A REMONSTRANCE OF The beginnings and proceedings of the Rebellion in the County of Cavan, within the Province of ULSTER in IRELAND, From the 23. of October, 1641. until the 15. of June, 1642. Whereof hitherto nothing hath been reported.  
Whereunto is added, The Acts, and twenty nine Conclusions of that great and general Congregation OF Archbishops, Bishops, and others, All of the Romish Clergy in IRELAND, met in the City of Kilkenny in that Kingdom, on the 10. 11. and 13. of May 1642.  
Concerning the present State of the war in IRELAND, and for the ordering of matters appertaining to the same, both there, and by Negotiation with foreign Princes.  
Written, set forth, and presented to the most Honourable the Houses of Parliament, By Henry jones, D D.  
There is also added a Letter written from Dublin, August 4. 1642. Containing some late and very remarkable passages in IRELAND.  
August 11. London, Printed for Godfrey Emerson. 1642.   

The Copy of a Letter from Dublin, dated August. 4. 1642.  
Loving Brother,  
I Have been lately at Droghedah, about a lieutenants place that was promised me; between that and Dublin, the Rebels did fight with us; there were of ours, but seven of Captain Marows Troop, who were sent as a Convoy for my Lord Blaney his son, Some of their followers, and myself: The enemy was above fourscore Horse; we charged them four several times, and made them flee; We have two several Armies gone out of Dublin, one towards Kells, being the way to the County of Cavan; The other to the County of Kildare: They have taken several Castles, and left garrisons in them. The Rebels dare not give our men battle; But we hear, That they are very strong in Munster, And most of their forces of Meath, Monaghan, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Armagh, are in the County of Cavan, where is their whole strength that can look upon these parts, and there are they strongly fortified. They have burnt all the Towns a●d Castles, not sparing their own dwellings, in the Counties of Monaghan, and Armagh. Here may appear how small their confidence is, while they burn their holds. The Scotch Army is within three miles of Dundalk, and hath given the enemy many overthrows, So as they dare not meet them any more. The Scots have taken from the Rebels about 6000. Cows, and as many Horses of all sorts. There were 2500. Cows by the enemy, driven away from the Scots, which fell among the English Army; So that what doth escape the one, the other doth take. They would be quickly subdued, if all things were right in England. Here is great want of money, whereby the Souldiers are ready to mutiny. There is one Captain Vaughan commanding a Troop of Horse, who is garrisoned in Dundalk; he with forty Musketti●rs, and his Horse, did this last week go forth in the night to Scot●●, and pillage abroad; being about three miles from Dundalk, he met an Irish woman, whom he threatened to kill, if she  told him not whence she came; She promised, so her life were spared, to do good service, and informed him that about seven miles thence, there was a very strong Castle, wherein were 300. men well provided, and the place well stored with pillage; and that constantly, about one hour before day, the chiefest man among them went out to his devotions in a close adjoining to the Castle, having the keys of the Castle about him. The Captain laid for him, and found to to be according to his intelligence; he suddenly laid hold on the man, whom having made sure, he opened the Castle Gate, and with his shoemakers entred, where the Rebels being surprised, they were all put to the sword, not one man of ours being lost. Here they found good store of good pillage. This is all the News I have for the present, &c.  
Your loving Brother Hugh culm.   

The Beginning and progress of the REBELLION In the County of CAVAN, in the Province of ULSTER in IRELAND, From OCTOBER 23. 1641. unto JUNE 15. 1642.  
THe County of Cavan, whereinto no part of our Forces hath hitherto made any the least impression, is at this time the Receptacle of all the Rebellious Lords, Gentlemen, and other their Adherents, who have been forced out of the Counties of Dublin, Meath, Louth, Monaghan, Fermanagh, and elsewhere thereabout, where our Armies have, by Gods power, victoriously marched. From hence were sent out the first of that Rebellious rout, who durst assume the boldness, by leaving their own seats, to make incursions upon us, over-running the County of Meath, and surprising the Towns of Trim, Kelles, Navan, Ardbraccan, Athboy, and thence proceeding to the siege of Drogheda: And from this place, it is feared, they may again show themselves, to our disadvantage, if it be any longer, as it hath been hitherto, neglected. Which, that it may not, I have herein offered a brief Discourse of the strength and proceedings of the Rebel in that part, from the 23. of October, 1641. until the 15. of June, 1642. purposing further to enlarge it in many remarkable passages in the general Treatise, that shall hereafter( God willing) be set forth, of the whole progress of that War throughout the whole Kingdom, as leisure and encouragement shall be thereunto afforded.  
The 23. of October, 1461. was the Day set down by the Conspirators, for the general undertaking and practise of that most horrid Rebellion; yet did it not, notwithstanding, in all places appear at once; partly out of the backwardness of some, who would first in the proceedings of others, see how far, and with what security they might put themselves upon that work; partly by a fore-laid compact, that some( they especially of the Iri●● Lords, and others in the Counties of Dublin, Meath, Louth, and some other parts of Leinster) pretending to join for the public service against the Ulster Rebells, as did their Ancestors in the former Rebellions, they might procure Arms out of the store at Dublin, which they wanted, and which might after be employed against us. This some obtained, though but sparing; for the Lords Justices and council finding their own weakness for the present conceived it not expedient, by discovering of suspicion, to give them occasion at that time to break out, against whom we might after if they did, be better prepared. Some also were the longer kept off from declaring themselves, by their failing in the first and main Act, the surprising of the Castle of Dublin; and others being for some while startled at the Resolution of the honourable houses of Parliament in England, for the sending into Ireland great and speedy supplies of men and money.  
Yet if any were backward, the Ulster Rebels were not; and among them, none more forward then the Irish in the County of Cavan, consisting of the Septs, of the Reilys in chief, and the mac Gawzans, Bradys, Siridens, mac Karvans, and Macabes, with others of inferior note. Of these, Philip mac Hugh mac Shane O Rely was chosen for chief Commander, he being head of the Sept of the O Rely's, and in Parliament appearing as Knight of the Shire for that County.  
But he who first appeared as head in this Action, was the then high-Sheriff of that County, formerly writing himself Miles Reily, but having with the shaking off of his Obedience to the English Government, cast off what might in his Name sound English, he is now known by the Name of Mulmore mac Edmond O Reily.  
This desperate young man first led the way; and on the Saturday in the afternoon being the 23. of October, 1641. by virtue of his Office he raised the Posse comitatus, pretending that some Rebells were either already, or ready to break in upon the Country from the adjoining Counties; his first work was upon this pretence, and for the public service, to gather in what Arms were in the hands of the British who dwelled scatteringly, they ther●by so wanting the advice and assistance of each other. All this was in that part of the country where he dwelled, done almost in a moment by his Bailiffs& Agents to that end disposed in all places; he himself going about wh●re he conceived his presence was most requisite for this work; whereby all that part of the country was suddenly disarmed, excepting such places of strength, and persons of note, whom he would not acquaint with this pretence, lest they might find out the feat. All this was done without any show of violenee o● injury to any, either in word or action; many offering up their arms, and applauding the care and diligence of the Sheriff for the defence of the country, others not yet meddled withall, nothing doubting their own security, while they saw others no way( as they did conceive) damnified.  
Bu● this rebel had soon unmasked himself, when within a few hours, the same day, he first entred the Castle of Farnam, within one mile of the Town of Cavan, and thence took out Arms, Pikes, and Musqu●ts, but none fixed so many as might arm more then 50 men; and forthwith with his rabble of followers posted to Cloghouter, 3 miles thence, where, under colour of accustomend friendship, he embraced, but there taking prisoner Arthur culm Esquire, Captain of his Majesties fort of Cloghouter( a fort of great strength, environed with a deep water, and distant from shore more then musket shot) The Captain he laid up in the oastle, committing both to the charge of own o Rely, with the title of Constable of the castle of Cloghouter. Next day being the 24, this Sheriff with what forces he could raise on the sudden in that part of the County, proceeded to meet with Philip mac Hugh O Reyly, the chief Comander, and with his forces preparing to make their approaches to Belturbet; which, though it were not the County Town, yet was it the most populous, and of all others the best English Plantation in that County, there being supposed to have been at that time about 1500 of all sorts, of all which 4 or 500 were men for service, were th●y armed accordingly.  
