Bentivoglio，InternuncioatBrussels，whosedutyitwastosuperintendaffairsinIreland，heresyhadmadelittleprogresseveninthecities，whilethenobilityandgentrywerenearlyallCatholic。ThereweretheninIrelandabouteighthundredsecularpriests，onehundredandthirtyFranciscans，twentyJesuits，andafewBenedictinesandDominicans，ofwhomtheFranciscanswereheldinspecialesteem。ThebestofthesecularclergywerethosewhocamefromDouay，Bordeaux，Lisbon，andSalamanca。[28]Inthefollowingyear1614ArchbishopMatthewsofDublinheldaprovincialsynodatKilkennyatwhichmanyusefulregulationsweremaderegardingtheconductoftheclergy，preaching，catechising，thecelebrationofMass，theadministrationofthesacraments，therelationsbetweenthesecularandregularclergy，thereadingofcontroversialliterature，andtheobservanceandnumberoffast-daysandholidays。[29]IntheprovinceofArmaghDr。Rothe，actingunderauthorityreceivedfromPeterLombard，convokedaprovincialsynodatDrogheda1614。Itwasattendedbyvicarsfromtheseveraldiocesesandbyrepresentativesofthevariousreligiousorders，andpassedregulationssomewhatsimilartothoseenactedatKilkenny。Inbothsynodstheclergywerewarnedtoabstainfromthediscussionofstateaffairsandfromdisobediencetothecivilrulersintemporalmatters。AtDroghedathenewOathofAllegianceframedbyJamesI。wascondemnedasbeingopposedtofaithandreligion；
　　Catholicswerecommandednottohaverecoursetoprevaricationorwaveringinregardtoit，buttorejectitopenly，andwerewarnedagainstattendanceatdivineworshipinProtestantchurcheseventhoughtheyhadpreviouslymadeadeclarationthattheymeantonlytopayamarkofrespecttothecivilrulers。[30]AtthesameperiodtheFranciscansandDominicansfoundednewcollegesontheContinent，atDouayandLisbon，tosupplypriestsfortheirmissionsinIreland。
　　DuringthelateryearsofElizabeth'sreignthedisturbedconditionofthecountrymadeitimpossibletoconveneaParliament，andaftertheaccessionofJamesI。hisadvisersfearedtosummonsuchabodylesttheymightbeunabletocontrolit。Still，theyneverlostsightoftheadvantageitwouldbetotheircausecouldtheysecureparliamentarysanctionfortheconfiscationandplantationofUlster，andforthenewmethodsemployedforthepunishmentofrecusants。
　　Theseforsofarhadbehindthemonlytheforceofroyalproclamations，andtheirlegalitywasopentothegravestdoubt。ThegreatobstaclethatmustbeovercomebeforeaParliamentcouldbeconvokedwasthefactthatbothintheHouseofCommonsandintheHouseofLordstheCatholicsmightfindthemselvesinamajority。Topreventsuchadirecatastropheitwasdeterminedtocreateanumberofnewparliamentaryboroughssothatmanyplaces"thatcouldscarcelypasstherankofthepoorestvillagesinthepoorestcountryinChristendom"wereallowedtoreturnmembers，providedonlythatitwascertaintheywouldreturnProtestants。Nineteenofthethirty-ninenewboroughsweresituatedinUlster，wheretheplantationshadgiventheEnglishandScotchsettlersapreponderance。IntheHouseofLordsthesituationwasalsocritical，butitwashopedthatbysummoningalltheProtestantbishopsandalsocertainpeersofEnglandwhohadgotgrantsofterritoryinIrelandthegovernmentcouldcountonamajority，especiallyassomeoftheCatholiclordswereminors，andassuchnotentitledtosit。FormonthstheplansforpackingtheParliamentandforpreparingaschemeofanti-Catholiclegislationwerebeingconcocted，andtheCatholiclords，knowingwellwhatwasgoingon，feltsoalarmedthattheylodgedasolemnprotestwiththekingagainsttheerectionoftownsandcorporations"consistingofsomefewpoorandbeggarlycottages"intoparliamentaryboroughs，againstthewholesaleexclusionofCatholicsfromofficeonaccountoftheirreligion，andconjuredtheking"togiveorderthattheproceedingsofParliamentmaybeconductedwithmoderationandindifferency。"Inspiteofthisprotestthenewboroughswerecreated，andtheelectionswerecarriedoutinthemosthigh-handedmanner，thesheriffshesitatingatnothingsolongastheycouldsecurethenominationofProtestantrepresentatives。
　　OnthedayprecedingtheopeningofParliamentfixedfor18thMay1613theCatholicLordsofthePaleaddressedaprotesttotheLordDeputy。TheyassertedthatwhileseveraloftheIrishCatholicnoblesentitledtositintheHouseofLordswerenotsummoned，EnglishandScotchlords"alreadyparliantinotherkingdoms"hadbeeninvitedtoattend，thatnewcorporationshadbeencreated，manyofthemsinceParliamentwassummoned，withoutanyrightortitleexcepttoassureaProtestantmajority，thatthesheriffsandreturningofficershadactedmostunfairlyduringtheelection，andthataParliamentsitting"intheprincipalfortandcastleofthekingdom，"surroundedby"numbersofarmedmen，"couldnotberegardedasafreeassembly。WhentheHouseofCommonsmetonthefollowingdaytheCatholicsproposedthatSirJohnEverard，whohadbeendismissedfromhisofficeofjudgebecauseherefusedtheoathofsupremacy，shouldbeelectedspeaker，whiletheProtestantsproposedSirJohnDaviesforthisposition。TheCatholics，knowingwellthatifthereturnsofthesheriffswereacceptedtheywouldfindthemselvesintheminority，maintainedthatthemembersagainstwhosereturnobjectionhadbeenlodgedshouldnotbeallowedtovote。Onthisbeingrefused，theytriedtopreventavotebeingtaken，andwhenthesupportersofDaviesleftthechambertotakeacount，theCatholicsinstalledSirJohnEverardinthechair。TheProtestants，claimingthattheyhadaclearmajority，onehundredandtwenty-sevenoutofapossibletwohundredandthirty-two，removedSirJohnEverardbyforce，andadoptedSirJohnDaviesasspeaker。TheCatholicsthenleftthechamber，andbothLordsandCommonersrefusedtoattendanyfurthersessionsuntiltheyshouldhavelaidtheirgrievancesbeforetheking。Inconsequenceoftheirrefusalitwasnecessarytosuspendtheparliamentarysession，andbothpartiesdirectedalltheirattentiontoanappealtotheking。
　　TheCatholicssenttoLondonastheirrepresentatives，LordsGormanstonandDunboyne，SirJamesGoughandSirChristopherPlunkett，WilliamTalbotandEdwardFitzHarris，andagenerallevywasmadethroughoutthekingdomtoraisemoneytopaytheirexpenses。AgreatdealoftimewaswastedininquiriesinLondonandinIreland。JamesfounditdifficulttodecideagainsttheLordDeputy，whileatthesametimehecouldnotshuthiseyestothejusticeofseveraloftheclaimantsbroughtunderhisnoticebytheCatholics。Atonetimehepromisedtheirdelegatesthathewouldnotinterferewiththefreeexerciseoftheirreligionprovidedtheyadmitteditwasnotlawfultodeprivehimofhiscrownortoofferviolencetohisperson，butwhentheLordDeputywrotewarninghimoftheeffectthisspeechhadproducedinIreland，James，whilenotdenyingthathehadusedthewordsattributedtohim，issuedaproclamationannouncingthathewouldnevergrantreligioustoleration，andorderingallbishops，Jesuits，friars，andprieststodepartfromthekingdombeforethe30thofSeptember1614。InApril1614thekingdecidedtoannulthirteenofthereturnsimpeachedbytheCatholics，butinregardtotheothermattersofcomplainthegavejudgmentinfavouroftheLordDeputy。InapersonalinterviewwiththeCatholiclordshepointedoutthatitwashisprivilegetocreateasmanypeersandparliamentaryboroughsasheliked。"Themorethemerrier，thefewerthebettercheer。"Heinformedthem，too，thattheywereonlyhalfsubjectssolongastheyacknowledgedthePope，andcould，therefore，expecttohaveonlyhalfprivileges，andexpressedthehopethatbytheirfuturegoodbehaviourinParliamenttheymightmeritnotonlyhispardonbut"hisfavourandcherishing。"
