The Battle-fields of Ireland, from 1688 to 1691

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. The final assault on Limerick and its repulse

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

   William launched a massive assault with 10,000 men through the breach on 27 August; despite ferocious fighting and capture of the Black Battery by Brandenburgers, a mine explosion destroyed the regiment and the Irish, rallied by the citizens and women, drove the attackers back through the breach, saving the city.

   Read the passage

   It was now near seven o'clock; the sun was sinking behind the western headlands, and still the battle raged with unabated fury. Throughout the long hours of this sanguinary conflict, the populace, men and women, stood by in painful suspense, watching the tide of fortune as it stood or swayed before them, and now it became manifest that every effort of valor was exhausted, and the doom of their city at last was sealed. Oppressed by odds, their brave defenders were giving way, and the battery, the last obstruction to the advancing foe, was in the possession of the Brandenburgers. A wild cry of despair rung up from all; their last hope was gone: at this moment a terrific explosion shook the city to its centre; a dark cloud overspread the combatants, and clearing away, it was seen that the mine beneath the battery had been sprung, and the whole Brandenburg regiment had been blown to atoms!

   Consternation seized on the besiegers; even the besieged, though expecting the event, were for a moment astonished, and each stood as it were paralyzed and watching each other in amazement. But the advantage was not lost; the men braced themselves again for the contest, the women rushed forward, calling on the men to follow, and with one impulse threw themselves in front of the enemy. The effect was electric; all caught the inspiration; generals, soldiers, citizens; all, with one desperate effort, hurled themselves on the masses of William, and bore them back bodily through the breach. In the mean time Brigadier Talbot, anticipating the result, led his men round the outside of the wall, and attacking the rear of the assaulting force with great spirit, put it into inextricable confusion; panic-stricken, they fled precipitately from the city, pursued to their camp by the victorious Irish--and Limerick was saved.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   As the road brings you near Limerick, this is the city where, in 1690, the final assault was repulsed. On the 27th of August, William sent 10,000 men through the breach in the walls. Near seven o'clock, the sun sinking behind the western headlands, the battle still raged with unabated fury. The populace, men and women, stood by in painful suspense, watching the tide of fortune as it swayed before them. Every effort of valour seemed exhausted, and the doom of the city appeared sealed. The defenders, oppressed by odds, were giving way. The battery, the last obstruction to the advancing foe, had fallen to the Brandenburgers. A wild cry of despair rose from all. Their last hope was gone. At that moment a terrific explosion shook the city to its centre. A dark cloud overspread the combatants, and when it cleared, the mine beneath the battery had been sprung, and the whole Brandenburg regiment had been blown to atoms. Consternation seized the besiegers. Even the besieged, though expecting the event, stood for a moment paralysed with amazement. But the advantage was not lost. The men braced themselves again, and the women rushed forward, calling on the men to follow. With one impulse they threw themselves in front of the enemy. The effect was electric. Generals, soldiers, citizens, all hurled themselves on the masses of William and bore them back bodily through the breach. Brigadier Talbot, anticipating the result, led his men round the outside of the wall and attacked the rear of the assaulting force. He put it into inextricable confusion. Panic-stricken, they fled precipitously from the city, pursued to their camp by the victorious Irish. And the city was saved.

2. Destruction of William's siege train at Ballyneety

   Ballyneety · townland · Limerick · 1690

   Sarsfield's raiders ambushed William's convoy resting near the ruined chapel of Ballyneety, killed over sixty men, and destroyed the siege guns and stores in a massive explosion heard fifteen miles away.

   Read the passage

   Darkness had settled over camp and city as Sarsfield crossed the Thomond Bridge, and followed his Rapparee guides into the open country beyond. For some time he pursued his course northward, in order to avoid the road by the river, the cavalry of William being extended as far as O'Brien's Bridge; but when distance removed apprehension, he wheeled eastward at Fahy, urged his command to greater speed, and crossed the bridge of Kilaloe towards midnight. He then struck southward through Newport and Murruo, crossed the Dead River and its tributaries, and as morning dawned, ambushed in the mountain district, about two miles north of the route from Clonmel to Limerick. Here he threw forward his scouts in the direction of Clonmel, to watch the convoy and give timely notice of its approach; but the day passed on, and the night was somewhat advanced, when the lumbering train at last appeared, and halted at a short distance from the place of ambush. The men were now within seven miles of their own camp; the little chapel of Ballyneety, which stood near the roadside, offered a pleasant resting-place; and being in no apprehension of danger, they resolved to bivouac there for the night, and reach the camp early on the following morning. Having made their arrangements and lit their fires, they betook themselves to rest, and were soon wrapped in slumber around and within the walls of the ruin, when the Rapparees, who had watched them throughout the day, taking note of their numbers and disposition, repaired to the general and informed him that the hour had come, and the word was "Sarsfield." The assault that followed was a complete surprise to the enemy, who offered but an ineffectual resistance. In a few minutes over sixty of them were slain, the rest put to flight, and Sarsfield turned his attention to the main object of the expedition. The cannon, eight in number, were loaded to the muzzles and buried deep in the earth: around and over those were pressed the ammunition and ball: over them were laid the chests, wagons, and carriages: the tin boats were next destroyed and placed on top: a train was then laid, and the troop-horses, and all that was portable, were secured and started in advance: and last of all, Sarsfield, with his own hand, lit the train and retired. Then followed that terrible explosion, which is said to have shaken the earth for fifteen miles around, and startled the Prince of Orange in his camp. But, notwithstanding the precautions taken by Sarsfield, his movements had not been unobserved. An Irish Williamite, named Manus O'Brien, had met the detachment on its way towards Kilaloe, and divining that it was on some expedition of importance, hastened to the English camp, and requested an audience of the Prince. He succeeded after considerable delay, and communicated his intelligence; but the Prince, though suspecting at once the design of Sarsfield, looked on it as futile, and took no further notice at the time; yet, as the night waned, he sent out Sir John Lanier, with five hundred horse, to meet the convoy, and ordered the fords of the river to be well guarded to intercept the Irish troops on their return. The delay of O'Brien was providential. Lanier had got within a short distance of the place when he heard the explosion, and pressed on with the hope of intercepting the enemy, but only reached the ground as Sarsfield retired. Warned by the appearance of Lanier that it would be dangerous to return as he had come, he changed his course, passed to the east of the Keeper mountains, and holding his way through Upper and Lower Ormond, he, on the following evening, reached the town of Banagher,[44] a distance of more than forty miles, where he halted to recruit his men, and returned through Galway and Clare without the loss of a man.[45]

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

3. Colonel Richard Grace defends Athlone at eighty years old

   Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1690

   Athlone was garrisoned by 800 Jacobite troops under veteran Colonel Richard Grace, who had twice defended the town against Cromwell in his youth and now, aged eighty, defended it again against Douglas.

   Read the passage

   Athlone was at this time garrisoned by a Jacobite force of 800 men, under the command of Colonel Richard Grace, a veteran of the last civil war. The life of this soldier was a stormy and eventful one. He seems to have been one of those who, like Bayard, stand out from time to time among men, as an example of fidelity and heroism. A colonel in 1645, and a colonel still, he had spent the interval in war--France, Spain, and Ireland being each in turn the field of his adventures. Twice, in youth, he had successfully defended Athlone against the arms of Cromwell, and again he stood there, in his eightieth year, as vigorous and agile as any of his command, to defend its walls against the assaults of this sanguinary general.

   Douglas advanced with all the assurance of certain success, and appeared before the town on the 11th of July. He was, however, surprised to find that the part of it east of the river had been given to the flames, its walls demolished, the bridge broken down, and the castle on the western side in a formidable state of defence. He halted before the walls, and immediately sent in a herald to demand a surrender. The governor, roused to indignation by the atrocities of Douglas, flashed his pistol in the face of the herald, and, pointing to a red flag which he had hoisted, said: "These are my terms; these only will I give or take." The herald departed, and the governor retired to animate his soldiers for the impending contest.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Athlone now. In 1690 this town was garrisoned by 800 Jacobite troops under Colonel Richard Grace, a veteran of the last civil war. His life was a stormy and eventful one. He had been a colonel in 1645, and a colonel still, having spent the interval in war, with France, Spain, and Ireland each in turn the field of his adventures. Twice in youth he had successfully defended Athlone against the arms of Cromwell. Now he stood there again, in his eightieth year, as vigorous and agile as any of his command, to defend its walls against Douglas. Douglas advanced with all the assurance of certain success, and appeared before the town on the 11th of July. He was surprised to find that the part east of the river had been given to the flames, its walls demolished, the bridge broken down, and the castle on the western side in a formidable state of defence. He halted before the walls and immediately sent a herald to demand surrender. The governor, roused to indignation by the atrocities of Douglas, flashed his pistol in the face of the herald, and pointing to a red flag he had hoisted, said: "These are my terms; these only will I give or take." The herald departed, and Grace retired to animate his soldiers for the impending contest.

4. Dawn of the Battle of Aughrim

   Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

   On the morning of July 12th, 1691, a heavy fog covered the hills separating the armies of Ginckle and St. Ruth near Aughrim. The two forces prepared for the decisive battle that would determine the fate of the Williamite war in Ireland.

   Read the passage

   'Twas five o'clock on the morning of July 12th, 1691. A heavy fog obscured the rising sun, and passed like a moving curtain along the hills that separated the adverse armies now preparing for the stern arbitrament of battle. What a chaos of human feeling surged and swayed beneath it! On the one side, the love of home, kindred, and country, and the memories that come of ages of persecution; on the other, that of power, plunder, and confiscation, and the wantonness that exalts vice into virtue, and deifies usurpation. The maintenance of legitimate right, and the establishment of perfect civil and religious liberty, called forth the royal army, and marked its footsteps from the advent of this war to its close. An unnatural usurpation, and the ambition to dominate in matters civil and religious, heralded the other, and its course was marked by cruelty and proscription. Their causes were markedly dissimilar, and of the spirit which impelled them to battle, each army, in its various gradations, was a fair representative.

   At early dawn, Ginckle, who induced the battle, was moving his men across the river, and forming them, according to prearrangement, on a level ground about a mile to the west of it, leaving still a span of two miles between him and his adversary. This was effected by eight o'clock, but an advance was suspended, owing to the heavy fog that lay over the hills, and rendered the manoeuvring of his army in the vicinity of the foe both troublesome and hazardous.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 19

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the parish of Aughrim, this is the ground where the fate of the Williamite war was decided. It was five o'clock on the morning of July 12th, 1691. A heavy fog obscured the rising sun and passed like a moving curtain along the hills that separated the two armies preparing for battle. On one side stood the love of home, kindred, and country, and the memories of ages of persecution. On the other stood power, plunder, and confiscation, and the wantonness that exalted vice into virtue and deified usurpation. The maintenance of legitimate right and the establishment of civil and religious liberty had called forth the royal army. An unnatural usurpation and the ambition to dominate in matters civil and religious had heralded the other, and its course was marked by cruelty and proscription. At early dawn, Ginckle, who had induced the battle, moved his men across the river and formed them on a level ground about a mile to the west of it, leaving two miles between him and his adversary, St. Ruth. This was done by eight o'clock, but an advance was suspended because the fog still lay over the hills and made manoeuvring near the foe troublesome and hazardous.

5. Massacre at Island Magee by Carrickfergus garrison

   near Island Magee · parish · Antrim · 1641–1642

   A garrison of Scotch soldiers stationed at Carrickfergus made a night descent on the peninsula of Island Magee, driving its 3,000 inhabitants over the cliffs into the sea. This atrocity helped ignite the wider rebellion of 1641 across Ulster.

   Read the passage

   Since the plantation of Ulster, religious persecution had been aggravated by an established system of confiscation, under the name of the "Irish Titles Act." In the mean time the "Nonconformists" of England and Scotland having taken up arms against King Charles, made a solemn vow to exterminate the Catholics of Ireland, and the apprehensions of the latter were soon alive to the emergency. Groaning so long under civil and religious exactions, they looked on the king's difficulty as a most suitable event to petition for a removal of their grievances. But their action was anticipated, and while their leaders were considering a course of procedure, a series of outrages was perpetrated in the province of Ulster which precipitated them at once into the vortex of rebellion. A garrison of Scotch soldiers, stationed at Carrickfergus, in the dead of night, and without premonition, made a descent on Island Magee, a peninsula in the neighborhood, and drove all its inhabitants, to the number of 3,000, over the cliffs into the sea; scarce a soul escaping to tell their cruel fate. The Catholic inhabitants of the surrounding counties flew to arms, and the flames of rebellion were soon lit throughout the province. The Protestants rose to oppose them, and excesses were perpetrated on both sides. This hastened the action of the Catholic leaders. The Irish chiefs, the Catholic Lords of the English Pale, and the bishops of the Catholic Church convened at Kilkenny for mutual protection and right, under the name of the "Confederation of Kilkenny," and inaugurated one of the boldest efforts for civil and religious liberty known in the country's history.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 2

6. Sarsfield crosses Thomond Bridge on the Ballyneety raid

   Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1690

   Sarsfield led 500 dragoons out of Limerick under cover of darkness across Thomond Bridge with Rapparee guides, beginning his famous raid to intercept William's siege train.

   Read the passage

   Darkness had settled over camp and city as Sarsfield crossed the Thomond Bridge, and followed his Rapparee guides into the open country beyond. For some time he pursued his course northward, in order to avoid the road by the river, the cavalry of William being extended as far as O'Brien's Bridge; but when distance removed apprehension, he wheeled eastward at Fahy, urged his command to greater speed, and crossed the bridge of Kilaloe towards midnight. He then struck southward through Newport and Murruo, crossed the Dead River and its tributaries, and as morning dawned, ambushed in the mountain district, about two miles north of the route from Clonmel to Limerick. Here he threw forward his scouts in the direction of Clonmel, to watch the convoy and give timely notice of its approach; but the day passed on, and the night was somewhat advanced, when the lumbering train at last appeared, and halted at a short distance from the place of ambush. The men were now within seven miles of their own camp; the little chapel of Ballyneety, which stood near the roadside, offered a pleasant resting-place; and being in no apprehension of danger, they resolved to bivouac there for the night, and reach the camp early on the following morning. Having made their arrangements and lit their fires, they betook themselves to rest, and were soon wrapped in slumber around and within the walls of the ruin, when the Rapparees, who had watched them throughout the day, taking note of their numbers and disposition, repaired to the general and informed him that the hour had come, and the word was "Sarsfield." The assault that followed was a complete surprise to the enemy, who offered but an ineffectual resistance. In a few minutes over sixty of them were slain, the rest put to flight, and Sarsfield turned his attention to the main object of the expedition. The cannon, eight in number, were loaded to the muzzles and buried deep in the earth: around and over those were pressed the ammunition and ball: over them were laid the chests, wagons, and carriages: the tin boats were next destroyed and placed on top: a train was then laid, and the troop-horses, and all that was portable, were secured and started in advance: and last of all, Sarsfield, with his own hand, lit the train and retired. Then followed that terrible explosion, which is said to have shaken the earth for fifteen miles around, and startled the Prince of Orange in his camp. But, notwithstanding the precautions taken by Sarsfield, his movements had not been unobserved. An Irish Williamite, named Manus O'Brien, had met the detachment on its way towards Kilaloe, and divining that it was on some expedition of importance, hastened to the English camp, and requested an audience of the Prince. He succeeded after considerable delay, and communicated his intelligence; but the Prince, though suspecting at once the design of Sarsfield, looked on it as futile, and took no further notice at the time; yet, as the night waned, he sent out Sir John Lanier, with five hundred horse, to meet the convoy, and ordered the fords of the river to be well guarded to intercept the Irish troops on their return. The delay of O'Brien was providential. Lanier had got within a short distance of the place when he heard the explosion, and pressed on with the hope of intercepting the enemy, but only reached the ground as Sarsfield retired. Warned by the appearance of Lanier that it would be dangerous to return as he had come, he changed his course, passed to the east of the Keeper mountains, and holding his way through Upper and Lower Ormond, he, on the following evening, reached the town of Banagher,[44] a distance of more than forty miles, where he halted to recruit his men, and returned through Galway and Clare without the loss of a man.[45]

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   Along here, in 1690, Sarsfield crossed Thomond Bridge into the dark, beginning his famous ride. He led 500 dragoons out of Limerick with Rapparee guides showing the way, moving north first to avoid William's cavalry along the river. He wheeled east at Fahy, crossed the bridge of Killaloe near midnight, and struck south through Newport and Murruo, crossing the Dead River and its tributaries. By morning he had ambushed his men in the mountains about two miles north of the Clonmel to Limerick road, waiting for the convoy. The siege train finally appeared that night and halted by the little chapel of Ballyneety, within seven miles of its own camp. The men felt safe and settled to sleep. The Rapparees who had watched them all day went back to Sarsfield, and the word was "Sarsfield." Over sixty were slain in the surprise, the rest put to flight. He buried eight cannon loaded to the muzzles, stacked ammunition, wagons and tin boats on top, and lit the train himself. The explosion shook the earth for fifteen miles and startled the Prince of Orange in his camp. An Irish Williamite named Manus O'Brien had spotted the column and warned the English, but the Prince thought little of it until too late. Sir John Lanier with 500 horse reached the ground only as Sarsfield retired. Sarsfield changed course east of the Keeper mountains, passed through Upper and Lower Ormond, and reached Banagher the next evening, over forty miles. He returned through Galway and Clare without the loss of a man.

7. Grace defies Douglas's surrender demand with red flag

   Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1690

   When Douglas demanded surrender of Athlone, Governor Grace flashed his pistol at the herald and pointed to a red flag, declaring those were his only terms, before the ensuing bombardment.

   Read the passage

   Douglas advanced with all the assurance of certain success, and appeared before the town on the 11th of July. He was, however, surprised to find that the part of it east of the river had been given to the flames, its walls demolished, the bridge broken down, and the castle on the western side in a formidable state of defence. He halted before the walls, and immediately sent in a herald to demand a surrender. The governor, roused to indignation by the atrocities of Douglas, flashed his pistol in the face of the herald, and, pointing to a red flag which he had hoisted, said: "These are my terms; these only will I give or take." The herald departed, and the governor retired to animate his soldiers for the impending contest.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Athlone, this is where, in 1690, Douglas came demanding surrender. He arrived on the 11th of July, confident of success, but found the eastern part of the town burned, its walls demolished, the bridge broken down, and the castle on the western side ready for defence. Douglas sent a herald to demand the town yield. The governor, roused by Douglas's atrocities, flashed his pistol in the herald's face, pointed to a red flag he had hoisted, and declared: "These are my terms; these only will I give or take." The herald departed, and the governor went to rouse his soldiers for the fight to come.

8. Talmash storms the Pass of Aughrim

   Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

   Talmash led English cavalry and infantry against the Pass of Aughrim, defended by fire from the Irish lines and castle; after a fatal blunder in ammunition supply left the Irish defenders firing buttons and ramrods, the Pass was carried and the castle grounds taken.

