December; new Commissions were given out to the judges, who did not spare the mere Irish. Nefarious laws were enacted. On the 16th of December, Brigadier Dorrington of the Irish army issued a proclamation from Limerick, in which he stated that all needful accommodation was in readiness for those who chose to transport themselves to France. In this proclamation, the Brigadier inveighed vehemently against William and his government, and the conduct altogether of William's partizans everywhere during this crisis. One of William's very first acts on his arrival in London was to open the Session of Parliament with a speech from the throne, in which he not only spoke of the successes (?) which his arms had in Ireland, notwithstanding the want of pay which his soldiers had endured, but of his relations towards France, the raising of a million of money on the credits of the forfeited estates in Ireland, the maintenance of a force of 67,636 men, a strong navy, new ships, &c. It was also suggested that a return should be given of the names of all those who had been in "rebellion" in England and in Ireland, in order to the confiscation of their estates, and the applying the proceeds to bear the charges of the war! Here we have a key to the purpose and the policy of William. He proceeded against his father-in-law, James II. in open "rebellion”—and declared those to be rebels who drew the sword against his usurpation. The question of the forfeited estates was not so easily adjusted, though ultimately it prevailed. The matter was held over for another session, on the recommendation of the House of Lords. William did not feel at ease with his friends; they were exacting, and he was willing, but he could not do all with the desired haste. In disgust he went to Holland, where he arrived after an unpropitious voyage. New "Popish plots" were discovered. Catholics of high position and influence were assassinated under the cover of law. Lord Preston and Mr. Ashton were tried and condemned in England, because they were favorable to James. Never was hatred more insatiate in the darkest days that had gone by. In Limerick, Waterford, Cork, and Tipperary, several brisk actions took place between the Williamite troops and the rapparees. Towards Nenagh a sharp fight occurred between the rapparees and Lieutenant-Colonel Lillington, who first secured a bridge about half a mile from the town, sent a detachment to occupy a pass towards Limerick, while the rest of his freebooters entering Nenagh-the Irish flying to the Castle for security-he set fire to the houses, together with stores of malt, and meal, and plundered 300 head of black cattle. Forty or fifty Irish fell in this foray of Lillington. Hacking, hunting, and butchering was the course of the Williamites. People began to tire and sicken of this wearisome warfare. A defeat at the moat of Grange, and a scarcity of provisions which now began to be sensibly felt in Limerick, contributed in no small degree to unnerve and cause dismay to the people. Succours were hourly looked for from France; but days and weeks were passing amid hope deferred, and the good time after all did not come. However, Tyrconnell, in January, 1691, returned from France to Limerick with three frigates laden with provisions, clothing, arms, and ammunition, and about £8000 in money. Tyrconnell was accompanied by Sir Richard Nagle and Sir Stephen Rice, in whose hands James had lodged the administration of civil affairs up to the present.

A considerable number of French officers arrived in Limerick towards the end of April; they brought an account that General St. Ruth, a brave and

gallant soldier, who had won reputation on foreign fields, would soon follow from France, with clothing and other necessaries for 25,000 men, and that he would place himself at the head of the army. Confidence now gained ground; and Limerick was put in a complete state of defence. The walls were so widened, particularly towards the south, John's gate, &c., that they afforded an excellent walk in after years for the citizens, and White pleasantly observes when he wrote:-"those are the walls we now walk on!" About the 20th of May, a large arrival of war material took place in the bay of Dublin for William's army, with 500 gun carriage horses, together with Lieutenant-General Scravemoor, Major-General Mackay, and Major-General Ruvigni, and a train of artillery, consisting of 30 pieces of cannon, 6 mortars, and 12 field pieces, which marched from Dublin towards Mullingar on the 26th; Lieutenant-General Ginkle, and the other general officers intending to follow in a few days after. The arms also, which were lately sent from England, were distributed among the Protestants of Ireland -a practice, which has not even in our own day been abandoned whenever the Orange interest requires support. The Irish supplied themselves with arms also; and if even according to Captain Robert Parker, they behaved with wonderful resolution the year before at the Boyne, and with unparalleled bravery at Limerick, they were now determined to fight for native homes and free altars, with more than quondam valour. The campaign quicked into vigorous activity in every quarter. Militia were posted by William's officers wherever their presence might avail. Tipperary and Cork were almost altogether confided to the militia. A strong Williamite garrison was placed in Clonmel. Sir William Cox, who had the command of the militia, advised that a flying camp should be formed at Michelstown, which would so cover the country from all incursions from Limerick, that they could spare troops for the army. It was apprehended that an attack would be made on Waterford by the Irish, because that city was weak in the absence of the guns, which had been withdrawn to other places. Rogers, an expert engineer, reported what was necessary to strengthen Waterford for William; and what he recommended was done. Many of the Irish leaders were summarily seized and disposed of by an order from the Council Board of William's government. Everywhere throughout the country the utmost activity prevailed on every side; but all eyes were turned towards Limerick.

