The life of James, first duke of Ormonde, 1610-1688; (vol. 1)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Statute of Kilkenny excluding Irish from church benefices

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

   The famous enactment of Kilkenny barred any Irishman of the Irish nation from admission into cathedral or collegiate churches or any benefice among the English. If any such admission occurred, it was to be held void and the King would receive the presentation of the benefice.

   Read the passage

   " No Irishman of the Irish nation," so ran the famous enactment of Kilkenny, " shall be admitted into any cathedral or collegiate church, nor to any benefice of Holy Church amongst the English, and if any such shall be admitted, instituted, or inducted into such benefice, it shall be held void and the King shall have the presentation of the benefice upon such avoidance." -

   On the other hand, it was universally recognised that it would be idle for the English authorities to appoint aught

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 20

   As the companion tells it

   Kilkenny was the setting for a famous statute that barred any Irishman of the Irish nation from admission into any cathedral or collegiate church, or to any benefice of Holy Church amongst the English. If any such person was admitted, instituted, or inducted, the enactment held it void, and the King would have the presentation of the benefice upon such avoidance.

2. Dublin Parliament debates Acts on corn-burning and wool-pulling

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1640

   In October 1640, the Dublin Parliament met again and the peers criticized Acts prohibiting the burning of corn in the straw, the pulling of wool off living sheep, and ploughing by the tail. The administration of these statutes had led to grave abuses, and Deputy Wandesforde was forced to suspend penalties for breaches of these laws.

   Read the passage

   In October, the Dublin Parliament met again in no amiable frame of mind towards its " wise, good, and vigilant Governor." Even in the Upper House the Acts prohibiting the burning of corn in the straw, and the cruel practices of pulling wool off living sheep, and ploughing by the tail excited the strictures of the peers. Excellent in themselves, the administration of these statutes, they now discovered, had led to grave abuses. And the Deputy, Wandesforde, at their petition, was forced to

   I640] OPvMONDE AS POLITICIAN 109

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin in October 1640. The Parliament met again, and the peers in the Upper House turned on certain Acts, laws against burning corn in the straw, pulling wool off living sheep, and ploughing by the tail. The statutes were sound enough in themselves, but their administration had led to grave abuses. At the peers' petition, Deputy Wandesforde was forced to suspend penalties for breaches of these laws.

3. Glamorgan arrives in Dublin and is received by Ormonde

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1645

   Glamorgan set forth on his quest in March 1645 but, owing to accidents, did not disembark in Dublin until August, where Ormonde warmly received him. He carried a letter from the King giving no clue to his real plenipotentiary position.

   Read the passage

   Glamorgan set forth on his quest in March, 1645, but, owing to a series of accidents, did not disembark in Dublin till August, where he was warmly received by Ormonde. The letter Glamorgan brought from the King, though couched in cordial terms, gave no clue to the Earl's real position, and it certainly did not suggest that Glamorgan carried the gift of Ormonde's office in his pocket. The King

   1 Clarendon S.P., vol. ii. p. 337. Clarendon to Nicholas, Jersey, 23rd February 1646.

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 47

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, in 1645. Glamorgan set out on his quest in March, but a series of accidents kept him from landing here until August. Ormonde received him warmly. The letter Glamorgan brought from the King was cordial, but it gave no clue to the Earl's real position, and did not suggest that Glamorgan carried the gift of Ormonde's office in his pocket.

4. Ormonde's fruitless expedition to Kilkenny

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1646–1647

   Ormonde had undertaken an expedition to Kilkenny that yielded only £2,000, described as otherwise fruitless. This sum, together with money raised by mortgaging his estates, had long since been exhausted by early 1647.

   Read the passage

   Westmeath, but even this pittance could not be levied in the ruined capital, and the countryside was no less poverty-stricken. The ;^2,ooo Ormonde had brought back from his otherwise fruitless expedition to Kilkenny, and the ;^23,ooo he had raised by mortgaging his estates were long since exhausted. Meanwhile the General Assembly had not justified the hopes entertained of its moderation. It is true that the original members of the Supreme Council returned from prison smarting under a keen sense of injury, and burning to be avenged on the Nuncio, but they were swamped by the clerical nominees who represented towns and districts under English occupation. A vote of censure on the Commissioners, who had negotiated the late Peace, was barely avoided, and the Peace itself was utterly condemned. The encroachments of the clergy waxed mightier with every day.^ The priesthood now required that Roman Catholicism should be recognised as the established religion, not only in the Popish quarters, but throughout Ireland. And had it not been for the number of gentlemen who held abbey lands, the Nuncio would have obtained the restitution of these domains to the regulars. Although he did not yet publicly announce his resolve, Rinuccini was also fully determined to suffer none but a Catholic viceroy in Ireland. He was less reticent on the choice of a foreign protector for the nation. He entreated the Pope to assume the office ; and the advisability of inviting the King of Spain or some other secular prince to accept that dignity was freely discussed by the General Assembly. In fact, considering its temper, Ormonde was fortunate to obtain any extension of the truce.

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 53

   As the companion tells it

   Kilkenny is the city you are passing through. In the closing weeks of 1646, Ormonde led an expedition here, and what he brought back was two thousand pounds in money. The record calls the whole venture otherwise fruitless. That sum, added to twenty-three thousand pounds he had raised by mortgaging his own estates, was long since exhausted by early 1647. The money ran out at a dangerous moment. The General Assembly had not justified the hopes held for its moderation. The original members of the Supreme Council came back from prison, smarting under a keen sense of injury and burning to be avenged on the Nuncio, but they were swamped by clerical nominees representing towns and districts under English occupation. A vote of censure on the Commissioners who had negotiated the late Peace was barely avoided, and the Peace itself was utterly condemned. The encroachments of the clergy waxed mightier every day. The priesthood now required that Roman Catholicism be recognised as the established religion, not only in the Popish quarters, but throughout Ireland. Rinuccini was fully determined to suffer none but a Catholic viceroy in Ireland, though he had not yet publicly announced it. He entreated the Pope to assume the office of foreign protector for the nation, and the General Assembly freely discussed inviting the King of Spain or some other secular prince to accept that dignity. Considering the temper of the Assembly, Ormonde was fortunate to obtain any extension of the truce at all.

5. Athlone falls to Parliamentary forces

   Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1651

   In July 1651, the town of Athlone fell to Cromwellian forces, worsening the position of the Irish Confederates. Ormonde, recognising the desperation of the situation, urged Muskerry to make terms with the English.

   Read the passage

   In July Athlone fell, and on October the 17th Limerick surrendered to Ireton. The situation was so desperate that Ormonde urged Muskerry to make terms with the English.

   " The King, I am well assured," he writes, " neither desires nor expects that such as have constantly, and

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 59

   As the companion tells it

   Athlone fell in July 1651 to Cromwellian forces. The loss worsened the position of the Irish Confederates. Ormonde saw the situation as so desperate that he urged Muskerry to make terms with the English. He wrote,

6. Lady Ormonde's household at Dunmore and Lord John's recovery

   Dunmore · street · Louth · 1659

   Thomas Page reported that he left the Ormonde family at Dunmore in good health, with Lord John, Ormonde's third son, having just recovered from a fever. Page humorously noted that Lord John had God to thank for escaping the ministrations of his farrier-cum-physician, and that Lady Elizabeth had the previous year been 'something' ailing under similar treatment.

