Elizabeth I: volume 160, October 1591

October 1591

Oct. 2.

25. Petition of Edward Penteney to Queen Elizabeth. His father, Richard Penteney, having lately been executed at Dublin by the wicked practices of Sir Robert Dillon, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and the children driven to beg, he prays for the grant of his father's poor living as a redress for the hard measures dealt to his father. Endd. by Wm. Aubrey as worthy of examination. p. 1.

Oct. 2.

26. "The indirect and ungodly means that Sir Robert Dillon did use in procuring the overthrow of Richard Penteney of the Cabbraghe, in the county of Meath, who was executed at Dublin in June last, 1591." The original cause of Dillon's enmity to Penteney was a suit which Penteney brought against him for the manor of Balrath, and Dillon's own daughter affirmed that she heard her father swear this gentleman's death 7 years ago. He had Penteney's son executed by martial law, who left proof of his loyalty, for when serving under Sir William Stanley upon his revolt forsook him and returned to his own country. Dillon's man, lvers, was then set as a spy on Penteney, and accused him of felony, but this not holding, Ivers, with the assistance of his son-in-law, accused Penteney of treason. Justice Dillon finding that the jury were inclined to acquit the prisoner procured the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam to come into the court and reprehend such as he informed him of, who were stricken into such a terror that they altered their determination of acquitting him and brought in a verdict of guilty. Penteney's accuser has since confessed that he was set on, and Penteney himself as he went to execution affirmed Justice Dillon to be the causer of his death. pp. 2.

[Oct. 2.]

27. Pedigrees of Sir Robert Dillon, of Richard Sedgrave, Baron of the Exchequer, of William Nugent, and of Edward Penteney, by Burghley. Indorsed Nugent's pedigree. p. 1.

Oct. 5.

28. Matters preferred to the Lord Deputy and Council against Meyler Magrath, the Archbishop of Cashel, by Cornell M'Ardell, Bishop of Clogher, within the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Armagh and others. The extortionate cess of his dogs on the clergy of the diocese of Clogher. Signed by Sir Hugh Maguire, chief of his nation, and Cornelius Episcopus Clogherensis. [Autog.] pp. 2¼.

Oct. 10.

29. Answer of Milerus M'Gragh, Archbishop of Cashel, to the malicious book exhibited by Edmund Fleming to the Lord Deputy, and by him referred to the Privy Council. With answer to the deposition of Sir Loghlen M'Encroighe of Muskerry, Murtagh Ley O'Hiffernan, and others, pp. 12.

Oct. 10. [London.]

30. Petition of Sir Robert Dillon to the Privy Council. With a discovery of William Nugent's malice and the causes that moved him thereunto. They are hereditary foes. On the death of old Sir Robert Dillon, late Lord Chief Justice of Common Pleas, deceased April 1580, Sir Robert's uncle, Nicholas Nugent, uncle of William Nugent, obtained a patent for the office, but Sir Robert petitioned Her Majesty and had it called in and himself appointed. When this William Nugent had entered into rebellion and manifested the same to Nicholas Nugent, he did not disclose the same, and was indicted for concealment of treason and executed, and many of that name swore vengeance against Sir Robert Dillon for that severity. William Nugent fostered the rebellion within the English pale, but many being seized, attainted, and executed by Sir Robert Dillon, William Nugent took refuge with the Pope and the King of Spain. William Nugent has often expressed a wish that the said Sir Robert might die by hanging, and his wife has said that for the malice she bare to Sir Robert Dillon, she could never say her pater noster in charity in the whole year, but only upon Good Friday. With an endorsement by Dr. W. Aubrey. "This is to be considered by your good Lordships yourselves." pp. 2.

Oct. 10.

31. Petition of Philip O'Reilly of Bealanekarge, county Cavan, to the Privy Council in England. To direct their letters again to the Lord Deputy and Council to examine the cause of his imprisonment in Dublin Castle, where he has been confined six years on a suspicion of disloyalty, and if there shall fall out no matter against him, to take order for his speedy delivery. With an endorsement in favour of the suit by Dr. Wm, Aubrey. p. 1.

Oct. 12. Fener's Court.

32. Mr. Henry Sheffelld to Burghley. Sends the articles against Sir Richard Shea, late Governor of Tipperary and Kilkenny, in a plainer form than they were before, and proposes that the Archbishop of Cashel, Lord of Dunboyne, Justice Walshe, Geralt Grace, Richard Strong, and Thomas Cantwell be on the commission of inquiry in this cause. p. 1. Incloses,

32. I. Articles against Sir Richard Shea for taking of black rents and other extortions and abuses in the counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny, pp. 7.

