Hugh O'Conor, son of O'Conor of Ballintober, titular prince of Connaught, and on 2nd March, in the same year, he took Con O'Rourke and most of his associates prisoners, as they were engaged in an expedition for the purpose of plundering Roscommon. Soon after this he sallied out with his garrison from Castle Coote, and falling upon a party in their camp at Creggs, gave them a total defeat, taking all their baggage and provisions. He continued to pay the necessary attention towards sup plying his garrison with all the needful comforts of life, and for this purpose seized on a valuable booty at Ballynasloe, and struck such terror into the neighbouring country, that he and his men could supply themselves with provisions and drink in abundance. Nor was he unmindful of others; for in Easter-week he relieved Athlone, by throwing into it a valuable store of provisions and other necessaries. On the 16th of February, 1643, he and his brother Richard were appointed by a commission to the office of collector and receiver-general of the King's composition money, rent, and arrears in Connaught, and in the county of Clare. About the beginning of 1644, he was one of the agents sent over by his party to Charles, at Oxford, with a view to negotiate for peace; and thereby put a stop to the miseries of civil war. In this he, unhappily, did not succeed; and the work of destruction continuing, he speedily distinguished himself by his bravery and enterprise. In 1646 he drove off to a distance the forces which, in a manner, kept Dublin besieged. In May 1647, he defeated his enemies, killing several thousands, and had from time to time skirmishes with them, in which many of their leaders were taken. In the October following,he joined his forces with Colonel Jones and Colonel Monk, and took several castles, and marching into the enemy's country, he burned a great store of corn, and brought off a valuable booty. For this and other achievements, the Parliament voted their thanks to him, and sent him a letter expressive of their approbation. In 1649 he had to encounter great difficulties, being besieged
