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.

The Irish Rebellion: OR, An History of the beginnings, and first progresse of the generall Rebellion raised within the Kingdom of Ireland, in the Year. 1641.

THE Kingdome of Ireland (which hath for almost five hundred yeares continued under the Sove∣raignty of the Crown of England) was presently after the first conquest of it, planted with English Colonies, long since worn out, or for the most part become Irish. And therefore it hath again in this last Age been supplyed with great numbers of peo∣ple drawn out of England and Scotland, to settle their habitations in that Country. Now the most execrable plot laid by the Irish, for the univer∣sall extirpation of all these British and Protestants, the bloody progresse of their Rebellion within the compasse of the first two moneths, their horrid cruelties, in most barbarously murdering, or otherwaies destroy∣ing

many thousands of men, women and children, peaceably setled, and securely intermixed among them, and that without any provocation, or considerable resistance at first made, I intend shall be the present subject of the first Part of this ensuing Story.

* 1.1The Irish want not many fabulous inventions to magnifie the very first beginnings of their Nation. Whether the Scythians, Gaules, Afri∣cans, Gothes, or some other more Eastern Nation that anciently inhabited Spaine, came and sate down first in Ireland, I shall not much trouble my selfe here to enquire. If wee should give credit to the Irish Chronicles, or their Bards (who deliver no certain truths) we might finde stuffe enough for an ancient pedegree, made up out of a most various strange composure of the Irish Nation. But to let them passe, there are certain∣ly a concurrence of divers manners and customes, such affinity of severall of their words and names, and so great resemblance of many long used rites, and still retained ceremonies as do give us some ground to believe that they do not improbably deduce their first originall from some of those people. It may very well be conjectured (for infallible Records I finde none) that as the Eastern parts of Ireland, bordering upon England, were first planted by the old Brittaines:* 1.2 Toole, Birne, and Cauvenagh the ancient Septs, and still inhabitants of that part of the country, be∣ing old British words. And as the Northern parts of Ireland were first inhabited by the Scythians, from whom it was called** 1.3 Scytenland, or Scotland: So the Southern and more Westerne parts thereof were peo∣pled from the Maritine parts of Spaine, being the next continent, not by the now Spanish Nation, who are strangely compounded of a diffe∣rent admixture of severall people: But as I said, peradventure by the Gaules, who anciently inhabited all the Sea coasts of Spaine, the Syri∣ans, or some other of those more Eastern Nations, who intermixing with the naturall Inhabitants of that Country, made a transmigration in∣to Ireland, and so setled some Colonies there.

* 1.4The whole Kingdome of Ireland was divided into divers petty prin∣cipalities, and of later times there were five principall Chieftains, viz. Mac Morough of Lemster, Mac Cartye of Munster, O Neale of Ʋlster, O Connor of Conaght, and O Malaghlin of Meath. For such were the Irish denominations,* 1.5 and I do not finde they were called Kings till about the time of the comming over of the English, Giraldus Cambrensis who came into Ireland in the time of Hen. 2. of England, being the first wri∣ter that gives them that Title. Besides, as they came not in either by he∣reditary right or lawfull Election, so their investiture was solemnized nei∣ther by Unctiō, or Coronation, they made their way by the Sword, had certain kinds of barbarous ceremonies used at their Inauguration, kept up

their power with a high hand, and held the people most monstrously enslaved to all the savage customes practised under their dominion. And thus they continued untill the Raign of Hen. 2. King of England in whose time the undertakings for the Conquest of Ireland were successefully made by most powerfull, though private adventurers upon this occasion.

Dermott Mac Morough, King of Lemster (being by the Kings of Conaght and Meath enforced to flie his country) made his repaire di∣rectly to Hen. 2. King of England,* 1.6 then personally attending his Wars in France, and with much earnestnesse implored his aid for the recovery of his territories in Ireland, most injuriously, as he pretended, wrested out of his hands. The King refused to imbarque himself in this quarrell: yet graciously recommended the justice of his cause to all his loving Subjects, and by his Letters Patents assured them that whosoever would afford the said Mac-Morough assistance towards his resettlement should not only have free liberty to transport their Forces,* 1.7 but be held to do very acceptable service therein. Hereupon Earle Strangebow first engaging himself, determined as a private Adventurer to endeavour his restituti∣on with the utmost forces he could raise, he lying then very conveniently at Bristol, where Mac-Morough came unto him, in his passage back from the King into Ireland; There were certain conditions agreed upon between them, and a transaction made by Mac-Morough of his king∣dome of Lemster unto the Earl, upon his marriage with his only daugh∣ter Eva. And so he being desirous to return speedily into his own coun∣try, passed to St. Davids in South-Wales, from whence is the shortest passage out of England into Ireland, and there he further engaged Fitz-Stephen and Fitz-Gerald, private Gentlemen, in this service: These, by their power among their country-men in those parts, having gotten together a patty of 490 men,* 1.8 transported them in three ships into Ireland, landing at the Banne, a little Creek neer Featherd in the county of Wexford, and there joyning with some Forces brought unto them by Mac-Morough, made their first attempt upon the town of Wex∣ford, they were gallantly seconded by Earl Strangebow, who followed presently after with no very considerable forces: and yet by the power of their arms, within a very short time prevailed so far in the country, as they made themselves masters thereof, and so gained the possession of all the maritime parts of Lemster.

King Henry upon the news of their prosperous successe in the sudden reducement of so large a territory by such inconsiderable forces as they carried with them; desirous to share with his subjects in the rich fruits,* 1.9 as well as in the glory of so great an action, undertook an expedition in his own person into Ireland the year following. And so strange an influence

had the very presence of this great Prince into the minds of the rude sa∣vage Natives, as partly by the power of his arms, partly by his grace and favour in receiving of them in upon their fained submissions most humbly tendred unto him, he easily subdued a barbarous divided people.

The first beginnings of the Conquest of this Kingdome were thus glo∣riously laid by this King, in the year of our Lord 1172. Now for the Land it selfe, he found it good and flourishing with many excellent commo∣dities, plentifull in all kinds of provision, the Soile rich and fertile, the Aire sweet and temperate, the Havens very safe and commodious severall Towns and little Villages scattered up and down in the severall parts of the country;* 1.10 but the Buildings so poor and contemptible, as when that King arrived at Dublin their chief city, and finding there neither place fit for receipt or entertainment, he set up a long house made of smoothed wattles after the manner of the country, and therein kept his Christmas. All their Forts, Castles, stately buildings and other edifices were after∣wards erected by the English, except some of their maritime towns which were built by the Ostmanni or Easterlings who anciently came and inhabited in Ireland.

* 1.11Moreover, He found likewise by severall monuments of piety, and other remarkable testimonies that Christian religion had been long since introduced and planted among the inhabitants of the land. It is not certainly without some good grounds affirmed by ancient writers, That in the fourth age after the incarnation of our blessed Lord and Saviour, some holy and learned men came over out of forraigne parts into Ire∣land, out of their pious desires to propagate the blessed Gospel through∣out the Kingdome,* 1.12 as Sedulius, Palladius, and besides severall others Patricius the famous Irish Saint, (A Britain borne at a place now called Kirk-Patrick near Glascow in Scotland, then the utmost boundary of the Britains dominion in those parts) who out of meer devotion came and spent much of their time among the Irish, and out of their zealous affectiōs for the conversion of a barbarous people, applied thēselves with great care and industry to the instructing of them in the true grounds and principles of Christian religion. And with so great successe, and such unwearied endeavours did S. Patrick travail in this work, as (if we will give credit to some writers) we must believe that the Church of Armagh was by him erected into an Archiepiscopal See, three hundred and fifty Bishops consecrated, great numbers of Clergy-men instituted, who (notwithstanding the notorious impiety and continued prophanesse of the common sort of people) being most of them Monks by vow and pro∣fession, of great learning very austere and strict in their discipline were so much taken notice of in those rude ignorant times, by other Nations,

as in respect of them some gave unto the Island the denomination of In∣sula Sanctorum. But so quickly did the power of holinesse decay in the land, as the name was soon lost, and even the very prints and characters thereof among the very Clergie themselves obliterated; the life of the people so beastly, their manners so depraved and barbarous, as that King Henry, when he entertained the first thoughts of transferring his Arms over into Ireland, made suit unto the Pope, that he would give him leave to go and conquer Ireland, and reduce those beastly men unto the way of truth:* 1.13 Answerable whereunto was the tenor of Pope Adri∣ans Bull, as appears at large in Parisiensis, whereby he gave him liberty to go over and subdue the Irish nation, A sufficient demonstration of the condition of that people, and what opinion was held of them, as well by their holy father the Pope, as other Princes. And the King at his arrivall found them no other than a beastly people indeed. For the Inhabitants were generally devoid of all manner of civility, governed by no setled lawes, living like beasts, biting and devouring one another, without all rules, customes, or reasonable constitutions either for regulation of Pro∣perty, or against open force and violence, most notorious murthers, rapes, robberies, and all other acts of inhumanity and barbarisme, raging with∣out controll or due course of punishment, Whereupon, He, without any manner of scruple or farther inquisition into particular titles, re∣solving as it seems to make good by the sword the Popes donation, made a generall seizure of all the lands of the whole kingdom, and so without other ceremony took them all into his own hands.

And that he might the more speedily introduce Religion and civility,* 1.14 and so draw on towards the accomplishment of that great work which he had so gloriously begun, he first, in a great Counsell held at Lissemore, caused the Laws of England to be received and setled in Ireland, then he afterwards united it to the Imperiall Crown of England, making large distributions to his followers by particular grants, allotting out in great proportions the whole Land of Ireland among the English Commanders, who made estates, and gave severall shares to their friends and com∣militants that came over private adventurers with them. But before I passe further, I shall take the liberty here to insert one observation out of Giraldus Cambrensis concerning the causes and reasons of the prospe∣rity of the English undertakings in Ireland. He saith that a Synod,* 1.15 or Counsell of the Clergy, being there assembled at Armagh, and that point fully debated, it was unanimously agreed by them all, that the sins of the people were the occasion of that heavy judgement then fallen up∣on their Nation, and that especially their buying of English men from Merchants and Pirates, and detaining them under a most miserable hard

bondage,* 1.16 had caused the Lord by way of just retalliation, to leave them to be reduced by the English to the same slavery. Whereupon they made a publique act in that counsell, that all the English held in captivity throughout the whole Land, should be presently restored to their for∣mer liberty. If so heavy a Judgement fell then upon the Irish for their hard usage of some few English, what are they now to expect? or what expiation can they now pretend to make for the late effusion of so much innocent English blood, after so horrid, despitefull and execrable a man∣ner? There being since the Rebellion first brake out, unto the time of the Cessation made Sept. 15. 1643. which was not full two years after, above 300000 Brittish and Protestants cruelly murthered in cold blood,* 1.17 de∣stroyed some otherway, or expelled out of their habitations, according to the strictest conjecture and computation, of those who seemed best to understand the numbers of English planted in Ireland, besides those few which perished in the heat of Fight, during the war.

King John came into Ireland during his minority, though to little purpose,* 1.18 but after, about the twelfth year of his Raign, upon the gene∣rall defection of the Irish, he made a second expedition, and during his stay there, built severall Forts and strong Castles, many of which remain unto this day, he erected all the Courts of Judicature, and contributed very much towards the settlement of the English Colonies, as also of the civill Government. King Richard the second made likewise in the time of his Raign, upon the same occasion two other expeditions into Ireland in his owne person. But both those Princes out of a desire to spare the effusion of English blood, as also the expence of treasure, being likewise hastened back by the distempers of their own Subjects in England, were both content to suffer themselves to be again abused by the fained sub∣missions of the Irish, who finding their own weaknesse, and utter disa∣bility to resist the power of those two mighty Monarchs, came with all humility even from the farthest parts of the kingdom, to submit to their mercy: And yet it is well observed by some that say, they returned back, not leaving one true subject more behind them, than they found at their first arrivall. Howsoever by the very presence of these Princes, and by the carefull endeavours of the Governours sent over by other of the Kings of England, those that were Adventurers in the first Conquest, and such other of the English nation as came over afterwards, took possession by vertue of the former grants, of the whole kingdome, drove the Irish in a manner out of all the habitable parts of it, and setled themselves in all the plaines and fertile places of the country, especially in the chief Towns, Ports, and upon the Sea coasts. And to such a heighth of pow∣er and greatnesse had some of those first Adventuring Commanders rai∣sed

themselves here by reason of the addition of new titles of honour, the unlimited jurisdictions and priviledges enjoyed by them, the great rents they received, the numerous dependance they had; As that they began to look upon their own possessions as circumscribed within too narrow limits, to entertain private animosities against each other, to draw in the Irish (whom they had driven up into the mountains, and ever esteemed as their most deadly enemies) to take part in their quarrels, being not ashamed to use their assistance for the enlargement of their own pri∣vate territories, as also to curb the too exorbitant power, as they thought, of their opposites, though their own compatriots and joint∣tenants in the possession of that good land.* 1.19 The Irish were very glad to en∣tertain this occasion & did ever foment by their utmost power and arti∣fice these unnaturall broiles and dissentions among the English, whom they most mortally hated: For they living in a manner out of the reach, as well as out of the protection of all the English laws and government, were alwayes accounted not only as aliens, but meer enemies; And be∣sides those Septs of Irish which were termed the Quinque familiae,* 1.20 (who notwithstanding the great priviledges they enjoyed by the protection of the English lawes, ever shewed much aversenesse both to the English, and their lawes) No other persons of any Irish families, from the very first conquest of Ireland in the time of Hen. 2. untill the raign of K. Hen. 8. were admitted into the condition of Subjects, or received any benefit by the English lawes, but such as purchased Charters of Denization. It was no capital offence to kill any of them, the Law did neither protect their life, nor revenge their death. And so they living upon the mountains in the boggs and woods, though at first after some sort divided from the English, did take all occasions to declare their malice and hatred against the English colonies planted neer unto them.

But howsoever the English were in all ages infested with their Irish enemies, yet were they certainly in point of interest and universall pos∣session, owners, and proprietors of the whole Kingdome of Ireland. They kept themselves in entire bodies almost for the first hundred years after their arrivall, not suffering the Irish to live promiscuously among them, by which means they failed not to make good their footing, and by a high hand to keep them under in due obedience and subjection to the Crown of England. And when afterwards they began to be more care∣lesse of their habitation, and to suffer the Irish to intermingle with them,* 1.21 and their English followers to familiarize themselves into their beastly manners and customes (for prevention of which mischief, many severe Laws were enacted in after ages) yet for some time they made good the rights and possessions they had gotten by conquest, and went on, endea∣vouring

to civilize the people, introducing the English Laws, language, habit, and customes long used among them. Now although these, and all other courses were taken by them, which might reclaim such as seem∣ed any wayes inclinable to civility, or would take out Charters of Deni∣zation: yet such ever was, and still is the rough rebellious disposition of the people, their hatred so implacable, their malice so unappeaseable to all the English nation, as no Lawes or gentle Constitutions would work, no publike benefits attemper, or any tract of time reconcile and draw them to any tolerable patience of cohabitation; But they have in all times continued to take all advantages, as well since they were admit∣ted into the condition of Subjects, as while they were esteemed and trea∣ted as enemies, most perfidiously to rise up and imbrue their hands in the blood of their English neighbours: So as Ireland hath long remained a true Aceldama, a field of blood, an unsatiated sepulchre of the English nation.* 1.22 For what by reason of their own intestine broiles, after they had (as soon they did, when they began to admit the intermixture of the Irish) most barbarously degenerate into all their manners and customes; and what by reason of the cruell hatred and mischievous attempts of the I∣rish upon them: We shall not find that the English, from their first ac∣cesse into Ireland, unto the beginning of the raigne of Queen Elizabeth, (a tract of time containing above 380 yeares) had any setled peace or comfortable subsistence but were in most perpetuall combustions and troubles, so extremely harassed and overworne with misery, as they were not long likely to survive the universall calamity that had over∣spread the face of the whole Kingdome.