This was by the Rebels conceived to be first secured, lest discovering their intent they might make head, and so hinder their proceedings elsewhere; yet could they not come so soon, neither did they carry the matter with a pretext so fair, but that they were found out; for besides the report of taking Captain culm prisoner, and securing the fort for themselves, which no way forted with what at first they had given out, they were fully discovered by many pillaged and stripped English, who out of the neighbour-County of Fermanagh had escaped the fury of that monster of men, Roury mac Guyre, brother to the Lord mac Guyre, and head of the Rebells in that County, who had the same time been on the same work that were these in the County of Cavan. To which also was added, that Sir Francis Hamilton Knight and Baronet, having received intelligence of these proceedings, had sent unto Belturbet, and Cavan, desiring they would stand upon their guard, and not be deluded with pretences, as were others. After sending particularly unto Captain Robert bailie, who commanded a foot company in the Town of Cavan, and to Captain Richard Ryves, commanding Sir John Borlases troop, and garrisoned in Belturbet; that they would draw to him towards Keilay a place of strength, that joining to them the British about Belturbet, Cavan, and elsewhere, they might in an united body make head against the rebel; had this course been taken, there might have been made up a body of 1000 men, if perhaps that number would not rather have doubled by the coming unto them of such British as fled to the County from Fermanagh in very great multitudes; hereby might the proceedings of that rebel have been at a stop, if not wholly defeated, and they kept in work at home, so as they should not( as they did after) intend the sending of forces to Droghedah, which they could not have spared. But why this did not take, I cannot answer. If it be not attributed to the sudden confusion of all things, the time admitting no deliberation, and this proposition from Sir Francis Hamilton being words at distance, wanting the presence of such as might give them a full discussion, and answer the objections that might be brought unto them. Captain Ryves upon the first hearing of these tumults made ready of his Troop as many as were not dispersed in the Country; for the present making up the number of 30. then did he call upon the Townsmen of B●lturbet to stand upon their defence, which they prepared with all forwardness to do; until that Philip mac Hugh O Reily, and other heads of the Rebels had sent to Belturbet, professing themselves ready for their defence against the incursions of Roury mac Guyre in the next County, who threatened( as they gave out) to break in upon them, they promising to put a Guard into the Town for their security, without the least prejudice to any of the Inhabitants, either in person or goods; the Town also sending out some to treat with the Rebels, whom they found to intend more then was pretended; but doubting their own strength for opposition, the place being not defensible, the Church being all the guard it had, and hearing the Rebels to be about 4000 strong: Here upon Captain Ryves conceiving it time for him to provide for his security with those few men he could on the sudden get together, posted towards Cavan, the Country and time of the year being not for service of horse, and knowing the aim of the enemy to be chiefly for surprising him and his arms. From Cavan after some little stay, he set forward by Dalys bridge, and so recovered Ardbraccan, a strong Castle of the Bishop of Meaths, 22 miles from Dublin, where, by command from the Lords Justices he remained for securing that part of the Country; he being thereby reserved for those honourable services which since that time he hath done, in them much deserving of the public.  
The treaty between the Townsmen of Belturbet and the Rebels had now proceeded so far that they put themselves into the protection, and under that guard placed there by Philip O Reyly, having first given up their Arms, so as now they restend wholly at their mercy, yet violence for that time not being offered unto any.  
Belturbet being thus secured for their own, they did next look towards Cavan, the County Town, and 7 miles from Belturbet; the place was not defensible, the most part of the Inhabitants also being Irish and Papists; so that Captain Bayly was enforced to betake himself unto the County Gaol, the place of greatest strength that was there, yet indeed of no strength to oppose an enemy. His company at the full was but 50. of which many were then absent, and the most of those that were present were Irish, upon whom he could not rely: besides, that he wanted powder, having no more, or not much more then his Bandeleers to trust unto. The enemy came in with 3000 men, besides a confused multitude of others, followers of the Army, against whom the Town could make no resistance, and the Castle was by them summoned, but all partly rejected by the Captain, thereby more to make trial of th● resolutions, and to find out the proceedings of the enemy, then out of any confidence he had of any resistance that by him could be made. The same countenance he held that 25. and the following 26. of October until seeming to be overcome with the importunity of some friends, sent to treat with him, rather then out of any diffidence of his own condition, the parley was entertained the 27 day,& the place yielded on composition that the Arms of the company should pass away, and be in the Captains custody within his own house, about one mile distant from the Cavan, and that the Capt in should neither sand them, nor join himself with Sir Francis Hamilton at Keilagh, Sir James Craig at Crohan, both not far off, neither with any other British within the County, neither that the Arms should be carried out of the County.  
On the 29. the Sheriff with 3000 men passing by the Castle of Belanenagh, where I then lived, and which I did maintain from the 23. until then, did require the surrender of the place, which not being to be maintained, in many respects was yielded, I being with mine committed to the charge of Philip mac Mulmore O Reily, Uncle to the Sheriff, living about a mile thence, and a Garrison placed in my Castle.  
Thus the whole County was taken in, within less then a week, excepting the Castles of Keilagh, belonging to Sir Francis Hamilt n, and of Crohan, wh●re Sir ●amess Craig lived, these being out of the way; being also very strong for defence, well manned, and well stored with Arms, the Rebels reserved for their better leisure to look after.  
Now did the time fitly serve to declare themselves; now were all the English whose dwellings were dispersed in the Country, and had been hitherto spared turned out of doors, robbed of all, and stripped naked; now did they fall upon the English at the Cavan, who till then, though living there in fear, yet not expelled; now began they to look again upon Belturbet, the Captains giving way to the Garrison to oppress the Inhabitants; they complaining of breach of the treaty, were by the Chief answered, that it was not in their power to restrain the rude soldier, who would not be under any command, and therefore advised them rather to prepare for their leaving the place, and to retire whither they pleased, which they might( said they) do with all security, taking with them of their own what they pl●ased, promising them a safe Convoy out of the County.  
This was by most conceived to be a motion not to be refused, for they found the place weary of them, and that to stay, were but to give themselves up to spoil; especially seeing that contrary to the Quarter unto them given, their Shops were broken up, and the best of their goods already in the hands of their enemies, pretending by making up an Inventory of them, and putting them into the custody of responsible men, they might be secured from the rapine and spoil of the rude soldier.  
They therefore prepared for their journey, relying( shall I say) on the public Faith given unto them by the chief Commander, and the rest of the Captains, whereby many found themselves, as in other respects, so in this deceived, that upon promise they might safely car●y away what conveniently they might of the choice of their goods( a policy used by the enemy for possessing themselves of what had been hidden) some did dig up what they had butted, and packed up what was most esteemed of them. Thus did the Lady Butler with her family, and about 1500 souls, men, women and c●ildren, set forth together, leaving the Town, and putting themselves under the Convoy of a number no way considerable for their secu●ity.  
Their way lay through the Town of the Cavan, where was a Garrison of the Rebels, with whom, in all probability, this their treacherous Guard had held correspondency: for( passing by many hard usages of these poor creatures, from their leaving Belturbet till then) as they had a little passed the Town of Cavan, they were beset and rifled, their Convoy seeming at first to be overborne with number, but they with the rest fell to the same work; whereby some were killed, all stripped, some almost, others altogether naked, not respecting women and sucking infants; the Lady Butler faring herein as did others. Of these miserable creatures, many perished by famine, and oold, traveling naked through frost and snow, the rest recovering Dublin, where now many of them are among others, in the same distress for bread and clothes.  
The whole County being now, for the most part, in their own power, they spent the time in appointing Officers, mustering, and exercising their men; in the mean time consulting how to put a fair gloss( if it were possible) upon all that had been done.  
To this purpose an Humble Remonstrance( for so were they pleased to entitle it) was drawn up, setting forth the grievances of that County, and of the whole Kingdom, the pretended causes of their rising up in Arms; desiring the Lords Justices and council( unto whom it was to be presented) that from their Lordships they might be recommend●d to His majesty; That satisfaction to those their desires being given, they promised reparation to all the disspoiled British, by a general contribution over the Kingdom, if their own ●●tates su●●ic●d not thereunto; professing much detestation of the cruelties and ●obberies exercised by the rude multitude, whom( said they) they could not rule. All which was subscribed by Philip mac Hugh their general, with others their prime Commanders, and Gentry of that County.  
Their next consideration was, whom they should employ in that s●rvice; for none of their own had confidence sufficient to appear in that cause. They had first fixed upon Doctor Bedell Bishop of Kilmore; but he f●irly excused himself, first by his Age, whereby he was unwieldy, and not fit for that expedition which they expected in that Action; then, that many of the poor English of Belturbet, who had retired to him, and depended upon what security and subsistence he could give them, would by his absence be exposed to want and other injuries. This they interpnted as a put off; yet did the gravity and respect which his presence did command, restrain ●hem from what some in their council had before propounded, in case he should give out, and decline that service for them. I was next in their eye, being in their hands, and designed and commanded upon this employment. I must confess, it was such as was in every respect improper for me to undergo; but weighing first what a denial might produce, by what was threatened to another, whereof he hath since found the effects: but chiefly considering, that thereby I might gain the opportunity of laying open to the Lords, what I had observed in the proceedings of that County, which might very much conduce to the public, and which by Letters could not so safely be delivered; I did therefore accept of that employment, and after ten dayes stay in Dublin, returned with an Answer. Return I must, my wife and children remaining for hostages. The Answer, was fair; but general and dilatory, suitable to the weak condition of affairs in Dublin, the safety whereof wholly depending on the gain of time.  
I do assure myself These Remomstrants did not exp●ct any other Answer; and it may be would have been very unwilling to receive that satisfaction they did pretend to be contented withall; their hopes alrea●y so●ring at an higher pitch: and very probable it is, That their said Remonstrance tended rather to win upon the people, whose cause they pleaded, then to give any reasonable account or satisfaction to the Lords, concerning th●ir proce●dings. If hereunto this be not also added, That all this was but to lull all them in Dublin in security, with a treaty of peace, while they intending nothing less, were even then preparing for war, and ready to set forward for Dublin, where they had overtaken me, had I stayed but ten dayes more, as may appear by the sequel.  