　　InOctober1614Parliamentwasatlastreadytoproceedwithitsbusiness。DuringthecourseofthenegotiationsitwouldappearthattheplanofpassingnewpenallegislationagainstCatholicswasabandoned。ItwasintendedatfirsttoenactaveryseveremeasurefortheexpulsionofJesuitsandseminarypriests，andanotherframedwiththeintentionofmakingthelawsagainstCatholicsinEnglandbindinginIreland。Buttheseclauseswerestruckout，probablyasaresultofabargainbetweentheCatholiclordsandtheking。InreturnforthistolerationtheCatholiclordsagreedtosupporttheActofAttainderpassedagainstO'NeillandO'Donnell，togetherwiththeiraidersandabettors，andtoapproveofthewholesaleconfiscationthathadtakenplaceinUlster。InvaindidFlorenceConry，ArchbishopofTuam，callupontheCatholicmemberstostandfirmagainstsuchinjustice。Hiswarning，thatiftheyconsentedtotherobberyoftheirco-religionistsoftheNorththeirownturntoberobbedwouldsurelycome，fellupondeafears。TheirloyaltytoEnglandhadnervedthemtodrawtheirswordsagainstO'Neill，anditnervedthemalsotoassistChichesterandDaviestocarryontheUlsterPlantations。WellmightthelatterboastinhislettertotheEarlofSomersetthattheserviceperformedbythisParliamentwas"ofsuchimportance，asgreaterhasnotbeeneffectedinanyParliamentofIrelandthesehundredyears。For，first，thenewerectedboroughshavetakenplace，whichwillbeperpetualseminariesofProtestantburgesses，sinceitisprovidedinthechartersthattheprovostandtwelvechiefburgesses，whoaretoelectalltherest，mustalwaysbesuchaswilltaketheOathofSupremacy。Next，allthestatesofthekingdomhaveattaintedTyrone，themostnotoriousanddangeroustraitorthateverwasinIreland，whereofforeignnationswilltakenotice，becauseithasbeengivenoutthatTyronehadleftmanyfriendsbehindhim，andthatonlytheProtestantswishedhisutterruin。Besides，thisattaindersettlesthePlantationofUlster。"[31]
　　Chichester，whohadplannedthePlantationofUlster，andwhohadenrichedhimselfoutofthespoilsoftheNorthernprinces，wasremovedfromofficein1615，andwassucceededbySirOliverSt。John，whocametoIrelanddeterminedtosupporttheanti-Catholiccampaign。
　　InashorttimemorethaneightyofthebestcitizensofDublinwereinprisonbecausetheyrefusedtheoathofsupremacy，andthroughoutthecountry，jurorswhorefusedtoconvicttheCatholicswerethemselvesheldprisoners，sothatthejailsweresoonfulltooverflowing。Immensesumswereleviedoffbothpoorandrichfornon-
　　attendanceatProtestantreligiousservice。IntheCountyCavan，forexample，thefinesforoneyearamountedtoabout￡8，000，[32]whilelargesumswerepaidbytheCatholicnoblemenforprotectionfromtheProtestantinquisitors。Newplantationswereundertaken，onthelinesoftheUlsterPlantation，inWexford，Longford，King'sCounty，andLeitrim，though，nothavingbeencarriedoutsothoroughlyorsosystematicallyastheformer，theyhadnotthesamemeasureofsuccess。AllCatholicnoblemensucceedingtopropertywereobligedtotaketheoathofsupremacy，thoughapparentlytheycouldprocureexemptionfromthistestbythepaymentofafine，buttheCourtofWardstookcarethatminorsshouldbeentrustedtoProtestantguardians，andshouldbesentifpossibletoTrinityCollege。BymeanssuchastheseElizabethandJamessucceededinProtestantisingacertainnumberoftheheirstoIrishestates。Proclamationswereissuedoncemoreagainsttheclergy，bothsecularandregular，andsoviolentwasthepersecutionthattheBishopsofIrelandaddressedapetitiontotheCatholicrulersofEurope，andespeciallytotheKingofSpain，askingthemtointercedewithJamesonbehalfofhisIrishCatholicsubjects1617。[33]
　　ThenegotiationsforthemarriageofPrinceCharlestoaSpanishprincessmadeitnecessaryforthekingtobemoreguardedinhisreligiouspolicyinIreland。OliverSt。John，whohadshownhimselftobesuchabitterenemyoftheCatholics，wasremovedfromoffice，andLordFalklandwassentoverasDeputyin1622。Rumourswereafloatonallsidesthathispolicywastobeoneoftoleration。TheProtestantswerealarmedandattheinstallationofthenewDeputySept。1622
　　JamesUssher，thenProtestantBishopofMeath，takingashistext，"Hebearethnottheswordinvain，"preachedaviolentsermoninfavourofreligiouspersecution。PrimateHamptonwroteimmediatelytothepreacher，reprovinghimforhisimprudence，askinghimtoexplainawaywhathehadsaidaboutthesword，andadvisinghimtospendmoreofhistimeinhisowndioceseofMeath，wherematterswerefarfrombeingsatisfactory。[34]OnthereturnofCharlesfromSpainanewproclamationwasissued1624orderingall"titularypopisharchbishops，bishops，vicars-general，abbots，priors，deans，Jesuits，friars，seminarypriests，andothersofthatsect，madeorordainedbyauthorityderivedfromtheSeeofRomeorotherforeignpartstodepartfromthekingdomwithinfortydaysunderpainofhisMajesty'sindignationandpenalties。Ifanyofthesedaredtoremain，orifanypersonsdaredtoreceivethem，theoffendersweretobelodgedinprison，"totheendsuchfurtherordermaybetakenfortheirpunishmentasbyusshallbethoughtfit。"[35]
　　AfullaccountofthepositionoftheCatholicsofIrelandisgiveninaletterwrittenfromDublinin1623。CatholicminorswerecompelledtoaccepttheoathofsupremacybeforetheycouldgetlettersoffreedomfromtheCourtofWardsestablished1617；allmayors，magistrates，officials，etc。，ofcorporatetownswerecommandedtotaketheoathunderpenaltyofhavingtheirtownsdisenfranchised；
　　priestswerearrestedandkeptinprison；laymenwerepunishedbysentencesofexcommunicationandbyfinesfornon-attendanceatProtestantworship；theyweresummonedbeforetheconsistorialcourtsforhavinghadtheirchildrenbaptisedbythepriestsandwerepunishedwiththegreatestindignities；CatholicswereforbiddentoteachschoolandCatholicparentswereforbiddentosendtheirchildrenabroad；theCatholicinhabitantsofDroghedawereindictedbeforeaProtestantjury，andhavingbeenfoundguiltyofrecusancy，theystoodindangerofhavingalltheirpropertyforfeited；inLouththejurieswereorderedtodrawupalistofRecusants；whenthreeCatholicjurorsrefusedtheywerethrownintoprisonandobligedtogivesecuritytoappearbeforetheDublinStarChamber；andinCavanproceedingsofasimilarkindweretaken。[36]
　　AmongstthedistinguishedbishopsoftheIrishChurchatthisperiodwerePeterLombard，ArchbishopofArmagh1601-25，anativeofWaterford，whostudiedatOxfordandLouvain，wasappointedaprofessoratthelatterseatoflearning，tookaveryprominentpartinthe/CongregatiodeAuxiliis/，publishedsometheologicaltreatisestogetherwithanecclesiasticalhistoryofIreland，entitled，/DeRegnoHiberniae，Sanctoruminsula，Commentarius/，[37]butwhoonaccountofthedangerofstirringupstillgreaterpersecutionnevervisitedhisdiocese；EugeneMatthewsorMacMahon，BishopofClogher1609andArchbishopofDublin1611whodidsplendidworkfortheIrishChurchbythedecreespassedintheprovincialsynodatKilkenny1614aswellasbyhissuccessfuleffortsforthefoundationofthePastoralCollegeatLouvain；DavidO'Kearney，appointedtoCashel1603assuccessortothemartyredArchbishopO'Hurley，whothoughhuntedfromplacetoplacecontinuedtofillthedutiesofhisofficetillabouttheyear1618，whenhewenttoRome；andFlorenceConry，ArchbishopofTuam，aFranciscan，whoservedwiththearmyoftheNorthernPrinces，andwhowasspeciallydetestedbytheEnglishgovernmentonaccountofhisloyaldefenceofO'Neill。NotbeingallowedtoreturntoIreland，hedevotedhimselftothestudyoftheology，andwastheauthorofseveralveryimportantworks，someofwhichwerenot，however，freefromthesuspicionofsomethingakintoJansenism。ByfarthemostusefulbookhecomposedwashiscelebratedIrishCatechismpublishedatLouvainin1626。[38]
　　DuringtheopeningyearsofthereignofCharlesI。1625-49thepersecutionwasmuchlessviolent，andasCharleswasmarriedtoaFrenchCatholicprincessandashehadpromisedsolemnlynottoenforcethelawsagainstCatholics，itwashopedthatatlonglasttheymightexpecttoleration。ThedistinguishedFranciscanThomasFleming，sonoftheBaronofSlane，whohadreceivedhiseducationintheIrishFranciscanCollegeatLouvain，wasappointedArchbishopofDublin1623，andarrivedinIrelandtwoyearslater。HewasabletoreportthattheconductoftheCatholicsnotonlyinDublinbutthroughoutIrelandwasworthyofeverypraise，andtopointtothefactthatmanywhomadethepilgrimagetoSt。Patrick'sPurgatoryinLoughDergwereobligedtoreturnwithoutsatisfyingtheirpiousdesiresbecausetheislandwassocrowdedthattherewasnoroomforthemtoland。ChapelswereopenedinsomeofthelesspretentiousstreetsinDublin；communitiesofreligiousorderstookupfixedresidencesinthecapital；andtheJesuitssummonedhomesomeoftheirablestteacherstomanaCatholicUniversitywhichtheyopenedinBackLane1627。Thegovernmentstoodinneedofmoneytoequipandsupportanewarmy，thenconsiderednecessaryonaccountofthethreateningattitudeofFrance，andinordertoobtainfundsalargebodybothoftheProtestantandCatholicnobilitywereinvitedtocometoDublinfordiscussion。Theywereofferedcertainconcessionsor"Graces"inreturnforasubsidy，andtoplacatetheCatholicpeersitwassaidthatthefinesfornon-attendanceatchurchwouldnotbelevied，andthattheymightexpecttacittoleration。
