He would, he said, gather into one body all the Protestants who had remained at their homes between Charlemont and the sea, old men, women, children, many of them near in blood and affection to the defenders of Londonderry.

No protection, whatever might be the authority by which it had been given, should be respected.

The multitude thus brought together should be driven under the walls of Londonderry, and should there be starved to death in the sight of their countrymen, their friends, their kinsmen.

This was no idle threat.

Parties were instantly sent out in all directions to collect victims.