For no sooner was I returned into the County of Cavan, but that I found all in Arms, and Proclamation to have been made, that all from the A●e of sixteen to sixty should appear on monday after as Virginia, a place distant from Cavan twelve miles, and in the way to Dublin. It being already highway-news, that out of that multitude, they purposed to frame the Body of an Army of about 3000, who joining with proportionable numbers out of the Counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan, were to advance forthwith towards Dublin.  
Being also alighted at the House of Philip mac Mulmore o Reyly, whereunto I had been confined; I found one every way appointed as a Trooper, calling himself by the name of Dowdall, but being a friar; who came thither from Dublin, and was sent( as he al●ea●ed) from thence to hasten their marching away, assuring them of a strong party in that City; besides those in that garrison( f●r so it was ra●her to be esteemed then an Army) for defence of Dublin; whe●●in were many of the Irish listed, and such as would revolt unto them with with their Arms.  
I saw how contrary this their proceeding was to that p●ofession of theirs in their Remonstrance, and the promise made to m upon the undertaking that service for them, assuring me, and desiring I should assure the Lords from them, That there should be a cessation of all things, until the return of their Lordships Answer. I found how dangerous in these respects, this sudden undertaking might be to the Lords, who might be surprised, fearing no such da●ger from those parts among all others. I knew by what I had observed, how unprovided both for men and victuals Dublin was at that time, whereby should the enemy advance according to his design, all might have run an apparent hazard. And that which added to all this That neither had I any sure hand by whom to sand, neither could I give any t●mely notice of these councils, my coming into the County being on Saturday in the afternoon, and th●y setting forward on ●he monday morning next following. And lastly, that in all this, I wanted a second with whom to advice hereupon.  
But taking H●rse, I poasted to Cavet a place with●n one mile of me, where dwelled the Sheriff, one of the chiefest Rebels, at whose h●use, at that very instant, their grand council was met. That which I propounded to myself, was to endeavour all the means I c●●●d for diverting them from Dublin, by putting them on upon some o●her servi●e more easy, and of little less cons quence: That also time might and g●in●● by either de●aying them some while in the County, while I pret●n●ed the giving in an account of my Agency at a general meeting of the Gentleman, when and where I should be appointed, or otherwise by finding them work some other way, without ma●ching ou●right towards Dublin.  
H●ving alighted at the Sheriffs door, he took me aside into his Garden, from whom I soon un ●e●stood how little respect would be given to the Answer I was to deliver; no part w ereof I would impart to him until I were pub ikely called upon to declare myself, only for the general, that it was as good as he could expect from the Lords in Ireland.  
Therefore declining that, I laboured first to make my return unto them a ground of that confidence they might repose in me That for th●ir advantage, I had observed the condition of affairs, in and about Dublin, which compared with what I found to be now in hand in that County( for then it was no secret,) I thought it my part to offer one and the o●her to him, that he might order his course in a way most for his s●curity. That besides the great supplies concluded in the Parliament of England to be sent into Ireland, which were daily expected: The Castle of Dublin was provided of a garrison of 300. men and victualled for six moneths. T●a in Dublin the forces were greater then I could believe they could have been; So as if by their late humble Remonstrance they had not prevented it, there had before then a strong power been sent against them, which I desired the Lords might be kept back until a return, of what effects their Answer might produce, were given in unto them. That it was far from all policy for them to eng●ge their first s●tting forth upon that which would be of greatest opposition. That to receive the least show of a defeat in the beginning of their work, were at once to dishearten their own men, and to keep of others that would according to their success d●clare themselves, for, or against them. That it might be conceived, That the attempting first of Droghedab, though less honourable, compared with the other, yet could be the easier, and every way conducing to the intent of their proceedings. That as that place was strong so was it with little or no d fficulty to be taken in, considering the party they had there, and the weakness of the garrison, being none other then the Lord Moores Troop; That by attaining that place, as it would be an hea●tning to his men; so would it open the way for the Northern forces to come up and join in any attempt upon Dublin, whereas now it did lie as a stop in their way. That therein they had a place for a safe retreat on any occasion; whereof they could not readily be dispossessed. That whether he attempted the one, or the other of those two places, it were wise●om to spend and spin out some part of the time about Kells, or other parts in Meath, until the other forces of Fermanagh and Monaghan came up unto him; least by advancing two far upon his own strength, he might be encountered apart by the power of Dublin; and so by too much forwardness endanger the whole. This last was added, that thereby, either by Letters from me, or by the appearing of the Enemy, and not marching forward, notice might be given at Dublin of their proceedings.  
I could not conclude of any thing I had gained upon him in all t●is discou●se, either by his gesture or words, his countenance was composed to an unwanted gravity; keeping I suppose, the dist●nce, and that state which his assumed greatness had cast upon him: And although I spake much, that he deigned me no answer to any part hereof, but drew me off to another matter, and soon after partend from me, yet with respects.  
There was one intimate with them, and whom upon promise of pardon and great rewards, I had more then half moulded before to my purpose, and whom I found in many particulars before, to cooperate with me, by keeping in with th●m to give me Intelligence of their d●signes. Having brought him along with me thither, I left him there to be present in their council, and thereof to give me an account with all secrecy and speed, I retiring to my Lodging whence I came.  
By the return which was made unto me about three hours after( and then it began to be late) I found that they h●d been divided in th●i● opinions: some were for a direct marching to Dublin, and giving the On set upon the place, grounding upon the information given ●h●m by the friar: others doubting what a repulse might produce, conceived it the safest and best course to quarter about Dublin, at s●me distance, thereby to hinder the going in of Provision; to exp●ct a conv●nient time of assaulting it, if it were found fit to att●mpt it; to gather all that would join with them thereabouts, wh●reby they would soon grow to a considerable Body for any enter p●is●; and that in the mean time they might divert the water that from Templenge did furnish one part of the City, by which also the Mills were kept on work; ei h●r of these might have proved most pe●illous: but the third was wholly for Drogheda, for the reasons aforesaid, which seemed to weigh down the other two( it may be) because the Sheriff was the propounder, and i●clined thereunto, yet was it not resolved, until their meeting at Kells, whether of these to fix upon: to which time and place it was deferred.  
Thereupon I made ready my Letters, and dealt with mine Intelligencer for the delivery of them into whose hands I must therein putmine own, and the lives of mine. He must have been of necessity on Monday morning at the general meeting at Virginia, whence should he have absented himself, besides what was threatened to any that made default, both of us might have been drawn into suspicion; and by his presence among them, I might further understand of their cou●ses: I ob●aine●●he●efore thus much of him, That he would deliver my Letter to a Gen●lem●n dwelling within Nine miles, or thereabouts, from Arbraccan, whom, in my Letter to him, I desired to deliver the enclosed with speed 〈◇〉 Captain Ryves, at Arbraccan, which he did, yet not with that sp●●d that I desired, and which the cause required, but I thought it not sale to acquaint them with the occasion. In my Letter to Captain Ryves, I declared a d●sig●e the enemy had upon him, purposing to be with him the Wednesday following, and by a driven of cattle that should pass by him to d●aw him out of his strength, of which I gave him notice, leaving the rest to himself, desiring that with all speed the enclosed to the Lords Justic●s should be dispatched upon sight, being of the greatest concernment. These Letters being perused by the Lord, they sent their Commands to Captain Ryves to retire, which he did, therein preventing the enemy, who the night following took up his quarters. I did also certify their ●ordships of the whole conceits of the enemies, leaving to their wisdoms to provide both for Drogbeda and Dublin; for as they were easily drawn off from Dublin, to think of Drogheda, so might they as readily, alter that resolution again: wherein their Lordships were not wanting; for while the enemy was spending time about Kells, Trim, Atbboy,& Navan, we gained the opportunity of ordering matters to the best advantage, both for Dublin and Drogheda, yet so as by some miscarriage( I cannot yet s●y b● whose) the enemy met with 600 of our men, sent for a further supply to Drogheda, whom they defeated, and after much mischief thereabouts, settled themselves to the Siege of that Town; where, by the wisdom and Valour of the governor, that place had found them work, to the preservation( in all probability) of Dublin, and therein, of the whole Kingdom.  
As for mine own Particular, Having many weeks after continued in the house of my Bondage, I conceived it high time to study my coming off, by all means; which by Gods assistance was strangely effected: till then, my stay was not altogether against my will, while I found myself enabled by Intelligence to promote the service of my country. But finding him who was my chief Agent, from a Neuter, to f●ll wholly to them; That also s●me of mine own servants employed by me, was with the enemy at Drogbeda; and that the Gentleman, the d●live●er of that my Let●er to Captain Ryves at Arbracc●n, was ●allen away, I could not ●x●ect, in my stay here, to do any more good, but ●●●reby might rather pr●judice my s lf in the highest degree, w●●●● discovered. And it was by many conceived strange, that in all that time I was not found out by their means: but as I do in the first place make the work to be ●ods, So do I next attribute it to the ha●ing their hands in the work with me, so as they could not b●● suffer with me.  
Hith●rto hath been declared the state of matters in ●●at County, from the 23 ●● Oc●ober, ●nto the 11 of Decem●er: all being reduced into the h●●●s o●●he R●bels, excepting the two Castles of Kylagb and Cro●an, m●intained against them by Sir Francis hamilton, Knight ●nd Baronet, and Sir James Craig Knight.  