[Oct. 12.].

33. Articles of certain black rent which Sir Richard Shea doth take in the county of Tipperary, which is made treason by statute and Commissioners being appointed for the examination thereof, not only will find the same, but also divers other extortions and abuses.

Item. That the said Sir Richard Shea by direction has committed John Butler, base son to my Lord of Ormond, in August 1589, and took sureties in band upon the said John to be a true prisoner and not escape; notwithstanding the said John departed till long after upon persuasion of the said sureties the said John returned, paying several fines of composition to the said Sir Richard for himself and the sureties for not presenting the bands. [In Margin. The Archbishop of Cashel, the Lord of Dunboyne,. and Gerald Grace (three justices of peace in that shire),whereof the said Gerald to be one, which will be surely found as I write. Redmund Riogh Purcell, James M'William Purcell, sureties, who paid 40s. each, and John Ahors, to be examined, who will declare truth. These commissioners aforesaid being chosen, I do undertake will find all that is set down at least and more.]

Item. That since he was committed at Dublin and then restrained from taking of black rent, these persons underwritten paid unto him by means of their distresses sent by the sheriff of the liberty of Tipperary unto him this last August 1590, viz., a distress of O'Dwire of Kilnemanogh for a hawk or 3l. sterling per annum, for the arrearages of three years paid him 10l.

John M'Edmund Butler, constable to the Earl of Ormond, of the Nenagh in Ormond, 40s. per annum, paid him 4l. (1.) O'Mery, alias Donill O'Mery [of Lysenuskie] paid him four cows per annum during that arrear. (2.) Piers Duffe Butler, of Bally Arteley, 10s. per annum; (2) John O'Kennedy M'Donnell, of Lacky, paid the arrearages of a hawk, or 3l. per annum; (2) Gilly duffe O'Kenedy, of Garan More, 20s. per annum. Carbary M'Egan [or M'Kigan] of Bally M'Egan [or M'Kigan], 20s. per annum; Molrony O'Carrol, of Modereny, late deceased, 20s. per annum. (2) Brian M'Teg O'Kenedy, of Ballyhemickyna, 20s. per annum. Keadah O'Kenedy of Portoleghane, 20s. per annum. Ogan O'Hogan, of Ardcrony, 20s. per annum; Donogh O'Kenedy, of Kiloghniw, 20s. per annum; (2) Conogher O'Mulrian, of Oghny, 20s. per annum; Derby [or Dermot] O'Hogan, of Cranaghe, 10s. per annum; (2) Donnell M'Shane Glasse O'Rian, of Kilnalongarte, 20s. per annum; (2) Cahir M'Shane Glasse O'Mulrian de eadem Kilnelongarte, 20s. per annum; (2) Hughe O'Kenedy, of Raplaghe, 20s. per annum; (2) Robert Moile Grace, of Uskane, 20s. per annum; Walter Bourck, of Deowle Leagh [or Doghobeagh], 20s., and divers others, whom, I am not certain at this time, but in general interrogatory through all that shire, I doubt not but more will be found. [In Margin. And that all that are under this sign (2) were in actual rebellion as upon burning and spoiling, and this black rent is their only safeguard, some continuing in the same yet; and this sign (1) hath bulls from Rome of lands in Ormond of late.]

Item. It is the bribery of these merchants of Kilkenny, who are appointed justices of peace (being corrupted by the ill members of this shire) is the only disquieting of this county of Kilkenny, which the country will aver before the said Commissioners and depose: and cause of knowledge that they see daily the aforesaid merchant justices of Kilkenny do make their commodity of extortion, polling, purchasing pardons for base and ill members, and bribery; and to keep these things close he refuseth always to show the pardons in court, but to the Chief Justice of assize only, and will not have these pardons enrolled with the Clerk of the Crown, as it ought by course. [In Margin. Doubt not by choosing your Commissioners, but all will be found. And to have another interrogatory of his extortion in the county of Kilkenny, and also he being sent for out of England (if he do feign to be sick, that the Commissioners do examine thereof accordingly.] Endd. by Burghley, 1591. p. 1.

Oct. 14. Kilmainham.

