34 COX. garrison besides Cork and Kinsale, yet he did not lose one inch of ground; while the neighbourhood was ren dered very disagreeable to the enemy by the frequent excursions of his troops, who returned with plunder to an immense amount, and of which he generously refused to receive the share due to his office. An instance of presence of mind which occurred during his command deserves to be recorded, particularly as it was afterwards highly commended by the distinguished Marlborough. The militia of the city of Cork, by the care and management of the governor, had been so well trained to service, that General Ginkle wrote to him for one thousand of them, to assist at the siege of Limerick, in which he was then engaged. The earlier divisions had marched to the appointed rendezvous, with perfect submission to their orders; but the last, consisting of one hundred and sixty men, absolutely refused to leave their county; and Colonel Rogers, after trying in vain every art of persuasion to induce them to fulfil their duty, rode up in despair to the governor, and informed him of the circumstance. The governor calmly answered, that he would make them march; and riding up to the mutinous division with several gentlemen, who were of opinion that the ringleaders should be severely punished, he put on as much severity as his countenance would admit o f , and inquired sternly why they did not march
One o f them was preparing t o answer, but the governor stopped him short, observing, “ that h e scorned t o use the power as signed t o him b y the government t o punish them, con sidering that some o f them might b e cuckolds, and some cowards, whose company h e did not desire; but that h e was sure, there were some o f them who were not afraid t o fight for a king and country which they loved, and that such would follow him; the others might return t o their houses.” They a l l instantly and eagerly pressed forward, and, a s i f t o wipe off the slur which had glanced a t them, behaved i n the most distinguished manner during the whole o f the siege.
