen and reade to many persons of qualitie in this kingdome, which petitions contayned matters destructiue to the said catholiques, their relligion, liues, and estates, and were the more to be feared by reason of the actiue power of the said sir John Clotworthy in the commons howse in England in opposition to your majestie, and his barbarous and inhumane expressions in that howse against catholique relligion, and the professors thereof; soone after, an order conceaved in the commons howse of England, that noe man should bowe vnto the name of Jesus, (att the sacred
416 LETTERS cxxxvn

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 179

As the companion tells it

In 1641, Dublin was where dangerous petitions were contrived by Sir William Parsons, Sir Adam Loftus, Sir John Clotworthy, Arthur Hill, and others. They were signed by many thousands in the city, in the province of Ulster, and in other parts of the kingdom, and directed to the commons house in England. The petitions were made known at public assizes and public places to many persons of quality in the kingdom. They contained matters destructive to Catholics, their religion, lives, and estates. They were feared more because of the active power of Sir John Clotworthy in the commons house in England, in opposition to the king, and his "barbarous and inhumane expressions in that house against the Catholic religion and the professors thereof." Soon after, an order was conceived in the commons house of England that no man should bow unto the name of Jesus.

Catholics meet at Kilkenny after failed petition to king (CXII)

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

After repeated failed attempts to petition the king through various intermediaries, the Catholics of Ireland met at Kilkenny in a national assembly to provide for public safety, reiterating their request for the king to address their grievances.

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he might with freedom releive them. Whereupon having not received any answer thereunto, and being invaded with all the British fury that ever was acted or imagined between enemies, we met at Kilkenny in a nationall assembly to provide for the publick safety, untill his majestie should be at leisure from his other great diversions, to take our present condition to his princely consideration, and to renew and reiterate our former suite unto him.
Thus resolved, the contemplation of your majestie's great goodness, your compassionate care of distressed catholiques, your interest in the settlement of this kingdom, the inheritance of your royall issue, whom God ever bless and preserve, and the felicity in point of religion, which all the nations of Europe have received by the allyance of their princes with the royall house of France, has induced us in this our extremity to implore your Hester like intercessions to our most gracious prince, and humbly to beseech your majestie so to interpose for us your power in his favours, that he may settle our religion and liberties, as he did those of his other kingdoms ; and decline all apprehentions and misinterpretations which may derogate from that true faith and naturall allegiance, which in all duty, humble reverence and sincerity, we owe and profess unto him, and we will ever pray.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny is the city where Irish Catholics gathered in a national assembly. They had sent petitions to the king and received no answer. They write that they were invaded with all the British fury that ever was acted or imagined between enemies. So they met at Kilkenny to provide for public safety, until his majesty should be at leisure from his other great diversions, to take their present condition to his princely consideration, and to renew and reiterate their former suit to him. Thus resolved, they turned to a second majesty. They appealed to her great goodness, her compassionate care of distressed Catholics, and to the king's interest in the settlement of this kingdom, the inheritance of his royal issue. They invoked the felicity in religion that all the nations of Europe had received by the alliance of their princes with the royal house of France. In their extremity they implored her, in words from the source, Hester like intercessions to their most gracious prince, asking her to interpose her power so that he might settle their religion and liberties as he did those of his other kingdoms.

Duncannon garrison in desperate straits, 1641

Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1641

Laurence Esmonde, commanding at Duncannon, writes that the place lacks means, munition, and arms. He has kept fifty men at his own charge, but the old soldiers are ready to mutiny and deliver the place to the enemy; his estate and relief have been taken from him and he can hold out only a fortnight longer.

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I HAUE often written to the lords justices, settinge out the great wants and defects of this place ; but I can neyther find releife from them nor answere of my letters ; soe that nowe I must appeale to your lordship for your advice and direction, what I shall doe in cases of soe great necessitie. My lord, this place is neyther furnished with meanes, munition, nor armes. I haue intertained 50 men, and keept them vppon myne owne charge ; the ould men want means, and are ready euery minute to mutine and deliuer vpp this place into the handes of the enymie. My estate and reliefe is taken from me, and the most that I can doe is to hould out on forthnight longer. There is not munition to hould out fiue dayes fight, nor are wee able to spare pouder to bringe shipps to an anchor, French, Spanish, or Duch that come.
It wil be a dishonour for me to leaue it. It is infinite danger 5 1 to continew it, without meanes, incouragment, or reliefe. Som of the chyefe of the enmie mett my men abroad, who went for fier. They sett on my men, in which conflict there fell of the enymie, soni of the chefe heades, and som of theire men. This hath bred a great heart-burninge and cause of revenge. I pray your lordship's direction and advice what to doe, and warrant for the 50 men, and such reliefe, men, and munition, as your lordship shall thinke fitt. Otherwise I craue your lordship's pardon that I preserue my life, which is all that I haue left, the best I can. For in this condition I cannott continewe, nor can it bee expected I should ; for I haue don what I could, and spent what I had. God of heauen quiett the times and direct your lordship in all good wayes. I am

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 116

As the companion tells it

Duncannon, in 1641, held a garrison in desperate straits. Laurence Esmonde commanded there, and he wrote that he had written often to the lords justices about the great wants of the place, but could find neither relief nor answer to his letters. The place, he said, was neither furnished with means, munition, nor arms. He had entertained 50 men and kept them upon his own charge. The old soldiers wanted means and were ready every minute to mutiny and deliver the place into the hands of the enemy. His estate and relief had been taken from him, and the most he could do was hold out a fortnight longer. There was not munition to hold out 5 days' fight, nor were they able to spare powder to bring ships to anchor, whether French, Spanish, or Dutch, that came. He told the Duke it would be a dishonour for him to leave it, but infinite danger to continue without means, encouragement, or relief. Some of the chief of the enemy had met his men abroad, who had gone for fire. They set on his men, and in that conflict there fell of the enemy some of the chief heads and some of their men. This, he wrote, had bred a great heart-burning and cause of revenge. He prayed for direction and advice, and for a warrant for the 50 men, and such relief, men, and munition, as the Duke should think fit. Otherwise he craved pardon that he preserved his life, which was all he had left, the best he could. He said he had done what he could and spent what he had.

Failed rebel attempt on Dublin Castle and city, 1641

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1641

Secretary Vane informs Ormond that the Irish rebellion's plot against Dublin Castle and the city of Dublin was discovered the eve before it was to be executed and failed through the wisdom of Ormond and the justices. He credits this discovery to God's miraculous intervention and expresses confidence the storm will pass.

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CAPTAINE Weenies will represent vnto your lordship how vnwelcome and vnexpected is happened this general reuolt in Irland to his majestie ; I meane of his majestie's ill subjects of that kingedom, itt beinge fomented by the priests and Jesuists. God's miracolously discouery of itt but the eue before the execution makes mee confident the traytors will haue their iust reward ; and hauinge fayled of their enterprise vppon the castle and cittie of Dublin, by the wisdomes of your lordship and the justices, this storme will blowe ouer. Howeuer, his majestie^ care and affection is such of his faithful and louinge subiects, as all possible diligence is vsed ; and orders are already sent out for supplies of men and money out of England, and men out of Scottland, to reinforce the lordes of Ardes, Chichester, and Clandebois in the north.
His majesty in his royal letters to your lordship, written with his owne hand, will tell you the valewe and esteme hee hath of you, and of your fidelitie and affection to his person, in a time thus conditioned. Hee reposes much of the safety of that kingedome in your conducte ; and that by your meanes next vnder God you will bee able to beate downe and dissipate this soe dangerous a conspiracie in the budd. My lord, goe on prosperously in itt; for itt will bee honor and glorie, which you will accquire both from kinge and your countery, to bee an instrument to stopp the issewes of blood from runninge as att a ful sea, which cannot bee auoyded, if not timely preuented.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 105

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1641. The Irish rebellion aimed to seize Dublin Castle and the city itself, but the plot was discovered the eve before it was to be carried out, and it failed. Secretary Vane wrote to Ormond to tell him so. He said Captain Weenies would represent to Ormond how unwelcome and unexpected this general revolt in Ireland had been, fomented by priests and Jesuits. Vane called the discovery miraculous, God's own uncovering of the conspiracy barely in time. He said the traitors would have their just reward, and having failed of their enterprise upon the castle and city of Dublin, by the wisdom of Ormond and the justices, this storm would blow over. Orders were already sent out for supplies of men and money out of England, and men out of Scotland, to reinforce the lords of Ardes, Chichester, and Clandebois in the north. The king had written to Ormond with his own hand, telling him the value and esteem he had of him, of his fidelity and affection to his person in such a time. He reposed much of the safety of that kingdom in Ormond's conduct, and that by his means, next under God, he would be able to beat down and dissipate this dangerous conspiracy in the bud. Vane urged him to go on prosperously in it, for it would be honour and glory from king and country to be an instrument to stop the issues of blood from running as at a full sea.

Forced requisition of goods from Dublin merchants and tradesmen, 1643

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

The army's desperate need forced the council to seize commodities from merchants and all corporate bodies in Dublin—bakers, brewers, butchers, vintners—and ultimately from anyone with visible substance. When all else failed, they seized all available hides on shipboard and shore to buy a few days' bread for the army.

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And by our letters directed to Mr. speaker, dated the 2 ad of Aprill, in answere of his said letters of the iyth of March, wee made it appeare, that that designe could not hold to derive benefitt to this armie. By those our letters we signified alsoe, that the necessities of the armie still pressed vs by degrees to breake the merchants heere, by wresting their comodities from them, vpon promis of satisfaction in England. That the faileing of that satisfaction in England, as it had vndone them, soe had it infinitly prejudiced the service here. That wee engaged the word of this state to procure payment to many others out of the next treasure that shall arrive forth of England ; which courses, though very heard, did help vs for a tyme. That when those failed, wee began at our selves, then at others, then at all fraternities and corporations, as bakers, bruers, butchers, vintners, and the like; then at all particular persons observed to haue any visible substance, not beeing able to spare poore men who (to gaine a poore liveing) made profession, some of selling hott-waters, and some of cutting tobaccoe. That in the end (all other meanes failing) wee had recourse to the onely native comoditie, hides, seizing on all that could be found, either on shippboard, redy to bee exported hence, (with purpose in some of the owners of them to returne victualls hether, which wee were not able to waite for,) or on shoare prepared for shippboard, and made vse of them to gett the armie a few dayes bread, still hopeing provisions of victualls might come to keepe them alive, which did draw vpon vs infinit clamor. And by the said letters wee earnestly besought, that before wee should bee vtterly swallowed vpp in the confusions of affaires wherewith wee were
CLXXXII. CONCERNING STATE-AFFAIRS. 489

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1643 was a city where the army's hunger reached into every trade. The council's letters, written on the 2nd of April in answer to ones from the 17th of March, described how the necessities of the army still pressed them by degrees to break the merchants there, taking their commodities from them upon promise of satisfaction in England. That satisfaction never came, and its failing, as they wrote, had undone the merchants and infinitely prejudiced the service. They had given the word of the state that payment would come to many others out of the next treasure arriving from England. Those courses, though very hard, helped for a time. When they failed, the council began at themselves, then at others, then at all fraternities and corporations: bakers, brewers, butchers, vintners, and the like. Then at all particular persons observed to have any visible substance. They could not spare poor men who, to gain a poor living, made a profession of selling hot waters or cutting tobacco. In the end, all other means failing, they had recourse to the only native commodity: hides. They seized all that could be found, either on shipboard ready to be exported, or on shore prepared for shipboard. Some owners had meant to return victuals, but the army was not able to wait for that. They used the hides to get the army a few days' bread, still hoping provisions might come to keep them alive. This, they wrote, drew upon them infinite clamor.

Ormond's proposed expedition against Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1642

Ormond wrote that he had eagerly pressed for a military expedition against the town of Wexford, proposing to undertake it with 3,600 foot soldiers, 600 horse, and four pieces of battery. The council deemed it unsafe to proceed, citing insufficient ammunition and men to spare from the Dublin garrison.

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I DOE vnderstand by privatt letters that are come out of England, that it is thought strange there, that the army appointed for these parts hath attempted nothing this sommer against the towne of Wexford, nor done some other services which was expected. And least the true cause thereof might be misrepresented to that honourable house, and that thereby something might reflect on me who am very inocent therein, I thought it my part to signifie vnto you, that I haue many wittnesses beyond exception to testifie with mee, that I desired nothinge more then that I might march forth with the best equipage I could, with soe many of the army as might be spared from this garrison, against that towne ; conceaveing it for many reasons to be a service of the greatest consequence which in theise tymes could be vndertaken, and the greatest preiudice which could happen to the rebells, if that might haue beene taken in ; whereof by God's assistance I made no greate doubt.
I pressed this iourney day by day at the councell board, from whence I haue constantly received advise or directions for all the services vndertaken, since I had the honour to command 105

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

Wexford town in 1642 was the target of a military expedition that never happened. Ormond wrote to explain why. Letters from England had expressed surprise that the army appointed for those parts had attempted nothing that summer against the town. He feared the true cause might be misrepresented, and that blame might reflect on him, though he was innocent. He said he had witnesses beyond exception to testify that he desired nothing more than to march forth with the best equipage he could, with so many of the army as might be spared from the garrison, against that town. He proposed to undertake it with 3,600 foot soldiers, 600 horse, and four pieces of battery. He believed it to be a service of the greatest consequence, and the greatest prejudice which could happen to the rebels, if it might have been taken. With God's assistance he made no great doubt of it. He pressed this journey day by day at the council board, which had given him direction for all services since he had the honour to command. The council deemed it unsafe to proceed, citing insufficient ammunition and men to spare from the Dublin garrison.

Rebel force at Dundalk collapses as men flee

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1641

Sir Philem O'Neale and his officer Mr. Plunckett gathered about 500 men at Dundalk, hanging two men to force them out of town. Once outside, the men threw down their arms and ran away, leaving behind three field pieces.

