The Irish rebellion: or, An history of the beginnings and first progresse of the general rebellion raised within the kingdom of Ireland, upon the three and twentieth day of October, in the year, 1641.: Together vvith the barbarous cruelties and bloody massacres which ensued thereupon. / By Sir Iohn Temple Knight. Master of the Rolles, and one of his Majesties most honourable Privie Councell within the kingdom of Ireland.

UPon the view of these Examinations all taken upon Oath, it may easily be conjectured how fatally the first plot took, how furiously the Rebels thorow out all Parts of the Kingdome proceeded on in their barbarous bloody executions, and what were the courses they held to bring about so suddenly the universall destruction of all the British and Protestants there planted. It is most true that in Lemster and Munster (and yet one would scarce believe it that considers the horrid particu∣lars related in the fore-recited Examinations of those two Provinces) they were not generally so bloody, neither did they begin their work so early as in the Provinces of Ʋlster and Conaught. The ill successe of the enterprise upon the Castle of Dublin did coole them for a time, put them to a stand and caused them to take up new councels; But when they had once declared themselves, they did in very few dayes strip and despoile all the English settled among them, and drove great numbers of them even stark naked to severall Ports on the Sea side, there to provide themselves passage for England, or otherwayes most miserably to starve and perish, as many of them did, being inhumanly denied any kinde of reliefe in those Towns under the command of the Rebels. And here I must not forget to enterpose this certaine truth, that in all the foure Provinces the horrid cruelties used towards the British either in their bloody Massacres, or mercilesse despoyling, stripping, and extirpation of them, were generally acted in most Parts of the King∣dome before they could gather themselves together, to make any consi∣derable resistance against their fury; and before the State had assembled their Forces, or were enabled by the power of his Majesties Armes to make any inrodes into the Counties possessed by the Rebels: A circum∣stance which totally destroyeth all those vaine pretences and fond recri∣minations, which they have since most falsely taken up to palliate this their most abominable Rebellion. And this is not to be denied, though it be also true that those British whom they suffered to live among them either upon condition of change of their Religion, out of private interest, or such as they kept in prison, were not put to the sword, untill the Re∣bels in the severall encounters they had with his Majestes Forces suffe∣red losse of their men, and so being enraged therewith at their return home after any disaster, they fell furiously to take revenge upon such British, whether men, women, or children, as they held in most misera∣ble Captivity with them. How farre their madnesse, fury, and most implacabe malice, did after the manner of bruit Beasts transport them towards the destruction of those miserable harmlesse soules they detai∣ned among them, doth clearly appeare by severall particulars expressed in

severall Examinations. I shall here insert some of them taken upon trust from persons of good quality and credit, who were long priso∣ners among them.

I finde in one part of Doctor Maxwels Examination (which I thought not fit wholly to insert, because it is of great length, and many particulars in it, nothing tending to that purpose for which it is former∣ly mentioned) that about May 1642. when the Scotish Army under the command of Generall Major Monro had marched down from Carickfergus, taken in the Newry, beaten the Irish out of those Parts with the slaughter of many of them; Sir Phelim O-Neale caused 5000 British whom he detained in Armagh, Tyrone, and other Parts of the North, to be most miserably murdered in the space of three dayes: James Shaw of Market Hill in the County of Armagh, deposeth and saith, that during the time this Deponent was in restraint, and stayed among the Rebels, he observed and well knew that the greatest part of the Rebels in the County of Armagh went to besiege the Castle of Augher where they were repulsed, and divers of the Rebels of the sept of O-Neals slaine: In revenge whereof, the grand Rebell Sir Phelim O-Neale gave direction and warrant to one Mulmory Mac Donell, a most cruell and mercilesse Rebell, to kill all the English and Scotish within the Parishes of Mullebrack Logilly and Kilcluney, whereupon the said Rebell did murder 27 Scotish and English Protestants within Musket shot of this Deponents own house; and further saith that in those three Parishes there have been before that and since, by killing, drowning, and starving, put to death above 1500 Protestants within the said three Parishes.

William Fiz-Gerald a Clerk of Irish birth, dwelling neare Armagh, and there residing when this Rebellion brake out, deposeth and saith, That all places of the North where Sir Phelim O-Neale under the name of Generall of the Catholike Army commanded, were filled with mur∣ders of the Protestants: And that when at Augher, Lisnagarue, or any other places the Rebels received losse of their men, those that escaped, exercised their cruelty upon the Protestants everywhere at their return: And that about the first of May 1642. when Sir Phelim O-Neale had notice of the taking of the Newry by his Majesties Forces, he retired that night in all haste to the Town of Armagh, and the next day as well the Town of Armagh as the Cathedrall Church there, and all the Villages and Houses in the Countrey round about together with all provisions were fired by the Rebels; and many men, women and chil∣dren, murdered as well in the Towne as in the Countrey round about.

There is much more to be said on this subject, but I shall forbeare to

rake further into many other soule circumstances, which would make this Rebellion appeare farre more odious and detestable. I shall now return to take up the publike affaires of the State, where I left them in the hands of the Lords Justices and Councell, who finding the City to grow daily more and more impestred with strangers by reason of the resort of great numbers of ill-affected persons that daily made repaire thereunto: They issued out severall other Proclamations to prohibite the accesse of all strangers to the Town, and to require such as remained in the City without calling or settled habitation, to depart.

