Pierce Butler's Role in the 1642-49 Catholic Confederation Rebellion
The plantation policy in Ireland by successive English monarchs and their governments, increasingly caused disenchantment amongst the predominantly Catholic ‘Old English’ landed gentry and the dispossessed Irish, fearful of losing their estates and resentful of political rule from England, resulting in the creation of an alliance known as the Catholic Confederation in October 1642. [1] Although continuing to recognise Charles I as head of state, they claimed the right to implement policies on matters directly affecting them, such as taxation, and demanded that the king treat all equally before the law, irrespective of their Christian denomination. As things stood, Catholics were denied many rights including the right to hold office. A general assembly was formed at Kilkenny, the first elected president being the elderly and highly respected Richard Butler 3rd Viscount Mountgarrett, cousin to Pierce Butler of Kayer. The assembly, which met nine times between 1642 and 1649, consisted of three main power blocks- the peace faction which included Mountgarrett, the clerical faction or Papal Nuncio’s party which included Pierce Butler, and a third group of moderates.
The peace faction supported a settlement that would guarantee religious freedom, which would entitle them to worship in private, and to hold office, and preserve their estates.
The clerical faction on the other hand wanted a more comprehensive agreement that would recognise the Roman Catholic Church, and guarantee the establishment of an independent Irish parliament. They briefly gained control following the collapse of the first Ormond Peace agreement in August 1646. [2]
There are surviving copies of only some of the assembly rolls as confederation records were largely destroyed in 1711. The rolls were used by Cromwell to incriminate Catholics involved in the rebellion. This formed the basis for the arrests, execution, and exiling of rebellion leaders, and the subsequent land confiscations and the policy of resettlement into Connaught, known as the Acts of Settlement.
The names on the General Assembly rolls for the House of Lords (including the number of rolls on which they appear) include the following Butlers:
Lord Mountgarrett 4, Ikerrin 3, Cahir 1, Dunboyne 1.
Edward Butler 1st Viscount Galmoy, raised to the peerage in August 1646, reportedly attended the later assemblies.
Piers Butler of Moneyhore appears on all four assembly rolls as a member of the House of Commons, including on the “General assembly members with parliamentary experience” list and on the list of “General assembly members with legal training” [3].
The list includes a Thomas Butler (on 3 lists) who would also appear to have been from Co Wexford.
Hore also gave a list of those from County Wexford who took the Oath as Members of the Catholic Confederation of Kilkenny on 24 October 1642 including Pierce Butler of Cayer and Thomas Butler of Ballinakill. [4]
The Oath of Association: to be true to the King and the Roman Catholic religion and defend the country against all opposers.
The Supreme Council acted as the Executive arm of the General Assembly and controlled all confederate, civil and judicial affairs, as well as supervising the confederate military effort. Most of the records of the Supreme Council have not survived. A researcher by the name of Donal Cregan formed a list of members of the Supreme Council using the remaining lists of the first council elected in Oct.1642, the Sept 1646 Council, and last council in Dec. 1647, plus signatories on various letters etc. This list includes Piers Butler representing Ferns in the province of Leinster, attending the Council meetings in 1646 and 1647, following the ascendancy of the clerical faction. [5]
The Marquis of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and commander of the Royalist army in Ireland used his influence with his rebellious relatives and associates to develop a short-lived peace agreement in August 1646. In early 1647, the general assembly rejected the first Ormond peace treaty and a new supreme council was formed, consisting of members of the peace and clerical factions and some moderates. This included Piers Butler, however he was no longer named in the final council meeting in December 1647, although he was a signatory to a letter to General Preston dated 2 August 1647 (see below).
Resentments, disagreements and infighting between the groups boiled over and civil war broke out in May 1648. Once more, Ormonde negotiated a peace agreement, the Confederacy being formally dissolved under the terms of the Second Ormonde Peace in January 1649, securing an alliance between the Confederates and the Royalists.
The
following letters between the Supreme Council and General Preston were signed
by Piers/Pierce Butler. They display the growing friction between the factions,
particularly General Preston and the Council members:
Calendar State Papers
Ireland 1633-1647, page 544
Charles I- Vol.
CCLXIL
1646, 24 November-
Kilkenny
The Supreme Council
of the Confederate Catholics to General Preston
We
have received your letter, dated 21 November. The hardships which you have
suffered, and which you ascribe to the Council, are due to the Confederates in
the country through which the army marched. On our part there was no deceit.
You will remember that you and the General of Ulster were present on the
evening of Saturday the 14th, when it was decided that we should
leave the next morning, and that you and he should cross the river the same
day. A strong party of both your horse was to scour the parts of the Co. Dublin
between the city and Drogheda, and to drive in any cattle which could be found,
they being to be kept so far as they belonged to Catholic owners. We left order
for the occupation of Leixlip, a strong place, but this was not carried out, in spite of your assurance that
you would, if necessary, place your cannon against it that night. Sir Phelim
had his horse ready for the service between Dublin and Drogheda, yet none of
yours came to him, but only McThomas’ and Lieut-General Byrne’s troops. On the
day of our departure, you came to us at the [Roman Catholic] Bishop of Clogher’s
lodging, and told us that the Marquis of Clanricarde expected to hear from us.
We showed you our answer- that we would not treat with Lord Ormond if he
admitted the Parliamentary forces, which we understood he did. You approved
this, “and, as we take it” signed it and took it enclosed in a letter to the
Marquis of Clanricarde. You may judge how fit a place Lucan was either to
consult about a treaty in or to settle the affairs of the armies. Some of the
Council, for want of horsemeat and lodgings, were driven to depart the day
before, and considering such as stayed to the 15th, being the day we
parted, wee ill-provided of both, withal the place was so pestered with company
and an universal freedom given even to those that came from and did usually
return to Dublin, that we could hardly have conveniency to debate and sit
together. Besides that we understood both the armies did daily diminish, so as
to continue longer in that place, there being no engagement on the enemy for
our security, might be esteemed very great rashness. And that which, concerning
the Treaty, may more clearly satisfy your lordship, is that before we parted we
understood the uttermost the Marquis of Clanricarde would propound as addition
to the former peace, and with that propounded by his lordship them, neither the
Council, your lordship, or any of the nobility then present did declare to be
any way satisfied. We desired to retire to some place where we might with more
safety give orders for the annoyance of the enemy. We were anxious to get a
true muster of the two armies, in order to see about winter quarters. As for
the General of Ulster, he is not hostile to you, or anxious to betray you. Your
requests to him were contrary to the orders of the Council, and he had to
consider the protection of his army. Lord Clanricarde’s offer of 19 November [q.x.] did not contain safe or honourable
conditions- and certain we are that this manner of proceeding by your lordship
and some of your officers, having no commission yourselves, nor his lordship
any known authority to treat with you if it should proceed to any conclusion,
will but bring a division in the nation, and consequently, an undoubted destruction
of the kingdom and religion, and render both a ready prey to the Parliament.
The last peace, though made openly and under authority, was much opposed.
Surely this peace, which is unsatisfactory to the Roman Catholics, will be more
so. The way to make a peace is by calling a General Assembly to confirm it. We
have summoned one to meet here on the 10th of January next, and some
of the summonses for it have already gone out. You seem to think that if a
peace were made now, the landing of the Parliamentary troops would be
permitted; but they have forts enough in Ulster and Munster where they could
land in any case, and there is not much to be gained by preventing them at
Dublin. If you and your soldiers make a treaty with the Marquis now, you will
draw upon yourselves the odious name of authors of division in the country, and
therefore seeing all treaties ought to be made with us or the Assembly, we pray
and require your lordship and them to surcease from any such proceedings, and
to the end the officers may not want the knowledge or this reasonable
admonition, we pray you to have this resolution and our reasons for it, read to
them.
Signed
Jo.
B. Archiep[iscopus] Firm[anus],
Nuntius
Ap[ostp]licus, (viz. the Papal Nuncio)
Jo.
Clonfert[ensis],
Emer.
Clogherensis,
Louthe,
Robert
Nugent,
Fr.
Pa. Plunkett,
Alex
McDonnell,
Robert
Lynch,
Piers Butler
(SP
Ire. 262, 31)
1646, 10 December-
Kilkenny (as above)
The Supreme Council
or Committee of the Roman Catholic Clergy to General Preston
We
have perused our orders for quarter which you said were defective. We find no
companies left out, except some new companies of horse. These will be arranged
for without delay. We were sorry to have to divide up some companies, but this
was necessary in order to attain equality of distribution. We hope that these
companies may be kept in some of the frontier forts, where they may be
maintained by the Counties. We have in every case put officers into quarters
with the men. We hope you will get the troops into quarters to-morrow, as they
are a heavy burden. We are informed that on Monday last Lord Ormond was at the
Naas with 2,000 foot and some horse, and, thence coming to Harriestown,
protested that he must have the same. This report came to us from Father
Nicholas Talbot, Jesuit, who this night arrived from Kilkae [Kilkea]. We are
desirous to know, notwithstanding any precedent, communication, or treaty of a
peace with the Marquis of Clanricarde, are you resolved, in the behalf of God’s
Church and the Confederates, to fight against the Lord Marquis of Ormond? Send
an answer on this point. We require you to tell us what you have heard from M.
