James II
indeed, raised, suspected persons were disarmed, and sometimes roughly treated, and proclamations were issued, promising an amnesty to all who would lay down their arms, and threatening with punishment any who should continue in rebellion.65 But no considerable military operations were attempted; and the insurgents, emboldened by impunity, became daily more numerous and more daring.
But the turn of events in England soon taught Tyrconnell that the hour for moderation had gone by. In December James fled the country; on February 6th the throne was pronounced vacant; and on the 13th of the same month the Convention offered the Crown to the Prince and Princess of Orange.
With the accomplishment of the English Revolution the first part of Lord Tyrconnell's administration may be said to end. In describing the measures adopted by that nobleman and his advisers before the abdication of James I have hitherto confined myself strictly to a narrative of facts. I shall now proceed to a brief examination of the charges which have been made against the Jacobite government and of the arguments which have, with more or less plausibility, been adduced in their behalf.
According to all modern notions the removal
158