   Read the passage

   Through all, the activity of the opposing generals was incessant. Ginckle was everywhere, aiding and animating his men, and sharing the danger and fatigue of the private soldier. On the other hand, St. Ruth had followed every movement of the battle, and was found at every point where aid or encouragement demanded his presence. Two horses had broken down under him during the fatigues of this eventful day; and now, mounting a third, a powerful gray, which stood ready to his call, he rode down to the left, to congratulate his infantry on their victory in that quarter. Here he beheld the last regiment of the enemy's infantry, abandoned to their fate, afraid to attempt a retreat across the marsh, and defending their temporary lodgement with the last efforts of despair. Dismounting from his horse, he approached the gunners, and with his own hand giving direction to one of the three guns bearing on the enemy's lines, returned to his staff, and remounted. His attention was then directed to the movements of Talmash, who, at the head of the English cavalry, and supported by a compact body of infantry, was approaching along the defile that opened up to the village and castle of Aughrim. Inquiring casually what the enemy meant by moving in that direction, he was answered that they intended to force the Pass and succor their infantry beneath him. "_Then_," said he, "_we have won the battle_." Considering the difficulties to be encountered, and the force stationed there, he deemed their destruction certain; and, after watching their steady advance for some time, he exclaimed with mingled feelings of admiration and pity:--"_They are brave, 'tis a pity they should be so exposed!_" Then forming his guards to charge down the hill, and dispatching orders to call up his reserve of cavalry to confront the force of Talmash, he addressed his staff, now ranged around him, saying:--"_They are beaten, let us beat them to the purpose!_" They were his last words,--for scarcely were they uttered, when his head was shattered by a cannonball, and he lay a corpse on the hill of Kilcommodon, while his horse ran wild and riderless across the plain! Amazement seized on all around him. The cavalry arrived and halted on the hill-side. His attendants approached, threw a cloak over the body, and bore it to the rear, whither it was followed by his guards and the members of his staff. The charge that was to decide the battle was suspended. The Irish infantry, unaware of the death of their general, still held their ground. The cavalry stood waiting the order to charge, and nothing was wanting to complete the victory but that expected word; but it never came. Meanwhile, Talmash beheld the confusion and the hesitancy of the Irish troops on the hill, and auguring that something was going wrong there, pushed on with greater rapidity. The fire from the Irish lines and the castle opened on him, and twice he was repulsed, but still renewed his efforts. It was now the crisis of the day, and so was it felt by assailants and assailed. Colonel Burke, who had command in that quarter, pressed the enemy closely and successfully. The cavalry were held in check, and unable to advance; but the English infantry, moving along the northern margin of the marsh, began to break through in battalions and companies. They too were checked, and for some time held immovable. At this trying moment Burke found that his supply of musket-balls was exhausted, and a fresh supply was urgently demanded. It arrived; it was opened; but by some fatal blunder, or treacherous design, it was found that cannonball had been sent instead of those demanded.[82] The effect is easily foreseen. The soldiers still fought as men seldom fight. They exhausted their last shot, and all means being gone, they cut the round buttons from their coats, fired them, and discharged even their ramrods at the enemy, and then in rage and despair stood to offer their bodies as a last resistance, and died fighting where they stood. The Pass was carried; the castle grounds were gained and barriers thrown up there to impede the Irish cavalry, while Talmash, after passing the defile, moved round by his left, and succored his devoted soldiers. The English infantry at the centre now crossed the marsh in force and formed to carry the left and centre. At this sight a wild and piercing cry of "_treason_" rang along the Irish lines. The infantry was left to struggle alone, and the cavalry, without a commander, retired to the crest of the hill and formed for a last effort to redeem the day. It was useless. The infantry did all that men could do, and disputed every inch of the ground up to their camp, where, they made a last desperate stand, until surrounded by horse and foot of the enemy, when they broke, and, under the protection of their cavalry, retreated off the field. The left and centre of the Irish army being carried, the enemy turned their attention to the right, which, ignorant of what had passed, still pressed the foe beyond their lines, and were still victorious. But being now surrounded on all sides, and attacked front and rear, they were overwhelmed and literally cut to pieces; nearly all the infantry on that side being slaughtered where they stood.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 19

   As the companion tells it

   The road is taking you through the parish of Aughrim, where in 1691 one of the decisive battles in Ireland was fought. St. Ruth, the Irish commander, followed every movement of the battle that day; two horses broke down under him before he mounted a third, a powerful gray. He saw Talmash approaching at the head of English cavalry with a body of infantry, moving along the defile toward the village and castle. St. Ruth declared, "Then we have won the battle," and watched the steady advance, saying, "They are brave, 'tis a pity they should be so exposed." He formed his guards to charge and told his staff, "They are beaten, let us beat them to the purpose." Those were his last words. A cannonball shattered his head, and he lay dead on the hill of Kilcommodon. His body was carried to the rear, and the charge that should have decided the battle was suspended. Talmash saw the confusion among the Irish troops and pushed on faster. Fire from the Irish lines and the castle opened on him; he was repulsed twice but renewed his efforts. Colonel Burke held the cavalry in check, and the English infantry began breaking through along the marsh. Then Burke found his musket-balls exhausted. When the resupply arrived and was opened, by some fatal blunder or treacherous design, cannonballs had been sent instead of the shot they needed. The soldiers cut the round buttons from their coats and fired them. They discharged even their ramrods at the enemy, and then stood and died fighting where they stood. The Pass was carried and the castle grounds taken. A cry of "treason" rang along the Irish lines, and the army broke.

9. The Field of Aughrim Remembered as the Ground of the Unburied Dead

   Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

   The hill of Kilcommodon, now known as the field of Aughrim, is remembered by the old race as a sacred and sorrowful site, the last battle-field for religion and liberty and the resting place of unburied dead.

   Read the passage

   The hill of Kilcommodon, now known as the field of Aughrim, is about three miles south-west of Ballinasloe, and is the most considerable of an irregular chain of hills extending from the western bank of the river Suck for a distance of several miles in the direction of Galway. Its position is such, that if a straight line be drawn from Drogheda, on the east of the island, to Galway on the west, none of those memorable battle-fields in its history--Drogheda, The Boyne, Athlone, Athunree, or Galway--will deviate more than a mile from it, while most of them will be directly under it; and Aughrim adds still another link to that long chain of classic associations. Notwithstanding the many changes that time has wrought since the period under consideration, the hill and the country around it look still as sad and gloomy as the thoughts they impart, and few of the old race ever pass that way without uncovering the head and offering a fervent prayer--for, together with being the last battle-field for religion and liberty, which is sufficient in itself to awaken a melancholy interest, it is also remembered by them as _the field of their unburied dead_.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   The road runs through the parish of Aughrim in Galway. In 1691 this was the last battlefield for religion and liberty in Ireland. The hill of Kilcommodon is the most considerable of an irregular chain of hills stretching from the western bank of the river Suck toward Galway. A line drawn from Drogheda in the east to Galway in the west would pass close by the great battlefields of Irish history. Drogheda, the Boyne, Athlone, Athunree and Galway would all lie near it, most directly upon it, and this hill adds another link to that long chain. The country around it still looks as sad and gloomy as the thoughts it carries. Few of the old race ever pass this way without uncovering the head and offering a fervent prayer. They remember it as the field of their unburied dead.

10. William Reconnoitres the Boyne at Old Bridge

    Old Bridge · street · Tipperary · 1690

    William ordered an examination of the river from Old Bridge to Slane and personally reconnoitred the Irish position, during which he was grazed by a cannon-shot. A false report of his death spread through the camp before he calmed his troops.

    Read the passage

    With that promptitude which characterized all his movements since his arrival in the country, he immediately ordered an examination of the river from Old Bridge to Slane, and proceeded himself with a detachment of cavalry to reconnoitre the position of the royal army. While so engaged he was struck by a cannon-shot that grazed his shoulder and drew a little blood. This caused a report of his death to be spread throughout the camp, and created the greatest alarm among his followers; but, calling for a napkin, he stopped the blood, and, putting on another coat, passed through the ranks to restore the confidence of his soldiers, and then completed his reconnoissance.[24] Towards noon he moved his army forward to the river, when, his cannon having arrived, he established his batteries along the heights, ordered a heavy cannonade to be kept up against the Irish centre, and, retiring within his lines, summoned his generals to receive his plan of action.

    It was the intention of William at first to cross the river at Slane during the advanced hours of the night, and falling on James by surprise, to strike his left, and turn it from the road to Dublin. The Duke of Schomberg, with characteristic caution, would have opposed this proposition, on the ground that though James's army appeared small from the English line of sight, he might have large reserves behind Donore. But the duke was again rebuked by the prince, and notified to retire, which he did, deeply mortified, and received his orders afterwards in his tent, with the querulous remark, that "they were the first that had ever been sent him!" Bating this, the utmost harmony pervaded the council of William, and confidence reigned supreme throughout his camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Old Bridge, in 1690, William ordered an examination of the river from Old Bridge to Slane, and rode out himself with a detachment of cavalry to reconnoitre the Irish position. While doing so, a cannon-shot grazed his shoulder and drew a little blood. A report of his death spread through the camp, causing great alarm among his followers. He called for a napkin, stopped the blood, put on another coat, and passed through the ranks to restore his soldiers' confidence before completing his reconnaissance. Towards noon he moved his army forward to the river, established his batteries along the heights, and ordered a heavy cannonade against the Irish centre. He then retired within his lines and summoned his generals. His first intention had been to cross the river at Slane during the night and fall on James by surprise, striking his left and turning it from the road to Dublin. The Duke of Schomberg opposed this, cautioning that James might have large reserves behind Donore. William rebuked him and told him to retire, which he did, deeply mortified, and received his orders afterwards in his tent, remarking that they were the first that had ever been sent him. Aside from this, harmony pervaded the council.

11. William wounded near Ireton's Tower during sortie

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    During a fierce Irish sortie around 22 August aimed at destroying William's heavy guns, William fell while retreating and was struck by rock fragments from a cannonball, suffering a contusion and being carried to Ireton's Tower.

    Read the passage

    Two of the guns found among the _débris_ at Ballyneety were still fit for use, and with these, his mortars, and field-train, he continued the bombardment, and by the 17th, he had pushed his lines of circumvallation close to the walls of the city. Nor were the besieged less active or determined in their resistance; every foot of the ground was dearly purchased, and no day went by without a sortie of the most desperate character. One of these, which occurred between the 17th and 20th, was of so novel a character as to demand a passing notice. As William's lines approached close to the walls, the fire from within was so fierce as to compel the soldiers to lie close within their trenches during the night. Those opposite the sally-port, between the bridge and St. John's Gate, were occupied by two regiments: the Blue Dutch and the British, between whom no very friendly feelings existed. The Irish, to whom this was known, taking advantage of the darkness, made a lodgement in one of the traverses, and threw in a stealthy fire on the Dutch. The latter seeing no enemy, and observing the British by the flash of the muskets, believed the fire came from them, and answered it by a deadly volley. This was immediately returned, and the two regiments commenced a murderous fire on each other, while the Irish, as occasion offered, directed a volley at each of them. After several had fallen victims to their own stupidity, the real cause was detected by one of the English generals, and troops were brought up to correct the evil, and chastise the authors of it; but these seeing the place getting too hot for them, rushed from their ambush and reached the city with little loss. The affray between the British and Dutch was not easily reconciled. The confusion of languages baffled, for some time, all attempts at explanation, and hostilities continued until both regiments were placed under arrest, and fresh troops stationed in the trenches. The blunder created great mirth among the Irish soldiers, but the besiegers redoubled their vigilance, and surprise was thenceforth a matter of impossibility. The most serious engagement that occurred after this, took place about the 22d, and was forced by the besieged for the purpose of destroying William's heavy guns before they could be got into position. Issuing out in force, at mid-day, they assailed the enemy's centre with such vigor that they drove it from the trenches; the Prince, who was present, retreated towards his quarters; but falling in his hurry, he had scarcely arisen when a cannonball tore up the very spot on which he had fallen, and after receiving a serious contusion from a fragment of a rock, splintered by the shot, he was carried to Ireton's Tower, nor did he appear again until the final assault. But the sortie ended in the repulse of the besieged, and the guns were rescued and placed in position.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where, in August 1690, the besieged Irish made a fierce sortie to destroy William's heavy guns before they could be brought into position. They came out in force at midday and drove the enemy centre from the trenches. William himself was present, and retreated towards his quarters, but fell in his hurry. He had scarcely risen when a cannonball tore up the very spot where he had fallen, and a fragment of rock splintered by the shot struck him, leaving a serious contusion. He was carried to Ireton's Tower, and did not appear again until the final assault. The sortie was repulsed and the guns were rescued and placed in position. The siege had been grinding on since William's lines of circumvallation closed in around the walls by the 17th, and the Irish resistance was relentless, every foot of ground dearly bought. The Irish had already shown their cunning in the nights before, once tricking the British and Blue Dutch regiments into firing on each other in the dark trenches, to great amusement among the defenders.

12. Women and citizens refuse surrender of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    When de Boïsselau advised accepting terms after the second summons, soldiers, citizens, and women unanimously demanded resistance to the last, declaring they would rather die under bombardment than submit to William's soldiers.

    Read the passage

    The besieged were now hard pressed;--the trenches of the besiegers were within two toises[47] of the palisades in front of the breach, and overlooked them, so that they had but to step over to find themselves on the level and unobstructed area around the city gate. The Irish fort on King's Island, which until now had thrown a slanting fire across the enemy's right, was dismantled and its guns removed to the Black Battery to defend the breach; the wall, along its whole front, was rendered untenable to the musketeers; and the cavalry were withdrawn across the river, for the guns bearing on the bridge threatened the destruction of their only line of communication. Still, the English town itself was impregnable, being situated on low ground, which could be easily inundated by a flood-gate on the main channel of the river; the English cavalry, too, had been withdrawn from the island, and the whole fury of their guns concentrated on the Irish town. Such was the condition of the garrison when de Boïsselau received the second summon from the Prince of Orange, and, believing that further resistance was useless, he consulted the Irish generals and advised them to accept an accommodation. But he was opposed by the general voice. The soldiers were unanimous for resistance to the last; the citizens appealed against a surrender; the women declared that they would rather be torn piecemeal by the artillery than be subject to the barbarities of William's soldiers. The general voice prevailed, and de Boïsselau withdrawing from the city, declined further responsibility.

    The herald was accordingly dismissed with an indignant refusal to the Prince's message, when the bombardment was again renewed, and active preparations were made for storming the city. For this purpose William selected 10,000 men from the different regiments, and formed them into supporting columns, under leaders of approved valor and experience. Five hundred British grenadiers were to lead the assault; the Dutch and Danish troops were to follow, and be sustained by the Huguenots in turn, while the Brandenburgers, English and Enniskilleners, were to bring up the rear. Biding these preparations, the artillery was to keep up its fire along the whole line, and when it ceased, three guns, fired in rapid succession, was to put all in motion, and be the signal of assault.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a story from 1690, when it was besieged by the forces of the Prince of Orange. The besiegers' trenches had come within two toises of the palisades in front of the breach, and they overlooked the Irish town. The Irish fort on King's Island, which had thrown a slanting fire across the enemy's right, was dismantled, and its guns were removed to the Black Battery to defend the breach. The wall along its whole front was rendered untenable to the musketeers, and the cavalry were withdrawn across the river, because the guns bearing on the bridge threatened the destruction of their only line of communication. The English town itself remained impregnable, situated on low ground that could be easily inundated by a flood-gate on the main channel of the river. The English cavalry had been withdrawn from the island, and the whole fury of their guns was concentrated on the Irish town. It was in this condition that de Boïsselau received the second summons from the Prince of Orange. Believing further resistance was useless, he consulted the Irish generals and advised them to accept an accommodation. But he was opposed by the general voice. The soldiers were unanimous for resistance to the last. The citizens appealed against a surrender. The women declared that they would rather be torn piecemeal by the artillery than be subject to the barbarities of William's soldiers. The general voice prevailed, and de Boïsselau withdrew from the city, declining further responsibility. The herald was dismissed with an indignant refusal to the Prince's message. The bombardment was renewed, and William selected 10,000 men for the assault. Five hundred British grenadiers were to lead, the Dutch and Danish troops to follow, sustained by the Huguenots, while the Brandenburgers, English and Enniskilleners brought up the rear. Three guns fired in rapid succession would be the signal.

13. Fall and massacre at the castle of Aughrim

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    The castle of Aughrim held out against the assailants long after the Pass was carried, but was eventually taken and everyone within it put to the sword as night fell over the field of carnage.

    Read the passage

    The castle of Aughrim, which withstood the assailants long after the Pass was carried, was at length taken, and all within it put to the sword. Night closed over the scene of carnage. The Irish cavalry baffled in their design to support the infantry, which became intermingled with the horse and foot of the enemy, after aiding some time in the retreat, withdrew to the south-west and pursued their route to Loughrea, while the infantry crossed the bog to the west, and moved in the direction of Galway. The retreat of these portions of the army was regular and unbroken; but the fugitives were cut down without mercy; their cry for quarter was totally disregarded: and the slaughter of the straggling bands continued far into the night. In this butchery the Danish troops were conspicuous. Remarkable through the day only for pusillanimity, they became the "best pursuers," through the night, until a fortuitous circumstance put an end to the pursuit. While despairing and resistless they fled from the field which they maintained to the last, an Irish drum-major, who was lying wounded by the wayside, was ordered by the almoner of a regiment, named O'Reilly, to beat the charge. It was done, and on hearing it the pursuers halted, and believing the Irish about to rally, retired to the main body, and the vanquished pursued their retreat unmolested. Thus ended the disastrous day of Aughrim. Up to the death of St. Ruth, no pending battle was ever more prophetic of victory. After it none was ever so unaccountably lost in the presence of numerous officers of experience and ability. It would seem as if fortune held the balance of the day, to elicit deeds of unexampled heroism, and inverted it in the hour of victory to maintain her proverbial fickleness.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Aughrim in Galway was the ground of one of Ireland's most decisive battles in 1691. The castle of Aughrim held out long after the Pass was carried, but was at length taken, and all within it put to the sword. Night closed over the scene of carnage. The Irish cavalry withdrew to the south-west toward Loughrea, while the infantry crossed the bog to the west, heading for Galway. Their retreat was regular and unbroken, but the fugitives were cut down without mercy. Their cry for quarter was totally disregarded, and the slaughter of straggling bands continued far into the night. The Danish troops were conspicuous in this butchery. They had been remarkable through the day only for pusillanimity, but became the "best pursuers" through the night. The killing stopped by chance. An Irish drum-major, lying wounded by the wayside, was ordered by an almoner named O'Reilly to beat the charge. He did, and the pursuers halted, believing the Irish were about to rally, and retired to the main body. The vanquished then withdrew unmolested. Thus ended the disastrous day of Aughrim. Up to the death of St. Ruth, no pending battle was ever more prophetic of victory. After it, none was ever so unaccountably lost.

14. O'Regan's Famine-Siege Defense of Charlemont Castle

    near Charlemont · village · Armagh · 1689–1690

    Colonel O'Regan defiantly held Charlemont Castle against Schomberg for nine months, refusing surrender and enduring a famine-siege, even sacrificing relief troops he could not shelter, until capitulating on 14 May on honorable terms.

