A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland. With the additionall forces sent for reducing of that kingdome by His Maiesie [sic], and Paliament [sic]. Wherein every daye worke is set downe faithfully by H. P. an eye-witnesse thereof, under the command of Alexander L. Forbes, Lieutenant General under the L. Brooke for that service; from the 29. of June to the 29. of September. 1642. Likewise, severall observations concerning that kingdome, and the warres there; as also, the interception of the enemies letters. It is ordered by the committe of the Commons House of Parliament concerning printing this 20. day of Octob. 1642. that this booke intituled, A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland, be forthwith printed and published. Iohn White.

A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland. With the additionall forces sent for reducing of that kingdome by His Maiesie [sic], and Paliament [sic]. Wherein every daye worke is set downe faithfully by H. P. an eye-witnesse thereof, under the command of Alexander L. Forbes, Lieutenant General under the L. Brooke for that service; from the 29. of June to the 29. of September. 1642. Likewise, severall observations concerning that kingdome, and the warres there; as also, the interception of the enemies letters. It is ordered by the committe of the Commons House of Parliament concerning printing this 20. day of Octob. 1642. that this booke intituled, A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland, be forthwith printed and published. Iohn White.

A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland. With the additionall forces sent for reducing of that kingdome by His Maiesie [sic], and Paliament [sic]. Wherein every daye worke is set downe faithfully by H. P. an eye-witnesse thereof, under the command of Alexander L. Forbes, Lieutenant General under the L. Brooke for that service; from the 29. of June to the 29. of September. 1642. Likewise, severall observations concerning that kingdome, and the warres there; as also, the interception of the enemies letters. It is ordered by the committe of the Commons House of Parliament concerning printing this 20. day of Octob. 1642. that this booke intituled, A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland, be forthwith printed and published. Iohn White.

Table of contents

Title page

A TRVE RELATION OF THE PASSAGES OF Gods Providence in a VOYAGE for IRELAND, With the additionall forces sent for the reducing of that Kingdome by his Majesty, and Parliament.

BRIEFE OBSERVATIONS concerning the VVarre, AND The State of Ireland, both for the raising and laying the REBELLION. 1.

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A TRVE RELATION OF THE PASSAGES OF Gods Providence in a ƲOYAGE for IRELAND.

WITH The additionall Forces sent for reducing of that KINGDOME by his MAIESIE, and PALIAMENT.

Wherein every Daye worke is set downe faithfully by H. P. an Eye-witnesse [...], under the Command of ALEXANDER L. FORBES, Lieutenant Generall under the L. BROOKE for that Service; from the 29. of June to the 29. of September. 1642.

LIKEWISE, Severall Observations concerning that KINGDOME, and the Warres there: As also, the Interception of the Enemies LETTERS.

It is ordered by the Committee of the Commmons House of Parliament concerning Printing this 20. day of Octob. 1642. that this Booke intituled, A true Relation of the Passages of Gods providence in a Voyage for IRELAND, be forthwith printed and published.

Iohn White.

LONDON, Printed by LVKE NORTON, for HENRY OVERTON. in the Yeare. MDCXLII.

A TRVE RELATION OF THE PASSAGES OF Gods Providence in a VOYAGE for IRELAND, With the additionall forces sent for the reducing of that Kingdome by his Majesty, and Parliament.

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HIs Majesty and the State making it appeare by an act of Parliament, that in the highest strength of their desires, they laboured the quenching that fllame broke out upon the 23. of October 1641. in that miserable Kingdome, and manifesting the great concernments of England wrapt up therein. The good subjects made ready to concurre in the advancement of so pious a purpose, and (proportions of Rebels lands propounded) divers Adventurers appeared some for land service onely, some for the sea, that the Rebels (for so they are proclaimed by his Majesty, and are so in trueth) might not have fuell brought from forreigne parts to maintaine the fire, and as there was an undertaking for five thousand foot and five hundred horse, forthwith to be added to the other thousand sent over by the State, so there were appointed for addition to the ships, (sent to guard the coast) fifteen sayle of ships smal and great, with a thousand land men under the command of Alexander Lord Forbes, Lieutenant Generall under the Lord Brooke, and by the care of a faithfull Committee of the City, they were made ready in the beginning of Iune, in preparation whereof, great was the care and paines of the said Committee, who in fourteene dayes time compast this work for the maine and hardest parts of it, such expedition not usuall in such expeditions: sed vincit amor patriae.

The Names of the Committee.

[Page]Sir Nicholas Crisp. Knight.

Maurice Thompson.

Thomas Chamberlaine.

Gregory Clement.

Richard Waring.

Iohn Wood.

Thomas Rainsborough.

Richard Hill.

Richard Shute.

George Thompson.

William Pennoyer.

Thomas Vincent.

William Thompson.

William Willoughby.

Samuel Moyer.

The Names of the chiefe Commanders by Land:

Alexander Lord Forbes, Lieutenant Generall.

Iohn Humphrey, Sergeant Major.

Major Beton Quarter master.

Land Captaines.

Captain Crispe.

Weldon.

Price.

Hull.

Long.

Anderson.

Kempson.

Sea-Commanders.

Captaine Benjamin Peters of the Speedwell, Admirall.

Captaine Thomas Rainsborough Zant-man, Vice-Admirall.

Captaine Thompson of the Good-hope, Rere-Admirall.

Zachery.

Richardson.

Simondson.

Clarke.

Thompson.

Andrewes.

Dorrington.

Chickener.

Richardson.

Daniel.

Seaman.

Eucrist.

The 29. of Iune the winde came faire,Iune 29. and after the publike meeting (it being a day of fasting and prayer, we set sayle, and had the winde at East, the weather very faire, and our whole fleet together off of Dover.

The next day the wind at east blew very hard,30. and foule weather, vve having [Page] ten barges, for landing men, & rowing into rivers, lost 2. of the in that storme.

The winde as before, Captaine Rainsborough and two small vessels went for the Isle of Wight, Iuly 1. to take in Captaine Longs men, and Captaine Andrewes for Falmouth, for Captaine Hull and his, Captaine Symondson for Weymouth, for Major Humfrey and his, so then we were left ten in number, and that evening having chased some English-men bound for France, we came up with the Lizard, the winde skanting, we had a Counsell aboard the Admirall what to doe, and left all for that night to Gods providence, in disposing the winde the next day whither to goe into Falmouth, or keepe our course.

The next day (Captaine Richardsons barge being almost stav'd) we turned into Mounts-bay to repayre her,2. having no winde to lay it along, the day was very faire, at ten of the clocke in the night we set sayle againe.

Being hardly able some of us to weather the rock at the bay the next day, but forced to turn out as we could thorough an earnest desire of all hands,3. to gain the Irish coast, we then met one of the Kings ships coming with many poore people, come from Limrike-castle newly taken, which had been commanded by Captaine Courtney, and not to say what the severall apprehensions of men were, concerning the causes and consequences of that losse, it most certaine, if that supply of Ammunition sent them by the Parliament had bin delivered, they might have preserved it to his Majesties use long, which now will make Limricke the strongest hold of these Monsters, this we found too evident that the Parliament had not their noble intentions answered by them, in persons, or things as might be made appeare in too many parti [...]ulars.

The next day faire weather, Sylley bearing South ten leagues off, some of our fleet,4. fel among the seven stones, & were in much danger but came off wel.

