Scarcely had the House risen when a courier arrived with news that the boom on the Foyle had been broken.

He was speedily followed by a second, who announced the raising of the siege, and by a third who brought the tidings of the battle of Newton Butler.

Hope and exultation succeeded to discontent and dismay, [424] Ulster was safe; and it was confidently expected that Schomberg would speedily reconquer Leinster, Connaught, and Munster.

He was now ready to set out.

The port of Chester was the place from which he was to take his departure.