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LETTERS CVIII.-CXII.

ROSS.

UNDER date 5th November, 1649, we read in the old Newspapers: Our affairs here have made this progress: Wexford

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being settled under the command of Colonel Cooke, our Army stayed not long there; but hasted further unto Ross. 'Which is a walled Town, situated upon the river Barrow, a very pleasant and commodious river, bearing vessels of a ' very considerable burden. Upon Wednesday, the 17th of 'this instant October, we sat down before Ross; and my Lord Lieutenant, the same day, sent in this following Sum

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For the Commander-in-Chief in Ross: These.

SIR,

'Before Ross,' 17th October, 1649.

Since my coming into Ireland, I have this witness for myself, That I have endeavoured to avoid effusion of blood; having been before no place, to which such terms have not been first sent as might have turned to the good and preservation of those to whom they were offered; this being my principle, that the people and places where I come may not suffer, except through their own wilfulness.

To the end I may observe the like course with this place and people therein, I do hereby summon you to deliver the Town of Ross into my hands, to the use of the Parliament of England. Expecting your speedy

answer, I rest,

Your servant,

OLIVER CROMWELL.*

"The trumpeter that carried this summons was denied entrance into the Town. They received his paper at the gates;

' and told him that an answer should be returned thereunto

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by a drummer of their own.

'batteries, and made ready for

Hereupon we prepared our

a storm. Ormond himself,

Ardes, and Castlehaven were on the other side of the River; ' and sent in supplies of 1,500 foot, the day before it was sur' rendered to us; 1,000 foot being in it before we came unto it. Castlehaven was in it that morning they delivered it, and Inchiquin too had been there not above two or three days before our advance thither. They boated over their men into the Town in our sight; and yet that did not discourage us in making ready all provisions fitting for a storm. On Friday, the 19th of this instant, our great pieces began to 'play, and early in the morning the Governor sent out his answer to my Lord Lieutenant's Summons:

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"For General Cromwell, or, in his absence, For the Commander"in-Chief of the Army now encamped before Ross.

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"Ross, 19th October, 1649.

"SIR,-I received a Summons from you, the first day you appeared before this place; which should have been

VOL. II.

* Newspapers (in Cromwelliana, p. 67).

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"answered ere now, had not other occasions interrupted me. "And although I am now in far better condition to defend "this place than I was at that time, yet am I, upon the con"siderations offered in your Summons, content to entertain a Treaty; and to receive from you those conditions that may "be safe and honourable for me to accept of. Which if you "listen to, I desire that pledges on both sides may be sent, "for performance of such Articles as shall be agreed upon; "and that all acts of hostility may cease on both sides, and "each party keep within their distance. To this your imme"diate resolution is expected by,-Sir, your servant,

"LUCAS TAAFF."

'Hereunto my Lord immediately returned this Answer,'— which counts here as our Hundred-and-ninth Letter:

SIR,

LETTER CIX.

For the Governor of Ross: These.

'Before Ross,' 19th October, 1649.

If you like to march away with those under your command, with their arms, bag and baggage, and with drums and colours, and shall deliver up the Town to me,-I shall give caution to perform these conditions; expecting the like from you. As to the inhabitants, they shall be permitted to live peaceably, free from the injury and violence of the soldiers.

If you like hereof, you can tell how to let me know your mind, notwithstanding my refusal of a cessation.

By these you will see the reality of my intentions to save blood, and to preserve the place from ruin. I rest,

Your servant,

OLIVER CROMWELL.*

Our batteries still continued, and made a great breach in 'the Wall. Our men were drawn out in a readiness to storm, 'Lieutenant-Colonel Ingoldsby being by lot chosen to lead 'them; but the Governor being willing to embrace conditions, 'sent out this his Reply:

"For General Cromwell: These.

"Ross, 19th October, 1649.

"SIR, -There wants but little of what I would propose; "--which is, That such Townsmen as have a desire to depart,

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may have liberty within a convenient time to carry away "themselves and goods; and liberty of conscience to such as "shall stay and that I may carry away such artillery and “ammunition as I have in my command. If you be inclined "to this, I will send, upon your honour as a safe-conduct, an "Officer to conclude with you. To which your immediate answer is expected by,-Sir, your servant,

'Hereunto

tenth Letter:

"LUCAS TAAFF."

my Lord gave this return,'-our Hundred-and

* Newspapers (in Cromwelliana, p. 68).

SIR,

LETTER CX.

For the Governor of Ross: These.

'Before Ross,' 19th October, 1649.

To what I formerly offered, I shall make good. As for your carrying away any artillery or ammunition, that you brought not with you, or 'that' hath not come to you since you had the command of that place,-I must deny you that; expecting you to leave it as you found it.

'As' for that which you mention concerning liberty of conscience, I meddle not with any man's conscience. But if by liberty of conscience, you mean a liberty to exercise the Mass, I judge it best to use plain dealing, and to let you know, Where the Parliament of England have power, that will not be allowed of. As for such of the Townsmen who desire to depart, and carry away themselves and goods (as you express), I engage myself they shall have three months time so to do; and in the meantime shall be protected from violence in their persons and goods, as others under the obedience of the Parliament.

If you accept of this offer, I engage my honour for a punctual performance hereof. I rest,

Your servant,

OLIVER CROMWELL.*

The Governor returned this Answer:'

* Newspapers (in Cromwelliana, p. 68).

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