THe noiſe of the Prince of Orange's intended deſcent into England in Autumn, 1688. and the Preparations made in Holland for that purpoſe, extreamly alarm'd the late K. James: He to ſtrengthen himſelf the more effectually againſt this expected Invaſion, commanded over from Ireland ſeveral Regiments of the ſtanding Forces there, who were by that time ſo modell'd, that they conſiſted almoſt intirely of Iriſh Papiſts, and on theſe he ſeem'd to rely as his ſureſt Friends; a fatal Miſtake in his Politiques, though all of a piece with thoſe other Meaſures which his own Inclinations as well as the great Zeal of his Prieſt-ridden Cabal ſuggeſted to him; for his Army here could not bear it, to ſee themſelves out-rivall'd by a Crew of Scullogues in their Prince's Favour, and he could not have brought any Gueſts into the Engliſh Nation more unwelcome to it than Iriſh Cut-throats. To ſupply the room of theſe Regiments in Ireland, the Earl of Tyrconnel, then Lord Deputy, iſſued out Commiſſions for levying four New Regiments in the four Provinces of that Kingdom: Of that to be raiſed in Ulſter, the Earl of Antrim (an eminent Papiſt in the North) was made Collonel; which Regiment (as 'twas commonly reported) he was ordered to have compleat and ready about the 20th. of November then enſuing. The Lord Mountjoy's Regiment of Foot (a well-diſciplin'd Battallion) was then Garriſon'd in and about London-Derry, and their Collonel, ſeveral of the Officers, and ſome of the Soldiers being Proteſtants, the Inhabitants of that City look'd on their being there as a great ſecurity to 'em, and dreaded the thoughts of their removal: But the Lord Tyrconnel, either out of deſign to ſecure himſelf the better at Dublin, or (as was ſaid) with an intent to ſend that Regiment over to England, ordered them to March up from Derry towards Dublin by the 23d. of November. It was expected the Lord of Antrim's Regiment would by that time be in a readineſs to ſucceed them, and Garriſon in their ſtead, but it fell out very happily, that they were not compleatly raiſed, 'till above a fortnight after the Lord Mountjoy's left that City. Some aſcribe this delay, partly to a Report then current among the Iriſh, that the new levied Souldiers were to be all tranſported for England, to which few of them had any great ſtomach; (their Countrey-men having never made any lucky expeditions thither, and ſeldom returned back with a whole skin) and therefore they came in but ſlowly: partly to the curioſity of the Government, in appointing a ſtandard for the Stature of their new levied Souldiers, who were to be all near ſix foot high; tis probable, out of deſign of having their Army the more uniform, and formidable for their bulk, whatever they were for their Courage.

But whatever occaſioned that delay, it cannot but be own'd as a remarkable Providence, that a vacancy ſo ſeldom known before, ſhould ſo ſtrangely happen there in this Juncture. The Lord Mountjoy's Regiment being gone, the care of the City was committed to John Buchanan Deputy Mayor to the Iriſh Corporation, (a Perſon of no good Reputation in the Town) who modell'd the Town Guards as he thought fit: But the News of this new Regiment of the E. of Antrim's, being intended to quarter there, was very unwelcome to the Inhabitants. They had a certain Account that they were all of them intirely Papiſts, and many, both of the Officers and Souldiers, the offspring, or near Relations of thoſe who in the Rebellion of 1641. had ſo deeply embrued their hands in Britiſh and Proteſtant blood: And they had too juſt reaſon to believe that theſe Rake-hells (who were the very ſcum of the Countrey) had the hereditary inclinations, as well as the Blood of their Anceſtors running in their veins: And their particular averſion to this Regiment was heightened by the apprehenſions which they generally had of ſome miſchievous Project hatching among the Iriſh Papiſts, againſt the whole Body of Britiſh Proteſtants. And theſe fears did not want very probable Grounds to ſupport them; ſome of which it will not be improper to ſuggeſt. Many of their Prieſts at their ordinary Maſſes had declared publickly to their People, That they had ſome great deſign in hand, which would highly concern them and all their Nation, whereof they ſhould have particular notice, as ſoon as it was convenient; that 'twas their indiſpenſible duty at the Peril of their Salvation, to do whatever their Prieſts ſhould direct and enjoyn them, requiring 'em in the mean time to buy and furniſh themſelves with the best Weapons they cou'd. And the ſtories of this kind told by ſome of the Iriſh themſelves, gain'd the more Credit, when it was obſerv'd, that generally through the whole Kingdom, not only the Men, but the Women and Boys too began to furniſh themſelves with skeanes, and half-pikes; it being the great buſineſs of the Iriſh Smiths in the Countrey to make this ſort of Arms for them: Theſe were afterwards called Rapparee's, a ſort of Iriſh Vultures that follow their Armies to prey on the ſpoil. I ſhall not mention the many bold and threatning Diſcourſes that often dropt from many of 'em, eſpecially when good Liquor had a little warm'd their Blood, or upon occaſional quarrels: But I muſt not omit, that as ſeveral Conſultations of the Iriſh Clergy were diſcovered, particularly in the County of Donegal, not far from Derry, where the great Debates were ſaid to ariſe betwixt the Prieſts and Fryars, about the execution of ſome great Deſign; ſo a particular Sermon preach't by a certain Fryar in Derry it ſelf to the Popiſh part of the Garriſon in the open Market-houſe, October 1688. did not a little allarm the Proteſtants there, ſome of whom were out of curioſity his hearers. The main ſubject of his Diſcourſe was about Saul's deſtroying the Amalekites, where he ſhewed how dangerous it was to ſpare one of thoſe whom God had devoted to deſtruction, God having deſerted Saul, taken the Kingdom from him, and ruined both him and his Family, for that very reaſon, as he certainly wou'd all that were guilty of the like diſobedience: And that they were obliged always (as then from Samuel) to take their directions from their Clergy as from God, and punctually obſerve the ſame at the Peril of their Souls.

The Application was thought very eaſie and obvious.

Some of their Clergy alſo were obſerved to buy up Fire-Arms, and procured ſeveral Chain-bridles to be made, ſome whereof were accidentally found and ſeized by George Phillips, Eſq And thô the News of the Prince of Orange's landing in England, Nov. 5th. gave the Proteſtants a reviving Proſpect of the happy change of the Government of that Kingdom: Yet it rather increas't their fears of their preſent Danger, becauſe they concluded, if the Iriſh ſhould make any Attempt while England was in a Combuſtion, they cou'd expect little relief from thence. But that which made the deepeſt Impreſſion on 'em was a a Letter dropt at Cumber, Decemb. 3d, in the County of Down, where the E. of Mount-Alexander then reſided: The ſuperſcription thus —To my Lord, This deliver with haſt and care. The Letter was as follows.