Devillier through Cornet Walker. The orders concerning the government of
Duncannon and your debt are enclosed.
Signed
Jo
Clonfeet
Emer.
Clogherensis
Louth
Nico.
Ferxexsis
Fr.
Pa. Plunkett
N.
Plunkett
Piers Butler
(SP
Ire. 262. 80)
CSP Ireland 1633-1647-
Page 636
Charles I- Vol CCLXIV
1647, 22 May- The
Leinster Committee
Order of the same.
By
an order of the Supreme Council, dated 28 April last, Pierce Butler, William Sutton, Richard Wadding, Arthur Cheevers,
Walter Rawseter, Robert Devereux, Eneas Kinsellagh, Hugh Kavenagh, Patrick
Roche and Philip Burnell, were appointed Commissioners
for applotting the sum of £1,800 14s. 7d. in the County Wexford for six
weeks’ means for the Leinster army. This money has not yet been paid in, and
the Wexford Receiver has given us no account of the money paid into his hands.
General Preston shall, therefore, employ Sir Thomas Esmonde’s or some other
troop to cess upon his lands until he brings in the money, which is, doubtless,
in his hands.
(SP
Ire 264, 37)
CSP Ireland 1633-47
page 735
Charles I- Vol. CCLXV
1647, 11 July-
Clonmel
Order of the Supreme
Council
The
Bishop of Ferns has engaged himself to the inhabitants near Duncannon to secure
payment to them of £300, which they gave on tickets to the soldiers of
Duncannon. This sum must be paid. It is therefore ordered that the eight parts
granted by the clergy in the counties of Wexford and Kilkenny and £50 upon the
hands of the Sovereign of Ross shall be taken up by the Bishop to discharge his
engagement, and also to pay £200 to the Duncannon soldiers. Details given.
Signed
Antrim
Muskerry, Louth, Ed. Limeen [Limericensis], Emr. Clogher, Rob. Linch, Nicho.
Plunkett, Pa. Deroy, Tirl. O’Neale, Ri. Everard, Pierce Butler, Hugh Rochford, Pat. Gough.
(SP
Ire. 265, 19 pp146-7)
CSP Ireland pp738-39
Charles I- Vol. CCLXY
1647- July
General Preston to
the Marquis of Ormond
Mee
Lord,
Being
now on my march with an army beyond the limits of the Confederate quarters I
have thought it my duty unto his Majesty and your Excellency, his lieutenant,
to declare unto you that the ground of my advance into these quarters is my
understanding that the power and command in them is no longer in your
Excellency nor in any deriving authority from his Majesty, but on the contrary
on the hands of Parliamentary rebels, supplanters of his power in all his three
kingdoms; that as we think ourselves bound both in allegiance in relation to
our sovereign, by conscience in relation to our religion, and by the law of
nature for self-preservation, to prosecute war against them to the uttermost of
our lives and fortunes, which by the grace of God we sham do, renouncing all
treaty or correspondence with such; so on the other side I do sincerely profess
into your Excellency that I and all under my command are so sensible of the
most unhappy misunderstanding since the last peace, and so passionately desirous
if possible of redeeming the said misfortune, that could I be so happy as to
receive from your Excellency any assurance that yet the power and authority
from his Majesty remain in you, and that there might be any hope of our being
admitted to his service upon such terms [as] may be consistent with our
religion and natural freedom as subjects that I should be far from proceeding a
step in any act of hostility; that on the contrary I sould most gladly embrace
any way of treaty or cessation that may tend to that blessed end, and for which
alone by God’s help I will ever fight, of setting a happy peace in this kingdom
in perfect obedience to his Majesty, which shall be testified to the world by
all the actions of Your Excellencies’ humble servant,
Preston
From
my camp, July (in cipher, but deciphered in contemporary hand)
(SP
Ire 265, 20)
1647, I August-
Kilkenny (as above)
The Supreme Council
of the Confederate Catholics to General Preston
We
hear daily of desertions from the colours in the Muster army. Lieut.Col.
Everard has suffered in this way. We have at his desire given warrants for the
apprehension of such deserters as are received and entertained in your army. We
pray you to see that this order is carried out
Signed
Ed.
Limericen
Athanry
Louthe
Torl.
O’Neill
Pat.
D’Arcy
Pierce Butler
Jasa
R.
Everard
John
Dillon
(SP
Ire 265, 21)
1647, 2 Aug- Kilkenny
(as above)
Warrant by the
Supreme Council to Col. Fitzgerald
The
undernamed were enlisted, mustered and paid by Lieut. Col. John Everard. Having
served long under him in Munster they deserted and fled to the army of
Leinster. These are to command you Col. Piers Fitzgerald and the
Marshal-General of the field there, or either of you, to attack them and send
them to us with the bearer, Richard Shee.
Their
names are Robert Shortall, Piers SHortall, Mathew Fanning, Morrogh Baccagh
alias Nolan, Robert Shee Fitzmathew, Charles Brenane, William O’Dwyng, James
Hanlone, Thoebald Polfert, Pierce Grace, John Walsh.
Signed
Athunry,
Louthe, R. Everard, John Dillon, Piers
Butler, Patr. D’Arcy, Torl. O’Neill, Dermod [O]Shaghnusy
(SP
Ire 265, 22)
Resentments, disagreements and infighting between the groups boiled over and civil war broke out in May 1648. Once more, Ormonde negotiated a peace agreement, the Confederacy being formally dissolved under the terms of the Second Ormonde Peace in January 1649, securing an alliance between the Confederates and the Royalists.
The situation in Ireland changed dramatically when King Charles I was tried, found guilty of high treason and ‘other high crimes’, and beheaded on 30 January 1649. It marked the beginning of the republic which became known as the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland. Ormonde now joined with the Confederate forces and was put in command of the combined Confederate and Royalist army in Ireland to defend their kingdom against the anticipated invasion by the Commonwealth army led by Oliver Cromwell.
In April 1649, Colonel Walter Butler's Regiment was part of the army as they were mustered at Polmonty near New Ross in Co. Wexford- a castle belonging to the Kavanaghs). The regiment included Lt. Col. Piers Butler's company:
23 April 1649, a "List as they were mustered at Polemonty" includes:
Colonell Walter Butler's Regiment:
The Collonell's company: captain, lieutenant, ensigne, 2 serjeants, 1 drumme, 25 muskets, 23 pikemen, 6 souldyors sick, 5 souldiors absent: In all: 65
Lieutennant-collonell Piers Butler's company: captain, ensigne, 2 drummes, 32 muskets, 27 pikes, 6 absent. In all: 71
Major Theobald Butler's company, etc. In all: 63
Captain Thomas Colclough's company, etc. In all 62
Captain John Butler's company, etc. In all 64
Captain Hackett's company, etc. In all 63
Captain Nicholas White's company, etc. In all 73
The whole number 341- This regiment is well armed.
(Ref: The Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde, Vols. I & II, pub by the HMC, printed London 1895, Vol. I, page 201)
(NB. Captain Nicholas White may have been the brother of Pierce Butler's youngest son Walter's future wife, the widow of Edward Butler 2nd Viscount Galmoy.)
An earlier muster in 1649 shows that Colonel Walter Butler's Company did not include Pierce Butler's company, so they must have combined forces in April 1649 when Col. Walter Butler's company was stationed in Co. Wexford:
The foote forces of the province of Munster as proposed to be now composed:
Walter Butler collonell
Stephen Whyte Lieut. colonel, Theobald Butler major, captaines John Butler, Theobald Hacket, Nicholas Whyte, Richard Butler and Victor Whyte,
The Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde, op.cit., Vol. I, page 214)
In April 1649, Colonel Walter Butler's Regiment was part of the army as they were mustered at Polmonty near New Ross in Co. Wexford- a castle belonging to the Kavanaghs). The regiment included Lt. Col. Piers Butler's company:
23 April 1649, a "List as they were mustered at Polemonty" includes:
Colonell Walter Butler's Regiment:
The Collonell's company: captain, lieutenant, ensigne, 2 serjeants, 1 drumme, 25 muskets, 23 pikemen, 6 souldyors sick, 5 souldiors absent: In all: 65
Lieutennant-collonell Piers Butler's company: captain, ensigne, 2 drummes, 32 muskets, 27 pikes, 6 absent. In all: 71
Major Theobald Butler's company, etc. In all: 63
Captain Thomas Colclough's company, etc. In all 62
Captain John Butler's company, etc. In all 64
Captain Hackett's company, etc. In all 63
Captain Nicholas White's company, etc. In all 73
The whole number 341- This regiment is well armed.
(Ref: The Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde, Vols. I & II, pub by the HMC, printed London 1895, Vol. I, page 201)
(NB. Captain Nicholas White may have been the brother of Pierce Butler's youngest son Walter's future wife, the widow of Edward Butler 2nd Viscount Galmoy.)
