By the Deputie Generall of Ireland.

Forasmuch as it hath pleased the Lord, notwithstanding our utter unworthinesse and manifold great provocations, for his owne name's sake and for the glory of his mercy and grace to his people concerned in this cause, still to carry on the worke entrusted in the hands of his poore servants and to give many speciall testimonies of his presence still continuing with us, and of his mercy and favour still extended and enlarged towards us in giving such safe free and ready passage with the army over the Shannon, and that so early in the yeare as that the summer season for the remaining part of our worke is not lost or spent (as probably it might have beene) in striving for our passage, so seasonably when our being longer withheld at that distance from our shipping would suddainly have spent the small stores of bread, corne, and salt, etc., which wee had or could get above Limerick, and have brought us either into extremity and difficulty of subsistance, or into necessity (for want of a subsistence there) to have desisted from the attempting of our passage in those most hopefull places, and for supply of necessaries to have come downe to our shipping on the other side the river without a passage over it; and considering that it hath pleased God to do this in answer to the weake, worthlesse, and (almost) faithlesse prayers of his poore servants in doing it so as it might appeare to be the worke of his hands, and that his wisedome and power might be manifest in it and nothing of man or the creature in doeing it by poore, inconsiderate meanes (by the attempt first of a very few men in 2 or 3 boats or cotts) and making it (even with such meanes) so easy and safe to us though at a place as the first and principle attempt was where we had no foord neere, and the materialls for the floate bridge intended not yet come and therein exceeding our weake faith or expectations, who in the attempt did not hope or aime at more then to gaine and secure (if God pleased) a small footing on this side the river, under shelter of which we might make  p.237 and put over a bridge in time against great opposition expected; but God was pleased above and beyond our faith by such small meanes and weake force used, (namely the sounding of trumpets and shouts) to strike by a strange working of his spirit such terror into the heartes of the enemy as that they who a little before had vainely and proudly boasted their coming with confident resolution to receave us, and had used soe much industry in their workes against us, and for a time shewed so much confidence to oppose us yet suddenly and causelesseley quitted their workes and guardes, by which they might probably and hopefully have withstood us against the best preparation we could make and all the means we could use, and run away in distraction and confusion, dissipateing and scattering themselves severall waies and leaving us many armes with ammunition and some of their best accomodation behinde them, and all passages open and free to come over at such leasure as we did where we found it difficult enough to get over when no opposition was left against us; and considering that we know not nor could heare any thing certaine concerning the condition or posture of our freinds under the Lord President of Conaught, nor they of us, yet it pleased God (who is every where present and seeth and overuleth all things) so to dispose of our counsells and intentions as that wee (ignorantly or unwittingly) pitcht upon that time for our attempt when those our freinds (though wee know it not) were come on through Conaght, so farre this way as gave the enemie here before us some feare and apprehension of their coming downe hither upon their backs (though no such thing was intended) so as the season we were guided to attempt in was just when that apprehension contributed to their terror and fright before us. Considering also how strongly and with an high hand it hath pleased God to bring forth and carry on those our freinds from such a distance quite through a countrey so entirely possest by the enemy, and notwithstanding the numerous army that was drawne together from many parts to oppose or attend their motion (whereof we know the enemy over against us at Kilaloe so vaunted and boasted) and to bring them through all difficulties (without any losse or prejudice) to the places and businesses intended and desired hath given sudainely into their hands Loghreagh, Portumny, and diverse other places of consequence and further advantage, and that (as it were) in the face of the enemies grand army. In which proceedings, though we understand not particularly the severall passages and circumstances wherein the Lords hand appeared, yet we finde the effects full of mercy to them and us and advantage to our common worke; and looking at the length and difficulties of their way and march and at the advantages the enemy had against them (and might have had more both in numbers and posture for opposition and otherwise), we have abundant cause to acknowledge that the Lord hath gratiously led, guided, encouraged and blest them; and that the men of might (on the other part) have not found their hands, but he hath taken away from them the hearts of men, stupified or terrified their spirits, distracted, infatuated, and confounded their councells and daily breaking and dividing them amongst themselves and doth all the workes of them and us his poore servants for (when we doe litle and deserve lesse) leading us in waies we know not, still neerer to the end of our worke: and soe giving us comfortable and hopefull encouragements to the strengthening of our hearts and hands in what remaines, and sweet testimonies that  p.238 he is yet with us, and pardones and accepts us with evident assurance that he will not be wanting to us while in any measure we follow and trust him, and for as much, lastly, as he hath pleased to bring us to this place and posture of accommodation with provisions and necessaryes from our shipping and here to give us (in respect of the nature of the present business before us) much freedome and oportunity of time to minde and seeke and acknowledge him in these things. I earnestly desire that the consideration of them may be set home upon all hearts amongst us that are capable thereof, and that all such officers and others who have any hearts to God wards in this worke may be stirred up, and would stir up and invoke one another to a due sense of these things, and take all opportunities and use with freedome and leisure God gives us, to meete, conferre, pray, and sing praises together in relation thereunto; particularly I doe for that purpose appoint to morrow (being Friday the 13th inst., to be set apart and kept throughout this camp and the adjacent quarters and garrisons that can have notice of it) as a day for publique thankesgiving and acknowledgment to the Lord of his faithfulnesse of all his people concerned with or in this cause, his mercy and favour to us his unworthy servants, and his glorious power, wisedome, and justice to the enemies appeareing in these his dealings and outgoings before mentioned, and in the many successes hee hath further given to severall parties of ours as at Burr and neere it to the partie that came immediately before the army hither to our small party sent over before us into the west partes of this county of Thomond and to our forces in the co: of Corke, Tiperary and elsewhere whereof we have heard and do heare daily comfortable tideings. And to stir up one another and humbly seeke to God that with theise experiences and considerations of his wisedome and power before us, and of his goodnesse towards us, we may (through his grace) have a right sense and impression of them upon our hearts (so as to owne and acknowledge him alone therein and not to be lifted up in any conceit of our selves above our enemies and from the sense of his power and presence so neere at hand may be kept humble under the consideration of our unworthiness and great provocations and in trembling and feare before him to declare, abominate, and oppose these evill practices amongst us that are so unworthy of him and unsuitable to his presence or dishonorable to his name, and may be provoked to answer his mercies with suiteable fruits and improvements of them and not to be left to the deadness and corruption of our hearts, which would pervert and deprave them all to his dishonour and our owne hurt. And that we may still goe on in his name and strength alone and in faith answerable to such experiences and so may find his continued presence and blessings with us in what remaines to be done to the greater glory of his name, and rejoyceing of his people.

H. Ireton.

Saturday, June 14. His Ex: this day sumoned Limerick. A battery of 28 guns being prepared against the castle on Thomond bridge they began to play; 2 morter peices placed neere that battery began now also to play. A slate of an house in the towne cast of of by a morter shott killed a child in a woman's armes, that child being coffind and buried  p.239 was after by another shott cast out of its grave. There were men drawne downe toward the castell below the island. And this day we heard that Clanricard and Castlehaven, seing Gods hand against them, had left the army and gone by sea from Gallway.

Lord's day, June 15. Our battery of guns and morter peeces continued to play, those at the castle on the bridge, theise into the towne. There was another batterie for guns made neerer the castle, and guns drawne to the castle below the island, and more foote sent thither comanded by Coll. Totthill.

Monday, 16. By a great shott made at the castle below the island 3 of the enemy being slaine and others wounded the rest betooke themselves to their cotts, but being shot at by our musqueteers they came to the shoare, who were after put to the sword: of these there were 14. This being done by command from Coll. Totthill, they having quarter given by the souldiers, he was at a Martiall Court put therefore from his commaund. ¹¹. We possessed the castle, which was a place of good consequence. Two other mortar peeces (4 in all) played into the towne together; of these the greatest carrieing a shell weighing 200 weight was split in dischargeing but without hurt to any about it. This day was a returne made out of the towne by a drum to that summons sent the 14th, they desireing to treat and that Commissioners might be to that end appointed, and hostages given for securing the Commissioners and a cessation during the treaty.