The fift day we had the winde at west, and got about fourteene or fifteene leagues from the Lands-end,5. the weather faire, we chas'd two Bristoll-men, laden with salt, and chang'd a man or two with them, who told us of some French bound for Ireland.

The next day the winde W. S. W. Captaine Weldon was sent to Corke, with a letter to my Lord President,6. which was as followeth,

Much honoured Sir,

Since his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament have thought fit for reducing the Kingdome of Ireland to their due obedience, to grant Commission to my Lord Brooke, and certaine well affected Merchants, and Citizens of London, for sending some additionall forces by sea, and land to relieve our distracted brethren that are besieged, aud to hinder any forreigne supplies from the Rebels, over which additionall forces (which may consist of a thousand land Souldiers at present) and five or six hundred Sea-men. The Lord Brooke, and those that have the aforesaid Commission, have nominated and appointed me to be Lieutenant Generall, and now seeing (through Gods mercy) we are in readinesse to come to assist you, waiting ouely the opportunity of a faire winde, I have thought [Page] good to send this bearer to crave your advice, what places you would have us, either to relieve, or assault: First, where we can doe good, and those who are to be instrusted it with the charge of the best service. If I had not been afraid to be i [...] bayed, I would have gladly come, and salute you my selfe, but I hope we shall have the occasion to meet ere long, in the meane time I intreat you send me your free advice with this bearer, whom you know and may trust, to whose sufficiency remitting all further, I rest, as I desire to remaine,

From Mount-hay Road, July 2. 1642.

Your affectionate friend to serve you. For Sir William Saintleger Lord President of Munster.

FORBES.

The next day we had the winde west,7. and west and by North, much winde we lost part of our fleet, viz. Captain Richardson, and Captaine Thompson the younger.

We had the winde west very fresh,8. and after tempestuous, we lost sight of Captaine Clark, who had brought us newes of the land he had made, which was Dongarvan.

The winde South west,9. and west South west, thicke weather, we saw the high land, and at night we were only five left of our fleet, Captaine Zachary left us the day before, and so did Mr. Daniel.

Being Sabboth we kept as we might,10. thicke weather and stormy, the winde West South West, one of our small vessels made land againe.

This day in the morning we discovered the head of Kinsale, though our Rendevous were long in land on Baltamore-hay,11. yet not able to fetch either, we went in that morning to Kinsale, where we found the Swallow and the Bonaventure, of the Kings Captain Kettleby commanding in the Admiral, & Sir Henry Stradling in the Vice-Admiral, the day grew foggy, and rainy, and such weather is very frequent in that cuntry and coast, we went on free to the castle, and spoke with the commanders there, three companies we also found appointed in that Towne by the Parliament for a garrison, there every where we had spectacle sad enough, the greater part of the Towne Irish, and under much just suspicion, others fled thither living in miserable holes and huts, there we found Captaine Zachary, Richardson, and young Thompson of our fleet, there we spake with some of Bandon being 8. miles from Kinsale, and with some of Corke also, by which we intimated our arrivall: thither came Sir Edward Denny by whom we heard of his defeat at Trelee, where in landing he lost forty or fifty men, and was forced to retreat, and craved our aid.

My Lord Kynalmachy one of my Lord of Corks sons Governour of Bandon, 12. came to see my Lord Forbes, and promised to come againe next morning to speake further for the attempting something about Bandon, since God by his [Page] providence had called us to these parts, who by his Letters desired helpe of us.

(13.) This day my Lord Kinalmachy came early and then was a Sermon preached by the Preacher of our Fleete, 13. after which Consultation was taken to march with our men to Raph-barry where one Mr: Freake with many English were beseiged and in greate danger, wanting Foode and Ammunition &c. and wee being possest with our duty though six of our Vessells were not yet arrived, not to be wanting in any thing wherein such Forces as we had might be usefull, and not knowing Raph-barry to be further than five myles beyond Bandon we were willing to strech our mens leggs, though we suppose wee marched neere 25. miles out right of English miles.

(14.) We marched to Bandon with 8.14. Colours and about 600. men whereof 100. Seamen commanded by the Captaine of the Admirall, this whole number went to the worke most cheerefully, two small brasse Pieces, and our Ammunition with some Victualls were brought up by our Barges neere Bandon, and so by Cart brought to the Towne, where that night we were received with much joy, and great acclamations, houses and hearts open unto us, and the rather because with our Fleete the Parliament had sent that Towne a good portion of Ammunition and provision for the Towne; there were 7000 Soules and many ministers, and very many poore, they had foure Companies of Foot and one Troope of Horse whereby they had not onely held their owne but had taken 4. or 5. Castles from the Enemy; The Towne is walled about and a fresh river runs thorough it, but commanded by the hils about it, three gates it hath beyond, what greater Cities have for statelines and strength, the water abounding with Salmon and other fish is no small refreshing to the Inhabitants, by which and Mr. Pennoyers care we found the Town in a chearfull way.

This morning we intended early to march,15. but were hindred partly with our owne provision not comming early enough, partly through want of horse and accommodations to draw our Cannon and Baggage, so that we march'd that day but two miles from the Towne, and when it was late in the day, we were in some measure fitted for our march but we drew to Councell (the next day being Sabboth) what we should doe, and it being considered what a burden we might be to the Towne, so full of poore, and some of our Officers urging the dishonour of retreating, being ingaged, that it was thought meet to proceed, especially since we were intreated by my Lord Kinalmaky and Bandon, thither to come and doe somthing for the enlargement of them, and their comfortable saving their harvest, and Macchanty Reugh threatning the beleaguering of them that weeke, our marching into the Countrey might be very usefull; that night we had some horse from Bandon and two Foot-Companies, and in the safest order we could we continued that night upoin a boggy hill.

[Page] The next morning we set forward in a great fogg, and resolved to leave an old English Towne called Clonotikelty on the left hand, and so on to the reliefe of Rafe-Barry; but upon the way some of Bandon advised us of a great prey of Cattell at that Town which we should misse (if we stopt it not in our back-returne) because the Countrey would soone be upon knowledge of our passing that Towne, and heard of 5 or 6 hundred of the Enemy lying in the way, the chiefe Leaders of them were Maccharty-Reugh, Tiege Douning, Adonovaut, one Arundel and some others; but we saw none, though it seems we marcht close by their Cabins: before we came to the Towne we found divers Irish, whom before their death wee examined, by whom we were informed that the aforesaid Army were bound for the assistance of my Lord Muskerry, against my Lord Encheqine, Sir Charles Vavasor, and our Army at Mallo, and glad we were that we might so divert them, when we came to Clono [...]kelty we made an halt, and many were taken and slaine; there we found store of Cattell, which were put into a pen, and after lesse than an houre we marched on, the Towne having onely poore people in it, but a common Rendevous for the Enemy, and those that were not suddenly surprized, went out of their houses and hid themselves in Corne and bushes, and tops of houses; we had not marcht out a mile out of the Towne, but the Commanders of the Bandon Companies (whose counsell we depended upon, being strangers) assured us that all our Cattell would be driven away before our returne, by a company of people that attend every Army, and Force that march out, they call pillagers, who though not soldiers, yet with some light Armes they follow the Campe on horse and foot, and whilst the Soldier must keepe his order, they run into the houses, lade their horses with what they can get, drive away the Cattell, and vvholly discourage the Soldiers.

