WUXIAM AND MAUY.

219

to be punished for any treason, felony, or misdemeanourcommitted since the accession of the late King: nay, they werenot to be sued for damages on account of any act of spoliation oroutrage which they might have committed during the threeyears of confusion. This was more than the Lords Justices wereconstitutionally competent to grant. It was therefore addedthat the government would use its utmost endeavours to obtaina Parliamentary ratification of the treaty.*

As soon as the two instruments had been signed, the Englishentered the city, and occupied one quarter of it. A narrow,but deep branch of the Shannon separated them from thequarter which was still in the possession of the Irish.**

In a few hours a dispute arosewhich seemed likely to producea renewal of hostilities. Sarsfield had resolved to seek hisfortune in the service of France, and was naturally desirous tocarry with him to the Continent such a body of troops as wouldbe an important addition to the army of Lewis. Ginkell was asnaturally unwilling to send thousands of men to swell the forcesof the enemy. Both generals appealed to the treaty. Eachconstrued it as suited his purpose, and each complained thatthe other had violated it. Sarsfield was accused of putting oneof his officers under arrest for refusing to go to the Continent.Ginkell, greatly excited, declared that he would teach theIrish to play tricks with him, and began to make preparationsfor a cannonade. Sarsfield came to the English camp, andtried to justify what he had done. The altercation was sharp.“I submit,” said Sarsfield, at last: “I am in your power.”“Not at all in my pov'er,” said Ginkell; “go back and do yourworst.” The imprisoned officer was liberated: a sanguinarycontest was averted; and the two commanders contented them-selves with a war of words.*** Ginkell put forth proclamations* The articles of the civil treaty have often been reprinted.

** Story’s Continuation; Diary of the Siege of Lymerick.

*** Story’s Continuation; Diary of the Siege of Lymerick.

CIUP.

XVII.

1691 .