ORIGINAL LETTERS OF KING JAMES II.

DEPOSITED IN THE MSS. CLOSET OF TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED, IN WHICH THE ORTHOGRAPHY IS PRESERVED.

LETTER I.

ADDREESSED, "FOR L: GEN: HAMILTON.§."

Dublin May 1: 1689:

I am sorry to find by yours of the 27: that Luisignan is so ill hurt lett him know how much I am troubled at it, and make a complyment to Pointz upon his being hurt also, you do very well to precaution yourself against sallys, from a towne where there is so many men, and pray let the Gen: officers who remaine not expose themselves to much, I have sent you a power to pardon such as will accept of it, Ld.Melfort shall give you an account of the troops I am a sendingdown to you, as also of what cannon and mortars are a preparing with all possible deligence, you shall have all I can send you to enable you to reduce that rebellious towne, and to make the more noyse the D: of Tyrconnel is a preparing to go downe to you, it being, as you well observe, of the last consequence to master it, I expect to have an account every moment of the arrival of the French fleett, for Besides that the wind has been so many days faire for them, letters from Kinsale say they were left but fifteen leagues from that port, you will before this getts to you have been informed of Bohan's having entirely beaten the rebels wch.were gott together in the County of Downe, at least five thousand in number, and killed several hundreds of them on the place, I hope the advice you had from Mrs. Lundy, will prove but a story, if what a Sergeant wch.came from Leverpoole but last weeke says be true, wch.you will know by this. §.

J. R.

I am a sending Dorrington downe to you. §.

LETTER II.

TO THE SAME.

Dublin May 10: 1689:

I am sorry for the losse of Ramsay, such accidents will happen, and one must not be discouraged, I am sensible you have a hard worke on your hands, but at last will I hope be able to overcome it, I am sending downe one great mortar and two pieces of battery by land, and the same number of both by sea, 'twas actually impossible to dispatch them sooner, ten Comp: of Eustach will be soon with you, all well armed, and clothed, and five Comp: of the same Reg: are to march downe, what other I send, shall be well armed, I send you downe with this a paper concerning Derry, you will see whether it be practicable or no, of wch.none can judg, but you that are on the place, I am sending downe, Sr.Ne: O Neal's Reg: of Dragoons into the Countys of Downeand Antrim wch.will be the more necessary since you have ordered Gen: Maj: Bohan to you, I thinke it absolutely necessary you should not lett any more men come out of Derry, but for intelligence, or some extraordinary occasion, for they may want provisions, and would be glad to rid themselves of useless mouths,§

James R.

LETTER III.

TO THE SAME.

Dublin May 20: 1689:

You will before this, have had an account from Ld.Melfort, of what men, arms, and stors, have been sent you, and are designed for you, I now send back to you this bearer Ld.Dungan to lett you know that this day I have been informed by one who came from Chester on Wednesday last, that Kirke was to sett saile with the first fair wind from thence with fower regs.of foott, to endeavour to relieve Derry, I have ordered a copy of the information to be sent you, I know you will do your part to hinder if you can, their getting into that towne, for should once more those English succors be obliged to return againe, that rebelious towne could not hold out long with the force I send you, but if you cannot hinder their getting into the towne you must then take care to secure your retreat as well as you can, on your side,and to take care also of the cannon, mortars and men, wch.are on the east side of the river of Derry, for no doubt they will presse you, when you draw off, in case you should be obliged to do it, what I propose is that you should endeavour to keep Castlefin, Cladyford bridg, and Strabane to hinder them from coming over those waters, this I thinke may be easily done considering tho' they may be strong in foott, they can have but few and bad horse, and that I designe to go about to reduce Eniskilling, in the mean tyme I am thinkind of sending some more troups towards Charlemont which will be ready to look toward you, or Carrickfergus as occasion shall offer, lett Castlederg, be well provided, I have sent some horse and dragoons to reinforce Sarsfield at Sligo, and have ordered Pursell's dragoons to Belturbet, what els I have to say, I refer to this bearer Ld.Dungan,§.

James R.

LETTER IV.

TO THE SAME.

