Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub

soon have stirring times, and an opportunity of finding out what those Dutch and Danish fellows are made of."

"Oh! Francis," anxiously interrupted Helena, who could remain silent no longer, "is it possible my dear father is unwell? How I do wish I were near him, and that these terrible times were at an end, when all our dearest friends are preparing to kill each other, and those we love are absent amidst the dangers of the battle-field. Do, please, tell me all about my poor father, and if he is seriously ill."

"I assure you, Helena, there is no cause for your uneasiness, as your father is only suffering from lowness of spirits."

"Oh! how I do long to be at home once more with him, my dear mother, and my brother William; and that you, Francis, Cuthbert, and Theobald were again at Clooneene, and his Majesty safe in England. What terrible people his English subjects must be, to cause us all here such trouble and uneasiness, and deprive the King of his just rights."

"I wish," exclaimed Theobald, as he recollected the many happy hours he had spent at home with them, "that Dutch Billy was swallowed up in one of those infernal swamps which, it is said, abound in Holland."

Lord Clare now joined the party, and introduced his niece, Helena O'Shaughnessy, Theobald and Cuthbert, to the Earl of Antrim and Sir Robert Hamilton, two of the King's Privy Council.

Captain Forster, who was acquainted with them since he joined the army, after some general observations entered into a private conversation with Lord Clare. His Lordship explained to him the great difficulties they had to encounter in opposing the Prince of Orange, and said

"His Majesty bears his various misfortunes bravely, but is well aware that all our hopes of success depend on the military skill and prowess of our officers, and the fidelity and courage of our soldiers. It is unnecessary for me to talk to you of the claims of the Stuarts (77) to the crown of this country, as you are already well informed on the subject. I will, therefore, waive it, but fervently hope that O'Shaughnessy, O'Donnellan, O'Kelly, the Mac Namaras, the O'Briens, the Stacpooles, and ourselves, my dear Francis, shall live to see King James restored to his throne."

Alas, alas! for human expectations! Little did Lord Clare imagine, when he thus addressed his young friend, that the grave would have closed over many of the brave patriots who were now enjoying themselves at this gorgeous scene, long ere the struggle for the crown of Ireland, which was now about to recommence, would have terminated.

L

"Last night," continued Lord Clare, "I supped with the jovial Sir Toby, who delivered a long oration to his guests, in condemnation of the conduct of the Prince of Orange, which is of late a favourite topic with him. It is really a pity he cannot wield the sword as he does his tongue, for the King has not a more staunch adherent."

"I agree with your Lordship in all you have said," replied Captain Forster; "but I regret to inform you that O'Shaughnessy is far from being well. He is very desponding, and desired me tell you that he does not expect to live many months."

Their conversation was here interrupted by the Captain's three sisters-Mary, wife of Captain O'Brien; Emily, wife of Captain Stacpoole; and Margaret, the youngest and handsomest, who was leaning on the arm of Sir Michael Creagh. In about half an hour afterwards, the King addressed the company, and apologised for being obliged to break up so soon, by saying the troops would have to march early in the morning, and therefore the officers, as well as the men, would require some rest. His Majesty then retired, while the band struck up the popular air of "The King shall have his own again."

Captain Forster now bade an affectionate farewell to his sisters and Helena O'Shaughnessy, who earnestly entreated him to be prudent, and to avoid all unnecessary danger; after which he proceeded to his barrack, where he found Sergeant Power and Donal Bran. The Rapparee informed him that he had left his band at a village some few miles distant from Dublin, where they found lodging, with stabling and forage for their horses, and that he intended meeting the army on the morrow, while on their march to give the Prince of Orange battle. After having arranged some other business with the Captain, Donal took leave of him, and departed to rejoin his Rapparees. The Captain then threw himself on his camp bed, but arose again at early dawn. On visiting the stables, he found the ever-active Ralph Malbrough there, who informed him that on the preceding day he had taken care to have all the horses newly shod, and assured him they were in excellent condition to take the field. After a hasty meal, all mounted their chargers, eager to meet the foe, and in a very short time after the whole garrison of Dublin was astir, and the different regiments, in high spirits, with colours flying, trumpets sounding, and kettledrums beating, left the city.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE MARCH FROM DUBLIN.

On the morning of the 16th of June, 1690, while the Irish troops were leaving the city of Dublin, the King left the Castle, escorted by Sarsfield's Horse, and on the summit of the Bermingham Tower was displayed the Royal standard of Ireland, with the motto,

"Now or never!

Now and forever!!"

The train of French artillery and the baggage followed.

At some miles distant from the city Captain Forster came up to Donal Bran's Rapparees. They were all mounted on good horses, while some were armed with lances, swords, and pistols, and others with firelocks. Donal rode boldly at their head, on a strong wiry bay horse, and was well armed with a long gun, which was slung at his back. In his untanned leather belt he carried a pair of pistols, and from it was suspended a long broadsword. His dress, and that of all his men, was composed of the dark frieze worn by the Galway peasantry, and his cothamore hung loosely over his broad shoulders. He wore in his hat a large white feather, to distinguish him as the commander of the band; and on his right and left rode his sub-officers, O'Nee and Keating. The Rapparees received the Captain with a loud cheer, as they pushed out in front to form the advanced guard. Other bands followed, under Galloping O'Hogan, O'Cavanagh (better known as the White Sergeant), O'Neill, Mac Cabe, and other well-known Guerilla Chiefs.