There was no Subſcription, and the ill writing, as well as the ſtyle, ſeem'd to argue 'twas penn'd by one of the meaner ſort of the Natives. There were Letters written to others to the ſame purpoſe, as Mr. Brown of Lisburn, and Mr. Maitland of Hillsborough, beſides divers Informations. Whether the firſt Letter was really intended by ſome well-meaning Iriſh man, as a warning, or was a Contrivance, I ſhall not diſpute: But the next day after this Letter was dropt, Sir W. Franklin, Arthur Upton, Eſq W. Conningham, Eſq and Mr. Tho. Knox, ſent an Expreſs to Dublin with Copies of it, not only to alarm the Proteſtants in that City, but to give 'em the opportunity of communicating the notice of it to all other parts of the Kingdom: (Letters were alſo diſpers'd to the Diſſenting Miniſters of the adjacent Counties to allarm the Countrey.) And accordingly the Copies of it thus ſpread thro the ſeveral parts of the Kingdom, (added to the ſtrong preſumptions that the forementioned paſſages gave of ſuch a Deſign,) frighted a great number of Proteſtants out of it, eſpecially about Dublin, and other parts that were more entirely under the power of the Iriſh. The Memory of the miſeries of 41 was freſh, and they were loth to truſt themſelves in the ſame hands that ſeem'd to have now more power, and better pretence to act thoſe barbarities over again. The Copy of this Letter was ſent by Will. Cunningham, Eſq from Belfaſt, incloſed in a Letter of his own to George Canning, Eſq (deſiring him to ſend this to Derry with all expedition.) Mr. Canning ſent to Alderman Tomkins, a Gentleman meeting with this Meſſenger, was inform'd of it, and ſent his Information to George Phillips, Eſq of Newton Limavad •• , on the 6th of Decem. on which Day a great part of the new Iriſh Regiment came to Quarter in that Village. Mr. Phillips late that Night ſent a Meſſenger to the City with what account he had heard of the forementioned letter, and to acquaint them withal, what untoward Gueſts they were like to have the day following: There being inſtead of 6 or 8 Companies (as they were called) of Iriſh and Highlanders above double the number, beſides a huge number of Women, and Boys, and what is remarkable, the Meſſenger came into the Town the next morning, being the 7th of Decem. about the ſame time that Alderman Tomkins communicated to the City the Copy of the Letter to the Lord Mount-Alexander. This morning early Mr. Phillips ſent another Meſſenger expreſſing his ſence of their danger from ſo ill a Crew, and adviſing 'em to take care of their own ſafety. The Meſſenger alſo told 'em that he had left ſome of the formoſt Companies within two miles of the Town, the reſt being on their way: Theſe Circumſtances concurring, ſtruck a mighty Terror and Conſternation into the Proteſtant Inhabitants: Several Caballs are held in the ſtreets; all were perſwaded there was ſuch a deſign as the forementioned Letter ſuggeſts, and they look'd on theſe new levied Men as the moſt likely Tools for the execution of it. Alderman Tomkins, who brought the Copy of the forementioned Letter, conſulted Mr. Gordon a Nonconformiſt Miniſter what was expedient to be done, who not only adviſed to the ſhutting of the Gates, but wrote that day to ſeveral Neighbouring Pariſhes, to put themſelves into a Poſture for aſſiſting the City, if there ſhould be occaſion for it. There was ſome muttering among the Mobile about ſhutting the Gates, which Alderman Tomkins at firſt privately encouraged: But when he with Alderman Norman, and ſome others had conſulted the Biſhop, and found him altogether averſe to it, they were unwilling to be concern'd: And indeed however divers of thoſe who made ſome Figure in the Town, wiſht the thing were done, yet none of them thought fit to be themſelves active in it: But in the little Caballs which ſeveral of the City Youth had, when they put it to the Queſtion, Whether they ſhould ſhut the Gates, moſt of them were inclined to it, ſo much the rather, becauſe Mr. Gordon had encouraged and incited ſeveral of them thereto. By this time about three Companies of the forementioned Regiment were come to the Water-ſide, with 2 Officers, a Lieutenant, and Enſign. The Officers leaving the men, ferryed over, and came to the Deputy Mayor, and Sheriffs, with their Potent: One of the Sheriffs (Mr. Kennedy) ſuſpected the deſign of theſe Youths, and intending to quarter the Souldiers that night on the other ſide the Water, had given 'em a ſecret hint to be prepared next morning, if they intended to prevent their coming in. But whilſt they were about conſulting their ſtrength, the Iriſh Souldiers, having (as is ſuppoſed) ſome intimation of their deſign, made all the haſt they cou'd over, and came to the Landing-place, about 300 yards from Ferry-Gate. The Youth obſerving this, about 8 or 9 of 'em, (viz. Mr. Henry Campſie, Mr. Will. Crookshanks, Mr. Robert Sherrard, Mr. Dan. Sherrard, Mr. Alexander Irwin, Mr. James Steward, Mr. Robeet Moriſon, Mr. Alexander Cunningham, Mr. Sam. Hunt, with whom ſoon joyned Mr. James Spike, Mr. John Conningham, Mr. William Cairns, Mr. Samuel Harvy, and ſeveral others,) drew their Swords, ran to the main Guard, ſeized the Keys without any great oppoſition, and came with 'em to the Ferry-Gate, drew up the Bridge, and lock't the Gate, the Iriſh Souldiers being advanced within 60 yards of it. From thence they went to ſecure the other 3 Gates, and having placed Guards at each of them, met in the Market: So happily did theſe reſolute Youths nick the very minute of their deſign, and upon ſo ſeemingly raſh and deſperate action, did the preſervation of that Important place out of the hands of the Iriſh depend. The greateſt events in the Chain of Providence being often ſo contrived by exquiſite Wiſdom, as to hang upon the ſlendereſt Links in it. This ſudden turn extreamly ſurpriz'd the Graver Citizens of the Town, who tho loth enough the Iriſh Souldiers ſhould enter in, yet dreaded the Conſequences of ſhutting 'em out: But the Deputy Mayor, the Sheriffs, the 2 Iriſh Officers, with other Papists, and ſome Proteſtants accompanying 'em, came to the Market-place, and both by Promiſes and by threats endeavour'd to prevail on the Mobile to deſiſt from ſo raſh an enterprize, but all in vain. They had in the mean time ſent ſome to ſecure the Magazine, which the Mobile perceiving ſent a party to ſeize it; one of whom (viz. Mr. Campſie,) being ſhot by the Centinel, one Linegar, a reputed Papiſt, Linegar was ſeized and ſent to Gaol, and the noiſe of Campſie's being wounded encreaſed both the Number and the Reſolution of the Mob. In the mean time the Biſhop of Derry, with others came to the Market-place, and made a ſpeech to the multitude to diſſuade them from ſo inconſiderate an undertaking, wherein he repreſented to them both the danger of it to themſelves, and the unwarrantableneſs of it, as it was a Diſobedience to their Soveraign: But the dangers they ſaw at preſent made greater impreſſion on 'em than any fear'd for the future: And their dull heads could not comprehend how it could be ſo great a Crime to ſhut the Gates againſt thoſe whom they believ'd ſent thither to cut their throats; and they were too much concerned to make good what they had now done, to hear any long harangues about it: The Deputy Mayor alſo attempted once more to diſſwade them, but to no purpoſe. The Iriſh Souldiers in the mean time ſtood at the Gate, fretting at their preſent diſappoi • ment, that they ſhould be forc'd to wait like Scoundrels, where they hop'd to Domineer as Lords, till one Mr. James Morriſon a Citizen having in vain warn'd 'em to be gone, call'd out aloud, Bring about a Great Gun here • ; the very Name whereof ſent 'em packing in great haſt and fright to their fellows on the other ſide the Water. Hitherto the Multitude acted without the leaſt publick Countenance from any of conſiderable Note, or Figure in the Town, till that Afternoon came in David Cairns Eſq who having received a full account of what was done, and their inducements thereunto, declared openly his Approbation of it, commending their Courage, and aſſuring them of his utmoſt aſſiſtance; and thereupon went round the Walls, and to the Gates, encouraging their Guards and Centinels, and returned to the main Guard again, to ſhew his concurrence with them: He endeavoured alſo to poſſeſs others of Note in the Town, with a juſt ſence of the neceſſity of taking this courſe to ſecure themſelves at that dangerous juncture, and ſeveral began to appear more openly in the matter, as entertaining the ſame apprehenſions, ſo as that Night he, Mr. Norman, Mr. Jemmet, Mr. Thomas Moncreiff, Mr. James Lennox, and ſeveral others, being come into the Guard-houſe, upon ſome diſcourſe there of their inability to defend themſelves, without conſiderable Aſſiſtance, wrote to ſeveral Gentlemen in the Countrey, to acquaint 'em with what was done, to repreſent their common hazard, and the neceſſity of their Concurrence for their common Defence and Safety: To which Letters they received various Returns, ſome approving the Action, and promiſing their Aſſiſtance: Others diſcouraging what they thought ſo bold an enterprize. Beſides theſe, one Letter came afterwards, directed to Mr. Cairns, from a Nonconformiſt Miniſter in Iniskilling, which becauſe it ſhews how early the Inhabitants of that Town agreed with thoſe of Derry, both in their Reſolutions, and the Reaſons of 'em, I ſhall here inſert.

About the ſame time, the principal Inhabitants of Inniskillin wrote a Letter to the ſame purpoſe to their Friends at Derry: (Which ſee at the end.) Others in the Town wrote to the Government to excuſe themſelves, and lay the blame on the Mobile. I ſhould add here, that the Potent being more narrowly inſpected, was found defective; for 'twas in the body of it to provide Quarters for the Captains hereafter named, and their men, whereas there was no Capt. named at all.

And thus ended this remarkable 7th. of December.

Good Guards are kept within and without the Walls that night. And the next day, the 8th. of December, ſince they wanted both Arms and Ammunition, they broke open the Magazine, and took out thence about 150 Muſquets, with ſome quantity of Match, and one Barrel of Powder, and Bullets proportionable. There was in the Magazine at that time but about 8 or 9 Barrels of Powder in all, and about 2 more in the Town; (2 or 3 of thoſe in the Magazine were not fit for uſe.) There were but few Arms fixt, and thoſe deſign'd for the Iriſh Regiment, the reſt being about a thouſand more were much out of order. The Biſhop that day left the Town, and went to Rapho: But the ſight of ſeveral from the neighbouring Parts of the Countrey, whom the fear of an intended Maſſacre drove thither for ſecurity; the rumour of a deſign among the Papiſts in Town to fire the City; and the rude Carriage of ſome of the Iriſh Souldiers in their quarters over the Water, drew many more of the Town to joyn with the Mob, for their common Preſervation. And yet I muſt add, that when towards the better ſetling of their Guards, they took an exact Account of all within the Walls able to bear Arms, they did not in all amount to 300, ſo depopulated was the Town at that time; the Suburbs were not numbred, but it was believed they could not make near ſo many more. This day the City was clear'd of the greateſt part of the Papiſts in it, and a Convent of Dominican Fryars pack'd off. The Earl of Antrim lodg'd that Night at Newton Limavady, with Mr. Philips, whom he carried with him next day in his Coach towards Derry, (being the 9th. the fatal day for the expected Maſſacre.) The Poſt-Letters that Morning brought the News of the Prince of Denmark, and the Duke of Ormond's, &c. going over to the Prince of Orange, which gave us no ſmall encouragement; and Alderman Tomkins, by the aſſiſtance of Mr. Gordon's influence on his People, ſent in a conſiderable number into Town, under the Command of young Mr. Tomkins, as their Captain. For joy of their good News from England, the Gunner was order'd to diſcharge two of their beſt Guns, which he accordingly did; this put the Iriſh Souldiers on the other ſide of the Water into no ſmall Conſternation; about the ſame time one George Cook, a Butcher, drew up 50 or 60 Boys on the ſhore at the R • rry-Key, whom the Iriſh took for Laganeers, (famous for the Victories they obtained over the Rebels in 1641.) ſoon after Mr. Tomkins and Mr. Gordon appear on a Hill near 'em with about 30 or 40 Horſe, having no deſign of diſturbing 'em. But all theſe Circumſtances ſo unluckily concurring to heighten their fears of ſome ſuddain deſtruction coming on 'em, put 'em on ſo haſty a flight, that many of their Officers left their Boots, and Soldiers their Coats behind them: Their Collonel, the Earl of Antrim, accompanied by Mr. Philips, met 'em about a Mile off the Town, and having heard from his men a very frightful ſtory, thought fit to ſend Mr. Philips into Town before him, to bring him word whether they wou'd admit himſelf, and who commanded the Town? Mr. Philips as coming from the Enemy was with ſome difficulty admitted, under a Guard, but finding he was no way diſaffected to the Deſign, but rather inclined to joyn with 'em in their own defence, the Guard was taken off; yet upon his deſire to Mr. Cairns, who then commanded in Town, that ſome colour of force might be put upon him in what he did, he was publickly threatned with Confinement if he did not concurr with 'em: He was permitted to acquaint the Earl with his being detain'd there, whom in his Letter he diſcouraged from coming thither; upon receipt thereof the Earl went back to Colerain, where he endeavour'd to rally his ſcatter'd Regiment. And the City conſidering their own Circumſtances, to encourage the Gentlemen in the Country, whoſe aid they expected, and to engage Mr. Philips the more to their Intereſt, with Mr. Cairns his concurrence, beſtowed on him the Title of their Governour, which he accepted.

In the mean time it was thought expedient to write up to the Lord Mountjoy then at Dublin, (in whoſe friendſhip they had great Confidence) ſome account of what had paſt, that he might interpoſe with the Lord Tyrconnel on their behalf, and do his utmoſt to allay his reſentments; and accordingly they ſent his Lordſhip a Letter, (which becauſe it confirms the foregoing Relation, I have annexed at the end) expecting that he wou'd communicate it to the Lord Deputy.

On the 10th. Captain Forward, and Mr. William Stewart brought about 2 or 300 Horſe into the City, and Mr. John Cowan of St. Johns Town a Company of Foot, which they offer'd to our Service. But finding the need not only of more Men, but chiefly of Arms and Ammunition, the City unanimouſly choſe David Cairns, Eſq to ſend over as their Agent to England, giving him a large Letter of Credence, and full Inſtructions under the hands and ſeals of the chief then in Town. He had with him alſo a Letter to the Society in London, which I have in the end inſerted; a private Key was alſo contrived to hold Correſpondence with 'em.