Sir Henry Tichborn being dispatched with his Regiment of foot to Tredagh as is formerly mentioned, the Lords Justices took further or∣der for the present raising of other foot Companies; as likewise some Troopes of horse which might serve for the defence of the City of Dublin, now in most imminent danger by reason of the approaches made by the Forces of the Rebels. Sir Charles Coot had a Commission for a Re∣giment, which he quickly made up out of the poor stript English, who had repaired from divers parts even naked to the Town, and upon the en∣gagements of the State procured cloaths for them. The Lord Lambert to whom a Commission also was granted for the raising of an other Re∣giment, began also to get some men together. The Earle of Ormond was now arrived in Dublin, and brought up with him his Troop con∣sisting of 100 Curassiers compleatly armed; Sir Thomas Lucas who had long commanded a Troop of horse in the Low-Countreys, and Cap∣taine Armestrong some time after, yet very seasonably came thither: Both of them had money imprested, Sir Thomas Lucas to compleat his Troope already brought out of England, Captaine Armestrong to raise a new Troop; Captaine Yarner also arrived soon after at Dublin, he was sent out of England by the Lord Lievtenant to raise and com∣mand his Troop, which in a very short time he made up about 100 horse, many persons then living in the Town being desirous to put them∣selves and their horses into that Troop: Not long after Colonell Cra∣ford came over also, and bringing with him Letters of Recommendati∣ons from the Prince Elector then attending his Majesty in Scotland, under whom he had formerly the command of a Regiment of Dra∣goons in Germany: The Lords Justices thought fit to give him a Regi∣ment which they were then taking order to raise and arme out of such Townsmen as were fit to beare armes within the City of Dublin; none were to be admitted into it but Protestants, and out of them they made choyce not only of the Souldiers, but of all the Officers belonging to the same. And further for the repressing of the disorders daily ap∣pearing within the City, and restraining the ill-affections of the Papists

there inhabiting, they made Sir Charles Coot Governour of the City, and gave him an allowance of 40 s. per diem for the present. Now while these Colonells and Captaines are bestirring themselves in get∣ting their men together under their severall commands, and in training them up to the use of their armes; and the Governour of the Town taking strict order for constant Watches within, and Guards without to restraine the repaire of all suspicious and ill-affected persons; I shall in the meane time give an account of the adjournement of the Parlia∣ment according to the late Prorogation made by the Lords Justices, which some of the ill-affected members of both Houses endeavoured to make use of for the raising of further troubles.

In the Month of August before the Rebellion brake out, the Parlia∣ment was adjourned to the 17 of November next ensuing: Now upon the discovery of the late conspiracy for the surprise of his Majesties Castle of Dublin, the ordinary place of meeting for both Houses of Parlia∣ment; the Lords finding that the fire was begun in the North, and fearing a generall revolt of all other parts of the Kingdome, resolved as a matter highly tending to the safety and security of the City and Castle to prorogue the Parliament, which they did by Proclamation then set out, untill the 24. of February. But two or three dayes before such of the Lords and Commons then in the Town were to meet of course in their severall House for declaring the said Prorogation, it was generally noised abroad that the putting off the Parliament was ex∣treamely ill taken by the Popish Members of both Houses. Mr Burk who was one of the Committee lately employed into England, came to the Lord Dillon of Kilkenny West, and highly complaining of the in∣jury which (he said) was done thereby to the whole Nation hindring them from expressing their loyall affections to his Majesty, and shewing their desires to quell this dangerous Rebellion, and that they had rea∣son to resent it so farre as to complaine to the King thereof as a point of high injustice; His Lordship having acquainted the Board here∣with, Mr Burk was presently sent for, and he used the same language in effect there, though with much modesty.

Hereupon the Lords fell into debate what was fit to be done, and how farre it might be thought reasonable in them to condiscend to their desires: Some were of opinion that it was fit to disannull the Pro∣rogation, and to give them leave to continue the Parliament according to the first adjournment made the beginning of August. They urged the very ill condition of the whole Kingdome in regard of the Nor∣thern Rebellion, and that those of the Counties of Wiclow and Wexford, as well as some other Counties in Conaght had already joyned them∣selves

to them; that this Prorogation might peradventure so irritate the Pale, and have such an influence into Munster as might raise them in∣to Armes, and so put the whole Kingdome into a generall combustion. Others of the Board Voted strongly for the holding of the Prorogation according to the time prefixed by the Proclamation grounding their opi∣nion upon these reasons: First, that it would highly trench upon the gra∣vity and wisdome of the Board to alter a resolution so solemnly taken up, after a most serious debate and publikely made known thorough out the whole Kingdome by Proclamation; that it would be of most dan∣gerous consequence to bring so great a multitude of people to the City in such dangerous times, that the Protestants and well-affected Mem∣bers of both Houses were for the most part either destroyed, dispersed, or so shut up as they could not repaire to the present meeting, and that therefore the Irish would be superiour in number and voyces, and so whol∣ly carry all things according to their own humour; that considering the small Forces then in the City, such great numbers as might take occasi∣on under colour of comming to the Parliament, to repaire thither, could not be admitted without apparent danger and disturbance, and that per∣adventure they might there finde as ill affections as they brought, and so both joyning together they might easily destroy the state with the poore remainders of the English Nation in these Parts: Whereupon the Lords thought fit to hold to their Prorogation, yet to endeavour so to attemper and sweeten it, as those who were most averse, might in some measure rest satisfied therewith. And therefore after a long debate of all particular circumstances, they came at length to this resolution that the Earle of Ormond, the Master of the Rolls, and Sir Pierce Crosby three Members of the Board, should have a meeting with Mr Darcy, Mr Burk, and some others of the most active and powerfull Members of the House of Commons, and that they should let them know from the Lords, that they have understood of their good affections and de∣sires to doe somewhat in the House that might tend towards the sup∣pression of this present Rebellion, that they approved extreame well thereof: And that howsoever they could by no meanes remove absolute∣ly the Prorogation, yet that they would descend so far to their satisfacti∣on as to limit it to a shorter time, and that at present they would give them leave to sit one whole day in case they would immediatly fall up∣on the work of making a cleer Protestation against the Rebels: As also, that they should have liberty if they pleased to make choyce of some Members of their own House to send down to Treat with the Rebels about laying down of Arms: And for their grievances that their Lordships would with all readinesse receive them, and presently transmit them

over to his Majesty for a speedy redresse: All this was accordingly perfor∣med; the meeting was in the Gallery at Cork House; Those of the House of Commons seemed at first to be extreamly troubled when they found there was no possibility of altering the present Prorogation: But upon a further debate when they came to understand how ready the Lords were to yeeld to their satisfaction, and that the time of the Pro∣rogation should be shortned, they seemed to rest indifferently contented, undertook to make the Protestation in such full and ample manner as was desired, and that they would fall immediately upon it and make it the work of the whole day.

