The Lord Lieutenant was absent.
There was no Lord Deputy.

There were no Lords Justices.

The Act by which Tyrconnel had delegated his authority to a junto composed of his creatures was a mere nullity.

The nation was therefore left without any legitimate chief, and might, without violating the allegiance due to the Crown, make temporary provision for its own safety.

A deputation was sent to inform Berwick that he had assumed a power to which he had no right, but that nevertheless the army and people of Ireland would willingly acknowledge him as their head if he would consent to govern by the advice of a council truly Irish.