This day the Townsmen were form'd into ſix Companies of Foot, under the Command of I. Captain Samuel Norman. Lieutenant William Crooksbanks. Enſign Alexander Irwin. II. Captain Alexander Leckey. Lieutenant James Lennox. Enſign John Harvey. III. Captain Matthew Cacken. Lieutenant Henry L • ng. Enſign Francis Hunt. IV. Capain Warham Jemmet. Lieutenant Robert Moriſon. Enſign Daniel Sherrard. V. Captain John Tomkins. Lieutenant James Spaight. Enſign Alexander Coningham. VI. Capt. Thomas Moncreiff. Lieutenant James Moriſon. Enſign William Mackee.

December the 11th. Mr. Cairns went for London The ſame day Governour Philips went to Newtown, and in a few dayes return'd with about 3 or 400 Horſe: William Hamilton of Moyagh brought near 200 more, which they tendered to our ſervice.

Soon after Letters from Dublin inform us that the Lord Tyrconnel had ordered the Lord Mountjoy and Lieutenant Collonel Lundy with ſix Companys of their Regiment to come down and reduce this City to its former Obedience: But our Friends there caution'd us againſt the receiving of 'em, and the City was generally averſe to it, and yet that their actions might not be miſ-interpreted, they endeavoured to repreſent the reaſons of 'em in a Declaration, which they Publiſhed about this time. — See in the end.

When the Lord Mountjoy came to Omagh, he ſent Captain Mac-Cauſtand with a Meſſage to this City, deſiring two or three of their Number to meet him at Rapho, upon which Captain Norman, and Mr. John Mogredg were ſent to hear his Propoſals, who at their return gave aſſurance of his Lordſhips being fully impower'd to Capitulate, and that he would on the ſurrender of the Garriſon, with our Arms, procure a Free and General Pardon for what was paſs't, (theſe Terms our two Envoys did earneſtly ſollicit us to accept, tho in vain.) But becauſe theſe two had no power to Conclude any thing, his Lordſhip deſired there might be Commiſſioners with full power to treat with him at Mount-Gavelin.

Accordingly the Governour George Phillips Eſq Captain Alexander Tomkins, Horace Kennedy Eſq Lieutenant William Crookſhanks, and Lieutenant James Lennox, were impowr'd by the City to treat and conclude, who after a full hearing of his Lordſhips Propoſals, would comply on no other Terms than the getting a Proteſtant Garriſon, and liberty to keep their Watches and Arms as formerly, as alſo a free and General Pardon under the Great Seal, which his Lordſhip declared he could not grant, and ſo they parted without any Concluſion, his Lordſhip then ſaying, he wou'd next Morning come to the Gates and demand Entrance. They returning with the report of theſe paſſages, we began to examine again the Stores of Amunition, and found only ſix Barrels of Powder, a few Arms unfix'd, and moſt of the Guns unmounted for want of Carriages. Soon after his Lordſhip appears at the Biſhops-Gate, where for ſome time he was made to ſtand, (upon a warm debate within, whether he ſhould be admitted.) At length out of reſpect to his Lordſhip, he was ſuffered to enter, who being very importunate for an Accommodation; there were Eleven perſons of the City and Country appointed to treat with him, viz. George Phillips Governour, Horace Kennedy Eſq Captain Alexander Lecky, Captain Warham Jemmet, Captain John Forward, Captain George Canning, Lieutenant Henry Long, Lieutenant James Lennox, William Coningham, Eſq and James Steward: His Lordſhip after ſome debate, that he might prevent any more Forces coming down upon us, was at laſt prevail'd on to agree to ſuch Articles as the City propoſed, which Articles are annext in the end.

Upon the Perfection of theſe Articles, his Lordſhip for our better Satisfaction ordered Leiutenant Collonel Lundy to repair to Strabane, there to ſtop his ſix Companies, till the full Moyety being Papiſts were turned off, and ſome Officers of the City were ſent to ſee it done, and Proteſtants inliſted in their ſtead. Yet there were but two Companies (all Proteſtants,) under Command of Leiutenant Collonel Lundy, and Captain Stewart, received at firſt into the City. The other four conſiſting of one half Papiſts, were ordered to quarter at Strabane, Newton, Stewart and Rapho, till throughly reform'd; Which ſo fully ſatisfied us, that the Proteſtant Intereſt would be much ſtrengthned, by the interpoſition of the Lord Mountjoy, that our Governour freely reſign'd his charge to him, and we all reſolv'd to follow his orders and directions. Accordingly his Lordſhip heartily Concurr'd with the Citizens, advis'd 'em to repair the Carriages of the Guns, fix the old Arms that lay in the Stores, and every thing elſe that might be found neceſſary for the preſervation of the City. Whereupon there was a meeting in the Guild-hall, of all the Inhabitants in orto the Levying of Moneys for that purpoſe. And a voluntary Subſcription being there made (about 100 l. ) a ſelect number was choſen to diſpoſe thereof, as alſo to regulate the Concerns of the City, viz. Samuel Norman Alderman, Alexander Lecky Alderman, Matthew Cocken Alderman, Horace Kennedy Sheriff, Mr. Francis Nevill, Mr. Frederick Coningham, and Mr. James Lennox, to whom Mr. John Mogredg was Secretary, The Lord Maſſareene alſo ſome time after freely Contributed a conſiderable ſum of Money towards the defence of the place. They ſtudied all poſſible means for the preſervation and ſafety of the City and Countrey; and ſince they ſtill apprehended a Deſſcent of the Iriſh, they kept up a good Correſpondence with the Neighbouring Counties in what concern'd their Common Intereſt. And that our Friends in the Country might be incouraged with a ſpeedy ſupply of Powder and Arms; Money was freely advanced (by Horace Kennedy Eſq Edw. ard Brooks Eſq Lieutenant Henry Long, Will. Crook ſhanks Enſign, William Mackee Enſign, John Harvey Enſign, Francis Hunt, Alexander Gordon, Hugh Davey, and William Maxwell, Merchants,) and ſent with James Hamilton Merchant to Scotland to buy Powder and Arms. He cou'd procure no more than 42 Barrels of Powder, which (except 10 left in the County of Down,) happily came and was ſecured in the Magazine: Being alſo informed that a ſmall Bark which was ſent from Dublin, with 30 Barrels of Powder for the Earl of Antrim, lay Wind-bound at Killagh in the County of Down, there were perſons appointed to ſeize and bring the ſame about for our uſe; who did ſo, and leaving a ſhare in ſome truſty hands for the Countries Service, brought the remainder being about 20 Barrels to this City. But all being too ſmall a quantity, preſſing Letters were diſpatch't to our Agent at London, to ſollicit their Majeſties for Succours.

The Lord Mountjoy is ſent for to Dublin, by the Lord Tyrconnell: His Friends here all diſſwade him from going up. But the advice of ſome in Dublin prevail'd more upon him: Upon his Coming there, it was propoſed to him by the Lord Tyrconnell that he ſhould go with Lord Chief Baron Rice, on a Meſſage to King James in France to deſire leave of Treating with England for that Kingdom: upon which he procured the following Articles on our behalf to be perfected, a Copy of which he ſent down to the North, with the enſuing Letter, which I ſhall here add, becauſe it diſcovers how miſerably he, as well as many other well meaning Gentlemen were impoſed upon by Tyrconnel; who tho he was ſufficiently afraid of the Iſſue of things, yet was doing all he cou'd by the encreaſe of his new Levies to defend King James his intereſt there, even while he pretended to others, that he was ready to ſurrender the Sword to any Commiſſion'd to receive it. And this Intreigue of ſending to King James is ſaid to be the Contrivance of Rice and Neagle, to amuſe and divert others of the Popiſh Party in the Council, whoſe fears inclin'd 'em to an earlier ſubmiſſion.

His Lordſhip went ſoon after together with Chief Baron Rice to France, where inſtead of obtaining an Order for the Iriſh to lay down their Arms, he was made a Priſoner in the Baſtile.

The Lord Tyrconnel deſigning to muſter up all his ſtrength againſt us, orders Lieutenant Collonel Lundy to ſend up the four Companies which were not brought into the City, as well as the other two: But rather than loſe ſo many good Arms, we were induc'd to receive 'em; and having well purg'd 'em of Papiſts, we unanimouſly concur and keep our joynt-Guards by detachments out of theſe 6 Companies, and our own 6 Town-Companies; which the Lord Tyrconnel being advertiſed of, iſſues a Proclamation to all parts of the North, diſcharging the Brittiſh therein from aſſembling together, by way of Troops and Companies, &c. But the Proteſtants were too ſenſible of the neceſſity of defending themſelves, to pay any great Deference to ſuch a Proclamation: And particularly at Derry, they went on with their preparations for their own Safety, having been early encouraged thereto by the Nobility and Gentry of the Counties of Down and Antrim, (who by a Meſſage ſent 'em by Will. Conningham, Eſq declared their Approbation of what they had done, and aſſured 'em of their utmoſt Aſſiſtance:) But they were not altogether pleas'd with Lundy's management of Affairs. He had againſt the mind of the Committee for the City, choſe Mr. Norman Lieutenant Collonel, and one Hill Major to his Regiment. He ſoon after diſcharged the City Companies from keeping their Guards, and refuſed 'em Ammunition: And when upon complaint made, he reſtor'd 'em, he would but allow one City Officer to the Guards, and endeavour'd to bring 'em under the Command of his own Officers. Theſe things diſguſted the City, but they thought it not a fit time to Contend about 'em.

Having given this brief Account of what paſs'd at Derry, from the firſt ſhutting the Gates, till the Deſcent of the Iriſh Army; it will not be improper to give ſome Relation of the moſt material paſſages that happened in other parts of Ulſter, before they approach'd thoſe Walls.