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THIS morneing heere came a servant of mine, that I imployed to inquire of the strenght of the rebells in this county and at Dundalke ; and this is that which he relates : that yisterday sir Philem (TNeale, and his officer Mr. Plunckett, was at Dundalke, and had gott together some 500 men, and would haue brought them towards this place ; and with much adoe, and hanginge 2 men, he gott them out of towne ; and as soone as they weare free out of towne, they threw downe there armes, ran all away ; and towards night they went away themselues, and leaft behinde them there three field peaces. There is not leaft in the country not three gentlemen of quality. My lord, wee are like to loose a very good oportunity to take in this county to the kinge. And I pray, my lord, if yow may send vs one thowsand good men, and some peeces of battery; and I doubt , by God's helpe, wee will doe that service which is of great consequence ; 68 which I know your lordshipp will take into serious consideration. My lord, I shall desire yow, that yow will give order to me to raise my owne company, and apoint me a lieutenant collonell. This leauinge all to your consideration, and my selfe to continue,
My lord, Your lordshipp's most faithfull servant,

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 131

Relief force to Drogheda intercepted, soldiers flee

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1641

Six hundred foot soldiers and fifty horse sent to reinforce Drogheda were intercepted by 1500 of the enemy; the foot, mostly English settlers already robbed by rebels, fled without fighting and lost their arms. The horse were expected to have fought through to the town.

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ther sho them to bee a toumoultuarey rable, then anei thing leyk an aermeie. Yitt sutch is our presentt wantt of men, aenns, and money, thatt thoch weei looke with greif upon the meisereis the Ingleishe souffer by robbing of them in a most barbarous maener ; yitt are wee no weisae bill to help them, bott are forsid to applaey ourselvis to saeve for your majestei this your principall ceittei in this kingdoum, and another callid Drohedach soume 20 meyleis hens, whaer our gretest streynth nou laeyis ; which is faesid with att lest faure or faeiv thousand of the rebellis, and by them deylei threttnid with an assaltt. Bott the toune is weill furnishid with all nesisaris to repell them, and thos commandid by a verei gallentt gentilman cald sir Henrey Titchbourn, thatt I ame confidentt will give a verei good accumptt of the toune, or leiv his bonis in itt. Upon Saterdey last wei sentt thither to his souccour 600 foote and 50 horse, who, as wee onderstand laett last nichtt, waer incounterid by 1500 of the enemie. The foutt were for the most paertt of thos Ingleishe thatt had bein pilladgid by them, and had, I douptt, with ther goods lost ther courrage : for as wei onderstand by tuo of them thatt escaepid hither, they beeteuk themselvis to ther heils upon sichtt of the enimey, not onse shoutting one shott or streyking on stroke. I beleive feoue of the men are lost, bott I douptt most of the aermis. The men, itt is treoue, waer onexersisid, bott had as maeney aermis I think, within a feoue as all the rebellis in the kingdouine, and waer as weill trenid as they. The horse, I maeke no questeioun, are got in throuch the enemei to the toune. They waer paertt of my aun troup commandid bee sir Paterik Weimis.
Mor particular relaciounis of whatt hes past heirtofore are sentt to Mr. secreitarei Vane for your majestie's informacioun. I most humblei begge your pardoun for the dissordour of this, occasionid sumthing by the beirer's haest, and most by my onskilfulnes, who ame

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

Near here is Drogheda, a town that in 1641 stood as one of the principal places in the kingdom, where the greatest strength of the crown's forces then lay. It was faced by at least 4 or 5 thousand rebels, daily threatened with assault. The town was well furnished with all things necessary to repel them, and commanded by a gallant gentleman called Sir Henry Titchburn, of whom the writer said he was confident he would give a good account of the town, or leave his bones in it. On Saturday a relief was sent to the town: 600 foot and 50 horse. As the writer learned late the following night, they were intercepted by 1500 of the enemy. The foot were, for the most part, English settlers who had already been pillaged and robbed by the rebels in a most barbarous manner. The writer feared that with their goods they had lost their courage. Two of them escaped back to report that they took to their heels at the sight of the enemy, not once shooting one shot or striking one stroke. Few of the men were lost, but most of the arms were. The men were unexercised, yet had as many arms, the writer thought, within a few, as all the rebels in the kingdom, and were as well trained as they. The horse, part of the writer's own troop commanded by Sir Patrick Wemyss, were expected to have fought through the enemy to the town. The writer noted, too, that the English suffered miseries by robbing in a barbarous manner, and that there was a present want of men, arms, and money to help them.

Wexford as rebel-held port for arms trade, 1643

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1643

Ormond sent blank warrants and passes to Irish and foreign merchants and ship captains at Wexford, a port then in Irish (rebel) control, offering ready money and free departure for anyone bringing powder, arms, or war necessities to Beaumaris or Chester. This was done to address the severe scarcity of gunpowder and military supplies.

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The peeces are consigned to Mr. Bulkley at Beaumoris, and soe is the powder, except one barrell, which is for captaine Bartlett's owne provision. The lord archbishopp of Dublin hath payed 5^. a barrell for 10 barrells, and I as much for foure. This is, except mony, the scarsest comodity with vs ; but least this proportion should not answeare his majestie's occasions in those parts, I haue a week since sent blank warrants or pass for such Irish or outlandish merchaunts or captaines of shipps as are at Wexford, or in any other port in the power of the Irish, whereby they are promised, if they goe to Beaumoris or Chester with powder, armes, or any other necessarys for warre, that they shall receaue redy mony for such wares, and free liberty to depart when they haue sould them : and divers letters to the same effect I haue written to your grace and the sherriffe of Anglesey ; the blanck, both in the letters and passes, will be filled vpp in another hand then the letters are written in, as the names are of those that shall vndertake the busines. And heere I must aske your grace's pardon for doeing this without your approbation, which was, because I was loath to loose soe much tyme as the vncertayuty of winter passages, being alsoe obstructed by some parliament shipps, might require : and for ought I know, those things may be come to those places ere now ; for I was put in good hope the busines would bee vndertaken and speedily effected.
About the 26th of the last moneth, there arrived heere letters to the lords justices and mee from his majesty, directing, that in case a cessation of armes weare heere concluded on, such part of his army as might be spared from garrisoning the most important places of this province should be, with all convenient speed, transported to his service in England. To this I find a redy inclination in the best and most considerable part of the army, though there haue been, and is still, great industry vsed to corrupt the officers and debauch the souldiers. But the

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

Wexford, in 1643, was a port held by the Irish, and it became a passage point in a trade for gunpowder and arms. Ormond sent blank warrants and passes to Irish and foreign merchants and ship captains at Wexford, and at any other port in the power of the Irish. The promise was that if they carried powder, arms, or any other necessities of war to Beaumaris or Chester, they would receive ready money for such wares and free liberty to depart when they had sold them. Gunpowder was, except money, the scarcest commodity. The Archbishop of Dublin had paid 5 a barrel for 10 barrels, and Ormond as much for 4. The pieces were consigned to Mr. Bulkley at Beaumaris, and the powder too, except 1 barrel for Captain Bartlett's own provision. Ormond did this without the approval of his grace, and asked pardon for it, because he was unwilling to lose the time that uncertain winter passages, obstructed by parliament ships, might require. The blanks in the letters and passes would be filled up in another hand than the letters were written in, as the names of those who undertook the business became known. He had written divers letters to the same effect to his grace and the sheriff of Anglesey. For all he knew, those things might have come to those places already, for he had been put in good hope the business would be undertaken and speedily effected.

Clanricard holds County Galway during 1641 rebellion

Portumna · town · Galway · 1641

Writing from Portumna in December 1641, the earl of Clanricard reports that he has kept County Galway in quiet obedience while the rebellion grows elsewhere. English settlers from planted counties flee to him daily for shelter and protection, though he warns he cannot hold out without arms and support.

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I thank God, I do yet keep this county in perfect and quiet obedience, and many English from planted counties do come daily hither for shelter and protection, and may be sure thereof, 45 as long as I can defend my self; but if I be not put into a better condition, I must be sure to suffer by those now in rebellion, or foreign invasion ; since they cannot forget so soon the passages of former times.
The inclosed to the state speaks my mind freely to them, and may inform your lordship of some of my last proceedings. But without direction out of England by your favour and assistance, I expect but little and slow relief from the state here ; My lord, I was never ambitious of great imployments, but I perceive it so necessary for the king's service that I should appear considerable, as my ancestors have done before, as not thinking it my own interest but the publick good, I shall humbly offer it to your consideration, whether you may not fitly move it to the houses of parliament to recommend me to the king for some considerable command upon the raising of forces in this kingdom. The very report of such a trust and value put upon me will be of no small consequence; besides my own faithfull endeavours and ability by my self and friends to raise some thousands of able loyal men to the last drops of their blood.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

Portumna, in County Galway. In December 1641, the earl of Clanricard wrote from here that he still kept the county in quiet obedience while rebellion spread elsewhere. English settlers from the planted counties were fleeing to him daily for shelter and protection. He said they might be sure of it as long as he could defend himself, but warned that without better support he must suffer at the hands of those now in rebellion, or from foreign invasion. They could not forget, he wrote, "the passages of former times." He sent an enclosed paper to the state speaking his mind freely, and told the lord that without direction out of England he expected little and slow relief from the state in Ireland. He said he had never been ambitious of great employments, but saw it necessary for the king's service that he should appear considerable, as his ancestors had done before him. He asked whether the lord might move the houses of parliament to recommend him to the king for some command upon the raising of forces in the kingdom. The very report of such trust, he said, would be of no small consequence, and he believed he could raise some thousands of able loyal men to the last drops of their blood.

King's declaration to Galway on loyalty and rebellion

Galway · city · Galway · 1642

Charles I issues a declaration to the town and county of Galway affirming the loyalty of the Earl of Clanricard as their governor and commanding all subjects to obey and assist him in suppressing the rebellion. The king acknowledges that lack of means prevented him from sending sufficient forces.

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CHARLES by the grace of God king of Greate Brittaine, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To all our good subiects in our towne and countie of Galway in our kingdome of Ireland greeting. Whereas we are enformed, notwithstanding our many full declaration and perpetuall and cordyall concurrence against this odious rebellyon now raysed in Ireland, that many of our good subiects there doe still pretend, that they doe really serve vs in rebelling against vs, and that our right trustie and right welbeloved coosen Ulicke earle of Clanricard and St. Albans, governor of our towne and countie of Gallway. adheares to those that stand in opposition against vs, and the rather for that he hath receaved soe smale souccours from vs, nor any instruction and declaration vnder our royall signature ; wee doe hereby declare our good opinion of the loyaltie and fidelitie of the aforesaid our governor, and will and require all yow our subiects of that our towne and countie of Galway to be obedyent vnto him, as being appointed governor of the same by and vnder vs : and commaunde yow uppon your allegyance, that yow be to your power assisting and defending our good subiects, and in resisting, opposing, and suppressing the rebbells in those parts. And further declare and assure, that nothing but want of meanes, by reason of the present distractions in this kingdome, which we trust in God he will soone end, to furnish the aforesaid governor, hath withheld vs from sending vnto him sufficyent forces for this end. And that we had sooner published theise our commaunds, if we had not conceaved our sence of that rebellyon to haue beene soe notorious, and our commission vnder our greate scale to the aforesaid governor, (not being in soe longe a tyme revoked by vs,) to haue beene soe sufficyent an argument of his proceedings by our authoritie, that noe art or mallice could soe fair haue infused the contrary vnto our people, as that any declara-
LETTERS cxix—

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

Galway, in 1642, was the town and county to which King Charles the First addressed a formal declaration during the rebellion in Ireland. He wrote to all his good subjects there because he had been informed that, despite his many declarations against the rebellion, some of them still pretended to serve him while rebelling against him. Worse, they suggested that his governor, Ulicke, Earl of Clanricard and Saint Albans, adhered to those who stood in opposition to the king, and the reason given was that the earl had received so small succour from the king, nor any instruction or declaration under the royal signature. Charles declared his good opinion of the loyalty and fidelity of Clanricard, and willed and required all subjects of the town and county of Galway to be obedient to him as governor appointed by and under the king. He commanded them upon their allegiance to be assisting and defending good subjects, and in resisting, opposing, and suppressing the rebels in those parts. He further declared that nothing but want of means, by reason of the present distractions in that kingdom, had withheld him from sending sufficient forces to the governor. He trusted in God to end those distractions soon. And he said he would have published these commands sooner, had he not conceived his sense of the rebellion to have been so notorious, and his commission under the great seal to the governor, not being in so long a time revoked, to have been so sufficient an argument of his authority that no art or malice could have infused the contrary into the people.

Lieutenant Colonel Reade tortured on the rack at Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1641

Lieutenant Colonel Reade, sent to present a remonstrance to the king on behalf of the nobility and gentry of the English Pale, was not only stopped from proceeding but also tortured on the rack at Dublin, despite protections afforded by the law of nations to those employed in public trust.