Towards the end of May, Major-General Talmash, who was sent over by William, arrived in Dublin; he was accompanied by Sir Martin Beckman, chief of the corps of Engineers. In a day or two they proceeded towards the camp, where the soldiers had been occupied in hanging such of the poor Irish as came in their way. Storey states that on one occasion thirty-five were killed, and six were "fairly" hanged. Orders were issued to all sellers of ale and other liquors to dispose of none, but good brewed ale and genuine liquors to the soldiers in camp, in order to prevent diseases; sellers were directed to procure licenses from Dublin. The latter portion of the order was withdrawn sometime after, not being found convenient to any of the parties interested. On the 30th of May, Ginkle, in chief command, travelled from Dublin, and slept that night at Tycroghan. Next day he reached the camp at Mullingar, where he found Kirk's, Lord Meath's, Lord Lisburn's, Lord Cutts', Colonel Foulkes', Colonel Brewer's, Lord George

Hamilton's, and Colonel Earle's regiment of foot,-Sir John Lanier's, Brigadier Villiers's, Colonel Longstone's, Reydepell's, Roncour's, and Monopovillon's horse, with Colonel Leveson's Dragoons, who before his coming over to Ireland was made a Brigadier by William. The army and militia got new clothes for the campaign; the colour was generally of grey, for, as yet, the red had not been introduced in the British army. The Irish wore green, French grey, white, &c. The army of the Williamites was now concentrated in a great measure-but in some places stray parties of militia and regulars appeared at a distance from the camp; and it was among one of these that Ensign Storey, the brother of the Dean, was met by the chivalrous galloping Hogan at Corolanty, near Congort in Lower Ormond. This occurrence, fatal to young Storey, who was a gallant soldier, took place on the 1st of June. Drogheda's regiment kept garrison at Corolanty where the news of the capture of Congort had arrived. Storey, with youthful ardor, not believing the intelligence that Congort had fallen into the hands of the Irish, resolved to prevent its capture, and to take care that it should not be burned. He went out with his party, but was surprised and killed. The Irish, however, not only buried him with the honors of war, but the humanity they manifested, is freely admitted by the brother of the Ensign, who was the Historian of William's campaigns.

At Mullingar Ginkle gave certain directions as to the contraction of the works that had been made the winter before for the sucurity of that place. The design of passing the Shannon at Meelck or Banagher, appeared to be the most plausible to Ginkle while he lay at Mullingar; and he sent the Rev. Mr. Trench, who at an earlier period had done service to the cause,' to the Duke of Wirtemberg, then at Ballyboy, to encamp thereabouts until the rest of the army had joined him, or if he could, to surprise a passage over the Shannon while the Irish army which were watching the other portion of the English. Mr. Trench, with a party of thirty horse, got to his destination, though surrounded by the Irish; knowing the passes, and the by-ways, he reached Roscrea where the Duke was encamped. For certain causes, however, an express was sent to Athlone directing that the Duke should march forward in order to join the army at Athlone. This was done -and matters proceeded in a regular course of operation on both sides. One of the principal wants of the Irish army was an efficient cavalry. Storey tells a very curious tale in reference to the manner in which this want was supplied by the Irish Generals. On a certain day they sent directions that all the gentlemen volunteers and yeomen in the neighbourhood of Limerick should appear on the King's Island with their best horses and arms. They appeared accordingly, when the majority of them were ordered to dismount and deliver up their horses for the use of the army. In a few days after this occurrence the whole body of Irish moved on towards Athlone, whither they had been informed, by spies and outscouts, the army of the Williamites designed to march. Ginkle, meantime, left nine twenty-four pounders, one eighteen pounder, and three mortars at Mullingar, and marched on Saturday the 6th of June, to Rathcondra about six miles between Meers Court and Cairus Castle. He was joined by several general officers and their regiments and troops, at the head of whom was Lieutenant General Douglas, General Milo Burke was Governor of Athlone. He spurned the

1 Storey states that he had been very forward in their Majesties' Service. This reverend gentleman was ancestor of Lord Ashtown, and of the present Protestant Archbishop of Dublin.

attempt of Ginkle, who sent him this summons to deliver up that important position:

"Since the Governour desires to see in Writing the Message which I just now sent him by word of mouth, he may know, That if he Surrenders the Fort of Ballymore to me within two hours, I will give him and his Garrison their lives, and make them Prisoners of War; if not, neither he nor they shall have any Quarter, nor another opportunity for saving themselves. However, if in that time their Women and Children will go out, they will have my leave. "Given at the Camp this 8th day of June, 1691, at 8 a Clock in the Morning.

"Bar De GINCKEL.

From Athlone he wrote several letters to the neighbouring noblity and gentry, calling upon them to use their best endeavours to aid him. Among those to whom he wrote was the first Earl of Granard.'

Athlone, however surrendered; and the battle of Aughrim, where St. Ruth met with so sudden an end to a glorious career, and where success must have crowned the Irish army with glory, were it not for jealousies and divided councils, followed.

The word now was Limerick, which was destined to endure a second siege within twelve months.