The News of the Prince of Orange's landing, was very acceptable to the Generality of the Proteſtants of Ireland, whoſe ſucceſs they hop'd would ſoon alter the ſcene of Affairs in that Kingdom. The Presbyterian Miniſters in the Province of Ulster, with ſeveral Gentlemen of good Note there, were the firſt that agreed to ſend an Addreſs to the Prince: To this end they impowered Mr. Osborn, and Mr. Hamilton, being then at Dublin, to fix on the Perſon, who ſent Dr. Cummin, Decemb. 8th. the purport of the Addreſs (wherein they deſired nothing in particular for themſelves,) was, To Congratulate his Arrival and Succeſs hitherto in ſo glorious an Undertaking: To repreſent the Deplorable Condition of the Proteſtants in that Kingdom, and particularly in that Province, and begg ſome ſpeedy Relief, aſſuring him of their readineſs to ſerve his Interest to the utmost of their Power. All the Mininiſters afterwards in behalf of themſelves, and their Congregations ſent another Congratulatory Addreſs, dated January 22d. by two of their number, Mr. Patrick Adair, and Mr. John Abernethy. The Nobility and Gentry of that Province were univerſally ſenſible of the Dangers that then threatned 'em: For beſides thoſe mentioned before, they obſerv'd that the Lord Tyrconnel was daily iſſuing out vaſt numbers of Commiſſions for levying of Men: That the Collonels were empowered to make up as many Companies as they could: That the Captains were to maintain their own Companies for 3 Months at their own Charge, who were moſt of 'em ſo unable to ſupport themſelves, that the Lord Tyrconnel order'd they ſhould have their Commiſſions without paying any fees; and many of 'em were forc'd to leave 'em in pawn, for what they had already run on the ſcore. They ſoon ſaw how ſuch a neceſſitous Crew were deſigned to ſubſiſt. While they were only Rapparee's, they were well vers'd in the Arts of Thefts and Rapine: And being now liſted in the Army, they thought they might practiſe 'em with ſome kind of Authority: So that in a Month or two there was ſcarce a Proteſtant in moſt Counties (where the Brittiſh were not upon their own Defence) that had either any Stock left on their Land, or any Horſes in their Stables. And all Complaints of theſe Villanies met with ſo little Countenance or redreſs, that the Lord Deputy ſeemed to have rais'd ſo many ſwarms of Banditti and Robbers, rather than Souldiers under Diſcipline, and Commiſſion'd 'em to plunder and ruinate the Countrey, rather than ſecure and defend it.

All this Allarm'd the Proteſtants of the North, who ſaw their numbers were their only Security againſt the ſame Violences being as generally practiſed among them. They therefore Conſulted their own Safety, and ordered ſtrong Guards to be kept: The firſt Project they fell upon, was the diſarming Sir Tho. Newcomen's Regiment, quarter'd at Belfaſt, and Lisburn, in order to their making themſelves Maſters of Carickfergus. Sir Arthur Rawden diſcours'd and prevail'd on ſeveral of the Proteſtant Officers in the Regiment, to concurr with 'em in this Deſign. He had ordered alſo a conſiderable party to be ready at the ſame time for ſurprizing the Iriſh Garriſon at the Newry. The 4th of January was the day for putting it in Execution, the Proteſtant Guards were advertiſed of it: Sir Athur Rawden, and Sir John Mac Gill, march't from Moyra at the hour they had appointed, with 500 Horſe and Foot: Lieutenants Tubman and Berry took the Guard at Lisburn, Tubman put all the Papiſts Arms under the Proteſtant Guard. Captain Obrey of Lisburn, had a ſmall party of Horſe ready, and actually ſeized 25 of the Souldiers Muſquets: But when all things were thus ready, and the Execution of this Deſign, was as they thought, ſo eaſie and ſecure, Sir Arthur Rawden, and Sir John Mac Gill, were met within three miles of Lisburn, by Mr. Hamilton of Tillimore, who came to acquaint 'em that the Gentlemen at Belfaſt could not do what was deſired from 'em; they ſaid they had not notice early enough, (Mr. Hamilton not coming thither before 9 a clock that Night, when the Souldiers were in their Quarters:) They objected the ill conſequences might enſue from the doing of it to the Town of Belfaſt, if they ſhould afterwards fail of ſecuring Carickfergus; and therefore urged the delaying it till they had more fully concerted their meaſures, and put the Countrey into a better poſture of Defence: Upon this Sir Arthur Rawden, and Sir John Mac Gill, were forc'd to diſperſe their men, tho not without great reluctancy and regrett at the diſappointment. Mr. Ham. of Tillimore, upon his Return thought fit to try Sir Tho. Newcomen (who profeſs'd himſelf a Proteſtant) to ingage him to joyn with him in their common defence: which diſcourſe ſo allarm'd his ſuſpution, that he put himſelf on his Guard, barricadoed the ſtreets of Lisburn, ſent to the Garriſon of Carickfergus to take care of themſelves, who upon this Warning ſent for the Earl of Antrim's Regiment, and part of Cormack Oneil's to ſtrengthen the Garriſon. But ſeveral of the Proteſtant Officers in Sir Tho. Newcomens Regiment, with 120 Souldiers deſerted, and the Officers ſent their Commiſſions to their Collonel. Sir Tho. Newcomen ſoon after took his opportunity when moſt of the Gentlemen in that part of the Countrey were at Mount Alexander, to march off with his Regiment towards Dublin, and he narrowly eſcaped being diſarmed by the Rabble themſelves. The Proteſtant Nobility and Gentry could not but foreſee theſe proceedings would incenſe the Government, and draw down an Army on 'em as ſoon as the Lord Tyrconnel could be ready with his new levies: And therefore to be better prepared for what they expected, they agreed to enter into Aſſociations in the ſeveral Counties for ſelf-defence againſt theſe illegal Outrages. (See in the end.) The Counties of Down and Antrim nominated the Lord Mount Alexander, (and the latter added Mr. Skeffington,) for their Commander in Chief, as thoſe of Ardmagh, and Monagham, did the Lord Blany: Thoſe of Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone, Collonel Lundy, and Major Guſtavus Hamilton: They choſe Councils or Committees for every County, and appointed a General Council of Union, at Hillsborough, for all the aſſociated Counties of Ulſter. Theſe Councils or Committees choſe the Field Officers, and applyed themſelves to thoſe Miniſters that had the greateſt influence on the People for raiſing their Men. Some of the Gentlemen that raiſed Regiments, having no publick Fund, arm'd and maintain'd 'em at their own Charge. The Conſult order'd the following Regiments to be raiſed in Down and Antrim.

A Regiment of Horſe, conſiſting of twelve Troops, out of both theſe Counties, the Earl of Mount Alexander Collonel.

A Regiment of Dragoons, out of the County of Down, Sir Arthur Rawden Collonel.

A Regiment of Dragoons out of the County of Antrim, Mr. Clotworthy Skeffington Collonel: But this Regiment was not rais'd, but a Regiment of Foot inſtead of it.

Four Regiments of Foot, out of each of the ſaid Counties: in the County of Antrim, Sir William Franklin, Mr. Upton, Mr. Leſley, and Mr. Adair rais'd each of them a Regiment: There was another in and about Lisburn, deſign'd for Captain Leighton, and 300 Foot were rais'd by Mr. Edmonston. In the County of Down, Sir John Mac Gill, Sir Robert Colvil, James Hamilton of Tillimore, and James Hamilton of Bangor, Eſquires, raiſed each a Regiment, and Capt. Francis Anneſley rais'd ſome Horſe and Foot.

The reſt of the Counties of Ulſter, were equally forward in their levies.

It was reſolved alfo in the General Conſult, to ſend a Gentleman into England with an Addreſs to the then Prince of Orange, and Captain Baldwin Leighton was choſen, who accordingly ſail'd from Belfaſt, January the 10th.

The frontier Garriſons of Down, (being but inconſiderable and unwalled Villages,) were at firſt maintained by Sir Arthur Rawden, (his Lieutenant Collonel Mr. Hawkins concurring with him) but afterwards the Countrey contributed to the Expence.

The Conſult had ordered the ſurprizal of Carickfergus; ſome Proteſtants in the Town were acquainted with it, and the deſign laid, Febr. 21. in the night, 1000 foot march from Belfaſt towards it, under the Command of Lieutenant Collonel Bremicham, and Major Baker; but the Weather being bad, and the way tedious, it was clear day before they reach'd the Town; when they were within a mile of it, Bremicham ſtop'd 'em, on pretence of two paſſages in a Letter he had from the Lord Mount Alexander, Sir William Franklin, and Mr. Hamilton of Tillimore: The one was, That he ſhould do nothing in Carickfergus, without Mr. Henry Davis's Advice, (who was then in the Town.) The other that they would be with him at the hour of Action. The Garriſon thro this delay, had ſo much notice of their approach, as enabled 'em to put themſelves in ſome poſture of Defence. The Earl of Mount Alexander, Sir Arthur Rawden, and other Gentlemen, came with 4 or 500 Horſe, not doubting the ſucceſs of the Foot, but found the foremoſt party of 'em, and thoſe on the Walls firing at one another. Mark Talbot, Lieutenant Collonel to the Earl of Antrim, came out to know the reaſon of this Attempt. He was told the ſtores of Carickfergus had been always under a Proteſtant Governour: That being now in other hands, they came to demand it for the Prince of Orange, eſpecially to prevent the Inſolencies and Robberies of the Souldiers: They alſo offer'd terms to the Garriſon, which Talbot promiſed to acquaint the Earl of Antrim with: Upon his return it was agreed, That Collonel Cormack Oneal, who had then his Regiment in Town, ſhould disband it, and lay down his Commiſſion; and he and they having Protections to return to their ſeveral dwellings: That the Garriſon ſhould be kept by a few of the Earl of Antrim's Regiment, who ſhould never have above a weeks Proviſions at once: That the Proteſtants in Town ſhould have a Guard as well as the Papiſts, of equal number, without any diſturbance from the Caſtle: That the value of what had been plundered, ſhould be reſtored: That all Letters from the Papiſts to Dublin, ſhould be ſent open to the Conſult at Hillsborough, and particularly ſuch a Letter ſent from the Earl of Antrim, and Cormack O Neal, by one of their number, to give the Lord Tyrconnel an Account of that Affair as he Proteſtants ſhould approve of. A Letter was accordingly ſent, ſign'd by both ſides, but Fryar O Haggerty was (upon Mr. Randal Brice's Recommendation) ſuffered to be the Bearer, who underſtood as much as any in the Garriſon could dictate to him, and gave the Lord Tyrconnel the following (too true). Account of the Condition of the North, viz. [That they were untrain'd, and had few experienced Officers: That the moſt part were without Arms, and ſuch as had 'em, their Arms were unfixt and unfit for ſervice. They were very much ſcattered, and their number not near what had been written, and was confidently reported in Dublin, that they wanted all Ammunition, and neceſſary Proviſions for appearing in the Field.] The Lord Tyrconnel (who had deferred for 20 days to ſend down his Army, after it had been firſt agreed on in Council) upon this Information reſolved to diſpatch the moſt Conſiderable and beſt trained part of it, under the Command of Lieutenant General Hamilton.

