Elizabeth I: volume 159, August 1591

August 1591

Aug. 4.

28. Memorial of divers things for consideration, namely, that a composition be made in Munster. That it be foreseen that Captain Warren have not the government of Claneboy, which Carleill now holdeth, lest by Warren's means the Earl of Tyrone should usurp the rule of that country. That the office which Sir Geffery Fenton holdeth of the cessorship in the English Pale, by which he hath out of every barony 4l by year, whereby the Queen's cess is diminished, may cease. To examine why two farms of Her Majesty's in the English Pale, whereof one is called Kilmacruddock, which were appointed to be annexed to the Secretary's office, were not annexed, but granted to others. To consider the following items: religion, treasons, the great brass pieces of cannon and demi-cannon in Connaught, taken from the Spanish ships wrecked there; the refusal of Sir Edward Moore's offer of the cows reserved in Ulster at 12s. the cow; the abuses in the musters and orders for the redress of the same; the revenue and expenditure for last year; the accounts of Jaques Wingfield, and how his lands, goods, and chattels may be stayed for the answering of his debts; the revising of the book of the reservations of rents; the assignment to the Earl of Tyrone of the beeves in O'Conor's country towards the payment of part of the 100 marks which he has from Her Majesty; escheated lands. pp. 4½.

Aug. 4. Kilmainham.

29. W. Fitzwilliam, Lord Deputy, to the Lords of the Council, Commissioners in Sir John Perrot's causes. George Woods, a Scottishman, hath arrived at Drogheda and brought with him a priest and some advertisements of a very recent date from Edmund. Palmer. The priest is but a simple man, but the advertisements he brings concur in substance with James Jans's declaration which "I lately sent" your Lordships from Dundalk by my servant Chichester. See p. 404, No. 9. p. ½. Incloses,

29 I. Edmund Palmer to the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam. The bearer, Sir Jhames, a priest, an Irishman, much commended for his good service in conveying Sir Francis Walsyngham's intelligencers. He is a mortal enemy of traitors and discoverer of their pretences. Has sent the original of the inclosed intercepted letter to Sir Thomas Henage. The bearer, Sir James, has been obliged to fly, being suspected as a spy.[Hol.] 1591, June 18–28. St. John de Luz. p. 1¼.

29 II. Francis Lockwood to Robert (qy. Taler), at Douay. His intended journey towards Yorkshire. Mr. Coulinge intends to return to England in a year. Father Parsons has reconciled 60 Englishmen who were in the gallies at the port called St. Mary's, in Andalusia. The new seminary in Valladolid. 1591, April 5–15. St. Sebastians. [This is the copy of the above-mentioned intercepted letter.] p. 1.

29 III. Edmund Palmer to the Lord Deputy Fytswylliam. Great quantities of ships and soldiers in preparation. The Marquis de Santa Cruse's brother goes general. Philip II. is at the Escurial. The Marquis de Mondeshar has been put to death. The Conde de Barajes, Supreme of all the King's Councils, commanded to retire to his house. The Viceroy of Arragon slain. Sir William Stanley is at Madrid. The Duke of Savoy is departed by way of Barcelona with great store of treasure in ready coin. Parsons, the English Jesuit, is in Madrid. He is all in all with the King, and is the King's Confessor. He hath gotten of the King two colleges for Englishmen, the one at St. Lucar, in South Spain, and the other in Valladolid, in Old Castile. These will cause much villainy to be practised in England, and from their seminary of Valladolid there are gone for England 10 seminary priests, the copy of one of their letters I do send you in a letter, per one Sir James, who was the discoverer thereof, and 1 hope they will be taken. For the good mind and zeal that this Sir James hath always borne to Her Majesty and country, I have entreated the bearer hereof, George Woodes, a Scottishman, to take him home with him, for it was his desire. Palmer requests Fytzwylliam to be good lord unto Sir James. Yesterday four ships of the King's departed from Fontarabia. They are going to Blewet or Newhaven (now Havre de Grace.) 1591, July 13–23, St. Jean de Luz. [Hol.] pp. 3¼.

Aug. 8.

30. John Bingham to Burghley. The manner of his examination before the Lord Deputy and Commissioners concerning O'Rourke's picture, which was drawn at a garran's tail in derision of her Majesty, and the threatening language used by the Lord Deputy on his hesitating to affirm positively that he had acquainted his brother, Sir Richard, with the same. He begs Burghley's protection. [Hol.] pp. 1½.

