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. St Ruth Encamps at Ballinasloe Awaiting Reinforcements

   Ballinasloe · town · Galway · 1691

   On the evening of July 1st, St Ruth reached Ballinasloe, crossed the river Suck into County Galway, and drew up his army along its western bank to await the enemy and recruit his depleted forces.

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   On the evening of the first of July he reached the town of Ballinasloe, about ten miles south-west of Athlone, crossed the river Suck into the County Galway, and drawing out his army along its western bank, determined to await the enemy and stake his cause on the issue of a pitched battle. Here the ruinous effects of his late reverse became painfully apparent. The army that a few weeks before had marched from Limerick twenty-three thousand strong, buoyant in hope and spirit, was now reduced to less than fifteen thousand men. The cavalry was still powerful and efficient, having suffered little during the interval, but out of nearly nineteen thousand infantry he mustered somewhat less than eleven thousand, and the _morale_ of the men had also deteriorated.[64] Still, his determination was fixed, and his spirit rose, even as his difficulties multiplied. In order to remove the disadvantages of divided command, Tyrconnell now resigned his position as commander-in-chief, but determined to lend all his influence and power to recruit the army and follow its fortunes to the end. This self-sacrifice on the part of the viceroy produced a reconciliation quite beneficial to the cause, and satisfactory to the general, but the feeling between himself and Sarsfield, never cordial, now bordered on mutual hatred, deepening to the last, and at the last was fatal.

   Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Ballinasloe, you are on ground where St Ruth drew up his army on the evening of July 1st, 1691. He had crossed the river Suck into County Galway and posted his men along its western bank, determined to await the enemy and stake his cause on a pitched battle. The army that had marched from Limerick twenty-three thousand strong was now reduced to less than fifteen thousand. The cavalry had suffered little and remained powerful, but the infantry had fallen from nearly nineteen thousand to less than eleven thousand, and the morale of the men had deteriorated. Tyrconnell resigned his position as commander-in-chief to remove the disadvantages of divided command, lending his influence instead to recruiting the army and following its fortunes to the end. This self-sacrifice produced a reconciliation beneficial to the cause, but the feeling between St Ruth and Sarsfield, never cordial, now bordered on mutual hatred, deepening to the last, and at the last was fatal. With entire military control now in his hands, St Ruth dismantled the garrisons of the Upper Shannon, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were abandoned. Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison. Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which was little, for the enemy still had ten thousand regulars and a strong force of militia in Munster, with fierce fighting raging through Cork and Kerry down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on Balldearg, then holding court between Tuam and Athunree with a force estimated at between eight and ten thousand men. But he would neither furnish the required levy nor move against the enemy, preserving what the source calls his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

2. The Curve of the Boyne at Old Bridge

   Old Bridge · street · Tipperary · 1690

   The river Boyne makes a semicircular sweep of nearly three miles down to Old Bridge, and this curve forms the ground of the historic battle. The northern bank is high and firm while the southern is low and sedgy.

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   The Boyne, which finds its head-waters near Carbery, in the County of Kildare, takes a meandering course towards the west and north, until it enters Meath, through which it flows in a north-easterly direction through Trim, Navan, Slane, and Drogheda, four miles below which it falls into the Irish Sea. At tide-water it is navigable to Navan, a distance of nineteen miles, for barges of fifty tons burden; but at low-water, from Navan to Slane, it is a shallow stream, brawling over a rocky bottom of a few yards in width; and from that to Old Bridge it is fordable by horse and foot at almost every rood of its length. Below Slane, its course is due east for nearly a mile, when, dipping abruptly towards the south, it takes a semicircular sweep of nearly three miles to Old Bridge, and the curve so formed embraces its memorable battle-ground. The northern bank, for nearly half a mile back, is high and firm down to the water's edge, while the opposite one is low and sedgy, and the ground behind it broken, back to the base of Donore, which is over a mile from its mid-current:--the chord of the arc indicated is nearly two miles, and the distance from Old Bridge to Slane, in a direct line, is somewhat under three.

   On the evening of the 29th, when James crossed the river, the distance between his rear-guard and William's advance, was about eight miles, and on the morning of the 30th the latter appeared, and halted his army facing the concave bend of the river, behind a line of hills which partially concealed it from observation, while awaiting his artillery, which was still some miles in his rear.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 10

   As the companion tells it

   Along here at Old Bridge, the river Boyne takes a semicircular sweep of nearly 3 miles, and the curve it forms embraces the memorable battle-ground of 1690. The northern bank is high and firm for nearly half a mile back, down to the water's edge, while the southern bank is low and sedgy, the ground behind it broken, back to the base of Donore, over a mile from the mid-current. The chord of the arc is nearly 2 miles, and the distance from here to Slane in a direct line is somewhat under 3. The Boyne finds its head-waters near Carbery in County Kildare, and takes a meandering course west and north until it enters Meath, flowing north-east through Trim, Navan, Slane, and Drogheda, 4 miles below which it falls into the Irish Sea. At tide-water it is navigable to Navan, a distance of 19 miles, for barges of 50 tons burden. At low water, from Navan to Slane, it is a shallow stream brawling over a rocky bottom of a few yards in width, and from Slane onwards it is fordable by horse and foot at almost every rood of its length. Below Slane its course is due east for nearly a mile, then dipping abruptly towards the south it takes the sweep. On the evening of the 29th, when James crossed the river, the distance between his rear-guard and William's advance was about 8 miles. On the morning of the 30th, William appeared and halted his army facing the concave bend of the river, behind a line of hills which partially concealed it from observation, while awaiting his artillery, which was still some miles in his rear.

3. William departs for England from Waterford

   Waterford · city · Waterford · 1690

   After abandoning the siege of Limerick, William committed command to Count de Solmes and Ginkle, then proceeded under escort to Waterford, from where he sailed for England with Prince George of Denmark and other nobles.

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   Before retreating he set fire to his hospital, in which there were many invalids; but the Irish soldiers issued from the city, suppressed the flames, and saved the wretched victims. It is hard to credit, even on the authority of historians distinguished for wide research and cautious investigation, an act of such cold-blooded atrocity; and yet his conduct, during his retreat, was of a character that would seem to corroborate it.[50] "The curse of Cromwell" was repeated, the peasantry were murdered, their lands laid waste, and their homes given to the flames; so that the fertile district between Limerick and Clonmel was a scene of death and desolation. Committing the command of the army to the Count de Solmes, with Ginkle as second in command, he proceeded under escort to Waterford, whence, accompanied by Prince George of Denmark, and the Dukes of Ormond and Wurtemberg, he sailed for England.

   Though the theme of many a glowing eulogy, William's campaign in Ireland was not such as to exalt his name, either as a statesman or a soldier. The victory of the Boyne, had he taken that advantage of it which a great military mind would not have failed to take, might have led to the total suppression of the war within a month; and his short sojourn among the Irish representatives of that day, marked only by pusillanimity and cruelty, shows him entirely devoid of statesmanship. If, without dividing his army, after his first success, he had turned aside from the capital, and pressed the rear of the retiring army, he could have gained some of the passes of the Shannon, or perhaps have anticipated the enemy at Limerick, and ended the war without another blow. The truth is, his career, in this connection, was a very inglorious one. His doubt and hesitation after the Boyne were scarce less remarkable than those of Schomberg, which he so severely censured. Through indecision and delay, he gave his enemy time to recuperate for that memorable siege which checked his career, jeopardized his chance of eventual success, and sent him back to his newly acquired kingdom, to be humiliated before his Parliament; divested of nearly all popularity, and humbled before his courtiers by an aspiring subject.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 13

4. Belturbet's History as a Contested Town

   Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1688–1690

   Belturbet had been the scene of many bitter conflicts since the start of the rebellion, taken and retaken by both armies as the tide of war fluctuated, valued for its position in a fertile supply district.

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   The winter, and the advantages it offered to the Irish army, passed away, and the Duke of Schomberg, who, for several months, could have offered but an ineffectual opposition, was, through the vacillating policy of the king, and the factious opposition of the Lords, spiritual and temporal, in his Parliament, allowed to take the initiative in the renewal of hostilities. While he pressed the siege of Charlemont with renewed vigor, he dispatched 3,300 English and Enniskilleners, under the command of Brigadier Wolseley, to seize on Belturbet and Cavan, which were occupied through the winter by a small force under General Wauchop, and to the relief of these positions, which were considered of much importance, the Duke of Berwick was ordered with a force of 1,500 foot and 200 horse. Belturbet had been the scene of many bitter conflicts since the commencement of the rebellion, and had been taken and retaken by the troops of each army in turn, as the tide of war fluctuated. Situated in the midst of a fertile district, it was of much advantage in the way of supply. By its possession, through the previous year, the Irish had been enabled to hold the Enniskilleners in check even after the disaster of Newtownbutler; and it was still hoped that, by holding it, they could confine them to the more northern counties, and prevent their concentration round the Duke of Schomberg, or divert his attention from the capital.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

5. Douglas's costly retreat via Jamestown

   Jamestown · townland · Leitrim · 1690

   After failing to advance towards Sligo, Douglas turned to Jamestown but was forced to retreat after a severe encounter with heavy losses, harassed by Rapparees on his way back north.

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   The expedition against Sligo was not more fortunate. Douglas had scarcely cleared his quarters at Enniskillen, when he was met by the enemy, and after a succession of bewildering skirmishes for several days, he concluded to go no farther:--"as the ground was too difficult, and had been made more so." Then turning his steps towards Jamestown, he was forced to retreat after a severe encounter, in which he suffered greatly in men, and, harassed by the Rapparees, retraced his way to the north, "_giving out_" that it was no use to take Jamestown, as the country beyond it was too difficult to advance, even if the town were in his possession.

   Nor were Brewer and Kirke up to time at Lanesborough. They found the "bogs" to the east all intersected by canals, which were fiercely disputed by the enemy, and when they at last reached the town, they found that the eastern half of it had been burned down, and the fort on the other side rendered impregnable:--"and after a few ineffectual attempts to cross the river, they also retired in despair."