    Read the passage

    Believing that the fall of Belturbet, and the isolation of his position, must have dampened the ardor of Colonel O'Regan, the commandant of the Castle of Charlemont, Schomberg offered him honorable conditions in case he agreed to surrender the fort, but he found the spirit of this indomitable old chieftain as hopeful and defiant as ever. Since the arrival of Schomberg, he had succeeded in baffling all efforts to reduce the place; and, though now surrounded, and cut off on all sides from hope of succor, he thanked the duke for his offer, but replied that he would never surrender "his castle," and was determined to hold it for his king, or die in its ruins. He was, however, placed in a very embarrassing situation. Within the last few days a body of five hundred soldiers, bearing a scanty supply of ammunition and provisions, had forced their way into the garrison, and, having thus partially relieved it, were ordered unceremoniously to fight their way out again, but, in making the attempt, were driven back under the guns of the fort. The governor refused them admittance. He said that he was ordered to defend the place, and would do it, and looked on them as much his enemies as the troops of Schomberg. They were, therefore, placed on the counterscarp of the fort, where they were exposed to the fire of the enemy, and many of them were actually killed during the bombardment that followed. But, though in appearance, and in many of his characteristics, he affected the ogre, his heart relented; and, while he could bear to see them shot from the walls, he could not see them die of starvation, and so doled out his scanty provisions until they were consumed, and the garrison was reduced to all the horrors of a famine-siege. Every means of supporting life was now resorted to, and every effort for the reduction of the fort was in vain, until on the 14th of May, when, literally starved out, after a siege of nine, months from the landing of Schomberg, he capitulated, and marched out with what remained of his famished garrison. The terms granted him by Schomberg, who was impatient of delay, were highly honorable: the garrison was allowed to retire with arms and baggage, and the king, who neglected to succor him during this protracted siege, raised him to the order of knighthood, and he was henceforth known as Sir Teague O'Regan, and intrusted with the defence of Sligo, which he held until the last tocsin summoned him to Limerick.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

15. Death of Duke Schomberg and Walker of Derry in the River

    Old Bridge · street · Tipperary · 1690

    As Duke Schomberg led cavalry across the river to press the advantage, the Irish horse bore down on his force, killing both Schomberg and Walker of Derry, causing confusion and forcing a retreat to reform.

    Read the passage

    William now collected all the infantry of the centre, while Schomberg, placing himself at the head of the cavalry, entered the river, and advanced with the same coolness and caution that had hitherto characterized all his movements. The Irish horse had just returned from the pursuit, and were drawn up on the river to oppose him. They did not wait for his whole force to get in motion, but as he approached the middle of the river, they bore down on him with their wonted impetuosity. The effect was the same as before. Schomberg and Walker of Derry were slain; dismay and inextricable confusion was the consequence, and all retreated to the northern side to reform. Taylor, in his short but life-like portraiture of this battle, says of the event just detailed: "Had James chosen this moment to place himself at the head of his troops, for one general charge, or had the French auxiliaries attacked the Dutch in flank, the event of the battle would certainly have restored his crown!" The poor king--he was at that very moment concerting a retreat on his left, outraged by his French general; and even his reserves were two miles from the scene of action!

    This was the crisis of the day. The tide was now making fast; the water was nearly waist high in the river, and half an hour more would render a crossing impossible for that day. William could no longer delay his movements on the left, and so, ordering Sir John Hanmer and the Prince of Nassau to reform his demoralized troops at the centre, and lead them on for the relief of his guards, he hastened to the left to make a last effort to restore the battle.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in 1690, Duke Schomberg led cavalry into the river to press William's advantage. The Irish horse had just returned from a pursuit and were drawn up on the riverbank to oppose him. They did not wait for his whole force to get in motion but bore down on him as he reached the middle of the river. Schomberg and Walker of Derry were both slain. Dismay and inextricable confusion followed, and all retreated to the northern side to reform. Taylor, writing of this moment, said that had James chosen this moment to place himself at the head of his troops for one general charge, or had the French auxiliaries attacked the Dutch in flank, the event of the battle would certainly have restored his crown. But James was at that very moment concerting a retreat on his left, and even his reserves were two miles from the scene of action. The tide was now making fast, the water nearly waist high in the river, and half an hour more would have rendered a crossing impossible for that day. William ordered Sir John Hanmer and the Prince of Nassau to reform his demoralised troops at the centre and lead them on for the relief of his guards, then hastened to the left to make a last effort to restore the battle.

16. First Siege of Athlone repels Douglas's cannonade

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1690

    Douglas's forces bombarded Athlone castle but were repulsed with dismounted guns and demolished works; the garrison's spirited defence astonished the besiegers and the castle proved impregnable to direct assault.

    Read the passage

    On receipt of this answer, Douglas lost no time, but, erecting his batteries over against the castle, opened a heavy cannonade. The garrison replied with a spirit and vigor that astonished the besiegers: their guns were dismounted, their works demolished, and several of their men and their best gunner were killed. Again and again they trimmed their works and renewed the enfilade, but with a like result--the castle was impregnable to direct operations. Seeing this, Douglas ordered a detachment of 3,000, horse and foot, to force a passage of the river at Lanesborough, about ten or twelve miles to the north of the town, at the head of Lough Ree. On their arrival there they found the ford intrenched on the opposite side, and a strong body of troops drawn up to receive them; and after a vigorous attempt to force a passage, they were repulsed with considerable loss, and the project was abandoned. On their return they were beset at every point by those desultory bands that traversed the country, and harassed up to the camp, losing many men and horses on their way. The unsoldierlike conduct of Douglas now began to have its effect. He had marched as if to certain victory, devastating every thing in his path, and making no preparation for a sustained siege. Owing to his sanguinary character, the people, both Catholic and Protestant, now shunned his camp; his provisions and provender were soon consumed, and he had to send out foraging parties daily, to levy on the surrounding country. But these were ambushed at every available point by the Rapparees, who also burned and destroyed in their turn; so that his subsistence soon became precarious, and his situation more like one besieged than one besieging. In this critical condition, he determined to force a passage across the river at a ford below the town; but in this he was also foiled; for the governor, apprised of his intention, had it protected by strong earthworks, and the project was abandoned as desperate. For seven days the siege continued with unabated vigor on the part of the besiegers, but with a like result; every succeeding day rendered success more hopeless. It was now reported that General Sarsfield was advancing from Limerick with a strong force to raise the siege. Whether this report was true or false, the narratives of the times do not affirm; but Douglas accepted it as true, and shaped his conduct accordingly. Not deeming it prudent to remain any longer before the town, he decamped on the night of the 26th, abandoning his heavy baggage, and avoiding the highways, lest he might encounter the enemy on his way.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Athlone, a town in Westmeath that sits on the Shannon. In 1690, Douglas bombarded Athlone castle with heavy guns, but the garrison replied with such spirit that the besiegers were astonished. The castle's guns were dismounted, Douglas's works demolished, his best gunner killed, and the castle proved impregnable to direct assault. Douglas sent 3000 horse and foot to force the river at Lanesborough, ten or twelve miles north, but they found the ford entrenched on the far side and were repulsed with considerable loss. On their return they were harassed at every point by the Rapparees, losing men and horses. Douglas had marched as if to certain victory, making no preparation for a sustained siege. His provisions soon ran out, and foraging parties were ambushed at every turn by the Rapparees. His situation became more like one besieged than one besieging. He tried to force a ford below the town, but the governor had protected it with strong earthworks, and that project was abandoned as desperate. For seven days the siege continued with unabated vigor, but every day made success more hopeless. Then came a report that General Sarsfield was advancing from Limerick with a strong force to raise the siege. Douglas accepted it as true and decamped on the night of the 26th, abandoning his heavy baggage and avoiding the highways lest he encounter the enemy.

17. King James's ill-fated appearance before Derry breaks the treaty

    Derry · street · Tipperary · 1689

    De Rosen persuaded King James to appear before Derry to demand its surrender directly, but the defenders, believing it treachery, answered with a cannon-shot that killed an officer beside the king and forced his humiliating retreat, breaking off the negotiated treaty.

    Read the passage

    In the mean time, the king had left Dublin on the 8th of April, to take a view of the country. Hearing of the victory at Cladiford, he directed his course to that place, and arrived at the camp on the 18th, on the very hour that Hamilton was in conference with the delegates from Derry. De Rosen, perhaps, jealous of Hamilton's success, or wishing to gain credit with the king, represented to him that his presence before Derry would cause its gates to be at once thrown open, and prevent unnecessary delay, so he prevailed on him to make the experiment. Avoiding the place of conference, he took a circuitous route, and appearing before the town, summoned it to surrender. The "defenders," taking this sudden appearance of the king at such a time as an act of treachery on the part of Hamilton, answered the demand by a cannon-shot, which killed an officer by his side, and caused him to retire in shame and confusion. The consequence is easily foreseen. The treaty about to be ratified was broken off; the alarm was sounded throughout the rebel ranks; the "defenders" determined on more stern resistance; a siege was ordered by the king, and under escort of De Rosen, he returned to Dublin to meet his Parliament, which had been convoked for the 7th of May.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

18. Siege of Carrickfergus Castle

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1689

    Schomberg besieged Carrickfergus Castle, held by Colonel McCarthy-More and about 800 men. The garrison used a stratagem of slaughtered cattle to repair breaches in the walls before surrendering after eight days on honorable terms that were then violated.

    Read the passage

    But now that the relief of Derry and Enniskillen put a better face on affairs in Ireland; and the death of Dundee freed him from farther apprehension for the safety of Scotland, he resolved to relieve the English people of the presence of his foreign mercenaries, by employing them in the reduction of the only kingdom that preferred allegiance to King James. He accordingly apprised the Parliament of his intention. The proposition was favorably received, and large subsidies being granted for that purpose, an army consisting of eighteen regiments of foot, and six regiments of horse--about 20,000 men,--was soon organized from among the military adventurers that the higher pay given in England at that time had drawn thither from the Continent. A fleet was soon ready to transport this army to Ireland, and the whole was placed under the command of Marshal, the Duke of Schomberg, and Count Solmes, to make a descent on the eastern coast of Ireland, and, after establishing communications with the rebels, to proceed to the reduction of Dublin. On the 12th of August this fleet appeared off the coast of Down, and, sailing into Belfast Lough, effected a landing at Bangor Bay, between Belfast and Carrickfergus. The next day Schomberg took possession of Belfast, and after strengthening its defences, and giving his troops some rest, he appeared before the Castle of Carrickfergus and summoned it to surrender. The garrison was under the command of Colonel McCarthy-More, and consisted of his own regiment and that of Colonel Cormac O'Neil,--about eight hundred men,--poorly supplied, and greatly embarrassed by the population of the town, who had taken refuge within its walls. Schomberg immediately opened upon it from his ships and land batteries, keeping up a fierce cannonade day and night during the entire period of the siege. The garrison made a stubborn resistance, and visited the besiegers with severe loss, which elicited the praise of Schomberg, and excited a spirit of vengeance among his followers. The walls being breached after the second day, the besieged had resort to a singular stratagem. The cattle within the walls were slaughtered, hauled up and thrown into the breach, and earth and stones being heaped over them, the place was soon as tenable as ever; their balls being spent, they tore the lead from the roof of the castle, and converted it into bullets; and at last, their powder being exhausted, and no succor arriving from the Irish army; after a siege of eight days, they surrendered on terms considered highly honorable. But these conditions were flagrantly violated after the evacuation; the prisoners, whom the English Annalist calls "brave fellows, but poorly clad," were subjected to treatment which darkens the history of the time; crimes too abominable for recital, were perpetrated by the foreign mercenaries on the defenceless inhabitants of the town: and Schomberg, who tried to check their excesses, only succeeded in rendering himself so unpopular as to affect unfavorably the result of the ensuing campaign.... Judging of this army of mercenaries on the authority of the historian, Taylor, they must, indeed, have been a godless host. "They were," says he,[21] "the outcasts of all society, familiar with every crime, abandoned to every excess. Vices for which language scarcely ventures to find a name; abominations that may not be described, and can scarcely be imagined, were constantly practised by these bandits. ... The traditions of the Irish Protestants and Catholics contain a horrid catalogue of the enormities practised by this 'black banditti;' and these accounts are fully confirmed by the narratives which the contemporary writers have given of their conduct in other countries. With these were joined some raw English levies, who found it much easier to imitate the debaucheries than to practise the discipline of the foreigners. Indeed, no worse scourge could be sent by an angry Providence than the army which now proceeded against Ireland."

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 8

19. St Ruth Selects the Hill of Kilcommodon at Aughrim

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    St Ruth halted his army at the village of Aughrim and pointed to the hill of Kilcommodon, declaring he was determined to die or retrieve his fallen fortune there.

    Read the passage

    Having waited until Ginckle's design was clearly indicated, he decamped on the evening of the 9th,[65] and retiring still farther westward, halted at the village of Aughrim, and as if he had already selected his ground, pointed to the hill of Kilcommodon, and announced that there he was determined to die or retrieve his fallen fortune.

    From its marked inferiority in numbers and ordnance, the Irish army here, as at the Boyne, was compelled to act strictly on the defensive, and few places in that section of country were better adapted to this purpose than that which St. Ruth had now selected.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Aughrim, you are travelling ground St Ruth chose for a last stand in 1691. He had retreated westward before Ginckle's army and halted at the village here, then pointed to the hill of Kilcommodon and declared he was determined to die or retrieve his fallen fortune on it. The Irish army was outnumbered and outgunned, forced onto the defensive as they had been at the Boyne, and few places in this part of the country suited that purpose better than the ground St Ruth now selected.

20. Twenty-two volunteers destroy the bridge planking under fire

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    At Athlone, eleven armored men rushed onto the bridge under heavy fire to tear away planks the English had laid across the broken arch; all but two were killed, and a second group of eleven completed the destruction, rendering the bridge impassable again.

    Read the passage

    The night passed on, and the morning rose bright and clear above the river. The besieged seemed to have exhausted all the means of defence. Some lay close in the cover of their trenches, and others drawn up behind the western wall of the castle, waiting for the approaching conflict. The enemy alone were at work. The planking was nearly completed across the last broken arch of the bridge. The fire from their right and left traversed its western end between their workmen and the besieged, and their grenadiers were advanced along the bridge waiting for the expected signal. At this moment a sudden commotion was observable in the Irish quarters, and a simultaneous shout rent the air, as eleven men, cased in armor, were seen to clear their trenches, and bear directly for the bridge. A silence still as death fell over the besiegers and besieged, and for a moment all seemed spellbound. In another the noble fellows had reached the bridge, and "with a strength and courage beyond what men were thought capable of," commenced to tear away the planks and beams, and cast them into the river. The amazement of the English soldiers soon gave way to the stern necessity of war. A discharge of great and small guns swept the bridge, and the devoted men passed forever from the earth! Undeterred by their fate, eleven more sprang forward to complete the work! Another peal rang out as before, a cloud of smoke enveloped them for a moment, and, clearing away, it was found that their work was completely accomplished, that the bridge was rendered impassable, and that two of the eleven had escaped within their intrenchments.[62]

    Ginckle, greatly chagrined by his disappointment, withdrew his soldiers to their camp, called a council of war, and deliberated on the alternatives of continuing the siege, or seeking a passage at some other point of the river. The council continued far into the evening; the questions were discussed in all their bearings, and another assault was determined on for the morning of the 29th.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Athlone, the town that guards the crossing of the Shannon. In 1691, the bridge here was the hinge of a siege. The English had nearly finished laying planks across the last broken arch, their grenadiers ranged along the bridge, their fire covering the workmen from both sides. The Irish garrison had seemed spent, waiting behind the western wall of the castle. Then a shout went up from the Irish lines. Eleven men in armor cleared the trenches and made straight for the bridge. A deathly silence fell on both sides. The eleven reached the bridge and, as the source says, "with a strength and courage beyond what men were thought capable of," began tearing away the planks and beams and hurling them into the river. The English recovered from their amazement. A discharge of great and small guns swept the bridge, and those men were gone, all of them. Eleven more sprang forward to finish the work. Another volley rang out, smoke covered them, and when it cleared, the bridge was impassable. Two of that second eleven made it back to the trenches alive. The rest did not. Ginckle, the English commander, pulled his soldiers back to camp and called a council of war. They debated whether to continue the siege or seek a crossing elsewhere. They talked far into the evening and decided on another assault for the morning of the 29th.

21. Atrocities After Carrickfergus Surrender

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1689

    After the garrison at Carrickfergus surrendered on honorable terms, the foreign mercenaries of Schomberg's army violated these conditions and perpetrated severe crimes against the defenceless inhabitants of the town.

    Read the passage

    But now that the relief of Derry and Enniskillen put a better face on affairs in Ireland; and the death of Dundee freed him from farther apprehension for the safety of Scotland, he resolved to relieve the English people of the presence of his foreign mercenaries, by employing them in the reduction of the only kingdom that preferred allegiance to King James. He accordingly apprised the Parliament of his intention. The proposition was favorably received, and large subsidies being granted for that purpose, an army consisting of eighteen regiments of foot, and six regiments of horse--about 20,000 men,--was soon organized from among the military adventurers that the higher pay given in England at that time had drawn thither from the Continent. A fleet was soon ready to transport this army to Ireland, and the whole was placed under the command of Marshal, the Duke of Schomberg, and Count Solmes, to make a descent on the eastern coast of Ireland, and, after establishing communications with the rebels, to proceed to the reduction of Dublin. On the 12th of August this fleet appeared off the coast of Down, and, sailing into Belfast Lough, effected a landing at Bangor Bay, between Belfast and Carrickfergus. The next day Schomberg took possession of Belfast, and after strengthening its defences, and giving his troops some rest, he appeared before the Castle of Carrickfergus and summoned it to surrender. The garrison was under the command of Colonel McCarthy-More, and consisted of his own regiment and that of Colonel Cormac O'Neil,--about eight hundred men,--poorly supplied, and greatly embarrassed by the population of the town, who had taken refuge within its walls. Schomberg immediately opened upon it from his ships and land batteries, keeping up a fierce cannonade day and night during the entire period of the siege. The garrison made a stubborn resistance, and visited the besiegers with severe loss, which elicited the praise of Schomberg, and excited a spirit of vengeance among his followers. The walls being breached after the second day, the besieged had resort to a singular stratagem. The cattle within the walls were slaughtered, hauled up and thrown into the breach, and earth and stones being heaped over them, the place was soon as tenable as ever; their balls being spent, they tore the lead from the roof of the castle, and converted it into bullets; and at last, their powder being exhausted, and no succor arriving from the Irish army; after a siege of eight days, they surrendered on terms considered highly honorable. But these conditions were flagrantly violated after the evacuation; the prisoners, whom the English Annalist calls "brave fellows, but poorly clad," were subjected to treatment which darkens the history of the time; crimes too abominable for recital, were perpetrated by the foreign mercenaries on the defenceless inhabitants of the town: and Schomberg, who tried to check their excesses, only succeeded in rendering himself so unpopular as to affect unfavorably the result of the ensuing campaign.... Judging of this army of mercenaries on the authority of the historian, Taylor, they must, indeed, have been a godless host. "They were," says he,[21] "the outcasts of all society, familiar with every crime, abandoned to every excess. Vices for which language scarcely ventures to find a name; abominations that may not be described, and can scarcely be imagined, were constantly practised by these bandits. ... The traditions of the Irish Protestants and Catholics contain a horrid catalogue of the enormities practised by this 'black banditti;' and these accounts are fully confirmed by the narratives which the contemporary writers have given of their conduct in other countries. With these were joined some raw English levies, who found it much easier to imitate the debaucheries than to practise the discipline of the foreigners. Indeed, no worse scourge could be sent by an angry Providence than the army which now proceeded against Ireland."