　　TheverymentionoftolerationfilledtheProtestantbishopswithalarm，and，consideringthefactthattheyweredependentuponcoercionforwhatevercongregationstheyhad，theirrageisnotunintelligible。JamesUssher，whohadbecomeProtestantPrimateofArmagh，convokedanassemblyofthebishops。Theydeclaredthat:"ThereligionofthePapistsissuperstitiousandidolatrous，theirchurchinrespectofboth，apostatical。Togivethem，therefore，atoleration，ortoconsentthattheymayfreelyexercisetheirreligion，andprofesstheirfaithanddoctrineisagrievoussin，andthatintworespects。Foritistomakeourselvesaccessory，notonlytotheirsuperstitions，idolatries，andheresies，andinaword，toalltheabominationsofPopery；butalso，whichisaconsequentoftheformer，totheperditionoftheseducedpeople，whichperishinthedelugeofCatholicapostacy。Tograntthemtoleration，inrespectofanymoneytobegiven，orcontributiontobemadebythem，istosetreligiontosale，andwithit，thesoulsofthepeople，whomChristourSaviourhathredeemedwithHismostpreciousblood。"[39]TheIrishdeputiesarrivedinLondontoseekaconfirmationofthe"Graces"attheverytimethatthethirdParliamentofCharles1627waspetitioninghimtoputinforcethelawsagainsttheRecusants。ThemembersoftheEnglishHouseofCommonscomplainedthatreligiouscommunitiesofmenandwomenhadbeensetupinDublinandinseveralofthelargercities，thatIrelandwasswarmingwithJesuits，friars，andpriests，thatthepeoplewhoattendedformerlytheProtestantservicehadceasedtoattend，thatinDublintherewerethirteenmass-
　　houses，andthatPapistswereallowedtoactasarmyofficers，andPapistswerebeingtrainedassoldiers。"[40]InthesecircumstancestheCatholicmembersofthedeputationconsentedtoabandontheirclaimsforfulltoleration，thoughitwasunderstoodthatthefinesleviedonaccountofabsencefromProtestantservicewouldnotbeenforced，buttheywerepromisedthatCatholiclawyerswouldbeallowedtopractisewithoutbeingobligedtotaketheoathofsupremacy。Inreturnforthepromised"Graces，"whichweretoberatifiedimmediatelyinParliament，theIrishnoblespromisedtopayasumof￡120，000forthesupportofthenewarmy。
　　ThepromisedParliamentwasnotheld，norwerethe"Graces"concededeithertotheIrishgenerallyortotheCatholics。Still，therewasnoactivepersecutionforsometime。TheprovincialoftheCarmelitesinDublinwasabletoreporttothePropaganda1629that"alltheecclesiasticsnowpubliclyperformtheirsacredfunctions，andpreparesuitableplacesforofferingtheholysacrifice，andthatwithopendoors；theynowpreachtothepeople，sayMass，anddischargealltheirotherdutieswithoutbeingmolestedbyanyone。"TheCarmelites，hewrote，"hadalargechurch，butnotsufficienttocontainone-sixthofthecongregation；thepeopleflockedincrowdstoConfession，andHolyCommunion；theFranciscans，Dominicans，Capuchins，andJesuitswerehardatwork；andtheparishesweresuppliedwithparishpriestswhoresidedintheirdistrictsandweresupportedbythevoluntaryofferingsofthepeople。"[41]Fromareportoftheyear1627，itisclearthattheDominicanshadoverfiftypriestsoftheirOrderinIreland，togetherwithseveralnovicesandstudents。[42]
　　ButalreadytheenemiesoftheCatholicreligionwereatwork，and，asaresult，aproclamationwasissuedbyLordFalklandin1629
　　commandingthatallmonasteries，convents，colleges，andreligioushousesshouldbedissolved，thatallreligiousandpriestsshouldceasetoteachortoperformanyreligiousserviceinanypublicchapelororatory，ortoteachinanyplacewhatsoeverinthekingdom，andthatallownersofreligioushousesandschoolsshouldapplythemtootheruseswithoutdelay1629。AtfirstnonoticewastakenofthisproclamationinDublinorinanyofthecitiesofIreland。Ussherwrotetocomplainofthe"unreverendmanner"inwhichtheproclamationwasmadeinDrogheda。"Itwasdoneinscornfulandcontemptuoussort，adrunkensoldierbeingfirstsetuptoreadit，andthenadrunkensergeantofthetown，makingthesametoseemlikeaMay-game。"Thepriestsandfriarsmerelyclosedthefrontdoorsofthechurches，hesaid，butthepeopleflockedtothechurchesasusualbyprivatepassages。[43]LordFalklanddoesnotseemtohavemadeanydeterminedefforttocarryouttheroyalproclamationinDublin，butunfortunatelyhewasrecalledin1629，andintheintervalfromhisdeparturetillthearrivalofSirThomasWentworth1632Loftus，ViscountofEly，andLordCorkwereappointedasLordsJustices。
　　Immediatelythepersecutionbegan。TheProtestantArchbishopofDublin，accompaniedbyabodyofsoldiers，madearaidupontheCarmeliteChurchinCookStreetwhileMasswasbeingcelebratedonSt。
　　Stephen'sDay，destroyedthealtarandstatues，andseizedtwoofthepriests；butthepeoplesetuponthearchbishopandthesoldiers，andrescuedtheprisoners。Thetroopswerecalledoutatonce，andseveraloftheDublinaldermenwerelodgedinprison。Mostofthechurcheswereseized，andtheJesuitUniversitywasgivenovertoTrinityCollege。AttacksofasimilarkindweremadeonthehousesandchurchesoftheregularclergyinCork，Waterford，Limerick，andinvariousotherpartsofthecountry。AnorderwasissuedbytheLordsJusticesthatSt。Patrick'sPurgatorytogether"withSt。Patrick'sbedandallthevaults，cells，andallotherhousesandbuildingsshouldbedemolished，andthatthesuperstitiousstonesandmaterialshouldbecastintothelough。"CatholicdeputieshastenedtoLondontolaytheirgrievancesbeforetheking，but，thoughhewasnotunwillingtohelpthem，hefounditdifficulttodomuchforthemonaccountofthestronganti-CatholicfeelinginEngland。QueenHenriettaMariadidappealtothenewDeputytorestoreSt。Patrick'sPurgatory，but，asitwassituated"inthemidstofthegreatScottishPlantation，"hefearedtograntherrequestatthetime。LordCorkreportedthat"hehadsetuptwohousesofcorrectionindissolvedfriaries，inwhichthebeggarlyyouthsaretaughttrades。"ButsoonthekingandWentworthgrewalarmedaboutthestormthatthejusticeswerecreatinginIreland。TheCatholiclordsthreatenedthatunlessanendwereputtothepersecution，whichwascontrarytothe"Graces"thathadbeenpromised，theywouldrefusetopaythesubsidytheyhadpromised，andlettersweresentbothbythekingandWentworththrowingtheblameonLoftusandLordCork，andreprovingthemforwhattheyhaddone。[44]
　　In1632SirThomasWentworth，afterwardsEarlofStrafford，arrivedinIrelandasLordDeputy。Hewasastrongman，intenselydevotedtotheking，anddeterminedtoreduceallpartiesinIrelandtosubjection。
　　InreligionhewasaHighChurchmanoftheschoolofLaud，andopposedtotheScotchPresbyteriansoftheNorthofIslandalmostasmuchastotheIrishCatholics。FromthebeginninghewasdeterminedtoraisetherevenuesofthecrowninIreland，toestablishastrongstandingarmy，andtosecurethefuturepeaceofthecountrybycarryingoutaschemeofplantationsinConnaughtandMunsteralongthelinesfollowedbytheadvisersofJamesI。incaseofUlster。OneofhisfirstactsafterhisarrivalinIrelandwastocommissionDr。JohnBramhall，afterwardsProtestantBishopofDerryandPrimate，toholdaninquiryintothestateoftheProtestantChurch。Thelatter，afterhavingmadesomeinvestigations，informedArchbishopLaudthathefounditdifficulttosay"whetherthechurchesweremoreruinousandsordidorthepeopleirreverentinDublin，"thatoneparochialchurchinDublinhadbeenconvertedintoastable，anotherhadbecomeanobleman'smansion，whileathirdwasbeingusedasatennis-court，ofwhichthevicaractedaskeeper。ThevaultsofChrist'sChurchhadbeenleasedtoPapists"astipplingroomsforbeer，wine，andtobacco，"sothatthecongregationstoodindangerofbeingpoisonedbythefumes，andthetablefortheadministrationofHolyCommunionwasmade"anordinaryseatformaidsandapprentices。""Theinferiorsortsofministerswerebelowalldegreesofcontempt，inrespectoftheirpovertyandtheirignorance，"anditwastoldhimthatonebishopheldthreeandtwentybeneficeswithcareofsouls。[45]
