I Am sorry that my pen cannot present vnto you my service, accompanied with better news, then that which the misery and calami­ty of this distressed Kingdome at this instant af­fords. The insolency of the papists is now grown to that height of mischiefe, that it spares neither [Page] man▪ woman, nor child, but most cruelly puts all to the sword, affording no quarter at all vpon a­ny condition. The Protestants of Dublin had vn­till within these few days some hopes of delive­rance from their most inhumane and barbarous cruelty, but now of late are so circumvented by the rebellious forces, that they or wee can con­ceive very small hopes to escape their cruelty, vnlesse there bee some speedy reply to relieve them, they have taken away from them all man­ner of way for reliefe: so that they must either be enforced to yeeld unto them, or give them present battell, which we conceive they are most vnable to doe.

The narrow seas they have so blockt up, and stopped, that there is no possible means to con­vey any release vnto them by sea, and their for­ces have so surrounded it by Land, that they are driven to a great and miserable penury, both for want of victuall, and all other provision whatso­ever. A bushell of wheat was sold within the walls of that City a week ago for 23. s. and meat they can scarce provide at any rate; for the ene­my is so vigilant round about them, that without great hazzard men cannot make any attempt to supply them with necessaries, the danger of the enterprize cannot countervaile the benefit of the supply.

Long they cannot hold out, but we hope, and doe expect every day assistance, and reliefe from his Majesty, the which unlesse it speedily come, [Page] it will be fruitlesse, and to no purpose at all; for all will be ruinated, and as we may justly expect by their former dealings, be brought to extream and utter confusion.

The calamity of this Kingdome is generall, and I doubt not but that you have bin sufficient­ly possessed already with all the proceedings of the Papists there.

About a fortnight since their forces pitched before the City of Armagh (where by the vigi­lant care, and religious preaching of Doctor Ʋsher Archbishop of that See, were great store of well disposed Protestants, and zealous Pro­fessors of true Religion, true in heart both to their God and King) they were not long before they did take that City; but after their entrance, their carriage was so inhumane, that no age can parallell it.

The Inhabitants at the surrendring of the Towne desired Quarter, and that they might be dismissed thence with their lives and liberties and with that small conveniency of moneyes to provide them necessaries, which they could convey along with them.

This more then barbarous enemy, thir­sty after bloud, and breathing nothing but murther, and destruction denyed vnto them all Priviledges of Armes whatsoever▪ [Page] but immediatly after their entrance began to fal upon the prey, putting the Inhabitants to most cruell and fearefull deaths, ravishing their wives before their husbands faces, killing their poore Infants, and with many most opprobrious lan­guages. After they had thus butchered the Inha­bitants, they began to pillage and plunder the ci­ty, and what they could not themselvs make use of, they made most shamefull havock and waste of. They were not content with the lives of the inhabitants of that city, wherby they slew about the number of 160. but after their inhumane dea­ling with their persons and possessions, their ma­lice extended to the very buildings of that City, fearing least posterity in after-times should re­ceive any benefit by them, they set all the houses on fire, and have so destroyed them, that in all that great City there now remains not one hous to demonstrate where the City was. You cannot perceive where the city did stand, but by the la­mentable spectacle of the ruins, which can scarce be called ruines, being now made levell vnto the very ground. Thus do they proceed in mischief, and in this miserable estate the poore distressed inhabitants of this Land are plunged, the integri­ty of their minds and consciences being the only cause of this their great and heavie calamity. You cannot expect that I should certifie you any thing concerning our trade here, you may con­ceive how poore it must needs be by the extrea­mity of the times. I was forced my self to leave [Page] Dublin, foreseeing the danger that they were like to be in very suddenly. I am now in Cork, and am as yet safely sheltred vnder the carefull protecti­on of the right Honourable the Earle of Corke▪ whose care is very vigilant, and industrious to preserve all who do betake themselvs vnto his custody. We expect the enemy to assault vs, but if they do come, I hope we shall find such good provision to entertain them, and such a company of faithfull and honest hearts to manage that provision, that we hope we shall be able to de­fend our selves from their oppression and tyran­ny. I hope the Lord will fight for vs, whose cause and right wee do maintaine: I am afraid I have troubled you too long with such vnwelcome newes, but I thought it a part of my service to let you vnderstand in what case we stand at this present, I hope we shall see better dais, for these times are very miserable. Thus ceasing to trou­ble you any longer, I rest