These have beene the occasions generally of all the losse amongst the English, these spare neither woman nor child, as we saw before our eyes which sudden'd some hearts; of these wee had above an hundred attending us, our Lieutenant Generall made an Order for these, that they should not ride under the command of a Captaine who came to attend his Lordship, one Captaine Brookes, who had lost his Ship of 400. Tun at Kinsale, and had done especiall Service upon the Land, and deserved very well, and now entertained amongst us for the leading of our little Trope: but these Pillagers would know no command, but of their owne advantages, and though prest with many arguments, scattered at pleasure, stript the slaine, made havock of all, and most of them staid behind us at Clonokelty attending their prey: which knowne and observed by our Bandon friends, they perswaded wee should leave one Company behind to attend the Cattle, for of them our selves had need, not having our Ships of Provision come to us: it was objected one Company was too little, because the Enemy might fall on, wee having still heard something of them as wee went, my Lord commanded three Companies back, [Page] Bandon men assuring us it were too much, and that no Enemy would looke upon such a number.

Captaine Weldon was sent back with his Company, which was about 60. men, the rest of them not come; Captaine Price with his being about 80. divers of his being not well abbard the Ship, and a Company of 80. more of Bandon commanded by one of their Lieutenants, with advice given them to keepe in a Body, or take some Church or strong house if assaulted: they returned, we marched on, and tooke about 100. Cattle, foure or five hundred sheepe, and divers horses, and brought them to Ralfe Barry to Mr. Freake, who met us with much joy, where wee came to see many English pent up in a considerable Castle; and after praising God and prayer, we refreshed our selves with such food as he had; and our Soldiers began to make ready sheep, hoping they might have quartered there all night.

But as soone as we had dined, we had three Posts came to us from our three Companies, that the Enemy was in view; and a fourth, that they had skirmisht: thus we were soone taken from any thoughts of ease, and Horse and Foet made ready to returne; and though many might well be wearied with such a tiresome march, yet they would goe to the helpe of their friends, and truly this I must affirme, more couraged know not where to finde then I saw that day, leaving with the Gentlemen of the Castle neere 20. men with Ammunition for his present reliefe and the Castle aforesaid, we marcht back, and in the way met many that told us all our three Companies were destroyed; more came to us still, and some even naked of those pillagers we had left behind, even to appall us, that it was impossible for us to fight it through; some of us told them of their Barbarisme in the morning when they were slaying the children, blood would have blood againe: some of us were thoughtfull about the day being Sabbaoth, to which, and other objections necessity and present danger afforded some answers, and on we went, seeing the hills on both sides full of Horse and Foot, and (which was mercy even to wonder) that afternoone proved cleere and faire, whereby wee were abundantly comforted, comming within a mile of the Towne we saw two Colours, one of ours; another of Bandon in a piece of ground cast up round like a bull-warke, though not so high, it proved to be Captaine Price, who most valiantly with his worthy Leivetenant [...] and some of his company, were defending themselves against [...] 1000. Varlets who had beleaguerd them, on the right hand wee saw the Enemy in a square Battle uppon a plaine peece of ground neere the [...] and [...]. Coniours flying standing in very exact order, but that their Commaunders sate uppon very good Horses in the Reere (which it seemes is their Cowardly custome) Vppon velwe of all this my Lord approved himselfe a good Christian and a very stout and skilfull Souldier, and won all our hearts by his wisdome and courage, of whome much might bee [Page] said, could I avoid the suspicion of flattery by reason of neere ingagements, but certainely let whom it concernes be advised, that religion in these choises especially at these times gaine the first place, little doe you know the advantages thereby. My Lord forthwith ordered a body to encounter the enemy, and gain'd his ground close by the water, that he could not be intercepted, and this he led himselfe, then left a good reserve in the reare, either to answer assaults, or second him, if put to the vvorst, the two small copper pieces stayed in the reare with the baggage, because they could not be drawne over the plowed land, where he was forced to march in the front, the horse vve had, he commanded to attend the right fllanke of the enemy, who then had the sea on the one hand of them, and the horse on the other, the small cannon he gave order upon his march should be shot, to try if thereby Captaine Price and the Bandon-company might be relieved, all which vvas done, my Lord, and Major Beaton follovving him, led, and drew, giving the challenge as it were to the enemy, and being ask't by the minister how his heart stood, profest couragiously that he was perswaded God would give us the day, the Peeces were fire [...], and Price was freed, and the rest, and joyned to us, and after our men had throwne up their caps for joy that they should fight, the enemy at the turning of an hand, fled and scattered, their colours were given to horsemen, our horse pursued and made slaughter of them, the multitude of horse and foot spread upon the hills were vanished, many kild in the water, amongst them Arundel and his sons with divers of note, two ventured and swam over, three or fourscore carried out with the tide, and thus the Lord was pleased to glorifie himselfe, that the least number to speake in faithfulnesse that fell of them that day, was betwixt five and six hundred, that night wee march't beyond Clonokelty, a mile or two, getting the advantage of a dry hill, not onely to rest on, but also to secure our selves, in regard of ambushments, and other disadvantages, which they wholly attend, and there with a prey of two thousand sheep, above an hundred cattel, and fifty horses of that Country, we continued that night.

But if you shall aske me what became of Captaine Weldon and his company, and what they did whilst we were absent at Ralph Barryy; to satisfie, I got this answer following, under the hand of Captaine Price, who in the word of a christian assured me of the truth of it to his utmost knowledge.

Three companies of us being left at Clinokeltey, my Lord gave order that Weldon being the eldest Captaine, I should assist him, with charge to give account of the pillage, till he returne, we set our guards upon every point of the Towne, and tooke full view of the Towne, how we might be upon defence and offence, whereupon Weldon answered that we were to guard three streets, I told him that was the next way to overthrow us, but he would not heare, so I view'd the Towne my selfe, and found three places fit for offence and defence, viz. Sir Will. Hulls-house, or the Church-yard, or the hill [Page] betwixt Rafe-barry and the Towne, which after all I retreated unto, but hee had not an eare open to counsaile. Then I marched to an Island my Lord had sent me unto, for 1500. Sheep and other Cattle to keepe a guard on it, which I did with twenty Musketteers, I met thirty horse of the enemy, and sixty foot marching towards the Towne, I marched and charged them, they ranne away, so then from the island, I brought off fifteene hundred sheepe, twenty cattell, and thirty horse, twenty two hogges, and brought them to the Towne; by that time the enemy approached upon the hill, rounding the Towne, being five or six thousand in three companies to come downe upon the severall streets. I advised Weldon and the other officers as before, to which all agreed but himselfe, his owne Lieutenant said that else we were undone, where upon he said we were all cowards, and of the three streets, I wished him to take his choice, and he should not finde us cowards, I march't out towards the enemy, my souldiers flung up their caps and gave a shout, and gave fire bravely with a brace of bullets, and made their foot and two troops of horse retreat without any losse of ours, but some hundred of theirs, as themselves after confest. Then they assaulted Bandon men, which when I saw, I went to their reliefe, and comming on their reare, they of Bandon ran away without shooting one shot, and came through the Towne with confusion with divers pillages, and so disordered us; I, in the reare with ten Muskettiers charged the enemy then pursuing at hand, who dividing to compasse me, forced me to retreat out of the Towne, to a little old brest-worke, and there we gathered in our forces and held them play, till my Lord brought up his Regiment.