Upon the 17 of November, the Lords and Commons met in Parlia∣ment which was held in the usuall place of his Majesties Castle of Dub∣lin: And for the better security of the place as well as of the persons of those that were to meet, there was a Guard of Musketiers appointed to attend during the time of their meeting, but such care taken that they should carry themselves so free from giving any offence as no man∣ner of umbrage might be taken at their attendance there. The Houses were both very thin, there were only in the House of Peeres some few English Lords, three or foure Lords of the Pale, and some two or three Bishops. In the House of Commons, they took into their consideration upon their first meeting the framing of the Protestation against the Re∣bels. But those of the Popish party spake so ambiguously, and handled the matter so tenderly, as they could not be drawn to stile them by the name of Rebels: so as they sent up unto the Lords a very meager cold Prote∣station against them, which being in their House taken into debate, it was strongly contested by the Protestant Lords that they should be stiled Rebels, but that as stiffely opposed by the others. They there∣fore fell upon a meane betwixt both which gave a kinde of accommoda∣tion, saying they had Rebelliously and Traiterously raised Armes; and so both parties being reasonably satisfied, the Protestation was drawn up and returned back to the House of Commons in this Tenour as fol∣loweth.

The Protestation and Declaration of the Lords Spirituall and Temporall and Commons in Parliament assembled.

WHereas the happy and peaceable Estate of this Realm hath been of late, and is still interrupted by sundry per∣sons ill-affected to the Peace and Tranquillity thereof, who contrary to their Duty and Loyalty to His Majesty, and against the Lawes of God, and the fundamentall Lawes of the Realm, have Trayterously and Rebelliously raised Armes, have seized upon some of his Majesties Forts and Castles, and dis∣possessed many of his Majesties faithfull Subjects, of their Houses, Lands and Goods, and have slaine many of them, and committed other cruell and inhumane Outrages, and Acts of Hostility within this Realme.

The said Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, being justly moved with a right sense of the said disloyall Rebellious Pro∣ceedings and actions of the persons aforesaid, doe hereby protest and declare that they, the said Lords and Commons from their hearts, doe detest and abhorre the said abhominable Actions, and that they shall and will to their uttermost power maintaine the Rights of his Majesties Crown, and Government of this Realm, and Peace and Safety thereof, aswell against the persons aforesaid, their Abettors, Adherents, as also against all forreine Princes, Potentates, and other persons, and Attemps whatsoever; and in case the persons aforesaid doe not repent of their aforesaid Actions, and lay down Armes, and become humble Suitors to his Majesty for Grace and Mercy, in such convenient time, and in such manner and forme as by his Majestie, or the chiefe Governour or Governours, and Councell of this Realm shall be set down; The said Lords and Commons doe further protest and declare, that they will take up Armes, and will with their Lives and Fortunes suppresse them, and their Attempts, in such a way, as by the Authority of the

Parliament of this Kingdome, with the Approbation of his most Excellent Majesty, or of his Majesties chiefe Governour or Go∣vernours of this Kingdome shall be thought most effectuall.

Copia vera. Exam. per Phil. Percivall. Cleric. Parliament.

Both Houses of Parliament sate two dayes, and the time of the Proro∣gation being shortned unto the 11. of Ian. The Lords made choyce of the Lord Viscount Costelo to goe into England, to carry over their desires to his Majesty, concerning the meanes they thought fit to be used for the quenching this present Rebellion: And besides those in∣structions formerly mentioned, he had (as I heard) from the Popish Lords some, more private, which were to negotiate the staying such Forces as were intended to be sent out of England for that end.

Both Houses joyned together to appoint certaine Lords and some Members of the House of Commons to goe down to the Northen Rebels, to understand the cause of their rising in Armes; and refer∣red them to the Lords Iustices for their instructions, which accordingly they received together with a Commission under the Great Seale. But the Rebellion having a farre deeper root then was at that time discovered; this Commission was of little operation, and the inten∣ded Treaty soone vanished. The Northern Rebels were then so puffed up with their late victories over the poore surprized, unresisting English in those Parts, and had so deeply drenched their hands in the blood of those innocents, as they thought to carry the whole King∣dome before them, and therefore would yeeld to no Treaties, but in a most barbarous manner tore the Order of Parliament together with the Letter sent unto them, and returned a most scornfull Answer, fully ex∣pressing thereby how farre they were from any thought of laying down Armes, or entertaining any overtures towards an Accom∣modation.

Within few dayes after the adjournment of the Parliament, the Lord Dillon of Costelo accompanied with the Lord Taffe imbarqued for England, but by a most impetuous storme were driven into Scot∣land, where they landed and went up to London. At the Town of Ware, their papers were seized upon by directions from the Parliament

of England, and their persons committed unto safe custody. Mr Thomas Burk went over much about the same time, and certainly upon the same errand: When the unhappy breach began first betwixt the King and the Parliament of England, and that his Majesty thought fit to retire to York, those two Lords found meanes to make an escape, and all three con∣stantly followed the Court, where in those high distempers that after∣wards hapned in England, they easily found meanes to ingratiate them∣selves at Court, and had the opportunity to doe those good offices for their Country-men which brought on the Cessation of Armes with them in due time.