These two Noble Knights, upon th● first noise of the Rebellion, ●●d both awak●n t●e security of others about them, and provided so their own defence. Their Castles were strong and d●fensible, which they furnished with men and victuals. Sir Francis hamilton had armed two hundred and fifty Foot, and thirty six Horse, most of his own Tenants; be was stored with three barrels of Powder, and laid in Provision for six months, which yet f●ll short of that time, by receiving into his Castle of about Seven hundred other unserviceable persons, men, women, and children almost stripped naked, and slying th●●her from the fury of the Rebells. In Sir James Craigs Castle at Croban, there were One hundred and twenty, besides unserviceable persons, who in like manner were fled thither for refuge, to a great number.  
I have before set forth the honourable quarter given unto Captain Bayly, up n the surrender of( what he could n●t keep) his weak H●ld at th● Cavan, it being conditioned that he should have in his own keeping the Arms for his Company of 50 men with which they suffered him to pass, and accordingly he passed them without molestation. But it being considered that he was limited to a place of laying th●m up, an● that onely in his own house, being co●e●ed with th●tch, and s● easily commanded at their pleasure; he also wanting men for guarding of them, for most of his Company were revo●ted, we have reason to conceive that all this in them was rather a not yet breaking, rather then a keeping of quarter; that under a show of fair dealing, they might draw others who held out, with greater confidence to put themselves into their hands.  
This was apparent in their preparation made for their marching towards Drogbedah; at which t●m● they concluded the taking into their hands those Arms, which at their pleasure they might easily do, and which till then they had forborn to do.  
Hereof Sir Francis hamilton rec●iving advertisement, the night before this should have been put in execution, he sent out 30 Horse, and 20 Foot, under the leading of M. malcolm H●milton, M. D●vid Cre●ghton, and James S●mervile,( Gentlemen approved for many services then and after) at the Bridge of Ballihillian( ca●led the black Bridge) they left their Foot to make good their Retreat, the Horse p●ssing forward to the Captains house, whom having mounted, they brought him away together with his ensign, S●rgeant, Colours, and what of the Arms they could possibly carry with them; a Service as considerable, as it was to the undertakers dangerous: For had the Ala●m, being given time enough to the enemy, being 3000, and lyi g within less then two miles, and the passage of the Blackbridge taken from them, they could not h●ve escaped; and a miracle it was almost, that in the riding of 6 miles( sc●rce any by place wanting an Irish Cottage) yet they should s● pass undiscovered, until th●y were out of all danger, the enemy afterwards hotly pursuing, but in vain. Some Pikes the enemy had after found in the Captains house, which could not in hast by our men be ●ither carried away, or made unserviceable; and some Piec●s of armor were taken up here and there scatt●red in the way, being fallen from th●m; so that now the Rebels cond●mn●d the keeping of that Quarter so long, and that they ●ad before secured th●t passage, as since that time they did, both by cutting the Bridge, being or wood, and placing there a strong Guard besides.  
This, and other incursions out of these two Castles made upon the Re●els remaining in that County, whi●e their fellows were at the siege of D●og●ed●b, occasioned the sending back from the Siege, edmond é Reyly, father to the Sheri●f, with command with what forces he could raise, to take in these places; that so they might without any distraction int●nd their great design ab●oad.  
For effecting hereof, To those raised in that County were joined, oth●rs called 〈◇〉 ●rom the neighbour County of Le●●im, both making u●●bov●●000, w●om edmond their Commander conceived more th ● sufficient for that service, purposing to besiege both Castles at once, which he might easily and conveniently have done. For they were w thin little more then a mile of each other, being on the one 〈◇〉 shut in with water, over which at that time there could be for the besieg●d, no passage; other parts being compassed with Woods, 〈◇〉 the enemies purpose, wherein they might so have placed themselves, as their could be no getting off that way. In the midst between b●th Castles, did stand the Town of K●ll●shandra, belonging to Sir Francis hamilton, convenient for the enemies quarters, answering to both places, and sufficient with all conveniency of good houses to lodge the whole Army; so that t●ere wanted nothing to advantage the besieges, or to distress the besieg●d.  
Upon Intelligence received of their approaching( for the Scouts were the only Intelligencers.) Sir Francis hamilton sent out a party of Horse and Foot, burning all places about, beginning with his own Town of Killishandra, by himself built and planted, that it might not stand the enemy in stead; so also did Sir James Craig, about him; whereby the rebel was disappointed of his quarters; without which he could not subsist in that could season of Frost and S●ow; finding it more then he was well able to do, to stay there, only two nights.  
That time of his being there was spent in drawing up towards Sir james Craigs Castle of Crohan; whence they were beaten back with their loss of 14 men, and the taking prisoners of Laghlyn O Rourke, and Brian O Rourke, eminent persons among them, and prime leaders of the Letrim rebels, these were after exchanged by Sir James Craig for Dr. Bedell Bishop of Kilmore and some others; yet contrary to this agreement did they again lay hold on that Reverend Person, only affording him a being, where they might at their pleasure command him, where he after died: being one of the brightest lights of that Church, both for learning and a shining conversation, and in his constant diligence in the work of the ministry a pattern to others.  
The Enemy soon weary of his bad lodging, and worse entertainment, though his loss were not great, His offers of faire quarter being rejected, prepared to be gone: yet not without doing something answerable to the greatness of his preparations and the expectation every where had of them: which was, the stealing away of some few straggling cattle about the Castles; I say stealing them away, for he durst not advance within sight or command of musket shot of either, and with those great spoils did he return in triumph, supplying what he wanted of doing, with menaces and promises, of what he would do.  
About a fortnight after, it being given out that they meant to return; Sir Francis Hamilton sent abroad 12 horses to burn all within three or four miles about him: in doing whereof, they discovered the Enemy drawing towards them, being about three hundred, of which having sent speedy notice to Sir Francis( which also he commanded they should do) who to answer any such occasion, had in readiness other twelve horses and sixty foot, with whom he marched, easily directing his course by the fires his men before sent forth had made, for they according to their directions so avoided the Enemy, that yet they stil kept them in play, coasting from place to place near about, and firing what they came near, expecting the coming up of their seconds: Sir Francis had in a convenient place for his own retreat, and for distressing the Enemy should they follow him, laid forty five of his foot: and with fifteen of the ablest of them drew up, with whom and his twenty four horses, he set upon the Rebels, at the first volley killing six of them, of whom Fr. O rourke a friar was one, who in the Habit of his Order did led the Company, at the next there fell nine, ●h● Enemy standing to it while most of our Bandileeres were spent, but being broken by the Horse they fled and were pursued about two miles: thirty seven of them were slain, the coming on of the night, and the disadvantage of the ways for horse, in respect of their foot, saving the rest. There were taken prisoners, own O ourke their Commander, one of great esteem; and Philip O reyly uncle to Philip Mac Hugh O reyly, Colonel( as they call him) of th●t whole County.  
All means were used by Treaties, and threatenings, for getting off these prisoners; concerning whom Sir Francis was solicited by frequent Letters from edmond O reyly, but in vain: these being reserved( ●s persons of the best respects) to answer any the like occasion that might befall the best of ours.  
In such Services stood matters in those parts, until the first of February, at which time there was great expectation of what should be done against these two Castles by Mulmore O reyly the sheriff; for so I must still call him, he calling himself so, notwithstanding he had been already discharged, but chiefly to distinguish him from others of the same name, and of less note, he being in their esteem the second in that County.  
As the several losses the country received from these few british, had before drawn edmond O reyly with some of his men from before Droghedah, so their proceeding in the same course notwithstanding,& principally the said Edmunds late repulse, with all those forces, and the taking and keeping of their late prisoners, called home from that siege Mulmore O reyly, for doing what his father edmond could not.  
Wherein we may find of what consequence these seeming slight services have been to hinder the proceedings of the Enemy abroad, for besides the reserving a considerable number at the first at home so as they could not go forth with their full power; it did daily diminish their Army before Droghedah: first, in the coming away of edmond, then of this Mulmore O reyly, who though they returned without any great numbers, yet some they had; and those under their command left behind soon after followed them notwithstanding any command to the contrary, weighing the greatness of the service in the County of Cavan, by the eminency of the persons sent about it; and judging their labour better spent in ma●ntaining at home what was their own, then losing that and themselves in looking after that they never had and never were likely to have: so that of 3000 men that went out of that County to the siege of Droghedah there remmained not 700 with Philip mac Hugh o Reyly their chief Commander: and the most desperate attempts that have been m●de either against that town, or for hin●ring the supplies sent to it by sea, were done by those of this County. Hereby also might appear, could any Forces at that time have been spared about Dublin and sent in this County what service they might have done for raising the siege of Droghedah; for the Town was blocked up on that part that lay towards Dublin if not onely yet chiefly by the Cavan Forces, whom we see drawn home by an handful of men. Hereby lastly we may see of what consequence it had been to have since the siege of Droghedah, sent some Forces into that part for relieving these two Castles, whereby the enemy might still have been kept on work, other places in the same County furnished with the like garrisons, and by burning the rest, not suffering it to be( as now it is) the harbour of those, who, if not prevented, may make the latter end with us worse than the beginning.  
But leaving this necessary digression, for which I do intend the whole discourse, I return where I left.  