Tuesday, 17. This day the Leivetenant Generall returned to the head quarters with his party, which had beene sent to joine with the Lord President, he hearing that the enemie had gone toward Ballinesloe bridge, he with 700 of his horse and the Comissary Generall with the like number of his and the Lord President, and with some foote followed them; but the enemy fleeing before them past hope of being by ours overtaken, ours returned having first taken the castles of Malogh and Mote in the county of Galway. The Leivetenant Generall taking leave of the Lord President he was in his returne affronted by those in the castle of Gortinse belonging to Sir Roger Shaghnus, trusting to the strength of the place; our horse and dragoones notwithstanding their not haveing any thing but their armes convenient for a storme yet forced the place after  p.240 long and great dispute. About 40 of the rebels were slaine in the storme and after, 14 shot, the castle was burnt, but the house preserved. We heard that the Lord President was marched towards Athlone, and that the castle of {⬌} on the Shannon was taken by ours; that Gallway had taken in a garrison of Irish, and that Generall Preston, (now wryteing himselfe Viscount Tarah) was their Governor. Our party on the other side of Lymerick was this day strengthened with more forces, and Coll. Ingoldesby ordered to command there.

Wednesday, June 18. A returne was given to that desired by the towne concerning the treaty that it was accepted of, but without a cessation or giveing of hostages, the word of the State being in this case alwaies held sufficient. And the towne haveing given the names of 6 Comrs (of which were 2 for the souldiers, 2 for the citty, and 2 for theire cleargy), his Ex: assented to the sending the like number, and the treaty to begin the next day at a tent provided for the Commissioners. Our bridge at Castle Connell being of wood and fixed, was finished over the Shanon, but it being of too great a distance for a lyne of communication with our party on the other side of Limerick, therefore was it ordered that a floate bridge should be made neere the castle, below the island lately taken. Some of the people of the city haveing beene by the Governor put out of the towne his Ex: ordered that they should be sent back, and declaring in wryteing to the Governor that any thenceforth so falling into our hands should be otherwise dealt withall. But he refuseing to accept of those sent back and continuing to send out more his Ex: commanded 4 of them to be knockt in the head as exemplary to others, but through mistake of orders all the others (about 40), were put to the sword, an act much disgusted by his Ex: and others of the army, yet nothing moveing with the Governour who ceased notwithstanding after so to disburden the place of such.

Thursday, 19. This day the Comissioners for the treaty met. Haveing battered and attempted the possessing ourselves of the castle on the bridge, and our ladders proveing short we drewe downe gunns for a further battry there and this night layed many fagots under the wall of it in order there unto allarumd the towne in severall places.

Saturday, 21. Wee stormed and forced and possessed the castle on the bridge, where we found 3 barrels of powder there layed for blowing up the place; and strange it was that it tooke not effect, considering that the same had beene layed and that ours entred with the casting in hand granadoes before them. The guns from that called the Kings Castle playing on the bridge tower, our guns played on them and dismounted one of them. Major Talbott, Governor of Clare Castle, haueing treated with his Ex: by one  p.241 sent to that purpose concerning the place Collonell Cromwell was sent for receiveing it; but the designe being discovered it tooke not and the Governor was seized as a prisoner. Coll. Sankey returned to the campe with his party out of Kerry. They encamped with those on the other side of Limerick.

Monday, June 23. It was thought adviseable to attempt the takeing of the island called the King's Island on which the city of Limerick stood which the enemy had in a good parte fortified. The attempt was to be made by boates and part of the float bridge for carrying over horse and men; 2 of the boates passeing over hastily before they could be seconded and landing about 80 men the enemie fell on them in multitudes putting all to the sword but one, which so discouraged those who were to follow that the designe was wholy laid by.

Tuesday 24. This was a day for humiliation, bewayeling the sins of the army which might occasion that the Lord's displeasure against us.

Wednesday, 25. This day we heard of the Lord President's being possessed of the Castle of Athlone, this being the most considerable passe with a bridge over the Shannon betweene Leinster and Conaught, whereby our forces in both provinces had on all occasions a lyne of communication. His Excellency heareing that his men slaine in attempting the island  ¹² were soe vsed, after quarter, hee therfore sent a trumpetter into Lymbrick to inquire of it, and vntill he were satisfyed therein suspending the treaty.

Fryday, 27. The Major-Generall returned to the head quarters from Waterford, bringing to us 2500 men, new recruits there lately landed. Then also did wee heare of 2000 men more comeing out of England, and that there was landed at Waterford £4000 and 4000 arms. There came to the army 10,000 from Waterford.

3. A Copy of Conditions tendred to the Garison and City of Limerick, June 30, 1651, upon surrender thereof.

This document, from “A Copy of Conditions ... Major Brian Smith” (pg. 244), imperfect in the Diary, is here given in full from A Letter from the Lord Deputy-General of Ireland, unto the Honorable William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Parliament of England; concerning the Rendition of the City of Limerick: together with the Articles formerly offered, and the Articles upon which the same was Surrendred: as also a Particular of the persons excepted, the Ammunition and Ordnance in the Town delivered upon the Surrender of the said City. Friday the 28th of November, 1651. Ordered by the Parliament, That the Letter from the Deputy-General of Ireland, and Articles, together with the Particulars inclosed, be forthwith Printed and Published; and read by the Ministers on the day appointed for Thanks to be given in the several Congregations. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. London, Printed by John Field, Printer to the Parliament of England, 1651

1. An Article for the surrender, &c.
2. That in consideration of the surrender, &c., all persons whatsoever within the  p.242 City and Garison of Limerick shall have quarter for their lives, and liberty of their persons, without pillage, plunder, or other Militery violence to their persons or goods during their continuance under safe Conduct or Protection, by vertue of the ensuing Articles respectively.
3. That all officers and soldiers of the Forces in pay, and not belonging to the Militia of the City of Limerick, shall have liberty to march away to any Garison or Quarter of the Irish party with their Horses, Arms, and other equipage suitable to the several qualities they serve in respectively, Bag and Baggage, Drums beating, Colours flying, their Fire-arms loaden and primed, Bandeliers and Flasques full of Powder, Matches lighted at both ends; and to have such Carriage for their Goods as the County will afford provided for them (they paying reasonable rates for the same) And shall be allowed {⬌} Moneths time for the removall of any goods to them duly belonging which they leave behinde them, except Arms, Ammunition, or other furniture of War.
4. That all other persons of what quality soever now in the said City, that desire to march with them, shall have liberty so to do, with the same freedom, priviledge, time and benefit, for the carrying away of their Bag and Baggage, and removing of their goods (except Ammunition, and all Arms or other furniture of War, save travelling Arms, with which they shall be allowed to march) as is granted to the Soldiery in the last preceding Article.
5. That any of the Officers, Soldiers, or others now in the City (except Clergymen, and such as were in Arms or otherwise in Hostility, which, or for those that committed the murthers and outrages in the first Insurrection before the first General Assembly, or that sat in the said first Assembly) if within {⬌} days they shall desire to lay down Arms, and to submit to the authority of the Parliament of England, shall be admitted so to do, and to live at their homes or with their friends, and shall have Protection in their persons and estates on the same Terms as the rest of the inhabitants of the Countrey of the same Conditions or Qualifications with themselves.
6. That all the Citizens or Inhabitants in the said City that are Free-men or members of the Corporation, and were so before the first of October, One thousand six hundred and fifty, and all the Widows and Children of them that were such (with their families and servants) who shall be willing to live under the Government of the Common wealth of England, and submit to Contribution proportionably with their neighbors (except such as come within the exception made in the last foregoing Article) shall freely enjoy all their personal estates where ever the same be (except Arms, Ammunition and other furniture of War) to themselves and their assigns (paying to the State of England one third part of the value of their personal Estates visible within this Dominion, from such onely as have personal Estates visible within this Dominion, from such onely as have personal Estates to the value of one hundred pounds and upwards, but the rest to enioy the whole freely; and shall likewise enjoy two third parts of their Estates real (lying without the City of Limerick and Liberties thereof) or the full value of the same to themselves, their Heirs or Assigns; and shall also enjoy their respective Interests in their Houses in the City, except such of them as shall be thought fit to be removed out of the  p.243 Garison, in order to the securing thereof, who shall have liberty to set or sell their said Houses to the best advantage of themselves, their Heirs or Assigns, paying (in case of sale) a third part of the price they make, to the use of the State of England, and shall have {⬌} moneths time (after warning given them to depart) for removal and disposing of themselves, their families and goods as they please, and Protection to live in any part of this Dominion within the Power of the Parliament of England (not being a Garison, or a Countrey planted intirely with English, or set apart to be so) or shall have Passes to remove to any Foreign parts if they so desire. And those of the said Citizens (not within the aforesaid Exception) who shall submit upon these Terms, and perform the same on their parts, shall have Indempnity for any things done in prosecution of the War.