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 8

22. Assault and destruction of Athlone bridge

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    After a fierce assault through the breach and into the market-place, Irish defenders destroyed the bridge arch to prevent the English crossing into Irishtown, with two hundred defenders killed in the action on 20 June 1691.

    Read the passage

    History has few parallels for the bravery and devotion of the gallant men who performed this act of self-immolation. Two hundred of them strewed the way from the breach to the bridge; but not a prisoner was taken, nor a color, to grace the enemy's triumph. This happened on the 20th of June. On the 22d a French lieutenant-colonel was found wounded and dying under the bridge; and, three days after, a pair of colors was found in the same place, under a heap of the slain, for which Ginckle gave the finder a reward of five guineas. Nor was it a defence without a purpose,--for valor is generally estimated by the end attained:--it saved the Irish town from the immediate grasp of the enemy, and was a fitting inauguration to a siege which, for heroic daring and unbending fortitude, has few examples in the history of warfare. They had done their work at the sacrifice of their lives; the siege was now about to be renewed between more equally matched forces; for, just as they had retired across the drawbridge, on the western side, St. Ruth's army appeared beyond the town, and he took speedy measures to stop the progress of the enemy.--Wauchop was placed in the command of the castle; d'Usson and de Tessé were installed as joint commandants of the town, and Fitzgerald retired to his former position in the army, as colonel of his few remaining veterans.

    Ginckle having thus gained the English town, removed all his artillery within the walls, and a train of eleven guns and three mortars having arrived in the mean time, he spent all the succeeding night in the erection of batteries. By the next morning he had five of them in full play against the Irish town and its defences:--two above the bridge, two below it--and one of five twenty-four pounders and six mortars at the foot of the bridge over against the eastern wall of the citadel. He next sent orders to hasten up his pontoons, which were on their way from Mullingar, and, warned by the desperate resistance he had just met, he took his precautions accordingly, and sent a requisition to Dublin for additional reinforcements.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone, you are near the site of a bridge assault in 1691. On 20 June, Irish defenders fought through the breach to the bridge and destroyed its arch to stop the English crossing into Irishtown. Two hundred of them were killed. The source says history has few parallels for the bravery and devotion of the men who performed this act of self-immolation. No prisoners were taken and no colors captured to grace the enemy's triumph. Two days later, a French lieutenant-colonel was found wounded and dying under the bridge. Three days after that, a pair of colors was found there under a heap of the slain, and Ginckle gave the finder a reward of five guineas. The defense saved the Irish town from immediate capture. As the defenders retired across the drawbridge on the western side, St. Ruth's army appeared beyond the town. Wauchop was placed in command of the castle, d'Usson and de Tessé became joint commandants of the town, and Fitzgerald retired to his former position as colonel of his few remaining veterans. Ginckle then moved all his artillery within the walls of the English town, and with 11 guns and 3 mortars that arrived, he spent the night erecting 5 batteries against the Irish town. He sent orders to hasten his pontoons from Mullingar and requested additional reinforcements from Dublin.

23. Confused night fight between Dutch and British troops at the walls

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    During the siege, Irish soldiers made a lodgement near the sally-port between the bridge and St. John's Gate and provoked a friendly-fire battle between Dutch and British regiments in the darkness, causing many casualties before the ruse was discovered.

    Read the passage

    Two of the guns found among the _débris_ at Ballyneety were still fit for use, and with these, his mortars, and field-train, he continued the bombardment, and by the 17th, he had pushed his lines of circumvallation close to the walls of the city. Nor were the besieged less active or determined in their resistance; every foot of the ground was dearly purchased, and no day went by without a sortie of the most desperate character. One of these, which occurred between the 17th and 20th, was of so novel a character as to demand a passing notice. As William's lines approached close to the walls, the fire from within was so fierce as to compel the soldiers to lie close within their trenches during the night. Those opposite the sally-port, between the bridge and St. John's Gate, were occupied by two regiments: the Blue Dutch and the British, between whom no very friendly feelings existed. The Irish, to whom this was known, taking advantage of the darkness, made a lodgement in one of the traverses, and threw in a stealthy fire on the Dutch. The latter seeing no enemy, and observing the British by the flash of the muskets, believed the fire came from them, and answered it by a deadly volley. This was immediately returned, and the two regiments commenced a murderous fire on each other, while the Irish, as occasion offered, directed a volley at each of them. After several had fallen victims to their own stupidity, the real cause was detected by one of the English generals, and troops were brought up to correct the evil, and chastise the authors of it; but these seeing the place getting too hot for them, rushed from their ambush and reached the city with little loss. The affray between the British and Dutch was not easily reconciled. The confusion of languages baffled, for some time, all attempts at explanation, and hostilities continued until both regiments were placed under arrest, and fresh troops stationed in the trenches. The blunder created great mirth among the Irish soldiers, but the besiegers redoubled their vigilance, and surprise was thenceforth a matter of impossibility. The most serious engagement that occurred after this, took place about the 22d, and was forced by the besieged for the purpose of destroying William's heavy guns before they could be got into position. Issuing out in force, at mid-day, they assailed the enemy's centre with such vigor that they drove it from the trenches; the Prince, who was present, retreated towards his quarters; but falling in his hurry, he had scarcely arisen when a cannonball tore up the very spot on which he had fallen, and after receiving a serious contusion from a fragment of a rock, splintered by the shot, he was carried to Ireton's Tower, nor did he appear again until the final assault. But the sortie ended in the repulse of the besieged, and the guns were rescued and placed in position.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, the city walls saw a strange night fight in 1690 during the siege. William's lines had pushed close to the walls by the 17th, and the trenches opposite the sally-port between the bridge and St. John's Gate were held by two regiments, the Blue Dutch and the British, who had no love for each other. The Irish knew this. In the darkness they slipped into one of the traverses and opened a stealthy fire on the Dutch. The Dutch, seeing no enemy and spotting the British by the flash of muskets, believed the fire came from them and answered with a deadly volley. The British returned it, and the two regiments began a murderous firefight on each other while the Irish loosed volleys at both whenever the chance arose. After several men fell to their own side's fire, one of the English generals detected the real cause and brought up troops to correct it. The Irish slipped from their ambush and reached the city with little loss. The confusion of languages baffled all attempts at explanation, and the fighting went on until both regiments were placed under arrest and fresh troops put in the trenches. The blunder created great mirth among the Irish soldiers, but the besiegers redoubled their vigilance, and surprise was thenceforth impossible.

24. Relief Troops Shot from Charlemont's Walls

    near Charlemont · village · Armagh · 1689–1690

    A relief force that had forced its way into Charlemont with supplies was later refused re-entry by O'Regan and placed on the counterscarp, where many were killed by Schomberg's bombardment while trying to survive outside the fort.

    Read the passage

    Believing that the fall of Belturbet, and the isolation of his position, must have dampened the ardor of Colonel O'Regan, the commandant of the Castle of Charlemont, Schomberg offered him honorable conditions in case he agreed to surrender the fort, but he found the spirit of this indomitable old chieftain as hopeful and defiant as ever. Since the arrival of Schomberg, he had succeeded in baffling all efforts to reduce the place; and, though now surrounded, and cut off on all sides from hope of succor, he thanked the duke for his offer, but replied that he would never surrender "his castle," and was determined to hold it for his king, or die in its ruins. He was, however, placed in a very embarrassing situation. Within the last few days a body of five hundred soldiers, bearing a scanty supply of ammunition and provisions, had forced their way into the garrison, and, having thus partially relieved it, were ordered unceremoniously to fight their way out again, but, in making the attempt, were driven back under the guns of the fort. The governor refused them admittance. He said that he was ordered to defend the place, and would do it, and looked on them as much his enemies as the troops of Schomberg. They were, therefore, placed on the counterscarp of the fort, where they were exposed to the fire of the enemy, and many of them were actually killed during the bombardment that followed. But, though in appearance, and in many of his characteristics, he affected the ogre, his heart relented; and, while he could bear to see them shot from the walls, he could not see them die of starvation, and so doled out his scanty provisions until they were consumed, and the garrison was reduced to all the horrors of a famine-siege. Every means of supporting life was now resorted to, and every effort for the reduction of the fort was in vain, until on the 14th of May, when, literally starved out, after a siege of nine, months from the landing of Schomberg, he capitulated, and marched out with what remained of his famished garrison. The terms granted him by Schomberg, who was impatient of delay, were highly honorable: the garrison was allowed to retire with arms and baggage, and the king, who neglected to succor him during this protracted siege, raised him to the order of knighthood, and he was henceforth known as Sir Teague O'Regan, and intrusted with the defence of Sligo, which he held until the last tocsin summoned him to Limerick.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

25. Hamilton Repels Caillemotte's Crossing

    Old Bridge · street · Tipperary · 1690

    Hamilton led a cavalry charge against Caillemotte's advancing Huguenot and British troops as they crossed the river, breaking them decisively. Caillemotte and several colonels were slain and more than half his command killed or wounded.

    Read the passage

    The troops of Caillemotte advanced rapidly to the mid-current, where they were met as the Dutch Guards had been, and, like them, were forcing their way against the Irish infantry, when Hamilton reached the scene of action. As he appeared, the infantry opened to the right and left to make way, and, with unchecked impulse, he rushed to the onset. The effect was instantaneous. In a moment, the enemy were helplessly broken, trampled, and dispersed. Caillemotte, two colonels, and two lieutenant-colonels were slain, more than half his command were either killed or wounded, and the remainder fled to the opposite side, pursued by the victorious cavalry. As they pressed the fugitives up to their lines, the Danish horse were precipitated against them, but were instantly broken, hurled back in confusion, and closely pressed on the columns now forming under the Duke of Schomberg. Rushing on wildly, and crying out "Horse! horse!" in great alarm, they created a panic, which was near ending in a total rout; when William again appeared among them, restored order in the ranks, and the Irish cavalry leisurely retired.

    William now collected all the infantry of the centre, while Schomberg, placing himself at the head of the cavalry, entered the river, and advanced with the same coolness and caution that had hitherto characterized all his movements. The Irish horse had just returned from the pursuit, and were drawn up on the river to oppose him. They did not wait for his whole force to get in motion, but as he approached the middle of the river, they bore down on him with their wonted impetuosity. The effect was the same as before. Schomberg and Walker of Derry were slain; dismay and inextricable confusion was the consequence, and all retreated to the northern side to reform. Taylor, in his short but life-like portraiture of this battle, says of the event just detailed: "Had James chosen this moment to place himself at the head of his troops, for one general charge, or had the French auxiliaries attacked the Dutch in flank, the event of the battle would certainly have restored his crown!" The poor king--he was at that very moment concerting a retreat on his left, outraged by his French general; and even his reserves were two miles from the scene of action!

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at the Old Bridge in Tipperary, one of the fiercest moments of the fighting in 1690 unfolded. Caillemotte's troops advanced rapidly to the mid-current of the river. They were met the same way the Dutch Guards had been before them, and like those Guards, they were forcing their way forward against the Irish infantry. Then Hamilton reached the scene. The infantry opened to the right and left to let him through, and with unchecked impulse he rushed to the onset. The effect was instantaneous. In a moment the enemy were helplessly broken, trampled, and dispersed. Caillemotte was slain, along with two colonels and two lieutenant-colonels. More than half his command were killed or wounded, and the remainder fled to the opposite side, pursued by the victorious cavalry. As they pressed the fugitives up to their own lines, the Danish horse were precipitated against them, but were instantly broken, hurled back in confusion, and closely pressed on the columns forming under the Duke of Schomberg. Rushing on wildly, crying out "Horse! horse!" in great alarm, they created a panic near ending in total rout, when William appeared among them, restored order, and the Irish cavalry leisurely retired. Then Schomberg placed himself at the head of the cavalry and entered the river. The Irish horse bore down on him as he reached the middle, and the effect was the same as before. Schomberg and Walker of Derry were slain, and all retreated to the northern side to reform. Taylor wrote of this moment that had James chosen to place himself at the head of his troops for one general charge, the event of the battle would certainly have restored his crown. But James was at that very moment concerting a retreat on his left, and even his reserves were two miles away.

26. Assassination of Henry Luttrell in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1717

    Henry Luttrell, accused of treason for secret correspondence with William and Baron Ginkle and an attempt to surrender Galway, later received a pension from William but was assassinated in Dublin in 1717 by an unknown assailant.

    Read the passage

    [51] The particular line of policy that brought this deputation to France, or the cause of Tyrconnell's future regret, is nowhere clearly indicated by the Duke of Berwick. But the treason of Henry Loutrell, during the subsequent stages of the war, is an accepted belief in Ireland and in her history. His secret correspondence with William and Baron Ginkle, and his attempt to surrender Galway, are well authenticated. After the war he received his elder brother's estate and a pension of 2,000 crowns annually from William, and was assassinated in Dublin in the year 1717--"nor could it ever be discovered by whom." (See Berwick's Memoirs, vol. i, p. 97.)

    [52] Berwick's Memoirs, vol. i., p. 71.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is where Henry Luttrell met his end in 1717. During the war he carried on secret correspondence with William and Baron Ginkle, and tried to surrender Galway to them. After it was over he took his elder brother's estate and a pension of 2,000 crowns a year from William. Then one day in this city he was killed, and as the record says, it could never be discovered by whom.

27. Berwick's Stratagem at Newry

    near Newry · town · Down · 1689

    The Duke of Berwick, with only 1,000 foot and 600 horse, used deception at Newry to make Schomberg believe a large Irish army awaited him, causing Schomberg to halt and eventually retreat without engaging.

    Read the passage

    Such was the army; discordant in language, in habit--in fine, in every thing but its love of plunder and confiscation, with which Schomberg now undertook the conquest of the country and the eradication of the Catholic faith; and had he moved directly on the capital without delay, there is hardly a doubt that he could have established his winter-quarters in it, for there was then no army on his front capable of offering any protracted opposition. Behind him, and to his right, lay the northern province, lately relieved from the presence of the Jacobite army; with no garrison but Charlemont, on the Blackwater, to concern his movements, and that, in the presence of the Enniskilleners, and in the midst of a population friendly to his cause, might have been safely disregarded. Far off towards its western confines lay a few detached encampments of the Irish, too remote to offer any timely opposition, while the garrison of Belturbet was so straitened and reduced by the late reverse at Newtownbutler, as to be scarcely able to maintain its position against the outlying insurgents of Fermanagh. At this moment he might have safely chosen at once, either to march westward across the whole breadth of the island, or direct upon the capital, without meeting a force capable of disputing his progress. But on his front lay Newry, and there, report said that a large army was encamped under the Count de Rosen and Hamilton, though, in truth, no body of any consequence had as yet left the capital, and these generals were then at Drogheda, engaged in the work of mobilizing and disciplining their raw levies. After spending several days, undecided whether to advance direct against it, or turn northward and undertake the siege of Charlemont, he at last adopted a middle course, which was to detach a force against that stronghold, while with the bulk of his army he felt his way cautiously towards Dublin. Proceeding slowly along the coast for several days, within easy communication of his fleet, he at last turned his steps towards Newry, to try the countenance of the enemy. The time lost by this indecision enabled the Duke of Berwick to anticipate him there, and with a force of 1,000 foot and 600 horse dragoons, hastily mustered, he stood prepared to oppose him. Knowing the futility of giving battle with such a small body of men to an army like that led by Schomberg, flushed with its recent success, he endeavored to effect by stratagem that which he could not by force. So, raising intrenchments at Newry, and causing a report to be spread through the enemy's ranks that he was marching forward to give him battle, the movements of the latter became more slow and cautious as he advanced. The country between the two armies was studded with hills favorable for deception, and on these Berwick posted videttes, within sight of the enemy, and took up a central position himself, making as bold a front as possible. Schomberg, on observing this, believed that the whole Irish army was drawn up to dispute his advance, and, halting his army, he encamped at the distance of two miles, and went at the head of fourteen squadrons to reconnoitre the position. Berwick in the centre, with only two troops of horse, caused his videttes to withdraw gradually, and ordered a flourish of trumpets, as if about to charge, when Schomberg hesitated, halted, and finally retired to his camp. He was followed at a safe distance by Berwick, and, the night soon closing, he spent it in hasty preparation; he strengthened his position, delivered ammunition to his troops, and resolved to attack in force the following morning. The morning came, every thing was in requisition for the great issue of arms, but no army appeared on his front, for Berwick had retired during the night, and marched to Drogheda to join the Duke of Tyrconnell, who had assembled an army there, and where the king had arrived to conduct the campaign in person.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 8

28. Breaking of the boom at Culmore and relief of Derry

    near Culmore · town · Derry · 1689

    On 28 July the English fleet of twenty warships and 300 transports bore up to the obstructions above Culmore Fort; the boom across the river was broken and Derry was partially relieved that day, with the siege fully lifted by 30 July.

    Read the passage

    On the 28th of July, the English fleet again appeared in Lough Foyle, and bore up steadily towards the obstructions above Culmore Fort, near the mouth of the river. It consisted of twenty ships of war, 300 transports laden with provisions and military stores, and 6,000 veteran troops under the command of General Kirke.[20] The result may be anticipated. The blockading army, not having cannon of sufficient calibre to sink the approaching vessels, the boom across the river was broken. Derry was partially relieved on that day, and, on the 30th, all attempts of the besiegers to thwart their movements had become futile. The whole fleet rode up the river, and succored the beleaguered town, and the Irish army, after a few days more, raised the siege, and retired towards Dublin, on which Marshal Schomberg was reported to be projecting a descent. On their way they were joined by the remnant of Mountcashel's command; nor was the news that preceded them in Dublin of a more cheering character. Since the siege had commenced, the famous battle of Killicrankie had been fought and won. There, on the 26th of May, Dundee, at the head of 2,000 Irish, and about the same number of Highlanders, defeated General Mackay's army of 8,000 veterans. But with this victory expired the hopes of the Jacobite cause in Scotland. Dundee received a mortal wound in the moment of victory; the Highlanders, dispirited by his death, dispersed after a few unimportant skirmishes, and what was left of the Irish contingent returned to their own country.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Culmore, you are near the spot where, in July 1689, an English fleet of 20 warships and 300 transports under General Kirke bore up the river towards the obstructions above Culmore Fort. The fleet carried 6,000 veteran troops and provisions. The blockading army had no cannon of sufficient calibre to sink the approaching vessels, and the boom across the river was broken. Derry was partially relieved that day, the 28th of July. Two days later, on the 30th, the whole fleet rode up the river and succored the beleaguered town. The Irish army raised the siege and retired towards Dublin, where Marshal Schomberg was reported to be projecting a descent. On their way they were joined by the remnant of Mountcashel's command. The news that reached Dublin was not cheering for the Jacobite cause either. Since the siege had commenced, the battle of Killiecrankie had been fought on the 26th of May. Dundee, at the head of 2,000 Irish and about the same number of Highlanders, defeated General Mackay's army of 8,000 veterans. But Dundee received a mortal wound in the moment of victory, the Highlanders dispersed, and what was left of the Irish contingent returned home.

29. Brigadier Talbot's rear attack routs the stormers

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    Brigadier Talbot led his men around the outside of Limerick's wall to attack the rear of William's assaulting force, throwing it into confusion and causing a precipitate flight back to camp, securing the city's survival.