An earlier muster in 1649 shows that Colonel Walter Butler's Company did not include Pierce Butler's company, so they must have combined forces in April 1649 when Col. Walter Butler's company was stationed in Co. Wexford:
The foote forces of the province of Munster as proposed to be now composed:
Walter Butler collonell
Stephen Whyte Lieut. colonel, Theobald Butler major, captaines John Butler, Theobald Hacket, Nicholas Whyte, Richard Butler and Victor Whyte,
The Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde, op.cit., Vol. I, page 214)
Having heard of Cromwell’s intended invasion, the newly appointed governor of Co. Wexford, Sir Edmond Butler (son and heir of Lord Mountgarrett) wrote on 3 August 1649 to Ormonde in which he ‘recommends Piers Butler of Moneyhore to Lord Ormonde’.[6]
On securing Dublin, Cromwell lay siege to the garrison of Drogheda. After storming the gates, the Parliamentary troops, under Cromwell’s orders for no quarter to be given to any man bearing arms, conducted a massacre of the Royalist/Confederate soldiers and the town civilians killing many thousands including the garrison commander Arthur Astin who was reportedly beaten to death with his own wooden leg.
Later that month, on hearing Cromwell was approaching Wexford with his army, Pierce Butler, “with his cattle, stock and goods from the Clough, fled into Kilkenny to decline the English army”.[7] He thereby escaped the subsequent sacking of Wexford Town by Cromwell and his army in October 1649, during which, the town and harbour was looted and burned, 2,000 of the town’s defenders were killed according to Cromwell himself, and upwards of 1,500 civilians and priests massacred or drowned trying to escape the slaughter by swimming the half a kilometre stretch of water across the Slaney to the Ferry Bank. This event is still remembered in Ireland as an infamous atrocity.
On securing Dublin, Cromwell lay siege to the garrison of Drogheda. After storming the gates, the Parliamentary troops, under Cromwell’s orders for no quarter to be given to any man bearing arms, conducted a massacre of the Royalist/Confederate soldiers and the town civilians killing many thousands including the garrison commander Arthur Astin who was reportedly beaten to death with his own wooden leg.
Later that month, on hearing Cromwell was approaching Wexford with his army, Pierce Butler, “with his cattle, stock and goods from the Clough, fled into Kilkenny to decline the English army”.[7] He thereby escaped the subsequent sacking of Wexford Town by Cromwell and his army in October 1649, during which, the town and harbour was looted and burned, 2,000 of the town’s defenders were killed according to Cromwell himself, and upwards of 1,500 civilians and priests massacred or drowned trying to escape the slaughter by swimming the half a kilometre stretch of water across the Slaney to the Ferry Bank. This event is still remembered in Ireland as an infamous atrocity.
By 3 January 1649/50, Colonel Walter Butler's Regiment was now stationed at Fethard and Kiltynane Garrisons in Co. Tipperary.
3 January 1649/50- A list of the muster made by me at Kilteynane and Fitherd (viz. Fethard in Co. Tipperary), of the horse and foote garrisoned in them by vertue of his excellence the lord lieutenant generall and governor generall of the kingdome of Ireland's order of the 28th of December last [1649]
Fitherd garrison (viz. Fethard, Co. Tipperary)
Collonell Walter Butler's Regiment:
Collonell Walter Butler, himselfe (his company at Kilteynane); Lieutenant-collonel Pierce Butler's company, consisting of a lieutenant-collonell, lieutenant, 1 ensigne, 2 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 drummer and seventy four souldiers
Captain John Butler's company consisting of a captaine, lieutenant, ensigne, one sargeant, 3 corporalls, 1 drummer and sixty-nyne souldiers
Captain Theobald Hackett's company consisting of a captain, lieutenant, ensigne, 2 sergeants, 3 corporals, 1 drummer and eighty-three souldiers
Staff officers of the said regiment at Fithard:
Fr. Edmond Ryan, chaplain-major; Fr. Redmond Comyn chaplain-minor; James Butler, quartermaster; Teige O'Barry, chirurgion; Derby O'Quireke, marshall.
I find, by the past muster made at Clonmell of the said regiment, that a sergeant and twelve souldiers of the said regiment were then at Castle Talbott, which now, by orders of the said collonell, pursuante to his excellencie's command, are to be drawn to the rest of the said regiment.
Fr. Owen O'Hanning, chaplain of Collonel Torlogh McQArte Oge's regiment, attending the sicke and wounded officers and souldiers.
Endorsed "3 January 1649-50. A copie of the muster of the horse and foote garrisoned at Fithard and Kilteynane."
Total: 226 soldiers, 24 officers and 6 staff officers.
(ref. Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormond, op.cit., Vol. I, page 226)
After this muster was taken, Col. Walter Butler returned to Kilteynane (Kiltinan) and Lt. Colonel Pierce Butler was appointed Governor of Fethard Garrison.
Cromwell’s army swept through the Catholic strongholds throughout Ireland, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Just one month after the muster at Fethard was taken, Cromwell marched to take Fethard Garrison, arriving in the middle of the night on the 2nd February, obviously catching the garrison and town off guard. He arrived during a tempestuous storm, having crossed the flooded Suir River just in time, but not before losing some cannons in it.
Oliver Cromwell wrote to the Honourable William Lenthall esquire, Speaker of the House of Parliament of England from Castletown on 15th February 1650:
Mr Speaker- Having refreshed our men for some short time in our Winter-quarters, and health being pretty well recovered, we thought fit to take the field, and to attempt such things as God by His providence should lead us to upon the Enemy.
Our resolution was to fall into the Enemy's quarters two ways. The one party, being about fifteen or sixteen troops of horse and dragoons and about two thousand foot, were ordered to go up by the way of Carrick into the County of Kilkenny under the command of Colonel Reynolds; whom Mayor- General Ireton was to follow with a reserve. I myself was to go by the way of Mallow, over the Blackwater, towards the County of Limerick, and the County of Tipperary, with about twelve troops of horse, and three troops of dragoons, and between two and three hundred foot.
(2 February 1650) I marched from Roghill Castle over the Suir, with very much difficulty; and from thence to Fethard, almost in the heart of the County of Tipperary; where was a Garrison of the Enemy. The Town is most pleasantly seated, having a very good Wall with round and square bulwarks, after the old manner of fortifications. We came thither in the night, and indeed were very much distressed by tempestuous wind and rain. After a long march, we knew not well how to dispose of ourselves; but finding an old Abbey in the suburbs, and some cabins and poor houses- we got into them and had opportunity to send "the Garrison" a summons. They shot at my trumpet, and would not listen to him, for an hour's space: but having some Officers in our party whom they knew, I sent them, to let them know I was there with a good part of the Army. We shot not a shot at them; but they were very angry, and fired very earnestly upon us; telling us, it was not a time of night to send a summons. But yet in the end, the Governor was willing to send out two commissioners- I think rather to see whether there was a force sufficient to force him, than to any other end. After almost a whole night spent in treaty, the Town was delivered to me the next morning, upon terms which we usually call honourable: which I was the willinger to give, because I had little above two-hundred foot, and neither ladders nor guns, nor anything to force them. That night, there being about Seventeen companies of the Ulster foot in Cashel, above five miles from thence, they quit it in some disorder, and the Sovereign and the Aldermen sent to me a person desiring that I would protect them, which I have also made a quarter.
(ref. www. irishhistorylinks.net/Historical_Documents/Cromwell.html)
Pierce Butler wrote a letter to Cromwell that night:
(Journal of the Butler Society, Volume 1 No 4 (1972)- The Siege of Fethard p.245)
A document reveals the “Articles of agreement made and concluded on the third day of February 1651/51 betwene the most Honourable Oliver Cromwell, Lord Lieutenant Generall of Ireland, and Lieftenant Collonell Pierce Butler, Governor of the towne of Fetherd, concerning the surrender of the said towne as followeth..."
As the sieges of Clonmel and Kilkenny continued, Fethard became a place where the sick and wounded of the Commonwealth Army were tended, and for storing unwanted siege guns. Consequently the town Burgesses escaped transplanting to Connaught in later years.
Colonel Walter Butler outranked Pierce Butler, so must have come from one of the senior branches of the family. He was not Sir Walter Butler of the Polestown branch of the Butler family, appointed Governor of Kilkenny when the Marquis of Ormonde and the Confederate Commissioners had to flee the city. That Sir Walter Butler, famously and gallantly defended the castle against the odds for a short time before surrendering under similar terms to those negotiated at Fethard, by which the citizens of Kilkenny were protected upon payment of 2000 pounds sterling, and the clergymen and the officers and soldiers were allowed to march out with some arms, baggage and 150 horses, and were to be given an escort for the first two miles away from Kilkenny. Cromwell accepted the surrender of Kilkenny on 28 March 1650.
