Cromwell Outwitted

From The Dublin Penny Journal, Volume 2, Number 102, June 14, 1834

Castlemagner, in the county of Cork, belonged to Richard Magner; he was agent for the Irish inhabitants of Orrery and Kilmore. When Cromwell was at Clonmel, he went to see him; but being represented as a troublesome person, who had been active in the rebellion, Cromwell sent him with a letter to Colonel Phare, the governor of Cork, in which was an order to execute the bearer. Magner, who suspected foul play, had scarce left Clonmel when he opened the letter, read it, and re-sealing it, instead of proceeding to Cork, turned off to Mallow, and delivered it to the officer who commanded there, with directions as from Cromwell, for him to deliver it to Colonel Phare. This officer had often preyed upon Magner's lands, for which he was resolved to be revenged. The officer suspecting no deceit, went with the letter, which greatly amazed the governor, who knew him; and immediately sent an express to Cromwell for further directions, who, being much chagrined to be so treated, sent orders to have the officer released, and to apprehend Magner, but he had taken care to get out of his reach.