We march't to Bandon in much raine,17. and carried our two thousand sheep, horse, and cattell, to that Towne, which was a great refreshing to them, there,

We rested at Bandon the weather being very foule,18. and there my Lord received letters from my Lord Inchiquine, and divers officers from Don-o-reale, and the letters you may finde hereafter marked by letters, A. my Lords answer B.

We marched to Kilbritton Castle,19. three or foure miles from Bandon, with two of Bandon companies, with a purpose to goe to Timilege, which we heard was an harbour to our enemies, the Castle belonging to my Lady [...]shafnesse, this night we lodged at Kilobutton, and sent out for the best intelligence we could get.

We march't to Timelege with assurance from our friends of Bandon, 20. that my Lady would willingly take in a garrison, when we came, my Lord summon'd the Castle, and she answered we were strangers, but she vvould yeeld it to my Lord Kinalmachy▪ or Sir William Hull, whereupon we burnt the Tovvn, brought avvay neere an hundred cattell, and five hundred sheep, and returned that nigt to Kilbritton.

[Page]We march't to Kinsale to our ships.21

One of our vessels wvich was sent to Baltamore, 22 of vvhich Captaine Clark was Commander, came in having taken fourteen Rebels under colour of a Dunkirk, and they comming to buy powder, whereof some vvere hanged, some drovvned, and three of the chiefe taken prisoners, one of them Dermon Mac-Carti, who took in Crook-haven and these parts. That same day, the Katharin came from Falmouth, divers passages there were betvveene my Lord Forbes, and my Lord Consey, Lord of Kinsale, vvho came himselfe at last, and offered to take into his castle a garrison to his Majesties use and service.

This day being sabboth and faire weather,23 vve kept on shore.

We sayled from Kinsale in the evening,24 and left some ships to bring avvay our horses and other things.

We came into Castle-haven in the afternoone,25 and saw aboundance of Rebels about the hills▪ the chiefe of them there is Adonovant.

In the morning our barges went a shore to Adonovants Castle,26 which they were nevvly fled from, and fired, where our souldiers burnt many houses, and a mill of much concernement to them, spoyled corne, fired many boates, and with one barrell of powder blew up his Castle, dividing it selfe into tvvo parts, and vvas 60. foot high, and very thick, as thick as their castle it use to be; thereappeared a thousand of the enemy, but would not give us fight, called us Parliament dogs, Puritan-dogs, sayd wee fought against the King and the Church, &c. Here my Lord committed a Priest of my Lord Castlehaven to the custody of Mr. Salmon, the chiefe man there.

We sayled to Baltamore, 27 and there found Captaine Bennet in the Castle with many English, vvho before had been vvith us, and Mr. Salmon of Castle-haven & succored in divers things they wanted, the wind North-east, we expected our fleet out of England, and those left behinde us, we sent a shore to vievv a Castle, and saw many of the enemies horse and foot. Some of our vessels came from Kinsale.

Our men vvent a shore,28 and fired Adriscoles Castle, spoyled much come, and burnt divers houses.

We man'd out our boats to search the islands,29 and got some horses, hogs &c. this day Captaine Rainsborough came to us from England, and Captaine Brooke in one of the Kings ships, with letters from Waterford-side, viz. the Fort of Duncannon my Lord of Corke. C. and my Lord Corks, to my Lord Forbes, D. then we heard of the story of Captaine Astons losse of sixty men by Don-Cannoun, being cut off in a fogge, we had letters from Captaine Ashly, E. and Captaine Willoughby from Galloway, requiring helpe, this day we savv Captaine Cunstable, Captaine Cole and others comming from Limrike leaving the River wholly unguarded.

This day being Sabboth,30 we kept it on shore most of us together.

We heard of the Achilles at long island,Aug. 1. our Sergeant Major comming [Page] aboard us, so that now all our first fleet that came out of the Downes, were on this side and neere, but a smal vessell sent to Dublin with a Scotch-man under much suspicion, that his ship was furnished for the Rebels, of which ship we had a long time no tydings, this day our men were all mustred, by Captaine Rausborough one of the Committee.

We had taken a counsel of Warre,1 whither to go to Doncannou or Galloway, and finding by all advise, that if we took not this season, we could not go to Galloway at all, and Limrike being altogether left, and Galloway Fort in some distresse, that my Lord Forbes would write to my Lord of Esmond, that he would speed to him as soon as he might, this other work being done, and Captaine Brooke assuring us a moneths time might be allow'd for us to returne to Duncannon, my Lord wrote to my Lord of Esmond as appears, G. and to my Lord Corke, H. the Raph was sent backe to fetch Zachory's ship, and to call at Ralph-Barry, good service done in a Castle by the way.

Faire weather,2 little or no winde.

Like weather and winde as the day before.3

Our Vice-Admirall chased a vessell into the Bay of Kilmar, 4 and we were all forced to follow him, which proved Captaine Clement a vessell set out by the State.

We were becalmed.5

We had a fayre winde,6 a little raine.

We lay of the Isles of Aran, 7 being Sabboth, Wind East, and North East.

We turned up towards Golloway, 8 and could not gaine it that night, Wind East, our Vice-admirals boat went a shore, and tooke some cattell, burnt some houses, and kil'd some Rebels.

We came in and anchored before the Towne,9 my Lord sent a letter to the Towne, and another to my Lord Clanricard, who is Governour of Towne and County, following his owne commission therein, viz. not to attempt any thing till he had first advised with the present Governour of the places he came unto, Captaine Willoughby came aboord us that night, and Captaine Ashly whom we found lying there to attend the Fort, who seemed to clear any breach of the Pacification, so far as concerned them. The Towne answered the letter sent them with many protestations, that they were loyall Subjects, hung out upon one of their Towers the Kings colours, and laboured to perswade us that Captain Willoughby onely had broken the trerm'd of Pacification.

The rest of our fleet came,10 my Lord writ againe to the Towne, to let them know that he meant to land his men, and refresh them, and if they of the Town would send a testimony of their loyalty by some fresh meats, they should therby approve themselvs, our men were on shore divers hours, a counsel was held aboord us, because we saw the Towne at worke by the bridge, in which time two came aboord us from the Towne, with a letter from the Towne, they still [Page] professing their resolution not only to stick to their loyalty, but also the terms of the Pacification made, my L. Forbes being earnest to have the matters cleared, they promised that next morning at eight two of the Town should come to him againe.

None comming from them,11. my Lord sent his owne Ensigne to them againe, letting them know they dallyed, that day our souldiers went out for fresh meat, and brought home some, and burnt a whole Towne, that night a letters came from my Lord Clanricard very well pen'd, and shewing him a man of wisedome and parts, wherein he cleared Galloway men, and cast the imputation upon Captaine Willoughby for breaking the Pacification, and in the same the Townesmen were confident.