Dublin July 8th. 1689:

I do not find by what I heare from you and others that those in Derry are so prest for want of victuals as once was believed, so that if they could be prest otherways, it would do well, I am sensible you are but ill furnished with wherewithal to carry on your trenches, and to attaque them vigorously, but however I am sure you will do what is to be done, I am afraide your French enginers tho very able men in their trade may have been so used to have all things necessary provided for them, and to want nothing, that they are not so industrious as others lesse knowing men might be, and that they do not push on their worke as they might do, having so much to say for themselves, upon the account of their being so ill provided, however methinks they might have gott Maderiers ready in all this tyme, to have lodged the miners wch.I haveseen done to a stronger towne than Derry, and where we wanted cannon to mine their defences, I only hint this to you, not pretending at this distance to judg whether it be practicable or no, and for making of Maderiers, I am sure tis but the puling downe some housein[this word is partly erased in the original, but substituted by the following] neare Derry, or at Lifford or Strabane, where one may find beams strong enough to make them, and tho Lattin be not to be gott, new hids will do as well to preserve them from fire, this is only for yourself, you have another letter from me about what had been reported here, of some proposals made to you by those of Derry, to which I refer you:§.

J. R.

[from the mss. closet of trinity college, dublin.]

ORIGINAL LETTER OF THE DUKE OF BERWICK,

never before published,

addressed "to lieutenant-general hamilton, at the camp before derry."

Trelick the 5th July:

I received just now the honour of yours, and I will write to Carills aboute Capt.Manus Odonnell. There is an escorte sent to meet the amunition coming from Charlemont who is likewise guarded by a regiment of foot.

I marched yesterday morning from Newtown-Stewart, and joyning Coll. Sunderland at Omah I marched hither; my advance guard cutt off several of their sentries, and a great many of the rebells party, with such vigour, as they beat with 30 dragoons three troops of horse of theirs, which were drawn up at a distance from us. Cap Patrick Bellue and Major Magdonnel commanded the van-guard. There was eight or nine of theenemy killed but none of ours. I went with my horse and dragoons within four miles of Inniskiling and drove a great deale of cattle back to Trelick where I am now and which is nine mile from Enniskiling. I am sure no considerable party dearest stirr out from that towne for feare of my being upon their backs, so that all backwards is secure. The party of two hundred foot and fifty horse and dragoons that were left at Belturbet under the command of L. Coll. Scott, are taken prisoners officers and all. I can assure you that all the inhabitants of this countrye are universally rebells. my humble service to Mareschall Rozen and believe me, your most humble and obedient servant

Berwick.

I forgot to tell you that our vanguard pursued so close three companies of foot that they took one of their colours and two drumms within four miles of Inniskiling, before I was come upp, this has entred[22]Coll: Purcell's dragoons very well.

Fac-Simile of the Autograph and signet of King James II.Fac-Simile of the Autograph and Seal of the Duke of Berwick.T. Badge. sculpsit.

THE END.

FOOTNOTES

[1]This dance has been already described in note to chapterxv. vol.i. It only is necessary here to observe, that the popular dance at present prevalent in Ireland is called thelong dance; it is similar to that of the Danes in Holstein, and other parts of Denmark, which they termde lange danz, or "the long dance." This dance still continues up to the present period to be performed in the country parts of Ireland, upon the occurrence of a young heir arriving at the bright and sunny epoch of twenty-one; and likewise upon the event of his marriage, or upon any other happy and unexpected occasion of rejoicing.

[2]Carcanet, the diminutive ofcarcan, a chain;—it means a necklace.

[3]Innisfail is one of the ancient names of Ireland;—it means the isle of fate or destiny. It was so called from possessing an ancient stone chair, on which was sculptured in Gaelic,Or fate is false, or where this stone shall beThe Scots shall reign a powerful monarchy.It was afterwards removed to Scotland, and subsequently to England. It is now placed under the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey.

[3]Innisfail is one of the ancient names of Ireland;—it means the isle of fate or destiny. It was so called from possessing an ancient stone chair, on which was sculptured in Gaelic,

Or fate is false, or where this stone shall beThe Scots shall reign a powerful monarchy.

Or fate is false, or where this stone shall be

The Scots shall reign a powerful monarchy.

It was afterwards removed to Scotland, and subsequently to England. It is now placed under the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey.

[4]Mala-pioba—the bagpipes. The late Mr. Cooper Walker in his "Historical Memoirs of the Irish Bards," in a note at foot of page 81, speaking on the subject of the Irish bagpipes, (which, by the way, are played upon by the finger, and not like the Scotch pipes, which are played by the lips,) he makes the following remark:—"I have been informed that George II. was so much delighted with the performance of an Irish gentleman on the bagpipes, that he ordered a medal to be struck for him."

[5]Sir Trystrem was entitled to the lily, being a royal son of France; he was designated Sir Trystrem of Lyons. He was nephew to Mark, king of Cornwall. His name really wasTristrem, but we suppose, for sake of euphony, old Cormac thought he was privileged to change it.

