Folios 314-317. Letter dated at Lisburn from the Duke de Schomberg to the King. The...

Folios 314-317. Letter dated at Lisburn from the Duke de Schomberg to the King. The bearer of the letter is Matthews, the Lieutenant-Colonel of Leveson's dragoons, a good officer who is recruiting. Money is needed for the recruiting officers. Proposals to the Committee. Announces the arrival of the Charles galley with 30,000l. sterling; the captain struck on a rock on the coast of Strangford Lock and nearly caused the loss of some merchant ships which followed him. Details of what he has done with this money: some spent on clothing for the Enniskillen and Du Cambon's regiments. Yesterday I made a division of 30,000l. sterling amongst all the regiments and sent some money on account to Van Homrigh [Van Humery?] for his expenses in carrying provision towards the frontier towns. I have sent Colonel Du Cambon to make some intrenchments, and ordered Colonel Wolseley to advance with most part of the dragoons and cavalry of the Enniskillen troops; near Cavan they took 200 cattle and horses. Refers to the enemy's method of recruiting; they take, by force, these that come to mass, and the priests conduct them to the regiments; there is more sickness amongst their troops than amongst ours. Arrangement should be made with the enemy about the exchange of two officers. Is glad that Pereyra has undertaken the carriage of provisions with the army, having always had a good opinion of his capacity. Refers to a dispute he (Schomberg) had in the committee with Lord Halifax on the subject of Pereyra, in which the latter said that Schomberg desired 'favoriser ceux de ma nation; surquoy je le repliquay que je le croyois autant de sa nation que de la mienne". We hear from England that you will leave in March for Scotland and that you will cross from there into Ireland. The passage may easily be made in summer in four or five hours. Expresses joy at the King's intended visit, which will give courage to the troops here, oblige the officers to do their duty better, and so astonish and alarm the enemy that they will be forced beyond Dublin; you will thus soon be able to return to Scotland. Approves also of the King's design to draw troops from around Dublin, Cork, and Kinsale when the enemy assemble their army at or near Drogheda. Need of capable officers. Suggests Beckman being sent to fill Glaum's place. Difficulties of sending provisions into the more distant parts. Van Homrigh, who is faithful, is not capable. Robinson shirks work.