Another letter was sent a shore from my Lord with articles as will appear,12. wherein they were charged not to trifle, but to shew themselves in their former allegiance, and to correspond with the Fort. A counsell was held for the landing our men at an Abby on the west side of the Towne, within musket shot, a place of singular consequence, and advantage for the designe, and so to proceed if matters were not well compos'd betweene the Fort and Town. The Penington was sent to Sliego to take off a vessell of the Rebels of fourscore tun, and to attend these parts, as also three vessels sent to the river of Limrike to guard that, it being left voyd by Cunstable and Coles departure, especially against the French, who (we heard) were comming thither with much ammunition for the River and Towne. This night accordingly our men lodged in the Abby, at the landing of eleven colours of ours, some sculking varlets in bushes, and some shot at our men, it being on Eeroonnaght-side, which standeth in open rebellion, as Galloway men did acknowledg. This day my Lord sent another letter to them, to urge their answer to the Articles, for wee durst not take upon us to be Judges, my Lord of Clanricard being Governour of the Towne and County, and one that had faithfully approved himselfe to Captaine Willoughby in raysing the siege when hee was beleaguered, and for refreshing him in his necessities, which bred much tendernesse in us to give him offence; and being excommunicated by their Church, with his followeth for his loyalty and fidelity, since his arrivall into Ireland, which hath [...] but very late.

My Lord received a letter from the Towne in answer to his about the Articles, 13. but nothing satisfactory, to which my Lord sent a reply, viz. That if neither they nor my Lord of Cla [...]ricard would come to treate, hee would write no more: this day the weather foule and misty, as it is usuall in these parts, which prejudiced our work much, especially time before our winter being so short, for doubtlesse had this fleet beene forth in Aprill, it had beene of extraordinary consequence.

Being Sab▪ 14. we kept it aboard, my Lo: having given notice to the Maior the day before he should have that day for rest, and if he heard not from my Lord [Page] Clynriceard, he would begin to worke. In the Evening came Letters by the Captaine of the Fort, from my Lord Rennelagh President of Connagh and my Lord Clinriccard, the former desired forbearance of all hostility, till Wednesday he came to us. This night order was given that the next day 500. should into the Country of Eer-Conaugh to burne and spoyle, because wee had no day-light to burne out.

My Lord and some others dinde a shore at the Fort,15. where we found the Bishop of Tuam and his family, 36. Ministers, of which 26. served as souldiers, and did duty; and this day according to former order the 500. Foot and some Horse marched out, and 80. possest the Abby, and by this time wee had two halfe Culverins mounted or set upon Field-Carriages and all manner of preparations were made for the assaulting the Towne, and great willingnesse there was in our men, though the Towne be as strong and compact as most in Europe for house and walls.

Our men returned with about 100. cattell and as many sheepe having burnt some Ireish Townes and corne as they went by the way.16. As they came out of a Castle three of our Horse-men were shot at whereof one dyed which was requited after by our killing six of them and one a Marchant of quality.

Another Letter from my Lord Clanricard; 17. that he and my Lord President were comming, but it would be Friday ere they should be with us. Our men still did maintaine the Abby▪ though the last night some of them ran to it, but beaten back by a shot from the Fort, wee received 40. Beeves, and 50. Muttons from Donnell Brian, who dwelt on Thomond side, and profest himselfe a Protestant and loyall; for the price hee refer'd himselfe to my Lord: this day a Councell was held, and 36. pieces of ordinance landed, being resolved to fall on two dayes after.

The Weather very ill,18. misty and rainy, 200. of our men had order to pull downe the timber of the Abby, to make Platformes, which accordingly they did, but could not make bring away that night, the weather was so foule, at midnight 7. or 8. Musquet shot from the Towne, in the morning they saw 3. Pieces mounted in the Towne which the Enemy cleared.

A very rainy day,19. wherein nothing remarkable but that some shot past betweene the Towne and the Abby we stood all day in expectation of the Lords who appointed this for the last day of traveling towards us, and our people growing impatient of all delayes.

The Lords came,20. Clinriccard to Terilan a faire house of his on the one side of the Towne, and the president to the Fort with 60. Horse, our men made a guard for him; The president consulted with my Lord Forbes and Captaine Willoughby and offerd to be a mediator and pressing that the faith of the Lords of Dublin were past upon that pacification, and if that should not hould, how should matters be carried in any part of the Kingdome or difference made betweene man and man place and place, and he departed that night to Terilan [Page] to conferre with my Lord Clinriccard and the Townes-men; This day Captain Zacharies ship came from Kinsale, for himselfe being shot in the back we left at Banden to be cured, by whom wee heard of Captaine Kettlebies removeall from Kinsale, but no man was certaine whither hee went: that time there came a Letter from Sir Charles Coote, who gave us hope we might have his presence with his men; Zacharies Ship freed the English out of a Castle with one Shot, and put the Reb, to flight.

Being Sabboth, 21. the President came to us to the Fort, and came to the Sermon which was in the fields, din'd in the Fort with my Lord Forbes, two things are mainly driven at; first that the Fort should be victualled for eight moneth, and secondly that sufficient hostages should be given out of the Town for securing it to the King. In the afternoone he rid to Terelan with Captain Willougbies Propositions. The Evening our packet-boat came in called the Rafe, by whom we had newes from Limrick and other parts from my Lords Castell Steward, who writ for supply, which accodingly was sent him: this night order was given for a counsell of War next morning.

Foure of our Barges were sent to get plank from a rack a mile or two from us,22. to make Platformes for our Ordnance. Wee tooke 3. Rebels over night, our officers were early at a Counsell of Warre, when all both Seamen and others under-writ to stand to my Lord to the utmost, and it was resolv'd to try our strength upon the Towne, if the Kings Fort might not enjoy fit conditions.

The President came to the Fort from Terelan, 23. and my Lord Clynriccard writ that he would also come to my Lord Forbes thither: but after much expectation he did not, which we suspect fell out through doubt how matters would stand if we proceeded in hostility, and his Lordship wanting a sufficient guard for himselfe being excommunicate by the Rebels, and told by the titular B. of the place, that not a man there would draw his sword for him. Then we received Captaine Willoughhies Propositions answered by the Gentlemen of the Country for the supply of the Fort according to his desire. My Lord Clynriccard being upon his return gave my Lord Forb [...] a meeting a half mile from the Fort, where many things past betwixt them tending to the publike; and my L. Forb [...] urging him much to joyn with and take such a share as God should allot us, assuring him he should be as safe as himselfe, and that his Kinred did but watch opportunities to mischiefe him, he still complained of power wanting, and thought we were not strong enough, and was earnest that pacification might not be broken, assuring us if it were, the Countrey would be longer in reducing and with much more charge to the State; My L. Forbes earnestly prest my L. President, who had 2500. men from the State, that he would joyne with us, or lend us but 500. men, he told us that his men were almost in a mutiny through want of pay and necessaries; and those he had were appointed for the safety of my Lord Clynriccard; but [Page] but yet if we would come to Sliego his men should joyne with us, and then especiall service might be done; Thus these Lords departed, and we returned to a Counsell of Warre, where Captaine Willoughby perswaded us (hee having knowledge of the Towne that we were too weake, most of their houses being like Castles, and the wall strong and hard to mine; we considered many of our men were then fallen sick of the Countrey-disease, and that wee long wanted of three ships of provisions of all sorts, that we thought to send presently two Ships to Bristoll for supply especially of them, we fought for other diet, and tooke 6. or 700. Cattell at least. This night all men were desired to consider by the morning what were best to doe by way of counsell: this night secretly dispatcht away a Messenger for Sir Charles Coot and his company which would have beeene 500. or 600. men, with which help we made no question of gaining the Towne, though we had a strong enemy round about us except to Sea-ward, and as strong within; but that we lookt at our cause, our mens valour, and their cowardise. This night the Enemy out of the Countrey fell upon our men in the Abby, were well beaten, fled leaving their broges and trouses behind them.