34. Lord Deputy to Burghley. He returned on the 10th from Monaghan, " having left that country so divided and settled among the chief lords and freeholders, as Her Majesty and his Lordship had directed, with a reservation of a continual yearly rent of 500l. to Her Majesty, which he hopes will be the better answered, in that every man both of the chief lords and freeholders knows his payment and portion." For their defence and maintenance he advises the appointment of a governor with 100 soldiers at most, and submits one who will execute the place " without any ravin or desire of gain more than Her Majesty's entertainment." In this journey he was forced to take with him Marshal Bagenal's 30 horsemen, 10 of Sir G. Carew's, 10 of Capt. Lee's, and 10 of Capt. Warren's horse, who are so miserably paid and entertained that he cannot see "how he shall be able hereafter to draw them forth to any other service of Her Majesty," and therefore begs that their condition may be improved, and they may be allowed sterling pay. Received Burghley's letters by Blomefield, the pursuivant on the 13th. p. 1.

Oct. 15.

35. "A discovery [by Wm. Nugent] of favours showed by the Lord Deputy to Sir Robert Dillon, as well by omitting of diligence for Her Majesty, as by using of 'industries' to help him." There are 19 articles accusing the Lord Deputy of brow-beating Nugent, dilatoriness in committing some witnesses, refusing to commit others, sending underhand messages to Sir Robert's friends, brow-beating witnesses under examination, and enlarging Sir Robert. pp. 2⅓.

Oct. 17.

36. Petition of William Nugent to the Privy Council, for a reexamination of the matters by him informed against Sir Robert Dillon, and praying them not to be too much moved by the imputation of malice put upon him by Sir Robert. [Indorsed "For Her Majestie."] p. ½.

Oct. 17.

37. Points to be considered by the Privy Council concerning the matters laid against Sir Robert Dillon. [In Nugent's hand.] p. 1.

Oct. 17. Richmond.

38. The demands of William Nugent, in Her Majesty's behalf, to the Privy Council for the better making manifest the crimes by him laid against Sir Robert Dillon, for the restraint of Sir Robert to close prison. That Robert Cusack, of Gerrardestown, and his brother Walter, may be sent for to come to England, and brought to stand to the confession already made by Walter. That Sir Robert Dillon's servant, Simon Wyle, now at London, may be committed to prison and examined upon certain interrogatories. p. 1.

Oct. 17.

38a. Copy of the above. p. 1.

Oct. 22. Dublin.

39. Thomas [Jones], Bishop of Meath, to Burghley. "The manner of his proceeding in the marriage of the Earl of Tirone with Sir H. Bagenall's sister." [Hol.] pp. 2¼.

[Oct. 22.]

40. Abstract of money issued and employed about the fortification of Duncannon by direction of Sir Thomas Norreys, from 31 May 1591 till 22 Oct. 1591. Receipts for imprest and impost, 530l.; expenditure, 582l. 17s. 10d.; in arrear, 52l. 17s. 10d. Under the hand of N. Kenney, Deputy Auditor. p. 1.

Oct. 23. Dublin.

41. Chancellor Archbishop Loftus to Burghley. The information of the Archbishop of Cashel that his see of Cashel is usurped by one come from Rome is untrue. [Autog.] p. 1.

Oct. 24.

42. Petition of William Nugent to the Privy Council, " that the pretended malice he should bear against Sir R. Dillon may not hinder the proceedings by way of justice against him." [Indorsed "For Her Majesty." p. ⅓.

Oct. [25.]

43. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. The division of Monaghan perfected. Eight chief lords and 280 freeholders. 7s. 6d. reserved to Her Majesty, and 12s. 6d. to the Chief Lord out of every tathe of land. Three score acres among them is called a tathe of land, which being measured (in the English way) by the pole, containeth at least a hundred acres. Captain Thomas Henshaw to be seneschal with 100 soldiers. The soldiers placed in Monaghan by Sir John Perrot will be discharged December 16. [Autogs.] pp. 3.

Oct. 25. Dublin Castle.

44. Lord Deputy and Council to the Privy Council. After the long contention between Shane M'Brian M'Felim O'Neill and his cousin, Neale Oge M'Hugh M'Phelim O'Neill, for the lands of the North Clandeboy, by which much innocent blood hath been shed, they have submitted to the arbitration of Commissioners appointed by the Lord Deputy. Three parts have been assigned to Shane and the fourth part to Neale Oge M'Hugh M'Phelim O'Neill. They are contented that the Castle of Edendoughkery, [i.e., Shane's castle, in the barony of Toome] be reserved to the Queen. [Autogs.] p. 1.

Oct. 25. Dublin Castle.