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their inn, and their heads carried triumphant into Dublin. Next morninge complaint being made of this, noe redress was obtayned therein ; wherevppon some gentlemen of qualitie, and others the inhabitants of the countrie, seeing what was then acted, and what passed in the said last march towards the countie of Wickloe, and iustlie fearinge to be all murthered, forsooke their howses, and were constrayned to stand together in their owne defence, though ill provided of armes or amunition. Heerevppon a proclamation was agreed vppon att the board on the thirteenth of December, 1641, and not published or printed till the fifteenth of December, by which the said gentlemen, and George Kinge by name, were required to come in by or vppon the eighteenth of the said moneth, and a saftye was therein promissed them. On the same daie another proclamation was published, summoninge the lords dwellinge in the English pale neere Dublin to a grand councell on the seaventeenth of the said moneth ; but the lords justices and their partie of the councell, to take awaie all hope of accommodation, gaue direction to the said sir Charles Coote, the said fifteenth daie of the said moneth of December, to march to Clontarffe, beinge the howse and towne of the said George Kinge, and two myles from Dublin, to pilladge, burne, kill, and destroie all that there was to be founde ; which direction was readilie and particulerly observed, (in a manifest breach of publique faith,) by meanes whereof the meetinge of the said grand councell was diverted : the lords not daringe to come within the power of such notorious faith breakers : the consideration whereof, and of other the matters afforsaid, made the nobilitie and gen trie of the English pale, and other parts of the province of Leynster, sensible of the present danger, and putt themselves in the best posture they could for their naturall defence, and imployed lieutenant collonell Reade to present their humble remonstrance to your sacred majestie, and to declare vnto yow the state of their affaires, and humbly to beseech releefe and redress ; the said lieutenant collonell, though your majestie's servant, and imploied in publique trust, (in which case the law of nations affoords safety and protection,) was, without regard to either, not onely stopped from proceeding in his imployment, but alsoe tortured on the racke att Dublynn.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 181

Limerick clergy excommunicate city magistrates

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1643

After the papal agent was refused entry to Limerick and departed, the city's own clergy pronounced excommunication upon the magistrates. The writer noted this was delivered to him as a secret, though he doubted it could remain one.

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I am informed from Limrick, that the agent from Rome, coming thether with some 20 horse, found the gates shutt against him, with a complement from the magistrates, that they were sory he had vndertaken soe tedious and troublesome a iorny at soe vnceasonable a time, when all the citty was busily imployed in matters of greate consequence, in choosing of magistrates for this next yeare, and the applotting of aboue 800?. towards the first payment of the 30,000?. ; which did soe distract them, that they could not giue him fitt atendance ; but offerd to lodge him a mile of the city, and he should know the next day their resolution concerning his admittance. He replyed, that if they were not at leisure to receue him then, he could not atend their leisure the next day, and soe went his wayes ; and the powring an excomunication vpon them by their owne cleargie of the towne is the conclusion of this story, deliuered me for a secrett, though I know not how it can proue soe.
It is reported that the counsell, who asume the title of supreame, are gone or going to Limricke ; but I beleeue they that haue declined the apostolicall benediction, after such a trespas, will not admitt their temporall power within their walls.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

The city of Limerick in 1643 saw a strange confrontation at its gates. An agent from Rome arrived with some 20 horse, but found the gates shut against him. The magistrates sent word that they were sorry he had undertaken so tedious and troublesome a journey at so unseasonable a time. The whole city was busy, they said, choosing magistrates for the next year and applotting over 800 pounds towards the first payment of 30,000 pounds. They offered to lodge him a mile from the city and said he would know their resolution the next day. He replied that if they were not at leisure to receive him then, he could not attend their leisure the next day, and so he went his ways. The conclusion of the story is that the city's own clergy poured an excommunication upon the magistrates. This was delivered as a secret, though the one who heard it did not see how it could prove one. It is also reported that the council who assume the title of supreme are gone or going to Limerick. But it is believed that those who have declined the apostolic benediction, after such a trespass, will not admit their temporal power within their walls either.

Preacher Jerome's seditious sermon at Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

A preacher named Jerome delivered a traitorous and seditious sermon against the king and queen at Dublin. He was impeached of treason by the archbishop of Dublin in the house of lords while parliament was sitting, but was later set at liberty by the lords justices and sent to England.

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7. That one Jerome, a preacher, in or about the moneth of February last haueing at Dublin preached a traiterous and seditious sermon against your majestie and your royall consort the queene, in the pulpitt, was by the lord archbishopp of Dublin impeached of treason in the house of the lords, the parliament being then sitting, for the same, and by them comitted. The house being adiourned soone after by the lords justices, the said Jerome was by them and theire parties aforesaid sett at liberty, and being sent hither into England, is now, with the rebells in Manchester, where he now remaines, continueing his traiterous and railing manner of preacheing against your majestie, and iustifying his sermons preached in Ireland, and applauding the said justices and theire confederats for theire affections to the parliament. And one Adam Beaghan was by them, about the moneth of December last, alsoe committed to the castle of Dublin, and restrained diuers weekes, because he said the earle of Essex was a traitor, and Justified the same by a proclamation from your majestie to that purpose.
That the said parties are guilty, not onely of theise, but alsoe of diuers treasonable acts and conspiracyes, and other high and haynous misdemeanours not herein expressed, which wee desire 208 hereafter to haue the liberty to incerte particularly ; and that in the interim the said persons may be sequestred from the councell boarde, and from all courts and places of iudicature in that kingdome, and such other course prescribed for examining and tryall of them as shal be fitt.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 227

As the companion tells it

In the city of Dublin, in or about February of 1643, a preacher named Jerome climbed into a pulpit and preached a traitorous and seditious sermon against the king and the queen. The Archbishop of Dublin impeached him of treason in the house of lords, parliament then sitting, and Jerome was committed. Soon after, the lords justices adjourned the house. Then they set Jerome at liberty. He was sent to England, where he joined the rebels in Manchester and remained there, continuing his traitorous and railing preaching against the king. He justified the sermons he had preached in Ireland and applauded the lords justices and their confederates for their affections to the parliament. There was another case around the same time. One Adam Beaghan, in or about December, was committed to the castle of Dublin and restrained for divers weeks, because he said the Earl of Essex was a traitor and justified the same by a proclamation from the king to that purpose. These parties were said to be guilty not only of these things but of divers treasonable acts and conspiracies and other high and heinous misdemeanours not expressed, which it was desired hereafter to have the liberty to insert particularly. In the meantime it was asked that the said persons be sequestered from the council board and from all courts and places of judicature in that kingdom.

Castledermot among key rebel strongholds in Leinster

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1642

Ormond proposed taking several inland Leinster towns held by rebels, including Castledermot, described as among the most considerable inland places in Leinster and the greatest strengths the rebels held in those parts. Orders were partially issued before Ormond fell ill and the council of war stayed the expedition.

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this army. After many debates, it was not thought safe that that iourney should for the present goe on, it being conceived at the board, that there was not so much amunition to be spared out of the store here as was necessary for that vvorke, nor men sufficient, leaveinge a competent number in this citty, allbeit I offered to vndertake the designe with three thousand six hundered foott, six hundered horse, and four peeces of battery, all which I doubt not hath beene certified to the commissioners for Ireland or to the lord leutenant. This being layed by, I did afterwards much desire, that part of the army should be imployed for the takeing in of Tichrochane, Bassisonnan, Killkse, and Castel Dermott, being the most considerable inland places in Leinster, and the greatest streingths which the rebells in these parts now hould. This proposition proceeded so farre, as orders weare in part giuen out by mee for the numbers of men, horse, and foott, and a day appointed whereon they weare to begin their march . but before it received a full consumation, it pleased God to visit mee with a dangerous sickness, which doth yet hould me, and this matter being then referred by the lords justices and councell to the consideration of the councell of warre, that iourney was likewise thought fitt to be stayed, as by the order conceived by them, which I now send you, may appeare ; and this order being brought to mee in my sickness, I thought not fitt to be singular; but did submitt my Judgement to theirs, and subscribed vnto it.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

Castledermot was one of the towns Ormond wanted to take back from the rebels in 1642. He called it and three others, Tichrochane, Bassisonnan and Killkse, the most considerable inland places in Leinster, and the greatest strengths the rebels in those parts now held. He proposed sending part of the army to take them in. The plan went far enough that he gave out orders in part for the numbers of men, horse and foot, and appointed a day for them to begin their march. But before the plan reached its full completion, God visited him with a dangerous sickness, which still held him. With Ormond laid low, the lords justices and council referred the matter to the council of war. That body judged the journey should be stayed, and the order was brought to Ormond in his sickness. He thought it not fit to be singular. He submitted his judgement to theirs and subscribed to the order. So Castledermot stayed in rebel hands for the moment. The expedition never marched. What had begun with orders and an appointed day ended with a sick commander deferring to a council that would not let it go forward.

Clanricarde at Portumna receives news of the 1641 rebellion

Portumna · town · Galway · 1641

The Earl of Clanricarde, writing from his estate at Portumna on 14 November 1641, describes being suddenly surprised by news of the rebellion in the north and a conspiracy throughout the kingdom. He reports taking immediate care for the safety of the county under his government.

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FOR some few days after my arrival here, I thought my self a most happy man, being retired to this quiet corner of my own ; when on a sudden I was surprized with the fatal news of a most wicked and dangerous attempt upon Dublin castle, a desperate rebellion in the north, and a rumor of a generall combination and conspiracy throughout the kingdom. Tho' much terrified and amazed, I did not neglect my hereditary duty and loyalty to the crown, strengthened by many great and particular obligations to his majesty, if the first could receive any addition : but 40 did with all speed and diligence take care for the safety of this county within my government. 1 must beg leave to give your lordship a summary account of the present condition of aifaires here.
We begin to recover our witts, scared away by the first reports, and doe discerne that none appears in this detestable conspiracy, or enters into action, but the remains of the ancient Irish rebells in the north, and some in the planted county of Letrim, whether combin'd with them, or out of spleen to some persons in that county, is not yett come to my knowledge. Some other spoils have been made in severall places by loose people, desperate in their fortunes, but most of them appeas'd, and little considerable for any thing yett appears. I doe not hear any man of quality, either of English descent or antient Irish, of any part of this kingdom, that is in action; unless colonell Plunkett of English extraction, and Roger More of the

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 108

As the companion tells it

Portumna in Galway is where the Earl of Clanricarde had his estate, and in November 1641 it became the place from which he wrote of the rebellion reaching him. He had arrived there and thought himself a happy man, retired to what he called this quiet corner of his own. Then word came of an attempt upon Dublin Castle, of rebellion in the north, and of a rumored conspiracy throughout the kingdom. He was terrified and amazed, but wrote that he did not neglect his hereditary duty and loyalty to the crown. With all speed he took care for the safety of the county under his government. He said they were beginning to recover their wits, scared away by the first reports. He discerned that none appeared in the conspiracy but the remains of the ancient Irish rebels in the north, and some in the planted county of Leitrim. Whether they were combined or acted out of spleen to certain persons, he did not yet know. Some spoils had been made by loose people, desperate in their fortunes, but most were appeased. He did not hear any man of quality in action, except Colonel Plunkett and Roger More.

Corn requisitioned from poor men near Dublin without payment

Dublin · city · Dublin

A proclamation required those within ten miles of Dublin to bring corn for the army's supply within ten days. Many obeyed and carried their corn to Dublin, but despite promises of fair market price, the poor men's corn was seized without any payment.

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within tenn miles of Dublin here, if they did not within tenn dayes bring the same to Dublin for the suply of your majestie's army there. Which was a worke impossible to be accomplished in soe shortt a tyme. Yett many in obedience of this proclamation did carry there corne to Dublin, where they were promised by your said justices to receiue the full price thereof accordinge the markett, yett, contrary to there promis, the poore mens corne was taken from them, and nothinge paied them for the same.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

A proclamation once went out requiring everyone within 10 miles of Dublin to bring their corn to the city within 10 days, to supply the army. That was a work impossible to accomplish in so short a time. Yet many obeyed and carried their corn to Dublin. They were promised by the justices they would receive the full price according to the market. But contrary to that promise, the poor men's corn was taken from them, and nothing paid them for the same.

Executions and house burnings of Catholics in County Wicklow

Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1641

During the 1641 troubles, ministers of the state cruelly put to death some of the king's Catholic subjects in County Wicklow and burned several gentlemen's houses and took away their goods, without cause other than their religion. This persecution was cited as justification for the Irish Catholic association.

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catholicks, and the marks [of] indignation forced upon our religion, (notwithstanding our often candid and sincere expressions of our loyalty,) by which wee are rendered incapable of any office beyond being a justice of peace, and the executeing the same place without swearing the oath of supremacy, made at the will and discretion of the state. You, we are confident, with the same affliction of minde took notice with us to how little purpose we sate in parliament, when the redress of our grievances must not only first move, but receive the approvement of those who commonly were the authors of them. These, with the late demeanours of some ministers of the state since this commotion, by cruelly putting to death some of his majestie's subjects in the county of Wicklow, as also at Sauntry, and burning severall gentlemen's houses, haggars, and taking away many of their goods without any other cause than that they were catholicks ; as also the inhumane advise of sir Charles Coote to the lords justices to execute a generall massacree upon all of our religion, which he offered to performe, had the council consented thereunto, have induced us to enter into an association, wherein we desire you will be pleased to joyne, that with an unanimous consent we may vindicate the honor of our sovereigne, assure the 53 liberty of our consciences, and preserve the freedom of this kingdom under the sole obedience of his sacred majesty, whom God long preserve. And thus being confident of your zeale herein, we rest
Your lordships humble servants. 29 Dec. 1641.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Wicklow, in 1641, ministers of the state cruelly put to death some of the king's Catholic subjects. They also did the same at Sauntry. They burned several gentlemen's houses and haggars and took away many of their goods, without any cause other than that they were Catholics. These were not isolated acts. Catholics had already been rendered incapable of holding any office beyond justice of the peace, and even that place could not be executed without swearing the oath of supremacy, made at the will and discretion of the state. In parliament, Catholic lords found that the redress of their grievances had to be approved by the very people who commonly were the authors of those grievances. Sir Charles Coote gave the lords justices what the letter calls inhumane advice: to execute a general massacre upon all of the Catholic religion. He offered to perform it himself, had the council consented. These events — the executions, the burnings, the seizures of goods, and the counsel of massacre — induced the Catholic lords to enter into an association. They wrote to a fellow lord on the 29th of December, 1641, asking him to join, that with unanimous consent they might vindicate the honour of their sovereign, assure the liberty of their consciences, and preserve the freedom of this kingdom under the sole obedience of his sacred majesty.