    Read the passage

    Consternation seized on the besiegers; even the besieged, though expecting the event, were for a moment astonished, and each stood as it were paralyzed and watching each other in amazement. But the advantage was not lost; the men braced themselves again for the contest, the women rushed forward, calling on the men to follow, and with one impulse threw themselves in front of the enemy. The effect was electric; all caught the inspiration; generals, soldiers, citizens; all, with one desperate effort, hurled themselves on the masses of William, and bore them back bodily through the breach. In the mean time Brigadier Talbot, anticipating the result, led his men round the outside of the wall, and attacking the rear of the assaulting force with great spirit, put it into inextricable confusion; panic-stricken, they fled precipitately from the city, pursued to their camp by the victorious Irish--and Limerick was saved.

    The loss of William in this day's action was 2,000 men and one hundred and fifty-eight officers killed, and his casualties through the preceding eighteen days are estimated at 3,000 more. The loss of the besieged is nowhere definitely stated; but in the final assault they lost four hundred killed and wounded,--a small number for so great a result. But, as if to give a mournful grandeur to the event, many of the noble daughters of the city lay side by side in death with the men whose sterner natures they had animated to victory!

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, this is the city that held in 1690. William's army had stormed the breach. Consternation seized the besiegers, and even the besieged, though expecting it, stood for a moment paralyzed, watching each other in amazement. The advantage was not lost. The men braced themselves again, and the women rushed forward, calling on the men to follow, and threw themselves in front of the enemy. The effect was electric. Generals, soldiers, citizens, all caught the inspiration, and with one desperate effort hurled themselves on the masses of William and bore them back bodily through the breach. In the meantime Brigadier Talbot, anticipating the result, led his men round the outside of the wall and attacked the rear of the assaulting force with great spirit. He put it into inextricable confusion. Panic-stricken, they fled precipitately from the city, pursued to their camp by the victorious Irish, and Limerick was saved. William's loss that day was 2,000 men and 158 officers killed, with an estimated 3,000 more casualties over the preceding 18 days. The besieged lost 400 killed and wounded in the final assault. Many of the noble daughters of the city lay side by side in death with the men whose sterner natures they had animated to victory.

30. De Lausun declares Limerick untenable, mocks its defence

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    Arriving at Limerick, De Lausun pronounced the city untenable and ridiculed holding it against William's army, saying his master could take it with roast-apples, but Sarsfield and Berwick disagreed and resolved to defend it.

    Read the passage

    De Lausun, who had become quite disgusted with the condition of affairs to which he had so largely contributed since his arrival, now lost no opportunity of effecting his recall, by representing the Jacobite cause as hopeless. Arriving at Limerick, he at once pronounced the place untenable; commented on the forlorn condition of the troops; the dilapidated state of its defences; ridiculed the idea of holding it against the army of the Prince of Orange; and in the excess of irony, declared that "his master could take it with roast-apples." Sarsfield and Berwick thought differently. It was their principal depot of provisions and military stores; one of the few ports of entry that now remained in their possession, and being moreover the key to the defences of the river, its loss would be soon followed by the total subjugation of the island. They accordingly set their minds on holding it to the last extremity, and being joined in this resolution by the governor, De Boïsselau, they at once set about strengthening its fortifications. De Lausun, finding that his motives were understood, and that he no longer possessed the confidence or respect of the Irish leaders, withdrew his men, military chest, and artillery from the city, and encamped within view of it, on the Clare side of the river, where he remained an inactive spectator of the events that succeeded. But whatever were the motives of De Lausun, the strait to which the city was at this time reduced could hardly be underrated. The provisions of the garrison were quite inadequate to the maintenance of such a force for any considerable time; its ammunition was nearly exhausted, and there were only nine guns, and those of inferior calibre, on its walls. The late reverse had opened up all the country to the east of the Shannon to the arms of William, and on the southern side, round to Cork, there was hardly a fortress capable of offering a day's resistance. The forts of Kilkenny and Clonmel, in the interior, which had been dismantled during the war of the Confederacy, had been neglected during this, and could hardly retard his march from the seaboard longer than to comply with the forms of capitulation. Commerce, which had been hitherto carried on briskly between this city and France, ceased as the risks increased; the shipment of military stores was suspended; and operations in the field had become utterly impracticable. The treasury, too, was empty. The sum of 50,000 pistoles which the king left with Tyrconnell, was soon expended; the troops had become clamorous for pay, and private contributions were no longer to be obtained. The king's Catholic subjects throughout the eastern counties, were beset by the soldiers of William, and the king once departed, the entire Protestant population transferred their allegiance. Still every motive of pride and interest impelled the Irish leaders to more determined resistance, for there was now no alternative between success and total ruin. They had indicated the Shannon as the proper base of operations during the earlier stages of the war, and now that they were driven to it as a necessity, its defence became doubly imperative. Should they now fail to defend it successfully, their former importunities would be looked on as the effect of a weak and vacillating spirit, and the king would be more than justified in having rejected their counsel. All these considerations stirred them to renewed action, and the work of preparation was carried on with vigor. In consequence of their straitened means, one of their first measures was a reduction of the garrison. All the cavalry, and 8,000 infantry were retained for the defence; a few regiments were distributed at the different forts along the river up to Lanesborough, and the rest were sent to live on the country, subject to immediate service when called on.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you come into Limerick, this is the city that in 1690 became the great test of the Jacobite cause. When De Lausun arrived here he at once pronounced the place untenable. He pointed to the forlorn condition of the troops and the dilapidated state of the defences, and ridiculed the idea of holding it against William's army. In the excess of irony he declared that his master could take it, in his words, "with roast-apples." Sarsfield and Berwick thought differently. Limerick was their principal depot of provisions and military stores, one of the few ports of entry that remained in their possession, and the key to the defences of the river, so its loss would soon be followed by the subjugation of the whole island. They set their minds on holding it to the last extremity, and the governor, De Boïsselau, joined them. They set about strengthening the fortifications at once. De Lausun, finding his motives understood and his confidence with the Irish leaders gone, withdrew his men, military chest, and artillery from the city and encamped on the Clare side of the river, where he remained an inactive spectator. The strait the city was reduced to could hardly be underrated. The garrison's provisions were inadequate, ammunition was nearly exhausted, and there were only nine guns of inferior calibre on the walls. The treasury was empty. The 50,000 pistoles the king left with Tyrconnell were soon expended, the troops were clamorous for pay, and commerce with France had ceased. All cavalry and 8,000 infantry were retained for the defence, a few regiments distributed at forts along the river up to Lanesborough, and the rest sent to live on the country, subject to immediate service when called on.

31. Destruction of the mill garrison at Athlone bridge

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    A detachment of sixty-four Irish soldiers stationed in a mill in the middle of the Shannon at Athlone, tasked with firing on the broken bridge arch, perished in flames when the mill was set alight by enemy fire, with only two survivors.

    Read the passage

    Ginckle soon saw that to silence the guns of the castle was a work of the first necessity, and to this end all his heavy guns and mortars were at once directed. The labor of the gunners on both sides now became incessant. Night brought no respite to the toils and dangers of the day. The weather was extremely hot; an unusual drought had prevailed, rendering the fascines as dry as tinder; and their continual ignition made the work of the soldiers more harassing. The skies were clear, and the evening twilight almost ushered in the dawn, while the glare of the batteries lit up the intrenchments and rendered the assailants and assailed continually visible to each other, while the fire of Ginckle's mortars, being directed on the houses beyond the castle, added perpetual conflagration to the other horrors of the scene. After a short time, a mill which stood in the middle of the river, to the north of the bridge, and into which the Irish had thrown a detachment of sixty-four men to keep up a fire on the broken arch, attracted the fire of the enemy. The passage which connected it with the bridge was soon broken down, and the building itself taking fire, the whole detachment--with two exceptions--perished in the flames. The wall of the castle crumbled bit by bit, a rent became discernible in the eastern wall, and gradually widening, the greater part of the front gave way, strewing the passage to the bridge, choking up the sally-port, and exposing the interior to the great guns of the besiegers.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone in Westmeath, the town was the scene of a grim episode in 1691 during the Williamite war. General Ginckle turned all his heavy guns and mortars on the castle, and the bombardment went on night and day without respite. The weather was extremely hot and a long drought had dried everything out, making the soldiers' work all the more hazardous. The Irish placed a detachment of 64 men in a mill that stood in the middle of the Shannon, north of the bridge, to keep up a fire on the broken arch. The enemy soon directed their fire at the mill, broke down the passage that connected it to the bridge, and set the building alight. The whole detachment perished in the flames, all but two men. Around the same time the castle wall crumbled bit by bit until a rent appeared in the eastern wall, widened, and the greater part of the front gave way, strewing the passage to the bridge with rubble, choking the sally-port, and exposing the interior to the besiegers' great guns.

32. Gates of Derry closed against Antrim's regiment

    Derry · street · Tipperary · 1688

    On 7 December, the gates of Derry were closed against the Earl of Antrim's regiment of Highlanders sent by Tyrconnell at the invitation of the city's governor. This act triggered the call to arms throughout Ulster and marked the beginning of open resistance to Tyrconnell's authority.

    Read the passage

    On the 7th of December the gates of Derry were closed against the Earl of Antrim's regiment of Highlanders sent thither by Tyrconnell on the invitation of its governor, and the call to arms was sounded through all the province of Ulster. Blaney, Walker, Keames, Kelso, Skeffington, and Rawdon called a convention, and assuming their right to dispose of the country, tendered its allegiance to William. They then entered into a league "for the maintenance of the Protestant religion and the dependency of Ireland upon England," and placed themselves at the head of the military organizations formed throughout the province: and Enniskillen, Culmore, Sligo, Coleraine--nearly all the important posts from Down to Donegal, and from Cavan to Antrim--were seized on and garrisoned in the name of the Prince of Orange.

    It is scarcely necessary to say, that the 9th of December came and passed without any manifestation of that murderous design attributed to the Catholics. The conspiracy was on the other side, and manifested itself in the following manner. Major Poor, who had served in a dragoon regiment under Cromwell, had got the command of two companies of cavalry, from "The League." With this force he commenced a series of raids on the inhabitants of Louth, and levied a tax of £500 on the tenantry of Lord Bellew. Hearing of this, Bellew sent his son, a youth of eighteen, with a company of dragoons, to assist the farmers in resisting the tax. These troops met and fought for some time with the most determined bravery, until Bellew, closing with the Major, killed him with a blow of his pistol on the head, when the troops of the Major took flight, leaving their dead and wounded behind them. This was the first act of open hostility: it aroused the Catholic people to the necessity of defensive measures, and quickened that martial spirit, never extinguished; their hearts responded to the war-note of the times; but what could the spirit do, but chafe at delay? Their country was impoverished, and they had neither arms nor organization.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 4

33. Governor de Boïsselau refuses William's summons to surrender

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    When William sent a regular summons demanding surrender of Limerick, Governor de Boïsselau politely refused, stating he was resolved to defend the city for King James in a manner to win William's respect.

    Read the passage

    When William had made the necessary disposition of his forces, he sent a regular summons to the governor--de Boïsselau--for the surrender of the city, but to this a polite answer was returned through his secretary, to the effect, that he could not comply with the demand; that he was there to defend the city for King James; and that he was resolved to do it, in such a manner as to win the respect of his master, the Prince of Orange. William lost no time in putting this resolution to the test, and had soon made all the dispositions for a regular siege. His main body rested nearly opposite to St. John's Gate, with the Danish troops well extended, encircling the city round on the south and south-west; and his right towards King's Island, with a division opposite to the bridge that connected it with the Irish town. Batteries were soon constructed, bearing on those different points, and, establishing his headquarters in Ireton's tower, which commanded a view of the entire front, he opened a fierce and incessant cannonade. The spirited reply of the besieged soon convinced him that they had set their minds on defending their city to the last extremity, and that the siege would be protracted and desperate. The batteries on King's Island were particularly troublesome; the guns there being so well served, that they did great execution on his right and centre, and after a short time, the former was compelled to withdraw from the river, and the latter to shift ground and heighten its defences. Finding, after a bombardment of two days, that he had inflicted no serious damage, William relaxed his fire on the wall, directed his mortars against the interior of the town, and dispatched orders to Clonmel to hasten up his battering train and pontoons, which had been conveyed by the fleet to Waterford, and were now on their way to his camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Limerick, you are passing the city that Governor de Boïsselau refused to surrender to William in 1690. William had made the necessary disposition of his forces and sent a regular summons to the governor demanding the surrender of the city. De Boïsselau returned a polite answer through his secretary. He could not comply with the demand. He was there to defend the city for King James, and he was resolved to do it in such a manner as to win the respect of his master, the Prince of Orange. William lost no time in putting that resolution to the test. He made all the dispositions for a regular siege. His main body rested nearly opposite to St. John's Gate, with the Danish troops well extended, encircling the city round on the south and south-west. His right lay towards King's Island, with a division opposite to the bridge that connected it with the Irish town. Batteries were soon constructed bearing on those different points. Establishing his headquarters in Ireton's tower, which commanded a view of the entire front, he opened a fierce and incessant cannonade. The spirited reply of the besieged soon convinced him that they had set their minds on defending their city to the last extremity. The batteries on King's Island were particularly troublesome. The guns there were so well served that they did great execution on his right and centre. After a short time his right was compelled to withdraw from the river, and his centre had to shift ground and heighten its defences. Finding after a bombardment of two days that he had inflicted no serious damage, William relaxed his fire on the wall and directed his mortars against the interior of the town. He dispatched orders to Clonmel to hasten up his battering train and pontoons, which had been conveyed by the fleet to Waterford and were now on their way to his camp.

34. The Dutch Guards Cross at Old Bridge

    Old Bridge · street · Tipperary · 1690

    The Dutch Guards detached from William's main force and crossed the river at Old Bridge under fire, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat with the Irish. Major Arthur of the Irish Guards killed the enemy leader with his pike before being wounded himself.

    Read the passage

    It was well on to noon, and the tide was on the return, when the firing ceased on Duke Schomberg's front, and the Dutch Guards, accompanied by their band, detached themselves from the main body and moved down to the river. Here the music of the band ceased; the guards formed in compacted columns, twenty abreast, and commenced the passage of the river in the face of a well-directed fire.[29] When they had all got below the level of their own artillery, its fire was again directed against the Irish intrenchments, and compelled the men there to lie close in their works, until the guards got beyond the mid current and began to ascend on the opposite side, when they quitted their defences, and advanced into the river to meet them, and, as they closed, Major Arthur, of the Irish Guards, singling out the leader of the enemy, passed his pike through his body. This stimulated his men to action; a desperate conflict ensued; the Dutch Guards were held in check for a considerable time, and many fell on both sides, and were trampled beneath the current.

    The Dutch Guards were the household troops of the Prince of Orange; were fighting under his eye, and formed a compact body of five thousand men, while the Irish were mostly raw levies, inferior in number, and indifferently armed with pikes and muskets. The result was doubtful for some time, until Major Arthur was wounded and conveyed to the rear; disheartened and borne back by the weight of numbers, his troops gradually gave ground; and the Dutch troops advanced and effected a landing. As they reached the firm ground above the river, they were charged by the dragoons of Clare and Dungan, and wavered; but Lord Dungan being slain, the dragoons became panic-stricken and retreated, nor could they again be brought to the charge. In this state of indecision the Dutch renewed their assault, and established a position in the broken ground behind the Irish line. The position was a strong one, and at once laid bare the intrenchments on the river, while it afforded a protection against the Irish cavalry; and here they remained during the succeeding events of the day, suffering severely, but defying every attempt to dislodge them.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street at Old Bridge, in 1690, the Dutch Guards crossed the river under fire. They were the household troops of the Prince of Orange, a compact body of 5000 men, and they formed columns twenty abreast and began the passage with their band playing until the music stopped at the water's edge. The Irish, mostly raw levies, inferior in number and armed with pikes and muskets, left their intrenchments and advanced into the river to meet them. As the two sides closed, Major Arthur of the Irish Guards singled out the enemy leader and passed his pike through his body. A desperate hand-to-hand conflict followed, and many fell on both sides and were trampled beneath the current. The Dutch were held in check for a considerable time. Then Major Arthur was wounded and carried to the rear. His troops, disheartened and borne back by weight of numbers, gradually gave ground, and the Dutch effected a landing. On firm ground they were charged by the dragoons of Clare and Dungan and wavered, but Lord Dungan was slain and the dragoons became panic-struck and retreated. The Dutch renewed their assault and established a position in the broken ground behind the Irish line, a strong one that laid bare the intrenchments on the river. They remained there through the rest of the day, suffering severely but defying every attempt to dislodge them.

35. Churches of Kilcommodon and Kilconel Stand Sentinel Over the Camp

    Kilconnell · parish · Galway · 1691

    On the eve of battle, the churches of Kilcommodon and Kilconel in the rear of the Irish encampment appeared like sentinels, evoking the ages of faith as the soldiers prepared spiritually for the coming fight.

    Read the passage

    The eve of battle had come:--that hour which best attunes the soldier's heart to sympathy and devotion; and many associations contributed to render that one more than usually impressive. It was at once the season of full moon and perpetual twilight, and the sultry glare of day was succeeded by that chastened yet abundant radiance that at once soothes and spiritualizes; and, above all, it was the Sabbath eve, which more than any other awakens the sacred memories of love, home, and kindred.--The crest of Kilcommodon, studded from end to end with the white tents of the soldiers, stood out in its isolation like a city of silver, while the castles of Urrachree and Aughrim on the front, and the churches of Kilcommodon and Kilconel in the rear, seemed as sentinels of the place, and carried back the mind to the ages of faith and chivalry. Nor was the scene passing throughout the encampment less characteristic of the time and the event.--From sunset until the hours that precede the dawn, the chaplains of the army knew no repose: the voice of prayer arose on all hands, and the soldiers approached the confessional to prepare for the great sacrifice of the Mass, by which the human ordeal of the morrow was to be inaugurated. Towards morning heavy clouds obscured the moon, and darkness deepened over hill and valley, until all became as drear and dismal as it had before been full of grandeur and celestial loveliness:--nothing was heard but the challenge of the sentinels on their rounds, and the occasional neigh of the war-horse; and nothing seen but the distant watch-fires where the pickets on the eastern hills kept watch above the camp of the enemy.

    How commendable is the spirit of religion on such occasions! History, sacred and profane, delights to record this manifestation of the divinity in man. The Israelites never joined battle without offering sacrifice, and even the pagan nations always propitiated their gods on the eve of battle. And yet we find this instance of it in the Irish people made a subject of the lowest ribaldry, even by the reverend historian of William's army. Without, however, entering on a disquisition as to the efficacy of prayer, or what providence, or good or evil directs the destiny of nations, a precedent in point may not be considered inappropriate.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

36. Death of Colonel Richard Grace at Athlone bridge

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    The veteran Colonel Richard Grace, who had served as a volunteer during the siege, was found dead amid the slain under the western end of Athlone's bridge, a fitting site for the fall of the patriot warrior.

