Cursed be the bad luck that assailed us! Cursed be the Irish troops who flayed us! Our great thirty thousand strong army, mustered before the walls of Limerick have never before been so frustrated. We hardly expected a fight, although we were ready for it. Capitulation was our expectation; but our advance troops were attacked with great vigour and were offered unyielding resistance - although our field artillery was heavier and far stronger than theirs. I must now admit that for twenty three days of mortal combat our army was more than matched by the fiercest fighting I have seen! During the constant bombardments and attacks – although we breached their walls – especially in the hand to hand engagements we still could not conquer! We lost very heavily in manpower and this siege of Limerick has proved to be an almost total reversal of my great victory at the Boyne! We now will be forced to march away Without the prize of Limerick! This – the only prize denied me In my Irish campaign! Damnation! I will place General de Genkel in command -he can take charge of the retreat. Our best troops failed, although Limerick may yet Be taken … but never, I regret to say by William. I never again will be seen at Limerick! Cursed be bold Sarsfield who tricked us! Cursed be the foul weather that now afflicts us! Forever cursed be the stubborn spirit of Limerick! Aah! cursed be the whole damn lot! Let’s go!