rtered on the Clare side of the Shannon; but, through the treachery
or indifference of Brigadier Clifford, who had been posted, with a
strong body of dragoons, to prevent such an attempt, Ginkell threw
across a pontoon-bridge, and sent over a large detachment of horse and
foot, on the morning of the 16th, which effectually cut off
communication between the citizens and their camp. On the 22nd he made a
feint of raising the siege, but his real object was to lull suspicion,
while he attacked the works at the Clare end of Thomond-bridge. The
position was bravely defended by Colonel Lacy, but he was obliged to
yield to overpowering numbers; and the Town-Major, fearing that the
enemy would enter in the _melee_ with the Irish, drew up the bridge. The
English gave no quarter, and, according to their own account, 600 men
were slaughtered on the spot. This was the last engagement. Sarsfield
recommended a surrender. Resistance was equally hopeless and useless; it
could only end in a fearful sacrifice of life on both sides. A parley
took place on the 23rd, and on the 24th a three days' truce was
arranged. Hostages were exchanged, and a friendly intercourse was
established. On the 3rd of October, 1691, the Treaty was signed. The
large stone is still shown which was used as a table on the occasion.
What that Treaty contained, and how it was violated, are matters which
demand a careful and impartial consideration.

[Illustration: THE TREATY STONE, LIMERICK.

This stone was placed on a handsome pedestal a few years since, by the
then Mayor of Limerick.]

[Illustration: SITE OF THE BATTLE OF AUGHRIM.]

FOOTNOTES:

[538] _Command_.--Mountcashel gave the word "right face;" it was
repeated "right about face." Colonel Hamilton and Captain Lavallin were
tried in Dublin by court-martial for the mistake, and the latter was
shot.

[539] _Arrived_.--The journals of two officers of the Williamite army
have been published in the _Ulster Arch. Jour_., and furnish some
interesting details of the subsequent campaign. One of the writers is
called Bonnivert, and was probably a French refugee; the other was Dr.
Davis, a Protestant clergyman, who obtained a captaincy in William's
army, and seemed to enjoy preaching and fighting with equal zest.

[540] _Sick_.--Harris' _Life of King William_, p. 254, 1719. Macaulay's
account of the social state of the camp, where there were so many
divines preaching, is a proof that their ministrations were not v