The Lords Iustices and Councell by their Letters bearing date about the 20 of November, gave unto the Lord Lievtenant a more cer∣taine and full account of the state of the Kingdome, then they could any wayes doe at the first breaking out of the Rebellion, and thereby making known the very ill condition of their present affaires they mo∣ved that the supplies of men, money, Commanders and Armes, menti∣oned in their former Letters, might be with all speed sent over unto them, and that his Lordship would presently repaire hither in his own person to undertake the management of the warre: About the tenth of the Month of November, their Lordships received an Answer from the Lord Lievtenant to their former Letters of the 25 of October; whereby he gave them to understand, that he had communicated their Letters to the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Privie Coun∣cell, and that by Order from their Lordships, he had acquainted both Houses of Parliament with them; that he had also sent to his Majesty still continuing at Edenborough in Scotland, to represent the condition of their affaires, and that he understood his Majesty had received some ad∣vertisements out of the North of Ireland of the present Rebellion there: His Lordship also farther let them know, that his Majesty had referred the whole businesse of Ireland to the Parliament of England, that they had undertaken the charge and management of the warre, that they had declared they should be speedily and vigorously assisted, and had designed for their present supplies the summe of 50000 l. and had taken order for making of all further Provisions necessary for the Service, as may appeare by the Order of Parliament made there at that time, and trans-mitted over by the Lord Lievtenant, together with his said Letters unto the Lords Iustices, by whose command it was re∣printed at Dublin, November 12. 1641. as here followeth being in∣tituled.

An Order of the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament in England, con∣cerning Ireland.

THe Lords and Commons in this present Parliament, be∣ing advertised of the dangerous Conspiracie and Rebellion in Ireland, by the Treacherous and wicked Instigation of Romish Priests and Jesuites, for the Bloody Massacre and De∣struction of all Protestants living there, and other his Majesties Loyall Subjects of English blood, though of the Romish Religion, being ancient Inhabitants within severall Counties, and Parts of that Realme, who have alwayes, in former Rebellions, given Testimony of their fidelity to this Crown: And for the utter de∣priving of his Royall Majestie, and the Crown of England, from the Government of that Kingdome, (under pretence of set∣ting up the Popish Religion) Have thereupon taken into their serious Consideration, how those mischievous Attemps might be most speedily, and effectually prevented, wherein the Honour, Safety, and Interest of this Kingdom, are most nearely and fully concerned. Wherefore they doe hereby declare, that they doe in∣tend to serve his Majesty with their Lives and Fortunes, for the suppressing of this wicked Rebellion, in such a way, as shall be thought most effectuall, by the Wisdome and Authority of Parlia∣ment: And thereupon have Ordered and Provided for a present Supply of Money, and raysing the number of six thousand Foot, and Two thousand Horse, to be sent from England, being the full proportion desired by the Lords Iustices, and his Majesties Councell resident in that Kingdome, with a Resolution to adde such further Succours, as the necessity of those Affaires shall require. They have also resolved of providing Armes, and Munition, not only for those Men, but likewise for his Majesties faithfull Subjects in that Kingdome, with Store of Victuals, and other

Necessaries, as there shall be occasion, and that these Provisions may more conveniently be transported thither, they have ap∣pointed three severall Ports of this Kingdome, that is to say, Bristoll, Westchester, and one other in Cumberland, where the Magazines, and Store-houses shall be kept for the Supply of the severall parts of Ireland. They have likewise resolved to be humble Mediators to His most Excellent Majesty, for the en∣couragement of those English, or Irish, who shall upon their own charges, raise any number of Horse, or Foot, for his Service against the Rebells, that they shall be honourably rewarded with Lands of Inheritance, in Ireland, according to their Merits. And for the better inducing the Rebels to repent of their wicked Attempts, they doe hereby commend it to the Lord Liev∣tenant of Ireland, or in his absence, to the Lord Deputy, or Lords Iustices there, according to the power of the Commission granted them in that behalfe, to bestow his Majesties gracious Pardon, to all such as within a convenient time, (to be declared by the Lord Lievtenant, Lord Deputy, or Lords Iustices, and Councell of that Kingdome) shall return to their due obedience; the greatest part whereof, they conceive have been seduced upon false Grounds, by the cunning and subtle practises of some of the most malignant Rebels, Enemies to this State, and to the Reformed Religion; and likewise to bestow such Rewards, as shall be thought fit, and publisht by the said Lord Lievtenant, Lord Deputy, or Lords Iustices and Councell, upon all those who shall arrest the Persons, or bring in the Heads of such Traytors, as shall be personally named in any Proclamation published by the State there. And they doe hereby exhort, and require all his Ma∣jesties loving Subjects, both in this, and in that Kingdome, to re∣member their duty and conscience to God, and his Religion, and the great and eminent danger which will involve this whole Kingdome in generall, and themselves in particular, if this ab∣hominable Treason be not timely suppressed; and therefore with all readinesse, bounty, and chearefulnesse to conferre their Assistance

in their Persons, or Estates, to this so important and necessary a Service for the common good of all.

Io. Browne Cleric. Parliament.

About the same time the Lord Lievtenant finding that he could not procure so speedy a dispatch of all things necessary for the service of Ire∣land, as would enable him presently to repaire thither in his own person; made the Earle of Ormond Lievtenant Generall of the Forces there, and sent him over a Commission for the same. And the said Earle did within few dayes after receive a Letter from his Majesty out of Scotland, wherein he was graciously pleased to let him know it was his pleasure to conferre upon him that charge. There was then likewise brought o∣ver the summe of 20000 l. from the Parliament; the coyne which arri∣ved here was all in Spanish pieces of eight, which went for 4 d. in a piece here more then in England, and this gaine the Parliament was content the Merchants that undertook the transportation should make at that time in regard of the charge and venture they undertook to stand to: It arrived most seasonably even when all that little money they had was quite spent in raising and paying the new Companies, and that they were wholly destitute of all meanes to draw in any contributions towards the relieving of their present necessities.