    Read the passage

    The loss of life by which Ginckle gained possession of this town is variously estimated. Twelve hundred would perhaps cover all the casualties of the siege, but in addition to this he expended fifty tons of gunpowder, 12,000 cannonball, 600 bombs, and innumerable tons of stone, hurled from the mortars whenever the shell became exhausted. The Irish army, during the same period, accepting the highest estimate, suffered a diminution of 2,300 men, of whom 500 were slain, and 566 captured in the last surprise and assault. Its loss in officers was very great--too great for specification. Among them were the French adjutant-general, the two Colonels McGuinness, Colonels McMahon and O'Gara, and the veteran Colonel Richard Grace, whose body was found amid the slain under the western end of the bridge, where it had lain since the assault of the previous morning,--and there could be no place more appropriate for the fall of that patriot warrior. The booty taken within the town is thus summed up by the English chaplain, Story: "A good store of plunder among the ruins, and a great many dead men in the castle, with about twenty barrels of powder, twelve hogsheads of meal, some wheat, and a great many other things."

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Athlone now, the town that changed hands in the siege of 1691. Ginckle took it at a heavy cost: around 1,200 casualties, 50 tons of gunpowder, 12,000 cannonball, 600 bombs. The Irish losses ran higher still, up to 2,300 men diminished, 500 slain and 566 captured in the final assault. Among the dead officers were Colonels McGuinness, McMahon, O'Gara, and the veteran Colonel Richard Grace. He had served as a volunteer through the siege. His body was found amid the slain under the western end of Athlone's bridge, where it had lain since the assault of the previous morning. The source calls it a fitting site for the fall of that patriot warrior. After the town fell, the English chaplain Story counted the booty: plunder among the ruins, dead men in the castle, about 20 barrels of powder, 12 hogsheads of meal, some wheat, and a great many other things.

37. Destruction of the Irish Guards Near Donore

    Donore · town · Meath · 1690

    Three regiments of Irish Guards under Tyrconnell, Parker, and Gordon O'Neil offered stern resistance near Donore against Hanmer's cavalry, suffering catastrophic losses including the Earl of Carlingford and numerous officers killed, until Berwick's cavalry charge saved the survivors.

    Read the passage

    But the balance of the day was inclining, and the fates were again propitious to William. Nassau pressed fiercely on. The Dutch Guards assumed the offensive, and their fire became destructive. The Irish generals exhausted every effort to animate their troops, but in vain. Attacked in front and rear by superior numbers, they at last broke, abandoned the river, and withdrew in good order towards Donore. The command of Nassau, on ascending from the river, were joined by the Dutch Blues, and both turned their attention to where the Irish Guards were still offering a stern resistance to Hanmer.[32] The position of these troops now became critical in the extreme, and a short time would see them either all slain or captured by the enemy. There was scarce an alternative, when Berwick arrived with a portion of the cavalry of the right, charged vigorously, and held the enemy in check until the remnant of these famous guards retired. This was the most destructive conflict of the day to the Irish; "for," says King James in his Memoirs, "the greater part of the exempts and brigadiers in both corps were killed, likewise the Earl of Carlingford, M. d'Amande, and several other volunteers that served with them. Nugent and Casanova were wounded in Tyrconnell's, Major O'Meara and Sir Charles Tooke were killed, and Bada wounded. In Parker's, the Colonel was wounded; Green, the Lieutenant-Colonel, Doddington, the Major, and several officers were killed; and in both squadrons there remained but thirty men unhurt."

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

38. Lanier pursues Sarsfield's raiders to Banagher

    Banagher · town · Offaly · 1690

    Sir John Lanier was sent with 500 horse to intercept Sarsfield's returning raiders but arrived too late; Sarsfield changed course east of the Keeper mountains and reached Banagher, over forty miles away, to recruit his men before returning safely.

    Read the passage

    Darkness had settled over camp and city as Sarsfield crossed the Thomond Bridge, and followed his Rapparee guides into the open country beyond. For some time he pursued his course northward, in order to avoid the road by the river, the cavalry of William being extended as far as O'Brien's Bridge; but when distance removed apprehension, he wheeled eastward at Fahy, urged his command to greater speed, and crossed the bridge of Kilaloe towards midnight. He then struck southward through Newport and Murruo, crossed the Dead River and its tributaries, and as morning dawned, ambushed in the mountain district, about two miles north of the route from Clonmel to Limerick. Here he threw forward his scouts in the direction of Clonmel, to watch the convoy and give timely notice of its approach; but the day passed on, and the night was somewhat advanced, when the lumbering train at last appeared, and halted at a short distance from the place of ambush. The men were now within seven miles of their own camp; the little chapel of Ballyneety, which stood near the roadside, offered a pleasant resting-place; and being in no apprehension of danger, they resolved to bivouac there for the night, and reach the camp early on the following morning. Having made their arrangements and lit their fires, they betook themselves to rest, and were soon wrapped in slumber around and within the walls of the ruin, when the Rapparees, who had watched them throughout the day, taking note of their numbers and disposition, repaired to the general and informed him that the hour had come, and the word was "Sarsfield." The assault that followed was a complete surprise to the enemy, who offered but an ineffectual resistance. In a few minutes over sixty of them were slain, the rest put to flight, and Sarsfield turned his attention to the main object of the expedition. The cannon, eight in number, were loaded to the muzzles and buried deep in the earth: around and over those were pressed the ammunition and ball: over them were laid the chests, wagons, and carriages: the tin boats were next destroyed and placed on top: a train was then laid, and the troop-horses, and all that was portable, were secured and started in advance: and last of all, Sarsfield, with his own hand, lit the train and retired. Then followed that terrible explosion, which is said to have shaken the earth for fifteen miles around, and startled the Prince of Orange in his camp. But, notwithstanding the precautions taken by Sarsfield, his movements had not been unobserved. An Irish Williamite, named Manus O'Brien, had met the detachment on its way towards Kilaloe, and divining that it was on some expedition of importance, hastened to the English camp, and requested an audience of the Prince. He succeeded after considerable delay, and communicated his intelligence; but the Prince, though suspecting at once the design of Sarsfield, looked on it as futile, and took no further notice at the time; yet, as the night waned, he sent out Sir John Lanier, with five hundred horse, to meet the convoy, and ordered the fords of the river to be well guarded to intercept the Irish troops on their return. The delay of O'Brien was providential. Lanier had got within a short distance of the place when he heard the explosion, and pressed on with the hope of intercepting the enemy, but only reached the ground as Sarsfield retired. Warned by the appearance of Lanier that it would be dangerous to return as he had come, he changed his course, passed to the east of the Keeper mountains, and holding his way through Upper and Lower Ormond, he, on the following evening, reached the town of Banagher,[44] a distance of more than forty miles, where he halted to recruit his men, and returned through Galway and Clare without the loss of a man.[45]

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

39. Plantation of Ulster confiscates six counties

    Ulster · province · 1607–1610

    Following the flight of O'Neill, a tract of 500,000 acres across the six counties of Donegal, Tyrone, Derry, Fermanagh, Cavan, and Armagh was seized by the king and parcelled out to English and Scottish Undertakers, deliberately displacing the native Irish population.

    Read the passage

    The work of settlement was soon commenced, under the supervision of the king, privy council, committees of conference, committees of inquiry, contractors, undertakers, speculators, and commissioners names of ominous import in Ireland and so often revived there that her people can rehearse them like a catechism. "In the six counties of Donegal, Tyrone, Derry, Farmanagh, Cavan, and Armagh, a tract of country containing 500,000 acres, was seized upon by the king and parcelled out in lots to Undertakers."[2] The "domains" of the attainted lords were assumed to include all the lands inhabited by their clans, and so far were the king's new arrangements from respecting the rights of the ancient natives, that "the fundamental ground of this _plantation_ was the avoiding of natives and planting only with British."

    That this cruel policy was carried out to the letter, would seem scarcely credible. But let the authority already quoted settle that matter. "It is true," says Sir Thomas Phillips, in "Harris's Hibernia," "that after the prescribed number of freeholders and leaseholders were settled on every townland, and the rents therein set down, _they might let the remainder to natives, for lives, so as they were conformable in religion, and for the favor_ to DOUBLE THEIR RENTS!" Even so, to double their rents, if natives, though conformable in religion. A _high favor_, and all for the love of God!

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 2

40. Protestant mob plunders Sarsfield's house in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1690

    After the Jacobite withdrawal from Dublin, a Protestant mob rioted and plundered Catholic gentry's houses, singling out General Sarsfield's house for special violence, rifling and demolishing it, while the governor Fitzgerald struggled to restore order.

    Read the passage

    On the withdrawal of the Jacobite authorities from Dublin, a scene of riot and plunder took place there which threatened the safety of the city. The Protestant mob, in defiance of all legal restraint, had commenced to plunder the houses of the Catholic gentry. Among them, the house of General Sarsfield became an object for special violence, and was rifled and totally demolished. The infuriated populace fled to the suburbs, and threatened to burn the city. Fitzgerald, the governor, did all that he could to protect life and property, but the riot increased in violence, and the greatest consternation prevailed among "the better sort." In this emergency, a messenger was dispatched to William's camp for a force sufficient to suppress these outrages, but he turned a deaf ear to the entreaty, and continued unmoved in his present quarters. He is accordingly much censured by the contemporary writers of his own party, for this neglect of what they considered the primary duty of a king who had taken them under his special protection. But, all things considered, the Prince was not so much to blame in this connection. The troops by whom he was surrounded, when from under his own eye, were entirely uncontrollable. They had given proof of this before Carrickfergus. There the presence of Schomberg was insufficient to check their excesses, and now, had they entered the city of Dublin during this tumult, they would but add fuel to the flame; and in this light the conduct of the Prince might be looked on rather as an act of forbearance than otherwise. But the truth is, that William, at that moment, was disturbed by graver considerations than the safety of his good citizens of Dublin. His spies at the French court, and his friends in England, kept him duly apprised of all that transpired abroad touching his interests. Immediately after the surrender of Drogheda, he had received intelligence of the situation of affairs, both on the continent and in England, since his departure, and that intelligence was not very assuring. The career of Luxembourg; the defeat of Admiral Torrington, and the preparations of de Seignelay, had wrought a change in the sentiment of the English people, and his presence among them had become a matter of pressing necessity. His fleet of transports, which accompanied him along the coast, was now moored at Drogheda; his army was encamped there, and his ordnance and military stores were still at hand, and he remained there but to watch the current of events, undecided whether to re-embark at once for England, and leave Ireland to its fate, or to risk his hold on England, by advancing into the country to renew a campaign but just inaugurated.--A few days, however, decided his course.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are travelling through a city that saw violent disorder in 1690. After the Jacobite authorities withdrew, a Protestant mob broke loose and began plundering the houses of the Catholic gentry. General Sarsfield's house was singled out for special violence and was rifled and totally demolished. The mob then fled to the suburbs and threatened to burn the city itself. Fitzgerald, the governor, did everything he could to protect life and property, but the riot only grew worse, and what the source calls the better sort were stricken with consternation. A messenger was sent to William's camp for a force to suppress the outrages, but he turned a deaf ear and stayed where he was. Writers of his own party censured him for it. But William had his reasons. His troops had already proven uncontrollable even under Schomberg's eye at Carrickfergus, and sending them into a rioting city might only have added fuel to the flame. He was also troubled by graver news. After the surrender of Drogheda he had learned of Luxembourg's career, Admiral Torrington's defeat, and de Seignelay's preparations, all of which had shifted sentiment in England and made his presence there a pressing need. His transports were moored at Drogheda, his army encamped there, and he stayed undecided whether to re-embark for England and leave Ireland to its fate or press on into the country. A few days settled the matter.

41. Battle of Kinsale ends O'Neill's rebellion

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1602

    The rebellion led by Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, assuming national proportions, continued with almost unvaried success until the battle of Kinsale in 1602, which led to a treaty subsequently violated after the queen's death.

    Read the passage

    The latter half of Elizabeth's reign had been disturbed by a series of revolutions in Ireland. The first of these was headed by the Earl of Desmond, in defence of religious liberty; it extended all over Munster, and ended in his death and the confiscation of that province. Shortly after it was revived by Hugh O'Neil, Earl of Tyrone, and assuming national proportions, continued with almost unvaried success to the battle of Kinsale, in 1602, and terminated in a treaty which was wantonly violated after the queen's death. These wars extended through a period of more than twenty years, and left Ireland greatly prostrated on the accession of James I.; but the country was beginning to revive, and, under a fostering hand, it would soon have been content and prosperous. It was hoped, too, that as James, while king of Scotland, had contributed much to foment the uprising of O'Neil, he would be as instrumental in allaying the causes that led to it. The English "Undertakers," however, looked on an Irish war as a prelude to a general confiscation, and felt bitter disappointment at the terms accorded to the Irish rebels by the late queen. The apportionment of one province, which took place after the death of Desmond, did not satisfy them, while Ulster, a wealthy and populous one, was still left in the possession of the natives. The Scotch followers of James could not understand the thing at all, and attributed it to the dotage of the queen. In this state of affairs, the king saw an opportunity of rendering himself acceptable alike to his English and Scotch subjects. It was an age fruitful in plots and expedients, when plunder took the name of civilization, and avarice stalked forth under the cloak of religion. "The artful Cecil," the contriver and discoverer of many plots, was consulted by the king, and a scheme was laid for the violation of the compact of Mellifont, and the confiscation of Ulster. Lord Chichester was then deputy for Ireland;--but the words of Dr. Jones, the king's bishop of Meath, will tell the matter with sufficient brevity:[1] "Anno 1607, there was a providential discovery of another rebellion in Ireland, the Lord Chichester being deputy; _the discoverer not being willing to appear_, a letter from him, _not subscribed_, was superscribed to Sir William Usher, clerk of the council, and dropt in the council-chamber, then held in Dublin Castle, in which was mentioned a design for seizing the Castle and murdering the deputy, with a general revolt and dependence on Spanish forces; and this also for religion; for particulars whereof I refer to that letter, dated March the 19th, 1607."--This letter was read, and O'Neil, the late leader of the Irish, was singled out as the head and front of the supposed conspiracy.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale in Cork, you are passing the town where the battle of Kinsale was fought in 1602, the battle that ended Hugh O'Neill's rebellion. The latter half of Elizabeth's reign had been disturbed by a series of revolutions in Ireland. The first was headed by the Earl of Desmond in defence of religious liberty, and it extended all over Munster and ended in his death and the confiscation of that province. Shortly after, it was revived by Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. His rising assumed national proportions and continued with almost unvaried success to the battle of Kinsale in 1602, and terminated in a treaty which was wantonly violated after the queen's death. These wars extended through a period of more than twenty years and left Ireland greatly prostrated on the accession of James I. But the country was beginning to revive, and under a fostering hand it would soon have been content and prosperous. It was hoped too that as James, while king of Scotland, had contributed much to foment the uprising of O'Neill, he would be as instrumental in allaying the causes that led to it. The English Undertakers, however, looked on an Irish war as a prelude to a general confiscation, and felt bitter disappointment at the terms accorded to the Irish rebels by the late queen. The apportionment of one province, which took place after the death of Desmond, did not satisfy them, while Ulster, a wealthy and populous one, was still left in the possession of the natives. The Scotch followers of James could not understand the thing at all and attributed it to the dotage of the queen. In this state of affairs the king saw an opportunity of rendering himself acceptable alike to his English and Scotch subjects.

42. Castle of Aughrim Held by the Burke Brothers

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    The Castle of Aughrim, dismantled since the Cromwellian war, anchored St Ruth's left flank and was defended by two regiments of musketeers and dragoons under Colonels Walter and David Burke, supported by artillery to rake the approach.

    Read the passage

    Of the generals who commanded the respective divisions of St. Ruth's army, or of the regiments that constituted them, little can be established from contemporary or subsequent historians, beyond this:--That Colonel Walter Burke and his brother, Colonel David Burke, held the Castle of Aughrim and its defences; that Lord Bophin, Brigadier Henry Luttrell, Colonels Simon Luttrell, and Ulick Burke commanded on the left; that Major-Generals Dorrington, H. M. J. O'Neil, Brigadier Gordon O'Neil, Colonels Felix O'Neil, and Anthony Hamilton, held the centre; and that Lords Kilmallock, Galmoy, Galway, Clare, and Colonel James Talbot commanded on the right. And judging from the positions held by those leaders respectively, and the regiments they indicate, it may be inferred that the Munster troops were on the right, the Leinster and Ulster troops in the centre, and that those of Connaught held the left and its surroundings.

    In addition to those division and regimental commanders, the marshalling of the entire infantry was deputed to General William Mansfield Barker, and that of the cavalry to Major-General John Hamilton;[69] and the whole was commanded by the Marquis de St. Ruth and Lieutenant-General Sarsfield,[70] aided by Generals d'Usson and de Tessé, and other officers of established reputation.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Aughrim in Galway is where the road takes you through ground St Ruth's army held in 1691. The Castle of Aughrim, dismantled since the Cromwellian war, anchored the left flank of his line. Colonel Walter Burke and his brother Colonel David Burke held the castle and its defences, with two regiments of musketeers and dragoons, supported by artillery set to rake the approach. Commanding on the left with them were Lord Bophin, Brigadier Henry Luttrell, Colonels Simon Luttrell, and Ulick Burke. The centre was held by Major-Generals Dorrington and H. M. J. O'Neil, Brigadier Gordon O'Neil, Colonels Felix O'Neil, and Anthony Hamilton. On the right, Lords Kilmallock, Galmoy, Galway, Clare, and Colonel James Talbot commanded. The Munster troops stood on the right, the Leinster and Ulster troops in the centre, and those of Connaught held the left. General William Mansfield Barker marshalled the infantry, Major-General John Hamilton the cavalry. The whole army was commanded by the Marquis de St. Ruth and Lieutenant-General Sarsfield, aided by Generals d'Usson and de Tessé.

43. Count Schomberg Forces the Pass of Slane

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1690

    Count Schomberg's advance fought through impeding hedges and broken ground to force the Pass of Slane, taking two hours of stubborn fighting. O'Neil's dragoons retired with heavy losses, bearing away their mortally wounded leader.

    Read the passage

    Here the fight was renewed with great stubbornness, and continued for two hours longer, when Schomberg, with the loss of two hundred men, forced the position, and the dragoons retired with the loss of one-fourth their number, bearing away the body of their leader, mortally wounded, and renewed the contest on the other side of the river. Schomberg immediately commenced to cross, and the king, apprised of the state of affairs here, sent Sarsfield, with sixty dragoons and a piece of artillery, to oppose him; but these succors only arrived in time to see the defenders driven from their intrenchments, and the troops of Schomberg drawn out on the southern bank to receive them.

