Elizabeth I: volume 136, August 1588

IRELAND. ELIZABETH.

August 1588

Vol. CXXXVI. 1588. August—September.

Aug. 1. Dublin.

1. Capt. Christ^r Carleill to Walsyngham. Begs Walsyngham to acknowledge the Lord Deputy's kindness to him. p. 1.

Aug. 2. Dublin.

Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam and Bishop of Meath to the Privy Council. It may please your Lordships that we have longer deferred this certificate than either in reason we ought, or haply your Lordships looked for. It may please you to consider how many and weighty are the affairs which usually occur in the change of a governour, and that upon the alteration many things are to be expedited for the settling of the government, which without prejudice to Her Majesty's service cannot be deferred. This we hope will suffice for our defence in this point, humbly submitting to your Lordships' interpretation, to whom is best known what may be the "concurrencie" of business at such a time as this is. And albeit now the certificate cannot come so full as both we would and were convenient, in regard of other occasions of Her Majesty's special service which cannot be put off, yet we hope by the next to supply all defects, which by the necessity of the time we are driven to pretermit, wherein your Lordships shall not find us to omit any opportunity, in the which occasion may be taken, to advertise your Lordships at large of all things meet for your information.

Soon after the arrival of me, the Deputy, and before I had entered into the charge of the government, I acquainted the late Lord Deputy and Council in two or three several consultations with certain articles of my instructions such as tended most to know the estate of the realm, and by what course of government it might be continued in quietness, with least charges to Her Majesty and best means to increase her revenues toward the lessening of her charges. These and other items drawn from the said instructions, being debated at large, it may please your Lordships to see what was answered to them by Sir John Perrot's declaration of June 29 ult., pronounced by himself in Council and approved by the rest, the collection and abridgement whereof I thought not amiss to send to your Lordships as it was then taken at the table.

After I had taken the sword, and commissions for musters despatched into all the parts of the realm, with other matters concerning Her Majesty's general service, I entered into consideration with some of the Council (the residue being dispersed to their circuits and other employments) touching their particular parts of service following, being also grounded for the most part upon my instructions.

First, touching the arrear of Her Majesty's composition money due upon the country for many years past, we have gone through the Council Book, which is the principal record for Her Majesty for that matter; and having deduced every year's charge successively from the time of the beginning thereof, which according to the testimony of the said Council Book is from the year 1579 until the present year 1588, we have likewise set down in what years it was interrupted by the cess, or suspended upon other occasions by the governor for the time being, whereby Her Majesty took no benefit by it; and, lastly, we have drawn down what remained unpaid for every several year, and "totaled" the sum, as may appear by the collection now sent and subscribed by me, the secretary Fenton, and the auditor . . . . . ., who also maketh a charge of another year's composition, beginning in anno 1578, which he saith he findeth charged in a ledger book of Sir Edward Fitton's account, which we have caused to be also added to this certificate. We gave order also to the officers of the revenues to collect a book of Her Majesty's debts, with such particular divisions as your Lordships might see how much were sperate and how much doubtful, and upon what parties the same were to be recovered, but it is alleged the labour to be so great in digesting the book into order, for that it will consist upon many parts, as it will not be in readiness to be sent before Michaelmas next, at which time your Lordships shall be certified fully in this point.

Secondly, to the end your Lordships might particularly see the state of the garrisons and other matters of charges incident to the Clerk of the Check's office, we have caused an exact book to be made thereof and subscribed by himself, which we have now sent to your Lordships, to the which it may please you to give us leave to refer you for your more particular information.

Thirdly, where I, the Deputy, at my entry into the government thought to find some good proportion of money for answering of growing charges, the rather for that a caution was given by your Lordships not to issue any part of the last privy seal until my arrival, yet I find now by a book of particulars delivered me by Mr. Treasurer's officer, that the whole remain of money in his hands is little above 46l., as your Lordships may see by the book itself now sent. And such is the universal scarcity and want of money in the realm that it will be hard for Mr. Treasurer Wallop to borrow so much as will suffice to pay the soldiers their victualling money for the next month, or to answer any other service, how weighty soever it may be, so as it may please your Lordships, by consideration of our extremity in this point, to remember how needful it is to relieve us speedily with money, specially the time standing so broken and doubtful, and the occasions of service in this country so sudden, the remedy whereof we humbly leave to your Lordships with all the earnestness we can.

