COOTE.

18 Hugh O'Conor, son of O'Conor of Ballintober, titular prince of Connaught, and on 2nd March, in the same year, he took Con O'Rourke and most of his associates prisoners, as they were engaged in an expedition for the purpose of plundering Roscommon. Soon after this he sallied out with his garrison from Castle Coote, and falling upon a party in their camp at Creggs, gave them a total defeat, taking a l l their baggage and provisions. He continued t o pay the necessary attention towards sup plying his garrison with a l l the needful comforts o f life, and for this purpose seized o n a valuable booty a t Bally nasloe, and struck such terror into the neighbouring country, that h e and his men could supply themselves with provisions and drink i n abundance. Nor was h e unmindful o f others; for i n Easter-week he relieved Ath lone, b y throwing into i t a valuable store o f provisions and other necessaries. On the 16th o f February, 1643, he and his brother Richard were appointed by a commis sion t o the office o f collector and receiver-general o f the King's composition money, rent, and arrears i n Con naught, and i n the county o f Clare. About the beginning o f 1644, h e was one o f the agents sent over b y his party t o Charles, a t Oxford, with a view t o negociate for peace; and thereby put a stop t o the miseries o f civil war. I n this he, unhappily, did not succeed; and the work o f destruction continuing, h e speedily distinguished himself b y his bravery and enterprise. I n 1646 h e drove off t o a distance the forces which, i n a manner, kept Dublin besieged. I n May 1647, h e defeated his enemies, killing several thousands, and had from time t o time skirmishes with them, i n which many o f their leaders were taken. I n the October following, h e joined his forces with Colonel Jones and Colonel Monk, and took several castles, and marching into the enemy's country, h e burned a great store o f corn, and brought off a valuable booty. For this and other atchievements, the Parliament voted their thanks t o him, and sent him a letter expressive o f their approbation. I n 1649 h e had t o encounter great difficulties, being besieged