There continued daily to repaire unto the City of Dublin, great num∣bers of poore distressed English, who had been most barbarously stripped, robbed, and despoiled of all their goods and substance, by the Rebels. Now that it might appeare what their losses were, what cruelties were acted, what murders committed, and who were the chiefe actors in them thorow out the severall Provinces; The Lords Iustices and Councell thought fit to issue out a Commission under the Great Seale, directed to certaine of the Clergy to take upon oath the severall Examinations of all such persons, that having suffered by this present Rebellion would think fit to repaire unto them, as will appeare by the Commission it selfe a Copy whereof I have thought fit to insert.

CHarles by the grace of God King of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. To our well-beloved Henry Jones Deane of Kilmore, Roger Puttock, Wil∣liam Huthcok, Randall Adams, Iohn Sterne, William

Aldrich, Henry Brereton, and Iohn Watsons Clerks, Gree∣ting; Whereas divers wicked and disloyall people, have lately ri∣sen in Armes in severall parts of this Kingdome, and have robbed and spoiled many of our good Subjects, British and Protestants, who have been separated from their severall habitations, and scat∣tered in most lamentable manner; And for as much as it is need∣full to take due Examination concerning the same; Know ye that we reposing special trust and confidence in your care, diligence, and provident circumspection, have nominated and appointed you to be our Commissioners, and doe hereby give unto you or any two or more of you, full power and authority, from time to time to call before you, and examine upon Oath on the holy Evangelists (which hereby we authorize you or any two or more of you to admi∣nister) as well all such persons as have been robbed and despoiled, as all the witnesses that can give testimony therein, what robberies and spoyles have been committed on them since the 22 of October last, or shall hereafter be committed on them, or any of them, what the particulars were or are, whereof they were or shall be so robbed or spoiled, to what value, by whom, what their names are, or where they now or last dwelt that committed those robberies, on what day or night the said robberies or spoiles committed, or to be commit∣ted, were done: what Traiterous or disloyall words, speeches, or actions were then or at any other time uttered or committed by those robbers or any them, and how often, and all other circum∣stances concerning the said particulars and every of them: And you our said Commissioners are to reduce to writing all the Exa∣minations which you or any two or more of you shall take as afore∣said; and the same to return to our Iustices and Counsell of this our Realme of Ireland, under the hands and seales of any two or more of you as aforesaid. Witnesse our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellours Sir William Parsons Knight and Baronet, and Sir Iohn Borlace Knight, our Iustices of our said Realm of Ireland: Dublin 23 of December in the seventeenth year of our Raigne.

Carleton.

The Commissioners above nominated, did very seriously addresse themselves to this work, employing their paines therein with great diligence and faithfulnesse; and have so well performed the charge imposed upon them as that by severall Examinations, many principall Gentlemen of good estates were discovered to be the chiefe actors in the depredations of the British, and to have committed many most horrid murders and other notorious cruelties, which thorough their industry will now remaine upon Record, but had otherwayes been concealed from Posterity, and wrapt up in oblivion. The like Commissions were in a short time after sent into Munster and Ʋlster: In the Pro∣vine of Munster, the Commissioners took great care in the Execution of it, many Examinations of high concernment were taken by vertue thereof, though they remaine as yet concealed and not returned up according as is required by the said Commissions.

Towards the latter end of November, the Lords Iustices and Coun∣cell considering the miserable desolations brought upon the whole King∣dome, and the further calamities threatned by Warre and Famine, did by a Proclamation set forth in print, give strict charge and command; That upon every friday a publike and religious fast should be devout∣ly and piously observed, in and thorow the whole City and Suburbs of Dublin, by all his Majesties people therein, and that Divine Service and Sermons be celebrated and heard upon the said day weekly, in every Cathedrall, and other Church and Chappell in the said City and Sub∣urbs thereof: And this to be performed as is expressed in the said Pro∣clamation, to the end that the severe wrath and indignation of Almigh∣ty God, may be averted from this Kingdome, his divine aide and assi∣stance implored, and that some reliefe in these calamitous times, may the better be afforded to such miserable persons as these Traytors, by their rapine and cruelty, have deprived of their fortunes, and sent naked and almost famished up to this City.

The Lords Iustices and Councell being advertised of the neare ap∣proach of the Rebels to Tredagh, prepared to send down supplies both of men and munition, for the re-inforcement of that Garrison: There were already designed 600 Foot and a Troop of horse for that service, and they were almost in a readinesse to March when an expresse from Sir Hen∣ry Tichbourn came up to the Earle of Ormond, to let him know the Re∣bels had that day being the 21 of November, appeared within sight of the Town. He conceived they would presently have set down before it, but they advanced no further that day, only while their Forces made a stand there, they sent down a Party of 1300 foot to Millifont, the Lord Moores house, which their design was suddenly to surprise; but contrary

to their expectation, they found there 24 Musketiers and 15 horsemen, who very stoutly defended the house as long as their powder lasted: The horsemen when they saw themselves beset so as they could be no further serviceable to the place, opened the gate, issued out and made their passage thorow the midsts of the Rebels, and so notwithstanding the opposition they made, escaped safe to Tredagh: The foot having re∣fused to accept of the quarter at first offered, resolved to make good the place to the last man; they endured severall assaults, slew 140 of the Rebels, before their powder failed them: and at last they gave up the place upon promise of quarter, which was not kept, for some of them were killed in cold blood, all were stripped, and two old decrepite men slaine, the house ransaked, and all the goods carried away.