Aug. 9. Kilmainham.

31. Deposition of James Jans relative to the message sent from the Groin by John Lacy to William Nugent, brother to the Baron of Delvin. [Copy, certified by the Lord Deputy and Council.] p. 1.

Aug. 10.

32. Warrant from Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy that John Talbot, of castle Ring, in the county of Louth, be made Sheriff of McMahon's country during pleasure. Draft by Burghley. p. 1.

Aug. 11. Farnham Castle.

33. Warrant from Queen Elizabeth to the Lord Deputy. Captain Anthony Dearing, now returning to Ireland, to have his former pension of six shillings per diem paid to him from the 24th of June last. [Draft indorsed by Burghley.] p. 1.

Aug 11.

34. Articles concerning causes ecclesiastical and matters of justice and the better ordering of Her Majesty's treasure, and the revenues to be considered by the Lord Deputy and Council, sent after Sir Robert Gardener, the Chief Justice there. pp. 14.

Aug. 11.

35. Draft of the above. 8 pp.

Aug. 11. Athlone.

36. Sir R. Bingham to the Lord Chancellor and others [commissioners for Sir John Perrot's causes.] Alludes to the four special articles which he has been required to answer. Complains of the hard course lately used towards him by Fytzwylliam, Loftus, and Sir Robert Dillon at his examination. Their malicious wresting of his replies from their true meaning to his ruin and destruction, p. 1.

Aug. 11. Dublin.

37. Captain Thomas Lee to Burghley. A hard construction made by the Lord Deputy of the letters he brought from the Council. Prays that their Lordships' meaning may be expressly signified which is touching the pay and allowance for himself and his 20 horsemen. To write to Sir Henry Wallop, to take in his imprest bills, and other warrants for the rents and arrearage he owes. The bill left with Mr. Darcy by Her Majesty's own appointment to be signed. Fears his great misfortune by fire came by some of Sir N. White's friends. p. 1.

Aug. 12. Dublin.

38. Hugh Earl of Tirone to Burghley. His marriage with Sir Henry Bagenall's sister without his privity. Sir Henry is not unlike to aggravate complaints against him. Begs Burghley not to credit any sinister information, as nothing has been done in this ill-beseeming him in duty or in honour. [Autog.] p. 1.

Aug. 13. The Newry.

39. Sir H. Bagenall to Burghley. Complains of the Earl of Tirone's marriage with his sister, and disavows any share or complicity therein. Having procured the good liking of the girl, he took advantage of her years, and caused her to steal away with one William Warren, at whose house the Bishop of Meath stood in readiness and married them at four of the clock. His grief is unspeakable, that the blood which in his father and himself has often been spilled in repressing this rebellious race should now be mingled with so traitorous a stock and kindred. He will hold a more vigilant eye on that Earl's actions than ever heretofore. [Autog. Seal with arms.] p. 1¼.

Aug. 13. Newry.

40. Similar letter to the Privy Council. [Not signed but has been sealed.] p. 1½.

Aug. 13. Kilmainham.

41. The Lord Deputy, Lord Chancellor, and the Bishop of Meath to the Privy Council. 500 men cannot be levied without pay. James Jans reports that the invaders will be no fewer than 10,000 men, and will be on their way by the last of August. 400l. dis bursed for the fort of Duncannon. The grounds whereon Netterville, Aylmer, and other recusants were lately convented, there being scarcely a house of the better sort where at least one seminary priest is not cherished. pp. 2½.

Aug. 13. Kilmainham.

42. Deposition of Captain Edmund Barrett to certain interrogatories sent out of England. He knew O'Conor Sligo, but never had any conference with him of the state of England or Ireland. He knows not any Archbishop of Tuam beyond the seas, never was beyond the seas, and never wrote to any such Archbishop. Indorsed by Burghley. p. 1.

Aug. 13.