　　Wentworthlostnotimeintryingtoraisemoneyforthearmy，butmanyofthelords，bothCatholicandProtestant，weresoannoyedattherefusaltoconfirmthe"Graces"andatthedelayincallingtheParliamentthathadbeenpromised，thatWentworthwasforcedtomakesomeconcession。Parliamentwasconvokedtomeetin1634，andtheLordDeputynominatedhisownsupportersintheboroughs，soastocounter-
　　balancetherepresentationfromthecounties，whichrepresentationhecouldnotinallcasescontrol。TheCatholicswerestrongintheLowerHouseparticularly，butcarewastakenthattheyshouldbeinaminority。Themainquestionwasthegrantingofsubsidies，butseveraloftheProtestantsandalltheCatholicsdemandedthatthe"Graces"
　　shouldfirstbeconfirmed。BothProtestantandCatholiclandownerswereinterestedinsafeguardingthetitlestotheirpropertybyhavingitenactedthatsixtyyears'possessionshouldberegardedasasufficientproofofownership。AssuchanenactmentwouldhaveupsetallWentworth'splansforawholesaleplantation，hesucceededinresistingsuchameasure，andpartlybythreats，partlybyunderhanddealingswithparticularindividualsheobtainedagrantofgeneroussubsidieswithoutanyconfirmationofthe"Graces。"InApril1635
　　Parliamentwasdissolved，andalmostimmediatelytheLordDeputymadepreparationsforactingunderthecommissionforinquiringintodefectivetitlesgrantedtohimbytheking。"AlltheProtestantsareforplantations，"hewrote，"andalltheothersareagainstthem。IftheCatholicjuriesrefusetofindaverdictinfavouroftheking，thenrecoursemustbehadtoParliament，whereaProtestantmajorityisassured。"PortionsofTipperary，Clare，andKilkennyweresecuredwithoutmuchdifficulty，butnothinglessthanthewholeofConnaughtwouldsatisfytheDeputy。Roscommonwasthefirstcountyselected，andtheCommissioners，includingtheLordDeputy，arrivedinBoyletoholdtheinquiryJuly1635。Thejury，havingbeeninformedbyWentworththat，whethertheyfoundinhisfavourornot，thekingwasdeterminedtoasserthisclaimstotheircounty，andthattheironlyhopeofmercywastheirpromptobedience，deliveredtherequiredverdict。
　　SligoandMayoalsomadetheirsubmission。InGalway，however，thejuryfoundagainsttheking。Inconsequenceofthisthesheriffwasfined￡1，000andplacedunderbailtoappearbeforetheStarChamber，andthejurymenwerethreatenedwithseverepunishment。Theywerefined￡4，000eachandorderedtobeimprisonedtilltheyshouldpaythefullamount。InthiswaythewholeofConnaught，withtheexceptionofLeitrimwhichwasplantedalready，togetherwithagreatpartofClare，Tipperary，andKilkennywasconfiscatedtothecrown。
　　ButWentworthpostponedtheplantationofConnaughttoamorefavourableperiod，andbeforeanysuchperiodarrivedhehadlostbothhisofficeandhishead。ThedangertoCharlesI。fromtheScotchCovenanterswasalreadyapparent，andCharlesurgedhisDeputytoraiseanarmyinIreland。Duringtheyears1639and1640theworkoftrainingthearmy，manyoftheofficersofwhichandmostofthesoldiers，wereCatholics，waspushedforward，butthetriumphoftheScotsandtheexecutionoftheEarlofStraffordinApril1641madeitimpossibletouseitforthepurposeforwhichitwasdesigned。ActingontheinstigationoftheEnglishParliament，CharlessentanorderthattheIrishtroopsshouldbedisbanded，andaddedthathehadlicensedcertainofficerstotransporteightthousandtroopstotheaidofanyofthesovereignsofEuropefriendlytoEngland。ForonereasonoranotherveryfewofthesoldiersleftIreland，asboththeirownleadersandthekingknewwellthattheirserviceswouldbesoonrequiredathome。ParliamenthadmetinIrelandinMarch1640，[46]
　　and，havingvotedseveralsubsidiestoaidtheking，itadjourned。
　　Whenitmetagainin1641theCatholicswereactuallyinthemajority，andseemeddeterminedtoholdtheirown。Thekingwrotetoconfirmthe"Graces，"andtosuggestthatabillshouldbeintroducedtoconfirmdefectivetitlesinTipperary，Clare，andConnaught，buttheobstructivetacticsoftheEarlofOrmond，andtheunfavourableattitudeoftheLordsJustices，SirWilliamParsonsandSirWilliamBorlase，towardsCatholicclaims，preventedanythingbeingdone。
　　Parliamentwasadjournedtillthe9thNovember，butbeforethatdatearrivedtheissueshadbeentransferredtoanotherandadifferentcourt。[47]
　　From1632till1640，thoughtheDeputywasdoinghisbesttorobalargeportionoftheCatholicownersoftheirpropertyonthegroundofdefectivetitles，andthoughinmanydistrictstheProtestantbishopsandministerscreatedconsiderabledifficultiesfortheirCatholicneighbours，stillthereligiouspersecutionwascarriedoutonlyinahalf-heartedmanner。ThekingwasshrewdenoughtorecognisetheimportantpartthatmightbeplayedbytheIrishCatholicsinthecivilstrugglethatheforesaw，andhewasanxiousnottoantagonisetheirleaders。ThisperiodofcomparativecalmwasprovidentialfortheChurchinIreland，byenablingittoorganiseitsforcesandtopreparefortheterribledaysthatweresoontocome。InaccordancewiththeadvicegivenbyArchbishopLombardyearsbefore，RomedecidedtofillseveraloftheSeesthathadbeenleftvacant。HughMacCaghwell/Cavellus/，adistinguishedIrishFranciscan，whohadbeeninstrumentalinfoundingtheCollegeofSt。AnthonyatLouvain，andwhosetheologicalworkscausedhimtoberegardedbyhiscontemporariesastheablesttheologianoftheScotishschoolinEurope，wasappointedArchbishopofArmagh1626，buthediedinRomeafewweeksafterhisconsecration。LessthantwoyearslateritwasdecidedtotransferHughO'ReillyfromKilmoretotheprimatialSee1628。ThomasFleminghadbeenappointedtoDublinin1623，anddespitetheeffortsofhisenemieshesucceededineludingthevigilanceofthosewhowishedtodrivehimfromIreland。MalachyO'Queely，whohadactedforyearsasvicar-apostolicofhisnativedioceseofKillaloe，wasappointedtoTuam1630insuccessiontoFlorenceConry，andThomasWalsh，anativeofWaterford，waspromotedtotheSeeofCashel1626。AmongstthedistinguishedecclesiasticswhowerepromotedtoIrishdiocesesduringthereignofJamesI。andCharles，werethelearnedDavidRotheOssory，1618，RocheMacGeoghan/RoccusdeCruce/，whohaddonesomuchfortherestorationoftheDominicanhousesinIrelandKildare，1629，andHeberMacMahonDown，1642，Clogher，1643。Asaresultofthelongpersecutionandoftheabsenceofbishopsfromsomanydiocesesacertainamountofdisorganisationmightbedetectedinseveraldepartments，andtoremedythisprovincialsynodswereheldtolaydownnewregulations，andtoadjustthepositionoftheChurchtothealteredcircumstancesofthecountry。AsynodwasheldatKilkenny1627whichwasattendedbybishopsfromLeinsterandMunster；anotherveryimportantone，thedecreesofwhichwereconfirmedbytheHolySee，washeldfortheprovinceofTuamin1632，andathirdattendedbytheLeinsterbishopswasheldintheCountyKilkennyin1640。[48]TheIrishcollegesontheContinentcontinuedtopourableandzealousyoungpriestsintothecountry，whilethecollegesfortheeducationoftheFranciscans，Dominicans，andJesuitssuppliednewrecruitstoreplenishtheranksofthereligiousorders。TheCapuchinfoundedIrishcollegesontheContinent，atLille，Antwerp，andatSedan，andsoearnestlydidtheyworkinIrelandthataspecialletterinpraiseoftheCapuchinswasforwardedtoRomebyanumberoftheBishopsin1642。Theresultsofthisrenewedactivityweresoonapparentineverypartofthecountry。
　　Thus，forexample，inareportpresented1631fromthedioceseofElphin，thenruledbyBishopBoetiusEgan，itcanbeseenthatalthoughallthechurches，includingthecathedral，hadbeendestroyedortakenpossessionofbytheProtestants，therewereatthetimefortypriestsatworkinthediocese；thedecreesoftheCouncilofTrenthadbeenpromulgated；theparisheshadbeenre-arranged，andthelearningoftheparishpriestsappointedhadbeentestedbyexamination；regularsynods，visitations，andconferencesoftheclergywerebeingheld，andstepshadbeentakentoensurethatthepeopleshouldbeinstructedfullyintheirreligion。[49]