4. An Answer of the Commissioners of the English Army to the particular Exceptions of the Commissioners for the City of Limerick, against the Conditions tendred upon the Treaty in June and July, One thousand six hundred fifty one.

1. To the first Exception, we shall allow a proviso for the Citizens as follows: Provided, and it is hereby declared concerning all and every the said Citizens, That they or any of their being ingaged in Arms in the besieging and reducing of the Castle of Limerick, after the coming in of the Irish Forces under General Barry into the town (though it was before the said first General Assembly) shall not conclude or be understood to conclude them or any of them within the Exception afore going, except such of them as shall appear by sufficient evidence to have contrived, procured, endevored, or wittingly furthered the letting in of the Irish Forces into the Town, or to have been otherwise guilty (as parties or immediate accessaries) to some particular murther of the English or Protestant people before the said first General Assembly. And as to the Soldiery, Nobility and Gentry now in the City, we are content that they be admitted to live in Protection, they submitting themselves and their Estates to the judgement of the Parliament of England, although they were in Arms during the first year of the War.
2. To the second, We cannot allow any Ordnance or other furniture of War, but what is granted by our Articles, onely we are content that all Ships belonging to any private persons remain to the disposal of the owners.
3. To the third, We shall not grant any power to leavy Arrears in our Quarters as to the Runaways, and heretofore Protected persons, although they be not mentioned expresly, yet it is intended the Quarter should extend to them, we are willing to prefix a time, and grant an Indempnity from Suits during the time mentioned in the Exception.
4. To the fourth, We shall be willing to allow all the Protected persons Horses and travelling Arms as we do to other Protected people, as to persons formerly Protected and not within the reach of the Exception, paying the Arrears of their Contribution due to the Parliaments party, they shall be received into Protection as formerly. To the rest, we adhere to our Articles.
 p.244
5. To the fifth, We shall not treat concerning Religion.
6. To the sixth, We shall adhere to our Article, unless they be willing to wave their Indempnity from private Suits.
7. To the seventh, We must adhere to our Proposal.
8. To the eighth, We shall adhere to our Proposition.
9. To the ninth, It is intended that all such of the Citizens as are by these Articles allowed to enjoy their Estates real and personal, should have full liberty to sell and dispose the said Estates to their best advantage and liberty, with their Wives, Families and Goods, to pass beyond the Seas when they shall think good.
10. The tenth, We shall not treat upon.
11. To the eleventh, it is intended that all such of the Citizens as are not within the Exception, shall have full liberty to trade at home and abroad as other English Subjects.
12. To the twelfth, The proviso of our Proposition enjoyns no sale of any part of their Estates in the City.
13. To the thirteenth, It is intended they should enjoy all their real Estates in any Corporation or place of this Dominion, except Garisons. The names of the Commissioners in behalf of the Parliaments Army, Lieutenant General Edmund Ludlow, Adjutant General William Allen, Judge Advocate Philip Cartret, Major Anthony Morgan, Major Brian Smith.

The Diary is here resumed after the chasm at page 241, ante.

July.{⬌} safely conducted thither by him into the city. And whereas Colonell Sankey was within 2 miles of that party of Dwyer's or diverting him, there was a prisoner of ours released by O Dwyer, who going to Colonell Sankey told him that Fitzpatrick was marched away, it being hoped he would immediately follow him (Fitz Patrick being the principall by him looked after.) But Collonel Sankey understanding withall that Collonel O Dwyer was so neare, he fell into his quarters unlocked for, killing many and dispersing the whole party with the losse of the most of their armes. O'Dwyre himselfe escaped narrowly and thereby was that designe by the goodnesse and providence of God disappointed. Captain Walch, an active rebell on whom they in Limerick much depended for assistance, was there taken and this day brought to the head quarters, by Collonel Sankey. This day we heard of our losse of Karrigahilt, in Thomond, taken from us by Col. Roch. This night, about 11 of the clock, a flame of fire passed over Limerick, giving that light by which one might reade. It moved from the north-east, continuing about halfe a quarter of an hower.

Friday, July 18. By the last intercepted letters out of Limerick, the enemy in Conaught being invited to a speedy conjunction for relieveing of that place and David Roch and Murtogh Bryon, with theire forces in Thomond, haveing taken our garrison  p.245 of Carrigahilt, proceeding to attempt on the rest of our garrisons in the county of Clare, theire being no considerable party of ours in that county for opposing them; therefore was it resolved at a councell of warre this day that a considerable party should bee sent speedily into the county of Clare for dispersing those there in a body and for preventing that conjunction with Ferrall and the rest out of Conaght on which the besieged so much depended and for securing those of our garrisons in that county.

Saturday, July 19. His Excellency with the Lieutenant-Generall marched from the leagure, with about 2000 foote and 12 troupes of horse and 8 troopes of dragoones, into the county of Clare, according to the resolution the day before taken. The Major-generall comaunded here. This day we heard of a party of Vlster men coming into the county of Clare for joyning with Roch and Bryan. The Major-Generall removed the head quarters to the other side of Singland beyond the chappell, putting into the fort part of Collonel Stubbord's Regiment.

Lords Day, 20. By letters from the Lord of Broghill was certified that Muskery was advanceing, being 2500 foote and 700 horse, and that he intended a conjunction with FitzPatrick's forces, and by force or diversion to make way for the reliefe of Limerick, expecting probably the concurrence of the Thomond forces. This his letter was by the Major-Generall sent to his Excellency.

Tuesday, 22. His Excellency returned to the head quarters with some horse and foote, leaveing the Lord Generall in Thomond with 7 troopes of horse and 8 of dragoones and 1200 foote, for attending the enemies motions, and for securing our remote garrisons.

Wednesday, 23. The enemy in Limerick sallied with some horse and foote, but they were beaten back, ours both horse and foote readily answering the alarum. Herein by the blessing of God his Excellency escaped narrowly. His Lordship, with other principall officers, were then laying out a new fort when the enemy so sallied, there not being workes or guards betweene them and the party so sallying neere them; but God otherwise disposed it, diverting the danger and carrying the enemy another way, they not seeing theire advantages. By letters from the Lord of Broghill was certified his falling into Muskery's quarters, there killing and taking some and dispersing that party; and by letters from the Lord President of 17th from Gallway was certified the towne was shut upon one side by forts, which finished, he supposed (he said) to passe the river on the other side. We heard that the enemy in Thomond had on the Lt. Genlls advancing burnt Carrigahilt, and that they were gathering theire party to ingage the Lt. Genll

Friday, July 25. The Lieutenant Generall returned to the head quarters; of whom we had theise particulars, that he relieved the garrison of Carrigahilt, besieged by the enemy, and {⬌}ing it a place within the land and remote and not easily to be relieved, he drew up the garrison and blew up the castle. That in his returne, heareing of the enemyes drawing together at a passe neere Enis, he fell into their quarters, killed many, tooke some prisoners and pursued the rest 3 or 4 miles. Among others was there slaine Connor Brian, of Lymenaugh in the county of Clare, a Coll of horse, the most considerable person in the county, although not acting in cheife, he was much lamented in the countrey, and his cutting off gaue a stop to the proceeding of the enemy and did breake that regiment of horse commanded by him.