Whereupon that blessed Queen, out of her pious intentions, and good affections to her people, applyed her selfe with great care to redresse the disorders of her Subjects in Ireland. And in the very beginning of her Raign, sending over prudent and religious Governours, the work of Reformation was much advanced, by many wholesome Laws enacted against the barbarous customes of the Irish;* 1.23 and the execution of Justice (which a long time continued within the limits of the Pale) began now to be extended into Conaght, Ʋlster and other remote parts of the Land at some intervals of quiet times. The Irish countries were reduced into Shires, and Sheriffs with some other Ministers of Justice placed in them: The pretended Captainships, and those high powers usurped by the Irish, together with all the extortions, and other fearfull exorbitancies inci∣dent to them, were now put into such a way of declination, as they could not long continue. Seignories and Possessions were setled in a due course of inheritance; those most destructive customes of* 1.24 Tanestry and Gavel∣kind

began to be depressed; The two Presidentiall Courts of Munster and Conaght were then instituted, and speciall order taken that Free∣schooles might be erected in the severall Diocesses throughout the King∣dom, for the better training up of Youth. But these acts, and other courses tending to the advancement of true Religion, and Civility, were highly displeasing, and most incompatible with the loose humours of the Natives, who apprehended even the most gentle means of reformation, as sharp corroding medicines; And thereupon pretending the burthen of the English government most insupportable, began desperately to struggle for their liberty. Severall plots were laid,* 1.25 some even by those who were themselves of the old English by extraction: divers Rebelli∣ons and petty Revolts raised during Her Majesties most happy reigne: That of Shane O Neale, the Earl of Desmond, Viscount Baltinglas, O Rurke, and severall others at other times, were all set on foot for this very end, and all timely suppressed, partly by the power of the Queens forces, partly by her gracious favour in receiving the Chieftains to mercy. And she, as most unwearied with their never ceasing provocations, still went on with all gentle applications and lenitives, for the withdrawing of the people from their barbarous customes: As, severall of the great Lords who had been out in rebellion, were restored to their lands and possessions, others she suffered to enjoy their Commands in the country, upon others she bestowed new titles of Honour. And being very un¦willing to put the Kingdome of England to such an excessive charge, as the full conquest of Ireland would most necessarily require; no faire meanes were left untryed, that could minister any hopes of civilizing the people, or setling the present distractions of the Kingdome.

But all was in vain;* 1.26 the matter then wrought upon was not susceptible of any such noble forms, those wayes were heterogeneall, and had no manner of influence upon the perverse dispositions of the Irish: the ma∣lignant

impressions of irreligion and barbarisme, transmitted down, whether by infusion from their ancestors, or naturall generation, had irre∣fragably stiffned their necks, and hardned their hearts against all the most powerfull endeavours of Reformation: They continued one and the same in all their wicked customes and inclinations, without change in their affections or manners, having their eyes inflamed, their hearts en∣raged with malice and hatred against all of the English nation, breathing forth nothing but their ruine, destruction, and utter extirpation.

And that they might at once dis-impester themselves of their un∣pleasing company,* 1.27 and disburthen the whole Kingdome of them and their posterity, they still entertained new thoughts, and had now brought unto perfection a designe long meditated in their breasts, whereby they resolved at once clearly to rescue & deliver themselves from their subjecti∣on to the Crown of England. And this was that desperate Rebellion raised almost through the whole Kingdome, by Hugh Earl of Tyrone, who after titles of Honour, received a Command given by the Queen unto him both of Horse and Foot in her Pay, great proportions of Land, and other Princely favours conferred upon him; Resolving at once to cancell all those Royall obligations of gratitude and fidelity, broke out and drew along with him most of all the Irish Septs and famlies, together with many degenerate English throughout the Kingdome, into rebellion against his most gracious undoubted Soveraign. And these all, as being universally actuated with the venemous infusions of his malevolent spirit, uniting their whole interests and forces into a firm conjuncture with him, raised all their dependants, and moved in severall places according to the severall orders and directions they received from him: And to fill up the full measure of his iniquity, he drew in a foraigne Nation at the same time with considerable Forces to invade the Land.

* 1.28So as the Queen now found by wofull experience, that Ireland was no longer to be dallied with, one Rebellion still begot another, and this last was more dangerous then any of the former, it being more deeply rooted, more generally spread within the Kingdome, more powerfully fomented from without. She well discerned how much her great clemency had been abused in suffering former rebellions to be smothered over and loosely peeced up with protections and pardons; that the receiving of the Irish upon their submissions, to avoid the charge of a war, did in∣evitably redouble the charge, and perpetuate the miseries of war: there∣fore she now resolved no longer to trifle with them, but vigorously to set to the work, and making choice of some of her most renowned English Commanders, committed to their charge the conduct of an Army royal, compleatly armed, and well paid, wherewith they began the prosecution

of that Arch-traitour Tyrone, and with great successe in a short time, though not without the expence of much English blood, and above a million of mony, brought him upon his knees: And howsoever before this glorious work was fully accomplished, it pleased God to put a peri∣od to her dayes, yet lived she long enough to see just vengeance brought down upon the head of that unnaturall disturber of the peace of the king∣dome, himself in a manner wholly deserted, his country most miserably wasted, and a generall desolation and famine brought in, mightily con∣suming what was left undevoured by the sword.

It is very easie to conjecture in what a most miserable condition Ireland then was,* 1.29 the English colonies being for the most part barbarously rooted out, the remainders degenerated into Irish manners and names, the very Irish themlelves most mightily wasted and destroyed by the late wars, and thereby much of the kingdome depopulated, in every place large monuments of calamity and undiscontinued troubles. King James of blessed memory found it, at his first accession to the Crown of England, in this deplorable estate; whereupon he presently took into his care the peaceable settlement of Ireland and civilizing of the people: And con∣ceiving that the powerfull conjunction of England and Scotland would now overawe the Irish, and contain them in their due obedience,* 1.30 He resolved not to take any advantage of those forfeitures and great con∣fiscations which he was most justly intitled unto by Tyrone's rebellion; but out of his Royall bounty and Princely magnificence, restored all the Natives to the entire possession of their own lands. A work most muni∣ficent in it self, and such as he had reason to believe would for the time to come perpetually oblige their obedience to the Crown of England. And in this state the Kingdom continued under some indifferent terms of peace and tranquility, untill the sixth year of his raigne: Then did the Earl of Tyrone take up new thoughts of rising in arms, and into his re∣bellious designe he easily drew the whole province of Ʋlster, then entirely at his devotion; But his plot failed, and he finding himself not able to get together any considerable forces, he with the principall of his adhe∣rents, quitting the kingdom, fled into Spain, leaving some busie incendi∣aries to foment those beginnings he had laid for a new rebellion in Ire∣land, and promising speedily to return well attended with forraigne succours to their aid: But by the great blessing of Almighty God upon the wise Councels of that King, and the carefull endeavours of his vigi∣lant Ministers the distempers occasioned by the noise of that commotion were soon allayed, and Tyrone never returning, the peace of the king∣dome much confirmed and setled. King James hereupon being now so justly provoked by the high ingratitude of those rebellious traitours,

caused their persons to be attainted, their lands to be seized, and those six Counties within the Province of Ʋlster which belonged unto them, to be surveyed, and all (except some small parts of them reserved to gratifie the well-affected natives) to be distributed in certain proportions among British undertakers, who came over and setled themselves and many other British families in those parts: By this meanes the foundations of some good Towns, soon after encompassed with stone wals, were presently laid, severall castles and houses of strength built in severall parts of the country, great numbers of British inhabitants there setled, to the great comfort and security of the whole kingdome. And the same course was taken likewise for the better assurance of the peace of the country, in the plantation of severall parts of Lemster, where the Irish had made incursi∣ons, and violently expelled the old English out of their possessions. But howsoever the King was by due course of law justly intitled to all their whole estates there; yet he was graciously pleased to take but one fourth part of their lands, which was delivered over likewise into the hands of British undertakers who with great cost and much industry planted them∣selves so firmly, as they became of great security to the country, and were a most especiall means to introduce civility in those parts: so as now the whole kingdome began exceedingly to flourish in costly buildings,* 1.31 and all manner of improvements, the people to multiply and increase, and the very Irish seemed to be much satisfied with the benefits of that peaceable government, and generell tranquility which they so happily enjoyed.

ANd now of late such was the great indulgence of K. Charles our So∣veraign that now reigneth, to his Subjects of Ireland, as that in the year 1640. upon their complaints, and a generall Remonstrance sent over unto him from both Houses of Parliament then sitting at Dublin, by a Committee of foure temporall Lords of the upper house, and twelve Members of the house of Commons, with instructions to represent the heavy pressures they had for some time suffered under the government of the Earl of Strafford, He took their grievances into his royall considera∣tion, descended so far to their satisfaction, as that he heard them himself, and made present provisions for their redresse: And upon the decease of Mr. Wandsford, Master of the Rols in Ireland, and then Lord Deputy here under the said Earl of Strafford, who still continued Lord Lieutenant of this kingdome (though then accused of high treason, and imprisoned in the Tower of London, by the Parliament of England) His Majesty sent a Commission of Government to the Lord Dillon of Kilkenny west, and Sir William Parsons Knight and Baronet, Master of the Wards in Ireland, Yet soon after finding the choice of the Lord Dillon to be much disgusted by the Committee, he did at their motion cause the said commission to

be cancelled, and with their consent and approbation placed the govern∣ment upon Sir William Parsons, and Sir Iohn Borlace Knight,* 1.32 Master of the Ordnance, both esteemed persons of great integrity; and the Master of the Wards, by reason of his very long continued imployment in the State, his particular knowledge of the kingdome, much valued and well beloved among the people. They took the sword upon the 9. of Febr. 1640. And in the first place they applied themselves with all manner of gentle lenitives to mollifie the sharp humours raised by the rigid passages in the former government,* 1.33 They declared themselves against all such pro∣ceedings lately used, as they found any wayes varying from the Common Law; They gave all due encouragement to the Parliament then sitting, to endeavour the reasonable ease and contentment of the people, freely assenting to all such Acts as really tended to a legall reformation: They betook themselves wholly to the advice of the Councel, and caused all matters as well of the Crown, as Popular interest, to be handled in His Majesties courts of Justice, no wayes admitting the late exorbitancies (so bitterly decried in Parliament) of Paper-Petitions or Bils, in Civil causes, to be brought before them at the Councel-board, or before any other by their authority: They, by His Majesties gracious directions, gave way to the Parliament to abate the Subsidies (there given in the E. of Straffords time, and then in collection) from 40000 li. each Subsidy, to 12000. li. apeece, so low did they think fit to reduce them: And they were further content (because they saw His Majesty most absolutely re∣solved to give the Irish Agents full satisfaction) to draw up two Acts to be passed in the Parliament, most impetuously desired by the Natives; The one was the Act of Limitations, which unquestionably setled all e∣states of land in the kingdome, quietly enjoyed without claim or inter∣ruption for the space of sixty years immediately preceding; The other was for the relinquishment of the right and title which His Majesty had to the four counties in Conaght, legally found for him by severall inqui∣sitions taken in them, and ready to be disposed of, upon a due survay, to British undertakers; as also to some territories of good extent in Mun∣ster, and the county of Clare, upon the same title.

Thus was the present Government most sweetly tempered, and carried on with great lenity and modetation; the Lords Iustices and Councel wholly departing from the rigour of former courses, did gently unbend themselves into a happy and just compliance with the seasonable desires of the people. And his Maiesty, that he might further testifie his own set∣led resolution for the continuation thereof with the same tender hand over them, having first given full satisfaction in all things to the said Com∣mittee of Parliament still attending their dispatch, did about the

latter end of May 1641.* 1.34 declare Robert Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieute∣nant Generall of the Kingdom of Ireland. He was heir to Sir Phillip Sidney his uncle, as well as to Sir Hen. Sidney his grandfather, who with great honour and much integrity long continued chief Governour of Ire∣land during the Raign of Queen Elizabeth; and being a person of ex∣cellent abilities by nature, great acquisitions from his own private indu∣stry and publique imployment abroad, of exceeding great temper and moderation, was never engaged in any publique pressures of the com∣mon-wealth, and therefore most likely to prove a just and gentle Go∣vernour, most pleasing and acceptable to the people.

* 1.35Moreover, the Romish Catholiques now privately enjoyed the free exercise of their religion throughout the whole Kingdom, according to the doctrine of the Church of Rome. They had by the over great indul∣gence of the late Governours, their titular Archbishops, Bishops, Vicars generall, Provinciall consistories, Deans, Abbots, Priors, Nunnes, who all lived freely, though somewhat covertly among them, and without con∣troll exercised a voluntary jurisdiction over them, they had their Priests, Jesuits, and Fryars, who were of late years exceedingly multiplyed, and in great numbers returned out of Spain, Italy and other forraign parts, where the children of the natives of Ireland that way devoted, were sent usually to receive their education. And these without any manner of restraint, had quietly setled themselves in all the chief Towns, Villages, Noblemen and private Gentlemens houses throughout the Kingdom. So as the pri∣vate exercise of all their religious rites, and ceremonies was freely enioyed by them without any maner of disturbance, and not any of the Laws put in execution, whereby heavy penalties were to be inflicted upon trans∣gressours in that kinde.

* 1.36And for the ancient animosities and hatred which the Irish had been ever observed to bear unto the English Nation, they seemed now to be quite deposited and buried in a firm conglutination of their affections and Nationall obligations passed between them. The two Nations had now lived together 40 years in peace, with great security and comfort, which had in a manner consolidated them into one body, knit and compacted together with all those bonds and ligatures of friendship, alliance, and consanguinity as might make up a constant and perpetuall union betwixt them. Their intermarriages were frequent, gossipred, fostering (relati∣ons of much dearnesse among the Irish) together with all others of te∣nancy, neighbourhood, and service interchangeably passed among them. Nay, they had made as it were a kinde of mutuall transmigration into each others manners, many English being strangely degenerated into Irish affections and customes, and many Irish, especially of the better sort,

having taken up the English language, apparell, and decent manner of living in their private houses. And so great an advantage did they finde by the English commerce and cohabitation in the profits and high im∣provements of their lands and native commodities, so incomparably be∣yond what they ever formerly enioyed, or could expect to raise by their own proper industry, as Sir Phelim O Neale, and many others of the prime leaders in this rebellion, had not long before turned their Irish te∣nants of their lands, as some of them said to me (when I enquired the reason of their so doing) even to starve upon the mountains, while they took on English, who were able to give them much greater rents, and more certainly pay the same. A matter that was much taken notice of, and esteemed by many, as most highly conducing to the security of the English interests, and plantation among them. So as all these circumstances duly weighed, together with the removall of the late obstructions, the great increase of trade, and many other evident Symptomes of a flou∣rishing common-wealth, it was believed even by the wisest and best ex∣perienced in the affairs of Ireland, that the peace and tranquility of the Kingdom was now fully setled, and most likely in all humane probability to continue, without any considerable interuption, in the present felicity and great prosperity it now enioyed under the government of his Maie∣sty that now raigneth.

In August, 1641.* 1.37 the Lords Justices and Councel finding the Popish party in both Houses of Parliament to be grown to so great a heigth, as was scarcely compatible with the present Government, were very desire∣ous to have an Adjournment made for three moneths, which was readily assented unto and performed by the members of both Houses. And this was done not many dayes before the return of the Committee formerly mentioned, out of England:* 1.38 They arrived at Dublin about the latter end of August, and presently after their return they applied themselves to the Lords Justices and Councel, desiring to have all those Acts and o∣ther Graces granted by His Majesty, made known unto the people by proclamations to be sent down into severall parts of the coun∣try; which while the Lords Justices took into their consideration, and sate daily composing of Acts to be passed the next Session of Parlia∣ment, for the benefit of His Majesty, and the good of his Subjects, They seemed with great contentment and satisfaction to retire into the country to their severall habitations, that they might there refresh themselves in the mean season.

The discovery of the Conspiracie of the Irish, to seize upon the Castle and City of Dublin; and their generall Rising at the same time, in all the Northern parts of this Kingdome.

* 1.39SUch was now the state and present condition of the Kingdome of Ire∣land, such the great serenity through the gentle and happy transaction of the publike affairs here, As that the late Irish Army raised for the inva∣sion of the kingdom of Scotland, being peaceably disbanded, their Arms and Munition, by the singular care of the Lords Iustices and Councel brought into His Maiesties stores within the city of Dublin; there was no manner of warlike preparations, no reliques of any kind of disorders proceeding from the late levies, nor indeed any noise of war remaining within these coasts. Now while in this great calm the British continued in a most deep security, under the assurance of the blessed peace of this land; while all things were carried on with great temper and mode∣ration in the present government, and all men sate pleasantly enjoying the comfortable fruits of their own labours, without the least thoughts or apprehension of either tumults or other troubles, the differences between his Majesty, and his Subjects of Scotland being about this time fairly com∣posed and setled: There brake out upon the 23. of October, 1641. a most desperate and formidable Rebellion, an universall defection and generall Revolt, wherein not only all the meer Irish, but almost all the old Eng∣lish that adhered to the church of Rome, were totally involved. And be∣cause it will be necessary to leave some monuments hereof to posterity, I shall observe the beginnings and first motions, as well as trace out the progresse, of a rebellion so execrable in it self, so odious to God and the whole world, as no age, no kingdome, no people can parallel the horrid cruelties,* 1.40 the abominable murders, that have been without number, as well as without mercy committed upon the British inhabitants through∣out the land, of what sexe or age, of what quality or condition soever they were.