Fourthly, you shall receive herewith an inventory taken of the remain of Her Majesty's munitions within the castle of Dublin, divided into particular nature and titles, which according to the contents of the inventory are delivered over to Carewe, the now master of the ordnance, to stand upon him as a charge hereafter. And for the other remains in other places of store in the remote parts of the realm, which are also to be brought in charge to the said master of the ordnance, I, the Deputy, have despatched forth in commissions for the true "inventorying" thereof, which being certified and returned, the whole shall be engrossed in one book indented between Her Majesty and the said master of the ordnance, and in the meanwhile the remain of the store in the castle of Dublin is delivered to him by indenture for answering of all needful proportions, which are daily to be issued upon occasions for service.

Fifthly, Feagh McHugh O'Byrne, having stood out a long time, and refused to come to the State, though by Sir John Perrot all means were used to bring him, and being in that course a dangerous instrument to draw disturbance upon any advantage of the time, besides that he stood all that time upon his keeping, having at the least 100 swords after him, extorting victuals upon the country against the wills of the people. He is now come in and made his submission, and so returned to his country to book his men, and provide pledges for his dutiful behaviour hereafter. He is also to give pledges to the Earl of Ormond's officers for the answering of former spoils and hurts done upon his lordship's tenants, and ordered already against him, and the like he is to do for the satisfying of other Her Majesty's subjects upon whom he has committed spoil before.

Sixthly, we cannot as yet make any perfect certificate of the forces of this country, nor of the armour and weapons for answering of service if need should require, for that there is no return of the commissions for musters which I, the Deputy, despatched immediately after my entering into the government (neither was there any in two or three years before), which I considered as a matter most material and of a special necessity to be expedited with the first. But touching our opinions for the forces of men and munitions of the country, we concur with Sir John Perrot in the 17th article of his declaration upon this point, to the which it may please your Lordships to give us leave to refer you.

Lastly, where certain protectees of Munster have long remained in the castle of Dublin in an easy manner of imprisonment, whom now we have shut up more straightly, and that also there be divers others abroad who in this doubtful time, are as much to be doubted as they, it may please your Lordships, for that it may be feared by the coming abroad of the Spanish fleet, whereof nevertheless we have as yet no certain intelligence, that some attempt may be offered to this realm, to signify unto us your Lordships' speedy resolution whether we may restrain such of the said doubtful men that be abroad as we think it most dangerous to give furtherance to strangers, or are apt in any sort to make a party within the realm to the trouble or disturbance of things at home. This is a matter of great consequence, considering the present state of things both abroad and at home, and therefore we humbly desire your Lordships' pleasure with speed therein, that as much as may be mischiefs may be prevented as well as foreseen. Copy. pp. 3. [Entry Book, Ireland. Folios, Vol. XII., p. 159.]

Aug. 2. Dublin.

2. Robert Pypho to Walsyngham. Thanks for furtherance of his suit for the tithes of certain parsonages which have since been passed to Robert Nangle by Sir J. Perrot and to Sir Patrick Barnwall by Sir W. Fytzwylliams. Prays Walsyngham to write speedily to the Lord Deputy in his favour. p. 1.

Aug. 3. Dublin.

3. Sir G. Carewe to Burghley, to continue the augmentation of pay to his horseband. His uncle Harvie will show Sir William Stanley's patent. p. 1. Incloses,

3. I. Inventory of the store in Dublin castle delivered to Sir G. Carewe 16 July 1588. Copy. pp. 10.

Aug. 3. Dublin.

4. Sir G. Carewe to Walsyngham for a supply of munition. pp. 1¼. Incloses,

4. I. Inventory of the store in Dublin castle. Copy. pp. 10.

Aug. 3.

5. Declaration of the composition of the province of Leinster, from 1 June 1579 to 15 May 1588. pp. 5.

Aug. 9. Dublin Castle.

6. Warrant of concordatum by the Lord Deputy and Council to Sir H. Wallop for payment to Capt. Brian Fytzwylliams of 105l 4s. 4d. Copy. p. 1.

Aug. 14. Dublin.

Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to the Privy Council. On Tuesday 13th instant I received a packet from your Lordships and therein a letter from Her Majesty of the 29th of June, wherein it pleased her to express as well her pleasure concerning the Commissioners coming over for Munster about the beginning of this month, as also for the sending of such records and writings into that province as shall be needful for her service there, which according to her pleasure the Lord Chancellor Loftus and I have taken order shall be sent away with all possible speed by such trusty men as are fit for that service, and therewithal have written unto such of Her Majesty's Council here, as are appointed in commission with the Lord Chief Justice Anderson and Baron T. Gent, being now abroad upon their several circuits, to hasten their return with all possible speed, wherein nevertheless I think if the wind do serve they will be arrived in Munster before any Commissioner here can be ready to be with them. Sir Valentine Browne landed the Saturday before, being the 10th instant, who hasteth all he may to be presently gone, and to accomplish and put in readiness such parts and directions as in one of your Lordships' letters of the 4th of July is contained, wherein your Lordships' further pleasure was that knowledge should be given forthwith in Munster of the repair thither of the said Commissioners, to the end that such as can or mind to make any title of right to any of the said lands should prepare their bills and proofs of their matters against the time of the said Chief Justice Anderson and Baron Gent's arrival in that province, which accordingly the said 13th at night I despatched to the Vice-President Thomas Norreys and Council there, to be published in all the cities and market towns throughout the province.

Touching your Lordships' further pleasures in another letter of the 4th of July, I shall with all the speed and force I may make my repair into Munster, and there remain accordingly with the adventure of my life, whereof in regard of my duty to Her Highness, and Her Majesty's service, if so occasion fall out, I will, God willing, make small account. But for such forces as be in Her Majesty's pay, and which I may take with me, and best trust unto, considering the doubtful terms wherein the Irish generally rest, which now the justices of assize and other Commissioners going into Ulster have out of that province laid more open unto me and the Council than before, although formerly suspected enough, as by Sir John Perrot's declaration left here in Council, at his departure and sent unto your Lordships with my last letters might declare is not 300 of all sorts. But the comfort of the Lord Admiral's landing with 10,000, if so occasion require, and which I do presently publish and spread abroad throughout the whole realm, doth and will not only greatly encourage the poor and few number of the dutiful and faithful subjects, but likewise abate the pride of the traitorous and wicked sort, and by the goodness of God be a company sufficient to withstand the force and malice of the enemy after their landing; wherein, nevertheless, if so it might have seemed good unto Her Highness and your Lordships, I could rather have wished that 3,000 or 4,000 had here been ready both to have daunted the pride of the traitorous sort within the realm, and to have encountered the foreign enemy at his first landing, though there would have been so many the fewer to land after, but whatsoever to Her Majesty and your Lordships shall seem fit, I most humbly submit myself unto.

Mr. Treasurer Wallop's man arrived here the 10th of this month with 5,000 and odd pounds for the garrison, and 600l. or 700l. more which he should receive here in three weeks or a month, amounting in all to 6,000l., by which the soldiers may now have some relief, but I protest that if I and the Council should have stood to borrow but 300l. or 400l. before the coming of that treasure, we could not have done it; whereby in how great peril and danger the service here and country stood, having neither men, money, nor hardly any munition, I leave to your honourable grave wisdoms to judge, and do most humbly beseech your Lordships that in regard of this so dangerous time abroad, and of the weak and traitorous hearts of the Irishry, it may please you there may be for this dangerous and uncertain time some supply of all these wants. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII., p. 161.] p. 1.

Aug. 14.

7. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Burghley. It may please your Lordship, I have received your letter of the 9th of July. Understanding thereby your honourable favour showed me in the appeasing of Her Majesty's displeasure conceived for my so long abode in England, which I protest I neither did for my pleasure or any other private regard, but only by reason of my wife's extreme sickness first, and afterwards my own, for the which albeit I do confess most humbly myself bound as for an honourable testimony of your favour towards me, yet of all other testimonies, being in truth such, so many and so honourable, as I shall never be able sufficiently to acknowledge them, your grave, honourable, and godly direction of me for the government here, I do and will whilst I live most humbly embrace, as the only chief and principal, desiring God so to guide me as I may not only follow the same as a direct line leading to all perfect government, but in gratification thereof perform towards you all the parts of duty and service that shall appertain. I have sent your Lordship inclosed (for that I understand of your Lordship's indisposition to follow and frequent the court, as heretofore you have done) a copy of the letter I send this passage generally unto their Lordships of the Privy Council, most humbly beseeching your Lordships to continue your accustomed honourable regards towards this poor realm, especially that in this so ticklish and dangerous a time some good supply of such wants as be here may be sent over. p. ½. Incloses,

Aug. 14. Dublin.