43. Memorandum indorsed in the handwriting of Thomas Philippes, the decipherer, relative to the copies of two letters written in March was twelvemonth to an Irish Bishop at Antwerp, called the Archbishop of Tuam, since deceased. They were brought hither since Mr. Secretary Walsingham's death by one that was employed by him, and who recovered them by a secret means on that side the sea. They were delivered to the Queen nine or ten months since. One appears to have been written by one Barrett, a servant of the Earl of Essex, the other by the said Barrett at the instigation of O'Conor Sligo. The person who recovered the letters said there were two Barretts, brothers, one of them a soldier, both affectionate to further the Spanish party in Ireland, as by More they sent word to the Bishop, and one of them who, as it is supposed, wrote the letter, went with a charge at the very same time into Ireland, where he now remains. The other Barrett having been examined touching these points utterly denies the same, only he confesses that he has been ill-affected in religion, but says he is reformed. p. 1.

Aug. 13.

44. Articles to be ministered to [Donoghe] O'Conor Sligo, in Thomas Phelippes's hand. Calendared above, p. 371, No. 34, where Donoghe O'Conor Sligo's answer, endorsed 1590, Nov., in Burghley's hand, is also calendared. p. 1. The inquisition on O'Conor Sligo's death is dated 4th March 1587–8.

Aug. 13.

45. Copy of the above, with like articles to be ministered to Barret. p. 1.

See Aug. 13.

46. [Donagh] O'Conor Sligo to the Archbishop of Tuam at Antwerp. Commends the bearer, the son of Robert More, brother to the late Rory Oge O'More, who is intending to enter the service of the Spanish King, and begs his favour for the advancement of the said Mr. More. The bearer will report particulars of all the proceedings here. In Connaught, O'Rourke is proclaimed, and has great force. He has 24 Spaniards who train his kerne daily. They serve with pikes and armour, such as was found in the country that remained of the last Spanish fleet's furniture. Sir Richard Bingham is 1,500 strong, with the rising out of the Earls of Clanricarde and Thomond. Victual is so scarce among the English as that they slay one another about sharing of beef. The last overthrow of the Spaniards and the Duke de Mayenne [by Henri IV.] is exalted and celebrated with bonfires. I need not to admonish you of the heresy, and the number of their sects; God send succour to the Catholics among them in time. The Bourkes will come in to Sir Richard Bingham, McWilliam lost one of his legs. Sir Moragh Ne Doe O'Flaherty, Teig O'Kelly and O'Doud are committed. Every private gentleman that is quiet is constrained to give his chief pledge, so as no hope remains, but in O'Rourke only.

The county of Sligo is all waste. Donagh McCahelly, alias O'Conor, is here very poor and likely to recover the most part of his country excepting always Sligo, Ballimote, and all his chief houses. Hugh Gavelagh McShane O'Neill is hanged by the Earl of Tirone's own hands who remains now prisoner here for the same and other causes. The Earl of Ormond, who shall be general of the forces of Ireland, his son and heir is dead to his no small grief. 1589–90, March 17. pp. 2. [It is to be remarked that Phelippes indorses this copy, "Occonnor Sligo, his letter," the same individual is called Donaghe McCahelly, alias Occonor, in this last paragraph; and he is called Donough McCale Oge, in 1588, May 15, No. 26].

Mar. 17.

47. Copy of the above. with marginal notes by Burghley. pp. 2.

See Aug. 13.

48. Barrett to the Archbishop of Tuam. The forces ready for France will be but a show in bonâ fide. The Lord Admiral is very weak and sickly, and so is Mr. Secretary Walsyngham and the Lord Treasurer Burghley is every fortnight ready to go to his home. The ships will not be victualled, let them do all they can, this month. There are 30 ships of the Queen's, and eight a making. As for the best soldiers, the most part of them were lost in the Portugal voyage, and the realm is very populous, but for all that they are not able to make 4,000 expert soldiers, but let it be a maximum of 10,000. Three meals lack of victuals and good lodging will do as much slaughter among them as a whole row of cannon. The nobles of your country [Note by Burghley, "Written by no Irishman,"] are not so much grieved at anything as that they hear their countrymen are never exalted to any place of office in the field, but are constrained to live under the leading of [Stanley] an Englishman. They would vastly prefer to live under the conduct of a Castilian, with whom they are in affinity since Hyberus à quo dicitur Hibernia, and in religion agreeing ever in one. Captain Jacques has great experience in the manner of the Irish wars. I wish you would send to your country New Testaments, Resolutions, Memorials, Meditations for the seven days, and such like translated into the vulgar tongue, also some seminary priests of your own country, as the English priests, though they do much good here, cannot brook our hard country. 1589–90. March 18. Indorsed by Thomas Phelippes. [From internal evidence these two letters appear to be forgeries, a view which is supported by Burghley's marginal note and underlinings.] pp. 1½.