And first I must needs say, howsoever I have observed in the nature of the Irish such a kind of dull and deep reservednesse, as makes them with much silence and secresie to carry on their businesse: yet I cannot but

consider with great admiration how this mischievous plot which was to be so generally at the same time, and at so many severall places acted, and therefore necessarily known to so many severall persons, should without any noise be brought to such maturity, as to arrive at the very point of execution without any notice or intimation given to any two of that huge multitude of persons who were generally designed (as most of them did) to perish in it. For besides the uncertain presumptions that Sir Wil∣liam Cole had of a commotion to be raised by the Irish in the Province of Ʋlster about a fortnight before this rebellion brake openly out, and some certain intelligence which he received of the same two dayes be∣fore the Irish rise, I could never hear that any English man received any certain notice of this conspiracy, before the very evening that it was to be generally put in execution. It is true, Sir VVilliam Cole upon the ve∣ry first apprehensions of something that he conceived to be hatching a∣mong the Irish, did write a Letter to the Lords Justices and Councell, dated the 11. of Octob. 1641. wherein he gave them notice of the great resort made to Sir Phelim O Neale, in the county of Tyrone, as also to the house of the Lord Mac Gui••e, in the county of Fermanagh and that by severall suspected persons, fit instruments for mischief. As also that the said Lord Mac Guire had of late made severall journies into the Pale, and other places and had spent his time much in writing Letters, and sending dispatches abroad. These Letters were received by the Lords Justices and Councell, and they in answer to them required him to be ve∣ry vigilant and industrious to finde out what should be the occasion of those severall meetings, and speedily to advertise them thereof, or of any other particular that he conceived might tend to the publique service of the State. And for that which was revealed to Sir VVilliam Cole upon the 21. of Octob. the same moneth by John Cormacke, and Flarty Mac Hugh, from Brian Mac Cohanaght, Mac Guire, touching the resolution of the Irish, to seize upon his Majesties castle and city of Dublin, to mur∣der the Lords Justices and councell of Ireland, and the rest of the Prote∣stants there, and to seize upon all the castles, Forts, Sea-ports, and holds that were in possession of the Protestants within the Kingdom of Ireland, I finde by the examination of John Cormacke, taken upon oath at West∣minster Nov. 18. 1644. That the said Sir VVilliam Cole did dispatch Letters to the Lords Justices and councell the same day, to give them no∣tice thereof. But I can also testifie that those Letters (whether they were intercepted, or that they otherwaies miscarried, I cannot say) came not unto their hands, as also that they had not any certain notice of this ge∣nerall conspiracy of the Irish, untill the 22. of Octob. in the very evening before the day appointed for the surprize of the castle and city of Dublin.

Then the conspirators being many of them arrived within the city, and having that day met at the Lion Tavern near Copper Alley, and there turning the Drawer out of the room, ordered their affairs together, drunk healths upon their knees to the happy successe of their next morn∣ings work:* 1.41 Owen O Conally a Gentleman of a meer Irish family, but one that had long lived among the English, and been trained up in the true Protestant religion, came unto the Lord Justice Parsons about nine of the clock that evening, and made him a broken relation of a great conspi∣racy for the seizing upon his Majesties castle of Dublin: He gave him the names of some of the chief conspirators, assured him they were come up expresly to the Town for the same purpose, and that next morning they would undoubtedly attempt, and surely effect it, if their designe were not speedily prevented, and that he had understood all this from Hugh Mac Mahon, one of the chief conspirators, who was then in the town, and came up but the very same afternoon for the execution of the plot; and with whom indeed he had been drinking somewhat liberally, and as the truth is, did then make such a broken relation of a matter that seemed so incredible in it self, as that his Lordship gave very little be∣lief to it at first, in regard it came from an obscure person, and one as he conceived somewhat distempered at that time. But howsoever the Lord Parsons gave him order to go again to Mac Mahon, and to get out of him as much certainty of the plot, with as many particular circumstances as he could, straightly charging him to return back unto him the same evening. And in the mean time, having by strict commands given to the constable of the castle, taken order to have the gates thereof well guarded, as also with the Mayor and Sheriffes of the city to have strong watches set upon all the parts of the same, and to make stay of all strangers, hee went privately about ten of the clock that night to the Lord Borlacies house without the town, and there acquainting him with what he under∣stood from Conally, they sent for such of the councell as they knew then to be in the town. But there came only unto them that night, Sir Thomas Rotheram, and Sir Robert Meredith, chancellour of the Exchequer, with these they fell into consultation what was fit to be done, attending the return of Conally. And finding that he staid somewhat longer than the time prefixed, they sent out in search after him, and found him seized on by the watch, and so he had been carryed away to prison, and the disco∣very that night disappointed, had not one of the Lord Parsons servants expresly sent amongst others to walk the streets, and attend the motion of the said Conally, come in and rescued him, and brought him to the Lord Borlacies house. Conally having somewhat recovered himself from his distemper, occasioned partly, as he said himself, by the horror of the plot

revealed to him, partly by his too liberall drinking with Mac Mahon, that he might the more easily get away from him (he beginning much to suspect and fear his discovering of the plot) confirmed what he had for∣merly related, and added these farther particulars set down in his Exa∣mination, as followeth.

The Examination of Owen O Conally Gentleman, ta∣ken before us whose names ensue, Oct. 22. 1641.

VVHo being duly sworn, and examined, saith, that he be∣ing at Monimore, in the County of London-Derry on Tuesday last, he received a Letter from Colonel Hugh Oge Mac Mahon, desiring him to come to Conaght in the Coun∣ty of Monaghan, and to be with him on Wednesday or Thurs∣day last, whereupon he, this Examinate came to Conaght on Wednesday night last, and finding the said Hugh come to Dub∣lin, followed him hither: He came hither about six of the clock this evening, and forthwith went to the lodging of the said Hugh, to the house near the Boat in Oxman town, and there he found the said Hugh, and came with the said Hugh into the Town, near the Pillory, to the lodging of the Lord Mac Guire, where they found not the Lord within, and there they drank a cup of Beer, and then went back again to the said Hugh his lodging. He saith, that at the Lord Mac Guire his lodging, the said Hugh told him that there were, and would be this night great numbers of Noblemen, and Gentlemen of the Irish Papists from all the parts of the King∣dom in this town, who with himself had determined to take the Ca∣stle of Dublin, and possesse themselves of all his Majesties Ammu∣nition there to morrow morning, being Saturday, and that they in∣tended first to batter the Chimnies of the said town, and if the Ci∣ty would not yield, then to batter down the houses, and so to cut off all the Protestants that would not joyn with them. He further saith, that the said Hugh then told him, that the Irish had prepared men

in all parts of the Kingdom, to destroy all the English inhabiting there to morrow morning by ten of the clock, and that in all the Sea Ports, and other Towns in the Kingdom, all the Protestants should be killed this night, and that all the Posts that could be, could not prevent it: And further saith, that he moved the said Hugh to forbear executing of that businesse, and to discover it to the State, for the saving of his own estate, who said he could not help it. But said, that they did owe their Allegiance to the King, and would pay him all his Rights, but that they did this for the tyrannicall Go∣vernment was over them, and to imitate Scotland, who got a pri∣viledge by that course. And he further saith, that when he was with the said Hugh in his lodging the second time, the said Hugh swore that he should not go out of his lodging that night, but told him that he should go with him the next morning to the Castle, and said, if this matter were discovered, some body should die for it, whereupon this Examinate feigned some necessity for his easement, went down out of the Chamber, and left his sword in pawn, and the said Hugh sent his man down with him, and when this Examinate came down into the Yard, and finding an opportunity, he, this Ex∣aminate leaped over a Wall, and two Pales, and so came to the Lord Justice Parsons.

• ...William Parsons.
• ...Tho. Rotheram.
• ...Rob. Meredith.
• Owen O Conally.

Octob. 22. 1641.

HEreupon the Lords took present order to have a Watch privately set upon the lodging of Mac Mahon, as also upon the L. Mac Guire, and so they sate up all that night in consultation, having far stronger pre∣sumptions upon this latter examination taken, then any wayes at first they could entertain.* 1.42 The Lords Justices upon a further consideration (there being come unto them early next morning severall other of the Privy councel) sent before day, and seized upon Mac-Mahon, then with his servant in his own lodging; they at first made some little resistance with their drawn swords, but finding thewselves over-mastered, presently

yielded, and so they were brought before the Lords Justices and Councel still sitting at the Lord Borlacy's house: where upon examination he did without much difficulty confesse the Plot resolutely, telling them,* 1.43 That on that very day all the Forts and strong places in Ireland would be ta∣ken, That he with the L. Mac-Guire, Hugh Birn, Capt. Brian O Neale, and severall other Irish Gentlemen, were come up expresly to surprise the Castle of Dublin, That twenty men out of each County in the Kingdom were to be here to joyn with them, That all the Lords and Gentlemen in the Kingdom that were Papists were engaged in this Plot, That what was that day to be done in other parts of the country, was so far advan∣ced by that time, as it was impossible for the wit of man to prevent it; and withall told them, That it was true, they had him in their power, and might use him how they pleased, but he was sure he should be re∣venged.

By this time the noise of this Conspiracie began to be confusedly spread abroad about the Town, and advertisement was brought unto the Lords Justices then in councel, that great numbers of strangers had been observed to come the last evening, and in the morning early unto the Town, and most of them to set up their horses in the suburbs: where∣upon the Lords having in the first place taken order for the apprehension of the Lord Mac-Guire,* 1.44 removed themselves for their better security unto the castle, where the body of the Councel then in town attended them at the ordinary place of their meeting there. In the first place they caused a present search to be made for all such horses belonging to stran∣gers as were brought into any Innes, and by that meanes they discovered some of the owners, who were presently seised upon and committed to the castle of Dublin, having already delivered over to the custody of the Constable there the Lord Mac-Guire, and Hugh Mac-Mahon; Hugh Birn, and Roger Moore, chief of the conspirators, escaped over the River in the night, Colonel Plunket, Captain Fox, with severall others found means likewise to passe away undiscerned; and of the great numbers which came up out of severall counties to be actors in taking of the castle and city of Dublin, there were not, through the slack pursuit and great negligence of the inhabitants, above thirty seized upon, most of them ser∣vants and inconsiderable persons, those of quality having so many good friends within the town, as they had very ill luck if apprehended. The same day before the Lords rose from councel, they took order for this Proclamation which here followeth to be made and published.

By the Lords Iustices and Councell.

W. Parsons. John Borlase.

THese are to make known and pub∣lish to all His Majesties good Sub∣jects in this Kingdom of Ireland, that there is a discovery made by Us the Lords Justices and Councell, of a most disloyall and detestable Conspiracy intended by some evill-affected Irish Papists, against the lives of Us the Lords Justices and Councell, and many others of his Majesties faithfull Subjects, universally throughout this Kingdom, and for the seizing not only of His Majesties Castle of Dublin, His Maje∣sties principall Fort here, but also of the other Forti∣fications in the Kingdom: And seeing by the great goodnesse and abundant mercy of Almighty God to His Majesty, and this State and Kingdom, those wicked Conspiracies are brought to light, and some of the Conspirators committed to the Castle of Dublin, by Us, by His Majesties Authority, so as those wicked and damnable Plots are now disap∣pointed in the chief parts thereof, We therefore have thought fit hereby not only to make it publiquely known, for the comfort of His Majesties good and

loyall Subjects in all parts of the Kingdom, but al∣so hereby to require them, that they do with all confidence and cheerfulnesse betake themselves to their own defence, and stand upon their guard, so to render the more safety to themselves, and all the Kingdom besides, and that they advertise Us with all possible speed of all Occurrents, which may con∣cern the peace and safety of the Kingdom, and now to shew fully that Faith and Loyalty, which they have alwayes shown for the publike services of the Crown and Kingdome, which We will value to His Majesty accordingly, and a speciall memory thereof will be retained for their advantage in due time. And We require that great care be taken that no levies of men be made for forreine service, nor any men suffered to march upon any such pretence. Given at His Majesties Castle of Dublin, 23. Octob. 1641.

R. Dillon. Ro. Digby. Ad. Loftus. I. Temple. Tho. Rotheram. Fr. Willoughby. Ia. Ware. Ro. Meredith.

God save the King.

¶ Imprinted at Dublin, by the Society Of STATIONERS.

THis Proclamation was presently printed, and severall copies sent down by expresse messengers unto the principall Noblemen and Gentlemen in severall parts of the country, where they caused them to be divers wayes dispersed, hoping that when the timely discovery of this conspiracie, and the happy prevention in a great part, should fully appeare abroad, it would prove so great a discouragement to such of the conspirators as had not yet openly declared themselves, as that they would thereby be contained within the bounds of their duty and obe∣dience to His Majesty. The same night the Lord Blaney arrived with the news of the surprisall of his house, his wife and his children, by the Re∣bels of the county of Monaghan:* 1.45 Next day came advertisement from Sir Arthur Tyringham, of the taking of the Newry; and then the sad relations of burning, spoiling, and horrible murders committed within the Province of Vlster, began to multiply, and severall persons every day and almost every houre in every day for a good while after, arrived like Jobs messengers, telling the story of their own sufferings, and the fearfull massacres of the poor English in those parts from whence they came. These things wrought such a generall consternation and astonishment in the minds of all the English and other inhabitants well affected within the city, as they were much affrighted therewith, expecting every houre when the Irish already crept into the Town, joyning with the Papists there, should make the City a Theater whereon to act the second part of that Tragedy most bloodily begun in the Northern parts by them.

* 1.46And it added most extremely to these present feares, that severall un∣happy rumours (the great tormentors of the weaker sexe) were vainly spread abroad of the sodain approach of great numbers of Rebels out of the adjacent Irish counties unto the city: Some would make us believe that they were discerned at some distance already marching down from the mountain side within view of the Town; a report so credibly deliver∣ed by those who pretended to be eye-witnesses, that it drew some of the State up to the platform of the castle to behold those who were yet in∣visible, though there were there that would not be perswaded but that they saw the very motions of the men as they marched down the moun∣tains. It was at the same time also generally noised abroad, that there were 10000. of the Rebels gotten together in a body at the hill of Tarah, a place not above sixteen miles distant from the Town, and that they in∣tended without any further delay to march on and presently surprise the same. These false rumours being unluckily spread, and by some fomented out of evill ends, exceedingly increased the present distractions of the people, and raised such a panick fear among them, as about seven of the clock at night, the Lords Iustices and some of the Councel being then in

the councel-chamber within the castle, there came in to them a Gentle∣man of good quality, who having not without much difficulty, as he pre∣tended, recovered the gate of the castle, caused the Warders then at∣tending to draw up the bridge, assuring them that the Rebels gathered together in great numbers, had already possessed themselves of a good part of the Town, and came now with great fury marching down the street that leads directly towards the castle gate. But this feare was quickly removed by Sir Francis Willoughby, who being that day made gover∣nour of the castle, caused the draw-bridge to be let down, and so found this to be a false alarum occasioned by some mistake fallen among the peo∣ple, who continued waving up and down the streets, prepossessed with strange feares, and some of them upon some slender accident drawing their swords, others that knew not the cause thought fit to follow the example, and so came to appeare to this Gentleman who was none of their company, as so many Rebels comming up to enter the castle.

These were the first beginnings of our sorrows, ill symptomes,* 1.47 and sad preparatives to the ensuing evils: Therefore the Lords finding by several intelligences, though some purposely framed, that the power of the Re∣bels was suddenly swollen up to so great a bulk, and likely so fast to mul∣tiply and increase upon them, thought it high time to consider of the re∣medies, and in what condition they were to oppose, since they could not prevent so imminent a danger. The rebellion now appeared without all manner of question to be generally raised in all parts of the North, and like a torrent to come down most impetuously upon them: besides, it was no wayes improbable that all other parts of the kingdome would take fire and follow their example, they had the testimony of Mac-Mahon positive therein. The first thing therefore which they took into consideration, was, how they were provided of Mony, Arms, and Muni∣tion; Then, what Companies of Foot, and Troops of Horse of the old Army they were able to draw presently together,* 1.48 as also what numbers of new men they could suddenly raise. For the first, they had this short accompt from the Vice-treasurer, That there was no mony in the Exche∣quer. And certainly it was a main policie in the first contrivers of this Rebellion, to plot the breaking of it out at such a time when the Ex∣chequer should be empty, and all the Kings revenues both certain and ca∣suall, due for that half year, as well as the rents of all the British through∣out the kingdome, should be found ready either in the tenants or col∣lectors hands in the country, and so necessarily fall under their power, as they did to their great advantage. For Arms and Munition, the Stores were indifferently well furnished at this time: Besides severall Peeces of

Artillery of divers sorts, most of them fitted for present service, there were Arms for near 10000. men, 1500 barrels of Powder, with Match and Lead proportionable, laid in by the Earle of Strafford late L. Lieu∣tenant, not long before, and designed another way, but so op∣portunely reserved for this service, as the good providence of God did exceedingly appeare therein, but principally in the miraculous preserva∣tion of them out of the hands of the Rebels, who made the surprisall of these provisions, then all within the castle of Dublin (the common store∣house of them) a main part of their designe. The old standing Army, as appeares by this List, consisted only of 41 Companies of Foot, and 14 Troops of Horse.