Counsell was taken with the Seamen to goe for Sliego and them to joyne with the Presidents men, and bring with us 500. or 1000. Scots to dispatch the businesse of Galloway; but we found such difficultie in that Northeren though but 30. or 40. leauges that it was desisted from.

25. Most of this day was spent about 3. of our men that were condemned for severall offences and pardoned at the Gallowes; this night a prize was brought us by one of our ships a Barhado-man laden with Tobacco and trading with the Rebells in Limrick River a ship 140. Tunn, These two ruines of Galloway and Limrick we resolved because we had strong intelligence that the French were resolved forcibly to bring in Ammunition thether, more Letters came from my Lord President and my L. Clinriccard to assure us of the agreement to be stood unto for supplying the Fort, nor have we omitted to present all those Letters as wil appeare; This night the Earle Connaghs Rebels fell againe upon us with like losse to themselves and hurt us not a man.

27. The foulnes of the weather hindred us from my worke but advising what next to doe.

28. Was the Sabboth which wee kept on shore and appointed a Fast for the next Wednesday.

29. More letters from my Lord Clinriccard to assure us of the pacification to which it was advised if hee would and secure it wee would depart but till the Fort was provided for, we would there stay and lay our bones by the walls of the Towne.

30. Our men were imployde to fetch more Timber for our batteries for want where of wee were much streightned having neere 40. Gunns on shore to fit with platformes.

[Page] This day Letters came from the Major to Capt. Willoughby concerning the pacification answering his objections, and resolving to stick to what they had promised by my Lord Clinnriccard, in the meane time great were our cares what to doe, lying wind-bound all this time, and that Country being so barren in comparison of other places; that wee were forced to travell further to burne their Corne and Houses than in other places: Captaine Richardson had his Arme broken unhappily by a Gunner and Boatson of the Artillery though after well cured and they both gaining their credit by choice Service, wee sent to Donnel-O-Brian a friend for cattle.

31. Wee kept a Fast.

1. We had Letters sent from my Lord Clinriccard by Ensigne Scot, that he himselfe was sicke; but that Mr. Burk his Kinsman and his owne Steward should come to us and end all controversies betweene Fort and Towne: we then tooke our guns aboard; but very unwillingly, our Seamen readier to fall on nakedly, than forsake the worke, and the souldier no way backward; for this testimony I must give them both, that they have exceedingly honoured their Countrey and the cause, even to the equalling any of their Progenitors in valour, and all manner of forwardnes.

2. We grew weary of expecting Sir Charles Coot having promised to stay 8. or 10. dayes for him; and therefore thought of a sudden departure, principally because there came a messenger to us out of Limrick River of the sad estate of the Castles there, since Capt. Constables departure, which emboldened them to bring downe the great Gun, the sight of which affrighted our English out of their Castles, as witnes Asketon that stately Castle unworthily given up without receiving a shot, and being inforced by Sir Edward Denny who was with us, that Trelee had but 10. dayes granted for the delivery of that Castle which they had defended to admiration, till they were forced to eat hides, &c. We had this day the Gentlemen from the Lord Clinriccard with papers and Propositions to satisfie the Captaine of the Fort, they brought with them 24. Oxen, and 60. sheepe, which were the first two weekes provision.

3. This day we had 3. or 400. Souldiers went downe in some Ships to the Iles of Arram, where they did singular service, took 300. head of Cattell destroyed many with very good houses, burnt their corne and Townes, and slew and hung many of the Rebels: all this day we waited the signing of the Propositions.

Being late, wee spent on shore, Letters past betwixt the Fort and Towne; we had an Armorer came into the Towne and went to Masse; we tooke five prisoners, some of note.

5. We went aboard making all hast for Trelee; the Captaine of the Fort [Page] and the gentlemen came aboard with all things issued for their particulars, as also two men that were sent to view the Towne for mining which they had threatned to the Fort. We left a Ship, and two vessels, and a Barge to attend the Fort and river, and so most ready to depart.

A small vessell came on from Corke, one Lambert Captaine, who brought some more powder to the Fort from Corke assigned by the state of England, into which went 50. or 60. poore people come out of the Castle in Thomand the which he carried for Corke.

6. We set saile, but could not get into Limrick River, two or three of our Ships followed us.

7. We were in like condition beating at Sea.

8. Letters came aboard us at Sea from my Lord Clynriccard with Letters to my Lord of Essex.

9. Wee got within Loops-head and came to an anchor neere Captain Crosbies Castle who preserved himselfe and some hundreds with him stoutly, a very deserving man, hee hung out a flag to us, we sent on shore and brought him a-board whom wee furnished with necessaries who tould us wee were come too late and that Trelee, Asketon, Clare, and other Castles were given up, and assured us of the Victory of my Lo: Enchaquin in Munster over Musgray and his Forces with the slaughter of many men and taking 3. peices of Ordnance, which made the English flye to him expecting dayly to be massacred, and profest hee had already 150. which would perish if wee provided not for them, all which wee found true to our great griefe and trouble and that the Earle of Thomond was in great danger at Bonnatty.

10. Early in the morning my Lord Forbes writ to Daniel-O-Brian uncle to the Earle of Thomond who had his Sonne Captaine of the Rebels, and himselfe professing a newtralitie or withall the rest that hee was the Kings good Subject, my Lord advised him to meet him at the Earle of Thomonds, by this time our Fleete came togeather.

11. Being Sabboth wee continued a-board resolving that night to goe up with 2. or 300. men to Bonnatty there wee found our Rere-Admirall and the French prize of 150. Tunne laden with Ammunition for the Rebells and taken there by our aforesaid ship whose owner is Sir Nicholas Crispe, heere wee hung five of our prisoners formerly taken, At this time there came abord us one Capt. Vsher who had a Castle neer us, and kept it well, by all such men we were given to understand that without a strong standing garrison in every Province and Country (if it were possible) little would bee done as they conceived, because the poore English Inhabitants would bee expos'd to constant danger upon removall of flying Armies, This River of Limricke promis'd most unto us of any place wee had seene both for Land and Water.

This night wee went up to Bonnatty my Lord of Thomonds Castle with [Page] 200. men 4. Barges 2. Barkes and 2, Shallops where my Lord kindly welcomed us and there his uncle Sir Daniel-O-Brian met us.

12. Wee spent in consultations with the Earle, who certified us with much greife that since the River was left without shipping divers Castles were taken, whereby the Enemy had bin furnished with 800. Armes and six Barrells of Powder, and the way they used was by bringing the great Gunne called the Roaring Meg towards the English Castles, through dread of which the English yeelded; this Gunne one of our ships through want of winde mist in Limrick River, it being in a boat but tooke the Carriages in another and wee have log'd this Gunne in a Cricke with one of our ships attending it, there being no meanes for them to carry it backe but by water.

This night Sir Daniel-o-Brians man was sent to Clare to the Gentrie to come to Bonnattre the next day at nine in the morning, some war me speches past betwixt some of our Commanders and Sir Daniel which put him into a shaking fit.