7. I. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to the Privy Council. Calendared above. Copy.

Aug. 14. Dublin Castle.

8. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Walsyngham. Receipt of letters from Her Majesty. Great want of money when the 6,000l. arrived. p. ½.

Aug. 22. Limerick Castle.

9. Inventory of munitions and artillery in store in the castle of Limerick. Copy. pp. 3.

Aug. 22.

Copy of the above. [Entry Book, Ireland. Folios, Vol XII., p. 181.] pp. 3.

Aug. 22.

10. The whole remain of great ordnance, powder, and habiliments of war in Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. pp. 6.

Aug. 22.

Copy of above. [Entry Book, Ireland. Folios, Vol. XII., p. 167.]

Aug. 24. Dublin Castle.

11. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to the Privy Council. Albeit the long absence of Sir Valentine Browne, who came not hither until the 10th instant, and also the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in England, Sir Edmund Anderson, Mr. Baron Thomas Gent, and Her Majesty's Attorney General, Sir John Popham, who arrived at Waterford but the 22 instant, in which time the summer being very far spent, the Council here and I were drawn into an opinion that there would be nothing done in Munster causes this year; yet did I as I had in direction from Her Majesty and your Lordships, as well by publishing throughout that whole province the intended repair thither of the Commissioners, as also by searching and sorting of all such records; which might in any sort concern that service, put all things in a full readiness to attend their arrival. And withal took order likewise for the repair hither of the rest of the Commissioners here whose circuits ended, and they returned even about the time of the Lord Chief Justice Sir Edmund Anderson's landing, do make all the possible speed they may towards him, and will at the farthest be at Cork with him the last of this month; whither it hath not been thought convenient by me and the Council here that at this time I should make my repair, as well for that there will be there a competent number of Commissioners of the quorum, for despatch of that service, and that the Spanish Fleet is now passed through the Narrow Seas: As also by reason of the doubtful state wherein the north parts here do stand in respect of the many and variable reports of the Spanish news (being sometimes reported bad, sometimes good), and the rather through a late common rumour (confirmed while these letters were in writing by letters out of England unto some here) of the landing of sixty ships of the Spanish Fleet at Leith in Scotland, by whom the good subjects here do fear and the evil hope and wish some expedition will shortly be made towards us. In regard whereof it is here thought good that I should remain here, to the end I may with greater expedition and conveniency make towards Ulster (if occasion be offered), and to that end have presently drawn some such small number of horsemen and footmen as this garrison will afford near about Dublin, both to attend me in these services (if need be), and otherwise to be employed upon any other sudden. Where[by it may] please your Lordships to consider how hard my case is, who in so [dangerous] and troublesome a time, bearing the weighty burthen of this government over a people for the most part by nature rebellious, and (a few excepted) contemners of all godliness, have nevertheless neither men nor almost any money to make account of if cause of service should fall forth. For may it please your Lordships, being informed by Fauntleroy that there was brought hither by him 5,300l., which should be made up here within a few days 6,000l., as by my last I signified unto your Lordships, yet understanding since by conference with Mr. Treasurer Wallop, who came not hither from his house in the county of Wexford until 11 days after the landing of the treasure, that thereof there should be 2,000l., delivered unto the victualler, it may appear unto your Lordships that of the 6,000l. appointed to be delivered here for growing charges there remaineth in ready money but 3,300l., out of which Mr. Treasurer hath showed me your Lordships' warrant for the half yearly advancement aforehand of Sir John Norreys's entertainment, together with the full payment of all arrearages due unto him, amounting as by Mr. Treasurer's certificate appeareth to 1,660l. 13s. 8d. sterling, which being issued, there will rest but 2,269l. 6s. 4d. to relieve and clothe the needy and naked soldiers, and to serve any other sudden extraordinary whatsoever. Besides, may it please your Lordships, the countries have not to this day returned any musters, notwithstanding order given for the same, both by Sir John Perrot in January last, and also since my coming hither renewed by me twice, with great penalties and threats added thereunto if they should not accomplish the same, whereby your Lordships may see what cause is thereby given me to think "hardlier" of them than I will write, and how much the more Her Majesty's service may seem to be weakened if any occasion should be given to employ them. In regard of all which I protest I know not what other course I should rest upon than to be ready with these small forces which here I have to perform towards Her Majesty, with the hazard of my life a dutiful and faithful execution of that trust and charge which it hath pleased Her Highness to lay upon me, most humbly beseeching your good Lordships so to poise the premises as in your honourable consultations the miserable and dangerous state of this poor realm may be thought upon, and Her Majesty put in mind what great need there is here of some further supplies.