Saturday, 26. A woman was taken this night endeavouring to goe into Limerick on Thomond side, she being at the fort there and supposing it belonged to her party. Shee desired to be admitted to the Governors presence, Major Genll O Neale, and being brought into the fort and finding her error she laboured to recall herselfe; but fearing torture (there threatned) she confessed she was sent the day before from Quin in the county of Clare by Coll Roch to tell the Governor of Limerick that on the 27th a party should be about six-mile-bridge (six miles from Limerick) desireing instruction how to order the reliefe there attending him, and ordering her if shee could not passe into Limerick, to returne with what intelligence she observed. This spie was hanged for feare of giving further intelligence. ¹³

Lord's Day, 27. Our provisions growing short so as some weekes past the allowance for bread for the souldiers, but it pleased God, who never has left us in extremities, to send us supplies by sea. Wee heard that Fitz Patrick's party were in the mountaines of Agherlow in the Galtyne, and that by joyning with Muskery they intended releiving them of Limerick on the one side and them of Thomond on the other side endeavouring the like. From Gallway we heard that 1500 Ulsters being admitted into Galway the rest of the Ulster forces were withdrawne thence, and that there were no publique stores in the towne; that we having possessed and in some sort fortified an island on the other side of Gallway, beeing at low water passable, the enemy had fallen on them and taken the place and killed 55 of our men. We heard also that Major Merideth of Sir Thomas Jones his Regt. was sent into Thomond to attend the enemy there. From aboarde we heard that Coll. Popham was with 40 sayle before Dunkirk which is beseiged by the Spaniard by land with 4000 men; that Coll. Blake had taken the Castle of the Isle of Man; and that our forces in Scotland gave a blow to the enemy. This day by letters from the Lord of Broghill, dated the 26th, we heard that with his small party hunting after Muskery then come to an head and hastning for a conjunction with Fitzpatrickes  p.247 forces for releeveing Limerick, and his Lordship being by one (it may be purposely imployed by Muskery to that end) told that Muskery was drawne away into Kerry. Thereupon at a place called Disham in the co. of Corke, 2 miles from Clancreene, his Lordship adviseing with his officers, it was resolved not to follow these any further whom they dispaired to find, and by refreshing theire wearied party in some adjoyning quarters to attend the enemies further appearing; and accordingly, drummes beating and trumpets sounding for a march, they unexpectedly discovered the enemy in great bodies at hand and in good order to charge. Muskerie's forces were about 700 horse and 300 dragoones, and 1500 foote, ours but 350 horse and 5500 foote. The hasty coming on of the enemy hardly afforded time for ordering our men. The enemie's word was St. James, on which day, the 25th, they engaged, ours prosperity: the ground on which they drew (called Knockbrackt) was a plaine 3 or 4 miles over without bogge or wood. Muskery encouraged his men to stand to it now (saith he) or never, being confident of successe, trusting in their number; and that day did they show more than ordinary resolution. But it pleased God still to owne us, and after a long and sharpe dispute to give us the better. Of the enemy were slaine about 500, and more wounded. They wanted here their refuge of bogges and woodes, and lost much in so long a pursuite, alsoe all the officers of foote lighted and served in the head of their commands. Muskery escaped by the fleetnesse of his horse. It was contrary to order that any should be prisoners considering theire and our numbers, yet there were taken 1 Lt. Coll., 2 Majors, 1 Capt., 1 Lt., with some others. The great river of Blackewater then overflowing swallowed many of them. Of ours were killed 20, 100 wounded; the Lord of Broghill had his horse shot and himselfe wounded with a pike by his Ex: It was thought adviseable for discovering this to those in Limerick and to shew what theire hopes were of Muskeries assistance to let them understand it by our triumph that this should be a night of triumph by vollies of shott, sounding of drums and trumpets, etc. This being the day appointed by Roch and his party for being at six-mile-bridge, his Ex: comanded out a party of 60 horse for discovering them, but there was nothing heard of them.

Monday, July 28. The great wants of the army before Galloway in respect of provisions being represented to his Ex: it was ordered that a proportion of our store should be sent to them by sea. Coll. Sankey this day marched from us with ii troupes of horse and dragoones for following Fitz patrick, who was said to be gathering in order to a conjunction with Muskeries scattered forces. This day we heard that Sir Theo. Jones was come out of Westmeath in Conaught with some forces, and that the 27 instant he would be at Loughreagh with about 100 horse and dragoones there expecting orders from his Ex.

Tuesday, 29. Orders were sent to Sir Theo. Jones that he should hinder all he might Ferall's conjunction, and his Ulster forces with the forces of the co. of Clare, that  p.248 thereby neither his Ex. before Limerick, nor the Lord President before Galloway should be disturbed in theire worke, and to that end his residence at Loughreagh was thought convenient as answering the enemies motions either way, that if Ferrall were passed by already into the co. of Clare and if the Lord President could not spare any considerable forces, then Sir Theo. Jones should march to Thomond side of Killalow to be there and from thence strengthened by Jones sent by his Ex. and to expect further orders from his Ex.

August; Friday, 1. Wee heard that Fitz Patricke had surprised our garrison of Melik on the Shannon about 4 miles from the Birh. That there was not so much as a sentry found awake: and that all in it were put to the sword, the governor only excepted. By letters from the Commissary Generall, of the 29 past, from Galloway was certified that a garrison being received into the towne, the rest of the fresh forces were drawen away towards Ballin and Conge in Conaught; that there designe was supposed for relieving Limericke; that Sir Theo. Jones, with 12 troopes of horse and dragoones, was there falling into the co. of Clare, following David Roch and his party; that this side of Galloway was shut up with 3 forts, 13 redoubts, which were almost defenseable, and that Coll. Russells regiment was to be therein quartered; that Clanricard was in the feild, and that Ferrall was governor of the Vlster armie and Phillip Mac Hugh O Rely assistant to him. Wee heard also that the enemy had a designe upon our garrison of Nenagh in lower Ormond; that the 30th past about 500 foote, and 3 troopes of horse had over night placed themselves comodiously neere the Castle intending on the letting downe the bridge next day to fall into the place; that by speciall providence of God, he watching over us when we sleepe and diverting evills which we see not, Capt. Ayres returning toward the head quarters from Galloway, ferrying over at Portumny, and about breake of day appeared neare Nenagh, the enemy discovering him ranne away, supposing his forces were more then indecde they were whereby the place was preserved.

Lords Day, August 3. Some of the inhabitants out of Limerick to escape ferried out on Thomond side; some were slaine and the rest back. By a letter from ours before Galloway we heard of the Commissary Generall takeing Menlogh, a castle near Galloway; that the souldiers being 4 were prisoners of war, officers at mercy; that Fitzpatrick about Melick became numerous by many out of Conaught repaireing to him; that Dungan and Ferrall were labouring a conjunction; that Sir Theo. Jones was attending Fitz Patrick; that the Lord President having settled the workes before Galloway intended to draw off towards Athlone for attending the enemies motions. This day his Ex. by a dispatch to the Lord President of Conaught certified him what by intelligence he understood of the enemies designes, that they intended the sending 500 horse to joyne with the Clare forces, who were about 2000 foote, that by them intending the reliefe of Limerick; and that the forces of Conaught were principally designed for ingageing him the Lord President. That therefore Collonel Hewson was ordered to draw downe with his forces towards Athlone and further  p.249 into Conaught as occasion should be for assisting the Conaught army. By letters from Birh we heard that Drunme maneghan in lower Ormond was taken by the enemie; also that they had surprised Calohill, and had murdered the Lord Colvell, the governor.