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 15

6. English plundering repulsed near Mallow and Bandon

   Mallow · townland · Cork · 1690

   Scravenmore and Tettau's forces penetrated to Mallow and began plundering, but were driven back with slaughter towards Bandon, where Colonel O'Driscoll again routed them.

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   With the fall of Cork and Kinsale, the campaign of Marlborough may be said to have terminated; he remained but a few days more in the country, and after planning offensive measures against the counties of Cork and Kerry, to be conducted by Ginkle, he returned to England after an absence of five weeks, and received the congratulations of the people and Parliament, to the great annoyance of the Prince of Orange and his partisans. He was thenceforth the great popular idol of the nation, and was soon after started on that military career that has placed his name among the greatest of England's generals. After his departure, Ginkle pressed the war in the south with great vigor. Scravenmore and Tettau, with a heavy force of infantry and cavalry, penetrated northward to Mallow, and, turning to the west, began to plunder and lay waste the country. But they were soon beset by organized bodies of farmers and Rapparees, and, by an assault, as vigorous as it was unexpected, were driven with great slaughter towards Bandon, where they were again furiously assailed by Colonel O'Driscoll, and, panic-stricken, fled back to their quarters.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 14

7. Garrison abandons Coleraine before Jacobite advance

   near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1689

   Coleraine's garrison of 3,000 men destroyed the bridge and retreated toward Derry rather than resist Hamilton's approaching royal troops. Hamilton occupied the town and left a regiment under Colonel O'Morra.

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   Lying impatiently before Coleraine since the affair of Dromore, Hamilton, on being joined by the Duke of Berwick, determined to renew hostilities, and immediately proceeded against that important position. Its garrison consisted of 3,000 effective men, who were expected to make a determined resistance; but on the approach of the royal troops they destroyed the bridge on their front, and, abandoning the fort, retreated in the direction of Derry. Hamilton soon occupied the place, and, leaving a regiment there under Colonel O'Morra, and being joined by de Pusignan, who had captured Moneymore, Magherafelt, Dawson's Bridge, and, in short, all the places on the left of the Bann, marched to Strabane, which he reached on the 15th of April, without meeting any opposition. Here he halted to rest his troops, and having ascertained that the enemy to the number of 12,000 men, from Enniskillen and Derry, under the command of General Lundy, were drawn up at Cladiford, behind the river Finn, determined to offer battle. On receipt of this intelligence, Hamilton and Berwick, leaving their main body at Strabane, took 600 horse and 350 foot, and advanced to reconnoitre; but on their appearance the town was evacuated, and the enemy, destroying the bridge, drew up in a fortified camp on the western side of the river.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

8. Irish Outguards Observed on the Hills of Garbally

   Garbally · townland · Galway · 1691

   As Ginckle advanced with a cavalry escort, he found St Ruth's outguards hovering along the hills of Garbally, retiring slowly before him without offering opposition.

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   The morning of the 9th dawned bright and sultry, but towards noon the unusual drought of the last month was broken by a violent tornado. Trees were uprooted, houses levelled; several men and horses were struck dead by lightning; and the march of the army was suspended until the morning of the 10th; when, having left Colonel Lloyd with his own, and half of the Douglas's regiment in command of the town, Ginckle advanced as far as Kilcashel, seven miles farther westward, and encamped for the night. Taking a strong escort of cavalry, he advanced towards Ballinasloe, and found that St. Ruth had decamped from his position. Crossing the river and advancing to the hills of Dunloe, he ascertained that St. Ruth was still in the vicinity, for his outguards were seen hovering along the hills of Garbally, and retiring slowly as he advanced without offering any opposition. Continuing still to advance, he at length beheld the whole Irish army drawn out in line of battle upon an opposite hill, when, after a close inspection, he ordered a map of the ground to be prepared, and returned to the camp; when the Irish pickets again advanced, and occupied the hills along the western bank of the river. From Kilcashel he advanced to Ballinasloe the next day, and halted opposite the ground lately occupied by the royal army, where he summoned a council and submitted the result of his reconnoissance for the consideration of his generals.

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

9. James Spends the Night at Hacket's House in Wicklow

   Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1690

   On his flight to the coast after the Boyne defeat, King James spent the night at the residence of a gentleman named Hacket in Wicklow before continuing his journey to Duncannon and Waterford.

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   When he arrived in Dublin, he summoned his council, and communicated his intention of quitting the country to solicit aid from France. It is but justice to state that he says they were unanimous in their approval; that de Lausun was importunate in his persuasion to that effect, and that letters, lately received from his queen, were still more urgent, and that so his resolution was confirmed. Ordering that the army should rendezvous at Limerick, each colonel leading his men thither as he might, he committed the government of the kingdom again to Tyrconnell, and, after giving some salutary advice on the regulation of affairs in the city until the arrival of the Prince of Orange, he made an exposition of his principles, and of the hopes he yet entertained of establishing them; then, in a very simple and affecting address, he bade farewell to his friends, and left the city under escort of two regiments of the Guards, those of Brown and Purcell. From Dublin he proceeded to Bray, where he left those troops to defend the bridge there in case of pursuit, and continued his route to Wicklow, where he spent the night at the residence of a gentleman named Hacket; from Wicklow he journeyed to Duncannon, and thence to Waterford. The detail of this route in the "Memoirs" forms a chapter, highly interesting and suggestive to a writer of romance, although of little import to the general reader. It tells how on the way he was almost startled from his propriety at every step by Messieurs de la Hoquette, Famechon, Chamarante, and Merode, colonels in the French contingent, who had, no doubt, been sent by de Lausun to urge him to swifter flight; for this general had many intrigues of his own at the French court, and, as they were spoiling in his absence, he encouraged the king's departure as the surest way of procuring his own recall from Ireland. But, as the subject is irrelevant here, the curious are referred to the notes of Berwick's Memoirs, where they may contemplate the web woven around this unfortunate king by the general for whom he had made the powerful Louvois his inveterate enemy.

   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_!

   Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 11

10. Kirke establishes relief garrison near Rathmelton

    Rathmelton · town · Donegal · 1689

    Unable to relieve Derry directly via Lough Foyle, Kirke sailed up Lough Swilly and established a garrison of 800 men near Rathmelton, drawing off besieging forces while preparing further relief efforts.

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    Baffled in his efforts to succor the town from the side of Lough Foyle, Kirke divided his fleet and with one part of it doubled Malin Head, sailed up Lough Swilly, and established a garrison of 800 men near Rathmelton, a few miles west of Derry. The place was well selected for his purpose; which was to attract the attention of the besiegers, and cause them to withdraw some of their forces from the side of the Foyle. This movement was observed by de Rosen, who, instead of drawing his forces from the water-side, ordered Berwick from Enniskillen to check the movements of Kirke, and dislodge him, if possible, without weakening the forces stationed at the obstructions in the river; and Berwick, as already indicated, abandoned Enniskillen, and arrived at Rathmelton, with a force of 1,200 horse, about the 22d of July.

    The position occupied by Kirke was one of great natural strength. The inlets of the Lough indented the country in all directions, and extended up to within three or four miles of Derry, presenting almost insuperable difficulties to an attacking force; and, on one of its peninsular mazes, he was found strongly intrenched under the protection of his frigates. Berwick spent a whole day in trying to dislodge him, but without effect, when he retired to an adjacent height, and contented himself with watching his movements, and confining him to his intrenchments.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rathmelton, in Donegal. In 1689, Kirke could not reach Derry by way of Lough Foyle, so he sailed up Lough Swilly and placed 800 men near this town, a few miles west of Derry. He chose the spot to draw the besiegers' attention and pull their forces away from the Foyle. De Rosen saw the move but would not weaken his own river blockade. Instead he ordered Berwick from Enniskillen to dislodge Kirke, and Berwick arrived at Rathmelton with 1,200 horse about the 22nd of July. Kirke's position was naturally strong, set among the inlets of the lough that indented the country in all directions, nearly to Derry itself. He was entrenched on one of the peninsulas, under the guns of his frigates. Berwick spent a whole day trying to drive him out and failed. He retired to a nearby height and settled for watching Kirke and keeping him confined to his trenches.

11. Limerick Strips Its Defences to Reinforce St Ruth

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    Limerick sent all the troops it could spare to reinforce St Ruth's army, even though its own defences were already few, while a fierce guerrilla war raged nearby in Munster.

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    Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, you are in a city that in 1691 gave away what little it had to defend itself. St. Ruth, holding entire military control that year, dismantled garrisons all along the Upper Shannon. Jamestown and Lanesborough were abandoned outright. Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison. Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick sent all that could be spared from its own defences, which were already few. The enemy still had 10,000 regulars and a strong militia force in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged through Cork and Kerry, right down to the vicinity of Limerick itself. A requisition for troops was also made on the Pretender, Balldearg, who held court between Tuam and Athunree surrounded by a force of between 8,000 and 10,000 men, but he furnished nothing and moved against no one. St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe to await his reinforcements and rest his troops after a month of toils and privation, his scouts and pickets advanced toward Athlone, while Galway was thought to be Ginckle's objective point, though other routes to it remained open.

12. Pursuit of routed cavalry through Raphoe

    Raphoe · town · Donegal · 1689

    Following the victory at Cladiford, the defeated Williamite cavalry was pursued and driven in confusion through Raphoe for five miles, while Hamilton found abundant provisions and war materials in the town.