It may further please your Lordships, having since my coming hither, somewhat, as my leisure would permit, looked into the Exchequer causes for the arrearages and otherwise (and would therein have proceeded further between this and Michaelmas had not this commission matter of Munster drawn hence both the Council and other the Exchequer officers), I found the arrearages rise very high, and therefore considering that heretofore Her Majesty and your Lordships upon suggestions of the tenants alledging themselves either to be men of good service unrewarded, or else that the ground lay waste and tenantless, where notwithstanding great parts of the lands were by themselves or tenants inhabited and manured, have been the more easily drawn to make remittals of the said arrearages, to Her Majesty's no small charge within these few years past: May it therefore please your Lordships (if so it may seem good unto you), that hereafter no remittal of arrearages may be granted unto any whosoever unless he either show unto your Lordships from me and the Council here a relation of the truth and equity of his allegations, or else to make known unto us here the effect and reasons of their petitions in that behalf to the end your Lordships may receive from us a true certificate of the deserts of the persons, state of the lands, the sum of the arrearages, with other necessary and pertinent circumstances to be advised therein. [Autog., damaged.] pp. 2¼.

Aug. 24.

Copy of the above. [Entry Book, Ireland. Folios, Vol. XII.] pp. 163.

Aug. 24. Dublin Castle.

12. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to Burghley.—The special warrant for Sir John Norreys's imprest takes a large proportion of the 6,000l. The Spanish Fleet has now passed through the narrow Seas.— Fytzwylliam has 100 foot and 50 horse to attend him. Begs for some allowance towards his household charges. [Autog.] pp. 2.

Aug. 26. Athlone.

13. Sir R. Bingham to Burghley. It may please your honourable good Lordship, there is of late another office found for Her Majesty upon the castle and town of Sligo, with all such lands and seignories as the late Sir Donnell O'Conor of Sligo died seized of, which was before Mr. Justice R. Gardener, Mr. Justice Walshe, and myself, being appointed as Commissioners for that purpose. By this doth appear how unduly the first commission was handled, which passed against Her Majesty, and how sufficiently the escheator proceeded in his inquisition for Her Majesty; but for that I have sufficiently before this acquainted your Lordship with the circumstances of those matters, I will not now trouble your Lordship with the repetition thereof. Only this is my duty to signify unto your Honour that the office now found is by law able to overthrow whatsoever hath past against Her Majesty; and for that I perceive Her Majesty and your Honours are disposed not to lose the benefit hereof, and yet to have a favourable consideration over the young gentleman the supposed heir, I have boldly herein set down unto your Honour my opinion and advice in this matter, which I trust shall be answerable to Her Majesty's expectation and your Honours', and contenting to Donough O'Conor, for seeing Her Majesty is not minded to "depart" with this house, which may stand Her in such needful stead for the benefit of service, nor yet to deal so strictly with the young man as to leave him nothing, the "indifferentest" course to be taken is to reserve the town and castle of Sligo, with the lands and seignories in the barony of Carbury "into" Her Majesty's hands, and to consider Donough by way of gift with all his lands, rents, and seignories within the several baronies of Tireragh, Tirerrill, Lanye [now Leyny], and Collifyn [now Coolavin], as united to his house and castle of " Memlo " [qy. Moymlough, in Killoran barony of Leyny], and by grant to hold the same to him and to his heirs in such sort as shall be thought convenient. And this under your Lordship's correction is the best way, I think, fit to be taken herein. And for the supposed heir, in my judgment, he shall think himself most graciously dealt withal, to be so highly considered with that which was none of his, and the rest is the thing chiefly to be respected for Her Majesty's service, being, as it is, the only place and strength of those parts.

I have sent the copy of this office lately taken upon Sir Donnel O'Conor's lands to Mr. Francis Mylles, to whom your Honour may call for it, if it please your Lordship to see it.