Monday, August 4. We intercepted letters from Limerick desireing supplies; also some going into Limerick from Coll. Roch to the Governor promissing within 5 nights to be neare with reliefe. This letter was dated July 31st, and that the same night there should be a signe given by him from Glanne grosse, a mountain in Thomond towardes Limerick. We thereupon strengthened our guards towards Foybee passe with more horse and dragoones. We understood also of more forces and moneyes landed at Waterford, and more expected; the Scotch rout was also confirmed.

Tuesday, 5. We begun our worke near Foybee passe; also more forces were sent for reenforceing the guard on Thomond side of the towne.

Wednesday, 6. Collonel Sankey with his party came to the head quarters. Collonel Ingoldesby with a considerable party of horse and dragoones was commanded out towards the 6 mile bridge for discovering the enemy said to be in a body in the co. of Clare.

Thursday, 7th. We heard that the treasure landed at Waterford was £50,000; that there were brought thither 500 barrels of powder, 6000 barrels of wheat, 7000 muskets by the care and sollicitation of Capt. Vernon, and that a vessell with wheat and rye of 200 tunnes was coming to the leagure; and for particulars of the Scotch rout before mentioned, we heard that there were of them 2000 slaine and 500 taken prisoners; we heard also that 5 troopes of horse and 1000 foote of the enemy were gathered at Agerthlow about Cullen, and that Capt. Godfrey had fallen into their quarters and killed 20 and tooke 100 horse and armes from them. The Lieutenant Generall riding this day from the leagure to Loghgurre with only 4 horse, having ordered a party of horse to attend him and expecting them to follow him, he set forward, but haveing by a Scout timely discovered about 30 of the enemyes horse ready to fall on, he retyred, and they pursuing 2 miles, but by the blessing of God escaped that danger to the great joy of the army. This night by vollies of shott we triumphed for our victory in Scotland, the particulars whereof were now brought to us. By some out of Limerick we heard of the sicknesses there encreasing, 24 buried in a morning; that they wanted great shot, and for supplying of small shot they had untiled the Earle of Thomond's house. Out of Thomond we heard that the 5th instant Coll. David Roch and Murtogh O Bryan with their forces, about 2500, marched from Ennis to Downemoyhill between the 2 counties of Clare and Galloway; that this day they intended to be at Feakeill; that yesterday they had sent to enquire of Fitz-Patrickes condition and posture, and what side of the Shannon he was on.  p.250 Out of Conaught we heard that Coll. William Burke with 3000 foote beside horse, had 3 daies before marched from the co. of Mayo to Tuam in the co. of Galloway; that there 3 other parties about Castle Barry, intending a conjunction, and that Fitz Patrick had driven a prey of cowes over the Shannon to Melocke. Coll. Ingoldesby returned with his party being sent to discover the enemy, certified his Ex: that he was informed that Coll. Roch and Coll. Bryan had marched lately from Ennis to Downemul {⬌} and {⬌}.

September. At our leaving our quarters this day we left a troupe of horse who with the foote and dragoones of Cloghanaboy were to secure a boate with provisions and sicke men untill the next tide, which being on ground through negligence had been otherwise in danger of the enemy in Clare Castle. This day a party of horse and dragoones in our new garrison of Clonrone on the other side of Clare Castle appearing before Clare, the enemy sallied in number about 150, ours retiring for advantage, and the enemy pursuing, we charged them and killed and tooke about 40, among whom was Capt. Lalor, who charged Coll. White, (late Governor of Clare) for conferring with his Ex. (Aug. 25). In this the Castle of Clare found what they might after expect of those our new garrisons, their neighbours. By orders from his Ex: this party quartered on Thomond side of the flote bridge.

Friday, 5. We passed the flote bridge, the foote quartering apart from the rest of the army untill further orders. In this expedition was our party before Limerick secured from the attempts of the enemy, and the hopes of the beseiged at present disappointed as to supplies from theirs on this side; thereby was the enemy in the co: of Clare dispersed, and many persons therein considerable brought under contribution who till then held out, and either would not or durst not by reason of the enemies power submitt to us; and by it had we the advantage of placing convenient garrisons in that county where was laid a force of about 500 horse and dragoones, and as many foote, for answering all motions of the enemy there, and for repressing the oppression of the country by those in Clare Castle, and for securing our contributions {⬌}ining intelligence as occasion should require, which was {⬌} those respects very consid{⬌}. At a {⬌} this day it was debated {⬌} of foote now marched {⬌} a comaunded party should be ordered, whether to be disposed into their respective regiments. It was resolved that they should holde as they were (comaunded by Coll. Stubbards), and to encampe apart as a loose party, ready to answer all occasions. 2dly, Whether this party should be sent to Galloway for that service, it was resolved in the negative, the worke here being conceived the principall, and it being necessary that there should be a force at hand ready for opposeing any thing to be by the enemy attempted on either hand of us. It was farther debated whether our workes before this place should be in way of approaches which was for  p.251 the present by the major part not thought convenient, but that the lines begun from fort to fort should be finished.

Monday, September 8. September. His Excellency went this day to Bunratty, belonging to the Earl of Thomond, which lying on the Shannon was conceived fit to be fortified. There was laid Captain Preston with his troope of horse and a foote company. This place was very convenient for baking and making and laying up provisions for the army and other garrisons thereabout. Some labouring to passe out of Limerick were by our guards on Thomond side met withall and putt to the sword. A party of the enemies horse commanded by Lt. Coll. Fitzgerard doing much hurt in {⬌} in the co. of Corke were the 21st past by a small party of ours drawen together out of Corke and Youghall slaine and wounded, and 500 cowes and some prisoners rescued. Soone after night fall was a torch or fire put out on the top of the highest tower in Limerick given as a signall to those from whom they expected releife.

Tuesday, 9. Coll. Sankey with his party and with the treasure coming by land from Waterford came this day to the head quarters.

Wednesday, 10. We heard that Collonel Bourke was come into the county of Clare for raising forces there. They gave it out that Clanricard had dismissed his army for 15 dayes. Thus were the country reports, but by letters of the 5 instant to his Ex: from the Comissary Generall then about Athlone, it was to this purpose certified, that Clanricards party, being then become co{⬌} was about Ballilege {⬌} Conaught side of the Shannon that {⬌} the Comissary Generall and Coll. Hewson {⬌} appointed to attend them marching toward them, Clanricards whole party dispersed notwithstanding great advantages of places almost inaccessible; that Coll. Bourke fled into Conaught with the party of that province, and was by ours pursued 12 miles; that Dungan with the Leinster forces fled into the Kings Co: whom he, the Comissary Generall, and Sir Theo: Jones was then pursuing; that the Ulster forces ran into their owne country not farre of; that Clanricard with the Earls of Castlehaven and Westmeath had by boate at Ballilege slipt to James Towne in the co. of Letrym, and that ours were possessed of the castle of Ballilege, wherein were placed 50 musqueteers. It is a place of good consequence being the onely passe on the Shannon between Athlone and Jamestowne.

Thursday, 11. We were certified of Coll. O Dwyer's and the other rebels in the co. of Tiperary drawing to a generall rendevouz at a place called Glangarow, where Muskery was expected to meete him.

Friday, 12. Coll. Sankey, with 7 troopes of horse and 4 of dragoonos, was sent from the army to attend that enemy.  p.252 By some this day come out of Limerick we understood of the factions there, occasioned by their wants encreasing. This moved his Ex: to resolve on preparations for force, and taking advantages of such distractions, and in order thereunto ordered approaches to be made, and ladders to be prepared, and places fitted for battery.