　　IntheParliamentof1641theCatholicswereinthemajority，andtheyinsistedthatthe"Graces"mustbeconfirmed。Thekinggrantedtheirdemands，andthebillwasactuallyonitswaytoIrelandwhentheLordsJustices，ParsonsandBorlase，whoadministeredthegovernmentofthecountryproroguedthesession。TheywishedfornosettlementwiththeCatholicslestasettlementmightputanendtotheirhopesofaplantation，andtheEarlofOrmondtriedalsotoblockthepassageofthebillinthehopeofsavingthekingfromtheodiumwhichhewouldincurinEnglandandScotlandbygrantingtolerationtotheIrishCatholics。TheCatholicnoblemenofIreland，whetherIrishorAnglo-Irish，hadgoodreasontocomplain。TheyhadseentheCatholicsdrivenoutofthegoodlandsofUlstertomakewayforEnglishandScottishplanters，andtheywellknewthatthedangerofsimilartransactionsinConnaught，Munster，andLeinsterhadnotpassedawaywiththedeathofStrafford。TheyhadseentheoperationoftheCourtofWards，andtheycouldnotfailtorealisethatasaresultofitsworkthelandownersofIrelandwouldsoonbedispossessedorProtestantised。TheyknewsomethingoftheProtestantInquisitioncourtsasrunbytheministersandbishops，ofthepersecutionoftheirclergy，thefeesandfinesleviedontheunfortunateCatholicpeasantry，andofthestillgraverdangerthatlaybeforethemincasetheCovenantersandthePuritansweretooverthrowCharlesI。，ortosucceedinforcinghimtoaccepttheirpolicy。Weretheytoremainpassive，theybelieved，theycouldhavenohopeofredressorevenofsafety，andhencemanyofthemmadeuptheirmindsthatthetimefornegotiationshadpassed，andthattheycouldrelyonlyonforce。Neveragainweretheylikelytogetsuchafavourableopportunity。Englandwastornbyinternaldissensions；thedisbandedIrishsoldiers，whohadbeentrainedforserviceagainsttheScots，werestillinthecountry；andwithsomanydistinguishedIrishmenscatteredthroughthecountriesofEuropetherewasgoodhopethattheymightgetassistancefromtheirco-religionistsontheContinent。ThedistinguishedWaterfordFranciscan，FatherLukeWadding，whohadfoundedtheCollegeofSt。IsidoreinRomeandhadtakensuchaprominentpartinthefoundationoftheIrishCollege，wasinRomereadytopleadthecauseofhiscountrymenatthePapalCourt。HisfameasascholarwasknownthroughoutEurope，andhisactivesupportcouldnotfailtoproduceitseffectinEurope，andparticularlyinSpainwherehewasesteemedsohighlybyPhilipIV。
　　OwenRoeO'Neill，whohadachievedaremarkabledistinctioninthearmyofSpainbyhisgallantdefenceofArrasagainsttheFrench，ColonelPreston，uncleofLordGormanston，andahostofothers，whohadlearnedtheartofwarinFrance，Spain，andtheNetherlands，werewillingtoreturntoIrelandandtoplacetheirswordsatthedisposaloftheircountry。
　　Earlyin1641[50]RoryO'More，whowascloselyconnectedwithboththeIrishandtheAnglo-Irishnobles，suggestedtoLordMaguireofEnniskillentheideaofanappealtoarms，andhintedatthepossibilityofaunionbetweentheIrishnoblesandtheLordsofthePale。InashorttimemostoftheimportantleadersoftheNorth，SirPhelimO'Neill，TurloghO'Neill，LordMaguire，HughMacMahon，ArthurMacGennisofDown，PhilipandMilesO'ReillyofCavanhadcometoanunderstanding。ThewarwastobegininUlsteronthenightofthe23rdOctober1641，andonthesamenightanattemptwasmadetoseizeDublinCastle。ThelatterportionoftheprogrammecouldnotbecarriedoutowingtotheactionofaninformerwhobetrayedMaguireandHughMacMahontotheLordsJustices；butattheappointedtimetheIrishCatholicsofUlsterrosealmosttoaman，andinaveryshorttimemostofthestrongplacesintheprovincewereintheirhands。Insuchamovementitwasalmostimpossiblefortheleaderstopreventsomeexcesses，particularlyasmanyofthemenwhotookpartinithadbeendrivenfromtheirlandstomakewayforthePlanters，andhadsufferedterriblyfromtheharshnessandcrueltytowhichtheyandtheirfamilieshadbeensubjected。Naturallytheyseizedtheirownagain，andinsomecasestheymayhaveusedmoreviolencethanthesituationrequired，butitisnowadmittedbyimpartialhistorians[51]
　　thatthewildstoriesofawholesalemassacreofProtestantsarewithoutanymoresolidfoundationthanthefactthattheProtestantswereforthemostpartdrivenoutofUlsterinmuchthesamewayastheCatholicshadbeendriventothemountainsthirtyyearsbefore。
　　Mostofthefewwhowerekilledwereprobablystruckdownwhileattemptingtodefendtheirhomes，andinnocaseisthereevidencetoprovethattheleaderscountenancedunnecessaryviolenceormurder。IfthehistorianwishestolookfororganisedlawlessnessandmurderhecanfinditmuchmoreeasilyinthecampaignoftheinfamousSirCharlesCooteorintheraidscarriedoutbytheforcesoftheScotchCovenantersoftheNorth。TheCatholicLordsofthePalehastenedtoDublinCastletooffertheirservicesagainsttheNorthernrebels，buttheywerereceivedsodiscourteouslybytheLordsJusticesthattheyrecognisedtheabsolutenecessityofjoiningwiththeCatholicsofUlster。InannouncingtheirdefectiontheLordsJusticespositivelygloatedoverthesplendidprospectofhavingtheprovinceofLeinsterplantedwithEnglishsettlersDec。1641。[52]TheactionoftheEnglishParliamentindecreeingthatforthefuturethereshouldbenotolerationallowedtoIrishCatholicsDec。1641andinputtingupforsaletwomillionfivehundredthousandacresoffertilelandinIreland，theproceedstobeexpendedinawarofextermination，strengthenedthehandsoftheIrishleaders，andhelpedtobringoverthewavererstotheirside。
　　TheCatholicclergyhadsympathisedwiththemovementfromthebeginning，buttheyhadexertedthemselvesparticularlyinmoderatingthefuryoftheircountrymen，andinprotectingtheProtestants，bothlaymenandclerics，fromunnecessaryviolence。[53]But，astherewasadangerthatthemovementwouldbreakupandthattheIrishforceswouldbedivided，itwasnecessaryforthebishopstotakeaction。
　　ReligionwasnearlytheonlybondthatwaslikelytounitetheIrishandtheAnglo-Irishnobles，andtheChurchwastheonlyinstitutionthatcouldgivethemovementunityandpermanency。AmeetingofthebishopsandvicarsoftheNorthernprovincewasheldatKellsMay1642underthepresidencyofDr。HughO'Reilly，ArchbishopofArmagh。
　　Theyprescribedathreedays'fast，thepublicrecitationoftheRosaryandtheLitanies，andageneralCommunionforthesuccessofthewar，issuedasentenceofexcommunicationagainstmurderers，mutilators，thieves，robbers，etc。，togetherwithalltheiraidersandabettors，denouncedtheCatholicIrishmenwhorefusedtomakecommoncausewiththeircountrymen，andorderedallbishops，vicars-general，parishpriests，andheadsofreligioushousestosparenopainstoraisefundsimmediatelyforthesupportofthesoldiers。[54]InMay1642anationalsynodwasheldatKilkenny。ItwasattendedbythePrimateofArmagh，theArchbishopsofTuamandCashel，bymostofthebishopseitherpersonallyorbyprocurators，andbyrepresentativesofthereligiousordersandofthesecularclergy。TheydeclaredthatthewarwasbeingwagedforthedefenceoftheCatholicreligion，forthepreservationoftherightsandprerogativesoftheking，forthejustandlawfulimmunities，liberties，andrightsofIreland，fortheprotectionofthelives，fortunes，goods，andpossessionsoftheCatholicsofIreland，andthatitwasajustwarinwhichallCatholicsshouldjoin。Theycondemnedmurder，robbery，andviolence，advisedalltheircountrymentolayasideracialandprovincialdifferences，tookmeasuresfortherestorationofthecathedralsandchurchestotheirowners，exhortedall，bothclergyandlaymen，topreserveunity，andcalledupontheprieststoofferupMassatleastonceaweekforthesuccessofthewar。[55]