This is all our news for this time, save that we rejoice much in Her Majesty's victory against the Spanish Fleet, hoping every day to have the same confirmed by letters from thence, which as yet hath not been advertised by any hither. [Autog.] pp. 1½. damaged.

Aug. 26. Athlone.

Sir R. Bingham to Walsyngham. I have received your Honour's letters signifying Her Majesty's dislike for my delivering back of the possession of Sligo castle to the supposed heir, wherein I trust I am excusable, for as I have formerly advertised your Honour, I did withstand two several commandments from my Lord Deputy and Council, and had not any warrant from your Honours to show why I should keep it, but I hope your Honours are sufficiently persuaded of mine own serviceable care in that matter. Now your Honour shall understand that Her Majesty is newly entitled by a second office to that castle and town of Sligo, with all such lands and seignories as the late Sir Donnell O'Conor died seized of, which was taken before Mr. Justice Gardener, Mr. Justice Walshe, and myself, appointed as Commissioners for that purpose, by which may appear how partially the first commission was handled in Donough O'Conor's behalf, as well in the appointing of the Commissioners themselves, as in their choosing of jurors, but it is needless to trouble your Honour with the repetition thereof, or the sufficient proceedings of the escheator in his inquisition past with Her Majesty; for I have formerly advertised your Honour of both, and this our last office is sufficient in law to overthrow whatsoever hath past against Her Majesty in this case. And it rests wholly now in Her Majesty's pleasure and your Honours' how to dispose of that house and the lands thereunto belonging, about which Donough O'Conor is now repairing to the Court to be a suitor.

Your Honour's pleasure is signified in the said letter that I should think upon some good way for the division of this land, which I have done accordingly. And in mine opinion do hold this to be the "indifferentest" course to be taken in this matter, both for the satisfying of Her Majesty's expectation and your Honour's, and for the contentment of the supposed heir, with a favourable consideration to his maintenance.

The castle and town of Sligo is a thing chiefly to be respected for the benefit of Her Majesty's service, and thereto regard must be had for the upholding of the house, and for the finding of a ward there, and that to be done without any charges to Her Majesty, as it may very well be, with an overplus yearly into Her Majesty's purse, if all be detained in her own hands, but, as I perceive, Her Majesty is not minded to deal so strictly with the young gentleman, or yet to prejudice herself so much as to leave this house out of her own hands, and therefore to satisfy both, this order may be taken. The castle and town of Sligo, with the lands, rents, and seignories in the barony of Carbury, to be wholly retained in Her Majesty's own possession; and Donough O'Conor to be considered with the gift of all his other lands, rents, and seignories in the several baronies of Tireragh, Tirerrill, Lanye [now Leyny], and Cullifin [now Coolavin] or elsewhere, as united to his house and castle of Menlo [Moymlough in Killoran, barony of Leyny], and the same to hold by grant from Her Majesty to him and to his heirs in such sort as shall be thought convenient. Thinks it not good for Her Majesty to exchange the house of Ballimote with the barony of Coren for the castle of Sligo with the barony of Carbury. Copy. [Entry Book, Ireland, Folios, Vol. XII. pp. 165, 166.] p. 1½.

Aug. 26. Athlone.

14. Sir R. Bingham to Walsyngham. Commends the bearer, Donough O'Conor, for Walsyngham's favourable consideration for the maintenance of his estate. [Autog.] p. ½.

[Aug. 26.]

15. Note of such lands in the province of Connaught as are out of lease, and are in Her Majesty's gift, to bestow where she please. In the county of Sligo some 40 quarters, viz., the castle of Sligo, with the demesnes thereof, and divers castles and lands thereunto belonging, now escheated to Her Majesty by the death of Sir Donnell O'Gonor for want of heirs lawful. County of Mayo some 30 quarters, viz., Castle Barrye, with the demesnes thereunto belonging, escheated to Her Majesty by the attainder of the late Edmund Burke, who was executed for treason. County of Clare some 12 quarters, viz., the castle of Cloon-oan and the demesnes thereunto belonging, escheated to Her Majesty by the death of Mahon O'Brien slain in action of rebellion. County of Galway, some 11 quarters, viz., the castle of Liscannan, with the demesnes thereunto belonging, escheated to Her Majesty by the attainder of . . . . (blank in original), executed for treason. Same county of Galway, the isles of Arran forfeited to Her Majesty for non-payment of the rent. County of Roscommon some 10 quarters, viz., All Hugh McTurlough Roe's lands, escheated to Her Majesty by his attainder for treason. [N.B.—Hugh McTurlough Roe is mentioned in Vol. III., p. 496, in March 1588, but not as attainted at that time.] p. 1.