[Aug. 13.]

49. Copy of the above. pp. 1½.

Aug. 14. Dublin.

50. Roger Wilbraham to Burghley. Thanks for assigning to his creditors 120l. Here have been this summer many accusations preferred for traitorous words. Some have been executed for them, and others are like to receive their deserts the next term. I can judge no further than by the oath and conscience of witnesses, yet to open my heart to God and your Lordship, I believe most of the accusations proceeded of the malice of informers; yet likely to be true, for some have suffered for expressing their desire of the approach of the Spaniards. They have accused Sir Robert Dillon of relieving and taking rewards of known traitors, but the evidence was not sufficient. The purpose of William Nugent and his accomplices, the accusers, seems to be to disgrace Dillon, so that he may be removed from the Privy Council. Viscount Gormanstown has caused Mr. Plunkett, the Sheriff of Meath, to be indicted of wilful murder for killing one Patrick Oge McMaghown, a notorious rebel and night spoiler of the borders. I pray God there be not too many among us who desire innovation, neither liking to have justices nor sheriffs. I wish the accused speedy trial for their delivery, if their innocency will bear it, lest the services of other fearful magistrates of this country birth, whom her Majesty must needs use, being disanimated, become less profitable. You have been pleased to appoint to me the execution of the Queen's Attorney's place. I assure you it will not be 10l. per annum gain to me, yet I will endeavour to spend my youth and best years faithfully to serve Her Majesty, hoping she may hereafter employ me in some inferior office in England, that the example of my preferment may encourage others to undertake service in foreign parts. Holog. p. 1.

Aug. 15. Dublin.

51. William Nugent to Burghley. A detailed account of the accusation of maladministration of justice, which he has laid against Sir Robert Dillon, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and of the proceedings taken therein. On Wednesday, the 4th August, I delivered to the Lords of Gormanstown, Delvin, and Howth, an information, a copy is enclosed, requiring them to deliver the same to the Lord Deputy and Council. Two days afterwards I was called before the Lord Deputy, the Lord Chancellor, and the Bishop Jones of Meath. After showing me the paper and asking if that were my hand, to which I confessed,then said the Lord Deputy to this effect, "Master William, you have entered into an action here wherein you have done as becomes a good subject, if the matters be true. If not, and that you cannot prove them, you have dealt in a dangerous and great matter against one of the Privy Council and a Chief Judge in this realm. What proof can you bring us of these things ?" I answered, "My Lord, I know your Lordship and my Lords here are both too faithful and too wise to admit exception of persons in the Queen's cause, and, therefore, if that course be followed which I shall lay down, and which is ordinary in like cases, then will I bring forth my proofs; otherwise I may not with mine own safety, but especially for hindering Her Majesty's service, show them." Herewith my Lord Deputy seemed to be somewhat altered, and asked, "Do you say then that except we commit Sir Robert Dillon you will not show us your proofs ?" I answered, "Yea, my Lord. "Then said my Lord, "Mr. Solicitor, write what he says," which Mr. Solicitor did. Then my Lord, something moved, uttered a few choleric words, imagining that I had suspected him of partiality and favour towards the party accused. Wherefore I besought his Lordship, like as he caused my former words to be written, so would he also do the reason which I would yield for the same, which I prayed that he would hear patiently. And then his Lordship giving me hearing, I said, "My Lord, the reason that makes me hold it dangerous to allege my proofs is: Sir Robert Dillon is a man of great authority and countenance, and if he shall be seen at liberty being accused of so great matters as these are, contrary to the course holden against others of his sort, those persons who are able to prove the articles will be discouraged to stand before your Lordship to that they have informed me. Moreover, upon the examinations of those whom I should produce, some one might, peradventure, disclose what interrogatories he had been examined upon, which from one to another might come to his own knowledge, and then he being at liberty might practise with such as he knows were privy to his dealings, and so work that the matters should be smothered and choked up." Then said my Lord Chancellor, "Mr. Nugent, show some proofs, or else you may hinder the service." Then quoth I, "For some proof of the first article. The very same day that those two brethren had accused either other to Sir Robert of treason, Walker Cusack came to Clonardrane in great fear, and told Jenet Cusack the whole of that discourse, betaking unto her his lease to keep. She, the same day, told it to Patrick Bermingham. She told it also to John Pluncket, her husband, and Robert Cusack told the same Bermingham that his brother Walter had accused him of treason." My Lord then asked me whether I had any proofs for the rest of the articles. I said I would be lothe to bring before his Lordship and that board any proof but such as should answer their expectation, and told them I doubted not to get proof of all the rest, but that the same was not yet so ripe as I thought meet to bring before their Lordships. Then my Lord, having caused the solicitor to write to certain gentlemen a commission for apprehending the two brothers, willed him to take me into the next chamber. After I had remained there towards an hour, in which mean while Sir Robert Dillon, I think, was brought before their Lordships, Mr. Solicitor brought me before them again. Then said my Lord Deputy, "We have committed this gentleman to the Castle. Now will you show your proofs ?" I said I would, and if it pleased his Lordship to respite me until the next morning I would bring them in writing. But then, I told him, I could not travel that night with the commission if I stayed to bring the proofs next morning. Then was it concluded I should bring them to the council chamber in Dublin at six in the afternoon, which I did, and there prayed that certain the brethren and servants of Sir Robert Dillon might be committed and examined for the Queen's advantage, and also lest they being at liberty might shift out of the way his money, plate, and such like, but especially any writings lying in his studies at Dublin, or at his houses in the country, which 1 prayed might be searched by persons of trust. My Lord asked if I had aught to accuse them of. I answered, No. Then he thought it no reason to commit them, where nothing was laid to their charge, but his Lordship willed Simon Wilde or Wile, Sir Robert Dillon's secretary, to be stayed in town, and I caused Mr. Solicitor to note another of his servants, viz., William Ivers, to be committed for that he brought a threatening message to Walter Cusack, that if he would not sell his interest in the Rosse of Scrine to Sir Robert he would have his head.

