Pointis found a general expectation that the heretics would be crushed before help could come from England. In the three southern provinces they were easily disarmed, there was a daily exodus of Protestants, and hundreds quitted Ireland at the mere news of his arrival. Tyrconnel's raw recruits were willing enough to be drilled, but they had only rusty muskets and pikes or mere sticks with nails at the end. Even the women begged on their knees for arms from France. There was no money to pay or feed them, but the number of men might be easily raised to 100,000 if none were rejected, and Lord Antrim, who hesitatingly followed his brother's footsteps, had a commission from some Highland chiefs to join his force to theirs. Present help was necessary, but in the end Pointis thought Ireland could pay her way provided the wool trade were diverted to France. An invasion of England might even be possible, and in any case, William would be kept so busy as to make it impossible for him to do anything against French interests elsewhere.[185] [Sidenote: Tyrconnel invites James to Ireland.] Captain Roth carried a letter from James to Tyrconnel, and brought back his answer, containing the same information as Pointis gave to Seignelay, and urging him to appear himself in Ireland: 500,000 crowns would be wanted at once, with at least 16,000 muskets and 12,000 swords. Many good officers should be sent, including all those who had followed their King to France. 'I beg of you,' he added, 'to consider whether you can with honour continue where you are when you may possess a kingdom of your own, plentiful of all things for human life.' He could live well in Ireland on what the King of France allowed him. Vauban wrote to the same effect. Ireland was James's last stake, and he ought to play it in person. It was his only chance, and, even if he failed, the diversion would be useful to France against her many enemies. Evidently James was not anxious to start. His insensibility and want of dignity in misfortune were generally remarked, while his Queen was praised and admired. But French and Irish opinion left him no choice, and the expedition was decided upon after he had been at St. Germain about six weeks.[186] [Sidenote: James II. in France.] [Sidenote: The Emperor.] [Sidenote: The Pope.]