When they arrived at the high-ground over the River Boyne the whole army encamped. Behind them was the old church of Donore; to the right, the fortified town of Drogheda, which was garrisoned for King James; to the left, the bridge of Slane; and about three miles to the rere the pass of Duleek.

On landing in Ireland the Prince of Orange was received by Major General Kirke and many of the nobility, gentry, and officers of distinction who were attached to his cause. He remained at Belfast, receiving addresses of congratulation from his adherents, until Thursday, the 19th, when he marched to Hillsborough, and on the 22nd pitched his camp at Loughbritland.

On the 27th, his army was reinforced at Dundalk, and on the 29th

marched to within eight miles of the Boyne. At dawn on Monday, the 30th of June, his army advanced and encamped at the rere of a long, deep valley which led to the ford at Oldbridge. Here the Prince of Orange, being anxious to view the Irish camp, rode with some of his officers, amongst whom was the Duke de Schonberg, to an adjacent hill; but, on surveying it, wished to have a nearer view, and for that purpose proceeded to the ford at Oldbridge. After making his observations he alighted from his horse, and seated himself on a small hillock. The Irish videttes, having quickly observed his movements, reported them at the camp. King James, the Duke of Tyrconnell, and Colonel Sarsfield were in a few minutes after on horseback. A squadron of horse was ordered to move out, and conceal two field-pieces in their centre. They advanced without delay to an adjoining ploughed-field where they placed the cannon in position. The Prince, seeing this manœuvre, suddenly mounted his horse; but, ere he had time to ride away, the gunner took aim and fired. One of the balls slightly wounded William in the shoulder, while the other killed a man and two horses that were near (78). The Prince of Orange's party quickly galloped off, and he immediately ordered a train of fifty pieces of artillery to cannonade the Irish camp.

In the evening a council of war was held by King James, in which the Irish and French officers endeavoured to persuade his Majesty not to risk a battle, by reminding him that his army was far inferior in number to that of his powerful enemy; that the greater part of his forces, though all courageous, were newly-raised troops and very badly armed. They pointed out how he could maintain a defensive war by retiring beyond the Shannon, until he received succour from France, and that the enemy would suffer from the effects of the climate, and could be harassed by the light troops and Rapparees. After a warm debate, the King said he was resolved to fight, and at the same time told them that he intended at the dawn of the next day sending back to Dublin the Duke de Lauzun's twenty pieces of cannon with six of his own, thereby only leaving himself six pieces of ordnance to contend with William's fifty cannon, as he wished, he said, to be able to retreat in good order, should the Prince of Orange succeed in crossing the Boyne.

The council then proceeded to make arrangements for the order of battle on the ensuing day, and on reference being made to the bridge of Slane, General Hamilton recommended eight regiments to be sent there for its defence during the expected battle. The King replied by saying that he would send fifty dragoons! Lord Clare, Hamilton, Sarsfield, and most of the other officers, were justly amazed at this strange resolution, but, after a great deal of argument, the King at last consented

to send Sir Neill O'Neill and his regiment of dragoons there, with the six pieces of cannon that would remain after the rest were sent back to Dublin. His Majesty then despatched Sir Patrick Trant to Waterford, to procure a ship to convey him to France, in the event of his army being defeated. It was next agreed on that the distinguishing badge of the Irish on the morrow would be the White Cockade, and the password Old Ireland;' while, by a strange coincidence, it was ordered by the Prince of Orange that the Williamite soldiers were to wear green boughs in their caps as a mark of distinction, and that their pass-word was to be Westminster.

After the Irish council of war separated, the officers returned to their respective brigades. Lord Clare went to the tent of the Chief of Cratloe, where he found Captain Forster, The O'Kelly of Mullaghmore, Captain O'Brien, the Stacpooles, and the Chief of Moyriesk standing before the entrance, in earnest conversation. When his Lordship told them of the absurd order to send back the cannon, they were all much surprised.

"Why," said Captain Forster, "is our army to be left without cannon to open fire on the columns of the enemy if they should attempt to pass the ford at Oldbridge under cover of their artillery ?"

"I regret exceedingly that it cannot now be helped," said Lord Clare. "All that remains for us, as we have espoused the King's cause, is to obey orders and make the best fight we can. It would be dishonourable in us to draw back on the eve of battle; but I must candidly admit that, in my military experience, I never even heard of such a plan of battle before. It is evident the King is a better Admiral than he is a General."

Captain Forster then returned to his tent accompanied by his friends, and, after partaking of supper with them, sent for Sergeant Power, and when he arrived inquired how his own men were.

"They are all well, Captain," replied the Sergeant, " and most anxious to distinguish themselves under your colours in the coming battle."

"I depend on you, Power, to see that all are in good order, and to have their morning meal prepared to-night, lest, in the hurry that is likely to ensue, they might have to fight without breakfast."

The Captain then handed Power some money, and continued"As the soldiers have but a penny a day each, which is miserable pay for such men, I wish you to go to one of the sutlers and procure good fare for your comrades. Men cannot be expected to fight if they

are not well fed."

Power thanked the Captain, saying that if it were not for him and the other officers the troops would be exceedingly badly off."

« ForrigeFortsæt »