Magennis was the last powerful chief who still adhered to Shane's fortunes; the last week in the year Sidney carried fire and sword through his country, and left him not a hoof remaining.

It was to no purpose that Shane, bewildered by the rapidity with which disasters were piling themselves upon him, cried out now for pardon and peace; the deputy would not answer his letter, and nothing was talked of but his extirpation by war only.'[1] [Footnote 1: Froude, p.413.] The war, however, was interrupted by a singular calamity that befel the Derry garrison.

By the death of their commander left 'a headless people,' they suffered from want of food and clothing.

They also became the prey of a mysterious disease, against which no precautions could guard, which no medicine could cure, and by which strong men were suddenly struck dead.

By the middle of November 'the flux was reigning among them wonderfully;' many of the best men went away because there was none to stay them.