Londerias, or, A narrative of the siege of London-Dery which was formed by the late King James the 18th of April, and raised the 1st of August, Anno Dom. 1689 : written in verse / by Joseph Aickin.

Londeriados. Lib. I.

Containeth the Occasion of the War, viz. The great growth of Popery, in England, Scotland and Ireland, in the late King James's Reign, his attempting to repeal the Pe∣nal Laws, and the committing the Bishops to the Tower for opposing it. The Prince of Orange being invited, enters England with an Army, and rescues it from Popery and Slavery: K. James flies to France, and begs Aid to re∣inforce his Army in Ireland under Talbot; He obtains Six Thousand French; Lands in Ireland, and calls a Parliament, and breaks the English Establishment; which forced the Protestants in the North of Ireland to rise in Arms to defend themselves: Ʋpon which he calls a Coun∣cil of War, and sends an Army to reduce them. The Number and Quality of K. James's Army, their March to the North. The Number and Quality of the Prote∣stant Forces: Their General Londee's Treachery, their defeat at Cladyford, and Retreat to London-dery: and the approach of the Irish and French Forces to London-dery.

Sect. 1.

I Sing the Men, who Dery did restore To the condition, as it was before. They taught the French that Cities might withstand Their Storms and Bombs under a good command.

Why should Heroick Deeds in silence be? Since Poets are of the Fraternity. Assist me Muse? whilst I the Siege do sing, Into my mem'ry all the matter bring? Inspire my tongue? when I the causes tell, How the dire War, how this fam'd Siege befell; How the Townstands, how the proud foe advance, How they're repuls'd, and who great fame enhanse.

Sect. 2. The Occasion of the War.

THe Popish bigots did so far prevail, As to attempt the Penal Laws repeal; Which being oppos'd by the seven mitred lights, King James commits them to the Tower to rights. This daring Action open'd Englands Eye, To see their loss of Truth and Liberty: The Prince of Orange they did then Invite To enter England, and support their Right. The gen'rous Prince, but now our lawful King, Did only thirteen thousand with him bring; Who rescu'd England soon from Popery, And sent King James abroad immediately, A second time to crave for Foreign Aid; Who humbly thus to's Gallick Brother pray'd.

Sect. 3. K. James's Application to the K. of France for Aid.

DRead Sir? your poor distressed Brother James, Succours according to the League he claims. England again has forced me to fly, For life and safety to your Majesty; I trusted too much to their Non-resistance, Which makes me now this treachery to instance. The Prince of Orange has usurp't my Throne; And now there's nothing I can call my own: Ireland excepted, where Tyrconnel stands, Loyal and Faithful to my just demands: He forty thousand Native Irish hath, Who in my Cause will spend their dearest breath. There's Maxwell, Mackarty and Hamilton, Brave Sarsfield, Shelden and Teague-O Regan: Fit to Conduct our Forces in that Land; Who will be Faithful to Our just Command. But in the North a stubborn City lies, On which I've cause to look with jealous eyes. It's Dery call'd, and fully cramb'd by those, That Roman Doctrine and its Friends oppose. Besides the Lord Montjoy, I fear him more, Than all the Subjects on the Irish shore: Him the Scots-Party have chose for their Guide And vow'd to fight in no Command beside.

I Against those some veteran Troops demand, To reinforce our Army in that Land.

Sect. 4. The King of France's Answer.

TO him great Lewis gave attentive ear, And thus reply'd, Dear Brother never fear? With that he drew his Sword, and nobly swore, I'le never sheath thee, till I you restore. I'le transport over to the Irish Coast, Six Thousand Horse and Foot out of my Host: These will suffice to open the Campeign; I'le add some more to forward your design. Maimont, Lozin and Rose shall Gen'rals be, Marquis Anlieur, Boiston, and brave Pontee. And least the Prince should any Troops send o're, I'le cause my Fleet ride on the Irish shoar.

Sect. 5. The Lord Montjoy Prisoner in France.

WHilst one thus prays, & t'other thus replies Behold Expresses from Tyrconnel flyes; To the French Court; 'mongst whom for to decoy They sent the Brave and Noble Lord Montjoy: Pretending to consult King James's mind, If Talbot might the Government resign.

