Deposition of Vrias Reade

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They did, which if I had not certainly knowne (quoth he) I would neuer Joine with them, or words to that effect, The same words <H> likewise vttered & spoken by the said Redmond Nollane in this examinants presence This examinant informeth that aboute the begining of this rebellion he being in discourse with the aboue named Andrew Bourk & wishing that the times had beene as formerly they were, the said Andrew then answeared & saide Vrias it is too late (quoth he) to wish it for it will neuer be that any Englishman (meaning the protestants) shall enioy a foote of lande in this kingdome for you will neuer see this kingdome recouered againe by England or words to that effect,
He further informeth that aboute the 15th of May last & the same time or thereabouts that his Maiestys Castle of Limerick aforesaid was closely beseidged, this examinant sawe (as he was then giuen to vnderstand being an illitorat man himsefe) an Iniunction or speciall comand sent from the Earle of Thomond to the ward of the said Castle, straitly <I> chardging & comanding them not to stirr abroade to doe any service vpon the Country people, which migh{t} easily haue bene don at that time all their prime gentlemane & most of their forces being then at the beseidging of the said Castle of Limericke, as if his Lordshipp by the same intended to disayde the protestants in the said Castle from prosecuting against the rebles in those parts or any way to weaken them or curbe their insolencies, haueing comitted before diuers murthers strippings & depredations vpon the said English, & protestants within the said Castle which then did much encouradge the disaffected partie in the said com & greatly discouradge the protestants He lastly saith that the said Earle of Thomond diuers times since the taking of the said Castle & before entertained with meate drinke & lodging the said besiedgers as namly the said Sir Donnell O Bryen knight & diuers others of them (as this deponent is credibly informed) & further he deposeth not
Vrias [mark] Reades
{marke}
Jurat coram nob:
12o May 1643
Phil: Bisse
Thomas Ellwell

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Clare
Vrias Reades Exam
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