   Read the passage

   " hee may thanke God hee escaped out of the fists of his farryer or Physician. I tell your Eccellency no lye. The last yeare my Lady Elizabeth was something

   1 Carte MSS., vol. ccxiii. p. 369. Thomas Page to Ormonde, Hague, 13th October 1659.

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 68

   As the companion tells it

   Dunmore in Louth was where the Ormonde household stayed in 1659. Thomas Page reported the family in good health, with Lord John, Ormonde's third son, recovered from a fever. Page wrote that he "may thanke God hee escaped out of the fists of his farryer or Physician." The year before, Lady Elizabeth had been "something" ailing under similar treatment.

7. Londonderry settlement: arable land and surplus pasturage

   near Derry · city · Derry · 1607

   In the settlement of Londonderry, the London citizens found themselves possessed of two proportions described as arable land, with additional unprofitable land useful for pasturage thrown in beyond the original bargain without effort on their part.

   Read the passage

   In the settlement of Londonderry it transpired that the citizens had, without any effort on their own part, become possessed of two " proportions" described in the survey as arable land ; the " unprofitable " land, which could not be brought under cultivation, but was useful for pasturage, being thrown in over and above the original bargain.

   Six counties — Donegal, Tyrone, Derry, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh — were carved out of the Earl's territories and those of six other chieftains, whose lands were also forfeited. Two-fifths of the 511,465 acres of escheated arable land fell to the share of the London companies. The Anglican bishops, clergy, and Trinity College, Dublin, received, roughly speaking, another fifth.^ About 1 16,000 acres were allotted to natives and "servitors," i.e., great personages and retired civil or military officials, whilst the remainder was variously bestowed.

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   In 1607, in the settlement of Londonderry, the London citizens found themselves possessed of two proportions described in the survey as arable land. The unprofitable land, which could not be brought under cultivation but was useful for pasturage, was thrown in over and above the original bargain, without any effort on their part. The settlement was part of a larger division. Six counties — Donegal, Tyrone, Derry, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh — were carved out of the Earl's territories and those of six other chieftains whose lands were forfeited. Two-fifths of the 511,465 acres of escheated arable land fell to the share of the London companies. The Anglican bishops, clergy, and Trinity College, Dublin, received roughly speaking another fifth. About 116,000 acres were allotted to natives and servitors, meaning great personages and retired civil or military officials, whilst the remainder was variously bestowed.

8. Ormonde detained at Kilkenny by wife's illness

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1640

   From May until the end of July 1640, Ormonde was detained at Kilkenny due to Lady Ormonde's serious illness. This prevented him from supervising troop training at Carrickfergus and from attending to his Parliamentary duties in Dublin, despite Strafford's belief that his presence was needed more in Dublin than at the camp.

   Read the passage

   The business of organising and raising the new army fell mainly to Ormonde's share. Besides the troop of cuirassiers, which in 1638 had replaced the original "carabins," he had now the command of a mounted regiment, and was made Lieutenant-General of the Horse, and Commander-in-Chief during Strafford's absence. It was largely due to his clear-headed diligence, that, within a week, the framework of the new army scheme was complete. From the ranks of the original army one thousand privates of the Protestant persuasion were drawn, both to act as military instructors to the raw levies, and to counterbalance the popery of their charges. In a country, where, but recently, warfare had been the profession or pastime of the greater number of the inhabitants, enlistment was easy. In fact, had it not been far more difficult to procure clothing, food and wages than recruits, the new troops would have assembled at Carrickfergus long before the middle of July, Here Ormonde had fully intended to supervise their training. But, at this juncture. Lady Ormonde fell seriously ill, and from May till the end of July he was detained at Kilkenny. Nor could he succeed in attending to his Parliamentary duties, although Strafford, from the first, had felt that his presence was more needed in Dublin than at the camp, since Sir William St Leger, President of Munster, could safely be entrusted with the drilling of the levies, whilst, in the House of Lords no one could replace Ormonde.

   With the passing of Strafford, had also passed the perfervid mood of the Irish Commons. They knew that illness had for a time reduced that fiery soul to impotence. And, while he lay sick unto death in London, they bethought them of the obvious inconvenience into which

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   Kilkenny, in the summer of 1640, held a man who needed to be elsewhere. Ormonde had spent the spring building a new army. He commanded a mounted regiment and had been made Lieutenant-General of the Horse and Commander-in-Chief during Strafford's absence. Within a week, through what the record calls his clear-headed diligence, the framework of the new army scheme was complete. One thousand Protestant privates were drawn from the ranks of the original army, both to train the raw recruits and, in the words of the source, to counterbalance the popery of their charges. In a country where warfare had recently been the profession or pastime of most of the inhabitants, enlistment was easy. Clothing, food and wages were the hard part. Ormonde had fully intended to go to Carrickfergus and supervise the training of the new troops himself. But at this juncture Lady Ormonde fell seriously ill, and from May until the end of July 1640 he was detained here at Kilkenny. He could not get to Carrickfergus, and he could not attend to his Parliamentary duties either. Strafford had always felt that Ormonde's presence was more needed in Dublin than at the camp. Sir William St Leger, President of Munster, could safely be entrusted with the drilling of the levies. But in the House of Lords, no one could replace Ormonde.

9. Ormonde's property in Kilkenny city and suburbs

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

   Believing himself near death in September 1642, Ormonde petitioned the King that any lands or houses in the city and suburbs of Kilkenny which paid him rent, if liable to confiscation through his tenants' fault, might be adjudged to his son and heir. The King granted both this and his guardianship requests.

   Read the passage

   arrangement, he remarked, would at least keep the debts from increasing. He also begged that at the conclusion of the war, any lands or houses in the city and suburbs of Kilkenny that paid him rent, if liable to confiscation through his tenants' fault, might be adjudged to his son and heir.

   The King was not insensible to the justice of Ormonde's plea. Both requests were granted ; and warrants, duly signed and sealed, despatched to Dublin, where, doubtless, they materially contributed to the earl's recovery. Ormonde's domestic tribulations did not, however, cease with his slow convalescence.

   Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kilkenny, think of September 1642, when Ormonde, believing himself near death, petitioned the King that any lands or houses in the city and suburbs that paid him rent, if liable to confiscation through his tenants' fault, might be adjudged to his son and heir. The King was not insensible to the justice of his plea. Both requests were granted, and warrants duly signed and sealed were dispatched to Dublin, where they materially contributed to his recovery. His domestic tribulations did not cease with his slow convalescence.

10. Ormonde writes from Dublin on Commission and clergy fears

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

    Ormonde wrote to Clanricarde from Dublin expressing concern that the clergy's ambition would obstruct peace, and that the King's choice of Mr Bourke as commissioner had offended the army. He noted the Justices' party was troubled at the Commission as a step toward peace and their ruin.