    All further attempts to check the progress of the assailants were now futile; the dragoons retired on their supports; the gun brought down by Sarsfield got "bogged," and had to be abandoned, and Schomberg, his artillery being got over, deployed by his right, on the outer side of the marsh, to turn the left of the king's army. He had, however, scarcely got clear of the river, when the troops of de Lausun appeared on the inner side of the marsh to oppose him. The force of the latter was 6,000 men, within support of a reserve of 3,000; it was fresh, finely appointed, and the marsh at this place was narrow and practicable to horse and foot; but he showed no disposition to engage, although Schomberg halted and drew up to offer him battle. After some time the troops on both sides were put in motion, Schomberg still moving by his right, and de Lausun by his left in the same direction, the marsh gradually widening round towards the rear of Donore, until nearly a mile intervened, when an engagement became impracticable, and the Irish left was flanked.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, in 1690, Count Schomberg's forces fought their way through the Pass of Slane. The fight was renewed here with great stubbornness and went on for two hours. Schomberg forced the position at a cost of 200 men. The dragoons on the other side retired with the loss of one-fourth their number, carrying with them the body of their leader, mortally wounded. They renewed the contest on the far side of the river. Schomberg immediately began to cross. The king, told what was happening, sent Sarsfield with 60 dragoons and a piece of artillery to oppose him. But these reinforcements arrived only in time to see the defenders driven from their intrenchments and Schomberg's troops already drawn out on the southern bank to receive them. All further attempts to check the assailants were now futile. The dragoons retired on their supports. The gun Sarsfield had brought got, in the word of the source, "bogged," and had to be abandoned. Schomberg got his artillery across and deployed by his right on the outer side of the marsh to turn the left of the king's army. He had scarcely cleared the river when the troops of de Lausun appeared on the inner side of the marsh to oppose him. De Lausun's force was 6,000 men, with a reserve of 3,000 behind them. They were fresh and finely appointed, and the marsh at this point was narrow and passable to horse and foot. But de Lausun showed no disposition to engage, though Schomberg halted and drew up to offer him battle. After some time both sides were put in motion, Schomberg still moving by his right and de Lausun by his left in the same direction. The marsh gradually widened round towards the rear of Donore until nearly a mile lay between them. An engagement became impracticable, and the Irish left was flanked.

44. Description and Strategic Importance of Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    Athlone straddled the Shannon between Westmeath and Roscommon, divided into Englishtown and Irishtown connected by a nine-arch bridge. It was the strongest fortress and largest military depot in the kingdom, marking the historic western limit of the Pale.

    Read the passage

    Athlone--_Ford of the Moon_; so called, it is believed, from its connection with some ceremony of Druidic mythology--stands on both sides of the Shannon, in the counties of Westmeath and Roscommon; that part of it on the eastern or Leinster side, being designated Englishtown; and that on the western or Connaught side, Irishtown. Its position is as nearly central as the formation of the island will admit, and the country around it is rich in historic and traditional reminiscences. It was the scene of many a stirring event during the sway of the native kings and chieftains, nor has it lost in importance since the era of the English invasion; for ages it marked the greatest western limit of the "Pale," and it is still the strongest fortress and most extensive military depot in the kingdom. At the period under consideration, the two divisions of the town were of nearly equal extent, and a portion of each was encompassed by a wall of considerable strength, beyond which the suburbs extended for some distance into the country. The portion of the English town within the wall, was little more than half a mile in length, its greatest width being somewhat over a furlong, and the Irish town was similar in every respect, but extended a little farther towards the north and south on the river. In the middle of the eastern wall stood the Dublin Gate, facing the main street and market-place, and opposite to it a bridge of nine arches, connecting the two sections, being the only line of communication between them. The eastern end of this bridge abutted on the bank of the river, but at the western end there was a drawbridge of about thirty feet span, and beyond it, but a little northward, stood the castle, or chief citadel, built in the reign of King John; enlarged and strengthened in that of Elizabeth, who wished to make it the seat of her Lords-Justices; and the town was incorporated in the reign of James I. This castle commanded the whole extent of the bridge, in a slanting direction, and, with adequate artillery, could render it impregnable; but in the approaching siege, as in all others through this war, the native army was deficient in this arm of the service, and had for the defence of this castle, and two bastions that protected the fords on the river, but six pieces of light artillery and two mortars. The wall of the English town was in a dilapidated condition, and incapable of any protracted resistance. On the approach of General Douglas, about ten months before, its suburbs had been given to the flames by its governor, Colonel Grace, and the houses within the wall levelled and left in the same condition as when the siege had been abandoned. The Dublin Gate and its barriers were of great strength, but another which opened towards the north, had been breached by the artillery of Douglas, had undergone but slight repairs since that time, and was incapable of offering a day's resistance to the immense siege-train of de Ginckle. The present governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, in pursuance of the plan which had proved so successful in the former siege, had determined on the destruction of this section of the town, when, contrary to the general advice, St. Ruth resolved on holding both sections, and issued his command to that effect, as Ginckle was about to move from Mullingar; and for this important service, Fitzgerald had but 400 garrisoned troops, and a regiment of cavalry, which came to his aid on the same day that he received notice of the general's resolution. His position was therefore most critical and embarrassing.--To abandon the English town without a defence, would be contrary to the orders of his superior, and subject him to the gravest military punishment; to withdraw his cavalry from the protection of the river was inadmissible, as it would uncover the town on the north and south, in case they should be cut off by a flank movement of the enemy, and compel him to surrender without a blow. His only course was then to make the best defence at all points: to dispatch a part of his garrison to retard the enemy's advance, and gain time for the arrival of the main army, which was known to be approaching, and within a day's march of the town.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Athlone now, a town that straddles the Shannon between Westmeath and Roscommon. The name means Ford of the Moon, from some old Druidic connection. In 1691 this was the strongest fortress and the largest military depot in the kingdom, and for ages it marked the greatest western limit of the Pale. The town was split in two: Englishtown on the eastern bank, Irishtown on the western side, connected by a bridge of nine arches, the only link between them. A castle built in the reign of King John and strengthened under Elizabeth commanded the whole length of that bridge. With adequate artillery it could have made the crossing impregnable, but the native army had only six pieces of light artillery and two mortars for the castle and its two bastions. The walls of Englishtown were in poor shape. About ten months earlier, General Douglas had attacked, and the governor then, Colonel Grace, had burned the suburbs and levelled the houses inside the wall. The north gate had been breached then and only lightly repaired since. Now the governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, had 400 garrisoned troops and a regiment of cavalry. St. Ruth, against the general advice, ordered both sections of the town held as Ginckle prepared to move from Mullingar. Fitzgerald's position was critical. To give up Englishtown without a fight would defy orders and risk the severest punishment, but pulling his cavalry from the river would leave the town exposed on the north and south. His only hope was to slow the enemy's advance and buy time for the main army, known to be within a day's march.

45. Description of Derry city and its founding by James I

    Derry · street · Tipperary · 1607–1689

    Derry stood on the western bank of the Foyle on an oval hill, encompassed by a strong wall about a mile in circuit; it had been founded by King James I in 1607 as a refuge for settlers, and ironically helped ruin his grandson's cause.

    Read the passage

    The town of Derry stands on the western bank of the river Foyle, about five miles above its expansion into a lough of the same name. It is situated on an oval-shaped hill; the houses, rising tier over tier, look very picturesque to one approaching it from an eastern direction; but to the west it is overlooked by an irregular line of hills, stretching far back into the County of Donegal. Since the time of the Revolution, it has been greatly extended in all directions, but was then confined to the hill already mentioned, and was encompassed by a wall of immense strength, and about a mile in circuit. It was founded by King James I., in 1607, as a refuge to the settlers, whom he sent from England and Scotland, to the exclusion of the native race; and, by a sort of retributive justice, it helped to complete the ruin of his house, in the person of his grandson, but eighty years later. After the departure of the king for Dublin, the Irish generals proceeded to invest this important position, and, by the 20th of April, had made the following disposition of their forces: The fort of Culmore, which stands about five miles below the town, was occupied by a small garrison after its evacuation by Captain Murray, and the river was obstructed by a boom a little higher up. Hamilton, with about one thousand horse and foot, established his camp some two miles from the walls of the garrison; General Ramsay, with four battalions, took up a position at Hollywell Hill, nearly the same distance to the west; Brigadier Wauchop, with two battalions, a squadron of horse and two field-pieces--their only artillery--made a lodgment on the eastern bank of the river, at a place known as the "Waterside;" while a reserve of three battalions of infantry and nine squadron of cavalry was stationed at Johnstown, about six miles farther up the river, in the direction of Strabane.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

46. Douglas abandons the siege of Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1690

    After seven days of unsuccessful siege and rumours that Sarsfield was advancing to relieve the town, Douglas decamped by night, abandoning his heavy baggage and avoiding the highways.

    Read the passage

    On receipt of this answer, Douglas lost no time, but, erecting his batteries over against the castle, opened a heavy cannonade. The garrison replied with a spirit and vigor that astonished the besiegers: their guns were dismounted, their works demolished, and several of their men and their best gunner were killed. Again and again they trimmed their works and renewed the enfilade, but with a like result--the castle was impregnable to direct operations. Seeing this, Douglas ordered a detachment of 3,000, horse and foot, to force a passage of the river at Lanesborough, about ten or twelve miles to the north of the town, at the head of Lough Ree. On their arrival there they found the ford intrenched on the opposite side, and a strong body of troops drawn up to receive them; and after a vigorous attempt to force a passage, they were repulsed with considerable loss, and the project was abandoned. On their return they were beset at every point by those desultory bands that traversed the country, and harassed up to the camp, losing many men and horses on their way. The unsoldierlike conduct of Douglas now began to have its effect. He had marched as if to certain victory, devastating every thing in his path, and making no preparation for a sustained siege. Owing to his sanguinary character, the people, both Catholic and Protestant, now shunned his camp; his provisions and provender were soon consumed, and he had to send out foraging parties daily, to levy on the surrounding country. But these were ambushed at every available point by the Rapparees, who also burned and destroyed in their turn; so that his subsistence soon became precarious, and his situation more like one besieged than one besieging. In this critical condition, he determined to force a passage across the river at a ford below the town; but in this he was also foiled; for the governor, apprised of his intention, had it protected by strong earthworks, and the project was abandoned as desperate. For seven days the siege continued with unabated vigor on the part of the besiegers, but with a like result; every succeeding day rendered success more hopeless. It was now reported that General Sarsfield was advancing from Limerick with a strong force to raise the siege. Whether this report was true or false, the narratives of the times do not affirm; but Douglas accepted it as true, and shaped his conduct accordingly. Not deeming it prudent to remain any longer before the town, he decamped on the night of the 26th, abandoning his heavy baggage, and avoiding the highways, lest he might encounter the enemy on his way.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    We're coming through Athlone now, the town in Westmeath where Douglas laid siege in 1690. He set up his batteries against the castle and opened fire, but the garrison answered back so hard they dismounted his guns, demolished his works, and killed his best gunner. He sent 3000 horse and foot to force a crossing at Lanesborough, ten or twelve miles north, but they found the ford entrenched and were repulsed with considerable loss. On their way back they were harassed at every step by bands roaming the countryside. Douglas had marched as if to certain victory, devastating everything in his path, but making no preparation for a sustained siege. His provisions were soon gone, and his foraging parties were ambushed at every turn by the Rapparees, who burned and destroyed in their turn. He tried to force a crossing at a ford below the town, but the governor had protected it with strong earthworks, and that project was abandoned as desperate. For seven days the siege continued with unabated vigor, but each day made success more hopeless. Then came word that General Sarsfield was advancing from Limerick with a strong force to raise the siege. Whether it was true or false, Douglas accepted it as true. On the night of the 26th he decamped, abandoning his heavy baggage and avoiding the highways, lest he encounter the enemy on his way.

47. Douglas's atrocities march westward from Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1690

    General Douglas's march from Dublin toward Athlone was marked by plunder, burning of houses, and indiscriminate slaughter of Protestant and Catholic inhabitants alike, disregarding William's proclaimed amnesty.

    Read the passage

    The march of Douglas across the country was marked by the most revolting excesses, and scarce had he lost sight of the capital, when the people's eyes were opened to the sort of amnesty intended for them. Depending on the proclamation of William, those to whom it was extended at first remained in their homes, but found that its provisions were disregarded both by the general and his soldiers. The Protestant population fared no better than the Catholics, the houses of all were indiscriminately plundered and given to the flames, and themselves mercilessly slain, without regard to sex or condition. His march could be tracked by the cries of his victims through the day, and at night by the light of the burnings. In this manner he advanced through the most fertile and populous districts, spreading death and desolation as he went. A report of these barbarities spread through the country, and roused the spirit of revenge. The Rapparees inflicted some losses on his outposts, but there was no organized force then east of the Shannon capable of offering effectual resistance.

    Athlone was at this time garrisoned by a Jacobite force of 800 men, under the command of Colonel Richard Grace, a veteran of the last civil war. The life of this soldier was a stormy and eventful one. He seems to have been one of those who, like Bayard, stand out from time to time among men, as an example of fidelity and heroism. A colonel in 1645, and a colonel still, he had spent the interval in war--France, Spain, and Ireland being each in turn the field of his adventures. Twice, in youth, he had successfully defended Athlone against the arms of Cromwell, and again he stood there, in his eightieth year, as vigorous and agile as any of his command, to defend its walls against the assaults of this sanguinary general.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is where General Douglas began his march westward in 1690. He had barely lost sight of the capital when the people learned what kind of amnesty William had promised them. William's proclamation had led many to stay in their homes, trusting its terms. But Douglas and his soldiers disregarded it entirely. The Protestant population fared no better than the Catholics. Houses of all were plundered and set on fire. The people themselves were slain without regard to sex or condition. His march could be tracked through the day by the cries of his victims, and at night by the light of the burnings. He advanced through the most fertile and populous districts, spreading death and desolation as he went. Word of these barbarities spread through the country and roused a spirit of revenge. The Rapparees inflicted some losses on his outposts, but there was no organized force east of the Shannon capable of offering effectual resistance. Athlone was garrisoned at this time by 800 Jacobite men under Colonel Richard Grace, a veteran of the last civil war. Grace had been a colonel in 1645, and a colonel still. He had spent the years between in war, in France, Spain, and Ireland. Twice in his youth he had defended Athlone against the arms of Cromwell. Now he stood there again, in his eightieth year, as vigorous and agile as any of his command, to defend its walls against this sanguinary general.

48. Drogheda garrison surrenders under threat of no quarter

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1690

    General Mellioneire approached Drogheda with 8,000 men and summoned the Jacobite garrison of 1,300 to surrender at sight or expect no quarter; the governor surrendered the town, opening the way for William toward Dublin.

    Read the passage

    On the day after the Battle of the Boyne, General Mellioneire, with 8,000 men, and a battering train, approached the town of Drogheda, still held by a Jacobite garrison of 1,300 men. The place was immediately summoned to surrender at sight, or expect no quarter. This was the order of the Prince of Orange, and that he meant to carry it out to the letter, there could hardly be a doubt. The history of this old town had furnished more than one instance of similar cruelty in his predecessors, and there was nothing in the antecedents of William to leave room for a doubt in favor of his greater humanity. The commandant of the garrison, however, interpreted the message literally, and so accepted it. The Irish army had disappeared; there was no hope of succor; and successful resistance to such a force, supported as it would be, if necessary, by William's entire army, was impossible. All these considerations, duly weighed, determined the conduct of the governor, and the garrison was accordingly surrendered. This removed the last enemy from William's rear, and at once opened the way to the capital. But to the great surprise and vexation of its expectant inhabitants, he drew up his army on the ground he had won, and took a respite of several days' duration.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, this is the town that surrendered the day after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. General Mellioneire came up with 8,000 men and a battering train, and summoned the Jacobite garrison of 1,300 to surrender at sight or expect no quarter. It was the order of the Prince of Orange, William himself, and the old town's history had seen such threats carried out before. The governor read the message literally and accepted it. The Irish army had disappeared, there was no hope of succor, and resistance against such a force, backed if necessary by William's entire army, was impossible. The garrison was surrendered, removing the last enemy from William's rear and opening the way to Dublin. Yet to the surprise and vexation of the inhabitants, William drew up his army on the ground he had won and took a respite of several days.

49. Final stand and death of Tyrconnel at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    After the passes of the Shannon were abandoned, the final Jacobite stand was made at Limerick, where Tyrconnel died apparently of a broken heart after years of faithful service, and the city's gallant defence, despite betrayal by General Clifford, secured an honourable treaty.

    Read the passage

    But time passed on. Galway surrendered on honorable terms after an exchange of hostages. The passes of the Shannon were abandoned one by one down to Limerick, where the final stand was made, during which Tyrconnel, after years of faithful service, "died apparently of a broken heart." The city, though twice betrayed by General Clifford, made a most gallant defence, and its surrender wrested a treaty from the enemy, as glorious to its defenders, as its violation was infamous to the victors.--O retributive justice, how slow is thy finger on the dial!

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in the city where the Jacobites made their final stand in 1691. The passes of the Shannon were abandoned one by one until only this place remained. Tyrconnel, after years of faithful service, died here, apparently of a broken heart. The city made a gallant defence despite being twice betrayed by General Clifford, and its surrender secured a treaty as glorious to its defenders as its later violation was infamous to the victors.

50. Galmoy's stratagem and repulse at Crom Castle

    Crom · townland · Fermanagh · 1689

    Galmoy invested the Castle of Crom, a principal defence of Enniskillen standing on a peninsula in Lower Lough Erne, and attempted to bluff the garrison with fake tin cannon. The garrison, forewarned, answered his summons with duck-shooting guns, killing about forty of his men and forcing his retreat, leaving the mock cannon as trophies.

    Read the passage

    The poor countenance shown by the rebels in the field, now emboldened Galmoy to attempt the reduction of Enniskillen, which was their chief rendezvous in the south-western portion of the province; and for that purpose he approached the Castle of Crom, one of its principal defences, and having driven in its outposts, invested it about the middle of March. This fortress, which stands on a peninsula in the waters of the Lower Erne, being impregnable to his light-armed infantry, he now had recourse to stratagem. He got some tin cannon constructed, and giving out that artillery had reached him from Dublin, placed them in battery within musket range of the castle. On the 21st he summoned it to surrender, but the garrison, having been apprised of the _ruse_ intended for them, provided themselves with the long guns used in duck-shooting on the lake, and answered his summons with a well-directed fire that killed about forty of his men, and compelled him to retire to a safer distance, leaving his mock cannon behind him. They were soon conveyed into the fort, and were exhibited as trophies at many a succeeding celebration of "the glorious and pious, etc.," furnishing the Enniskilleners with a theme of boastful merriment.[9]

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 5

51. James Departs Ireland for France from Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1690

    At Waterford, James learned of a French ship carrying supplies moored at Passage; he sailed from Waterford to Kinsale where he embarked for France, arriving at Brest on 9 July escorted by the fleet meant to destroy William's transports.

    Read the passage

    At Waterford he heard that the French ship De Lausun, of twenty guns, was moored at Passage, with a cargo of corn and supplies; and in this he sailed from Waterford to Kinsale, where, after a short delay, he embarked, and arrived at Brest on the 9th of July, escorted by the _fleet of M. de Seignelay, which he met on its way to destroy William's transports around the Irish coast_!

