An Account of the transactions in the north of Ireland, anno domini 1691, and of many other remarkable passages during our last years successful campaign in that kingdom with a particular relation of the manner of beseiging and taking the town of Sligoe by storm by the Honourable Collonel John Michelburne, Governor of London-derry, and sometimes Governour of the town and fort of Sligoe, the commander in chief of their Majesties forces in the province of Ulster,

Collonel Michelburne arrives at Ballyshanan the 10th of Aug. at night, and sends a way Expresses to all the Militia near him, to be ready on the 14th instant to joyn him, and got all things in a readiness, as was agreed on by the Articles signed and Sealed between Sir Teige and him; he also sends Expresses for 300 more of his own Foot, and this following Order to Major Tieburne and Cornt Mead Supervizors of the Militia in Ʋlster.

By vertue of an Order to me Directed by the Right Hono∣rable the Lords Justices, for commanding the Militia of the Province of Ʋlster, I will and require that you march with as many Horse and Foot as you can get together, by Friday the 14th of this Instant, and joyn me with the rest of the Militia commanded by Sir Francis Hamilton, together with the rest of the standing Army, in order to receive the Garrison and Forts of Sligoe, and to march farther into the Country as it shall be necessary for their Majesties service. They are to bring with them six days Provision of Bread, and for other Provisions there will be care taken. Given at Ballyshanan the 11th of August 1691.

John Michelburne.

To Major Tichburne Com∣manding the Militia of Ga∣van, and Coronet Joseline Mead Commanding at Eni∣skillin.

Collonel Michelburne was very desirous to know if Ballder∣reg O Donnell was arrived at Sligoe with his Brigade as was re∣ported, and therefore sends away a Drum with some Letters from the Prisons of Londonderry, and a Letter to Collonel Scott, giving him an account that as soon as Forward returned from Preving the Country. Those that belonged to him should have satisfaction; that is, they should have either their Goods return∣ed, or else be satisfied in Money so far as it lay in his power; but as yet he was not returned. But however he could not for∣bear telling him how unkindly he took it in endevouring to bring O Donnell to raise his Camp, and that in a few days he would return with such a strength that it should not lye in O Donnells power to releive them: and

that it was not Gentiel to send a Lieutenant with a Major to General Ginkel, when it was agreed on when the Articles were signed, that a Major should go with a Major, to see the General Sign and Seal. He gave the Drummer Likewise half a Guinea to be delivered to Capt. M. Sherry, who was a noted Robber and a Captain in Collonel Terron O Rourke's Regiment in Sligoe. Collonel Michelburne had a correspondence with the said Capt. M. Sherry, who had ingaged to come off with his whole Com∣pany, as soon as he met with a conveniency.

Here follows Lieutenant Collonel M. Donnaghs Letter.

Sliegoe Aug. 11th.

SIR,

IN my Collonels absence I open'd yours to him, and have sent to those whose Cattle were made a prey by Captain For∣ward, some of whom will wait on you; as for our sending to O Donnell to fall upon your Camp while before Sligoe, nothing is more false: Neither would we wish that you or yours were touched here during our League, but you will give us leave to wish your Retireing; after which we sent rather to prevent O Donnells comming hither, than to invite him; and that chief∣ly for fear he should destroy our Cows and Provision. How∣ever he is a Brigadeer of our Army, and he may do in that what he pleases. You have our Governours answer as to your Ge∣nerals demand, and for sending a Lieutenant for a Major, Ma∣jor Hamilton is our Witness that our Major intended for the journey, but being taken ill, we put the matter to Major Ha∣milton, and it was by his consent that Lieutenant Scott went with him, for the Major that was not able to go, This is no matter of Substance I hope to take exceptions at. My Collo∣nel when he comes home will satisfie you farther, in the mean time I am,

SIR,

Your most humble Servant, Ternon M. Donnagh.

To Collonel John Michelburne Governour at Ballyshanan.

The Drumer returned with the above mentioned Letter, and withal was assured that Ballderrog was incamped within three miles of Sligoe: a Spie the Collonel had abroad brought this fol∣lowing account.

A true Account of the Forces under the Command of Ballderrog O Donnell, Brigadeer M. K. James's Army.

Regiments of Foot.