45. Lord Deputy to Burghley. [The packets dated 27 August, sent to the Lord Chancellor Hatton and Lord Buckhurst were but copies of the letters which were sent to the Privy Council.] The Earl of Tirone's divorce is a valid one. The gentlewoman who was divorced from him was soon after married to Neil M'Brian Fertogh O'Neill. The Earl has shown him the original sentence of his divorce under the seal of the judges that pronounced it. The Bishop of Meath is free from any blame in this matter. The malice of the Nugents is apparent. They thirst for Justice Dillon's blood. Underhand dealings of John Cusack. The settlement of Monaghan must be settled before the 16th December, pp. 2½. Incloses,

45 I. Petition of Mathye [Matthew] Dillon, of Dowthestonn, to the Lord Deputy and Council. That Robert Cusack, of Gerrardstown and Walter Cusack, of the Rosse, may be examined as to the motion made to them, by John Cusack of Trublie, to swear away the life of Sir Robert Dillon. p. 1. Incloses,

45 II. Informations for the examination of Robert Cusack and Walter put in under the hands of Mathye Dillon and James Dyllon. [Autogs.] All on one sheet of paper, pp. 2.

46. Articles to be ministered to Murtagh Leagh O'Hiffernain touching treasonable actions of the Archbishop of Cashel. 1. Imprimis. Whether were not you messenger from the Earl of Desmond to Meyler Magrath, the Archbishop of Cashel, in the time of the Earl's rebellion ? 2. Item. What messages did you carry betwixt them while you were employed in the said service between them ? 3. Item. What powder, lead, or other furniture, sculls, swords, or shirts of mail, did the Archbishop send to the Earl or to any of his company by you or any other that you knew of ? 4. Item. What virtually did the Archbishop at any time send to the Earl of Desmond and his company ? 5. Item. What letters did you carry from the Earl to the Archbishop, and likewise from the Archbishop to the Earl back again? 6. Item. Was not the Archbishop and Doctor Creaugh in your own house, conferring together, when the said Doctor was a proclaimed traitor? 7. Item. Did not you know one Sir Morrys, Archbishop of Cashel, being before that time chaplain to Doctor Creaugh, and now since is his chaplain again? [Much damaged by damp.] p. 1.

Sept. 11.

47. The examination of Murtagh Leaghe O'Hiffernane taken at Kilmainham before the Lord Deputy Fitzwylliam September 11. Repeated and read before the Lord Chancellor Loftus, John Long, Archbishop of Armagh, Lord Primate, and Thomas Jones, Bishop of Meath, the 25th of October. 1. He was a messenger between the Earl of Desmond and the Archbishop of Cashel in the time of the Earl's rebellion. 2. The Archbishop sent him to the Earl to tell him that he would go into England and there procure a commission, that he might parley and have conference with the Earl to draw him to pacification, and further willed him to speak to the Earl that there should be no prey made by the Earl or his followers upon the Archbishop or any of his people either in goods or cattle. 3. The Earl sent him to the Archbishop to help him with some munitions and such other necessaries as he wanted, whereupon the Archbishop sent to the Earl by this bearer one caliver, two pistols, a yellowish fustian doublet, and about twelve pounds of powder. [In the margin is the following addition.] He saith also that Sir Laughlin M'Inchroy was sent with him by the Archbishop to the Earl, both to help to carry the said caliver and two pistols, the doublet and powder; and to bring back to the Archbishop such answer as the Earl should return to the Archbishop which was confirmed before us by the said Sir Laughlen upon his oath. [Signed, but with contractions] [Lhuirceartach o'Hitfernain] and Laurencius Mc in chron prespiter. [End of marginal addition.] To the 4th, he can say nothing. 5. He saith he carried no letters other than the messages aforesaid. 6. He saith, he never saw the Archbishop and Doctor Craghe together in his house, but he remembreth well, that he hath seen Sir Laughlen M'Enchroyn, a priest, come to Doctor Craghe to his house, as a messenger from the Archbishop. To the 7th, he saith he knoweth the same Sir Morish, a priest, of Lismore, whose surname is Roche, and further saith he was official to the Archbishop of Cashel about four years now last [past?] together, being before chaplain to the Earl of Desmond in his rebellion, and since to the traitor Doctor Craghe. And that at this time he is stepped aside he knoweth not whither. [Signed] [Lhuirceartach liath o'Hitfernain]. This is Mortagh Liech O'Hiffernan's own hand and his own name in Irish. Signed, W. Fytzwylliam, Ad. Dublin Canc., Jo. Armachan., Tho. Midensis. (Indorsed.) The deposition of Murtagh Leagh O'Hiffernane touching the Archbishop of Cashel. [Damaged by damp. Autogs.] p. 1.

