The effect of those reports was that hundreds, who had long persisted in their intention of emigrating, refused at the last moment to go on board, threw down their arms, and returned to their native villages.

[138] Sarsfield perceived that one chief cause of the desertion which was thinning his army was the natural unwillingness of the men to leave their families in a state of destitution.

Cork and its neighbourhood were filled with the kindred of those who were going abroad.

Great numbers of women, many of them leading, carrying, suckling their infants, covered all the roads which led to the place of embarkation.
The Irish general, apprehensive of the effect which the entreaties and lamentations of these poor creatures could not fail to produce, put forth a proclamation, in which he assured his soldiers that they should be permitted to carry their wives and families to France.

It would be injurious to the memory of so brave and loyal a gentleman to suppose that when he made this promise he meant to break it.