    Read the passage

    Ormonde had every reason to believe that the Royalist party was increasing daily in strength. Vainly had Reynolds and Goodwin visited the outlying garrisons. The Parliamentary propaganda found as little favour with these troopers, as with their Dublin comrades. The King was, however, his own worst enemy. His choice of Bourke, a loyalist papist, as a commissioner, more nearly alienated the officers than all the Roundhead orations. Ormonde himself was disturbed at the incident. " I could have wished Mr Bourke had been left out of the Commission," he wrote, " such offence his being there

    ' Carte, vol. v. p. 391. Ormonde lo Clanricarde, Dublin, 3rd February 1642-3.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    In 1643, Dublin was where Ormonde watched the Royalist party grow stronger by the day. Reynolds and Goodwin had gone out to the garrisons, but Parliamentary propaganda won no favour with those troopers, any more than with their Dublin comrades. The King, though, was his own worst enemy. He chose Bourke, a loyalist papist, as a commissioner, and that more nearly alienated the officers than all the Roundhead orations. Ormonde himself was troubled. He wrote to Clanricarde, "I could have wished Mr Bourke had been left out of the Commission, such offence his being there."

11. Catholic gentlemen assemble at Kilkenny to petition the King

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

    In July 1642, a number of Roman Catholic gentlemen assembled at Kilkenny to draw up a petition beseeching Charles I to proclaim a truce. They craved Ormonde's mediation to transmit their petition to the King, acknowledging his eminent place in command of the army.

    Read the passage

    It cannot have endeared Ormonde to the Justices that the Irish now again gave fresh and eloquent witness of their faith in his integrity. In July, a number of Roman Catholic gentlemen assembled at Kilkenny made another attempt to come to terms with the Sovereign.^ They drew

    ^ Carte, vol. ii. p. 422.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    In Kilkenny, July 1642, a number of Roman Catholic gentlemen assembled to make another attempt to come to terms with the Sovereign. They drew up a petition beseeching Charles I to proclaim a truce, and craved Ormonde's mediation to transmit it to the King, acknowledging his eminent place in command of the army.

12. Dundalk surrenders after Drogheda

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1649

    Two days after the fall of Drogheda, Dundalk surrendered to Cromwell's forces, followed immediately by Carlingford.

    Read the passage

    It must be admitted that the rapidity of Cromwell's movements almost excused the "stupefied" condition of the unhappy Irish. Drogheda fell on the 12th of September. Two days later, Dundalk surrendered, and its example was instantly followed by Carlingford. On October the nth Wexford was carried, partly by force and partly by treachery, amid scenes that recalled the worst horrors of Drogheda. The story of Wexford's downfall aptly

    1649] WEXFORD 375

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    Dundalk, in County Louth, surrendered in 1649. Drogheda had fallen on the 12th of September. Two days later, Dundalk gave itself up to Cromwell's forces, and its example was instantly followed by Carlingford. The rapidity of Cromwell's movements left the Irish, in the words of the source, in a stupefied condition. Dundalk offered no resistance. What had happened at Drogheda was two days old, and it was enough.

13. Limerick surrenders to Ireton

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    On 17 October 1651, Limerick surrendered to Ireton, marking a major blow to the Confederate cause. Ormonde subsequently counselled Muskerry to capitulate, acknowledging that continued resistance served no purpose.

    Read the passage

    In July Athlone fell, and on October the 17th Limerick surrendered to Ireton. The situation was so desperate that Ormonde urged Muskerry to make terms with the English.

    " The King, I am well assured," he writes, " neither desires nor expects that such as have constantly, and

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    Limerick fell on 17 October 1651, surrendering to Ireton. The loss was decisive. Ormonde wrote to Muskerry urging him to make terms with the English. As he put it, the King neither desires nor expects that such as have constantly served him should perish beyond hope. The cause was broken, and Ormonde saw no purpose left in fighting.

14. Arklow's strategic role for Butler access to England

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    Arklow provided the Butler family with ready access to England across the Channel. This strategic coastal position helped maintain their connection with the mother country, alongside their great possessions in Lancashire and elsewhere.

    Read the passage

    The geographical position of the broad lands which fell to Theobald's portion, skilfully increased in his descendants' hands by marriage and confiscation, had a distinct influence on the policy of the Butlers. Owning the Palatinate rights of Tipperary,- and possessed of vast and profitable estates in Kilkenny, they were indistinguishable, save in name, from sovereign princes. The importance of Gowran and Carrick-on-Suir was hardly surpassed by that of Kilkenny Castle, purchased from the Despencers in 1392. Arklow provided the means of ready access to England ; and across the Channel, their great possessions, including half Lancashire, and elsewhere castles and manors innumerable, kept alive their connection with the mother country.

    ' Died 1206.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Arklow gave the Butler family something every powerful dynasty in Ireland needed: a clear way back to England. The Butlers held the palatinate rights of Tipperary and vast estates in Kilkenny, and their importance at Gowran and Carrick-on-Suir rivaled that of Kilkenny Castle, bought from the Despencers in 1392. They were, in all but name, sovereign princes. Arklow's coastal position meant they could cross the Channel with ease. On the other side they held great possessions, including half of Lancashire, and castles and manors innumerable. That link kept their connection to the mother country alive. The lands began with Theobald, who died in 1206, and grew through marriage and confiscation.

15. Carlingford follows Dundalk in surrender

    Carlingford · town · Louth · 1649

    Carlingford surrendered to Cromwell immediately after Dundalk's capitulation, extending the rapid collapse of Irish strongholds along the east coast.

    Read the passage

    It must be admitted that the rapidity of Cromwell's movements almost excused the "stupefied" condition of the unhappy Irish. Drogheda fell on the 12th of September. Two days later, Dundalk surrendered, and its example was instantly followed by Carlingford. On October the nth Wexford was carried, partly by force and partly by treachery, amid scenes that recalled the worst horrors of Drogheda. The story of Wexford's downfall aptly

    1649] WEXFORD 375

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    Carlingford is a town on the east coast. In 1649, it gave in to Cromwell almost without a fight. Drogheda had fallen on the 12th of September, and two days later Dundalk surrendered. Carlingford followed Dundalk's example instantly. The speed of Cromwell's advance left the Irish, as the record puts it,

16. Roman Catholic lawyers licensed to plead at Dublin bar

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    As part of concessions to Irish national demands, Roman Catholic lawyers were licensed to plead at the Dublin bar and the Catholic religion was tolerated. However, the established Church retained its firm grasp on ecclesiastical endowments, limiting the practical impact of these reforms.

    Read the passage

    Side by side with avowable, constitutional opposition, a fierce underground agitation against the Powers that be has always existed in Ireland. In 1641, a variety of circumstances combined to fan the ever-smouldering flame into a blaze. It is true that important concessions had been made to national demands. By comparison, however, with those extorted from Charles by the Scottish covenanters, the reforms were almost insignificant. The Catholic religion was tolerated, and Romanist lawyers were licensed to plead at the Dublin bar. But the established Church kept a firm grasp on ecclesiastical endowments ; and the magnificence, which, during his foreign education, the priest had learned to associate with the divine mysteries, was exchanged on his return to Ireland for rites which recalled rather the austerity of

    ^ Cal. S.P. vol. ii. p. 308. E.\aniination of Captain Serlc by Lords Justices, 9th June 1641.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin saw a cautious easing in the years before 1641. Concessions were made to national demands, though they were slight beside what the Scottish covenanters had forced from King Charles. The Catholic religion was tolerated, and Roman Catholic lawyers were licensed to plead at the Dublin bar. But the established Church held firmly to ecclesiastical endowments. A priest who had learned grandeur abroad, associating magnificence with the divine mysteries, returned to Ireland to find rites of austerity instead. These reforms, though real, left much unchanged, and beneath them a fierce underground agitation against the powers that be had always existed in Ireland, waiting to blaze.