A List of His Majesties Army in Ireland, 1641. Before the Rebellion began.

Foot-Companies consisting of six Officers, viz. Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, Chirurgion, Serjeant and Drum, and fourty four Souldiers each Company.

• LORD Lieutenants Guard 45
• Sir Robert Farrar 44
• Sir Thomas Wharton 44
• Sir George Saint-George 44
• Cap. Francis Butler 44
• Sir Wil. Saint Leguer 44
• Lord Docwra 44
• Lord Blaney 44
• Sir Robert Steward 44
• Lord Viscount Rannelagh 44
• Lord Viscount Baltinglas 44
• Sir John Vaughan 44
• Cap. George Blount 44
• Sir Hen. Tichbourne 44
• Sir Frederick Hamilton 44
• Lord Castle-Stewart 44
• Sir Lorenzo Cary 44
• Cap Chichester Fortescue 44
• Sir John Gifford 44
• Cap. John Barry 44
• Sir John Neutervile 44
• Cap. Thomas Rockley 44
• Sir Arthur Tyringham 44
• Cap. Philip Wenman 44
• Cap. Charles Price 44
• Sir Charles Coote 44
• Cap. Thomas Games 44
• Sir Francis Willoughby 44
• Sir John Borlase 44
• Cap. Robert Bailey 44
• Sir Arthur Loftus 44
• Cap. Wil. Billingsley 44
• The Lord Esmond 44
• The Lord Lambert 44
• Sir George Hamilton 44
• Lord Folliot 44
• Sir Wil. Stewart 44
• Cap. Robert Biron 44
• Sir John Sherlock 44
• The Earl of Clanricard 44
• Cap. John Ogle 44
• These Companies contain Officers 246 In all 2297
• Souldiers 2051 In all 2297

Horse-Troopes.

• THE Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieute∣nant generall, his Troop consisting of Captain, Lieutenant, Cornet, and Horsemen 108
• The Earl of Ormonds Troop, like Offi∣cers, and Horsemen 107
• The Earl of Straffords Troop, like Of∣ficers and Horsemen 58
• Lord Dillons Troop, like Officers and Horsemen 58
• Lord Wilmots Troop, like Officers and Horsemen 58
• Sir Wil. Saint-Leguer, Lord President of Munster, the like 58
• Lord Viscount Moore the like 58
• Lo. Viscount Grandison the like 58
• Lo. Visc. Cromwell of Lecale, the like 58
• Cap. Arthur Chichester, the like 58
• Sir George Wentworth, the like 58
• Sir John Borlase, the like 58
• Lo. Viscount Conway, the like 58
• Sir Adam Loftus, the like 58
• These Troopes contain Officers 42 In all 943
• Horsemen 901 In all 943

These were so strangely dispersed most of them into the remote parts of the kingdome, for the guard of severall Forts and other places, as it fell out to be in a maner most impossible to draw a considerable number of them together in any time, either for the defence of the City, or the making head against the Rebels in the North: and besides it was much to be suspected, the companies lying severally so remote, and ill furnish∣ed with munition, could with little safety march to Dublin. Yet the Lords sent Potents presently away to require severall companies of Foot, and some troops of Horse presently to rise and march up from their se∣verall garrisons towards the city of Dublin. And now it was held high time to give an accompt unto His Majesty, then at Edenburgh in his king∣dome of Scotland, and to the Lord Lieutenant continuing still at London (the Parliament still sitting there) of the breaking out of this Rebellion,* 1.49 the ill condition of the Kingdome, the wants of the State, and the Sup∣plies absolutely necessary for their present defence and preservation. And because the Letter to the Lord Lieutenant doth most clearly repre∣sent severall particulars which may much conduce to the knowledge of the affaires, I have thought fit to insert a true copy of it, which here followeth.

May it please your Lordship,

ON Friday the two and twentieth of this moneth, after nine of the clock at night, this bearer Owen Conally, servant to Sir John Clotworthy Knight, came to me the Lord Iustice Parsons, to my house, and in great secresie (as indeed the cause did require) discovered unto me a most wicked and damnable conspiracy, plotted, contrived, and intended to be also acted by some evill-affected Irish Papists here. The plot was on the then next morning, Saturday the 23 of October, being Saint Igna∣tius day, about nine of the clock to surprize His Majesties Castle of Dublin, His Majesties chief strength of this Kingdome, wherein also is the principall Magazine of His Majesties Arms and Mu∣nition, and it was agreed it seems amongst them, that at the same houre all other His Majesties Forts and Magazines of Arms and Munition in this Kingdome, should be surprized by others of those Conspirators, and further, that all the Protestants and English throughout the whole Kingdome, that would not joyn with them, should be cut off, and so those Papists should then become possessed of the Government and Kingdom at the same instant.

Assoon as I had that intelligence, I then immediatly repaired to the Lord Iustice Borlace, and thereupon We instantly assembled the Councell, and having sate all that night, as also all the next day, the 23 of October, in regard of the short time left us for the con∣sultation of so great and weighty a matter, although it was not pos∣sible for us upon so few houres warning to prevent those other great mischiefes which were to be acted, even at that same hour, and at so great a distance as in all the other parts of the Kingdome. Yet such was our industry therein, having caused the Castle to be that night strengthened with armed men, and the City guarded, as the wicked Councels of those evill persons, by the great mercy of God to us, became defeated, so as they were not able to Act that part of their Treachery, which indeed was principall, and which, if they could have effected, would have rendred the rest of their purposes the more easie.

Having so secured the Castle, We forthwith laid about for the apprehension of as many of the Offenders as We could, many of them having come to this City but that night, intending it seems the next morning to act their parts in those treacherous and bloody crimes.

The first man apprehended was one Hugh Mac Mahon Esquire (Grandson to the Traitour Tyrone a Gentleman of a good fortune in the County of Monaghan, who with others, was taken that mor∣ning in Dublin, having at the time of their apprehension offered a little resistance with their swords drawn, but finding those We im∣ployed against them more in number, and better armed, yielded. He upon his Examination before us at first denyed all, but in the end, when he saw we laid it home to him, he confessed enough to destroy himself, and impeach some others, as by a Copy of his Exa∣mination herewith sent, may appear to your Lordship, We then com∣mitted him untill We might have further time to examine him a∣gain, our time being become more needfull to be imployed in action for securing this place, then in examining. This Mac Mahon had been abroad, and served the King of Spain as a Lieu. Colonel.

Vpon conference with him and others, and calling to minde a Letter We received the week before from Sir William Cole, a Co∣py whereof We send your Lordship here inclosed, We gathered that the Lord Mac Guire was to be an actor in surprizing the Castle of Dublin, wherefore We held it necessary to secure him immediatly, thereby also to startle and deter the rest, when they found him laid fast. His Lordship observing what we had done, and the City in Arms, fled from his lodging early before day, it seems disguised, for we had laid a watch about his lodging, so as we think he could not passe without disguising himself, yet he could not get forth of the City, so surely guarded were all the Gates.

There were found at his lodging hidden some Hatchets, with the Helves newly cut off close to the Hatchets, and many Skeanes, and some Hammers.

In the end the Sheriffes of the City, whom we imployed in strict search of his Lordship, found him hidden in a Cockloft, in an ob∣scure

house far from his lodging, where they apprehended him, and brought him before Vs.

He denyed all, yet so, as he could not deny but he heard of it in the countrey, though he would not tell us when, or from whom; and confessed that he had not advertised Vs thereof, as in duty he ought to have done. But We were so well satisfied of his guiltines by all circumstances, as We doubted not upon further examination when We could be able to spare time for it to finde it apparant: wherefore We held it of absolute necessity to commit him Close-pri∣soner, as We had formerly done Mac Mahon, and others: where We left him on the three and twentieth of this moneth in the morn∣ing, about the same hour they intended to have been Masters of that place, and this City.

That morning also We laid wait for all those strangers that came the night before to town, and so many were apprehended whom We finde reason to believe to have hands in this Conspiracy, as We were forced to disperse them into severall Gaols: and We since found that there came many Horsemen into the Suburbs that night, who finding the plot discovered, dispersed themselves immediately.

When the hour approached, which was designed for surprising the Castle, great numbers of strangers were observed to come to town in great parties severall wayes; who not finding admittance at the Gates, staid in the Suburbs, and there grew numerous, to the terrour of the Inhabitants. We therefore to help that, drew up in∣stantly and signed a Proclamation, commanding all men, not dwel∣lers in the City or Suburbs, to depart within an hour, upon pain of death, and made it alike penall to those that should harbour them; which Proclamation the Sheriffs immediately proclaimed in all the Suburbs by Our commandement: which being accompanied with the example and terror of the committall of those two eminent men, and others, occasioned the departure of those multitudes: and in this case, all our lives and fortunes, and above all, his Majesties power and regall authority being still at the stake, We must vary from ordinary proceedings, not only in executing martiall law as We see cause, but also in putting some to the Rack to finde out the

bottome of this treason, and all the contrivers thereof, which we foresee will not otherwise be done.

On that 23 day of this moneth, We conceiving that as soon as it should be known that the plot for seizing Dublin Castle was disap∣pointed, all the Conspirators in the remote parts might be some∣what disheartned, as on the other side the good Subjects would be comforted, and would then with the more confidence stand on their guard, did prepare to send abroad to all parts of the Kingdome this Proclamation which we send you here inclosed: and so having pro∣vided that the City and Castle should be so guarded as upon the sudden Wee could promise, Wee concluded that long continued consultation.

On Saturday at 12 of the clock at night the Lord Blany came to town and brought Vs the ill news of the Rebels seising with two hundred men his house at Castle Blany in the County of Monagh∣an, and his Wife, Children, and Servants, as also a house of the Earle of Essex called Carrickmacrosse with two hundred men, & a house of Sir Henry Spotswood in the same County, with two hundred men; where there being a little Plantation of Brittish, they plundred the Town and burnt divers houses, and it since ap∣pears that they burnt divers other Villages, and robbed and spoi∣ler many English, and none but Protestants; leaving the English Papists untouched as well as the Irish.

On Sunday morning at three of the clock We had intelligence from Sir Arthur Terringham, that the Irish in the town had that day also broken up the Kings store of arms and munition at the Newry, and where the store of arms hath lyen ever since the peace, and where they found fourscore and ten barrels of powder, and armed themselves, and put them under the command of Sir Con. Ma∣gennis Knight, and one Creely a Monk, and plundered the Eng∣lish there and disarmed the Garrison. And this, though too much, is all that We yet hear is done by them.

However We shall stand on our guard the best We may to defend the Castle and City principally, those being the pieces of most im∣portance. But if the Conspiracy be so universall as Mac Mahon

saith in his Examination it is, namely, That all the Counties in the Kingdome have conspired in it, which We admire should so fall out in this time of universall peace, and carried with that secrecy that none of the English could have any friend amongst them to disclose it, then indeed We shall be in high extremity, and the King∣dome in the greatest danger that ever it underwent, considering our want of men, money, and armes, to enable Vs to encounter so great multitudes as they can make, if all should joyn against Vs, the rather, because We have pregnant cause to doubt that the com∣bination hath taken force by the incitement of Jesuits, Priests and Fryars.

All the hope We have here, is, the old English of the Pale, and some other parts, will continue constant to the King in their fidelity, as they did in former rebellions.

And now in these straits, We must under God depend on ayd forth of England for our present supply with all speed, especially money, We having none, and arms which we shall exceedingly want; without which, We are very doubtfull what account We shall give to the King of his Kingdome.

But if the Conspiracy be only of Mac Guire and some other Irish of the kindred and friends of the Rebell Tirone and other Irish in the Counties of Downe, Monaghan, Cavan, Fermanagh and Armagh, and no generall revolt following thereupon, we hope then to make head against them in a reasonable measure if We be enabled with money from thence, without which We can raise no forces, so great is our want of money as we have formerly written, and our debt so great to the Army: nor is money to be borrowed here, and if it were, we would engage all our estates for it: nei∣ther have we any hope to get in his Majesties rents and subsidies in these disturbances, which adde extreamly to our necessities.

On Sunday morning 24. We met again in Councell, and sent to all parts of the Kingdome the enclosed Proclamation, and issued Potents to draw hither seven Horse troopes as a further strength to this place, and to be with us in case the Rebels shall make head and march hitherward, so as we may be necessitated to give them bat∣tell.

We also then sent away our Letters to the President of both the Provinces of Munster and Conaght: And we likewise then sent Letters to the Sheriffes of the five Counties of the Pale to con∣sult of the best way and means of their own preservation. That day the Lord Vice Com. Gormanston, the Lord Vice Co. Netter∣vile, the Lord Vice Co. Fitz Williams, and the Lord of Houth, and since the Earles of Kildare, and Fingall, and the Lords of Dunsany and Slane, all Noblemen of the English Pale came un∣to us, declaring that they then and not before heard of the matter, and professed loyalty to his Majesty, and concurrence with the State, but said they wanted armes, whereof they desired to be supplyed by Vs, which we told them we would willingly do, as rely∣ing much on their faithfulnesse to the Crown: but we were not yet certain whether or no we had enough to arme our strength for the guard of the City and Castle; yet we supplyed such of them as lay in most danger with a small proportion of Arms and Munition for their houses, lest they should conceive we apprehended any jealousie of them. And we commanded them to be very diligent in sending out watches, and making all the discoveries they could, and there∣of to advertise us, which they readily promised to do.

And if it fall out that the Irish generally rise, which we have cause to suspect, then we must of necessity put Arms into the hands of the English Pale in present, and to others as fast as we can, to fight for defence of the State and themselves.

Your Lordship now sees the condition wherein we stand, and how necessary it is first that we enjoy your presence speedily for the better guiding of those and other the publick affairs of the King & King∣dom. And secondly, that the Parliament there be moved immediate∣ly to advance to Vs a good sum of money, which being now speedily sent hither, may prevent the expence of very much treasure & blood in a long continued war. And if your Lordship shall happen to stay on that side any longer time; we must then desire your Lordship to appoint a Lieutenant Generall to discharge the great and weighty burthen of commanding the forces here.

Amidst these confusions and discords fallen upon Vs, We be∣thought

Vs of the Parliament, which was formerly adjourned to No∣vember next, & the term now also at hand, which will draw such a concourse of people hither & give opportunity under that pretence, assembling and taking new Councels, seeing the former seems to be in some part disappointed, and of contriving further danger to this State and People: We have therefore found it of unavoidable necessity to prorogue it accordingly, and to direct the Term to be adjourned to the first of Hillary Term, excepting only the Court of Exchequer for hastning in the Kings money if it be possible. We desire upon this occasion your Lordship will be pleased to view our Letters concerning the plantation of Conaght, dated the 24 of April last, directed to Mr. Secretary Vane in that part thereof, which concerns the County of Monaghan, where now these fires do first break out.

In the last place we must make known to your Lordship, that the Army we have, consisting but of 2000 Foot and 1000 Horse, are so dispersed in Garrisons in severall parts, as continually they have been since they were so reduced, as if they be all sent for to be drawn together, not only the places whence they are to be drawn, (and for whose safety they lye there) must be by absence distressed; but also the Companies themselves comming in so small numbers may be in danger to be cut off in their march; nor indeed have we any money to pay the Souldiers to enable them to march. And so we take leave and remain from his Majesties Castle of Dublin 25 of October 1641.

Your Lordships to be commanded

• ...William Parsons. John Borlase.
• Richard Bolton. Can. R. Dillon. Anthony Midensis. John Raphoe. R. Digbie. Ad. Loftus. Ger. Lowther. John Temple. Tho. Rotheram. Fran. Willoughbie. Ja. Ware. G. Wentworth. Robert Meredith.

POSTSCRIPT.

THe said Owen Conally, who revealed the Conspiracy is wor∣thy of very great consideration, to recompence that faith and loyalty which he hath so extreamly to his own danger expressed in this businesse; whereby under God there is yet hope left us of deli∣verance of this State and Kingdome, from the wicked purposes of those Conspirators. And therefore we beseech your Lordship that it be taken into consideration there, so as he may have a mark of his Majesties most royall bounty which may largely extend to him and his posterity, we not being now able here to do it for him.

W. PARSONS.

To the Right Honourable our very good Lord ROBERT Earle of Leicester, Lo. Lieutenant Gen. and Generall Governour of the Kingdome of Ireland.

THe dispatch sent to his Majesty was addressed to Sir Henry Vane, Principall Secretary, and carried by Sir Henry Spotswood, who went by sea directly into Scotland: And the Letters to the L. Lieutenant were sent to London by Owen O Conally, the first discoverer of the Plot.