Sir Charles Coote sent to pillage and burn Clontarf

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1641

On 15 December 1641, Sir Charles Coote was directed to march to Clontarf, the house and town of George Kinge, two miles from Dublin, to pillage, burn, kill and destroy all found there. This was done in manifest breach of public faith promised in a proclamation, diverting a planned grand council meeting.

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their inn, and their heads carried triumphant into Dublin. Next morninge complaint being made of this, noe redress was obtayned therein ; wherevppon some gentlemen of qualitie, and others the inhabitants of the countrie, seeing what was then acted, and what passed in the said last march towards the countie of Wickloe, and iustlie fearinge to be all murthered, forsooke their howses, and were constrayned to stand together in their owne defence, though ill provided of armes or amunition. Heerevppon a proclamation was agreed vppon att the board on the thirteenth of December, 1641, and not published or printed till the fifteenth of December, by which the said gentlemen, and George Kinge by name, were required to come in by or vppon the eighteenth of the said moneth, and a saftye was therein promissed them. On the same daie another proclamation was published, summoninge the lords dwellinge in the English pale neere Dublin to a grand councell on the seaventeenth of the said moneth ; but the lords justices and their partie of the councell, to take awaie all hope of accommodation, gaue direction to the said sir Charles Coote, the said fifteenth daie of the said moneth of December, to march to Clontarffe, beinge the howse and towne of the said George Kinge, and two myles from Dublin, to pilladge, burne, kill, and destroie all that there was to be founde ; which direction was readilie and particulerly observed, (in a manifest breach of publique faith,) by meanes whereof the meetinge of the said grand councell was diverted : the lords not daringe to come within the power of such notorious faith breakers : the consideration whereof, and of other the matters afforsaid, made the nobilitie and gen trie of the English pale, and other parts of the province of Leynster, sensible of the present danger, and putt themselves in the best posture they could for their naturall defence, and imployed lieutenant collonell Reade to present their humble remonstrance to your sacred majestie, and to declare vnto yow the state of their affaires, and humbly to beseech releefe and redress ; the said lieutenant collonell, though your majestie's servant, and imploied in publique trust, (in which case the law of nations affoords safety and protection,) was, without regard to either, not onely stopped from proceeding in his imployment, but alsoe tortured on the racke att Dublynn.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

The parish of Clontarf lies about two miles from Dublin, and in December 1641 it became the object of a broken promise. On the thirteenth of December, a proclamation was agreed upon, though not published until the fifteenth. It required certain gentlemen of the country, and George Kinge by name, to come in by the eighteenth of the month, and safety was promised to them. On the same day, another proclamation summoned the lords dwelling in the English pale near Dublin to a grand council on the seventeenth. But on that same fifteenth of December, the lords justices and their party of the council gave direction to Sir Charles Coote to march to Clontarf, the house and town of George Kinge, to pillage, burn, kill, and destroy all that was to be found there. The direction was readily and particularly observed, in what the record calls a manifest breach of public faith. By this means the meeting of the grand council was diverted. The lords did not dare to come within the power of such notorious faith breakers. The consideration of these matters made the nobility and gentry of the English pale and other parts of Leinster sensible of their danger. They put themselves in the best posture they could for their natural defence, and employed Lieutenant Colonel Reade to present their humble remonstrance to the king, to declare the state of their affairs, and to beseech relief and redress. Reade, though the king's servant and employed in public trust, in which case the law of nations affords safety and protection, was stopped from proceeding and tortured on the rack at Dublin.

Soldiers plunder inhabitants of Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642–1643

During a period of severe want and distress in 1643, soldiers in the army attempted tumults and mutinies, plundering diverse inhabitants of Dublin, including English and Protestants. There were fears that without timely supplies from England, the city would face a complete ransack.

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besett, the destruction of this state and armie and kingdome beeing then noe lesse feared to arrise from the armie, though sent nether for theire preservation, then from the furie of the rebells, if that honourable house would not looke back into all our severall letters sent thither, which wee then declared should for ever acquitt vs before God and the world, as haueing discharged our duties to God, to his majestie, and to this his kingdome, in fully and tymely and often representing thither the evills then ready to seize vpon this state, the army, and kingdome, and the meanes of preventing them ; yet that at least they would bee pleased to reviewe our said severall letters of the 2oth and 25th of February, of the 2oth of January, 2^d of March, . and fourth of Aprill. Wee then alsoe signified — That the soldiers (pressed through wants) attempted tumults and mutunie, plundered divers of the inhabitants of this cittie, as well English and protestants, as others. That wee apprehended those disorders but beginings of what wee doubted would then shortly ensue, even the ransack of this cittie, if by tymely supplyes forth of England it were not prevented. That then there would bee noe refuge left, either for the armie or other English heere. 188 That wee were not able to send out the soldiers, for want of money to furnish ordinary necessities, and of munnition. Wherefore wee then againe earnestly moved, that some meanes might bee found for complying with our desires, in these our severall letters expressed, certifieing that the state of affaires heere could not possibly admitt the least deferring ; and that noe helpe was to bee expected from hence, as wee had often and fully in former letters signified thither. That if wee were not immediately supplyed forth of England with poulder, wee should not bee able to defend our selves or offend the rebells ; and that aboue all things munition, money, and victualls were of necessitie to bee sent in the first place, and the other provisions to bee sent after, which alsoe wee certified most needfull to bee done with all possible speede.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 212

As the companion tells it

Dublin, in 1643, was a city under strain from within its own walls. The soldiers of the army here, pressed through want, attempted tumults and mutiny. They plundered divers of the inhabitants of the city, as well English and Protestants as others. Those who governed feared these disorders were but beginnings of what would shortly ensue, even the ransack of the whole city, if by timely supplies out of England it were not prevented. They had written letter after letter, in January, February, March, and April, warning of the evils ready to seize upon the state, the army, and the kingdom. They declared they had discharged their duties to God, to his majesty, and to his kingdom, in fully and timely and often representing the dangers. They said that if they were not immediately supplied out of England with powder, they should not be able to defend themselves or offend the rebels. They were not able to send out the soldiers, for want of money to furnish ordinary necessities, and of munition. Above all things, munition, money, and victuals were of necessity to be sent in the first place. They certified that the state of affairs here could not possibly admit the least deferring, and that no help was to be expected from hence. The destruction of the state, the army, and the kingdom was feared to arise from the army itself, sent not for their preservation, as much as from the fury of the rebels.

Murder of innocent husbandmen at Santry

Santry · townland · Dublin

Foot companies marched by night to Santry in Fingal, three miles from Dublin, a place that had known no war for four or five hundred years. There, innocent husbandmen—both Catholics and Protestants mistaken for Catholics—were murdered.

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that manie powerfull members of the parlyament of England stood in opposition to your majestic, made their principall application, and addressed their dispatches full fraught with calumnies and false suggestions against the catholiques of this kingdome, and propounded vnto them, to send seuerall greate forces to conquerr this kingdome ; those of the malignant partie heere were by them armed ; the catholiques were not onely denied armes, but were disarmed, even in the cittie of Dublin, which in all successions of ages past continued as loyall to the crowne of England as anie cittie or place whatsoeuer : all other auncient and loyall citties and corporatt townes of the kingdome (by meanes whereof principallie the kingdome was preserved in former tymes) were denyed armes for their money to defend themselves, and express order given by the said lords justices to disarme all catholiques in some of the said citties and townes, 142 others disfurnished were inhibited to provide armes for their defence ; and the said lords justices and councell having receaved an order of both howses of parlyament in England to publish a proclamation of pardon vnto all those who were then in rebellion (as they termed it) in this kingdome, if they did submitt by a daie to be limmitted, the said sir William Parsons, contrarie to this order, soe wrought with his partie of the councell, that a proclamation was published of pardon onely in two counties, and a verrie short daie prefixed, and therein all freeholders were excepted ; through which everie man saw that the estates of the catholiques were first aymed att, and their Hues next. The said lords justices and their partie having advanced their designe thus farr, and not finding the success answearable to their desires, commanded sir Charles Coote, knight and barronett, deceased, to march to the countie of Wickloe, where hee burnt, killed, and destroyed all in his way in a most cruell manner, man, wooman, and child, persons that had not appearing wills to doe hurt, nor power to execute it. Soone after, some foott companies did march in the night by direction of the said lords justices, and their said partie to the towne of Santrie in Fyngale, three myles of Dublin ; a countrie that neither then, nor for the space of fower or fine hundred yeares before, did feele what troubles were, or warr meant ; but it was too sweete and too neere, and therefore fitt to be forced to armes. In that towne innocent husbandmen, some of them being catholiques, and some protestants taken for catholiques, were murdered in

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

Close to Santry, foot companies marched by night and murdered innocent husbandmen. Santry stood in Fingal, three miles from Dublin, a place that had not felt what troubles were, nor what war meant, for four or five hundred years before. As the source says, it was "too sweet and too near, and therefore fit to be forced to arms." The killings came amid a broader design against Catholics of the kingdom. They had been denied arms and disarmed, even in Dublin, which had continued as loyal to the crown as any city. Other ancient and loyal cities and corporate towns were denied arms for their money to defend themselves. Sir William Parsons worked against an order from both houses of parliament in England to publish a proclamation of pardon to all those in rebellion, if they submitted by a day to be limited. He had it issued in only two counties, with a very short day prefixed, and all freeholders excepted. Through this, every man saw the estates of Catholics were first aimed at, and their lives next. The lords justices and their party, not finding the success answerable to their desires, commanded Sir Charles Coote to march to the county of Wicklow, where he burnt, killed, and destroyed all in his way, man, woman, and child, persons that had not appearing wills to do hurt, nor power to execute it. Soon after, some foot companies did march in the night to Santry. There, innocent husbandmen were murdered, some of them Catholics, and some Protestants taken for Catholics.

Clanricard writes from Portumna amid threats

Portumna · town · Galway · 1642

The Earl of Clanricard, writing from Portumna on 19 May 1642, describes his difficult position as newly arrived, a stranger to his friends and country, lacking his native language, and threatened from all parts for his loyalty to the crown. He proposes a general cessation of arms to prevent the ruin and calamity threatening all persons.

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your lordships there will accompt it a considerable seruice I know not ; but I asure your lordship it was farre aboue my expectation, it being the wonder of these partes how I could subsist all this time without any assistance from the state, my self but newly ariued, and a stranger to my friends and countrey, wanting my natiue languadge, (a greate imperfection in this vnsetled time,) and threatned from all partes for my ©position to my countreye's good and the comon cause, as they were pleased to terme it. But now I hope by God's mercy and fauer I haue ouercome the greatest dificultyes, and shall euer be found armed with cleere and vnspotted loyalty to my prince, and loue and due reguard of my contrey. To which effect, being induced by the desires and inclinations of some persons of quality, I shall presume vpon your lordship's noble disposition to offer to your consideration, whether a generall cessation of arms vntill his majestie's hapy ariuall now frequently spoaken of, or his pleasure otherwise declared, may not be fittly proposed to the lord justices and the rest of your lordships there, which truly, my lord, in my poore opinion canot but be in the thoughts of most men, that haue a being or relation to this kingdome, to preuent the ruine and callamity that moues apace vpon all persons of what quality or condition soeuer ; it being (I conceiue) well knowne to your lordship what strange wayes haue bin vsed, both of perswasion and force, to worke vpon men's minds ; and that many good and faithfull dispositions haue bin wrought vpon by feare or other respects to inuohie themselues in this misfortune ; and those whose vnderstandings haue not bin deepe enough to reach to the discouery of those practices made beleeue that they walkt in loyall and warrantable wayes. And though the humors and errours of the time canot but desarue much reprehention and seuerity vpon many, yet God forbid that fire, sword, and famin, and all other destructiue wayes, should runn on to the ruine of a whole nation, and the inocent and guilty put into one condition by destroyeng all meanes of future subsistence. If your lordship's generous mind and more able iudgment, vpon knowledge of the true state of the kingdome, which comes variously reported to vs in these remote partes, shall inuite your lordship to propose a cessation of arms, I am most ready and willing that my poore conceptions to that effect may waite and atend vpon your lordship's proceedings therin. But if I haue erred in my present expressions, and that it doth not sorte with your lord-

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Portumna is a town the road passes through. In May 1642 the Earl of Clanricard wrote from it, saying it was the wonder of these parts how he could subsist all this time without any assistance from the state. He had newly arrived. He was a stranger to his friends and country. He lacked his native language, which he called a great imperfection in this unsettled time. He was threatened from all parts for his loyalty to the crown. He wrote that he hoped by God's mercy he had overcome the greatest difficulties, and would ever be found armed with clear and unspotted loyalty to his prince, and love and due regard of his country. He proposed a general cessation of arms until the king's arrival, then frequently spoken of, or until his pleasure was otherwise declared. In his poor opinion, he said, it must be in the thoughts of most men who had any being or relation to this kingdom, to prevent the ruin and calamity moving apace upon all persons of every quality and condition. He wrote that strange ways had been used, both of persuasion and force, to work upon men's minds. Many good and faithful dispositions had been wrought upon by fear or other respects to involve themselves in misfortune. Those whose understandings were not deep enough had been made to believe they walked in loyal and warrantable ways. He acknowledged that the humours and errors of the time deserved much reprehension and severity upon many. Yet, he wrote, "God forbid" that fire, sword, and famine, and all other destructive ways, should run on to the ruin of a whole nation, and the innocent and guilty put into one condition by destroying all means of future subsistence. He offered his poor conceptions to wait upon the lordship's proceedings.

Dublin Castle secured but arms given away, rebels described as 'naked roges'

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1641

The Lord President of Munster writes that after Dublin Castle was secured the government was safe, but they gave their arms away and are now at the rebels' mercy. He estimates the rebel force at 12,000 'naked roges' who could not stand before 1,000 well-armed horse.

