Story himself saw papers in the late governor's room which showed that he had information as to what was going on outside. James very rightly knighted O'Regan as soon as he reached Dublin.[261] [Sidenote: King William and Ireland.] It was known at the beginning of 1690 that King William had resolved to go to Ireland in person. There was strong opposition on the part of the Whigs, who argued that there were too many active Jacobites in England for the sovereign to leave it safely. Better to lose Ireland than England, said some. Nor would he be safe himself, for his courage led him into danger, in which he furnished a strong contrast to the King of France. He was reminded of Richard II.'s fate and of his own insecure position. 'When any one at meat,' said Delamere, 'has unnecessarily risen from his chair to reach over to the other side of the table, if by design or chance his stool has been removed, who, suspecting no such thing, his breech has found the ground instead of his chair--there has been more in the company who have been pleased with it, than concerned for him.' An address against the Irish voyage was contemplated in both Houses, and might have passed had not William prorogued and afterwards dissolved the Convention Parliament. The general election was favourable to him, and preparations began in earnest. The Commons did not give all that the King wished, but they provided money enough for the immediate purpose. Harbord was superseded for a time, and the duties which Shales had neglected were committed to others. Both Houses adjourned on May 23, and did not meet again for business until after William's return from Ireland. The Government was left in Mary's hands with a special council of four Whigs and five Tories.[262] [Sidenote: William reaches Ireland.] [Sidenote: He marches towards Dublin.] [Sidenote: He Maintains discipline.]