Colonel Walter Butler was most likely Walter Butler of Nodstown (great grandson of Walter Butler of Nodstown and Moyaliff, 4th son of the 9th Earl of Ormond). He is named in several depositions about his involvement in the rebellion, in particular the capture of Cashel in 1641 in which 15 prisoners were killed (1641 Depositions- Trinity College Dublin online):
Re: the Massacre at Cashel in 1641
Examination of Ellin Salle date taken 27 Aug 1652:
Examinant saith that she lived in Cashel when Philip O'Dwyer of Dondrum came into Cashel with his followers and that Edmond O'Dwyer of Knockgormand and John O'Dwyer his brother, Tege oge O'Magher, Walter Butler of Nodstowne and Richard Butler of Ballinakill and Tibbot Butler of Kiloskehan his brother were all of them great murderers, plunderers of the English in Cashell in and upon the 31st December 1641
Deposition of James Lodge 2 May 1642:
James Lodge saith that on or about 12 December last he was robbed and forecably dispoiled of his goods, chattels and debts to the value 249 li, and Tibbot Purcell esquire the baron of Loghmer sent Walter Butler of Nodstowne in the said County, gentleman and Thomas Purcell esquire, and Philip Fogerty gentleman and divers whose names the deponents knoweth not, to the deponents house and robbed him of all he had within and without doors... And the deponent likewise saith that the very same day the deponent was robbed, the said Walter being in this deponents house drinking, he desired this deponent to begin the Queen's health, to which the deponent answered he would drink the King's health, No said the said Walter Butler, "we will pledge the Queen for we are her soldiers" or words to that effect; and the deponent further saith that when the said Walter was parting he prayed this deponent not to be offended for what they done to him they would do it to all the English in the Kingdom and leave them as bare as they left the deponent.
Deposition of Edward Banks. 21 April 1642:
Edward Banks, late of Cashel, saith that about the last day of December last past he was robbed and dispoiled of his goods and chattels. And further saith that the parties Rebells that so robbed and dispoiled him were Philip O'Dwyer of Dundrum in the County of Tipperary Esquire and Commander of the Rebels there, Walter Butler of Nodstowne in the said County, Esquire and Charles O'Dwyer of Killamure and Edward Butler of Clare in the said County Esquires, and others of their tenants and followers. And this deponent further disposeth that the parties of Rebels aforesaid and their companies killed fifteen men and women all English Protestants at Cashel in the said County on or about the first day of January last.
Walter Butler of Nodstown's close association with Colonel Philip O'Dwyer, Commander of the Munster rebel forces (until Dwyer's death in 1648 when he was succeeded by his cousin Colonel Edmund O'Dwyer) would appear to confirm Walter's likely appointment as Colonel. Joan Butler of Nodstown had married John O'Dwyer (d.1627), son of Philip O'Dwyer, the elder, of Dundrum. John and Joan's son was Col. Philip O'Dwyer, so he and Walter of Nodstown were closely related.
However Butler historian Lord Patrick Dunboyne, in his article "The Next Earl of Ormond?" (complied 1997) states that Walter of Nodstown was executed/hanged in 1650 by Cromwellians (no reference given) and that his heir was his brother Thomas who was granted a Certificate of Transplantation in 1653, and named as heir to his brother Walter in 1662 but never seems to have been restored to Walter's forfeited estates; whereas records indicate that the Colonel Walter Butler above was alive in March 1652 when he was a signatory to O'Dwyer's surrender to the Cromwellians, and that he went to Spain with Col Edmund O'Dwyer after their surrender in 1652 to join Conde's army (see below). The fact that Walter's brother Thomas was ordered to transplant in 1653 was because Walter was exiled and their property had reverted to Thomas under the terms of the settlement, and Walter probably died before 1662 when Thomas was named as heir.
The documents reporting the Court case at Clonmel, " the greatest trial held for the county Tipperary under Cromwell", and the subsequent executions of those involved in the Cashel Massacre of 1641, named the following:
Philip O'Dwyer died of a languishing disease at his house Doundromore on 3 May 1648, Mr Theobald Butler, Mr Tiegue O'Meagher, Lt. Col O'Dwyer (brother to Philip), Brian Kearney, Hugh Ryan and others were executed for the Cashel massacre. Mr Richard Butler of Ballynekill and Mr Charles O'Dwyer were acquitted. Mr R. Butler of Ballynakelly, the youngest son of James, Baron of Dunboyne, was saved by the jury on general good report of his noble carriage and civility in all his actions, and so was Charles O'Dwyer, though evidence was as full against them as against the others who were all free from shedding blood. Theobald Butler, Ulick Bourke and Hugh Ryan were executed at Cashel on a gibbet in the wall against the Court House November 24, 1652. (Mary Hickson, Ireland in the Seventeenth Century, or, The Irish Massacres of 1641-42, Volumes 1 & 2, London 1884- Vol. 2, pp. 232-254)
Notably, Walter Butler of Nodstown was not named in the trial as one of those charged (either deceased or alive).
The Irish Royalists carried on with the war and continued to harass the English soldiers who now occupied all major garrisons. A report was read by Charles II in France which outlined their desperate need of money, arms, ammunition, and food supplies. During the winter of 1651-52, two prominent commanders capitulated under terms. On 23 March 1651-52, Colonel Edmund O’Dwyer, commander-in-chief of the Irish brigade in the counties of Tipperary and Waterford, was the second of the Irish Royalist officers who capitulated, entering into terms with the Parliament for himself and his soldiery. O’Dwyer’s brigade consisted of the remainder of five regiments of foot including Colonel Walter Butler’s. Parliamentary Colonel Jerome Sankey reported to Parliament that Col. O’Dwyer and his officers had been driven to an agreement in consequence of finding themselves “entangled, their quarters destroyed, their men daily taken, killed, hanged, sent to long sea, and themselves put to that hazard and hardship that they usually removed two or three times a-night. ( John T. Gilbert (ed.), A Contemporary History of Affairs in Ireland from 1641 to 1652, Volume III, Dublin 1880 (Published in this volume “Aphorismical Discovery of Treasonable Faction” by an anonymous author between 1652-1660), preface by John Gilbert, preface p. xviii-xix)
By the articles entered into, it was agreed that all the horse and foot under the command of O’Dwyer should deliver up their arms and horses, in consideration of which they should have protection for their lives and personal estates, and liberty to live in such places as should be thought fit by Colonel Sankey, and that such of the officers or soldiers as desired were to have liberty to quit Ireland for service with any foreign prince in amity with the State of England, such as Spain. However, exceptions were made- the benefit of the articles did not extend to any of the Romish clergy; to those guilty of murdering or massacres of any English; nor to any that sat in the first General Assembly or that sat in the first Supreme Council; and that officers in the first year of the rebellion shall be liable to trial at law for any action committed by him in the said year. How this affected Pierce Butler’s situation is not revealed. O’Dwyer also agreed for hostages to be given to Col. Sankey; signatories named as Edmund Dwyer, Walter Butler and Donogh Dwyer. (Ibid, Appendix p. 294)
Col. Edmund Dwyer was licensed to transport 3,500 Irish to Flanders for the service of the Prince of Conde, dated 19 October 1653; and after the Restoration, on "23 June 1660, Brussels, a Licence for Ireland was granted to Colonel Walter Butler, formerly colonel of a regiment in the army of Conde, but now without a post as the said troops have gone over to the French”.
(ref: "Wild Geese in Spanish Flanders 1582-1700" edit by Brendan Jennings for the Irish Manuscripts Commission 1964, pages 630, 450:
http://www.irishmanuscripts.ie/digital/Wild%20Geese%20in%20Spanish%20Flanders%201582-1700/data/search.xml ;
"Ireland under the Commonwealth", by Robert Dunlop, Vols I and II, Manchester Uni Press, 1913- Vol II, p.376 no 434; and Intro. pages cxxxv and xx )
Col. Edmund O'Dwyer was killed in August 1654 when leading his troops in the assault of Arras. (The O'Dwyers of Kilmananagh:..- by Sir Michael O'Dwyer- see below for ref)
1654-" After their capture of Stenay, the French moved to the relief of Arras (French Flanders), which was under siege by the Spaniards with an army of 25,000 men under the Archduke Leopold of Austria, Prince of Conde and the Duke of Lorraine. The Spaniards were obliged to abandon the siege on August 28th with the loss of 3000 prisoners, of whom many belonged to the Irish regiments in their army. A large number of Irish troops had gone over to the French in small groups and had joined the regiment of Colonel Cormac MacCarthy (eldest son of Viscount Muskerry) (and Colonel Richard Grace who had recently come from Spain with his Irish troops). Together with an Irish regiment in the French service commanded by the Duke of York, they had distinguished themselves during the fighting at Arras. It seems that the Irish troops who had gone to France were those who belonged to the Ormonde party in Ireland, and cherished the hope of returning to Ireland with Charles and James to fight again for their estates. On the Spanish side, Conde dismissed some of the Irish colonels of this party, and sent the remnants of their regiments to the Irish companies serving under Moriarty O'Brien and James Dempsey."
(Wild Geese in Spanish Flanders 1582-1700- page 632)
Edmund O'Dwyer's large estate in Kilnamanagh and Clanwilliam was confiscated, as was Philip O'Dwyer's Kilnamanagh estate, named Dundrum.