48. Articles to be ministered to Sir Laughlin M'Encroigh, of Muskerry, priest. 1. Inprimis. Were you not a messenger oftentimes sent from Milerus Magrath, the Archbishop of Cashel, to one Doctor Creagh, a proclaimed traitor ? And what were the messages you carried betwixt them at any time of your employment? 2. Item. Were not you requested by the Archbishop to be sent into Spain with letters to some of his friends there, and afterwards, because you denied him his request, did not the said Archbishop imprison you therefor at Cashel ? And afterwards set you at liberty again for the sum of four pound sterling ? 3. Item. Do you know Edmund M'Ulick, now parson of Kylardree, in Muskerry Quirke, to have been a messenger between the Archbishop of Cashel and Doctor Creagh at any time ? And what messages did you understand he carried between them? [Discoloured by damp. p. 1.]

Oct. 25.

49. The examination of Sir Laughlin M'Encroigh, of Muskrie, priest, taken upon his oath before the Lord Deputy Fytzwylliam 11 September, 1591, at Kilmainham. 1. He knoweth the Archbishop of Cashel called Milerus M'Craghe. 2. He hath been employed in messages by and from the said Archbishop to the traitor Doctor Craghe, viz., that he, the said Doctor, should come unto the Archbishop's house to speak with him, or to any other place, and the said Archbishop would meet with him, which message delivered to the Doctor, he answered that he "durste" not venture himself to come to him, for that he stood in fear of his life, whereupon this deponent returning to the Archbishop told him what Doctor Craghe had said. And then the Archbishop sent him again to the Doctor and willed him to tell him that he should not need to fear or stand in doubt of the Archbishop for any thing, but bid the Doctor appoint where the said Archbishop should meet with him, either in wood, mountain, or any other place, and he would come either alone or with company to him, as the Doctor should think best. These messages were delivered about five years past. After Sir Loughlin had been with Doctor Craghe and delivered the Archbishop's second message, the said Doctor answered that he would not come to meet him at all, unless it were very privily. Nevertheless the Doctor came to a town called Pollogh, in Muskerry, to Murtagh Leagh O'Hiffernan's house, and there stayed some fourteen days, expecting the return of the Archbishop from Dublin, who in the time that Sir Loughlin was going to and fro with the second message was upon occasion repaired thither to the Council, but in that the Archbishop did not return within that fourteen days, the said Doctor Craghe departed. Item, being demanded whether he knew the cause why the Archbishop was so desirous to meet and speak with Doctor Craghe, he saith that the Archbishop told him that the time was very troublesome, and that he had too long a time lead a bad course in matters of religion, and that it was time for him to amend his life. And for that cause desired to speak with the Doctor, who hath authority from the Pope to dispense in those causes, as large as either of the two traitors Doctor Hurly or Doctor Saunders had. And further saith that he knew the Archbishop's meaning was to have sent this deponent into Spain, for that he was told by Murtagh Leaghe O'Hiffernan that the Archbishop had willed him to deal with him therein. [In Margin. Murtagh Leagh deposeth upon his oath that he told the priest so much, being so willed by the Archbishop. [Signed] [Lhuirceartach o'Hitfernain.] ] And that he should go after Conoghor O'Hiffernan (who was a student in Spain eight years) to follow some causes of the said Archbishop, which said Conoghor is now gone to Rome. 3. He knoweth Edmund M'Ulick. He was a messenger between the Archbishop and Doctor Cragh. The said Edmund secretly told him so about Lent was three years. What messages he carried between them he cannot tell. [Signed] Laurencius Mc in Chron prespiter. All these were repeated and read before the Lord Chancellor Loftus, John Long, Primate of Armagh, and the Bishop of Meath, 25 October 1591. W. Fytzwylliam, Adam Dublinensis Cancellarius, Johannnes Armachanus, Thomas Midensis. [Autogs. Damaged by damp.] pp. 2.

Oct. 26. Dublin Castle.

50. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Discovery of a Bull lately received from Rome foreshowing some perilous conspiracy. William Nugent, now in England, and Andrew White, likewise in England, are special ringleaders in all Romish and Spanish actions. p. 1.

Oct. 26. Dublin.

51. Lord Deputy to Burghley. On behalf of two of the late clerks of Auditor Peyton for arrears of pay. p. 1. Incloses,

51. I. Petition of Thomas Chapman and James Ware to the Lord Deputy for his good means to have 110l. 9s. 4d. stayed out of the Auditor's fee. p. 1.