Saturday, September 13. This day we had by returnes of our spies and otherwaies confirmations of these gatherings mentioned; particularly that Coll. O Dwyer had 600 horse and 1500 foote rendevouzed at Cullenagh, and that Muskery with his horse was expected all in order to the reliefe of Limerick. This night was a fire shewd in Limerick as formerly (the 8 inst).

Lords day, 14. This night was the like fire shewed in the same place. Some attempts to breake out on Thomond side of the towne, being by our guns covered, were forced backe, the {⬌} some passed by us.

Monday, 15. Captain Godfrey, of Coll. Sankey's regiment (a very active officer), and Capt. Cuffe with his troope of dragoones were set upon by 300 of the enemies horse at disadvantage, and being overpowered ours were routed, 13 were slaine, 22 taken besides the officers.

Wednesday, 17. We had intelligence that 3 troopes and some foot of the enemy lay between Cullen and the Abbey of Owney toward Limerick; also that 8 troopes and 15 companies with colours were in the west end of the Galtynwoods, where was theire gathering. By one come out of Limerick we heard that (the 12 inst), it was an assembly in the city debated to treate with us; 2 parts of 3 were for a present treaty, but the rest being, although the fewer, yet the more leading (countenanced by their factious clergie, and the souldiery) prevailed so as that for 14 daies from that time they should forbeare treating in that time expecting reliefe. We heard also that there had beene a plot laid for betraying of Clonmell, which in the discovery of it was prevented. It was informed that Coll. O Brien was that night before within 5 miles of Kilaloe with 500 foote stript (as their manner is when they are upon some nimble and sodaine designe). Thereupon was Capt. Allen (Adjutant Generall of the horse) sent that night with 200 horse and 300 nimble foote towards the place where they might probably be found; but this proved a false allarum, our party returning without discovering any enemy, but in a wood they found a new leather bagge with about 20 pound of good powder.

Thursday, 18. We received intelligence that the Lord Broghill attending Muskerie's motions and thereupon advancing with his forces, Muskery retired and disperst. That the Lord of Broghill was burning Muskeries country in Carbry in the co. of  p.253 Corke, that on Coll. Sankeys advancing Coll. O Dwyer and the rest of that party dispersed also. Their designe so failing for relieving Limerick they now comforted themselues with hopes that Limerick would hold out a great part of the winter, and that ours before it must be distressed with want of forrage and not able to last out a winters siege. It was {⬌} speech of one of the towne souldiers from the wall to ours that we laboured to beate them out with bomb-shells (so they called our mortar-shot), but they would beate us away with snow-balls. But for both hath his Ex: had fully provided us in the leagure by the bringing in and storing up of forrage in good proportions, and by building of convenient houses in our severall forts, where I suppose our abiding would be much better to many then elsewhere will be theire winter quarters. Muskery had also much comforted himselfe and his party, by hopes of the successe of the Scots King's being then in England concerning {⬌}. ¹⁴

October 27. By letters out of Conaught we found that our garrison of Ballilege on the Shanon, taken by ours the last moneth (mentioned Sept. 10), was delivered to the enemy upon summons, for which some were to be accomptable. The enemy burnt the castle and deserted it. We then also received Clanricards summons to the Sherives of the respective counties for a Generall Assembly at James Towne in the county of Letrim on the 6 of the next moneth for the reasons therein expressed which summons is in these words:

After our hearty comendations: The last Generall Assembly held at Lough Reagh having adjourned unto the 6 day of November next, which through eminent occasions and at the request of the officers of the army hath beene appointed sooner, but by reason of slenderness of apparance and power of the enemy was disappointed from concluding any thing upon the weighty affaires they had to debate, and adjourned unto the said day first appointed. We have thought fit therefore to renue and appoint the meeting of the said assembly at James Town upon the said 6 day of November next at 10 of the clock in the forenoone. And do hereby pray and require that you will under your owne hand and seale return unto the said Generall Assembly at the time and place aforesaid either the former persons returned from the co: of Gallway and Corporations therein or 2 other able and lawfully elected persons by the inhabitants of every burrough of the said co: there to sit and vote in all matters to be debated by the said Assembly; and if the power of the enemy will not permitt such Generall meetings, you are to cause the said election to be made and returned in the best manner you may, and to give notice unto the persons by you to be returned as aforesaid not to faile in the said hower. The rather that we have to communicate unto the said Assembly as well a dispatch lately received by us of a transaction made and concluded with the Duke of Loraine for the releife of this Kingdome, as also severall matters relating to and concerning the said agreement and other matters of much importance to his  p.254 Majesties service and the good of this nation, which (least any interruption may be given us by the enemy) wee intend shall be hastened as farre as in us lies, the results to be there taken, entered upon and debated the first day of the Session have resolved to avoid the dangers of a long session to hasten as farr as in us lies the results to be there taken. And so we bid you heartily farewell, and remaine

Your loving friend Clanrickard. At Aghanure, the 10th of October, 1651.

Four of the Limerick Commissioners being detained as hostages the other 2 were sent back into the city for reporting the conclusion made with them. His Ex: now recalled those of ours sent into the towne on the cessation, by whom wee were given to understand that some principall officers within had on Thursday last at night possessed themselues of John's Gate, turning 2 guns there on the city and reserving that port for us to be delivered to us if by the malignant party within the treaty were hindered, declaring that if this day all were concluded they would deliver up the place unto us. This was altogether without our knowledge and this hastened the conclusion of the businesse more then did our batteries or force intended, which (we after found) would have beene an obstinate resistance very difficult and hazardous to us. Thus had God without us and without our knowledge prepared our way for us, in a way more to his glory and the good of his servants. According to the articles we tooke possession of John's gate and of the Milne towre this day.

These Articles, imperfect in the Clarendon MS., are here riven from A Letter from the Lord Deputy-General of Ireland upon the Surrender of Limerick, 1651. See ante, p. 241.

Articles agreed upon the twenty seventh day of October, One thousand six hundred fifty one, by and between Henry Ireton, Esquire, Deputy General of Ireland on the one part, and Bartholomew Stackpoll, Recorder of the City of Limerick, or Dominick White, Alderman of the same, Nicholas Haley, Esquire, Lieutenant-Colonel Piers Lacy, Lieutenant-Colonel Donogh O Brien, and John Baggot, Esquire, Commissioners appointed by and on the behalf of the Governor and Major of the said City, to Treat and Conclude for the surrender thereof on the other part.

