The whole plain might shortly be an immense pool of stagnant water.

It might be necessary to move the troops to a healthier situation than the bank of the Shannon, and to provide for them a warmer shelter than that of tents.

The enemy would be safe till the spring.

In the spring a French army might land in Ireland; the natives might again rise in arms from Donegal to Kerry; and the war, which was now all but extinguished, might blaze forth fiercer than ever.
A negotiation was therefore opened with a sincere desire on both sides to put an end to the contest.

The chiefs of the Irish army held several consultations at which some Roman Catholic prelates and some eminent lawyers were invited to assist.