Folios 130-137. Letter dated at Lisburn from the Duke of Schomberg to the King. After...

Folios 130-137. Letter dated at Lisburn from the Duke of Schomberg to the King. After having done everything possible to avoid the inconveniences into which we are fallen during the past campaign, through lack of carriage to carry the provisions with the army, I send you a proposition to convey 100,000 lbs. of bread by means of the 'petits charrettes du pays.' I have agreed with the undertakers that they should commission some of their friends in London to answer the objections which the Committee of Ireland will make, or to conclude with them, so that no time be lost. Further as to transport arrangements. I never saw so many bad officers as there are in the artillery; this may arise from Goulon's want of application, for he understands making mines and the use of powder, but that is all; the only man here who has given me relief is Commissary Holloway whom I have made controller in the place of Clarke, who is just dead. I do not know whom you will send in the place of Goulon, unless you know of someone in Holland or in Germany. I mentioned in one of my despatches, one named La Motte who has seen service at the siege of Mayence and was promoted by the Duke of Zell. A note of what will be needed for the next campaign will be presented to you by Glaum, whom you have ordered me to send to you. Preparations have also been made for attacking Charlemont, which place troubles us much, but that attack will be deferred for the present. I believe that recruiting would be better done in England. Refers to the measures adopted by Cromwell in the matter of recruiting.It is reported in England that the plague is in Ireland which makes many of the men newly raised in England desert. The regiments that come from Scotland also need recruits as they come here very weak. The Irish colonels incline to men of their own country; because, having them, they can draw greater profit from their regiments. The regiments of Lisburn, Sanky, Roscommon, Drogheda, and Bellasis are very weak. I have been obliged to withdraw the two last from Armach [Armagh?] there not being 300 men in the two, to send them beyond Carrickfergus near certain islands by which the enemy's officers pass into Scotland, to rejoin those who yet remain in the Highlands. Recounts an instance, told him by Count Schomberg's, servant who had come from Scotland, of assistance being brought to the enemy in Scotland. I believe that, with these two regiments, [the Earl of Drogheda's and Bellasis'] we can hinder this commerce. If Drogheda's regiment is broken up, he will be importuned thereby, he has lost the little he had here, and has a wife and family in London. We have examined the state of the cavalry in the presence of Scravenmoer, Lanier and Kirke; the officers take no care of their troopers, nor of obliging them to attend to their horses. Van Humery is preparing a statement as to our needs in regard to grain, biscuits, and hay. State of the country. The people will want bread in the spring unless the merchants are allowed to carry grain, bread and hay duty free, not only here, but also in the north, both for the people and soldiers on the side of Beleek and Ballyshannon. The officers are also negligent in the care of the soldiers' arms, and many of them have gone into this kingdom without a tent, taking those given to them for the use of the soldiers. More tents are needed. As I was never in an army in which are so many new and lazy officers, you will believe that all this causes me much trouble; if all were cashiered that deserve it, few would remain. More care should be had by the merchant vessels at Hoylake, in the embarkation of soldiers. The Admiralty officials should also look to the small warships, [the captains of which] make continual excuses for not going to sea. There is need of officers of justice to repress disorders among the people who are lazy and live only by pillage. The protestant ministers do not apply themselves to their duty, whilst the Romish priests are active and exhort people to give their lives for the Church of Rome. The zeal of the Irish will cool a little this spring, so many on the enemy's side having died from the fatigues of the last campaign. The officers of our army press for leave of absence. There is no time to be lost in recruiting, especially for the infantry. It will be time enough to recruit the cavalry at the end of April, and it can be done, also, from that of Denmark. Harboard will give you an account of the state of the regiments of Londonderry and Enniskillen. Remarks on their pay. There was much luck in the Enniskillens' victory. When I sent them towards Sligo the affair failed. Harboard has gone, and left us without money and in great confusion; he promises to send money from Chester. He has not paid the officers' arrears and so they excuse themselves [from action]. I spare your money, but Harboard will not part with what is justly due, which causes confusion. The Commissaries here are agents for the English regiments, and work in the interests of the colonels. Remarks on Kirke's irregularities in keeping his accounts. You should consider the question of the value of money here. Harboard profits by the difference, which, with the percentage on payments which he draws as treasurer to the army, must amount to a large sum yearly.