Thus I departed from their Lordships and rode by night with the Commission, and within a mile or two of Sir Robert's house heard it reported that Simon Wylde was come at midnight to Lady Dillon, at Riverstone. I imagined that he rode not in that extraordinary time and haste only to bring the lady tidings of her husband's committal. There having delivered the commission, the commissioner rode straight to Gerardstowne to apprehend Robert Cusack, who was gone to my Lord Deputy before being, as his people told, sent for by his Lordship, which I believed not at that time, but judged that he had some secret warning sent him to prevent the commission, wherein was inhibited that he should have conference with any before he came to his Lordship. I returned with all possible speed, and arrived at Dublin that night. The next day, being Sunday, 8th August, I was before the Lord Deputy and Council at Kilmainham in the afternoon, where I told what I heard of Simon Wilde, and moved my Lords that he might he committed and examined. My Lord Deputy sent to the Lady Dillon for him, who promised to send him to his Lordship, but afterwards she sent by one of her servants to the Bishop of Meath that she had licensed Wild to go about his harvest, and since understood that he was gotten into England. This was not only without license or passport, but also upon a stay of shipping commanded by the Lord Deputy and Council. The other of Sir Robert's servants whom I wished to be committed, William Ivers, has not yet been before their Lordships to be examined, for on Thursday last, the 12th, he was overseeing his harvest at his dwelling in the country, whereby I am moved to think that the pursuivants and others whom their Lordships trust in this business, omit some diligence. The Solicitor and Nathaniel Dillon, Clerk of the Council, took the search of his houses at Riverstone and the Bective, on Saturday afternoon. Thus far of the proceedings. pp. 3. Inclosing,

51. I. The articles preferred against Sir Robert Dillon by William Nugent. 1. Concealment of the treason of Robert Cusack, who threshed his corn by night in time of conspiracy, by which the said Sir R. Dillon extorted an easy purchase of land from his brother, Walter Cusack. 2. Receiving 12 kine from the late notorious traitor, Brian M'Ferroll Oge O'Reilly, when in open rebellion. 3. Procuring a false record to be made to intitle O'Conor Sligo to Sligo, upon the death of his predecessor, Donnell O'Conor Sligo, for 100 kine. 4. Inciting the Earl of Tirone to hang Hugh Gavelagh, the son of Shane O'Neill, which the said Earl Jiad been charged by the Lord Chancellor on his allegiance not to do. 5. Receiving a horse from Brian McHugh Oge McMahon when in open rebellion, and after his having burned the monastery of Clones. 6. Taking a bribe of 40l. to secure that the seignory of O'Ferrall Boy should not be divided amongst the O'Ferralls. 7. Dismissing one Melaghlin Moyle M'Congawney, a felon convicted by a jury. 8. Having conference in England with Parsons the Jesuit; and also, 9. Sir Robert Dillon said it were good for Ireland that there were never a nobleman in it, and no harm for England if there were not any there either. Under the hand of William Nugent. pp. 2½.