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    Neither their force nor the strength of their position had been exaggerated: the river, which was of considerable volume, was found to be unfordable, while their right and left, beyond it, were protected by morasses impassable to cavalry; a strong breastwork had been thrown up in front of the bridge, behind which, in advance of their main body, 2,000 men were arrayed in order of battle. Hamilton, however, determined to attack them, without apprising De Pusignan, and setting a party to work on the bridge under cover of his infantry, he marched the cavalry along the river, determined to cross at the opportune moment. The infantry approached the bridge and opened a fire which dislodged the enemy from the trenches, and the planks being laid, they dashed over, and making a lodgment in the abandoned works, drove them back in confusion to the camp. Taking advantage of this diversion, the horse swam the river on their right, and forming on the opposite side, charged the entire body of the rebels, now drawn up on the high grounds to receive them. But the bold front assumed by Hamilton disconcerted them, and observing, at the same time, a squadron of dragoons, which had just arrived under De Rosen, crossing the river to their left, their whole force became panic-stricken, and fled in confusion. Their cavalry was followed up and driven furiously through Raphoe, a distance of five miles; "As for their infantry," says Berwick, "we killed about four hundred of them on the spot, but the rest, being favored by the morasses, found means to escape." The loss of the royal troops in this affair was one officer and two men, drowned in crossing the river.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

13. Skirmish at Bealin delays Ginckle's advance

    Bealin · population centre · Westmeath · 1691

    As Ginckle marched from his camp towards Athlone, his advance-guard was ambushed by Irish pickets at Bealin, causing confusion before the English pressed on toward the town.

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    Ginckle left his encampment at sunrise on the morning of the 19th, and throwing out detachments towards Ballinahown and Killinure, where the Rapparees were reported to be troublesome, he took up his line of march. At Bealin, about a mile from his camp, his advance-guard received a warm salute from the ambushed Irish pickets, and, falling back on the main body, caused some confusion; when, throwing out detachments to clear the brush on his right and left, he approached slowly and warily towards the town. The Irish Guards now disputed the ground with the most obstinate valor; every hedge and thicket became the scene of assault and defence; when they yielded a position to the overwhelming force of their assailants, it was but to renew the strife with still greater desperation at another; the nearer the enemy approached to the town the more deadly the conflict became; many, both assailants and assailed, lay dead by the wayside, and it was well on to noon, when, forced from their last intrenchment outside the wall, the latter retired within their fortifications, and the English army appeared before Athlone.

    Ginckle, who, finding that St. Ruth's army had not yet arrived, determined to press his advantage, immediately set to work in the construction of batteries, and had soon two at work outside the walls of the English town: one of three guns to the north of it, over against a bastion, on the western side of the river, and another of five guns to the south, and both played fiercely all day without cessation. At six in the evening another of nine eighteen-pounders was opened against the northern gate, and all worked steadily until noon on the following day. It was then found that the last one had effected a breach of its own width, practicable for the passage of infantry, when the fire of the two first was turned on the interior of the town, a council of war was held, and it was determined to assault it in force that evening.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

14. William reviews army and plans campaign at Finglass

    Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1690

    William reviewed his army at Finglass and mapped his plan of operations, dividing forces between his own command along the coast toward Limerick and General Douglas westward to capture Athlone.

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    After a short stay in Dublin, William determined to press the real object of his mission. He reviewed his army at Finglass, and mapped out his plan of operations. His own command, and that of Duke Schomberg at the Boyne, were to proceed along the coast, and after subjecting the eastern counties to his sway, turn westward for the reduction of Limerick. In the mean time, General Douglas, who now commanded that part of the army which had been hitherto led by Count Schomberg,[39] was to proceed westward from Dublin, capture the fortress of Athlone, and then join the main army at Limerick.

    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.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

15. Artillery gathered at Ballymore before the campaign

    Ballymore · town · Westmeath · 1691

    Before his battering train arrived, Ginckle had eighteen field-pieces and three mortars at Ballymore, forming part of the artillery later brought to Aughrim.

    Read the passage

    Of Ginckle's artillery perhaps no accurate estimate can now be given,--some historians rating it at over thirty pieces, and others as low as twelve; while Story, who was present at the battle, is unaccountably silent on the subject. This, however, is well attested by all:--that at Ballymore, before his battering-train arrived, he had eighteen field-pieces and three mortars; that at Ballyburn he was joined by Wurtemberg and Nassau, with a force of seven or eight thousand men, who, from the important positions held by them through the winter, must have had a park of artillery not less than eight pieces. And that the number was further increased after the siege of Athlone by four of the captured guns, which were mounted on carriages and taken to Aughrim. From the beginning to the end of the war he had cannon at will; and this is beyond a doubt:--that while he might have had over forty pieces, he had certainly not under thirty; and with this immense train, and an array of 30,000 men, computed at 23,000 foot and 7,000 horse, he stood between Garbally and Liscappel, awaiting but a favorable moment to advance on his expectant adversary.

    It was really a formidable host, and wholly composed of veterans, both officers and men: of Dutch, Danes, and Prussians, who had seen service on many a continental battle-field; of French Huguenots, whose bravery is generally conceded, and whose undying hatred of their own sovereign, rendered that service the most acceptable which was found under his most deadly enemies; of Scotch, whose native hardihood is proverbial; of English veterans, who, while well fed, are not wanting in many of the soldierly qualities; and of Irish Protestants, now well inured to war, and who, if not the most brave, were certainly not the least zealous, for to them were chiefly to appertain the lands and livings of the country, which had now, even more than liberty or religion, become the wager of battle. With perfect harmony in his councils; with an army which, for numbers, appointments, and appliances combined, was never equalled in the country since its first invasion; with the prestige of a recent victory, and excited to the highest enthusiasm that promised reward or religious frenzy could inspire; Ginckle now approached that field whereon was to be decided the destiny of three kingdoms, the fate of one of the oldest dynasties of Europe, and the liberty or thraldom of a race coeval with European history.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 19

16. Berwick's force gathers at Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1690

    Berwick collected about 8,000 men and advanced as far as Kilmallock in County Limerick intending to relieve the siege of Cork, but withdrew without engaging Marlborough.

    Read the passage

    The Duke of Berwick tells us that during the interval, he had collected a force of about 8,000 men, and had got as far as Kilmallock, in the County Limerick, with the purpose of compelling Marlborough to raise the siege. But considering his force inadequate, he contented himself with watching the enemy, and when the expedition was finished returned to his quarters. The indecision shown by Berwick at this juncture, in view of his well-known valor and intrepidity, would favor the impression that he was unwilling to appear in arms against his uncle, and his explanation would seem rather to fix than to remove it. Eight thousand men, in a friendly country, under the command of such generals as himself and Sarsfield, who was also there, against 14,000 investing two strong fortresses, and extended over a line of seven or eight miles, seem not inadequate, and might have created such a diversion as would have at least protracted the siege; and any disarrangement of Marlborough's plans would have placed him in a very critical position.

    With the fall of Cork and Kinsale, the campaign of Marlborough may be said to have terminated; he remained but a few days more in the country, and after planning offensive measures against the counties of Cork and Kerry, to be conducted by Ginkle, he returned to England after an absence of five weeks, and received the congratulations of the people and Parliament, to the great annoyance of the Prince of Orange and his partisans. He was thenceforth the great popular idol of the nation, and was soon after started on that military career that has placed his name among the greatest of England's generals. After his departure, Ginkle pressed the war in the south with great vigor. Scravenmore and Tettau, with a heavy force of infantry and cavalry, penetrated northward to Mallow, and, turning to the west, began to plunder and lay waste the country. But they were soon beset by organized bodies of farmers and Rapparees, and, by an assault, as vigorous as it was unexpected, were driven with great slaughter towards Bandon, where they were again furiously assailed by Colonel O'Driscoll, and, panic-stricken, fled back to their quarters.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 14

17. English Repulse at Lanesborough

    Lanesborough · town · Longford · 1691

    Ginckle sent Lord Lisburn with 2,000 foot and 500 horse to attempt crossing the river at Lanesborough, but they suffered a severe repulse and returned, reporting the crossing impracticable.

    Read the passage

    Ginckle made a pause of several days at Ballymore, awaiting his heavy artillery, and the reinforcements expected from the south. While here, he sent Lord Lisburn with 2,000 foot and five hundred horse, to attempt the river at Lanesborough, and another body to reconnoitre the defences of Athlone, and report the condition of the enemy. The former suffering a severe repulse, returned after a few days, and pronounced the place impracticable, and the latter reported that the Irish army must have arrived at Athlone, as they saw some troops of horse drawn up on the hills on the western side of the river. While here, also, General Douglas departed to join the army of William in Flanders, and part of his regiment were left under the command of Colonel Toby Purcell, to occupy Ballymore, which had undergone a thorough reconstruction, consisting of bastions, hornworks, a platform for a battery of eight guns, and a floor of mortars. At length, on the 18th, Ginckle's train having arrived, he moved forward to Ballyburn Pass, where he was joined by Wurtemburg and Count Nassau, with a force of 8,000 men, and the next day resumed his march for Athlone.

    Though Ginckle's preparations had extended farther into the season than he at first intended, he had still taken the field considerably in advance of his enemy, and Ballymore had been reduced, and his march resumed, before St. Ruth had moved out of Limerick. Nor did the knowledge of this disturb the equanimity of the latter, nor disconcert his arrangements. Hearing that Ginckle's army had left Mullingar, he dispatched a regiment of horse for the defence of Athlone, with orders to its governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, to strengthen his defences and hold both sections of the town until his arrival; then sending a force under Brigadier Maxwell to move along on the east, and waste the country as he went along, he drew out his army, turned his steps towards Athlone, and moved by easy marches along the western side of the river. Maxwell performed this duty with characteristic promptitude:--he soon rendered the country, for several miles beyond the river, destitute of provender; drove immense herds of cattle within the Irish lines; and then making that skilful display of his force at Ballyboy and Frankfort, which diverted Ginckle's attention from the lower fords, he recrossed the river at Banagher, and moved towards Ballinasloe, where he anticipated the arrival of St. Ruth.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

18. Evacuation of Culmore fort and Murray's march to Derry

    near Culmore · town · Derry · 1689

    Culmore, the strong post guarding the entrance to the Foyle, was evacuated by its garrison of 1,500 men under Captain Murray, who made a hazardous march through mountainous country to reach Derry safely.

