Derry and Limerick
terms which they had been empowered to offer. Finally, on the 3rd of October, 1691, the treaty was signed. Roman Catholics were to "enjoy such privileges in the exercise of their religion as are consistent with the laws of Ireland, or, as they did enjoy in the reign of King Charles the Second."5 The inhabitants of Limerick, and all then in arms for James, should hold all estates to which they were entitled under Charles the Second, or since, and could exercise all professions and trades as in the reign of James the Second, upon taking the oath of allegiance to William and Mary.
The Irish troops marched out "with drums beating, and colours flying." Those who wished could enter the French service. Sarsfield exhorted them, their bishops blessed them, and, on the 6th, under the eyes of Ginkel and Sarsfield, they made their decision. 12,000 grim and ragged soldiers—they were veterans by now— marched under the standard of Louis. Some 2,000 had filed off to return to their homes, or to enter the service of William.
About a fortnight later, the French arrived, but the long agony of the three years' war had ended.
Seven years later, the longer agony of the Penal Laws began.
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