But he could scarce his Errand fully tell, Till he was sent Pris'ner to the Bastile. The Dery Party their great loss solace, And all their hopes in Adam Murray place; For Londee he was treacherous and base. And thus our Hero secretly prepares, All things convenient for the bloody Wars; He view'd Londee with a careful eye, And daily checks his subtile treachery,

Sect, 6. King James lands in Ireland.

MEan time K. James lands on the Irish Coast, In greatest spendor with his Gallick Host. Great was the joy and triumphs of that day; For th'Irish began to divide the prey: Nor King nor Talbot could restrain their pride, For they did all the English lands divide This being done, the next and greatest care, Was to take measures for the future War. The English Lords, People and Clergy fly, Who leave the Kingdom to the Irish sway; And Mass is sung in Christ-Church ev'ry day. Only the North withstands their furious rage, And does bad success to their arms presage. Which to reduce, they us'd a thousand tricks, But all in vain were th' Irish Politicks.

Threats and rewards with them will take no place, Nought can force them th'Irish yoak t'embrace.

Sect. 7. King James's Council of War.

THerefore King James calls a Council of War, And plainly states the matter as they are; You know, my Friends? the Northern Hereticks Have still withstood our milder Politicks; There's nought can conquer them but dint of sword, We must use force, I see, upon my word. I've call'd you hither for your sound advice, Lets think how we may do it in a trice. If England such true Friends as you had bred, I ne're had bow'd unto the French for aid.

Sect. 8. Tyrconnels Speech.

UP starts Tyrconnel, and he thus declaim'd, In my Opinion we may be asham'd, To suffer such a Bo••rish number stand, In opposition to our just Command. Ten Thousand of your Maiesty's best Troops, Will them reduce and frustrate all their hopes: Send all the French and our best Cavalry, Thus we may end the War immediately.

Sect. 9. Sarsfield's Opinion.

'GAinst whose Opinion Sarsfield do's enveigh, And states the matter clear another way. My Liege? Ten thousand thrice will scarce suffice, To grapple with such stubborn Enemies: For we must first oppose them in the Plain, And then suppose some of our Troops be slain; Where's a just number to push on a Siege? Dery will certainly hold out, my Liege? The valiant Murray's Friends dwell in the Town And all the neighb'ring Scotsmen are his own: He's a stout Man, his Trade of late hath bin, To hunt the Tories, and their Heads bring in: Let's to the North a puissant Army send, If we that City to obtain intend.

Sect. 10. Teague Oregan's Speech.

THus the brave Sarsfield. Next spoke Teague Oregan, In short my Liege? I am of his Opinion. Wer't to sustain a Siege, I may boldly tell, No Man in Ireland could my self excell. To Mann the Counterscrap and line the breach, These nobler Arts my better genii teach.

But to pickeer and skirmish I know not; These are as facil, as to drink a Pot. Thus Berwick, Shelden, and thus all the rest, Approve great Sarsfield's Sentence as the best.

Sect. 11. The General's Ordered.

THen in all haste Maimont is order'd forth, With thirty thousand to reduce the North; Maimont whose early valour on the Rhine, 'Bove all the Gallick Officers did shine. Him the French King sent to assist King James, 'Gainst each such Subject as his reign declaimes. Hamilton likewise was next worthy found, To head the Army on the Irish ground. He that young Temple had out-witted so, That nought but death could expiate the blow. The wretched Youth 'gainst his false friend exclaims; And in despair drown'd himself in the Thames.

Sect. 12. King James's Horse.

KIng James display'd his Royal Banner then, To which repair'd these Military Men. The sound of Drums and Trumpets fills the air; And every Warlike chief do's hasten there.

Both Horse and Foot crow'd daily to the Plain, And all appear with a most gaudy Train. Mars never look't so big in any Field; With polisht Armour and bright glittering shield. Of all the gallant Troops that crowded there, None did so brave as Sarsfield's Horse appear. Those he had rais'd upon the swift Liffee, And out of Connaught where his Friends they be. Next him came valiant Parker with his Men, On stately Geldings prancing o're the plain. Those he at Kailes and Navan quickly rais'd; Then Tarah, County Meath him greatly prais'd. Next those Tirconnel's Royal Regiment came, Who from Minuth obtain'd a mighty name: Though they were of another core of old; But in Kildare great Talbot's praise is told. Next unto those my Lord Strabanes did prance; Fagan of Filtrim did his Horse advance. His Fathers Friends had him forsaken all, Then for Assistance he fled to Fingall. My Lord Galmoy's did from Kilkenny ride, But most were rais'd upon the Barahs side; His Friends the Butlers did his Regiment fill, And for his Honour did obey his will. Luttrell's Reg'ment's from Kings-County brought, Southerland's Reg'ment's from Tirconnel sought.