From the 23d. of February, to the 11th. of March, ſeveral Skirmiſhes happened between the Iriſh Garriſon at Newry, or the Rapparees, and the Frontier Garriſons of the North. The latter being frequently employ'd to reſcue Preys of Cattel which thoſe Ravenous Beaſts ſeiz'd and endeavour'd to carry away.

Two Letters from Dublin, one of the 22d. the other of the 25th. of February, arrived in the North, one giving an account of the preparations making againſt 'em at Dublin, the other relating the diſarming the Proteſtants there. But their confident expectation of Succors from England, and their conceit of Tyrconnels fears, made them too ſlow in their meaſures. They did indeed ſend to C. Lundy at Derry, to bring down what he cou'd ſpare of the Forces of Derry, Tyrone, and Donnegal to their aſſiſtance, and offer'd him the Command of their whole Army. C. Lundy promiſed to bring with him 1000 men well appointed out of each of the three Counties, with a train of Artillery, and to be with 'em on a certain day, which was about a Fortnight before the Deſcent of the Iriſh Army. Upon which the Conſult ordered Hillsbrough to be ſtockt with all neceſſary proviſions for an Army: But C. Lundy failed their expectations in this, as he did in every thing elſe afterwards, that concerned their common ſafety.

The 9th. of March, Captain Leighton returned with a Letter, [ſee in the end] from his Majeſty to the Earl of Mount Alexander, to be communicated to the reſt of the Nobility and Gentry, approving their endeavours for their own defence, &c. He brought over alſo Commiſſions for all the Regiments in the Counties of Antrim, Down, Ardmagh and Monaghan, except two that were not raiſed when Captain Leighton left the North, and aſſured 'em of ſpeedy relief, telling them ſome of the Cannon and Ammunition were ſhipt, and 15000 men ready at the Waterſide, &c. Upon his coming King William and Queen Mary were Proclaimed in the Towns that were in the North-Eaſt part of Ulſter, (with all the expreſſions of Duty and Affection, which became their high obligations to their Majeſties, as well as their hopes from 'em,) and in ſome before his Arrival.

The ſame day Mr. Osborn arrived at Hillsborough with a Meſſage which the Lord Tyrconnel had permitted him to deliver. But the real deſign of his coming was to prevent their being ſurprized with the deſcent of the Iriſh Army, to give 'em the beſt information and advice in order to their defence, to which he earneſtly urged 'em; a fuller account whereof the Reader may ſee in his Vindication.

11th. of March, the Iriſh Army came to Newry, Sir Arthur Rawden being then at Loch-bricklan, ſent to the Conſult for more Forces to defend that place: But being that Night informed that the whole Iriſh Army would be there next Morning, and the Conſult acquainting him that they had no Forces ready to be ſent, and adviſing him to retire to Dromore, he ordered the inhabitants that Night to pack up their Goods, ſent his Foot to Guard them, and with his Horſe ſecured their retreat. The Inhabitants went on to Belfast and the Sea Coaſts.

12th. of March, the Garriſon at Rathfryland, with the Inhabitants abandoned the place, and came to Dromore, and that Night the Iriſh Army came to Loch-bricklan. This day Cap. Hugh Mac-Gill brought his Troop of 80 Dragoons from the Ardes to Dromore; Sir Arthur Rawden ſent to Hillsbrough for an 100 good Musketeers, but they came not, nor the other Forces expected from other parts.

13th. of March, the Iriſh Army Marched towards Dromore. This Night Major Baker brought four Companies of Foot to Dromore, but very ill Armed: The Officers put what Horſe and Foot they had into the beſt poſture they could, and ſent to Hillsbrough for Powder and Arms.

14th. of March, the Expreſs returned with ſome Powder, but the Bullets were unſuitable to their unſizable Arms. The Expreſs alſo brought Sir Arthur Rawden order to retire next Night with his Men to Hillsbrough. Upon which they reſolved to quit the Town, expecting that the reſt of the Forces of Down and Antrim would be that Night at Lisburn, and advance from thence the next day to Hillsbrough.

The ſame day the Presbiterian Miniſters appeared before the Conſult with the Propoſals mentioned in Mr. Osborns Vindication, and the Country was ſummoned to appear the 19th, at Blariſmore.

One of the Scouts acquaints the Officers at Dromore, that about two Troops of Iriſh Horſe were marching towards the Town, upon which the Horſe and Dragoons were drawn up in the Street; the four Companies of Foot were alſo drawn up at the entry of the Town. The Horſe and Dragoons went on and fac't a party of the Enemy, till they diſcovered the whole Body of the Iriſh Army coming on them, and having no ſtrength capable to oppoſe them, their Foot went off, and their Horſe endeavoured to make good their retreat: Some few of the Horſe and Dragoons, and ſome of the Country people that were carrying off their Goods, were killed.

The ſame day the Lord Mount Alexander, Collonel Upton, and Mr. Hamilton of Tillimore, upon advice hereof, got together what Horſe they could at Hillsbrough, (which were not many,) and were marching out of Town to aſſiſt thoſe of Dromore, when they met their foremoſt party on their retreat, they rallied as many as they could of that flying party, ſent to Lisburn for the Forces that were there to the number of near 4000. Sir Arthur Rawden Rode thither to haſten them up, but the precipitant motion of the Iriſh Army ſtruck ſuch a Terror into the people who were but ill armed, that few would ſtay at Hillsbrough, ſo that they were forced to leave it to the Iriſh, who ſeized the Proviſions and the little Ammunition laid up there, beſides the Papers of the Conſult. Moſt of the Forces alſo at Lisburn ſhrunk and ſtole away; their Leaders in this confuſion could not agree on any poſt thereabouts which they were able to defend againſt a well appointed Army; their hopes of ſpeedy aſſiſtance from the other Counties, as well as from England were fruſtrated, and ſo they reſolved upon ſhifting for themſelves. All the Gentlemen of the Lower parts of the County of Down, (except Captain Hugh Mac-Gill and his Brother,) endeavoured to tranſport themſelves. Others reſolved to ſtay and defend their Country to the laſt extremity, as Sir Arthur Rawden and moſt of his Regiment; part of Sir John Mac-Gills Regiment, under the Command of Lieutenant Collonel Whitney: Part of Sir William Franklins, under the Command of Major Tubman: Collonel Arthur Upton with part of his Regiment, Collonel Adairs Regiment, under the Command of Collonel Edmonſton, Major Stroud with his own Troop, Captain Clotworthy Upton with his Troop, being one of the Earl of Mount Alexander's Regiment: One Troop of Belfaſt, Commanded by Captain White. All theſe Forces being about 4000 in number, marched to Colerain, the reſt either removed into England, or took Protections from the Iriſh, but all the Collonels went either to Derry, or out of the Kingdom, except Collonel Leſley, who choſe rather to take Protection; and helpt to Victual the Iriſh Camp before Derry.

Of the Garriſon of Dungannon, I need give only this ſhort Relation: Dungannon in the County of Tyrone, being in great danger from the Iriſh Garriſon in Charlemont, (that had above 30 Companies in it,) the defence of it by a good Garriſon was thought very neceſſary. And accordingly the Counties of Tyrone, Derry, and Donegall, ſent in ſeveral Troops and Companies by turns, which were maintained partly by the Country, partly by their Officers. About the 11th. of February, the Iriſh gathered together in great Numbers near Stewarts Town and Gleno. Collonel Stewart Commanded a detach't party of our men (about 24. ſome of Captain Stewart of Killemonts Troop, and ſome Foot) to go and view them, who killed ſome of the Iriſh, and took 13 or 14 Priſoners. Soon after, a conſiderable party of the Forces of Charlemont, joyned with othey Iriſh of the Countrey near Benburb: A party of our men both Foot and Horſe, beat them off, and took a prey of Cattel from them, as they did ſeveral afterwards. Collonel Lundy about the 14th. of March, ſent his Orders to Collonel Stewart to quit the Town, which accordingly he did, tho againſt the opinion of moſt of the Officers. Nor was there any care taken to carry off that great quantity of Proviſions, which the Country about had ſent in, ſo that they fell into the Enemies hands. About the 16th. or 17th. of March, ſome of the Garriſon marched towards Colerain, others towards Derry, as Mr. Walker and his Company, &c. The 11th. a party of our men beat off a party of the Iriſh, who had taken up the paſs at Toam.

Of the Forces raiſed by the Lord Blaney, I ſhall give the Reader a breif account out of a Memoir of his own.

Of the Affair of Glaſslough, I ſhall begg leave to inſert the following Relation from another hand.

Of the Forces raiſed by the Lord Kingſton, I had the following relation from his Lordſhip.

So unhappily were the deſigns of that Noble Lord, (who inherits the Courage as well as the Honour of his Father,) for the preſervation of that part of the Countrey, which he proſecuted with extraordinary Zeal and Reſolution, fruſtrated by the confuſed, but peremptory Orders which he received from Collonel Lundy.

What happened of moment from the time of the Forces of Antrim fleeing to Colerain, to the time of their deſerting, I ſhall extract out of a Diary of Sir Arthur Rawdea's, only the Relation of what paſs'd at Bartglenoan, was drawn up by another hand.

Beſides Captain James Mac-Gill, and ſeveral common Soldiers which were loſt, one Captain Henly was wounded and taken Priſoner. And Sir Arthur Rawden by continual fatigue and want of reſt caſt himſelf into a dangerous Illneſs, which afterwards forced him to leave that Kingdom. A Gentleman who in all thoſe affairs of the North of Ireland, ſhewed himſelf a true lover and friend of his Country, by his extraordinary Zeal and Courage; his great Expences and indefatigable diligence in the defence of it. Collonel Edmonſton alſo contracted thoſe Diſtempers in the Trenches at Port-Glenon, of which he afterwards died at Cullmore, April the 14th. having behaved himſelf there, and on all other occaſions with great Gallantry and Reſolution.

The Iriſh having croſſed the Ban, all thoſe of the Army above at Monymore and Maghrifelt, (except a few Captains that took Protection) as well as thoſe of Toam, and Newferry, fled over the Mountains to Derry. Colerain was deſerted leaſt the Iriſh ſhould intercept betwixt the Forces there, and thoſe at Derry; part of the Bridge was cut down, part of it Burnt. And all the Countrey came towards Derry as their laſt Refuge.

April the 9th. the Body of our Army came to the Ferry that leads over to the Town, and it was no ſmall trouble to ſee ſo many brave and reſolute men both Horſe and Foot without a General. The Horſe and Dragoons were that day ordered by Collonel Lundy, to March to Lifford and Strabane, and the next the Dragoons were ordered to March to Letter-Kenny: The Horſe and Dragoons brought in good ſtore of Meale and other Proviſions to Derry.