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BY my last I acquainted your lordships, that the moetie of those few soulders wee had in this province are now commanded away ; and the 3 companys that are leaft are ingaged in the keeping of thee foorts : soe that there is noe other vse to be made of them. There rests only my troope of horse for the defence of this prouince, either agaynst any forrin attempt or home-bred conspiracies. Yesterday I had a good part of the counsell of this prouince with mee, and wee haue, as nere as wee could, examined our strenths : and wee are clere of opinion, that wee are not able to draw 500 armed men togeither, leauing euery gentillman's house that hath a castell resonable provided. One my contience, my lord, I thinke wee are not able to bring 100 men. Wee haue enough, but neither peeces nor pikes nor swords. By this your lordships is well able to iude in what a case wee your servants are; which condition wee haue humbly presented to your lordships, and doe pray that 3 or 4 troops of horse may be speedily sent into this prouince : for it is they must doe the deede, and would haue cleered those parts long before this, if they were well led on, as I hope they are. For it is not possible that 1 2,000 naked roges should stand before 1000 well armed horse. But if your lordships will giue mee leaue to tell you vnder the rose, that they are soe cruelly affrayd, that they doe not know what they doe ; for vndouttedly after the castell of Dublinne was secured they were as safe as any people in the world could bee, vntill they gaue there armes out of there hands. And now they may pray that they stand right to them agaynst there owne side, for they are meerly at there devotion. For had it binne my case, I should haue troubled noe body for the suppressing of thes rebells but his majesties standing armee : which I would haue either donne or lost myseallfe. Had it
XXXVI.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

In 1641, Dublin Castle was secured, and for a moment the government in Ireland seemed safe. The Lord President of Munster wrote that after the castle of Dublin was secured, they were as safe as any people in the world could be. Then they gave their arms out of their hands. That, he said, was their ruin. Now they were entirely at the rebels' mercy. The Lord President had been taking stock of what forces remained. The few soldiers in the province had been commanded away. Three companies were left, and they were engaged only in keeping the forts. His own troop of horse was all that rested for defence against foreign attempt or home-bred conspiracy. He and the council had examined their strengths. They could not draw 500 armed men together, and on his conscience he thought they could not bring 100. They had enough men, but neither pieces nor pikes nor swords. He begged that three or four troops of horse be speedily sent into the province, for it is they must do the deed. He estimated the rebel force at 12,000, and called them, in his words, "naked roges." He said it was not possible that 12,000 naked roges should stand before 1,000 well-armed horse. Had the arms not been given away, the standing army alone could have suppressed the rebels. Instead, the government had handed over its weapons and left itself at the devotion of those very rebels.

Dublin city unable to relieve starving army, 1643

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

By April 1643, officers and soldiers in Dublin suffered unspeakable misery for want of food, and the city itself was found unable to provide assistance as it had formerly done. The council warned that failure to send immediate supplies of victuals and munition would mean England could not hope to secure Ireland.

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By letters from this board, directed to Mr. speaker, dated the 4th of Aprill, 1643, wee represented againe the vnspeakeable miseries of the officers and souldiers for want of all things, and all those made the more vnsupportable in the want of foode, and that this cittie was then apparantly found to bee vnable to helpe vs as it had formerly done, and repeated againe in as lively termes as wee could, the high extremities fallen and increaseing vpon vs, declareing that wee were enforced to see who had any thing yett left him, not taken from him to helpe vs ; and that although there were but fewe such, and some poore merchants whom wee had formerly (by the lawe of necessitie) vtterly vndon, yett that wee were forced to wrest theire commodities from them. That there were few here of our selves or others that had not felt theire parts in the enforced rigor of our proceedeings towards preserveing the armie, and wee earnestly desired that his majestie and the English nation might not suffer soe great, if not irrecoverable prejudice and dishonor, as must vnavoidably bee the consequence of our not beeing releeved suddainely ; but that yett (although it were then even almost at the pointe to bee too late) supplies of victualls and munition in present might bee hastened hether to keepe life vntill the rest might follow, declareing alsoe, that there was noe victuall in the store, and that there would not bee an hundred barrells of poulder left when the out guarissions (as they must then instantly have beene) were supplyed, and that the residue of our provisions must alsoe come speedily after, or otherwise that England could not hope to secure Ireland, or secure themselves against Ireland ; but in the loss of it must looke for such enemies from hence as would perpetually disturbe the peace of his majestie and his kingdome of England, and among them by sea and land, as wee had often formerly represented thither; which mischeifes 187 wee signified might then bee prevented, if wee were but yet then forthwith enabled from thence with meanes to overcome this rebellion. Wee then alsoe againe renewed our requests for the provisions mentioned in our letters of the aoth of January, and for the payment of the seaven thousand eight hundred fourescore and thirteene pounds three shillings, for armes to bee pro-

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

In 1643, Dublin was a city holding on by a thread. By April of that year, the officers and soldiers were in what the council called unspeakable misery for want of all things, made worse above all by the want of food. The city itself was found unable to help as it had formerly done. The council wrote to the Speaker in England on April 4, 1643, describing how they were enforced to see who had anything left, and to take it from him. There were but few such people left. Some poor merchants had already been utterly undone by what the council called the law of necessity, yet they were forced to wrest their commodities from them. Few of their own number had not felt the enforced rigor of these proceedings toward preserving the army. They warned that if supplies of victuals and munition were not hastened, England could not hope to secure Ireland, nor secure itself against Ireland. The loss of it would bring enemies who would perpetually disturb the peace of his majesty and his kingdom. There was no victual in the store. When the out-garrisons were supplied, there would not be 100 barrels of powder left. They said it was almost at the point of being too late. They renewed their requests for provisions from their letters of January 20, and for payment of 7883 pounds and 3 shillings for arms.

Ormond founds Protestant school at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1669–1679

The Duke of Ormond, responding to libellers who accused him of setting up a popish school at Kilkenny, explains that he actually built a Protestant school-house there at least ten years before, at a cost of £2,000, and maintained a master and usher at £150 per year. He did so because English and Protestant families in the area had been forced to send their children to Catholic schoolmasters.

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The libellers go yet more fairly to work than some statesmen. They charge me downright with being a papist, and (by very pregnant consequence) with having knowledge, and being party to the plot ; and though this be against all sense, and Mr. Gates his evidence, which ought not at this time of the day to be brought in question, yet I think the libeller an honester man than the politician. The libeller tells you, that I set up a popish school at Kilkenny ; but he leaves me means to confute him by a thousand witnesses, who will testify, that, ten years since at least, finding that all the English and protestants there and thereabouts were fain to send their children to popish schoolmasters, I set up a school-house there, that, valuing the rent and charge of building, cost me 2oco/. at least, and that I have ever since and do now give 150^. a year to a master and usher.
Sir James Hays (whom I rather rank with the cheats and libellers than politicians) says up and down, that I have taken a pension from his brother (an admirable protestant, though he be never seen at our church) he had under the great seal, for the execution of a useful office, and which was by that means his freehold, and given it to a jesuited papist. But even he leaves me means of vindication, as will appear by the enclosed copies of the proceedings in that matter, which shew that I did neither take away nor give; and that the pension was but during pleasure, which if his majesty did think fit to determine, and otherwise to dispose of the pension, how am I in fault ? I confess I did not, nor could truly, say the place was useful ; or if it had been, that the person was of parts or honesty to be trusted with it; such experience we have had of his qualifications in the management of his brother's and his part in the earl of Ranelagh's undertaking. Thus you see why I have reason to give the preeminence to the libeller from the politician, as the more harmless knave. — March 20, 1

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 54

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny is a city the road passes through. In the 1670s, the Duke of Ormond answered accusations from libellers who charged him downright with being a papist and, by consequence, with having knowledge of a plot. The libeller told people that Ormond set up a popish school at Kilkenny. Ormond said this left him means to confute it by a thousand witnesses. He explained that ten years since at least, finding that all the English and Protestants there and thereabouts were fain to send their children to popish schoolmasters, he set up a school-house there. Valuing the rent and charge of building, it cost him 2,000 pounds at least. He had ever since given and still gave 150 pounds a year to a master and usher. He called the libeller an honester man than the politician, and the more harmless knave. He also answered Sir James Hays, whom he ranked with the cheats and libellers rather than politicians. Hays said Ormond had taken a pension from his brother, an admirable Protestant though never seen at church, given under the great seal for the execution of a useful office, and given it to a Jesuited papist. Ormond said enclosed copies of proceedings showed he did neither take away nor give. The pension was but during pleasure, and if his majesty thought fit to determine it, how was Ormond in fault. He confessed he could not truly say the place was useful, or that the person was of parts or honesty to be trusted with it, given what they had seen of his management of his brother's part in the earl of Ranelagh's undertaking. The letter was dated March the 20th.

Royal commission arrives in Dublin troubling council and army

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

Ormonde writes from Dublin about the arrival of Mr. Thomas Burke bearing a royal commission to hear Catholic petitioners of Ireland. The commission troubled members of the council, army officers, and those called 'roundheads,' especially because Burke was suspected of fostering the rebellion.

Read the passage

The commission did at first much trouble some of the council, most of the officers of the army, and generally all those that the malignant party call roundheads. To satisfy the officers, (which properly belonged to me, and was indeed the most necessary work,) by advice of the rest of the commissioners here present, I shewed them, or the principal of them, the commission ; wherewith they were satisfied as to the substance of it ; but it stuck much with them, that Mr. Burke, who had been delivered to them for a rigid papist, a man suspected for a fomenter of the rebellion, and an agent employed for and by the rebels in England, should be made use of in the carriage and execution of the commission. To this was answered as much as we could, and so much as, I hope, there will not after a while remain any scruple in the officers : but the more malicious will make what use they
-cxxiv. CONCERNING STATE-AFFAIRS. 391

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 173

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1642. A royal commission arrived in the city, carried by Mr. Thomas Burke, to hear Catholic petitioners of Ireland. Ormonde wrote that the commission troubled some of the council, most of the officers of the army, and generally all those the malignant party called roundheads. To satisfy the officers, Ormonde showed the principal of them the commission, and they were satisfied as to the substance of it. But it stuck with them that Mr. Burke had been delivered to them for a rigid papist, a man suspected for a fomenter of the rebellion, and an agent employed for and by the rebels in England. Ormonde answered as much as he could, and hoped there would not remain any scruple in the officers after a while. But the more malicious, he wrote, would make what use they could of the matter.

St. Leger immured within the walls of Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1641

W. St. Leger, writing from Cork in February 1641, reports being besieged within the walls of Cork with almost no supporters left except Lord Barrymore, Dungarvan, and Lord Muskerry. He expresses distress at not having heard from Ormond for months and urges a swift reply via the barque that carried his letters.

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By my publique letters to the board, your lordship will vnderstand the condition I am in, being immured within the walls of Cork, and haueing not a man left to take part with mee, but my lord Barrymore, Dungarvan, and the rest of my lord of Corke's children ; and my lord of Muskerry, whose firme standing in his affections to the crowne, which I am hopefull hee will persevere in, makes mee value the defection of the rest at a less rate. And I should bee the more confident of him, if your lordship will bee pleased to strengthen and confirme him by your letters against those many temptations which I know hee hath about him.
The haueing not heard from thence theis two monthes and vpwards, distracts, perplexes, and greatly discourageth mee and the rest of the comaunders. I beseech your lordship therefore, hasten away the dispatch of this barque with a few lynes from your lordship to

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 125

As the companion tells it

In February 1641, W. St. Leger wrote from inside the walls of this city, Cork. He told Ormond he was immured there, with not a man left to take his part except Lord Barrymore, Dungarvan, and the rest of Lord Cork's children, and Lord Muskerry. He valued Muskerry's firm standing in his affections to the crown and was hopeful he would persevere, which made him set the defection of the rest at a less rate. He would be more confident of Muskerry if Ormond would strengthen and confirm him by letters against the many temptations he knew were about him. Not having heard from Ormond for two months and upwards, he wrote, "distracts, perplexes, and greatly discourageth me and the rest of the commanders." He begged Ormond to hasten the dispatch of the barque that carried his letters with a few lines in reply.

Sir Charles Coote devastates County Wicklow

Wicklow · townland · Wicklow

Sir Charles Coote was commanded by the lords justices to march into County Wicklow, where he burnt, killed, and destroyed in a most cruel manner. The victims included men, women, and children who had neither the will nor the power to do harm.

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that manie powerfull members of the parlyament of England stood in opposition to your majestic, made their principall application, and addressed their dispatches full fraught with calumnies and false suggestions against the catholiques of this kingdome, and propounded vnto them, to send seuerall greate forces to conquerr this kingdome ; those of the malignant partie heere were by them armed ; the catholiques were not onely denied armes, but were disarmed, even in the cittie of Dublin, which in all successions of ages past continued as loyall to the crowne of England as anie cittie or place whatsoeuer : all other auncient and loyall citties and corporatt townes of the kingdome (by meanes whereof principallie the kingdome was preserved in former tymes) were denyed armes for their money to defend themselves, and express order given by the said lords justices to disarme all catholiques in some of the said citties and townes, 142 others disfurnished were inhibited to provide armes for their defence ; and the said lords justices and councell having receaved an order of both howses of parlyament in England to publish a proclamation of pardon vnto all those who were then in rebellion (as they termed it) in this kingdome, if they did submitt by a daie to be limmitted, the said sir William Parsons, contrarie to this order, soe wrought with his partie of the councell, that a proclamation was published of pardon onely in two counties, and a verrie short daie prefixed, and therein all freeholders were excepted ; through which everie man saw that the estates of the catholiques were first aymed att, and their Hues next. The said lords justices and their partie having advanced their designe thus farr, and not finding the success answearable to their desires, commanded sir Charles Coote, knight and barronett, deceased, to march to the countie of Wickloe, where hee burnt, killed, and destroyed all in his way in a most cruell manner, man, wooman, and child, persons that had not appearing wills to doe hurt, nor power to execute it. Soone after, some foott companies did march in the night by direction of the said lords justices, and their said partie to the towne of Santrie in Fyngale, three myles of Dublin ; a countrie that neither then, nor for the space of fower or fine hundred yeares before, did feele what troubles were, or warr meant ; but it was too sweete and too neere, and therefore fitt to be forced to armes. In that towne innocent husbandmen, some of them being catholiques, and some protestants taken for catholiques, were murdered in

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

Close to Wicklow, something terrible was done. The lords justices of Ireland commanded Sir Charles Coote, a knight and baronet, to march into this county. What followed was devastation. He burnt, killed, and destroyed all in his way, in a most cruel manner. The victims were men, women, and children, people who had not the will to do hurt, nor the power to execute it. The background to this command was a long campaign against the Catholics of the kingdom. They had been denied arms, even in the city of Dublin, which had remained as loyal to the crown of England as any city or place whatsoever. Other ancient and loyal cities and corporate towns were likewise denied arms for their money to defend themselves. The lords justices and council had received an order from both houses of parliament in England to publish a proclamation of pardon to all those then in rebellion, if they submitted by a day to be limited. But Sir William Parsons worked with his party of the council so that a proclamation was published of pardon only in two counties, with a very short day fixed, and all freeholders excepted. Through this, every man saw that the estates of the Catholics were first aimed at, and their lives next. The lords justices and their party, having advanced their design thus far and not finding the success answerable to their desires, then commanded Sir Charles Coote to march to the county of Wicklow, where he burnt, killed, and destroyed all in his way.