17. Ormonde as Tipperary's greatest landholder opposing revolution

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1641

    Ormonde, as the greatest landholder of Tipperary, had nothing to gain and everything to lose from the kind of revolution Antrim's plot entailed. The author argues that arraying the forces of misrule against the guardians of law and order would be contrary to Ormonde's interests.

    Read the passage

    within the range of possibilities, it would scarcely need discussion. Doubtless, Ormonde's sympathies were with the King as against the party represented by the Lords Justices; and he would not have opposed a wide measure of toleration for the Roman Catholic Church, which included the greater portion of his own family.^ But if a coalition with Antrim involved no breach of honour for the Earl, such a step would hardly reflect credit on his intelligence. The most loyal of subjects, Ormonde was never a blind partisan. Even when he was identified with the royalist cause, there were certain intrigues at headquarters into which the Protestant Lord-Lieutenant was not initiated. Moreover, Antrim's plot could hardly commend itself to the greatest landholder of Tipperary. Ormonde had nothing to gain and everything to lose by a revolution. Far better than Charles, he must have appreciated the far-reaching consequences of arraying the ever-present forces of misrule against the official guardians of law and order.

    If Ormonde's share in such a feather-brained project is almost incredible, no such difficulty exists as regards Antrim's consultations with other nobles — the future leaders of the Confederate Catholics. The widespread rumour that Charles had planned the insurrection may well owe its origin to these negotiations. And, for once, Antrim may have spoken the truth when he declared

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    In or near Tipperary town, Ormonde stood as the greatest landholder in the county, and in 1641 that position shaped everything. His sympathies were with the King, not with the Lords Justices. He would not have opposed toleration for the Roman Catholic Church, which included the greater part of his own family. But a coalition with Antrim would hardly reflect credit on his intelligence. The most loyal of subjects, Ormonde was never a blind partisan. Even when identified with the royalist cause, there were intrigues at headquarters into which the Protestant Lord-Lieutenant was not initiated. Antrim's plot could hardly commend itself to the greatest landholder of Tipperary. Ormonde had nothing to gain and everything to lose by a revolution. Far better than Charles, he must have appreciated the far-reaching consequences of arraying the ever-present forces of misrule against the official guardians of law and order. If his share in such a feather-brained project is almost incredible, no such difficulty exists as regards Antrim's consultations with other nobles, the future leaders of the Confederate Catholics. The widespread rumour that Charles had planned the insurrection may well owe its origin to these negotiations.

18. Ormonde writes condolence letter from Carrick

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1613

    On 30 December 1613, Thomas Earl of Ormonde wrote a formal letter of condolence to his widowed daughter Lady Elizabeth from Carrick, at three o'clock in the morning. The letter chiefly concerned the safe delivery of family papers and writings to his nephew Sir Walter Butler.

    Read the passage

    1 Hist. MSS., Ormonde, N.S., vol. i. p. 12. Ormonde to Lady E. Butler, Carrick, 30th December 161 3.

    '^ /dew, p. 13. Lady E. Butler to Thomas, Earl of Ormonde.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 12

19. Baggotrath Castle as key to controlling Dublin's meadows

    near Baggotrath · townland · Dublin · 1649

    Baggotrath Castle, a medieval fortalice named after thirteenth-century Richard Bagot, was identified by Ormonde's engineers as the key to controlling the vital cavalry pasturage near Dublin. Though dismantled by Jones, a few hours' labour could convert it into a stronghold capable of shelling horses and cattle from feeding grounds and blocking sea supplies.

    Read the passage

    fatal to the precarious loyalty of his Irish allies. His refusal to give battle to Jones would have been promptly followed by the desertion of large numbers of swordsmen to O'Neill, while every day that passed brought Cromwell's dreaded advent nearer. That the English should be prevented from making Dublin a base of supplies was imperative. Not without misgivings, therefore, at the Council of War held on July the 27th, Ormonde consented to initiate offensive operations on a large scale. He had already moved the greater part of the army to Rathmines, leaving Lord Dillon of Costelogh and a considerable corps at Finglas to hold the northern extremity of the semicircular investment he sought to trace round Dublin. Rathfarnham Castle, a fortified house belonging to Sir Adam Loftus, was his first objective. It was carried on July the 28th, the victorious troops displaying a humanity rarely seen in Irish wars. Rathfarnham was, however, of secondary importance in Ormonde's calculations. The real struggle turned on the possession of a large meadow between Trinity College and Ringsend, just outside the walls. It was the sole pasturage the English cavalry could use for their horses. If they were cut off from these fields, it seemed almost certain that they must be starved out in five days. Jones was fully alive to its importance ; and on July the 30th turned out all his men to withstand Ormonde's first onslaught. The besiegers were driven back, and the Lord-Lieutenant was forced to relinquish the idea of another frontal attack. He soon perceived, however, that the key to its possession lay with Baggotrath Castle, a mediaeval fortalice, which owed its name and existence to a thirteenth-century Richard Bagot.^ It had been dismantled by Jones, but Ormonde's engineers declared that a few hours' labour would convert it into a stronghold, capable of defying Jones's efforts. It would indeed serve a double purpose, for, entrenched behind its walls, the artillery could shell horses and cattle from their feeding grounds, and also prevent Jones from

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

20. Drogheda capitulates to Inchiquin before Cromwell's arrival

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

    Drogheda opened its gates to Inchiquin, the Royalist general, with its capitulation dated July 11, 1649. The triumph was immediately counterbalanced by the news that Cromwell was departing to take over the Irish command the following day.

    Read the passage

    Cromwell's force in Ireland.^ But in his decision to entrench himself with the larger portion of his troops at Finglas, Ormonde was probably also actuated by the desire to gain time for the training of his new levies. In that interval there was every likelihood that, while he interrupted Jones's supplies, Inchiquin would neutralise O'Neill and Monk's efforts in Ulster, and the latter expectation was not disappointed. During the month of June fortress after fortress surrendered to Inchiquin, the garrisons joyfully enlisting under the victor's colours. Monk vainly invoked O'Neill's aid. Drogheda, Dundalk, and Trim opened their gates to the Royalist general, but on July the 12th, the day following the capitulation of Drogheda, that triumph was counterbalanced by the departure of Cromwell to take over the Irish command. And on the 26th of July four English regiments, despatched in advance from Chester to Jones's assistance, disembarked in Dublin. It is clear that both events were something of a surprise to Ormonde, who must now have realised how grievously he had miscalculated the delays which the relief expedition would suffer.

    With the English regiments came the intelligence that Cromwell had elected to make for Cork ; for having secured the co-operation of Lord Broghill he could count on a warm welcome in Munster, where the name of Boyle carried great weight with all English settlers. Cromwell's landing would have threatened not only the chief harbours and towns in that district, but the royal fleet blocked up in Kinsale by the Parliamentary Squadron. And since the province was entirely denuded of troops capable of offering resistance, it was decided that Inchiquin, with his guards and a couple of regiments, should instantly march southwards.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

21. Dundalk and Trim surrender to Royalist forces

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1649

    During June 1649, fortress after fortress surrendered to Inchiquin, with garrisons joyfully enlisting under the victor's colours. Dundalk and Trim opened their gates to the Royalist general as part of this wave of surrenders in Ulster.