April 10th. Mr. Cairns being ſent from England, with Inſtructions and a Letter from the King to Collonel Lundy, came this day to Derry; he met ſome Officers, and a great number of people going off: Collonel Lundy had offered Paſſes to the Officers, and ſpoke ſo diſcouragingly to many of them, concerning the indefenſibleneſs of the place, that they ſtrongly ſuſpected he had a deſign to give it up; and they could ſee little hope of preventing it, in ſuch a Confuſion if he proved Treacherous, and therefore were unwilling to ſtay, only to be betrayed into the Enemies hands. Mr. Cairns delivered the Kings Letter to Governour Lundy, and acquainted him and others, with the cauſe of his coming, and the Forces following him at Sea for their aid; and though this good News put new Life and reſolution into many of them, yet ſince others, and particularly ſome of the chief Officers were ſaid to be on the Wing to depart; he was earneſt with Governour Lundy to take ſome ſpeedy and effectual care to prevent it; whereupon a Council of War was held that Night, to whom Collonel Lundy imparted his Letter. [ſee it in the end.] Mr. Cairns's Inſtructions were alſo read, and be purſuant thereto, repreſented to 'em his Majeſties great care and concern for 'em, and that whole Kingdom; the great preparations making in England for their relief, and the Forces at preſent haſtening to 'em. He therefore earneſtly diſſwaded 'em from deſerting the place, and deſired according to his Inſtructions a particular account of the preſent Condition of the City as to Men, Arms, Ammunition, &c. This had that effect, that the Council drew up the following reſolution, which Collonel James Hamilton propoſed, and was active to promote.

This Reſolution was not only affixt on the Market-Houſe, but read next Morning at head of every Battallion, at which the Soldiers expreſſed their great ſatisfaction with loud Acclamations and Huzza's. Mr. Cairns alſo wrote to ſeveral perſons of Note, that were then about going off at Caſtledoe, to diſſwade 'em, but all in vain. At the ſame Councel there were ſeveral Articles agreed on. [ſee 'em in the end] The Enemy being come to the Lough, and threatning to come over with their Boats, and there being no other Veſſel in the Lough, but Mr. Cairne's, the Council deſired, and obtained his to be uſed as a Privateer againſt them.

The Enemy thus haſtning upon them, and ſome diſcontents appearing among the Soldiers, who murmured eſpecially againſt Collonel Lundy, for taking no more care to put 'em into a poſture of defence, and expreſſed great readineſs to fight the Enemy if they were led on; to allay theſe heats and provide for the common ſafety; A Council of War was held, April the 13th. in which they came to the following Reſolution.

At this Councel Collonel Lundy was choſen to be Commander in chief in the Field, which he undertook. This day Major Stroud made ſome Propoſals to Governour Lundy, of which no notice was taken; moſt of the Suburbs on both ſides the Water were burnt or pulled down.

April the 14th. the body of the Enemies Army Marched up towards Strabane, part of them within view of the City, whereupon Mr. Cairns went twice to Governour Lundy, preſſing him to take ſome ſpeedy effectual care for ſecuring the Paſſes of Fin-Water, leaſt the Enemy ſhould get over before our men could meet: he replied in a careleſs manner, that he had given Orders already, but how little was actually done towards the prevention of it, the next day gave us a ſad Demonſtration. The ſame day ſeveral others ſent word to Governour Lundy, that if he did not March the men that day, the Enemy would certainly prevent their getting together in any orderly body, and therefore intreated him to be with the men that Night at Clady and Lifford. But their advice was not regarded. our men had burnt all the Corn and Forrage on the Road, ſo that if thoſe Paſſes had been maintained, the Enemies Horſe could not have long ſubſiſted there.

This day we had News, that a Fleet was ſeen off the Coaſt near the Lough-mouth, but were driven off by the Wind to Sea again.

Captain Hamil, and Major Crofton with a party at Lifford, did all this Night repulſe the Enemy, (who attempted to come over the Ford,) with great reſolution and ſucceſs, killing as we heard ſeveral of them, with their Cannon and ſmall ſhot.

April the 15th Collonel Cuningham, and Collonel Richards, with the Engliſh Ships and Forces arrived in the Lough, they had particular Inſtructions to receive from time to time ſuch Orders as Collonel Lundy ſhould give them in all things relating to his Majeſties Service; purſuant to which, Collonel Cuningham ſent three ſeveral Meſſages to him: By the firſt, (which was from Green-Caſtle about Ten in the Morning,) he acquainted him with his coming, and deſired his Orders about Landing the two Regiments on board; by the ſecond, (from Red-Caſtle about Two in the Afternoon,) having ſome information of their being gone out to fight the Enemy at Clady, he wrote the following Letter.

Having no Anſwer to either, he ſent a third Meſſenger from Culmore-Caſtle, about Nine at Night, to deſire his Orders which he was ready to execute, but he received no anſwer from Governour Lundy till that Evening, of which in its due order.

This day a conſiderable party of the Iriſh Horſe, Marched from Strabane to Clady, ſome of their Foot being there before them, our men had the week before broke down ſome Arches of the Bridge, and had made a Breaſt-work at the end of it. Our Forces at Derry Marched about Eight or Nine in the Morning towards Long-Cauſey, Lifford, and Clady; many Troops and Companies were gathering from ſeveral parts to joyn them, in all above 10000. A party of the Enemy that attempted to Ford the River at Caſtle-Fin, was repulſed by a party of Collonel Skeffingtons Regiment poſted there: Another ſmall party of our men, about 30 Dragoons of Collonel Stewarts Regiment, Commanded by Captain Murray, (after moſt of the few Foot poſted there were beat off,) oppoſed the Enemies coming over at Cladyford, till all their Ammunition was ſpent. But there was no more Ammunition ſent them; (nay ſo ſtrangely had the Governour managed things, that moſt part of the Ammunition was but coming from Derry, about three or four Miles out of it, when ſome part of our Forces were fleeing thither upon their retreat:) And Major Stroud who had ſome Horſe near the Ford was ſo ill plac't, that he could not bring them on, where they were ſo expoſed to the Enemies ſhot, thô he earneſtly endeavour'd it; ſo that they were forc't to retire from the Bridge, the Enemy perceiving this, and obſerving the ſcatter'd condition of our men, ſeveral Troops of their Horſe ruſh't into the River, and ſwam through; (one Major Nangle and another Officer were drown'd.) When they got over, they were (as Gordon O-Neal ſince told me,) in terrible fear leaſt we ſhould have fallen upon them, for the Waters being high, they had ſcarce a dry ſhot left: But Governour Lundy, was ſo far from putting the Proteſtant Forces into any poſture to oppoſe them, that upon notice of their entring the Ford, he gave Orders to all thereabouts, to flee to Derry, himſelf leading the way, but ſent none to other parts of the Army, which never met in any conſiderable body. Upon this News of the Iriſh Horſe being got over, the Foot poſted at Lifford, that were ſhooting at a Party of Iriſh croſs the River at Strabane, were called off, and retired to the Paſs at Long Cauſey. Collonel Franc. Hamilton ſtopt thoſe that fled there, and drew 'em up in good order behind that Paſs, expecting the Iriſh would take that way, and Lundy would come thither from Rapho: But the Iriſh Horſe chiefly purſued thoſe that took the way to Rapho, where they did great Execution on Coll. Mountgomery's Regiment of Foot, there being no tolerable care taken to bring 'em off. And they had been all cut off, if they had not got into Boggs, and Mariſhy places, to ſecure themſelves from the Enemies Horſe. The Forces at the Long Cauſey ſtaid there till towards evening; but fearing the Enemy might come from Rapho, to intercept their paſſage to Derry, they retired thither: So inexcuſable was the Conduct of the General, both in abandoning ſo many Paſſes, and thoſe ſo eaſily defenſible by a few men, if they had been either ſupplyed with Ammunition, or conſtantly reliev'd, and in never ſo much as attempting to draw the Forces into a Body, when there were in the Field above 10000 men, who (whatever he pretended to the contrary) wanted more care and reſolution in their Leader than Courage in themſelves: But whether this ill Conduct muſt be aſcrib'd to negligence or deſign, the Reader muſt be left to judge by his following actions.

Governour Lundy being come into Town, order'd the Centinels to ſhut the Gates, ſo that many Officers, Soldiers and private Gentlemen were forc'd that Night to lye about the Walls; and the reaſon that he ſince publickly gave for it, is not unworthy the Readers notice, viz. To preſerve the Proviſions, which he knew to be ſufficient for 3000 men for 3 Months, after the rate of 4 pounds of Fiſh, 3 pounds of Fleſh, and 8 quarts of Meal per Week, for each Man. And though this was very far from being a juſt Acconnt, yet how very different a one he gave the Officers of the two Regiments on board, will appear by what follows.

Governour Lundy this Night ſent back Major Tiffin, Captain Lyndon, and Captain Cornwall Commander of the Swallow Frigat (as appears by a Certificate annext at the end) with the following Anſwer to Coll. Cuningham's Meſſage.

In the Poſtſcript he referrs Coll. Cuningham to the account he gave Major Tiffin, which was, (as himſelf has ſince publickly own'd) That there was not above 10 days Proviſion in Town for 3000 Men, though all unneceſſary Mouths were put out of it, and though what was in the Town for private uſe were taken to the publick Stores. Accordingly he ordered Coll. Cuningham and Coll. Richards to leave their Men ſtill on board their Ships, and to come with ſome of their Officers to Town, that they might reſolve on what was fit to be done.

Accordingly April 16. Coll. Cuningham and Coll. Richards with ſome of their Officers came to Town, where Coll. Lundy call'd a Council of War, compoſed of theſe ſixteen Perſons, Chidley Coot. James Hamilton. Captains of Cuning. Reg. Cornwall. Echlin. Traunter. Lyndon. Lundy. Blany. Cuningham. Richards. Huſſey. Tiffin. Captains of Richards's Regim. Pearſon. Pache. Taylor.

The two Collonels with their Officers were intire ſtrangers to the State of the Town, and the reſt were in a great meaſure unacquainted with it; for Coll. Lundy had call'd none of the Inhabitants to it except Mr. Mogredge the Clark; and when, ſeveral of the principal Officers (who had ſome ſuſpicion of Coll. Lundy's deſign) as Coll. Franc. Hamilton, Coll. Chicheſter, Coll. Crofton, Lieut. Coll. Ponſonby, &c. deſired to be admitted, they were abſolutely refuſed, though at the ſame Council he pretended he had ſent for the two firſt, but ſaid they could not be found, and for Sir Arthur Rewdon, who he ſaid was a dying.