[6]"The spiced wassail-bowl."—See Fletcher's "Faithful Shepherdess," actV. p. 108. Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, vol.IV. The efficacy of love philtres was credited from the days of Pliny even down to the seventeenth century! See Sir Walter Scott's "Sir Tristrem," p. 298; and also Beaumont and Fletcher, vol.III. p. 459.

[7]Muscadel.—This species of wine was a common ingredient in the wassail-bowls, which were peculiarly in favour at Christmas.—Note to "the Pilgrim," by Beaumont and Fletcher, vol.V. p. 429. Muscadel is likewise noticed in the same volume in the play called "The Woman's Prize," p. 263."Sweet gentleman with muscadel."Mr. Weber adds in a note, "This passage, perhaps, explains the reason why wine was offered immediately after the marriage ceremony to the bride and bridegroom generally before they left the church." The following passage occurs in Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew:""After many ceremonies done,He calls forwine. 'A health,' quoth he, as ifHe had been abroad carousing to his matesAfter a storm.——Quaffed off themuscadel,And threw the sops all in the sexton's face."

"Sweet gentleman with muscadel."

Mr. Weber adds in a note, "This passage, perhaps, explains the reason why wine was offered immediately after the marriage ceremony to the bride and bridegroom generally before they left the church." The following passage occurs in Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew:"

"After many ceremonies done,He calls forwine. 'A health,' quoth he, as ifHe had been abroad carousing to his matesAfter a storm.——Quaffed off themuscadel,And threw the sops all in the sexton's face."

"After many ceremonies done,

He calls forwine. 'A health,' quoth he, as if

He had been abroad carousing to his mates

After a storm.——Quaffed off themuscadel,

And threw the sops all in the sexton's face."

[8]This castle and its fortifications were demolished by Sir Eustace Maxwell, (the steady, warm-hearted friend of King Robert Bruce,) lest it should fall into the hands of the enemy: and for which generous action lands were given to him, the tenure by which he held them being thus noticed:—"Pro fractione et prostratione castri de Caerlaverock," &c. &c.

[9]Dalrymple's Memoirs.

[10]Vide"Minstrelsy of the Scottish border."—"Beauties of Scotland."

[11]"Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border," vol.I. p. 218.

[12]Joanna Baillie's "Family Legend."

[13]Dalrymple's Memoirs.

[14]This bloody deed, it must be confessed, was a dereliction and violation of all the strict laws of hospitality, which were so duly enforced in Scotland—which forbad a host to murder his guest. But we have detailed the savage character of Sir Robert Bruce, the hostility of the two clans, and the barbarism of the times; and have only to say, that "Exceptio probat regulam."

[15]Harquebuss, in the ancient statutes, is called also Arquebuse, Haquebut, or Hagbut; it is ahand-gun, or a fire-arm of a proper length to be borne in the arm. The word is formed of the Frencharquebuse, and that from the Italian,arcobusio, orarco abuso, ofarcoa bow, andbusio, a hole; on account of the touch-hole in which the powder is put to prime it; and it is likewise so called because it succeeded the bows of the ancients.Theharquebussis properly a fire-arm, of the ordinary length of a musket or fowling-piece, cocked usually with a wheel. Its length is forty calibers; and the weight of its ball one ounce seven-eighths; its charge of powder as much.There is also a larger kind, calledharquebuss a croc, used in war for the defence of places. The first time these instruments were seen was in the imperial army of Bourbon, when Bonnivet was driven out of the state of Milan. They are heavy and cumbersome.

Theharquebussis properly a fire-arm, of the ordinary length of a musket or fowling-piece, cocked usually with a wheel. Its length is forty calibers; and the weight of its ball one ounce seven-eighths; its charge of powder as much.

There is also a larger kind, calledharquebuss a croc, used in war for the defence of places. The first time these instruments were seen was in the imperial army of Bourbon, when Bonnivet was driven out of the state of Milan. They are heavy and cumbersome.

[16]The "Mercurius Civicus, London's Intelligencer, or Truth impartially related from thence to the Kingdom, to prevent Misinformation." This public print, with the foregoing quaint title, was first published in 1643. Printed for Thomas Bates on Snow-hill.

[17]At the splendid entertainments of those days the confectioners were very solicitous to present these and similar fopperies on the tables of the great. Furnace the cook says, inMassinger's"New Way to pay old Debts,"——"Since our master, noble Allworth, died,Though I crack my brain to find out tempting sauces,And raisefortifications in the pastry,Such as might serve for models in the Low Countries;Which, if they had been practised at Breda,Spinola might have thrown his cap at it, and ne'er took it."And again, in the Prologue to "A Wife for a Month," which was the sole production ofFletcher, we have the following lines on the same subject—"Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,He had rather dress upon a triumph dayMy Lord Mayor's feast, and make him sauces too,Sauce for each several month; nay, further go,He had rather build up those invincible piesAnd castle custards,[18]that affright all eyes,Nay, eat 'em and their artillery—Than dress for such a curious companyOne single dish."——-BeaumontandFletcher—Vol.VIII. p. 137.