Vpon the receit of Sir Henry Tichbourn's Letter, the Lords presently took order for the marching away of the six hundred men, together with a Troop of horse towards Tredagh: They left not the Town till the 27 of November, and such was the negligence of the Captains and disorders of the Souldiers, as notwithstanding they had been three dayes in readinesse to march, they went no further that night then Swoords a Village six miles distant from Dublin: The command of the foot was committed to Serjeant Major Roper, and of the horse to Sir Patrick Weames, who was appointed with 50 of the Earle of Or∣monds Troop to march with those six Companies to Tredagh. The very day of their departure from Dublin, there was an advertizement brought unto the Lords, that some Forces of the Rebels were drawn on this side the River of the Boine, and attended with design to inter∣cept their passage: Whereupon the Earle of Ormond by direction from the Lords dispatched an expresse to give them now upon their March notice thereof, and after to passe on to Sir Henry Tichbourn to let him know as much; and that the Recruits designed for the re-inforcement of his Garrison being now upon their march, it highly imported him to take speciall care for the securing of their passage. And next day his Lordship received an Answer from him of that Letter, with assurance that he would not faile to march out with competent Forces to meet them upon the way, which he did that very day accordingly perform, but they marching no further then Balrudry, and so lying that night eight miles short of Tredagh, he missed of them, and so went not out (by what ac∣cident or upon what reason I know not) the day following till the news of the defeat met him at the very gate of the Town where he stood with his men in a readinesse to march towards them: The men being al∣together untrained and unaccustomed to travell, and failing of provision by the way, which for their money they could not by any meanes procure

from the country people as they marched along, were very much dis∣contented, and being somewhat tired with their journey went on next day, but in much disorder, so carelesse, and so little apprehensive of any danger, as some had Armes, but no munition about them; others for their owne ease committed the carriage of both to the Carts. As they pas∣sed through Gormanston, the Major went in to give a visit to the Lord of Gormanston, who told him that there were some Numbers of men lay in the way with an intent to interrupt their Passage. And this his Lordship knew very well, for the very night before (as Mr. Creeghton affirmes in his examination) one of his groomes went to Slaine where the Rebells were then lodged, and called them out of their Beds to be in a readinesse to come and incounter the English forces now upon their march. The Major had likewise other advertisements to the same purpose, which he neglected not so much as acquainting his Captaines therewith, as some of them afterwards affirmed; He onely caused three Scouts out of the Troop to be sent abroad to make discove∣ry whether the passage were cleer; two of them returned back a little before he came to the bridge of Julians Town, assuring him all was cleer; the other went on to a house within one quarter of a mile of the place where the Rebels lay, and while he attended there for his break∣fast, a boy belonging to the house, took his Horse, and riding to the Re∣bels gave them notice of the neer approach of our forces: The Horse passed the Bridge, and the Foot following turned up into a field on the left hand of the Lane, where by reason of a great mist that suddenly fell, they discovered not the Rebels, till they were almost within Musket∣shot of them. The Major drew his men presently into Battalia, but the Horse (as some of the foot that escaped affirme) wheeled about with∣out charging any part of the Rebells forces, who now furiously approa∣ched with a great shout; and a Lieutenant giving out the unhappy word of Countermarch, all the men possessed as it were with a Pannick fear, began somewhat confusedly to march back, but were so much amazed with a second shout given by the Rebels (who seeing them in disorder followed close on) as notwithstanding they had gotten into a ground of great advantage, they could not be perswaded to stand a charge, but betook themselves to their heels, and so the Rebels fell sharply on, as their manner is upon the execution.

Sir Patrick Weames without the losse of one Horse passed on safely unto Tredagh: The Major with two of the Captains more, and about 100 of their men made an escape thither likewise: The other three Captains with all the rest of the Souldiers that were English were there cut off, they spared very few or none that fell into their hands, but such

as were Irish, whose lives they preserved: The Armes of the whole six hundred they possessed themselves of, as likewise of all their Muni∣tion and Carriages; and so highly were the Rebels encouraged with this defeat given to his Majesties Forces, as the whole Pale began pre∣sently to waver, they thought the Kingdome their own, and that the English would in all parts fall before them, as those poore ill conducted sheep had unhappily done. And this is a true Relation (as neare as I could collect it from the mouthes of those that were present) of that famous victory so much boasted of by the Irish, whereunto the inex∣perience of the English Commanders, and the disorders of the com∣mon souldiers, who were then but newly taken up and had never seene any service, contributed farre more then any skill or courage shewed by the Rebels; which they had only opportunity at that time to expresse by a loud shout. Besides, they were treble their number, and had for their leaders Roger Moore, Hugh Birne, and Philip O-Rely, the two last per∣sons who had been trained in the Warres abroad under the Spanish Discipline, and were of greatest experience among them: they brought down a great part of those Forces out of the Counties of Cavan and Monagham, and as soone as they came within the River of Boyne, great numbers of the ordinary churles of the Pale adjoyned themselves unto their men, and so made up a body sufficient to performe that service.

The newes of this unhappy defeat was brought the very same day being munday the 29 of November at evening, to the Lords Justices as they sate in Councell: It troubled them very much, and as it was a matter of great rejoycing among the Popish Inhabitants of the City, so it bred a generall sorrow and consternation among the English and Protestants: It hapned in a very ill season, the late made Colonels were but then in raising of their men: And such Companies as were compleated, were by the Lords the same day of the marching of the 600 men to Tredagh, commanded out under Sir Charles Coot into the County of Wiclow, for the repressing the insolencies of the Birnes and the Tooles towards the poore Engl sh, whom they began to fall upon most furiously, stripping, murdering, and driving them all out of that Territo∣ry as soone as they had taken in the Kings Fort, in that County cal∣led Carews Fort, and possessed themselves of the chiefe places of strength belonging to the English Gentlemen there: He marched to the Town of Wiclow, where he caused some few men and one woman to be executed, they being found upon Examination guilty of the late spoyles committed most brabarously upon the English there, and the very cloaths of an English woman that was stripped, being found upon the back

