[Sidenote: Cromwell on liberty of conscience.] [Sidenote: Inchiquin's men join Cromwell.] Less than a week after the capture of Wexford, Cromwell marched to New Ross, on the right bank of the Barrow, below its junction with the Nore. There was then no bridge, and Ormonde with Castlehaven and Lord Montgomery of Ards were able to ferry over 2500 men into the town, many of them under Cromwell's very eyes. The governor was Lucas Taaffe, who made some show of resistance when Cromwell appeared and sent the usual summons 'to avoid effusion of blood.' Two days later a breach was effected, and Colonel Ingoldsby was chosen by lot to lead the stormers. Taaffe knew very well that the case was hopeless, and accepted the very liberal terms offered. The garrison were to march away with colours flying and with their arms, leaving the artillery behind, and 'protection from the injury and violence of the soldiers' was guaranteed to the inhabitants. Those who wished to depart with their goods were given three months to think it over. 'For what you mention,' wrote Cromwell, 'concerning liberty of conscience, I meddle not with any man's conscience, but if by liberty of conscience you mean a liberty to exercise the mass, I judge it best to use plain dealing, and to let you know, where the Parliament of England have power, that will not be allowed of.' He told Lenthall that there was nothing to prevent the garrison from recrossing the river without his leave. About 500 English soldiers of the garrison, many of them from Munster, here joined Cromwell, as they had probably been long anxious to do. There was a considerable delay after this, for Oliver was determined before moving to make a satisfactory bridge for access to Kilkenny and the interior generally. Before the work was completed Cork and Youghal surrendered, and Inchiquin's once formidable army practically ceased to exist.[155] [Sidenote: Broghill adheres to Cromwell.] [Sidenote: Broghill and Inchiquin.] [Sidenote: Cork, Kinsale, and Youghal join Cromwell. November.]