the Tents in the place, reported that the Enemy was still there,
but by other Scouts they were discovered, both Horse and Foot to
be marching over the Mountaines of Wicklow, expecting to fall
in between our Army and Dublin, whereupon our Generall made
his retreat home-ward, and came within three or foure miles of
this place, and there remained all yesterday: The Scouts last night
discovering againe the advance of the Enemy hitherward, our Generall
(with all his Horse and Foot) at one of the clock this morning
came home (blested be God) in safety: It argued a great vigilancie
in him, and a provident care over this place, not to ingage
our Army to put the whole Kingdome in danger; for if he had
(as it might have pleased God to give him the victory) ingaged against
the Enemy upon such disadvantage, he could not (without
great hazard) be able to prosecute the victory: besides, we had on
Saturday last, news, that the Scots were coming up for our reliefe,
but since we have a far greater doubt of them then before; our next
businesse (if the Enemy be not already too strong) in those parts)
is to strengthen the Garrisons of Trym, Athbay, and Tradath, who
are in great danger, and yet we shall be much weakned by parting
with our men, and shall not be able from time to time to relieve
them, the Enemy being fallen so far into our Quarters, who are
already within foure or five miles of this place. Wee have lost
Kildare, but it cost the Enemy very dear; for after three or foure
desperate assaults made by them on the breaches made by their Canon,
having lost many of their men, they sent for a parly, and observing
the undaunted resolution of Lievtenant Col: Huteson, and
Captaine Dixon, who commanded the men there, and most of the
men uuder them, although many of their men would not fight at
all, and are since gone to the Enemy, that they gave our men quarter
in two dayes to carry away what they had, where was corn
and meale that they could not bring away, but spoyled what they
could thereof. Ballesoman is besieged, and it must be lost, because
we cannot come to relieve them, nor send to them, nor heare in
what condition they are. We heare, that Owen Oneale with his
Forces, is joyned with them of Kilkenny against us,but we have
no certainty thereof: But we know, that the Forces under the
Marquesse of Ormond without them. are about 10000. Foot, and
between 2500. and 3000.Horse, most of them very excellent
Horse; we looke for a siege, and are pulling downe all the houses
without Works neer unto them, and are destroying any thing