[Aug. 16.] St. Patrick's, Dublin.

52. Further examination of Christopher Preston, Viscount Gormanston, before the Commissioners, relative to the perversion of justice by Sir Robert Dillon. Sir Robert Dillon denied having said that he met the Lord of Gormanstown in the street, "and looked upon him as the Dyvell looked over Lincolne." Signed by Loftus, Sir Henry Bagnall, Sir Robert Gardener, and Wilbraham.

Aug. 16. The North Door of Paul's Church, in London.

53. Milerus Magrath, Archbishop of Cashel, to Burghley. Has conferred with John O'Moynaghan, who has long continued in strange countries. Commends him for preferment to an ecclesiastical charge in Ireland not good enough for an Englishman. [Hol.] p. 1.

Aug. 16. Hilbrey.

54. Mr. Nathaniel Dillon to Burghley. Has arrived with the seven prisoners, viz., Captain Francis Barcghley, Theobald Dillon, Teig Dillon, — Haly,— Nash, Edward Whyte, Creagh, and Sex. Takes his course for London in company with Maunder, the pursuivant. [It is possible that Creagh was not sent although Burghley has noted his name in the margin.] Hol. p. 1.

Aug. 17. Kilmainham.

55. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Receipt of the letters in behalf of Mrs. Ellice Butler, with her answers to certain points touching the lease of Saint Katherines. Richard Ailward's grief that Burghley should conceive hardly of him and his dealings in the trust reposed in him by old Mr. Sherlock. I was about to deal with the said Richard Ailwarde, according to your Lordship's instructions, but on receipt of his petition enclosed, forbore further proceedings. p. 1. Incloses,

55 I. Petition of Richard Ailwarde, of Waterford, gent., to the Lord Deputy, touching the slanderous and uncharitable informations declared to Lord Burghley by Mrs. Ellis Butler and some other on her behalf, prays that a hearing may be granted him by Lord Burghley, to whose final order he will humbly submit himself. [Autog.] p. 1.

[Aug. 20.]

56. Petition of Robert Caddell to Burghley, to make order to Sir Henry Wallop to pay over to him and others 91l. 16s., stayed on certain captains for victualling money for horse and foot, cessed on Dublin county in Sir John Perrott's Deputation. Also for Mr. Brian Fitzwilliam's debts of 62l. p. 1.

[Aug. 20.]

57. Petition of the inhabitants of several baronies in county Dublin by their agent, Robert Caddell, to the Privy Council. For payment of 125l. 18s. 2d., due upon Sir William Russell for the victualling of his band of horsemen long since, p. 1.

Aug. 21. Kilmainham.

58. Lord Deputy and Council, viz., Bishops Loftus and Jones, to the Privy Council. Relate the particulars of the marriage between the Earl of Tirone and the youngest daughter of Sir Nicholas Bagenall, late Marshal of Her Majesty's Army and sister to the now Marshal, of the age of twenty years. Since the death of the Earl's late wife, who was O'Donnell's daughter, he has borne a wonderful affection to the gentlewoman whom he now enjoys, and most earnestly has solicited Sir Henry Bagenall's consent, which he has always steadfastly refused, doubting how Her Majesty and your Lordships would conceive of the matching of his sister to so great an estate of the Irishry, and considering the incivility of the Earl's country not agreeing with his sister's education, and the uncertainty of a jointure to be allotted for her maintenance in case of the Earl's death. Details of the proceeding. Autogs. pp. 2.

Aug. 23.

59. Auditor Chr. Peyton to Burghley. For the signing of letters for his despatch for Ireland. Hol. p. 1.

Aug. 24.

60. Lord Deputy to the Privy Council in England. Has granted license to the bearer, Captain William Peers, an old and faithful servitor grown into great years, dwelling at the Abbey of Tresternaghe, in Westmeath, where he hath done good service as a justice of peace, to repair to England, that he may behold and do his duty to Her Majesty and your Lordships before he dies, whereby he says he should be greatly comforted. Copy. p. ½.