Mulmore o Reyly being returned from before Droghedah, where he left Philip mac Hugh o Reyly, he began to gather up his men not doubting to make but one, and that no long work of what he came about: therein also ambitious of the glory of doing that wherein others had failed. Of such as came along with him, that followed after him, that he found in the Country, and whom he called in out of the country of Letrim, he framed the body of an army of 2700. and that it might not be short in number of that with which he hoped at his first setting out to take Dublin itself, he sent for Robert Nugent of Carleuston in the County of Westmeath, a Gentleman of 1500 l. per annum, who upon promise of the arms in both Castles( the question not being of taking the places, but for dividing the spoyle●) came in person with 300 choice men.  
With this Army of three thousand men, besides a multitude of others who followed to behold the sport( for no otherwise did they conceive of it) Mulmore did quarter about five miles over night in the places next the Castles which had not been burnt, purposing to begin the next day& with the day to take all before him.  
The news hereof did no way dismay those who were to receive them, they being so far from immuring themselves up in their Forts, there to expect them, that Sir Francis hamilton drew up his small number into the field, placing in the lane being the high way leading from Killishandra to his Castle of Kylagh 150 men, some few Musqueteeres being here and there left in places of greatest advantage. And that the enemy might not by making a nearer way to this Castle( which he might do) find him work in many places at once, he commanded thirty horse to guard the Windmill-Hill joining to the highway towards Killishandra by which the enemy must march, being also so near to his Castle, that they might hear and understand one another speaking aloud. Behind the horse, he cast up a small sconce of Earth guarded with sixteen musketeers, to whom the horse might retire, and both of them to make good that passage. It was also so ordered, that those scattered musketeers that were furthest off having given fire and done their parts there, should retire to the next, and they united doing their duty, to fall together back to the next, doing in like manner, until being forced to give ground they might make a faire and orderly retreat for defence of the Castle.  
The enemy now in sight, put forth some horse to skirmish with ours on the Windmill-hill. Of theirs three fell, and the rest fell off, until by the coming on of the whole body, our horse fell back under the command of the musketeers; who giving fire, the enemy was forced to keep himself to the high-way leading to Killishandra, making in the street a stand to consider of his course.  
His intent was not now, as theirs before, to besiege. The dull proceedings of his father suited not with the ways of this heady young man: he is wholly for the assault. Neither will he begin with Crohan as did the other, but resolveth to fall upon that which of the two was the strongest and the best provided place, and to keep his first man, Sir Francis hamilton by whom he was most injured. For at that instant one of the Musketeers placed in the lane took aim, and, though at very great distance, knocked down among the company one Fitz-Simonds an Ensigne-bearer, at whose fall there was a great cry.  
Whereupon a hundred commanded musketeers of the enemy fell in within the ditches on both sides the lane, to beate upon ours within the lane, while their main body came directly forward. Both one and the other of them were sufficiently galled by our shot; who performed well, and observed their commands. For the first loose shot having discharged their parts retired, and with those unto whom they put themselves made good their ground, till by degrees retreating, they did altogether bet●ke themselves to those places and duties appointed them for the defence of the Castle. Some onely charging of muskets, others discharging them from the flankers, windows, and batlements.  
For now was the enemy appro●ched; having first presented the defendants with a great piece upon carriages, planted on Windmill-hill, after our men had forsaken it, with which a battery was threatened, if they yielded not. But as it could not speak for itself, being but counterfeit, and made of wood; so did it work nothing upon them in the Castle, who were wholly intent upon those who were now so near that they were under the command of their Muskets.  
The enemy finding many of their men to fall, retired under a rising of ground where we could not hurt them. Thence they sent and fired a stable, barn, other out-houses, and some stacks of corn, that they might march unseen under a cloud of smoke which the wind did to their great advantage drive upon the Castle. Some of them with sheaves of Oats, and straw burning, on the tops of their pikes ran to the Flankers, thrusting them into those places whence the musketeers played upon them, by the fire and smoke to force them out; one of them adventurously laid hold of a musket in one of the spike-holes ready to be discharged. Thus came they on in a most desperate manner, being before made, to that end, more then half drunk with their Aquavitae, continuing in that headlong course about three quarters of an hour without gaining any thing upon us( wanting scaling ladders) but losing themselves, their bodies being laid open to our shot from all parts, as the breaking up of the smoke gave way to discover them. Neither did their shot against our walls, windows, or batlements, of which they were not sparing out of such places of advantage whence we could not command them, do us any hurt. Thus having wearied themselves out in vain, and being at length sensible of their desperate undertakings, they now cake care how to get off with least prejudice, they being no more to be gotten on by all that could be said or don by their Commanders, I cannot say their Leaders; for none of their Officers would come up in all this service: which being objected to them while they urged a second assault, one of the Captaines to show his forwardness above others would go on, and turning about to his Souldiers he was met with a bullet which passed through both his cheeks, which was to him, and all his fellowes, and followers a sufficient stop, from proceeding any further,  
Whereupon they altogether retreated; now applying themselves to what they are more skilful in, the gathering together and taking away all the cattle that were without the Castle, which they did, doing the like through all the way they went back, for six miles together, lest any should fall in the power of our men for their supply.  
The shot in this fight was heard in the Castle Cloghouter two miles off by water, and the Prisoners therein, seeing the fire and smoke, conceived Sir Francis his Castle had been burnt.  
In all this it could not be but very many of the enemy must have been killed, yet could we understand of no more then 167, few of those that were hurt ever recovering. One of ours was shot through a spikehole, another had his armour and doublet shot through, without further harm, who seeing the passage it had made, he  told his fellow that it could not be but that he was a dead man, though he felt no hurt, neither could be persuaded till unbracing himself the bullet was found between his doublet and shirt. It is observed that in the whole service from the 23. of October ti l the 15 of June, setting aside such as were cut off in straggling, there were lost in fight, no more then five men belonging to this Castle, one of them being Robert Mac Lalan a Sergeant, who being taken at an advantage, was barbarously mangled having thirty six wounds.  
Thus have we seen the end of this great undertaking, neither durst the Enamy make another like approach for three moneths after; conceiving himself to have donne sufficiently in placing guards upon Bridges, and passes, many miles off, not thereby to make his way upon us, but to hinder our incursions( which he feared) upon his.  
Yet could not this be any stop to Sir Francis hamilton, who within two dayes after, breaking into the parts of the County of Letrim to him adjoining, with 20 Horse and 100 foot, having killed some stragglers( for others he met none) returned with 40 Cowes and 200 Sheep.  
Desirous also to try the countenance of his Neighbours placed by him( the Enemies guards about Bradies Bridge, and the Bridge of Ballihillian) and thence to bring in some corn for his supply, he sent out 60 musketeers with some woman and youths, to carry away the corn being burnt out of the ear( as the fashion there is, when they want time to thrash) these being defended by the Souldiers. The enemy being not far off appeared to the number of 200, yet durst they not deal with our men who had placed themselves for their advantage, expecting the coming of Sir Francis who prepared for to second them, and after a while drew near with forty foot, and forty Horse, whereof ten belonged to Sir james Craig. Vpon approach of these the first who had before faced the Rebels with a great shoute broke out upon them, and Sir Francis falling on, they fled, and being a little way pursued, ours retreated esteeming it sufficient to have disengaged their fellowes, and secured that small quantity of Corn that was carried away. Our backs being turned, the enemy came on with a most terrible cry, as if we fled. Whereupon Sir Francis making a stand, he mounted forty musketeers behind his Horsemen and galloped after them, hoping to gain a place of strength which lay between them and the Bridge, and so to engage them between his men. But they finding his intent, made from him thitherward, and having possessed themselves thereof made themselves for resistance, of which we having killed one man, retired without being any further pursued, in the return, burning all before us.  
About this time, the bloody sheriff thus disappointed of his cruelty, and for revenging on some what he suffered from others, commanded those poor british that were left in the town of Belturbet and not able to follow the rest, to be forced from off the Bridge into the deep river, where they were all to the number of 60. swallowed up and perished.  
This being reported to them at Kylagh and Crohan, Sir Francis hamilton, and Sir james Craig resolved on revenge, they going forth in several parties.  
Sir Francis with 30 Horse and 100 foot, drew to a place called Derewily bordering on the County of Letrim, having intelligence of 60 rebels lying in a wood. To the place he came without discovery about the dawning of the day, surprising them in their cabins and beds; of whom 27 he slay, taking 14 prisoners, the Souldiers being unwilling to repreeve any; these he after hanged, the rest escaping by reason of the wood. But 50 of Sir james Craigs foot being by Sir Francis hamilton appointed to attend any such occasion on the other side of the water( for a river was between them) they who escaped the one, fell into the hands of the other, of whom they slay ten and hanged four. Thus were all of the rebells used who after that time fell within their power.  
About the middle of March the store in both Castles fell short, by feeding so many mouths: so that thenceforth they must fight for what they must eat; which they commonly did thrice a week, with very great hazard, for there were placed 200 rebells to guard the passages in Sir james Craigs woods; 200 under captain John O Reyly at Bradys Bridge, and Mulmore the great sheriff was now content himself to quarter in a Cottadge with 300 men about him at the Bridge of Ballihillan, to keep our men from looking abroad.  
On the 8 of April died Sir james Craig. A Gentleman of singular and the best Abilities; well deserving of his Country both in peace and War: of whom I say the less because I cannot writ enough.  
