The winds and waves frequently interrupted all communication between England and Ireland.

It sometimes happened that, during a fortnight or three weeks, not a word of intelligence from London reached Dublin.

Twenty English counties might be up in arms long before any rumour that an insurrection was even apprehended could reach Ulster.
Early in the spring, therefore, the leading malecontents assembled in London for the purpose of concerting an extensive plan of action, and corresponded assiduously both with France and with Ireland.
Such was the temper of the English factions when, on the twentieth of March, the new Parliament met.

The first duty which the Commons had to perform was that of choosing a Speaker.

Trevor was proposed by Lowther, was elected without opposition, and was presented and approved with the ordinary ceremonial.