Sect. 13. King James's Dragoons.

THe swift Dragoons came next unto the ground, And plac'd their Standards as they Storage found; My Lord Obryan his Dragoons did raise, Upon the banks of Shannon; to whose praise, Let future ages their great actions tell: For they the Danes from Ireland did expell. County of Lowth, Lord Dungan rais'd his Men, And from Tradath and County of Dublin. The County Clare Lord Clifford's Troops advance, Who to the Camp in noble manner prance. To Antrim and Loughneat Sir Neal Oneal, Did for his Reg'ment of Dragoons appeal. In Tipperary, Purcell rais'd his Men; Who in brave order rode into the Plain. In Kings and Queens County brave Luttrel rais'd His Regiment, who for his valour's prais'd. The last Dragoons that came into the plain, Were Col'nel Cottrel's, all brave lufty Men,

Sect. 14. King James's Foot.

THe Drums did beat and Hautboys sweetly play'd, The gallant Foot marcht next unto the aid.

Ramsey marcht first with his tall Regiment, To him Tirconnel did the same present. Near Cork Glencarty rais'd his Regiment, Who skipt and danced all the way they went. In antient times his Ancestors were Kings, O're all that Country which his praises Sings. Gordon Oneal came next with Heart and Hand, To fight for's King against his Native Land, Most of his Foot he rais'd in Tyrone, Ocane his Nephew join'd some of his own. Gordon Oneal is that dire Traytor's Son, Who rais'd a great Rebellion in Tyrone. In Westmeath, Nugent rais'd his Regiment, Who to the Camp in gallant Order went. Roscommon youths brave Dillon's Reg'ment made, Who marcht with noble courage to the aid. Barker of Guards the tallest Men he chose, To grace the Army, and to daunt the Foes. Mackartymore near Cork a Reg'ment rais'd, Which for brave Soldiers all the Kingdom prais'd. The Earl of Antrim's red-shants next went on, To join the Army in Battalion: The same from Antrim and Dinluse he drew, Who t•• the Camp with noble courage flew. Lord Slane his Men near to Ardee he chose, Brave valiant youths fit to oppose the Foes. Tho' he was stout, and they were valiant, Yet Gen'ral Ginkle gathers up his Rent.

Great Cav'nagh rais'd a noble Regiment, With which from Cary to the Camp he went. Out of Kilkenny Colonel Butler made, A Regiment, with which he join'd the aid. From Carrigmacross, and from Mannaghan, A Regiment was rais'd by Mackmahon. From Waterford my Lord Tyrone Collects A Reg'ment which the Name of Powers affects. Into the Camp Sir Maurice Eustace sent, From Naas and Kilcullin a Regiment. Anth'ny Hamilton in the Kings-County, Raised a noble Reg'ment near Roscreagh. My Lord of Louth a noble Regiment made, In his own County which he led to the aid. About Dundalk Lord Bellue rais'd another, And let them to the Camp in gallant order. Sir Michael Creagh, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Raised a Regiment of valiant Men. Waughop and Buchan two Scots Gentlemen, From Tirconnel two Regiments obtain. All these and many more their station take, And with brave Men a puissant Army make. King James he view'd the Forces as they stand, And gave the Gen'ral Officers Command: Around the Camp Huzza's did rend the Sky, And treble Volleys crown'd the Harmony. He of this Army Thirty Thousand chose, His Fatal En'mies in the North to'ppose.

In gallant order they their march begun, And to the North of Ireland quickly run; Charlemont and Dunganon were their own, They found no opposition in Tyrone. Betwixt Tyrone and Donnegal remains, A silent River swollen by the Rains; This stopt their March; the Bridge was broken down, At Cladyford by the adjacent Town. Here we will leave the Irish to consider, The best expedient to get o're the River.

Sect. 15. The Protestant Army in the North.