The loss of this worthy person, as it could not but be of exceeding great disadvantage to the service; So did it double the pains, care, and charge of Sir Francis Hamilton, upon whom the oversight and ordering of matters in both Castles was now cast. For at this time was the Lady Craig fallen sick& the company in the Castle wasted by a mortal and infectious sickness, whereof there died 160, and the forces then remaining not sufficing for the guard of place. whereby Sir Francis was enforced to sand of his own for securing it: a Squadron being daily from his Castle of Kylagh, sent to Crohan, doing duty by turns, for no one would be persuaded to contiue there, in respect of the infection, these were led out and brought off, by a strong Guard to that purpose, sent twice each day, placing the like number in Crohan, as they took out.  
Necessity would not suffer them to be idle, therefore about the 22 of April, did Sir Francis Hamilton, with 210 foot and 40 horse, taken out of both Castles go forth to forage; and strong he must go, all places being strongly laid against him. he took his way towards Tullagha, and under the covert of a Wood laid an ambush of 150 men, sending the other, divided into two Companies, together with women and boyes, to gather in and drive away what cattle could thereabouts be met withall, commanding them if set upon by more then they could master, to make their retreat, and draw on the enemy, within the danger of the ambuscado, which sorted accordingly for these foragers, were pursued by three hundred of the enemy, who followed them until falling into the trap prepared for them: they being set upon fell into the Wood, whither our foot followed them, and as they sought their ways out from the foot, the horse that guarded the passages, beat them back into the Wood, in which hunting-chace there were slain of them 45. of whom 14 were of the Sect of the Macgawrans, all landed men. Few of the rest could have escaped, had not our men been called off by a discovery made by our Scouts of another Enemy approaching Sir Francis having ordered his men for a second service, the Rebels though far exceeding in number, were content to suffer him to pass without any interruption, bringing off with him sixty Cows, which were divided between both Castles,  
In these and such daily and light services was the time taken up until the four●h day of May. For now the Enemy finding that by their Guards at distance they were but losers, as often as their loose Companies encountered ours; and that therein they attained not their ends, which was the shutting us up from provision; being also informed, that for want of victuals the Castles could not hold out ten days; which was related to them by one Barlow a Fugitive, out of Sir Francis his Castle, where till then he& his had been relieved. They did therefore once more resolve to engage themselves upon it, and to make it their last work, concluding not to desist, or raise their siege till all were theirs.  
To this end they drew up into Killishandra, and all the places about, being at their first quartering about two thousand, which was soon after made three thousand, and that number doubled by the coming into the County of Cavan, of all those Lords, Gentlemen, and others who had been by our Armies forced out of Meath, and other parts, besides the return of Philip Mac Hugh O Rely, with his men from Droghedah whence he was beaten off.  
Thus were these two Castles shut up at once without any intercourse. As for that of Crohan, besides their other wants the besieged had their water without them, which the Rebels laboured to take away from them by shutting them up, so as they should not without loss look out at the Castle gates. To this purpose, they had in the night in a place of advantage cast up some works within less then half a Musket shot from the gate out of which by the valour of the Defendants, they were more then once removed with loss, and their Trenches cast down, yet did they, as oft repossess themselves of them in the night, and rebuilt with some further Fortifications, what had been before demolished. By this means the distress for water was great within, not having any but what by women or some others who in the night durst adventure forth, was brought in and sold to them at four pence the quart. But to make it wholly unserviceable, the Rebels first cast into the Well a dead Dog; and after the carcase of a man that had long been unburied. So that they were enforced to dig within the Walls where they found water, but muddy and unwholsom●  
In Sir Francis Hamiltons Castle provision of victuals was short, no bread was eaten there a fortnight before the surrender. Their milk Cows reserved for giving milk to the sick were first killed; then most of their horses, after their dogs; and lastly, they eat the hides of Beasts slain many moneths before. The Souldiers in these their sufferings began to mutiny, six or seven having run away with their arms to the Enemy; the sickness of Sir Francis Hamilton occasioned by extraordinary pains, care, watching, and hard fare, adding to these discouragements.  
These extremities thus suffered from the fourth of May, until the fourth of june; all supplies from Dublin being in vain expected more then seven moneths; there being also no hope left of any further subsistence where they were; Sir Francis now forcing himself out of his bed● b●gan to entertain that Treaty for Quarter, which by the enemy had been daily offered, and till then was refused.  
He desired in the first place that Master Thomas Price Archdeacon of Kilmore, and Master Ambrose Bedell, chief in the Castle of Crohan, might be admitted with safety to confer with him, that by their advice he might capitulate for both Castles, which after much debate and some difficulty was condescended unto. From whom he having understood that the Castle of Crohan was in no condition for longer resisting it was concluded that the Treaty for surrender should proceed.  
On the one part appeared Philip Mac Hugh O Reley, the Colonel with Mulmore O Reyly the sheriff, and four other Captains. On the other was Sir Francis Hamilton, Sir Arthur Forbes Baronet( a Gentleman about seventeen, yet one in all services) with two other Gentlemen for the Castle of Kylagh; and Master Price, and Master Bedell for Crohan, between these certain Articles were agreed upon as followeth.  

Articles of agreement concluded and agreed upon, the quarter give by Philip Mac Hugh Mac Shan rely, and the rest of the Gentlemen here under name to sir Francis Hamilton concerning the Castles of Kylagh and Crohan, in manner and form following, bearing date the fourth day of june 1642.  
1. INprimis, It is agreed by and between these parties following, viz. Sir Francis Hamilton Knight and Baronet, in the behalf of the Lady Mary Craige, himself, the Gentlemen, Gentlewomen, Souldiers, and all others both men, women and children, of what degree condition, or quality whatsoever, belonging unto, or being in either of both Castles, viz. Kylagh and Crohan, shall have safe quarter from Philip Mac Hugh rely, Edmond rely, Philip mac Mulmore rely, Mulmore mac Edmond rely, Hugh buii rely, John mac Philip rely, Philip row rely, james Neugent, R. A. own Rourke Esquires, Edmond mac own rely, Ferall oge rely, Charles mac Gauran, Daniel mac Gauran, John mac Kernan, Conner rely, rely, and Tirlagh, Cahil rely, to bee convoyed to Droghedah with safety of their lives, and of their bag and baggage, which they shall carry with them and that such persons above name as are herein mentioned by particular name, viz. Philip mac Hugh rely, Philip mac Mulmore rely, Mulmore mac Edmond rely, Philip row rely, John mac Philip rely, with such company as they shall think fit, shall go in person to guard us that are above mentioned, together with such a competent number of souldiers, a List being delivered unto Sir Francis Hamilton of their names as shall be sufficient to defend us from the danger or hurt of any that may assail us with any intention to hurt us, or any of us before mentioned in our lives or goods; and it is likewise conditioned by the said Philip and the rest of the Gentlemen above name, that they shall not leave us, until we be safely delivered over unto the hands of such a guard, or convoy, as shall be sent to receive us by the governor of Drogheda, and that we may be delivered over unto the hands of the said guard in love and amity, and depart so each from the other.  
2. We shall have with us the Kings Majesties arms, together with all Carrabins, Petronels, Pistols, Horsmens-Peeces, Bandeliers, Swords, Rapiers, Daggers, Horses, with all the Horse furniture belonging to them, partisans, Holberts, and that the Souldiers belonging to Sir Francis Hamilton shall march away with Drums beating, Colours flying, and Bullets in their mouths.  
3. Thirdly, we are to have provision provided for us, upon our way, which we are to march through for our ready moneys, the guard mentioned are to go upon their own charge.  
4. Fourthly, we will be ready to depart by Wednesday the 15. of June 1642. and in the mean time Horses and carriage is to be provided for us for transporting of our baggage and sick people, if any shall happen to be at that time, either to be bought or hired for our ready money.  
5. Fiftly, that Master William Bedell and his wife, Alexander Clogie, Master Bagshaw and his family, Robert johnson, together with all such british as are remaining within the County of Cavan, shall be sent hither to go along with the said Sir Francis Hamilton, and that they may have liberty to carry with them all such bag or baggage as they have to carry.  
6. Sixthly, that such poor men and women that are not able to go along with us, shall have a safe quarter to stay and remain in the country, and that provision shall be made for them, which unto christianity appertaineth.  
7. seventhly, that after both Castles, viz. Kylagh and Crohan shall be surrendered, that then Philip mac Hugh rely, and the rest of the Gentlemen first name, shall take care that the said Castles shall not be defaced, burnt, or demolished, but preserved for the Kings Majesties use, and for the use of the right owners thereof, and that the like care shall be had for preserving the Gardens and Orchards belonging to both Castles.  
8. Eighthly, that such people in both Castles, that shall desire to travel to any part of this kingdom, shall be allowed so to do, and shall have Passes given them for their safe traveling from one or other of authority within this county, and in the said Passes it may be desired, that the Gentlemen of such Counties in which they are to pass through may give them Passes for their safe traveling unto such places as they shall desire to rest and remain in.  