• THE Lord Ballderrog O Donnell, new Arms from Limricke.
• Collonel Donnell Oge O Donnel, some few Arms.
• Collonel Connell O Donnell, Ballderrogs Brother indfferent well in Order.
• Collonel Shawn Oge M. Swine, no Arms.
• Collonel Cannus O Donnel, about a 100 Matchlocks.
• Collonel Ternon Oge O Roarke, good Arms.

Horse.

Major D'la More, Captain of Horse, formerly in Lutterells Re∣giment.

Dragoons.

• Captain Shawn O Donnell, 1 Troop 50
• Captain Torlough M. Swine, 1 Troop 50

The 13th and 14th the several Detachments from Bellurbit Cavan, Eniskillin, and Killybeggs, of Collonel Michelburns Re∣giment joyned at Ballyshanan, so that he had of his own Regi∣ment about 600, and 2 Troops of the Army.

Here you may see the great difference between Preying and doing the King Service. This was a time if ever they would have their Country cleared they might. But tho Sir Fran Hamilton Governour of the County did all what possiable he could do, it could not oblige the Militia to leave their dwellings, not∣withstanding the Country paid them twelve pence a day. For of twelve Troops, and two Companys of Militia that appeared out of one County, when they understood they were going to get Prey; now the Kings service is to be done, and the Town to be Surrendered, no more than 4 Troops appears, to witt, Captain Charles Hamiltons, Capt. William Stewarts, and

Captain Hamiltons of Murvough, and one Troop commanded by Captain Erwine out of Formannagh. This day the Collonel receives an Express from the Lords Justice. Porter as fol∣loweth.

Dublin Castle, the 5th of Aug. 1691.

SIR,

IN the absence of my Lord Coningsby, who is at the Camp. I received yours of the 6th. Instant, directed to us both, wherein you give us an account that Sligoe hath capitula∣ted, with a Copy of the Articles, which you have done well in, to send the General to be Ratified, where my Lord Conings∣by will be sure to meet them. What you apprehend of Ball∣derrogs coming to relieve Sliego, you need not give your self any further trouble or concern for, he having so Capitulated for himself and his Party, that there is a perfect Cessation of Arms between us and them; however since you desire assistance from the Counties of Mannoghan, and Formannegh, I now dis∣patch away Orders to the Governours of those Counties to march all the Militia, that can possible be spared out of both, towards Sligoe, with eight days Provision of Bread to your as∣sistance, with directions to observe your Orders when there. Collonel Venners Regiment is marched to the Camp, so as the remainder of your Regiment cannot be relieved by any of them as you suppose; but I hope since Ballderrog hath submitted, there will be no occasion. You must press Horses and Cars to carry off the Cannon and Baggage, pursuant to your capitula∣tion; they cannot be expected hence, and my Lord Coningsby who commands the Treasury being in the Camp, I know not how to send you Mony, but if their be occasion you must find a way to take it up from some of the Collectors of their Majesties Revenues nearest to you, or otherwise; and it shall be allowed them upon their Accounts, or otherwise be Re-en∣bursed to you. I am

SIR,

Your very very humble Servant, Charles Porter.

The day for the Surrender was the 15th. of August. Collonel Michelburne exactly according to the time appointed, marches the 14th. and Incamped at Burindruse, along the River side, 4 Miles from Ballyshanon, and 16 from Sligoe, and begins his march by break of day, the next morning; about 11, he comes before Sligoe, but on his way, he halted at the Grange, and sent Captain Shenbarge to Sir Teige, with this following Let∣ter.

From the Grange, Aug. 15. 1691.

SIR,

I Hope this will find my Major, and Lieutenant Scott, return∣ed with the Ratification of the Articles from General Gin∣kell, which we signed between us: I am now on my March to Sligoe, and hope all things will answer our Expectation. The Bearer hereof, Captain Shenbarge, I have sent to wait on you. I am

SIR,

Your humble Servant John Michelburne.

To the Hon. Sir Teige O Regan Knight, Governour of Sligoe.

Sir Teige's Answer.

SIR,

I Had yours just now, and do answer it on back of your own, that you may not wait for an answer. Your Major, Major Hamilton, is returned, and the Officer I sent with the Articles, not altogether confirmed by the General Ginkell: However, I would agree to the Articles signed, but that my Ld. O Donnel, a Brigadier of our Army, is come with a strong Brigade, who if he stands by us, alters all Affairs, for 'tis a Relief, if he make it so: Therefore I think you and he, were best to appoint a place where to meet, and discourse the Mat∣ter;

for it does not lye in my power to yield a place as this is, if he stick to me. You will find me always fair in my dealing, who am,

SIR,

Your most humble Servant Teige O Regan.

