Sarsfield, who commanded at Sligo, found it necessary to abandon that town, which was instantly occupied by a detachment of Kirke's troops, [260] Dublin was in consternation.

James dropped words which indicated an intention of flying to the Continent.

Evil tidings indeed came fast upon him.

Almost at the same time at which he learned that one of his armies had raised the siege of Londonderry, and that another had been routed at Newton Butler, he received intelligence scarcely less disheartening from Scotland.
It is now necessary to trace the progress of those events to which Scotland owes her political and her religious liberty, her prosperity and her civilisation..