Recorded in the Aphorismical Discovery of Treasonable Faction, a contemporary Irish anonymous manuscript republished in John Francis Gilbert’s A Contemporary History of Affairs in Ireland, from 1641 to 1652. Letter has been rendered into modern English. Date is unknown.
Sir,
I shall be very glad to know, by your proper address, whether you came to Ireland to serve his Majesty or on the behalf of the parliament of England, if for his Majesty, you need not harbour any jealousy towards me, we are brothers of the self same action. If for the parliament, you may be sure I am your enemy, but if for neither, I cannot conceive upon what pretence or ground, for nothing that ever belonged unto you, or any of your predecessors, is held from you in this kingdom. Wherefore I would charitably advise you to abandon the kingdom and defend your own native country, and not to be accessory to the drawing of the innocent blood of such as never yet annoyed you. As for my party, you may be confident, if you be not advised as aforesaid, I will use my utmost endeavours against you (though unwilling), and do confide in God Almighty (who knows the justice of my cause, and the injustice of yours, as he gave me the victory over you one day in Germany, as you should remember yourself, if you do not too-too much halt) his Divine Providence will be pleased to make me an instrument of lessening you by your head, a fit payment of your unjust war upon this nation, so wishing you as will deserve,
Yours if you please,
OWEN O’NEILL.