(ref: "The O'Dwyers of Kilnamanagh: The History of an Irish Sept" by Sir Michael O'Dwyer, London 1933- Chapter XIV)
Whether Pierce Butler joined O'Dwyer and Walter Butler in Spain, or fled to France, is not recorded. He was not listed as one of the 52 executed by the end of January 1653, for participation in the alleged massacres committed by the Irish in the course of the Rebellion, as judged by the High Court of Justice appointed for a rigorous inquiry into the massacres.
("Ireland in the Seventeenth Century, or Irish Massacres of 1641-2", by Mary Hickson, London 1884- lists those executed)
At some time during the following twelve months or so, Pierce Butler was either killed or died due to natural causes.
Shortly after, the Earl of Westmeath and seven Irish leaders chosen to act as commissioners, met at Kilkenny and negotiated a treaty known as the ‘Kilkenny Articles’, with General Ludloe commander-in-chief of the Parliament forces in Ireland, which was signed 12 May 1652.[8] Other Irish commanders followed suit and capitulated under similar terms. Under the terms, it was agreed that those leaders could, under a safe conduct, ‘depart out of that kingdom and repair unto such foreign kingdom or state as he should make choice of’, and to allow over 8,000 men to be transported for foreign service to a state in amity with the Commonwealth of England.
Oliver Cromwell wrote to the Honourable William Lenthall esquire, Speaker of the House of Parliament of England from Castletown on 15th February 1650:
Mr Speaker- Having refreshed our men for some short time in our Winter-quarters, and health being pretty well recovered, we thought fit to take the field, and to attempt such things as God by His providence should lead us to upon the Enemy.
Our resolution was to fall into the Enemy's quarters two ways. The one party, being about fifteen or sixteen troops of horse and dragoons and about two thousand foot, were ordered to go up by the way of Carrick into the County of Kilkenny under the command of Colonel Reynolds; whom Mayor- General Ireton was to follow with a reserve. I myself was to go by the way of Mallow, over the Blackwater, towards the County of Limerick, and the County of Tipperary, with about twelve troops of horse, and three troops of dragoons, and between two and three hundred foot.
(2 February 1650) I marched from Roghill Castle over the Suir, with very much difficulty; and from thence to Fethard, almost in the heart of the County of Tipperary; where was a Garrison of the Enemy. The Town is most pleasantly seated, having a very good Wall with round and square bulwarks, after the old manner of fortifications. We came thither in the night, and indeed were very much distressed by tempestuous wind and rain. After a long march, we knew not well how to dispose of ourselves; but finding an old Abbey in the suburbs, and some cabins and poor houses- we got into them and had opportunity to send "the Garrison" a summons. They shot at my trumpet, and would not listen to him, for an hour's space: but having some Officers in our party whom they knew, I sent them, to let them know I was there with a good part of the Army. We shot not a shot at them; but they were very angry, and fired very earnestly upon us; telling us, it was not a time of night to send a summons. But yet in the end, the Governor was willing to send out two commissioners- I think rather to see whether there was a force sufficient to force him, than to any other end. After almost a whole night spent in treaty, the Town was delivered to me the next morning, upon terms which we usually call honourable: which I was the willinger to give, because I had little above two-hundred foot, and neither ladders nor guns, nor anything to force them. That night, there being about Seventeen companies of the Ulster foot in Cashel, above five miles from thence, they quit it in some disorder, and the Sovereign and the Aldermen sent to me a person desiring that I would protect them, which I have also made a quarter.
(ref. www. irishhistorylinks.net/Historical_Documents/Cromwell.html)
Pierce Butler wrote a letter to Cromwell that night:
May
it please your Lordship, I have received your letter about nine of the clock
this night, which hour I conceive it unreasonable to treat with you, yet if
your Lordship pleases to send sufficient hostages in for such as I will employ
to treat with you, I will be ready to trust some in that business.
Having
no more at present,
I
remain,
Your
honours friend and servant,
Pierce
Butler
From the garrison of Fethard, 1650 half an hour
of nine o’clock of the night(Journal of the Butler Society, Volume 1 No 4 (1972)- The Siege of Fethard p.245)
An
account by one of Cromwell’s soldiers, in the above Journal:
From
Rahill, his excellency went to Rochestown, where he got over the Suir in such a
nick of time, that the least protraction had metamorphosed the ford into a
ferry.
The
same night in a hideous tempest, he came late before the town of Fethard, where
the governor, little dreaming of any storm but that of the weather, was
summoned by his excellency.
The
gentleman at first thought it was in jest; but the corporation swearing and
trembling it was in earnest, he concluded from the last, as well as from the
first, that it was so; and by the same action evidencing he was of the same
faith, like one well versed in his trade, called a council of Shakers to know
whether it was consonant to the rules of war to summon a town by candle light.
After
a small debate, either for the time or for the sense, they concluded that
whether it were or no- for the thing was left amphibious- it was consonant to
the rules of safety to surrender the place; which he did, modestly saying that
he had left his government in a storm, and not tamely, as other governors had
done; and that by his then surrendering he had satisfied his engagement to the
Supreme Council, which was that none of them should live to see the day in
which he should lose Fethard, no nor the sun either, though it shine on all the
world by Wood Street.
We
were troubled to come to, than to come by this town, which my Lord Lieutenant
entered by the same light in which he had summoned it, the late governor not
entertaining him with a file of health, but sure he had so much care of his own
that he did not drink it, so that his modesty or circumspection lessened him of
one cup, but he had drunk another had he wanted the latter.
A document reveals the “Articles of agreement made and concluded on the third day of February 1651/51 betwene the most Honourable Oliver Cromwell, Lord Lieutenant Generall of Ireland, and Lieftenant Collonell Pierce Butler, Governor of the towne of Fetherd, concerning the surrender of the said towne as followeth..."
The generous
terms negotiated were extraordinary, given the slaughter and atrocities previously
perpetrated by the Parliamentary army on other towns and garrisons:
That all officers and soldiers shall march freely with their horses and
arms and all other goods, bag and baggage, colours flying, matches lighted,
ball in botich, into any place within his Majesties quarters, or garrison,
except such as are now besieged, safely conveyed thither, free from violence
from any of the Parliaments party.
That all the country families and inhabitants, as also any of the
officers, may freely live and enjoy their goods either in town or abroad, and
if any of them be disposed to betake themselves to their former habitations in
the country they may have respite of time for that, and admittance to enjoy
their holdings, ...
That all clergymen and captains may freely march without any annoyance…
That all inhabitants of the said town with all their goods shall be
protected at all times and shall quietly and peaceably enjoy their estates...
In consideration whereof the said Governor doth hereby engage himself
that he will deliver up the said town with all things therein except such
things as before agreed upon to be taken away with them, by eight of the clock
this morning.
O. Cromwell
( John T. Gilbert
(ed.), A Contemporary History of Affairs
in Ireland from 1641 to 1652, Volume III, Dublin 1880 (Published in this
volume “Aphorismical Discovery of
Treasonable Faction” by an anonymous author between 1652-1660), preface by
John Gilbert, Appendix p. 215)
Colonel Walter Butler outranked Pierce Butler, so must have come from one of the senior branches of the family. He was not Sir Walter Butler of the Polestown branch of the Butler family, appointed Governor of Kilkenny when the Marquis of Ormonde and the Confederate Commissioners had to flee the city. That Sir Walter Butler, famously and gallantly defended the castle against the odds for a short time before surrendering under similar terms to those negotiated at Fethard, by which the citizens of Kilkenny were protected upon payment of 2000 pounds sterling, and the clergymen and the officers and soldiers were allowed to march out with some arms, baggage and 150 horses, and were to be given an escort for the first two miles away from Kilkenny. Cromwell accepted the surrender of Kilkenny on 28 March 1650.
Colonel Walter Butler was most likely Walter Butler of Nodstown (great grandson of Walter Butler of Nodstown and Moyaliff, 4th son of the 9th Earl of Ormond). He is named in several depositions about his involvement in the rebellion, in particular the capture of Cashel in 1641 in which 15 prisoners were killed (1641 Depositions- Trinity College Dublin online):
Re: the Massacre at Cashel in 1641
Examination of Ellin Salle date taken 27 Aug 1652:
Examinant saith that she lived in Cashel when Philip O'Dwyer of Dondrum came into Cashel with his followers and that Edmond O'Dwyer of Knockgormand and John O'Dwyer his brother, Tege oge O'Magher, Walter Butler of Nodstowne and Richard Butler of Ballinakill and Tibbot Butler of Kiloskehan his brother were all of them great murderers, plunderers of the English in Cashell in and upon the 31st December 1641
Deposition of James Lodge 2 May 1642:
James Lodge saith that on or about 12 December last he was robbed and forecably dispoiled of his goods, chattels and debts to the value 249 li, and Tibbot Purcell esquire the baron of Loghmer sent Walter Butler of Nodstowne in the said County, gentleman and Thomas Purcell esquire, and Philip Fogerty gentleman and divers whose names the deponents knoweth not, to the deponents house and robbed him of all he had within and without doors... And the deponent likewise saith that the very same day the deponent was robbed, the said Walter being in this deponents house drinking, he desired this deponent to begin the Queen's health, to which the deponent answered he would drink the King's health, No said the said Walter Butler, "we will pledge the Queen for we are her soldiers" or words to that effect; and the deponent further saith that when the said Walter was parting he prayed this deponent not to be offended for what they done to him they would do it to all the English in the Kingdom and leave them as bare as they left the deponent.