    Read the passage

    The success of the royal arms in Monaghan, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, kept pace with the progress of Hamilton and Berwick. The insurgents were everywhere driven from the open country, and compelled to take refuge in Crom and Enniskillen. The garrison of Sligo, consisting of 3,000 foot and 1,000 horse, under Lord Kingston, withdrew to Ballyshannon, which commands the entrance to Lough-Erne; and towards the beginning of May, there remained no place of any significance in their possession but the fortified towns of Enniskillen and Derry. But the defenders of the latter place had made good use of the temporary cessation of hostilities after the battle of Cladiford. Their outlying posts were immediately abandoned, and troops came in daily from all quarters. Culmore, a strong post which guarded the entrance of the Foyle, and which they had held through the winter, was evacuated on the approach of the Jacobite army, and its garrison of 1,500 men, under Captain Murray, after a hazardous march through the mountainous country to the west of the river, succeeded in getting safely within its walls. The accession of these forces gave a new impulse to the flagging spirit of the defenders. Governor Lundy, being suspected of Jacobite tendencies, was at once deposed, and a military council was constituted, of which Murray, the Reverend George Walker, and Colonel Baker, were the ruling spirits.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming up on Culmore now. Back in 1689 this was a strong post guarding the entrance to the Foyle, held through the winter by the defenders of Derry. When the Jacobite army approached, the garrison of 1,500 men under Captain Murray evacuated the fort and made a hazardous march through the mountainous country to the west of the river, and succeeded in getting safely within the walls of Derry. Their arrival gave a new impulse to the flagging spirit of the defenders. Governor Lundy, suspected of Jacobite tendencies, was at once deposed, and a military council was constituted, with Murray, the Reverend George Walker, and Colonel Baker as its ruling spirits.

19. Failed English advance on Lanesborough

    Lanesborough · town · Longford · 1690

    Brewer and Kirke's forces found the bogs east of Lanesborough intersected by fiercely defended canals, and on reaching the town found half of it burned and the fort impregnable, forcing their retreat.

    Read the passage

    Nor were Brewer and Kirke up to time at Lanesborough. They found the "bogs" to the east all intersected by canals, which were fiercely disputed by the enemy, and when they at last reached the town, they found that the eastern half of it had been burned down, and the fort on the other side rendered impregnable:--"and after a few ineffectual attempts to cross the river, they also retired in despair."

    The movements against Banagher and Portumna were also ineffectual; and the regiments of Bristow, Caulfield, "and others,"--about 2,000 strong,--which had been ordered to Lanesborough, by way of Mullingar, were attacked by 1,500 of the Rapparees and soldiers, and after a fierce fight of over five hours, were routed with great slaughter, and driven back on Mountmellick, leaving all their baggage and military stores in the hands of the victors.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 15

20. Galway Sends a Regiment and Awaits Ginckle's Advance

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    Galway contributed a regiment to St Ruth's army, and the town was understood to be Ginckle's ultimate objective in his advance west.

    Read the passage

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, you are in the town that Ginckle meant to take in 1691. It was his objective point, the place his westward advance was driving toward. Galway had already sent a regiment to join St Ruth's army, and St Ruth had pulled back to Ballinasloe to rest his troops and wait for reinforcements. He knew there were several routes into Galway, and he would not move again until he could read Ginckle's intentions.

21. James's Flight Through Duncannon and Waterford

    Duncannon · town · Wexford · 1690

    After leaving Wicklow, James journeyed onward to Duncannon and then to Waterford as he fled Ireland after his defeat at the Boyne, eventually sailing for France.

    Read the passage

    When he arrived in Dublin, he summoned his council, and communicated his intention of quitting the country to solicit aid from France. It is but justice to state that he says they were unanimous in their approval; that de Lausun was importunate in his persuasion to that effect, and that letters, lately received from his queen, were still more urgent, and that so his resolution was confirmed. Ordering that the army should rendezvous at Limerick, each colonel leading his men thither as he might, he committed the government of the kingdom again to Tyrconnell, and, after giving some salutary advice on the regulation of affairs in the city until the arrival of the Prince of Orange, he made an exposition of his principles, and of the hopes he yet entertained of establishing them; then, in a very simple and affecting address, he bade farewell to his friends, and left the city under escort of two regiments of the Guards, those of Brown and Purcell. From Dublin he proceeded to Bray, where he left those troops to defend the bridge there in case of pursuit, and continued his route to Wicklow, where he spent the night at the residence of a gentleman named Hacket; from Wicklow he journeyed to Duncannon, and thence to Waterford. The detail of this route in the "Memoirs" forms a chapter, highly interesting and suggestive to a writer of romance, although of little import to the general reader. It tells how on the way he was almost startled from his propriety at every step by Messieurs de la Hoquette, Famechon, Chamarante, and Merode, colonels in the French contingent, who had, no doubt, been sent by de Lausun to urge him to swifter flight; for this general had many intrigues of his own at the French court, and, as they were spoiling in his absence, he encouraged the king's departure as the surest way of procuring his own recall from Ireland. But, as the subject is irrelevant here, the curious are referred to the notes of Berwick's Memoirs, where they may contemplate the web woven around this unfortunate king by the general for whom he had made the powerful Louvois his inveterate enemy.

    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_!

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 11

22. Schomberg Takes Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1689

    The day after landing, Schomberg took possession of Belfast and strengthened its defences before moving on to besiege Carrickfergus.

    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

23. Skirmish near Ballymoney against a foraging party's cover force

    near Ballymoney · town · Antrim · 1689

    While halted at Ballymoney to recruit his forces, Hamilton was attacked by a force sent to cover a Williamite foraging party; he repelled them vigorously, driving them into the town gates with heavy losses and capturing their collected booty.

    Read the passage

    The capture of Hillsborough was of great service to the Irish cause. It had been the headquarters of the "Council" since its formation, and was the repository of its papers, plans, and secret correspondence with William; but, above all, it contained immense stores of provisions, wrung from the inhabitants of the surrounding country since the preceding winter. The evacuation of Dungannon, on the west side of Lough Neagh, a fine central position of the Williamites, and one of their chief depots for provisions and military stores, followed closely on that of Hillsborough; and Hamilton, pursuing the retreating insurgents through Belfast, Antrim, and Ballymena, drove them in on Coleraine, and halted to recruit his little army in the town of Ballymoney, within a few miles of their only remaining stronghold in Antrim. While here, he was assailed by a strong force sent out to cover the movements of a foraging party, but he attacked them so vigorously that he drove them within the gates of the town, inflicting a severe loss, and capturing all the booty collected in their excursion.

    Thus, in less than a fortnight after his departure from Drogheda, all the eastern counties of Ulster--Armagh, Down, Antrim, and the greater part of Tyrone--were reduced to obedience; but, as he was now about to approach the walled town of Derry, he halted for a few days in his career, to await artillery and reinforcements from the capital.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 5

24. Berwick departs for Cavan Park to command against Enniskillen

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1689

    Dissatisfied with the new command under de Rosen, Berwick requested and obtained the command against Enniskillen, leaving the Derry camp on 21 June with 400 dragoons and marching to Cavan Park.

    Read the passage

    "They sent us word from Dublin that they were dispatching artillery to us; for which reason we thought it right to possess ourselves immediately of such posts near the town as might be of use in pressing the siege. With this view, Ramsay, with his troops, on the 6th of May, attacked a windmill, which stood on an eminence at half-cannon shot from the town, and behind it was a bottom in which he meant to encamp. The enemy defended themselves with great bravery; and, at last, the whole town sallying out upon him, he was driven from his post and obliged to retire. Ramsay himself was killed, with about 200 men; several officers of distinction were made prisoners. Wauchop took the command of Ramsay's troops, and resolved upon another attempt to make himself master of the mill; but the enemy, apprised of the importance of it, had covered it with a great intrenchment, which our troops could never force, and we sustained a further loss of several officers, and at least a hundred men." * * * "After this experience, we assembled all our troops, consisting of twelve battalions and fifteen or sixteen squadrons (about 2,800 men), and encamped opposite the front of the place, behind a rising ground, at the distance of a long musket-shot; and we left on the other side of the river two battalions that had been stationed there. A few days after, six large pieces of cannon--four guns and two mortars--arrived: there were thirty in the town. We had, in all, not more than five or six thousand men; the besieged had ten thousand, well armed. About the same time arrived M. de Rosen, with some French engineers and matrosses to begin the attack. As I was not pleased with the business, any more than with the new general, * * I asked for the command against Enniskillen, and obtained it, and left the camp on the 21st of June, with four hundred horse dragoons, and marched to Cavan Park."

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

25. King James Retires to Ardee

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1690

    As William advanced and attempted to flank the Irish army, King James continued to fall back and retired to Ardee, drawing up in a strong position on the direct route to the capital.

    Read the passage

    On the 23d, William's artillery having arrived, he moved forward. The same day King James retired to Ardee, where he was met by his train, and drew up in a strong position in the direct route between William and the capital. William, still advancing, crossed the mountains between Newry and Dundalk, and, observing the situation of the Irish army, divided his own into two bodies for the purpose of flanking it, or forcing it into the plain, where his great numerical superiority would render victory certain. Seeing this, King James continued gradually to fall back; on the 29th, he crossed the Boyne, at Drogheda, and, drawing up his army on the heights of Donore, overlooking that river, he there awaited the enemy.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

26. St. Ruth Orders Defence of Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    Hearing that Ginckle's army had left Mullingar, St. Ruth dispatched a regiment of horse for the defence of Athlone, ordering its governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, to strengthen the town's defences and hold both sections until his arrival.