Cork alderman's poverty under garrison charges

Cork · city · Cork · 1643

Lord Inchiquin describes how an alderman of Cork, charged only twenty shillings toward the garrison's maintenance, could not pay and instead offered his house and goods for disposal. The soldiers had already consumed all the town could provide.

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Itt may be supposed that the mony promised to be lent by this corporation will help mee to prevent this mischeife, but I assure your lordship itt will not, there being but 400?. payed in mony, the rest they bring in plate, which will not availe mee; soe that 1 am forced to desire my mother-in-law, and what other freinds I haue any interrest in, to lend mee whatever mony they haue, (to supply the souldiers present want,) vppon promise of repayment when I should haue the expected authoritie to receiue mony from the Irish ; and if I faile them, in good fayth I beleeue they are vndon : yet they were content to runn that hazard, seeing noe other way to keepe vs together, the souldiers haveing eaten vppon the townes as long as they could possibly support them. To verifie this, I assure your lordship, that an allderman being charged but in 20 shillings towards the mainetenance of the garrison this last weeke, he desired vs to take his house and goods to dispose of for his majestie's service, butt protested inabilitie to make payment of that somme.
I shall therefore beseech your lordship to moue the lords justices to a speedie concurrence with my suite by captain Jephson, which was, that they would please to giue mee an authoritie to

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 228

As the companion tells it

This is Cork, a city the road passes through. In 1643, Lord Inchiquin wrote that the soldiers had eaten up upon the towns as long as they could possibly support them. The money promised by the corporation would not help. Only 400 pounds had been paid in money. The rest they brought in plate, which would not avail him. He was forced to ask his mother-in-law and whatever other friends he had any interest in to lend him whatever money they had, to supply the soldiers' present want, upon promise of repayment when he should have the expected authority to receive money from the Irish. If he failed them, he believed they were undone, yet they were content to run that hazard, seeing no other way to keep them together. To verify this, he told of an alderman of Cork charged but twenty shillings toward the maintenance of the garrison that last week. The alderman desired them to take his house and goods to dispose of for his majesty's service, but protested inability to make payment of that sum.

Earl of Antrim imprisoned at Carrickfergus

near Carrickfergus · town · Antrim · 1643

The king writes to the earl of Levin or Major General Monroe, reporting that the earl of Antrim has been apprehended and imprisoned at Knockfergus (Carrickfergus) and treated barbarously. The king orders that Antrim be sent to Dublin with the charges against him, and that his estate in Ireland be protected from spoil by both Irish rebels and Scottish forces.

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BIGHT trusty and right wel beloved cousin and councellor, wee greete you well. Some moneths agone (being then at York) wee wrote our letters severally, both to you, and into Ireland to our justices there, that the earle of Antrim (then vnder restraint in Ireland) might either be sent to our citty of Dublin, or to vs, with the reasons of his committment, as he most humbly implored, hoping that he should make cleerely manifest his loyalty to vs, and the good offices he had done to divers of our distressed subiects, releeued and assisted severall times by him, in cases of great extremity, at Colerain and other parts of Ireland, as by attestation hath since appeared. Wee never hitherto received any account of those our letters : on the contrary, wee vnderstand he was driven to make his owne way over into the north of this our kingdom, where in his attendance vpon our deere consort the queene, he so behaved himself, as became the duety of a good and loyall subiect. But that out of an earnest desire to provide for the security of his estate in Ireland, he lately repairing thither, was anew apprehended and imprisoned, and very barbarously treated, and soe remains at Knockfergus, or some other place vnder the command of our Scottish forces. Therefore that wee may well vnderstand what his fault is, and cause him accordingly to be proceeded against, our pleasure and command is, that you faile not, vpon receipt of these our letters,
— CLXIT. CONCERNING STATE-AFFAIES. 455

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

In 1643, the road takes you through Carrickfergus, a town in Antrim where the Earl of Antrim was held prisoner under Scottish command. The king had written months before, while at York, to the Earl of Levin and to the justices in Ireland, asking that Antrim be sent to Dublin or to the king himself, with the reasons for his arrest. Antrim had begged for this, hoping to make clear his loyalty and the help he had given to distressed subjects at Coleraine and elsewhere in Ireland, as later attested. No reply ever came. Antrim made his own way north into the kingdom, where he attended the queen and conducted himself, the king said, as became the duty of a good and loyal subject. But he returned to Ireland to protect his estate, and was seized again, imprisoned, and, in the king's word, "very barbarously treated." He remained at Carrickfergus, or some other place under the command of the Scottish forces. The king ordered that he be sent forward with the charges against him, so that the king might understand what his fault was and have him dealt with accordingly. The king also commanded that Antrim's estate in Ireland be protected from spoil by both Irish rebels and Scottish forces.

Catholic inhabitants of Dublin disarmed before petitioners' appearance

Dublin · city · Dublin

On the day before Catholic petitioners were to appear in Dublin under a proclamation offering safe conduct, the Catholic inhabitants of the city of Dublin were disarmed. This violation of public faith caused the gentlemen to distrust the authorities and continue under arms.

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5. This cruell and lawles proceedings driue dyuers of your good subiects to take armes in there owne defence. And therevpon your justices did by publike proclamation desier a conference with them, for to vnderstand the cause of theire discontents and soe risinge in arines, giuing them your majestie's word in the intervall for the securitie of theire persons and 49 goods. Yett did they the same day in which the proclamation was published, and duringe there safe conducte, cause sir Charles Coote, one of your privie councell theire, pillage and burne one of the said gentlemen's principall townes, howses, corne, and other goods, to the vallue of more then 4000?. Which violation of the publick faith in your majestie's justices and state of this realme, giuinge iust cause of ielousie and suspicion of theire sinceritie and cleare intentions towards the said gentlemen ; and withall obseruing, that the verie day before your majestie^ petitioners were to appeare in Dublin vpon the proclamation afforesaid the said catholike inhabitants of the citie of Dublin were disarmed as afforesaid made them forbere to observe any further the contents of the said proclamation, but to continue theire armes, and stand vpon theire gard. Wherevpon sir Charles Coote, (they giuinge him noe iust provocation or offence, and containing themselues within the bounds of your lawes,) with a great power of horsse and foote, attempted vna wares to surprize and opresse them, and in that incounter dyvers men were slaine of both sides; in revenge whereof the said Coote burned dyvers townes neere Dublin, where the said gentlemen then lay in garrison with theire forces.
6. There was a late odious prottestation made and declared in parliament here against the proceedinges and actions of the nowe Irish forces of Vlster, of purpose to incense them against vs and ingadge vs in an imortall warr with them. Which prottestation had it not beene y elded vnto, it was then resolued

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

Dublin was where the Catholic inhabitants were disarmed on the eve of a promised hearing. Catholic gentlemen had taken up arms in their own defence, and the justices issued a public proclamation asking for a conference with them, to understand the cause of their discontents and rising in arms. The proclamation gave them the King's word for the security of their persons and goods. Yet the very day the proclamation was published, and during that safe conduct, Sir Charles Coote, one of the privy council there, pillaged and burned one of the said gentlemen's principal towns, houses, corn, and other goods, to the value of more than 4000 pounds. The day before the petitioners were to appear upon the said proclamation, the Catholic inhabitants of the city were disarmed. This violation of the public faith, in the justices and the state of the realm, gave just cause of jealousy and suspicion of their sincerity and clear intentions toward the said gentlemen. It made them forbear to observe any further the contents of the proclamation, but to continue their arms and stand upon their guard. Sir Charles Coote, while they gave him no just provocation or offence and contained themselves within the bounds of the law, came with a great power of horse and foot and attempted unawares to surprise and oppress them. In that encounter, diverse men were slain of both sides. In revenge, the said Coote burned diverse towns near the city, where the said gentlemen then lay in garrison with their forces.

Dublin army and garrisons in extreme want of provisions

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

The lords justices reported to the king that the army in Dublin and its out-garrisons suffered extreme deprivation, with no victuals, clothes, money, arms, or powder in store. Only seventy-five barrels of butter and fourteen tun of cheese had arrived from London, sufficient for barely seven or eight days' provision.

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AS soon as we your majesty's justices entered into the charge of the government, we took into our consideration at this board the state of your army here, which we find suffering under unspeakable extremities of want of all things necessary for the support of their persons, or maintenance of the war ; here being no victuals, clothes, or other provisions requisite towards their sustenance, nor money to provide them of any thing they want, nor arms in your majesty's stores to supply their many defective arms ; not above forty barrels of powder in the stores, no strength of serviceable horse being now left here, and those few that are, their armes for the most part lost or unserviceable ; no ships arrived here to guard the coasts, and consequently no security rendered to any that might on their private adventures bring in provisions or victuals, or other necessaries towards our subsistence ; and finally, no visible means by sea or land of being able to preserve for you this your kingdom, and to render deliverance from utter destruction to the remnant of your good subjects yet left here.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

In 1643, Dublin was a city whose army and garrisons were starving. The lords justices wrote to the king to say that the army here was suffering what they called unspeakable extremities of want. There were no victuals, no clothes, no money to buy anything they needed. The stores held no arms to repair the many that were defective, and not above forty barrels of powder. No serviceable horse were left, and those few that remained had lost their arms or rendered them useless. No ships had arrived to guard the coasts, so there was no security for anyone who might bring in provisions on their own venture. The justices could see no means by sea or land to preserve the kingdom or to save the remnant of the king's subjects still left there. Only seventy-five barrels of butter and fourteen tun of cheese had come from London, enough for barely seven or eight days.

Killings in Galway by rude kern of Iar Connacht

Galway · city · Galway

The duke reports that during the disturbances, two men were killed in Clarke's ship and two or three more were killed in the town of Galway by the rude kern of Iar Connacht. He characterizes this as part of the 'crying sin of blood' tainting the kingdom.

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the fort. By this accompt I have given your lordships, I hope it will appear I have used all possible diligence and industry in this business of so great importance, and if any error have been committed, or inconvenience happen, I am not to stand charged alone. For the powder of Fr. Darcy's in the commissioners hands, I have taken 5 barrels for my own store, to supply my companies in garrison in this place and at Loghreagh, and for the defence of my bordering castles ; and some moderate proportions I have by warrants issued out to some of the captains and other gentlemen that assisted me, for the defence of their houses and families against evil affected person, having lately found the inconveniency to rely wholly upon the fort for supplies ; for when I went against Gallway and their assistants, I was forced to hazard my self in that service, but with a small proportion of armes, and a very poor quantity of powder, having 3 barrels of my own bought out of Clarke's ship then in the fort, and could come to no part of it during the siege untill near the time of the pacification. The remain of the powder in the commissioners hands is most of it gross powder for ordnance, and I am in treaty with the town, and do believe they will deliver the gross powder into the fort, being above 1 600 weight. I cannot find that a considerable number of armes came to the town at any time, or has been issued out by them. Of those few pieces Fr. Darcy brought, I had 1 6, the fort 6, instead of some of his that were lost in the commotion by default of the town, and, as I am informed, 1 2 were left in his ship brought in by capt. Ashley, and some others taken away coming to the town thro' Ireconnaght : they were in all but 50 and odd at first. I am going to Loghreagh, and do hope to find the gentry so well inclined, as that I shall prevail by a general consent to take a settled course for supply of the companies belonging to the fort with fresh meat, by laying a proportion on each barony ; and likewise to take into consideration how to settle the English again with safety and reparation for the spoiles and injuries done them, the crying sin of blood, which has tainted most parts of the kingdom, not lying here, more than two that were killed in Clarke's ship and 2 or 3 more in the town of Gallway by the rude Kearne of Ireconaght ; the humors and passions of both sides may be the more easily overcome, and some short time, with your lordships allowance and approbation, may frame a right and well disposed settlement, all pai'ts being now in good quietness but the Fla-

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

Galway is a place the road passes through, and its story from this time is one of disturbance and small, violent death. The Duke of Ormond, writing of his affairs, tells of a fort and a siege. He had taken 5 barrels of powder from Fr. Darcy's supply for his own store, to serve his companies in garrison and at Loghreagh, and for the defence of his bordering castles. He issued moderate proportions by warrant to captains and gentlemen who had assisted him, so they could defend their houses and families against evil-affected persons. He says he had found the inconvenience of relying wholly on the fort for supplies. When he went against Galway and their assistants, he had only a small proportion of arms and a very poor quantity of powder, with 3 barrels he had bought himself from Clarke's ship then in the fort. He could come to no part of it during the siege until near the time of the pacification. He notes that few arms ever came to the town. Of Fr. Darcy's pieces, he had 16, the fort had 6, 12 were left in the ship brought in by Captain Ashley, and some others were taken away coming to the town through Iar Connacht. They were in all but 50 and odd at first. He speaks then of settling the English again with safety and reparation for the spoils and injuries done them. He calls the matter the, words from the source, "crying sin of blood, which has tainted most parts of the kingdom." He says it did not lie here more than two that were killed in Clarke's ship and 2 or 3 more in the town of Galway by the rude kern of Iar Connacht.