——"Since our master, noble Allworth, died,Though I crack my brain to find out tempting sauces,And raisefortifications in the pastry,Such as might serve for models in the Low Countries;Which, if they had been practised at Breda,Spinola might have thrown his cap at it, and ne'er took it."

——"Since our master, noble Allworth, died,

Though I crack my brain to find out tempting sauces,

And raisefortifications in the pastry,

Such as might serve for models in the Low Countries;

Which, if they had been practised at Breda,

Spinola might have thrown his cap at it, and ne'er took it."

And again, in the Prologue to "A Wife for a Month," which was the sole production ofFletcher, we have the following lines on the same subject—

"Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,He had rather dress upon a triumph dayMy Lord Mayor's feast, and make him sauces too,Sauce for each several month; nay, further go,He had rather build up those invincible piesAnd castle custards,[18]that affright all eyes,Nay, eat 'em and their artillery—Than dress for such a curious companyOne single dish."——-BeaumontandFletcher—Vol.VIII. p. 137.

"Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,

He had rather dress upon a triumph day

My Lord Mayor's feast, and make him sauces too,

Sauce for each several month; nay, further go,

He had rather build up those invincible pies

And castle custards,[18]that affright all eyes,

Nay, eat 'em and their artillery—

Than dress for such a curious company

One single dish."——-

BeaumontandFletcher—Vol.VIII. p. 137.

[18]The ingenuity of ancient cooks in raising pastry fortifications has been already noticed. In the text we have not only fortresses of paste, but castles made of custards, furnished with eatable artillery, on a triumph-day, that is one of the greatest festivities at the Mansion-house. Another similar device of march-pane is mentioned in "Witts and Fancies"—1595, 4to.: "At a nobleman's banquet a ship of march-pane stuff was set upon the board, wherein was all manner of fishes of the like stuff."At a banquet given by Cardinal Birague to Henry III. King of France, his queen, and mother, "A collation was there served upon two long tables, consisting of between eleven and twelve hundred dishes composed of confectionary and dried sweetmeats of various kinds, constructed in the form of castles, pyramids, and other elegant figures."—Wraxall's"History of France," vol.II. 449.

At a banquet given by Cardinal Birague to Henry III. King of France, his queen, and mother, "A collation was there served upon two long tables, consisting of between eleven and twelve hundred dishes composed of confectionary and dried sweetmeats of various kinds, constructed in the form of castles, pyramids, and other elegant figures."—Wraxall's"History of France," vol.II. 449.

[19]Donenobroogi—Hodie—Donnybrook. The fame of its fair is well known.

[20]A Tour to Alet and La Grand Chartreuse, vol.II.pp. 335-6.

[21]A Tour to Alet and La Grande Chartreuse, 8vo. London, 1816, vol.II.pp. 336, 337.

[22]The orthography of the original is strictly preserved throughout the above letter.

☛The Book-binderwill take care to place the Engraving, which presents fac-similes of the hand-writing and seals of King James II. and the Duke of Berwick, at the opposite page.

Transcriber's Notes:A number of minor punctuation issues were resolved. Missing accents have not been inserted. The orthography of correspondence has been retained. The following changes in spelling were made in the narrative.Page 4 inocuously is now innocuouslyPage 16 promontary is now promontoryPage 25 guager is now gaugerPage 69 forboding is now forebodingPage 83 wofully is now woefullyPage 90 martriculated is now matriculatedPage 93 cateract is now cataractPage 102 fellowing is now followingPage 154 paragragh is now paragraphPage 172 dispouere is now disponereThe cover is placed in the public domain.

Transcriber's Notes:

A number of minor punctuation issues were resolved. Missing accents have not been inserted. The orthography of correspondence has been retained. The following changes in spelling were made in the narrative.

Page 4 inocuously is now innocuouslyPage 16 promontary is now promontoryPage 25 guager is now gaugerPage 69 forboding is now forebodingPage 83 wofully is now woefullyPage 90 martriculated is now matriculatedPage 93 cateract is now cataractPage 102 fellowing is now followingPage 154 paragragh is now paragraphPage 172 dispouere is now disponereThe cover is placed in the public domain.

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