　　Duringtheyear1642thewarhadspreadintoallpartsofIreland，andmostoftheprominentnobles，withtheexceptionoftheEarlofClanrickard，hadtakenthefield。OwenRowO'NeillandColonelPrestonhadarrivedwithsomeoftheIrishveteransfromtheContinent，andhadbroughtwiththemsuppliesofarmsandammunition。UrbanVIII。hadforwardedatouchingletteraddressedtotheclergyandpeopleofIrelandFeb。1642andhadcontrivedtosendlargesuppliesofweaponsandpowder。AgeneralassemblyofIrishCatholicswascalledtomeetatKilkennyinOctober1642。Therewerepresent，elevenspiritualpeers，fourteenlaypeers，andtwohundredandtwenty-sixrepresentativesfromthecitiesandcountiesofIreland，underthepresidencyofLordMountgarrett。Generalswereappointedtoleadtheforcesinthedifferentprovinces，asunfortunatelyowingtothejealousybetweentheAnglo-IrishandtheIrishnoblesOwenRoeO'Neillcouldnotbeappointedcommanderofthenationalarmy。ArrangementsweremadeforsendingambassadorstotheprincipalcourtsofEurope，fortheestablishmentofaprinting-press，forraisingmoney，andforthepromotionofeducation。TheIrishFranciscansofLouvainwereaskedtotransfertheirpressandlibrarytoIrelandtohelpinthecreationofagreatschoolofIrishlearning。FatherLukeWaddingwasappointedtheIrishrepresentativeatthePapalCourt，andagentsweredispatchedtoFrance，Spain，theNetherlands，andtoseveraloftheGermanStates。UrbanVIII。，yieldingtotheentreatiesoftheIrishambassadorgavegenerousassistance，andwrotetonearlyalltheCatholicrulersofEuroperecommendingthemtoassisttheirco-religionistsinIreland。
　　In1643thewell-knownOratorian，FatherFrancescoScarampi，landedinWexfordastheaccreditedagentofthePope，bringingwithhimsuppliesofmoneyandarms。Hardly，however，hadhearrived，whenhediscoveredthatthoughtheIrisharmieshadmetwithconsiderablesuccessbothagainsttheRoyalistforcesinDublinandtheScotchCovenantersintheNorth，negotiationshadbeenopenedupforanextendedtruce。TheAnglo-IrishnobleshadneverbeenenthusiasticforthewarasanIrishwar。Theyfoughtmerelytopreservetheirestatesandtosecureacertaindegreeoflibertyofworship，butintheirheartstheyweremoreanxiousaboutthecauseofthekingthanaboutthecauseofIreland。TheMarquisofOrmond，whomthekinghadcreatedhisLordLieutenantinIreland，hadmanyfriendsamongsttheLordsofthePale，andbymeansofhisagentshesucceededinbringingaboutacessationSept。1643。TheIrishCatholicsweretosendagentstothekingforafulldiscussionoftheirgrievances，andweretohelphimwithsupplies。AnxioustosecurethehelpoftheIrishCatholics，andfearingtogiveahandletohisparliamentaryopponentsbygrantingreligioustoleration，Charleswasinaverydifficultposition，andtomakemattersworseOrmondwasdeterminednottoyieldtothedemandsoftheCatholics。Hewaspreparedtomakeaconditionalpromisethatthelawsagainstthemwouldnotbeenforced，butbeyondthathewasresolvednottogo。
　　AfterlongandfruitlessnegotiationswithOrmondthewarwasrenewed1644。RepresentativesfromFranceandSpainhadarrivedinKilkenny，anditwasthoughtthatifthePopecouldbeinducedtosendanunciosuchameasurewouldstrengthenthehandsoftheIrishambassadorsontheContinent。AttherequestofSirRichardBellings，SecretarytotheSupremeCouncil，InnocentX。consentedtosendGiovanniBattistaRinucciniashisrepresentativetoIreland1645。ThelatterlandedatKenmareinOctober，andproceededalmostimmediatelytoKilkenny。
　　InthemeantimeCharlesI。wasbeinghardpressedinEngland，andashecouldhavenohopeofinducingOrmondtoagreetosuchtermsaswouldsatisfytheCatholicsofIreland，hecommissionedtheEarlofGlamorgan，himselfaCatholic，andcloselyconnectedwithsomeoftheIrishfamiliesbymarriage，togotoKilkennyandtoprocureassistancefromtheCatholicConfederationatallcosts。ShortlyafterhisarrivalheconcludedatreatyinthenameofthekingAug。1645
　　inwhichheguaranteed"thefreeandpublicexerciseoftheRomanCatholicreligion。"AllchurchespossessedbytheIrishCatholicsatanytimesinceOctober1641weretobeleftintheirhands，and"allchurchesinIrelandotherthansuchasarenowactuallyenjoyedbyhisMajesty'sProtestantsubjects"weretobegivenbacktotheCatholics。
　　AlljurisdictionclaimedbyProtestantbishopsorministersoverIrishCatholicswastobeabolished，andalltemporalities，possessedbytheCatholicclergysinceOctober1641，weretoberetainedbythem，two-
　　thirdsoftheincome，however，tobepaidtothekingduringthecontinuanceofthewar。CharleshadalreadyaddressedalettertothenunciopromisingtocarryoutwhatevertermsGlamorganwouldconcede，andaddingthehopethatthoughthiswasthefirstletterhehadeverwrittentoanyministerofthePopeitwouldnotbethelast。[56]Thetermsweretobekeptasecret，butinOctober1645ArchbishopO'QueelyofTuamwaskillednearSligoinaskirmishbetweentheConfederateandParliamentaryforces，andacopyofthetreatywhichhehadinhispossessionfellintothehandsoftheenemy。AssoonasitwaspublisheditcreatedagreatsensationinEngland，andCharlesimmediatelyrepudiatedit。GlamorganwasarrestedinDublinbyOrmond，butwasreleasedafterafewweeks，andreturnedcoollytoKilkennytoconductfurthernegotiations。
　　SincehisarrivalinKilkenny1645thenunciowasanxioustobreakoffnegotiationswithOrmond，andtodevotealltheenergiesofthecountrytotheprosecutionofthewar。ButtheAnglo-IrishofthePalewerebentuponacceptinganytermsthatOrmondmightoffer；andsoontheSupremeCouncilwasdividedintotwosections，onefavouringthenuncio，theothersupportingOrmond。NegotiationshadbeenopeneddirectlywithRomebyQueenHenriettathroughheragentSirKenelmDigby。InreturnforpromisesofmenandmoneythelattersignedatreatyevenmuchmorefavourabletotheIrishCatholicsthanthatwhichhadbeenconcludedwithGlamorgan1645，butastheoriginalofthistreatyhadnotcometohand，andasitwasfearedthattherewaslittlehopeofitsbeingputinforce，theSupremeCouncilpatchedupanagreementwithOrmondMarch1646。AlthoughthelatterhadgotafreehandfromthekinghegrantedverylittletotheCatholics。TheoathofsupremacywastobeabolishedinthenextParliament，asweretobealsoallstatutorypenaltiesanddisabilities；"hisMajesty'sCatholicsubjectsweretoberecommendedtohisMajesty'sfavourforfurtherconcessions；"alleducationaldisabilitiesofCatholicsweretoberemoved，andalloffices，civilandmilitary，weretobethrownopentothem。Eventhistreatywaskeptasecret，butinthemeantimetheConfederationshouldsendtroopstotheassistanceoftheking。
　　ButbeforethetroopscouldbesentCharleswasdriventotakerefugewiththeScotsatNewcastleMay1646，fromwhichplacehewroteforbiddingOrmond"toproceedfurtherintreatywiththerebelsortomakeanyconditionswiththem。"[57]
　　NotwithstandingRinuccini'searnestentreatiesthemajorityoftheSupremeCouncilinsistedonacceptingOrmond'sterms。TheConfederationhadbeensoweakenedbydissensionsthatGeneralMonrothoughthecouldmarchsouthandcaptureKilkenny，butatBenburbhefoundhiswaybarredbytheforcesofO'Neill，andhewasobligedtoretreattoColeraine，havingleftagreatportionofhisarmydeadonthefield，andhisstandards，guns，andsuppliesinthehandsofO'Neill5June1646。ThenewsofthegreatvictorywasbroughttothenuncioatLimerick，wherethecapturedbannerswerecarriedinprocessionthroughthestreetsanddepositedinthecathedral。GeneralPrestonhadalsoscoredsomesuccessesinConnaught，sothatonceagainthetideseemedtohaveturnedinfavouroftheConfederates。
　　Rinucciniwasmorethaneverdeterminedtorefusehalfmeasures，suchaswerebeingofferedbythetermsofOrmond'streaty。HesummonedameetingofthebishopsinWaterfordAug。1646，andafterlongdiscussionitwasagreedthatthosewhoacceptedOrmond'stermswereguiltyofperjury，becausetheyhadtherebybrokenthetermsoftheoathofconfederation。Accordingtothisoaththemembershadpledgedthemselvestobecontentwithnothinglessthanthefreeandpublicexerciseoftheirreligion，whileOrmondleftnearlyeverythingtothegood-willoftheking，fromwhomnothingcouldbeexpectedconsideringthestateofaffairsinEngland。InspiteofallremonstrancestheSupremeCouncilpublishedthePeaceinKilkenny，buttheirmessengerswererefusedadmittanceintoseveralofthecitiesoftheSouth。
　　OrmondwasinvitedtoKilkenny，wherehereceivedaroyalreceptionfromhisfriends。ButO'NeillmarchedsouthandcompelledOrmondtobeatahastyretreattowardsDublin。RinucinnireturnedtoKilkenny，andsomeoftheprominentadherentsofOrmondwerearrested。AnewSupremeCouncilwaschosen，andO'NeillandPrestonwerecommissionedtomarchonDublin，but，thoughtheybroughttheirarmiesclosetothecity，yet，owingtounderhandcommunicationscarriedonbetweenOrmond'sagent，theEarlofClanrickard，andPreston，andthejealousybetweenthegenerals，theattackwasnotmade。