Deposition of Edward Banks. 21 April 1642:
Edward Banks, late of Cashel, saith that about the last day of December last past he was robbed and dispoiled of his goods and chattels. And further saith that the parties Rebells that so robbed and dispoiled him were Philip O'Dwyer of Dundrum in the County of Tipperary Esquire and Commander of the Rebels there, Walter Butler of Nodstowne in the said County, Esquire and Charles O'Dwyer of Killamure and Edward Butler of Clare in the said County Esquires, and others of their tenants and followers. And this deponent further disposeth that the parties of Rebels aforesaid and their companies killed fifteen men and women all English Protestants at Cashel in the said County on or about the first day of January last.
Walter Butler of Nodstown's close association with Colonel Philip O'Dwyer, Commander of the Munster rebel forces (until Dwyer's death in 1648 when he was succeeded by his cousin Colonel Edmund O'Dwyer) would appear to confirm Walter's likely appointment as Colonel. Joan Butler of Nodstown had married John O'Dwyer (d.1627), son of Philip O'Dwyer, the elder, of Dundrum. John and Joan's son was Col. Philip O'Dwyer, so he and Walter of Nodstown were closely related.
However Butler historian Lord Patrick Dunboyne, in his article "The Next Earl of Ormond?" (complied 1997) states that Walter of Nodstown was executed/hanged in 1650 by Cromwellians (no reference given) and that his heir was his brother Thomas who was granted a Certificate of Transplantation in 1653, and named as heir to his brother Walter in 1662 but never seems to have been restored to Walter's forfeited estates; whereas records indicate that the Colonel Walter Butler above was alive in March 1652 when he was a signatory to O'Dwyer's surrender to the Cromwellians, and that he went to Spain with Col Edmund O'Dwyer after their surrender in 1652 to join Conde's army (see below). The fact that Walter's brother Thomas was ordered to transplant in 1653 was because Walter was exiled and their property had reverted to Thomas under the terms of the settlement, and Walter probably died before 1662 when Thomas was named as heir.
The documents reporting the Court case at Clonmel, " the greatest trial held for the county Tipperary under Cromwell", and the subsequent executions of those involved in the Cashel Massacre of 1641, named the following:
Philip O'Dwyer died of a languishing disease at his house Doundromore on 3 May 1648, Mr Theobald Butler, Mr Tiegue O'Meagher, Lt. Col O'Dwyer (brother to Philip), Brian Kearney, Hugh Ryan and others were executed for the Cashel massacre. Mr Richard Butler of Ballynekill and Mr Charles O'Dwyer were acquitted. Mr R. Butler of Ballynakelly, the youngest son of James, Baron of Dunboyne, was saved by the jury on general good report of his noble carriage and civility in all his actions, and so was Charles O'Dwyer, though evidence was as full against them as against the others who were all free from shedding blood. Theobald Butler, Ulick Bourke and Hugh Ryan were executed at Cashel on a gibbet in the wall against the Court House November 24, 1652. (Mary Hickson, Ireland in the Seventeenth Century, or, The Irish Massacres of 1641-42, Volumes 1 & 2, London 1884- Vol. 2, pp. 232-254)
Notably, Walter Butler of Nodstown was not named in the trial as one of those charged (either deceased or alive).
The Irish Royalists carried on with the war and continued to harass the English soldiers who now occupied all major garrisons. A report was read by Charles II in France which outlined their desperate need of money, arms, ammunition, and food supplies. During the winter of 1651-52, two prominent commanders capitulated under terms. On 23 March 1651-52, Colonel Edmund O’Dwyer, commander-in-chief of the Irish brigade in the counties of Tipperary and Waterford, was the second of the Irish Royalist officers who capitulated, entering into terms with the Parliament for himself and his soldiery. O’Dwyer’s brigade consisted of the remainder of five regiments of foot including Colonel Walter Butler’s. Parliamentary Colonel Jerome Sankey reported to Parliament that Col. O’Dwyer and his officers had been driven to an agreement in consequence of finding themselves “entangled, their quarters destroyed, their men daily taken, killed, hanged, sent to long sea, and themselves put to that hazard and hardship that they usually removed two or three times a-night. ( John T. Gilbert (ed.), A Contemporary History of Affairs in Ireland from 1641 to 1652, Volume III, Dublin 1880 (Published in this volume “Aphorismical Discovery of Treasonable Faction” by an anonymous author between 1652-1660), preface by John Gilbert, preface p. xviii-xix)
By the articles entered into, it was agreed that all the horse and foot under the command of O’Dwyer should deliver up their arms and horses, in consideration of which they should have protection for their lives and personal estates, and liberty to live in such places as should be thought fit by Colonel Sankey, and that such of the officers or soldiers as desired were to have liberty to quit Ireland for service with any foreign prince in amity with the State of England, such as Spain. However, exceptions were made- the benefit of the articles did not extend to any of the Romish clergy; to those guilty of murdering or massacres of any English; nor to any that sat in the first General Assembly or that sat in the first Supreme Council; and that officers in the first year of the rebellion shall be liable to trial at law for any action committed by him in the said year. How this affected Pierce Butler’s situation is not revealed. O’Dwyer also agreed for hostages to be given to Col. Sankey; signatories named as Edmund Dwyer, Walter Butler and Donogh Dwyer. (Ibid, Appendix p. 294)
Col. Edmund Dwyer was licensed to transport 3,500 Irish to Flanders for the service of the Prince of Conde, dated 19 October 1653; and after the Restoration, on "23 June 1660, Brussels, a Licence for Ireland was granted to Colonel Walter Butler, formerly colonel of a regiment in the army of Conde, but now without a post as the said troops have gone over to the French”.
(ref: "Wild Geese in Spanish Flanders 1582-1700" edit by Brendan Jennings for the Irish Manuscripts Commission 1964, pages 630, 450:
http://www.irishmanuscripts.ie/digital/Wild%20Geese%20in%20Spanish%20Flanders%201582-1700/data/search.xml ;
"Ireland under the Commonwealth", by Robert Dunlop, Vols I and II, Manchester Uni Press, 1913- Vol II, p.376 no 434; and Intro. pages cxxxv and xx )
Col. Edmund O'Dwyer was killed in August 1654 when leading his troops in the assault of Arras. (The O'Dwyers of Kilmananagh:..- by Sir Michael O'Dwyer- see below for ref)
1654-" After their capture of Stenay, the French moved to the relief of Arras (French Flanders), which was under siege by the Spaniards with an army of 25,000 men under the Archduke Leopold of Austria, Prince of Conde and the Duke of Lorraine. The Spaniards were obliged to abandon the siege on August 28th with the loss of 3000 prisoners, of whom many belonged to the Irish regiments in their army. A large number of Irish troops had gone over to the French in small groups and had joined the regiment of Colonel Cormac MacCarthy (eldest son of Viscount Muskerry) (and Colonel Richard Grace who had recently come from Spain with his Irish troops). Together with an Irish regiment in the French service commanded by the Duke of York, they had distinguished themselves during the fighting at Arras. It seems that the Irish troops who had gone to France were those who belonged to the Ormonde party in Ireland, and cherished the hope of returning to Ireland with Charles and James to fight again for their estates. On the Spanish side, Conde dismissed some of the Irish colonels of this party, and sent the remnants of their regiments to the Irish companies serving under Moriarty O'Brien and James Dempsey."
(Wild Geese in Spanish Flanders 1582-1700- page 632)
Edmund O'Dwyer's large estate in Kilnamanagh and Clanwilliam was confiscated, as was Philip O'Dwyer's Kilnamanagh estate, named Dundrum.
(ref: "The O'Dwyers of Kilnamanagh: The History of an Irish Sept" by Sir Michael O'Dwyer, London 1933- Chapter XIV)
Whether Pierce Butler joined O'Dwyer and Walter Butler in Spain, or fled to France, is not recorded. He was not listed as one of the 52 executed by the end of January 1653, for participation in the alleged massacres committed by the Irish in the course of the Rebellion, as judged by the High Court of Justice appointed for a rigorous inquiry into the massacres.
("Ireland in the Seventeenth Century, or Irish Massacres of 1641-2", by Mary Hickson, London 1884- lists those executed)
At some time during the following twelve months or so, Pierce Butler was either killed or died due to natural causes.
Shortly after, the Earl of Westmeath and seven Irish leaders chosen to act as commissioners, met at Kilkenny and negotiated a treaty known as the ‘Kilkenny Articles’, with General Ludloe commander-in-chief of the Parliament forces in Ireland, which was signed 12 May 1652.[8] Other Irish commanders followed suit and capitulated under similar terms. Under the terms, it was agreed that those leaders could, under a safe conduct, ‘depart out of that kingdom and repair unto such foreign kingdom or state as he should make choice of’, and to allow over 8,000 men to be transported for foreign service to a state in amity with the Commonwealth of England.
