A Vessel lately come from Ireland to Plymouth, informs us of a very hot Dispute, occasion'd by the Poli­cy of Collonel Kirk, between a party of the Irish Rebels, which was as followeth:

Collonel Kirk hearing that Coll. Scans­field, by the Order of his Master K. James, had remov'd his Quarters from Dublin to Dundalk, with about Fourteen Hundred Foot and Horse under his Command; with­in Eight Miles of which Collonel Kirk lay with Six Hundred Horse and a Regiment of Foot, consisting of a Thousand Men, who studyed this Stratagem to bring the silly Irish liable to his Mercy.

He draws out a Party of Four Hundred Horse and Four Hundred Foot, and Orders a small parcel of Dragoons to drive before him about Thirty Head of Oxen: In this posture he advances towards Dundalk, till he came (about Evening) within Three Miles of the place, where he cover'd his Party in a convenient Wood, and Order'd the Cattle to be drove that Night about a Mile further, and there leave them. Ha­ving proceeded thus far in order to his de­sign, the Soldiers refresh'd themselves and their Horses with Provisions they had brought along with them, till the next morning by break of day, Collonel Kirk Commanded out some Spyes to give him notice of any Motion that the Irish should make out of Dundbalk. By this time the Cattle had stragled into some good Pa­stures, and (as their custom is) upon break of day, the Oxen began to Roar one to ano­ther, which immediately Allarm'd the Irish in Dundalk with much Joy, who had for a long time lay'n under great want of Pro­visions. News was immediately carryed to Collonel Sarcsfield in the Town, that they heard, and could likewise discern from the Forts, some Cattle that lay within a Mile and a half of the Town; and desir'd him that he would Command out a Party to go and secure them with all expedition, lest they should be prevented by some of the English Forces: Upon which, Collo­nel Sarcsfield drew out a Party of about Three Hundred Horse and Two Hundred Foot, which he led himself upon this En­terprize. He was no sooner got without side the Town, but the Spyes gave Notice to Collonel Kirk, who was glad his Design began to work so answerable to his hope [...] [Page 2]and expectation: He then drew his Men into good Order, and March'd them with all possible silence, through the Wood, which led to the back-part of another, be­fore which Wood the Cattle were Gra­zing: Under this Cover they were very conveniently plac'd from the sight of the Enemy, who within an hour and an half were advanc'd to the Cattle: upon which Collonel Kirk drew up his Men in order to Engage them upon the right side of the Wood, which lay between them and Dun­dalk; and as the Irish return'd with the Cattle, they fell upon them unawares; the surprize of which put them into such Dis­order, that they could not reduce them­selves into any posture of Defence, but made their Opposition so confusedly, that the English made a great Slaughter a­mongst them, and put them to flight in a moment, pursuing of them almost to the Gate of the Town, Killing in all, about 3 Hundred and odd, and taking about Three­score Prisoners; with an inconsiderable loss on our side, saving one Captain, who is very much lamented. With this Suc­cess in his Stratagem, Collonel Kirk re­turn'd [...], bringing the Cattle along with him, all but two which were acci­dentally Kill'd by Chain-Shot in the Skir­mish.

The Thoughts of His Majesties coming to Ireland, hath so animated the hearts of the English Forces, that the Souldiers daily toss up their Caps, crying, God Save King William, and send him safe to Ireland.

WE have an Account from Scotland, that several persons disaffected to that Government, who were Heretors to the late Lord Dundee, to promote and sup­port the declining Interest of the Late King James, have made it their Business to apply themselves to those Gentry in Scotland, who they thought inclinable to their own Par­ty, to Engage them in a Bond of Associati­on, to Aid and Assist, and make Contribu­tary Supplies to keep up the Rebellion in the High-lands, and assist Collonel Canon, who is the Chief Commander amongst the High-landers. This Design had not been long in Agitation e're Sir Thomas Leven­ston had some Intimation of it, who Com­mands a Regiment of Dr [...]oons at Inver­ness, who having some Notice of a particu­lar day the Associates intended a meeting, at the Lord Olyphant's House in Bamf, to Consult a further Management of their Affairs, sent 100 of his Men under the Command of Captain Hoy, giving them order to Surround the House to prevent any Escapes, and some to enter and se­cure what Gentlemen they found in the Caball within door: According to their Orders they proceeded, and March'd to the Lord Olyphant's House with such Secrecy, that they encompassed it before any could make their Escape, and entering the House found 12 Gentlemen which were Stran­gers, besides those of the Family, which they immediately Secured, and making: further search into the Closet, found the Original Bond of Association, with the Names of 400 Persons, who had Sign'd it, some Clens and Men of Desperate For­tunes, whose Necessities as much as Disloy­alty has excited them to Rebellion; the Papers were immediately sent to the Privy-Council, and from thence transmitted to His Majesty, upon which Discovery the Privy Council, have sent out Parties to Apprehend those who have Sign'd the As­sociation: The Intention of these Asso­ciates were to stand by King James with their Lives and Fortunes; and make it the utmost of their Endeavour to Re-Establish him in the Throne of Scotland; in order to which they were to make all the Force that possibly they could by next June, at which time they were to Joyn with Collo­nel Cannon, and the rest of the Rebels now in Lochaber, and furnish them with Victu­als and all necessary provisions.

The Lord Oliphant and the rest of the Conspirators that were taken, were sent under a strong Guard to Aberden, where they remain Close Prisoners, so that we hope by Gods providence to Discover and Confound all Conspiracies and Evil De­vices hatch'd by Restless persons, to under­mine him, who the Almighty through his Special providence has made our King, to his own Glory, and our Comfort.