WEll did the Northern Protestants foresee, The dire effects of this new Tragedy; How that Religion and Estates must go, If they yield all up to the common Foe. A Foe that's seldom merciful and kind To any Person of a different mind. They Must'red up near Thirty thousand Men, Both Horse and Foot in Warlike Discipline. They chose Londee their Gen'ral, and did grace The brave Lord Blaney with the second place: Next 'him Sir Arthur Roydon. These they be Our Northern Forces Foot and Cavalry: Upon a spacious Plain near Ballendret, In gallant order these brave Reg'ments met.

The sound of Drums and Trumpets rent the sky, To England's Banner these brave chiefs did fly.

Sect. 16. The Protestant Horse, Foot and Dragoons.

SIr Arthur Roydon's Horse rode to the Plain In Warlike Order, 'bove a Thousand Men: Some of his Men strong polisht Armour bore; But he himself a Silken Armour wore. Above a thousand Foot he thither brought, Who at Drummore against the Irish fought. Thither my Lord Mount-Alexander's Horse, And Foot advance to join the English Force. Both Horse and Foot the relicts of Drummore, Where they the shock of th'Irish Army bore: For he Nore-East a Gen'ral Post obtain'd, When at Drummore the Irish Army gain'd The Victory. Young Lord Mountjoys Dragoons Advanced next, rais'd in his Fathers Towns: For near to Newton Stuart in Tyrone, The Neighb'ring Gentlemen are all his own. The false Londee under Dumbarton bred, His Fathers Reg'ment of Foot thither led. Next unto these brave Skivington's Reg'ment Into the Camp in gallant order went: From Killeleagh, young Sir George Maxwell, Was to that Reg'ment Lieutenant Col'nel.

From Ballymanagh the Laird Dontreth's Men, Were the next Foot that marched to the Plain. Then Baron Blaney a brave Reg'ment led, Which near Ardmagh and Blackwater were bred. Next Montgomery's Foot of Bellilesson, From Ligachurry the brave Ritchison, 'Mongst which the brave Sir Nicholas Atchison. Then Audley Mervin from Omagh was sent, To join our Forces with a Regiment. Sir John Magill from Down some Forces sent From Garvagb, Kenney a brave Regiment. Then Parker brought a Reg'ment from Coleraine, Col'nel Hammil another from Strabane. From Dungannon brave Chichester was sent, With Cafil the Lord Charlemonts Regiment. The Lagan Horse under James Hamilton, In that Encampment great applauses won. From Colemackletrain from Bert and Inishowen, 'Squire Forward brought Horse & Foot of his own. From Glaslough, Mannaghan and Caledon, A thousand Foot were brought by Squire Johnson. Squire Moor of Aghnacloy a Reg'ment brought, And Gairnes of Knockmany at Derry fought. From Hammiltons-Ban Franck Hammilton led, A brave Reg'ment which near Ardmagh were bred. From Roewater and Newton-Limmavady, 'Squire Philips sent of Foot a mighty body. From Hilsburrough 'Squire Hill a Reg'ment sent,

Which to the Camp in gallant order went. From Down likewise Major Stroud did bring A gallant Reg'ment which his praises Sing. Alderman Tomkins from Tirkearing sent Into the Camp a Gallant Regiment, Which joined Col'nel Murray as they went. The Vaughans likewise brought forth of their own, Some Independant Troops from Inishowen. From Loughsuilly, the Stuarts and Conninghams A Party brought, which to our Forces joins. Groves of Castle Shannaghan Forces brought, From Kilmackrennan which the Enemy fought. This valiant Man after the Wars was slain, When on the Fues he's by the Tories ta'ne; He's much Lamented for his Worth and Zeal, And suff'red greatly for the Common-weal; Him Charles Colquhoun assisted with some Horse, From Letterkenny, and they join'd our Force. These and some thousands more came to the plain, A puissant army of brave lusty Men; The Gen'rals view'd the Forces as they lay, And valiantly St. George's arms display; Then they in haste upon the spot did call A Council of th' Off'cers General.

Sect. 17. The Protestants Council of War.

TO whom Londee addrest himself in kind, And in few words he opened his mind, Great Sirs, King James advances to the Fin, But that's the Question, where he'll enter in, At Cladyford, at Lifford, or Castlefin; To Guard these Passes, and Secure this Ground, Is the great Topick which I do propound. From hence to Lifford near two miles you see, To Cladyford three miles and more there be; And four to Castlefin; from hence we can Send speedy succour, and the Fords Command. This I advise, but yours its to prepend, What's more conducive to the proper end.