The Lords now with all care and diligence applyed their further en∣deavours towards the preventing as much as was possible, the destruction intended against all the Brittish inhabitants of the Kingdome,* 2.1 as well as the security of the City and the places round about it. A work of large extent, and wherein they met with many difficulties, by reason of their own wants both of men and money. They having formerly sent away and dispersed the Proclamations into severall parts of the Countrey, now sent Letters by expresse Messengers unto the Presidents of Munster and Conaght, and to severall principall Gentlemen in those two Provinces; as also to others within the Province of Lemster, giving them notice of the discovery of the Plot, and advising them to stand upon their guard, and

to make the best provision they could for the defence of the Countrey a∣bout them. They sent another expresse to the Earl of Ormond, then at his house at Caricke, with Letters to the same effect; and withall desired his Lordship presently to repair unto them at Dublin with his Troop of horse. They sent likewise Commissions to the Lords Viscounts of Clan∣deboys, and of the Ardes, for raising of the Scots in the Northern parts, and putting them into arms, as they did also soon after to Sir William Stewart, and Sir Robert Stewart, and severall other Gentlemen of qua∣lity in the North. And as they gave them order for prosecution of the Rebels with fire and sword, so they gave them power to receive such of them in as should submit to his Majesties grace and mercy. But these di∣spatches they were enforced to send all by sea, the Rebels having stopped up the passages, and hindred all manner of entercourse with that Province by land.

* 2.2The Lords of the Pale having been at the Councell Board, and there declared to the Lords Justices, with great protestations, their loyall affections unto his Majestie; together with their readinesse and forward concurrence with their Lordships in this service, came unto them again within two or three dayes after with a Petition; wherein they offered unto their Lordships, the deep sense they had of an expression in the late Proclamation set out upon the discovery of this great Conspiracy inten∣ded, as is there set down, by some evill affected Irish papists, which words they feared might be by some mis-interpreted, and such a construction put upon them, as might reflect upon their persons, as comprehended un∣der them. Whereupon the Lords Justices and Councell thought fit, to descend so far to their satisfaction, as not only to remonstrate the clear∣nesse of their intentions towards them, but that it might appear unto the world, they entertained not the least jealous thoughts of them, they cau∣sed a new Proclamation to be set out by way of explanation of the for∣mer, which I have thought fit here to insert, that it may appear how far they were from giving any of those Lords and Gentlemen occasion to break out into those rebellious courses, they soon afterwards took to their own destruction.

By the Lords Iustices and Councell.

W. Parsons. John Borlase.

WHereas a Petition hath been preferred unto Us by divers Lords and Gen∣tlemen of the English Pale, in behalf of themselvs and the rest of the Pale, and other the old English of this Kingdome,* 2.3 shewing that whereas a late Conspiracy of Treason is discovered of ill-affected persons of the old Irish, & that there∣upon a Proclamation was published by Us; where∣in among other things, it is declared that the said Conspiracy was perpetrated by Irish papists with∣out distinction of any; and they doubting that by those generall words of Irish Papists, they might seem to be involved, though they declare themselves confident that We did not intend to conclude them therein, in regard they are none of the old Irish, nor of their faction, or confederacy; but are altogether averse and opposite to all their designes, and all o∣thers of like condition; We doe therefore to give them full satisfaction, hereby declare and publish to to all His Majesties good Subjects in this Kingdom, That by the words, Irish Papists, VVe intended on∣ly such of the old meer Irish in the Province of Ul∣ster,

as have plotted, contrived, and been actors in this Treason, and others who adhere to them; and that VVe did not any way intend, or mean thereby any of the old English of the Pale, nor of any other parts of this Kingdome, VVe being well assured of their fidelities to the Crown, and having experi∣ence of the good affections and services of their An∣cestors in former times of danger and Rebellion. And VVe further require all His Majesties loving Subjects, whether Protestants or Papists to forbear upbraiding matter of Religion, one against the o∣ther, and that upon pain of his Majesties indignati∣on. Given at His Majesties Castle of Dublin, 29 Octob. 1641.

R. Ranelagh. R. Dillon. Ant. Midensis. Ad. Loftus. Geo. Shurley. Gerrard Lowther. I. Temple. Fr. Willoughby. Ia. Ware.

God save the King.

¶ Imprinted at Dublin, by the Society Of STATIONERS.

BUt to return now to the Northern Rebels, who so closely pursued on their first plot, as they beginning to put it in execution in most of the chief places of strength there, upon the 23 of Octob. the day appointed for the surprizall of the Castle of Dublin, had by the latter end of the same moneth gotten into their possession all the Towns, Forts, Castles, and Gentlemens houses within the Counties of Tyrone, Donegall,* 2.4 Fer∣managh, Armagh, Cavan, London Derry, Monaghan, and half the County of Down, excepted the Cities of London Derry and Coleraigne, the Town and Castle of Encikillin, and some other places and Castles which were for the present gallantly defended by the British undertakers, though afterwards for want of relief surrendred into their hands. The chief of the Northern Rebels that first appeared in the execution of this Plot within the Province of Vlster were, Sir Phelim O Neale,* 2.5 Turlogh O Neale, his brother, Roury Mac Guire, brother to the Lord Mac Guire, Philip O Rely, Mulmore O Rely, Sir Conne Mac Gennis, Col. Mac Brian, Mac Mahon; these having closely combined together, with severall other of their accomplices, the chief of the severall Septs in the severall Counties, divided their forces into severall parties; and according to a generall assignation made among themselves at one and the same time, surprized by treachery the Town and Castle of the Newry,* 2.6 the Fort of Dongannon, Fort Montjoy, Carlemont, Tonrages, Caricke Mac Rosse, Cloughouter, Castle Blaney, Castle of Monaghan, being all of them pla∣ces of considerable strength, and in severall of them companies of foot, or troops of Horse belonging to the standing army. Besides these they took a multitude of other Castles, Houses of strength, Towns, and Vil∣lages, all abundantly peopled with Brittish in habitants, who had exceed∣ingly enriched the Countrey as well as themselves by their painfull la∣bours. They had made for their more comfortable subsistance, handsome and pleasant habitations, abounding with corn, cattell, and all other commodities that an industrious people could draw out of a good inland soile. They lived in great plenty, and some of them very well stored with plate and ready money. They lived likewise in as great security, being quiet and carelesse, as the people of Laish, little suspecting any treache∣ry from their Irish neighbours. The English well knew they had given them no manner of provocation; they had entertained them with great demonstrations of love and affection. No story can ever shew that in any Age since their intermixed cohabitation, they rise up secretly to do them mischief. And now of late they lived so peaceably and lovingly together as they had just reason most confidently to believe, that the Irish would never upon any occasion generally rise up again to their destruction. This I take to be one main and principall reason that the English were so

easily over-run within the Northern Counties,* 2.7 and so suddenly swallow∣ed up, before they could make any manner of resistance in the very first begnnings of this Rebellion. For most of the English having either Irish Tenants, Servants, or Landlords, and all of them Irish neighbours their familiar friends: as soon as the fire brake out, and the whole Countrey began to rise about them, some made their recourse presently to their Friends for protection, some relying upon their Neighbours, others up∣on their Landlords, others upon their Tenants and Servants for preserva∣tion,* 2.8 or at least, present safety; and with great confidence put their lives, their Wives, their Children, and all they had, into their power. But these generally either betrayed them into the hands of other Rebels, or most perfidiously destroyed them with their own hands. The Priests had now charmed the Irish, and laid such bloody impressions in them, as it was held, according to the maxims they had received, a mortall sin to give any manner of relief or protection to any of the English. All bonds and tyes of faith and friendship were now broken; the Irish Landlords made a prey of their English tenants, Irish tenants and servants a Sacri∣fice of their English Landlords and Masters, one neighbour cruelly murdered by another; the very Irish children in the very beginning fell to strip and kill English children: all other relations were quite cancel∣led and laid aside, and it was now esteemed a most meritorious work in any of them that could by any means or wayes whatsoever, bring an En∣lish man to the slaughter. A work not very difficult to be compassed as things then stood.* 2.9 For they living promiscuously among the British, in all parts having from their Priests received the Watchword both for time and place, rose up, as it were actuated by one and the same spirit, in all places of those Counties before mentioned at one and the same point of time; and so in a moment fell upon them, murdering some, stripping only, or expelling others out of their habitations. This bred such a ge∣nerall terror and astonishment among the English as they knew not what to think, much lesse what to do, or which way to turn themselves. Their servants were killed as they were ploughing in the fields, Husbands cut to pieces in the presence of their Wives, their Childrens brains dashed out before their faces, others had all their goods and cattell seazed and carried away, their houses burnt, their habitations laid waste, and all as it were at an instant before they could suspect the Irish for their enemies, or any wayes imagine that they had it in their hearts, or in their power, to offer so great violence, or do such mischief unto them.

Now for such of the English as stood upon their guard, and had gathe∣red together, though but in small numbers, the Irish had recourse to their ancient stratagem; which as they have formerly, so they still continued

to make frequent use of in this present Rebellion.* 2.10 And that was fairly to offer unto them good conditions of quarter, to assure them their lives, their goods, and free passage, with a safe conduct into what place soever they pleased, and to confirme these covenants sometimes under their Hands and Seals, sometimes with deep Oaths and Protestations; and then as soon as they had them in their power, to hold themselves dis-ob∣liged from their promises, and to leave their Souldiers at liberty to de∣spoil, strip, and murder them at their pleasure. Thus were the poor Eng∣lish treated, who had shut themselves up in the great Cathedrall Church at Armagh by Sir Phelim O Neale, and his brother Turlogh. Thus were such of the English used by Philip O Reley, who had retired themselves to Belterbert, the best planted Town in the County of Cavan. And af∣ter the same barbarous manner were such of the English drawn out to the slaughter, as had gotten into the Castles of Longford, the Castle of Tul∣logh in the County of Fermanagh, or the Church of Newtowne in the same County, and severall other places; as appears by severall examina∣tions taken upon oath, from persons that hardly escaped thence with their lives. And besides these other pollicies they used,* 2.11 some to distract and discourage them, others to dis-inable them to stand out to make any defence. As in severall places the Irish came under divers pretences, and borrowed such weapons and armes as the English had in their houses; and no sooner got them into their hands, but they turned them out of their own doors, as they did at Glaslough in the County of Monaghan: And by the same means they very gently and fairly got into their posses∣sion all the English arms in the County of Cavan: The High Sheriffe there being an Irishman and a Papist, pretending that he took their arms to secure them only against the violence of such of the Irish as he under∣stood to be in arms in the next County. And that they might the more easily effect the destruction of the English, and keep off the Scots from giving them any assistance, they openly professed to spare, as really they did at the first, all of the Scottish Nation; and pretended they would suffer them, as likewise all English Papists, to live quietly among them; hoping thereby to contain all of that Nation from taking up arms, till they had mastered all the English, and that then they should be well e∣nough enabled to deal with them. Thus were the poor English prepa∣red for the slaughter, and so exceedingly distracted with the tumultuous rising of the Irish on all sides about them, as they could never put them∣selves into any posture of defence. And although in many places they made small parties, and betook themselves into severall Churches and Castles, some of which were most gallantly long defended by them, yet did they not draw together in any such considerable body, as would en∣able

them to make good their party in the field,* 2.12 against the numerous forces of the Rebels. The truth is, they did not very readily endeavour, or dexterously attempt it in any part of that Province, as I could hear of; every man betaking himself the best he could to the care of his own house, and seeking how to save his own family, his goods within, and his cattell without. And so while they kept singly apart, and singly stood up for their own private preservation, not joyning their forces together for the common safety, they gave the Rebels a fair opportunity, and a singular advantage, to work out with great facility their common de∣struction. Whereas, if they had deserted their houses upon the first no∣tice of the rising up of the Irish, and in the severall Counties put them∣selves into severall bodies, under the commands of the chief English Gentlemen round about them, they had undoubtedly (how ill soever they were provided of arms and munition) been able to have encountred the Irish, and to have beat them out of many parts of the countrey, or at least, to have put them to some stand in their enterprize. Whereas, by the course they took, they most readily, without almost any resistance, exposed themselves to the mercilesse cruelty of the Irish, who at the ve∣ry first (for some few dayes after their breaking out) did not in most pla∣ces murder many of them: but the course they took, was to seaze upon all their goods and cattell, to strip them, their wives, and children na∣ked; and in that miserable plight, the weather being most bitter cold and frosty, to turn them out of their houses, to drive them to the Moun∣tains, to wander through the Woods and Bogs; and if they by any means procured any other clothes, or but even ordinary rags to cover their nakednesse, they were presently taken from them again, and none suffe∣red to give them any kinde of shelter by the way, relief, or entertain∣ment, without incurring the heavie displeasure of their Priests and chief Commanders. And so they drove such of the English, whose lives they thought fit at that time to spare, clear out of the countrey. Some of them took their journey towards Carigfergus, others towards Colraine, Derry, and other of the Northern Ports. Many who had gotten together and stood upon their guards, came to composition with their bloody assai∣lants, and gave them their goods, plate and money, for leave to come up to the City of Dublin. And having bought their license at so dear a rate, had Passes and Convoyes assigned them by the chief Captains of the Rebels, and so came on of their way in great Troops of Men, Women, and Children. Out of the County of Cavan, as M. Creighton, (who by his charitable relief of great numbers of them, preserved them from perish∣ing) testifies in his examination, there passed by his house in one compa∣ny 1400 persons, in another 500. from Newtowne in the County of

Fermanagh, in others lesser numbers, all without any weapons,* 2.13 or any thing else but the very clothes on their backs, which they suffered them not to carry away with them; but many were most barbarously stripped of them, by those who undertook to give them safe conduct, or perfidi∣ously betrayed by them into the hands of other Rebels, by whom some were killed, others wounded: and all in a manner whatsoever they had to cover their nakednesse, taken from most of them; as may appear by the examination of Adam Clover of Slonosy in the County of Cavan, who being duly sworn, deposeth inter alia, That this deponent and his company that were robbed, observed, that 30 persons or thereabouts, were then most barbarously murdered and slain outright, and about 150 more persons cruelly wounded; so that traces of blood issuing from their wounds, lay upon the High way for 12 miles together, and many very young children were left and perished by the way, to the number of 60 or thereabouts; because the cruell pursuit of the Rebels was such, that their parents and friends could not carry them further. And fur∣ther saith, that some of the Rebels vowed, That if any digged graves wherein to bury the dead children, they should be buried therein them∣selves: So the poor people left the most of them unburied, exposed to ravenous beasts and fowls, and some few their Parents carried a great way to bury them. And this deponent further saith, that he saw upon the way a woman left by the Rebels stripped to her smock, set upon by three women and some Irish children, who miserably rent and tore the said poor English woman, and stripped her of her smock in a bitter frost and snow, so that she fell in labour under their hands, and both she and her childe dyed there. Thus did their mercy in sparing those miserable soules in this manner prove by much a far greater cruelty then if they had suddenly cut them off, as they did afterwards many thousands of Brittish that fell into their hands. For now they starved and perished in multitudes upon the wayes as they travelled along; and to those that outlived the misery of their journey, their limbes only served to drag up their bodies to christian buriall there denied unto them. For many of the men, and most of the women and children that thus escaped, either to Dublin or other places of safety in the North, not long outlived the bitternesse of their passage; but either overwhelmed with grief, or out∣wearied with travell, contracted those diseases which furthered by hun∣ger, cold, nakednesse, ill lodgings, and want of other necessaries, struck deeply into bodies that had lived long at ease with much plenty, and soon brought them with sorrow to their graves.

THese were the first fruits of this Rebellion which now began to di∣late it self into the other Provinces, having covered over the Nor∣thern Parts of the Kingdome with fearfull desolations. The first Plot∣ters were yet undiscovered, but the great active instruments appointed for the execution of this horrid designe fully appeared, and had already deeply imbrued their hands in the bloody massacres of the English. Sir Phelim O Neale being the chief of that Sept,* 2.14 and now the person re∣maining of nearest alliance to the late Earl of Tyrone, assumed to him∣self the chief power among the Rebels in Ʋlster; and by his directions guided the rest of his complices on, in the destruction of all the English there. He was one of very mean parts without courage or conduct; his education for a great part of his youth was in England; he was admit∣ted a Student of Lincolns Inne, and there trained up in the Protestant religion, which he soon changed after, if not before his return into Ire∣land, lived loosely, and having no considerable estate, by reason of the great engagement upon it, became of very little esteem in all mens opi∣nions. Yet such were the over zealous affections of his Countreymen in this cause, their secrecy in attempting, their suddennesse in executing, as by their forwardnesse to destroy the English and get their goods, he quickly over-run that part of the Countrey. He had prevailed so far within seven dayes after he first appeared in this Rebellion, by seazing most treacherously at the very first upon Charlemont, where the Lord Caufield lay with his Foot company, the Forts of Dongannon and Mont∣joy, as that in his Letter written to Father Patrick O Donnell his Con∣fessor, bearing date from Montjoy, the 30 of Octob. he was able to brag of great and many victories. And presently after he had gotten such a multitude of rude fellowes together, though in very ill equipage, as he marched down with great numbers of men towards Lisnagaruy, near the chief Plantation of the Scots; (for that part of their plot to spare them, as they did in the beginning, they found now too grosse to take, therefore they resolved to fall upon them without mercy) and yet left sufficient forces to come up into the Pale, to take in Dondalke in the County of Lowth. Which was a Frontier Town in the last wars against Tyrone,* 2.15 and so well defended it self, as with all the power he had, he could never recover it into his hands. There lay now a Foot company of the old Army, but the Lieutenant who commanded it, having neither his men in readinesse, nor armes or munition, made little or no resist∣ance, easily giving way to the forward affections of the inhabitants who delivered up the Town into the possession of the Rebels about the be∣ginning of November 1641.