Coll Cuningham deliver'd to Governor Lundy his Majeſties Letter and Orders directed to him; but the Governour, who was Preſident of the Council, gave 'em the ſame account of the State of the Town that he had before given to Major Tiffin, and therefore adviſed 'em all to quit it, for he ſaid he would do ſo himſelf.

Thoſe of the Council who came from England, thinking it impoſſible the Governour ſhould be ignorant of the Condition of the Town, and obſerving the account to paſs without any contradiction from thoſe there who had been for ſome time in it, but had not it ſeems inform'd themſelves better; ſoon agreed in the Opinion of returning for England, rather than ſtay in a place not to be Victualled from the Countrey, eſpecially when as he further ſaid the Enemy were near their Gates with 25000 Men; and there was no poſſibility of a return from England in ſo ſhort a time as the Governour affirm'd what Proviſion they had muſt be ſpent, (only Coll. Richards argued againſt it, becauſe he look'd on the deſerting that Garriſon not only as the quitting that City, but the whole Kingdom,) and accordingly they came to the following Reſolution:

Upon Enquiry it appears, that there is not Proviſion in the Garriſon of London-Derry for the preſent Garriſon, and the two Regiments on board, for above a week, or ten days at moſt: and it appearing that the Place is not tenable againſt a well appointed Army, therefore it is concluded upon, and reſolved, That it is not convenient for his Majeſties Service, but the contrary, to land the two Regiments under Col. Cunningham, and Col. Richards, their Command, now on board in the River of Lough-foyle: That conſidering the preſent circumſtances of Affairs, and the likelihood the Enemy will ſoon poſſeſs themſelves of this Place, it is thought moſt convenient, that the Principal Officers ſhall privately withdraw themſelves, as well for their own preſervation, as in hopes that the Inhabitants by a timely Capitulation may make terms the better with the Enemy; and that this we judge moſt convenient for his Majeſties Service, as the preſent State of Affairs now is.

On the Reſult of this Council, Collonel Cunningham, and Collonel Richards, with their Officers, went down to the Ships, which that day fell down below Red-Caſtle: But Collonel Lundy, to delude both the Officers and Soldiers in Town (who were earneſtly begging, that the Engliſh Forces might land, that with their Aſſiſtance they might take the Field, and fight the Enemy, before their Cannon were brought over, in order to the Preſervation of that corner, into which the Proviſions and Wealth of 3 or 4 Counties was crouded) told 'em publickly, It was reſolved the Engliſh Forces ſhould immediately land, and when they were in their Quarters, the Gates ſhould be opened, and all joyn in defence of the Town: And to cloak the Intreague the better, the Sheriffs were ordered to go through the City, to provide Quarters for 'em, who accordingly did ſo. But all this was meer ſham to amuſe the Town, while they might get away with the greater Eaſe and Safety: This Order was not publickly known till the 18th. But one of the Officers of this Council acquainted Collonel Franc. Hamilton, and Capt. Hugh Mac Gill with it, and adviſed 'em to go off. Captain Mac Gill diſcovered it to ſeveral Friends, and particularly to Sir Arthur Rawden, (who then lay extreamly weak, and was the only Perſon there by Name excepted from Mercy in the Lord Tyrconnel's Proclamation.) This made 'em look on the Town as betrayed, and repreſented affairs ſo deſperate to 'em, that they thought it madneſs in 'em to ſtay behind, meerly to be expoſed as a Sacrifice to the Fury of the Iriſh: And therefore many of 'em got off to the Ships the day following.

This Day the Body of our Foot that retreated, by command from Clady, and thoſe parts, came in tolerable Order to the Gates, but were ſurprized to find 'em ſhut, by the Governours Order, who had but the Day before commanded 'em to flee thither; they called to the Centries to open 'em, which they refuſed: But when one of the Captains of Collonel Skeffingtons Regiment fired at the Centry, and call'd for Fire to burn the Gate, that and the other Gates were thrown open, and all that had been kept out the Night before, now entred the Town, which made a conſiderarable Body.

There being no Forrage in the Town, the Horſe went all generally towards Culmore, ſome both Officers and Souldiers, who had obſerved Collonel Lundy's ill Conduct, and the confuſed Poſture their Affairs were in, got to the Ships; thoſe that ſtayed, gathered to Captain Murray, and reſolved to ſell their lives dear, rather than fall into the hands of an Enemy, from whom they expected no Mercy.

Governour Lundy had plac'd Captain Jemmet Governour of Culmore, who afterwards by his Order deſerted it, though he had been formerly active in the ſervice of the Town; a few Iriſh poffeſt themſelves of it, but it was ſoon recovered by a ſmall Artifice.

April 17th. King James and his Army being advanc'd as far as St. Johnſtown, (five miles from Derry,) he, or Lieutenant Gen. Hamilton, ſends one Mr. Whitlow, a Clergyman, to Governour Lundy, to know if they in the City would ſurrender on honourable terms, which they ſhould have to prevent the effuſion of Chriſtian Blood: On this a Council was held, who conclude to ſend to King James, to know what his Majeſties Demands were, and what terms he would grant to the City: The Meſſenger himſelf being allowed to ſit and joyn in Debates with them. The ſame Gentleman had on the 16th. told Cornet Nicholſen (his old Acquaintance) who inquired of him what Collonel Lundy intended, That the Town would be delivered up before Saturday following, and therefore adviſed him to ſhift for himſelf. He ſaid the ſame to to Mr. Henry Nicholſon, Arch-deacon Hamilton, Captain Kinaſton, and Captain Nevil were ſent; who had acceſs to the King, and returned that Night, but were refuſed entrance by the Multitude. Only the two former ſome way got in; the laſt (who had before been very active) wrote in a Letter the Account of their Negotiation, and departed.

A little before this time Mr. Will. Blacker, and Enſign Twinyo came to Town, ſent (as was reported, and confirmed by an intercepted Letter) by King James from Charlemount, to amuſe the Garriſon with ſuch accounts of the Clemency of the King on the one hand, and the formidable ſtrength of his Army on the other, as might incline them to a ſurrender. This Diſcourſe ſoon expoſed them to the ſuſpition of the Garriſon, who ſeized and put them under reſtraint. Blacker, while thus confined, writes a Letter to the Camp (which was intercepted) to this purpoſe: That he doubted not they knew he was detained a Priſoner in Town, but he ſerved their Interest as much there as if he were in their Camp: They had many Friends in Town, eſpecially Captain Darcy, Mr. White, (Collector of Strabane,) &c. There was a Council held upon them, but after ſome time they were both diſmiſt.

The common Soldiers, who knew nothing of the forementioned Order of the Council, were ſo enraged at their Officers, ſeveral of whom (as was before hinted) about this time left them and fled for England, that they could not forbear expreſſing it with ſome violence on ſome of them. One Captain Bell was ſhot dead, and another Officer hurt, who had (as was ſuppoſed with that Deſign) got into a Boat with ſeveral other Officers.

This Day ſome in the Town ſent one Captain Cole to Coll. Cunningham, to offer him the Government of it, becauſe they ſuſpected Coll. Lundy's Integrity. Coll. Cunningham's Anſwer was, That he being ordered to apply himſelf to Coll. Lundy for direction in all things relating to their Majeſties Service, could receive no Application from any that oppoſed that Authority. On the 18th. the Ships fell down to Green-Caſtle, and on the 19th. ſailed for England. On the 20th. about one a clock in the Morning, a Ship making towards the Coaſt from whence they came, enquired whether they had met the Engliſh Fleet; upon which Coll. Cunningham hoping that ſome part of his Majeſties Fleet might be near, from whom they might have Proviſions, reſolved if he could procure from them Proviſions for one Fortnight, to return to Derry. Upon which they gave the ſignal, and made after that Ship, but found it to be the Bonadventure Frigat, that was convoying ſome Ships with Arms and Ammunition to Derry, but no Proviſions. This Account I had from Sir Arthur Rawden, and Captain Hugh Mac Gill, who were then on board the ſame Veſſel. There was none of the Veſſels, but only that wherein Collonel Richards was, that took the ſignal, and made after the Bonadventure Frigat.

This Night Major Crofion finding the Gates open, and two of the Keys wanting, doubled the Guards, and changed the word. He was queſtioned for it the next day by Coll. Lundy; but he thought not fit to infiſt on it, and ſo there was no more made of it.

April 18th. What ſecret Aſſurances were given King James, that firſt induc'd him to march his Army down to the City, or to retire again, in expectation of the multitudes being brought to a complyance, thoſe can give the beſt Account that were moſt active for a ſurrender, and privy to all the clandeſtine tranſactions about it. But 'tis certain, that the Iriſh Army came this day to the Strand above the Windmill, at the South end of Derry hill, and there ſtop'd, waiting what Anſwer or Salutation the City would give them. The Council had it the mean time given ſtrict Orders that none offer to fire from the Walls on ſevere penalties, and ſome were ſent about the Walls to give intimation of it. But how little the Council or their Orders were valued by the Soldiers, the event ſoon ſhew'd. It was at this Council that Mr. John Mogredg, who had been Clerk to the forementioned Council, held by Collonel Lundy, Collonel Cunningham, &c. declared he would conceal no longer the Reſult of that Council, [viz. That Collonel Cunningham ſhould return with the two Regiments, and all Gentlemen and Officers quitt the Garriſon, and go with him.] He deſired Governour Lundy to produce the Order, which was a great ſurprize to this preſent Council, who (tho they generally agreed too well with Collonel Lundy about ſurrendering) yet deeply reſented the concealing ſo material a thing from them.

But our Men on the Walls paid ſo little Deference to either them or their Orders, and ſo little regarded the ſecret Treaties they were managing with the Enemy, that when King James's Forces were advancing towards them on the Strand, they preſently fired their great Guns at them, and (as was confidently reported) kill'd one Captain Troy, near the Kings Perſon. This unnexpected Salutation not only ſtruck a ſtrange Terror into the Iriſh Camp, but put the King himſelf into ſome diſorder, to find himſelf ſo roughly and unmannerly treated by thoſe, from whom he expected ſo dutiful a Compliance. And thoſe who had encouraged him to try an Experiment that proved ſo dangerous, thought themſelves concern'd to make ſome Apology for it. The Council therefore reſolved to ſend Arch-deacon Hamilton to the King, to excuſe themſelves for what had paſs'd, and lay all the blame of it on the ungovernableneſs of the People, whoſe violent humour, they ſaid they could not reſtrain, while his Army continued there, and therefore begg'd his patience, till the preſent tumult was over: And becauſe ſome of the Council, as well as others, could hardly believe that King James was really there, Captain White was ſent with the Arch-deacon (having often ſeen the King) to put them out of all doubt about it. Captain White returned to them with aſſurance of it, but Archdeacon Hamilton took Protection, (that Summer he ſickned and died.) But King James's being there, was an Argument that had little force on our Men on the Walls, who were reſolv'd to defend the Proteſtant Religion, and King Williams Intereſt, againſt him and his Army to the utmoſt. Nay, they now began to be impatient, to ſee themſelves thus betrayed by ſuch as ſhould have been their Leaders, and ſeverely threatned both the Governour and his Council, for tampering with the Enemy.