Oct. 27.

52. Certificate of the issue of a Privy Seal of 6,000l., dated July 22, assigned for the martial affairs of Ireland. pp. 4½

Oct. 28. Newry.

53. Sir Henry Bagenall to Burghley, touching the Earl of Tirone's marriage with his sister, and the causes of his dislike. His Lordship will judge if the Earl's divorce from Sir Brian M'Phelim's daughter is valid, p. 1.

Oct. 29.

Sir R. Bingham to his cousin, George Bingham. Donough O'Byrne, a priest of O'Rourke's, has confessed how Trevor confessed to him the manner of the counterfeiting of the letter to the King of Spain wherewith Sir John Perrot is charged, and that the same was done in Dublin Castle when Sir Dennis O'Roughan, the priest, and Trevor were chamber fellows in the prison. If the Lord Deputy had pleased he might have had Trevor long ago, for he offereth to come in and declare his whole knowledge, so the Lord Deputy would assure him of his life. The Lord Deputy told John Raynolds within these few days that if he should see Trevor he would do well to kill him. Extract, see 1591, Sept. 14.

Oct. 30. Dublin Castle.

54. Lord Deputy to Burghley. Denies having used hardly Sir Richard Bingham at his examination, and only kept within his instructions, witness the articles enclosed. As regards the matter between Edward White and Brereton, Edward White was removed from his office for perjury, and Brereton, a M.A., and knowing the language of this country, appointed in his room, the allegation of his having compounded with White being quite untrue. p. 1. Incloses,

54. I. Copy of the letter of Chancellor Hatton and the Commissioners for Sir John Perrot's cause to Sir Richard Bingham. Reprimanding him for his neglect of duty both to her Majesty and them. His notable oversight in setting at liberty Charles Trevor, and his remissness in the matter of the rhymes; and O'Rourk's villainous usage of an image whereon was the Queen's name. June 13, Greenwich. Copy. p. 1. Also

54. II. Certain of the articles for the more strict examination of Sir Richard Bingham. Under the hands of the Lord Deputy and Chancellor Loftus. June 13, Greenwich. Copy. p. 2.

Oct. 31. Dublin Castle.

55. Lord Deputy to Burghley. The bearer Blomefeld has charge of the parties sent over. Deputy has taken charge of Margaret Leonard's four children, and given her 5l. in her purse. p ½.

Oct. 31. Dublin Castle.

56. Lord Deputy to Burghley. To pardon these few lines which I am forced for secrecy's sake to write with my own bad hand. This Sunday in the forenoon giving order to the party to be on board in the afternoon, Mr. Ball, the Queen's Majesty's Sergeant-atArms, told me he had been dealt with to deny and recant that which he had said concerning the image in O'Rourke's country, and that Sir Richard Bingham had no knowledge thereof. The parties who dealt with him are [William] Clifford and William Taaffe, and Edward Whyte's wife dealt with her sister, wife to Clifford, to labour her husband therein; Edward Whyte is a most unhonest man, and so greatly affeared by his going into England as he may be. My Lord, he is able to tell great matters. If it may please your Lordship to have them all four examined upon their book oaths before your Lordships of the Council, and to charge them upon their duties of allegiance, they will, no doubt, tell this whereof I write to your Lordship, that which formerly they did under their hands confess, and more a good deal as I am made to believe. I was told that Sir Richard Bingham said to Clifford, Taaffe, and some other, or to one of them: Well! if the worst come, they can have but this wretched body, or carcase. Yet, whatsoever fall out, I live under a merciful Queen, and there is my trust.

I am so beset with spies as I "durst" not but write this with my own hand, for Sir Richard, as I am told, is made acquainted with anything which doth concern him. I marvel greatly what stayeth Edward Whyte so long in Connaught, he might have been here five days past, but it is feared he is making of some "pack," and burning of some records and letters. I humbly in all haste cease. The tide is ready and wind good. [Hol.] p. 1.

Oct. 31. Lodging near Burghley House.

57. Sir Geff. Fenton to Burghley. The reckoning made with Sir Horatio Palavicino for the Spaniards' diet money and their ransoms. Fenton's torment with a cramp or gout. [Autog.] p. 1. Incloses,

57. I. The account of Sir Horatio Palavicino for the diet money and ransoms of the 61 Spaniards who were taken in Ireland and sent into England. Total, 786l. 10s. 6d. [Italian.] pp. 2.

Oct. 31. Dublin.