To the Honourable Coll. John Michelburne.

About three a Clock, Major Hamilton, and Lieutenant Scott, came to the Camp; Lieutenant Scott excusing, as much as pos∣sible, the Garison, for that Sir Teige, and the rest, had great desire to perform the Articles, had not Ballderrog intermedled. Here follows the General's Letter, sent by Major Hamilton, when he returned with the Articles signed by the General.

Camp at Nenagh, Aug. 10. 1691.

SIR,

I Have sent you back my Confirmation of the Articles of Sli∣goe, as far as I thought fit, it not being reasonable to take those in who are not in a state of doing any Service, as for the rest of that County, if you find they will submit, and desire Protection, you may give them assurance they shall have it, and I will grant it them, upon having their Names sent to me. As for any civility you can show to the Garison, it would be best to use it; and for any Horses that have been taken, during the Capitulation, if they may be had, pray restore them.

I suppose you know that Ballderrog O Donnel has submitted: I directed him to join you, and endeavour the reducement of Sligoe, which your good Fortune has already brought to sub∣mission: I have directed him to hold Correspondence with you; and told him, That you shall pay him from me two hundred Guineys, which the Pay-Master-General will return you for him; if he calls upon you before it comes, and you have so much Money ready by to command, pray let him have it; if not, assure him, that it shall be paid as soon as it comes down: If any of the Garison can be persuaded to come in, I would have you buy their Arms of them; and such of the Officers as

have a mind to serve, let them come to me, and I will imploy them; and in the mean time, for incouraging them, I desire you will give each Captain 5 l. each Lieutenant 3 l. and each En∣sign 2 l. which I will re-pay you; and 'till they are put in Ser∣vice, they shail have half Pay. I am

SIR,

Your very humble Servant Bar. de Ginkell.

To Coll. Michelburne,

This Letter from the General gave great Incouragement to the Collonel, doubting nothing now, but that Sligoe would be in our hands; in the mean time comes a Messenger from the Lord O Donnel, desiring the Collonel to appoint a place be∣tween the Town and the Camp: He returned an answer, He would meet his Lordship where he pleas'd to appoint, and that when he was ready, he would attend him. Soon after Ballder∣rog O Donnel appears, with about ten Horse; the Collonel ad∣vanced with about the same number, and with him, Sir Francis Hamilton, Cornet Mead, Captain Charles Hamilton, &c.

The Lord O Donnel's Speech tending to this effect.

That he did not deny but that there was a Treaty between Gene∣ral Ginkell and himself; but he was not come to any Conclusion as yet, and that he expected very good Terms, as well for his Followers, as for himself; and that as the Garison of Sligoe was in dispute, he thought it would be necessary that a middle Person, meaning him∣self, be put in possession; and that Collonel Michelburne should per∣form Articles with Sir Teige, and conduct him safe to Lymerick; and that in ten, or fifteen days time, he would deliver up the Fort to him, or whoever General Ginkell should appoint.

The Collonel told him, He understood that Sir Teige O Re∣gan was capable, and of Authority sufficient to make good the Articles that was between them; if he could not, Why was there not a clause in the Articles? The Collonel soon per∣ceived

that the Garison and he were in dispute, for they abso∣lutely deny'd him possession. O Donnel, and Collonel Michel∣burne riding aside, the Collonel told him, That according to the General's Letter, he understood that he was to assist him in re∣ducing the Garison, if in case they prov'd obstinate; so that he presum'd 'twas his business to persuade them to surrender to him, and not to take possession for himself, which did not answer at all the General's Letter, and gave O Donnel the General's Letter to read, and that nothing should be wanting on the General's side, wherein was mentioned the paying him two hundred Gui∣neys, which he should have in a day or two's time. O Donnel made answer, That he would consult Sir Teige, and return an answer the next day in the Morning. So returning to the rest of the Officers; the Collonel treated O Donnel with some Sherry and Usquebath, and parted.