    Read the passage

    Cromwell's force in Ireland.^ But in his decision to entrench himself with the larger portion of his troops at Finglas, Ormonde was probably also actuated by the desire to gain time for the training of his new levies. In that interval there was every likelihood that, while he interrupted Jones's supplies, Inchiquin would neutralise O'Neill and Monk's efforts in Ulster, and the latter expectation was not disappointed. During the month of June fortress after fortress surrendered to Inchiquin, the garrisons joyfully enlisting under the victor's colours. Monk vainly invoked O'Neill's aid. Drogheda, Dundalk, and Trim opened their gates to the Royalist general, but on July the 12th, the day following the capitulation of Drogheda, that triumph was counterbalanced by the departure of Cromwell to take over the Irish command. And on the 26th of July four English regiments, despatched in advance from Chester to Jones's assistance, disembarked in Dublin. It is clear that both events were something of a surprise to Ormonde, who must now have realised how grievously he had miscalculated the delays which the relief expedition would suffer.

    With the English regiments came the intelligence that Cromwell had elected to make for Cork ; for having secured the co-operation of Lord Broghill he could count on a warm welcome in Munster, where the name of Boyle carried great weight with all English settlers. Cromwell's landing would have threatened not only the chief harbours and towns in that district, but the royal fleet blocked up in Kinsale by the Parliamentary Squadron. And since the province was entirely denuded of troops capable of offering resistance, it was decided that Inchiquin, with his guards and a couple of regiments, should instantly march southwards.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

22. Inchiquin threatens Limerick citizens over unpaid money

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1649

    At Limerick, Inchiquin lost his temper over the citizens' failure to meet their financial engagements. He promised the mayor and aldermen relief from the second requisition but threatened to send Pat Purcell with 1,000 men to billet on them unless the first lot of money was instantly produced.

    Read the passage

    "would send Pat Purcell with 1000 men to lye upon them till the money be brought. When this sum is gotten " he suggests to the Lord-Lieutenant, " if your Lordship think fit to exact the rest, it is butt saying that the Commissioners have had soe cleare information of theyr abilities that they would esteeme your lenitie in this case som kinde of neglect of the public safety."^

    Inchiquin's ingenious policy, compounded equally of craft and force, doubtless sometimes met with its reward, but such methods did not commend themselves to Ormonde. Nor could he disregard Edmund Butler's pressing appeals to put a stop to the excesses of Inchiquin's troopers, whose habit of " taking all things

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

23. Meadow between Trinity College and Ringsend as key cavalry pasturage

    near Ringsend · street · Dublin · 1649

    A large meadow between Trinity College and Ringsend, just outside Dublin's walls, was the sole pasturage the English cavalry could use for their horses. Cutting off access to these fields seemed likely to starve out the garrison within five days, making it the real struggle of the siege.

    Read the passage

    fatal to the precarious loyalty of his Irish allies. His refusal to give battle to Jones would have been promptly followed by the desertion of large numbers of swordsmen to O'Neill, while every day that passed brought Cromwell's dreaded advent nearer. That the English should be prevented from making Dublin a base of supplies was imperative. Not without misgivings, therefore, at the Council of War held on July the 27th, Ormonde consented to initiate offensive operations on a large scale. He had already moved the greater part of the army to Rathmines, leaving Lord Dillon of Costelogh and a considerable corps at Finglas to hold the northern extremity of the semicircular investment he sought to trace round Dublin. Rathfarnham Castle, a fortified house belonging to Sir Adam Loftus, was his first objective. It was carried on July the 28th, the victorious troops displaying a humanity rarely seen in Irish wars. Rathfarnham was, however, of secondary importance in Ormonde's calculations. The real struggle turned on the possession of a large meadow between Trinity College and Ringsend, just outside the walls. It was the sole pasturage the English cavalry could use for their horses. If they were cut off from these fields, it seemed almost certain that they must be starved out in five days. Jones was fully alive to its importance ; and on July the 30th turned out all his men to withstand Ormonde's first onslaught. The besiegers were driven back, and the Lord-Lieutenant was forced to relinquish the idea of another frontal attack. He soon perceived, however, that the key to its possession lay with Baggotrath Castle, a mediaeval fortalice, which owed its name and existence to a thirteenth-century Richard Bagot.^ It had been dismantled by Jones, but Ormonde's engineers declared that a few hours' labour would convert it into a stronghold, capable of defying Jones's efforts. It would indeed serve a double purpose, for, entrenched behind its walls, the artillery could shell horses and cattle from their feeding grounds, and also prevent Jones from

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

24. Michael Jones as Parliamentary Governor of Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1647

    Colonel Michael Jones, the Parliamentary Governor of Dublin, was incomparably better equipped for short raids into the interior than Ormonde, his Royalist predecessor. His victory at Dungan Hill followed soon after Ormonde's departure from Dublin.

    Read the passage

    The events that followed on Ormonde's departure were not of a nature to lessen the Confederates' regret at his loss. Ireland was a lively example of the conditions obtaining in a house divided against itself Colonel Michael Jones, the Parliamentary Governor of Dublin, was incomparably better equipped for short raids into the interior than his Royalist predecessor. On August the 8th, 1647, he utterly defeated Preston at Dungan Hill, the slaughter that ensued contrasting forcibly with Ormonde's methods. In Munster, Inchiquin obtained yet more sanguinary successes ; the storm of Cashel, even in that campaign of flame and massacre, achieved a lurid and lasting fame. In Ulster, O'Neill's absence left the coast clear to George Monk. The future Duke of Albemarle effected a junction with Michael Jones, and, together, they captured various strongholds. On the 13th of November, Inchiquin's victory at Mallow, again characteristic of the peculiar system of warfare practised by Murough of the Burnings, set the climax to an uninterrupted series of Protestant triumphs. The Nuncio, who, in the first flush of exultation over Ormonde's resignation, had confidently announced that all disaffection had entirely

    ^ Carte, vol. vi. pp. 530-1. Ormonde to Lord Digby, 23rd July 1647.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

25. Mutinous ill-paid troops at Cork soothed by Ormonde

    Cork · city · Cork · 1648

    Ill-paid soldiers in Inchiquin's army provoked a mutiny among Protestant troopers hostile to a Roman Catholic alliance. Inchiquin invoked Ormonde's persuasive presence at Cork to tranquillise them, and after a fortnight the ringleaders fled to England.