The Rebels presently after their taking in of Dondalke marched on

further into the County of Lowth, and possessed themselves of Ardee,* 2.16 a little Town within seven miles of Tredagh, anciently called Drohedagh. So as it was now high time to provide for the safety of that Town. The Lord Moore had already retired thither from his house at Millifont, and there remained with his troop of horse and two companies of foot. One was under the command of Sir John Nettervile, eldest sonne to the Lord Viscount Nettervile. He discovered in the very beginning much viru∣lency in his affections, by giving false frights and raising false rumours, and making all manner of ill infusions into the mindes of the Townsmen, who as it afterwards appeared, were but too forward to take part with the Rebels. It is verily believed they had in the very beginning some plot to cut off the Lord Moore and seaze upon his Troop; and that Sir John Netterviles part was to begin a mutiny, which he attempted that night he was to be upon the watch, by giving ill language, and endeavouring to make a quarrell with his Lordship, which he very discreetly passed o∣ver, and so carefully looked to the guard of the Town, as they could take no advantage to put on their designe. Howsoever the Townsmen were extreamly frighted with the thoughts of their present danger, and the greater part of them being Papists, were ready to declare themselves for the Catholick cause; only their desires were, things might be so orde∣red,* 2.17 as would administer unto them specious pretences of necessity for the same. The L. Moore gave present advertisement unto the Lords Justices and Councell, of the ill condition and most imminent danger he found the Town to be then in, that it was not possible to preserve it out of the hands of the Rebels without further strength both of horse and foot. That in case the enemy should make any sudden approaches, or attempt to surprize the Town, he found such poor preparatives for defence with∣in, such apparant signes of disloyalty in the Townsmen, and all things in such a desperate confusion, as they should not be able by the best en∣deavours they could use to give any good account of that place. Here∣upon their Lordships presently resolved,* 2.18 to leavy in the City of Dublin a Regiment of foot, and to place them under the command of Sir Henry Tichborne for the defence of Tredagh. And for this purpose there was very oportunely in the hands of the Vice Treasurer 3000 li. in a readi∣nesse to be at that time sent over into England, for the satisfaction of a publick engagement there. This the Lords thought fit to make use of, for the leavying and setting out of those men which Sir Henry Tichborne got together in very few dayes, and having a Commission of govern∣ment for the Town, with some other private instructions, he marched away with great alacrity and diligence the 3 of November, and happily arrived next day at Tredagh.

* 2.19The Lords granted another Commission to Sir Charles Coot to levy a thousand men more, which he most carefully endeavoured, and within a very short time made up his Regiment, wherein very many of the Eng∣lish, who came up stripped and despoiled out of the North, listed them∣selves; for most of the men which escaped from thence with their lives, being better able to suffer then the women and children, outlived the mi∣series of their journey, and putting themselves into severall companies, some of them had the contentment to revenge the barbarous cruelty used by the Rebels towards them.

* 2.20VPon the 5. of November, the Lords made their 2^d. dispatch unto His Majesty, still at Edenburgh in Scotland: At the same time they sent severall Letters into England, to the L. Keeper, Speaker of the house of Peers, to the Speaker of the house of Commons, to the Lo: of his M^ties most hon: Privy Councel, & to the L. Lieutenant of Ireland; in all which they did with much earnestnesse declare their present dangers, together with the necessity of sending sudden relief. In their Letter to the Lords of the Councel they did more particularly set down the miserable estate of the whole kingdom, and the large progresse that the Rebellion had in few dayes made since it broke out. They represented unto their Lordships the great outrages the Rebels had committed upon the British inhabi∣tants in Vlster, that they had seized upon all their estates and houses in five Counties of that Province, possessed their Arms, detained many of the principall Gentlemen prisoners; That they had already slain many, most barbarously hewed some to peeces, that they have exposed thou∣sands to want and beggery, who had good estates and lived plentifully: That the Rebellion began then to diffuse it self into the counties of Long∣ford and Letrim, and to threaten the English plantations in the King and Queens county: that the inhabitants of the counties of Meath and Lowth began to fall upon the English near about them: that they con∣ceived there could not be lesse then 30000. who had already openly de∣clared themselves in this Rebellion, and were assembled together in se∣verall great parties; that they understood their designe was, having got Dondalke, to take in Tredagh, and so to come up immediately to besiege the city and castle of Dublin: that they gave out publikely, their purpose was to extirpate the English and Protestants, and not to lay down Arms untill the Romish religion were established, the Government setled in the hands of the Natives, and the old Irish restored to the lands of their supposed ancestors. That they held it their duty to acquaint their Lord∣ships with the lamentable estate wherein the Kingdome stood, that his Majesty and the Parliament might understand it, and so speedily provide

for sending over to their relief 10000 Foot, 1000 Horse, together with some able Commanders, 100000. l. in money, and further provisions of Arms: That unlesse these were presently sent to them (they craved leave to repeat it again and again) the Kingdom would be utterly lost, all the English and Protestants in Ireland destroyed, the peace of the kingdome of England disturbed by the Irish from thence, and so England enforced to make a new conquest of it, for that a Politique reformation would then be impossible.

But now before I passe further,* 2.21 I shall here give an accompt of the ar∣rival of these and the former Letters of the 25. of October, addressed by the Lords Justices and Councel to the L. Lieutenant of Ireland. Owen O Conally, the happy discoverer of the first Plot (who carried the first Letters over) arrived at London the last day of October, and late in the evening delivered those Letters to his Lordship, who having read them over, and received from him full information of all other parriculars within his knowledge, repaired the next morning to the Councel-board, and having there acquainted the Lords of His Majesties Privy Councel with them he was required by their Lordships to communicate them unto the Lords of the upper house of Parliament, which he did accordingly the very same morning: And they considering the high importance of them, as soon as they had perused them, Ordered that they should be presently sent down to the house of Commons, by the Lord Keeper, the L. Privy Seal, L. High Chamberlain, L. Admiral, L. Marshal, L. Chamber∣lain, Earl of Bath, Earl of Dorset, Earl of Leicester, Earl of Holland, Earl of Berks, Earl of Bristol, L. Vicount Say, E. Mandevile, L. Goring, L. Wilmot, all of them being of His Majesties most honorable Privy Councel. There were Chairs provided for these Lords in the house of Commons, and they sate down there till the Letters were read, and then having informed the house of such other parciculars as they had received concerning the generall Rebellion in Ireland, they departed without any further conference or other debate upon them, leaving the house of Commons to consider further of them: Who presently Ordered,

That the House forthwith should be resolved into a Committee, to take into consideration the matter offered concerning the Rebelli∣on in Ireland, as likewise to provide for the safety of the Kingdom of England.

This being done, they fell into a most serious debate of this great bu∣sinesse then before them, they fully considered what means were fittest to be used at present for the prevention of the further spreading of that hideous Rebellion in Ireland, as well as stopping of the ill influence it

might make upon their affairs in England, where great troubles even then began to appeare within view. And after much time spent in this debate, they came to these severall Conclusions, which being put to the question, were assented unto by the Committee, and so resolved as followeth:

1. That 50000.l. be forthwith provided.

2. That a Conference be desired with the Lords, to move them that a select Committee of the Members of both Houses may be appointed to go to the city of London, and to make a Declaration unto them of the state of the businesse in Ireland, and to acquaint them that the leading of monies at this time will be an acceptable service to the Commonwealth. And that they propose unto them the Loan of 50000.l. and to assure them that they shall be secured both of the Principall and Interest, by Act of Parliament.

3. That a select Committee may be named of both Houses to consider of the affaires of Ireland.

4. That Owen O Conally, who discovered this great treason, shall have 500.l. presently paid him, and 200.l. per annum pension, untill pro∣vision of land of inheritance of a greater value be made for him.

5. That the persons of Papists of quality within this Kingdome, may be secured within the severall Counties where they reside.

6. That no person whatsoever, except those who are Merchants, shall be admitted to go over into Ireland, without Certificate from the Com∣mittee of both Houses appointed to consider the affaires of Ireland.

These with severall other particulars concerning Ireland, and tending in order to the safety of the kingdome of England, were resolved upon the question, and Master Whitlock appointed to report them to the House as heads of a conference desired with the Lords concerning the affaires of Ireland, which was accordingly had with their Lord∣ships the same day; At which conference the L. Keeper did expresse the very great sense the Lords had of the exceeding great care taken by the house of Commons for the prevention of the further spreading of the Rebellion in Ireland, And his Lordship by command of the Lords did further let them know, that their Lordships did think fit to agree with them in all those particulars presented unto them by the house of Commons without any materiall alteration, only adding such further things as they conceived might serve to further and expedite their desires in the more speedy putting them in execution.

The house of Commons having proceeded thus far in the affairs of Ire∣land, upon the two first dayes after the discovery made unto them of the Rebellion there raised, did notwithstanding their own present distracti∣ons,

set apart some portion almost of every day that they sate, du∣ring the whole moneth of November, for the considering of the af∣fairs of Ireland; and so upon the third and fourth of the same, re∣solved upon the question, and accordingly ordered these particulars following:

1. That the House holds fit that 20000 li. be forthwith supplied for the present occasions of Ireland.

2. That a convenient number of ships shall be provided for the guard∣ing of the Sea-coasts of Ireland.

3. That this house holds fit that 6000 foot and 2000 horse shall be rai∣sed with all convenient speed, for the present expedition into Ireland.

4. That the Lord Lieutenant shall present to both Houses of Parlia∣ment, such Officers as he shall think fit to send into Ireland, to command any forces to be transported thither.

5. That Magazines of victuals shall be forthwith provided at Westche∣ster to be sent over to Dublin, as the occasions of that Kingdome shall require.

6. That the Magazines of armes, ammunition, powder, now in Car∣lile, shall be forthwith sent over to Knockfergus in Ireland.

7. That it be referred to the Kings Councell, to consider of some fit way, and to present it to the House, for a publication to be made of re∣wards to be given to such as shall do service in this Expedition into Ire∣land; and for a pardon of such of the Rebels in Ireland as as shall come in by a time limited, and of a sum of money to be appointed for a reward to such as shall bring in the Heads of such principall Rebels as shall be nominated.

8. That Letters shall be forthwith sent to the Justices in Ireland to acquaint them how sensible this House is of the affairs of Ireland.

9. That the Committee of Irish affairs shall consider how, and in what manner this Kingdome shall make use of the friendship and assi∣stance of Scotland in the businesse of Ireland.

10. That directions shall be given for the drawing of a Bill for the pressing of men for this particular service for Ireland.

These particulars, together with severall others, being resolved upon the question, they passed an Ordinance of Parliament, enabling the Earl of Leicester Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to raise 3500 foot, and 600 horse, for the present service there. And they further expressed their re∣solution, not to make use of the assistance offered unto them by their Brethren of Scotland further for the present, then for the furnishing them with 1000 foot, which they desired might be transported out of Scotland into the North of Ireland. And on the same day they ordered, that the Master of his Majesties Ordnance should deliver to the L. Lieutenant of Ireland the number of 1000 arms for horse, and 8000 arms for foot, and ten Last of powder, to be presently sent into Ireland. And that the Lord Admirall should suddenly provide shipping for the transporting of men, arms, and ammunition, and other provisions according to the former re∣solutions of the House.

Now while both Houses of Parliament were taking Order for rai∣sing men, money, and sending provisions and other necessaries for Ire∣land, there arrived those other Letters of the 5 of November, formerly mentioned, which being addressed to the Lords of his Majesties Privie Councell, were communicated to both Houses of Parliament, and after a conference upon them, took further resolutions for the speedy sending away supplyes into Ireland. And such were the forward affections and zeal of the House of Commons, to promove what concerned the service of Ireland, as they thereupon voted 200000 li. to be raised for the sup∣pressing the Irish rebellion, and for securing of the Kingdome of Eng∣land, and payment of the publick debts.

And that they might facilitate this great work of raising such a summe of money, upon the credit of an Act of Parliament, before the money could be collected throughout the Kingdome; they thought fit, for the better encouragement of the City of London, and for the giving them full satisfaction in point of security for the monies formerly lent them, to make this Order following.

THe Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assem∣bled, having a due regard to the good affections of the City of London, expressed upon sundry occasions, by the advan∣cing and lending of great sums of money, for the service of this

Common-wealth: and particularly the sum of 50000 li. lent for the Irish affairs; and the sum of 50000 li. more lent by the said City unto the Peers attending his Majesty in the Northern parts before the beginning of this present Parliament, which are not yet paid, or otherwayes secured, shall be fully satisfied and repaid unto the said City of London, with interest of 8 li. per cent. for one year, out of such monies as are or shall be raised by authority of Par∣liament. And for that purpose an Act of Parliament to be passed with all expedition. Provided alwayes that this present Ordinance shall not in any wayes be prejudiciall to any Members of the said House of Commons, who have formerly lent any sums of money to this Parliament, nor to the Northern Counties, nor to any persons whatsoever, to whom both Houses of Parliament, or the said House of Commons have formerly ordered the payment of any summes of money, nor to any security given to them, before the making of this Ordinance.

BUt I shall now return to the affairs of this Kingdome, and the seri∣ous consultations and means used here by the Justices and Councell for the securing of the City and Castle of Dublin, which by reason of the present confusion, weaknesse, and wants, were in very great, and most apparent danger of a sudden surprize.

And first for the Castle, Sir Francis Willoughby being made Gover∣nour, had a Company of an 100 men well armed, assigned for the con∣stant guard of that place, besides the ordinary Warders, who gave their usuall attendance there. And because the Lords conceived it might be dangerous in such desperate times to admit such a multitude of suitors of all sorts into the Castle, as had daily occasion to attend the Councell-board, they presently transferred the place of their meeting in Coun∣cell to Corke House, where they continued to sit a good time after, not∣withstanding the great danger their persons were continually exposed unto, by the confident resort in great numbers of severall Lords, Gentle∣men and orhers who within few dayes after declared themselves Rebels, and so went out among them. It was Gods immediate providence that preserved them, and suffered not those persons, who soon after became such bloody Rebels, to lay hold on that opportunity. For certainly, they might with great ease have taken out of the way the Lords Justices and Councell; and so have left all things in such confusion as would have

brought on their long desired ends without any further contestation or trouble.

The next care was to provide victuals for the Castle in such proporti∣ons as might enable it to endure a siege, in case the Town, either through treachery within, or by forces from without, should come to be surpri∣zed by the Rebels, who now carried all things so clearly before them in the North, as they most confidently gave it out they would suddenly come down and make themselves masters of it. How to compasse this, seemed a matter of great difficulty, in regard there was no money to be had for the performing this work so absolutely necessary in it self, and at that time so highly importing the safety & preservation, even of the whol Kingdome. Therefore the Master of the Rolles, upon whom the Lords were pleased to impose this service of victualling the Castle; took the advantage of the strange frights,* 3.1 fears, and little safety, all the English and Protestants, conceived both themselves and their goods to remain in at that time. He sent presently for some of the chief Mer∣chants that were Protestants in the town, and clearly represented unto them, the high necessities of the State, the great danger of the town, the publick benefit, and their own private security, in laying into the Castle such of their provisions as they had lying by them, even in unsafe places of the City. These impressions took, and they rightly apprehending the common danger, that they could not outlive the ruines of the Castle; partly out of their own good affections to the service, partly out of a prudent care to secure their goods, were content to bring in great quan∣tities of Beef, Herrings, and Corn upon the Master of the Rolles under∣taking to see them satisfied, in case use were made of them, or otherwise certain restitution in kinde to the severall owners. So as there were pre∣sently laid in by the English and Dutch Merchants, within the Verge of the Castle, above 2000 barrels of Beef, 2000 barrels of Herrings, and a good proportion of Wheat; provisions sufficient, not only to victuall the Castle for many moneths, but which did serve to maintain the whole Ar∣my billeted in the City a long time after, and their money they received within few moneths after, by certificate from hence upon the Chamber of London; according to an Order made by both Houses of Parliament in England; for present payment to be made to such as laid in any pro∣visions for the army in Ireland. There was then further Order taken to new dig and clear an old Well long since stopped up within the walls of the Castle; and to provide all other necessaries fit for a siege. This was the first step to the safety of this place, and gave great comfort and secu∣rity to all the English, and Protestants.

