rising of 1641, received them once again into favour and protection, reversed all outlawries and attainders, and confirmed them in their estates.
And the third class, a section of those secured by treaty, had even a stronger claim. These were the "Ensignmen," those who refusing to accept the republic, or falling within the classes excluded from pardon by the Cromwellian government, had followed the royal ensigns on the continent of Europe. The shifty Lord of Inchiquin among the Protestants, and innumerable Catholics were in this class.
All these Charles was bound in honour, in justice, and by a solemn treaty, to restore; and all these he did in his Declaration explicitly promise to restore to their inheritance. At first Charles seems to have had some intention to abide by his word. Large numbers of royal letters are extant ordering the restoration of individuals such as Darcy of Plattin, and Talbot of Malahide, or of whole classes such as the citizens of Cork, and Galway.[1]
But the Cromwellians in possession, equally protected by the King's declaration, held on to what they had got. Only in those few cases where no soldier or adventurer was in possession did these "letterees," as they were called, obtain any benefit from the King's letters.
To carry out the Declaration thirty-six Com-
- ↑ In August, 1660, the King ordered the restoration of the inhabitants of Cork. In March, 1661, nothing had been done. In July, 1661, the King's orders had not yet been carried out. By the Act of Settlement these inhabitants had first to obtain decrees of Innocence before restoration. Many of them never recovered their property, though their loyalty was unquestioned.