    So ended the reign of James II.; and with it, virtually, the dynasty of the Stuarts. He died at St. Germains, in France, on the 16th of September, 1701, surviving his daughter Mary by seven years; and on the 8th of March, 1702, his death was followed by that of the Prince of Orange, who broke his collar-bone by a fall from his horse; surviving his much injured father-in-law only by six months. The son and grandson of the expatriate monarch, each in turn, tried to regain his inheritance, but the Hanoverian line prevailed, and with Prince Charles, "The young Chevalier," the grandson of the renowned Sobieski, the noblest and bravest of his race, the royal house of Stuart became extinct.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Kinsale. In 1690, James was at Waterford when he heard that the French ship De Lausun, carrying twenty guns, was moored at Passage with a cargo of corn and supplies. He sailed from Waterford to Kinsale, and after a short delay there, he embarked for France. He arrived at Brest on 9 July, escorted by the fleet of M. de Seignelay, which he met on its way to destroy William's transports around the Irish coast. So ended the reign of James II, and with it, virtually, the dynasty of the Stuarts. He died at St. Germains in France on 16 September 1701, surviving his daughter Mary by seven years. On 8 March 1702, his death was followed by that of the Prince of Orange, who broke his collarbone in a fall from his horse, surviving his much injured father-in-law by only six months. The son and grandson of the expatriate monarch each in turn tried to regain his inheritance, but the Hanoverian line prevailed, and with Prince Charles, "The young Chevalier," the royal house of Stuart became extinct.

52. O'Driscoll storms Castlehaven in revenge

    Castletownshend · town · Cork · 1690

    Colonel O'Driscoll, learning that a kinsman had been slain retaking Castlehaven from the British, marched his men there through Ballineen and Inniskeen, took the fort by storm and put the whole English garrison to the sword.

    Read the passage

    The soldiers sent into the interior of Cork and Kerry also performed signal service to the Irish cause. Mounted upon the small surefooted horses of those mountainous districts, they traversed the country in all directions; organized the farmers and Rapparees; established lines for running the produce of the country to the general depot at Limerick; and then attached themselves to the forces of Colonels McCarthy and O'Driscoll, who still held the country against the incursions of the enemy. This Colonel O'Driscoll was a brave and intrepid soldier. He commanded a regiment of his own tenantry at the siege of Cork; but having no faith in English treaties, he refused to accede to the terms of Marlborough, and, at the head of his regiment of four hundred men, fought his way through the English lines, and reached the open country to the north-west of the city. Here he learned that his son, or kinsman(?), "young Colonel O'Driscoll," had been slain in an attempt to retake Castlehaven, which had been captured by the British; and that the country around was despoiled, and the people flying in dismay to the mountains. Burning with revenge, he marched rapidly along the line of the Bandon, passing through Ballineen and Inniskeen; scattering several English settlements as he passed; and turning westward, bore directly for Castlehaven, took it by storm, and put the whole English garrison to the sword. Other places were retaken in quick succession, his force increasing with each success; and being joined by Colonel McCarthy, they attacked the forces of Tettau, under Eppinger, Cox, and Coy, again drove them from the interior, and the reduction of the country was, for that time, abandoned.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    The road is taking you through Castletownshend, and the story here reaches back to 1690. Colonel O'Driscoll was a brave soldier who had commanded a regiment of his own tenantry at the siege of Cork. When Marlborough offered terms, O'Driscoll had no faith in English treaties. He refused, and at the head of four hundred men fought his way through the English lines and reached open country to the north-west of the city. There he learned that young Colonel O'Driscoll, his son or kinsman, had been slain in an attempt to retake Castlehaven, which the British had captured. The country around was despoiled and the people were fleeing to the mountains. Burning with revenge, he marched along the line of the Bandon, passing through Ballineen and Inniskeen, scattering English settlements as he went. Turning westward, he bore directly for Castlehaven, took it by storm, and put the whole English garrison to the sword. Other places fell in quick succession, his force growing with each success. Joined by Colonel McCarthy, they attacked the forces of Tettau under Eppinger, Cox, and Coy, drove them from the interior, and the reduction of the country was abandoned for that time.

53. Siege and brutal aftermath at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    The city of Cork was besieged by Marlborough's combined army and navy; after a fierce cannonade and repeated assaults the citadel surrendered on honorable terms which were immediately violated, with Catholic citizens pillaged and prisoners subjected to atrocities.

    Read the passage

    On the approach of the enemy, the governor, Colonel McElligot, had received orders from the Duke of Berwick to demolish the fort, burn the city, and retire with his command into Kerry; but having disobeyed this mandate, at the solicitation of the citizens, until too late, he determined to redeem his error by the gallantry of his defence, and hold out long enough to give Berwick time to hasten up succors to raise the siege. The enemy, having gained possession of the hills, opened a fierce cannonade on the city itself, and having levelled all the intervening houses, descended into the valley, opened on the citadel, and after a most spirited resistance of two days, silenced its guns, and prepared to carry its works by storm. The assault could only be made at low-water, and once each day was there assault and repulse, in one of which the Duke of Grafton[54] was killed while leading his regiment across the marsh. At length, after a desperate defence of twelve days, it surrendered on the 5th of October, on terms considered highly honorable; "but the ink with which the capitulation was signed, was not yet dry when it was violated in every particular." The Catholic people were stripped and driven from the city; the city itself was given to pillage; the Earls of Tyrone and Clancarty were wounded and grossly outraged by the soldiers and the mob, and the prisoners subjected to indignities and cruelties, compared with which death would have been a refuge. They were pent up within a loathsome fen, where, being denied food, they were necessitated to feed on putrid carrion; more than half of them died within a fortnight, from the diseases it engendered; one-half the remainder were murdered by order of one Captain Lauder, on the way to Clonmel, some time later; and of the survivors, few ever returned to report the inhuman deed.[55] Marlborough and his English army were even more barbarous than the Prince of Orange and his foreign mercenaries.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Cork, this is the city that endured a siege in 1690. The governor, Colonel McElligot, had orders from the Duke of Berwick to demolish the fort, burn the city, and retire with his command into Kerry. At the solicitation of the citizens he disobeyed, until it was too late. He then resolved to hold out long enough to give Berwick time to hasten up succors and raise the siege. The enemy gained the hills and opened a fierce cannonade on the city itself. Having levelled all the intervening houses, they descended into the valley and opened on the citadel. After a spirited resistance of two days, its guns were silenced and they prepared to carry the works by storm. The assault could only be made at low water, and once each day there was assault and repulse. In one of these, the Duke of Grafton was killed while leading his regiment across the marsh. After a desperate defence of twelve days, the citadel surrendered on the 5th of October, on terms considered highly honorable. But, as the record says, "the ink with which the capitulation was signed, was not yet dry when it was violated in every particular." The Catholic people were stripped and driven from the city. The city itself was given to pillage. The Earls of Tyrone and Clancarty were wounded and grossly outraged by the soldiers and the mob. The prisoners were subjected to cruelties compared with which death would have been a refuge. They were pent up within a loathsome fen, denied food, forced to feed on putrid carrion. More than half of them died within a fortnight from the diseases it engendered. Half the remainder were murdered by order of one Captain Lauder on the way to Clonmel. Of the survivors, few ever returned to report the inhuman deed. Marlborough and his English army were even more barbarous than the Prince of Orange and his foreign mercenaries.

54. William's heavy losses and withdrawal from Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    William lost 2,000 men and 158 officers in the final assault alone, with about 3,000 more casualties over the preceding siege; he abandoned the siege, refused to allow burial of his dead, and retreated toward Waterford.

    Read the passage

    The loss of William in this day's action was 2,000 men and one hundred and fifty-eight officers killed, and his casualties through the preceding eighteen days are estimated at 3,000 more. The loss of the besieged is nowhere definitely stated; but in the final assault they lost four hundred killed and wounded,--a small number for so great a result. But, as if to give a mournful grandeur to the event, many of the noble daughters of the city lay side by side in death with the men whose sterner natures they had animated to victory!

    After the battle, William sent an ensign into the town for leave to bury his dead; this being refused, he dismounted his batteries, withdrew his army, and prepared to retreat, for he could no longer continue the siege, as matters of a pressing nature demanded his presence in England, and should the news of this defeat precede him the consequences might be serious. His Irish adherents entreated him not to leave them with the conquest of the country uncompleted, and the leaders of his foreign army besought him to the same effect: but he turned a deaf ear to their entreaties. A deputation of the soldiers, both native and foreign, headed by the ecclesiastics, waited on him, and promised still greater efforts if he remained among them; but his resolution was unchanged. Annoyed by their importunities and chagrined by defeat, he gave vent to that exclamation which English historians have industriously suppressed: "Yes," said he; "if I had this handful of men who defend the place against you, and that you were all within it, I would take it in spite of you!"[49]--A censure so caustic, and a eulogium so grand, render comment unnecessary.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Limerick now, a city that held firm against William in 1690. Over eighteen days of siege, William's forces suffered an estimated 3,000 casualties before the final assault. In that assault alone, he lost 2,000 men and 158 officers killed. The besieged lost 400 killed and wounded, a small number for so great a result. Many of the noble daughters of the city lay side by side in death with the men whose sterner natures they had animated to victory. After the battle, William sent an ensign into the town for leave to bury his dead. The request was refused. He dismounted his batteries, withdrew his army, and prepared to retreat. He could no longer continue the siege, as matters of a pressing nature demanded his presence in England, and should the news of this defeat precede him the consequences might be serious. His Irish adherents entreated him not to leave them with the conquest of the country uncompleted, and the leaders of his foreign army besought him to the same effect. He turned a deaf ear to their entreaties. A deputation of the soldiers, both native and foreign, headed by the ecclesiastics, waited on him, and promised still greater efforts if he remained among them. His resolution was unchanged. Annoyed by their importunities and chagrined by defeat, he gave vent to an exclamation that English historians have industriously suppressed: "Yes, if I had this handful of men who defend the place against you, and that you were all within it, I would take it in spite of you."

55. Battle at Belturbet's Mud Fort

    Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1690

    Forces under Brigadier Wolseley and the Duke of Berwick collided unexpectedly at a mud fort near Belturbet, each unaware of the other's approach, resulting in a fierce conflict where Wolseley was initially driven off before rallying to defeat Berwick's forces.

    Read the passage

    Berwick, on receipt of the order, proceeded by rapid marches, and arrived at Cavan, which is about five miles from Belturbet, late in the evening, whence he sent orders to General Wauchop to throw out pickets in the direction of the enemy, and notify him of their earliest appearance. Owing to the heavy rains that had fallen through the night, this order was either totally neglected, or but carelessly observed; and early in the morning, while Berwick took up his march from Cavan, Wolseley approached as rapidly from the direction of Monaghan; each with the intention of occupying a mud fort which commanded the town. Both forces, each unapprised of the design of the other, met in the intrenchments, and a fierce conflict followed. Wolseley was driven from the fort and through the adjoining coppice in great confusion, but Colonel MacGeoghaghen being killed, and General Nugent and several officers wounded, their troops became panic-stricken, "and, in a moment," says Berwick, "from being conquerors, we became conquered." Wolseley lost 300 men, and Berwick 500; the fort was evacuated as a consequence; the Irish fell back to Cavan, which they shortly after abandoned; and Schomberg, being relieved of further apprehension from that direction, and being strengthened by his native auxiliaries, turned his undivided attention to the siege of Charlemont.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

56. Bellew's fight against Major Poor's tax-collecting dragoons in Louth

    Louth · town · Louth · 1688

    Major Poor led two companies of cavalry from 'The League' on raids of Louth inhabitants, levying a £500 tax on Lord Bellew's tenantry. Bellew's eighteen-year-old son led dragoons to resist, killing Poor with a pistol blow and routing his troops in the first act of open hostility of the conflict.

    Read the passage

    It is scarcely necessary to say, that the 9th of December came and passed without any manifestation of that murderous design attributed to the Catholics. The conspiracy was on the other side, and manifested itself in the following manner. Major Poor, who had served in a dragoon regiment under Cromwell, had got the command of two companies of cavalry, from "The League." With this force he commenced a series of raids on the inhabitants of Louth, and levied a tax of £500 on the tenantry of Lord Bellew. Hearing of this, Bellew sent his son, a youth of eighteen, with a company of dragoons, to assist the farmers in resisting the tax. These troops met and fought for some time with the most determined bravery, until Bellew, closing with the Major, killed him with a blow of his pistol on the head, when the troops of the Major took flight, leaving their dead and wounded behind them. This was the first act of open hostility: it aroused the Catholic people to the necessity of defensive measures, and quickened that martial spirit, never extinguished; their hearts responded to the war-note of the times; but what could the spirit do, but chafe at delay? Their country was impoverished, and they had neither arms nor organization.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 4

57. Breach opened in Limerick's wall by 27 August

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    William's six batteries bombarded Limerick's walls relentlessly until, by the 27th, the outer works before St. John's Gate were demolished and a breach two hundred yards wide was opened in the wall.

    Read the passage

    This was the last sally from the garrison. The siege was now pressed with terrible energy by the besiegers, and the besieged, no less determined, addressed themselves to resist the final assault which now appeared imminent. By the 24th, William's entire artillery had been brought to bear on every vulnerable point within range, while his lines of circumvallation drew closer and closer to the walls. Six batteries lay along his entire front, disposed, according to his historian, in the following manner: The first, of eight eighteen-pounders, bore against the southern angle of the wall, opposite to the Danish quarters; the second, of eight twenty-fours, against St. John's Gate and the Black Battery which stood within the city behind it; the third, of twelve field-pieces, against the sally-port which opened near the bridge; and the fourth and fifth, of four heavy guns each--the former against the bridge itself, and the latter against the bastion which stood near it on the left--while behind them a floor had been constructed for a battery of four mortars, which poured a stream of red-hot shot and shell on every prominent object beyond the wall. Day and night, the fire from all was sustained with unabated vigor, until the 27th, when the outer works, before St. John's Gate, were demolished, and a breach, two hundred yards in width, was effected in the wall, opening up the very heart of the city, when William slackened his fire and again summoned it to surrender.[46]

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Limerick now. In 1690, William's army laid siege to this city, and by late August his guns had done their work. Six batteries lined his front, hammering every vulnerable point day and night. By the 27th, the outer works before St. John's Gate were demolished and a breach two hundred yards wide had been opened in the wall. The first battery of eight eighteen-pounders bore against the southern angle, opposite the Danish quarters. The second, eight twenty-fours, hit St. John's Gate and the Black Battery behind it. The third, twelve field-pieces, targeted the sally-port near the bridge. The fourth and fifth, four heavy guns each, struck the bridge itself and the bastion beside it on the left. Behind them, a platform had been built for four mortars pouring red-hot shot and shell on every prominent object beyond the wall. When the breach was opened, exposing the very heart of the city, William slackened his fire and again summoned Limerick to surrender.

58. Colonel Dempsey's Skirmish near Newry/Dundalk

    near Newry · town · Down · 1690

    During the standoff between William at Newry and James at Dundalk, Colonel Dempsey with two companies encountered a much larger enemy force, defeating most of them but receiving a mortal wound himself.

    Read the passage

    From the 16th to the 22d William was at Newry and James at Dundalk, each awaiting the arrival of his artillery. While the main armies stood thus, almost in sight of each other, several skirmishes occurred between the pickets thrown forward on both sides, in one of which Colonel Dempsey, with two companies of his own regiment, encountered 200 foot and 60 horse of the enemy, only six of whom escaped; but the gallant colonel himself received a wound of which he died a few days after. This incident raised the spirit of the troops to a high pitch, and made them eager for a battle; and the king himself, much elated by the event, determined to abide the enemy in his present position. But the Irish leaders were not so favorably impressed, either with the condition of the troops, or the position which they occupied, and endeavored to dissuade the king from risking a battle under such disadvantages. They again urged him to abandon the capital, and to fall back on the defences of the Shannon, where, by instituting a desultory system of warfare, he could keep William in check until the winter set in, when, by the promised assistance from France, they could render his campaign as inglorious as that of Schomberg had been in the last. Every argument that could favor such a course was urged, and all the circumstances by which he was surrounded seemed to point it out as the best that could be adopted. A fleet was fitting out in France, of which his earnest friend, M. de Seignelay, would have command; a few days more would see it afloat, and on its way to destroy the fleet and transports of William around the coast of Ireland: it would also bring arms and ammunition in abundance, and by winter a powerful and well-disciplined army would be ready to take the field. These and many other arguments were urged, but all in vain. The king would not relinquish the capital without striking a blow for it; he became all at once as bold and intrepid as he had hitherto been weak and temporizing; rejected their remonstrance, and determined to risk all on a single battle.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

59. Confederation of Kilkenny formed

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

    Irish chiefs, Catholic Lords of the Pale, and bishops convened at Kilkenny to organise mutual protection following the outbreak of rebellion, forming the Confederation of Kilkenny for civil and religious liberty.

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    Since the plantation of Ulster, religious persecution had been aggravated by an established system of confiscation, under the name of the "Irish Titles Act." In the mean time the "Nonconformists" of England and Scotland having taken up arms against King Charles, made a solemn vow to exterminate the Catholics of Ireland, and the apprehensions of the latter were soon alive to the emergency. Groaning so long under civil and religious exactions, they looked on the king's difficulty as a most suitable event to petition for a removal of their grievances. But their action was anticipated, and while their leaders were considering a course of procedure, a series of outrages was perpetrated in the province of Ulster which precipitated them at once into the vortex of rebellion. A garrison of Scotch soldiers, stationed at Carrickfergus, in the dead of night, and without premonition, made a descent on Island Magee, a peninsula in the neighborhood, and drove all its inhabitants, to the number of 3,000, over the cliffs into the sea; scarce a soul escaping to tell their cruel fate. The Catholic inhabitants of the surrounding counties flew to arms, and the flames of rebellion were soon lit throughout the province. The Protestants rose to oppose them, and excesses were perpetrated on both sides. This hastened the action of the Catholic leaders. The Irish chiefs, the Catholic Lords of the English Pale, and the bishops of the Catholic Church convened at Kilkenny for mutual protection and right, under the name of the "Confederation of Kilkenny," and inaugurated one of the boldest efforts for civil and religious liberty known in the country's history.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 2

60. Douglas's ruinous retreat and junction at Caherconlish

    Caherconlish · town · Limerick · 1690

    Harassed constantly by Rapparees during a fourteen-day march losing roughly 1,000 men overall including 400 at Athlone, Douglas finally joined William at Caherconlish on the way to Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Douglas could not have taken a worse route than that which he now selected. The country through which he passed was studded with woods and thickets. Innumerable rivers traversed it on all hands, and immense tracts of bog extended across his line of march, rendering continual deviations from the direct course imperative. He was beset on all hands by marauding parties of the Rapparees, who took bloody reprisals, with that total recklessness of life which had now become characteristic of these homeless wanderers. He had lost four hundred men at Athlone. Several skirmishes are related in which he lost from fifty to two hundred; and though his entire loss cannot now be definitely stated, it could not have fallen short of 1,000 men. Followed and beset on all hands, both by day and by night, after a most harassing march of fourteen days he formed a junction with the Prince of Orange, who had reached Caherconlish on his way to Limerick.

    The Prince and his general had very different results to compare. The march of the former had been one of uninterrupted success. Kilkenny, Waterford, Duncannon, Clonmel, and all the intermediate places, had surrendered in succession, without even a check to mar the conquest of the Boyne, while that of Douglas had been one of continual disaster,--showing the only reverses that the Prince's arms had sustained since his arrival in the country. But if their military exploits were dissimilar, their catalogues of crime closely assimilated; for the same wanton outrages marked the footsteps of the Prince and his general. As William advanced from Dublin, he threw out detachments on all sides that plundered and laid waste the country, and slaughtered the defenceless inhabitants. Roused by the excesses of his soldiers, the people set upon them wherever they were found in detached bodies; and, neither giving nor asking quarter, no day went by without its tale of wanton aggression on the one side, and deadly revenge on the other.[40]

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12