13. An answer of the Letter sent wherein the Gentry desired 3. in the afternoone for their apearance which was granted, but Sir Daniel went away very early, without taking leave, out of feare and horror doubtles, having been told that wee were desirous hee should make good his Loyaltie before the Parliament, over night 100. Rebels lay at my Lords Parke-pale, who (wee suppose) waited to fetch Sir Daniel off; These retardings made us advise and conclude to fall upon Sir Daniels Houses, and Clare Castle, in which we found my Lord of Thomond doubtfull, and intruth his case is nice, the chiefe of the County being his Kinred, and himselfe without power, saving 50. Horse in his Stable: part of this day was spent in preaching.

14. We heard the Gentry would come in; but they failed (as their manner:) we heard this night of 300. Rebels againe at my Lords Parke which we would have beene upon, and earnestly prest it; but my Lord of Thomond would have us yet wait longer on the Gentry, ere wee exercis'd hostility against Thomond. At last wee made our Propositions to the Castle, being about to goe downe to our Ships, which came to this, That his Lordship continuing a Protestant and loyall, his danger must needs be great, and that this Rebellion did not distinguish Relation nor Greatnesse, and therefore if hee pleased, wee would either continue there with all our force, and joyne with him at Bonatty, and so try what wee might doe in ioyning with himselfe to reduce Clare and Thomond: or if he suspected us too weake, that he might take all he had and was portable into our best ships, together with his owne person, and we would adventure our selves in his Castle to maintaine that place, and infest the Enemy what wee could; this wee left with his Lordship.

15. We departed, and a few miles from thence we came to an Anchor [Page] in the River, and landed 300. men on Limrick side, where our men fought both wirh Horse and Foot, burnt abundance of Corne, and foure of their Castles; and amongst others, kild the foster Brother of Mr. Steevenson: wee lost two sick men, that could not follow their Companies, but had no armes. At night our men retreated safely to their boats from two thousand of them.

We sail'd downe lower in the River, and called at Fitz-Gerralds the Knight of the Valley, or Glyn whom my Lord summoned by writing, our Messenger at landing met a Letter with a Horse-man at the waters side, who had a Letter from my Lord Clinriccard in favour of his Kinsman the Knight of the Valley: an answer was sent him, and we departed: my Lord sent to Sir Tege Macmahun, who is a good friend, but could not come to us in regard of his weaknesse of body.

This night the Earle of Thomond came to us, and lay aboard the Vice-Admrall, with whom three of the chiefe Rebels of Thomond had beeen and promised to come with the Gentry aboard our Ships.

17. Div [...]rs Letters came from the shore from Sir Daniel-O-brian, concerning the comming of the gentry of the Countrey, who were under much feare by the [...] of Ships scatter'd thorough the River.

18. We [...] from the Shore, the Gentry excusing themselves from the distance of their dwelling. The Knight of the valley sent my Lord present of Beeves which he would not accept, unlesse hee would appeare himselfe, and shew his loyalty, and to that purpose my Lord went unto him.

19. We stayd in expectation of the Gentry from the shore, who had their time enlarged two dayes.

20. VVe had Letters from the snore from Sir Daniel-O-Brian and th Rebels to my Lord of Thomond answering the propositions proudly enough, as will appeare in their Letters hereto annexed. VVe had a counsell wherein it was concluded the next day to attempt the Knight of the Valley with 6. Vessels, and all things answerable. It was also agreed that Captaine Peters and Mr. Daniel should carry away the poore naked people that we found in much distresse being about 500. many of our Souldiers and Seamen grew very sick of th [...] Countrey disease.

21. VVe set saile for the Valley, being 3. Leagues up, and comming by the place in the evening, went beyond a mile or two and anchored.

22. Early we began to land 15. Horse first, and then our Foot, who were entertained with 30. Musquettiers of the enemy playing upon them, but hurt none but a boy in the Shoulder. The Enemy fled into Castle two or three of our Ships playd upon the place till we landed two halfe Cannon. The Enemy in great numbers appeared on the side of the hill, with whom our Horse fought with the losse of one of ours, and many of theirs, multitudes of them [Page] comming on, wee strengthened our guards, and kept them waking all the night with Demi-culverin in one of our Ships, the night was very rainy.

23. Our Cannon plaid up upon it, but none from the Ships, tore downe part of the maine house, and tooke very good effect, the Enemy shot faintly. After dinner my Lord resolved to storme it: but first march'd round and fought the enemy on the side of the hill, who appeared in three Bodies of Horse and Foot; ours put them soone to their wonted posture of flight.

Some commanded, men were appointed to enter, where the sea-men had much honour, they presently came to push of pike at a narrow hole, a gunner of ours with a cantridge of powder blew off two or three of them, the rest would not take quarter, one leapt out of the Castle window, twenty five of them were slaine upon the place: this is remarkeable that most matters fell out as at the last siege forty yeares since, but that we lost fewer men, and won it in lesse time, with lesse meanes: we took the knights sisters son prisoner, who acquainted us with the knights flying away two daies before, and calling in the force of the country upon us, not thinking the castle should bee taken so soone. The place is rich pleasant and profitable for all the merchandize of the river of Lymrike, it having sixteene hundred pounds per annum about it in faire lands, we found the place furnished with all utensils and provisions for a family. The plate and silver was gone for Lymrike, which receives most of which is in Ireland: it seemes they wanted bullets in the Castle, by their shooting window-lead and small stones, in the siege we lost but foure men.

25. Being Sabboth we spent on shore, and some of us aboard, the weather was rainy, and windy.

26. We stript our cannon, and landed two Sakers for defence of the place.

27. Councell was taken what garrison to leave there, and how to dispose of our sicke men.

28. Our men went aboard, and burnt much corne, fought with many hundreds of the enemy, without any losse of ours, burnt a Towne of theirs.

29. A prize brought to us from Sleigo, taken from the midst of the enemy, laden with tallow and hides, which they were sending into France, or Bilbo for ammunition, wherein foureteene taken, and three friars by the same ship, divers of the Scots relieved, and a Minister with some people brought to us.

At this time another ship from Bilbo taken laden with iron, steele, ammunition, and provision in Galloway river, his invoyce came to five thousand pound. We also had certaine tidings of another of ten guns gone into Dingle, which three or foure of our ships were sent to fetch out, and have (I hope) taken long since.

And thus we left our men dayly working, and bringing other parts of [Page] Limrike-river, this day my Lord Glenmorris was buried the arch-rebell.

So that to summe up our voyage, it comes to thus much, in two or three moneths time hath God helped us to take five ships, worth (if sold to value, above twenty thousand ponnds, we burnt as much corne, as that summe came to, slew of the enemy many hundreds, fired many Irish Towns, relieved many English in Forts and Castles, tooke and spoyled thousands of cattle) burnt and spoyled many Castles, houses of note, and mills of the enemy, guarded the coast from Kinsale, almost to London-Derry, blockt up Limricke, and Galloway, and diverted them still as we went from other designes; fighting with them when ever we came, and lastly taking in that lovely and usefull castle of the Knights of the Valley, where we left our men ready for further service, which expired for which our ships and men were hired.

The intercepted Letters mentioned in the title of this Book, are intended to bee printed by themselves, they being so large could not be here inserted.

BRIEFE OBSERVATIONS concerning the VVarre, AND The State of Ireland, both for the raising and laying the REBELLION.
1.

[Page]

IT is easily noted that the seeds of the ruine of a State are sowne in the dayes of greatest prosperity; and that peace breeds plenty, plenty breeds pride, and that brings forth Warre, and that runs againe the former round.