of that Irish woman that was there hanged. In his return Luke Toole with neare a 1000 Irish under his command encountred him, but he quickly made them flie and take to the next Bogge with the losse of some few of their men: And so he returned with all possible speed to Dublin, the Lords having sent him notice of the late defeat given to the Forces sent to Tredagh; As soone as he arrived, he applyed himselfe very carefully to the securing of the Town, which now began to be more desperately threatned then ever, by the neare approaches of the Rebels: And so great were the disorders then in the City, so in∣considerable the Forces raised, the English Inhabitants so strangly dis∣mayed, the Papists so highly raised in spirit and courage, as had the Commanders of the Rebels drawn those Forces together as they had in readinesse on both sides the River of Boyne for the siege of Tredagh, and so marching up to Dublin, had taken the advantage of the present distractions, and forward affections which they would have undoubtedly found there to assist them: They had in all humane probability made themselves Masters of the City, and might so straightly have begirt the Castle, as would within a very short time have endangerd the surrender of it; But it pleased God to infatuate their Counsells: The strong opinion they had that they should presently carry Tredagh, and so possesse themselves of all the Armes and Munition they had in that Town, caused them to fix their resolutions there, and to set up their rest upon the obtaining that place. In this as in many other wonderfull acts of divine providence which I then observed with great admiration, it pleased God to appeare even miraculously in the preservation of the City and Castle of Dublin with the poore remainders of English and Protestants, who had there taken sanctuary.

And now the Lords and Gentlemen of the Pale, thought it high time to discover themselves and their affections to the cause: They certainly had not only long entertained a defection in their thoughts, but were as the severall forementioned Examinations testifie, the first contrivers and bringers in of the Northern Rebels into this execrable Plot; they had now likewise drawn them into rhe Pale, and there∣fore they could not hope now much longer to walk under a maske, and entertaine the state with further professions of their loyalty: They had gotten a competent proportion of Armes and Munition out of his Majesties store into their own possession: They saw now the Nor∣thern Rebels advanced within the River of Boyne, with very considera∣ble Forces to strengthen their Party, and by the late encounter and suc∣cessefull victory they had therein, they pleased their fancies with confi∣dent conceits of certaine prevailing, if they would now declare them∣selves

by a publike conjunction in the common cause, and raising such numbers of men and quantities of provision, as the plentifull circuit of the Pale did afford, would prosecute the warre so happily begun and so successefully managed hitherto.

These and severall other considerations working very powerfully among the Lords and cheife Gentlemen of the Pale, they did within very few dayes after the late defeat solemnly proceede on to the actuall consummation of their long meditated revolt; For the manner, place, time, and all other circumstances, I shall referre the Reader to this ensuing Relation given in upon Oath, March 1641. before Sir Robert Meredith Knight, Chancellour of the Exchequer in the Examination of Edward Dowdall Esquire a Gentleman of the Pale, one very well estee∣med among them, one that was present at all their meetings, and deeply engaged in all their councells and actions.

He deposeth that some foure or five dayes after the defeat of the English souldiers at the Bridge of Gellianstown, there issued a Warrant from the Lord of Gormanston to the Sheriffe of the County for a gene∣rall meeting of all the Countie at Dulick: But the place of meeting was afterwards changed to the Hill of Crofty, where all the Lords and Gentry of the Country met, viz. The Earle of Fingale, the Lord Viscount Gormanston, the Lord of Slaine, the Lord of Lowth, the Lord of Dunsany, the Lord of Trimblestone, the Lord Nettervile: And of the Gentry Sir Patrick Barnwall, Sir Christopher Bellew, Patrick Barnwall of Kilbrew, Nicholas Darcy of Plattin, James Bath of Acharn, Garret Ailmer the Lawyer, Cusake of Gormanston, William Malone of Lesmullin, Sedgrave of Kileglan, Linch of the Knos, Lynam of Adamstown, Lau∣rence, Doudall of Athlumney, Nicholas Doudall of Brownstown this Examinates brother, and him this Examinate with a multitude of others, to the number of a 1000 persons at the least, whose names he this Examinate cannot for the present call to minde. And after about two or three houres spent upon the said Hill of Crofty by the Lords and Gentry aforesaid: There came towards them, Colonel Mahowne, Philip O-Rely, Hugh Boy-Rely, Roger Moore, Hugh Birne, and Cap∣taine Fox, attended on with a gard of Musketiers: And this Examinate saith, That as soone as the parties drew neare unto the said Hill, the Lords and Gentry of the Pale rode towards them, and the Lord of Gormanstone, being one of the first, spake unto them, and demanded of them, Why, and for what reason, they came Armed into the Pale; Vnto which Roger Moore made present Answer, That the ground of their com∣ming thither, and taking up Armes, was for the freedome and liberty of their consciences, the maintenance of his Majesties Prerogative, in which

they understood he was abridged, and the making the subjects in this Kingdome as free as those in England were: whereupon the said Lord of Gormanston, desired to understand from them truly and faithfully, whe∣ther those were not pretences, and not the true grounds indeed of their so doing, and likewise whether they had not some other private ends of their own; which being by all denied, upon profession of their sincerity, his Lordship the Lord of Gormanston then told them: Seing these be your true ends, we will likewise joyn with you therein: unto which course all agreed. And thereupon it was publikly and generally declared, that whosoever should deny to joyn with them, or refuse to assist them therein, they would accompt him as an Enemy, and to the utmost of their power labour his destruction. And this Examinate saith, That af∣ter the agreement so made as aforesaid, There issued another Warrant to the Sheriffe of the County of Meath, to summon all the Lords and Gentry of the County of Meath, to be at the Hill of Taragh about a week after; and accordingly there met at the same place the Earle of Fingale, the Lord of Gormanston, and the rest of the Lords and Gentle∣men aforenamed, together with Sir Thomas Nugent, and Nicholas Plunket the Lawyer, Birford the Lawyer, and a multitude of others; and the work of that day was first to make Answer to a Summons made by the State for the calling of the Lords unto Dublin, which Answer was brought ready drawn by the Lord of Gormanston, and presented by his Lord∣ship, and being perused by the said Councell at Law was signed by the Lords.