The Castle being thus happily provided for,* 3.2 the Lords took it next in∣to their care how to secure the City in some sort, against any sudden at∣tempts. And this proved a work not easie to be effected, not only in regard of the crazinesse of the walls, the large Suburbs, and weaknesse of the place; but much more in respect of the corrupt ill affections of the popish inhabitants within the City: So strangely were many of them de∣luded with the ill infusions of their Priests, as they did certainly (as we found afterwards by wofull experience) do all that in them lay, to pro∣move the rebellious designes then set on foot (as they believed) only for the re-settlement of their religion, and recovery of their liberties. They were the instruments to conveigh away privately most of the chief Con∣spirators, who would have surprized the Castle on the 23 of October. They secretly entertained many of the Rebels that came out of the country, they likewise sent them relief that were abroad, by secret wayes, conveighing as wel ammunition, as intelligence of all passages from hence. And such strong aversions had they against all contributions for the main∣tenance of his Majesties army; as in the very beginning of the rebellion, when the Lords sent for the Major & Aldermen, & laying before them the high necessities of the State, together with the apparent danger of the City & whole Kingdom, desired to borrow a considerable sum of money for the present, which they undertook to repay out of the next treasure that should arrive out of England. The popish party among them was so prevalent, as that after a most serious consultation and very solemn de∣bate among themselves, they returned this answer, that they were not a∣ble to furnish above 40 l. and part of that was to be brought in in cattell.

There remained at this time imbarqued within the harbour of Du∣blin four hundred Irish souldiers, ready, as was pretended,* 3.3 to set sail for Spain, under the command of Colonell Iohn Barry, who with some other Irish Gentlemen had procured leave from his Majesty to leavie certain numbers of voluntiers to be transported over for the service of the King of Spain. And those levied in other parts, as well as at Dublin, were brought together just at the very time designed for the execution of the great plot. The pretence was specious, but certain∣ly their intentions how finely soever covered over, were to have those men in a readinesse together, at the very time appointed for the first breaking out of these unnaturall troubles. And as for those men which lay within the Harbour of Dublin, they were so great a terrour to all the Protestant inhabitants in the City, as it exceedingly perplexed the Lords how to dispose so of them as might prevent the mischief justly feared, in case of their landing. Their Commanders had so handsomely

ordered the matter, as though they were designed for a long voyage, yet stay on ship-board any longer they could not, by reason they had no vi∣ctuals, not even enough to carry them out of the Harbour; and no man had order in the absence of Colonell Barry (who retired himself some few miles out of the town, the very evening before the Castle should have been taken) to provide for the further supplying of them. To suf∣fer them to land, was to adde so many instruments of mischief to those already gathered within and about the City. Therefore it was resolved that the Captain of the Kings Pinace then in the Harbour should by force keep them from landing, which he did severall dayes together, till it was apparent they would inevitably starve, if a course were not sud∣denly taken to afford them some relief. Whereupon the Lords having no means to victuall them aboard, gave them leave to land, having first ta∣ken order they should not come into the City.

The Lords Justices and Councell thought fit within very few dayes af∣ter the landing of these men, the more to deter them, and all other ill-affected persons from repairing to the City of Dublin,* 3.4 to issue out a Proclamation for the discovery and present removall of all such as did or should come and continue there without just or necessary cause. But so carefull were they in this, and all other their actions, not to give any distaste to the Irish or other inhabitants of the countrey, as they forbear to inflict any punishment upon any that continued in the City contrary to their Proclamation, sparing severall persons whom they had not on∣ly just cause to be jealous off, but who were brought before them, and convinced to have uttered speeches clearly discovering their ill affecti∣ons. And having by late Proclamations prorogued the Parliament, and adjourned Michaelmas Term, that under pretence of repair to either of them, unnecessary concourse of strangers might not be brought unto the town, they proceeded on to some other Acts, which as they conceived would not only render great security to the City, but lessen the distem∣pers abroad, bring safety to the Pale, and keep the dangers at distance, and far off from them. And for this purpose they being informed, that a multitude of the meaner sort of people were ignorantly involved in the guilt of this rebellion, and by the wicked seducement of the first Conspirators had been drawn on to dispoile their English neighbours, they issued out a Proclamation about the beginning of the moneth of November, declaring unto all such as were not Freeholders within the County of Meath, Westmeath, Lowth, and Longford; that if they would come in and submit, make restitution of the goods so taken, they should be received to his Majesties mercy, and no further prosecution held a∣gainst them.

Much about the time of the sending forth of this Proclamation, some of the chief of the Sept of the Relyes,* 3.5 and other prime Gentlemen in the County of Cavan sent up a kinde of Remonstrance to the Lords Justices and Councell. Whereunto they returned them a very fair answer, assu∣ring them of their readinesse to give them all just redresse of their grie∣vances expressed therein, so they would in the mean time retire peace∣ably to their houses, restore as they were able the English mens goods, & forbear all further acts of rapine and violence. And they did present∣ly send over their Remonstrance to the Lord Lieutenant, to be presen∣ted to his Majestie, according to their desires. But these wayes of moderation and peaceable perswasions, proved of very little effect, they had no manner of influence into the resolved mindes of the Leaders, or of operation upon the hardned hearts of the people; they were too deeply engaged, so sleightly to retire. They had now drenched them∣selves in the blood of the English, and were greatly enriched with their spoiles. It was not possible for them to make restitution, and they hoped to go through with the work, and by the united power of the Kingdome to draw the whole management of the affairs into their own hands.

And now likewiise the Lords Justices and Councell, that they might shew the great confidence they had in the Lords and chief Gentlemen of the Pale,* 3.6 and give them both oportunity and means to expresse their loyalty and affections to his Majesties service, resolved (according as the constitution of their affairs then required) to do some such acts as might clearly perswade them of the great trust they really reposed in them▪ And therefore first they gave out severall Commissions of Martiall law, for executing (without attending a proceeding according to the ordinary course of the Common law) of such Traitors and Rebels as should be apprehended doing mischief in any parts of the countrey about them. And these they directed to the most active Gentlemen, though all Papists, inhabiting in the severall Counties, As, to Henry Talbot in the County of Dublin, John Bellew Esq in the county of Lowth, Richard Dalton and Iames Tuit Esq in the county of West-Meath, Ʋalerian Wesley in the county of Meath, Iames Talbot in the County of Cavan.* 3.7

Next they made choice of the chief persons of quality residing in the said Counties of the Pale, and others adjacent to them, to govern and command such forces as should be raised by them, and armed by the state for the defence of the Countrey, and issued out from the Councel-board severall Commissions of government unto them. As, one to the

Earl of Ormond and the L. Viscount Montgarret, for the county of Kil∣kenny, to Walter Bagnall Esq for the county of Cat••rlagh, Sir Iam. Dil∣lon the elder, and Sir Iames Billon the yonger for the county of Longford, L. Viscount Costeloe for the county of Maio, Sir Robert Talbot and Garrat Birne for the county of Wiclow, Sir Christopher Bellew for the county of Lowth, Earl of Kildare for the county of Kildare, Sir Thomas Nugent for the county of Westmeath, Nicholas Barnewall for the county of Dublin, L. Viscount Gormanston for the county of Meath. All these were made choice of without distinction of religion; the Lords holding it fit at that time to put the chief persons of power in the countrey into those places of trust; hoping they might prove good instruments to op∣pose the threatning incursions of the Northern Rebels, which they knew them well enabled to perform if they would really joyn in the service, or at least be kept by this their great confidence in them, from giving any entertainment or assistance to their rebellious designes.

The Commission directed to the L. of Gormanston, I have thought fit here to insert. It was found afterwards in his study by some of his Maje∣sties army, when he and all the rest of the Governours that were of the Romish religion, thus chosen, deserted their houses, and openly declared themselves in actuall rebellion. The other Commissions were all of the same tenour.

By the Lords Iustices and Councell.

W. Parsons. John Borlase.

RIght trusty and well beloved, We greet you well. Whereas divers most disloyall and ma∣lignant persons within this Kingdome have traiterously conspired against His Majesty, His Peace, Crown, and dignity; and many of them in execution of their Conspiracy, are traiterously as∣sembled together in a warlike manner, and have most inhumanely made destruction and devastati∣on of the persons and estates of divers of his Maje∣sties good and loyall subjects of this Kingdom, and taken, slain, and imprisoned great numbers of them. We out of our care and zeal for the common good, being desirous by al means to suppresse the said trea∣sons and traitors, and to conserve the persons and fortunes of His Majesties loving Subjects here in safety; and to prevent the further spoil and devasta∣tion of His Majesties good people here, do therfore hereby require and authorize you, to levie, raise and assemble, all, every, or any the forces, as well Foot∣men as Horsemen within the county of Meath, gi∣ving you hereby the command in chief of all the said forces, and hereby further requiring and au∣thorizing

you as Commander of them in chief, to arme, array, divide, distribute, dispose, conduct, leade, and govern in chief the said forces, according to your best discretion; and with the said forces to resist, pursue, follow, apprehend, and put to death, slay, and kill, as well by battell as other wayes, all and singular the said Conspirators, Traytors, and their adherents, according to your discretion; and according to your conscience and discretion to pro∣ceed against them, or any of them, by martiall law, by hanging them or any of them till they be dead, according as it hath been accustomed in time of o∣pen rebellion; and also to take, waste, and spoil their, or any of their Castles, Holds, Forts, Houses, Goods, and Territories, or otherwise to preserve the lives of them, or any of them, and to receive them into His Majesties favour and mercy, and to forbear the devastation of their, or any of their Castles, Forts, Houses, Holds, Goods, and Territories afore men∣tioned, according to your discretion: Further here∣by requiring and authorizing you to do, execute, and perform all and singular such other things for examination of persons suspected, discovery of Trai∣tors and their adherents, parlying with, and grant∣ing Protections to them or any of them, taking up of Carts, Carriages, and other conveniences, send∣ing and retaining espials, victualling the said forces, and other things whatsoever conducing to the pur∣pose

aforementioned, as you in your discretion shall think fit, and the necessity of the service re∣quire, further hereby requiring and authorizing you, as Commander in chief, to constitute and ap∣point such Officers and Ministers, respectively for the better performance and execution of all and sin∣gular the premises, as you in your discretion shall think fit. And We do hereby require and command, all and singular His Majesties Sheriffs, Officers, and Ministers, and loving Subjects, of and within the county of Meath, and the borders thereof, upon their faith and allegiance to his Majestie, and to his Crown, to be aiding, helping, and assisting to you, in the doing, and executing of all and singular the premises; This our Commission to continue during Our pleasure only; and for the so doing, this shall be your sufficient VVarrant. Given at His Maje∣sties Castle of DUBLIN, Novemb. 1641.

• ...R. Dillon. Io. Temple.
• ...Ia. Ware. Rob. Meredith.

To Our very good Lo. NICHOLAS Vic. Com. Gormanstowne.

IN these Commissions it is very observable, that there was power given to these Lords and Gentlemen to whom they were directed, not only to use fire and sword, for the destruction of the Rebels and their adherents, but also to preserve the lives of any of them, to receive them or any of them, into his Majesties favour or mercy. This plainly shewes the very great confidence the Lords were pleased to repose in them; as also their desires to make them instruments, to deliver those multitudes of people that engaged themselves in this rebellion, from the power, either of his Majesties arms, or civill justice, They intended no∣thing but the reducing of a rebellious Nation; and they at the first ap∣plyed lenitives, which failing in the cure, they were afterwards then en∣forced to have recourse to more violent medicines.

* 3.8That these Governours thus constituted, might be the better enabled according to the authority and power given unto them by their severall Commissions, to undertake the defence of the Countrey in this high ex∣tremity of the neare approaching dangers; The Lords took order to have delivered unto them a certain proportion of arms, to be imployed for the arming of some men to be raised in each county for the common safety, besides the armes they gave them, and other Gentlemen, for the defence of their own private houses. As to the Lord of Gormanstone there were delivered armes for five hundred men, for the county of Meath. There were also delivered armes for three hundred men for the county of Kildare. Armes for three hundred men for the county of Lowth. Armes for three hundred men for the county of West-Meath. Armes for three hundred men for the county of Dublin. And about the same time there were sent down four hundred Muskets, to the Lords of the Ardes and Clandeboys, for the arming of the Scots in the county of Downe. All of these had powder, lead, and match, proportionable to their armes, at the same time delivered unto them.

* 3.9But now the poyson of this rebellion which had hitherto contained it self within the Northern counties, and the confines of them, began to be diffused into other parts of the Kingdome. It had already infected the counties of Letrim, Longford, West-Meath, and Lowth, lying contiguous unto them. And upon the 12 of Novemb. the Irish in the County of Wiclow brake out most furiously, despoiling, robbing, and murthering all the English inhabitants within that territory. They burnt all their fair well-built houses, drove away their cattell, and laid siege to Fort Carew, wherein was a foot company of the old army. The newes being brought to the Lords Justices thereof, they well considered the impor∣tance of the place, and that if it were in the hands of the Rebels, and

that whole county in their possession, they could expect little quietnesse, or even safety in the Citie, by reason of their near neighbourhood. Whereupon they were most desirous to have sent down forces for the re∣lief of it. But when they came on the other side to consider their want of means for the performance of that service, that they had no money, but few men, and many of them not to be trusted. That it would be ve∣ry dangerous to divide their small forces, and so to leave the Citie in a manner unguarded, they were enforced to lay aside that resolution, and with great grief to sit still and suffer the poor English in those parts to be exposed to the mercilesse cruelties of those barbarous Rebels who went on furiously with the work, and quickly cleared all that county of the English inhabitants. Within few dayes after, the Irish in the Coun∣ties of Wexford and Caterlagh began to rise likewise, and to follow the bloody examples of their neighbours. There were now also great appa∣rencies of the disloyalty of the County of Kildare, who with large prote∣stations under the pretence of doing service had gotten into their hands the arms and munition designed for them by the State. And so mysteri∣ous and doubtfull was the carriage of the Lords and chief Gentlemen of the English Pale, giving no manner of intelligence to the State of the proceedings of the Rebels, nor making any kinde of preparatives against them, as their affections began even then to be justly suspected.

So as the City of Dublin being the receptacle of the whole State,* 3.10 the Magazine of all the arms, munition and other provisions for the army, and the chief sanctuary of all the English and despoiled Protestants, was now reduced to a very sad condition, desperately encompassed on every side, the Northern Rebels being come down in two severall parties with great forces, within 20 miles of it on the one side, and the Rebels of the County of VViclow infesting it on the other side: which with the great resort of strangers, and the continuall rumours of new plots and devices to surprize the town, possessed the Protestants with extraordinary fears of their present danger. But that w^ch made their condition appear much more formidable unto them, was the daily repair of multitudes of Eng∣lish that came up in troops, stripped, and miserably despoiled, out of the North. Many persons of good rank and quality, covered over with old rags, and some without any other covering then a little twisted straw to hide their nakednesse. Some reverend Ministers and others that had esca∣ped with their lives, sorely wounded. Wives came bitterly lamenting the murders of their Husbands, mothers of their children barbarously destroy∣ed before their faces, poor infants ready to perish & poure out their souls in their mothers bosome: some over-wearied with long travell, and so surbated, as they came creeping on their knees; others frozen up with

cold,* 3.11 ready to give up the ghost in the streets: others overwhelmed with grief, distracted with their losses, lost also their senses. Thus was the town within the compasse of a few dayes after the breaking out of this rebellion filled with these most lamentable spectacles of sorrow, w^ch in great num∣bers wandred up and down in all parts of the City, desolate, forsaken, ha∣ving no place to lay their heads on, no clothing to cover their nakednesse, no food to fill their hungry bellies. And to adde to their miseries, they found all manner of relief very disproportionable to their wants, the Po∣pish inhabitants refusing to minister the least comfort unto them: so as those sad creatures appeared like living ghosts in every street. Many emp∣ty houses in the city, were by speciall direction taken up for them: Barns, Stables, and out-houses, filled with them, yet many lay in the open streets, and others under stals & there most miserably perished. The Churches were the common receptacles of the meaner sort of thē, who stood there in a most dolefull posture, as objects of charity, in so great multitudes, as there was scarce any passage into them. But those of better quality, who could not frame themselves to be common beggars, crept into private places; & some of them that had not private friends to relieve them, even wasted silently away, and so died without noise. And so bitter was the re∣membrance of their former condition, and so insupportable the burthen of their present calamity to many of them, as they even refused to be comforted. I have known of some that lay almost naked, & having clothes sent, laid them by, refusing to put them on. Others that would not stir to fetch themselves food, though they knew where it stood ready for them. But they continued to lie nastily in their filthy rags, and even their own dung, not taking care to have any thing clean, handsome or comfortable about them. And so even worn out with the misery of their journey and cruell usage, having their spirits spent, their bodies wasted, and their sen∣ses failing, lay here pitifully languishing; and soon after they had reco∣vered this town, very many of them dyed, leaving their bodies as monu∣ments of the most inhumane cruelties used towards them. The greatest part of the women and children thus barbarously expelled out of their habitations, perished in the city of Dublin: and so great numbers of them were brought to their graves, as all the Churchyards within the whole Town were of too narrow a compasse to contain them. So as the Lords took order to have two large pieces of new ground, one on each side the River, taken in upon the out-Greens, and set apart for burying places. These were the memorable spectacles of mercy, and of the great commiseration the Rebels used to those English, to whom they gave their lives for a prey. But what their sufferings were, before they could get out of the hands of those bloody Villaines, what strange horrid

inventions they used towards them, torturing and massacring those they there murthered, is reserved to be more fully related in its proper place. They are left upon record to posterity, under the oathes of many that escaped, & mentioned here to no other purpose, then to shew the strange horror and amazement the beholding of them bred in all the English and Protestant inhabitants of the City. They seeing the Rebels prevaile so mightily, expected if they continued here to be undoubtedly exposed to the same cruelties. And they now understood by those who were come up from among them, that their designe was; As soon as they had taken in Tredagh, to come and seaze upon the City and Castle of Dublin, and so to make a generall extirpation of all the English, root and branch; not to leave them name or posterity throughout the whole Kingdome.