The next Day Collonel Michelburne met O Donnel at the place appointed, and after some discourse they rid off. The Collonel delivered him 100 Guineys, and promised him in a day or two's time, to pay him the remainder, according to the General's Orders, and desired to know what he resolved upon, for that Sir Teige was ready to surrender the Fort, if he would agree to it. His answer was, That 'till his People had conditi∣ons as well as himself, he would not at all agree that Sir Teige should deliver up the Fort. Coll. Michhlburne wondred strange, and told him, That he which should assist, if occasion was, to oblige them to Surrender, was the only Man that obstructed it; he desir'd that he would draw his Forces from the Town, and let him, and the Garison, try Titles. He answered, not at all, and if he would agree, his People would not allow it, but take part with the Garison; but withal told the Colonel, That assoon as he he had made an end with Collonel Richards, he would then come and assist him to reduce the place. So they parted, and O Donnel went to his Camp: By the discord that was between Sir Teige O Regan and O Donnel, the Collonel was still in hopes something might be done with Sir Teige; he therefore sends a Drumer into Town, with Letters to this effect.

SIR,

BY your Letters, bearing date the 15th. of this Instant, which refers all to the Lord O Donnel, Brigadier of your Army, to act for you; I wonder in all our Treaty, when we signed and sealed Articles, he was not so much as mentioned, and then not far from you: I understand you deny him entrance into the Town, with any of his Men, as also possession of the Fort; so that you will do with him, and me, no farther than to ad∣vantage your unjust dealing: I do not understand how you can make his coming to you a Releif; you are sensible he has made Conditions with General Ginkell, and has taken a hundred Gui∣neys from me, by order of the General, in part of his Pay, due to him in our Service; and if he be in our Service, as it plainly appears, 'tis no — Relief, and the Articles are still in force.

SIR,

Your humble Servant, John Michelburne.

I desire 20 Cows for my Money, for Provision for my Men, which pray order.

Sir Teige's second Letter, in Answer to Coll. Michelburnes, second Letter.

SIR,

I Had your by the Drummer: As to the leaving all to my Lord O Donnel, I do not design any such thing; but being a Brigadier of our Army, we might expect to be relieved by him. As to the Capitulation agreed upon, we are willing to Surrender this place to you accordingly; but we expect that your part of it shall be performed also, that is, to get us the Horses, and all things mentioned in the Articles towards our Marching; together with the Horses that have been taken from Collonel Scott, and other Officers of the Garison: If you have not a mind to delay, let this be done, and then you will find how we are inclin'd; and without which, we will not Surren∣der;

which we will justifie before any General: And the Pri∣soners you promised to Collonel Scott, and mentioned in the Articles, are not yet set at Liberty. I have no Cows, but am willing you should buy so many Cows for your Men, as you think necessary, and may send any Man to buy them. I am

Your very humble Servan Tiege O Regan.

To Coll. John Michelburne.

The Collonel did not much dislike this Letter, and there fore sends his Major into Town, to acquaint them, that all things were in a readiness; and for their Horses that were taken from them in time of our Parley, when the Articles were signed, he would pay for them, according to his promise; and for the Pri∣soners, it is a solly for them to think that he would part with them, 'till they perform Articles with him. The Collonel thought how he was in a fair way of closing up all; but whilst the Ma∣jor and they were discoursing, O Donnel arrives from the Camp, and to satisfie them in their doubts, signs this following Certificate.

I Do Certifie upon my Honour, That my sole intent in Marching the Forces under my Command to this place, was intirely to re∣lieve the Garison of Sligoe; and notwithstanding whatsoever Treaty past betwen General Ginkell, and my self, it was purely to delay the Affair in this Juncture, and to forward K. J. Interest: And I do promise and ingage to stick by you, against any Force Ge∣neral Ginkell shall send.

Given under my Hand at Sligoe, this 18th. August, 1691.

O Donnel.

This is the Contents of what was produc'd to me, under the hand of my Lord O Donnel, by Coll. Scott, at Sligoe, when we parted.

Given under my Hand, this 18th August, 1691.

John Hamilton.

As soon as this was done, all things were broke off, the Ma∣jor returned to the Camp, the Garison began to be very Inso∣lent, and sent word to remove our Camp, or else they would beat us out of it, disdaining the smallness of our number, they having 10 to 1. The Collonel made answer, That he would remove when he pleas'd; and that in few days he would come and beat them out of the Fort. About one a Clock he ordered the Tents to be taken down, and the Baggage to march in the Front, and the Foot to March in the Rear of the Baggage, and about an Hour after, the Collonel brought up the Rear, having with him four Troops of Horse, and two Troops of Dragoons: That Night they Incamped at Mullonghmore, 10 Miles from Sli∣goe; and the next day came to Ballyshanan.

This is the end of the third Journey Collonel Michelburne made against Sligoe.