    Read the passage

    of the Northern province. In the South, the majority of Inchiquin's officers remained consistently hostile to a Roman Catholic alliance ; and they had no difficulty in provoking a mutiny amongst their ill-paid soldiers. Ormonde had from the first done his utmost to arrest disaffection, by engaging, on the King's behalf, to be answerable for army arrears. Nevertheless, in the beginning of November, if Inchiquin had not acted with characteristic promptitude, his cavalry would have joined Michael Jones, or even Owen Roe O'Neill. As it was, Murough O'Brien dared not employ those methods of repression to which he naturally inclined, and in order to tranquillise his Protestant troopers he was fain to invoke Ormonde's persuasive presence at Cork. He did not miscalculate the effects of the Marquis's tact and courtesy. Aided, perhaps, by the announcement of the approaching arrival of the Duke of York and the royal fleet, the Lord-Lieutenant, for the time being, achieved his purpose. The Munster army and the greater number of its Commanders were soothed into acquiescence, and the ringleaders fled to England. At the end of a fortnight, Ormonde was enabled to return to Kilkenny and renew negotiations with the General Assembly. He was received with marked respect, and, surrounded by his guards, was installed in his own castle. Never, in fact, throughout its tumultuous history had the General Assembly given evidence of a more pacific spirit, though they still demanded more than Ormonde felt justified in yielding, especially when they stipulated that his successors in the Viceroyalty should henceforward belong to their faith ; but the menacing posture of affairs across the Channel, and the "Remonstrance" of the English army, carried a not unheeded warning to Irish Catholics. Moreover, the novel grace of reasonableness was fostered by the Pope's definite declaration of his inability to furnish funds for the continuance of the war. At this time Ormonde's serious illness caused some delay in the adjustment of terms, but on January the i6th, 1649, the General Assembly finally voted the much debated Treaty. The articles of secondary importance were sub-

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

26. Ormonde entrenched at Finglas to train new levies

    Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1649

    Ormonde decided to entrench the larger portion of his troops at Finglas, partly to gain time for training new levies and partly to maintain a semi-circular investment around Dublin. Lord Dillon of Costelogh and a considerable corps were left there to hold the northern extremity.

    Read the passage

    Cromwell's force in Ireland.^ But in his decision to entrench himself with the larger portion of his troops at Finglas, Ormonde was probably also actuated by the desire to gain time for the training of his new levies. In that interval there was every likelihood that, while he interrupted Jones's supplies, Inchiquin would neutralise O'Neill and Monk's efforts in Ulster, and the latter expectation was not disappointed. During the month of June fortress after fortress surrendered to Inchiquin, the garrisons joyfully enlisting under the victor's colours. Monk vainly invoked O'Neill's aid. Drogheda, Dundalk, and Trim opened their gates to the Royalist general, but on July the 12th, the day following the capitulation of Drogheda, that triumph was counterbalanced by the departure of Cromwell to take over the Irish command. And on the 26th of July four English regiments, despatched in advance from Chester to Jones's assistance, disembarked in Dublin. It is clear that both events were something of a surprise to Ormonde, who must now have realised how grievously he had miscalculated the delays which the relief expedition would suffer.

    With the English regiments came the intelligence that Cromwell had elected to make for Cork ; for having secured the co-operation of Lord Broghill he could count on a warm welcome in Munster, where the name of Boyle carried great weight with all English settlers. Cromwell's landing would have threatened not only the chief harbours and towns in that district, but the royal fleet blocked up in Kinsale by the Parliamentary Squadron. And since the province was entirely denuded of troops capable of offering resistance, it was decided that Inchiquin, with his guards and a couple of regiments, should instantly march southwards.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

27. Ormonde halted at Castle Talbot for want of £100

    Castle Talbot · electoral division · Wexford · 1649

    During Ormonde's march from Carlow to Dublin in 1649, he was forced to halt at Castle Talbot, the third stronghold on the route, because he needed £100 to keep the army in the field. Ten officers eventually subscribed the amount between them, but the delay cost Ormonde a favorable opportunity to attack Jones.

    Read the passage

    Dublin, when at the third, Castle Talbot, he was arrested by the necessity of finding £100 to keep the army in the field. Eventually ten of his officers were able between them to subscribe the requisite amount, and he then resumed his march, but owing to the delay, he lost an excellent opportunity of falling on Jones, whose position became less critical immediately afterwards, as he received a large supply of stores from England. Nor was it only financial troubles that encompassed Ormonde at this juncture. Nicholas solemnly warned him that the

    " English rebels, looking upon him as the great obstacle to their conquest of Ireland, had hired at least six or eight desperate villains of their own faith for a considerable reward to assassinate him." ^

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

28. Ormonde installed in Kilkenny Castle amid peace talks

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1648–1649

    After quelling the mutiny at Cork, Ormonde returned to Kilkenny to renew negotiations with the General Assembly. He was received with marked respect and, surrounded by his guards, was installed in his own castle during the most pacific session of the Assembly.

    Read the passage

    of the Northern province. In the South, the majority of Inchiquin's officers remained consistently hostile to a Roman Catholic alliance ; and they had no difficulty in provoking a mutiny amongst their ill-paid soldiers. Ormonde had from the first done his utmost to arrest disaffection, by engaging, on the King's behalf, to be answerable for army arrears. Nevertheless, in the beginning of November, if Inchiquin had not acted with characteristic promptitude, his cavalry would have joined Michael Jones, or even Owen Roe O'Neill. As it was, Murough O'Brien dared not employ those methods of repression to which he naturally inclined, and in order to tranquillise his Protestant troopers he was fain to invoke Ormonde's persuasive presence at Cork. He did not miscalculate the effects of the Marquis's tact and courtesy. Aided, perhaps, by the announcement of the approaching arrival of the Duke of York and the royal fleet, the Lord-Lieutenant, for the time being, achieved his purpose. The Munster army and the greater number of its Commanders were soothed into acquiescence, and the ringleaders fled to England. At the end of a fortnight, Ormonde was enabled to return to Kilkenny and renew negotiations with the General Assembly. He was received with marked respect, and, surrounded by his guards, was installed in his own castle. Never, in fact, throughout its tumultuous history had the General Assembly given evidence of a more pacific spirit, though they still demanded more than Ormonde felt justified in yielding, especially when they stipulated that his successors in the Viceroyalty should henceforward belong to their faith ; but the menacing posture of affairs across the Channel, and the "Remonstrance" of the English army, carried a not unheeded warning to Irish Catholics. Moreover, the novel grace of reasonableness was fostered by the Pope's definite declaration of his inability to furnish funds for the continuance of the war. At this time Ormonde's serious illness caused some delay in the adjustment of terms, but on January the i6th, 1649, the General Assembly finally voted the much debated Treaty. The articles of secondary importance were sub-

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

29. Ormonde lands at Cork with meagre funds

    Cork · city · Cork · 1648

    On 29 September 1648, Ormonde and his officers landed at Cork where they were well received. Despite carrying only thirty pistoles, Ormonde was advised by Inchiquin to pay his needy troops in promises, which he reluctantly did.

    Read the passage

    his ship with arms and ammunition, so that Ormonde was obliged to charter an additional vessel, who day by day, to his despair, saw the precious funds destined to the expedition consumed by the inevitable expenses at Havre. At last, on September the 21st, Hamilton made his appearance. Sail was hurriedly hoisted, and on the 29th of September Ormonde and the bevy of officers who followed in his train landed at Cork.^ Here they were well received ; although the welcome might have been less cordial, had it been known that, apart from four to five thousand fire-arms, all Ormonde's worldly gear consisted of thirty pistoles he carried in his pocket.^ Inchiquin counselled him to pay his needy troops in promises ; and, " despite his aversion to such sort of coin," Ormonde was fain to follow the advice, trusting to raise money on his own credit, or to obtain some prize money from the Fleet. It was a sorry inauguration of the great venture.