In this manner was this great transaction most solemnly consum∣mated betwixt Lemster and Vlster; Valence and Brabant, as Sir Phelim O. Neale stiles them in his Characteristicall Letter before mentioned, sent to Owen Roe O-Neale in Flanders, were now publickly united to∣gether in that great Assembly. The Lord Viscount Gormanston on the one side, and Roger Moore on the other, had both been long tampering about the drawing of this most important work to the forme it now received, they had at length brought it unto perfection, they two had the glory of it, and appeared the great publike instruments of this powerfull union.

The Lords and chiefe Gentlemen of the Pale, having thus farre de∣clared themselves became so high and presuming▪ as they little valued what was done or commanded by the State at Dublin: they now whol∣ly applyed their endeavours to make such preparatives towards the warre, as might strengthen their party, which as it now stood in conjuncture with the Northern Rebels they beheld as invincible, and their power not to be resisted by the inconsiderable Forces drawn together by the Lords

Justices and Counsell at Dublin: Severall Gentlemen who in the seve∣rall Counties of the Pale were made Captaines, and had received Arms from the State for their Companies, departed from their obedience, and addressed themselves and their Companies wholly to the service of the Rebels. Nicholas White Esquire Sonne and Heire to Sir Nicholas White of Lislip, was the first that gave the example about the second of De∣cember; but he carried the matter so handsomely, as his Company ranne away to the Rebels, as he pretended, without his consent or even his knowledge any longer time before their departure, then to give him opportunity to come and acquaint the State therewith, and his own disability to hinder the same: But before it was possible to use any meanes of prevention, the men were all gone with their Armes and Mu∣nition to the Rebels: Many of the other Captaines desired no such fine cover for their intentions, but delivered themselves and their Armes up to be disposed as they should direct without any further scruple or complement to the State: Whereupon the Lords finding how notoriously they were abused by the very great confidence reposed in such Gentlemen of the Pale, as being made Captaines, had received Armes from them, and perceiving what course they began now to stear, and how they were resolved to imploy their own Armes against them, they took such order, and with such celerity and diligence made stay of se∣verall of those Armes, which were delivered out for the use of the Pale, as of the 1700 Armes distributed among the severall Counties thereof they recovered againe into their hands 950.

And now by reason the Northern Rebels had settled their Camp within the River of Boyne, and so lay betwixt Tredagh and the City of Dublin, all entercouse in the Pale was interrupted, the passages stopt up, and the Lords Iustices and Councell understood very little or nothing of any proceedings held there. They therefore finding their dangers daily to encrease through the near approach of the Rebels unto the City of Dublin, the continuall affronts, and new scornes the State dai∣ly received from them, their own want of strength to represse their bold attempts, or to preserve the poore English round about them out of their bloody hands, resolved now in these their high extremities, to try the effects of those large protestations and great professions of loyalty the Lords of the Pale had lately made unto them, and to give them a faire opportunity of rendring a most acceptable service to his Majesty and the state here. For this end therefore they determined to call a grand Councell of all the Lords which resided within any convenient distance of the City of Dublin, clearly and freely to represent unto them the ill condition of their affaires, and how highly it imported them in respect

of their own particular safety, as well as for the preservation of the whole Kingdome, not only to contribute their best advice and councell, but even all the Forces they could any wayes raise towards the beating of the Northern Rebels out of the Pale. Severall Letters of Summons were accordingly writ and sent away to the Earle of Fingale, the Lord Viscount Gormanston, and the rest of the Lords of the Pale; the tenour of them here ensueth.

AFter our very hearty commendations to your Lordships, for as much as we have present occasion to conferre with you, con∣cerning the present estate of the Kingdome, and the safety there∣of in these times of danger: We pray and require your Lord∣ship to be with us here on the eight day of this Month, at which time others of the Peers are also to be here: And this being to no other end, we bid your Lordships very heartily farewell. From his Majesties Castle of Dublin the third of December 1641.

Your very loving friends

• William Parson.
• Iohn Borlacy.
• Ormondossory.
• Ant: Medensis.
• R: Dilbon.
• Ad: Loftus.
• Ge: Shirley.
• I: Temple.
• Rob: Meredith.

To our very good Lord George Earle of Kildare.

Notes

• The cruelties acted by the Irish upon the British were before any provoca∣tion given them.
• The cruelty of the Irish in murdering those Prote∣stants which remaind a∣mong them, when at any time they re∣ceived any losse by the English Forces.
• Some Troops of horse and Regiments of foot raised by the Lords Iu∣stices and Councell.
• Sir Charls Coot made Govern∣nout of the City of Dublin.
• The adjourn∣ment of the Parliament.
• The Popish party much discontented at it.
• The Houses of Parliament send to Treat with the Rebels.
• Letters writ∣ten to the Lord Lievte∣nant.
• Commission granted to the Earle of Ormond, to be Lievtenant Generall of the Forces in Ireland.
• Commissions issued out for the Examinati∣on upon Oath of the losses of the British, and the cruel∣ties exercised by the Irish up∣on them.
• A weekly Fast appointed by the Lords Iu∣stices and Councell.
• The approach of the Rebels to Tredagh.
• Supplies both of horse and foot sent for the reliefe of Tredagh.
• The defeat of the forces sent for the relief of Tredagh.
• Sir Charls Coots Expedition into the Coun∣ty of Wiclow.
• The defection of the Lords and chiefe Gentlemen within the En∣glish Pale.
• The manner of the conjunction of the Lords and chief Gen∣tlemen of the men of the English Pale with the Nor∣thern Rebels, ex∣pressed in the Examination of Edward Dowdall Es∣quire.
• These were some of the chiefe Leaders among the Northern Re∣bels.
• The endea∣vours of those of the Pale to strengthen their party against the power of the State.
• The reasons why the State Summond the grand Coun∣sell of all the Lords of the Pale, and o∣thers then in the City of Dublin.
• A Coppy of the Letter written by the Lords Iu∣stices and Councell to the Lords of the Pale.