Lord Inskillin's nocturnal dispatch of letters and men from Enniskillen

near Enniskillen · town · Fermanagh · 1641

Lord Inskillin returned home late one night, wrote letters all night, and dispatched every man in or about his house in various directions with instructions to meet him. Captains were reportedly appointed to raise men, purportedly for service under the king of Spain in Portugal, causing alarm among the British settlers.

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Upon Saturday last, one of the same gentlemen came again to me, and told me, that as he was going home the day before, he sent his footman a nearer way then the horse way, who met with one of the lord Inskillin's footmen, and demanded of him from whence he came ? who made answer, that he came from home that morning; and the other replying, said, You have made good haste to be here so soon : to which he answered, that his lord came home late last night, and writ letters all that
-xxix. CONCERNING STATE-AFFAIRS. 255

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 103

As the companion tells it

The road passes near Enniskillen. In 1641 Lord Inskillin came home late one night and wrote letters all night. He dispatched every man in or about his house in different directions with instructions to meet him. Captains were appointed to raise men, purportedly for service under the king of Spain in Portugal. Word spread among the British settlers and caused alarm. A gentleman's footman, sent a shorter way, met one of Lord Inskillin's footmen and asked where he had come from. The man said he had left home that morning, and the other said he had made good haste.

Oranmore castle used to supply fort during Galway siege

Oranmore · town · Galway · 1642

During the siege of Galway, Clanricarde used his castle at Oranmore on the sea to supply the fort, despite the besiegers having boats to guard the passage. This was a critical logistical effort in breaking the rebellion.

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detained in England. Soon after they seized on my armes and goods that came out of England, and then got divers of this county and the c. of Mayo to come to their assistance, and to lay siege to the fort. This sudden mischief coming unexpected upon me, put me into great distraction ; but in pursuance of my settled resolution to seal my loyalty with my blood, tho' never so much neglected, I hastened into those parts, and called upon my friends, and within few days marched thither 700 foot and near 200 horse ; but finding their numbers great, and that they had planted ordinance upon the craggy passages of that country near the town, which made horse of no use to me, I resolved to besiege the besiegers, and having castles there convenient for it, I placed strong garrisons round about them, and my horse scowr'd between to keep all relief from them, and, tho' with much difficulty, found means to supply the fort from a castle of mine called Oran More, lying upon the sea, tho1 they had store of boats to guard the passage.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

Oranmore in Galway is a town on the sea. In 1642, Clanricarde found himself in what he called "great distraction." His arms and goods from England had been seized, and men from the county and Mayo gathered to lay siege to the fort. He resolved, in his own words, to "seal my loyalty with my blood." He called on his friends and within days marched there with 700 foot and near 200 horse. But the besiegers were many, and they had planted ordnance on the craggy passages near the town, which made horse of no use to him. So he decided to besiege the besiegers. He had convenient castles there, placed strong garrisons round about them, and his horse scoured between to keep all relief from them. The critical effort came by sea. Though the enemy had store of boats to guard the passage, he found means, with much difficulty, to supply the fort from his castle on the sea.

Poor Irish informers and witness culture in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1681

Ormond described from Dublin in November 1681 how impoverished Irish men who had left Ireland in ragged clothing returned transformed as periwigged informers, driven by poverty to testify for the Crown rather than steal cattle. He noted they were so miserably poor that the authorities had to give them an allowance, and found it more honourable to be the king's evidence than a cow-stealer.

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BY the protraction mentioned in yours of the 8th of this month, I conclude that I shall have time enough to take the country air for a week at Grangebeg ; which for my health I prefer before physic. All the business here belongs to the term and the judges ; and at council there is little more to do than to hear witnesses, some come out of England, and some producing themselves here ; and ah* of them (I doubt) forswearing themselves. Those that went out of Ireland with bad English and worse clothes, are returned wellbred gentlemen, well caronated, periwigged, and clothed. Brogues and leather straps are converted to fashionable shoes and glittering buckles ; which, next to the zeal tories, thieves, and friars have for the protestant religion, is a main inducement to bring in a shoal of informers. But we have erected alderman Reder to the dignity of being our justice warcop, and send them all to him. The worst is, they are so miserably poor, that we are fain to give them some allowance ; and they find it more honourable and safe to be the king's evidence than a cow-stealer, though that be their natural pro- no fession. But seriously, it is vexatious and uneasy to be in awe of such a sort of rogues. Now that they are discarded by the zealous suborners of the city, they would fain invent and swear what might recommend them to another party ; but as they have not the honesty to swear truth, so they have not the wit to invent probably. It is for want of something else to say, that I fall upon this character of an Irish witness.
The bishop of Meath is yet alive, but (I think) his friends do not hope he will ever come down stairs. The archbishop of Dublin continues very ill, and is much apprehended by his friends.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1681. Ormond wrote from here in November of that year about what the courts and council were dealing with. The business of the term belonged to the judges, and at council there was little more to do than hear witnesses. Some came out of England, some produced themselves there in Dublin, and Ormond doubted they were all forswearing themselves. The men who had gone out of Ireland with bad English and worse clothes came back as wellbred gentlemen, well caronated, periwigged, and clothed. Brogues and leather straps turned into fashionable shoes and glittering buckles. Ormond said this transformation, next to the zeal that tories, thieves, and friars had for the protestant religion, was a main inducement to bring in a shoal of informers. They sent them all to alderman Reder, whom they erected to the dignity of their justice warcop. The worst of it was that these men were so miserably poor the authorities had to give them some allowance. They found it more honourable and safe to be the king's evidence than a cow-stealer, though that was, in Ormond's words, their natural profession. He said it was vexatious and uneasy to be in awe of such a sort of rogues. Now that they were discarded by the zealous suborners of the city, they would fain invent and swear what might recommend them to another party. But as they had not the honesty to swear truth, so they had not the wit to invent probably. Ormond said it was for want of something else to say that he fell upon this character of an Irish witness.

Seditious agitation among Dublin's Protestant inhabitants

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

In Dublin, agents left behind by the parliamentary committee worked incessantly to induce officers and other Protestant inhabitants to express discontent at the king's commission. Seditious preaching and practices by certain persons had been too much countenanced in the town.

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George Villars, but that it is stayed till the oficers of the other garison call'd Dundalke haue done as much ; which will not bee the losse of much tyme, if theire mindes doe not alter by the infusions of the comitee who haue left behinde them such as worke without intermission to get from the oficers and other protestant inhabitants of this toune, some writing to manifest theire discontent at your majestie's late comission to mee and others. But I cannot learne they haue yeat preuailed with any man of note. Others of very meane condition they may peraduenture gaine by the seditious preaching and practice of persons whoe haue bin here to much countenanced and folowed, as are all men and ways that may aduaunce the designes of the partie now oposeing your majestie in England. And now I take it to bee full tyme, and a duty I am bound to by my oath freely to declare, that the greatest credit that partie have, is deriued from the countenance that is giuen to it by the lord Lisle, whoe hath more publickly avowed his inclinations then others now dare doe, whoe, I doubt, are rather silenced by the prosperous condition of your affairs then truely altered in theire wishes or affections to them. His lordship, since his first coming ouer, hath bin admited to bee at councell, euen when maters of greatest consequence haue bin debated and voted, and when your majestie^ leters haue bin read. This for some tyme I tooke to bee only a ciuillitie to him from the justices, and desired by him for noe other end then to aquaint himselfe with the state of the kingdome, that soe hee might bee the beter able to contribute assistance to the publik searuice against the rebells. But now that I haue cause to suspect hee makes vse of that priuiledge, (which is the first of the kinde I euer heard of,) to interupt your majestie's designes and further those of the parliament, I may not, for any respect or feare, forbere to informe your majestie of it, and ofer it to your princely consideration, whether to admitt 1 27 persons vnsworne to bee by at the most weghty and priuate debates of your councell, bee not a power to great to bee intrusted with or assumed by any; and how farr it may hinder the freedome wherewith councellors ought to deliuer theire aduices when there are those by that are not obleeged to secresie, but perhaps brought thither to awe them, may easily be Judged. And this plainly is the case with vs : wherefore I am bould humbly to lay at your feet my poore aduice, that your majestie would bee pleased by your leters to the justices to take such

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 175

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1642 was a city where loyalties were being pulled apart. Agents left behind by the parliamentary committee worked without intermission to get the officers and other Protestant inhabitants of the town to put their names to some writing that would show their discontent at the king's late commission. They had not yet prevailed with any man of note. But people of meaner condition, they might gain, through the seditious preaching and practice of certain persons who had been too much countenanced and followed in the town. The writer of this letter saw the greatest credit that party had as coming from the countenance given to it by the Lord Lisle, who had more publicly avowed his inclinations than others now dared to do. Those others, he doubted, were rather silenced by the prosperous condition of the king's affairs than truly altered in their wishes or affections. Lord Lisle, since his first coming over, had been admitted to be at council, even when matters of greatest consequence were debated and voted, and when the king's letters were read. The writer had first taken this to be only a civility to him from the justices. But now he had cause to suspect that Lisle made use of that privilege to interrupt the king's designs and further those of the parliament. He called it the first of the kind he had ever heard of, that unsworn persons should be present at the most weighty and private debates of council. He laid his advice at the king's feet, that his majesty would be pleased by his letters to the justices to take such order in it as he should think fit.

Dublin courts used to attaint Catholic subjects illegally

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

During the troubles of 1642, the king's courts in Dublin sat solely to pass false and illegal judgments, outlawries, and capital proceedings against thousands of Catholic subjects who were never summoned or given notice. Obscure persons were appointed sheriffs and poor artificers, common soldiers, and menial servants were returned as jurors to decide the lives and estates of those who had come in under protection and public faith.

Read the passage

14. The said lords justices and their adherents haue, against the fundamentall laws of the land, procured the sittinge of both howses of parlyament for seuerall sessions, (nyne parts of ten of the naturall and genuin members thereof being absent, it standing not with their safetie to come vnder their power,) and made vpp a considerable number in the howse of commons of clerckes, souldiers, serving men, and others, not legally, or not chosen att all, or returned, and having noe manner of estate within the kingdome ; in which sittinge sundrie orders were conceaved, and dismisses obtained of persons before impeached of treason in full parlyament, and passed or might haue passed some acts against law and to the prejudice of your majestic and this whole nation, and during these troubles termes were kept, and your majestie's court of chiefe place, and other courts sate at Dublin to noe other end or purpose, but by false and illegall judgments, outlawries, and other capitall proceedings, to attaint manie thowsands of your majestie's most faithfull subjects of this kingdome, they being never summoned, nor having notice of those proceedings ; and sheriffs made of obscure meane persons, by the like practise, appointed of purpose ; and poore artificers, common souldiers, and meniall servants returned jurors, to pass vppon the Hues and estates of those whoe came in vppon protection and publique faith.
Therefore the said catholiques, in the behalfe of themselves and of the whole kingdome of Ireland, doe protest and declare against the said proceedings in the nature of parlyaments, and in the other courts afforsaid, and everie of them, as being heynous crymes against law, destructiue to parlyaments and your majestie's prerogatiues and authoritie, and to the rights and iust liberties of your most faithfull subjects.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

In the troubles of 1642, Dublin was the seat of a courts system that turned against its own people. The lords justices and their adherents kept both houses of parliament sitting for several sessions, while 9 parts in 10 of the natural members stayed away, for it was not safe for them to come under that power. The house of commons was filled instead with clerks, soldiers, serving men, and others not legally chosen, or not chosen at all, men with no manner of estate in the kingdom. The king's courts sat to no other end or purpose, the record says, but by false and illegal judgments, outlawries, and other capital proceedings, to attaint many thousands of the king's most faithful subjects. Those subjects were never summoned and had no notice of the proceedings against them. Obscure and mean persons were made sheriffs by the like practice, appointed on purpose. Poor artificers, common soldiers, and menial servants were returned as jurors, to pass upon the lives and estates of those who had come in upon protection and public faith. The Catholics of Ireland, in behalf of themselves and the whole kingdom, protested against all of it, calling the proceedings heinous crimes against law, destructive to parliaments and to the rights and just liberties of the king's most faithful subjects.

Soldiers billeted for victuals across Dublin due to dire want

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

In March 1642, the board reported that extreme want forced them to distribute soldiers throughout Dublin city and its suburbs to secure their own victuals. They warned this could not long continue given the poverty of the place, and pleaded urgently for provisions, money, arms, and clothing from England.

