was not in a position to do anything, though he had about 3000 men, for they were demoralised by the Rathmines disaster, and decreased daily, either by going to their own homes, 'or by the revolt of some officers and many private soldiers, the rest showing such dejection of courage, and upon all occasions of want, which are very frequent with us, venting their discontent in such dangerous words, that it was held unsafe to bring them within that distance of the enemy, as was necessary to have kept him united, and consequently, one side of the town open to receive continual supplies.' As many as forty-three troopers deserted in one batch. Colonel Mark Trevor, with a strong party of horse, was in charge of ammunition and provisions at Ardee, but was unable to approach Drogheda on the north side.[150] [Sidenote: Ormonde's treaty with O'Neill, Oct. 20.] [Sidenote: Terms of their agreement.] Even before the loss of Drogheda, Ormonde saw clearly that his only chance was in an alliance with Owen Roe O'Neill, who could still dispose of 6000 foot and 500 horse. He wrote to him immediately after the battle of Rathmines, and a few days later sent John Leslie, Bishop of Raphoe, and Audley Mervyn to confer with him. They were followed by the ubiquitous Daniel O'Neill, who was believed to have influence with his silent uncle. Immediately before the attack on Drogheda, Charles II. wrote from St. Germains to the Irish general, urging him to return to his allegiance, and Father Thomas Talbot, an elder brother of the more famous Richard, was sent by him to Ireland. Talbot was directed by Ormonde to carry his letters to Owen O'Neill, along with others for his nephew, 'and to proceed by the said Daniel his advice and direction, and not otherwise.' The negotiations ended in a treaty, but this was not concluded until October 20, and a great deal had happened in the meantime. The terms finally agreed upon were that the Kilkenny peace should include Ulster, and that O'Neill should be general of that province with 6000 foot and 800 horse. In case of his death or removal, the provincial nobility and gentry were to nominate a successor for the approval of the King's Lord Lieutenant. A part of the Ulster army co-operated with Ormonde, but O'Neill was already ill and unable to lead them himself after the capture of Drogheda.[151] [Sidenote: Dundalk and Trim abandoned] [Sidenote: Carlingford, Newry, Lisburn, and Belfast taken.] [Sidenote: Coleraine taken.] [Sidenote: Death of O'Neill, Nov. 6.] [Sidenote: His last letter to Ormonde.] [Sidenote: His character.]