　　AnewGeneralAssemblyhadbeenelectedandmetatKilkenny10Jan。
　　1647。AfteralongdiscussiontheOrmondPeacewascondemned，andanewformofoathwasdrawnuptobetakenbyalltheConfederates。
　　Ormond，whocouldhavedonesomuchforhismasterhadheobeyedhisinstructionsandmadesomesatisfactoryofferstotheIrishCatholics，surrenderedDublinintothehandsoftheParliamentarians，andfledtoFrance。TomakemattersworsePrestonwasdefeatedbytheParliamentariansatSummerhillAug。1647，andLordInchiquinwascarryingallbeforehimintheSouth。Everywherehewenthehadactedwithgreatsavagery，andwasespeciallyviolentinhisoppositiontotheCatholicreligion。Butearlyin1648hechangedhispolitics，anddeclaredforthekingagainsttheParliament。ImmediatelytheformerfriendsofOrmondontheSupremeCouncilinsistedonmakingtermswithLordInchiquin。Rinucciniopposedsuchastepasabetrayal，andhisactionwasapprovedbyamajorityofthebishops。ThenuncioleftthecityandwenttowardsMaryborough，whereO'Neillwasencamped。InMay1648thetrucewithLordInchiquinwasproclaimed，andinafewdaysRinucciniissuedasentenceofexcommunicationagainstallwhowouldreceiveit，andofinterdictagainstthetownswhichrecognisedit。
　　TheSupremeCouncilrepliedbyappealingtothePope。Theonlyresultwasthatthedivisionandconfusionbecamemoregeneral。Severalofthebishopsandclergyweretobefoundonbothsides。TheSupremeCouncildismissedO'Neillfromhisoffice，andafterwardsdeclaredhimatraitor。ThenunciowenttoGalway，fromwhichporthesailedin1649。ThoughitisdifficulttoentertainanythingbutthegreatestcontemptfortheOrmondfactionontheSupremeCouncil，andthoughRinucciniwasanhonestmanwhodidhisbesttocarryouthisinstructions，stillhedidnotunderstandperfectlythesituation。HeallowedhimselftoshowtooopenlyhispreferenceforO'Neill，anddisplayedtoogreataninclinationtohaverecoursetohigh-handedmethods。HisarrestoftheOrmondistfactionontheSupremeCouncilandthecensureswhichhelevelledagainsthisopponents，howeverjustifiablethesethingsmighthavebeeninthemselves，werenotcalculatedtorestoreunityandconfidence。[58]
　　OrmondreturnedtoIrelandin1648andreceivedagreatwelcomefromthoseoftheSupremeCouncilwhowereopposedtoRinucciniandO'Neill。InJanuary1649heconcludedapeacewiththembywhichheguaranteedthatinthenextParliamenttobeheldinIrelandthefreeexerciseoftheCatholicreligionshouldbeconceded；thattheActofUniformityandtheActofRoyalSupremacyshouldbeabolished；thatalloffices，civilandmilitary，shouldbethrownopentoCatholicsprovidedtheywerewillingtotakeasimpleoathofallegiance；thatallplansforanyfurtherplantationsinMunster，Leinster，andConnaughtshouldbeabandoned，thatallActsofAttainder，etc。，passedagainstIrishCatholicssinceOctober1641shouldbetreatedasnullandvoid；thattheclergyshouldnotbemolestedinregardtothechurches，church-livings，etc。，untilhisMajestyuponfullconsiderationofthedesiresoftheCatholics，formulatedinafreeParliament，shouldexpresshisfurtherpleasure；andthattheregularclergywhowouldacceptthispeaceshouldbeallowedtocontinuetoholdtheirhousesandpossessions。Furtherconcessionsweretobedependentontheking'swishes。[59]TheCatholicConfederationassuchwasdissolved，andOrmondwasinstalledasLordLieutenanttogovernthecountryinconjunctionwithtwelveCommissionersofTrustappointedbytheConfederates。ButO'NeillandhisarmystillheldoutagainstanytermswithOrmond，andalargenumberofthecitiesrefusedtoholdanycommunicationswithhim。StillhehopedtocaptureDublinfromtheParliamentariansbeforehelpcouldarrivefromEngland，buthesufferedaterribledefeatatRathmines2Aug。1649。
　　LessthanafortnightlaterOliverCromwell[60]arrivedinDublinwithalargeforcetocrushboththeRoyalistsandtheCatholics。
　　Cromwell，havingtakenalittletimeforhistroopstorecruit，marchedonDrogheda，thenheldforthekingbySirArthurAston，andsoearnestlydidhepushforwardthesiegethatinashorttimehecarriedthecitybyassault，andputmostofthegarrisonandalargenumberofthecitizenstodeath。OverathousandwereslaughteredinSt。Peter'sChurchtowhichtheyhadfledforrefuge，andspecialvengeancewasmetedouttotheclergy，noneofthemwhowererecognisedbeingspared。SimilarscenesofwholesalebutcherytookplaceatWexford，intowhichhisarmygainedadmissionbytreachery。[61]Ormondwasunabletomakeheadwayagainstsuchacommander，andfrightenedatlastbytheprospectthatopenedoutbeforehim，hemadeoverturestoO'Neillforareconciliation。O'NeillagreedtolendhisaidagainstCromwell。Hesentaportionofhisarmysouth，andhehimself，thoughill，wasalreadyonthemarchwhenhediedatCloughoughter6Nov。1649。HisdeathatsuchatimewasanirreparablelossbothtotheCatholicreligionandtoIreland。Hadhelived，andhadOrmondandhisfactionco-operatedwithhim，thecampaignofCromwellmighthavehadaverydifferenttermination。
　　Duringtheclosingmonthsof1649thesituationinIrelandseemedhopeless。ThoughasanunscrupulousdiplomatistOrmondhadfewequals，hewasutterlyworthlessasasoldier，andtomakemattersworsehewasstilldistrustedbythegreatmassoftheIrishpeople。InthehopeofrestoringunityandofencouragingthepeopletocontinuethestruggleasynodofthebishopsandclergyassembledatClonmacnoiseDec。1649。TheyissuedadeclarationwarningthepeoplethattheycouldexpectnomercyfromtheEnglishParliament，thatthewholesaleextirpationofCatholicismwasintended，aswasevidencedbytheactionsofCromwell，andthatthelandsoftheIrishCatholicsweretobehandedovertoEnglishadventurers。Theycalleduponthemtoforgetpastdifferences，tosinkracialandpersonaljealousies，andtouniteagainstthecommonenemy。[62]ButthecountrydistrustedOrmond，andrefusedtorallytohisstandard。AnothermeetingconsistingofthebishopsandoftheCommissionersofTrustwasheldatLoughrea，inwhichitwasagreedthatthereshouldbeagenerallevyofallmenfittobeararms，andthemonasteryofKilbeganwasfixedastheplaceofrendezvous。Severalofthecitiesandleadingmenrefused，however，totakeanypartinamovementcontrolledbyOrmond，andasalastdesperateresort，atthemeetingofthebishopsheldatJamestown12
　　Aug。1650thebishopsdeclaredthattherecouldbenohopeofunityunlessOrmondsurrenderedhistrusttosomepersoninwhomtheentirecountryhadconfidence。[63]VeryreluctantlyOrmondagreedtothisrequestandleftIrelandinDecember，havingappointedtheEarlofClanrickardashissuccessor。ThelatterwasaCatholicwhohadplayedaveryignoblepartthroughoutthewar。Hadhedisplayedyearsbeforebuthalftheenergyhedisplayedinitslaterstagesthingsmightneverhavecometosuchapass。
　　Asitwas，CromwellmadegreatprogressintheSouth，thoughhewasforcedtoraisethesiegeofWaterford，andsufferedabaddefeatatClonmelfromthenephewofO'Neill。HeleftIrelandinMay1650，andentrustedthecommandtoIreton。OwingtothestateofdisunionIretonwasenabledtotakecityaftercity。Limerickwastakenin1651，andTerenceO'Brien，BishopofEmly，wasputtodeath。BishopMacMahonofClogher，whohadassumedtheleadershipofthearmyofOwenRowO'Neillafterthelatter'sdeathwasdefeatedatScarrifhollis1650。
　　Lateronhewascaptured，andputtodeath，hisheadbeingimpaledonthegatesofEnniskillenasawarningtohisco-religionists。ThesubmissionofClanrickardin1652practicallyputanendtothewar，andbeforeanotheryearhadelapsedalleffectiveresistancehadceased。