    On arriving in Ireland, Ormonde instantly published a proclamation to reassure Lord Inchiquin's army and the Protestants of Munster.^ He undertook to employ his utmost endeavours to protect the reformed religion, and declared that " no distrust from former differences in Judgement," should be allowed to qualify His Majesty's gratitude towards those who now rallied to his service. At the same time he informed the General Assembly that he was proceeding to his own house of Carrick to receive their deputies and propositions. Charles, who was then engaged in the abortive negotiations of Newport, found means to warn Ormonde not to give credit to the approaching conclusion of a treaty between himself and Parliament.* Ormonde was to " pursue the way he was in with all possible vigour " ; while another epistle carried the injunction : " be not startled at my great concessions concerning Ireland ; for that they will come to nothing." ^ Ormonde ought certainly to have become inured to Charles's diplomatic methods.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

30. Ormonde proceeds to his house at Carrick

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1648

    Upon arriving in Ireland, Ormonde published a proclamation reassuring Lord Inchiquin's army and the Protestants of Munster. He informed the General Assembly he was proceeding to his own house of Carrick to receive their deputies and propositions.

    Read the passage

    On arriving in Ireland, Ormonde instantly published a proclamation to reassure Lord Inchiquin's army and the Protestants of Munster.^ He undertook to employ his utmost endeavours to protect the reformed religion, and declared that " no distrust from former differences in Judgement," should be allowed to qualify His Majesty's gratitude towards those who now rallied to his service. At the same time he informed the General Assembly that he was proceeding to his own house of Carrick to receive their deputies and propositions. Charles, who was then engaged in the abortive negotiations of Newport, found means to warn Ormonde not to give credit to the approaching conclusion of a treaty between himself and Parliament.* Ormonde was to " pursue the way he was in with all possible vigour " ; while another epistle carried the injunction : " be not startled at my great concessions concerning Ireland ; for that they will come to nothing." ^ Ormonde ought certainly to have become inured to Charles's diplomatic methods.

    1 Rushworth Coll., vol. iv. 1297, 7th October 1648.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

31. Prince Rupert's fleet reaches Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1649

    Prince Rupert arrived at Kinsale in January 1649 with the royal fleet, but gave Ormonde remarkably little assistance. His ships were undermanned and ill-victualled, making him dependent on Irish recruits for crews and on captured prizes for pay.

    Read the passage

    admirable self-abnegation. On the other hand, the aspirants to minor offices made no pretence to disinterestedness, and intrigues waxed apace, encouraged by the Ultramontane Party, who never lost an opportunity to foment disunion. Ormonde was a model of self-control, though even he was at last goaded beyond endurance. The climax was reached when one Hugh O'Connor demanded a troop of horse, threatening if he was not satisfied to transfer his services to the enemy. Then, at last, Ormonde gave free rein to his indignation, stoutly refusing to burden the Connaught establishment with so cynical a recruit. " I shall very unwillingly be constrayned to capitulate with little Rebels," he told Clanricarde, " whatever I doe with great ones for their submission." ^ For all these various ills Ormonde believed that the young King's advent would be the sole remedy. Had Charles accepted the Marquis's invitation it is possible that James Butler would have suffered the worst disillusionment of his life. But since, from the moment of his landing, the Commissioners' powers automatically reverted to the King, the Marquis's desire for Charles's presence in Ireland requires no explanation. Prince Rupert, who, with the royal fleet, reached Kinsale in January gave Ormonde remarkably little assistance. The undermanned and ill-victualled condition of his ships made Rupert dependent on such Irish as he could enlist for crews, and on the prizes he captured for their pay. He might, however, have rendered invaluable service to Ormonde by blockading Jones in Dublin. Instead, he preferred to initiate a series of intrigues with Antrim and O'Neill, which merely detracted from the authority of the Lord-Lieutenant.

    Arduous and unsatisfactory as, in reality, were Ormonde's martial preparations, they nevertheless aroused genuine anxiety throughout England. Ever since the conclusion of the Treaty of Kilkenny, the English nation's perennial alarm of a Papist invasion had been quickened into panic fear. The peace and its author were held up

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

32. Rathfarnham Castle carried by Ormonde's troops

    Rathfarnham · townland · Dublin · 1649

    Rathfarnham Castle, a fortified house belonging to Sir Adam Loftus, was Ormonde's first objective in his offensive operations against Dublin. It was carried on July 28, 1649, with the victorious troops displaying a humanity rarely seen in Irish wars.

    Read the passage

    fatal to the precarious loyalty of his Irish allies. His refusal to give battle to Jones would have been promptly followed by the desertion of large numbers of swordsmen to O'Neill, while every day that passed brought Cromwell's dreaded advent nearer. That the English should be prevented from making Dublin a base of supplies was imperative. Not without misgivings, therefore, at the Council of War held on July the 27th, Ormonde consented to initiate offensive operations on a large scale. He had already moved the greater part of the army to Rathmines, leaving Lord Dillon of Costelogh and a considerable corps at Finglas to hold the northern extremity of the semicircular investment he sought to trace round Dublin. Rathfarnham Castle, a fortified house belonging to Sir Adam Loftus, was his first objective. It was carried on July the 28th, the victorious troops displaying a humanity rarely seen in Irish wars. Rathfarnham was, however, of secondary importance in Ormonde's calculations. The real struggle turned on the possession of a large meadow between Trinity College and Ringsend, just outside the walls. It was the sole pasturage the English cavalry could use for their horses. If they were cut off from these fields, it seemed almost certain that they must be starved out in five days. Jones was fully alive to its importance ; and on July the 30th turned out all his men to withstand Ormonde's first onslaught. The besiegers were driven back, and the Lord-Lieutenant was forced to relinquish the idea of another frontal attack. He soon perceived, however, that the key to its possession lay with Baggotrath Castle, a mediaeval fortalice, which owed its name and existence to a thirteenth-century Richard Bagot.^ It had been dismantled by Jones, but Ormonde's engineers declared that a few hours' labour would convert it into a stronghold, capable of defying Jones's efforts. It would indeed serve a double purpose, for, entrenched behind its walls, the artillery could shell horses and cattle from their feeding grounds, and also prevent Jones from

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

33. Rinuccini curses Blake's house at Galway before departing Ireland

    Galway · city · Galway · 1649

    On 22 February 1649, the papal nuncio Giovanni Battista Rinuccini sailed from Galway, but before leaving he cursed Sir Richard Blake's house in the town. When the plague that would decimate Ireland began its ravages in that very house, Rinuccini's followers rejoiced, seeing it as divine vengeance flowing from the curse.

    Read the passage

    over Owen Roe O'Neill and Michael Jones. In that hour of chaos, the union of men so opposed in aim as the Ultramontane chieftain and the Puritan Colonel no longer seemed impracticable. Already, in the preceding autumn, Ormonde had deputed Daniell O'Neill, the General's Royalist nephew, to his uncle. The Nuncio was, however, still in Ireland at that period, and O'Neill was not to be seduced from his allegiance. The wave of loyalty that swept over the country during the weeks following Charles's execution, convinced Rinuccini, however, that he had nothing to gain by prolonging his unprofitable sojourn in Ireland. On the 22nd of February he therefore set sail from Galway. As a legacy of trouble, before his departure, he carefully selected the most violent of his partisans for important ecclesiastical positions, and categorically refused to release from excommunication the Confederate supporters of the Peace. The vastness of the Nuncio's ambitions seldom distracted him from his personal feuds. His last act was to "bestow his malediction and curse particularly on Sir Richard Blake's house at Galway." When shortly afterwards, the terrible plague, which eventually decimated the population of Ireland, began its ravages in the very house which Rinuccini had delivered over to Satan, the Nuncio's disciples could not conceal their joy.^ They found untold consolation for their disappointments in the thought "that it was thence that did flow, as from a channel, the divine vengeance of high power unto respective provinces of Ireland." Thus, in a manner worthy of himself, Giovanni Battista Rinuccini took his leave of a land he and such as he had found unhappy and had made a desert. Castlehaven, a Romanist himself, does not overstate the prelate's share in the national tragedy when he accuses him of being

    " the cause of shedding the blood of many thousands slain in fighting his battles, ... all which concluded with the extirpation of the Irish nation, together with the destruction of the Catholic religion in that kingdom."*

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

34. Rinuccini flees Kilkenny and launches interdict

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1648

    In May 1648, the Nuncio Rinuccini, alarmed at Inchiquin's proximity to Kilkenny and defeated by the Supreme Council's proclamation of a Cessation, hurriedly left Kilkenny and launched an interdict against all places and persons adhering to the Cessation. His funds were exhausted and his anathemas fell flat; on May 31st the Supreme Council formally appealed against his decrees.