9. Ninthly, it is further agreed upon between both parties, that an authentic copy of this agreement sealed and signed by the said Philip mac Hugh, Mac Shan rely, and the rest of the Gentlemen first name, shall be sent to Droghedah to the governor or chief Commander there, to the end the said governor may sand a Certifcate under his hand and seal, to be delivered unto Sir Francis Hamilton, and the rest of his company ten or twelve miles from Droghed●, for the security of both parties, and the due performance of this agreement, th●t there may be a certain place appointed by the said governor, where the said Sir Francis and his company shall be received without any danger or affront unto such as shall convoy them.  
10, Lastly, for the due and true performance of this agreement, and every point therein contained, both parties shall make choice of the most principal Gentlemen on either side to swear that they will truly and faithfully perform according to this agreement and every point therein contained, and likewise set their hands and seals the day and year above written,  
Philip rely, Edmond Rely, Philip Rely, Mulmore O Rely, Hugh Re●y ●●●n Rely, Philip Rely, james Neugent, R. A. own Rou●ke, Ed●●nd Rely, Ferall Rely, Charles mac Gauran, Daniel mac Gauran, 〈◇〉 m●c Ker●an, Conner Rely, Mulmore rely, Turlagh Re●el.   
These Articles being signed, sealed, and sworn unto by the subscribers, upon the 15. of June, there came out of the Castle of Kylagh, Sir Francis Hamilton with about 800. men, women and children, of whom there were two hundred and thirty fighting men. Out of Crohan with the Lady Craig there came about four hundred of all sorts, and of them, one hundred being serviceable men, and with these there were ten Ministers, among whom Master Price, one of good abilities, diligent in his Calling and forward in that service, doth merit especial respects, besides those that came out of those Castles, there were 140. others, who from other parts of the country joined themselves unto them according as in the Articles Sir Francis had provided for them.  
These marched away according to the Agreement with matches burning, Bandelleres full, Drums beating, and Colours flying; bringing with them arms for 95. men. Sir Francis had in a trunk one firkin of Powder which was not discovered, leaving with the enemy only 20. pounds for to colour it. In both Castles there were left about ninety pieces great and small, and many Pikes, most whereof had been recovered from the Enemy.  
These 1340 of all sorts were by Philip Mac Hugh Rely, with the rest of the mentioned in the Articles for so doing, and a Guard of seven hundred Souldiers conducted towards Droghedah, they made an Halt about fourteen miles from the Town, expecting an answer from the governor Sir Henry Tichburn●, who about a mile from slain, and eight miles from Droghedah met them with two Troops, and three hundred Foot, the gross of both par●s kept aloof, there being an hundred chosen out of each for to deliver and receive: all which was punctually observed on both sides.  
From Droghedah, the said ten Ministers, and above 1000 poor besides the poor Souldiers, repaired to Dublin where now they are expecting conveniency of passage into England, if they may not be relieved there.  
Sir Francis Hamilton, the Lords Iustices, and council of Ireland, have recommended to the right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for the Irish affairs, having for the present listed 100 of his own men under his command in the Army: he deserving all encouragement and respects both for his prudence and forwardness in the public service, and his charity to the poor despoiled british, whom not only he relieved in his Castle, but laid out great sums for clothing and feeding them in their going away.  
This is the substance of all the chief passages of the Rebellion in the County of Cavan, from the 23 of October 1641, until June 15, 1642, passing by Captain Culmes attempt for recovering the Castle of Cloghouter, with other passages, which with a more full discourse of what hath been formerly but briefly set forth, and the continuation thereof, I refer to what I shall hereafter( God willing) set forth of the proceedings of the whole war in Ireland.   

In the name of the holy trinity, the Father, Son, and the holy Ghost, Amen.  
Acts agreed upon, ordained, and concluded in the general Congregation held at Kilkenny, the 10.11. and 13. dayes of May, 1642. by those Prelates whose names are subscribed; The Proctors of such other Prelates as then were absent, being present together with the superiors of the Regulars, and many other dignitaries and learned men, as well in divine, as also in the common law, with divers Pastors and others of the catholic clergy of all Ireland, whose names are likewise hereafter set down.  
1. WHereas the war which now in Ireland, the catholics do maintain against Sectaries, and chiefly against Puritans, for the defence of the catholic Religion, for the maintenance of the Prerogative and royal rights of our gracious King Charles for our gracious queen, so unworthily abused by the Puritans, for the honour, safety, and health of their royal issue, for to avert and refrain the injuries done unto them, for the conservation of the just, and lawful safeguards, liberties and rights of Ireland and lastly for the defence of their own lives, fortunes lands and possessions. Whereas I said this war is by the catholics undertaken for the aforesaid causes against unlawful usurpers, oppressors and their enemies, chiefly Puritans. And that hereof we are informed as well by divers and true Remonstrances of divers Provinces, Counties and Noblemen, as also by the unanimous consent and agreement of almost the whole kingdom in this war and union. We therefore declare that war openly Cotholique to be lawful and just, in which war, if some of the catholics be found to proceed out of some particular and unjust title, covetousness, cruelty, revenge or hatred, or any such unlawful private intentions. We declare them therein grievously to sin, and therefore worthy to be punished and refrained with ecclesiastical censures( if advised thereof) they do not amend.  
2. Whereas the adversaries do spread divers rumours, do writ divers Letters, and under the Kings name do print Proclamations, which are not the Kings, by which means divers plots and dangers may ensue unto our Nation; Wee therefore to stop the way of untruth and forgeries of the political adversaries do will and command, that no such rumours, Letters, or Proclamations may have place, or belief, until it be known in a national council, whether they truly proceeded from the King, left to his own freedom, and until the Agents of this kingdom hereafter to be appointed by a national council, have free passage to his majesty, whereby the kingdom may be certainly informed of his Majesties intention and will.  
3. Whereas no Family, city, Common-wealth, much less any kingdom may stand without union and concord, without which this kingdom for the present standeth in most danger. We think it therefore necessary that all Irish peers, Magistrates, Noblemen, Cities and Provinces, may be tied together with the holy bond of union and Concord, and that they frame an oath of union and agreement which they shall devoutly and Christianly take, and faithfully observe. And for the conservation and exercise of this union, We have thought fit to ordain the ensuing points.  
4. We straightly command all our inferior, as well Churchmen as Laymen to make no distinction at all between the old and ancient Irish, and no Alienation comparison or differences between Provinces, Cities, Towns, or Families, and lastly, not to begin, or forward any emulations or comparisons whatsoever.  
5. That in every Province of Ireland there be a council made up, both of Clergy and Nobility in which council shall bee so many persons, at least as are Counties in the Province, and out of every City or notable town two persons.  
6. Let one general council of the whole kingdom be made, both of the Clergy Nobility, Cities, and notable towns in which council there shall be three out of every Province, and out of every City one, or where Cities are not, out of the chiefest towns. To this council the provincial Councells shall have subordination, and from thence to it may be appealed, until this national council have opportunity to sit together; again, if any thing of great importance do occur, or be conceived in one Province, which by a negative Vote is rejected in the council of one Province. Let it be sent to the councils of other Provinces; except it be such a matter as cannot be delayed, and which doth not pertain to the weal public of the other Provinces.  
7. ambassage sent from one Province to foreign Nations shall be held as made from the rest of the Provinces, and the fruit or benefit thereof shall be imparted, and divided between the Provinces and Cities which have more need thereof, chiefly such helps and fruits, as proceed from the bountiful liberality of foreign Princes states. Prelates or others whatsoever, provided always that the charges and damage be proportionably recompensed.  
8. If there be any Province which may not conveniently sand ambassage from itself unto foreign Nations, let it signify it to another Province, which may conveniently supply it, and ought in regard of their union to supply it according to the instructions sent from the other Provinces concerning the place, and Princes to which they would have their ambassage employed.  
9. Let a faithful Inventory be made in every Province of the murders, burnings, and other cruelties, which are committed by the Puritan enemies with a cotation of the place, day, cause, manner and persons, and other circumstances subscribed by one of public authority.  
10. In every Parish, let a faithful and sworn Messenger be appointed, whereby such cruel●●es, and other affairs may bee written and sent to the neighbouring places, and likewise from one Province to another; Let such things be written for the comfort, instruction, and caref●lnesse of the People.  
11. Great men taken prisoners in one Province, may not be set at liberty for any price, prayers, or exchange, without the consent of the prelates and Nobility of the other Province united, and let every Province be careful of the Liberties of such Prisoners as are from the other Provinces, as far as it conveniently may.  
12. If any one stubborn or dangerous be found in one Province, County or town, Let him be sent to another Province, County or town where he may be safely kept, and( with less danger, or loss of others) remain.  
13. Whosoever shall be declared in one County or Province, adversary or traitor of this cause and country shall likewise be held, and punished in other Counties and Provinces where he shall bee found, and such as receive or favour him, or be his messengers, knowing his misdemeanour shall be liable to such punishment as the traitor himself.  
14. Wee command and ordain as a main point pertaining to this union that no Province, County, City, town or person whatsoever shall demand peace, or submit himself to the enemies without the consent of the general council of the whole kingdom, and that ender pain of Excommunication to be incurred ipso facto, and for further force of this Statute to be observed; Wee will that in every Province a firm oath be taken by the peers, Nobility, Corporations, and commonalty of every Province, and thereupon a public and authentical Instrument be made; And that every Province do sand into every other Province, an Instrument subscribed, with the proper hands of such as have taken this oath, for the assurance of their oaths and whosoever shall refuse to take this oath, let him bee held as adversary of the common cause, and of the kingdom, and let him be punished, as such as hereafter shall be declared, except he be excused for the reasons hereafter to be set down.  