    Read the passage

    Though Ginckle's preparations had extended farther into the season than he at first intended, he had still taken the field considerably in advance of his enemy, and Ballymore had been reduced, and his march resumed, before St. Ruth had moved out of Limerick. Nor did the knowledge of this disturb the equanimity of the latter, nor disconcert his arrangements. Hearing that Ginckle's army had left Mullingar, he dispatched a regiment of horse for the defence of Athlone, with orders to its governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, to strengthen his defences and hold both sections of the town until his arrival; then sending a force under Brigadier Maxwell to move along on the east, and waste the country as he went along, he drew out his army, turned his steps towards Athlone, and moved by easy marches along the western side of the river. Maxwell performed this duty with characteristic promptitude:--he soon rendered the country, for several miles beyond the river, destitute of provender; drove immense herds of cattle within the Irish lines; and then making that skilful display of his force at Ballyboy and Frankfort, which diverted Ginckle's attention from the lower fords, he recrossed the river at Banagher, and moved towards Ballinasloe, where he anticipated the arrival of St. Ruth.

    The two armies now approaching each other were quite as disproportioned as when they met in the former year upon the banks of the Boyne. That of Ginckle, exclusive of the garrisons left at Mullingar and Ballymore, must still have numbered over 30,000 men, while that of St. Ruth, after all his detachments had been called in, and the garrisons depleted to the limit of safety, was, according to the most reliable estimate, but 23,000,--horse and foot. In artillery, and all the appliances of war, the disproportion was still greater; while the arms and appointments of the English army were incomparably superior to those of its less numerous adversary.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Athlone now. In 1691, this town became the object of a desperate order. When St. Ruth learned that Ginckle's army had left Mullingar, he sent a regiment of horse here and told Colonel Fitzgerald, the governor, to strengthen the defences and hold both sections of the town until he arrived. St. Ruth then marched his own army along the western side of the river towards Athlone, moving by easy stages. Before he came, he had Brigadier Maxwell sweep the country east of the river, stripping it for miles and driving great herds of cattle back within the Irish lines. Maxwell made a show of force at Ballyboy and Frankfort, recrossed at Banagher, and pushed towards Ballinasloe to meet St. Ruth. The two armies closing on each other were badly mismatched. Ginckle had over 30,000 men, excluding garrisons left at Mullingar and Ballymore. St. Ruth, after calling in every detachment and stripping his garrisons to the limit of safety, had about 23,000 horse and foot. In artillery and equipment the gap was even wider, and the English army's arms were far superior.

27. William encamps at Finglass before entering Dublin

    Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1690

    After deciding to remain in Ireland rather than return to England, William struck camp, marched south, encamped his army at Finglass, and entered the capital.

    Read the passage

    William was duly apprised of all this, and it allayed his apprehensions for the safety of England; so, after a few days' delay, he struck tents, turned his steps southward, and encamping his army at Finglass, entered the capital.

    The Parliament which assembled to meet him, presented a marked contrast to that of the preceding years of this war. The latter was earnestly intent on securing the liberty of the country and the religious freedom of all the denominations, and on having them secured by constitutional enactments; while the total extirpation of the Catholic faith, and the immediate confiscation of the estates of those still in arms for their rightful sovereign, alone could satisfy the former. William adopted a half-way measure, and one which was more likely to subserve his own interests. The confiscation of course became necessary, not only to satisfy his new subjects of Ireland, but also to reward his Dutch and foreign mercenaries; and it accordingly received his sanction. But the extermination of the people did not suit his views. The population of the country was already greatly reduced; and besides, 'tis said that William was opposed to persecution for conscience' sake. However, it became necessary, if possible, to detach the people from their leaders. While their interests were identified, the success of his arms was doubtful, and accordingly, a proclamation was prepared, subjecting the leaders to all the penalty of rebels in arms, and offering an amnesty to the artisan and laboring classes.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

28. Evacuation of Dungannon depot

    near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1689

    The Williamite stronghold of Dungannon, on the west side of Lough Neagh and a chief depot for provisions and military stores, was evacuated by the insurgents following the fall of Hillsborough.

    Read the passage

    The capture of Hillsborough was of great service to the Irish cause. It had been the headquarters of the "Council" since its formation, and was the repository of its papers, plans, and secret correspondence with William; but, above all, it contained immense stores of provisions, wrung from the inhabitants of the surrounding country since the preceding winter. The evacuation of Dungannon, on the west side of Lough Neagh, a fine central position of the Williamites, and one of their chief depots for provisions and military stores, followed closely on that of Hillsborough; and Hamilton, pursuing the retreating insurgents through Belfast, Antrim, and Ballymena, drove them in on Coleraine, and halted to recruit his little army in the town of Ballymoney, within a few miles of their only remaining stronghold in Antrim. While here, he was assailed by a strong force sent out to cover the movements of a foraging party, but he attacked them so vigorously that he drove them within the gates of the town, inflicting a severe loss, and capturing all the booty collected in their excursion.

    Thus, in less than a fortnight after his departure from Drogheda, all the eastern counties of Ulster--Armagh, Down, Antrim, and the greater part of Tyrone--were reduced to obedience; but, as he was now about to approach the walled town of Derry, he halted for a few days in his career, to await artillery and reinforcements from the capital.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 5

29. Ginckle's Reconnaissance and Camp at Rathcondrath

    Rathconrath · townland · Westmeath · 1691

    Ginckle marched from Mullingar on 6 June 1691 and halted at Rathcondrath, where he was joined by General Douglas and sent a party to reconnoitre the Irish-held fort at Ballymore.

    Read the passage

    Ginckle drew out his army from Mullingar on the 6th of June, and halted at Rathcondrath, where he was joined the same day by General Douglas. Here he encamped for the night, and sent out a party to reconnoitre the fort of Ballymore, then held as an outpost of the Irish army. After a brisk skirmish with the pickets of the fort, this party returned, bringing in a wounded prisoner, from whom he learned the force and disposition of the garrison, and appeared before it at noon on the following day. The town of Ballymore lay on the direct road from Mullingar to Athlone, and a little to the right of it stood the fort on a peninsula, isolated from the mainland except at one pass which led up towards the town, and which was commanded by a ruined castle that stood at its outer entrance. The place had been in the possession of the English during the preceding autumn, but the country around it becoming too poor to subsist a garrison, it was abandoned, when the Rapparees took possession of it, and held it through the winter, as a rendezvous in their raids against Mullingar and the surrounding posts of the enemy. The place was of much strategic importance, being well adapted for either offensive or defensive warfare; but having been utterly neglected by the different parties occupying it through the last year, it was now in a dilapidated condition. The fort was of mud, mounting two pieces of "Turkish cannon on cart-wheels," with a garrison consisting of eight hundred soldiers, two hundred and sixty Rapparees,--four hundred women and children who had fled to it as a refuge,--and was commanded by Colonel Ulick Burke, who had orders to hold it to the last extremity, in order to gain time for the Irish army to anticipate Ginckle before Athlone.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

30. Hamilton reaches Strabane unopposed

    Strabane · townland · Tyrone · 1689

    After capturing territory left of the Bann, Hamilton marched to Strabane, arriving on 15 April, and halted to rest his troops before advancing to confront the enemy at Cladiford.

    Read the passage

    Lying impatiently before Coleraine since the affair of Dromore, Hamilton, on being joined by the Duke of Berwick, determined to renew hostilities, and immediately proceeded against that important position. Its garrison consisted of 3,000 effective men, who were expected to make a determined resistance; but on the approach of the royal troops they destroyed the bridge on their front, and, abandoning the fort, retreated in the direction of Derry. Hamilton soon occupied the place, and, leaving a regiment there under Colonel O'Morra, and being joined by de Pusignan, who had captured Moneymore, Magherafelt, Dawson's Bridge, and, in short, all the places on the left of the Bann, marched to Strabane, which he reached on the 15th of April, without meeting any opposition. Here he halted to rest his troops, and having ascertained that the enemy to the number of 12,000 men, from Enniskillen and Derry, under the command of General Lundy, were drawn up at Cladiford, behind the river Finn, determined to offer battle. On receipt of this intelligence, Hamilton and Berwick, leaving their main body at Strabane, took 600 horse and 350 foot, and advanced to reconnoitre; but on their appearance the town was evacuated, and the enemy, destroying the bridge, drew up in a fortified camp on the western side of the river.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

31. Irish Retreat to and Abandonment of Cavan

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1690

    After the defeat at the mud fort, the Irish forces fell back to Cavan, which they shortly after abandoned, allowing Schomberg to turn his full attention to Charlemont.

    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

32. Jacobite army disposition around Derry's siege lines

    near Waterside · street · Waterford · 1689

    By 20 April the Jacobite forces had positioned themselves around Derry: a garrison at Culmore, Hamilton's camp two miles from the walls, Ramsay at Hollywell Hill, Wauchop at the Waterside, and a reserve at Johnstown.

    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

33. Jamestown Garrison Abandoned by St Ruth

    Jamestown · townland · Leitrim · 1691

    As part of his consolidation after the loss of Athlone, St Ruth ordered the dismantling of the Upper Shannon garrisons, and Jamestown was at once abandoned.

    Read the passage

    Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

34. Lanesborough Garrison Abandoned

    Lanesborough · town · Longford · 1691

    Along with Jamestown, the garrison at Lanesborough on the Shannon was abandoned as St Ruth drew in his outposts following the fall of Athlone.

    Read the passage

    Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

35. Maxwell Recrosses at Banagher, Advances to Ballinasloe

    Ballinasloe · town · Galway · 1691

    After his diversionary maneuvers, Brigadier Maxwell recrossed the river at Banagher and moved towards Ballinasloe, where he anticipated the arrival of St. Ruth's main army.

    Read the passage

    Though Ginckle's preparations had extended farther into the season than he at first intended, he had still taken the field considerably in advance of his enemy, and Ballymore had been reduced, and his march resumed, before St. Ruth had moved out of Limerick. Nor did the knowledge of this disturb the equanimity of the latter, nor disconcert his arrangements. Hearing that Ginckle's army had left Mullingar, he dispatched a regiment of horse for the defence of Athlone, with orders to its governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, to strengthen his defences and hold both sections of the town until his arrival; then sending a force under Brigadier Maxwell to move along on the east, and waste the country as he went along, he drew out his army, turned his steps towards Athlone, and moved by easy marches along the western side of the river. Maxwell performed this duty with characteristic promptitude:--he soon rendered the country, for several miles beyond the river, destitute of provender; drove immense herds of cattle within the Irish lines; and then making that skilful display of his force at Ballyboy and Frankfort, which diverted Ginckle's attention from the lower fords, he recrossed the river at Banagher, and moved towards Ballinasloe, where he anticipated the arrival of St. Ruth.