Aug. 25. Drogheda.

61. Edward Bath, Mayor, and Corporation of Drogheda, to Burghley. Trade is decayed through the over great charges of custom upon English wares and yarn, which we would willingly pay if ability served. We are like to perish and to turn ourselves to tillage, as some have done already. They pray that he would be pleased to favour their petitions for the repairing of their bridge, which is a thoroughfare from the English Pale to the north. Their quay is all decayed. Pray for the payment of the 250l. owing to them for the Spaniard's diets. [Autog.] p. 1.

Aug. 27. Kilmainham.

62. Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to the Privy Council. His further dealing with some of the old captains, touching the levy of 400 or 500, without pay. The captains say that without imprest and furniture it would be impossible to levy a company, as none of the Irish would be induced to leave there friends, and if there came a discharge they would sell away their furniture, or if the enemy should land in superior numbers, they would revolt, seeing that many of them, having formerly been in her Majesty's pay and then discharged, do now live in great discontent. The treasure arrived August 21. [Autog.] p. 1.

Aug. 27. Cork.

63. Sir Thomas Norreys to Burghley. Report for the year of the progress made in repairing the fort of Duncannon. Donnell McCarty, base son of the Earl of Clancarty, hath spoiled the Abbey of Bantry. Great abuse in drawing many poor people from Munster to Dublin by writs, to their utter undoing, for trespasses most times not to the value of a shilling. [Autog.] p. 1½.

Aug. 27.

64. Information of William Nugent of treasonable words spoken by Patrick Gearre, of Serine, which being reported to Sir Robert Dillon, he said he would make the knave pay for those words, but nothing has been done in the matter since. [Autog.] p. 1.

Aug. 28. Dublin.

65. William Nugent to Burghley. Besides the other articles, Sir Robert Dillon is guilty of abominable corruptions. Nugent is not allowed to be present at the examinations of witnesses, though he pens the interrogatories. [Hol.] p. 1.

Aug. 29. Rathfarnham.

66. Lord Chancellor to Burghley. Good service of the bearer, the old Captain William Pers, at Carrickfergus. This ancient servitor is the only Englishman in Westmeath. Burghley to further his suits. [Autog.] p. ½.

Aug. 29. The Newry.

67. Sir H. Bagenall to Burghley. For furtherance of the suits of the Corporation of Drogheda. [Autog.] p. 1.

Aug. 30. Kilmainham.

68. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Thanks for his holograph letter of July 30. Scantiness of the 6,000l. treasure to imprest the garrison, who are to answer every brunt and occasion of service. Absence of Wallop's horse and 20 foot in England. [Autog.] p. 1½. Incloses,

68. I. Account of the monthly expenditure in victualling the horse and foot. Total, 408l. 15s. p. 1.

68. II. Norton's certificate of the issue of 1,831l. 19s. 10d. in England, parcel of the 6,000l. assigned for Ireland, pp. 2.

Aug. 31. Blarny.

69. Cor. Carty to Burghley. To write to the Lord Deputy that he may have justice in his title to the inheritance of Muskry, which has been wrongfully kept by his uncle, Sir Cormack MacTeig McCarthy, and on which his said uncle's son, Charles Carty, being Sir Walter Raleigh's page, has procured from the Privy Council a sequestration of the rents. Sends a goshawk for a small token. Autog. p. 1.

Aug.

70. Petition of Sir Henry Wallop to the Lords of the Privy Council, commissioners for his accounts as Treasurer-at-Wars. Having been required to appear before their Lordships in England with his accounts for the nine years 1579–1588, to the neglect of his duties in Ireland and Her Majesty's double charge, the former audit having been found just and true, he prays that they will move Her Majesty to grant a commission either in England or Ireland to examine his accounts for the three years to end the last of September next, and henceforth to audit them from year to year. p. 1.

[Aug.]

71. Memorandum written by Sir Geffery Fenton of English and Irish councillors already in being, and of such as should be added. p. 1.

Aug.

72. Petition of Deonis Cambell, Dean of Limerick, to Burghley, to be preferred to the bishoprick which has been void six months [by the death of William Casey]. His ministry both in English and Irish with the good liking of the well affected. p. 1.