15. The ordinaries of every place, The preachers confessors pash pri●sts and other Churchmen shall endeavour to see perfect peace and charity observed between Provinces, Counties, Cities, and families, as the obligation of this union requireth  
16. Such goods as well movable as vnmoveable pertaining to catholics as were recovered from the enemies by this present war shall be restored to their former owners, Provided that such necessary and reasonable charges shall be paid, as the next general or provincial council or Committees of the County where the parties dwell, shall decree.  
17. Whereas divers persons do diversely carry themselves towards t●is cause, some with helpe● and supplies do assist the adversaries others with victuals and arms, others with their advice and authority supporting as it wear the contrary cause, some also as n●w●ers behaving themselves, and others lastly neglecting their oath d●e forsake the Catholiq● unio● a●d cause. Wee do therefore declare and judge all and every such as forsake this union, do fight for our enemies accompany them in war, defend or in any other way assist them as giving them weapons, victuals, council, or favour to be excommunicated and by these presents do excommunicate them; Provided that this present Decree shall be first published in every diocese resp●ctively, and having rec●ived admonition before hand whic● shall supply the triple admonition otherwise requisite, a● wee do hereby declare, so it be made in a place where it may easily come to the knowledge of those whom it toucheth, but as touching the iudgement and punishment of the neuter wee leave it ●o the ordinaries of every place respectively, so that the ordinaries themselves be not contrary to the iudgement and opinion of this Congregation, in which cause, we Commit power to the Metropolitans or Archbishops to proceed against such ordinaries according to the common course of law wherein they are to be very careful and sp●edy, and if the Metropolitans be found herein careless or guilty, let them be liable to such punishment as is ordained by the holy Canons and let them be accused to the Sea apostolic.  
18. Wee ordain and Decree that all and every such as from the beginning of this present war have invaded the possessions of goods as well movable as unmovable, spiritual, or temporal of any catholic whether Irish or English, or also of any Irish Protestant being not adversary of this cause. And do detain any such goods shall be excommunicated as by this present Decree wee do excommunicate them if admonished they do not amend and with the like censure wee do bind such as henceforward shall invade or detain such goods, and not only them, but also all and every such ●s shall ke●pe lands or posessions against public authority as also such as favour or assist them therein. And we declare involved in this censure all and every of them who directly or indirectly hirder or for●id to pay their due rents unto such as have possessed the said lands from the beginning of this war and such likewise as with out the license of such poss●ssors do take or ●x●ort rents or equivalent p●yment from the tenants of such poss●ssors under colour of paying s●uldiers therewith or otherwise  
19. We command all and every Churchmen as well secular as regular not to hear the Conffeffions of the aforesaid excommunicated persons, nor to administer unto them the holy Sacraments under pain of Excommunication ipso facto.  
20. We will and declare all those that murder, dismember, or grievouslly strike, all thieves, unlawful spoilers, robbers of any goods, extortors, together with all such as favour, receive, or any ways assist them, to be excommunicated, and so to remain, until they completely amend and satisfy no less then if they were, namely proclaimed, excommunicated, and for satisfaction of such crimes hitherto committed to be enjoined, wee leave to the discretion of the ordinaries and confessors, how to absolve them.  
21. tradesman for making weapons or powder brought into this country, or hereafter to be brought in, shall be free from all taxations and customs; as also all Merchants, as shall transport into this country, such wears as are profitable for the catholic cause, as arms and Powder, may lawfully traffic without paying any custom, for commodities brought out of this kingdom, or transported hither of that kind, and let this be proclaimed in all Provinces, Cities and towns.  
22. Wee think it convenient, that in the next natural Congregation, some be appointed out of the Nobility, and Clergy as ambassadors to be sent in the behalf of the whole kingdom, unto the Kings of France and spain, to the Emperour and his Holinesse, and those to be of the Church prelates, or one of the Nobility and a Lawyer.  
23. Wee will and ordain, that Ordinaries, Dignitaries, ●nd other Proprietors of Church livings, with the assistance of the colonel, or some other prime Gentleman of the County, Barony, or Par●sh, a● the ordinary, and Dignitaries, or Proprietors shall appoint, do set unto Tenants, the lands, houses, tenements, and tithes, and other Church livings, and let competent means be appointed for the maintenance of the said O●dinaries, Dignataries and Proprietors, and the rest to be appointed for the souldiers until it bee otherwise ordained.  
24. Collectors and receivers of the Rents of Church-livings, shall be appointed by the Ordinaries, with the consent of the Proprietors in the presence of the chiefest Gentlemen of every County, Baronry, or Parish r●spectively.  
25. The ordinaries and other proprietors of Church livings may take unto themselves the houses, tenements and other Church Goods pertaining unto their respective titles, with obligations to pay proportionable rent unto the Souldiers as aforesaid, or his payment of their own competent maintenance and let the houses, tenements, and other Church goods be taken from the catholics, who heretofore had them as tenements or otherwise.  
26. It is Committed to the will and disposition of the ordinary whether and when to enter into the Churches and celebrate Masses therein we commande all and every the general colonels, Captains and other officers of our catholic army to whom it appertaineth that they severally punish all transgressors of our aforesaid Command touching Murtherers, Maymers, Strikers, thieves, Robbers, and if they fail therein we command the parish Priests, curates or Chaplines, respectively to declare them iterdicted and that they shall be excommunicated if they cause not due satisfaction to bee made unto the Common-wealth, and the party offended. And this the Parish Priests or chaplains shall observe under pain of Excommunication of sentence given ipso facto.  
27. To the end that these Acts Propositions, and Ordinances may have more happy success; We thought it fitting to have recourse unto God Almighty by Prayers, Fastings and Alms We therefore will pray and as far as it is needful do command that every Priest as well Secular, as Regular do celebrate one mass a week, and that all Lay men do fast upon Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in one week, and thence forward one day a week, and that upon Wednesday, or Saturday, as long as the Ordinary shall please, and that they pray hearty unto God for the prosperous success of this our catholic War, for which they shall gain so many dayes indulgences, as every Prelate shall publish in your several diocese respectively after t●e Fast of the aforesaid three days in one week, having first confessed, and received the blessed Sacrament, and bestowed some alms to this effect.  
28 In every Regiment of Souldiers Let there be appointed at least two Confessors, and one Preacher, to be name by the Ordinaries and by the superiors of the Regulars, whose competent maintenance we commend and command to every colonel, in their respective Regiments. And to the end that all those Ordinances and Statutes may effectually be put in execution, we will and decree that all Arch-bishops, Bishops, apostolical Vicars and Regular superiors, as well here present as absent, may be very serious and careful of the execution of the aforesaid, as they tender not to incur displeasure, wrath, and revenge, and herewith we charge their Consciences.  
29 Moreover, We pray and require, all Noblemen, Magistrates, and all other Marshall Commanders, that with their helps and Secular forces, they assist and set forward in execution, the aforesaid Statutes in their several Precincts respectively as often as it shall be needful; If in any of the aforesaid Statutes any doubt or difficulty may by chance arise, the explication thereof wee reserve to the Metropolitans in every Province respectively, and to the Bishops in every their diocese, such of them as are no way contrary to this cause, no other person may presume to expound the aforesaid difficulties.  
Haec dicta, acta ordinata& statuta, subscripta erant nominibus sequentium Praelatorum. All those Judgments, Sayings, Acts, and Covenants, We submit to the judgement of the See apostolic. 

Hugo Archiepiscopus Armachanus.  
Thomas Archiepiscopus Casselensis.  
Malachius Archiepiscopus Guamenum.  
David Episcopus Osorenum.  
Frater Batius Episcopus Elphynenum.  
Frater Patricius Episcopus Woterferden.& Lysmoren.  
Frater Rochus Episcopus Kildaren.  
joannes Electus ●luanfarten.  
Emerus Electus Dunen.& Conoren,  
Frater Iosephus Everard, Procurator Archiepiscopi Dublinens.  
Doctor joannes Creagh Procurator Epsicopus Lymeriten.  
David Bourck& Willielmus O Connell Procurator Episcopi Imolacen.  
Donotus O Tearnan Procurator Episcopi Laonen.  
Doctor Dionysius Hartii Decanus Laonensis.  
Doctor Michael Hacket Vicom. gener. Waterforden.  
Gulielmus Devocer Vic. gener. Fernesen.  
Thomas Roch Vicar. Generalis Ossoren.  
Frater Lucas Archer abbess Sanctae Crucis.  
Frater Anthonius de Rosario Ord. praed. Vicar. pro Provincial.  
Robertus Nugent societat Iesu in Heb.  
Frater Thadeus Connoldus Aug. Provinc.  
joannes Warenige Decanus Lymlicem.  
Frater Patricius Darcye Guardianum Dubliuens.  
Frater Thomas Strange Guardianum Waterford.  
Frater Joseph Lancton, Prior Kilkenny.  
Frater Tho. Tearnon Guard. de Dundalk.  
Frater Joannes Reyly Guard Kilkennige.  
Frater Boetius Eganus Guard Buttevant.  
Jordanus Boork Archiedecanus Lymericensis.    
FINIS.