　　DuringtheKilkennyConfederationtheCatholicChurchwasrestoredtoitsoriginalposition。InthedistrictscontrolledbytheConfederatesthebishopsandclergywereallowedtooccupyoncemoretheirhousesandchurcheswhereverthesehadnotbeendestroyed，andreligiouscommunitiesofbothmenandwomenweresetupagainclosetotheirformermonasteriesandconvents，thoughatthesametimetheCatholicLordsofthePalewerealertlesttheyshouldbeaskedtoreturnanyoftheecclesiasticalormonasticlandsthathadbeengrantedtothembyroyalpatent。InDublinandwhereverOrmondandtheRoyalistshadauthority，bothclergyandpeopleenjoyedcompletetoleration，butincertainportionsoftheNorth，andwhereverthePuritansandParliamentariansheldsway，persecutionwasstilltheorderoftheday。WhenDublinwassurrenderedtotheParliamentarians1647thepriests，andlateron，allCatholics，wereexpelledfromthecity。IntheSouthofIrelandLordInchiquinactedinthemostsavagemannerinCashelandgenerallyinthecitieswhichheconquered，whiletheParliamentarianpartyintheNorthshowednomercytotheCatholicswhofellintotheirhands。AfterthearrivalofCromwelltheprospectbecameevenmoregloomy。Thoughheannouncedthathewouldinterferewithnoman'sreligion，hedeclaredthatonnoaccountcouldhetoleratethecelebrationofMass。[64]TheclergywereputtotheswordinDroghedaandWexford。TheArchbishopofTuamwaskilledduringthewar1645；BoetiusEgan，BishopofRoss，fellintothehandsofLordBroghillandwasputtoacrueldeathbecause，insteadofadvisingthegarrisonofCarrigdrohidtosurrender，heencouragedthemtocontinuethestruggle1650；TerenceAlbertO'Brien，BishopofEmly，wascapturedbyIretonafterthesiegeofLimerick，andwashanged；HeberMacMahon，BishopofClogher，wasputtodeathbytheordersofCoote1650；BishopRotheofOssorydiedasaresultofthesufferingsheendured，andBishopFrenchofFerns，afterundergoingterribletrialsinIreland，wasobligedtomakehisescapetotheContinent。
　　InarrangingthetermsofsurrendertheCromwelliangeneralssometimesexcludedthebishopsandclergyfromprotection，andatbesttheygrantedthemonlyashorttimetoprepareforleavingthecountry。ThepresenceofthepriestswasregardedasadangerfortheprojectedsettlementofIreland，andhencetheorderwasgiven1650thattheyshouldbearrested。In1650arewardof￡20wasofferedtoanyonewhowouldbetraythehidingplaceofanyJesuits，priests，friars，monks，ornuns。AtfirstthoseclergywhowerecapturedweresentintoFranceandSpain，butlateronlargenumbersofthemwereshippedtotheBarbadoes。Thus，forexample，in1655aninstructionwassenttoSirCharlesCootethatthepriestsandfriarsthencaptiveinGalwaywhowereoverfortyyearsofageshouldbebanishedtoPortugalorFrance，whilethoseunderthatagewereto"beshippedawayfortheBarbadoesorotherAmericanplantations。"Forthosewhoreturneddeathwasthepenaltythatwaslaiddown。Sincethepriestsstillcontrivedtoeludetheirpursuersbydisguisingthemselvesaslabourers，peasants，beggars，gardeners，etc。，anorderwasissuedin1655thatageneralsearchshouldbemadethroughoutIrelandforthecaptureofallpriests。Fivepoundswastobepaidtoanyonewhowouldarrestapriest，andmoremightbeawardediftheindividualtakenwereofspecialimportance。Whenthejailswerewellfilled，anotherinstructionwasissuedthatthepriestsshouldbebroughttogetheratCarrickfergusfortransportation。Hereitwasclaimedthatsomeofferedtosubmittothetermsofthegovernmentratherthanallowthemselvestobesentaway，butasthestatementcomesfromanunreliablesourceitshouldbereceivedwithcaution。In1657MajorMorgan，representativeofWicklowintheUnitedParliamentofEnglandandIreland，declared:"Wehavethreebeaststodestroythatlayheavyburthensuponus。Thefirstisthewolf，onwhomwelayfivepoundsaheadofadog，andtenpoundsifabitch。Thesecondbeastisapriest，onwhoseheadwelaytenpounds，andifhebeeminent，more。
　　ThethirdbeastisaTory，onwhosehead，ifhebeapublicTorywelaytwentypounds，andfortyshillingsonaprivateTory。"TowardstheendoftheProtectoratethegovernment，insteadoftransportingthepriestsabroad，sentthemincrowdstotheIslandofAranandtoInnisbofin。"TheLordDeputyandCouncil，"wroteColonelThomasHerbert1658，"didinJulylastgiveorderforpaymentof￡100uponaccounttoColonelSadleir，tobeissuedasheshouldconceivefitformaintenanceofsuchPopishpriestsasareorshouldbeconfinedtotheIsleofBoffin，accordingtosix-pencedailyallowing，buildingcabinsandthelike。Itisnotdoubtedbutcarewastakenaccordingly，andforthatthejudgesintheirrespectivecircuitsmayprobablyfindcauseforsendingmuchmoreprieststothatisland，Iamcommandedtosignifythusmuchuntoyouthatyoumaynotbewantingtotakesuchcareinthisbusinessasaccordingtoformerdirectionsandprovisionismade。"[65]
　　Alreadyin1642theEnglishParliamenthadpassedmeasuresforthewholesaleconfiscationofCatholicIreland，andhadpledgedthelandtothese"adventurers"whosubscribedmoneytocarryonthewar。In1652，whenthereductionofIrelandwaspracticallycomplete，itwasdeemedprudenttoundertaketheworkofclearingLeinsterandMunsterofitsoldownerstopreparethewayfortheadventurersandforthesoldiers，whosearrearswerepaidbygrantsoffarmsorestates。
　　AccordingtothetermsoftheActandoftheInstructionsissuedinconnexionwithitallIrishCatholicswerecommandedtotransplantthemselvestoConnaughtbeforethe1stMay1654underpainofbeingputtodeathbycourt-martialiftheywerefoundafterthatdateeastoftheShannon。ExceptionswereindeedmadeinthecaseofthosewomenwhoweremarriedtoEnglishProtestantsbeforeDecember1650，providedthattheythemselveshadbecomeProtestant；incaseofboysunderfourteenandgirlsundertwelveinProtestantserviceandwhowouldbebroughtupProtestants，andlastlyincaseofthosewhocouldprovethatfortheprevioustenyearstheyhadmaintained"aconstantgoodaffection"towardstheParliament。TheordertotransplantwasnotifiedthroughoutIreland，andacommissionwassetupatLoughreatoconsiderclaimsandtomakeassignmentsoflandinConnaught，allofwhichwastobeatthedisposaloftheIrishexceptaprescribedterritoryalongthesea-board。EventheinhabitantsofGalway，whohadsubmittedonlyontheexpressconditionofretainingtheirlands，weredrivenoutofthecity，andthecityitselfwashandedovertothecorporationsofGloucesterandLiverpooltorecoupthemforthelossestheyhadsufferedduringtheCivilWar。Petitionsbegantopourinformercyoratleastforanextensiontothetime-limit，butthoughonthelatterpointsomeconcessionsweremade，fewindividualswereallowedanyreprieve。Thelandownersweremarkedmen，andtheywereobligedtogo。Itwouldbeimpossibletodescribethehardshipandmiseriessufferedbythosewhowereforcedtoleavetheirownhomes，andtoseekarefugeinwhatwastothemastrangecountry。ToeasethesituationlargenumbersofthemencapableofbearingarmswereshippedtoSpain，ortoothersoftheContinentalcountries，butsoonitwasthoughtthatthiswasbadpolicylikelyonlytoservesomeofEngland'srivals。ItwasthendeterminedtotransportlargenumberstotheWestIndies，theBarbadoes，Jamaica，andtheCaribeeIslands。
　　Ship-loadsofboysandgirlswereseizedaccordingtoordersfromEngland，andweresentoutofthecountryunderthemostawfulconditionstoalandwhereafateawaitedmanyofthemthatwasworsethandeath。[66]ThemagistrateshadnoscrupleincommittingallCatholicswhoremainedeastoftheShannonandwhowerebroughtbeforethem，asvagrants，andthentheywerehurriedofftothecoast。
　　AtfirsttheideawastoremovethenativepopulationentirelyfromLeinsterandMunsterlestthesoldiersand"adventurers"mightbecontaminated，andsternmeasuresweretakentopreventanyoftheofficersormenfromtakingIrishwives。IretonlaiditdownthatanyofficerorsoldierwhodaredtomarryanIrishgirluntilshehadbeenexaminedbyacompetentboardtoseewhetherherconversionflowed"fromarealworkofGoduponherheart，"shouldbepunishedseverely。[67]ButlateronpetitionspouredinfromthenewProtestantlandownerstobeallowedtokeepCatholicsasservantsandlabourers，andontheunderstandingthatthemasterswouldutilisethisopportunitytospreadthetruereligion，theirrequestsweregranted。
　　Someobtaineddispensationsoratleastmanagedtosecuredelays；
　　othersprobablywereabletocometotermswiththesoldierstowhomtheirfarmshadfalleninthegenerallottery，andothersstillpreferredtoriskthedangeroftransportationbyremainingintheirowndistrictratherthantoseekanewhome。HadtheProtectoratelastedlongenoughthepolicyoftransplantingmighthavesucceeded，butasitwastheCromwellianplanterssoondisappearedorbecamemergedintothenativepopulation，andinspiteofallthebloodshedandrobbery，thepeopleofIrelandgenerallywereasdevotedtotheCatholicreligionin1659astheyhadbeentenyearsbefore。[68]