Never perhaps in the chequered history of our country was there a time in which more intense excitement appeared on the part of both of the armies which were now destined to fight for the mastery before and within the walls of Limerick. The die was cast. The resolution was taken. The issue was tremendous. Taking a short retrospect of the stirring events of the past eighteen months, we have seen compressed within that space of time, matters of momentous importance to the destinies of Ireland. Now was the moment in which the result, for good or for evil, was to be developed. Ginkle was conversant with the strength of the city, which he had resolved to beleaguer. Skill and industry, courage and patriotism, urged the Irish generals and the citizens to make a rally unprecedented in energy and power. An army which had been driven, as it were, to bay, now occupied the garrison, and defended a position which was impregnable if strong arms and equally strong hearts could render it so. Ginkle's soldiers were fatigued and harassed. Superstitious beyond belief, they reposed faith in every idle prophecy which was noised abroad by the busy tongues of those whose wishes

1 Copy of a Letter addressed by General de Ginckel, first Earl of Athlone, to the first Earl of Granard. Camp at Athlone, July 6th, 1691.

MY LORD, I have your Lordship's of yesterday, and am very glad your Lordship has ordered the militia to pursue the rebels of Lansborough. I hope by this that Ballisharman has furnish'd men to secure Sligo, for orders have been already sent for that purpose. As for provisions from hence for the new garrisons, it is impossible to send them; but if your Lordship, for the present necessity, will send to Molengar, I have ordered the commissaries of provisions to deliver what your Lordship judges necessary for them. But being to march farther off, I desire your Lordship to let the Lords Justices have an account of it, and they will give directions for their supply.

I send your Lordship some of the Lords Justices Proclamations, which you will please to have dispers'd as far as may be: your Lordship sees what clemency their Majesties shew, and the people that come in may be assur'd it will be made good to them, and besides will have such liberty of their religion as their Majesties promise in their declaration of 1688.

(Signed)

I am, my Lord,

Your Lordship's most humble servant,
BAR. DE GINCKEL.

were father to their thoughts. They had but little bread. The people fled from them in all directions, except at Shallee and the Silvermines, where it is said the inhabitants aided the progress of Ginkle's artillery, and where certain returns were given to parties for services they rendered. They encamped on the 12th at Tulla, and here some deserters from Limerick informed them of what was passing. It was here it was mentioned to Ginkle that Lord Tyrconnell had taken dangerously ill, and that no hopes were entertained of his recovery. Ginkle sent several proclamations among the deserters, and contrived that some copies of them should obtain circulation in the city. On the 24th they marched to Caherconlish; and from that place, on the day after, Ginkle, with the principal officers, went with a party within two miles of Limerick, near which three Irish scouts were posted on the top of a high hill on the left, two or whom deserted to the Williamites. On the morning of the 15th, at an earlyhour, Major General Ruvigny, at the head of 1500 horse and dragoons, and 1000 detached foot, as a reserve in case of danger, under the Prince of Hesse, with six field pieces, were ordered to march to Limerick. They were accompanied by General Ginkle and all the chief officers, in order to view the city. The Irish army were vigilant and active. As the Williamite soldiery approached they got a hot reception from firing parties, by which the hedges were lined. Several brisk skirmishes ensued, in which men bit the dust on both sides. A reconnaisance, however, was made, by which Ginkle judged of the formidable preparations that had been made to defend the city. He saw that Ireton's fort had been repaired, and that a new fort had been built. He saw that a third fort had been begun, with a line of communication from one to the other, but that it had not been as yet finished. He also saw that there were two field pieces at Ireton's fort, which, however, were not fired, and which were drawn off to the city next day. He was now told that Lord Tyrconnell had died the day previous, and the intelligence was imparted by a Captain Hagan who deserted, a drummer having gone before him. There is no doubt that Lord Tyrconnell was in a very anomalous position throughout, and that but little confidence was reposed in him by theIrish. It is said he was slighted to such a degree, that while the Irish camp was at Athlone, Lieut.-Colonel Connor went to his lordship's tent, and told him to quit the camp or he would cut his tent cords. Were we to judge of the feelings entertained of Tyrconnell by the Williamites, by the manner in which their historians write of him, it is indisputable that they held him in no bad odour. On the contrary, they manifested a favorable disposition to him, and rather dwelt on the circumstances of his position with sympathy. Ginkle next day seized a quantity of bread carts, which were coming from Tipperary, under a convoy of militia, horse and dragoons, whom he sent home again.

Securing the approaches on every side, on the morning of the 27th, an expedition, with five pieces of cannon, and 700 horse and dragoons, was sent to Castle Connell to complete the work of destruction which had been but partially effected the year before. The castle was now utterly demolished, and 250 men of the Irish army who garrisoned it were driven out, and many of them killed. On the same day General Scravemore proceeded with another party and four guns to Carrigogunnel, a strong

The residence of the late Lieut.-General Sir William Parker Carroll, and of his son Captain Carroll.

2 Storey.