2. Popery suffered among the Irish, and prophanenesse amongst the English, have been the Parents of this Monster; though it might have other Midwives and Nurses.

3. Though we are assured 1000000. English have beene murdered, and we hope many more Irish slaine; yet mischiefe may be so fomented that it may know no limits nor bounds.

4. Popish delusions carry such strength with them, especially when they meet with an ignorant spirit, that knowne truths and common Principles have the dores bard against them.

5. By all wee could gleane in all the providence met with by [Page] Sea or Land for intelligence, we see that the worke now in hand and the question is Religion, and Religion Papist and Protestant, cover'd under Puritane or Round-head and good Subject.

6. An Irish Rebel and an English Cavallier in words and actions we found as unlike as an egge is to an egge.

7. It is most true, that from the highest to the lowest, from the Regular to the secular, from the Capitives we had to the Freemen that came to Parley with us, from the Man to the Woman, from the living to the dying, they profest unto us they fought by the Kings Order for the Kings Honour, that wee were his enemies not they; which made us professe a new quarrell against them for prophaning his Majesties name, and entitling him to all their murders and miscreant practises.

8. Three things are found, are by the Irish as I wish: viz. to have their Religion free, and their Religion in their owne hands, which the wisest we met with assured us is promised them, and that you shall read in their Ecclessasticall Parliament held at Kelkenny which is now printing for you, where you may see their end and their meanes conducing thereunto.

9. The unfaithfulnesse of most of our Ministers, the scurrility and monstrous ignorance of our English, have administred oyle to their Flame in abundance, and brought downe wrath from Heaven, nor in our civill Government there without many sad aspersions from them, wherein Dublin suffers much, not onely the toleration but complyances with Romish Idolaters, hath made them impudent and ours carelesse; especially many pieces of our worship arising from the same fountaine, and running in the same Sea with theirs as Diocesan Bishops, their Courts, Officers, Revenews and Attendants, Church-censures, Burialls, Christenings, Liturgie, Holy-dayes, Fasts, hallowed Places, Images, Vestures, Gestures, &c. Truth it is, the continuance of Ireland in its former condition would have trenched upon Gods honour; where one Minister had 24. Livings, and the place many times supplyed by Ale: drapers at 40. l. per Annum.

[Page] 11. Without all question, as the long continuance of ignorance there, (the people being unchatichized) hath led in more of this barbarisme, so I feare the former rebellion had never a thorough cure, I will not say that many of the english planters that went over were de faece; foundation-stones should bee Saphyres, so that is no marvell if many that have fled thence, have left the country worse than they found it.

12. As our Priests doe now more strengthen the rebellion, not, so on our side, men that call themselves overseers of churches, opened a doore unto it, rhat you may conclude there was never any grand mischeife brooched in the world, but such as have beene marked by clergy-mens fingers, and the warre now in Europe all over is Episcopall.

In the Cure note these things.

1. A bucket of water shall quench that at first, which many tuns cannot, after lost opportunity. It is not cunctation but expedition, not Fabius, but Hanniball must still be rebellious.

2. If credit may be given to rebels, they generally profest that two words from his Majesties owne hand by a knowne messenger to them, should command downe all their Armes.

3. Had the country risen in any considerable bodyes of english at first, and every man either not given rebels too much credit, or trusted to his owne private guard, it had beene ctushed in the egge which is now growne a flying serpent.

4. The Lieutenant or Generals personall appearing there upon the death of the former, must needs have given a checke to many of their barbarous proceedings, and encouraged the english there in resistance, want of governement makes english odious, that their very cattell are loathsome to these monsters, one of their Armie spoyling in five dayes forty seven thousand english sheepe, and in time they would devoure one the other, were our necessity capable of so much patience.

5. If the vast expence of this kingdome had beene rightly imployed both for shipping and land forces, this bogge must needes have been dryed up by Gods blessing.

6. Our english comming over fresh and hearty, were better to [Page] be hazarded upon some of the enemies Townes, then there detained to eate our men garrisons, and most of them perish with the country-disease.

7. If Galloway, Lymrike: Wexford and Waterford were recovered, the whole rebellion is shaken, which is irisible with halfe our forces there maintained, the state here being nine hundred thousand pounds charge already.

8. It may then be reduced when souldiers and commanders there shall rather attend the present work, than the continuance of their trade.

9. The Irish Lords and Gentry that are found faithfull must be encouraged, who will force about them, accompanied with good markes of authoritie and trust from hence, will draw in the common people, who already curse their Priests and Gentry.

10. Ships and sea-men are of singular use, both in sea and land service, provided that good intelligence bee kept from Spaine, France, and Dunkirke, in which worke, and much of the land matters, ten honest faithfull merchants but united, shall doe more than many Committees of State, who are (through much other work) taken off from attending ad idem, to which I add the necessary use of horse, without which little can be done.

11. The Presidents of Provinces and Countries, must be desired not to suffer great Armies to bee kept guarding of their Townes and Demesnes, but imployed about the generall worke, upon our comming thither, we met with no considerable man, but had most need of us.

12, One faithfull, honest, able minister is worth five hundred men if planted there, the people being as ignorant of their duty, as sencelesse of their misery,

I am bold to thinke if the present advantage were taken of the Adventurers ships lying by Lymrike and Galloway, the places might soone be ours, their domesticke combustions betwixt the old and young merchants, in either being well knowne unto us. This onely I will adde, let England here be quiet, and Ireland will not long bee rebellious, which the good God grant for his Sons sake. Amen.

FINIS.

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Information about this book

Title statement

A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland. With the additionall forces sent for reducing of that kingdome by His Maiesie [sic], and Paliament [sic]. Wherein every daye worke is set downe faithfully by H. P. an eye-witnesse thereof, under the command of Alexander L. Forbes, Lieutenant General under the L. Brooke for that service; from the 29. of June to the 29. of September. 1642. Likewise, severall observations concerning that kingdome, and the warres there; as also, the interception of the enemies letters. It is ordered by the committe of the Commons House of Parliament concerning printing this 20. day of Octob. 1642. that this booke intituled, A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland, be forthwith printed and published. Iohn White.

Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.

Edition statement

1642

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A90547

ID [STC]

Wing P1722

ID [STC]

Thomason E242_15

ID [STC]

ESTC R2920

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99872224

ID [PROQUEST]

99872224

ID [VID]

124650

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A90547)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 124650)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 41:E242[15])

Source

— A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland. With the additionall forces sent for reducing of that kingdome by His Maiesie [sic], and Paliament [sic]. Wherein every daye worke is set downe faithfully by H. P. an eye-witnesse thereof, under the command of Alexander L. Forbes, Lieutenant General under the L. Brooke for that service; from the 29. of June to the 29. of September. 1642. Likewise, severall observations concerning that kingdome, and the warres there; as also, the interception of the enemies letters. It is ordered by the committe of the Commons House of Parliament concerning printing this 20. day of Octob. 1642. that this booke intituled, A true relation of the passages of Gods providence in a voyage for Ireland, be forthwith printed and published. Iohn White., Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660., England and Wales. Parliament. House of Commons..

Extent

5, 4-21, [5] p.

printed by Luke Norton, for Henry Overton.,. London, :: in the yeare. MDCXLII. [1642]. (H.P. = Hugh Peters.) (Annotation on Thomason copy: "noeumb: 18th".) (Reproduction of the original in the British Library.)

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