[Sidenote: Panic among the Protestants.] Tyrconnel's proceedings in general had driven many Protestant families from Ireland. In June 1686, 120 went to Chester in one ship, and multitudes hastened to realise their property. The certainty of his being made Viceroy caused a greater exodus, and while he was waiting for a wind at Holyhead, Ormonde wrote that many men and more women had fled, 'but I think a less matter than the dread of my Lord Tyrconnel will fright a lady from Ireland to London.' It was natural that the men who stood their ground should wish to place their families in safety, for Clarendon reports that many merchants and others were going, though he tried to steady them by saying that all would be well. As they left Dublin their places were filled by crowds of officers who came to meet the rising sun. After his arrival Tyrconnel lost no time in proclaiming his intention of dealing justly with all according to the known laws. The prevailing terror had, he said, been much heightened 'by some few fiery spirits in the pulpits, by taking upon them to treat of matters that do not lie within their province.' The Protestants, nevertheless, continued to leave Ireland when they could, though magistrates and officers were empowered by proclamation to stop them. Many were unable to go because they could not afford the journey or because they had everything invested in stock or buildings. Officials generally stood their ground from a sense of duty, or lest their places should be taken by hostile Roman Catholics, and many clergymen were actuated by the same motives. But the drain steadily continued, and after William's invasion at a greatly increased rate.[164] [Sidenote: Lord Chancellor Porter dismissed.] Lord Chancellor Porter, though nothing could be truly said against him, proved less accommodating than was expected, and as early as June 1687 it was rumoured that he would be recalled. Tyrconnel worked incessantly to that end, and accused him of taking a bribe of 10,000_l._ from the Whigs, 'which, upon my conscience,' said Clarendon, 'is as true as that he has taken it of the Great Turk.' General MacCarthy was satisfied of Porter's probity, and Mr. Nihill, a young Roman Catholic King's Counsel, admitted that if Tyrconnel took a dislike to a man, he had 'a sly way,' and would ruin him while pretending to be reconciled. Tyrconnel emerged victorious from the obscure struggle at Court, and Porter shared Clarendon's fate. They dined together on January 4, and within a week both were recalled. The Lord Chancellor was treated with marked discourtesy, for he only heard of his removal from a third person.[165] [Sidenote: Fitton succeeds him.]