58. Hugh Earl of Tirone to the Privy Council. My honourable good Lords. The discontentment which I feel, and the wrongs which I endure at Mr. Marshal Henry Bagenall's hands, do enforce me to complain to you, not doubting to receive from you that indifferent measure of justice in my good and honest causes which usually you do afford to all Her Majesty's loyal subjects, without regard of any man's person. So it is, my Lords, that, according to my duty, I attending upon the Lord Deputy at his late being at Monaghan, seeing his Lordship busied in the causes of that county, I obtained his Lordship's license for four or five days to go into my country, about my private affairs, nevertheless not knowing but that his Lordship might have occasion to use my service, I lodged nightly during my absence from the Lord Deputy within six miles of Monaghan; and so it happened that on Tuesday the 6th instant, by the procurement of Mr. Marshal Bagenall, there were sent by night into my country 250 footmen and about 60 horsemen, under the leading of one Samuel Bagenall, lieutenant to Mr. Marshal, being a young man, base-born, of small discretion, and one of my enemies, a matter which has and cannot but breed me great discredit amongst my people, and so endanger my state, whereof so soon as I received intelligence, which was brought unto me the same night, soon after midnight, I sent direction into the country that no resistance should be used by any of mine, but that the soldiers should be suffered to do their pleasures, otherwise there might against my will have arisen a greater broil than upon the sudden could have been appeased; and as soon as the day appeared, I myself with a few horsemen posted with all speed unto the Lord Deputy, and besought him that I might understand the cause of that sudden incursion. He answered me, that he had newly received a letter from you, the Lord Treasurer, wherein you had signified that the Marshal had complained against me, for a foul abuse done to him in taking away of his sister, and in marrying of her, notwithstanding I had a former wife living, as the Marshal had likewise informed; and, therefore, your Lordship had willed him to examine the truth of the Marshal's allegation, and accordingly to inform your Lordship thereof, that you might inform Her Majesty of the truth of these matters. This was all the excuse that was made to me of that sudden going into my country by night, which I have now learned was wholly procured by Mr. Marshal, to work my discredit in my country. About one of the clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 7th of this instant, the said army returned to Monaghan and brought with them from Armagh, the chiefest town in my country, a silly poor old man, of four score and seventeen years of age, being the official of Armagh [probably Jacobus, the official of Armagh,] well learned in the civil and canon laws, and him they delivered to the Lord Deputy, who committed him at the first to the Marshal, who threatened him very sore (if his report to me be true). But afterwards he was kept by one of the Lord Deputy's servants, wherewith I was very well pleased. The next day after two other ancient men of my country, namely, the Archdeacon and Registrar of Armagh, were sent for. And I, hearing thereof, caused them to appear before the Lord Deputy unto whom I sware, by the duty I owe to my Prince, I would have sent those three persons by the meanest messenger that his Lordship would have sent to me. These three, as I understand by themselves, have been examined before my Lord Deputy touching a divorce long since made by them and given openly between me and Sir Brian M'Phelim's daughter, from whom I was divorced by the orders of the Church many years ago, before that I married with O'Donnell's daughter, as it is well known to all the country, though now Mr. Marshal seeks to call the same in question again for malice of me, and has therein used all manner of bad practices and devices to discredit me without a cause. I hope these men did testify the truth of that matter, for it was before them that the cause was heard and determined, as I do now signify to your Lordships. After these examinations it pleased the Lord Deputy to call for myself, and to ask me what was become of the sentence of divorce, and whether the same were confirmed under a seal or no. I told his Lordship that I had the same sentence in my keeping in my country, and that it was confirmed both with the hands of the said judges and under a seal. His Lordship willed me to send for it that he might see it, which I did accordingly. And on the 26th of this instant I brought the same original sentence to his Lordship, and delivered him a true copy thereof, which he promised me to send to you, the Lord Treasurer; whereby I doubt not both yourself and all others will be thoroughly satisfied in that matter, and will consider how great a wrong the Marshal has done to me, to make these slanderous reports against me to the dishonouring of myself and to the undoing of his own sister, though it could not be a thing hid from him, which all the country knew, that I was lawfully divorced from the gentlewoman, whom now he would thrust upon me, who also long since married another husband, by whom she has children, from whom, unless I had been thoroughly cleared, I would not for any worldly goods have stained my credit and conscience by taking of a second wife. And where I am informed that Mr. Marshal has written to some of your Lordships, that I have greatly abused him and committed an outrageous part in taking away his sister in violent manner and in marrying her as I have done. I pray your Lordships