The Jacobite War in Ireland (1688-1691) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ...of Orange; that, in consequence, they drew the whole force of William (which might be otherwise employed against Louis) upon themselves; that, as their country was thereby made the miserable seat of war, they thought the French King was bound in honour, as well as interest, to support them powerfully in maintaining a quarrel which they, chiefly undertook upon his encouragement. It is natural to think that, through respect for James, the Irish agents forbore grating too much upon Tirconnell's conduct, since the engagement on the Boyne; for, if all his proceedings from that day were unravelled, it would not only disabuse King Louis (who was hitherto kept in the dark), but would also convict poor James, perhaps, of some ingratitude towards his best ally. Butj they were unwilling to expose the weakness of their King, who was imposed upon by his favourites to act against his true interest, to serve their private ends; and what was a still greater misfortune, was that past miscarriages seldom made him more wary for the future. It was probable, however, that Louis XIV., notwithstanding all these precautions used by James and Tirconnell, was not altogether a stranger to the design of giving up Ireland to William, nor to the reasons they alleged for it, viz., lest the old Irish, with the French assistance, should recover the country and keep it to themselves; but to avoid giving James any occasion of jealousy (an imperfection incident to all weak princes), he seemed to credit Tirconnell's relation, confirmed by the King, and for that reason refused giving the Irish agents that powerful succour which they called for, and which he believed necessary; though, on the other hand, not to discourage them altogether, he assured them that whatever St....