The Governour and Council, though extreamly diſpleas'd at the boldneſs and reſoſolution of the Soldiers, could not help it, having loſt all Authority and Credit with them, of which this day produc'd a new Inſtance, as conſiderable as this. Capt. Murray was advanc'd from Culmere Fort to the green Field below Penny-burn-Mill, with a conſiderable Party of Horſe, within view of the Town, having left 1500 Foot below at Brook-hall. It was his appearing there had encouraged the Men on the Walls to accoſt the Iriſh Army ſo rudely. The Governour and Council perceiving his Motion towards the City, diſpatch'd one Murray an Expreſs to him, with a Line to this purport, That he ſhould immediately upon ſight thereof withdraw with his Men to the back of the Hill, out of the View of the City. He underſtood not the meaning of ſo ſtrange an Order; but the Meſſenger being his Relation, explained the Myſtery to him; that the Governour and his Council were about making Terms with the Enemy for ſurrendring the Town; and added, that ſeveral of his Friends advis'd him to haſten to Town, if he defign'd to make any effectual oppoſition to the Enemy; for if he came not, the Town would certainly be delivered into the their hands: Upon which he reſolves to March with his Horſe ſtraight to the City, where, with ſome difficulty from the Enemy's Dragoons, who fired at him in the way, he came to Ship-key-gate; Mr. Walker was ſent from the Council to diſcourſe him, who would have had him alone to be taken up on the Walls by a Rope, which he refuſed with diſdain; but Mr. James Moriſon, Captain of the Guards, without any Orders, opened the Gates to him and his Troops. His Preſence, when he came, ſtruck a cold damp on the Governour and his Council, but inſpir'd the Men on the Walls with Vigour and Reſolution.

This ſame Council this day proceeded to conclude a Surrender, and drew up a Paper to that purpoſe, which moſt of them Signed, and as far as I could ever learn, all of them, (though many of the Signers afterwards heartily joined with us in Defence of the Place.)

But to return to Capt. Murray, the Multitude having eagerly deſir'd and expected his coming, followed him through the ſtreets with great expreſſions of their Reſpect and Affection. He aſſur'd them he would ſtand by them in defence of their Lives and the Proteſtant Intereſt, and aſſiſt them immediately to ſuppreſs Lundy and his Council, to prevent their Deſign of ſurrendring the City; deſiring all who would concurr with him herein, to put a White Cloath on their left Arm, which they generally did, being alſo encourag'd to it by Capt. Baſhford, Capt. Noble, and others. This greatly alarm'd and perplex'd the Governour and his Council: They conclude to ſend for him, and try if they can prevail with him to ſign the Paper for ſurrendring the City: At their Invitation he comes into the Council, accompanied with ſome Friends, (though diſſuaded by others.) What paſs'd betwixt him and Governour Lundy being of ſome importance to the right underſtanding that ſtrange Turn of Affairs, on which the Preſervation of that City depended, I ſhall give the Reader this ſhort account of it. Col. Lundy deſir'd to know the occaſion of his Jealoufies of him: Capt. Murray told him plainly, his late Actions had declar'd him either Fool. or Knave; and to make this charge good, he inſiſted on his groſs neglect to ſecure the Paſſes at Strabane, Lifford and Clady, refuſing Ammunition when ſent for, riding away from an Army of 10 or 12000 Men, able and willing to have encounter'd the Enemy, neglecting the advantageous Paſſes of Long-cauſey and Carickins, which a few Men might have defended, &c. He urg'd him to take the Field, and fight the Enemy, aſſuring him of the readineſs of the Soldiers, whom he Vindlcated from thoſe Aſperſions of Cowardiſe which Coll. Lundy caſt on 'em; and when Coll. Lundy perſwaded him to joyn with the Gent. there preſent, who had Sign'd a Paper for ſurrendring the Town, and offer'd ſeveral Arguments to that purpoſe, drawn from their Danger; he abſolutely refuſed it, unleſs it were agreed on in a general Council of the Officers, which he alledg'd that could not be, ſince there were as many abſent as preſent.

This Diſcourſe being ended, The Governour and Council go on with their Deſign of ſurrendring. Capt. Murray leaves them, and returns to the Soldiers that waited for him: He obſerved that the Council were reſolved to give up the City, which if they ſhould do, it was impoſſible for him to keep Culmore; and having adviſed with his Friends, he reſolves to ſtay in Town, and do his utmoſt to prevent what he ſaw the Councel intended; to which he was the more encouraged, by the entire intereſt he had in the affections of the common Soldiers, whom he knew to be generally as averſe to a Surrender, and as reſolute for defending the City as himſelf.

The Council goes on, after the Paper for Surrender was ſubſcribed, to conſider what methods were fit to be taken for capitulating with the King. They agree to ſend out 20 Men to him for that end, as the King by a Meſſenger had propoſed. But the men were not choſen this Night; but before the Council was diſmiſt, Governour Lundy ſent for ſome of the N. C. Miniſters to come to the Council; none of them went, but one who refuſed to ſit. The reaſons of their being ſent for, were partly to engage them to perſuade Captain Murray, to comply with the reſt for Surrendring: partly that their appearance there to countenance thoſe proceedings of the Council might induce the multitude to comply alſo, who were generally of that perſuaſion; but they not appearing, this project fail'd, and this prov'd the laſt Seſſion of the Council.

That theſe pernicious intentions of the Council, might be the more effectually counteracted, Captain Murray and a party with him went this Night to the Main-Guard, took the Keys from one Captain Wigston, who then Commanded the Guard, and appointed Guards that Night at the Gates, and on the Walls.

The Soldiers and Multitude thus headed by Captain Murray, renew their threats againſt the Governour and his Council, who were ſo juſtly apprehenſive of their danger from them, that after that time Collonel Lundy kept his Chamber till he ſtole away, and few of his Council durſt for a while appear in the ſtreets, for fear of the armed Multitude.

I have inſiſted the more largely on the Tranſactions of this day, betwixt Captain Murray, and the Governour in Council, becauſe the oppoſition he made to their deſign, both in the Council, and eſpecially by his influence on the Multitude, was the only thing that prevented the ſurrender of the City to King James, and altered the whole ſcene of affairs in it. And I muſt in Juſtice add, that though the body of thoſe that joyned with him were call'd the Rabble, yet they were generally men as Eminent for their great Probity, as for their Courage, acted with a hearty zeal to the Proteſtant Religion, and animated with the hopes of ſeeing it ere long flouriſh in that Kingdom, under the happy Government of King William and Queen Mary. And how much the main ſtreſs of the defence of that City lay on them, will appear in the following account of it.

This Evening King James with his Army went back to St. Johnſtown, and ſtayed there till the 20th. waiting for an anſwer from the City.

April the 19th. the Multitude having thus broken the Authority of the Council, would have made Captain Murray both their General, and the ſole Governour of the Town; but he modeſtly refuſed it, becauſe he judged himſelf fitter for Action and Service in the Field, than for Conduct or Government in the Town. And therefore when ſeveral Gentlemen invited him to a Council, that they might chooſe a Governour, he very readily agreed to it. At this Council, there were at firſt but about 15 in all, where all the Officers of the Garriſon ought to have been, as matters then ſtood. The perſons nominated were Major Henry Baker, Major Mitchelburn, and Lieutenant Collonel Richard Johnſton: Major Baker had the Majority of Votes, and was choſen their Governour. Having done this, they immediately conſidered what Regiments might be in Town, and concluded on 8.

Governour Baker to be Collonel to Sir Arthur Rawdens Dragoons.

Major Walker, to be Collonel to the Lord Charlemonts Regiment, the Lieutenant Collonel being gone.

Major Parker, to Command Colerain Regiment.

Major Mitchelburn, to Command Mr. Skeffingtons Regiment.

Captain Hamill, to be Collonel to a Regiment.

Lieutenant Collonel Whitney, to be Collonel to Francis Hamiltons Regiment.

Major Crofton, to be Collonel to Collonel Kanning's Regiment.

Captain Murray, to be Collonel to the Horſe.

This being done, the new choſen Governour made a Speech to acquaint them, That the work they had now laid on him, was too much for him to diſcharge, and therefore deſired they would allow him an Aſſistant for the Stores and Proviſions: This he might have done of himſelf, and therefore they readily agreed to the Motion, and deſired him to nominate whom he pleaſed; he named Mr. George Walker, to which they aſſented.

The next thing the Council fell on, (many more being now come into it,) was to proſecute and perfect what Lundy had left unfiniſh't the Night before, viz. the choice of 20 men to go out and capitulate with King James. It was propoſed to Collonel Murray to be one of them, but he refuſed and went to the Walls. Collonel Lundy (who kept his Chamber,) being informed that they had choſen a new Governour, and were proceeding to chooſe the 20 Commiſſioners, ſends Mr. Seth Whittle, Parſon of Balliachy, and Mr. George Hamilton to the Council, to make all the intereſt they could there to have Friends, (as he called them,) choſen to go to King James, which they earneſtly endeavoured. The 20 are choſen, and ready to go out: The multitude on the Walls and at the Gates hearing of it, are ſo inraged, that they threatned, That if a man of them offered to go out on that Errand, they would treat them as betrayers of the Town, the Proteſtant Religion, and King Williams Intereſt. Upon which none of them durſt offer to go, and ſo a ſtop was put to that dangerous Capitulation, notwithſtanding the orders of the Governour and Council. So little did the Soldiers regard any Commands, that ſeem'd to croſs their reſolutions of defending the City.

Now the Soldiers, whom their Officers had deſerted, choſe their Captains, and each Captain which of the Collonels he would ſerve under, as they pleaſed themſelves.

What the number of Men, Women, and Children, in the Town might be is uncertain; ſome of the aged people, Women and Children, with ſome few others, to the number of near a thouſand, left us.