1. That the City of Limerick, with the Castle, and all places of strength in the City be surrendred into the hands of the said Deputy General of Ireland, for the use of the Parliament and Common-wealth of England, upon, or before the twenty ninth day of October instant at noon, together with all the Ordnance, Arms, Ammunition, and other furniture of War therein, and all the Goods of any kinde not allowed by the ensuing Articles to be carried away or kept by the owners, and this without waste, spoil, or embezlement. And the full possession of John's Gate and Priors Mill shall be delivered unto the said Deputy General or such Guards as they shall appoint (not exceeding an hundred men for Johns Gate) this day by Sunset; and for performance hereof, the above named Lieutenant-Colonel Piers Lacy, Lieutenant-Colonel Donogh O Brien, Alderman Dominick White, and Nicholas  p.255 Haley, Esquire, shall remain as Hostages with the said Deputy-General, until the Surrender of the said City.
2. That in consideration thereof, all persons now in the City (except such as are hereafter excepted) shall have Quarter for their Lives, liberty of their persons, their Cloathes, Money, and other Goods, so as to be free from Pillage, Plunder, or other hostile violence in their Persons or Goods during their continuance under the said Deputies safe Conduct or Protection, by vertue of the ensuing Articles respectively: But whereas through the practices of some persons more eminent and active then the rest, both amongst the Clergy, Military-Officers, the Citizens, and other sorts of men within the large Conditions formerly tendred for Surrender, have been rejected. The subsequent occasions or opportunities for timely making of Conditions neglected and avoided, the dispositions and desires of many persons within to that purpose, is opposed, resisted and restrained, and the generality of the people partly deluded and deceived (to the keeping of them in vain expectations of relief from one time to another) and partly over-awed, or enforced by their power to concur and contribute this long to the obstinate holding out of the place; therefore the persons hereafter named, viz. Major General Hay Hugo Oniel, the Governor, Major-General Purcel, Sir Jeffry Galway, Lieutenant-Colonel Lacy, Captain George Wolf, Captain Lieutenant Sexton, the Bishop of Limerick, the Bishop of Emley, John Quillin, a Dominican Friar, David Roch, a Dominican Friar, Captain Laurence Welsh, a Priest, Francis Wolf, a Franciscan Friar, Philip O Diepe Dwyer, Priest, Alderman Dominick Fanning, Alderman Thomas Stretch, Alderman Jordan Roch, Edmund Roch, Burgess, David Rocheford, Burgess, Sir Richard Everard, Doctor Higgin, Maurice Baggot of Baggotstown, and Jeffry Barron being, as aforesaid the Principals appearing in such Practices in this Siege, and the holding out so long; as also Evan the Welch Soldier who ran into Limerick; and all other persons that have been employed, and come into the City as Spies since the Fourth day of June last, shall be excepted and excluded from any benefit of this Article, or any other Articles ensuing, and such of them as can be found within the Garrison, shall be rendred up at Mercy upon the Surrender of the City: And any such persons as shall be found to hide or conceal any of the said excepted persons, or be privy to their Concealment or attempt of Escape, and not discover, and do their best endeavor to prevent the same, shall thereby be understood to have forfeited the benefit of these Articles to themselves; but otherwise, none shall lose that benefit for other mens default in their Concealment or escape, or for the not rendring of them up as aforesaid.
3. That all Officers, Soldiers and other persons now in the City (not excepted in the last precedent Article) shall also have liberty to march away with their Cloathes, Bag and Baggage, Money, and all other their Goods of what kinde soever, except Arms, Ammunition, and other Utensils of War (carrying nothing but their own) to what place or places they shall choose respectively within the Dominion of Ireland, not being a Garison for the Parliament (all the Field Officers of Horse and Foot, and Captains of Horse, with their Horses, Pistols and Swords, and other the Commissioned-Officers with their Swords onely) And shall have Three Moneths time after the Surrender to remove any Goods of their own, that they shall not  p.256 think fit sooner to carry with them; and such of them as shall choose to go to any Garisons, or Parties of the Enemy, shall have Convoy or safe conduct for that purpose, for such time as shall be requisite for their march, at the rate of Ten miles a day, and shall have Cariages and provision allowed from the Countrey at the usual rates.
4. That such of the Citizens and Inhabitants interested in the City, as are not excepted in the second Article, and shall not presently march away as aforesaid, but desire to continue longer in the City, shall (upon application for that purpose to the said Deputy Generall, or the chief Officer commanding in Limerick after the Surrender) have License given them to stay, either for such further time as the said Deputy General, or the said chief Officer present shall finde convenient, or until further warning given them to depart; and in case of such License given till further warning, shall have Four moneths time allowed from and after such warning, for the removal of themselves and their Families and Six moneths for the removal of their Goods, and during such further time limited, or in case of reference to further warning, during their continuance there to the time of warning given; and for the said Four moneths and Six moneths after respectively, shall be protected in their Families and Goods from all Injury and Violence, and at any time as they shall desire within the said space or spaces respectively shall have liberty and safe conduct for the removal of themselves, their Families and Goods, to any place or places within this Dominion, not being garisoned for the Parliament as aforesaid; and if they shall not be admitted to reside elswhere in protection within this Dominion, they shall have liberty, for themselves, their Wives, Children and Goods, to pass beyond the Seas; Provided that they pay their due proportion of what Taxes and other Contribution shall be charged upon the City, from the day of the Surrender to the day of the removal, in due proportion with other places in Ireland, and behave themselves as becometh: And such of the said Citizens and Inhabitants as having not License to stay until further warning, shall within a moneth after the Surrender be ordered to depart, shall have the same benefit of the Third Article, as those that march away immediately upon the Surrender.
5. That all such persons now in the City, as shall desire to live peaceably under protection, and submit to the Parliament of England (except the persons excepted in the second Article aforegoing, and except all Clergy-men, Priests and Friars of any Order) shall upon their application to that purpose, have License and protection to live quietly at any such place or places within this Dominion as they shall desire, and the said Deputy General finde convenient to admit; but such Protection shall not be understood to extend either to the assuring of them in the enjoyment of their Lands or other Hereditaments; or to the granting of other Indempnity or Freedom from any Question or Prosecution to Justice in a Judicial way, for any Crimes they may be guilty of, except to such persons as shall be found fit to have that Mercy and Favor expresly granted to them, or to others for a certain time to be limited for that purpose; but to such as shall have protection for a limited time, either Citizens or others, it is intended they shall be freed from any Suit or Censure in the Civil Judicature for things done in relation to the War during the time limited.

 p.257

Memorandum, As to the fourth Article aforegoing, it is intended, That the Citizens (not excepted against within a Moneth) may tarry (without particular Application) and have Four Moneths after warning given to remove themselves and Families, and six moneths to carry away their Goods.

Memorandum, Also that all Soldiers or other persons, not excepted in the third Article, who through Sickness are disabled to remove themselves at present, shall have liberty to march away when they shall recover, and have equal benefit with others in their Conditions respectively; And that from twelve of the Clock this day, there shall be Cessation of all acts of Hostility on either part, but the persons Besieged not to come without the Walls or Island, saving into Johns Grate, until the time limited for Surrender, without License from the other part respectively.

And lastly it is agreed, That no person shall be understood to forfeit the benefit of any the Articles for another mans Breach thereof, unless he be found to be consenting thereto, or privy to it, without discovering or endeavoring to prevent it, provided this extend not to Indempnifie the Hostages in case of failer or Surrender. In Testimony whereof, the parties first above mentioned have Interchangeably set to their Hands and Seals the day and year first above written. ¹⁵

Bar: Stacpol. Domi: White. Nic: Haly. Hen: O Bryan. Piers Lacy. John Bagot.

Tuesday, October 28th. Out of the co: of Clare was thus certified: That Coll. Murtogh O Brien and Coll. Bourke lay at Balliturry; that theire forces were 1600 foote and 250 horse; that Coll. David Roch {⬌} and that we had garrisoned towne of Inchinglin in Thomond. Out of Kerry we heard that the Lord of Muskery had letters from Clanricard concerning the Duke of Loraine; that there upon he tooke boate and hastened to Gallway where Clanricard was. At a Councell of warre it was this day debated and voted (1) that part of the army should before further service. 2. That that part of the army should march into the co: of Clare to fortifie the towne of Enis, and thence to march to Gallway if it should be found necessary according as should be the returne from the Lord President of Conaught to his Ex: letters to that purpose. His Ex: ordered the forces to be quartered in Limerick and in the quarters about Cashel, and the remnant of this army being 21 companies and {⬌} troopes of horse and dragoones to be for the marching party. His Lordship also ordered that party of our workes towards Limerick to be slighted and after the whole workes as it should be necessary.

8. An Accompt of the Ammunition and Arms received from the Soldiers and Inhabitants of Limerick, 30 October, 1651.

• Barrels of powder 83
• Barrels of mixt shot 23
• Match, three tun and an half
• Fixed and fixable Musquets 1165
• Broken Musquets and Musquet Barrels 1610
• Fowling-Pieces, Firelocks and Carbines 215
• Pikes 512
• Half-Pikes 30
• Holberts 93
• Brown Bills 27
• Pistols most unfixed 109
• Collers of Bandeliers 246
• Old Swords 140
• Old Saddles 72

Besides round shot, Backs, Brests, Head-pieces, Pioniers Tools, Powder, Flasks, etc., whereof an account is not yet taken.
Nath: Boysh.