[Aug. 26.]

16. Petitions of Donatus, Earl of Thomond, to the Privy Council. Prays that the Composition taken with the lords and gentlemen of Connaught may be kept inviolate, or if not that he may have his former rents and customs. His right to a chief rent upon the barony of Inchiquin. His offer to build a shire gaol in the county of Clare. p. 1.

Aug. 31. Knockfergus.

17. Captain Christopher Carleill to Walsyngham. Right Honourable, a sudden passage happening from this place into the north of England, and one of this town having some business at Carlisle, myself likewise urgently occasioned to write presently unto my wife (Walsyngham's daughter), I have presumed to direct this packet to my Lord Scroop to be conveyed to your Honour by his first post. Here I find all things in reasonable terms, for the people seem glad of my coming amongst them, howsoever they had been incensed underhand by sinister practice, but they were so well persuaded of my manner of dealing by that little acquaintance which formerly they had of me, as they could not be drawn aside. Some there be that cannot change their kind, and yet after I have been one year amongst them I hope to bring them to a better pass. As soon as I can get a little money to bear my charges I mean to fetch my wife, and to make some end of my suite with Her Majesty, wherein both for the present and always I humbly beseech your Honour's favour. [Holog.] p. 1.

Aug.

18. A note of the names of all such pledges as remain within the castle of Dublin, viz., Henry O'Neill, Arthur O'Neill, both sons to the late Shane O'Neill. Philip O'Reilly and his man. O'Donnell's four pledges, viz., Hugh Roe [O'Donnell], Donnell Goram, Owny O'Galgho, Owen M'Sweeny. Turlough Lynagh O'Neill's pledge, viz., Mahon M'Gilson. O'Cahan's pledge, viz., Ferdoragh O'Mulan. Maguire's two pledges., viz., Owen M'Hugh and James M'Manus. O'Donnelan's pledge, viz., Neyle Grome O'Donnell. Donnel Spaniagh Kavanagh's pledge, viz., Griffin Kavanagh. Feagh M'Hugh O'Byrne's three pledges, viz., Hugh O'Toole, Redmund M'Feagh, [O'Byrne], Brian M'Feagh [O'Byrne]. Walter Reaghe's pledge, viz., Kedagh O'Toole. McMalion's two pledges, viz., Brian McMahon, John O'Duffe. Morris Fitzwater's three sons, viz., Garret FitzMorris, Richard FitzMorris, James FitzMorris. Patrick FitzMaurice, [afterwards seventeenth Lord of Kerry], a Minister man. Edmund FitzGibbon, the White Knight, a Munster man. Donough M'Cormuck M'Carthy, a Munster man. John FitzEdmund FitzGerald, seneschal of Imokilly, a Munster man.

Also a note of such prisoners as remain within the castle of Dublin upon your Lordship's commandment, viz., Piers Butler FitzEdmund, Piers Butler, sheriff of Tipperary, Captain Robert Cullum, John Tompkins, Henry Birde, the Bishop of Down, John Powell.

A note of such persons as remain in the grate upon your Lordship's commandment also, viz., Con O'Neill, sent in by Sir Nicholas Bagenall. John Butler, sent in by Francis Lovell. John O'More, sent in by Mr. Barinshe. William Barry for running away with the Earl of Clancarr's son. [He was apprehended 1585–6, Feb. 12.] Dermot Doe, Art McBrian, and Laughlin O'Ferres, sent in by Sir Henry Wallop. Donough O'Nolan, sent in by Captain St. Leger. John Mettell, Catherine Danyell and Anstas Ne Hickye, brought in for "robbing of Frances" Cleyton. Donough O'Kennedy, brought in by John Vickars, and James O'Quirke, sent in by Daniel Neylan, Bishop of Kildare. pp. 3.

N.B.—This paper is dated by the writer's saying, upon your Lordship's commandment. Now William Barry was apprehended in Perrot's time, viz., 1585–6, Feb. 12.