The House of Commons was all of one mind.

"This is no time to be counting cost," said honest Birch, who well remembered the way in which Oliver had made war on the Irish.

"Are those brave fellows in Londonderry to be deserted?
If we lose them will not all the world cry shame upon us?
A boom across the river! Why have we not cut the boom in pieces?
Are our brethren to perish almost in sight of England, within a few hours' voyage of our shores ?" [241] Howe, the most vehement man of one party, declared that the hearts of the people were set on Ireland.
Seymour, the leader of the other party, declared that, though he had not taken part in setting up the new government, he should cordially support it in all that might be necessary for the preservation of Ireland, [242] The Commons appointed a committee to enquire into the cause of the delays and miscarriages which had been all but fatal to the Englishry of Ulster.

The officers to whose treachery or cowardice the public ascribed the calamities of Londonderry were put under arrest.

Lundy was sent to the Tower, Cunningham to the Gate House.