    Read the passage

    So great had been the alarm of the Nuncio and the Council at Inchiquin's menacing proximity to Kilkenny that they had quite recently contemplated applying to him for a cessation, but when Rinuccini heard that Inchiquin's offer was merely a preliminary to Ormonde's return as Chief Governor, he veered round and denounced the proposal in unmeasured language. Neither Clanricarde nor Preston was affected by his eloquence ; while the Supreme Council refused outright to endorse the tenet that it was unlawful to make peace with heretics. They pertinently enquired why it was less sinful to come to terms with Colonel Michael Jones, to whom Rinuccini was willing to make advances, than with the President of Munster. And on the 20th of May 1648 they proclaimed a Cessation with Inchiquin, which carried obligations of mutual assistance. The Nuncio was checkmated. He might perhaps have yielded to so general a consensus of opinion had he not feared, as he frankly admitted, that Inchiquin "would make him the laughing-stock of the Council and the sport of the heretics." 1 He therefore hurriedly left Kilkenny and launched an interdict against all places and persons adhering to the Cessation, but his ridiculous abuse of spiritual censures had cheapened these once formidable weapons.^ His funds were exhausted, and, unsupported by the power of the purse, his anathemas fell somewhat flat. On May the 31st the Supreme Council formally appealed against his decrees ; and, marvellous to relate, were supported by a large proportion of the clergy, regular and secular, who drew a wide distinction between an unfavourable peace and a truce which was not only advantageous, but necessary to Ireland. Rinuccini took refuge in Galway, where ill-luck pursued him. Lord Clanricarde besieged the

    1 "Embassy," p. 417.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

35. Rinuccini takes refuge in Galway, town besieged by Clanricarde

    Galway · city · Galway · 1648

    After fleeing Kilkenny, Rinuccini took refuge in Galway, where ill-luck pursued him. Lord Clanricarde besieged the town and extracted a renunciation of Rinuccini's cause from the citizens, while O'Neill's attempted invasion of the Confederates' country also failed.

    Read the passage

    So great had been the alarm of the Nuncio and the Council at Inchiquin's menacing proximity to Kilkenny that they had quite recently contemplated applying to him for a cessation, but when Rinuccini heard that Inchiquin's offer was merely a preliminary to Ormonde's return as Chief Governor, he veered round and denounced the proposal in unmeasured language. Neither Clanricarde nor Preston was affected by his eloquence ; while the Supreme Council refused outright to endorse the tenet that it was unlawful to make peace with heretics. They pertinently enquired why it was less sinful to come to terms with Colonel Michael Jones, to whom Rinuccini was willing to make advances, than with the President of Munster. And on the 20th of May 1648 they proclaimed a Cessation with Inchiquin, which carried obligations of mutual assistance. The Nuncio was checkmated. He might perhaps have yielded to so general a consensus of opinion had he not feared, as he frankly admitted, that Inchiquin "would make him the laughing-stock of the Council and the sport of the heretics." 1 He therefore hurriedly left Kilkenny and launched an interdict against all places and persons adhering to the Cessation, but his ridiculous abuse of spiritual censures had cheapened these once formidable weapons.^ His funds were exhausted, and, unsupported by the power of the purse, his anathemas fell somewhat flat. On May the 31st the Supreme Council formally appealed against his decrees ; and, marvellous to relate, were supported by a large proportion of the clergy, regular and secular, who drew a wide distinction between an unfavourable peace and a truce which was not only advantageous, but necessary to Ireland. Rinuccini took refuge in Galway, where ill-luck pursued him. Lord Clanricarde besieged the

    1 "Embassy," p. 417.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55

36. Siege of Maryborough plagued by want and mutiny

    Port Laoise · town · Laois · 1649

    Castlehaven began investing Maryborough on 9 May 1649, but his troops lacked money, tools, and provisions, leading to mutiny. He distributed his own £26 across seven regiments to appease the men, and the town capitulated on 16 May.

    Read the passage

    Although Ormonde had appointed March the 4th for the general rendezvous of troops in Tipperary, the first week of May was passed before he could send Castlehaven to reduce the strong places in Leinster which still held out for O'Neill, and intercepted his march on Dublin. The correspondence that ensued between Ormonde and Castlehaven vividly illustrates the obstacles that beset the Royalist Commanders at every step. On the 9th of May, Castlehaven commenced the investment of Maryborough. " All cryes out much for monies, and in my conscience they have cause," he told Ormonde, " being I see verie fewe come to buy of the sutlers." - Nor was it only ready money which was wanting. Castlehaven complained bitterly that he could not order the night attack he had planned, since

    " here is not one shovel or spade sent with us ; our pioneers who are but fewe, not like to come to-night, being gone behind, I sent to Dunowe for small battelets, but there were none ; thus you see how I am used or rather

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

37. Starvation in Westmeath towns by Ulster forces

    Westmeath · county · Westmeath · 1649

    The Bishop of Ferns reported to Ormonde that starving Ulster forces, desperate for bread, were spreading into Connaught, Westmeath, and King's County, destroying and starving all people in their way. He stated that in some Westmeath towns forty souls had died from hunger, in others thirty, and warned that 10,000 souls would perish before June if action were not taken.

    Read the passage

    "In case both be omitted," writes the Bishop, "if 10,000 soules shall not be starved before the last of June, I am contented to die. No man having pity or charity in his soul can without tears look upon hundreds of poor people dying with hunger, as we have seen them. The condition of the Ulster forces is so wanting as for their bread they must before eight days be owt into Connaught, Westmeath, and King's County. Besides the distraction they put on your designes they will destroy and starve all the people in their way ; for they are ignis consumens; since their last being in Westmeath, in some Townes have died from hunger forty souls, in some thirty." ^

    In urging Ormonde to prevent the threatened advent

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

38. Truce offered to Confederate Catholics at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1648

    Inchiquin received Barry warmly and, as a first step towards a coalition, bade him offer a truce to the Confederate Catholics assembled at Kilkenny. Inchiquin's well-drilled force made his adhesion an immense gain to the royal cause.

    Read the passage

    Inchiquin therefore received Barry warmly, and, as a first step towards a coalition, bade him offer a truce to the Confederate Catholics assembled at Kilkenny. Since Inchiquin disposed of a well-drilled force, his adhesion was an immense gain to the royal cause. On April the 3rd he

    ' "Embassy," p. 313. Nuncio to Cardinal Spada, 6th September 1647.

    Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 55