    The two armies now approaching each other were quite as disproportioned as when they met in the former year upon the banks of the Boyne. That of Ginckle, exclusive of the garrisons left at Mullingar and Ballymore, must still have numbered over 30,000 men, while that of St. Ruth, after all his detachments had been called in, and the garrisons depleted to the limit of safety, was, according to the most reliable estimate, but 23,000,--horse and foot. In artillery, and all the appliances of war, the disproportion was still greater; while the arms and appointments of the English army were incomparably superior to those of its less numerous adversary.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballinasloe, you are on the ground where Brigadier Maxwell brought his force in 1691, expecting the arrival of St. Ruth's main army. St. Ruth had sent Maxwell to move along the east side of the river and waste the country as he went. Maxwell did this with what the source calls "characteristic promptitude" — he rendered the land destitute of provender for miles beyond the river and drove immense herds of cattle within the Irish lines. He then made a skilful show of his force at Ballyboy and Frankfort, which diverted Ginckle's attention from the lower fords. After that diversion he recrossed the river at Banagher and moved towards this town, where he anticipated St. Ruth would come. The two armies now approaching each other were badly mismatched. Ginckle's force, not counting garrisons left at Mullingar and Ballymore, still numbered over 30,000 men. St. Ruth's army, after all detachments were called in and garrisons depleted to the limit of safety, was about 23,000 horse and foot. In artillery and all the appliances of war the disproportion was greater still, and the arms and appointments of the English army were far superior to those of its smaller adversary.

36. Maxwell's Diversion at Ballyboy and Frankfort

    Ballyboy · townland · Offaly · 1691

    Brigadier Maxwell, tasked with wasting the country east of the river, made a skilful display of force at Ballyboy and Frankfort to divert Ginckle's attention from the lower fords before recrossing at Banagher.

    Read the passage

    Though Ginckle's preparations had extended farther into the season than he at first intended, he had still taken the field considerably in advance of his enemy, and Ballymore had been reduced, and his march resumed, before St. Ruth had moved out of Limerick. Nor did the knowledge of this disturb the equanimity of the latter, nor disconcert his arrangements. Hearing that Ginckle's army had left Mullingar, he dispatched a regiment of horse for the defence of Athlone, with orders to its governor, Colonel Fitzgerald, to strengthen his defences and hold both sections of the town until his arrival; then sending a force under Brigadier Maxwell to move along on the east, and waste the country as he went along, he drew out his army, turned his steps towards Athlone, and moved by easy marches along the western side of the river. Maxwell performed this duty with characteristic promptitude:--he soon rendered the country, for several miles beyond the river, destitute of provender; drove immense herds of cattle within the Irish lines; and then making that skilful display of his force at Ballyboy and Frankfort, which diverted Ginckle's attention from the lower fords, he recrossed the river at Banagher, and moved towards Ballinasloe, where he anticipated the arrival of St. Ruth.

    The two armies now approaching each other were quite as disproportioned as when they met in the former year upon the banks of the Boyne. That of Ginckle, exclusive of the garrisons left at Mullingar and Ballymore, must still have numbered over 30,000 men, while that of St. Ruth, after all his detachments had been called in, and the garrisons depleted to the limit of safety, was, according to the most reliable estimate, but 23,000,--horse and foot. In artillery, and all the appliances of war, the disproportion was still greater; while the arms and appointments of the English army were incomparably superior to those of its less numerous adversary.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

37. Rapparees troublesome near Ballinahown and Killinure

    Ballinahown · townland · Wicklow · 1691

    As Ginckle left camp, he sent detachments toward Ballinahown and Killinure where Rapparees were reported to be causing trouble for his advancing army.

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    Ginckle left his encampment at sunrise on the morning of the 19th, and throwing out detachments towards Ballinahown and Killinure, where the Rapparees were reported to be troublesome, he took up his line of march. At Bealin, about a mile from his camp, his advance-guard received a warm salute from the ambushed Irish pickets, and, falling back on the main body, caused some confusion; when, throwing out detachments to clear the brush on his right and left, he approached slowly and warily towards the town. The Irish Guards now disputed the ground with the most obstinate valor; every hedge and thicket became the scene of assault and defence; when they yielded a position to the overwhelming force of their assailants, it was but to renew the strife with still greater desperation at another; the nearer the enemy approached to the town the more deadly the conflict became; many, both assailants and assailed, lay dead by the wayside, and it was well on to noon, when, forced from their last intrenchment outside the wall, the latter retired within their fortifications, and the English army appeared before Athlone.

    Ginckle, who, finding that St. Ruth's army had not yet arrived, determined to press his advantage, immediately set to work in the construction of batteries, and had soon two at work outside the walls of the English town: one of three guns to the north of it, over against a bastion, on the western side of the river, and another of five guns to the south, and both played fiercely all day without cessation. At six in the evening another of nine eighteen-pounders was opened against the northern gate, and all worked steadily until noon on the following day. It was then found that the last one had effected a breach of its own width, practicable for the passage of infantry, when the fire of the two first was turned on the interior of the town, a council of war was held, and it was determined to assault it in force that evening.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 17

38. William's Artillery Arrives at Carrickfergus

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1690

    William's grand park of artillery and ordnance stores arrived at Carrickfergus on 6 June 1690, ahead of his own arrival and march south.

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    The report that de Lausun had landed in Ireland with a French army, tended to hasten these preparations, and to swell the proportions of the designed armament. Pending the prince's departure, large bodies of English troops were shipped to the garrisons of Ulster, and as Schomberg had expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of his English and Anglo-Irish troops in the field, a new army, consisting of foreign adventurers--Dutch Danes, Scandinavians, Swiss, and French Huguenots; some, no doubt, induced by religious fanaticism, but many by the higher pay in the English army, and the promise of subsequent plunder, flocked to his standard. On the 6th of June, William's grand park of artillery and ordnance stores arrived at Carrickfergus, and on the 14th he himself, accompanied by Prince George of Denmark, the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt, the Dukes of Ormond and Wortemberg, the Earls of Oxford, Portland and Scarborough, Generals Mackey and Douglas, and other notables, arrived and proceeded to Lisburn, where Schomberg had awaited his arrival since the fall of Charlemont.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 9

39. Carrickfergus and Charlemont held by the Irish

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1689

    Carrickfergus and Charlemont in the north, along with all the forts on the Shannon from Lough Allen to the estuary, remained in Irish possession and required reinforcement as Tyrconnell organized his 1689 campaign defenses.

    Read the passage

    Carrickfergus and Charlemont in the north, and all the forts on the Shannon, from Lough Allen to the estuary, were still in the possession of the Irish, and each had to be reinforced and put in a better state of defence: the town of Kilkenny, and the cities of Cork and Waterford, had each to receive its quota of troops; Dundalk, an important seaport, had to be secured against the excursions of the insurgents of Monaghan and Armagh; and the metropolis could not dispense with the few veteran regiments that had been stationed there since the inauguration of the deputy. After the distribution of his forces among these posts, Tyrconnell found at his disposal a small army of 6,000 men available for the field, and, dividing it into three corps, he gave the command of one to Lieutenant-General Justin McCarthy, to operate in Munster, where Inchiquin had raised the standard of revolt; one to Lieutenant-General Richard Hamilton, for the reduction of the rebel garrisons from Dundalk to Derry; and another, a co-operative force of about 1,000 men, was placed under Lord Galmoy, to give countenance to the outlying posts around Cavan and Enniskillen.--The limits prescribed these pages preclude a detailed account of these expeditions, although each presents some of the most striking and agreeable events of that period. McCarthy, at the head of 2,000 regulars and a few hundred followers, reduced, in a few days, the rebels of Castle-Martyr and Bandon, and turning his attention to Inchiquin, who was plundering and laying waste the country, from the Shannon to the Blackwater, he drove him back on his stronghold in Clare, and marched uncontrolled from the Fergus to the Barrow. The Williamites of Munster, surprised by these events and the rapidity of their execution, laid down their arms, returned to their homes, and all apprehension of future trouble in that quarter was at an end:--for this important service McCarthy henceforth received the title of "Pacificator of Munster."

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 5

40. Hamilton's pursuit through Belfast, Antrim, and Ballymena

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1689

    Hamilton pursued the retreating Williamite insurgents through Belfast, Antrim, and Ballymena, driving them back on Coleraine as he advanced through eastern Ulster.

    Read the passage

    The capture of Hillsborough was of great service to the Irish cause. It had been the headquarters of the "Council" since its formation, and was the repository of its papers, plans, and secret correspondence with William; but, above all, it contained immense stores of provisions, wrung from the inhabitants of the surrounding country since the preceding winter. The evacuation of Dungannon, on the west side of Lough Neagh, a fine central position of the Williamites, and one of their chief depots for provisions and military stores, followed closely on that of Hillsborough; and Hamilton, pursuing the retreating insurgents through Belfast, Antrim, and Ballymena, drove them in on Coleraine, and halted to recruit his little army in the town of Ballymoney, within a few miles of their only remaining stronghold in Antrim. While here, he was assailed by a strong force sent out to cover the movements of a foraging party, but he attacked them so vigorously that he drove them within the gates of the town, inflicting a severe loss, and capturing all the booty collected in their excursion.

    Thus, in less than a fortnight after his departure from Drogheda, all the eastern counties of Ulster--Armagh, Down, Antrim, and the greater part of Tyrone--were reduced to obedience; but, as he was now about to approach the walled town of Derry, he halted for a few days in his career, to await artillery and reinforcements from the capital.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 5

41. Sligo garrison withdraws to Ballyshannon

    Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1689

    The Williamite garrison of Sligo, numbering 3,000 foot and 1,000 horse under Lord Kingston, withdrew to Ballyshannon, a position commanding the entrance to Lough Erne, as Jacobite forces advanced.

