would come from Athlone to Galway, though at some personal risk. 'I observe,' he said, 'in your lordship's letter an inclination to make a distinction of persons; and truly, my lord, if that course shall not be held, I see little hope of a speedy reducing this kingdom to obedience, seeing most men are possessed of an opinion that an utter extirpation is intended, and that conceit being fomented by the priests and friars, all are falling into such a course of desperation, that being once engaged and their counsels and force united, will certainly be an occasion to lengthen the war, and draw a vast charge upon the Crown to make a complete conquest.' The only chance of peace, he thought, was in 'a just distinction between practick and passive rebels, with severity to the one and moderation to the other.' Of the citizens of Galway Forbes demanded that they should lay down their arms, admit a garrison, and place themselves under his protection, submitting absolutely to the King 'and the state of England, under whose blessed government they had enjoyed a sweet and long-continued peace.' The mayor in reply urged his grievances against Willoughby, and declined all further answer till Clanricarde had been consulted, under whose government and by whose mediation they had lately enjoyed some degree of peace. To Clanricarde himself Forbes made much the same proposals as to Ranelagh, with the additional suggestion that he should allow him to garrison Tirellan as a basis of operation against the O'Flahertys, whom the Earl had acknowledged to be 'out of protection and fit persons to receive chastisement.' The invitation to give up a convenient private residence to the soldiers who had burned his cousin's town of Timoleague was politely declined, but Clanricarde was ready to come from Loughrea and to receive Lord Forbes as a guest.[33] [Sidenote: Clanricarde's difficulties.] [Sidenote: Forbes harries co. Galway.] Peters thought Clanricarde's letter in which he excused the Galway people and laid the blame on Willoughby was well written and showed the writer to be 'a man of wisdom and parts.' In the meantime John de Burgo, titular bishop of Clonfert, let the head of his family know that no one would fight for him if he sided with Forbes. While the correspondence proceeded, a detachment from the English squadron was landed on the Clare shore, and harried the lands of Daniel and Tirlogh O'Brien, who had both helped to provision the fort. Peters says they burned 'a whole town.' Two demi-culverins were landed on the west side of Galway, but it was 'as strong and compact as most towns in Europe for houses and walls.' Forbes said he would raze the latter if the townsmen did not agree to his terms, but the task did not prove easy. In the meantime Forbes's men landed at various points on the north side of Galway Bay, burning every house and hamlet that they could reach as in an enemy's country. [Sidenote: The pragmatic chaplain.]