To show good faith, the treaty required that the Irish give three of the commissioners as hostages, one of whom was Col. Walter Bagenal who was subsequently executed at Kilkenny by Commonwealth troops in October 1652 after charging him with murder committed during the rebellion. . In 1641 the gentry of Co. Carlow had appointed Walter Bagenal of Dunleckney (now Bagenalstown) and Sir Morgan Kavanagh of Clonmullen (Co. Wexford) to be joint Governors of the county. Col. Walter Bagenal of Dunleckney[9] and his brother Col. Thomas Bagenal, both commanders of regiments in the Leinster army, and Henry Bagenal, were first cousins to the Duke of Ormonde, their mother being Joan Butler dau. of Walter 11th Earl of Ormond, and sister to Ormonde’s father Thomas Viscount Thurles. Colonel Thomas Bagenal was transplanted to Connaught.
Walter Bagenal’s son, Col. Dudley Bagenal, would support James II and go into exile with him.
Following the disastrous defeat of the Confederate rebel army led by Mountgarrett against the Royalist army led by Ormonde at the Battle of Kilrush in April 1642, Col. Walter Bagenal and his wife went to stay with his close relative James Butler of Tinnehinch and Bealabarrow, brother of 3rd Viscount Mountgarrett, married to Edward Butler 1st Viscount Galmoy’s widowed mother, Katherine Fleming, according to Butler historian Theobald Blake Butler, (Vol.7- '10th Earl of Ormond', p.86 -familysearch.org), stating that, 'After the death of Piers fitzThomas (of Duiske Abbey) in 1601, his widow married James Butler of Bealabarrow Co Carlow as his 2nd wife. He was the 2nd son of Edmond 2nd Viscount Mountgarrett. The said James resided at Duiske als Old Abbey, als Low Grange and was pardoned as of that place Dec 1603 and 7 Sept 1604', referencing 'Pat. Rolls of James I'. Notably James held Duiske during the minority of Katherine's son Edward who took livery of his estates 18 February 1608.
Blake Butler (Vol.7 p.97) also references a Chancery Bill, No. 2327, dated 12 November 1613 in which James Butler and Katherine his wife and Ellen Butler youngest daughter of Pierce Butler fitzThomas late of Old Abbey (Duiske) v. Edward Butler (son and heir of Piers fitzThomas). Plaintiffs sue for maintenance and £400 left to said Ellen Butler by the Will of said Piers fitzThomas dated 1 October 1601.
A further record confirms Blake Butler's conclusions about this second marriage- Calendar State Papers Ireland, Chas I, 1625-1632, p.422-423 (archive.org)- No.1286, a witness statement to the Commissioners for Phelim McFiegh Byrne's case to Privy Council:
It should be noted that Katherine Fleming must have been about 10-15 years older than James Butler. Her son Edward was born 1586 and therefore she must have been born mid-1560 to 1570. James Butler was born c.1579-80 (his elder brother Richard, 3rd Visc. Mountgarrett was born c.1578, according to Butler historian, Lord Paddy Dunboyne's pedigrees- familysearch.org). He must have married at a young age and his 1st wife must have died shortly after their 3rd child was born, for James to have married Katherine c.1603.
Duiske Abbey was situated in Graiguenamanagh/Graige/Grange on the river Barrow bordering Counties Kilkenny and Carlow and had been granted by Thomas 10th Earl of Ormond to his illegitimate son Piers. James Butler had then built c.1615-20, Tinnahinch Castle, a tower house, on the other side of the river to control the crossing where a wooden bridge once spanned the river, which was an important defensive position, and later held by the Confederates in the Confederate war and the subsequent Cromwellian war in the 1640's.
Several members of an English protestant family named Stone living at nearby Graige were taken into custody by some of Butler’s servants and ordered to be taken to Duncannon. On the way they were hanged, men and women, and a baby supposedly thrown into the river. Ann Butler, wife of Sir Thomas Butler Bt. of Cloghgrennan, gave evidence against Walter Bagenal who, with Sir Morgan Kavanagh, came to their house, placed them under arrest and took them to trial at Kilkenny, “using all means possible to put her, her husband and family to death and torture alleging that they were rank puritan protestants and must perish, to which provocation Lord Mountgarrett did not harken.” Ann also stated that:[10]
The deponent one day having a piece of salmon to dinner Mr Bryan Kavanagh’s wife (ie. Ann’s sister Eleanor) being with her, she refused to eat any part of the salmon and being demanded the reason she said she would not eat any fish that came out of the Barrow because she has seen several infants’ bodies and other carcasses of the English taken up in the weirs.
Notably, the first husband of Ann Butler (dau. of Sir Thomas Colclough of Tintern by his second wife, his first wife being Eleanor Bagenal, Walter’s aunt) was Nicholas Bagenal, Walter’s uncle.
The inquisition was held to determine whether the order to execute these people came from James Butler or Walter Bagenal, several deponents giving evidence that Bagenal gave the order. One deponent even gave evidence that James Butler, in denying his complicity, had told him that he had in his possession the order for the executions written in his nephew Bagenal’s hand. Notably James Butler was not called to give evidence at the inquisition which indicates he was probably deceased. Bagenal denied the charge that he had given the order to execute these people and stated he did not know who gave the order, however, he was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. On pleading that he “be bulletted alive like a soldier and not be hanged like a malefactor”, his request was granted and he was shot to death.[11] He was only 38 years of age, leaving a wife and young family. He wrote to Ormonde pleading that he take his son and heir Dudley into his care. Ormonde accepted the guardianship and even arranged his marriages. (Dudley Bagenal married 1st Ann Butler dau. of Edward Butler of Ballyragget [brother to 5th Lord Mountgarrett] and his wife Elizabeth Mathew [half-sister to Ormonde], and married 2nd Ann Mathew, great niece to Ormonde- dau. of Theobald, s/o George Mathew of Thomastown, half-brother to Ormonde .)
Col. Thomas Bagenal was transplanted to Connaught with his wife Jane, their five children and his invalid brother Nicholas. His daughter Jane would marry Pierce Butler of Kayer’s eldest son Edward Butler. Walter Bagenal’s son Col. Dudley Bagenal would support James II in the Jacobite war and go into exile with him, serving in the royal household as Gentleman Usher and Groom of the Bedchamber. He was named as godfather to the first daughter of Richard Butler, son of 2nd Viscount Galmoy. One of Dudley’s sons, George would be appointed aide-de-camp to James 2nd Duke of Ormonde in the Stuart Court in exile at Saint Germain and Avignon, accompanying Ormonde into retirement in Spain. So the ties of kinship between the Bagenals of Dunleckney and the Butlers, was of long duration.
During the negotiations, one of the primary areas of concern was the future loss of their estates. The Parliamentary Commissioners promised faithfully to mediate with the Parliament concerning the real estates in the Article,
that they may enjoy such moderate parcels of their estates as may make their lives comfortable, or for the comfortable maintenance of their families of such of them as shall go beyond the seas, etc. and that they shall have equal benefit with others in the like qualification with themselves in any offers hereafter held out by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England.
This proved not to be. The Parliament of London in August 1652 passed an enactment for the “settling of Ireland”. The preamble of the Act stated that,
after the expense of much blood and treasure, the Parliament of England, by the good hand of God, had suppressed the Rebellion in Ireland and brought affairs to such as issue that a total reducement and settlement of that nation might be speedily effected, that those of a higher rank and quality might know the Parliament's intention concerning them, according to their respective demerits and consideration. This Act excluded from pardon for life or estate upwards of one hundred of the principal peers, gentry, and proprietors, Anglo-Irish as well as Irish, together with all persons who, since 1641, might have been concerned in, or accessory to, the movements in Ireland against the Parliament. Henry Hyde, 2nd Lord Clarendon referred to the “foolish cruelty” which the Parliamentarians exercised in Ireland, “in putting so many persons of quality to death.” The Parliament also decreed forfeitures against persons of the "Popish religion" residing in Ireland who had not manifested their constant good affection to the interests of the Commonwealth of England.
(J. Gilbert, Contemporary History of Affairs , op.cit., pp. 97-98, Preface pp. xxii-xxiii; Preface p.xiii and Clarendon Papers, 1653 No. 985)
(J. Gilbert, Contemporary History of Affairs , op.cit., pp. 97-98, Preface pp. xxii-xxiii; Preface p.xiii and Clarendon Papers, 1653 No. 985)
After the Confederates ultimate defeat, the leaders of the rebellion, including several Butler peers and gentry and even their old adversary Ormonde, fled into exile on the Continent, many joining the Stuart Court. The repercussions of this rebellion on the lives of Pierce’s children would be profound.
Following Cromwell’s victory and the establishment of the Commonwealth, an inquisition was held into the actions of the leading Irish Catholics accused of taking part in the Rebellion to determine who would be punished. Following the initial outbreak of the rebellion in 1641/2, depositions were also taken from disaffected Protestants. These depositions, many of which were transcribed by Herbert Hore, are stored in the Trinity College Library Dublin.