    Read the passage

    The success of the royal arms in Monaghan, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, kept pace with the progress of Hamilton and Berwick. The insurgents were everywhere driven from the open country, and compelled to take refuge in Crom and Enniskillen. The garrison of Sligo, consisting of 3,000 foot and 1,000 horse, under Lord Kingston, withdrew to Ballyshannon, which commands the entrance to Lough-Erne; and towards the beginning of May, there remained no place of any significance in their possession but the fortified towns of Enniskillen and Derry. But the defenders of the latter place had made good use of the temporary cessation of hostilities after the battle of Cladiford. Their outlying posts were immediately abandoned, and troops came in daily from all quarters. Culmore, a strong post which guarded the entrance of the Foyle, and which they had held through the winter, was evacuated on the approach of the Jacobite army, and its garrison of 1,500 men, under Captain Murray, after a hazardous march through the mountainous country to the west of the river, succeeded in getting safely within its walls. The accession of these forces gave a new impulse to the flagging spirit of the defenders. Governor Lundy, being suspected of Jacobite tendencies, was at once deposed, and a military council was constituted, of which Murray, the Reverend George Walker, and Colonel Baker, were the ruling spirits.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Ballyshannon, in Donegal. In 1689, this town became a refuge for the Williamite garrison of Sligo. As Jacobite forces under Hamilton and Berwick drove their opponents from the open country across Monaghan, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, Lord Kingston pulled his 3,000 foot and 1,000 horse back here, to a position that commands the entrance to Lough Erne. By the beginning of May, the only places of significance still held by the Williamites were the fortified towns of Enniskillen and Derry. Everything else had fallen or been abandoned. The defenders of Derry, for their part, had used a lull after the battle of Cladiford to strengthen themselves. They pulled in their outlying posts and received troops daily. Culmore, guarding the entrance to the Foyle, was evacuated as the Jacobite army approached, and its garrison of 1,500 men under Captain Murray made a hazardous march through mountainous country west of the river to reach Derry's walls. Governor Lundy, suspected of Jacobite sympathies, was deposed, and a military council took charge, led by Murray, the Reverend George Walker, and Colonel Baker.

42. Wurtemburg Ordered to Banagher and Meelick

    Banagher · town · Offaly · 1691

    Ginckle sent orders to Wurtemburg to encamp opposite Banagher and Meelick, intending to force a river crossing at one or both places before investing Athlone, though this plan was later countermanded.

    Read the passage

    Ginckle immediately contracted the defences of Mullingar, drew out his troops, and sent orders to Wurtemburg to encamp opposite to Banagher and Meelick, being resolved to force the river at one or both of those places, and afterwards to invest Athlone on the east and west. But finding a portion of the Irish army well advanced towards Frankfort, he abandoned that design, the order was countermanded, and Wurtemburg was directed to take a more circuitous route to the eastward, and join him on his way to Athlone.

    Ginckle drew out his army from Mullingar on the 6th of June, and halted at Rathcondrath, where he was joined the same day by General Douglas. Here he encamped for the night, and sent out a party to reconnoitre the fort of Ballymore, then held as an outpost of the Irish army. After a brisk skirmish with the pickets of the fort, this party returned, bringing in a wounded prisoner, from whom he learned the force and disposition of the garrison, and appeared before it at noon on the following day. The town of Ballymore lay on the direct road from Mullingar to Athlone, and a little to the right of it stood the fort on a peninsula, isolated from the mainland except at one pass which led up towards the town, and which was commanded by a ruined castle that stood at its outer entrance. The place had been in the possession of the English during the preceding autumn, but the country around it becoming too poor to subsist a garrison, it was abandoned, when the Rapparees took possession of it, and held it through the winter, as a rendezvous in their raids against Mullingar and the surrounding posts of the enemy. The place was of much strategic importance, being well adapted for either offensive or defensive warfare; but having been utterly neglected by the different parties occupying it through the last year, it was now in a dilapidated condition. The fort was of mud, mounting two pieces of "Turkish cannon on cart-wheels," with a garrison consisting of eight hundred soldiers, two hundred and sixty Rapparees,--four hundred women and children who had fled to it as a refuge,--and was commanded by Colonel Ulick Burke, who had orders to hold it to the last extremity, in order to gain time for the Irish army to anticipate Ginckle before Athlone.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

43. Banagher Garrison Cut to Skeleton Force

    Banagher · town · Offaly · 1691

    Banagher's garrison was reduced to a nominal strength as St Ruth consolidated his remaining troops after the loss of Athlone.

    Read the passage

    Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

44. Berwick establishes encampment at Trellick

    near Trillick · townland · Tyrone · 1689

    After being reinforced to 1,200 men, Berwick advanced and formed an encampment at Trellick, about nine miles from Enniskillen, in preparation for operations against the town.

    Read the passage

    Berwick left Derry on the 21st, and, at the head of his four hundred dragoons, marched rapidly to the town of Donegal, where three hundred of the enemy from Ballyshannon were forming magazines. He approached their position in the night; attacked them at daybreak; killed many, forced the rest to the shelter of the castle; burned the magazines; and marched off with a booty of 1,500 cattle. Being shortly after joined by two regiments of horse and four battalions of foot,[19] which swelled his command to 1,200 men, he advanced, and on the 6th of July formed an encampment at Trellick, about nine miles north-east of Enniskillen.

    On the 13th, he advanced with a party to reconnoitre the country and the fortifications of the town, when he was ambushed by a force of two hundred foot and one hundred horse, and attacked with great vigor. But notwithstanding the suddenness of the onset, he turned on them; killed all but six of the infantry; drove the horse within their intrenchments, and returned with a captain, a lieutenant, two pair of colors, and the arms of the slain.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 7

45. Captured guns from Athlone brought to Aughrim

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    After the siege of Athlone, four captured guns were mounted on carriages and transported to reinforce Ginckle's artillery train at Aughrim.

    Read the passage

    Of Ginckle's artillery perhaps no accurate estimate can now be given,--some historians rating it at over thirty pieces, and others as low as twelve; while Story, who was present at the battle, is unaccountably silent on the subject. This, however, is well attested by all:--that at Ballymore, before his battering-train arrived, he had eighteen field-pieces and three mortars; that at Ballyburn he was joined by Wurtemberg and Nassau, with a force of seven or eight thousand men, who, from the important positions held by them through the winter, must have had a park of artillery not less than eight pieces. And that the number was further increased after the siege of Athlone by four of the captured guns, which were mounted on carriages and taken to Aughrim. From the beginning to the end of the war he had cannon at will; and this is beyond a doubt:--that while he might have had over forty pieces, he had certainly not under thirty; and with this immense train, and an array of 30,000 men, computed at 23,000 foot and 7,000 horse, he stood between Garbally and Liscappel, awaiting but a favorable moment to advance on his expectant adversary.

    It was really a formidable host, and wholly composed of veterans, both officers and men: of Dutch, Danes, and Prussians, who had seen service on many a continental battle-field; of French Huguenots, whose bravery is generally conceded, and whose undying hatred of their own sovereign, rendered that service the most acceptable which was found under his most deadly enemies; of Scotch, whose native hardihood is proverbial; of English veterans, who, while well fed, are not wanting in many of the soldierly qualities; and of Irish Protestants, now well inured to war, and who, if not the most brave, were certainly not the least zealous, for to them were chiefly to appertain the lands and livings of the country, which had now, even more than liberty or religion, become the wager of battle. With perfect harmony in his councils; with an army which, for numbers, appointments, and appliances combined, was never equalled in the country since its first invasion; with the prestige of a recent victory, and excited to the highest enthusiasm that promised reward or religious frenzy could inspire; Ginckle now approached that field whereon was to be decided the destiny of three kingdoms, the fate of one of the oldest dynasties of Europe, and the liberty or thraldom of a race coeval with European history.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone, you are in a town that changed hands in the summer of 1691. After the siege here, four captured guns were mounted on carriages and taken to Aughrim to reinforce Ginckle's artillery train. The fall of Athlone gave the Williamite commander not just a crossing on the Shannon but more cannon for the fight ahead. By the time Ginckle drew up his army at Aughrim, he had certainly not under thirty pieces and perhaps over forty, drawn from various sources through the campaign. He had begun at Ballymore with eighteen field-pieces and three mortars, been joined at Ballyburn by Wurtemberg and Nassau with seven or eight thousand men who brought their own park of artillery, and then added the four guns taken here at Athlone. His army at Aughrim was reckoned at 30,000 men, 23,000 foot and 7,000 horse, composed of Dutch, Danes, Prussians, French Huguenots, Scotch, English veterans, and Irish Protestants. The material calls it an army which, for numbers, appointments, and appliances combined, was never equalled in the country since its first invasion. What happened at Athlone fed directly into that force.

46. Douglas Encamps at Ardagh

    Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1691

    On 27 May 1691, General Douglas marched south from the north of Ireland with about 10,000 men and encamped at Ardagh as part of the general concentration of Ginckle's forces before the Athlone campaign.

    Read the passage

    Towards the end of May the different divisions of the British army were put in motion towards Mullingar. On the 27th, General Douglas marched from the North with a force of about 10,000 men, and encamped at Ardagh. At the same time Wurtemburg put his troops in motion from Thurles, taking the detached garrisons on his route, and replacing them with the organized militia. On the 28th, Major-Generals Mackey and Ruvigney arrived with their divisions and encamped outside the town. About the same time General Talmash and Sir Martin Beckman, the Chief Engineer, landed at Dublin with troops and a corps of sappers and miners, and set the great train of artillery--"such as had never been seen before in that kingdom"--on its way, and immediately started for the camp. And "to give them the more comfort," Ginckle received advice from Opdam, who regulated the cartel at Breda, that the Irish soldiers released in lieu of the Dutch prisoners, were not to be returned to Ireland, but sent into the French service, and that the Irish officers would not be exchanged according to the rank they laid claim to.[60] Proclamations again became the order of the day, all tending to the same object--the "comfort" of the English troops, and inviting desertions from their enemy. On the 31st of May, Ginckle appeared in person at Mullingar. All his outposts were immediately called in, notwithstanding strong protests from the Lords-Justices to the contrary; for he had determined to put forth all his strength, as the arrival of St. Ruth filled him with apprehension, and he only yielded to their appeals so far as to give them some officers from the army to command the private companies which all the country gentlemen now enrolled for their own protection.

