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strong a resemblance to tlie scheme for civilizing Ireland, tiiat I 

 have no hesitation in ascribing to him the whole honour of that 

 great undertaking. For this I have the authority of Sir John 

 Davies, who says, that " it was projected and prosecuted by the 

 special direction and care of the king himself." 



The pacification and settlement of Ireland form the most merito- 

 rious transaction of James's reign, and that in which he displayed 

 his wisdom, moderation, and consistency to the greatest advantage. 

 It is commonly spoken of as if it embraced only the six northern 

 escheated countries ; but, in fact, it included the whole island. It 

 was carried into partial operation in the inland parts and maritime 

 counties of Leinster, had made some progress in Munster, and was 

 to be extended to Connaught shortly before his death. Neither was 

 it confined to settling the lands, but was accompanied with wise, 

 equitable, and humane laws with respect to the natives, by which 

 both the great proprietors and their tenants were placed in a more 

 satisfactory and independent condition than formerly. He first qui- 

 eted the fears of the people by an act of oblivion and indemnity, 

 by which the whole body of the Irish peasantry was received into 

 his immediate protection, and even treated the connections and ad- 

 herents of Tyrone with favour and indulgence. He then issued a 

 commission of grace for securing the subjects of Ireland against the 

 claims of the crown. " James," says Leland, " who affected to 

 derive his glory from the arts of peace, resolved to dispose of the 

 forfeited lands in such a manner as might introduce all the happy 

 consequences of peace and cultivation. The experience of ages 

 bears the most honourable testimony to the design ; and Ireland 

 must gratefully acknowledge, that here were the first foundations 

 laid of its affluence and securitv." 



The city of London accepted of large grants in the county of 



