CHAPTER XXIII

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 136, 10 December 1875, Page 6

CHAPTER XXIII

'mJE DUKE Oi 1 TYRCONNELL, AND SARSFIBLD, LORD LUCAN. i ; On the night in question, Tyrconncll and Saratiolcl held a confer- I once with a few of the chief officers, amongst whom were the notorious Colonel Luttrell, Sir Reginald, now Major St. John, and Major Sheldon, Sarsfield was a man of commanding- stature, the expression of his countenance was one of determination; he possessed all the qualities necessary for the onerous position he occupied. Factious spirits were, however, within the camp, and it required all his influence amongst those whom he commanded, to tame them into submission. " What is to be done," exclaimed Colonel Luttrell, -who was at the head of the despondors, " money has been ordered to be sent from France. But how are we to wait, reduced as we are to the greatest extremity. The discontent of the army will increase, and capitulate in spite of us, my lords," he added, addressing the General and the Lord Lieutenant. This thought had likewise crossed the minds of those to whom he spoke, averse as they were to entertain such an idea. "Do not let us dream of capitulation whilst we arc still in a position to wield a sword," said Sir Reginald. " The men are becoming discouraged, it is true, on account of the extremities to which they are reduced, but they are still faithful. Nay, I believe one-third of William's army would come over to us, as Lord Tyrconnell said months since, could we but give them each a trifle of money and maintain them afterwards." " But you see, Major St. John, we cannot support the troops we have, much less find money to obtain others," said Luttrell, in a satirical tone of voice. " I have maintained all along, and do so still, finding the French King so slow in sending supplies, that I believe the end of it will be capitulation, though I see perfectly well ■'hat few are oi' lay opinion." " Have patience yet twenty days," said Tyrconnell. "We shall know by then if we act in accoulauce with the king's wish in layingdown our arms." ° His request was assented to, but the impatient and treacherous Luttrell entered into secret negotiations -with the commanding officer of Williams troops, enquiring what conditions would be granted in case they submitted. Sarsfield , ever tull of zeal in the service of James, found out the treasonable correspondence that was being carried on. A few mornings after this conference, he observed a young man, evidently a stranger, loitering about with a letter in his hand, and lokaing as if in search of some one. " Whom do you want, friend ?" said Sarsfield, observing that lie was a stranger, and an Englishman. ° "Colonel Luttrell, your honour. The letter is from General Uinctlc's quarter*/' mid the man touched his hat as lie spoke.

"It is right, friend ; tell your master it has fallen into safe hands," exclaimed Sarsfield, taking the letter, and, in the greatest agitation milking his way to Tyrconnell. Thus this letter, intended for Luttrell, fell into the hands of Sarsfield. It was read by the latter and Tyrconnell, and proved to be part of a secret and treasonable correspondence with the enemy. Luttrell Avas at once tried by a court-martial, and then put into prison. It often happens that the body, enfeebled Avith age and infirmity, yields or succumbs, whilst the mind remains in full vigour, thus it was with Tyrconnell. He and the brave General Sarsfield had had many points of difference, but were now on terms of agreement together. Little did either of them imagine on that night, when the conference was held, in the beginning of tlie second week in August, that on the feast of St. Lawrence, the gallant Tyrconnell would receive his death stroke. _ _ Latterly his every thought had been given to tlie approaching ;~; ~ contest, and how to make it a decisive one in favour of the late king, together Avith earnest endeavors to calm turbulent and factious spirits, to a certain degree, aided by Sarsfield, who was deservedly beloved, he had succeeded, but the strain on the earl's mind had been too great for his failing strength and advancing years. On the morning of the Feast of St. LaAvrence he heard Mass. On his retirn home he fell back in his chair, seized with a fit of apoplexy ; he recovered his senses and his speech, but only to languish for Uvo days, Avhen he expired in the midst of the calamities he had been striving to overcome.