    Ginckle immediately contracted the defences of Mullingar, drew out his troops, and sent orders to Wurtemburg to encamp opposite to Banagher and Meelick, being resolved to force the river at one or both of those places, and afterwards to invest Athlone on the east and west. But finding a portion of the Irish army well advanced towards Frankfort, he abandoned that design, the order was countermanded, and Wurtemburg was directed to take a more circuitous route to the eastward, and join him on his way to Athlone.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

47. Ginckle's Army Assembles at Mullingar

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1691

    From late April to early June 1691, Ginckle's forces gathered at Mullingar, with recruits, ordnance, and clothing pouring in daily as the army prepared for the coming campaign. Multiple divisions under Douglas, Mackey, Ruvigney and others encamped there before marching on Athlone.

    Read the passage

    Such was the numerical status of Ginckle's army at that period, and from that until the summer; recruits, ordnance stores, and clothing were poured in daily to every port in his possession. From the 30th of April until the 6th of June, "all hands" were at work in Mullingar fitting up every thing for the coming campaign: for instance--

    April 30th. A large body of recruits sent into the County Kildare.--_Same day_, all hands at work making cartridges, &c., "though it was her Majesty's birthday."--_Same day_, several ships arrived at Kinsale from England, and the Charles galley and Assurance frigate landed at Waterford with four other ships under convoy, all loaded with cannonball, bombs, powder, and several other materials.--May 8th, five ships loaded with arms arrived at Dublin.--May 18th, Dragon and Advice land four hundred marines at Baltimore.--_Same day_, six English ships come to Cork with recruits and provisions, under convoy of the Smyrna frigate; and so on to the 6th of June.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 16

48. Irish army rendezvous exceeds Boyne strength

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1690

    After the Boyne, Berwick and other division leaders assembled the Irish army at a rendezvous, mustering a force exceeding by thousands that which fought at the Boyne, consisting of cavalry and infantry.

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    Berwick, who had remained for some days with a body of cavalry between Drogheda and Dublin, to retard the immediate advance of the enemy on the capital, soon after took up his march for the general rendezvous, whither he had been preceded by the other division leaders, and in a short time an army was assembled there exceeding by some thousands the force that participated in the Battle of the Boyne. This, according to the estimate of the Duke of Berwick, consisted of 4,000 cavalry, still in good condition, and 16,000 infantry, of which only one half were armed with muskets.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the Irish army gathered after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Berwick had stayed for some days with cavalry between Drogheda and Dublin to slow the enemy's advance on the capital, then marched to the general rendezvous here, where the other division leaders had already arrived. The force assembled exceeded by some thousands the one that fought at the Boyne. By Berwick's own estimate it numbered 4,000 cavalry, still in good condition, and 16,000 infantry, of which only half were armed with muskets.

49. Portumna Garrison Reduced

    Portumna · town · Galway · 1691

    Portumna's garrison was likewise reduced to a nominal force during the general contraction of Irish defences on the Shannon following the fall of Athlone.

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    Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

50. Shannon Bridge Reduced to Nominal Garrison

    Shannonbridge · town · Offaly · 1691

    As part of the Irish contraction of forces along the Shannon after Athlone's fall, Shannon Bridge was reduced to only a nominal garrison.

    Read the passage

    Being now invested with entire military control, St. Ruth caused the garrisons of the Upper Shannon to be dismantled, drew in his outposts, and made speedy requisitions for men and munitions. Jamestown and Lanesborough were at once abandoned; Shannon Bridge, Banagher, and Portumna were each reduced to a nominal garrison; Galway sent a regiment, and Limerick all that could be spared from its defences, which were few, for the enemy had still ten thousand regulars, and a strong force of militia in Munster, and a desultory warfare, fierce and incessant, raged throughout the counties of Cork and Kerry, down to the vicinity of Limerick. A requisition for troops was also made on the _Pretender_, _Balldearg_, now holding court between Tuam and Athunree, surrounded by a force variously estimated at between eight and ten thousand. But this redoubtable chief would neither furnish the required levy, nor make any movement to discomfort the enemy; preserving at once his masterly inactivity and his worthless person.

    With his scouts and pickets well advanced towards Athlone, St. Ruth established his quarters in Ballinasloe, to await his reinforcements, and to give his troops that rest so necessary after the toils and privations of the last month.--That Galway was Ginckle's objective point scarcely admitted of a doubt; but then there were other routes to it, as practicable, though not so direct, as that on which St. Ruth had taken up his position, and he determined to hazard no further movement while the intentions of his adversary remained a matter of conjecture. Here, then, we will leave him to the duties now imperative: to recruit and resuscitate his army, and restore that spirit and discipline so necessary to the coming event, and return to take note of what was transpiring in the English camp.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 18

51. Mullingar militia guard the town during Aughrim campaign

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1691

    Brewer's remaining force was called up from Mullingar to join Ginckle's army, with the safety of the town in the meantime entrusted to the militia, later reinforced by Enniskillen troops.

    Read the passage

    [71] The above description of Ginckle's line of battle is taken from a copperplate engraving in Story's Impartial History, second volume, to which he refers the reader, with the following remarks:--"It is to be observed that my Lord Portland's horse is not in this order of battle, because they came not up until after it was ordered; however, they had their full share in the action; and Colonel Foulke's, which were always to guard the train, but being then convenient for it, and the General resolved to make all the force he could, they had also their part both of honor and service in the action; and though Brigadier Stuart is there set down, it is only as to his post, for he was then at Dublin, ill of wounds received at Athlone." He might also have added that Brewer's remaining force was called up from Mullingar, the safety of which was committed for the time to the militia, and that towards the evening, he was further reinforced by a large body of Enniskilleners.

    [72] See the preceding note.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 20

52. Ginckle honoured with title after the fall of Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1691

    The footnote notes that Ginckle was honoured with a title following his capture of Athlone, marking the military significance of that siege in the Williamite campaign.

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    [74] Ginckle was honored with this title after the fall of Athlone; but whether it had been already conferred is a matter of little import.

    [75] Story estimates the foot regiments to be each 705, the horse 286, and the dragoons 444, irrespective of officers; but many of them were actually double of those numbers; as an instance Eppinger's Royal Regiment of Holland Dragoons was 920; Portland's horse 480; several others exceeded the standard, and all had been fully recruited after the siege of Athlone.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athlone, you're in a town that fell to Ginckle in 1691, during the Williamite campaign in Ireland. He was honoured with a title after taking the place, though whether it had already been conferred is, as the source says, a matter of little import. The forces that fought here were large: foot regiments of 705 men each, horse 286, dragoons 444, and many were actually double those numbers.

53. Siege lines at Limerick's King's Island

    King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1690

    The footnote explains that Thomond Bridge led to the King's Island portion of Limerick in County Clare, unaffected by the 1690 siege, while the City Bridge connected to the main city. King's Island itself was about two miles in length.

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    [41] As the siege of 1690 did not affect that part of the city in the County Clare, there is no necessity for further allusion to it here, beyond stating that the bridge leading to it was called Thomond Bridge. The other was called the City Bridge. King's Island is about two miles in length.

    [42] Story's map exhibits thirty-six guns and four mortars on the part of the besiegers, and but seven on that of the besieged. But as the fort on King's Island is represented to have caused great injury to William's right, it is certain that there must have been guns on it; hence the writer, and he thinks not without reason, has hazarded the assertion in the text.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to King's Island, you're near ground that saw the 1690 siege of Limerick. The island runs about 2 miles in length, with Thomond Bridge leading to the Clare side of the city, which the siege did not touch, and the City Bridge connecting to the main city. Story's map shows the besiegers with 36 guns and 4 mortars against only 7 on the besieged side, but the fort on King's Island is said to have caused great injury to William's right, so there must have been guns on it as well.

54. St Ruth positioned to give battle at Ballinasloe

    Ballinasloe · town · Galway · 1691

    According to Captain Viller's report, St Ruth was found at Ballinasloe on the 7th of the month, apparently intending to give battle there before retiring after a storm on the 9th.

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    [65] As we find him, according to Captain Viller's report, at Ballinasloe on the 7th, and apparently determined to give battle there, it is reasonable to infer that he did not retire until after the storm of the 9th.

    [66] Story calls this building the Castle of Urrachree; but the other historians style it a house, perhaps to distinguish it from the Castle of Aughrim, and to avoid repetition.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballinasloe, this is where St Ruth stood in 1691, on the 7th of the month, apparently determined to give battle. According to Captain Viller's report, he did not retire until after the storm of the 9th. Story calls a building here the Castle of Urrachree, though other historians style it merely a house, perhaps to distinguish it from the Castle of Aughrim.

55. The Castle of Aughrim distinguished from the Castle of Urrachree

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    Story's history calls a building near the battlefield the Castle of Urrachree, while other historians describe it merely as a house, apparently to distinguish it from the separate Castle of Aughrim during accounts of the battle.

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    [66] Story calls this building the Castle of Urrachree; but the other historians style it a house, perhaps to distinguish it from the Castle of Aughrim, and to avoid repetition.

    [67] Some writers say only two abreast. But if Story's map be any thing more than a fancy sketch, the narrowest part of this road would have afforded ample room for six horsemen.

    Project Gutenberg #54518, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Aughrim, there's a naming puzzle from the battle of 1691. Story called a building here the Castle of Urrachree, but other historians called it merely a house, perhaps to distinguish it from the Castle of Aughrim and to avoid repetition.