Read the passage

By letters from this board, dated the 23d of March, 1642, directed to Mr. speaker, wee signified that our wants enforced vs to distribute the soldiers for theire victualls in and throughout this cittie and suburbs, which wee signified could not long hould, considering the povertie of this place ; and therefore, to avoid vtter confusion, wee did againe and againe beseech most earnestly, that aboue all things victualls and munition might bee sent vs speedily, and that money, armes, clothes, shooes, and other provisions might bee alsoe sent, declareing, that if they yet came speedily the kingdome and his majestie's forces heere might bee thereby redeemed out of part of theirre distresses, and wee enabled (by the blessing of God) to give his majestie such an accompt of this kingdome as would bee for the glory of the king our master and the honour of the English nation, in the subdueing this horrid rebellion, which by reason of our wants (and in noe other respect) was then growen very terrible ; and wee did againe call for the provisions moved for by our severall former letters of the 2oth of January and 2oth of February, and for the payment of the seauen thousand eight hundred fourescore and thirteene pounds three shillings, for armes to bee provided in Holland, and those alsoe which wee expected from London, declareing that vnlesse those supplies came, wee should bee disabled from doeing service on the rebells the then next spring, or the then succeedeing sommer, and must vndoubtedly putt the rebells into a condition of prevaileing against vs, which wee well beleeved the kingdome of England would neuer haue permitted against soe faithfull servants and valiant soldiers as his majestie yett had here. By those letters alsoe wee signified, that it was necessarie that there should bee

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 210

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1642 was a city holding on by a thread. In March of that year, the board wrote to Mr. Speaker with desperate news. Their wants, they said, had forced them to distribute soldiers throughout the city and its suburbs, so the soldiers could find their own victuals. They warned this could not long hold, given the poverty of the place. To avoid utter confusion, they begged again and again that above all things victuals and munition be sent speedily, and that money, arms, clothes, shoes, and other provisions be sent also. They declared that if these came quickly, the kingdom and his majesty's forces might be redeemed out of part of their distresses, and they would be enabled, by the blessing of God, to give an account that would be for the glory of the king and the honour of the English nation, in subduing what they called this horrid rebellion. That rebellion, they said, had grown very terrible by reason of their wants and in no other respect. They called again for provisions requested in earlier letters of the 20th of January and the 20th of February, and for payment of 7883 pounds and 3 shillings for arms to be provided in Holland, and those expected from London. Unless those supplies came, they would be disabled from doing service against the rebels the next spring or summer, and would undoubtedly put the rebels into a condition of prevailing against them. They believed the kingdom of England would never have permitted that, against such faithful servants and valiant soldiers as his majesty yet had there.

Clanricarde writes from Portumna on loyalty and Connacht

Portumna · town · Galway · 1642

The Earl of Clanricarde, writing from Portumna on 21 December 1642, defends his steadfast loyalty to the king during the Irish rebellion. He argues he has used the king's favour for the advantage of Connacht in peacetime and hopes to maintain that interest in wartime. He contends that the disorders were not a national quarrel but a response to oppression by ill-disposed persons in authority.

Read the passage

To this I will add, that I presume it is known to many, that I have made good use of his majestie's favour in time of peace for the advantage of the country in general, especially Connaght, and for many particular friends ; and in the way I go, I hope to hold the same interest and place in time of war. My lord, if
380 LETTERS cxv—

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 167

As the companion tells it

In December 1642, from the town of Portumna, the Earl of Clanricarde defended his loyalty to the king amid the Irish rebellion. He had made good use of the king's favour in peacetime for the advantage of Connacht, and hoped to hold the same interest in wartime. He argued disorders were not a national quarrel but oppression by ill-disposed persons in authority.

Drogheda garrison officers declare loyalty to the king

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1642

The officers of the garrison at Drogheda signed a letter to the king affirming a previous letter sent by Major Woodhous as their unanimous sense, and professing constant readiness to obey his commands. This resisted efforts by a parliamentary committee to seduce the garrison officers from their loyalty.

Read the passage

NOT long after my last of the second of February, the comitee sent from the parliament went to see all the considerable garisons of this prouince ; which (for number of men or oficers) are but three or fower : where, I beleeue, they will make vse of the same arguments to seduce the oficers that they suggested to these here ; but I am confident they will bee disapoynted. For this day I had certaine notice, that all the oficers of Droheda and Tryme haue signed a leter to your majestie, wherin they auow that leter sent by maior Woodhous to bee their vnanimous sence, and farther professe to bee allways ready to obay your comands. This would haue bin sent by this bearer, captaine
394 LETTERS cxxvi—

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 175

As the companion tells it

In 1642, Drogheda was a garrison town, and its officers had a choice to make. A committee sent from parliament came through, visiting the considerable garrisons of the province, which were only three or four in number. They brought arguments meant to seduce the officers from their loyalty to the king. But the officers would not be moved. All the officers of Drogheda and Trim signed a letter to the king. In it they avowed a letter sent by Major Woodhous as their unanimous sense, and professed to be always ready to obey his commands. The parliamentary committee, it was said, would be disappointed.

Dundalk garrison expected to declare loyalty

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1642

The officers of the Dundalk garrison were expected to sign a similar loyalty declaration to the king as those of Drogheda and Trim had already done. Ormond expressed confidence this would happen soon unless parliamentary agents altered their minds.

Read the passage

George Villars, but that it is stayed till the oficers of the other garison call'd Dundalke haue done as much ; which will not bee the losse of much tyme, if theire mindes doe not alter by the infusions of the comitee who haue left behinde them such as worke without intermission to get from the oficers and other protestant inhabitants of this toune, some writing to manifest theire discontent at your majestie's late comission to mee and others. But I cannot learne they haue yeat preuailed with any man of note. Others of very meane condition they may peraduenture gaine by the seditious preaching and practice of persons whoe haue bin here to much countenanced and folowed, as are all men and ways that may aduaunce the designes of the partie now oposeing your majestie in England. And now I take it to bee full tyme, and a duty I am bound to by my oath freely to declare, that the greatest credit that partie have, is deriued from the countenance that is giuen to it by the lord Lisle, whoe hath more publickly avowed his inclinations then others now dare doe, whoe, I doubt, are rather silenced by the prosperous condition of your affairs then truely altered in theire wishes or affections to them. His lordship, since his first coming ouer, hath bin admited to bee at councell, euen when maters of greatest consequence haue bin debated and voted, and when your majestie^ leters haue bin read. This for some tyme I tooke to bee only a ciuillitie to him from the justices, and desired by him for noe other end then to aquaint himselfe with the state of the kingdome, that soe hee might bee the beter able to contribute assistance to the publik searuice against the rebells. But now that I haue cause to suspect hee makes vse of that priuiledge, (which is the first of the kinde I euer heard of,) to interupt your majestie's designes and further those of the parliament, I may not, for any respect or feare, forbere to informe your majestie of it, and ofer it to your princely consideration, whether to admitt 1 27 persons vnsworne to bee by at the most weghty and priuate debates of your councell, bee not a power to great to bee intrusted with or assumed by any; and how farr it may hinder the freedome wherewith councellors ought to deliuer theire aduices when there are those by that are not obleeged to secresie, but perhaps brought thither to awe them, may easily be Judged. And this plainly is the case with vs : wherefore I am bould humbly to lay at your feet my poore aduice, that your majestie would bee pleased by your leters to the justices to take such

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft, Chapter 175

As the companion tells it

The town of Dundalk, in 1642, held a garrison whose officers were expected to sign a declaration of loyalty to the king. The garrisons of Drogheda and Trim had already done as much, and Ormond, writing to the king, expressed confidence that the Dundalk officers would follow suit without much delay. He warned, though, that parliamentary agents had been left behind in the town, working without intermission to obtain from the officers and other Protestant inhabitants some written statement of discontent at the king's recent commission to Ormond and others. So far, he reported, they had not prevailed with any man of note. They might, he conceded, gain men of lower condition through what he called the seditious preaching and practice of persons who had been too much countenanced and followed there. Ormond went further in the same letter. He told the king that the greatest credit the opposing party had was derived from the countenance given to it by Lord Lisle, who had more publicly avowed his inclinations than others now dared to do. Lord Lisle, since his first coming over, had been admitted to council even when matters of greatest consequence were debated and voted, and when the king's letters were read. Ormond had first taken this to be a civility, allowing Lisle to acquaint himself with the state of the kingdom. But he now suspected Lisle made use of that privilege to interrupt the king's designs and further those of Parliament. He urged the king to write to the justices to remedy the matter.

English settlers sheltered at Loughrea and Portumna

Loughrea · town · Galway · 1642

Clanricard states that many English long since planted in his towns of Loughrea and Portumna, along with others who lately came in from other counties for relief and preservation, would have been destroyed had he not reached an agreement at Galway. Resolutions were taken in Thomond and bordering counties to burn and destroy all behind him.

Read the passage

and some gentlemen that adhered unto them into his majestie's protection, the fort by my timely coming thither and putting relief therein, being seconded by the supplies your lordships sent with capt. Ashley, was in a good condition of safety ; but your lordships may be pleased to remember it was a chief part of your former instructions, and I am sure a powerfull inducement to me, that I should have a special care of the English, and there was then above 400 in the town, and many of them of good quality, subject to the fury of inraged multitudes if they had been prosecuted to the highest rigour and extremity. And besides your lordships might be pleased to observe by the letters I sent out of Mayo, and divers advertisements I received out of Thomond and other bordering counties, that resolutions were taken to burn and destroy all behind me, and to inclose my small forces between them, and those formerly confederated with the town; whereby, besides our own danger, not only many English, long since planted in my towns of Logreagh and Portumna, and others lately come in from other counties for relief and preservation, would have been destroyed, but your lordships may be pleased further to consider the difficulty, or rather impossibility, to keep at a siege my own followers, and those other noble gentlemen that have assisted me upon our own charge for almost 8 months, maintained forces without any supplies from your lordships, our ears being daily filled with intelligence, that all we had would be defaced and ruined, and my wife and children and a large family long exposed to danger in a remote 8 2 border during six weeks lying before Gallway not to be totally neglected. And I humbly submit it to your lordships better judgments, whether it were fit to continue longer before the town without any hope to gain the place, or to depart from thence without some settlement, would not have been held a deserting of the service, and an invitation to all ill disposed persons to have gathered therein multitudes from all parts of the kingdom. And further I presume my lord president will testimony with me in what a dangerous condition not only this county but the whole province was in at that time, and all passages so stopped, that we could receive no clear intelligence what were the resolutions taken for the prosecution of this war, or the forces that were in a readiness, either for the general advancement of the service, or our particular relief; which guided me then to believe, that the best present service was to

Internet Archive lifeofjamesdukeo05cartuoft

As the companion tells it

The town of Loughrea sits along this road. In 1642, it was one of the towns where English settlers had long been planted, and where others had lately come in from other counties for relief and preservation. Clanricard held Loughrea and Portumna as his own towns. He had been lying before Galway for six weeks with a small force, maintained for almost 8 months at his own charge and without any supplies from those who had instructed him. His ears were daily filled with intelligence that all he had would be defaced and ruined. He had received letters from Mayo and advertisements from Thomond and other bordering counties that resolutions had been taken to burn and destroy all behind him, and to enclose his small forces between those confederated with the town of Galway and those closing in from elsewhere. He wrote that there were above 400 English in the town where he was, many of good quality, subject to the fury of enraged multitudes if pursued to the highest rigour. Besides his own danger, he said, not only many English long since planted in his towns of Loughrea and Portumna, and others lately come in from other counties for relief and preservation, would have been destroyed. His wife and children and a large family had been exposed to danger in a remote border. All passages were so stopped that no clear intelligence could be received about what forces were in readiness. He judged that the best present service was to reach some settlement rather than continue before Galway without hope of gaining the place, or depart without one and be held to have deserted the service.

The stories, best first

Parliament members intimidated by armed men at Dublin Castle

Lord Forbes's forces desecrate Our Lady's church near Galway

Famine threatens Dublin garrison, 1642

Ormond's raid on Naas: burning, spoiling, and hangings

Kilkenny city ransacked within its walls

Martial law murders near Dublin under Sir Charles Coote

National assembly of Irish Catholics at Kilkenny (CXI)

Catholics of Dublin denied arms and disarmed

Disease raging in Dublin, 1642

Galway rebellion: young men seize English ship and town

Ormond's victory near New Ross

Sir Charles Coote pillages and burns towns near Dublin

Dublin merchants' goods forcibly requisitioned

Confederate assembly convened at Kilkenny

Cork garrison starvation and desertion, 1643

Order to burn and destroy around Dublin to prevent starvation of the city

Rebels plunder to the gates of Kilkenny

Perilous petitions signed in Dublin

Catholics meet at Kilkenny after failed petition to king (CXII)

Duncannon garrison in desperate straits, 1641

Failed rebel attempt on Dublin Castle and city, 1641

Forced requisition of goods from Dublin merchants and tradesmen, 1643

Ormond's proposed expedition against Wexford

Rebel force at Dundalk collapses as men flee

Relief force to Drogheda intercepted, soldiers flee

Wexford as rebel-held port for arms trade, 1643

Clanricard holds County Galway during 1641 rebellion

King's declaration to Galway on loyalty and rebellion

Lieutenant Colonel Reade tortured on the rack at Dublin

Limerick clergy excommunicate city magistrates

Preacher Jerome's seditious sermon at Dublin

Castledermot among key rebel strongholds in Leinster

Clanricarde at Portumna receives news of the 1641 rebellion

Corn requisitioned from poor men near Dublin without payment

Executions and house burnings of Catholics in County Wicklow

Sir Charles Coote sent to pillage and burn Clontarf

Soldiers plunder inhabitants of Dublin

Murder of innocent husbandmen at Santry

Clanricard writes from Portumna amid threats

Dublin Castle secured but arms given away, rebels described as 'naked roges'

Dublin city unable to relieve starving army, 1643

Ormond founds Protestant school at Kilkenny

Royal commission arrives in Dublin troubling council and army

St. Leger immured within the walls of Cork

Sir Charles Coote devastates County Wicklow

Cork alderman's poverty under garrison charges

Earl of Antrim imprisoned at Carrickfergus

Catholic inhabitants of Dublin disarmed before petitioners' appearance

Dublin army and garrisons in extreme want of provisions

Killings in Galway by rude kern of Iar Connacht

Lord Inskillin's nocturnal dispatch of letters and men from Enniskillen

Oranmore castle used to supply fort during Galway siege

Poor Irish informers and witness culture in Dublin

Seditious agitation among Dublin's Protestant inhabitants

Dublin courts used to attaint Catholic subjects illegally

Soldiers billeted for victuals across Dublin due to dire want

Clanricarde writes from Portumna on loyalty and Connacht

Drogheda garrison officers declare loyalty to the king

Dundalk garrison expected to declare loyalty

English settlers sheltered at Loughrea and Portumna