RINUCCINI TO CROMWELL, 1649 [Sidenote: Ormonde's commanding position.] [Sidenote: He tries to gain O'Neill.] [Sidenote: O'Neill, Jones and Coote.] Having pacified the Confederates and driven away Rinuccini, Ormonde was now for the moment almost master of Ireland. If he could only regain Dublin before Cromwell was ready, the chances of war and politics might yet turn in the young King's favour. He attempted to win over O'Neill, who had still 5000 foot and 300 horse, though many chiefs had deserted him and 2000 of his men had gone to Spain under O'Sullivan Bere. O'Neill was willing to accept the peace if he might be allowed 6000 foot and 800 horse at the expense of the country, but the Commissioners of Trust, with whom all such questions rested, would not agree to more than 4000 foot and 600 horse. When at last they yielded it was only on condition that the regiments of Sir Phelim O'Neill and others who had deserted the Ulster general should form part of the force. Suspecting ill-faith, Owen O'Neill turned to Jones and Monck, from whom he might expect a supply of powder, and the former actually sold him some. Ormonde then approached Michael Jones, but he refused to abandon those from whom he held his command. Coote professed himself ready to obey the King's orders as soon as his Majesty was in a position to enable him to do so safely. He was, however, deserted by some of Sir Robert Stewart's old officers, who seized Enniskillen, imprisoned Sir William Cole, and declared for the King. Ormonde pressed Charles to come to Ireland, but Scotch influences proved too strong.[138] [Sidenote: Charles II. proclaimed, February.] [Sidenote: Ormonde and Jones.] [Sidenote: Attitude of Jones.] [Sidenote: Milton and the Ulster Scots.] [Sidenote: The Scots a hired army.] [Sidenote: Ormonde and Cromwell compared.] [Sidenote: All the treaties with the Irish condemned.]