not to give credit to his report therein, but to consider of that which I now write of the manner of my dealing in this action, which I do deliver to your Lordships upon mine honour with this protestation, that if anything which I do write at this time, by any Commissioner or Commissioners by you appointed shall be found an untruth, then let me be discredited, let me be dishonoured and accounted a traitor to Her Majesty. Bearing an earnest affection to the gentlewoman that is now my wife, I resorted to the Marshal and first made my desire known to him, whereof he seemed to have good liking, but wished first to understand your Lordships' pleasures in that matter. I dealt with him at least six several times for his consent. I offered him to put in surety for the assurance of a jointure to his sister. This I did before good witnesses. I likewise procured some of the best councillors in this kingdom to deal with him in this behalf. I dealt with Sir Patrick Barnewall and the lady, his wife, very earnestly for their consents, and with others of the best allies she had. All this while there was no objection once made to me of any former marriage, saving that once I confess the Marshal told me privately that he had heard of such a matter, and by way of advice (not any way objecting the matter to me) wished me to look to it, to whom I then answered that that matter was long since cleared, wherewith he then seemed to be satisfied. Perceiving that I found nothing but delays and fair words in the Marshal, and having used all the means I could to get his consent, I attempted another course to deal with the gentlewoman herself, and about 20 days before my marriage, I got good opportunity to speak with her myself. I lodged one night at Sir Patrick Barnewall's house, where the gentlewoman was kept, where I dealt so effectually with the gentlewoman, that we were trothed together, and she received from me a chain of gold. After this there passed between her and me some messengers which confirmed our love on both sides; and, upon a matter concluded between her and me, upon the third of August last, I took in my company at least half a dozen English gentlemen, that were my friends, and went to dinner to Sir Patrick Barnewall's, where I found good entertainment. After dinner some of the gentlemen in my company going to play and other exercises, the gentlewoman that is now my wife, espying her time, mounted herself behind one of the gentlemen in my company, and went away with him, he having none in his company, but one or two serving men. I tarried still in the house talking with the lady for her consent, and when I understood that my prey was well forward in her way towards the place where we had agreed upon, I took my leave of Sir Patrick Barnewall and his lady, and followed after, and soon after I was gone the gentlemen which were in company with me, took their horses and came away quietly. This is upon my honour the truth of my doing in this action, wherein, if I have offended, I submit myself to Her Majesty and your Lordships' correction. Whatsoever is said or written to your Lordships of this matter contrary to this which I have now written, it is upon my honour an untruth. The gentlewoman was carried not into my country there to be abused, but to an honest English gentleman's house, within a mile of Dublin (which is the place that I mean always to fly unto upon all occasions if the Lord Deputy and State be there), where I did not once touch her until I had sent to Dublin and had entreated the Bishop of Meath to marry us together in honest sort, which he did. And thus I came by the gentlewoman, and presently after, solemnized the marriage in the best manner I could, since which time I have been very desirous to get the good will of her friends, without the which I thank God and Her Majesty I am able to live. But what stirs the Marshal has made of this matter, in every place seeking to dishonour me, and if it lay in him to undo his own sister, if your Lordships did know them, you would wonder that a man of his place should so far miscarry himself. Prays that Sir Henry Bagenall may not be allowed the kind of superiority over Ulster which he has lately procured under the great seal of Ireland, by force whereof he reigns as a little king, and "overcrows me, whose wrongs done to me, are such as I cannot well bear. I have served Her Majesty truly with the loss of my blood, and I dare prefer my service every way before the Marshal's. Therefore I beseech your Lordships, as my trust is in you, and as I am always ready to spend my blood in Her Majesty's service to deliver me from the Marshal's subjection, which, rather than I will yield unto, I will come to Her Majesty and live there at her devotion, and will surrender my lands back again to her, who is best worthy to have them. And thus submitting myself and these my complaints to your Lordships' good considerations, I take leave." [Autog.] Seal, with hand stars and salmon. pp. 5.

Oct.

59. Warrant to the Lord Deputy for Owen O'Conor to be Bishop of Killala. His commendation as a person, both in respect of his learning, having been brought up here, and of his knowledge in the language of that country, worthy of encouragement by some preferment to be bestowed upon him. Forasmuch as that for these eight years past the "custodiam of the vacancy of the bishoprick" has been committed to him. Her Majesty is pleased that he shall be preferred to be Bishop. Draft. p. 1.

[Oct.]

60. Book of the provinces of Ireland, showing the names of the families and septs that possess the whole country. It mentions Sir Brian O'Rourk as now a rebel, and in the Tower of London. pp. 10.