Sect. 18. Detachments sent to Guard the Fords of Fin.

THe Noble Council fearing no Treachery, Applaud his Wisdom, and the same decree, From thence to Lifford some good Troops they send, T'oppose the Irish, and the Ford defend; Marvins and Kenneys Regiments they be That Guard the Town and Ford from the En'my.

To Cladyford five thousand men they send, To Guard the Ford, and Broken-Bridge defend: Sir Arthur Roydons Horse and Foot went there, Of all the Army the best Troops they were. To Castlefin they sent three thousand Men, To stop that pass, and guard that Ford of Fin. Ballylessons and Skivingtons Men they be Who guard that Town and Ford from th' Enemy.

Sect. 19. The Engagement at Lifford.

THe Morn from South, the Fin from West commence, At Lifford they conjoin their confluence; From thence to Dery in full streams they flow, And guard the South of Dery from the Foe: Therefore King James must pass the swoln Fin, If he the City do's expect to win. This to effect he sent some of his Horse, To pass the Ford at Lifford with great Forc•• The sound of Drums and Trumpets rent the air, And th'Irish Forces to the Ford repair. And boldly enter in: when lo! our Men, Pour showers of Bullets from a Ravelin. The Irish drop, and with the purple gore, Of dying Soldiers stain the waters o're. From t'other side the En'my fiercely fire, And reinforce their Troops as need require.

Till they got footing on the other shoar, And with unequal Force our Men o're-power. Then Death appear'd in many a dismal hue, Our Men retreat the Enemy pursue.

Sect. 20. The Engagement at Cladyford.

SOme of our Forces unto Clady hye, T'assist our Party, 'gainst the Enemy; 'Mongst whom great Murray with some friends ascends, To Cladyford, and stoutely it defends. On t'other side King James's forces stood, Upon a Hill which cover'd all the flood: From whence they fired smartly on our Men, Drawn up on t'other side upon a Plain. This gall'd our Troops, the Foot began to fly, And quit the Pass clear to the Enemy. Maimont to pass the Ford a Squadron sends Of his best Horse, Murray the Pass defends. Maior Nangle who led the Irish Force, Dropt in the River headlong from his Horse; And many a valiant Trouper floating lay, Which the slow River scarce could bear away. Thus he oppos'd the Foes till all his own, Forsook the Ford and left him there alone. Our Troops expected succour from the Camp, But none being sent, this did their courage dam••.

To valiant Hero's flights a dismal sting, Great Murray hopes to rectify the thing; Paulus ashamed dy'd upon the spot: Great Varro fled, 'cause he despaired not, To conquer Hannibal. Our Forces fly, And quit the passage to the Enemy. Horror and Death our flying Troops pursue, The Irish Horse our scatt'red Forces slew. They intercept our Troops from Castlefin, With Death and slaughter and that Country win. Brave Wigton of Rapho at Long-Casey, Oppos'd their Horse, till the Foot got away. The Irish Foot the broken Bridge repair, And in few hours at Ballandret they were.

Sect. 21. Londee's Treachery.

OUr beaten Troops the doleful Tidings bring Of both defeats, which through our Camp did ring The dire Alarm. Our rouzed Chiefs to Arms? And nobly vow'd soon to revenge their harms. Nature it self our Camp thus fortifies, For on its Front a rapid River flies; Each wing a Wood, the Rear a bog do's stay, Through which a narrow pass the long-Casey, But false Londee had other Fish to Fry. Thus in the Camp he uttered his mind;

Dear Friends? you Row against the Tyde & Wind: Let's fly to walls, where we may safely fight, Against our Foes and there support our right. His words like Light'ning through the Camp did fly, And daunted all their hearts immediately. Some call him Coward, some Traytor, most do judge It most expedient, and to Dery trudge; At last the venom poyson'd each Mans breast, Then all to Dery fly in greatest haste. Londee himself rid Post to tell the News, Of our defeat, ne're spar'd his Horses Shoes.

Sect. 22. The March of the Irish Army to London-Dery.

OUr broken Forces into Dery fly, And shut the Gates thereof immediately. Some to England, others to Scotland go, And leave the Countrey naked to the Foe. The Irish Troops ravage the Countrey round, And carry away whatso'ere they found. They march to Dery in a full career, And in few days before the Walls appear. King James took up his Quarters at St. Johnston, And there dispatched, what was fit to be done.