It is surely unjust to blame him for not instantly fitting out, in such circumstances, an armament sufficient to conquer a kingdom.
Perceiving that, till the government of England was settled, it would not be in his power to interfere effectually by arms in the affairs of Ireland, he determined to try what effect negotiation would produce.
Those who judged after the event pronounced that he had not, on this occasion, shown his usual sagacity.

He ought, they said, to have known that it was absurd to expect submission from Tyrconnel.

Such however was not at the time the opinion of men who had the best means of information, and whose interest was a sufficient pledge for their sincerity.

A great meeting of noblemen and gentlemen who had property in Ireland was held, during the interregnum, at the house of the Duke of Ormond in Saint James's Square.

They advised the Prince to try whether the Lord Deputy might not be induced to capitulate on honourable and advantageous terms, [142] In truth there is strong reason to believe that Tyrconnel really wavered.