Northern Defeat(c.1680s)
For Limerick, the collapse of the Jacobite campaign around Enniskillen and Derry in the summer of 1689 marked another decisive step towards the later struggle on the Shannon. Every defeat weakened James II’s ability to defend Ireland and increased the likelihood that Limerick would eventually become the principal refuge of his remaining army. The events in Ulster exposed the Jacobites’ shortages of arms, artillery, money and coordinated leadership.
After Lord Galmoy withdrew from Enniskillen, raids and counter-raids continued across the surrounding counties. Enniskillen’s Williamite forces gathered cattle, provisions and recruits, while Galmoy attempted to keep roads open for Jacobite communications. Tyrconnell therefore planned a combined campaign. Lord Mountcashel would advance from Dublin, the Duke of Berwick would approach from the north, and Brigadier Southerland would move from the west.
Patrick Sarsfield initially cleared territory near Lough Erne, but he was redirected towards Omagh to protect the army besieging Derry. Southerland, left with a smaller force, withdrew safely towards Sligo after learning that a much larger enemy intended to surround him. The rearguard at Belturbet fought stubbornly but surrendered, losing horses, muskets and gunpowder.
Berwick raided Donegal, destroyed enemy supplies and established himself near Enniskillen. After defeating an ambush, he believed the town might be captured despite the shortage of ammunition. However, he was recalled to Derry by the French commander de Rosen. This decision allowed the Enniskilleners to strengthen their defences and receive additional troops, artillery and supplies from England.
Mountcashel arrived at Belturbet with approximately 3,600 men and seven guns. He attacked Crom Castle before learning that Colonel Berry and larger Williamite forces were approaching. Fighting near Lisnaskea and Newtownbutler ended disastrously for the Jacobites. Confused orders broke their formation, panic spread, and the army was routed. Mountcashel was wounded and captured, while large numbers of his soldiers were killed, drowned or taken prisoner.
At Derry, conditions inside the city were becoming desperate. The defenders suffered hunger and repeatedly looked towards the English fleet for relief. De Rosen attempted to force displaced civilians towards the walls, but Irish soldiers refused to carry out the order, and James commanded that the people be released. The defenders used the opportunity to send away dependants and admit stronger men.
On 28 July, English ships entered the River Foyle and broke the defensive boom. Supplies reached Derry, and the Jacobite army soon abandoned the siege. The campaign had failed despite months of effort and considerable sacrifice.
The northern setbacks also deprived the Jacobites of the rapid victory needed before a larger Williamite expedition could land. Their commanders had shown courage, but divided authority repeatedly disrupted promising operations. Without secure finances or dependable French support, Ireland’s defence increasingly rested upon exhausted troops and fortified cities farther west and south.
The loss of Derry and defeat at Newtownbutler transformed the war. Williamite resistance survived, English reinforcements could now enter Ireland, and Jacobite morale declined. The consequences would ultimately reach Limerick, whose walls, river and western position would become increasingly vital as James’s cause retreated southward..
Primary Sources
These five records directly support the account of the Enniskillen campaign, Newtownbutler, the suffering inside Derry and the breaking of the boom on the River Foyle. The supplied narrative describes Sarsfield’s redeployment, Southerland’s retreat and the loss of arms and supplies at Belturbet.
- Andrew Hamilton, A True Relation of the Actions of the Inniskilling-Men — 1690.
Written by a clergyman who described himself as both an eyewitness and participant, this is the most important primary source for the Enniskillen forces. It covers their organisation, raids, military supplies and victory over Mountcashel’s Jacobite army at Newtownbutler. (Folger Catalog) - George Walker, A True Account of the Siege of London-Derry — 1689.
Walker served as one of Derry’s governors. His published diary records the siege, shortages within the city, military engagements, negotiations, the relief fleet and the arrival of Major-General Percy Kirke after the Jacobite withdrawal. (Quod) - John Mackenzie, A Narrative of the Siege of London-Derry — 1690.
Mackenzie was a Presbyterian minister and regimental chaplain inside Derry. His account was written partly to correct what he considered mistakes and omissions in Walker’s narrative. It provides valuable evidence concerning command disputes, conditions within the garrison and the conduct of the siege. (National Library of Ireland Catalogue) - Joseph Bennet, A True and Impartial Account of the Most Material Passages in Ireland Since December 1688 — 1689.
Based on notes taken by an eyewitness who had resided in Derry, this contemporary publication describes the city’s forces, defensive preparations and the wider military situation in Ulster. It originally included a description and map of Derry. (Quod) - James FitzJames, Duke of Berwick, Memoirs of the Marshal Duke of Berwick.
Berwick, the son of James II, personally commanded Jacobite forces during the Irish campaign. His memoirs provide the opposing Jacobite perspective on operations around Derry, his march towards Enniskillen, shortages of ammunition and disagreements with the French commander de Rosen. The English edition was published in 1779 from Berwick’s own memoirs. (Google Books)
Hamilton, Walker, Mackenzie and Bennet largely represent the Williamite viewpoint. Berwick provides essential evidence from within the Jacobite command.