9. List of the Ordnance taken in Limerick, 30 October, 1651.

• Brass Guns.
• Demy Cannon 2
• Demy Culverin 1
• Saker 1
• Faulknet 1
• Small Drake 1
• Iron Ordnance.
• Culverin 1
• Saker 2
• Menion 7
• Falkon 2
• Falkenot 3

Friday, October 31. The marching part of our army was drawen out and quartered on Thomond side of Limerick not farre from the towne. His Ex: removed out of his field quarters into Limerick.

November. Saturday, 1. The Lt. Generall marched with the army into the co: of Clare. His Ex: staid in Limerick for a time for ordering affaires there. That the late Governor of Limerick's letter mentioned professing his desires and endeavours for the surrendering the place from the beginning being after testified by other circumstances, his condition was this day againe taken into consideration and the former vote concerning his execution with the rest was recalled.

Lord's day, 2. Coll. Warden (sent before into the co: of Clare) this day summoned the Castle of Clare. Hereunto was the following answer returned:

Sir,

I can hardly beleue that the Governor of Limerick was brought to such low conditions as you make mention of in your letter. Howsoever, the officers here desire a respite of time untill Monday next, seeing our Gouernor is not in place, and in the interim we may send him notice of the contents of your letter, and then resolve you; wherein we desire a speedy answer, and rest

Your servant,
W. Butler. Clare Castle, 1. November, 1651.

Monday, 3. This day the Lord President of Conaught came to the heade quarters at Limerick. His Lordship certified us how impossible a thing it was to attempt at this time the shutting up of Galway on the other side: 1. That the bridge prepared for the river at Galway could not be cast over so to passe the water, the enemy having fortified the other side against us. 2. That the marching from Galway about the Lough by the way of Conge to the other side of Galway was above was above 60 miles. 3. That at the entrance of the passage aboue the Lough at Conge (being a passage betweene two Loughs about halfe a mile over) lay Clanricard with 3000 foote. 4. That the Castle of Aghanure would oppose our passing the river by boats in the ordinary way after our entring into Couaught. 5. That therefore we were to march 16 miles about, and in the march to passe 8 rivers, the least of them not passable if any raine should fall, and thereby might our army be shut up within waters. 6. That the way from Cong to Aghanure was such that horses could be only led, and from Aghanure to Galway (12 miles) they could not be led, besides that all the  p.261 country had neither corne nor grasse at this time of yeare, all being now destroyed by the enemie quartering there, and so our foote must march without our horse, and all provisions and amunition carried on our souldiers backs onely. Therefore was the marching of the army this way laid aside for the present.

Tuesday, November 4. The Lieutenant-Generall coming before Clare Castle it was at a councell of warre debated whether it had beene adviseable to summon or attempt the strong Castle of Clare. The strength of it would make a seige or a storme equally dangerous, considering the time of the yeare and the strength of the place not short of any that we had to deale withall appearing by description of the place and the mappe of it before given. A refusall on a summons would be tending to Carigaholt in the co: of Clare on the Shannon, which was to be now looked after, and the place had beene already summoned by Coll: Warden, and the time passed wherein an answer should haue been given as if not inclining to a surrender. In this difference of opinions it pleased God to encline us to a second summons from the Lt. Generall, which was this day sent, and God thereupon ordered the delivering of the place contrary to our expectation or hopes. The conditions of surrender are as followeth:

Articles of Agreement by and betweene Lt. Generall Ludloe on the behalfe of the Lord Deputy Generall of the one part and Capt. Will. Butler and Capt. Donogh O Connor on the behalfe of Collonel Mc Egan of the other, touching the surrender of Clare for the use of the Parliament and Comonwealth of England, dated the 4th of November, 1651.

1. That the Castle and all places of strength within the same with all the armes, amunition, stores, and other utensils of warre (except heerafter excepted) shall be delivered up to such as shall be appointed to receiue the same without imbezlement or spoile by 8 of the clock tomorrow morning, being the 5 of November.
2. In consideration whereof all the officers and souldiers shall haue free liberty to march away with their armes, bagge, and baggage, drum beating, colours flying, musquets loaden, matches lighted, bullets in pouch.
3. That all persons of what degree and quality soever shall haue libertie to march away with bag and baggage, chattell of all sorts.
4. That all persons (except Romish preists, Jesuites, and friers) who desire to live in protection shall have libertie so to doe, submitting themselves to all acts and ordinances of Parliament.
5. That convoys and passes shall be allowed to such of them as desire the same.
6. That Coll. Stephen White shall haue the benefit of these articles in case he accept of it within twelve daies.
7. Each Musqueteer shall carrie with him halfe a pound of powder with bullet and match proportionable.
8. That none shall suffer for another mans default in breakeing of the articles.
9. That 2 hostages be forthwith given by the Lt. Coll. for the performance of these articles.

 p.262

In testimonie whereof we haue hereunto set our hands the day and yeare within written.

Edmund Ludlow. William Butler. Donogh O Connor.

This day the place was delivered according to the Articles and comitted to Coll. Sadlers government, and in his absence to Lt. Coll. Fowkes of his regiments. There marched away of the enemy about 230. We found there 8 barrels of powder, 70 bundles of match, 2 barrels of bullets, some old unfixed armes, with provision of meale and corne, etc.; also a small iron peece mounted on the workes, and heere we recouered our morter-peece and shels (about 23) and our 2 guns (one a cannon of 7 the other a demie cannon) with their shot, about 60 which had beene lost as is before mentioned, July 5.

Wednesday, Nov. 5. This day was at Limerick kept a day of praise and thankesgiving to God for his goodness to us in deliuering to us this citie after so long a seige like unto which was never any in Ireland holding out 5 months from the 30 June to the 29 of October, and taking up the greatest part of this yeares worke with this army. God's time is the best time; in this (as in all other things concerning us) we found it so. 1. Considering the strength of the place, haveing in itselfe (within and without) walls and workes necessary and sufficient for defence. Indeed that part of the wall intended to be by us battered affoorded advantage to the worke above any other part of it; yet haue we since found that our attempts there (had they proceeded) might haue beene little lesse then desperate. 2. Considering the number of the defenders the city bands were accounted little lesse then 2000, to whom were added 1200 foote and horse drawen in thither they {⬌} the other commanded by {⬌} well experienced {⬌} Generall Hugh O Neile {⬌} of whom we to {⬌} proofe formerly at {⬌} Clonmell upon {⬌} less {⬌} advantages. 3. Considering that all (or most) of both theire militias were as one man united against us, untill the holy God himselfe pointed out and prepared for us, 1. By his owne hand of visitation heavy on those within of whom 8000 by {⬌} were so swept {⬌}. By removing the then Major (Alderman Strech) comanding the city militia, and by his malignancy hardning them and others unto an obstinate resistance untill the 6 of October (the time by their charter limited for electing another in his place), and who was (if not affected yet) not so disaffected to us. 3. In the divideing first the city militia from the other, and after gaining on the other also, some of the principall officers appearing for deliuering up a port to us if a speedy conclusion were not made as hath beene declared. If it be thought that want of provisions enforced for us the surrender of the place, so indeed it ranne in our intelligence; and though it appeared to those of the meaner sort daily resorting to us, who spake as they found it, many of them being pincht with wants in that kind.

And as a prudent way this might moove with us to proceed as wee did, rather expecting then at aparant hazards forcing the place. But we now finde the stores in the city more then were reported or more then the owners would before have acknowledged, and much more then would have consisted with the well being (if with the being) of our army to sit by it at this season untill these should haue been consumed.

It was God alone who in his wisedome and goodnesse ordered our worke and our way and our time and all for us. Had it been done at first in the full strength of our army, or had it beene done after by battery or forces (an hopefull way in the eies of many) then had our corruptions stept in for part of ye praise which now appeareth Gods onely, it being done in our weaknesse (our number being diminished by sicknesse) and {⬌}.

The MS. of the Diary ends here.