above two thousand
prisoners.[*]

* Parl. Hist. vol. xix. p. 165.

This loss, which threw some blemish on the military character of Ormond,
was irreparable to the royal cause. That numerous army, which, with so
much pains and difficulty, the lord lieutenant had been collecting for
more than a year, was dispersed in a moment. Cromwell soon after arrived
in Dublin, where he was welcomed with shouts and rejoicings. He hastened
to Tredah. That town was well fortified: Ormond had thrown into it a
good garrison of three thousand men, under Sir Arthur Aston, an officer
of reputation. He expected that Tredah, lying in the neighborhood of
Dublin, would first be attempted by Cromwell, and he was desirous to
employ the enemy some time in that siege, while he himself should repair
his broken forces. But Cromwell knew the importance of despatch. Having
made a breach, he ordered a general assault. Though twice repulsed with
loss, he renewed the attack, and himself, along with Ireton, led on his
men. All opposition was overborne by the furious valor of the troops.
The town was taken sword in hand; and orders being issued to give no
quarter, a cruel slaughter was made of the garrison. Even a few, who
were saved by the soldiers, satiated with blood, were next day miserably
butchered by orders from the general. One person alone of the garrison
escaped to be a messenger of this universal havoc and destruction.

Cromwell pretended to retaliate by this severe execution the cruelty of
the Irish massacre: but he well knew, that almost the whole garrison
was English; and his justice was only a barbarous policy, in order to
terrify all other garrisons from resistance. His policy, however, had
the desired effect. Having led the army without delay to Wexford, he
began to batter the town. The garrison, after a slight defence, offered
to capitulate; but before they obtained a cessation, they imprudently
neglected their guards; and the English army rushed in upon them. The
same severity was exercised as at Tredah.

Every town before which Cromwell presented himself, now opened its gates
without resistance. Ross, though strongly garrisoned, was surrendered
by Lord Taffe. Having taken Estionage, Cromwell threw a bridge over the
Barrow, and made himself master of Passage and Carrie. The English had
no further difficulties to encounter than what arose from fatigue and
the advanced season. Fluxes and contagious distempers crept in among
the sold