Surrender at Knockaulin

The force beaten by Dundas on KilcullenBridge had massed itself on the ancient hill at Knockaulin, and on 27 May they treated with Dundas for peace. Initial terms seem confused but the arrival of Lake on the command of Camden, set the tone of government policy. The rebels were given protections for their lives on the condition they would lay down their arms and return home, to abide by the peace and deliver up their leaders. Officially the rebel force was estimated to be about 4,00 strong, men whose sorrow and repentance seemed complete. The leaders were in this instance allowed to disperse with the rest of the rebel army when the treaty was concluded on 28 May, Whit Monday.

The peace was mainly due to Dundas' clemency and he had personally ascended the hill to accept the terms. Lake it seemed was prepared to blast the rebels into oblivion with the troops he had on hand near the avenue at Castlemartin. Despite his critics in Dublin Dundas achieved immediate results. He received news that another large rebel force, assembled on the Gibbet Rath, on the Curragh, were prepared to surrender on similar terms.


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