Numerous deponents gave evidence against Colonel Pierce Butler at the inquisitions. He was described by deponents as “an eminent and powerful man” and was “generally called Catholic Pierce signifying his zeal and affection to the Papal Nuncio and his faction with whom he did treat with for supplying the Irish with monies”.[12] From the beginning of the Confederacy, “Colonel Pierce Butler of Clough (Kayer) did contribute his person and the utmost of his ability in promoting the war against the English”. He held a seat in the General Assembly of the Confederate Parliament in Kilkenny, and sat on the Supreme Council for a season. He was also a member of the Wexford County Council, Commissioner of Civil Causes, and Commissioner of Disposal of English and Protestant Estates in Co. Wexford.
In the depositions Pierce/Piers Butler is variously described as of: Clonkeroge, Clonkerry (also spelt Clognekayer/Cloghnageragh/Clonkeraigh) and Clough (Clough-ne-kayer), and of Moneyhore. [13]
The depositions reveal that Pierce acted as Commander-in-chief of the County of Wexford in the beginning of the Rebellion for several years, and President of the Council of War. [14] He was appointed Colonel of the Irish forces by Nicholas Stafford, Governor of the County of Wexford . [15]
The next chapter will explore these depositions against Pierce Butler.
© B.A. Butler
Contact email butler1802 @ hotmail.com (NB. no spaces)
Link back to Introduction
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-co-wexford-ch1-richard-1stviscount-mountgarrett.html
Links to all chapters on Pierce Butler of Kayer (c.1600-1652) on this blog:
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part I- early life and marriage
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-4-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part II- role in the Catholic Confederation Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-5-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part III- Depositions against Pierce Butler after the Catholic Confederation Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-6-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part IV- Land ownership by the Butlers of Co Wexford in the 1641 Civil Survey
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-7-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part V- Pierce and the Cromwellian confiscations
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-8-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part VI- sons of Pierce Butler of Kayer
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-9-sons-of-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer's youngest son Walter Butler of Munphin
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-10-walter-butler-of-munphin-pt1.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part III- Depositions against Pierce Butler after the Catholic Confederation Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-6-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part IV- Land ownership by the Butlers of Co Wexford in the 1641 Civil Survey
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-7-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part V- Pierce and the Cromwellian confiscations
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-8-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part VI- sons of Pierce Butler of Kayer
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-9-sons-of-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer's youngest son Walter Butler of Munphin
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-10-walter-butler-of-munphin-pt1.html
Links to all of the chapters in this blog:
Pierce Butler of Kayer Co. Wexford (the elder) c.1540-1599
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch2-pierce-butler.html
Edward Butler of Kayer Co. Wexford, 1577-1628
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-3-edward-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore (the younger), c.1600-1652, Part I
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-4-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Co. Wexford (the elder) c.1540-1599
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch2-pierce-butler.html
Edward Butler of Kayer Co. Wexford, 1577-1628
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-3-edward-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore (the younger), c.1600-1652, Part I
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-4-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part II- Pierce Butler's role in the 1642-49 Catholic Confederate Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-5-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part III- Depositions against Pierce Butler of Kayer on his role in the 1642-49 Catholic Confederate Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-6-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part IV- Land Ownership by the Butlers in County Wexford
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-7-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part V- Pierce Butler and the Cromwellian Confiscations of 1652-56
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-8-pierce-butler.html
Sons of Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore- Edward, James, John, & Walter
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-9-sons-of-pierce-butler.html
Walter Butler of Munphin, Co. Wexford, c.1640-1717, Part I
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-10-walter-butler-of-munphin-pt1.html
Walter Butler of Munphin, Part II
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch11-walter-butler.html
Walter Butler of Munphin, Part III
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch12-walter-butler.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part I- exile to France in 1690
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch13-walter-butler-junior.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part II- Military record
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch14-walter-butler-junior.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part III- Marriage to Mary Long
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch15-walter-butler-junior.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part IV- Last years
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch16-walter-butler-junior.html
Younger sons of Richard 1st Viscount Mountgarrett: John Butler of New Ross, Thomas Butler of Castlecomer, James and Theobald Butler:
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch17-younger-sons.html
James Butler of Dowganstown and Tullow Co Carlow- 2nd son of Pierce Butler of Kayer (the elder):
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch18-younger-son.html
Pedigree of Butlers of Ireland, and Ancestry of Butlers of Ireland, and County Wexford:
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/the-butler-pedigree.html
The MacRichard Line- Ancestors of the Butlers of Wexford
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/ancestry-of-butlers-of-wexford-ch20.html
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-5-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part III- Depositions against Pierce Butler of Kayer on his role in the 1642-49 Catholic Confederate Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-6-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part IV- Land Ownership by the Butlers in County Wexford
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-7-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore Part V- Pierce Butler and the Cromwellian Confiscations of 1652-56
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-8-pierce-butler.html
Sons of Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore- Edward, James, John, & Walter
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-9-sons-of-pierce-butler.html
Walter Butler of Munphin, Co. Wexford, c.1640-1717, Part I
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-10-walter-butler-of-munphin-pt1.html
Walter Butler of Munphin, Part II
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch11-walter-butler.html
Walter Butler of Munphin, Part III
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch12-walter-butler.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part I- exile to France in 1690
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch13-walter-butler-junior.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part II- Military record
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch14-walter-butler-junior.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part III- Marriage to Mary Long
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch15-walter-butler-junior.html
Walter Butler Junior of Munphin (1674-1725) Part IV- Last years
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/butlers-co-wexford-ch16-walter-butler-junior.html
Younger sons of Richard 1st Viscount Mountgarrett: John Butler of New Ross, Thomas Butler of Castlecomer, James and Theobald Butler:
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch17-younger-sons.html
James Butler of Dowganstown and Tullow Co Carlow- 2nd son of Pierce Butler of Kayer (the elder):
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch18-younger-son.html
Pedigree of Butlers of Ireland, and Ancestry of Butlers of Ireland, and County Wexford:
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/the-butler-pedigree.html
The MacRichard Line- Ancestors of the Butlers of Wexford
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/ancestry-of-butlers-of-wexford-ch20.html
[1] Micheál O’Siochrú, Confederate Ireland 1642-1649, Four Courts Press1999- refer to pp205-250
[2] The clerical faction specifically listed their demands to the general assembly on 10 Jan 1647- Bodlein Carte., Mss 20 ff 100-1
[3] Micheál O’Siochrú, Confederate Ireland 1642-1649, Four Courts Press1999, p256-258 (Assembly lists- Bodlein, Carte.
Mss 70 ff 64-85)
[4] Philip Hore (ed), History of the Town and County of Wexford, Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C., London, 1900-1911- 6 volumes- (Compiled principally from the State Papers, The Public Records, and MSS. of the late Herbert F. Hore, Esq., of Pole Hore, in that County) Reprint 1978, Vol 5 p257 (taken from “one of the Rolls of the Confederation”.) NB. There are four townlands named Ballynakill/Ballinakill in northern Co. Wexford.
[5],Micheál O’Siochrú, Confederate Ireland 1642-1649, op.cit, p.264 (source- Cregan, D.E. The confederate catholics of Ireland: The personnel of the confederation 1642-9,IHS, vol.29. no. 116 (Nov. 95) pp 490-512)
[6] P. Hore, History..., op.cit, Vol. 6, pp.488-489
[7] 1641 Depositions, Trinity College Dublin, MS 818 fol. 310r, Wm Stafford 17/1/1653/54
[8] John T. Gilbert (ed.), A Contemporary History of Affairs in Ireland from 1641 to 1652, Volume III, Dublin 1880 (Published in this volume “Aphorismical Discovery of Treasonable Faction” by an anonymous author between 1652-1660), introduction by Gilbert, and pp. 88-97
[9] Col. Dudley Bagenal, son of Col. Walter Bagenal would fight for James II and follow him into exile serving as Gentleman Usher, and Groom of the Bedchamber under James III. Dudley’s son George Bagenal would also serve James III and was aide-de-camp to James 2nd Duke of Ormonde.
[10] Depositions of 1641, Trinity College Dublin, Deposition of Ann Butler, MS 812, fols 069r-070v, date 7/9/1642
[11]. Philip Bagenal, Vicissitudes of an Anglo-Irish Family 1530-1800, London 1925, p.107
[12] 1641 Depositions, Trinity College Dublin, MS 818, fols 312r-313v, Robert Shortall, 16/1/ 1654, re ‘Peirce Buttler of Clough in Co. of Wexford deceased’; MS 818, fols 310r-311v, Wm Stafford, 17/1/1654; MS 819 fols 265r-266v, Wm Stafford, 26/12/1653; MS 818, fols 314r-315v, Jonas Rushworth 5/1/1654; plus others. Also see P. Hore’s “History of the Town and County of Wexford”, Vols. 1,2,4,5,6 for transcripts of depositions
[13] P. Hore, History…, op.cit., Vol 6, p477,478,479,480; Vol 1, p313; Vol 4 p66; Vol 2 p141)
[14] P. Hore, History…, op.cit,. Vol 6 pp477, 479; Vol 4, p66
[15] P. Hore, History…, op.cit,. Vol 6, p477-478