It is easie to conjecture what a sad confused countenance the City then had: what fears, terror, and astonishment, the miserable spectacles with∣in, and the approaches of the Rebels without, raised in the mindes of an affrighted, distracted people. The English inhabitants looked upon all the horrid cruelties exercised abroad, all the calamities and desolations fallen upon their countreymen in other parts of the Kingdome, as arri∣ved at these gates, and now ready to enter: the Avenues all open,* 3.12 neither hope nor means, neither Rampires nor Trenches to keep them out. Not∣withstanding the carefull travels and endeavours used by the Lords Justi∣ces and Councell to make provision for the common safety, no money could be raised, few men gotten together: the Papists well furnished with arms closely concealed, and desperately animated by their Priests to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manner of mischief: no fortifications about the Suburbs, nor any man¦ner of defence for the City, but an old ruinous Wall, part whereof fe•••• down in the very height of these distractions. And so carelesse were the Citizens, and so slowly went they about the making up that breach, and under pretence of want of money, they let it lye open till the Lords sent unto them 40 li. toward the reparation. All things tended to a sudden confusion; the very face of the City was now changed, and had such ghastly aspect, as seemed to portend her near approaching ruine: the means of safety appearing very slender and inconsiderable: the applica∣tions by reason of the strange aversions of the Popish party of a very slow and weak operation. Every man began to consider himself and his own private preservation. Those that lived in the Suburbs removed, with their families into the City. The Privie Councellours and persons of quality into the Castle, which became a common repository of all things of va∣lue. The Rolles were by speciall order removed thither: the Records of severall other Offices were likewise brought in. But upon the Rebels advance somewhat nearer, and their frequent alarms, many of those who

had there taken sanctuary, began to suspect the strength of those old crazy walls, and therefore to make sure, resolved to quit the Kingdome, im∣barquing themselves and their goods with all possible speed. Some who were detained with contrary winds in the Harbour chose rather to en∣dure all extremities on shipboard, then to hazard themselves ashoar a∣gain. The Scotish Fishermen, who lay with their Boats in great numbers within the Bay, fishing for Herrings, having with much forwardnesse made an offer to the State to bring 500 of their men ashoar to be put in arms and do present service (a proposition at that season most accepta∣ble) were so strangely affrighted one evening with a false alarm, as that in the night, on a sudden, they put to sea, and quite disappeared on these Coasts till the year following. The Papists on the other side being most confident that the City would be taken and sack'd by the Rebels, and fea∣ring, lest happily they might be mistaken in the tumult and fierce execu∣tion, removed themselves and their goods with the same speed into the countrey. And that which heightned the calamity of the poor English was their flight in the Winter, in such a dismall stormy, tempestuous season, as in the memory of man had never been observed formerly to continue so long together. Yet the terror of the Rebels incomparably prevailing beyond the rage of the sea; most of those who could pro∣vide themselves of shipping, though at never so excessive rates, deserted the City: and such was the violence of the windes, such continuing im∣petuous storms, as severall Barques were cast away, some in three moneths after their going from hence could recover no Port in England: and al∣most all that then put to sea, were in great danger of perishing. The ini∣quities of the English Nation, which were very great in this Kingdome, were now full: Heaven and Earth seemed to conspire together for the punishment of them. God certainly declared his high indignation against them for their great sins wherewith they had long continued to provoke him in this land, and suffered these barbarous Rebels to be the instru∣ments of mischief and cruell executioners of his fierce wrath upon them. But because they have taken vengeance with a despightfull heart to destroy them,* 3.13 for the old hatred, He will certainly in His own time execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes, as he threatned the Philistims in the like case.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The originall of the Irish.
• * 1.2

  Toole of the old Britein word Toll a hil-country. Birne of Brin, woods. Cauvenagh of Cauve strong. The view of Ireland by Spencer. fol. 33.
• ** 1.3

  Ireland is of∣ten called Sco∣tia maior a∣mong ancient writers.
• * 1.4

  Ireland ancient∣ly divided into divers petty principalities.
• * 1.5

  Isti reges non fuerunt ordinati solemnitate ali∣cuius ordinis, nec unctionis sacra∣mento, nec iure hereditarto, vel aliqua proprie∣tatis successione, sed vt & armis quilibet regnum suum obtinuit. The black book of Christ-church in Dub∣lin it is an an∣cient Manu∣script kept there.
• * 1.6

  The first enter∣prise of the Eng∣lish upon Ire∣land made by private adven∣turers.
• * 1.7

  Se nostram ad hoc tam gratiam noverit quam li∣centiam obtinere Gir. Cambren. expugnata Hib. cap. 1.
• * 1.8

  Cambr. cap. 3.
• * 1.9

  K. Henry the 2. his expedition into Ireland. An. 1172.
• * 1.10

  Rog. Hoveden cals it Palati∣um regium miro artificio de vir∣gis levigatis ad modum patriae illius constru∣ctum. fol. 528.
• * 1.11

  Christian reli∣gion setled in Ireland.
• * 1.12

  By Sedulius Palladius Pa∣tricius, in the fourth age after the birth of our Saviour.
• * 1.13

  Rex Anglorum. Hen. nuncios so∣lennes Romam mittens rega••it Papam Adria∣num ut sibi lice∣ret Hibernia In∣sulam intrare, et terram subiugare atquehomines illos bestiales ad fidem, et viam reducere verita∣tis. Mat Paris an. 1156.
• * 1.14

  Rex antequam ab Hibernia re∣dibat consilium congregavit apud Lismore, ubi leges Angliae ab omnibus gra∣tantur sunt ac∣cepta et iurato∣ria cautione pre∣stita confirmata. Mat. Paris, an. 1172.
• * 1.15

  Ireland divided by K. Hen. 2. among his fol∣lowers, and other adventu∣rers.
• * 1.16

  Decretum est itaque praedicto concilio, et cum universitatis conscensu publice Statutum: ut Angli ubique per insulam servitutis vincu∣lo mancipati in pristinam revo∣centur liberta∣tem. Gir. Camb. expug. Hib. c. 18
• * 1.17

  The numbers of British and pro∣testants destroy∣ed since the Rebellion.
• * 1.18

  The fruitlesse expeditions of K. Iohn, and K. Richard 2. into Ireland.
• * 1.19

  The ancient malice of the Irish to the English.
• * 1.20

  Quin{que} familia. O Neale de Vl∣tonia. O Malahglin de Medin. O Conor de Co∣nacia. o Brien de Tho∣mondia. Mac Morough de Lagenia.
• * 1.21

  By the Statutes made at Kilken∣ny by Lionel Duke of Cla∣rence, L. Lieu∣tenant of Ire∣land in the time of Edw. 3. Alli∣ance by marri∣age, nurture of Infants, and gossipred with the Irish are high treason. And if any Eng∣lish man should use the Irish language, Irish name, or Irish apparell, his lands should be seised on, and if he had no lands, he was to suffer imprison∣ment, Archiu in castro Dublin Statutes of Kil∣kenny.
• * 1.22

  In that space of time which was between the 10. year of Edw. 2. and the 30. year of Edw. 3. all the old English co∣lonies in Mun∣ster, Conaght & Vlster, and more then a third part of Lemster became dege∣nerate, and fell away from the Crown of Eng∣land, so as the English Pale remained only under the obe∣dience of the Law.
• * 1.23

  The royall en∣deavours of queen Eliz. for the reducing of Ireland.
• * 1.24

  The Lands belonging to the Irish were divided into severall territories, and the Inhabitants in every Irish country were divided into severall Septs or Lineages.—In every Irish country there was a Lord or Chieftain, and a Tanist, which was his successor apparent. None could be chosen Tanist, but one issued out of one of the chief Septs.—The Seignory and Lands belonging to the chief Lord, did not descend from father to sonne, or upon default of issue to him that was next of kinne: But he that was most active, of greatest power, and had most followers, alwayes caused himself to be chosen Tanist; and if he could not compasse his desires by gentle means, then he used open force and violence; and so being declared as it were heire apparent, came into possession upon the death of the chief Lord.—Now for the inferior Septs, they held their lands at the will of the chief Lord, after a sort; For after the death of every one of his Tenants which held any land under him, he assembled the whole Septs, and having put all their possessions together in hotch-potch, made a new partition among them, not assigning to the son of him that died, the land held by his father, but altering every mans possession at his own pleasure, and according to his own discretion: he, upon the death of every inferior Tenant, made a generall remove, and so allotted to every one of the Sept such part as he thought fit. And this was the Irish Gavelkind. Sir John Davies Rep. fol. 49.
• * 1.25

  Nonnulli ex claris in Lagenia familijs et pleri∣{que} Anglicae origi∣nis partim ex romana religio∣nis studio, par∣tim ex odio re∣centium Anglo∣rum, conspirare co••perant ad pro regem, cum fa∣milia opprimen∣dum, castrum Dublinense in∣tercipi••ndum, et A••glos in Hi∣b•••••••• ad unum ••••••edio tol••••ndos Cambden Eliz. an. 22.
• * 1.26

  The Irish not to be reclaimed by gentle meanes.
• * 1.27

  Tyrones rebel∣lion.
• * 1.28

  The ill effects of the submissi∣ons of the Irish.
• * 1.29

  The miserable condition of Ireland when K. Iames came to the Crown of England.
• * 1.30

  His lenity to∣wards the Irish rebels, and his endeavours for a civill refor∣mation.
• * 1.31

  K. Charles great readinesse to re∣dresse the grie¦vances present∣ed unto him by the Irish Com∣missioners 1640

  The Lords L. Vicount Gor∣manstone, L. Vi∣count Kilmaloc, L. Vicount Co∣steloe, L Vicount Baltinglas. Commons.

  Lemster. Nic. Plunket, Digbie, Richard Fitz-garret, Nic Barnewall, Esq

  Munster. Sir Hardresse Waller, Io. Welsh Sir Donnogh Mac Cartie.

  Conaght. Robert Linch, Geffrie Browne, Thomas Burke

  Vlster. Sir William Cole Sir Iames Mon∣gomerie.
• * 1.32

  Sir Will. Parsons and Sir Iohn Borlace made L. Iustices.
• * 1.33

  They apply themselves to give content∣ment to the people.
• * 1.34

  The Earl of Leicester de∣clared Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, May, 1641.
• * 1.35

  The papists permitted pri∣vately to enjoy the free exercise of their religion
• * 1.36

  The good a∣greement be∣twixt the Irish and English in all parts of the Kingdome.
• * 1.37

  The Parlia∣ment adjourned August 1641.
• * 1.38

  The Irish Com∣missioners re∣turn out of Eng∣land, and land at Dublin.
• * 1.39

  The happy con∣dition of Ire∣land at the time of the breaking out of the Re∣bellion Octo. 23 1641.
• * 1.40

  The first plot for the rebelli∣on carried on with so great secresie, as none of the English had notice of it before it was ready to be put in execution.
• * 1.41

  Owen O Conally discovers the conspiracy of the Irish to the Lord Parsons the very even∣ing before it was to be executed.
• * 1.42

  Mac Mahon taken.
• * 1.43

  His confession.
• * 1.44

  The Lord Mac Guire with se∣verall other of the Conspira∣tors seised on.
• * 1.45

  The Irish rise first in the pro∣vince of Vlster, and there burn, spoil, and de∣stroy the Eng∣lish.
• * 1.46

  False rumours spread of the Rebels ap∣proach to the City of Dublin.
• * 1.47

  The Lords Iu∣stices and Councell con∣sult what course to take for the suppressing this rebellion.
• * 1.48

  No money in the Exchequer.
• * 1.49

  Letters from the Lords Iusti∣ces and Coun∣cell to the Lord Lieutenant.
• * 2.1

  The Lords Iu∣stices cause the Proclamations to be dispersed, Letters to be written and o∣ther means to be used for the prevention of the rising of the Irish in the North, but all to no purpose.
• * 2.2

  The Lords of the English Pale repair to the Councell Board, & there declare their loyall affections to his Majestie. The English Pale is a large circuit of land possessed at the time of the first conquest of Ire∣land by the Eng∣lish, and ever since inhabited by them; it con∣tains severall Counties, viz. the Counties of Dublin, Meth, Lowth, Kildare, &c.
• * 2.3

  A Procla∣mation is∣sued for the satisfaction of the Lords and Gen∣tlemen of the English Pale.
• * 2.4

  The greater part of Vlster possessed by the Northern Re∣bels.
• * 2.5

  The names of the chief Re∣bels in Vlster.
• * 2.6

  Severall Forts and other pla∣ces suddenly surprized by the Rebels.
• * 2.7

  The great secu∣rity and confi∣dence of the English in the Irish, a great cause of their sudden destru∣ction.
• * 2.8

  The English be∣trayed & mur∣dered by their Irish friends, servants, and tenants.
• * 2.9

  The intermix∣ture of the Eng∣lish among the Irish, a main cause of their sudden de∣struction.
• * 2.10

  The Irish falsi∣fie their oaths and protestati∣ons to the Eng∣lish, and after quarter given them in severall places, murder and destroy them.
• * 2.11

  Severall poli∣cyes used by the Irish to prevent the English from rising a∣gainst, or the Scots to ioyn in their defence.
• * 2.12

  The English stand upon the defence of their private houses without joyn¦ing together in one body, wher∣by they gave great advantage to the Rebels.
• * 2.13

  Adam Clovers examination.
• * 2.14

  Sir Phelim O Neales proceed∣ings.
• * 2.15

  Dondalke taken by the Rebels about the be∣ginning of No∣vemb. 1641.
• * 2.16

  The Rebels march up to∣wards Tredagh.
• * 2.17

  The ill conditi∣on of Tredagh, represented by the L. Moore to the L. Iustices.
• * 2.18

  A Regiment raised by the Lo. Iustices at Dublin, & sent down under the command of Sir Henry Tichborne for the defence of Tredagh. Novemb. 3.
• * 2.19

  A Regiment raised by Sir Charles Coot.
• * 2.20

  The second di∣spatch made by the L. Iustices and Councel into England, Nov. 5.
• * 2.21

  The proceedings of the Parlia∣ment of England upon the first advertisements brought unto them of the Re∣bellion raised in Ireland.
• * 3.1

  Order taken for victualling the Castle of Du∣blin.
• * 3.2

  The Lo. Iustices care to provide for the safety of the City of Du∣blin.
• * 3.3

  Severall Irish souldiers imbar∣qued under pre∣tence of being carried into Spain, at the very time of the first breaking out of the Re∣bellion.
• * 3.4

  Several Procla∣mations issued out by the Lo. Iustices and Councell.
• * 3.5

  A Remonstrance sent up to the Lords Iustices and Councell, from the Rebels in the county of Cavan.
• * 3.6

  Commissions of martiall law granted unto se∣verall persons by the Lords Iustices.
• * 3.7

  Commissions of government of the severall counties within the Pale, gran∣ted to severall Lords and Gen∣tlemen, with∣out distinction of Religion.
• * 3.8

  Arms and mu∣nition delivered out to the Lords and chief Gen∣tlemen of the Pale, by the Lo. Iustices and Councel.
• * 3.9

  Severall Coun∣ties within the Province of Lemster declare themselves for the Rebels.
• * 3.10

  The sad condi∣tion of the City of Dublin.
• * 3.11

  The resort of multitudes of men, women and children to the City of Du∣blin, in a most miserable po∣sture.
• * 3.12

  The fears and distractions within the City of Dublin.
• * 3.13

  Ezek. 25.15.17.